The Ultimate Headset Guide: Unveiling the Secret Choice of Pro Gamers

Highlights

Esports professionals prioritize build quality and comfort in gaming headsets due to the long hours of gaming they engage in during competitions.

Professional gamers frequently prefer wireless options for streaming or gaming at home, despite the common use of wired headsets during competitions. The Logitech G Pro X, SteelSeries Arctis Pro, and HyperX Cloud II gaming headsets are widely favored by top esports players for their exceptional durability, superior sound quality, and excellent microphone performance.

Manufacturers often enter into agreements with esports teams and players to promote and utilize their newest gaming keyboards, mice, and headsets. Despite the fact that many competitions offer noise-cancelling headphones to participants, certain players still choose to bring their own preferred headsets. The opportunity to stream on platforms such as Twitch and YouTube also allows esports professionals to display their favorite gear to a large audience of spectators.

The gaming headsets favored by the most renowned esports champions are sourced from various manufacturers, yet they all possess certain shared traits:

Build Quality: Esports competitors seek durable headsets that are built to last, as they spend extended hours gaming compared to regular gamers.

Comfort: With significant prize money on the line at major tournaments, these gamers cannot afford the discomfort of earlobe pain or the need to consistently readjust their headsets.

In the context of gaming, professional gamers usually opt for wired headsets while competing, but when it comes to streaming or playing games at home, they often seek wireless alternatives.

For esports professionals, having clear microphone quality is crucial for effective communication with teammates. Any excessive static or audio disruptions can lead to competitors missing out on important instructions.

Esports legends frequently turn to the following gaming headsets that all offer durability, well-balanced sound, and a high-quality microphone:

Alexander "s1mple" Kostylev – Logitech G Pro X

Esports Kingdom Via Wikimedia Commons

Since joining team Natus Vincere in 2016, Oleksandr Kostyliev, also known as s1mple, has been an absolute force to reckon with in the competitive CS:GO scene. Hailing from Ukraine, Kostyliev's remarkable achievements include triumphing in over 10 tournaments and being recognized as HLTV's Player of the Year for a remarkable third time in 2022. In addition to his CS:GO prowess, Kostyliev has expressed a keen interest in Valorant, confidently asserting that he has the potential to achieve the same extraordinary level of success in Riot Games' first-person shooter. With his lightning-fast reflexes and astute instincts, underestimating this esports icon would undoubtedly be unwise.

The Logitech G PRO X Gaming Headset

Save $70 - Now only $160 (was $230)

Experience high-fidelity surround sound with the second generation Logitech G Pro X gaming headset. Equipped with 50 mm PRO-G drivers, this headset delivers exceptional audio quality and supports DTS Headphone 7.1 for an immersive gaming experience.

Compatible with various platforms such as PC, PlayStation, Switch, and Xbox, these wired headphones offer versatility and convenience.

The detachable microphone features real-time Blue Voice technology, reducing background noise and enhancing audio clarity.

Enjoy ultimate comfort with the memory foam ear cushions, providing passive noise-canceling and breathability.

Upgrade your gaming setup with the Logitech G PRO X gaming headset, designed for superior performance and comfort.

The Logitech G Pro X is the preferred gaming headset for Kostyliev, an CS:GO MVP, due to its various features. The Blue Vo!ce technology enhances communication by providing voice filters to improve clarity and reduce miscommunication. The headset is built with memory foam earpads and a steel construction, ensuring comfort and durability for long gaming sessions. Additionally, the DTS Headphone:X 2.0 surround sound feature alerts gamers to approaching enemies in real-time.

Johan "N0tail" Sundstein – SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wired

The Danish esports player, Johan Sundstein, known as N0tail, has shattered any notion that professional gaming is just a hobby. With career earnings surpassing 7 million dollars, he stands as one of the most financially successful competitors of all time. Starting with his mastery of support roles in Heroes of Newerth at a young age, Sundstein smoothly transitioned into DOTA 2. Alongside Tal "Fly" Azik, he co-founded the OG team, cementing his place in the gaming world. While currently on the team's inactive roster, N0tail's remarkable wealth and achievements ensure an array of opportunities await him both within and outside the realm of competitive gaming.

SteelSeries Arctis Pro

Founded over 20 years ago, SteelSeries specializes in creating top-quality gaming peripherals and accessories. One standout product from their lineup is the SteelSeries Arctis Pro High Fidelity Gaming Headset, which is widely regarded as one of the best wired gaming headsets available today. With its detachable microphone, users can enjoy a near studio-quality experience as it can be easily adjusted in any direction. When paired with the SteelSeries GameDAC, this headset offers a wide array of customizable settings, allowing users to fine-tune their gaming audio experience. Additionally, the GameDAC has the capability to convert and enhance audio in ways that set it apart from other headsets. Notably, the Arctis Pro boasts an impressive frequency range of 10 Hz to 40kHz, making it one of the most versatile gaming headsets on the market.

Included in the package are the headset and cable. The SteelSeries Arctis Pro High Fidelity Gaming Headset is compatible with all platforms and weighs a total of 426 grams. It is available for purchase at both Amazon and Best Buy for a price of $180.

SteelSeries, the preferred peripheral manufacturer for Johan Sundstein and an official partner of the OG team, asserts that esports professionals have been triumphant in winning the highest amount of prize money worldwide by utilizing SteelSeries products, such as the Arctis Pro wired headset. This remarkable headset, designed for PC gaming, encompasses exceptional gaming audio quality, boasting a high-fidelity experience. Moreover, it incorporates a DAC that enables the activation of Hi-Res mode and the adjustment of game and chat levels. The Arctis ClearCast bidirectional microphone effectively eliminates any disruptive background noise, allowing competitors like Sundstein to swiftly provide assistance to their DOTA 2 teammates upon request.

Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf- HyperX Cloud II

Bugha, also known as Kyle Giersdorf, continues to solidify his position as one of the most prominent up-and-coming figures in esports. As a talented Fortnite player, Bugha has consistently dominated his rivals ever since his incredible victory at the 2019 Fortnite World Cup Championship, all while being just 16 years old at the time. While he primarily prefers to play solo, Bugha's immense popularity has led to a substantial following on various social media platforms, and he frequently livestreams on Twitch. His influence in the world of esports and streaming is so significant that Epic Games even introduced a Bugha-inspired skin for the game in 2021. With this in mind, it's no surprise that Dignatis made a significant move by partnering with Bugha earlier this year, further solidifying their presence in Fortnite tournaments.

The HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset is now available for just $65, allowing you to save $35 off its original price of $100. Equipped with an advanced audio control box, this gaming headset enables you to enjoy 7.1 virtual surround sound, providing a more immersive gaming experience. Whether you're playing a single-player adventure or engaging in a competitive battle, the HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset brings the distant winds of an RPG or the storm of bullets in an FPS to life. You can easily toggle the 7.1 surround sound on or off by pressing the designated button on the control box. The headset itself features a 3.5mm headphone jack that can connect to either the USB control box or any device with a 3.5mm connection. This versatility allows you to enjoy stereo sound across various platforms, including Switch consoles, PS4, PS5, and Xbox controllers.

Kyle Giersdorf, also known as "Bugha," previously relied on JBL Club 950NC headphones. However, he has recently switched to the HyperX Cloud II wired gaming headset in a vibrant red color. Renowned among competitive gamers and streamers, the Hyper X Cloud II offers exceptional comfort with its memory foam cushions and a secure clamping force that keeps it firmly in place. For those like Giersdorf who need to carry their headset on the go, the detachable noise-cancelling microphone adds to its portability. Released in 2015, the Hyper X Cloud II remains one of the most durable PC gaming headsets and continues to showcase its unwavering build quality over time. With a retail price of $65 at Best Buy and available on Amazon, it also offers great value for money.

Peter "dupreeh" Rasmussen- Corsair HS80

Longevity is a relative term in esports, but the veteran 29-year-old CS:GO champion Peter "dupreeh" Rasmussen possesses a remarkable body of work that rivals any fellow competitor. In 2022, the Danish Rasmussen achieved a groundbreaking feat by becoming the first CS:GO player to qualify for 18 major tournaments consecutively. Dupreeh has also earned the title of the highest-earning professional ever in the game, amassing over 2 million dollars in payouts since embarking on his career in 2012. Renowned for his expert rifling skills in CS:GO, Rasmussen currently holds a position as a member of Team Vitality. Fascinatingly, despite his accomplishments, Dupreeh was unexpectedly benched by the team in June, shortly after securing his record-setting 5th CS:GO major championship the previous month.

Corsair HS80 RGB Gaming Headset

The Corsair HS80 RGB Gaming Headset, developed with gamers in mind, is a premium headset priced at $100. By purchasing it at a discounted price of $80, you can save $20. This high-quality headset is available in two simple colors, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a minimalist style for their PC gaming setup. The Corsair HS80 RGB Gaming Headset offers exceptional low latency sound, ensuring seamless connectivity and minimal sound lag. Enhance your gaming experience with its top-notch broadcast-grade omnidirectional microphone, perfect for streaming or communication with friends. This headset is compatible with PC, PS4, and PS5. The package includes the headset and charger, weighing a total of 373 grams. You can find it for $89 at Walmart, or alternatively, check it out on Amazon or Best Buy where it is available for $80.

Seth "Scump" Abner- Razer Blackshark V2

Peter Rasmussen prefers a diverse range of gaming gear, opting for BenQ mice and Logitech G keyboards. However, when it comes to gaming headsets, his top choice is the Corsair HS80. This remarkable headset is available in various formats, including wired, wireless, and RGB-enabled options. Regardless of the version, the HS80 boasts impressive sound quality, thanks to its 50mm high-density neodymium drivers with an extensive frequency range. Professional gamers at esports competitions particularly value the HS80's broadcast-grade omni-directional microphone, which facilitates seamless communication with team members. Not only does the Corsair HS80 excel as a gaming headset, but it also enhances the movie-watching experience, delivering immersive Dolby Atmos surround sound through a USB audio connection.

Dubbed "The King," Seth Abner, a recently retired competitive Call of Duty player, has earned a massive following throughout his 11-year career. Abner, hailing from the United States, boasts an impressive record of winning 30 events and accumulating a staggering 1.2 million dollars in prize money. Complementing his success as a player, Abner has also amassed a substantial online presence, with 2.71 million subscribers on YouTube. Despite bidding farewell to the gaming world through a heartfelt video, Abner, renowned for his skills as an SMG slayer for team OpTic Texas, continues to be an integral part of the Call of Duty community. In recognition of his prowess, Abner has been selected as a member of Scuf Gaming's Team of the Major, even without meeting the qualifications through tournament participation. With murmurs suggesting a potential comeback in the forthcoming release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Abner's competitive journey may not be truly over just yet.

The Razer BlackShark V2 offers gamers the ultimate audio experience and exceptional comfort during those marathon gaming sessions. With the powerful Razer TriForce Titanium 50mm Drivers, you can easily distinguish between the highs, mids, and lows. This headset comes with a detachable crystal-clear microphone and provides unbeatable sound isolation. Thanks to THX Spatial Audio, you can anticipate enemy movements and effectively prepare for attacks. Don't miss out on this incredible deal, saving you $31 with a price of $69 instead of $100.

The Razer BlackShark V2 wired headset, a favorite amongst esports professionals like Seth Abner, is ideal for intense gaming moments, such as firefight situations in Call of Duty. With its TriForce Titanium 50mm Drivers, it delivers impeccable audio quality across high, mid, and low frequencies. The included USB soundcard enhances the Hyperclear Cardioid Microphone, allowing for features like Mic Boost and Voice Gate, resulting in unmatched voice clarity. Despite the abundance of headset options available, renowned gamers like Scump remain loyal to the BlackShark V2 due to its lightweight design, comfortable Flownit memory foam ear cushions, and unwavering reliability.

Illya "Yatoro" Mulyarchuk- Logitech G733

As a testament to DOTA 2's enduring popularity since its 2013 release, it continues to nurture exceptional young talent like Illya "Yatoro" Mulyarchuk. This 20-year-old Ukrainian prodigy shines brightly on Team Spirit, showcasing his extraordinary versatility by effortlessly switching between 14 distinct heroes within a single tournament. Mulyarchuk's remarkable skills have made him one of the highest-earning esports players of 2023, triumphing in prestigious competitions such as the 2023 Riyadh Masters. However, controversy has recently surrounded Yatoro, as the Ukrainian Esports Federation forbade him from competing due to his association with Russian players and coaches.

Price: $140

Discounted Price: $150 (Save $10)

The Logitech G733 Lightspeed is a high-performance gaming headset specifically designed for serious gamers. With its wireless connectivity using the proprietary Lightspeed transmission technology, it provides a seamless and stable connection with a range of up to 20 meters or approximately 60 feet. This ensures low latency and the reliability demanded by professionals.

This headset also boasts an impressive battery life, offering 29 hours of continuous use on a single charge. Additionally, the Lightsync RGB lighting feature allows you to choose from a wide range of preset animations or create your own using 16.8 million vibrant colors.

To enhance comfort during extended gaming sessions, the Logitech G733 Lightspeed incorporates suspension headbands and soft dual-layer memory foam construction. It delivers a comfortable fit that feels effortless on your head.

Furthermore, this headset is equipped with a detachable microphone with cardioid (unidirectional) pickup pattern. This microphone supports filters that effectively eliminate background noise, resulting in clearer and cleaner voice communications.

Included with the Logitech G733 Lightspeed are a wireless receiver, detachable microphone, USB Type-C charging cable, and a reversible headband. With its 7.1 surround sound capability and weight of only 278 grams, this headset offers an exceptional gaming experience without compromising on comfort.

Available for purchase at $140 from Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart.

Yatoro has previously dyed his hair pink, and the stylish Logitech G733 is the perfect peripheral for a competitive gamer with a unique style. While Mulyarchuk typically needs to use wired headsets during tournaments, this Logitech wireless headset is his preferred device. The G733 is available in various colors and allows for easy swapping of headband suspension straps and mic covers.

With Logitech's Lightspeed wireless technology, the headset offers a wireless range of up to 20 meters and minimal latency, ensuring that gamers won't miss the reliability of a wired alternative. The PRO:G drivers are well-suited for DTS Headphone:X 2.0 surround sound, providing competitive gamers with an advantage by alerting them to potential dangers before they occur. Additionally, the dual-layer memory foam on the ear cushions ensures a comfortable gaming experience, even during long sessions or streams, thanks to the headset's lightweight design of just 278 grams.

Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut ​​​​​​- JBL Quantum 910

Originating from France, ZywOo, a 22-year-old prodigy, reigns as a dominant force in the world of CS:GO. Affectionately known as the "Chosen One" due to his birthday coinciding with the release date of Counter-Strike, Mathieu Herbaut cherishes this title with great humility. ZywOo's triumphs in the competitive arena are attributed not only to his exceptional accuracy but also to his strategic brilliance, as he consistently outwits his adversaries. Staunchly supporting him is his mother, his most devoted fan, who encouraged him to complete his secondary education before pursuing a professional career.

In a departure from the norm among CS:GO professionals, Herbaut has remained loyal to his first team, Team Vitality, since his signing in 2018. One of ZywOo's recent conquests materialized in the BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023, where he steered his team to an impressive first-place finish and was bestowed the coveted MVP award. Throughout his illustrious career, Herbaut has garnered a remarkable tally of 16 MVP accolades, surpassing all other contenders in 2023.

Introducing the JBL Quantum 910 Wireless Gaming Headset

Experience gaming like never before with the JBL Quantum 910 - a top-notch wireless gaming headset equipped with JBL QuantumSPHERE 360 environmental sound. Powered by the impressive JBL QuantumENGINE, which also supports DTS Headphone X: v2.0, this headset delivers impeccable surround sound quality. Additionally, it features cutting-edge Active Noise Canceling technology, allowing users to immerse themselves in content without any distractions from background noise. With its low latency 2.4 GHz connection, the JBL Quantum 910 ensures lag-free gameplay audio for an unmatched gaming experience.

The JBL Quantum 910 is a wireless gaming headset that is perfect for elite gamers like ZywOo who want to stay focused. With active noise cancellation (ANC), background noise is effectively eliminated, allowing gamers to fully immerse themselves in their intense gaming sessions. The Quantum 910 uses JBL QuantumSPATIAL 360 technology, creating a realistic and immersive sound experience. It even adjusts the soundscape based on the listener's movements, thanks to its head-tracking ability.

FAQ

Featuring an impressive 39-hour battery life and the added convenience of being able to recharge during use, the JBL Quantum 910 addresses the frustrations often associated with wireless devices. Despite its 421-gram weight, which is primarily due to its plastic components, this headset surprises users like ZywOo with its superb build quality. The thick memory foam earcups contribute to the comfort, making gamers forget that they are wearing a professional-grade headset.

Q: Are gaming headsets worth it?

To enhance your gaming experience, it is essential to choose the perfect headset for your rig. Headsets offer numerous benefits, such as different types of noise cancellation and in-game alerts, like warnings about approaching adversaries.

Q: Why do some esports pros wear two headsets?

Esports professionals often opt to wear dual headsets during LAN tournaments—one over their ears and the other around their neck—to promote their sponsor's product. This allows them to simultaneously utilize the organizers' provided headset to minimize any external noise.