Buying Guide
The Best Multi-Platform Gaming Headsets
From the Stinger 2 Core to the Stealth 500 PS: five headsets ranked on driver size and weight, with who should skip each one.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Multi-platform headsets move between PC and consoles without a second set. Every pick names console support, 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 weight, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core (PlayStation)The cheapest way into this group, below the BlackShark V2 X PS.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the BlackShark V2 X PS the next step up.
Check price for HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core (PlayStation) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
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)
Strong Alternative
Turtle Beach Recon 70 Wired Gaming HeadsetSupport for PS5 and Xbox over 3.5mm.
Best for: Buyers who want support for PS5 and Xbox over 3.5mm.
Check price for Turtle Beach Recon 70 Wired Gaming Headset 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)
Premium Pick
Turtle Beach Stealth 500 Wireless (PlayStation)2.4GHz and Bluetooth at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Stinger 2 Core costs less.
Check price for Turtle Beach Stealth 500 Wireless (PlayStation) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core (PlayStation)
HyperX's Cloud Stinger 2 Core uses 40mm directional drivers and a swivel-to-mute mic in a light over-ear frame.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the BlackShark V2 X PS the next step up.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: driver size of 40mm, behind the BlackShark V2 X PS (50mm).
Why we like it
This is the PlayStation-styled version with a 3.5mm plug. Its swivel-to-mute mic flips up to mute, and audio controls sit on the headset. Soft ear cushions keep it light.
On driver size it ties with the Recon 70 and the Stealth 500 PS at 40mm. No other pick in this guide offers a swivel-to-mute boom microphone; compare the BlackShark V2 X Xbox, which has a HyperClear cardioid microphone. It also comes with a lightweight over-ear design.
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 BlackShark V2 X PS the next step up.
Key specs
- Driver size
- 40mm
- Connection
- Wired 3.5mm
- Microphone
- Swivel-to-mute boom
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Swivel-to-mute microphone
- 40mm directional drivers
- Lightweight over-ear design
Cons
- Driver size of 40mm, behind the BlackShark V2 X PS (50mm)
The catch
There is no published weight figure, whereas the BlackShark V2 X PS weighs 240g.
Also Consider2 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 Stinger 2 Core, 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 BlackShark V2 X Xbox on driver size (50mm). It shares a HyperClear cardioid microphone with the BlackShark V2 X Xbox; the Recon 70 goes with a flip-to-mute 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 Stinger 2 Core and the pricier Recon 70, 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 Stinger 2 Core at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Turtle Beach Recon 70 Wired Gaming Headset
The Recon 70 is a simple console-friendly headset with a flip-to-mute mic and 40mm drivers.
Best for
- Buyers who want support for PS5 and Xbox over 3.5mm.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Stinger 2 Core, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its flip-to-mute mic and on-ear volume dial keep controls close, and a PC splitter cable comes in the box. The 40mm drivers and light frame suit long sessions. It matches the Stinger 2 Core and the Stealth 500 PS on driver size (40mm).
It shares a flip-to-mute microphone with the Stealth 500 PS; the BlackShark V2 X PS goes with a HyperClear cardioid microphone. It also offers support for PS5 and Xbox over 3.5mm. 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 BlackShark V2 X Xbox, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Driver size
- 40mm
- Connection
- Wired 3.5mm
- Microphone
- Flip-to-mute
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Support for PS5 and Xbox over 3.5mm
- 40mm driver size
- Wired 3.5mm connection
Cons
- Costs more than the Stinger 2 Core 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.
Worth a Look4 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
- If budget leads, the Stinger 2 Core was cheaper at our last price check.
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 BlackShark V2 X PS on driver size (50mm). It shares a HyperClear cardioid microphone with the BlackShark V2 X PS; the Stinger 2 Core goes with a swivel-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. Worth noting: light 240g build.
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 Stinger 2 Core at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Turtle Beach Stealth 500 Wireless (PlayStation)
The PlayStation Stealth 500 pairs 2.4GHz and Bluetooth with a flip-to-mute mic.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Stinger 2 Core costs less.
Skip if
- Skip it if driver size matters most to you; the BlackShark V2 X PS offers 50mm.
Why we like it
It has 40 hours of battery life. Four EQ presets and Turtle Beach's Superhuman Hearing mode help pick out footsteps in shooters. It matches the Stinger 2 Core and the Recon 70 on driver size (40mm).
It shares a flip-to-mute microphone with the Recon 70; the Stinger 2 Core goes with a swivel-to-mute boom microphone. You also get a mid price tier. On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency.
It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the BlackShark V2 X Xbox. If driver size is your priority, the BlackShark V2 X PS (50mm) is the stronger choice.
Key specs
- Battery life
- 40 hours
- Driver size
- 40mm
- Connection
- 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
- Microphone
- Flip-to-mute
Pros
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- 2.4GHz and Bluetooth
- Flip-to-mute mic
- Mid price tier
Cons
- Driver size trails the BlackShark V2 X PS (50mm)
- Costs more than the Stinger 2 Core at the time of writing
How We Chose These Multi-Platform 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 set side by side five headsets on driver size, weight, connection and microphone from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and weight is missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Stinger 2 Core to the Stealth 500 PS, state driver size, connection and microphone.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Stinger 2 Core, the Recon 70 and the Stealth 500 PS give no weight.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Stinger 2 Core (under $50) to the Stealth 500 PS ($50 to $100).
What to Look for in a Multi-Platform Gaming Headset
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Driver size
Here driver size runs from 40mm on the Stealth 500 PS to 50mm on the BlackShark V2 X PS, a 25% spread. If driver size is your first filter, the BlackShark V2 X PS sets the ceiling at 50mm.
Features beyond the spec table
The BlackShark V2 X PS: a 240g frame. The Recon 70: support for PS5 and Xbox over 3.5mm. The Stealth 500 PS: a flip-to-mute mic.
A gaming headset beside a desk with backlit speakers How much to spend
Under $50 buys the Stinger 2 Core, the BlackShark V2 X PS, the Recon 70 and the BlackShark V2 X Xbox; $50 to $100 buys the Stealth 500 PS at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Spending as little as possible, with the BlackShark V2 X PS the next step up: the Stinger 2 Core. Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Stinger 2 Core costs less: the Stealth 500 PS.
Headphones on a red stand next to an amplifier and bookshelf speakers Pick the connection first
A 2.4GHz dongle gives the lowest latency for games; Bluetooth is convenient for phones but lags for shooters. Wired headsets have no latency or battery concerns.
If you play on a console as well as a PC, check which connections each platform supports before buying.
How to Choose a Multi-Platform Gaming Headset
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible, with the BlackShark V2 X PS the next step up | Stinger 2 Core | 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 support for PS5 and Xbox over 3.5mm | Recon 70 | Support for PS5 and Xbox over 3.5mm |
| Buyers who want HyperClear cardioid mic | BlackShark V2 X Xbox | A HyperClear cardioid mic |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Stinger 2 Core costs less | Stealth 500 PS | 2.4GHz and Bluetooth at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The BlackShark V2 X PS leads on driver size at 50mm, ahead of the BlackShark V2 X Xbox at 50mm. "Not listed" marks weight where the Stinger 2 Core, the Recon 70 and the Stealth 500 PS leave the figure out.
| Headset | Driver size | Weight | Connection | Microphone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stinger 2 Core | 40mm | Not listed | Wired 3.5mm | Swivel-to-mute boom |
| BlackShark V2 X PS | 50mm | 240g | Wired 3.5mm | HyperClear cardioid |
| Recon 70 | 40mm | Not listed | Wired 3.5mm | Flip-to-mute |
| BlackShark V2 X Xbox | 50mm | 240g | Wired 3.5mm | HyperClear cardioid |
| Stealth 500 PS | 40mm | Not listed | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth | Flip-to-mute |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Stinger 2 Core, sat in the under $50 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Stealth 500 PS at $50 to $100; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Headsets |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | Stinger 2 Core, BlackShark V2 X PS, Recon 70, BlackShark V2 X Xbox |
| About $50 to $100 | Stealth 500 PS |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Stinger 2 Core the Lowest Price Here?
It earns the label for the cheapest way into this group, below the BlackShark V2 X PS. It suits spending as little as possible, with the BlackShark V2 X PS the next step up.
Do the Stinger 2 Core and the BlackShark V2 X PS differ on microphone?
The Stinger 2 Core uses swivel-to-mute boom; the BlackShark V2 X PS and the BlackShark V2 X Xbox use HyperClear cardioid; the Recon 70 and the Stealth 500 PS use flip-to-mute.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Stinger 2 Core and the BlackShark V2 X PS apart?
The Stinger 2 Core: a swivel-to-mute microphone. The BlackShark V2 X PS: a HyperClear cardioid mic. The Recon 70: support for PS5 and Xbox over 3.5mm.
Should I pick the Stinger 2 Core or the Stealth 500 PS?
The Stinger 2 Core suits spending as little as possible, with the BlackShark V2 X PS the next step up; the Stealth 500 PS suits buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Stinger 2 Core costs less.
What else do the BlackShark V2 X Xbox and the Stealth 500 PS offer?
The BlackShark V2 X Xbox: a 3.5mm plug that works with Xbox controllers. The Stealth 500 PS: a mid price tier.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Stinger 2 Core, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the BlackShark V2 X PS. Look at the BlackShark V2 X PS for a HyperClear cardioid mic, the Recon 70 for support for PS5 and Xbox over 3.5mm and the BlackShark V2 X Xbox for a HyperClear cardioid mic if those matter more to you.
Check which dongle version you need for Xbox versus PlayStation.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Headsets Right Now
- Related guideThe Best Wireless Gaming Headsets Now
- Related guideThe Best Budget Gaming Headsets Under $50
- Lower budgetThe Best Cheap Gaming Headsets
- Similar guideThe Best Headsets for a Gaming PC
- ExplainerHow to Choose a PC Headset
- ExplainerHeadset connection types for PC, PS5 and Xbox
- Also see: microphonesUSB Microphone Features Explained: What Is Worth Paying For?
- Similar guideThe Best FPS Gaming Headsets
- Topic hubAll headsets and headphones guides
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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