The best gaming headsets in 2023

The best gaming headset can make a big difference to your gaming experience, though audio is one of the most overlooked parts of PC gaming. If you want to be completely absorbed in a game world, then the soundscape has almost as much to do with it as the visuals.

Great audio can also be a genuine help in competitive games, too. But whether you’re trying to place an enemy’s footsteps as they run past, or want to listen to some tunes while you work, it’s down to your headset’s drivers to make it all sound excellent. Some just aren’t up to scratch, which is why we rigorously test as many gaming headsets as we can squeeze our ears into. The headsets on this list are chosen from the dozens the PC Gamer hardware team and myself have tested. 

These headsets offer the best sound for gamers at each end of the budget spectrum. Quality drivers ensure you get the best audio, and we’re against gaming headphones that overdo low frequencies, as it provides terrible bass in most cases. The best gaming headsets offer more balance drivers that require minimal tweaking on your end, and you won’t need to spend hundreds of dollars. Some of the best gaming headsets out there cost less than $100, like the Razer Blackshark V2 (opens in new tab) and the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless (opens in new tab). Of course, if you do want to spend more, the premium options sound pretty incredible. 

Check our guide to the best wireless gaming headsets (opens in new tab) if you’re looking for more expansive, untethered options. For now, take a gander below at the best gaming headsets you can buy in 2023.

Best gaming headset

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(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Razer)

Dethroning the HyperX Cloud Alpha (opens in new tab) from the top spot was no easy feat. Razer’s BlackShark V2 gaming headset manages to do just that by offering killer audio quality, great price, and easy-to-use software. From the moment Razer first started talking about the BlackShark V2, it was clear this was main focus of the headset, and the design of the drivers themselves is effectively doing what the impressive Cloud Alphas do.

The 50mm TriForce Titanium drivers are designed with discrete ports to separate bass, mid, tremble tones from interfering with each other. The result is a richer sound than a standard set, and keeps it on par with HyperX’s 50mm dual-chamber neodymium driver headset. They’re like a tribute to HyperX’s own design, and no worse for it.

And it gives a level or aural clarity to the BlackShark V2 that makes me doubly surprised to hear it from a headset that costs just $100. If I’m being very picky I’d maybe say that I can hear a little more separation of the higher frequencies with the HyperX Cloud Alpha—mostly when the THX software is enabled— but there is a richness to the mids, and some velvety bass notes, that you only get with the BlackShark V2.

I’m feeling kinda shellshocked after an explosive Battlefield V tour of duty.

For me, the sound is one of the stand-out features of the BlackShark V2, and is far and above what you will get with most other sets in this price point. I’m also a big fan of the restrained design of the headset, and I’ve found them to comfortable enough to wear for marathon gaming sessions. 

I’m a teeny bit of an audio snob; sporting an obsession with Tidal’s Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) offerings, and I don’t quite have the words to express the slap-bass joy of Rage Against the Machine’s Take the Power Back when played loud on really good audio equipment. My usual headphones are the Audeze LCD-3, a particularly lovely open-back pair of cans rocking planar magnetic drivers. They’re great, for music and gaming, but those advanced drivers make them expensive.

The BlackShark V2 may not quite have the glorious clarity of a well-worn planar magnetic set, but the tonal quality of the TriForce drivers, surprisingly with the THX software in music mode, makes for a fantastic experience.

And they’re great in-game too. Where there’s a warmth to the musical experience that means I’ve been oscillating between the melancholy of Swift’s Folklore and the toe-tapping of Seasick Steve’s latest, I’m feeling kinda shellshocked after an explosive Battlefield V tour of duty. 

There’s only one reason I no longer use them as my daily drivers, and that’s the arrival of the wireless version, the rather more expensive BlackShark V2 Pro (opens in new tab). They use the same drivers, but use a lag-free wireless connection, with a great battery life… but they are pricey. Though it has to be said that we’ve seen deals as low as $130 so it is worth looking at.

But overall price is the other stand-out feature of the wired BlackShark V2 headset; you’ll often find them for under $100 and that makes them an absolute bargain. 

Read our full Razer Blackshark V2 review (opens in new tab).

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(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

The HyperX Cloud Alpha is perhaps the most praised thing to exist on this site. We all love it on the team and now HyperX has cut the cord on its best pair of cans. The biggest drawcard for this headset is the new huge battery. You’re looking at up to 300 hours of battery life in wireless mode while still keeping the headset relatively light and comfortable. It’s a pretty massive feat and I feel HyperX has pulled it off.

Out of the box, this unit was reporting having about 80% charge, so I decided to leave it there to see how well that held. I spent a workday listening to music and checked the battery again: I swear it still said 80%. I have been using this thing for gaming and music listening pretty consistently for the past week and we aren’t even at 50% battery yet.

That impressive battery life is, of course, a best-case scenario. A lot of that has to do with the volume you’re running the headset at, and volume is probably my only real complaint. It’s absolutely loud enough but I can listen to it at full volume and still be fairly comfortable.

Definitely one of the better gaming headsets I’ve used to listen to music.

But the sound quality truly is incredible. Music sounds amazing. It’s always fun to listen to some of my favorite sound-heavy songs on a good pair of cans and try to pick the different instruments or bites used. These do an excellent job and are definitely one of the better gaming headsets I’ve used to listen to music on. 

When playing games the directional sound is also very nice. I was able to easily locate hidden batteries by directional beeps in Deep Rock Galactic and had a wonderful time bouncing along to the tight beats of Shadow Warrior 3. I loaded up some Doom Eternal and promptly terrified myself. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it sounds like having a Cacodemon suddenly show up and whisper sweet blah-things into very specifically your left ear then these can absolutely deliver.

The Cloud line is always touted for comfort and despite the hefty battery this still definitely fits the bill. I’m someone who struggles with too much weight or tightness on my head, and I have a real sensitivity to uncomfortable headsets. The top band is thick and has soft padding underneath. This coupled with the equally soft ear cups makes for a very cozy experience, and does an excellent job of blocking out noise.

Sadly, the mic is your fairly standard affair and while it will work just fine for chat in games, it’s very basic and uninspired when it comes to sound quality. 

Though all things considered, I struggle to imagine a customer who wouldn’t be happy with these as a wireless gaming headset. They’re pricey, but within reason for their specs, and they certainly deliver on everything you could want for gaming, and listening to music, on your PC.

Read our full HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless review (opens in new tab).

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(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Corsair)

3. Corsair HS55 Stereo

The best cheap gaming headset with a stellar mic

Our expert review:

Specifications

Wireless:

No

Drivers:

50mm, Neodymium magnets

Connectivity:

3.5mm

Frequency response:

20Hz – 20,000Hz

Features:

Flip-up mic

Today’s Best Deals

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View at Walmart

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Reasons to buy

+

Superb microphone quality

+

Flip-up mic arm

+

Light and comfortable

+

Good value

Reasons to avoid

–

Mic arm can be fiddly at times

–

Older HS50 feels a touch more premium

The HS55 headset is much comfier than Corsair’s previous budget models. The plush earcups on the HS55 make for a stark comparison to the HS50’s stiff and unbudging foam. The HS55 is also lighter, at 284g, which has a big impact on comfort over long periods. I wore this pair for the better part of a week, 8 hours a day, and I didn’t feel the urge to throw them off at any point. They can be a little sweaty on hot days due to the leatherette material they’re covered in, but that’s a pretty common drawback among gaming headsets in this price range.

The biggest shake-up is the microphone arm, which is now attached permanently to the HS55’s left earcup and can be flipped up and out of the way if no longer needed. This is definitely an improvement over the previous HS50, which had a removable mic via 3.5mm jack. 

Don’t judge me, but I’ve lost my fair share of headset microphones in my career, but I’m not a huge fan of leaving the mic in front of my face all day when it’s not in use. A flip-up mic is a much better option, so glad to see one make the cut with the HS55.

The microphone is the real star here.

The microphone sounds great, anyways, and that’s what really counts here. I’m really impressed with just how clear the HS55’s microphone is: the subtle tones and nuance of my voice’s luscious timbre (in my opinion) come through accurately in testing, which you can listen to below. There’s a surprising level of clarity in this mic, even in the lower ranges, and it’s a really great solution for a budget headset. 

This is a 3.5mm wired headset, however, so just bear in mind that both the microphone and audio quality could be adversely affected by your motherboard’s DAC/amp or whatever sound card/external device you plug it into. It shouldn’t make a huge difference nowadays, even the cheapest motherboards have relatively decent audio, but worth sparing a thought for your holistic audio setup.

You’re getting a comfier and lighter headset in the HS55 over the HS50, and ultimately I feel it’s worth the slight price bump for those improvements. The HS55 feels a little cheaper than the HS50, however, with more of a plasticky feel to it. Thankfully it still feels robust and is clearly well put together nonetheless. 

But Corsair’s own is far from this headset’s only competition. You’ve Razer’s Kraken (opens in new tab) and BlackShark V2 X (opens in new tab) cans, which both make for a good contest, and HyperX can be found selling a few models for roughly the same price, including the Cloud II (opens in new tab) when on offer. That’s stiff competition, though the Corsair delivers enough to warrant consideration by any gamer looking to pick up some new cans.

The microphone is the real star here. It’s superbly clear and offers a great end result. You shouldn’t struggle to be heard on Discord or in chat in-game, and you won’t be that player with the muffled and scratchy microphone no one wants to play with. While the mic’s design isn’t quite bang-on how I’d like it, it’s both convenient and sounds great. That really puts the HS55 in contention at this price.

Read our full Corsair HS55 Stereo review (opens in new tab).

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(Image credit: Beyerdynamic)

(Image credit: Beyerdynamic)

(Image credit: Beyerdynamic)

(Image credit: Beyerdynamic)

(Image credit: Beyerdynamic)

(Image credit: Beyerdynamic)

(Image credit: Beyerdynamic)

This isn’t the first gaming headset from Beyerdynamic but the MMX 100 is absolutely its most rounded offering so far. Offering excellent audio and a good microphone in a comfortable and well-designed headset makes for an easy entry into our best headset list, especially when you can pick these impressively made cans up for under $100. 

Despite using a closed-back design we’ve found the MMX 100s produce a surprisingly wide sound stage, without any of the muddiness or over-eager bass that often plagues gaming headsets. The bass is so finely tuned without any distortion or boominess that you typically get on most gaming headsets. The mids and highs are crystal sharp bringing out all the tiny details and audio cues like footsteps or reloads.

At $99, it’s an incredible bargain.

Add in the fact that Beyerdynamics has gone for lightweight materials, with plush memory foam on the earcups and headband, making them supremely comfortable for long sessions too.

The overall build is quite exceptional except for one really annoying issue—the volume dial. On my unit, it had quite a bit of play where it could rock back or forth without changing the volume while causing static in the right ear cup when adjusting volume and oftentimes, completely cutting out the audio on the right side. This is mostly around the max volume position. Minute adjustments of volume would fix the audio but it’s most disturbing for such a well-built headset that I’m honestly inclined to believe it was just my particular sample and not systemic.

There’s simply no denying that Beyerdynamic has totally knocked it out of the park with the MMX 100. At $99, it’s an incredible bargain and I’d be hard-pressed to point out a more comfortable, better-sounding one than this. The Steelseries Arctis Prime (opens in new tab) comes close in comfort but not for sound. Putting aside the volume dial issue on my particular unit, this is easily one of the best gaming headsets money can buy right now.

Read our full Beyerdynamics MMX 100 review (opens in new tab).

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(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Epos)

(Image credit: Epos)

(Image credit: Epos)

(Image credit: Epos)

(Image credit: Future)

Epos is gradually shifting away from its Sennheiser past and beginning to collect its own lineup of great gaming headsets. The H6PRO is a big part of that, as the company’s first go at a true flagship product without Sennheiser’s stamp all over it.

The H6PRO offers a really high-grade headset experience. There are fancy new 42mm drivers to keep them sounding great, which have been tuned to offer a more balanced and easy on the bass profile than your usual gaming headset. It also offers a great-sounding microphone that delivers the benefits of both flip-to-mute and removable designs.

Epos has put together something really competitive and impressive in the H6PRO.

The H6PRO is available as either open-back or closed-back. The difference will have an impact on the noise isolation, audio response, and how the headset feels on your head. So you could say it’s a pretty big decision, as far as gaming headset features go.

I’ve had experience with both open-back and closed-back designs and, essentially, if you desire noise isolation (blocking outside noise from reaching your ear holes) you’ll want the closed-back H6PRO headset. If that’s not important then it’s the open-back H6PRO headset that will be the better choice for a superior gaming sound stage.

In terms of a new flagship, Epos has put together something really competitive and impressive in the H6PRO. The downside is that these also come with a flagship price tag of $179 (£149, €179) and one that you really need to debate whether you are happy with a wire or might instead consider going wireless—if there’s one peripheral that’s worth cutting the cord with, it’s your headset.

That said, should you be happy to spend that amount of cash, you can be safe in the knowledge that the Epos H6PRO is built to a standard worthy of that price tag. 

Read our full Epos H6PRO review (opens in new tab).

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(Image credit: Corsair)

(Image credit: Corsair)

(Image credit: Corsair)

(Image credit: Corsair)

6. Corsair HS80 RGB

The best gaming headset for spatial audio

Our expert review:

Specifications

Wireless:

Yes

Drivers:

50mm, Neodymium drivers

Connectivity:

Slipstream Wireless Dongle, USB Cable

Frequency response:

20Hz – 30,000Hz

Features:

Omnidirectional Broadcast grade mic

Today’s Best Deals

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View at Best Buy

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View at CORSAIR

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Reasons to buy

+

Floating headband design

+

Excellent Hi-Res Audio + Dolby Atmos

+

Excellent microphone

Reasons to avoid

–

Feels bulky

–

Mic isn’t detachable

–

No Bluetooth or 3.5mm

Corsair’s new HS80 RGB Wireless Gaming Headset is easily one of the best headsets the company has ever made and also one of the best wireless headsets around. It takes some of the best headset features available and executes them really well. At $150, it boasts the latest and greatest lag-free Slipstream Wireless tech, high fidelity audio, and Dolby Atmos. The microphone is outstanding and the new design lets you wear them for ages without fatigue.

It’s said that imitation is the highest form of flattery and the new HS80 imitates some of the best headsets from Steelseries. Corsair has finally adopted the same floating headband design that uses an adjustable strap to evenly distribute the weight across your noggin. Furthermore, the HS80 feels bulkier on my head than any Steelseries headset but at 370g, it’s not much heavier.

Halo Infinite, which supports Dolby Atmos, sounds amazing on these cans.

The HS80s sound fantastic with rich, full-bodied audio and a well-balanced bass. The sub-bass can be a little lacking at times and I noticed some distortion even at low volumes. This holds the HS80 back from true greatness but there’s an EQ in iCUE that you can play with to fine-tune the audio to your liking.  

However, it’s the spatial audio where the HS80 surprises, with impressive 3D audio and accurate positioning. This, as you can imagine, is great for games like first-person shooters or large open-world environments. This is made even better with support for Dolby Atmos and Corsair provides an automatic license with the headset. I’ve been playing a lot of Halo Infinite which supports Dolby Atmos and it has sounded amazing on these cans.

Battery life on the HS80 was consistent with the marketing claims of 20 hours. For me, this meant charging the headset every two days—with 10 hours of work and play each day. I didn’t test to see if turning off the RGB lighting made a significant difference but given how small the lights are, I doubt it. Charging the HS80 is easy thanks to a Type-C connection that also allows you to listen to them while it charges.

The Corsair HS80 is a great headset. It sounds great in both games and other media with a wonderful implementation of Dolby Atmos. If you do a lot of chat, the microphone is one of the best we’ve tested.

Read our full Corsair HS80 RGB review (opens in new tab). 

Best gaming headset FAQ

What does a gaming headset need?

There are a few things to consider when choosing a gaming headset. A good price and sound quality are foremost, but comfort is up there, too. Also, noise-cancelling mics are crucial for coms, so most of the headsets we’ve listed here include this feature. You want decent voice quality and a microphone that won’t pick up every single keypress on your mechanical keyboard.

How does PC Gamer test gaming headsets?

You can read all about how PC Gamer tests hardware in our how we test guide (opens in new tab), but here’s a quick breakdown.

Each headset that we test we use daily for at least a week. We record a sample of our voice in Audacity and compare it to previous recordings from other models, then head to Discord to get some feedback from our friends on how we’re sounding. You can hear a lot of the microphones and headsets we test on our Soundcloud (opens in new tab) (I promise it’s not PC Gamer’s homemade rap).

During that week, we aim to test each headset in a number of different game genres—shooters, battle royales, and racing games make for particularly good testing scenarios since the former tends to test the low-end and reveal muddiness and distortion, while PUBG et al are great for positional audio tracking. Oh, and we listen to a lot of music, obviously. 

Are wired or wireless headsets better for gaming?

This really comes to down to preference, but if you’re going the wireless route what you want to look for is for decent battery life (20 hours or higher). The last thing you want to have a headset that’s constantly needing to be plugged in because the battery life is bad. It kind of defeats the purpose of being wireless. For wired headsets you want to make sure you the cable is long enough to reach your PC without feeling like it’s tugging on your head.