Buying the best gaming headset is crucial to having a good experience. A good headset can make a huge difference while playing games, be it an online competitive shooter or a casual single-player title. Your choice of gaming headset will determine how you hear the sound effects in the virtual world and how you communicate with your teammates in-game.
But just like other peripherals, choosing the right gaming headset isn't easy due to the sheer number of options that are available on the market. There is no one size fits all solution, but we've rounded up the best of the bunch that you should be considering for your next purchase.
These are the best gaming headsets in 2023
Razer BlackShark V2
Low latency and tons of features
The Razer BlackShark V2 wired gaming headset offers a lot of value for $100. It offers a good mix of features including great audio quality with THX Spatial audio, good sounding microphone, and more.
- Relatively cheap
- Overall good quality
- THX Spatial audio software
- Microphone could stand to be better
There's no shortage of wired gaming headsets out there and there's very stiff competition in this space. But out of all the available options, the Razer BlackShark V2 is the one that stands out the most. There's a lot to like about this particular gaming headset, and as noted in our Razer BlackShark V2 review, it checks all the right boxes.
In terms of audio quality, the BlackShark V2 is considered to be among the best in this space. The audio quality is crystal clear with a good separation of bass, mids, and treble to keep the tones from interfering with each other. This is particularly surprising for a headset that costs $100, so that's great. One of the best things about this particular headset is that you can further tune the audio quality using Razer's Synapse software. You also get access to the THX Spatial audio software that enhances the overall audio quality, going beyond just the gaming experience. The software also comes pre-loaded with dedicated game profiles for titles like CS:GO, Apex Legends, Valorant, and more.
The Razer BlackShark v2 has a minimal, subtle design. It's lighter than a lot of other gaming headsets on the market, and it has foam pads that make it comfortable to wear for long gaming sessions. It's important to buy a pair of headsets that are comfortable to wear for long gaming sessions. The BlackShark V2's are great in that regard. The headset also comes with a removable Razer HyperClear Cardioid microphone. It's fair to say though the mic is the weakest link. It's clear enough, but Razer still has work to do on its microphone quality.
Razer also has a wireless version of the BlackShark V2. It costs more, though, and is also available in white.
Corsair Void RGB Elite Wireless headset
Cut the cord
The Corsair Void RGB Elite wireless headphones come with 7.1 surround sound, with 50mm drivers and 2.4GHz wireless conectivity via a dedicated receiver for a lag-free experience.
- Less than $100
- Good audio quality
- Up to 40 feet range
- Micro-USB charging
- Not amazing battery life
If you're after a high-quality gaming headset but don't want distracting wires, Corsair's Void RGB Elite is your best bet. It's the latest entry in the company's popular series of headsets and at around $90, it's not especially expensive compared to other wireless models on the market.
The Void RGB Elite is well-designed for comfort thanks to the padding on the headband and ear cups, which can swivel on two axes to find the correct fit for anyone's head. It's made mostly out of plastic with some metal parts, which makes it less durable than we'd like, but should last a long time as long as it's taken care of properly.
Like many gaming-oriented headsets, the Void RGB Elite uses a special USB transmitter instead of Bluetooth. This is because Bluetooth has more lag, not all PCs support Bluetooth, and it can support a longer range — in this case, 40 feet. One thing we're disappointed to see is a micro-USB port, which is getting old at this point as many devices switch to USB-C.
The Void RGB Elite supports 7.1 surround sound and is compatible with Corsair's iCUE software for customizing the audio features, sound, and the RGB.
At just under $100, Corsair's Void RGB Elite offers a pretty good set of features: lag-free and long-range wireless communication, a decent mic, automatic mute, RGB, and 7.1 surround sound. This headset is a great all-rounder for gamers that hate wires, though there is also a wired version if you prefer.
ASUS TUF Gaming H3 Wired Gaming Headset
Good sound quality for a super low price
The Asus TUF Gaming H3 is a solid budget gaming headset that delivers good sound quality. It doesn't have an impressive design, but it makes up for that with an affordable price tag.
- Standard 3.5mm audio jack
- Virtual 7.1 surround sound
- Extremely low price
- Mic isn't retractable
- Dull design
If you're working with an extremely small budget, then the Asus TUF Gaming H3 is a great option. It works well with a variety of platforms including PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, and it's just $30 at the time of writing.
The TUF Gaming H3 is fairly simple when it comes to design. It has an all-black construction with slightly elongated earcups that are comfortable to wear. As a wired gaming headset, the TUF Gaming H3 relies on a 3.5mm jack for connection. It comes with a simple, non-braided cable that can't be detached from the body of the headset.
Besides the average build quality, there's not a lot to complain about here. In fact, it's one of the better-sounding headsets in this price range. It works well across a variety of games without forcing you to switch between different profiles. One of the main reasons behind its impressive sound is its comfortable and snug fit. You can hear all the important footsteps and audio cues easily mainly because the audio isn't leaking out. The headset also supports virtual 7.1 surround sound, something not always seen on headsets this affordable.
When it comes to the microphone, the TUF Gaming H3 has a long stem at the bottom that's not retractable. It is a flexible microphone, but you may still have a hard time keeping it out of sight. It performs well when it comes to the audio quality, though. It cuts through most of the background noise and also compresses the audio signal for more clarity. It's no match for the audio quality of a high-end headset, but it's still good enough for the price.
HyperX Cloud Stinger Core Wireless
A wireless headset for an accessible price
The HyperX Cloud Stinger Core wireless gaming headset is a reliable option that offers impressive audio quality and a good design for $80 or less.
- USB Type-C charging
- Virtual 7.1 surround sound
- Much cheaper than other wireless gaming headsets
- Better options if you have a bigger budget
You typically won't save as much on a wireless gaming headset as you would with a tired one, but the HyperX Cloud Stinger Core headset is still a great option. It costs around $60 to $80, which as far as wireless gaming headsets go, is quite affordable. It's not the most feature-packed gaming headset on the market, but it's a reliable option for not a lot of money.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger Core looks exactly like its wired counterpart. It's as if HyperX took a pair of wired Cloud Stinger headsets and cut the cords. That's not necessarily a bad thing though. The Stinger Core headset features mesh ear cups with a few degrees of swivel. The padding on the headband and ear cups is also fairly light, making it comfortable to wear. Between that and the overall lightweight design, it's safe to say that you can wear the Cloud Stinger Core for long gaming sessions without any issues.
In terms of battery life, the HyperX Cloud Stinger Core can last for around 17 hours on a single charge. One of the best things about the headset is that it charges via a USB Type-C port. That's one less cable to worry about if you already have another modern peripheral with a USB-C port. For connection, the Cloud Stinger Core relies on a small wireless dongle that connects to your PC or laptop over a 2.4GHz connection.
For audio, the Cloud Stinger Core uses 40mm neodymium directional drivers, and it supports a software-enabled virtual 7.1 surround sound feature on Windows. The audio quality, though nothing exceptional, is still very good for the price. It delivers clear audio with good separation that makes it easy to listen to things like the enemy's footsteps in-game, your friends' voices in party chat, and more. You can also rely on the built-in microphone of this headset to chat with your party members. It also has a flip-to-mute feature.
ASTRO Gaming A40 TR Wired
Supports customization and modding
Astro's A40 TR wired gaming headset uses a 3.5mm audio jack and 40mm sound drivers, tuned with Astro Audio V2. It also supports modding and speaker tags if you want to customize its look.
- 3.5mm audio jack means wide compatibility
- Inline audio control and splitter
- Customization options for speaker tags and modding
- MIxAmp and modding kit costs extra
Wired, midrange headsets are great for many because they cost significantly less than their wireless counterparts and provide equal or even superior audio quality and other features. Astro's A40 TR headset is a good example, costing $130 but providing a fairly premium listening experience for gaming.
Astro has gone for a more industrial look on the A40 TR, with some noticeably gamer-styled choices. Perhaps the most distinctive design choice on the A40 TR is the two metal pipes that determine the adjustment of the headband. This headset also supports swappable speaker tags, which are magnetic for easy removal and installation.
Like all wired headsets, the A40 TR excels in audio latency, which is particularly important for games that demand it. The A40 TR is also very comfortable to wear, which is critical if you want to game for any long stretch of time without getting irritated. The included microphone is also suitable for gaming since it's unidirectional. Unfortunately, all the extra features with the MixAmp (which is a USB dock for audio tuning) and modding kits will cost extra.
Overall, the Astro's A40 TR provides a more premium gaming experience than cheaper headsets and can also appeal to enthusiasts if you buy the MixAmp and a modding kit. It's not a super high-end, premium headset, but it provides what you're likely to appreciate without any expensive frills.
Logitech G Pro X Wireless
A premium, wireless experience without spending too much
The Logitech G Pro X Wireless is a premium option for those who're looking for a lag-free wireless connection. The G Pro X Wireless also has a great quality microphone, making it a perfect option for online games.
- Wireless range is 45 feet
- Great sound quality, plus virtual surround sound
- Lag-free
- Fairly expensive for what it is
If you're looking for a great wireless gaming headset then you should consider checking out the Logitech G Pro X Wireless. This is virtually the same headset as its wired predecessor that launched back in 2019, except it's, you know, wireless.
It's primarily made out of metal, with steel hinges and a flexible band covered in a leather cushion. It's got the same black aesthetic with no other color options. The new version is a bit on the heavier side due to the addition of a battery, but it's still very comfortable to wear. For connection, the Logitech G Pro X wireless relies on a 2.4GHz USB RF dongle. It offers lag-free wireless audio, making it a perfect option for even professional esports players.
Since it's comfortable to wear, it's suitable for gaming sessions too. It also offers virtual surround sound to simulate directional audio in games like Valorant, Apex Legends, and more. The Logitech G Pro X Wireless also works well with a variety of consoles. Logitech says it has a functional range of 15m, which means it's great for gaming from the couch too.
The Logitech G Pro X wireless is also great when it comes to audio quality. This is one of those headsets that's suitable for gaming as well as media consumption. It also offers decent isolation, but don't expect it to block out all the external noise. The microphone is also pretty decent, but it gets better with the Blue Vo!ce software. You can either choose from a bunch of presets or create your own custom EQ. Blue Vo!ce is a pretty comprehensive piece of software and we highly recommend exploring it if you end up buying this headset.
VZR Model One
When you want the best of the best sound
VZR's Model One headset is for gamers who are also audiophiles and provides one of the crispest sound experiences possible.
- Extremely clear audio
- Low latency
- Clean, subdued design
- Microphone isn't great
There's not a ton of crossover between gamers and audiophiles, but if you're one of the few who needs the best of the best audio quality for gaming, then VZR's Model One is for you. It's a hybrid gaming-audiophile headset with a 3.5mm connection for minimum latency, something that's crucial for gaming. It's expensive at $350 but it's also hard to put a price on clear, crisp audio.
The design of the Model One is surprisingly subdued. The Model One primarily uses white, black, and silver gray in equal amounts for a balanced and reasonably good-looking theme. There's no RGB or other elements that scream "gaming headset."
The main draws of the Model One are the custom 40mm drivers that VZR designed specifically for accurate directional sound. This headset is good for all kinds of audio, but its focus on spatial accuracy can help in games like Fortnite, since knowing where a sound is coming from can be a big advantage. It's probably not going to be a game-changer but it's certainly nice to have. Unfortunately, the Model One does lack some basic stuff like the volume control on the headset itself and the microphone quality is apparently not too great.
VZR's Model One, though a gaming headset, is also for audiophiles, and at $350 it's well out of budget for most. It's good that it's noticeably better than cheaper options, but most users can comfortably settle for something in the $100 to $200 range without sacrificing much.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
Delivering the best wireless gaming experience possible
The SteelSeries Arcits Nova Pro is a premium gaming headset. It offers lag-free audio, a retractable microphone, effective ANC, multi-point connectivity, and up to 25 hours of battery life.
- Noise canceling
- Compatible with almost everything
- Hot-swappable battery
- Very much overkill for most gamers
One of the most premium and high-end wireless gaming headsets is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, which retails for $350. It has a very rich set of features in addition to its excellent audio quality and good battery life.
The Arctis Nova Pro has a sleek and minimalist design in all black with no RGB whatsoever. Despite being marketed as a gaming headset, it totally bucks that typical aesthetic for a more standard look. The speaker tags are swappable if you find the Arctis Nova Pro too boring, though different ones are sold separately.
Audio quality is decent, but you're here for the exceptional array of features. There are all sorts of audio controls on the headset itself, including play, pause, and track skipping. There's also a DAC/audio hub that allows for listening to multiple devices at the same time, three different connection options (Bluetooth, proprietary wireless, and 3.5mm audio jack), hot-swappable batteries, and a custom audio adjustment app. The flexibility at play here is very uncommon.
SteelSeries's Arctic Nova Pro headset is a great headset overall because it's good at almost everything. If you're the kind of person who wants a single pair of headphones for everything, the Arctis Nova Pro is a good choice. $350 is obviously a lot to pay for this headset, but the Arctis Nova 7 is about $200 cheaper and provides the same three connection options, same audio control options, and similar battery life.
Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset
The official Xbox wireless headset from Microsoft
Microsoft's Xbox Wireless gaming headset is the perfect audio accessory to pair with your Xbox console. Its affordable price tag and reliable features make it better than a lot of other options on the market.
- Compatible with Xbox, PC, and phones
- Supports simultaneous Xbox wireless and Bluetooth
- Decently priced
- Middling battery life
If you're hunting for a headset for your Xbox console, then we recommend the official Xbox Wireless Headset. This particular headset is good for those who're looking to buy a straightforward accessory that works well with the Xbox and offers the right features at a relatively affordable price. In terms of compatibility, the Xbox Wireless headset works with Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, PC, and mobile.
Coming to the design, the black plastic chassis of the Xbox wireless headset sports a subtle green highlight around the earcups. There's an Xbox logo on the right side to indicate that it's an official accessory from the house of Microsoft. One of the best things about the Xbox Wireless Headset is that it incorporates volume dials right into the earcup panel. You can rotate the right earcup panel to adjust the volume while the left earcup adjusts the game/chat audio. It's more intuitive than rotating physical dials to adjust the sound.
The Xbox Wireless headset is also comfortable to wear thanks to its soft, supportive earcups, and a padded headband. It's definitely one of those headsets that you can wear for long hours without any issues. The overall audio quality is also on par with a lot of headsets in its price range. It offers a balanced soundscape that lets you hear all audio with good detail.
One of the best things about this headset is that it supports both the Xbox wireless protocol and Bluetooth. It also works simultaneously, which means you can use both pairings to listen to music or take calls while gaming on your console. On battery life, the Xbox Wireless headset should last for around 15 hours on a single charge, which is OK. It could be better, but given the feature set, you can let it slide.
Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Gaming Headset
Officially made by Sony for the PS5
The Sony Pulse 3D wireless headset is perfect for those who are looking for a simple and easy-to-use wireless headset with the PlayStation 5 for a casual gaming experience.
- Compatible with PC, Mac, and PS5
- Option of USB wireless receiver or 3.5mm audio jack
- 3D audio
- Poor microphone
You don't necessarily have to spend big bucks to get a quality headset for your PS5. Sony's own Pulse 3D wireless headset is the best pick. As an official PS5 accessory, the Pulse 3D wireless gaming headset works seamlessly with the console and it also supports PS5's 3D audio.
The Pulse 3D wireless headset comes with a USB dongle you can plug into a PC, Mac, or the PS5 itself. Additionally, it also comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack that lets you pair with basically anything with the audio jack. That being said, you'll only get basic stereo audio with every device besides the PS5. The Sony Pulse 3D wireless headset has a very futuristic design just like the PlayStation 5. The design is not for everyone, but it looks minimal and goes well with the console.
One thing we don't necessarily like about the Pulse 3D wireless headset is that it doesn't come with a boom mic. Due to this, the headset doesn't isolate your voice from the background noise very well, so it's probably not the best when it comes to microphone quality. If you often find yourself playing in a noisy environment, then it's best to either turn off voice chat or look for other options. The audio quality and 3D immersion, on the other hand, are pretty good. 3D audio immersion is truly something that you need to experience, and the Pulse 3D headset sounds fantastic and works well with the Tempest 3D audio.
The Pulse 3D headset also offers good battery life. It's not ideal for a gaming marathon session, but you should have no issues using it for about 12 hours on a single charge. That being said, you can use the 3.5mm headphone jack to use the headset when the battery runs out. One thing that's worth pointing out about the headset is that the earpads are more suitable for smaller ears. So if you're somebody whose ears are on the larger side, then you may find the Pulse 3D headset uncomfortable to wear for long hours.
Best gaming headsets in 2023: Final thoughts
We've looked at quite a few headsets here, and a couple, in particular, stand out. Among wired headsets, Razer's Blackshark V2 is one of the best. It's not super expensive, has great audio quality, and plenty of features. Although wired headsets are going a bit out of fashion, the Blackshark V2 proves they're not a thing of the past, especially since it's such a great value compared to wireless headsets.
Razer BlackShark V2
The Razer BlackShark V2 wired gaming headset offers a lot of value for $100. It offers a good mix of features including great audio quality with THX Spatial audio, good sounding microphone, and more.
As for wireless headsets, Corsair's Void RGB Elite is a great option. It's not expensive for a wireless headset, and has good audio quality, a decent mic, and decent battery life. You might also be into the whole RGB thing too. However, it's an older design and uses Micro-USB instead of USB Type-C, which is a real shame and a significant disadvantage. The overall picture is good for the Void RGB Elite though, as long as it costs $100 or less.
Corsair Void RGB Elite Wireless headset
The Corsair Void RGB Elite wireless headphones come with 7.1 surround sound, with 50mm drivers and 2.4GHz wireless conectivity via a dedicated receiver for a lag-free experience.
All the headphones mentioned in this collection work well with both PCs and laptops. If you're looking to buy a new laptop then we encourage you to check out some of our collections including the best laptops, best gaming laptops, and even the best budget gaming laptops. As always, you can join our XDA Computing Forums to discuss and get more product recommendations from the experts in our community too.