Buying Guide
The Best Over-Ear Headphones for Gaming
We weighed three headsets on driver size and weight, and the BlackShark V3 X Xbox costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read3 products evaluated
Over-ear cups spread pressure around the ear and block more noise than on-ear designs. Every pick is wireless with 50mm or larger drivers and weighs 280g or less, ordered from the lightest.
Rankings weigh driver size, weight and connection as the makers state them; we did not test these headsets ourselves, and any figure a maker omits is noted as missing.
Quick Picks
Our 3 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed (Xbox)
The cheapest way into this group, below the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed.
Best for: Getting Xbox-licensed version of the V3 X for the least money.
Our take Check price for Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed (Xbox) (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed (PC)
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Gen-2 50mm TriForce drivers.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed (PC) (opens in a new tab)
Included Microphone
Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed
An included microphone.
Best for: Buyers who want an included microphone.
Our take Check price for Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The cheapest way into this group, below the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed. | Getting Xbox-licensed version of the V3 X for the least money. | Check price for Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed (Xbox) (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Gen-2 50mm TriForce drivers. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed (PC) (opens in a new tab) |
| An included microphone. | Buyers who want an included microphone. | Check price for Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 3
Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed (Xbox) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the BlackShark V3 X Xbox brings to the table is an Xbox-licensed version of the V3 X, plus Gen-2 50mm drivers.
Best for
- Getting Xbox-licensed version of the V3 X for the least money.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
It also offers a 50mm driver size and weighs 270g. On weight it ties with the BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed at 270g. Like the BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed, it has a 9mm HyperClear microphone, while the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed uses an included microphone.
It also offers HyperSpeed and Bluetooth. On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency. Worth noting too: light 270g build. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed was closest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 50mm
- Weight: 270g
- Connection: HyperSpeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
- Microphone: 9mm HyperClear
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- Light 270g build
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- Xbox-licensed version of the V3 X
Premium Pick2 of 3
Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed (PC) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Razer's BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed adds Bluetooth to a 2.4GHz esports headset with Gen-2 50mm drivers.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the BlackShark V3 X Xbox was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
The mic is a 9mm HyperClear capsule. It weighs 270g, and TriForce Gen-2 50mm drivers sharpen positional cues. 7.1 surround adds depth. On weight it ties with the BlackShark V3 X Xbox at 270g.
Like the BlackShark V3 X Xbox, it has a 9mm HyperClear microphone, while the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed uses an included microphone. On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency. It also brings light 270g build. Only the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 3 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 50mm
- Weight: 270g
- Connection: HyperSpeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
- Microphone: 9mm HyperClear
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- Light 270g build
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- Gen-2 50mm TriForce drivers
Cons
- Costs more than the BlackShark V3 X Xbox at the time of writing
Included Microphone3 of 3
Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed brings Razer's TriForce Titanium 50mm drivers and a 70-hour battery to a mid-range price.
Best for
- Buyers who want an included microphone.
Skip if
- Skip it if weight matters most to you; the BlackShark V3 X Xbox offers 270g.
Why we like it
At 280g it is one of the two lightest headsets here. Its 280g weight is the heaviest in this group; the BlackShark V3 X Xbox leads at 270g. You get an included microphone here, which sets it apart from the BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed and its a 9mm HyperClear microphone.
It also comes with an ultra-light 280g frame. It connects through a USB wireless dongle, so keep a free USB port near your desk for the best range. On price it sat second of 3, between the cheaper BlackShark V3 X Xbox and the pricier BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed, at the time of writing. The trade-off is driver size; for more, the BlackShark V3 X Xbox comes in at 50mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: 70 hours
- Driver size: 50mm
- Weight: 280g
- Connection: HyperSpeed 2.4GHz wireless
- Microphone: Included
Pros
- Up to 70 hours of battery life
- 50mm drivers
- Light 280g build
- TriForce Titanium drivers
Cons
- Weight trails the BlackShark V3 X Xbox (270g)
- Costs more than the BlackShark V3 X Xbox at the time of writing
How We Chose These Over-Ear Headphones for Gaming
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side three headsets on driver size, weight, connection and microphone from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 3, from the BlackShark V3 X Xbox to the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed, state driver size, weight and connection.
- Who each pick suits
- The BlackShark V3 X Xbox for the cheapest way into this group, below the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed; the BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Gen-2 50mm TriForce drivers; the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed for an included microphone.
- Price range
- From the BlackShark V3 X Xbox to the BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed, all sat in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in Over-Ear Headphones for Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Weight across these picks
Here weight runs from 280g on the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed to 270g on the BlackShark V3 X Xbox. Start with the BlackShark V3 X Xbox if weight decides it.
Extras that separate them
The BlackShark V3 X Xbox: Gen-2 50mm drivers. The BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed: a 9mm HyperClear mic. The BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed: an ultra-light 280g frame.
How much to spend
All 3 sat in one tier when we checked, from the BlackShark V3 X Xbox at the low end to the BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed at the top, so decide on features first.
Start from what matters most
Getting Xbox-licensed version of the V3 X for the least money: the BlackShark V3 X Xbox. Buyers who want the most complete package: the BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed. Buyers who want an included microphone: the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed.
Battery life claims vary with lighting
Makers quote battery life under their own conditions, often with RGB lighting off. A 50-hour claim can drop noticeably with lighting on.
Compare figures at similar settings, and look for fast charging if you forget to plug in.
How to Choose Over-Ear Headphones for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting Xbox-licensed version of the V3 X for the least money | BlackShark V3 X Xbox | The cheapest way into this group, below the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Gen-2 50mm TriForce drivers |
| Buyers who want an included microphone | BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed | An included microphone |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The BlackShark V3 X Xbox leads on weight at 270g, ahead of the BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed at 270g.
| Headset | Driver size | Weight | Connection | Microphone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BlackShark V3 X Xbox | 50mm | 270g | HyperSpeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth | 9mm HyperClear |
| BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed | 50mm | 270g | HyperSpeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth | 9mm HyperClear |
| BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed | 50mm | 280g | HyperSpeed 2.4GHz wireless | Included |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed our Included Microphone pick?
It earns the label for an included microphone. It suits anyone who wants an included microphone.
Do the BlackShark V3 X Xbox and the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed differ on microphone?
The BlackShark V3 X Xbox and the BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed use 9mm HyperClear; the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed uses Included.
What extras do the BlackShark V3 X Xbox and the BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed include?
The BlackShark V3 X Xbox: an Xbox-licensed version of the V3 X. The BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed: Gen-2 50mm TriForce drivers. The BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed: TriForce Titanium drivers.
Who should choose the BlackShark V3 X Xbox?
The BlackShark V3 X Xbox carries our Lowest Price Here label for the cheapest way into this group, below the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed. It ranks first of 3 here.
Should I pick the BlackShark V3 X Xbox or the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed?
The BlackShark V3 X Xbox suits getting Xbox-licensed version of the V3 X for the least money; the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed suits buyers who want an included microphone.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the BlackShark V3 X Xbox, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed. Look at the BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Gen-2 50mm TriForce drivers and the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed for an included microphone if those matter more to you.
Test the fit with your glasses if you wear them.