News about Best Gaming Headsets in 2025: Wired and Wireless

Choosing the perfect gaming headset can feel overwhelming. With so many options, finding the best fit for your needs requires careful consideration of several key factors: budget, sound quality, comfort, and desired features. This guide, informed by extensive hands-on testing, will help you navigate this landscape and find your ideal headset.

My colleagues and I have reviewed numerous headphones and gaming headsets, allowing us to pinpoint what truly makes a great headset. Each recommendation below balances overall performance with exceptional strengths in specific areas. We've included options for budget-conscious gamers (like the HyperX Cloud III) and high-end enthusiasts (like the Audeze Maxwell), along with headsets excelling in features like virtual surround sound, active noise cancellation, or customizable EQ profiles (such as the JBL Quantum One, Turtle Beach Stealth Pro, and Logitech G Pro X 2).

TL;DR: Top Gaming Headset Picks:

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

See it at Amazon
See it at Target

HyperX Cloud III

See it at Amazon

Audeze Maxwell

See it at Amazon

Turtle Beach Atlas Air

See it at Amazon

Turtle Beach Stealth 500

See it at Amazon

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro

See it at Amazon

Sennheiser HD 620S

See it at Amazon

JBL Quantum One

See it at Amazon

Logitech G Pro X 2

See it at Amazon

Turtle Beach Stealth Pro

See it at Amazon

Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed

See it at Amazon

This guide offers a comprehensive overview of top gaming headsets across various categories. While many excellent headsets exist beyond this list, these are all personally vetted based on rigorous testing by our team. We will continuously update this guide as new products are released and tested.

This guide includes contributions by Danielle Abraham and Adam Matthew.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Images

20 Images

1. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless - Best Gaming Headset

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

Multiple connectivity options (simultaneous listening on different devices), a hot-swappable battery, excellent sound, and hybrid active noise cancellation make this a top contender.

See it at Amazon
See it at Target

Product Specifications

Connectivity: 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth, wired
Drivers: 40mm Neodymium
Battery life: 18-22 hours (per battery)
Weight: 338g

PROS: Fully featured with ANC and base station; Swappable battery system; Fantastic sound quality.
CONS: ANC could be better.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless boasts fantastic sound quality, enhanced by its hybrid noise-canceling system and spatial audio. The hot-swappable battery is a game-changer for uninterrupted gameplay. Its sleek design and comfortable fit make it a pleasure to wear for extended periods.

6 Images

2. HyperX Cloud III - Best Budget Gaming Headset

HyperX Cloud III

A wired headset offering impressive sound and mic quality at a budget-friendly price point. Its durable build ensures long-lasting use.

See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

Connectivity: Wired (3.5mm), USB-A / USB-C
Drivers: 53mm Angles Drivers
Battery life: N/A
Weight: 318g

PROS: Extremely durable and flexible; Dense earpads for comfort; Great sound and mic quality.
CONS: May clamp a little too tight.

The HyperX Cloud III delivers exceptional value. Its robust build quality, comfortable earcups, and surprisingly clear microphone make it a strong contender for budget-minded gamers. The balanced audio profile handles various game genres well.

3. Audeze Maxwell - Best High-End Gaming Headset

Audeze Maxwell

A high-end wireless headset from a renowned headphone manufacturer, offering a top-notch audio experience with a sleek design.

See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

Connectivity: USB-A / USB-C, Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm wired
Drivers: 90mm planar magnetic
Battery life: 80+ hours
Weight: 490g

PROS: Top-notch audio; Sleek design.
CONS: Leans on the heavier side.

The Audeze Maxwell delivers exceptional audio fidelity thanks to its large planar magnetic drivers. While on the heavier side, its comfort and long battery life make it worthwhile for those seeking premium sound quality.

16 Images

4. Turtle Beach Atlas Air - Best Wireless Gaming Headset

Turtle Beach Atlas Air

An open-back wireless headset providing exceptional comfort and sound quality. Its lightweight design and long battery life make it ideal for extended gaming sessions.

See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

Connectivity: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, 3.5mm wired
Drivers: 40mm drivers
Battery life: 50 hours
Weight: 301g

PROS: Extremely comfortable; Open-back design elevates sound quality.
CONS: Mediocre microphone.

The Turtle Beach Atlas Air stands out with its open-back design, offering a spacious and immersive soundscape. Its lightweight build and comfortable fit ensure extended comfort during gameplay.

7 Images

5. Turtle Beach Stealth 500 - Best Budget Wireless Gaming Headset

Turtle Beach Stealth 500

A wireless headset offering great value with impressive sound quality for its price. Despite a bulky design, it remains comfortable for extended use.

See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

Connectivity: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.2
Drivers: 40mm drivers
Battery life: 40 hours
Weight: 235g

PROS: Durable and flexible build; Great sound quality for its price.
CONS: Bulky design with messy button layout.

The Turtle Beach Stealth 500 punches above its weight class, offering surprisingly good sound quality and a comfortable fit despite its bulkier design. Its long battery life makes it a compelling option for budget-conscious gamers.

6. Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro - Best Wired Gaming Headset

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro

A high-end wired headset delivering brilliant sound quality, top-notch comfort, and impressive microphone clarity.

See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

Connectivity: 3.5 wired
Drivers: 45mm "Stellar.45" drivers
Battery life: N/A
Weight: 314g

PROS: Brilliant sound quality; Top-notch comfort; Impressive mic quality.
CONS: Not a significant jump over predecessor.

The Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro provides studio-grade audio quality in a comfortable, wired gaming headset. Its exceptional microphone makes it ideal for streamers and content creators.

7. Sennheiser HD 620S - Best Audiophile Gaming Headset/Headphones

Sennheiser HD 620S

High-end gaming headphones from a prestigious manufacturer, offering premium build quality, amazing sound quality, and natural isolation.

See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

Connectivity: 3.5mm wired
Drivers: 42mm drivers
Battery life: N/A
Weight: 326g

PROS: Premium build quality and comfort; Amazing sound quality and natural isolation.
CONS: Purely analog headphones.

The Sennheiser HD 620S delivers a rich audio experience with excellent sound isolation and comfortable fit. Its detailed and balanced sound profile makes it a great choice for audiophiles.

8. JBL Quantum One - Best Surround Sound Gaming Headset

JBL Quantum One

A headset featuring active noise cancellation, multiple surround sound modes, and a high-resolution frequency response for immersive audio.

See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

Connectivity: 3.5mm or USB-A / USB-C wired
Drivers: 50mm Neodymium
Battery life: N/A
Weight: 369g

PROS: Proprietary surround sound tech; Robust sound experience.
CONS: Lacking mic clarity.

The JBL Quantum One offers a highly customizable surround sound experience with its multiple modes and precise drivers. Its active noise cancellation enhances immersion.

9. Logitech G Pro X 2 - Best Esports Gaming Headset

Logitech G Pro X 2

A comfortable headset with a crisp, customizable microphone, solid sound, and versatile connectivity options.

See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

Connectivity: 2.4GHz USB, Bluetooth, 3.5mm wired
Drivers: 50mm graphene
Battery life: 50 hours
Weight: 345g

PROS: Extensive package; Ergonomic and versatile; Sound quality and positional audio shine.
CONS: Pricing brushes up against audiophile territory.

The Logitech G Pro X 2 is a well-rounded headset, offering excellent sound quality, comfortable ergonomics, and a customizable microphone. Its versatile connectivity and included accessories make it a great choice for esports players.

9 Images

10. Turtle Beach Stealth Pro - Best Noise-Cancelling Gaming Headset

Turtle Beach Stealth Pro

A wireless headset with top-tier noise cancellation, swappable batteries, and customizable EQ settings. Its subdued design makes it suitable for everyday use.

See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

Compatibility: PC/Mac, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
Connectivity: 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth
Drivers: 50mm Nanoclear dynamic
Surround sound modes: Windows Sonic, Sony 3D, Dolby Atmos, DTS Headphone: X
Battery life: 12 hours (per battery)
Weight: 413g

PROS: Top-tier noise cancellation; Dual mode, low latency wireless.
CONS: Bulky, hefty design.

The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro offers excellent noise cancellation and a comfortable fit. Its swappable batteries and customizable EQ settings provide flexibility and convenience.

11. Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed - Best Gaming Earbuds

Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed

Wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation, customizable EQ settings, and a 2.4 GHz dongle for low-latency connectivity.

See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, 2.4GHz via USB-C
Drivers: 10mm
Battery life: 3.5 to 5 hours, (30 hours total with case)
Weight: 6g (per earbud)

PROS: Incredible sound quality; 2.4GHz USB adapter adds versatility.
CONS: Short battery life.

The Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed delivers surprisingly high-quality audio for earbuds. Its low-latency 2.4 GHz connection and active noise cancellation make it a solid option for mobile gaming.

How to Choose the Best Gaming Headset

Your budget is the first consideration. Then, identify your priorities: sound quality, comfort, microphone clarity, durability, etc. Wireless headsets require considering battery life and software capabilities. While a balance is ideal, some headsets excel in specific areas.

Sound quality is paramount, regardless of budget (managing expectations is key with budget options). Driver size offers a general indication of potential, but tuning, materials, and real-world performance are crucial. Read reviews carefully, paying attention to descriptions of bass, mids, and highs.

Positional audio is essential for competitive gamers, enabling precise judgment of sound direction and distance. While software can simulate this, some solutions sound artificial.

Comfort is subjective but consider clamp force, earpad density and material (leatherette for isolation, velour for breathability), and headband design.

Durability is important. Premium headsets often use aluminum frames, while budget options may use flexible plastic. A well-built headset should withstand regular use.

Microphone quality is often overlooked, especially since standalone mics offer superior clarity. However, good headset mics can be invaluable. Consider noise isolation, voice pickup, and sidetone.

Wireless headsets now offer excellent battery life and low latency. For multi-device use (simultaneous Bluetooth), total battery life is a key factor.

Software customization can enhance your experience. Look for apps that allow granular control over EQ, microphone settings, and sound profiles.

Gaming Headset FAQ

How do you determine sound quality on a gaming headset?

While technical analysis helps, subjective listening is crucial. Reviewers use descriptive terms (distortion, balance, clarity) to convey the audio experience. Driver size is a factor, but tuning and material quality significantly impact sound. Positional audio enhances immersion and competitive advantage.

What makes gaming headsets different from headphones?

Built-in microphones are the primary differentiator. Gaming headsets often include features like optimized sound profiles for gaming, low-latency wireless connections (2.4 GHz dongles), and specialized software for customization.

Should I go wired or wireless for a gaming headset?

It depends on your needs. Wired headsets often offer superior sound quality, while wireless headsets provide convenience and multi-device connectivity. Modern wireless headsets offer excellent battery life and low latency.

Is virtual surround sound worth seeking out?

While initially gimmicky, virtual surround sound has improved significantly. It enhances immersion but may not always be ideal for competitive gaming due to potential artificiality. The headset's capability to accurately reproduce nuanced sound is crucial for a good virtual surround experience.

Aside from sound quality and comfort, what other feature is most important in a gaming headset?Battery life (wireless)Microphone qualityActive noise cancelingSimultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivityA good app for customizationAesthetics (RGB, physical design, and/or branding)Other (leave a comment)

Answer
See Results