Are you a gamer in search of the best gaming headset to complete your gaming setup? Whether you’re steaming your games, coordinating with your teammates or immersing yourself in a virtual world, having the right gaming headset for your playstyle is essential.
There are plenty of gaming headsets on the market, but this guide will help you find one that fits your needs for a price range, comfort, quality, and durability. You don’t have to break the bank for a gaming headset, but it’s important to balance cost with long-term reliability and functionality.
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Last update on 2022-06-25 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon
Read on to learn about the features and qualities to look out for when choosing the right gaming headset for you.
How to Choose the Best Gaming Headset
Headset Compatibility
Whether you play on PC, Xbox One, PS4 or some other gaming device, it’s important to make sure that your gaming headset is compatible with your chosen platform. Fortunately, almost all headsets come with a 3.5mm jack to accommodate a wide variety of platforms. However, in some cases (such as with older Xbox controllers), you may require an adapter to use your headset.
Most wireless headsets can work with all platforms using the optical audio cable input found on the back of many PCs and consoles. Some headsets may only come with a USB input, which may limit which platforms you can use the headset on. If you own more than one platform, remember to always check the product descriptions or reviews to make sure the headset is compatible. It’s also a good idea to see if you need to buy any additional cables to ensure the headset works for your specific setup.
Wired or Wireless
- Wireless. If you love convenience, maneuverability and simplicity when it comes to your devices, you may prefer a wireless gaming headset. If you want to go wireless, look for low-latency gaming headsets that can be used at a reasonable distance without connection lag. With wireless headsets, you may experience interference; make sure you look for lag-free wireless headsets with a long range and good battery life.
- Wired. Wired headsets are able to maintain a strong, consistent connection, which can be the perfect fit for gamers who stream their games or need to maintain constant communication with teammates. You also don’t have to worry about interference or possible lag between your game and what you hear. The downside to wired headsets is that you have to deal with more cables, which may or may not be a problem for you.
Headset Microphone Quality
If you play games online with other people or you stream your games to an audience, your gaming headset needs to have a crystal clear microphone that’s easily accessible. For some, microphone quality may not be as important as audio performance, noise isolation and comfort. However, if you’re someone who frequently uses a microphone for gaming, you’ll need to look for higher-end gaming headsets with a flexible and realistic-sounding microphone.
There are two main types of microphones used in headsets: omnidirectional and unidirectional.
- Omnidirectional. These types of headphones can pick up your voice easily, along with background noises. This can be very bad for gaming because it can pick up noises from all directions.
- Unidirectional. This only picks up sound from the direction the microphone is facing. This means that most other noises are blocked, aside from what you speak into the microphone. The only disadvantage is that unidirectional microphones can sometimes pick up breathing if they’re too sensitive.
Open or Closed
There are two types of headset styles to choose from based on your lifestyle and personal preference: open or closed.
- Open. Open gaming headsets are designed to allow enough sound through the headphones that you can still remain aware of the environment around you while also enjoying the audio of your games. Open gaming headsets work best for people with busy lifestyles who may need to be alert to their surroundings more often.
- Closed. Closed gaming headsets are made for complete noise isolation so you can enjoy music and games without outside noise interference. Not only can you not hear outside noises, but people around you cannot hear what you are listening to through your headset.
Comfort
When searching for the best gaming headset, you want something that will keep you comfortable even after hours of gaming. Not only should the headset have comfortable and breathable ear cushions, but it should also prevent sweat or discomfort after an extended amount of use. Look for headsets with mesh or memory foam ear cushions. Some people prefer the texture of leather on the cups and some prefer felt fabric. The advantage of felt is that it rarely makes your ears sweaty, whereas leather can be less abrasive.
It’s also important to pay attention to the adjustability of the headset. It may look and perform exactly how you want, but if it doesn’t fit you, you’re out of luck. Choose a headset that has an adjustable headband and interchangeable ear cups. You should also be on the lookout for glasses-friendly headsets if you typically wear glasses while gaming. Don’t let comfort be an afterthought – it will make all the difference in how much you enjoy your new headset!
Sound Quality and Surround Sound
Sound quality is one of the primary features to consider when searching for the best gaming headset that will take you right into the world of your games. For the best realistic audio experience, look for gaming headsets with audio that gives you balanced audio accuracy with large speakers (around 50mm or more).
Many of the best gaming headsets come with surround sound. Surround sound can play a significant role for gamers who play shooter games; with surround sound, you can more easily hear specific sounds within the game, such as footsteps coming from behind. This will give you a big advantage over your enemies and help prevent them from sneaking up on you. Of course, having a surround sound headset isn’t necessary, but it can be a nice extra if you want more immersive audio.
The difference between headsets that provide stereo audio and surround sound audio is that surround sound can help with positional accuracy but at the cost of sound quality. Stereo audio, however, plays one side of the headset at a lower volume than the other to help you differentiate which side the sound is coming from. The one you choose should be based on your personal preference and your budget (stereo headsets are generally cheaper).
Headset Durability
If you plan on investing in a premium gaming headset, it needs to be able to hold up for years of usage. If you want the longest-lasting and most durable gaming headset, look for headsets with headbands that have been reinforced with steel or metal. The best gaming headsets will also have braided or reinforced cables to ensure they last as long as possible.
Additionally, you should consider the overall construction of the headset, particularly the connection between the headband and the cup of the headset. This is the part that gets the most strain, so choose a sturdy headset that balances durability without adding too much weight.
Best Gaming Headsets
HyperX Cloud Mix
Comfort & Versatility in One Product
The HyperX Cloud Mix is both a wired gaming headset and a very capable Bluetooth headset. When wired, the headphones can deliver gut-punching sound quality that will have you fully immersed in any virtual world. When on Bluetooth, the sound quality is still good, but you can enjoy movement freedom while chatting on the phone in high-quality.
Audio quality is supported by HyperX custom-designed 40mm dual-chamber drivers that separate the bass from the mids and highs to provide a smoother experience. Furthermore, the headset comes with a removable boom mic (for when you’re playing) and a built-in mic for when you’re on Bluetooth.
Overall, the headset is durable and lightweight (due to the aluminum frame), which is why it’s easy to switch between gaming and travel-ready. Finally, the headphones are compatible with a wide range of devices, feature a braided cable with in-line audio controls, and promote a comfortable design.
- Quick switch between wired and wireless
- Comfortable fit
- Versatile and easy to wear for long hours
- Detachable braided cable
- Removable boom mic
- Frequency response: 10-40,000Hz
- Good Bluetooth range and battery
- A bit on the pricey side
- They can feel a little tight around the head
- No USB-C charging option
Razer Barracuda X
Wireless Multi-Platform Gaming Mouse
Razer is a big name in the gaming peripherals industry, and the Barracuda X is an affordable wireless gaming headset which offers full compatibility across platforms, such as Android, PC and all major consoles. Everything revolves around comfort and versatility with the Barracuda X, not to mention battery life and proper audio quality.
So, to make it really easy for our readers, if your budget is around $100, and you’re looking for a wireless gaming headset from a reputable manufacturer, to use it on PC, Playstation 5, Nintendo Switch or Android, the Barracuda X may be the answer.
Weighing just 250 grams, this ultra-light gaming headset arrives with a USB dongle (the secret behind multi—platform compatibility), and features titanium drivers for 7.1 surround sound, which is compatible with PC via THX and Spatial Audio for PS5.
Battery life is rated at 20 hours, give or take, which is pretty good considering the price asked, and the THX Spatial app delivers a highly customizable audio experience via an Application Mixer and all sorts of calibration tools and EQ presets. Build quality is solid, even if the headset is incredibly lightweight, and some of you will enjoy Razer’s signature all black design, with green accents on the microphone, on/off switch and LED light. Wearing the Barracuda X is supremely comfortable, as Razer implemented all sorts of space age technologies into its built, stuff like Ultra-soft FlowKnit Memory Foam, Oval FlowKnit Ear Cushions and a cushioned headband.
Everything is located on the right ear cup, including the USB charging port, the 3.5 audio jack, the power button, the volume roller, the detachable microphone port and switch, i.e. ergonomics are top notch, and SQ wise, the headset shines on all platforms, whether you’re listening to your favorite tunes or playing like crazy.
- Versatile
- Impressive autonomy
- Supremely comfy
- Great sound quality
- Multi-platform compatibility
- Well built/designed
- No wireless on Xbox
Logitech G533
Fantastic Positional Sound and Wireless Power
Logitech is well-known in the gaming accessories industry, so it’s no wonder why their G533 headphones were created with pro gamers in mind.
First, they made sure the sound gives away the position of your enemies without a shadow of a doubt (what audio techies will call positional sound). For this, they fitted the headphones with their new Pro G drivers and DTS Headphone: X 7.1 Surround Sound system.
Furthermore, these are wireless headphones! They connect with your PC (designed for Windows 7 and up and Mac OS) on 15 meters (about 50 feet) range and you won’t suffer from any delays, which tend to happen with wireless products. The controls are placed on the earcup, and the included adjustable boom microphone can be easily muted.
Finally, the design is incredibly comfortable and lightweight, so you can wear them for hours. The battery will hold for up to 15 hours of continuous fun and it can be replaced.
- Lightweight design
- Impressive positional sound & power
- Long battery life
- Accessible controls
- Good range
- Durable frame and earpads
- The mic is a bit too quiet
- There may be some issues with maintaining the connectivity
- Not as comfortable after a while
Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2
Fantastic Quality At A Great Price
Just like the first, gen, the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 mark a new high point for the niche brand, setting a benchmark for quality for this relatively unknown headset manufacturer. Considering the price asked, the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 provide fantastic value for money, robust design, impressive sound stage for gaming headphones, and an understated design, as well as stylish looks.
It already sounds impressive, but there’s more: the headphones are also very comfortable and effortless to wear, which is crucial for gamers, and also easy to pair with your current gaming gear. SQ may not be the best out there, but considering all the elements in the equation (price, creature comforts, features etc.), the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 make for a solid buy if your budget is less than $200.
Basically, we will recommend these headphones to anyone shopping for realistically priced premium gaming gear. Build quality is solid, and the materials look and feel premium, because they are. Pairing your headset via Bluetooth is a walk in the park, i.e. you’ll really appreciate the simplicity and ease-of-use of these babies.
Even if there are better sounding headsets out there, this jack of all trades headset will deal with everything you throw at it, including music listening, raids, solo game sessions, and anything in between. Okay, they may sound muddy at times, especially when it comes to games and bright mixes, but this is hardly a deal breaker in our view; more precisely, the TBS700 Gen 2 has a fondness for bass and mids. Other than that, these are fantastic headphones for gaming, which offer high microphone quality and wireless connectivity at a reasonable price.
- Comfortable
- Easy to use
- Very comfy
- Good autonomy
- Great connectivity
- Muddy sound
SteelSeries Arctis 7
Elegance, Freedom, and Refinement in One Package
As a gamer, you need to be picky when choosing a wireless headset for your gear. The freedom is tempting, but if the headset doesn’t have the right features, you end up losing those split seconds that matter in taking a ground-breaking decision that may influence your entire team’s performance.
So, if you don’t want to be the one to drag everybody down, have a look at Arctis 7 from SteelSeries!
The headphones use a 2.4G wireless connection to keep the latency in ultra-low settings and without any interferences. Also, the audio quality is immersive due to the S1 speaker drivers which deliver every detail in high-accuracy. Of course, the next-generation DTS Headphone: X v2.0 surround sound system helps at creating a 360-degree layer that gives you precious info on your opponents’ position.
The Discord-certified ClearCast mic is considered one of the best in the gaming niche, due to voice clarity and background noise cancellation settings. Finally, the battery life is rather stellar, as you’ll have 24 hours of continuous play at a 12m (40 feet) range.
- Impressive sound quality
- You can hear every background detail
- Elegant design
- Studio mic quality
- Long battery life
- Comfortable to wear
- Certain features are not Xbox One compatible
- The mic is super-sensitive
- Buttons and sliders are relatively small
Corsair VOID PRO RGB
The Design that Will Help You Shine in the Virtual World
CORSAIR is a legend in the world of gaming, which means they know how to create the perfect accessories. Their focus is set on epic sound and all-day comfort, and the Void PRO headset won’t disappoint!
They feature a solid build, impressive design, and utmost comfort delivered through the padded headband and memory foam earcups covered with mesh fabric for increased breathability. Furthermore, the plastic parts are infused with glass fiber for increased durability.
The sound quality is also at high standards, using custom-tuned 50mm neodymium speaker drivers to deliver the action right in your room. With a frequency response between 20Hz and 20 kHz, clear sound quality and low latency, there’s no sound that will go unnoticed!
The headset supports a wireless connection that gives the player up to 40 feet in range and about 16 hours of battery life. Also, the unidirectional mic is designed to reduce ambient noise, so your teammates will only hear your voice.
The headset is compatible with the majority of gaming platforms (PC, consoles, and more) and it can be easily updated using the provided software.
- Crystal clear & powerful sound
- Immersive experience
- Durable build
- Comfortable design
- High-quality mic
- Great noise isolation
- You won’t hear ambient noises
- Battery life drops in time
- Easy to confuse power and mute buttons
- Mic arm is a bit too rigid
Razer Kraken Gaming Headset
Experience Games in 7.1 Surround!
The real gaming experience is all about immersion – players must be able to forgo the real world and dive deep into the ones they’re exploring on a PC or console.
With custom-tuned 50mm drivers that can create a 7.1 surround experience, the Razer Kraken headset is just the right choice. The sound is perfectly calibrated so gamers can hear the footsteps of enemies and understand their position (whether they’re coming from behind or upfront).
Since most gamers dive in their favorite virtual worlds for hours on end, these headsets are designed to be comfortable for long-term use. The aluminum frame is lightweight, the headband and ear cushions have extra padding, and there is a layer of cooling gel inside the oval ear cushions. This way, your ears don’t overheat and there is no pressure build-up.
The headphones also have a retractable unidirectional noise isolating microphone (so you can chat with your teammates) and the audio cable has in-line controls (for easy access).
Lastly, the headphones are compatible with any device with a 3.5mm headphone jack (PCs, PS4, Nintendo Switch, laptops, and others) and they can be customized using the software that’s included in the package.
- Comfortable for long-term use
- They can create 7.1 surround sound
- Powerful & crystal clear audio with spatial recognition
- Cooling gel-infused ear cushions
- Compatible with a wide range of devices
- The mic is a bit short
- The volume dial on the cable is a bit too loose
ASUS ROG Delta S
Gaming Styled Headset
ROG stands for “Republic of Gamers” and the Delta S gaming headset is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a powerhouse that punches way above its weight, or, more precisely, its price tag.
Retailing for less than $200 currently, the Delta S features high-resolution ESS 9281 with QUAD DAC technology and MQA technology support to deliver impeccably detailed, true-to-life audio that gives you an edge to win, and we mean that literally.
Kidding aside, the headset also comes with an AI-powered noise-canceling mic, a unidirectional/detachable microphone designed to reduce literally all types of background noises, including mouse clicks, keyboard chatter, a dog barking, what have you, by up to 95 percent. And speaking of microphones, this one is certified by TeamSpeak and Discord, so there you have it.
The SNR is a whopping 130db, which is unheard of and impossible to achieve by single DAC gaming sets (this one has four, mind you), and this metric is quintessential if you’re looking to be able to pinpoint the origin of “enemy noises”, such as the precise location of gunfire, footsteps, etc.
The ROG Delta S works equally well on various platforms, including Nintendo Switch and PS4 & PS5, Mac or PC, and does a great job in terms of sound quality for music and gaming lovers alike, due to its USB C connector that provides superior SQ. The design is ergonomic, with D-shaped ear cups, and the cushioning is made from 100 percent protein leather and fast cooling memory foam, for supreme comfort if you’re going to use the headset for extended periods of time.
The headset fits real snug over your ears, and the best part is being able to play on PC and PS4 without having to use a separate headset for each.
- Type C connection
- Audiophile SQ
- Gaming centric
- Multi-platform support
- Superb MQA support
- Cool design
- Comfy
- Low quality leather on headband
HyperX Cloud Flight
Great Wireless Headset With Long Lasting Battery
With a stylish design and gaming-grade wireless features, the Cloud Flight from HyperX feels amazing on your head! The signature HyperX comfort is highlighted by the memory foam ear cushions and the adjustable steel frame that’s both lightweight and durable. The cups swivel at 90 degrees, so you can rest them around your neck when taking a break.
Furthermore, the headset is designed to provide immersive audio with crystal clear lows, mids and highs and a wide sound range that lets you know the position of your enemies. The closed cup design and the around-the-ear design of the cup create the perfect sound isolation.
Finally, the detachable microphone has noise-canceling features that block surrounding sounds and ensure a crystal-clear communication with the team.
Now, if you pair all the features mentioned above, with the 30h battery life and the fact that you can hook this headset up with almost any gaming platform, you get an impressive product that was created to make you a winner!
- High-quality sounds
- Impressive design and comfort
- Long battery life
- Noise-canceling mic
- 15-25,000 Hz frequency response
- No separate volume control for chat and gaming
CORSAIR HS70
The Perfect Gaming Experience Without Wires
The HS70 is a piece of art when it comes to elegance and comfort! Equipped with plush memory foam around the ears and on the headband, the headset doesn’t feel heavy or tight. Also, the premium materials used for the frame and the back of the cups give it a stylish finish that’s difficult to match in the world of gaming accessories.
In terms of audio quality, the precision-tuned 50mm neodymium speaker drivers and the 7.1 surround system manage to create a perfectly-accurate sound stage. Keep in mind that these are wireless headphones, but they connect via 2.4GHz wireless networks with low-latency, which reduces any lags and gives players a range of about 40ft. Furthermore, the battery will keep going for up to 16 hours of continuous use.
Since it’s important to discuss strategy and send call-outs to your teammates, the HS70 is equipped with a removable unidirectional mic that reduces the surrounding noise and focuses on your voice. Also, knowing you’ll need easy access to controls, Corsair placed them on the earcups, so you can adjust anything on the fly.
- Elegant & comfortable design
- Good sound
- 7.1 surround system
- Software to fine-tune the sound
- Accessible controls
- Long battery life
- Not compatible with Xbox and PS
- Mic quality is not stellar
- They may feel a bit tight at first
ASTRO Gaming A40 TR Wired Headset + MixAmp Pro
For the Professional Gamer
If you want to feel like an esports athlete, this is the perfect headset to consider! The A40 TR in combination with the MixAmp Pro TR, manage to deliver tournament-level audio fidelity and cinematic surround sound due to an extended frequency spectrum.
Furthermore, the system is customizable and extremely comfortable for long gaming sessions on a console or PC. The command center software lets users enjoy their in-game personal preferences by offering the possibility to create, save and share customer EQ profiles and more.
The unidirectional mic is sensitive and swappable on either side of the headset, for better comfort. Also, the Game: Voice Balance lets users adjust the ratio of game audio to voice chat, which comes incredibly handy during live streaming sessions.
Finally, the headphones can be easily transformed from an open-back design to a closed-back one, if you purchase the mod kit (sold separately).
- Incredibly comfortable design
- Impressive audio performance
- Both the design and audio settings can be customized
- Designed for professional users
- Great build quality
- A bit pricey
- There are some issues with the mix amp
- They need to be configured properly before you can enjoy them
Alienware 7.1 Gaming Headset 510H
Lightweight, Comfortable, Impressive
Alienware is not exactly known for their subtle and stylish products, but the 510H gaming headset seems to prove us wrong. The headset features a simplistic design, with a cushioned headband and comfort-fit earpads. Also, the boom mic is retractable, so it doesn’t upset the overall elegance of the design.
But besides being incredibly good-looking, the headset is also powerful in terms of sound performance. Equipped with custom-tuned 50mm Hi-Res drivers and capable of delivering immersive 7.1 surround sound, these headphones manage to reproduce a wide stage of sounds and frequencies (20Hz-40KHz). This means that users will be able to hear subtle noises such as steps and other movements, which can give away an enemy’s position.
Finally, they support both 3.5mm and USB connectivity which makes them compatible with a wide array of gaming platforms.
- Signature Alien ware immersive audio
- 7.1 surround sound
- Incredibly comfortable for long gaming sessions
- Custom-tuned 50mm 20Hz – 40Khz drivers
- Stylish and elegant design
- Enhanced noise isolation due to perfect fit
- Fantastic value for the price
- The headset slides off your head if you angle it upwards
- The 7.1 surround sound needs to be enabled through the Alienware command center
Conclusion
When it comes to gaming, there’s nothing more immersive than having a comfortable and high-quality gaming headset to communicate with your teammates and enjoy your game’s sound effects.
Whether you’re shopping for the best gaming headset, wireless headphones, earbuds or noise cancelling headphones – it’s always important to consider what has the best features to match your playstyle and personality.