

Updated · Jun 02, 2022
Updated: June 02,2022
Getting a good headset for gaming is a must-have for any dedicated online player. We’ve nailed down 14 of the top gaming headsets and put them to the test, looking at:
Read our gaming headset reviews and guides to find the perfect gamer headset for you.
At around $100 this is our top pick for those that cannot spend more for the best headsets for gaming. It’s super comfortable to wear, has a modern sleek design, competent sound and mic quality for gaming. The digital surround sound option is also available and totally worth it.
at Razer
Connectivity
3.5mm jack + USB sound card
7.1 Surround sound
Yes
Frequency Response
12 Hz – 28 kHz
Arguably the best gaming headsets currently on the market, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC is the only option on our list to have certified high-resolution sound. It also comes with the best implemented DTS digital surround sound, allowing you to hear the direction of every in-game footstep clearly. Simply the best-sounding gaming headset.
at Amazon
Connectivity
USB sound card
7.1 Surround sound
DTS Digital
Frequency Response
10–40 kHz
A great all-around performer for PC or console gamers, you can’t get a better wireless headset at $200. Virtual surround sound is there if you prefer it over stereo, the mic is distortion-free, and the overall sound is great for gaming. And, did we mention - lights!
at Amazon
Connectivity
Wireless
7.1 Surround sound
Yes
Frequency Response
20 Hz to 40 kHz
At $249.99, this premium gaming headset is perfect for streamers thanks to its mini-mixer/amp and ability to daisy-chain multiple headsets and inputs for your co-hosts. With a premium price also comes premium comfort, sound, and overall quality. One of the worthiest gaming headsets on the market.
at Astro
Connectivity
Extemely easy
7.1 Surround sound
Yes
Frequency response
20 - 24 kHz
At less than $50, the HyperX Cloud Stinger is our number one pick for sound quality and comfort in this price range. It comes with memory foam earcups, a premium yet lightweight design, and the sound is clean and precise. If you’re gaming on a budget, this is the best gaming headset brand.
at Amazon
Connectivity
3.5mm jack
7.1 Surround sound
Yes
Frequency Response
8Hz-23 kHz
This headset is the best value for money in the wireless market. The sound quality is truly astonishing. There’s Dolby’s brand of digital surround sound to experiment with as well.
at Logitech
Connectivity
USB port, 3.5 mm audio port
7.1 Surround sound
Yes
Frequency Response
20 Hz - 20 KHz
Although it provides all-round good sound quality, the Turtle Beach Atlas Aero stands out with its unique ability to digitally enhance distant sound rather than trying to go with the usual surround sound. This improves your in-game performance and experience because you can hear those distant footsteps or bits of dialogue, giving you an edge.
at Turtle Beach
Connectivity
Wireless
7.1 Surround sound
Yes
Frequency Response
12 Hz – 20 kHz
If you’re a professional streamer or simply want the best quality mic available on a well-priced headset, then the Logitech G Pro X is for you. Its overall sound quality is also great, and the design and build are top-notch. The box is packed with extras, including an external USB DAC and Y-splitter.
at Logitech
Connectivity
USB sound card
7.1 Surround Sound
Yes
Frequency Response
20Hz-20KHz
Our top pick for a premium wireless PC gaming headset, the Astro A50 also supports consoles via its MixAmp Tx transmitter. The overall quality of the sound and mic is great, as there’s well-implemented Dolby digital surround sound. Extras like being able to daisy chain another headset helps put this product ahead of the pack.
at Astro
Connectivity
Wireless
7.1 Surround sound
Yes
Frequency Response
20Hz - 20 kHz
If you want an affordable wireless solution that actually sounds good and doesn’t lag, the Arctis 1 from SteelSeries can be picked up for less than $100. It has a superior 2.4GHz wireless connectivity option and great stereo sound.
at Amazon
Connectivity
Wireless
7.1 Surround sound
No
Frequency Response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
At the less than $50 price range, there aren’t many gaming headsets that deliver the quality of the Razer Kraken X, particularly for the microphone. This comfortable and competent headset even delivers digital surround sound for those that like to test the performance of directional sound in-game.
at Razer
Connectivity
3.5mm audio jack, USB
7.1 Surround sound
Yes
Frequency Response
12 Hz – 28 kHz
At less than $100 this wired gaming headset is the best value for money out of our wired picks. You get lots of padding for comfortable long hours of gaming and booming bass for those hectic war games. The overall mic and sound quality is excellent at this price point.
at Amazon
Connectivity
3.5mm plug
7.1 Surround sound
No
Frequency Response
13 Hz–27 kHz
You get a lot for less than $100, including the G433’s unique fabric-covered design in red, blue and other options. The mic filters out background noise to keep your voice clear. The Pro G driver is attuned for analog and digital sources. Well-priced wired gaming headphones and mic.
at Logitech
Connectivity
USB DAC
7.1 Surround sound
Yes
Frequency Response
20Hz-20KHz
Brand new for 2020 the Creative SXFI Gamer is our pick for affordable headsets that have implemented 7.1 well. While it’s not the cheapest, it does it better than more expensive modelsл It even attempts to build a personal sound profile by using your phone to scan your head and ears, to create the best surround sound gaming headset for 2020.
at Amazon
Connectivity
USB, 3.5 mm Stereo Input
7.1 Surround sound
Yes
Frequency Response
20 Hz–20 kHz
Choosing the best headphones for gaming will have an element of personal taste but all of the highest-quality gaming headsets share similar features. Here’s what you need to consider before parting with your cash:
Ultimately, you get what you pay for, but you can still find a good console or PC gaming headset at the lower end of the price range. To make it worthwhile you’ll need to be looking to spend at least $100, with options like the Razer Blackshark V2 and HyperX Cloud Alpha offering good wired solutions.
If you’re on a tight budget, the HyperX Cloud Stinger has great sound quality for gaming at less than $50. It’s closest competitor, the Razer Kraken X, excels in the microphone department at the same price.
It should be noted that wireless headsets that match the sound quality of wired ones are usually more expensive - it takes more tech to get them up to scratch.
If you’ve been looking for the best over ear headphones for gaming, you’re in luck. 99% of the options come in this design, though there are still lots of style variants.
For every luminous and vibrant color choice with RGB lighting, there’s a simple black that wouldn’t look out of place at the office.
Do you go for gaming style or something understated and professional that is still good for gaming?
Most of the leading gaming headsets come in multiple color options.
If you will mostly be playing games on your desktop then a wired headset is the best option. Generally, wired provides better quality audio and there are fewer chances for interference from another digital signal. It’s also less likely that you’ll need to charge anything because the power is drawn from the computer. However, some of the best wired PC gaming headset options have extra tech involved that does need charging.
Wireless headphones can have the same or even better sound quality when comparing expensive wireless to cheap wired headsets. However, the main reason to go wireless is if you’ll be gaming some distance from your computer or console (couch/TV setup) or you want to use them for music and other purposes.
Some gaming headsets brands offer both solutions at different prices. The Arctis Pro Wireless, which is $100 more than the wired version for the same specs, while $50 more than the wired DAC version which has hi-res sound.
If you’re looking for the best gaming headset PC users can buy, then there are limitless options. Console gamers are slightly more restricted but a lot of good headsets support both. Make sure you confirm compatibility before purchase.
The best headset for PC will usually be a wired one while console gamers often opt for wireless due to setups away from the desktop, such as in the lounge.
All gaming headsets have some noise cancellation, but the best over-ear gaming headphones have added tech to keep you from hearing the outside world. Likewise, the best over-ear gaming headset will also have mic noise cancellation technology so those on the other end only hear your voice.
If you want to experience in-game surround sound that makes it seem like helicopters are coming from above and a teammate is shouting to the left, you’ll need a surround sound gaming headset. However, read the reviews carefully because there are multiple brands/technologies, and some perform better than others. This technology is still developing, and a lot of headsets still have better sound quality with it turned off.
If you will be using your headset for straight gaming and talking to other players, you can get away with an average mic and do not need many extra features. If you’ll be streaming to Twitch or over Discord, you’ll want a higher quality PC gaming headset with mic.
If you stream with other gamers/hosts in the same room, you’ll also want to look out for mixer add ons and Y-splitters – the ability to get multiple headsets running through the same system.
While we’d always advise music purists to look elsewhere for separate headphones some of the higher-end gaming headsets still sound pretty good for music but expect to pay high-end prices.
Headphones and mics are important computer peripherals, especially for gamers.
If you’ve been looking for the best-quality gaming headset for PC or a dual console option, our reviews and guides should point you in the right direction. Whether you’re spending under $100 or have a limitless budget, you can find the best headphones for gaming for you.
If you have yet to choose from our list, we’ve also answered some of your commonly asked questions to give you further insight.
You might also want to check out:
Professional gamers don’t scrimp when it comes to buying gaming headsets with microphones, because of the higher the quality, the better the immersion, and therefore the better the player. For pros, winning is extra important.
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro is a competitive gamer favorite thanks to its 40,000 Hz hi-res audio and surround sound. The mic isn’t to be scoffed at either, offering an almost studio-like quality, which also makes it ideal for streamers and podcasters. That RGB lighting is also super cool.
Also, in the mix is the Hyper X Cloud with its 60 Ohms impedance and super comfortable memory foam ear covers. The Astro A40 also has lots of cool customizations.
Ultimately, most of the headsets on our list are suitable for pro gamers, you just need to look out for:
Wired or wireless is more of a personal taste and whether you think the wire gets in the way vs whether you mind the hassle of charging a wireless device and the risk of lag. Pro gamers use both if they’re high-end.
The best wired headset currently on the market for gamers is the SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC, providing certified hi-res audio, DTS digital surround sound, and an overall stylish and premium build. It’s a gaming headset PC and console users can benefit from.
If $270 is out of your range, then the best value for money wired option is the HyperX Cloud Alpha, which can often be found for less than $100.
If you intend to use any kind of headphones or mic setup for gaming then spending a little extra on a good gaming headset is worth it.
A headset allows you to seamlessly listen to your game while talking to your friends and foes without having to configure a separate microphone and gaming headphone combination.
The top console and best PC headset also provide superior sound quality for the in-game environment. At the least they properly cup the ear, drowning out background noise.
Then best headphones for gaming also account for directional sound through the left or right channel. So, if your enemy is creeping up behind you to the left you will hear the footsteps more in your left ear.
This provides much more immersion in the game but also improves your performance as a gamer.
Then there’s the fact good gaming headsets are properly pop-filtered and provide cardioid or unidirectional technology for their mics. Simply put, those on the other end will be able to hear you speak clearly and are less likely to hear any background noise.
The short answer is that 7.1 digital surround sound is not necessarily better or needed for top gaming headphones. However, it can still be implemented well, and many of the best PC headphones have it as an option if you like it.
The 7.1 debate is a long and arduous one in the gaming community. What gamers are trying to accomplish is high quality, clear audio, that allows them to hear sound directionally. I.e. footsteps to the left, a teammate shouting in the distance to the right, and planes flying above.
This creates fun and immersive gaming, that helps improve your response to the action as well. Only, it doesn’t really work that well for a lot of headsets.
The term ‘surround sound’, ‘7.1’, THX spatial audio’, and others refer to specific brands of technology that some PC gaming headsets have implemented. However, the ability to hear what is, somewhat directional, can be accomplished with stereo headphones that aren’t technically ‘surround sound’ at all.
Think about it – stereo headphones are two separate channels, which means you do already get sound coming from the left and right. If the game developer has implemented good quality sound into the game and your stereo headphones are good quality, 7.1 digital surround sound (or similar tech) can actually lower the overall quality. It produces a distorted, muffled, echoing effect; especially if the game never anticipated its use.
Surround sound is really intended for expensive speakers and watching movies sat back on your couch. It uses the physical positioning of the speakers and internal hardware to create the experience and this just cannot be implemented into a headset with two earcups.
Thus, they do an artificial ‘digital’ version of it that only works half the time and often sacrifices audio quality.
The consensus among audio buffs and gamers is that high-end stereo headsets are good headphones for gaming and 7.1 is a bit of a gimmick. The good news is that a lot of the best gaming headsets have 7.1 as an option you can turn on and off, so ultimately it comes down to personal choice.
7.1 isn’t better for gaming but it’s there if you want it. Plus, the technology continues to evolve, so it doesn’t hurt to have it as an option ready for improvements.
Yes, if you are a regular gamer that cares about sound quality and immersion.
All of the headsets we’ve reviewed made it to the list because they are worth the money, however, your personal budget will play a role in the brand and model you choose. When comparing cheap headsets that have the term gaming slapped on the box and genuine expensive gaming headsets, the expensive ones will always win in terms of build and sound quality for gaming.
If you are a casual gamer or prefer single-player games that don’t require a mic, forking out for an expensive headset may not be worth it. You can rely on any existing speakers or stereo headphones that you have while still having a good time.
Gaming can be an intensive activity and if you clock in long hours, your headset can soon take some punishment. This is especially true when there are moving parts like size adjustability and the position of the microphone.
You can expect the headsets we’ve reviewed to last in the range of 2 to 5 years before something snaps, becomes too loose or the internal hardware breaks.
Fortunately, all good products come with a manufacturer’s warranty. So, as long as you don’t accidentally stand on your headset or drop it off a balcony, you’ll be entitled to a replacement or for them to be fixed during a certain period of time.
To make your headset last longer it is best to regularly wipe them down with a dry dust-attracting cloth and damp (never wet) cloth. You should also store them on a rack or somewhere safe out of the way.
Although it goes without saying, the best ones are those designed specifically for gamers from reputable gaming headset brands. Whether they implement virtual surround sound or not, they have been fine-tuned for in-game environments not listening to music or watching movies.
Our overall choice for premium gaming headsets at the premium end of the scale goes to the SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC. It is the only over-ear gaming headset to provide certified high-resolution audio.
Logitech, Razer, Astro, and HyperX are all good gaming headset companies that provide top gaming headsets at multiple price points.
Keelan Balderson
A qualified journalist and longtime web content writer, Keelan has a passion for exploring information and learning new things. If he's not writing or pushing his own brands, you'll find him watching pro wrestling or trying not to rant about politics online.
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