Best Gaming Headphones In 2023 Revealed

Not everyone is fortunate to get a mancave where they can enjoy uninterrupted gaming in the most serene environment. Some have to cope with siblings quarreling on one end and mom sharing a juicy gossip with aunts—rather too loudly. The only way to stay focused in the chaos is by investing in the best gaming headphones.

To make games more immersive, developers spend time not just on the graphics of the games but also on the sound. Games with jump scares usually make use of sound cues to heighten the feeling. The only way to tap into the immersive experience that any game offers is by using dedicated headphones.

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Another reason why investing in the best gaming headphones is no longer a luxury but a necessity is that developers are becoming wittier with game designs. They often leave clues to puzzles or enemies in the form of sounds or conversations. Having quality headphones means you won’t miss these cues.

The best gaming headphones in 2023

Cloud gaming is touted as the future of gaming—and every gamer needs to prepare for it. One of the features of cloud gaming is the ability to interact with other players. To do that, you will need a microphone. Thankfully, the best gaming headphones usually come with dedicated microphones.

We tested over 100 headphones and listened to feedback from hundreds of people that have used different headphones. The first thing that we discovered was that people’s preferences differ. A great headphone may work flawlessly for one gamer and another will toss it into the trash can after first use.

To make sure that we create a list that is helpful to as many gamers as possible, we did not just pick random products. Instead, we tested all the headphones and mentioned the type of gamers that will find them most useful.

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Peradventure you don’t like any of our preferred products, we will give you a guide on the features you should pay attention to if you want to do your own research. Without further chitchat, let’s dive in and tell you why we chose each product.

Logitech H390 – Best wired gaming headphone

The most important feature of any headphones is the audio quality. Without a high-fidelity audio experience, the headphone is as good as useless. We picked Logitech H390 because it delivers stereo sounds, thanks to the fine-tuned 30 mm audio drivers that digitally enhance the sounds.

Mobile gamers that make use of Chromebook will value these headphones a lot because of their high compatibility with the OS. Apart from the stereo speakers, it comes with a mic, which has a rotating arm for customizing the position. The mic also has noise-canceling capability. The headband is adjustable for best fit and comfort.

Another cool feature of Logitech H390 is the in-line controls which come in handy for quickly adjusting the volume or muting calls. Somehow, Logitech managed to cram in the most important features without bloating the price.

On the downside, this headphone makes use of a USB-A connector instead of a 3.5mm jack. Therefore, if the plan is to plug it into your game controller, that will not work. It is probably more useful for PC gamers. Get it here.

Pros

• Great for budget buyers
• Easy in-line controls
• Long cables allow flexible movement
• High-fidelity stereo sound
• Noise-canceling noise and mic

Con

• Compatibility issues with Windows 7
• May be uncomfortable for extended wear

HyperX Cloud II – Best gaming headphone for PC

PC gamers are on the rise because not everyone like the idea of buying a new console every few years. There are unique features expected of the best gaming headphones for PC. They have to be comfortable and offer noise cancellation. HyperX Cloud II has all of that.

This headphone generates a virtual 7.1 surround sound experience that creates depth and distance for an enhanced gaming experience. This creates a Doppler effect like in real life. The sound quality is enhanced by the large 53 mm driver.

The full functionality of the microphone including noise cancellation, echo cancelation, and AGC functionality will be enabled when the headphone is used with the USB control box. It also comes with an in-line audio control box where the user can toggle the 7.1 surround sound on and off with just a touch of a button. The audio and microphone volumes can also be adjusted from there.

The headband has an aluminum frame which should be more durable than plastic. HyperX Cloud sits somewhere between mid-range and budget headphones. It lacks a 3.5mm jack which simply means you cannot use it with a console controller except with the aid of a 3.5mm adaptor. Get it here.

Pros

• High-fidelity sound
• In-line audio and mic control for convenience
• Mic is detachable when not needed
• Wireless connection makes it easier to move away from a PC
• Can be used while charging

Cons

• Some parts may start to fall apart
• Not suitable for consoles

Razer BlackShark V2 – Best gaming headphone without mic

Picking the best gaming headphone without a mic is usually a tough call because most of them are never as good as the ones with a mic. Therefore, we picked Razer BlackShark V2 because the mic is detachable. This gaming headphone comes with both USB DAC and 3.5 mm audio jack which makes it suitable for both PC and consoles.

The proprietary design of the 50 mm sound drivers ensures clearer audio with powerful lows and filtered highs. The volume control is a knob located on the left earcup and is paired with a microphone mute. Due to its position, it is harder to accidentally turn off the mic or alter your volume.

The comfortable and closed earcups keep out noise for a more immersive gaming experience. The sound quality is exceptionally good when you use it with the sound card. At 262g, you will rarely feel like you are wearing anything.

The mic of Razer BlackShark V2 seems to have some quality issues—and you will likely be better off without it. That is why we think it is the best gaming headphone without a mic. Every other feature ticks the box except the mic. Get it here.

Pros

• Exceptional sound quality
• Bigger sound driver for higher highs
• Microphone can be detached when not in use
• Earcup is padded with memory foam
• Compatible with PCs and consoles

Cons

• Microphone suffers from quality issues
• Requires special settings for Discord

SteelSeries Arctis 1 – Best wireless gaming headphone

Although SteelSeries also has a detachable microphone, where it really shines is being wireless. Wireless products can help you to declutter your gaming space. The best wireless gaming headphones can give you the freedom to leave your table and grab a snack or go to the bathroom while speaking with your co-op team.

It is designed to be compatible with both PC and gaming consoles. This wireless headphone boasts of 20 hours battery life which means you can use it a whole day without running out of juice. It comes with a USB-C dongle which you insert into your console or PC for instant connection.

The earcups are large and will cover your entire ears, effectively keeping out the noise. One of the challenges you may have with SteelSeries Arctis 1 is that the USB dongle is wide and may cover the next port when plugged in, making the next port unusable. This can be an issue if you have lots of devices you need to plug in. A way around it would be to get a USB dock. Get it here.

Pros

• Long battery life
• Offer long-range wireless support
• Broad compatibility with PCs and consoles
• Handy in-ear controls prevent accidental bumps
• Clear and detachable microphone

Cons

• Dongle is too wide
• Microphone switch feels loose and can be accidentally turned off

CORSAIR HS80 – Best gaming headphones with mic

Corsair HS80 packs a punch and was really an easy pick among the best gaming headphones with a mic. Firstly, the omnidirectional mic has a LED indicator so you know when it is on and off rather than guessing. Also, users can get up to 60 ft range which gives a massive room to move around rather than feeling stuck to your table.

Thanks to its up to 20 hours of battery capacity, a single charge can last you a whole day—or several days if you play for only a few hours. Where it really shines is the superb and immersive audio quality tuned by Dolby Atmos. This offers three-dimensional sound precision that makes you feel as if you are in the game.

The on-ear volume controls also come in handy. Corsair HS80 has a floating headband for improved comfort too. Interestingly, you can connect it to three slipstream wireless devices with a single USB receiver. The major setback with this headphone is the iCUE software which seems to be buggy. Hopefully, that will not be a deal breaker. Get it here.

Pros

• Long battery life for extended gaming
• Onmi-directional microphone with LED indicator
• Long wireless range offers great freedom
• Dolby Atmos sounds great
• Comfortable to wear

Cons

• Issues with iCUE software
• Can interfere with a wireless router

Skullcandy Hesh Evo – Best Bluetooth gaming headphone

Skullcandy Hesh Evo stood out as the best Bluetooth gaming headphone for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is comfortable to wear. This pairs with the 36 hours battery to give you longer gaming sessions. In addition to that, it has a rapid charge feature where 10 minutes of charge will give you 3 hours of listening.

Another thing we loved is the built-in Tile finding technology that makes it easier to locate your headphones—just ‘call’ them with the app. Hesh Evo delivers on the primary feature expected of a Bluetooth gaming headphone; sound. The 40 mm audio driver offers an exceptionally clear, rich sound that can rival some of the most expensive headphones.

The in-ear controls are convenient and easy to use. Where Hesh Evo drops the ball is the lack of an active noise cancellation feature. Also, several users complained about sound leaks which can be tied back to the lack of ANC. Nevertheless, it is still a great price for the money. Get it here.

Pros

• Long battery life
• Rapid charge is useful
• Headphone tracker comes in handy
• Comfortable over the head
• Manufacturer warranty is a relief

Cons

• Lacks active noise cancellation
• Sound leaks reported

PlayStation Pulse 3D – Best gaming headphone for PS5

If you are a dedicated PlayStation gamer, getting PlayStation Pulse 3D headphones is a no-brainer. The headphones were designed specifically for PS5. Therefore, you should expect to get more out of your PS5 with these headphones compared to any other gaming headphones.

It comes with a wireless adaptor that should go into a port on your PlayStation and a 3.5mm jack that can plug into your controller. Unlike most headphones that have their mic sticking out, Pulse 3D has dual hidden microphones that are optimally positioned for crystal-clear voice capture.

In terms of battery life, it is not really the best on the market. When using these headphones on mobile or VR, the in-ear controls may not work. Also, you can’t connect it without the dongle or 3.5 mm jack which makes it restrictive. Get it here.

Pros

• Optimized for PS5
• 3D immersive sound puts you in the action
• Hidden microphones seem more convenient
• In-ear controls come in handy in PS5 gaming
• Two ways to connect to your PS5

Cons

• Not the best battery life
• Not fully compatible with VR and mobile

Turtle Beach Stealth 600 – Best gaming headphone for Xbox

Turtle Beach Stealth 600/700 series is arguably the best gaming headphone for Xbox. It was designed and specifically licensed for Xbox gamers. It packs punchy features that make it a good bargain like the large 50 mm speakers that offer surround sound.

Beyond the impeccable sound quality, it comes with upgraded batteries that offer up to 24 hours of continuous listening. Those that wear glasses will likely feel more comfortable wearing these headphones with their glasses. The in-ear controls can be used to adjust audio and mic volume or switch modes.

With the flip-to-mute feature, you don’t have to guess whether your mic is on or off. The biggest flaw is that it may interfere with your wireless connection and your Xbox may often pick up the dongle as a controller, in which case you need to restart the console. Also, Turtle Beach Stealth seems to have a durability problem—depending on how you use it anyways. Get it here.

Pros

• Bigger battery capacity for longer play
• Rapid charge feature
• Convenient on-ear controls
• Easy to tell when the mic is off
• Optimized for Xbox

Cons

• Durability concerns
• Can interfere with Wi-Fi

NUBWO G06 – Best gaming headphone under 50 dollars

When gamers go shopping, their eyes are usually set on popular products—which is fine. However, you will be missing out on the cooler and more affordable options. Nubwo G06 feels like a steal when you compare the price to what it has to offer. It has one of the biggest battery life that we have seen with up to 47 hours.

The stereo surround sound is crisp, clear, and powerful. It delivers an experience that puts you right in the action. It offers massive compatibility with three connection options; wireless connection using a 2.4 GHz USB dongle, wireless connection using Bluetooth, and wired connection using a 3.5 mm audio jack.

However, when connecting using Bluetooth, you cannot use the mic for Switch. Also, when using a wired connection, the microphone mute function will be disabled. You cannot use these headphones when charging because it turns off automatically. Some gamers may find the sound cues annoying too. Get it here.

Pros

• One of the longest-lasting gaming headphones
• Supports multiple connection types
• Strong wireless range of up to 30 ft
• Handy in-ear controls
• Affordable

Cons

• Some connection types restrict microphone
• Auditive cues are excessively loud and annoying

BlueFire – Best budget gaming headphone

When you shop for budget products, be ready to make some concessions. However, that doesn’t mean you should accept any dud. BlueFire was one of the best budget gaming headphones that we found. With the help of a 3.5 mm audio adaptor, you can use this on your console controllers and mobile games.

It makes use of a 40 mm audio driver to deliver surround sound effects. In terms of comfort, this headphone is padded all around to make it more comfortable for longer wear. The included cables are braided and 7 feet long which gives users a larger degree of movement.

The cord has a small controller where you can toggle the mic or adjust the volume. By the way, the mic’s elevation from the mouth can be adjusted too. The biggest issue reported with this headphone is the microphone. If you don’t play co-op, this will likely not be a big deal. Get it here.

Pros

• Handy in-line controls
• Long cable gives room for mobility
• Versatile compatibility for mobile and consoles

Cons

• Mic is barely audible
• May be uncomfortable to wear for long

How to choose the best gaming headphones

Gaming headphones come in various shapes and sizes. However, choosing the best gaming headphones goes beyond aesthetics. You need to pay attention to the following features because they can make or mar your gaming experience.

Sound quality

Arguably the most important feature to consider when shopping for the best gaming headphones is the sound quality. The larger the audio driver the louder the sound should be. We recommend a headphone with a minimum of 30 mm audio driver. However, more goes into the texture and feel of the sound than just the size of the audio driver. A story for another day.

Compatibility

You need to make sure that the headphones you want to purchase are compatible with the device you want to use them on. For example, headphones without Bluetooth and a 3.5 mm jack cannot possibly work with most mobile devices, except it comes with a USB-C Bluetooth dongle.

Wired or wireless

Depending on how you want to use the headphones, choosing between wired and wireless connection is something you need to consider. It is strictly up to you. If you choose a wireless gaming headphone, consider the battery life too.

Adjustable mic

A good headphone should allow you to adjust the mic. From either taking the mic out to adjusting the position or volume, always pick headphones that allow mic customization—especially if you are an online gamer. Headsets with mic LED are a bonus since they easily tell you whether your mic is on or off.

Position of the controls

Some headphones come with on-ear controls while others come with in-line controls. Go for a headphone that has the layout that works best for you. If you love wired headphones, consider in-line controls because the controls will be in your sight.

Equalizer customization tools

Our auditory perception differs. That is why having a headphone with equalizer tools can be a big deal. From such tools, you can adjust the sound to give you exactly what you want to hear.

Comfort

A typical gaming session may run into 5 or more hours. You can only wear your headphones that long if it is comfortable. Comfort is subjective and you need to find yours. Gaming headphones with adjustable headband makes it easier to customize your comfort.

Price

When it comes to making any purchase, price will always be an issue. While good gaming headphones are usually over $50, there are still a few exceptions that offer great value for budget buyers. However, never go broke in trying to get the best gaming headphones. It is not worth it. There will always be a great product for your budget.

So, what does a gaming headset need?

If we are to sum up what you need from a gaming headset into three features, we would say, great sound, good price, and unparalleled comfort. It will simply be impossible to enjoy a gaming headphone without these features. There is probably a workaround for all the other issues but not these.

What is your best gaming headphone and what features make it stand out? Share your thoughts with us in the comment box below.

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