Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Headsets
Seven gaming headsets across wired, wireless and cross-platform designs, compared on connection, battery, driver size and mic.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
13 min read7 products evaluated
Gaming headsets split into wired models, which are cheaper and never need charging, and wireless ones, which vary widely in which devices they support. Match the connection to your setup first.
We compared connection, battery, drivers and mic from each listing; we did not test these headsets.
Quick Picks
Which of the 7 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best Wireless Flagship
Logitech G PRO X 2 Lightspeed WirelessLightspeed, Bluetooth and 3.5mm with a detachable cardioid mic.
Best for: One headset for every device.
Check price for Logitech G PRO X 2 Lightspeed Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best for Phone and PC
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 22.4GHz and Bluetooth at the same time.
Best for: Taking calls while gaming.
Check price for SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Longest Battery Life
HyperX Cloud Alpha WirelessThe longest battery life here (300 hours).
Best for: Players who hate charging mid-week.
Check price for HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Drivers
Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Xbox)The largest driver size here (60mm).
Best for: Players who favour a fuller low end.
Check price for Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Xbox) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Wireless
Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeedHyperSpeed wireless at 280g.
Best for: Wireless under $100.
Check price for Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Wired
HyperX Cloud III Wired53mm drivers with USB and 3.5mm connections.
Best for: Wired setups.
Check price for HyperX Cloud III Wired on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lightest Build
Razer BlackShark V2 XThe lightest weight here (240g).
Best for: Players who notice a heavy headset after an hour.
Check price for Razer BlackShark V2 X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Wireless Flagship1 of 7
Logitech G PRO X 2 Lightspeed Wireless
The G PRO X 2 is the most complete wireless headset here: Lightspeed for low-latency games, Bluetooth for a phone and a 3.5mm cable for a controller, all around 50mm graphene drivers.
Best for
- One headset for every device.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the BlackShark V2 X cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its detachable 6mm cardioid mic lets it double as everyday headphones. It matches the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 on battery life (50 hours). On driver size it ties with the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed and the BlackShark V2 X at 50mm.
No other pick in this guide offers a detachable 6mm cardioid microphone; compare the Stealth 700, which has a flip-to-mute microphone. You also get a USB-A dongle with a 3.5mm pass-through port. On a PC, use the Lightspeed 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. Only the Stealth 700 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 7 picks.
Key specs
- Battery life
- 50 hours
- Driver size
- 50mm
- Connection
- Lightspeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, 3.5mm
- Microphone
- Detachable 6mm cardioid
Pros
- Up to 50 hours of battery life
- 50mm drivers
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- Graphene drivers
Cons
- Costs more than the BlackShark V2 X at the time of writing
The catch
There is no published weight figure, whereas the BlackShark V2 X weighs 240g.
Best for Phone and PC2 of 7
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
- Taking calls while gaming.
Skip if
- Skip it if battery life matters most to you; the Cloud Alpha Wireless offers 300 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.
On battery life it ties with the G PRO X 2 at 50 hours. A noise-rejecting microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed uses an included microphone. It also comes with 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. Its price falls between the Cloud Alpha Wireless and the Stealth 700, based on our last check.
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 Wireless (300 hours)
- No published driver size
- Costs more than the BlackShark V2 X at the time of writing
The catch
If battery life is your priority, the Cloud Alpha Wireless (300 hours) is the stronger choice.
Longest Battery Life3 of 7
HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
The Cloud Alpha Wireless stands apart on battery: HyperX offers up to 300 hours, several times any other claim here.
Best for
- Players who hate charging mid-week.
Skip if
- Its driver size is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
It pairs that with DTS Headphone:X spatial audio and dual-chamber drivers in an aluminum frame. Its 300 hours battery life is the longest here; the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed comes next at 70 hours. It is the only pick here with a 2.4GHz wireless connection; the Stealth 700 has a CrossPlay dual transmitter connection instead.
It shares an included microphone with the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed; the Stealth 700 goes with a flip-to-mute microphone. It connects through a USB wireless dongle, so keep a free USB port near your desk for the best range. On price it sat fourth of 7, between the cheaper BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed and the pricier Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Battery life
- 300 hours
- Connection
- 2.4GHz wireless
- Microphone
- Included
Pros
- Up to 300 hours of battery life
- DTS Headphone:X spatial audio
- Dual-chamber drivers in a durable aluminum frame
- 2.4GHz wireless connection, the only one here
Cons
- No published driver size
- Costs more than the BlackShark V2 X at the time of writing
The catch
The maker doesn't give its driver size; if that figure matters, the Stealth 700 comes in at 60mm.
Largest Drivers4 of 7
Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Xbox)
The Stealth 700 uses the largest drivers here, 60mm Eclipse dual drivers, and a CrossPlay dual transmitter for switching between systems.
Best for
- Players who favour a fuller low end.
Skip if
- The maker gives no battery life, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
Memory foam cushions designed for glasses make it one of the more comfortable options for long sessions. It runs 2.4GHz and Bluetooth at the same time, so you can take a phone call while gaming, and the battery is rated for up to 80 hours. The glasses-friendly memory foam cushions and 10-band EQ app help on long sessions.
Nothing else here matches its 60mm driver size; the Cloud III comes closest at 53mm. No other pick in this guide offers a CrossPlay dual transmitter connection; compare the Cloud III, which has a wired (USB and 3.5mm) connection. A flip-to-mute microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the BlackShark V2 X uses a HyperClear cardioid microphone. Its price falls between the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 and the G PRO X 2, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Driver size
- 60mm
- Connection
- CrossPlay dual transmitter
- Microphone
- Flip-to-mute
Pros
- 60mm drivers
- 60mm Eclipse dual drivers
- Memory foam cushions designed for glasses
- CrossPlay dual transmitter connection, the only one here
Cons
- No published battery life
- Costs more than the BlackShark V2 X at the time of writing
The catch
Buyers who need a confirmed battery life should compare it with the Cloud Alpha Wireless, which runs for 300 hours.
Best Budget Wireless5 of 7
Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed
The BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed brings Razer's TriForce Titanium 50mm drivers and a 70-hour battery to a mid-range price.
Best for
- Wireless under $100.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the BlackShark V2 X, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
At 280g it is one of the two lightest headsets here. On battery life it sits mid-pack at 70 hours: the Cloud Alpha Wireless runs for 300 hours, and the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 comes in at 50 hours. No other pick in this guide offers a HyperSpeed 2.4GHz wireless connection; compare the Cloud III, which has a wired (USB and 3.5mm) connection.
It shares an included microphone with the Cloud Alpha Wireless; the Cloud III goes with a upgraded microphone. You also get an ultra-light 280g frame. It connects through a USB wireless dongle, so keep a free USB port near your desk for the best range. Its price falls between the Cloud III and the Cloud Alpha Wireless, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Battery life
- 70 hours
- Driver size
- 50mm
- Weight
- 280g
- Connection
- HyperSpeed 2.4GHz wireless
- Microphone
- Included
Pros
- Up to 70 hours of battery life
- 50mm drivers
- Light 280g build
- TriForce Titanium drivers
Cons
- Costs more than the BlackShark V2 X at the time of writing
Best Wired6 of 7
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
- Wired setups.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the BlackShark V2 X 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. On driver size it sits mid-pack at 53mm: the Stealth 700 comes in at 60mm, and the BlackShark V2 X comes in at 50mm. You get a wired (USB and 3.5mm) connection here, which sets it apart from the BlackShark V2 X and its a wired 3.5mm connection.
No other pick in this guide offers a upgraded microphone; compare the G PRO X 2, which has a detachable 6mm cardioid microphone. USB and 3.5mm options let it move between a PC and a controller. It was priced above the BlackShark V2 X and below the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed at the time of writing.
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 BlackShark V2 X at the time of writing
The catch
There is no published battery life figure, whereas the Cloud Alpha Wireless runs for 300 hours.
Lightest Build7 of 7
Razer BlackShark V2 X
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
- Players who notice a heavy headset after an hour.
Skip if
- Skip it if driver size matters most to you; the Stealth 700 offers 60mm.
Why we like it
At 240g it is one of the lighter closed-back headsets here. It matches the G PRO X 2 and the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed on driver size (50mm). No other pick in this guide offers a wired 3.5mm connection; compare the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed, which has a HyperSpeed 2.4GHz wireless connection.
A HyperClear cardioid microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the Cloud III uses a upgraded microphone. You also get 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 was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Cloud III was the next step up.
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
- Passive noise cancellation
Cons
- Driver size trails the Stealth 700 (60mm)
The catch
Buyers who need a confirmed battery life should compare it with the Cloud Alpha Wireless, which runs for 300 hours.
How We Chose These 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.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared seven headsets on battery life, driver size, weight and connection from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 2 of the 5 fields compared are stated for every pick, while battery life and driver size have gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 7, from the G PRO X 2 to the BlackShark V2 X, state connection and microphone.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Stealth 700, the Cloud III and the BlackShark V2 X give no battery life; the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 and the Cloud Alpha Wireless give no driver size.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the BlackShark V2 X (under $50) to the G PRO X 2 ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a Gaming Headset
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Driver size
The Stealth 700 tops driver size at 60mm and the BlackShark V2 X sits lowest at 50mm. The Cloud III comes second at 53mm, in the $50 to $100 tier against $150 to $250 for the Stealth 700. The Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 and the Cloud Alpha Wireless give no driver size figure, so 5 of 7 picks are compared here.
Battery life across these picks
Here battery life runs from 50 hours on the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 to 300 hours on the Cloud Alpha Wireless, a 500% spread. For less, the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed is the runner-up at 70 hours ($50 to $100 tier). The Stealth 700, the Cloud III and the BlackShark V2 X give no battery life figure, so 4 of 7 picks are compared here.
A headset hanging on a PC case next to a monitor Weight across these picks
Across these 2 picks weight spans 280g (the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed) to 240g (the BlackShark V2 X). If weight is your first filter, the BlackShark V2 X sets the ceiling at 240g. The G PRO X 2, the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2, the Cloud Alpha Wireless, the Stealth 700 and the Cloud III give no weight figure, so 2 of 7 picks are compared here.
Extras that separate them
The BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed: an ultra-light 280g frame. The Cloud III: an upgraded microphone. The BlackShark V2 X: breathable foam ear cushions.
A gaming headset beside a desk with backlit speakers How much to spend
Under $50 buys the BlackShark V2 X; $50 to $100 buys the Cloud III and the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed; $100 to $150 buys the Cloud Alpha Wireless; $150 to $250 buys the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2, the Stealth 700 and the G PRO X 2 at our last check.
How to Choose a Gaming Headset
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| One headset for every device | G PRO X 2 | Lightspeed, Bluetooth and 3.5mm with a detachable cardioid mic |
| Taking calls while gaming | Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 | 2.4GHz and Bluetooth at the same time |
| Players who hate charging mid-week | Cloud Alpha Wireless | The longest battery life here (300 hours) |
| Players who favour a fuller low end | Stealth 700 | The largest driver size here (60mm) |
| Wireless under $100 | BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed | HyperSpeed wireless at 280g |
| Wired setups | Cloud III | 53mm drivers with USB and 3.5mm connections |
| Players who notice a heavy headset after an hour | BlackShark V2 X | The lightest weight here (240g) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Stealth 700 leads on driver size at 60mm, ahead of the Cloud III at 53mm. "Not listed" marks battery life where the Stealth 700, the Cloud III and the BlackShark V2 X leave the figure out.
| Headset | Battery life | Driver size | Weight | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G PRO X 2 | 50 hours | 50mm | Not listed | Lightspeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, 3.5mm |
| Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 | 50 hours | Not listed | Not listed | 2.4GHz and Bluetooth simultaneously |
| Cloud Alpha Wireless | 300 hours | Not listed | Not listed | 2.4GHz wireless |
| Stealth 700 | Not listed | 60mm | Not listed | CrossPlay dual transmitter |
| BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed | 70 hours | 50mm | 280g | HyperSpeed 2.4GHz wireless |
| Cloud III | Not listed | 53mm | Not listed | Wired (USB and 3.5mm) |
| BlackShark V2 X | Not listed | 50mm | 240g | Wired 3.5mm |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The BlackShark V2 X was the lowest-priced pick (under $50) and the G PRO X 2 the highest ($150 to $250) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Headsets |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | BlackShark V2 X |
| About $50 to $100 | Cloud III, BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed |
| About $100 to $150 | Cloud Alpha Wireless |
| About $150 to $250 | Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2, Stealth 700, G PRO X 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Cloud III compare with the Stealth 700 on driver size?
Between the top two, it is 60mm on the Stealth 700 against 53mm on the Cloud III, a 13% difference. The BlackShark V2 X closes the ranking at 50mm. No driver size figure is published for the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 and the Cloud Alpha Wireless, which leaves 5 of 7 picks ranked here.
Which has the longest battery life: the Cloud Alpha Wireless or the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed?
The Cloud Alpha Wireless tops battery life at 300 hours; the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed follows at 70 hours, 329% apart. The Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 is at the other end of this group with 50 hours. The Stealth 700, the Cloud III and the BlackShark V2 X don't state a battery life figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 4 of 7 picks are ranked.
Is the BlackShark V2 X ahead of the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed on weight?
The BlackShark V2 X comes out best at 240g, with the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed at 280g. The G PRO X 2, the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2, the Cloud Alpha Wireless, the Stealth 700 and the Cloud III are left out of this ranking because their weight isn't stated; 2 of 7 picks are ranked.
Why is the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 our Best for Phone and PC pick?
It carries the badge for 2.4GHz and Bluetooth at the same time. The BlackShark V2 X, the cheapest pick, sat in the under $50 tier against $150 to $250 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits taking calls while gaming.
Do the G PRO X 2 and the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 differ on microphone?
The G PRO X 2 uses Detachable 6mm cardioid; the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 uses noise-rejecting; the Cloud Alpha Wireless and the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed use Included; the Stealth 700 uses flip-to-mute; the Cloud III uses Upgraded; the BlackShark V2 X uses HyperClear cardioid.
What extras do the G PRO X 2 and the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 include?
The G PRO X 2: graphene drivers. The Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2: simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth audio. The Cloud Alpha Wireless: DTS Headphone:X spatial audio.
Bottom Line
Logitech's G PRO X 2 is the most flexible headset here, and the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 suits players who take calls. HyperX's Cloud Alpha Wireless lasts longest, and the Cloud III and BlackShark V2 X cover wired setups.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Wireless Gaming Headsets for PC
- Related guideThe Best Wired Gaming Headsets and Headphones for PC
- Related guideThe Best PC Gaming Headsets
- Lower budgetThe Best Gaming Headsets Under $20
- Similar guideThe Best Lightweight Wireless Gaming Headsets
- ExplainerHow to Choose a PC Headset
- ExplainerHeadset connection types for PC, PS5 and Xbox
- Also see: microphonesUSB vs XLR microphones: what each needs and what each gives you
- Similar guideThe Best Xbox Gaming Headsets That Also Work With PC
- 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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