We rated, reviewed, & compared 14 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 Gaming Headsets
2. High-End PC Gaming Headsets Under $500
3. Solid Gaming Headsets Under $200
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 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TOP PICK
|
Beyerdynamic MMX300 |
|
/10 | ||
WIRELESS
|
SteelSeries Arctis Pro |
|
/10 | ||
VALUE
|
SteelSeries Arctis 5 (2019 Edition) |
|
/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.
The Best PC Gaming Headsets Under $500
If you’re looking for the best PC gaming headset on the market you can expect to spend over $200. The options in this range are interesting because they feature two studio-quality wired headsets and three wireless headsets.
The SteelSeries Siberia 800 is probably the best option if you want the best wireless gaming headset on the market.
However, if you don’t need a wireless headset and you want a studio-quality headset, then the Beyerdynamic MMX300 is definitely a solid option.
In the end, if you’re looking in this price range, you will definitely come away with a top rated gaming headset that is capable of delivering amazing in-game audio.
PC Headsets Under $500 Comparison Chart
Beyerdynamic MMX300 |
|
/10 |
|
Recommendation
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.
Learn More
TECH SPECS
DRIVER | 40mm |
FREQUENCY | 5Hz-30KHz |
IMPEDANCE | 32 Ohms |
AUDIO | Stereo |
NOISE CANCEL | Yes |
Beyerdynamic MMX300
If money is no object to you and quality is everything, then a new Beyerdynamic MMX 300 PC Gaming headset is something you should consider.
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 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.
SteelSeries Arctis Pro |
|
/10 |
|
Recommendation
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.
Learn More
TECH SPECS
DRIVER | 40mm |
FREQUENCY | 20Hz-20KHz |
IMPEDANCE | 20 Ohms |
AUDIO | 7.1 Virtual |
NOISE CANCEL | Yes |
SteelSeries Arctis Pro
As far as wireless headsets go, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro or the Astro Gaming A50 are the top dogs.
And, while the Astro A50s are solid options, in my opinion, the Arctis Pros edge them out in terms of overall quality.
Ultimately, though, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro is an exceptional all-around wireless gaming headset. It comes with two battery packs that will deliver up to 20-hours of gaming on a single charge.
So, if you have a large budget and you want to get the best wireless option available, definitely check out the Arctis Pro wireless headset.
ASTRO Gaming A50 |
|
/10 |
|
Recommendation
The ASTRO Gaming A50 is perhaps the best wireless headset on the market. They have a strong KleerNet 5.8GHz wireless radio installed in them, which will help reduce the chances that your signal will get lost while gaming. And, with excellent Dolby Digital 7.1 surround sound, you’ll feel like you’re inside of your game.
Learn More
TECH SPECS
DRIVER | 40mm |
FREQUENCY | 20Hz-20KHz |
IMPEDANCE | 48 Ohms |
AUDIO | Dolby 7.1 |
NOISE CANCEL | Yes |
ASTRO Gaming A50
As far as wireless gaming headsets go, the ASTRO A50 is probably at the top of the mountain.
For starters, with KleerNet’s 5.8GHz wireless radio installed, the chances that your signal will be lost are slim-to-none.
And, with the ability to deliver incredible sound quality and Dolby Digital 7.1 surround sound, you will be able to experience your games in a whole new way.
Ultimately, if you are looking for the best gaming headphones that can deliver high sound quality and are wireless and you don’t mind paying a premium to get them, then definitely get the ASTRO A50s.
The Best PC Gaming Headsets Under $200
The $100-$200 price range for PC headsets is also filled with a bunch of valuable options.
For starters, the two Sennheiser headsets (the GAME ONE and GAME ZERO) are capable of delivering really high-end audio.
And, the SteelSeries Arctis 7 2019 edition and the Razer ManO’War—along with its cool name—are some of the best wireless gaming headsets under $200.
Overall, there are quite a few good options in this price range. And, so if you don’t quite have the budget to get one of the ~$200+ headsets listed above, the options below will be nice alternatives.
PC Headsets Under $200 Comparison Chart
Sennheiser GAME ZERO |
|
/10 |
|
Recommendation
If you need a high-end gaming headset, but you don’t quite have the budget to get one of the $200+ options listed above, the Sennheiser GAME ZERO is a really solid option. Its sound quality and mic quality are amazing and it won’t cost you nearly as much as some of the premium options on the market.
Learn More
TECH SPECS
DRIVER | 40mm |
FREQUENCY | 15Hz-28KHz |
IMPEDANCE | 50 Ohms |
AUDIO | Stereo |
NOISE CANCEL | Yes |
Sennheiser GAME ZERO
If sound quality and mic quality are paramount to you, then you may want to consider the Sennheiser GAME ZERO PC Gaming Headset.
Sennheiser has long been known as one of the premier designers of PC audio equipment and they pride themselves on delivering the best audio quality possible.
Their GAME ZEROs are no different.
And, while this set doesn’t come with surround sound capabilities the stereo sound is so good, you probably won’t even notice the difference.
So, if you’re looking for one of the best gaming headsets for PC under $200, you can definitely do worse than the Sennheiser GAME ZEROs.
SteelSeries Arctis 7 |
|
/10 |
|
Recommendation
If you’re looking for a solid wireless gaming headset in the under $200 category, the SteelSeries Arctis 7 is a solid option to consider. It will deliver excellent sound quality, a reliable wireless connection, and a solid microphone. It’s definitely one of the better wireless gaming headsets in this price range.
Learn More
TECH SPECS
DRIVER | 40mm |
FREQUENCY | 20Hz-20KHz |
IMPEDANCE | 39 Ohms |
AUDIO | 7.1 Virtual |
NOISE CANCEL | Yes |
Logitech G933 Artemis
If you’re working with a budget of under $200 and you’re looking for a quality wireless gaming headset, you have a few different options. Of those options, your best bets are either the Razer ManO’War (listed below) or SteelSeries’ Arctis 7.
Both options will provide you with good sound quality, an excellent microphone, and a comfortable headset. However, as the ManO’War’s currently comes in at about ~$10 more expensive than the Arctis 7s, we gave the edge to the Arctis 7s.
However, there is a newer version out of the Arctis 7s (the 2019 edition), and while the Legacy edition of the headset comes in at about ~$130, the newer edition comes in at ~$150. So, you really have a few different options to choose between—but, in our opinion, the legacy headset will deliver a fairly similar experience to both the newer 2019 edition and the ManO’Wars for a bit less.
Razer ManO’War |
|
/10 |
|
Recommendation
If you’re looking for the best wireless gaming headset under $200, then you’ll probably want to take a look at Razer’s Man O’War headphones. They sport 14 hours of gaming on a single charge and 7.1 virtual surround sound to help your games come alive.
Learn More
TECH SPECS
DRIVER | 50mm |
FREQUENCY | 20Hz-20KHz |
IMPEDANCE | 32 Ohms |
AUDIO | 7.1 Virtual |
NOISE CANCEL | Yes |
Razer ManO’War
The Razer ManO’War wireless gaming headset has more than just a really cool name…
For starters and as mentioned, they are a wireless headset which for some is a big plus. And, although they are not the only wireless headset on this list, they are one of only a few wireless headsets to utilize larger-than-40mm drivers.
Not that the larger drivers necessarily indicate better sound, but it certainly doesn’t hurt.
The ManO’War’s also provide 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound, a retractable mic, and can deliver up to 14 hours of gaming on a single charge.
And, like some of the other headsets listed above, you can change the color scheme of the LED lights with Razer Chroma.
Sennheiser GAME ONE |
|
/10 |
|
Recommendation
If you don’t want to pony up quite as much as it takes to get the Sennheiser GAME ZERO headset listed above, Sennheiser’s GAME ONE headphones are a nice alternative. Like the GAME ZEROs, the GAME ONEs will deliver great sound and a solid mic and they don’t cost quite as much.
Learn More
TECH SPECS
DRIVER | 40mm |
FREQUENCY | 15Hz-28KHz |
IMPEDANCE | 50 Ohms |
AUDIO | Stereo |
NOISE CANCEL | Yes |
Sennheiser GAME ONE
If you don’t want to spend quite as much to get the Sennheiser GAME ZEROs, the Sennheiser GAME ONEs are also a phenomenal choice.
Like the GAME ZEROs, the GAME ONEs also sport incredible-sounding speakers and a crystal clear microphone. They aren’t surround sound, but the stereo sound on them is so good that you likely won’t notice the difference.
The GAME ONE’s are also designed with comfortability and long gaming sessions in mind and are considered one of the most comfortable headsets on the market.
Ultimately, if you have a good-sized budget and quality is important to you, then the Sennheiser GAME ONEs are an excellent option in this price range.
The Best PC Gaming Headsets Under $100
If you have between $50 and $100 to spend on a gaming headset you are sitting in a really good range. No, these headsets aren’t among the elite, but for the price, there are definitely some great choices in this price range.
The SteelSeries Arctis 5 (2019 Edition) is probably the best price-to-performance headset in this price range (and maybe among all price ranges, too), and the Cloud Alpha is a good option as well in terms of sound quality.
And, if you’re looking for a solid wireless gaming headset, the Corsair Gaming VOID is a great option for the price, too.
Overall, these headsets offer good performance for the price tag they carry and you won’t go wrong with any of them. And, if you want to check out more options in this price range, be sure to read our guide on the Best Gaming Headsets Under $100.
PC Headsets Under $100 Comparison Chart
SteelSeries Arctis 5 |
|
/10 |
|
Recommendation
TIn our opinion, the SteelSeries Arctis 5 is the best value option currently on the market. At just under $100, the Arctis 5s offer excellent comfort, a class-leading microphone, and high-quality comfort. The Kingston Cloud Alphas listed below do compete with the Arctis 5s in terms of sound quality, but they don’t quite have the comfort or mic-quality that the Arctis 5s have.
Learn More
TECH SPECS
DRIVER | 40mm |
FREQUENCY | 15Hz-20KHz |
IMPEDANCE | 40 Ohms |
AUDIO | DTS 7.1 Surround |
NOISE CANCEL | Yes |
SteelSeries Arctis 5
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 Kingston Cloud Alphas. And, in terms of sound quality, the two options will deliver a similar experience.
However, where the Arctis 5s stand out is in the superior comfort and better microphone that they come with. Not to mention, you can pick up the legacy version of the Arctis 5s (there’s a legacy version and a brand new 2019 version) for ~$10 less than the Cloud Alphas. Although, the newer 2019 edition of the Arctis 5s come in at the same price as the Cloud Alphas.
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.
Kingston HyperX Cloud Alpha |
|
/10 |
|
Recommendation
Another great option at right around ~$100 is the HyperX Cloud Alpha gaming headset. The Cloud Alphas are a solid alternative to the SteelSeries Arctis 5 headset, except that Arctis 5s might be a bit more polished in the grand scheme of things. Overall, though, the Cloud Alphas are one of the best headsets under $100.
Learn More
TECH SPECS
DRIVER | 50mm |
FREQUENCY | 15Hz-20KHz |
IMPEDANCE | 60 Ohms |
AUDIO | Stereo |
NOISE CANCEL | Yes |
Kingston HyperX Cloud Alpha
While on a feature-for-feature basis the SteelSeries Arctis 5s might be the better buy, the HyperX Cloud Alpha come in a close second and in terms of sound quality, many have found the Cloud Alpha to narrowly edge out the Arctis 5.
Other than that, though, the two headsets are pretty similar. Both offer excellent designs and are comfortable to well.
However, the downside is that the Cloud Alphas come in ~$10 more expensive than the Arctis 5 headset. So, if you don’t mind paying a little bit more to get slightly better sounding headphones, then go with the Alphas.
Logitech G533 |
|
/10 |
|
Recommendation
The Logitech G533 Wireless Headset provides solid audio performance whether you’re gaming or listening to some tunes. Its comfortable design with audio controls on the left ear cup makes it easy to use. The customization options are where it shines with the ability to create profiles for your games. As a gamer’s headset, it’s a winner even if you can’t use it with your phone.
Learn More
TECH SPECS
DRIVER | 40mm |
FREQUENCY | 20Hz-20KHz |
IMPEDANCE | 32 Ohms |
AUDIO | DTS 7.1 |
NOISE CANCEL | Yes |
Logitech G533
The Logitech G533 Wireless Headset is a high-performance unit that delivers excellent sound quality with lossless digital audio transmission. It’s comfortable and has an impressive battery life of 15 hours. There are several equalizer settings and other options with your choice of stereo or surround sound for creating your ideal audio environment. That’s where it really stands out.
Its simple design belies its plethora of features. The headset is perhaps a bit heavier and bulkier than comparable models. But it becomes a non-issue after you get into the action. The mesh-fabric ear cups make it easy on your ears. It has a microphone with a built-in micro pop filter that delivers decent audio without the unwanted background noise.
The pro-grade audio is top-notch. You have lots of options for customizing the sound to the game you’re playing or the music you’re enjoying with the Logitech Gaming Software. You can fine-tune your settings for sidetone, equalizer, and microphone levels to match your preferred settings with each game. And the surround sound brings the action up close and personal.
On the downside, the headset is probably just something you’d use strictly for gaming because of its size. However, it has a good range of 15 meters. But the kicker is a lack of a 3.5 mm audio jack so that you won’t be using this one for your phone. That fact alone could be a dealbreaker for some, considering the price.
Corsair VOID |
|
/10 |
|
Recommendation
If you’d prefer a wireless headset and you have a budget under $100, the Corsair VOID headphones are your best option in this price range. They come with true multi-channel 7.1 audio that is capable of delivering excellent audio and an immersive experience.
Learn More
TECH SPECS
DRIVER | 50mm |
FREQUENCY | 20Hz-20KHz |
IMPEDANCE | 32 Ohms |
AUDIO | Dolby 7.1 |
NOISE CANCEL | Yes |
Corsair VOID
If you’re deadset on a wireless headset a better alternative to the HyperX Cloud II gaming headset is the Corsair Gaming VOID gaming headset.
While the Cloud IIs offer a more reliable wired connection, the Corsair VOID’s provide you with the versatility and convenience of being wireless.
The Corsair Gaming VOIDs also have RGB lighting and so can be customized to display any color you want.
And, with true multi-channel 7.1 audio, you’ll get amazing surround sound to enhance your in-game experience.
Ultimately, the Corsair Gaming VOID Gaming Headset is one of the best overall headsets under $100.
The Best PC Gaming Headsets Under $50
The good news is that, while you won’t get a studio-quality gaming headset for under $50, there are still some options that will get the job done.
Of the options under $50, in my opinion, the Logitech G430 is the best option.
Although, the Logitech G230 is a phenomenal choice for the price as well. And, if you don’t have more than $30 to spend, even something like the GW SADES SA902 will serve as an entry-level gaming headset as well.
Ultimately, despite the fact that you are working with a tight budget, there should be enough options here for you to get a solid PC gaming headset. These are some of the best cheap gaming headsets currently available.
PC Headsets Under $50 Comparison Chart
Logitech G430 |
|
/10 |
|
Recommendation
Perhaps the best budget-oriented option currently on the market is the Logitech G430. It has 40mm drivers, Dolby 7.1 surround sound, and it won’t cost you more than $40. All-in-all, the G430 is about as good of an option as you’re going to find in this price range.
Learn More
TECH SPECS
DRIVER | 40mm |
FREQUENCY | 20Hz-20KHz |
IMPEDANCE | 32 Ohms |
AUDIO | Dolby 7.1 |
NOISE CANCEL | Yes |
Logitech G430
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.
Logitech G230 |
|
/10 |
|
Recommendation
Logitech’s G230 gaming headset is a decent entry-level option. However, with the G430 dropping significantly in price, there really isn’t much reason to choose the G230 at its current price when the G430s are only a couple of bucks more. If they were to go on sale, though, they might again be worth looking at.
Learn More
TECH SPECS
DRIVER | 40mm |
FREQUENCY | 20Hz-20KHz |
IMPEDANCE | 20 Ohms |
AUDIO | Stereo 2.0 |
NOISE CANCEL | Yes |
Logitech G230
Hey, not everyone can or wants to spend over $100 on a set of headphones. And that’s completely fine.
While you won’t come away with the greatest headset for gaming by spending under $50, that doesn’t mean you can’t get a solid set of headphones.
The Logitech G230 is the perfect budget headset for PC gamers. It won’t cost you an arm and a leg, it will deliver decent sound quality, and it will provide you with a mic so you can communicate with your buddies.
Again, this isn’t the best option on the market, but it will definitely get the job done if you are looking for something that just works.
Sades SA902 |
|
/10 |
|
Recommendation
If you’re working with an extremely tight budget, one decent option you have is the Sades SA902 gaming headset. They’re under $30 and serve as a perfect entry-level set of headphones for anyone who just needs a cheap way to get decent-sounding audio and a mic to enhance their games.
Learn More
TECH SPECS
DRIVER | 40mm |
FREQUENCY | 20Hz-20KHz |
IMPEDANCE | 32 Ohms |
AUDIO | Dolby 7.1 |
NOISE CANCEL | Yes |
Sades SA902
If you don’t have a huge budget and you’re just looking for an affordable pair of headphones that will get the job done, you might want to take a look at the GW SADES SA902.
This headset comes with a mic and the ability to run your audio in 7.1 channel stereo surround sound.
Although it has been noted by many reviewers that, due to a lack of drivers for Windows 10, the headset cannot run 7.1 surround on Windows 10 systems.
Ultimately, though, at under $30 the GW SADES headset is a good option if you just can’t (or don’t want to) spend a ton of money on your headset.
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.