The Best Headsets for Streaming

It connects over USB or 3.5mm. It matches the Cloud III S on driver size (53mm). It is the only pick here with a wired (USB and 3.5mm) connection; the BlackShark V2 X PS has a wired 3.5mm connection instead.

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. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper AOC and the pricier Cloud III S, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its battery life; if that figure matters, the Cloud III S runs for 120 hours.

Its aluminium frame resists knocks, and a lifetime Spatial Audio activation adds 3D positioning on PC. Magnetic ear-cup plates can be swapped. The 10mm boom mic has an LED mute indicator and a built-in mesh filter.

Both USB-A and USB-C connectors are included for the dongle. You get a detachable microphone here, which sets it apart from the BlackShark V2 X and its a HyperClear cardioid microphone. It also comes with memory foam cushions.

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 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Cloud II and the rest.

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.

It matches the BlackShark V2 X and the AOC on driver size (50mm). Like the BlackShark V2 X, it has a wired 3.5mm connection, while the Cloud II uses a wired (USB and 3.5mm) connection. It shares a HyperClear cardioid microphone with the BlackShark V2 X; the AOC goes with a detachable boom microphone.

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 BlackShark V2 X was the next step up.

At 240g it is one of the lighter closed-back headsets here. On driver size it ties with the BlackShark V2 X PS and the AOC at 50mm. 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.

Like the BlackShark V2 X PS, it has a HyperClear cardioid microphone, while the Cloud III S uses a detachable 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 priced above the BlackShark V2 X PS and below the AOC at the time of writing.

The mic detaches and the drivers are 50mm. It matches the BlackShark V2 X PS and the BlackShark V2 X on driver size (50mm). A detachable boom microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the Cloud III S uses a detachable microphone.

It also comes with three connection modes including Bluetooth 6.0 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. Its price falls between the BlackShark V2 X and the Cloud II, based on our last check.