Whether you're playing a solo campaign and want a premium sonic experience without disturbing those around you, or you just want to trash-talk other players online, a quality gaming headset improves your spatial awareness and makes the experience feel even more realistic. Given that the right pair of gaming headphones can make all the difference in online play, we tested the latest options to find out which ones are worth your hard-earned dollars.

How We Chose Our Picks

To separate the best from the rest, we spent 60 hours researching 75 different headsets. We compared their feature sets and read dozens of reviews from other publications and from owners themselves to narrow our list down to 35 total headsets to bring in for testing.

Our Testing Criteria:

  1. Comfort. How does the headset feel? Can you wear it for marathon gaming sessions? Does it feel too heavy? Are the materials it’s made of irritating or itchy? Are the ear cups large enough to cover your entire ear? Is the headset uncomfortable with glasses? Is it adjustable to accommodate both large and smaller-shaped heads?
  2. Sound Quality. Is sound rich and detailed to help you really get into the game? Is in-game dialogue clear? Are the drivers overpowering? Can you identify the direction of sounds? Does audio sound good for listening to music, too?
  3. Microphone Quality. Does the microphone successfully cancel out background noise? Is your voice clear and easily heard by other gamers?
  4. Build Quality and Design. How does the headset look? Does it feel cheap? Does it have a premium, sturdy build that can withstand drops? Is the headband durable? Is the cable long enough and braided to withstand wear over time?
  5. Connection. What type of connection does the headset have? Does it come with the proper adapters for connecting it to other devices? If it is wireless, does it stay connected without audio cutting in and out?
  6. Controls. What onboard controls does the headset have? Are they easily accessible and identifiable? Are there volume controls and microphone mute function?

    In addition to the above testing criteria, we also factored in price and included accessories, plus ease of use for the headsets and their included software.

    After gaming across five different consoles for 200 hours, listening to week's worth of music, and countless deaths to conquer Assassin's Creed Valhalla, here are the best editor-tested and -approved gaming headsets.

    Best Playstation Gaming Headsets

    The Wireless Pick

    SteelSeries Arctis 7P
    SteelSeries bestbuy.com
    $149.99

    Considering the fact that SteelSeries makes and sells around 30 different headsets that look the same and have similar names, it’s easy to get them all confused. For PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 owners, we recommend the Arctis 7P gaming headset for its stellar sound quality, premium but stylish design, its extremely comfortable fit, and impressive all-day battery life.

    What separates it from the wide realm of other gaming headsets is its unique ski-band-inspired suspension headband. The band is completely adjustable and stretches to fit any head shape, and it’s machine-washable. Plus, the headset is lightweight and conforms to your head without squeezing too much or ever feeling loose. Its ear cushions are breathable, soft, and don't get too hot — even during the longest of gaming sessions.

    Lastly, it's a lot cheaper than other wireless options, while still sounding extremely good, and delivering outstanding microphone quality.

    The Wired Pick

    Logitech G Pro X
    Logitech amazon.com
    $129.99
    $114.99 (12% off)

    The Logitech G Pro X is one of the most attractive gaming headsets we’ve tested. Not only does it look great, it feels extremely high-end since it’s made from aluminum and steel. The headset comes with a wide range of accessories, including a travel bag, USB DAC, and two sets of earpads. You have the choice of leatherette or cloth earpads, and both are filled with memory foam to offer a cozy fit. The headband is well padded, too, but this headset did feel a tad more snug than other options, so it may not be the best option for folks who wear glasses

    As for sound quality, the headset is well-balanced, and it has a surround-sound function, which made gaming feel much more immersive. It offers decent isolation and works well for listening to music, too. What makes the headstand stand out from its competitors is its outstanding microphone quality, which is crisp and clear. The headset uses Blue Voice processing for its mic, something only Logitech headsets offer.

    The Budget Pick

    ROCCAT Elo 7.1 Air Wireless
    ROCCAT amazon.com
    $99.99
    $79.99 (20% off)

    ROCCAT’s Elo headset provides gamers with everything they’d want in a sub-$100 headset. It has exceptional 7.1 surround sound, a premium build with a metal headband, soft leatherette memory foam ear cushions that don’t feel too tight with glasses, a decent microphone, and good audio performance.

    Best of all, the headset is wireless, so you don’t have to fuss with any pesky cables. The headset also is equipped with Bluetooth functionality for PC gaming. The Elo 7.1 Air has useful in-game and voice-chat volume controls, a nifty “superhuman hearing” setting that boosts in-game audio so you can hear even the subtlest of details. We were impressed with the headset’s microphone performance and rarely had to recharge it since it delivers an entire day of battery life. We found the TruSpeak tech useful, too. The setting lets you hear your own voice while you’re playing with friends — or foes.

    Best Xbox Gaming Headsets

    The Wireless Pick

    A note on availability: Due to increased demand, some of these products may fluctuate between in and out of stock. We will be frequently checking and refreshing the links to these products as they become available again.

    SteelSeries Arctis 7X
    SteelSeries walmart.com
    $149.00

    We’ve tested eight wireless Xbox headsets, and concluded that the SteelSeries Arctis 7X is the best for most Xbox gamers. The headphones have a strong build quality with a metal headband frame that’s sturdy, yet flexible. Its ski-goggle-inspired elastic band puts minimal pressure on your noggin and makes the headset comfortable for extended gameplay. Reviewers from PCGamer, RTings.com, and Tom’s Guide have remarked that the SteelSeries is one of the most comfortable gaming headsets money can buy.

    The worst thing about the headset is how increasingly difficult it is to find in stock. If you need a headset stat and it's out of stock, consider the Razer Kaira Pro instead, which we'll discuss later on in this guide. We also wish that the SteelSeries used USB-C instead of the outdated MicroUSB format for recharging.

    Regardless, you get lengthy 24-hour battery life, a nice retractable boom microphone, stellar special surround sound, and unmatched versatility. It’s ready to use with the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, or your laptop, smartphone, and tablet.

    The Wired Pick

    Razer BlackShark V2
    Razer amazon.com
    $99.99

    Finding a decent gaming headset under $100 is easier said than done. The Blackshark V2 is a premium headset without the premium price. It looks more like a helicopter headset than a gaming headset, it provides detailed sound quality for both games and music, its microphone does a fine job at cleanly picking up your voice, and it comes with a USB sound card that lets you enable a THX Spatial Audio surround system that really elevates your games.

    We think most users will find the headset to be comfortable. It isn’t bulky, its headband is wrapped in a nice mesh fabric and it’s plenty cushiony. Its soft earpads are made from memory foam and are covered in leatherette and mesh fabric, as well. They provide a great seal but you won’t get too hot wearing the headset, either. Given the headset’s $100-price point, it’s definitely a winner in our book!

    The Budget Pick

    LucidSound LS15X
    LucidSound amazon.com
    $84.32

    Although you can find more affordable headsets than the $100 LucidSound LS15X, they just aren’t worth it. Few are wireless, most are made from cheap plastic, and they’re uncomfortable. Although this headset form LucidSound runs about $20 more than other budget headsets, it’s worth spending the extra money on.

    The LucidSound LS15X is officially licensed by Xbox, so it delivers reliable wireless performance. It has a decent 15-hour battery, and a comfortable, but handsome-looking design. The headset is lightweight, it doesn’t squeeze your head too terribly, and it sounds great. We appreciate its removable microphone, its intuitive controls for adjusting game/chat balance, and like that the mic glows red when it’s muted. Our only complaint is that we wish it used the USB-C standard for recharging.

    Best Nintendo Switch Gaming Headsets

    The Wireless Pick

    SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless
    SteelSeries amazon.com
    $99.99
    $79.99 (20% off)

    The Arctis 1 Wireless headset, which is also Wired magazine's favorite option for the Switch, is quite similar to the Arctis 7P/7X we previously mentioned. But, this one completely ditches the ski-goggle-inspired headband. It has a solid aluminum headband with a faux-leather padding underside, like most other mid-range headsets.

    The Arctis 1 Wireless is lighter, just as comfortable, and is relatively portable. Plus, it’s nice-looking and quite affordable. Better yet, it's one of the few wireless solutions for the Switch that won’t have any noticeable audio lag. In terms of overall sound quality — both for music and gaming — the headphones held up. Our biggest complaint about the headset is that no carrying case or pouch is included with it. Because its USB-C receiver is so small (it’s just over an inch long), it’s extremely easy to lose.

    The Wired Pick

    SteelSeries Arctis 3 Bluetooth
    SteelSeries amazon.com
    $104.95

    If you’re confused about whether or not you should buy the Arctis 1 Wireless or Arctis 3 Bluetooth for your Nintendo Switch, we’re here to help explain the differences between the two. Besides having different headbands (this one uses the ski-goggles-inspired band rather than an aluminum one), the main difference is how the headset will connect to your console.

    This headset features Bluetooth, which the Switch does not have — meaning the only way you can play back your Nintendo Switch’s audio is with the included 3.5-millimeter audio cable. The Bluetooth functionality will come in handy if you plan to use the headset with a tablet, smartphone, or laptop, however. If you’d prefer a headset that pairs to your Switch wirelessly, you should opt for the Arctis 1 Wireless instead. Both headsets deliver similar audio and microphone quality, and they’re lightweight, expensive-looking, and incredibly comfortable.

    The Budget Pick

    Corsair HS60 Pro
    Corsair amazon.com
    $69.99
    $47.99 (31% off)

    Budget gaming headsets feature mostly plastic bodies and mediocre sound quality, but not the Corsair HS60 Pro. It’s a budget-friendly pick with a metal construction that both looks and feels more premium than the similarly priced HyperX Cloud Stinger headset.

    As you’d expect for a budget offering, this headset doesn’t offer wireless support, but it still delivers decent audio that’s well-balanced and will make your games much more immersive. The HS60 Pro is a capable headset that looks and feels like it should cost more than it does. Its well-rounded audio, sharp looks, and premium construction make it stand out from competing budget headsets. Its biggest downside is that its cable isn’t removable.

    Best PC Gaming Headsets

    The Wireless Pick

    HyperX Cloud II Wireless
    HyperX bestbuy.com
    $149.99

    We’ve always been a fan of HyperX gaming headsets for their reasonable price-points, comfortable fit, better-than-average microphone performance, and their solid sound quality. The HyperX Cloud II Wireless is our favorite HyperX gaming headset yet. It comes with a 2.4GHz wireless receiver that’ll wirelessly connect it to your PC, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch.

    We love that it charges over USB-C, which many SteelSeries and Razer headsets still don’t do. It offers users 30 hours of battery life, which is 6 hours longer than its competitors. It delivers outstanding audio quality that’s balanced and detailed. Since it’s so comfortable, you’ll forget you’re even wearing it. The only feature that could make the headset better would be the inclusion of a dial for mixing chat and game audio.

    The Wired Pick

    HyperX Cloud Alpha S
    HyperX amazon.com
    $129.99
    $104.76 (19% off)

    The Cloud Alpha S and the even cheaper Cloud Alpha are the most comfortable headsets we’ve worn. Just as the name suggests, it truly is cloud-like. The Cloud Alpha S offers buyers more color options to pick from (the Cloud Alpha only comes in red), and it supports 7.1 virtual surround sound since it includes an audio control mixer. The mixer also makes it easier to adjust the game audio and chat balance. If you want the most detailed sound quality opt for the Cloud Alpha S, if you’d rather save some cash, we think you'll be happy with the Cloud Alpha, too!

    Given its extreme comfort, we liked wearing the headset for addictive games like Fortnite, because you practically forget you have it on. When testing other headsets, we felt the need to take them off and let our ears breathe normally around the half-hour mark. This one allowed us to have much longer game sessions. So, if you prioritize comfort over sound quality, RGB lighting, and other features, the Cloud Alpha S is a no-brainer.

    The Budget Pick

    Logitech G432
    Logitech G amazon.com
    $79.99
    $39.99 (50% off)

    For gamers in search of an excellent headset that won't break the bank, we recommend the Logitech G432. It offers a comfortable, casual design, good-enough build quality, and decent audio reproduction. The headset is mostly black in color with a few light blue undertones. Despite going on sale for as little as $50, the headset has large 50-millimeter audio drivers, surround sound support, an adjustable metal headband, and leather-like earcups. It’s worth mentioning that over extended periods of time, the headset gets warm to wear.

    Compared to more expensive headsets, this one has a nonremovable boom microphone and audio cable. While the headset offers a mostly balanced sound, its bass response leaves more to be desired. On the plus side, its microphone does a fine job at capturing your voice. All in all, given its affordable price, the Logitech G432 is definitely worth considering.

    Best Bluetooth Gaming Headsets

    For Audiophiles

    Audeze Penrose
    Audeze amazon.com
    $299.00

    The Audeze Penrose ticks all the boxes for what you would want in a high-end gaming headset. The Penrose comes in two variants: one for the PlayStation, and another for the Xbox. Both variants work with the PC and Nintendo Switch. The headset delivers a rich, jaw-dropping sound, supports Bluetooth and wired connections via a 3.5-millimeter cable, and charges over USB-C. The Penrose headset offers better noise isolation than the competition making it good for folks who really want an immersive headset that effectively blocks out background noise.

    The headset feels premium, which is to be expected given its steep price point. Weighing in at nearly 12 ounces, the headset does feel heavier than other headsets. It’s not uncomfortable, but it feels more cumbersome to wear over extended periods of time. The headset lacks the motion-sensing functionality Audeze is known for, but it still offers immersive surround via its 100-millimeter planar magnetic drivers. You’ll be blown away by how detailed and robust your video games’ audio is. If you're curious about the motion-sensing functionality you'd be missing out on, check out our review of the HyperX Cloud Orbit S, below.

    For Xbox and PC

    Razer Kaira Pro
    Razer amazon.com
    $149.99
    $119.99 (20% off)

    The Razer Kaira Pro is an outstanding gaming headset that’s designed for the Xbox Series X / S and Xbox One. The only reason we named the SteelSeries 7X our best wireless Xbox headset is primarily because this one has a shorter 20-hour battery. The Razer has a leg up on the SteelSeries when it comes to connectivity options and microphone quality, however. It also recharges over USB-C whereas the SteelSeries uses the outdated MicroUSB format for recharging.

    Opt for the Kaira Pro if you’re willing to sacrifice battery life in the name of having Bluetooth connectivity and don’t mind that it won’t work with Razer’s Synapse software on the PC. In case you’re unfamiliar, the software is used for creating equalization presets, and fine-tuning settings. If you’re looking for a versatile headset with Bluetooth with customizable RGB lighting, the Kaira won’t disappoint.

    The Multiplatform Pick

    Bose QuietComfort 35 II Gaming Headset​
    Bose amazon.com
    $329.00

    For buyers in search of a gaming headset that you can also use as a pair of noise-canceling headphones, look no further than the Bose QC 35 II. The cans are nearly identical to the OG QC 35 II headphones that we loved when they were released back in 2018. Now they include a detachable wired boom microphone and a desktop dial that connects over USB that lets you adjust volume and mic monitoring for when y0u're gaming.

    Few headsets offer active noise cancellation, which more effectively blocks out background noise. This one does. It has Bluetooth and it supports smart assistants like Alexa and the Google Assistant for controlling music playback and getting information on-the-go. You can expect 20 hours of battery life when using it wirelessly and double that when you’re using the 3.5-millimeter cable. The headset’s cable connects to the new DualSense PlayStation 5 controller, Microsoft’s latest Xbox Series X / S controller, and the Nintendo Switch.

    Overall, Bose’s first foray into the world of gaming headsets is a win in our book. The QC 35 II is a versatile wired headset that sounds great, looks and feels premium, and is highly portable.