Best Gaming Headsets in 2025: Wired and Wireless

Choosing the perfect gaming headset can feel overwhelming. With countless options flooding the market, finding the best fit for your needs requires careful consideration. Budget, sound quality, comfort, and desired features all play crucial roles in this decision. To navigate this audio landscape, understanding your priorities and leveraging expert opinions is key.

Drawing on extensive experience reviewing headphones and gaming headsets, I've compiled this guide. Each recommendation considers the headset's overall performance and its strengths within specific categories. This includes budget-friendly options like the HyperX Cloud III, high-end choices such as the Audeze Maxwell, and feature-rich wireless headsets such as the JBL Quantum One, Turtle Beach Stealth Pro, and Logitech G Pro X 2, each excelling in different areas like virtual surround sound, active noise cancellation, or customizable EQ profiles.

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 categorized by their strengths. While many excellent headsets exist beyond this selection, these are personally vetted based on extensive testing by my colleagues and myself. This guide will be updated regularly to reflect new releases and testing.

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, spatial audio, and customizable EQ settings via Sonar and the SteelSeries GG app. Its innovative hot-swappable battery system ensures uninterrupted wireless freedom. The sleek design and comfortable fit make it a pleasure to wear for extended periods. In our review, it earned a perfect 10.

IGN Deals' Picks: Best Gaming Headset Deals

• Logitech G733 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset - $127.44
• Logitech G635 DTS Gaming Headset - $69.99
• Razer Kraken Tournament Edition - $52.99

For more deals, visit IGN Deals

6 Images

2. HyperX Cloud III

Best Budget Gaming Headset

HyperX Cloud III

The HyperX Cloud III is a wired gaming headset offering impressive sound and mic quality at a budget-friendly price. Its durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.

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; No wireless option

The HyperX Cloud III boasts impressive sound and microphone quality, exceeding expectations for its price point. Its robust build quality and comfortable earcups make it a top choice for budget-conscious gamers.

3. Audeze Maxwell

Best High-End Gaming Headset

Audeze Maxwell

The Audeze Maxwell delivers a top-tier audio experience with its 90mm planar magnetic drivers. Its sleek design and comfortable fit make it a high-end choice for discerning audiophiles.

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 experience; Sleek design
CONS: Leans on the heavier side

The Audeze Maxwell provides exceptional audio clarity and a rich, natural sound profile. While on the heavier side, its comfortable fit and long battery life make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking premium audio quality.

16 Images

4. Turtle Beach Atlas Air

Best Wireless Gaming Headset

Turtle Beach Atlas Air

The Turtle Beach Atlas Air is an open-back wireless headset delivering 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 Atlas Air's open-back design provides a spacious and immersive audio experience. Its lightweight construction and comfortable fit make it a top choice for wireless gaming.

7 Images

5. Turtle Beach Stealth 500

Best Budget Wireless Gaming Headset

Turtle Beach Stealth 500

The Turtle Beach Stealth 500 offers impressive sound quality and features for its price. Its durable build and comfortable fit make it a great value option.

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; Messy button layout

Despite its bulky design, the Stealth 500 delivers surprisingly good sound quality and features for its price range. Its comfortable fit and long battery life make it a compelling budget option.

6. Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro

Best Wired Gaming Headset

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro

The Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro is a high-end wired headset offering exceptional sound quality and a comfortable fit. Its impressive microphone clarity makes it suitable for streaming and content creation.

See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

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

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

The MMX 300 Pro delivers studio-grade audio quality and a comfortable fit. Its exceptional microphone clarity sets it apart from other wired headsets.

7. Sennheiser HD 620S

Best Audiophile Gaming Headset/Headphones

Sennheiser HD 620S

The Sennheiser HD 620S are high-end closed-back headphones offering premium build quality, comfort, and amazing sound quality. Their natural isolation makes them ideal for immersive gaming experiences.

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 HD 620S provides a balanced and detailed sound profile, making them a top choice for audiophiles seeking a high-quality gaming audio experience.

8. JBL Quantum One

Best Surround Sound Gaming Headset

JBL Quantum One

The JBL Quantum One offers multiple surround sound modes and active noise cancellation, creating an immersive gaming experience. Its high-resolution audio ensures you hear every detail.

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 Quantum One's QuantumSphere 360 and DTS Headphone:X v2.0 surround sound technologies deliver an immersive and precise audio experience. Its active noise cancellation further enhances immersion.

9. Logitech G Pro X 2

Best Esports Gaming Headset

Logitech G Pro X 2

The Logitech G Pro X 2 offers a crisp, customizable microphone, solid sound, and versatile connectivity options. Its comfortable design and durable build make it a top choice for esports.

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 G Pro X 2's customizable microphone, excellent sound quality, and versatile connectivity make it a strong contender for competitive gaming. Its comfortable design and included accessories add to its value.

9 Images

10. Turtle Beach Stealth Pro

Best Noise-Cancelling Gaming Headset

Turtle Beach Stealth Pro

The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro offers top-tier noise cancellation, swappable batteries, and customizable EQ settings. Its comfortable design and subdued look make it a versatile choice.

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 Stealth Pro's excellent noise cancellation and customizable features make it a strong choice for gamers seeking a quiet and immersive experience. Its dual wireless mode adds to its versatility.

11. Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed

Best Gaming Earbuds

Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed

The Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed are wireless earbuds offering incredible sound quality, active noise cancellation, and low-latency connectivity. Their versatile design makes them suitable for various gaming platforms.

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 Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed earbuds deliver surprisingly high-quality audio and low latency for a wireless earbud option. While battery life is shorter than headsets, their portability and sound quality make them a compelling choice for mobile gaming.

How to Pick the Best Gaming Headset

Your budget is the first crucial factor. Then, determine your priorities: sound quality, comfort, microphone clarity, durability, etc. For wireless headsets, battery life and software features are also key considerations.

Sound quality is paramount. While driver size is a factor, the headset's tuning, driver materials, and performance in different scenarios are more critical. Pay attention to reviews describing frequency response (bass, mids, highs) and overall balance.

Positional audio is crucial for competitive gaming, allowing for accurate judgment of sound direction and distance. While software can simulate this, be wary of artificial-sounding enhancements.

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

Durability is important. Aluminum frames offer superior sturdiness, while flexible plastics provide good durability in more budget-friendly options.

Microphone quality is often overlooked, but a good headset mic can significantly improve communication. Consider noise isolation, voice clarity, and sidetone (feeding your voice back to you).

For wireless headsets, battery life is important. Many offer 40+ hours of playtime, while higher-end models exceed 80 hours.

Software customizability enhances the overall experience. Good software allows for 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 tests are crucial. Pay attention to reviewers' descriptions of frequency response (balance, clarity, distortion) and positional audio.

Driver size indicates potential, but tuning and materials are equally important. Positional audio adds immersion and is crucial for competitive gaming.

What makes gaming headsets different from headphones?

Gaming headsets usually include a built-in microphone, often tuned for better in-game communication. They often prioritize sound effects and have a more intimate sound profile. Wireless gaming headsets commonly use 2.4GHz USB dongles for low latency.

Sophisticated software suites offer customization for different gaming scenarios.

Should I go wired or wireless for a gaming headset?

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

Consider your needs and preferences when making this decision.

Is virtual surround sound worth seeking out?

Modern virtual surround sound technology has improved significantly. While not always ideal for competitive gaming, it can enhance immersion in other genres and with movies. The headset's ability to reproduce nuanced sound is crucial for a good virtual surround experience.