Key Points
- Our top pick for the #1 Best Overall Gaming Headphones on earth today is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless.
- The other gaming headphones on this list tick all the requirements gamers need thanks to their enhanced sound imaging, game-specific features, and design.
- The best gaming headphones give gamers excellent and crisp sound, quality features, and comfort for extended gaming sessions.
- When investing in gaming headphones, consider the sound quality, design, microphone, connectivity, noise isolation, and compatibility with your devices.
The best gaming headphones provide a crisp sound and a comfortable fit for an immersive gaming experience. They come with noise isolation so you can get ahead of your opponents. Besides the design and aesthetics, these gadgets pack all the game-specific features you need to enhance your gaming experience. Modern headphones feature noise cancellation features and superior microphones to help you grasp every game detail and communicate clearly to your teammates.
Moreover, these devices provide surround sound with up to a 360-degree soundscape so that you can hear sounds from the exact direction they come from in the game. This gives you a real competitive advantage when playing competitive shooter games. Top gaming accessories brands like SteelSeries, Bose, Corsair, Razer, HyperX, Logitech, and Alienware have high-quality gaming headphones that provide an immersive audio experience for modern games. With the market flooded by dozens of quality headphones, picking one over the other can be challenging. That’s why we have provided a comprehensive review of the best gaming headphones in the market today to help you make an informed choice. Take a look at these top-rated products:
- Best Overall: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Multi-System Gaming Headset
- Best on a Budget: Corsair HS55 Stereo Gaming Headset
- Best Wireless: HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
- Best Noise-Canceling: Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
- Best Surround Sound: Logitech G635 Gaming Headset
#1 Best Overall Gaming Headphones: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Multi-System Gaming Headset
- Customizable sound experience
- Comes with Active Noise Cancellation
- Features an Infinity power system
- 2 USB ports to connect your PC, Mac, PlayStation, or Switch
Steelseries is a renowned company in the gaming industry because of its quality gaming accessories. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Multi-System Gaming Headset reigns supreme in the best gaming headphone category because of its robust build, high-end performance, and all-around excellence. With these headphones, you will enjoy incredible details and sounds in every game you play. Gunshots in Apex Legends will be booming and clear so you can know the enermy’s locations. Enabling the Spatial Audio feature takes you to a hub where you can immerse in a whole new level of gaming experience.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro wireless has a premium look and incredible audio quality that fully immerses you in your game. Controlling the volume is easy as the controls are at your fingertips. This headphone outdoes itself when it comes to battery and charging capabilities. On the right earcup is a swappable pack of batteries that you can remove and charge. With an extra pair fully charged, you will never run out of charge.
The SteelSeries maintains a lightweight design along with the battery boost without sacrificing comfort. Its earcups are soft and breathable, providing the utmost comfort for long gaming sessions. Audio quality is on another level here. This headphone maintains an excellent balance of bass in higher and lower sound ranges resulting in clear and high sound definition. Although some users find its price exorbitant, it’s worth every buck for those looking to invest in a top-tier headset for PCs and PS5 gaming setups.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp and detailed soundscape | Costs more than other options in this list |
| Excellent battery solutions | It does not have a wireless option |
| Connect and switch audio between PC and PS |
Check out the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Multi-System Gaming Headset on Amazon.
Best on a Budget: Corsair HS55 Stereo Gaming Headset
- Outstanding sound quality
- Supports clear communication
- Lightweight and portable
- Omni-directional microphone
- Leatherette memory foam ear pads
- Works with PC, Mac, PS5/PS4, Xbox X | S, Mobile
Despite being a low-cost model, Corsair HS55 Stereo Gaming Headset has fantastic features and provides an immersive gaming experience. This model punches above its weight with its audio offering. The Corsair HS55 packs tons of features, including a flip-to-mute mic that you can flip up when not in use. This is a big improvement over its predecessor HS50 which had a removable. The microphone is one of the HS55s biggest advantages. It is clear, and sounds great even in low ranges, something you won’t get with many budget headphones. You won’t struggle to be heard or hear what your teammates are saying, and that’s what every player wants. This headset is a testament to Corsair’s style and elegance.
Its lightweight form factor and soft leather padded earcups give you unmatched comfort during long gaming sessions. Connection is easy with the 3.5mm jacl, and you can connect with the USB adapter. Like the HS50, this headphone is powered by 50mm drivers with a frequency response range of 20–20,000Hz. Its bass response is also decent for its price point. Despite stiff competition by Razer’s Kraken and BlackShark V2 X, the Corsair HS55 edges them all with its quality features and superior mic quality.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent microphone quality | Sound quality is not as good as premium models. |
| The flip-up microphone is comfortable to use | The flip mic can, at times, be fiddly |
| Lightweight and elegant design |
Take a look at the Corsair HS55 Stereo Gaming Headset on Amazon today.
Best Wireless: HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
- A single charge lasts up to 300 hours
- Feature a groundbreaking dual-chamber driver system
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Made with a durable aluminum frame
If you want to cut the cord, you will want to consider the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless. This high-end gaming headset is the king of wireless headphones and features an outstanding battery wit up to 300 hours of battery life in wireless mode. It does all this while maintaining a lightweight form and comfort. Wearing these headphones in an extended gaming session will not weigh you down.
Besides its impressive battery life, HyperX Clould Alpha offers an incredible sound quality with a good balance of bass and treble in high and low ranges. You can also use these headphones to listen to music at high clarity and crisp audio delivery. Add directional sound, and your gaming experience is never the same. You can pick location details of certain sounds in-game without much struggle.
HyperX prioritizes comfort in their headsets, and the Cloud Alpha is no option. It features plush and soft padding and an adjustable headband for a comfortable fit. The earcups are large enough and soft, providing a cozy experience and also blocking out noise. So, you can focus on a game without external disruptions.
Sadly, the mic is substandard for such a headset. While it will work just fine for a chat in games, it’s basic and its sound quality, uninspiring. That notwithstanding, these headphones deliver their promise of high performance and all the gaming features you expect in games, without the restrictions of a cord!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent battery life | Too basic for such a quality gaming headset. |
| Lightweight and comfortable design | Sound level not high enough |
| Superb audio qualityy for gaming and music |
Take a look at the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless on Amazon today.
Best Noise Cancelling: Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
- Impressive noise cancellation
- Alexa-enabled
- Noise-rejecting dual-microphone system
- Balanced audio performance at any volume
- Hassle-free Bluetooth pairing
Noise-canceling is synonymous with Bose. Although the brand may not be popular for other gaming peripherals, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones are the best noise-canceling headphones that you can get. Its triple-level noise-cancellation system removes unwanted background noises for a more immersive gaming experience. You can connect mobile devices, laptops, consoles, and PC via Bluetooth and play your favorite games from any of those devices.
The detachable boom microphone is incredible, blocking ambient noise so you can enjoy an interference-free in-game chat. The mic also features an in-line mute switch which aids in communication. With the included PC desktop controller, you can adjust the mic volume as you play. As for build quality, QuietComfort 35 II has a sturdy and lightweight design. You can wear it through long gaming sessions without feeling weighed down. With a 20-hour battery life, you can enjoy uninterrupted gaming sessions all day.
Of course, these headphones are not cheap, but they are worth every penny if noise cancellation is your priority.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Features Bose proprietary best-in-class noise canceling technology. | Cannot wirelessly connect with PS5 and Xbox |
| Comfortable fit for extended use | Pricey |
| Intuitive volume control settings |
Check out the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones on Amazon.
Best Surround Sound: Logitech G635 Gaming Headset
- Works with Mac, PCs
- Customizable EQ settings
- 6 mil mic with good voice clarity
- Woven hybrid mesh reduces noise distortion
- Programmable G-keys on the headset
- X 2. 0 surround sound for maximum immersion
The Logitech G635 Gaming Headset is the ultimate beast for surround sound reproduction. It features advanced sound technology that allows you to hear epic soundtracks and enemy footsteps in your favorite games. Thanks to its crisp and clear sounds, you will hear everything around you in-depth and detail.
50mm audio drivers power this headphone delivering wide frequency response, while the DTS Headphone:X 2.0 create an incredible surround soundscape for immersive gaming. The low-range sounds are rich and cinematic, while the high-range sounds, like gunshots and footsteps, are clean and highly defined.
That’s not all. Logitech uses a 6 mm flap to mute the boom mic with quality sound so you can communicate clearly with your teammates. You can flip it up when not in use, making it nearly invisible. An LED indicator will alert you when the mic is muted.
Logitech doesn’t compromise on comfort. The headband is adjustable and has sports mesh padding for ultimate comfort. The ear cups are also fitted with soft padding and are large enough to cover your ears without exerting pressure on soft tissues.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| DTS Headphones: X 2.0 compatibility means you will enjoy an immersive surround soundscape | Some people find the visible microphone annoying |
| Superb microphone | Their tight fit can be uncomfortable |
| Lots of customization options and controls |
Take a look at the Logitech G635 Gaming Headset on Amazon today.
How to Pick the Best Gaming Headphone: Step-by-Step
As an avid gamer, you’ll want to invest in quality gaming headphones. Although various factors contribute to the overall experience, good headphones are essential piece of the puzzle. Before settling on a specific model, consider the following factors:
- Design and Comfort
- Sound Quality
- Budget
- Microphone Quality
- Noise cancellation
- Compatibility
Let’s examine each in detail.
Design and Comfort
Unlike other gaming accessories, headphones are worn for long hours. So, you cannot compromise comfort. Headphones come in different designs, sizes, and shapes. The headband material also differs across brands. For maximum comfort, look for headphones with soft padding on the headband and earcups. The headband and earcups should also be adjustable for a comfortable fit. Ensure the cups fit well on your ear without causing pressure on the ear’s soft tissues.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is a key consideration for any serious gamer. You want your headphone to reproduce clear and crisp sound on all frequency ranges. Clear sound will help you enjoy a cinematic experience and hear all the sound in your surrounding. Headphones that support DTS:X 2 provide an immersive surround sound so you can hear even the slightest movements and whispers. Directional sound also helps locate where sound is coming from.
Budget
Gaming headphones come in different price ranges. While high-end models have impressive gaming features and performance, budget options like Corsair HS55 offer decent performance. Ensure the headphone you choose has all the essential features and does not compromise performance.
Microphone Quality
Microphone quality is key because it determines how clear your communication is with your teammates for coordinated real-time decision-making. You need a microphone that can pick up your voice in a noisy environment and project it audibly to your teammates. Although most microphones pick background noise, pick a model that reduces the noise to a greater level.
Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation is crucial, when gaming in a noisy environment. Active noise cancellation allows you to immerse in the game without outside interference. If you are gaming on the go, you should barely hear traffic noise and cars hooting. Look for headphones with the best noise-canceling technology, like the Bose QuietComfort 35 II, which filters out a good percentage of background noise and gives you a better audio experience.
Compatibility
There is no point in buying a gaming headset that cannot work with your existing devices. Some headphones are designed for PC gaming and may not work best for consoles or mobile devices. If you have multiple devices, go for headphones that are compatible with nearly all devices.
What to Know Before Buying the Best Gaming Headphones
Gaming headphones are crucial peripherals for serious gamers. In fact, the type of headphones you choose can impact your overall gaming experience. When selecting the best gaming headphone, ensure it is sturdy to withstand the wear of everyday use. You should also consider whether you want wired or wireless headphones. Most gamers prefer wired headphones because they retain the sound quality, unlike wired headphones, where the latency may reduce since the sound is not transmitted directly.
Nonetheless, modern wireless headphones have advanced their sound quality offering significantly. If you travel often, wireless headphones may be ideal because of their portability and absence of cords. Brand reputation matters too. Top brands like Hyperx, Razer, Bose, and Steelseries are popular for their quality offerings, so buying their models will guarantee durability and quality performance.
Using the Best Gaming Headphone: What It’s Like
The best gaming headphone will provide an immersive gaming experience for all your favorite games. Because they’re compatibile with multiple devices, you can pair them with mobile devices, laptops, and gaming consoles. Their sound quality is top-notch. The lows are rich and detailed, while the highs are clear and cinematic. Although the experience varies depending on the headphone, the ones in this list will surely deliver a pleasant gaming experience.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Anton27/Shutterstock.com.
