Updated Oct 28, 2024 at 08:43 am
By Stephen Eldon Kerr
overview 7 comments
Wireless technologies have greatly improved over time. Consequently, it's now possible to pick a great wireless gaming headset with low enough latency that you're not bothered by the delay when playing your favorite games. If you play multiplayer games, a nice-sounding microphone ensures your teammates and friends can hear you. Some are even Bluetooth-compatible, so you can mix in your music while playing or use the headset as day-to-day wireless headphones.
We've bought and tested over 815headphones, and below are our recommendations for the best wireless gaming headphones. If you're looking for headsets with a specific gaming system in mind, check out our recommendations for thebest PC gaming headsets, thebest Xbox One headsets, and thebest PS4 gaming headsets.
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Best Wireless Gaming Headset
Audeze Maxwell Wireless 130
Wireless Gaming
7.8
Type Over-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Yes
Transducer Planar Magnetic
Noise Cancelling No
Mic Yes
See all our test results
Console Compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
The best wireless gaming headphones we've tested arethe Audeze Maxwell Wireless. These feature-packed headphones come in different Xbox andPlayStation variants, so be sure to get the right version for your needs. Unlike most gaming headsets, including the other headphones listed here, they use planar magnetic drivers.These driversallowthem to produce a more extended bass, ensure low distortion, and create a more immersive soundstage than dynamic driver headphones.
They have a fairly neutral sound out of the box, and you can adjust them to your liking using their companion app's EQ presets. These Bluetooth-compatible headphones have low latency, so your game audio and video stay in sync. Their boom mic has a good overall performance, ensuringyou're heard clearly, even in noisy environments.Their planar magnetic design comes with a caveat: theymake the headphones heavier, and while they have a ski-band headband to help distribute their weight, they can still cause fatigue over time.
If you want a more comfortable headset, you might prefer the Astro A50 X Wireless. They're the successor to theAstro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019, and while they don't have thebenefit of planar magnetic drivers, they offer alighter,more comfortable design. Glasses won't cause an issue with the ear cup's seal, unlike the Audeze. They have excellent mic performanceand support HDMI 2.1 passthrough, which can help you get higher resolutions and framerates, assuming your TV or PC supports it. However, they don't support a wired connection and have a much shorter continuous battery life.
See our review
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Best Upper Mid-Range Gaming Headset
Logitech G PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED Wireless 76
Wireless Gaming
7.9
Type Over-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Yes
Transducer Dynamic
See AlsoBest gaming headsets in 2024: I'd bet my ears on these headphonesThe Best Gaming Headsets for 2024Best Gaming Headsets 2024Best Gaming Headsets in 2024: Wired and Wireless - IGNNoise Cancelling No
Mic Yes
See all our test results
Console Compatibility: PC, PlayStation
The Logitech G PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED Wireless is the best wireless headset for gaming in the upper mid-range that we've tested. Unlike the Audeze Maxwell Wireless, they weredesigned with PC gamers in mind. They can still connect wirelessly with PlayStation consoles, but they don't have any Xbox support. Still, they have low latency and nearly 100 hours of continuous battery life, so you don't have to recharge them every day.
These comfortable over-ears have a neutral default sound that you can adjust using their PC companion software's EQ and presets. You can also now save your EQ settings and use the same tuning with your PlayStation, which wasn't a feature available when this headset was initially released. If you like to game with friends, their boom mic offers an okay recording quality, but it shines in noisy environments. The mic can separate your voice from background noise so you're easily understood.
Unfortunately, unlike the Audeze, they can't connect with multiple devices using Bluetooth orthe wireless dongle,so you'll only receive audio from one device at a time. If you're looking for gaming headphones that are a little more console-friendly, try the Astro A30 Wireless. They come in console-specific variants and even support Bluetooth and non-Bluetooth simultaneously, allowing you to stay connected to your smartphone and console. However, they aren't as comfortable.
See our review
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Best Mid-Range Wireless Gaming Headset
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless [7, 7P, 7X] 9
Wireless Gaming
7.5
Type Over-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Yes
Transducer Dynamic
Noise Cancelling No
Mic Yes
See all our test results
Console Compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless is the best Bluetooth gaming headset in the mid-range that we've tested. The drop in price brings with it a worse build quality compared to the Logitech G PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED Wireless. However, thanks to their USB dongle, they have low latency, ensuring that your audio and visuals stay in sync during the heat of gameplay. They come in three console-specific variants; the 7X variant will give you the most versatility since it's wirelessly compatible with both Xbox and PlayStation consoles.
They even support Bluetooth, so you can connect them to yourPC and console at the same time, and they last for more than 33 hours of continuous use.Their mic offers good overall performance, and teammates can hear you clearly, even in noisy environments. Their bass-rich sound profile is also well-suited for action-packed gameplay as they deliver satisfying thump, punch, and warmth. While dialogue and instruments are veiled, you can customize their sound using their companion software's graphic EQ and presets.
Unfortunately, their soundstage isn't spacious or immersive since they're closed-back. However, this design can help block background noise like ambient chatter and reduce audio bleed. Check out the Razer Barracuda Wireless if you want a slightly cheaper option. They have a longer continuous battery life and more low bass, but their mid-range isn't as neutral,and their mic isn't as good.
See our review
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Best Budget Wireless Gaming Headset
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 (Gen 3) Wireless 2
Wireless Gaming
7.6
Type Over-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Yes
Transducer Dynamic
Noise Cancelling No
Mic Yes
See all our test results
Console Compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
If you want to spend less, the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 (Gen 3) Wireless is the best wireless gaming headset we've tested in the budget price range. These wallet-friendly headphones have a sleek design, although you can't detachthe mic for a more casual look.However, if that doesn't bother you, they have what you need for wireless gaming, thanks to their low latency via USB dongle and roughly 85 hours of continuous playback time. You can also connect them to other devices via Bluetooth. You can't hear audio via the dongle and Bluetooth connections at the same time as you can with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless, but pressing the QuickSwitch button on the headset toggles between the two connection types.The microphone performs very well—even if you're gaming in noisy environments, anyone on the other end of the line will hear you clearly. Plus, flipping up the mic mutes it, which is a nice touch.
These over-ears have a generally neutral sound out of the box, but it's not as well-balanced through the bass and mid-range as theSteelSeries. Still, while some might find the inflated high bass a touch muddy, it also makes sound effects feel more immersive. Either way, dialogue still sounds present and clear, and you can EQ these cans using their great companion app. Unlike the SteelSeries, you can't use the Turtle Beach wired, but with such a long battery life and the ability to output audio while charging, that's not a huge loss for most gamers. Just make sure to get the variant that goes with your gaming platform.
See our review
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Best Cheap Wireless Gaming Headset
Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED Wireless 4
Wireless Gaming
7.0
Type Over-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Yes
Transducer Dynamic
Noise Cancelling No
Mic Yes
See all our test results
Console Compatibility: PC, PlayStation
The Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED Wireless are the best cheap wireless gaming headset we've tested. They are relatively bare bones, lacking features our other best wireless gaming headset picks have,like presets and EQs, but they dohavelow latency, especially when connecting with PCsvia the USB dongle. Unsurprisingly, these headphones are not as well-builtas our more expensive budget pick, and they do run on the small side,so people with larger heads may find them uncomfortable.
However, theirlightweight design and memory foam padding mean that if they do fit you, they're comfortable enough to wear for long periods. While their 20-hour battery life can't match the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 (Gen 3) Wireless' 85 hours, they'll still get you through a couple of marathon sessions before needing a recharge. Their sound profile is relatively balanced across the midrange, so dialogue is clear and comprehensible, but they have a slightly bass-heavysound and reduced highs.This makes in-game effects boomy and immersive, but sibilants like S and T sounds are a little dull. Their mic is also okay, but they're not the best headphones to use in a noisy environment if you want to be understood by whoever you're talking to.
See our review
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Best Bluetooth Gaming Headset With ANC
Razer Barracuda Pro Wireless 16
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Wireless Gaming
7.6
Type Over-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Yes
Transducer Dynamic
Noise Cancelling Yes
Mic Yes
See all our test results
Console Compatibility: PC, PlayStation
If you game in noisy environments,the Razer Barracuda Pro Wireless is the best wireless headset with active noise cancelling (ANC). Unlike other picks on this list, these headphones have a hybrid casual/gaming design with features that offerthe best of both worlds. Thanks to their ANCfeature, they can block out a great amount of sound, like traffic from an open window and ambient chatter, so you can focus on the game. With their ANC on, they last over 34 hours continuously.
They have a wireless USB dongle that lets you game on PC and PlayStation consoles with fairly low latency, and they also support Bluetooth, so you can game on your Nintendo Switch or mobile device. Although they're not as well-built as the similarly priced Logitech G PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED Wireless, they fit more comfortably. They also have a neutral sound with a touch of extra bass to help emphasize sound effects in gameplay.
When connected to specific devices, you can access either their PC or smartphone app, and both offer a graphic EQ and presets to help you fine-tune their sound. For more customization, they support THX Spatial Audio, a virtual soundstage feature that can help immerse you in your audio. That said, they only have an integrated mic, and while it can capture your voice clearly, it has trouble separating speech from loud background noise, which might be annoying if you game in shared spaces or nearby open windows.
See our review
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Best Wireless Earbuds For Gaming
Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed True Wireless 10
Early Black Friday Deal: The Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed True Wireless has dropped in price by $30 at Amazon.com.
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Wireless Gaming
6.9
Type In-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Truly Wireless
Transducer Dynamic
Noise Cancelling Yes
Mic Yes
See all our test results
Console Compatibility: PC, PlayStation
The best wireless gaming earbuds we've tested are the Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed True Wireless.They havea wireless USB-C dongle for a low-latency gaming experience on PC,PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, and alsosupport Bluetooth for when you want to use them with your phone. These buds also work well for music listeningas theyhave a balanced sound profile out of the box, with a good amount of thump, boom, and sparkle. They also come with a 10-band EQ if you'd like to tailor the sound to your preferences.Thanks to theirdiminutive size, these are aportable and flexible pick if you don't want to invest in bothtrue wireless earbuds and a wireless headset.
On the other hand, because they fit in your ears, their soundstage is not wide or spacious, and their battery life of just over five hours can't compete with any of the other picks on this list on a single charge, although their case supplies fourextra charges. If you like the idea of multi-use gaming earbuds but would prefer a longer battery life, consider the ASUS ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova, which lasts about ten hours.In addition toan EQ for sound customization, these earbuds have a slightly lower latency and support multi-device pairing, so you can listen to music on your phone while gaming.
That said, the Razerhave superior combined ANC and isolation than the ASUS buds, so they better filter out environmental noise, and you can easily use them to talk with teammates because their microphone intelligibly captures your voice and suppresses background noise well. If you're tired of heavy headsets, live in a hot environment, or generally want to free your ears, these wireless earbuds can solve those issues, as long as you're not a marathon gamer. Check out the rest of our picks for the best earbuds for gaming.
See our review
Notable Mentions
- SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless [PC, PS, Xbox]: The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless are high-end gaming headphones with noise cancelling and come with a DAC that allows you to customize your settings on the fly. However, the Audeze Maxwell Wireless have a more neutral sound profile out of the box and a longer continuous battery life. See our review
- Turtle Beach Stealth Pro Wireless: The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro Wireless are high-end gaming headphones with a wireless dock station to recharge one of their two swappable battery packs, and they have ANC to help reduce background noise while gaming. However, unlike the Audeze Maxwell Wireless, the Turtle Beach headphones are wireless-only, and their sound profile isn't as flat or neutral. See our review
- HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless: The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless usually cost around the same priceas the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless, but they can be hard to find in stock online. They stand out from the pack due to their outstandingly long continuous battery life of over 300 hours, getting you through a whole tournament without needing a recharge. However, they lack extra bells and whistles, like ANC or Bluetooth support. See our review
- SteelSeries Arctis 7+ Wireless: The SteelSeries Arctis 7+ Wireless are very customizable headphones, thanks to their Sonar software support, which offers a parametric EQ and presets plus robust mic controls. However, their microphone performance isn't as good as the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless, and their default sound profile isn't as balanced. See our review
- Razer Kaira Pro Wireless:
The Razer Kaira Pro Wireless are gaming headphones that are available in either PlayStation or Xbox variants, the latter of which are more popular and support Xbox Wireless with low latency. Both models also support Bluetooth and you can hear audio via the dongle and Bluetooth connections simultaneously. However, their continuous battery life is shorter than that of the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 (Gen 3) Wireless, and their sound profile is more uneven.
See our review
Recent Updates
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Oct 28, 2024:
We added a console compatibility notice at the top of each pick to help gamers better identify the headset that best fits their needs. Besides that, we made only minor edits to the text for clarity.
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Aug 30, 2024: Our budget pick is now the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 (Gen 3) Wireless because they have a better microphone and longer battery life than theLogitech G535 LIGHTSPEED Wireless. We also removed the Xbox Wireless Headset from our Notable Mentions because they have a worse passive soundstage, frequency response consistency, and microphone noise handling than theTurtle Beach.
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Jun 27, 2024: We added the ASUS ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova as an alternative to our main pick for the wireless earbuds category. We also made some minor changes to the text to improve legibility.
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May 13, 2024: We've checked to ensure all our picks are accurate and in stock, but we've made only minor text edits.
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Apr 10, 2024: We added the Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed True Wireless as the 'Best Wireless Earbuds For Gaming' pick and made minor text edits throughout.
All Reviews
Our recommendations aboveare what we think are currently the bestgaming headsets with a wireless design to buy for most people in each price range. We factor in the price (cheaper headphones win over pricier ones if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no headphones that are difficult to findor almostout of stock everywhere).
If you would like to choose foryourself, here is the list of all our reviews for wireless headphones, ranked by their suitability for wireless gaming. Be careful not togetcaught up in the details. There are no perfectheadphones, and your personal taste, gaming preference, and playing style will matter more in your selection.