Gaming headsets aren’t as straightforward to buy as they used to be. They are more expensive these days, feature lists have gotten longer, and you’re now also looking at things like 2.4GHz wireless, customisable RGB lighting, and even ANC on some models. That also makes “deals” a bit harder to read at a glance, because not every discount is worth jumping on, especially if it’s attached to an older headset that never really got the basics right. So instead of just listing whatever’s on sale, this round-up focuses on gaming headsets that still hold up today, with decent to great audio for games, a mic that won’t annoy your teammates, and enough comfort to get through longer sessions.
Frequently asked questions about gaming headsets
Should you go for wired or wireless gaming headsets?
Wired headsets are still the safer bet if you just want something that works without fuss. There’s no need to charge, and no need to mess around with pairing methods. They are usually cheaper too, and for similar audio quality. Wireless, on the other hand, is all about convenience. A good wireless headset these days is stable enough for gaming, and not having a cable dragging across your desk does make a difference over longer sessions. It really comes down to whether you value simplicity or flexibility more.
Do you actually need surround sound or spatial audio?
Most high-end gaming headsets feature some form of virtual surround or spatial audio, but in our opinion it’s not always a must-have. A well-tuned stereo headset can still give you a clear sense of direction in games. Surround features do enhance the gaming experience in some titles, especially shooters and even movies, but they’re very dependent on implementation.
What should you prioritise when choosing a gaming headset?
It’s easy to get distracted by features, but the basics still matter more. Comfort is a big one, especially if you’re wearing the headset for hours at a time. Mic quality is another, because nobody wants to deal with muffled or noisy voice chat. Then there’s audio quality, as some gaming headsets lean too heavily into bass, which can make everything sound a bit muddy.
Wired gaming headsets
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wired Gaming Headset
$118.34 (Limited Time Deal)
Image: Amazon
The Arctis Nova 3 has a dynamic and customisable dual-zone RGB lighting and supports PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X|S and even the Switch 1 and 2.
Razer Blackshark V2 X Wired Gaming Headset
$94.90
Image: Amazon
The Razer Blackshark V2 X is an esports-focused wired gaming headset, and comes with the Razer Hyperclear Cardioid Mic that offers great speech pick-up and noise cancellation.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wired Gaming Headset
$347.62 $613.46 43% off
Image: SteelSeries
Arguably SteelSeries’ best wired gaming headphone, the Arctis Nova Pro also comes with the GameDac hub that lets you switch between platforms with the press of a button, supporting PC, Mac, PlayStation or Switch.
