Enjoy your games with one of the best gaming headsets available right now.
| Rating | Price | Compatibility | Connection | Back design | Noise cancelling mic | Surround sound | More info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SteelSeries Arctis 7 Best wireless  | 4.5 | Under $130 | PC, Playstation, Xbox | Wireless, Bluetooth (24 hours) | Closed-back |  |  | |
| Razer BlackShark V2 Runner-up  | 4.5 | Under $100 | PC, Playstation, Xbox | Wired – 3.5mm | Closed-back |  |  | |
| Asus ROG Delta S Best features  | 4.4 | Under $190 | PC, Playstation, Xbox | Wired – USB-C | Closed-back |  |  | |
| SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless Best premium  | 4.5 | Under $380 | PC, Playstation | Wireless, Bluetooth (20 hours) | Closed-back |  |  | |
| Razer Barracuda X Best for consoles  | 4.3 | Under $100 | PC, Playstation, Xbox, Switch | Wireless (20 hours) | Closed-back |  |  | |
| 4.6 | Under $150 | PC, Mac, Playstation, Xbox | Wireless (30 hours) | Closed-back |  |  | ||
| Sennheiser GSP 370 Best battery  | 4.0 | Under $200 | PC, Mac, Playstation, Xbox | Wireless (100 hours) | Closed-back |  |  | |
| SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless Best wireless under $100  | 4.5 | Under $100 | PC, Playstation | Wireless, Bluetooth (USB-C) (24+ hours) | Closed-back |  |  | |
| HyperX Cloud Stinger Best under $50  | 4.4 | Under $30 | PC, Playstation, Xbox, Switch, mobile | Wired – 3.5mm | Closed-back |  |  | |
| ASUS TUF Gaming H3 Best dirt-cheap  | 4.5 | Under $40 | PC, Playstation, Xbox | Wired – 3.5mm | Closed-back |  |  |
What are the best gaming headsets today?
You want the best headsets with an incredibly comfortable fit, durable design, and clear microphone and sound quality, so you can focus on the game and not worry about real-world problems.
You know there are many headsets that are supposed to be great but fall short with mediocre audio quality, bad microphone, and weak durability.
You want your next best PC gaming headset to last a long time to get the best value for money.
To do that, check this list of the best gaming headsets to upgrade your game experience.
You can get a good cheap gaming headset even with a small budget (check further below for cheaper models).
Related:
Best wireless Xbox gaming headsets
Best Gaming Headsets
1. SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless
Best wireless 
The best gaming headset with wireless connectivity and immersive audio.
Connection: Wireless 2.4GHz 
Driver size: 40mm 
Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz - Compatibility with all platforms
- Good sound quality
- Immersive virtual surround
- Some features require an app
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
Runner-up 
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.
Connection: Wired – 3.5mm 
Driver size: 50mm 
Frequency range: 12-28.000Hz - Balanced sound with decent soundstage
- Great comfort
- THX virtual surround sound
- Extending mechanism looks fragile
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
Best features 
Despite the premium price, the Delta S still represents fantastic value for gamers, especially if you like a hi-res listening experience.
Connection: Wired – USB-C 
Driver size: 50mm 
Frequency range: 20-40.000Hz - Great sound quality with QUAD DAC
- Support for MQA audio files
- Elegant design with RGB lighting
- Good noise cancelling mic
- Fixed USB-C cable
50mm neodymium drivers provide accurate, excellent sound 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
Premium wireless 
The best gaming headsets you can buy for demanding PC gamers.
Connection: Wireless 2.4GHz / Bluetooth 4.1 
Driver size: 40mm 
Frequency range: 10-40.000Hz - Excellent sound quality
- Durable build quality
- Comfortable for long gaming sessions
- Sensitive mic picks up sounds around you
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 for consoles 
Best gaming headset for consoles and yet another strong competitor under $100 with basic features but strong audio and mic performance and comfortable fit.
Connection: Wireless (USB adapter) & wired – 3.5mm 
Driver size: 40mm 
Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz - Lightweight & comfortable
- Multi-platform support
- Fairly balanced sound
- Clear mic performance
- Microphone is a bit quiet
- Plasticky build
New Razer’s wireless headset has a fairly balanced frequency response, a minor upper-bass boost, 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 them 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:
6. HyperX Cloud II Wireless
HyperX Cloud II Wireless are the best gaming headsets for most gamers.
Connection: Wireless – 2.4GHz 
Driver size: 53mm dynamic 
Frequency range: 15-20.000Hz - Almost flat frequency response
- Durable build quality
- No option for wired listening
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 battery 
Best gaming headsets from Sennheiser with an absolute beast battery.
Connection: Wireless 2.4GHz 
Driver size: n/a 
Frequency range: n/a - Lightweight
- Great sound quality
- Outstanding battery life
- Pricey
Sennheiser headset sounds great. GSP 370’s 7.1 spatial sound is decent, but their 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 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 wireless under $100 
Best gaming headset under $100.
Connection: Wireless 2.4GHz 
Driver size: 40mm neodymium 
Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz - Detachable microphone with good clarity
- Sturdy with steel frame
- Great value for money
- Mediocre comfort
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 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 out other headsets and gadgets in related guides:
9. HyperX Cloud Stinger
Best under $50 
HyperX Cloud Stinger is the best headset under $30.
Connection: Wired – 3.5mm 
Driver size: 50mm 
Frequency range: 18-23.000Hz - Lightweight and comfortable
- Simple plastic design
- Good microphone
- Great value for money
- Lower durability
- Average noise isolation
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 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 sound quality is good, and other players will think you have a high-end gaming headset.
10. Asus TUF Gaming H3
Best dirt-cheap 
One of the best budget gaming experiences that sell for a good price.
Connection: Wired – 3.5mm 
Driver size: 50mm 
Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz - Good sound with deep bass and sparkly highs
- Quality microphone for the price
- Cheap-feeling build materials
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 are quite durable, even though they feel 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 best wired gaming headset is the last PC gaming solution that you’ll ever need. 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 sound 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? Don’t worry. You can get great regular headphones and add a microphone. Famous streamer Ninja has Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO with standalone microphone (his Twitch). And it works great.
How to Create Your Own Gaming Headset?
- Get a pair of headphones
- Buy a microphone mod
- Combine and get the best of both worlds: superb audio and voice quality
See the best microphones for gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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. Check best gaming earbuds.
Sleek design with a sturdy structure
Since the best gaming headsets aren’t cheap and are frequently used, durability plays a part.
You want to spend your hard-earned money on solid, quality built headphones that will stand the test of time.
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 3.5mm or USB connection are most common.
- Wireless connection (not Bluetooth) is becoming more popular and offers the most versatility in its wireless features.
- Multi-platform compatible you can connect to many different 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 cost more money and is commonly packed with extra features like simulated 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. Know what gaming systems you have before getting your headphones.
- 3.5mm 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 ear cushions and an over-ear design (preferably memory foam). Adjustable headband and swiveling cups are a nice bonus.
Reliable Microphone. Mic problems are the most annoying when you want to play with friends. Check for the best microphones.
Extra Features. Maybe you want surround sound or a detachable mic. Perhaps you fancy customization options for the audio quality and RGB lighting.
Why Do eSports Players Wear Two Headsets?
Professional players do this for increased passive isolation to better hear teammates over chat. Sometimes, they even use noise-cancelling headphones. The crowd and commentators inside the arena are quite loud, which can be distracting for players who want to hear every footstep.
Are Gaming Headphones Good for Music?
PC gaming headphones are generally okay for music. But because they’re tuned for playing games first, they don’t sound as good as regular headphones.
A lot of them come with emphasized extra bass, to make explosions more dramatic. Consequently, this might not be the best when you want to listen to Mozart.
Also, surround simulation improves the soundstage in a game but is debatable for music.
Is 7.1 Surround Better for Gaming?
Many companies market their best gaming headsets as having 7.1 surround, but in real life, headphones can’t really produce true surround sound.
You can find true surround headphone with multiple drivers, but they’re mostly a gimmick. Instead, most gaming headsets simulate the effect with software.
Nonetheless, there’s a small increase in soundstage when the software does its magic which slightly improves your audio experience.
Is Wired Better Than Wireless for Gaming?
Wired connection or wireless, here’s a quick rundown:
– The slightly better sound quality in a wired headset is the biggest benefit. Wireless models aren’t far behind but can come with white noise, static, etc.
– When it comes to convenience, wireless wins. Grab a snack, go to the toilet, and chat on Discord, easy. But you also have to charge them. If you don’t, you might have a problem.
– Wireless headsets usually cost more, the wired ones are more affordable. Wired start from $30 to $300+, wireless start from $80+.
Check the best wireless gaming headsets.
