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Truly multiplatform, the A50 X sets itself apart. On pure sound quality, it competes with the Audeze Maxwell and Steelseries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless.
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While the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro and Sony Inzone H9 go beyond gaming with noise cancelation, the Audeze Maxwell aims for Hi-Fi and nails it.
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The best gaming headset should be more than a set of top-notch headphones with a microphone tacked on the side. You need crisp, clear voice transference, a snug and cozy fit for long gaming sessions, and sound that places everything perfectly in space.
After countless hours testing dozens of gaming headsets, we're confident the SteelSeries Arctis Pro
(available at Amazon)
is the best you can get right now. It offers a great mix of features, incredible long-term comfort, and excellent sound placement. But you don't have to drop a bundle of cash to get a solid gaming headset. Whatever your budget, these picks will elevate your gaming experience.
Credit:
SteelSeries
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro headset is our recommendation for anyone looking for a solid gaming headset.
Best Gaming Headset
SteelSeries Arctis Pro
Connection type: USB, 3.5mm jack
Noise canceling: Microphone only
Supported systems: PC, Mac, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
One of the most comfortable gaming headsets on the market, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro features a flexible suspension band that allows for customized size, paired with super-soft ear cups that enable you to game for hours—even while wearing glasses. Comfort alone isn't enough reason to buy a wired gaming headset that keeps you tethered to your station. However, the Arctis Pro is often on sale, and it offers plenty of reasons to consider it.
Both music and games sound fantastic using the Arctis Pro. We played both quiet indie games and loud, booming matches of Overwatch 2 with this headset and were pleased with both. The headset balances soft music with in-game sound effects, like the crunching of grass beneath your character's feet, with excellent subtlety.
In first-person shooters, we were able to clearly distinguish allies' voices from in-game noise, which can sometimes be a struggle. That's largely thanks to the mixer that comes with the SteelSeries, which makes for a perfectly customizable balance between game and chat.
Customization includes an equalizer that allows you to adjust frequencies without requiring any additional software. Just note that although this one will work with Xbox consoles if you connect the 3.5mm headphone jack through a controller, you may not get the full functionality—for that, you'll need to check out the Turtle Beach Recon 500 (our Best for Xbox pick), or the upgraded pick SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro.
Supported systems: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, mobile
While gaming headsets can feel like a dime a dozen, Logitech’s Astro A50 X embraces innovation in addition to excellent sound. While maintaining the classic look and exceptional comfort the Astro series is known for, this headset introduces PLAYSYNC, a new feature that allows you to switch platforms with a single button press on the side of the ear cup.
The hallmark feature works by adding an HDMI hub to the back of the headset’s base station. Capable of passing through 4 K 120Hz video, this new switcher syncs directly with the headset’s PLAYSYNC button, swapping video sources on the TV and the sound coming into the headset. A third platform can also be connected for audio switching, but you’ll need to pick up your remote for that one.
This new capability is especially useful for streaming, but if you play on more than one console or want to swap to a PC quickly, you’ll find a lot to love here.
Of course, a gaming headset wouldn’t be much without great sound, and the A50 X delivers. The acoustics are rich and cinematic without overplaying the bass. There’s plenty of detail to help you pick out opponents by sound, and it’s not sharp or fatiguing in the highs. The mic is also one of the very best we’ve heard on a wireless gaming headset, so you won’t need to worry about investing in an expensive desktop microphone.
The biggest downside to this headset is its high price, but considering all that you’re getting and its wholly unique PLAYSYNC feature, we think it's worth it for quality-conscious gamers who play on multiple platforms.
Connection type: Low-latency 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.2
Noise canceling: A.I. noise reduction in microphone
Supported systems: PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and 4
Turtle Beach has been making great gaming headsets at solid prices for some time now, and if you’re looking for an excellent headset at around $100, the third-generation Stealth 600 headset is easily the way to go.
The headset offers stellar battery life, boasting 80 hours, which exceeds that of most of its competitors. It also provides a range of helpful features, such as a microphone that can be muted by simply flipping it up, as well as a large number of buttons and controls on the ear cups. There's even customizability through an associated smartphone app, which lets you adjust the audio EQ.
The headset is available in Xbox, PlayStation, and PC variants and comes in three different colors, including a cool-looking purple. It can connect to devices via 2.4GHz for low-latency gaming. Still, you can also connect it to a mobile device through Bluetooth, allowing you to use it while playing mobile games or even outside of gaming altogether. The headset features a “QuickSwitch” button that will enable you to easily switch between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity modes, which is particularly handy. Unfortunately, there’s no wired connectivity.
The headset also offers a very comfortable fit, thanks to plush padding in the earcups and under the headband, and it sounds quite good. It delivers relatively deep bass and good clarity in the high end.
While the more expensive options on this list sound better, the Stealth 600 (Gen 3) is among the best-sounding wireless headsets in its price range._
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is an overall excellent gaming headset that's comfortable to wear for hours on end.
Best Gaming Headset for Xbox
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Connection type: USB, Bluetooth
Noise canceling: Microphone and headset
Supported systems: PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, Mobile; PlayStation 4 and 5 and Xbox One and Series S|X versions exist
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro isn’t just an incredible gaming headset; it’s an amazing headset for anything you play. SteelSeries developed new custom drivers that deliver detailed and engaging sound, fully immersing you in the sonic environment. Whether it's NPC dialogue, the crunch of enemies lurking in surrounding foliage, or an epic soundtrack, the sound is spacious and clear. That clarity extends to the microphone, which is fully retractable into the left earcup, allowing for easily understood conversations between teammates.
Like other SteelSeries headsets, the Arctis Nova Pro is very comfortable for extended gaming sessions. The thick leatherette pads feel luxurious and soft against the head, and the clamping force is just enough to keep the headset secure without causing headaches. An adjustable headband allows it to fit heads of all sizes.
The Arctis Nova Pro is loaded with features as well. The two included batteries are hot-swappable, so when one runs low, you won’t miss out on any of the action (the second charges while you play in the headset’s base station). When connected to a PC, the Sonar app offers a wide range of adjustments, including noise cancellation for both incoming and outgoing signals, a 10-band equalizer, sound profiles tailored to 20 specific games, and a mixer for adjusting game and chat volumes.
Both PlayStation and Xbox wireless versions are available. And if you don’t mind being tethered to your controller or PC, there’s a wired one, too.
The Audeze Maxwell are a bit hefty but provide unparalleled audio quality.
Best Gaming Headset for PlayStation
Audeze Maxwell (PlayStation)
Connection type: 2.4 GHz via USB-C dongle, Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm, USB-C
Noise canceling: Microphone only
Supported systems: PC, Mac, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android (AudezeHQ App only on PC, Mac, iOS, and Android)
The Audeze Maxwell is a special breed of gaming headset. They’re audiophile headphones with a detachable boom microphone added, and it’s a formula that works shockingly well. The Maxwell headset boasts a low-latency 2.4GHz wireless connection that works with a broad range of gaming platforms—something that significantly enhances its value.
It also supports high-quality Bluetooth connections with LDAC, LC3, Bluetooth LE, and AAC. That’s topped off with wired connectivity over both 3.5mm AUX cables and USB.
All the audio is produced by powerful, precise 90mm planar magnetic drivers. Every part of even the busiest music comes through quite clearly, and that clarity carries over into gaming as well. The adjustable boom mic ensures clear communication. Meanwhile, built-in pinole microphones let you keep chatting when you’re on the move and don’t want a clunky boom mic in the way, so the Audeze Maxwell can pull double duty as a normal (if heavy) set of headphones.
This headset may not quite have all of the features of the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless or active noise cancelation, but that’s made up for with a more impressive audio experience that will likely be well worth it for gamers who care about maximum fidelity. It even hits 80 hours of battery life.
Connection type: LIGHTSPEED 2.4 GHz via USB-A dongle, Bluetooth 5, 3.5mm
Noise canceling: None
Supported systems: PC, Mac, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and 4, Nintendo Switch
Even though they shamelessly catered to their fans from a galaxy far, far away with a $230 _Mandalorian-themed version, the Logitech Astro A30 is so much more than a well-timed marketing ploy. This comfortable gaming headset delivers good all-around sound, setting the stage for great audio across various types of gameplay. They do come with an app that can be quite buggy at times, but overall, the A30s are the gaming headphones you’re looking for.
The Astro A30 is, first and foremost, built for gaming. To Logitech’s credit, they don’t miss an opportunity to remind you of exactly that. The headphones are compatible with PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and more, and also feature LIGHTSPEED wireless 2.4 GHz connection, Bluetooth, and 3.5mm connectivity.
They’ve got the audio chops to back up the features, too, thanks to 40mm drivers that produce clear, realistic audio. Games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II or NHL 2k23 showcase the headphones’ impressive spatial performance. Additionally, they perform well for casual music listening, and since you can remove the boom mic, you can wear them out and about if you choose.
These Logitech cans are also exceptionally comfortable, allowing you to wear them for hours on end without succumbing to ear fatigue. That’s particularly good news since they are rated for 27 hours of battery life on a single charge. We don’t necessarily recommend listening for that long, but your ears will stay comfortable throughout the experience.
The A30 app did crash on occasion while using the headphones, but it was a small price to pay for a great set of gaming headphones with enough features to make the Kessel run in 12 parsecs.
Connection type: Bluetooth, 2.4Ghz over USB dongle, 3.5mm jack
Noise canceling: Microphone only
Supported systems: PC, Xbox One and Series X|S, Mobile
The SteelSeries Arctis 9X is one of the best wireless Xbox headsets we've tried. It's easy to use, thanks to the built-in Xbox wireless adapter, which allows for seamless connection to your Xbox, just like a controller.
It also features Bluetooth integration, allowing you to simultaneously connect it to your phone and Xbox using the wireless Xbox adapter. You can listen to music or take a call while doing mundane tasks in an expansive, open-world game like Red Dead Redemption 2.
It also works wirelessly on a PC. SteelSeries suggests using a USB Xbox wireless adapter for that, but we didn’t have any problems with Bluetooth. The microphone quality may have decreased, but beyond that, it was fine.
On Xbox, any difference in sound quality between the wireless and wired was negligible. Bass, in particular, stood out: in really intense matches, rich booms rang clear over most other sounds.
The band for the Arctis 9X is only slightly different than the Arctis Pro, and that's in color only. For the Xbox-optimized 9X, the headset takes on the console's signature green details on the band. It's understated, though, and not garish.
We're also impressed by the comfort. It features a flexible suspension band, similar to the Arctis Pro, and feels light on the head. It doesn't squeeze your glasses to your face but still feels secure, like it won't shake loose.
Pros
Overwhelmingly comfortable
Simultaneous compatibility with Xbox and Bluetooth
Supported systems: PC, Mac, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and 4, Nintendo Switch
HyperX focused its efforts on (almost) all the important areas for the Cloud III: sound quality, microphone performance, and comfort. The result is a product that falls on the bulky side of the spectrum, but delivers superb sound, features a solid microphone, and feels comfortable to wear for extended periods. It’s not perfect, but it is a perfectly good deal for a moderately priced gaming headset.
The HyperX Cloud III’s audio prowess begins with its 53mm dynamic drivers, which provide sufficient bass for both music and gaming. They don’t shine as brightly in the midrange or high frequencies, but they do a solid enough job in each of those areas to maintain an exceptional overall sound. And that’s before you factor in that the Cloud III comes with DTS: Headphone: X, a feature that provides simulated 3D audio specialization.
The Cloud III’s microphone is a solid selling point, even if it doesn’t necessarily blow the competition out of the water. HyperX must have taken note of the previous iteration’s poor reception in the microphone department, because the Cloud III has a 10mm detachable boom arm microphone equipped with both noise cancellation and an internal mesh pop filter. The features helped to efficiently dampen outside noise while on a Microsoft Teams call or during multiplayer gameplay.
The Cloud III is heavy to wear but quite comfy thanks to a memory foam headband and leatherette ear cushions. Pair that with good sound and a much-improved microphone, and it’s easy to see why the HyperX Cloud III is an excellent choice for anyone hoping to snag a pair of competent gaming headphones for just $100.
Supported systems: PC, Xbox One and Series X|S, Mobile
If you've got an Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S, Microsoft's Xbox Wireless Headset is an easy choice. Not only is this wireless headset comfortable and equipped with an excellent microphone, but it also integrates seamlessly with the Xbox software, making it feel like an in-box accessory.
We're especially big fans of the control scheme, which allocates game/chat balance and volume controls to swiveling caps on the left and right ear cups, respectively. You can also connect to a Windows PC simultaneously with your Xbox console, making it easy to multitask. You can also tweak numerous aspects of this headset's functionality right in the Xbox Accessories menu, meaning the controls on the headset itself are refreshingly minimalistic for a gaming headset.
First-party products tend to boast implicit advantages in functionality and integration, and the Xbox Wireless Headset is no exception, bringing ease and intuitiveness to the Xbox experience.
The Cloud Alpha S is a top-notch choice from HyperX, a brand that produces an almost impossible-to-keep-track-of array of gaming headsets. Take it from us: the Alpha S is one of the good ones (for PC, PS4, and PS5—this is another option that excludes Xbox).
Available in blue, black, or red, the Alpha S is a durable option with a comfortable fit, good sound quality, and a reliable microphone. Perhaps best of all, there’s a software-based virtual 7.1 surround sound function that lends a serious atmosphere to whatever game you're playing. We were genuinely impressed after booting up the 7.1-channel mode, even without any adjustments. The rolling, stormy ocean in Sea of Thieves suddenly seemed to be crashing and breaking all around, just with the push of a button.
Is this "modeled" virtual surround sound perfect? No, but for what you're paying, it's a rock-solid addition to gaming headphones that already offer a healthy combination of design, comfort, and audio quality.
The biggest feature you're not getting with the Cloud Alpha S headset is wireless playback. This headset is USB/wired only, so you'll have to look to the pricier (but excellent) HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless if you're hoping to ditch the cables.
However, the USB connection means you don't have to worry about battery life, and the in-line control device (a rectangle with buttons for adjusting volume and more) is much easier to learn than the usual wireless headset controls.
Unless you really need a wireless model, this headset is excellent for the price, and it’s sleek, compact, durable, and comfortable enough to wear all day (or all night, if that's your style).
Gaming headsets typically have different priorities than headsets made for audiophiles. Even when gaming, you may want different features depending on the type of game you’re playing. Once you've decided that regular headphones are no longer adequate for an hours-long session of Elden Ring, here are a few features that can help you make your decision.
Sound Quality
Are you playing games that mainly feature music? Or will hearing audio cues make or break your ability to level up? If you're playing online with friends, can you listen to their instructions and comments?
If you're constantly listening for gunshots or footsteps, you may want to invest in a pair of headphones that emphasize bass tones. If you need to hear a wider variety of sounds, it's best to get headphones with a more expansive sound profile or spatial audio capabilities.
Microphone
A high-quality microphone is key, especially when playing with teammates. The best microphones should eliminate any electrical humming or ambient noise, providing naturalistic vocal clarity comparable to or exceeding that of a cell phone call with excellent reception. Ideally, the microphone is also adjustable, allowing you to position it close enough to your mouth to capture your voice, but not your breathing. The best will have a physical mic mute button.
Comfort
You can't really enjoy a good gaming binge if your headset starts squishing your head after only a couple of hours. The headphones should be adjustable enough to fit just right. Thick ear pads, a padded headband, and a relatively lightweight pair of headphones are essential if you're going to spend a lot of quality time in front of your TV or computer.
Noise Isolation
Gaming can be a form of escapism. To ensure that you're really escaping, your headphones should block out ambient noise. This both helps you hear what's going on in the game and keeps the outside world from distracting you.
Granted, in an emergency, you want to hear some of the outside world. But gaming headphones should be able to block out humming from air conditioners, refrigerators, your own PC, and other appliances.
Cable/Wireless Connection
If using a wired headset, it should have a long cable. (Ideally, longer than 10 feet.) It may not matter as much on a computer, but when gaming on a TV, you want to be able to sit further back.
If you prefer to be cable-free, consider wireless gaming headphones. Wireless headsets usually have either a USB-A or USB-C dongle that you plug in, or connect over Bluetooth. Keep in mind that wireless headphones have a limited battery life, and you may want to monitor the battery level, lest they cut out at a crucial point in your gaming experience.
If you’re trying to decide between a wired and wireless headset, latency on wireless headsets has gotten so low in recent years that it isn’t really a factor any longer.
Platform
Before you lay down cash for a pair of gaming headphones, ensure they're compatible with your gaming system. Some brands offer different products for various platforms, while others feature a standard headphone jack that can be plugged into any system. Most will work with the PC, but some features may not work equally well across all platforms.
How We Test Gaming Headsets
What better way to test for the best gaming headset than by gaming? Our team of testers spent hours playing all types of games—first-person shooters like Overwatch 2 and The Finals, open-world games like Red Dead Redemption 2, and party racing games like Mario Kart 8. Headsets were tested on PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, and any other platforms we could access.
While playing, our testers paid particular attention to the audio quality—both how good the game audio sounded and the headset's sound field accuracy (such as whether we could hear an enemy sneaking around). Since group communication is an important part of team play, we also tested the clarity of the mics and how easy it is to balance chat volume with a game’s soundtrack and effects.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
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John is Reviewed's Managing Editor of Tech. He is an ISF Level III-certified calibrator with bylines at ProjectorCentral, Wirecutter, IGN, Home Theater Review, T3, Sound & Vision, and Home Theater Magazine. When away from the Reviewed office, he is a sound editor for film, a musician, and loves to play games with his son.
Nicole Carpenter is a reporter and reviewer based out of Massachusetts. For the past few years, she’s specialized in the technology and gaming sectors, reviewing a number of different headphones with a specialty in gaming gear.
Christian de Looper is a consumer tech journalist with over a decade of experience. De Looper has covered all areas of the consumer tech industry, from smartphones to smart homes — and has attended all of the major trade shows, including CES.
De Looper has always been interested in consumer technology, but his love for gadgets and electronics blossomed into a full-blown passion when he started writing about it while completing his degree in audio production.
Since then, he has written for many of the top tech publications, including Digital Trends, Tom’s Guide, TechRadar, and many more. He loves getting his hands on all of the latest gadgets, but when he’s not reviewing tech, he can be found hanging out with his family or producing music.
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