We Spent the Last Three Months Testing the Top 24 Gaming Headsets in 2025
Published: 16th January 2025
Choosing the right gaming headset in 2025 isn't just about gaming anymore. Sure, we all want that immersive audio that lets you hear every footstep and explosion, but nowadays, gaming headsets are used outside of gaming as well.
They've become go-to gear for everything from Zoom calls to binge-watching Netflix. It doesn't matter whether you're grinding through a game or just trying to get through your daily meetings, the perfect headset needs to deliver top-notch sound, comfort, and even style.
Our team went through a lot of headsets this year: 24, to be exact. We tested everything from sound quality and mic performance to how comfortable they are during those long sessions. After days (okay, maybe weeks) of testing, we narrowed it down to the top 5 headsets that really stood out.
These picks aren't just great for gaming; they'll handle anything you throw at them, making them solid all-around performers for work, play, and everything in between.
Further below, we'll be breaking down some of the best gaming headsets we've tried this year and which ones came out on top.
Sold at buycosari.com
147 reviews
RANKING:
A+
147 reviews
RANKING:
A+
Summary:
By far, everyone had the best results with Cosari Gaming Headset. A fan favorite since their company began, it features a noise-cancelling mic and 50mm speakers for crystal clear audio. It is compatible with multiple devices such as PS5, Nintendo Switch and iPad. Their impressive battery life of 48 hours definitely got us through our long dungeon crawls!
Summary:
By far, everyone had the best results with Cosari Gaming Headset. A fan favorite since their company began, it features a noise-cancelling mic and 50mm speakers for crystal clear audio. It is compatible with multiple devices such as PS5, Nintendo Switch and iPad. Their impressive battery life of 48 hours definitely got us through our long dungeon crawls!
POSITIVE
- Crisp, dynamic audio with 50mm premium speaker drivers.
- 2 connection types: Bluetooth and wireless.
- Adjustable ear muffs made of pillowy memory foam, and padded headband.
- Long lasting battery of more than 48+ hours.
- Noise-cancelling mic.
- Compatible with multiple devices.
- Free shipping in the USA.
NEGATIVE
- Occasionally out of stock due to high demand.
- Only sold online at buycosari.com.
Overview:
After testing out 24 of the top gaming headsets, our favorite by far was Cosari.
Cosari Gaming Headset is equipped with 50mm premium speaker drivers. It has a one-touch noise-cancelling feature to filter out noises in real-time, ensuring crystal clear communication with your teammates. Designed with comfort in mind, its ear muffs and headband are padded with memory foam so it molds to your head shape easily.
We appreciate that it has 3 different connection types, and that you can even use wireless and wifi mode simultaneously so you can juggle gaming with phone calls.
Comparable to high-end brands used by professional gamers, the Cosari Gaming Headset is a steal for only $199, and it works just as well.
In addition to their great price compared to others the market, they also provide free shipping and a 1-year warranty on their product.
Cosari has quickly become one of the best-selling gaming headsets in the US thanks to its incredible battery life and convenient compatibility.
We received the package 4 days after placing the order on their website, and it came with the headset itself itself, a wireless USB transmitter, charging cable, connection cable, and was nicely packed in a branded Cosari box.
If you are looking for the best quality gaming headset sold at a reasonable price, Cosari is our top choice.
Overview:
After testing out 24 of the top gaming headsets, our favorite by far was Cosari.
Cosari Gaming Headset is equipped with 50mm premium speaker drivers. It has a one-touch noise-cancelling feature to filter out noises in real-time, ensuring crystal clear communication with your teammates. Designed with comfort in mind, its ear muffs and headband are padded with memory foam so it molds to your head shape easily.
We appreciate that it has 3 different connection types, and that you can even use wireless and wifi mode simultaneously so you can juggle gaming with phone calls.
Comparable to high-end brands used by professional gamers, the Cosari Gaming Headset is a steal for only $199, and it works just as well.
In addition to their great price compared to others the market, they also provide free shipping and a 1-year warranty on their product.
Cosari has quickly become one of the best-selling gaming headsets in the US thanks to its incredible battery life and convenient compatibility.
We received the package 4 days after placing the order on their website, and it came with the headset itself itself, a wireless USB transmitter, charging cable, connection cable, and was nicely packed in a branded Cosari box.
If you are looking for the best quality gaming headset sold at a reasonable price, Cosari is our top choice.
2. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Sold by SteelSeries
52 reviews
RANKING:
B+
52 reviews
RANKING:
B+
Summary:
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless has innovative hot-swappable batteries, providing 22 hours per charge and a charging hub that doubles as an EQ system. It delivers exceptional sound clarity across all tones and works seamlessly across consoles and PC. Ideal for gamers who play on multiple platforms and want premium audio with the flexibility of on-the-fly adjustments, it's a solid long-term investment.
Summary:
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless has innovative hot-swappable batteries, providing 22 hours per charge and a charging hub that doubles as an EQ system. It delivers exceptional sound clarity across all tones and works seamlessly across consoles and PC. Ideal for gamers who play on multiple platforms and want premium audio with the flexibility of on-the-fly adjustments, it's a solid long-term investment.
POSITIVE
- 360° spatial audio for immersive surround sound.
- Active noise cancellation.
- Hot-swapping from one battery to another, each lasting up to 22 hours.
- Fully custom, high-fidelity speakers with ANC.
NEGATIVE
- SteelSeries is a popular brand and stock may run low at times.
- More expensive than other products in the market.
Overview:
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a highly-rated model for a good reason. Recommended by professional gamers, our testers ranked it second on our list for a few key reasons, starting with its standout feature: hot-swappable batteries.
You get two batteries in the box, each lasting 22 hours, and when one runs out, you can swap it out in seconds, thanks to the included charging hub. Speaking of the hub, it's more than just a connector for your PC and consoles; it's a full EQ system with a display and control dial, making quick adjustments and switching between devices super easy.
The audio quality is also top-notch, with a balanced soundstage that delivers crisp bass and clear definition across all tones. It's definitely an investment, but one that will last for years, especially for gamers who play on multiple platforms. Just skip this one if you're not into tweaking your EQ or only play on a single system.
Overview:
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a highly-rated model for a good reason. Recommended by professional gamers, our testers ranked it second on our list for a few key reasons, starting with its standout feature: hot-swappable batteries.
You get two batteries in the box, each lasting 22 hours, and when one runs out, you can swap it out in seconds, thanks to the included charging hub. Speaking of the hub, it's more than just a connector for your PC and consoles; it's a full EQ system with a display and control dial, making quick adjustments and switching between devices super easy.
The audio quality is also top-notch, with a balanced soundstage that delivers crisp bass and clear definition across all tones. It's definitely an investment, but one that will last for years, especially for gamers who play on multiple platforms. Just skip this one if you're not into tweaking your EQ or only play on a single system.
3. HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
Sold by HyperX
30 reviews
RANKING:
B-
30 reviews
RANKING:
B-
Summary:
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless has an insane 300-hour battery life. Its sound profile is crisp, with excellent directional audio, but the volume doesn't go as high as other headsets, and the mic is decent but lacks clarity in multiplayer chats. This headset is a great pick for anyone who plays solo or isn't too concerned with top-tier microphone quality. If you're all about single-player campaigns and want a reliable, long-lasting headset, this is an excellent choice.
Summary:
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless has an insane 300-hour battery life. Its sound profile is crisp, with excellent directional audio, but the volume doesn't go as high as other headsets, and the mic is decent but lacks clarity in multiplayer chats. This headset is a great pick for anyone who plays solo or isn't too concerned with top-tier microphone quality. If you're all about single-player campaigns and want a reliable, long-lasting headset, this is an excellent choice.
POSITIVE
- Over 300 hours of gaming.
- Dual chamber driver system delivers clear audio.
- Lightweight and comfortable headset with memory foam and breathable leatherette.
- Detachable noise-cancelling mic with LED indicator.
NEGATIVE
- Not as loud as other headphones.
- No money-back guarantee.
Overview:
When we first got our hands on the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, we couldn't believe their claims of mind-blowing 300-hour battery life. As we plugged it in and commenced with testing, however... it was clear they weren't bluffing.
Even with heavy daily use, we couldn't come close to draining it for the whole week, which is a massive win for gamers who don't want to worry about constantly recharging. It's the kind of headset you can game with for days without needing to plug it in, making it ideal for marathon gaming sessions.
As for sound, the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless delivers a solid audio experience. The sound profile is clear and crisp across all ranges, and it performs well with directional audio, making it easy to track movement or pinpoint sounds in-game. While the volume doesn't get as loud as some other headsets we tested, it still hits a comfortable level for most gamers. So unless you like your audio blasting at max volume, it should do the job nicely.
The only real downside is the microphone. It's fine for casual use, but in online multiplayer or during work calls, we noticed the mic was prone to crackling and sounding muffled. To get clear audio, you need to position the mic close to your mouth and adjust the sensitivity, which isn't ideal for everyone. Because of this, the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless is better suited for solo gamers who prioritize long battery life and solid sound over mic performance.
Overview:
When we first got our hands on the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, we couldn't believe their claims of mind-blowing 300-hour battery life. As we plugged it in and commenced with testing, however... it was clear they weren't bluffing.
Even with heavy daily use, we couldn't come close to draining it for the whole week, which is a massive win for gamers who don't want to worry about constantly recharging. It's the kind of headset you can game with for days without needing to plug it in, making it ideal for marathon gaming sessions.
As for sound, the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless delivers a solid audio experience. The sound profile is clear and crisp across all ranges, and it performs well with directional audio, making it easy to track movement or pinpoint sounds in-game. While the volume doesn't get as loud as some other headsets we tested, it still hits a comfortable level for most gamers. So unless you like your audio blasting at max volume, it should do the job nicely.
The only real downside is the microphone. It's fine for casual use, but in online multiplayer or during work calls, we noticed the mic was prone to crackling and sounding muffled. To get clear audio, you need to position the mic close to your mouth and adjust the sensitivity, which isn't ideal for everyone. Because of this, the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless is better suited for solo gamers who prioritize long battery life and solid sound over mic performance.
4. Audeze Maxwell
Sold by Audeze
27 reviews
RANKING:
C+
27 reviews
RANKING:
C+
Summary:
If you're an audiophile who values exceptional sound quality and doesn't mind the extra weight or price, the Audeze Maxwell is a standout choice. It's perfect for those who prioritize immersive sound and noise isolation, whether for gaming or casual listening. Its exceptional audio quality is all thanks to planar magnetic drivers that deliver a natural, broad sound with deep bass and excellent clarity.
Summary:
If you're an audiophile who values exceptional sound quality and doesn't mind the extra weight or price, the Audeze Maxwell is a standout choice. It's perfect for those who prioritize immersive sound and noise isolation, whether for gaming or casual listening. Its exceptional audio quality is all thanks to planar magnetic drivers that deliver a natural, broad sound with deep bass and excellent clarity.
POSITIVE
- 80+ hours of low-latency wireless gameplay.
- 90mm drivers (about 3 times larger than other headsets) deliver low bass performance and dynamics.
- AI noise filtering technology reduces all background noises from both the boom mic and the built-in earcup mics.
- Multi-device compatibility.
NEGATIVE
- Heavy.
- More expensive than other products in the market.
Overview:
The Audeze Maxwell has remarkable sound quality, thanks to the use of planar magnetic drivers. Unlike traditional dynamic drivers, these offer a more natural, expansive sound that stands out immediately whether you're gaming or listening to music. The level of clarity and separation between tones is phenomenal, making it easy to pick out individual sounds, which is crucial for competitive gaming. If you're playing a shooter, you can easily pinpoint footsteps or gunfire with precision, and for music, you'll notice a depth and richness that typical gaming headsets don’t usually deliver.
The closed-back design provides excellent noise isolation, keeping distractions out so you can stay focused. Despite being a closed-back headset, the Maxwell manages to maintain an impressively wide soundstage, which feels open and immersive.
However, the Maxwell isn't without its downsides. The headset is is on the heavier side. While it's comfortable, the weight might be noticeable during extended sessions, so if you're someone who prefers a lighter headset, this might be something to consider. Additionally, this level of audio quality comes at a premium price. The Maxwell is one of the more expensive wireless gaming headsets on the market, so it's definitely an investment.
Overview:
The Audeze Maxwell has remarkable sound quality, thanks to the use of planar magnetic drivers. Unlike traditional dynamic drivers, these offer a more natural, expansive sound that stands out immediately whether you're gaming or listening to music. The level of clarity and separation between tones is phenomenal, making it easy to pick out individual sounds, which is crucial for competitive gaming. If you're playing a shooter, you can easily pinpoint footsteps or gunfire with precision, and for music, you'll notice a depth and richness that typical gaming headsets don’t usually deliver.
The closed-back design provides excellent noise isolation, keeping distractions out so you can stay focused. Despite being a closed-back headset, the Maxwell manages to maintain an impressively wide soundstage, which feels open and immersive.
However, the Maxwell isn't without its downsides. The headset is is on the heavier side. While it's comfortable, the weight might be noticeable during extended sessions, so if you're someone who prefers a lighter headset, this might be something to consider. Additionally, this level of audio quality comes at a premium price. The Maxwell is one of the more expensive wireless gaming headsets on the market, so it's definitely an investment.
5. Razer BlackShark V2 Pro
Sold by Razer
14 reviews
RANKING:
C
14 reviews
RANKING:
C
Summary:
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is a great pick for gamers looking for a solid all-around headset with an emphasis on microphone quality. Though it isn't ideal for online multiplayer or communication, its long battery life and crystal clear audio more than makes up for it.
Summary:
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is a great pick for gamers looking for a solid all-around headset with an emphasis on microphone quality. Though it isn't ideal for online multiplayer or communication, its long battery life and crystal clear audio more than makes up for it.
POSITIVE
- 50 mm high-end sound drivers.
- Lightweight design with memory foam cushions.
- 7.1 immersive surround sound.
NEGATIVE
- No active noise cancellation.
Overview:
Despite coming last on our list, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is by no means lacking. After narrowing down our top 5 from the 24 headsets we've tested, our standards were rigorous.
The BlackShark V2 Pro has excellent microphone and solid audio performance. The standout feature here is the HyperClear mic, which delivers exceptionally clear voice quality, making it perfect for online multiplayer games. In fact, during testing, we received comments on how crisp and rich the audio sounded. So if you're big on online play, this mic won't let you down.
The BlackShark V2 Pro also offers a 70-hour battery life, ensuring long gaming sessions without frequent recharges. Plus, the onboard audio profiles allow you to tweak your settings directly on the headset, with compatibility for both PC and PlayStation.
The memory foam cushions and lightweight design make it comfortable to wear for extended periods, although we did notice some minor slippage with the steel headband sliders when adjusting the fit.
That said, this headset isn't ideal for those needing a versatile pair for communicating, as it lacks active noise cancellation. However, if you're in a pinch, its Bluetooth connectivity and battery life will get you through.
Overview:
Despite coming last on our list, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is by no means lacking. After narrowing down our top 5 from the 24 headsets we've tested, our standards were rigorous.
The BlackShark V2 Pro has excellent microphone and solid audio performance. The standout feature here is the HyperClear mic, which delivers exceptionally clear voice quality, making it perfect for online multiplayer games. In fact, during testing, we received comments on how crisp and rich the audio sounded. So if you're big on online play, this mic won't let you down.
The BlackShark V2 Pro also offers a 70-hour battery life, ensuring long gaming sessions without frequent recharges. Plus, the onboard audio profiles allow you to tweak your settings directly on the headset, with compatibility for both PC and PlayStation.
The memory foam cushions and lightweight design make it comfortable to wear for extended periods, although we did notice some minor slippage with the steel headband sliders when adjusting the fit.
That said, this headset isn't ideal for those needing a versatile pair for communicating, as it lacks active noise cancellation. However, if you're in a pinch, its Bluetooth connectivity and battery life will get you through.
Our Favorite
Sold at buycosari.com
147 reviews
RANKING:
A+
Summary:
By far, everyone had the best results with Cosari Gaming Headset. A fan favorite since their company began, it features a noise-cancelling mic and 50mm speakers for crystal clear audio. It is compatible with multiple devices such as PS5, Nintendo Switch and iPad. Their impressive battery life of 48 hours definitely got us through our long dungeon crawls!
147 reviews
RANKING:
A+
Summary:
By far, everyone had the best results with Cosari Gaming Headset. A fan favorite since their company began, it features a noise-cancelling mic and 50mm speakers for crystal clear audio. It is compatible with multiple devices such as PS5, Nintendo Switch and iPad. Their impressive battery life of 48 hours definitely got us through our long dungeon crawls!
How we ranked:
Sound Quality: The core of any gaming headset is its sound quality. We evaluated clarity, bass response, and sound balance across different frequencies. Headsets with immersive, well-balanced audio that could handle both gaming and other media like music were rated higher. Directional sound for competitive gaming also played a significant role. The Cosari Gaming Headset delivers exceptional immersive surround sound with 50mm premium drivers.
Connectivity Options: Flexibility in how the headset connects to different devices was also a factor. We evaluated headsets that offered versatile connectivity options like wireless, Bluetooth, or wired setups. Being able to use the headset across platforms (PC, consoles, mobile) scored extra points. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless allows multi-device compatibility, followed by the Cosari Gaming Headset.
Comfort: Since gaming sessions can last for hours, comfort is a top priority. We assessed how well the headset fits, how comfortable the ear cushions and headband are, and whether they caused any discomfort or fatigue after long-term use. The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro offers a lightweight design that promises comfort throughout long gaming sessions.
Battery Life: For wireless models, battery life is crucial. We prioritized headsets with long-lasting batteries, reducing the need for frequent recharging, and looked at how well the battery performance held up during extended gaming sessions. The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless is undefeated in this category, with a whopping 300 hours of total game time.
Microphone Performance: A good gaming headset needs a microphone that delivers clear, crisp voice communication. We looked at mic clarity, background noise reduction, and whether the mic picked up voices naturally. Clear chat quality is especially important for multiplayer gaming. Audeze Maxwell uses planar magnetic drivers that gives off a more natural, expansive sound.
By carefully evaluating these criteria, we arrived at our final ranking, with the Cosari Gaming Headset at the top, followed by the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, Audeze Maxwell, and Razer BlackShark V2 Pro. This ranking reflects a balanced combination of shaving quality, versatility, durability and build quality, ease of use, and maintenance, thus considering the diverse needs of users seeking efficient and reliable head shavers.
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