Best Gaming Headsets in 2025: Wired and Wireless

This guide explores the best gaming headsets across various categories, prioritizing specific strengths. While many excellent headsets exist, these selections are based on extensive first-hand testing. This list will be updated as new products are reviewed.

This guide includes contributions from Danielle Abraham and Adam Matthew.

TL;DR: Top Gaming Headset Picks:

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: Our Top Pick

HyperX Cloud III

Audeze Maxwell

Turtle Beach Atlas Air

Turtle Beach Stealth 500

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro

Sennheiser HD 620S

JBL Quantum One

Logitech G Pro X 2

Turtle Beach Stealth Pro

Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed

Detailed Reviews:

1. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: Best Overall Gaming Headset

• Connectivity: 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth, wired
• Drivers: 40mm Neodymium
• Battery life: 18-22 hours (per battery)
• Weight: 338g
• Pros: Feature-rich (ANC, base station, swappable battery), excellent sound quality.
• Cons: ANC could be better.

This headset boasts exceptional sound, innovative hot-swappable batteries, and a refined design. Its hybrid noise cancellation effectively reduces ambient noise. The customizable EQ and game-chat mix via Sonar and SteelSeries GG app elevate the audio experience.

2. HyperX Cloud III: Best Budget Gaming Headset

• Connectivity: Wired (3.5mm), USB-A/USB-C
• Drivers: 53mm Angled Drivers
• Battery life: N/A
• Weight: 318g
• Pros: Durable, comfortable, great sound and mic quality for the price.
• Cons: Can be a bit tight for some.

A robust and comfortable wired headset offering impressive audio and microphone performance at a budget-friendly price point.

3. Audeze Maxwell: Best High-End Gaming Headset

• Connectivity: USB-A/USB-C, Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm wired
• Drivers: 90mm planar magnetic
• Battery life: 80+ hours
• Weight: 490g
• Pros: Top-tier audio, sleek design.
• Cons: Heavier than some competitors.

A premium wireless headset delivering exceptional audio quality thanks to its large planar magnetic drivers. While heavier, its comfort, battery life, and noise isolation justify the cost.

(Reviews for remaining headsets follow a similar format, omitted for brevity. Images remain in their original positions.)

Choosing the Right Headset:

Consider your budget and priorities (sound quality, comfort, microphone, durability). For wireless headsets, factor in battery life and software features. While a balance is ideal, some headsets excel in specific areas.

Sound quality is paramount. Driver size is a factor, but tuning, materials, and real-world performance are crucial. Pay attention to frequency response descriptions (bass, mids, highs).

Spatial audio is vital for competitive gaming, enhancing directional awareness. Comfort depends on clamp force, earpad density and material (leatherette, mesh, velour). Durability often involves aluminum frames or flexible plastic.

Microphone quality varies greatly. Premium headsets may offer exceptional clarity. Noise isolation and sidetone are valuable features. Wireless headsets offer varying battery life and connectivity options (2.4GHz, Bluetooth). Customizable software enhances the overall experience.

FAQ (similarly shortened for brevity, images remain in place):

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