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The best gaming headsets you can buy
A gaming headset is a perfect way to enhance your play and get a more immersive gaming experience. Headsets can allow you to pick up on in-game audio cues like footsteps and enemy fire better than you would with a TV's speakers or even a soundbar. Many gaming headsets feature some sort of virtual surround sound technology for a more dynamic sound that either changes with your in-game position or (if you're willing to spend a pretty penny) is relative to your real-life head position.
There are about as many options for headsets as there are games, including Bluetooth wireless models and USB-C wired ones. Many also have cross-platform compatibility, so if you regularly switch from PC to consoles, you can find a headset that works with everything. I've rounded up some of the best gaming headsets you can buy from top brands like HyperX, SteelSeries, and ASUS. And I've broken down their features to help you decide which one best fits your budget and your gaming needs.
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- Comfortable
- 7.1CH surround sound
- Detachable mic and surround sound module
- Great audio even at high volumes
- Expensive
- No RGB
- No on-ear volume or mic controls
HyperX Cloud Alpha S features: Connectivity: Wired USB | Surround sound: 7.1CH virtual | Weight: 321 grams | Driver size: 50mm | RGB: No | Noise cancellation: Microphone only | Microphone: Detachable
This is the headset I personally use for everything from gaming and listening to music to hopping into video calls and virtual meetings, and I can confidently say that it is one of the best (if not THE best) gaming headsets available. While it's on the heavier side at 321g (11.3oz), the thick headband cushion and memory foam ear cups evenly distribute the weight for all-day comfort. And even if you have a larger head or wear glasses, they're comfortable for long-term wear since the ear cups don't have a lot of clamping pressure.
Also: HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless review
It features a detachable microphone equipped with noise canceling technology so your teammates hear you and not your computer fans or talking roommates. It also has a detachable, 7.1CH surround sound module for enhancing audio quality when you need to hear tiny cues like enemy footsteps; the module also has onboard controls for adjusting volume, changing the audio balance between your game and chat, and a quick-mute button for the microphone. The dual chamber, 50mm drivers are built to balance rich bass tones with bright highs and crisp mids for cleaner audio even at high volumes. Each ear cup also features sliders for adjusting bass levels for a custom sound experience.
- 7.1CH virtual surround sound
- Custom EQ software
- Head tracking for dynamic audio
- USB-C/USB 3.0/3.5mm AUX connections
- Not wireless
- 3D audio requires regular battery charges
HyperX Cloud Orbit S features: Connectivity: USB-C/USB-A/3.5mm AUX | Surround sound: 7.1CH virtual | Weight: 368 grams | Driver size: 100mm | RGB: No | Noise cancellation: Microphone only | Microphone: Detachable
The HyperX Cloud Orbit S is one of the most expensive headsets you can get, but they are worth every penny. HyperX teamed up with Audeze to create 100mm, planar magnetic drivers for the Cloud Orbit S, creating nearly lossless and incredibly crisp audio. The headset also uses Waves NX 3D audio processing to create 7.1CH virtual surround sound as well as head tracking to shift sound from left to right channels as you move for dynamic, ultra-immersive audio that puts you right in the middle of the action. You can even customize your headset's audio output with the Audeze HQ app; it allows you to manually adjust head tracking sensitivity, as well as tune a virtual room for custom ambience and listening.
And while the Cloud Orbit S has three connection options, it isn't wireless or Bluetooth compatible. And if you want to use the Waves NX technology regularly, you'll have to keep the integrated battery charged. But these are relatively minor drawbacks compared to the absolutely stunning sound capabilities this headset has.
- Windows, Mac, PS5 compatible
- Wireless or wired connection
- Affordable
- Mic monitoring
- 3D audio may not be as good as some gamers expect
- The plastic headband feels a bit cheap
Sony Pulse 3D features: Connectivity: USB wireless dongle/3.5mm AUX | Surround sound: Sony Tempest 3D | Weight: 295 grams | Driver size: 40mm | RGB: No | Noise cancellation: Microphone only | Microphone: Dual integrated
If you've managed to get your hands on a PlayStation 5, the Sony Pulse 3D is the best headset to pair with your new console. It's a no-nonsense headset that you can either use with a USB wireless dongle for up to 12 hours of play or connect it to your controller via a 3.5mm AUX cable and play as long as your controller lasts. It uses Sony's Tempest 3D audio processing for virtual surround sound that, while not as good as what you'd get from much more expensive, Dolby-capable headsets, is still really immersive and clean.
You can fine-tune the 3D audio settings right from the PS5 menu, and the left ear cup sports onboard controls for changing volume, muting your mic, and even monitoring your mic on-the-fly. The dual microphones are integrated within the headset itself for a cleaner, simpler look, which is perfect for when you want to connect the headset to your phone or laptop to listen to music while out and about or tackle your workload and virtual meeting schedule for the day.
- Dolby Atmos capable
- Quick charge feature
- Good battery life
- The mic doesn't detach
- No iOS compatibility
Microsoft Xbox Stereo wireless features: Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2 | Surround sound: Dolby Atmos, DTS Headphone: X | Weight: 312 grams | Driver size: 40mm | RGB: No | Noise cancellation: No | Microphone: Integrated boom
Like Sony, Microsoft has created a headset that is a perfect pairing for their Xbox Series X console. This lightweight headset pairs wirelessly with the console via Bluetooth for up to 15 hours of play, and just 30 minutes of charging gives you 4 hours of use. This is perfect for when you forgot to charge overnight and want to hop into a quick Apex match with friends. The earcups eschew on-board buttons, dials, and switches for more intuitive, rotating dials do adjust volume and game/chat balance.
The integrated microphone doesn't detach at all, but it does feature a flexible boom arm that allows it to bend up out of the way when you don't want to use it. And the microphone has an automatic mute feature that kills the audio input when you aren't speaking, so you don't have to worry about teammates having to listen to the drone of your box fan when you aren't calling out shots and enemy sightings; there's also a manual mute for when you want to shut the mic off completely.
- 7.1CH virtual surround sound
- Discord and TeamSpeak certified
- Foldable design
- Need longer AUX cable to use with Switch in docked mode
- No noise canceling mic
ASUS ROG Strix Go Core features: Connectivity: 3.5mm AUX | Surround sound: 7.1CH virtual | Weight: 252 grams | Driver size: 40mm | RGB: No | Noise cancellation: No | Microphone: Detachable
The Nintendo Switch is built for gaming on-the-go, and the ASUS ROG Strix Go Core headset is a great pairing for the console. It uses a 3.5mm AUX cable to connect and features 7.1CH virtual surround sound, so whether you're rescuing Princess Peach (again) in Super Mario 3D All-Stars or shine sparking your way through Metroid Dread, every game sounds its best. The ear cups have a swivel-fold design for more compact storage and easier travel, as well as an ergonomic design for long-wear comfort.
The detachable microphone is certified for Discord and TeamSpeak so you get crystal clear chat no matter what, and the flexible boom arm makes it easy to get the perfect position, so you aren't clipping your chat audio or inaudible during critical moments.
- Excellent battery life
- 7.1CH surround/3D audio for PS5
- Quick charge feature
- No noise cancellation
- The mic doesn't detach
- The steep learning curve for EQ software
SteelSeries Arctis 7+ features: Connectivity: USB-C dongle | Surround sound: 7.1CH virtual/Tempest 3D | Weight: 422 grams | Driver size: 40mm | RGB: No | Noise cancellation: Microphone only | Microphone: Integrated boom
If you're willing to pay a bit more to get the best-of-the-best when it comes to wireless gaming headsets, the SteelSeries Arctis 7+ is well worth the investment. It uses a USB-C dongle to connect to your PC or console and has a very impressive 30-hour battery life. And just 15 minutes of charging gives you 3 hours of play for quick matches with friends even if you forgot to charge the Arctis 7+ overnight.
It features 7.1CH virtual surround sound for PC and Xbox gaming as well as Tempest 3D for PS5, so you get an immersive experience no matter what you use to play. The boom mic doesn't detach, but it does retract up into the right ear cup when you don't want to use it, and it features noise-canceling tech to block out background noise when you're chatting with teammates.
And while this headset is on the heavier side at 422g (about 15oz), the steel and ski-goggle headband does a great job of evenly distributing weight for comfortable, long-term wear.
- 38 hour battery life
- Fast charging
- Height-adjustable, rotating earcups
- Onboard controls
- AI-powered noise canceling
- Compatible with tablets, phones, Xbox, PC, PlayStation, and Switch
- Does not have RGB lighting
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X features: Connectivity: USB-C | Surround sound: 360° Spatial Audio | Weight: 324 grams | Driver size: 40mm | RGB: No | Noise cancellation: AI Noise Cancelling | Microphone: Retractable
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X is a cross-platform headset with ultra-immersive sound. It includes a feature called 360° Spatial Audio that puts you in the action from every direction -- and it is fully compatible with Microsoft Spatial Sound/ Tempest 3D Audio for PS5. The headset has an AI-powered noise-canceling microphone that turns down not only the noise from your keyboard, but also the clicks from your teammates' keyboards. The mic fully retracts into the earcup, which fits perfectly over your ear and can adjust to height and rotate within the overhead band. AirWeave Memory Foam cushions surround the earcups, which also have onboard controls like volume adjustment, ChatMix, and mute.
You can pair your devices to this headset with Bluetooth and answer calls without exiting a game. This headset doesn't just give you a flexible overhead band or earcups; it also gives you the ability to game across platforms and use the headset for functions other than gaming.
Also: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless review
The battery that comes with the headset is a fast charging USB-C battery that holds up to 38 hours of use. 15 minutes of charging bring 6 hours of use.
For RGB lighting, the best SteelSeries model to check out is the Arctis Nova 3, which comes with Dual Zone RGB.
What is the best gaming headset?
The best gaming headset is the HyperX Cloud Alpha S, based on sound, connectivity, features, and price. But I found the best gaming headsets in all sorts of categories. Do you want your headset to be as light as possible? How about a headset with wired connectivity? Is noise cancelation a priority? Check out the specs comparison below for a side-by-side comparison of crucial specs.
| Gaming headset | Connectivity | Surround sound | Weight | Driver size | RGB | Microphone | Noise cancellation |
HyperX Cloud Alpha S | Wired USB | 7.1CH virtual | 321 grams | 50 mm | No | Detachable | Microphone only |
HyperX Cloud Orbit S2 | USB-C/USB-A/3.5mm AUX | 7.1CH virtual | 368 grams | 100 mm | No | Detachable | Microphone only |
Sony Pulse 3D | USB wireless dongle/3.5mm AUX | Sony Tempest 3D | 295 grams | 40 mm | No | Dual integrated | Microphone only |
Microsoft Xbox Stereo wireless | Bluetooth 4.2 | Dolby Atmos, DTS Headphone: X | 312 grams | 40 mm | No | Integrated boom | No |
ASUS ROG Strix Go Core | 3.5mm AUX | 7.1CH virtual | 252 grams | 40 mm | No | Detachable | No |
SteelSeries Arctis 7+ | USB-C dongle | 7.1CH virtual/Tempest 3D | 422 grams | 40 mm | No | Integrated boom | Microphone only |
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X | USB-C dongle | 360° Spatial Audio | 324 grams | 40 mm | No | Retractable | AI noise canceling |
Which is the right gaming headset for you?
Once you've locked down a budget for a new headset, you'll want to choose a model that best fits your playstyle as well as gaming setup.
If you primarily play on PC, you may want to opt for a headset with 7.1CH virtual surround or Dolby Atmos for more dynamic audio and a detachable mic if you have a separate microphone for streaming/chatting.
If you are more of a console gamer, an integrated mic is crucial for in-game chat, and you'll want to consider both wireless connectivity and wired connectivity options. Wireless allows for more options on where you sit in relation to your TV but battery life can hamper your playtime, while wired headsets provide more stable connections but limit how far away you can sit unless they can plug directly into the controller or you use your Switch mostly in handheld mode.
Each of the headsets below have different use cases. Here's a snapshot of which headset to choose.
Choose this gaming headset... | If you want... |
HyperX Cloud Alpha S | The best gaming headset overall and the best wired gaming headset |
HyperX Cloud Orbit S | The best luxury gaming headset and the best surround sound gaming headset |
Sony Pulse 3D | The best headset for PlayStation 5 and the best gaming headset under $100 |
Microsoft Xbox Stereo wireless | The best headset for Xbox Series X |
ASUS ROG Strix Go Core | The best headset for Nintendo Switch |
SteelSeries Arctis 7+ | The best wireless gaming headset and the best gaming headset for PC |
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X | The best multi-use, cross-platform gaming headset and the best headset for audiophiles |
How did I choose these gaming headsets?
Aside from price, I chose headsets with a variety of compatibility and connectivity options. Since gamers are more prone to cross-platform play, it's important to have a headset that works with computers, mobile devices, and consoles. I also looked at audio processing and EQ capabilities for sound quality and clarity, as well as microphone and build quality for clearer chat.
What to look for in a gaming headset?
Wired vs Wireless
Wired headsets offer the simple advantage of never needing to be charged. If that's a dealbreaker for you, choose a wired headset. Wireless headsets have different battery lives, but they can be more mobile and less challenging to untangle -- plus, they're easier to transport with less wires needed on the way.
Noise isolation
Each of the options above has different noise isolation capabilities, with some headsets offering it and others not offering it. If noise isolation matters to you, e,g, if you're in a noisy environment when you're gaming, make sure to choose a headset with good noise isolation.
Surround sound
The 7.1 surround sound audio system is used in headsets to deliver sound from different angles. This means two additional speakers instead of the usual six for a more immersive experience.
Microphone
Some of these headsets allow for noise cancelation for your microphone only.
Comfort
Each headset has earcups that feature different materials. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X, for example, has AirWeave memory foam cushions.
Build quality
Build quality is difficult to assess without having the headset in your hands or using it. Aim for a quality headset.
Which is better: Wired or wireless?
This is a pretty subjective question. Wireless headsets are great for both PC and console gaming since they don't have cables that limit where you can sit or are prone to tangling. They are usually more expensive, though, and battery life can seriously hamper your playtime. Wired headsets are more affordable, but do limit where you can sit if you play on a console; unless you can plug into a wireless controller. The wired connections are also prone to damage and tangling, shortening the life of the headset. In the end, it comes down to what fits your budget and what features are on your must-have list.
Do I need a preamp?
Not at all. A preamp is only necessary if you're an established, professional streamer who wants to ensure top-quality audio for broadcast. If you're just wanting to hop into Final Fantasy XIV raids or Apex Legends matches with friends, your headset's usual connectivity is just fine.
Are earbuds good for gaming?
They can be! Especially if you don't like on-ear or over-ear headsets. Earbuds offer better fit and comfort for mobile gaming, and better sound immersion since the audio plays directly into your ear. Many gaming earbuds have in-line microphones for in-game chat and in-line controls for adjusting volume and muting the mic. They're also usually much more affordable than their over-ear counterparts.
What headsets do pro FPS gamers use?
Pro FPS gamers have their favorite headsets just like the rest of us. However, the headsets on this list are popular options. The HyperX Cloud series is popular as well as the Razer Blackshark, Sennheiser Game Zero, Razer Kraken, Asus ROG, and more. Depending on the platform, you might find that one headset works better than another.
Are there alternative gaming headsets to consider?
There are as many options for gaming headsets as there are gamers. Here's a short list of other models that I thought were great: