Dedicated: The 12 Best Gaming Headsets

From high-end headsets packed with features to budget headsets with questionable build quality, there are numerous gaming headsets on the market. Some of them are designed specifically for PC gaming while others are much more versatile and can be used for different gaming platforms – including mobile devices.

If you are shopping for the best gaming headsets currently out, this product guide is for you. In this guide, you’ll find the best wired and wireless gaming headsets on the market, with a couple of products coming from two companies – Sennheiser and Audeze – that are better known for their audiophile and professional headphones.

Best Wireless Gaming Headset: SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless is one of the best and most versatile gaming headsets currently out on the market. It’s a wireless gaming headset featuring multiple connection options, a dual-battery system, and an excellent mic. Its sound quality and build quality are both great while its desktop app offers a good amount of customization options. It’s one of the most expensive gaming headsets, though, with SteelSeries normally listing it for $350.

A closed-back headset, the Arctis Pro Wireless has a more discreet look compared to other gaming headsets, some of which include fancy RGB lighting and other cosmetics. It has large, spacious ear cups with a retractable boom mic on the left and an easily accessible battery slot on the right and features a sturdy metal headband. It’s comfortable to wear for long gaming sessions and stays securely on the head without being uncomfortably tight. Its overall build quality is great, with its removable ear cup backplates, which are magnetic, allowing for easy replacement and customization.

Like other wireless gaming headsets, the Arctis Pro Wireless has on-cup controls. On the left ear cup, you’ll find a multi-function dial and a mic mute switch. On the other side, you’ll find a multi-function Bluetooth button and a separate power button – the former has a concave surface while the latter has a convex surface, which makes them easy to identify. The on-cup controls are user-friendly and don’t feel too cramped on both ear cups, allowing for easy adjustments while in the middle of a game.

Featuring multiple connection options – including optical and USB – the included wireless transmitter is well-designed and just as easy to use as the on-cup controls. It has a small OLED screen and serves as a charging dock for the two rechargeable batteries, making it possible to charge one battery while the other is still in use. You can also use the wireless transmitter to adjust the general volume, balance the game and chat volumes, and modify the sound using the onboard equalizer.

The Arctis Pro Wireless has great audio reproduction and is suitable for different kinds of games, including first-person shooters, RPGs, and racing games. Using the SteelSeries desktop app, you can modify the sound profile depending on the game you are currently playing. You can customize the sound to make explosions more spectacular in action-packed games or enhance speech clarity in story-driven games.

Flexible but non-removable, the boom mic of the Arctis Pro Wireless is one of the best mics out there, not only for gaming but also for phone calls. During team-based online multiplayer matches, it will allow you to relay crucial information to your teammates in a clear and effective manner, even if you are gaming in a crowded or noisy environment. But on the other hand, the headset itself will not do a very good job of blocking out ambient noise despite its closed-back design. Its overall noise isolation performance is subpar, but its sound leakage is low, which is beneficial in some situations.

With its multiple connectivity options, you can use the Arctis Pro Wireless with any gaming platform currently out, although some features are not available for some devices. If you prefer wireless connectivity, you can connect using either Bluetooth or the wireless transmitter for lower latency; the former connection option is uncommon for wireless gaming headsets. In wireless mode, the headset lasts up to 10 hours, giving you 20 hours of continuous use with the two batteries.

Since the Arctis Pro Wireless has a dual-battery system in which you can charge one battery in the wireless transmitter while the other is still in use, you’ll never run out of battery even during gaming marathons. If you forget to charge the other battery and the headset runs out of power in the middle of a game, you can simply switch to a regular wired connection using the provided audio cable.

Overall, the Arctis Pro Wireless is the best wireless headset for gaming, offering a host of features that can enhance your gaming experience. It’s a well-built gaming headset with great sound quality, excellent mic performance, user-friendly on-cup controls, and a comfortable fit. While it’s best used for gaming on PC and PS4, you can also use it for other gaming platforms. If you can spend $300-350 on a gaming headset, you should definitely consider this SteelSeries product.

Purchase

Best Under $100: HyperX Cloud II

One of the most popular gaming headsets, the HyperX Cloud II is a much more affordable product than the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless and can be bought for less than $100. It’s an excellent gaming headset that offers multi-platform compatibility with its regular wired connection. While it’s not as customizable as some products, it’s a solid all-rounder suitable for different kinds of games and is one of the few gaming headsets that gets it right in most areas.

The Cloud II is an over-ear headset with sealed backplates, which is a very common design for gaming headsets. Like the SteelSeries headset, it has a more casual design and can be mistaken for a regular pair of headphones when the boom mic is detached. Its overall build quality is good and feels sturdy. It has a sturdy aluminum frame and large ear cups with memory foam pads and synthetic leather sleeves. HyperX also includes an extra pair of earpads with velour covers, which feel more luxurious.

Although its clamp is on the tighter side and its closed-back ear cups are not very breathable, the Cloud II is comfortable to wear. It stays securely on the head and will not easily slide off when you are turning your head. You can use it for gaming marathons, but you’ll need to take a break from time to time since the ear cups can get uncomfortably warm after a few hours of continuous use.

Unlike some wired gaming headsets, the Cloud II has a non-detachable audio cable, which connects to the left ear cup and ends with a 3.5 mm analog plug. Also included in the box is another cable that ends with a USB plug and includes a small, in-line control hub. With the in-line control hub, you can adjust the audio and mic volumes separately and enable the virtual surround sound feature.

A travel pouch and an airplane adapter are also included in the box. Both accessories are useful if you plan to use the Cloud II as your all-around headphones for gaming, travel, commute, and casual everyday use. As mentioned, the headset has a more casual design despite the bold HyperX logo on the ear cups and looks like regular headphones without the mic. However, it’s not the easiest to carry for everyday use due to its bulky design and non-foldable ear cups.

The Cloud II is a good-sounding gaming headset that is suitable for action-packed games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Doom, and Just Cause 4 because of its emphasized bass. It has a great boom mic that works well even in a very noisy environment, and it can easily interface with PC and consoles using either the default analog cable or the digital USB cable. And since it’s a wired headset with no battery-powered active features, you don’t need to worry about running out of power in the middle of an intense game.

With its closed-back design, the Cloud II provides passive noise isolation, allowing you to play games at home with reduced background noise. It’s decent at blocking out ambient chatter and the sound of air conditioning units. It has a low sound leakage as well, allowing you to increase the game volume without worrying about disturbing people around you, especially while playing action-packed games with lots of explosions.

If you are limited to a $100 budget, the Cloud II is the best gaming headset that you can get. It offers excellent value for the money and will last a long time due to its durable build quality. It has good sound quality, a great mic, easily replaceable earpads, and an analog wired connection for universal compatibility, with the option to use a digital USB connection. It’s recommended for both casual and hardcore gamers.

Purchase

Best Open-back Gaming Headset: Astro Gaming A40 TR + MixAmp Pro TR (2019)

Selling for around $250, the 2019 Astro Gaming A40 TR with the MixAmp Pro TR is the best option if you prefer an open-back headset for a wider soundstage. It’s one of the best wired gaming headsets on the market, with its very comfortable fit, good customization options, and great mic being some of its most notable aspects. Astro Gaming offers separate PS4 and Xbox One models for this headset, both of which are compatible with PC. While you can get the headset as a standalone unit, we highly recommend also getting the MixAmp Pro TR, which opens up more customization options.

The 2019 A40 TR is an over-ear headset with a detachable audio cable and a boom mic that can be positioned on either side. Compared to the SteelSeries and HyperX headsets, it certainly looks more like a typical gaming headset and will easily stand out. It has large, well-padded ear cups that can rotate to a flat position, allowing it to take less space when stored and making for a less cumbersome setup when the headset is resting around your neck.

Lightweight and decently breathable, the 2019 A40 TR is comfortable to wear for long hours, which makes them ideal for extended grinding or farming in games. While its clamp is a bit loose, it has no major stability issues. It has good weight distribution, which makes up for its bulky design, but on the other hand, it’s not as breathable as typical open-back headphones.

Composed of multiple connection ports and control switches and knobs, the included MixAmp Pro TR is an excellent auxiliary component for the 2019 A40 TR. It has separate knobs for adjusting the general volume and for balancing the game and chat volumes, along with buttons for enabling or disabling the virtual surround sound and for cycling through the EQ presets. Additionally, it has a switch at the back for toggling between PC and console modes.

The 2019 A40 TR is a good-sounding headset suitable for different kinds of games, from competitive first-person shooters like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Overwatch to story-driven games with an excellent soundtrack like Undertale and Persona 5. It has a much wider soundstage compared to the SteelSeries and HyperX headsets due to its open-back design. Its mic performance is great as well, which is beneficial when playing online multiplayer games. You can modify some aspects of the headset using the Astro Command Center desktop software.

Since the 2019 A40 TR is an open-back headset, its sound isolation performance is mediocre. Its noise isolation is poor, which means it’s not going to block out ambient noise effectively, while its sound leakage is high even at moderate volume. Its poor noise isolation is beneficial if you actually prefer to be more aware of your surroundings while gaming. But if you prefer a more immersive and more private gaming experience, then you are better off with a closed-back headset instead.

Like the HyperX Cloud II, the 2019 A40 TR offers both analog and digital wired connection options, with the headset capable of functioning even without the MixAmp Pro TR. For a more straightforward setup, simply use the regular audio cable that ends with a 3.5 mm analog plug. But if you want more controls, connect the headset to the MixAmp Pro TR and use the USB cable for digital audio.

All in all, the 2019 A40 TR is one of the best wired gaming headsets currently out and easily stands out as the best open-back headset for gaming. Its build quality, sound quality, customization options, and boom mic are good. It has analog and digital wired connectivity options for easy compatibility with different gaming platforms, including mobile devices. If you think the headset’s open design will be an issue in some situations, you can purchase the optional A40 TR Mod Kit to easily convert it into closed-back as needed.

Purchase

Best for Xbox One: SteelSeries Arctis 9X

The SteelSeries Arctis 9X is a wireless gaming headset designed specifically for gaming on Xbox One, featuring the ability to connect directly to Xbox One consoles with no need for wireless adapters. It’s more affordable than the Arctis Pro Wireless and will offer better value for the money if you mainly game on Microsoft’s home console. You can also use it for gaming on PC and mobile devices, with its Bluetooth technology allowing for easy connectivity with both platforms.

Like all other headsets in the Arctis lineup, the Arctis 9X has a more casual look, featuring a black color scheme with minimal cosmetics outside of the minor green accents on the headband. It’s an over-ear headset featuring large, closed-back ear cups that are coated with a more breathable fabric. It has a sturdy metal headband and includes a retractable mic and on-cup controls. While it can’t fold into a more compact format for better portability, its ear cups can swivel into a flat position.

Although its bulky design and tight clamp might suggest otherwise, the Arctis 9X is comfortable to use for long gaming sessions. It has well-padded ear cups that can accommodate most ear sizes, but its limited headband adjustment mechanism might be a problem if you have a large head. The ear cups don’t feel too warm after a couple of hours of continuous use, with the soft earpads countering the headset’s tight fit.

Compared to the other top picks in this guide to the best gaming headsets, the Arctis 9X comes with much fewer accessories. Apart from the manual, the only other item included in the box is a USB cable, which is used for charging the headset and for connecting to the SteelSeries desktop app. Sadly, you can’t use the USB cable for digital audio when gaming on PC.

The Arctis 9X has one of the most complete on-cup control schemes among wireless gaming headsets, allowing you to easily make adjustments while in the middle of a game. It has separate dials for adjusting the general volume and for balancing the game and chat volumes and includes a dedicated mic mute switch. Furthermore, it has a couple of multi-function buttons in the form of the Bluetooth and power buttons – the former can be used for call and music management while the latter can be used for cycling through the EQ presets.

Regarding sound quality and mic performance, the Arctis 9X is great. It’s especially suitable for games like Battlefield V and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, boasting a powerful bass that allows for more spectacular action sequences. It has a decent soundstage for a closed-back headset as well, which is beneficial in some games. On the other hand, its great mic performance is useful for online multiplayer games where team communication is important. As with the Arctis Pro Wireless, you can tinker with some aspects of the headset using the SteelSeries desktop app.

With its Xbox One direct wireless connection, the Arctis 9X allows you to easily connect to an Xbox One console with no need for adapters, USB dongles, or cables. You connect it in the same way that you connect an Xbox One wireless controller. You can also connect the headset to any Bluetooth device, such as smartphones and tablets. Unfortunately, you can’t switch to a regular wired connection once the headset battery is fully depleted – at least not out of the box. If you want to be able to switch to wired mode anytime, you’ll need to purchase a separate analog audio cable.

The Arctis 9X has an excellent battery life, capable of running for more than 20 hours per charge, with some hands-on reviewers measuring close to 30 hours of total battery life. That’s more than good enough even for gaming marathons. Of course, the actual battery life will vary depending on your usage, as not everyone has the same preferences when it comes to gaming.

Although it’s not as versatile as some wireless headsets, the Arctis 9X is a great headset for gaming. Its build quality and audio reproduction are great while its on-cup controls are good. It has low latency and connects easily with Xbox One consoles. If you like many of what the Arctis Pro Wireless brings to the table – like good app support and a comfortable and secure fit – but you mainly play games on an Xbox One, check out this product instead.

Purchase

Best Budget Gaming Headset: Logitech G433

There are plenty of budget gaming headsets on the market, but the one that offers the best value for the money is the Logitech G433. It’s a wired headset with good audio reproduction, great mic performance, and decent build quality. It comes with a bunch of accessories, including two audio cables intended for different purposes, and can be used for gaming on PC, home consoles, and mobile devices. While it’s normally listed for more than $70, you can get it for just around $50 during a sale.

The G433 is an over-ear headset with closed-back ear cups and a removable mic and audio cable. It has a casual design that makes for a more low-profile look and will not easily stand out like typical gaming headsets, with Logitech offering three color options: black, blue, and red. Its build quality is decent, though its mostly plastic construction might suggest otherwise. It has a metal-reinforced headband and durable ear cups with soft padding.

While its closed-back design limits breathability, the G433 is comfortable to wear. It’s lightweight and well-padded and has large ear cups that can easily accommodate larger ears. The headband is flexible and doesn’t creak alarmingly when being adjusted unlike with some cheap headsets with an all-plastic construction. On the other hand, the headset has a tight clamp, especially out of the box, which can be fatiguing on the head after several hours of continuous use.

Compared to many other gaming headsets in the same price range, the G433 has more accessories included in the box. In addition to the detachable mic, it comes with an extra pair of earpads, two audio cables, a soft carry pouch, a USB adapter, and a Y splitter for PC. For comparison, the similarly priced Corsair HS60 – also one of the best budget gaming headsets on the market – only includes a USB adapter and a detachable mic.

The two audio cables are intended for different usages, with each of them featuring a small in-line remote with different controls. The standard audio cable is designed for gaming on PC and consoles and has an in-line remote with a volume dial and a mic mute switch. Featuring an in-line mic, the other audio cable is designed for mobile devices and has a remote for call and music management, but no volume control. Both audio cables end with a regular 3.5 mm analog plug, with the included USB adapter allowing you to switch to digital audio on PC and PS4.

Compatible with all gaming platforms that support either analog or digital wired connection, the G433 is a good-sounding headset suitable for different kinds of games. You can use it for story-driven single-player games with lots of dialogue and for action-packed, explosions-heavy multiplayer games. It has a great mic for voice chat during team-based online multiplayer games. Its closed-back ear cups provide passive noise isolation and will reduce an adequate amount of ambient noise like the sound of chatter and air conditioning units, allowing for a more immersive gaming experience.

You can tinker with some aspects of the G433 using the Logitech desktop software, which has a simple interface, but only when the headset is connected using the USB adapter on PC. The software allows you to enable the virtual surround sound feature and change the mic settings. You also get a graphic equalizer for modifying the sound profile, which is useful if you don’t like the default sound or prefer to use a different sound profile for different kinds of games.

Overall, the G433 is an excellent headset for gaming, whether you own a PC or a console. Its build quality is decent while its sound quality is good for a gaming headset. It has a good desktop app for customization and includes plenty of useful accessories. It’s also a decent headset for casual everyday use, which adds to its value, but it’s not recommended for listening to music in very noisy places due to its subpar noise isolation performance.

More Options

The following products are also great options if you are shopping for the best gaming headsets, with half of them selling for around $100 or less.

HyperX Cloud Stinger

If you are limited to a $50 budget but can’t wait for the Logitech G433 to drop to that price range, check out the HyperX Cloud Stinger. It normally sells for $50, with the price sometimes dropping to around $40 during a sale. It’s a wired over-ear headset featuring closed-back ear cups with memory foam padding. Its build quality is decent for a budget headset, and it’s comfortable to wear despite its relatively tight fit and less breathable design.

The Stinger is an all-around headset suitable for gaming on PC, consoles, and mobile devices, with its analog audio cable allowing for universal compatibility. It has a great boom mic, which is especially beneficial when playing online multiplayer games. Unfortunately, the mic, like the audio cable, is non-detachable. But on the bright side, you can easily mute it by swiveling it upward, which makes it easy to enable and disable in the middle of a game.

Corsair HS60

The Corsair HS60 is a good alternative to the similarly priced Logitech G433 if you want a budget-friendly gaming headset with a more premium build quality. It’s one of the best-built gaming headsets under $100, featuring a sturdy metal frame and durable ear cups. While its backplate design might suggest otherwise, it’s a closed-back headset. It has a limited but still useful on-cup control scheme composed of a volume wheel and a mic mute switch.

Suitable for both single-player and online multiplayer games, the HS60 has a non-detachable audio cable that ends with a regular 3.5 mm analog plug. Like the G433, it also includes a USB adapter for digital audio. With the USB adapter and the Corsair desktop app, you can modify some aspects of the headset – including the sound profile – but only on PC. If you mainly play games on consoles, check out the more affordable Corsair HS50 instead. The HS50 is basically the same headset, but it doesn’t include a USB adapter.

SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless is a versatile gaming headset that can connect with different gaming platforms, either wirelessly or through a regular wired connection. It’s an over-ear headset featuring an on-cup control scheme with a volume wheel and mic switch. It has closed-back ear cups with thick padding and a detachable mic. While not as premium as the Arctis Pro Wireless and the Arctis 9X, its build quality is decent, with its metal-reinforced headband making for a sturdier frame.

Capable of running up to around 20 hours per charge, the Arctis 1 Wireless includes a compact USB-C wireless transmitter for easy wireless connectivity with both Nintendo Switch consoles and Android smartphones. The USB-C wireless transmitter allows for much lower latency while gaming and makes for a more hassle-free pairing process. Also included in the box is a USB-A adapter for the dongle for wireless connectivity with PC and PS4, along with the charging cable and a regular analog audio cable for wired connectivity.

Purchase

Sennheiser Game One

A wired over-ear headset, the Sennheiser Game One is an open-back gaming headset with good sound quality, convenient on-cup controls, and a durable braided cable. It has spacious ear cups, which can easily accommodate larger ears, and a well-padded headband. Like many other gaming headsets, its on-cup control scheme is limited to volume control and mic mute, with the latter activated by simply swiveling the boom mic upward. Unlike the audio cable, the mic is non-detachable, which makes for a less casual look when using the headset in a non-gaming setting.

The Game One is a good-sounding headset with a spacious soundstage due to its open design, which unfortunately also translates to poor noise isolation and high sound leakage. It’s best used for gaming in a quiet environment. It has a great mic for voice chat during online multiplayer games and can connect with any gaming platform that supports a regular analog connection. It’s comfortable to wear for long gaming sessions due to its breathable open-back design, lightweight frame, and soft earpads.

Purchase

Logitech G933 Artemis Spectrum

Featuring a customizable lighting system, the Logitech G933 Artemis Spectrum is an over-ear gaming headset that uses a USB dongle for low-latency wireless connectivity. It also includes a regular analog audio cable for wired connectivity. It’s a bulky closed-back headset with a good mic for voice chat and excellent app support. With the Logitech desktop software, you get a lot of customization options, including the option to modify the sound profile using a graphic equalizer.

The G933 Artemis Spectrum can connect with different gaming platforms – including smartphones and handheld consoles – either wirelessly or using the analog audio cable. Its build quality is good, but it’s mostly made of plastic. While the layout is confusing at first, its on-cup control scheme is good, with the buttons providing good feedback; among the on-cup controls are three buttons that you can customize on the Logitech software. The G933 Artemis Spectrum can run up to 12 hours per charge in wireless mode with the lighting disabled and up to eight hours with the default lighting enabled.

Purchase

Astro Gaming A50 (2019)

If you like the design and performance of the 2019 Astro Gaming A40 TR but prefer a wireless gaming headset, check out the 2019 A50 instead. It’s an over-ear headset featuring closed-back ear cups and a boom mic that automatically mutes when flipped upward. It comes with a base station that serves as a wireless transmitter and charging dock, with multiple connection options at the rear, including USB and optical. Unlike the 2019 A40 TR, it has an on-cup control scheme composed of a volume wheel and individual buttons for activating the surround sound, balancing the game and chat volumes, and cycling through the EQ presets.

The 2019 A50 has good sound quality and great mic performance, with the option to modify the sound profile using the Astro Command Center desktop app. It allows for a low-latency wireless connection through its wireless transmitter and can run up to around 15 hours per charge. But unfortunately, it can only be used in wireless mode, as it doesn’t include an audio cable for switching to wired mode when the battery is dead. This makes them less versatile than the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless, which can be bought for a similar price during a sale.

Purchase

Audeze Mobius

Selling for around $400, the Audeze Mobius is unique among the best gaming headsets listed in this product guide. At first glance, it looks like a regular wireless gaming headset with an over-ear design, closed-back ear cups, and a detachable boom mic. But unlike all the other headsets above, it has planar magnetic drivers, a technology normally associated with high-fidelity headphones. In addition, it has an impressive virtual surround sound with integrated head tracking for a more immersive gaming experience.

Featuring contoured memory foam earpads coated with synthetic leather, the Mobius is comfortable to wear despite its bulky design and tight fit. While its mostly plastic construction is disappointing for the price, its build quality is good. It has an on-cup control scheme with a mic mute switch, separate controls for the audio and mic volumes, and a dedicated 3D button. Unlike the other wireless gaming headsets in this guide, it lacks a separate wireless transmitter for a low-latency wireless connection and can only connect wirelessly through Bluetooth.

The Mobius is best used in wired mode when gaming on PC and consoles, with Audeze including multiple cables in the box for both analog and digital audio. It sounds good and can last up to around 10 hours per charge, though the actual battery life depends on your usage and the features enabled. Its boom mic is also great for online multiplayer games. You can customize some aspects of the headset using the Audeze desktop app, which has a user-friendly interface and includes plenty of options for the surround sound feature.

Purchase

Our Previous Picks –

If you’re looking for the best gaming headset for PC gaming or console gaming, this is the headset guide for you. We’ve put together a list of the best gaming headsets and we highly encourage you to bookmark this page as this guide is really long.

If you’re quickly looking for the best gaming headset for PC gaming or console gaming then our overall Top Recommendation for you is the HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset. After over a week of research the HyperX was chosen as our Top Pick among the many other headsets we’ve listed. You can take a look at our detailed review of the HyperX Cloud II Headset in the section not too far below.

We’ve also detailed a large amount of really good gaming headsets that are guaranteed to fit every gamer’s needs. Our list of gaming headphones gives you plenty of options to choose from and you can find these headsets all throughout this guide.

From cheap gaming headsets to the more expensive premium models, they are all listed throughout this page!

So if you find this gaming headset guide useful, please share it with others so we can keep making guides like these in the near future.

Help with finding the Best Gaming Headset

Although graphics and gameplay have evolved considerably in the past few decades, sound has experienced its share of growth as well. Not that there was anything wrong with yesterday’s catchy chiptune soundtracks, but today’s technology allows sound to create gripping atmospheres for our virtual worlds like never before.

A very important purchase for gaming

It’s no surprise, then that a good gaming headset has become an important purchase for most gamers. Especially in this day and age where the best type of gaming televisions and various electronic devices can all play their own sounds in the same living room. Headsets can help you hear everything clearly, no matter how noisy your surroundings.

For the online gamer, headphones for gaming aren’t a convenience but a must-have. They are the only way you can listen to your teammates in competitive modes to stay organized, warn others of enemy attacks, etc. Or, if you simply want to chat with friends while venturing through a multiplayer game, headsets are perfect; otherwise, you’re stuck with typing to each other.

The Best Gaming Headset Guide we could put together

With so many choices now available, how do you decide which is the best headset for gaming to purchase? From speaker size and memory foam earcups to detachable mics and more, there are now a number of features to look for before making your decision.

That is why we’ve made a guide for the top gaming headsets that goes over the important factors to consider when deciding on the right headset for you.

To make your search even easier, we even have a few of the best gaming headsets we recommend under each category—just in case that feature is the most important to you!

Best Gaming Headset – Our Top Pick

HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset – PC, Mac, PS4 and Xbox One

Factors to consider when buying a Gaming Headset

Below are some of the factors you should consider when buying a gaming headset. We briefly touch on some of them in this section. The more important factors will have their own sections that cover each subject in more depth.

Gaming headset durability

Even if a cheaper gaming headset offers excellent audio quality, chances are it’s made of less-durable material and thus has a shorter lifespan. If you expect to have a gaming headset for many years to come, make sure it’s made with top quality materials.

More importantly, carefully look at customer reviews on Amazon and other sites which mention headsets that suffered from low sound quality or comfort after a certain time of use. It goes without saying that the higher-priced headsets tend to be the most durable and long-lasting ones on the market.

Wireless or wired gaming headphones?

Wireless headsets are great for gamers that prefer not to have cords twisting and hanging all over them. Believe it or not, getting distracted by tangled headset wires can spell the difference between surviving a confrontation or getting killed.

Needless to say, you don’t have to worry about this with a wireless headset, but they often tend to cost more.

Note that most wireless headsets require a USB port to charge and that the average headset offers 10 hours of gameplay when fully charged.

Although usually more expensive, some headsets have Bluetooth technology and boast a range of several dozen feet, which means you can keep chatting and listening when you exit the room or raid the fridge.

Programmable buttons

Just like a gaming mouse, there are headsets that come with buttons you can set specific controls to. For gaming headsets, this includes setting a button to adjust game sound, voice chat volume, and other features.

Keep in mind that not too many headsets come with programmable buttons yet, which is fine because even the most hardcore gamers can go without them. But if you’re really interested, check out Logitech’s G930 gaming headset, which made a few appearances in our categories.

Why Amazon reviews of a gaming headset matters

Trust in your fellow gamers. There are just way too many types of gaming headphones out on the market for websites and blogs to cover and review.

That’s the great thing about Amazon reviews. Whenever you find a headset you may want to buy, go through the reviews of real people, not just website critics and see what they say.

As a matter of fact, you don’t even need to take our word for it when it comes to headsets we talk about in this guide. We’re just here to point you in the right direction. Click on through to Amazon and check out both the positive and negative reviews.  That way you can make your own decision on whether the headset is right for you.

If you find a headset you like that has numerous positive reviews, you’ll feel more confident in your purchase. If you happen upon a negative review that specifically points out a con or flaw you just can’t get past, at least you now know before you bought it and found out later.

We’re here to help and inform you and so are the reviewers on Amazon.

The importance of having a comfortable gaming headset

While there are plenty of scientifically proven benefits to gaming, there are a few things that can make your gaming sessions quite miserable.

In a previous article we spoke about how sitting for long periods of gaming can be bad for your health. That’s why we recommended a list of the most comfortable chairs for gaming.

You shouldn’t sacrifice comfort especially if you game for long periods of time.

And just like having a comfortable gaming chair, you should also own a comfortable gaming headset. If you’re going to have something attached to your head for several hours a day, it may as well feel comfortable and not cause you headaches and neck pain.

Headset headbands and adjustment

Sound quality is important, but there’s a reason comfort is the first thing you should consider when choosing the right headset for your gaming needs. By that, we mean who cares how nice they sound if wearing them hurts after an hour or two?

Obviously, the best way to make sure a headset feels good on your head is to actually wear it yourself, most likely at a store. But if this isn’t an option because you want to buy online, pay attention to the headband sizing and make sure it’s adjustable.

Whether your head is small, average size, or George Lopez status, an adjustable band will usually allow for a comfortable fit.

Earcup cushion comfort

Cushioned ear cups are also a must-have, especially if you’re the kind of person who gets irritated easily when wearing headsets of any kind. Most headsets today come with foam cushions or replaceable cushion pads so your melon doesn’t feel like it’s having the juice squeezed out of it when you wear them.

Headset weight

The size of a headset can also play a role in comfort, specifically, the weight of the headset. It makes sense that headaches and neck fatigue are more likely when you’re forced to wear a heavier object for one to several hours at a time. This one may not be as big of a deal as adjustable bands or cushioned cups, but it’s worth mentioning nonetheless.

Best PC Gaming Headset – Most comfortable for gamers

Sennheiser GAME ONE PC Gaming Headset – PC, Mac, PS4, and Xbox One

For the gamer who pulls all-nighters or who simply wants a headset that provides maximum comfort, below are a few other good choices:

Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930

SteelSeries 9H Gaming Headset for PC/Mac/Mobile

Razer Tiamat Over Ear 7.1 Surround Sound Headset

HyperX Cloud Gaming Headset

Best Cheap PC Gaming Headsets to buy

We wanted to include this section because there are a lot of PC gamers out there who are probably looking for cheap gaming headsets. You don’t always have to spend a lot of money on PC gaming headsets to be able to enjoy the benefits of good video game audio.

Below you’ll find 3 of the top PC gaming headsets at very affordable prices. We’ll briefly layout the info for the headsets we’ve listed below so you can get a better understanding of them.

And the great thing is if you don’t find any of the 3 we’ve listed below appealing, there are a bazillion more gaming headsets in this guide to choose from!

Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930

SADES SA-708 Stereo Gaming Headphone Headset

Logitech G230 Stereo Gaming Headset

Why great sound quality is needed in a Gaming Headset

The ability to clearly hear enemy footsteps behind you, emotion-heightening music or the voices of other players has become essential for the modern gamer. That is why for many of you reading this guide, finding a good gaming headset which produces the best audio possible is #1 on your list of priorities.

Of course, there’s plenty that goes into what makes a headset sound good, but it also depends on what you want. Some gamers prefer 7.1 channel surround sound while others go with stereo game sound. Which one is better mostly depends on the types of games you plan to play.

What is Surround Sound?

Surround sound headsets mean there are several speakers in the cups, allowing you to more easily recognize where a noise is coming from. So if you’re playing a shooter game and an enemy tosses a grenade a few feet to your left, you’ll know it’s to your left via the sound coming from that direction. Thus, surround sound is preferred for online multiplayer gamers.

Why use Stereo Sound?

So why even consider stereo sound? Unfortunately, a surround sound headset can experience a slight distortion in sound quality since it’s being produced through several speakers. So if you want to near-flawless sound, stereo might be the way to go.

Article Explanation – Surround Sound vs. Stereo Sound

Video Explanation – Stereo vs Surround Sound Headsets

40mm and 50mm speaker sizes

You’ll also notice that gaming headset speakers generally come in two sizes: 40mm and 50mm. Headsets with 50mm speakers are bigger and thus known for offering better bass, although the size and shape of a headset also plays a role.

In other words, a 40mm speaker headset can often produce just as good a quality of sound as a 50mm headset; it all depends on the design and material quality.

Open design versus Closed design

Lastly, an open versus closed design can also play a part in sound quality, especially if hearing the slightest detail is important to you.

With an open design, you may miss an in-game sound due to a noise coming from your surroundings, but these are less likely to make your ears hot and sweaty. On the other hand, closed gaming headsets make sure nothing disturbs your audio experience, but they can be less effective at keeping your ears cool.

Taking all these factors into mind, below are some of the more popular gaming headsets that are specifically known for their high audio quality:

Logitech G230 Stereo Gaming Headset

Turtle Beach Ear Force PX22 Amplified Gaming Headset

SteelSeries Siberia v3 Gaming Headset

ROCCAT KAVE XTD 5.1 Gaming Headset

About headset microphone quality

Whether you’re playing a cooperative MMO like Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn, a competitive shooter like Halo 5: Guardians or any online multiplayer game, being able to communicate vocally with other players is not just a convenience but oftentimes a necessity. There’s no faster way of exchanging vital game information or just having a conversation, and for that you need a headset with a mic.

Noise cancelling microphones

Naturally you’ll want a mic that delivers crystal clear reception so friends and teammates can hear you loud and clear.

Truth is: you don’t want to be that one player who no one can understand and eventually gets muted for sounding like you’re gargling nails. Or worse, you don’t want to own a terrible headset that causes everyone to hear a loud, piercing sound whenever you speak.

Typically, you want a headset that offers noise cancelling features to lower the chance of other players hearing static when you talk. This also makes it less likely for noises going on around you to go through the mic, which can prove annoying to other players.

We’ve all played with that one kid whose mom we can hear yelling in the background.

Adjustable and detachable microphones

An adjustable or detachable mic might also be of interest if you prefer not having it in front of your mouth all the time, such as when you’re playing by yourself. This is mostly a convenience factor, but it can make all the difference if your video game time is split evenly between playing solo and with others.

Below are a couple great gaming headsets that are purchased mainly for their high microphone quality and/or features:

Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930

Creative Sound Blaster EVO Entertainment Headset

Affordable Gaming Headsets

For some, price isn’t a limiting factor, and they’re willing to spend hundreds of dollars for the most advanced and feature-heavy gaming headsets. As in any market, the better products do tend to cost more to manufacture and thus come with a bigger price tag.

The great news is that there are plenty of good headsets for gaming out there today that won’t put a dent in your wallet, but still offer amazing sound quality and convenient features. In short, you don’t have to spend more than $100 to have a great audio experience with your games.

Best Cheap Gaming Headsets – Best for budget gamers

HyperX Cloud Gaming Headset

Logitech G230 Stereo Gaming Headset

SADES SA-708 Stereo Gaming Headphone Headset

Turtle Beach Ear Force PX22 Amplified Gaming Headset

Gaming headsets for multiple platforms

In an ideal world, every headset on the market would be compatible with every electronic device we own. Sadly, that’s not the case, so choosing the right headset can depend entirely on which video game platform it supports.

The good news?

Many headsets that don’t necessarily advertise being compatible with certain consoles actually are.

The bad news?

Many gaming headsets only work for one or two platforms and not the others. For example, there are a good number of wireless headsets designed for PC and PS4 that are useless on Xbox one when it comes to chat functionality.

Best Gaming Headset for Console Gaming

LucidSound LS30 Wireless Universal Gaming Headset – Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, and PS3

To help make your search for a widely-compatible headset a bit better, here are a couple of headsets that support at least two or more platforms, be it PC, MAC, or video game consoles from the two latest generations:

HyperX Cloud Gaming Headset

Turtle Beach Ear Force PX22 Amplified Gaming Headset

Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930

Sennheiser PC 310 Gaming Headset

Turtle Beach Ear Force XP300 Wireless Gaming Headset

Best PS4 Gaming Headset – For PlayStation Gamers

PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset – PS4, PC, Mac, and Xbox One

Top gaming headsets for Xbox one and PS4 gamers

In this section, we’ll briefly cover some of the inexpensive gaming headsets you can buy for the Xbox one and PS4. We know there are still a lot of you out there who own these legacy consoles so we wanted to make sure that we had a section just for you all.

Below are a list of Turtle Beach headsets that we’ve found to work quite well with the Xbox one and PS4. They have a proven track record and some really great reviews.

Turtle Beach Ear Force PX22

Turtle Beach Ear Force XP400 Dolby Surround Sound

Turtle Beach Ear Force PX51 Gaming Headset