The Best Gaming Headsets: 7 Top Options For When You Just Want to Plug In

With highly anticipated new games releasing soon, including Resident Evil Village, these choices, offering optimal sound and comfort, are sure to enhance the gaming experience.

By Thomas Hindle

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March 17, 2021 11:45am

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Best Gaming Headsets - Video Games

Steelseries

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There are times when you want to just keep the world out and plug in. And sometimes that means firing up a video game and letting the imaginary world absorb you. As any gamer knows, sessions can be long and invigorating — with round upon round, level upon level, making the hours pass by. But no true gamer feels complete without the right tech, the perfect gadgets to optimize the gaming experience.

Chief among those crucial components are headsets. There are a lot of headsets on the market, and finding the perfect pair isn’t easy. Some manufacturers seem to sacrifice optimal sound for comfort. Others offer the convenience of going wireless, but with painfully short battery life.

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With new releases either on the market or soon to come, it’s an ideal time to invest in a fresh new pair. Whether you play Cyberpunk, FIFA 21, or are anticipating the newest edition in the Halo or Resident Evil series — Resident Evil Village is due out in early May while Halo Infinite drops later this year — these headsets are sure to help you squeeze every last ounce of quality out of your experience.

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, we may receive an affiliate commission.

So, which headsets are the best?

Here are seven options that don’t make any sacrifices, offering both performance and comfort. Ranging from affordable to flashy, each pair offers unique perks, and are worth considering for either novice or experienced gamers.

1. Logitech G635

Logitech has a great reputation in the gaming community, known as an excellent all-round brand for keyboards, mice, and headsets. It’s no surprise, then, that its sound systems rank as some of the best around. The G635 headphones are among the comfier and best quality options on the market. Featuring coveted 7.1 surround sound with optimized quality, and a detachable microphone that delivers near-impeccable sound, the headphones offer a well-rounded experience to make long gaming sessions comfortable and practical. With padded memory foam earmuffs and an adjustable head strap, they’re a good fit for all ages, and ideal for rookies and veterans alike.

Logitech G635, $81, on Amazon

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2. Razer BlackShark

Razer is a pure gamer’s brand. Each component of their headsets is specifically tailored to make the gaming experience as precise and responsive as possible. The Blackshark is the reasonably priced model in which all of Razer’s best traits are available. The diaphragms are coated in titanium for added clarity at different sound levels. The set comes with a removable USB sound card that allows for the exact tinkering and customization of volume and bass. And the memory foam around the massive speakers is specifically designed to be heat and sweat resistant. Though they’re bulky, it’s hard to find a better system for a pure gaming fanatic.

Razer BlackShark, $90, on Amazon

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3. Steelseries Arctis 9

Wireless gaming headsets are admittedly a bit of a risk. Even the slightest glitch in Bluetooth speed can drastically affect the experience. Fortunately, Steelseries seems to have mastered the art of a seamless Bluetooth headset. The Arctis line runs the gamut, offering products for as low as $100, and as high as $200. The 7 series, though, is a happy medium. Made for XBOX but compatible with a plethora of consoles, the eye-catching product is among the best wireless options out there. It offers 24 hour battery life, made to outlast even the longest gaming sessions. And the microphone features advanced noise cancelling — the same used by aircraft carriers — to shut out everything but the human voice. For those who want a wireless setup, it doesn’t get much better.

Steelseries Arctis, $200, on Steelseries.com

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4. Astro A50

There are a lot of excellent, affordable headphones on the market. But there’s also room for something a bit more upscale. And if you’re willing to part with upwards of $300 for nearly unparalleled quality, the Astro A50 is one of the better options. The headset is wireless, and comes with a wireless charging station that promises up to 20 months of battery life. Everything about the set is customizable, with the company’s “astro command center software” allowing the user to change frequency, bass, timbre, and sound quality on a detailed interface. Light, durable, and comfortable, they have all the components to deliver on the hefty price tag.

Astro A50, $300, on Astro.com

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5. Beyerdynamic MMX 300

Some headsets shut out the world, sacrificing that little bit of sound quality in return for no sound being produced. Beyerdynamic, though, takes a different approach, letting noise escape in order to manufacture a more complete sound. It’s a no-nonsense, gamer-first auditory experience, similar to that of Razer. While the MMX 300 doesn’t come with a microphone attached, Beyerdynamic recommends that it be paired with its FOX mic, which promises studio quality sound. Although they’re not as pretty as others, the unique system creates a wall of sound, one that amplifies every tiny vibration in the gaming experience.

Beyerdynamic MMX 300, $299, on Amazon

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6. Asus ROG Delta

The Asus ROG is striking. A triangular decal coupled with flashes of bright color — which can be changed according to the owner’s preferences — make the headset standout. But it’s more than a pretty face. Its decibel capacity is higher than most other headphones on the market, making the sound quality pristine even at incredibly high volumes. The speakers are designed to have the bass in the middle of the ear, with the higher frequencies around the outside, combining for a well-balanced sound that elevates the gaming experience. It also features a microphone with a lighting system to let users know when it’s muted.

Asus ROG Delta, $130.90, on Amazon

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7. Turtle Beach Recon Spark

Gaming headsets don’t have to be expensive. Sure, a pretty penny guarantees a certain level of quality, but there are some cheaper options out there. Chief among them is the Turtle Beach Recon Spark. A fun, bright set, it does the basics incredibly well. The sound quality is good, and memory foam headphones make them a comfortable option. Furthermore, Turtle Beach has optimized its headsets specifically for people who wear glasses, making the foam softer around the area where a pair of specs lies. Though the microphone isn’t detachable, the Recon Spark is a fun brand for a beginner who doesn’t want to drop too much on a fancy headset.

Turtle Beach Recon Spark, $50, on Amazon

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