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.
We've put the Joy-Con to work, testing a massive range of headsets both pitched directly at Nintendo Switch players and aiming for a more multi-platform market. Each device on this list has undergone intensive testing well beyond the initial weeks of reviewing - we live, work, and play with these gadgets to truly make sure they live up to their price tags. And those costs don't have to be lofty - we're rounding up all the best Nintendo Switch headsets across the full price range here, to make sure you're getting the best value for money no matter your budget.
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.
The best Nintendo Switch headsets in 2023
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The 2022 Razer Barracuda X takes over from the previous 2021 model at the top of our list. Its low price point (for a wireless gaming headset of this quality), long battery life, powerful audio, and lasting comfort make it the best Nintendo Switch headset for the majority of players. We loved that the subtle aesthetic, tap media controls, and new Bluetooth functionality (the previous model was 2.4GHz only) mean the Barracuda X will fit into any commuter's journey but it's the overall value for money that really shines through here.
The Razer Barracuda X storms in with an excellent $99.99 price point, without sacrificing any features a Nintendo Switch player would be looking for. Sure, there's no Synapse support for more PC focused players, but the 2022 model's Bluetooth functionality means the Razer Audio app is now in play. That means you can quickly customize EQ settings and personalize the experience in a number of ways.
A low price, impressive sound signature, wide compatibility, and excellent battery life make this plug-and-play device all the more compelling.
Razer Barracuda X (2022) review
That's if you want to, of course. The audio even straight out of the box is impressive - with robust, well rounded soundtracks, effects, and dialogue the quality of which is rare to find at a sub-$100 / £100 price point. That sound signature is identical to the previous year's model, but we were celebrating that one back in the day as well. We loved the crunchy growls of Doom's soundtrack and gun noises, but the Barracuda X could also handle the twinkling melodies and intricacies of Super Mario Galaxy just as well.
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 (2022) review
SteelSeries has been making some serious moves recently, with the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless topping the charts (and the price range) with its audio prowess. The much much cheaper SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 still offers that same premium pedigree, but in an affordable $59.99 / £59.99 form factor that will serve Nintendo Switch players particularly well. This is a wired headset with a smaller footprint, so there's no need to worry about bulking out your backpack with a worryingly expensive piece of kit. However, you're still getting 2022 level quality - and it's surprising how far that Arctis line will take you even in these cheaper seats.
It’s a clear, well-balanced sound that lets you pick out useful cues in games, makes a human voice sound rich when you pop a podcast on, and doesn’t totally blow out the mix of your favourite albums.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 review
We were surprised to find that the audio coming from the Nova 1s was actually comparable to that of models further up the line. With the Nova Pro is obviously far out in front, there was a solid similarity between the sound profile here and in the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7. That just goes to show how far audio technology has developed in recent months - for $60 / £60 you're getting quality that would have been well into the three figures just a few years ago. As it stands, we were impressed with the well balanced sound on offer, with rich dialogue and a wide open soundstage of a plethora of genres. While the lower end is a little more artificial (there are some sacrifices to be made for the cash) this is a particularly well tuned set of cups for the price.
The design is a far cry from the luxuries of more expensive models, but you've still got a comfortable form factor overall. That lighter weight is playing a large role here, ensuring the Nova 1s remain ergonomic during longer play sessions and aren't a burden to take with you on the go. An elasticated inner headband keeps the plastic main band off the noggin well, and some memory foam in the cups themselves goes a long way as well. We did notice that the fabric material did get warm after a while, though.
Overall, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 represents excellent value for money in this cheaper price range. An easy plug and play system that won't break the bank (or your backpack), this is the best Nintendo Switch headset for those looking to spend less than $60 / £60.
Read more: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 review
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.
The pleather around its memory foam cushions is the softest this tester’s ever felt on a gaming model, and the overall look and feel harks back to the glory days of the Bose TriPort.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro review
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 (opens in new tab)
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.
The ability to connect to Bluetooth and through the 3.5mm cable is not only handy for swapping between your phone audio and your console, but it also fixes one of the fundamental frustrations with the Nintendo Switch itself.
Corsair HS70 Bluetooth review
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.
Read more: Corsair HS70 Bluetooth review
The EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid wireless earbuds focus on offering a high-end audio experience for Switch and mobile gaming.
The EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid earbud set has a premium feel from the moment you take the buds out of the box.
EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid review
These earbuds boast the sort of audio quality you’d expect from the team at EPOS, 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 review
At $24.99 / £19.99, the Roccat Syn Buds Core aren't going to win any audiophiles over, but they do perform remarkably well for such a low price point. We still keep these wired earbuds handy in a Nintendo Switch case, ready to plug and play whenever we're stuck for audio while out and about. A simple set of earbuds in a neat little carry case (and with inline mic and volume controls) is really all you need if you're in a pinch and these buds have come through for us on a number of occasions. That bargain price shouldn't leave you remembering the gummy earbud days of yore, though - things have moved on since then.
At their best, the Roccat Syn Buds Core are a solid everyday driver to keep in your carry case, especially if you don't tend to play music-intensive or particularly directional games.
Roccat Syn Buds Core review
For your cash these days, the Roccat Syn Buds Core handle a wide variety of genres surprisingly well. Super Mario Sunshine was translated particularly delicately in our testing, allowing the multi-layered melodies to sing vibrantly while still remaining distinct. These lighter soundscapes are where the Syn Buds Core are at their best. The roars of Doom didn't fare quite so well. A busier stage does prove a little too much for these headphones to maintain their clarity. Lower ranges are a little too limited to force themselves through heavier scenes, and you lose the mids and highs in the eventual flattening as well.
We wouldn't recommend these for the most discerning of traveller, but if you're after a cheap set of gaming earbuds, the Syn Buds Core are working a lot harder for their price compared to other options on the market right now.
Read more: Roccat Syn Buds Core 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.
