The Best Gaming Headsets for 2023

Your choices range from basic wired earpieces and boom mics that you can pick up for $20 at a drug store (or are included with your game console) to expensive, simulated surround sound, esports-oriented, wireless, over-ear headphones available at enthusiast retailers. You should purchase the one that fits your budget and needs. To get started, check out our picks and why we recommend them, followed by what to consider when shopping for a gaming headset.

You need a good headset (or gaming headphones, if you prefer) for online gaming. Without one, you won’t have a reliable way to trash-talk the competition or coordinate strategies with your team or guild. Surprisingly, gaming headsets are good tools for your home office , too.

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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

Astro Gaming A10 (Gen 2)

Best Affordable Wired Headset

4.5 Outstanding

Why We Picked It

Most gaming headsets are digital in some way, connecting either wired over USB or wirelessly over Bluetooth or a separate USB transmitter. However, this doesn’t mean that there isn’t plenty of room for an analog gaming headset. As long as you have a headset jack (or separate headphone and microphone jacks), you can use a simple wired headset. As long as it sounds good and feels comfortable, that’s really all you need.

The second-generation Astro Gaming A10 is the follow-up to Astro Gaming’s long-running wired headset, and this model is superior both in build and audio quality. It sounds excellent, with a clear boom microphone and nicely padded, fabric-covered earcups that you can comfortably wear for long periods of time.

The A10 is also the least expensive headset in this list. You can find other wired headsets for less than $60, but this one simply offers the best experience for the price.

Who It’s For

The A10 is best for gamers who can push a bit past the $50 mark to get excellent quality. As an analog wired headset, it’s compatible with every gaming platform available besides smartphones that lack headphone jacks. It works with PCs, the Nintendo Switch in handheld mode, and the current- and last-generation PlayStation and Xbox consoles through the headset jacks in their controllers. It’s an ideal entry-level headset.

PROS

• Lightweight and comfortable design
• Well-padded earcups
• Strong audio performance
• Good microphone
• Affordable

CONS

• Boom mic isn’t replaceable or swappable

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$59.00 Amazon

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Astro Gaming A10 (Gen 2) Review

Razer Barracuda X (2022)

Best Affordable Wireless Headset

4.5 Outstanding

Why We Picked It

The Razer Barracuda X isn’t the fanciest or most luxurious-feeling gaming headset, but it’s one of the most inexpensive and flexible in terms of delivering high-quality audio. The 2022 model uses a nearly identical USB-C transmitter to its predecessor that lets it work with any PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, or Android phone with a USB-C port (Xbox isn’t supported), and has the same 3.5mm wireless connectivity. Razer added a big feature to this version, though: Bluetooth connectivity. You can pair it with your phone (or Nintendo Switch, since Nintendo added Bluetooth audio) and listen to music without the transmitter, making it work as a standalone pair of wireless headphones.

All of that flexibility doesn’t matter if it feels or sounds bad, and fortunately the Barracuda X punches above its weight class in those categories. It’s light and comfortable, with excellent audio performance and a clear, detachable mic. The new headset adds 7.1-channel simulated surround sound for PC use, but it isn’t quite as accurate as the THX Spatial Audio found in higher-end Razer headsets. That said, it’s a nice upgrade over the stereo-only first Barracuda X.

Who It’s For

Much like how the Astro Gaming A10 is the best budget choice for gamers looking for any kind of headset, the Barracuda X is the best budget choice for gamers looking for a wireless headset. At least, for PC, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation gamers. The USB-C transmitter provides low-latency, high-quality wireless sound when connected to those devices, and the Bluetooth addition makes it even more useful on the go. It also offers generally strong audio performance for just under $100, making it a strong catch-all wireless headset for everyone except Xbox gamers.

PROS

• Strong audio performance
• Clear mic quality
• Comfortable fit
• Plenty of connectivity options with Bluetooth, USB-C transmitter, and 3.5mm

CONS

• 7.1-channel simulated surround sound isn’t the most accurate
• Doesn’t come with a carrying bag or case

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$89.99 Amazon

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Razer Barracuda X (2022) Review

Razer Blackshark V2

Best Entry-Level Spatial Audio

4.5 Outstanding

Why We Picked It

If you want to spend $100 or less on a gaming headset, you’re probably going to settle for stereo audio, or rely on separate surround processing. Fortunately, the Razer Blackshark V2 offers spatial audio through its bundled USB sound card and audio software, all in one affordable, wired package.

The V2 is an analog headset that connects to a 3.5mm jack just like the Astro Gaming A10, but it’s meant to be plugged into the included USB audio adapter that provides surround sound audio processing. The card also automatically enables the THX Spatial Audio app through Razer’s Synapse software platform, offering surprisingly strong directional imaging thanks to clever mixing between the drivers.

As an added benefit, the sound card enables audio tweaks through Razer Synapse that aren’t available on headsets connected only through a 3.5mm cable. It enables many headphone and microphone audio tweaks, so you can get the best sound in both directions. That said, the V2 sounds excellent out of the box.

Who It’s For

Most of the V2’s features are enabled through the USB sound card and Razer’s Synapse software, so this headset is mainly for PC gamers looking for an excellent wired experience for under $100. The spatial audio works really well, and the different customization options for sound performance are welcome. And, since the USB card is separate from the headset, you can still use the headset on its own with any other gaming device with a 3.5mm headset jack.

PROS

• Strong audio performance
• Excellent microphone
• USB sound card included with THX Spatial Audio through software
• Light, comfortable fit

CONS

• Cable is hardwired to the headset

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$79.99 Amazon

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Razer Blackshark V2 Review

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

Best Wireless Headset Overall

4.5 Outstanding

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 connecting to your computer and the compatible console (there are PlayStation and Xbox version) at the same time, and a slot for the included second battery to charge. It also sounds good, feels good, has a good microphone, and its active noise cancellation is surprisingly effective.

Who It’s For

This is the wireless headset to get if you don’t mind spending a fair amount on it. It’s expensive, but its features and quality justify the high price.

PROS

• Full, clear audio
• Good microphone
• Surprisingly strong noise cancellation
• Clever base station with hot-swappable batteries and two USB ports
• Powerful software with extensive audio adjustments and effective simulated surround
• Bluetooth

CONS

• Audio profile requires some tweaking with EQ to get the best experience
• No optical audio input for the base

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$345.00 Amazon

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SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Review

Audeze Penrose

Best for Audiophiles

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

Audeze is best known for high-end headphones that use planar magnetic drivers, a different audio technology from the cone and dome drivers used by most headphones and headsets. Planar magnetic drivers deliver delicious sound, but they’re also generally more expensive than conventional drivers, which is why you rarely see them outside of some audiophiles’ collections. The Audeze Penrose is one of the few gaming headsets that uses those drivers, and it sounds fantastic.

With the Penrose, you’ll enjoy game music that sounds like what the producer and mixing engineer intended. The headset’s performance will please audiophiles with its richness, detail, and balance that most other gaming headsets simply lack.

It’s a wireless gaming headset with a USB transmitter, designed for use with PC, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4/5 (there’s a Penrose X version with an Xbox-friendly transmitter, if you game on Microsoft consoles). It has Bluetooth connectivity, as well as a 3.5mm wired connection option.

Who It’s For

$300 is expensive for a gaming headset, but on the low end for audiophile-worthy gear. In fact, it isn’t even the most expensive gaming headset Audeze offers; the LCD-GX sounds utterly amazing, but also costs $900, and we’d have a hard time recommending a headset that costs twice as much as the console it’ll be connected to. As it is, the Penrose is one of the best-sounding gaming headsets in this price range, particularly if you prefer an audiophile-pleasing balance rather than boosted lows and highs.

PROS

• Rich audio quality
• Comfortable fit
• Bluetooth and wired connection options
• Easy to use

CONS

• No spatial audio or simulated surround processing

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$269.00 Amazon

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$299.00 B&H Photo Video

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Audeze Penrose Review

Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Pro

Best for Cosplayers

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Pro is a fun headset that combines gamer-friendly RGB lighting with cute animal ears. It has cat, bear, and bunny ears you can mix and match, and they all have programmable RGB lighting to go with the earcups. The headset delivers strong sound and has a clear microphone for chatting with friends.

Who It’s For

This is for streamers and cosplayers (thanks to a cosplay mode that lets you run the lights with a USB battery pack) who want both anime style and excellent audio. Obviously, you probably won’t be interested if you aren’t into the look.

PROS

• Powerful, balanced sound
• Excellent microphone
• Fun, swappable light-up ears
• Cosplay Mode lets you power the ear lights using a USB power bank

CONS

• Features 7.1-channel surround sound instead of spatial audio
• USB-only, with a permanently attached cable
• Expensive

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$199.99 Amazon

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Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Pro Review

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro

Best High-End Wired Headset

4.0 Excellent

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 has strong spatial audio and many granular adjustments for anyone who wants to dive into them. It also works with every major game console (you must choose between PlayStation and Xbox versions, though; there’s no model that works with both) along with PCs, and can even connect to two devices over USB-C at once. It’s also one of the few gaming headsets that supports High-Res Audio, so if you’re an audiophile who uses a top-tier streaming music platform, you can fully enjoy the tunes.

It’s appealing, but it’s also only wired, and $250 for a wired headset is a pretty hefty ask. The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is $100 more, and lacks High-Res Audio support, but the convenience of wireless connectivity and two swappable batteries for use on the go make it a much more complete package.

Who It’s For

Serious desktop gamers and gamer-audiophiles will love this headset if they don’t mind spending the money. It feels and sounds fantastic, and is loaded with features. This is a high-end headset for PC gamers who spend most of their time with a mouse and keyboard under their hands.

PROS

• 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

CONS

• Relatively expensive for a wired headset
• Foam earcups get uncomfortable in warm enviroments
• Some slight audio distortion on the high end

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$249.99 Amazon

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$249.99 Walmart

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SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Review

Xbox Wireless Headset

Best for Xbox Gamers

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The Xbox Wireless Headset is exactly what it says on the box: a wireless headset for the Xbox. It uses the same wireless connection Xbox Wireless Controllers use to pair with an Xbox One or Series S/X console without a separate transmitter, while keeping lower-latency and higher-quality sound than what Bluetooth allows. It has Bluetooth as well (also like the Xbox Wireless Controller), so you can also use it with any phone or PC if you don’t mind compromising on audio.

This headset sounds good, though its microphone isn’t the best out there. It offers simulated surround sound and spatial audio on the Xbox, with Windows Sonic automatically enabled on the console. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for Headphones is available for purchase for about $10 to $20, respectively.

Who It’s For

This is a headset specifically for Xbox gamers. You can connect it without plugging anything into the console itself; just press the button on the Xbox and press the button on the headset. This offers the best performance, unless you’re able to find an Xbox Wireless Adapter (apparently discontinued) to give your PC the same connection ability. The headset isn’t terrible over Bluetooth, but it isn’t the best, either. If Xbox is your platform of choice, though, this is an appealing and reasonably priced pick.

PROS

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Robust sound
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Remembers multiple wireless signals

CONS

• Bluetooth lacks high-end audio codecs
• Bass-heavy sound requires EQ adjustments

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$94.99 Amazon

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Xbox Wireless Headset Review

Anker Soundcore VR P10

Best True Wireless Earphones

3.5 Good

Why We Picked It

True wireless earphones usually don’t make good gaming headsets because of their dinky microphones. The Anker Soundcore VR P10 earphones unfortunately don’t do much to fix that, but they still have some features that appeal to gamers. They work over Bluetooth, and with PCs, PlayStations, and Nintendo Switches through their included USB-C transmitter, which fits securely in the earphones’ charging case when not in use. It also has flashy lighting on the side, to satisfy gamers who want that RGB look.

Who It’s For

These are for people who want true wireless earphones that they can connect to their PC or consoles as easily as they pair to their phones (and who don’t need really clear voice communication). The mics are passable, but they can’t match the boom mics on most conventional headsets.

PROS

• Crisp, clean sound
• Attractive RGB lighting
• Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity
• Charging case magnetically stores USB-C transmitter

CONS

• Weak lows and low-mids
• Mediocre microphone

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$79.00 Amazon

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$78.65 Walmart

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Anker Soundcore VR P10 Review

Buying Guide: The Best Gaming Headsets for 2023

Wired vs. Wireless Gaming Headsets

Headsets can be either wired or wireless, with wireless models generally costing more money. More importantly, each gaming headset supports different console, handheld, and PC connections. You can use Bluetooth with a wireless headset to connect to a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, last-gen consoles, most mobile devices, and some computers (the original Xbox One lacks Bluetooth support, though). Other systems require a different wireless connection, often with a separate base plugged into your console or computer.

Bluetooth has made great strides in the last few years, but proprietary wireless connections generally offer better audio quality, faster response, and a stronger signal. Proprietary wireless connections are typically designed for only one console, or one console and a PC; you must choose between Xbox and PlayStation models for most wireless gaming headsets.

If you game on the PlayStation 4/5, the Nintendo Switch, newer Xbox models, or most handheld gaming devices, you can just plug a single 3.5mm headphone jack into the controller or system and start playing. The Xbox One and Series X/S work in a similar way, but if you have an older (pre-2016) Xbox One gamepad you might need Microsoft’s Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter to use a wired headset. Most headsets on this list can connect to your preferred system one way or another.  

If you want to use your headset with last-gen systems, such as the PS3 and Xbox 360, you must see if the headset supports those console’s unique connections, or if adapters are available. PCs are the most flexible with gaming headsets, since they can work with USB headsets (which are generally only compatible with PCs), 3.5mm analog connections (though you might need a splitter adapter if your headset ends in just one plug), and often optical audio.

For more, see our picks for the Best Wireless Gaming Headsets.

Do You Need Surround Sound for a Gaming Headset?

Most high-end gaming headsets claim to offer some form of surround sound, but this isn’t technically accurate. Gaming headsets use stereo drivers (one for each ear) to produce sound, and they can’t create true surround sound acoustics like multiple speakers distributed around a room. The gaming surround aspect comes from Dolby, DTS, and/or THX processing technologies that tweak how the headsets mix sound between your ears to give an impression of 360-degree audio. This processing has gotten quite good, however, and can provide a strong sense of directionality. If a headset doesn’t offer this processing out of the box, the PlayStation 5 produces it with any connected headset anyway, and you can get Dolby Atmos or THX Spatial Audio on your PC or Xbox with paid apps.

THX Spatial Audio

The JBL Quantum One and other pricey headsets offer more immersive audio by incorporating head-tracking tech into the mix. They still offer the same simulated surround sound as other headsets that support the feature, but they also pan and shift the audio depending on how you move your head, giving the surround effect much more realism.

The Best Gaming Headset for Consoles

Currently, many headsets on this list support the PS4/5 more than the Xbox systems, but high-end headsets often come in distinct, console-specific versions. If a headset is marketed primarily for PC, it may work with a console via USB. However, the headset may not support all features. Of course, any headset with a 3.5mm wired connection can work with either console through the headset jack on the controller; it’s the USB compatibility that can throw off different versions. Check the packaging and product page to make sure the headset you want is compatible with your gaming platform.

There are a few console-specific headsets and variations you can consider, like the Xbox Wireless Headset, which offers strong performance. Still, you generally won’t find a “best” headset unique to a console; the top models usually have multiple, system-specific versions.

The Best Microphones for Gaming

In terms of headset microphones, we’ve been consistently impressed by the mics Razer puts in its higher-end Kraken and Nari headsets, along with the mics on Astro Gaming. Logitech, Turtle Beach’s flagship headsets. These models can be pretty pricey, but they feature excellent voice clarity.

Antlion Audio ModMic

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. ModMic lacks the gaming-specific features associated with dedicated gaming headsets, but it lets you use your beloved old cans for voice chat. Just make sure you have the right connection or adapter to use it with your preferred game platform.

If you’re really serious about streaming or other gaming commentary, you might want to forego the boom mic entirely and get a dedicated USB microphone. Decent USB mics can be found for around $50 to $150, and they offer far clearer, richer, more natural audio than any boom mic. They’re trickier to properly set up to get good sound, though; you need to be mindful of microphone position and where you are relative to 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, and shout into the inexpensive and mediocre monoaural headsets bundled with many consoles.

The next time you’re in a deathmatch, raid, or capture mission, make sure you’re barking into the boom mic of a good headset. To find the right one, check out our recommendations here, then take a look at 5 Easy Tips to Extend the Life of Your Headphones.