The Best Headsets for Developers

Its mic detaches when you only need headphones. It matches the Barracuda X and the Stealth 500 PS on driver size (40mm). You get a detachable boom microphone here, which sets it apart from the Stealth 500 PS and its a flip-to-mute 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 undercut the Ozeino Wireless and every other pick on price at the time of writing.

The maker claims 40 hours of battery life. Its 2.4GHz link has under 30ms delay, and it plugs in over USB-A or USB-C. The 50mm drivers suit budget console and PC gaming.

It also works over USB-C, which suits handhelds and some consoles. On battery life it ties with the Stealth 500 PS at 40 hours. It matches the Philips Open-Back on driver size (50mm).

You get a boom mic microphone here, which sets it apart from the Stealth 500 PS and its a flip-to-mute microphone. On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Redragon H888 and the pricier Barracuda X, at the time of writing.

It adds Bluetooth, a detachable cardioid mic and a 250g frame. Its 50 hours battery life is the longest here; the Ozeino Wireless comes next at 40 hours. On driver size it ties with the Redragon H888 and the Stealth 500 PS at 40mm.

No other pick in this guide offers a detachable cardioid microphone; compare the Stealth 500 PS, which has a flip-to-mute microphone. You also get a USB-C dongle that suits phones and handhelds. 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. It was priced above the Ozeino Wireless and below the Stealth 500 PS at the time of writing.

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 Ozeino Wireless on battery life (40 hours).

On driver size it ties with the Redragon H888 and the Barracuda X at 40mm. It is the only pick here with a flip-to-mute microphone; the Ozeino Wireless has a boom mic microphone instead. It also offers a mid price tier.

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 Barracuda X and cheaper picks cost less, and the Philips Open-Back cost more.

It is the lowest-priced open-back model here. Its open-back design suits long music sessions, and a padded headband and breathable cushions keep it comfortable. It matches the Ozeino Wireless on driver size (50mm).

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. Because it is open-back, other people in the room will hear it, and it will not block outside noise. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Stealth 500 PS and the rest. The maker doesn't give its battery life; if that figure matters, the Barracuda X runs for 50 hours.