The Best Gaming Headsets for Every System
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Best for Most PeopleLogitech G Pro XRead more
Upgrade PickSteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wired/Wireless HeadsetRead more
Best for Nintendo SwitchSteelSeries Arctis 7+Read more
Best for Xbox (One and Series X/S)SteelSeries Arctis 9XRead more
Thoughtful sound design is a touchstone of modern gaming, and one of the best ways to improve your experience is with a better pair of headphones. Plenty of headsets are designed just for this task, with mics for team chat, wired and wireless options, and comfortable designs for hours of play. We've rounded up our favorites—no matter what console, computer, or device you game on.
For all your other gaming accessory needs, be sure to check out our other guides, like the Best Gaming Keyboard, Best Gaming Mouse, and Best Game Controllers.
Updated May 2023: We've merged our Best Wireless Gaming Headsets into this guide, adding picks like the Arctis 9X, HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, and Master & Dynamic MW65.
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- Photograph: Logitech
Best for Most People
Logitech G Pro XThis is one of our favorite headsets and for several good reasons. The Logitech G Pro X (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is simple and elegant—more like high-quality headphones than a gaming headset. And, conveniently, it comes in both wired and wireless options.
But there's more to it than meets the eye. Not only does it produce resonant sound on an expansive soundstage with 7.1 surround, but Logitech's included software gives you granular control over the quality of your voice. The included mic and software were engineered with help from Logitech-owned Blue (of Blue Yeti fame), and together they produce crystal-clear, broadcast-quality comms. The price is also very reasonable.
Works wirelessly with PC, PS4, and PS5. Requires a 3.5mm cable with Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
- Photograph: SteelSeries
Upgrade Pick
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wired/Wireless HeadsetThe Arctis Nova Pro produces immersive, expansive sound, and it packs a desktop DAC with a slick little display. This DAC can be used to adjust volume, or the mix of voice, sidetone, and voice chat. The headset itself is super comfy to wear for long periods. The ear cups are plush and soft, and they shut out almost all exterior sounds. The new adjustable head strap pays homage to the classic ski-goggle adjustment strap that made the original Arctis such a standout.
There's also a wireless version (8/10, WIRED Recommends) that blew us away. On top of all the benefits of the wired version, it also comes with two batteries, each of which can provide around 25 hours on a full charge. When one is in use, the other can charge inside the GameDAC, so there's always a fresh battery when you need it.
Wired version: Works best with PC, but also works well with Switch, Xbox Series S/X, and PS5.
Wireless version: Connects wirelessly via two USB-C ports on GameDAC to PC, Mac, PS4/5, and Nintendo Switch. Xbox model supports the above on one USB-C port, and Xbox consoles on the other. - Photograph: SteelSeries
Best for Nintendo Switch
SteelSeries Arctis 7+Many of the SteelSeries Arctis headsets have impressed us, and the Arctis 7+ (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is one of our favorites. It pulls off an impressive 30-hour battery life, and it's comfortable. But the best part is its handy, low-profile USB-C adapter that lets it pair with everything from Android phones to the Nintendo Switch. While the Switch supports Bluetooth audio, you'll get lower latency and better sound quality with this headset.
Works wirelessly with Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED, Switch Lite, PS5, PS4, PC, Switch, and Android phones. Requires a 3.5mm cable with Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
- Photograph: SteelSeries
Best for Xbox (One and Series X/S)
SteelSeries Arctis 9XWe've used the Arctis 9X for many, many months, and it's our favorite Xbox headset. It connects directly to your Xbox the same way you sync a controller—no dongle required—and it has all the benefits of other Arctis headsets. It's comfy as hell on your ears (and cranium), the mic and sound are stellar, and it has a nice retractable mic with balanced mic monitoring so you can hear your own voice when you talk, which helps you avoid yelling loudly when you mean to just talk. The battery life is about 20 hours.
Works wirelessly with Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S (has Bluetooth for dual listening).
- Photograph: SteelSeries
Good for PlayStation 5
SteelSeries Arctis 7P+In the past, official Sony headsets have earned our recommendation as solid options for the PlayStation, but the company’s most recent Pulse 3D headset didn't impress us. So this time around, we're going a different route.
The Arctis 7P+ (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is nearly identical to the Arctis 7+ mentioned above. The minor difference is that the 7+ has a dial to control ChatMix, a PC feature that balances team chat and game audio. But that feature isn't supported on the PlayStation, so the 7P+ repurposes this dial to control sidetone. That change aside, it still pulls off 30-hour battery life and comes with the wireless USB-C dongle that makes it compatible with most systems.
Works wirelessly with Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED, Switch Lite, PS5, PS4, PC, Switch, and Android phones. Requires a 3.5mm cable with Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
- Photograph: HyperX
Best for (Unreal) Battery Life
HP HyperX Cloud Alpha WirelessHyperX is best known for getting you the most bang for your buck, and the Cloud Alpha Wireless headset (10/10, WIRED Recommends) raised that bar by a country mile. Our previous top pick for battery life, the Cloud Flight Wireless, offered 30 hours of battery life. This one, however, is rated for 300 hours. Yes, 300. And that's what's written on the box. In our testing, it lasted for over 325 hours of continuous usage on a single charge. It's such a baffling achievement that our friends over at iFixit did a teardown just to figure out how they pulled it off.
Combined with shockingly comfortable cans, impressive audio, and a measly sub-$200 price tag, this is one of the few gadgets that's ever earned our rare metaphysical perfection review score. The only downside is that it lacks a headphone jack or any non-dongle wireless options like Bluetooth. But for wireless battery life, this headset is quite literally an order of magnitude above the rest of the competition.
Works wirelessly with PS5, PS4, and PC.
- Photograph: JBL
Best for 3D Audio
JBL Quantum OneI complain about "gamer" aesthetics pretty often, but in the case of the JBL Quantum One, the ostentatious design and lighting are well worth it. This headset is expensive, but it's for people who have full-on gaming desktop setups and want the best, most immersive sound while gaming (or listening to music while they work, like me). First and foremost, the sound is just incredible. The broad, expansive soundstage and deep rumbly bass make it perfect for consuming any kind of media.
At this price, you get a few more features on top of great audio. These headphones offer spatial audio, so when you set them up with the JBL software, they track the position of your head. If you turn away from your computer, the volume goes way down. The spatial audio makes for a killer, sometimes overstimulating, gaming experience. They also feature active noise cancelation and a super-clear boom mic. The only thing I don't like? The exterior design. If they were a bit more understated, these would be my take-everywhere, wear-everyday headphones.
Wired only. Works with PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Switch, and PC. Spatial audio only on PC.
- Photograph: SteelSeries
Best for Voice Chat on Switch
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 (With Bluetooth)If you only play Fortnite, you can connect a regular wired headset to your Switch and use the mic. Sadly, that's not the standard for most online Switch games. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Splatoon 2, and other Nintendo titles rely on Nintendo's Switch Online app on Android and iOS for microphone input. If you want to hear your friends and your game, the Arctis 3 with Bluetooth is your best option. It lets you listen to both audio sources at once.
Wired and wireless. Works with every major system. Best for Switch.
- Photograph: SteelSeries
Best Under $100
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1SteelSeries shows up a lot on this list, but it's for good reason. At $60 (MSRP), the Arctis Nova is a budget pick, but it's surprisingly robust. It feels every bit as sturdy as Steelseries' more expensive offerings and sounds almost as good. It's a bit less immersive and directional than the Nova Pro, but the sound is clear, detailed, and surprisingly rich. It's just really hard to beat the build quality at this price.
- Photograph: Master & Dynamic
A Luxury Headset for Gamers
Master & Dynamic MW65This headset is an odd one. Master & Dynamic is known for its bespoke style and luxurious craftsmanship, and the MW65 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is an example of both. It feels solid but lightweight, old-fashioned but uniquely modern. It's a study in opposites. With active noise canceling and Bluetooth connectivity, these have become my everyday drivers. I plugged them in when playing a game and switched to Bluetooth mode when I was out and about. The sound quality is rich, layered, and textured. They're tuned a bit flat, so the music might not have the punch you're used to unless you adjust your equalizer settings, but these are excellent all-around headphones.
They're an unconventional choice for gaming, and may not be the best choice for barking a lot of commands to teammates, but once you've heard how well they handle complex soundscapes (gunfire, swelling orchestral suites, bootprints on lunar dust, all of the above), it's hard to go back.
Works wirelessly with PC, Mac, Android, and iPhone. Requires a 3.5-mm cord with Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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- Photograph: beyerdynamic
Best for Streamers and Audio Pros
Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro XThe DT 700 Pro X (8/10, WIRED Recommends) might not be your typical choice for a wired headset unless you work in a professional environment. These studio headphones use a mini-XLR to audio jack cable, and they have no internal processing to provide the accurate sound delivery that professional sound designers need. However, we've found that this often means movies and games sound clearer since you're hearing the highly engineered sound they were designed to have. These headsets lack a lot of features you might expect from others at this price, like a microphone for gaming. But if clear, accurate sound quality is your priority, it's hard to beat this one.
PC only, and you need an external mic.
- Photograph: Turtle Beach
A Cheaper PS5 Headset
Turtle Beach Ear Force Stealth 600 Gen 2 for PlayStationIf you're trying to save some cash, the Stealth 600 Gen 2 is a great budget pick for the PlayStation ecosystem. It's not the single greatest wireless gaming headset by any stretch, but like its predecessor, it offers a good mix of features for its price: excellent sound, a decently comfortable fit, mic monitoring, extra audio modes, vocal cues, 15 hours of battery life, solid range, and a flip-to-mute mic. Unfortunately, there's no 3.5mm wired option.
Works wirelessly with PS4, PS5, and PC.
- Photograph: Turtle Beach
A Cheaper Xbox Headset
Turtle Beach Ear Force Stealth 600 Gen 2 for XboxThanks to the never-ending war between Sony and Microsoft, you’ll need to buy two separate pairs of the Stealth 600 Gen 2 if you game on both Xbox and PlayStation. Like the PS4/PS5 version, it's a solid all-around headset for the price, giving you a host of premium features, like mic monitoring and dongle-free wireless, at a low price. The Gen 2 iteration is a small increment from the original Stealth 600, which you can learn more about in our review.
Works wirelessly with Xbox One, Series X/S, and PC.
- Photograph: Logitech
Best for Gaming on the Go
Logitech G333 In-Ear Gaming MonitorsI'm usually of the opinion that earbuds are earbuds, unless they're wireless. They usually sound decent, but they rarely impress with rich, robust sound. That was until I tried the Logitech G333. These little buds pack big, bassy sound in a tiny body. Plus, they come with a tangle-free cable (yes, please) and an included dongle, and they support USB-C right out of the box. All of this makes them a perfect choice for Switch or mobile gamers.
Wired only. Works with PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X. Works best with Switch, Android, iOS, PC, and Mac.
Photograph: SteelSeriesHonorable Mentions
Wireless Gaming Headset Honorable MentionsThere are so many good headsets on the market that we have a hard time picking out only our favorites. Here are a few other headsets that we like but that didn't find a distinct place on our list above.
Corsair Virtuoso ($200): This headset is great for PC players. It's lightweight, features 7.1 surround sound, and is comfortable to wear all day long.
SteelSeries Arctis 7 ($226): This is another great wireless headset for PC gamers. It supports DTS: Headphone X surround sound and, in our experience, provided fantastic sound. However, despite being compatible with the PlayStation, the mic gets oddly quiet when we use it on PS4.
Apple AirPods Max Wireless ($480): These headphones are among the best we've tested, but they're also incredibly expensive. They can also be finicky when connecting to Windows, or when connecting to multiplayer games. If money's no object and you care more about audio quality than anything else, this is a great option, but there are cheaper, simpler picks on our list.
Photograph: Turtle BeachWill It Work With Your Setup?
Headset CompatibilityThe most important question to ask yourself when looking for a gaming headset is, will it work with my [insert device here]? Here are some tips to make sure your new headset will work with your setup.
- USB headsets may have trouble with consoles: If it's a wired headset that uses USB, it'll work perfectly with a PC but might be finicky when it comes to consoles. Most console headsets plug in via a 3.5mm port on the controller itself.
- 3.5mm works everywhere. Mic audio, not always: Any 3.5mm headphone jack can take any 3.5mm plug, but you might not get the audio and microphone support. Count the bands around the plug. If there are two bands, you'll get audio output with no mic, or you'll get mono audio plus microphone input. Two-banded plugs are called three-pole plugs because the bands separate three sections of metal. If there are three bands, this is called a four-pole plug, and you'll get stereo audio and your microphone. This is what you want out of a corded gaming headset.
- Wireless is a bonus, sometimes: Most wireless headsets now come with a 3.5mm cable so you can use them wired or wireless. Those cables aren't always the three-band version we want, so be sure to double-check before you buy. Many of them do still require a battery charge to work.
How to Pick a Great Wireless Headset
How to Pick a Great Wireless HeadsetAudio quality: It seems like it would go without saying, but we're saying it anyway: You can't always tell from a spec sheet how a headset will sound. A well-made stereo headset can sound better than a poorly made 7.1 Dolby Atmos surround sound set. Check reviews to get a sense of how a headset performs in real life.
Surround sound options: Modern headsets have gotten very good at recreating or simulating surround sound in headsets with systems like Dolby Atmos for Headphones or DTS:X. These systems are particularly impactful in games where you want to be able to hear exactly where an enemy is firing at you from. Be sure you can turn the surround sound on or off.
Comfort: This is another subjective category, but if you're going to wear a headset for hours while you're gaming, it's important that it doesn't hurt. A heavy headset pressing against your temples can give you a headache after a while. Look for headsets that have adjustable, ergonomic designs, plenty of cushioning, and are generally lightweight.
An adjustable boom microphone: If you plan to use your headset for online gaming, a good microphone is important. Many headsets come with boom mics that can be positioned in front of your mouth. Some are removable, while others can simply be rotated or bent away from your mouth when they're not in use. Make sure you get the kind that's right for your needs.
Visible mic muting and indicator LEDs: It's important to know when you're broadcasting audio so you don't accidentally share your private conversations with your teammates. Some mics mute automatically when you flip them upward, while others use a dedicated mute button. We particularly like headsets that include red LEDs that indicate when you're muted, which can be helpful.
Mic monitoring so you can hear your voice: If you want to keep tabs on how you sound to your teammates, and not sound like you're yelling while playing, mic monitoring is a feature that lets you hear your own audio through your headphones. Optimally, you can adjust its volume. When you listen to a podcast or radio talk show, chances are, those folks are using some form of mic monitoring so they can hear themselves as well as others.
Equalizer (EQ) and customization tools: Games, movies, and TV shows are mixed differently, and when you're listening, you might want to emphasize different aspects of the audio signal. Custom EQ presets let you set different balances for watching a movie versus playing a game, or even have different balances on a per-game basis.
