Buying Guide
The Best 3.5mm Gaming Headsets
Five headsets compared, from the BlackShark V2 X Xbox to the HS65 Surround, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A 3.5mm headset works with nearly everything: PC, consoles through the controller, Switch and phones. Every pick is wired 3.5mm, ordered by driver size.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: driver size, weight and connection come from each maker's published specs; a missing weight is flagged, not filled in, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
HyperX Cloud II
7.1 virtual surround.
Best for: Buyers who want 7.1 virtual surround.
Our take Check price for HyperX Cloud II (opens in a new tab)
Upgraded Microphone
HyperX Cloud III Wired
A upgraded microphone.
Best for: Buyers who want a upgraded microphone.
Our take Check price for HyperX Cloud III Wired (opens in a new tab)
Lightest Build
Razer BlackShark V2 X for Xbox
The lightest weight here (240g).
Best for: Long sessions where clamp and weight add up.
Our take Check price for Razer BlackShark V2 X for Xbox (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Logitech G432 Wired 7.1 Gaming Headset
A USB DAC with 7.1 surround.
Best for: Buyers who want USB DAC with 7.1 surround.
Our take Check price for Logitech G432 Wired 7.1 Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Corsair HS65 Surround Wired Gaming Headset
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Dolby Atmos support.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for Corsair HS65 Surround Wired Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.1 virtual surround. | Buyers who want 7.1 virtual surround. | Check price for HyperX Cloud II (opens in a new tab) |
| A upgraded microphone. | Buyers who want a upgraded microphone. | Check price for HyperX Cloud III Wired (opens in a new tab) |
| The lightest weight here (240g). | Long sessions where clamp and weight add up. | Check price for Razer BlackShark V2 X for Xbox (opens in a new tab) |
| A USB DAC with 7.1 surround. | Buyers who want USB DAC with 7.1 surround. | Check price for Logitech G432 Wired 7.1 Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Dolby Atmos support. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for Corsair HS65 Surround Wired Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
HyperX Cloud II on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Cloud II remains a sensible pick: 53mm drivers, 7.1 virtual surround and a detachable noise-cancelling mic in an aluminum frame.
Best for
- Buyers who want 7.1 virtual surround.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the BlackShark V2 X Xbox was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It connects over USB or 3.5mm. It matches the Cloud III on driver size (53mm). Like the Cloud III, it has a wired (USB and 3.5mm) connection, while the BlackShark V2 X Xbox uses a wired 3.5mm connection.
You also get memory foam ear pads and an aluminum frame. USB and 3.5mm options let it move between a PC and a controller. Another plus is no charging or pairing needed.
Its price falls between the G432 and the Cloud III, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed weight should compare it with the BlackShark V2 X Xbox, which weighs 240g.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 53mm
- Connection: Wired (USB and 3.5mm)
- Microphone: Detachable, noise-cancelling
Pros
- 53mm drivers
- No charging or pairing needed
- 7.1 virtual surround
- Memory foam ear pads and an aluminum frame
Cons
- Costs more than the BlackShark V2 X Xbox at the time of writing
Upgraded Microphone2 of 5
HyperX Cloud III Wired on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Cloud III is the easiest recommendation: angled 53mm drivers, an upgraded microphone and both USB and 3.5mm connections, so it moves between a PC and a controller.
Best for
- Buyers who want a upgraded microphone.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the BlackShark V2 X Xbox was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
HyperX offers support for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Its aluminium frame is flexible and resists knocks. The wired connection needs no charging and works with PC, consoles and phones through a 3.5mm or USB cable.
Its comfort-first design targets long matches, with memory-foam cushions and a padded headband. Like the Cloud II, it has a wired (USB and 3.5mm) connection, while the BlackShark V2 X Xbox uses a wired 3.5mm connection. You get a upgraded microphone here, which sets it apart from the HS65 Surround and its a flip-to-mute microphone.
USB and 3.5mm options let it move between a PC and a controller. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Cloud II and the pricier HS65 Surround, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its weight; if that figure matters, the BlackShark V2 X Xbox weighs 240g.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 53mm
- Connection: Wired (USB and 3.5mm)
- Microphone: Upgraded
Pros
- 53mm drivers
- No charging or pairing needed
- Angled 53mm drivers
- Upgraded microphone
Cons
- Costs more than the BlackShark V2 X Xbox at the time of writing
Lightest Build3 of 5
Razer BlackShark V2 X for Xbox on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Xbox version of Razer's BlackShark V2 X has the same 240g frame and cardioid mic.
Best for
- Long sessions where clamp and weight add up.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when driver size of 50mm, behind the Cloud II (53mm is a problem.
Why we like it
Its 3.5mm plug connects to an Xbox controller. Razer's Triforce Titanium 50mm drivers tune highs, mids and lows separately. The HyperClear cardioid mic picks up more voice than room noise, and the closed cups give a tighter passive seal.
It matches the G432 and the HS65 Surround on driver size (50mm). No other pick in this guide offers a wired 3.5mm connection; compare the Cloud III, which has a wired (USB and 3.5mm) connection. A HyperClear cardioid microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the G432 uses a 6mm flip-to-mute boom microphone.
A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter. The main gap: driver size of 50mm, behind the Cloud II (53mm). If that matters, the Cloud II comes in at 53mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 50mm
- Weight: 240g
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm
- Microphone: HyperClear cardioid
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- Light 240g build
- No charging or pairing needed
- HyperClear cardioid mic
Cons
- Driver size of 50mm, behind the Cloud II (53mm)
Strong Alternative4 of 5
Logitech G432 Wired 7.1 Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Logitech's G432 is a wired headset with a USB DAC for 7.1 surround and a 3.5mm plug for consoles.
Best for
- Buyers who want USB DAC with 7.1 surround.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: driver size of 50mm, behind the Cloud II (53mm).
Why we like it
Its 6mm mic flips up to mute. On driver size it ties with the BlackShark V2 X Xbox and the HS65 Surround at 50mm. A wired USB DAC and 3.5mm connection is unique to it among these picks, while the Cloud III uses a wired (USB and 3.5mm) connection.
It is the only pick here with a 6mm flip-to-mute boom microphone; the Cloud III has a upgraded microphone instead. USB and 3.5mm options let it move between a PC and a controller. If you want a confirmed weight, look to the BlackShark V2 X Xbox instead: it weighs 240g, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 50mm
- Connection: Wired USB DAC and 3.5mm
- Microphone: 6mm flip-to-mute boom
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- No charging or pairing needed
- USB DAC with 7.1 surround
- 6mm flip-to-mute mic
Cons
- Driver size of 50mm, behind the Cloud II (53mm)
Premium Pick5 of 5
Corsair HS65 Surround Wired Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The HS65 Surround is the wired value pick, with 50mm drivers, 3.5mm and USB connections and flip-to-mute.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Skip it if driver size matters most to you; the Cloud II offers 53mm.
Why we like it
Leatherette memory foam cups with a soft fabric layer sit on an adjustable headband reinforced with aluminum. Its custom-tuned 50mm neodymium drivers support Dolby Atmos spatial audio on PC. On driver size it ties with the BlackShark V2 X Xbox and the G432 at 50mm.
No other pick in this guide offers a flip-to-mute microphone; compare the BlackShark V2 X Xbox, which has a HyperClear cardioid microphone. USB and 3.5mm options let it move between a PC and a controller. Only the Cloud III came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks. It gives ground on driver size, where the Cloud II comes in at 53mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 50mm
- Weight: 282g
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm, USB
- Microphone: Flip-to-mute
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- No charging or pairing needed
- Dolby Atmos support
- Flip-to-mute microphone, the only one here
Cons
- Driver size trails the Cloud II (53mm)
- Costs more than the BlackShark V2 X Xbox at the time of writing
How We Chose These 3.5mm Gaming Headsets
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We lined up five headsets on driver size, weight, connection and microphone, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Cloud II to the HS65 Surround, state driver size, connection and microphone.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Cloud II, the Cloud III and the G432 give no weight.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the BlackShark V2 X Xbox (under $50) to the HS65 Surround ($50 to $100).
What to Look for in a 3.5mm Gaming Headset
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Driver size
Here driver size runs from 50mm on the HS65 Surround to 53mm on the Cloud II. The Cloud II is the pick for driver size.
How much weight you need
Here weight runs from 282g on the HS65 Surround to 240g on the BlackShark V2 X Xbox. Start with the BlackShark V2 X Xbox if weight decides it. No figure for the Cloud II, the Cloud III and the G432.
Fit and compatibility
USB and 3.5mm options let it move between a PC and a controller. A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter.
Features beyond the spec table
The BlackShark V2 X Xbox: a 240g frame. The G432: 50mm drivers. The HS65 Surround: Dolby Atmos support.
How much to spend
Under $50 buys the BlackShark V2 X Xbox, the G432 and the Cloud II; $50 to $100 buys the Cloud III and the HS65 Surround at our last check.
Battery life claims vary with lighting
Makers quote battery life under their own conditions, often with RGB lighting off. A 50-hour claim can drop noticeably with lighting on.
Compare figures at similar settings, and look for fast charging if you forget to plug in.
How to Choose a 3.5mm Gaming Headset
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want 7.1 virtual surround | Cloud II | 7.1 virtual surround |
| Buyers who want a upgraded microphone | Cloud III | A upgraded microphone |
| Long sessions where clamp and weight add up | BlackShark V2 X Xbox | The lightest weight here (240g) |
| Buyers who want USB DAC with 7.1 surround | G432 | A USB DAC with 7.1 surround |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | HS65 Surround | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Dolby Atmos support |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Cloud II leads on driver size at 53mm, ahead of the Cloud III at 53mm. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Headset | Driver size | Weight | Connection | Microphone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud II | 53mm | Not listed | Wired (USB and 3.5mm) | Detachable, noise-cancelling |
| Cloud III | 53mm | Not listed | Wired (USB and 3.5mm) | Upgraded |
| BlackShark V2 X Xbox | 50mm | 240g | Wired 3.5mm | HyperClear cardioid |
| G432 | 50mm | Not listed | Wired USB DAC and 3.5mm | 6mm flip-to-mute boom |
| HS65 Surround | 50mm | 282g | Wired 3.5mm, USB | Flip-to-mute |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The BlackShark V2 X Xbox was the lowest-priced pick and the HS65 Surround the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Headsets |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | BlackShark V2 X Xbox, G432, Cloud II |
| About $50 to $100 | Cloud III, HS65 Surround |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the HS65 Surround compare with the BlackShark V2 X Xbox on weight?
The BlackShark V2 X Xbox comes out best at 240g, with the HS65 Surround at 282g. The Cloud II, the Cloud III and the G432 don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
Is the HS65 Surround worth paying more than the BlackShark V2 X Xbox?
On the figures both makers state, it adds little. It does not win everywhere: the BlackShark V2 X Xbox still leads on weight (240g). The BlackShark V2 X Xbox was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if a feature outside the spec sheet matters to you.
What makes the Cloud III the Upgraded Microphone?
It earns the label for a upgraded microphone. It suits anyone who wants a upgraded microphone.
What should I check before buying the BlackShark V2 X Xbox?
A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter. In this guide it ranks third of 5, as our Lightest Build pick.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Cloud II and the Cloud III apart?
The Cloud II: 7.1 virtual surround. The Cloud III: angled 53mm drivers. The BlackShark V2 X Xbox: a HyperClear cardioid mic.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Cloud II, chosen for 7.1 virtual surround. Look at the Cloud III for a upgraded microphone, the G432 for a USB DAC with 7.1 surround and the HS65 Surround for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Dolby Atmos support if those matter more to you.
Use a splitter if your PC has separate mic and headphone jacks.