Best PC gaming headsets

For PC gamers, performance is paramount. Much like how you can spend a fortune for a 15 or 20% increase in graphical fidelity over the average console, the PC is also the perfect place for expensive gaming headsets with every feature under the sun. Don’t worry; there are plenty of reasonably priced options, too. They just take a little more time to find. Lucky for you, we’ve done that work for you. If you’re looking for the best PC gaming headset for you, read on.

Why is the HyperX Cloud Orbit S the best PC gaming headset?

Even though it’s a few years old, the HyperX Cloud Orbit S is one of the best-wired gaming headsets on the market. Based on the same design as the discontinued Audeze Mobius, this headset drops the Bluetooth functionality and drops the price.

The Cloud Orbit S features 100mm planar magnetic audio drivers, comfortable memory foam ear pads, and a super-flexible band. It has no issue blocking out most at-home sounds you’d run into, and the memory foam molds to your head over time. The lack of Bluetooth is too bad, but the headset still uses USB and 3.5mm connections, which is more than enough for most desktop setups.

Additionally, the Cloud Orbit S features Waves Nx, bringing the same unique 3D audio as the Mobius. In addition to the 7.1 virtual surround sound that most games support, you can turn on 3D audio to simulate a speaker environment in your headphones. Tap the button to set the anchor point, and it will always sound like things are coming from that direction, regardless of how you turn your head. This isn’t a huge thing for games, but it makes music and movies feel distinct in a really cool way—the planar magnetic drivers make listening to just about everything pretty nice.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro includes unique features

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is a lot like the Arctis Pro + GameDAC, but with this version, you get software support. When you opt to use the second-gen GameDAC module, you get access to a 10-band equalizer, and your choice of a few preloaded EQ presets. This is great on its own, but any settings you make in SteelSeries GG automatically override the DAC’s EQ. Fortunately, SteelSeries GG is where you can update the GameDAC’s firmware, so this should be a solvable issue. If you don’t want to game on PC, you can forgo the DAC and use the Arctis Nova Pro directly with your console’s controller of choice, too—it even works with the Steam Deck.

Unlike other popular SteelSeries gaming headsets, the Arctis Nova Pro doesn’t use a ski-goggle headband. Instead, you get a more traditional-looking suspension band that connects to the headset’s frame via pins. This doesn’t look as comfortable or cool, but it’s actually pretty good for hours-long gaming sessions. Another change: SteelSeries drops its famed airwave fabric ear cushions for a more standard leatherette, which offers better isolation but makes for a sweatier experience.

The sound quality is very good here, with ample bass and treble for most gaming situations. Again, if you don’t like how it sounds, you can adjust it through SteelSeries GG or directly on the GameDAC if you don’t want to play with the software. Isolation is quite good, and you shouldn’t hear your noisy roommates or traffic just outside your building.

For a wired PC gaming headset, the Arctis Nova Pro is pretty decked out. Many of its features come from SteelSeries GG, with tabs for “mixer,” “gaming,” “chat,” and “microphone.” We just wished the software played nicer with the DAC.

The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) elevates wireless gaming audio with modern upgrades

Razer’s latest iteration of the BlackShark V2 Pro brings significant improvements to an already solid foundation. The 2023 model retains the comfortable memory foam ear cups and headband of its predecessor, ensuring long gaming sessions remain fatigue-free. While the design remains understated, Razer has modernized the connectivity options, replacing the outdated micro-USB with USB-C and adding Bluetooth 5.2 support for wider device compatibility.

Sound quality remains impressive, with a bass-forward profile that emphasizes explosions and gunfire in games without overwhelming other audio elements. The THX Spatial Audio feature, accessible through Razer Synapse on PC, enhances positional awareness in supported titles. Perhaps the most notable upgrade is the exceptional microphone quality, ranking among the best in its price range for clear communication during multiplayer sessions. With a vastly improved battery life of over 50 hours and the ability to use custom EQ presets across devices, the BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) offers a compelling wireless audio solution for PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch gamers seeking both performance and versatility.

The Logitech G735 brings a new look and a boatload of features

It’s not often you see a gaming headset come out with a look that both feels like a big swing and also looks good. However, if that was all there was to the Logitech G735, it wouldn’t have made it on this list. Logitech’s newest gaming headset has a full slate of software features, a premium-feeling build, and good sound, albeit for a rather high price.

Part of the company’s new cloud-themed Aurora collection, the Logitech G735 features thick memory foam ear pads covered in soft leatherette. These pads, combined with the cushioned headband, make for a very comfortable experience. The level of comfort is fortunate, as the headset battery lasts over 35 hours in our testing—more than enough for gaming sessions that run as long as you want.

The headset connects primarily using a 2.4GHz USB wireless dongle, but it also supports Bluetooth and wired 3.5mm connections. When you connect it to your PC, Logitech G Hub will be there with a full suite of features like virtual surround sound, headphone and microphone EQ profiles (and the ability to set custom ones), firmware updates, and Logitech’s excellent Blue Vo!ce microphone feature set. Basically, it looks great, sounds great, feels great, and it’s got features to boot.

The Razer Kraken X is a very solid option for gamers on a budget

On the spectrum of headphones prices, most PC gaming headsets are actually pretty reasonably priced. However, even within that relative space, very few manage to include as many features for as cheap as the Razer Kraken X. This headset is built on the same frame as Razer’s other Kraken headsets, with many of the same features, and just a few limitations.

The Kraken X features 40mm dynamic drivers, a flexible cardioid boom mic, and its headphone pads sport grooves to make listening while wearing glasses more comfortable. For the price, it features some remarkably accurate audio output, with only a slight overemphasis in the bass range.

The headset connects using a 3.5mm jack but still supports surround sound on Windows 10, which is pretty uncommon. It really covers pretty much all the bases, whether you’re a fan of FPS games or RPGs—for $49.99, you could do a lot worse.

The Drop + EPOS PC38X is the best open-back headset for PC gamers

The Drop + EPOS PC38X stands out as one of the few open-back gaming headsets on the market. It has a wide soundstage with impressive spatial depth, allowing for precise sound localization in games. This is particularly beneficial in titles where positional audio cues are crucial. The headset excels in mid-range accuracy, making in-game dialogue and environmental sounds clear and detailed.

While the PC38X may not provide the bass impact some gamers crave, its audio profile is well-suited for those who appreciate a more balanced, natural sound. The headset comes with both microfiber and velour ear pads, allowing users to adjust the sound signature slightly. However, the lack of companion software means no further EQ customization is possible. With its wired-only connection, the PC38X ensures low-latency audio, making it an ideal choice for competitive gamers who prioritize sound quality and communication over wireless convenience.

The best PC gaming headsets: Notable mentions

• Astro A10 (Gen 2) ($59.99 at Amazon): The Astro A10 (Gen 2) is a bare-bones wired headset that won’t break the bank. It has surprisingly decent sound and a solid build quality. The low price point brings some trade-offs, but overall, it’s not a bad choice.
• Audeze LCD-GX ($899 at Amazon): If you want excellent headphones that also double as a wired gaming headset, the Audeze LCD-GX is about as good as it gets. Sure, it’s big and heavy, but you can’t argue with the performance. Be prepared to shell out for it, though.
• Bose QuietComfort 35 II Gaming Headset ($279 at Amazon): If you need a great-sounding gaming headset and a pair of Bluetooth headphones for casual listening, Bose’s first gaming headset may be for you. It features virtually the same design and technologies as the Bose QuietComfort 35 II, with an added boom microphone, USB volume knob, and longer cables for console gaming.
• Beyerdynamic MMX 150 ($149 at Amazon): This gaming headset sounds great and has a subdued enough design that it can blend in as a regular pair of headphones. You might not want to do that because it requires you to use the 3.5mm-to-USB-A adapter, however. If you want a great mic and eco-friendly headset (replaceable parts), this is a fine and simple pick.
• Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless ($199 at Amazon): The non-SE variant of Corsair’s Virtuoso headset offers sturdy build quality, reliable wireless gaming performance, RGB lighting, and good microphone quality—all at a sub-$200 price tag.
• Corsair Virtuoso Wireless SE ($254 at Amazon): For gamers willing to spend some serious cash, this wireless gaming headset offers amazing microphone quality and a myriad of connection options—all wrapped in a sleek, gunmetal aluminum build.
• Corsair HS65 SURROUND ($39 at Amazon): PC gamers will appreciate the HS65 SURROUND for the extra features they get through Corsair’s iCue software. The excellent microphone is a big plus for Discord users or for any in-game chat.
• EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid ($143 at Amazon): It’s pretty expensive, and the microphone doesn’t work for gaming, but if you’ve always wanted a pair of true wireless earbuds for gaming on a PC, this is the product for you.
• HyperX Cloud Alpha ($151 at Amazon): With its comfortable design and fantastic sound quality, the HyperX Cloud Alpha is an all-time favorite among gamers looking for a budget PC gaming headset.
• HyperX Cloud Alpha S ($100 at Amazon): If you love the HyperX Cloud Alpha but want features like virtual surround sound and adjustable bass vents, the HyperX Cloud Alpha S might be just the thing. It doesn’t sound any better or improve on the original Cloud Alpha’s poor microphone, but it’s also only around $30 more expensive.
• HyperX Cloud II Wireless ($99 at Amazon): This no-frills gaming headset nails the basics, offering an accurate sound profile, comfortable design, and great battery life. If you need a lean, mean, wireless gaming machine or a headset, HyperX has you covered.
• JBL Quantum ONE ($299 at Amazon): With an exhaustive set of onboard controls and very good noise canceling, the Quantum ONE is a competent pair of over-ears for your PC station.
• Logitech G Pro X ($179 at Amazon): While a few years old, this headset stands the test of time and continues catering to PC gamers with its powerful control functions accessible through Logitech’s Blue Vo!ce software. It’s also a comfortable headset that sounds great for gaming.
• Logitech G Pro X Wireless ($179 at Amazon): It’s everything the regular G Pro X is, but wireless and $70 are more expensive. It’s a little bit pricey for such a similar update, but still a fantastic wireless option.
• Logitech G733 Lightspeed ($139 at Amazon): This all-plastic wireless gaming headset keeps the weight off with a suspension band and the heat to a minimum with mesh fabric ear pads. It also sounds great, has a long battery life, and has the same microphone software features as the G Pro X. For a less feature-packed version, look into the G435 Lightspeed instead.
• Razer Barracuda X (2022) ($99 at Amazon): It isn’t as comfortable as the Arctis 7P, but the Razer Barracuda X (2022) has many of the same selling points. It’s super lightweight, it uses a USB-C dongle, and it offers solid mic and headphone audio—for $99, that’s pretty compelling. Oh, and battery life clocks in just below 60 hours. If you want more of a lifestyle gaming headset, check out the Barracuda Pro.
• Razer BlackShark V2 Pro ($119 at Amazon): This headset is at the top of Razer’s BlackShark product line, featuring wireless connection options, a vastly improved microphone over its wired counterparts, and good isolation performance.
• Razer Thresher Ultimate (on the product’s website): This wireless headset is stylish, simple to set up, and equipped with great-sounding drivers for a truly immersive, hassle-free gaming experience for both PC and Xbox One gamers alike.
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 ($69 at Amazon): This wired gaming headset costs just $99 USD and features classic RGB lighting and a nice control layout. The headset is comfortable to wear for hours at a time, which is important for those overnight gaming hauls.
• SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC ($152 at Amazon): If having an app to handle all the additional features you want isn’t attractive, this headset has you covered. The GameDAC unit comes loaded with virtual surround sound, custom EQ options, and lighting controls at the touch of a button.
• Sennheiser GSP 670 ($199 at Amazon): This wireless gaming headset offers a comfortable design, and great sound, as is one of the only gaming headsets that support Bluetooth audio. It even supports high-quality Bluetooth codecs like AAC, aptX, and aptX Low Latency.
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless ($349.99 at Amazon): Let’s say you love everything about the wired Arctis Nova Pro from SteelSeries and want more connectivity options. Well, this is the wireless headset for you. It supports Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connection options, so you can use it from anywhere.
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless ($152.99 at Amazon): Gamers looking for something they can wear for hours will appreciate the Arctis Nova 7. People who work from home may enjoy the comfortable build, less overtly gamer aesthetic, and Bluetooth support.
• SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless ($158 at Amazon): Whether you don’t want to miss a phone call while gaming or you just have multiple connection options, the SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless brings simultaneous Bluetooth connectivity to the already great Arctis framework. It sounds great and feels great, too, which is always appreciated.

What you should know about PC Gaming headsets

Like many other parts of the audio industry, the gaming headset space is rife with exaggerated language and gimmicky features that often don’t add much to your experience. It’s easy to get caught up in the flashy lights and promises of immersive audio and bass so intense it’ll rupture your eardrums (in a good way, somehow), but most of that stuff flat-out doesn’t matter.

There’s a lot of fluff out there on PCs, in particular. Many apps are slow and awkward, or they don’t offer much functionality in the first place. PC gaming headsets should represent the gold standard of what’s possible in the market, and many of them do, but there are just too many prominent bad offerings to wade through. That’s why we review headsets and why we have lists like this.

How do headsets for PC gaming connect?

There are a few things to consider when you’re shopping around for a PC gaming headset. First of all, you should pay attention to how you want to connect it to your PC. Generally, headsets come with three connection methods—USB, single 3.5mm, and split 3.5mm. You won’t find Bluetooth gaming headsets very often, which is probably good, given the standard’s occasional issues with audio lag.

However, if all you want is something simple, it’s really just down to where on your computer the headphone jack is. If your PC is under your desk and the port is on the back, anything with a shorter cord might not work, so you may be stuck with a wireless headset anyway.

Do all PC gaming headsets come with software?

No, not every PC gaming headset will have software, but those that support surround sound generally do so through additional software. These days, Windows offers a built-in spatial sound option, even if your headset connects via 3.5mm. If something on this list sounds close to what you’re looking for but not quite, check out our headset guides for brands like Razer and Corsair.

Why you should trust SoundGuys

The team at SoundGuys is deeply invested in helping you find the best audio products for your needs and budget. We want to share our passion with our readers and minimize the legwork you need to put in. Whether we’re interviewing experts on hearing loss or submerging waterproof speakers, we do what it takes to get to the truth of the matter.

Our team has years of experience reviewing products, conducting lab tests, working in studios, and in the field of journalism. If you’ve wondered if we get paid to review certain products favorably, we don’t. In fact, it’s against our ethics policy to receive any compensation or gift for reviews or spots on our lists.

Frequently asked questions about the best PC gaming headsets