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Buyer's Guide

5 “Best” Gaming Headsets (April 2024)

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For a gamer, the only thing more important than sound is their keyboard to command actions, their mouse to control their reticle, and their monitor to grant visuals. Guess you could say your console or gaming rig is the most important of all as it actually runs the games, but you get the idea; audio is immersive, telling, and, most importantly, essential to our overall gaming experience. A lack of good sound takes away from the art in gaming. So, on that note, keep reading to find out what the best gaming headsets in 2023 are for bringing out the beauty in audio rather than drowning it out.

5. SteelSeries Arctis Prime

best gaming headsets

When looking for the best gaming headsets, most gamers are looking to get the best sound at the lowest price. It's not always easy to find a headset that falls somewhere in the middle of those two criteria, but the SteelSeries Arctis Prime does. The audio quality is exceptional for what would be considered a “budget” or “cheaper” quality headset. In fact, the SteelSeries Arctis Prime has been named one of the best Esports headsets because of its premium high-fidelity drivers that deliver crystal clear audio.

So, if you're looking for a low-cost gaming headset, the SteelSeries Arctis Prime is a great option. In fact, we reckon it's hard to find another headset at this price point that compares to it in terms of sound, comfort, and overall performance.

Buy here: SteelSeries Arctis Prime

4. HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless

Before the Razer Blackshark V2, the HyperX Cloud Alpha series dominated the “middle of the pack” gaming headset market. As a result, the two headsets are neck and neck on our list. However, two key features distinguish the two: a connective cord and their price point.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha is a pair of wireless headphones that has an unheard-of battery life of up to 300 hours, which is a big part in it's claim of being one of the best wireless gaming headsets. The Cloud Alpha's wireless capabilities, on the other hand, make it more expensive than the Razer Blackshark V2.

In the end, the HyperX Cloud Alpha S is more expensive because of its 300-hour wireless battery life. but, if you're looking for a wireless headset, the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless is an outstanding option at its price. That being said, if you don't need or want wireless then save your money and go with the BlackShark V2, as the audio quality between the two is comparable.

Buy here: HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless

3. Audeze Maxwell Wireless

The Audeze Maxwell Wireless is a new headset that has put its name in the running for one of the best gaming headsets of 2023. We're not sure where it came from, but it's causing a stir in the market for high-end gaming headsets and it's got a good reason for it. The Audeze Maxwell is a wireless “audiophile” gaming headset. If you're confused, audiophile refers to “hi-fi enthusiasts,” which in laymen's terms means pursuing the highest and most pure audio sound achievable. That is significant because it means that Audeze truly cares about sound quality.

If you don't believe me, consider this: the Audeze Maxwell Wireless comes in three versions, one for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Because each console has its own intricacies in producing sound, each version of the headset is tailored to generate the best sound with each system. So, instead of purchasing a mass-produced headset that works “great” with all consoles, you now have a headset whose sound is tailored to your gaming setup.

That just goes to show how serious Audeze is about producing the best sound possible in each headset. The only disadvantage of its wireless capabilities is that it “only” has an 80-hour battery life. But as we said, the 300-hour battery life in the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless is unheard of.

Buy here: Audeze Maxwell Wireless

2. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro

Wireless is a great feature in a headset, but not all of us love it. Some gamers prefer wired. If you're looking for the best-wired gaming headset, look no further than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro.

Its glory is that it dives into its wired connection by outfitting the wired cord with the GameDAC Gen 2 (the audio stand you see in the back of the picture). This allows you to easily adjust EQ, bass, and treble directly from the system. Furthermore, it allows you to adjust your chat mix so that you can find the right balance between your teammate's speaking and in-game sound. To top it all off, it's a multi-system that allows you to switch between audio profiles for each console with the flick of a switch.

It's not often you get a wired headset with that much accessibility, without requiring external software. However, that's why the Arctis Nova Pro is one of the best-wired gaming headsets; it allows you to conveniently adjust your audio on the fly with a push of a button.

Buy here: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro

1. Razer Blackshark V2

best gaming headsets

Razer has always been a trusted name for producing high-quality gaming peripherals. As a result, you've most likely seen or heard about the Razer Blackshark V2, which quickly became Razer's go-to gaming headset in 2023, knocking out a lot of tough competitors during its rise to stardom. So, what exactly makes it one of the best gaming headsets? The Razer Blackshark V2 provides top-tier audio performance at a “middle of the pack” headset price.

The Razer Blackshark V2's 50 mm Triforce Titanium Drivers emphasize separating bass, mid, and treble tones so they don't overlap with one another. What's more, the headset features THX Spatial Audio, which allows you to customize your sound preferences to achieve pinpoint directional audio. While audio is the primary focus, Razer did not overlook comfort by including memory foam padding in the ear cushions. So, you get great comfort and exceptional audio quality at an affordable price. As a result, the Razer Blackshark V2 is one of the biggest steals of 2023.

Buy here: Razer Blackshark V2

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our picks? Are there other gaming headsets you think are best? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!

Riley Fonger is a freelance writer, music lover, and gamer since adolescence. He loves anything video game-related and grew up with a passion for story games such as Bioshock and The Last of Us.