Finding the best gaming headset is arguably nearly as important as choosing the best graphics card or the best gaming keyboard. After all, the sound of your virtual world and how you communicate with your friends all depends on the device you wear on your head.

But choosing the best gaming headset for you isn't easy, partially due to the sheer amount of market saturation we're facing right now. With the ever-rising popularity of eSports and the relative simplicity of combining off-the-shelf audio hardware with cushy earcups, a sprinkle of software wizardry and maybe some RGB, PC gamers are now offered more options than ever, whether they're planning to plug their headset into one of the best gaming PCs or the best gaming laptop. A quick search of a few popular online retailers will yield hundreds of choices across dozens of companies, ranging from under $10 (£8) to over $600 (£460).

If you're headed back to school or work in a virtual situation, now's a great time to invest in a quality headset and clear mic. You may already know how much your willing to spend on a pair of cans, but there are still plenty of other things to consider.

Luckily, we’ve been testing piles of gaming headsets (to see every model we've tested, check out our gaming headset reviews page). Below are the best gaming headsets we've tested.

Quick Shopping Tips

Here are some things to keep in mind when searching for the best gaming headset for you:

Wired or wireless? Wired headsets generally cost less and don’t need to be charged. Therefore, if you typically game at your desk, you may want to stick to wired options to keep things cheaper and simpler. A wired headset also won’t die on you mid-battle. On the other hand, there’s no denying the convenience of being able to run to the kitchen for a drink without having to remove your cans.

Headbands and earcups. Comfort is more subjective than measuring audio output and input, but generally speaking you should be wary of plush gaming headsets with thick bulges, cheap foam and cloth covers. When we've tested these types of headsets ,we've often found disappointing acoustic performance. Ear-cushion material can make a huge difference in what your ears ultimately perceive.

Audio and mic quality. These are very important if you want the best gaming headset, but impossible to evaluate on the one or two floor models. We focus on these aspects in detail in our reviews. In short, detailed reproduction and good spatial resolution, specifically when it comes to complex noises and environments with multiple sound sources, are more important than any attempt at simulated surround sound.

A key Bluetooth spec: aptX. If you do go wireless and opt for Bluetooth (no USB dongle needed), look for headsets that support Qualcomm’s aptX tech, a compression tech (codec) that’s been leveraged for decades in TV and movie voice-work, movie theater audio and thousands of radio stations. If you’ve heard Bluetooth audio in years past and hated it (it definitely was bad for a long time), give an aptX-enabled headset a listen. As long as the underlying hardware is good, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the sound output.

Best gaming headsets at a glance:

1. Best Gaming Headset Overall: HyperX Cloud Alpha

2. Best Wireless Gaming Headset for Most: SteelSeries Arctis 7

3. Best Budget Gaming Headset: Asus TUF Gaming H3

4. Best Virtual Surround Sound Gaming Headset: HyperX Cloud Orbit S

5. Best Gaming Headset for RGB Lovers: Patriot Viper V380

6. Best-Looking Gaming Headset: Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE

7. Best High-Res Gaming Headset: SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC

8. Good Price, Great Mic: Corsair Void RGB Elite USB

9. Best Splurge: SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless

The Best Gaming Headsets You Can Buy Today

The HyperX Cloud Alpha is the best gaming headset for the typical player. (Image credit: HyperX)

The HyperX Cloud Alpha is the best gaming headset for most gamers, offering nearly perfect sound quality. Noise reproduction with these cans sounds natural, with the drivers avoiding flaws like overly aggressive bass or highs. It's not revolutionary headset, but it's a fantastic value, especially if you can find it for under $100.

In terms of long-term wearability, the headset earns its Cloud branding with a light, comfy fit built with quality materials. This includes thick memory foam padding on the headband and earcups and HyperX's decision to opt for aluminum over plastic in some important areas. The overall look and feel is one of quality.



If you like the Cloud Alpha's design but want something with some more features, there's also the HyperX Cloud Alpha S. It's basically the same headset but with 7.1 virtual surround sound, an inline controller and bass sliders on each ear cup. The black-and-blue or all-black color options (instead of the Cloud Alpha's black and gold or black and red) add more options too.

Read: HyperX Cloud Alpha review

The SteelSeries Arctis 7 is the best wireless gaming headset for most, due to its price-to-value ratio. (Image credit: SteelSeries)

Wireless cans can cost you well over $200, but the latest model of the SteelSeries Arctis 7 lands at a more affordable price while offering louder audio than its predecessors. Meanwhile, high volumes are distortion-free, and the overall audio is clear and rich, despite a less than snug fit.

We’d prefer stronger performance at lower volumes, and the bass isn’t as good as what you’d hear with the HyperX Cloud Alpha above. However, besides games, the Arctis 7 is also fit for light video editing and mixing. DTS Headphone:X v2.0 virtual surround sound also boosted gaming audio details, like footsteps.

Just like prior versions of Steelseries’ Arctis 7, the current model sits as a reliable wireless headset for PC gamers. If you need a cheaper wireless option, consider the Cooler Master MH670 , which is currently selling for sells for $30 less than the Arctis 7 or the SteelSercies Arctis 1 Wireless for $100. And for more colorful cans, there's the Logitech G733 Lightspeed.

Read: SteelSeries Arctis 7 review

The Asus TUF Gaming H3 is the best gaming headset for good quality that won't break the bank. (Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

3. Asus TUF Gaming H3 Best Budget Gaming Headset Driver: 50mm neodymium | Impedance: 32 Ohms | Frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz | Mic: Unidirectional condenser | Connectivity: 3.5mm | Weight: 0.6 pounds (272.2g) $52.99 View at Newegg No price information Check Amazon Impressive out-of-box sound quality Incredibly comfortable Questionable build quality Advertised virtual 7.1 surround sound is Windows Sonic, usable by any 3.5mm headset

The Asus TUF Gaming H3 is the best gaming headset for preserving your budget. These can be hard to find, but you can typically spot it selling for about $50. Despite the lower price, you still get a headset that fits well and sounds good right out of the box. That means you can get right to gaming without having to fiddle around in software. When we tested the cans, performance was comparable to pricier rivals, including the Asus TUF Gaming H7 . We attribute a lot of that to the H3's comfortable fit with leatherette contact points preventing sound leakage.

The downside is these aren’t particularly pretty. And if you’re excited about virtual 7.1 surround sound, note that the H3 is a 3.5mm headset that only uses Windows’ Sonic spatial audio, which any 3.5mm headset can use.

But when it comes to gaming and hearing sound cues like weapon switches, this headset gets the job done without effort on your part or heavy damage to your bank account.

Read: Asus TUF Gaming H3 review

The HyperX Cloud Orbit S stands out with powerful and immersive 3D audio with effective headtracking, (Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

4. HyperX Cloud Orbit S Best Virtual Surround Sound Gaming Headset Driver: 100mm neodymium | Impedance: Not disclosed | Frequency response: 10-50,000 Hz | Mic: Unidirectional condenser | Connectivity: 3.5mm, USB Type-A, USB Type-C | Weight: 0.8 pounds(362.9g) $259.99 View at Amazon Immersive and loud 3D audio Soft, squishy headband and ear cups Good battery life Accurate head tracking A little heavy Head tracking’s audio impact varies depending on game

The HyperX Cloud Orbit S is an expensive, premium pair of cans and the best gaming headset for splurging. It gives you a discernible gaming advantage, thanks to its customizable 3D mode with head tracking. When you're gaming with head tracking, the location of enemies is apparent and the auditory environment moves with you. You can also use head tracking as game controls, freeing up your hands for more action. (For another head tracking option with premium features, check out the similarly priced JBL Quantum One).

There are lower-priced headsets with true surround sound (instead of the Orbit S’ virtual surround sound) and wireless capability. But the Orbit S, which bears the same cozy memory foam headband and earpads as other headsets in HyperX's Cloud line, provides a gaming edge you’ll actually notice.

We also love the versatility of this headset. In addition to offering hi-res, virtual surround and 3D audio, you can use the headset with a 3.5mm jack, USB Type-A port or USB Type-C port.

Read: HyperX Cloud Orbit S review

With tasteful lighting, the Patriot Viper V380 is the best gaming headset for RGB fans. (Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

5. Patriot Viper V380 Best Gaming Headset for RGB Driver: 53mm neodymium | Impedance: 64 Ohms | Frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz | Mic: Omnidirectional | Connectivity: USB Type-A | Weight: 10.9 pounds(310g) $89.99 View at Amazon Virtual surround sound can be helpful for games, movies Environmental noise cancellation mic produces quality sound Fair price Software is basic USB Type-A connection only

RGB isn’t as prominent in the headset world, likely because it’s hard to see lighting sitting on your ears. But if you plan on streaming, video chatting or just like the comfort of having as much RGB as possible (have you seen our best RGB mouse pads list?), the Patriot Viper V380 is the best headset for you. It has one ring of programmable RGB framing each earcup. That’s just the right amount of color, and, somehow, the headset still manages to look tasteful.

The Viper V380 has more to offer than just pretty lights. It boasts a mic that successfully limited background noise during testing, as well as virtual 7.1 surround sound that enhanced how voices sounded in FPS games. Volume is also more than sufficient with the headset’s 53mm drivers that are larger than the 50mm average. Just be sure you have an available USB Type-A port, because there are no other connectivity options.

The Viper V380 has some of the best RGB implementation we’ve seen in a headset. But if you’re looking for something that’s even flashier, the JBL Quantum One has three RGB zones programmable with some wild effects.

Read: Patriot Viper V380 review

The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE headset will cater to your vanity. (Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

6. Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE Best-Looking Gaming Headset Driver: 50mm neodymium | Impedance: 32 Ohms | Frequency response: 20-40,000 Hz | Mic: Omnidirectional | Connectivity: USB Type-A 2.4 GHz dongle | Weight: 0.8 pounds(360g) $199.99 View at Newegg $205.99 View at Amazon $255.54 View at Amazon Powerful hi-res audio Immaculate presentation Great battery life Wireless range depends on house construction Headband digs in a bit over time Slightly heavy reverb

The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE is one of the rare headsets that looks as good as it sounds. It offers premium quality audio that enters audiophile territory and looks pretty and shiny instead of clunky and heavy. The SE version of the Virtuoso RGB boasts gunmetal-colored aluminum stamped with a touch RGB via the Corsair logo. Overall, it looks as expensive as it is.

The Virtuoso RGB SE delivered strong audio, including high-res support, in our testing.n Its 50mm drivers also sounded great with gun fights in games like Borderlands 3. The cans’ music reproduction sat in the middle of bass-heavy cans like the Audio-Technica’s ATH-G1 and flatter-sounding ones like the SteelSeris Arctis Pro Wireless listed below.

Topping things off with a 20-hour wireless battery life, Corsair’s Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE is a fine pair of cans that both look and sound premium.

Read: Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE review

If you've got high-res content, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC are the cans for you. (Image credit: SteelSeries)

With a premium build, sound quality and price tag to match, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDac is fit for audiophiles. It uses a ESS ES9018 Sabre32 reference DAC, which is worth money on its own and amplifies the headset’s capabilities. We were sad to find out that the DAC has an artificial audio limit (to help prevent hearing damage). However, the DAC is easily navigable with a lot of settings for tweaking audio for gaming and chatting without opening software.

The Arctis Pro + GameDAC showed deep bass, satisfying mid-range in games and vocals and dominating high frequencies without sounding too metallic.

If you’re looking for a high-performance PC gaming headset (it works with PS4 too), the Arctis Pro + GameDAC is exceptional for games and music -- as long as your head isn’t particularly big.

Read: SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC review

Everyone will hear you loud and clear with the Corsair Void RGB Elite USB's mic. (Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

If you do a lot of chatting on your headset, be with your Overwatch teammates, work colleagues or Mom, the Corsair Void RGB Elite USB will make sure you sound just like you to whoever’s listening. For this price, we were pleased at the microphone’s quality, which can handily fold up when you need to take a sip of water or sneeze. It’s also Discord-certified and showed better low-end response than rivals.It’s not quite as warm as what you can get with the best gaming microphones or any USB mic, but it’s close.

On the other hand, when we tested the headset with a smaller head, bass was lacking due to sound leakage. Your head size may change things. The Void RGB Elite USB also has virtual 7.1 surround sound, but it didn’t prove to be anything extraordinary.

For chatterboxes, this is the best gaming headset with its mid-range price, cozy padding and splash of RGB. Note there’s also a wireless version of the Void RGB Elite USB . For more mic options, consider the expensive JBL Quantum One , which comes with a unidirectional and detachable boom microphone and a separate calibration microphone.

Read: Corsair Void RGB Elite USB review

If you can afford it, it's hard to beat the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless. (Image credit: SteelSeries)

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro kicks things up a notch or two over other SteelSeries cans, including the Arctis 7 wireless ones listed above. It’s very pricey, even for a wireless headset. But you get your choice of wireless dongle or Bluetooth connectivity, which means you could use the Arctis Pro Wireless without it occupying a USB port.

The cans offer a large frequency response range and high-res. Lossless titles, like Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, sounded noticeably crisper with a lot of depth on the Arctis Pro. Ultimately, the game sounded more immersive, particularly in the high end, where we could hear the different layers of sound. You also get DTS Headphones:X virtual surround sound via a transmitter base station boasting other helpful features, like ChatMix and general volume control.

Despite its higher price, the Arctis Pro Wireless isn’t vastly more comfortable than the cheaper Arctis 7 wireless cans and don’t offer twice as detailed audio. But the Arctis Pro Wireless has the advantage in its smart design, Bluetooth capability and swappable batteries to keep the party going while traveling.

For a cheaper Bluetooth option, consider the Sennheiser GSP 670 and for the ultimate portability, the Asus ROG Strix Go 2.4.