Best gaming headset in 2023

What is the best gaming headset? Audio now plays a greater role in gaming than it ever has before, so ensuring you have the best gaming headphones is crucial to your performance in online lobbies or making sure you can appreciate the subtler sounds in your single-player adventures.

After hours of testing, playing, and listening (you’re welcome) we’ve come up with this list of gaming headsets your money can buy. Whether you want an affordable option or a headset with the best battery and serious style, we’ve got you covered on a range of needs. Trust our expert advice to help you find the best gaming headset for your needs, from all the big brands including Razer, Corsair, Asus, and Sony.

Despite all the technological advancements, don’t need to break the bank to bag a brilliant gaming headset for your gaming PC. However, spending that little bit extra can open the door to extra features like simultaneous wireless connections, active noise-canceling, and virtual surround sound. We’ve got a separate guide dedicated to the best wireless gaming headset if you need to cut the wires, and if you’re looking to fill a room with sweet sounds, we’ve also tested the best computer speakers and soundbars that’ll make your desk rumble.

Here are the best gaming headsets today:

1. Razer BlackShark V2 Pro – best choice
2. Asus TUF Gaming H3 – best budget choice
3. HyperX Cloud 3 – great all-rounder
4. Corsair HS65 Wireless – best wireless option
5. Corsair HS65 Surround – best microphone
6. EPOS H6Pro – best open-back headset
7. Roccat Syn Max Air – best RGB headset
8. Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense – most immersive
9. Steelseries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless – best premium headset

1. Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)

The best gaming headset overall.

Razer Blackshark V2 specs:

Pros:

• Titanium 50mm drivers
• Stunning design
• High-band microphone is XLR quality

Cons

• The price is a little high

The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is a product that claims to do it all as a gaming headset, but actually delivers. First and foremost, the wideband microphone is a joy to use, and you’ll never have teammates complain about your voice quality ever again.

Razer has essentially put an XLR quality microphone in the BlackShark V2 Pro, crazy as that may sound. Our testing shows that it delivers on the advertised features and sets a whole new standard for gaming headset microphones.

Fear not, as the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro isn’t just a fancy mic and little else, it also brings the same quality audio that we’ve come to expect from Razer over the years. TriForce Titanium 50mm drivers bring the noise with crystal clear clarity and it maintains this even at higher volumes where disruption tends to occur.

Comfort is also king, as despite tipping the scales at 320g, Razer’s lightweight framing helps make the V2 Pro feel far lighter. A winner on all fronts, the only downside to the V2 Pro is the lack of a wired connection option.

Read our Razer BlackShark V2 Pro review for more.

2. ASUS TUF Gaming H3

The best budget gaming headset.

Asus TUF Gaming H3 specs:

Pros

• Comfortable
• Solid audio
• Tough

Cons

• Can’t remove the microphone

The Asus TUF Gaming H3 is a budget gaming headset gladiator that doesn’t compromise on quality, and it gets a hell of a lot right for under $50. Solid build, subtle good looks, and great audio quality help this particular pair of cans steal the budget crown, serving as proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune to upgrade your gaming PC setup.

Off the bat, the Asus TUF Gaming H3 looks a lot more expensive than it actually is, and its build quality will fool you into believing it does. Its flexible headband and solid construction provide the durability needed to withstand intense daily use, and our tests confirm it’s as hardy as the brand name implies.

Many budget options struggle to strike a balance in terms of audio fidelity, but the TUF Gaming H3 provides excellent clarity using Asus’ 50mm Essence drivers. You won’t have to deal with muddy bass spoiling your mids, and treble rings true while avoiding sounding tinny. In addition, it wields a superb microphone that surprised us while testing, providing levels of capture clarity we’d usually expect from a more expensive headset.

There aren’t many cheap headsets out there that hit as hard as the Asus TUF Gaming H3, and it deserves its spot at the gaming audio table. Sure, we’ve used various other headsets that boast fancy features, but even premium options should feel threatened by the H3’s $49.99 USD price tag.

Read our Asus TUF Gaming H3 review.

3. HyperX Cloud 3

The best mid-tier option.

HyperX Cloud 3 specs:

Pros:

• Brilliant all-rounder
• Great with games, good with music
• Not too pricey

Cons:

• Get uncomfortable in long sessions
• Bass profile could be better

If you aren’t looking for something that’s super fancy and expensive or something that’s really cheap, then we recommend the HyperX Cloud 3 – the baby bear choice, if you will. It’s a great headset that will serve you well, but it’s not quite up to the same standard as some of the more premium options on this list (most notably, with its bass profile).

It does look absolutely fantastic though, so it’s a good choice if you want to look stylish on streams – or just want to feel fabulous when gaming alone at home. It is a slightly heavier build though, so it can start to feel heavy if you like to play for hours and hours on end.

Games and music both sound great through it though and ultimately that’s the most important thing for a headset. It’s more expensive than our truly ‘budget’ choice above, but it’s still really cheap for a headset and a notable step up.

Read our HyperX Cloud 3 review.

4. Corsair HS65 Wireless

The best wireless gaming headset.

Corsair HS65 Wireless specs:

Pros

• Heaps of style
• 2.4GHz and Bluetooth
• Decent mic quality

Cons

• Mic isn’t detachable
• No 3.5mm

The Corsair HS65 Wireless feels like a familiar friend, as its wired sibling is also one of our favorite headsets. The latest edition to the company’s headset family embodies style, quality, and functionality, and manages to cut the cord without much compromise.

Both the wireless version and HS65 Surround have good looks on their side, with mesh detailing on the cups adding a fashionable flair. Pivoting cups mean you’ll also be able to comfortably wear the headset around your neck in between gaming sessions, and if the mic was detachable, we’d probably take it with us outside as an on-the-go audio solution.

Aesthetics aside, the HS65 Wireless boasts great fidelity and balanced audio that delivers on multiple fronts. Its 7.1 surround sound and spacial audio capabilities are present to enhance the best new PC games, but it’s going to bring an immersive level of audible delight to your entire Steam library using Corsair’s impressive 50mm drivers.

The HS65 Wireless is armed with both 2.4GHz low latency connectivity and Bluetooth, and the latter makes it, in our opinion, one of the best Steam Deck accessories. Whether you’re gaming on the go or on the couch, you’ll be able to stream sweet PC sounds to your ears for up to 24 hours on a full charge, while a quick 15-minute zap will provide you with six hours of playtime. Great battery life is just one of the reasons why Corsair’s cordless headset is our current favorite and deserves a spot at the best wireless gaming headset table.

Read our Corsair HS65 Wireless review.

5. Corsair HS65 Surround

The best headset mic for gaming.

Corsair HS65 Surround specs:

Pros:

• Comfortable to wear
• Great 7.1 surround sound

Cons:

• Ear pads don’t totally seal
• Can’t be used wirelessly

We already spilled the beans above about how much we like the Corsair HS65 Surround while highlighting its newer wireless counterpart. Yet, the original wired model has a few unique tricks up its sleeve, as it matches style and fidelity with exceptional mic quality.

Headsets understandably struggle to hold up against the best gaming microphone options, but the Corsair HS65 Surround offers incredible capture performance at a low price. This stylish pair of gaming cans boast levels of quality you’d expect from premium alternatives, and its sense of style proves you don’t need to clad all gaming gear in RGB and edgy aesthetics.

We’ve already covered the fact that the Corsair HS65 Surround is ridiculously stylish, and despite its $49.99 price tag, it looks almost exactly like the wireless version. It’s actually a bit of a trendsetter, as the latter model has its wired sibling to thank for its sense of fashion. It wears the same attractive metallic mesh design, and its pivoting cups provide the same level of wearable comfort.

We don’t find wires particularly offensive, and the HS65 Surround’s 3.5mm jack adds a pleasing element of versatility, facilitating compatibility with a variety of devices. You’ll have to use the included USB sound card to tap into the headset’s 7.1 surround sound capabilities, but if you’re looking for a pair of cans that’ll connect to the Steam Deck and the best PC controllers like the PS5 Dualsense, you’ll be able to do that without additional adapters.

Read the Corsair HS65 Surround review.

6. EPOS H6Pro

The best open-back headset is the EPOS H6Pro.

EPOS H6Pro specs:

Pros

• Open and closed-back options
• Incredible microphone quality
• Comfortable construction

Cons

• No surround sound
• Pricey

Open-back headset options are seemingly few and far between, but the EPOS H6Pro heroically brings the feature to the gaming fold. It’s a versatile heavy hitter that scratches a very specific fidelity itch, and the vented approach will appeal to budding high-end enthusiasts looking to introduce audiophile-grade peripherals to their gaming PC setup.

The H6Pro comes in both closed and open-back flavors, but we definitely prefer the latter model. Its ability to produce a natural soundstage sets it apart from ordinary headset options, while still ultimately catering to the gaming marker. Rich audio and a crystal clear mic accompany the H6Pro’s main party trick, and its fabric cups have things covered on the comfort front.

Thankfully, unlike other contenders on our list, the H6Pro mic is detachable, so you could actually use it like a pair of conventional headphones. It’s not quite as stylish as Corsair’s HS65 duo, but being able to remove its microphone is still a boon.

Read the EPOS H6Pro review.

7. Roccat Syn Max Air

The best RGB headset.

Roccat Syn Max Air specs:

Pros

• RGB lighting
• Audio quality and features
• Charging dock

Cons

• Price feels too high

We love some RGB, and the Roccat Syn Max Air implements this beautifully across not only the headset itself but also the handy magnetic charging dock.

Aesthetics aside, when we reviewed this headset, we found the comfort to be somewhat missing. If it happens to be the right fit for you, there is very little about the Syn Max Air that misses, beyond its microphone that is a little too sensitive to ambient sound.

Roccat gets its 50mm driver tech from parent company Turtle Beach, meaning there is an incredible level of quality on show here, including the addition of Superhuman Hearing, a must-have feature for shooters. 3D Audio is also in play, and offers the level of immersion to take all your gaming to the next level.

Read our Roccat Syn Max Air review for more.

8. Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense

The most immersive gaming headset.

Razer Kraken V3 Hypersense specs:

Pros

• Unique bass-driven haptic feedback
• Detailed audio
• Adjustable EQ levels with Razer Central

Cons

• Requires tinkering

The idea of a vibrating headset might sound gimmicky, but hear us out, as the Kraken V3 Hypersense more than justifies haptic accessories. In a way, Razer’s rumbly tech feels almost like a subwoofer, as it adds a sense of audio physicality to the device’s 7.1 surround sound capabilities. If you’re a fan of FPS experiences like Halo Infinite, then you’ll love Kraken V3 Hypersense’s dedication to immersion, as its haptics transform every gunshot and explosion into directional, tactical information.

Haptics aside, the Kraken V3 also is an exceptional headset in its own right. A mix of durable plastics, metals, and leatherette gives the V3 Hypersense a premium feel, while its detachable mic boasts clarity and efficient noise reduction.

Of course, if you’re a fan of colorful accessories, then you’ll be pleased to know that the Kraken V3 Hypersense is clad in Chroma RGB, and the company’s lighting tech looks better than ever.

Read the Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense review.

9. Steelseries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

The best premium gaming headset.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless specs:

Pros

• Incredible audio clarity
• AI-driven noise cancellation
• Swappable, rechargeable batteries
• Comfort levels are brilliant for long sessions

Cons

• Steelseries GG software is bloated

It’s not often that the only negative we have for a headset is the software you use with it, and in the case of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, it’s truly the only fault we could find after weeks of testing.

The price may turn away potential customers, but the reality is that the Nova Pro Wireless is worth it. If you want to improve your gaming experience, few headsets can compete. A big factor in this is the AI audio cancellation. Rather than being a feature you turn on and off, the Nova Pro Wireless is listening to your surroundings and making adjustments on the fly.

Simultaneous connection, 40mm drivers, 20-hour battery life, and a reasonable 336g weight all combine to create what we called “The total package” during our review. The final point in favor of the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is their customizability, as you can purchase booster packs for $34.99 to change the earcups and headband, a nice touch even if it comes with a cost.

Read our SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless review for more.

How we choose the best gaming headsets

There are a few factors we like to take into consideration when picking any products for our best-of lists. For gaming headsets, here are the primary factors we consider.

Price: Price is often a bigger factor than most people are willing to admit, and while there are certainly some premium options on this list, we’ve tried to keep it balanced. It isn’t always as straightforward as paying more to get better audio, and this is why we review headsets from a range of price points.

Audio quality: Whether it’s the audio drivers or frequency range, we like to test out multiple options to see how each headset makes the most of the hardware it’s built with. Typically a 50mm driver is going to be capable of more than its 40mm cousin, but if a brand fumbles with the implementation or build of a headset, this can sometimes not be the case. We judge every headset by its output, not what it says on the box.

Battery life: For wireless headsets, battery life is a big issue. It’s not always advertised that certain wireless connections will drain the battery quicker than others, while some headsets have the forethought to include removable batteries so you never have to stop and charge.

Comfort: Lastly, but potentially most importantly, we have to consider how comfortable each headset is to wear. We all have different shaped heads, so we apply our advice based on how we felt while testing but try to offer a broader option too.

Wired vs wireless gaming headsets

While things were different a few years ago, wireless models now have almost zero caveats compared to wired models. Thanks to super fast 2.4GHz wireless connections, latency is comparable to a wired connection, and improved batteries mean wireless models such as the Sennheiser GSP 370 can offer up to 100 hours of battery life.

Do gaming headsets have surround sound?

While headsets such as the Razer Thresher Ultimate offer native surround sound thanks to built-in Dolby Surround, it’s possible to get virtual surround sound on any headset on Windows 10. You just need to enter the sound tab under settings, before clicking “Device properties” under output and enabling “Spatial sound”.

Closed-back vs open-back gaming headsets

Open-back headsets feature a design that allows air to flow through the ear cups, resulting in a more natural soundstage. On the other hand, closed-back headphones are built with noise cancellation in mind, as both ear cups are completely sealed.

If you’d prefer to drown out the outside world while you game, you should probably opt for a closed-back headset. However, if you’re looking to maximize clarity and you’re playing in a quiet room, open-backed options like the EPOS H6Pro can elevate your gaming PC’s audio fidelity tenfold.