HeSuVi vs Valorant’s Built-in HRTF
Riot added HRTF audio straight into Valorant. Does a free external tool like HeSuVi still add anything? We tested the logic so you do not have to.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | HeSuVi | Valorant built-in HRTF |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $0 | $0 (in-game setting) |
| Setup | Equalizer APO + HeSuVi + 7.1 config | Settings → Audio → enable HRTF |
| Tuning | 150+ profiles, EQ, crossfeed | On/off (+ in-game volumes) |
| Game-specific tuning | Generic 7.1 virtualization | Tuned specifically for Valorant’s audio |
| Works in other games | Yes — any game | Valorant only |
| Anti-cheat risk | None (APO-level, no injection) | None (official feature) |
How Valorant’s HRTF Works
Valorant has a built-in HRTF toggle in its audio settings. It processes the game’s own positional audio for headphones with no extra software — and because Riot tunes it against their own sound engine, directional cues are well matched to the game.
Where HeSuVi Still Wins
Two places. First, EQ: HeSuVi (via AutoEq) can flatten your specific headset’s frequency response, which often matters more for hearing footsteps than the HRTF algorithm itself. Second, every other game: Valorant’s HRTF only works in Valorant, while HeSuVi covers CS2, Apex, Tarkov and everything else with one setup.
What Competitive Players Actually Do
Many competitive players run Valorant’s in-game HRTF plus a light EQ (from HeSuVi’s equalizer or Peace) — but not HeSuVi’s surround virtualization on top, which would double-process. If you enable HeSuVi’s 7.1 virtualization, turn Valorant’s HRTF off and set the game to 7.1/Surround output instead.
Final Verdict
For Valorant-only players, the built-in HRTF is the simplest good answer — it is free, official, and tuned for the game. HeSuVi earns its place if you also play other shooters, or if you want its EQ to correct your headset. Never run both HRTFs at once.
Ready to try the free option? Download HeSuVi and follow our setup guide. Curious about the tech? Browse the HRIR database.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use HeSuVi with Valorant?
Yes, but correctly: either use Valorant’s HRTF alone, or disable it and let HeSuVi handle 7.1 virtualization with the game set to Surround output. Do not stack both.
Is HeSuVi bannable in Valorant?
No. HeSuVi works at the Windows audio driver level and does not inject into the game, so Vanguard has nothing to flag.
Which gives better footsteps?
Footstep clarity depends more on your headset’s EQ than on the HRTF brand. Try HeSuVi’s AutoEq for your headset model first — it is often the bigger upgrade.