We rated, reviewed, & compared some of the best PC gaming headsets across various budgets. These headsets are perfect for gamers or anyone else looking for a better audio experience.
Since releasing a number of articles on the top PC hardware in each component category, I have received a number of requests to do an article on the best gaming headsets. So, in this article, I’ll be looking at a few different headsets at different price points.
For gamers, headsets with microphones have become the go-to audio option, mostly because of the nature of multi-player games. One important aspect of multi-player games is the fact that, in order to be successful, you need to communicate with your teammates and fellow gamers.
Where built-in text-based chat has failed, gaming headphones (with microphones) have excelled. In certain games, the amount of time that can be saved by communicating to your teammates through the microphone on your headset–as opposed to typing out what you want to say–can be the difference between victory and defeat.
And, while a quality surround sound PC speaker system can contribute to a very realistic gaming experience, when trying to communicate with teammates and other gamers in multi-player games, the noise from the speakers will get in the way of any kind of communication through a microphone. Headsets, on the other hand, are perfect because they isolate the in-game sound and provide you with the option to speak into the microphone without any interruption.
So, if you’re playing any kind of competitive multiplayer game, you definitely need to get a decent headset in order to help you improve your in-game success. Below I will go over the top gaming headsets (for PC) at different price ranges. That way you can find a good gaming headset at a price you can afford.
Table of Contents
1. Our Top Picks for the Best Headsets for Gamers
2. Top Audio Quality: Beyerdynamic MMX300
3. Best Wired Under $100: Razer BlackShark V2
4. Best Wireless: SteelSeries Arctis Pro
Our Top Picks for the Best Gaming Headsets
The table below showcases our picks for the best PC gaming headsets across various use cases and price points. We’ve chosen our pick for the best gaming headset overall, the best wireless option, the best value option, and the best budget option, too.
|
|
NAME | SOUND | RATING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
AUDIO
|
 |
Beyerdynamic MMX300 |
|
/10 | |
|
WIRED
|
 |
Razer BlackShark V2 |
|
/10 | |
|
WIRELESS
|
 |
SteelSeries Arctis Pro |
|
/10 | |
|
VALUE
|
 |
SteelSeries Arctis 5 |
|
/10 | |
|
BUDGET
|
 |
Logitech G430 |
|
/10 |
*To read more about our selections for the best gaming headsets listed above, just click the “Read Review »” button to jump down to our overview on that headset. You can also keep scrolling to find more options.
1. Beyerdynamic MMX 300
The best sounding gaming headset
For those of you audiophiles out there who are looking for the best headphones for gaming and you don’t mind opening up your wallet, the Beyerdynamic MMX300 is a high-end gaming headset you’ll want to take a look at. It isn’t wireless, but then again, if sound quality is at the top of your list, then you’re going to want a wired headset regardless.
With superior sound quality and unheard of comfort from a gaming headset, the MMX 300 headset is at the pinnacle of all gaming headphones. In fact, the headset is of such a high quality, that it was built with specifications more along the lines of something a pilot would use in the cockpit.
There’s really not much to say about the MMX 300 except for the fact that if you want the best sounding headset for PC gaming on the market, then this it.
So, if you can accommodate the large price tag, then you should definitely consider this Beyerdynamic headset.
2. Razer BlackShark V2
The best wired gaming headset under $100
If you don’t have a couple hundred dollars to spend on a new gaming headset, there are still some high-quality options out there. The Razer BlackShark V2 is one such option. It comes in at just under $100 and will deliver excellent audio for your games.
With 50mm drivers and THX 7.1 surround sound, the BlackShark V2’s are able to provide an immersive experience that will go beyond what traditional surround sound is able to provide.
The BlackShark’s also come with a detatchable mic and a lightweight design. In fact, at just under 0.6-pounds, the BlackShark’s are one of the lightest headsets currently on the market. That helps contribute to their overall comfort and why they are considered one of the most comfortable headsets available.
Overall, if you don’t have an enormous budget, but you’re willing to pay a moderate pricetag for some permium gaming headphones, the Razer BlackShark V2 are worth checking out as they are easily one of the best gaming headsets under $100.
3. SteelSeries Arctis Pro
The best wireless gaming headset
Another option you have if you’re looking for a high-end set of wireless gaming headphones is the SteelSeries Arctis Pro. The Arctis Pro series headset is our choice for the best overall wireless gaming headset and if you have a large enough budget to accommodate them, they would definitely be worth considering.
They come with 40mm drivers, 7.1 virtual surround sound, a noise-cancelling microphone, Bluetooth connectivity (so they can be paired with mobile devices as well), and a durable design. As they are wireless, though, they are a bit heavier (weighing in at ~ 1.5-pounds) than the other options on this list.
These headphones will also work on PS4 and PS5, as well (although, PS5 will require a firmware update.)
The downside of the Arctis Pros, though, is that they cost nearly $300. There are more affordable wireless options, like the Arctis 7s or the Razer BlackShark wireless edition.
But, if you have the money to spend on a wireless gaming headset, the Arctis Pros are a high-end option.
4. SteelSeries Arctis 5
The best value gaming headset
SteelSeries’ Arctis lineup, in general, has received rave reviews. And, so it’s no surprise that they come rated as the best options under $100 on this list. The Arctis 5’s direct competitor is the Razer BlackShark V2s. And, in terms of sound quality, the two options will deliver a similar experience.
However, where the Arctis 5s stand out is in the price they come in at. For about ~$10 less than the BlackSharks, you can land the Arctis 5s. And, again, both will deliver a similar listening experience. The BlackShark’s are a bit lighter, though, and will be less cumbersome to wear over longer gaming sessions.
Ultimately, though, if you don’t have a huge budget to get a studio-grade headset and you just want a quality option that will deliver good sound and excellent comfort at an affordable price, the SteelSeries Arctis 5 gaming headset is likely your best bet. If you want to save a little bit of money you can also opt for the cheaper Arctis 3 headset.
5. Logitech G430
A solid budget-friendly gaming headset
If you are looking to spend less than $50, the Logitech G430 surround gaming headset is an excellent budget-friendly option.
For just under $40, you’ll get a headset that is capable of delivering Dolby 7.1 surround sound while gaming.
Other than that, the G430 has 40mm driver speakers, features a noise-cancelling microphone, and sports a light-weight and comfortable design.
All-in-all, if you have a tight budget and you don’t want to spend too much, then the Logitech G430 is probably the best cheap gaming headset currently on the market.
Which PC Gaming Headset is Right for You?
Where speakers used to be the main audio output choice for gamers, with the rise of competitive online gaming, a headset is now the best option. And, for good reason, too.
Not only are headsets capable of delivering incredible sound quality, but they also are starting to come with high-quality microphones as well. And, perhaps nothing is more important to being successful in online gaming than communication. So, a quality microphone is essential for today’s serious gamer.
And, fortunately, there are plenty of gaming headset options on the market today that will suit any gamers needs and budget. Even if you are working with a tight budget, there should be a few options that you can choose between.
Ultimately, if you’ve already have a quality gaming PC and you are looking to enhance your gameplay through the addition of peripherals, this list will help you determine what PC gaming headset will be best for your needs.
William says
Honestly, I have three kids that I’m going to buy gaming headphones for. I could spend $80 each but most likely they are slightly better then the $30 knock off ones on Amazon. They will most likely last as long. I bought a Hyper X myself and the microphone is crap on it. Pure Static, unless I literally have to have it touching my lip. Ridiculous and I have to use a Yeti mic instead. Why pay more…? If they want to charge more for the name at least be better solid quality. /rant
Eddie Xu says
Great article! I have a question that I’ve been thinking about for a while, and I can’t find a good answer online. I want to use a great mic when talking to my friends when playing games, not just a headset mic. In the future, I plan on getting a professional mic to record YouTube videos with, and I want to know if I can use that same mic when playing multiplayer games. So instead of using the mic of a headset to talk, I want to use a pair of headphones and use a mic that is better than any headset mic to talk. So is their a way to set my professional mic as my primary mic when I talk to my friends in games? I’m aware it will be more expensive and more work, but I’m willing to do it if I can talk in some high quality sound. Please answer my question to the best of your ability, because it will really help me with my future gaming setup.
Paris says
All of these headphones have several bad reviews on Amazon. They all appear to be poor quality. I have no idea what to buy. I want to spend less that $200. I’ve even checked the reviews on the higher priced headphones and they also have some pretty nasty reviews. Smh
Sajad says
I’m thinking of getting the arctis pro wireless but i heard the wired+gamedac has superior sound, for an average person, which one should i get?
Michael says
Logitech G Pro should be in that sub $100 list.