The best audio experiences available

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Enhancing your gaming experience can be greatly enhanced by incorporating one of the top gaming headsets into your setup. It can improve your directional audio and provide the necessary bass response for those loud gunshots. Excellent volume, delicate balancing, and well-tuned drivers are beneficial to all users, whether they are on a PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, or Nintendo Switch.

We’ve worn a wide variety of gaming headsets throughout the years, so we have a good understanding of what makes good audio stand out from the rest. We’ve identified a couple that stand out from the rest through extensive testing and long-term comparisons with more recent versions. But these aren’t just high-end gaming headsets with the newest technologies packaged in elegant packages. We meticulously weigh performance against cost to identify the best values available.

It goes without saying that the finest gaming headset available will be expensive. Right now, that would be the multiplatform, battery-saving superstar, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, which also boasts amazing comfort and sound quality. But there are also plenty of great solutions available at lower price points. We use every gaming headset we test in our daily lives, putting them through a battery of directional audio tests and balancing exercises covering a wide range of genres.

• BEST OVERALL: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
• BEST FOR MOST: Razer BlackShark V2 Hyperspeed
• BEST CHEAP: Corsair HS35
• BEST MULTIPLATFORM: Astro A50 X
• BEST FOR PC: Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)

The best PC gaming headsets 2024

Why TrustyPicked is reliable You may be confident that you’re purchasing the best because we put hours of testing into every product or service we review.

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1. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

The best PC gaming headset overall

SPECIFICATIONS

Connection: 2.4GHz / Bluetooth / wired

Drivers: SteelSeries Premium High Fidelity Drivers

Frequency response: 10Hz – 22kHz

Microphone: ClearCast Gen 2 – Fully Retractable Boom; Bidirectional Noise-Canceling

ANC: Yes

Controls: Power, mic mute, Bluetooth

Battery: 22 hours per battery

Weight: 337g

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

The greatest gaming headset we’ve tested to far is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro wireless, which has blown the competition out of the water with its overall perfection. Its superior appearance and feel are supported by unrivaled audio quality, a plethora of extra settings at your disposal, and its innovative solution to battery problems. SteelSeries has really surpassed itself with its most recent line of upscale gaming headsets.

Design: The Pro Wireless, which is at the top of the Nova series, is built with the same design principles as less expensive alternatives. This implies that you will receive those thick, somewhat elongated cups on each side in addition to a headband shaped like a ski goggle. The overall design seemed more appropriate for a daily pair of headphones than a gaming headset, in our opinion. With superb adjustment on every side, everything feels sturdy and safe, and the controls are easily accessible.

Features: A plethora of extra equipment was included right out of the box to really make the Nova Pro shine. The base station is a multi-platform linking beast that can charge and adjust EQ in addition to being a DAC. This little gadget not only gives you quick access to a plethora of EQ settings, but it can also connect to a PC or PlayStation so you can effortlessly switch between the two devices’ audio. Few gaming headphones have been as seamlessly integrated into daily life as the Nova Pro, out of all the ones we’ve tested.

However, the charging capabilities are where this really shines. A replaceable battery pack that can be taken straight out of the set itself is seen when the right earcup opens. You may always have extra battery charging in the base station, so you’ll never run out of power. It’s hard to understand why this straightforward fix for a common headset issue hasn’t been included in more expensive options. Even though the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless alone has a powerful battery, this arrangement provides much more comfort.

Audio: We’ll be honest: even though we’ve discovered that certain earlier models, such the Arctis 7P, lacked a little in the bass ranges, we find that we naturally prefer the purity and definition of SteelSeries’ soundscapes. SteelSeries has increased the bar for its Nova range, and as a result, the Pro Wireless is fantastic. The bass was beefier than in prior editions, and the overall sound quality in the higher levels was just as clear. We were amazed by the power of the lower ranges in this version. It’s a challenging balance to achieve, but the end product allowed us to appreciate a rich tapestry of well-rounded sound while still picking up on even the smallest of auditory cues.

The Verdict: We’ll acknowledge that for some people, the price point will be prohibitive. However, it’s definitely worth treating your ears to the Arctis Nova Pro if you’re wanting to spend a lot of money on a high-end headset for a PC or PS5 setup. Even without taking into account the hub-based EQ adjustments and simple switching features, there’s plenty to enjoy about this device between its elegant battery execution and premium audio quality.

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2. Razer BlackShark V2 Hyperspeed

The best gaming headset for most people

SPECIFICATIONS

Connection: 2.4GHz / Bluetooth / Wired

Drivers: Razer TriForce Titanium 50mm

Frequency response: 12Hz – 28kHz

Microphone: Razer HyperClear Super Wideband Unidirectional

ANC: No

Controls: Power, volume, playback, profile / Bluetooth smartswitch, mic mute

Battery: Up to 70 hours

Weight: 280g

Compatibility: PC, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, mobile

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

At a price that won’t deter the average gamer, the Razer BlackShark V2 Hyperspeed offers nearly all of the features of the much more costly Pro model (which is also shown below). For most gamers, we still considered the original Razer BlackShark V2 to be the greatest gaming headset, but the Hyperspeed variant from 2023 has surpassed it because to its superior microphone and wireless connectivity.

Design: The Hyperspeed model stays quite close to the BlackShark range as a whole. The oval cups, pilot-style form factor, and steel adjustment sliders that extend from the main headband are all still present. Upon closer inspection, however, it is evident that Razer has made some compromises with the build quality. With its hollow plastic feel and leatherette cups, the plastic build feels a lot less expensive than that of the Pro gadget. Because of the higher temperatures, those cups won’t last as long as the breathable mesh used elsewhere, and they won’t be as comfortable either. Instead, they’re more likely to break and flake. Even for the longest sessions, this headgear is remains pleasant because to its low weight and thickly cushioned headband.

Features: Not only do you get wireless capabilities in both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth here (features absent from the wired BlackShark V2), but you also get the ability to hook straight into your PC, something that even the Pro lacks. It would be difficult for you to be without audio with that and its exceptional 70-hour battery life, which greatly surpasses that of its competitors.

One of our favorite aspects of the BlackShark line is still present: the increased volume dial on the side. Volume controls are incredibly quick and simple to access with this dial, which also has a newly textured surface for even more accuracy. With Razer’s ultra wideband microphone, your chat communications will sound fantastic as well.

Audio: To ensure that your game audio is crystal clear and perfectly defined throughout the range, the TriForce Titanium 50mm drivers under each side work extra hard. These drivers are identical to those found in the Pro model, and they perform just as well in this more affordable form factor. Here, the mid- and lower-range game audio was remarkably detailed, something that less expensive wireless headsets usually lack. Furthermore, there was enough room in the scenario for directional cues to be effective.

Conclusion: For this price, you won’t find many wireless headsets with audio and microphone quality this good. In fact, alternatives in this price bracket typically don’t do that well. They can’t give enough to set them apart from far less expensive options, or they’re simply not up to the experience you can have for a little bit more money. Razer has created the greatest gaming headset for the majority of players out there by taking the audio quality of a high-end headset and making the necessary compromises to the construction materials.

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3. Corsair HS35

The best cheap gaming headset

SPECIFICATIONS

Connection: Wired

Drivers: 50mm

Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz

Microphone: Uni-directional

ANC: No

Controls: Mic mute, volume

Battery: NA

Weight: 249g

Compatibility: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Mac, Mobile

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

The Corsair HS35 is one of the greatest gaming headsets available on a budget, and it’s unquestionably among the finest inexpensive gaming headsets as well, thanks to its basic design and high level of quality. The HS35 defies the conventional wisdom that cheaper prices equate to inferior quality. You shouldn’t have to give up all the wonderful sound quality just because you’re saving money.

Design: This is a well-thought-out piece of equipment, having a comfortable and strong construction as well as some amazing audio features. The HS35 made an excellent impression on us right out of the box. At this price range, we would often anticipate an abundance of hollow plastic and thin padding, yet the lightweight design and well-considered coloring elements stuck out as having a more upscale feel. The Corsair HS35 proved to be snug without being uncomfortable after several hours of play, but also tough enough to withstand being pulled on and off your head carelessly and withstand the occasional accidental fall or bump thanks to memory foam ear-cups and a comfortable headband.

Features: The feature list is condensed because, of course, the lower price point comes with compromises. Since this is a wired headset, there aren’t any alternatives for switching between platforms or dual connections. Additionally, you cannot change the chat mix, which further leans the Corsair HS35 in the direction of single-player games. Nevertheless, there are a few interesting features on the detachable microphone that we weren’t prepared for, such active noise cancellation. Furthermore, the quality of that cancellation amazed us as well, with distinct audio coming through even with background noise.

Audio: After putting it through our rigorous test, we are aware that the audio is not going to win any awards, but it is still on level with most mid-range headsets and has some snappy treble, even though the bass isn’t as good as that of headsets like the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition. The HS35 is further out of reach for anyone playing competitive multiplayer games since it lacks 7.1 surround sound, which is standard at this price range, and because directional audio isn’t very good.

If you’re looking for a superior stereo audio solution, we suggest taking a look at the somewhat more expensive HyperX Cloud Alpha below. But the richness of the music and the depth of Wolfenstein’s artillery booms made us prickle our ears. For its inexpensive price, the Corsair HS35 is more than capable of exceeding expectations in terms of range and handling of louder soundscapes.

The conclusion is that if you want to save money on gaming headsets without sacrificing quality, the Corsair HS35 is the best option. It’s a simple strategy, but it puts comfort and good audio quality ahead of superfluous functions.

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4. Astro A50 X

The best multiplatform gaming headset

SPECIFICATIONS

Connection: 2.4Ghz / Bluetooth

Drivers: Graphene 40mm

Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz

Microphone: Omnidirectional flip

ANC: No

Controls: Power, HDMI switch, Bluetooth, volume, chat mix

Battery: 24 hours

Weight: 363g

Compatibility: PC, PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch (limited), mobile (limited)

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

Right at the end of 2023, Logitech and Astro released the A50 X on the market following a little break from new product releases. Its unusual HDMI switcher design makes it an amazing multiplatform gaming headset, even though it’s still a touch tricky to hang on to. This is especially true if you’re running both an Xbox and PS5 in the same configuration.

Design-wise, not much has changed from the Astro that we are all familiar with and love. It still has the iconic geometric base station, big cylindrical headband sliders, and crisp angular lines. The Astro A50 X comes in black and white, but the white one we tested had a notably clean look that doesn’t pick up dirt or smudges.

Even though the majority of this is made of plastic, it feels sturdy in the hand. Together with well-padded, if slightly warm, cushions, each cup spins to sit flat on a surface, providing optimal alignment on the head and long-lasting comfort. The primary headset’s soft material pads may be magnetically removed and replaced with more stylish leatherette choices.

Features: An HDMI switcher built right into the base station is a feature that only the Astro A50 X gaming headset offers above other headsets on the market. After connecting all of the HDMI 2.1 cables, all you have to do is press a button on the headset to switch between the Xbox and PlayStation for both audio and video. Furthermore, your complete 4K 120Hz signal is preserved. That’s a very helpful method of getting around the previous issues with wireless connectivity between PlayStation and Xbox, even though it leaves PC users a little in the dark due to its USB-A or DisplayPort constraints.

The headset has all the necessary controls on both sides, including a chat mix rocker that covers the entire right side. Broad coverage and extreme dependability are provided by Logitech’s Lightspeed connection, and Dolby Atmos-enabled spatial audio for PCs and Xboxes is a wonderful bonus.

Performance: The audio quality is amazing, and those graphene drivers are really making a difference. The Astro A50 X has outstanding sound quality, with a very clear sound in all frequency ranges, but especially in deeper bassy tones, and a great balance between louder effects and softer soundtracks and speech. Moreover, a crystal-clear microphone completes the package.

Conclusion: While the Astro A50 X won’t appeal to everyone, it would be challenging for SteelSeries to take the top spot if it weren’t for the practical problems with a split configuration, such as having consoles in one room and a PC in another, or the fact that Bluetooth is restricted to the base station. This is a must-see because of the incredibly detailed audio, special extra features, and sleek, comfy form factor.

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5. Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)

The best gaming headset for PC

SPECIFICATIONS

Connection: 2.4Ghz, Bluetooth 5.2

Drivers: 50mm Razer TriForce Titanium

Frequency response: 12hz – 28kHz

Microphone: Unidrectional Razer HyperClear Super Wideband with 32kHz sampling rate

ANC: None

Controls: Volume, mic mute power, profile/Bluetooth

Battery: Up to 70 hours

Weight: 320g

Compatibility: PC, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, mobile

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

Are you looking for a headset with great directional audio and a clean microphone to get you through online matches? For PC gamers, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is our best recommendation. A classic is being reimagined for 2023, but this is about more than just a new release date. It is without a doubt one of the greatest gaming headsets available, with a ton of improvements built right into that vintage chassis.

Design: The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro has a nearly same form factor and appearance to earlier models, but we were immediately drawn to the helicopter pilot build, which we still find appealing. This equipment has a sleek appearance, from the all-black paint job to the traditional Razer matte finish. Everything is held together by the steel headband, and although we did occasionally see some sliders slip when attaching the headphones, this was never an issue when playing. During extended sessions, the BlackShark V2 Pro blends into the background perfectly and is comfortable because to its memory foam cushions and lightweight design.

Features: The microphone was the BlackShark V2 Pro’s most notable feature when we evaluated it. With this HyperClear pickup, Razer has increased the sampling rate from 16kHz to 32kHz, putting some serious power into it. In actuality, that provided us with a very rich voice quality and crystal clear communication.

Colleagues commented on how good the mixing was, even going so far as to declare it podcast worthy. It’s that good. Though the mic isn’t everything, that’s why this is such a great headset for playing games online. In addition, the battery life has been increased to 70 hours (from 24 hours in the previous generation), and onboard audio profiles are located right on the headset. This implies that you can utilize Synapse-generation EQ settings on your PC and PlayStation, which is uncommon in this market.

Audio: The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, which already has a great design and an amazing feature set, even managed to shine in the audio department. The fighting in Dawn of War III was consistently well-articulated, and even Stalker’s older audio was improved to modern standards. Punchy gunfire broke through the eerie mood, which was wonderfully portrayed. In Apex Legends, locating opponents was also clear-cut and simple.

Conclusion: In our opinion, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is the greatest PC headset due to its clear microphone and accurate audio quality. It’s not a cheap device, costing $199.99 / £199.99, so if you don’t need a high-quality microphone or a wireless connection, that price tag won’t make much sense. On the other hand, this is a good place for PC and PS5 users who are searching for a gaming headset that genuinely feels like a cutting-edge gadget.

BEST GAMING HEADSET: FAQ

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What is the best gaming headset in 2024?

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is currently the greatest gaming headset, but not everyone will be able to afford it due to its high price. The Corsair HS35 is the best gaming headset if you want to spend less than $50 or £50. Meanwhile, the Razer BlackShark V2 is a good choice for anyone looking for a mid-range $60 – $100 / £60 – £100 headset.

How much does a gaming headset cost?

There is a wide range of combinations and corresponding pricing points for gaming headsets. For a budget-friendly wired headset with basic drivers, a detachable boom microphone for online gaming, and good stereo audio clarity, you should budget between $40 and $60 / £40 and £60. You’ll find more wireless and surround sound options, bigger drivers, and more EQ tuning options as we get closer to the $100 / £100 threshold.

The most competitive price range is $100 – $200 / £100 – £200. In this upper mid-range, high-end gaming headsets with premium features often come with extras or compromises in the form of build quality. In this price range, drivers, surround sound, and materials quality will all be significantly improved, resulting in a more comfortable form factor and longer lasting durability. In this price range, split connections are also more common, enabling you to switch between a 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connection with various devices.

The newest and finest in audio technology, extended battery life, detailed EQ settings, and other quality-of-life features like active noise cancellation may be found in gaming headsets costing more than $200 or £200.

What is the best gaming headset brand?

Numerous brands of gaming headsets are in competition with one another for your money. However, in our opinion, SteelSeries, Razer, Corsair, Turtle Beach, HyperX, and Astro are the best.