Buying Guide
The Best Bluetooth Gaming Headsets
From the Void v2 to the Cloud Alpha 2: five headsets ranked on battery life and driver size, with who should skip each one.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Bluetooth lets a headset pair with a phone or laptop as well as the PC. Every pick supports Bluetooth, ordered by battery life.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: battery life, driver size and connection come from each maker's published specs; nothing here was tested in-house, and a missing driver size is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Longest Battery Life
HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 WirelessThe longest battery life here (250 hours).
Best for: Long sessions away from a charging cable.
Check price for HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
HyperX Cloud III S Wireless Gaming HeadsetMemory foam cushions.
Best for: Buyers who want memory foam cushions.
Check price for HyperX Cloud III S Wireless Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Corsair Void v2 WirelessThe lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Cloud III S.
Check price for Corsair Void v2 Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Retractable Microphone
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless Gaming HeadsetA retractable microphone.
Best for: Buyers who want a retractable microphone.
Check price for SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Noise-rejecting Microphone
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2A noise-rejecting microphone.
Best for: Buyers who want a noise-rejecting microphone.
Check price for SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Longest Battery Life1 of 5
HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless
HyperX's Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless offers up to 250 hours of battery life with 53mm drivers.
Best for
- Long sessions away from a charging cable.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Void v2 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It runs 2.4GHz and Bluetooth at the same time. Battery life reaches up to 250 hours over 2.4GHz, or 125 hours with a simultaneous connection. The included RGB base station works as an audio control hub with programmable buttons and macros.
Nothing else here matches its 250 hours battery life; the Cloud III S comes closest at 120 hours. It shares a detachable microphone with the Cloud III S; the Void v2 goes with an omnidirectional boom microphone. On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency. 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 Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 and the rest.
Key specs
- Battery life
- 250 hours
- Driver size
- 53mm
- Connection
- 2.4GHz and Bluetooth simultaneously
- Microphone
- Detachable
Pros
- Up to 250 hours of battery life
- 53mm drivers
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- Simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth
Cons
- Costs more than the Void v2 at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
HyperX Cloud III S Wireless Gaming Headset
The Cloud III S leads on battery at a 120 hours, with 53mm drivers, the largest here.
Best for
- Buyers who want memory foam cushions.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Void v2, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its aluminium frame resists knocks, and a lifetime Spatial Audio activation adds 3D positioning on PC. Magnetic ear-cup plates can be swapped. The 10mm boom mic has an LED mute indicator and a built-in mesh filter.
Both USB-A and USB-C connectors are included for the dongle. On battery life it sits mid-pack at 120 hours: the Cloud Alpha 2 runs for 250 hours, and the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 comes in at 50 hours. It shares a detachable microphone with the Cloud Alpha 2; the Arctis Nova 5 goes with a retractable microphone.
It also offers memory foam cushions. On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency. Its price falls between the Void v2 and the Arctis Nova 5, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Battery life
- 120 hours
- Driver size
- 53mm
- Connection
- 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
- Microphone
- Detachable
Pros
- Up to 120 hours of battery life
- 53mm drivers
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- Memory foam cushions
Cons
- Costs more than the Void v2 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
Corsair Void v2 Wireless
Corsair's Void v2 offers up to 70 hours of battery life, Dolby Atmos support and NVIDIA Broadcast mic support.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Cloud III S.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when battery life of 70 hours, behind the Cloud Alpha 2 (250 hours) is a problem.
Why we like it
It connects over 2.4GHz or Bluetooth. It runs 2.4GHz for gaming and Bluetooth for phones, with up to 70 hours per charge and 6 hours from a 15-minute top-up. It lists up to 70 hours of battery, Dolby Atmos spatial audio and switching between PC, PlayStation, Switch and mobile.
On battery life it sits mid-pack at 70 hours: the Cloud Alpha 2 runs for 250 hours, and the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 comes in at 50 hours. An omnidirectional boom microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the Cloud III S uses a detachable microphone. On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Cloud III S was the next step up.
Key specs
- Battery life
- 70 hours
- Connection
- 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
- Microphone
- Omnidirectional boom
Pros
- Up to 70 hours of battery life
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- Dolby Atmos support
- NVIDIA Broadcast mic support
Cons
- Battery life of 70 hours, behind the Cloud Alpha 2 (250 hours)
The catch
Buyers who need a confirmed driver size should compare it with the Cloud Alpha 2, which comes in at 53mm.
Retractable Microphone4 of 5
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless Gaming Headset
The Arctis Nova 5 folds its mic away into the ear cup and fast-charges over USB-C, which makes it easy to wear outside.
Best for
- Buyers who want a retractable microphone.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Void v2 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
A compact USB-C dongle swaps between PC, PlayStation, Switch and Meta Quest, and Quick-Switch jumps to Bluetooth. All controls sit on the ear cups. Over 100 game presets tune the audio in the companion app.
On battery life it sits mid-pack at 60 hours: the Cloud Alpha 2 runs for 250 hours, and the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 comes in at 50 hours. A retractable microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the Cloud III S uses a detachable microphone. On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency. Buyers who need a confirmed driver size should compare it with the Cloud Alpha 2, which comes in at 53mm.
Key specs
- Battery life
- 60 hours
- Connection
- 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
- Microphone
- Retractable
Pros
- Up to 60 hours of battery life
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- USB-C fast charging
- Retractable microphone, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Void v2 at the time of writing
Noise-rejecting Microphone5 of 5
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2
The Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 is the pick if your phone stays in your ears during a game: it plays 2.4GHz and Bluetooth audio at the same time, so a call or music mixes with game sound.
Best for
- Buyers who want a noise-rejecting microphone.
Skip if
- Skip it if battery life matters most to you; the Cloud Alpha 2 offers 250 hours.
Why we like it
Its noise-rejecting mic suits noisy rooms. Its ClearCast Gen 2 mic cuts background noise by up to 25dB, and battery lasts over 50 hours with USB-C fast charge. A steel frame and memory foam balance weight and comfort.
Its 50 hours battery life is the shortest in this group; the Cloud Alpha 2 leads at 250 hours. It is the only pick here with a noise-rejecting microphone; the Cloud Alpha 2 has a detachable microphone instead. You also get 360-degree spatial audio support.
On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency. When we checked, only the Arctis Nova 5 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Cloud Alpha 2 cost more.
Key specs
- Battery life
- 50 hours
- Connection
- 2.4GHz and Bluetooth simultaneously
- Microphone
- Noise-rejecting
Pros
- Up to 50 hours of battery life
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- Simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth audio
- 360-degree spatial audio support
Cons
- Battery life trails the Cloud Alpha 2 (250 hours)
- Costs more than the Void v2 at the time of writing
The catch
Battery life is its weakest area, and the Cloud Alpha 2 covers it better at 250 hours.
How We Chose These Bluetooth 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 battery life, driver size, connection and microphone, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 3 of 5 picks leave out driver size.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Cloud Alpha 2 to the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2, state battery life, connection and microphone.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Void v2, the Arctis Nova 5 and the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 give no driver size.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Void v2 ($100 to $150) to the Cloud Alpha 2 ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a Bluetooth Gaming Headset
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Battery life
Across these 5 picks battery life spans 50 hours (the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2) to 250 hours (the Cloud Alpha 2). For less, the Cloud III S is the runner-up at 120 hours ($100 to $150 tier).
Features beyond the spec table
The Void v2: NVIDIA Broadcast mic support. The Arctis Nova 5: USB-C fast charging. The Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2: 360-degree spatial audio support.
Open-back headphones on a stand beside a headphone amplifier Where your budget lands
$100 to $150 buys the Void v2, the Cloud III S and the Arctis Nova 5; $150 to $250 buys the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 and the Cloud Alpha 2 at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Long sessions away from a charging cable: the Cloud Alpha 2. Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Cloud III S: the Void v2. Buyers who want a retractable microphone: the Arctis Nova 5.
A headset hanging on a PC case next to a monitor Weight and clamp matter after an hour
Lighter headsets reduce pressure on the top of the head, and memory foam or fabric pads stay cooler. A difference of 50g is noticeable over long sessions.
If you wear glasses, look for soft pads that do not press the arms into your head.
How to Choose a Bluetooth Gaming Headset
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Long sessions away from a charging cable | Cloud Alpha 2 | The longest battery life here (250 hours) |
| Buyers who want memory foam cushions | Cloud III S | Memory foam cushions |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Cloud III S | Void v2 | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want a retractable microphone | Arctis Nova 5 | A retractable microphone |
| Buyers who want a noise-rejecting microphone | Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 | A noise-rejecting microphone |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Cloud Alpha 2 leads on battery life at 250 hours, ahead of the Cloud III S at 120 hours. "Not listed" marks driver size where the Void v2, the Arctis Nova 5 and the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 leave the figure out.
| Headset | Battery life | Driver size | Connection | Microphone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud Alpha 2 | 250 hours | 53mm | 2.4GHz and Bluetooth simultaneously | Detachable |
| Cloud III S | 120 hours | 53mm | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth | Detachable |
| Void v2 | 70 hours | Not listed | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth | Omnidirectional boom |
| Arctis Nova 5 | 60 hours | Not listed | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth | Retractable |
| Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 | 50 hours | Not listed | 2.4GHz and Bluetooth simultaneously | Noise-rejecting |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Void v2, sat in the $100 to $150 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Cloud Alpha 2 at $150 to $250; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Headsets |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | Void v2, Cloud III S, Arctis Nova 5 |
| About $150 to $250 | Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2, Cloud Alpha 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the longest battery life: the Cloud Alpha 2 or the Cloud III S?
The Cloud Alpha 2 tops battery life at 250 hours; the Cloud III S follows at 120 hours, 108% apart. The Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 closes the ranking at 50 hours.
Is the Cloud Alpha 2 worth paying more than the Void v2?
On paper it adds battery life (250 hours against 70 hours). The Void v2 sat in the $100 to $150 tier and the Cloud Alpha 2 in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if battery life decides your purchase.
What makes the Arctis Nova 5 the Retractable Microphone?
It earns the label for a retractable microphone. It gives up battery life (60 hours against 70 hours) to the Void v2, the cheapest pick. It suits anyone who wants a retractable microphone.
Do the Cloud Alpha 2 and the Void v2 differ on microphone?
The Cloud Alpha 2 and the Cloud III S use detachable; the Void v2 uses Omnidirectional boom; the Arctis Nova 5 uses retractable; the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 uses noise-rejecting.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Cloud Alpha 2 and the Cloud III S apart?
The Cloud Alpha 2: up to 250 hours of listed battery life. The Cloud III S: memory foam cushions. The Void v2: Dolby Atmos support.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Cloud Alpha 2. Look at the Cloud III S for memory foam cushions, the Void v2 for the lowest price of the group at our last check and the Arctis Nova 5 for a retractable microphone if those matter more to you.
Use the 2.4GHz dongle for games; Bluetooth adds latency.
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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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