Best Headset for Valorant (2025 Guide)

Gaming headsets must have clear directional audio, balanced sound, and uncompromising ergonomics for long playing sessions. Below, we make the case for multiple headsets, informed by pro player pick rates and in-house testing, so you can find the best headset for Valorant.

Which headsets do Valorant pros use?

HyperX and Logitech headsets are two of the more popular gaming headset brands picked by Valorant players, as detailed in our chart below, which breaks down brand pick rates for Valorant players we track on Setup.gg.

Valorant headset picks

HyperX Cloud III

Pros

• Large 53mm drivers
• Long-lasting battery life
• Tune audio with HyperX NGENUITY companion app
• Excellent performance for the price

Cons

• Lackluster for listening to music

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• Connectivity: Wired
• Design: Closed-back
• Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Mobile
• Drivers (mm): 53
• Weight (g): 308
• Freq. response (Hz): 10-21,000
• Mic: Detachable Boom

HyperX released their highly-anticipated Cloud III in May of 2023, a refreshed version of the legendary Cloud II headset that’s still a top choice for pro Valorant players. The Cloud III features subtle updates like a new microphone, onboard controls, and HyperX companion software support. Since the core components of the Cloud II live on in the Cloud III, check out our review below when we got hands-on with the headset in the spring of 2023. The first things you’ll notice when wearing the Cloud II are the soft leatherette ear cups and headband. Many headsets, like the Logitech G Pro X 2, take their design cues from the Cloud II, but none of the similar models we tested could match the comfort and fit of the Cloud II. The Cloud II pairs thoughtful ergonomics with an esports pedigree, and if you’re serious about climbing the Valorant ranked ladder, the Cloud II has the chops to get you there. The wired headset’s braided cable delivers low-latency audio over dynamic 53mm drivers– the largest drivers of any headset we tested. The wired version of the Cloud II we tested is incompatible with the HyperX NGENUITY software, which may disappoint those hoping for features like EQ tuning or microphone customization. However, the Cloud II has excellent gaming audio out of the box, and we never felt like the headset needed tuning while playing Valorant.

Pro tip

Our guide to the best Valorant audio settings can help you get the most out of your gaming headset.

The HyperX Cloud III is being sold for the same or less than the price of its predecessor and is available in a wired and wireless version. So, if you’re in the market for one of the best value Valorant headsets, or you’re a Cloud II owner who wants to upgrade, the Cloud III is a smart choice.

Logitech G Pro X 2

Pros

• Large 53mm drivers
• Long-lasting battery life
• Tune audio with HyperX NGENUITY companion app
• Excellent performance for the price

Cons

• Lackluster for listening to music

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• Connectivity: Wired, Wireless
• Design: Closed-back
• Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Mobile
• Drivers (mm): 50
• Weight (g): 345
• Freq. response (Hz): 100-10,000
• Mic: Detachable Boom

The Logitech G Pro X 2 is one of the most popular wireless headsets among professional Valorant players, for good reason. The G Pro X 2 has a sturdy, premium build quality with easy-to-use controls and no-frills audio for gaming. Logitech refreshed the G Pro X in the summer of 2023, adding features like swiveling earcups, Bluetooth connectivity, and a longer-lasting battery. The fit of the original G Pro X’s earcups was one of our biggest complaints when we reviewed the headset last year, so we’re glad to see they addressed that problem by adding swivels at the earcup hinge. The G Pro X 2 features 50mm graphene drivers that produce crisp, clear audio for gaming. The graphene drivers are housed in thick plastic, which along with the leatherette earcups, helps to isolate audio from background interference. The Logitech headset has three ways to listen, with 2.4 GHz LIGHTSPEED wireless, Bluetooth, and an included 3.5mm audio cable. We don’t find the addition of Bluetooth particularly useful on the G Pro X 2, which is a gaming-first headset and doesn’t sound particularly good when listening to music. The G Pro X 2 has one of the best microphones you’ll find on a gaming headset. Voice conveys clearly when chatting with teammates and the G HUB companion app allows you to customize the mic’s audio to your liking. Priced at a premium, it’s hard to say the G Pro X 2 is a good value when similar headsets like the HyperX Cloud III Wireless exist for about $100 less. Still, it makes sense why professionals and streamers pay more for Logitech products when quality and reliability are of the utmost importance.

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro

Pros

• Large 53mm drivers
• Long-lasting battery life
• Tune audio with HyperX NGENUITY companion app
• Excellent performance for the price

Cons

• Lackluster for listening to music

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• Connectivity: Wireless
• Design: Closed-back
• Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Mobile
• Drivers (mm): 50
• Weight (g): 320
• Freq. response (Hz): 12-28,000
• Mic: Detachable boom

The BlackShark V2 changed the perception that Razer couldn’t make quality gaming headsets that could compete with big manufacturers like HyperX and Logitech. The BlackShark V2’s combination of comfort and audio has persuaded many professionals and streams to choose Razer for their gaming audio needs. The BlackShark V2 Pro is lightweight for a wireless headset, made with breathable fabric on the headband and earcups. The headset is one of the most comfortable and easy to wear for long sessions of any we tested, thanks to ultra-thick memory foam padding and wide earcups that don’t constrict your ears. The V2 Pro connects using a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle or Bluetooth, and it’s one of the few wireless headsets compatible with PlayStation consoles. The Razer SmartSwitch feature allows the BlackShark V2 Pro to connect via Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz simultaneously, and switch between the connections with a press of a button. The battery life of the BlackShark V2 is impressive, with 70 hours of continuous gaming on a full charge. The headset utilizes USB Type C charging, which was upgraded from micro USB in the current generation. Sound quality is important to Valorant players listening for footsteps, and the BlackShark doesn’t disappoint. The V2’s 50mm drivers and spacious ear cups help create an open soundstage, making it easy to visualize the location of sounds. If you’re looking for a reasonably-priced wireless headset with a focus on comfort and gaming audio, the BlackShark V2 Pro could be a good investment.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

Pros

• Large 53mm drivers
• Long-lasting battery life
• Tune audio with HyperX NGENUITY companion app
• Excellent performance for the price

Cons

• Lackluster for listening to music

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• Connectivity: Wired, Wireless
• Design: Closed-back
• Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Mobile
• Drivers (mm): 40
• Weight (g): 337
• Freq. response (Hz): 10-40,000 (wired), 10-22,000 (wireless)
• Mic: Retractable

I had high expectations for the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, and it delivered everything you’d want from a premium gaming headset. SteelSeries has been manufacturing premium gaming peripherals for over 20 years, and the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is their flagship headset. The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless comes equipped with a laundry list of technology. Other manufacturers offer features like ANC, talk-through, multi-system connect, hot-swappable batteries, and a wireless base station. Still, none combine them into a complete package like the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless.

The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless’ sleek gunmetal design and suspension headband have become synonymous with SteelSeries headsets. I’ve advocated for suspension headbands since I purchased an Arctis 3 in 2017. SteelSeries’ suspension headband design does an excellent job distributing weight evenly across the head, and that’s important to reduce fatigue for those all-night Valorant sessions. When playing Valorant with the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, I was immediately struck by the quality and clarity of the audio it produced. Audio cues like footsteps and abilities came through clearly, and I could easily determine the distance and direction of sounds. The headset made me feel like I had an unfair advantage, seemingly hearing sounds that other players could not. The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless offers premium design and features for a premium price, and after spending time with the headset, I can confidently say that it nails the former. If you’re looking for the best gaming headset for Valorant that money can buy, you won’t be disappointed with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless.

Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X

Pros

• Large 53mm drivers
• Long-lasting battery life
• Tune audio with HyperX NGENUITY companion app
• Excellent performance for the price

Cons

• Lackluster for listening to music

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• Connectivity: Wired
• Design: Open-back
• Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Mobile
• Drivers (mm): 45
• Weight (g): 345
• Freq. response (Hz): 5-40,000
• Mic: No

The Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X is an open-back studio headset that, according to their website, was designed for critical listening, mixing, and mastering. Since it wasn’t intended for gaming, why do so many esports professionals choose some version of the DT 900 Pro over a dedicated gaming headset? The secret is the DT 900 Pro X’s studio-quality audio that’s unmatched by similarly priced gaming headsets. The DT 900 Pro X arrives in a plain black box made from 100% recyclable paper and cardboard. The discreet packaging lowered my expectations, but I was blown away after experiencing what the DT 900 Pro X offered. Playing Valorant with the DT 900 Pro X is a unique experience if you haven’t tried a pair of open-back headphones before. The open-back design facilitates an expansive three-dimensional soundstage that increases spatial awareness, and the impressive 5-40,000 Hz frequency response allows a broader range of sounds than any other headset we tested.

A professional-quality matte-black exterior and plush velour earpads compliment the DT 900 Pro X’s internal performance. We also appreciated the detachable audio cables that Beyerdynamic included, thicker than any others we tested, which should prevent tangling and deformation over time. Listening to music with the DT 900 Pro X was a completely new affair, and it felt like I was hearing all my favorite tracks again for the first time. The DT 900 Pro X’s unlocked unfamiliar levels of classic anthems like ‘Blinding Lights’ by The Weeknd, and halfway through James Blake’s ‘Limit To Your Love,’ I excitedly handed the headset to my fiance, exclaiming, “You gotta hear this!” The DT 900 Pro X is limited because it’s not a gaming headset, which can be remedied by purchasing a microphone like the Shure SM7B– the most popular gaming mic on the market. Also, the DT 900 Pro X’s velour earpads clamp tighter than most, which may become an issue for those with average to large-sized heads. If you’re a competitive Valorant player who demands top-tier sound quality, the DT 900 Pro X might be the headset you’ve been looking for. Just remember to mute Spotify when you’re clutching that 1v3 defuse, OK?

Astro A40 TR

Pros

• Large 53mm drivers
• Long-lasting battery life
• Tune audio with HyperX NGENUITY companion app
• Excellent performance for the price

Cons

• Lackluster for listening to music

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• Connectivity: Wired
• Design: Open-back
• Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Mobile
• Drivers (mm): 40
• Weight (g): 369
• Freq. response (Hz): 20-20,000
• Mic: Detachable boom

The Astro A40 TR (Tournament Ready) is a dedicated esports headset to meet competitive gamers’ high standards. During our testing, we found that the A40 TR has the performance to win esports competitions while still being comfortable enough for everyday gaming. Playing Valorant with the A40s was delightful, thanks to the open-back design and cloth ear cushions. This helps give the A40 TR an expansive and immersive sound stage, perfect for pinpointing sounds across the map. Open-back headsets like the A40 are ideal for competitive gaming, so long as you don’t have too much background noise. The A40 TR can also take a beating and still get back up. The headset features a mostly plastic construction with adjustable aluminum arms, which helps the A40 TR bend and twist without fear of breaking. Also, the detachable audio cable, microphone, and headband cushion increase the headset’s potential lifespan. The ear cushions and speaker tags on the A40 TR are attached with magnets and can be hot-swapped in seconds. Astro sells a mod kit, with leatherette ear cushions and sealed speaker tags, that turns the A40 into a noise-isolating closed-back headset, ideal for transitioning from a quiet to a loud gaming environment.

The A40 TR’s microphone ensures clear communications even in the loudest environments. The bendable boom mic did an excellent job reducing background noise during our testing, so you can be confident your callouts will be heard. Esports competitors need equipment that won’t let them down, and the Astro A40 TR’s combination of performance and durability makes it built to last the entire journey from novice to pro.

Tips for buying a gaming headset

Below, we break down some of the most important factors to consider when buying a new gaming headset, so you can find one that best suits your needs.

Wired vs. Wireless

There are two types of gaming headsets: wired and wireless.

Wired headsets usually transfer sound via a 3.5mm AUX or USB cable plugged into a device. Wired headsets rarely require batteries and have little to no latency.

Wireless gaming headsets operate via Bluetooth and/or a 2.4 GHz connection and don’t require cables. Headsets with a 2.4 GHz wireless connection, like the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, require a small USB transmitter to send and receive signals.

A 2.4 GHz wireless connection typically has significantly less latency than Bluetooth, making 2.4 GHz the preferred option for wireless gaming.

Closed-back vs. Open Back

The two styles of gaming headsets you will encounter while shopping are closed-back and open-back. Closed-back headsets have coverings over the back of the drivers, while open-back headsets allow air to pass through to the back of the drivers.

Closed-back headsets are better at isolating game sound and reducing background noise. They have less sound leakage, so you won’t disturb your neighbors when listening in a crowded space.

Open-back headsets often have a broader sound stage and a more natural sound, don’t block out background noise, and leak audio out the back of the headset. Open-back headsets can provide more accurate sound, so long as you have a quiet room to listen in.

Dual connection & channel mixing

Dual connection headsets, like the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, allow connection to multiple audio sources simultaneously. This handy feature lets the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless seamlessly take a phone call over Bluetooth while gaming on a PC via 2.4 GHz.

Some headset models also offer channel mixing, which lets you adjust the volume between two audio sources. Gaming headsets like the Logitech G735 have an onboard mixing button to quickly balance the volume between chat and game.

Surround Sound

Virtual surround sound is advertised by manufacturers as a way to improve spatial audio. Almost all gaming headsets have stereo audio by default, with sound split between left and right speakers. Virtual surround sound uses post-processing to recreate the experience of listening to multiple speakers arranged around your head.

Microphone

Headset mics have a unidirectional (cardioid) or omnidirectional polar pattern. Unidirectional (cardioid) mics pick sound from one direction and are better for reducing background noise. Omnidirectional mics pick up sound in multiple or all directions equally.

Some gaming headset microphones reduce background noise with a foam pop filter over the microphone or noise suppression software.