Best gaming headset 2023

The best gaming headset can help you ascend the leaderboards with better directive audio and improved communication potential.

If you really want the best experience then you'll likely want a different headset depending on your platform. The needs of the best gaming PC aren't always the same ones met by the best headsets for PS5 or Xbox, so knowing what you're looking for is essential.

While you can grab a cheap headset, which will sometimes offer good sound quality if you know where to look, the best gaming headsets take things a lot further with additional features like noise cancellation on not just the sound coming in, but often on the microphone as well. It means nobody you're chatting to will hear you chowing down on Pringles mid-game.

So, based on a selection of standout features as well as price and reviews, we've put together a list of five awesome headsets to take your setup to the next level. Stick around too - we've answered some of the most commonly asked questions to help you decide.

Without further ado, here are our top picks...

Best gaming headsets

1. Razer BlackShark V2 Pro
2. EPOS Sennheiser GSP 370
3. Alienware AW520H
4. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
5. Corsair HS35

click to enlarge

+ 5

Credit: Razer

1. Razer BlackShark V2 Pro

Best gaming headset overall

The Razer Blackshark V2 Pro focuses on positional audio, communication clarity, and noise cancellation, making it one of the best headsets on the market for almost every game imaginable.

Its titanium 50mm drivers really are a force to be reckoned with, with Razer's triforce technology allowing them to deliver excellent high, mid, and low frequencies. This essentially means they can provide richer trebles, brighter sound, and more powerful bass. It has titanium-coated diaphragms as well, providing extra vocal clarity and making any callouts you receive as crisp and clear as possible.

Razer has also paid close attention to noise cancellation. The hyperclear supercardioid mic has a pickup pattern that offers more noise rejection from the sides, unlike standard cardioid mics, for a more accurate, truer recreation of your voice. You also get passive noise cancellation from the closed earcups that are designed to fully cover your ears, while the breathable memory foam ensures comfort during longer gaming sessions.

So, if you're looking for a gaming headset that can deliver truly immersive audio, then this Razer pick is definitely worth considering.

Read more: Best noise-cancelling headphones under 100

click to enlarge

+ 5

Credit: EPOS

2. EPOS Sennheiser GSP 370

Best gaming headset for travel

Battery life is one of the most important features to look for in a wireless gaming headset. After all, who wants to spend more time charging their headset than actually using it? This is where the EPOS Sennheiser comes in.

It features an incredible battery life of up to 100 hours while connected via its low-latency wireless pairing. This connection is said to practically eliminate any audio delay and maintain its immersive sound quality too thanks to its transducers. The long battery life also makes it great for travelling with, plus you can charge it via USB and still use it at the same time.

If that wasn't enough for you, you can customise your sound in the EPOS Gaming suite in order to optimise your audio settings for the game you're playing. There’s also a volume wheel on the ear cup that you can use to easily adjust your audio levels mid-action.

When it comes to teaming up online, the headset features a noise-cancelling microphone that is said to deliver ‘broadcast quality’ audio to ensure your friends never miss an important call.

Sennheiser has also considered comfort as it features a split padded headband to reduce pressure on your head, along with memory foam ear cushions and a ball-joint hinge that automatically angles the earcups to suit the shape of your head. All in all, we'd say this headset is one of the best wireless options around, particularly with its long-lasting battery life and cushioning, which should make it a great option to travel with.

Read more: Best headsets for Microsoft Teams

click to enlarge

+ 5

Credit: Alienware

3. Alienware AW520H

Best gaming headset with 7.1 surround sound

Alienware makes some of the coolest-looking technology around, and even when it's something simple like a headset, you'll still be able to tell where it's from, even without the little alien head on it. The AW520H stands out in particular, and is a notable upgrade on the previous AW510H, which used to hold this spot but has since had to make way for this stellar device.

Thanks to Dolby Atmos spatial audio, you'll get to enjoy the uncanny feeling of being inside the action, which will have you looking over your shoulder every five seconds or so, and possibly lower your KDA until you get used to it.

It also features AI-driven noise cancelling on the retractable microphone, which means that whatever you say to your teammates, you'll be heard loud and clear. Just don't have the mic too close to your mouth or they'll be able to hear you breathing in uncomfortable detail.

The headset also features memory foam ear pads for all-encompassing comfort, a comfortable headband that's easy to adjust, and is incredibly light, so you'll not strain yourself when using it for a long time.

Basically, it's one of the best PC gaming headsets around, but it can also be used on consoles thanks to the adapter it comes with which makes it far more versatile than previous iterations. All in all, a great pick.

Read more: Best headsets for home working

click to enlarge

+ 5

Credit: SteelSeries

4. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro

Best premium gaming headset

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is on the pricier side, but it comes with a whole host of features that we think make it worth paying extra for. These include impressive audio, active noise cancellation, and multi-system connection abilities.

"Almighty Audio" is how SteelSeries describes the sound quality of this headset... it has the Nova Pro Acoustic System to thank for that, combining high fidelity drivers with Sonar Software to create crystal clear sound. It also has 360 degrees of spatial audio to give you the most immersive experience possible by allowing you to hear the action in your game from every direction. What's more, you can customise your sound when playing with Pro-Grade Parametric EQ. This essentially allows you to adjust the volume or frequencies of specific cues. For instance, you can turn your teammates up whilst in-game audio down.

To set it up, it features a multi-system connect function, meaning you're able to plug in two different devices at the same time into the dual USB port, and then switch freely between them with just a simple press of a button. Moreover, the headset features a rather unique mic. It actually uses AI to provide 'flawless' noise-cancellation. More specifically, the Sonar Software AI algorithm helps to detect and get rid of background noise, like the annoying click-clack of your keyboard, for a clearer replication of your voice.

Last but not least, the headset features ComfortMAX, providing height-adjustable rotating earcups, as well as a flexible suspension band and pivoting hangers that give you a glasses-friendly build and the comfort to play all day long. This headset really does offer some great features that we think make it worth the price tag. So, make sure you check out this SteelSeries bit of kit.

Read more: Best gaming monitors

click to enlarge

+ 5

Credit: Corsair

5. Corsair HS35

Best cheap gaming headset

On the other end of the scale, the Corsair HS35 is a budget-friendly option to consider, although that doesn't mean it lacks in quality or features. For example, it comes with custom-tuned 50mm neodymium drivers that are designed to deliver exceptional sound with a great range of frequencies.

Next up is the noise-cancelling mic. It's unidirectional, meaning it only picks up sound from one specific area, allowing it to hone in on your voice when you talk while also reducing any background noise. This will allow your friends to hear you better, as well as allow you to pay attention to all of the noises in your game so you can stay one step ahead of your enemy.

Comfort is a key part of any headset, and this Corsair device is no different with plush memory foam earcups that you can adjust to find the perfect fit. The headset also has on-ear volume and mute controls to make it easy for you to adjust on the fly without interrupting your game.

Finally, it has the advantage of being multi-platform compatible, meaning you can use it whether you're into PC gaming, or have a PS4 or Nintendo Switch (PS5 and Xbox Series X aren't supported). In our opinion, this headset proves that you can find a fairly inexpensive gaming headset that doesn't hold back on quality.

Read more: Best gaming keyboards

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

You may still have some queries about the best gaming headsets, which is why we've tried to help you out by answering some of the most frequently asked questions about them below.

Is it better to get a wired or wireless headset for gaming?

Whether you should pick a wired or wireless headset really depends on a couple of factors: your own personal preference and what platform you're going to use the headset for.

If you're using it for PC gaming, then a wired product should be fine because, generally speaking, pretty much any wired headset should work with your PC. Alternatively, if you want a headset for your PS5 or Xbox Series X, for example, then you'll almost definitely be better off with a wireless option because you get the freedom to move around and sit where you like while you game.

You should take battery life into consideration when buying a wireless headset though because, the longer the battery life, the longer you can play without having to set your headset down to recharge.

It's worth mentioning too that the microphone quality in wireless headsets often suffers due to compression and, if you're using Bluetooth, the connection can potentially drop out and may, at times, be prone to latency. However, most gaming headsets nowadays come with a dongle with a 2.4GHz connection, which makes them almost as good as wired headsets as they don't have any noticeable lag.

What should I look for in a gaming headset?

When it comes to choosing a gaming headset, there are a few key areas to consider to ensure you're getting the best possible product for your money.

Crucially, you'll need to take sound quality into account. Granted, this can be difficult if you're buying a headset online, but you can usually figure out how good the audio is from the reviews and its spec sheet. Normally, any product with custom-tuned 50mm drivers or 7.1 surround sound will deliver excellent audio quality.

Noise cancellation is another important feature to look for. By having it, you should find any background noise that can interfere with your immersion and stop you from hearing your enemies approaching is kept to a minimum.

Comfort is also up there with the most important things to consider when buying a headset. Let's face it, no one wants to be put off a longer gaming session just because their headset feels like it's digging deep into their skull. Therefore, it's best to look out for anything with padded earcups, especially memory foam ones, and you should also make sure the headband is adjustable so you can find the perfect fit.