Buying Guide

The Best Gaming Headsets with Bluetooth

Six headsets that pair a gaming dongle with Bluetooth, from $27 to about $220.

By The PC Journal editorial team

12 min read6 products evaluated

Bluetooth adds latency, so these six pair it with a 2.4GHz dongle for games. Bluetooth then covers phones and calls.

We compared battery, connection and mic from each listing.

Quick Picks

Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.

  1. Longest Battery Life

    HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless

    The longest battery life here (250 hours).

    Best for: Long sessions away from a charging cable.

    Our take Check price for HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless (opens in a new tab)

  2. Best Retractable Mic

    SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless Gaming Headset

    A retractable mic with 60 hours.

    Best for: PC and phone.

    Our take Check price for SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)

  3. Best USB-C Dongle

    Razer Barracuda X Wireless

    A USB-C dongle and Bluetooth.

    Best for: Handhelds.

    Our take Check price for Razer Barracuda X Wireless (opens in a new tab)

  4. Best Esports Pick

    Razer BlackShark V3 Wireless Gaming Headset

    HyperSpeed with 50mm drivers.

    Best for: Shooters.

    Our take Check price for Razer BlackShark V3 Wireless Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)

  5. Lightest Boom Headset

    Logitech G325 Lightspeed Wireless

    212g with Lightspeed and Bluetooth.

    Best for: Long sessions.

    Our take Check price for Logitech G325 Lightspeed Wireless (opens in a new tab)

  6. Lightest Build

    Redragon H888 Wireless Gaming Headset

    The lightest weight here (168g).

    Best for: Long sessions where clamp and weight add up.

    Our take Check price for Redragon H888 Wireless Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless

Longest Battery Life1 of 6

HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

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

Its weight is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.

Why we like it

It runs 2.4GHz and Bluetooth at the same time. Nothing else here matches its 250 hours battery life; the BlackShark V3 comes closest at 70 hours. On driver size it leads this guide at 53mm, ahead of the BlackShark V3 (50mm).

It shares a detachable microphone with the BlackShark V3; the Redragon H888 goes with a detachable 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 6 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the BlackShark V3 and the rest. The maker doesn't give its weight; if that figure matters, the Redragon H888 weighs 168g.

Key dimensions & 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

  • No published weight
  • Costs more than the Redragon H888 at the time of writing
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless Gaming Headset

Best Retractable Mic2 of 6

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

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

PC and phone.

Skip if

The maker gives no driver size, so look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.

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 G325 comes in at 24 hours. A retractable microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the Cloud Alpha 2 uses a detachable microphone. 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 Barracuda X and the BlackShark V3, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed driver size should compare it with the Cloud Alpha 2, which comes in at 53mm.

Key dimensions & 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

  • No published driver size
  • No published weight
  • Costs more than the Redragon H888 at the time of writing
Razer Barracuda X Wireless

Best USB-C Dongle3 of 6

Razer Barracuda X Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Razer's Barracuda X uses a USB-C dongle, so it moves between a PC, phone and handheld.

Best for

Handhelds.

Skip if

Skip it if weight matters most to you; the Redragon H888 offers 168g.

Why we like it

It adds Bluetooth, a detachable cardioid mic and a 250g frame. On battery life it sits mid-pack at 50 hours: the Cloud Alpha 2 runs for 250 hours, and the G325 comes in at 24 hours. It matches the Redragon H888 on driver size (40mm).

Its 250g weight is the heaviest in this group; the Redragon H888 leads at 168g. You get a detachable cardioid microphone here, which sets it apart from the Redragon H888 and its a detachable boom microphone. On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency.

It connects over USB, which also handles the audio processing on your PC. On price it sat third of 6, between the cheaper G325 and the pricier Arctis Nova 5, at the time of writing. The trade-off is weight; for more, the Redragon H888 weighs 168g.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Battery life: 50 hours
  • Driver size: 40mm
  • Weight: 250g
  • Connection: 2.4GHz USB-C, Bluetooth
  • Microphone: Detachable cardioid

Pros

  • Up to 50 hours of battery life
  • Light 250g build
  • Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
  • USB-C dongle that suits phones and handhelds

Cons

  • Weight trails the Redragon H888 (168g)
  • Costs more than the Redragon H888 at the time of writing
Razer BlackShark V3 Wireless Gaming Headset

Best Esports Pick4 of 6

Razer BlackShark V3 Wireless Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

The BlackShark V3 balances the list: 50mm drivers, a 70-hour battery, a detachable mic and both dongle and Bluetooth modes.

Best for

Shooters.

Skip if

Skip it if you need to know its weight before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.

Why we like it

Esports-tuned EQ profiles and THX Spatial Audio 7.1.4 add positional cues, and the detachable HyperClear mic captures super-wideband voice. Its 70 hours battery life ranks second of 5 here, behind the Cloud Alpha 2 (250 hours) and ahead of the G325 (24 hours). On driver size it sits mid-pack at 50mm: the Cloud Alpha 2 comes in at 53mm, and the Redragon H888 comes in at 40mm.

Like the Cloud Alpha 2, it has a detachable microphone, while the Arctis Nova 5 uses a retractable microphone. 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. If you want a confirmed weight, look to the Redragon H888 instead: it weighs 168g, while this one gives no figure.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Battery life: 70 hours
  • Driver size: 50mm
  • Connection: HyperSpeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
  • Microphone: Detachable

Pros

  • Up to 70 hours of battery life
  • 50mm drivers
  • Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
  • HyperSpeed with 50mm drivers

Cons

  • No published weight
  • Costs more than the Redragon H888 at the time of writing
Logitech G325 Lightspeed Wireless

Lightest Boom Headset5 of 6

Logitech G325 Lightspeed Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Logitech's G325 weighs 212g and adds a beamforming boom mic to Lightspeed and Bluetooth.

Best for

Long sessions.

Skip if

Pass on it if shorter 24-hour batter rules it out for your setup.

Why we like it

It is the lighter, newer alternative to the G435 with a boom. Its 24 hours battery life is the shortest in this group; the Cloud Alpha 2 leads at 250 hours. On weight it sits mid-pack at 212g: the Redragon H888 weighs 168g, and the Barracuda X comes in at 250g.

No other pick in this guide offers a beamforming boom microphone; compare the Arctis Nova 5, which has a retractable microphone. On a PC, use the Lightspeed dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency. It was priced above the Redragon H888 and below the Barracuda X at the time of writing.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Battery life: 24 hours
  • Weight: 212g
  • Connection: Lightspeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
  • Microphone: Beamforming boom

Pros

  • Light 212g build
  • Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
  • 212g frame
  • Lightspeed and Bluetooth

Cons

  • Shorter 24-hour battery
  • Battery life trails the Cloud Alpha 2 (250 hours)
  • No published driver size
Redragon H888 Wireless Gaming Headset

Lightest Build6 of 6

Redragon H888 Wireless Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Redragon's H888 weighs 168g and offers 2.4GHz, Bluetooth and wired modes.

Best for

Long sessions where clamp and weight add up.

Skip if

Pass if a published battery life matters; this one has none.

Why we like it

Its mic detaches when you only need headphones. On driver size it ties with the Barracuda X at 40mm. On weight it leads this guide at 168g, ahead of the G325 (212g).

No other pick in this guide offers a detachable boom microphone; compare the G325, which has a beamforming boom microphone. You also get three connection modes and a detachable microphone. On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency.

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 6 picks at the time of writing, with the G325 the next step up. There is no published battery life figure, whereas the Cloud Alpha 2 runs for 250 hours.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Driver size: 40mm
  • Weight: 168g
  • Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired 3.5mm
  • Microphone: Detachable boom

Pros

  • Light 168g build
  • Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
  • Three connection modes
  • 168g frame

Cons

  • No published battery life
  • Driver size trails the Cloud Alpha 2 (53mm)

How We Chose These Gaming Headsets with Bluetooth

Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.

Connection options
We recorded each headset's connections, since they decide which systems it works with and how much latency to expect.
Microphone
We checked whether a microphone is included, detachable or noise-rejecting.
Drivers and design
We noted driver size and whether the design is open or closed, which shapes sound and isolation.
Battery and weight
We compared rated battery life and weight where makers state them, noting where lighting affects the battery claim.

What to Look for in a Gaming Headset with Bluetooth

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Virtual surround is software

    7.1 and spatial audio labels usually describe software processing, not extra drivers. They can help locate sounds in some games and hurt music in others.

    Make sure you can switch it off in the headset's software.

  5. Console versions are not always interchangeable

    Some wireless headsets come in PC, PlayStation and Xbox versions with different dongles. An Xbox-specific model may not connect wirelessly to a PlayStation.

    Buy the version that matches every system you plan to use.

  6. Open-back or closed-back

    Open-back headphones sound more spacious and feel cooler, but they leak sound and block little outside noise. Closed-back models isolate better in shared rooms.

    Choose open-back only if you play in a quiet room on your own.

How to Choose a Gaming Headset with Bluetooth

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Long sessions away from a charging cableCloud Alpha 2The longest battery life here (250 hours)
PC and phoneArctis Nova 5A retractable mic with 60 hours
HandheldsBarracuda XA USB-C dongle and Bluetooth
ShootersBlackShark V3HyperSpeed with 50mm drivers
Long sessionsG325212g with Lightspeed and Bluetooth
Long sessions where clamp and weight add upRedragon H888The lightest weight here (168g)

Scroll sideways to see every column.

Key specs side by side

Figures as each maker states them.

HeadsetBattery lifeDriver sizeWeightConnection
Cloud Alpha 2250 hours53mmNot listed2.4GHz and Bluetooth simultaneously
Arctis Nova 560 hoursNot listedNot listed2.4GHz, Bluetooth
Barracuda X50 hours40mm250g2.4GHz USB-C, Bluetooth
BlackShark V370 hours50mmNot listedHyperSpeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
G32524 hoursNot listed212gLightspeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
Redragon H888Not listed40mm168g2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired 3.5mm

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.

Price tierHeadsets
Under $50Redragon H888
About $50 to $100G325, Barracuda X
About $100 to $150Arctis Nova 5, BlackShark V3
About $150 to $250Cloud Alpha 2

Frequently Asked Questions

Are open-back headphones good for gaming?

They give a wide, natural soundstage but leak sound and block little noise. They suit quiet rooms, not shared spaces.

Is Bluetooth good enough for gaming?

For casual games it is fine, but 2.4GHz dongles have noticeably lower latency. Use the dongle for competitive play.

Do I need a separate microphone?

Only if your headphones do not include one or you stream. Most gaming headsets include a usable microphone.

Should I turn on virtual surround?

Try it in each game. It can help with positioning in some titles and make others sound hollow.

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.

Do wired headsets sound better than wireless ones?

Not necessarily. Driver quality and tuning matter more, but wired models avoid compression, latency and charging.

Bottom Line

HyperX's Cloud Alpha 2 leads on battery and runs both links at once. SteelSeries's Nova 5 has a retractable mic, and Redragon's H888 is the budget pick.