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 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.

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 the 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:

SteelSeries is a recognizable name in the gaming arena, and seeing their headset will let you see why. The Arctis 3 looks unassuming but packs quite the punch. It’s compatible with all gaming platforms with a 3.5-millimetre jack. The ClearCast microphone clears your communications with teammates. It delivers studio-level voice clarity and cancels any background noise that might muddle your comms. The premium S1 drivers produce clear audio by reducing distortion to almost imperceptible levels. SteelSeries knows that comfort is king when it comes to headsets. The AirWeave cushions keep your ears cool and dry during long gaming sessions, while the Ski Goggle headbands distribute weight around your head to reduce pressure.

Why we love it:

— On-ear controls — Audio sharing feature — Strong and light materials

Logitech’s wireless gaming headset streamlines your space by reducing the number of cables you have to consider. The 20-metre range gives you a lot of freedom to move around while playing. The lightspeed audio transmission will make sure that you’re audio is kept clear. You can choose between 16.8 million colours and preset animations to personalize the LIGHTSYNC RGB lights on the headset. This headset isn’t all show though, the microphone filters help make your voice sound better while you’re communicating. The PRO-G drivers deliver crisp and rich audio as it reduces any distortion that might affect sound quality. The 278-gram weight and dual-layer memory foam cushions will keep you comfy during long gaming sessions.

Why we love it:

— Immersive surround sound — 29-hours of battery life — Colourful suspension bands

Like we do for all the products we test, we put gaming headsets through the wringer. 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 cancelling 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, but 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 is going to be exclusive to those using a PC — or at the very least those who do their editing and voice capture there — and is going to 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.