The 5 best gaming headsets in 2023

Pros: Active noise-cancellation, wireless cross-compatibility (Xbox, PlayStation, PC, and Switch), retractable microphone, multi-system connect, wireless transmitter also includes 3.5mm ports 

Cons: Battery packs must be swapped out for more frequent charging compared to other headsets

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless delivers nearly everything a buyer could want out of a high-end gaming headset. With great sound quality, multi-platform wireless support, noise cancellation, a retractable mic, replaceable battery packs, and a comfortable fit, it simply checks every box we have.

The Nova Pro Wireless provides excellent audio performance that's further enhanced by ANC (Active Noise Cancellation), which minimizes background sounds. It also has a transparency option to make voices easier to hear.

You get comprehensive support for 3D audio formats as well, with a DTS:X license on Windows, full compatibility with PlayStation 5's Tempest 3D spatial audio, and Windows Sonic support on Xbox and PC. SteelSeries offers its own audio software suite, Sonar, which lets you balance and customize the headset's EQ and surround sound features.

The headset fits comfortably during long gaming sessions and is easy to adjust and store. The retractable microphone is flexible and a welcome perk compared to other headsets that opt for fully removable mics or a basic design that folds behind the ear.

The wireless transmitter offers a full set of controls and a small OLED display to let you adjust everything from volume and audio sources to EQ. It also doubles as a charger for the headset's batteries; Arctis Nova Pro Wireless comes with two batteries that last about 20 hours each. Batteries are easily swapped and the transmitter displays a charge level for both the battery in-use and the one that's charging.

Bluetooth is also supported in addition to 2.4GHz so you can use the headset to connect to a smartphone or other component while still listening to game audio. The wireless transmitter has 3.5mm ports too, making it easy to connect to other audio devices.

Arctis Nova Pro Wireless has separate versions targeted toward Xbox or PlayStation consoles, but the model with Xbox wireless support also works wirelessly with PlayStation systems, so we recommend buying that edition to get full multi-platform capabilities.

Pros: Retractable microphone, Bluetooth and 2.4GHz audio connection, midrange price

Cons: 40-hour battery life isn't quite as long as some similarly priced headsets, no wired connection option

SteelSeries' Arctis Nova 7 is an excellent gaming headset, especially if you're looking for a midrange wireless model to pair with a PS5. It boasts many of the same benefits that the Nova Pro Wireless has but costs a lot less. The version we're recommending uses a wireless dongle to connect to PlayStation, Switch, or PC, but there's a slightly more expensive edition that connects to Xbox as well.

Lasting 35 to 40 hours on a single charge, Nova 7 offers similar battery life to the Pro Wireless model, without needing to swap battery packs during use. Unfortunately, unlike the Pro Wireless there's no way to use the Nova 7 in wired mode if your battery runs dead.

In terms of fit, the Nova 7 feels flexible and sturdy thanks to its dual headbands. The nylon used to cover the ear cups doesn't have the same impressive finish as the Nova Pro Wireless, but the material does feel more breathable.

The headset's retractable mic is completely hidden when not in use, and Nova 7 adds built-in controls for balancing game and chat audio along with standard volume, microphone mute, and Bluetooth commands. It also has two removable ear plates that can be swapped out for customizable colors like pink, white, or purple, though you'll need to buy the replacements separately.

All versions of Arctis Nova 7 include 2.4GHz and Bluetooth support so you can listen to your phone or computer while connected to a console. The wireless dongle uses USB-C, which makes it easy to connect to the PlayStation 5, an undocked Switch, or a laptop, but you'll need the included USB-C to USB-A extension to use it on a PS4 or the Switch dock.

If you're willing to shell out the extra money, the more expensive Arcis Nova Pro Wireless is a better headset for wireless multiplatform use, but the Nova 7 is a good choice for PS5 users that want to save a bit and don't need Xbox support. Buyers who want to spend even less and want a headset that specifically matches the PS5's design, you should also consider the Pulse 3D Wireless Headset, though we think the Nova 7 delivers better performance.

Pros: Connects directly to Xbox consoles without a dongle, great pricing, customizable lighting, Bluetooth connection

Cons: No option for wired input, turning the headset on for Bluetooth will also turn on connected Xbox devices

The Razer Kaira Pro is a quality midrange gaming headset that has the added convenience of being able to connect wirelessly to Xbox consoles without a dongle or transmitter. Kaira Pro for Xbox is available for as low as $85 on Amazon, giving it tremendous value compared to other midrange headsets and premium options.

Along with sporting Xbox and Razer's shared black-and-green color scheme, the Kaira Pro has a light, sturdy build. The headband uses metal and has slotted notches to help you find an ideal fit, and the foam covering the ear cups feels lighter and more breathable than many of the other headsets we tested.

The microphone is flexible and can be removed; on-board controls include dials for volume and game/chat mix, as well as buttons for Bluetooth and wireless sync, power, and a mute switch. In terms of sound and recording quality, the Kaira Pro has comparable performance to other midrange headsets, but it's a bit more bass heavy than the competition.

Kaira Pro features Razer's signature RGB lighting in the form of two logos on the earcups. The lights can be customized with the Razer Audio app on Xbox to cycle between static colors or a full spectrum. Kaira Pro also has Bluetooth for pairing with a phone, PC, or another secondary device along with your Xbox.

In terms of drawbacks, the Kaira Pro doesn't have an option for wired connection at all, so you can't plug it into your controller via 3.5mm to save battery. The foam on the ear cups is also slightly more prone to collecting dust and dirt than other headsets, but they're easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Though a great option overall, I did encounter some slight issues when trying to use the Kaira Pro in Bluetooth mode. Turning the headset on for Bluetooth listening will also automatically power on your Xbox wirelessly, which could be annoying for some users.

Pros: Great entry-level price with multi-source playback via Bluetooth

Cons: No wired input, not compatible with Xbox

Wyze's first wireless gaming headset offers lots of features for just $60, making it a great choice for casual gamers who want a wireless headset that covers a wide range of basic needs.

The advertised 20-hour battery life lasted more than 30 hours in our testing, and the Wyze gaming headset's wireless connectivity matches the competition in range and consistency. The 50mm drivers deliver solid sound quality, though it doesn't stand out compared to headsets with better noise isolation and built-in surround features.

The option for a simultaneous Bluetooth connection in tandem with 2.4GHz is a somewhat rare feature at this price point, making the Wyze an impressive budget pick for gamers who plan to use their headset for work or other multi-tasking activities. Unfortunately, the Wyze gaming headset doesn't support an Xbox wireless signal, and with no 3.5mm headphone input, there's no way at all to connect it to an Xbox console.

The boom mic is flexible and can be removed, unlike many other budget headsets that opt for a stiff mic that swivels away from your face but can't be detached. Perhaps the only giveaway of the Wyze's budget build is the faux leather material on the ear cups and headband, which feel a bit cheap to the touch. As someone with a large head of hair, I found myself concerned that the band could snap from being stretched, but so far the headset has held up through dozens of hours of use.

Pros: Quality sound and stable performance for a low price, multiple color options

Cons: Plastic shell can make the headset feel a bit bulky

The Turtle Beach Recon 70 is a no-frills but very capable gaming headset, connecting to Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and computers solely through a 3.5mm audio cable. The 40mm drivers deliver solid sound quality with the level of bass you'd expect from a gaming headset, while the microphone quality will satisfy basic in-game chat needs.

The Recon 70 incorporates large plastic panels over its ear cups, and while the design isn't exactly sleek, it does come in eight different colors, ranging from solid white, black, or red designs to blue and green camouflage patterns. The plastic build makes the Recon 70 feel light compared to other headsets, but it also feels less sturdy.

Specifically, the plastic headband makes the Recon 70 feel more likely to break than higher end headsets with flexible fitting, but it should be fine if you're not taking it on the go. Similarly, the fact that the plastic microphone cannot be removed or adjusted left to right makes the Recon 70 less travel friendly. However, it's nice that the microphone automatically mutes when flipped up away from your face, especially since the headset only has a volume knob for external control.

Though the Recon 70's 3.5mm connection works well, PC gamers should keep in mind that they could get slightly more utility from a USB wired headset, which can offer more settings when connected to a computer.

To select the best gaming headsets we evaluated all of our contenders in several key areas, including audio performance, build quality, features and connectivity, and value. Here's how we test each category.

Audio performance: Testing a headset's audio performance requires an examination of both sound playback quality and microphone recording quality. We use the headset to play a variety of games on all compatible platforms, including PCs and PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch consoles. Sound is judged based on its clarity and balance, with software support like virtual surround sound being taken into account as well.

Microphone testing is done with both in-game voice chat, third-party chat apps like Discord and Zoom, and separate recordings to determine how clearly the user's voice is communicated and how well the microphone filters out background noise.

Build quality: Judging build quality can be somewhat subjective, as different headsets can feel more or less comfortable depending on the person wearing them. Our evaluations focus on the materials used, whether the headset feels prone to breaking, and whether it fits comfortably during extended gaming sessions that last two hours or more. Other factors are also taken into account, like how easy the headset is to store, whether the microphone can be removed or retracted, and the overall design aesthetic.

Features and connectivity: Most headsets are easy to set up and use, but we take additional time to explore the features and connection types offered by each device. Connectivity includes tests for the wireless range and latency, as well as tests for compatibility on all applicable platforms. Features like active-noise cancellation and multi-source connection are tested as well.

This category also calls for testing of any additional software that may be required to make full use of the headset, whether it's virtual surround sound software, an EQ app, or a program to customize the headset's lighting.

Value: While it's possible to spend several hundred dollars on the best gaming headsets, we understand that not every gamer is prepared to make such a large investment in an accessory. We determine value by contrasting the price of a headset with the overall features and performance it provides. A headset that packs in more features at a lower price will ultimately be more valuable than a more expensive headset that prioritizes lighting or a unique design.

Are wired or wireless gaming headsets better?

The choice between a wired or wireless gaming headset mostly comes down to personal preference. In the past, wired headsets were preferred among competitive gamers because of potential delay with wireless headsets, but most modern headsets with 2.4 GHz wireless don't have perceivable lag.

Wired headsets are generally cheaper though, and the ability to plug them directly into an Xbox or PlayStation controller with a 3.5mm cable makes the range advantage of wireless headsets less noticeable. That said, we generally prefer wireless headsets for their comfort and ease of use, and the best gaming headsets have enough battery life to last multiple play sessions.

What's the difference between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless?

Most regular wireless headsets and earbuds connect via Bluetooth, but the best gaming headsets typically make use of a 2.4 GHz wireless signal to reduce latency or delay. In direct comparison, 2.4 GHz wireless generally provides more range and better sound quality than Bluetooth audio.

However, Bluetooth is compatible with more devices, so some gaming headsets include multi-source wireless so you can use both 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth simultaneously. Headsets with a 2.4 GHz wireless signal typically require a USB dongle to connect to a device, but the USB dongle provides a faster polling rate than Bluetooth, which doesn't require a dongle but has greater latency.

Xbox uses its own proprietary 2.4 GHz wireless signal, so gaming headsets licensed specifically for Xbox can sometimes connect without a dongle. PlayStation allows gamers to connect a Bluetooth headset to the console along with supporting 2.4 GHz wireless via USB.

What makes a gaming headset different from a regular headset?

The best gaming headsets make use of more powerful audio drivers and typically have better microphones than standard Bluetooth headsets. They also usually support 2.4 GHz wireless connections, which offer better range with less delay.

In terms of sound quality, gaming headsets typically provide extra bass for a booming, cinematic sound while playing, whereas standard headphones will generally offer a more balanced sound profile for listening to music and non-gaming tasks.

Some gaming headsets also implement surround sound drivers, though more brands are opting to build their headsets for virtual surround sound software, rather than building surround sound channels directly into devices.

How do gaming headsets handle surround sound?

Gaming surround sound can be achieved with two methods; either the headset includes multiple drivers to separate the audio channels for a surround effect, or virtual surround sound software is used to create virtual channels before sending it to the headset.

PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles and Windows computers all offer virtual surround sound, which has led most manufacturers to design their headsets without dedicated surround drivers and instead lean on virtual surround software. Several headsets include licenses for third-party virtual surround software, like DTS:X and Dolby Atmos, which could otherwise require a subscription fee to unlock on certain devices.