Whether you're playing a solo campaign and want a premium sonic experience without disturbing those around you or just want to trash talk other players online, a quality gaming headset improves your spatial awareness and makes the experience feel even more realistic. Given that the right pair of gaming headphones can make all the difference in online play, I tested the latest options to find out which ones are worth your hard-earned dollars.
Best Gaming Headsets of 2022
- Best PlayStation Gaming Headset: SteelSeries Arctis 7P+
- Best Wired Playstation Headset: Logitech G Pro X
- Best Budget Playstation Headset: Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED
- Best Xbox Gaming Headset: Microsoft Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset
- Best Wired Xbox Headset: SteelSeries Arctis 7X
- Best Budget Xbox Gaming Headset: Razer BlackShark V2
- Best Nintendo Switch Gaming Headset: SteelSeries Arctis 1
- Best Budget Nintendo Switch Headset: Razer Kraken X
- Best Wireless PC Gaming Headset: HyperX Cloud II
- Best Budget PC Gaming Headset: beyerdynamic MMX 150
- Best Bluetooth Gaming Headset: Razer Kaira Pro
What to Consider
Not all gaming headphones are created equal, and choosing the best gaming headset can be highly personal. But for the most part, finding the best one comes down to the same criteria.
Compatibility
Most important is that you find a headset that is compatible with your gaming computer or video game console. You may think that finding a gaming headset with excellent audio and microphone quality is the next most important thing, but trust me, you’ll want something that’s comfortable. If a headset is uncomfortable, you’ll want to take it off after no more than 20 minutes of gaming.
Wired or Wireless
You should also decide whether you want a wired or wireless headset. If you shop for the latter, again, make sure that it’s compatible with your console! You won’t find a wireless headset that works seamlessly on both the PlayStation and Xbox, since the two consoles use different wireless protocols.
Feature Sets
You should also pay attention to the headset’s feature sets. Very few offer active noise canceling, but several support 7.1 surround sound, and many have Bluetooth connectivity, so you can use them with your phone.
How We Chose
Here's all that I factored in while making Best Products' recommended top picks.
- Comfort: How does the headset feel? Can you wear it for marathon gaming sessions? Does it feel too heavy? Are the materials irritating or itchy? Are the ear cups large enough to cover your entire ear? Is the headset uncomfortable with glasses? Is it adjustable to accommodate both large and smaller-shaped heads?
- Sound Quality: Is the sound rich and detailed enough to help you really get into the game? Is the in-game dialogue clear? Are the drivers overpowering? Can you identify the direction of sounds? Does the audio sound good for listening to music, too?
- Microphone Quality: Does the microphone successfully cancel out background noise? Is your voice clear and easily heard by other gamers?
- Build Quality and Design: How does the headset look? Does it feel cheap? Does it have a premium, sturdy build that can withstand drops? Is the headband durable? Is the cable long enough and braided enough to withstand wear over time?
- Connection: What type of connection does the headset have? Does it come with the proper adapters for connecting it to other devices? If it's wireless, does it stay connected without audio cutting in and out?
- Controls: What onboard controls does the headset have? Are they easily accessible and identifiable? Are there volume controls and a microphone mute function?
In addition to the above testing criteria, I also took into account price and included accessories, plus ease of use for the headsets and their included software.
After gaming across five different consoles for 400-plus hours, listening to weeks' worth of music, and countless deaths to conquer Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Resident Evil Village, Metroid Dread, and Returnal, here are the best editor-tested and -approved gaming headsets.
BEST PLAYSTATION GAMING HEADSETS
The Wireless Pick
Key Specs
- Compatibility: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC + Mac, Android, Nintendo Switch, USB-C iPads, Oculus Quest 2
- Connectivity: Wireless USB-C Dongle
- Drivers: 40-millimeter
- Weight: 0.93 pounds
- Battery Life: 30 hours
PlayStation owners, the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ should be on your shortlist if you're in the market for a new gaming headset. This stylish headset delivers stellar sound quality, a premium design, and an extremely comfortable fit. Most importantly, it provides gamers with long-lasting, all-day battery life.
What separates it from the wide realm of other gaming headsets is its unique ski-band-inspired suspension headband. The band is completely adjustable, and stretches to fit any head shape. Plus, it’s machine-washable!
The headset is lightweight and conforms to your head without squeezing too much or ever feeling loose. Its ear cushions are breathable and soft, and they don't get too hot — even during the longest of gaming sessions.
During tests with the SteelSeries 7, I could hear the faintest of details in the audio. As for the mic quality, I found that there was some noticeable, but minor background noise. Overall, my voice was clear and rich, and the headset delivered better than average performance.
The Wired Pick
Key Specs
- Compatibility: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC + Mac, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
- Connectivity: 3.5-millimeter audio cable
- Drivers: 50-millimeter
- Weight: 0.93 pounds
- Battery Life: 0.70 pounds
What I love most about the G Pro X from Logitech is that it doesn’t look like a gaming headset. Its design appears more polished and sophisticated than other headsets, thanks to its high-end metal components and durable build quality.
The headset comes with a wide range of accessories, including a travel bag, USB DAC, and two sets of earpads. Buyers have the choice of leatherette or cloth earpads, and both are filled with memory foam to offer a cozy fit. The headband is well padded, too, but this G Pro X feels a tad more snug than other options, so it may not be the best option for folks who wear glasses.
I was impressed with the headset’s sound reproduction ability, and found that they deliver a thunderous bass that makes explosions in games sound epic. Scores to my favorite games were well-balanced, the bass didn’t ever feel overpowering, and the soundscape was very detailed.
What separates the G Pro X from the dozens of other headsets I tested, though, is its crystal clear, detachable microphone. The headset uses Blue Voice processing for its mic, which is something only Logitech headsets offer.
The Budget Pick
Key Specs
- Compatibility: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC + Mac, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
- Connectivity: Wireless Dongle
- Drivers: 40-millimeter
- Weight: 0.36 pounds
- Battery Life: 18 hours
This colorful and incredibly lightweight headset from Logitech is one of the most inexpensive wireless headsets you can buy. Despite its affordable price point, the Logitech doesn’t require gamers to make many sacrifices when it comes to comfort and audio quality.
It comes with a 2.4GHz wireless transmitter that you use to connect wirelessly to a PC or PlayStation. Since the headset has Bluetooth, you can also use it with your Nintendo Switch or mobile device. It’s worth a quick mention that the G435 does not include a traditional 3.5-millimeter audio jack for wired connections. It also doesn’t have a boom microphone. Instead, it relies on integrated “beamforming” mics.
Although its ear cups are adjustable, I’d say this headset works best with smaller-sized heads. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how good the headset sounds, too, especially given its budget-friendly price.
BEST XBOX GAMING HEADSETS
The Wireless Pick
Key Specs
- Compatibility: Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Windows 10 Devices
- Connectivity: Pair directly to your console wirelessly with “Xbox Wireless Radio”
- Drivers: 40-millimeter
- Weight: 0.68 pounds
- Battery Life: 15 hours
I’ve tested more than 10 wireless Xbox headsets over the last four years, and I've always found myself going back to wired headsets because of audio lag or skips. But that was until I got my hands on Microsoft’s very own gaming headset: It sounds as good as other headsets that cost $50 more.
It's both comfortable and extremely easy to use, since it only has two buttons. Rather than relying on a wireless dongle like numerous other options, this one instantly pairs directly to your console without an adapter.
I was shocked at how strong its range is. The connection is so reliable that my game’s music didn’t cut out when I walked 25 feet away to the kitchen to grab a glass of water. You can expect around 15 hours of juice before needing to recharge it with the included USB-C cable.
The Wired Pick
Editor's Note: Due to to the global pandemic, a surge in demand, and widespread chip shortages, this product may fluctuate between in and out of stock. Be sure to check and see if it's in stock at Walmart or directly from SteelSeries.
Key Specs
- Compatibility: Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, PC, Android, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
- Connectivity: 2.4 GHz wireless
- Drivers: 40-millimeter
- Weight: 0.79 pounds
The Arctis 7X from SteelSeries is a versatile headset that works with every video game console. It features a strong build quality with a metal headband frame that’s sturdy, yet flexible. Its ski-goggle-inspired elastic band put minimal pressure on my noggin, and I found the headset to be comfortable for even the longest of gaming sessions.
The worst thing about the headset is how increasingly difficult it is to find in stock. If you need a multiplatform headset stat and it's out of stock, consider the Razer Kaira Pro instead, which I’ll introduce later on in this guide. I also wish that the SteelSeries used USB-C instead of the outdated MicroUSB format for recharging.
Regardless, you get lengthy 24-hour battery life, a nice retractable boom microphone, stellar special surround sound, and unmatched versatility, since it can be used with the included 3.5-millimeter audio cable or free from the cord, thanks to the included wireless USB-C adapter.
The Budget Pick
Key Specs
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, mobile devices
- Connectivity: 3.5-millimeter jack, USB sound card
- Drivers: 50-millimeter
- Weight: 0.58 pounds
The Blackshark V2 is a premium headset without the premium price. Believe it or not, I liked the Blackshark V2 more than Razer’s Kraken V3 Pro, which is twice as expensive. The biggest difference between the two is the Kraken V3 Pro has haptic feedback. In case you’re unfamiliar, this means that the headset converts sound signals into touch-sensory feedback. I found the tech to be strange and annoying at times. It didn’t really immerse me further into the games, and I prefer to hear footsteps rather than feel them when I’m playing first-person shooter titles.
The Blackshark V2 still provides highly detailed sound quality for both games and music. Its microphone did a fine job at cleanly picking up my voice, and it comes with a USB sound card that lets you enable a THX Spatial Audio surround system for a more theater-like effect.
I wish the headset didn’t feel quite so plasticky, but I’m confident it will hold up over time. Trust me, it’s well worth its asking price — especially when you can get it on sale.
BEST NINTENDO SWITCH GAMING HEADSETS
The Wireless Pick
Key Specs
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Android, Xbox, Google Stadia, Oculus Quest 2
- Connectivity: 2.4 GHz wireless via USB-C wireless dongle
- Drivers: 40-millimeter
- Weight: 0.56 pounds
- Battery Life: 20 hours
If you’re the type of gamer who hops between your PlayStation, PC, and Switch, and don't want to spend several hundred dollars on a gaming headset, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option than the Arctis 1 Wireless. The headset includes a USB-C dongle that you can plug in and swap among your consoles for lag-free wireless gaming. The headset delivers stellar audio performance, but like its sibling the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+, it didn’t do as strong a job at blocking ambient room noise as other headsets.
It has a solid aluminum headband with a faux-leather padding underside, which is very comfortable. For what it’s worth, its earcups aren’t too warm, either! My biggest complaint about this headset is that no carrying case or pouch is included with it. Because its USB-C receiver is so small (it’s just over an inch long), it’s extremely easy to lose. On the plus side, I was blown away by how long its battery lasted: You can expect over 20 hours of use.
The Budget Pick
Key Specs
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, Xbox Series S|X, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, mobile devices
- Connectivity: 3.5-millimeter audio cable
- Drivers: 40-millimeter
- Weight: 0.93 pounds
- Battery Life: 0.55 pounds
The Razer Kraken X is a no-frills headset that does a lot for its low price. Although there are several gaming headsets out there that surpass it in terms of build quality, audio performance, and comfort, the Razer Kraken X is by no means a bad headset. I wouldn’t even go as far as calling it cheap, either.
It’s one of the few gaming headsets that boasts 7.1 surround sound (but only when you’re playing on a PC). The headset can be used with almost any system, since it has a 3.5-millimeter jack. It’s also extremely lightweight and comfortable to wear — even if you wear glasses.
My biggest complaint about the Kraken X is that its microphone is not removable or retractable. So, it’ll be in your peripheral vision even if you’re not chatting with anybody. Fortunately, despite its mostly plastic construction, the headset doesn’t look or feel cheap. And it sounds great, too! What more could you want for a headset that costs less than 50 bucks?
BEST PC GAMING HEADSETS
The Wireless Pick
Key Specs
- Compatibility: PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
- Connectivity: 2.4 GHz wireless
- Drivers: 53-millimeter
- Weight: 0.66 pounds
- Battery Life: 30 hours
I’ve always been a fan of HyperX gaming headsets for their reasonable price points, comfortable fit, better-than-average microphone performance, and solid sound quality. The HyperX Cloud II Wireless is my favorite HyperX gaming headset that I’ve used. It’s worth a brief mention that Hyper X recently announced its latest headset, the Cloud Alpha Wireless, which packs a whopping 300-hour battery life. I hope to put it through its paces soon, to see if it’ll become the new king.
This gaming headset offers users a still impressive 30 hours of battery life, which is 6 hours longer than its competitors. It delivers outstanding audio quality that’s balanced and detailed. The only feature that could make the headset better would be the inclusion of a dial for mixing chat and game audio.
The Wired Pick
Key Specs
- Compatibility: PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, anything with 3.5-millimeter jack
- Connectivity: 3.5-millimeter audio cable, USB-C
- Drivers: 40-millimeter
- Weight: 0.93 pounds
The beyerdynamic MMX 150 is an outstanding wired headset that doesn’t boast as many features as the competition, but does all the basics right. Its sound is quite clear and powerful, it’s built solidly, and it’s so comfortable, I forgot I was wearing it. That’s probably because its aluminum headband and ear pads are stuffed with cloud-like memory foam.
During my tests, I found that it delivers better-than-average microphone performance. It also did a great job at reducing the background noise from my mouse clicking and my obnoxiously loud gaming keyboard. If you’re searching for a sharp-looking, all-purpose headset that's easy to use, sounds great while gaming or listening to music, and doesn’t require recharging (since it’s wired), the beyerdynamic MMX 150 should be on your shortlist.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Best Bluetooth Headset
Key Specs
- Compatibility: Xbox Series X | S, Bluetooth devices
- Connectivity: Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth 5.0
- Drivers: 50-millimeter
- Weight: 0.73 pounds
- Battery Life: 17 hours
The Razer Kaira Pro is a premium gaming headset that’s without a doubt one of the best Xbox headsets you can buy. The only reason we named the “Microsoft Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset” as our best wireless Xbox headset is because it better walks that fine line between price and performance. The Razer has a leg up on Microsoft’s official headset when it comes to connectivity options, however.
That’s because the Kaira Pro packs Bluetooth 5.0, so it also works with your PC, smartphone, or Nintendo Switch. Compared to the Microsoft Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset, this one uses mesh earcups instead of imitation leather. I preferred the latter, but overall, the Kaira Pro is still comfortable, and it didn’t make me sweat.
Gamers who like to fine-tune their audio settings will be disappointed to learn that the Kaira Pro does not work with Razer’s Synapse software. Meaning, you can’t create equalization profiles or enable surround sound. Regardless, this wireless headset is well-built and highly versatile. It delivers stellar microphone and audio performance, and it doesn’t suffer audio delay like other wireless headsets.
A Versatile Mid-Range Headset
Key Specs
- Compatibility: Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Windows 10 devices with built-in Xbox wireless – direct wireless connection, Nintendo Switch via Bluetooth
- Connectivity: Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth 5.0
- Drivers: 50mm
- Weight: 0.99 pounds
- Battery Life: 20 hours
The reasonably priced Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 ticks a lot of boxes. The headset, which comes in both Xbox and PlayStation variants, contains a 20-hour battery. It’s easy to pair and switch among multiple consoles, and it supports virtual 7.1 surround sound on a PC.
I loved using its “Superhuman Hearing” setting, which prioritizes the sound of footsteps. So, it's perfect for first-person-shooter titles. It definitely gave me a leg up on the competition! Its microphone is accurate, and you can flip it up to keep it out of the way when you’re not chatting.
Really, the headset’s biggest flaw is its plastic design. Technically, it does have a metal headband, but to me, the headset felt just a tad cheaper than other gaming headsets. Fortunately, its leatherette-covered earpads are made with memory foam and equipped with a cooling gel layer to make the headset stand out in the comfort department. The headset was even comfortable to wear with glasses, and it didn’t squeeze my head too much.
If you’re in search of a stylish and comfortable headset that delivers a chest-thumping bass that’ll truly get you sucked into your games, you won’t be disappointed.
