10 Best Gaming Headsets & Headphones

We’ve tested 193 headphones, and here are the best gaming headsets for casual and competitive gamers if you want immersive sound, long-term comfort, surround sound, and a clear mic.

We evaluate headphones based on 9 key factors (Sonic9Score).  See our testing and ranking methodology.

To choose the headsets, we looked at the following:

• Sound quality: How enjoyable is their sound? How much bass and detail do they produce? How big is their soundstage (spatial audio)?
• Comfort: How thick are the earpads and headband padding? Is the headband extendable? Do earcups swivel? Can you wear them for hours?
• Surround sound: Do they come with surround sound, and how does it work?
• Microphone quality: Is the mic clear, distortion-free, and easy to mute when not needed?

You want to focus on the game without worrying about real-world problems. You want the headset to gel with your body and become an extension of yourself.

There are many gaming headsets that are supposed to be great but fall short with mediocre audio quality, a distorted microphone, and weak durability. Check the list to avoid them.

For low-priced options, find good cheap gaming headsets here or check the best wireless PlayStation headsets.

Best Gaming Headsets

1. SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless

The best gaming headset with wireless connectivity and immersive audio.

For a gaming headset, it sounds quite amazing. The low end is deep, highs are excellent. Sound is quite versatile and can be used for different games. Make sure to use simulated positional audio (DTS Headphone:X v2) on the PC.

Also, check the best bass headphones.

If a wireless headset is what you want, then this is the most versatile option today. The noise-cancellation microphone quality is clear and distortion-free. You can use it in louder places, and teammates will hear you clearly.

The understated design is well-built and will last a long time. Large ear cups are greatly padded. Thus, the comfort is really high (comfy even after long hours).

The battery lasts up to 24 hours per charge, which is more than enough for a full-day PC gaming experience.

2. Razer BlackShark V2

Razer’s best PC gaming headsets might shuffle some cards in the under $100 price range with feature-rich software, balanced audio, and a comfortable design.

With V2’s you’re getting a nicely balanced frequency response, with a decently big soundstage that can get bigger with THX spatial audio.

BlackShark V2 are following a similar design language as their predecessor, with a more retro aviation look. Only that now you’re getting much more padding all the way around for maximum comfort.

Earpads are covered in a unique fabric that ensures breathability while keeping above-average noise isolation. Housing is also very lightweight despite its size.

The microphone on V2 is detachable and comes with a wide array of software options to ensure its clarity. 3.5mm jack connects to the Razer’s USB sound card, but if you want cleaner microphone output, plug the headphones directly into the computer.

Like affordable? See the best headphones under $100.

3. Asus ROG Delta S

Despite the premium price, the Delta S still represents fantastic value for gamers, especially if you like a hi-res listening experience.

50mm neodymium drivers provide accurate, excellent audio quality, portraying all the small nuances inside the game with good detail.

A built-in QUAD DAC can even transcode MQA files for the most diehard audiophiles. That’s something very few gaming headsets can do.

Delta’s awarded design fits wonderfully on your head, providing hours of uninterrupted gameplay. You even get spare earpads inside the box when the original ones start showing age.

Of course, there must be RGB, and Asus’s implementation is quite attractive. It can even perform lighting effects on the ear cup when you speak into the detachable microphone.

The connection runs strictly via USB-C, but you do get an adapter for USB-A.

4. SteelSeries Arctis PRO Wireless

The best premium gaming headsets for demanding PC gamers.

The headset delivers high-end sound. With the quality transmission and drivers, you can use the headset for games, movies, and music. The EQ settings make it possible to adjust the frequency response to your liking.

If you are a PC gamer or use Playstation consoles or Xbox consoles, this best gaming headset is a fantastic choice.

The SteelSeries Arctis PRO Wireless gives you a high-end feature set for a demanding gamer. They even offer wireless and Bluetooth connectivity.

It has 20 hours of battery, and it even comes with two batteries. While one is used, the other can be in the charger dock.

It also comes with a SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC. You can choose the volume of voice chat and gaming sound effects to get the ideal gaming audio quality for you.

A ClearCast microphone offers clear communication but picks up the background noise.

5. Razer Barracuda X

Best gaming headset for consoles and yet another strong competitor under $100 with basic features but strong audio and mic performance and comfortable fit.

The new Razer wireless headset has a fairly balanced frequency response, a minor upper-bass boost, a slightly recessed midrange, and a sparkly treble.

That makes these wireless headsets great for both music and gaming, where you benefit from their superb imaging capabilities. The latter helps you to locate your opponent more accurately.

The design is rather basic, and apart from the metal headband, you’ll primarily look at the plastic. On the other hand, that also makes them lightweight and very comfortable.

Barracuda X uses a low-latency wireless USB dongle to transmit wireless audio, making it fully compatible with practically all gaming systems.

Razer says their gaming headset can last up to 20 hours or more of somewhat lackluster battery life, and you can use them without wireless functionality (via a 3.5mm connection if you end up without juice).

Related:

• Best wireless gaming headset for PlayStation

6. HyperX Cloud II Wireless

HyperX Cloud II Wireless are the best wireless gaming headsets for most gamers.

While the non-wireless version has a sculpted sound, the new wireless Cloud II presents an almost neutral sound signature. That makes them great for picking up small details in both your favorite games and music.

The outside of these gaming headphones didn’t change much. A sturdy aluminum frame comes in either gunmetal or red color, whereas the memory foam earpads provide excellent comfort.

There’s no option for a 3.5mm audio cable, which is why you have to rely on a 2.4GHz USB-C dongle only. The battery should last for 30 hours straight.

For spatial audio, you get surround sound support for 7.1 channels, which only works for PC gaming.

7. Sennheiser GSP 370

Best gaming headsets from Sennheiser with an absolute beast battery.

The Sennheiser headset sounds great. GSP 370’s 7.1 spatial sound is decent, but its main selling point is excellent audio clarity and good imaging.

The second best thing is their runtime. The headset has a wireless connection and an impressively long battery life of 100 hours. That provides you with a whole week of careless gaming without needing to search for a plug.

Gaming headsets need a good mic, and 370’s have precisely that. It’s a flip-to-mute type, but it works great. On the sides, a built-in wheel lets you quickly adjust the volume levels.

As for the comfort, they’re lightweight and have thick pleather/velour earpads for better breathability.

8. SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless

Best gaming headset under $100.

Finding excellent sound clarity like this under $100 is rare. These headphones have high-fidelity frequency response and lossless wireless capabilities. You will be impressed by the level of clarity and quality at the price point.

This gaming headset is the wireless model and a little sibling of the Arctis Pro. They have the same drivers as the award-winning Arctis 7. Considering the reasonable price, this is a big bonus.

You also get a ClearCast microphone for distortion-free communication with friends or in-game.

The steel-reinforced headband is very durable and flexible. You can use it on the go and put it in your bag without worrying. Overall, you truly get your money’s worth.

Check related guides:

• Best microphones for gaming

9. HyperX Cloud Stinger

HyperX Cloud Stinger is the best headset under $30.

The quality is pretty good, as well. To be frank, the sound profile isn’t as good as with top models, but can easily compare to the best Bluetooth headphones under $100.

They have slightly emphasized yet mediocre bass, decent mids for a budget gaming headset, and good highs. Overall, if you are just an average user, you’ll be pleased with the audio.

The earphones are slightly smaller than with HyperX Cloud or Revolver models but still big enough to comfortably fit adult ears. They are very comfortable headphones, and you quickly forget you’re wearing a budget model.

The boom microphone is not detachable, but you can move it in a vertical position when not needed. Its audio quality is good, and other players will think you have a high-end gaming headset.

HyperX Cloud Stinger review

10. Asus TUF Gaming H3

One of the best budget gaming experiences that sell for a good price.

Don’t let the low price point fool you. These headsets have a clear frequency response with a slight bass boost to make in-game effects more engaging; excellent performance for under $40.

TUF means “tough,” and the TUF Gaming H3 is quite durable, even though it feels somewhat cheap. They’re flexible and should survive a few accidental drops from a desk.

Due to the lightweight build materials, these PC gaming headphones feel like a feather. With the addition of thick earpads, you will forget about them being on your head.

Thankfully, Asus hasn’t cheap out on the microphone. It delivers good clarity and is Discord-certified.

Honorable Mentions

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 (2. Gen) – This is a great wired gaming headset for PC. They have great microphone clarity and sound, on top of durable and comfortable build quality. However, they’re a bit pricey. (Check MMX 300 (2. Gen) price)

Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen. 2 – Great wireless pick for PC gamers with glasses who don’t like a tight fit. Their V-shaped sound amplifies explosions while the treble sharpens imaging capabilities (called the Superhuman Hearing feature). Sadly, the headset supports only Windows Sonic for surround effect. (Check Stealth 700 Gen. 2 price)

Logitech G Pro X – Highly regarded gaming headsets that come as a wired and wireless option, with a USB wireless dongle. They might have slightly too weak bass for some, but in general, the audio quality is great. You can fine-tune them inside a desktop app. You also buy these for great mic reasons. (Check G Pro X price)

Best Regular Headphones for Gaming and Music

Don’t want a dedicated gaming headset? You can get great regular headphones and add a microphone. Famous streamer Ninja has a Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO with a standalone microphone. And it works great.

How to create your own gaming headset?

1. Get a pair of headphones
2. Buy a microphone mod
3. Combine and get the best of both worlds: superb audio and voice quality

See the best microphones for gaming.

What is the Difference Between Gaming Headphones and Regular Headphones?

Any gaming headphones come with a boom microphone, thus creating a headset.

They’re also built for long hours of comfort and often come with virtual surround sound, LED lights, and other related features.

A good headset for gaming needs to be comfortable

Game-playing marathons are common nowadays, and many people play for hours on end. For this, you need a pair of headphones that won’t irritate your ears.

Some people use earbuds for gaming, but most aren’t that good, and there aren’t many to choose from.

Sleek design with a sturdy structure

Most gaming headsets and wireless headphones are mainly plastic. But some use better plastics than others.

Cheap budget models generally use lower-quality materials that deteriorate sooner. But mid-tier and higher-end models have more or less the same build quality. The thing that fails before the body structure are the earpads or a microphone and drivers.

Many best gaming headsets come with virtual 7.1 surround sound

While the quality audio usually isn’t at the forefront for gaming headphones, having surround sound modes is a nice advantage.

Closed headphones have a rather intimate soundstage, and with the help of software, you can expand it.

Types of Gaming Headphones

• Wired with a 3.5 mm or USB connection is most common.
• Wireless connection (not Bluetooth) is becoming more popular and offers the most versatility in its wireless features.
• Multi-platform compatible headsets connect to various platforms, including PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X.
• Single platform compatible sets are dedicated to one, usually a specific console, and offer limited features with other systems.

Do the types of headphones differ between gaming systems?

Usually, the only difference is how they connect.

However, due to business reasons, some manufacturers create different versions of the same gaming headset. Like when a headset specifically made for Xbox connects to the console wirelessly without any adapters.

Otherwise, they use the same drivers and structure but with different compatibility.

A quality gaming headset usually costs more money and is commonly packed with extra features like virtual surround sound, customization features, and more.

The cheapest type of gaming headset will always be wired and without fancy surround sound or other software. Thankfully, a good pair of neodymium drivers and a quality mic is often enough to have an enjoyable experience.

What to Look for in Gaming Headphones

Wide compatibility

Make sure your new headset is compatible with your gaming systems.

• 3.5 mm is supported by all major gaming devices (PC, Mac, PS5, Xbox Series X). Some headsets also use wired USB connections.
• Wireless gaming headsets usually come with an adapter or base station that you connect with a cable. Some even support Bluetooth for mobile devices like iOS and Android phones.

Comfort

• Look for plush and thick ear pads and an over-ear design.
• The memory-foam earpads offer the best comfort (pleather deteriorates over time).
• An adjustable headband and swiveling earcups ensure a comfy fit.

A reliable microphone

Mic problems are the most annoying when you want to play with friends.

• Look for a boom microphone that extends in front of the mouth
• Make sure it’s mutable with a flip-to-mute function or a button

Check for the best microphones.

Extra features

There are many options:

• Surround sound makes the game worlds more immersive and life-like.
• A detachable microphone can be stored away when you don’t need it.
• Customization options like in-app EQ allow you to adjust the sound signature so the headset sounds just the way you like it.
• RGB lighting with different modes gives off the “gaming” look (if that’s your thing).

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions