In multiplayer gaming, communication is key. Whether you’re playing World of Warcraft, Call of Duty, Fortnite, Elder Scrolls Online, or any other popular multiplayer game, teamwork can make the difference between a successful raid and a total party kill. And a huge part of communication is a good gaming headset.
Today, we’ll be searching for the best PC gaming headset available online. But we won’t be going it alone! We’ll have the good people of Reddit to help us. We’ve consulted with the PC experts at /r/buildapc, gabbed with the gaming gods at /r/pcmasterrace, and gone straight to the PC gaming headset experts at /r/Gaming_Headsets.
We’ve looked for clear audio, lag-free connections, and quality noise cancelling. And, of course, we’ve looked for quality mics, because your mic is just as important as your speakers. At the end of the day, we’ve come up with 8 PC headsets that are a cut above the competition. Let’s take a closer look!
The HyperX Cloud II’s USB dongle provides simulated 7.1-channel surround sound, even if your computer’s sound card doesn’t.
Check Prices On AmazonThe HyperX Cloud II is a USB headset that’s designed to provide superior sound quality, even on PCs with older sound cards or limited motherboard sound drivers. It achieves this with a small USB dongle, which simulates 7.1-channel surround sound even if the input is standard 2.0 channel. Now, obviously, the effect is simulated. There’s no way to get true 7.1 surround sound playback from a 2.0 signal. But the drivers still do a great job of providing a sense of space, with plenty of bass to make explosions and gunfire truly powerful.
That said, the 7.1 surround sound depends on the dongle. If you connect with the 3.5mm aux input instead, you won’t be using the USB dongle, which means you’ll just be hearing the original signal. So while the Cloud II is a fantastic value for PC gamers, a lot of that value is lost when you’re plugging into an Xbox or PlayStation.
These earphones are very well padded, with ear cups that are soft and plush without sticking to your face and making you sweat. The frame is also well-engineered. It’s constructed from aluminum instead of plastic, so it can take a significant beating. We have seen some complaints about the mic quality, but that’s not concerning. It’s not a recording mic. It’s just for talking to your teammates. If you’re looking for primo mic quality, no headset is up to the task; you need a standalone microphone that’s designed for recording.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger offers loud, clear audio at a very reasonable price.
Check Prices On AmazonThe HyperX Cloud Stinger is a chunky, ABS plastic headset that still remains true to HyperX’ reputation for quality audio. They provide crisp, clean highs and punchy bass, so you’ll get excellent sound quality across the spectrum, in a more affordable package than many popular gaming headsets. Be aware that the stereo is just basic 2-channel sound, though. That should be more than good enough for most people, but if you’re looking for a simulated 7.1-channel headset, you’ll need to spend a little more.
This headset has a very comfortable fit. The ear cups swivel 90 degrees, providing a comfortable angle for every conceivable human head. And the padding is constructed from memory foam, so it will conform to the contours of your face without creating any pressure points or leaving any large gaps.
One thing we liked about the Cloud Stinger was the steel volume slider. It’s a common enough feature on higher-priced headsets, but it was nice to see an affordable headset that still builds the most vulnerable wear-and-tear parts out of metal, rather than plastic. The slider also provides for a wide range of volume, so you can quickly adjust from very loud to very soft without the need to adjust your PC’s volume controller or change your TV volume.
Connection is also easy, since the Cloud Stinger uses a single 3.5mm aux jack, which is already compatible with both PlayStation 4 and Xbox One controllers. For PC users, HyperX also included a dual 3.5mm adapter, so you won’t need to buy any other accessories just to attach your headset.
The Logitech G430 is the second headset on our list to feature simulated 7.1-channel surround sound. It supports this feature in two different ways: either through its own removable USB dongle, or through dual 3.5mm jacks with a motherboard or sound card that’s capable of outputting in 7.1-channel to begin with.
The frame is constructed from ABS plastic, which isn’t absurdly durable, but which is tough enough to withstand drops and everyday wear and tear. Just don’t sit on them, and you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. The ear cups are constructed from breathable mesh, not leather, which means you’ll get plenty of airflow and your cheeks won’t get swamped with sweat.
One thing that several redditors have complained about is the volume control. While the control is easy to operate, and is conveniently located on the cable, the maximum setting still leaves a bit to be desired. If you’re playing in a noisy environment, this may be a problem, since your game may be quieter than the background noise.
That said, there’s a lot to like about the G430. The sound quality is good, with clear highs and mids, and enough bass punch to hear gunfire and explosions clearly. The 7.1 surround sound really helps here, since it gives you a sense of space so you can clearly tell which direction you’re being shot at from. The 10.5-foot cable is also nice, since it gives you a little more freedom to move around.
The Logitech G230 is an inexpensive headset with surprisingly good audio quality.
Check Prices On AmazonIf you’re less concerned with getting the latest 7.1-channel surround sound and more concerned with overall quality and reliability, the Logitech G230 is a solid choice. While Logitech is — rightfully — best known for their mice and keyboards, the G230 is a worthy addition to their product line. It’s a little less spendy than the G430, but this is because it plays basic 2-channel stereo, not 7.1 surround sound.
That said, the quality of the audio is still on par with many of the “big name” headsets. The sound is crystal clear in the mids and highs, and the bass is still present. This should be expected, since the G230 uses the same set of drivers as the G430. The only significant difference between the sound on one versus the other is that the G430 includes the dongle for 7.1-channel surround sound, while the G230 does not.
The G230’s mic is also a standout for quality. Several redditors commented on how loud it is, which isn’t a bad thing. It might pick up some background noise from time to time, but overall it’s always going to pick up what you’re saying. As a result, you won’t have to shout or repeat yourself over and over, and we call that a win.
Be aware that there’s no USB dongle, so you’ll need to rely on a standard 3.5mm aux port. That said, the G230 has a dual aux cable, so you’ll be able to connect to both the mic and headphone ports on your PC.
If you’re a streamer — or if you just don’t like repeating yourself — you’ll love the Sennheiser Game ONE’s microphone.
Check Prices On AmazonThe Sennheiser Game ONE is our top choice for the best microphone, and it isn’t even close. Earlier, we said that even the best headset mics aren’t as good as a standalone, dedicated microphone. And we stand by that statement if you’re a YouTuber or another content creator who wants to monetize their content. But short of asking people to fork over cold, hard cash for the privilege of listening to your smooth, Sinatra-like voice, the Game ONE is a great choice. The mic is sensitive enough that it will always pick up what you’re saying, and the transmission is clear, not fuzzy.
This headset is also very durable. While the frame is constructed from ABS plastic, not aluminum, it’s thick and chunky, and it has a plush liner over the top to keep it from digging into your head. And the ear pads are made of thick, dense foam that will last for years. The only downside is that this foam is very firm, and can take a couple of weeks to break in, particularly if you wear glasses.
The sound is also quite good. While earlier versions of the Game ONE required a lot of power, and could come across as very quiet on consoles, the current version seems to have fixed this issue. And the open back ear cups provide a great sense of space, while still allowing you to maintain some awareness of what’s going on around you in real life.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 has a lag-free 2.4G wireless connection.
Check Prices On AmazonA lot of headsets on the market utilize the Bluetooth 5.0 protocol. This is a great protocol for earphones, since it’s much less prone to lag than the older 4.2 protocol. But at the end of the day, Bluetooth 5.0 can still lag if you’re trying to talk while there’s a battle royale raging around you. The Arctis 7 gets around this problem by using an old-school solution: a 2.4G wireless connection. So, you’ll still need to have a USB port free to plug in the wireless dongle.
This headset also offers an impressive 24 hours of battery life, much better than we’ve come to expect from some of the other name brands. It charges via USB, with a Micro USB charging cable that’s included in the kit. Also included is a Micro USB to aux adapter cable, so you can also use the Arctis 7 with your favorite game console.
The audio quality is generally good, but you’ll need to use an aftermarket EQ software if you want to pump up the bass. The Arctis 7 is more than capable of putting out great bass, but whatever reason the out of the box EQ is totally flat. Some redditors said that the ear cups ran small, but most agreed that the padding was soft and well-vented.
The Plantronics GameCom 780 is a classic, square-shaped headset that’s very easy on the ears.
Check Prices On AmazonThe GameCom 780 is an older headset that remains popular today. It’s a USB headset, which means you won’t be able to use it on a console, but the built-in amplifier allows for high-quality simulated 7.1-channel surround sound.
The thing that many people loved most about the 780 was the ergonomics. The large, square ear cups provide a comfortable, light touch that keeps the drivers from pressing down on your ears and causing discomfort. This is due to a combination of two features: plush cushions, and a springy aluminum ear cup mount that doesn’t squeeze too hard.
All of that being said, the GameCom 780 is currently out of production. You can still buy it used, but you’ll be paying a lot more than it was when it was still being made. Don’t get us wrong, it’s a great headset, and upon release it was best in class. It’s just hard to justify such a high price for a headset that was released 5 years ago.
That said, it’s still a great choice for collectors, since it’s such a classic. The backs of the black ear wells are constructed from ABS plastic, with rubberized brick red capping on the pivot. The wire is also brick red, and is exposed between the aluminum pivots and the ABS head strap, which gives it a cyberpunk look, and there aren’t any pinch points that could damage the wire.
If you want a good quality frame for a reasonable price, the HS60 is a solid choice.
Check Prices On AmazonThe Corsair HS60 is a budget-priced headset that’s a great choice if you’re looking for a true “gaming” headset. What we mean by that is that it has a sturdy build, that’s meant to last for a long time and remain comfortable even during long sessions. The frame is constructed from anodized aluminum, with foam padding over the top portion to keep your head comfy.
The simulated 7.1-channel surround sound is also an excellent feature. It provides an immersive sense of space that’s impressive on such an inexpensive headset. Keep in mind, though, that the surround sound feature depends on the in-line USB dongle. So if you’re gaming on a console, you’ll be limited to console — although XBox One users can always just use the Xbox’s built-in 7.1-channel option. It’s not as good as the Corsair’s dongle, but it still lets you hear what direction that grenade just came from.
That said, the bass on the HS60 was uninspiring at best. It’s present, but if you try to use any EQ software to give it a boost, it will quickly muddy your mids and cause your highs to buzz. Keep the EQ flat, and you’ll be just fine.
If you’re looking for a solid gaming headset that gets everything right, the HyperX Cloud II is the best in its class. The simulated 7.1-channel surround sound is very well executed, with plenty of separation between different areas. And the speaker quality, while not necessarily up to pure audiophile standards, is more than adequate for a quality gaming experience, or even for watching a movie.
The mic on the Cloud II also stood out, because it was noise cancelling. As we said, it’s not up to streaming standards, but it won’t pick up background noise if it’s just you and your friends enjoying a multiplayer session.
That said, if you’re looking for a streaming headset, the Stennheiser Game ONE might be a better option. The mic is very clear, so you won’t sound fuzzy or pick up a lot of background noise. It has a heavy-duty construction that will handle a ton of abuse. The build is heavy-duty, and can handle a lot of abuse. Just make sure you’re buying the latest version if you’re using it for console streaming.
