How to Pick the Best Wireless Gaming Headsets?
Wireless gaming headsets are a boon for gamers looking for greater comfort, mobility, and freedom (from all the tangled, messy wire getting in the way of gaming). Thankfully, over the years, wireless audio technology has improved significantly in that it now offers both convenience and high-end functionality. However, despite such improvements, choosing the right pair of headsets continues to be one of the most underrated tasks among gamers. There are thousands of good wireless headsets on the market; to top it, you’ll also have to look at the varying game genres you play and the platforms you use to find the right fit. Other preferences like audio and microphone quality, connectivity, comfort, and battery life also vary from person to person. Simply said, picking the wrong pair can make or break your gaming experience. In this article, we’ll be diving deep into what you should consider before getting a pair of wireless gaming headsets. We’ve also rounded up the best wireless gaming headsets on the market and what makes them stand out. Let’s get right to it.
HyperX Cloud II Wireless
Key features
Platforms: PlayStation, PC, Switch Detachable mic: Yes Mute function: Yes Spatial sound: 7.1 Surround Sound Battery: 30 hours Haptic: No Companion app: HyperX NGENUITY
The HyperX Cloud II Wireless are our top choice for the most well-rounded gaming headsets in today’s competitive market. These headphones come with 53mm dynamic drivers, 7.1 surround sound, a 30-hour battery life that charges up in about 2 hours, and excellent compatibility with most gaming platforms.
Radio Frequency (RF): This type of wireless tech transfers signals over 2.4Ghz radiofrequency. RF headsets have very low latency with excellent range since the signal can go through solid objects. But they tend to interfere with other devices that use RF like radios or WiFi routers. Infrared (IR): This wireless tech uses line-of-sight connectivity to transfer signals. It arguably has the best stability since it doesn’t interfere with any other type of wireless tech. IR also has low latency comparable to RF. But, it has the most limited range. Bluetooth: This is the most common among other types of wireless connection, so it’s the best when it comes to compatibility. However, Bluetooth gaming headsets tend to have slightly higher latency depending on the version and codec, which is not ideal for gaming.
PC/Windows Xbox PlayStation Nintendo Switch
While it is the collective dream of gamers to have a pair of wireless gaming headsets for all platforms, it’s simply not possible – at least with the current state of gaming consoles. Consoles like Xbox are built-in with proprietary wireless modules, which require specially designed headsets. Some headsets with a 3.5mm jack can circumvent this by using a wired connection – but then again, the point of having a wireless headset will be lost. With wireless headsets that use a 2.4GHz USB dongle, you can theoretically plug them into any console that has a USB port. But compatibility issues often result in various problems like undetected mic, audio not playing properly, and the headsets straight-up not working. Bluetooth can also be used as a work-around for consoles like the Nintendo Switch. But while you can pair Nintendo Switch to Bluetooth wireless headsets , it still can’t recognize the microphone, which prevents you from engaging in any in-game voice chat in multiplayer titles. Ultimately, sound quality depends on your preferences and the games you play. For example, FPS games often require you to quickly detect and react to enemies around you. In this scenario, picking wireless gaming headsets with a wide sound stage could help you differentiate loud sounds (e.g., explosions and gunfire) from enemy footsteps. But rhythm games like OSU! or Beat Saber can benefit more from a pair of headsets with balanced sound signatures since they rely more on sound accuracy than environmental awareness. For example, in FPS games, having surround sound headphones can help you pinpoint where gunshots are coming from relative to your position. That way, you can better guess the enemy’s location. There are three types of spatial sounds in gaming headsets:
Virtual surround sound: These headsets have only two drivers, but they utilize a post-processing algorithm to trick you into hearing the sound from different directions. True surround sound: These headphones have different drivers positioned strategically inside each ear cup. This feature allows you to hear sounds coming from different directions with more realistic and life-like accuracy. Stereo: These headphones typically can only deliver sound from either the left or right speaker – which is great for listening to music or watching a movie but not immersive enough for games.
It should go without saying that headsets with true surround sound like the Asus ROG Centurion can deliver the most immersive experience. But they’re significantly more expensive than those that only use spatial sound virtualization. Generally, these are what you should look for in wireless gaming headsets mic:
Sensitivity: It’s usually measured in decibels relative to one volt(dBV) – the lower the number, the easier it is for the mic to separate your voice from the environment. Ideally, you should look for anything with a -42 to -30 dBV sensitivity rating. Noise-canceling: While it’s not essential, having a noise-canceling mic could help negate any ambient sound that may interfere with your in-game communication. Dedicated mute button: Having easy-access mute functionality in your gaming headsets is extremely helpful for getting out of in-game communication for real-life ones, like taking a phone call or speaking to someone in the room.
Here are a few aspects that can heavily impact the comfort and fit of gaming headsets:
Weight: The ideal weight of headsets (and headphones) is below 0.75lbs. Anything above that is considered heavy and can be pretty tiring after some time. Padding: Gaming headsets typically come with either leather or fabric padding. Leather ear cups have better sound isolation but can get warm fairly quickly. Fabric ear cups are more breathable and comfortable on the ear but have weaker sound isolation. Adjustability: Since everyone has a unique head shape and size, you should pick wireless gaming headsets with an adjustable headband and ear cups. It will ensure that you don’t get too much clamping force on your head or ears.
But some headsets have additional features that are nice to have but are often just add-ons that could help convince you with your buying decision. Here are some of them:
Active noise canceling: If you play games in a public net cafe or live in a noisy area, having ANC can help you forget your surroundings and focus on the game instead.
Haptic feedback: If you ever feel like the sound alone isn’t immersive enough, getting headsets like Corsair HS60 Haptic or Razer Kraken V3 Hypersense can give you more immersion by literally vibrating your head in tune with real-time explosions or other in-game effects. Mic monitoring: Having built-in mic monitoring on your headsets helps you hear yourself as you speak. That way, you’ll always know whether your voice is getting through clearly to your teammates.
With that said, consider choosing something that you wouldn’t mind being seen wearing. Despite having a robust build quality, the Cloud II Wireless weigh only 300g, making them comfortable to wear for long gaming sessions. The adjustable headband also helps ensure the ear cups sit comfortably on your ears. These wireless gaming headphones have a -20dBV noise-canceling and detachable microphone that supports built-in mic monitoring, which is sure to enhance your in-game communication. You also get to control a large portion of your audio with the volume dial on the right ear cup. On the left ear cup, you have the power button, mute button, a USB-C charging port, and the detachable microphone. While the Cloud II Wireless are compatible with HyperX’s NGENUITY app, you can access all of the built-in features without it. The power button also doubles as the 7.1 surround sound toggle by tapping it. You can also turn on the mic monitoring by holding the mute button for a few seconds. However, the Cloud II Wireless don’t have a 3.5mm jack for wired listening. Which means it’s either wireless or nothing at all. It’s also not in Microsoft’s list of compatible headsets, making them impossible to use on Xbox. CHECK THE LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless
Key features
Platforms: PC, PlayStation Detachable mic: Retractable Mute function: Yes Spatial sound: DTS Headphone:X v2.0 Battery: 20 hours Haptic: No Companion app: SteelSeries Engine
The Arctis Pro Wireless are the top-of-the-line wireless gaming headsets from Steelseries with excellent all-round performance. These headphones come with two 10-hour batteries, DTS surround sound, lossless 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth connectivity. In the sound department, the Arctis Pro are packed with finely-tuned 40mm drivers. There are also multiple equalizer profiles that you can access and customize through the SteelSeries Engine companion app. The Arctis Pro Wireless also have a retractable boom microphone, which sounds splendid right out of the box. Combined with the Arctis lineup’s understated and non-gamer-centric design, you can easily wear the Arctis Pro as daily headphones. These headphones come with a wireless transmitter responsible for its lossless audio. The transmitter also acts as a charger for the hot-swappable battery that you can easily replace by popping out the left ear cup panel. If you’re not a fan of software controls, the transmitter also has an LED display, a rotary knob, and a button that allows you to monitor and control the headsets without going into the software. By default, you can adjust the volume, select the audio source, change the EQ profile, adjust the chat mix, and toggle surround sound right from the transmitter. SteelSeries also use their famous elastic cloth headband to help with the fit adjustment. This design is extremely comfortable since the elastic cloth prevents your head from directly contacting the frame. The ear cups can also swivel 90 degrees, so you can rest them comfortably around your neck when not in use. But even so, the Arctis Pro is only slightly heavier than our top pick at 362g. The memory foam ear pads are super plushy and comfortable with a breathable cover. To help with sound isolation, Steelseries made the inner part of the ear pads with leatherette material. While the Arctis Pro Wireless are, undoubtedly, one of the most complete gaming headsets in terms of quality and features, they come at a higher price point than other brands’ flagship products. There’s also no physical button to adjust game & chat audio balance, also known as ChatMix. CHECK THE LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
HyperX Cloud Flight S
Key features
Platforms: PS4, PS5, PC, Switch Detachable mic: Yes Mute function: Yes Spatial sound: 7.1 Surround Sound Battery: 30 hours Haptic: No Companion app: HyperX NGENUITY
The Cloud Flight S are HyperX’s latest wireless gaming headsets that offer an extensive 30-hour battery, 2.4GHz wireless connection, and a detachable microphone. While these headphones offer a superb experience out of the box, sound personalization is what makes the Cloud Flight S stand out from the crowd. If you’re a multi-platform gamer, you’d be glad to know that the 7.1 surround sound works on both PlayStation and PC without any additional configuration – a rare feature among gaming headsets. The Cloud Flight S come with 50mm drivers with a balanced sound signature out of the box. But if you prefer other types of sound, you can adjust the custom EQ through the NGENUITY app. Weighing at only 310g, the Cloud Flight S are one of the lightest headsets on this list. They come with thick, cushiony ear pads with leatherette fabric that creates excellent sound isolation. The ear cups also support a decent amount of tilt and swivel, making finding the perfect fit that much easier. You can access virtually all the controls you’d need from the headsets. The left ear cup has four buttons disguised as indented circles that make them easier to find by touch. By default, these buttons are mapped to mute your mic, deafen your audio, and adjust game/chat volume. But you can customize the buttons through the companion app as well. The Cloud Flight S headsets are also the first wireless type that support Qi wireless charging technology, meaning you can re-charge by just placing them on a charging pad. Unfortunately, the Cloud Flight S have a sub-par microphone quality at best. Compared to the likes of Logitech G Pro X Wireless or Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, the Cloud Flight S de-emphasize a lot of the bass, making your voice sound slightly higher than in real life. CHECK THE LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Logitech G435
Key features
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Mobile Detachable mic: No Mute function: Yes Spatial sound: Stereo Battery: 18 hours Haptic: No
If you want wireless gaming headsets with zero latency and excellent design at an affordable price, the Logitech G435 can be the right choice. With a price tag less than half of our top pick, these headphones cut all the right corners while still offering an enjoyable gaming experience. The G435 come with a pair of 40mm drivers that can source the audio from either the 2.4GHz dongle or Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity with up to 10 meters (32ft.) range. A single charge on the G435 can give you about 18 hours of listening time, which is more than enough for long gaming sessions. The G435 also use built-in beam-forming microphones with a 100 Hz – 8 kHz sensitivity range. The lack of a boom arm also allows the G435 to have a more compact form factor. What makes the G435 a wholesome choice is also the fact that Logitech is committed to being carbon neutral with these headphones. They are made of at least 22% recycled plastic. The plastic construction significantly contributes to their ultra-lightweight – at only 165 grams. They also come with 100% cardboard packaging with no plastic involved. The ear pads are covered in breathable fabric with a relatively thick cushion, making it a fairly economical choice. All of the controls for the G435 are accessible from the headsets. You’ll get the power button, volume up/down, USB-C charging port, and a microphone mute button on the left ear cup. You’ll also need several combinations of key presses to access additional features like applying volume limit, checking the battery level, and activating mic monitoring. Consult this manual for the complete list of combinations. Nonetheless, if ultimate comfort is your top priority, the G435 may not be the best option since they don’t have anything separating the drivers and your ears. Depending on their shape and size, your ears may come in direct contact with the plastic frame – which isn’t a pleasant experience. The microphone quality is on the lower end of things, which may be a problem if you play a lot of multiplayer games. The G435 also aren’t compatible with the G Hub software, virtually eliminating all customization options. CHECK THE LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Also good: Corsair HS70 Pro
The G435 are our best budget pick because they come with a lower price tag, additional Bluetooth connectivity, and USB-C charging port. But their built-in microphone and average padding may be a deal-breaker for gamers who prioritize in-game communication and comfort. If that’s the case for you, the Corsair HS70 Pro are an excellent alternative that have a higher-quality detachable boom mic and overall better comfort. Despite the aluminum headband and metal yolks around the ear cups, the HS70 Pro weigh only 330 grams. Combine that with the pair of soft memory foam ear pads, and you’ll have uber-comfortable gaming headsets that are certainly worth the price. The HS70 have a 16-hour battery that takes about 2-3 hours to charge fully. Like most gaming headsets, the HS70 offer a 7.1 virtual surround sound and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity. You can also create custom EQ settings through Corsair’s iCUE software. If you’re looking for wireless gaming headsets with a robust build, the HS70 Pro won’t disappoint on that front either. They have an aluminum headband with generous flex but enough clamping force to keep them on your head.
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro
Key features
Platforms: PC Detachable mic: Yes Mute function: Yes Spatial sound: THX Spatial 7.1 Surround Sound Battery: 24 hours Haptic: No Companion app: Razer Synapse
The BlackShark V2 Pro are the latest iteration of Razer’s lineup of premium wireless gaming headsets that prioritize function over form. They come with a sleek design, robust build quality, and neutral-sounding drivers that provide much room for equalizer tweaking. With the BlackShark V2 Pro, you’ll get a 2.4GHz wireless connection supporting 3.5mm wired playback. It uses Razer’s 50mm Triforce Titanium Drivers – which they claim provides better sound separation. Razer also includes THX Spatial 7.1 support in the Razer Synapse 3 companion app. This feature allows you to access an array of surround sound profiles that can significantly enhance your experience for specific genres and individual games. The headband and ear cups on the BlackShark V2 Pro are covered in memory foam padding with a breathable mesh cover that makes them less prone to warming up. Nearly all parts of the BlackShark V2 Pro are made of plastic, so Razer managed to put together lightweight headsets at only 362 grams. One caveat is that the BlackShark V2 Pro have a steep price hike for virtually the same features the wired BlackShark V2 offer. Additionally, the V2 Pro also have a looser headband compared to their predecessor, which is good for lower clamping force, but worse for sound isolation. Fortunately, the BlackShark V2 Pro come with a much better mic than the original V2 – which could justify the price markup. Given that the V2’s mic tends to only pick up mids and trebles, making the tone of your voice sound a bit higher than it actually is, the BlackShark V2 Pro rectified that flaw by including a mic that makes you sound as you should in real life. CHECK THE LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Also good: Razer Barracuda X
The Barracuda X are worthy of honorable mention as the best wireless headsets for PC gaming. These headphones offer a straightforward gaming experience with excellent comfort and decent audio quality at a much lower price than the BlackShark V2 Pro. Weighing only 250 grams, the Barracuda X are significantly lighter than most metal-frame gaming headsets, including the BlackShark V2 Pro. They also use the same memory foam covered in mesh ear cups – which adds even more comfort. Battery life is not an issue at all since the Barracuda X can last up to 20 hours on a single charge. They also charge through USB-C, which is universal with modern devices. But if you’re ever out of battery, you can quickly swap to the 3.5mm wired connection as well. All in all, the Barracuda X are an excellent alternative for PC gaming, minus the bells and whistles that the BlackShark V2 Pro offer.
Razer Nari Ultimate
Key features
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5 Detachable mic: Retractable Mute function: Yes Spatial sound: THX Spatial 7.1 Surround Sound Battery: 20 hours (haptic and RGB off) Haptic: Yes Companion app: Razer Synapse
If you’re looking for wireless headsets that can get you completely engrossed in the game, the Razer’s HyperSense technology in the Nari Ultimate could be the right choice to make. The Nari Ultimate are Razer’s attempt at upgrading their previous Nari Essential. Both the Essential and Ultimate offer the same support for THX Spatial 7.1 surround, but the latter has the HyperSense technology that can provide haptic feedback. In a nutshell, HyperSense technology in the Razer Nari Ultimate allows the drivers to deliver haptic feedback along with the bass by including vibration motors on the 50mm drivers. Moreover, despite the vibrations, the Nari Ultimate are very comfortable to wear, thanks to the generous padding on the ear cups and the headband. The foam ear pads are covered in a leatherette material, which provides a decent seal. They also have small hidden divots for people who wear glasses. The Nari Ultimate use a 2.4GHz wireless dongle to connect to your device. There’s also a small slot on the left ear cup where you can store the USB dongle safely. Alternatively, the Nari Ultimate also support a 3.5mm jack that you can find on the left ear cup, along with the power button, volume control, and a mic mute button. With the haptic feedback and RGB off, the Nari Ultimate can last up to 20 hours. If you turn on both features, the total battery life dwindles to about 8 hours. But you can configure a more energy-saving setting in the Razer Synapse app. CHECK THE LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
PlayStation PULSE 3D
Key features
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5 Detachable mic: No Mute function: Yes Spatial sound: Tempest 3D AudioTech Battery: 12 hours Haptic: No
The PULSE 3D are Sony’s simple yet effective headset designed for a comfortable wireless gaming experience with the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 ecosystem. Like the PlayStation 4’s Platinum headsets that match the console’s aesthetics, the PULSE 3D have PlayStation 5’s signature black-and-white color scheme. But with the PULSE 3D, Sony also upgraded the battery life from 6 hours to 12 hours and the charging port from micro-USB to USB-C, which can be a huge attraction for consumers looking to get more in the same package. The PULSE 3D connect wirelessly through a 2.4GHz USB dongle, allowing for minimum latency, which is essential for gaming. But if you ever run out of juice, there’s also a 3.5mm jack that you can use as an alternative connection method. Controls are also readily available on the headsets – so you won’t have to rely on PlayStation’s Settings app to do most things. The left ear cup sports plenty of controls, including the power button, volume rocker, mic mute button, and game/chat mix button. They’re also spaced very well so that you can locate each button simply by touch. Sony markets the PULSE 3D as gaming headsets that will enhance your experience with their consoles. These headsets come with Tempest 3D spatial audio, named after PlayStation 5’s audio processing. Weighing at only 294 grams, the PULSE 3D won’t be too tiring to wear, even for hours on end. The ear cups are covered in a thick and soft leatherette material, making them even easier on the head. Unfortunately, the PULSE 3D have a compact form factor, so they’re not suitable for all head shapes and sizes. If your head is on the larger side, the PULSE 3D might have a little too much clamp. And while the ear cups are designed as over-ears, they might be slightly uncomfortable if your ears are on the larger side as well. CHECK THE LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Logitech G PRO X Wireless
Key features
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Switch Detachable mic: Yes Mute function: Yes Spatial sound: DTS Headphone: X 2.0 7.1 surround sound Battery: 20 hours Haptic: No Companion app: Logitech G Hub
Logitech is one of the few household names when it comes to gaming peripherals, and the G PRO X Wireless are their flagship gaming headsets that check all the right boxes. But what amazes us about the G PRO X is the mic quality, thanks to the Blue Vo!ce software’s audio processing. To access the Blue Vo!ce audio processing, you’ll need to install the Logitech G Hub companion app. By doing so, you will be able to switch to the broadcast-oriented EQ profile that enhances the clarity of your voice. By default, the G PRO X wireless sound excellent for any genre of games and music. That said, you can also customize the EQ through the Logitech G Hub companion app. But that’s not all that the G PRO X have in store for you. They come with a 20-hour battery that’s more than enough for long gaming sessions. Latency is also not a problem with the 2.4GHz connectivity (branded as ‘Lightspeed’). The G PRO X Wireless are mostly metal, except for steel on the hinges and a section of the ear cups. However, they are still relatively light at only 370 grams – which isn’t too much of a tradeoff for the sturdier build. The flexible headband and ear cups are covered in a soft leatherette material, which helps with better comfort and isolation. You’ll also get a pair of additional velour ear pads, which are more delicate and more suitable for gamers with glasses. They don’t have the same level of isolation as the leatherette ones but are still decent at doing so. CHECK THE LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset
Key features
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series, PC & Mobile Detachable mic: Retractable Mute function: Yes Spatial sound: 7.1 surround sound Battery: 15 hours Haptic: No Companion app: Xbox Accessories
If you’re an Xbox-only gamer, then there’s a good chance that Microsoft’s official Xbox Wireless Headsets would appeal to you! These headphones offer everything you’d want from a pair of gaming headsets for Xbox. They come with a 15-hour battery, dongle-less 2.4GHz wireless connection with Xbox, and 7.1 surround sound for better in-game awareness. They are also designed primarily to connect with Xbox’s internal wireless adapter. You can simply turn them on and pair them with your Xbox – no need to plug in anything. These headphones are also among the few products that can transfer audio signals through USB-C. It means that you can use them with many other devices that support USB audio playback. The build quality is also quite commendable, with premium-looking plastic covering most of the headsets. They’re relatively comfortable since they only weigh 310 grams. You’ll also get leatherette ear cups that provide a decent audio seal. On-board controls are also a breeze with these headphones. The outer circles on the ear cups can rotate and function as game/chat mix and headset volume adjustment knobs. You also get a pairing button and a mic mute button at the bottom of the right ear cup. Since the Xbox Wireless Headsets don’t come with a dongle, using them with other devices would require you to buy Microsoft’s proprietary adapter. The leatherette ear cups are also quite stiff out of the box and need some time to break in, which may be a deal-breaker for some people. CHECK THE LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Also good: SteelSeries Arctis 9X
The SteelSeries Arctis 9x are the Xbox-specific version for the regular Arctis 9 that have the added compatibility for Microsoft’s internal wireless adapter. However, they still retain all the same goodness, including the 28-hour battery, excellent boom mic, and lightweight comfort. Like most Arctis headsets, the 9x sport an elastic cloth for the fit adjustment. Not only does it make adjustments more manageable, the fabric also fits more comfortably on the top of your head. Connecting the Arctis 9x to Xbox is also a painless process. You can simply turn on pairing mode on both the headsets and your console, and you should be good to go in a few seconds – no dongle required. The Arctis 9x also support Bluetooth wireless connectivity that allows you to pair them with other devices. They also have a retractable mic and an understated design that make them more suitable to use as daily headphones.
Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2
Key features
Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation, PC Detachable mic: Retractable Mute function: Yes Spatial sound: 7.1 surround sound Battery: 20 hours Haptic: No Companion app: Turtle Beach Audio Hub
The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen. 2 are a pair of straightforward gaming headsets that combine a solid battery life, robust build, and ultimate comfort – especially for people with glasses. This is because there are carved-out sections on the ear cups that are meant to reduce some pressure off the glasses’ frame. Gaming with the Stealth 700 for hours also won’t be an issue. The leatherette ear pads have a cooling gel layer underneath the cushiony memory foam to prevent them from warming up as you wear them. The ear cups also have a dual-hinge system that allows a wide range of adjustability. When you don’t need to wear them, the hinges also let the ear cups to lay flat around your neck. There are two variants of the Stealth 700 Gen 2: the Xbox and PlayStation versions. The Xbox version can connect directly to Microsoft’s built-in wireless adapter, while the PlayStation version uses a USB dongle to pair with the console. The Stealth 700 can either have Windows Sonic (Xbox) or PlayStation 3D audio (PS4 & PS5) as spatial sound processing, depending on the console you use it with. However, you can still add your sound customization through the Turtle Beach Audio Hub. But regardless of which version you choose, the Stealth 700 offer dual wireless connections: a 2.4GHz wireless and a Bluetooth 4.2 for casual listening. These headphones can also last up to 20 hours on a single charge, and it takes about 2-3 hours to re-charge through the USB-C port. While it’s not the most extended battery life, it’s more than enough for even full-day gaming on the weekend. Stealth 700’s microphone is one of the clearest among all gaming headsets on this list, second only to the Logitech G Pro X Wireless. When not in use, you can flip up the boom arm, which automatically mutes the microphone. But due to the cut-out sections, the Stealth 700 have inconsistent sound isolation at best. And while the Bluetooth connectivity is a nice touch, it still only uses the SBC codec – which has the lowest quality. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
ASTRO Gaming A50
Key features
Platforms: PS5, PS4, PC Detachable mic: Retractable Mute function: Yes Spatial sound: Stereo Battery: 15 hours Haptic: No Companion app: ASTRO Command Center
The ASTRO Gaming A50 are our top pick for the most customizable gaming headsets available. ASTRO offer a series of customizations, including aftermarket headband and ear pads, that allow you to make the headsets truly yours. By default, the A50 comes with a pair of plush velour ear pads and a plastic headband. But if they don’t feel right on your head, there’s a mod kit available that includes noise-isolating ear pads and a padded headband. Sound-wise, you can also customize the A50 by creating EQ profiles for the headphones and microphone through the Command Center app. This customization allows you to find the ‘perfect’ sound for your ears (and voice), which can be crucial in improving your experience depending on the genre of music/game. The A50 come with a charging base that acts as a connection point between your console and the headsets. You’ll find various ports on the back of the charging case, including USB-A for the 2.4GHz wireless dongle, optical in/out, a 3.5mm aux, and a Micro-USB power input. The A50 have a 15-hour battery to power the finely-tuned 40mm drivers that can deliver crisp and well-balanced sound across different frequencies. Charging the headsets is also very easy since you can simply rest the headsets on the base without any additional cable. There are a plethora of controls available on the headsets, which take some time getting used to but are ultimately good to have. You’ll find the power button, surround sound toggle, EQ button, and volume control, on the back of the right ear cup. On the left ear cup, there’s a game/chat mix button along with a boom mic that automatically turns off when flipped up. The ASTRO A50 are also much bulkier than other headsets on this list at 676 grams. Their gamer-centric design also makes them a tad inconvenient to be used regularly without drawing odd looks from people around you. On top of that, the microphone isn’t detachable – so you’re pretty much short of luck when it stops working. But ASTRO is nice enough to include a two-year warranty for the A50. CHECK THE LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Audeze Mobius
Key features
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Detachable mic: Yes Mute function: Yes Spatial sound: WAVES Nx Surround Sound Battery: 10 hours Haptic: No Companion app: Audeze’s HQ application
If you’re looking for wireless gaming headsets that you can also use as daily headphones, the Audeze Mobius are pretty much the best choice on the market right now. Period. The Mobius combine the spatial sound necessary for gaming headsets with an understated design that allows you to wear them as daily drivers. But unlike your typical gaming headsets, the Mobius uses 40mm planar magnetic drivers that pack a high-end audio listening experience. These finely-tuned drivers are what make them viable as enthusiast-grade daily headphones. The Audeze Mobius rely on either the 3.5mm or USB-C wired connection options to achieve the zero-latency necessary for gaming. But when it comes to casual listening, you can switch to Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connection with SBC, AAC, and LDAC audio codecs. Like most other gaming headsets, the Audeze Mobius come with virtual 7.1 and 5.1 surround sound for spatial awareness and Hi-Res audio for even better detailing in your games. There’s also a 3D audio feature that allows you to experience even more immersion when playing games or consuming content that supports it. You also get a detachable noise-canceling boom mic that slots into the 3.5mm audio jack. The mic handles typical voice frequency very well, with the mids and highs slightly boosted while keeping the bass intact. You’ll get a USB-A to USB-C, a USB-C to USB-C, and a 3.5mm analog cable in the box, so you get a wide range of methods to connect the Mobius to your PC, console, or other audio players. The Audeze Mobius can last up to 10 hours on a single charge. Fully charging the headset will take about 3 hours with a 1Amp wall charger. For one-cable-for-all people out there, it’s nice to know that the Mobius uses the USB-C port for both charging and data transfer. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
