DOTA 2 is known for its excellent sound design, and that combined with the fact that you can hear enemies even in the fog makes it so that you can definitely increase your overall gameplay by getting yourself a good headset or a pair of headphones.

What makes a headset 'good' depends on a number of factors, however. By far the most important aspect is that it has to be comfortable for you. It doesn't matter if it's the best and clearest headset in the world: if you can't stand the feeling of it on your head for an extended amount of time then it's not going to be right for you.

For most gamers, a headset is the most convenient solution. Sure, the microphones on headsets don't match dedicated broadcaster mics, but if you're just using said mic to make callouts and talk tactics that doesn't really matter. If you're always playing at home and/or you don't mind the additional bulk of having an external mic in combination with a pair of headphones then it's definitely an option. You don't need a gaming-branded headset to game with.

In any case: gaming headset have come a long way in the last couple of years. You often hear people say that every gaming-branded headset is a shameless cash grab but that's not really the case if you're asking us. Sure, there are a lot of subpar gaming headsets out there (just as there are a lot of disappointing headphones that are aimed at audiophiles) but there are definitely some really good options out there too.

We counted the G Pro X and the G Pro X wireless together for this entry.

Logitech's G Pro line of products is aimed at professional and competitive gamers. They're definitely not the only brand to trot out a variation of the 'made for gamers by gamers' type of marketing, but their Pro line does seem to hit the mark on pretty much all fronts. The Pro mice, keyboards, and headsets are heavily used across all of our analyzed games and that's no different here.

The G Pro X has a great sound profile and a bunch of different EQ settings to choose from in Logitech's G Hub software so that you're always playing with optimal sound settings. Of course there's also the option to create and store your own sound profiles. There's also DTS HEADPHONE:X 2.0 virtual surround sound but we wouldn't really recommend that for competitive multiplayer games as it can alter the directional audio and that's not really what you want when one of the main reasons for using a headset is pinpointing important sounds.

The mic (on the wired version: the wireless edition has a rather disappointing mic) also sounds fantastic thanks to Logitech's cooperation with Blue and their VO!CE technology. There are a bunch of voice EQ settings for you to choose from and the clear and natural sounding mic can (if you're asking us) also be used for things like limited content creation and so on if you're asking us.

Take all of that, stick it in a very comfortable and well built piece of equipment (there's a richly padded headband, and two types of ear cushions to choose from) and you've got a fantastic all-round headset.

If you don't absolutely want a wireless headset we would recommend the wired version if you're considering the Pro X though. It has a way better mic and it's cheaper so you'll spare some cash if the wireless aspect isn't a requirement that's set in stone.

We counted the BlackShark V2 and V2 Pro together for this entry.

As Razer mentions on their website and in their marketing materials, they made this headset for esports players and professionals. This is a claim that's often made when companies market their products, but here it seems to ring true.

Its design is focused on (passive) noise cancellation so that you won't be disturbed by outside noises, and their flowknit memory foam ear cushions ensure that you'll stay comfortable while gaming with minimal distractions.

What's nice here is how light and sturdy the headset is: this is made for making multiple trips to and from LAN parties or tournaments without so much as a hiccup, and we suspect that the fact that it somewhat looks like the noise-canceling headsets that professional gamers often have to wear onstage isn't an accident.

The mic is a bit of a letdown but for the price you're getting a headset that's very accurate with its sound and hits the mark on pretty much all fronts, even blowing some more expensive headsets out of the water. It's not cutting edge technology, but what it does it does (really) well.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro is one of SteelSeries' flagship headsets. You pay a pretty penny for it (definitely if you get it with the GameDAC included) but you do get plenty in return.

If you're after a no-nonsense headset this probably isn't going to be it (the Arctis Pro comes packed with a bunch of extra tech and even RGB lighting) but if you want the latest bells and whistles this might be a good bet.

The Arctis Pro is a well-constructed piece of kit with one of the best mics in the business, great sound quality, and plenty of customization options. It's very comfortable to boot, with breathable ear cushions and a stretchy fabric head band that ensure a comfortable fit.

As is the case with most high tier headsets the Arctis Pro comes equipped with virtual surround in the form of DTS Headphone:X V2.0 but we generally don't use virtual surround when gaming and the Arctis Pro doesn't really need that in order to shine.

AlienWare is a brand that initially was mostly known for its gaming laptops and PCs but in recent years the brand has been focusing on other markets as well. Their monitors, for example, are used by a ton of professional gamers, and now their headsets also seem to be getting picked up by the best gamers in the world.

The AW510H is a comfortable and lightweight headset that delivers, for its price, great sound quality and positional audio. Couple that with a decent mic and reliable build quality and you've got a good budget option for if you just want a dedicated gaming headset.

There's little in the way of customization though: there is no software that's included to allow you to tweak the EQ, for example. All of the controls are on the product itself. That doesn't have to be an issue but if you're looking for the latest and greatest in headset tech this probably won't be it.

HyperX's Cloud line of headsets has held the honor of being the de facto 'standard competitive gaming headset' for years now, with the Cloud I and II being featured in every single 'most used' list on this website at a certain point. The Alpha S builds on what makes these headsets so successful (great audio quality for the price, along with a tried and true and virtually indestructible, yet comfy frame) and does just a slight bit more.

Here you have the ability to tweak the bass output by means of two sliders (one on each ear cup). Couple that with a decently clear mic (limited) software support to customize your headset, and you've got yet another winner from HyperX. This isn't the fanciest headset on the list, but if you're looking for a reliable set of cans that's an upgrade over the Cloud II (which is an older headset at this point in time) you could definitely consider the Alpha S.