DEAL OF THE DAY: Here are the 21 best products from Walmart's spring deals
Don't Waste Your Money is supported by our readers. When you purchase an item through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Gaming Headset

Last updated on June 17, 2022

We looked at the top 16 Gaming Headsets and dug through the reviews from 83 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Gaming Headsets.

Best Gaming Headset

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

Gaming has come a long way in recent years. You’re not only playing while watching on a screen, but it’s a fully immersive experience in which you experience the sounds and sensations through headphones and your controller. But to truly get the most out of the experience, you need all the right hardware, including a headset that helps you shut out the world around you.

When you’re looking for a gaming headset, it’s important to note that you’re buying more than just a pair of headphones. Although typical headphone features like sound, comfort and noise cancellation are important, you’ll also need to be able to provide good audio as well. The microphone’s quality, as well as its position, are important. You’ll also need to consider compatibility, especially if you plan to play using a gaming console rather than a computer.

When it comes to sound, though, what you hear through the headphones is only part of it. If you game in noisy environments, you’ll also want to make sure your gaming headset features noise cancellation capabilities. You don’t want to be pulled out of your game by a passing emergency vehicle or a roommate watching the big game.

You really want to make sure your headset is comfortable, particularly if you plan to spend hours gaming, says Doug Brennan, who’s been a gamer for the past 20 years and a writer for the blog Digital Addicts.

It’s important that they don’t fit too tightly and that the earpieces have plenty of cushioning. Comfort can differ from one person to another, but there are some gaming headsets that are known for being more comfortable than others.

You’ll also want to turn your attention toward sound staging, which gives you audio-directional cues while you’re playing. In other words, Brennan says, the right headset can make you a better player because you’ll know exactly where a noise is coming from. “You can’t always see where opponents are, but you can still hear their actions which can give you the advantage,” he says.

For those long gaming sessions, battery life also matters. If your headset dies midway through a game, you’ll have to wait for it to recharge. Look around for a gaming headset with a battery life that will get you through each session before you have to put it back on the charger.

Our Picks For The Top Gaming Headsets

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

SteelSeries Arctis Discord-Certified Gaming Headset

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

SteelSeries

Arctis Discord-Certified Gaming Headset

Function and style combine to form this high-quality gaming headset. The set is fully adjustable for a custom fit and lightweight and comfortable to wear. The microphone is fully retractable and the ear cushions are made with air vents that keep you cool and dry. You can expect impeccable sound quality as well, thanks to the S1 speaker drives.

Overall Take

Widely CompatibleUse this gaming headset with everything from a Nintendo Switch to a Playstation 5 to an Android mobile device.

 Runner Up

Razer Kraken Gel-Infused Cushions Gaming Headset

Razer

Kraken Gel-Infused Cushions Gaming Headset

Whether you're gaming on a PC, Xbox One or a PS5, this gaming headset has you covered. It does an excellent job of isolating noises for clear communication, while also providing you with surround sound that leaves you feeling like you're actually in the game. The headset itself is durable, lightweight and made with cool and comfortable gel-infused ...

Overall Take

Multiple Color OptionsYou'll find this gaming headset comes in a choice of green, black, blue, white or pink.

 We Also Like

BENGOO G9000 Stereo Wired Gaming Headset

BENGOO

G9000 Stereo Wired Gaming Headset

Our top gaming headset scores high marks for its comfortable fit and stellar sound quality. The top-notch 40mm drivers deliver balanced highs, mids and lows. Enemy footsteps come through clearly, thanks to above-par noise cancellation. We also love this set's adjustable headband and rotating mic.

Overall Take

Stellar SoundsAn adjustable headband, rotating mark and stellar sound quality make this set a winner.

Pros
" I'm happy to report that Bengoo got it right. The 40mm drivers on these don't disappoint."
Cons
"My only concern is the slightly exaggerated Lows. (Bass)"
 Strong Contender

Turtle Beach Ear Force Recon 50X Stereo Gaming Headset

Turtle Beach

Ear Force Recon 50X Stereo Gaming Headset

Take your gaming to the next level with this attractive gaming headset. It's constructed to include a highly sensitive microphone that can be removed when you want to switch from gaming to watching a movie. The 40-millimeter speakers also produce crisp sound that leaves you feeling like you're actually in the game.

Overall Take

Upgrade PickYou'll find this gaming headset is available in a choice of green, red or blue.

Pros
" The sound is nice and clear, they’re comfortable and easy to operate, and they’re compatible with a wide range of devices."
Cons
"The build quality feels cheap and plasticky and will not last as long as some of the other gaming headsets we've tested."
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
23

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the gaming headsets available to purchase.
16

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

View All Product Rankings

83

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Nerd Tech, RTINGS.com, IGN, Reviews & Tutorials, Lifewire.

201,730

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 16 Gaming Headsets and also dug through the reviews from 83 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Gaming Headsets.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval
Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in their category.

Our Expert Consultant

Doug Brennan   
Tech writer for Digital Addicts, avid PC/console gamer

Doug Brennan is an avid PC/console gamer for the past 20+ years, and writer for Digital Addicts. In his spare time, he’s an active member on a number of computer peripheral forums (overclock.netgeekhack.orghead-fi.org), so he’s always up to date on the latest products.

The Best Bang For Your Buck

BENGOO G9000 Stereo Wired Gaming Headset

Our Expert Score

8.0
6 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

7.4
7,179 user reviews

Our Take

Our top gaming headset scores high marks for its comfortable fit and stellar sound quality. The top-notch 40mm drivers deliver balanced highs, mids and lows. Enemy footsteps come through clearly, thanks to above-par noise cancellation. We also love this set's adjustable headband and rotating mic.

What other experts liked

I'm happy to report that Bengoo got it right. The 40mm drivers on these don't disappoint.
- Windows Central
July 10, 2018 | Full review
When it comes to sound quality the G9000 is pretty great! It has a good balance between Lows,Mids and treble and I can clearly hear the footsteps of my enemies playing CS:GO or Fortnite BR.
- Gear Broz
April 30, 2018 | Full review
Embedded subwoofer offers better low-end sounds and music than other options. Overall design is ergonomically shaped to fit most head sizes without causing discomfort.
- BestReviews
Great noise isolation for anyone who doesn’t want to pick up outside interference.
- Ultimate Game Chair
It comes complete with noise-cancelationand highly-sensitivity.
- Headphones Compared
July 10, 2019 | Full review
The microphone can be rotated up when it’s not in use. When you’re ready to talk, you’ll find an omnidirectional mic that uses noise-canceling technology to focus sound on your voice and nothing else.
- Lifewire
February 27, 2019 | Full review

What other experts didn't like

The audio from the headset can sometimes bleed into the microphone, causing people to hear everything that you do.
- Windows Central
July 10, 2018 | Full review
My only concern is the slightly exaggerated Lows. (Bass)
- Gear Broz
April 30, 2018 | Full review
Ear cushions are limited in adjustability. Build quality does not last as long as more expensive models.
- BestReviews
​The headphones do fit most people but they can be rather large if you have a smaller head.
- Ultimate Game Chair
However, it's best to take note that you need an exter Microsoft adapter. if you want to connect to the older controller version of Xbox One.
- Headphones Compared
July 10, 2019 | Full review
It’s big and bulky
- Lifewire
February 27, 2019 | Full review

What to Look For

  • The first feature you’ll likely research when headset shopping is sound. Look for a gaming headset that uses 7.1 Dolby Surround and that has seven audio channels for impressive audio clarity.
  • Outside noise elimination is even more important in a gaming headset than a standard set of headphones. If you really want to eliminate distractions and focus, consider a headset that does a good job of muting the world around you.
  • Sometimes it’s not about the sound you’re blocking, but the noise you’re emitting.
  • Within seconds of hitting the next level of your favorite game, your headset dies, totally throwing off your game. To keep that from happening, you’ll need a headset with enough battery life to get you through even your longest gaming session. Top in this category are headsets which offer up to 30 hours of battery life before needing a charge. To achieve that time, though, you’ll need to turn LED mode off. You’ll get a full 10 hours of battery life from certain headsets, so make sure you check this before purchasing.
  • Unless you’re on a strict budget, your headset will cost between $100 and $300. However, those looking to pay a fraction of the price can budget-friendly options for well under $50. Headsets on the higher end of the price spectrum, retailing for more than $200, often have great audio quality and long battery life that make them worth it for the most passionate gamers.
  • For those long gaming sessions, you’ll need a headset that doesn’t irritate your ears. Part of that is finding a headset that’s lightweight. In fact, there are headsets as light as 11 ounces.
  • Cushioning also makes a difference, even in heavier headsets. Look for a model that features leather cushioning on both the earpads and headband to keep you comfortable.
  • Listening to audio is only part of the gaming experience. For a good gaming headset, you’ll need a reliable microphone, as well. A noise-canceling microphone that provides crisp sound is best.
  • Wires can get in the way when you’re gaming. You may wish to opt for a wireless headset, which provides more freedom of movement.
  • As convenient as going wireless can be, though, latency can be a problem, so it’s important to make sure your sound won’t lag while you’re gaming.
  • Compatibility is essential if you want to go beyond playing games on a computer. Some headsets only works with a PC or Mac, but others work with an Xbox, thanks to an included adaptor.

Gaming Headset Rankings

1. SteelSeries Arctis Discord-Certified Gaming Headset

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 1

2. Razer Kraken Gel-Infused Cushions Gaming Headset

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 1

3. BENGOO G9000 Stereo Wired Gaming Headset

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 9

4. Turtle Beach Ear Force Recon 50X Stereo Gaming Headset

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 10

5. Corsair Multi-Platform Lightweight Gaming Headset

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 1

6. Sades Volume Control Shielding Gaming Headset

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 8

7. VersionTECH. Noise-Cancellation Padded Gaming Headset

Overall Score: 8.5
Reviews Included: 7

8. HyperX Adjustable Rotating Gaming Headset

Overall Score: 8.5
Reviews Included: 12

9. Razer Kraken Pro V2 Custom Tuned Gaming Headset

Overall Score: 8.4
Reviews Included: 13

10. HyperX Cloud II Wired Gaming Headset

Overall Score: 8.3
Reviews Included: 13

11. PlayStation Gold Adaptable Audio Gaming Headset

Overall Score: 8.3
Reviews Included: 14

12. COZOO Under Desk Headset Holder Mount

Overall Score: 8.2
Reviews Included: 4

13. HyperX Cloud Mutable Gaming Headset

Overall Score: 8.2
Reviews Included: 8

14. Logitech G930 Rapid-Burst Transmission Gaming Headset

Overall Score: 7.9
Reviews Included: 12

15. beyerdynamic Multi-Media Gaming Headset

Overall Score: 7.8
Reviews Included: 7

16. Sennheiser GAME ONE Professional Gaming Headset

Overall Score: 7.8
Reviews Included: 10

More to Explore

Nathaniel Baldwin is credited with inventing the product that would become the headphones we know today. In 1910, he came up with the idea to place small speakers over the ear, effectively shutting out external noise. But the technology didn’t make much further progress until the 1950s, when the Koss SP3 stereo headphones hit the market. However, they really took off starting in the 1960s, when Plantronics began designing headsets for NASA missions. In fact, Neil Armstrong’s famous first words from the moon were spoken into a Plantronics headset.

The first gaming headset was introduced in 1995 to allow players to challenge each other during gameplay. While playing a game of poker in 1997, a group of friends came up with the idea to communicate online while they were playing. Soon after, the first real-time online voice communication software was born.

More to explore