Whether you enjoy multiplayer or solo games, a gaming headset is a must-have for anyone who’s serious about video games. Gaming headsets often feature an over-the-ear design, with an easy-to-mute mic so players can mute themselves quickly without removing their hand from the controller for too long. These headsets allow for in-game communication with fellow players, and provide clear, high-definition audio in a set that’s comfortable to wear for long sessions. You can also find wireless gaming headsets, which allow you to get up and walk around while you play.
While a regular headset is designed primarily for calls and meetings, a gaming headset focuses on in-game audio, connectivity, and easy-to-access controls in addition to voice quality. Whatever your platform or specific communication needs, we’ve rounded up the best gaming headsets currently available.
Razer has long been a leader among manufacturers of gaming peripherals, and the brand is widely known for producing striking and premium quality products. There’s an undoubtedly strong dose of cool factor to be found in the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro gaming headset, as it offers a clean design and a high-quality, well-rounded listening experience with crisp and clear communication.
Best Overall
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro
Top-notch audio
Comfortable
High-quality microphone
Somewhat steep price tag
To achieve maximum sound performance, the headset uses titanium 50mm drives each split into three separate parts for precise tuning for low, high, and mid-tones. Additionally, this headset features 7.1 surround sound by THX, creating an immersive soundscape that is a boon for competitive gaming and a joy for audiophiles.
The Blackshark V2 Pro is also exceptionally comfortable, with gel-infused cushions that reduce heat and pressure on your ears. The microphone is detachable and offers customizable tuning via Razer’s Synapse 3 software. Though it’s somewhat steeply priced, the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro easily wins its place as the best gaming headset.
If you’re someone who plays games on a PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Mac, you probably want a headset that will work with all of your devices. The wired HyperX Cloud II is one of the best options for multi-platform gamers, and one of the best headsets out there in general. It offers great build quality, with an aluminum frame and solid earcups that are durable and comfortable.
Best Multi-Platform
HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset
Attractive design
Robust build quality
Extensive compatibility
Cable isn’t detachable
The HyperX Cloud II has 53mm drivers, along with a detachable noise cancelling condenser mic. If you want surround sound, there’s an in-line control box that provides virtual 7.1 surround sound, though this effect is kind of underwhelming. The cable is permanently connected to the Cloud II, so if the cable fails, it would be the end of the headset. Overall though, the HyperX Cloud II is a killer headset that offers wide compatibility.
If you want decent sound quality on a very tight budget, the Turtle Beach Ear Force Recon 50S is a good compromise. With a price tag that’s less than a pizza dinner, it offers a compelling mix of high-quality sound, a solid microphone, and wide compatibility.
Best Budget
Turtle Beach Ear Force Recon 50X
Solid overall sound
Decent mic
Flimsy build quality
Uncomfortable for glasses wearers
The headset works with most systems, including Xbox One, PC, PS4, and any other system with a 3.5mm audio jack. The main downsides are that it’s not a comfortable headset for people with glasses, and its construction is somewhat flimsy. This is a bargain model, so you’ll need to treat it with care to avoid damage.
The Turtle Beach Ear Force Recon XO One is a big upgrade from the Recon 50S, yet it’s still a headset that offers good value for money. The Recon XO is specifically designed for the Xbox One to provide high-quality audio for gaming enthusiasts. Lightweight with a comfortable fit, it delivers a high-end audio experience for movies, music, and games via 50mm drivers. The adjustable and removable microphone is notable for its quality, making it easier for your team to clearly understand you. There’s also an audio controller to adjust sound options for different situations.
Best for Xbox One
Turtle Beach Ear Force Recon XO One
Comfortable
Inexpensive
Solid mic
Surround could be better
The surround sound is less than spectacular, but overall, this is easily the best pick for Xbox One gamers. The headset is also compatible with any other device with a 3.5mm port, so you can easily switch it between your PC and Xbox console.
“Compatibility is key with gaming headsets, not every headset is going to pair with every device. Always read the fine print on your headsets compatibility before committing.” — Ajay Kumar, Tech Commerce Editor
The Corsair HS75 XB Wireless is an ideal match for the Xbox Series X, as the black and silver coloring and mesh on the earcups look awesome with your next-gen system. The officially-licensed headset connects directly to the Xbox without an adapter or dongle, and promises to reduce latency compared to other headsets.
Best for Xbox Series X
Corsair HS75 XB Wireless
Modern design
Dolby Atmos sound
Comfortable to wear
High price
The audio is exceptional, as the set boasts Dolby Atmos technology. The lows bang like they should, and surround sound helps you to identify threats by allowing your ears to help your eyes. The detachable microphone allows for clear speech, and the earcups are comfortable too.
The battery life is decent at around 20 hours, and the range of around 30 feet is long enough for you to walk around your room. The price is a bit on the high end, but overall, this headset feels well constructed and performs consistently and reliably.
SteelSeries is known for its high-quality gaming products, and the Arctis Pro is no exception. This headset is compatible with both PC and consoles (though you’ll need the Xbox app to use it with the Xbox One X), and it delivers a great listening experience thanks to dual-driver speakers with a wide frequency range of 10 to 40,000 Hz. Virtual surround sound creates an immersive audio environment, and the bidirectional retractable microphone does a good job of isolating your voice and reducing background noise.
Best Wireless
Steelseries Arctis Pro Wireless Gaming Headset
Dual wireless connection
Console and PC compatible
Durable frame
Headband may be uncomfortable for some
Wireless communication is accomplished either via 2.4Ghz wireless communication with the base station or via Bluetooth. This, along with a beautiful minimalist design, means the Arctis Pro isn’t just for gamers, but it’s also a compelling option for anyone who needs high-quality wireless audio. It does come with a high price, so you’d expect the headset to be more comfortable. But considering the sheer quality and versatility of the Arctis Pro, it’s easy to recommend.
The Logitech G Pro X headset is built with DTS Headphone X 2.0 7.1 channel virtual surround sound to help you pinpoint audio cues such as gunshots and enemy footsteps. It is built with Blue Voice technology for the boom and in-line microphones. The Blue Voice software gives you the ability to add a noise reducer, compressor, or limiter to your game and chat audio for superior audio quality.
Best Sound Quality
Logitech G Pro X
On-board memory for EQ settings
Pro-grade microphone
Noise isolating
May be uncomfortable for those with larger heads
The USB external sound card gives you plenty of control over your equalizer settings, and the on-board memory lets you store a five-band EQ setting for quick game startup. The frame is made of steel and aluminum for lightweight durability. The headset comes with noise-isolating memory foam earcups with either faux leather or breathable velour for extra comfort. It also comes packaged with a travel bag to protect your headset from damage.
JBL’s logo is a trusted mark of quality, and the JBL Quantum One sits above other gaming headsets as an object of desire for audiophile gamers. The 50mm neodymium drivers deliver high definition audio from 20Hz to 40KHz. Using JBL’s QuantumSPHERE 360 technology, it works with an integrated head tracking sensor to deliver near-perfect audio positioning and an immersive soundscape. Audio is further improved by the inclusion of DTS Headphone X: 2.0.
Best Splurge
JBL Quantum One
- 3D head tracking
- Incredible audio quality
- Active noise cancelling
The Quantum One also includes active noise canceling, customizable RGB lighting, and, of course, a high-quality detachable mic. This headset is compatible with a wide range of systems such as Xbox, Playstation, PC, and more. Its premium build quality, coupled with excellent comfort for long gaming sessions, make this headset a desirable option.
If you’re looking for a headset to pair with your PS4, the Sony PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset is the obvious pick. It’s completely wireless, which is important for living room gaming on a console, as you can get up and walk around without being tethered to your Playstation. It supports 7.1 virtual surround sound, so the audio quality is impressive too.
Best for PS4
PlayStation Gold Wireless Stereo
Excellent speakers and mic
Compatible with Playstation VR
Low price for a wireless headset
A bit on the small side
Ideal for virtual reality enthusiasts, it was designed specifically to work with Playstation VR goggles to provide an immersive VR experience. The noise-canceling microphone helps you communicate with allies, but does not protrude from the headset’s exterior.
Perhaps most importantly, the Gold Wireless Headset is a bargain wireless headset. It’s also compatible with other devices, so you can also use it wirelessly with your PC or any device with a 3.5mm audio jack.
The Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset has the advantage of being designed from the ground up with the PS5 specifically in mind, which has definitely paid off. The Pulse 3D has some features you don’t typically see in other headsets. The dual hidden microphones do a good job of picking up your voice while blocking out background noise, and the fact that they are hidden allows the headset to maintain a clean and modern aesthetic. Speaking of looks, this set fits perfectly with the PS5 ecosystem’s white and black aesthetic.
Best for PS5
Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset
Fits the PS5 aesthetic
3D sound
Dual microphones
Short battery life
Needs wireless adapter
You do need to use an adapter to make it wireless, even with the PS5, which seems odd since it was designed for the console. Another drawback is the 12-hour battery life. Otherwise, the headset is comfortable, features easy-to-access controls, a 3.5 mm jack, and 3D audio that sounds amazing.
“The advantage of the headset not being overly snug is that it doesn’t press very hard against your head, enabling comfortable extended gaming sessions.” — Andrew Hayward, Product Tester
About Our Trusted Experts
Erika Rawes has been writing professionally for more than a decade, and she’s spent the last five years writing about consumer technology. Erika has reviewed roughly 125 gadgets, including computers, peripherals, A/V equipment, mobile devices, and smart home gadgets. Erika currently writes for Digital Trends and Lifewire.
You can’t really go wrong with the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, which excels in every way possible as a gaming headset. However, if you’re looking for the absolute best sound quality, the Logitech G Pro X sits above the rest with its superior audio performance.
Alice Newcome-Beill is an avid gamer and has previously written for PC Gamer and PC Mag. She regularly uses the Kingston HyperX Cloud II for its comfortable and robust build.
Resident tech commerce editor, Ajay Kumar, spends more time with gaming headsets than most editors put together. Regularly logging several hours a day in chat heavy games like Borderlands 2.
Andy Zahn has written for Lifewire since 2019, and has been a passionate gamer for decades. When he’s not reviewing the latest games and gaming gear he may often be found diving into another match of World of Tanks or DOTA 2.
Alex Williams has five years of experience writing about wearable technology like fitness trackers as well as video games. Alex also has worked with front end web development and UX design.
Taylor Clemons has three years of experience reviewing and writing about consumer tech and video games. She also has experience working in e-commerce and product management, curating products for customers across categories like homewares, outdoor/camping, and decor.
The Ultimate Gaming Headset Buying Guide
With the growth of streaming culture and the fact that gaming has become a precision performance industry almost as much as it is a hobbyist industry, gaming headset technology has taken major strides in recent years. While the actual gaming platform you’re using and the interface you use to control the games is arguably most important, the sound platform is a close second. Without detailed, immersive sound, you’re leaving a lot of the gaming experience on the table.
When it comes to buying a gaming headset, though, much like other gaming peripherals, there are lots of considerations you’ll have to make. Is your budget completely open, or do you have to make some concessions? Are you hoping to party up and play competitively, meaning you’ll need the best mic possible, or are you simply looking for a comfortable way to hear your games better than you ever have? All of these questions lead to very different priority sets, and they’re important places to start.
In this guide, we’ll rundown all the features you might find when exploring the gaming headset market, from microphone clarity and audio quality to fit, finish, and design. While there are some important audio and technical terms we’ll have to define, this guide will aim to focus on your feature priorities, rather than a detailed exposé on specs, because what’s most important here is that you know what kind of headset user you’ll be.
Design
With the exception of earbuds and non-gaming headsets (we’ll get into those in a later section), there are really two main camps of gaming headsets. Some manufacturers opt for a sleek, understated look sporting a single dark color that looks a lot closer to regular consumer over-ear headphones. The rest of the market really leans into the gaming aesthetic—sharp edges with bright pops of color and usually some sort of geometric pattern. Many headsets also offer an RGB lighting option so you can get your headset to sync up with your other peripherals.
This category, admittedly, is an aesthetic one and doesn’t have a major effect on the performance of your headset in-game. As such, we wouldn’t recommend paying any extra for flashy design features unless that’s important to you, or unless you’re a streamer appearing often on camera. In short, if you aren’t going to have people watching you while you game, the aesthetic design of your headset isn’t super important because you aren’t often wearing these headphones outside of your home.
Comfort
The feel of the headset is probably the most important concern regarding its physical construction. That makes sense, because gaming sessions can continue long into the night, especially if you’re playing an immersive game or playing competitively. The first factor in the comfort department is the actual materials used in the headphones. Most high-end models will use a leather-esque covering and memory foam to craft the plushest-feeling earcups. Sometimes manufacturers will extend that foam to the headband to ensure that any contact with your head has a plush layer. On the budget side of the market, you’ll tend to sacrifice a bit in this department, as affordable brands will use firmer foam swathed in cheaper-feeling material.
The other aspect of comfort to consider is the breathability of the headphones. This is admittedly difficult to gauge until you wear a given pair of headphones for a long period of time, so reading reviews can be a major boon. SteelSeries, for example, is known for providing really substantial headsets with great-feeling foam, but they tend to be somewhat stifling in the airflow department. That’s a general statement of course, and every user will have different tastes, so if possible, we recommend testing out the headphones before fully deciding on them. One final note on the breathability point: if the headphones do allow airflow so your ears don’t overheat, this likely means that the sound isolation suffers, ultimately diminishing some of the audio quality.
Build Quality and Durability
As a category, gaming headsets tend to be bulky, sporting a substantial build. They’re a lot like professional studio headphones in that way. That owes mostly to the fact that gaming headsets are by and large an at-home product, very rarely taken with you on the go. With portability not being a concern, the size doesn’t need to be terribly sleek and therefore, headphones in this category tend to be built like tanks.
That doesn’t mean all models are created equal, though, so it’s important to keep a few things in mind. First, pay attention to the material of the earcups. While soft-touch coverings and delicate memory foam make for cozier listening experiences, this material does tend to fray and break down more easily over time. So if you’re prone to being rough with your headphones, you might want to go for more durable foam. This also goes for the headband, as the adjustment mechanism is one of the first things to loosen up over time. Finally, the most delicate part of a pair of headphones is its cable. We recommend a headset with a cable that detaches from the headphones so you can wrap the cable separately when storing the headset and, on the off chance that the cable crimps or frays, you can just replace this part rather than the entire unit.
Frequencies and Drivers
There are some unique features that relate to gaming headsets specifically, but before we get into those, it’s important to outline some of the basics of headphone technology. For our purposes here, the frequency spectrum and the speaker drivers are the key things to understand. Scientifically, humans can only hear sounds between 20Hz and 20kHz (bass through treble). Some headphones will offer a larger frequency range, but that doesn’t mean you can hear frequencies outside the range. What it means is that the headphones can adequately produce the full sound spectrum without being pushed to the limits. Some will also prioritize certain frequencies over others. This is important for gaming because it means that the lowest sounds (the rumble of a car engine or distant explosions in an FPS game) and the highest sounds (light leaves rustling in an RPG) will be portrayed with plenty of detail.
The drivers in a pair of headphones are just the speaker cones that live inside each ear cup. In general, gaming headsets tend to feature drivers that are just a couple inches in diameter. The bigger the driver, the better that driver is at producing powerful lows and mids. Gaming headsets also use the isolation of the foam surrounding your ears and the larger ear cup construction to also bolster bass. You aren’t going to get quite the power that you’d get if you were running an external speaker or a subwoofer, but these drivers are leaps and bounds better than the tiny drivers found in earbuds.
Digital Processing and Surround Features
If you’re opting for a USB-connected headset, they’ll feature a built-in digital-analog converter (DAC) and a dedicated amp. This helps the headphones sustain their power, and also gives oomph to whatever EQ and digital processing that the manufacturer has included. In the case of gaming headsets, this processing tends to be a net positive because it’s been done specifically with gaming in mind. This way panning and positioning are enhanced, specific parts of the spectrum that are common in gaming are bolstered, and you even have some software options of your own to tailor to the type of game you’re playing.
One gimmicky addition in this category is “surround sound” technology. We want to be clear here: with very few exceptions, all headphones that advertise surround technology are using digital processing and audio tricks in the headphones to approximate surround spread. Normally, surround sound requires at least 5 speakers to actually send sound to your ears from multiple directions, whereas headphones only feature two speakers. Many manufacturers, like SteelSeries and Turtle Beach, use clever tricks to help fake surround sound, and a lot of them can be effective in some games—but it isn’t true surround sound. If this is important to you, you’ll likely have to spend a bit more.
Microphone Quality
Think of the microphones on gaming headsets as improved versions of the microphones on your phone or earbuds. Gaming microphones are generally very directional and very focused on the part of the spectrum where human speech is heard. As a result, these headphones are better at isolating speech and leaving out as much background noise as possible. This is one category where the more money you spend, the better the mic tends to be at excluding background noise. It’s important to note that because of the heavy isolation and processing in headset mics that focus on noise isolation, your voice will sound very sharp and focused—not nearly as full and bassy as it would on a true broadcast microphone.
Audio Codecs
Bluetooth headsets make up a large part of the market, and we’ll get into their strengths and weaknesses in the next section. But before we leave the topic of sound quality, it’s important to understand how Bluetooth codecs work. Codecs are the protocol that your specific Bluetooth device uses to transfer the audio and data from its source. The most common codecs are SBC and AAC, and they also happen to be the ones that compress your sound files the most. This is important to keep in mind, because no matter how lossless your source audio is, when it’s transferred via SBC and AAC you’re getting data levels much more similar to mp3 files. If lossless audio is your goal, you can get the closest by opting for a better codec, like Qualcomm’s aptX.
Bluetooth Range and Stability
Modern Bluetooth devices will mostly use the latest two versions: Bluetooth 4 or Bluetooth 5. Version 4 gives you about 33 feet of range from your source device and is perfectly capable of maintaining a connection in low-interference areas. Bluetooth 5, on the other hand, nearly doubles that range. Most of us don’t live in 60-foot rooms, so you might think this is overkill. But think of it this way: the more range your headset allows for, the stronger the connection will be even at closer ranges. If you have a lot of Bluetooth devices or thick walls, Bluetooth 5 will be slightly more reliable. Additionally, version 5 also allows for two simultaneous host devices, meaning that it’s easier to seamlessly switch back and forth between sources.
USB vs. 3.5MM
The two standard connections for wired gaming headsets are a USB output and a 3.5mm jack. It’s not just a matter of output jacks, though—these two connection methods imply fundamentally different methods of data transfer. 3.5mm headsets are a little clearer, as they simply plug into the combination headphone jack on most computers, laptops, and gaming consoles. It’s important to note that a 3.5mm jack is the simplest way to use a headset during console gaming, and it’s virtually the only way to use a headset on the Nintendo Switch.
USB-connected headsets tend to use bus power from the PC, and will ultimately bypass the soundcard on your computer. This is great if you’re using a PC where the soundcard is a little lackluster, but it does mean that you might have to download an external driver for the headphones to work. This usually also means that there are a separate DAC and amp in the headphones, typically providing more powerful sound and better control.
Controls
Most gaming headsets feature standard on-board controls including mute capabilities, a volume knob or slider, and sometimes some additional utility buttons. When you get higher on the price scale, you’ll start to see external remotes built into the wire, or even standalone desktop control services. The latter usually also contain the built-in DAC and amp, and allow for easier control of the headphones right at your fingertips. These external control surfaces can be a bit cumbersome though, so if size and footprint are a concern, go for a model that features this I/O on the headset itself.
Battery Life
Because Bluetooth headsets aren’t quite as prevalent in the gaming world as they are in the broader consumer audio space, battery life may not be a huge concern. Many high-end gaming headsets will offer around 20 hours of use on a single charge, though you can find much higher battery life on some models. Considering you’re likely using the headset at home, it isn’t a huge deal if you need to quickly charge up during a session (just make sure it’s a headset that still lets you operate it while it’s charging).
The other concern on the battery front might be a little unexpected. If your headset uses USB bus power, you’ll need to make sure that you keep an eye on the battery of your gaming platform if you’re using a laptop. Because gaming can be such a CPU-intensive activity, adding an extra device that pulls power from your computer will further shorten its battery life.
Price
While you won’t find quite the astronomical dollar amounts that you’ll see on high-end audiophile headphones, there is still a pretty wide range of prices in the gaming headset market. In general, we don’t recommend buying a budget pair of gaming headphones for any less than $50—when you get below that threshold, you start to really sacrifice build quality and audio performance. On the higher end, you’ll pay between $200 and $300 for a nice set of headphones, featuring plenty of features and solid performance.
Popular Brands
Razer: It’s no surprise to see a gaming staple like Razer here (we even have a dedicated roundup of the best Razer headsets). The Kraken series of headsets goes really well with most of this brand’s keyboard-and-mouse combos. If that’s your setup, it’s an easy way to get a quality headset that also keeps your aesthetic.
SteelSeries: This brand offers a wide variety of price points to choose from, from entry-level products all the way to excellent high-end models. SteelSeries is also known for really solid USB-powered headsets with decent DACs and amps.
Turtle Beach: You’ll likely find the best bang for your buck with this brand. While many of these budget headphones aren’t exactly the cheapest around, the brand does provide the best product for those prices, but you’ll also find headphones from this manufacturer topping best-of lists from time to time.
Logitech: A computer giant like Logitech is a safe bet when you’re buying any sort of PC peripheral. While the gaming products this brand offers aren’t always the flashiest, or the best performing, you’ll find a lot of value across this company’s offerings.
Corsair: This is another brand that is very comfortable in the budget end of the price range, and the HS series, in particular, gives you a ton of features and a great build quality for under $100.
Sennheiser: The audio stalwart has its hands in a lot of different segments in the headphone market, from high-end audiophile products to workout earbuds. The gaming headset section of Sennheiser’s catalog is a little limited, but you can find some great options that also double as great pairs of music-centric headphones.
Accessories
Many high-end headphones already come with cases and pouches, but if your pair didn’t it’s smart to get a neoprene pouch or a padded storage case to keep your investment safe. Because many gaming headsets come with their own very specific design aesthetic, you might also consider matching the headset to your gaming mouse and keyboard. If you go for a Razer headset, this is easy because you can get clearly matching options in both categories. If not, you can still go for peripherals that also feature RGB lighting arrays to fully deck out your gaming setup.
Conclusion
While there aren’t quite as many options for gaming headsets out there as there are Bluetooth earbuds and consumer headphones, there are still plenty of choices to wrap your head around. If you want something that really enhances your PC gaming experience, feature-rich and with plenty of power, you’ll be shelling out a couple hundred for a USB-powered gaming headset. If you’re looking to save money while still stepping up your game, there are tons of 3.5mm models that will work across PCs, consoles, and with mobile devices. Like everything in the tech world, this is all a trade-off, so be sure to consider all the variables before making your purchase.
- What headsets do professional gamers use?
- Pro gamers use a wide variety of headsets, and often they or their team are sponsored by a brand of headset, which helps govern the products they use and promote. While you can certainly look at what your favorite pro uses, we recommend doing your own research to find the headset that’s right for you.
- Are expensive gaming headsets worth it?
- Yes, they certainly can be. It is possible to find an excellent headset for a decent price, but you sometimes have to give something up, such as comfort or sound, for the product to reach that discounted price. Paying more may equal getting more, but before buying any headset, be sure to check around and read reviews to make sure you don’t get a dud.
- How long do gaming headsets last?
- Gaming headsets can last for years if properly taken care of, but the build quality also matters. A cheap headset could give out in a year or two, while a higher-end headset could last for five years. Keep in mind, that same quality headset could break in a week if not cared for.
Pro gamers use a wide variety of headsets, and often they or their team are sponsored by a brand of headset, which helps govern the products they use and promote. While you can certainly look at what your favorite pro uses, we recommend doing your own research to find the headset that’s right for you.
Yes, they certainly can be. It is possible to find an excellent headset for a decent price, but you sometimes have to give something up, such as comfort or sound, for the product to reach that discounted price. Paying more may equal getting more, but before buying any headset, be sure to check around and read reviews to make sure you don’t get a dud.
Gaming headsets can last for years if properly taken care of, but the build quality also matters. A cheap headset could give out in a year or two, while a higher-end headset could last for five years. Keep in mind, that same quality headset could break in a week if not cared for.
