Last Updated On June 17th, 2022
Top 9 Reviews
Online gaming is booming. We have an amazing range of consoles like the Xbox One, PS4, and Nintendo Switch to play thousands of games on. Not to mention uber-powerful gaming PCs that deliver high-end graphics and performance. To enhance your gaming experience further, you should look at the best gaming headset.
A gaming headset features both audio drivers and a microphone. Firstly, this allows you to listen to gameplay in greater detail without the sound simply blaring from your TV or monitor. Secondly, the microphone allows you to chat with your friends, teammates, or even random players to provide an important social aspect to your gaming.
In this guide, we have gathered the 10 best gaming headset products for your benefit. This includes basic options for the casual gamer. It also includes high-end models for those who take their gaming seriously, and want to progress into competitive gaming and e-sports.
The SteelSeries Arctis 3 All-Platform Gaming Headset is the best headset with mic. If clear communication is important in your gaming, this product is the optimum choice. Your voice will sound crisp with minimal feedback and your teammates will be able to hear you perfectly.
This could be the best option for competitive gamers – for a team of players who have to talk frequently during league matches and tournaments. Aside from the excellent mic performance, this headset is also durable and comfortable to wear.
This SteelSeries product is another fantastic buy and is available for multiple platforms including PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS. It is also compatible with numerous VR products.
The microphone of this headset is considered as one of the best available and provides brilliant feedback and voice quality. It also has virtually perfect noise cancellation so you can give your full attention to the game and your team members without being distracted by the world around you.
In terms of design, this product distributes the weight across your head evenly using the dual ski band headband. The inner band provides support on your head, whilst the outer band provides additional support and relieves pressure.
Although this SteelSeries headset is a great product, it is not perfect. The ski band design of the headband means that it sits quite high on your head. As a result, the headset can move quite a lot which can cause distractions. Also, the charging function of this product is not the easiest to use and can be confusing until you understand how it works.
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC is an excellent luxury option and perfect for the aspiring pro gamer. With a dedicated DAC and headphone amp, the sound quality of this product is second to none and provides an audio experience like no other.
It is a certified Hi-Res audio system that provides high-fidelity audio at 96 kHz. For those tense moments when directional sound is key, the SteelSeries headset delivers and allows you to stay in the moment without distraction.
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro headset is used by many pro gamers and is a popular choice due to its overall excellent performance and features. This includes the iconic ESS Sabre DAC and amp that provides a dynamic audio range and fantastic sound quality.
The high-quality speakers include high-density neodymium magnets to produce a super frequency range of 10-40,000 Hz. This also means that the sound quality is crisp and clear, but also realistic.
For longevity, this SteelSeries headset is made from polished steel and an aluminium alloy that makes it lightweight but durable. The ski band design of the headband also means that minimum pressure is put on your head. It also features a USB audio cable an in-line controls.
As one of the best gaming headsets, the SteelSeries Arctics Pro is not without a few potential problems. Firstly, the headband does not have fantastic padding – although it has a separate ski band, it can be uncomfortable after prolonged usage. Also, the microphone performs well, but it is not one of the best available.
If you want a high-quality gaming headset, the Turtle Beach Recon 50X Gaming Headset is our next choice. It is the best budget gaming headset but still provides decent audio and voice quality. For great value, you gain a solid headset with a great set of features.
This product is ideal for general play and casual gamers – those who maybe play on their console or PC a few times a week for fun, as opposed to the serious professional pc gamer.
Turtle Beach is a popular producer of gaming peripherals such as headsets. The Recon 50X Gaming Headset is a solid option that has a decent set of features. This includes a fully flexible microphone connection so that you can position it comfortably.
Also, this product looks stylish and has a sharp black and green colour scheme with large earcups. The cups also have decent padding that doesn’t put too much pressure on your ears.
To control the audio and mic of this product, you can use the conveniently positioned in-line controls. This includes a master volume dial and a mute button for the microphone. The material and construction also make the product lightweight so that it will not feel heavy after using for multiple hours.
The Turtle Beach Recon headset is an excellent model but could be improved. One of the main issues is that the power cable can come loose after prolonged usage which could mean connection issues. Also, the headband has minimal padding on the top so it can become uncomfortable to use after long periods of constant gaming.
If you want an immersive audio experience, the Razer Kraken X is the best surround sound gaming headset. It offers unrivalled surround sound quality that makes you feel like you are experiencing the gaming action first-hand. This is also great for directional awareness for high-stakes gaming moments.
This product is the perfect choice for playing intense FPS shooters like CoD and Fortnite, or it could also be used for watching TV and film to give a greater audio experience.
The Kraken X offers superb quality and has a stylish design too. You can purchase this model in various different designs and with different accessories too. For example, you can even buy a kitty version of the product that has neon kitty ears on the top.
For surround sound, this product offers an impressive 7.1 surround sound. This means that when the action gets tough, you can enjoy directional awareness and immersive sound from all angles.
The 40mm drivers are custom-tuned to also provide exceptional sound quality that is clear and realistic. If you want to change your headset settings, you can also use the in-line controls which include a volume slider and a microphone mute button.
The audio quality of the Razer Kraken X headset is great, but the microphone is only acceptable. You can talk clearly to your friends and teammates, but there can be a little background noise, and some customers have reported that the mic eventually simply stopped working. Also, the setup process for this Razer product can be long-winded.
Our next choice for the best gaming headset is the HyperX Cloud II 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound Gaming Headset. This premium headset offers excellent build quality and is a great option for serious gamers and those who play regularly for prolonged periods.
The surround sound is decent, and the microphone audio quality is also fantastic. Moreover, this product has a great design and provides comfort for those long slogs on the Xbox, PC, or PS4. You won’t feel any discomfort even when you have used them for hours.
The HyperX Cloud II 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound Gaming Headset has 53mm drivers with neodymium magnets.
The earcups have a close-cup design which improves noise cancellation but still makes them comfortable to wear. These are made from comfortable leatherette cushions, whilst the headband is made from 100% memory foam.
This product also has a virtual 7.1 surround sound which can improve your gaming experience and allow you to react to directional sounds. For control, it features an advanced audio box that has a host of useful functions so that you can easily change the volume and mute your microphone. You can also control the audio and microphone volumes independently. It is a great product and in contention for the best gaming headset for PC and consoles.
Although this is one of the best gaming headphones it does have a few issues. Firstly, the USB connection and section of the cable can eventually become worn and need replacing. Also, the virtual 7.1 surround sound works OK, but it could be improved for high-end gaming – some of the directional sounds are not the clearest for games like Battlefront and Call of Duty.
This 2nd generation gaming headset from Logitech has a stylish design and is endorsed by some of the top professional gamers and YouTubers like TSM Myth. It offers a great mix of comfort, sound quality, and style. The sound, in particular, is fantastic and pushed by PRO-G 50mm drivers.
If you want a premium gaming headset for hardcore gaming with your team, or for e-sports competitions, the Logitech G PRO X Gaming Headset is a superb option and is available on most devices and consoles.
This product offers 7.1 surround sound. This is enhanced and the overall sound quality is excellent. This means that you have greater positional awareness and distance awareness. For first-person shooter games, this provides a great advantage as you can sense easier where your enemies are.
For padding, both the headband and earcups feature memory foam cushioning. Also, the frame is made from durable aluminium and steel which means this product is long-lasting.
The PRO-G 50mm drivers are advanced due to their hybrid mesh construction. This means superior sound quality and precise sound imaging. It also results in improved bass response. Essentially, you will hear every last detail and the sounds will be ultra-realistic.
This Logitech gaming headset is a great option, but it can have a few drawbacks. Firstly, the headband cannot be adjusted and some people may find that it fits tightly on their head. After prolonged periods of gaming, this could lead to headaches or head pains. Also, the microphone build quality is only acceptable – it is usable, but it is not the best available.
The NUBWO Headset is a premium model and should not be overlooked. It offers an immersive sound that places you firmly in the action and allows you to react to your surroundings with great accuracy. In games like Warzone, you can hear footsteps and the direction of movement perfectly.
If you are looking for a durable, quality gaming headset, this is a solid choice. Although this is listed as the PS4 version, it is also compatible with multiple devices including Xbox One and PC.
The NUBWO gaming headset has 50mm neodymium drivers made from premium materials to provide great sound quality. You can hear great detail from your audio and the quality is sharp and realistic.
Also, the earcups have thick padding and are made from breathable material to improve airflow and to keep your ears cool and dry whilst gaming. The breathable material will not impact the sound quality, however.
Another great feature is the unidirectional noise cancelling. This means that when using the microphone, there should be no background noise thus allowing clear voice chats. In terms of compatibility, this gaming headset is available for PC, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, MAC, and many mobile devices.
One of the main drawbacks of the NUBWO gaming headset is its larger size. Although this provides comfort for your ears, this gaming headset is quite heavy compared to some other models in this list. It can therefore place pressure on your head. Also, the sensitivity of the microphone could be better. You only have to move the mic a fraction, and this can drastically alter your voice transmission.
The Logitech G332 Wired Gaming Headset is hugely popular. It offers brilliant sound quality powered by 50mm drivers. When wearing this gaming headset, you can enjoy an immersive gaming experience with realistic sounds and great directional audio.
This product also has a stylish but understated design that follows the simple Logitech mantra. It does have an underlying bold colour, but it is predominantly black with a small trim. At just 280g, this best gaming headset is also relatively lightweight. You can wear it comfortably without placing strain on your head.
With 50mm drivers, the sound quality is expansive and you can hear every last detail with a great level of realism. To control the device, you can also use the simple flip-to-mute mic and volume control.
The earcups have a rectangular design and are cushioned with thick and soft padding. This means they sit perfectly on your ears without placing too much pressure on them. The earcups can also be fully rotated to provide positioning that is comfortable for the shape of your ears.
Also, this gaming headset uses a 3.5mm connection and is compatible with virtually any games consoles and PCs. We also like the understated design of this product- it looks sleek and stylish.
One of the slight drawbacks of this gaming headset is the headband padding. It does have padding, but it is thin compared to other models. Ideally, the padding could be improved. Also, the microphone suffers somewhat from a lack of noise cancellation. This means that your friends and teammates may hear background noise or themselves talking whilst you chat.
The HyperX HX-HSCA-RD Cloud Alpha gaming headset provides fantastic audio quality with its Dual Chamber Drivers. This gives an excellent frequency range and superb noise cancellation. As a mid-range headset, the HyperX HX does not compromise on quality.
For pro gaming and long online gaming PC sessions, this is one of the best wired gaming headset options available.
The HyperX HX-HSCA Cloud Alpha gaming headset provides excellent sound quality with a frequency response of 13-27,000 Hz. The dual-chamber drivers also mean less distortion and an overall distinctive sound with great clarity.
To control the audio, the headset cable has an in-line control panel. This includes a volume dial and a microphone mute button. The cable is also braided which helps prevent twisting and tangling when in storage, making it one of the best wired gaming headset options available.
This product also has an excellent boom microphone that can be detached. It is both TeamSpeak and Discord certified and provides clarity and excellent noise cancellation for those important team chats.
A drawback of the HyperX HX Cloud Alpha headset is its size. This gaming headset is quite bulky and heavy and maybe uncomfortable after prolonged usage. Also, the earcup padding is adequate, but it is not made from the most durable material. You may eventually notice that the earcup padding wears thin and needs replacing.
So you have read our guide, and you now have ten of the best gaming headsets to choose from. But how can you pick a suitable model for your individual situation? Firstly, we advise looking at your circumstance and answering a few questions. What console/device do you need the headset for? How often do you game? Do you play for long periods? Do you play with friends or solo play?
Answering these questions will help narrow your option. To help further, we have created a buying guide on how to pick the best wired gaming headset.
For inspiration, we often look towards pro gamers for advice. These are professional gamers that have a proven track record of success. They excel in their craft, and to help them perform, they have the best quality equipment available. Two of the most popular headsets used by pro gamers are the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Game DAC, and the Logitech G PRO X Gaming Headset.
More specifically, many people will ask what headset does Ninja use, too. Tyler Blevins, more commonly known as Ninja, is a Halo and Fortnite legend and one of the most recognized gamers in the world. He has a huge fan base and has won many professional esports tournaments. Also, he has 20+ million subscribers on YouTube. As a result, everyone wants to know what equipment he uses! Currently, Ninja uses the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headset.
We hope you now have some insight into what equipment pro gamers use. But this is just part of the solution. What a pro gamer prefers may not be suitable for your situation.
As a result, we have listed six main features you should look at when choosing a gaming headset. By looking at these features, you can find a headset that suits your needs and will give you the performance you require. When looking at these questions, also consider your circumstance and the questions we mentioned above.
Firstly, and most importantly, which devices can you use the headset with? Some gaming headsets are only compatible with PC and PlayStation consoles, for example. Whilst others may only be compatible with Xbox.
What would be the point in purchasing a headset, only to find that you can’t use it with the only console you own? Always check for compatibility first! This helps you eliminate immediately headsets that you simply can’t use. Luckily, most of the gaming headsets on our list are compatible with multiple devices and consoles.
Next, look at the actual connection type of the gaming headset. Some headsets have a USB connection. Others may have an audio jack. Some may even need both audio and microphone ports.
99% of the time, if a headset is listed as compatible with a specific console, it won’t matter what the connection type is. However, it is always ideal to understand how the headset connects to the device, as you may have a limited number of USB ports, for example.
Also, you must check for a wired or wireless connection. Typically, wired headsets provide a more stable connection whereas a wireless headset can be susceptible to interruptions.
It is also important to consider the audio controls. For convenience, you want a headset that has audio controls built-in. If you have to use in-game menus, or navigate to the console menu, for example, to change the volume or mute your mic, this can greatly disrupt your gameplay.
Usually, the best headsets have either in-line controls or controls built into the earcups. This is down to personal preference, but generally, the in-line controls are easier to use as you can simply adjust the volume or mute the mic using one hand whilst you are still wearing the headset.
Controls built-in to the earcups can be a little more difficult to reach and use as you have to move your hand upwards to adjust the settings – this can distract you from your gameplay.
Decide which one works best for you and which one you find easier to navigate.
Once you have looked at the technical info, you must also consider the comfort of the headset. No one wants to wear a headset or a pair of headphones that puts too much pressure on their head, makes their ears ache, or gives them headaches!
The main areas that provide comfort are the earcups and the headband. The earcups should have ample padding so that the pressure on your ears is minimal. Ideally, they should be rotatable too so that you can turn them to suit the shape of your ears.
Next, look at the headband. This is the strip that connects the two earcups together and fits over your head. This should fit snugly so the headset doesn’t move, but it shouldn’t put too much pressure on your head. Also, it should have plenty of padding and ideally be made from breathable material.
Part of the comfort also comes from the weight of the headset. The best gaming headsets are durable but made from lightweight material so they don’t hang heavily on your head. Ideally, the headset should weigh less than 300g.
One of the most comfortable headsets is our featured HyperX Cloud II 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound Gaming Headset. It has ample padding on both the earcups and headband and has a relatively lightweight design too. So if you’re wondering what is the most comfortable headset, then maybe take a closer look at this option.
Some headsets are built mainly for audio, whereas others are mainly used for communication. As a result, the quality of microphones varies greatly. Common issues with microphones include poor positioning, too high or too low sensitivity, and poor noise cancellation.
Firstly, you want a microphone that you can reposition. Most gaming headsets have adjustable microphones that you can reposition to suit your face and mouth position.
Secondly, sensitivity is hugely important. This relates to how easily the microphone picks up your voice. An overly sensitive microphone will pick up the quietest of sounds and therefore your voice could sound too loud. Alternatively, a microphone with poor sensitivity could mean that you have to literally shout to be heard. Ideally, the sensitivity should allow you to speak normally, and have the microphone at a reasonable distance from your mouth.
Finally, the microphone should have excellent noise cancellation. This is partially the speakers, and partially the mic. If a headset has poor noise cancellation, when talking to other people, they can usually hear your game sounds and even hear themselves talking as feedback. This can be hugely irritating and may mean others may not want to game with you.
Finally, but still important, is the sound quality! As a bare minimum, the basic sound should be crisp and clear. You should be able to hear the full range of game sounds, and you should also be able to easily use chat apps like Discord and Teamspeak.
Taking this further, the best quality gaming headsets provide surround sound and directional sound. This means that different sounds will come from different directions to give you positional awareness.
For example, when playing Warzone, a headset with surround sound would allow you to hear the direction of footsteps and bullets, etc. If you want a realistic gaming experience, but also want to benefit from directional sound, you should look for a headset with surround sound.
We hope you have found this guide on the best gaming headphones useful. As you can see, there is a wide selection of headsets to choose from. Some are suitable for general usage, whilst others are geared towards pro gaming and those who want to compete in Esports.
Our top choice is the SteelSeries Arctis 3 All-Platform for the best gaming headset. This is a mid-range headset that offers amazing quality. Popular for having the best microphone for gaming, this Discord-certified option is known to provide studio-quality voice clarity, with background noise cancellation.
You will also appreciate the AirWeave ear cushions when playing for long hours, as this breathable material will keep your ears cool and dry. The entire headset is made from lightweight materials, with a ski goggle suspension headband that comfortably contours to your head.
We know that everyone will have different preferences on shape, size and features, however, we are sure there is something on our list you will be more than happy with.
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