Gaming headsets are staple gaming gear. Emitting sound effects that feel real and incorporating microphones for team communication, they’re an essential part of the entire gaming experience. And given the wide selection available, choosing which gaming headset to purchase is a little overwhelming. So, we’re going to help narrow down your list by sharing what we think are the top gaming headset options to buy.
Best Gaming Headset Picks
Get ready to excite the audiophile in you. Here are our top 11 gaming headset picks that excel in performance, quality, price, and more.
Compatible with: Mobile (Android), PC, PS4 & PS5, Nintendo Switch
Our ultimate gaming headset choice for you is none other than the Razer Barracuda X. This audio accessory is a level higher than its competitors because of the convenience it brings. The headset is plug-and-play; you only have to attach its Type-C dongle to your device of choice for instant wireless connectivity. The accessory can also be plugged into a gadget’s 3.5mm port via a cable. Also, its microphone is removable when you only want to listen to music.
Apart from everything mentioned, the gaming headset can last almost a whole day (20 hours) — thanks to its battery. There’s no surprise to that. Razer knows you’ll be immersed in your games longer because the gaming headset yields impressive sound quality and is light on the head.
PROS
- Plug-and-play gaming headset with easy touch controls
- 7.1 surround sound upgradeable to THX Spatial Audio
- Works with or without the microphone attached
CONS
- No lightning-type dongle for wireless connection to iPhone
- Incompatible with Xbox consoles
Compatible with: Mobile, PC, Xbox One, PS4 & PS5, Nintendo Switch
The Corsair Virtuoso’s luxury build is worth its hefty price. With its sleek and minimalist design and soft padding, what else could you ask for? Corsair’s software allows you to tweak volume and sound controls to your liking. The ear cups can rotate at 90 degrees, and the adjustable headband allows for a perfect fit.
If you want a luxury, customizable gaming headset, you should check this one out.
PROS
- Connects to Corsair iCUE for customizable sound
- Convenient ear cup controls to switch from wired to wireless
- Comes with 7.1. surround sound
CONS
- Bass needs a little more punch
- A bit pricey
Compatible with: PC, Mobile, Xbox One & Series X/S, PS4 & PS5, Nintendo Switch
If you want a more economic option, look no further. The HyperX Cloud Stinger will give you the best value for your money. The lightweight gaming headset can adjust right to the contours of your head. Its comfortable design is rare for other models at this price point. The microphone mutes itself when you flip it up, which is very convenient.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger comes with quality features at a reasonable price.
PROS
- Snug and comfortable fit
- Big 50mm drivers that produce exquisite sound quality
- Equipped with a swivel-to-mute microphone
CONS
- Audio cable and microphone are not detachable
- Has a short cable
- Heats up if used too long
Compatible with: PC, Mobile, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch
The Sennheiser GSP 300’s build quality is on par with higher-priced brands on the market. This gaming headset records clear and sharp audio and produces rich, deep tones. Though it isn’t equipped with extra features, it’s enough for a great gaming audio experience.
If you’re looking for a simple but great quality headset, the Sennheiser GSP 300 is the one for you.
PROS
- Comfortable fit
- Noise-canceling microphone with great quality
- Accessible volume dial
CONS
- Sound is a little pitchy
- Unexceptional design
Compatible with: PC, Mobile, Xbox One & Series X/S, PS4 & PS5, Nintendo Switch
The Turtle Beach Ear Force Recon 70 is simple yet effective. The gaming headset is very affordable, with decent audio to boot. Though it doesn’t have that many added features, it works great. It fits well on your head and there are many colorful designs to choose from. The Recon 70 will grant you immersive gaming even without surround sound.
For an affordable yet good-quality gaming headset, check out the Turtle Beach Ear Force Recon 70.
PROS
- Comfortable and snug fit
- Affordable price
- Dynamic audio
CON
- No added features
Compatible with: Mobile, PC, PS4 & PS5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch (on PlayStation mode)
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless has received decent reviews for a good reason. The sound is clear and sharp with little to no background noise. Voice audio is excellent, almost professional sounding. If you’re an audiophile or a streamer, this is a great gaming headset to pick.
PROS
- Lossless and high-fidelity audio
- Has many connectivity options
- Audio has little to no background noise
CONs
- Will need extra set-up for Xbox One
- A little on the pricey side
Compatible with: PC, Mobile, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch
Logitech has a reputation for making gaming headsets with great audio quality. In that regard, the Logitech G430 is no exception. It’s equipped with a lot of great features at an affordable rate. Though its noise isolation isn’t that great, the sound and microphone are excellent. The microphone blocks out a lot of background noise and the build is comfortable.
Check out the Logitech G430 for an affordable choice.
PROS
- Affordable with great quality
- Comfortable design
- Audio and microphone works great
- Comes with 7.1 surround sound
CONs
- Surround sound isn’t compatible with PS4
- Noise isolation isn’t the best
Compatible with: PC, Mobile, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch
The Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero comes with a ton of cool features. First of all, the microphone and ear cups are removable. That means replacement of parts is easy. The gaming headset is also foldable which bodes well for portability. The headband might have a tight grip, so it may not fit larger heads. But it’ll work to secure the headset in place. As for audio quality, Turtle Beach’s software works great to give dynamic sound.
For a gaming headset with an inclusive design, check out the Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero.
PROS
- Excellent sound quality
- Hassle-free gaming with glasses
- Customizable sound controls
CONs
- Tight head fit
- Limited features on some platforms
Compatible with: PC, Mobile, Xbox One & Series X/S, PS4 & PS5, Nintendo Switch
The Logitech G Pro X is a versatile gaming headset. Its sleek design isn’t the only impressive feature. The headset also boasts incredible audio made for tournaments. Logitech worked with eSports athletes to design a headset optimized for gaming. As a result, the G Pro X has a clear and polished microphone and audio quality. The audio is sharp even without tuning from an equalizer.
The Logitech G Pro X is a great choice for pro gamers and aspiring eSports athletes.
PROS
- BLUE VO!CE microphone technology
- Detachable microphone
- Durable aluminum and soft padding for comfort
CONs
- Ear cups aren’t rotatable
- On the pricey side
Compatible with: PC, Mobile, Xbox One & Series X/S, PS4 & PS5, Nintendo Switch
The Razer Kraken X comes with surround sound and adopts comfortable mesh at a modest price. Noise isolation in this unit isn’t the best, but it does a pretty good job compared to headsets at a higher price. The Kraken also released a kitty-themed headset, which is cute as well as functional.
If you want a versatile gaming headset, you should check out the Razer Kraken X.
PROS
- Soft mesh material
- Many connectivity options
- Decent noise isolation
CON
- Ear cups aren’t rotatable
Compatible with: Mobile, PC, PS4 & PS5, Xbox One & Series X/S
At first glance, you can already tell that this gaming headset has a comfortable design with its memory foam padding. There’s no surprise to that. HyperX is reputable for producing audio accessories with excellent quality like this. Though its products are on the pricey side, you get the most bang for your buck with those. The HyperX Cloud Flight, in particular, is compatible with the HyperX NGenuity software which lets you edit mic and audio settings. It also has the power to last more than a day (30 hours). Thus, it’s worth it.
If you’re looking for a comfortable all day-use gaming headset, the HyperX Cloud Flight is your best choice.
PROS
- 30-hour battery life
- Comfortable and durable design for long gaming sessions
- Has a detachable microphone that transforms the headset into regular headphones
CON
- Not budget-friendly
What to Consider When Finding the Best Gaming Headset
Now that you know what headset you might want, here are a few things to consider. We hope this guide helps you pick out the best gaming headset.
Headset Types
Wired gaming headsets
Wired headsets come with cables you can connect to your PC, mobile or gaming console. Those can either connect through USB ports or audio jacks. Wired headsets do restrict mobility, so it’s preferred to use them for PC, or any device in proximity. Still, you can save more as they tend to be cheaper than wireless gaming headset options in the market.
Wireless gaming headsets
Wireless gaming headset releases are becoming more and more popular every year. As their name suggests, there are no wires attached to the accessories. This can give you free rein to move around without hassle. They are a bit heavier than wired headsets because of the built-in battery. And you may have to charge those every once in a while.
Open-back gaming headsets
Open-back gaming headset variants have open ear cups, leaving the speakers unsealed. Those tend to have better acoustic sound signatures than closed-back headsets. The major drawback to them is that they’re not discreet. Everyone in proximity would know exactly what you’re listening to on your gaming headset.
Closed-back gaming headsets
Closed-back headsets have sealed speakers. They have more noise isolation than open-back headsets. Thus, the headsets give you better privacy and cause less distraction for others. You should note that the audio here is not as dynamic as open-back gaming headsets.
Audio Quality
True surround sound
Most of the high-end gaming headset options boast the 7.1 surround sound feature or its upgraded versions. They come with more than one driver to imitate the directions of sound in your ear. The result is true surround sound. The said surround-sound headsets will give you an immersive experience with added audio quality. These will also help you to pinpoint gunshots and footfalls with accuracy — a plus for FPS games.
Not all headsets have the 7.1 surround sound feature but don’t get discouraged. In our opinion, this isn’t that great of a loss. Stereo headsets still do the job quite well, and there are other alternatives.
Virtual surround sound
Virtual surround sound, meanwhile, comes from software. The goal is the same — to recreate sound directionality. You can experience the said output with stereo headsets, and turn it on and off when needed. Virtual surround sound is a cheaper option if you want surround sound. Keep in mind that the sound quality will still depend on other factors, though.
Microphone Quality
The microphone is a crucial part of any gaming headset. It’s handy for team communication, especially for MMO or MOBA games. Without it, you’re branded as the “no mic guy” for life. You want microphones that have clear audio, tight bass, and undistorted sound for a better team playthrough.
Standard gaming headsets come with a built-in boom mic. Most boom mics are uni- or bidirectional, meaning they only pick up certain sounds. This cancels out other background noise, so audio recordings sound clearer.
When choosing a gaming headset, consider the distance of the mic to your mouth. Some headsets have mics further away so as not to record heavy breathing. Other headsets have them closer to produce crisper audio recordings. If you already have a gaming headset that doesn’t have a mic, you can always get add-ons. This is a low-cost option, though it might not have the same quality as built-in mics.
Comfort and Fit of the Headset
Look out for headsets with soft, cushioned padding and a flexible headband. If you’re one that plays games for hours, it would be a lot easier with a comfortable gaming headset. You don’t want stiff earpads hurting your ears and a tight headband biting down on your head.
Driver Size
Size does matter, at least in gaming headsets. Bigger drivers tend to have better audio quality than smaller ones. This is also true for regular headphones. You should also consider the gaming headset’s material because that can affect the sound as well.
Platform Compatibility
Wired headsets come with either a USB cable or a 3.5mm headphone jack. Your gaming headset’s compatibility with your platform of choice depends on this feature. Headsets that use the audio jack are more universal — compatible with most, if not all, devices.
The headsets that come with a USB connector may be a bit limited. This shouldn’t be a problem if you’re playing on a console or PC. But you might want to consider this if you’re also gaming on your mobile device or Nintendo Switch.
Portability and Storage
It’s also important to consider how easy it is to store the gaming headset. Some headsets can lay flat on any surface. This makes them easier to keep under your drawers. Other headsets come with bags that allow you to take them anywhere you want. Double-check the bag’s durability so your headset won’t get wet or fall off.
Setting Up Your Gaming Headset
Whether you’re going to go wireless or wired, setting up gaming headsets isn’t as simple as plugging them in. In general, wired headsets need plugging into their respective ports. Wireless headsets, meanwhile, use Bluetooth or direct connection (e.g. Xbox wireless technology). You also need to set them up on your platform of choice.
Each platform has different setup settings. Thankfully, there are a lot of tutorials online. You can check out this video to give you an idea of setting up a wireless headset for PC and Xbox, which is more complicated to do compared to mobile.
How to Maintain Your Gaming Headset
Your gaming headset quest does not end with finding the best option. Once you’ve bought something good, you would want it to last long. So, here are the best practices to make sure your audio accessory is always in perfect condition:
Store Your Gaming Headsets Properly
The most common culprit behind gaming headset damages is improper storage. Thus, keep your headsets away from devices that overheat, like gaming consoles and CPUs. Don’t leave your headsets lying around where they might be stepped on. Also, take off your headphones when you’re going to sleep to you from lying on them accidentally.
Furthermore, you need to store your headsets in a safe and dry place to avoid any damage. For wired headsets, be sure to keep them untangled and placed in an organizer to avoid breakage over time.
Clean Your Gaming Headsets
When cleaning your gaming headsets, use either a dry or slightly wet cloth. Clean gently and be mindful of the unit. Don’t use any harsh cleaning agents, as those may affect your headset.
Bring Out Your A-Game With the Best Gaming Headset
With the most impressive gaming headsets right in front of you, the immersive playthrough you’ve been hoping for is possible. Bring out your A-game with the best audio accessory that meets your needs. Let us know which was your top pick!
