Buying Guide
The Best Headphones for Gaming
Five headsets ranked on driver size and connection; the Cloud II is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Gaming headphones range from open-back audio headphones to headsets with boom mics. This set is ordered by listed driver size.
The order reflects driver size, connection and microphone from maker specifications; gaps in the specs are flagged, not filled in rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Xbox)
60mm Eclipse dual drivers.
Best for: Buyers who want 60mm Eclipse dual drivers.
Our take Check price for Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Xbox) (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Wireless (PlayStation)
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 60mm Eclipse dual drivers.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Wireless (PlayStation) (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
HyperX Cloud II
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for HyperX Cloud II (opens in a new tab)
Upgraded Microphone
HyperX Cloud III Wired
A upgraded microphone.
Best for: Buyers who want a upgraded microphone.
Our take Check price for HyperX Cloud III Wired (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
HyperX Cloud III Wired (Red)
Angled 53mm drivers.
Best for: Buyers who want angled 53mm drivers.
Our take Check price for HyperX Cloud III Wired (Red) (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Xbox) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Stealth 700 uses the largest drivers here, 60mm Eclipse dual drivers, and a CrossPlay dual transmitter for switching between systems.
Best for
- Buyers who want 60mm Eclipse dual drivers.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Cloud II cost less when we checked.
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.
It is the only pick here with a CrossPlay dual transmitter connection; the Cloud II has a wired (USB and 3.5mm) connection instead. It shares a flip-to-mute microphone with the Stealth 700 PS; the Cloud III goes with a upgraded microphone. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Cloud III Red and the pricier Stealth 700 PS, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & 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
- Costs more than the Cloud II at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Wireless (PlayStation) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The PlayStation Stealth 700 uses 60mm Eclipse drivers and offers up to 80 hours of battery life.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Cloud II, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It runs 2.4GHz and Bluetooth at the same time. This PlayStation version runs 2.4GHz and Bluetooth at once and is rated for up to 80 hours per charge. Its flip-to-mute mic uses AI noise reduction.
A steel-reinforced headband and lay-flat ear cups add durability, and the wheel and mode button can be remapped. Like the Stealth 700, it has a flip-to-mute microphone, while the Cloud III uses a upgraded microphone. On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency. Only the Stealth 700 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: 80 hours
- Driver size: 60mm
- Connection: 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5 simultaneously
- Microphone: Flip-to-mute
Pros
- Up to 80 hours of battery life
- 60mm drivers
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- 60mm Eclipse dual drivers
Cons
- Costs more than the Cloud II at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
HyperX Cloud II on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Cloud II remains a sensible pick: 53mm drivers, 7.1 virtual surround and a detachable noise-cancelling mic in an aluminum frame.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Pass on it if driver size of 53mm, behind the Stealth 700 (60mm rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It connects over USB or 3.5mm. On driver size it ties with the Cloud III and the Cloud III Red at 53mm. It shares a wired (USB and 3.5mm) connection with the Cloud III; the Cloud III Red goes with a wired USB and 3.5mm connection.
It also offers memory foam ear pads and an aluminum frame. USB and 3.5mm options let it move between a PC and a controller. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the Cloud III the next step up. What it gives up: driver size of 53mm, behind the Stealth 700 (60mm); by contrast, the Stealth 700 comes in at 60mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 53mm
- Connection: Wired (USB and 3.5mm)
- Microphone: Detachable, noise-cancelling
Pros
- 53mm drivers
- No charging or pairing needed
- 7.1 virtual surround
- Memory foam ear pads and an aluminum frame
Cons
- Driver size of 53mm, behind the Stealth 700 (60mm)
Upgraded Microphone4 of 5
HyperX Cloud III Wired on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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
- Buyers who want a upgraded microphone.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Cloud II, which cost less when we checked.
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. It is the only pick here with a upgraded microphone; the Stealth 700 has a flip-to-mute microphone instead. USB and 3.5mm options let it move between a PC and a controller. When we checked, only the Cloud II cost less, and the Cloud III Red cost more.
Key dimensions & 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 Cloud II at the time of writing
Strong Alternative5 of 5
HyperX Cloud III Wired (Red) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
This red Cloud III has angled 53mm drivers and a mic with a mute LED.
Best for
- Buyers who want angled 53mm drivers.
Skip if
- Skip it if driver size matters most to you; the Stealth 700 offers 60mm.
Why we like it
It connects over USB-C, USB-A or 3.5mm. Its aluminium frame is flexible, and the noise-cancelling mic has a built-in mesh filter for clear voice chat. You get a wired USB and 3.5mm connection here, which sets it apart from the Cloud III and its a wired (USB and 3.5mm) connection.
USB and 3.5mm options let it move between a PC and a controller. Another plus is no charging or pairing needed. It was priced above the Cloud III and below the Stealth 700 at the time of writing. It gives ground on driver size, where the Stealth 700 comes in at 60mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 53mm
- Connection: Wired USB and 3.5mm
- Microphone: Noise-cancelling with mute LED
Pros
- 53mm drivers
- No charging or pairing needed
- Angled 53mm drivers
- Mic mute LED
Cons
- Driver size trails the Stealth 700 (60mm)
- Costs more than the Cloud II at the time of writing
How We Chose These Headphones for Gaming
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Platform support
- We checked which consoles and PCs each maker names, and flagged Xbox-specific connections.
- Drivers and design
- We noted driver size and whether the design is open or closed, which shapes sound and isolation.
- Microphone
- We checked whether a microphone is included, detachable or noise-rejecting.
- Connection options
- We recorded each headset's connections, since they decide which systems it works with and how much latency to expect.
What to Look for in Headphones for Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Headphones for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want 60mm Eclipse dual drivers | Stealth 700 | 60mm Eclipse dual drivers |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | Stealth 700 PS | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 60mm Eclipse dual drivers |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | Cloud II | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want a upgraded microphone | Cloud III | A upgraded microphone |
| Buyers who want angled 53mm drivers | Cloud III Red | Angled 53mm drivers |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Headset | Driver size | Connection | Microphone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stealth 700 | 60mm | CrossPlay dual transmitter | Flip-to-mute |
| Stealth 700 PS | 60mm | 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5 simultaneously | Flip-to-mute |
| Cloud II | 53mm | Wired (USB and 3.5mm) | Detachable, noise-cancelling |
| Cloud III | 53mm | Wired (USB and 3.5mm) | Upgraded |
| Cloud III Red | 53mm | Wired USB and 3.5mm | Noise-cancelling with mute LED |
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 tier | Headsets |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | Cloud II |
| About $50 to $100 | Cloud III, Cloud III Red |
| About $150 to $250 | Stealth 700, Stealth 700 PS |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these headsets has the largest driver size?
The Stealth 700, at 60mm. The Stealth 700 PS follows at 60mm, while the Cloud III Red has 53mm.
What is the least I can spend on one of these headsets?
That was the Cloud II at our last check; if you can stretch, the Cloud III is the next step up and the Stealth 700 PS the priciest.
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.
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.
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 Stealth 700, chosen for 60mm Eclipse dual drivers. Look at the Stealth 700 PS for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 60mm Eclipse dual drivers, the Cloud II for the lowest price of the group at our last check and the Cloud III for a upgraded microphone if those matter more to you.
Open-back headphones sound wider but leak sound in shared rooms.