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Finding the best gaming headset for your console or PC can be a tough task. Not only are there compatibility concerns, but there are also a number of elements you need to consider, from comfort and audio quality to microphone performance.
This makes it virtually impossible to judge the quality of a gaming headset from specs alone. Fortunately, we’ve stepped in to help find the best gaming headset options for every budget.
Our team of experts has thoroughly tested every gaming headset we feature. We compare the build quality with other headsets while also testing the audio, battery life, and microphone performance. We also endeavour to test every feature, such as customisable RGB lighting, haptic feedback and ANC.
We update this list throughout the year, ensuring it reflects the best gaming headset options on the market at any given moment. This way, you can ensure you get the very best option for your needs and budget.
And if you want to narrow your search to a particular platform, check out our best PS5 headset and best Xbox headset roundups. Those headsets have been explicitly tested with the named platforms.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for headphones for music playback, take a look at our selection of the best headphones, best wireless earbuds and best wireless headphones.
Best gaming headset at a glance
How We Test
Learn more about how we test headsets We use every headset we test for at least a week. During that time, we’ll check it for ease of use and put it through its paces by using it in a variety of games, as well as playing music in order to get the full experience.We also check each headset’s software (if applicable) to see how easy it is to customise and set up.
Logitech G Astro A50 X
Best overall gaming headset
Pros
A multiplatform dream Extremely comfortableSuperb microphone
Cons
Tedious set-upOdd mic arm
The Logitech G Astro A50 X is, simply put, the gaming headset to buy if money is no object, and especially if you switch between multiple gaming platforms regularly.
For those unfamiliar with the high-end Astro cans, it comes in two parts; the headset and an accompanying base station. Starting with the headset itself, it sports a typical gamer aesthetic with large ear cups, chunky padding and a flip-down microphone. It’s made from a combination of plastic and aluminium, and despite its size, it’s incredibly comfortable to wear with remarkably plush cushioning.
It’s the base station where things get interesting however; utilising Logitech’s PlaySync technology, the base station can connect to two consoles, a PC and an extra Bluetooth device simultaneously, and you can cycle through each with a button on the headset. It works quickly and reliably, offering a very convenient option for gamers that play across consoles and PC.
Matching the impressive build quality and connectivity options, audio performance is superb. Our reviewer found that the 40mm drivers deliver “a new level of detail” with tremendous bass tones, a balanced mix of lows, mids and highs that cheaper headsets can’t match, and incredibly precise spatial audio. This is all customisable via the Logitech G app, as is the microphone, allowing you to truly tune your audio settings to your taste.
That all said, at £359/$379, the Astro A50 X cans certainly aren’t cheap, so make sure you’re really going to make the most out of the multi-platform connectivity and advanced EQ features on offer before splashing the cash.
Reviewer: Callum BainsFull Review: Logitech Astro A50 X review
Sony Inzone Buds
Best gaming earbuds
Pros
Comfortable fitWarm and wide soundSublime ANCExcellent battery life
Cons
Thick charging caseConnectivity is inconsistentMic is rather thin sounding
Sony’s Inzone range launched last year and it’s a curious beast, representing the brand’s efforts to take a share in the PC peripheral market away from PlayStation. The Sony Inzone Buds are its first earbuds offering, and they’ve done a mightily good job.
We’ve always been intrigued by the idea of gaming earbuds, especially for your average gamer, and the Inzone Buds get that line of thinking too. They prioritise a comfortable fit and excellent long battery life, alongside nailing luxe features like a broad sound and wonderfully immersive active noise cancellation (ANC).
It’s really all about convenience, with 12 hours offered on a single charge and then another 12 hours offered from the charging case. Bluetooth LE connectivity, through a USB-C wireless receiver, ensures you’re solidly connected too.
Obviously, these earbuds are focused on gaming but they showcased impressive all-round audio chops in our testing. The sound was punchy and accurate and served games well with spatial audio luxury.
Reviewer: Reece BithreyFull review: Sony Inzone Buds review
HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
Best gaming headset for battery life
Pros
Big, meaty soundSturdy constructionSimple controlsIncredible battery life
Cons
ExpensiveLack of RGB may not please someLacklustre software
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless is a great headset for anyone that wants to game on the PC and PS5, coming with a 2.4GHz USB-A receiver, which we found remarkably simple to set up.
We thought that the headset felt properly premium, from the metal earcups to the red-accented headband. It also struck us as very stylish, lacking some flashier features like RGB lighting but having a more mature and sleek aesthetic.
In terms of audio, our reviewer noted that the headset has a big, meaty sound profile that comes with lots of volume to boot, which is ideal for gaming. Our review also mentioned how the Cloud Alpha Wireless packs a lot of nuance and detail, which also makes it an ideal choice for anyone hoping to listen to music or podcasts.
The shining feature of this headset has to be the battery life, which clocks in at over 300 hours. We noted that the battery didn’t appear to drain, with our reviewer not needing to charge the headset for the two weeks it was used. So, for anyone who’s looking for a headset that can last through the night without issue, there is no better choice than the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless.
Reviewer: Reece BithreyFull review: HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless review
AceZone A-Spire
Best eSports gaming headset
Pros
Lots of connectivity options Clear and crisp microphone on callsComfortable fitVersatile and luxurious sound
Cons
High price pointDated design
The AceZone A-Spire, while perhaps lacking the good looks of its counterparts, offers performance that leaves a lasting impression.
At 270g, the headset emerges as a featherweight contender, delivering an unparalleled level of comfort even during multiple 8-hour workdays. Featuring a flexible leather-clad headband and velvety ear cushions, it stands as an ideal companion for those immersive gaming sessions, aligning seamlessly with the standards upheld by eSports aficionados.
The attached microphone is versatile, effortlessly conforming to various positions while maintaining stability. Noteworthy is the thoughtfully incorporated green mark, ensuring optimal alignment for crystal-clear communication – a crucial feature for the eSports-focused among us.
Connectivity options further elevate the A-Spire’s appeal, spanning USB, Bluetooth, and Aux interfaces, accommodating multiple devices for a low-latency experience.
Crucially, the audio performance is noteworthy, even if the 40mm cans are smaller than those of some competitors in our chart. They deliver impressive clarity with a dedicated app that adds an additional layer of customisation, allowing users to fine-tune the audio output to their tastes. There are also specific game profiles for popular FPS games like Apex Legends to help pick up on footsteps and improve game performance.
For those venturing into the eSports realm, the AceZone A-Spire is a reliable entry point, seamlessly blending comfort, adaptability, and superior audio performance.
Reviewer: Sarah ThwaitesFull review: AceZone A-Spire review
Corsair Virtuoso Pro
Best open-back gaming headset
Pros
Solid constructionDetailed and neutral audioVast compatibility
Cons
Lack of on-board media controls is a shameNo softwareComparably expensive
The Corsair Virtuoso Pro may seem like a rather stripped-back option compared to some similarly priced alternatives given the £169.99/$199.99 price tag, but it does so in order to prioritise audio performance over all else. An aim that’s largely achieved.
Clad in a premium combination of aluminium and plastic, the Virtuoso Pro certainly feel premium, though at 338g, they’re certainly not the most lightweight cans around. That said, our reviewer found that they were comfortable enough in general use, with nice fabric padding in all the right areas to help alleviate the build-up of pressure on the head.
What you won’t find, however, is much in the way of built-in controls. You won’t find any buttons or switches on the cans or even an in-line control on the cable. These features have largely been sacrificed to deliver an open-back design, which is great for audio performance, but no so much when it comes to convenience.
Speaking of, the open-back design of the cans deliver a much wider soundstage than regular over-ear alternatives that delivered exceptional directional audio in testing, whether you’re playing the latest Call of Duty or the new Forza Motorsport. These deliver a seriously immersive sound experience with a powerful low-end, a clear and detailed mid-range and a sharp top-end, though the latter could sometimes be a little too sharp.
The attached microphone isn’t quite as impressive, however, with some notable compression and thin-sounding vocals in testing. It’s more than serviceable for quick chats with friends during gaming sessions, but streamers will likely want to look elsewhere.
Reviewer: Reece BithreyFull review: Corsair Virtuoso Pro review
Xbox Wireless Headset
Best Xbox gaming headset
Pros
Great sound and powerful bassClever designEasy-to-use controlsIncredible value
Cons
Plasticky buildMic monitoring could be a little louderNo Active Noise Cancelling
Our extensive tests show that the Xbox Wireless Headset is the best gaming headset choice for anyone who owns Microsoft’s consoles. We were able to easily connect it to our Xbox Series X wirelessly, while also using our smartphone simultaneously for Discord chats.
We also really liked the Xbox-themed design, and found the rotating control dial allowed us to easily alter the volume without blindingly searching for small buttons. We were also impressed with the headset’s wide range of features, which includes Dolby Atmos that creates an immersive 3D audio effect.
We found the audio quality to be superb during testing, although we do recommend fiddling with the equaliser to find a soundscape to your liking, as the audio sounds a little muddy to us out of the box.
You can admittedly find plenty of other gaming headsets that have been designed with the Xbox in mind, such as the HyperX CloudX Stinger Core Wireless and Corsair HS75 XB Wireless, but Microsoft’s own headset is our favourite, mainly due to its incredible value.
Reviewer: Esat DedezadeFull review: Xbox Wireless Headset review
Sony Inzone H5
Best PlayStation headset
Pros
Modern, good looksConvenient connectivityGreat battery life
Cons
Tighter clamping forceNarrower soundstage without Spatial Audio
The Sony Inzone H5 rounds out the company’s Inzone headset range nicely, offering a more reasonably priced wireless option. Previously, going for the budget H3 model meant restricting yourself to a wired connection while the H7 meant shelling out £199/$229 for a wireless one. At £140/$150, the new H5 headset hits a sweet spot.
Despite Inzone representing Sony’s efforts to expand into PC gaming, these work great with the PlayStation too, and offer better sound as well as improved battery life when compared with the PlayStation Pulse 3D cans.
They might not offer bags of bass to knock your socks off but the Inzone H5 headset succeeds in offering an accurate, immersive and punchy side. Spatial Audio and strong noise isolation on the microphone make these a well-rounded wonder for your PlayStation and PC gaming sessions.
This headset also offers a dose of luxury in terms of the build and fit, which the Pulse 3D doesn’t. These may pack in features but they manage to stay a pleasing light 260 grams while sitting comfortably on your noggin aided by some fabric padding. The look really fits with the PS5 aesthetic too.
Reviewer: Reece BithreyFull review: Sony Inzone H5 review
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro 2023
Best microphone on a gaming headset
Pros
Brilliantly clear microphoneGenerous battery lifeComfy cushions
Cons
PriceySynapse app is a bother
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) is one of the best gaming headsets for eSports players or streamers. It features an incredible microphone that has been massively improved compared to the previous model. It has a 9.9mm condenser microphone running a 32kHz sampling rate, which we found provided a deep and warm response, free of background noise. The arm attaching the mic is stiffer, which stopped it from gradually drifting away during gameplay so you won’t need to keep readjusting it as you play.
The headset itself uses the same Razer Triforce as many other Razer headsets. We thought that they sounded glorious; mid-ranges sang beautifully, and the audio came through surprisingly wide for closed-back ear cups. Playing around with the Synapse EQ brought about even better changes, with games like Resident Evil Village and Doom Eternal sounding more immersive and eerie.
In terms of connectivity, the BlackShark V2 Pro charges via a USB-C. It can be linked to devices through a USB receiver or Bluetooth, giving it much more versatility than standard wired headsets. We were able to connect it to mobile phones and the Nintendo Switch, with audio sounding consistent over these devices. However, the lack of a 3.5mm audio jack was a little limiting and means that any Xbox Series X/S gamers won’t be able to utilise this headset.
Battery life was very impressive. Razer claims that it can last for around 70 hours when connected through the 2.4Ghz receiver, and 90 hours over Bluetooth. While we did not reach these heights during testing, we felt that these quoted numbers were eminently reasonable, with the battery life drained by half after a week of use.
If you’re looking for a headset with more premium features – such as haptic feedback or ANC – the Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense may be a better pick, and the Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed is a cheaper, pared back option. But if you’re after a quality microphone to chat with friends or build up a streaming community over platforms like Twitch, then the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is definitely the headset for you.
Reviewer: Callum BainsFull Review: Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) review
Turtle Beach Recon 70
Best budget gaming headset
Pros
Loud, clear audioDecent looksRelatively comfortable
Cons
Very plastickySome exposed wires
Top-notch gaming headsets don’t have to break the bank, and the Turtle Beach Recon 70 is a prime example of that. Priced at a fraction of the cost compared to some high-end options in our chart, the Recon 70 delivers the core experience with smart compromises.
Wrapped in a robust plastic finish and available in a swathe of colours to match the platform of your choice, the Recon 70 is built to endure, sporting a flexible construction and sturdy wires that won’t give in after a few weeks of use. It comes equipped with a retractable mic featuring lift-to-mute technology, a volume wheel on the cups, and a wired 3.5mm headphone jack for hassle-free connectivity.
The audio quality is nothing to sneeze at either; the headset strikes a solid balance between intense explosions, ambient noise, and dialogue lines, making it easy to discern footsteps, even in the fast-paced action of games like Overwatch 2. There’s room for improvement in the bass department, but it’s by no means a deal-breaker.
Granted, you won’t find premium features like ANC, customisable audio settings, or wireless connectivity, but given its price, the Turtle Beach Recon 70 gets the job done.
Reviewer: Josh BrownFull review: Turtle Beach Recon 70 review
We also considered…
EPOS H6PRO
A wired gaming headset available in two flavours
FAQs
What is a 7.1 gaming headset? Headphones with a 7.1 surround sound can make audio seem as if it’s coming from a specific location, which is helpful to determine where your enemies are lurking. This feature is often only available on PC. Can you use a gaming headset for work? Some gaming headsets can be used for work, but be mindful that many have garish designs and can often see lots of sound leakage. Can you use a gaming headset with a Nintendo Switch? The Nintendo Switch and the Switch OLED now have Bluetooth support, so can be used with headsets that have a 3.5mm audio jack or Bluetooth.
Comparison specifications
‹
UK RRP
USA RRP
EU RRP
CA RRP
AUD RRP
Manufacturer
Quiet Mark Accredited
IP rating
Battery Hours
Fast Charging
Size (Dimensions)
Weight
ASIN
Release Date
First Reviewed Date
Model Number
Driver (s)
Noise Cancellation?
Connectivity
Colours
Frequency Range
Headphone Type
Sensitivity
Frequency response
Polar patterns
Compatibility
Logitech G Astro A50 X
£359
$379.99
–
–
–
Astro
No
–
24
–
9.5 x 19.81 x 20.3 CM
363 G
B0BRXJDQC1
2023
12/02/2024
939-002126
40mm Pro-G Graphene
–
Lightspeed Wireless, Bluetooth
Black, White
20 20000 – Hz
Over-ear
–
20000 Hz
–
–
Sony Inzone Buds
£179.99
$199.99
€200
–
–
Sony
–
Not Disclosed
24
Yes
–
13 G
–
2023
18/10/2023
–
–
–
USB-C receiver, Bluetooth LE
White, Black
20 20000 – Hz
True Wireless
–
–
–
–
HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
£189.99
$199.99
–
–
–
HyperX
–
No
300
–
-2 x x INCHES
335 G
B09TRW57WB
2022
22/04/2022
–
50mm
–
2.4GHz
Black/Red
15 21000 – Hz
Over-ear
–
–
–
–
AceZone A-Spire
£299
$319
€319
–
–
–
–
–
35
–
–
270 G
–
2023
–
–
40
Yes
Bluetooth, Wired, 3.5 AUX
–
– Hz
–
–
–
–
–
Corsair Virtuoso Pro
£169.99
$199.99
–
–
–
Corsair
–
–
–
–
–
338 G
B0CGXPN5V6
2023
11/12/2023
–
50mm
–
3.5mm jack
Black/White
20 40000 – Hz
Over-ear
–
–
Unidirectional
–
Xbox Wireless Headset
£89.99
$99.99
–
–
AU$149.95
Microsoft
–
No
15
–
–
312 G
B08WJSJT4J
March 2021
19/05/2021
–
40mm
–
Bluetooth / Xbox Wireless / USB-C cable
Black
20 20000 – Hz
Over-ear
–
–
–
–
Sony Inzone H5
£140
–
€150
–
–
Sony
–
Not Disclosed
28
–
–
260 G
–
2023
–
–
40mm
–
USB-A receiver
White, Black
20 20000 – Hz
Over-ear
–
–
–
–
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro 2023
£199.99
$199.99
€299.99
CA$269.99
AU$350
Razer
No
Not Disclosed
70 4200
–
6.47 x 3.9 x 7.5 INCHES
320 G
B0BY1HQBSX
2023
03/05/2023
RZ04-04530200-R3U1
Razer TriForce Titanium
–
Bluetooth and 2.4GHz USB dongle
Black, White
0.1 10 – Hz
Over-ear
42 dB
–
–
–
Turtle Beach Recon 70
£30
–
–
–
–
Turtle Beach
–
–
–
–
–
244 G
–
2023
30/01/2024
–
40mm
–
3.5mm wired
White/blue,
0.02 20 – kHz
Over-ear
–
–
–
3.5mm
›
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