Key Points:
- Any edge can help you win or lose a game, especially when you go head-to-head with other gamers.
- Great and accurate audio can really improve the gaming experience.
- Before purchasing, consider your preferences and how important quality is to you.
Gamers are always hunting for the best gaming accessories, especially headsets. With many models and brands – spanning a range of price points – finding the best gaming headset is an uphill task. Each headset has unique features, so you must weigh your options to find one that will take your gaming experience to the next level.
So, after a week of sleuthing, we are happy to recommend the following gaming headsets and some tips to help you make an informed decision:
- Best Gaming Headset Overall: SteelSeries Arctis 7P/7X
- Best Wireless Gaming Headset: Astro A50
- Best Gaming Headset For PS5, PS4, And PC: Sony Inzone H9
- Best Gaming Headset With Bluetooth: Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT
- Best Budget Gaming Headset: HyperX Cloud Stinger
Best Gaming Headset Overall: SteelSeries Arctis 7P/7X
- Headphone Frequency Response 20–20000 Hz. Wireless Range 40 ft, 12 m.Headphones fit type:On-Ear.Microphone Frequency Response 100–6500 Hz. Neodymium Drivers-1.5 inch
- Designed for PlayStation with Tempest 3D Audio on PS5 and award-winning Arctis sound to hear every detail for the competitive advantage
- Multi-platform USB-C dongle with low latency 2.4Ghz wireless adds the flexibility to swap between systems quickly and seamlessly. (USB-A adapter included)
- Improved 30-hour battery outlasts even your longest gaming sessions plus 15 min quick charge for 3 hours usage.
- Upgraded support for the latest USB-C charging standard
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P/7X is made with a premium, high-quality build that ensures it will last for many years. This model has a premium design and feels solid in hand, so it doesn’t feel flimsy or cheap like some gaming headsets. The earcups are also large enough to allow for comfortable wearing for long periods without feeling too heavy or suffocating.
Your focus can remain unbroken on the game thanks to the lag- and interference-free wireless connection provided by the headset’s 2.4 GHz frequency range. Moreover, it’s compatible with any device, be it a PS5, a Nintendo Switch in handheld mode, an Android phone, or any other device, thanks to its USB-C dongle and USB-A adapter.
The Arctis 7P/7X looks good enough to double up as your everyday headphones, thanks to its sleek, understated design and two color options (black and white). Also, the device’s soft, lightweight earcups and elastic headband make it incredibly pleasant to wear for extended periods. If you add that it has a crystal-clear microphone, a long-lasting battery, and numerous personalization options, you have a real winner.
| Compatibility | PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, Android |
| Drivers | 40mm |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Wireless | Yes |
Check out the SteelSeries Arctis 7P/7X on Amazon.
Best Wireless Gaming Headset: Astro A50
- Compatible with Xbox One and PC
- Wireless 5GHz
- 20Hz - 20,000Hz frequency response
- Dolby 7.1 surround sound
- 15 hours of battery life
- Uni-directional, voice-isolating mic
The Astro A50 is a wireless gaming headset that makes your gaming experience more immersive and engaging. It’s got really good sound quality, so you’ll hear all the sounds of battle with crystal clear clarity. It also has many features to make your gaming experience fun and interesting.
Astro’s Command Center software isn’t quite up to par for such a high-end product, but it still offers a selection of EQ profiles and tweaks via its simple interface. Not that tweaking is necessary here; the sound you get by default is unique.
Its audio is authoritative but tight in the low end, making those low resonant frequencies felt without drowning out the subtler details higher up the frequency range. We believe it is the single best for sound articulation on the wireless market right now. Of course, it’s still a gaming headset, so the response isn’t completely flat. It’s flat enough to excel in music and games but “scooped” enough to make the bombast super exciting when you’re in the virtual trenches. One of the best gaming headsets money can buy, in our opinion.
You’ll get a commendable 15 hours out of one full charge, but reaching 100% takes more than three hours. Given that the headset must be placed in the charging station to charge, it is out of commission for the duration, which is long enough to make one wonder if the alternative USB cable charge method isn’t simpler and more practical after all. With this model, you can choose between 7.1 surround sound or stereo sound—both options deliver great audio quality! The mic offers noise cancellation technology so that your voice will come through even if you’re playing in an environment where there’s background noise like traffic or wind blowing around outside
| Compatibility | PC, PS4, Xbox One, Mac, Mobile |
| Drivers | 40mm Neodymium Magnet |
| Wireless | Yes |
Check out the Astro A50 on Amazon.
Best Gaming Headset For PS5, PS4, And PC: Sony Inzone H9
- Personalized 360 spatial sound
- Dual sensor noise canceling technology
- Soft headband cushion and synthetic leather ear pads
- Up to 32 hours of battery life on a single charge
Made by Sony, the Sony Inzone H9 is produces immersive sound using the PS5’s Tempest 3D audio technology. It’s compatible with PC, thanks to an Inzone desktop app that allows you to create and adjust sound profiles. PC users can enjoy 3D audio courtesy of the Inzone H9’s spatial sound technology.
Though it’s a bit pricey at $300, this headset is great for gaming on PC, PS5, iOS, or Android, and it can connect to PS5 and Discord simultaneously, so you can hear game sounds while chatting with friends. If you like the black-and-white aesthetic of the PS5, you’ll like the design of this headset.
The simple and minimalist desktop app on PC allows you to customize the sound profile of the Inzone H9. You can select from pre-configured settings in the Sound Profile tab, such as Bass Boost or Music/Video. You can also adjust the equalization sliders manually and save different profiles. Using the desktop app, you can enable or disable noise cancellation, change the volume, and customize the spatial sound.
| Compatibility | PS5, PC, Android, iOS |
| Drivers | 40 mm |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Wireless | Yes |
Check out the Sony Inzone H9 on Amazon.
Best Gaming Headset With Bluetooth: Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT
- Wireless range up to 60 ft.
- Battery life up to 15 hours
- Simultaneous dual-wireless connections deliver high-fidelity game audio with hyper-fast, ultra-long range
- SLIPSTREAM CORSAIR WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY with Bluetooth with Qualcomm aptX HD
- Experience uncompromising sound quality with a matched pair of precisely tuned 50mm high-density neodymium speaker drivers, delivering a frequency range of 20Hz-40,000Hz
- Long-lasting comfort to wear all day with premium memory foam earpads that conform to your head and a lightweight pillow-soft headband
- Make yourself heard with exceptional dynamic range and vocal clarity, thanks to a 9.5mm broadcast-grade, omnidirectional, high-bandwidth detachable microphone with excellent low-end response
If you’re looking for a durable gaming headset, then the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT is worth a look. This headset has been designed with durability and comfort, so it’s perfect for long gaming sessions or music listening. The Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT differs from most comparable gaming headsets in that it includes Bluetooth connectivity and USB wireless. This means it works with mobile devices as well as a variety of smart TVs and streaming players. It’s a fantastic feature that works exactly as it should.
The headset is wireless, so there are no cables to worry about. It can be plugged into a USB port or any other device that supports wireless connections. The left earcup houses a detachable, flexible microphone, a 3.5 mm port, and a USB-C charging port. A volume wheel, an on/off switch, a Bluetooth connectivity button, and separate Bluetooth volume buttons clog up the right earcup. These controls feel distinct and well-spaced, so the learning curve shouldn’t be too steep. The Virtuoso isn’t as light as other gaming headsets at 13.5 ounces, but the weight is evenly distributed, so it never felt too heavy.
The sound quality is awesome! It’s loud enough that you won’t have trouble hearing your teammates in-game (or even the person next door), but not so loud that people around you will listen to your conversation. The microphone offers great clarity too! You can chat with friends while playing games without worrying about how loud they might be talking over each other because their voices sound clear and distinct through this headset’s speakers.
| Compatibility | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch (handheld), mobile |
| Drivers | 50 mm |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz – 40 kHz |
| Wireless | Yes |
Check out the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT on Amazon.
Best Budget Gaming Headset: HyperX Cloud Stinger
- Over-ear headphones
- 50mm audio driver
- HyperX's unique memory foam ear cups is ideal for comfortable extended use
- Compatible with: Nintendo switch, Xbox One, PS4, PC, amongst others
For under $50, you can get the HyperX Cloud Stinger. This headest provides most comfortable gaming experience at an affordable price. It features noise-canceling ear cups and a super sensitive microphone to pick up on your every word.
The Cloud Stinger has a unique design that blends a bit of style with some awe-inspiring sound. It has a detachable microphone, so if you want to use it for voice calls, you can just take it out of the headset and use that instead. The ear cups are angled slightly forward, so they’re comfortable even after hours of use when wearing them around your neck. The ear cups are made from memory foam, which is also very comfortable.
The sound quality on this headset is excellent, considering its price point. Music sounds crisp and clear, while games sound immersive—you feel right in the middle of the action thanks to the wide range of frequencies available through this headset.
You can’t expect the moon and stars in a gaming headset for $50; you just want something capable and comfortable. In those areas, the Cloud Stinger excels. The gaming and music performance won’t blow you away, but they’re clear and loud enough for both single- and multiplayer titles. However, check out the competition, especially SteelSeries and Logitech, two quality brands with comparable prices. If you’re looking for something cheaper than those options, go with the HyperX Cloud Stinger!
| Compatibility | PS, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, mobile |
| Drivers | 50mm |
| Frequency response | 18 Hz – 23 kHz |
| Wireless | No |
Check out the HyperX Cloud Stinger on Amazon.
How To Pick The Best Gaming Headset: Step by Step
There are many things to consider when you’re looking to buy a new gaming headset. You want to ensure that it’s comfortable, has a good sound quality, and has an adjustable mic that picks up your voice in the loudest setting possible. Let’s look at some of the key considerations.
Sound quality
The sound quality is perhaps the most vital factor in choosing a headset, especially if you’re using it for long periods. Most gaming headsets are designed to produce clear, crisp vocals, although you may find that some models do not provide the best quality. The better your headset, the easier it will be for you to understand what is being said and communicate effectively with other players in your game.
Microphone Quality
Gaming headset mics frequently struggle in the bass range of the frequency spectrum, making people with particularly deep voices sound like they’re coming through a tin can. These mics also frequently don’t receive enough power through their respective connections, whether 3.5mm or USB, which means you may sound quiet.
If this is a headset you’d like to use on the go like a regular pair of headphones, consider one with a detachable microphone. If you’re a homebound gamer, this is less of an issue, but making sure the microphone is easily adjustable is still important—even adjusting things by an inch can make a big difference in call quality.
Comfort
You’ll want your headset to be comfortable enough that you don’t feel like you’re wearing them all day long. Some headsets may be uncomfortable after prolonged use due to their tight fit or lack of padding around the headband or ear cups. This can lead to soreness or discomfort after hours of use, so make sure that any gaming headset you buy has padding on the headband and ear cups for long-term comfort
Durability
Durability is another important consideration when searching for new gaming headsets. You don’t want something that will break easily or require frequent repairs, so you have to spend more money on replacing it over time.
Connection: Wired vs. Wireless
Wireless headphones are comfortable, plus they don’t get entangled with clothing items. On the flip side, they also come with their problems. Avid gamers recommend wired gaming headsets because of their zero latency, which is critical in gaming’s split-second decisions. Hearing your opponents’ approaching footsteps, for example, can help you set up an ambush for them. However, if your headset has low latency, you may be caught in the open instead.
Another disadvantage of old wireless standards’ low latency is the confusion it can cause. You’ll see yourself firing your weapon on the screen, but you’ll only hear the shot a split second later. This slight lag can make playing fast-paced games like FPS difficult.
Frequency Response
What range of frequencies does your ideal headset reproduce? The wider this range, the better. The frequency response of a gaming headset should be as wide as possible but not too broad. You’ll want to hear sounds from all around you, including bass and voice chat.
The human ear hears at a range of between 20 Hz and 20 kHz (20,000 Hz), so your headset needs to be able to reproduce all that range. For example, if you want to hear footsteps while playing your game, something with a good low-end response will do the trick.
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What to Know Before Buying Gaming Headsets
Before buying a new gaming headset, know what you’re looking for in a headset. Are you after sound quality? Is comfort more important to you? Think about the most important features before making a purchase.
Additionally, consider the cost. Prices for gaming headsets vary wildly. Generally speaking, expensive headsets provide superior audio fidelity and comfort. However, there are plenty of high-quality headphones at affordable prices.
Having the right gear can seriously affect your performance and enjoyment of playing games. Sound quality is the most important part of choosing a gaming headset. Noise cancellation, comfortable fit, and clear sound all work together to create the best possible experience for the gamer. Finally, when purchasing a gaming headset, always make sure that it has the correct input jack to plug into whatever type of game console or PC you’re using
Using The Best Gaming Headset: What it’s Like
Gaming headsets provide a deeper, richer sound and more immersion for gamers. While there are several brands and models, your best gaming headset will be specific to your needs. For example, if you play many shooter games, buying a premium model with surround sound might be better than getting one without. Some people prefer a wireless option, while others like wired models. But to get the most out of your gaming console and favorite games, buy the best gaming headset.
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The image featured at the top of this post is ©Daniel Krason/Shutterstock.com.
