Buying Guide
The Best High-End Gaming Headsets
We weighed five headsets on driver size and connection; the Fosi i5 has the largest driver size, and the Kraken V4 Pro costs the least.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Above $250, headsets bring ANC, planar drivers or dual wireless. Every pick cost $250 or more, from the premium end down.
The order reflects driver size, connection and design from maker specifications; we did not test these headsets ourselves, and a missing driver size is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Largest Drivers
Fosi Audio i5 Open-Back Planar Magnetic HeadphonesThe largest driver size here (97mm).
Best for: Players who favour a fuller low end.
Check price for Fosi Audio i5 Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Closed-back Design
beyerdynamic MMX 300 ProA closed-back design.
Best for: Buyers who want a closed-back design.
Check price for beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Open-back Design
beyerdynamic MMX 330 ProAn open-back design.
Best for: Buyers who want an open-back design.
Check price for beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Sony INZONE H9 II Wireless ANCThe driver unit from the WH-1000XM6.
Best for: Buyers who want driver unit from the WH-1000XM6.
Check price for Sony INZONE H9 II Wireless ANC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Razer Kraken V4 ProThe lowest price among these headsets at the time of writing.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the INZONE H9 II the next step up.
Check price for Razer Kraken V4 Pro on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Largest Drivers1 of 5
Fosi Audio i5 Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
What the Fosi i5 brings to the table is a 97mm diaphragm, plus CNC metal and walnut construction.
Best for
- Players who favour a fuller low end.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: open-back leaks sound both ways.
Why we like it
It also offers a 97mm driver size. Its 97mm planar diaphragm is 2 microns thin with a sputtered silver alloy coating. A memory-steel headband, multi-axis pivoting cups and silicone sliders handle the fit.
On driver size it leads this guide at 97mm, ahead of the MMX 300 Pro (45mm). It is the only pick here with a wired connection; the MMX 300 Pro has a wired 3.5mm connection instead. No other pick in this guide offers an open-back planar magnetic design; compare the MMX 300 Pro, which has a closed-back design.
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 MMX 330 Pro and the rest.
Key specs
- Driver size
- 97mm
- Connection
- Wired
- Design
- Open-back planar magnetic
- Microphone
- None
Pros
- 97mm drivers
- No charging or pairing needed
- Open-back for a wider soundstage
- 97mm diaphragm
Cons
- Open-back leaks sound both ways
- No built-in microphone
- Costs more than the Kraken V4 Pro at the time of writing
Closed-back Design2 of 5
beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro
The MMX 300 Pro is built around a plug-in design with no software needed, with closed-back isolation on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want a closed-back design.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Kraken V4 Pro, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 45mm driver size. It matches the MMX 330 Pro on driver size (45mm). Like the MMX 330 Pro, it has a wired 3.5mm connection, while the Fosi i5 uses a wired connection.
It is the only pick here with a closed-back design; the Fosi i5 has an open-back planar magnetic design instead. It shares a condenser microphone with the MMX 330 Pro; the INZONE H9 II goes with a detachable cardioid 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. Its price falls between the INZONE H9 II and the MMX 330 Pro, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Driver size
- 45mm
- Connection
- Wired 3.5mm
- Design
- Closed-back
- Microphone
- Condenser
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Plug-in design with no software needed
- Closed-back isolation
- Driver size of 45mm, ahead of the Kraken V4 Pro
Cons
- Costs more than the Kraken V4 Pro at the time of writing
Open-back Design3 of 5
beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro
The MMX 330 Pro stands out for open-back staging, and it adds a plug-in design with no software needed.
Best for
- Buyers who want an open-back design.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: open-back leaks sound both ways.
Why we like it
It also offers a 45mm driver size. It matches the MMX 300 Pro on driver size (45mm). Like the MMX 300 Pro, it has a wired 3.5mm connection, while the Fosi i5 uses a wired connection.
No other pick in this guide offers an open-back design; compare the Fosi i5, which has an open-back planar magnetic design. It shares a condenser microphone with the MMX 300 Pro; the INZONE H9 II goes with a detachable cardioid 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. Because it is open-back, other people in the room will hear it, and it will not block outside noise.
Key specs
- Driver size
- 45mm
- Connection
- Wired 3.5mm
- Design
- Open-back
- Microphone
- Condenser
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Open-back for a wider soundstage
- Open-back staging
- Plug-in design with no software needed
Cons
- Open-back leaks sound both ways
- Costs more than the Kraken V4 Pro at the time of writing
Also Consider4 of 5
Sony INZONE H9 II Wireless ANC
Sony's INZONE H9 II borrows the driver unit from the WH-1000XM6 and adds a detachable cardioid mic.
Best for
- Buyers who want driver unit from the WH-1000XM6.
Skip if
- Pass if a published driver size matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
It keeps active noise cancelling and a 3.5mm option. It weighs about 260g without the mic and charges over USB-C, where 5 minutes gives up to 1 hour of playtime. A soft pouch for the headset, dongle and cables is included.
No other pick in this guide offers a detachable cardioid microphone; compare the MMX 300 Pro, which has a condenser 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 was priced above the Kraken V4 Pro and below the MMX 300 Pro at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Connection
- 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, 3.5mm
- Microphone
- Detachable cardioid
Pros
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- The driver unit from the WH-1000XM6
- Detachable cardioid mic
- Active noise cancelling
Cons
- No published driver size
- Costs more than the Kraken V4 Pro at the time of writing
The catch
There is no published driver size figure, whereas the Fosi i5 comes in at 97mm.
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
Razer Kraken V4 Pro
The Kraken V4 Pro stands out for an OLED control hub, and it adds TriForce Bio-Cellulose drivers.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the INZONE H9 II the next step up.
Skip if
- Skip it if driver size matters most to you; the Fosi i5 offers 97mm.
Why we like it
It also offers a 40mm driver size. Its 40mm driver size is the smallest in this group; the Fosi i5 leads at 97mm. On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency.
USB and 3.5mm options let it move between a PC and a controller. It makes the most sense for spending as little as possible, with the INZONE H9 II the next step up, since it offers the lowest price among these headsets at the time of writing. It undercut the INZONE H9 II and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Driver size
- 40mm
- Connection
- 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, USB, 3.5mm
- Microphone
- Retractable HyperClear Super Wideband
Pros
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- OLED control hub
- TriForce Bio-Cellulose drivers
- The lowest price among these headsets at the time of writing
Cons
- Driver size trails the Fosi i5 (97mm)
How We Chose These High-End Gaming Headsets
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up five headsets on driver size, connection, design and microphone, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and driver size and design are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Fosi i5 to the Kraken V4 Pro, state connection and microphone.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The INZONE H9 II gives no driver size; the INZONE H9 II and the Kraken V4 Pro give no design.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Kraken V4 Pro ($250 to $500) to the Fosi i5 ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a High-End Gaming Headset
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Driver size
Here driver size runs from 40mm on the Kraken V4 Pro to 97mm on the Fosi i5, a 143% spread. The MMX 300 Pro comes second at 45mm, in the $250 to $500 tier against $500 to $1000 for the Fosi i5. The INZONE H9 II gives no driver size figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Extras that separate them
The MMX 330 Pro: a plug-in design with no software needed. The INZONE H9 II: a detachable cardioid mic. The Kraken V4 Pro: TriForce Bio-Cellulose drivers.
Headphones on a red stand next to an amplifier and bookshelf speakers Where your budget lands
$250 to $500 buys the Kraken V4 Pro, the INZONE H9 II, the MMX 300 Pro and the MMX 330 Pro; $500 to $1000 buys the Fosi i5 at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Players who favour a fuller low end: the Fosi i5. Buyers who want a closed-back design: the MMX 300 Pro. Buyers who want an open-back design: the MMX 330 Pro.
Open-back headphones on a stand beside a headphone amplifier 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 a High-End Gaming Headset
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Players who favour a fuller low end | Fosi i5 | The largest driver size here (97mm) |
| Buyers who want a closed-back design | MMX 300 Pro | A closed-back design |
| Buyers who want an open-back design | MMX 330 Pro | An open-back design |
| Buyers who want driver unit from the WH-1000XM6 | INZONE H9 II | The driver unit from the WH-1000XM6 |
| Spending as little as possible, with the INZONE H9 II the next step up | Kraken V4 Pro | The lowest price among these headsets at the time of writing |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Fosi i5 leads on driver size at 97mm, ahead of the MMX 300 Pro at 45mm. "Not listed" marks driver size where the INZONE H9 II leaves the figure out.
| Headset | Driver size | Connection | Design | Microphone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fosi i5 | 97mm | Wired | Open-back planar magnetic | None |
| MMX 300 Pro | 45mm | Wired 3.5mm | Closed-back | Condenser |
| MMX 330 Pro | 45mm | Wired 3.5mm | Open-back | Condenser |
| INZONE H9 II | Not listed | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, 3.5mm | Not listed | Detachable cardioid |
| Kraken V4 Pro | 40mm | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, USB, 3.5mm | Not listed | Retractable HyperClear Super Wideband |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Kraken V4 Pro was the lowest-priced pick ($250 to $500) and the Fosi i5 the highest ($500 to $1000) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Headsets |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | Kraken V4 Pro, INZONE H9 II, MMX 300 Pro, MMX 330 Pro |
| About $500 to $1000 | Fosi i5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Fosi i5 ahead of the MMX 300 Pro on driver size?
The Fosi i5 tops driver size at 97mm; the MMX 300 Pro follows at 45mm, 116% apart. The spread runs down to the Kraken V4 Pro at 40mm. No driver size figure is published for the INZONE H9 II, which leaves 4 of 5 picks ranked here.
What does the Fosi i5 add over the Kraken V4 Pro?
What it brings is driver size (97mm against 40mm). On our last price check the Kraken V4 Pro was in the $250 to $500 tier and the Fosi i5 in the $500 to $1000 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if driver size decides your purchase.
Why is the Fosi i5 our Largest Drivers pick?
The label rests on the largest driver size here (97mm). On driver size it leads the MMX 300 Pro, 97mm against 45mm, an 116% margin. The Kraken V4 Pro, the cheapest pick, sat in the $250 to $500 tier against $500 to $1000 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at anyone who favours a fuller low end.
Do the Fosi i5 and the MMX 300 Pro differ on design?
The Fosi i5 uses open-back planar magnetic; the MMX 300 Pro uses Closed-back; the MMX 330 Pro uses open-back. The INZONE H9 II and the Kraken V4 Pro have no design listed, so 3 of 5 picks are covered here.
What extras do the Fosi i5 and the MMX 300 Pro include?
The Fosi i5: a 97mm diaphragm. The MMX 300 Pro: a plug-in design with no software needed. The MMX 330 Pro: open-back staging.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Fosi i5. Look at the MMX 300 Pro for a closed-back design, the MMX 330 Pro for an open-back design and the INZONE H9 II for the driver unit from the WH-1000XM6 if those matter more to you.
Check the warranty and whether batteries can be replaced.
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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