Have you ever wondered which headset holds the best value or performance in Tarkov? I used the audio testing in this and the avg 24 hr price on flea to make a table comparing all the headsets. I am in no way affiliated with the video creator, mods, credit goes to GodKingGamingTTV.
The walking and sprinting range tested the distance that sounds were first picked up by each headset by walking or sprinting PMCs.
The vertical walking and sprinting sounds were measured by decibel levels of a PMC running above the player, then the headsets are given an excellent, pass, or fail rating based on decibels.
Disclaimer: this comparison assumes the player is completely still and minimizing background noise, so it might not accurately represent what your raid might be like since you'll create a lot of noise yourself. But it's the closest thing we've got to objective data.
Table:
| Headsets | Avg price on flea (roubles) | Walking range (m) | Sprint range (m) | Vertical walking sound | Vertical sprinting sound |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GSSH | 14,935 | 36 | 52 | Excellent | Excellent |
| M32 | 24,698 | 36 | 59 | Excellent | Excellent |
| Comtac | 36,658 | 37 | 56 | Fail | Pass |
| Tactical Sport | 26,893 | 36 | 52 | Fail | Fail |
| Sordin | 38,360 | 38 | 55 | Pass | Pass |
| Razor | 30,400 | 38 | 55 | Fail | Pass |
| Xcel | 40,269 | 40 | 54 | Fail | Fail |
| Comtac 4* | 102,260 | 41 | 60 | Pass | Pass |
| RAC* | 31,187 | 41 | 55 | Pass | Pass |
Healing sounds from 15 m and suppressed 5.45 firing from 75 m were identical between headsets.
*Comtac 4 and RAC significantly reduced ambient noise, allowing for further audio ranges.
Results:
Best value: the M32. It has the 2nd highest sprint detection range, excellent vertical sound detection, and is the 2nd cheapest headset in the game, with its only downside being a 2-4 m lower walking range. It also has that nice thumping tone to it. The catch with the RAC is it can only be used with Fast MT helmets, but it deserves an honorable mention for best value considering its noise canceling performance.
Best performance: the Comtac 4 outperforms all the other headsets except for with vertical sound detection. Its noise cancellation is its main advantage and why it's so expensive. Personally, the 102k price doesn't justify using it over the M32 for me, but if you can afford it, it's the best choice. The M32 comes in at a close 2nd with better vertical audio and almost the same sprint detection range as the Comtac 4.
Worst value: the TacSport is the worst performing headset in the game, even worse than the GSSH, yet it costs 27k. Why buy a TacSport when the GSSH and M32 exist? Seems unbalanced, could use a buff. The Xcel also has bad value considering it's 40k and its only redeeming quality is a large walking detection range. Use it if you want good rat detection range, but it's only a 2-4 m advantage over the other headsets vs the 5 m disadvantage to sprint detection of M32. The Comtac 4 is on paper the worst value headset in the game, but the confidence knowing you'd hear everyone before they hear you might be worth that 100k.
Other notes: The Comtac, Sordin, and Razor performed nearly identically, so it's more of a matter of preference between the sound qualities. The M32 outperforms them in sprinting and vertical detection, but not walking detection.
TL;DR: Best value – M32, RAC. Best performance – Comtac 4. Worst value – TacSport, Xcel.
