Their boom mic makes your voice sound full-bodied and natural, and it has an impressive noise handling performance, so your teammates can hear you clearly even if you’re gaming in a noisy environment. Unfortunately, like many gaming headsets, they leak a lot of audio and don’t isolate you from very much noise, meaning they may be better suited for quieter environments.
The 7 Best Gaming Headsets – Fall 2021: Reviews
These over-ear headphones have a great build quality and a very comfortable fit, with spacious ear cups and soft padding.
The best wireless gaming headset in 2021
Throw some high-res audio, some outstanding gaming soundscapes, and hours of playtime at a headset and you get to know its joys and failings intimately. HyperX Cloud II Wireless A well rounded, well-balanced wireless headset Specifications Drivers: Dynamic, 53 mm with neodymium magnets Connectivity: USB Dongle Frequency response: 15–20,000 Hz Features: Detachable mic Weight : 300g Battery Life: 30 hours TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Crutchfield View at Best Buy Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Powerful but clear sound + Exceptional build quality Reasons to avoid – Old design – High price
The HyperX Cloud II is one of the classic gaming headsets of the past 20 years, and this modern wireless spin has breathed new life into the old canine. The 53mm with neodymium magnets are intended to give low, medium, and high frequencies space to resonate without interfering with each other, and you definitely do get a sense of that while listening to high-res music through them.
Elsewhere, it’s the usual impressive build quality, generous padding, clear mic, and high comfort levels over longer play sessions that the Cloud II design has always offered. Razer Blackshark V2 Pro The best wireless gaming headset for pure audio Specifications Drivers: Razer TriForce Titanium Connectivity: USB 2.4GHz wireless dongle Frequency response: 12–28,000 Hz Features: Detachable mic Weight : 320g Battery Life: 24 hours TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Best Buy View at Walmart Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Fantastic wireless audio + Decent battery life + Comfortable Reasons to avoid – Relatively weak microphone
The wired Razer Blackshark V2 is our favourite gaming headset and the wireless ‘Pro’ version takes all of the best bits from those excellent headphones and snips off the cable. They’re also super comfortable too and, call me a luddite, but having a physical volume dial is incredibly useful, and saves me otherwise fumbling around for buttons on an earcup.
SteelSeries Arctis 9X The best wireless gaming headset for cross platform players Specifications Drivers: 40 mm neodymium drivers Connectivity: Wireless via USB, 3.5 mm wired, Bluetooth Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz Features: Retractable noise cancelling mic, DTS Headphone:X, 7.1 surround Weight: 371g Battery life: 30 hours TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at GameStop View at Walmart View at Best Buy 11 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Solid gaming sound + Great Mic + Bluetooth Reasons to avoid – Heavy on the head – Headband slackens over time
After a solid 12 months of daily usage, the headband has slacked off, making for a looser and slightly less comfortable fit, but the bands themselves are replaceable. Xbox Wireless Headset The best Bluetooth headset for Xbox and PC Specifications Drivers: 40 mm neodymium Connectivity: Bluetooth, Xbox Wireless Protocol Frequency response: 20–20,000Hz Features: Bendable boom with dual mics Weight: 311g Battery Life: 15 Hours TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Best Buy Recommended View at Microsoft US View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Good Value + Nice, minimalist design + Solid Stereo Sound Reasons to avoid – Weak battery life While the battery life being on the lower end, the ability to get four hours of juice on a 30-minute charge is pretty clutch and makes up for not having 3.5mm connections.
It’s an easy-to-use Bluetooth headset that works well on multiple devices (except PS5s), and that isn’t an easy trick to pull off. The drivers are tuned in line with the modern trend for flatter EQs and thus better versatility when you close down PUBG and bring up that doom metal playlist you’ve been working on in Spotify. The build quality is what baffles us about the HS70’s lower end pricing, though—they feel sturdy enough to last years but light on the head and well-padded. EPOS | Sennheiser GSP 670 The best wireless headset for wannabe NFL coaches Specifications Drivers: Neodymium magnet Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless Frequency response: 10–23,000 Hz Features: USB audio station, true 7.1 surround, detachable mic, on-headset controls, Bluetooth Weight: 398g Battery life: 20+ Bluetooth, up to 16 hours 2.4GHz TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Best Buy View at Walmart View at Adorama 538 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Excellent sound quality + Dual connectivity Reasons to avoid – Not great battery life – Weighty
It’s all change for the GSP line-up in 2021 however, with the spin-off responsible for the range, Sennheiser Communications, coming to an end and a new company, called EPOS, taking the helm. While they were remarkably comfortable, even for extended periods while wearing glasses, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I looked like an NFL coach with their distinctive and bulky silhouette.
Whether it’s an overly bulky design or aggressive RGB lighting, some headsets targeted at gamers look like ridiculous ancient alien headgear. The former is pretty self-explanatory, though, in addition to an ‘everyday use’ battery life test, we also run the headset at full volume to discover how quickly the charge drains under those conditions.
The best PC gaming headsets of 2021
The best PC gaming headsets can be a blessing for anyone looking to declutter their workspace, combing the benefits of the best headphones and a fantastic microphone into a single, convenient product. Beyond being useful, they can also be styled for the rest of your gaming PC setup, with a plethora of colors, materials and designs to choose from. You also get things like fantastic surround sound, Dolby Atmos capability, and a crisp, full-sounding mic.
Of course, just because PC gaming headsets offer the best of both worlds doesn’t mean they’ll be the best solution for everyone, but if you have your eyes on a particular pair then keep a look out for Black Friday deals as we enter the fall sales.
Save $30 – Enjoy Dolby Atmos sound with custom-tuned 50mm audio drivers for the PC, Mac, PS4, and PS5 thanks to this Corsair Black Friday deal from Best Buy. Save $40 – Get one of the most premium PC gaming headsets around with the Corsair Virtuoso RGB SE Wireless and enjoy 7.1 surround sound and 50mm audio drivers for PCs, Macs, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and mobile devices. Save $20 – Get this premium gaming headset for less and enjoy high-fidelity 7.1 surround sound, broadcast-quality microphone, 20 hour battery life, and more – all for 11% off thanks to this Corsair Black Friday deal at Amazon. Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Premium wireless gaming headset Specifications Interface: 2.4GHz USB wireless, 3.5mm audio jack Features: THX Spatial Audio, noise cancellation, TriForce Titanium 50mm drivers, removable HyperClear Supercardioid mic TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Best Buy View at Walmart Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Great sound quality + Razer’s THX Spatial audio app for fine audio customization + 24-hour battery life Reasons to avoid – Isn’t fully compatible with consoles – Could use a better battery level indicator
Focusing primarily on three attributes: positional audio, communication clarity and noise cancellation, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is a premium wireless gaming headset in every sense of the word. You bet Specifications Interface: Wireless / Wired (USB) Features: Dolby Atmos, 20 hour battery life, 60-foot rang, custom-tuned 50mm high density neodymium audio drivers TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Best Buy View at CORSAIR Reasons to buy + Nice design + Fantastic sound quality + Comfortable + Dolby Atmos works well Reasons to avoid – Expensive and out of most budgets – Mic arm not easily positioned With its excellent build quality, comfortable design, 20-hour-long battery life, range of around 60 feet (18.3m), and fully customizeable RGB lighting through Corsair’s iCUE software, this is the premium gaming headset that ever serious PC gamer should check out. Corsair HS60 Haptic One of our favorite headsets ever, hands-down Specifications Interface: Wired (USB) Features: Haptic bass powered by Taction Technology, custom-tuned 50mm neodymium audio drivers, noise-cancelling unidirectional mic TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Best Buy Prime View at Amazon Low Stock View at Walmart Reasons to buy + Excellent sound + Haptic feedback is like wrapping your head with a subwoofer + Excellent noise-cancelling microphone Reasons to avoid – In theory, you can lose the detachable mic – Some might prefer a wireless headset
It actually feels like you’ve just strapped a subwoofer comfortably to your head, and that’s without compromising the sound quality. Logitech G Pro X Wireless Wireless freedom Specifications Interface: Wireless Features: up to 20h battery life, Detachable mic with foam windscreen, 1.8m USB A to USB C charging cable TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Walmart View at Best Buy View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Excellent sound quality + Superb build quality + Comfortable Reasons to avoid – Expensive for what you’re getting – Weak microphone One of the best gaming headsets out there, this pair of cans gives you wireless freedom alongside low latency, robust build quality and, most importantly, excellent sound. SteelSeries Arctis Pro PC gaming’s best kept secret Specifications Interface:: Wired (USB) Features:: 40mm drivers, Retractable boom microphone, DTS Headphone:X v2.0, RGB lighting, included DAC TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Best Buy View at Walmart 31 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Included DAC + Audiophile worthy sound Reasons to avoid – Surround sound not great
Astro A50 Wireless (2019) Like the Cadillac of PC gaming headsets Specifications Interface: Wireless (5.8GHz) Features:: Dolby Audio, Works with PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3, PC and mobile; Astro Audio; 5.8GHz wireless tech with MixAmp; USB charging with base station TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Best Buy View at Walmart Reasons to buy + Dolby Audio sounds amazing + Supremely comfortable Reasons to avoid – Edgy aesthetics The Astro A50 Wireless isn’t just an appealing choice for the best gaming headset because of its edgy aesthetic – that is, if you’re into that sort of look. This is a multi-use headset boasting excellent and immersive – if not audiophile-level – sound quality as well as fantastic wireless connectivity so latency is no issue. SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless Excellent sound for both your PC and PS5 Specifications Interface: 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth Features: Discord-certified microphone, 20+ hour battery life, On-ear ChatMix control, DTS Headphone:X v2.0 TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at SteelSeries View at SteelSeries Reasons to buy + Excellent sound quality + Lag-free Reasons to avoid – Expensive Beyerdynamic Custom Game Gaming never sounded so good Specifications Interface:: Wired (3.5mm) Features: Sound slider; Soft ear pads; Changeable design covers; Detachable cable TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime Low Stock View at Amazon 401 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Extremely comfortable + Impressive audio quality Reasons to avoid – Kind of expensive Corsair HS50 The budget king Specifications Interface: Wired (analog) Features: 50mm drivers; Easy on-ear volume and mute controls; Multi-platform compatibility TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Adorama 333 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Strong stereo sound + Excellent value Reasons to avoid – Mic easily misplaced
If you don’t mind forgoing some extra bells and whistles – like 7.1 surround and Bluetooth connectivity, for example – then you need to take a look at the Corsair HS50. SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless A wireless headset with wired sound Specifications Interface: Wireless (Bluetooth) Features: Dual-battery charging system, Bluetooth connectivity, 40mm drivers TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime Low Stock View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Best Buy 18 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Lossless audio + Convenient dual-battery system Reasons to avoid – Expensive
Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition Improving a perfect formula Specifications Interface: Wired (USB and Analog) Features: 50mm drivers; Reinforced steel and aluminum build; Detachable and flexible mic TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon 403 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Very comfortable + Clear, accurate sound Reasons to avoid – Mids and highs unbalanced Specifications Interface: Wireless Features: Metal headband; Powerful desktop software; Enables Waves NX 3D Audio; ProSpecs Glasses Relief system TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Microsoft US View at Walmart Prime Low Stock View at Amazon 1 Amazon customer review ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + ProSpecs Glasses Relief system + Plenty of features Reasons to avoid – Questionable aesthetic Yes, there might be a few things that hold the Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero back from true greatness – namely, its tight fit and not-so-appealing aesthetic.
With great sound quality to start, coupled with its ProSpecs Glasses Relief system to make it more comfortable for wearers with glasses, plethora of features and incredibly powerful software, this is one of the best gaming headsets we’ve ever put over our ears.
Beyerdynamic Tygr 300 R No gimmicks, just excellent sound Specifications Interface: Wired (3.5mm with 6.35 adapter) Features: Open-back design, extended frequency response TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Adorama Reasons to buy + Amazing sound quality + Comfortable Reasons to avoid – No built-in mic Razer Nari Ultimate Feel the game Specifications Interface: Wireless Features: 8-hour battery life; HyperSense haptic feedback; Compatible with many devices; 50mm drivers TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Best Buy Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart 5 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Great sound + Tons of connectivity Reasons to avoid – Haptic vibrations are divisive
Asus ROG Strix Fusion 700 Shiny Specifications Interface: Wireless (Bluetooth) Features: 7.1-channel surround sound; 50mm Neodymium drivers; Bluetooth; Built-in DAC TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon 453 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Great sound quality + Aesthetic Reasons to avoid – Expensive With its Republic of Gamers brand, Asus has built a reputation for being the name behind some of the best gaming peripherals to constantly meet consumer standards. Packed with 50mm Neodymium drivers and Bluetooth compatibility, this gaming headset provides fantastic sound quality without being tethered with a wire.
Likewise, Logitech may not always reach the same heights in audio quality as SteelSeries but it always puts out a good sounding, comfortable product at a reasonable price. Not only do they offer pairs for most every budget, but they come with all sorts of features like THX or Dolby Atmos, haptic feedback, and great battery life for the wireless options. As proven by our picks here, Astro, Turtle Beach, and the typically non-gaming focused Beyerdynamic all make some excellent headsets.
And, if you plan on gaming for hours, you need to choose one that won’t hurt your head when you wear it for long periods. Finally, there are things like type of interface (wireless or wired), connectivity and range, and RGB lighting to consider as well. They might not be as exciting as the latest graphics cards or the newest gaming PCs , but they can be just as fun to try out and appraise.
The best gaming headsets in 2021
Even if you already own a good pair of speakers, a gaming headset can prove its worth by letting you play late at night without waking up the whole household. The ones that make our best gaming headsets list all offer good sound and a comfy fits, but they also tend to go a step beyond their competitors. This wireless model features an incredibly comfortable elastic headband, as well as easy connectivity with every platform on the market, from PS5 to Xbox Series X to Android phones. The $149 SteelSeries Arctis 7P/7X is the complete package and best gaming headset overall, offering great sound, consistent wireless performance and a comfy, attractive design at a reasonable price.
Even better: Thanks to its USB-C dongle and USB-A adapter, you can enjoy wireless performance with any system, from a PS5, to a Nintendo Switch in handheld mode, to an Android phone. With a stylish, subdued look and variants in both black and white, the Arctis 7P/7X is the rare gaming headset you’ll actually want to use as your daily headphones.
The famous film audio company has lent its expertise to make the Blackshark V2’s surround sound realistic and nuanced — especially for a handful of games like Apex Legends and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, which have their own optimized profiles. Unlike some of Razer’s bulkier headsets, the Blackshark V2 is extremely sleek and comfortable, making it easy to transport to esports tournaments. The headset’s distinguished black design sets itself apart from the competition, in no small part thanks to its flexible headband and supremely comfortable foam and leatherette earcup options. It’s also the first gaming headset to sport a built-in Blue microphone, allowing for extra-crisp voice chat whether you’re practicing with your Apex Legends squad or streaming to your online fans.
SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC Audiophile sound for gamers Specifications Compatibility: PS4, PC (with GameDAC), Xbox One, Switch, mobile (analog) Drivers: 40mm Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 40 kHz Wireless: No 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 + Hi-Res audio support + Great overall sound quality Reasons to avoid – Expensive – Made for the desk, not the couch If you’re willing to pay a premium for high-res sound support and a ton of features, the Arctis Pro + GameDAC is one of the best gaming headset combos available.
The Stinger’s sturdy, feather-light frame and soft, faux-leather earcups make for one of the best gaming headsets on a budget we’ve worn yet, and its handy on ear controls and solid microphone certainly don’t hurt either. Finding a comfortable fit is arguably the most important thing you can look for in a gaming headset, and the Cloud Stinger doesn’t disappoint on that front. The Stinger also offers very solid audio quality for the price – though things can get a bit blown out at max volume. Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT The best gaming headset with Bluetooth Specifications Compatibility: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch (handheld), mobile Drivers: 50 mm Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 40 kHz Wireless: Yes TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Walmart View at Best Buy Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Great sound quality + Comfortable to wear + Bluetooth, USB and 3.5 mm connectivity Reasons to avoid – High price – Lackluster battery life
It works wirelessly with PCs and PlayStation consoles via USB, as well as mobile devices, streaming players and smart TVS via Bluetooth. Still, first and foremost, a gaming headset should be easy to wear and provide great sound, and the Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT succeeds on both counts.
Not only that: the Xbox Wireless Headset supports Bluetooth as well, meaning that you can listen to music or take calls on your phone while you game. Unlike some of its competitors, the Xbox Wireless Headset won’t work with a PS5 or a Switch at all, which means it’s not a great choice for gamers who own multiple consoles.
Debuting alongside the Xbox Series X, the Razer Kaira Pro is arguably one of the best gaming headsets for Microsoft’s next-gen console.
The Bluetooth pairing process is admittedly not as seamless as it could be, and the Kaira Pro has relatively few ways to alter the sound profile — especially compared to Razer’s more PC-centric headphones. The headset sports the same sleek, understated design as the standard Arctis 1 complete with a removable mic, making it perfect for playing some Switch games on the go. It also features the same powerful drivers and crisp ClearCast microphone as SteelSeries’ higher-end headsets, allowing you to get immersed and play competitively with confidence.
Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero This is wireless greatness Specifications Compatibility: PC, PS4 (Wireless); Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mobile (Wired) Drivers: 50mm Nanoclear Frequency Response: 12 Hz – 20K Hz Wireless: Yes TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Microsoft US View at Walmart Check Amazon 1 Amazon customer review ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Comfortable fit + Fantastic gaming and music sound + Compatible with many systems Reasons to avoid – Crowded controls – Could use a few more presets This premium headset packs an incredibly comfortable pair of gel-infused ear cushions, which are also designed to play well with glasses.
You can remap the headset’s on ear controls, activate immersive 3D audio, and tweak a ton of EQ settings to find the perfect balance for your favorite game. Factor in a long 30-hour battery for PC and PS4 and an included 3.5mm cable for use on any other device you own, and the Aero is one of the most versatile wireless gaming headsets out there.
HyperX Cloud Alpha Superior style, sound and value Specifications Compatibility: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Switch, mobile Drivers: 50mm Dual Chamber Frequency Response: 13 Hz – 27 kHz Wireless: No 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 + soft and cushy ear cups + Impressive audio quality Reasons to avoid – Earcups can feel snug – Microphone picks up some noise This headset’s premium design belies its sub-$100 price, thanks to a sturdy metal frame, a slick red-and-black paint job, and some of the most comfortable leatherette earcups since the HyperX Cloud II Wireless.
The Alpha’s proprietary Dual Chamber drivers deliver big on sound, offering thick bass, sharp treble and strong directionality. With its world-class comfort, impressive audio and a suite of cables for use on just about any platform, the Alpha truly lives up to its name by offering the best gaming headset value under $100. Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 Console-centric wireless sound with Bluetooth Specifications Compatibility: PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One, mobile Drivers: 50 mm Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 22 kHz Wireless: Yes TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Best Buy 237 Walmart customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Good sound quality + Two kinds of wireless connectivity + Great mic Reasons to avoid – Tight fit – Inconsistent volume levels Astro A20 Gaming Headset Gen 2 Wireless headset for both PS5 and Xbox Series X Specifications Compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, mobile Drivers: 40 mm Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz Weight: 11.2 ounces TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Staples Reasons to buy + Excellent wireless connectivity + Compatibility with almost everything + Decent sound for gaming and music Reasons to avoid – No elastic headband – No iOS compatibility
Thanks to its small USB-C dongle, it can connect wirelessly o the Switch in handheld mode — a rarity among gaming headsets. Wireless models are almost always more expensive, but the convenience of living without wires may well be worth the cost, depending on whether you’re playing from the couch or one of the best gaming chairs.
The best wireless gaming headsets 2021
Tom’s Guide has reviewed some of the very best wireless gaming headsets for the PC, PS5 , Xbox Series X and Nintendo Switch , and ranked the top performers here. No matter your budget or your preferred platforms, you should find something here to hear every line, sound effect and musical note in your favorite games with perfect clarity. This update of the similarly excellent SteelSeries Arctis 7 is compatible with just about every system on the market, from PC to consoles to mobile devices, all via a handy USB-C dongle.
The sound quality is good for both gaming and music, and the battery life will last you through at least three marathon sessions, or a dozen smaller ones.
One helpful hint to keep in mind is that PC and PS5 use the same wireless protocol; Xbox consoles require a different one; the Switch is a bit of a wild card, especially in handheld mode. SteelSeries Arctis 7P/7X The best wireless gaming headset overall Specifications Compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, mobile Drivers: 40 mm Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz Weight: 12.5 ounces TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Best Buy Prime View at Amazon 93 Walmart customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Works with just about every system + Great gaming sound + Comfortable fit Reasons to avoid – Music quality could be better – 7P model is less versatile than 7X
It has a retractable microphone; it has distinct volume and game/chat mix dials; it has an elastic headband that guarantees a perfect fit every time. SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless The best budget wireless gaming headset Specifications Compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, mobile Drivers: 40 mm Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz Weight: 8.8 ounces TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Walmart Prime View at Amazon View at Best Buy 17 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Excellent wireless connectivity + Compatibility with almost everything + Decent sound for gaming and music Reasons to avoid – No elastic headband – No iOS compatibility
The Arctis 1 Wireless is a no-frills peripheral, lacking the subtle sound quality and comfortable elastic headband of SteelSeries’ fancier models. Still, the Arctis 1 Wireless is the headset that pioneered the company’s excellent USB-C dongle, making it compatible with almost every modern gaming system, from the PS5 to Android tablets. (It doesn’t work with iOS, however, and you’ll need the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless for Xbox variant if you own Microsoft’s latest consoles.) Astro A20 Gaming Headset Gen 2 Specifications Compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, mobile Drivers: 40 mm Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz Weight: 11.2 ounces TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Staples Reasons to buy + Great sound + Comfortable earcups + Clear microphone + Reasonable price Reasons to avoid – Pairing can be frustrating – Unappealing design
By plugging in a simple dongle, you can make the A20 compatible with both Sony and Microsoft consoles — a rare feat among console-centric gaming gear. In addition to a comfortable fit and good sound quality, the Kaira Pro offers a real rarity among wireless gaming headsets: Bluetooth connectivity. On top of that, the Kaira Pro is a gorgeous device, combining a restrained chassis with a tasteful black-and-green color scheme.
The pairing process couldn’t be easier, and the mic is good for both heated multiplayer matches and everyday conversations with friends and family.
What’s even more impressive is that the Kaira Pro came out more or less alongside the latest Xbox consoles, meaning they had a fantastic wireless headset right from the start. While the earcups can feel a little tight, that’s about the only major criticism I can lobby against this headset, which provides robust, nuanced sound profiles and a crystal-clear mic.
Using the Logitech G Hub software, you can customize your own sound profiles, or use a variety of helpful presets for games, movies and music. The Xbox Wireless Headset provides clean profiles for both game audio and music, and it has intuitive controls built right into the earcups, rather than relying on imprecise dials.
Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero Specifications Compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Switch Drivers: 50 mm Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz Weight: 13.8 ounces TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Microsoft US View at Walmart Prime Low Stock View at Amazon 1 Amazon customer review ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Comfortable fit + Fantastic gaming and music sound + Compatible with many systems Reasons to avoid – Crowded controls – Could use a few more presets The only real downside to the Elite Atlas Aero is that its earcup controls get a little crowded, with a lot of dials and buttons in relatively little space.
But once you learn your way around the interface, you can look forward to simple connectivity, long battery life and extremely generous padding for both your ears and the top of your head. HyperX Cloud Flight S Specifications Compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Switch Drivers: 50 mm Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz Weight: 10.9 ounces TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Walmart View at Best Buy Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Comfortable fit + Good sound for games and music + Convenient wireless features Reasons to avoid – Touchy wireless charging – Inconsistent mic
Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 Specifications Compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Switch Drivers: 50 mm Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz Weight: 10.0 ounces TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Best Buy 237 Walmart customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Good sound quality + Two kinds of wireless connectivity + Great mic Reasons to avoid – Tight fit – Inconsistent volume levels If you want a no-nonsense console headset that also functions as a mobile accessory, the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 is a solid option. Truth be told, the Stealth 700 feels a bit tight, making it a tough sell for marathon gaming sessions. But with good audio quality for both games and music, as well as 20 hours of battery life and some handy customization options, it’s worth a look from console aficionados.
The Stealth 700 is hardly as fancy as headsets get, but if you can finagle a comfortable fit out of it, it provides every feature that a good multiplayer match needs.
Best wireless gaming headsets
Editor’s note: this article was updated on September 28, 2021 to include the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT to the notable mentions. The headphone pads are leatherette covering thick memory foam, which is very comfortable but doesn’t do a lot for gamers with glasses. The HyperX Cloud Flight S uses a wireless RF connection with a 2.4GHz USB dongle for transmitting audio between it and your platform of choice. This is good because it means audio lag won’t be an issue, and generally, this connection takes less power to maintain.
That saved juice doesn’t go to waste here, as the Cloud Flight S lasted around 35 hours during our testing—better than just about any other gaming headset on the market. It’s also compatible with the HyperX NGenuity app, but you don’t really need it if setting custom EQ presets isn’t your thing.
Wireless gaming headsets generally don’t use Bluetooth, due to lag and inconsistent console support. The Arctis 7 uses a 2.4GHz USB wireless RF dongle to transmit audio between the headset and whatever it’s connected to, so lag isn’t an issue. SteelSeries claims its battery can last up to 24 hours on a single charge, though in our review we found it landed somewhere closer to 16—still nothing to sneeze at.
And top of all that hardware, the SteelSeries Engine app brings surround sound and custom EQ balancing, to boot. Recently, a software update to the Nintendo Switch opened up the USB ports on its dock to support wireless audio, allowing an additional level of convenience for gamers. Just plug the USB-C dongle into the USB port on the bottom of the Switch and you’re all set for wireless, undocked listening.
Featuring an aluminum body construction finished with a gunmetal coating, this wireless gaming headset looks and feels like a million bucks… or at least what you’d expect for $200. Of course, we can’t talk about the Corsair Virtuoso Wireless SE without mentioning its microphone: one of the best we’ve ever tested in a gaming headset.
If you’re a gamer who wants as many features as a company can fit in a gaming headset (or companion app), look no further than the Logitech G Pro X Wireless. The headset comes with plush memory foam ear pads covered in leatherette, as well as velour-covered alternates—great for gamers with glasses.
Its frame is a little loose, but it’s got solid battery life, and you can customize the color of the headset’s LED lights, if you’re into that sort of thing. It features Xbox Wireless support for cable and dongle-free connections for a seamless, untethered gaming experience.
PC gamers get additional customization options via Synapse 3, including EQ controls to fine-tune your listening experience. SteelSeries Arctis 9X: This headset features Xbox Wireless support for a cable-free and dongle-free connection—complete with Windows Sonic Surround Sound. It features a great microphone, an accurate frequency response, and is slated to have forward compatibility with upcoming consoles like the PlayStation 5. The mic doesn’t work when the USB-C Dongle is connected, but there’s no audio lag, good sound, and battery life long enough for decent play sessions. The gaming headset space, much like many other parts of the audio industry, is rife with exaggerated language and gimmicky features that often don’t add much of anything to your experience. It’s easy to get caught up in the flashy lights and promises of immersive audio and bass so intense it’ll rupture your eardrums (in a good way, somehow), but most of that stuff flat out doesn’t matter.
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Best PC Gaming Headsets 2021: Wireless, Budget and More
But choosing the best gaming headset for your ears and head shape isn’t easy, due in part to the sheer amount of options that are available. With the ever-rising popularity of esports and the relative simplicity of combining off-the-shelf audio hardware with cushy earcups, a sprinkle of software wizardry and a mic, PC gamers are now offered more choices than ever.
A quick search of popular online retailers yields hundreds of choices across dozens of companies, ranging from less than $10 (£8) to over $600 (£460). Comfort is more subjective than measuring audio output and input, but generally speaking you should avoid plush gaming headsets with thick bulges, cheap foam and cloth covers. If you’ve heard Bluetooth audio in years past and hated it (it definitely was bad for a long time), give an aptX-enabled headset a listen. The HyperX Cloud Alpha is the best gaming headset for most players, offering nearly perfect sound quality and an awesome value, especially if you can find it for under $100. Noise reproduction with these cans sounds natural and the drivers avoid pesky flaws, like overly aggressive bass or highs. This isn’t a revolutionary headset, but it delivers the necessary sound quality and top-of-the-line comfort with the rare reasonable price tag.
In terms of long-term wearability, the headset earns its Cloud branding with a light, comfy fit built comprised of quality materials.
This includes thick memory foam padding on the headband and earcups and HyperX’s decision to opt for aluminum over plastic in some important areas.
Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE Best Wireless Gaming Headset Specifications Driver: 50mm neodymium Impedance: 32 Ohms Frequency response: 20-40,000 Hz Mic: Omnidirectional Connectivity: USB Type-A 2.4 GHz dongle Weight: 0.8 pounds(360g) TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Best Buy View at CORSAIR View at Walmart 4 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Powerful Hi-res audio + Immaculate presentation + Great battery life Reasons to avoid – Wireless range depends on house construction – Headband digs in a bit over time – Slightly heavy reverb The best wireless gaming headset for most, it offers premium quality audio that enters audiophile territory and looks pretty and shiny instead of clunky and heavy.
Creative SXFI Air Gamer Best Bluetooth Gaming Headset Specifications Driver: 50mm neodymium Impedance: > 2.2 kohms Frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz Mic: 2x bidirectional, 1x omnidirectional Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C cable, 3.5mm cable Weight: 0.8 pounds (335g) TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Excellent audio quality for gaming, music, movies + Simultaneous USB and Bluetooth connections lets you hear both your PC and phone Reasons to avoid – Setup requires a smartphone and is much easier with a second person – External sound isolation could be better The Creative SXFI Air Gamer offers a lot of functionality of the pricier Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT on this page but at a much cheaper price.
The best part is audio quality is on a premium level, including superious bass reproduction, and is fit for your favorite games, as well as watching movies or listening to music. Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT Best Bluetooth Gaming Headset Splurge Specifications Driver: 50mm neodymium Impedance: 32 Ohms Frequency response: 20-40,000 Hz Mic: Omnidirectional Connectivity: 3.5mm, USB Type-A cable, USB Type-A dongle, Bluetooth Weight: 0.8 pounds (362.9g) TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Walmart View at Best Buy Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Comfortable and classy + Simultaneous dongle/Bluetooth connectivity lets you hear your phone and PC Reasons to avoid – Expensive – Battery life isn’t great when connected to two devices That proved a boon for productivity, letting us game with a dongle and hear music or notifications from our phone, for example, so we never missed a thing. Asus TUF Gaming H3 Best Budget Gaming Headset Specifications Driver: 50mm neodymium Impedance: 32 Ohms Frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz Mic: Unidirectional condenser Connectivity: 3.5mm Weight: 0.6 pounds (272.2g) TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Walmart View at Adorama Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Impressive out-of-box sound quality + Incredibly comfortable Reasons to avoid – Questionable build quality – Advertised virtual 7.1 surround sound is Windows Sonic, usable by any 3.5mm headset
But when it comes to gaming and hearing sound cues like weapon switches, this headset gets the job done without effort on your part or heavy damage to your bank account. HyperX Cloud Orbit S Best Gaming Headset for Virtual Surround Sound Specifications Driver: 100mm neodymium Impedance: Not disclosed Frequency response: 10-50,000 Hz Mic: Unidirectional condenser Connectivity: 3.5mm, USB Type-A, USB Type-C Weight: 0.8 pounds(362.9g) TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Walmart Prime View at Amazon View at Adorama 877 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Immersive and loud 3D audio + Soft, squishy headband and ear cups + Good battery life + Accurate head tracking Reasons to avoid – A little heavy – Head tracking’s audio impact varies depending on game The HyperX Cloud Orbit S is, indeed, expensive, but its premium sound quality and featureset make it the best gaming headset for splurging.
But the Orbit S, which bears the same cozy memory foam headband and earpads as other headsets in HyperX’s Cloud line, offers a gaming edge you’ll actually notice. Asus ROG Delta S Best Gaming Headset for Hi-Res Specifications Driver: 50mm neodymium Impedance: 32 Ohms Frequency response: 20-40,000 Hz Mic: Noise-cancelling condenser Connectivity: USB Type-C or USB-C to USB-A adapter Weight: 0.7 pounds (320g) TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Amazing audio clarity + Solid build quality Reasons to avoid – Short cable – Slight sound leakage Not every gamers also demands the joys of hi-res music, but those who do can graduate to more powerful, immersive jam sessions, especially with the Asus ROG Delta S. These cans sniped the title of Best Hi-res Gaming Headset from the SteelSeries Arctis Pro+ GameDAC , partially by including a more powerful DAC.
In terms of gaming, the ROG Delta S is also premium, offering more oomph in the overall soundscape than rivals, from the twang of a bow and arrow to the cracks of an assault rifle. It’s easy to prefer the popular DTS Headphone:X v2.0 surround scheme that the Arctis Pro+ GameDac employs than the one Asus concocted. Corsair Void RGB Elite USB Best Gaming Headset Mic Specifications Driver: 50mm neodymium Impedance: 32 Ohms Frequency response: 20-30,000 Hz Mic: Omnidirectional condenser Connectivity: USB Type-A Weight: 0.9 pounds(390g) TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Walmart Prime View at Amazon View at Best Buy 38 Walmart customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + You could land planes with this mic + Exceptionally soft foam padding + Very breathable Reasons to avoid – Some fitting issues on smaller heads – Sound leakage affects bass tightness – Awkward mic mute button
If you do a lot of chatting on your headset, be with your Overwatch teammates, work colleagues or Mom, the Corsair Void RGB Elite USB will make sure you sound just like you to whoever’s listening.
It’s also Discord-certified and showed better low-end response than rivals.It’s not quite as warm as what you can get with the best gaming microphones or any USB mic, but it’s close. SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless Best Gaming Headset Splurge Specifications Driver: 40mm neodymium Impedance: 32 Ohms Frequency response: 20-40,000 Hz Mic: Bidirectional condenser Connectivity: USB Type-A wireless dongle or Bluetooth 4.1 Weight: 0.8 pounds(357g) TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime Low Stock View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Best Buy 18 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Comfortable headband design + Peerless swappable battery system + Crisp hi-res audio + Feature-laden base station Reasons to avoid – Needs base station to charge – Headband durability concerns Lossless titles, like Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, sounded noticeably crisper with a lot of depth on the Arctis Pro. You also get DTS Headphones:X virtual surround sound via a transmitter base station boasting other helpful features, like ChatMix and general volume control. But the Arctis Pro Wireless has the advantage in its smart design, Bluetooth capability and swappable batteries to keep the party going while traveling. Epos H3 Hybrid Best Headset for Multiple Use Cases Specifications Driver: 40mm neodymium magnet Impedance: (Unlisted) Frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz Mic: Bidirectional boom mic, omnidirectional on-cup mic Connectivity: 2.4 GHz USB-C Dongle, USB-A via adapter, 3.5mm cable Weight: 0.65 pounds (298g) TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon Prime View at Amazon View at Best Buy Reasons to buy + Extremely comfortable during extensive use + Attractive design + Wired, wireless, mixed modes + Superb battery life Reasons to avoid – Music needs EQ tweaking for best sound – Mic picks up background noise – Must be powered on in 3.5mm mode
The Best Wireless Gaming Headsets for 2021
Wireless gaming headsets let you cut the cord and enjoy two-way audio that’s unfettered by wires. Bluetooth is a nice backup for gaming headsets, but it’s rarely the main method of wireless connection. However, Bluetooth doesn’t offer the same audio quality and latency performance as a 2.4GHz connection, which is why most wireless gaming headsets have their own transmitters/receivers.
A good headset mic should provide clear voice communication at a minimum, but it probably won’t be broadcast quality.
Others simply let you be heard in voice chat, but might have wireless artifacts, sibilance, or subpar clarity. See our story on how to make your podcast sound better for general tips that apply to all recording and broadcasting scenarios.
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