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 BlackShark V2 X Xbox and the pricier Cloud III S, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its weight; if that figure matters, the BlackShark V2 X PS weighs 240g.

Its aluminium frame resists knocks, and a lifetime Spatial Audio activation adds 3D positioning on PC. Magnetic ear-cup plates can be swapped. 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. 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.

Like the BlackShark V2 X and BlackShark V2 X Xbox, 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 and BlackShark V2 X Xbox; the Cloud III S goes with a detachable microphone. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the BlackShark V2 X was the next step up. The main gap: driver size of 50mm, behind the Cloud II (53mm). If that matters, the Cloud II comes in at 53mm.

At 240g it is one of the lighter closed-back headsets here. It shares a wired 3.5mm connection with the BlackShark V2 X PS and BlackShark V2 X Xbox; the Cloud II goes with a wired (USB and 3.5mm) connection. Like the BlackShark V2 X PS and BlackShark V2 X Xbox, 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 BlackShark V2 X Xbox at the time of writing.

Its 3.5mm plug connects to an Xbox controller. Razer's Triforce Titanium 50mm drivers tune highs, mids and lows separately. The HyperClear cardioid mic picks up more voice than room noise, and the closed cups give a tighter passive seal.

It matches the BlackShark V2 X PS and the BlackShark V2 X on driver size (50mm). Like the BlackShark V2 X PS and 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 PS and BlackShark V2 X; the Cloud III S goes with a detachable microphone.

On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper BlackShark V2 X and the pricier Cloud II, at the time of writing. The trade-off is driver size; for more, the Cloud II comes in at 53mm.