6 Best Gaming Headsets of 2024
Fully immerse yourself in your favorite video games with these top-tested headsets.
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Video games are designed to be enjoyed with great sound to fully appreciate their carefully tailored soundtracks. However, the best gaming headsets offer more than just superior audio. If you enjoy playing online with strangers or in parties with friends, a good headset will also feature a high-quality microphone, enabling clear and effective communication. And if the headset is also comfortable for extended wear, I can promise you'll be immersed in your favorite games for hours on end.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Media and Tech Lab, we’ve tested everything from noise-cancelling headphones to microphones to TVs. To find the gaming headsets that truly outperform the rest, we spent hours researching the most popular options before putting 12 top models to the test. Our in-house gamers and consumer testers worked diligently to ensure these headsets are perfect for your next gaming session. See below for our top picks.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P
Pros
- Comes with extra batteries, allowing you to switch at anytime
- Can connect via Bluetooth or USB-C dongle
Cons
- Headset can be a little uncomfortable to wear
These wireless headphones are considered among the best gaming headsets available, according to serious gamers. With a 38-hour battery life, you can play for nearly two days straight without needing to recharge. For even longer sessions, it features hot-swap batteries, allowing you to replace the headset battery with a fully charged one at any time. Additionally, it uses a universal USB-C charger and claims to provide a 6-hour charge in just 15 minutes.
This headset features a retractable mic, ensuring it doesn't get in your way when not in use. The noise-cancelling mic filters out background noise, allowing for clear communication. And with 360º audio, the sound envelops you, making it perfect for games where you need to hear footsteps or other subtle noises from players. This headset essentially functions like X-ray goggles for your ears.
It includes a wireless USB-C dongle and a USB-C to USB-A cable, allowing easy connection to virtually any console or computer. The headset has built-in controls for muting and adjusting volume, eliminating the need to navigate through console settings. Available in white and black, it can match your aesthetic. The adjustable headband ensures a better fit. While I had no complaints after testing these headphones, some Best Buy reviews mention that the headset wasn't very ergonomically friendly for some users, causing slight discomfort during extended play sessions.
| Type of Connection | Wireless Bluetooth/USB-Dongle |
|---|---|
| Cord Length | N/A |
| Battery Length | 38 hours, with hot-swap batteries if necessary |
Pros
- Multiple headset color options
- Very cheap in comparison to other headsets
Cons
- Will need to order extra parts to connect your headset to your computer
Turtle Beach is a well-known name in the gaming headset industry. They've been popular since the early days of multiplayer gaming, and their headsets have only grown in popularity. The Recon 50 wired headset connects to any console or computer with its 3.5mm jack, ensuring broad compatibility.
One downside of this connection is that if your computer has separate jacks for headset and mic audio, you'll need to purchase a splitter cable for full functionality. You can use this headset with or without the mic, as it is removable if you prefer to play without communicating. Since it is wired, cable length is a consideration, but with a 4-foot cable, you'll have plenty of length to play comfortably.
With four color options, this headset boasts over 90,000 total reviews and more than 50,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. One satisfied Amazon customer noted, "The mic quality is amazing for the price, and the volume is even better." It's affordable, simple, and easy to use, making it the perfect headset for anyone who just wants to chat with friends and game without any extra fuss.
| Type of Connection | Wired |
|---|---|
| Cord Length | 4 feet |
| Battery Length | N/A |
PlayStation PULSE 3D Wireless Headset
Pros
- Built by Sony, optimized for the PS5
- 3D audio
Cons
- Only one type of aesthetic look
This original PlayStation headset is designed to optimize PS5 audio capabilities and facilitate easy communication with fellow players. The built-in, hidden microphone doesn't stick out in front of your mouth like a lot of other headsets do and it also features advanced noise-cancelling technology to block out background sounds.
As a wireless headset, it requires charging. With a 12-hour battery life, it can last through an all-day gaming session. Precision 3D audio, specifically designed for the PS5, ensures full immersion in any game. The noise-cancelling mic allows your teammates to hear only your voice, free from background interference (at least from your side!). It has an adjustable headband strap and ear pads, so you can be sure to be comfortable while gaming all day.
The headset charges with a standard USB-C charger. It is also compatible with the PS4 if you purchase an additional wireless adapter. For PSVR users, the headset includes an audio cable for direct connection.
| Type of Connection | Wireless Bluetooth/USB dongle |
|---|---|
| Cord Length | N/A |
| Battery Length | 12 hours |
Pros
- Impressive battery life
- Removable mic for when you are playing by yourself
Cons
- Not a universal headset for consoles, you must purchase the correct one
While these headphones may be expensive, they make up for it in quality. The Audeze Maxwell headphones are wireless and compatible with consoles and phones through Bluetooth. The battery life is also impressive, with the brand claiming it will last 80 hours, with just 20 minutes of charging providing a full day of gaming. Additionally, the audio is extremely precise, allowing you to pinpoint footsteps, enemy communications, and other critical sounds to enhance your gaming readiness.
If you play on a computer or Xbox, you can enjoy Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio, creating an even more immersive gaming experience. The boom mic filters out background noise, ensuring clear communication with friends or teammates. You can also adjust your EQ settings and save multiple EQ profiles depending on your game. The detachable boom mic allows for easy removal if you prefer to use the built-in mic.
The headset includes a USB-C wireless dongle for easy connection to any console or device, a USB-C to USB-C cable for charging, and a USB-C to USB-A adapter for devices without a USB-C port. For those who prefer a wired connection, a 3.5mm analog cable is also provided.
One downside is the need to purchase the correct version for your console. For example, the Xbox version will not work with PlayStation, and vice versa. As long as you get that right, though, the headset will connect with everything else. Also great: The memory foam ear pads ensure comfort during long gaming sessions.
| Type of Connection | Wireless Bluetooth/USB-Dongle |
|---|---|
| Cord Length | N/A |
| Battery Length | 80 hours |
Pros
- Personalized and customizable EQ settings
- Retractable mic to for easy headset storage
Cons
- Not super durable
Most gamers remember the original Xbox 360 headset, with its poor sound quality, uniform voice tone and the annoying crackling noise when the cable was slightly disconnected. While it served its purpose, it wasn't a great headset. Fortunately, Xbox has since evolved and entered a new era with the Xbox Stereo Headset. This updated version is more comfortable, sleeker, wireless and features a much higher-quality mic for clearer communication with teammates. With up to 15 hours of use on a single charge, it's perfect for marathon gaming sessions. Additionally, the brand claims that a quick 30-minute charge provides 4 hours of battery life.
The design of the Xbox Stereo Headset is sleek, featuring a volume control that operates by spinning a part of the earpiece. You can adjust the sound settings using the Xbox console to customize the equalizer settings for your preferred audio experience.
The mic slides in and out of the headset, making storage easy without the mic getting in the way. It has voice detection and can auto-mute when you're not speaking, preventing background noise from being transmitted to your teammates. The sensitivity settings are adjustable, with lower settings muting fewer noises and higher settings muting most background sounds.
Reviewers on Amazon have praised the headset's performance but noted it may not be as durable as other models, so handle it with care, especially during intense gaming sessions.
| Type of Connection | Wireless |
|---|---|
| Cord Length | N/A |
| Battery Length | 15 hours |
Pros
- Comfortable to wear for long periods of time
- Comes with multiple different USB adaptors
Cons
- Mic is always in your face, even when not talking
This wired HyperX headset boasts a sleek design and connects directly to your controller or computer with a simple 3.5mm connection. It also includes USB-A and USB-C connectors for devices without a typical audio jack. The headset features volume control and a mic mute button directly on the unit, eliminating the need to adjust settings within the system.
I was impressed by the mic's noise-cancelling feature, which ensured that background noise was not transmitted to teammates or friends. Additionally, the mic has an LED that lights up when muted, making it easy to check your mute status during gameplay.
Available in two color options — black or red and black — this headset provides comfort for all-day wear, which I can confirm as the GH Institute's resident gamer. For those who prefer wireless, a slightly more expensive version with a wireless dongle is available, allowing instant connection to any console.
One downside I noted is the mic setup. Since it is permanently positioned in front of your face, it can be annoying for storage and for times when you don't need the mic.
| Type of Connection | Wired |
|---|---|
| Cord Length | 4 feet |
| Battery Length | N/A |
How we test gaming headsets
We conducted extensive online research and reviewed feedback from various online gaming forums, before testing 12 headsets. Our testing involved playing a range of video games, including Fall Guys, Call of Duty Warzone, God of War Ragnarok and Fall Flat, to evaluate how each headset performed in different gaming environments, both solo and multiplayer. Additionally, we collaborated with gamer consumer testers to gather their opinions on what they liked or disliked about each headset.
What to consider when shopping for a gaming headset
✔️ Type of connection:
- Bluetooth: There are multiple ways of connection for not only listening, but also communication. There’s Bluetooth, which is a simple wireless connection that almost everyone is used to. You connect regular headphones to your phone or computer typically through Bluetooth, or even external keyboard and mice. The connection tends to be great, and but it is possible for there to be interference or for connection to drop, especially if you are at a certain distance.
- Wired: Wired is simple. For most consoles, you can directly connect your headset to the console controller, and as long as the headset hasn’t been destroyed since you lost last, both communication and audio will be of an extremely high quality. You’d also have the same experience plugging it directly into your PC.
- USB dongle: Some wireless headsets come with a USB dongle that you plug into your console or your PC. This dongle has two functions. The first is to connect directly to the device that it's associated with, which in this case is the headset. The second is to connect directly to the device it’s plugged into, which would be the console or PC. The USB dongle then creates a seamless connection between the two, allowing for an even stronger connection than Bluetooth.
✔️ Communication: When playing with strangers online or with friends, it’s ideal to use a noise-cancelling mic. This way, any communication that is done will not have any background noise, and you’ll be able to effectively play without interruptions.
Things to ask yourself before purchasing
✔️ How often do you game? Do you play every day? Every other day? Or maybe once or twice a month? You'll want a durable headset that can last through excessive use if you play a lot, and the more expensive tend to be built with higher quality material, such as aluminum or steel.
✔️ How serious of a gamer are you? Are you playing multiplayer battle royales where you need to hear the direction of your enemies’ footsteps while camping in a corner? Or are you just trying to keep it quiet while your roommate sleeps but still want to be able to hear the game?
✔️ Single-player vs. multiplayer? Not every headset has a mic, or even needs a mic. If you aren’t into multiplayer games, there’s no reason to splurge on a headset that has great mic features. You’ll be able to spend that extra money on a headset with better quality sound. Most high-quality headsets can work with consoles these days to give you extremely precise 3D audio. Meaning, if someone’s sneaking up behind you in a game, reloading their weapon or even speaking, you can hear exactly the direction they are coming from. This would be extremely important, say, for a battle royale, but not as important for a single player game.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Alec Scherma is the Good Housekeeping Institute's resident gamer and mechanical engineer. He’s been gaming all his life, and has used dozens of different headsets and consoles to land on his top picks.
Alec Scherma (he/him) is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s test engineer, where he helps to create and implement new product testing methodology across home, cooking and cleaning appliances, wellness, tech products and more. He graduated from Drexel University’s College of Engineering with a B.A. in mechanical engineering.
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