Wireless headphones are a great option for listeners who like to game from their couch and don’t want a long, tangled cord running across the room from their console.
Best PS5 headset: the finest audio companions for your PS5
Turtle Beach Recon 500 A terrific wired Turtle Beach PS5 headset Specifications Acoustic design: Closed Back, over ear Drivers: 60mm Eclipse Weight: c.600g Compatibility: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, Mobile TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Best Buy View at Walmart Reasons to buy + THAT excellent sound + No ‘gamer aesthetic’ flare or design quirks + Zero distortion Reasons to avoid – Nothing special about its construction materials What you do find, crucially, is sound so good it takes you aback, and offers a PS5 headset experience that is terrific in quality, and not too hard on the wallet. Not one for perennial tweakers then, but those who enjoy simplicity and fundamentally great audio should scout out this new Recon as one of the latest best Turtle Beach headsets to appear.
SteelSeries Arctis 7P A comfortable, well-built wireless PS5 headset Specifications Acoustic design: Closed Back, over ear Drivers: 40mm Neodymium Weight: 354g Compatibility: PS4, PS5, PC, Switch, Mobile TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Best Buy Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart 93 Walmart customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Excellent audio quality and detail + Very comfortable + Excellent battery life + SteelSeries quality in build and audio Reasons to avoid – Bass is a bit lacking I would really like a bit more oomph at the bottom of the audio spectrum though – there’s a noticeable lack of bass sometimes which can, at times, lead to an overwhelmingly alarming amount of treble that’s being thrown straight into your brain. Sharing the same design language and aesthetic that the PS5 and its accessories have, the Pulse 3D headset maintains a subtlety in its form – there’s no extruding boom mic, and all the tech is discreetly hidden. Underneath the stylish frame, however, you’ll find all the necessary tech to immerse yourself in the PS5’s Tempest 3D AudioTech, with the Pulse 3D headset being the best way to get the most from your new console’s audio. Early signs are awesome and we can’t wait to see how this tech is deployed in the Pulse 3D headset in more upcoming PS5 games. Initially only available in white, Midnight Black Pulse 3D headset pre-orders are now live ahead of the October 29 release date.
Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 A superb and confirmed-wireless Turtle Beach option Specifications Acoustic design: Closed Back, over ear Drivers: 50mm Nanoclear Weight: 382g Compatibility: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Best Buy 237 Walmart customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Doubles battery life from the previous generation + Incredibly comfortable + Great microphone accuracy Reasons to avoid – Might be a tight fit for some The Stealth 700 Gen 2 has had a design upgrade from the previous incarnation with a subtler aesthetic, and a flip-to-mute mic that folds neatly into the earcup. The redone design makes the headset incredibly comfortable, with supple memory foam cushions with Aerofit cooling gel being a highlight, ensuring you can wear them for hours at a time with no aches or strains, or pains.
The Superhuman Hearing feature is a worthy inclusion too and can give you the edge in online shooters, while the bass boost can provide some serious rumble during a heart-pumping campaign mission. Razer Kaira X for PlayStation A strong first PS5 headset from Razer Specifications Acoustic design: Closed Back, over ear Drivers: 50mm Razer TriForce Weight: 283g Compatibility: PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Switch, Mobile TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart View at GameStop Reasons to buy + Excellent audio quality + Comfortable fit + Good value Reasons to avoid – Ear cups get a bit hot – A little quiet by default The sound quality provided by Razer’s TriForce 50mm drivers within the headset is excellent and uncompromising – full bass, rich middles, and tight, exquisite highs. The mic is solid, but doesn’t quite have the warmth and overall richness to more premium headsets – like the Kaira Pro; of which currently only an Xbox variant exists but a PS5 one is surely coming. Yes, the Kaira X for PlayStation is a wired headset and this is a big reason that this is a budget option, but it’s a braided cord, has a strong right-angle connection, and is the ideal length for having enough slack but without being overly long. Audeze Penrose Awesome audio and quality – but at a premium Specifications Acoustic design: Over-ear, closed-circumaural Cable length: Wireless (c.50″ / 127cm aux cable) Drivers: 100mm Planar Magnetic Weight: 11.3oz / 320g Compatibility: PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, Mobile TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Excellent sound quality and detail + Comfortable + Good battery life + Solid design and build Reasons to avoid – More expensive than most top PS5 headsets – Buzzing when using while charging The headset is well built and has an agreeable design aesthetic draped over a sturdy and robust build, all of which factor into what is a comfortable bit of kit to wear for hours at a time. The surround sound is spot on and beautifully poised, the detail is exquisite with wind, footsteps, and chatter clearly audible – and at a distant, and the balance is great, with highs that don’t squeal, and bass that is not muddy at all, but boomy and robust. Sony PlayStation 4 Platinum headset The official and premium PS4 headset is a solid pick for PS5 Specifications Acoustic design: Closed Back Battery life: 6 hours Drivers: 50mm Weight: 318g Compatibility: PS4, PS5 TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Walmart Check Amazon 731 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Designed exclusively for the PlayStation 4 + Super comfortable + Stylish look Reasons to avoid – Companion app is fairly redundant
(If the Platinum is too expensive, we’d actually really recommend the Gold version too, which is about $40/£30 less, but doesn’t quite offer the same quality of sound or the extra metallic trim.)
The battery life and wireless connection range might see it overtaken by other more modern competitors in the near future but it’s still a fine headset and one I’m personally am looking forward to taking into the glorious world of PS5. Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 The best mid-range wireless headset Specifications Acoustic design: Closed Back, over ear Drivers: 50mm Battery life: 15 hours Weight: 580g Compatibility: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Best Buy 100 Walmart customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Solid battery life + Comfortable for glasses wearers + Excellent audio and microphone accuracy + Next-gen compatible Reasons to avoid – Plastic across headband feels cheap – Ear cups started to hurt after long-term wear
This is certainly a great choice for gaming on a budget, as the sound quality is top-tier and the microphone sensitivity is ideal for those who want to communicate without shouting. EPOS | Sennheiser GSP 300 Great value Sennheiser audio excellence Specifications Acoustic design: Closed-acoustic, over-ear Cable length: 2m Drivers: N/A Weight: 10.2oz Compatibility: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Switch, PC, Mobile, Mac TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Best Buy View at Walmart 1 Walmart customer review ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Sennheiser-quality audio + Excellently clear mic + Comfy + Affordable (for Sennheiser) Reasons to avoid – No chat/game audio balancer – Limited features – Design is OK
The audio is so good that everything comes through excellently and of the same quality and volume, which means it’s not that easy to discern between incoming voices when you’re playing in a team of three or more, and it’d be nice to have some more features but the stripped-back approach helps to keep the costs down.
ASUS ROG Delta S A great PS5 headset for wired setups Specifications Acoustic design: Closed back Cable length: 1.5m Drivers: 50mm Neodymium Weight: 300g Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Android mobile TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Lightweight and comfortable + Plenty of customization options + Excellent audio performance… Reasons to avoid – … once the EQ is sorted
Straight out the box things are geared very much towards the higher ranges, which means bass lines can flatten out under dialogue-forward scenes. However, that EQ software allows for an incredibly in-depth set of controls which means you can adjust levels across the entire spectrum, making this a great feature in one of the best PS5 headsets for gaming. All of the audio excellence and software customisation opportunities are housed in a sturdy yet lightweight shell, with durable plastic cups lined with clean (and easily personalized) RGBs and heavy memory foam cushioning. The cups themselves sport a unique triangular shape inherent to the Delta design, but aside from standing out to the eye they also provide plenty of support while remaining roomy enough to withstand longer sessions. The fully retractable, unidirectional microphone allows for clear voice chat, and you can even choose between oval or circular ear cushions.
The best PS5 headsets in 2021
The best headsets for PS5 provide a more intimate way to enjoy rich in-game sound, while letting you chat with friends (or enemies) over the included microphone. Granted, you’ll need to find where to buy the PS5 — Sony’s console is proving elusive, stock-wise — but luckily our picks of the best PS5 headsets are in much greater supply. Read on below to find out more about these fine peripherals, which span premium models and affordable budget alternatives alike. Designed specifically for PlayStation consoles, it’s an excellent performer in every area: not just sound quality and microphone clarity, but comfort and connectivity as well.
SteelSeries Arctis 7P The best headset for PS5 overall Specifications Drivers: 40mm Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz Wireless: Yes Battery life: 24 hours TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Best Buy Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart 93 Walmart customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Solid connection + High sound quality in games + Comfortable fit Reasons to avoid – Music doesn’t sound as good as games – Hard to find stock The white, black and blue color scheme is a perfect match for the PS5 itself, and the elastic headband proves extremely comfortable for long gaming sessions.
This realistically simulates the origin point of different in-game sounds in a 3D space around the listener, similar to the spatial audio feature on the Apple AirPods Pro. The featherweight frame and imitation leather ear cushions will let you play for ages without any agitation, which is all the more impressive considering how cheap the headset is. A sturdy microphone arm and on-ear controls also help the Cloud Stinger give the impression of being a much more premium product than it actually is. This is an excellent wired headset and a good fit for the PS5, thanks in no small part to its rich audio quality and clear microphone performance. The BlackShark V2 is also lighter and more compact than a lot of Razer headsets, which helps keep it comfortable when worn for long periods. Another thing worth pointing out is the virtual surround sound support, though this is primarily intended for PC games rather than the PS5.
It borrows its eye-catching design traits from the pricier A40 and A50 models, and backs up its looks with commendably high build quality, too. Performance-wise, the A10 is impressive, with the kind of punchy low-end audio that can really help action and sports games feel more exciting. HyperX Cloud Alpha A great-value PS5 headset Specifications Drivers: 50mm Dual Chamber Frequency Response: 13 Hz – 27 kHz Wireless: No Battery life: N/A TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Best Buy Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart 568 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Sleek, premium design + Comfortable + High sound quality Reasons to avoid – Earcups can feel snug – Microphone picks up background noise The mid-range Cloud Alpha is another PS5-friendly accessory that feels a lot more premium than the price suggests, with comfortable (if snug) ear cushions and a durable, grown-up design.
The Cloud Alpha was also the first HyperX headset to use the company’s proprietary Dual Chamber Driver system, which separates the bass from the mids and treble. SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC A PS5 headset with audiophile-level sound Specifications Drivers: 40mm Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 40 kHz Wireless: No Battery life: N/A TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Dell Low Stock View at Walmart 144 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Superb design and comfort + Lossless audio support + Great overall sound quality Reasons to avoid – Expensive – Made for the desk, not the couch Another high-end option, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC is a step up from its stablemates, as it delivers Hi-Res Audio support up to 24-bit/96 kHz. The typical Arctis level of comfort is also present, and those who like their gaming peripherals with some extra visual flair will appreciate the RGB lighting on the earcups.
Razer Kraken X A cheap headset for PS5 with high-quality gaming sound Specifications Drivers: 40mm Frequency Response: 12 Hz – 28 kHz Wireless: No Battery life: N/A TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Best Buy 15 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Sleek design + Comfortable fit + Good in-game sound Reasons to avoid – Can’t hide mic – Subpar music performance
It’s sleeker and more sensibly styled than the majority of Razer’s headsets, and light enough to wear for hours at a time without discomfort.
Its controls, in particular, are straightforward and highly intuitive: each button feels distinct to the touch, so there’s a pleasant lack of fiddliness when making adjustments on the fly. Mic quality, for one, is very good, and if you just want to sit down with a single-player game, the flexible boom arm is easy to remove.
Since a lot of people will also want to use their PS5 headset as a pair of headphones, especially wireless models, we’ll also listen to music to see how they cope here, too. We’ll also wear each headset for extended periods of time, as what might initially seem like a comfy design could become uncomfortable as the hours tick by.
Best PS5 Headset 2021
PlayStation 5 doesn’t just improve your gaming lifestyle with gorgeous graphical upgrades, it also rounds out your experience with breathtaking 3D sound. That’s right; instead of adopting an existing 3D audio technology like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X , Sony created its own. At the moment though, Tempest 3D Audio’s full sound prowess only works on a few gaming headsets. Beyond compatibility with (or better yet, optimization for) the console, the best PS5 headset must also offer excellent sound quality, a clear mic, a comfortable fit, and great gaming features.
In fact, this headset was launched alongside the console so they are a match made in sonic heaven. It could also be built more robustly and have a few more features like a top-quality mic, better noise isolation and even a better fit for glasses-wearing gamers. If full Tempest 3D Audio support isn’t your top priority – the feature works on most headsets compatible with PS5, anyway – then the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 is your best bet. Among those are Turtle Beach’s Superhuman Hearing tech, which enhances all the sound details critical to your game, and the ProSpecs feature, which lets you comfortably wear the headset with your glasses on.
Interface: Wired | Connections: 3.5mm jack | Battery Life: n/a | Weight: 348 grams | Features: ClearCast mic, Advanced high fidelity audio drivers What the Prime lacks in frills, it makes up for in solid construction, breathable comfort, decent noise isolation, and naturally, great sound. Shelling out a bit more cash might be worth it for those gamers who take their audio seriously and like to dabble in just about any console or gaming system. The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ works with just about any system – not to mention both USB and USB-C transmitters – so you can have one headset to rule them all.
The Razer Barracuda X is among the very few full adopters of Sony’s Tempest 3D AudioTech and it also offers THX Spatial Audio support for a 7.1 surround sound experience. Just know that the THX Spatial Audio feature requires a paid app to activate, but it’s a one time fee for a lifetime of immersive gaming.
It’s got a decently long battery life, is lightweight, plus a sleek and minimalist design that lets it pass for a regular pair of headphones. Interface: Wireless | Connections: Mini-USB transmitter, Bluetooth | Battery Life: Up to 20 hours | Weight: Unspecified | Features: Aerofit cooling gel-infused ear cushions, Turtle Beach Superhuman Hearing, ProSpecs technology The first thing you’ll notice about the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 is how luxurious it is to wear, like you’ve just wrapped around your head a cloud. Performance-wise, it boasts great sound, up to 20 hours of battery life, and Turtle Beach’s Superhuman Hearing features.
At this point, we might as well just make a bulleted list of its skills… Adding to its versatility is its compact USB wireless dongle. Interface: Wireless, wired | Connections: Lossless 2.4GHz low-latency, Bluetooth, 3.5mm | Battery Life: Up to 15 hours | Weight: 320 grams | Features: 100mm planar magnetic drivers, broadcast quality boom mic Its sound, however, is simply impeccable, hitting audiophile-level quality that we rarely ever see on gaming headsets. Then you factor in that terrific mic and the fact that you can use it for media consumption as well, and you’re getting a high return on investment. Interface: Wireless | Connections: Lossless 2.4GHz low-latency via base station | Battery Life: 15+ hours | Weight: 380 grams | Features: Astro Audio V2, Dolby Atmos, flip-to-mute mic Just get an additional Astro A50 charging base for Xbox Series X/S as well and you can share one headset across the two consoles.
Best PS5 Headset To Buy During The Holidays
One of the PS5’s unique features is Sony’s proprietary 3D audio technology called Tempest 3D AudioTech.
Best PS5 and PS4 headsets available to buy today
(Pocket-lint) – Plugging in a proper PlayStation headset for the first time can be both a figurative and literal game-changer. However, the range of headsets on the market are often slightly different, and are sometimes not compatible across both Sony and Microsoft consoles.
Other great options include the Audeze Penrose, Steelseries Arctis 7P, Logitech Pro X and Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2. The sound, first off, is superb, with deep bass but also good range, and its wireless receiver makes it comfortable to use, alongside its pillowy ear cushions.
A set of solid on-headphone controls let you change volume and mute yourself on the fly, while Steelseries trademark earcups and headband are just about as comfortable as a headset gets. It boasts some serious specs including 100mm Planar Magnetic drivers, up to 50Khz frequency response and a broadcast-quality microphone. This is a premium, well-designed headset with a solid build quality and closed-back ear cups which nicely block out external noise and help you focus on the game. In short, this is an absolute beast of a headset at a lower price point, perfect for next-gen gaming.
You get a premium experience from the options it comes with, to start – a detachable microphone and leads that’ll help it work with your console, PC or mobile, and even a choice between leatherette and velour earpads, easily swapped and at no extra charge.
In order to provide some context to our decision making and testing, as well as give you more suggestions, below are the devices that haven’t quite made it into our top picks. In point of fact, most of the wireless headsets on this list come with a dongle to plug into a USB port on your console, which will let them easily and quickly connect when they’re powered on. This is really a point that applies to every possible gadget, but gaming headsets run the gamut of pricing options, from genuinely cheap to ferociously expensive, so it would be worth establishing how much you want to spend.
For us, it’s worth the extra money, and the hassle of recharging, to be able to move around freely and forget about tangles of cable. Indeed, we still sometimes find it more relaxing to play single-player games through loudspeakers (if only to avoid getting too scared by a horror title). For one thing, the official first-party option from Sony, the Pulse 3D Headset, has thoroughly mediocre microphones on this front.
Some headsets are just plain ugly – they’re huge, they stick out from your ears by crazy margins, and they make you look like a bit of a fool.
So, if you have any streak of vanity and don’t want to be seen looking silly in front of friends or family, maybe check out photos of the headsets on people’s heads before you commit. As we point out with all of our buyer’s guides, it’s impossible to deliver a list that works for every type of user, but we do factor in the aspects highlighted above and the opinions of the experts on the Pocket-lint team in order to determine a select crop of headsets to recommend.
What we always tend to avoid when compiling these picks are in-depth comparisons and marketing jargon; we just want to provide a summary of what each headset model is like to use.
The best wired and wireless gaming headset: Logitech, Epos, SteelSeries, and more
While there are some great ones out there, it’s easy to pay too much, to accidentally purchase a headset that doesn’t work with your desired console or platform, or to get one that’s uncomfortable after a few hours of use. Knowing a thing or two about headphones might aid in your search, but gaming headsets have only gotten more complicated to shop for — especially the wireless ones. This guide focuses mostly on newer options that you’re likely to encounter at stores as opposed to older models that, while possibly still being worthy of your money, are often tougher to find affordably and easily online. Also, just to mention it at the top, I have a large-ish head, and that factor obviously played a major role in how I judge the comfort of these headsets.
The G435 ships with a USB-A audio transmitter and is compatible with most platforms that have that port, including PCs, PlayStation consoles, and the Nintendo Switch’s dock. I’ve also had success using a USB-A to USB-C adapter to plug it into my Oculus Quest 2, MacBook Pro, and other devices. The G435’s killer feature (aside from its broad compatibility and comfort) is its Bluetooth mode, which lets you connect to a phone so you can remain available to accept calls while you use the headset for something else via the 2.4GHz transmitter. It’s far from the first device to combine Bluetooth with 2.4GHz wireless, but the G435’s lightweight design makes it an easier companion to carry around and use for work and play.
Like the G733, it utilizes breathable ear pads, though its plastic headband is wrapped in a layer of fabric.
The ear cups are mounted to rails that extend from the headband, letting you easily move them around until you find the right fit.
And even though one look at its advertising should tell you that these were built for a younger generation, my large head fits comfortably within the range of the G435’s sizing. Generally, if you’re in the market for a lightweight wireless gaming headset that costs no more than $80 and has a good number of features and broad compatibility, check out the G435.
But the H3Pro Hybrid cuts the cord (the option for wired is still there, though) and adds other capabilities that make it worth the price hike. The thick, plush ear cups already do a good job at limiting noise as it is, and ANC takes it a step further.
The ear cups clamp down just tightly enough to make a seal with your skin, and there’s a generous amount of padding at the headband to keep it from weighing you down.
It has all of the same features as our previous top pick, Razer’s Kaira Pro, but knocks $50 off the price and has a better design.
I’m willing to bet that you may not have heard of Victrix, a brand owned by PDP Gaming that’s focused on making peripherals suited for e-sports pros and aspiring gamers. On the left ear cup, there’s a mic that turns on when you lower it and mutes when you raise it back upward.
That cup also has a button that adjusts between three levels of mic monitoring sensitivity and a rubberized dial for finding the perfect balance of game and chat audio. The Victrix Gambit doesn’t try too hard to woo with bass or with an overly crisp sound that forgoes warmth.
It just sounds good out of the box, and I have no complaints about its performance while tethered to the included USB audio transmitter (alternatively, it can be used wired via 3.5mm).
The SteelSeries’ Arctis 7P Plus has dethroned Sony’s own Pulse 3D headset as the best option out there for PlayStation gamers, despite costing $69 more.
Really, the previous version nailed the comfort already, but this year, it added on more battery life, a game and chat audio dial, and USB-C charging (good riddance, Micro USB). The $169.99 price might be steep if you were hoping to spend less, but compared directly to the Pulse 3D headset, the Arctis 7P’s comfort, microphone quality, button layout, and ease of use make it a far better choice for gamers who want to get the best bang for their buck.
In that game, everything from the highs that ring out from swords clashing to daunting fire-breathing dragons that push out medium- and low-frequency sounds were a delight to hear. You’ll know when the QC 35 II is on your head, but it doesn’t pinch or press hard against your ears. Used as a gaming headset, either connected via USB through its included desktop controller or via 3.5mm, the QC 35 II makes for a lightweight, comfortable option with a microphone attachment that’s easy to use. The desktop controller I mentioned above adds more features, including a nice volume dial and button that adjusts the intensity of mic monitoring. The $329 price is high, but if you value noise cancellation and want to have a headset you can easily take on the road (and that has ear cups that can swivel and fold into a compact size), check this out. It’s worth noting that current owners of the QC 35 II headphones, unfortunately, won’t be able to easily acquire the microphone attachment, as Bose isn’t selling it separately.
That also means it’s just as comfortable, with a plush headband and breathable ear cups that don’t apply too much pressure. This model’s build materials are a step above the $59 BlackShark V2 X when it comes to being breathable, and it includes a USB sound card, into which the headset’s 3.5mm end plugs.
Razer says it’s adding spatial audio profiles for popular games moving forward, so you’ll have plenty of ways to utilize the sound card if this feature strikes your interest. It’s compatible with PCs outfitted with a 3.5mm port, or using the included USB sound card, as well as consoles and controllers that feature a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Another nice touch is its volume knob, which affords fine-tune adjustments that dials don’t usually provide.
Best wireless PS5 headsets 2021
However, as PlayStation fans continue to check the PS5 restocks, one of the most crucial accessories many players need alongside this extremely in-demand system is a headset. For this specific list, we strictly focus on wireless headsets, as many players are gravitating more toward wanting something that doesn’t tether them to the controller.
Wireless allows for more mobility and fewer chances of accidentally ripping any cords out of anything in a heated moment of play. SteelSeries made a near-perfect PS5 headset with the Arctis 7P, combining legendary comfort with sublime 3D audio capabilities and long 24-hour battery life.
Supporting the PS5’s use of 3D audio and coming with 24 hours of battery life, SteelSeries has made sure to zone in on a handful of key concerns for players who may be looking to pick this up and make sure they didn’t have anything to worry about. Not only does the Arctis 7P spare no expense when it comes to audio quality, but the comfort of the devices is also in the upper echelon of headsets. After picking up the Arctis 7P, you can also download SteelSeries’ app to customize the headset even more and give yourself a fine-tuned experience when you play. SteelSeries has its own version of the Arctis for Xbox consoles, and despite supporting multi-platforms, it’s important to note that before picking up the headset.
SteelSeries made a near-perfect PS5 headset with the Arctis 7P, combining legendary comfort with sublime 3D audio capabilities and long 24-hour battery life. The Pulse 3D Wireless Headset sports some good sound quality, and perhaps most importantly, aims to be a comfortable and ergonomic device that can stay on your head for long periods without any real issues.
As is the case with SteelSeries’ Arctis 7P, the Pulse 3D Wireless Headset won’t be the right fit for everyone due to its compatibility issues. It comes with a bit of a premium price, but Sennheiser’s wireless gaming headset is simply one of the best options out there for various reasons.
Not only does it offer great sound quality, but it also features a sleek design while claiming to have incredible, 100-hour battery life. Surprisingly, it gets better from there, as Sennheiser boasts that a single charge will grant players stable and lag-free audio for up to 100 hours. The GSP 370 also sports a Gaming Suite available for Windows that lets you adjust the headset for a more personalized sound experience. Despite the perks of incredible battery life and comfortable design, the headset is a bit pricey, coming in at one of the most expensive on this list. It comes with a bit of a premium price, but Sennheiser’s wireless gaming headset is simply one of the best options out there for various reasons. Not only does it offer great sound quality, but it also features a sleek design while claiming to have incredible, 100-hour battery life. The HyperX Cloud II is no different, offering a comfortable fit, solid audio quality, and, most importantly, an extremely great battery life, averaging about 30 hours per use. Coming packaged with an advanced audio control box, the Cloud II allows players to easily toggle on Surround Sound 7.1 with the touch of a button.
HyperX’s dedication to delivering a premium headset was apparent, as their main selling point is the incredible 30 hours you’ll get on a single charge. Its wireless nature does have some hitches, not offering much else to deserve a higher price tag, but it is a great option for those looking to grab a headset.
The HyperX Cloud II is no different, offering a comfortable fit, solid audio quality, and, most importantly, an exceedingly great battery life, averaging about 30 hours per use. Requires separate adapter for full use with PS5 Astro has quickly become one of the most well-known companies for delivering premium gaming products with gamers in mind.
The A50 comes with its own gas station to dock in, making headset pairing and charging extremely simple. Alongside that, Astro has created its own Command Center software that allows players and streamers to tune every input and output parameter of the A50 for a precise, specific setup. Astro also offers a Mod Kit that will enable users to add different accessories to their headset should they want, including a synthetic leather headband and more noise-isolating ear cushions.
Astro’s A50 headset is by far the most expensive device on this list and really shouldn’t be a choice unless you’re looking to get professionally involved in gaming in some form.
The newest headset offers an incredibly comfortable fit, virtual 7.1 surround sound audio, and a uni-directional microphone to help capture your voice in the best way possible. The earcups provide exceptional comfort over long gaming sessions and can last up to 24 hours on a single charge.
Razer Synapse app makes for easy customization Cons: Premium features not fully compatible on consoles This is a key feature when it comes to something that will be sitting on your head for hours on end, and despite some awkward ear cup shapes that make it tough to leave the headset resting around your neck, the BlackShark V2 Pro feels like a premium device in every sense of the word.
The lack of 3D audio didn’t present a huge difference in our headset review, but it is worth noting if you’re looking for something strictly for Sony’s latest console. The earcups provide exceptional comfort over long gaming sessions and can last up to 24 hours on a single charge. Finally, with an upgraded battery life that promises up to 20-hour charges, the Stealth 700 represents a pretty updated model from its previous entries. This option should be on anyone’s list, designed with cooling gel-infused earcups and supporting 3D audio and Bluetooth capabilities.
Category Logitech G733 Weight 278g Driver diameter 40mm Frequency response 20 Hz – 20 kHz Microphone pattern Unidirectional – Cardioid Battery life 29 hours (No lighting) Wireless range Up to 65 feet Battery life takes a hit with LEDs on Logitech has quietly been building itself up as one of the best and most reliable providers of gaming accessories over the last couple of years.
The G733 comes in many color options; each w sports wildly different looks than the standard all-black design of most headsets. Better yet, the G733 also allows players to completely personalize their device thanks to front-facing, dual-zone Lightsync RGB lighting options.
Colorful options Logitech G733 Turtle Beach outdid itself with the Stealth 700 Gen 2, making a wonderful wireless headset for PS5. This option should be on anyone’s list, designed with cooling gel-infused earcups and supporting 3D audio and Bluetooth capabilities.
Category Corsair Virtuoso Weight 372g (with microphone attached) Driver diameter 50mm Frequency response 20 Hz-40kHz Battery life 7-8 hours Wireless range Up to 60 feet Mic sensitivity requires adjusting Corsair provides some of the best quality accessories across a wide range of devices, and their jump into the gaming world is no different.
Of course, not everyone will play games for 7 to 8 Horus on end, but considering some other headsets on this list can last upwards of two or more days, it’s a bit disappointing to see the Virtuoso falter in such a critical department.
Best gaming headset 2021 for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Switch
A good pair of headphones is key to victory in many games – particularly shooters like Valorant, Fortnite and CSGO – where hearing a single footstep from a wayward enemy could mean the difference between a delicious chicken dinner and an ignoble defeat. The new models supersede the earlier Arctis 7 (2019), with 24 hours of battery life (up from 20), next-gen console compatibility and a matching look – the white/blue or black/blue 7P for PlayStation fans and the black/green 7X for Xbox users. :: The 20 best Xbox One games you can play right now The Arctis 7 headsets connect via low-latency 2.4GHz wireless to a USB-C dongle, which can then be plugged into the next-gen consoles plus PCs, the Nintendo Switch and Android smartphones. Sadly, SteelSeries hasn’t opted to include USB-C charging here, meaning you’ll need to keep an archaic Micro USB cable around for this purpose. This is a stereo headset, which we recommend for competitive play, but a 7.1 surround sound mode with “THX Spatial Audio” is also available for games where you want maximum immersion. The athletic-knit-covered memory foam ear pads remained comfortable for hours, no doubt aided by the light weight of the headset – just 262 grams. The BlackShark V2 also lacks any kind of RGB lighting, with only green cables and a subtle Razer logo on each earcup betraying this design’s gaming focus. USB comes via an included dongle which adds the simulated 7.1 capabilities, microphone settings (like a noise gate and side tone) and compatibility with Razer’s Synapse software.
The Arctis line is defined by its ski goggle style suspension headband, athletic fabric and a retractable microphone – and Corsair have got two out of three here, just opting for a flip-down mic rather than a disappearing one. The headband and cloth fabric ear cups work wonderfully together on the HS80, as you’d hope, and proved comfortable with glasses even for long play-sessions – once properly situated on the head, which does require a little trial and error. Wireless range is good, but not great – I could maintain a connection in the rooms directly above or below my office, but couldn’t walk to the opposite side of the house without getting drop-outs. The HS80 has a pleasant, neutral response, with the only major criticism being slightly under-developed bass that makes some genres or cinematic moments feel a little lacking.
The HS80 does get nice and loud, and imaging feels fine to me – I had no issues listening for enemy footprints while finishing off my Dark Matter grind in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. While it’s relatively expensive now, by Black Friday it could be an awesome pick-up around the £120/$100 mark – and even at its full £140/$150 RRP, its comfort, usability and flexibility make it a fine choice for PC, PS4 or PS5.
Another great headset that combines dongle-free Xbox Wireless with Bluetooth is the SteelSeries Arctis 9X, which boast neutral audio reproduction, a comfortable “ski-goggle” headband and battery life of around 20 hours. I loved using this headset with games like Tetris Effect and Call of Duty Warzone, where the bass-heavy profile and Dolby Atmos surround sound made for a bombastic experience.
This cross-platform headset offers great comfort for the spectacled and non-spectacled alike, with the option of velour or memory foam ear pads, as well as impeccable build quality with plenty of metal evident. Wireless headphones tend to suffer in mic quality, but the solid hardware here plus the addition of Blue Voice software on PC make this one of the best-sounding options in the category. One area I’d like to particularly highlight is usability; Logitech has done well to incorporate a large number of controls (power, volume, mic mute) onto a single earcup while ensuring each has a distinct feel. Fnatic opted to emphasise highs and mids while flattening lows, providing a bright sound signature with plenty of clarity that makes it easier to hear that single errant footstep that can give you an edge in competitive games like CS:GO or PUBG. The good seal produced by the plush earcups also ensure great passive noise isolation, making these an ideal choice for playing competitive or immersive games where you don’t want to be disturbed by the world around you. All things considered, the React is perfectly tuned for competitive multiplayer games, thanks to its clarity and comfort, especially given its killer £60/$70 price point. Despite costing less than £100, this headset feels premium, with a choice of 3.5mm or USB connections, leather or fabric earcups, a folding design, a chunky in-line remote, a good retractable microphone and a foam-lined carry case. The only noticeable area where MSI have cut corners to keep the price reasonable are in the materials, which are simple plastics – but honestly, the GH61 still feels as well-built as headphones that cost twice as much.
We found the headset was lightweight and stayed comfortable for hours on end, thanks to its memory foam earcups – and it even lived up to its ‘Glasses Relief’ branding with no added discomfort for spectacle wearers. The light weight (270 grams), soft headband and only moderate clamping strength means that these headsets feel comfortable to wear, and the plastic construction felt relatively sturdy in the hand.
Best premium wired headset: SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC The Arctis Pro + GameDAC has the best sound of any PC or PS4 gaming headset on the market, achieved through the pairing of well-tuned, high-end 40mm headphones with a quality DAC (digital to analogue converter) that replaces the often lacklustre DACs built into most onboard sound cards and games consoles.
This provides excellent sound quality from a variety of sources, including standard game audio all the way up to hi-res lossless music, all of which is easily adjustable using a built-in graphical equaliser and mixer. The Penrose is defined by excellent clarity and separation, making it easy to pick out details even in chaotic soundscapes, with a slightly warm sound overall. Audeze tells me that the headset uses a common earcup size, so it’s possible that replacement cushions from different materials could be sold down the line if there’s enough interest (I’d be down for a set of velour ear pads that let out more bass but are comfier with spectacles, for example).
The Penrose does come with its quirks – I experienced a quiet hissing in the left earcup at low volume levels, which required turning off side-tone in the Windows app to solve. Just like the legendary wired version loved by esports pros and casual gamers alike, the Cloud 2 Wireless are supremely comfortable, well built and sound great with a neutral profile and good imaging. These premium wired headphones are comfortable, with soft memory foam earcups and a lightweight design, making them easy to wear for hours on end – even for glasses users. The default tuning is warm with nice emphasis on low and low-mid tones, but the Astro Command Center software makes it easy to find a more neutral EQ setting. The MixAmp provides convenient dials for adjusting the volume and game/chat balance, compatibility with the Astro Command Center software, plus easy connections to PCs and either Xbox One or PS4 units depending on which variant you purchased. I tested the headphones in competitive Counter-Strike and Warzone matches, and found no issues with the wireless connection – the link remained stable with no discernible delay compared to a wired headset.
Otherwise, there’s a lot to like here – the GTW 270 is comfortable, long-lasting and sounds great, with a unique low latency option that makes these the best in-ears we’ve tested for gaming. The initial setup is quite involved – you’ll be asked to use the Android or iPhone app to develop a custom EQ based on the shape of your ears, then upgrade the headset’s firmware over a leisurely 20 minute period if an update is available.
Thankfully, the result of this long setup process is excellent audio with pinpoint imaging – plus significant bass response if you knock the in-app slider all the way.
It offers incredible noise isolation, thanks to its thick ear cups and moderate clamping force, making it easy to lose yourself in a virtual world. If you’d prefer a wireless headset, then the Corsair Virtuoso SE’s aluminium construction, USB-C charging and bright sound signature make it a strong choice. However, the Virtuoso SE’s high clamping force out of the box makes it slightly less comfortable than the GSP 600, consigning it to our back-up choice for this slot. If you prefer more competitive fare, then there’s a battle mode which emphasises sounds like footsteps and reloads to help you track down your Warzone or Valorant opponents. Convenient earcup volume controls, a performant “AI-powered” mic and RGB lighting are also included, ticking all the boxes for a high-end gaming headset.
The USB-C and USB-A connectivity allows easy use with the PC, PS4, Switch and Android smartphones, but the thick cables emerging from each side of the headset are hard to ignore. Unfortunately, this latter mode didn’t work well for me, with the initial setup process playing extremely loud noises into my ear, pausing and then repeating ad infinitum for about 10 minutes. You can adjust the mix with a graphical equaliser and several presets in the provided Armoury Crate software, which also allows you to choose RGB lighting effects (toggled between ‘on’, ‘off’ and ‘reactive’ via a simple hardware switch). The microphone gets access to Asus’ AI features for cancelling out unwanted background noise, and they work well – but you do lose a bit of detail and clarity with this turned on.
Beyond the audio quality, this is one of the most comfortable headsets I’ve worn in years, with a lightweight (288g) design, D-shaped ear pads and the perfect amount of clamping force. I played through 70 hours of Horizon Zero Dawn with this headset, and exploring new areas or experiencing new weather conditions like snow, storms or rain often spurred me to spend a few seconds not doing anything at all, just listening.
There are still some oddities here – such as needing to manually turn on what is a wired headset and potentially reset your audio devices in apps like Discord – but by in large everything works as it should.
The best console DAC we’ve tested so far is the Sound Blaster G3, a tidy USB-C dongle that packs a ton of functionality into a compact and reasonably priced package. Finally, there’s a button at the top that enables another key feature, the built-in footstep amplifier mode, intended to give you an edge in competitive shooters. The boost in audio quality is evident out of the box, and you also have the ability to customise your EQ (either by hand or by selecting per-game presets) using apps on Android, iOS or Windows.
Be First to Comment