Buying Guide
The Best PC Gaming Headsets
Six PC gaming headsets compared on connection, battery life, driver size and microphone, from the ANC BlackShark V3 Pro to the wired HS65 Surround.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
A good PC headset needs a low-latency connection, a clear microphone and enough comfort for long sessions. Battery life and ANC separate the wireless models.\n\nWe compared six on connection, battery, drivers and mic.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Overall PC Headset
Razer BlackShark V3 Wireless Gaming Headset
50mm drivers, dongle plus Bluetooth and a 70-hour battery.
Best for: Most PC players who want wireless.
Our take Check price for Razer BlackShark V3 Wireless Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
Longest Battery Life
HyperX Cloud III S Wireless Gaming Headset
The longest battery life here (120 hours).
Best for: Players who hate charging mid-week.
Our take Check price for HyperX Cloud III S Wireless Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
Best With ANC
Razer BlackShark V3 Pro Wireless ANC Gaming Headset
Active noise cancellation with a 3.5mm option.
Best for: Noisy rooms and travel.
Our take Check price for Razer BlackShark V3 Pro Wireless ANC Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
Best Retractable Mic
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless Gaming Headset
A retractable mic and USB-C fast charging.
Best for: Players who also wear it away from the desk.
Our take Check price for SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
Best for Dolby Atmos
Corsair Virtuoso MAX Wireless Gaming Headset
Dolby Atmos support with ANC.
Best for: Players who want Atmos and noise cancelling.
Our take Check price for Corsair Virtuoso MAX Wireless Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
Best Wired Pick
Corsair HS65 Surround Wired Gaming Headset
50mm drivers over 3.5mm or USB with flip-to-mute.
Best for: Players who prefer a cable.
Our take Check price for Corsair HS65 Surround Wired Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Overall PC Headset1 of 6
Razer BlackShark V3 Wireless Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The BlackShark V3 balances the list: 50mm drivers, a 70-hour battery, a detachable mic and both dongle and Bluetooth modes.
Best for
- Most PC players who want wireless.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the HS65 Surround was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Esports-tuned EQ profiles and THX Spatial Audio 7.1.4 add positional cues, and the detachable HyperClear mic captures super-wideband voice. On battery life it sits mid-pack at 70 hours: the Cloud III S runs for 120 hours, and the Arctis Nova 5 comes in at 60 hours. It matches the BlackShark V3 Pro, the Virtuoso MAX and the HS65 Surround on driver size (50mm).
It shares a detachable microphone with the Cloud III S and BlackShark V3 Pro; the HS65 Surround goes with 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. Its price falls between the Arctis Nova 5 and the BlackShark V3 Pro, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: 70 hours
- Driver size: 50mm
- Connection: HyperSpeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
- Microphone: Detachable
Pros
- Up to 70 hours of battery life
- 50mm drivers
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- 50mm drivers, dongle plus Bluetooth and a 70-hour battery
Cons
- Costs more than the HS65 Surround at the time of writing
Longest Battery Life2 of 6
HyperX Cloud III S Wireless Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Cloud III S leads on battery at a 120 hours, with 53mm drivers, the largest here.
Best for
- Players who hate charging mid-week.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the HS65 Surround cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its aluminium frame resists knocks, and a lifetime Spatial Audio activation adds 3D positioning on PC. Magnetic ear-cup plates can be swapped. On battery life it leads this guide at 120 hours, ahead of the BlackShark V3 (70 hours).
Its 53mm driver size is the largest here; the BlackShark V3 comes next at 50mm. Like the BlackShark V3 and BlackShark V3 Pro, it has a detachable microphone, while the Arctis Nova 5 uses a retractable 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. When we checked, only the HS65 Surround cost less, and the Arctis Nova 5 cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: 120 hours
- Driver size: 53mm
- Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
- Microphone: Detachable
Pros
- Up to 120 hours of battery life
- 53mm drivers
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- Memory foam cushions
Cons
- Costs more than the HS65 Surround at the time of writing
Best With ANC3 of 6
Razer BlackShark V3 Pro Wireless ANC Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The BlackShark V3 Pro adds active noise cancellation and a 3.5mm wired option to the BlackShark design.
Best for
- Noisy rooms and travel.
Skip if
- Its battery life is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
HyperSpeed Gen-2 wireless keeps latency around 10ms, and the detachable 12mm HyperClear mic captures voice in full band. Active noise cancellation helps in loud rooms. It matches the BlackShark V3, the Virtuoso MAX and the HS65 Surround on driver size (50mm).
It shares a detachable microphone with the BlackShark V3 and Cloud III S; the HS65 Surround goes with 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. 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.
On price it sat fifth of 6, between the cheaper BlackShark V3 and the pricier Virtuoso MAX, 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.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 50mm
- Connection: HyperSpeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, 3.5mm
- Microphone: Detachable
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- Active noise cancellation
- Active noise cancellation with a 3.5mm option
Cons
- No published battery life
- Costs more than the HS65 Surround at the time of writing
Best Retractable Mic4 of 6
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Arctis Nova 5 folds its mic away into the ear cup and fast-charges over USB-C, which makes it easy to wear outside.
Best for
- Players who also wear it away from the desk.
Skip if
- Skip it if battery life matters most to you; the Cloud III S offers 120 hours.
Why we like it
A compact USB-C dongle swaps between PC, PlayStation, Switch and Meta Quest, and Quick-Switch jumps to Bluetooth. All controls sit on the ear cups. Over 100 game presets tune the audio in the companion app.
Its 60 hours battery life is the shortest in this group; the Cloud III S leads at 120 hours. It is the only pick here with a retractable microphone; the BlackShark V3 has a detachable microphone instead. On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: 60 hours
- Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
- Microphone: Retractable
Pros
- Up to 60 hours of battery life
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- USB-C fast charging
- Retractable microphone, the only one here
Cons
- Battery life trails the Cloud III S (120 hours)
- No published driver size
- Costs more than the HS65 Surround at the time of writing
Best for Dolby Atmos5 of 6
Corsair Virtuoso MAX Wireless Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Virtuoso MAX is Corsair's premium wireless headset with ANC and Dolby Atmos support, at the highest price here.
Best for
- Players who want Atmos and noise cancelling.
Skip if
- The maker gives no battery life, so look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.
Why we like it
Its 50mm graphene drivers and Dolby Atmos spatial audio on PC suit story games, and ANC blocks room noise. It connects over 2.4GHz or Bluetooth. Its battery and wireless range suit moving away from the desk mid-session.
It connects over low-latency 2.4GHz or Bluetooth, and the mic handles voice chat. Its battery covers several days of play between charges. It matches the BlackShark V3, the BlackShark V3 Pro and the HS65 Surround on driver size (50mm).
It also comes with active noise cancellation. On a PC, use the 2.4GHz dongle for games and keep Bluetooth for a phone, since Bluetooth adds latency. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the BlackShark V3 Pro. Buyers who need a confirmed battery life should compare it with the Cloud III S, which runs for 120 hours.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 50mm
- Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- Dual wireless: dongle plus Bluetooth
- Active noise cancellation
- Dolby Atmos support
Cons
- No published battery life
- Costs more than the HS65 Surround at the time of writing
Best Wired Pick6 of 6
Corsair HS65 Surround Wired Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The HS65 Surround is the wired value pick, with 50mm drivers, 3.5mm and USB connections and flip-to-mute.
Best for
- Players who prefer a cable.
Skip if
- Skip it if driver size matters most to you; the Cloud III S offers 53mm.
Why we like it
It matches the BlackShark V3, the BlackShark V3 Pro and the Virtuoso MAX on driver size (50mm). You get a flip-to-mute microphone here, which sets it apart from the Arctis Nova 5 and its a retractable microphone. You also get Dolby Atmos support.
USB and 3.5mm options let it move between a PC and a controller. It also brings no charging or pairing needed. It undercut the Cloud III S and every other pick on price 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.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 50mm
- Weight: 282g
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm, USB
- Microphone: Flip-to-mute
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- No charging or pairing needed
- Dolby Atmos support
- Flip-to-mute microphone, the only one here
Cons
- Driver size trails the Cloud III S (53mm)
How We Chose These PC Gaming Headsets
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Platform support
- We checked which consoles and PCs each maker names, and flagged Xbox-specific connections.
- Drivers and design
- We noted driver size and whether the design is open or closed, which shapes sound and isolation.
- Battery and weight
- We compared rated battery life and weight where makers state them, noting where lighting affects the battery claim.
- Microphone
- We checked whether a microphone is included, detachable or noise-rejecting.
What to Look for in a PC Gaming Headset
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
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.
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.
Open-back or closed-back
Open-back headphones sound more spacious and feel cooler, but they leak sound and block little outside noise. Closed-back models isolate better in shared rooms.
Choose open-back only if you play in a quiet room on your own.
Check the microphone type
Detachable microphones let the headset double as everyday headphones. Some audiophile headphones have no microphone at all, so you would need a separate one.
If you stream or join calls, a cardioid or noise-rejecting mic is worth prioritising.
Console versions are not always interchangeable
Some wireless headsets come in PC, PlayStation and Xbox versions with different dongles. An Xbox-specific model may not connect wirelessly to a PlayStation.
Buy the version that matches every system you plan to use.
Weight and clamp matter after an hour
Lighter headsets reduce pressure on the top of the head, and memory foam or fabric pads stay cooler. A difference of 50g is noticeable over long sessions.
If you wear glasses, look for soft pads that do not press the arms into your head.
How to Choose a PC Gaming Headset
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most PC players who want wireless | BlackShark V3 | 50mm drivers, dongle plus Bluetooth and a 70-hour battery |
| Players who hate charging mid-week | Cloud III S | The longest battery life here (120 hours) |
| Noisy rooms and travel | BlackShark V3 Pro | Active noise cancellation with a 3.5mm option |
| Players who also wear it away from the desk | Arctis Nova 5 | A retractable mic and USB-C fast charging |
| Players who want Atmos and noise cancelling | Virtuoso MAX | Dolby Atmos support with ANC |
| Players who prefer a cable | HS65 Surround | 50mm drivers over 3.5mm or USB with flip-to-mute |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Headset | Battery life | Driver size | Connection | Microphone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BlackShark V3 | 70 hours | 50mm | HyperSpeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth | Detachable |
| Cloud III S | 120 hours | 53mm | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth | Detachable |
| BlackShark V3 Pro | Not listed | 50mm | HyperSpeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, 3.5mm | Detachable |
| Arctis Nova 5 | 60 hours | Not listed | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth | Retractable |
| Virtuoso MAX | Not listed | 50mm | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth | Not listed |
| HS65 Surround | Not listed | 50mm | Wired 3.5mm, USB | Flip-to-mute |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Headsets |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | HS65 Surround |
| About $100 to $150 | Cloud III S, Arctis Nova 5, BlackShark V3 |
| About $150 to $250 | BlackShark V3 Pro, Virtuoso MAX |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate microphone?
Only if your headphones do not include one or you stream. Most gaming headsets include a usable microphone.
Should I turn on virtual surround?
Try it in each game. It can help with positioning in some titles and make others sound hollow.
Are gaming headsets comfortable with glasses?
Softer memory foam pads and lighter clamp help. Look for listings that mention glasses support if it matters to you.
Do wired headsets sound better than wireless ones?
Not necessarily. Driver quality and tuning matter more, but wired models avoid compression, latency and charging.
Is Bluetooth good enough for gaming?
For casual games it is fine, but 2.4GHz dongles have noticeably lower latency. Use the dongle for competitive play.
Are open-back headphones good for gaming?
They give a wide, natural soundstage but leak sound and block little noise. They suit quiet rooms, not shared spaces.
Bottom Line
The BlackShark V3 is the best fit for most PC players. Pick the Cloud III S for battery life, the BlackShark V3 Pro for ANC and the HS65 Surround if you want a cable.