The best gaming headsets of 2024, tried and tested

Ask any gamer what their ideal PC or console sound system would be and most will slip into a trance-like state as they dream about the high-end, multi-channel surround sound speaker rig they’d ideally like to own. Ask them what they’re realistically allowed to have at home, though, and most likely it’ll be a good gaming headset.

In truth, that’s not such a bad alternative. “The best gaming headsets offer terrific versatility as they can be used across multiple devices, such as PCs, consoles and smartphones,” says Nikolai Lucyk, product manager at Overclockers UK, the leading gaming accessories retailer.

“They’re also more ergonomic than wired types, allowing you to sit comfortably in a natural position without worrying about cables getting in the way,” he continues. “Just as importantly, if you need to grab a drink, food or even walk away from your gaming PC or console for a while, they give you the freedom to do, while still allowing you to chat away with friends.”

To put that to the test, I assembled a large selection of deeply unhealthy snacks and beverages before calling in samples of some of the biggest-selling wireless gaming headsets, focusing on models that were both PC and PS5-compatible. You can read my reviews of the best below, but if you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick look at my top five:

Which are the best wireless gaming headsets in 2024? At a glance

• Best overall – SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
• Best value – HyperX Cloud III
• Best headset for e-sports – Razer Blackshark V2 Pro
• Best in-ear gaming earbuds – Sony INZONE Buds
• Best open-backed headsets – Turtle Beach Atlas Air

What to look for in wireless gaming headsets

“Sound quality is obviously the primary criterion,” says Lucyk, “but buyers also need to consider a headset’s connectivity options [i.e. Bluetooth and wireless], battery life and, last but not least, weight. Comfort really matters during extended gaming sessions.

“The other main factor you’ll want to decide is whether you want open or closed-back headsets,” he advises. “Open-back types back allow more ambient sound through more than close-backed, enabling you to be aware of your surroundings and generally providing a more ‘authentic’ sound.

“Closed-back headsets, on the other hand,” explains Lucyk, “will give you a more immersive experience and block out any ambient sounds that you may not want to hear. If neither of those options suit, then dedicated gaming in-ear headsets might also fit the bill.”

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How we tested the best wireless gaming headsets

I tested these headsets (plus a couple of gaming earbuds) over the course of a couple of months. I listened to how they fared with the soundtracks of a variety of FPS/RPG games (see the FAQ for definitions), music and movies, played back via both on my PC and PlayStation 5. Games played included Spiderman: Miles Morales, Jedi: Survivor, Red Dead Redemption II and Hogwarts Legacy.

Sound quality, comfort, microphone clarity (tested using the free Discord chat app) and connectivity were the key factors I focused on. Happily, latency, once a common complaint, didn’t really prove to be a seriously noticeable issue and the wireless dongles were supplied with the models tested.

Best wireless gaming headsets

1. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

£329.99, SteelSeries

Best overall gaming headset, 10/10

We like: fantastic all-round sound quality, extensive feature set

We don’t like: EQ adjustment is via PC-only app

• Battery life: 22 hours (per battery)
• Drive units: dynamic 40mm
• Weight: 339g
• Active noise cancelling: yes
• Connectivity: 2.4ghz and Bluetooth 5.0 (base station)
• Wireless compatibility: PC, Playstation, Nintendo Switch, Steamdeck and iOS/ Android
• Wired connectivity: yes (via base station)

Resplendent in its latest white and chrome colourway (black is available for less extrovert sorts), the Nova Pro Wireless sits at the top of the gaming headsets range, packing in all of the functionality that an ardent gamer could possibly want. For example, they include a wireless base station – with a useful OLED front panel display – that allows two sources (e.g. a PS5 and PC) to simultaneously be hooked up.

Battery charging on this model is also wildly old-school, in a wholly pleasing way. There’s a recess on the side of the base station into which you can slot one of the two supplied Li-ion batteries and once charged, you just pop it into the left earpiece. You can also charge the batteries via a USB-C port hidden in the left earcup, or via the supplied base station. Each battery gives between 18-22 hours of running time, which is a touch on the low side, but given how easy it is to swap them, you should never be short of juice.

SteelSeries also bills this model as a lifestyle headphone, so it makes sense that they have moderately effective active noise cancellation, as well as Bluetooth and rotating ear cups for easy storage. Overall, they’re closer in design and proportion to a conventional pair of music headphones than any of the other on-ear competitors I tested.

The headset provides a nicely progressive volume control as well as dedicated buttons for power mic on/off and Bluetooth. Uniquely, this model has an in-built ClearCast Gen2 microphone that magically retracts into the left earpiece. Even better, switching it off via the earpiece control activates a red LED on the end of the mic, giving 100 per cent certainty that you’re on mute. The accompanying SteelSeries GG platform/app gives access to the (PC-only) Sonar Audio suite that allows parametric EQ adjustment and game-specific profiles.

Happily, even without the benefit of audio tweaking, the Nova Pro Wireless’s sonic signature is pretty much spot on for gaming. There’s a pleasing deftness and balance across the audible spectrum that generates a keen sense of anticipation during gameplay… it keeps you on your toes. The ambience is also helped by the fact that these headsets feel subjectively fast, with a definite tilt in the mid/upper frequencies to add extra sonic bite. While the emphasis isn’t entirely authentic, it certainly doesn’t detract when you’re listening to other content, such as music or movies.

Not cheap, then, but easily the best all-rounder of this group.

2. HyperX Cloud III

£84.98, HyperX

Best value gaming headset, 9/10

We like: terrific bang for your buck

We don’t like: better for PC gaming than PS5

• Battery life: 50 hours
• Drive units: dynamic 53mm drivers
• Weight: 320g
• Active noise cancelling: no
• Connectivity: 2.4ghz, Bluetooth 5.2 (dongle)
• Wireless compatibility: PC, Mac, Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and iOS/ Android
• Wired connectivity: yes

Despite being the cheapest headset I tested, the Cloud IIIs turned out to be surprisingly nicely constructed, with a comfy headband and reasonably deep, well-padded cushions. To get the price tag as low as this, however, something had to give.

The most obvious omission from the spec sheet is Bluetooth or any form of wired connectivity. This is strictly a Wi-Fi-only design. Noise-cancelling is also absent, too. Although inherently, the closed-back design offers a bit of screening than open-backed models, so I did find that other voices in the room sounded more intrusive than other headsets.

While there’s a companion app available, sadly it’s for PC only and console gamers aren’t catered for at all. There are basic audio EQ adjustments provided but annoyingly, these are lost the moment you pull the supplied dongle out of a PC and plug it into a PS5. However, it does come with a gloriously long battery life of 120 hours – I didn’t need to recharge it once during the test period.

During gameplay, I found the Cloud III headphones to have a fairly neutral sonic balance with a clear mid-band, but they were a bit lacking when it came to the lowest bass effects. They were also occasionally unruly at high frequencies and the audio heard via the detachable microphone shared much the same character. Directional cues were generally easy to pick out, though the soundstage felt more two-dimensional than the pricier headsets.

It’s true that you can get a more dynamic, well-rounded performance by spending a bit more but for budget-constrained gamers, this design fits the bill.

3. Razer Blackshark V2 Pro

£199.99, Razer

Best gaming headset for e-sports, 9/10

We like: well-integrated sound with great positional cues

We don’t like: wired connectivity would be a bonus

• Battery life: 70 hours
• Drive units: 50mm TriForce Titanium
• Weight: 320g
• Active noise cancelling: no
• Connectivity: 2.4ghz and Bluetooth 5.2 (dongle)
• Wireless compatibility: PC, Playstation and iOS/ Android
• Wired connectivity: no

Considering they come from one of the biggest names in PC gaming peripherals, it’s surprising to see a complete absence of Razer’s trademark RGB-lighting glitziness on this low-key looking headset. Place them on a black desk in the dark and they virtually vanish.

Put them on though and you can’t help but let out an involuntary sigh of appreciation for the well-judged fit. The cushions wrap snugly around the ears and the nicely-padded headband exerts just the right amount of pressure to stay in place.

Controls on the headsets are minimal – and a little agricultural looking in the volume knob’s case – but they’re easy to get to grips with. I particularly appreciated the only button on the right-hand earcup, which is designed to toggle between a selection of EQ presets and proved useful when switching from gaming to other content.

Both Razer’s Synapse 4 app (which allows EQ customisation) and THX Spatial app (for virtualised 7.1-channel surround sound) are PC-only, so it’s fair to say console users aren’t viewed as the main priority here. However, that’s forgivable considering the headset’s other positive qualities manage to shine through across all platforms.

Generally speaking, driver size shouldn’t be taken as any kind of indicator of sound quality, but the 50mm TriForce Titanium units on this model are something of a tour de force. While there’s an all-pervading sense of integration across the frequency spectrum, the V2 Pro headset simultaneously manages to tease out colossal amounts of detail while giving it all the correct weighting.

That balance works brilliantly for recreating open-world landscapes but FPS and e-sports is where it really comes into its own. The brand’s claim of pinpointing positional audio isn’t just marketing – the different EQ settings really do make a difference to your awareness of impending threats.

Factor in an exceptionally clear-sounding microphone as well as a 70-hour battery life and it’s difficult to find much, if anything, to criticise with this headset.

4. Turtle Beach Atlas Air

£159.99, Turtle Beach

Best open-backed gaming headsets, 9/10

We like: supremely comfortable, even during long gaming sessions

We don’t like: bass fiends should look elsewhere

• Battery life: 50 hours
• Drive units: dynamic 53mm drivers
• Weight: 301g
• Active noise cancelling: no
• Connectivity: 2.4ghz and Bluetooth 5.2 (dongle)
• Wireless compatibility: PC, Playstation, Nintendo switch and iOS/ Android
• Wired connectivity: yes

Closed-back headsets offer compelling advantages for gamers – notably privacy, noise isolation and (usually) deeper low frequencies – but they don’t suit everyone. If you find sealed designs uncomfortable over extended periods, an open-backed design could be the answer, such as Turtle Beach’s Atlas Air.

Let’s get the negative out of the way first: these don’t feel like the most substantial of headsets. At 301g, they’re relatively light and the liberal use of flexible plastics does little to counter the suspicion that you’re not getting much for your money.

That impression is largely dispelled, however, the moment you put the Atlas Airs on. In terms of comfort, these are one of the most forgiving headsets you’re ever likely to come across. The cushions positively cosseted my ears, the headband exerted minimal pressure and the earpad controls were easy to fathom.

Comprising 40mm dynamic units, the drive units are entirely conventional and are each suspended in its earcup by a floating mechanism made of, well, three elastic bands. A detachable “flip to mute” mic sits on the left cup, offering a decent 16-bit/32kHz resolution.

The connectivity is excellent, with a wired option as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (via a supplied dongle). The EQ presets of both the mic and the drivers can be adjusted through the accompanying SWARM II app, though it’s not the easiest to navigate. Battery life is quoted at 50 hours, making it not quite as long-lasting as the Razer, but plenty good enough for most users.

However, these definitely leak enough sound to be easily annoying to other occupants in a room, so bear that in mind. That said, do the Atlas Air headsets sound as good as they feel to wear? By and large, yes.

You perhaps don’t get the low-frequency tightness of closed-back headsets but there’s bass extension aplenty – it’s just a bit softer. The real magic happens at the midrange and upper frequencies, which come across in a very detailed manner, knitting together nicely regardless of what you’re listening to.

Personally, I would’ve chosen these over the Blackshark V2 Pro headset for FPS or e-sports actions, but the Atlas Air is clear when it comes to RPG soundscapes. If you want to paint wide, aural vistas, few headsets will do it better.

5. Sony INZONE Buds

£149.99, Sony

Best in-ear gaming earbuds, 9/10

We like: brilliant sounding earbuds, particularly for RPG fans

We don’t like: EQ tweaking only possible on a PC

• Battery life: 12 hours
• Drive units: dynamic 8.4mm
• Weight: 301g
• Active noise cancelling: yes
• Connectivity: 2.4ghz and Bluetooth 5.3 (LE audio only, dongle)
• Wireless compatibility: PC, Playstation, Nintendo switch and iOS/ Android
• Wired connectivity: no

The difference between Sony’s Inzone earbuds and their Pulse Explore model (below) is clear. Physically smaller and, in my opinion, easier to wear than their pricier stablemates, these Inzone buds forgo planar magnetic drive units in favour of the more conventional single, dynamic drivers – the same sort that are used in the audiophile-focused WF-1000XM5 earbuds.

Unlike the Explore model, this set doesn’t feature onboard Bluetooth, meaning you can only access it via the supplied USB-C dongle, along with 2.4ghz connectivity. Even then, it’s the less well-supported Bluetooth LE variant. EQ adjustment is strictly via the PC-only Inzone Hub software.

A 12 hours, this set’s battery life when using Wi-Fi connectivity is more than double that of the Explore buds and can stretch to 12 hours with the power-efficient Bluetooth LE option. If extended gaming sessions are a regular occurrence, the Inzone buds will better serve your needs and are less likely to leave you in the lurch if you’re the forgetful sort when it comes to charging.

Sonically, the Inzone earbuds have an energetic way with audio – particularly in the mids and highs – that helps set it apart from its rivals. There’s a fluency and expansiveness here that feels palpably more immersive, a quality that also makes this model better suited to conveying ambience in open-world RPG action.

6. Audeze Maxwell

£319, Audeze

Best audiophile-grade gaming headsets, 8/10

We like: immensely accurate spatial audio

We don’t like: headphone’s weight will make it a non-starter for some

• Battery life: 80 hours
• Drive units: 90mm planar drivers
• Weight: 490g
• Active noise cancelling: no
• Connectivity: 2.4ghz, Bluetooth 5.3 (dongle)
• Wireless compatibility: PlayStation, PC (No Atmos) and iOS/ Android
• Wired connectivity: yes

Most gaming headphone manufacturers stick with tried and tested dynamic drivers, but not Audeze. This US company has a reputation for embracing cutting-edge technology so it’s no surprise that this set is equipped with 90mm planar magnetic drivers.

The most obvious physical consequence of that choice is immediately apparent when you set your eyes on them… the circumaural earcups are huge. The Maxwell’s weight is considerable too and the tensioned headband adjustment a touch crude. Personally, I found that the strong lateral clamping force, combined with the snug-fitting earcups made them wearying to use for more than hour at once.

When it comes to gaming-oriented features, the Maxwell scores highly. There’s no noise cancellation but you do get low-latency Bluetooth 5.3 (which also helps deliver the impressive claimed 80hrs battery life), high-resolution audio playback (up to 24-bit/96khz) and discrete controls on the left earcup for game audio and sidetone mixing.

It also includes an app (available for Mac/ PC/ iOS / Android) that was a joy to use and proved a bit of a lifesaver for this headset. The standard “out of the box” gaming-focused EQ sounded accurate to me, but a little threadbare and uninteresting. Switching to the competition EQ (the best of the EQ presets) made an immediate positive difference during gameplay. With six fixed and four user-adjustable presets, there’s plenty of further scope for customisation.

Once the competition EQ setting was selected, the Maxwell shone with whatever I happened to be playing, with a precise, detail-filled and spatially-convincing soundstage. Much the same can broadly be said of its music playing capabilities, although this definitely requires tweaking the user settings.

So long as your neck and shoulders can handle the Maxwell’s indisputable bulk and weight, I think there’s much to enjoy here.

7. Playstation PULSE Explore

£199.99, PlayStation

Best in-ear gaming headsets for PS5 users, 8/10

We like: great option for FPS action on a PS5

We don’t like: very short battery life

• Battery life: 50 hours
• Drive units: planar
• Weight: 301g
• Active noise cancelling: no
• Connectivity: 2.4ghz, Bluetooth 5.2 (dongle)
• Wireless compatibility: PC, Playstation, PS Portal, Nintendo Switch and iOS/ Android
• Wired connectivity: no

As the inventor of the PlayStation 5, you’d expect Sony to pull out all the stops for headphones specifically designed to complement its all-conquering console.

As well as supremely low latency and PlayStation Link wireless connectivity (via the supplied dongle), the Pulse Explore buds feature integrated mics, dual device compatibility (so you can simultaneously talk to friends via your mobile while gaming) and studio-inspired Planar Magnetic drivers, which are miniaturised versions of the tech used in the Audeze Maxwell. (Sony bought out Audeze in 2023.)

In-built Bluetooth definitely boosts the Explore’s connectivity credentials for those who also want earbuds that can be used on the commute. However, the good work is somewhat compromised by an absurdly short 5-hour battery life, bulky design and less than effective AI-enhanced noise rejection system.

Being hooked up to a PS5, however, is this model’s happy place and where it puts in a much stronger showing. While the pair of in-built microphones aren’t hugely impressive, those planar drivers deliver a beautifully detailed and balanced soundstage with their trademark neutrality. They’re pretty identical in character to the Audeze Maxwells, which perhaps isn’t so surprising given the familial connections.

Having said all that, I found that the Explore buds did their best work during FPS games rather than when asked to portray the scale of wide-open RPG soundscapes. Ideal earbuds then, if Doom Eternal or TitanFall 2 on the PS5 are your go-to faves.

8. Beyerdynamic MMX200 Wireless

£169, Beyerdynamic

Easiest gaming headset to use, 7/10

We like: excellent build quality and intuitive controls

We don’t like: slightly sterile sounding and becomes uncomfortable quickly

• Battery life: 35 hours
• Drive units: dynamic 40mm
• Weight: 360g
• Active noise cancelling: no
• Connectivity: 2.4ghz, Bluetooth 5.3
• Wireless compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Nintendo switch and iOS/ Android
• Wired connectivity: optional

Although much beloved by recording studio engineers, it’s fair to say Beyerdynamic has always found the consumer headphone market a tougher nut to crack. But after a stratospheric rise in gaming popularity, the brand now has new avenues to explore. The MMX200 Wireless model I looked at is one of no fewer than seven devices in the company’s current gaming range.

Available in regulation black or grey, this nicely-built headset makes few fashion-related concessions for its target audience, which is unsurprising given that Beyerdynamic’s focus is on creating headsets that offer long-term comfort and “studio-level” sound and voice quality.

Positives first: the on-earcup controls are a lesson in usability and the microphone proved very adept at filtering out extraneous noise. Although when it comes to comfort, these closed-back headsets are a bit of a curate’s egg. While the headband is nicely padded and the circular, memory-foam filled earpads easy to adjust, the strong lateral clamping force means that it doesn’t take long before things inevitably get a bit sweaty and uncomfortable.

On first acquaintance too, the MMX200’s accurate soundstage really impresses. You feel confident you’re getting the full picture during gameplay, and spatial cues are accurately delivered and consistently easy to discern. Eventually, though, it’s hard to avoid concluding that the MMX 200 is simply a little too matter-of-fact sounding to truly win over hearts and minds. The fact that there’s no partnering app to allow EQ adjustment doesn’t help matters.

Coupled with the comfort issues, this makes the MMX200 a rather more considered choice than a model from this esteemed brand ought to be.

9. Logitech Astro A50

£319.99, Logitech

Best for easy source switching, 7/10

We like: decent sonic balance and comfort levels, hub adds extra convenience

We don’t like: poor sound isolation, lacks Bluetooth

• Battery life: 24 hours
• Drive units: graphene 40mm
• Weight: 363g
• Active noise cancelling: No
• Connectivity: 2.4ghz
• Wireless compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and iOS/ Android
• Wired connectivity: no

If you asked someone to sketch what a typical gaming headset might look like, odds are the Logitech Astra A50 is what they’d come up with: rectangular earcups and a squared-off headband with an angular, sharp-edged aesthetic that reflects this design’s age (the first iteration was unveiled way back in 2016).

Despite appearances, the comfort level is actually pretty decent, the standard velour-faced earpads offering a good level of cushioning thanks to a well-judged clamping pressure. However, the recesses for ears are way too small. Bonus points too for how easily they can be replaced thanks to clever magnetic mounting. There’s no noise cancelling or Bluetooth though, which is invariably going to limit appeal.

The on-headphone controls aren’t the most intuitive, but you get used to them quickly. A “flip to mute” mic offers control over what fellow gamers will hear from you, but battery life falls short of more contemporary designs, which is another reflection of the design’s age. Charging is achieved via careful placement on the supplied base station, which has a handy USB-C input for switching between PC, PS and X-Box.

Sonically, the neutral-sounding A50 doesn’t really commit any great sins, but if ever there was a headphone that needed ANC, this is it. That’s because the supra-aural earpads fail to create a tight enough seal and allow external sound to leak in freely.

While I liked the way the earpad-located voice/ game balance control worked, I found the voice quality via the mic to be a little bass light, although it does have a decently broad soundfield with easily discernible directionality on the right games. What’s harder to get past, however, is the high list price, not to mention the quality of the competition.

An option worth considering, then, but only if significantly discounted.

Wireless gaming headsets FAQs

Do all wireless gaming headsets rely on the same sort of wireless connectivity?

Wireless and Bluetooth are the main connectivity options. Bluetooth enables the headsets to be used with a wider range of devices.

What is clamping force?

The lateral pressure that ensures how tightly a pair of headsets fits your head.

What’s latency and why is it important?

Latency refers to the time it takes for audio data to travel from its origin (mobile device, television, game console, or personal computer) to the headset speaker. The longer this takes, the more notable a delay you’ll experience between something happening on screen or you saying something, and hearing it via your headsets.

Can you customise the sound on wireless gaming headsets?

Most headsets come with software that allows you to customise sound to your preferences by raising or lowering certain frequencies’ volume. Many also come with EQ presets for popular games, such as Call of Duty and Fortnite.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of open-backed wireless gaming headsets, as opposed to closed types?

Open-back headsets let more ambient sound through than close-backed, allowing you to be more aware of your surroundings and providing you with an arguably more “authentic” sound.

Closed-back designs will give you a more immersive feel and filter out ambient sounds you may find distracting. Last but not least, don’t forget that circum-aural earpads enclose the ears, while supra-aural earpads sit on top of them.

Are the microphones on gaming headsets any good?

If you want the best clarity when having conversations while gaming, a standalone microphone will always be the best option. If that’s not critical, then the in-built mics in all of the headsets I tested will generally pass muster for more casual gameplay.

What is sidetone?

Also referred to as microphone monitoring, sidetone allows you to alter the amount of mic input that is routed back into your headset (via a supplied app), so you can choose how much of your own voice and surroundings you hear while gaming.

Is it worth looking out for headsets with spatial audio support?

Absolutely, though much depends on the particular platform – and games – you enjoy playing most. Properly implemented, spatial audio systems (like Dolby Atmos, DTS Headphone:X, and PlayStation Tempest 3D Audio) can help enhance directional cues as well as the overall sense of immersion with both FPS (first-person shooter) and RPG (role-playing games).