The best gaming headsets for 2025

[ad_1] Generally, the very best gaming headset doesn’t must be a “gaming headset” in any respect. Whereas many individuals view these units as their very own area of interest, they’re in the end nonetheless headphones, simply with a growth mic and a few fancy branding hooked up. Whereas the overall high quality of devoted headsets has improved over time, they nonetheless are inclined to price extra in comparison with a very good pair of wired headphones (which, sure, nonetheless exist). If it's good to chat with pals, you'll be able to all the time purchase a microphone individually and get superior sound high quality there as properly.

That mentioned, we perceive that many individuals simply need the comfort of a headset with a mic constructed proper in. So after testing dozens of contenders over the previous couple of years, we’ve rounded up just a few commendable gaming headsets and headphones that work properly for gaming. As you’ll see, the 2 aren’t fairly the identical factor. Whichever manner you go, although, all of our picks ought to make your recreation time extra satisfying, regardless of which platform you utilize, and whether or not you play competitively or simply for enjoyable.

What to search for in good gaming headphones The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2. (Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget)

Evaluating headphones is a very subjective train, so calling one pair absolutely the “greatest” is one thing of a idiot’s errand. At a sure level, whether or not you are an audiophile or not, all the things turns into a matter of style. For many, a headphone with a large soundscape and powerful imaging efficiency — i.e., the flexibility to place sounds appropriately, so you'll be able to extra exactly inform the place footsteps and different recreation results are coming from — will present essentially the most immersive gaming expertise, the type that makes you're feeling like your head is inside a given scene.

For that, you need a high-quality pair of open-back headphones. That's to say, an over-ear pair whose ear cups don't utterly seal off the ear from air and outdoors noise. These are inherently horrible at isolating you from exterior sound and stopping others from listening to what you’re taking part in, so should you typically play video games in a loud atmosphere, their advantages will probably be blunted. However in a quiet room, the very best open-back pairs sound considerably wider and extra exact than extra widespread closed-back fashions.

Extra up for debate is how a very good gaming headphone ought to sound. In order for you one thing that’ll allow you to in aggressive multiplayer video games, it's possible you'll choose a headphone with a flatter sound signature, which'll hold a recreation’s combine from being overly boosted in a single path and is much less prone to masks the smaller particulars of what’s occurring round you. A barely brighter sound, one which pushes the higher frequencies a tad, may additionally work. Open-back headphones nearly by no means have big sub-bass, so that you not often have to fret about low-end sounds muddying up the remainder of the signature. On this gentle, the truth that an amazing quantity of gaming headsets are closed-back and bass-heavy appears counterintuitive.

Plenty of folks love bass, although. And should you do not actually care about aggressive play, some additional low-end can add a contact of pleasure to motion scenes or rousing soundtracks. You continue to don’t need a pair that reinforces the low-end too onerous — as many gaming headsets do — however the level is that what makes a pair “immersive” to at least one particular person might sound uninteresting to a different.

<img alt="" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none object-cover" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/e6oWKK3Y43N0HqR6V2nKYg--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-03/650c3c40-d95d-11ed-bfff-82863db635e7" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280" role="img"/> Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

The Beyerdynamic DT 900 Professional X ought to please most individuals keen to pay for a capital-N good pair of headphones for gaming functions. It localizes sounds precisely and delivers the form of spacious soundstage anticipated from a very good open-back mannequin. Bass is a bit more current right here than on many open-back headphones as properly. There nonetheless isn’t a lot in the best way of deep sub-bass, unsurprisingly, however there’s sufficient heat to provide stuff like explosions a bit extra juice with out muddying up the mids. Particulars within the midrange get essentially the most emphasis total, however they’re clear, and their forwardness isn’t a nasty factor if you’re attempting to pay attention for enemy gamers in a aggressive FPS like Counter-Strike 2 or Apex Legends. The treble isn’t pushed fairly as onerous, nevertheless it’s neither overly recessed nor harsh.

All of this helps the DT 900 Professional X sound detailed however not boring. It is the form of sound that performs good whether or not you’re attempting to win a multiplayer recreation or soak up a extra cinematic single-player story. And if you’re not gaming, you get an satisfying profile for music.

The entire thing is constructed properly, too. The DT 900 Professional X will clamp down barely more durable than common if in case you have a big head, nevertheless it balances its weight properly, and its splendidly comfortable velour earpads go a good distance towards maintaining the pair comfy over hours-long gaming periods. It comes with two removable cables, together with a three-meter choice that’s handy should you sit far out of your PC. It could’t fold up, although.

Like all open-back headphones, the DT 900 Professional X leak recreation audio and let in a lot of noise, so it’s not nice on the go. Clearly, should you can afford to improve to an ultra-premium pair like Sennheiser’s HD 800 S, you’ll get more room and true-to-life element. However for a comparatively attainable $250 to $300, the DT 900 Professional X ought to fulfill.

Professionals Immersive, detailed sound with pleasing bassWell-built with comfortable ear cushions Cons Leaks and allows outdoors noise, by designLacking in deep sub-bass, like most open-back headphones $250 at Amazon <img alt="" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none object-cover" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/h2imxHWeABgHjkcbVQyYmw--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-03/4f3526b0-d95e-11ed-afea-e759257152e4" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280" role="img"/> Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

In case you’d reasonably not spend as a lot, the Sennheiser HD 560S is one other glorious open-back headphone that’s typically out there for lower than $200. Just like the DT 900 Professional X, it has a large soundstage that makes it simpler to really feel immersed in a given recreation. Its signature is barely extra impartial on the entire, so that you gained’t really feel such as you’re lacking any a part of what's occurring, and it retrieves a stunning quantity of treble and midrange element. There's much less bass energy for explosions, although. And the treble, whereas extra current right here than on Beyerdynamic's pair, can sound piercing at occasions. Imaging isn’t fairly as nuanced both, although it’s removed from poor.

The HD560S' design is lots comfy to put on for prolonged intervals. It doesn’t clamp down too onerous on these with massive heads (like yours actually), and its velour earpads hug the ears softly. The included cable is detachable, too. The plastic body doesn’t really feel as sturdy or premium because the DT 900 Professional X, nonetheless, so that you gained’t need to chuck it round haphazardly. It will not isolate a lot noise both, nor will it stop others from listening to what you are taking part in. However, the HD 560S is a pleasure, and a fantastic worth.

Professionals Impressively balanced soundComfortableGreat worth for individuals who prioritize audio high quality Cons Barely scorching in treble rangeLeaks and allows outdoors noise, by designDoesn't have the sturdiest construct high quality $229 at Amazon <img alt="" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none object-cover" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/QRs9WQJDtp2S82aKisLEdg--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-03/dadbe230-d95e-11ed-9f5b-2fb107f13deb" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280" role="img"/> Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

In case you can’t spend greater than $50, it’s nonetheless onerous to high the Koss KSC75. It prices $20, however judging purely on audio high quality, it’s higher than some headphones priced nearer to $100. This pair could be very clearly devoid of deep bass, so that you gained’t get that full-bodied oomph from in-game results. You additionally will not hear all of the intricate particulars you'd choose up with the pricier headphones above. Nevertheless it locates sounds precisely, and its open design delivers an actual sense of width. It’s an excellent worth for aggressive play.

The catch is that it’s constructed like a set of free airline headphones. The KSC75 has an odd clip-on design that's light-weight however gained’t be a cushty match for everybody. It definitely appears prefer it prices $20, although Koss backs it with a lifetime guarantee that basically allows you to get infinite replacements for $9 every. Even when the KSC75 are pushing 20 years previous, its comparatively balanced sound stays significantly well-suited for gaming.

Professionals One of the best-sounding headphones $20 can buyLightweight Cons Clip-on design positively not for everyoneFeels low cost, as a result of it's $20 at Adorama <img alt="" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none object-cover" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/jHawmqyRxKDCE6lEYgInxg--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-11/21c17df0-9b81-11ef-b7dc-dc7fa9c05372" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280" role="img"/> Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

In case you do need a devoted gaming headset with a built-in mic, we love the Turtle Seaside Atlas Air. It’s a little bit of a rarity: a wi-fi mannequin with an open-back design. It sounds a lot wider, airier and extra pure than the overwhelming majority of its friends consequently, creating the feeling that your recreation is occurring round you rather than feeling confined in your head. It’s additionally higher than most at positioning in-game results in the precise locations.

The Atlas Air has a largely flat audio profile by default, with a bounce within the treble that lends additional crispness to issues like cymbals. Like most open-back pairs, it’s pretty weak within the low-bass area, so gunfire and EDM lack the form of muscle you’d get with good closed-backs. The DT 900 Professional X nonetheless sounds extra dynamic, with extra element within the mids and stronger bass that makes footsteps and explosions extra intimate. That mentioned, the Atlas Air holds its personal surprisingly properly. It’s about as spacious, and what bass is right here doesn’t come off as blobby. It’s an easygoing pay attention, and the better sense of spatial consciousness supplied by its design makes an actual distinction whether or not you’re listening for enemies in Counter-Strike 2 or basking in an enormous boss battle in Remaining Fantasy XVI. Going from a pair like this to a conventional headset typically makes it sound like a bit of the world has been lopped off.

The Atlas Air can also be exceptionally comfy. Its ear cups are generously padded with gentle reminiscence foam and coated in a comfortable material materials; they offer loads of room for bigger ears to breathe, with out trapping an excessive amount of warmth. The suspension-style headband doesn’t enable a lot in the best way of guide changes, nevertheless it’s extraordinarily versatile, so these with particularly massive heads can nonetheless pop the headphones on with little battle. The design as an entire is light-weight at 0.66 kilos, and it’s light about clamping down on the perimeters of your head. Put all of it collectively and also you get a headset that’s a breeze to put on for hours at a time.

All of its controls — together with an enormous quantity dial that circles the left ear cup — are simply accessible past that. Our chief grievance is that the design is nearly fully plastic, so it doesn’t fairly really feel like a $180 gadget to the contact. It’s additionally form of… ugly, to be sincere. None of that could be a massive deal upon getting it on, nonetheless, and we haven’t observed any creaking or looseness to the body after a number of months of testing.

The Atlas Air’s removable growth mic is completely positive. You wouldn’t need to use it for podcasting, because it robs a very good chunk of bass out of your voice, however you’ll nonetheless come by clearly in a loud room, with no harsh sibilance to “ess” sounds. The mic itself is sufficiently versatile, and also you merely flip it as much as mute it, which is all the time handy.

The headset works with PC, PS5 or a docked Nintendo Swap by its USB dongle, plus it helps Bluetooth for cell units and the Swap's handheld mode. You may’t pipe by audio from two connections on the identical time, however you'll be able to at the least swap between the 2 pretty rapidly utilizing a button on the left ear cup. Whereas there’s no help for Xbox’s wi-fi protocol, you may also use the headset passively (i.e., with out counting on battery energy) with an included 3.5mm cable with its personal inline quantity dial. In case you’re an Xbox participant and don’t thoughts utilizing a cable, we’d nonetheless think about the Atlas Air our high suggestion. With out the wire, Turtle Seaside says the gadget can last as long as 50 hours, although we’ve been capable of squeeze one other 5 to 10 hours out at reasonable volumes. It’s removed from the longest-lasting pair we’ve examined, however this implies it might possible go for per week or two earlier than it wants a cost.

The principle trade-offs with the Atlas Air are the identical ones famous above: As a result of they’re open-back, they let in and leak tons of noise. In case you don’t play in a fairly quiet atmosphere, think about our subsequent choose. We additionally had a driver challenge that prevented us from connecting to PC upon first receiving the headset, however a software program replace rapidly mounted that and we haven’t had any hiccups or stutters since. Typically, Turtle Seaside’s Swarm II app is pretty simple, providing a customized EQ software, recreation/chat combine, mic settings and the like.

Professionals Extra open, pure and immersive sound than most gaming headsetsSupremely comfortableMultiple connection modesDecent flip-up mic Cons Leaks and allows outdoors noise, by designLacks deep sub-bass, like most open-back headphonesNot essentially the most premium or good-looking design $139 at Amazon <img alt="" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none object-cover" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/oqVuwPhKm4mZol1ssiwE6g--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-04/862ea660-d962-11ed-99fc-4311b52a899d" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280" role="img"/> Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

Enclosure: Closed-back | Driver: Planar magnetic | Frequency response: 10 - 50,000Hz | Mic: Sure, removable | Connectivity: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.3 (LDAC, LE Audio, LC3, LC3plus, AAC, SBC), 3.5mm, USB-C digital audio (elective), Xbox Wi-fi (elective) | Weight: 490g

In case you’re keen to pay additional for a premium gaming headset with a extra isolating closed-back design, get the Audeze Maxwell. At $299 for a PS5 mannequin or $329 for an Xbox mannequin, it’s not low cost, nevertheless it’s one of many few devoted gaming headsets we have used whose audio high quality holds up subsequent to the higher “regular” wi-fi headphones available on the market.

The Maxwell's default signature is sort of a extra refined model of the widespread “gaming headset” sound. Bass is impactful however well-controlled, whereas highs are crisp however not sharp. There is a bit of additional vitality within the upper-mids, nevertheless it's not overwhelming, and the headset's planar-magnetic drivers do properly to breed smaller intricacies all through. It nonetheless cannot present the immersive width and exact imaging of our open-back picks, the Atlas Air included, however the Maxwell sounds unusually textured, balanced and intimate in comparison with different wi-fi gaming headsets. Whereas it lacks the airiness of the Turtle Seaside headset, the punchier low-end makes issues like footsteps extra simply identifiable in video games. In case you don’t just like the out-of-the-box profile, Audeze’s app additionally contains quite a few tasteful EQ presets.

Alongside these traces, the Maxwell’s removable growth mic is a standout. It does an exceptional job of muting background noise, and whereas your voice will lose some air, it will sound clearer and fuller right here than on most wi-fi headsets we’ve examined.

The Maxwell could be very a lot on the cumbersome aspect, it leaks sound at greater volumes, and its metal headband makes use of an odd suspension mechanism that is successfully unattainable to regulate with out taking the headset off. Typically, although, its design feels substantial. The squishy, closely padded ear cups could make your ears really feel heat, however they hold the headset comfy and isolate a good quantity of out of doors noise. The important controls are constructed into the left earcup, and the gadget can join over Bluetooth or a 3.5mm cable along with a USB-C wi-fi dongle. You may even join to 2 units without delay, one over the dongle and one other over Bluetooth, although you'll be able to't stream audio from each sources concurrently. The headset additionally must be powered on so as to play music over a cable.

Audeze charges the Maxwell’s battery life at roughly 80 hours, which is nice and has typically held true in our testing. You will get a bit much less should you play at excessive volumes or use options like Bluetooth or sidetone closely, although.

Professionals Splendidly textured audio qualityGood mic performance80-hour battery life $299 at B&H Photograph <img alt="" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none object-cover" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/.b5G7hQKjK0c.ygqRsfApA--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-03/c658eaf0-d95f-11ed-bfef-bfa9867daed7" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280" role="img"/> Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

In case you’d choose to avoid wasting money and purchase a good wired gaming headset, think about the Astro A40 TR. It’s one other open-back pair that sounds extra spacious than most conventional gaming headsets and usually locates in-game results precisely. Its sound signature emphasizes the bass, which supplies explosions a easy and satisfying thump, nevertheless it doesn’t overdo the low-end the best way lots of its friends do.

The A40's audio high quality remains to be a step behind the DT 900 Professional X, HD 560S and Atlas Air, particularly for on-line shooters. Subsequent to these headphones, its veiled treble and pushed upper-bass/low-mids can blunt footsteps and different positive particulars. Its soundstage is narrower by comparability as properly. Nevertheless it's higher balanced than most gaming headsets, particularly these in its value vary. It does properly to envelop you in no matter's occurring onscreen.

Consolation shouldn’t be a difficulty, both. The A40 is on the bulkier aspect, however its weight is evenly distributed, and it doesn’t clamp down overly onerous. The fuzzy earpads are comfortable and breathable, whereas the ear cups are roomy sufficient to suit bigger ears. The headset has the standard open-back shortcomings, although, because it leaks a bunch of sound and blocks nearly zero outdoors noise. The mostly-plastic design appears “gamer-y" and lacks built-in quantity controls, too. No person would name it "premium." Nonetheless, it isn't flimsy.

The A40’s mic, in the meantime, is simply OK. It picks up background noises whilst you chat and makes voices sound considerably muffled. It’s serviceable, however you’d purchase the A40 for its sound high quality (and relative worth) first. The mic isn’t removable both, however you'll be able to simply flip it up and out of the best way.

The A40 has been round for a number of years now, however its value has come down from $150 to a extra cheap $130 in that point. Astro sells an elective DAC with additional controls for $130, however at that value we’d strongly advise shopping for one in every of our different picks as a substitute.

Professionals Extra spacious sound than most devoted gaming headsetsComfortableSolid worth Cons Mic efficiency is simply OKDesign is much from premiumTreble is underemphasized $100 at Amazon <img alt="" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none object-cover" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/qHwi_UbSAqRQ_4YfyIpMPw--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-03/ea2f9c70-d960-11ed-af6d-e7cbadca1ac8" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280" role="img"/> Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

You gained’t discover a good open-back gaming headset for lower than $50, so should you’re on a decent finances and wish a built-in mic, you’ll must compromise on sound high quality. With that in thoughts, the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 is a good purchase for $40 or so. It will get the consolation half proper, as its pleather ear cups don’t clamp down onerous and have sufficient comfortable padding the place it counts. Its mic makes voices sound comparatively clear and correct as properly. In reality, the mic is a transparent step up over the Astro A40's, although it isn't removable.

The Cloud Stinger 2 has a V-shaped sound signature, which is to say it exaggerates the bass and treble whereas recessing the mids. It’s not dangerous for what it's, and it’ll positively give motion scenes a heavy dose of growth. However the upper-bass is bumped to the purpose the place it could get tiring over time, and also you lose among the positive particulars you’d hear on our different picks. Since it is a low cost closed-back headset, the Cloud Stinger 2 doesn’t sound almost as huge because the pairs above, neither is it as nuanced about positioning sounds precisely. All of that makes it lower than superb for aggressive video games, although it might nonetheless sound “enjoyable” with many different titles.

Past that, the plastic design feels cheapish. Its cable isn’t detachable, and it doesn’t block a lot outdoors noise regardless of having a closed-back design. However, you must choose your battles on this value vary. The Cloud Stinger 2 is flawed, nevertheless it does sufficient properly to be a very good headset for sure budget-conscious consumers.

Professionals Sturdy valueComfortableSolid mic efficiency Cons Boomy sound is not idealFeels cheapishPoor noise isolation for a closed-back headset $40 at Amazon <img alt="" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none object-cover" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/nTLin3CamafXDShAKq30RA--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-01/681f2b10-bac9-11ee-adef-f368812adf4f" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280" role="img"/> Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

The Astro A50 X prices an eye-watering $380, so we are able to’t moderately advocate it to most individuals. Nevertheless, should you can abdomen the worth, it is a uniquely handy wi-fi headset for hardcore avid gamers who personal a PS5, Xbox Sequence X/S and gaming PC. That’s primarily resulting from its included charging dock, which serves as a unified A/V station for these three platforms. By chaining HDMI and USB cables from a PS5, Xbox and/or PC to the A50 X’s base station, you'll be able to join the headset to all three units concurrently. From there, you'll be able to swap to your lively machine simply by urgent a button on the precise earcup.

This can be a ache to arrange: As proven in Logitech’s 12-minute (!) video tutorial, connecting each consoles and a PC requires seven totally different cables, just a few of which aren’t within the field, plus some futzing round in every system’s menus. It’s not completely seamless as soon as all the things’s up and operating, both: We needed to manually change video alerts when switching from a PC to a console (although not when doing the inverse) and manually change our PC’s audio output after we needed to pay attention by desktop audio system. All of this requires you to maintain your gaming {hardware} in the identical space, too.

However for essentially the most half, the A50 X is essentially the most sensible wi-fi headset we’ve examined for multi-console setups. As an alternative of needing two headsets for Xbox and PS5/PC, or having to reconnect one headset every time you modify consoles, all you must do is take the A50 X off its dock, flip it on and choose the platform you need to use. A small LED show on the dock will present the lively connection, and the headset will routinely play the proper audio supply. With a PS5 and Xbox, it’ll routinely swap video. As long as you utilize HDMI 2.1 cables, the bottom station can pass-through 4K 120Hz HDR video to the 2 consoles, with help for VRR and ALLM. You can too join the A50 X to a Swap or cell gadget through Bluetooth — although it's good to be inside vary of the bottom station for that to work, and also you don’t get the identical fast-switching performance.

All these connectivity methods wouldn’t imply a lot if the A50 X was a shoddy headset, however fortunately, it’s not. It’s among the many better-sounding wi-fi headsets we’ve used; it’s not “$380 good,” nevertheless it’s dynamic, with wealthy, comparatively nuanced bass and a clear midrange. Explosions and gunshots have a very good crunch with out sounding overly thick, and it’s typically correct at finding footsteps and close by results. The Audeze Maxwell remains to be a degree above, nonetheless; the A50 X has a darker tilt by comparability, so it captures much less element within the treble vary and feels extra boxed-in. It can also’t match the broader, extra enveloping soundstage of our open-back picks. Nonetheless, most individuals will probably be proud of it, and you may customise its EQ curve to an extent by Logitech’s G Hub software program.

The A50 X’s design is sort of a nicer model of the A40. It’s largely plastic, nevertheless it feels sturdy. The fuzzy, fabric-covered foam on its earpads and headband is comfortable and breathable, and whereas the headset isn’t tremendous gentle at 0.8 kilos, it distributes its weight in a manner that feels comfy but safe. You can too alter your game-to-chat audio combine proper from an earcup. It doesn’t isolate outdoors noise very properly, although, and its growth mic is completely hooked up. Its battery life is mediocre as properly — Astro charges it at as much as 24 hours at reasonable volumes — however because the headset is designed to sit down on its dock when it’s not in use, that is not a severe challenge. The mic, in the meantime, is among the highest we’ve used any gaming headset, wired or wi-fi. Voices sound cleaner and extra pure than they do with the Maxwell, and background noise is essentially saved in examine.

Professionals Closest factor to a very common wi-fi gaming headsetExcellent mic performanceGood audio high quality Cons Wildly expensiveRequires a ton of cables to totally set upNo analog audio help $380 at Logitech Different gaming headsets we examined The PlayStation Pulse Elite. (Jeff Dunn for Engadget)

Notice: This can be a choice of noteworthy gaming headsets and headphones we’ve put by their paces, not a complete checklist of all the things we’ve ever tried.

PlayStation Pulse Elite (and Pulse Discover) The PlayStation Pulse Elite is an inexpensive various to the Turtle Seaside Atlas Air for PS5 house owners, because it lets you change quantity, swap between totally different EQ presets, alter the game-to-chat combine and mute the mic proper from the console’s native UI. It’s just like the best way AirPods combine with iPhones. This pair additionally allows you to hook up with a second gadget over Bluetooth on the identical time, and the planar magnetic drivers — a rarity for $150 headphones — do a good job of reproducing smaller particulars. The sound profile as an entire is narrower and extra uneven within the bass and treble than the Atlas Air, nonetheless, whereas the all-plastic design is comfy however flimsy-feeling. It additionally doesn’t do a lot to dam outdoors noise, regardless of being closed-back, and the management buttons are awkward to succeed in.

We additionally examined the in-ear model of those headphones, the PlayStation Pulse Discover, however discovered it too uncomfortable to put on over prolonged periods. That one is restricted to roughly 5 hours of battery life, too.

Astro A50 (Gen 5) The Astro A50 (Gen 5) is successfully the identical headset because the A50X, simply with none HDMI ports on its base station. It prices $80 much less, so it’s a worthy various to the Audeze Maxwell should you primarily play on one platform and need a superior microphone. However the capability to routinely swap between consoles is the factor that makes the A50X price shopping for within the first place, in order that comfort remains to be price paying for should you recreation on a number of units.

The Corsair Virtuoso Professional. (Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget)

Corsair Virtuoso Professional The $200 Corsair Virtuoso Professional is one other one of many few devoted gaming headsets with an open-back design. It has a comparatively darkish sound with largely underemphasized treble and elevated upper-bass, although the highs are clearer right here than they're on the Astro A40, and it nonetheless delivers a wider soundstage than most gaming headsets. We most well-liked this signature over Astro’s pair with some video games, although in others it felt much less balanced. The Virtuoso Professional’s mic is decidedly much less muffled than the A40’s however nonetheless sounds pretty skinny, so it’s merely respectable in comparison with the broader headset market. Its headband adjustment mechanism feels low cost, too, and you may’t detach the mic with out swapping cables out fully. Its spherical, breathable ear cups and manageable weight do make it simple to put on, although, and it comes with a sturdy journey case for cover. In the end, it’s a good purchase, nevertheless it’s onerous to justify over the extra featured and easier-sounding Atlas Air.

HyperX Cloud Alpha Wi-fi The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wi-fi can final properly over 300 hours at reasonable volumes, which is exceptional and by far the very best of any wi-fi mannequin we’ve examined. It’s gentle and never too cosy on the top, and its highly effective bass lends an actual sense of pleasure to in-game motion. Nevertheless it blunts extra element than the Atlas Air, Maxwell and A50 X, and its mic isn’t pretty much as good. A number of customers have additionally reported latency points when utilizing the headset with HyperX’s Ngenuity software program, and there’s no Xbox, Bluetooth or wired audio help. Nonetheless, if battery life is paramount, you could possibly look previous all of that.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wi-fi. (Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget)

Logitech G Professional X 2 Lightspeed If the Audeze Maxwell is out of inventory, the Logitech G Professional X 2 Lightspeed is one other high quality wi-fi headset price contemplating. It sounds higher than the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wi-fi, with satisfying however extra managed bass and extra correct mids, and it’s lighter on the top than the Maxwell. Logitech charges its battery life at 50 hours, however we discovered it to final for much longer at reasonable volumes. Nevertheless, just like the Astro A50 X, a dip within the treble makes it sound darker and extra veiled than the Maxwell, and it doesn’t have any HDMI-switching methods to fall again on. Its mic additionally sounds much less pure than these of the Maxwell, A50 X and Cloud Alpha Wi-fi. Plus, whereas it might join over a USB dongle, Bluetooth or a 3.5mm cable, it might’t pair to 2 units without delay like Audeze’s and Astro’s pairs. Our largest challenge is the worth: Worth-wise, it’s in one thing of a no man’s land at its MSRP of $250. It’s a positive selection if it dips beneath $200, although.

Razer BlackShark V2 Professional The wi-fi Razer BlackShark V2 Professional is tremendously comfy and has a very good mic, however its boomy sound is much less refined and detailed than the Audeze Maxwell. As a closed-back headset, it additionally lacks the width of the Atlas Air. There’s no help for wired audio both.

Logitech G535 Lightspeed The Logitech G535 is an impressively gentle (0.52 kilos) and cozy wi-fi headset that’s typically out there for $100 or much less. It has a comparatively impartial sound signature: not flat, however not beholden to massive, thumping bass. It could make particulars within the mids sound skinny, and if something it might use slightly extra sub-bass, nevertheless it’s an agreeable pay attention total. Nevertheless, its mic is not particularly full, and its 35-or-so-hour battery life is a major drop from our high suggestions. It doesn’t work with Xbox’s wi-fi protocol or Bluetooth both, and it forces you to crank the amount to succeed in a listenable degree. However should you don’t need to spend a ton on a wi-fi headset, it’s a positive worth.

The Logitech G535 Lightspeed. (Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget)

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Xbox house owners who need a extra inexpensive wi-fi headset than the Audeze Maxwell might do worse than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X. It’s one other bass-forward pair, and its mic is similar to that of the Cloud Alpha Wi-fi. It gives a number of connectivity choices, together with Bluetooth and a 3.5mm cable. Whereas it is marketed for Xbox, it might additionally hook up with PCs and PS5s. Its 30-ish-hour battery life is properly wanting the Maxwell and Cloud Alpha Wi-fi, nonetheless, and its uneven treble may cause issues like in-game dialogue to sound masked in sure titles.

HyperX Cloud Alpha The wired HyperX Cloud Alpha typically goes for $80 or much less, and at that value it’s a good center floor between the Cloud Stinger 2 and Astro A40 should you actually need a closed-back gaming headset. It’s previous, however its plush earpads and headband are comfortable, and its removable mic, whereas not excellent, remains to be higher than the one on the A40. Its treble is underemphasized, nonetheless, and once more it sounds extra “in your head” than Astro's pair.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Professional The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Professional is comfy and has a noticeably clearer mic than the Astro A40. It additionally comes with a helpful DAC that makes it simple to regulate the headset’s EQ and game-to-chat combine on the fly. Nevertheless, its closed-back design can’t present the identical enveloping sense of width, and its default sound can sound piercing within the treble. Just like the Virtuoso Professional, it’s additionally a bit too dear, sometimes hovering within the $200 to $220 vary.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Professional Wi-fi The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Professional Wi-fi is essentially just like its wired counterpart however provides a satisfactory degree of lively noise cancellation. Having the ability to hot-swap battery packs and hook up with a number of units without delay can also be good. It’s not as handy for multi-console play because the Astro A50 X, although, and it often prices greater than the Audeze Maxwell, which sounds higher, has a superior mic and lasts longer on a cost.

<img class="caas-img caas-lazy has-preview has-width" alt="The Beyerdynamic MMX 200 and HyperX Cloud III Wireless gaming headsets lay on their sides on top of a brown wooden table." src="https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/iyn1tSjALhVM7vIYpoj.4w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU3Ng--/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-01/128d3160-bac9-11ee-a9f3-0f77afcdd31a" height="576" width="960"/> The Beyerdynamic MMX 200 (left) and HyperX Cloud III Wi-fi (proper). (Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget)

Beyerdynamic MMX 200 The wi-fi Beyerdynamic MMX 200 locates in-game results precisely, feels sturdy and has a fantastic growth mic, nevertheless it sounds much less articulate than the Audeze Maxwell, with closely exaggerated bass and recessed lower-mids. There isn't any game-to-chat combine or customized EQ instruments, which is hard for a $250 headset, and its 35-hour battery life is unremarkable. We additionally discovered its sweat-inducing ear cushions and headband to clamp down too tight for consolation. Nevertheless, the built-in transparency mode is sweet and the tight match does a very good job of isolating outdoors noise.

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Professional There’s nothing significantly dangerous in regards to the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Professional: It makes use of the identical drivers because the DT 900 Professional X, its velour earpads are comfortable and its mic works properly. It’s simply onerous to advocate spending $300 on a wired-only headset when the Audeze Maxwell gives wi-fi performance and equally glorious sound — with barely much less spiky treble and extra even bass — for a similar value. The MMX 300 Professional’s mic isn’t removable both, and the closed-back design retains it from sounding as huge because the DT 900 Professional X.

HyperX Cloud III Wi-fi The HyperX Cloud III Wi-fi is comfortable and might last as long as 120 hours per cost however sounds much less dynamic than the older Cloud Alpha Wi-fi, with weaker bass response. Like that pair, it additionally lacks a 3.5mm jack, Bluetooth audio help and Xbox compatibility. The Cloud Alpha Wi-fi nonetheless will get almost thrice the battery life, too, so it stays a greater purchase if you'd like a wi-fi headset for PC or PS5 within the $150 vary.

Sennheiser HD 490 Professional The Sennheiser HD 490 Professional are studio-focused open-back headphones that additionally work properly for gaming. They arrive with two units of ear pads, one which barely elevates the bass and one other that bumps the midrange, although they ship spectacular width and element both manner with out pushing too onerous in a single path. They’re a pleasure to put on over lengthy stretches, each lighter than the DT 900 Professional X and fewer stiff than the HD 560S. That mentioned, they price $400 and their sound profile is extra of a pleasant various to our high picks than one thing clearly extra pure or resolving. Most individuals don’t have to pay the premium.

Current updates January 2025: We’ve seemed over this information to make sure our picks are nonetheless correct and added notes on just a few extra headsets we’ve not too long ago examined, together with the PlayStation Pulse Elite, Astro A50 (Gen 5) and Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Professional.

November 2024: We have up to date this information with a brand new suggestion for the very best devoted gaming headset, the Turtle Seaside Atlas Air, and reorganized our picks accordingly. We have additionally added notes on different gaming-friendly headphones we have examined, together with the Sennheiser HD 490 Professional and Razer BlackShark V2 Professional, and eliminated a few write-ups on headsets which can be now not out there.