Some are simply inadequate, which is why we rigorously test as many gaming headsets as we can fit our ears into. These headsets provide the best sound for gamers at all price points. Quality drivers ensure that you get the best audio, and we’re against gaming headphones that overdo low frequencies, as they usually provide poor bass. The best gaming headsets have more balanced drivers that require little to no tweaking on your part, and you won’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on them. If you’re looking for more expansive, untethered options, check out our guide to the best wireless gaming headsets. For the time being, take a look at the best PC gaming headsets available in 2022.
Here is the list of Best PC Gaming Headsets
Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT
Easily one of the best PC Gaming Headsets available on the market, The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT punches above its weight class, even competing with more expensive audiophile sets. It is the best PC gaming headset and truly provides a premium gaming experience. The sound quality in games, music, and movies is excellent, with clear mids, loud bass, and undistorted high notes. The detachable ‘broadcast-quality’ microphone performs admirably for voice chat with very little compression – we found that speech was clear with little background fuzz, even across a wide range of pitches. Furthermore, the Virtuoso XT’s multi-connectivity allows you to use it with almost any device. We tested all connection options and found the Slipstream connection to be especially reliable in terms of latency. Dolby Atmos provides excellent surround sound, and the battery lasted a full day of continuous use in our testing. The craftsmanship of the Virtuoso XT simply shines through, with a high-quality design and build level, featuring durable machined aluminum and soft leatherette.
HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless gaming headphones are the best in their price range. These are the first headphones on the list that only have one general variant and do not work with Xbox consoles. They are frequently more expensive than the 7X, but they are currently on sale. Their USB dongle connects PlayStation consoles and PCs with low latency. While they lack a base station or wireless transmitter base, they stand out for their extremely long continuous battery life: they can last for more than 300 hours on a single charge, so they’re worth considering if you frequently run out of power. You can’t use them wired, but their auto-off timer can help conserve battery life when you’re not using them. Although they don’t isolate you from much ambient sound, their mic makes your voice sound clear when you’re gaming with friends, even if you’re in a noisy environment. They have a well-balanced, slightly v-shaped sound profile that adds extra thump and punch to your audio, with clear and detailed instruments and lead vocals.
LucidSound LS35X Wireless Gaming Headset
The LucidSound LS35X is worthy of praise because it includes a slew of on-device functions such as mute and chat toggling, volume control, and microphone monitoring, all of which can be accessed with a simple swipe, dial, or tap on either side of the headset. With its metal and faux leather blend, the LS35X can pass for a regular pair of headphones rather than the neon and flashy aesthetics of traditional gaming peripherals. Nonetheless, the LS35X offers exceptional comfort, and the over-ear, memory foam cushions perform admirably in terms of passive noise cancellation, enhancing an already excellent sound stage. The LS35X can connect wirelessly to PCs and some consoles without the use of a dongle, USB receiver. Still, it is one of the best PC Gaming Headsets that you can consider.
Razer ManO’War
The Razer ManO’War is a user-friendly unit primed for surround-sound gaming that is quick and easy to set up using a wireless USB receiver that snuggles inside the headset for easy transportation. It’s a little bulkier than most other headsets, but the two soft leatherette ear cups make it comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Furthermore, the Chroma RGB lighting can be customized via Razer Synapse and looks great. Although it is a software rather than a hardware feature, the ManO’War’s 7.1 channel virtual surround sound does an excellent job of increasing immersion in-game. The ManO’War’s range can be extended to 14 metres with the included USB extender, and its battery life can be extended to the same number of hours.
Razer Barracuda Pro Wireless
Razer’s new Barracuda Pro Wireless headset looks more like a pair of Sony or Bose lifestyle headphones than a gaming peripheral, thanks to its (surprisingly) understated all-black design and lack of RGB or external microphone. That’s kind of the point, because Razer bills the Barracuda Pro Wireless as a “hybrid gaming & street” headset. It has a lot going for it in terms of lifestyle. The minimal plastic design is less premium than we’d like, but it contributes to the headset’s light weight and overall comfort — if Razer wants to compete with Sony and Bose, it’s basically there in terms of comfort. Currently, this is one of the best PC Gaming Headsets that you can buy right now.
Razer Kraken V3 X Gaming Headset
The Razer Kraken V3 X is both Razer’s newest “Kraken” headset and Razer’s newest “X” headset. Adding the latter to the former name makes it a more affordable and value-for-money entry point in the Kraken series. In short, the V3 X enhances its predecessor in every aspect, taking advantage of the latest advances Razer can offer and packaging them into a value proposition. The headset has been revamped to include the latest developments and enhancements Razer has to offer, most notably the microphone and drivers. The microphone is now Razer’s Hyperclear Cardioid microphone, which offers better speech pickup and noise cancellation.
V-MODA Crossfade Wireless Headphone
If you are more interested in the sound coming out of a gaming headset than glowing LEDs, macro keys, and other extras, the V-MODA Crossfade Wireless is the headset for you. Its stylish can is a treat for the ears, boiling with sound that is fantastically crisp highs and bass on the other end. The V-MODA Crossfade Wireless features comfortable and spacious memory foam ear cups that won’t irritate even after prolonged use. Additionally, when connected via Bluetooth, the headset offers approximately 12 hours of battery life. The headset’s rugged build, funky travel case, and optional USB connection add up to make it one of the best headsets on the market. Overall, this is one of the best PC Gaming Headsets that you can buy right now.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1
SteelSeries has given its entire headset line, including the $60 Arctis Nova 1, an Arctis Nova redesign. The Arctis Nova 1 has the same 40mm custom drivers as its more expensive siblings, the Arctis Nova 3 and 7, but costs a fraction of the price. The wired analogue Arctis Nova 1 headset has a slim, lightweight plastic frame and large, comfortable over-ear earcups. It has a bidirectional noise-cancelling microphone that retracts completely into the left earcup, making it fashionable enough to wear away from your computer as a pair of lifestyle headphones. It includes both single and dual 3.5mm audio cables, allowing it to connect to devices that have both combined and separate headphone/microphone jacks.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless for Xbox is the best PC Gaming Headsets we’ve tested. These feature-rich headphones are available in either a PlayStation/PC or an Xbox/PC configuration. The Xbox variant, on the other hand, is compatible with both consoles, making it a good choice if you like to game across platforms. These premium and comfortable over-ears include a wireless USB transmitter with controls for channel mixing, EQs, and sidetone. Their transmitter also guarantees extremely low latency, which is ideal for keeping your audio and visuals in sync while gaming. Because these headphones use a dual battery cartridge system, one battery can be stored in the transmitter while the other is in use, providing approximately 25 hours of continuous playback time each. They have a somewhat neutral profile out of the box, with a touch of extra thump and boom to help emphasize sound effects like footsteps in your gameplay.
PDP Airlite Pro Wireless Headset
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a wireless headset that can keep up with all the action in your favourite games, as the PDP Airlite Pro costs around $80. It connects to your PS4, PS5, or PC through a low-latency wireless dongle, or you can get the Xbox version to play on that console. You’ll be able to play for 16 hours without needing to charge, which isn’t the best we’ve seen, but charging is made easier by a USB-C cable. Even though it lacks 3D audio. The PDP Airlite Pro is ready to deliver an immersive experience with 50mm drivers that pump out crisp highs and booming bass once connected. Aside from its impressive sound, this headset is also durable and comfortable, with a lightweight design, plenty of adjustability, and well-cushioned memory foam ear cups. There are even on-ear volume controls and a noise-cancelling flip-to-mute mic to keep you and your teammates in clear communication.
Final Words
The above recommendations are what we believe are the best PC gaming headsets for most people in each price range. We factor in price, feedback from our visitors, and availability. If you want to pick one yourself, here is a list of all our headset reviews, sorted by wireless gaming performance. Be careful not to get hung up on the details. The perfect headphone does not exist. If you are not particularly concerned with microphones or wireless capabilities, your personal tastes, preferences, and listening habits will be more important in your choice.
