Best PC gaming headset 2025: 12 options from casual to esports-grade

Here are some of the absolute best PC gaming headsets available, based on 14 years of testing. We've got wired and wireless options, cheap headsets that won't break the bank and premium options that justify their higher prices. As well as the big names like Alienware, Razer and Logitech, we've also highlighted headsets from smaller firms like Audeze and Acezone that are absolutely worth knowing about.

The idea here is to give you enough options to fit your needs, whether you're more interested in competitive gaming, cinematic single-player fare or a mix of the two. We're focusing on headsets for PC here, but many of these options will work on Xbox Series X/S, PS5 or both - and you can see our full gaming headset recommendations for a deeper list if you prefer.

Click the links below to jump to a headset you're interested in, or scroll on for the full list!

Best PC gaming headsets 2025

1. Razer Blackshark V2 X: the best value option
2. Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed: the best overall but expensive
3. Logitech G335 / G435 Lightspeed: cheap, comfy, great
4. Audeze Maxwell: big, expensive, phenomenal
5. Alienware Pro Gaming Wireless: esports meets lifestyle
6. Acezone A-Spire Wireless: premium esports headset with ANC
7. Razer Kraken V4: the best RGB gaming headset
8. Asus ROG Pelta: comfortable, tri-mode, wireless
9. Sennheiser HD 550: a warmer open-back option
10. Soundmagic E80D: great value, perfect for handhelds
11. Turtle Beach Stealth 600: great value, now with wireless
12. Audeze LCD-GX: ultra-premium excellence
13. Best of the Rest: more PC gaming headset recommendations

We've also created some bonus features for you to peruse at the end of the article. You can check out our picks for the best PC gaming audio accessories or see the answers to some frequently asked questions.

Now, on with the recommendations!

Looking to get the ultimate PC gaming setup? We've rounded up the best gaming keyboards and best gaming mice on the market including trendy ultra-light options. We've also got recommendations for our favourite high refresh rate monitors, including some great 4K TVs for gaming that go great with the best controllers for PC. If you're making YouTube videos or streaming on Twitch, you should take a look at our gaming mic recommendations too!

The Razer BlackShark V2 X is the best wired headset for the money we've tested. These headphones are a treat to use for gaming or music, with a wide sound stage, accurate sound and good imaging provided by large 50mm drivers. This is a stereo headset by default, which we recommend for competitive play, though you can use Razer's 7.1 surround sound app or the surround profiles built into Windows like Windows Sonic for surround sound on PC.

The mic is also great for in-game comms, although we'd recommend a more professional-grade alternative for streaming, and it's a shame that it can't be retracted or removed. In terms of connectivity, dual and single 3.5mm are provided - though of course you could plug this into a USB DAC/AMP if you prefer it to your onboard sound card.

The BlackShark V2 X's design is also worthy of some praise. For starters, the ears are well sealed to block out distracting background sounds - useful whether you're clutching in CS2 or working from home. The athletic-knit-covered memory foam ear pads remained comfortable for hours, no doubt aided by the light weight of the headset - just 240g. There's a convenient volume knob on the left earcup, and the microphone is removable. The BlackShark V2 also lacks any kind of RGB lighting, with only a few green-coloured cables to identify it as a gaming headset. The headset is plastic and not the most durable-looking option, but for the price this is acceptable.

If you'd prefer a wireless headset that retains the same great comfort and sound quality, we recommend the 2023-edition BlackShark V2 Pro (see at Amazon UK/Amazon US), which comes with excellent battery life, USB-C charging, a great mic for a wireless headset and Bluetooth support.

• Pro: Excellent audio and comfort for the money
• Pro: Also available as a fancier, pricier wireless headset
• Con: Mic isn't retractable or removable, plastic build

Logitech's best headset is the Pro X 2 Lightspeed, a premium model that sports a low-latency 2.4GHz Lightspeed connection that feels just as immediate as a wired headset. It's also supremely comfortable, even for glasses-wearers, with both velour and leatherette ear pads in the box, with impressive build quality too. This revised model contains a new hinge that allows the headphones to lie flat and better accommodate the positioning of your ears, and comes in three colours: black, white and pink.

The 50mm graphene drivers inside provide detailed and neutral sound, with a slight emphasis to mids that can help highlight footstep sounds. Surround sound is effectively provided by 3D Audio on PS5 or DTS Headphone:X on PC. While 2.4GHz via the provided USB dongle is the best option for PC, PS5 and Switch, there's also 3.5mm for Xbox and Bluetooth for mobile devices. Wireless headphones tend to suffer in mic quality, and unfortunately the Pro X 2 relies on PC software like Logitech's Blue Voice to become serviceable - it's noticeably behind other wireless options like the Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless and the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro.

Battery life is excellent, at around 50 hours, with quick and easy USB-C recharging, and Logitech has also done well to incorporate a large number of controls into a single earcup while ensuring each has a distinct feel. The G Hub software is similarly intelligent in its layout.

Overall, the G Pro X 2 Lightspeed is an outstanding pick for any competitively-minded PC gamer - though at full price it's undoubtedly one of the most expensive gaming headsets on the market.

Thankfully, if you need a cheaper option the original G Pro X Wireless (see at Amazon UK/Amazon US) headset costs less and sounds nearly as good, despite lacking the graphene drivers of the newer model. The wired G Pro X is the cheapest option in the family (see at Amazon UK/Amazon US), but retains most of the sound quality, comfort and usability of the wireless models.

• Pro: Extremely comfortable, well-built and convenient
• Pro: Reliable performance, low-latency wireless
• Con: High-end price - though cheaper alternatives available - and limited mic quality

Logitech's wired Logitech G335 and the wireless G435 Lightspeed headsets are both lightweight, comfortable and extremely good value - while also coming in nice colours.

The sound quality here is nothing special - I'd rate the Razer BlackShark V2 X more highly for music and single-player games - but it's clear enough, with a neutral signature that works well for multiplayer gaming. Instead, the G335 and G435 distinguish themselves from an aesthetic, comfort and usability standpoint, with a supremely comfortable fit for those with small to medium-size heads thanks to a lightweight design and ski-goggle-style fabric headband. And when I say lightweight, I'm talking 240g for the wired G335 and an ridiculous 160g for the wireless G435.

The headsets comes in three colours each, with the reversible headband offering a choice of two accent colours (there are also two mounting positions for the headband to accommodate smaller noggins). The flip-to-mute microphone on the wired G335 is easy to position and provides clear comms, while the G435 makes do with an integrated mic that doesn't sound quite as good. The G335's volume wheel on the left earcup is conveniently placed for mid-game adjustments, without being so prominent as to be adjusted accidentally while you're putting the headset on or taking it off. The G335 uses 3.5mm, so it works on a wide range of consoles and mobile devices as well as on PC, and I dig that it's coloured to match the headset. Meanwhile the G435 can be connected via Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless (via a USB dongle), but can't maintain both connections simultaneously and the USB port is for charging only.

If you want a convenient, comfortable and colourful headset there's nothing quite like these Logitech options. The G335 is the more flexible option at a lower price, so that's our default recommendation. If you prefer wireless, the G435 Lightspeed gives you that 2.4GHz and Bluetooth while being even lighter, just as easy to use and nearly as good-sounding, all at a competitive price.

• Pro: Extremely affordable for their capabilities
• Pro: Lightweight, colourful and comfortable design
• Con: Not hugely robust, nor the best-sounding

The Audeze Maxwell is the best planar magnetic wireless headset we've tested so far, with excellent sound quality, good controls, long battery life and a choice of PlayStation/PC or Xbox/PC versions. However, the headset is relatively heavy and relatively expensive, though after-market cushions make it suprisingly comfortable.

The Maxwell is defined by excellent clarity and separation, making it easy to pick out details even in chaotic soundscapes, with a slightly v-shaped sound overall and a surprisingly wide sound stage for a closed-back design. Connectivity is also strong, with low latency audio via a 2.4GHz wireless dongle, plus Bluetooth and 3.5mm connectivity. The Maxwell also sports a good microphone for a wireless headset and convenient controls, with volume and game/chat mix dials, and battery life is rated at an impressive 80 hours.

The Maxwell is robustly constructed with plenty of metal, as you'd hope from a headset at this price range. It's quite heavy, as planar magnetic headsets often are, but it's well balanced with moderate clamping force. The default leatherette ear cushions are fine, but you can pick up third-party replacements - such as the sheepskin Dekoni Elite - that offer better comfort, slightly richer bass and an otherwise similar sound signature. Velour options are also available, which are a little cheaper and offer a similar increase in comfort for spectacle wearers.

Overall, a fantastic headset for both gaming and critical listening - if you're willing to accept the relatively high weight (490g) and high asking price.

• Pro: Incredibly detailed sound from planar magnetic drivers
• Pro: Design features good controls and a big battery
• Con: Heavy on the head and the wallet

Our top all-platforms gaming headset recommendation, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, is something of a hybrid: a bona fide gaming headset, with all of the features that implies, that you can also use outside without fear of social retribution and with convenient active noise cancelling (ANC). Dell explores a similar zone with their Alienware Pro Wireless headset, offering pro gaming credentials with a streamlined lifestyle kind of look.

The final product isn't quite as perfect as SteelSeries' halo headset, but it's certainly the best Alienware peripheral I've tested in years: extremely comfortable and well built with good active and passive isolation, 75 hours of battery life, tri-mode connectivity and of course high-quality sound both in and out from the trendy 50mm graphene drivers and detachable mic. It's fairly neutral with a slight emphasis to the high-end, not too bombastic, and with plenty of detail and directionality which I appreciate for competitive fare.

My major gripe here concerns the number of buttons and dials, which borders on overwhelming, with insufficient tactile differentiation between the many options. There's also no case, which is a bit of a shame for a premium headset you might reasonably want to take outside - though admittedly the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless also doesn't include this and costs even more. There's also no option for Xbox connectivity, though PC, PS4/PS5, Switch and Steam Deck are all covered with a USB-C wireless dongle and USB-A adapter. The PC software is also somewhat underbaked compared to rivals from SteelSeries, Corsair and Razer.

Overall, this is one of the comfiest headsets I've used, and a credit to the design team behind it.

• Pro: Good all-around, with a sleek and comfortable design and well-implemented features
• Pro: 50mm graphene drivers deliver detail and directionality
• Con: Controls and software aren't as intuitive as those of rivals

The Acezone A-Spire Wireless is a unique thing: a premium-grade wireless headset with active noise cancellation designed for esports. Despite this weird category, this headset is utterly compelling, offering a range of features and a level of quality that is almost unmatched.

The focus here is on making it as easy as possible for you to locate your enemies in FPS video games in three ways: by slightly raising mids while preserving detail and directionality; by reducing distractions using passive and active noise cancellation; and by being comfortable enough to not distract you. This three-part plan is executed with surprising success, with excellent directionality evident in Counter-Strike 2, Black Ops 6 and Stalker 2 in our testing, backed by reasonable comfort and effective ANC that made it very easy to focus on the match at hand.

Communication is also key for team-based games like CS2, so a good microphone is also required. Being a wireless headset, the A-Spire features some extra compression not required for the earlier A-Spire wired headset, but the modestly-sized flip-down directional mic still produces good results. I also like the ability to clip the mic to the headband when it's not in use.

There are some oddities here too. Being able to change your settings in a mobile app makes sense in a competitive context where you're not allowed to run software on tournament PCs, but this may be a bit unusual for players used to PC software like iCUE or Synapse. At least it means that there's nothing running in the background of your PC to temper its performance, and of course you can use the same Bluetooth connection to play music from your phone. However, simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth isn't supported, as it is on some slightly fancier headsets.

Other slight negative points include a design that is functional rather than aesthetic, with plastic parts throughout and a relatively slim earcup and headband design. That makes for a lightweight 270g headset, but also contributes to a modest 35 hours of battery life. There's also a touch less passive noise isolation than larger designs from the likes of Razer or Corsair, though the ANC means that you still come out ahead - and there's always Acezone's A-Rise headset for that. Ultimately, the A-Spire is laser-focused on delivering peak performance for esports, and that's nothing but commendable.

• Pro: Smart audio tuning and effective ANC for competitive gaming
• Pro: Comfortable and lightweight 270g build
• Con: Functional design and modest 35-hour battery life may fall short of expectations

The Razer Kraken V4 is a well-built and RGB-encrusted wireless gaming headset, best used on PC with Razer's Synapse software as part of a whole suite of RGB peripherals - but also compatible with PlayStation, Switch and PC handhelds like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally. The design is sleeker and less bulky than the previous headsets in the line-up, reportedly in response to user feedback, but there's still enough padding to make for a comfortable fit. The earcups can also rotate to lie flat, which is a bit more comfortable when keeping them on your neck and makes for more compact packing too.

Beyond its distinct aesthetic, the Kraken V4 features a retractable mic, "Razer Triforce" titanium 40mm drivers (versus 50mm on the Kraken V3), non-simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity, and five controls on the earcups, including dedicated volume and game/chat mix dials. That makes for quite a convenient headset to use, but mic and audio quality is nothing special. You can at least opt for different EQ settings and swap between them easily, if you prefer a more exciting v-shaped sound, heavier bass or something more neutral.

In general, the Kraken line-up doesn't have quite as much going for it in our view as the lighter and more esports-focused Razer Blackshark series, but if you primarily play slightly more casual multiplayer or cinematic single-player games, then these are a solid choice that look good and tick all the necessary boxes. It's worth considering the Kraken V4 X if you don't need wireless, as it is significantly cheaper (see Amazon UK/Amazon US).

• Pro: Good-looking, hard-wearing headset with RGB
• Pro: Decent feature list, exciting sound
• Con: Not as lightweight or accurate as Razer's BlackShark series

The Asus ROG Pelta is a good all-around wireless headset that ticks most boxes for most PC players, with a comfortable design, cross-platform compatibility with Switch 2, PS5 and mobile, and long battery life. The design here is a significant evolution over earlier Asus headsets, which I found a bit bulky, with a 309g weight, ski google style headband and plush athletic cloth ear cushions that contribute to a headset that I can wear for hours without discomfort or noticeably warm ears. However, adjustment is relatively limited, with only two positions for the headband.

The RGB on the ear cups is a nice touch, but cuts the rated 70 hours of 2.4GHz battery life to just 45 hours when enabled - so it doesn't feel like a necessary inclusion to me, especially when the headset doesn't seem to automatically turn off like other headsets do. Note that 2.4GHz and BT can't operate simulaneously, unlike the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, and the wired connection is USB only, rather than 3.5mm.

There's a growing trend towards larger dynamic drivers, and the 50mm "titanium-plated" units here do deliver good if not remarkable results. The sound signature here is a little light on bass, with detailed mids and non-fatiguing treble, but it works well for competitive gaming and can be dialled up for more cinematic fare or more bass-heavy genres. The microphone is also pretty good, and is removable if you already have a USB or XLR mic at your desk.

Overall, this is the easiest ROG headset to recommend and hits a nice balance of comfort, features, battery life and sound quality for the price point without truly excelling in any area.

• Pro: Light, comfortable and durable design with RGB
• Pro: Flexible, thanks to 2.4GHz, Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity
• Con: RGB cuts heavily into battery life, but can be disabled

The Sennheiser HD 550 are a more neutral version of the HD 505 that preceded it by a few months, with a similar basic design to the legendary HD 598 and HD 599 headphones that I've used for years: open-back, velour-wrapped, lightweight and oh-so-comfortable. The HD 550 offers similarly neutral sound compared to the tuning of the average gaming headset, well-balanced and slightly analytical with great treble reproduction, detailed mids and better bass extension than the HD 600.

This is the first time I've seen Sennheiser market their core line-up to gamers, and indeed the 550s work well here, with easy positioning of enemy footsteps in FPS titles, the wide soun dstage typical of open-back designs and the comfortable velour pads allowing for long gaming sessions without discomfort. However, these are headphones, not a headset, so there's no mic here - so you'll have to go the Mod Mic route or use a separate USB or XLR microphone. The leaky open-back headphones also aren't ideal for shared areas, as they'll hear your gunfire and you'll hear their conversations and social media surfing.

If you're lucky enough to be gaming in a quiet space and enjoy listening to music, the HD 550s are one of the best Sennheiser releases for a while and well worth considering.

• Pro: Extremely comfortable over long periods, even while wearing glasses
• Pro: Great sound quality, well-tuned especially in the bass and mid ranges
• Con: New = expensive, open back leaks sound by design, no mic

If you're looking for a set of simple wired in-ears that nail the essentials, there are plenty of affordable options - but I'm quite fond of the Soundmagic E80D. Of course, most wired in-ears are a great fit for PC handhelds like the ROG Ally or Steam Deck, as they offer good passive noise isolation, a pocketable design and don't need to be recharged, but the E80D's USB-C connection allows for a high-quality DAC that tends to outperform the integrated sound in whatever you're plugging it into.

The 10mm drivers produce reasonable detail and directionality, though you do get that characteristically narrow sound stage with this form factor and loudness isn't class-leading by any stretch. These in-ears work well for listening to music too, so they're an easy choice to sling in your pocket (in their included case) to use with your phone or tablet. The E80D don't look like your usual gaming headphones either, with a more ornate and elegant design that includes an aluminium driver housing, slim-line controls and an almost champagne-coloured cable that terminates in a right-angle USB-C connector.

Overall, well worth the slightly premium price point!

• Pro: excellent audio, thanks to USB-C DAC
• Pro: conveniently portable form factor
• Con: Weak mic, USB-C connection prevents recharging Steam Deck and Switch

The third-generation Turtle Beach Stealth 600 is a good value wireless headset. We recommend the Xbox branded version, which connects to over low-latency 2.4GHz wireless to Xbox, PS5, PS4, Switch and PC. There's also Bluetooth compatibility for mobile devices, though you can't use 2.4GHz and Bluetooth simultaneously as you can on some fancier headsets.

I quite like the design here, with thick ear cushions and fold-flat hinges that are comfortable to wear for hours on end. You can have some quite marathon sessions here too, with a rated 80 hours of battery life - I think I only charged it about twice in several weeks of use. One downside here is that the athletic fabric cushions don't block much noise, so this isn't the best headset for shared or otherwise noisy spaces. The Stealth 600 also doesn't feel like the most robustly constructed headset ever made, though its plastics have held up just fine thus far.

The flip-out microphone also deserves some praise, both for its quality (surprisingly good for a wireless headset at this price) and for its convenience (I much prefer this to a plug-in microphone that I'll inevitably lose). The 50mm drivers are also quite reasonable, delivering a pleasantly neutral sound profile that can be adjusted via the Swarm 2 software on PC or mobile but works well for a wide range of gaming genres out of the box.

• Pro: Connects to all consoles and PC wirelessly
• Pro: Comfortable design with long battery life and good mic
• Con: Plastic construction doesn't feel hugely robust

The Audeze LCD-GX is the most expensive gaming headset I've ever tested - so it's a good thing it's also the best-sounding. The LCD-GX uses massive open-back planar magnetic drivers to provide unparalleled sound quality, while a simple in-line microphone transforms it into a capable headset for gaming with friends. That's a powerful combination, and also one that feels more comfortable and convenient than adding a ModMic to the side of your favourite pair of audiophile headphones.

However, beyond the headset you don't get much in terms of gaming features - this is a wired 3.5mm headset with stereo sound, and there's nothing in the way of gaming-specific features like surround sound, equalisers, genre-specific modes, footstep highlighting or RGB lighting. That suits me just fine, especially as there are ways to add these features via software. Surround sound modes are built into Windows 10 and 11, with free Windows Sonic and paid-for Dolby Atmos, and third-party options exist too - including the Immerse Gaming Hive from audio firm Embody, who arranged for the LCD-GX to be sent out to us for testing.

The Hive software has you take a picture of your ear and select your headset to provide individualised surround sound, and the effect is pretty extraordinary on the LCD-GX. When combined with the GX's already incredible detail and wide sound stage, you get a much more immersive experience - and better audio clues about enemy positions in games that lack built-in HRTF audio. I tested it out in Call of Duty Vanguard, CS:GO and Forza Horizon 5, and in all but CS:GO having the surround sound enabled was a noticeable improvement over the default audio mix. I was also surprised by just how comfortable this headset is, despite a relatively high weight (454g) - perhaps down to the advanced materials used throughout, the suspension headband design and the thick memory foam ear cushions.

So if you're in the market for a high-end gaming headset and want the best of the best, the Audeze LCD-GX and a Hive subscription are a pretty solid combo, letting you enjoy exceedingly pure analogue audio for critical listening or a more processed, gaming-focused mix with the press of a button.

• Pro: Massive 100mm planar magnetic drivers deliver unmatched sound in any genre
• Pro: Technically meets the definition of a gaming headset
• Con: Eye-wateringly expensive and huge to boot

Best of the rest: more PC gaming headset recommendations

We're trying to limit our top recommendations here somewhat, so all others that we test and recommend will live here, including products that have been supplanted by new recommendations. We'll share one paragraph about what this makes this headset worth considering based on our testing, and if it's available at a good price in your region then it should be worth considering alongside our top picks.

Logitech G522: The G522 is a perfectly fine PC gaming headset that doesn't quite edge out its rivals at the extremely competitive $160/£140 price point - but might find new life if it sees significant discounts. The headset is light (290g) and comfortable with a fabric suspension headband and huge earcups, it's long-lasting at 90 hours, the Lightspeed connectivity is reliable as always, and if you like RGB on your headset then the G522 offers a tasteful implementation. Likewise, mic quality is excellent, and you get both a desktop program and a mobile app which is nice. You don't get flagship-grade features, which in 2025 constitutes of stuff like ANC and simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity, but then again the G522 is a bit cheaper than high-end headsets like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless or Razer BlackShark V3 Pro. The only issue here is the sound quality, which is inoffensive but sounds a bit flat, and EQ adjustments aren't able to fully salvage the situation. The audio reproduction here is still OK, but at $150+ you do expect something better.

Drop + Grell OEA1: One of the most interesting headphones I've ever tested, the ($249) OAE1 is designed to mimic the dynamics of a live concert, with a wide sound stage, strong bass presence and an overall lively presentation. However, this comes at the cost of relatively dark treble and a lack of mid detail. This isn't the most natural fit for most games then, though for titles where audio cues are meant to excite rather than inform, the OAE1 does well. Visually, the headphones look fantastic, with a constant width headband, circular velour earcups and a no-nonsense black colour scheme, but I found the clamping force a bit excessive (even after breaking in) and I tend to prefer more ear-shaped earcups. No mic is included here, so you'll have to rely on external USB/XLR mics if needed. Very few headphones sound like this, so audiophiles that are looking for something unique, this is worth exploring - but for everyone else, more traditionally tuned headphones like the Sennheiser HD 550 are a better choice, as open-back headphones with a pleasing bass presence but a more neutral sound signature.

Corsair Virtuoso Pro: Corsair's first open-back headset is incredibly promising, with 50mm graphene drivers and a beautiful design, yet middling comfort with glasses and a high price for a wired headset (£149/$140) make them hard to recommend in our top 10. Still, the design has obvious strengths - including a wide sound stage and excellent mid-range accuracy - that make it worth considering for the minority considering an open-back design.

Sony Inzone H5: I feel conflicted about the Inzone H5. These are a nice-looking and carefully designed set of wireless headphones, available at a decent price (£130/$148) and well-suited to both PC and PS5 use thanks to their good sound, great spatial audio and reasonable 28 hours of battery life. Yet they creak constantly when flexed in the hand and their short ear cushions and tight clamping force provide little comfort to my particular head, though I've read countless reviews online praising their comfort. Worth considering then, but not a headset I'll be keen to return to.

Nacon Rig 600 Pro HS: This is quite a good £73/$70 wireless headset, offering a lightweight design and comfy fit with support for a wide range of head sizes, a convenient flip-out microphone and good audio with surprising amounts of bass. I don't like the fact that you get a 15 second status update whenever you turn the headset on, which means a voice is talking over whatever you're actually trying to listen to, but that's a relatively minor issue.

OXS Storm G2: This budget wireless headset (£60/$60) is a mixed bag, offering a good list of features without much refinement. On the good side, there's a HyperX-Cloud-style headband and thick leatherette earcups which are comfortable and durable, the detachable mic works well and three connection modes are offered: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.3 and 3.5mm wired. I also appreciated the well-labeled ports and controls, although the three nearby buttons all feel identical so they're difficult to use while wearing the headset. On the bad side, sound quality is average at best, with a hollow, muddy tone, and there's no EQ adjustment to save it - just three presets, none of which is great. The headset also doesn't turn off automatically when nothing is playing for a certain period, wasting battery life - especially with the RGB enabled. Better sound and a few design revisions could make this a solid budget option, but at present these miss out on a recommendation.

Urbanista Seoul: These £60/$85 Bluetooth in-ears have a relatively low 70ms latency figure, making them decent for mobile, PC handheld and laptop gaming, with a comfortable design, low-profile charging case that delivers up to 32 hours of battery life and attractive blue colour scheme. I wouldn't choose these for competitive gaming, but they worked well enough in my testing for more casual play sessions on the Steam Deck.

Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X: These £270/$250 open-back headphones lack a microphone, but if you have a USB or XLR mic they're a strong choice for anyone that prefers a neutral sound signature. These studio headphones are designed for professional use, with rugged and replaceable components including Mini XLR headphone cables, but also work well for gaming thanks to their wide sound stage, great imaging and bright nature. Of course, as with other open-back headphones, they leak sound in their environment and lack passive noise isolation, so they're not ideal for shared spaces.

Audio-Technica ATH-GL3: This £100/$99 headset is available in both closed back (earth) and open-back (air) varieties, offering neutral sound via 45mm drivers, a lightweight (230g) and plasticky design with a removable microphone and a simple wired 3.5mm connection. This is a simple headset with no gimmicks, just a focus on the fundamentals like sound quality and repairability, and it pays off in terms of performance - though perhaps material and design choices have reduced long-term comfort somewhat.

Rode NTH-100: Another pair of strong studio headphones we tested recently are the Rode NTH-100s. These £110/$149 headphones offers a closed-back design, with a warmer sound profile, lighter design and more comfortable fit than the (more expensive) DT 900 Pro X. As before, these headphones don't include a microphone, so you'll need a microphone elsewhere for communicating with your team-mates in multiplayer games.

Epos H3: Following the closing of Epos' gaming division, this headset is available for an extremely low price (£28/$63) and is well worth considering while it's still available. The sound quality is great, with a neutral profile and plenty of detail, and the microphone is one of the best we've heard at this price point. The industrial design here is impressive too, proving light and comfortable even while wearing glasses, and despite a more plasticky construction the H3 still feels robust in the hand. Compatibility is wide too, with two finely braided 3.5mm cables in the box. The only weirdness is the earcup volume dial, which requires time and effort to turn from its highest to lowest settings. Regardless of this minor annoyance, the Epos H3 is an excellent translation of the company's traditional strengths - audio quality, build quality and comfort - down to a more mainstream price point, and for that it deserves a mention here if not a top placing.

Turtle Beach Recon 70: a great budget (£30/$40) headset for PC gaming that also works with a wide range of consoles via 3.5mm. The short microphone has a flip to mute function, something we normally only see on more expensive models, and actually sounds pretty good although it's not great at rejecting outside noise. The sound is quite neutral, with slightly flabby bass and only decent imaging, and it works fine for most gaming and music that isn't bass-heavy. We also liked the physical design; the light weight of the headset and reasonably plush earcups make for a headset that is comfortable enough to not be noticeable for an hour or two of gaming. However, the headset does feel a little creaky in the hands, and may not hold up to continued use as well as mid-range options like the Recon 500. The Recon 70 is available in a wide range of colour schemes too. For the price, especially in the UK where it's often available near the £20 mark, this is a very decent headset.

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro: the MMX 300 Pro is an expensive but well-built gaming headset with replaceable components produced in Germany. The thicker cushions make it more comfortable than the MMX 150, while the "Stellar.45" driver provides good sound albeit with over-emphasised treble, making it well-tuned for most gaming scenarios if not quite critical listening. The clamping force is a little high out of the box, but settles down if the headset is stretched over a box overnight. Finally, the microphone is as excellent as you'd hope from a wired headset, with Beyerdynamic's expertise shining through. Only a relatively high price (£259/$280) keeps the MMX 300 Pro from ranking higher on our list.

Beyerdynamic MMX 150: an interesting headset at a reduced (£89/$100) price point, the MMX 150 has little in common physically with the better MMX 300. Its over-slim ear cushions render it a bit uncomfortable to wear for long periods versus the plush velour on the more premium option. Still, the headset is well-constructed, the audio is detailed and the microphone is strong for the price point. You also get the choice of 3.5mm and USB connectivity, with the MMX 100 offering 3.5mm only at a cheaper price if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How did you make this list?

We had a lot of fun making this list, with some time testing in competitive games like Counter-Strike 2, Apex Legends and Valorant and the remainder in more cinematic fare like Assassins Creed Valhalla, Starfield and Tetris Effect. We've been testing headphones for over a decade, but we've kept to relatively recent releases that are still easy to find in the shops. We hope you have fun checking out our recommendations, and remember that you can always get in touch via Twitter (@wsjudd) or in the comments below if you'd like a personalised pick or a question answered.

How can I improve the comfort of my existing headphones?

There's a healthy cottage industry of after-market ear cushions for many of the most popular gaming headsets these days, offering alternative materials, extra thickness and/or a new look. The two best third-party ear pads we've tried are Dekoni (UK/US) and Wicked Cushions (UK/US). Dekoni centres their efforts on more music-focused brands like Audeze, Bose, Beyerdynamic, Focal, Grado and Sennheiser, while Wicked Cushions covers more of the gaming headset market with options for the likes of SteelSeries, Razer and Corsair.

Both are excellent options if you're not a big fan of the material or thickness of your existing ear cushions. For example, I find thick leather pads can be a bit uncomfortable with glasses, so I prefer to use velour or cloth alternatives for long-term comfort. It's worth keeping in mind that shape and material changes will also change the sound of the headset, so it's worth testing your favourite games and music with the new ear cushions attached to make sure you like the new sound as well as the new fit.

How can I improve the sound of my existing headphones?

A lot of this comes down to personal preference, but we prefer to turn off audio "enhancements" like surround sound and aggressive equaliser settings; you want things to be as "bare metal" as possible if you trust in the intent of sound engineers and headphone designers alike. From there you can use a DAC, which takes audio processing duties off your PC or console and entrusts it instead to dedicated hardware which tends to do a better job, removing jitter and changing the characteristics of the sound for the better.

Desktop or portable DACs like the Audioengine D1, Fiio E10K or Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS cost around £100/$100 or less and can improve audio quality substantially. There are also the Epos GSX 300 and Helm Audio DB12 AAAMP we mentioned above. Of course, you can spend way more if you want to go even further into the audiophile realm.

Is it worth using 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound?

It depends. If you want to immerse yourself in a game or movie, the virtual surround sound mode offered on many gaming headsets can be fun to play with. You can even add surround sound processing to headphones that don't come with it on PCs running Windows 10 using Windows Sonic, THX Spatial Audio or Dolby Atmos for Headphones. However, if you're looking at surround sound to gain a competitive advantage, my recommendation is to keep surround sound disabled - the processing that tries to fake surround sound often makes it harder to hear footsteps or other quiet audio cues, adds delay and tends to remove detail. Instead, look for headphones with a wider audio stage, eg many open-back headphones, as this will actually make it easier to place your enemies on the map based on the noises that they're making.

Should I get wireless headphones?

Wireless headphones give you a lot of freedom, so you can make yourself a sandwich in the kitchen or sit on the opposite side of the couch without worrying about taking off your headset or rerouting its cables. However, you will need to recharge your wireless headset every few days or weeks, and it's certainly annoying when your headphones go dead mid-cutscene. If you tend to sit in different positions while gaming or just hate being tethered to your desk, wireless is a sensible choice; otherwise, save the money and the hassle of recharging and get wired headphones instead.

What brands should I consider?

This is no by no means an exhaustive list, but we've tested and liked headphones from HyperX, SteelSeries and Logitech. Razer, Epos, Turtle Beach and Astro have also made some great headsets in their day, although they've also produced some less charitably described models as well. Ultimately, gaming headsets can vary massively from model to model, with companies capable of producing both good and terrible models, so it's best to look for reviews on the headset you're considering rather than shopping by brand alone.

If I have the choice of Xbox or PlayStation headphones for PC, which should I choose?

In general, PlayStation headsets tend to work on PC and vice versa, so these can be a good choice if you don't have a horse in the console race. However, picking up the Xbox Wireless Adapter allows you to connect a few headsets that use a dongle-free connection to the Xbox, so these can be worth a look if you have an Xbox console.

What other outlets are worth reading?

As well as testing headsets ourselves, we like to look at trusted outlets like RTings and /r/headphones (summarised here). Some aspects of headphones can be quite subjective, so it's sensible to read widely, cross-reference where you can and try to find a few sites or reviewers that you generally agree with.

What about speakers?

Speakers are great for anyone that lives, works or games in their own space, but it's still worth having a good set of headphones for those inevitable times when you're sharing the place with someone else! If you're adamant on getting speakers too though, be sure to check out our round-up of the best computer speakers.