Are you shopping for a new headset for gaming, and need the best option? No wonder – with the release of new consoles, not disturbing people in your vicinity became more important. But since your enjoyment is just as important, finding a great gaming headset can bring the balance you need. Still, there are things to decide on. Let’s list a few vital headset features – comfort, size, compatibility, color, type of connectivity, whether you need a wired or a wireless connection, and most importantly, price and availability. With that said, these are the best gaming headsets.
1. Razer Blackshark V2
After plenty of deliberation, Razer Blackshark V2 took the title among the best wired gaming headsets. This is for multiple reasons. First of all, powerful 50mm Razer TriForce Titanium drivers, detachable microphone with noise-canceling, two ways to connect, 3,5mm and USB, and ultimately, rich, crystal-clear sound. They’re also extremely comfortable, and drivers use separate ports to keep bass, tremble, and mid-tones from affecting each other. What truly sold us was the price – starting at $99, which is vastly cheaper than the competition in the same quality range. You can also pick up Razer Blackshark V2 Pro, which is wireless but costs $80 more.
2. HyperX Cloud Alpha
Also wired, it ultimately lost 1st place due to its price, which is typically around $140. Even “worse”, it has a frequency response of 13 Hz to 27 kHz in comparison to Razer Blackshark V2’s 12 Hz-28 kHz. Other than that, the sound is just as powerful and clear, since they use similar 50 mm, dual-chamber neodymium drivers. Each chamber separates high, medium, and low frequencies and prevents them from interfering. We also need to mention they use a 3.5mm analog connection, thick padding, and a detachable noise-canceling microphone. You also get cable controls, but they feel flimsy so we would resort to software control.
3. Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero
Here’s our choice for the best wireless gaming headset, since wireless sound is no longer muddy and full of artifacts. Plus, you won’t have to stay near a power outlet or a USB port either to recharge them. This is a great example, with 50mm Nanoclear drivers, the frequency response of 12Hz – 20 kHz, and a battery life of 30 hours, although they can also use a 3.5mm jack if needed. They also use a detachable boom microphone and are compatible with The Turtle Beach Control Studio, a software that allows you to tweak every audio detail. They’re also significantly cheaper than many wireless headsets on the market, with a price of around $110.
4. SteelSeries Arctis 9
SteelSeries Arctis 9 uses a USB receiver as well as Bluetooth (for smartphones and tablets), although it can be connected via a 3.5mm jack in a pinch. It’s equipped with 40mm neodymium drivers, and its noise-canceling microphone can be retracted when needed. Since they’re mobile and support both DTS Headphone:X and 7.1 Surround, this will be useful if you’re just enjoying the in-game music rather than talking. Did we mention over 20 hours of battery life? Its “younger brother”, SteelSeries Arctis 7P/7X, was a close contender for the spot. You can choose either of the two, the 7P/7X would cost you around $150, while Arctis 9 runs for around $200.
5. LucidSound LS50X
Here’s another great choice for gaming without wires in your way. LucidSound LS50X supports interference-free, low latency wireless sound for up to 30 feet, as well as Bluetooth. Additionally, it uses gel-coated earpads, two boom noise-canceling microphones, and 50 mm neodymium drivers. It also has a battery life of up to 20 hours. Why isn’t it in the 4th place if it’s so great? Well, the price is its biggest obstacle, running for around $250. However, if you didn’t mind purchasing Xbox Series X or Series S, which these are compatible with, you possibly won’t mind paying a bit extra for top-notch audio either.
6. Logitech G635 7.1
We’re going back to our choice of the top wired headphones, and these ones are it. Logitech G635 7.1 not only comes with 7.1 surround sound, but are also relatively lightweight (344g), use a boom microphone, and 50 mm PRO-G drivers. Furthermore, and this might not be for everyone – their Lightysync RGB addressable technology can light up space while you’re playing your favorite shooter game. They’re also nicely padded and comfortable, and besides a crystal clear audio quality, also come at a cool price, between $105 and $130!
7. Audio-Technica ATH-ADG1x
We have to preface this by saying these can cost upward of $190, but they’re our best gaming headset from Audio-Technica, hands down. Besides high-fidelity, superb sound quality thanks to 53mm drivers, the microphone is one of its best selling points. Even better, although they’re lightweight and extremely comfortable for long gaming sessions as is, they also use a self-adjusting 3D Wing support system to prevent digging in and discomfort. You will sometimes even disconnect the detachable 3.5mm cable but forget to take these headphones off your head!
8. Corsair HS70 V2 Pro
Going back to a budget option, here’s a wireless headset that will cost you around $99. It supports PC and PlayStation, uses a 2.4 GHz wireless adapter, and has a detachable microphone with a frequency response of between 100 Hz and 10 kHz. The drivers themselves are what you would expect from a much more expensive pair – 50 mm with support for a 7.1 surround sound on PC. The ear cups use memory foam, and you can use them in the range of up to 40 feet. Did we mention 16 hours of battery life and support for CORSAIR iCUE, a software that helps you tweak every minute audio detail?
9. SpeedLink Orios RGB 7.1
In lieu of affordability, do you need the cheapest gaming headset with great quality and comfort? SpeedLink has got your back with their $55 Orios RGB 7.1 gaming headset. Besides 7.1 surround sound, flexible headband, very soft earpads, and a 2.2-meter braided cable, they also come equipped with 4 RGB light effects that can be controlled by software. Some consider them flimsy, but we think they’re lightweight and great for prolonged gaming. If you’re not the type to rage, you have nothing to worry about.
10. JBL Quantum One
We’ll finish our list of the best headsets for gaming by going to JBL’s magnum opus. Not only do they support PC, Mac, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and mobile, but thanks to their JBL QuantumSPHERE 360, the head-tracking sensor allows you a pinpoint sound with impeccable precision, which makes them VR compatible. This is aided by their memory foam cushions and True Active Noise Cancellation. Let’s note RGB effects, 3.5mm and USB connectivity, and the biggest frequency response on our list, 20 Hz to 40 kHz, among its features? Now comes the “worst” part. They cost between $250 and $300.