It's not just about gaming, though: we wear the headsets while we work, listen to music, watch distracting YouTube videos people send us, and everything else that crops up while we're at our desk. The subtle ring around each earcup on these cans ticks the RGB box without ruining the overall aesthetic.

Finally, we look at the price and decide whether or not you're getting actual value and not just buying an overpriced headset. This mid-range wired headset provides fantastic sound for both games and music, particularly thanks to its innovative THX profiles. It's also the first gaming headset to sport a built-in Blue microphone, allowing for extra-crisp voice chat whether you're practicing with your Apex Legends squad or streaming to your online fans. Creative has made a name for itself over the years for crafting sublime audio products — and the Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition further cements that legacy. Image 3 of 4 Image credit: Razer. Available via an app, this elevates the headset's already good audio thanks to superior depth, clarity, and definition. Lastly, the majority of the headsets we've listed here boast built-in noise-canceling mics which are crucial for chatting with your teammates. Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer. If you're the type of gamer who likes to let the world know you're playing games, the Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament may just be the best PC gaming headset for you.

The famous film audio company has lent its expertise to make the Blackshark V2's surround sound realistic and nuanced — especially for a handful of games like Apex Legends and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, which have their own optimized profiles. Plus, if you've already got a full arsenal of Corsair peripherals, the Void Pro RGB Wireless fits in perfectly, and can even synchronize lighting effects with other peripherals through the Corsair Utility Engine. Image 5 of 5 Image credit: Steelseries. As a cheap alternative to the tricked-out Kraken , the Kraken X is a budget-friendly option that excels on PC for one simple reason—virtual 7. And with the Christmas holidays basically upon us, now is as good a time as ever to consult our list and get one of the best. Gaming deals, prizes and latest news. But all that comes at a price. If you have the money, and you absolutely need the best wireless headphones money can buy, this is your best bet.

Read our SteelSeries Arctis 7 review. Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer. The high refresh rate is essential for VR similarly to latency, as a low refresh rate can cause stuttering or even the appearance of freezing , which can cause nausea. HyperX Cloud Alpha A well rounded, well-balanced headset for game audio. Read our HyperX Cloud Alpha review. Teamed with the recently-released THX Spatial Audio app, and a whole new world of game audio, customization and refinement will be open to you, taking the already-excellent audio of the headset to greater heights. It's also comfortable to wear, built from carefully selected, high-quality materials and top-notch weight distribution. Logitech G Pro X Built for tournament play. It entirely displaces its predecessor, the original Oculus Rift.

The dual 4. Yes, there might be a few things that hold the Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero back from true greatness — namely, its tight fit and not-so-appealing aesthetic. I definitely do not want to become familiar with the returns dept at best buy. You can use any "high-quality" USB 3 cable for this, or you can buy "a premium, custom optical fiber cable" straight from Oculus. Read our HyperX Cloud Alpha review. Image 6 of 6 Image credit: Steelseries. However, if you prefer to use an older device with a headphone jack, you can simply plug the Arctis 7 in via 3. HyperX Cloud Stinger Big sound on a budget.

Image 4 of 5 Image credit: Steelseries. I need a loud set reasonby priced. Combined with the decent wireless connection - where the audio isn't quite as pure as the Pro, but is still excellent - this is a great wire-free option for busier PC set-ups. Image 2 of 4 Image credit: JBL. Acoustic design: Closed back; over ear Cable length: 5. Topics Hardware. As a pure gaming headset, at a competitive price, it's a winner. The headset's distinguished black design sets itself apart from the competition, in no small part thanks to its flexible headband and supremely comfortable foam and leatherette earcup options. With a long battery life, effortless wireless connectivity and good sound quality for games, the Arctis 9 is an easy recommendation.

The headband design is comfy, the price is great for what you actually get, and the design of this headset is so lovely you could wear it out and about. As far as its feature-set, it has effortless-to-swap ear cups and a charging station, because things should be easy where they can. The Arctis Pro GameDAC makes full use of that crystalline high-res sound with a 10HzKHz frequency response range—a spec that also makes the drivers sound great for everyday audio usage, though you will start noticing the difference in really compressed files. Image 3 of 4 Image credit: JBL. Tom's Guide. Image 2 of 4 Image credit: Creative. And that's saying something, because this is an expensive piece of kit. The wireless connection is solid, the fit comfortable, the battery life decent—though not class-leading at around ten hours—and if you grab a pair of the optional pink cat ears off the Razer store you can make them look just fabulous.

It's a super comfortable PC headset, especially if you wear glasses thanks to the actually good Glasses-relief system , and the sound quality is high thanks to some quality 50mm drivers. This premium headset packs an incredibly comfortable pair of gel-infused ear cushions, which are also designed to play well with glasses. There's a lot to love about this mid-range wireless gaming headset. Seriously thank you. Image credit: HyperX 1. If you're in the market for a new gaming headset but you don't have the budget to fork out on one of the high-end products, look no further than the Alienware AWH. Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer. Is this true? Or perhaps you prefer to hear the bone-crunching guitar riffs as you rip and tear through demons in Doom Eternal. The delay between an input and a response, in VR, the delay between user input through a controller, moving your head, or other methods, and the response on the headset displays.

Image 3 of 4 Image credit: Razer. Wireless: No Drivers: 50mm Connections: 3. You can wear it for hours at a time, and use it with any system that has a headphone jack. Image 2 of 5 Image credit: SteelSeries. The fine mesh-like effect of viewing an image rendered in pixels at close range, where the grid between pixels is visible. Email me at thanks. See comments. Image 3 of 5 Image credit: SteelSeries. But seems like it was better for listening to other people chatting vs the xo one set.

Everything, down to the build materials, radiates quality. You will need a decent area for you to throw your helmeted self around in, though. Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer. Image 1 of 2 Image credit: Alienware. If you don't mind forgoing some extra bells and whistles — like 7. Read the full Valve Index review. Interface: Wired analog Features: 50mm drivers; Easy on-ear volume and mute controls; Multi-platform compatibility. Image 1 of 4 Image credit: Razer.

As a pure gaming headset, at a competitive price, it's a winner. I've had the Astro A50 for about a year I think. We've devised this list for those of you that are eager to jump into the world of VR, but might need a hand navigating the realms of reality when it comes to money, comfort and convenience. You will need a decent area for you to throw your helmeted self around in, though. While it doesn't have the 7. See comments. Read on to find out how you can improve your overall gaming setup simply by improving its audio component. The Aero's 50mm speakers sound great out of the box, and it comes with a solid noise-cancelling microphone to boot. This mid-range wired headset provides fantastic sound for both games and music, particularly thanks to its innovative THX profiles.

Interface: Wireless 5. See comments. What sets the Krakens apart is their comfort and value. Image 2 of 5 Image credit: HyperX. What sets the headset apart is the haptic feedback, which means the ear-cups actually vibrate as you play. There are cheaper headsets on the market, sure, but few that offer the same bang for your buck. Rob Dwiar. Image 6 of 6 Image credit: Razer. Image 4 of 4 Image credit: Creative.

Let's start with the sound. Interface: Wireless Features: 8-hour battery life; HyperSense haptic feedback; Compatible with many devices; 50mm drivers. I need a loud set reasonby priced. The Steelseries Arctis 7 is an elegantly designed wireless PC gaming headset, but one that has enough versatility to be used with any of the wireless or wired audio devices in your home. The fine mesh-like effect of viewing an image rendered in pixels at close range, where the grid between pixels is visible. Topics Buying Guide. Back to School They may be like gold-dust, but the best VR experiences don't have to mean remortgaging your home or selling off your kids. Wireless: No Drivers: 40 mm, with Neodymium magnets Connectivity: 3.

No matter what, the headset has to be comfortable and provide good gaming sound. You can tether the Quest to your PC as well. Read the full Valve Index review. Acoustic design: Closed back; over ear Cable length: 5. We test headsets in online shooters, to see how the surround sound performs, and we test in epic single-player games to see how the music comes through. See comments. In fact that's the case of many of these headsets—stocks are limited, and they all tend to sell out quickly whenever a big title gets released. Only recently released but easily one of the best, if not the best, gaming headset I have tested in, well, ever, and a very worthy inhabitant of this top spot, finally taking the crown from the Kraken Tournament Edition.

Interface: Wired 3. That means you don't have to buy, wire-up, and find a place for external sensors in your play space. The biggest one is that the frequency response range is slightly better in the Alpha, so it offers a slightly richer sound for all different uses. While it isn't pretty, or filled with fancy features, what it does is deliver superior sound and comfort at a reasonable price. You could just as easily pick up the HyperX Cloud 2 and get a similar experience, but we recommend the Alpha for a couple of key reasons. Tracking, and the method used, is crucial to enable either three degrees of freedom being able to look around in any direction in VR or six degrees of freedom being able to look around and move your body in any direction in VR. It's a super comfortable PC headset, especially if you wear glasses thanks to the actually good Glasses-relief system , and the sound quality is high thanks to some quality 50mm drivers. HyperX Cloud Alpha Superior style, sound and value. Beyerdynamic Custom Game Gaming never sounded so good. Razer Thresher Ultimate The best Razer headset on the market.

Image 3 of 4 Image credit: Razer. Factor in a long hour battery for PC and PS4 and an included 3. See comments. Its design is lightweight and comfortable; its audio quality is seriously excellent thanks to brand new Titanium drivers; its microphone is one of the best I've ever used - and is brand new too; and through a companion app, it's got features and customization coming out of everywhere. The inline controls are the only exception to that rule—they feel flimsy by comparison to the rest of the package. There was a problem. Read our full Logitech G Pro X review. Image 3 of 4 Image credit: HyperX.

See all comments Rob Dwiar. We're expecting to take delivery of the new Quest any day now, and will update this list once we've had a chance to play with it I do of course mean rigorously test it. After scrolling through at least 50 or so articles in the past few months on gaming headsets, none of them are as well written and intuitive as this one. The THX spacial means that the sensation of being inside the gaming world you're playing is near unparalleled, and you can pinpoint where each sound is coming from in your game - whether they be incidental noises, or approaching enemies hoping to shotgun you in the back. I've had the Astro A50 for about a year I think. Wireless: No Drivers: 50mm Connections: 3. Image 2 of 5 Image credit: HyperX. This headset has everything you need for a gaming setup, including plush earcups, on-ear volume controls and a sturdy boom mic. The Go Pro X delivers rich, direction-accurate sound out of the box whether you're playing on PC or console.

I've been using the one ear head set that came with the Halo Edition Xbox One and it was alright. Interface: Wireless Features: 8-hour battery life; HyperSense haptic feedback; Compatible with many devices; 50mm drivers. I'm also a qualified landscape and garden designer so do that in my spare time, and lean on it to write about games' landscapes and environments too. Back to School The audio is further enhanced here by the dual-chamber drivers, which essentially separate the bass from the other sound types, allowing for a slightly richer audio. Image 3 of 4 Image credit: Creative. While it isn't the very best gaming headset on this list, it's one that can be taken outside the PC and into the wider world. Image 1 of 5 Image credit: SteelSeries. Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer.

Image 2 of 5 Image credit: HyperX. The best computer speakers are a good complement to headsets Pair your headset with the best gaming mouse Read on to find out how you can improve your overall gaming setup simply by improving its audio component. The subtle ring around each earcup on these cans ticks the RGB box without ruining the overall aesthetic. We test with shooters for the depth of the bass, and RPGs to see how rich the dialogue is. Its design is lightweight and comfortable; its audio quality is seriously excellent thanks to brand new Titanium drivers; its microphone is one of the best I've ever used - and is brand new too; and through a companion app, it's got features and customization coming out of everywhere. Anyone can simply just listen to their games, but with the Razer Nari Ultimate, you can feel them as well. It also boasts some impressive technology and handy convenience features, like per-finger tracking on the excellent Index controllers, USB passthrough for future accessories, and fantastic, crystal clear audio via the near-field speakers, which hover just above the ears. Whether you're looking to gain a competitive edge in a first-person shooter or just want to improve your overall gaming experience, bagging a quality gaming headset should be high up on your to-do list.

The Rift S is an exciting proposition. This headset has everything you need for a gaming setup, including plush earcups, on-ear volume controls and a sturdy boom mic. One of the best PC headsets is one of the top experience-enhancing accessories you can get. It also features the same powerful drivers and crisp ClearCast microphone as SteelSeries' higher-end headsets, allowing you to get immersed and play competitively with confidence. They may be like gold-dust, but the best VR experiences don't have to mean remortgaging your home or selling off your kids. If you're in the market for a new gaming headset but you don't have the budget to fork out on one of the high-end products, look no further than the Alienware AWH. The THX spacial means that the sensation of being inside the gaming world you're playing is near unparalleled, and you can pinpoint where each sound is coming from in your game - whether they be incidental noises, or approaching enemies hoping to shotgun you in the back. The mic, which performs well, can be detached too if you're playing offline. Wireless: No Drivers: 50mm dual chamber neodymium Connectivity: 3.

Please refresh the page and try again. If you have the money, and you absolutely need the best wireless headphones money can buy, this is your best bet. With a gaudy, if absolutely solid build, the JBL Quantum One is definitely a departure from the increasingly subtle and subdued recent entries from the Sennheiser and Logitech lines. Image 5 of 5 Image credit: Turtle Beach. One of the best gaming headsets can turn a video game from a simple distraction into a fully immersive experience. Each 50mm driver's dual chamber design is intended to give low, medium, and high frequencies space to resonate without interfering with each other, and you do get a sense of that while listening to them. Everything, down to the build materials, radiates quality. When you throw in enviable comfort and a stylish, understated design, this version of the Kraken offers tremendous value for money. There's an in-line control, instead of a separate box, and it's fully adjustable for all head-sizes and shapes. Plus, if you've already got a full arsenal of Corsair peripherals, the Void Pro RGB Wireless fits in perfectly, and can even synchronize lighting effects with other peripherals through the Corsair Utility Engine.

Image 1 of 4 Image credit: Razer. Wireless: No Drivers: 50mm Connections: 3. Beyerdynamic Custom Game Gaming never sounded so good. In terms of style and sound for the money, the HyperX Cloud Alpha is hard to beat. It's a comfy headset too, and feels nice and chunky, so you're unlikely to break it. Or at least used with your game consoles Image 2 of 4 Image credit: Creative. With a gaudy, if absolutely solid build, the JBL Quantum One is definitely a departure from the increasingly subtle and subdued recent entries from the Sennheiser and Logitech lines.

The Rift S is an exciting proposition. Read on to find out how you can improve your overall gaming setup simply by improving its audio component. Essentially a rebadged Audeze Mobius headset, the Orbit S looks super-sleek and its giant memory foam ear cushions are extremely comfortable to wear for long stretches of use with out weighing your head down. On one hand, it boasts incredible 7. Image 4 of 5 Image credit: Turtle Beach. Read our full HyperX Cloud Alpha review. SteelSeries is known for offering impeccable audio, but the SteelSeries Arctis Pro takes things to the next level. A great PC headset, then, but one that comes at a serious price. We test headsets in online shooters, to see how the surround sound performs, and we test in epic single-player games to see how the music comes through.

I would have loved to see how the Sennheiser or Audio Technica gaming sets compare; especially since they're in the price range of the Astro and Steel Series units reviewed. During that week, we aim to test each headset in a number of different game genres—shooters, battle royales, and racing games make for particularly good testing scenarios since the former tends to test the low-end and reveal muddiness and distortion, while PUBG et al are great for positional audio tracking. Combined with the Windows Sonic sound, which gives excellent directional audio, this makes for a great eSports and competitive gaming choice. It's true that some of the best gaming monitors have decent built-in speakers, and there are some great PC speaker sets too, but nothing really compares to the sound presented directly to your ears and brain from one of the best PC headsets for gaming. Its microphone is great too though it being non-detachable does perhaps preclude it from being a good match for mobile players. That's little concern, though, as the headset is such an excellent all-rounder, you won't need to mess with it regardless of how it's used. Creative is a big name in gaming audio, and the H6 represents its mid-range play in the current PC headset market. At g, it's still pretty lightweight, especially since it doesn't require sensors or cables or any other constrictive accessories other than the excellent, refined Touch Controllers , and it doesn't need to be connected to a massive, powerful gaming PC to function. After scrolling through at least 50 or so articles in the past few months on gaming headsets, none of them are as well written and intuitive as this one. Image 4 of 6 Image credit: Razer.

We're expecting to take delivery of the new Quest any day now, and will update this list once we've had a chance to play with it I do of course mean rigorously test it. If you have the money, and you absolutely need the best wireless headphones money can buy, this is your best bet. As I said in my review "Getting a Sennheiser-quality headset like this, at this price point, and with this device-versatility, is an excellent proposition and one that is easy to recommend. Image 4 of 5 Image credit: SteelSeries. Finally, we look at the price and decide whether or not you're getting actual value and not just buying an overpriced headset. There was a problem. This premium headset packs an incredibly comfortable pair of gel-infused ear cushions, which are also designed to play well with glasses. Image 4 of 4 Image credit: Razer. Man, no major headphone brands for the review. You won't get the Rift S experience exactly, but at least games that require a PC aren't off-limits if you own a Quest.

However, if you prefer to use an older device with a headphone jack, you can simply plug the Arctis 7 in via 3. We test headsets in online shooters, to see how the surround sound performs, and we test in epic single-player games to see how the music comes through. It not only lets you change volume and audio settings, but it also takes the processing of the headset away from your PC's hardware, so you don't have to take any knocks in performance while you use it. Best gaming keyboard Best gaming chairs Best mechanical keyboard Best wireless gaming mouse Best wireless gaming keyboard. The Arctis Pro GameDAC makes full use of that crystalline high-res sound with a 10HzKHz frequency response range—a spec that also makes the drivers sound great for everyday audio usage, though you will start noticing the difference in really compressed files. It also boasts up to 20 hours of battery life, and a wireless range of up to 13m. Other than that, a well done article with the units you had to compare with. Image 2 of 4 Image credit: Razer. The stars have really aligned with this headset and I can't wait to use it every time I sit down to play.

Its design is lightweight and comfortable; its audio quality is seriously excellent thanks to brand new Titanium drivers; its microphone is one of the best I've ever used - and is brand new too; and through a companion app, it's got features and customization coming out of everywhere. This headset has everything you need for a gaming setup, including plush earcups, on-ear volume controls and a sturdy boom mic. Of course, there are a lot of peripherals out there, and not every one makes the cut. I get maybe hours out of them before I need to plug in again. Razer BlackShark V2 The finest gaming headset going in Image 5 of 5 Image credit: HyperX. Creative has made a name for itself over the years for crafting sublime audio products — and the Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition further cements that legacy. The Razer Blackshark V2 is probably the best headset that Razer has ever made — and that's saying something.

Image credit: HyperX 1. Choosing the best gaming headset comes down to a few different criteria. The Rift S is an exciting proposition. This means you lose some of the immediacy of the original's inside-out tracking, but get improved accuracy for the trouble. Image 3 of 4 Image credit: Razer. These features on their own might make a great gaming headset, but when you add in the fantastic Corsair CUE software on top of it, you get a complete package that would make a great addition to your gaming setup. That said, it is also an odd step back in some baffling ways, with a slight decrease in refresh rate and in the fact it uses LCD lenses rather than OLED. You can easily use this as your everything headset for mobile, console, and PC play.

If possible. These features on their own might make a great gaming headset, but when you add in the fantastic Corsair CUE software on top of it, you get a complete package that would make a great addition to your gaming setup. I was actually going to purchase a pair of Siberia Elite Prisms until I read about the numerous problems it has, such as the fualty audio cards and bad mics. Factor in a long hour battery for PC and PS4 and an included 3. The Cloud Orbit S uses audiophile-level planar magnetic drivers, which reads as cool as they sound. It also makes going back to the X's standard audio mode difficult. We found that the Arctis Pro sounds great for hi-res audio files, and is notably louder and crisper than the traditional Arctis line when it comes to games. But seems like it was better for listening to other people chatting vs the xo one set.

Its design is lightweight and comfortable; its audio quality is seriously excellent thanks to brand new Titanium drivers; its microphone is one of the best I've ever used - and is brand new too; and through a companion app, it's got features and customization coming out of everywhere. Packed with 50mm Neodymium drivers and Bluetooth compatibility, this gaming headset provides fantastic sound quality without being tethered with a wire. Best gaming headsets Image 1 of 5 Image credit: HyperX. The stereo soundscape in this closed-back design is punchier in the low end than we'd usually go for, but the extra bass doesn't interfere with overall clarity—and frankly, in games and music environments, it sounds great. As a cheap alternative to the tricked-out Kraken , the Kraken X is a budget-friendly option that excels on PC for one simple reason—virtual 7. Interface: Wireless Features: 8-hour battery life; HyperSense haptic feedback; Compatible with many devices; 50mm drivers. Image 1 of 4 Image credit: JBL. The next thing to think about is whether you want a wired or wireless model.

The difference the best gaming headsets can make to gaming is incredible. I was actually going to purchase a pair of Siberia Elite Prisms until I read about the numerous problems it has, such as the fualty audio cards and bad mics. Getting it to fit properly can be a bit of a pain, however, and the Razer software is tedious to navigate at times. It's a great wireless option. If you've already invested in a mid-tier or higher gaming PC, want a powerful headset, but don't want to spend a massive amount of cash for the privilege, the Rift S is a clear winner. In an ideal world, it'd be nice to have some features but the stripped-back approach helps to keep the costs down too. Let's start with the sound. If possible.

Receive mail from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors? Read our full Razer Blackshark V2 review. Image 1 of 4 Image credit: Creative. Though, the software could be a bit overwhelming. There are a lot of options in the gaming audio market. You could just as easily pick up the HyperX Cloud 2 and get a similar experience, but we recommend the Alpha for a couple of key reasons. Interface: Wireless Bluetooth Features: 7. See comments. With its Republic of Gamers brand, Asus has built a reputation for being the name behind some of the best gaming peripherals to constantly meet consumer standards. Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer.

Broadly any wearable mounted on the head with graphical capabilities but often used to refer to VR headsets specifically. What sets the headset apart is the haptic feedback, which means the ear-cups actually vibrate as you play. Available via an app, this elevates the headset's already good audio thanks to superior depth, clarity, and definition. SteelSeries Arctis 7 The best gaming headset overall. This means you lose some of the immediacy of the original's inside-out tracking, but get improved accuracy for the trouble. You will need a decent area for you to throw your helmeted self around in, though. I'm not looking to waste money on something that works for hearing. I get maybe hours out of them before I need to plug in again. As a pure gaming headset, at a competitive price, it's a winner. Where there can be a place for owning a budget headset - there are some budget gems - if you want to redirect overall budget to other parts of your setup, or have a second one that you don't mind getting knocked about on the commute, you'll need to be sure of what you're after.

If your extra dollar is burning a hole in your pocket, the best VR gaming headset right now is the Valve Index. As far as its feature-set, it has effortless-to-swap ear cups and a charging station, because things should be easy where they can. It wasn't that long ago that Corsair was only known for PC components. Receive mail from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors? This is a good mid-range pick, with audio and durability at the heart of the design, making it perfect for everyday PC play. See all comments While it isn't pretty, or filled with fancy features, what it does is deliver superior sound and comfort at a reasonable price. Finally, we look at the price and decide whether or not you're getting actual value and not just buying an overpriced headset.

Seriously thank you. Topics Hardware. That said, the Rift S is easily the best mid-level wired headset you can buy for PC. Gaming deals, prizes and latest news. That means you don't have to buy, wire-up, and find a place for external sensors in your play space. SteelSeries Arctis 9 Streamlined wireless design with Bluetooth. Its sheer bang for buck value cannot be denied though and this is one of the top headsets going for less than the three-figure mark. Image 1 of 5 Image credit: Turtle Beach.

If you're in the market for a new gaming headset but you don't have the budget to fork out on one of the high-end products, look no further than the Alienware AWH. Image 2 of 6 Image credit: Razer. Elsewhere it's the usual impressive build quality, generous padding, clear mic and high comfort levels over longer play sessions that the Cloud design has always offered. We found that the Arctis Pro sounds great for hi-res audio files, and is notably louder and crisper than the traditional Arctis line when it comes to games. Razer Blackshark V2 Razer's best headset yet. Image 5 of 5 Image credit: Steelseries. There was a problem. Image 2 of 5 Image credit: Turtle Beach.