The 6 best gaming headsets in 2021

The best deals on gaming headsets from this guide

Whether you’re a pro gamer or a first-time player, a quality headset is essential for sprucing up your interactive experience. Not only will a good pair help give you an edge during gameplay, they will save those around you from hearing your game.

Gaming headset deals are scattered throughout the year. The best time to shop for one is Black Friday or Cyber Monday, but Prime Day sometimes features great prices. Discounts on our SteelSeries picks rarely exceed $15, but the affordable HyperX Cloud Stinger drops by up to $20 during deals events. 

This Amazon Prime Day, find deals below on some of our top picks from brands like Sony, HyperX, and SteelSeries.

The best gaming headset overall

The SteelSeries Arctis 7X is a versatile, comfortable, lightweight, and dependable wireless headset without any major drawbacks to speak of.

Pros: Multiplatform wireless and wired support, retractable mic, comfortable fit, strong battery life, lightweight design

Cons: Uses Micro USB cable for charging, no game/chat mix control when used on PlayStation, mobile cable has a proprietary port on the headset side

SteelSeries’ newest headset, the Arctis 7X, carries over several familiar elements from previous models while adding some important new features. Chief among those new features is a handy USB-C dongle for convenient multiplatform wireless support. 

The dongle is compact enough to connect directly to a smartphone or Nintendo Switch when it’s in tablet mode. Thanks to the included USB-C to USB-A cable, it’s also easy to connect to larger systems, like the Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, and even a PC.

There’s a little switch on the transmitter that lets it go from Xbox mode for Xbox consoles to USB mode for everything else. The headset uses a 2.4GHz wireless connection which has a strong signal that avoids dropouts and lag.

The 40mm speaker drivers are the same ones that SteelSeries uses in much more expensive headsets, and they’re not overpowering or bass-heavy. Audio performance is strong in single player and multiplayer games, letting quiet environments breathe while keeping chat audio clear.

The drivers go well with the headset’s retractable microphone. This is a truly refined design that does a great job of minimizing background noise. In fact, I wish every headset had a mic this balanced. There’s a mic mute button on the left ear cup and, when muted, a red light on the mic activates. 

Other controls include a power button, a volume wheel, and a game/chat audio mix button. That said, the game/chat function currently only works on Xbox consoles. Even though the headset supports just about every gaming device under the sun via wireless, it still comes with a mobile 3.5mm cable to ensure compatibility with wired devices, like a 3DS or older iPad.

The battery life is rated for up to 24 hours, which is great for long play sessions. On the downside, while the included dongle uses USB-C, the headset itself is charged via Micro USB, which is less convenient. Fortunately, everything else, such as the ski goggle style headband, the build quality, and general feel are all top-notch.

In addition to the Arctis 7X, SteelSeries also sells a PlayStation-specific model called the Arctis 7P. That version lacks wireless Xbox support and comes in an additional white color scheme that better matches the PS5 design style. Otherwise, the 7P and 7X are basically the same headset. Since both models cost the same and the 7X adds Xbox support, we recommend that version over the 7P.

The best gaming headset for PS5

Sony’s Pulse 3D is wireless, seamlessly pairs with the PlayStation 5, and has helpful controls for game and chat mixing built right in.

Pros: Integration with PlayStation consoles, wireless support, game/chat mix controls, PS VR compatible, stylish design, USB-C charging, 3.5mm port

Cons: No boom mic, some questions about long term durability

To coincide with the launch of the PS5, Sony has debuted a new headset, the Pulse 3D. It’s a wireless headset that uses a small USB-A dongle, and it should be very familiar to gamers who owned the PlayStation Gold Wireless or Platinum Wireless headsets. 

Like those headsets, the Pulse 3D integrates seamlessly into the PlayStation ecosystem, with an onscreen UI indicating power, battery level, and volume level. The Pulse 3D also has controls on the left ear cup for setting game/chat mix, volume, power, mic mute, and even a toggle for turning mic monitoring on or off.

Like those earlier models, the Pulse 3D works with the PS5, PS4, PC, and even a docked Nintendo Switch. The performance of the drivers is similar to the PlayStation Gold headset, which I really like. Unfortunately, the invisible mic design is similar as well. It works fine, but this style just isn’t as good as a boom mic as it lets in a lot of background noise.

But, on the plus side, the Pulse 3D completely drops the hinge design of previous Sony headsets, and is even different from the redesigned Gold model. It offers a good fit that is self-adjusting, enabling the inner rubberized band to shift into position when the headset is worn. 

The Pulse 3D also achieves the rare feat of not only being compatible with PlayStation VR via its 3.5mm jack, but also actually being able to fit over the VR headset. It’s a nice match for the DualSense controller as well since the Pulse 3D can charge over USB-C. 

When it comes to aesthetics, the Pulse 3D has been designed to complement the PS5, as it perfectly matches the color scheme and general style of the console and its controllers. Coupled with the headset’s solid performance and easy integration, this look helps make the Pulse 3D an ideal fit for PS5 owners.

That said, it’s understandable that some PS5 buyers may want to opt for a headset with a better mic and improved durability. If you’re looking for an alternative that checks these boxes, I recommend the HyperX Cloud II Wireless. It’s light, but has big drivers, USB-C for charging, and a detachable boom mic with a noise filter and mute light. On the downside, the HyperX lacks any sort of wired mode.

The best gaming headset for Xbox

The SteelSeries Arctis 9X can connect wirelessly to an Xbox console without the need for a dongle, while also being able to simultaneously pair to a mobile device via Bluetooth.

Pros: Connects directly to Xbox consoles, supports simultaneous Xbox and Bluetooth mobile connections, comfortable fit, helpful chat/mix controls

Cons: Heavier than the Arctis 7X, uses Micro USB to charge

Whether you’re using a new Xbox Series X, Series S, an Xbox One X/S, or even the original 2013 model, gaming with a headset doesn’t get much better than a direct wireless connection to your console. Unlike some other wireless headsets, the SteelSeries Arctis 9X has no dongle. Instead, it wirelessly connects straight to the Xbox just like a controller. 

The Arctis 9X isn’t the only headset on the market with this feature (the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 can as well), but it delivers the best overall package with a fantastic balance between fit, feel, and performance.

You can even connect the headset to an Xbox and a separate Bluetooth device at the same time. Having a simultaneous connection to the console and a smartphone allows me to play games like “Hotshot Racing” or “Grounded” while also hearing music, podcasts, or even chat from my phone.

Meanwhile, the headset’s ski goggle headband is convenient for a lot of reasons. It’s something that can be adjusted once, rather than each time the headset is worn. It separates the strong metal/rubberized band from the wearer while minimizing the use of plastics that tend to break. The headband is also removable for cleaning or even replacement — and there are some different designs available. That said, I wouldn’t recommend walking around much while using the Bluetooth function as the Arctis 9X will tend to move around on your head.

The Arctis 9X has a retractable mic with a mute light, 40mm drivers, and reliable controls built right onto the headset. These functions include a mute toggle, volume wheel, power button, and chat/game mix controls. The battery life is rated for 20 hours, which is solid but not as good as some competing models. Another minor drawback is that the headset still uses a Micro USB connection for charging rather than USB-C.

All things considered, however, for buyers who want a headset primarily geared toward use with an Xbox console, including the brand-new Series S and Series X, the Arctis 9 is easily one of the best devices you can buy.

The best budget wired gaming headset

The HyperX Cloud Stinger is the ultimate distillation of everything important in a wired headset, and it has a price that is tough to beat.

Pros: Good build quality, comfort, and sound at an affordable price, swivel to mute mic, on-ear volume control

Cons: No mesh ear option, fixed cable

To be sure, the majority of first-time or repeat headset buys happen right around the price point where the HyperX Cloud Stinger lands. The Stinger is a wired passive stereo headset with 50mm drivers, a flip down boom mic, swivel ear cups, a volume slider on the right ear, and a fixed in-line volume control. 

It’s suitable for connecting to PS5/PS4 controllers, Xbox controllers, the Switch, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and most anything modern with a 3.5mm jack. Unlike many nicer and more expensive headsets, the HyperX Cloud Stinger isn’t impedance hungry. This means it remains comfortable with the jack of a PlayStation DualShock 4 controller, but does still have some headroom for improved performance with a better source.

When it comes to HyperX and its headsets, the company owes much of its reputation to the imperfect but still stellar HyperX Cloud. The design of the Cloud was not a HyperX original, but it made such waves and was so influential that HyperX can boast of more than a loyal following. With the Cloud Stinger, HyperX has taken almost everything that made the Cloud great and put it in a lighter, more essential, and more original package.

The build of the Stinger is light but solid, and the headset is comfortable while having a sedate look. It’s a purposeful headset that should satisfy the majority of users looking for something wired to connect right to the headset jack. When HyperX made the Cloud Stinger, it made sure that anyone trying to dip their toes into gaming headsets would have a quality option.

The best wireless headset for the money

The SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless for Xbox makes impressive wireless performance affordable for Xbox, PlayStation, PC, and Switch buyers while maintaining a wired option for anything else.

Pros: Painless multiplatform wireless support with good sound, strong mic, excellent battery life

Cons: No chat/game mix controls on headset, headset and mic don’t sit well when not being worn

The Arctis 1 Wireless was pretty incredible when it debuted as a PlayStation-focused headset, and the Arctis 1 Wireless for Xbox is not only just as good, it’s better. That’s because the new model adds support for Xbox platforms. There’s a little switch on the USB-C wireless dongle. Buyers can simply flip the switch to Xbox for Xbox platforms, and to USB for everything else.

The Arctis 1 Wireless for Xbox is something of a refined joy that truly signifies that great wireless performance in an all-around good package can be had on the Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. The small USB-C dongle is also compatible with the Nintendo Switch (both in dock and tablet mode) and even some smartphones (including my LG V40) for 2.4Ghz wireless audio. 

Under the hood, the Arctis 1 features speaker drivers taken from the main Arctis line, which includes several nicer and more expensive headsets. This helps the Arctis provide well-tuned sound out of the box. The mic is also excellent, with performance so good it’s likely to draw compliments from fellow players. It’s a detachable mic, so it can be put away if you want to use the headset as a mobile one. The battery life is stellar as well. It’s rated at 20+ hours, and boy, does it last.

While the headset is wireless on just about every recent console, the device also retains a 3.5mm jack and cable. This means that it can be used on a ton of devices in wired mode. That extra bit of functionality is a handy feature, and it doesn’t seem to make the headset bulkier, heavier, or more expensive.

Instead, the Arctis 1 for Xbox remains a comfortable headset with fabric pads, a light build, and that dark SteelSeries look. It comes with three cables: Micro USB for charging, 3.5mm to 3.5mm for wired use, and a quite necessary USB-C to USB-A cable for hooking up to a console’s USB-A port. The headset EQ, sidetone, and mic sensitivity can be adjusted via the SteelSeries Engine app on PC, but the headset itself has no way to adjust game/chat balance.

The best audiophile gaming headset

The comfortable, open design of the Sennheiser Game One headset offers the high quality sound performance most audiophiles crave while gaming, provided the source is right.

Pros: Open-back design, comfortable, good mic, fabric pads, won’t break the bank, on-ear volume wheel and flip to mute mic, detachable cable

Cons: Needs a Mixamp rather than controller jack for optimal performance, will leak sound

Combining a gaming headset with audiophile performance is tricky. The audio punch that we seek when we game isn’t necessarily the same tuning we’d enjoy when delving into our cultivated discography. And often, the microphones on certain audiophile headsets just don’t impress. Furthermore, many lovely sets of headphones have different amp needs to ensure good behavior.

Fortunately, I’ve found the Sennheiser Game One to be one of my favorite headsets in all aspects. Beyond the name, what really gives it that audiophile feel is the open-back design. Open-back headphones are known for their sublime audio performance, and this design allows the ears to breathe more. With that said, open-back headsets are prone to sound leakage, so they’re not ideal if you have someone sitting within a few feet as they are sure to hear everything you hear.

The heavy duty boom mic doesn’t merely look serious, it delivers — as I can attest since it’s my choice for gaming while having a sleeping newborn in the next room. Likewise, the headset contains a volume wheel on the right ear, a satisfying click to mute function in the mic, and a delectable composition of fabric, padding, and shape to achieve maximum comfort. The cabling is detachable, and this is really helpful when choosing between a long split cable on PC or a short combined cable on console.

While the comfort, feel, and quality are ever-present, to get good (or even great) sound performance via the audio and mic pick-up, a dedicated source such as a MixAmp or GameDAC is required. With that in mind, we recommend pairing the headset with an Astro Gaming MixAmp Pro TR.

What else we considered

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC: SteelSeries’ Arctis Pro with GameDAC was previously one of our top picks but has been downgraded in favor of newer models. That said, the headset  continues to be an excellent choice, particularly for the PC and PS4/PS4 Pro. On the PS5, it loses the ability to control game/chat balance and its integrated surround sound feature, so it’s not as easy to recommend for gamers primarily using Sony’s new console.

As a wired solution on the PS4 and PC, it sill delivers strong quality for games and chat, as well as good microphone performance — all while allowing the player to feel comfortable in whatever their play environment is for as long and as often as they choose to play. Both the Arctis Pro headset and the wired GameDAC sidestep as much of the comprising on-board audio solutions of the PS4 as possible, while still letting the user dial in their auditory experience.

As its name implies, the GameDAC emphasizes the audio quality of the included ESS Sabre DAC, but doesn’t neglect an equalizer, chat/mix control, or a surround sound option via DTS Headphone:X v2.0 technology. And paired with it, the Arctis Pro headset is itself a success where the rubber meets the road. That is, the headset features the best suspension headband, best 40mm drivers, and the best bidirectional noise-canceling retractable mic that SteelSeries has produced to date. If that wasn’t enough, the total package even carries hi-res audio certification.

Pros: All-in-one wired high quality game audio and chat solution, DTS Headphone:X surround sound

Cons: Expensive, GameDAC does not officially support Xbox One, proprietary main headset cable, can’t control some features with PS5

• Read our SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC review here

How to pick the best gaming headset

Wireless versus wired support: Determining whether you want a wireless or wired headset is one of the first decisions you’ll have to make when choosing the right gaming headset for your needs. Wireless headsets offer an untethered feel that wired headsets can’t provide, and thereby can be more comfortable and work better in many situations, such as gaming around pets or sitting across the room on a couch. Wireless headsets tend to use a 2.4GHz signal in order to avoid the audio lag associated with Bluetooth. 

With that said, since many home Wi-Fi networks also use 2.4GHz, a smaller home (like an apartment) that’s saturated with a bunch of different Wi-Fi signals can be problematic due to the interfering signals. If interference is an issue for your setup, then a wired headset is probably a better choice. Wired headsets also don’t require charging, and are generally easy to use on anything with a headset jack. But, if you’re using a wired headset with a controller, like on the PS4, the controller’s batteries are going to drain faster, and the audio could be subject to dropouts.  

Platform support: With gaming spread over PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox, Switch, and even tablets and smartphones, it’s important to know which platform you plan to primarily use your headset with. Though most wired models tend to offer compatibility across different devices, platform support is especially important to keep in mind when choosing a wireless headset.

The Xbox consoles, in particular, only support specific wireless headsets. Meanwhile, the Switch has a headphone jack on the console but not on the Joy-Cons or the Pro Controller. Pay close attention to the connection specifications and platform compatibility details listed by the manufacturer in order to ensure that the headset you choose has the necessary wired or wireless connection options for your devices. 

One big difference to point out with the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, is that in contrast to their predecessors, the new consoles don’t have an optical audio port. Many gaming headsets were designed with an an optical port in mind to enable game audio that could be mixed with chat over USB. Though there are workarounds, the loss of an optical audio port on the new PS5 and Xbox consoles is reason enough to focus on headsets that can connect directly, via USB, or 3.5mm.

Comfort and build: A good headset should be comfortable to use for hours on end, but that comfort will be influenced by both the ambient temperature and the size of a user’s head. These factors are nearly as important as the design of the headset itself. Generally speaking, if a headset doesn’t feel comfortable to wear after a few gaming sessions (around two hours each), then it’s likely a poor fit. The more durable headsets tend to use stronger materials, but that means that they’re likely to be heavier. On the other hand, plastic headsets are lighter but more fragile. 

Ease of use: Many headsets include design features and adjustment options that make them easier to use. Being able to at least control the overall volume as well as mute the headset is pretty much a must, as these controls tend to not be included readily on most console hardware. Some headsets, such as the Sony Pulse 3D, use dual hidden mics to pick up chat while minimizing other sounds. This is a more comfortable choice for the wearer, and will allow for effective chat audio. With that said, I have continually found that boom mics, which extend down toward your mouth, provide a more consistent chat experience for all parties.

Surround Sound: One attractive feature that is pretty common in nicer gaming headsets is surround sound. This effect is usually done by processing sound to the left and right drivers to simulate the effect of sound coming from multiple directions. Though not true surround sound in the strictest sense, simulated effects on headsets tend to be more effective and enjoyable than the simulated surround sound modes offered on many TVs.

In addition to surround sound options included with certain headsets, both the PC and Xbox One have an array of virtualization solutions (like Windows Sonic) available to offer surround sound on any headset model. Meanwhile, the PS5 carries Sony’s new Tempest 3D audio, which should be featured in Sony-published titles going forward, and should work with all headsets. Of course, it’s worth noting that regular stereo sound is still quite good on many platforms, including PS4 and Switch. Stereo sound also tends to be less laggy since it isn’t as processed as surround sound. 

Price: The occasional headset user should be very happy with a model in the $50 to $150 price range, but if a headset is being used every day, then it becomes more difficult to expect years of use out of cheaper models. Keeping a headset off the ground and away from incidental damage can help, but frequent users can expect their headsets to wear out a bit faster than their controllers.

Headsets that cost $300 or more usually include more features, some of which can help extend their lives, such as replaceable earpads and even batteries. Even so, if a frequent gamer can’t keep from wearing out a $100 headset in less than a year, it’s likely that a $300 one won’t fare much better. So, even higher quality headsets require mindful use in order to ensure their longevity.

Check out our other gaming gear guides

The best gaming consoles

Video game consoles are next-level awesome these days. Of all the consoles out there, the PlayStation 4 Pro is our top pick for most gamers. A great game library, 4K Ultra HD output, compatibility with popular streaming services, VR capability, and an excellent gamepad make this console the best plug-and-play system out there. The Xbox One S, the Nintendo Switch, and the Xbox One X are also all excellent consoles.

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The best gaming laptops

Though there are many impressive gaming laptops on the market, the Alienware m15 offers the best price-to-performance ratio of any model you can buy. It offers a fantastic balance of features, design, and value. In addition to the Alienware M15, we’ve also selected an assortment of other gaming laptop recommendations to suit all needs and budgets.

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The best Nintendo Switch accessories

The Nintendo Switch is a popular and versatile console, but your Switch gaming experience can be made even better with the right accessories. Our recommendations for the best Nintendo Switch accessories include controllers, a microSD card, a power bank, headphones, and more.