A good pair of headphones is key to victory in many games - particularly shooters like Valorant, Fortnite and CSGO - where hearing a single footstep from a wayward enemy could mean the difference between a delicious chicken dinner and an ignoble defeat. That's why we've gathered up our top recommendations for the best gaming headsets for the money on the market right now.

Whether you prefer the lower cost and audio fidelity of wired headphones or the convenience of wireless headsets, we've got you covered. We've also included recommendations for the Xbox One, PS4 and PC, so no matter what system you game on, you'll be able to find at least a couple of top-tier gaming headsets to consider, each far better than your TV or monitor's built-in speakers. We'll also consider both open-back and closed-back headphones, as the former tend to offer a wider sound stage that's conducive to locating enemies, while the latter minimise sound leakage to ensure you don't bother your flatmates.

Before we get into the recommendations, it's worth mentioning what we'll be looking for when choosing the best gaming headsets. We want a comfortable pair of headphones you can wear for hours without discomfort, perfect for marathon gaming sessions. Sound quality is also key, so that you can hear each sound clearly and become totally immersed in the game. Naturally, you'll need to communicate with your friends or teammates too, so a built-in mic with good noise mitigation is also important. Finally, we also would like to see support for multiple systems, so that if you own a console and a PC, or multiple consoles, you can use the same headset on both.

With that out of the way, let's get straight into the Digital Foundry picks for the best gaming headphones available in 2020. Click the links to jump straight to the pick you're interested in, or scroll on to read the whole piece! You can also find answers to frequently asked questions at the end of the page.

Best wireless gaming headset: SteelSeries Arctis 7 The Arctis 7 2019 is the best gaming headset available, thanks to its comfortable design, impressive durability and excellent sound quality. The fabric suspension headband is the secret to the Arctis 7's comfortable and well-balanced fit, while controls on each earcup allow you to balance chat volume and in-game volume. Bass, treble and mids are all well-represented, and although the sound isn't the cleanest or widest we've heard, it is still excellent for a gaming headset. Microphone performance is also outstanding, even in loud environments. Battery life is also good, at 24 hours. :: The 20 best Xbox One games you can play right now The Arctis 7 connects via 2.4GHz wireless to its base station dongle, which can then be plugged into PCs, consoles or mobiles with a USB or 3.5mm input. You can also use a straight 3.5mm cable, i.e. when listening to music on the go or while the headset is recharging. The Arctis 7 works best on the PC and PS4; we recommend the Arctis 9X (below) on the Xbox One and Xbox Series X. A strong alternative for PC and PS4 is the Corsair Void RGB Elite Wireless (£109/$75). This headset is supremely comfortable and well-constructed with metal components. In terms of audio, expect reasonable levels of bass, average mids and excellent treble with a wide sound stage. The Void Elite misses out on the top spot because of its relatively bulky frame, which isn't great for portable use, its minimal sound isolation and distinctly average non-detachable microphone. It's also missing the low-latency slipstream wireless of the more expensive Virtuoso headset, but this didn't prove impactful in our testing. For gaming at home on PC or PS4, the Void RGB Elite Wireless is a great value choice.

Best wired gaming headset: Razer Blackshark V2 The Razer Blackshark V2 is the best wired headset for the money we've tested. First, these headphones are a treat to use for gaming or music, with a wide sound stage, accurate sound and good imaging provided by newly designed 50mm drivers that Razer says it'll use for upcoming headsets too. This is a stereo headset, which we recommend for competitive play, but a 7.1 surround sound mode with "THX Spatial Audio" is also available for games where you want maximum immersion. The BlackShark V2's mic is also quite reasonable, although we'd recommend a more professional-grade alternative for streaming. The Blackshark V2's design is also worthy of some praise. For starters, the ears are well sealed to block out distracting background sounds - useful whether you're clutching in Valorant or trying to get some work done while working from home with your spouse. The athletic-knit-covered memory foam ear pads remained comfortable for hours, no doubt aided by the light weight of the headset - just 262 grams. There's a convenient volume knob on the left earcup, and the microphone is removable. The Blackshark V2 also lacks any kind of RGB lighting, with only two green cables and a subtle Razer logo on each earcup betraying this design's gaming focus. In terms of connectivity, three options are provided: dual 3.5mm (for PCs), single 3.5mm (for PC, mobile, Switch, PS4 and Xbox One) and USB-A (for PS4 and PC). That means you can use these headphones on the go just as easily as at home on your PC or console. USB comes via an included dongle which adds the simulated 7.1 capabilities, microphone settings (like a noise gate and side tone) and compatibility with Razer's Synapse software. If you could do without all that, consider instead the Blackshark V2 X, which ditches the sound card to hit a much more competitive price point. Our previous pick, the Logitech G Pro X, remains a strong alternative. We didn't find it quite as comfy or as accurate-sounding as the Blackshark V2, but it offers a broadly similar range of features, has a decent microphone and offers both leatherette and velour ear pads in the box. If it's cheaper than the Blackshark V2 in your region, then it's a worthy choice as both headsets are great options. The regular G Pro is also good, dropping only the surround sound and extra ear pads at a low price.

Best value gaming headset: Fnatic React As well as being a longstanding esports team, Fnatic also produces a solid line of branded gaming peripherals - including excellent mechanical keyboards. Now, a truly top-tier headset designed expressly for competitive gaming has joined the mix with the £60/$70 Fnatic React. Fnatic used the design of the popular HyperX Cloud line of gaming headsets as a starting point when designing the React, with a durable metal frame and comfortable plush earcups. Building from a proven design makes sense for Fnatic, as a smaller player within the space, especially when this particular configuration is so well-loved by players. However, I did notice some creaking as I twisted the headset gently, something I've not experienced with any HyperX headset. While the design is very familiar, the audio quality is slightly more novel. Fnatic opted to emphasise highs and mids while flattening lows, providing a bright sound signature with plenty of clarity that makes it easier to hear that single errant footstep that can give you an edge in competitive games like CS:GO or PUBG. The good seal produced by the plush earcups also ensure great passive noise isolation, making these an ideal choice for playing competitive or immersive games where you don't want to be disturbed by the world around you. Finally, the mic quality is surprisingly good, and it's removable if you prefer to use a USB or XLR mic instead. All things considered, the React is perfectly tuned for competitive multiplayer games, thanks to its clarity and comfort, especially given its killer £60/$70 price point. Given how much Counter-Strike I play, these headphones could be sitting on my desk for a long time. Alternatively, if you like the look of the Fnatic React but you prefer a more premium experience and/or a more balanced sound signature, the HyperX Cloud line-up is ideal. These headsets offer slightly better build quality and some include simulated 7.1 surround sound, which can be nice for singleplayer gaming. We've linked to several strong examples from HyperX below, including the latest example we've tested, the Cloud Alpha S. While this headset is more expensive than the React, it boasts an innovative bass adjustment slider, a powerful USB dongle with 7.1 surround sound and game/chat mixing and dual chamber drivers that make it a worthy alternative if you have the cash to spare.

Best cheap gaming headset: Corsair HS35 Corsair's entry-level HS35 stereo headset is far better than its price point suggests. It connects to the Xbox One, PS4, Switch, mobile and PC with a simple 3.5mm wired connection and features a decent detachable microphone. We found the headset offered a surprisingly comfortable fit, staying comfortable for hours at a time thanks to its memory foam construction. It also includes reasonable sound dampening so that you won't be distracted by background noise - and you can use these on the bus without fear. You can't expect amazing audio quality from a headset at this price point, but the HS35's larger-than-average 50mm drivers still mean it sounds better than most built-in TV or monitor speakers and many entry-level headsets too. At £40/$40, that sounds like a winner. If your budget is a little larger, consider the very similar Corsair HS60 Pro Surround as well. This wired headset has the same comfortable fit as the HS35, supports surround sound and feels better constructed. It also looks more mid-range, with pleasant yellow accents on the unit we tested. At the time of writing, it's going for £65 in the UK or $70 in the US. This is a newer option, so expect prices to fall a little over the next few months.

Best premium wired headset: SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC The Arctis Pro + GameDAC has the best sound of any PC or PS4 gaming headset on the market, achieved through the pairing of well-tuned, high-end 40mm headphones with a quality DAC (digital to analogue converter) that replaces the often lacklustre DACs built into most onboard sound cards and games consoles. This provides excellent sound quality from a variety of sources, including standard game audio all the way up to hi-res lossless music, all of which is easily adjustable using a built-in graphical equaliser and mixer. However, the GameDAC doesn't allow for volume adjustments to be made on your Windows PC; you'll need to use the GameDAC's oversized volume wheel or those on the headphones themselves. The Arctis Pro is also incredibly comfortable, with the same fabric suspension headband that shines on the rest of the Arctis range. The headset has a well-regarded extendable microphone too, with the option for the mic to light up when it's muted so you don't end up talking to yourself. If you don't need wireless connectivity and you can afford the premium price, the Arctis Pro + GameDAC is the best gaming headset we've ever tested.

Best premium wireless headset: Sennheiser GSP 370 The Sennheiser GSP 370 is a uniquely capable wireless gaming headset, boasting a sturdy design, good sound reproduction and up to 100 hours of battery life. We found its sound signature to be warm and inviting, with reasonable imaging and a wider sound stage than you could might expect for a closed-back headphone. The microphone sounds decent too, although we'd recommend a dedicated USB or XLR mic if you're looking to produce #content rather than just speak to your mates on Discord. The GSP 370 is a little heavy at 285 grams, yet it is well balanced and comfortable to wear for long periods. Connectivity is handled via a 2.4GHz USB dongle, limiting connectivity to PC and PS4, with no option for Bluetooth or 3.5mm inputs. However, given the set's bulky silhouette, the lack of more mobile-friendly connectivity isn't a big deal. Altogether, the GSP 370 is a sensible choice for gaming, with that stellar battery life making it an easy recommendation over less enduring alternatives. The more expensive GSP 670 is also worth considering in this category. While battery life is a modest 15 hours and its mass goes up to 400 grams, the GSP 670 sounds better and includes Bluetooth connectivity, meaning it works with a much wider range of devices. Whether this is worth the extra premium is up to you.

Best Xbox One and Xbox Series X headset: SteelSeries Arctis 9X The Arctis 9X is the best gaming headset we've ever tested for the Xbox One and Xbox Series X, boasting excellent, neutral audio reproduction, a comfortable fit thanks to the ski-goggle headband and long wireless battery life of around 20 hours. Mic quality is strong too, with a retractable design that's easy to position correctly. Convenient volume, game/chat balance and connectivity controls ensure this headset isn't frustrating to use, either. While the Arctis 9X uses Xbox Wireless (2.4GHz) to connect to the Xbox One or Xbox Series X with no dongle required, the headset also comes with Bluetooth; handy for listening to music or taking calls on your smartphone while gaming. The 9X can also be used with Windows PCs in concert with Microsoft's Xbox Wireless Adapter - which you might already have if you use an Xbox One gamepad for PC gaming. If the Arctis 9X is a bit beyond your budget, the Arctis 1 Wireless for Xbox is worth considering too. This headset might look familiar if you looked at our current best Switch headset pick, as it's essentially the same lightweight and comfortable headset we loved for Switch - plus Microsoft's proprietary wireless tech. That means it'll work well with both the Xbox One and the Xbox Series X, so you can pick one up before next-gen without fear of missing out. The Arctis 1 Wireless doesn't sound quite as good as the full-fat 9X, but if you prefer a lighter headset at a lower price then it makes a lot of sense. The Arctis 1 Wireless for Xbox also works just fine on PC, Nintendo Switch and Android, making it a great all-around choice if you game or listen to music on multiple platforms. Another more affordable alternative to the 9X is the HyperX Cloud Flight. This headset offers the same convenient features - including a 2.4GHz wireless connection to the Xbox One, a comfortable fit and a game/chat volume mixer - while boasting about 10 hours more battery life at a substantially lower price. These do require a USB dongle, unlike the Arctis 9X, and the audio quality here isn't quite up to par with SteelSeries' finest - but still, these are great headphones given the price differential.

Best Switch headset: SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless The Arctis 1 Wireless is another solid gaming headset from SteelSeries, a pared-back version of the company's usual design that drops the elastic headband from other models but keeps the athletic foam earcups. While the more normal fixed headband makes these headphones a little less comfortable than their peers, the light weight of the design makes up most of the difference in long-term usability. Where the Arctis 1 distinguishes itself is in terms of connectivity: it offers 2.4GHz wireless via a USB-C dongle, which happens to fit very snugly into the bottom of a Nintendo Switch or an Android smartphone. Using a dongle removes the pairing nonsense associated with Bluetooth and also allows for a much lower-latency connection, which is vital for gaming or even just watching a movie. There's also a USB-C to full-size USB-A converter for use with older laptops, PCs and PS4. Finally, wired connectivity is also possible via simple 3.5mm cable. While the way these headphones work is exciting, that enthusiasm doesn't translate completely to their aural characteristics. Music, films and games sound fine, perfectly clear and intelligible, but aren't particularly rich, detailed or bassy. Likewise, the microphone will get the job done talking to your teammates on Discord, but doesn't rank amongst the nicest we've heard. Still, given the cost, comfort and convenience of these wireless headphones, having merely good sound quality is hardly a deal breaker. Update: The Arctis 1 Wireless for Xbox has now been released, adding support for Xbox One and the Xbox Series X. Critically, this version of the headset still works for Switch, PC and mobile, so if the cost is similar then it's a no-brainer to get the headset that'll work across two extra platforms. If you're willing to spend a little more, the best premium Switch headset we've tested is the Asus ROG Strix Go 2.4. This headset nails the same essential features as the Arctis 1 Wireless, offering the same convenient range of connectivity options in a lightweight package, but distinguishes itself in a few key areas. Most importantly, the Strix Go 2.4 is considerably more comfortable than the SteelSeries offering thanks to its excellent balance and plush leatherette earcups. It also comes in a more portable folding design that tucks nicely into the included hard case. Audio quality is also improved, with the 40mm drivers offering better bass response and a warmer sound signature overall, while the headset mic does a better job of noise cancellation. The Strix Go 2.4 is undoubtedly the better set of headphones, but it does come at a significant premium compared to the Switch 1 Wireless - around £45 at the time of writing.

Best open-back gaming headphones: Astro A40 TR with MixAmp Pro The best open-back gaming headset we've tested so far is the Astro A40 TR with MixAmp. These premium wired headphones are comfortable, with soft memory foam earcups and a lightweight design, making them easy to wear for hours on end - even for glasses users. How does it sound? The default tuning is warm with nice emphasis on low and low-mid tones, but the Astro Command Center software makes it easy to find a more neutral EQ setting. Imaging is pretty good, helping you locate enemies in-game, and there's the option for both stereo and simulated 7.1 surround. As with all open-back headphones, some sound does leak out, and you'll be able to hear background noise too, making them best suited for quiet environments. The microphone is also of good quality, and can moved to either side of the headset or removed entirely if you prefer. The headset is available standalone, but we recommend picking up the version with the bundled MixAmp. The MixAmp provides convenient dials for adjusting the volume and game/chat balance, compatibility with the Astro Command Center software, plus easy connections to PCs and either Xbox One or PS4 units depending on which variant you purchased. While they aren't strictly gaming headsets, Sennheiser's HD 598 and HD58X Jubilee are also great options. These open-back headphones boast neutral sound reproduction and a wide sound stage, with velour earcups and a lightweight design that stays comfortable for hours on end. These headphones don't come with a built-in microphone, so we recommend pairing them with one of the best gaming microphones, like a clip-on ModMic or a freestanding unit like the Blue Yeti.

Best tough gaming headphones: Corsair Virtuoso SE If you're constantly breaking your headphones by running them over in your chair or tossing them off in a fit of rage, then something a little tougher could be just what you're after. The best build quality we've found on a gaming headset we've tested is Corsair's top of the line Virtuoso SE Wireless. This variant of the regular Virtuoso swaps plastic for aluminium throughout the headset, making an already durable headset become even tankier. Other touches, like USB-C charging and subtle coloured point lighting on each earcup contribute to a feeling of tasteful modernism. These are wireless, so there's no need to worry about running over the cable with your chair's wheels either. As well as getting the form right, the Virtuoso SE function well too, with a bright sound signature, reasonable microphone and good battery life of up to 20 hours. The only downsides to this headset are its relatively high clamping force out of the box, which does subside after a few days of use, and its relatively high price. Still, these are only minor drawbacks on what is otherwise a very strong offering from Corsair. One alternative worth knowing about is the Poly Rig 500 Pro Esports Edition. These headphones have a metal exoskeleton that holds up well to harsh use and lends the headset a rugged military-style appearance. However, their wired connection, only middling sound quality and disappointing microphone make the Virtuoso SE headphones the better choice overall.

Best surround sound in a gaming headset: Creative SXFI Gamer The Creative SXFI Gamer delivers some of the best surround sound we've experienced on a gaming headset. Interestingly, it slightly alters its surround sound implementation based on the topology of your ear, which it calculates based on photographs of your ear that you provide via the company's (slightly buggy) smartphone app. This provides a really lush aural environment, perfect for enjoying single-player games. If you prefer more competitive fare, then there's a battle mode which emphasises sounds like footsteps and reloads to help you track down your Warzone or Valorant opponents. I found this most helpful in games with more detailed soundscapes, like Warzone and Battlefield 5, as competitive-focused games like CSGO and Valorant already have quite a stark audio mix that makes it easy to locate an errant misstep. Even with its special modes disabled, the SXFI Gamer still impresses. The headset is relatively comfortable to wear for long periods, with suitably cushy ear cups, and the clamping force here is just right. The microphone has a built-in pop filter, which works well, although the mic does feel much more sensitive to correct placement than others I've tried. The USB-C connection means that audio processing duties are handled internally, rather than relying on potential suspect motherboard audio, and also allows for tasteful RGB backlighting. Ergonomics are good, with well-differentiated buttons backed up with aural confirmation of which mode is enabled and a smooth volume wheel. The only major complaint I had concerned the cable, which produces a ton of noise when it's handled or it rubs against the edge of your desk. Given that this looks to be a regular USB-C to USB-C cable, replacement could be an option if this bothers you too. Overall, the SXFI Gamer is a strong headset that delivers on its key promises without any major stumbles. If a good surround sound implementation is key for you, then the SXFI Gamer is definitely worth a go. If you have a higher budget, the ROG Theta 7.1 is another USB-C gaming headset that offers an even better implementation of surround sound, thanks to four discrete ESS 9601 drivers - three 30mm drivers for the centre, rear and sides, respectively, and one 40mm driver for the front. This provides rich, full-bodied sound with plenty of warmth - ideal for listening to music or playing immersive single-player games. The input side of the equation is also well looked after, with a highly performant microphone that Asus claims is "AI-powered" to better minimise background noise. Convenient earcup volume controls and pretty RGB lighting are also included within the ROG Theta's massive frame, ticking all the boxes for a high-end gaming headset. While the ROG Theta sounds great, the heavy weight of the headset makes it fatiguing for long gaming or listening sessions. The USB-C and USB-A connectivity allows easy use with the PC, PS4, Switch and Android smartphones, but the thick cables emerging from each side of the headset are hard to ignore. Despite these flaws and a relatively high asking price, the ROG Theta is an intriguing option that will appeal to anyone that loves the immersive feel of surround sound for movies or games.

Bonus: Best DAC for PS4 and Switch: Sound Blaster G3 There are plenty of great DAC/AMP combos for use with desktop and laptop PCs, but those that effortlessly support consoles like the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch are much rarer. The best console DAC we've tested so far is the Sound Blaster G3, a tidy USB-C dongle that packs a ton of functionality into a compact and reasonably priced package. Let's take a look at what's included. At the bottom of the device, there are three inputs for headphones, microphones and optical (via a short adapter cable), while on the other end is a USB-C plug that can be converted to full-size USB (with another included adapter). This setup covers you on the PS4, Switch and computers of all kinds, but while Xbox is supported via the optical input you won't be able to use voice comms here. The left side of the device allows you to mute or adjust the volume of your mic, while the right side allows you adjust the volume of your headphones. There's also a switch here; flip it and you'll be able to adjust the mix between game and chat volume on PS4 or PC - so you can turn down your annoying teammates to focus on the game or vice versa. Finally, there's a button at the top that enables another key feature, the built-in footstep amplifier mode, intended to give you an edge in competitive shooters. The whole package works well, with each setting you'd need within easy reach. It's great to be able to adjust things like the chat mix or enable the footstep boosting equaliser setting without needing to dive into game menus - something that's likely to get you killed in games like Call of Duty Warzone. The boost in audio quality is evident out of the box, and you also have the ability to customise your EQ (either by hand or by selecting per-game presets) using apps on Android, iOS or Windows. At around £55/$60, the Sound Blaster G3 is a significant investment. However, it is something that you can use with a wide range of consoles and computers, or even Android phones, and you'll get some benefit out of it even for listening to music or playing non-competitive games. For that reason, if you want to take your audio quality seriously and you're using wired headphones, the G3 is a sensible acquisition. For more external sound card recommendations, check out our picks for the best gaming sound cards.