Top Gaming Headsets of 2024

Choosing the perfect gaming headset doesn't always mean sticking with the traditional gamer label. These gadgets, although seen as a unique segment, are essentially just another type of headphone. While we've encountered many gaming headsets that excel in sound, they frequently come at a steeper price than a set of wired headphones, which are still very much around. For those who need to chat, you can always opt for a standalone microphone for superior audio.

However, many users simply prefer the ease of having an integrated microphone. After extensive testing of numerous models over the last year and a half, we've compiled a list of top gaming headphones and headsets to enhance your gaming time, irrespective of your budget or gaming system preference.

Key Features of Excellent Gaming Headsets

Determining which headphones reign supreme is a subjective challenge, akin to chasing rainbows. Past a certain point, preferences, whether you're passionate about audio or not, dominate the selection process. Generally, a headphone that offers a wide soundstage and sharp sound imaging—enabling you to accurately discern where game sounds originate—yields a more immersive experience, making it seem as if your mind is within the game realm.

For such an experience, look towards premium open-back headphones. These types, with ear cups that allow air and external noise in, are not designed to isolate you from surrounding sounds, making them less suitable for noisy settings. In quiet environments, however, the best open-back models provide a sound that's notably expansive and well-defined compared to their closed-back counterparts.

Opinions differ on what great gaming headphones should sound like. Should they enhance competitive multiplayer games, a more neutral sound profile might be preferred—one that remains balanced without overpowering any part of the audio mix, retaining all minute details. A slightly elevated treble can also be beneficial. Open-back headphones generally lack intense bass, so concerns about it overshadowing other tones are minimal. Despite this, many gaming headsets are still closed-back and bass-heavy, which paradoxically seems out of sync with optimal design.

Reviewed Gaming Headsets

Outlined here are some noteworthy headsets we’ve evaluated, although it’s not an all-encompassing list.

Corsair Virtuoso Pro

Priced at $200, the Corsair Virtuoso Pro stands out due to its rare open-back style for a gaming headset. It offers a darker sound with muted treble but enhanced upper-bass, delivering a broader soundstage than most. Its microphone, though less muffled than Astro A40's, is still somewhat thin. However, the headband feels cheap and requires a cable swap for mic removal. Despite feeling comfortable with breathable ear cups and a lightweight design, it’s hard to choose this over the feature-rich Atlas Air.

HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless

Boasting over 300 hours of battery life at moderate sound levels, the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless is unrivaled among wireless models tested. It’s lightweight, not too tight, with vibrant bass perfect for adding energy to gameplay. However, it lacks in detail compared to options like the Atlas Air and the mic isn’t top-notch. Users have flagged latency issues with HyperX’s software. While lacking Xbox, Bluetooth, or wired support, its extraordinary battery life could be a major advantage.

Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed

A viable alternative if the Audeze Maxwell is unavailable, the Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed improves upon the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless in sound with more controlled bass and clearer mids. It’s also more lightweight, with a longer battery life than stated by Logitech. Drawbacks include a softer treble and a mic that doesn’t match others on the market. Additionally, it doesn’t allow dual device pairing as some competitors do. It offers solid value if priced below $200.

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro

Comfortable and equipped with a decent mic, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro has a pronounced bass sound that lacks the finesse of higher-end options like the Audeze Maxwell, and, being closed-back, it doesn't offer the breadth in audio. It also doesn’t support wired audio.

Logitech G535 Lightspeed

Highly lightweight and often affordable, the Logitech G535 doesn’t bolster bass excessively and sits naturally on the sound scale. Some details may seem thin, and bass might not be strong enough, but it's generally pleasing to the ears. The mic isn't exceptional, and the battery life is considerably shorter than the leaders.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X

Geared towards Xbox owners seeking a more budget-friendly wireless option than the Audeze Maxwell, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X provides robust bass and a competitive mic. Compatible with PCs and PS5s, it still falls short with a 30-hour battery life and uneven treble that may obscure audio details in certain games.

HyperX Cloud Alpha

Often priced below $80, the HyperX Cloud Alpha offers a good balance between high-end and entry-level models, focusing on comfort with plush earpads and a removable mic, albeit an underwhelming treble. Great if you desire a closed-back headset that doesn’t break the bank.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro

Offering greater comfort and a premium mic over its competitors, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro includes a digital-to-analog converter for easy audio adjustments. Yet, its closed-back configuration compromises its sound width, and its audio can be harsh in higher frequencies.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

While nearly identical to its wired sibling, the wireless version introduces moderate active noise cancellation and the ability to swap batteries on the go. It doesn’t cater well to playing over multiple systems and generally costs more than the Audeze Maxwell, which delivers superior sound and battery longevity.

Beyerdynamic MMX 200

This wireless option provides precise in-game audio and durability with a high-quality boom mic. Its lower mids are recessed, and bass overemphasized, curtailing its expressiveness. With limited audio modification capabilities, its battery lasts an unremarkable duration, and its cushioning may not suit everyone.

HyperX Cloud III Wireless

Though comfortable with a 120-hour battery lifespan, this HyperX model falls short in bass depth compared to its predecessors. Lacking multiple connectivity options, its robust battery life still positions it as a solid choice for PC or PS5 users not exceeding a $150 budget.

Sennheiser HD 490 Pro

Primarily aimed at studio use, these open-back headphones also accommodate gaming needs, offering broad detailed audio with customizable ear pads for a variety of sound experiences. Despite their $400 price tag, they're an alternative to the main contenders rather than a clear frontrunner.

Latest Updates

As of November 2024, this guide features a new top recommendation for gaming headsets, namely the Turtle Beach Atlas Air, alongside reorganized and updated selections of gaming-friendly headphones for your consideration.