Best Gaming Headsets for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

Published: June 13th, 2024

🎧Picking the right gaming headset can really change your gaming experience. When you're checking out headsets, think about things like sound quality, how well the microphone works, how comfy it is, and any special features that match your gaming habits. After digging through plenty of reviews and expert opinions, we've found some standout gaming headsets for 2024.

Whether you need the best overall, the best budget choice, or something tailored to your setup, we're here to help you find the perfect match.

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Overall Best: Audeze Maxwell Wireless

Audeze Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset for PlayStation, Mac, PC, and Switch Maxwell Dark Gray

The Audeze Maxwell Wireless tops our list as the best overall gaming headset of 2024. Renowned for its exceptional planar magnetic drivers, this headset delivers a rich and immersive audio experience. The 90mm drivers offer balanced sound, customizable through a comprehensive app that includes various EQ presets. With a battery life of up to 80 hours, this headset ensures you can game for days without interruption. Continuous updates from Audeze further enhance its functionality, making it a solid long-term investment. While it comes with a premium price tag, its superior performance justifies the cost for serious gamers.

Pros:

Outstanding audio quality with planar magnetic drivers
Impressive battery life (up to 80 hours)
Robust app support for customizations

Cons:

High price point

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View TLDR Review: Audeze Maxwell Gaming Headset

The Audeze Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset scores highly for its exceptional sound quality and comfort, making it a top choice among gamers, though it faces criticism regarding its weight and some software inconsistencies. Users appreciate its impressive battery life and robust build, but concerns about mic performance and connectivity issues, particularly with sidetone functionality, have led to mixed feedback. Overall, the value proposition is solid for audiophiles and gamers alike, though potential buyers should weigh these drawbacks against the premium price.

7.87

Overall

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$295.00 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Audeze Maxwell Gaming Headset? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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Is the Audeze Maxwell worth the price?

Figuring out if the Audeze Maxwell is worth it really hinges on what you’re looking for in a pair of headphones. From what we’ve gathered, these headphones have a lot going for them, especially when it comes to audio quality and build. The manufacturer describes them as audiophile-grade, and our research backs that up—many folks rave about the clear highs and deep lows. They really do seem to deliver on that front. As for durability, Audeze has a good rep here. The Maxwell is built to last, using high-quality materials. So, if you're worried about longevity, these seem like a solid bet. And then there’s comfort. According to our research, the premium ear pads and ergonomic design make them great for long listening sessions without any strain. That's a big plus in my book. These headphones also come packed with features like a built-in mic, high-res audio support, and [Bluetooth 5.0](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DBluetooth%2B5.0%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). If you need versatility for gaming or professional work, these extras might tip the scale. But let’s be real—the price is up there. Whether they're worth it depends a lot on your budget and how much you care about top-notch sound and sturdy build. If those are your priorities, the Audeze Maxwell might be a great investment. If you're looking to save some cash, there are other options out there that could fit the bill.

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Are there any issues with the Audeze Maxwell's software or connectivity?

The Audeze Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset for PlayStation comes with a sidetone feature, which is handy for hearing your voice while chatting in-game. But, according to our research, there are some problems with it. People have noticed a lot of static and popping noises when the sidetone is turned on, especially at higher levels. Even at just 5% sidetone, you might hear some minor pops, and at 50% or higher, the static can get pretty annoying. Audeze has admitted to the issue but has no plans to fix it. They suggest turning off the sidetone if the noise bothers you too much. Aside from this sidetone problem, the Audeze Maxwell really shines in other aspects like sound quality and battery life. If the sidetone isn't a must-have for you, this headset still offers great audio and comfort, making it a solid choice for gaming. Just keep the sidetone issue in mind if it's something you care about.

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How does the Audeze Maxwell compare to other high-end gaming headsets?

The Audeze Maxwell is pretty impressive in the world of high-end gaming headsets. It’s packed with advanced audio tech and lots of ways to connect. The manufacturer says it uses planar magnetic drivers, which basically means you get a wider range of sounds and better quality compared to the usual dynamic drivers in other headsets. So, if you're after immersive audio with clear highs and deep bass, this headset is worth checking out. A highlight of the Maxwell is its versatile connectivity. You can hook it up to your phone via Bluetooth, and it supports several Bluetooth codecs like [SBC](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DSBC%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), [AAC](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DAAC%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), and [LDAC](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DLDAC%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). LDAC is great for streaming high-res audio, making this headset not just for gaming but also for enjoying quality music. That said, our research found that switching between Bluetooth devices, like from your PC using the USB dongle to your phone, can be a bit finicky. When it comes to design and comfort, the Maxwell is solid. It’s built to last and uses high-quality materials. The earcups and headband are padded with memory foam and covered in a soft, breathable fabric, which should keep you comfortable during long gaming sessions. However, it does feel a bit bulkier compared to other high-end headsets, but that might be worth it for the added durability. Battery life is another strong point. The manufacturer claims you can get up to 80 hours on a single charge, which is a lot more than many other headsets offer. This makes it excellent for long gaming binges or several days of use without needing to plug in. On the downside, it’s pretty pricey. If you’re budget-conscious, this might be a tough sell. But with the high-end sound, build quality, and versatile connectivity, it might be worth the investment for a premium gaming experience. So, in a nutshell, the Audeze Maxwell excels in sound quality, connectivity, comfort, and battery life. There are minor issues like the Bluetooth switching and the high price, but overall, it’s a strong choice if you're looking for a top-tier gaming headset.

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Runner-up: HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless

HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless - Gaming Headset for PC, 300-hour battery life, DTS Headphone:X Spatial Audio, Memory foam, Dual Chamber Drivers, Noise-canceling mic, Durable aluminum frame,Red

Coming in as our runner-up is the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, notable for its extraordinary battery life of up to 300 hours. This makes it ideal for gamers who spend long hours in front of their screens. It offers excellent audio quality, ensuring an immersive gaming experience, and its design is incredibly comfortable for extended use. However, it's worth noting that the microphone quality is not as impressive, which may be a drawback if clear in-game communication is a priority for you.

Pros:

Unparalleled battery life (up to 300 hours)
Excellent audio quality
Comfortable for prolonged use

Cons:

Mediocre microphone quality

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View TLDR Review: HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Gaming Headset

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless gaming headset scores highly for its outstanding battery life and robust sound quality, making it a reliable choice for gamers. However, it faces criticism regarding its limited wireless range and inconsistent microphone quality, which detracts from its overall appeal, particularly for console users. Despite these issues, its excellent comfort and durability support its strong market position.

8.03

Overall

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$142.00 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Turtle Beach Recon 70

Turtle Beach Recon 70 Gaming Headset for Nintendo Switch - Nintendo Switch

For those on a budget, the Turtle Beach Recon 70 is our top pick. Priced at under $40, this headset manages to deliver solid audio performance and is compatible with multiple platforms. Its wired connectivity eliminates the need for constant recharging, although the length of the cable might be inconvenient for some setups. Despite its plastic construction, the build is durable, and it comes equipped with a decent microphone. This makes it a great budget-friendly option for gamers who want quality without breaking the bank.

Pros:

Very affordable
Good audio quality
Multi-platform compatibility

Cons:

Short cable length

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View TLDR Review: Turtle Beach Recon 70 Headset

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$30.00 at Amazon

Best Wireless Option: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Multi-System Gaming Headset - Premium Hi-Fi Drivers - Active Noise Cancellation - Infinity Power System - Stealth Retractable Mic - PC, PS5/PS4, Switch, Mobile PC Black

If you prefer a wireless headset, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is an excellent choice. This headset is equipped with a dual battery system, allowing for continuous use of up to 44 hours. It boasts a wide frequency range and detailed sound quality, making it suitable not only for gaming but also for general audio use. The design is extremely comfortable, perfect for long gaming sessions. Although it comes at a higher price point, the benefits it offers make it well worth the investment.

Pros:

Dual battery system ensures 44 hours of continuous use
Superior sound quality
Highly comfortable design

Cons:

Expensive

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View TLDR Review: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Headset

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless earns its high score for its impressive sound quality, robust build, and innovative dual-battery system, allowing for seamless wireless use. However, user complaints about comfort issues due to the ANC design and persistent software glitches highlight significant drawbacks, making it crucial for potential buyers to weigh these considerations relative to the premium price. Overall, this headset stands out for gaming versatility but may not meet everyone's expectations for all-purpose use.

8.2

Overall

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$255.99 at Amazon

Best Wired Option: Razer BlackShark V2

Razer BlackShark V2 Gaming Headset: THX 7.1 Spatial Surround Sound - 50mm Drivers - Detachable Mic - for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S - 3.5mm Audio Jack & USB DAC - Black

For those who prefer wired headsets, the Razer BlackShark V2 is our top recommendation. This headset delivers high-quality audio along with a sleek, stylish design. Its simple analog connectivity ensures compatibility with all platforms, and the minimal onboard controls, featuring just a volume dial and a mute button, make it user-friendly. Furthermore, it's highly comfortable, making it perfect for long gaming sessions. While some may find the wired connectivity limiting, its overall performance is remarkable.

Pros: