The best gaming headset helps bring any game, movie and music to life, and it’s a vital part of any gaming PC setup. Poor audio is an effective way to ruin your gaming experience, whether you’re traversing an open world game, sniping opponents in the best PC games or watching the biggest blockbusters on your PC. And, there’s really nothing more immersive than a quality gaming headset.
Sure, there are many excellent computer speakers out there. However, the best gaming headsets deliver superb sound quality while also bringing depth to the sound with excellent sound staging and surround sound. They’re also less disruptive – when you’re battling monsters in Doom Eternal late at night, you know you won’t wake your family or neighbors with those loud weapons. And finally, they cater to all types of gamers in terms of comfort, from those who play casually to the hardcore ones who spend hours upon hours gaming.
There are a few excellent candidates out there, so we handpicked the best gaming headsets of 2020 for you. Each one has been tested and reviewed by us, so you’re making a sound investment, whichever one you choose.
1. HyperX Cloud Revolver S
Elite feel and sound at a premium price
Interface: Wired (USB) | Features: 7.1-channel surround sound, 50mm drivers, Dolby DSP, 3.5mm jack
Excellent all-around sound
All-day comfort
Finicky mic positioning
Cable may be too long
When we first sat down to review the HyperX Cloud Revolver S, we were a tad conflicted. On one hand, it boasts incredible 7.1-channel surround sound, delivered through Dolby’s trademark digital signal processor. On the other, it’s extremely expensive when compared to other similar headsets. Fortunately, as one of Kingston’s most subdued pair of cans we’ve ever seen (or heard), the pure comfort and top-notch sound more than make up for its high price and weirdly placed detachable mic. And that’s why it tops our list of the best PC gaming headsets.
Read the full review: HyperX Cloud Revolver S
2. SteelSeries Arctis Pro
PC gaming’s best kept secret
Interface: Wired (USB) | Features: 40mm drivers, Retractable boom microphone, DTS Headphone:X v2.0, RGB lighting, Included DAC
Included DAC
Audiophile worthy sound
Surround sound not great
SteelSeries is known for offering impeccable audio, but the SteelSeries Arctis Pro takes things to the next level. This headset doesn’t just offer up immersive surround sound for all the explosive action of your favorite games, but thanks to its included DAC (digital to audio converter), the Arctis Pro also serves you well when listening to your favorite music. One of the best PC gaming headsets to date, this one’s a little on the pricey side, but when you consider just how comfortable and exceptional sounding this headset is, well, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the best gaming headsets you can buy today.
Read the full review: SteelSeries Arctis Pro
3. Astro A50 Wireless (2019)
Like the Cadillac of PC gaming headsets
Interface: Wireless | Features: Dolby Audio; Works with PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3, PC, and mobile; Astro Audio; 5.8GHz wireless tech with MixAmp; USB charging with base station
Dolby Audio sounds amazing
Supremely comfortable
Edgy aesthetics
For years, the Astro A50 has been one of the best gaming headsets, known for premium comfort and audio quality. And, the 2019 model improves it on almost every level. Not only is the sound quality still there in full, but it looks better, with a full-black design, rather than the clashing colors of past models. The docking station is also smaller and less of an eyesore. Just keep in mind that this is still a pricey headset.
Read the full review: Astro A50 Wireless
4. Beyerdynamic Custom Game
Gaming never sounded so good
Interface: Wired (3.5mm) | Features: Sound Slider, Soft ear pads, Changeable design covers, Detachable cable
Extremely comfortable
Impressive audio quality
Kind of expensive
While it’s more expensive than we’d like, the Beyerdynamic CUSTOM Game is one of the best PC gaming headsets we’ve used in some time. It doesn’t feature flashy surround sound or wireless functionality, unfortunately. However, this headset does excel in two of the most important categories: sound and comfort. Seriously, once you put it on and experience your games in headphones this amazing, there’s no looking back.
Read the full review: Beyerdynamic Custom Game
5. Corsair HS50 Stereo Gaming Headset
The budget king
Interface: Wired (analog) | Features: 50mm drivers, Easy on-ear volume and mute controls, Multi-platform compatibility
Strong stereo sound
Excellent value
Mic easily misplaced
Usually when you’re purchasing anything, including gaming peripherals, you get what you pay for. You don’t go into Walmart, pick up a $50/£50 gaming headset and expect to be blown away, at least not usually. Well, Corsair takes this rule and turns it on its head. The Corsair HS50 is, for the budget gamer, the best PC gaming headset you can get today. Retailing at $50 in the US, the HS50 has sound and mic quality that rivals headsets that are double the price. Everything, down to the build materials, radiates quality. If you don’t mind forgoing some extra bells and whistles – like 7.1 surround and Bluetooth connectivity, for example – then you need to take a look at the Corsair HS50.
Read the full review: Corsair HS50 Stereo Gaming Headset
6. SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless
A wireless headset with wired sound
Interface: Wireless (Bluetooth) | Features: Dual-battery charging system, Bluetooth connectivity, 40mm drivers
Lossless audio
Convenient dual battery system
Expensive
Compromises are a part of everyday life, but nobody actually enjoys making them. Luckily, you won’t have to with the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless. With it, you can get high quality lossless audio playback with a wireless headset. And, when you add the unique and ultra-convenient dual-battery charging system that lets you wear this headset in perpetuity to the mix, you have a formula for one of the best PC gaming headsets we’ve ever had the chance to use. If you have the money, and you absolutely need the best wireless headphones money can buy, this is your best bet.
Read the full review: SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless
7. Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition
Improving a perfect formula
Interface: Wired (USB and Analog) | Features: 50mm drivers, reinforced steel and aluminum build, detachable and flexible mic
Very comfortable
Clear, accurate sound
Mids and highs unbalanced
Creative has made a name for itself over the years for crafting sublime audio products – and the Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition further cements that legacy. Instead of just sitting back and iterating on the same winning formula of its previous products, Creative gives the Sound BlasterX H7 a full overhaul, resulting in a PC gaming headset that looks just as great as it sounds. If you’re looking for a comfortable, solid and meaty-sounding headset, the Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition is one of the best PC gaming headsets you can get.
Read the full review: Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition
8. Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero
How elite is the Elite Atlas Aero?
Interface: Wireless connectivity | Features: Metal headband, powerful desktop software, enable Waves NX 3D Audio, ProSpecs Glasses Relief system
ProSpecs Glasses Relief system
Plenty of features
Questionable aesthetic
Yes, there might be a few things that hold the Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero back from true greatness – namely, its tight fit and not-so-appealing aesthetic. However, when it comes to what really matters, this headset delivers. With great sound quality to start, coupled with its ProSpecs Glasses Relief system to make it more comfortable for wearers with glasses, plethora of features and incredibly powerful software, this is one of the best gaming headsets we’ve ever put over our ears. And, for it, you’ll be happy to pay what would have felt like an exuberant price.
Read our full review: Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero
9. Razer Nari Ultimate
Feel the game
Interface: Wireless | Features: 8-hour battery life, HyperSense haptic feedback, compatible with many devices, 50mm drivers
Great sound
Tons of connectivity
Haptic vibrations are divisive
Anyone can simply just listen to their games, but with the Razer Nari Ultimate, you can feel them as well. This gaming headset has haptic motors in the ear cups that make your ears vibrate. That’s more than enough to make this at least a curious headset, but when paired with the long battery life, amazing sound quality and comfortable build, it’s clearly one of the best gaming headsets out there. Do yourself a favor and turn off the haptic feedback, even when you’re listening to music.
Read the full review: Razer Nari Ultimate
10. Astro A20
The best of both worlds
Interface: Wireless | Features: Long-lasting battery life, Astro Command Center software, console compatibility
High quality sound
Sturdy, comfortable build
Expensive for its class
If you’re searching for one of the best PC gaming headsets, but the $300 price tags on those high-end cans make your stomach turn, you should take a closer look at the Astro A20. Boasting solid stereo sound performance in a wireless headset, not to mention the superb 15-hour battery life, this headset has all the necessary qualities that you might want in its price range. Sure, it doesn’t come with surround sound, but it more than makes up for it with its economy and battery life.
Read the full review: Astro A20
11. Asus ROG Strix Fusion 700
Interface: Wireless (Bluetooth) | Features: 7.1-channel surround sound, 50mm Neodymium drivers, Bluetooth, Built-in DAC
Great sound quality
Aesthetic
Expensive
With its Republic of Gamers brand, Asus has built a reputation for being the name behind some of the best gaming peripherals to constantly meet consumer standards. The Asus ROG Strix Fusion 700 joins their ranks. Packed with 50mm Neodymium drivers and Bluetooth compatibility, this gaming headset provides fantastic sound quality without being tethered with a wire. It’s even compatible with other gaming platforms, so you won’t have to switch between different headsets. It’s a little pricey, but considering how good this headset sounds and how flexible it is, we’d say it’s worth it.
Read the full review: Asus ROG Strix Fusion 700
12. HyperX Cloud Flight
The longest lasting wireless gaming headset
Interface: : Wireless | Features: Long-lasting battery life, durable, adjustable steel slider, PC and PS4 compatibility, detachable noise-cancellation microphone
30 hour battery life
Great sound quality
Tad pricier than its competitors
The HyperX Cloud Flight is a long-lasting wireless gaming headset that boasts up to 30 hours of battery life. This means you can likely get two full days of gaming in between full charges. There is a catch, however – unlike the Cloud Flight’s competition, namely the Astro A20, this gaming headset only offers stereo sound, ditching any surround sound capability. You can thankfully get circumvent that by messing around with the Dolby Access app, though, and the sound profile is balanced enough to make this a non-issue, making this one of the best PC gaming headsets in 2020.
Read the full review: HyperX Cloud Flight
13. Corsair HS70 Wireless Gaming Headset
Making a great headset wireless
Interface: Wireless | Features: Corsair CUE, Virtual 7.1 surround, Discord-certified unidirectional microphone
Great audio for gaming
Mic supports ducking
No way to store mic
Corsair unveiled one of the best PC gaming headsets late last year with the Corsair HS50, and now, it has taken it to the next level by making it wireless and flourishing it with virtual surround sound capabilities. These features on their own might make a great gaming headset, but when you add in the fantastic Corsair CUE software on top of it, you get a complete package that would make a great addition to your gaming setup.
Read the full review: Corsair HS70 Wireless Gaming Headset
14. Corsair Void Pro RGB Wireless
Corsair’s nailed it again
Interface: : Wireless | Features: : 50mm drivers, noise-cancelling microphone, RGB lighting, Dolby Headphone 7.1 audio
Great sound quality
Nice design
Only the logo is RGB
It wasn’t that long ago that Corsair was only known for PC components. However, over the last five years or so, it has possibly become better known for its gaming peripherals. With products like the Corsair Void RGB Wireless, it’s not hard to understand why. While at first glance, some may scoff at the asking price, the Void Pro RGB Wireless delivers on that price point with great build quality, fantastic sound fidelity and – perhaps most importantly – RGB lighting. Plus, if you’ve already got a full arsenal of Corsair peripherals, the Void Pro RGB Wireless fits in perfectly, and can even synchronize lighting effects with other peripherals through the Corsair Utility Engine.
Read the full review: Corsair Void RGB Wireless
15. Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament
Loud and clear
Interface: Wired (USB and 3.5mm) | Features: Prospecs glasses relief, Multi-platform support, 50mm drivers
Comfortable
High sound quality
Kind of expensive
If you’re the type of gamer who likes to let the world know you’re playing games, the Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament may just be the best PC gaming headset for you. Not only is it extremely comfortable to wear, but its 50mm drivers mean that sound quality is always top notch – even if it could have a bit more bass in the mix. You really do have to like the ‘gamer aesthetic’ however, as its plastic build and orange highlights personify the style. Still, if you can get past or embrace the looks and the price tag, there’s a lot to love about the Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament.
Read the full review: Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament
Gabe Carey has also contributed to this article