Buying Guide
The Best 3.5mm Gaming Headsets
Five headsets compared, from the IMYB A36 to the Cloud III, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
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
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Also Consider
HyperX Cloud II7.1 virtual surround.
Best for: Buyers who want 7.1 virtual surround.
Check price for HyperX Cloud II on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
HyperX Cloud III WiredThe top of this price range, adding angled 53mm drivers.
Best for: Spending more than the Cloud II costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Check price for HyperX Cloud III Wired on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
IMYB A36 Wired Gaming HeadsetThe cheapest way into this group, below the BlackShark V2 X PS.
Best for: Getting 50mm drivers at a low price for the least money.
Check price for IMYB A36 Wired Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Razer BlackShark V2 X for PlayStationA HyperClear cardioid mic.
Best for: Buyers who want HyperClear cardioid mic.
Check price for Razer BlackShark V2 X for PlayStation on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Razer BlackShark V2 X for XboxA HyperClear cardioid mic.
Best for: Buyers who want HyperClear cardioid mic.
Check price for Razer BlackShark V2 X for Xbox on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
HyperX Cloud II
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 IMYB A36 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 PS 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: no charging or pairing needed.
Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the IMYB A36 at the time of writing. Its price falls between the BlackShark V2 X Xbox and the Cloud III, based on our last check.
Key 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 IMYB A36 at the time of writing
The catch
Buyers who need a confirmed weight should compare it with the BlackShark V2 X PS, which weighs 240g.
Premium Pick2 of 5
HyperX Cloud III Wired
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
- Spending more than the Cloud II costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the IMYB A36 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 PS uses a wired 3.5mm connection. You get a upgraded microphone here, which sets it apart from the BlackShark V2 X Xbox and its a HyperClear cardioid microphone.
USB and 3.5mm options let it move between a PC and a controller. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Cloud II and the rest.
Key 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 IMYB A36 at the time of writing
The catch
The maker doesn't give its weight; if that figure matters, the BlackShark V2 X PS weighs 240g.
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
IMYB A36 Wired Gaming Headset
IMYB's A36 fits 50mm drivers into a 3.5mm headset at an entry price.
Best for
- Getting 50mm drivers at a low price for the least money.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: driver size of 50mm, behind the Cloud II (53mm).
Why we like it
The headband adjusts for fit. Its 50mm drivers and 3.5mm connection work with PCs, PlayStation, Xbox (older pads need an adapter) and Switch. The mic handles basic voice chat.
It matches the BlackShark V2 X PS and the BlackShark V2 X Xbox on driver size (50mm). Like the BlackShark V2 X PS and BlackShark V2 X Xbox, it has a wired 3.5mm connection, while the Cloud II uses a wired (USB and 3.5mm) connection. You get a boom mic microphone here, which sets it apart from the BlackShark V2 X Xbox and its a HyperClear cardioid 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. It undercut the BlackShark V2 X PS and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Driver size
- 50mm
- Connection
- Wired 3.5mm
- Microphone
- Boom mic
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- No charging or pairing needed
- 50mm drivers at a low price
- 3.5mm connection
Cons
- Driver size of 50mm, behind the Cloud II (53mm)
The catch
The maker doesn't give its weight; if that figure matters, the BlackShark V2 X PS weighs 240g.
Strong Alternative4 of 5
Razer BlackShark V2 X for PlayStation
The PlayStation version of Razer's BlackShark V2 X keeps the 240g frame, 50mm TriForce drivers and HyperClear cardioid mic.
Best for
- Buyers who want HyperClear cardioid mic.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the IMYB A36, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its 3.5mm plug also works on PC. Razer's Triforce Titanium 50mm drivers split into three parts to tune highs, mids and lows separately. Closed earcups cover the ears fully for passive noise isolation, and the cardioid mic rejects sound from the back and sides.
It matches the IMYB A36 and the BlackShark V2 X Xbox on driver size (50mm). Like the IMYB A36 and BlackShark V2 X Xbox, it has a wired 3.5mm connection, while the Cloud II uses a wired (USB and 3.5mm) connection. It shares a HyperClear cardioid microphone with the BlackShark V2 X Xbox; the IMYB A36 goes with a boom mic 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. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper IMYB A36 and the pricier BlackShark V2 X Xbox, at the time of writing.
Key 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
- Costs more than the IMYB A36 at the time of writing
Worth a Look5 of 5
Razer BlackShark V2 X for Xbox
The Xbox version of Razer's BlackShark V2 X has the same 240g frame and cardioid mic.
Best for
- Buyers who want HyperClear cardioid mic.
Skip if
- Skip it if driver size matters most to you; the Cloud II offers 53mm.
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 IMYB A36 and the BlackShark V2 X PS on driver size (50mm). Like the IMYB A36 and BlackShark V2 X PS, it has a wired 3.5mm connection, while the Cloud II uses a wired (USB and 3.5mm) connection. It shares a HyperClear cardioid microphone with the BlackShark V2 X PS; the IMYB A36 goes with a boom mic 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. Its price falls between the BlackShark V2 X PS and the Cloud II, based on our last check.
Key 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 trails the Cloud II (53mm)
- Costs more than the IMYB A36 at the time of writing
The catch
If driver size is your priority, the Cloud II (53mm) is the stronger choice.
How We Chose These 3.5mm Gaming Headsets
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We lined up five headsets on driver size, weight, connection and microphone, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 3 of 5 picks leave out weight.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Cloud II to the BlackShark V2 X Xbox, state driver size, connection and microphone.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Cloud II, the Cloud III and the IMYB A36 give no weight.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the IMYB A36 (under $50) to the Cloud III ($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 BlackShark V2 X Xbox to 53mm on the Cloud II, a 6% spread. The Cloud II is the pick for driver size.
Features beyond the spec table
The Cloud III: an upgraded microphone. The IMYB A36: a 3.5mm connection. The BlackShark V2 X PS: a 240g frame.
A gaming headset beside a desk with backlit speakers How much to spend
Under $50 buys the IMYB A36, the BlackShark V2 X PS, the BlackShark V2 X Xbox and the Cloud II; $50 to $100 buys the Cloud III at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Spending more than the Cloud II costs for the fullest feature set in this group: the Cloud III. Getting 50mm drivers at a low price for the least money: the IMYB A36.
Headphones on a red stand next to an amplifier and bookshelf speakers 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 |
| Spending more than the Cloud II costs for the fullest feature set in this group | Cloud III | The top of this price range, adding angled 53mm drivers |
| Getting 50mm drivers at a low price for the least money | IMYB A36 | The cheapest way into this group, below the BlackShark V2 X PS |
| Buyers who want HyperClear cardioid mic | BlackShark V2 X PS | A HyperClear cardioid mic |
| Buyers who want HyperClear cardioid mic | BlackShark V2 X Xbox | A HyperClear cardioid mic |
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" marks weight where the Cloud II, the Cloud III and the IMYB A36 leave the 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 |
| IMYB A36 | 50mm | Not listed | Wired 3.5mm | Boom mic |
| BlackShark V2 X PS | 50mm | 240g | Wired 3.5mm | HyperClear cardioid |
| BlackShark V2 X Xbox | 50mm | 240g | Wired 3.5mm | HyperClear cardioid |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the IMYB A36, sat in the under $50 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Cloud III at $50 to $100; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Headsets |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | IMYB A36, BlackShark V2 X PS, BlackShark V2 X Xbox, Cloud II |
| About $50 to $100 | Cloud III |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cloud III worth paying more than the IMYB A36?
What it brings is driver size (53mm against 50mm). The IMYB A36 sat in the under $50 tier and the Cloud III in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if driver size decides your purchase.
What makes the IMYB A36 the Lowest Price Here?
It carries the badge for the cheapest way into this group, below the BlackShark V2 X PS. It makes sense for getting 50mm drivers at a low price for the least money.
Do the Cloud II and the IMYB A36 differ on connection?
The Cloud II and the Cloud III use Wired (USB and 3.5mm); the IMYB A36, the BlackShark V2 X PS and the BlackShark V2 X Xbox use Wired 3.5mm.
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 IMYB A36: 50mm drivers at a low price.
Should I pick the Cloud II or the BlackShark V2 X Xbox?
The Cloud II suits buyers who want 7.1 virtual surround; the BlackShark V2 X Xbox suits buyers who want HyperClear cardioid mic.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Cloud II, chosen for 7.1 virtual surround. Look at the Cloud III for the top of this price range, adding angled 53mm drivers, the IMYB A36 for the cheapest way into this group, below the BlackShark V2 X PS and the BlackShark V2 X PS for a HyperClear cardioid mic if those matter more to you.
Use a splitter if your PC has separate mic and headphone jacks.
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- Lower budgetThe Best Cheap Gaming Headsets
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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