A good gaming headset is probably the most important gaming accessory for gamers. Without good sound, you lose a large part of the gaming experience, and in many games, it also becomes more difficult to perform.
But finding the best gaming headset can be difficult, so I have made the list of my favorite gaming headsets in 2023 to help you out.
Below you’ll find a table detailing the headphone specs, followed by some information about each headset.
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Gaming Headset vs Standard Headphones
Of course, using regular headphones for gaming works, and the sound quality is about the same. However, they do not have a built-in microphone, which means that you need to buy a loose microphone or simply not communicate with your fellow gamers.
Gaming headphones also usually have surround sound, which is a great feature when it comes to gaming. I go through it in more detail later in the article, but in short, it makes it easier for you to hear where the opponents are in the game.
Using a pair of gaming headphones also works well for watching movies. Keep in mind, however, that gaming headphones are often a little larger and more awkward than a pair of regular headphones.
What to Consider Before Buying Gaming Headsets?
Like so much else today, gaming headsets have a variety of features and details. Knowing exactly what features and details you want can also be difficult if you have not previously tested them.
Here are some things you should think about.
Should I Choose a Wireless Gaming Headset?
Wireless gaming headsets came on the market a couple of years ago but have not really made a huge impact.
One of the reasons behind the lack of success is that they have poorer sound quality than regular gaming headphones. Another reason is that it is not so important to have wireless headphones; you still only use them when you are sitting in front of the computer, and the cable does not disturb much.
A wireless gaming headset also needs to be charged. There is hardly any worse feeling than when you are eager to play and you discover that the headphones are not charged.
The most common among gamers are still wired gaming headsets and these are also the ones I advocate. You simply get the best sound for your money.
How Much Does A Good Gaming Headset Usually Cost?
As with all computer gadgets, there are several different price ranges for each gadget. It can therefore be good to know approximately how much you are willing to spend and then start looking for the best option in that price range.
To meet the needs of a variety of gamers, I have also included a range of price points in my best gaming headsets. You should be able to easily find the best that you can get for your budget.
Which Gaming Headset Brand Should I Choose?
There are a ton of gaming headsets on the market and with that comes a lot of different brands. However, there are some well-known brands that produce good products. Some examples of brands are HyperX, Steelseries , and Razer.
If you choose a gaming headset from some of the major brands, you will get a good product, but you might pay more simply because of the brand name. Take a close look at the features you want and choose a well-reviewed product, regardless of whether it has a brand name.
What Types of Games Do You Play?
A good gaming headset is always important, no matter what game you are playing, but it can be especially important in certain types of games. In first–person shooter games, the sound is of special importance as you actually need to hear where the opponents are.
A bad gaming headset can make you perform much worse in that type of game. In multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games, sound is usually not as important as it does not have the same effect on your performance.
Sound Quality on Gaming Headsets
Perhaps the most important thing when looking at headsets is the sound and its quality. You don’t want to buy a pair of headphones that have distorted sound.
When you talk about different types of sound on gaming headsets, you usually think of stereo sound and surround sound.
Surround Sound
To have the best surround sound, you want to make sure you have 7.1 surround sound. This means that it uses algorithms, software and software to create seven audio channels.
The result of this technology is that you hear the sound much more clearly and can more easily locate where it comes from. This is especially important in games like CS:GO and other first-person shooter games.
Sometimes, however, the games turn off the headphones’ 7.1 surround sound as the game itself can create the best sound through software.
Stereo Sound
Stereo headsets take up much more sound, but instead of seven audio channels, the only have two. A stereo headset is suitable for more platforms and consoles.
Be Sure to Select One with 7.1 Surround Sound
If you are going to buy a good gaming headset, you should choose one with 7.1 surround sound, especially if you play games where sound is important.
7.1 surround sound gives you a much clearer sound, and it will actually make you better at the game.
Choose a Gaming Headset with a Good Microphone
Playing games with friends will be so much more fun if you can communicate easily and well. A prerequisite for good communication is the microphone on the gaming headset.
The microphone may look different depending on which gaming headset you choose to buy. Sometimes it can protrude from the headphone cover and for the sound to be good, it needs to be right in front of the mouth.
On other headphones, it may not need to be so close to the mouth at all or it does not protrude more than a few centimeters from the headphone cover.
Really cheap gaming headsets can often have perfectly okay sound, but the microphone may not be great.
Do you want the best possible microphone or do you like to stream? Then feel free to read the best streaming microphone 2023.
The Comfort of the Headphones
As a gamer, you can spend many hours in front of the computer. Having a pair of gaming headphones that don’t sit comfortably on your head can make a long gaming session uncomfortable.
Headphone design also differs from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some are round and close around the ears while others are larger and do not sit as tightly. It can be a little difficult to know how comfortable they are before you try them out, but try to choose the design that looks most comfortable.
My Favorite Gaming Headsets
Now that you know what to look for in a gaming headset, let’s check out my list of the best gaming headphones in 2023. To compile this list, I considered sound quality, microphone quality, comfort and price, but you may have other criteria that are more important to you.
1. Logitech G Pro X – My Favorite Overall Gaming Headset
Brand | Logitech |
Color | Black |
Connectivity Technology | Wired |
Model Name | PRO 7.1 Gaming Headset |
Form Factor | Over Ear |
Logitech Pro X is the winner in my list of the best gaming headphones. In terms of price, it is impossible to get anything better.
This gaming headset belongs to their PRO series, which says a lot about the quality. Having these headphones is guaranteed to make you feel like a pro.
The microphone on the headset is removable, which is convenient if you are going to take them with you. A collaboration with microphone company Blue means the set has a quality microphone that delivers crystal clear sound.
The headset also has a windbreak that removes panting and other disturbing sounds.
The sound quality is also very good. A combination of background noise reduction and how they sit on your head, removes a lot of the background noise, which is perfect or keeping your focus on the game.
The stylish design means you look good while you play and allows you to play in comfort for several hours.
- 7.1 surround sound
- Microphone developed together with Blue
- Background noise disappears
2. Razer Kraken X – My Favorite Budget Gaming Headset
Brand | Razer |
Color | Classic Black |
Connectivity Technology | Wired |
Series | Kraken X |
Form Factor | Over Ear |
Razer Kraken X is a good gaming headset for the price. The price of the this headset fits a smaller budget without sacrificing a lot of quality. If you’re a gamer, you have definitely heard of the company Razer. Especially when looking at budget alternatives, consider the brand and their reputation.
A lower-price option from a known brand is often a better bet than an extreme budget purchase from an unknown company. When it comes to headsets, you often get what you pay for.
The Razer Kraken X headphones have 7.1 surround sound, and you can bend and fold in the microphone so it is exactly as you want it. Keep in mind, however, that if you fold it in completely, the sound recording of your voice may be impaired.
- 7.1 surround sound
- Comfortable
- Well-known brand
3. HyperX Cloud Orbit – My Favorite Premium Gaming Headset
Brand | HyperX |
Connectivity Technology | Wired |
Series | Cloud Orbit S |
Form Factor | Over Ear |
Headphones Jack | 3.5 mm |
HyperX Cloud Orbit are the best premium gaming headphones on the market.
The headset uses 3D sound technology, putting the sound quality in a completely different league. These planar magnetic headphones distort sound less than other headsets while providing a fast response time.
In this price range, many people want wireless headphones but that is wrong in my opinion, but the sound quality in this headset is worth the money. The microphone delivers a clear and distinct sound and is removable.
The headphones are quite tight on the ears (depending on the shape and size of your ears), which means that it can sometimes get a little hot during the summer months.
Removing the headset for a few minutes then turning it on again allows you to easily continue playing for several more hours.
- Planar magnetic headphones
- Sick sound
- 3D sound technology
4. Kingston HyperX Cloud II – My Favorite Gaming Headset Under $150
Brand | Kingston |
Color | Black |
Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
Series | Cloud II |
Form Factor | On Ear |
Kingston HyperX Cloud II is a popular headset used by many gamers. What I like about these headphones is mainly the sound and the design. The headphones have a high sound quality, and the surround sound also allows me to easily perceive where the players are when I play Counter Strike.
The gray / silver design I personally think is nice as it is a bit discreet.
The microphone is also removable, which is helpful if you have to put them in a bag. It also has a windbreak that removes panting and other disturbing sounds.
The headset comes with an extension cable and a couple of other ear cushions, which is perfect because you can then choose which ones feel most comfortable.
The only downside about these headphones is that they do not block out the sound as well as the more expensive options. In terms of price, however, these are absolutely fantastic.
- 7.1 surround sound
- Removable microphone
- High sound quality
5. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless – The Best Wireless Gaming Headsets
Brand | SteelSeries |
Color | Black |
Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
Series | SteelSeries |
Form Factor | On Ear |
SteelSeries Arctis Pro is the best wireless gaming headset on the market right now. Connecting the headphones to the computer is quick and easy via Bluetooth.
The risk with wireless headphones is that the sound is at risk of distortion, but that’s not a problem with this headset’s transmitter that delivers signals via a 2.4 GHz connection.
In addition, the microphone on this headset is awesome, allowing others to hear your voice loud and clear.
- Connects via bluetooth
- 20 hours battery life
- Sound quality similar to a wired headset
There you have it! If you need a gaming headset, you’ve got several great options depending on your gaming style, budget, and needs.
Do you have a favorite gaming headset that others should consider? Be sure to share your favorite in the comments.