Buying Guide
The Best Comfortable Headsets
From the BlackShark V2 X to the GAME ZERO: five headsets ranked on driver size and weight, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Comfort comes from padding, clamping force and weight. Every pick names memory foam, breathable pads or a suspension band, ordered from the lowest price.
We sorted these picks by driver size, weight and connection, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and if a maker skips driver size, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Razer BlackShark V2 X
The lowest price among these headsets at the time of writing.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for Razer BlackShark V2 X (opens in a new tab)
Flip-to-mute Microphone
Logitech G335 Wired Gaming Headset
A flip-to-mute microphone.
Best for: Buyers who want a flip-to-mute microphone.
Our take Check price for Logitech G335 Wired Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Razer Kraken V3 X Wired USB Gaming Headset
7.1 surround in Windows.
Best for: Buyers who want 7.1 surround in Windows.
Our take Check price for Razer Kraken V3 X Wired USB Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
Open-back Design
Philips SHP9500 Open-Back Headphones
An open-back design.
Best for: Buyers who want an open-back design.
Our take Check price for Philips SHP9500 Open-Back Headphones (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
EPOS Sennheiser GAME ZERO
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a foldable closed-back design.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for EPOS Sennheiser GAME ZERO (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Razer BlackShark V2 X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The BlackShark V2 X gets the essentials right at a low price: 50mm TriForce Titanium drivers, a HyperClear cardioid mic and passive noise cancellation.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
At 240g it is one of the lighter closed-back headsets here. On driver size it ties with the SHP9500 at 50mm. On weight it ties with the G335 at 240g.
It shares a wired 3.5mm connection with the G335 and GAME ZERO; the Kraken V3 X goes with a wired USB connection. No other pick in this guide offers a HyperClear cardioid microphone; compare the G335, which has a flip-to-mute microphone. It also comes with breathable foam ear cushions.
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 cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the G335 the next step up.
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
- Passive noise cancellation
Flip-to-mute Microphone2 of 5
Logitech G335 Wired Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The G335 is almost as light as the G535 at 240g, with flip-to-mute and a 3.5mm plug that works on any system.
Best for
- Buyers who want a flip-to-mute microphone.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the BlackShark V2 X cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It matches the Kraken V3 X on driver size (40mm). It matches the BlackShark V2 X on weight (240g). Like the BlackShark V2 X and GAME ZERO, it has a wired 3.5mm connection, while the Kraken V3 X uses a wired USB connection.
A flip-to-mute microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the BlackShark V2 X uses a HyperClear cardioid microphone. It also comes with memory foam ear pads. 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 and the Kraken V3 X, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 40mm
- Weight: 240g
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm
- Microphone: Flip-to-mute
Pros
- Light 240g build
- No charging or pairing needed
- Memory foam ear pads
- Flip-to-mute microphone, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the BlackShark V2 X at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 5
Razer Kraken V3 X Wired USB Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Kraken V3 X plugs in over USB, which avoids a noisy front-panel jack and enables 7.1 surround in Windows.
Best for
- Buyers who want 7.1 surround in Windows.
Skip if
- Skip it if driver size matters most to you; the BlackShark V2 X offers 50mm.
Why we like it
Its bendable HyperClear cardioid mic picks up voice over room noise, and Chroma RGB lights the ear cups. On driver size it ties with the G335 at 40mm. On weight it trails the group at 285g, while the BlackShark V2 X weighs 240g.
A wired USB connection is unique to it among these picks, while the BlackShark V2 X uses a wired 3.5mm connection. It also offers memory foam cushions. It connects over USB, which also handles the audio processing on your PC.
When we checked, only the G335 and cheaper picks cost less, and the SHP9500 cost more. Driver size is its weakest area, and the BlackShark V2 X covers it better at 50mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 40mm
- Weight: 285g
- Connection: Wired USB
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- 7.1 surround in Windows
- Memory foam cushions
Cons
- Driver size trails the BlackShark V2 X (50mm)
- Weight trails the BlackShark V2 X (240g)
- Costs more than the BlackShark V2 X at the time of writing
Open-back Design4 of 5
Philips SHP9500 Open-Back Headphones on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The SHP9500 is a hi-fi headphone rather than a headset: open-back 50mm drivers and a breathable headband give a wide, natural sound.
Best for
- Buyers who want an open-back design.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when open-back leaks sound both way is a problem.
Why we like it
There is no microphone, so pair it with a desk or clip-on mic. On driver size it ties with the BlackShark V2 X at 50mm. It also offers a double-layered, breathable headband cushion.
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. Because it is open-back, other people in the room will hear it, and it will not block outside noise. When we checked, only the Kraken V3 X and cheaper picks cost less, and the GAME ZERO cost more. If you want a confirmed weight, look to the BlackShark V2 X instead: it weighs 240g, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 50mm
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm, 1.5m cable
- Design: Open-back
- Microphone: None
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- No charging or pairing needed
- Open-back for a wider soundstage
- Double-layered, breathable headband cushion
Cons
- Open-back leaks sound both ways
- No built-in microphone
- No published weight
Premium Pick5 of 5
EPOS Sennheiser GAME ZERO on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The GAME ZERO, from Sennheiser's gaming line now sold under EPOS, is a closed-back folding headset with a flip-to-mute boom.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its driver size before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
Memory foam pads are listed. It folds flat into the included hard case, and the flexible boom mic reduces background noise. It shares a wired 3.5mm connection with the BlackShark V2 X and G335; the Kraken V3 X goes with a wired USB connection.
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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the SHP9500 the nearest cheaper option. If you want a confirmed driver size, look to the BlackShark V2 X instead: it comes in at 50mm, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm
- Design: Closed-back
- Microphone: Flip-to-mute noise-cancelling boom
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Foldable closed-back design
- Memory foam ear pads
- Flexible boom mic
Cons
- No published driver size
- No published weight
- Costs more than the BlackShark V2 X at the time of writing
How We Chose These Comfortable Headsets
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up five headsets on driver size, weight, connection and design from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the BlackShark V2 X to the GAME ZERO, state connection.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The GAME ZERO gives no driver size; the SHP9500 and the GAME ZERO give no weight.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the BlackShark V2 X (under $50) to the GAME ZERO ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a Comfortable Headset
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Driver size
Here driver size runs from 40mm on the Kraken V3 X to 50mm on the BlackShark V2 X. The BlackShark V2 X is the pick for driver size. No figure for the GAME ZERO.
How much weight you need
Here weight runs from 285g on the Kraken V3 X to 240g on the BlackShark V2 X. Start with the BlackShark V2 X if weight decides it. No figure for the SHP9500 and the GAME ZERO.
Setup checks
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 connects over USB, which also handles the audio processing on your PC.
Features beyond the spec table
The G335: memory foam ear pads. The Kraken V3 X: memory foam cushions. The SHP9500: a double-layered, breathable headband cushion.
Budget
Under $50 buys the BlackShark V2 X, the G335 and the Kraken V3 X; $50 to $100 buys the SHP9500; $100 to $150 buys the GAME ZERO at our last check.
Check the microphone type
Detachable microphones let the headset double as everyday headphones. Some audiophile headphones have no microphone at all, so you would need a separate one.
If you stream or join calls, a cardioid or noise-rejecting mic is worth prioritising.
How to Choose a Comfortable Headset
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the budget tight | BlackShark V2 X | The lowest price among these headsets at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want a flip-to-mute microphone | G335 | A flip-to-mute microphone |
| Buyers who want 7.1 surround in Windows | Kraken V3 X | 7.1 surround in Windows |
| Buyers who want an open-back design | SHP9500 | An open-back design |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | GAME ZERO | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a foldable closed-back design |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The BlackShark V2 X leads on driver size at 50mm, ahead of the SHP9500 at 50mm. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Headset | Driver size | Weight | Connection | Design |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BlackShark V2 X | 50mm | 240g | Wired 3.5mm | Not listed |
| G335 | 40mm | 240g | Wired 3.5mm | Not listed |
| Kraken V3 X | 40mm | 285g | Wired USB | Not listed |
| SHP9500 | 50mm | Not listed | Wired 3.5mm, 1.5m cable | Open-back |
| GAME ZERO | Not listed | Not listed | Wired 3.5mm | Closed-back |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The BlackShark V2 X was the lowest-priced pick and the GAME ZERO the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Headsets |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | BlackShark V2 X, G335, Kraken V3 X |
| About $50 to $100 | SHP9500 |
| About $100 to $150 | GAME ZERO |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the G335 the Flip-to-mute Microphone?
It earns the label for a flip-to-mute microphone. It suits anyone who wants a flip-to-mute microphone.
Do the SHP9500 and the GAME ZERO differ on design?
The SHP9500 uses open-back; the GAME ZERO uses Closed-back. The makers of the BlackShark V2 X, the G335 and the Kraken V3 X don't say.
What should I check before buying the Kraken V3 X?
It connects over USB, which also handles the audio processing on your PC. In this guide it ranks third of 5.
Beyond the specs, what sets the BlackShark V2 X and the G335 apart?
The BlackShark V2 X: passive noise cancellation. The G335: memory foam ear pads. The Kraken V3 X: 7.1 surround in Windows.
Can I use one headset on PC and console?
Many can, but check the connection for each system. Xbox-specific wireless headsets often need a matching adapter or Bluetooth on PC.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the BlackShark V2 X, chosen for the lowest price among these headsets at the time of writing. Look at the G335 for a flip-to-mute microphone, the Kraken V3 X for 7.1 surround in Windows and the SHP9500 for an open-back design if those matter more to you.
Swap to fabric pads in warm rooms to reduce sweating.