Best Headset For PC Gaming In 2023

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X offers the perfect combination of price and performance. And at $180 (sometimes less), you’d be hard-pressed to find another headset that packs in as much value as this.

The Nova 7X has a sleek and comfortable design with breathable, weaved fabric earcups and an adjustable steel-reinforced headband. If comfort is a main priority for you, SteelSeries' Nova line is the way to go.

Of course, the Nova 7X is more than just a good-looking gaming headset that can be worn comfortably all day; it also boasts excellent audio performance. The Nova Pro has 360-degree Spatial Audio to help pinpoint sounds. The custom-tuned acoustic drivers perform exceedingly well, producing crisp and clear lows and highs.

Convenience is also a major selling point of the Nova 7X. It can run for 38 hours on a full charge, and it only takes 15 minutes to add six hours of juice. It connects via a 2.4GHz dongle or Bluetooth. This is where the Nova 7X is particularly useful for PC owners who also regularly use other devices. It can connect wirelessly to PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices--yes, that covers pretty much all modern gaming devices.

You can easily conceal the retractable noise-canceling microphone, which helps turn the Nova 7X into a formidable pair of regular Bluetooth headphones to wear when not gaming. This versatility is enhanced by the ability to be connected to two different devices at once (game on PC, talk via Bluetooth on mobile).

Out of the box, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X sounds fantastic, but audiophiles will want to customize their listening experience with SteelSeries' great Sonar Software.

It's worth noting that the X in 7X stands for Xbox. We're recommending the Xbox version because it's the only edition in the Nova 7 lineup that works wirelessly on all platforms. The 7 and 7P have the same exact features and cost the same, but they don't have Xbox support. However, if you have no need for Xbox support, you'd be happy with any of the Nova 7 headsets--the headband strap color is the only visible difference between them.

If you want to save a bit of cash, the Nova 7's predecessor, the Arctis 7+, is still an excellent option. You can also check out the 7P+ or 7X, as they offer many of the same features as the Arctis 7+ but are designed specifically for PlayStation and Xbox, respectively.

As the precursor to the Nova series, you’ll find a lot of the same features on the 7+. This includes a 30-hour battery life, high-quality materials, and Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connections. The Arctis 7+ is a bit bulkier, and its sound quality isn’t quite as finely tuned. Still, this was our top pick before the Nova series came along, so you're still getting a comfortable and high-performing headset if you go this route.

If you don't mind spending a lot of money on a gaming headset, you can step up from the Nova 7 to the Nova Pro (roughly twice the price). Given the price, it should come as no surprise that it's seriously impressive. The Arctis Nova Pro doesn't cut any corners--and once again the Xbox version is fully supported across all platforms.

The spec sheet for the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless seems to run on forever. On top of active noise canceling, 360-degree Spatial Audio, and pro-grade Parametric EQ, you’ll benefit from a retractable microphone, premium construction and materials, dual USB ports for easy connectivity, support for 2.4GHz wireless connections, Bluetooth, and a hot-swappable battery that lets you charge one battery while using the other.

Unlike most wireless gaming headsets, the Nova Pro doesn't connect via a dongle. Instead, it uses a base station that connects to two devices at once, so you can hook it up to your PC and PlayStation/Xbox. The base station stores and charges the extra battery and has a display and dial for audio settings.

Though the Nova Pro shares many of the same traits with the Nova 7, it's a pretty big leap forward in the comfort department thanks to its premium leatherette earcups with memory foam cushions that keep you cool throughout lengthy gaming sessions. The durable steel construction is built to last, and you can get a lot of use out of the Nova Pro thanks to built-in Bluetooth support.

Extremely pricey? Yes, but it's the best premium wireless gaming headset around for PC (and consoles).

Like everything about the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless but prefer a wired connection (or want to save a bit of cash)? Then take a look at the Arctis Nova Pro, which offers many of the same features--but slightly better audio performance, actually--as the wireless model. This includes a retractable noise canceling microphone, spatial audio, and high-quality drivers that make it easy to hear everything from explosive gunshots to squeaking footsteps. Best of all, it clocks in under $250, making this a great option for folks who don’t want to cross the $300 threshold required for most premium wireless headset but still want all the high-end features. It comes with a handy DAC to tinker with audio settings, but you'll also want to take advantage of the robust Sonar Software features, which let you create custom profiles and really fine-tune your listening experience to your liking.

The Logitech G Pro X gets a lot of things right. Designed around Logitech’s Lightspeed technology, you’ll get lag-free performance that works up to 15 meters. Logitech also packed in premium 50mm drivers that can churn out booming explosions with great directionality, and soft memory foam earcups to keep you comfy during extended play sessions. Toss in a steel headband, aluminum forks, and premium leatherette padding, and it’s easy to see why the G Pro X is so popular. Logitech has long been a major player in the PC accessory space, and the G Pro X is the manufacturer's best headset for PC.

With a slick design, an impressive list of features, and an affordable price tag for what you get, the BlackShark V2 Pro is a great all-around wireless headset. Its earcups are built with breathable memory foam and plush leatherette, it includes a detachable supercardioid microphone, and it was designed to be ultra-lightweight--making it easy to keep on your ears during long online matches. The star of the show, however, are the 50mm drivers, as they’ve been tuned to deliver vibrant audio regardless of what’s happening in your match.

Don’t let its rock-bottom price tag fool you--the Arctis Nova 1 packs a punch. Parametric EQ, Spatial Audio, and a noise-canceling microphone are the big selling points, but it also benefits from a 3.5mm jack that allows it to work on multiple platforms beyond PC. Controls are built directly into the headset, making it easy to quickly adjust your volume or mute your audio. Plus, you’ll gain access to the ComfortMax system seen on higher-priced Arctis headsets, which lets you find a comfortable fit thanks to a stretchy headband, rotating earcups, and memory cushion padding For a budget headset that works with a wired connection across all of your devices, you can't ask for much more than what the Nova 1 offers.

If you tend to churn through headsets, then the cheap but pretty solid Astro A10 needs to be near the top of your shopping list. Not only are they affordable, but they can withstand a ridiculous degree of twisting, torquing, and should be perfectly fine if you accidentally drop them in the middle of a match. And while the Astro A10 features durable construction, it doesn’t sacrifice comfort, as you’ll find a soft headband pad and sizable earcups that should fit most gamers with ease. You're not getting high-end audio features here, but it's a good pick for those who just want a plug-and-play headset for online multiplayer with friends.

Along with support for PC, the SteelSeries Arctis 1 works on PlayStation, Switch, and Android--making its budget price tag even more enticing. And even though it costs less than $100, SteelSeries made sure that this wireless headset offers ultra-low latency with its 2.4GHz connection. Other notable features include a removable mic, a steel headband, and the same deluxe drivers found on the Arctis 7 (which makes this a remarkably good-sounding headset for its price). If you want a wireless headset but don't want to spend $100 or more, the Arctis 1 is worth a look. Though it doesn't have SteelSeries' ComfortMax system, it's still pretty comfortable and has solid audio for the price.

This is about as good as wireless headsets get if your budget limits you to products under $80. Frequently on sale for less, the HyperX Cloud Stinger Core is a great option for frugal shoppers. Its design is a bit uninspired, but at least you get a wireless connection, support for Spatial Audio, and durable construction. It also makes use of a cool swivel-to-mute microphone--which also boasts decent noise canceling abilities. It's worth noting that the Stinger Core is plastic. We wouldn't recommend it for those who plan on using their headset daily, but for casual use from time to time, it's nice for the price.

Not a fan of plugging in your headset for a recharge? Then pick up the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, as it features a staggering 300 hours of battery life (no, that’s not a typo). That means you’ll be able to go weeks without having to worry about running out of juice. On top of that, the Cloud Alpha Wireless includes plush, oversized earcups, a dual-chamber driver system for crisp audio, and onboard controls for easy access. While the eye-popping battery life is the most notable feature, the Cloud Alpha. Wireless is very comfortable and boasts impressive performance. But yes, it is wild that this headset offers 10x the battery life of some of our other top picks.

The Corsair HS65 supports Dolby Audio 7.1--an impressive feat for an $80 headset. If that alone doesn’t put this one on your radar, it also bundles in SonarWorks SoundID for personalized performance, a lightweight design, and additional support for Tempest 3D audio if you decide to use it with PS5. Its design is a bit muted for a gaming headset (it's all black with few accents), but it’s a great option if you want impressive sound quality without breaking the bank.

Although it’s designed by Sony, the Inzone H9 was built specifically for PC--not PS5. That being said, it’s a great headset for folks with a gaming rig and PS5, as it offers full support for both platforms and takes advantage of the PS5's unique audio features. The premium device features Spatial Audio, support for 7.1ch surround sound, and a noise-canceling microphone. It uses the same plush leatherette found in Sony's flagship WH-1000X headphones line, which means it has the best earcups on this list. The Inzone H9 is one of those headsets that you forget you're wearing because it's so comfortable. The futuristic aesthetic makes the Inzone H9 look great when resting on your desk, too. If the H9 is a bit too expensive, consider checking out the H7, which is much more affordable and includes the same features, except it doesn't have noise-canceling tech and subs in fabric earcups.

Want a powerful headset that’s great for PS5 and PC (but not as pricey as the Inzone series)? Then the Razer Kaira Pro is the best bet for your cash. Besides a gorgeous black and white design that mimics the PS5 console, it gives you 50mm drivers, a detachable supercardioid mic, and support for Razer Chroma so you can modify its LED lights. There’s even a unique feature known as Razer HyperSense, which provides tactile feedback and vibrations for increased immersion.

PlayStation’s Pulse 3D headset costs just $100, supports Tempest 3D Audio, and is built to seamlessly connect to your PS5. It might not feel as premium or sound quite as good as the Kaira Pro and Inzone H9, but at this price, it's a great pick for PC gamers who also play on PS5. Along with Tempest 3D Audio, the Pulse 3D bundles in easy-access controls, comfortable headband strap, and a sleek design that goes toe-to-toe with anything else on this list.

Razer makes another appearance on our list with the Kaira Pro (Xbox edition). And much like the PlayStation Edition, this one features 50mm drivers and a fancy supercardioid mic that’s fully detachable. But unlike the PlayStation model, this one is wrapped in a sleek green and black design. It’s an easy recommendation at $150--but you can frequently find it on sale for less than $100, which only makes it more enticing. And of course, it offers full support for both PC and Xbox Series X.

It’s hard to go wrong with any first-party products from Microsoft, and the Xbox Wireless Headset is no exception. It looks great, uses a unique rotating earcup dial to adjust the volume, and works flawlessly across PC and Xbox Series X. Toss in support for Dolby Atmos, 15 hours of battery life, and premium materials, and it’s easy to see why the Xbox Wireless Headset is a favorite for those who game on PC and Xbox.