One of the best gaming headsets for 2025

[ad_1] Typically, the perfect gaming headset doesn’t should be a “gaming headset” in any respect. Whereas many individuals view these gadgets as their very own class, they’re in the end nonetheless headphones, simply with a growth mic and a few fancy branding connected. Whereas the general high quality of devoted headsets has improved over time, they nonetheless are likely to value additional in comparison with pair of wired headphones (which, sure, nonetheless exist). If you'll want to chat with associates, you'll be able to at all times purchase a microphone individually and get superior sound high quality there as properly.

That mentioned, we fully perceive that many individuals simply need the simplicity of a headset with a built-in mic. So after testing dozens of contenders over the previous couple of years, we’ve rounded up just a few commendable gaming headsets and headphones that work properly for gaming — which aren’t fairly the identical factor. Whichever means you go, all of our picks ought to make your recreation time extra satisfying, whether or not you play competitively or simply for enjoyable.

Desk of contents Finest gaming headphones for 2025 <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/e6oWKK3Y43N0HqR6V2nKYg--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-03/650c3c40-d95d-11ed-bfff-82863db635e7" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

The Beyerdynamic DT 900 Professional X ought to please most individuals keen to pay for a capital-N good pair of headphones for gaming functions. It localizes sounds precisely and delivers the form of spacious soundstage anticipated from open-back mannequin. Bass is a bit more current right here than on many open-back headphones as properly. There nonetheless isn’t a lot in the best way of deep sub-bass, unsurprisingly, however there’s sufficient heat to provide stuff like explosions a bit extra juice with out muddying up the mids. Particulars within the midrange get essentially the most emphasis general, however they’re clear, and their forwardness isn’t a foul factor while you’re attempting to hear for enemy gamers in a aggressive FPS like Counter-Strike 2 or Apex Legends. The treble isn’t pushed fairly as arduous, nevertheless it’s neither overly recessed nor harsh.

All of this helps the DT 900 Professional X sound detailed however not boring. It is the form of sound that performs good whether or not you’re attempting to win a multiplayer recreation or soak up a extra cinematic single-player story. And while you’re not gaming, you get an satisfying profile for music.

The entire thing is constructed properly, too. The DT 900 Professional X will clamp down barely more durable than common you probably have a big head, nevertheless it balances its weight properly, and its splendidly comfortable velour earpads go a good distance towards maintaining the pair comfy over hours-long gaming classes. It comes with two removable cables, together with a three-meter choice that’s handy in the event you sit far out of your PC. It may well’t fold up, although.

Like all open-back headphones, the DT 900 Professional X leak recreation audio and let in a number of noise, so it’s not nice on the go. Clearly, in the event you can afford to improve to an ultra-premium pair like Sennheiser’s HD 800 S, you’ll get more room and true-to-life element. And like many audio merchandise, this pair has grow to be a bit costlier in latest months. However for one thing sometimes priced within the excessive $200 to low $300 vary, the DT 900 Professional X ought to fulfill.

Execs Immersive, detailed sound with pleasing bassWell-built with comfortable ear cushions Cons Leaks and permits exterior noise, by designLacking in deep sub-bass, like most open-back headphones $320 at Amazon <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/h2imxHWeABgHjkcbVQyYmw--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-03/4f3526b0-d95e-11ed-afea-e759257152e4" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

When you’d slightly not spend as a lot, the Sennheiser HD 560S is one other glorious open-back headphone that’s usually accessible for $200 or so. Just like the DT 900 Professional X, it has a large soundstage that makes it simpler to really feel immersed in a given recreation. Its signature is barely extra impartial on the entire, so that you received’t really feel such as you’re lacking any a part of what's taking place, and it retrieves a stunning quantity of treble and midrange element. There's much less bass energy for explosions, although. And the treble, whereas extra current right here than on Beyerdynamic's pair, can sound piercing at occasions. Imaging isn’t fairly as nuanced both, although it’s removed from poor.

The HD560S' design is a lot comfy to put on for prolonged durations. It doesn’t clamp down too arduous on these with massive heads (like yours really), and its velour earpads hug the ears softly. The included cable is detachable, too. The plastic body doesn’t really feel as sturdy or premium because the DT 900 Professional X, nevertheless, so that you received’t wish to chuck it round haphazardly. It will not isolate a lot noise both, nor will it forestall others from listening to what you are taking part in. Nonetheless, the HD 560S is a pleasure, and a terrific worth.

Execs Impressively balanced soundComfortableGreat worth for many who prioritize audio high quality Cons Barely sizzling in treble rangeLeaks and permits exterior noise, by designDoesn't have the sturdiest construct high quality $180 at Amazon <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/QRs9WQJDtp2S82aKisLEdg--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-03/dadbe230-d95e-11ed-9f5b-2fb107f13deb" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

When you can’t spend greater than $50, it’s nonetheless arduous to prime the Koss KSC75. It prices $20, however judging purely on audio high quality, it’s higher than some headphones priced nearer to $100. This pair could be very clearly devoid of deep bass, so that you received’t get that full-bodied oomph from in-game results. You additionally will not hear all of the intricate particulars you'd choose up with the pricier headphones above. But it surely locates sounds precisely, and its open design delivers an actual sense of width. It’s an outstanding worth for aggressive play.

The catch is that it’s constructed like a set of free airline headphones. The KSC75 has an odd clip-on design that's light-weight however received’t be a cushty match for everybody. It actually appears prefer it prices $20, although Koss backs it with a lifetime guarantee that primarily enables you to get limitless replacements for $9 every. The KSC75 could also be a whopping 20 years outdated, however its comparatively balanced sound stays significantly well-suited for gaming.

Execs One of the best-sounding headphones $20 can buyLightweight Cons Clip-on design positively not for everyoneFeels low-cost, as a result of it's $20 at Amazon Finest gaming headsets for 2025 <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/jHawmqyRxKDCE6lEYgInxg--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-11/21c17df0-9b81-11ef-b7dc-dc7fa9c05372" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

When you do desire a devoted gaming headset with a built-in mic, we love the Turtle Seaside Atlas Air. It’s a little bit of a rarity: a wi-fi mannequin with an open-back design. It sounds a lot wider, airier and extra pure than the overwhelming majority of its friends in consequence, creating the feeling that your recreation is occurring round you rather than feeling confined in your head. It’s additionally higher than most at positioning in-game results in the fitting locations.

The Atlas Air has a principally flat audio profile by default, with a bounce within the treble that lends additional crispness to issues like cymbals. Like most open-back pairs, it’s pretty weak within the low-bass area, so gunfire and EDM lack the form of muscle you’d get with good closed-backs. The DT 900 Professional X nonetheless sounds extra dynamic, with extra element within the mids and stronger bass that makes footsteps and explosions extra intimate. That mentioned, the Atlas Air holds its personal surprisingly properly. It’s about as spacious, and what bass is right here doesn’t come off as blobby. It’s an easygoing hear, and the better sense of spatial consciousness offered by its design makes an actual distinction whether or not you’re listening for enemies in Counter-Strike 2 or basking in an enormous boss battle in Closing Fantasy XVI. Going from a pair like this to a conventional headset usually makes it sound like a bit of the world has been lopped off.

The Atlas Air can also be exceptionally comfy. Its ear cups are generously padded with mild reminiscence foam and lined in a comfortable fabric materials; they offer loads of room for bigger ears to breathe, with out trapping an excessive amount of warmth. The suspension-style headband doesn’t enable a lot in the best way of guide changes, nevertheless it’s extraordinarily versatile, so these with particularly massive heads can nonetheless pop the headphones on with little wrestle. The design as an entire is light-weight at 0.66 kilos, and it’s mild about clamping down on the perimeters of your head. Put all of it collectively and also you get a headset that’s a breeze to put on for hours at a time.

All of its controls — together with an enormous quantity dial that circles the left ear cup — are simply accessible past that. Our chief grievance is that the design is nearly totally plastic, so it doesn’t fairly really feel like a $180 gadget to the contact. It’s additionally form of… ugly, to be trustworthy. None of that could be a massive deal upon getting it on, nevertheless, and we haven’t seen any creaking or looseness to the body after a number of months of testing.

The Atlas Air’s removable growth mic is completely advantageous. You wouldn’t wish to use it for podcasting, because it robs chunk of bass out of your voice, however you’ll nonetheless come by way of clearly in a loud room, with no harsh sibilance to “ess” sounds. The mic itself is sufficiently versatile, and also you merely flip it as much as mute it, which is at all times handy.

The headset works with PC, PS5 or a docked Nintendo Swap/Swap 2 by way of its USB dongle, plus it helps Bluetooth for cellular gadgets and the Swap's handheld mode. You possibly can’t pipe by way of audio from two connections on the similar time, however you'll be able to at the least cycle between the 2 pretty shortly utilizing a button on the left ear cup. Whereas there’s no assist for Xbox’s wi-fi protocol, you may as well use the headset passively (i.e., with out counting on battery energy) with an included 3.5mm cable with its personal inline quantity dial. When you’re an Xbox participant and don’t thoughts utilizing a cable, we’d nonetheless contemplate the Atlas Air our prime advice. With out the wire, Turtle Seaside says the gadget can last as long as 50 hours, although we’ve been in a position to squeeze one other 5 to 10 hours out at reasonable volumes. It’s removed from the longest-lasting pair we’ve examined, however this implies it may possibly probably go for every week or two earlier than it wants a cost.

The primary trade-offs with the Atlas Air are the identical ones famous above: As a result of they’re open-back, they let in and leak tons of noise. When you don’t play in a fairly quiet atmosphere, contemplate our subsequent choose. We additionally had a driver subject that prevented us from connecting to PC upon first receiving the headset, however a software program replace shortly mounted that and we haven’t had any hiccups or stutters since. Basically, Turtle Seaside’s Swarm II app is pretty easy, providing a customized EQ software, recreation/chat combine, mic settings and the like.

Execs Extra open, pure and immersive sound than most gaming headsetsSupremely comfortableMultiple connection modesDecent flip-up mic Cons Leaks and permits exterior noise, by designLacks deep sub-bass, like most open-back headphonesNot essentially the most premium or good-looking design $130 at Amazon <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/oqVuwPhKm4mZol1ssiwE6g--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-04/862ea660-d962-11ed-99fc-4311b52a899d" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

li]:list-decimal [&_ol]:space-y-6 [&_ul>li]:list-disc [&_ul]:space-y-6"> Enclosure: Closed-back | Driver: Planar magnetic | Frequency response: 10 - 50,000Hz | Mic: Sure, removable | Connectivity: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.3 (LDAC, LE Audio, LC3, LC3plus, AAC, SBC), 3.5mm, USB-C digital audio (non-compulsory), Xbox Wi-fi (non-compulsory) | Weight: 490g

When you’re keen to pay additional for a premium gaming headset with a extra isolating closed-back design, get the Audeze Maxwell. At $299 for a PS5 mannequin or $329 for an Xbox mannequin, it’s not low-cost, nevertheless it’s one of many few devoted gaming headsets we have used whose audio high quality holds up subsequent to the higher “regular” wi-fi headphones available on the market.

The Maxwell's default signature is sort of a extra refined model of the frequent “gaming headset” sound. Bass is impactful however well-controlled, whereas highs are crisp however not sharp. There is a bit of additional vitality within the upper-mids, nevertheless it's not overwhelming, and the headset's planar-magnetic drivers do properly to breed smaller intricacies all through. It nonetheless cannot present the immersive width and exact imaging of our open-back picks, the Atlas Air included, however the Maxwell sounds unusually textured, balanced and intimate in comparison with different wi-fi gaming headsets. Whereas it lacks the airiness of the Turtle Seaside headset, the punchier low-end makes issues like footsteps extra simply identifiable in video games. When you don’t just like the out-of-the-box profile, Audeze’s app additionally contains plenty of tasteful EQ presets.

Alongside these traces, the Maxwell’s removable growth mic is a standout. It does an exceptional job of muting background noise, and whereas your voice will lose some air, it's going to sound clearer and fuller right here than on most wi-fi headsets we’ve examined.

The Maxwell could be very a lot on the cumbersome facet, it leaks sound at greater volumes, and its metal headband makes use of an odd suspension mechanism that is successfully unimaginable to regulate with out taking the headset off. Basically, although, its design feels substantial. The squishy, closely padded ear cups could make your ears really feel heat, however they maintain the headset comfy and isolate a good quantity of out of doors noise. The important controls are constructed into the left earcup, and the gadget can join over Bluetooth or a 3.5mm cable along with a USB-C wi-fi dongle. You possibly can even join to 2 gadgets directly, one over the dongle and one other over Bluetooth, although you'll be able to't stream audio from each sources concurrently. The headset additionally must be powered on as a way to play music over a cable.

Audeze charges the Maxwell’s battery life at roughly 80 hours, which is nice and has typically held true in our testing. You may get a bit much less in the event you play at excessive volumes or use options like Bluetooth or sidetone closely, although.

Execs Splendidly textured audio qualityGood mic performance80-hour battery life $299 at B&H Photograph <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/qHwi_UbSAqRQ_4YfyIpMPw--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-03/ea2f9c70-d960-11ed-af6d-e7cbadca1ac8" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

You received’t discover a good open-back gaming headset for lower than $50, so in the event you’re on a good finances and want a built-in mic, you’ll should compromise on sound high quality. With that in thoughts, the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 is a good purchase for $40 or so. It will get the consolation half proper, as its pleather ear cups don’t clamp down arduous and have sufficient comfortable padding the place it counts. Its mic makes voices sound comparatively clear and correct as properly, although it isn't removable.

The Cloud Stinger 2 has a V-shaped sound signature, which is to say it exaggerates the bass and treble whereas recessing the mids. It’s not dangerous for what it's, and it’ll positively give motion scenes a heavy dose of growth. However the upper-bass is bumped to the purpose the place it could get tiring over time, and also you lose among the advantageous particulars you’d hear on our different picks. Since this can be a low-cost closed-back headset, the Cloud Stinger 2 doesn’t sound almost as vast as most of the pairs above, neither is it as nuanced about positioning sounds precisely. All of that makes it lower than supreme for aggressive video games, although it may possibly nonetheless sound “enjoyable” with many different titles.

Past that, the plastic design feels cheapish. Its cable isn’t detachable, and it doesn’t block a lot exterior noise regardless of having a closed-back design. Nonetheless, it's important to choose your battles on this worth vary. The Cloud Stinger 2 is flawed, nevertheless it does sufficient properly to be headset for sure budget-conscious patrons.

Execs Sturdy valueComfortableSolid mic efficiency Cons Boomy sound is not idealFeels cheapishPoor noise isolation for a closed-back headset $30 at Amazon <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/nTLin3CamafXDShAKq30RA--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-01/681f2b10-bac9-11ee-adef-f368812adf4f" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

li]:list-decimal [&_ol]:space-y-6 [&_ul>li]:list-disc [&_ul]:space-y-6"> The Astro A50 X prices an eye-watering $400, so we are able to’t moderately suggest it to most individuals. Nonetheless, in the event you can abdomen the worth, this can be a uniquely handy wi-fi headset for hardcore avid gamers who personal a PS5, Xbox Sequence X/S and gaming PC. That’s primarily because of its included charging dock, which serves as a unified A/V station for these three platforms. By chaining HDMI and USB cables from a PS5, Xbox and/or PC to the A50 X’s base station, you'll be able to join the headset to all three gadgets concurrently. From there, you'll be able to swap to your lively machine simply by urgent a button on the fitting earcup.

This can be a ache to arrange: As proven in Logitech’s 12-minute (!) video tutorial, connecting each consoles and a PC requires seven completely different cables, just a few of which aren’t within the field, plus some futzing round in every system’s menus. It’s not completely seamless as soon as all the things’s up and operating, both: We needed to manually change video indicators when switching from a PC to a console (although not when doing the inverse) and manually change our PC’s audio output once we wished to hear by way of desktop audio system. All of this requires you to maintain your gaming {hardware} in the identical space, too.

However for essentially the most half, the A50 X is essentially the most sensible wi-fi headset we’ve examined for multi-console setups. As an alternative of needing two headsets for Xbox and PS5/PC, or having to reconnect one headset every time you alter consoles, all it's important to do is take the A50 X off its dock, flip it on and choose the platform you wish to use. A small LED show on the dock will present the lively connection, and the headset will mechanically play the right audio supply. With a PS5 and Xbox, it’ll mechanically swap video. As long as you utilize HDMI 2.1 cables, the bottom station can pass-through 4K 120Hz HDR video to the 2 consoles, with assist for VRR and ALLM. It's also possible to join the A50 X to a Swap or cellular gadget through Bluetooth — although you'll want to be inside vary of the bottom station for that to work, and also you don’t get the identical fast-switching performance.

All these connectivity methods wouldn’t imply a lot if the A50 X was a shoddy headset, however fortunately, it’s not. It’s among the many better-sounding wi-fi headsets we’ve used; it’s not “$400 good,” nevertheless it’s dynamic, with wealthy, comparatively nuanced bass and a clear midrange. Explosions and gunshots have crunch with out sounding overly thick, and it’s typically correct at finding footsteps and close by results. The Audeze Maxwell remains to be a degree above, nevertheless; the A50 X has a darker tilt by comparability, so it captures much less element within the treble vary and feels extra boxed-in. It can also’t match the broader, extra enveloping soundstage of our open-back picks. Nonetheless, most individuals can be proud of it, and you may customise its EQ curve to an extent by way of Logitech’s G Hub software program.

The A50 X’s design is essentially plastic, nevertheless it feels sturdy. The fuzzy, fabric-covered foam on its earpads and headband is comfortable and breathable, and whereas the headset isn’t tremendous mild at 0.8 kilos, it distributes its weight in a means that feels comfy but safe. It's also possible to alter your game-to-chat audio combine proper from an earcup. It doesn’t isolate exterior noise very properly, although, and its growth mic is completely connected. Its battery life is mediocre as properly — Astro charges it at as much as 24 hours at reasonable volumes — however for the reason that headset is designed to take a seat on its dock when it’s not in use, that is not a critical subject. The mic, in the meantime, is among the highest we’ve used any gaming headset, wired or wi-fi. Voices sound cleaner and extra pure than they do with the Maxwell, and background noise is essentially stored in test.

Execs Closest factor to a very common wi-fi gaming headsetExcellent mic performanceGood audio high quality Cons Wildly expensiveRequires a ton of cables to completely set upNo analog audio assist $400 at Amazon Different gaming headsets we have examined The PlayStation Pulse Elite. (Jeff Dunn for Engadget)

Word: This can be a number of noteworthy gaming headsets and headphones we’ve put by way of their paces, not a complete listing of all the things we’ve ever tried.

PlayStation Pulse Elite The PlayStation Pulse Elite is an inexpensive different to the Turtle Seaside Atlas Air for PS5 homeowners, because it lets you change quantity, swap between completely different EQ presets, alter the game-to-chat combine and mute the mic proper from the console’s native UI. It’s much like the best way AirPods combine with iPhones. This pair additionally enables you to connect with a second gadget over Bluetooth on the similar time, and the planar magnetic drivers — a rarity for $150 headphones — do a good job of reproducing smaller particulars. The sound profile as an entire is narrower and extra uneven within the bass and treble than the Atlas Air, nevertheless, whereas the all-plastic design is comfy however flimsy-feeling. It additionally doesn’t do a lot to dam exterior noise, regardless of being closed-back, and the management buttons are awkward to succeed in.

PlayStation Pulse Expore We additionally examined the in-ear equal to the Pulse Elite, the PlayStation Pulse Discover, however discovered it too uncomfortable to put on over prolonged classes. This one is restricted to roughly 5 hours of battery life, too.

Astro A50 (Gen 5) The Astro A50 (Gen 5) is successfully the identical headset because the A50X, simply with none HDMI ports on its base station. It prices $100 much less, so it’s a worthy different to the Audeze Maxwell in the event you primarily play on one platform and desire a superior microphone. However the potential to mechanically change between consoles is the factor that makes the A50X value shopping for within the first place, in order that comfort remains to be value paying for in the event you recreation on a number of gadgets.

<img alt="A black gaming headset, the Corsair Virtuoso Pro, rests flat down on a brown wooden table." loading="lazy" width="960" height="576" decoding="async" data-nimg="1" class="fig-image-round" style="color:transparent" src="https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/2phwH9KaYMBgqZ4wryYnBQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU3Ng--/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-11/9a42a390-78e0-11ee-b79f-708ecefd9744"/> The Corsair Virtuoso Professional. (Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget)

Corsair Virtuoso Professional The Corsair Virtuoso Professional is one other one of many few devoted gaming headsets with an open-back design. It has a comparatively darkish sound with principally underemphasized treble and elevated upper-bass, although the highs are clearer right here than they're on the Astro A40 — a former prime choose that is now discontinued — and it nonetheless delivers a wider soundstage than most gaming headsets. We most popular this signature over Astro’s pair with some video games, although in others it felt much less balanced. The Virtuoso Professional’s mic nonetheless sounds pretty skinny as properly, so it’s merely first rate in comparison with the broader headset market. Its headband adjustment mechanism feels low-cost, too, and you may’t detach the mic with out swapping cables out totally. Its spherical, breathable ear cups and manageable weight do make it straightforward to put on, although, and it comes with a sturdy journey case for defense. Finally, it’s a good purchase, nevertheless it’s arduous to justify over the extra featured and easier-sounding Atlas Air.

HyperX Cloud Alpha Wi-fi The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wi-fi can final properly over 300 hours at reasonable volumes, which is exceptional and by far the perfect of any wi-fi mannequin we’ve examined. It’s mild and never too cosy on the pinnacle, and its highly effective bass lends an actual sense of pleasure to in-game motion. But it surely blunts extra element than the Atlas Air, Maxwell and A50 X, and its mic isn’t nearly as good. A number of customers have additionally reported latency points when utilizing the headset with HyperX’s Ngenuity software program, and there’s no Xbox, Bluetooth or wired audio assist. Nonetheless, if battery life is paramount, you might be able to look previous all of that.

<img alt="A black and red gaming headset, the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, rests on a white headphone stand on a table outdoors." loading="lazy" width="960" height="597" decoding="async" data-nimg="1" class="fig-image-round" style="color:transparent" src="https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nk3dktjfva47HdJatEkCeg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU5Nw--/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-04/8251fde0-d961-11ed-b93e-ac92ea521ffa"/> The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wi-fi. (Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget)

Logitech G Professional X 2 Lightspeed If the Audeze Maxwell is out of inventory, the Logitech G Professional X 2 Lightspeed is one other high quality wi-fi headset value contemplating. It sounds higher than one thing just like the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wi-fi, with satisfying however extra managed bass and extra correct mids. It’s additionally lighter on the pinnacle than the Maxwell. Logitech charges its battery life at 50 hours, however we discovered it to final for much longer at reasonable volumes.

Nonetheless, much like the Astro A50 X, a dip within the treble makes it sound darker and extra veiled than the Maxwell, and it doesn’t have any HDMI-switching methods to fall again on. Its mic additionally sounds much less pure than these of the Maxwell and A50 X. Plus, whereas it may possibly join over a USB dongle, Bluetooth or a 3.5mm cable, it may possibly’t pair to 2 gadgets directly like Audeze’s and Astro’s pairs. Our largest subject is the worth: Worth-wise, it’s in one thing of a no man’s land at its MSRP of $280. It’s a advantageous alternative if it ever dips round $200, although.

Razer BlackShark V2 Professional The wi-fi Razer BlackShark V2 Professional is tremendously comfy and has mic, however its boomy sound is much less refined and detailed than the Audeze Maxwell. As a closed-back headset, it additionally lacks the width of the Atlas Air. There’s no assist for wired audio both.

It is value noting that Razer has launched a brand new BlackShark V3 Professional mannequin that provides lively noise cancellation, wired audio assist and the flexibility to take heed to a number of audio sources concurrently, amongst different tweaks. We have not examined it but, nevertheless it additionally prices $50 extra at $250.

Logitech G535 Lightspeed The Logitech G535 is an impressively mild (0.52 kilos) and comfortable wi-fi headset that’s usually accessible for $100 or much less. It has a comparatively impartial sound signature: not flat, however not beholden to massive, thumping bass. It may well make particulars within the mids sound skinny, and if something it may use a bit extra sub-bass, nevertheless it’s an agreeable hear general. Nonetheless, its mic is not particularly full, and its 35-or-so-hour battery life is a big drop from our prime suggestions. It doesn’t work with Xbox’s wi-fi protocol or Bluetooth both, and it forces you to crank the quantity to succeed in a listenable degree. However in the event you don’t wish to spend a ton on a wi-fi headset, it’s a advantageous worth.

<img alt="Logitech's G535 wireless gaming headset rests on top of a wicker chair on a patio outdoors." loading="lazy" width="960" height="593" decoding="async" data-nimg="1" class="fig-image-round" style="color:transparent" src="https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/L4rYVmZMZ8JxTef52KQnUw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU5Mw--/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-04/13435120-d960-11ed-bc67-dccf7cbeb8df"/> The Logitech G535 Lightspeed. (Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget)

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Xbox homeowners who desire a extra inexpensive wi-fi headset than the Audeze Maxwell may do worse than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X. It’s one other bass-forward pair, and its mic is corresponding to that of the Cloud Alpha Wi-fi. It provides a number of connectivity choices, together with Bluetooth and a 3.5mm cable. Whereas it is marketed for Xbox, it may possibly additionally connect with PCs and PS5s. Its 30-ish-hour battery life is properly wanting the Maxwell and Cloud Alpha Wi-fi, nevertheless, and its uneven treble could cause issues like in-game dialogue to sound masked in sure titles.

SteelSeries sells a less expensive Arctis Nova 5X mannequin with longer battery life, although we have not been in a position to take a look at that one but, and it would not assist wired connections.

HyperX Cloud Alpha The wired HyperX Cloud Alpha usually goes for $80 or much less, and at that worth it’s advantageous as a gentle step-up from the Cloud Stinger 2 in the event you actually desire a closed-back gaming headset. It’s outdated, however its plush earpads and headband are comfortable, and its removable mic, whereas not very good, remains to be serviceable. Its treble is underemphasized, nevertheless, and once more it sounds extra “in your head” than our open-back picks.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Professional The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Professional is a cushty wired-only headset with mic and a helpful DAC that makes it straightforward to regulate the headset’s EQ and game-to-chat combine on the fly. Nonetheless, its closed-back design can’t present the identical enveloping sense of width, and its default sound can sound piercing within the treble. It’s additionally pricier, sometimes fluctuating between $200 to $280 as of late.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Professional Wi-fi The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Professional Wi-fi is essentially much like its wired counterpart however provides a satisfactory degree of lively noise cancellation. Having the ability to hot-swap battery packs and connect with a number of gadgets directly can also be good. It’s not as handy for multi-console play because the Astro A50 X, although, and it is often not less expensive than the Audeze Maxwell, which sounds higher, has a superior mic and lasts longer on a cost.

<img alt="The Beyerdynamic MMX 200 and HyperX Cloud III Wireless gaming headsets lay on their sides on top of a brown wooden table." loading="lazy" width="960" height="576" decoding="async" data-nimg="1" class="fig-image-round" style="color:transparent" src="https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/iyn1tSjALhVM7vIYpoj.4w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU3Ng--/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-01/128d3160-bac9-11ee-a9f3-0f77afcdd31a"/> The Beyerdynamic MMX 200 (left) and HyperX Cloud III Wi-fi (proper). (Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget)

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Professional There’s nothing significantly dangerous in regards to the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Professional: It makes use of the identical drivers because the DT 900 Professional X, its velour earpads are comfortable and its mic works properly. It’s simply arduous to suggest spending $380 on a wired-only headset when the Audeze Maxwell provides wi-fi performance and equally glorious sound — with barely much less spiky treble and extra even bass — for $80 much less. The MMX 300 Professional’s mic isn’t removable both, and the closed-back design retains it from sounding as vast because the DT 900 Professional X.

HyperX Cloud III Wi-fi The HyperX Cloud III Wi-fi is comfortable and may last as long as 120 hours per cost, nevertheless it sounds much less dynamic than the older Cloud Alpha Wi-fi, with weaker bass response. Like that pair, it additionally lacks a 3.5mm jack, Bluetooth audio assist and Xbox compatibility. The Cloud Alpha Wi-fi nonetheless will get almost 3 times the battery life, too, so it stays a greater purchase in order for you a wi-fi headset for PS5 or PC gaming within the $150 vary. The Cloud III Wi-fi has additionally grow to be more durable to search out in inventory in latest months.

Sennheiser HD 490 Professional The Sennheiser HD 490 Professional are studio-focused open-back headphones that additionally work properly for gaming. They arrive with two units of ear pads, one which barely elevates the bass and one other that bumps the midrange, although they ship spectacular width and element both means with out pushing too arduous in a single path. They’re additionally a pleasure to put on over lengthy durations, each lighter than the DT 900 Professional X and fewer stiff than the HD 560S. That mentioned, they're usually priced round $400, and their sound profile is extra of a pleasant different to our prime picks than one thing clearly extra pure or resolving. Most individuals don’t have to pay the premium.

Finest gaming headsets and headphones: What to search for <img alt="A black gaming headset with a built-in boom microphone, the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2, rests on a white table in an outdoors setting." loading="lazy" width="960" height="540" decoding="async" data-nimg="1" class="fig-image-round" style="color:transparent" src="https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/kdRKPC6yBNtfe3.LG1LbTg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-04/7a99ecc0-d95c-11ed-b13c-943d83f982b8"/> The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2. (Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget)

Evaluating headphones is a very subjective train, so calling one pair absolutely the “finest” is one thing of a idiot’s errand. At a sure level, whether or not you are an audiophile or not, all the things turns into a matter of style. For many, a headphone with a large soundscape and robust imaging efficiency — i.e., the flexibility to place sounds appropriately, so you'll be able to extra exactly inform the place footsteps and different gameplay results are coming from — will present essentially the most immersive gaming expertise, the sort that makes you're feeling like your head is inside a given scene.

For that, you desire a high-quality pair of open-back headphones. That's to say, an over-ear pair whose ear cups don't fully seal off the ear from air and out of doors noise. These are inherently horrible at isolating you from exterior sound and stopping others from listening to what you’re taking part in, so in the event you usually play video games in a loud atmosphere, their advantages can be blunted. However in a quiet room, the perfect open-back pairs sound considerably wider and extra exact than extra frequent closed-back fashions.

Extra up for debate is how gaming headphone ought to sound. If you would like one thing that’ll make it easier to in aggressive multiplayer video games, it's possible you'll want a headphone with a flatter sound signature, which'll maintain a recreation’s combine from being overly boosted in a single path and is much less more likely to masks the smaller particulars of what’s taking place round you. A barely brighter sound, one which pushes the higher frequencies a tad, may additionally work. Open-back headphones virtually by no means have enormous sub-bass, so that you hardly ever have to fret about low-end sounds muddying up the remainder of the signature. On this mild, the truth that an awesome quantity of gaming headsets are closed-back and bass-heavy appears counterintuitive.

A number of individuals love bass, although. And in the event you do not actually care about aggressive play, some additional low-end can add a contact of pleasure to motion scenes or rousing soundtracks. You continue to don’t desire a pair that enhances the low-end too arduous — as many gaming headsets do — however the level is that what makes a pair “immersive” to 1 particular person might sound uninteresting to a different.

Current updates November 2025: We’ve up to date this information for readability and made positive all pricing and availability particulars are correct. We’ve additionally eliminated the Astro A40 TR, our longtime favourite wired headset, because it seems to have been discontinued (and since our prime wi-fi choose comes with a cable within the field anyway).

April 2025: We’ve up to date this information to make sure our suggestions are nonetheless correct and eliminated our testing notes for the Beyerdynamic MMX 200, which is not accessible.

January 2025: We’ve regarded over this information to make sure our picks are nonetheless correct and added notes on just a few extra headsets we’ve just lately examined, together with the PlayStation Pulse Elite, Astro A50 (Gen 5) and Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Professional.

November 2024: We have up to date this information with a brand new advice for the perfect devoted gaming headset, the Turtle Seaside Atlas Air, and reorganized our picks accordingly. We have additionally added notes on different gaming-friendly headphones we have examined, together with the Sennheiser HD 490 Professional and Razer BlackShark V2 Professional, and eliminated a few write-ups on headsets which might be not accessible.