Great sound is undoubtedly a key component of the best gaming headphones, but there are additional considerations. It must be comfortable enough to last through extended gaming sessions and have a good microphone for communication. The amount of time you spend wearing a gaming headset can be easy to forget, but if it’s a good one, you shouldn’t even notice.
I tested dozens of gaming headsets with the rest of the hardware team at the PC Gamer offices before choosing the top ones for this list. For gamers at all price points, these headphones provide the best sound. We’re promoting this movement to dispel the conventional myth that low frequencies should be overemphasized because they typically produce poor bass, and quality drivers ensure you get the best sound. The best gaming headsets have more evenly distributed drivers that need little from you in the way of adjustments.
It’s not always necessary to spend a fortune to get good audio. Consider the Razer Kraken X and Razer Black shark V2 (opens in a new tab), which both have excellent sound and are frequently on sale for under $100. For gamers on a tight budget, the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless (opens in a new tab) is another excellent option.
For more extensive, unrestricted options, see our article on the best wireless gaming headsets (opens in a new tab). But for the time being, click here to see your friendly neighborhood PC Gamer editor’s selection of the top gaming headsets.
The top gaming headphones
1. BlackShark V2
It wasn’t simple to overthrow the HyperX Cloud Alpha (opens in a new tab).By offering great sound quality, a fair price, and straightforward software, the Razer BlackShark V2 gaming headset succeeds in this. Both the Cloud Alpha and the headset were centered on this. driver design is what really sets it apart, as was clear when Razer first started talking about the BlackShark V2.
To prevent the interfering of the bass, mids, and treble tones, the 50mm TriForce Titanium drivers are built with discrete ports. This maintains it on par with the HyperX 50mm dual-chamber headset with neodymium drivers and gives it a richer sound than the standard set. They are nothing worse than a tribute to HyperX’s original design.
The sound quality of the BlackShark V2 is, in my opinion, one of its most notable features and is far superior to that of the majority of other sets in this price range. The headset’s subtle design also really appeals to me, and I found them to be cozy enough to wear throughout a marathon.
The BlackShark V2 Pro (opens in a new tab), a slightly more expensive wireless version, is the only reason I no longer use them as my daily controllers.
Although they use wireless technology, which has excellent battery life and no lag, they use the same drivers. however, their cost is high. Although we have seen offers as low as $130, it’s still worth a look.
The Black Shark V2 wired headphones’ overall price, which is frequently under $100, makes them an unbeatable deal.
2. Wireless Cloud by HyperX
The top wireless gaming headset.
Perhaps the most talked-about item on this site is the HyperX Cloud Alpha. We all adore it here at the team, but HyperX has now severed ties with their best set of cans. The new huge battery in this headset is its main selling point. While keeping the headset relatively light and comfortable, the battery life in wireless mode could reach 300 hours. I believe HyperX has succeeded in completing this enormous task.
This device reported an initial charge of about 80%, so I chose to leave it in place to see how it would fare over time. I swear the battery still said 80 percent when I checked it again after working all day while listening to music. I’ve been playing games and listening to music on this device fairly regularly for the past week, and the battery is still only half full.
Of course, the best-case scenario is not even close to this impressive battery life.. Volume is probably my only real complaint, but a lot depends on what level you use the headphones at. It is definitely loud enough, but even at maximum volume, I feel pretty at ease.
But the audio quality is really amazing. The music is fantastic. Trying to identify the various instruments or sounds used while listening to some of my favorite songs on quality cans is always entertaining. These are some of the best gaming headphones I’ve ever used, and they do a great job.
Additionally, when playing games, the directional sound is very pleasant. Deep Rock Galactic’s directional beeps made it simple for me to locate hidden batteries, and I had a blast bopping along to Shadow Warrior 3’s tight beats. I panicked as soon as I loaded up Doom Eternal. This can definitely satisfy your desire to hear what it sounds like when a Cacodemon appears out of nowhere and whispers very specific sweet blah-things into your left ear.
Despite the large battery, the Cloud range is frequently praised for its convenience, and it more than lives up to expectations. I have trouble with my head feeling heavy or constricted, and I have a really high threshold for uncomfortable headphones. The thick top band has plush padding underneath it. This creates a very cozy experience and does a great job of blocking out noise when combined with the equally soft ear cups.
Unfortunately, the microphone is a fairly standard device; while it will function well for in-game communication, its sound quality is very plain and uninspired.
Taking everything into account, I find it difficult to imagine a customer who wouldn’t be happy with these as a wireless gaming headset. They are pricey but in line with their capabilities, and they undoubtedly offer everything you could possibly want for gaming and music listening on your pc\..
3. The Razer Kraken X
The top affordable gaming headset.
The Kraken X is a reasonably priced option that stands out on PC for one simple reason – 7.1 virtual surround sound. It is a tricked-out Razer Kraken (opens in a new tab) alternative. This excellent depth, clarity, and definition adds to the headset’s already good sound and is accessible through the app. It also makes switching back to the default X sound mode challenging.
In our testing, it became clear that the Kraken X cannot compete with the best HyperX Cloud models or even its Razer stablemates, but for the price, it is a good product.
This version of the Kraken provides excellent value for the money when you consider its enviable comfort and light, stylish, and understated design. Of course, there are minor flaws that bring down the fun (the non-removable microphone being the main one), but you can’t whine when you’re getting good 7.1 sound for such a low cost.
We don’t believe you can find a gaming headset for $50 that is much better than these Razer cans.
4. The Beyerdynamic MMX 100
The ideal headset for extended gaming sessions.
The MMX 100 is without a doubt Beyerdynamic’s most complete offering to date, despite the fact that it is not the company’s first gaming headset. It’s simple to see why this headset made it onto our list of the best headsets because it provides excellent sound and a good microphone in a comfortable and well-designed headset, especially when you can get these impressively constructed cans for under $100.
Despite having a closed design, the MMX 100s produced a surprising wide soundstage without any of the muddy or overzealous bass that frequently afflicts gaming headphones. Unlike most gaming headsets, the bass is exceptionally well-tuned and free of distortion or booming sound. All of the fine details and audio cues, such as footsteps or reloads, are highlighted by the pristine mids and highs.
Add to that the fact that Beyerdynamics went with lightweight materials for the earcups and headband that feature plush memory foam, making them incredibly comfortable even during extended sessions.
With one major exception—the volume control—the overall design is quite exceptional. On my unit, it had quite a bit of play and could be rocked forwards or backwards without the volume changing, but it also frequently caused static in the right earcup when the volume was adjusted and frequently completely silenced the right side. The maximum volume setting is typically where this is. With such a well-built headset, it’s most concerning that I’m honestly inclined to think it was just my particular sample and not the system’s. Small adjustments to the volume would, however, fix the sound.
There is simply no denying that Beyerdynamic completely outdid themselves with the MMX 100. It’s a great deal at $99, and I’d be hard-pressed to find one that sounds and feels better than this one. For sound, the Steelseries Arctis Prime (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) comes close, but falls short. This is undoubtedly one of the best gaming headsets you can buy right now, despite the problem with the volume control on my particular device.
5. H6PRO for epos
A back that is both open and closed.
Epos is gradually separating itself from its Sennheiser roots and assembling its own line of outstanding gaming headsets. Being the first true flagship product the business has used without the Sennheiser label, the H6PRO plays a significant role in that.
A truly high-end headset is available with the H6PRO. They have great new 42mm drivers to provide them with great sound, and these drivers have been tuned to provide a more balanced and streamlined bass profile than your typical gaming headset. It also has a fantastic microphone with flip-to-mute functionality and a detachable design.
Both an open and a closed version of the H6PRO are available. Noise isolation, audio response, and how the headset feels on your head will all be impacted by the difference. Therefore, when it comes to gaming headset features, this is a pretty significant choice. I’ve used both open back and closed back headsets, and if you want noise isolation (to prevent outside noise from entering your ear holes), you should get the H6PRO closed back headset.