Gaming Headsets: Comfort, Sound Quality, and Style for Every Gamer

Explore top gaming headsets that combine comfort, excellent sound, and sleek design to elevate your gaming experience.

Why a Great Gaming Headset Matters

Good gaming headsets can totally transform how you experience your favorite games. Whether you're diving deep into immersive worlds or need to catch every enemy footstep, picking the right headset is no small feat. When choosing, you want to consider build quality, comfort, sound clarity, and microphone performance. Already have a mic or prioritize pure audio? Then look into audiophile-grade headphones paired with a standalone mic for the best sound.

Best Overall Gaming Headset

Audeze Maxwell Wireless

• Sport & Fitness: 6.6
• Travel: 6.2
• Office Work: 6.7
• Wireless Gaming: 7.8
• Wired Gaming: 7.8
• Sound Accuracy: 6.6
• Noise Isolation: 5.2
• Microphone: 8.3
• Frequency Consistency: 5.2
• Bass: Slightly boosted (2 dB)
• Treble: Balanced (-1 dB)
• Sound Signature: Warm
• Type: Over-ear, Closed-back
• Wireless: Yes
• Driver Type: Planar Magnetic
• Noise Cancellation: No
• Compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Xbox

The best gaming headset we've tested is the Audeze Maxwell Wireless. If you want the best headset, it’s worth a look thanks to its full set of gaming and audiophile features and broad console compatibility. It stands out by using planar magnetic drivers and supporting Hi-Res Bluetooth codec.

The default sound profile is slightly "warm," so elements like footsteps, explosions, and voice cutscenes are accurately reproduced. You can also adjust sound using equalizer presets in the app. These headphones support Dolby Atmos—a virtual surround sound feature that makes listening more immersive. The wireless USB dongle keeps latency low, so audio and video sync smoothly during gameplay, and there are many ways to connect to your console. If you play online games, the detachable boom microphone delivers excellent voice clarity even in noisy environments.

If you want more comfortable gaming headphones, consider the Astro A50 X. They are lighter, so you’re less likely to feel fatigue during long sessions, and offer more customization through their companion app. However, their battery lasts only about 26.4 hours compared to the Maxwell’s 77.4 hours, and when the battery dies, they can’t be used wired.

Best Mid-Range Gaming Headset

Logitech G PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED Wireless

• Sport & Fitness: 6.9
• Travel: 6.4
• Office Work: 6.6
• Wireless Gaming: 7.8
• Wired Gaming: 8.0
• Sound Accuracy: 7.4
• Noise Isolation: 4.5
• Microphone: 8.0
• Frequency Consistency: 5.6
• Bass: Boosted (3 dB)
• Treble: Slightly reduced (-3 dB)
• Sound Signature: Warm
• Type: Over-ear, Closed-back
• Wireless: Yes
• Driver Type: Dynamic
• Noise Cancellation: No
• Compatibility: PC, PlayStation

Unlike the Audeze Maxwell Wireless, the Logitech G PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED Wireless isn't released in console-specific versions but is a great choice if you play on PC or PlayStation and want the best headset in this price range. Its USB adapter ensures low latency for synced audio and visuals. It also supports Bluetooth, an upgrade from its predecessor, but it can only connect to one device at a time even if you also use the adapter or analog cable. However, if you have an AUX source, you can connect it to the adapter and listen from both AUX and adapter simultaneously.

The warm sound profile makes gameplay immersive without overpowering dialogue. The 97-hour battery life means days of uninterrupted play, and the detachable mic isolates your voice from background noise, ensuring clear communication.

Unfortunately, recording quality can sound odd if you overuse Blue Voice software to alter your voice. Bluetooth supports only one active connection, so you can't listen to game audio and phone music simultaneously. If you need multiple device connectivity, the Astro A30 Wireless may be better, connecting to phone or PC via Bluetooth and console via USB or analog port. However, its battery life is shorter and comfort is lesser for most users.

Best Mid-Price Gaming Headset

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless [7, 7P, 7X]

• Sport & Fitness: 6.9
• Travel: 6.2
• Office Work: 6.5
• Wireless Gaming: 7.5
• Wired Gaming: 7.8
• Sound Accuracy: 7.0
• Noise Isolation: 4.7
• Microphone: 7.7
• Frequency Consistency: 4.7
• Bass: Very Loud (6 dB)
• Treble: Balanced (0 dB)
• Sound Signature: Warm
• Type: Over-ear, Closed-back
• Wireless: Yes
• Driver Type: Dynamic
• Noise Cancellation: No
• Compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Xbox

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless is the best mid-range wireless gaming headset we've tested. It includes a wireless USB dongle for low-latency gaming, syncing sound and video. The bass-heavy sound profile with balanced mids makes explosions loud and dialogue clear. Boosted highs add sparkle for sword clashing effects. The companion app offers a graphic equalizer and presets for sound customization.

While it doesn’t last as long as Logitech G PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED Wireless, its 30-hour battery life still covers long dungeon crawls. Wired mode is also available. It has high self-noise during voice chat but a mic that keeps your voice clean and natural. Bluetooth support lets you mix chat or music from your phone with game audio. Multiple console variants are available. We tested the 7X for Xbox, which also connects to PlayStation via USB dongle, but app sound settings don’t transfer. Versions 7 and 7P don’t support Xbox wireless but are great for PC or PlayStation only.

Best Budget Mid-Level Gaming Headset

Turtle Beach Stealth 600 (Gen 3)

• Neutral Sound: 7.2
• Commuting/Travel: 6.7
• Sport/Fitness: 6.7
• Office: 7.1
• Wireless Gaming: 7.5
• Wired Gaming: 5.9
• Phone Calls: 7.4
• Type: Over-ear, Closed-back
• Wireless: Yes
• Driver Type: Dynamic
• Noise Cancellation: No
• Microphone: Yes
• Compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Xbox

Turtle Beach Stealth 600 (3rd Generation) is the best budget-friendly mid-level gaming headset. These affordable headphones pack useful gamer-friendly features like a flip-to-mute mic. The mic excels at isolating your voice from ambient noise, so even in loud environments, your teammates hear you clearly. Available in PC, PlayStation, and Xbox versions; choose the one matching your system. For multi-platform play, the Xbox version works with PC and PlayStation too.

The wireless adapter offers low latency for gaming, and the superb battery life of over 85 hours means hours of uninterrupted play. Bluetooth and adapter can connect simultaneously but require manual switching between sound sources. The default sound boosts mids and highs for clearer footsteps but can muddy dialogue and make sharp sounds like sword clangs a bit harsh. The companion app offers an EQ and presets for sound customization.

Best Budget Gaming Headset

Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED Wireless

• Neutral Sound: 7.8
• Commuting/Travel: 6.3
• Sport/Fitness: 6.9
• Office: 6.5
• Wireless Gaming: 7.0
• Wired Gaming: 5.5
• Phone Calls: 6.1
• Type: Over-ear, Closed-back
• Wireless: Yes
• Driver Type: Dynamic
• Noise Cancellation: No
• Microphone: Yes
• Compatibility: PC, PlayStation

If you want to spend the least amount, Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED Wireless is the best entry-level gaming headset we've tested. Logitech’s line of budget gaming headphones works well, though the plastic body isn’t the most durable. They offer low latency on Bluetooth and wireless USB connections.

The warm sound profile with slightly raised highs makes explosions and footsteps stand out. Dialogue and instruments sound good too, but unlike Turtle Beach Stealth 600, Logitech lacks an EQ app. Passive noise isolation is poor, so ambient noise enters, and game sound leaks out. The mic keeps your voice bright and clear but is a step down from Turtle Beach. Battery life is nearly 20 hours, enough for a few sessions, but they’re not compatible with Xbox consoles.

Best Open-Back Gaming Headset

Drop + Sennheiser/EPOS PC38X

• Sport & Fitness: 5.9
• Travel: 4.8
• Office Work: 5.7
• Wireless Gaming: 5.6
• Wired Gaming: 7.6
• Sound Accuracy: 7.6
• Noise Isolation: 1.7
• Microphone: 8.0
• Frequency Consistency: 7.6
• Bass: Underpowered (-4 dB)
• Treble: Slightly reduced (-3 dB)
• Sound Signature: Flat
• Type: Over-ear, Open-back
• Wireless: No
• Driver Type: Dynamic
• Noise Cancellation: No
• Compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Xbox

If you prefer an open-back design, check out the Drop + Sennheiser/EPOS PC38X. These wired headphones cost about as much as the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless but offer a more realistic in-game sound. They are well-built and comfortable with microfiber or velour ear pads.

They include a retractable mic that makes your voice sound natural and rich in multiplayer games. Although the open design limits bass, the sound profile is well balanced for dynamic games or dialogue-heavy scenes. However, they are not ideal for uncontrolled environments since they let a lot of external sound in and audio leaks out.

The open design creates a wider, more spacious soundstage than closed-back models. If you value spacious sound but want wireless play, consider Turtle Beach Atlas Air, which supports wired TRRS cable or wireless adapter (adapter doesn’t work with Xbox). Those models have similar sound but better mic noise protection. However, they’re less comfy and have a brighter sound that can be fatiguing for long gaming sessions.

Also Consider

• SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless [PC, PS, Xbox]: High-quality wireless gaming headphones with a docking station that lets you control volume and EQ without removing the headset. However, the Audeze Maxwell Wireless has a more even sound profile, better virtual surround sound, superior mic, and longer battery life.
• Razer Barracuda Pro Wireless: Wireless headphones designed for both gaming and daily use with excellent noise cancellation, unusual in gaming headsets. Less durable than the Logitech G PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED Wireless and only usable wirelessly.
• Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed Wireless: Features a higher quality boom mic than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless, making them a good online gaming choice. No analog connection, less durable, and less balanced sound profile.
• SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds: Versatile gaming earbuds that are a great alternative to SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless earbuds. Though GameBuds don’t last as long as Nova 7 Wireless over-ear headphones, they are better for daily use, have IP55 rating, and decent noise cancellation for public use.
• Sony INZONE Buds Truly Wireless: Wireless earbuds with low latency, noise cancellation, and 12 hours of continuous battery life. Like Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED Wireless, they are not compatible with Xbox and work best on PC and PlayStation.
• Corsair VIRTUOSO PRO: Wired open-back headphones similar to Drop + Sennheiser/EPOS PC38X. Fairly balanced with extra treble to compensate for open-back bass loss. The mic is built into a detachable cable, allowing use without mic for daily wear. No extra ear pads included and slightly less comfortable than Drop + Sennheiser/EPOS.

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• What should I look for in a gaming headset? Focus on comfort, sound quality, mic clarity, compatibility with your devices, and battery life if wireless.
• Are wireless gaming headsets as good as wired? Modern wireless headsets offer low latency and excellent sound, often rivaling wired options, with the benefit of freedom of movement.
• Is an open-back or closed-back headset better for gaming? Closed-back headsets block noise better and enhance bass, ideal for noisy environments. Open-back offers a spacious soundstage but lets noise in.
• Can I use audiophile headphones for gaming? Yes! Pair them with a quality standalone mic for the best sound experience, though gaming-specific features may be missing.
• How important is battery life in wireless gaming headsets? Very important if you play long sessions. Look for headsets offering 20+ hours of battery life to avoid frequent charging.

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