Want to blast game audio and voice chat without disturbing the people in your immediate vicinity? You need a gaming headset. PCMag knows gaming headsets as well as we know gaming laptops, gaming keyboards, and gaming mice, so explore our thoroughly tested recommendations. Each headset on this list underwent a battery of tests and ongoing use to evaluate its quality and value. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is our top pick for premium wireless headsets thanks to its excellent sound quality, active noise cancellation (ANC), support for two USB audio sources, and hot-swappable battery. On the budget side, the Razer Barracuda X offers punchy audio but fewer extra features for less than half the price. These are just two of our top picks for the best gaming headsets; many more great options are included in the list below.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
November 12, 2025: With this update, we added the Audeze Maxwell and removed the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Pro. Our remaining picks have been vetted for currency and availability. We currently have headsets from HyperX, Razer, SteelSeries, and Turtle Beach in for evaluation.
(Credit: Will Greenwald)
(Credit: Will Greenwald)
Pros & Cons
Full, clear audio
Good microphone
Strong noise cancellation
Clever base station with hot-swappable batteries and two USB ports
Powerful software with extensive audio adjustments and effective simulated surround
Audio profile requires some tweaking with EQ to get the best experience
No optical audio input for the base
Why We Picked It
This is the best, most flexible wireless gaming headset available, and the only one with swappable batteries. The Arctis Pro Wireless features a desktop wireless transmitter with a handy control knob, two USB-C ports for simultaneous connections to your computer and a compatible console (PlayStation, Xbox), and a charging slot for the included second battery. It also sounds good, feels good, and has surprisingly effective active noise cancellation.
Who It’s For
Gamers with deep pockets: Willing to invest a substantial amount of money in a wireless headset? This is the one for you. The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless is expensive, but its features (especially the dual-platform connectivity) and overall quality justify the high price.
Specs & Configurations
Type
Gaming, Circumaural (over-ear)
Connection Type
USB, Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Review
Pros & Cons
Lightweight and comfortable design
Well-padded earcups
Strong audio performance
Good microphone
Affordable
Boom mic isn’t replaceable or swappable
Why We Picked It
It’s a bit dated, but the Astro A10 is still one of the best inexpensive wired gaming headsets you can buy. It’s simple, with a stereo configuration and a 3.5mm connector, but it sounds great and has a clear mic. Even better, you can find it for around $50.
Who It’s For
Budget-conscious console gamers: If you’re looking for excellent audio quality in a low-cost wired headset, this is a great choice. It’s especially good for console gamers, as all major game systems feature headphone jacks.
Specs & Configurations
Type
Circumaural (over-ear)
Connection Type
Stereo 3.5mm
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
Astro Gaming A10 Review
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Pros & Cons
Detailed, clear audio
Active noise cancellation works well
Can be used wired or wireless
Easy to switch between EQ profiles
Powerful software for PC and mobile
Esports EQ presets don’t work with spatial audio
Why We Picked It
The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is more expensive than its predecessor, but it adds a feature that justifies the price: active noise cancellation (ANC). This wireless headset can effectively block out distractions while providing excellent sound with spatial audio, and its microphone ensures clear voice communication.
Who It’s For
Gamers who want to block out distractions: Due to its ANC and strong sound, the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is an excellent choice if you want to tune out everything and focus on the game you’re playing. It certainly isn’t cheap, but it’s less expensive than many similarly equipped high-end headsets.
Specs & Configurations
Type
Circumaural (over-ear), Gaming
Connection Type
USB, Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
Razer BlackShark V3 Pro Review
(Credit: Will Greenwald)
(Credit: Will Greenwald)
Pros & Cons
Strong audio performance
Clear mic quality
Comfortable fit
Plenty of connectivity options with Bluetooth, USB-C transmitter, and 3.5mm
7.1-channel simulated surround sound isn’t the most accurate
Doesn’t come with a carrying bag or case
Why We Picked It
The Razer Barracuda X isn’t the fanciest or most luxurious-feeling wireless gaming headset, but it’s one of the most affordable and flexible options for delivering high-quality audio. The USB-C transmitter lets it work with any PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation (4 or 5), or Android phone with a USB-C port (Xbox isn’t supported). Additionally, it features Bluetooth for on-the-go music listening and supports a 3.5mm wired connection. Most importantly, it sounds good, with a microphone that swings above its weight class in clarity.
Who It’s For
Budget-minded, non-Xbox gamers: The Barracuda X remains one of the best budget options for an affordable wireless gaming headset that also allows you to listen to music through your phone. Just remember that it doesn’t work wirelessly with Xbox consoles.
Specs & Configurations
Type
Circumaural (over-ear), Gaming
Connection Type
Bluetooth, USB-C, Stereo 3.5mm
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
Razer Barracuda X Review
(Credit: Will Greenwald)
(Credit: Will Greenwald)
Pros & Cons
Detailed, clear, and accurate sound
A comfortable, premium-feeling build
Includes Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC codec support
Expensive
PlayStation version lacks spatial audio feature for PC use
Why We Picked It
Audeze is best known for its high-end headphones, which utilize planar magnetic drivers, a distinct audio technology from the cone and dome drivers commonly used in headphones and headsets. Planar magnetic drivers deliver excellent sound but are generally more expensive than conventional drivers. The Audeze Maxwell is one of the few gaming headsets that uses those drivers, and it sounds fantastic. It’s a wireless gaming headset with a USB transmitter, designed for PC, Nintendo Switch 1 and 2, and PlayStation or Xbox. It features Bluetooth connectivity, as well as a 3.5mm wired connection option.
Who It’s For
Audiophiles: Music-loving gamers should pick up the Maxwell, a headset featuring high-end planar magnetic drivers. This gaming headset won’t overwhelm you with boosted bass, and lacks a lot of gaming-focused features, but it delivers clean, balanced audio that will impress a trained ear.
Specs & Configurations
Type
Circumaural (over-ear), Gaming
Connection Type
USB-C, Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
Audeze Maxwell Review
(Image: Francisco Lahoz)
(Image: Francisco Lahoz)
Pros & Cons
Full, clear audio
Good microphone
Slim, useful GameDAC
Powerful software with extensive audio adjustments
Effective simulated surround sound
Suspension strap prevents unsightly hair imprints
Supports Hi-Res Audio
Relatively expensive for a wired headset
Foam earcups get uncomfortable in warm enviroments
Some slight audio distortion on the high end
Why We Picked It
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is simply one of the most powerful and feature-filled wired gaming headsets available. It feels luxurious, sounds excellent, and its PC software features strong spatial audio and numerous granular adjustments for people who want to tinker with them. It also works with PC and every major game console (though you must choose between PlayStation and Xbox versions; there’s no model that’s compatible with both). In a nice touch, you can connect it to two devices simultaneously over USB-C. It’s also one of the few gaming headsets that supports high-res audio.
Who It’s For
PC gamers who want a premium feel: If you’re a desktop gamer or audiophile willing to invest in a high-end gaming headset, you’ll love the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. It feels and sounds fantastic, and is loaded with gamer-friendly features.
Specs & Configurations
Type
Gaming
Connection Type
Stereo 3.5mm, USB
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Review
(Credit: Will Greenwald)
(Credit: Will Greenwald)
Pros & Cons
Base station simultaneously connects to PC, PlayStation, and Xbox
Excellent sound quality and microphone
Includes Dolby Atmos for Headphones on PC and Xbox
Serves as an HDMI switch between PlayStation and Xbox
Expensive
Convoluted setup for the HDMI and USB combination connection
Why We Picked It
Logitech G Astro’s top-of-the-line A50 does something rare among wireless gaming headsets: It works with the PlayStation and Xbox consoles without requiring separate versions. It accomplishes this with a unique base station that serves as an HDMI switch, allowing it to switch between two HDMI sources (either both game consoles or one console and a PC).
Who It’s For
People who game on both PlayStation and Xbox: Dual console owners, this is your ideal headset. Logitech’s workaround to simultaneously support PlayStation and Xbox is a bit awkward, but there aren’t many ways to elegantly provide full audio features on both platforms through a single headset.
Specs & Configurations
Type
Gaming, Circumaural (over-ear)
Connection Type
USB-C, HDMI
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
Logitech G Astro A50 X Review
(Credit: Will Greenwald)
(Credit: Will Greenwald)
Pros & Cons
Well-balanced, detailed audio
Open back gives a good sense of space
Clear microphone
Long battery life
Lacks noise isolation
Relatively weak bass
Why We Picked It
Almost all gaming headsets are closed-back headphones, which means their sealed earcups allow air to flow in and out of the part that faces your ear. This is great for blocking outside noise, but it isn’t always the most accurate for high-end sound. Many audiophiles prefer open-back headphones, such as the Turtle Beach Atlas Air, because they offer a more natural sound (without noise cancellation). The Atlas Air also has a good sense of space, a respectable microphone, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Who It’s For
Fans of open-back headphones: If you’re looking for a balanced, accurate sound that feels open and natural, consider the Atlas Air. Just be aware that you’ll hear every noise around you.
Specs & Configurations
Type
Gaming, Circumaural (over-ear)
Connection Type
USB, Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
Turtle Beach Atlas Air Review
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The Best Gaming Headsets for 2025
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Buying Guide: The Best Gaming Headsets for 2025
Wired vs. Wireless Gaming Headsets
Headsets are available in wired or wireless varieties, with the latter typically being more expensive. More importantly, each gaming headset supports different console, handheld, and PC connections.
You can use Bluetooth with a wireless headset to connect to a Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 5 Pro, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and last-generation consoles. Additionally, Bluetooth is compatible with most mobile devices and some computers (note that the original Xbox One does not support Bluetooth). Other systems require a different wireless connection, often with a separate base plugged into your console or computer.
Bluetooth has made significant strides in the last few years, but proprietary wireless connections generally offer better audio quality, faster response times, and a stronger signal. These connections are typically designed for use with only one console or one console and a PC. For most wireless gaming headsets, you must choose between Xbox and PlayStation models.
Want to go wired? Whether you game on PlayStation, Switch, Xbox, or most handheld gaming devices, you can plug a 3.5mm headphone jack into the controller or system and start playing. Many handheld gaming PCs, such as the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go S, and Steam Deck, also feature headset jacks.
Using a headset with even older systems, such as the PS3 and Xbox 360, requires checking whether the headset supports the consoles’ unique connections or if adapters are available. PCs are the most flexible gaming headset platforms, as they work with USB headsets (which are generally only compatible with computers), 3.5mm analog connections (though a splitter adapter may be needed if your headset has only one plug), and optical audio.
For more, see our picks for the Best Wireless Gaming Headsets.
The Best Gaming Headsets for Surround Sound
Most high-end gaming headsets claim to provide some form of surround sound, but this isn’t technically accurate. Gaming headsets use stereo drivers (one for each ear) to produce sound, but can’t create true surround sound acoustics like multiple speakers distributed around a room. Gaming surround sound typically utilizes Dolby, DTS, or THX processing technologies that adjust how the headsets mix sound between your ears to create the impression of 360-degree audio. This processing is impressive and provides a strong sense of directionality.
If a headset doesn’t have this processing out of the box, the PlayStation 5 produces it with any connected cans. You can also obtain Dolby Atmos or THX Spatial Audio on your PC or Xbox through paid apps, which typically cost $10 to $20.
THX Spatial Audio (Razer)
The Best Gaming Headsets for Consoles
Most high-end headsets come in distinct, console-specific versions. If a headset is marketed primarily for PC use, it may also work with a console via a USB connection. However, the headset may not support all features. Any headset with a 3.5mm wired connection can work with a console through the controller’s headset jack. Check a model’s packaging and product page to ensure the headset you want is compatible with your gaming platform.
Recommended by Our Editors
The Best Microphones for Gaming
Regarding headset microphones, we’ve been consistently impressed by the mics Razer puts in its headsets, as well as the mics on Logitech G and SteelSeries’ flagship headsets. These models can be quite pricey (expect to pay more than $300), but they feature excellent voice clarity.
The Antlion Audio ModMic attachable microphone (Credit: Antlion Audio)
You can also consider the Antlion Audio ModMic (pictured above). It’s a boom mic that easily attaches to your favorite pair of headphones and can be removed when not in use, thanks to a two-piece magnetic mount. The ModMic lacks the gaming-specific features typically found in dedicated gaming headsets, but it lets you use old headphones for voice chat. Ensure you have the correct connection or adapter to use it with your preferred game platform.
If you’re serious about streaming or other gaming commentary, consider forgoing the boom mic and opting for a dedicated USB microphone. Decent USB mics can be found for $50 to $150, and they provide far clearer, richer, more natural audio than any boom mic. They’re trickier to set up properly for good sound, though; you need to be mindful of the microphone position and your relative distance from it.
If you prefer single-player games and live alone, you don’t need a headset at all. You can use speakers to enjoy the room-filling atmosphere, but you’ll find yourself shouting into the inexpensive and mediocre monoaural headsets that are often bundled with consoles.
