The Best Headsets for Calls

A cardioid mic picks up less from the sides than an omnidirectional one. On weight it ties with the Barracuda X at 250g. It shares a wired 3.5mm connection with the BlackShark V2 X PS; the Cloud II goes with a wired (USB and 3.5mm) connection.

It is the only pick here with a cardioid boom microphone; the BlackShark V2 X PS has a HyperClear cardioid microphone instead. It also offers a budget price tier. 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.

No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the CM7002 was closest. If you want a confirmed driver size, look to the Cloud II instead: it comes in at 53mm, while this one gives no figure.

Noise cancelling on the mic helps in a loud room. Its 50mm drivers and soft over-ear cushions aim at long competitive sessions, and an ENC mic reduces background noise. The wired link avoids battery worries.

It matches the BlackShark V2 X PS on driver size (50mm). It is the only pick here with a wired connection; the NUBWO HG04L has a wired 3.5mm connection instead. You get an ENC noise-cancelling boom microphone here, which sets it apart from the BlackShark V2 X PS and its a HyperClear cardioid microphone.

On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper NUBWO HG04L and the pricier BlackShark V2 X PS, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its weight; if that figure matters, the BlackShark V2 X PS weighs 240g.

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.

On driver size it ties with the CM7002 at 50mm. On weight it leads this guide at 240g, ahead of the NUBWO HG04L (250g). It shares a wired 3.5mm connection with the NUBWO HG04L; the Cloud II goes with a wired (USB and 3.5mm) connection.

It is the only pick here with a HyperClear cardioid microphone; the CM7002 has an ENC noise-cancelling boom microphone instead. 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. When we checked, only the CM7002 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Cloud II cost more.

It connects over USB or 3.5mm. Nothing else here matches its 53mm driver size; the CM7002 comes closest at 50mm. You get a wired (USB and 3.5mm) connection here, which sets it apart from the NUBWO HG04L and its a wired 3.5mm connection.

You also get memory foam ear pads and an aluminum frame. USB and 3.5mm options let it move between a PC and a controller. It was priced above the BlackShark V2 X PS and below the Barracuda X at the time of writing. There is no published weight figure, whereas the BlackShark V2 X PS weighs 240g.

It adds Bluetooth, a detachable cardioid mic and a 250g frame. On driver size it trails the group at 40mm, while the Cloud II comes in at 53mm. On weight it ties with the NUBWO HG04L at 250g.

It is the only pick here with a detachable cardioid microphone; the NUBWO HG04L has a cardioid boom microphone instead. 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.

At our last price check it topped the group, with the Cloud II the nearest cheaper option. Driver size is its weakest area, and the Cloud II covers it better at 53mm.