For a gamer, the purchase of a gaming headset is one of those rarest of things – a perfect purchase, merging the giddy feeling of nabbing a tech treat, with the satisfaction of knowing that the buy is an essential one. Long gone are the days when standard speaker arrangements were enough – we live in a time where the in-game soundscapes created by developers are so layered, accurate and immersive that they demand the clarity and precision delivered by a gaming headset (unless you can get hold of a incredible sound system). Just like a gaming monitor, the headset is a key tool in unlocking your gaming content's true potential.
The gaming headset market is an immense creature, loaded with hyperbole and strong claims. To help you cut through the nonsense and sales jargon, we’ve headed out to find the best gaming headsets available. By putting the headsets to the test, we’ve managed to nail down what’s hot and what’s not. We’ve truly gone all out, hunting high and low for top-notch options that’ll satisfy even the most exacting gamers on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
We started with the top-tier offerings, spoiling ourselves to the finest headsets money can buy. Why? So we would hunt harder! As we came down from the astonishing heights provided by ASTRO A50s and SteelSeries Arctic Pros, we searched every budget bracket for the gaming headsets that would satisfy our newfound extreme audio standards. And we’re happy to say we’ve been blown away by the choice available for anyone looking for a new gaming headset. No matter the platform, no matter the budget, there’s something exciting waiting for everyone.
Here are our picks of the best gaming headsets:
Best Gaming Headsets
For: PC, Xbox, PS
The latest generation of the ASTRO A50 is magnificent. First, the look is perfect. Toning things down from previous versions, the Gen 4's bring a powerful stealth-fighter spirit, with hidden on-board game/chat volume controls and mod-ready pads (plus, the docking base has been trimmed down to reduce its desk footprint). Second, and more importantly, they carry a gorgeous sound profile. Thanks to ASTRO Audio V2 and Dolby Audio, the surround sound is faultless and every frequency comes through with precision - the bass is punchy, the mids well-balanced, and the highs sing. For those looking to really get into the details of their audio experience, the ASTRO Command Centre software lets users get under the A50's hood and customise profiles at will.
Our verdict: They're damn near perfect.
For: PC, Xbox, PS
SteelSeries has mastered the art of wrapping up formidable power in an unassuming shell. The huge frequency range, 10Hz to 40kHz, is roughly double what you'd expect from a standard headset, resulting in a sound profile that's truly a joy to experience. The speaker drivers deliver a sound where every single element is reproduced with an uncanny and truly immersive quality (a quality greatly enhanced by the inclusion of DTS Headphone
Our verdict: Every aspect of this headset is well-thought-out and executed with precision.
For: PC, Xbox, PS
Razer has tried something unusual with its Nari Ultimate headset - it rumbles. In order to increase the immersion that's already provided by the near-flawless THX spatial audio, the headset packs in some Haptic tech to offer the one-of-a-kind experience, named 'Hypersense'. Though a strange and potentially disorientating feature, we found that it soon added an exciting and unique extra dimension to our gaming. The Hypersense feature only kicks in during the loudest of in-game noises, so the headset doesn't rumble continuously and it can be disabled, which will extend the battery life from eight hours to twenty. Don't let the innovation of this feature detract from the rest that this headset has to offer. It's brilliant in all the key areas - it's comfortable and lightweight (even over long sessions, thanks to the gel-loaded earpads), the audio is wonderful, and the wireless connection is solid.
Our verdict: The sound profile is cinematic, and the Haptic tech in both innovative and highly effective.
For: PC, Xbox, PS
Logitech's tagline for the G935 headset is: Ultimate Sound Science. We thought that was just marketing jargon - until we tried them. The company has always managed to deliver incredibly rich and voluminous audio, but this headset is on a new level, with 50mm Pro-G drivers and DTS Headphone
Our verdict: The sound is formidable, and they'll tie in with other Logitech G-range PC peripherals.
For: PC, Xbox, PS
Corsair's curvaceous Virtuoso gaming headset is a very strong offering. The 50mm hi-fi drivers are stunning, working well across all media types and gaming content. This is because they operate on a frequency range spanning 20Hz to 40kHz (that comes close to matching the Arctis Pro, and these are half the price). The battery is an impressive creature too, storing up 20-hours of charge. Add to this excellent sound the uber-comfortable memory foam earpads and lightweight aluminium frame, and the Virtuoso's quickly become a enticing headset option.
Our verdict: The frequency range is undeniably impressive, plus they're comfy.
Rrp: £155.11
For: PC, Xbox, PS
SteelSeries has packed all it can into the Arctis 7 + headset, ensuring that gamers can access the best the firm can offer for a more than reasonable price. As the S1 speaker drivers kick out a clean and defined audio profile, the DTS X v2.0 creates an incredibly detailed level of immersion (and both of these features can be tweaked via the SteelSeries software). Thanks to the dongle, the wireless 2.4GHz connection guarantees a stable quality connection with no audio loss or interference. The air-weave fabric keeps your ears cool during long gaming sessions, which you can certainly have with the 24-hour battery life. The mic is retractable, bi-directional, and Discord-certified, and the on-board volume controls allow audio to be balanced on the fly.
Our verdict: SteelSeries has distilled its knowledge and audio wizardry into a headset that tops its field.
www.argos.co.uk
For: PC, Xbox
Microsoft has knocked it out of the park with this headset. Coming in at a very affordable price, this wireless headset offers spatial audio, including the all-important Dolby Atmos and DTS Headphone
Our Verdict: Affordable, well-featured and carrying an awesome sound profile, these are a must for Xbox gamers.
For: PC, Xbox, PS
Razor knows how to make a decent peripheral, it seems. Its range comprises some of the best keyboard, mouse, and now headset, options available. The Kraken Ultimate lives up to the legend - like their Haptic-hybrid comrade, the Razor Nari, the Kraken headset enrols the support of THX and their Spatial Audio prestige to create a rich and accurate sound profile, delivered through 50mm drivers. While the sound provides plenty of depth, the highly-effective noise-cancelling keeps the real world as far away from a player's digital playground as possible. The Kraken is comfy too, with an aluminium frame and earpads that are infused with cooling gel. Glasses wearers will rejoice at the eyewear-friendly pad design.
Our verdict: The rugged and chunky design ticks all the aesthetic boxes, and the sound will transport players to their chosen worlds flawlessly.
For: Xbox, PC, PS
The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 headset is a real winner. The speakers offer a powerfully driven sound with DTS X technology to provide a high-quality all-round immersion, which won't be interrupted thanks to noise cancellation. The wireless capability is strong and consistent, and operates from a simple USB-dongle connection. The inclusion of Bluetooth tech also means that you can take calls or listen to music while gaming, and the Audio Hub software lets you turn up specific in-game audio, such as footsteps or weapon reloading - that's not cheating, right? It's not a heavy set either - this headset will comfortably see you through a whole day of gaming, even if you wear glasses.
Our verdict: They're not one of the most popular gaming headsets for nothing - sound, comfort, connectivity, and flexibility, all in one package.
For: Xbox, PC, PS, Switch
When we reviewed the Logitech Pro X headset, we were blown away. The drivers deliver a powerful and organic audio profile, while the DTS HEADPHONE
Verdict: The Logitech Pro X is a remarkable headset, thanks to its accomplished design, immaculate spatial audio, and crystal-clear mic performance. It would be hard to beat at twice the price.
For: PC, Xbox, PS
The breadth of Logitech's catalogue is clearly shown in our rundown, with the Swiss brand landing great offerings in both the mid-top and affordable headset ranges. With the G433, a mature and understated looking headphone set, gamers will be treated to the great build-quality synonymous with Logitech, in addition to a crisp and clear sound profile. The sport-mesh finish provides a breathable upholstery to the earpads, promoting airflow and keeping the headset feeling light. The detachable Discord-certified microphone boasts noise cancelling.
Our verdict: Logitech can be trusted to deliver a top-quality experience, no matter the price.
For: PC, PS
The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 provides players with the chance to hone their audio experience. Thanks to the amplified stereo speakers and the selection of four audio pre-sets, specific aspects of a game's audio can be given focus to provide the listener with a keen tactical edge. The battery life will run to an impressive 15-hours, and the glasses-friendly comfort design ensures that players feel fresh and free from distractions.
Our verdict: Turtle Beach always deliver the goods, whether it's for top-tier e-sports professionals, or front-room warriors - the 600s won't let anyone down.
For: PC, Xbox, PS
For those looking to take their first step into the wonderful world of gaming headsets, the Corsair HS35 is the place to start. Unlike many of its rivals, the HS35 headset boasts tuned 50mm drivers, providing respectable audio depth and separation and a clear distinction between frequencies. The headset is comfortable, the detachable mic will get the wearer involved in squad call-outs and the easy-access control makes in-game audio adjustment a quick affair.
Our verdict: They prove gaming on a budget doesn't mean having to sacrifice quality.
What’s the best gaming headset?
We would have to say that the ASTRO A50s and the Arctis Pros are the best – but they also come with a hefty price tag.
For our money, we’d happily opt for the Logitech G935s or SteelSeries Arctis 7s. These are mid-range options boasting an excellent array of features and, most importantly, they deliver an impressive and engaging audio experience that improves gameplay.
We stand by all of our choices though. The difference between our picked favourites and the others shown in our list is all down to personal preference – every gaming headset here has something to offer.
A quick note on PC and console compatibility
If you’re new to the headset marketplace, you may be a little confused by the platform compatibilities advertised. So long as there’s a 3.5mm audio jack (the small thin type that are found on standard wired headphones), you’re going to be able to use the headset with consoles (via the in-built controller port), PCs, mobiles, and other similar devices. Some headsets require a USB connection, and some require a Bluetooth connection – always check compatibility before your purchase if you’re unsure.
In some instances, a headset’s feature list may be slightly reduced when used on a console compared with a PC. This can affect surround sound packages and game chats. Again, check compatibility before purchase.