Best Gaming Headsets: From Razer to SteelSeries

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For some gamers, a good gaming headset is just any pair of headphones, which can get the job done if you want to play in peace. However, for online multiplayer games, you’d want a dedicated gaming headset with a high quality microphone to coordinate with your team or guild, or just trash-talk and disparage your competition.

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From noobs to pro-level, we rounded up the best gaming headsets from the top brands — including Sony, Razer, SteelSeries and more. If you want something with excellent audio, immersive spatial sound, great battery life and more, then we’ve got you covered.

Ahead, you’ll find our recommendations for the best gaming headsets you can buy online.

BEST FOR MOST GAMERS

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro in black
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro in black

If you’re a serious gamer, then you need a serious gaming headset. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro features premium audio quality that’s clear and rich, while its 360-degree spatial audio and noise-cancellation settings gives you an immersive experience. This is a pro-level gaming headset with the ability to connect to a PC and a gaming console like the PS5 or Xbox Series X/S at the same time via its base station. It even has swappable batteries for longer gaming sessions. Just charge one battery, while you use the other. And then swap when juice gets low.

$319.79 $349.99 9% off

Buy Now On Amazon

BEST AFFORDABLE

Razer Barracuda X

Razer Barracuda X in white
Razer Barracuda X in white

Compatible with any PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Apple iPhone or Android smartphone, the Razer Barracuda X is our pick for best affordable gaming headset — thanks to its excellent audio quality, microphone clarity, Bluetooth connectivity and price point under $100. It even has up to 50 hours of battery life per charge, while its microphone is completely detachable, so you can just it as a pair of wireless headphones too.

$99

Buy Now On Amazon

BEST FOR BEGINNERS

Razer BlackShark V2

Razer BlackShark V2 in black
Razer BlackShark V2 in black

Although it’s a wired headset, Razer BlackShark V2 has fantastic audio quality and a robust set of features — especially for first-time gamers. It even supports the THX Spatial Audio app via Windows 11, so beginners can have a more immersive gaming experience without breaking the bank. The headset is also comfortable on the head and around the ears with breathable memory foam padding on each cup.

$79.99 $99.99 20% off

Buy Now On Amazon

BEST FOR COSPLAYERS

Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Pro

Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Pro in black
Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Pro in black

If you’re a game streamer and an anime cosplayer, then the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Pro is a must. This gaming headset features powerful and balanced audio, an excellent microphone and a fun headset design that combines RGB lights with adorable animal ears. In fact, the ears are even swappable, so you can rotate between cute looks — including kitty, bear and bunny.

The gaming headset comes in two colors: Classic Black and Quartz Pink.

$195 $199.99 2% off

Buy Now On Amazon

BEST FOR XBOX

Xbox Wireless Headset

Xbox Wireless Headset in black
Xbox Wireless Headset in black

For Xbox gamers, the Xbox Wireless Headset is ideal because it uses the same low-latency wireless connection as Xbox Wireless Controllers. In fact, it actually delivers higher quality audio than Bluetooth connectivity when connected to the Xbox Series X/S or the Xbox One.

$92.61 $99.99 7% off

Buy Now On Amazon

BEST WIRELESS EARBUDS

Soundcore VR P10

Soundcore VR P10 in white
Soundcore VR P10 in white

While wireless earbuds aren’t great for gaming because of they lackluster microphones, the Anker Soundcore VR P10 buds offer low-latency connectivity over Bluetooth, crisp and clean audio and attractive RBG lighting for gamers.

In fact, they even include a USB-C transmitter, which fits in the earbuds’ charging case for better portability, for connecting to a PlayStation gaming console. If you don’t need the best microphone, but value compact and portable earbuds, then the Anker Soundcore VR P10s are for you.

$79 $79.00

Buy Now On Amazon

BEST BUDGET

Skullcandy SLYR Gaming Headset

Skullcandy SLYR Gaming Headset in black
Skullcandy SLYR Gaming Headset in black

On a budget? The Skullcandy SLYR Gaming Headset is our wallet-friendly pick, thanks to its audio clarity and richness, booming bi-directional microphone and super low price under $60. It’s also cross-platform with compatibility for PS5, Xbox, Nintendo and PC, while it comes in three fun colors: Blue Digi-Hype, Black Digi-Hype and Green Digi-Hype. Although this headset is wired, it won’t experience any lag or latency when gaming — which is key to a precision and immersive experience.

Meanwhile, Skullycandy also launched a TMNT version of their PLYR Wireless Gaming Headset. Learn more about it here.

$57.98

Buy Now On Amazon

BEST FOR PS5

Sony InZone H9 Headset

Sony-INZONE H9 in white
Sony-INZONE H9 in white

For PS5 gamers, the Sony InZone H9 Headset is ideal. It’s specifically designed for the PS5 and features premium audio with 360-degree spatial sound, Sony’s Dual-Sensor Noise Cancelling Technology to block out background noise and a crisp and clear microphone for online multiplayer. The headset also has up to 32 hours of battery life per charge, so you can play longer without worrying about it dying on you. It even perfectly matches the PS5’s white design.

$244.99

Buy Now On Amazon

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