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.
The Best Gaming Headset
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.
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.
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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 open-back headphones 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.
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 over-ear headphones 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.
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 a gaming 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.
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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.
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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 over-ear headphones under $200 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.
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.
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Logitech G933 Artemis Spectrum
Featuring a customizable lighting system, the Logitech G933 Artemis Spectrum are over-ear gaming headphones under $500 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.
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.
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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.
Don’t forget to also check out our list of the top semi-open headphones on the market.
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
Although the HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset is one of the top gaming headsets you’ll find on the internet, there are some things console gamers need to be aware of. So let’s discuss the compatibility of the Cloud II in this section.
You can use the HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset with a PC, Mac, the PS4 and Xbox One.
One important thing to be aware of is that the Virtual 7.1 surround sound is only supported through the HyperX Cloud II USB sound card. This means you will only get the 7.1 surround sound connected through a computer.
If you connect the headset to a PS4 or Xbox One controller via the 3.5mm stereo headset jack, you’ll be getting Stereo Sound.
PS4 compatibility
Here is a direct quote from HyperX Technical Support
The Cloud II is officially supported with the PS4 using the 3.5mm audio jack plugged into the controller. It can be used with the USB sound card but as the PS4 does not have the drivers to run the sound card it will only support pass through sound. When used that way the 7.1, volume and mic control buttons are disabled; only the mic mute switch on the side will work.
About the HyperX Cloud II
As one of the best gaming headsets on the market, the HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset provides gamers with amazing sound at a very affordable price.
Kingston, the company behind the gaming headset, has a great track record for building quality gaming headphones. Their previous version, the HyperX Cloud Gaming Headset has an Amazon rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars with about 3,000 reviews! That’s incredibly good for the first entry of Kingston’s HyperX Cloud series and the HyperX Cloud II is no different.
For starters, Kingston’s HyperX Cloud II has over 2,000 reviews with 65% or the ratings being a perfect 5 stars.
What does the HyperX Cloud II have over the original HyperX Cloud? The updated HyperX Cloud II has a few upgrades compared to its predecessor: There is a reason why the HyperX Cloud II is one of the top gaming headsets around. From its comfort on your head to its incredible audio and voice performance, you’ll absolutely love what this gaming headset can do for you. In this section we’ll cover exactly what makes the HyperX Cloud II such a good gaming headset. We’ll discuss all the features, enhancements over the previous version, and the performance this gaming headset provides. HyperX Cloud II and 7.1 surround sound The virtual surround sound that’s produced by the HyperX Cloud II gaming headphones is something you don’t want to miss. The plug and play surround sound requires no drivers and its sole purpose is to enhance your gaming, movie, and music experience. When it comes to Kingston’s next generation gaming headset, you’ll be treated to a surround sound experience that’s well worth the purchase price. From depth and distance to pinpoint location of enemies, the 7.1 surround sound will enhance every aspect of your gaming experience. One of the best things about a Hi-Fi gaming experience is the ability to hear details other gamers can’t. This is exactly what you’ll get with the Cloud II gaming headset. You’ll be able to hear the in game sounds of your favorite games the way the designers intended. This also gives you a distinct advantage in online multiplayer games over other gamers who opted for subpar gaming headsets or no headsets at all. The HyperX Cloud II USB Audio Control Box Unlike the original HyperX Cloud, the Cloud II comes with a newly designed USB audio sound card control box. The box provides amplified audio and voice that will give owners an optimized Hi-Fi gaming experience. With the HyperX Cloud II control box, you have the ability to toggle the 7.1 surround sound on and off with the touch of a button. The control box also allows you to conveniently adjust the audio and microphone volume levels independently from each other. Let’s talk about the audio performance As one of the top gaming headsets on the market, it’s no surprise that the HyperX Cloud II is capable of delivering an audio experience superior to other gaming headphones. When you’re looking for an immersive experience for gaming, movies, and music, you want the best headset your money can buy. With its mid and high tones, enhanced bass production, and crystal-clear lows, the next-gen HyperX Cloud’s Hi-Fi capabilities along with the 53mm drivers deliver an unbelievable audio experience! Can you hear me now? How would you like to have a microphone that provides reduced noise background and clearer voice quality? Well, when you use the HyperX Cloud II USB control box you’ll get echo cancellation, noise-cancellation and AGC (Automatic Gain Control) functionality. With the digitally enhanced microphone on the HyperX Cloud II you’ll get an improved voice experience overall. This is extremely important for gamers because if your teammates can’t understand or hear you then your gaming headset isn’t doing what it should. The headset’s microphone is conveniently detachable for the times where you just want to listen to music or watch a movie without the mic being attached. When you’re ready to game again, you can easily plug the mic right back in. TeamSpeak certified It’s comforting to know that the HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset is not just TeamSpeak certified, but is also compatible with Skype, Ventrilo, and Mumble. By being certified with TeamSpeak, you can expect your voice quality to be crisp and clear when communicating with others. It’s important for gamers using a chat client to have a PC gaming headset that offers excellent sound quality. This is a headset that has little to no audible echoes, voice distortions, and background noises. So it’s great to know that the HyperX Cloud II passes these test with flying colors. A very comfortable gaming headset Are you looking for a good gaming headset with enhanced comfort? Well, of course you are. Why would you want to play games for hours with an uncomfortable headset? You’ll be happy to know that the HyperX Cloud II comes with 100% memory foam interchangeable ear cups that provide a variety of sound profiles and different texture options. A Pro-Gaming optimized headset Kingston’s HyperX Cloud II is the Intel Extreme Masters’ official gaming headset. So whether you’re gaming on PC or Mac or consoles, you’ll know you’re getting one of the most comfortable and reliable gaming headsets on the market. The Cloud II provides pro gamers with a passive noise cancelling closed-cup design. This is a headset that has been proven over and over again to help gamers compete at the highest levels of gaming. So you can trust that if you’re a competitive gamer, buying the HyperX Cloud II is definitely right for you. Design, warranty and accessories It’s pretty satisfying to know that the HyperX Cloud II comes with a two-year warranty and free technical support. So if you ever run into problems it’s always good to know you’re covered. The HyperX Cloud II also comes with a few choice accessories: And last but not least, you’ll be able to buy the HyperX Cloud II headset in Gun Metal, Pink and Red. On a side note, female gamers are loving the Pink version. It looks absolutely awesome!
The clarity, comfort and features of the HyperX Cloud II
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
As one of the best PC gaming headsets you can buy, the Sennheiser GAME ONE PC Gaming Headset works with all current gaming platforms.
The Sennheiser GAME ONE is compatible with PC, Mac, PS4, and Xbox One.
Just like the HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset, there are a few things you should know if you plan to use the Sennheiser with a console.
This is a direct quote from the Sennheiser website:
“GAME ONE has exchangeable cables allowing compatibility with multiple platforms such as PC, Mac, consoles, mobiles and tablets that feature a 3.5mm jack input.”
To understand how the Sennheiser GAME ONE PC Gaming Headset works with an Xbox One, refer to our section ‘How gaming headset compatibility works with PS4 and Xbox One’.
About the Sennheiser GAME ONE PC Gaming Headset
If you’re looking for the best PC gaming headset available today, just know you have many options to fit your exact needs. As a matter of fact, there are way too many options and this can lead to frustration.
Feel free to look at all the best-selling PC gaming headsets and you’ll quickly discover that you’ll be overwhelmed pretty quickly! You’ll find 100 bestselling headsets for PC ranging from cheap to expensive.
So what should you do?
Well, that’s what we’re here for. To narrow things down for you. And one of the best PC gaming headsets that we can recommend is the Sennheiser GAME ONE PC Gaming Headset. This is a PC headset that works with consoles but was built with PC gaming in mind.
The Sennheiser GAME ONE is a quality gaming headset designed for professional gamers who only want the best. With over 300 reviews and a 4.4 out of 5 rating, you can be sure that you are getting something special with the GAME ONE.
How Sennheiser GAME ONE’s comfort and features are simply the best
When you think of a good PC gaming headset, you think of things like long lasting comfort, a quality build, unique technology, and superior design.
In this section we’ll cover exactly why we’d recommend you buy the Sennheiser GAME ONE headset. Even though the GAME ONE is a bit pricier than others we’ve listed, there is always a reason why.
The most comfortable high-end gaming headset on the market
One of the things that Sennheiser says about the GAME ONE gaming headset is “Feel The Game, Not The Headset”. The GAME ONE is designed to be one of the most comfortable gaming headphones on the planet. We’re talking about a PC headset specifically crafted for superior long-term comfort to keep marathon gamers very satisfied.
For starters, the headset features a cushioned headband and XXL plush velvet ear pads. During long gaming sessions, the designers at Sennheiser want you to not worry about feeling the inconvenience of wearing a PC headset. This is exactly why the headset is solid and well-constructed. It was built to be a sturdy lightweight device that you can wear for long periods of time.
When it comes to having a comfortable gaming headset, the folks at Sennheiser want you to be engrossed in a game’s incredible sound. They want you to only feel the beats, tension, and rush of complete video game immersion without the discomfort that comes with wearing a headset for gaming.
The Sennheiser GAME ONE is also built with an open design that allows air to be led around your ears. This is done to keep your head cool and sweat-free while you game for hours on end.
A gaming headset with an open-end design is something you should definitely consider. And we’ll cover some of the benefits in a different section below so you can have a better understanding.
One of the best gaming headset microphones
We have three words for you – “Crystal Clear Communication”.
The Sennheiser GAME ONE comes with an absolutely fantastic noise-cancelling microphone. The Sennheiser excels when it comes to communication clarity due to the quality of the microphone. And the open-back design makes it so you can audibly hear your own voice when you speak.
The quality of the mic cannot be emphasized enough.
“Sennheiser is the only audio company that makes both the precision microphone equipment your games are recorded on, and the headsets you use to play them.” – Sennheiser.com
The GAME ONE’s microphone produces some of the most clear and precise sound while keeping background noise down to a minimal level. The Sennheiser GAME ONE is also one of the few gaming headsets that doesn’t mix the input from its mic into the output of the headphones.
And to mute the mic, all you have to do is lift the boom arm.
Technology engineered in a German lab
When it comes to Sennheiser, they are always pursuing the goal of creating perfect sound. So it should come as no surprise that the Sennheiser GAME ONE gaming headset features an accurate and natural sound experience that blows away a lot of the competition.
The Sennheiser GAME ONE has two optimized transducers that were developed in labs in Germany. They were designed to provide some of the most accurate gaming audio reproduction for any type of video game you may play.
With the GAME ONE PC gaming headset, Sennheiser wants you to be able to hear every single possible detail in the games you play. This is extremely encouraging because Sennheiser knows that you should be hearing the game as the game developers intended it to be heard.
Since every GAME ONE headset is mechanically and acoustically tested, you can expect some of the best accuracy and sound clarity due to Sennheiser’s transducer technology.
The headset sounds absolutely fantastic when using it for music. And the overall audio performance from hard hitting low-frequencies to the genuine sense of aural depth is something you have to hear for yourself when playing a game.
The open-end back design
Sennheiser has implemented something that most gaming headsets don’t have by giving the GAME ONE an open design.
You might ask: So what is an open design and why is it so important?
One of the things an open design does is ensure that your head is kept cool by being well ventilated. The open back leads air through your ears allowing them to breathe and makes sure that the headset does not get too warm.
Even through long gaming sessions with the GAME ONE your head is kept cool and the PC headset remains light and comfortable.
Also, one of the positives to having an open-back gaming headset is they create spaciousness. This makes it so the sounds seem like they’re stemming from out in the room, not in the headset. You’ll find yourself completely immersed in another world by the GAME ONE’s detailed and expansive room-filling sound.
What else you need to know
The Sennheiser GAME ONE was designed with gamers in mind. Whether you’re a casual or professional gamer, this is a great PC gaming headset.
But let’s not forget this a headset for gaming and gamers play on all types of platforms. This is exactly why the GAME ONE comes with exchangeable cables. This allows for the GAME ONE to be not just compatible with PC and Mac, but also consoles, tablets, and mobile devices.
Changing gaming platforms is as simple as just changing between the two included cables that come with the headset. All your device needs are a 3.5mm jack input so the GAME ONE can connect to it.
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
This headset is the way to go if you plan to use it for not only gaming, but music, movies, and other entertainment.
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
Leading the charge is their G930 wireless gaming headset, which boasts just about everything you could ask for from a high-quality accessory. This includes amazing sound, a host of excellent features, a comfortable design, and more.
Sound
Advanced Dolby 7.1 technology allows for surround sound with the most detailed positional audio possible. The immersive 360-degree sound field and seven channels of audio data will have you sneaking up on enemies instead of the other way around.
Also boasting Low Frequency Effects and superb 40mm Neodymium drivers, you’ll hear multi-channel sound as clear and crisp as the developers intended you to hear it.
Voice
This headset comes with a top-notch microphone that will allow your friends and teammates to hear your voice with incredible clarity. Noise-cancelling technology eliminates the chance of background sounds interfering with your voice, which is sure to keep you from getting muted.
Also neat is the auto-mute function, that instantly activates whenever you rotate the mic boom up and out of the way.
Comfort
What good is an awesome headset if you can only wear it for about an hour before your neck and head start aching?
You won’t have to worry about that with this headset, since it comes with an adjustable memory foam headband that remains comfortable even after several hours of wear. The sound-isolating ear pads are also cushioned—making sure your ears never start hurting, either.
Features
- 40mm Neodymium drivers
- 1 Surround Sound
- Noise cancelling mic
- Advanced Dolby technology
- Lag-free 2.4 GHz wireless with 40 ft range
- Memory foam headband with cushioned ear pads
- Three programmable G-keys
- 10-hour rechargeable batteries
- USB recharging base
- Compatible with: Windows Vista, 7, and 8
- Works on PS4 in stereo mode
Why you should buy
There’s a reason why a these headsets are a popular product on Amazon: They’re worth every penny.
Not only is Logitech a trusted name, but time and time again they’ve delivered some of the best accessories on the market—and this headset is no exception. If you have the cash, do yourself a favor and grab the G930 to start playing your PC games the way they were meant to be played.
SADES SA-708 Stereo Gaming Headphone Headset
You can’t exactly find yourself flaunting them to your PC buddies with $100 headsets, but if the fantastic Amazon customer review rating is any indication, you won’t regret this purchase.
Sound
The standard 40mm Hi-Fi driver offer great sound that you wouldn’t expect from such an inexpensive accessory. Your favorite games will feel more alive and immersive than ever, thanks to well-defined trebles and decent lows.
The lack of 7.1 surround sound and 50mm drivers do put this headset above the other two on this list in terms of sound quality alone, but that doesn’t mean it fails to deliver an amazing audio experience.
Voice
Along with a stylish and unique shape, the SADES SA-708 come with a hidden microphone to make this PC gaming headset look even cooler.
There are also volume controls with an extra mic-mute function, so you can conveniently alter your sound without the hassle of entering the audio options of your computer or game. All in all, you’ll be surprised by how clear your friends will say your voice sounds, when you consider that you paid less than $20 for this guy.
Comfort
If there’s one thing to worry about when purchasing an inexpensive headset, it’s the chance that its cheap design may cause unbearable aches after long play sessions.
Of course, we wouldn’t add this headset to our list if that were the case. Instead the SA-708 comes with cushions on the headband and ear pads, all of which are made of soft PU (or bycast) leather to provide maximum comfort no matter how long you wear them.
Why you should buy Are you in the market for a headset that has everything you need, but won’t set you back $100 or even $50? If so, SADES has your answer with their SA-708, which offers a great mic, comfortable leather earpads and headband, and excellent sound quality. Add in the fact that so many customers are saying positive things, and you’ve got yourself a risk-free purchase that might just end up enhancing your gaming experience more than you could ever have expected.
Logitech G230 Stereo Gaming Headset
The fact that they also boast one of the best ratings of any headset for the PC platform goes to show you why they’re third on this list.
Sound
Despite being one of the most affordable 40mm headsets you can buy, their ability to deliver crisp sound and excellent bass will make you think you’re wearing a headset worth twice the cost of what you paid.
Advanced 40mm Neodymium drivers deliver a rich audio experience that let you hear everything, from teammate voices to the game’s music, in crystal-clear sound.
Voice
This headset comes with a noise-cancelling boom mic that conveniently folds to the side for when you don’t plan on using it. The on-cable sound controls also provide an easy way to mess with the volume without missing a beat while playing a fast-paced game.
Distracting background noise becomes a thing of the past, and your voice will also be picked up clearer than ever before thanks to an easy-to-rotate mic design.
Comfort
Logitech certainly outdid themselves with this particular headset when it comes to comfort.
First off, you get performance-sport cloth earcup pads, with soft earcup covers designed for perfect comfort even after hours of gameplay. The performance-sport cloth is also highly breathable, reducing heat and moisture build up so your ears don’t get all sweaty.
The headset itself is also very slim and light, which means you won’t have to worry about neck pain or headaches. Lastly, the flexible swivel earcups allow you to adjust them up to 90 degrees while the durable earcup covers can be removed easily for cleaning.
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
This price also includes noise-isolating ear cups, a detachable microphone, 53mm Hi-Fi capable drivers, on-cable volume and mute controls, and more. Simply put, these are an amazing choice if you can’t spend more than $100 but still want a headset that will feel worth your hard-earned cash.
Logitech G230 Stereo Gaming Headset
SADES SA-708 Stereo Gaming Headphone Headset
Suffice to say, plenty of buyers are pleased with these cheap but impressive gaming headsets.
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
If you’re looking for a headset for console gaming, then check out the LucidSound Wireless Universal Gaming Headset[. It’s a very elegant looking headset with a sophisticated design that’s supported by an intuitive functionality.
The flexibility and cross platform compatibility makes it so the LucidSound LS30 will work effortlessly with the current generation of consoles as well as legacy consoles.
The LucidSound gaming headset is compatible with the Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, and PS3.
With the PS4 and PS3 the headset is completely wireless but with the Xbox One and Xbox 360 it needs to be plugged into the controller. The LucidSound even comes with a controller adapter just in case you are using the older version of the Xbox One controller.
The LucidSound LS30 is also compatible with the PC but it’s not officially supported. To use it with your PC all you have to do is plug in the USB base station and select the LS30 as your default audio device.
About the LucidSound Wireless Universal Gaming Headset
As of the writing of this article the LucidSound LS30 is a fairly new headset for gaming. We took this into account because sometimes new startups like LucidSound can bring some really innovative products to the table.
The people behind LucidSound are formerly from the company Tritton. If you’re not familiar with Tritton they are a gaming audio company that was purchased by Mad Catz back in 2010. Most gamers know the company because of their popular Tritton headsets.
The goal of LucidSound is to provide gamers with a great headset at an affordable price. It seems like they’ve done just that. Right now the LucidSound LS30 Wireless Universal Gaming Headset has a very respectable rating on Amazon of 4.6 out of 5.
For a new gaming headset, this is absolutely great and well worth you taking a look at.
As a new company that is quite familiar with what a gaming headset needs to be, LucidSound has a lot to prove. They want to introduce people to a gaming headset that is more sophisticated in design and functions different than other headsets. If you’re a console gamer who owns multiple gaming platforms, the LucidSound headsets will suit you well. The cross platform compatibility of the LucidSound LS30 headset means that it can seamlessly work with current gen consoles and legacy consoles. So if you own an Xbox 360 and Xbox One you’re covered. If you own a PS3 and PS4, you’re good to go! No matter what combination of consoles you may own, just know that you’ll have a gaming headset that works across the board. LucidSound has created a gaming headphone that is not only quite versatile but elegant in design also. The LS30 is a great looking headset and we’re sure you’ll agree when you get them. In this section let’s take a look at why you should own a pair of the LucidSound LS30 headsets. The innovative controls When you buy the LucidSound LS30 gaming headphones, you’ll be treated to some of the best intuitive controls around. This is an area where LucidSound really wanted to focus on. They wanted to make sure that their headsets functioned differently than others on the market. With a very simple control scheme, you can adjust the most frequently used features such as: There are a good number of headsets (including premium headsets) that have some very frustrating controls. LucidSound wanted to avoid this so they came up with one of the most intuitive control schemes they could think up. They designed their headset so that each earcup has a stylish built-in control wheel and center button. By doing this they have made it quite simple for users to access the easy-to-find controls. The elegant design of the LS30 headset frame makes it incredibly easy for your hands to find and control the most regularly used features naturally. Comfort and durability Anyone who owns a pair of headphones long enough understands that comfort is a key requirement to having a relaxing audio experience. If you’re the type of gamer who frequently has gaming sessions that last long periods of time, then comfort is probably high on your priority list. And rightly so. Nobody wants to play games with uncomfortable headsets. Unfortunately, there are way too many headsets that fall into the uncomfortable category. Not so with the LucidSound LS30. Thankfully you aren’t paying for comfort alone. There is a lot to the LS30 gaming headset and comfortability is definitely one of those things. From the memory foam ear cushions that help reduce ear fatigue to the engineered clamping force to keep the headset in place, the LS30’s make comfort a priority. Thanks to the leather earcups, durable components and the quilted padded head pad you’re not even going to realize you have the headset on after a while. There is plenty of room for your ears as the earcups mold around them for a snug fit. Something to be aware of though is the weight of these headsets. While a bit on the heavy side LucidSound designed them to fit securely. So if you’re worried about the weight just know that LucidSound engineered the clamping force to be just right. And the headset will fit every head size no matter how big your dome might be! “Some might not like the weight, and they are a little heavy, but to me it reinforces the feeling of strong, quality materials.” – Amazon reviewer Some Guy (awesome username by the way) With Some Guy’s quote summing it all up, we just have to say comfort is taken care of with the LS30 headsets. So let’s move on. Battery, mic and versatility Let’s start with the rechargeable battery first. For those of you looking for a replaceable battery, we’re sorry to tell you that the LS30 is not like the SteelSeries H800. Meaning you can’t replace the rechargeable battery. That’s one of the cons of this headset but a pro is that the battery will last you up to 15 hours per charge. And with an included Micro USB charge cable you can recharge the headphones via a console, PC, laptop, and outlet. As far as versatility goes, you can use your LS30 as traditional headphones for things like: Just connect the included 3.5mm cable and you’ll have yourself a pair of stylish headphones to listen to music or game on a PS Vita. And with the integrated microphone, you can hook up the headphones to your phone take calls as well. Speaking of the mic, the LucidSound LS30 headset comes with not just one, but two microphones! There’s an integrated mic and a removable boom mic. The great thing is you can use the removable boom mic for gaming chat and the integrated microphone for things like phone calls. When it comes to the ability to be able to hear your own voice the LS30 does have Mic-monitoring.
What to expect from the LucidSound Wireless Gaming Headset
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
The PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset is one of the best PS4 gaming headsets and our number one recommendation if you own a PS4.
The PS Gold Headset is compatible with PS4, PC, Mac, and Xbox One.
The PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset comes with a USB dongle that gives it the ability to be wireless. The USB dongle works with the PC and Mac but does not work with the Xbox One.
To use the PlayStation headset with the Xbox One you need to use the 3.5mm audio jack. Also note that in order to control the headset’s volume you have to access the Xbox One’s volume controls in Settings.
If you want to understand how to connect the PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset with an Xbox One, refer to our section ‘How gaming headset compatibility works with PS4 and Xbox One’.
About the PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset
In our humble opinion, this is the best PS4 headset you can buy. There are numerous other gaming headsets that may be better quality, sound better, and have better technology built in it.
Still, the PlayStation Gold Wireless Stereo Headset was built specifically for the PlayStation 4. This makes it pretty tough for other gaming headsets to beat that fact.
There’s also a couple of reasons why we highly recommend this PS4 headset to gamers.
- It’s wireless
- It’s very inexpensive
- It’s made exclusively for PlayStation
- It’s highly rated
- It has 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound
- It comes with a Headset Companion App
- It works with PS4, PS3, and PS Vita
If you’re a PS4 gamer, then this is the wireless gaming headset for you!
While other gaming headsets on our list and on the market may be fancier, none of them work with the PS4 like the Gold Wireless does.
Most of the headsets you find will have to be plugged into the 3.5mm audio jack of the DualShock 4 controller. This in turn makes gaming headsets that have 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound reduced to Stereo Sound.
Other wired or wireless PS4 headsets you find will also cost 2-3 times more than the PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset. And they don’t even come close to the incredible Amazon rating this headset has. As of right now the PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset has almost 4,000 reviews at 4.3 out of 5 stars.
And 65% of the reviews are 5 star ratings!
The only other top gaming headset we would recommend for PlayStation 4 besides the Gold Wireless is the HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset.
Now don’t get us wrong, there are A LOT of headsets for gaming that will work with the PS4. And many experienced headset owners reading this will already have their preferences. But to save you time and money, we only recommend the PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset or the HyperX Cloud II in order to make your purchasing decision easier.
Let’s face it. The PS4 is a highly successful console. So it makes sense there are a lot of people who want to own a good gaming headset for PS4. So when Sony created the PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset, a lot of PS4 gamers took notice.
Why did PS4 gamers take notice?
Because it was specifically designed for the PS4 gamers. Plain and simple.
If you’re looking for a good PS4 headset, then we cannot recommend the Gold Wireless Headset enough. Sony designed their PlayStation gaming headset to be something PS4 gamers would love. As of this writing the PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset runs just under $100 for the Uncharted 4 Limited Edition and the original version of the headset is usually discounted on Amazon.
In this section we have a lot to talk about. From the Headset Companion App to sound and quality of the PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset, we’ll be discussing it all. The stylish design and comfort of the PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset With the PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset, you can expect to be able to play comfortably for hours. The leather earcups fit perfectly around your ears and a soft leather headband will sit securely on your head. The earcups have the ability to slide up and down to fit varying head sizes. And taking the headset wherever you go is easy because it folds in on itself. All the controls are all conveniently located on the left ear cup. They’re you’ll find things like the mute button, the Virtual Surround Sound button, up and down volume buttons, and the sound/chat balancing buttons. At the bottom of the ear cups is the two-channel switch. The number 2 spot is usually reserved for the audio mode you select for a chosen game profile. Also on the left ear cup is the usb cord plug-in slot and the 3.5mm audio jack input. Now to be quite honest, the PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset isn’t going to be as comfortable as something like the Sennheiser GAME ONE. There’s a couple reasons for this. For one, the Gold Wireless doesn’t use the same comfort materials as the pricier headsets. The other reason is the Gold Wireless is more focused on being a great affordable PlayStation gaming headset. Again, don’t get us wrong, the headset is really comfortable but it’s also a very cheap gaming headset. And when we say cheap, we mean it’s very affordable for gamers who are on a budget looking for an affordable gaming headset. And most PlayStation gamers would rather have Sony focus on building a comfortable headset that is perfect for PlayStation gaming. Not a headset that has plush ear cups and fancy headbands, thus driving the price up even more. Which leads us to our next section. This is a PS4 headset that Sony built for all types of gamers So the PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset works not with just a PS4, but with the PS3 and PlayStation Vita. Now, this is not a Bluetooth gaming headset! So be aware that if you purchase this you must use a USB dongle to make it wireless. If you plan to use it with the PS Vita, you need to use the 3.5mm audio input. With all that said, this is an absolutely great PlayStation gaming headset. And we’re assuming it will work with future PlayStation consoles coming out in the near future (PlayStation Neo). Sony went all out when they made the PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset and we prefer to use it when gaming on the PS4 or Vita because it works so well. As a gamer, you’ll have a new appreciation for the sound effects and music the developers put into a game. And chatting with your family, friends, and teammates works very well thanks to the internal noise cancelling microphone. Even using the Gold Wireless for PC gaming works great. Just plug in the USB dongle and you’re good to go. We even use it for Xbox One gaming. Just plug it into the Xbox One controller and marvel at the sounds of Halo 5. Another feature PlayStation gamers will appreciate is the ability to see how much battery life the headset has left right on your TV screen. When your battery runs low all you have to do is plug the headset into the PS4 or any other USB slot available (PC, Laptop, etc.) on any of your devices around the house. Last but not least, Sony really wanted to show they made this headset for PlayStation gamers. One of the really cool things Sony did for this headset is to include the Headset Companion App. This was specifically designed for gamers who wanted more from their PlayStation gaming experience. The app is very easy to setup and use. So let’s talk about why you should check it out in the next section. The Headset Companion App Now this feature is something you don’t normally see with gaming headsets. And it’s one of the reasons why we recommend the PlayStation Gold Wireless as the best headset for PS4. So what exactly is the Headset Companion App? Well, when Sony made the PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset they wanted something that was completely beneficial for PS4 games. The Headset Companion App developers can create custom audio modes that are specifically tuned for PlayStation games. The app allows developers to enhance the audio in PlayStation games so that it benefits Gold Wireless Headset owners. Another added benefit is that you’re able to create and modify your very own audio profiles for your PS4 headset. Some benefits of the Headset Companion App include: The Headset Companion App may not get a lot of press when it comes to talking points about the PS4. As a matter of fact, most people probably don’t even know about it. But we’re happy to tell you that the App is well supported and kept up to date. Here are a few popular games that the app supports: As you can see there are some very popular PS4 games that work with the Headset Companion App. Even preset movie and music profiles are supported with the app. Plus you have the ability to customize your own audio profiles so that you can get the most out of the PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset. Setting up the app is really quite simple. All you need to do is go to the PlayStation Store and search for the Headset Companion App. You can find it under the ‘Apps’ section. Download it for free, open it up and plug in your headset using the provided USB cable. Select your headset within the app and choose your mode. You can find the full instructions on how to do all this by visiting the official page. The sound quality of the PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset As one of the most affordable wireless gaming headsets for PS4, you’ll be absolutely blown away by the sound quality. Games like Destiny and Star Wars Battlefront sound absolutely incredible with these gaming headphones. The thermal imploder effect in Battlefront sounds so unbelievable with the Gold Wireless! If you don’t own a pair of gaming headsets and have never experienced the high fidelity 7.1 virtual surround that the Gold Wireless has, you’re in for a huge treat. The difference between the sound coming from your television and the surround sound in these headsets is night and day. Setting the headset’s audio mode to the No Man’s Sky profile in the Headset Companion App was quick and easy. And the surround sound is so good we were able to discover and tag hidden alien species hiding away just by following the sounds they were making. Playing games like the Resident Evil 7 demo with this headset made it 1000 times more terrifying and the surround sound gives you a distinct advantage in first-person shooters. And being able to hear the whispering in games and movies is one of the really cool bonuses to using the headset. From the dull thud of Kylo Ren’s steps to his booming voice, the sound quality is incredible with the PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset. You’re absolutely certain to hear everything as it should be. Again, for the price you’re paying you’re getting an incredible experience. If you want to get better sound quality, then you can expect to pay more. Makes sense right? But if you’re a gamer who isn’t an audiophile, someone who is on a budget or a gamer who has never owned a gaming headset, buy the Gold Wireless! A brief mention about the Uncharted 4 Limited Edition Headset If you’re an Uncharted fan and would like the PS4 Gold Wireless Headset to come in Gray Blue, then you’re in luck. The Uncharted 4 Limited Edition Gold Wireless Headset was designed for gamers who also bought the Limited Edition Uncharted 4 PlayStation 4 Bundle. The only difference between the Uncharted 4 Limited Edition Headset and the original PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset are the colors of the headset and the USB dongle. Plus, the Uncharted 4 Limited Edition Headset sports the words: “Sic Parvis Magna” Which is Latin for Greatness from small beginnings.
What the PS4 Gold Wireless Stereo Headset has to offer
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
Powerful 50mm speakers deliver the perfect audio experience, thanks to adjustable bass and treble levels—not to mention volume controls for both chat and game. Also boasting an affordable price tag and an outstanding average customer review rating, we’ll have no trouble convincing you why this is our most recommended headset for this list.
Sound
Advanced 50mm speakers deliver clear highs and booming lows like no other headset in this price range can. Perhaps this is why it’s an official headset of Major League Gaming, which means it’s a favorite among pros who need to hear every sound in perfect clarity while playing at high level competition.
You may not have thousands of dollars at stake while playing from your living room, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enhance your gaming experience with this amazing headset.
Voice
Your voice will come through loud and clear no matter which console you’re using with this headset, thanks to a high-quality mic.
The Dynamic Chat Boost setting is also pretty useful, which automatically raises or lowers the volume of chat so that it remains audible even when the game’s sound and music get too loud. So instead of having your teammate’s voices drowned out by explosions or gunfire, you’ll be able to hear them no matter what.
Comfort
The PX22 comes with foam cushioned earpads, which will keep you from feeling those pains and aches that normally result from long gaming sessions.
The headband is large and also has the same cushioned material, which means this headset will fit comfortably on anyone. If there’s one brand of headsets that you can always count on to be comfortable, it’s Turtle Beach.
Features
- Powerful 50mm speakers
- Dynamic chat boost
- Independent volume controls
- Variable mic monitor
- Adjustable bass and treble boost
- Officially licensed by MLG
- Compatible with: PC, MAC, smartphones, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 (note: customer comments suggest they also work with Xbox One and PS4)
Why you should buy
If you’re interesting in getting a headset that has already left hundreds of other customers satisfied, look no further. Turtle Beach has showed us once again with the Ear Force PX22 that they know what it takes to make a good headset.
If you care about sound, comfort, features, and affordability, there’s no reason you shouldn’t pick these up.
Turtle Beach Ear Force XP400 Dolby Surround Sound
From 360 degree audio and interference-free Wi-Fi to 50mm speakers and incredible rechargeable battery life, you’re getting everything you’d expect from a $100 headset—and more.
Sound
Dolby Surround Sound technology delivers 360 degree audio that will have you pinpointing the direction of every sound. Combined with 50mm speakers, this makes all the difference, especially when you can hear where an enemy is approaching you from.
2.4/5GHZ Dual-Band Wi-Fi also eliminates interference while playing wireless, so you won’t miss out on important sounds or team commands while playing even in a device-heavy area.
Voice
As we mentioned previously, the advanced 2.4/5GHz dual-band Wi-Fi radio serves to greatly enhance your wireless experience, now that your teammates will hear every word you say.
Also neat is the headset’s dual-pairing Bluetooth technology that allows you to chat wirelessly on not only your PS4 and xbox one consoles, but your mobile phone as well. Dynamic Chat Boost also does its part to make sure voices aren’t drowned out, by automatically altering the volume levels for you.
Comfort
Large cups that fit around your ear eliminate the aches and sweatiness that is normally experienced from smaller cups.
Unmatched comfort also comes from the breathable mesh ear cushions that will have you forgetting you have them on, even after hours of wear. The adjustable headband also has the same cushion to eliminate the chance of feeling like your head is caught in a bear trap.
Features
- 50mm speakers
- Dolby Surround Sound
- 4/5GHz Dual-Band Wi-Fi
- Dual-Pairing Bluetooth technology
- Separate equalizer and stereo expander presets
- Digital and Analog + digital optical connection
- Rechargeable 15 hour batteries
- Dynamic chat boost
- Compatible with: PS3, Xbox 360, xbox one, ps4, and mobile phones
Why you should buy
Turtle Beach provides the perfect headset for the gamer who isn’t quite satisfied with what a $60-80 headset offers, but who isn’t quite ready to drop $150 on a higher-end product.
The Ear Force XP400 does set you back a little more than a hundred bucks, but it’s hard to complain when you consider everything you’re getting. We’re confident that anyone who buys this headset will find themselves using it for years to come.
Turtle Beach Ear Force PX51 Gaming Headset
If you’ll spend whatever it takes to get your hands on a headset that will enhance your audio experience, the PX51 was designed with you in mind.
Sound
Few headsets can compare with the audio quality of the PX51, complete with Dolby Surround Sound audio.
It’s even possible to fine tune your 360 degree audio experience by adjusting the speaker angles inside your headset. You can also improve various game sounds for a competitive advantage or more immersion by downloading free audio presets.
Voice
Cutting-edge technology allows for static free wireless via Dual-Band Wi-Fi. This means that you won’t get any annoying interferences that may cause you to miss something a teammate says or any other important sounds.
The Dynamic Chat Boost support also does its part to improve your gaming sessions, by automatically raising or lowering the game volume so voices don’t get drowned out.
Comfort
Over-the-ear cups not only improve sound quality but make it so earaches and sweating are things of the past. The cushion on the cups and headband also do their part in making sure you never have to stop using the headset simply because it starts feeling uncomfortable.
Features
- Dolby Surround Sound support
- Dual-Band Wi-Fi Wireless
- Dynamic Chat Boost
- Dual-Stage Audio Processing
- 15-hour Rechargeable Battery
- Downloadable audio presets
- Bluetooth for music and phone calls
- Dual Stage Audio Processor
- Compatible with: PS3, Xbox 360, xbox one,PC, Mac, PS4, and mobile phones