A good headset is key to victory in many games, particularly shooters like Counter-Strike 2, Battlefield 6 and Fortnite, where hearing a single footstep from a wayward enemy could mean the difference between a delicious chicken dinner and an ignoble defeat. Whether you prefer the lower cost and audio fidelity of wired headphones or the convenience of wireless headsets, we've got you covered. We've also included recommendations for the PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch and PC, so no matter what system you game on, you'll be able to find at least a couple of top-tier gaming headsets to consider, each far better than your TV or monitor's built-in speakers.
So if you’re in the market for one right now, I feel your pain. The options are just ridiculous. Do you go wired or wireless? Do you spend big or keep it simple? Do you prioritize comfort over sound? To cut through the noise (literally and figuratively), I’ve put together this roundup of the headsets that are actually worth your time and consideration. I’ve also thrown in a couple of bonus headphone options for good measure.
Before we get into the recommendations, it's worth mentioning what we'll be looking for when choosing the best gaming headsets.
Forget the marketing buzzwords. When you strip away the RGB lighting and “gamer aesthetics,” a good headset boils down to the following essentials.
- Sound Quality: Directional audio is everything in gaming. You want to hear where shots, footsteps, or cars are coming from. Surround sound (whether virtual or hardware-driven) makes a difference here, but even good stereo can be enough if tuned properly.
- Microphone Performance: We’ve all played with that teammate who sounds like they’re talking through a tin can. A good gaming headset should deliver clear comms so your squad can actually understand you, without fuzz or background noise.
- Comfort: If a headset feels like a clamp or makes your ears sweat within an hour, it doesn’t matter how good it sounds. Weight, padding, and breathable ear cups can make or break a long session.
- Connectivity: Wired vs wireless is still a big decision. Wired = zero delay, but cables can be a pain. Wireless has come a long way, though, with most modern gaming headsets now using low-latency 2.4GHz connections.
- Battery Life: Nobody wants their headset to cut out mid-raid. With wireless headsets, I judge them less on “hours advertised” and more on “do they last through a full day’s gaming without needing a charge?”
- Build Quality & Longevity: Replaceable ear pads, flexible headbands, and durable hinges are underrated features. A gaming headset isn’t a two-month throwaway (or at least it shouldn’t be), and durability matters.
We want a comfortable pair of headphones you can wear for hours without discomfort, perfect for marathon gaming sessions. Sound quality is also key, so that you can hear each sound clearly and become totally immersed in the game. Naturally, you'll need to communicate with your friends or teammates too, so a built-in mic with good noise mitigation is also important. Finally, we also would like to see support for multiple systems, so that if you own a console and a PC, or multiple consoles, you can use the same headset on both.
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Top Gaming Headset Recommendations
I’ve tested a lot of gaming headsets over the years. Here are the ones that really stand out.
Best Overall: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is the best gaming headset we've tested, thanks to their excellent sound quality, comfortable design and wide compatibility.
I TESTED the Steel Series - Arctis Nova Pro Wireless!
If money’s no object, this is the headset I’d pick. The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless nails almost everything: dual wireless connections (so you can game on PC while still taking phone calls), swappable batteries that mean you never run out of juice, and excellent comfort for long sessions. The mic is crisp, the sound is balanced, and the build feels premium.
The Nova Pro Wireless comes with a base station with two USB inputs, allowing you to connect to a console and PC, or two consoles, then swap quickly between the two sources. On Xbox version, there's one dedicated Xbox port, but the headset is otherwise identical.
The fabric suspension headband that debuted on the original Arctis headsets returns to provide a comfortable fit, but a new frame design and three headband positions allows the headsets to suit a wider range of head sizes. The athletic foam has been swapped for leatherette to boost bass response and improve passive noise isolation, which together with a higher clamping force ensures the headset remains in position. This clamping force is a bit much out of the box, but soon becomes comfortable even for long gaming sessions.
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More recently assembled V2 models also have a less prominent ANC mic inside the earcup, solving a comfort issue that affected some people with the original release. Earcup controls take a step backwards, with no dedicated dial for game/chat mix, but the volume wheel can be pressed in to toggle it between regular volume mode and game/chat mix mode. This is reflected on the base station, so it's easy once you know how to do it.
Interestingly, there is a separate multi-function button for Bluetooth, so you can turn on the 2.4GHz and Bluetooth sides of the headset independently. The headset also comes with two batteries, so you always have a fresh one to use while the other is charging in the base station - very smart.
In terms of sound, the Arctis Nova Pro stands out. Bass, treble and mids are all well-represented, with extremely good detail and a wide sound stage for a closed back headset. Microphone performance is also great when SteelSeries' AI noise cancelling feature is used on PC, but merely average otherwise.
Biggest downside? Price. At over £300/$350, it’s not cheap. But if you want one headset to rule them all, this is it.
Best Budget: HyperX Cloud II
This headset is a classic for a reason. The HyperX Cloud II has been around forever and still punches above its weight. Comfortable, durable, and with surprisingly solid sound for the price, it’s the go-to “first proper headset” for many gamers.
Read also: Playing Old Games on Xbox Series S
Biggest Downside? It’s wired, and the mic is just “okay.” But at ~£60/$70, it’s hard to complain.
Best Wired: Razer BlackShark V2 X
The Razer BlackShark V2 X is the best wired 3.5mm headset for the money we've tested. First, these headphones are a treat to use for gaming or music, with a wide sound stage, accurate sound and good imaging provided by newly designed 50mm drivers that Razer says it'll use for upcoming headsets too. This is a stereo headset, which we recommend for competitive play, but a 7.1 surround sound mode is available via Razer's app or Windows Sonic.
The BlackShark V2X's mic is also quite reasonable, although we'd recommend a more professional-grade alternative for streaming. For starters, the ears are well sealed to block out distracting background sounds - useful whether you're clutching in Valorant or trying to get some work done while working from home with your spouse. The athletic-knit-covered memory foam ear pads remained comfortable for hours, no doubt aided by the light weight of the headset - just 240 grams.
There's a convenient volume knob on the left earcup, and the microphone is removable.
Best Wireless Under £150/$150: Razer BlackShark V2 Pro
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is not only lightweight and stylish, but it has THX Spatial Audio that gives you great positional awareness. Wireless performance is rock-solid, and it’s still comfortable even in longer sessions.
Biggest Downside? Battery life isn’t as strong as some rivals, so you’ll be charging more often. Still, a killer mid-range pick.
Best Mic Quality: Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed
This one’s for the streamers and serious team players. The G Pro X 2 Lightspeed comes with a broadcast-grade mic that makes you sound sharp and clear. Combine that with low-latency wireless and superb build quality, and it’s a beast for comms-heavy games.
Biggest Downside? Premium price, and not quite as comfy as the HyperX or Corsair options for all-day use.
Best Comfort for Long Sessions: Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless
Corsair doesn’t always get enough love, but the HS80 RGB Wireless is ridiculously comfy with its plush ear cups and lightweight build. Plus, it’s got Dolby Atmos support for immersive sound.
The PC and PS5-friendly Corsair HS80 Max is one of my go-to headsets, as it offers a comfortable design with soft, glasses-friendly fabric ear cushions and a suspension headband, excellent microphone quality and extremely long battery life - up to 65 hours wireless or 130 hours with Bluetooth.
The headset is easy to use too, with a flip-to-mute microphone, easy-to-feel buttons and Corsair's powerful iCUE software. The HS80 Max has a pleasant, neutral response, with the only major criticism being slightly under-developed bass that makes some genres or cinematic moments feel a little lacking. This can be adjusted in the iCUE software on PC, but I was happy enough with the headset on its default setting.
The HS80 does get nice and loud, and good sound isolation and imaging makes it easy to listen for enemy footsteps in Counter-Strike 2. On PS5, you can use the console's 3D audio (as with any other USB or 3.5mm headset), while on PC you get a free license for Dolby Atmos while the headset is attached.
All in all, the HS80 family is a really positive step forward from Corsair in terms of design, outperforming their previous efforts and providing a solid basis for future development, and the HS80 Max is an awesome choice for PC and PlayStation gamers who want a comfortable, low-latency wireless headset. The HS80 Max is expensive in some regions compared to its predecessor, the HS80 RGB Wireless, so you could consider the original model if you're willing to accept more limited battery life (20 hours) and no Bluetooth support; the headsets otherwise perform very similarly.
Biggest Downside? The iCue software is clunky. But once it’s set up, the comfort alone makes it worth it for marathon sessions.
Best Premium Option: Audeze Maxwell Wireless
This is where things get serious. The Audeze Maxwell uses planar magnetic drivers, which translates to sound quality that makes every other headset feel like a toy. Battery life is monstrous too, lasting easily around 70-80 hours.
Biggest Downside? Heavy and very expensive (~£300/$300+). But if you’re an audiophile, this is your dream headset.
Sony Inzone H9
Sony's Inzone H9 2 is a great FPS-focused headset for competitive gamers, offering a lightweight wireless design, easy adjustability and great controls. Melding 30mm carbon composite drivers and ANC from the (excellent) WH1000-XM6 and tuning from the esports experts at Fnatic, the H9 2 works brilliantly in its intended role with detailed sound reproduction, effective noise cancelling and long-lasting comfort.
The detachable wide-band microphone is also a rare wireless success, with effective AI noise cancelling and decent body overall. Given its streamlined design, ANC and included soft pouch, you could also easily use this as a Bluetooth headset when you're out and about. There's also a Sony Sound Connect App for mobile which allows you to save EQs to the headset and adjust other settings, similar to the Inzone Hub PC app. Simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connections are also supported, though this (and using ANC) are likely to reduce battery life below the rated 30 hours.
The only real downside I can identify here is the extra-premium sticker price of $350/£300. That's a large sum for a headset that lacks a multi-source base station - a feature that's typically included with other headsets at this price point, such as the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless or Logitech Astro A50. If you only need to connect the H9 2 to a single PC or console at a time, then that's fair enough, but it remove the H9 2 from contention for anyone needing a multi-source solution.
Rig R5 Spear Pro HS
Our runner-up for the best wired headset category is the Rig R5 Spear Pro HS. This headset is dead simple and absolutely nails the essentials: sound quality, comfort and practicality. The moderate 340g weight, thick athletic fabric and memory foam ear cushions and padded headband are comfortable to wear for long periods, the 40mm graphene drivers deliver well-balanced audio, and the simple 3.5mm connection with in-line volume control is compatible with a huge range of PCs and consoles.
The flip-down mic sounds great too, with a flexible boom for precise positioning, and the earcups rotate to aid comfort and shrink down better for storage. If you don't like the default PlayStation branding on the default cans, you're also free to swap them for something else, an easy process given the magnetic attachment mechanism and the possibility of 3D printable replacements. The same flexibility extends to the ear cushions, and I'm interested to see if the headset does well enough to attract the usual ear cushion replacement vendors.
There are a few minor design misses here - like nearly invisible L/R indicators and a fixed 3.5mm cable that limits repairability - but overall, it's a great headset for the relatively modest asking price that we're happy to recommend.
Logitech G Astro A50
Our favourite PlayStation headset right now is the Logitech G Astro A50. This semi-open-back headset actually works with all consoles and PC out of the box, including Xbox Series X/S, thanks to a convenient charging dock with three USB inputs. There's also Bluetooth, though this is again via the base station so you can't use these headphones out and about.
The metal-and-plastic design strikes a good balance between comfort, usability and build quality, and I particularly like the cloth ear cushions and rotating earcups that work nicely with the glasses I wear every day. There are very few headsets that I can wear for hours on end while working or in a marathon session of Call of Duty, but this is one of them.
It's easy to swap between inputs using the simplified button layout on the right earcup, while the left earcup houses a flip-to-mute bendy microphone that sounds great. When you're finished, plunking the headset onto the dock ensures that it's topped up for your next session, and I never had to think about recharging while testing which was great.
The sound quality here is impressive, with the somewhat open design allowing for a nice and wide sound stage, while still delivering an impressive amount of low end. Treble and mids are reproduced well too, with good detail and without being too fatiguing. A Dolby Atmos license is included - and my Windows 11 PC even enabled this surround sound option by default, which I haven't seen on other headsets.
This results in a nicely cinematic experience for gaming, music or movies, but I prefer a straight stereo signal for competitive games like Counter-Strike 2 or Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. The Astro A50 Gen 5 is far from a cheap option, but it feels reasonably priced if you're using it with multiple gaming platforms or simply want an extremely good headset for your PS5 or PC. I kept reaching for this headset while testing others thanks to its comfortable and deliberately less isolated design, and that's always a good sign.
If you want an even fancier version of this headset that can serve as an HDMI 2.1 switch for Xbox and PlayStation consoles, the Astro A50 X is also available for a steeper price. This allows you to quickly swap between different consoles without even changing the input on your TV or monitor, but the design and characteristics of the headset are otherwise identical. It's worth it if you have two or three sources in the same space, but is overkill for a single PS5.
Razer BlackShark V3 Pro
The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is a strong gaming headset - with one major flaw that precludes it from true greatness. In brief, this headset ticks almost all of the "flagship gaming headset" boxes: low-latency wireless plus Bluetooth and wired connectivity, active noise cancellation (ANC), powerful software and excellent audio quality.
The sole stumbling block is mic quality, which has regressed noticeably from 2022's V2 Pro. That was one of the best-sounding wireless headsets, but the V3 Pro sounds hollow by comparison despite being a "next-gen full-band" mic with a larger 12mm capsule. The mic is usable for quick check-ins or screaming to your teammates to save their money in a round of Counter-Strike, but I'd opt for a dedicated mic for talking to people I truly cared about.
That's a shame, because elsewhere the V3 Pro is a well-crafted headset. It's convenient to simultaneously connect to 2.4GHz and Bluetooth sources - eg your PS5 and a phone - and you even have the option of wired USB or 3.5mm connections, eg if you're charging the headset. There's no dock or swappable batteries here, like on rivals from Logitech and SteelSeries respectively, but efficiency improvements throughout lead to a very reasonable 70 hours of battery life.
The headset is comfy too, despite its 370g weight, with more rotation available for the ear cups and thicker ear cushions that balance breathability and sound isolation. Sound quality doesn't quite compare to $250 audiophile headphones, but the BlackShark V3 Pro still sounds great: well balanced, good positioning, plenty of detail and just enough bass.
These definitely sound like a closed-back headset, with a fairly narrow sound stage, but the good isolation (and optionally ANC) means that you can hear what you need to hear just fine. You can also tweak the sound in Synapse with a graphic equaliser (including customisable game-specific EQs) or with a THX surround sound mode - both of which I messed with, though I ultimately ended up using the headset in its stock configuration. Overall, a top-end headset that could yet become an all-timer if Razer can sort out its microphone quality issues - or if the community discovers a cheap plug-in replacement.
Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3
The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 is the best Xbox-specific headset we've tested for Series X and Series S - and it also works wirelessly on essentially all platforms. One interesting feature is its dual USB dongles, with one for Xbox and one for other platforms, allowing you to swap from Xbox to PS5 or Xbox to PC with the push of a button.
There's also simultaneous Bluetooth 5.2 - probably best for listening to music or taking calls on your phone while gaming than for taking to the gym given the hefty frame. The oversized dimensions do allow for thick leatherette and athletic weave ear cushions, isolating you from noise and balancing the 407g (!!) weight better than you might expect. I didn't find the 700s as comfortable as TB's ...
Bonus Picks: Non-Gaming Headphones That Still Work for Casual Gaming
Not everyone wants (or needs) a full headset. Sometimes, you just want one pair of headphones that can handle music, travel, work calls, and a few hours of gaming in the evening. That’s where premium ANC headphones like Sony and Bose sneak into this list.
tags: #xbox #and #pc #compatible #headsets