A gaming headset allows you to seal out the world, get lost in the atmosphere, and dial in your skills. Our list of the best gaming headsets includes wired and wireless options for many different platforms and gaming setups. After trying and researching dozens of headsets, we stand by the SteelSeries Arctis Pro as the best gaming headset you can get, with wired and wireless options that work across every modern platform. If the Arctis Pro isn’t a good fit for you, take a look at the other quality options we recommend, and we’re sure you’ll find something more your style and price point.

Why should you buy this: It’s the best-in-class gaming headset by virtually every factor.

Who’s it for: Those who demand performance, deep customization, versatility, and understated design.

Why we picked the Steelseries Arctis Pro: 

Where do we start with Steelseries’ magnum opus, the Arctis Pro? The highly flexible, crystal-clear mic that rivals even some professional-grade audio equipment? How about the sleek, professional design that mimics stylish audiophile headphones? Or maybe it’s the headset’s plug-and-play peripherals that push hi-res sound and enable users to fine-tune EQ settings and surround sound at a much more granular scale than the competition — all without the need for extra software or downloads. Take your pick.

While the optional hi-res components are only compatible with PC and PS4, the Arctis Pro is compatible with virtually every console right out of the box, either through wireless USB or a 3.5mm wired connection. All players, regardless of platform, can take advantage of the headset’s excellent stereo mix and super-clear microphone — not to mention the fact that its design is customizable to fit your taste.

While it’s hard to top the Arctis Pro, even Steelseries’ more affordable Arctis models, including the Arctis 3, 5, and 7, are impressive alternatives, identical to the Pro in terms of comfort and only a modest step down in performance and features. There are wired and wireless versions of each of these headsets, and while they require the Steelseries Engine 3 software to use the surround sound and EQ features (meaning these features are PC-only), they still sound great even without these extras. So, should the Arctis Pro be outside your budget, any of these Arctis models could compete for the top spot on our list.

Why we love it:

Why should you buy this: The Turtle Beach Recon 200 is compatible with everything from the PS4 to the Switch, has excellent audio options, and built-in microphone monitoring.

Who’s it for: The budget-minded gamer.

Why we picked the Turtle Beach Recon 200:

Turtle Beach has been making a name for itself over the last several years, and it’s no surprise when you look at what the company can deliver at such affordable prices. The Recon 200 wired headset comes with a 3.5mm jack so that it can be used with everything from the Xbox One to the PlayStation 4 and even your phone. The always-active Bass Boost feature gives you a more powerful experience during intense gaming moments, and 12 hours of battery life means you can take advantage of these features during your longest gaming marathon sessions without having to plug it in to recharge.

To go from the Xbox One to PlayStation 4, all you need to do is flip a switch on the headset, and the Recon 200 makes a great chatting headset, as well. The omnidirectional microphone has variable monitoring so you can hear how you sound when you’re talking, and flipping it into its vertical position will automatically mute the microphone. With a metal-reinforced headband and foam-cushioned ear cups, the headset is built to last, and its compatibility means that it can be your sole headset if you dislike switching back and forth when you use different systems.

Why we love it:

Why should you buy this: The excellent-sounding Cloud headset is the most versatile and easy-to-use headset we’ve tested.

Who’s it for: Anyone and everyone, provided a wired connection works with your setup.

Why we picked the Cloud II:

The Cloud II headset from HyperX is one of the most versatile headsets on the market, so no matter what sort of headset you are looking for, and no matter where you need to use it, this headset will have you covered. One of the main and most important features of this headset is its comfort factor, thanks to its memory foam ear cushions, which will not only keep your ears snug but will also shape to your specific ear shape, guaranteeing long-term personalized comfort. There is also a strong padded leatherette headband that is adjustable to your needs and will provide comfort if you are wearing this headset for long periods of time. The durable aluminum frame not only helps to keep this headset together but also protects it from the wear and tear of daily use, so you don’t have to worry about breaking this headset any time soon.

The most important feature is the brilliant sound performance, which offers 7.1 surround sound, so no matter what you’re playing, you’ll be able to experience it to its fullest. Capable of giving you not only that crisp audio but also helping to enhance the feel of distance and depth in your game, you also have a control box that allows you to change the audio and even turn off the surround sound if you want. Not only is this headset HiFi capable, but it also comes with a fully detachable microphone, which also comes with echo and noise cancellation, so whether you’re talking to your friends, using this headset for professional settings, or even using it to stream, this mic will give you the best voice quality and background noise control that you need.

With its durable frame, comfortable design, and excellent sound quality, there is very little this headset doesn’t offer. Lose yourself to your games with this headset compatible with most platforms, and even take it on the road with you, with the included mesh bag, and never worry about losing another moment in-game again. Versatility at an affordable price – sounds like a winner to us.

Why we love it:

Why should you buy this: It’s the Swiss Army Knife of wireless headsets.

Who’s it for: Gamers who want a wireless headset stuffed with features (and don’t mind paying extra for them).

Why we picked the Astro Gaming A50: 

Astro’s A50 is the wireless update of the company’s previous headset, the Astro A40, and sports all the same hallmarks as its last-gen brethren — but we’re not complaining. If you can justify the dent to your savings account, the Astro A50 will grant you 5.8GHz wireless technology and virtual 7.1 surround sound within a solid, over-the-ear design. The headset’s unidirectional mic helps isolate your voice from ambient noise and features an intuitive quick-mute feature. A selection of distinct EQ modes and cross-platform support further boosts its appeal.

The A50 does everything you’d want from a high-quality gaming headset, including extras like hassle-free wireless connection and long battery life bolstered by an auto-shutdown feature that prevents wasting battery.

Those extra features are great, but they’re only part of the story. The real star here is the audio performance, and the A50 is one of the best (obviously), making games more engrossing and entertaining. The A50 is worth serious consideration by all audiophile gamers… provided you’re willing and able to shell out the cash.

Why we love it:

Why you should buy this: Great surround stereo meets a comfortable design

Who’s it for: Those wanting absolute immersion in their games

Why we picked the BENGOO G9000 Stereo Gaming Headset:

Coming in as a strong contender for the wired category is the BENGOO G9000 Gaming Headset, thanks to its excellent sound system, comfortable design, and helpful adjustability. Offering not only excellent sound immersion but also an affordable price point, this headset has all the bells and whistles that you would need from a gaming headset, including an adjustable microphone, comfortable earmuffs, and of course, the star of the show, the LED lights that will add to any gaming setup. This headset includes a 3.5mm jack that allows this headset to be connected to a variety of systems, including PCs, smartphones, tablets, and of course, most gaming controllers, and for the older systems, an adapter can be used to ensure compatibility, so you never have to miss out on that connection.

What this headset is best for, however, is most definitely its incredibly surround sound system that brings you vivid sounds that will help you to truly immerse yourself in the gaming experience. With its precision drive units, as well as its 40mm magnet driver and shockproof protector, this headset will give you everything you need to experience the full game, and the soft ear padding not only protects your ears but also enhances noise cancellation, so you can focus solely on your gaming. The sound wheel helps to control volume and also to toggle controls of your microphone – and speaking of, this microphone can be adjusted up to 120 degrees, so no matter what angle you need it at, this microphone can provide.

The outer design not only provides comfort through its adjustable headband and padding but is also a stand-out thanks to its unique and eye-catching design. Available in 7 colors, this headset comes with a set of fully functional LED lights that can be turned off if needed, but with the lights on, you’ll truly feel the power of the BENGOO experience.

Why we love it:

Like we do for all the products we test, we put gaming headsets through the ringer. We judge them based upon their audio performance, mic performance, wearability, battery life, and wireless connectivity. We play games featuring various sound experiences to ensure the headsets will sound great during frenetic action, as well as quieter moments. We also listen to non-gaming audio and videos, including a selection of music from various genres at differing bit rates to discern whether the headsets perform well outside of a gaming context.

For mic testing, we record clips of ourselves speaking in quiet and loud environments, both with any noise canceling or enhancements toggled on and off. We use the headsets over multiple days, wearing them while gaming, watching videos, or listening to music to test the veracity of battery life claims, as well as appraise their long-term wearability and comfort.

The all-in-one nature of a gaming headset is a convenience that comes with trade-offs. Audio quality will be impressive on the highest-end headsets — as will the mic performance — but these are generally not made with extreme audiophiles or audio recording professionals in mind.

YouTubers, Twitch streamers, podcasters, and anyone else who requires the best possible audio quality may want to skip a headset altogether. Instead, we recommend pairing top-tier headphones with a free-standing mic (and, if you’re really after the best quality, a USB mixer). A setup like this will be exclusive to those using a PC — or at the very least those who do their editing and voice capture there — and will be a lot more expensive.

For those looking for a great option for a gaming headset, no matter their budget, this list covers a range of options. Whether you’re looking for something wired or wireless, and no matter what platform you play on, there’s something here for you.

Robbie Jones has been a gamer for over 10 years. What started out as a way to pass some time with his friends turned into a full-blown hobby and obsession, and he’s figured out plenty of ways to use the knowledge for good. Whether it’s reviewing the latest game or accessory or checking out the best chairs and desks, he spends his time consumed by gaming industry news and now he’s here to distill it down and make it easy for everyone (including you) to understand.