Best Gaming Headsets in 2025: Wired and Wireless

Choosing the perfect gaming headset can feel overwhelming. With countless options available, finding the right one requires careful consideration of budget, sound quality, comfort, and desired features. This guide leverages expert reviews and hands-on testing to highlight the best headsets across various categories, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your gaming needs.

I've personally reviewed numerous headsets, and this selection reflects a comprehensive understanding of what constitutes a truly great gaming audio experience. Each recommendation considers the overall package, highlighting areas of excellence within specific categories. From budget-friendly options like the HyperX Cloud III to high-end marvels such as the Audeze Maxwell, and sophisticated wireless headsets featuring virtual surround, active noise cancellation, or customizable EQ (like the JBL Quantum One, Turtle Beach Stealth Pro, or Logitech G Pro X 2), this guide caters to diverse preferences.

TL;DR: Top Gaming Headsets:

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

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HyperX Cloud III

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Audeze Maxwell

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Turtle Beach Atlas Air

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Turtle Beach Stealth 500

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Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro

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Sennheiser HD 620S

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JBL Quantum One

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Logitech G Pro X 2

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Turtle Beach Stealth Pro

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Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed

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This guide offers a detailed look at top headsets across various categories. While other excellent options exist, these are personally vetted based on extensive testing. This guide will be updated regularly to reflect the latest releases and reviews.

*This guide includes contributions from Danielle Abraham and Adam Matthew.*

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Images

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1. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless - Best Gaming Headset

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

Multiple connectivity options (simultaneous listening on different devices), a hot-swappable battery, excellent sound, and hybrid active noise cancellation make this a top contender.
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Product Specifications:

• Connectivity: 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth, wired
• Drivers: 40mm Neodymium
• Battery life: 18-22 hours (per battery)
• Weight: 338g

PROS: Fully featured with ANC, base station, etc.; Swappable battery system is innovative; Fantastic sound quality
CONS: ANC could be better

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless builds upon its predecessor, incorporating active noise cancellation and enhanced audio. Its hybrid noise-canceling system effectively reduces ambient noise, while the bold and balanced audio delivers exceptional spatial audio for precise game awareness. The customizable EQ settings via Sonar and the SteelSeries GG app provide further refinement. The design features telescoping arms for improved head size accommodation and slimmer earcups for enhanced comfort.

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2. HyperX Cloud III - Best Budget Gaming Headset

HyperX Cloud III

The HyperX Cloud III is a wired headset offering impressive sound and mic quality at a budget-friendly price point. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Connectivity: Wired (3.5mm), USB-A / USB-C
• Drivers: 53mm Angles Drivers
• Battery life: N/A
• Weight: 318g

PROS: Extremely durable and flexible; Dense earpads for premium-grade comfort; Great sound and mic quality, especially in its price range
CONS: May clamp a little too tight; No wireless option

The Cloud III boasts exceptional build quality and durability, with a flexible aluminum frame. Its dense foam earpads provide comfortable wear, although the clamp force might be slightly strong for some. The sound quality is impressive for its price, delivering balanced audio across various frequencies and clear microphone performance.

3. Audeze Maxwell - Best High-End Gaming Headset

Audeze Maxwell

The Audeze Maxwell is a high-end wireless headset from a leading headphone manufacturer. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Connectivity: USB-A / USB-C, Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm wired
• Drivers: 90mm planar magnetic
• Battery life: 80+ hours
• Weight: 490g

PROS: Top-notch audio experience; Sleek, low-key design
CONS: Leans on the heavier side

The Maxwell delivers a top-tier audio experience with its 90mm planar magnetic drivers, offering exceptional clarity, balance, and a rich natural sound profile. While on the heavier side, its comfort, excellent battery life, and toggleable noise isolation justify its premium price.

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4. Turtle Beach Atlas Air - Best Wireless Gaming Headset

Turtle Beach Atlas Air

The Turtle Beach Atlas Air is an open-back wireless headset providing exceptional comfort and sound quality. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Connectivity: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, 3.5mm wired
• Drivers: 40mm drivers
• Battery life: 50 hours
• Weight: 301g

PROS: Extremely comfortable with light clamp force; Open-back design elevates sound quality
CONS: Mediocre microphone

The Atlas Air stands out with its lightweight design and exceptional comfort, thanks to its soft earpads and minimal clamp force. Its open-back design enhances sound quality, creating a spacious audio experience. While the microphone is a weaker point, the overall sound quality and comfort make it a strong contender.

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5. Turtle Beach Stealth 500 - Best Budget Wireless Gaming Headset

Turtle Beach Stealth 500

The Turtle Beach Stealth 500 offers impressive sound quality and features at an affordable wireless price point. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Connectivity: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.2
• Drivers: 40mm drivers
• Battery life: 40 hours
• Weight: 235g

PROS: Durable and flexible build; Great sound quality for its price
CONS: Bulky design with messy button layout

Despite its bulky design, the Stealth 500 offers surprising comfort and decent sound quality, especially considering its price. Features like Bluetooth connectivity and customizable sound profiles via Swarm software add value.

6. Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro - Best Wired Gaming Headset

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro

The Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro is a high-end wired headset delivering exceptional sound and microphone quality. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Connectivity: 3.5 wired
• Drivers: 45mm "Stellar.45" drivers
• Battery life: N/A
• Weight: 314g

PROS: Brilliant overall sound quality; Top-notch comfort; Impressive mic quality
CONS: Not a significant jump over predecessor

The MMX 300 Pro offers studio-grade audio quality in a comfortable, closed-back design. Its exceptional microphone clarity rivals standalone microphones, making it ideal for streaming or content creation.

7. Sennheiser HD 620S - Best Audiophile Gaming Headset/Headphones

Sennheiser HD 620S

The Sennheiser HD 620S are high-end gaming headphones from a renowned headphone maker. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Connectivity: 3.5mm wired
• Drivers: 42mm drivers
• Battery life: N/A
• Weight: 326g

PROS: Premium build quality and comfort; Amazing sound quality and natural isolation; Lots of potential when driving through a DAC
CONS: Purely analog headphones

The HD 620S provides a balanced and detailed sound profile, with excellent natural sound isolation. Its performance is further enhanced when paired with a DAC or amp.

8. JBL Quantum One - Best Surround Sound Gaming Headset

JBL Quantum One

The JBL Quantum One offers multiple surround sound modes and active noise cancellation for immersive audio. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Connectivity: 3.5mm or USB-A / USB-C wired
• Drivers: 50mm Neodymium
• Battery life: N/A
• Weight: 369g

PROS: Proprietary surround sound tech along with DTS; Robust sound experience
CONS: Lacking mic clarity

The Quantum One features JBL's QuantumSphere 360 and DTS Headphone:X v2.0 surround sound technologies, delivering precise and immersive audio. Its active noise cancellation further enhances the listening experience.

9. Logitech G Pro X 2 - Best Esports Gaming Headset

Logitech G Pro X 2

The Logitech G Pro X 2 offers a customizable microphone, excellent sound, and versatile connectivity. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Connectivity: 2.4GHz USB, Bluetooth, 3.5mm wired
• Drivers: 50mm graphene
• Battery life: 50 hours
• Weight: 345g

PROS: Extensive package with a case and extra; Ergonomic and versatile; Sound quality and positional audio shine
CONS: Pricing brushes up against audiophile territory

The G Pro X 2 provides a complete package with features like a carrying case, swappable earcups, and excellent sound quality and positional audio. Its versatile connectivity options make it suitable for various gaming scenarios.

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10. Turtle Beach Stealth Pro - Best Noise-Cancelling Gaming Headset

Turtle Beach Stealth Pro

The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro offers top-tier noise cancellation, swappable batteries, and customizable EQ settings. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Compatibility: PC/Mac, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
• Connectivity: 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth
• Drivers: 50mm Nanoclear dynamic
• Surround sound modes: Windows Sonic, Sony 3D, Dolby Atmos, DTS Headphone: X
• Battery life: 12 hours (per battery)
• Weight: 413g

PROS: Top-tier noise cancellation; Dual mode, low latency wireless
CONS: Bulky, hefty design

The Stealth Pro excels in noise cancellation, offering a comfortable and understated design with swappable batteries and dual wireless mode for simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity.

11. Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed - Best Gaming Earbuds

Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed

The Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed are wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation and low-latency connectivity. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, 2.4GHz via USB-C
• Drivers: 10mm
• Battery life: 3.5 to 5 hours, (30 hours total with case)
• Weight: 6g (per earbud)

PROS: Incredible sound quality from earbuds; 2.4GHz USB adapter adds versatility; Features like ANC, Hyperspeed, and gestures work well
CONS: Short battery life

The Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed offer impressive sound quality and low-latency connectivity via a 2.4GHz USB-C dongle. Features like active noise cancellation and touch controls enhance the user experience, although battery life is a limiting factor.

How to Pick the Best Gaming Headset

Budget and priorities are key considerations. Sound quality, comfort, microphone clarity, and durability are all important factors. Wireless headsets require consideration of battery life and software capabilities.

Sound quality is paramount. While driver size is a factor, tuning, materials, and performance in various scenarios are crucial. Pay attention to frequency response descriptions (bass, mids, highs) in reviews. Positional audio is vital for competitive gaming, enhancing immersion and situational awareness.

Comfort is subjective but factors like clamp force, earpad density and material (leatherette, sports mesh, velour), and headband design impact the experience.

Durability often involves aluminum frames (heavier but more robust) or flexible plastic headbands. Microphone clarity is important, especially for communication. Noise isolation and sidetone are valuable features. Wireless headsets should offer sufficient battery life (40+ hours is common, with some exceeding 80 hours), and software customization options enhance the overall experience.

Gaming Headset FAQ

How do you determine sound quality on a gaming headset?

While technical analysis helps, subjective listening tests are crucial. Reviewers assess factors like distortion, balance, and clarity across frequencies. Driver size influences potential, but tuning and positional audio are also key.

What makes gaming headsets different from headphones?

Gaming headsets typically include built-in microphones, often tuned for clear communication and noise reduction. They frequently feature 2.4GHz wireless dongles for low latency and sophisticated software suites for customization.

Should I go wired or wireless for a gaming headset?

Wired headsets often offer superior sound quality, while wireless options provide convenience and sometimes multi-device connectivity. Modern wireless headsets generally offer excellent battery life and low latency.

Is virtual surround sound worth seeking out?

Modern virtual surround sound technologies like DTS Headphone:X and Dolby Atmos can enhance immersion, but their effectiveness depends on headset quality and personal preference. It's not always beneficial for competitive gaming.