Best gaming headsets in 2024: SteelSeries, Audeze & more
DexertoThe best gaming headsets offer unparalleled audio quality, solid connection quality, and great microphones for communication with long-lasting comfort, and we’ve tested the best.
If you’re serious about gaming, nothing less than the best gaming headset should make it onto your shopping list. While earbuds can be tiny and are often wireless, gaming headphones offer a no-compromise experience. You not only get the best in class audio quality, deep bass, spatial audio, and even active noise cancellation on some models.
1. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Dexerto - Connectivity: USB-C, 2.4ghz Wireless, Bluetooth 5.0
- Driver diameter: 40mm
- Frequency response: 10–22,000 Hz (Wireless), 10-40,000 Hz (Wired)
- Weight: 338G
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, PlayStation, Switch, Xbox (Xbox version only)
- Price: $349.99
| Pros | Cons |
| Stylish premium design | Expensive |
| Retractable microphone | |
| Fits multiple head sizes | |
| Spatial audio support | |
| 22-hour battery life |
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is among the first gaming headsets with a premium DAC and a hot-swappable battery. The latter means you can get a virtually unlimited battery life for an uninterrupted gaming experience.
The Nova Pro Wireless boosts audio resolution to 96Khz/24-bit, which allows for much more detailed, high-resolution audio. Easily counted among the best premium gaming headsets, they sound premium, feel luxurious, and come with bundled software that lets you tweak the audio quality to the smallest levels to your taste.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is ideal for serious gamers, and they also offer customization options, and now come in a white colorway, too. Dexerto revisited the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless in 2024, and it’s still the champion of gaming headsets.
2. Audeze Maxwell
Dexerto- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, 2.4GHz dongle, 3.5mm jack
- Driver diameter: 90mm Planar Magnetic
- Frequency response: 10 Hz – 50 kHz
- Compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Switch, Bluetooth (Xbox version also available)
- Features: 90mm Planar Magnetic drivers, detachable microphone, EQ customization, 80-hour battery life
- Price: $299.00
| Pros | Cons |
| Massive 80-hour battery life | Expensive |
| Closed-back design | No height adjustment |
| High-quality audio sound | Heavy |
The Audeze Maxell gaming headset oozes quality at every angle. This top-tier gaming headset features a very utilitarian look, sporting a matte gunmetal-type finish and an all-metal construction. While the Audeze Maxwell headset looks the part, it doesn’t skimp out on sound quality either.
The ginormous earcups pack in 90mm Planar magnetic drivers with an ultra-thin diaphragm to prevent unwanted fuzziness and provide crystal-clear audio quality. The headset manages to deliver both games and music, providing an unrivaled clarity that was only heightened by its closed-back design.
3. Steelseries Arctis Nova 5P
- Connectivity: Wireless Quick-switch 2.4 GHz & Bluetooth 5.3
- Driver type: Neodymium Magnetic Speaker Drivers
- Frequency response: 20-22000 Hz
- Weight: 1.61 lbs
- Battery: Up to 60 hours
- Compatibility: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC, Switch, Android, iOS, Mea Quest
- Features: ClearCast retractable microphone, Nova 5 App compatibility, quick-switch 2..4 GHz to Bluetooth connection
- Price: $129.99
| Pros | Cons |
| Reasonable price | No RGB or customizable lighting |
| Lightweight | No additional colorways |
| Easy to switch between 2.4 GHz & Bluetooth 5.3 | |
| 60-hour battery | |
| Over 100+ game and music presets |
There’s no question that the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro wireless headset deserves its number one spot. However, Steelseries’s lower-range headsets like the Nova 5P are equally deserving of attention.
Unlike the Nova Pro, the Nova 5/5P is designed as an “affordable luxury” headset, offering similar qualities to its Pro counterpart at a fraction of the price.
The Nova 5P is an incredibly lightweight headset, making it ideal for wearing for long periods of time. Which is easily done, thanks to its astounding 60-hour battery life. The incredibly comfortable headset comes with a free downloadable app, which is bursting at the seams with audio presets for a range of popular games.
While you won’t get the optimum crystal clear audio from the Pro line, the Nova 5P still provides a layer of audio quality that heightens the experience of games like Dead by Daylight. With the audio preset especially, every layer of the game can be heard in high detail. The retractable microphone also makes this headset ideal for not just gaming, but even listening to music on the go.
4. Audeze Penrose
Audeze- Connectivity: Wired, 2.4ghz Wireless, Bluetooth
- Driver diameter: 100mm
- Frequency response: 10–50KHz
- Weight: 320G
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, PlayStation, Switch, Xbox (Xbox version only)
- Price: $299.00
| Pros | Cons |
| High audio quality | Expensive |
| Good quality mic | Lacks surround sound support |
| Comfortable & light | |
| Available audio presets & customizable EQ via app |
If you prefer gaming headsets with audiophile-grade audio quality, then the Audeze Penrose is worth considering. These headsets come with patented planar magnetic drivers, which are 100mm in size. It means you’d get increased volume, bass response, an overall better audio experience, and an unmatched gaming experience.
These headphones are best suited for users who are okay with paying a bit extra for the extra-rich audio quality. However, the Penrose has average build quality and can be quite expensive.
5. Razer BlackShark V2X
Dexerto- Connectivity: USB-A
- Driver diameter: 50mm
- Frequency response: 12 Hz to 28 kHz
- Weight: 240G
- Compatibility: PC, Switch, PlayStation, Mac, Xbox (mobile devices over 3.5mm)
- Price: $59
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable | Wired/No wireless connection |
| Slick all-black design | Crunchy mic sound quality |
| 7.1 audio support | |
| Comfortable & lightweight |
The Razer BlackShark V2X is an affordable gaming headset. Priced below $60, these headphones pack a punch way above their weight. While you can’t call them the best of the lot, and they don’t pack fancy features, these headphones offer superior performance, ticking almost all the boxes you’d be worried about.
The headphones offer 7.1 audio support for an immersive gaming experience. In our review, we found these headphones have a super lightweight frame and offer decent sound quality. It is ideally suited for people looking for an excellent middle-ground option for budget-conscious users.
6. HyperX Cloud Stinger 2
Dexerto- Connectivity: 3.5 mm wired
- Driver diameter:
- Frequency response: 10 Hz –28 kHz
- Weight: 275G
- Compatibility: PC, Switch, PlayStation, Mac, Xbox (mobile devices over 3.5mm)
- Price: $49.99
| Pros | Cons |
| Good audio quality | Non-detachable cable |
| Easy to reach volume dial | Uncomfortable for long periods |
| Spatial audio support | Loose earcups |
| Noise-cancelling microphone |
The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 gaming headset is HyperX’s answer to providing a budget-friendly alternative to its more pro-Cloud Alpha headset. While the Cloud Stinger 2 may be affordable, its sleek curved edges and stylish crosshatch design elevate around other wired headsets of its type.
The sound quality of the Cloud Stinger 2 headset is on equal footing with its budget-friendly price point. Whether it was hearing the sounds of games like Slime Rancher 2 in our review, or listening to music, the headset provided the right amount of heavy bass and audio highs. There’s no noise cancellation to be seen with the Cloud Stinger 2 gaming headset, however, the headset does offer spatial audio support through DTS Headphone: X.
7. Corsair HS80 Max
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB-C, 2.4GHz
- Driver diameter: 50mm
- Frequency response: 20Hz – 20 kHz
- Weight: 352g
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, Linux, Bluetooth devices, Steam Deck, PS5 & PS4
- Features: Flip to mute microphone, Dolby Atmos support
- Price: $179.99 (before tax)
| Pros | Cons |
| Customizable RGB | Expensive |
| Strong build quality | Sub-par audio quality |
| Comfortable | Material-covered ear cups |
| Long battery life | |
| Dolby Atmos support |
Corsair’s HS80 was released back in 2021 and remains a great gaming headset to this day. The Corsair HS80 Max does all that its predecessor did, and improves on the now iconic headset, from adding Bluetooth support to a majorly improved battery life, while still maintaining the high-quality built quality we’ve come to expect.
Over our time with the HS80 Max headset, as per our review, we only had to charge the headset once. According to Corsair, the headset can last up to 65 hours, yet after over a week’s worth of usage, we never had to reach for a charging cable.
The audio quality wasn’t a stand out from the gaming headset. However, its ability to easily switch between Bluetooth and a 2.4 GHz connection to a range of consoles, more than made up for its middling sound. The headset also supports Dolby Atmos, which gave games like Modern Warfare 2 (2002) a more immersive soundscape.
What to consider before buying a gaming headset
Ensuring your gaming setup is paired with the right pair of gaming headphones to suit your needs is important.
If you find yourself spending hours playing the latest FPS with friends, or just like to immerse yourself in your favorite game’s audio, you’ll need a headset that not only provides high-clarity audio but is comfortable to wear for long periods.
With that in mind, here are a few vital things to consider before you pick up a new pair of gaming headphones.
Wired or wireless
Wired gaming headsets tend to be more affordable, being great options for those with a budget. Better yet, they don’t require charging so you don’t have to worry about the battery life and can focus on whatever you’re playing instead.
However, with a wired connection, you are more limited in your movement and are at the mercy of the length of the wired connection any given headset provides.
Wireless headsets give you more freedom, allowing you to move around as you see fit without the pressure of snagging your wire on another valuable part of your gaming setup.
Most wireless gaming headsets tend to connect over a 2.4GHz radio frequency which is more than suitable for gaming.
Overall, wireless headsets typically tend to be more expensive and involve varying amounts of charging to keep going. However, a lot of modern wireless headsets make use of fast charging, to provide an optimum amount of hours of playback with a minimal charge, if you’re ever in need.
Comfort
With gaming headsets being placed on top of your head, comfort is key. Unlike gaming earbuds that can snuggly fit inside your ears, headsets place force upon the top of your noggin’, sometimes for hours at a time.
A lot of headsets will have additional foam padding or cushioning on the headband, to avoid any possible discomfort.
Some headsets also offer uniquely designed ear cushions, to avoid any unwanted aches and pains in your ears.
What kind of padding you prefer on a gaming headset is up to you, with many brands offering a myriad of cushioning and fabric types to suit everyone’s needs.
But, There’s no point in buying a high-quality gaming headset if you can’t even use it.
Not all gaming headsets are compatible with every console, or handheld you want to use them for. So ensuring the headset you want is compatible with the device of your choosing, whether that’s the PlayStation 5 or PC, is a necessity.
Most gaming headsets will state clearly on their specs or even their box art, what consoles and devices they’re compatible with.
Audio quality
Arguably the most important factor when it comes to a gaming headset is the audio quality. While high-clarity and rich audio is important in headphones for everyday use, for gaming it’s of an even higher importance.
With games, and especially with first-person shooters, you’ll regularly need to know exactly where sound is originating from at any given time. Being able to pinpoint exactly where footsteps, bullets, and a myriad of sound effects are coming from is what can give you the one-up on your enemies, and help towards immersion.
A good gaming headset will provide crisp audio, with some even giving you a selection of EQ presets and options to pick from to tailor the audio experience to your liking.
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