The Best Gaming Headphone Deals This Week*
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
Gaming headsets are headphones with various features specifically for gaming, like built-in boom microphones, simulated surround sound mixing, and connectivity with game consoles and PCs. There are countless gaming headsets, many of which require a wire connected to your computer or game console controller. Wireless gaming headsets, on the other hand, let you cut the cord and enjoy two-way audio that’s unfettered by wires. They tend to cost more than their wired equivalents, but the convenience is worth it. We’ve gathered the top models we’ve tested here, along with advice on what to look for when shopping for a wireless gaming headset.
Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. See how we test.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Razer Barracuda X (2022)
Best Affordable Headset
Why We Picked ItWhen we first tested it, the Barracuda X used a USB-C transmitter exclusively for wireless use, with a 3.5mm wired option for any device with a headset jack. This lets the Barracuda X work with numerous systems (PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and any Android phone with a USB-C port), which made it one of the more flexible wireless gaming headsets available for under $100. Razer has since updated the Barracuda X with two, big features: Bluetooth and simulated surround (for PCs). Bluetooth enables it to work as a pair of wireless headphones without using the transmitter, which is very convenient (even if Bluetooth audio quality can be lower than a dedicated transmitter). The 7.1-channel simulated surround is only for use with PCs and isn’t as accurate as the THX Spatial Audio found on Razer’s higher-end headsets. Still, any surround sound on an inexpensive wireless headset is welcome.On top of all of these features, the Barracuda X simply sounds good. Its audio is well-balanced and its mic is clear, which is why it’s one of our top picks for wireless gaming headsets.Who It’s ForBudget-minded gamers who want wireless audio with their Nintendo Switch, PC, or PlayStation 4/5 should give the Barracuda X a look, especially if they’d like a simple pair of wireless headphones to enjoy music on the go with their phone. It’s simply a strong package for a very reasonable price.
PROS
Strong audio performance
Clear mic quality
Comfortable fit
Plenty of connectivity options with Bluetooth, USB-C transmitter, and 3.5mm
CONS
7.1-channel simulated surround sound isn’t the most accurate
Doesn’t come with a carrying bag or case
SPECS
Name
Value
Type
Circumaural (over-ear), Gaming
Wireless
True Wireless
Connection Type
Bluetooth, USB-C, Stereo 3.5mm
Water/Sweat-Resistant
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
Razer Barracuda X (2022) Review
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Best High-End Headset
Why We Picked ItThis is simply one of the most functional, best-performing wireless gaming headsets we’ve seen, with extensive connectivity options and a handy and unique feature. The base station connects to two different devices over USB, so you can use the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless with your PC and your console of choice without switching cables. The base also has a slot to charge the headset’s spare battery, which is a massive boon; instead of plugging in the headset or taking a break, you can just swap batteries and stay charged and wirelessly connected no matter how long you play.It sounds excellent, too, though you’ll get the most benefit if you spend some time in the SteelSeries GG software to tweak the audio performance. It’s one of the few gaming headsets (or headphones, for that matter) to offer a full parametric EQ instead of the standard five- or 10-band EQ. That means you can create precise audio curves for your favorite games (SteelSeries also offers a handful of presets). Oh, and it has Bluetooth, too. Although the parametric EQ isn’t available over Bluetooth, you can still load the headset up with a 10-band EQ preset through the software for when you’re out and about.Who It’s ForThe Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is primarily for PC gamers because the software will help them get the most out of the headset. The base station offers a big knob for changing volume levels or adjusting the game/chat mix, and keeping it within arm’s reach means you can switch batteries whenever you want—an extremely useful feature. It’s still a console-friendly headset, though you must choose between the PlayStation or Xbox version versions (the PC version works with both systems).
PROS
Full, clear audio
Good microphone
Strong noise cancellation
Clever base station with hot-swappable batteries and two USB ports
Powerful software with extensive audio adjustments and effective simulated surround
CONS
Audio profile requires some tweaking with EQ to get the best experience
No optical audio input for the base
SPECS
Name
Value
Type
Gaming, Circumaural (over-ear)
Wireless
True Wireless
Connection Type
USB, Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm
Water/Sweat-Resistant
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Review
Audeze Maxwell
Best for Audiophiles
Why We Picked ItMost gaming headsets are focused on sculpted audio for the best surround sound effects and booming power. Most gaming headsets also use conventional cone drivers to produce that sound. The Audeze Maxwell foregoes both in favor of audiophile-pleasing performance thanks to its planar magnetic drivers. Not only does it sound incredibly clean and detailed, it can even stream high-res audio over Bluetooth with LDAC codec support. Who It’s ForThis is the headset for anyone who wants all-around audio quality more than a gaming-specific sound signature. It simply sounds great, even if it’s a bit bulky and has fewer features than similarly priced gaming headsets.
PROS
Detailed, clear, and accurate sound
A comfortable, premium-feeling build
Includes Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC codec support
CONS
Expensive
PlayStation version lacks spatial audio feature for PC use
SPECS
Name
Value
Type
Circumaural (over-ear), Gaming
Wireless
True Wireless
Connection Type
USB-C, Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm
Water/Sweat-Resistant
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
Audeze Maxwell Review
Razer Blackshark V2 Pro (2023)
Best Midrange Wireless Headset
Why We Picked ItThe Razer Blackshark V2 is one of our top wired headsets for its excellent sound quality and strong simulated surround processing, and the Blackshark V2 Pro is basically just the wireless version of that. It sounds great, feels comfortable, and features THX Spatial Audio for effective directional imaging. Its 2023 update also adds Bluetooth connectivity and triple the battery life, which push it from simply being a solid pick to our Editors’ Choice for midrange wireless gaming headsets.Who It’s ForLook at the Blackshark V2 Pro as a big step up from the Barracuda X. It’s a bit more stylish, a bit more comfortable, and a bit better-sounding, with spatial audio on top of it. If you liked that model, you’ll like this one. It’s almost exclusively for PC gaming, though.
PROS
Crisp, clean sound
Excellent microphone
2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity
Long battery life
CONS
Lacks wired connection options
Could use more powerful bass
SPECS
Name
Value
Type
Circumaural (over-ear)
Wireless
True Wireless
Connection Type
USB, Bluetooth
Water/Sweat-Resistant
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
Razer Blackshark V2 Pro (2023) Review
Wyze Wireless Gaming Headset
Best Cheap Gaming Headset
Why We Picked ItThis isn’t the fanciest wireless gaming headset, nor does it have the best performance or the most features. It only costs $60, though, and that goes a long way. It helps that it also doesn’t suck. The Wyze Gaming Headset has strong bass, is fairly well balanced, and supports both 2.4GHz USB wireless connectivity and Bluetooth. Who It’s ForThis headset is for anyone looking for wireless audio and voice chat convenience for their PC without spending a lot of money. You can do better in terms of audio quality, but not without spending much more.
PROS
Low cost for a wireless headset
Strong bass and clear mids
Light, comfortable fit
USB 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity
CONS
Highs aren’t particularly crisp
Mediocre microphone
Adjustment slides on the right earcup are slightly too loose in testing
SPECS
Name
Value
Type
Gaming, Circumaural (over-ear)
Wireless
True Wireless
Connection Type
USB, Bluetooth
Water/Sweat-Resistant
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
Wyze Wireless Gaming Headset Review
Xbox Wireless Headset
Best for Xbox Gamers
Why We Picked ItMost wireless gaming headsets use a USB transmitter of some sort. They might leverage Bluetooth as a backup, but that usually doesn’t offer nearly as good audio quality, and latency can be an issue. The Xbox Wireless Headset doesn’t bother with that, because it directly connects to your Xbox One or Series S/X console through the same wireless connection that the Xbox Wireless Controller uses. The technology is built into Xbox systems, so all you have to do is press the pairing button on the headset and Xbox to get them to seamlessly work together, with better performance than Bluetooth offers.Note that the Xbox Wireless Headset has Bluetooth, too, if you want to use it as a pair of headphones when you aren’t playing games.Who It’s ForThe name says it all: it’s an Xbox wireless headset. If you can find an Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows (seemingly discontinued, but the Microsoft Store is selling a bundle with both it and an Xbox Wireless Controller for $79.99) you can wirelessly use the headset with your PC. At that point, however, you might as well just use Bluetooth anyway.
PROS
Lightweight and comfortable
Robust sound
Bluetooth connectivity
Remembers multiple wireless signals
CONS
Bluetooth lacks high-end audio codecs
Bass-heavy sound requires EQ adjustments
SPECS
Name
Value
Type
Gaming, Circumaural (over-ear)
Wireless
True Wireless
Connection Type
Bluetooth
Water/Sweat-Resistant
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
Xbox Wireless Headset Review
Logitech G Astro A50 X
Best for PlayStation and Xbox
Why We Picked ItAstro’s latest flagship wireless gaming headset looks a lot like the last few iterations of the A50, but it introduces a unique new trick: Its base station can connect to a PC, a PlayStation, and an Xbox One simultaneously, and switch between them with the touch of a button. It manages this trick with a bit of a cable tango that involves using the transmitter as an HDMI switch for the two consoles, but it works very well.Who It’s ForIf you have both a PS5 and an Xbox Series X and want to use the same headset for both without juggling transmitters or plugging a wire into your controller, the A50 X is the only way to do it. It also sounds very good, has an excellent microphone, and even works over Bluetooth for using it on the go.
PROS
Base station simultaneously connects to PC, PlayStation, and Xbox
Excellent sound quality and microphone
Includes Dolby Atmos for Headphones on PC and Xbox
Serves as an HDMI switch between PlayStation and Xbox
CONS
Expensive
Convoluted setup for the HDMI and USB combination connection
SPECS
Name
Value
Type
Gaming, Circumaural (over-ear)
Wireless
True Wireless
Connection Type
USB-C, HDMI
Water/Sweat-Resistant
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
Logitech G Astro A50 X Review
Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT
Most Whimsical Design
Why We Picked ItSometimes you just want to game while wearing glowing pink cat ears. The Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT lets you do precisely that, with pointy kitten ears and RGB lighting sticking out of a bubblegum pink headband. Since it’s a Bluetooth headset, it’s more suited for wireless use on the go, but it’s still lots of fun and is easy to recommend.Who It’s ForIf you want to up your streaming style and don’t mind compromising on connectivity or mic quality, this is the headset for you. It’s also just a fun set of Bluetooth headphones.
PROS
Powerful, sculpted sound
Comfortable fit
Programmable RGB lighting
7.1-channel surround sound with PC USB connection
CONS
Mediocre microphone
PC software doesn’t enable any sort of EQ
Only available in pink
SPECS
Name
Value
Type
Circumaural (over-ear)
Wireless
True Wireless
Connection Type
Bluetooth, USB
Water/Sweat-Resistant
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT Review
Anker Soundcore VR P10
Best True Wireless Earphones
Why We Picked ItTrue wireless earphones usually aren’t compelling gaming headsets. They’re usually Bluetooth-only, with middling microphones and boring designs. Anker doesn’t do much about the mics on the Soundcore VR P10, but it solves the other problems. These earphones feature a separate USB-C transmitter that works with PCs, PlayStations, and Nintendo Switches, and store securely in the charging case. They also have pretty nice-looking RGB lights that look a bit gamer-extra, but not too gamer-extra.Who It’s ForThis is for gamers who want true wireless earphones that they can also use with their gaming platform of choice, and who don’t need the clearest voice communication or plan to record or stream (or will use a separate microphone). They aren’t for bass fans, though.
PROS
Crisp, clean sound
Attractive RGB lighting
Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity
Charging case magnetically stores USB-C transmitter
CONS
Weak lows and low-mids
Mediocre microphone
SPECS
Name
Value
Type
Gaming, In-Canal
Wireless
True Wireless
Connection Type
Bluetooth, USB-C
Water/Sweat-Resistant
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
Anker Soundcore VR P10 Review
Buying Guide: The Best Wireless Gaming Headsets for 2024
Which Wireless Headsets Are Compatible With PlayStation and Xbox?Compatibility is the most important aspect of buying a gaming headset, especially if you’re a console gamer. Headsets with 3.5mm connectors work with pretty much anything, but wireless headsets generally use USB transmitters that require compatibility with your system of choice. Most wireless headsets work with PCs out of the box, but PlayStation 5/Xbox Series X (and PlayStation 4/Xbox One) compatibility tends to be an either/or matter. Due to how the two consoles use USB, support for the PS4 and Xbox One are generally mutually exclusive. You should check a wireless headset’s product page or packaging to see if it’s compatible with PlayStation or Xbox. Also, if you have the newest consoles, double-check to confirm that the headset is compatible with them; a PS4 headset might not work with a PS5 out of the box. Recent headsets that work with the PS4 tend to also work with the Nintendo Switch, which is a nice bonus (though without a USB-C transmitter you need either an adapter or to use your Switch docked).Bluetooth is a nice backup for gaming headsets, and works with the Nintendo Switch, but it’s rarely the main method of wireless connection. Bluetooth lets you connect to your phone as well as your PC, which means you can use headsets with Bluetooth as on-the-go headphones as a bonus. These headsets often let you swap between Bluetooth and the USB transmitter connected to your gaming device, but rarely send audio through from both sources at the same time.However, Bluetooth doesn’t offer the same audio quality and latency performance as a 2.4GHz connection, which is why most wireless gaming headsets have their own transmitters/receivers.Which Wireless Gaming Headset Has the Best Mic?All gaming headsets have microphones, but not all microphones offer the same performance. A good headset mic should provide clear voice communication at a minimum, but it probably won’t be broadcast quality. Some headsets have excellent mics that you can use for streaming, commentary, and even podcasts. Others simply let you be heard in voice chat, but might have wireless artifacts, sibilance, or subpar clarity.
Recommended by Our Editors
Razer Barracuda X (Credit: Razer)
If you’re serious about streaming or recording, you should consider a dedicated USB microphone. Good mics cost $50-$150, and offer far superior audio quality than nearly any boom mic. You need to be careful with a separate microphone’s positioning and configuration, but it’s worthwhile if you want to work professionally. See our story on how to make your podcast sound better for general tips that apply to all recording and broadcasting scenarios.As for the best wireless gaming headset, you can’t go wrong with any of the options we’ve tested here. Choose the one that meets your budgets and needs, and start playing.
