10 best gaming headphones & headsets to buy in 2024
The choice between wired and wireless gaming headphones just got easier thanks to a stand out detail on this popular model.
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In the gaming world, sound is a crucial part of the experience.
Whether you’re exploring vast open worlds, listening for footsteps sneaking up behind you, or simply savouring the soundtrack of your favourite games, the right pair of gaming headphones can make all the difference.
With a multitude of brands and models vying for the top spot though, picking out the perfect pair for your needs can be a daunting task.
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Right now, SteelSeries’ Arctis Nova Pros are arguably the best set on the market. They also happen to be one of the most expensive headsets around, which means they won’t be the right choice for everyone.
So, we’ve scrutinised a huge range of models to bring you other top options for all needs and budgets – including the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless headset that has a ridiculously impressive battery life and is loved by top Twitch streamer Pokimane – so you can weigh up your options.
Please note: prices are correct and products are in stock at time of publishing.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results, testing products and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
OUR TOP PICKS
In this article
- Headsets your favourite Twitch streamers are using
- Editor’s pick of the best gaming headphones
- Best wireless Bluetooth gaming headphones
- Best budget gaming headphones
- Best gaming headphones for comfort
- Best gaming headphones for battery
- Best gaming headphones for PS5
- Best gaming headphones for Xbox
- Best gaming headphones for Nintendo Switch
- Best gaming headphones for cosplayers
- Gaming headset FAQs
HEADSETS YOUR FAVOURITE TWITCH STREAMERS ARE USING
The world’s biggest Twitch streamers clock thousands of hours playing video games and that means their accessories have to be able to take a beating. So, if you’re looking for the brands behind your favourite streamers, we’ve rounded them up below.
- Pokimane – Top female Twitch streamer Pokimane is rarely seen without her HyperX Cloud Alpha Headset, even joking in a YouTube video that the headphones are “a part of my head now”. In the video, which shows off her gaming set-up, the megastar says: “I want them, when I die, to like X-ray my skull and see there’s a dent from my headset because I bet you there will be.”
- Ninja – Legendary gamer, Ninja, is currently the most-followed streamer on Twitch with more than 18.6 million followers. His headset of choice isn’t really a gaming headset at all, but rather the open-back studio Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Headphones.
- Loserfruit – Australian Twitch streamer and professional gamer, Loserfruit, started streaming with Call of Duty and League of Legends, but shot to popularity when she started playing Fortnite. She uses the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE headset, which offers a 7.1 surround sound and a comfortable fit.
- Auronplay – First rising to fame on YouTube, Auronplay now has around 15.6 million followers on Twitch. The Astro Gaming A50 Wireless is part of his streaming set-up, along with the Logitech C920 HD Pro Webcam.
- AriGameplays – Opting for a cuter approach, the second most-followed female streamer on Twitch, AriGameplays, is frequently seen in her Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Pros. She even appeared in a video on Razer’s Instagram doing the “Razer Kraken Kitty dance” to show them off.
EDITOR’S PICK OF THE BEST GAMING HEADPHONES
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Gaming Headset, $735 at Amazon Australia
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
What you need to know
It might be one of the most expensive gaming headsets you can buy, but SteelSeries’ Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Headset is our top pick for almost every category you can think of, including best gaming headphones for PC, best spatial audio gaming headphones and best multi-platform gaming headphones.
The sound you get from the headset is phenomenal, allowing you to hear tiny details like footsteps with ease. Ticking off plenty of our boxes, there’s also spatial audio, active noise cancellation, a transparency mode and a fully-retractable noise-cancelling microphone.
The base station meanwhile serves as more than just a wireless receiver, allowing you to play around with EQ settings; power up a second battery; and connect to your PC and compatible console at the same time via two USB-C ports (PlayStation and Xbox versions are both available).
All of this is also backed up by a premium design with great adjustability, and simultaneous 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, making that hefty price tag easier to justify.
NOTE: All SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro models come with two direct USB system connections, but if you own an Xbox, only the Nova Pro Wireless for Xbox will allow you to connect via the dedicated Xbox port (the second USB port is flexible for PC, PlayStation, Switch and Mac).
BEST BUDGET GAMING HEADPHONES
Corsair HS65 Surround Headset, $139 at Harvey Norman
Corsair HS65 Surround Headset
What you need to know
If you’re a PC gamer, Corsair’s HS65 Surround is one of the best wired headsets currently available. With its flip-to-mute mic, clear stereo audio and exceptional 7.1 surround sound performance on PC, the headset offers plenty of value at a reasonable price.
The ear cups and headband both have cushy foam padding and the headset itself is incredibly lightweight at just 282g, making it comfortable to wear over longer periods. However, it does have a relatively snug fit that some may not appreciate.
Fitted with both USB and 3.5mm connections, the HS65 Surrounds work with PlayStation, Xbox and Switch as well as PC, though the audio quality isn’t nearly as consistent on consoles. The virtual surround sound is also only compatible with Windows and Mac computers, which means console gamers do miss out on the most impressive feature. Still, there’s a lot to like about this headset, even if it is better suited for PC.
Razer Barracuda X (2022)
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, Shopping Writer
If you’re after a headset that’s not only sleek and stylish but great quality and affordable, you’ll love the Razer Barracuda X. Compatible with PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and mobile, this headset offers multiple ways of connection thanks to the USB-C dongle, Bluetooth and 3.5mm analog headphone jack.
It offers padding along the headband and ear cups, which I find makes it comfortable to wear for long periods of time. It also has passive noise cancellation which helps block out any ambient noise and lets me focus on my games. Not to mention, the sound quality and battery life is great.
The microphone is clear enough and picks up my voice during in-game comms, and it’s detachable too. It has on-ear control buttons that allow me to mute my microphone when needed, adjust the in-game volume and turn the headset on or off easily.
The headset also has the convenience of being wireless so you don’t have to worry about suddenly standing up (IYKYK) but you can also use it wired.
It’s truly an impressive headset that I would 100 per cent recommend for any new or casual gamers.
BEST WIRELESS BLUETOOTH GAMING HEADPHONES
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) Wireless Gaming Headset, $349 at Amazon Australia
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)
What you need to know
With the BlackShark V2 Pro (2023), Razer has improved upon an already great design and made it even more professional. This time around there’s Bluetooth 5.2 in addition to 2.4GHz wireless, USB-C charging, up to 70 hours of battery life and an upgraded boom mic that’s one of the best microphones you can get on a gaming headset.
It comes with a plushier headband and denser memory foam ear cups, which makes it more comfortable for longer sessions and helps with passive noise isolation. There’s also reinforced stainless steel sliders to make the fit a little more stable. However, the headset doesn’t fold down, so it may not be the best choice if you’re looking to travel with it.
With no simultaneous Bluetooth and no active noise cancelling, there are a few features missing that we would’ve liked to see on a headset of this price. But, if these things aren’t a deal-breaker, the headset remains one of the best choices for PC and PlayStation.
Best alternative:Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE
BEST GAMING HEADPHONES FOR COMFORT
Logitech G PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset, $339 at Amazon Australia
Logitech Pro X 2 Lightspeed
What you need to know
If you’re going to be playing for hours on end, comfort is essential, and Logitech’s Pro X 2 Lightspeeds brings it in spades. Both the ear cups and headband are wrapped up in a soft-touch leatherette, rotating hinges let you move the ear cups around for a better fit, and the whole thing is lightweight enough to wear during longer sessions without discomfort.
The headset now has graphene drivers in place of the mylar diaphragm most gaming headsets use, which results in more accurate and detailed audio. The DTS X Spatial Sound also works well for music, thanks to the Super Stereo mode, helping you to get more bang for your buck.
Unfortunately, the headset doesn’t support simultaneous Bluetooth and PC wireless, instead requiring you to toggle devices via an on-ear button. But, with very little else to dislike, the X 2 Lightspeeds are a great choice for those who don’t mind spending extra on their gear.
Best alternative:HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
BEST GAMING HEADPHONES FOR BATTERY
HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, $282.99 (down from $299) at Amazon Australia
HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
What you need to know
One of the biggest draws of wired headphones is not having to worry about the battery conking out mid-session. But with a ridiculously impressive battery life of 300-hours, the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Headset makes that worry pretty much obsolete.
Even more impressively, it doesn’t skimp on other areas to achieve this either. You still get incredible sound with the 50mm drivers, and a relatively lightweight fit at 322g. Staying true to the comfort the Cloud line is known for, there’s also padded ear cups and a soft top band, making it an all-ground great headset.
The limited connectivity is a disappointment, as is the fairly average microphone performance. But if battery life is everything, no other headset even comes close to this one.
Best alternative:SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
BEST GAMING HEADPHONES FOR PS5
Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset, $149.95 (down from $159.95) at Amazon Australia
Pulse 3D Wireless Headset
What you need to know
There are plenty of great headsets for the PlayStation 5, including the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7s and our overall top gaming headset pick, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (above). But, if you want to hear the audio the way Sony intended it, the Pulse 3D Wireless Headset is still the way to go.
The headset is compatible with Sony’s Tempest 3D Audio engine, which means you’ll get rich and detailed sound that allows you to appreciate the intricacies of your favourite games. The black and white design meanwhile slots in nicely with the PS5 and its other official accessories, though you can opt for Black or Camouflage if you prefer.
Its all-plastic construction doesn’t make it the most high-end headset option out there, and the built-in mic doesn’t compare to a boom mic if you’re regularly playing online. But the synergy of the headset with the console, coupled with the expressive sound, makes the Pulse 3D headset an easy favourite.
Best alternative:Razer Kaira Pro for PlayStation
BEST GAMING HEADPHONES FOR XBOX
Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset, $149 at Amazon Australia
Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset
What you need to know
Our top headset pick for Xbox is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pros (also on this list), but Microsoft’s dedicated Xbox Wireless Headset is another top option at a significantly cheaper price point.
For just $149, the headset brings great bass reproduction, automatic console pairing and clever features like auto-mute to eliminate background noise whenever you’re not speaking. We also love the rotating ear cup dials, which make it super easy to adjust the volume and chat settings without having to pause your game.
On the design front, the Xbox Wireless Headset closely resembles the classic black and green design of the Xbox Series X, making it a no-brainer for those who want a matching set-up. You even get the Xbox Series X boot up sound whenever you turn the headset on, which is a nice touch.
The pair probably won’t impress audiophiles looking for a high-end option, but they should be top of the list for just about everyone else.
Best alternative:SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro for Xbox
BEST GAMING HEADPHONES FOR NINTENDO SWITCH
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Gaming Headset, $139 at Bing Lee
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1
What you need to know
We like the Razer Barracuda X 2022 Wireless Headset (above) best for the Switch, but if you’re after a wired connection, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1s are a nice alternative. Packing a fully-retractable microphone, 360-degree spatial audio, and the same 40mm custom drivers as the Arctis Nova 3 and 7s, the headset provides some serious value for money.
The 3.5mm headphone connector makes it compatible with almost any device you throw at it, while the lightweight, memory foam design makes it comfortable to wear during longer gaming sessions.
It isn’t anywhere near as luxurious as the more expensive models on this list, and it is quite basic in terms of features, but the headset remains an affordable option that will suit both multi-platform gamers and those looking for an entry-level headset.
Best alternative:Razer Barracuda X (2022) Wireless
BEST GAMING HEADPHONES FOR COSPLAYERS
Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Pro, $384 at VideoPro
Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Pro
What you need to know
With its customisable RGB lighting and interchangeable cat, bear and bunny ear attachments, Razer’s Kraken Kitty V2 Pro Headset is a top choice for both cosplayers and streamers. However, the model offers much more than just an adorable aesthetic.
Where previous Kraken Kitty models focused more on design than audio quality, the Kitty V2 Pros pack the same 50mm Titanium drivers you can find in Razer’s flagship headsets. This means you get impressive and faithful audio reproduction from your favourite games without having to sacrifice any of the cuteness.
While the wired design isn’t the best choice for gaming from the couch, the cable is a generous length and will save your battery from going flat mid-session. The headset is comfortable to wear too, though the one major drawback is the weight the ears add.
The headset itself comes in at 332g, but quickly gets bumped up to 400g with the ear attachments, and you will notice the weight if you’re used to a lighter headset. Still, if you’re looking for a headset that stands out while still offering excellent performance, the Kitty V2 Pros are a must-have.
Not a fan of the Quartz pink edition? Snap them up in Black instead.
Best alternative:Razer AU Kraken Kitty Chroma USB
What are the best gaming headset brands?
Some of the best gaming headset brands to consider include SteelSeries, Razer, Corsair, and HyperX, all of which are known for their high-quality audio, comfort, and great range of features. But you don’t need to limit yourself – there are plenty of great options available through other brands, as proven by the models on this list.
We wouldn’t recommend relying on brand name alone when deciding which headset to buy either. Most brands have a mix of both good and not-so-great headsets in their line-up, so it’s best to look at individual models and their ratings and reviews before you make a purchase.
Where are the best gaming headset deals in Australia?
If you want to pick up a new pair of headphones for less, these retailers often have some great deals:
Amazon Australia – With its massive range of audio gear and frequent sales, Amazon is one of the best places to shop for gaming headsets. If you really want to score a bargain, keep an eye out around major sales periods like Black Friday or Amazon Prime Day, as you’ll usually see huge deals on gaming peripherals.
Bing Lee – Bing Lee only has a select range of gaming headsets, but you can often find them on sale or nab a great deal on clearance models.
Mwave – Mwave offers a great selection of gaming headset brands and models, and also runs regular sales so you can get them cheaper.
eBay Australia – Selling both new and second-hand gaming headphone models, eBay Australia takes part in most major sales events and runs regular deals of its own.
Will gaming headphones help me play better?
While a gaming headset can’t boost your skills, it can help block out background noise so you can improve your focus. It can also allow you to hear subtle sounds and noise you may not notice otherwise. This can give you a competitive advantage, especially when someone’s sneaking up behind you in online play.
Are all headphones compatible with all gaming consoles?
No. Compatibility depends on the type of connection and the specific features of the headphones and gaming console. You’ll need to check the specifications on both to ensure they work together. It’s also a good idea to read reviews to find the best headphones for your console of choice.
Do I need a separate microphone?
Adding a separate microphone can be trendy for streamers or those after studio-quality audio, but it’s not a must-have, and might even get in your way during intense gaming sessions. Plus, plenty of gaming headphones now come with built-in microphones so, unless you’re a hardcore streamer, you should be good to go without the extra gear.
Are wired or wireless gaming headsets better for gaming?
The “better” option here really depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you value minimal latency and don’t want to worry about charging, a wired headset is probably the right option for you. If convenience and freedom of movement are more important though, wireless might be the way to go.
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