The best sound experiences available
Top 5 Best Gaming Headset Of 2024. Including one of the top gaming headsets in your setup will significantly improve the quality of your playtime, from enhancing your directional audio to providing the bassy response that thunderous bullets require. Whether you’re using a PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, or Nintendo Switch, everyone can benefit from well calibrated drivers, sensitive balancing, and strong volume.
Over the years, we’ve used a wide variety of Gaming Headsets, so we know a little bit about what makes good audio stand out from the others. After extensive testing and long-term comparisons with more recent releases, we have identified a couple that are particularly noteworthy. However, these aren’t just gaming headphones that come with all the newest and best features at high prices. To identify the best value solutions available, we carefully weigh performance against cost.
It goes without saying that the top gaming headset will be very expensive. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, a multi-platform battery-saving superstar with amazing comfort and sound, is currently that. However, there are also plenty of great options at lower price points. We use each of the gaming headsets we test on a daily basis, balancing tasks across a variety of genres and putting them through a series of directional audio.
Table of Contents
Best Gaming Headset Of 2024
NO.1 : SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
The best gaming headset
Pros
- Incredible SteelSeries audio quality
- Awesome DAC / hub with great options
- Superb build quality and design
- Excellent connectivity options
- Ingenious battery solution
Cons
- One of the most expensive premium headsets going
Even after a few years, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless remains the best. Every day, this feature-rich headset continues to outperform more recent models from rival manufacturers. Additionally, discounts are beginning to show up more frequently now, so if you’re shopping at the proper moment, you could be able to get it much closer to $279 or £279.
Design: With its deep cushions, ski-band frame, and narrower 40mm cups, the Nova Pro Wireless resembles the rest of SteelSeries’ most recent lineup. However, we really like this style, so these cups really stand out with the Pro’s added luxury touch. While concealing its own gaming secrets (such as the extendable microphone neatly tucked into the side), the design is just understated enough to blend in with a typical pair of headphones while commuting. The first alternate colorway was also introduced in 2024, when a white variant debuted in the spring.
Features: Let’s start with the extra feature that we tested and found to be the most useful: hot-swappable batteries. You receive two batteries out of the box, each of which can be charged inside the provided hub and carry 22 hours of power on its own—more than the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro’s implementation, which only lasts 12 hours. When one burns out, just take it out of the headset cup and replace it with the charged one.
The hub itself is a complete EQ system with its own display, control dial, and menu, and it does more than just connect to your PC and consoles. That’s ideal for fine-tuning on the fly, and switching between devices is simple. Though not quite as advanced as the Astro A50 X’s KVM switching capabilities below, it is still far superior than the majority of rivals.
NO.2 : Razer BlackShark V2 Hyperspeed
The best gaming headset for most people
Pros
- Same audio and mic experience as Pro model
- Lightweight form factor
- Handy volume dial size and placement
- Can plug in for a wired connection
Cons
- Leatherette material is less durable and comfortable
- Non-detachable microphone
At a pricing point that won’t deter the average gamer, the Razer BlackShark V2 Hyperspeed offers nearly all of the features of the much more costly Pro model (which is also shown below). We used to think that the original Razer BlackShark V2 was the greatest gaming headset for most players, but the 2023 Hyperspeed model features a wireless connection and a great microphone.
Design: The Hyperspeed variant is fairly similar to the other BlackShark models. The oval cups, pilot-style form factor, and steel adjustment sliders that extend from the main headband are still present. However, upon closer inspection, it is clear that Razer has made some compromises in the build quality. With leatherette cups and a hollow plastic feel, the plastic structure feels far less expensive than the Pro device. Compared to the permeable mesh used elsewhere, those cups are less comfortable due to higher temperatures and are less likely to last as long because they are more likely to break and flake. Even for the longest session, this is still a comfortable fit because to its low weight and well cushioned headband.
Features: In addition to the 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless capabilities that aren’t available on the wired BlackShark V2, you also have the ability to connect straight to your PC, which is something that even the Pro lacks. It would be difficult to find oneself without audio thanks to it and the battery life of 70 hours, which greatly surpasses that of its competitors.
One of our favorite aspects of the BlackShark line is the elevated volume dial on the side, which is still present. Volume controls are incredibly quick and simple to access with this dial, which now has a new textured surface for even more accuracy. Your chat communications will also have outstanding audio quality thanks to Razer’s ultra wideband microphone.
NO.3 : Corsair HS35
The best cheap gaming headset
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Decent sound
- Nice and clear mic
Cons
- Lacks features and extras
- Just stereo sound
The Corsair HS35 is one of the greatest gaming headsets available when on a budget, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best inexpensive gaming headsets because it keeps things simple while still keeping some quality. The HS35 defies the conventional wisdom that lower prices are typically associated with lower quality. You shouldn’t have to give up all the yummy sound goodness just because you’re saving money.
Design: With a robust yet cozy construction and some amazing audio features, we think this is a well-thought-out piece of equipment. The HS35’s initial impression was impressive right out of the box. The lightweight form factor and careful coloring details stood out with a more luxury feel, in contrast to the abundance of hollow plastic and poor padding that we would often expect at this price point. Memory foam ear cups and a comfortable headband allowed the Corsair HS35 to be snug without being uncomfortable after hours of use. It was also durable enough to be pulled on and off your head with ease and to survive the occasional bump or fall.
Features: The feature list is limited because, of course, that lower price point does come with compromises. Since this is a wired headset, there aren’t any options for platform switching or dual connections. The lack of a chat mix adjustment option further pushes the Corsair HS35 in the direction of single-player experiences. Nevertheless, the detachable microphone has several useful capabilities, like as active noise suppression, that we weren’t anticipating. Furthermore, the quality of sound cancellation impressed us, as background noise was not able to block out the clear audio.
NO.4 : Astro A50 X
The best multiplatform gaming headset
Pros
- Fantastic compatibility
- HDMI switcher features
- Robust, detailed sound quality
- Powerful microphone
- Super comfortable design
Cons
- Bluetooth limited to base station
- Requires an all-in-one setup
The A50 X was released by Logitech and Astro toward the end of 2023, following a brief break from new releases. Even though it’s still a little challenging to use, the unusual HDMI switcher design makes it a fantastic multiplatform gaming headset, particularly if you’re using an Xbox and PS5 simultaneously.
Design: From a design standpoint, not much has changed with this familiar and beloved Astro. Along with that traditional geometric base station, you still have those crisp angular lines and big cylindrical headband sliders. Although the Astro A50 X comes in black and white, the white model we tested has a sharper appearance and doesn’t pick up smudges or dirt.
Despite being primarily made of plastic, everything feels substantial to the touch. Together with well-padded, but slightly warm, cushions, each cup spins to sit flat on a surface, providing superior placement for the head and long-lasting relaxation. The primary headset’s soft material pads may be magnetically removed and replaced with more stylish leatherette choices.
Features: An HDMI switcher built into the base station is one feature that the Astro A50 X has that no other gaming headset on the market can match. Once everything is plugged into the back, you can switch between the Xbox and PlayStation with a single tap on a headset button. However, you will need to match up a significant number of HDMI 2.1 connections. Furthermore, your entire 4K 120Hz stream is preserved to boot. Even while it leaves PCs somewhat in the dark due to its USB-A or DisplayPort constraints, that is a very practical method of getting around the long-standing issues between wireless compatibility between the PlayStation and Xbox.
NO.5 : SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless
The best gaming headset for PS5 / Xbox Series X
Pros
- Excellent EQ support for console users
- Comfortable over longer sessions
- Durable build quality
- Extendable microphone
- Fantastic detailing in audio
Cons
- Not all presets are equally useful
- No direct control over EQ settings in-app
- Less powerful audio straight out of the box compared to competition
The newest headset in the company’s most current lineup, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless, gives Xbox and PS5 players something a little different. In addition to being a great set of cups in and of itself, the companion software offers a vast selection of pre-made audio presets that have been adjusted by sound engineers, eSports competitors, and developers. It is our favorite gaming headset for fans of the PlayStation and Xbox, marking a new era in console EQ adjusting.
The design of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless is consistent with that of the other models in the line. With its soft padding that keeps them from pinching, these smaller, round cups nevertheless provide a good ear embrace. In our testing, this was very highly liked because it produced a strong seal while maintaining comfort over prolonged sessions.
Underneath the main plastic headband at the top, there is a ski-band that can be adjusted using toggles and a slider. The entire gadget is composed of a premium, pliable plastic. This indicates that the headband does not creak when being manipulated, even at very high levels, and that there are no weak spots that worried us during testing.
Features: The official Nova 5 companion app is undoubtedly a significant advantage. It includes preset audio settings for Fall Guys, CS:GO, Fallout, and Apex Legends, among other games. During testing, we never experienced any annoying re-pairing problems, and pairing the headset with your iPhone (or Android) is quick and simple. You can adjust specific microphone settings here as well as set various profiles for a 2.4GHz or Bluetooth connection.
How we test gaming headsets
We test gaming headsets for at least two weeks on each system, but this isn’t merely a metrics lab. Every gaming headset that comes our way during this time is used for work, leisure, and living. We plug them into our own PC and console setups and use them like permanent fixtures. In addition to ensuring that each device’s features, design, and general performance are comparable to those of the rest of the market in terms of value, this allows us to become quite familiar with the nuances of each one.
The design of a gaming headset is the first thing we notice about it. We all have our own flashbacks when we first open a gadget, of course, but apart from looks, we’re always watching for any sign that a gaming headset’s construction might not hold up over time. This entails taking note of the materials used for the charging wires, struts, chassis, cup cushioning and cover, and the actual joining of everything. During regular use (and a little more stressful handling), we’re listening and feeling for any rattle or creaking. Next, we look at the design from a comfort standpoint, weighing, cushioning, clamp force, and adjustability possibilities for extended periods of about eight hours.
We evaluate a gaming headset’s feature set based on overall quality and value for money. This implies that we are examining the features and shortcomings of a headset in comparison to the competition (the majority of this is made up of wireless connection options, EQ settings, microphone positioning, onboard controls, further software customizations, charging features, and battery life). But by concentrating on these characteristics, we are able to evaluate each headset’s adaptability and use more broadly.
Performance testing for gaming headsets is a significant task. Audio itself can still be highly subjective, thus one player may find a soundscape ideal while another finds it wanting. Because each game presents a slightly different challenge for the drivers, we test each headset across the same games.
Our preferred competitive games for evaluating directional accuracy, microphone clarity, and soundstage imaging—especially in the lower mid-range—are Apex Legends and CS2. To test how well each headset handles a cluttered mid-range and balances these more clustered views, we employ a larger open environment in Horizon Forbidden West with a few close machines. In a busy situation (the main objective Time To Rally), directional audio is measured by Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales. Doom Eternal evaluates the depth of a gaming headset’s soundstage and its power in the lower range. Throughout the mission The Descent, a less crowded but more atmospheric environmental soundstage is measured using The Last of Us Part 2.
Following a thorough testing process, each headset is given a score based on its build quality, comfort, audio, battery life, microphone, and adaptability in order to compare it to other reviews. We frequently switch between the headsets during testing and compare them to their similarly priced competitors on a regular basis.
Best gaming headset: FAQs
Q. What is the best gaming headset in 2024?
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is currently the greatest gaming headset available, however not everyone will find it suitable due to its high price. The Corsair HS35 is the greatest gaming headset if you want to spend less than $50 or £50. Meanwhile, the Razer BlackShark V2 is a good choice for anyone looking for a mid-range headset that costs between $60 and $100 or £60 and £100.
Q. How much does a gaming headset cost?
Gaming headphones are available in a variety of setups and, consequently, at varying price points. For a wired headset with good stereo audio quality, simple drivers, and a detachable boom microphone for online playback, you should budget between $40 and $60 (or £40 and £60). There will be more wireless and surround sound options, bigger drivers, and more EQ customization choices as the price approaches $100 or £100.
The most competitive price range is $100 to $200 and £100 to £200. High-end gaming headphones with premium features that come with some compromises in construction or extras are typically found in the upper mid-range. This price range will see significant improvements in drivers, surround sound, and materials quality (which translates into a more comfortable form factor and longer lasting durability). Additionally, split connections—which let you switch between a 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connection with various devices—are more likely to be found in this price range.
The newest and best in audio technology, extended battery life, detailed EQ settings, and other quality-of-life features like active noise cancellation are all features of gaming headsets costing more than $200 or £200.
Q. What is the best gaming headset brand?
There are several brands of gaming headsets vying for your money. However, in our experience, SteelSeries, Razer, Corsair, Turtle Beach, HyperX, and Astro are the best.
