Best gaming headsets 2024: Reviews and buying advice

Most people when trying to maximize their gaming experience focus on the quality of the game and their computer’s processing power. But an often-overlooked variable that can greatly affect the experience is a decent gaming headset. It’s especially important if you plan on getting the best out of multiplayer games, where you’re just as likely to use your headset to chat with friends as you are to use it as a strategic tool to help you win.

As you’d expect, there’s no shortage of gaming headsets out there. No one wants to wade through the myriad options only to settle on one that ends up leaving you disappointed. That’s why I’ve done all the heavy lifting for you, testing a ton of different headsets to find the best.

Why should you trust me? Because I’m a hardcore gamer and tech user like you, which means I’m always on the hunt for better gear to improve my own experience. More than that, I’ve spent many years weighing the pros and cons of the latest new-release gaming headsets, so you could say I know more than a thing or two about them.






SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless – Best dual-purpose wired/wireless gaming headset / Best overall














Pros

Great-quality audio

Dual wireless functionality

Lots of software options for personalization


Cons

Quite expensive

Active Noise Cancellation won’t block out all external sound


















Why I like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

I have to nit pick very hard to find any flaws with this premium headset that offers the versatility of 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, as well as a wired connection. In wireless mode, it delivered crisp sound in 44.1KHz/16-bit standard resolution at up to 40 feet from my computer. But when I wanted to enjoy a richer sound, I could plug into a GameDAC controller that let me access a higher 96KHz/24-bit hi-res audio. The GameDAC also let me switch between my PC and Xbox One or Xbox X/S at the press of a button — which saved me the hassle of having to buy separate headsets for my consoles.

Active Noise Cancellation and 360 Degree Spatial Audio technologies also boosted the headset’s audio experience for me, the standout of the two being the latter, which utilizes 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound tracks to accurately reflect the direction of sounds. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless also has the finest software support I’ve seen for a gaming headset, allowing me to choose from among 23 pre-made EQ presets designed for games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Fortnite, Dota 2, Forza Horizon V, and Call of Duty: Warzone, to name just a few.

Who should buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

Gamers serious about their audio setup who want excellent cross-platform compatibility, clear sound, and a spatial audio that better enables them to hear the direction of sounds in games. There’s a lot to personalize with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, so if you love tinkering with settings, this headset is just the ticket.

If you’re specifically after a wired headset, two other great options are the HyperX Cloud Alpha which has a tough metal frame and excellent audio fidelity, and the Astro A10 which also features great quality audio.

Read our full

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless review






Audeze Maxwell Wireless – Best audio quality














Pros

Impressive audio that sounds warm and full-bodied

Strong and robust design

Excellent cross compatibility


Cons

It’s quite heavy and large

The headband isn’t extendable

The software app is too simple


















Why I like the Audeze Maxwell Wireless

It has undoubtedly the best audio of any gaming headset I’ve used. Audiophile-grade headsets are usually the domain of high-end music studios and not gaming dens. But Audeze’s Maxwell Wireless is an exception, being a studio-grade headset especially made for gamers. Its secret sauce is its 90mm planar magnetic drivers, which produce a more natural, full-bodied audio signature than headsets with 40- to 50mm neodymium drivers.

To fit such large drivers, the Maxwell Wireless is extremely big and heavy — it weighs a little more than a pound (490 grams). Although, you wouldn’t know by wearing it — the comfort onboard is very luxe; soft memory foam sits under plush leatherette for a premium feel and there’s an inner adjustable suspension band that balances out the headset’s weight across the top of your head.

The Maxwell Wireless works with just about any device — Windows PC, Mac, Xbox 360, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch, Android and iOS devices, and PlayStation 5. It supports Dolby Atmos for surround sound in games. For connectivity, you get a USB cable and an adapter for making a wired connection, a 2.4GHz USB-C dongle for low-latency Wi-Fi, and a 3.5mm cable for making an old-school analog connection. Although simultaneous Bluetooth isn’t available using the Wi-Fi dongle, you can still hook up simultaneous audio using the headset’s Bluetooth and a wired connection.

Who should buy the Audeze Maxwell Wireless

Anyone who’s really particular about the fidelity of their gaming audio and wants the best they can possibly find. Also, anyone who wants to use their gaming headset like a premium pair of headphones to listen to music. The Maxwell Wireless stands above many headsets for its sound quality, so if you’re an audiophile, it will definitely impress you.

Read our full

Audeze Maxwell Wireless review






Roccat Syn Max Air – Best RGB headset / Best for people who wear glasses














Pros

The audio sounds balanced

Simultaneous Wi-Fi and Bluetooth lets you listen to multiple audio sources at once

The futuristic styling looks fantastic


Cons

The microphone picks up a lot of ambient noise

The controls are reasonably basic

It’s expensive considering there’s no ANC
















Best Prices Today:


$249.99 at Roccat






Why I like the Roccat Syn Max Air

I thought the Roccat Syn Max Air headset had a knockout futuristic aesthetic thanks to it cuboid shaped earcups that also have mesmerizing programmable RGB zones. The cups also feature ProSpec earpads, meaning if you wear glasses the frames will easily fit through the sides of the cups for a comfortable fit.

Looks aside, this headset impressed me with its list of gamer-centric features. Connectivity comes in the form of 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a wired connection, and the Bluetooth can be used simultaneously with the Wi-Fi so that you can enjoy an extra audio source while gaming. In my review I thought its 50mm Nanoclear drivers produced a nice balanced sound that was a marked improvement over its predecessor the Syn Pro Air. It also comes with a convenient dock for charging between uses.

Who should buy the Roccat Syn Max Air

Players who want to rock the RGB look and be able to personalize the lighting effects in their headset. The headset’s spectacles-friendly design also makes it a great choice for gamers who wear glasses.

Read our full

Roccat Syn Max Air review






Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed – Best 3D spatial audio / Best microphone














Pros

Clear audio with fine detail in the sound

Oozes comfort at every turn

Pinpoint-accurate spatial audio support

Mix of wireless and wired connectivity


Cons

No Active Noise Cancellation

Exposed cords could be a risk of breakage

It comes with a soft case instead of a more robust case


















Why I like the Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed

At $250 the Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed isn’t cheap, but this headset’s mix of clear audio with a deep and smooth bass range, comfortable earcups, and 3D spatial audio makes it ideal for gaming. It has three connectivity types: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, and wired (3.5mm auxiliary in), which means it connects to nearly any device. It also has a long battery life of up to 50 hours.

What’s really drawn me to this headset, though, is the fact that its DTS Headphone: X 2.0 spatial audio is one of the best I’ve used. It’s compatible with Microsoft’s spatial sound API, so its directionality is superb — you can even hear sounds from above very clearly. You can also tweak the volume of the sound emanating from each directional point in Logitech’s G Hub software app. The Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed also benefits from Blue-branded software support in Logitech’s G Hub app, including presets that make it sound convincingly like a desk microphone — so its microphone is top quality.

Who should buy the Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed

If 3D spatial audio is a must-have, the Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed’s is one of the best you can get. Apart from that, the cans are so comfy, and the audio is so crisp, that most gamers are really going to dig this headset.

Be sure to also check out the Razer Barracuda Pro. This headset’s 3D spatial audio comes courtesy of THX Spatial Audio, which you can tweak and fine tune in Razer’s Synapse app. Or, if you’re really keen on the Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed’s top-quality microphone but are on a budget, be sure to check out its predecessor model, the Logitech G Pro X, which has similar microphone fidelity but is a little cheaper.

Read our full

Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed review






Corsair Virtuoso Pro – Best for streaming














Pros

High-quality workmanship and elegant design

High sound quality

Two connection cables for flexibility

Robust hardcase transport bag

Multi-platform compatibility thanks to jack connection

Many interchangeable parts


Cons

High price

Open design not ideal for noisy environments

Hardly and sound shielding to the outside
















Best Prices Today:


$199.99 at Corsair






Why I like the Corsair Virtuoso Pro

With an open-ear design in the earcups, the Corsair Virtuoso Pro headset lets in more sound than most gaming headsets, which is perfect if you like to stream your games and want to monitor your own voice or hear your talent interviews in real time. The headset’s design is both elegant and comfortable too. Comfort comes courtesy of an adjustable headband, soft memory foam earpads, and a lightweight frame that weighs just 13.6 ounces (338 grams). The headset’s build quality is very decent — it’s comprised of robust plastic and metal.

In our review, we found that the Corsair Virtuoso Pro’s 50mm graphene drivers produced deep bass and clear treble tones with great detail. While that makes for a great audio experience while gaming, the lack of protective shielding in the earcups does mean that this headset isn’t that effective at blocking ambient noise, so it’s best used in quiet environments.

Who should buy the Corsair Virtuoso Pro

Aspiring or experienced content streamers or gamers who want to make Let’s Plays, walkthroughs, or game tutorials for YouTube or another video platform.

Read our full

Corsair Virtuoso Pro review






HyperX Cloud Mix 2 – Best for casual gaming














Pros

Compact and lightweight

Looks like a headphone and can be used just as well as one

Plush and comfortable earcups

The cups swivel and the headband is adjustable

The volume wheel allows for precise control


Cons

Hybrid listening mode needs a second to let sound in

There’s no chat mixer wheel

Lacks a dedicated boom microphone

















Why I like the HyperX Cloud Mix 2

The HyperX Cloud Mix 2 looks and feels like a premium headphone, so it quickly became my go-to device for gaming at home as well as listening to music on the bus. The sound fidelity is awesome too — I was impressed by how easily it hit tones across the audio spectrum without any hint of distortion. The Cloud 2 is also very lightweight which meant I could wear it for very long gaming stints.

Who should buy the HyperX Cloud Mix 2

I recommend the Cloud Mix 2 to any casual gamers who want a device that they can use with just about any device they own. If you want to save some bucks and use your headset as a headphone, then these cans are just the ticket for that too.

Another excellent option for casual gamers is the ROG Delta S Wireless. This headset sports excellent audio fidelity and a robust build and comes with two sets of swappable earcups which allow you to swap the plush leatherette ones out for cooler mesh ones when they get too hot.

Read our full

HyperX Cloud Mix 2 review






Turtle Beach Stealth Pro – Best for FPS games














Pros

Punchy audio that’s great for FPS games

Solid attractive and versatile design

Very good noise cancellation


Cons

Lacks support for spatial audio

The batteries need frequent changing

It’s expensive


















Why I like the Turtle Beach Pro

It’s a premium headset brimming with an almost complete list of premium features. It has excellent cross-platform compatibility and worked across almost all my devices. Plus, it has 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, which meant I could wander away from my PC and still enjoy my gaming audio.

The Turtle Beach Pro sounded punchy with a great level of detail across the spectrum. It was especially well-tuned for FPS games like Halo, CounterStrike 2 and Battlefield I, where it delivered realistic thuds, clinks, and ricochets. A feature specific to Turtle Beach headsets called SuperHuman Hearing made it super easy for me to hear my opponents’ footsteps as they approached.

Who should buy the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro

Keen FPS gamers will really benefit from the headset’s punchy audio that’s ideally tuned for the games they play. The headset can easily pass off as a high-end headphone, so it will also suit gamers that want to use it on the fly.

Read our full

Turtle Beach Stealth Pro review






Corsair HS80 Max – Most comfortable design














Pros

Great audio performance with neutral mid-tones

Lightweight, comfortable design

Mesh coverings on the earcups minimize sweat

Flip-to-mute mic


Cons

The omnidirectional mic is not detachable

Lacks true simultaneous audio for listening to multiple audio sources

The small RGB light zones feel like an afterthought
















Best Prices Today:


$179.99 at Corsair






Why I like the Corsair HS80 Max

Corsair has made a brave move to prioritize comfort for gamers even at the expense of what most gamers might expect from a premium gaming headset’s design. How so? The HS80 Max eschews leatherette for a cooling mesh fabric on its earcups, and swaps metal for plastic in the headband, making it extremely lightweight and relatively sweat-free for long gaming sessions.

On the audio front, the HS80 Max sounds terrific — its 50mm audio drivers produce a clear, high-resolution audio signature with neutral mid-tones, which really enliven sounds like footfalls and ricochets. It has both 2.4GHz low-latency Wi-Fi connectivity as well as Bluetooth, which you can’t listen to at the same time, but both connectivity types do have a long signal range that allows you to keep listening while taking breaks away from your rig. The non-detachable flip-to-mute mic does a great job reproducing natural-sounding speech for team chats.

Who should buy the Corsair HS80 Max

Anyone who suffers from sweaty, hot ears when they wear leather or leatherette covered earpads and want a cooler less sweat-inducing pair of cans. It’s also ideal for players that feel the burden of wearing heavy headsets and want a lighter option.

Read our full

Corsair HS80 Max review






Logitech G Astro A30 Wireless – Best wireless gaming headset














Pros

The styling is very appealing

The 40mm drivers produce a natural sound

The cans are very soft and comfortable


Cons

Some moving parts feel a bit tight

Leatherette in the cups can get sweaty on hot days

Battery life is decent but not excellent
















Best Prices Today:


$229.99 at Logitech G






Why I like the Logitech G Astro A30 Wireless

Not only does the Logitech Astro A30 produce a clear and natural sound, but its connectivity is also excellent. It sports dual wireless and wired connections with cross-platform compatibility, so you can easily hook it up to your PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S consoles, or even a Mac. The headset’s Bluetooth can also be used simultaneously with a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection, which means you can take phone calls and participate in team chats, all the while losing absolutely none of your gaming audio.

All this functionality could have been delivered in a stock standard design, but the Astro A30 is one of the best-looking pair of cans I’ve seen in a long time. I especially like its plush leatherette earcups, stylish Astro logos, and removable speaker tags that you can swap out to personalize exactly as you wish.

Who should buy the Logitech G Astro A30 Wireless

Gamers that want a futuristic, trendy-looking headset with great sound and the option to personalize the headset’s look. Its excellent cross-platform compatibility will suit gamers that like to game on multiple devices.

Read our full

Logitech G Astro A30 Wireless review






Logitech G Astro A50 Wireless – Best wireless gaming headset runner-up














Pros

Charging cradle is smaller and still very unique

Switches to the more reliable 2.4GHz band (finally)

Comfortable and durable


Cons

Middling battery life

Poor noise isolation

Expensive
















Best Prices Today:


299.99 at Astro






Why I like the Astro A50 Wireless

Although expensive, the Astro A50 is dependable, providing decent sound over a quick 2.4GHz wireless connection. The audio drivers located in the A50’s earcups deliver strongly through the mid-range so the A50’s sound is warm and punchy in games and while listening to music.

While previous Astro wireless gaming headsets have featured large chunky charging cradles, the A50’s is quite compact so it takes up much less space on your desk. The cradle also has a built-in display so that you can tell which EQ profile you have selected, or whether you have Dolby or stereo modes switched on.

Who should buy the Astro A 50 Wireless

Anyone who likes the convenience of simply being able to store and charge the headset in a charging cradle between games. The built-in display is also really nice to have. It’s a feature that should appeal to gamers who like to tweak and refine EQ profiles for their games.

Read our full

Logitech G Astro A50 (2019) review






Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 – Best budget wireless gaming headset














Pros

Clear refined audio profile

Great control selection that you can personalize further

Attractive and comfortable design


Cons

PC and PlayStation versions lack XBox connectivity

No USB-A to USB-C adapter

Slightly heavier than the previous generation


















Why I like the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3

It has just about everything I want in a gaming headset — a comfortable and lightweight design, excellent cross-platform compatibility options, and a whole lot of controls.

It also has both 2.4GHz Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth connectivity. I also really like Turtle Beach’s SuperHuman Hearing, which is a Turtle Beach-specific feature that accentuates some game sounds like player footfalls. An exceptionally long battery life of up to 80 hours meant I could go for days without a recharge, too.

The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 also features a flip-to-mute microphone with AI noise cancellation, which produces clear-sounding audio in my gamer chats. Thanks to the 10-band EQ chart in the headset’s companion app, I could really fine-tune the audio profiles for my games, which isn’t something I can do with every gaming headset.

Who should buy the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3

Casual gamers who want an all-around great headset with decent sound and a whole lot of gamer-centric functionality. At just $100 the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 punches well above its price range on the balance of its features and functionality, so gamers on a budget can save money on these cans.

Also consider the step-down Turtle Beach Stealth 500 as another great sub-$100 gaming headset. This headset lacks some of the durability and functionality of the Stealth 600 Gen 3, but it weighs a lot less and has virtually no clamp pressure, so it’s a great option if you want your headset to feel like it’s barely there.

The HyperX Cloud Core Wireless is also an excellent option in this price range. It has a durable aluminum frame, comfortable memory foam earpads, a detachable microphone, and also features DTS Headphone: X support for an immersive spatial audio experience.

Read our full

Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 review






Razer Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed – Best mid-range wireless gaming headset














Pros

Ultra-light and comfortable

Excellent microphone quality

Long-lasting battery life and fast charging option

Versatile connectivity options


Cons

Sound tuning favors esports

Material quality could be better

Non-detachable microphone
















Best Prices Today:


$129.99 at Razer






Why I like the Razer Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed

The headset’s microphone quality is very close to broadcast quality. It also weighs less than 10 ounces, so it’s ultra-light weight. Despite that, it has large 50mm audio drivers that cover a broad frequency spectrum of 12Hz to 28KHz and produce a detailed soundscape with a low bass tone. The headset’s connectivity is also very good, with all three connectivity types available: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a wired connection via USB-C.

Who should buy the Razer Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed

Tech-savvy gamers that want a lightweight headset and want to sound fantastic in voice chats. The Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed is also a very decent headset for gamers wanting to record Let’s Plays. It’s also a little cheaper than some headsets, so its suits those with mid-range budgets.

Another great mid-range option is the Logitech G935. It won’t break the bank but includes high-end luxuries like a folding boom mic, dongle storage compartment, and stylish leatherette earcups.

Read our full

Razer Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed review











HyperX Cloud III Wireless – Best battery life














Pros

High-quality design and good workmanship

Multi-platform compatibility

Detachable microphone

Above-average battery life


Cons

Occasional sound fluctuations in DTS surround sound

Microphone adjustment required in noisy environments

No Bluetooth
















Best Prices Today:


$169.99 at HyperX






Why I like the HyperX Cloud III Wireless

HyperX’s Cloud III Wireless headset doesn’t ace any one particular category but hits the right notes for comfort, sound, and design. In our review we found the headset’s driver configuration produces a balanced sound image with precise bass and treble tones. The headset’s best quality, however, is its long battery life that can last a full 120 hours operating at 50 percent volume.

The Cloud III wireless works with PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch consoles as well as PC; however, if you want to use the headset’s DTS surround sound, nothing less than a Windows PC with HyperX’s Ngenuity software app loaded on it will do. This headset is best for gamers who like the benefit of wireless connectivity only, since wired connectivity is not available (it’s 2.4GHz wireless connectivity only). It comes with a 10mm