The microphone quality is in the upper echelon of headsets we've tested and the extremely long cable means you can stray from your computer without difficulty.
There are still some oddities here - such as needing to manually turn on what is a wired headset and potentially reset your audio devices in apps like Discord - but by in large everything works as it should.
The only sticking point is the price, but that's practically a feature of planar magnetic devices. For the money, you do get something quite special - and if you'll use the head tracking functionality, it might be worth choosing this over the wireless Audeze Penrose. Let's take a look at what's included. At the bottom of the device, there are three inputs for headphones, microphones and optical via a short adapter cable , while on the other end is a USB-C plug that can be converted to full-size USB with another included adapter.
This setup covers you on the PS4, Switch and computers of all kinds, but while Xbox is supported via the optical input you won't be able to use voice comms here.
The left side of the device allows you to mute or adjust the volume of your mic, while the right side allows you adjust the volume of your headphones. There's also a switch here; flip it and you'll be able to adjust the mix between game and chat volume on PS4 or PC - so you can turn down your annoying teammates to focus on the game or vice versa. Finally, there's a button at the top that enables another key feature, the built-in footstep amplifier mode, intended to give you an edge in competitive shooters.
The whole package works well, with each setting you'd need within easy reach. It's great to be able to adjust things like the chat mix or enable the footstep boosting equaliser setting without needing to dive into game menus - something that's likely to get you killed in games like Call of Duty Warzone. The boost in audio quality is evident out of the box, and you also have the ability to customise your EQ either by hand or by selecting per-game presets using apps on Android, iOS or Windows.
However, it is something that you can use with a wide range of consoles and computers, or even Android phones, and you'll get some benefit out of it even for listening to music or playing non-competitive games.
For that reason, if you want to take your audio quality seriously and you're using wired headphones, the G3 is a sensible acquisition. For more external sound card recommendations, check out our picks for the best gaming sound cards. It depends. If you want to immerse yourself in a game or movie, the virtual surround sound mode offered on many gaming headsets can be fun to play with. However, if you're looking at surround sound to gain a competitive advantage, my recommendation is to keep surround sound disabled - the processing that tries to fake surround sound often makes it harder to hear footsteps or other quiet audio cues, adds delay and tends to remove detail.
Instead, look for headphones with a wider audio stage, eg many open-back headphones, as this will actually make it easier to place your enemies on the map based on the noises that they're making. Wireless headphones give you a lot of freedom, so you can make yourself a sandwich in the kitchen or sit on the opposite side of the couch without worrying about taking off your headset or rerouting its cables.
However, you will need to recharge your wireless headset every few days or weeks, and it's certainly annoying when your headphones go dead mid-firefight. If you tend to sit in different positions while gaming or just hate being tethered to your desk, wireless is a sensible choice; otherwise, save the money and the hassle of recharging and get wired headphones instead.
This is no by no means an exhaustive list, but headphones from HyperX, SteelSeries and Sennheiser tend to be well-respected. Razer, Logitech, Turtle Beach and Astro have also made some great headsets in their day, although they've also produced a few relative stinkers as well.
Ultimately though, gaming headsets can vary massively from model to model, so it's best to look for reviews on the headset you're considering rather than shopping by brand alone. The PS4 and PC both support headsets that connect via 3. Meanwhile, the Xbox One didn't include 3. The Xbox also only works with certified USB devices and uses its own proprietary wireless standard rather than Bluetooth, so you'll need to look for headsets that are specifically marketed as Xbox Series or Xbox One compatible.
We've marked the connection options for each headset we recommended above for your information. Good and totally not just made up question! A lot of this comes down to personal preference, but we prefer to turn off audio "enhancements" like surround sound and aggressive equaliser settings; you want things to be as "bare metal" as possible if you trust in the intent of sound engineers and headphone designers alike.
From there you can use a DAC, which takes audio processing duties off your PC or console and entrusts it instead to dedicated hardware which tends to do a better job, removing jitter and changing the characteristics of the sound for the better.
We also highlighted the Sound Blaster G3 just above! Of course, you can spend way more if you want to go even further into the audiophile realm. Digital Foundry specialises in technical analysis of gaming hardware and software, using state-of-the-art capture systems and bespoke software to show you how well games and hardware run, visualising precisely what they're capable of.
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More Marlow. You can use the SteelSeries GG app to adjust audio settings via the equalizer or use some of the built-in presets they have available. Anyways, the highs are super clear and crisp while the lows provide deep clean bass. These so far have been perfect for gaming as well as media consumption from music and videos.
This is even more possible if you use this on multiple platforms. If you just use it on one console or your PC, just plug it in and never take it back out. This is a headset that not only looks really good but will give you years of enjoyment.
Share 6. Tweet 0. That's because game audio isn't just about hearing the big bangs. It's also about hearing the little details that tell you what's coming your way. Whether it's birds singing or planets exploding, these headsets will put your ears right in the middle of the action. Underneath our list of top gaming headphones, we've also included some useful advice on what to look for if you're shopping for a new gaming headset, wireless or otherwise, which you can apply no matter what your situation.
The best wireless gaming headset on the market today, the SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless , is an impressive piece of kit, delivering an excellent audio experience for PS5. Seriously versatile- this headset is compatible with both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, so if you plan to make the transition over but haven't quite got there yet, this will be a great choice that will work with both.
The design of the headset makes complete sense, with a steel frame and easily adjustable elasticated strap to fit it perfectly to your head. It's so comfortable that you'll find yourself forgetting it's even there. The controls on the earcups are intuitively placed, giving you easy control over the sound and mic. When it came to the audio quality, we were impressed. There's strong audio reproduction across the soundscape with punchy, crisp sound.
Though admittedly lacking some clarity so not the best pair for listening to music, they will give gamers a fantastic experience and successfully emulate degree audio to make you feel really immersed in the action. All in all, this is an awesome headset designed for PlayStation users that is well-designed, sounds great and has long-lasting battery life. If you are looking for dual-wireless connectivity though, this headset doesn't have Bluetooth so you'll need to look elsewhere.
LucidSound is one T3's favorite gaming headset makers thanks to its ability to deliver top-draw audio reproduction and stylish, comfortable builds at attractive price points. The headset is a hugely impressive new entry as we enter the era of the next-gen consoles, with an all-round package — style, setup, audio — that's very difficult to beat.
Build quality is first-rate, the sound is superb, and as added bonus, there's Bluetooth connectivity too, for attaching other devices. There's a flexible, removable boom mic, with the ability to cancel out background noise and echoes, plus five EQ modes to pick from.
That won't come as any surprise to anyone who has used LucidSound headsets in the past. You can learn more about his headset, as well as see how it stacks up against another top product, in our LucidSound LS50X vs Logitech G 7. Logitech can usually be relied upon to produce solid pieces of kit, and so it is with the wired G headset — 7.
The headset produces crystal-clear audio, which is of course the main selling point: you can hear the faintest sound of enemy footsteps, and the headset doubles up as a fine way to listen to music too. The supplied Logitech software lets you customise the lighting if you're connecting it to Windows, and it's a breeze to use.
Ideally we'd like a bit more heft to the hinges on the headphones themselves, as well as a slightly looser fit, and the angular, black design won't be to everyone's taste, but really these are minor drawbacks on what is otherwise an excellent gaming headset for PC, if not so much for console gamers. To see how this gaming headset compares to our number one gaming headset choice, be sure to scope out T3's SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless vs Logitech G 7. That gives you in-line controls for mic muting and volume adjustment, and it also enables you to toggle THX Spatial Audio on and off.
Whichever platform you play on, the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition delivers crisp, clear sound with plenty of punch. SteelSeries has been one of, if not the, best gaming headset maker in the world for the past couple of years, and right here it reboots its very popular Arctis 7 headset for use on the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S — say hello to the SteelSeries Arctis 7X Wireless.
This makes it more of a refresh of the Arctis 7 with a renewed emphasis on the next-gen, rather than an out-and-out new product. Regardless, though, it delivers really strong performance across the board, with nuanced audio reproduction across the soundscape, a comfortable design, and a quality Discord-certified ClearCast microphone.
For gaming and streaming, the Arctis 7X delivers a very compelling package. It's not elite-tier in terms of non-gaming applications, and there's no doubting that it retails at the lower end of the high price bracket for gaming headsets, but with its robust build quality stainless steel headband and immersive audio, as well as hour battery life on a single charge, this is a headset that will serve Xbox gamers very well for years to come.
From gaming hardware veterans Asus comes the very impressive Asus ROG Delta S headset, which will work with just about every device out there — though the customisation and equaliser software is only available for Windows. This won't suit anyone who definitely wants a wireless set of headphones, but it's well worth considering for everyone else.
It works with a host of gadgets and gizmos via USB-C or USB-A , from PCs to consoles, and it produces audio quality of the highest order — whether you're wanting to rock out to some tunes or you need to hear everything that's happening during intense gaming sessions. The headset is comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, and is well put together too.
Add in extras like simulated 7. Need even more proof that this is a great gaming headset? Razer produces a fair few gaming headsets but for our money here at T3 the Blackshark V2 is its best overall for most gamers. The sets of gaming cans is powered by Razer's Triforce Titanium 50mm Drivers, which have been designed to improve clarity across the spectrum, ranging from bass to treble. There's noise cancellation tech delivered, too, by the on-ear cups, which elevates in-game immersion and improves sound isolation as well.
We're particularly fond of just how comfortable the Blackshark 2 is on the head as well thanks to Razer's Flowknit Memory Foam Ear Cushions and soft, padded adjustable headband. This comfort is no doubt aided by the headset's lightweight gram design.
Many of these features lean themselves towards to esports and streaming, however considering the Blackshark V2's firmly affordable price point, we think it fair to say that not only esports champions should apply. Few other things: the Blackshark V2 is a wired gaming headset, so if you need wireless you need to upgrade to the Blackshark V2 Pro. Oh, and the Blackshark V2 also comes with an included carry case, which makes transporting them to gaming tournaments or just using them as a pair of quality headphones easy.
To discover more, read our full Blackshark V2 review. The Astro A50, in its latest guise, is simply stunning and an easy best gaming headset recommendation. The Astro A50 Gen 3 was an excellent gaming headset and the Gen 4 improves on it: it has a more compact base station the headphones themselves are wireless , the design is now more subtle and refined, and the same great sound is available through these headphones, whether you're playing on PC, PlayStation or Xbox One you do need to pick either Xbox One or PlayStation when you're buying, however.
The Astro A50 feels comfortable on the head, and brings rich and vibrant audio to your ears at any volume — bass, trebles and mids all come through clearly. The earpads are actually removable, so you can swap them out for a different pair if you're looking for a different feel. You get pretty darn good noise cancellation, too, and the A50 headset packs a real punch in terms of audio reproduction across the board.
From dialogue to music to sound effects, everything comes across crisply, and we'd have no reservations about adding this to our gaming setup. Astro is very much gaming headset royalty and this latest setup continues that lineage. Want to know more? Read our full Astro A50 Gen 3 review. If you want a no-frills gaming headset with audiophile stereo audio, then the Audio-Technica ATH-G1 is worth considering. The Audio-Technica ATH-G1 are rather unique in this best gaming headset buying guide as they offer a very much no-frills package aimed more at casual gamers and audiophiles.
This is a simple, stylish and comfortable pair of gaming headphones that deliver wide soundstage stereo audio. They sound great thanks to their strong 45mm drivers and, thanks to a removable mic and wired connection, can be easily used in other, non-gaming settings and applications. These headphones do cost a fair bit, though, and that's why any gamer should ask themselves what they really want from a gaming headset before pulling the trigger.
If you want sophisticatedly tuned, top-class stereo audio from one of the world's foremost audio firms but very little in terms of extra frills and features, then the Audio-Technica ATH-G1 are perfect. However, if you want more of a dedicated only-for-gaming headset, and one that delivers wireless functionality, surround sound and a software suite, then there are rival headsets that cost as much as the Audio-Technica ATH-G1 that deliver that.
If you want natural, high-quality sound from your gaming, the Audeze Penrose X has you covered. These wireless headphones provide some of the best sound we've heard, with a wide frequency response and lots of headroom. Though fans of over-the-top bass rumble may be disappointed. The Audeze Penrose X offers a choice of wireless, Bluetooth and wired connections. PlayStation and Mac users haven't been forgotten either — that's covered in the Audeze Penrose model without the X.
The best wireless gaming headset on the market today, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless, is an awesome piece of kit, delivering a best-in-class audio experience for PS5 and PS4 gamers. Yep, that's right — the Arctis Pro Wireless is Sony PlayStation 5 compatible, making it brilliantly future-proof as well as versatile. If you're a Sony gamer transitioning from PS4 to PS5, but intend to keep your old systems for some retro play, then this is a truly great option.
In terms of hardware and features, this headset not only features a dual-wireless audio system that allows for both 2. A very impressive feet range, well-built wireless transmitter, lightweight aluminum construction, and swappable dual-battery power system complete a superb all-round package. Simply put, T3. And, when we said you needn't look much further, we were absolutely right, with the panel of judges in the T3 Awards bestowing the highly-desirable Best Gaming Headset award on the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless.
The reason for this is not just the hardware package the headset delivers, which partners a future-industrial, understated and mature aesthetic with high-end build quality and top-rate audio reproduction, but the fact that it then allows audiophile-level customization through the Turtle Beach Control Studio Windows application.
The Turtle Beach Control Studio aesthetically looks a bit old-fashioned it reminded T3 of Hi-Fi software from the turn of the century , with sliders, buttons and toggles left, right and center, along with tabs, settings and more.
However, the control it grants over the Elite Atlas Aero is truly first-rate, with everything from treble, bass and dialogue levels, through mic variables, noise and volume, and onto high-level features like Superhuman Hearing and 3D Audio tweakable. Go into audio settings and the software even lets you start setting values in equalizer profiles, including Game, Chat and Microphone EQ. Rumbles, explosions, vocals, atmospheric effects like wind and leaves, or in-game effects from vehicle engines and more can be prioritized or downplayed as desired.
Throw in macro creation, game preset importing and exporting, and 3D audio personalization and it is a quite simply staggering control system at the user's disposal.
The Elite Atlas Aero can also be connected via a standard 3. However, it is the wireless PC functionality that you really ring these up for. A small detachable mic completes the package. In terms of the headset cups themselves, the Elite Atlas Aero delivers serious punch, and a chunky depth means that they feel dense and well made both in the hand and on the head. Adjustments for size come from cups sliding up and down the frame arms, while there is a padded, floating headband that sits underneath the metal frame top that makes wearing the headphones comfortable for sizeable gaming sessions.
There are plenty of quality PC gaming headsets on the market today the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless above delivers an incredible package that technically delivers even more in terms of audio features, though that costs twice this set , however, for the price, which is firmly mid-range, we feel these deliver everything a PC gamer could want in one package and at a very approachable price point.
The newest pair of SteelSeries headphones in our list are also the cheapest: this is the budget offering from SteelSeries, giving you the option of getting some top-quality craftsmanship at a lower price than the rest of the range. The Arctis 1 uses the same design, speaker drivers, cushions and noise-canceling microphone as the 3, 5, 7 and 9X models, so these headphones aren't cutting too many corners to reach that inexpensive price point. SteelSeries has changed the headband design and there's no wireless option here, but it's an excellent choice if you want to get a superior gaming headset experience without breaking the bank.
HyperX is one of T3's favorite gaming peripheral makers right now and, in the gaming headset market, it's been hitting nothing but home runs as of late with quality sets of headsets such as the HyperX Cloud Flight and the HyperX Cloud Revolver S both of which also feature in this best gaming headsets guide. Its latest effort, the HyperX Cloud Mix, is for our money the best overall gaming headset the company has ever made, combining top-rate audio reproduction with premium build quality and understated modern design.
The latter two of these qualities hit you as soon as you unpack the headset, with a rigid and cool-to-the-touch aluminum frame wrapped with a plush, soft-touch headband securely carrying memory foam-clad ear cups. Everything is finished in a delicious matte black coating, with the only notable detailing being HyperX's logo printed in silver. It's a fantastic overall look.
That premium headphone style is crucial, too, considering the big sell with the Cloud Mix — its Bluetooth functionality. This allows you to ditch the cabling and use the Mix as simply a very rich pair of regular headphones, which is ideal for portable gaming on the go, as well as listening to music and watching media, too.
Crisp and balanced Hi-Red Audio, a long-lasting hour battery life, detachable boom mic, lush braided cabling and an included carry bag complete a quality package that's hard to top. Learn more in our full HyperX Cloud Mix review. You can pick up the Turtle Beach Stealth Gen 2 for both Xbox and PlayStation, and both options will work with both current-gen and next-gen consoles.
The Xbox version was the one we had in for review, and we were very impressed with the quality of the build and the sound these headphones produced. The earpads combine memory foam and cooling gel rather well, for a fit that's going to be comfortable across extended gaming sessions, and with the padded, metal-reinforced headband, you don't need to worry about these headphones sliding off. Across a range of games, the audio was crisp, rich and detailed at all volume levels.
As an added bonus, the Stealth Gen 2 comes with Bluetooth connectivity as well as Xbox Wireless connectivity, so you can hook up laptops and phones as well — and music and movie performance are great too. Considering everything you're getting with this headset — including a flip-out mic — we'd say the Turtle Beach Stealth Gen 2 represents excellent value for money, and this is definitely worth shortlisting whether you buy your consoles from Microsoft or Sony.
Find out more in our full Turtle Beach Stealth Gen 3 review. HyperX's first attempt at a wireless gaming headset has produced a versatile and robust set of headphones for playing games or streaming on other platforms.
With 30 or so hours of battery life on a single charge, you won't have to worry about the Cloud Flight running out of juice, either, and its bass is something to be reckoned with, with a meaty punch that is right up there with the best sets on the market.
It comes with a pair of rather handy degree rotating ear cups, too, and even adds in some LED lighting effects for good measure. A very attractive and competitively priced gaming headset for PC and PS4 gamers.
The JBL Quantum One headset is up towards the more expensive end of the market, but you're actually still getting very decent value for money here — these headphones sound great, not just for gaming but also for watching movies and listening to music and everything else that you might want to do. The headset works best with Windows PCs, but you can connect it to pretty much anything via a 3. No matter where you plug it in you're going to get some impressive audio fidelity.
You also get a whole host of features with this pair of headphones, covering everything from surround sound to active noise canceling to RGB lighting that you can customize using the supplied Windows software. Absolutely one of the best gaming headsets around right now. The Logitech G Pro X Wireless is only for Windows computers, and only works wirelessly, but if you're okay with that then this is a fantastic offering — something we've come to expect from Logitech kit.
It's a little on the expensive side, but it's worth paying for if you want one of the best gaming headsets of the moment. It starts with the excellent design and build quality, with aluminum, steel, faux leather and memory foam all combining for a truly polished — but understated — end result. These are the kind of headphones that you want to leave on display when you're not using them, that's how good they are. Even more importantly, the audio is excellent too, whether that's movies or gaming or something you're trying to say through the microphone attachment.
You can remap the headset's on ear controls, activate immersive 3D audio, and tweak a ton of EQ settings to find the perfect balance for your favorite game. Factor in a long hour battery for PC and PS4 and an included 3. In terms of style and sound for the money, the HyperX Cloud Alpha is hard to beat. This is a headset that you can transport with you anywhere and connect to almost any system, without ever having to worry about it breaking.
There are cheaper headsets on the market, sure, but few that offer the same bang for your buck. Read our full HyperX Cloud Alpha review. The Turtle Beach Stealth Gen 2 is one of the best console headsets on the market, particularly if you want a wireless model. This peripheral boasts great sound, plush earcups and two kinds of wireless functionality.
Both versions can connect to mobile devices and PCs via Bluetooth. It's an extremely convenient feature, especially since very few gaming headsets offer Bluetooth functionality. The only real caveat here is that the Stealth Gen 2 has an extremely tight fit, so you'll have to either break it in, or get used to some pressure around your ears. Volume levels can also be a little inconsistent, so it's best to start with the volume turned down and slowly work your way up, when possible.
Read our full Turtle Beach Stealth Gen 2 review. The Astro A20 Gaming Headset Gen 2 let's just call it the Astro A20 for simplicity's sake is an ambitious and full-featured headset from one of the most trusted manufacturers on the market. This wireless peripheral offers excellent sound quality and a comfortable fit.
More than that, though, the Astro A20 can also connect wirelessly to both the PS5 and the Xbox Series X, which is a rare feat, even among the best gaming headsets. This peripheral isn't perfect, of course. It's hardly a pretty accessory, and switching among various devices — such as a PS5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch and mobile phone — is a tedious and often imprecise process.
Still, sound quality, comfort and connectivity and paramount in wireless gaming headsets, and the Astro A20 offers all three.
The Razer Barracuda X is a no-frills wireless gaming headset that's ideal for the Nintendo Switch and mobile platforms. Thanks to its small USB-C dongle, it can connect wirelessly o the Switch in handheld mode — a rarity among gaming headsets. Granted, the Barracuda X is fairly bare-bones otherwise. There's no customizable software, even if you use it on PC. Furthermore, if you want to use the headset with an Xbox console, you'll have to connect via a cumbersome 3.
Read our full Razer Barracuda X review. Choosing the best gaming headset comes down to a few different criteria. No matter what, the headset has to be comfortable and provide good gaming sound. In fact, I would argue that the former is more important than the latter. The next thing to think about is whether you want a wired or wireless model. Wireless models are almost always more expensive, but the convenience of living without wires may well be worth the cost, depending on whether you're playing from the couch or one of the best gaming chairs.
Generally speaking, wireless headsets that are compatible with PC and PS4 are not compatible with Xbox One, and vice versa, so a headset that also features 3. We also listen to music and watch movies with each headset in order to size up its usefulness for consuming multimedia. For wireless headsets, we keep a log of how long the peripheral lasts before the battery completely drains.
We use voice recordings to evaluate each headset's microphone, as well as listen back to any Twitch broadcasts we've conducted with them on. We generally wear each headset for at least two full days to assess comfort level. We almost always get a second opinion from someone else on staff, as what's comfortable to one gamer could be unbearable to the next.
Marshall Honorof is a senior editor for Tom's Guide, overseeing the site's coverage of gaming hardware and software. He comes from a science writing background, having studied paleomammalogy, biological anthropology, and the history of science and technology. After hours, you can find him practicing taekwondo or doing deep dives on classic sci-fi.
Included in this guide: 1. The best gaming headsets can turn a video game from a fun distraction into a fully immersive experience.
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