When it comes to video games, you can just use your regular headphones, but your normal set may not be up to the task if you need an integrated microphone. You could always just supplement your cans with a HyperX Quadcast or a Beyerdynamic Fox, but extra cables are a pain. That’s where gaming headsets come in: instead of buying a dedicated mic, sometimes it’s better to just pick up an off-the-shelf option to shoulder the load without any other complicated hookups.
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We’ve compiled a short list of the best gaming headsets on the market today.
Editor’s note: this list was updated on January 9, 2020 to reflect changes in price.
What you should know about gaming headsets
Not every headset is created equal. For better or worse, some gaming headsets offer limited compatibility or are completely incompatible with certain consoles altogether. Don’t worry, we have you covered. If compatibility is of utmost importance, just scroll down to the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless gaming headset.
Another important thing to keep in mind is the reproduction of 3D space. Some headphones are better at creating a realistic perception of spatial awareness than others. 7.1 surround sound can really add to the experience of a hectic firefight or atmospheric horror game.
Our pick for best gaming headset is the Audeze Mobius
Audeze makes some of the best headphones in the world, so it makes sense that when the company decides to bring its planar magnetic technology to the gaming space, the results are pretty special.
The Audeze Mobius is just about the best overall gaming headset you can get. It’s got top-notch sound, with 100mm planar magnetic drivers that accurately reproduce audio across the frequency spectrum, without over emphasizing bass.
With memory foam pads, and super-flexible band, these headphones are a joy to use. They have no issue blocking out most at-home sounds you’d run into, and the memory phone molds to your head over time. Plus the headset supports just about every connection method possible, with a 3.5mm cord, USB compatibility, and Bluetooth 5.
Additionally, Audeze also teamed up with Waves Nx to bring 3D audio to the Mobius. In addition to the 7.1 virtual surround sound the game supports, 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 Beyerdynamic Custom Game provide the best bass versatility among gaming headsets
See also:
Beyerdynamic Custom Game review: An investment in longevity
The Custom Game are a behemoth of a gaming headsets, but they allow for gamers to customize the sound signature unlike any other headset listed. Each ear cup is outfitted with bass reflex vents, which are easily revealed or concealed with a simple sliding mechanism. Adjusting the bass reproduction also adjusts the influx of ambient noise that can permeate the headphones. In a quiet environment? Open up those bass vents and experience a boomier sound. For tournaments with plenty of chatter, just close the ports to drown everything out.
The cardioid boom microphone is forgiving when it comes to placement and hones in on your voice while simultaneously filtering out extraneous background noise. If customization is your thing, well, you’re in luck. The Custom Game headset includes interchangeable ear cup plates to non-verbally convey your style. If you’re not a fan of the all-black aesthetic, Beyerdynamic also has a bunch of customization options, as well as velour pads for people who wear glasses on their raids.
For the best cross-platform compatibility, pick the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless
Gaming headsets use all sorts of connection methods, from USB dongles and cords, to Bluetooth and even to RF transmitters. The SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless brings USB-C audio to the gaming space, and not only does it not suck, but it works just about everywhere.
Best Cross-Platform
This wireless gaming headset uses a USB-C RF dongle to deliver lag free audio to undocked Nintendo Switches and all sorts of smartphones. It comes with an adapter cord for USB-A, so you’ll be able to get wireless audio on PC, docked Nintendo Switches, and Playstation 4. The Xbox One still doesn’t support audio via USB, but don’t worry: The headset also comes with a 3.5mm cord so you can go wired and still use it.
On top of that swath of connection options, the Arctis 1 Wireless has remarkably solid audio output, and it can last up to 25 hours on a single charge. There’s no surround sound and the mic is fairly average, but for around $100, this thing is absolutely stacked.
Stretch that dollar for gaming headsets with the HyperX Cloud Alpha
Sure, $100 is still plenty to spend, but the HyperX Cloud Alpha gaming headset offers comparable audio quality to headphones twice or even three times the price.
Bang for your buck
This is a no-frills device for gamers who want something simple that gets the job done with aplomb.
Sure, it doesn’t offer the breadth of features many gaming headsets have. However, in this price range, rock solid performance is really what you should be aiming for. Surround sound can be nice to have, but it’s hardly going to make you better at a game. Some games like Overwatch will even add it in for you.
The attached microphone is a little wonky, with underemphasized bass that can make deeper voices sound a little tinny. However, it handles everything without issue. If you’re looking for something use for podcasts or recording, this probably isn’t ideal. If you’re just using Discord, this’ll do just fine.
The headset was clearly designed with comfort and durability in mind. With a solid metal frame, thick plastic headphones, and deep leatherette pads make for a headset that feels fantastic. The inline controls add an extra degree of convenience, too.
If you need something cheap, but don’t want to miss out on features, try the Razer Kraken X
The Razer Kraken X brings a lot of value to the table. Sure, it doesn’t sound nearly as good as the HyperX Cloud Alpha, but it brings 3.5mm connectivity and 7.1 surround sound, all for around $50. This option really walks the line between “good value” and downright cheap.
Best Super Cheap Option
The headset has a lightweight design, with a headband made of a durable thermoplastic. The headphones’ memory foam pads feature slight gaps to alleviate pressure if you wear glasses. Its attached microphone is flexible and offers clear audio. All in, this is a comfortable headset, and the volume and mic controls on the left headphone add even more convenience.
The 7.1 surround sound only works with Windows 10, but you won’t find a better gaming headset for $49.99
Related: Best cheap gaming headsets 2019
Notable mentions
Drop x Sennheiser PC37X: If you’re looking for something like HyperX Cloud Alpha for PC gaming, but you prefer something with an open back, the Sennheiser PC37X is definitely worth a look. It sounds good (though not quite as good as the HyperX Cloud Alpha), its mic is decent, and its got velour earpads—great for long gaming sessions.
HyperX Cloud Orbit S: This is a great option for the person who wants something as good as Audeze Mobius, but doesn’t necessarily need every feature under the sun. The Cloud Orbit S is based on the Mobius, with the same 100mm planar magnetic drivers and 3D audio features, but it jettisons the Bluetooth support. Plus it’s $70 cheaper.
Why you should trust us
Not only is this site our nine-to-five, but each of us each have multiple years of reviewing consumer audio products. We’ve kept tabs on the ever-changing world of audio, giving us the ability to parse apart the gimmicks from the gems. Sam in particular is our resident gaming guru—so the models listed here have gone through not only our testing gantlet, but hours of practical use.
We directly test as many headphones as possible, but when we’re unable to get a pair on our ears, we comb through countless first and secondhand consumer and professional accounts.
We want you to be happy with your purchase—none of our writers see a dime from partnership deals or referral purchases—and nobody here is allowed to benefit from steering you towards one product or another. While this site does make money from referrals, the individual writers are paid based on their work, regardless of whether or not people clicked that “buy” icon. They will never even know if anyone did, though the site going under might be a good hint.
How we picked
Although we’ve directly reviewed a vast array of products here at SoundGuys, we haven’t gotten around to all of them. After all, we’re only human and are inherently subjective. To counteract our unavoidable bias, we do quite a bit of research by perusing online forums, reading other reviews (PCMag, CNET, etc), conducting Twitter polls and more.
Unlike some of our more niche best lists, we’re able to draw upon the full experiences of our entire staff—including some who have moved on—for input in populating our list of candidates. This list isn’t simply what one of us likes, it’s an accurate representation of our experiences as an entire staff. This is a very crowded segment of headphones, with countless models that are really, really good. However, this is what we feel are the best when you consider the diverse needs of many listeners.
The Beyerdynamic Custom Game headset is comfortable, despite its mammoth ear cups.
In short, this list is the running conclusions of thousands of hours of use from a growing list of contributors over many years. This is a living document, and it’s updated every time a new model knocks an existing one off their pedestal.
Did we miss your favorite headset? Let us know in the comments, and who knows? Maybe it shows up in next month’s update.
Disclosure: We may receive affiliate compensation in connection with your purchase of products via links on this page. Even though we may receive compensation, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on each product. See our ethics policy for more details.