Headset pc gaming top 10: The best PC gaming headsets 2023: top cans for PC gaming

The best PC gaming headset you can buy

Ah, the personal computer—if you’re looking for the absolute crème de la crème, premium gaming experience, there’s no better platform. Much like how you can spend a fortune for a 15 or 20% increase in graphical fidelity over the average console, the PC is also the perfect place for expensive gaming headsets with every feature under the sun.

Don’t worry, there are plenty of reasonably priced options too, they just take a little more time to find. Lucky for you, we’ve done that work for you. If you’re looking for the best PC gaming headset for you, read on.

Editor’s note: this list of the best PC gaming headsets was updated on December 28, 2022 to include the HyperX Cloud Orbit S and Logitech G735, as well as updated formatting.

For our top five picks, you can find the isolation and frequency response charts at the end of each image gallery. You can learn more about how to read our charts here.

Why is the HyperX Cloud Orbit S the best PC gaming headset?

In a world of unlimited budgets, the Audeze Mobius is pretty much flat out the best wired gaming headset on the market—but if you have even slightest hesitation for spending $400 USD for a gaming headset (especially one that’s getting a little long in the tooth these days), the HyperX Cloud Orbit S will do you just fine. Based on the same design as the Audeze Mobius, this headset drops the Bluetooth functionality and drops the price.

HyperX Cloud Orbit S

8.1

The Cloud Orbit S features the same 100mm planar magnetic audio drivers, comfortable memory foam ear pads, and super-flexible band—it’s just as much of a joy to use as Mobius. It has no issue blocking out most at-home sounds you’d run into, and the memory foam molds to your head over time. The lack of Bluetooth is too bad, but the headset still uses USB and 3.5mm connections, which is more than enough for most desktop setups.

Additionally, the Cloud Orbit S also features Waves Nx, bringing the same unique 3D audio as the Mobius. In addition to the 7.1 virtual surround sound that most games support, you can turn on 3D audio to simulate a speaker environment in your headphones. Tap the button to set the anchor point, and it will always sound like things are coming from that direction, regardless of how you turn your head. This isn’t a huge thing for games, but it makes music and movies feel distinct in a really cool way—the planar magnetic drivers make listening to just about everything pretty nice.

Listen below to get an idea of how the microphone sounds in a private room.

HyperX Cloud Orbit S microphone sample (non-standardized):

How does the microphone sound to you?

2217 votes

HyperX Cloud Orbit S

HyperX Cloud Orbit S

Accurate 3D audio • Good microphone • Well build quality

The HyperX Cloud Orbit S brings the Audeze Mobius’ design to a cheaper price.

The Cloud Orbit S headphones provide 3D audio features to enhance realism. It has three detachable cables to support mobile devices, gaming consoles, and PC.

$199.99 at Amazon

Save $130.00

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro includes unique features

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is a lot like the Arctis Pro + GameDAC, but with this version, you get software support. When you opt to use the second-gen GameDAC module, you get access to a 10-band equalizer and your choice of a few preloaded EQ presets. This is great on its own, but any settings you make in SteelSeries GG automatically override the DAC’s EQ. Fortunately, SteelSeries GG is where you can update the GameDAC’s firmware, so this should be a solvable issue. If you don’t want to game on PC, you can forgo the DAC and use the Arctis Nova Pro directly with your console’s controller of choice, too—it even works with the Steam Deck.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro

7.9

Unlike other popular SteelSeries gaming headsets, the Arctis Nova Pro doesn’t use a ski-goggle headband, and instead, you get a more traditional-looking suspension band that connects to the headset’s frame via pins. This doesn’t look as comfortable, or cool, but it’s actually pretty good for hours-long gaming sessions. Another change: SteelSeries drops its famed airweave fabric ear cushions for a more standard leatherette which offers better isolation but makes for a sweatier experience.

The sound quality is very good here with ample bass and treble for most gaming situations. Again, if you don’t like how it sounds you can adjust it through SteelSeries GG or directly on the GameDAC if you don’t want to putz with the software. Isolation is quite good and you shouldn’t hear your noisy roommates or traffic just outside your building.

For a wired PC gaming headset, the Arctis Nova Pro is pretty decked out and many of its features come from SteelSeries GG, with tabls for “mixer,” “gaming,” “chat,” and “microphone.” We just wished the software played nicer with the DAC.

The microphone sounds quite good, as you can expect for its price. If you’re in need of something that sounds good and makes you sound good, this is it.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro microphone sample (Ideal):

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro microphone sample (Office):

How does the microphone sound to you?

963 votes

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro

Great sound • Good microphone • Software features

For PC gamers who want a premium headset.

If you want great sound quality, a good microphone for in-game chat, and all-around enjoyable features, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro has all of that for you.

$246.90 at Amazon

$219.99 at SteelSeries

Save $30.00

$349.99 at Best Buy

The Razer BlackShark V2 strikes the perfect balance between form and function

Razer has stepped out of its element with the BlackShark V2, introducing a gaming headset that features a level of restraint never before seen by the company.The BlackShark V2 is, by far, one of the most comfortable headsets we’ve ever tested. It features soft foam ear cups and a plush headband, allowing for a comfortable gaming experience during long periods. Instead of RGB accented ear cups, a jet black finish, or sharp corners, this PC gaming headset features a clean, low-profile design that is suited for both work and play.

Razer BlackShark V2

7.7

In regards to sound quality, the Black Shark V2 has a relatively consumer-friendly frequency response, making it ideal for both gaming and general content consumption. Isolation on this headset is unlike any other we’ve tested, letting you fully immerse yourself during gameplay.

Speaking of immersion, the BlackShark V2 features THX Spatial Audio, which provides increased spatial awareness—better than traditional 7.1 virtual surround sound. This feature, including EQ and mic controls, can only be accessed when gaming on a PC via Razer Synapse.

The only real caveat to the BlackShark V2 is its microphone, which is serviceable at best. Still, for just under $100, you’d be hard-pressed trying to find a better PC gaming headset.

Razer BlackShark V2 microphone demo (Non-standardized):

How does the microphone sound to you?

9104 votes

Razer BlackShark V2

Razer BlackShark V2

Excellent surround sound • Great isolation • Comfortable

A headset built for long gaming sessions.

Razer Blackshark V2 is very comfortable, sounds great, with fantastic isolation and a lightweight-enough build for long gaming sessions.

$99.99 at Amazon

$76.99 at Best Buy

Save $23.00

$76. 99 at GameStop

Save $23.00

The Logitech G735 brings a new look and a boatload of features

It’s not often you see a gaming headset come out with a look that both feels like a big swing and also looks good. However, if that was all there was to the Logitech G735, it wouldn’t have made it on this list. Logitech’s newest gaming headset has a full slate of software features, a premium-feeling build, and good sound, albeit for a rather high price.

Logitech G735

8

Part of the company’s new cloud-themed Aurora collection, the Logitech G735 features thick memory foam ear pads covered in a soft leatherette that, combined with the cushioned headband, makes for a very comfortable experience. The level of comfort is fortunate, as the headset battery lasts over 35 hours in our testing—more than enough for gaming sessions that run as long as you want.

The headset connects primarily using a 2.4GHz USB wireless dongle, but it also supports Bluetooth and wired 3. 5mm connections. And when you connect it to your PC, Logitech G Hub will be there with a full suite of features like virtual surround sound, headphone and microphone EQ profiles (and the ability to set custom ones), firmware updates, and Logitech’s excellent Blue Vo!ce microphone feature set. Basically, it looks great, sounds great, feels great, and it’s got features to boot.

Logitech has a great microphone, here are a few samples:

Logitech G735 microphone sample (Ideal conditions):

Logitech G735 microphone sample (Office conditions):

Logitech G735 microphone sample (Reverberant conditions):

How does the microphone sound to you?

698 votes

Logitech G735 Wireless Gaming Headset

Logitech G735 Wireless Gaming Headset

Comfortable • Good sound • Many software options

Logitech’s newest gaming headset brings a new look backed by reliable high end features.

This gaming headset sounds good, has a clear and loud cardioid microphone, and will keep you gaming comfortably for those long sessions.

$180.52 at Amazon

Save $49.47

$229.99 at Best Buy

$229.99 at Logitech

The Razer Kraken X is a very solid option for gamers on a budget

On the spectrum of headphones prices, most PC gaming headsets are actually pretty reasonably priced. However, even within that relative space, very few manage to include as many features for as cheap as the Razer Kraken X. This headset is built on the same frame as Razer’s other Kraken headsets, with many of the same features, and just a few limitations.

Razer Kraken X

7.1

The Kraken X features 40mm dynamic drivers, a flexible cardioid boom mic, and its headphone pads sport grooves to make listening while wearing glasses more comfortable. For the price, it features some remarkably accurate audio output, with only a slight overemphasis in the bass range.

The headset connects using a 3. 5mm jack, but still supports surround sound on Windows 10, which is pretty uncommon. It really covers pretty much all the bases, whether you’re a fan of FPS games or RPGs—for $49.99, you could do a lot worse.

Most readers have rated the microphone demo as “good,” but take a listen for yourself!

Razer Kraken X microphone demo (Non-standardized):

How does the microphone sound to you?

6268 votes

Razer Kraken X

Razer Kraken X

7.1 channel surround sound • Eyewear channels alleviate temple pressure • Cross-platform compatibility

Good gaming headsets don’t have to cost a small fortune.

When gaming in the comfort of your own living room, you’ll want to feel relaxed so you can game on your console for hours on end. Enter the Razer Kraken X for Console. Ultra-light at just 250g with superior gaming audio. Sit tight and play for hours—your console gaming marathons are about to be a breeze.

$56.95 at Amazon

$49.99 at Best Buy

Is the Astro A40 TR a good PC gaming headset?

The Astro A40 is comfortable and easy to use for long gaming sessions and Discord calls.

A mighty fine and mighty expensive option, the Astro A40 TR is a great PC gaming headset but it’s a niche product. Unlike the other headsets listed here, the A40 TR is a semi-open pair of headphones, meaning that you’ll hear a lot of your environment. This is a double-edged sword as it gives you a more “open” representation of sound, but if you share an apartment, you may run into problems with auditory masking. When you do get to use it in a quiet space, the A40 TR frequency response will shine as it follows our consumer target curve closer than many other gaming headsets.

Our main gripe with the A40 TR is that it’s rather expensive for the fairly slim feature set.

Astro A40 TR

Astro A40 TR

Comfortable • Clear microphone • 3. 5mm jack TRS and TRRS

Solid sound and comfortable

The Astro A40 TR wired headset connects with a large range of gaming platforms and other devices. It has a good sound, and the microphone is loud and clear.

$149.99 at Amazon

Is the Logitech G Pro X worth buying today?

This headset feels so sturdy that it’s initially a little difficult to adjust the headband.

Yes, while the Logitech G Pro X is a few years old, it stands the test of time and continues catering to PC gamers with its powerful control functions accessible through Logitech’s Blue Vo!ce software. Not only does Logitech provide plenty of goodies on the software side of things, but it also designed a comfortable headset that sounds great for gaming. You may find that when you listen to music with this headset the sub-bass is quieter than normal, but this is something you can quickly EQ away.

Logitech G Pro X Wired Gaming Headset

Logitech G Pro X Wired Gaming Headset

Included USB sound card • Durable build quality • Detachable mic

A premium gaming headset with endless customization

The Logitech G Pro X is a premium gaming headset with an included USB external sound card for crystal-clear audio quality. It features a steel and aluminum frame and plush memory foam padding. The headset also features a detachable mic for in-game communication and supports 7.1 surround audio.

$89.99 at Amazon

Save $40.00

The best PC gaming headsets: Notable mentions

The MMX 150 is a gaming headset that can pull double-duty as a regular pair of headphones.

• Bose QuietComfort 35 II Gaming Headset: If you need a great sounding gaming headset and a pair of Bluetooth headphones for casual listening, Bose’s first gaming headset may be for you. It features virtually the same design and technologies as the Bose QuietComfort 35 II, with an added boom microphone, USB volume knob, and longer cables for console gaming.
• Beyerdynamic MMX 150: This gaming headset sounds great and has a subdued enough design that it can blend in as a regular pair of headphones. You might not want to do that because it requires you to use the 3.5mm-to-USB-A adapter, however. If you want a great mic and eco-friendly headset (replaceable parts), this is a fine and simple pick.
• HyperX Cloud Alpha: With its comfortable design and fantastic sound quality, the HyperX Cloud Alpha is an all-time favorite among gamers looking for a budget PC gaming headset.
• HyperX Cloud Alpha S: If you love the HyperX Cloud Alpha but want features like virtual surround sound and adjustable bass vents, the HyperX Cloud Alpha S might be just the thing. It doesn’t sound any better or improve on the original Cloud Alpha’s poor microphone, but it’s also only around $30 more expensive.
• JBL Quantum ONE: With an exhaustive set of onboard controls and very good noise cancelling, the Quantum ONE is a competent pair of over-ears for your PC station.
• Logitech G733 Lightspeed: This all-plastic wireless gaming headset keeps the weight off with a suspension band, and the heat to a minimum with mesh fabric ear pads. It also sounds great, has long battery life, and has the same microphone software features as the G Pro X. For a less feature-packed version, look into the G435 Lightspeed instead.
• Razer BlackShark V2 X: This has the same profile as the BlackShark V2, but trades THX Spatial Audio for traditional 7.1 virtual surround sound—available for roughly $20 less than the non-X variant.
• Sennheiser GSP 500: The open-back design of this headset recreates an accurate sense of sound. Other features include breathable padding and a noise cancelling microphone, making the GSP 500 a comfortable and immersive option for those willing to pay a premium.
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3: This wired gaming headset costs just $99 USD and features classic RGB lighting and a nice control layout. The headset is comfortable to wear for hours at a time, which is important for those overnight gaming hauls.
• SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC: If having an app to handle all the additional features you want isn’t attractive, this headset has you covered. The GameDAC unit comes loaded with virtual surround sound, custom EQ options, and lighting controls at the touch of a button.

• Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless: The non-SE variant of Corsair’s Virtuoso headset offers sturdy build quality, reliable wireless gaming performance, RGB lighting, and good microphone quality—all at a sub-$200 price tag.
• Corsair Virtuoso Wireless SE: For gamers willing to spend some serious cash, this wireless gaming headset offers amazing microphone quality and a myriad of connection options—all wrapped in a sleek, gunmetal aluminum build.
• EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid: It’s pretty expensive, and the microphone doesn’t work for gaming, but if you’ve always wanted a pair of true wireless earbuds for gaming on a PC, this is the product for you.
• HyperX Cloud II Wireless: This no-frills gaming headset nails the basics, offering an accurate sound profile, comfortable design, and great battery life. If you need a lean, mean, wireless gaming machine of a headset, HyperX has you covered.
• Logitech G Pro X Wireless: It’s everything the regular G Pro X is, but wireless and $70 more expensive. It’s a little bit pricey as for such a similar update, but still a fantastic wireless option.
• Razer Barracuda X (2022): It isn’t as comfortable as the Arctis 7P, but the Razer Barracuda X (2022) has many the same selling points. It’s super lightweight, it uses a USB-C dongle, and it offers solid mic and headphone audio—for $99 USD that’s pretty compelling. Oh, and battery life clocks in just below 60 hours. If you want more of a lifestyle gaming headset, check out the Barracuda Pro.
• Razer BlackShark V2 Pro: This headset is at the top of Razer’s BlackShark product line, featuring wireless connection options, a vastly improved microphone over its wired counterparts, and good isolation performance.
• Razer Thresher Ultimate: This wireless headset is stylish, simple to set up, and equipped with great-sounding drivers for a truly immersive, hassle-free gaming experience for both PC and Xbox One gamers alike.
• Sennheiser GSP 670: This wireless gaming headset offers a comfortable design, great sound, as is one of the only gaming headsets that support Bluetooth audio. It even supports high-quality Bluetooth codecs like AAC, aptX, and aptX Low Latency.
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: Let’s say you love everything about the wired Arctis Nova Pro from SteelSeries and want more connectivity options, well, this is the wireless headset for you. It supports Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connection options, so you can use it from anywhere.
• SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless: Whether you don’t want to miss a phone call while gaming, or you just have multiple connection options, the SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless brings simultaneous Bluetooth connectivity to the already great Arctis framework. It sounds great and feels great, too, which is always appreciated.

Hold up! Something’s different:

Some of our picks’ and notable mentions’ frequency response and isolation charts were measured with our old testing system. We have since purchased a Bruel & Kjaer 5128 test fixture (and the appropriate support equipment) to update our testing and data collection. It will take a while to update our backlog of old test results, but we will update this article (and many others!) once we’re able with improved sound quality measurements and isolation performance plots. These will be made obvious with our new chart aesthetic (black background instead of white).

We’ve also updated how we demonstrate the microphone performance of products that we review with a standardized test setup. These will be made obvious in each new sample which begins with the phrase, “This is a SoundGuys standardized microphone demonstration …”

Thank you for bearing with us, and we hope to see you again once we’ve sorted everything out.

What you should know about PC Gaming headsets

The gaming headset space, much like many other parts of the audio industry, is rife with exaggerated language and gimmicky features that often don’t add much of anything to your experience. It’s easy to get caught up in the flashy lights and promises of immersive audio and bass so intense it’ll rupture your eardrums (in a good way, somehow), but most of that stuff flat out doesn’t matter.

On PC in particular, there’s a lot of fluff out there. Many apps are slow and awkward, or they don’t bring much functionality in the first place. PC gaming headsets should represent the gold standard of what’s possible in the market, and many of them do, but there are just too many prominent bad offerings to wade through. That’s why we review headsets, and why we have lists like this.

How do headsets for PC gaming connect?

Not every gaming headset works equally on PC.

There are a few things to consider when you’re shopping around for a PC gaming headset. First of all, you should pay attention to how you want to connect it to your PC. Generally, headsets come with three connection methods—USB, single 3.5mm, and split 3.5mm. You won’t find Bluetooth gaming headsets very often, which is probably good, given the standard’s occasional issues with audio lag.

However, if all you want is something simple, it’s really just down to where on your computer the headphone jack is. If your PC is under your desk and the port is on the back, anything with a shorter cord might not work, so you may be stuck with a wireless headset anyway.

Do all PC gaming headsets come with software?

No, not every PC gaming headset will have software but those that support surround sound generally do so through additional software. These days Windows offers a built-in spatial sound option, even if your headset connects via 3.5mm. If something on this list sounds close to what you’re looking for, but not quite, check out our headset guides for brands like Razer and Corsair.

Why you should trust

SoundGuys

Now, we use a Bruel & Kjaer 5128 test head to perform isolation and frequency response tests, as seen with the AirPods and any other headset that comes our way.

The team at SoundGuys is deeply invested in helping you find the best audio products for your needs and budget. We want to share our passion with our readers and minimize the legwork you need to put in. Whether we’re interviewing experts on hearing loss or submerging waterproof speakers, we do what it takes to get to the truth of the matter.

Our team has years of experience reviewing products, conducting lab tests, working in studios, and in the field of journalism. If you’ve wondered if we get paid to favorably review certain products: we don’t. In fact, it’s against the SoundGuys ethics policy to receive any compensation or gift for reviews or spots on our lists.

Frequently asked questions about PC gaming headsets

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II Gaming Headset sports several gamer-focused features. For starters, it comes with a detachable boom microphone for improved audio quality, ensuring vocal reproduction for in-game communication. It also comes with a USB PC desktop controller, which gives you control over volume and microphone monitoring. Additional cables are also included with the headset, which is necessary for use with consoles like the PlayStation 4.

No, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Gaming Headset only supports wired connections via USB or a 3.5mm cable when you’re gaming. It still functions as a regular pair of Bluetooth headphones, though.

Yes! The Logitech G Pro X offers a very accurate sound for a gaming headset, with relatively neutral lows and mids. This means that sounds like kick drums, vocals, and mid-to-low octave synths come through clearly without distortion or auditory masking. Higher frequency sounds, such as cymbals and hi-hats, do sound less prominent, however, this under-emphasizes aids in eliminating unwanted resonances.

If you’re expecting other gaming headsets on this list and don’t see them: sorry, our editorial staff didn’t pick them. That doesn’t mean that they don’t deserve your attention—it just means that our staff picked what you see on the list. It’s entirely possible that the decision was a very close one, or that the model you really like just hasn’t kept up in recent years. That doesn’t mean that it’s bad! It just means that we’re constantly updating these lists as new models come out and replace older ones over time.

If you’re someone who spends a lot of time gaming, you want to invest in the right gear that heightens your experience. Gaming headsets can feature design choices that cater specifically to gamers, which you may not find with just any headset. These features include high-quality microphones for clear team communication, increased comfort for long gaming sessions, multiple connectivity options for use with different gaming devices, and a sound signature that often emphasizes the low-end—a popular preference amongst gamers.

The SteelSeries Arctis 7 and the Corsair Void RGB Elite Wireless offer very similar experiences on paper. They have roughly the same battery life and roughly the same feature set—it really comes down to what’s important to you in a gaming headset. The Void has a much more accurate microphone, but the Arctis 7 has a more consumer-friendly sound output. They’re both comfortable, but in our experience, the Void was far too loose. Ultimately, this was a big part of why we picked the Arctis 7 for this list—it’s hard to appreciate a headset’s finer points when you’re constantly worried that it’s about to fall off your head.

If you’re looking for a headset just for PC, the SteelSeries Arctis 7 is probably the better option for you. Using the SteelSeries Engine app, it supports surround sound, which the Arctis 1 does not. If you’re looking for something compatible with more platforms, the Arctis 1 Wireless is your best bet.

Best PC Gaming Headset for 2023

A PC gamer needs a good gaming headset. A high-quality sound system is nice, but it’s no match for directional audio, especially if you’re into multiplayer or horror games. Plus, a mic makes it possible to chat with your teammates, allowing for convenient strategizing, and in some cases to take calls from your phone at the same time. Not only does a gaming headset make it easier to hear enemies moving around you, it can also enhance single-player experiences as well. When it comes to audio immersion, nothing beats a pair of cans right on your ears.

Plus, you may already be spending a ton of time on video calls, so treating yourself to a new headset can be a way to satisfy your work brain — yes, be that person wearing the huge headset in meetings — and your play brain without blowing a ton of money.  

Keep in mind that analog gaming headsets, which connect via 3.5mm jacks, can work with almost any device — a gaming PC, a PS5, an Xbox Series X or Series S, a Nintendo Switch and so on — in addition to regular Windows PCs. But depending on the hardware you may not get the full set of features, such as surround sound, mic monitoring (aka sidetone) and other capabilities that rely on software and a USB connection to function. To get console-specific features, you might need to check out headsets designed specifically for them; for instance, the Xbox Series X and S require Microsoft-sanctioned dongles (but Bluetooth works, too). You can find specific recommendations on our Best Xbox Gaming Headset and Best PS5 Gaming Headset lists.

Lori Grunin/CNET

Nacon Rig 500 Pro HX

Analog wired headset pick

The first time I saw the Rig series of gaming headsets — well before the brand was bought by gaming and accessory company Nacon — I was so turned off by the aesthetic I didn’t even take the headset out of the box. I powered through this time, and although I’m still not fond of the appearance, it’s turned out to be one of my go-to headsets in why-doesn’t-my-pc-see-my-wireless-headset emergencies. 

You get a lot for the money. It’s comfortable and relatively light with good 3D audio, pretty decent mic quality, good noise isolation and an inline volume control that’s neither too far down the cable or too far up. The mic is both removable and flip-up, which you rarely see at this price.

The last generation of the headset got complaints about build quality, but I’ve been using it for months with no issues. Its flat rubber cable is a step up from competitors: Flatness makes it tangle-free and less susceptible to damage when I roll over it with my chair. To adjust size, there’s a combination of three notches on the headband — you basically pop out the earcup to move it, so if it comes under stress it just pops out — and a basic suspension band.

It doesn’t come with a headphone/mic splitter cable, a common omission in budget headsets, and the shortish cable isn’t removable, but it’s a good length if you’re going to plug it into a controller for use with the Xbox. You do get a two-year activation card for a Dolby Atmos subscription (at least the last time I looked) for Windows 10/11 and Xbox One or later. 

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SteelSeries Arctis 9 and 9X

Top wireless gaming headset for PC and Xbox

This excellent wireless headset supports both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connections for simultaneous lag-free gaming and audio monitoring, with a bunch of excellent features. You can use it wired or while it charges over USB, and it’s got a Discord-certified noise-canceling retractable microphone, swivel earcups so it can sit on your shoulders and support for DTS Headphone:X v2.0 and Windows Spatial audio. Its pucklike dongle has an analog 3.5mm input for game audio and a line out to the headset, which expands its usefulness. My only significant quibble with the Arctis 9X is it feels a little too tight on my head (which is odd, since all the other Arctis models feel fine). Its big brother, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless, gets rave reviews as well, but it’s significantly more expensive as well as relatively old; it’s due for an upgrade and I think it’s a bit overkill for many gamers, anyway.

Read our SteelSeries Arctis 9 review.

 

$199 at Amazon

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Razer BlackShark V2

Most comfortable wired headset under $100

These aren’t the absolute best in gaming headsets, but the newest generation of Razer’s BlackShark headsets — the wired Razer BlackShark V2 ($100) and V2 X ($60) and the Wireless V2 Pro ($180) — are well-rounded options if you need a single headset for both work and play. I prefer the V2 over the V2 X for its extra PC features, like support for THX Spatial Audio, microphone settings in Razer’s Synapse utility and a USB dongle. Plus, it has a better cord, a removable mic with foam cover and breathable fabric on the earcup padding. If you’re on a tighter budget, the analog-only V2 X has all your platforms covered for half the price.

Read our BlackShark V2 and V2 X review.

 

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HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless

Longest battery life and comfort winner

This PC- and PS5-compatible wireless headset not only features HyperX’s superb comfort and excellent sound, its actual battery life runs into the hundreds of hours, even if you discount the company’s 300-hour rating. And it supports DTS Headphone:X for virtual surround. The wireless range didn’t test as well as the Cloud II Wireless and the lack of other connection types disappoints for the money, but if your top three criteria are battery life, comfort and sound quality, this hits the trifecta.

Read our HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Review.

 

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Corsair HS70

Top gaming headset with Bluetooth under $100

It’s useful to be able to monitor your phone (or other audio) via Bluetooth with your headset while simultaneously using a separate, lag-free connection for gaming, but that capability frequently adds a premium onto the price. By adding Bluetooth to an otherwise wired headset — usually it’s only available in wireless models — Corsair manages to avoid that trap. The stereo HS70 supports USB for laptops and desktops, along with 3.5mm analog cabling to connect to all consoles. The battery is rated for about 30 hours, and the noise-canceling microphone is detachable. The company’s iCue app for Windows or MacOS to access EQ presets or adjust mic and sidetone levels. Though it’s not as pricey as most gaming headsets with Bluetooth on the side, it is relatively expensive for an otherwise basic model. And oddly, the HS70 Wireless, which lacks Bluetooth but incorporates a 2.4GHz connection, is the same price.

Read our Corsair HS70 review.

 

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Meters Level Up

Wired gaming headset that’s a little different

The Level Up’s comfy, retro-ish style — with on-earcup illuminated VU meters, full-bodied stereo and 7.1 virtual surround sound for music and gaming — leads me to recommend it for people who aren’t necessarily looking for cutting-edge gaming features, but who want something cool and different. You can use it with any 3.5mm-jack-bearing console or system, but you don’t get the customizable surround setup unless you’re connected via USB on Windows, since it requires a proprietary app.

Read our Meters Level Up review.

 

$88 at Walmart

$82 at Amazon

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Logitech G733 LightSpeed

Wireless headset for champion chatters under $150

The G733’s generally an above-average lightweight wireless gaming headset, but it’s got one advantage over much of the competition: an excellent mic backed by a high level of customizability via Blue Yeti-powered software.

Read our Logitech G733 review.

 

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Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset

Reasonably priced dual-wireless headset pick for PC and Xbox

Even though it has some design and feature quirks, for $100, the Xbox Wireless Headset is a good deal. Simultaneous wireless and Bluetooth and chat-mix balance are usually only found in more expensive models, so here the performance and sound quality are worth the money.

Read our Xbox Wireless Headset review.

 

$100 at Microsoft

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SteelSeries Arctis 7P Plus

Best multiplatform wireless gaming headset

One of SteelSeries’ recent additions to its Arctis 7 line, the 7P Plus added Tempest 3D AudioTech compatibility with the PS5 to the already excellent headset. It not only sounds great and feels comfortable, it works wirelessly at 2.4GHz with almost any device that can handle a USB-C dongle, including the PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Android phones, Oculus Quest 2 and PS5. It doesn’t work equally well with each — for instance, it doesn’t support chat for the Quest 2. Plus, it lacks both analog and Bluetooth connection options and doesn’t have the strongest range or battery life. But it also doesn’t cost $200 or more.

Read our Arctis 7P preview.

 

$112 at Amazon

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Sony InZone H9

The pricey choice for PC and PS5

If you feel like spending almost as much on a headset as you did for your console, Sony’s own InZone H9 (the new PC-targeted line from its electronics division rather than the PlayStation folks) delivers great audio quality in an exceptionally comfortable design that matches the materials of the PS5. It has decent, non-fatiguing noise cancellation, a natural-sounding mic, solid battery life and simultaneous Bluetooth and dongle connections on both platforms. Bluetooth behaved a bit wonkily when I tested it, so if it matters to you, check user reviews before you buy to see if other people have encountered it.

Sony InZone H9 review.

 

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Other notable gaming headsets we’ve tested

HyperX Cloud II Wireless ($118): This is an excellent 7.1 surround headset that features HyperX’s signature comfortable fit, which I ended up bumping from the list in favor of the Cloud Alpha Wireless because the Alpha’s battery life is a huge distinguishing feature. The Cloud II Wireless does have a better signal range as tested, though, and you can use it wirelessly with a PS4/PS5 and Nintendo Switch as well as a PC. Read our HyperX Cloud 2 Wireless review.

Razer Barracuda X ($96): The performance, audio quality and design of the Barracuda X make it an excellent choice for cross-platform players. I wouldn’t recommend the headset for cloud gaming, though. Razer refreshed it in 2022, boosting battery life to a rated 50 hours and adding Bluetooth for the same price. I haven’t tested the updated model.  Read our Razer Barracuda X review.

SteelSeries Arctis Prime ($40): The budget, cross-platform wireless Arctis Prime performs well, but if you’re sensitive to fit, weight and other design-related considerations, I suggest you give it a heads-on before buying. Read our SteelSeries Arctis Prime review.

Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense ($95): Razer’s updated haptic feedback debuted in this gaming headset — it basically vibrates when the signal contains certain frequencies, in order to provide positional information and a more immersive experience. The new version improves upon its predecessor found in the Razer Nari line by being able to work without specific support within a game and the ability to choose from two intensities. It has the same great sound quality as the other Razer headsets with the TriForce Titanium drivers. But I suspect the haptic feedback is an acquired taste, though. Thus far, I’ve found it more distracting than immersive. And without game support it’s too random; for instance, bass-voiced narration rumbles in a disconcerting way and it kicks in when I have mic monitoring on. Other issues I’ve had include it being a little too tight (especially with glasses), its THX Spatial Surround falling a bit short of other virtual surround technologies I’ve used, and the braided but thick cable tends to kink. I haven’t given up on it, though, and am giving it another shot with its higher-end sibling, the Kraken V3 Pro.

EPOS Audio h4Pro Hybrid ($258): This former top-lister is a somewhat controversial choice overall, but even a lot of people who don’t like the Epos gaming headsets in general tend to agree that they have great stereo audiophile-quality sound. Given Epos’ kinship with audio veteran Sennheiser — and unfortunately, the Sennheiser-level high prices — one expects no less. I really like the h4Pro Hybrid headset, though, for gamers who don’t need surround sound. The biggest problem with it is the barely adequate range the dongle gives it (about 16 feet in my testing) which may be a deal-killer for a lot of people. The software’s kind of lackluster as well. But it’s comfortable, sleeker than your usual gaming headset, has solid ANC and supports simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connections. 

More recently reviewed models:

• Sony InZone h4 ($100)
• Razer Barracuda Pro ($250)
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless ($350)

Gaming headset FAQs

Why do I want a ‘wireless’ headset rather than a Bluetooth gaming headset?

Bluetooth lets you connect to most mobile devices as well as PCs and laptops, which makes it really convenient. But it’s also low-bandwidth and slow, which means it may compress the audio (and thus make it sound worse) and introduce delays between the device and the headset. The delays, referred to as latency, can range from just annoying to game-ruining, depending upon how important the audio and your chat is to responding quickly.

Bluetooth also requires that there be a pretty small distance between the headset and device it’s connected to. The best wireless gaming headsets come with a USB wireless adapter, usually 2.4GHz, to create a dedicated, fast, high-bandwidth channel between the headset and the system, and one that can maintain the connection over a larger distance.

How do I hear myself talk?

The ability to hear yourself talk while you chat is referred to as «mic monitoring» or «sidetone,» and some people find it essential for more natural conversation; I find that without it I tend to shout, especially if the earcups suppress a lot of external noise. You generally need to have a USB connection — either a wireless dongle or wired — in order to get mic monitoring to work, and many times it’s dependent on the software utility that’s provided by the manufacturer, at the very least to control the volume of the monitoring so you don’t blast yourself with your own voice.

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Top 10 gaming headphones ranking

Playing with good headphones brings a lot of new experiences. For quite a long time, the term gaming headphones was more of a marketing term, as is often the case with computer components and accessories — add some flashy notes to the look and now we have new gaming headphones. However, the filling does not differ by a single gram from the modest headset on the next shelf.

Now, technology does not stand still — in games, the soundscape is becoming more and more complex, and now headphones, which used to be a source of stereo sound by definition, have already learned how to transmit spatial multi-channel sound. This is very valuable in games: to hear the direction of a crawling enemy or turn the steering wheel in advance, hearing the sound of an enemy Spitfire from the left-bottom, and so on. Otherwise, the requirements for good gaming headphones are not much different from ordinary ones: workmanship, comfort, sound isolation level, noise reduction and microphone sensitivity.

Today we have prepared a rating of the best gaming headphones, based on expert reviews and reviews of real buyers. Our recommendations will help you make the best choice for your requirements and desires.

Photo: https://earphones-review.ru

Content:

1. Computer headset Logitech G G733 LightSpeed ​​

2. Computer headset HyperX Cloud Stinger

3. Computer headset SVEN AP-U980MV

4. Computer headset HyperX Cloud Alpha

5. Computer headset Bloody G530

6. Computer headset SVEN AP-G988MV

7. Computer headset SVEN AP-U989MV

Headset Sennheiser GSP 300

Photo: https://market.yandex.ru

The Logitech G733 LIGHTSPEED RF Stereo Headset is a gaming headphone with wraparound ear cups that supports 7.1 virtual sound. The model is presented in a lightweight body, which weighs only 278 g and, along with the most comfortable fit, is practically not felt. The perfect fit is ensured by dual-layer memory foam, which allows the headphones to fully adapt to the shape of the head. Thanks to this, the device does not put pressure on the scalp, providing maximum comfort even if the game is delayed. The Logitech G733 LIGHTSPEED delivers clear sound with 20-20,000Hz support, voice filters, and surround sound, and colorful backlighting gives you a stylish device. The model supports two customizable zones, allowing you to create unique lighting scenarios. The headset is connected to devices via a radio channel, which maintains a stable signal within a radius of 20 m.

Logitech G G733 LightSpeed ​​Headset

Features:

• ease of use
• build quality
• sound quality
• microphone quality
• appearance

HyperX Cloud Stinger Headset

​Photo: https://market.yandex.ru

HyperX Cloud Stinger is the ideal computer headset for gamers who appreciate lightness, comfort, convenience and excellent sound reproduction. The headset weighs only 280 grams and is therefore easy to use. Headphones turn 90° — perfect fit guaranteed. Its 50mm drivers direct sound directly to the ear; this makes the sound quality accurate and of the highest quality, which is suitable for gaming. Equipped with a stainless steel slider, convenient volume control in the ear cups and the ability to swivel the microphone to reduce noise make it easy to use. You can enjoy the same comfort and excellent sound quality on different computers as it is compatible with different platforms.

HyperX Cloud Stinger Headset

Features:

• ease of use
• build quality
• sound quality
• microphone quality
• appearance

Computer headset SVEN AP-U980MV

Photo: https://market.yandex.ru

The Sven AP-U980MV headset is an excellent gaming device. When they were created, 7.1 surround sound was implemented. It was possible to improve the quality of playback and get even more pleasure from use. Main color of Sven AP-U9 headphones80MV — black, it is combined with blue elements. Created dynamic lighting, it gives a spectacular design. The graceful appearance will please the owners. Fastening occurs with the help of a headband.

Computer headset SVEN AP-U980MV

Advantages:

• ease of use
• build quality
• sound quality
• microphone quality
• appearance

HyperX Cloud Alpha 9 Computer Headset0014

​Photo: https://market.yandex.ru

The HyperX Cloud Alpha wired headset in black will bring a gamut of new emotions to the gaming experience of any gamer — dual chamber speaker design, comfortable frame with soft cups, detachable noise-cancelling microphone and long cable with high-quality braid will allow you to enjoy the gameplay like never before. HyperX Cloud Alpha headphones are certified by Discord and Teamspeak, which means they are in perfect sync with popular gaming communication services. Headphone compatibility with most gaming platforms opens up a wide scope for their use.

HyperX Cloud Alpha Headset

Features:

• ease of use
• build quality
• sound quality
• microphone quality
• appearance

Computer Headset Bloody G530

Photo: https://market. yandex.ru

The A4 Bloody G530 gaming headset has a virtual 7.1 sound system. This will allow you to become a full-fledged participant in the action on the screen. Not a single sound escapes the gamer’s ears. The speakers are well suited not only for gaming, but also for listening to music. The sound in them is beautiful, voluminous and powerful. All thanks to the two-chamber sound processing. The microphone is omnidirectional and transmits the voice cleanly and clearly. So the team will understand the commander perfectly. The shape with hanging headband fits any head shape and does not put much pressure on the top of the head.

Computer headset Bloody G530

Advantages:

• ease of use
• build quality
• sound quality
• microphone quality
• appearance

Computer headset SVEN AP-G988MV

​Photo: https://market.yandex.ru

SVEN AP-G988MV headset is designed for professional gaming. A durable cable will help increase the life of the device. The closed acoustic type of performance will give surround sound, allowing you to minimize noise and concentrate on listening to music. The volume control will help in one movement to adjust the sound for your comfort. Sensitive 108dB speaker reduces noise when listening to music. The microphone mute function is a useful feature for gamers, which is sometimes needed in online games. The ability to connect via a 4PIN adapter helps to combine the headset with a large number of devices.

Computer headset SVEN AP-G988MV

Advantages:

• ease of use
• build quality
• sound quality
• microphone quality
• appearance

Computer headset SVEN AP-U989MV

​Photo: https://market.yandex.ru

The SVEN AP-U989MV headset has soft comfortable ear cushions that do not rub the skin and do not cause discomfort even when worn for a long time. Comfortable headband securely fixes the headphones, preventing them from falling. The presence of a microphone will allow you to communicate using your voice or enjoy online games. For convenient sound adjustment, a volume control is attached to the wire. The closed acoustic type of performance allows you to isolate noise and help a person concentrate on listening to music. The USB connector helps you connect your headset to almost any device. The sensitive microphone will help the interlocutor to hear you, even if you speak in a whisper.

Computer headset SVEN AP-U989MV

Advantages:

• ease of use
• build quality
• sound quality
• microphone quality
• appearance

SteelSeries Arctis 1 Computer Headset

Photo: https://market.yandex.ru

The STEELSERIES Arctis 1 gaming headset has a detachable bi-directional microphone that can be detached if necessary. Closed acoustic design minimizes ambient noise for an immersive listening experience. The speaker sensitivity of 100 dB allows you to make the sound clear and crisp. The soft ear cushions provide a secure fit to your ear, reducing discomfort and friction during prolonged wear. The ear pads are made of moisture-repellent AirWeave material that allows the skin to breathe. The headband made of steel increases the durability of the headset. Compatibility with PC, consoles and mobile devices makes the use of headphones universal.

SteelSeries Arctis 1 Headset

Features:

• ease of use
• build quality
• sound quality
• microphone quality
• appearance

Sennheiser GSP 300 computer headset

​Photo: https://market.yandex.ru

The Sennheiser GSP300 headphones are made in black and blue, are equipped with voluminous soft foam-filled ear cushions and are designed for use with a gaming PC. They provide the user with impressive long-term wearing comfort and a high level of external noise suppression. The microphone of this headset also received a noise reduction system, which increases the convenience of communicating with teammates in an online game. Sennheiser GSP300 gaming headphones are connected to a gaming PC or laptop via a two-meter speaker cable and two 3.5 jack plugs, which are used to separately connect headphones and a microphone located on the emitter housing. Headset emitters are designed for high-quality sound transmission in the frequency range of 15-26000 Hz.

Sennheiser GSP 300 computer headset

Advantages:

• usability
• build quality
• sound quality
• microphone quality
• appearance

Computer Headset Bloody G600i

​Photo: https://market.yandex.ru

The A4 Bloody G600i gaming headset will provide the user with maximum clarity and accuracy of sound. This is made possible by the addition of sound chambers to each earcup. For the accuracy of sound reproduction without distortion and the clarity of the bass, the membrane processed by the laser is responsible. Such technical parameters guarantee truly surround sound. For user comfort, the A4 Bloody G600i headset has voluminous and soft ear cushions. Features of the headphones include the possibility of folding them for storage or transportation. For communication during the game, a microphone that can rotate 360 ​​degrees and suppress noise is ideal.

Bloody G600i Headset

Features:

• ease of use
• build quality
• sound quality
• microphone quality
• appearance

This concludes our review of gaming headphones. We hope that the information provided, collected by our experts, was enough for you to purchase a good model. Enjoy the shopping!

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Cash to Win: Top 10 Esports Games by Prize fund

Cybersport from a rather marginal entertainment of the late 90s. of the last century has become a mainstream media product, attracting millions of viewers and popular in all countries of the world. An entire industry has emerged around esport competitions, as well as around traditional sports disciplines, including the sale of equipment (mice, headsets, rugs, video cards) and clothing, paraphernalia, advertising, broadcasts, etc. In 2020, the revenue of this market exceeded $1 billion ., and in 2023, according to the most modest forecasts, it will exceed $1.5 billion. However, viewers, as a rule, are not interested in the income of promoter companies and manufacturers of souvenir products, they are more interested in which of the players earns more. Well, let’s talk about the most profitable esport disciplines for players. So, the Top 10 esports games by prize pool, plus a small bonus for individual teams and players at the end of the article. All figures are given according to the Esports Earnings website.

13 The most successful e -sportsmen (all DOTA 2)

14 The most successful Ukrainians in e -sports, in brackets rating in the world

Prize fund $ 230. 8 million
The number of tournaments with prizes 1487
2013
Developer/Publisher Valve
Genre MOBA
Platforms Windows, Linux, macOS

and spawned a whole new game genre — Multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA). However, cyberarchaeologists trace MOBA roots to RTS Herzog Zwei (1989) for the Sega Genesis. Not the point. The first Dota became an esports discipline literally from the start, small tournaments were held in computer clubs back in 2004. But the real popularity of the game as an esport discipline in which you can earn good money came after Valve got down to business.

Dota 2 tournaments with big cash prizes started even before the game left beta status. Actually, the first public demonstration of Dota 2 was held at the very first The International tournament, August 17-21, 2011 at the Gamescom exhibition in Cologne, Germany. The very The International, which set new standards for prize money for esports, immediately taking the bar to $1. 6 million. If you still remember, the very first The International was won by Ukrainians from Natus Vincere.

Starting from 2013, the prize pool of The International, which began to attract spectators through the sale of battle passes, began to grow by leaps and bounds, every year easily surpassing the record of the previous one: $2.9 million (2013), $10.9 million (2014), $18.4 million (2015), $20.8 million (2016), $24.8 million (2017), $25.5 million (2018), $34.3 million (2019) . The International 2020 was canceled due to COVID-19, but its prize pool has already been formed — $40 million. In theory, this money will go towards the upcoming The International 2021, which should be held in Stockholm, Sweden, unless it is also canceled.

But The International is far from the only Dota 2 “monetary” tournament, there are also Dota2 Major Championships with prize pools of $1-3 million. In April 2017, the Major with prizes of $3 million was held in Kiev. Then there are the $1.5 million World Electronic Sports tournaments, the $1 million DreamLeague, ESL and MDL tournaments, and a host of smaller tournaments with just hundreds of thousands of dollars in funds. Up to small regional and city competitions for prizes of $10-15 thousand.

In total, all this gives an impressive amount of $231 million in prize money played over 10 years. It is not surprising that in the list of the richest esports players, the first ten places are occupied by doters. Okay, let’s be honest, there’s only one non-doter in the top 30 — Kyle «Bugha» Giersdorf, who plays Fortnite and is in 12th place with $3.1 million in prize money.

Immediately after the release, Valve was criticized for limiting the size of the prize pool of major CS: GO tournaments to $250 thousand against the backdrop of millions of prizes in Dota 2, so starting from MLG Major Championship: Columbus 2016, the amounts grew to $1 million and more. The largest Counter-Strike: Global Offensive tournaments are held by the same World Electronic Sports Games — $1.5 million, ELEAGUE — $1 million or more, StarLadder and others.

Unlike Dota 2, which is extremely popular in China, South Korea and other East Asian countries, the best teams, the strongest players and the most fans of Kontra are in Europe. However, the first CS:GO player in terms of the number of earned money, Dane Peter «dupreeh» Rasmussen, with a winnings of $ 1.9million takes only 34th place in the overall ranking.

The list of Top 100 eSports games also includes Counter-Strike 1.6 and Counter-Strike: Source with modest amounts compared to their «descendant» of $13.5 million (11th place) and $3.1 million (34 place), respectively.

An interesting feature of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is the largest virtual goods market within the Steam Marketplace, including goods directly related to esport events. The cost of a rare weapon skin or a sticker of your favorite team from a particular tournament can reach up to $1.5-2 thousand. 9gg. it was regularly talked about by all general political news channels, websites and even traditional paper media. Fortnite is more than just a game, it hosts multimedia and musical performances, announces films and clips, etc. We are not even talking about a variety of merchandise from the game.

The game is also successful in the eSports arena. In just three years and with an order of magnitude fewer tournaments, Fortnite managed to catch up with CS: GO in terms of prize pool and in the near future, it looks like it will overtake the old man, coming in second place. The first big tournament for this Battle Royale was already held in June 2018 as part of E3, and in May 2019Epic Games has announced that it plans to invest at least $100 million in esport within a year. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has made adjustments to the company’s plans, however, the size of the prize pool at Fortnite events is impressive.

The pinnacle of Epic Games esport activities was the Fortnite World Cup, which took place on July 26-28, 2019 in New York, with a prize pool of over $30 million, almost equally divided between solo and doubles competitions. The next championship planned for 2020 was canceled for obvious reasons. Other major Fortnite tournaments include the seasonal Fortnite Skirmish Series, Fortnite Champion Series, Royale with prizes ranging from $250,000 to almost $2 million. In 2020, the number of tournaments has significantly decreased due to the pandemic.

League of Legends is currently making a huge cash flow from cosmetics. $2.1 billion in 2017 (record), $1.75 billion in 2020. There is a kind of competition between Dota 2 and LoL in terms of the number of heroes and cosmetics for them. So far, LoL is winning — 140 champions versus 120 heroes in Dota 2. At the same time, Tencent / Riot Games work much better with additional media. LoL has a well-developed lore, the history of the world, characters, stories, comics, videos are published on the game. There is even a virtual pop group K / DA from the heroines of LoL, which releases very bright clips.

Starting in 2018, Riot Games set a course to diversify and develop the League of Legends universe, having managed to release the auto-battler Teamfight Tactics in LoL; mobile MOBA League of Legends: Wild Rift; collectible card game Legends of Runeterra, the events of which again take place in the world of LoL; competitor CS:GO Valorant. The tactical single-player RPG Ruined King: A League of Legends Story and three more unannounced projects are on the way.

As for the esport component, LoL tournaments with cash prizes were held as part of the World Cyber ​​Games (by the way, the legendary tournament was recently revived under the wing of the Korean gaming publisher Smilegate), Intel Extreme Masters and DreamHack. Since 2011, the League of Legends World Championship has been held, which was an esports tournament with the largest prize pool before the advent of The International. Now LoL World Championships with prizes of $5-6.45 million have rolled back to the tail of the Top 10, giving way to the top of the Dota 2 table. However, unlike Valve, Riot Games pays salaries to the best players in the world competing in the League of Legends Championship Series , instead of raising the prize level at the expense of the viewers.

Other major LoL competitions include Mid-Season Invitational ($1M-1.5M), LoL Pro League ($400K-500K), various regional leagues. In just 12 years, Riot Games spent more than $ 82 million.

Prize fund $ 34.7 million
The number of tournaments with prizes 6063
Developer/Developer/Developer/Developer/Developer/Developer/Publisher Genre real time strategy
Platforms Windows, macOS

The sequel to the classic StarCraft was originally aimed at the esports market, moreover, specifically at the South Korean esports market. After the release of StarCraft: Brood War in the late 90s. of the last century, this strategy became a real phenomenon in South Korea, it was played in all clubs without exception, there were special publications and TV channels devoted only to StarCraft. In the mid 2000s. StarCraft was the main esports discipline, and it was the “Old Man” who held the prize money records. So Blizzard Entertainment had high hopes for StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty.

Well, the publisher made the right decision. The game once again became wildly popular in South Korea, quickly poaching most of the leagues, players, and viewers of the original StarCraft. From 2012 to 2019, the main competitions were held under the auspices of the StarCraft II World Championship Series (the prize fund of the finals of recent years is $500-700 thousand), in 2020 it was replaced by the ESL Pro Tour StarCraft II tournaments.

However, StarCraft II never became truly global, the game is dominated by South Korean players. There are seventeen of them in the top twenty at once, however, the first place is occupied by the Finnish phenomenon Joona «Serral» Sotala, who became the world champion in 2018 and earned $ 9 in his career11 thousand (105th place in the overall ranking). And in the twentieth place of the list of the best players in StarCraft II, the most successful female player in the world is Sasha «Scarlett» Hostyn, a transgender eSportswoman from Canada, who is called the «Korean Kryptonite». The size of her prize money for 10 years of her career is $393,000. Its result is $8.4 million

Prize fund $26.7 million

However, this did not prevent Blizzard, together with partners, from holding Overwatch tournaments in the summer of 2016, just a couple of months after the game’s release. At the end of 2016, the publisher announced the creation of a division-based professional esports league, the Overwatch League (OWL), as a league of traditional sports in the United States. The first season of OWL took place in 2018, and now the main prizes are drawn in this format. The current OWL roster of 20 is based in the US, Canada, China, South Korea, France and the UK. Everything here is like in a traditional professional dispute: team lineups, home and away uniforms, round robins and playoffs. The prize fund of the playoffs of the last two years is $3-3.5 million, and the division championships also have their own prize fund.

In November 2019, Blizzard announced the development of Overwatch 2, which should be multiplayer compatible with the original game and allow gamers to compete against each other from different versions. How this will affect the Overwatch League device is still unknown. The sequel doesn’t have a release date yet.

Prize pool $25.6 million
Number of tournaments with prizes 323
Release year 2017
Developer/publisher PUBG Corporation
Genre Battle Royale
Platforms Windows, Android, iOS, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Stadia

And one more battle royale on the list is PUBG, which brought attention to this subgenre and spawned a wave of imitators, one of which is , Fortnite, even outran the original. And while the days of PUBG dominating the Steam chart with over 3.2 million people online are over, the game is still doing well, especially on mobile.

The first PUBG tournaments were started back when the game was in Early Access. Now the main tournaments in the game are the online PUBG Global Invitational.S, consisting of weekly series, taking place over a six-week cumulative total. The one who collected the most money wins. The prize fund is currently $2.4 million plus crowdfunding with the help of fans. Major offline tournaments from previous years: PUBG Global Championship 2019 ($4M), PUBG Global Invitational 2018 ($2M), National and Regional Leagues ($200K-500K).

The total figure shown in the header refers only to the PC and console versions of the game, mobile PUBG is considered separately and takes 14th place in the list with a prize pool of $11 million.

Number of tournaments with prizes 902
Release year 2014
Developer/publisher Blizzard Entertainment
Genre collectible card game
Platforms Windows, macOS, iOS, Android

The third Blizzard game and the only TCG on the list. Hearthstone has become an esports discipline rapidly. The first tournaments were held even when the game was in closed beta status. Since 2014, the Hearthstone World Championship has been held. The prize fund of the first championship was $250,000; at the 2020 tournament, of course, already online, $500,000 were up for grabs. In 2017 and 2018. the cash prize was even larger — $1 million. Other major tournaments include the Hearthstone Masters Tour and GrandMasters series with prize pools of $500,000 each. By the way, there are two Ukrainians in the Top 20 Hearthstone players in terms of prize money.

The progenitor of all MTG collectible card games, after the release of Magic: The Gathering Arena, is actively catching up with Hearthstone. Wizards of the Coast plans to give away $10 million in prize money each year, split equally between traditional paper and virtual competitions. However, the finals of major international tournaments are also held in electronic form. So it is more convenient for the players, and the judges, and the spectators. More than $6 million in prize money has already been awarded in 38 MTG Arena tournaments.

Arena of Valor hosts two major international tournaments — the Arena of Valor International Championship (AIC) and the Arena of Valor World Cup (AWC) with prize pools of $500,000. But the largest tournaments are exclusively Chinese. So, at the Honor of Kings World Champion Cup 2020 in Shanghai and Beijing, 32 million yuan (about $4.6 million) were played, at the Honor of Kings World Champion Cup 2019 in Shenzhen — $2.1 million, at the King Pro League Fall 2018 in Chengdu — $1.7 million, etc., more prizes than in many non-mobile games. Not surprisingly, there are 23 Chinese and 2 Taiwanese in the Top 25 players in Arena of Valor by prize money.

Early on, Blizzard invested a lot of money and effort into the esports side of Heroes of the Storm, hosting the Heroes Global Championship regional leagues and the Heroes of the Dorm collegiate championship. The prize fund of the largest tournaments reached $500,000 — $1 million, and BlizzCon competitions even more — $2 million. But in December 2018, the studio announced the termination of support for the esport direction, and since then, interest in the game has declined .

If in 2018 $6.5 million in prize money was raffled off in 13 tournaments, then in 2019- only $ 311 thousand at 15 competitions, but in 2020 — a measly $ 6,745 at 4 events. Thus passes the glory of the world.

However, Heroes of the Storm caught on to the last line of the Top 10 for a long time. Major tournaments in Counter-Strike 1.6, ranked 11th with $13.5 million, have not been held for a long time. And Rainbow Six Siege, with its $13.2 million (12th place), will take at least 1.5-2 years to catch up with Blizzard’s game.

In total, about $9 has been played in all esport disciplines today,613
7. The International 2014 (Dota 2) — $10,931,103
8. LoL 2018 World Championship (League of Legends) — $6,450,000
9. LoL 2016 World Championship (League of Legends) — $5,070,000
10. World Championship (2 League of Legends — $4,946,969

Most successful esports teams, main games in brackets

1. Team Liquid (Dota 2, CS:GO) – $36,360,675
2. OG (Dota 2) – $34,388,223
3. Evil Geniuses (Dota 2, CS:GO) – $24,350.698
4. Fnatic (CS:GO, Dota 2, LoL) – $16,014,225
5. Virtus.pro (Dota 2, CS:GO) – $15,532,174
6. Newbee (Dota 2) – $14,225,385
7. Vici Gaming (Dota 2) — $13,367,743
8. Natus Vincere (Dota 2, CS:GO) — $12,306,452
9. Team Secret (Dota 2) — $12,210,575
10. Invictus Gaming (Dota 2, LoL) — $11,762,005

Most successful esportsmen (all Dota 2)

1. Johan «N0tail» Sundstein (Denmark) — $6,974,737
2. Jesse «JerAx» Vainikka (Finland) — $6,470,548
3. Anatan «ana» Pham (Australia) — $6,000,411
4. Sebastian «Ceb» Debs (France) — $5,564,712
5. Topias «Topson» Taavitsainen (Finland) — $5,481,317
6. Kuro «KuroKy» Tahasomy (Germany) — $5,204,004
7. Amer «Miracle» Al-Barkawi (Jordan) — $4,806,941
8. Ivan «MinD_ContRoL» Ivanov (Bulgaria) — $4,588,016
9. Maroon «GH» Merhei (Lebanon) — $4,202,310
Urpalainen (Finland) — $3,771,369

The most successful Ukrainians in eSports, in parentheses world ranking

1. (50) Vladimir «Noone» Minenko (Dota 2) — $1,621,823
2. (56) Roman «Resolut1on» Fominok (Dota 2) — $1,462,970
3.