Best 2021 PC gaming headsets: The best wired, wireless and surround sound headsets around

(Pocket-lint) - It was a difficult job to set out on a quest to find the very best gaming headsets. Wired, wireless, closed and open cup styles, stereo and surround sound headphones, oval and round earcups, leather and material finishes, the list goes on and on. There are a multitude of choices out there.

A lot of what makes a great gaming headset would be down to personal preference, but what we were looking for was a device that struck a perfect balance between quality of design, value for money and functionality that gamers would enjoy. We worked through a mass of PC gaming headsets (many of which are also compatible with consoles) to build this shortlist to whittle down to a list of finalists we're sure you'll love.

Then stick with us as we break down the very best we've seen and the reasons why you should consider adding them to your shortlist if you're looking for the best gaming headset for your money.

Overall best surround sound gaming headset

Audeze Mobius

100 mm Audeze planar magnetic drivers
Waves Nx fully immersive 3D audio
Closed-back earcup design
10Hz–50,000Hz frequency response
24 bit, 96KHz sample rate and bit depth
USB-C, 3.5mm and Bluetooth connection options
Uni-directional Electret condenser microphone

The Audeze Mobius is an extremely fascinating (and incredibly costly) headset for gaming that seems to deliver everything. A high-quality premium build, excellent audio, brilliant comfort and more. All in one single kit.

Thanks to the Waves Nx head tracking technology, it is also one of the most fascinating gaming headsets on our list that offers "immersive 3D audio" by adjusting the sound to account for the tilt or turn of your head as you play. Combine this with 7.1 virtual surround sound and hi-res audio options and you have some seriously impressive positional audio.

Audeze has a reputation for producing high-quality audio equipment, and that reputation is further illustrated by this headset.

The Mobius has incredible 100mm planar magnetic drivers that are capable of providing a maximum frequency response of 50,000Hz, resulting in a rich, impressive and compelling sound with a 96Khz sample rate and 24-bit width.

The audio quality is balanced and complemented by the headset style, too. This headset is made from a combination of faux leather and Contoured Memory Foam and features deep, soft and supportive ear cushions. These earcups are also ridiculously deep, and even wide ears have plenty of room. They do a fantastic job of filtering out external noise and allowing you to concentrate on the most important thing - your game.

You can plug it into your PC and enjoy the brilliant Waves Nx head tracking technology to get the most out of this headset. The accompanying software can be downloaded to change settings, but much of this technology is plug and play. To toggle it on and off or switch between auto, manual or to re-center it, you can also click the 3D button on the headset. On the volume wheels, long presses also turn between 7.1, 2-channel and hi-res audio as well.

Another highlight of Mobius is the choice it provides for networking. You can link it to your PC using a USB-A to USB-C cable, or you can use the included USB-C to USB-C or 3.5mm connections to make the most of your phone, PC, Xbox One, PS4 or other system headset. And it has Bluetooth as well, too. This requires dual-connectivity, because at the same time you can be plugged in and have Bluetooth connected. During gaming, you can answer it right on your phone if a call comes in.

The battery is good for up to 10 hours of usage, but that battery also powers the 3D audio technology, so if you intend to use it with a 3.5mm link, the headset needs to be charged.

The detachable microphone also ensures that, when away from your gaming PC, you can conveniently use this headset out of the house to listen to music on your commute.

Verdict

The Mobius Audeze is near fine. It offers impressive tone, fantastic quality of construction, and also eye and ear-pleasing aesthetics. Alas, Bluetooth compatibility is not as good as other headsets on this list providing wireless options, but it's great to have so many options for connections.

A great package that gamers would enjoy is rounded off by large drivers, 3D head-tracking software, high-resolution audio and more. The price tag is likely to put the most off, but this is likely if you want the very best.

Best and most versatile wireless gaming headset

SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless

10–40,000 Hz frequency response via 40mm Neodymium drivers
102 dB SPL sensitivity/32Ohm impedance
Ski Goggle headband and AirWeave material earcups
20-hour battery life via swappable batteries
2.4Ghz wireless and Bluetooth 4.1 support
DTS Headphone: X v2.0 surround sound/Dolby audio via optical input
Compatible with PC and PS4 (all variants)
ChatMix on-the-fly adjustment
40-foot wireless range
Bi-directional noise-cancelling retractable microphone

It has a number of inputs that allow you to take advantage of the Dolby audio and DTS virtual surround sound processing power within the transmitter box, including optical and USB for PCs. Instead of normal headphones, built-in Bluetooth and an understated style mean that it can even be brought out of the house with you.

It features the headband configuration of the AirWeave cushion ear cups and Ski Goggle style, resulting in a supportive and flexible fit that fits comfortably on the head.

When you are connected to and in range of the transmitter box, 2.4Ghz wireless guarantees a strong link during use. The advantage of the Artics Pro Wireless is that you can conveniently access a multitude of settings with the control box without the need to load and upload software.

Sitting conveniently on your desk, this little box gives you simple access to volume controls and a number of settings. It also carries a spare battery that is on charge when not in use and when the juice is running low, it can be quickly replaced with the battery in the earcup of the headset itself. Meaning that if you don't want to be, you never need to be wired in.

This battery design means that 10 hours of playback per battery is possible for the headset. As they are hot-swappable, when juice is getting tiny, which is a normal nag of wireless devices, there's never a need to plug this headset in.

Bluetooth 4.1 connections are also enabled by the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless, meaning it can be combined with any Bluetooth system quickly and easily. When we were away from our main device, we used it comfortably on a laptop and cell phone to listen to music and watch YouTube.

This is a great headset to use in this way, since it is not only great for songs, but thanks to the built-in retractable microphone, it also supports Bluetooth calls.

A superb audio quality that includes deep bass notes, a large audio spectrum and an exceptional quality of surround sound is the product of this design. When watching movies, playing games and listening to music in equal measure, we found this headset to be a pleasure to use.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless does not need any pesky additional software to be installed on your PC, thanks to the powerful box of tricks hidden inside the transmitter. However, if you need it, it is compatible with the SteelSeries Engine.

We considered the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless sound quality to be lag-free and precise, offering an audio experience free of interference that was a pleasure to use during any gaming session.

Just as capable as the rest of it is the microphone on this headset. It bends easily to accommodate your choice and if you don't need it and want it tucked comfortably out of the way, it will quickly retract into the headset ear cup. If you choose to use the headset as headphones while out and about and don't want anyone to realize that you're a gamer, this is perfect.

Here there is a strong frequency response and level of sensitivity that results in a superb microphone of consistency that is perfect for talking with friends or goading enemy players. On the back of the headset, an easily accessible mic mute button makes it easy to silence the mic when you need to and a bright red LED light will let you know when it is finished, too.

Verdict

If you see it as a possible gaming headset, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless is an expensive choice, but you do get what you pay for.

This is a beautifully comfortable wireless headset with a range of inputs, features and functionality that provides a superior quality of sound whatever you do and whatever gaming device you play on.

Astro A50 wireless gen 4

Open Air Over-Ear design
Cloth ear cushions upgradable to leather
40mm Neodymium Magnet drivers with 20Hz - 20,000Hz Frequency Response
Tuned Astro Audio V2 and two years free access to Dolby Atmos
Game/voice balance button
Optical Pass-through, USB Power & Soundcard, USB Charging Port, AUX In / Mic out (TRRS 3.5mm) inputs via basestation
Compatible with Astro Gaming Command Center
Up to 15-hours battery life and up to 30ft wireless range

When it comes to buying a gaming headset, if convenience is top of your list, then look no further. After all, after a successful gaming session, there's nothing worse than a gaming headset that sounds fantastic but leaves your ears aching, sweating or feeling squashed.

At first glance, it might not look like that, but the wireless Astro A50 is an incredibly comfortable gaming headset. It features cloth ear cushions in the velour type, which are wide and comfortable enough to fit nicely over your ears. These were like having tiny puffs of heavenly goodness lying on your shoulders, we found.

It's made with a lightweight frame that's a joy to wear for hours and hours, ultra-quiet and versatile.

The drivers are also coated with the same ultra-soft material, ensuring that during use, there is a gentle and supportive pressure on all parts of your ears. A padded headband likewise ensures a light and comfortable fit. It is also possible to quickly change the size - making this headset more than able to cope with larger noggins. The earcups turn and twist beautifully on this headset to match the shape of your head and it sits perfectly too.

We find that the Astro A50 is capable of providing a great sound quality and, while not high-res, yet full of deep bass notes and surround sound that is impressively convincing.

This headset is simply docked to the charging base while not in use, which connects to your device for power and audio via MicroUSB. Thanks to a 15-hour battery life and easy charging, we discovered that we were able to consistently get a full day of use out of this headset without the need for extra power.

New and enhanced sound equalization and transmission - the new Astro A50 features tuned Astro Audio V2. The A50 gen 4 also comes with Dolby Audio as well as an included Dolby Atmos two-year licence that works on both the PC and Xbox One.

The headset interacts with the Astro Command Center, allowing different settings to be easily controlled, including three key equalizer presets that can be adjusted on-the-fly with a button on the headset itself. In the advanced settings of the application, these can also be tweaked until your heart is content.

The microphone is a joy to use on the Astro A50, too. It has deep and warm tones and, during use, helps to balance out a reasonable amount of ambient noise. In the programme, it can be tweaked and personalized and tailored to your personal preference.

Here, we liked the sidetone capabilities that enable you to easily hear your own voice and gauge volume.

Verdict

In our minds, the Astro A50 is one of the best available PC gaming headsets. It's relaxed, competent and beautifully built. When you need to, it's easy to pick up and use and equally easy to drop in the charging dock.

When we used this headset, we were rarely left wanting and would happily recommend it to anyone who is looking for a gaming headset that offers consistent comfort during the day.

We enjoyed the rich sounds, the ultra-comfortable earcups and this headset's genius design and can't recommend it enough. It may be costly, but every penny is well worth it.

Best closed cup wireless gaming headset

EPOS GSP 670

10–23,000 Hz frequency response
112 dB sound pressure level
Dynamic, closed transducer
Bi-directional mic with 10–7,300 Hz frequency response

If you want a tight-fit, all-inclusive, passive headset for noise cancellation, then look no further than the EPOS GSP 670.

This is a headset for gaming, which provides not only some serious style, but also fantastic sound. A wireless headset, but one with a closed-back design and deep earcups which, as usual, block out a lot of background and environmental noise. That means you can concentrate on what counts - your game.

Thanks to a dual-connectivity feature, the GSP 670 also shines, meaning you can not only connect to a tiny low-latency dongle, but also to Bluetooth. At the same time, connect to your phone and your PC and take calls without taking your headset off when you need to. Nifty. Nifty.

This headset has a battery life of 20 hours and an intelligent device that automatically switches off the power when it is not in use to conserve unnecessary wasteful juice.

The GSP 670 has fantastic sound and some nice design highlights, as you'd expect from a Sennheiser device. A wide easy-access volume makes it easy to change sound levels, but with a separate dial on the earcup, you still have the option of tweaking game/VOIP balance.

7.1 and in the app, stereo sound can be tweaked, as can equalizer and mic configurations, so you can not only change the sound you hear, but also how you are heard.

Verdict

This is definitely one of the best headsets available for wireless gaming. It's pretty chunky and maybe a little too close for our taste, but it works well to shut out external noise and helps you to perfectly focus on your gaming. If you want great sound, a good-looking headset, and something that is as robust as it is rich in characteristics, it's the GSP 670.

Best headset for pro gamers

Astro A40 TR with MixAmp Pro TR

Dynamic, Open 40mm drivers with 20 - 20,000 Hz frequency response
48 kHz @ 16-bit game audio/16 kHz @ 16-Bit
Cloth ear cushions upgradable to leather
Tuned Astro Audio V2 with two years free access to Dolby Atmos
Optical Pass-through, USB 2.0 Full Speed and USB Audio 1.0, Aux port line in/out
Xbox One/PC compatibility switch
Four customisable EQ modes, Dolby virtual surround sound, optional Dolby Atmos
3-metre Micro-USB and Optical cables, detachable 3.5mm audio cable
6.0mm Uni-directional boom microphone
Optional voice isolating upgrade, sidetone and noise gate settings in software

If you're serious about sound and gaming, then it could be a nice Astro A40 Tournament Ready version for you.

The A40 is an insanely comfortable gaming headset with lots of cool features, much like the Astro A50. This is a wired headset that comes with a MixAmp that serves as your desk's control box and connects up to your gaming console. This MixAmp has some features that you're not going to see anywhere else.

One of these is the addition of a daisy chain link that enables a local voice network to connect several Astro A40 TR headsets together. This is perfect for gamers, teams or even LAN parties interested in eSports. There is also a stream port that allows you to choose and choose when you stream to Twitch or another service, the audio people are listening.

An undeniably brilliant gaming headset is the Astro A40 TR. It's snazzy, relaxed and filled with great possibilities for sound. We really like this headset's velour-style earcups and its overall design comfort, which makes it great to wear for hours and hours.

The sound is also rich and impressive, adding Dolby virtual surround sound means that positional audio is perfect in-game and you can easily hear your enemies' footsteps or the rumble of a car in the distance.

The choice to upgrade with the extra purchase of the mod kit is another thing we like about the Astro A40. This package includes faux-leather earcups with noise-cancelling, a padded headband, personalized colour speaker tags and a voice-isolating microphone.

The MixAmp Pro TR attaches to the Astro A40 TR and then to your PC. Simply attach the MicroUSB cable (and, if you wish, optical cable) to your PC, plug the headset into the MixAmp and you're gone.

There are options for 3.5 mm auxiliary inputs, the link of the daisy chain and even a custom streaming output, but even the basic setup is dead easy.

The control box of MixAmp allows you to reach four different EQ settings that can be tuned inside the Astro Command Center. You can switch between them with ease with a quick click of a button. Another button allows you to also turn in a flash between Dolby virtual surround sound and Astro Tuned audio.

However, the MixAmp highlight for us is the quick access to both the volume wheel and the voice/game balance dial. With this wheel, if you need to hear anything urgently in-game, you can quickly and easily highlight your friend's conversation with you or drop the volumes on them down to nothing.

The Astro A40 has some brilliantly long cables with connectivity. To connect the MixAmp to your PC, it has 3-meter long Micro-USB and Optical cables and another 2-meter cable to connect to the headset from the MixAmp. This is perfect because it means you have plenty of time to run the control box to your desk and you won't find yourself constantly snagged or tugged on.

The reversible headset cable is also a 3.5 mm port, which means you can remove it from the MixAmp and use it on your cell phone or on your laptop without having to unplug it if you want.

With pro gamers in mind, the Astro A40's microphone is made. This ensures that it is not only capable of recording audio of excellent quality, but also adjustable inside the applications of the Command Centre. To change both the sidetone levels and the noise gate settings, you have different settings there. With the TR mod pack, with an enhanced noise-isolating microphone, things get more intense.

Verdict

If you're looking for a serious headset that is as supportive as it is at home in an eSports arena, then it may well be the Astro A40 TR. It is comfortable to wear, nice to hear, and also easy to wear on the eye.

With various colour mod kits or just adding themed speaker tags, the customization options of the A40 also mean you can make it your own. The Astro A40 delivers a very rich and impressive sound for gaming. Backed by Dolby, it also offers a wonderful spatial surround sound experience, but when used for music, watching movies and more, it also sounds amazing.

Best affordable wireless surround sound headset

SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless

40mm drivers
20-20,000 Hz frequency response
32 Ohms impedance
SteelSeries classic cushion design
Wireless and wired options via MicroUSB and USB-C dongle
MicroUSB charging cable
3.5mm jack
Equaliser pre-sets, mic volume/sidetone settings
9-metre/30-foot wireless range
2.4GHz wireless
Approximately 20 hours battery life
Bidirectional Noise-Cancelling
100-6,500Hz frequency response
Detachable design
Mic mute button on the rear

If you're the type of gamer who enjoys playing on a multitude of different devices, then you might find the wireless Arctis 1 extremely attractive.

This is a wireless headset for gaming that not only fits on a PC, but is also compatible with your computer, PS4 and Nintendo Switch. You get all those options for networking, plus the Arctis range's fantastic sound at a pretty incredible price.

The Arctis 1 has plenty of choices for networking. You can either plug in via Micro-USB (which also doubles as the charging cable) for PC gaming or use the wireless USB-C ultra-low latency dongle. The same dongle also connects tablets, Android smartphones, the Nintendo Switch and even the PS4 to all kinds of other computers (via an accompanying converter cable). There's also a 3.5mm jack for other gadgets that you can plug in as well.

The USB-C dongle is capable of up to 20 hours of transmission of 2.4GHzwireless audio over a 30-foot range. It can also reach up to 20,000Hz in terms of frequency response, which, thanks to high-quality drivers, results in consistent and rich audio in practice.

A detachable microphone, mic mute button and volume controls on the left ear cup, and more are also included in the design of this headset. A highlight that is not immediately evident is that the power button often doubles as a key for media control. A single press for audio play/pause, double pressing for skip, triple pressing for rewind. If you make calls via the headset on your phone, you can also use the button to answer or end the call as well.

Bonus features also include an extendable headband, turnable earcups and interchangeable earpads. Alas, like the other Arctis headsets, the Acrtis 1 is not as customizable. The external covers on the headset can not be swapped or the headband changed, but these are minor gripes.

It is noteworthy that, like other headsets on this list, Artics 1 does not support virtual surround sound. The USB-C wireless dongle, however, ensures a good and instant connection and even the default sound settings are friendly and have a wide range for the ears. The Arctis 1 is an outstanding all-rounder for listening to music, watching movies or gaming.

The wireless Arctis 1 features the same drivers as the headset of the Arctis 7 and that's not a bad thing. These are capable drivers who produce a sound that is rich, profound and compelling.

This headset sounds fantastic in the game, despite the lack of surround sound options for Dolby or DTS. It's crisp for audio through Discord and in a number of different games it's surprisingly capable. You won't discover wanting with the Arctis 1, particularly at this price point, if you're a fan of racing games, beat'em ups or shooters.

The wireless Arctis 1 features a microphone that is fairly capable. It's supposed to be noise cancellation, but a small amount of ambient noise seems to be picking up. It is, however, available on your phone for both gaming and calls, which is nifty.

If you don't need it, you can also remove it and if you're going to use the headset as headphones while you're out of the house, then this is a perfect addition to the design.

Verdict

We have been deeply impressed by the Arctis 1. It's an inexpensive headset that's well worth considering, comfortable and feature-packed. If you want a headset that can attach to many devices, has a decent battery life, and also has good audio, then this is it.

There is no Bluetooth, but it is multi-capable and a perfect alternative to the USB-C wireless dongle. If you've been looking at the likes of the Arctis Pro Wireless but the price has put you off, then this headset is for you.

Logitech G Pro X wireless gaming headset

50mm Neodymium drivers with 20 Hz – 20 kHz frequency response
32 Ohm impedance and 91.7 dB sensitivity
Faux leather or cloth ear cushion options
1.8m USB-C charging cable
Virtual DTS Headphone:X 2.0 surround sound on PC
Noise-cancelling microphone with Blue Voice technology
20 hours battery life

This Logitech headset could be a choice if style and looks matter to you and you're sick of the same old boring headsets. Styled more like conventional headphones, the wireless Logitech G Pro X is much more understated, has no RGB and is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the ears.

This is the wireless version that we saw before and loved of the G Pro X headset. Logitech took this great gadget and made it wireless, but retained the same look, sound and snazziness.

This is a headset that's definitely comfortable with a funky style. It can also be personalized to some degree, as you can choose between ear cups modelled in faux leather and fabric. These are not terribly deep, but they are wide enough to nicely cover your ears and provide warmth all day to fit the awesome sound.

We like the amount of stuff Logitech has provided for this money in the box and the high-quality features that have made it a pleasure to use this headset. Sound efficiency, for instance, does not deceive. With deep bass levels and a brilliantly immersive sound quality that gamers will appreciate, this headset has wide drivers that provide a decent range of sound. The Logitech G Hub helps you to customize the sound and to turn DTS on and off in different ways.

The microphone is one of the big selling points of this headset. This headset uses the technology of Blue Voice (within Logitech G Hub) that allows you to customize and change on the fly the live sound captured from the microphone.

You can tweak stuff like the noise doors, de-esser, and more. There are also numerous sound profiles available that can already be applied to enhance the on-the-fly sound of your voice or you can personalize the settings yourself. The outcome is a great sounding microphone that's perfect without fuss for streamers or anyone who wants good audio. We've seen it on microphones like the Blue Yeti X before and it's pretty amazing.

The mic is also removable, so instead of using this headset as a microphone, if you don't want to use it and want to dabble, that's a choice.

Verdict

The wireless Logitech G Pro X is an amazing headset for the money, all-in-all. It is relaxed and delivers fantastic tone, but it does so with style, most importantly. Unfortunately, there is no 3.5mm Bluetooth link and you can't use USB-C to connect to your phone either. But if you're playing games on your PC and that's all you need, then you're not going to be disappointed.

Despite not having as high a frequency response as other headsets on this list, we found this headset was capable of delivering rich sound. It's also extremely convenient and it's also thoroughly desirable because of the variety of ear cup choices (included). For others, the added Blue Voice technology bonus may be a bit of a gimmick, but it's a nice touch.

Best high-fidelity gaming headset

Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless

High-fidelity 96kHZ/24-bit audio
Hi-Res Certified
32 Ohms @ 2.5kHz impedance
109db sensitivity
20-40,000Hz audio response over wireless
RGB lighting on earcups
Equalizer pre-sets, surround sound, RGB illumination controls and mic controls in software
Corsair iCue compatible
Virtual surround sound
RGB lighting on both earcups and mic
Omni-directional microphone with 2.0k Ohms and 100Hz – 10,000Hz frequency response

If you think of yourself as a bit of an audiophile, and whatever you do, only the very best audio is enough, then the wireless Corsair Virtuoso RGB might be for you.

The emphasis here is strongly on creating a high-resolution gaming audio experience that is as amazing in the game as listening to music, watching movies, or just talking with friends. The Virtuoso has a few distinct bow strings that make it particularly fascinating. A few of the highlights are multiple link options, high-fidelity audio, a premium interface and battery life hours.

One of Corsair's most premium gaming headsets we have ever seen is the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless. It is well built and comes with a high-quality finish that includes ear cups made of faux leather, a padded headband and an adjustable size that can be easily tweaked to match your head.

This is a headset that shines in many ways, the main one of which is the quality of the audio it provides, it sports 50mm custom drivers that are capable of delivering hi-res, high-fidelity audio. You need to plug into a gaming PC using the accompanying USB-C cable to get this 96kHz sound, and doing so opens up a whole new world of gaming audio that is a delight for your ears.

Alternatively, you can use the accompanying Slipstream wireless dongle to connect the headset to your PC or laptop. This turns the Virtuoso into a wireless gaming headset in terms of frequency response that still boasts up to 40,000Hz. While this is not uncommon for a gaming headset, it is still worth mentioning that most wireless headsets are almost twice as capable.

You also get as many as 20 hours of battery life in the wireless mode, with audible warnings to let you know when the juice gets a little low. Using the 2.4Ghz Slipstream wireless dongle, Corsair reports about 60 feet of wireless coverage, but we thought that was a little ambitious in reality. Nevertheless, this headset in wireless mode is still still fantastically capable and easy-on-the-ear.

This headset also has the ability to plug in music from your phone or any other device capable of supporting 3.5mm sound through a 3.5mm link or USB-C to USB-C cable.

This versatility and selection of inputs make the Corsair Virtuoso fascinating in our eyes, but it's where this headset really shines in wired mode.

The microphone on the Corsair Virtuoso is a high-quality, broadcast-quality microphone, like the rest of the headset. It's also detachable, versatile and capable. Not only is it able to capture a cracking echo, it filters out a lot of external noise as well. It's bendable so that when you need to, you can move it out of the way and you can even totally remove it if you want to use the headset for your phone out of the house as headphones.

On the underside, there is an easy-access mic mute button and you can also push and hold the button to turn the sidetone on and off as well, which is a pleasant touch.

Verdict

Almost definitely, the Corsair Virtuoso is our current favourite high-res, high-fidelity gaming headset and easily knocks our previous favourite SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC out of this spot. Including a high-quality build, a wealth of inputs, excellent battery life and more, there are many things to like about this headset.

However, it is the 96 kHz audio that really floats our ships, and it also comes with a surprisingly small price tag, given all the features Corsair has packed into this headset. As compared to more expensive, but less capable headsets out there, much more so.

Best affordable 3.5mm headset

Fnatic React

53mm stereo drivers
1.2m and 2.0m extension 3.5mm connection cables
20Hz-40kHz frequency response
Detachable distortion-free boom mic
Large protein leather ear cups with memory foam padding
Also compatible with Xbox One, Mobile, Nintendo Switch, Mac and more

The Respond headset from Fnatic is fascinating confirmation that a decent gaming headset doesn't have to cost the planet. Without all the extra bling, RGB or over-the-top functionality, it also reveals that you can have a decent set of gaming cans.

This is a headset designed with eSports/Pro gamers in mind, and features large drivers that provide a "precise" sound stage bundled in deep and comfortable earcups.

The React is a 3.5mm headset that works on a PC and any other supported unit. It does not have virtual surround sound or high res audio from Dolby or DTS, but it should also not be ignored.

The big, all-encompassing earcups that cover the entire ear and boast a premium protein leather design with memory foam cushioning are highlights of this headset. Not only is this style convenient, it filters out a lot of external noise and even prevents sound bleeding.

We were pleasantly surprised to find that the Fnatic Respond, considering its price, is able to produce a pretty impressive soundscape for the money with a rich sound experience.

Verdict

All told, the underdog is the Fnatic Respond, but almost definitely one of the best value for money that money can buy headsets. If you're looking for a headset without all the extra fluff and a 3.5mm link that sports big, capable cans, then look no further. We'll suggest, however, that you would like to look at others on this list if you want perfect positional audio. With the addition of Dolby Atmos, however, even the reaction can be enhanced.

Most personalisable

nuraphone + nuraphone gaming microphone

Bluetooth aptX H3671301D and 3.5 mm connection options
Up to 20hrs battery life, recharged in 3 hours
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) + Dual passive isolation
Soft-Touch silicone material with over-ear and in-ear design
Unique hearing profile

This is a pretty fascinating package that takes and turns the special Nuraphone headphones into a gaming headset. When we originally tested them as earphones, we loved the Nuraphone design and sound, so we were intrigued to see what this configuration could bring to gaming.

If you do not already know, the selling points of Nuraphone are sound and design. These are unique headphones which immerse you in the sound using both in-ear and over-ear designs. The software found inside these headphones also enables them to be tailored to your particular hearing. On initial configuration, the app tests the way your eardrum responds to sound and changes audio accordingly. The outcome is amazingly personalized audio that you just need to witness to enjoy.

In order to further immerse you in what you are listening to, the in-ear and over-ear configuration is then backed up by active noise cancellation. Plug in the nura gaming microphone and then you can also take this custom sound into the gaming world.

A single 3.5mm jack is used for this connection, which means you need a mixed mic/headphone jack on your PC, but the effect is some very interesting gaming sounds and a good microphone to match.

As you have silicone tips in your ears the whole time, the style takes some getting used to, but the way the audio surrounds you is undeniably excellent. With a warble that is similar to sticking your head near a subwoofer or next to a trundling tank, you can also crank the immersion up inside the app and get a much more bass experience (perfect for first person shooters).

Verdict

Surely this set up won't be for everyone. There's no question that the fit of these headphones is peculiar and we're not fully sold for comfort, but the sound of the Nuraphone is definitely something extraordinary. If you're a fan already, adding a mic and plugging in is a perfect way to introduce the rich, personalized sound to your fun gaming as well.

Others to consider

Logitech G733 Lightspeed

PRO-G 40 mm drivers, 20 Hz-20 KHz frequency response,
29 hours battery life
Lightweight design
Blue Voice tech
DTS Headphone X 2.0 surround sound

The Logitech G733 Lightspeed is a lightweight headset for gaming that comes in different colours but also has some other unique highlights that make it stand out from the crowd. If you are a streamer, it has RGB lighting that you can show off on the camera, a lightweight design that makes it easy to wear all day long and more besides. This DTS headphone X 2.0 gives this headset fantastic surround sound and can also accommodate up to 29 hours of use before it also needs to be recharged.

SteelSeries Arctis 9

Neodymium Drivers 40 mm with 20–20000 Hz frequency response
20 hours of battery life
Dual connectivity with Bluetooth
DTS Headphone X V2
40-foot range

In turn, the SteelSeries Arctis 9 is a more affordable variant of the wireless Arctis Pro, but with less features. Nonetheless, with excellent tone, a nice microphone, good looks and more besides, it's a great headset. Link choices are the highlight of the Arctis 9. Thanks to Bluetooth compatibility, it'll work with PC, PS4 and PlayStation 5 as well as a multitude of other things. At the same time, you can also use Bluetooth and wireless, playing audio from two different locations.

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro

12 Hz – 28 kHz frequency response
50 mm Razer TriForce Titanium drivers
THX Audio
Breathable memory foam cushion ear cups
Razer Hyperclear Supercardioid Mic

This is a wireless variant of the BlackShark headset from Razer that is pitched as a "eSports Wireless Gaming headset" Thanks to large drivers and THX audio, it provides an interesting build, a comfortable fit, and great sound. The mic is not as good as we would like, but it's well worth considering if you're a Razer fan and want a wireless headset.

EPOS GSP 601

10–30,000 Hz frequency response
112dB sound pressure
Dynamic closed back transducer
2.5 m PC cable / 1.5 m Console cable

With a snazzy finish and a big, wired headset style, the EPOS GSP 601 and GSP 602 are new models in the EPOS range. With ergonomic leatherette earpads that shut out tonnes of ambient noise, they're closed-back and let you concentrate on the game at hand. We prefer the GSP 670, but this could be the one to turn to if you want something with stylish looks and a wired setup.

Sound BlasterX G6

Dynamic Range: 130dB
Sampling rate: up to 32bit 384kHz
Dolby audio, SoundBlaster sound, Scout Mode, various equalizer modes
Also works with Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PS4

While not technically a gaming headset, if you already own a decent pair of 3.5mm headphones, the Sound BlasterX G6 can be seen as an alternative to buying a gaming headset. An external DAC that functions not only as a USB soundcard but also as an amplifier is this snazzy looking thing.

Using a USB cable, plug it into your PC and you get an improved sound for your headphones, Dolby audio, and tuned Sound Blaster sound. Therefore, the G6 adds virtual surround sound to any stereo headphones connected to it, which also enhances the speeds. This Digital-to-Analog converter is not only capable of generating a sampling rate of up to 32bit 384kHz, it can also provide 130dB.

To see the difference it made, we combined it with the Logitech G Pro X, which is on this list already. The disparity in volume alone was staggering. Then we also got access to more sound customization and tweaks with the accompanying app (and easy access buttons) that were not present on the headset itself. Everything switches to voice-altering settings for mic capture from the equalizer. As an alternative to the purchase of a new gaming headset, the Sound BlasterX G6 is a great upgrade to your gear.

Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero

50mm Nanoclear drivers with Waves NX 3D audio technology
Superhuman Hearing Optimized For PC
On-the-fly sidetone adjustment
Pro Specs Glasses Relief system
Up to 30 hours of battery life

The Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero is, in our minds, one of the finest gaming headsets that the company has ever seen. It has a range of characteristics that make it very impressive, not least of which is a rechargeable battery system that lasts up to 30 hours.

Other highlights include ultra-deep, ultra-comfortable gel-infused memory foam cushioned ear cups that do a great job of blocking outside noise without excessively warming your ears. An amazing 3D audio experience is provided by large drivers with Waves Nx and Maxx technologies. While the app gives you access to a wealth of choices for customization, including masses of presets and custom options for EQ.

Unfortunately, the Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero may not have the same wireless range as other headphones, but it has plenty of amazing features we love. The relief device for glasses helps you to tighten the ear cups and create a channel for your glasses so that when you play, you do not get any extra pressure on your face.

A detachable microphone and the ability to use this headset via a 3.5mm cable with other devices make this a capable and delightful product to own.

HyperX Cloud Orbit S

100 mm Audeze planar magnetic drivers
Waves Nx fully immersive 3D audio
Closed-back earcup design
10Hz–50,000Hz frequency response
USB-C and 3.5mm connection options
Uni-directional Electret condenser microphone

The Cloud Orbit S, which comes with much of the same features but no Bluetooth, is basically a more affordable version of the Audeze Mobius.

The HyperX Cloud Orbit S is undeniably an expensive package, but it is also highly attractive with big, capable drivers, fascinating 3D audio technology and a flexible design.

This is a convenient, great-looking headset that delivers everything you do with very rich, compelling audio. For gaming, it's smashing and a lot more besides.