We’re rounding up the best PC gaming headsets available

(Image credit: turtlebeach)

The finest PC gaming headphones are those that offer exceptional design, unmatched audio quality, and a full range of functions at a reasonable cost. You’ll discover the ideal set of headphones for your next gaming session below, regardless of whether you’re looking for something to plug in or want to go totally wireless and cut the cord.

Even while we adore the greatest PC speakers, they aren’t always the best option if you want to play games late at night. They not only take up room, but they also broadcast to everyone in your room and possibly the entire house. The greatest gaming headphones for PCs not only address this problem but also enhance the experience with genuine surround sound and noise cancellation. However, there are other benefits to take into account as well.

Ultimately, what use is a top-notch gaming headset if the microphone isn’t attached? Whether a 3.5mm boom arm or a set of beam mics, you’re going to want to be heard when gaming. Whether it’s shouting orders during a furious game, streaming to an audience, or conversing with pals on Discord. Although they won’t be able to compete with the greatest microphones on the market, onboard microphones will do the job well enough.

1. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro

Although we are still testing the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, which is the wired (and hence less expensive) variant of the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, it is already clear that this gaming headset is the best available on the market. That applies to both console and PC gaming.

Hi-res audio is provided by this gaming headset, so whether you’re playing games or watching films or music, you’ll get clear, detailed sound. When you combine the surround sound headset with the Spatial Audio feature—which you must activate using the accompanying software—you get an entirely new, immersive experience that we haven’t really encountered with other models. Furthermore, it feels really nice and comfortable, so we don’t mind at all wearing it for extended periods of time.

The sole distinction is that, being wired, it has a lower entrance fee than the wireless version, making it more affordable for individuals with limited resources. Without a doubt, the cost is still somewhat high. However, this is the PC gaming headset to acquire if you’re willing to shell out cash for sounds that even audiophiles can’t resist.

2. Corsair HS65 Surround

Considering all of the benefits that the Corsair HS65 offers, it’s difficult to believe how much it costs. This incredible gaming headset is a must-have for everyone, even those who can’t afford the more expensive models on this list, as it excels in both functionality and sound quality.

With Corsair’s new elegant design, an easy-to-use flip-to-mute microphone, luxurious memory foam leatherette ear pads, a lightweight design, and 3.5mm connectivity that can be converted to USB with the included 7.1 surround sound USB adapter, this is one of the best wired gaming headsets available right now.

It performs flawlessly in terms of surround sound and sound quality. In our review, we discovered that it maximises Dolby Audio 7.1 for an immersive experience even with stereo hardware. Every frequency range is well-represented, with a powerfully present bass, distinct and detailed highs, and rich, full-bodied mids.

3. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is an incredibly feature-filled device. The device is equipped with active noise cancellation, dual source connectivity for simultaneous mixing, and a noise-cancelling microphone to muffle keyboard clicks.

It even pushes the boundaries of how long a headset can be used without needing to be charged. Although its battery life is only 300 hours, you may increase its 20 hours of use per battery by hot swapping them while you’re still in the thick of things.

Additionally, we discovered that the audio quality of this SteelSeries headset is excellent whether you’re gaming or just listening to music. It has excellent bass response and is clean, crisp, and detailed. The primary issue is that the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is only available with support for the Xbox or Playstation, not both.

4. HyperX Cloud III

With the release of this HyperX Cloud gaming headset line successor, a cherished classic is back and better than ever. Even though the previous model was excellent in and of itself, HyperX made sure to improve every part of it, from performance to design, to make this even better. And as we stated in our review, it at last turned into the greatest gaming headset deserving of the ardent support of its devoted following.

During our time with it, we discovered that the HyperX Cloud III is, in many aspects, even more outstanding than its predecessor. It is more robustly built, has better acoustics, is more comfortable, has more connectivity possibilities, and looks more contemporary. We discovered that it provided the precise high end and powerful low end that gamers require in a gaming headset.

It’s the removable mic, however, that takes centerstage here. Its outstanding clarity, excellent audio quality, and outstanding background noise suppression made it one of the greatest gaming headset microphones we’ve ever encountered. And that fact is even more remarkable in light of its cost.

5. Turtle Beach Stealth Pro

Turtle Beach has always produced excellent gaming headphones, but with the Stealth Pro, the company has produced a masterpiece. With a robust EQ with many presets for less experienced gamers who care about audio quality and a 10-band EQ for the ultimate audiophile, this feature-rich headset thrives on versatility. Along with intelligently designed on-unit controls, it also has features like a swappable battery, active noise cancellation, transparency, and an outer right ear cup that doubles as a volume wheel—all of which are ideal for gaming headsets.

And those are only the first few. With three presets and a strength adjuster, the Superhuman hearing on this is the best that has been used to date. It accomplishes the difficult task of amplifying the frequencies of footsteps and weaponry to aid in victory while preserving high audio quality.

To start, the audio quality is excellent. It sounds like one of the greatest gaming headsets we’ve ever used, with crisp, reasonably detailed highs, rich, clear mids, and a low end with lots of punch and sub-bass. It isn’t the most inexpensive option available, like its competitors, and some people may be disappointed by the mic’s mediocrity. However, that doesn’t change the fact that this is an excellent Turtle Beach product. It’s a two-for-one deal since it also looks and works like a pair of headphones.

The best PC gaming headsets – FAQs

What are the best gaming headset brands?

Because there are so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which businesses actually provide high-quality cans. It seems like every manufacturer of computer accessories produces gaming headsets. They are not all equal, though.

Although some of SteelSeries’ products are more costly than others, the brand constantly provides excellent sound quality. The audio quality is always excellent, even in more basic versions. Similar to SteelSeries, Logitech occasionally produces products with superior audio quality and comfort at competitive prices, but it never quite hits the same heights.

But in terms of gaming audio, Razer and Corsair are the biggest guns. They have pairs available for almost any budget, and they also include a tonne of features like Dolby Atmos or THX, haptic feedback, and long battery lives for the wireless models.

But don’t restrict yourself to those particular brands. As seen by our selections below, Beyerdynamic, Turtle Beach, and Astro all produce high-quality headphones that aren’t just for gamers.

What headset do pro gamers use?

You just need to look at our list if you want a gaming headset similar to those used by pros. Several goods from Razer, one of the most well-known and sought-after companies of gaming accessories, entered our list. Not only is Razer a well-known brand, but most professional gamers swear by its goods. There’s no reason to wait if you can afford to upgrade to a Razer headset—they’re lightweight and offer excellent audio quality.

Another of our top choices, the Corsair HS50 Pro, is a professional gaming headset that is more reasonably priced. Known for producing excellent gaming technology, Corsair products are frequently more reasonably priced than other premium accessories. Corsair is a possible top pick if you’re seeking for an affordable gaming headset that pros utilise.

What’s best, wired or wireless PC gaming headsets?

The distinction between wired and wireless headphones is a common query among gamers searching for a new accessory. If you weigh all the pros and disadvantages, you can choose the best fit for yourself.

Many enthusiasts of high-quality audio will still err on the side of caution and choose a wired connection since it is still seen to offer the finest audio quality and reliability of any connection. But we believe that in recent years, wireless sets have narrowed the difference on both fronts. Unquestionably, some of the gaming audio we’ve heard recently is among the best we’ve heard in a while. Additionally, brands have stepped up their own fast and dependable wireless connections, which have virtually eliminated audio lag and interference.

In general, wired headsets still have the potential to be less expensive, so if money is tight, we suggest looking into that connection option. The further plus of wired sets is that they will offer tremendous adaptability and cross-platform compatibility. As a headset with a USB or 3.5mm audio connector, it may be connected to and used with any platform that supports those interfaces.

Nonetheless, wireless headphones are quickly growing more affordable and well-liked. Like their wired brethren, we’re even witnessing them become entirely flexible across all platforms. For many people, there’s still nothing better than the sheer simplicity of not having to connect to a controller, PC port, or DAC unit; this can serve as a benchmark when choosing between