A gaming headset is an essential piece of any worthy battle station--especially if you aren't in a space where you can crang up a good set of speakers. Many gamers today don’t just game; they also broadcast and edit themselves playing. As such, a headset these days must offer more than just the basics. Premium audio quality, exceptional presentation, and supreme comfort are a must. But most of all, wireless capabilities are crucial in offering a top-tier headset experience.
But how can anyone find the right cans in the sea of countless options available? There are tons of manufacturers to choose from. Moreover, a lot of wireless headsets cost $200 or more these days. And when shopping for the right headset, there are a few problems unique to wireless products that you have to look out for.
How far can you roam before the signal cuts out? Can you charge the headset and use it at the same time? Does the device charge via cable or on a stand? And these are just surface-level issues.
We’ve tested dozens of wireless headsets throughout the years, and we’ve compiled a list here of the best, along with some useful tips of what to look out for when making your purchase.
Quick Gaming Headset Shopping Tips
Here are some things to keep in mind when searching for the best gaming headset for you:
2.4 GHz Wireless or Bluetooth
2.4 GHz wireless headsets either utilize a charging base or a 2.4ghz dongle to function, whereas Bluetooth headsets allow other Bluetooth-enabled products to produce connectivity. 2.4 GHz wireless options usually connect directly to your devices through a USB proprietary while Bluetooth relies solely on radio waves to transmit audio from a device to the headset. As a result, 2.4 GHz wireless options can be more reliable for transmitting audio without latency issues that come with Bluetooth. 2.4 GHz wireless also won’t cut out as much as a Bluetooth transmission would, although Bluetooth has the benefit of connecting to devices (especially mobile) much more easily. Ideally, it’s great if a premium headset provides both options.
What kind of mic
A cardioid or supercardioid mic would be appropriate for a gaming headset + microphone combo. A headset with a microphone attached should utilize a pickup pattern that focuses on the sounds in front of it while drowning out noises coming from either side. This much will suffice to talk to folks in party chats over a console.
You’ll never get pristine audio from a headset mic and it would be much more beneficial to get one of the best desktop microphones if you’re PC gaming or podcasting. However, folks looking to do more than gaming with their headset should look for headsets that include several detachable mics for any given situation. Say you’re giving a lecture over Zoom— an option to switch over to a bidirectional mic would be ideal due to its unique pick-up pattern.
Is rechargeability important
Rechargeability is crucial, and it's important to know whether your wireless headset can charge while in use and how long the device will last under a full charge. Typically, a headset will last between 20-30 hours between charges, so anything around and over that range is ideal. A benefit for a wireless headset is also the option to use it wired, just in case the battery is about to die mid-game or mid-stream. There are also headsets that utilize a swappable battery system, where one rechargeable battery powers the headset and the other charges in the base station.
Headband and earcups
You can compare and contrast specs all day, but if a headset is not comfortable to wear personally, everything else is pretty much moot. It should go without saying that anything made with cheap material like plastic shouldn’t be given the time of day. Plush memory foam, velour, leatherette, and knitted fabric are much more comfortable on the ear. Some earcups could also provide passive noise canceling if made with additional padding and cushions. Don’t forget about the headband, either. Make sure it feels durable and looks comfortably padded. Always make sure it can fit your head. If you can’t wear the headset before purchasing, be sure to look into how well it can adjust.
The Best Wireless Gaming Headsets You Can Buy Today
With its immaculate look and premium quality audio, The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE is an easy choice for the best wireless headset. The finish utilizes gunmetal-tinged aluminum, matte rubberized plastic, and leatherette padding on the headband and earcups. The earcups even feature a touch of RGB within the Corsair logo, which you can also easily turn off.
On the audio side, the wireless headset can deliver audiophile levels of sound with its 20Hz-40KHz frequency response. Its 50mm drivers also shine during gameplay in FPS titles like Borderlands 3.
Music reproduction falls somewhere between the bass-focused Audio-Technica ATH-G1 and the brilliant articulation of the original SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless (the upgraded version is mentioned below.) Rounding out its perks with an over 20-hour battery life, the Costair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE is a premier headset in both aesthetics and quality. But if you want a headset you don't have to recharge as often, HyperX's Cloud Flight Wireless promises 30 hours of run time, and our testing proved that estimate to be accurate. Its sound quality was mixed between platforms, though, and the build quality doesn't look or feel as nice as the Corsair.
Read: Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE review
With its array of connectivity options across gaming platforms, excellent audio, and three different microphone attachments, the Creative SXFI Air Gamer has functionality for any situation. The cans can connect to a PC via a cable or USB adapter, and can also simultaneously layer over secondary audio from a Bluetooth connection via its Gamerchat feature. There’s also a 3.5mm headphone jack just in case your device can’t handle any of the above. Additionally, the Creative SXFI Air Gamer produces premium audio quality for music, gaming, and music thanks to its superior bass reproduction.
Most of all, each microphone included utilizes a different pick-up pattern for any given situation. The detachable bidirectional mic is best for zoom calls, the larger CommanderMic provides better isolation and the integrated omnidirectional mic is convenient if you’re on the go. As such, the Creative SXFI Air Gamer can prioritize quality or portability, depending on your situation.
Read: Creative SFXI Air Gamer review
Although wireless connectivity via dongle connection is faster and more reliable, Bluetooth-enabled devices also have their benefits. The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT can use both connections at once, allowing you to connect to two different devices simultaneously similar to the Creative SFXI Air Gamer. And like its successor, the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE, the XT can also connect via a 3.5mm jack, a USB Type-A cable included in the packaging, a wireless dongle, or Bluetooth with aptX.
Although the headset is geared toward gaming, the XT is also ideal for productivity. Its free software allows the EQ to be tweaked to your satisfaction for music listening. And due to its dual connectivity via dongle and Bluetooth, folks can simultaneously hear audio from their PC or Mac while still hearing notifications from their phones. The audio from both sources can be adjusted separately on the right earcup. The Bluetooth connection can easily achieve high distances of 60 feet (18.3m) away from devices in use. Unfortunately, the range from Corsair's Slipstream 2.4 GHz tech isn’t as powerful as the wireless 2.4 GHz Lightspeed tech found in the Logitech G Pro X listed below.
Due to its premium design and detachable mic, the XT can blend into any environment. The padding makes the headset feel lighter on the head than it does in your hand and includes 10 adjustments in the headband to ensure comfort for craniums the world over. Despite its high price tag and short 15-hour battery life if connected to two devices, the Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT is a premium, wireless option for gamers and productivity hounds alike.
Read: Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT review
If you’re looking for a headset that emphasizes gaming no matter your set-up, the Epos H3 Hybrid Gaming Headset can handle all your needs. The H3 can connect through a wireless USB-C dongle (that also utilizes an adapter for USB-A), a 3.5mm audio jack, or Bluetooth if you’re a mobile gamer. It offers a wired connection, a removable bidirectional boom mic and a built-in omnidirectional mic within the earcups. What’s more, it has a very long battery life, ensuring you won’t be scrambling around to charge it midgame.
A downside, however, is that it must be powered on when using the headphone jack. Plus, you’ll have to utilize its software EQ to get the best sound and microphone settings the cans can produce. But given its comfortability, clean design, and boom microphone, the H3 can serve as an all-purpose headset for any gaming setup.
Read: Epos H3 Hybrid review
The Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless is a mid-range headset with a premium feel. It doesn’t have the premiere look of one, but it feels expensive, provides great surround sound with its 50mm neodymium drivers and has features like Dolby Atmos support. Other premium features include controlling its RGB with the iCue app, spatial audio capabilities, and an EQ accessible through its software. Even the flip-up omnidirectional microphone sounds better than most at its $150 (as of writing) price range.
However, the headset is only compatible with Windows, Mac, and PlayStation 5 via its 2.4 GHz USB Type-A dongle. It also isn’t one-size-fits-all due to the limited adjustments the headband can make. It can even be a bit heavy on the head. Luckily, it can be used wired via its USB-C to USB-A cable, which doubles as a charger. The Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless is a solid choice given its price and serves as a fine entry point into the world of wireless surround sound headsets.
Read: Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless review
The best pair of cans you can get without breaking the bank is the Roccat Elo 7-1 Air Gaming headset. For a meager entry-level price of $99 (on sale for $69.99 as of writing), you can experience 7.1 surround sound, a premiere feature usually reserved for headsets $150 and up. They also sound great due to their 50mm “hybrid” drivers, delivering enough bass to enjoy music and films alike.
The microphone sounds better than most at this price range and can be improved even further by tweaking audio via the software. The headband is self-adjusting and comfortable, same as the earcups, which use a memory foam pad to keep them from clamping on your head. The only cons come from the software, which allows limited customization of the headset’s RGB zone and doesn’t reflect its battery life accurately enough.
Read: Roccat Elo 7.1 Air Gaming review
The Logitech G Pro X looks much more professional than nearly any gaming headset and provides the most reliable long-range connectivity than any headset listed. Logitech’s claim of over 13 meters (42.7 feet) of wireless range seemed more than possible when using the device, as we were able to scale an entire home without losing a signal or experiencing a drop in latency. This makes the G Pro X ideal not only for gaming but productivity as well. The detachable bendy Blue microphone picks up voices very clearly in video games and video conferences alike.
Unfortunately, the headset can get a bit uncomfortable after just a few hours. It also has a steep price when you consider the Logitech G Pro X is only compatible with PC, PlayStation consoles and a docked Switch.
Read: Logitech G Pro X Lightspeed review
The Razer Kraken V3 Pro is the best headset within the Kraken range, including all the incremental updates from its predecessors while cutting the cord at the same time. In addition to the inclusion of THX spatial audio, the headset further immerses audiences with its haptic feedback technology. The wireless headset can also be used on Xbox consoles and the Nintendo Switch via its 3.5mm headphone jack in addition to PC and PlayStation via its 2.4Ghz adapter.
Plush materials like its hybrid fabric and memory foam keep the headset feeling comfy for extended periods of use. Razer’s 50mm TriForce Titanium drivers also produce dynamic sounds for music and film in addition to gaming. Its Razer Synapse software also elevates mic and sound quality with its EQ and various presets. The software also allows you to customize its two RGB zones to match your setup. Unfortunately, you may get finger tied trying to press the right button on the left earcup, and you won’t be able to charge and use it at the same time, so make sure to take advantage of its up to 44-hour battery life.
Read: Razer Kraken V3 Pro review
The Steelseries Arctis Pro is an immaculate swappable battery-style headset with a charging base and a ton of premium features. It utilizes a 2.4Gz connection and Bluetooth while producing hi-res sound with its 10-40,000Hz frequency response. As such, you can listen to lossless music and uncompromised audio from games like Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus at the same time.
The Arctis Pro comes with two batteries that charge inside the base, each with 10-hour life, and a retractable bidirectional electret condenser microphone. The two control base transmitter also houses a ton of control features, such as cycling between EQ presets, changing the output source and adjusting ChatMix, mic monitoring, surround sound, volume and numerous other granular details like the exact brightness of the mic mute LED.
Read: SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless review
The HyperX Alpha Wireless keeps everything that made its Cloud Alpha predecessor exemplary and improves it by cutting the cord and delivering 300 hours of battery life. The Alpha Wireless keeps its wired counterpart's quality build, design, and comfortability, all in a slimmer form with improved dual-chamber drivers. However, its compatibility with devices is limited due to the lack of wireless Bluetooth or a 3.5mm headphone jack. Given its premium price of $200, some gamers may be interested in more contemporary features like RGB lighting and haptic feedback.
But if longevity is your highest priority when looking for a wireless headset, the HyperX Alpha Cloud Wireless is peerless. Moreover, the sound quality is excellent and enhanced with software features like NGenuity EQ and DTSX spatial audio. The detachable bi-directional microphone is surprisingly good as well.
Read: HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Review
Discounts on the Best Wireless Headets
Whether you're shopping for one of the best wireless headsets that we listed above or a similar model, you may find savings by checking out our lists of best Razer promo codes, best Corsair coupon codes and best Newegg promo codes.
