The most used headsets by CS2 players
The most popular headsets are calculated based on 857 professional CS2 players.
Introduction
Having a good audio solution is of vital importance in any competitive game, and that goes double for a game where getting hit in the head means that you’ll be sitting out the remainder of the round more often than not. Having a good headset (or a pair of headphones or in-ears) to play with can make you feel like you’re having hacks, so we went looking for the best headset for CS2. This list is based on our CS2 Pro Settings and Gear List.
Want specs on over 130 registered gaming headsets? Browse our gaming headset spec list.
Our Guide
The Pro Usage Top 5 gets updated continuously and instantly so that you can always get an accurate overview of what the pros are using at any given time. In the body of the article itself, we go over the five most popular pro products in no particular order and, when relevant, we also give you some extra options in the form of products that fall just outside of the top 5 or are otherwise relevant.
What makes a headset good for CS2?
A headset, by definition, has a mic attached to it but that doesn’t mean that you have to get a headset in order to play CS2. Lots of players (both professionals and casuals) opt to go for a regular set of headphones in combination with an external mic, for example.
Whatever you decide on: you will want something that’s going to offer at least decent audio quality (you don’t need super expensive high tier audiophile headphones for CS2) so that you can clearly distinguish the important stuff in the game. You’ll want to be able to hear what you need to hear: what kind of weapons the enemy team is using, how many people are running through tunnels, where that grenade bounced first, and so on.
Aside from that you’ll definitely need a mic. Whether that’s an external one or not depends on your preferences, but if you want to be even moderately serious at CS2 you will need a microphone to communicate with your teammates. No one likes a mute teammate, and not being able to make callouts actively hinders your chances of winning.
And last, but certainly not least, you’ll want something that’s comfortable for you. Different people have different preferences and if you’re going to be gaming for hours on end you want to make sure that your headsets remains comfortable and doesn’t pressure your noggin too much.
HyperX Cloud II
The classic
With the Cloud II, the people over at HyperX seem to have found the perfect gaming headset recipe. What’s in that recipe, you ask? A sturdy no BS design, comfortable fit, decent audio quality, and a solid and detachable mic.
At first glance the Cloud II might not seem like anything super special and in many ways it isn’t, but its main draw doesn’t come from any special features or crazy cutting edge technology. The Cloud II thanks its popularity to the fact that it does everything it sets out to do in a reliable and more than decent manner. The fact that they released all of this in a time where most gaming headsets made some drastic compromises on at least one front makes it the de facto ‘standard gaming headset’.
Sturdy and reliable
The rather subdued and subtle design (if you go for the plain black/grey version, that is) won’t turn any heads in case you decide to take off the mic and use the headset for your daily commute, and couple that with the comfortable headband and interchangeable ear cups and you’ve got a headset that’s going to be very comfortable for a wide variety of people. The cherry on top is that it can be used on all platforms thanks to the included connectors.
It’s not the absolute best out there when it comes to sound quality, and people who like to fiddle around with various EQ settings (or even have their headset change settings depending on which program they’re in) will find this plug-and-play headset lacking a bit but as far as gaming headsets go this performs adequately.
Summarizing: the Cloud II is an excellent ‘jack of all trades’ (don’t take this negatively) headset that’ll you’ll be able to rely on for years and years. It’s definitely not the best performer out there anymore though; there are plenty of great headsets out there in this day and age that perform better.
HyperX Cloud II
Used by 154 CS2 players ()The HyperX Cloud II has been the ‘industry standard’ headset for many, many years now. It has earned that reputation thanks to its reliable build quality, comfortable design, and friendly price.
Pros
- Sturdy design
- Two choices of earcup material
- Industry-proven
Cons
- Rather barebones when it comes to functionality
- Not the best mic
- Sound quality isn’t the best these days
Specs
| Type | Closed-Back |
|---|
| Connection | Wired |
|---|
| Cable Length | 300cm |
|---|
| Noise Cancelling | No |
|---|
| Microphone | Detachable |
|---|
| Weight | 320g |
|---|
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro
Razer’s competitive offering
Razer was absent from these ‘most used’ lists for a bit when it comes to headsets and that was, in part, due to the fact that they had so many headset lines running at the same time. This changed when the BlackShark V2 released.
The BlackShark V2 is aimed at competitive/professional gamers who want a premium audio experience, and it seems to hit the mark. The BlackShark V2 offers great sound quality, decent (passive) noise cancellation, and a comfortable, yet sturdy design.
Worth noting is that Razer released an updated version of this headset in 2023. The review that’s linked below is about that updated version, which features a number of mic improvements. It also adds BT compatibility and has a bigger battery.
The BlackShark V2 Pro isn’t the most advanced gaming headset on the market, but it doesn’t want to be. What you get is a reliable package that offers great audio for (competitive) gaming in a comfortable and attractive package. It also has a huge wireless range and a very impressive battery life. To top it all off, it comes with a fantastic microphone. What more do you need for competitive gaming, right?
This is for people who want a competition-focused headset that offers a more high tier experience than some of the more basic products in this list.
For more info on the BlackShark line, you can visit Razer’s comparison page.
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro
Used by 109 CS2 players ()Staff’s Choice
Pro’s Choice
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is an impressive competitive gaming headset. It has just about the best (wireless) mic on the market right now, and it also gets top marks when it comes to battery life and range. Combine that with the very respectable sound quality (once you’ve tweaked the EQ a bit) and great positional audio and you’ve got a quality competitive gaming audio product.
Pros
- Longest range of any wireless headset I’ve tried so far
- Fantastic battery life
- Good sound quality, after tweaking the EQ
- Fantastic mic (on the 2023 model)
- Sturdy build quality
- Good (passive) noise isolation
- Comfy and surprisingly light
Cons
- Price tag is on the higher side
- Ear cushions could be more breathable
- Some bugs when pairing with Razer Synapse
Specs
| Type | Closed-Back |
|---|
| Connection | Wireless |
|---|
| Noise Cancelling | No |
|---|
| Microphone | Detachable |
|---|
| Weight | 320g |
|---|
Logitech G Pro X Headset
For the pros
Logitech’s G Pro line is aimed at the most competitive gamers among us. It’s for those who don’t need fancy lights or eye catching designs and who only want to focus on competitive performance.
One of the standout features of this headset is the fact that it comes with Blue VO!CE microphone technology. You might know Blue from their Yeti and Snowball microphones. Those are widely lauded as great sounding desk mics and are used by a variety of streamers and other professionals who need their voice to come through as clearly as possible and thus can’t settle for a regular headset mic. There’s a whole lot of options to tune the mic so you won’t have to worry about sounding too quiet or having a lot of background noise bleeding through.
Aside from that, it’s a durable and comfortable headset made from steel and aluminum, complete with memory foam cushioning. It’s also packing DTS HEADPHONE:X 2.0 surround sound and its got a pretty great sound quality that can further be tuned through their software.
If you’re looking for a great wired gaming headset that focuses on all the right things for competitive gamers this could very well be your dream solution.
Logitech G Pro X Headset
Used by 72 CS2 players ()The wired G Pro X is a great piece of equipment, delivering great audio, supreme comfort, and one of the best mics in the business, all packed into a stylish and attractive design.
Pros
- Great microphone
- Good audio quality
- Comfortable fit
- Blue VO!CE technology improves mic quality even further
- Good build quality
Cons
- Relies on software for most of its functionality and is therefore not as suited for console use
Specs
| Type | Closed-Back |
|---|
| Connection | Wired |
|---|
| Cable Length | 200cm |
|---|
| Noise Cancelling | No |
|---|
| Microphone | Detachable |
|---|
| Weight | 338g |
|---|
Logitech G Pro X 2 LIGHTSPEED Headset
Wireless competitive gaming headset
The Logitech G Pro X 2 LIGHTSPEED Headset might look exactly the same as the G Pro X Headset that came before it, but there are some really interesting changes that have happened under the hood. The X 2 is the first gaming headset to feature graphene drivers (see: How do Graphene Headphone Drivers Work?) which really enhances the sound quality when compared to its predecessor.
Aside from delivering a high-end sound profile, the positional audio is also great, making this headset a fantastic choice for gaming. On top of that, it also has dual-connectivity (meaning that you can easily switch to Bluetooth in case you want to take a call or use the headset on the go) and a battery life of 50 ingame hours.
Flawless technology
The wireless connection is, as we’ve come to expect from Logitech LIGHTSPEED technology, completely flawless, and just like its predecessor you also get full access to the Blue VO!CE technology suite, which greatly enhances the quality of the microphone.
If you want an all-in-one audio solution that you can easily take with you for commuting and traveling without having to worry about keeping it charged, this could be the one for you, but it’s also quite simply a great choice for players who are looking for a high tier wireless gaming headset.
Logitech G Pro X 2 LIGHTSPEED Headset
Used by 101 CS2 players ()It’s a wireless headset with a battery life of 50 ingame hours with a great build quality and a high quality sound profile that performs great ingame due to the excellent directional audio. It’s not a super neutral headset, but it does have a very interesting sound profile if you ask me.
Pros
- Great sound quality
- Very comfortable
- Choice of two earcup materials
- Flawless wireless connection
- Great build quality
- Good battery life
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited EQ
- Microphone doesn’t live up to the price tag
Specs
| Type | Closed-Back |
|---|
| Connection | Wireless |
|---|
| Noise Cancelling | No |
|---|
| Microphone | Detachable |
|---|
| Weight | 331g |
|---|
HyperX Cloud Alpha
Nailing the basics
Everything that you’ve read and know about the ubiquitous Cloud II goes for the Cloud Alpha, except for the 7.1 virtual surround sound.
The Cloud Alpha does improve on the Cloud II by offering a slightly better microphone (and ditto sound, thanks to some changes in the chambering) but it does so by leaving out the 7.1 surround and additional velours ear pads that you get with the Cloud II, so depending on what you’re expecting from your headset this’ll either be an upgrade or a downgrade.
The Cloud Alpha is a solid and reliable no-nonsense headset that doesn’t exactly stand out it any way, but it’s precisely that straight-to-the-point, no frills type of design that attracts so many people to this kind of headset.
HyperX Cloud Alpha
Used by 13 CS2 players ()The HyperX Cloud Alpha is a barebones and straight-to-the-point offering by HyperX. It’s made for people who don’t want to be bothered with tuning EQs and the likes, and this plug-and-play headset is well-respected for its excellent durability and solid audio quality.
Pros
- Sturdy and reliable design
- Decent audio quality
- Comfortable
Cons
- Pretty much no customization options
Specs
| Type | Closed-Back |
|---|
| Connection | Wired |
|---|
| Cable Length | 200cm |
|---|
| Noise Cancelling | No |
|---|
| Microphone | Detachable |
|---|
| Weight | 298g |
|---|
Razer BlackShark V3 Pro
The heir to the throne
Razer’s BlackShark V2 Pro is one of the most successful headsets that we’ve ever seen on the website, so obviously the successor had a lot to live up to. Luckily, Razer delivered.
The V3 Pro builds on everything that made the V2 Pro such a great gaming headset and adds a couple of often-requested features. The new edition has ANC, dual BT and 2.4GHz connection, improved drivers, a better mic, and swappable ear cup covers. This makes it one of the most decked-out gaming headsets out there right now, and if you’re looking for a gaming headset that was built from the ground up to appeal to competitive and professional gamers, this is one of your best options right now.
Razer BlackShark V3 Pro
Used by 70 CS2 players ()Staff’s Choice
Pro’s Choice
The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro doesn’t mess with a winning formula. It refines it. With upgraded drivers, a fantastic mic, ANC support, and dual wireless connectivity, it’s clear Razer listened to what reviewers and users had to say. The result is a gaming headset that can proudly call itself one of the very best in the world right now.
Pros
- Great audio quality
- Great gaming performance
- Good ANC performance
- Great mic
Cons
- Very expensive
- Heavier than the predecessor, which might not feel comfy for everyone
Specs
| Type | Closed-Back |
|---|
| Connection | Wireless |
|---|
| Noise Cancelling | Yes |
|---|
| Microphone | Detachable |
|---|
HyperX Cloud II Wireless
The Cloud gone wireless
The Cloud II Wireless came quite some time after the wired version was released, and usually companies like to make big changes between products over time, but not so with the Cloud II Wireless. What you’re getting here is basically just the original Cloud II, but with the wire cut. If you’re someone who wants to make the swap to a wireless headset without giving up everything that you love about your trusty Cloud II then this is a great option.
These days, the Cloud II Wireless can be bought for extremely friendly prices, making this one of the very best budget headsets for people who want to cut the cord and are interested in a headset that’s made for competitive gaming.
HyperX Cloud II Wireless
Used by 30 CS2 players ()woxic
Wicadia
juanflatroo
imoRR
Staff’s Choice
Pro’s Choice
If you’re looking to go wireless and you love everything about the wired Cloud II this is a match made in heaven.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Great build quality
- Decent battery life
- Great sound for gaming
Cons
- Microphone is subpar
- Only one set of ear cushion (the wired version has two)
- Not very customizable
- Sound isn’t very suited for content consumption or music listening
Specs
| Type | Closed-Back |
|---|
| Connection | Wireless |
|---|
| Noise Cancelling | No |
|---|
| Microphone | Detachable |
|---|
| Weight | 320g |
|---|
Best headset for CS2 – Conclusion
Most headsets on this list don’t feature endless tuning options and extra dials and knobs, but they all have one thing in common and that is that they all have great positional audio. It should come as no surprise that professional gamers go for headsets with a great sound, but all of the models on this list are at least somewhat known for their great and accurate portrayal of sounds as opposed to going for a more ‘cinematic’ bass-heavy sound that some gaming headsets tend to do.
As we mentioned in the intro: having clear and precise sound is of vital importance in a game such as CS2, and this list seems to indicate that the pros agree with that. It makes sense as well; CS2 isn’t a game that thrives on cinematic experiences or anything of the sort. It’s a basic (at least on the surface) and to-the-point shooter game, so you’ll want your sound to be as neutral as possible.
If you’re interested in headsets, please check out our gaming headsets list. There, we’ve listed all headsets that have ever made an appearance on ProSettings.net, along with their specs and usage numbers. This can be handy to check out for people who are looking for a headset for CS2.
