the-best-gaming-headsets-in-2022

The greatest gaming headset combines improbable audio, the consolation for marathon gaming moments, and plenty of options. You could not discover it, however you will spend an terrible lot of time sporting a gaming headset. So you wish to be sure to deal with your ears to a great set of cans whilst you take down historic dragons in Elden Ring and chat away with your folks on a Discord name. 

The greatest gaming headsets are chosen from the handfuls I take a look at right here within the PC Gamer workplaces. These headsets provide the very best sound for players of each funds. Quality drivers ship the very best you can ask for—gaming headsets to overdo the low frequencies, which give horrible bass generally. The greatest gaming headsets provide extra stability drivers that require minimal tweaking in your finish. 

Having good audio does not at all times must price you an arm and a leg. The Razer Kraken X and Razer Blackshark V2 are good examples of that. Both are nice sounding headsets that habitually show up on sale for lower than $100. The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless is one other good selection for players on a funds on the wi-fi entrance. 

Check our guide to the very best wi-fi gaming headsets, where you will discover extra expansive wi-fi choices. For now, although, onward with the very best gaming headset suggestions out of your pleasant neighborhood PC Gamer editor.

Best gaming headset

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1. Razer BlackShark V2

The greatest wired gaming headset

Wireless: No | Drivers: 50mm, Razer TriForce, Titanium | Connectivity: 3.5mm, USB soundcard | Frequency response: 12Hz – 28,000Hz | Features: Detachable noise-cancelling mic, in-line cable controls

Restrained styling
Comfortable
Great audio
Often below $100
Cable hardwired into headset

Dethroning the HyperX Cloud Alpha from the highest spot was no straightforward feat. Razer’s BlackShark V2 gaming headset manages to do exactly that by providing killer audio high quality, nice value, and easy-to-use software program. From the second Razer first began speaking in regards to the BlackShark V2, it was clear this was principal focus of the headset, and the design of the drivers themselves is successfully doing what the spectacular Cloud Alphas do.

The 50mm TriForce Titanium drivers are designed with discrete ports to separate bass, mid, tremble tones from interfering with one another. The result’s a richer sound than an ordinary set, and retains it on par with HyperX’s 50mm dual-chamber neodymium driver headset. They’re like a tribute to HyperX’s personal design, and no worse for it.

For me, the sound is among the stand-out options of the BlackShark V2, and is much and above what you’ll get with most different units on this value level. I’m additionally a giant fan of the restrained design of the headset, and I’ve discovered them to snug sufficient to put on for marathon gaming periods. 

There’s just one motive I now not use them as my each day drivers, and that is the arrival of the wi-fi model, the slightly costlier BlackShark V2 Pro. They use the identical drivers, however use a lag-free wi-fi connection, with a fantastic battery life… however they’re dear. Though it must be stated that we have seen offers as little as $130 so it’s price .

But total value is the opposite stand-out characteristic of the wired BlackShark V2 headset; you will typically discover them for below $100 and that makes them an absolute discount. 

Read our full Razer Blackshark V2 evaluate.

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The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless headset in testing with PC Gamer Editor's Pick badge

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The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless headset in testing

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2. HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless

The greatest wi-fi gaming headset

Wireless: Yes | Drivers: Dynamic, 50mm with neodymium magnets | Connectivity: 2.4GHz wi-fi dongle | Frequency response: 15–21,000Hz | Features: Bi directional removable mic

Battery life that may solely be described as witchcraft
Excellent for listening to music
Precise, highly effective audio is nice for gaming
Very snug
Microphone is not as much as par with the remainder of the headset
They aren’t the loudest headphones

The HyperX Cloud Alpha is probably probably the most praised factor to exist on this site. We all like it on the group and now HyperX has lower the wire on its greatest pair of cans. The greatest drawcard for this headset is the brand new enormous battery. You’re as much as 300 hours of battery life in wi-fi mode whereas nonetheless holding the headset comparatively mild and comfy. It’s a fairly large feat and I really feel HyperX has pulled it off.

Out of the field, this unit was reporting having about 80% cost, so I made a decision to go away it there to see how effectively that held. I spent a workday listening to music and checked the battery once more: I swear it nonetheless stated 80%. I’ve been utilizing this factor for gaming and music listening fairly constantly for the previous week and we aren’t even at 50% battery but.

That spectacular battery life is, after all, a best-case situation. A number of that has to do with the quantity you are working the headset at, and quantity might be my solely actual criticism. It’s completely loud sufficient however I can take heed to it at full quantity and nonetheless be pretty snug.

But the sound high quality really is unimaginable. Music sounds wonderful. It’s at all times enjoyable to take heed to a few of my favourite sound-heavy songs on a great pair of cans and attempt to decide the totally different devices or bites used. These do a wonderful job, and are positively one of many higher gaming headsets I’ve used to take heed to music on. 

When enjoying video games the directional sound can also be very good. I used to be in a position to simply find hidden batteries by directional beeps in Deep Rock Galactic, and had an exquisite time bouncing alongside to the tight beats of Shadow Warrior 3. I loaded up some Doom Eternal and promptly terrified myself. If you’ve got ever wished to know what it feels like having a Cacodemon immediately show up and whisper candy blah-things into very particularly your left ear then these can completely ship.

The Cloud line is at all times touted for consolation and regardless of the hefty battery this nonetheless positively suits the invoice. I’m somebody who struggles with an excessive amount of weight or tightness on my head, and I’ve an actual sensitivity to uncomfortable headsets. The high band is thick and has smooth padding beneath. This coupled with the equally smooth ear cups makes for a really cozy expertise, and does a wonderful job of blocking out noise.

Sadly, the mic is your pretty normal affair and whereas it’ll work simply high quality for chat in video games, it is very primary and uninspired on the subject of sound high quality. 

Though all issues thought-about, I wrestle to think about a buyer who would not be pleased with these as a wi-fi gaming headset. They’re dear, however inside motive for his or her specs, they usually actually ship on all the things you can need for gaming, and listening to music, in your PC.

Read our full HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless evaluate.

Best gaming keyboard | Best gaming mouse | Best gaming chair
Best VR headset | Best wi-fi gaming mouse | Best graphics playing cards 

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The greatest gaming headsets in 2022

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The greatest gaming headsets in 2022

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The greatest gaming headsets in 2022

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The greatest gaming headsets in 2022

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3. Razer Kraken X

The greatest low-cost gaming headset

Wireless: No | Drivers: 40mm, Neodymium magnets | Connectivity: 3.5mm | Frequency response: 12Hz – 8,000Hz | Features: 7.1 encompass sound, extremely light-weight

Can discover below $40
Excellent 7.1 digital encompass sound
Comfortable leatherette head cushion
Lightweight
Non-detachable mic
Base audio is a bit of clunky

As an inexpensive different to the tricked-out Razer Kraken, the Kraken X is a budget-friendly possibility that excels on PC for one easy motive—digital 7.1 encompass sound. Available through an app, this elevates the headset’s already good audio due to superior depth, readability, and definition. It additionally makes going again to the X’s normal audio mode troublesome.

In our testing, it is clear the Kraken X is not going to have the ability to stand toe-to-toe with the very best of HyperX’s Cloud vary, and even with its fellow Razer stablemates, however for the cash, the Kraken X delivers the products.

When you throw in enviable consolation and a light-weight, fashionable and understated design, this model of the Kraken presents super worth for cash. There are niggles to dampen the get together, after all (a non-detachable mic being chief amongst them), however you may’t complain if you’re getting good 7.1 sound for such a low price.

When you’ve got solely received $50 to spend on a gaming headset, we do not assume you will do a lot better than these Razer cans.

Read our full Razer Kraken X evaluate.

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Beyerdynamic MMX 100

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Beyerdynamic MMX 100

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Beyerdynamic MMX 100

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4. Beyerdynamic MMX 100

The greatest headset for lengthy gaming periods

Wireless: No | Drivers: 40mm Beryllium, Dynamic | Frequency response: 5Hz – 30,000Hz | Features: Detachable mic

Excellent audio efficiency 
Comfortable for all-day use
Beautiful design and construct high quality
Very good microphone
 Fiddly quantity dial 

This is not the primary gaming headset from Beyerdynamic however the MMX 100 is completely its most rounded providing to date. Offering glorious audio and a great microphone in a cushty and well-designed headset makes for a straightforward entry into our greatest headset checklist, particularly when you may decide these impressively made cans up for below $100. 

Despite utilizing a closed-back design we have discovered the MMX 100s produce a surprisingly huge sound stage, with none of the muddiness or over-eager bass that usually plagues gaming headsets. The bass is so finely tuned with none distortion or boominess that you simply usually get on most gaming headsets. The mids and highs are crystal sharp bringing out all of the tiny particulars and audio cues like footsteps or reloads.

Add in the truth that Beyerdynamics has gone for light-weight supplies, with plush reminiscence foam on the earcups and headband, making them supremely snug for lengthy periods too.

The total construct is kind of distinctive apart from one actually annoying challenge—the quantity dial. On my unit, it had fairly a little bit of play where it may rock again or forth with out altering the quantity whereas inflicting static in the precise ear cup when adjusting quantity and oftentimes, utterly reducing out the audio on the precise aspect. This is generally across the max quantity place. Minute changes of quantity would repair the audio however it’s most annoying for such a well-built headset that I’m actually inclined to imagine it was simply my explicit pattern and never systemic.

There’s merely no denying that Beyerdynamic has completely knocked it out of the park with the MMX 100. At $99, it’s an unimaginable discount and I’d be hard-pressed to level out a extra snug, higher sounding one than this. The Steelseries Arctis Prime(opens in new tab) comes shut in consolation however not for sound. Putting apart the quantity dial challenge on my explicit unit, that is simply the most effective gaming headsets cash should purchase right away.

Read our full Beyerdynamics MMX 100 evaluate.

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Epos H6PRO gaming headset in two colours

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Epos H6PRO gaming headset in two colours

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Epos H6PRO gaming headset in two colours

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Epos H6PRO gaming headset in two colours

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5. Epos H6PRO

Sporting each open and closed again designs

Wireless: No | Drivers: 42mm, Dynamic | Frequency response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz | Features: Removable mic, open/closed-back choices

Excellent sound high quality
Removeable and flip-to-mute mic
Closed- and open-back designs
Comfortable
Braided cable generally is a little loud
Earcup protection is perhaps small for some
Flagship-level pricing

Epos is step by step shifting away from its Sennheiser previous and starting to gather its personal lineup of nice gaming headsets. The H6PRO is a giant a part of that, as the corporate’s first go at a real flagship product with out Sennheiser’s stamp throughout it.

The H6PRO presents a very high-grade headset expertise. There are fancy new 42mm drivers to preserve them sounding nice, which have been tuned to supply a extra balanced and simple on the bass profile than your ordinary gaming headset. It additionally presents a great-sounding microphone that delivers the advantages of each flip-to-mute and detachable designs.

The H6PRO is offered as both open-back or closed-back. The distinction will have an effect on the noise isolation, audio response, and the way the headset feels in your head. So you can say it is a reasonably large choice, so far as gaming headset options go.

I’ve had expertise with each open-back and closed-back designs and, basically, if you happen to need noise isolation (blocking exterior noise from reaching your ear holes) you will need the closed-back H6PRO headset. If that is not vital then it is the open-back H6PRO headset that would be the more sensible choice for a superior gaming sound stage.

In phrases of a brand new flagship, Epos has put collectively one thing actually aggressive and spectacular within the H6PRO. The draw back is that these additionally include a flagship price ticket of $179 (£149, €179) and one which you really want to debate whether or not you might be pleased with a wire or would possibly as a substitute contemplate going wi-fi—if there’s one peripheral that is price reducing the wire with, it is your headset.

That stated, do you have to be completely satisfied to spend that amount of money, you may be protected within the information that the Epos H6PRO is constructed to an ordinary worthy of that price ticket. 

Read our full Epos H6PRO evaluate.

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Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless on a grey background

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Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless on a grey background

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Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless on a grey background

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Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless on a grey background

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6. Corsair HS80 RGB

The greatest gaming headset for spatial audio

Wireless: Yes | Drivers: 50mm, Neodymium drivers | Connectivity: Slipstream Wireless Dongle, USB Cable | Frequency response: 20Hz – 30,000Hz | Features: Omnidirectional Broadcast grade mic

Floating headband design
Excellent Hi-Res Audio + Dolby Atmos
Excellent microphone
Feels cumbersome
Mic is not removable
No Bluetooth or 3.5mm
Cut the wire…

The greatest gaming headsets in 2022

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Best wi-fi gaming mouse: splendid cable-free rodents
Best wi-fi gaming keyboard: no wires, no worries
Best wi-fi gaming headset: high untethered audio

Corsair’s new HS80 RGB Wireless Gaming Headset is well the most effective headsets the corporate has ever made and likewise the most effective wi-fi headsets round. It takes a few of the greatest headset options accessible and executes them rather well. At $150, it boasts the newest and biggest lag-free Slipstream Wireless tech, excessive constancy audio, and Dolby Atmos. The microphone is excellent and the brand new design permits you to put on them for ages with out fatigue.

It’s stated that imitation is the very best type of flattery and the brand new HS80 imitates a few of the greatest headsets from Steelseries. Corsair has lastly adopted the identical floating headband design that makes use of an adjustable strap to evenly distribute the burden throughout your noggin. Furthermore, the HS80 feels bulkier on my head than any Steelseries headset however at 370g, it is not a lot heavier.

The HS80s sound improbable with wealthy, full-bodied audio and a well-balanced bass. The sub-bass generally is a little missing at occasions and I observed some distortion even at low volumes. This holds the HS80 again from true greatness however there’s an EQ in iCUE that you would be able to play with to fine-tune the audio to your liking.  

However, it is the spatial audio where the HS80 surprises, with spectacular 3D audio and correct positioning. This, as you may think about, is nice for video games like first-person shooters or massive open-world environments. This is made even higher with help for Dolby Atmos and Corsair gives an computerized license with the headset. I’ve been enjoying lots of Halo Infinite which helps Dolby Atmos and it has sounded wonderful on these cans.

Battery life on the HS80 was in line with the advertising claims of 20 hours. For me, this meant charging the headset each two days—with 10 hours of labor and play every day. I did not take a look at to see if turning off the RGB lighting made a big distinction however given how small the lights are, I doubt it. Charging the HS80 is straightforward due to a Type-C connection that additionally lets you take heed to them whereas it fees.

The Corsair HS80 is a good headset. It sounds nice in each video games and different media with an exquisite implementation of Dolby Atmos. If you do lots of chat, the microphone is among the greatest we have examined.

Read our full Corsair HS80 RGB evaluate. 

Best gaming headset FAQ

What does a gaming headset want?

There are some things to think about when selecting a gaming headset. A superb value and sound high quality are foremost, however consolation is up there, too. Also, noise-cancelling mics are essential for coms, so a lot of the headsets we have listed right here embrace this characteristic. You need first rate voice high quality and a microphone that will not decide up each single keypress in your mechanical keyboard.

How will we take a look at gaming headsets?

Each headset that we take a look at we use each day for no less than per week. We file a pattern of our voice in Audacity and evaluate it to earlier recordings from different fashions, then head to Discord to get some suggestions from our mates on how we’re sounding. 

During that week, we intention to check every headset in quite a lot of totally different game genres—shooters, battle royales, and racing video games make for significantly good testing situations for the reason that former tends to check the low-end and reveal muddiness and distortion, whereas PUBG et al are nice for positional audio monitoring. Finally, good racing sims characteristic a really explicit combine designed that will help you hear brake lock-up and tires dropping traction. It’s typically in Project CARS 2 (critically!)  where nice headsets are separated from merely good. Oh, and we take heed to lots of music, clearly. 

Are wired or wi-fi headsets higher for gaming?

This actually involves all the way down to desire, however if you happen to’re going the wi-fi route what you wish to search for is for first rate battery life (20 hours or increased). The last item you wish to have a headset that is consistently needing to be plugged in as a result of the battery life is unhealthy. It sort of defeats the aim of being wi-fi. For wired headsets you wish to be sure to the cable is lengthy sufficient to succeed in your PC with out feeling prefer it’s tugging in your head.