Best Gaming Headsets in 2022
Keeping all of the above factors in mind, we have selected the best gaming headsets, including both wired and wireless options for all different platforms at varying price-points. Our list includes premium options, as well as pocket-friendly ones, to help you find the best gaming headset at your budget. You can click on the link below to navigate to the headset of your choice.
Best Premium Gaming Headsets
Gaming headsets come in various designs and at numerous price-points. Here, we have picked the very best that you should consider if money is no object. If, however, you are on a budget, you can scroll down to check out more affordable options.
1. SteelSeries Arctis Pro (Wired and Wireless)
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro comes with surround sound and has premium hi-res speakers with high-density neodymium magnets that support a frequency range from 10 – 40,000 Hz for a high degree of realism and clarity. It also comes with dual-wireless connectivity for 2.4G lossless audio combined with Bluetooth support for mobile devices. The device also packs a ClearCast microphone for studio-quality voice clarity and background noise cancellation. Unfortunately, while the headphone supports all major gaming platforms, the microphone only supports PC and PS4/PS5, but not Xbox One/Series X|S.
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro is on the pricier side, but it’s one of the best gaming headsets that money can buy. The wireless version is significantly more expensive than the wired model, but is well worth it if you’re looking for a top-notch audio experience and is willing to pay a premium for it. Do note that you can get the wired version at $249.99 with an optional GameDAC (digital to audio converter) that delivers high-resolution 96kHz 24-bit audio and offers a great audio experience whether you’re gaming or listening to music.
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5
2. SteelSeries Arctis 9X (Wireless)
If you love the SteelSeries quality and need something for your Xbox, we have just the headset you’re looking for. The SteelSeries Arctis 9X comes with integrated Xbox Wireless support and can be connected directly to your Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One just like a wireless controller. As a bonus, it is much cheaper than the Arctis Pro, costing just about $200.
Like its pricier counterpart, the 9X also supports Bluetooth connectivity to let you listen to music and take calls while gaming. It also comes with a Clearcast microphone with bidirectional design, the same used by aircraft carrier deck crews, for superior noise cancellation and enhanced voice clarity. It also comes with dual-wireless support and a claimed 20-hour battery life.
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
3. Logitech G933 Artemis Spectrum (Wireless)
The Logitech G933 Artemis Spectrum comes with advanced Pro-GTM audio drivers that deliver high-quality audio with 7.1 Dolby Surround or 7.1 DTS Headphone: X Surround Sound. It also comes with optional wired connectivity alongside 2.4GHz wireless for a lag-free audio experience. Logitech claims up to 12 hours of wireless battery life without lighting or 8 hours with default lighting.
The best part about the Logitech G933 Artemis Spectrum is its compatibility with multiple platforms. The headset is compatible with Windows PCs, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and macOS 10.10 and later. It also supports multiple concurrent audio connections, enabling users to plug-in up to three devices (1 USB and 2 analog) to answer calls and play music while gaming. It also comes with customizable RGB lighting and 3 programmable G-keys to assign macros for complex game commands.
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
4. Razer Nari Ultimate (Wireless)
The Razer Nari Ultimate is the multi-platform version of the company’s successful offering for the Xbox One. It comes with THX Spatial 7.1 surround sound and Hypersense Haptic Feedback for in-game immersion and positional accuracy. It also has an auto-adjust headband, Chroma RGB lighting and a retractable mic with custom audio tuning. The Razer Nari Ultimate comes with 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, which ensures lag-free, high-fidelity gaming audio with a range of up to 12 meters smoothly without disconnection.
The headset also advertises multi-platform compatibility, including PC, PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. However, it can only connect wirelessly to the PS4 and PCs, but needs a 3.5mm cable to connect to Xbox One. The headset also has an Xbox-specific model that works with the Xbox One and PCs, so you might opt for that model if you’re an Xbox gamer.
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
5. Alienware AW988
The AW988 is one of the best gaming headsets Alienware has on offer. It comes with AlienFX RGB lighting which means you get 16.8 million colours to choose from, and two zones where you can customise these lights. Plus, you can set the lights to change according to things happening within games. The AW 988 also comes with Alienware 7.1 surround sound technology, which should result in better positional accuracy and awareness — an important aspect of most FPS games.
The headphones come with a uni-directional, noise-cancelling mic, so team comms will be crystal clear as well. Apart from all of that, the AW 988 is built out of lightweight and durable materials, and the ear-cushions are also made with breathable materials so your ears don’t get warm during long gaming sessions.
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Smartphones
6. Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT
The Virtuoso RGB XT from Corsair is a premium wireless gaming headset that might be expensive, but offers a lot of useful features and a convincing spec-sheet as well. The headphones have a range of up to 60 feet, and a 15 hour battery life. Moreover, they support Qualcomm aptX for a better listening experience. The headphones come with 50mm drivers and a frequency response of 20Hz to 40,000Hz.
The earcups are made of memory foam and the body of the headphones is made out of lightweight aluminium. The headphones also come with a 9.5mm broadcast grade, omnidirectional, high bandwidth, detachable microphone for clear team communications.
Platforms: PC, Mac, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5
Best Mainstream Gaming Headsets
While the headsets above offer the very best in gaming audio, they also come with hefty price-tags. If you’re ready to sacrifice some of the bells and whistles of those devices, you might be able to pickup a solid, high-quality gaming headset for much less. The ones mentioned below give you the best balance between features and pricing.
1. Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (Wired and Wireless)
Probably one of the best options for multi-platform connectivity at a decent price-point, the Razer BlackShark V2/ V2 Pro comes with Triforce Titanium 50mm High-End Sound Drivers divided into 3 parts for individual tuning of the highs, mids and lows. It also comes with THX 7.1 Surround Sound for in-game immersion with accurate spatial audio information and directional cues. The headset offers 2.4GHz wireless connectivity and Advanced Passive Noise Cancellation for greater sound isolation.
The BlackShark V2 incorporates a detachable 9.9mm Hyperclear Cardioid Mic for a more focused voice pickup area, and offers advanced voice tweaking options via Razer Synapse 3. Finally, the headset also comes with cooling gel-infused cushions that prevent overheating and pressure build-up for enhanced comfort. The V2 Pro is available in both wired and wireless options, and the latter also comes with a 3.5mm socket for wired connectivity.
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
2. Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 (Wireless)
The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 is available in two variants – one for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, and another, for PS5 and PS4. Both versions are also compatible Windows 10 PCs. They also offer Bluetooth connectivity that enables users to simultaneously take mobile calls or listen to music while gaming. Both versions come with 50mm nanoclear speakers that provide realistic sound imaging for an immersive gaming experience.
The Gen 2 model also comes with a redesigned flip-to-mute mic that seamlessly conceals into the housing when muted, and a larger, high-sensitivity mic that provides clear audio while chatting. The device comes with a promised 20-hour battery life for long gaming sessions and a metal-reinforced headband for enhanced durability. There’s also the Aerofit cooling gel-infused memory foam ear cushions for better comfort.
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
3. SteelSeries Arctis 7 (Wireless)
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 combines the proven Arctis 2.4G ultra-low latency wireless audio with 24-hour battery life and tons of premium features. It comes with the signature Arctis soundscape that emphasizes subtle, critical sounds to give you an advantage in competitive gaming at a relatively affordable price-point. It comes with lossless wireless audio, a premium steel headband, on ear game/chat audio balance and DTS headphone: X v2.0 7.1 surround.
Another selling point for the Arctis 7 is its multi-platform compatibility. It supports wireless connectivity with PC, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch/Switch Lite, but can also be connected to Xbox One via a 3.5mm AUX cable. The headset also comes with fabric AirWeave ear cushions to keep your ears cool and dry, while the elastic fabric perfectly contours across your entire head, distributing the weight and eliminating pressure points for maximum comfort.
Platforms: PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch
4. Logitech G Pro X (Wired)
The Logitech G Pro X comes with advanced PRO-G 50mm drivers that produces crystal clear environmental cues with precise sound imaging and improved bass. The digital signal processing also delivers clean sound for in-game audio and voice chat. It also features 7.1 surround sound for amazingly clear sound imaging.
Designed for PC gamers, the Pro X also comes with a detachable 6mm Blue VO!CE mic that offers real-time voice tuning for richer and clearer sound with advanced noise reduction, compression, de-esser and more. In terms of comfort, the soft memory foam padded leatherette or velour earcups ensure painless gaming sessions, while the steel + aluminum construction ensures long-term durability.
Platforms: PC
Best Budget Gaming Headsets
For folks who are looking for even more affordable headsets, we have listed the following devices which will offer you a solid gaming experience without breaking the bank. They strike a decent balance between price and performance if you’re unwilling to compromise on sound quality even at a lower price-point.
1. Razer Nari (Wireless)
Although it is getting a little long in the tooth, the Razer Nari Wireless is still one of the best options for PC and PlayStation gamers looking for the best gaming headset at a sub-$100 price-point. Like other Razer headsets, the Nari Wireless also offers THX Spatial Audio that simulates sound in a 360-degree sphere to provide positional information from gunfire and enemy footsteps. It also comes with a noise-cancelling microphone that extends when needed and collapses when it’s not.
The Razer Nari supports 2.4GHz wireless connectivity with a range of up to 40ft (12mts). It is built out of aluminum and has an auto-adjusting headband, as well as leatherette ear cushions for superior sound isolation and enhanced comfort. It also has a claimed 16-hour battery life on a single charge. Finally, the device comes with Razer Chroma RGB lighting that includes 16.8 million color combinations for ultimate personalization and gaming immersion.
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5
2. SteelSeries Arctis 1 (Wired and Wireless)
The wireless version of the StellSeries Arctis 1 features lossless 2. 4GHz wireless for ultra-low latency wireless connectivity on PC and PS4. It is also compatible with the Nintendo Switch and Android devices using an added USB-C dongle. The headset is powered by the same high-performance 40mm speaker drivers as the more expensive Arctis 7, making it one of the standout options at its price in terms of audio quality.
The Arctis 1 Wireless also comes with a detachable bidirectional ClearCast microphone with superior noise cancellation and natural-sounding clarity. The headset also has a Discord certification and offers a promised 20-hour battery life, so you never have to worry about running out of power irrespective of how long your gaming sessions are. The Arctis 1 comes in wired and wireless versions, so you can opt for either depending on your budget and requirement.
Platforms: PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch
3. Corsair VOID RGB Elite (Wired and Wireless)
The Corsair Void Elite comes with custom-tuned 50mm high-density neodymium Audio drivers. The expanded frequency range of 20hz-30,000Hz enables users to hear everything from the lightest footsteps to the loudest explosions. The headset is built out of durable aluminum yokes for durability and has breathable microfiber mesh fabric and plush memory foam earpads for enhanced comfort during long gaming sessions.
The Void Elite offers low-latency 2.4GHz wireless connectivity with the included USB adapter. The headset also has an omnidirectional microphone that picks up your voice with exceptional clarity with a flip-up mute function and a built-in LED mute indicator. Do note that the headset has a wired version that is a little cheaper and works with the Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch along with PC, PS4 and PS5. It, however, does not have the RGB lighting found on the wireless model.
Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
4. Razer Kraken X (Wired)
If you’re looking for the best all-purpose, all-platform gaming headset at a dirt-cheap price, look no further than the Razer Kraken X, which is compatible with PCs, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and mobile. The Kraken X is outfitted with custom-tuned 40mm drivers, capable of software-enabled 7.1 surround sound with positional audio, although, the feature is available only on PC. Its in-headset audio controls include an analog volume control wheel and mic mute switch for quick adjustments.
The Kraken X is Razer’s lightest Kraken headset that weighs only 250 grams, which offers greater comfort for longer durations. What’s more, it comes with plush memory foam cushions for enhanced comfort and better sound isolation. Finally, the Razer Kraken X comes with a bendable cardioid microphone that the company claims ensures that your voice is heard while rejecting moise from the sides and back of your mic.
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
5. HyperX Cloud Stinger
Another great budget gaming headphone you can buy is the HyperX Cloud Stinger, which is lightweight, and comes with memory foam earcups for maximum comfort. The earcups also feature a volume control slider to easily adjust the volume on-the-fly. The microphone on these headphones comes with noise cancellation so background noises won’t disturb your teammates in the heat of the battle.
This is a fairly straightforward and simple gaming headset, but it also comes in at a straightforward and simple price. So, if you’re looking for a gaming headset that comes in dirt cheap, you should definitely check this one out.
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
Choose The Best Gaming Headset for Your Budget
So these are our picks for the best gaming headsets across all price-points. We have picked both wired and wireless options at all price-points to give you a wide variety of devices to choose from. Also, don’t forget to check out our article on best noise cancelling headphones. They are must have accessories for travel. So which one are you looking to buy? Or are you considering another headset that we might not have included in our list? Let us know in the comments down below.
