Club Benefits
When it comes to gaming, audio is what makes the immersion. From hearing the footsteps of enemies to soaking up the resounding scores of a masterful soundtrack, it's only fitting to grab one of the best gaming headsets to make the most of what you're playing.
And my team of gaming experts and I are here to help you pick up the right set of cans. We here at Tom's Guide put every gaming headset we test through its paces, seeing how easy it is to connect them to platforms, wearing them for hours to find out how comfortable they feel, hearing how they perform in games of different genres and more.
For the best gaming headset that can do no wrong, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 should be at the top of your list. But there are plenty more out there, and we've picked the best options for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Meta Quest and gaming PCs.
Whatever platform you prefer, our list of the best gaming headsets willgive you a helping hand for your ears.
Darragh here, Computing Editor at Tom's Guide. I believe a good gaming headset will take you far if you're looking to isolate the splendid sounds of games to your ears, but the best ones will offer superb audio performance, a comfortable fit for long sessions, amazing battery life and plenty of fancy audio tricks. Our team of experts and I have done the testing and found the best cans you can pick up for multiple platforms.
The best gaming headsets you can buy today
Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
The best overall gaming headest
The Arctis Nova 5P is SteelSeries’ latest offering. Compatible with PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC, Android, iOS and Meta Quest, its quick-switch 2.4GHz dongle and Bluetooth 5.3 enable you to effortlessly swap between devices. The sound quality is incredible, and the 360° spatial audio makes your gaming experience even more immersive. The new user-friendly companion app also gives you the option to choose from over 100 presets tailored to a variety of games.
With intuitive controls, an elastic headband and adjustable memory foam earcups, the Arctis Nova 5P is extremely comfortable. It also boasts an outstanding battery life of up to 60 hours, and charging them for 15 minutes gives you about 5 hours of playing time, thanks to the USB-C fast charging. Bear in mind, though, that you’ll need the Arctis Nova 5X to use with your Xbox.
There is no active noise cancelation, but you probably won’t miss that much. Costing $129, the Arctis Nova 5P is a premium headset that is “affordable luxury” at its best.
- Read our full SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 review
The best budget gaming headest
The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 is a strong contender for the best cheap gaming headset you can buy. This sub-$50 peripheral provides perfectly decent sound quality, along with a comfortable fit, a no-nonsense design, and strong connectivity with PCs and consoles alike. Truthfully, there's not much to say about the Cloud Stinger 2, other than "it just works."
To be fair, we can't vouch for how the Cloud Stinger 2 might hold up over time, as its plastic chassis doesn't seem as durable as some of the headsets we've reviewed with steel headbands. The mic is also a bit on the quiet side, which might prove troublesome for players who thrive on online multiplayer.
- Read our full HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 review
The best PS5 headest
The Sony Inzone H5 is a brilliant mid-range gaming headset, and it's incredibly easy to recommend to any PS5 player. Supremely comfortable to wear, naturally loud and punchy, the H5 also handles 3D spatial audio extremely well.
Sold at a competitive $149/£129, the H5 is great value for money. Though it’s mainly marketed as a PS5 headset, its wireless dongle has a PC setting, meaning this is a great option for both PS5 and gaming PC owners.
The Inzone H5 is a great all-around performer, proving surprisingly compelling when listening to 4K Blu-ray movies on PS5. It's also great when it comes to handling TV shows and music, too. Noise-canceling would have been welcome, but even without it, the Sony Inzone H5 has no big weaknesses. An amazing headset.
- Read our full Sony Inzone H5 review
The best Xbox headest
Bringing a whole range of features to the table to improve the first generation of Maxwell, the Maxwell 2 takes the spot for the best headset for Xbox. We'd also say it's the best for audiophiles, thanks to some of the best sound around. They're a costly model, but it's worth it for the epic cinematic sound in your favorite games.
There's a clever AI noise reduction system for the microphone too, so unwanted sounds don't make it through to your teammates. Add in the lovely soft earpads and evenly distributed weight, and you've a fully featured, comfortable headset that works seamlessly with your Xbox.
There's loads of battery life as well, with 80 hours of charge on tap to make sure that you don't run out in the middle of a heated game. They work best for music-heavy, immersive games we found, though — that incredible sound quality really sucks you into your game.
- Read our full Audeze Maxwell 2 review
The best Nintendo Switch headest
Finding a suitable headset for your Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 isn't as easy as on other platforms, as you'll want a mix of immersive audio and a bargain price. Well, look no further, as the $27 Turtle Beach Airlite Fit headset fits that mold.
Its price already makes it a standout budget option for Switch gamers, but its value really comes to shine with the Airline Fit's excellent comfort, colorful style that makes it look like you’re wearing Joy-Cons on your head and surprisingly detailed audio with its 40mm drivers make this a winner.
While it’s a wired-only headset with a non-folding design, these are minor annoyances in the grand scheme of it all, especially with that bargain price tag.
- Read the full Turtle Beach Airlite Fit
The best PC headest
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless is up there with the best gaming headsets I've ever used, and not just because their 40mm Neodymium drivers deliver superb audio, the memory foam earcups bring extreme comfort and they come with ample battery life.
The real win is the 200+ game-tailored presets specifically for PC games, along with multiple other platforms. They're hard to beat at their $109 price, even if their plasticky build makes them seem a tad less premium. Along with the detachable boom mic for crystal clear chats, this is a gaming headset for your PC (and other platforms) that can do no wrong.
- Read our full SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless review
The best multi-platform gaming headset
If you play across multiple platforms, there’s no better headset than the Final VR3000 EX. It’s a powerhouse for those who own multiple consoles and devices, thanks to the included 2.4GHz dongle and Bluetooth 5.3 support. You can use it with PC, macOS, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and iOS and Android smartphones.
Aside from being compatible with multiple platforms, the VR3000 EX’s standout feature is its "3D extra wide sound stage," which provides exceptional spatial awareness. Spatial audio isn’t just limited to front, rear, left and right; it’s vertical, too, which means you can hear bombs being thrown or helicopters whirring overhead. This gives you a competitive advantage, especially in FPS titles, as you can hear footsteps, gunfire and idle chatter loud and clear. The dedicated footstep clarity mode bolsters this even further.
Speaking of, the VR3000 EX features a flip-to-mute boom mic, which isolates your voice well, even if there are other people around you or you’re playing in a noisy environment. The robust 55-hour battery life is the cherry on top of the cake, and the lightweight, cushioned mesh headband enables you to wear the headset for hours and hours. If you jump between consoles and want refined, well-balanced sound across genres, the VR3000 EX is the only headset you need.
- Read our full Final VR3000 EX review
The best wired gaming headest
Worried about battery life? Grab a wired headset — specifically, this wired headset. Thanks to the Sony Inzone H6 Air's open back design, you'll find a precise and open soundstage for your favorite games, and a reliable wired connection that keeps everything going.
It's not the cheapest wired headset around — $199, to be precise — but the package you get in return for your dollars is well worth it. First is the top-notch sound quality, but also a great, lightweight fit. Our tester had no problem at all wearing the headset for hours on end, even when the going got tough in their games.
There are drawbacks, but they're mostly with the wired format itself. You're tethered with a wire, for one, which some won't like. Still, this is a top-notch headset that's well worth picking up.
- Read our full Sony Inzone H6 Air review
The best wired earbuds for Meta Quest
I know, seeing wired earbuds up against all of the gaming headsets is strange, but hear me out. For those with a Meta Quest 3 headset, a gaming laptop or any device with a 3.5mm audio jack, do yourself a favor and check out the Final VR500. We gave these buds 5 stars for good reason, as it's hard to beat their low price for what they offer.
They provide elite-tier gaming audio, with impressive 3D binaural sound, a comfortable fit and solid isolation to keep your focus on the game. In fact, they even outperform headphones that are way more expensive. They barely come with any flaws, bar needing a 3.5mm jack to use them. Otherwise, expect sublime sound in a pair of buds that are super affordable.
If you have the setup for a wired connection, especially for VR gaming on the Meta Quest 3, look no further. The VR500 buds are proof that great things can come from unexpected places.
- See our full Final VR500 review
Also tested
What's the best gaming headset for me?
Choosing the best gaming headset comes down to a few different criteria. No matter what, the headset has to be comfortable and provide good gaming sound. In fact, I would argue that the former is more important than the latter.
Even if your headset produces subpar sound, you’ll still be able to hear what’s going on in your game. But if it’s even a little bit uncomfortable, you’ll want to tear it off your head after about half an hour, and that’s not conducive to playing any kind of game.
The next thing to think about is whether you want a wired or wireless model. Wireless models are almost always more expensive, but the convenience of living without wires may well be worth the cost.
Generally speaking, wireless headsets that are compatible with PC and PS5 are not compatible with Xbox Series X/S, and vice versa, so a headset that also features 3.5 mm connectivity could be helpful in this case.
How much should I spend on a gaming headset?
It's worth considering a headset's price range. At $50 and under, you're likely to find wired models with just-good-enough sound quality and few extra features.
Between $100 and $150, you'll find high-end wired models and low-to-mid-range wireless models, so consider whether audio quality or convenience is more valuable to you.
At $200 and above, manufacturers sell premium gaming headsets, which are usually wireless, with excellent sound quality and plenty of customization options. There is no "sweet spot" for gaming headset prices; it's purely about which features you want, and how much you're willing to spend.
How we test the best gaming headsets
Tom's Guide tests gaming headsets extensively before we write about them. To start, we take stock of the device's setup process, connectivity method and general comfort level. From there, we use it as our go-to headset for both productivity and gaming for anywhere between a day and a week. We test a selection of different games on PCs, consoles and mobile devices across a variety of different genres. We also see how the headset handles different styles of music, as well as movies and TV shows.
If the headset has a software suite, we evaluate how easy it is to set up profiles, change equalization levels, adjust mic sidetone and customize any extra features. During this part of the process, we also test the mic, either in video chats or with recording software, and see how easy it is to move the headset from one system to another. Wherever possible, we will test a headset's wired and wireless modes, and see if there is any loss of quality between the two.
