Quality Gaming Headset For Computer

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 Walmart View at Best Buy 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 Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Best Buy 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 Best Buy View at Amazon View at Walmart 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 Low Stock View at Walmart Prime Low Stock View at Amazon 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 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 Prime View at Amazon View at Best Buy 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

With a spectacular range of sound, and impeccable comfort this is already a great headset, and that’s without mentioning its understated look with sharp, distinctive Razer green accent. It’s not often we see many open-back gaming headsets, with a microphone included, and that makes for a more open, wider sound without having to buy separate gear.

Razer’s Blackshark V2 gaming headset manages to do just that by offering killer audio quality, great price, and easy-to-use software.

The 50mm TriForce Titanium drivers are designed with discrete ports to separate bass, mid, tremble tones from interfering with each other.

HyperX Cloud II Wireless Best wireless gaming headset Specifications Wireless: Yes Drivers: 53mm, Dynamic, neodymium magnets Connectivity: USB Dongle Frequency response: 15Hz – 20,000Hz Features: Detachable mic Weight : 300g Battery Life: 30 hours TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Tomtop WW 345 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Powerful but clear sound + Exceptional build quality + Great mic Reasons to avoid – Mediocre bass The 53mm with neodymium magnets is intended to give low, medium, and high frequencies space to resonate without interfering with each other, and you do get a sense of that while listening to 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. Replacing the hilariously bulky Sennheiser GSP 300 series, the Epos H3 design shifts away NFL head coach headset into something a bit leaner and stylish.

In our review, we were blown away by the powerful bass that never spoils the mids and highs, which isn’t surprising with a frequency response of 10Hz – 30,000Hz, making it a killer headset for gaming and listening to music. Steelseries Arctis 9X The best multi platform gaming headset Specifications Wireless: Yes Drivers: 40mm, Neodymium drivers Connectivity: Wireless USB dongle, 3.5mm wired, Bluetooth Frequency response: 20Hz – 22,000Hz Features: Retractable noise cancelling mic, DTS Headphone:X, 7.1 surround Battery life: 20 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 + Comfortable ‘ski goggle’ headband + Great Mic + Bluetooth Reasons to avoid – Just under $200 is a lot – Weak Bass The added Bluetooth compatibility means that you can use this headset on your mobile devices, too, perfect is you plan on gaming on your phone or tablet. The great battery life clocks in at over 20 hours out of the box; you can keep playing while you charge, too, simply by connecting the headset to your PC with a USB cable.

The distinctive ski goggle headband is really effective at keeping the weight of the headset away from your head, and even after playing for hours, we’ve never felt it digging in. There are niggles to dampen the party, of course (a non-detachable mic being chief among them), but you can’t complain when you’re getting excellent 7.1 sound for such a low cost. Creative SXFI Gamer Best headset with surround sound Specifications Wireless: No Drivers: 50 mm Neodymium magnet Connectivity: USB-C, 3.5 mm Stereo Input Frequency response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz Features: Positional Audio Weight: 336g TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Dell Low Stock View at Walmart Reasons to buy + Great price + Pretty good virtual surround sound + Low-key and comfy design design Reasons to avoid – Cumbersome software – Lack of wireless support – That red microphone light

Finally, good racing sims feature a very particular mix designed to help you hear brake lock-up and tires losing traction.

The best PC headset for gaming 2021

This means there is an enormous multitude of headsets vying for your attention (some are bad, some are great) but also that pricing is very competitive from manufacturers and retailers alike. Whatever you choose, when you team it with your favorite machine, such as one of the best gaming PCs – like the ASUS ROG GA15 PC that I use in my setup – the results are fantastic. Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT A Corsair-shaped complete package Specifications Acoustic design: Closed back; over ear Cable length: 5.9ft / 1.8m Battery life: up to 15 hours Drivers: 50mm Weight: 0.84lbs / 381g Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS5, PS4, XSX|S, Xbox One, Switch, Mobile TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Best Buy View at Walmart Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Looks and feels amazing + Audio quality is top-notch + Versatile connectivity Reasons to avoid – Super pricey The sound quality is impeccable, with clear mids, loud bass, and unmuddied high notes in games, music, and movies. The ‘broadcast-quality’ detachable microphone performs excellently for voice chat with very minor compression, while the headset’s multi-connectivity means you can use the Virtuoso XT with almost any device. The craftsmanship of the Virtuoso XT simply shines through, with a high-quality design and build level, featuring durable machined aluminium and soft leatherette.

Only recently released but easily one of the best, if not the best, gaming headset I have tested in, well, ever, and a very worthy inhabitant of this top spot, finally taking the crown from the Kraken Tournament Edition. Astro A50 A fantastic and luxurious wireless headset Specifications Acoustic design: Closed back; over ear Drivers: 40mm Neodymium Magnet Weight: 11.2oz / 318g Compatibility: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Mac, Mobile TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Dell View at Walmart Reasons to buy + Wireless charging + Peerless comfort + Powerful, distinct sound Reasons to avoid – Software isn’t as luxurious as the hardware – Unclear next-gen compatibility – Slow to charge

Astro’s A50s have been a high-tide mark not just within the manufacturer’s own product range but in console-compatible wireless headsets for the better part of a decade now. A few minutes with the latest version of the A50 and it’s clear why – peerless comfort and build quality, twinned with a rich sound even the most tedious audiophile would be impressed by. Astro’s Command Center software isn’t quite befitting of such a top-end product, but it still provides a choice of EQ profiles and tweaks within its simple interface. ASUS ROG Delta S A USB-C powerhouse 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 PC headsets for gaming. A Quad-DAC dedicated four separate chips across low, mid, high, and ultra-high ranges, and the cups are even capable of reading MQA files as well.

All of that is 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. Steelseries Arctis Pro with GameDAC A brilliant choice for big-budget users Specifications Wireless: No Drivers: 40mm neodymium Connections: USB, 3.5mm wired Features: GameDAC, Certified hi-res audio, retractable ClearCast bi-directional mic, RGB lighting TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Dell Low Stock View at Walmart 144 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Incredible audio range + Well designed headset + Good quality mic Reasons to avoid – Feels less solid – Quite expensive

If you’re looking for a higher budget headset, designed with PC in mind, the Steelseries Arctis Pro with GameDAC is the one to buy. The mic is great too – a smidge better than even the Razer headsets – so if you’re doing a lot of talking in team-based games, or you want better personal audio for streaming, the Arctis Pro performs better than the competition. Force feedback audio sounds like a great way to get a splitting headache, and while Razer and Sony have made early experiments, it’s definitely not mainstream yet.

The haptic feedback here feels like nuanced rumbles and jolts from a gamepad resonating through your temples, in a way that reflects the audio cues impressively. Shooters are a natural fit to show it off, and in Battlefield 5 with all its intelligent sound design you get a really exciting added dimension to all the auditory chaos. But there’s a price premium here, and before you take the plunge you should consider whether you’re happy to reserve this just for using with those bombastic shooters, and using a cleaner stereo headset for music and movies.

Audeze Penrose A premium, high-end wireless gaming headset for PC and Xbox Specifications Acoustic design: Over-ear, closed-circumaural Cable length: Wireless (c.50″ / 127cm aux cable) Drivers: 100mm Planar Magnetic Weight: 11.3oz / 320g Compatibility: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One , PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, Mobile TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Adorama Reasons to buy + Rich and detailed sound + Comfortable over lengthy play sessions + Easy to use and tweak game audio and chat volume in the mix Reasons to avoid – A large price tag – It’s easy to burn through the battery life – Microphone is a bit finicky Still, you’re going to get a practically unrivalled audio experience out of the Penrose; deep bass, incredible clarity, and a real depth and detail to the sound that helps to immerse you into your favourite virtual worlds and give you better insight into the action unfolding around you in multiplayer arenas.

One is PlayStation focused and one is Xbox, but both work beautifully with PC, and they re the same headset, in essence, under the hood – just with blue or green accents on the outside.

It’s a premium headphone offering from Audeze that delivers a quality, depth, and density in its sound that few of its peers are able to match, and for that reason, it really is one of the best PC headsets for gaming you can get.

EPSO H6PRO (Open back) Premium cans that want to be top of the wired market Specifications Acoustic design: Open back; over ear Cable length: 1.8m / 5.9ft Drivers: TriForce Titanium 50mm Weight: 9.2oz / 262g Compatibility: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Mac, Mobile TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Spacious, natural audio + Luxurious looks + Smart detachable mic design Reasons to avoid – Is in the same category pf price as wireless sets In pure, naked audio terms the old Senny GAME ONE still sounds better, but despite a darker voicing these H6PROs are natural and flat, with a tight and unexaggerated bass response.

Neat features like the detachable mic and its swappable magnetised cover do impress, and this is good wireless headset money. The JBL Quantum One represents the veteran audio company’s bid to carve out a niche in the world of premium headsets. One look at the specs sheet could bring a tear to the eye to even the most jaded of PC gamers, not least the hefty price tag. With a gaudy, if absolutely solid build, the JBL Quantum One is definitely a departure from the increasingly subtle and subdued recent entries from the Sennheiser and Logitech lines. Active noise-cancellation, DTS sound profiles (complete with an 8-band EQ), and full LED customization mean the sky’s the limit in regards to personal taste. That said the much-acclaimed QuantumSPHERE 360 head-tracking does have a faint whiff of the gimmick with slight calibration issues, but, all in, this is a great PC headset for gaming.

While you undoubtedly pay a little extra over the regular Razer Nari for the Hypersense tech, there are enough boosts over the vanilla model to justify the Ultimate’s 25% higher price. The drivers are bigger, and frequency response range better, and the Ultimate’s mic is retractable, so you can remove it completely from view if you’re not using it.

Alienware AW510H Mid-range headset suitable for any gamer Specifications Acoustic design: Closed back Cable length: 4ft Drivers: 50mm Weight: 370g Compatibility: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Walmart Prime View at Amazon View at Best Buy 1430 Walmart customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Attractive price point + Lightweight and comfy + 7.1 virtual surround sound Reasons to avoid – Wire can give noticeable feedback when moving Combine the performance with the fact that it’s light with some of the comfiest material I’ve worn on a pair of headphones and it makes you wonder how these can be beaten without hitting much higher price points. HyperX Cloud Alpha A good pure-gaming PC headset Specifications Wireless: No Drivers: 50mm (dual-chamber) Connections: 3.5mm wired Features: Dual-chamber drivers, detachable mic, in-line controls TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Best Buy Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart 568 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Sturdy and comfy + Detachable mic is handy + Good frequency response range Reasons to avoid – Basic design – No USB connection This is a good mid-range pick, with audio and durability at the heart of the design, making it perfect for everyday PC play.

Combined with the decent wireless connection – where the audio isn’t quite as pure as the Pro, but is still excellent – this is a great wire-free option for busier PC set-ups. Audio quality is great, and while the H6 can handle bassy explosions and loud shooters, it’s also refined enough to pick up the nuances of dialogue in more RPG-like games.

The 7.1 surround is perfect for shooters like Apex Legends and Fortnite, and the in-built mic is clear enough to communicate in any team-based game.

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. However, if you prefer to use an older device with a headphone jack, you can simply plug the Arctis 7P/7X in via 3.5 mm cable.

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. 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 Best Buy View at Walmart 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 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 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 Gaming Headsets for 2021

Your choices range from basic wired earpieces and boom mics you can pick up for $20 at a drug store (or are included with your game console), to expensive, simulated surround sound, e-sports-oriented, wireless, over-ear headphones available at enthusiast sites. Bluetooth has made great strides in the last few years, but proprietary wireless connections generally offer better audio quality, faster response, and a stronger signal. Most high-end gaming headsets claim to offer some form of surround sound, but this isn’t technically accurate.

The gaming surround aspect comes from Dolby, DTS, and/or THX processing technologies that tweak how the headsets mix sound between your ears to give an impression of 360-degree audio.

Some pricey gaming headsets like the JBL Quantum One offer more immersive audio by incorporating head tracking into the mix. Still, you generally won’t find a “best” headset unique to a console; the top models usually have multiple, system-specific versions.

It’s a boom mic that easily attaches to your favorite pair of headphones, and can be removed when not in use thanks to a two-piece magnetic mount. ModMic lacks the gaming-specific features associated with dedicated gaming headsets, but it lets you use your beloved old cans for voice chat.

You can use speakers and enjoy the room-filling atmosphere, and shout into the inexpensive and mediocre monoaural headsets many consoles come with. The next time you’re in a deathmatch, raid, or capture mission, make sure you’re shouting into the boom mic of a good headset.

The best gaming headsets in 2021

With a spectacular range of sound, and impeccable comfort this is already a great headset, and that’s without mentioning its understated look with sharp, distinctive Razer green accent. It’s not often we see many open-back gaming headsets, with a microphone included, and that makes for a more open, wider sound without having to buy separate gear. Razer Blackshark V2 The best wired gaming headset Specifications Wireless: No Drivers: 50mm, Razer TriForce, Titanium Connectivity: 3.5mm, USB soundcard Frequency response: 12Hz – 28,000Hz Features: Detachable noise-cancelling mic, in-line cable controls Weight: 262g TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon Low Stock View at Ebay View at Microsoft AU Reasons to buy + Restrained styling + Comfortable + Great audio + Only $100 Reasons to avoid – Cable hardwired into headset

Razer’s Blackshark V2 gaming headset manages to do just that by offering killer audio quality, great price, and easy-to-use software.

The 50mm TriForce Titanium drivers are designed with discrete ports to separate bass, mid, tremble tones from interfering with each other. The 53mm with neodymium magnets is intended to give low, medium, and high frequencies space to resonate without interfering with each other, and you do get a sense of that while listening to 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. Replacing the hilariously bulky Sennheiser GSP 300 series, the Epos H3 design shifts away NFL head coach headset into something a bit leaner and stylish.

In our review, we were blown away by the powerful bass that never spoils the mids and highs, which isn’t surprising with a frequency response of 10Hz – 30,000Hz, making it a killer headset for gaming and listening to music. Steelseries Arctis 9X The best multi platform gaming headset Specifications Wireless: Yes Drivers: 40mm, Neodymium drivers Connectivity: Wireless USB dongle, 3.5mm wired, Bluetooth Frequency response: 20Hz – 22,000Hz Features: Retractable noise cancelling mic, DTS Headphone:X, 7.1 surround Battery life: 20 hours TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at PBTech Low Stock View at Ebay Reasons to buy + Solid gaming sound + Comfortable ‘ski goggle’ headband + Great Mic + Bluetooth Reasons to avoid – Just under $200 is a lot – Weak Bass The added Bluetooth compatibility means that you can use this headset on your mobile devices, too, perfect is you plan on gaming on your phone or tablet. The great battery life clocks in at over 20 hours out of the box; you can keep playing while you charge, too, simply by connecting the headset to your PC with a USB cable.

The distinctive ski goggle headband is really effective at keeping the weight of the headset away from your head, and even after playing for hours, we’ve never felt it digging in. Razer Kraken X The best cheap gaming headset Specifications Wireless: No Drivers: 40mm, Neodymium magnets Connectivity: 3.5mm Frequency response: 12Hz – 8,000Hz Features: 7.1 surround sound, ultra lightweight TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at mwave Prime View at Amazon View at Microsoft AU Reasons to buy + Can find under $40 + Excellent 7.1 virtual surround sound + Comfortable leatherette head cushion Reasons to avoid – Non-detachable mic – Base audio is a little clunky

There are niggles to dampen the party, of course (a non-detachable mic being chief among them), but you can’t complain when you’re getting excellent 7.1 sound for such a low cost. Creative SXFI Gamer Best headset with surround sound Specifications Wireless: No Drivers: 50 mm Neodymium magnet Connectivity: USB-C, 3.5 mm Stereo Input Frequency response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz Features: Positional Audio Weight: 336g TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon Low Stock View at Ebay View at Wireless 1 Reasons to buy + Great price + Pretty good virtual surround sound + Low-key and comfy design design Reasons to avoid – Cumbersome software – Lack of wireless support – That red microphone light

Finally, good racing sims feature a very particular mix designed to help you hear brake lock-up and tires losing traction.

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.

However, if you prefer to use an older device with a headphone jack, you can simply plug the Arctis 7P/7X in via 3.5 mm cable. 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. 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 Best Buy View at Walmart 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 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 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.

Best PC gaming headset for 2021

Keep in mind that analog gaming headphones with 3.5mm jacks can work on almost any device — PS5, Xbox Series X or S, Nintendo Switch and so on — in addition to Windows PCs. These include the ability to use it wired or while it charges over USB, a Discord-certified noise-canceling retractable microphone, swivel ear cups to let it sit on your shoulders, and support for DTS Headphone:X v2.0 and Windows Spatial audio. Its big brother, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless, garners rave reviews as well, but it’s significantly more expensive as well as relatively old; it’s due for an upgrade and I think it’s a bit overkill for many gamers, anyway.

I prefer the V2 over the V2 X for its extra PC features, like support for THX Spatial Audio, microphone settings in Razer’s Synapse utility and a USB dongle.

But you do get a an activation card for a Dolby Atmos subscription (mine was for a year but it’s possible that period’s been cut back in the interim) for Windows 10 and Xbox One or later. Lori Grunin/CNET It’s priced on the high side for a virtual 7.1 surround headset lacking in many features, but what the lightweight HyperX Cloud II Wireless is missing in capabilities it makes up for in comfort and performance, such as a 60-foot signal range and good battery life.

Lori Grunin/CNET This may be a somewhat controversial choice overall, but even a lot of people who don’t like the Epos gaming headsets in general tend to agree that they have great stereo audiophile-quality sound. That, plus only passable signal retention via the dongle — it occasionally gives me problems starting at about 16 feet away, roughly a half (or more) the distance of other headsets, but doesn’t seem to have any lag while gaming — are the only two issues I have with it.

Those include the same connect-to-everything flexiblity of the Arctis 9X: You can’t use two Bluetooth connections simultaneously, but any other wired and/or wireless pairing works. They’re really comfortable for extended wear and on the lighter side given everything inside them (10-11 ounces/288-309g depending on whether the boom’s attached) at least for my head and with glasses on, plus the battery lasts a relatively long time and doesn’t run down quickly when they’re not used for a while. You can use it with any 3.5mm-jack-bearing console or system, but you don’t get the customizable surround setup unless you’re connected via USB on Windows, since it requires a proprietary app. The G733’s generally an above average lightweight wireless gaming headset, but it’s got one advantage over much of the competition: an excellent mic backed by an insane level of customizability via Blue Yeti-powered software.

Simultaneous wireless and Bluetooth and chat-mix balance are usually only found in more expensive models, so here the performance and sound quality are worth the money.

PC Gaming Headsets

If you want to avoid being distracted by background noise, then opt for a noise-cancelling gaming headset to help keep you focused on the mission.

Best PC gaming headset 2021

As well as the big names like Turtle Beach, Razer and Logitech, we’ve also highlighted headsets from smaller firms like Epos and Audeze that are absolutely worth knowing about. The idea here is to give you a few options to choose from without being overwhelming, so that you can pick up a new headset at the right time – whether that’s when you want to start seriously trying to improve at CS:GO or when Amazon’s Prime Day gaming sales kick off. 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.

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. If you could do without the USB sound card, consider instead the £50/$43BlackShark V2 X, which ditches it to hit a much more competitive price point; there’s also a £149/$160 BlackShark V2 Pro that makes the headset gloriously wireless.

It’s also supremely comfortable, even for the glasses-wearers, with the option of velour or memory foam ear pads, and boasts impressive 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. These are closed-back headphones, with synthetic leather used to provide good noise isolation – when I’m working in my small office with my wife, I can’t hear her clicky keyboard with these on. The included microphone is basic but outperforms most wireless alternatives; in terms of wired audio it’s nothing special and can sound a bit distant if it’s not right up against your mouth. The sound stage is relatively wide for closed back headphones, so I found it relatively easy to locate my enemies by their footsteps in Counter-Strike, while the noise isolation ensured I wasn’t distracted.

In our testing, we found the lightweight headset comfortable to wear for long periods, even with glasses, with excellent passive noise isolation. The unusual 60mm dual drivers provide surprisingly detailed sound with good imaging, making them ideal for identifying the position of enemies in games like Apex Legends or CS:GO.

The Recon 500 also seems quite well built, although its no-nonsense appearance and mostly plastic construction aren’t eye-catching in the black colourway we tested – although an arctic camo version is also available. 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. Its use of athletic fabric for the ear cushions and head band make it comfortable without getting sweaty in warm weather, but don’t block out much outside noise. Roccat is debuting a new software suite with the Syn Pro Air, called Neon, and it promises to offer a more streamlined design with less of the cruft afflicting Swarm.

The Syn Pro Air is very close to being an excellent PC headset – comfy, aurally proficient and feature-rich – but we have to mark it down for its mic quality and long pairing time. The LCD-GX uses massive open-back planar magnetic drivers to provide unparalleled sound quality, while a simple in-line microphone transforms it into a capable headset for gaming with friends.

The Hive software has you take a picture of your ear and select your headset to provide individualised surround sound, and the effect is pretty extraordinary on the LCD-GX. I was also surprised by just how comfortable this headset is, despite a relatively high weight (454g) – perhaps down to the advanced materials used throughout, the suspension headband design and the thick memory foam ear cushions.

So if you’re in the market for a high-end gaming headset and want the best of the best, the Audeze LCD-GX and a Hive subscription are a pretty solid combo, letting you enjoy exceedingly pure analogue audio for critical listening or a more processed, gaming-focused mix with the press of a button. It looks and feels expensive too, with a robust design replete with metal that ought to last for years inside its padded carrying case – a good thing considering an asking price of £240 in the UK and $263 in the US.

Epos H3: This headset aims for a mid-range (£109/$120) price point, much lower than the firm’s usual premium designs, but the most important qualities have all been preserved. The sound is quite neutral, with slightly flabby bass and only decent imaging, and it works fine for most gaming and music that isn’t bass-heavy. AOC GH200: this £39 stereo headset is comfortable and offers good build quality for its price, with a robust metal frame reminiscent of the HyperX Cloud series. Audio quality is slightly bass-heavy but with decent detail, thanks to reasonably tuned 50mm drivers, and the microphone is serviceable – it’ll probably outperform most wireless alternatives, even those that are considerably more expensive.

The amplifier adds no discernible distortion, even with the bass boost option enabled, and really impressed me when I paired it with Sennheiser HD 598 SE headphones. The DB12 also includes large, easy-to-find buttons for adjusting the volume, summoning voice assistants and skipping tracks, which is great for headphones that don’t have an in-line remote, especially when you’re using them with a smartphone.

The Best Gaming Headsets for 2021

Your choices range from basic wired earpieces and boom mics you can pick up for $20 at a drug store (or are included with your game console), to expensive, simulated surround sound, e-sports-oriented, wireless, over-ear headphones available at enthusiast sites. Bluetooth has made great strides in the last few years, but proprietary wireless connections generally offer better audio quality, faster response, and a stronger signal.

Most high-end gaming headsets claim to offer some form of surround sound, but this isn’t technically accurate. The gaming surround aspect comes from Dolby, DTS, and/or THX processing technologies that tweak how the headsets mix sound between your ears to give an impression of 360-degree audio.

Some pricey gaming headsets like the JBL Quantum One offer more immersive audio by incorporating head tracking into the mix. Still, you generally won’t find a “best” headset unique to a console; the top models usually have multiple, system-specific versions.

It’s a boom mic that easily attaches to your favorite pair of headphones, and can be removed when not in use thanks to a two-piece magnetic mount. ModMic lacks the gaming-specific features associated with dedicated gaming headsets, but it lets you use your beloved old cans for voice chat.

You can use speakers and enjoy the room-filling atmosphere, and shout into the inexpensive and mediocre monoaural headsets many consoles come with. The next time you’re in a deathmatch, raid, or capture mission, make sure you’re shouting into the boom mic of a good headset.

Best gaming headsets 2021: high fidelity headphones for immersive gaming

This headset is dual wireless, meaning you can connect to Bluetooth devices while playing on Xbox, and its powerful 50mm drivers deliver excellent audio reproduction. The USB-C dongle makes it quick to set up and means that this pair of headphones will also work with your PC, Nintendo Switch and Android. The design of the headset makes complete sense, with a steel frame and easily adjustable elasticated strap to fit it perfectly to your head. Though admittedly lacking some clarity so not the best pair for listening to music, they will give gamers a fantastic experience and successfully emulate 360-degree audio to make you feel really immersed in the action. The headset is a hugely impressive new entry as we enter the era of the next-gen consoles, with an all-round package – style, setup, audio – that’s very difficult to beat. We played a variety of games on the Xbox One to test the LS50X – Forza Horizon 4, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Rage 2, Fifa 20 and Halo 5 Guardians – and every time the audio was immersive and refined.

Asus ROG Delta S The best gaming headset for Windows PC gamers Specifications Compatibility: PC / Mac / Android / iOS / PlayStation / Xbox / Nintendo Switch Drivers: 50 mm Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 40 kHz Wireless: No Mic: Detachable unidirectional boom mic Weight: 300 grams Connectivity: USB-C Reasons to buy + Strong battery life + Versatile USB Type-C dongle + Discord-certified ClearCast mic Reasons to avoid – Limited on-board controls TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Currys View at Amazon It works with a host of gadgets and gizmos via USB-C (or USB-A), from PCs to consoles, and it produces audio quality of the highest order – whether you’re wanting to rock out to some tunes or you need to hear everything that’s happening during intense gaming sessions.

Add in extras like simulated 7.1 surround sound and support for the high-resolution MQA audio format, and it’s easy to see why this made it on to our best gaming headsets list. Corsair HS80 RGB wireless The best gaming headset for surround sound Specifications Compatibility: PC / Mac / PlayStation Drivers: 50 mm Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 40 kHz Wireless: Yes Mic: Omnidirectional microphone Weight: 367 grams Reasons to buy + Excellent audio quality + Sleek, stripped back design + Wireless connectivity Reasons to avoid – Dolby Atmos not available on consoles – Microphone can be quiet TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Currys View at Amazon You can hear every noise as well as where they’re coming from, sounds like explosions are impactful while others like footsteps are true-to-life, making this perfect for shooter games in particular. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal The best premium gaming headset for Xbox and PC gamers Specifications Frequency range: 20-22,000 Hz Drivers: Electro-dynamic driver w/ Neodymium magnets, 40 mm diameter Driver sensitivity: 95dB @ 1kHz / 1 mW Impedance: 24 Ohm +/- 15% Fit: Over-ear Materials: Aluminium, leather, fabric, polymer, rubber Weight: 282 g Dimensions: 167.3 W x 178.7 H x 92.6 D mm Wireless: Yes Battery: 1200 mAh Lithium-Ion Connectivity options: Xbox, PC, Bluetooth, wired Reasons to buy + Incredible audio quality + Premium build quality + Supremely comfortable + Xbox/PC, Bluetooth and wired connectivity Reasons to avoid – Very, very expensive – Can’t play Bluetooth and Xbox audio at the same time TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Amazon View at John Lewis View at Microsoft UK IE

Bang & Olufsen is one of the world’s finest and most storied audio masters, and here it has poured its expertise into gate-crashing the gaming headset market. The killer thing with the Portal, though, is that they are not just limited to use with Xbox or PC systems, with Bluetooth 5.1 and wired 3.mm connectivity allowing them to be used with basically any other piece of hardware you can think of. You can go from gaming on Xbox to listening to music streamed from your phone to watching an epic movie on your tablet in a blink of an eye with the Portal, and that makes it very high price a little more understandable.

The headset, thanks to a versatile USB Type-C dongle, though, can connect to other systems such as the Nintendo Switch, smartphones, and Xbox One consoles. Regardless, though, it delivers really strong performance across the board, with nuanced audio reproduction across the soundscape, a comfortable design, and a quality Discord-certified ClearCast microphone. It’s not elite-tier in terms of non-gaming applications, and there’s no doubting that it retails at the lower end of the high price bracket for gaming headsets, but with its robust build quality (stainless steel headband) and immersive audio, as well as 24-hour battery life on a single charge, this is a headset that will serve Xbox gamers very well for years to come. There are a few downsides to the Razer Barracuda X, like the fact that there’s no Bluetooth connectivity and you don’t get any manual equaliser settings through desktop software, but in the grand scheme of things those are just minor faults. Creative SXFI Gamer One of the best wired gaming headsets Specifications Driver: 50mm neodymium magnet Frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz Sensitivity: 114 dB / mW @ 1 kHz Mic type: Unidirectional noise-reduction Wireless: No Reasons to buy + Includes 7.1 surround sound + Affordable price + Excellent comfort and fit Reasons to avoid – No Bluetooth – Occasional app frustrations TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Amazon View at Amazon

That includes excellent comfort, an unfussy but strong design, and of course superior audio, which is a requirement for entry on our best gaming headsets for 2021 list. For a comfortable pair of headphones that are brilliant across the audio spectrum – including volume levels – the SXFI Gamer is well worth considering. Astro A50 Gen 4 A fine upgrade to one of the best gaming headsets ever made Specifications Driver: 40mm Neodymium Magnet Frequency response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz Weight: 380g Wireless: Yes Wireless range: 30ft Battery life: 15 hours Mic type: 6.0mm uni-directional Reasons to buy + Superior sound quality + Versatile base station + Swappable earpads Reasons to avoid – Expensive TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Amazon The Astro A50 feels comfortable on the head, and brings rich and vibrant audio to your ears at any volume – bass, trebles and mids all come through clearly.

You get pretty darn good noise cancellation, too, and the A50 headset packs a real punch in terms of audio reproduction across the board. AOC GH300 The best cheap gaming headset for PC gamers Specifications Compatibility: PC, Mac Drivers: 50mm Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz Wireless: No Mic: Detachable omnidirectional Weight: 363.5g Connectivity: USB Reasons to buy + Good audio quality for this price + Customisable RGB lights on the earcups + Comfortable to wear for long periods Reasons to avoid – Muffled microphone – No wireless connectivity – Poorly design desktop app TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Amazon

One problem was with the omnidirectional microphone which was quite muffled, the set also looked pretty bulky on the head so it won’t be a pair that you’d use as regular headphones as well.

Logitech G635 7.1 Lightsync Gaming Headset Super gaming headset audio for PC gamers Specifications Driver: 50 mm PRO-G Weight: 344g Frequency response: 20 Hz-20 KHz Audio sensitivity: 93 DB SPL/mW Mic type: Boom Wireless: No Lighting: Lightsync RGB Reasons to buy + Comfortable, tight fit + 7.1 surround sound + Customisable LED lights Reasons to avoid – Loss of functionality when used with consoles TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Amazon View at Currys View at very.co.uk

Ideally we’d like a bit more heft to the hinges on the headphones themselves, as well as a slightly looser fit, and the angular, black design won’t be to everyone’s taste, but really these are minor drawbacks on what is otherwise an excellent gaming headset for PC, if not so much for console gamers. Razer BlackShark V2 A customisable Razer gaming headset Specifications Dimensions: 235 x 193 x 100 mm (H x W x D) Weight: 263 g Type: On-ear Audio output: 7.1 surround sound Frequency response: 12 – 28,000 Hz Driver size: 50 mm Mic type: Boom Wireless: No Reasons to buy + Superb audio reproduction + Very comfortable earcups + USB sound card and carry bag included Reasons to avoid – Less impressive with music and movies TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Amazon View at Currys View at Razer

The sets of gaming cans is powered by Razer’s Triforce Titanium 50mm Drivers, which have been designed to improve clarity across the spectrum, ranging from bass to treble. We’re particularly fond of just how comfortable the BlackShark 2 is on the head as well thanks to Razer’s Flowknit Memory Foam Ear Cushions and soft, padded adjustable headband. Oh, and the BlackShark V2 also comes with an included carry case, which makes transporting them to gaming tournaments (or just using them as a pair of quality headphones) easy. The Audio-Technica ATH-G1 are rather unique in this best gaming headset buying guide as they offer a very much no frills package aimed more at casual gamers and audiophiles. They sound great (thanks to their strong 45mm drivers) and, thanks to a removable mic and wired connection, can be easily used in other, non-gaming settings and applications. What stands out first about the Audeze Penrose headset is its versatility: it can be used with a wired connection, over Bluetooth, or via the bundled 2.4GHz USB dongle, and you can connect it up to Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, the Nintendo Switch, PlayStations and Xboxes (if you want Xbox compatibility, go for the Audeze Penrose X model).

Despite the very reasonable price – these are expensive, but not really for what you get in return – the headphones feature top-tier 100 m planar magnetic drivers, which results in an excellent, rich sound whether you’re watching movies on your laptop or gaming on your console. The JBL Quantum One headset is up towards the more expensive end of the market, but you’re actually still getting very decent value for money here – these headphones sound great, not just for gaming but also for watching movies and listening to music and everything else that you might want to do. You also get a whole host of features with this pair of headphones, covering everything from surround sound to active noise cancelling to RGB lighting that you can customise using the supplied Windows software. A fantastic all-round round gaming headset, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless delivers excellent audio for PS5 and PS4 gamers. A very impressive 40-feet range, well-built wireless transmitter, lightweight aluminium construction, and swappable dual-battery power system complete a superb all-round package. The wireless connection is solid and stable, delivering the same impressive audio as the wired version, and you can realistically expect around 24 hours of use between charges.

Aukey GH-X1 RGB Gaming Headset The best wired gaming headset on a very tight budget Specifications Drivers: 50mm Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz Wireless: No Mic type: Omnidirectional Weight: 310 g (10.9 oz) Reasons to buy + Immersive 360-degree audio + The mic isolates noise well + Easy setup, just plug in and play Reasons to avoid – RGB lighting will only work with the USB plugged in Today’s best Aukey Aukey GH-X1 RGB Gaming Headset deals Amazon UK View Similar Amazon No price information Check Amazon For those on a tight budget who don’t want to sacrifice too much on audio quality, the Aukey GH-X1 RGB Gaming Headset could be a good choice.

You won’t be able to wirelessly connect these to your console, PC or smartphone, so you’ll need to plug it in using the 3.5mm audio cable, but that does make it versatile. HyperX Cloud Mix Wired Gaming Headset + Bluetooth The best gaming headset for versatility and wear-everyday style Specifications Driver: 40mm neodymium magnet Frequency response: 10Hz–40,000Hz Weight: 260g Mic type: Electret condenser boom Wireless: Yes Wireless range: 10 meters Battery life: 20 hours Noise cancelling: Yes Reasons to buy + Modern, understated design + Premium build materials + Versatile Bluetooth functionality Reasons to avoid – Detachable mic can’t be used over Bluetooth TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon 1 Amazon customer review ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Its latest effort, the HyperX Cloud Mix, is for our money the best overall gaming headset the company has ever made, combining top-rate audio reproduction with premium build quality and understated modern design. The latter two of these qualities hit you as soon as you unpack the headset, with a rigid and cool-to-the-touch aluminium frame wrapped with a plush, soft-touch headband securely carrying memory foam-clad ear cups.

This allows you to ditch the cabling and use the Mix as simply a very rich pair of regular headphones, which is ideal for portable gaming on the go, as well as listening to music and watching media, too. The fact that the HyperX Cloud Mix can be used with PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mac, Mobile and VR, as well as any other Bluetooth-enabled device or console, makes it one of the most versatile headsets on the market today, and a definite pick for our best gaming headphones 2021 list. Crisp and balanced Hi-Red Audio, a long-lasting 20-hour battery life, detachable boom mic, lush braided cabling and an included carry bag complete a quality package that’s hard to top. That gives you in-line controls for mic muting and volume adjustment, and it also enables you to toggle THX Spatial Audio on and off.

Whichever platform you play on, the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition delivers crisp, clear sound with plenty of punch. It’s a match for headsets that cost considerably more cash, delivering a good sound stage with plenty of detail to help your situational awareness.

SteelSeries Arctis 1 One of the best gaming headsets for quality components at a fantastic price Specifications Frequency response: 20–20000 Hz Weight: 1.15 lbs Mic type: Noise Canceling Bidirectional Wireless: No Cable: 10ft (3m) Connection: 3.5mm + Dual 3.5mm PC extension Noise cancelling: Yes Reasons to buy + Very affordable + Top-end components + Detachable mic Reasons to avoid – Basic spec TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Currys View at Amazon View at argos.co.uk 8 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ The Arctis 1 uses the same design, speaker drivers, cushions and noise-canceling microphone as the 3, 5, 7 and 9X models, so these headphones aren’t cutting too many corners to reach that inexpensive price point. SteelSeries has changed the headband design and there’s no wireless option here, but it’s an excellent choice if you want to get a superior gaming headset experience without breaking the bank. cable) Dimensions: 200 × 220 × 105mm (W × H × D) Wireless: No Wire length: 2.2m Audio: 7.1 surround sound RGB lighting: Yes Drivers: 40mm Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz Mic: Yes Reasons to buy + Attractive price point + Quality fit and materials + Wide choice of lighting effects Reasons to avoid – Design won’t be for everyone TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Amazon There are a lot of reasons why the Speedlink Orios makes our best gaming headset list: the 7.1 surround sound, the RGB illumination effects (customisable via software), the comfortable fit and quality finish, and more besides. Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 A well-designed, comfortable, superb-sounding console headset Specifications Driver: 50mm Nanoclear neodymium drivers Frequency response: 20–22000 Hz Weight: 1.73 lbs Mic type: Flip-up Omni-Directional Wireless: Yes Battery life: 20 hours Noise cancelling: No Reasons to buy + Excellent comfort and fit + Flip-out mic works well + Simple setup and operation Reasons to avoid – Limited adjustment options TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at very.co.uk View at Amazon View at Currys

You can pick up the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 for both Xbox and PlayStation, and both options will work with both current-gen and next-gen consoles. The earpads combine memory foam and cooling gel rather well, for a fit that’s going to be comfortable across extended gaming sessions, and with the padded, metal-reinforced headband, you don’t need to worry about these headphones sliding off. Considering everything you’re getting with this headset – including a flip-out mic – we’d say the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 represents excellent value for money, and this is definitely worth shortlisting whether you buy your consoles from Microsoft or Sony. It starts with the excellent design and build quality, with aluminium, steel, faux leather and memory foam all combining for a truly polished – but understated – end result. Sennheiser GSP 670 The best gaming headset for a head filling soundstage Specifications Driver: Neodymium magnet Frequency response: 10 – 23,000 Hz Weight: 0.9lbs (398g) Mic type: Bidirectional electret condenser Wireless: Yes (via USB) Connector: USB dongle Battery life: 16 hours USB, 20 hours Bluetooth Reasons to buy + Loud, quality audio + Comfortable to wear Reasons to avoid – Industrial looks TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Amazon View at very.co.uk View at Amazon 100 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ You can turn up the volume without worrying about any kind of distortion, whether you’re listening to a pounding bass-heavy soundtrack, or trying to tiptoe through the quietest of enemy bases.

Not only is the audio great, but they’re really comfortable to wear, with leatherette earpads that wrap nicely around the ears and a solid headband that’s reinforced with metal. These cans will work with PCs and PS4s, and you get a bunch of useful features as well – a flip-to-mute mic, low latency Bluetooth, around 20 hours of use between charges, and support for 7.1 surround sound.

Razer Thresher Ultimate Razer delivers superb wireless gaming audio for PS4 and Xbox One gamers Specifications Drivers: 50mm neodymium Frequency response: 12Hz-28,000Hz Wireless: Yes Battery life: 16 hours Features: Noise-isolating ear cushions, quick control buttons Reasons to buy + Wireless 7.1 audio + Comes with own stand + Comes in PlayStation and Xbox variants Reasons to avoid – No Bluetooth TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Amazon Low Stock View at Amazon 660 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Yes, you have to pay the Razer tax on the Thresher Ultimate, which means there are definitely more affordable headphones in this best gaming headset buying guide, but if you want quality and have a large budget, these cans are a great choice.

Trust Gaming GXT 488 Forze-B A great cheap gaming headset choice for PlayStation 4 Specifications Driver: 50mm Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20000 Hz Sensitivity: 115 dB Wireless: No Weight: 300g Mic type: Boom condenser Cable length: 120cm Reasons to buy + Officially licensed for PS4 + Solid, well-made construction + Good audio performance Reasons to avoid – Design is a bit dated TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Amazon The audio from the 50mm active speaker units inside the cups is top notch, whether you’re listening for enemies sneaking up behind you or just taking in the ambient noise in whatever virtual world you happen to be in.

You get a generous cable that’s over 1.8 metres (or close to 6 feet), you get 50mm neodymium speaker drivers to power the audio, you get a high sensitivity microphone that you can detach if you need to, and you even get a nice black carry pouch to hold your new headphones too. Equally, if you are looking for a dedicated, heavy duty headset for streaming and super-long gaming sessions, you’ll need a set with excellent battery life, a good boom mic, and an over-ear comfortable fit. The SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless is stylish and one of the best-sounding headsets we’ve ever tested, with its Hi-Res capable speaker drivers, lightweight steel construction, and long-lasting battery delivering a super all-round gaming package.

Here at T3 we’ve found that while heritage does tend to indicated quality, that is not always the case, though, and often headsets from relatively new makers, such as LucidSound, can outperform similar products from more established producers. If you’re new to the gaming headset market, or wearable audio products in general, then there’s a fair bit of jargon that needs to be processed and understood. Right here T3 provides a small guide to some of the most important terms and phrases, in the aim to make it easier for each gamer to determine which headset will work for them, and which will not. On-ear headphones on the other hand have cups that sit on top the ears, and tend to be more compact and direct in terms of their audio delivery. Frequency response – This is important as it determines the entire range of audible sounds the gaming headset can produce. “Since the launch of the first HyperX gaming headset in 2014, we’ve steadily evolved our designs and selection of products to become an industry leader for quality, comfort, and sound.

As competitive and casual gaming continues to gain popularity across PCs, consoles, and mobile platforms, we strive to further advance our headsets to new levels and look forward to delivering the next 20 million high quality headphones to discerning customers worldwide.”

The new models “combines a fresh new pink colour scheme with signature HyperX comfort, optimal audio performance and gaming-grade sound quality.” The Cloud Stinger weighs in at a light 275 grams, too, making it comfortable on the head even during prolonged gaming sessions, while its 90-degree rotating ear cups mean there is plenty of flexibility for gamers to wear it as they wish.

The pink Cloud Stinger is powered by a pair of 50mm directional speaker drivers, which have been designed to position and deliver quality audio with top precision. In terms of advanced features, the Cloud Stinger delivers a swivel-to-mute microphone, on-headset volume controls and a memory foam / leatherette headband and ear cup cushions.

“We are excited to add the pink colourway to provide users with another headset choice that offers the same great comfort and sound as the original.”

Best Gaming Headset 2021

We often think about a quality gaming experience in terms of resolution, frame rates, and how high we’re able to dial our graphics settings. Matters are only worse in games, where a bad audio experience can hurt your ears with sounds that take a sudden turn toward explosive or enemies that you can’t hear until it’s too late. Compatibility: PS4, Xbox One, PC/Mac, Nintendo Switch, Mobile | Connectivity: wired | Drivers: 100mm Planar | Surround sound modes: 7.1 | Battery Life: 10 hours | Weight: 368g The Cloud Orbit S was built in partnership with Audeze, a company with a knack for stunning audio using planar magnetic drivers.

You’ll get impeccably precise audio and a wide frequency response range — good luck going back to your ordinary headphones for anything but listening to podcasts or the news. HyperX gives these headphones a boost with support not just for standard 7.1-channel virtual surround sound but also for Waves NX technology.

The Razer Barracuda X has a lightweight build at just 250g and keeps things discreet with an all-black design, a low-profile headband, and even a removable boom mic. You’d think there might be a few cut corners or missing features at this price point, but Razer didn’t even settle for a lackluster battery life, as these headphones can run for 20 hours. The SteelSeries Arctis 7X still offers a comfortable design with breathable ear cushions and a “ski google” headband the distributes its pressure well. There are plenty of extras as well, such as surround sound support on Xbox and Windows, an improved 24-hour battery life, multiple connectivity options, and a special dial dedicated ChatMix. Compatibility: PC | Connectivity: 2.4GHz Wireless | Drivers: 50mm Neodymium | Surround sound modes: 7.1 | Battery life: 24 hours | Weight: 345g It features a bigger profile on account of its use of a suspension headband to evenly spread its weight for long-term comfort and its larger earcups to accommodate 50mm speaker drivers.

The headset also has a built-in dial to adjust your mic monitoring levels, so you can fine-tune how well you hear yourself in case you want to avoid shouting at your teammates. Compatibility: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC/Mac, Nintendo Switch, Mobile | Connectivity: wired | Drivers: 106mm planar magnetic | Surround sound modes: 2.0 | Weight: 454g The Audeze LCD GX uses sizable planar magnetic drivers for incredibly precise audio that’ll also benefit from the wide open soundstage provided by the open-back design of the headphones. Compatibility: PS5/PS4, PC/Mac, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Mobile | Connectivity: wired | Drivers: 50mm Neodymium | Surround sound modes: Virtual 7.1 | Weight: 300g The Asus ROG Delta S manages to be a true standout, and a lot of its excellence is actually achieved thanks to its wired connection. It’s a precise enough headset for those looking to enter a premium level of music streaming with Master Quality Authenticated files.

The Audeze Penrose X still offers the 100mm planar magnetic drivers that power the incredible audio experience seen on those other headsets. The latter is a high-quality digital surround sound that can make your game worlds and movies feel that much more engrossing.

The JBL Quantum One even includes active noise cancelling to help you focus on only the sounds you want to hear. Your teammates in esports will hear you loud and clear thanks to the ClearCast microphone, which has consistently delivered on SteelSeries headsets. These drivers deliver an extended frequency response range and hi-fi clarity to ensure you don’t miss anything in game. These headphones don’t require any awkward solutions to set up, since they support Xbox Wireless for direct pairing with your console.

On-ear controls will let you easily manage the audio coming in from different sources, so you can crank up your teammates in case they get hard to hear over the intense firefights in your games. And, thanks to a 20-hour battery life, you’ll be able to enjoy the clean game audio these can deliver without having to recharge every day.

If you’re lucky enough to have picked up a PS5, you’ll want to ensure you can make the most out of the capabilities of the Tempest 3D audio engine, and the Sony Pulse 3D is the headset to do it.

Since the headphones were designed with Tempest 3D audio in mind, you can be sure you’re getting the intended surround sound experience in your PS5 games. Compatibility: PS4, Xbox One, PC/Mac, Nintendo Switch, Mobile | Connectivity: 2.4GHz wireless, wired | Drivers: Hybrid mesh PRO-G 50mm Neodymium | Surround sound modes: DTS Headphone:X 2.0 | Weight: 320g The Logitech G Pro X incorporates some of Blue legendary microphone technology to capture clear, natural and isolated recorded voice. Additionally, you can use the Blue VO!CE software to auto-tune your voice with presets making it a great option as a microphone for streaming and podcasting. Drivers are the internal mechanism inside headsets and headphones (or really any speaker) that ultimately create the soundwaves you hear by vibrating back and forth in response to an electrical current. The larger the driver, the more air they can move to not only to make louder sounds, but it also allows them to produce a wider, more nuanced range of frequencies—which happens to take us to our next specification. As you go from the bottom of the range to the top, sounds go from a low thud to a warm, steady hum and finally a piercing screech. While on the hunt for a gaming headset, you’ll likely find more than a few promising 5.1 or 7.1 channel surround sound, which are both designed to give users a more immersive audio experience. They both essentially do the same thing of adding positional audio for effects for objects like say a plane flying over or a bomb falling from the sky above you.

There are very few gaming headsets like the Razer Tiamat that actually come with the individual drivers necessary to create a real surround sound environment.