Navigating the vast array of gaming headsets can be daunting, but understanding key factors like budget, sound quality, comfort, and desired features can guide you to the perfect choice. Whether you're seeking the best gaming mouse or keyboard, the same principles apply—knowing what you need is crucial. Leveraging the expertise of those who have hands-on experience can further refine your decision, ensuring you find a headset tailored to your gaming needs.

Having reviewed numerous headphones and gaming headsets, I bring a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience to help you make an informed choice. Each recommended headset has been chosen for its overall performance and excellence in specific categories, from budget-friendly options like the HyperX Cloud III to premium choices like the Audeze Maxwell. Advanced features such as virtual surround sound, active noise cancellation, and customizable EQ profiles set apart models like the JBL Quantum One, Turtle Beach Stealth Pro, and Logitech G Pro X 2.

TL;DR: These Are the Best Gaming Headsets:

Our Top Pick### SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

29See it at AmazonSee it at Target### HyperX Cloud III

8See it at Amazon### Audeze Maxwell

15See it at Amazon### Turtle Beach Atlas Air

4See it at Amazon### Turtle Beach Stealth 500

4See it at Amazon### Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro

5See it at Amazon### SennheiserHD 620S

4See it at Amazon### JBL Quantum One

3See it at Amazon### LogitechG Pro X 2

6See it at Amazon### Turtle Beach Stealth Pro

2See it at Amazon### RazerHammerhead Pro HyperSpeed

6See it at Amazon

This guide offers a comprehensive look at top options across various categories, reflecting the strengths of each headset. While there are many excellent headsets available, the ones listed here are those my colleagues and I have personally tested and can confidently recommend. Stay tuned for updates as new models are released and further tested.

This guide contains contributions by Danielle Abraham and Adam Matthew.

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1. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

Best Gaming Headset

Our Top Pick### SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

29Multiple connectivity options, including simultaneous listening on different devices, a hot-swappable battery, excellent sound, and hybrid active noise canceling make this a hard-to-top headset. See it at AmazonSee it at Target

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 is a standout choice, combining the best features of its predecessor with advanced technology like active noise cancellation and enhanced audio quality. Its hybrid noise-canceling system, utilizing four mics, effectively reduces external noise, allowing for a more immersive gaming experience.

The Nova Pro delivers exceptional sound quality right out of the box, with clear and balanced audio that enhances your gaming experience. Its spatial audio capabilities are essential for competitive gaming, enabling you to pinpoint enemy movements with ease. The Sonar and SteelSeries GG app allow for detailed customization of EQ settings and game-chat mix, elevating your audio experience to new heights.

The latest design of the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless introduces telescoping arms for better fit across different head sizes and slimmer, sleeker earcups that maintain the comfort synonymous with SteelSeries. The hot-swappable battery system remains a favorite, allowing uninterrupted gaming by quickly swapping out a depleted battery for a charged one.

The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a top-tier gaming headset, praised for its robust features, excellent sound quality, and comfort, earning a well-deserved perfect score in our review.

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Logitech G733 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset- $127.44 Logitech G635 DTS Gaming Headset- $69.99 Razer Kraken Tournament Edition- $52.99

For more hand-picked deals, visit IGN Deals

HyperX Cloud III – Photos

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2. HyperX Cloud III

Best Budget Gaming Headset

### HyperX Cloud III

8The HyperX Cloud III is a wired gaming headset that's compatible with everything, thanks to its 3.5mm audio connection. 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

The HyperX Cloud III stands out as a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality. Its robust aluminum frame is both flexible and durable, making it an excellent choice for long-term use. The headset's dense foam earpads provide superior comfort, although the clamp force might be slightly strong for some users.

Sound quality is impressive for its price range, handling various frequencies well and providing a balanced audio experience. The microphone clarity is also notable, making it a great choice for gamers on a budget who still want high-quality audio and communication capabilities.

3. Audeze Maxwell

Best High-End Gaming Headset

### Audeze Maxwell

15The Audeze Maxwell is a high-end wireless gaming headset from one of the best headphone manufacturers on the planet. 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 Audeze Maxwell is renowned for its superior audio quality, driven by 90mm planar magnetic drivers. Its sleek, audiophile-style design and outstanding sound clarity across all frequencies make it a top choice for those seeking the best in audio performance. While slightly heavier, the Maxwell's comfort and extensive battery life justify its premium price, offering an unparalleled audio experience for gamers.

Turtle Beach Atlas Air - Photos

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4. Turtle Beach Atlas Air

Best Wireless Gaming Headset

### Turtle Beach Atlas Air

4The Turtle Beach Atlas Air is an open-back gaming headset with some serious audio fidelity. 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 Turtle Beach Atlas Air offers an exceptional wireless gaming experience with its open-back design, providing a spacious and full audio experience. Its comfortable design, featuring soft, cushioned earpads and a light clamp force, makes it ideal for long gaming sessions. While the microphone quality is average, the Atlas Air excels in sound quality and comfort.

Turtle Beach Stealth 500 Headset - Photos

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5. Turtle Beach Stealth 500

Best Budget Wireless Gaming Headset

### Turtle Beach Stealth 500

4The Turtle Beach Stealth 500 is a wireless gaming headset for under $100, and you can't beat that value. 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

The Turtle Beach Stealth 500 offers impressive sound quality for a budget wireless headset, with strong bass and clear mids that enhance gaming experiences. Despite its bulky design, it provides solid comfort and flexibility, making it a great value for gamers looking to go wireless without breaking the bank.