To play CS2 effectively, you need headphones for spatial awareness and a microphone for team communication. The headset also helps you avoid disturbing neighbors with loud gunfire from speakers.
Some players purchase headsets with built-in microphones, while others prefer regular headphones and buy a separate microphone. This approach is prevalent among professional streamers who require high-quality studio microphones.
Headphones vary significantly in terms of sound quality and comfort. Even headphones with good sound quality won’t make a difference if they don’t fit well and are uncomfortable. Therefore, you should choose headphones that are comfortable for you.
In this article, the Blix team examines headphones popular among CS2 players, including brands such as HyperX, Razer, Logitech, and others.
Contents
Highlights
- Tips on how to choose the best headset for CS2
- The list of best CS2 headsets for 2024 on the market
How to Choose the Best Headset for CS2?
When selecting headphones for CS2, there are several important factors to consider: sound quality, microphone quality, comfort, durability of the casing, and whether to choose wired or wireless options. Let’s see each of these points in detail:
Sound Quality
- Soundstage & Imaging: The soundstage and imaging in CS2 create a vibrant audio landscape, allowing you to locate enemy movements and actions effortlessly with remarkable precision.
- Frequency Response: A well-balanced frequency response, emphasizing mids and highs, enhances clarity for hearing footsteps and reloading sounds.
- Surround Sound: For a fantastic surround sound experience, try Virtual 7.1 or Dolby Atmos. Stereo headsets—they can deliver fantastic positional audio in your games.
Microphone Quality
- Clarity: Strong voice communication boosts teamwork. Opt for a noise-canceling headset to keep distractions at bay and enhance collaboration.
- Detachable or Flip-to-Mute Mic: Ideal for casual use without a microphone obstructing visibility.
Comfort
- Ear Cushions: Memory foam cushions paired with breathable fabric or leatherette are perfect for extended gaming sessions.
- Adjustable Headband: When choosing a pair of headphones, opt for an adjustable, cushioned headband to ensure a comfortable fit.
- Weight: Lightweight headsets are more comfortable for prolonged use, as they minimize fatigue.
Build Quality
- Durability: A durable construction using metal or high-quality plastic will endure longer, particularly for daily gaming.
- Cable Quality: Choosing wired headsets with braided cables keeps them tangle-free and durable. For wireless options, look for solid connectivity and low latency.
Wired vs. Wireless
- Wired: A reliable option with zero latency, making it especially beneficial for competitive gaming.
- Wireless: Provides freedom of movement but ensures it uses low-latency wireless technology like 2.4 GHz or Bluetooth.
The List of Best Headsets for CS2
HyperX Cloud III
HyperX Cloud III Headset
- Price (Amazon): ~$70
- Release Date: May, 2023
- Battery Life: Up to 120-Hours
This fantastic headset seamlessly blends top-notch performance with unbeatable comfort and versatility, making it ideal for thrilling gaming marathons and everyday activities. Thanks to its plush memory foam ear pads and soft headband, you’ll experience a cozy and comfortable fit, even if you wear glasses or use them for long sessions.
The Cloud III shines with its clear sound, delivering powerful bass and bright highs that enhance gaming and music enjoyment. While its DTS Spatial Audio feature may be subtle, the overall audio experience is awe-inspiring, given its price.
With versatile connections—3.5mm, USB-C, and USB-A—the Cloud III works effortlessly across multiple platforms like PC, PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, offering incredible convenience for multitaskers. And if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, don’t miss the HyperX Cloud Alpha; it has only minor distinctions.
Logitech G Pro X 2
Logitech G Pro X 2 Headset
- Price (Amazon): ~$65
- Release Date: May, 2023
- Battery Life: Up to 50-Hours
The G Pro X 2 enhances your gaming journey with its remarkable features! Equipped with 50mm graphene drivers, it delivers stunning sound clarity and depth, making every audio cue, like footsteps and gunfire, crystal clear. This is essential for first-person shooters and competitive gameplay.
Comfort is vital, and the G Pro X 2 shines here too! Its lightweight design and plush memory foam ear cushions ensure you can game comfortably for hours. Plus, you can choose between leatherette and cloth ear cups to find your perfect fit. The adjustable headband adds an extra layer of coziness for long sessions.
And let’s not forget the detachable microphone with Blue VO!CE technology provides top-notch vocal clarity—ideal for team games or streaming. While setting up and customizing the microphone might seem a little complex at first, Logitech’s software makes it easy to master over time.
Audeze Maxwell
Audeze Maxwell Headset
- Price (Amazon): ~$200
- Release Date: December, 2022
- Battery Life: Up to 80-Hours
The Audeze Maxwell is an outstanding gaming headset celebrated for its remarkable audio quality, thanks to its innovative planar magnetic drivers. This technology produces deep bass, clear highs, and a strong midrange, making it ideal for immersive gaming and enjoying high-resolution music. It shines in games that demand precise audio cues, like first-person shooters.
One of the standout features is its detachable boom mic, ensuring your voice comes through crystal straightforwardly while minimizing background noise.
With an impressive battery life of 80 hours, this headset is among the longest-lasting options out there. It allows you to enjoy extended gaming sessions without worrying about charging. The Audeze Maxwell also offers multiple connectivity options, including 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, and analog connections, making it wonderfully versatile for consoles, PCs, and mobile devices.
Overall, the Audeze Maxwell is a fantastic choice for gamers who value high-quality sound and long battery life. While it may be heavier and pricier than some alternatives, its performance makes it a worthy investment for severe gamers.
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Headset
- Price (Amazon): ~$95
- Release Date: April, 2023
- Battery Life: Up to 70-Hours
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is a standout choice in the gaming community. It is cherished for its exceptional audio quality, impressive battery life, and durable design. Gamers, whether hardcore esports players or casual enthusiasts, find it a top pick.
Featuring Razer’s native 50mm “TriForce Titanium” drivers, this headset delivers rich, detailed sound with vibrant highs, warm mids, and powerful bass. It is a game-changer for competitive play where audio precision is critical.
The detachable HyperClear Super Wideband microphone ensures crystal-clear communication, perfect for in-game chats, streaming, or recording your gaming adventures.
Plus, with lightweight memory foam ear cushions wrapped in breathable fabric, you’ll have maximum comfort during those marathon sessions. The 2023 version enhances versatility with 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth 5.2 compatibility, seamlessly connecting to PC, PS5, and mobile devices.
SteelSeries Arctis Pro
SteelSeries Arctis Pro Headset
- Price (Amazon): ~$165
- Release Date: March, 2019
- Battery Life: Up to 20-Hours
The Arctis Pro offers an impressive high-resolution audio experience, especially with the optional GameDAC, which brings rich and intricate sound to life. Its robust yet lightweight steel and aluminum frame, paired with an adjustable ski-goggle-style suspension band and breathable “Airweave” ear cushions, guarantees exceptional comfort even during those marathon gaming sessions.
Some models come with the GameDAC, which gives you fantastic control over your audio settings and lets you effortlessly balance game and chat volume. Plus, the noise-canceling microphone ensures your voice is crystal clear and conveniently retracts when you’re done.
Summary
If you’re looking for options, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 is definitely worth considering. This versatile headset works beautifully across multiple platforms, and with its impressive 40mm drivers and 38-hour battery life, it’s suitable for immersive gaming experiences. The ClearCast Gen 2 microphone ensures your voice comes through clearly, while the handy quick-charge feature keeps you ready for those long gaming sessions.
Our Blix team is excited to share a curated list of the most popular gaming headsets of 2024. Each headset has special features, and we’re here to help you find the perfect match for your gaming adventures.