Stereo sound with powerful mics

Although there’s no shortage of great options when it comes to buying a new headset in 2026, if you have a sizeable budget and want to go all in on a pair of cans that offer truly unparalleled audio and plenty of quality-of-life features, then we can’t recommend the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni enough.

Admittedly, at £349/$400, the Nova Pro Omni are more in line with the pricing of high-end headphones from Bose and Sony, but that’s arguably the better way to view them. Because this headset can be used across PC and consoles, not to mention Bluetooth-enabled devices like your smartphone, the Nova Pro Omni can be used as a proper pair of headphones in all instances, instead of an audio solution you only use for gaming.

What ties everything together is the outstanding audio quality onboard this headset, as it features surround sound that truly puts you in the centre of the action. When diving into titles like Counter-Strike 2 and Battlefield 6, our reviewer was able to hear the footsteps of their enemies which played a big part in managing to get the drop on them.

Because the Omni also supports 24-bit/96kHz Hi-Res audio, you’re getting a great listening experience with music too. When listening to indie and alternative tracks, we were impressed by the level of detail on offer, to the point where you’d never think that you were getting a lesser experience by using a headset instead of a more traditional pair of headphones.

Back to gaming, the omni-directional microphone does a fantastic job of transmitting your voice with tons of clarity, and it’s boosted by the AI-driven noise-cancelling software which is handy if you live in a busy household where peace and quiet just isn’t really a thing. Having swappable batteries also makes it much easier to use the Nova Omni Pro over long gaming sessions, as you’ll never have to worry about a low battery warning ever again.

As great as over-ear gaming headsets can be, oftentimes they can feel a bit cumbersome compared to the minimalist nature of earbuds, and the latter are usually the better option during the hotter months of the year. If you’re ready to see what a pair of great gaming earbuds can bring to the table, then your search should start and end with the phenomenal SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds.

First off, if you’re a gamer who jumps between multiple consoles fairly regularly, then you won’t have to worry about any compatibility issues here. The GameBuds work with all major consoles including the Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series consoles and the Meta Quest 3. Just bear in mind that there are two versions of the device, one meant for Xbox and the other for PS5, although strangely we were able to get the former to also work with a PS5 console.

Of course, the most important aspect of all is sound quality, and the GameBuds absolutely nail it on this front. When playing the latest games, you’ll be able to pick up on a lot of background detail that can usually get lost if you’re playing with lesser powered speakers. They’re also pretty solid for music playback too, which is great for bringing your favourite Spotify/Apple Music playlists into the mix.

An extra feature that still isn’t a given on gaming headsets but has been added here is active noise cancelling. With ANC in tow, you won’t have to worry about any background noise impeding on your gaming sessions, which is great if you live in a fairly busy household. Someone else can easily be watching TV as you play with the GameBuds.

There’s always the concern that earbuds lag behind headphones when it comes to battery life, which can get in the way of longer play sessions, but we think that most people will be perfectly content with what’s available here. You can get up to 10-hours of use from just a single charge, and the charging case allows them to be topped up quickly whilst also providing a total of 40-hours of playback.

Let’s face it, it doesn’t matter how great a headset can be with audio quality, voice capture over the microphone or any other key feature if the whole thing reaches a dead battery right when you’re in the middle of a firefight. If you’re sick of constantly having to keep an eye on how much juice is left in the tank then the Astro A20X Lightspeed Wireless might be exactly what you need as your next upgrade.

On a single charge, you can get up to 90-hours of use with the A20X in tow which is almost unheard of and certainly more than enough to keep you going through several gaming sessions before ever needing to even think about rummaging around for a charging cable. Even with RGB turned on, you still get 40-hours of use.

Of course, it isn’t just the battery life that helps to set the Astro A20X apart; there’s also plenty of compatibility onboard when it comes to connecting to other consoles. Beyond your PC, you can connect the headset to Xbox Series devices, the PS5 and the Nintendo Switch, so you’re catered to regardless of your platform of choice.

For sound quality, the 40mm Pro-G drivers deliver an impressive soundstage, particularly at the lower end. There’s quite a lot of oomph to the bass, so if you’re playing a title like Counter-Strike 2 or Battlefield 6 where there’s a ton of explosions going on, you’re going to feel the weight of them quite a bit more. This isn’t to say that the other layers are left behind as there’s plenty of detail to pick up on, it’s just that the bass line is quite pronounced here.

The headset uses a 48KHz/16-bit microphone to pick up on your voice, and it does a great job of conveying audio to your teammates so they can understand every command or request that you’re throwing out there. The only real downside is that the Astro A20X Lightspeed Wireless doesn’t exactly come cheap, so you may want to consider a more affordable option if you’re tied to a budget.

The AceZone A-Spire, while perhaps lacking the good looks of its counterparts, offers performance that leaves a lasting impression.

At 270g, the headset emerges as a featherweight contender, delivering an unparalleled level of comfort even during multiple 8-hour workdays. Featuring a flexible leather-clad headband and velvety ear cushions, it stands as an ideal companion for those immersive gaming sessions, aligning seamlessly with the standards upheld by eSports aficionados.

The attached microphone is versatile, effortlessly conforming to various positions while maintaining stability. Noteworthy is the thoughtfully incorporated green mark, ensuring optimal alignment for crystal-clear communication – a crucial feature for the eSports-focused among us.

Connectivity options further elevate the A-Spire’s appeal, spanning USB, Bluetooth, and Aux interfaces, accommodating multiple devices for a low-latency experience.

Crucially, the audio performance is noteworthy, even if the 40mm cans are smaller than those of some competitors in our chart. They deliver impressive clarity with a dedicated app that adds an additional layer of customisation, allowing users to fine-tune the audio output to their tastes. There are also specific game profiles for popular FPS games like Apex Legends to help pick up on footsteps and improve game performance.

For those venturing into the eSports realm, the AceZone A-Spire is a reliable entry point, seamlessly blending comfort, adaptability, and superior audio performance.

The Corsair Virtuoso Pro may seem like a rather stripped-back option compared to some similarly priced alternatives given the £169.99/$199.99 price tag, but it does so in order to prioritise audio performance over all else. An aim that’s largely achieved.

Clad in a premium combination of aluminium and plastic, the Virtuoso Pro certainly feel premium, though at 338g, they’re certainly not the most lightweight cans around. That said, our reviewer found that they were comfortable enough in general use, with nice fabric padding in all the right areas to help alleviate the build-up of pressure on the head.

What you won’t find, however, is much in the way of built-in controls. You won’t find any buttons or switches on the cans or even an in-line control on the cable. These features have largely been sacrificed to deliver an open-back design, which is great for audio performance, but no so much when it comes to convenience.

Speaking of, the open-back design of the cans deliver a much wider soundstage than regular over-ear alternatives that delivered exceptional directional audio in testing, whether you’re playing the latest Call of Duty or the new Forza Motorsport. These deliver a seriously immersive sound experience with a powerful low-end, a clear and detailed mid-range and a sharp top-end, though the latter could sometimes be a little too sharp.

The attached microphone isn’t quite as impressive, however, with some notable compression and thin-sounding vocals in testing. It’s more than serviceable for quick chats with friends during gaming sessions, but streamers will likely want to look elsewhere.

Our extensive tests show that the Xbox Wireless Headset is the best gaming headset choice for anyone who owns Microsoft’s consoles. We were able to easily connect it to our Xbox Series X wirelessly, while also using our smartphone simultaneously for Discord chats.

We also really liked the Xbox-themed design, and found the rotating control dial allowed us to easily alter the volume without blindingly searching for small buttons. We were also impressed with the headset’s wide range of features, which includes Dolby Atmos that creates an immersive 3D audio effect.

We found the audio quality to be superb during testing, although we do recommend fiddling with the equaliser to find a soundscape to your liking, as the audio sounds a little muddy to us out of the box.

You can admittedly find plenty of other gaming headsets that have been designed with the Xbox in mind, such as the HyperX CloudX Stinger Core Wireless and Corsair HS75 XB Wireless, but Microsoft’s own headset is our favourite, mainly due to its incredible value.

While it might be tempting to opt for the pricier Sony Inzone H9 (although it’s certainly worth picking up if you jump between games on PS5 and PC), the Pulse Elite headset offers such good value for money that it easily jumps in at the top spot for our favourite PS5 headset.

As a successor to the PlayStation Pulse 3D that launched alongside the PS5, the Pulse Elite is still compatible with Sony’s 3D Audio to create an immersive experience that makes it feel as if you’re hearing everything from the perspective of the character you’re playing, but there’s more to it than that.

Despite its £129.99/$149.99 price point, the Pulse Elite packs high-end planar magnetic drivers which bring out even more detail than before, making conversations feel crisp and adding tons of weight to action scenes. To see them at their best, you only need to wear the Pulse Elite during the chaotic opening segment of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.

There isn’t any active noise cancelling on the Pulse Elite which may be worth bearing in mind if you game in a busy household, but it’s a small issue when you consider how good the sound quality is. Plus, the comfortable padded ear cushions do a decent job of expelling a degree of external noise.

Just like the Pulse Explore earbuds, the Pulse Elite packs Sony’s new PlayStation Link technology, which allows the headset to connect to your PS5 almost instantly. Even though it requires a USB-C dongle to operate (it’s included in the box), it still works brilliantly and allows you to get straight into your desired game quickly.

As a final cherry on top, the Pulse Elite can last for up to 30-hours at a time, but if you’re ever running low then a simple 10-minute top-up can net you another two-hours of playtime. There’s even a charging hook thrown in that allows you to replenish the headset’s battery when it’s stored away.

Although it’s some £/$50 more than its predecessor, the BlackShark V3 Pro is a brilliant gaming headset that offers a comfortable fit and immersive audio too. 

At 367g, the headphones aren’t quite as light as the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X but we did find we got used to the weight after a while. Plus, the memory foam earcups are soft and breathable too, which means for a more comfortable fit too. 

The headphones have plenty of controls including a microphone mute, power button, USB-C, microphone jack and a volume dial on its left side. On the right, you’ll find a profile switch, a customisable dial and an ANC toggle. While there’s undoubtedly a good array of ports, connectivity is easily its strong point here. There’s Bluetooth and a HyperSpeed Gen-2 receiver that has the option for an ultra-low-latency mode (via Razer’s Synapse 4 Suite). You can also use both channels simultaneously for real power user action too. 

Otherwise, the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro offers a brilliant soundstage – especially with their directionality and precision. We found when gaming that footsteps, distant gunshots and explosions have more oomph and allow you to feel like you’re right in the midst of it all. 

While we do wish the headphones performed better at higher volumes, and the microphone offered a stronger noise rejection, generally we were impressed.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X offers a durable yet lightweight design, refined audio and a clear detachable boom microphone, all for under £/$100. If you want a solid pair of gaming headphones but lack the budget, this is the pair for you. 

Although the design looks nice enough, the plastic construction does tend to attract general grease and finger prints if you aren’t careful. Even so, as the Arctis Nova 3X weighs just 260g, they’re easy and non-fatiguing to wear for extended periods. 

Despite the affordable price, the Arctis Nova 3X are an incredibly versatile pair of headphones and are equipped with the same slim USB-C receiver found in the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds which enables a low latency 2.4GHz connection to a wide range of supported devices. There’s also Bluetooth 5.3 too for non-gaming uses too.

With its neodymium magnetic drivers, the Arctis Nova 3X provides a smooth and refined audio experience that works well for both gaming and general media consumption too. Its low-end performance is pleasant enough, however those who like a deeper bass should look elsewhere. 

Alongside the EQ presets, found in the SteelSeries’ Sonar software, you can also choose between over 200 game-specific audio presets from the likes of Call of Duty, Fortnite and many more.

Otherwise, the Arctis Nova 3X sports a detachable boom microphone that offers surprisingly clear and full-bodied pickup while rejecting nearby ambient noise too. 

Overall, anyone looking for an affordable, versatile and comfortable pair of wireless gaming headphones should look no further than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless.

If you’re looking for a gaming headset with a premium build that doesn’t compromise on audio quality, the Audeze Maxwell is for you.

This high-end gaming headset delivers some of the best audio we’ve experienced from a gaming headset, including rich and detailed sound with strong bass thanks to its 90mm planar magnetic drivers.

The design is understated but durable with its subtle all-black design and metal and high-quality plastic build. The earcups are large and plush, while the suspension-style headband ensures these headphones are comfortable to wear during longer gaming sessions.

Along with physical buttons, the Audeze HQ app gives you access to a range of settings on Windows, macOS and smartphones, including EQ presets, mic sidetone levels and the game and chat audio mix.

When it comes to connectivity, you can go wireless with Bluetooth 5.3 or use the bundled USB-C receiver. There’s also the option to use a wired USB-C connection or the classic 3.5mm cable, though the exact options you get depend on which of the countless compatible devices you pair the headset with, with the list including the PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.

For audiophiles, the Audeze Maxwell supports a wide range of codecs, including SBC, AAC and LDAC, along with the ability to play hi-res audio up to 24-bit/192KHz. There’s also support for Dolby Atmos spatial audio with the Xbox version of the headset.

Finally, the 80-hour claimed battery life makes the Maxwell one of the best gaming headsets in its price category, with fast charging applying 30 hours of listening from a 20-minute charge.

If you regularly move between different consoles and platforms, the Logitech G Astro A50 X is our number one recommendation.

This headset might be on the pricier side, but for platform switching its a dream with Logitech’s PlaySync technology letting you do so at the press of a button. The feature works via the included base station, which can be connected to two consoles, a PC and a Bluetooth device all simultaneously. These you can easily cycle through using the aforementioned button on the headphones.

The Astro A50 X looks almost identical to the Astro A50 that launched in 2019 with the same large ear cups, thick padding and flip-down microphone. The construction is fully plastic aside from the metal stems, but its plenty tough and durable. We found it to be remarkably comfortable on top of this, with two breathable cushions covering the ear cups and a snug, but pinch-free fit.

The audio quality is superb and matches the likes of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro in terms of detail. The 40mm drivers offer tremendous bass and there’s a lot of clarity to the mix. Spatial audio is also precise, with the feature being ideal when paired with FPS titles.

The Logitech G app allows you to set EQ parameters – of which the microphone has its own. This means you can ensure your voice sounds rich and clear to those on the other end. We found the mic to be robust, holding its own against the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, though the mic arm can slip away from your face during longer sessions.

There’s also no noise cancellation, which is something you might want to consider for the most immersive listening experience. However, if you find yourself regularly switching between different platforms, we’d highly recommend the Logitech G Astro A50 X.

If you’re a gamer who enjoys the finer things in life and is happy to invest a decent chunk of cash into their set-up, then the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is made for you. Admittedly, with a price tag of £599.99/$599.99, the Nova Elite is eye-wateringly expensive, even managing to be pricier than high-end headphones like the AirPods Max 2, but there’s no denying that what you get in return for all that cash is a premium-tier experience all the way through.

Starting with the sound quality, which is where you’ll notice the headset’s prowess before anything else, there’s a lot to love here. The all-new carbon fibre drivers punch through with a level of clarity and depth that you just won’t find anywhere else. When playing GTA Online, we couldn’t quite believe how much more detail we were hearing in a game that’s been around for years. It shows just how much can be left out of the equation when you’ve been using a lesser pair of headphones or a cheaper headset.

That audio quality also carries through when listening to music. When popping on a live version of George Benson’s Love X Love, the vocals cut through with such power that it almost feels like you’re right there as the song is being recorded. It’s such a lovely way to experience both games and music, but what gives the whole thing an extra push is the presence of noise-cancelling.

If you live in a fairly busy household where it just isn’t possible to get a completely silent backdrop then having ANC to hand is perfect for digitally keeping the world at bay and helping you to lock in with whatever’s on your screen. As our tester found, the onboard mic is easily one of the best we’ve ever come across on a headset, and it also does a great job of rejecting ambient noise to hone in on your voice.

For those who really love to get lost in a great game for hours at a time, you’ll be glad to know that the Nova Elite can keep up with your plans thanks to a whopping 60-hour battery life. Of course, whether or not you reach that ceiling exactly depends on how you use the headset, but the battery can be swapped out so you won’t be left waiting around when it does reach 0%.

One of the biggest problems that plagues a lot of headsets is that, with all the tech onboard, they can end up being a bit on the heavy side which isn’t exactly ideal for long stints of gaming. If you’ve been burned by this before and would like to upgrade to a headset that not only looks sleek but sits comfortably on your head then the Sony Inzone H6 Air is an excellent option to pick up.

Coming in at just 199g (211g with the boom microphone attached), the Inzone H6 Air is among the lightest headsets we’ve ever tested, and with deep earcups on either side, it doesn’t create any unnecessary pressure at any of the contact points around your head. What this meant was that our reviewer was about to wear the H6 Air long beyond the point where less ergonomically designed headsets would cause irritation.

What’s great though is that even with a lightweight build, the Inzone H6 Air still delivers where it counts the most: sound quality. The headset uses the same type of drivers found on MDR-MV1 studio monitoring headphones, which are known for how well they convey detail at all layers so that nothing is missed in production.

It all translates to a very wide soundstage that really keeps you locked in with whatever’s happening onscreen, especially first-person shooters where you’re keeping an ear out for the enemy’s movements to get the drop on them. Given Sony’s prowess when it comes to headphones, we’d expect nothing less here and the brand doesn’t disappoint.

That quality continues when it comes to the performance of the onboard microphone. It picked up our tester’s voice without issue and was able to repel the background noise of their keyboard as well as music, which is no easy feat. Even though the whole apparatus does cost a bit more than your average headset, for pure comfort alone, the Sony Inzone H6 Air is worth the price.

Although there are plenty of premium options to choose from in the world of gaming headsets, if you’re tied to a fairly strict budget then don’t worry, you’re not out of luck. Showing that the brand understands how to make a great budget-friendly headset that still knocks it out of the park on the key features that gamers truly care about, the Logitech G325 Lightspeed is an easy pick to recommend.

For starters, to look at this headset, you’d never know that it was a cheaper piece of tech. The whole design, particularly in the white colourway, looks very minimalist but with an air of confidence about it. The splash of colour that you get from the volume buttons and the corded wire that feeds into the band is a nice touch, and the fact that it all sits comfortably on your head is appreciated.

Where the headset really goes above and beyond however is in audio quality. The overall soundstage is a clean one, with the mid-range coming through clearly which isn’t always a given when shopping at the lower-end of the market. This is partially achieved by making sure that the bass isn’t overwhelming, but it still packed a nice punch when testing out the likes of Counter-Strike 2 and Forza Horizon 5.

What’s great though is that if you have a particular style that you prefer then you can tweak the overall composition quite a bit in the EQ settings. The onboard microphone is solid enough to do the job with basic communication in-game, but don’t expect the quality to match pricier headsets.

Where you’ll most feel the compromise of having a cheaper headset is in the battery life. You can get up to 24-hours of use between charges which isn’t bad, but it certainly lags behind where the industry is generally at right now. If battery life is your key concern and you’re happy to spend just a little bit more then the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless makes for a solid alternative.