The best Nintendo Switch headphones

Game in peace with the best headphones for the Nintendo Switch

Best Nintendo Switch headphones

by Ryan Houghton |
Updated on

Affordable, loud and light - what more do you want in a pair of the best Nintendo Switch headphones? We've compiled a selection of the best headphones just for the Switch, so you can get stuck into some gaming wherever you go, without sacrificing immersion.

Since its release in 2017, the Nintendo Switch has been a staple of handheld gaming - portable, powerful, and loaded with some of the best games ever made, it's been near and dear to our hearts and at our sides on long commutes for years now. But let's be honest, no one else on the bus wants to hear the elated cries of a famous Italian plumber or the tearful, heartfelt speech of an RPG protagonist. Luckily, some of today's best headphone makers, such as Razer and Logitech, have made a great range of affordable, adrenaline-pumping, bassy headphones to deliver that all-encompassing sound you've been looking for.

The best Nintendo Switch headphones at a glance:

Best headphones for budget: Hori Gaming Earbuds Pro - View on Amazon UK
Best wireless headphones on a budget: JBL TUNE 110BT - View on Amazon UK
Best headphones for kids: NINTENDO Animal Crossing Headphones - View on Amazon UK
Best headphones for immersion: Razer Barracuda X - View on Amazon UK

Searching for the ideal pair of headphones can be a bit of an ordeal, first, there's connectivity - considering the Switch's options for a wired headset as well as Bluetooth, then there's just how much noise-cancellation you truly want - so, consider precisely what you're looking for carefully.

While any old pair of headphones might do the trick, investing in a good pair of Nintendo Switch headphones not only heightens an already thrilling gaming experience but also ensures that you won't be buying another headset within the next couple of months.

The best Switch headphones to buy today

Best budget Nintendo Switch headphones earphones

HORI Gaming Earbuds Pro
Price: $42.24

The HORI gaming earbuds are officially licenced by Nintendo. This means they've gone through a testing process by the company to ensure the product is functional and works well with the Switch.

Ear hooks and changeable earbuds keep the headphones comfortably in place and the built-in volume control means you can change the volume with a simple push of the slider. It uses a standard 3.5mm connection so it's just a matter of plugging it into the top of your Switch.

The earbuds mirror the style of the Switch's iconic red and blue colour scheme providing a sleek design that’s not overly garish. While you will not be getting the best audio quality in the world, the price for a pair of licenced earbuds with this level of comfort is nothing to be sniffed at.

Pros

  • Great price
  • Sleek design

Cons

  • The sound quality isn't the best 
Connectivity:2.5mm aux
Microphone:In-line microphone or detachable arm
Volume Control:In-line volume control

Best wireless Nintendo Switch headphones on a budget

JBL TUNE 110BT
Price: $39.95
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While these earphones may look sportier in nature, the JBL TUNE 110BT's neckband means they sit comfortably around your neck. This is great for preventing loss, which, let's face it, some of us have all experienced at least once. The earbuds are also magnetic and connect to each other meaning they won’t magically tie themselves up when they are put into a pocket or bag. 

While the sound is plenty for on-the-go gaming, like all headphones of this price, they are not going to provide flawless quality audio. However, these earphones do come with JBL bass sound, so you're getting more bass for your buck. 

They also are connected by Bluetooth, so you don’t have to faff about with the 3.5mm jack - you just turn them on and connect to your Switch. If you want something simple, the JBL TUNE 110BT are some of the best wireless headphones for the Nintendo Switch.

Pros

  • Won’t get tangled in themselves 
  • JBL bass sound

Cons

  • Battery life is short
Connectivity:Bluetooth
Volume Control:In-line control, control via Switch
Microphone:In-line
Battery Life:Six hours
Charging Time:Two hours

Best Nintendo Switch headphones for kids

NINTENDO Animal Crossing Isabelle
Price: $24.36

If you need something for the little ones, then the Nintendo Animal Crossing Isabelle Headphones may be for you. The soft padding, adjustable length and light weight make these comfortable for children and they come with an audio limiter, so their hearing won't be damaged.

It must be noted that the headphone size is designed for kids so if you’re an adult who wanted cute headphones, you may have to look at a different option.

Regarding connectivity, it uses a standard 3.5mm cable and the microphone is detachable - which is good, given that Switch doesn't have chat. The cheap pricing point is also a big plus; kids can enjoy long car trips without their game audio distracting the driver.

Pros

  • Great price
  • Audio limiter

Cons

  • Cheap materials
Connectivity:3.5mm
Volume Control:In-line
Microphone:Boom mic

Best Nintendo Switch headphones for immersion

Razer Barracuda X
Price: $134.80

Razer is well known across the video game space for its range of quality accessories, especially when it comes to its selection of headphones.

The Barracuda X is no exception - its lightweight, sleek ergonomic design makes wearing them over extended periods of time comfortable, so they are perfect for travelling or extended gaming sessions.

Wired and wireless options are both available choices. Wired uses the standard 3.5mm jack with the bonus that the cable can be detached from the headphones. Wireless uses a USB-C adapter that fits in the charging port of a Switch so you can still use wireless on the go, the only caveat is you can't use wireless while the Switch is charging.

Naturally, the sound quality is great, it hits the low, mid and high frequencies providing deep immersion and with its noise cancelling, you don’t have to hear the outside world. Altogether, these facts make these some of the best headphones for the Nintendo Switch on the market.

Pros

  • Immersive sound
  • Connection versatility

Cons

  • Wireless can't be used while Switch is charging
Connectivity:3.5mm and Bluetooth (via dongle)
Volume Control:On-set
Microphone:Boom
Battery Life:Up to 50 hours
Charging Time:Three hours

Best home-use Nintendo Switch headphones

Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED
Price: $152.04
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If you prefer to play your Switch in a docked mode and want headphones more in-line for at-home use, then Logitech’s G435 LIGHTSPEED might be for you.

Utilising Logitech's Lightspeed technology, the wireless Bluetooth offers a reliable connection with low latency. Its charge lasts up to 18 hours, so you won't be interrupted by a low battery warning a couple of hours into play.

Comfort is at the forefront of the experience thanks to its lightweight as well as comfortable ear and headband padding. The G435 offers a surround sound experience so when you're playing something competitive like Splatoon 3, you can pinpoint exactly where your opponents are.

Pros

  • Long battery life 
  • Lightspeed wireless Bluetooth

Cons

  • Cumbersome when used for portability
Connectivity:Bluetooth
Volume ControlOn-set
Microphone:Built-in dual microphones
Battery Life:18 hours
Charging Time:Two hours

Best mid-range Nintendo Switch headphones

Turtle Beach Recon 70N
Price: $39.95
Alternative retailers
Walmart$39.95View offer
Best Buy$39.99View offer

Turtle Beach Recon 70Ns are ideal if you are looking for a pair of mid-range gaming headphones for the Switch. The synthetic leather ear cups fit snuggly over the ears and provide great noise cancelling and audio isolation, so you won't be distracted by the outside world. 

Pair these cups with the lightweight headband and you have optimal comfort. A four-foot cable ensures that you will not be cut short by a short lead and that you can play the best Switch games anywhere comfortably.

Pros

  • Noise cancellation and isolation 
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • The long cable is prone to tangling
Connectivity:3.5mm aux
Volume Control:In-line
Microphone:Flexible arm

Best Nintendo headphones for portability

Sometimes you want a more subtle wireless earbud that has no wire at all.

Razer Hammerhead True Wireless earbuds have a 13mm driver designed for clear and balanced sound whilst fitting comfortably in your ear. The truly wireless nature means you can play with one earbud in without the other getting in your way if you want to still be aware of your surroundings, and with a battery life of up to 15 hours - with its charging case - it's ideal for long journeys.  

Their small size and charging case make storing and retrieving them fast and easy - much like the Switch - making these earbuds the perfect Switch accessory.

Pros

  • Well balanced audio
  • Truly wireless 

Cons

  • Expensive
Connectivity:Bluetooth
Volume Control:Via Switch
Microphone:Built-in
Battery Life:Up to 15 hours
Charging Time:90 mins

Frequently asked questions:

Can I use the best Nintendo Switch headphones with other devices?

Absolutely, most headphones will be able to connect to other devices depending on what is supported. For example, most phones come with a 3.5mm port that will work with any 3.5mm cable.

Just make sure to check your device and the headphones' details to be sure it works.

Will Bluetooth affect my wireless controllers?

While it won't affect the connectivity of your wireless controllers, keep in mind that, when Bluetooth is turned on, the Switch can only support two of them. Since you would typically only be using headphones during single-player games this shouldn’t be a problem.

Should I look for headphones with a good microphone attached?

Unless you are planning to use them for other consoles or PC gaming, no. Switches online voice chat is, to be frank, a mess. It requires the Switch Online app for your phone and setting it up is needlessly complicated.

You are better off skipping the middleman and just using something like Discord to talk to your friends. While the headphones we’ve recommended do have microphones, we're not taking them into account for Switch use.

Ryan Houghton is a tech writer and reviewer for What's The Best, specialising in PCs and gaming. He is a keen PC gamer and an avid reader.

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