Best Gaming Headsets in 2025: Wired and Wireless

If you're reading this, you're likely aware of how crucial good audio is for gaming, but choosing the best gaming headset from the myriad of options can be overwhelming. Just like finding the perfect gaming mouse or keyboard, selecting the right headset involves considering several factors. These include your budget, sound quality preferences, comfort, and the specific features that matter most to you. The best way to find a personalized experience is to understand your needs and rely on insights from those with firsthand experience.

With years of experience reviewing headphones and gaming headsets, I've developed a keen sense of what makes them stand out. Each recommendation I make is based on a comprehensive evaluation of what the headset offers overall, as well as its standout features within its category. For instance, I've included options like the HyperX Cloud III for the best budget headset and the Audeze Maxwell for the top high-end choice. Advanced features such as virtual surround sound, active noise cancellation, and customizable EQ profiles can make certain wireless headsets like the JBL Quantum One, Turtle Beach Stealth Pro, or Logitech G Pro X 2 particularly appealing.

TL;DR: These Are the Best Gaming Headsets:

Our Top Pick### SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

29See it at AmazonSee it at Target### HyperX Cloud III

8See it at Amazon### Audeze Maxwell

15See it at Amazon### Turtle Beach Atlas Air

4See it at Amazon### Turtle Beach Stealth 500

4See it at Amazon### Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro

5See it at Amazon### SennheiserHD 620S

4See it at Amazon### JBL Quantum One

3See it at Amazon### LogitechG Pro X 2

6See it at Amazon### Turtle Beach Stealth Pro

2See it at Amazon### RazerHammerhead Pro HyperSpeed

6See it at Amazon

This guide offers a detailed look at the best options, categorized by the strengths and priorities of each headset. While there are many excellent headsets beyond these recommendations, these are ones I can personally vouch for, based on my own and my colleagues' testing. I will continue to update my picks as new headsets are released and tested, so feel free to revisit this guide whenever you're looking for advice on selecting a new gaming headset.

*This guide contains contributions by Danielle Abraham and Adam Matthew.*

20 Images1. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

Best Gaming Headset

Our Top Pick### SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

29Multiple connectivity options, including simultaneous listening on different devices, a hot-swappable battery, excellent sound, and hybrid active noise canceling make this a hard-to-top headset. See it at AmazonSee it at Target

Product Specifications:

• Connectivity: 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth, wired
• Drivers: 40mm Neodymium
• Battery life: 18-22 hours (per battery)
• Weight: 338g

Pros:

• Fully featured with ANC, base station, etc
• Swappable battery system is innovative
• Fantastic sound quality

Cons:

• ANC could be better

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is truly exceptional. It retains all the beloved features of the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless while introducing new technologies like active noise cancellation and enhanced audio. Utilizing a hybrid noise-canceling system with four microphones, it effectively blocks out external noises, from room chatter to the hum of fans.

What's particularly impressive is the Nova Pro's outstanding sound quality straight out of the box, delivering bold and balanced audio. Its spatial audio capabilities are vital for gaming, allowing you to pinpoint enemy footsteps or gauge the distance of in-game action. You can further customize the EQ settings and game-chat mix through Sonar and the SteelSeries GG app, making it hard to revert to standard headphones except for casual listening.

SteelSeries’ latest top-end headset marks the biggest design shift since the Arctis lineup began. The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless features telescoping arms on its adjustable headband, accommodating larger head sizes. The slimmer and sleeker earcups give it a more refined look, akin to high-end wireless headphones, without compromising the comfort that SteelSeries is known for. A standout feature is the hot-swappable rechargeable battery system, allowing you to switch batteries mid-session for uninterrupted wireless freedom.

The Arctis Nova Pro is among the best headsets available today, offering a well-rounded package with robust features, superior gaming sound quality, and comfort. In our detailed review, it earned a perfect 10 for these reasons and more.

IGN Deals' Picks: The Best Gaming Headset Deals

• Logitech G733 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset- $127.44
• Logitech G635 DTS Gaming Headset- $69.99
• Razer Kraken Tournament Edition- $52.99

For more hand-picked deals, visit IGN Deals

HyperX Cloud III – Photos

6 Images2. HyperX Cloud III

Best Budget Gaming Headset

### HyperX Cloud III

8The HyperX Cloud III is a wired gaming headset that's compatible with everything, thanks to its 3.5mm audio connection. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Connectivity: Wired (3.5mm), USB-A / USB-C
• Drivers: 53mm Angles Drivers
• Battery life: N/A
• Weight: 318g

Pros:

• Extremely durable and flexible
• Dense earpads for premium-grade comfort
• Great sound and mic quality, especially in its price range

Cons:

• May clamp a little too tight

The HyperX Cloud III stands out as a reliable and cost-effective choice. If you're on a tight budget and seeking maximum value, the wired HyperX Cloud III, often available below its $100 base price, is a top recommendation. It offers impressive sound and microphone quality, along with great comfort. Its robust construction ensures longevity, making it an ideal choice for long-term use.

Upon unboxing, the Cloud III's build quality and durability are immediately apparent. Its aluminum frame is flexible and resilient, able to withstand considerable wear and tear. The headset is easy to adjust for a comfortable fit, and its dense foam earpads, wrapped in leatherette, provide premium comfort, though they can get warm during extended use.

Sound quality is paramount, and the Cloud III excels in handling various frequencies. In my review, it performed admirably in tracking enemy footsteps in games like Valorant and delivered balanced audio in Final Fantasy XIV. For those on a budget, the microphone clarity is a pleasant surprise, making it a comprehensive package.

3. Audeze Maxwell

Best High-End Gaming Headset

### Audeze Maxwell

15The Audeze Maxwell is a high-end wireless gaming headset from one of the best headphone manufacturers on the planet. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Connectivity: USB-A / USB-C, Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm wired
• Drivers: 90mm planar magnetic
• Battery life: 80+ hours
• Weight: 490g

Pros:

• Top-notch audio experience
• Sleek, low-key design

Cons:

• Leans on the heavier side

The Audeze Maxwell is a premium choice that justifies its price tag. Its sleek, minimalist design resembles audiophile headphones, and it delivers sound quality to match. The 90mm planar magnetic drivers are a standout feature, offering exceptional clarity, balance, and a rich natural audio profile. While the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro excels in overall features, the Audeze Maxwell's audio performance is unparalleled.

Despite its comfort, the Maxwell is on the heavier side, reflecting its robust construction. However, its exceptional sound quality, long battery life, and features like toggleable noise isolation make it a worthwhile investment.

Turtle Beach Atlas Air - Photos

16 Images4. Turtle Beach Atlas Air

Best Wireless Gaming Headset

### Turtle Beach Atlas Air

4The Turtle Beach Atlas Air is an open-back gaming headset with some serious audio fidelity. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Connectivity: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, 3.5mm wired
• Drivers: 40mm drivers
• Battery life: 50 hours
• Weight: 301g

Pros:

• Extremely comfortable with light clamp force
• Open-back design elevates sound quality

Cons:

• Mediocre microphone

Turtle Beach's Atlas Air represents a high point in their gaming headset lineup. Its comfort is unparalleled, thanks to soft, cushioned earpads and a light clamp force. The lightweight yet durable construction, combined with sports mesh-like upholstery, ensures it remains comfortable even during long gaming sessions.

The open-back design of the Atlas Air enhances its audio performance, providing a spacious and immersive sound experience. While this design does not offer natural sound isolation, it's perfect for environments with minimal ambient noise. Turtle Beach's Swarm software allows for customizable EQ profiles and presets, enhancing the headset's versatility. The Atlas Air is one of my top picks for wireless gaming headsets.

Turtle Beach Stealth 500 Headset - Photos

7 Images5. Turtle Beach Stealth 500

Best Budget Wireless Gaming Headset

### Turtle Beach Stealth 500

4The Turtle Beach Stealth 500 is a wireless gaming headset for under $100, and you can't beat that value. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Connectivity: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.2
• Drivers: 40mm drivers
• Battery life: 40 hours
• Weight: 235g

Pros:

• Durable and flexible build
• Great sound quality for its price

Cons:

• Bulky design with messy button layout

The Turtle Beach Stealth 500 offers impressive value for a budget wireless headset. Despite its bulky design, it's comfortable and flexible, thanks to its durable headband. The sound quality is commendable, with strong bass and clear mids, though higher frequencies can be somewhat harsh. Its positional audio is excellent for competitive gaming, and the Swarm software's Signature Sound profile ensures optimal performance without extensive tweaking.

The Stealth 500 includes Bluetooth capabilities for seamless device switching, and while its microphone isn't exceptional, it's functional and customizable. Despite its compromises, it earns an 8 in my review for delivering essential features at a budget-friendly price.