The Best Gaming Headsets

SteelSeries has distilled its knowledge and audio wizardry into a headset that tops its field, with a competitive price tag to boot. The S1 speaker drivers kick out a clean and defined audio profile. PlayStation and Xbox players will find that the S1 can deliver incredibly immersive performances with the 7P and 7X respectively, and PC gamers will be able to take advantage of DTS Headphone: X v2.0. Thanks to the USB-C dongle, the wireless 2.4GHz connection guarantees a stable quality connection with no audio loss or interference. On the 7P and 7X, the dongle can also connect to other devices, including smartphones and Nintendo Switch. The air-weave fabric keeps temperatures cool during long gaming sessions, which are more than possible thanks to the 24-hour battery life. The mic is retractable, and the on-board volume controls allow audio to be balanced on the fly.

The Logitech G Pro X would be impressive at twice the price. The Pro-G 50mm drivers offer a powerful, clear and organic audio while, thanks to the DAC, DTS HEADPHONE provides an immersive 7.1 object-based surround sound experience that captures near and far audio with precision. The mic performance is crystal clear thanks to BLUE VO!CE. There's an abundance of control provided by the Logitech G Hub software suite that allows the Pro X to be quickly tuned to suit the user. The build is robust and comfortable, and there's plenty of accessories provided, including leatherette and cloth memory-foam earpads, cables with in-line control and the USB DAC sound card.Specifications:Weight: 320gDriver: Hybrid mesh PRO-G 50 mmFrequency response: 20Hz – 20kHzConnections: USB, 3.5mmMic: Detachable

The Pulse 3D headset is a big, bold and affordable headset for PS4 and PS5 gamers. The design matches that of the PS5, and though this won't be to everyone's taste, the headset is comfortable during long hours of gameplay. The inner-headband ensures that the headset rests snuggly on the head, while the leatherette earpads come with ample padding. There are two hidden noise-cancelling mics for clear and easy team chats, and the unimposing, and on-board controls are easy to use - once you can remember what button is where. The 40mm drivers offer a booming cinematic tone that's ideal for immersing players in the action, horror or chaos of what's on the screen. While the headset will provide everyone with great stereo audio, PS5 owners will be able to hear the console's Tempest 3D AudioTech in action. Just be aware that the current roster of games running this audio engine is limited - for now.

There's something sublime about the wireless ASTRO A50 headset. First, the look is impeccable. Toning things down from previous iterations, the Gen 4's bring a strong stealth-fighter vibe, with hidden on-board game/chat volume controls and mod-ready pads - plus, the docking base has had its desk footprint reduced. Second, and more importantly, they carry a beautiful sound profile. Thanks to ASTRO Audio V2 and Dolby Audio, the surround sound is industry-leading with every frequency comes through with clarity – the bass is beastly, the mids are well-balanced, and the highs sing.For PC users looking to get into the finer points of their audio experience, the ASTRO Command Centre software lets users get under the A50's hood and customise profiles at will.

The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 is brimming with useful tech for both console and PC gamers. The headset is heavy on user-friendly and game-enhancing features. Bluetooth sits alongside the traditional wireless connection, allowing the 700 Gen 2 to connect to a console and smartphone at the same time, allowing access to phone calls or music during gameplay. The Turtle Beach Audio Hub further gets smartphones involved, allowing users to customise and tune their audio settings with ease. Turtle Beach's Superhuman Hearing can be used to boost some specific elements of in-game audio to give the player a (totally legitimate) advantage. All of the audio features are pushed through a pair of great 50mm Nanoclear drivers. Despite the weight, the Stealth 700 Gen 2 is comfortable, with generous cool-gel padding and subtle earpad gullies for glasses wearers. The flip-to-mute mic tucks nicely against the body, and the battery life hits a very respectable 20-hours.

Corsair's affordable HS35 is a really nice gaming headset. Unlike many of its budget rivals, the HS35 headset boasts tuned 50mm drivers, providing respectable stereo audio depth and separation and a clear distinction between frequencies. The detachable mic will get the wearer involved in squad callouts, and the easy-access control makes in-game audio adjustment a quick affair. The headset is comfortable thanks to the memory-foam earpads, too.