Best Nintendo Switch headset 2022: portable headphones for your hybrid console
Finding the best Nintendo Switch headset for you is no mean feat. However, with more budget-minded options entering the market there are plenty of models to choose from. Whether you're after a powerhouse that will last from dawn 'til dusk on a single charge, or a pair of wireless earbuds for commuting sessions, there's a wide range of Nintendo Switch headsets up for grabs right now.
So, if you're just looking to reinvigorate your setup with some new audio, you'll find all the best Nintendo Switch headsets currently available right here. Plus, now that Nintendo Switch can connect via Bluetooth, some of the very best gaming headsets on the market are filtering down to our handhelds as well.
These cups not only keep your late-night sessions quiet but can outperform even the speakers on the best gaming TVs with additional surround sound features as well. With additional attention to detail, you'll find even cheap Nintendo Switch games sound better with a set of cups.
Our bargain-hunting software has also been careful to select the top deals. The prices listed next to each entry are updated on a daily basis, so be sure to come back every now and then for fresh offers.
Best Nintendo Switch headsets - top 10
1. Razer Barracuda X
The best Nintendo Switch gaming headset overall
Acoustic design: Closed back | Cable length: 1.5m | Drivers: 40mm Razer Triforce | Weight: 250g | Compatibility: Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Android mobile
Excellent audio quality
Wireless
USB-C connection
No additional software settings
The Razer Barracuda X storms in with an excellent $99.99 price point - stunning value considering the excellent audio quality, wireless connection, and comfortable, long-session withstanding, form factor. This is up there with our favorite Nintendo Switch headsets not only because it offers all that quality in a low price point, but it does so without sacrificing any features that Switch players might be looking for.
Sure, you're dropping the EQ settings of more PC focused set of cups, but if you're just looking for an affordable set of cups that will make your Nintendo Switch games sing you won't need to fiddle with presets. The design is also subtle enough to fit into a commuting or travelling scenario, with an understated design that won't blind your fellow passengers with garish RGB or take up half the carriage with huge cups.
In fact, at just 250g, these are some of the lightest cups on the market right now - beating the Logitech G733 which is often touted as one of the most comfortable options. That means you'll be able to dive into particularly long play sessions, Switch battery allowing, without feeling the strain. That's because there's a nicely padded headband and plump cushioning on either side, which makes for a nice temperature without crushing your ears.
Read more: Razer Barracuda X review
2. Turtle Beach Recon 70
The best budget Nintendo Switch headset
Compatibility: Nintendo Switch / PS4 / Xbox One / PC / mobile | Connectivity: Wired | Drivers: 40mm | Weight: 1.05lbs (476g)
Solid, comfy design
Affordable
Decent mic
Feels cheap
For those who want a Nintendo Switch headset without spending too much, this offering from Turtle Beach is one of the best. Despite a low price, it's the complete package. A decent microphone? Check. A fairly comfortable headband? Check. Good sound with well-balanced bass? Check.
Alright, so the Turtle Beach Recon 70 has the drawbacks you might expect from such an affordable headset. It's fine for most kinds of music thanks to those bassy drivers, but its gaming focus means it doesn't score as highly with movies or TV. However, it does the job very nicely when it comes to what's important - games. You're getting excellent value for money as a result.
Oh, and don't worry about the many variants that are kicking around out there. Even though there's a Recon 70P, X, and beyond, they're all the same headset with slightly different colors. Each one is compatible with Switch using the 3.5mm jack, too.
Read more: Turtle Beach Recon 70 review
3. Steelseries Arctis 1 Wireless
The best mid-range Nintendo Switch headset
Compatibility: Nintendo Switch / PS4 / Xbox One / PC / mobile | Connectivity: Wireless / wired | Drivers: 40mm | Weight: 0.55lbs (254g)
Fully wireless for Switch
Sturdy design
Great sound quality
Thin cushioning on headband
Besides being truly wireless, the SteelSeries Arctis 1 offers superior audio and a stylish, cosy design that's leaps and bounds ahead of the competition. This is also one of the best Nintendo Switch headsets with a mic, thanks to the detachable nature which means you won't be weighed down.
Yes, it's got flaws (you're getting stereo audio and a less comfortable headband). But the Arctis 1 is still the best all-rounder on Switch right now. And that's not to say its sound is anything less than great, either; we'd actually put it on par with the SteelSeries Arctis 7, a fantastic PC headset that's slightly more expensive. Indeed, there's almost no artefacting or audio loss during busy games such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
What's more, comfort is where the Arctis 1 starts pulling ahead. It features that iconic SteelSeries headband with respectable foam cushions and a sturdy steel core, making it a good choice for medium-length gaming sessions.
Read more: SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless review
4. Corsair HS70 Bluetooth
The best Nintendo Switch headset with mic
Drivers: 50mm | Weight: 680g | Features: Wired connection, Bluetooth | Works with: Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PC, all phone and tablets
Well-rounded audio quality
Excellent for voice chat
Dual connection for wired and Bluetooth
Comfortable and sturdy
Mic placement is a bit awkward
The Corsair HS70 Bluetooth headset is perfect for those after a Nintendo Switch headset with a mic for voice chat. If you're looking to stream both in-game audio and Nintendo Switch Online chat features through the app at the same time, there's no other set of cups like it. With a dual-connection between 3.5mm and Bluetooth, you can finally easily stream both audio channels through the same headset, and take advantage of a decent mic at the same time. That's an excellent Nintendo Switch feature that certainly fixes one of the biggest pet peeves many initially had with the system, but this cheaper price point doesn't skimp on the audio quality either.
There's a well-rounded sound up for grabs here, with rich performance across all ranges and nicely balanced bass. All of that means everything from thrashing action to quieter open-world moments sounds great here and performs at a much higher level than you'd expect from the price alone. All of that comes in a sturdy, comfortable package. The HS70 Bluetooth is a little weighty in the hands, however, once it's on your noggin the over-sized ear cups and premium padding along the top of the headband will keep that pressure off the skull.
Overall, you're getting a good set of headphones here for the cash. it's worth noting that you'll only be able to get a wired connection for Xbox and PlayStation - though PC players can still connect through Bluetooth. That makes this a decidedly Nintendo Switch focused affair, where the Corsair HS70 Bluetooth really has the chance to shine.
5. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
The best premium and wired Switch gaming headset
Acoustic design: Closed back; over ear | Cable length: 1.2m / 4ft | Drivers: Neodymium 40mm | Weight: 10.5oz / 298g | Compatibility: PC, PS4, PS5, Switch
SO comfortable
Familiar Arctis sound, now with more bass
Useful GameDAC controls
Awkward cable situation
If you've got a very, very healthy amount of cash to drop on a Nintendo Switch headset you’ll definitely be interested in Steelseries’ new wired flagship Arctis model.
First and foremost, it’s a step up in comfort and looks. Gone is the old ski goggle headband design, replaced by a new internal headband suspended from press studs on the headband inner. The earcups themselves feature a similar shape, but now have recesses and emphasize a circular motif in the middle, finished in a magnetised and swappable plate featuring Steelseries branding. The real showstopper here is the earcup cushioning, though - softer pleather or memory foam you’ve never touched. The result of that is an even comfier fit than previous Arctis models provided, and it was already their strength. We do wonder how it’ll hold up over time, though - those plastic hinges and new headband design don’t look as durable as on previous models.
This wired model plugs into a GameDAC base station via a 3.5mm connection, and although the supplied cable is an awkwardly short 1.2m, the base station’s controls and display are super intuitive and useful.
Sound quality is the biggie here though, and the Nova Pro retains Steelseries’ characteristic flat EQ for the most part but finds more pronounced bass via the pleather contact points. When you’re wearing the unit, there’s very little sound bleed so low-end resonances can really bark.
The real test of this one’s worth will be how the construction materials hold up over prolonged use, but if you don’t mind a slightly awkward cable situation this has sound quality and comfort for days.
Read more: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro review
6. Sennheiser GSP 550
The best audiophile-focused Nintendo Switch headset
Compatibility: Nintendo Switch / PS4 / Xbox One / PC / mobile | Connectivity: Wired | Drivers: 40mm | Weight: 0.56lbs (259g)
Studio quality mic
Fantastic sound
Well made headset
Oh my, it's expensive
If your budget can stretch to it, anything by Sennheiser is worth considering - and none more so than the GSP 550. A chunky beast of a headset which looks like it'd be right at home on the helmet of a colonial marine from Aliens, it's hard-wearing and of the highest quality.
Sennheiser has an impressive reputation when it comes to microphones, and their audio equipment is no different. Their products grace many pro recording studios, for example. That expertise is reflected in the GSP 550. It sounds every bit as excellent as you'd hope from such an expensive pair of cans, and the mic is second to none. It features advanced 7.1 surround sound as well, processed via a USB dongle for more three-dimensional audio.
Comfort-levels are also high (surprisingly so for such a bulky headset). The earcups do a good job blocking out external noise, while the headband is wide enough to not dig in after long gaming sessions.
7. ASUS ROG Delta S
The best USB-C connected Switch headset
Acoustic design: Closed back | Cable length: 1.5m | Drivers: 50mm Neodymium | Weight: 300g | Compatibility: Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Android mobile
Lightweight and comfortable
Plenty of customization options
Excellent audio performance
Need a PC to get the most out of the EQ
The ASUS ROG Delta S certainly packs a punch. Straight out the box things are geared very much towards the higher ranges, which means bass lines can flatten out under dialogue-forward scenes. However, that EQ software allows for an incredibly in-depth set of controls which means you can adjust levels across the entire spectrum, making this a great feature in one of the best Nintendo Switch headsets for gaming. We mention the software up top in this Switch headset recommendation because the ROG Delta S can be altered while plugged into a PC but then retains the settings chosen for when it is plugged into your Switch - neat!
All of the audio excellence and software customisation opportunities are housed in a sturdy yet lightweight shell, with durable plastic cups lined with clean (and easily personalized) RGBs and heavy memory foam cushioning. The cups themselves sport a unique triangular shape inherent to the Delta design, but aside from standing out to the eye they also provide plenty of support while remaining roomy enough to withstand longer sessions.
This is certainly a powerful headset, but it's worth noting that Switch console players that have access to a PC so as to play around with the EQ settings will probably benefit the most here.
8. EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid earbuds
The best wireless earbuds for Switch
Compatibility: Nintendo Switch / PS5 / PS4 / PC / mobile | Connectivity: Wireless | Drivers: Unknown | Weight: 0.84lbs - total package weight (384g)
Impressive sound
Comfortable fit
Excellent battery life
A big investment for earbuds
The EPOS GTW 70 Hybrid wireless earbuds focus on offering a high-end audio experience for Switch and mobile gaming.
These earbuds boast the sort of audio quality you’d expect from the team at EPOS, whose hardware is on our best gaming headsets list, with deep bass, rich mid-tones, and fantastic directional audio making them as impressive playing games on your Switch or PS5 as they are listening to your favourite tunes through your phone. Plus, a charging case comes with the GTW 70 Hybrid that can give the earbuds up to a total of 20 hours of battery life.
They come with a USB-C dongle, allowing you to plug them into your Nintendo Switch and PS5, as well as a cable that will allow you to plug the dongle into a PS4. On top of that, they also support Bluetooth, so you can sync them with any device that supports it.
Read more: EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid 70 review
9. ROG Strix Go 2.4
The best noise-cancelling Nintendo Switch headset
Compatibility: Nintendo Switch / PS4 / Xbox One / PC / mobile | Connectivity: Wireless / wired | Drivers: 40mm | Weight: 0.63lbs (290g)
Wireless for Switch handheld mode
Excellent noise-cancelling mic
Sleek, subtle design
Audio could be better for the price
Headsets that put the Nintendo Switch first are few and far between, and the ROG Strix Go 2.4 beats them all. An attractive, sleek design is matched by great audio and plenty of flexibility, and this is highlighted by the Go's ability to connect wirelessly with the Switch in handheld mode. That's a big deal.
The Go 2.4 is also a noise-cancelling headset. It's damn good at it, too; we've often used it to shut ourselves off from the world while working or gaming. When combined with the comfort offered by generous padding and a subtle, slightly curved design, there's lots to love. Especially because it's compatible with other consoles or mobile devices via cable.
This headset's microphone is the cherry on top. It has excellent AI-assisted noise-cancelling features, and will keep your voice clear even with background interference. The best example of this was our preview at a busy convention center; we were able to record crystal-clear chat despite the hubbub all around us.
10. Razer Kraken X
The best lightweight Nintendo Switch headset
Compatibility: Nintendo Switch / PS4 / PC / mobile | Connectivity: Wired | Drivers: 40mm | Weight: 0.55lbs (250g)
Light and comfortable
Fair sound for the price
Affordable
7.1 surround sound only on PC
If you expect a Nintendo Switch headset in this price-range to be uncomfortable, the Razer Kraken X has a surprise up its sleeve. It remains pleasant to wear even after hours of play. The padding is far more effective than its appearance would suggest, and the lightweight nature of this design helps tremendously.
What's more, its audio is no slouch. The X isn't the best of the Razer headsets by any means, yet it still manages to impress by balancing sharp highs with growling lows. It's easy to alter the volume via the onboard controls, too (which are lacking on the otherwise-identical Kraken X Lite, by the way). While it's a shame that the 7.1 digital surround sound is only available on PC, we can't complain too much with the quality we're getting here.
The Kraken X's compatibility with almost everything is another plus. It can be used with almost everything, and if you can get it on PC you'll be in for an even better experience.
Read more: Razer Kraken X review
Best of the rest
11. ASUS ROG Cetra
The best wired Nintendo Switch earbuds
Compatibility: Nintendo Switch / PC / Mac / mobile | Connectivity: Wired (USB-C) | Drivers: 10mm | Weight: 0.05lbs (26g)
Cool design
Great sound (for buds)
Good controls
A little expensive
There's a lot to love about these in-ear headphones. Despite being earbuds, they're the perfect companion to your Nintendo Switch; besides noise cancelling functionality, they'll plug right into the console's USB-C port. That makes them a great fit for newer mobile devices and some of the best gaming phones, too.
Although their 10mm ASUS Essence drivers aren't up to the same standard as a dedicated over-ear alternative, they still pack a punch as well. There's plenty of depth to their audio, and they're ideal for use on the go with the Switch in handheld mode. Oh, and the omni-directional mic is surprisingly good if you're hoping to get in on some multiplayer action.
One of the Cetra's cooler features would be its on-board button panel, however. This obviously lets you adjust volume or pause, but it also allows you to activate the device's different modes - namely Active Noise Cancelling, normal, or Ambient. When combined with cool RGB lighting on the earbuds themselves, you've got on the best Nintendo Switch headphones on your hands. Or, you know, in your ears.
12. HyperX Cloud Alpha
A versatile Nintendo Switch headset
Compatibility: Nintendo Switch / PS4 / Xbox One / PC / mobile | Connectivity: Wired | Drivers: 50mm | Weight: 0.74lbs (336g)
Excellent sound quality
Great noise cancelling
Superb value
Mic could be better
The HyperX Cloud Alpha has been around for a while, and the various awards it's won prove there's a good reason for that. HyperX has a real talent for creating awesome headsets, and this one successfully walks the tightrope between quality, price, and comfort.
Inspired by aviation headsets, the Cloud Alpha feels great to wear for long periods of time and is ace at blocking unwanted external sounds - perfect if you're out and about or hoping to lose yourself in a game. And despite a bassier sound than we'd usually go for, that doesn't come at the cost of high-end definition.
In short, this Nintendo Switch headset is a amazing all-rounder. It's every bit as good with films or music as it is a match of Fortnite, so it's a great investment to make. Particularly because the mic is detachable; the Cloud Alpha is much easier to wear on the go as a result. That microphone may not be of the highest quality, but being able to take it off during your commute or singleplayer marathons is a worthy trade-off.
13. Logitech G Pro
The best Nintendo Switch headset for bass
Drivers: 40mm | Weight: 259g | Features: Lightweight design, leatherette or suedette earpads | Works with: Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PC, all phone and tablets with 3.5mm jacks
Very light and sturdy
Excellent bass
Great mic
Bass can be overwhelming
For anyone who likes to feel the bass, Logitech's G Pro headset is superb value for money. We'll admit that it may overwhelm the treble in some cases, but it's still a sterling performance nevertheless. Play something like Doom on this thing and you're away.
As with the company's other G Pro products, this Nintendo Switch headset is also subtle in design. Fitted with a sleek black casing that would easily fit in with non-gaming headsets, it lacks the aggressive angles and RGB shenanigans that are common in the industry.
That's just as well, because you'll probably want to take these out and about with you - they're excellent for movies, TV, and music as well as games on Switch. We can't recommend them enough, especially at such a mid-tier price.
14. AirPods Pro
ANC true wireless earbuds we can finally use on the Switch
Drivers: 13mm | Weight: 5.4g per earbud | Features: Active noise cancellation, Bluetooth, charging case | Works with: Nintendo Switch, mobile
Long battery life with charging case
Native support from Switch
Active noise cancellation
More expensive than other models
We can finally connect Bluetooth headphones to a Nintendo Switch console, which means the AirPods Pro pop up as a potential alternative to the bulkier headsets that often line the shelves. If you're commuting or travelling and don't want to bulk out your bag, it's worth taking note of these Apple earbuds - especially if you're using an iPhone.
They pair surprisingly easily with the Nintendo Switch console despite it not being the Apple device they're expecting to see. All you'll need to do is hold the back button like you would pair to any other device and you're good to go. Plus, they've got some excellent audio quality packed into each bud and a comfortable silicone tip to boot.
15. HyperX Cloud Earbuds
The bare essentials with a Switch-friendly design
Drivers: 14mm | Weight: 0.67 oz | Features: 90-degree 3.5mm connection, carry case, swappable earbuds, in-line mic | Works with: Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Mobile (via 3.5mm jack)
Styled nicely for the Switch
Serviceable mic
Durable ear tips...
...but they're all quite large
Poor for general music use
If you're looking for the simplest Nintendo Switch headset that won't take up much room and you're just after the basics, the HyperX Cloud Earbuds are a smart choice and are regularly on offer too at prices cheaper than most picks on this page.
As with most gaming earbuds though, the sound quality can't compete with a proper over-ear experience as far as immersion and audio depth goes. These pack a surprising amount of bass though and are reasonably detailed. The mids and highs in music playback can be unpleasantly sharp though, so we'd stick to gaming rather than use them for music on your phone. The mic is clear enough for some basic online gaming, but if you do it regularly, your friends will thank you for getting something with a boom mic arm instead.
Despite offering three sizes of eartips, we found them all to be quite large, so if you often find in-ear headphones uncomfortable, we'd give these a miss. The tips are extremely well-made though and won't be cracking or tearing anytime soon and we love the Mario red tangle-free cable and the right-angled 3.5mm connector is perfect for the Switch in handheld mode. There's also a sturdy carry case to store the earbuds in when not in use.
16. Turtle Beach Battle Buds
The best cheap Nintendo Switch earbuds
Drivers: 10mm | Weight: 3.8 oz | Features: 3.5mm connection, carrying pouch, different sized ear buds | Works with: Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PC, all phone and tablets with 3.5mm jacks
Very portable
Great price
Average sound quality
Not as comfy for long sessions
For anyone who plays on the go, a traditional headset isn't always the answer. That's why the Turtle Beach Battle Buds are such a great solution. They're small, convenient, and eminently portable.
They actually work better than you'd think their 10mm drivers would allow; because the frequency response is limited, you'll get a fair balance of sound regardless of what you're listening to. That's quite an achievement. The Battle Buds won't match other headsets on this list in terms of quality, yet they're still able to impress.
Their size doesn't hurt, of course. These earbuds sit very firmly in place no matter how much you shake your head, and they fit easily into the best case for Nintendo Switch. The tiny microphone is reliable, too.
Read more: Turtle Beach Battle Buds review
How to find the best Nintendo Switch headset for you
There's a lot to choose from when picking out the best Nintendo Switch headset for you. From picking out your budget to finding the right form factor for your play style, here's how to find the best set of cups for you.
Should you buy a Nintendo Switch headset with a mic?
Nintendo Switch headsets with mics are generally designed to be used across a range of console platforms. That's because it's very difficult to make good use of a microphone on your headphones when playing on Switch. Nintendo requires its players to route their voice chat through their smartphones, using a particular app. Only the Corsair HS70 Bluetooth headset fixes this issue, by allowing you to run game audio from your console and voice chat audio from your phone at the same time. Having these two audio sources coming from different devices usually makes the Nintendo Switch headset with mic redundant.
However, Nintendo is starting to improve its native support for voice chat. Fortnite and Warframe are currently the only titles that allow you to use voice chat directly from your console. That means Nintendo Switch headsets with mics attached are becoming a lot more useful. If you plan on diving into either of these titles, we'd recommend making sure there's a microphone attached to your cups.
If you're looking for something more for general music playback at home or when out on the move, be sure to check in on our guide to the very best headphones. We're also rounding up all the best cheap gaming headsets on the market right now.
And remember to check out the latest Nintendo Switch bundles if you're looking to dive in with a bang, and also browse the top Nintendo Switch accessories going right now to enhance your setup.
