Introduction
In a game where a single footstep can determine life or death, choosing the right headset in Escape From Tarkov isn’t just a preference — it’s a tactic. Not all headsets are created equal. Some muffle too much. Others over-amplify every sound until your ears bleed. Whether you’re sneaking through Labs or flanking a squad in Reserve, your audio gear shapes how much intel you get and how well you react. Here’s a full breakdown of every headset in Tarkov, ranked from worst to best — with rouble efficiency in mind.
What Makes a Headset “Good” in Tarkov?
A good headset amplifies important sounds — like enemy footsteps, door swings, and reloads — while suppressing unhelpful noise such as wind, static, or distant environmental clutter.
The ideal balance varies by playstyle, but for most, clarity of footsteps and directional accuracy are top priorities. Budget also plays a role — you don’t always want to risk a 60k headset in a low-tier loot run.
Situational Use and Environment
Before you grab any headset, ask yourself: where am I going, and what’s my goal? Indoor-focused maps like Interchange or Labs benefit from aggressive footstep detection, while wider, open maps like Woods can make some headsets overwhelming.
You may also want to leave headsets behind if you expect high PvE or Scav gunfire chaos, where sound clutter could distract rather than inform.
Complete Headset Tier List
Here’s how every headset currently in the game ranks, based on sound clarity, footstep detection, ambient noise suppression, and price-to-performance ratio.
Best Tarkov Headsets Ranked
| Headset | Tier | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Sordin | S | Crisp footsteps, low background clutter |
| ComTac2 | A | Clear audio, widely available |
| GSSh-01 | B | Loud but lacks clarity, great budget option |
| Razors | A | Excellent range, slightly loud |
| TC-2002 | C | Muffled sounds, rarely worth the cost |
Price vs Performance: Are Expensive Headsets Worth It?
Sordins and Razors often cost more, but the payoff in clarity is real. You’ll detect distant movement faster and react sooner. Still, if you’re doing budget runs or Scav raids, grabbing a cheap GSSh or skipping a headset entirely might be the smarter move.
For high-tier PvP or competitive play, investing in an elite headset is one of the best choices you can make — the sound difference is immediate.
Conclusion
In Tarkov, your ears are just as important as your aim. The right headset gives you an edge before the bullets even fly. Choose based on the map, your playstyle, and your budget — but don’t sleep on the power of sound.
Sometimes, hearing that one footstep before anyone else is the only advantage you’ll need to win the fight.