Best PC Gaming Headsets: The best PC gaming headsets have virtual surround sound, spatial audio, and noise-cancelling technology, so you can focus on your game without distractions.
Some of the first consoles to bring video games out of arcades and into the living room were Nintendo Gameboys and SEGA Master Systems. Now, 8-bit machines have been turned into powerful PC gaming systems and consoles like the Sony PlayStation 5 and Microsoft’s Xbox.
As consoles and PCs have gotten better and access to the internet has become standard (and sometimes required), games have become much more immersive. Headsets are an important part of modern gaming because they allow you to talk to other players in real time.
But, just like slow internet can ruin the moment, a low-quality headset can mean you have to deal with bad sound, crackling, conversation drops, and discomfort. We’re lucky that there are a lot of options on the market that combine performance and comfort to take your gaming experience to new heights.
We looked into the sound quality, microphones, and connectivity of the best PC gaming headsets to save you time and money while you browse.
1. Razer Kraken Headset
- Excellent audio
- Retractable microphone
- Virtual surround sound
- May need additional adapters
- Pricey
Features: 7.1CH surround sound | Mic that can be pulled out | Mic that cancels out noise
The Razer Kraken Tournament Edition headset is our top pick for a good balance between price and quality. This wired headset has 50mm drivers and gel-padded earphones that go over the ears. It has THX 7.1 surround sound. The Razer Kraken works with both PCs and a number of gaming consoles. The headset can be connected via USB or a 3.5mm jack.
The Razer Kraken also has a noise-canceling microphone that can be pulled out, a volume wheel, and a switch that mutes the microphone.
2.Sennheiser Game Zero Headset
- Noise cancelation
- Flip-to-mute mic
- Folding design
- Leather ear cups aren’t breathable
- Pricey
Features: Extra-large ear cups; flip-to-mute microphone; folding design
The Sennheiser Game Zero headset is the best choice if you need a headset that works well in noisy places. This model has large leather earcups that block noise with what the seller calls a “acoustic seal,” which is a noise-canceling microphone. It works with PCs and gaming consoles.
Even though the design of the microphone is old, it has a useful “flip to mute” feature, and the headset also has buttons on the sides for controlling the volume. Also, the Game Zero can be folded up so it’s easy to carry.
3. HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
- 300 hour battery
- DTS Headphone:X audio
- Lightweight design
- No Bluetooth connectivity
- Pricey
Features: 300-hour battery life; DTS Headphone:X; detachable mic; lightweight design
When it comes to wireless gaming headsets, the Hyper X Cloud Alpha wireless is the best of the best. Not only is it small and light enough to be comfortable even during the longest, most intense gaming marathons, but it also has a 300-hour battery life. The 50mm audio drivers make great sound, and the support for DTS Headphone:X audio drivers for spatial sound makes it even better.
The microphone sounds great for both in-game and Discord chat, and it’s easy to take off if you’d rather use a separate mic like the HyperX QuadCast S. The left ear cup has power and volume controls built in, so you can make changes on the fly. But if you want more control over your sound, you can use the HyperX Ngenuity desktop app to make small changes.
Check out our full review for a more in-depth look at the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless.
4. Razer BlackShark V2 X Gaming Headset
- Affordable
- Light and comfortable design
- 7.1CH surround sound
- Windows and Mac compatibility
- Razer Synapse app is clunky
- Somewhat old-fashioned design
Features: 7.1CH surround sound; works with Windows and Mac; 6 colours to choose from
The Razer BlackShark V2 X gaming headset is a great way to get started with headphones. The wired headset comes in six colours and has 50mm drivers that deliver 7:1 surround sound. It can be used with the. 5mm jack on Windows PCs, macOS computers, and game consoles. (You might need to buy an adapter if the jack/audio connector doesn’t fit.)
Memory foam is used to make the ear cups. You can also buy the BlackShark V2 X as a wireless model (Pro), but it will cost you a lot more.
5. Rig 800 Pro HX
- Durable design
- Charging base also a connection point
- Dolby Atmos
- No PS4/5 or Nintendo Switch compatibility
- No Bluetooth option
- Pricey
Features: 24 hours of battery life, self-adjusting, noise-canceling microphone, and a strong frame.
The Rig 800 Pro HX gaming headset is fairly new, but it has great features that make it good enough to compete with brands like HyperX and Razer. The 800 Pro HX is not like most wireless headsets because it doesn’t use a USB cable to charge. Instead, it has a base station. This means you won’t have to worry about yet another cord that could get tangled or take up a USB port that could be used for something else. You can also use the base to connect the headset wirelessly to your computer. Just plug the adapter into the base, and the headset will use it to connect to your computer.
The sound quality is also very good. Dolby Atmos is supported on PC, and Xbox has 3D virtual surround sound. But what really makes this headset stand out is that it is made to last. My three cats think that my work/gaming desk is their personal playground, which means that a lot of very expensive electronics end up on the floor or get knocked over. Both the headset frame and the charging station are made to be strong enough to take a beating. Both have been used and abused in my game room, but they don’t show much wear and tear.
