The best PC gaming headsets 2023: top cans for PC gaming

Feel like you’re inside the game you're playing with the best PC gaming headset. There’s a very good reason why many gamers prefer a gaming headset over PC speakers, and it’s next-level immersion.

Don’t get us wrong here; the best computer speakers have their place in the world, and every computer setup should have one. However, unless you’re got a proper surround sound system, they are no match for a top-notch gaming headset when it comes to gaming immersion.

An excellent gaming headset that ticks all the requirements is a clear upgrade if you want a better soundstage and to disconnect from the outside world. Some, thanks to their game-specific features like enhanced environmental sounds (often called superhuman hearing) and better sound imaging, can even help you get to the top of the leaderboards.

What’s more; many of the newer gaming headsets can give the best headphones a good run for their money in terms of audio quality. In fact, the more recent releases we’ve tested – and we’ve put so many through its paces to gauge its performance, comfort, features, and design – focused just as much on delivering excellent audio as they do offering gaming features. Plus, they just have more superior mics so your teammates can hear you loud and clear.

To help you make the right choice, we gathered the best gaming headsets for PC below for every gamer. Whether you’re looking for the best budget gaming headset or a pair of the best wireless gaming headset, you’ll find an option below that’s worth every penny.

No 1. SteelSeries Arctic's Nova Pro The best PC gaming headset overall

SPECIFICATIONS Interface: Wired (USB) Features: Hi-Res Certified GameDAC Gen 2, 360-degree Spatial Audio TODAY'S BEST DEALS

https://amzn.to/459PUlK REASONS TO BUY +Hi-res audio+Amazing surround sound+Luxurious fit

REASONS TO AVOID -No wireless connectivity-Not cheap

We are currently still in the process of testing the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, the wired (and therefore less expensive) version of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro

Wireless, but it's already evident that it's the best gaming headset on the market right now. That's for both PC and console gaming.

This gaming headset delivers hi-res audio, which means that you're getting crisp and highly detailed sound, whether you're gaming or consuming music and movies. Add in the Spatial Audio feature, which you do have to enable via the supporting software, and it's a whole new immersive experience that we haven't really experienced with other headsets with surround sound. And, it's also incredibly comfortable and luxurious feeling, so we honestly do not mind wearing this for hours on end.

The only difference here is that since it is wired, the price of entry isn't as steep as on the wireless version, making it more accessible to those who don't have deep pockets. Make no mistake; it's still pretty pricey. But, if you're willing to pay the price for audio that even audiophiles can't resist, this is the PC gaming headset to get.

No 2. Corsair HS65 Surround

The best budget PC gaming headset with 7.1 surround sound

SPECIFICATIONS

Interface: Wired (analog) Features: EQ presets, 7.1 Surround Sound TODAY'S BEST DEALS

https://amzn.to/443tRf0

REASONS TO BUY +Incredible 7.1 surround sound+Incredibly comfortable fit

REASONS TO AVOID -Surround sound only through USB-No wireless or Bluetooth

It’s hard to believe how much the Corsair HS65 costs considering the many advantage you’re getting from it. This absolute stunner of a gaming headset punches well above its weight not just in features but in sound quality, making it a must for pretty much every, including those who can afford the pricier options on this list.

This is one of the best wired gaming headsets right now, sporting Corsair’s new elegant design, a flip-to-mute mic that’s intuitive to use, luxurious memory foam leatherette ear pads, a lightweight form factor, and a 3.5mm connectivity that you can turn into a USB connection via the included 7.1 surround sound USB adapter.

It terms of sound and surround sound performance, it absolutely slays. During our review, we found that even with stereo hardware, it manages to maximize that Dolby Audio 7.1 capability for an immersive experience. All of the frequencies are represented well, with a bass that’s incredibly present, highs that are clear and detailed, and mids that sound full.

No 3. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless A premium PC gaming headset that’s rich in features

SPECIFICATIONS Interface: Low Latency 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.0, 3.5mm Features: Spatial Audio, Batteries Hot-Swappable, Simultaneous Wireless Connectivity, Active Noise Cancellation, Noise-cancelling Mic TODAY'S BEST DEALS https://amzn.to/47r32Ei

REASONS TO BUY +Solid noise cancellation+Excellent base with plenty of functionalities+Amazing audio

REASONS TO AVOID -Expensive for most people-Forced to pick support for one console

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is an impressively feature-filled affair. It comes with active noise cancellation, the ability to connect to two different sources and mix them in together at once, and a noise-cancelling mic that can block out the clicky-clack of your keyboard.

It even tests the limits of how long you can wear a headset before charging. It might not have 300 hours of battery life but its 20 hours of use per battery can be extended for as long as you want since you can hot swap batteries while still in the middle of the action.

And, like most SteelSeries headsets, we found the audio quality here to be top-notch no matter if you’re gaming or listening to music. It's clear, detailed, clean, and comes with great bass response. The main concern is the fact that you can get the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless with support for Playstation or Xbox but not both.

No 4. HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless The best PC gaming headset in battery life

SPECIFICATIONS Interface: 2.4GHz Wireless Features: Discord and TeamSpeak certified Mic, DTS Spatial Audio TODAY'S BEST DEALS

https://amzn.to/441cN9n

REASONS TO BUY +Insanely long battery life+Great audio with lots of clarity+Mic with excellent background noise rejection

REASONS TO AVOID -Limited connectivity-Not all features available with other OS

Not only does the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless sound fantastic, but it has an absolutely incredible battery life. When tested, we barely made a dent in its reported 300 hours of use. What’s more impressive is that it achieves that long battery life without cutting many corners. It’s a comfy fit and keeps a relatively light weight while housing some surprisingly large 50mm drivers.

Of course, it does compromise in a few places. We sorely missed the ability for Bluetooth or even analog connectivity. And, some of its features such as Spatial Audio are only accessible through its Windows-only app. But, those are mostly small quibbles.

The Cloud Alpha Wireless comes with a solid mic that offers excellent background rejection and a good amount of customizability via its Ngenuity app. Combine that with clear audio that works with all media and a battery life that’s ten times longer than most headsets and you have an almost perfect headset.