Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
- RELATED:
- Best Wireless Gaming Headsets
- Best Gaming Chairs
- Best Gaming Keyboards
- Best Gaming Mice
Best Wireless Headset Overall
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
4.5 Outstanding
- Full, clear audio
- Good microphone
- Strong noise cancellation
- Clever base station with hot-swappable batteries and two USB ports
- Powerful software with extensive audio adjustments and effective simulated surround
- Audio profile requires some tweaking with EQ to get the best experience
- No optical audio input for the base
This is the best, most flexible wireless gaming headset available, and the only one with swappable batteries. The Arctis Pro Wireless features a desktop wireless transmitter with a handy control knob, two USB-C ports for connecting to your computer and the compatible console (PlayStation, Xbox) at the same time, and a charging slot for the included second battery. It also sounds good, feels good, and has surprisingly effective active noise cancellation.
Gamers with deep pockets. If you're willing to spend a fair amount on a wireless headset, this is the one for you. It's expensive, but its features and quality justify the high price.
Type Gaming, Circumaural (over-ear)
Wireless
True Wireless
Connection Type USB, Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm
Water/Sweat-Resistant
Active Noise Cancellation
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SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Review
Best Affordable Wired Headset
Razer Blackshark V2
4.5 Outstanding
- Strong audio performance
- Excellent microphone
- USB sound card included with THX Spatial Audio through software
- Light, comfortable fit
- Cable is hardwired to the headset
If you want to spend $100 or less on a gaming headset, you're probably going to settle for stereo audio, or rely on separate surround processing. Fortunately, the Razer Blackshark V2 offers spatial audio through its bundled USB sound card and audio software, all in one affordable, wired package.
The V2 is an analog headset that connects to a 3.5mm jack just like the Astro Gaming A10, but it's meant to be plugged into the included USB audio adapter that provides surround sound audio processing. The card also automatically enables the THX Spatial Audio app through Razer's Synapse software platform, offering surprisingly strong directional imaging thanks to clever mixing between the drivers.
As an added benefit, the sound card enables audio tweaks through Razer Synapse that aren't available on headsets connected only through a 3.5mm cable. It enables many headphone and microphone audio tweaks, so you can get the best sound in both directions. That said, the V2 sounds excellent out of the box.
Most of the V2's features are enabled through the USB sound card and Razer's Synapse software, so this headset is mainly for PC gamers looking for an excellent wired experience for under $100. The spatial audio works really well, and the different customization options for sound performance are welcome. And, since the USB card is separate from the headset, you can still use the headset on its own with any other gaming device with a 3.5mm headset jack.
Type Circumaural (over-ear)
Wireless
True Wireless
Connection Type Stereo 3.5mm, USB
Water/Sweat-Resistant
Active Noise Cancellation
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Razer Blackshark V2 Review
Lowest-Price Wired Headset
Astro Gaming A10 (Gen 2)
4.5 Outstanding
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Well-padded earcups
- Strong audio performance
- Good microphone
- Affordable
- Boom mic isn't replaceable or swappable
Most gaming headsets are digital in some way, connecting either wired over USB or wirelessly over Bluetooth or a separate USB transmitter. However, this doesn't mean that there isn't plenty of room for an analog gaming headset. As long as you have a headset jack (or separate headphone and microphone jacks), you can use a simple wired headset. As long as it sounds good and feels comfortable, that's really all you need.
The second-generation Astro Gaming A10 is the follow-up to Astro Gaming's long-running wired headset, and this model is superior both in build and audio quality. It sounds excellent, with a clear boom microphone and nicely padded, fabric-covered earcups that you can comfortably wear for long periods of time.
The A10 is also the least expensive headset in this list. You can find other wired headsets for less than $60, but this one simply offers the best experience for the price.
The A10 is best for gamers who can push a bit past the $50 mark to get excellent quality. As an analog wired headset, it's compatible with every gaming platform available besides smartphones that lack headphone jacks. It works with PCs, the Nintendo Switch in handheld mode, and the current- and last-generation PlayStation and Xbox consoles through the headset jacks in their controllers. It's an ideal entry-level headset.
Type Circumaural (over-ear)
Wireless
True Wireless
Connection Type Stereo 3.5mm
Water/Sweat-Resistant
Active Noise Cancellation
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Astro Gaming A10 (Gen 2) Review
Best Affordable Wireless Headset
Razer Barracuda X (2022)
4.5 Outstanding
- Strong audio performance
- Clear mic quality
- Comfortable fit
- Plenty of connectivity options with Bluetooth, USB-C transmitter, and 3.5mm
- 7.1-channel simulated surround sound isn't the most accurate
- Doesn't come with a carrying bag or case
The Razer Barracuda X isn't the fanciest or most luxurious-feeling gaming headset, but it's one of the most inexpensive and flexible in terms of delivering high-quality audio. The 2022 model uses a nearly identical USB-C transmitter to its predecessor that lets it work with any PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, or Android phone with a USB-C port (Xbox isn't supported), and has the same 3.5mm wireless connectivity. Razer added a big feature to this version, though: Bluetooth connectivity. You can pair it with your phone (or Nintendo Switch, since Nintendo added Bluetooth audio) and listen to music without the transmitter, making it work as a standalone pair of wireless headphones.
All of that flexibility doesn't matter if it feels or sounds bad, and fortunately the Barracuda X punches above its weight class in those categories. It's light and comfortable, with excellent audio performance and a clear, detachable mic. The new headset adds 7.1-channel simulated surround sound for PC use, but it isn't quite as accurate as the THX Spatial Audio found in higher-end Razer headsets. That said, it's a nice upgrade over the stereo-only first Barracuda X.
Much like how the Astro Gaming A10 is the best budget choice for gamers looking for any kind of headset, the Barracuda X is the best budget choice for gamers looking for a wireless headset. At least, for PC, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation gamers. The USB-C transmitter provides low-latency, high-quality wireless sound when connected to those devices, and the Bluetooth addition makes it even more useful on the go. It also offers generally strong audio performance for just under $100, making it a strong catch-all wireless headset for everyone except Xbox gamers.
Type Circumaural (over-ear), Gaming
Wireless
True Wireless
Connection Type Bluetooth, USB-C, Stereo 3.5mm
Water/Sweat-Resistant
Active Noise Cancellation
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Razer Barracuda X (2022) Review
Best for Audiophiles
Audeze Penrose
4.0 Excellent
- Rich audio quality
- Comfortable fit
- Bluetooth and wired connection options
- Easy to use
- No spatial audio or simulated surround processing
Audeze is best known for high-end headphones that use planar magnetic drivers, a different audio technology from the cone and dome drivers used by most headphones and headsets. Planar magnetic drivers deliver delicious sound, but they're also generally more expensive than conventional drivers, which is why you rarely see them outside of some audiophiles' collections. The Audeze Penrose is one of the few gaming headsets that uses those drivers, and it sounds fantastic.
With the Penrose, you'll enjoy game music that sounds like what the producer and mixing engineer intended. The headset's performance will please audiophiles with its richness, detail, and balance that most other gaming headsets simply lack.
It's a wireless gaming headset with a USB transmitter, designed for use with PC, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4/5 (there's a Penrose X version with an Xbox-friendly transmitter, if you game on Microsoft consoles). It has Bluetooth connectivity, as well as a 3.5mm wired connection option.
$300 is expensive for a gaming headset, but on the low end for audiophile-worthy gear. In fact, it isn't even the most expensive gaming headset Audeze offers; the LCD-GX sounds utterly amazing, but also costs $900, and we'd have a hard time recommending a headset that costs twice as much as the console it'll be connected to. As it is, the Penrose is one of the best-sounding gaming headsets in this price range, particularly if you prefer an audiophile-pleasing balance rather than boosted lows and highs.
Type Gaming
Wireless
True Wireless
Connection Type USB, Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm
Water/Sweat-Resistant
Active Noise Cancellation
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Audeze Penrose Review
Best Sub-$200 Wireless Headset
Razer Blackshark V2 Pro
4.0 Excellent
- Crisp, clean sound
- Excellent microphone
- 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity
- Long battery life
- Lacks wired connection options
- Could use more powerful bass
The Blackshark V2 Pro is the Blackshark V2, but without cables and with a significantly increased price. Despite the doubled cost, we still recommend it, which says a lot about the headset's overall quality. It's comfortable, well-made, sounds excellent, and has a crystal-clear mic.
Anyone who wants great audio without cables should consider the Blackshark V2 Pro. It offers premium sound in a solid design without costing more than $200.
Type Circumaural (over-ear)
Wireless
True Wireless
Connection Type USB, Bluetooth
Water/Sweat-Resistant
Active Noise Cancellation
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Razer Blackshark V2 Pro Review
Best High-End Wired Headset
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
4.0 Excellent
- Full, clear audio
- Good microphone
- Slim, useful GameDAC
- Powerful software with extensive audio adjustments
- Effective simulated surround sound
- Suspension strap prevents unsightly hair imprints
- Supports Hi-Res Audio
- Relatively expensive for a wired headset
- Foam earcups get uncomfortable in warm enviroments
- Some slight audio distortion on the high end
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is simply one of the most powerful and feature-filled wired gaming headsets available. It feels luxurious, sounds excellent, and its PC software has strong spatial audio and many granular adjustments for anyone who wants to dive into them. It also works with every major game console (you must choose between PlayStation and Xbox versions, though; there's no model that works with both) along with PCs, and can even connect to two devices over USB-C at once. It's also one of the few gaming headsets that supports high-res audio, so if you're an audiophile who uses a top-tier streaming music platform, you can fully enjoy the tunes.
Serious desktop gamers and audiophiles will love the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro if they don't mind spending the money. It feels and sounds fantastic and is loaded with features.
Type Gaming
Wireless
True Wireless
Connection Type Stereo 3.5mm, USB
Water/Sweat-Resistant
Active Noise Cancellation
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SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Review
Best Open-Back Gaming Headset
Turtle Beach Atlas Air
4.0 Excellent
- Well-balanced, detailed audio
- Open back gives a good sense of space
- Clear microphone
- Long battery life
- Lacks noise isolation
- Relatively weak bass
Almost all gaming headsets are closed-back headphones, which means their sealed earcups makes air flow in and out of the part that faces your ear. This is great for blocking outside noise, but it isn't always the most accurate for high-end sound. Many audiophiles prefer open-back headphones like the Turtle Beach Atlas Air because they offer a much more natural sound (minus noise cancellation). The Atlas Air also has a good sense of space, a good microphone, and Bluetooth connectivity.
If you want a balanced, accurate sound that feels open and natural, check out the Atlas Air. Just be aware that you'll hear every noise around you.
Type Gaming, Circumaural (over-ear)
Wireless
True Wireless
Connection Type USB, Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm
Water/Sweat-Resistant
Active Noise Cancellation
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Turtle Beach Atlas Air Review
Best HDMI-Switching Headset
Logitech G Astro A50 X
4.0 Excellent
- Base station simultaneously connects to PC, PlayStation, and Xbox
- Excellent sound quality and microphone
- Includes Dolby Atmos for Headphones on PC and Xbox
- Serves as an HDMI switch between PlayStation and Xbox
- Expensive
- Convoluted setup for the HDMI and USB combination connection
The latest version of Astro's (now Logitech G Astro's) top-of-the-line A50 wireless gaming headset works with the PlayStation and Xbox consoles without requiring separate versions. It accomplishes this with a unique base station that serves as an HDMI switch, flipping between two HDMI sources (both game consoles or one console and a PC).
If you game on a PS5 and Xbox Series X more than on a PC, this is your ideal headset. Logitech's workaround to support both consoles at once is a bit awkward, but there simply aren't many ways to elegantly provide full audio features on both Sony and Microsoft systems through one headset.
Type Gaming, Circumaural (over-ear)
Wireless
True Wireless
Connection Type USB-C, HDMI
Water/Sweat-Resistant
Active Noise Cancellation
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Logitech G Astro A50 X Review
Best for Cosplayers
Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Pro
4.0 Excellent
- Powerful, balanced sound
- Excellent microphone
- Fun, swappable light-up ears
- Cosplay Mode lets you power the ear lights using a USB power bank
- Features 7.1-channel surround sound instead of spatial audio
- USB-only, with a permanently attached cable
- Expensive
The Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Pro is a fun headset that combines gamer-friendly RGB lighting with cute animal ears. It has cat, bear, and bunny ears you can mix and match, and they all have programmable RGB lighting to go with the earcups. The headset delivers strong sound and has a clear microphone for chatting with friends.
This is for streamers and cosplayers (thanks to a cosplay mode that lets you run the lights with a USB battery pack) who want both anime style and excellent audio. Obviously, you probably won't be interested if you aren't into the look.
Type Circumaural (over-ear), Gaming
Wireless
True Wireless
Connection Type USB
Water/Sweat-Resistant
Active Noise Cancellation
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Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Pro Review
Buying Guide: The Best Gaming Headsets for 2024
Wired vs. Wireless Gaming Headsets
Headsets can be wired or wireless, with wireless models costing more money. More importantly, each gaming headset supports different console, handheld, and PC connections. You can use Bluetooth with a wireless headset to connect to a PlayStation 5 Pro, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, last-gen consoles, most mobile devices, and some computers (the original Xbox One lacks Bluetooth support, though). Other systems require a different wireless connection, often with a separate base plugged into your console or computer.
Bluetooth has made great strides in the last few years, but proprietary wireless connections generally offer better audio quality, faster response, and a stronger signal. Proprietary wireless connections are typically designed for only one console or one console and a PC; for most wireless gaming headsets, you must choose between Xbox and PlayStation models.
If you game on the PlayStation 4/5, the Nintendo Switch, newer Xbox models, or most handheld gaming devices, you can just plug a 3.5mm headphone jack into the controller or system and start playing. The Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One all work similarly, but if you have an older (pre-2016) Xbox One gamepad, you might need Microsoft's Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter to use a wired headset. Most headsets on this list can connect to your preferred system one way or another.
If you want to use your headset with even older systems, like the PS3 and Xbox 360, you must see if the headset supports those console's unique connections, or if adapters are available. PCs are the most flexible with gaming headsets, since they can work with USB headsets (which are generally only compatible with PCs), 3.5mm analog connections (though you might need a splitter adapter if your headset ends in just one plug), and often optical audio.
For more, see our picks for the Best Wireless Gaming Headsets.
Do You Need Surround Sound for a Gaming Headset?
Most high-end gaming headsets claim to offer some form of surround sound, but this isn't technically accurate. Gaming headsets use stereo drivers (one for each ear) to produce sound, and they can't create true surround sound acoustics like multiple speakers distributed around a room. The gaming surround aspect comes from Dolby, DTS, and/or THX processing technologies that tweak how the headsets mix sound between your ears to give an impression of 360-degree audio. This processing has gotten quite good, however, and can provide a strong sense of directionality. If a headset doesn't offer this processing out of the box, the PlayStation 5 produces it with any connected headset anyway, and you can get Dolby Atmos or THX Spatial Audio on your PC or Xbox with paid apps.
THX Spatial Audio (Razer)
The Best Gaming Headset for Consoles
Most high-end headsets come in distinct, console-specific versions. If a headset is marketed primarily for PC, it may work with a console via USB. However, the headset may not support all features. Of course, any headset with a 3.5mm wired connection can work with either console through the headset jack on the controller; it's the USB compatibility that can throw off different versions. Check the packaging and product page to make sure the headset you want is compatible with your gaming platform.
There are a few console-specific headsets and variations you can consider, like the Xbox Wireless Headset, which offers strong performance. Still, you generally won't find a "best" headset unique to a console; the top models usually have multiple, system-specific versions.
The Best Microphones for Gaming
In terms of headset microphones, we've been consistently impressed by the mics Razer puts in its headsets, along with the mics on Logitech, and SteelSeries' flagship headsets. These models can get pretty pricey, but they feature excellent voice clarity.
Recommended by Our Editors
How to Get the Best Surround Sound for Gaming
The Best PlayStation 5 Gaming Headsets
The Best Headsets and Headphones for Your Home Office
(Credit: Antlion Audio)
You can also consider the Antlion Audio ModMic (pictured above). It's a boom mic that easily attaches to your favorite pair of headphones, and can be removed when not in use thanks to a two-piece magnetic mount. ModMic lacks the gaming-specific features associated with dedicated gaming headsets, but it lets you use your beloved old cans for voice chat. Just make sure you have the right connection or adapter to use it with your preferred game platform.
If you're really serious about streaming or other gaming commentary, you might want to forego the boom mic entirely and get a dedicated USB microphone. Decent USB mics can be found for around $50 to $150, and they offer far clearer, richer, more natural audio than any boom mic. They're trickier to properly set up to get good sound, though; you need to be mindful of microphone position and where you are relative to it.
If you prefer single-player games and live alone, you don't need a headset at all. You can use speakers to enjoy the room-filling atmosphere, and shout into the inexpensive and mediocre monoaural headsets bundled with many consoles.
The next time you're in a deathmatch, raid, or capture mission, make sure you're barking into the boom mic of a good headset. To find the right one, check out our recommendations here, then take a look at 5 Easy Tips to Extend the Life of Your Headphones.
