The best gaming headsets can make a real difference to your gaming experience. Not only do they give you better quality sound for improved immersion in whatever game you're playing, but a comfortable fit can let you game for longer, and a quality microphone can make all the difference when it comes to communicating with your team.
There are stellar wired and wireless gaming headsets, letting you have the freedom to roam, or a tether to your PC or console that means you don't have to worry about battery life. There are breathable ear cups, sturdy frames, and headsets that work with both your PC/console and phone at the same time, for easy switching.
Right now, we consider the SteelSeries Arctis 7+ the best gaming headset for most people, offering a great all-round audio experience with an affordable price and solid platform support. It has well-balanced audio, with a comfortable fit and it looks pretty good too. Sadly, it only works fully wirelessly on PC and PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. If you have other consoles and devices, you can upgrade to the excellent Steelseries Arctis Pro, or opt for one of the many other excellent gaming headsets recommended below.
- Best Gaming Headset Overall: SteelSeries Arctis 7+
- Best Gaming Headset Under $100: Razer BlackShark V2
- Best Wired Gaming Headset: Steelseries Arctis Pro
- Best Wireless Gaming Headset: SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless
- Best Cheap Gaming Headset: Astro A10
- Best Gaming Headset for PS4 and PS5: SteelSeries Arctis 7P
- Best Gaming Headset for Xbox One and Xbox Series X: Steelseries Artis 9X
- Best Premium Xbox Headset: Bang and Olufsen Beoplay Portal
- Best Gaming Headset for PC: Logitech G Pro X Wireless
Best Gaming Headset Overall
Super Comfortable And Gorgeous To Listen To
Compatibility
- PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
SteelSeries has long been one of the top players in the gaming accessories world, and for good reason. The SteelSeries Arctis 7 is a well-balanced headset that offers a sleek design, extremely comfortable fit and wireless connectivity (only on PS4, PS5 and PC; cable required elsewhere) that should retain a good connection for the length of your gaming session. The headset has a hefty 24-hour battery life too.
Many people swear by SteelSeries sound, which prefers turning down the bass to more easily invite other subtle sounds into your ear. Although a little flimsy feeling, the retractable microphone is also one of the best you’ll find.
The ski-goggle-style headband offers a great fit, and the underlying metal frame means there's no creaking when you turn your head. If you want a different style of earcup or a replacement after yours start to wear out, Steelseries has a few aftermarket options you can choose from to increase the life or personalization of your Artis 7 headset.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Well-balanced sound
- Great battery life
Cons
- Bass could be a bit better
- Over reliance on app
Best Gaming Headset Under $100
Awesome Sound In An Affordable Package
Compatibility
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switcho Switch, Mobile.
Razer's BlackShark V2 gaming headset upgrades the original design in a number of important ways, making it one of the best gaming headsets you can buy today, and easily the best wired headset under $100. It packs powerful triforce titanium 50mm drivers in each earcup, allowing for individual tuning of the highs, mids and lows for better sound. It also has a super comfortable design with gel-cushioned earcups and virtual 7.1 surround sound for immersive movies and gaming.
That sound can be tuned through Razer's cloud-based hardware configuration tool called Synapse 3. It lets you bring your configurations with you wherever you go, making this the perfect headset for someone who games on different systems in different locations — a LAN party lifesaver.
It's also available in a variety of colors, so if you don't like the classic Razer black and green, you can opt for bright yellow and blue, or even white versions too. If you're happy to spend a little more, there's also a wireless version well worth considering.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- A comfortable fit
- Attractive price tag
Cons
- Microphone quality is underwhelming
Best Wired Gaming Headset
A More Affordable SteelSeries Pro Headset
Compatibility
- PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
The DAC-less, far more affordable alternative to the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless, the standard Arctis Pro is still the best wired headset you can buy and it's now at a much more competitive price. It enjoys high-quality, hi-res speaker drivers which deliver a rich sound for music, games and movies, with twice the frequency range of most gaming headsets.
Supremely comfortable with foam cushioned ear cups and a ski goggle-style headband, this headset gives just about anyone a snug, comfortable fit without putting undue pressure on their head or ears. The steel and aluminum frame is light and doesn't creak when you move your head.
The ClearCast microphone is Discord Certified and provides incredibly clear audio for your teammates, so they'll never miss a call from you again. That goes hand-in-hand with the SteelSeries ChatMix dial which lets you tune the mix of game audio and voice communications with friends and foes alike. That way, you can turn up your game audio when playing alone and focus more on your teammates when that's more important.
Pros
- Hi-Res Speaker Drivers
- Comfortable fit
- DTS virtual surround sound
Cons
- Lacks fine tune controls of DAC version
Best Budget Gaming Headset
Amazing Value For Money
Compatibility
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, and PC
The first generation Astro A10 gaming headset was one of the best budget gaming headsets you could buy, so it stands to reason that the second generation is another hot contender in that value for money space.
Like its predecessor, the Astro A10 Gen 2 headset is extremely lightweight and flexible, with a twistable headband that you won't find on almost any other headset. That makes it durable and incredibly portable—perfect for throwing in your bag to take to LAN parties and the like. Despite this extremely lightweight design, though, it doesn't feel flimsy. It's very much so plastic, and you'll get a little creaking as you turn after heavy use, but this feels much higher quality than its price tag would suggest.
Sound quality is solid too, and the microphone is clear whether you're screaming at your enemies or politely cajoling your teammates.
It connects to your devices with a 3.5mm connection, so you can quickly jump between consoles, your PC or your phone, and it comes with a splitter cable for PCs, so you can split into headphone/microphone jacks if you need.
Pros
- Lightweight and flexible design
- Impressive audio quality
- Great value for money
Cons
- Overall feel is plastic heavy
- No virtual surround sound
Best Wireless Gaming Headset
A Premium Headset At A Premium Price
Compatibility
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5; Partially with Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Mobile.
For the ultimate in wireless versatility, check out the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless. Building on that award-winning Arctis sound, this gaming headset is one of the few on the market supporting hi-res audio with DTS Headphone:X 2.0. With a wide open frequency range, you’ll get crisp, clear sound over a lossless 2.4GHz connection. You can also use the Bluetooth connection to simultaneously listen in on another device like your smartphone—great for quick switching between devices or pulling from multiple audio sources at once.
The included base station has an OLED screen and physical nobs for dialing in your perfect volume and game balance, plus myriad audio ports for routing in your various sound systems.
That’s also where you’ll charge one of two included removable batteries, a choice design for those who worry about its longevity. They’ll last 10 hours each, and you won’t need to stay tethered when it’s time to top up. Add in a retractable noise-cancelling microphone and a steel headband with premium comfort straps, and the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless more than earns its lofty price tag.
Pros
- Premium steel design
- Removable and swappable battery
- Bluetooth support
Cons
- Pricey
- Limited compatibility
Best Gaming Headset for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4
PC Performance For The PlayStation
Compatibility
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5; Partially Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
If the Arctis Pro Wireless is too much for you, the SteelSeries Arctis 7P is less than half the price, but still delivers solid wireless sound. Designed to work with both PS4 and PS5, the Arctis 7P features the same steel frame (decked out in a slick blue-on-white colorway) and high-quality retractable microphone. You’ll also get better battery on a single charge at 24 hours, but you’ll need to recharge it with a cable.
With standard 40mm SteelSeries drivers, you won’t get the same level of sound the much more expensive option provides, but they get close enough. Besides, if you’re on PS5, you’re still getting a headset compatible with Sony’s Tempest 3D Audio, which heightens the realism of spatial audio in supported games. SteelSeries includes a USB-C dongle in the box that makes it compatible with Android devices, PC and Nintendo Switch, too.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Balanced sound
- Great battery
Cons
- Weak on bass
- Ineffective noise cancellation
Best Gaming Headset for Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One
A Powerful Wireless Solution
Compatibility
- Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, some PCs, mobile
SteelSeries' Artis 9X wireless is one of its high-end gaming headsets and it's targeted directly at Xbox gamers. It combines stellar wireless reception and range with a powerful battery life and excellent audio quality for an absolute dream of a gaming headset. It's comfortable, looks great and even has a decent microphone. There's very little not to like about this gaming headset.
The 9X is compatible with multiple generations of Xbox consoles and offers a combined wireless mode of both 2.4Ghz wireless and Bluetooth for simultaneous audio, or audio switching between console and smartphone.
Battery life is around 20 hours, so more than enough for a long gaming session, and it quickly recharges over USB, so you'll likely have a range of compatible chargers in your home already. Like other SteelSeries headsets, this one also features the supremely comfortable ski-goggle-style headband, which fits to all sorts of headshapes and is replaceable if you want a different look or it wears after some time.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Compatible with multiple generations of Xbox console
- Comfortable over long gaming sessions
Cons
- Lacks compatibility with PlayStation and some PCs
- Users with big heads may find it a bit of a tight fit
Best Premium Headset for Xbox
Expensive, But Worth It
Compatibility
- PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Bang and Olufsen is a premium speaker and headphone manufacturer, so it's perhaps no surprise that its first foray into Xbox gaming headsets is the most expensive one on this list. At more than $400, you would expect a premium audio experience, and the Beoplay Portal certainly delivers—though there are more affordable headsets which get pretty close.
Where they can't compete, however, is in the overall fit, look and feel of the Portal headset, which has a fantastic build quality and a supremely comfortable fit. It supports the latest AAC and aptX audio codecs when operating over Bluetooth, and enjoys full support for Microsoft's Xbox Wireless system. Dolby Atmos adds depth to all supporting games and movies, and battery life can last all day under the right circumstances. Active noise cancelling is a nice touch too, making this a good headset for those trying to game in noisy households.
Pros
- Active noise cancelling
- Dolby Atmos support
- Gorgeous sound
Cons
- Can't use Bluetooth and Xbox wireless simultaneously
- Price is hard to justify
Best Gaming Headset for PC
Logitech G Pro X Wireless
Compatibility
- PC, PS4, PS5
Logitech is one of the best makers of wireless PC tech, and that reputation has only strengthened with the G Pro X Wireless. With its proprietary Lightspeed wireless protocol, the headset delivers audio with near-zero latency up to 43 feet. Logitech packs its best 50mm Pro-G drivers, which support DTS Headphone:X 2.0 surround sound positional audio. The microphone is of high quality as well, and it’s detachable. Both are customizable to find the perfect balance for your specific needs in Logitech G Hub.
The G Pro X is certainly the most stylish headset we’re featuring here. A steel headband holds a pair of matte oval cans with a brushed silver Logitech G cherry on top. The memory foam padding is generous and looks the part as well, with reviewers swearing by this headset’s comfort. The Logitech G Pro X works on PC, PS4 and PS5; not the longest list, but it’s one of the best headsets you’ll find in this range if that’s all you’re gaming on.
Pros
- Amazingly comfortable
- 1ms wireless latency
- Best-in-class sound
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited compatibility
What to look for in a gaming headset
Picking a headset can seem a bit tricky, as even professional reviewers have their own biases and personal tastes which may not be the same as yours, and even sound quality can be a matter of individual taste. Fortunately, there are some considerations with gaming headsets that are more universal.
Sound Quality
This is a difficult one as it really can depend on your ears and your personal tastes, but in general, more expensive headsets with bigger drivers usually leads to better sound quality. It's not a pure dollar consideration though, as there are some diamonds in the rough at more affordable prices. Double check a few reviews before buying, as there are some headsets which are extremely bassy, and if that's not a sound you like, you'll want to look elsewhere.
Wired vs. Wireless
Wired headsets typically sound slightly better and offer a reduced latency, but wireless headsets are more convenient—and most modern wireless headsets employ special wireless tech to reduce latency anyway.
You do have to factor in battery life on wireless headsets, with some coming with hot-swappable batteries to keep you gaming as long as you like, where others will require plugging the headset in to ensure it stays charged up.
Compatibility
If you own just one gaming device, you can get away with highly specialized options like the Logitech G Pro X, which is one of the best available but only works with PC and PlayStation. As a general rule of thumb, wireless headsets tend to work on either Xbox or PlayStation, but not both. Planning to play on multiple consoles and mobile? Make sure the one you’re getting can easily move between everything you own.
Microphone
You’ll also want to think about whether your headset has a retractable microphone or a removable one. Ditto for the cable if it's wired. No matter how well you care for your headset, these components can degrade in time. With removable options, you can skip the annoying warranty process and replace them for far less money than it’d cost to replace the headset entirely.
Most modern headsets feature mono-directional microphones to reduce transmission of unwanted noise to your teammates, but not all do. A good microphone is a must if you plan to play a lot of cooperative games.
Comfort
A headset can make you feel like you’ve traveled through time and space to the very setting of whichever content you’re consuming, but that doesn’t mean much if you can’t stand to wear it more than an hour. As a general rule, over the ear headphones can make your ears and head hot compared to in ear or on-ear alternatives.
Gaming Headsets FAQ
Will I get better sound by spending more money?
Generally speaking, you can expect the most expensive headsets to have the best sound, but that doesn’t mean the sound coming out of lesser options is bad or that the most expensive options sound the best.
Most gaming headsets from reputable manufacturers sound great no matter the cost, especially with many using the very same drivers as the costlier upgrades, just dropping a few quality of life features to cut costs. Much of the difference in cost for gaming headsets is attributed to material and build quality, extra features and wireless connectivity.
The big differences will be found between the $30 budget options and the $100+ more premium alternatives. Once you get over $200, the differences between them and the $500+ professional headphones and headsets becomes negligible.
What Gaming Headset Do Pro Gamers Use?
This can vary quite widely. Some pro gamers wear headsets that are their favorite, whereas others wear a headset because it's part of a sponsorship deal. Some pro gamers who primarily stream by themselves or compete in solo games actually wear headphones instead of headsets.
For the most part though, pro gamers wear the same mix of mid-tier to high-end gaming headsets that are available to the general public. These include the likes of the Steelseries Arctis Pro, Sennheiser HD 650 and HyperX Cloud Alpha.
Is The Razer Headset Good?
This very much depends on which Razer headset you're talking about. Razer does make some excellent headsets, including its popular Kraken range and the immersive Nari range of wireless headsets. Its most popular headset in 2022, though, is the Razer BlackShark V2, which offers strong sound quality and excellent comfort. Whether you have a limited budget and need a more affordable headset or want to spend hundreds of dollars on a high-end set, Razer's range of gaming headsets offers something for everyone.
