Getting one of the best PC headsets for gaming is such an easy win given it is - genuinely, and we know we say it often at GamesRadar+ - the easiest way to elevate your immersion in games. With innumerable EQ settings to fiddle with, incredible haptic responses on offer, and - of course - high-quality audio pouring out of your favorite games, gaming headsets designed specifically for PC players have come a long way over the years. Some of these will get you dangerously close to outright best gaming headset territory...
However, the best PC gaming headset market is very full - as you can see on this ever-changing list. It's one of the most saturated peripheral markets right now, really, and that's in some part because headsets cross platforms, generations, and connection types. This means there is an enormous multitude of headsets vying for your attention (some are bad, some are great) but also that pricing is very competitive from manufacturers and retailers alike.
There can be a place for owning a budget headset - there are some budget gems - if you want to redirect your overall budget to other parts of your setup, or have a second one that you don't mind getting knocked about on the commute, you'll need to be sure of what you're after. And that is one of the best PC headsets for gaming. But how do you separate the best PC headsets for gaming from the poor ones? Well, this guide is a start.
The best PC gaming headsets in 2023
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Although the price tag is quite lofty, the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT punches well within its price range and above, even trading blows with pricier audiophile sets. It's the best PC headset for gaming and truly offers a premium gaming experience. The sound quality is impeccable, with clear mids, loud bass, and unmuddied high notes in games, music, and movies.
Just unboxing the headset gives an immediate sense of quality craftsmanship and class.
Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT review
The ‘broadcast-quality' detachable microphone performs excellently for voice chat with very minor compression - we found that speech was clear with little background fuzz, even across a variety of pitches. Plus, the headset's multi-connectivity means you can use the Virtuoso XT with almost any device. We tested across all connection options and found the Slipstream connection to be particularly impressive in its low-latency reliability. Dolby Atmos provides excellent surround sound, and the battery was good enough for a full day’s constant use in our testing.
The craftsmanship of the Virtuoso XT simply shines through, with a high-quality design and build level, featuring durable machined aluminium and soft leatherette. We did find that, while soft to the touch, this leatherette wasn't especially breathable in our time with the Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT, raising some concerns for those playing for longer sessions in warmer climates.
It might be expensive, but this headset does plenty to justify its price tag and earn its place as best PC gaming headset.
Read more: Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT review
The Razer Kraken V3 X is both the latest 'Kraken' headset from Razer and the latest 'X' headset from Razer. The idea is that the latter, when added to the former's name, would make a more affordable and value-for-money entry point to the Kraken range. And the V3 X continues to do that: in short, the V3 X enhances its predecessor in every way and takes advantage of some of the latest advancements that Razer can offer - and packages it into a value-busting proposition.
The headset has been refreshed to include the latest developments and enhancements that Razer has in its bag, but in particular, it's the microphone and the drivers which get the most attention. Both features are upgraded to almost be in line with Razer's top dog headset, the BlackShark V2: the microphone is the now Razer's Hyperclear Cardioid mic, with greater speech pickup and noise cancellation; and the drivers are now Razer's own excellent TriForce beasts, offering improvements across the sound spectrum.
In actual, everyday and gaming use, we found the sound excellent still, and the 7.1 still shines on PC - this is a PC-first gaming headset still - though it is a little tinnier than the top tier BlackShark headsets. The mic is also an excellent upgrade, though it being non-detachable will irk some folks. However, for the price, this is an excellent gaming headset, particularly for those looking to get into the pc gaming headset game, and it features all the hallmarks of Razer's audio excellence.
The Razer Blackshark V2 is one of best PC headsets for gaming I have tested in, well, ever, and a very worthy inhabitant of being this close to the top spot.
There is a balance and clarity to all audio, here - in games, music, film, and work use - that I haven't heard for a while, if ever.
Razer BlackShark V2 review
With a new spin on the original BlackShark's design - from eight years ago - the V2 packs brand new tech, a lightweight design, and Razer quality and stylings into a great value, exquisite PC offering. Its design is lightweight and comfortable; its audio quality is seriously excellent thanks to brand new Titanium drivers; its microphone is one of the best I've ever used; and through a companion app, it's got features and customization coming out of everywhere. The stars have really aligned with this headset and I can't wait to use it every time I sit down to play.
Teamed with the recently-released THX Spatial Audio app, and a whole new world of game audio, customization and refinement will be open to you, taking the already-excellent audio of the headset to greater heights. And with a price tag of $100, you get enormous value for money. If you have the budget and you want one of the best, this is it.
Read more: Razer BlackShark V2 review
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro wireless is our favorite gaming headset overall, but where it shines brightest is in a split console and PC setup. That's because of the handy hub in the box. This base station provides all manner of excellent features, but being able to quickly switch between a wireless connection to your console and your PC is an invaluable tool for anyone running both together. No more faffing with dongles and wires, your next system is just one click away.
Of course, the Arctis Nova Pro wireless is doing far more than that to achieve its status. Any fan of high-end headsets will know that SteelSeries offers some of the best audio in the business, and they've doubled down for the new generation. We've always loved the SteelSeries sound signature, but have lamented the lack of bass ranges in previous releases. SteelSeries has well and truly delivered with phenomenal sound here - well-rounded, rich audio paired with excellent balancing and attention to even the most precise of details across the board. Not only that, but heading back to that hub, you can adjust all EQ settings without having to load into any complex software.
We're banging on about the hub, but it really does take this already excellent PC headset even further. There's one more trick up its sleeve, and it comes in the form of battery. You can slot one battery pack into the side of the hub itself to keep it permanently charging - open up the side of the Nova Pro cup and you'll find another to hotswap easily. That's a remarkable feature meaning you'll never run out of juice again. It's so simple, we couldn't believe nobody had done it before.
Yes, this is a luxury headset, so the price point is going to put some off. However, if you are mixing it up between console and PC it's well worth investing in a headset that will serve each.
Read more: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro wireless review
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless has long been our go-to for a budget headset without a cable. It's an incredibly versatile set of cups, and PC players get the best treatment of all. That's because, despite being available for under $100 / £100 (well under these days thanks to regular discounts), you're still getting access to SteelSeries Engine for EQ adjustments and that excellent plug and play wireless connectivity via the USB-C dongle.
It's rare to find a headset with this level of audio quality and a wireless connection for this low price point. Yes, the design is minimalist, with a relatively thin padding across the headband and within each earcup, but we stayed comfortable during even the longest of sessions. Plus it's far lighter in weight than other options, perfect for those who tend to get heavy headed at the end of a marathon. #
We found the 20 hour battery life to be more than serviceable while keeping an eye on its status and remembering to throw it on to charge overnight. However, should you get caught without any juice you can also quickly plug in via a 3.5mm connection as well.
Read more: SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless review
The Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense marries incredible sound quality with immersive haptic feedback for a gaming and music experience that few other PC headsets for gaming can match. Through a combination of THX Spatial and the TriForce Titanium 50mm drivers, you're getting rich and authentic audio that sounds stellar for just about any media you through its way.
It's not going to do as much for the console crowd, but if you've been after an incredible sounding, all-encompassing headset with a few tricks up its sleeve then it's a very easy recommendation.
Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense review
With that said, the standout feature of the Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense is the haptic feedback technology itself, which was found in some earlier models, such as the Nari Ultimate. In this latest iteration, though, we were particularly impressed by the dedicated toggle button for intensity built onto the cup as opposed to just being in the Synapse software. This on-the-fly nature meant we were actively switching between strengths to suit each situation in our testing, which came in particularly handy during competitive gaming.
It is a wired headset, and the cable provided is long enough for comfortable use when sat at your setup, as intended, though it does not detach as the microphone does. It's something to keep in mind when considering the unit as an addition to your battle station.
Read more: Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense review
The Asus ROG Delta S certainly packs a punch, once you unlock all that horsepower from the Armoury Crate software on PC. When we first pulled this headset out the box, we found it very much towards the higher ranges, which meant bass lines were flattened out under dialogue-forward scenes. However, a few minutes tinkering in the expansive EQ software offered up an incredibly in-depth set of controls which meant we could adjust levels across the entire spectrum.
If you're willing to put a little time in with the software, the ASUS ROG Delta S transforms into a powerhouse that punches far above its price tag
Not only that, but the headset itself is more than equipped to take on all your presets. A Quad-DAC dedicated four separate chips across low, mid, high, and ultra-high ranges, and the cups are even capable of reading MQA files as well. That means you'll be able to stream high-end Tidal masters with studio-level quality while your thumbs are taking a break.
All of that is 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 we also noted that they provide plenty of support while remaining roomy enough to withstand longer sessions.
This is certainly a powerful headset, but it's worth noting that PC players with the time and inclination to delve into those settings will benefit the most here.
Read more: Asus ROG Delta S review
The Audeze Maxwell takes over from its predecessors with a far more luxurious build, boosted audio quality, and longer battery life to make for a truly exceptional PC gaming headset. Packed with spacious 90mm planar drivers and plenty of onboard controls, the Maxwells have the audio grunt and everyday ease of use to make for one of the best PC headsets going.
Those drivers are really doing the heavy lifting. Shaped in a flat design rather than the coned dynamic drivers found in the majority of headsets, there's a much wider soundstage to enjoy here. In single player adventures, this translates into environmental audio that absolutely sings. We could hear every echo in The Last of Us, tracking clickers through abandoned buildings with eerily immersive sound. Competitively, it's a game changer.
We were not only instinctively finding the location of footsteps or gunfire, but in many instances we were able to discern the distance between the cue and ourselves. Every now and then, we could even make out which obstacles stood between us. That's an incredible feeling, unlike any other gaming headset we've had on our noggins.
It does mean the traditionally bassey response of everyday headsets is lost. Anyone looking for the pump and power of a gravelly Doom Eternal session might want to seek out a different set of cups. However, the detailing and attention to balance here is astounding, making the Audeze Maxwell the perfect device for audiophiles after a rich, faithful representation. You're also picking up an impressive 80 hour battery life and comfortable heavy duty design to see you through longer sessions.
Read more: Audeze Maxwell review
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless is an extraordinary PC headset for gaming headset and does earn a place on this guide - but it is also a frustrating set; stumbling with one feature that could have really made it a world-beater.
However, all that is good in this headset is very good. The sound quality is incredibly good, no matter you throw at it. From game's to music, to TV, the Cloud Alpha Wireless's audio shone and excelled. It will have your back whatever you play from the busiest of chaotic shooters to the quietest meanders through open-world landscapes, and everything in between. I was particularly impressed with the clarity of each and every detail of the audio too, from booming weapons to the tweeting of birds. The headset even proved to be excellent for music and TV and film in our testing too which is a great bonus.
The battery life is the main feature here though, and the thing that all the marketing around this headset banged on about - claiming up to 300 hours of battery life, no less. And, I have to say that I have come to believe that claim wholeheartedly: after 110 hours I have had to give up counting just to move on with my life, while the chap in the earcups tells me it has gone down to only 70%. It really is remarkable and a big selling point for the set. Elsewhere the design and build are classic, quality HyperX too: a simple black and red design with sturdy arching frames for each cup, and a solid and comfortable headband between the two. And the buttons are simple and restrained too - just a volume wheel on one cup, and the mic port, mic mute, power button, and charging port on the other.
However, the big caveat with this headset is that I found the mic to be really quite bad. Covering all of what you don't want from a microphone - muffled audio to my friends, crackling, inconsistent volume, and indistinct clarity - at times I was having to basically put it in my mouth to be heard.
If you don't play much, or any, online games that require communication, then you might just find an unbelievable headset for your needs here.
Read more: HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless (opens in new tab)
How we test the best PC headsets for gaming
We test gaming headsets almost every day, constantly thinking about what it takes for them to be considered one of the best PC headsets for gaming out there - the lucky few make this list. Each member of this esteemed club has good sound quality and is comfortable for those longer playing sessions. Some offer more features and better audio than others, but usually, that bump in quality comes with a bump in price too. It's easy to get hung up on stats like frequency response, range, and the size of the drivers inside each headset, but there's no real substitute for putting the headset on and seeing how it performs with actual games. That's what we do. We test headsets in online shooters, to see how the surround sound performs, and we test in epic single-player games to see how the music comes through. We test with shooters for the depth of the bass, and RPGs to see how rich the dialogue is. Finally, we look at the price and decide whether or not you're getting actual value (and not just buying an overpriced headset).
What is the best headset for gaming on a PC?
Everyone will have their favourite PC gaming headset but there really isn't one that can be pointed to for 100% of users and needs.
However, it's best to think about what you need from a headset, and the pieces will start to fall into place. For example, when you start drawing lines in terms of price tag, you'll start to get closer to the best headset for you, and then you can make calls like going wireless or staying wired, which features are must-haves, and so on. This is the way to find the best headset for gaming on a PC, for you.
Which PC headset brand is the best?
The PC gaming headset market is a rich and diverse, and very full, one. As a result, and because a lot of brands have been going at this for a while, there really isn't just one brand that sits above the rest for everyone.
However, plenty of brands are perennially reliable and excellent, and you can barely go wrong with anything from them. The likes of Razer, Astro, SteelSeries, Corsair, Sennheiser (now EPOS), and HyperX are all favourites with lots of gamers for good reasons. And while each will be slightly different, and offer slightly different features and audio executions, they will all fit differently due to build and comfort, price, and flexibility. Be aware of exactly what you need when you start off and you'll soon whittle it down.
What headsets do pro gamers use?
Most of the biggest brands and manufacturers are represented at the top of the esports table - Logitech, Razer, EPOS, and more are all present among the top teams. But such is the accessibility and sometimes downright affordability of the top sets, looking at what the pros use and aiming to replicate that has actually never been easier; the gap between everyday gamers and the pros is not as wide as some might think.
What's better: HyperX or Astro?
Pitting two behemoths against one another for a direct comparison is always difficult, and none more so than when comparing HyperX and Astro. These are both titans of the PC gaming headset market and have proven pedigree and impressive audio reputations.
However, when looking at the two for your next PC headset for gaming, there may be some factors that can help make your decision. Astro's wireless headsets like the A50, A40 (and new A30 Wireless), are, I think, easier to recommend than HyperX's. The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless had extraordinary battery life, but the microphone was quite weak in our testing - whereas the Astro's excel in every department and always offer strong battery life.
However, if you were looking for one of the simplest headsets to get you some of the best PC gaming audio ever, then it's hard to look past eh HyperX Cloud Alpha wired gaming headset. It was released years ago, but its quality really does remain and it's exceptional value nowadays for the performance you get.
Astro's generally are more expensive and luxurious too so this may be something to factor in. You get what you pay for with both brands though, and the value is there to bad up and down the price spectrum.
And remember, the headset market covers a lot of ground: check out the best PS5 headsets, the best Xbox Series X headsets, and the best Nintendo Switch headsets to cover your bases and round out your research throrouhgly.
