Sound off to your enemies and team-mates with these cracking PC headsets.
Every PC gamer wants the best picture. After all, there’s nothing like a curved, ultra-wide or 4K monitor to really deliver a top-notch immersive experience. But what about the best sound? As gamers flock to the latest graphics cards, processors, mice and keyboards, the best PC gaming headsets often fly under the radar. Since they’re “optional”, you have a bit of leeway to skimp when it comes to audio.
However, that won’t be the case for very long. Where competitive games like Overwatch have overtaken the PC gaming scene, it’s more essential than ever to have the best PC gaming headset as you coordinate with allies through an on-board mic and listen for enemies around the corner. As such, it’s become increasingly integral that you upgrade your sound system accordingly. Features such as virtualized 7.1 surround sound, 5.8GHz wireless tech and, most importantly, RGB lighting are not to be missed.
Here we’ve gathered the top 15 PC gaming headsets that are available in the market right now. Some, like the Asus ROG Centurion 7.1, are focused on delivering only the highest quality sound while others, like the Razer ManO’War, for example, prioritize ease of use.
No matter how stringent your exact demands from your next PC gaming headset, you can be sure that one of the best PC gaming headsets below will meet those requirements with flying colors.
1. Razer ManO’War
Surround sound without the fuss
Interface: Wireless| Features: Software-based 7.1 surround sound, earcup-mounted controls, Chroma RGB multi-color lighting, 14-meter range (using an extender, 12 meters without)
Great surround sound
Easy to set up
Multi-color lighting
Slightly bulky
No wired option
Quick and easy to setup using a wireless USB receiver that snuggles inside the headset for easy transportation, the Razer ManO’War is a user-friendly unit primed for surround-sound gaming. Sure, it’s a little chunkier than most other headsets, but two soft leatherette ear cups make it comfortable to wear for extended periods. Additionally, the Chroma RGB lighting can be customised through Razer Synapse and looks snazzy to observers.
Although it’s a software feature rather than hardware, the ManO’War’s 7.1 channel virtual surround sound does a fine job of ramping up immersion in-game. The ManO’War’s range can reach up to 14 meters using the supplied USB extender, and its battery life is capable of stretching to just as many hours.
If you don’t plan on moving that far from your computer, there’s a wired version too. Supplied with a USB digital-to-analog converter (CAV), the cable-attached Razer ManO’War 7.1 sounds every bit as sexy as it looks.
Read the full review: Razer ManO’War
2. Asus ROG Centurion 7.1
10 drivers, 7.1 channels, one impeccable headset
Interface: Wired (USB)| Features: 10-driver 7.1 surround sound, dual-USB amplifier, Sonic Software compatibility, HDMI passthrough, amplifier with audio profile and channel volume controls, unidirectional microphone
Excellent spatial sound
Speaker passthrough
Can only be used with its amp
Heavy and bulky
Neglecting all the unwritten rules of fashion, the ROG Centurion 7.1 is a spectacle to behold. Though it’s a living hellscape to set up, this gaming headset looks incredibly good and has an unruly knack for emitting crystal clear sound waves. It may require you to go through a cumbersome preparation procedure involving a pair of USB cables and an amplifier, but that’s not to say the ROG Centurion 7.1 doesn’t offer plenty of room for expansion.
In fact, the Asus ROG Centurion 7.1 not only bolsters full-fledged surround sound pass-through for an external set of speakers, but the on-board amp controls grant you complete control over the audio profiles and channel volumes being yielded. You can even take advantage of Asus’s own Sonic Studio software package, which gives you even more dominance over the headset’s functions.
There’s a steep learning curve, but for those who don’t mind, this headset is a mighty surround sound offering.
Read the full review: Asus ROG Centurion 7.1 headset
3. V-MODA Crossfade Wireless
Stylish with powerful bass-driven tones
Interface: Wireless or wired (USB)| Features: Bluetooth connectivity, built-in microphone (Boom Microphone available for gamers), lithium-ion battery with up to 12 hours of continuous music, dual-diaphragm 50mm driver, metal construction with leather, military-level MID-STD-810 tested
Huge, eardrum-filling sound
Comfortable padded cups
Divisive design
Don’t fold
If you’re more interested in the sounds coming out of your gaming headset rather than glowing LEDs, macro keys and other gratuitous extras, then the V-MODA Crossfade Wireless is the headset for you. Its stylish cans are a treat for the ears, booming with sound that’s bass-heavy with fantastically crisp treble at the other end.
Stepping out of the soundscape for a moment, the V-MODA Crossfade Wireless features memory foam ear cups that are both comfortable and spacious without inciting irritation after prolonged use. What’s more, you’ll get around 12 hours out of its battery life when connected via Bluetooth.
This headset’s rugged build quality, funky travel case and optional USB connectivity add up to make it one of the best headsets on the market.
Read the full review: V-MODA Crossfade Wireless
4. Astro A50 Wireless
The best general use headset just got better
Interface: Wireless| Features: Dolby Digital 7.1 surround sound; Works with PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3, PC, and mobile; Astro Audio; 5.8GHz wireless tech with MixAmp; 6.0mm uni-directional noise cancelling mic; USB charging with base station
Full-bodied Dolby 7.1 Surround sound
Supremely comfortable
Finnicky charging cradle
We called the original Astro A50 a «game-changing, experience-enhancing headset,» and thankfully its wireless successor follows the «if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it» rule. Astro’s latest headset does what it says on the tin and adds wireless connectivity to an already stellar package. Though not the cheapest headset on the block, the Astro A50 Wireless has transferred the amp controls from its predecessor’s cable right onto the head-cups themselves to balance the in-game audio and voice chat on-the-fly.
Add to that the A50’s solid aluminum construction, effective noise-cancelling microphone, booming bass and impressive mid-range sounds, and you have a headset that’s compatible with a range of different platforms. Not only is it ready to rock with your PC, but also with a PS4, Xbox One and legacy consoles.
It’s also suitable for using with the HTC Vive and other VR headsets, thanks to the accommodating shape of the headband. We’ve found that very few headsets can rival the comfort of the A50’s plush ear cups, which are large enough to give you a realistic sense of sound coming from all directions.
5. SteelSeries Siberia 840
A fantastic all-rounder
Interface: Wireless or wired| Features: Closed back earcups, Dolby virtual 7.1 surround sound, retractable directional mic with mute indicating light, two hot-swappable Li-Ion batteries, SoundShare audio recording, click wheel, memory foam ear cushions, compatibility with Xbox 360, PS3/4, PC/Mac, Apple TV/Roku, home entertainment and mobile devices
Dolby 7.1 surround sound
Comfortable
Pricey
At time you may find yourself prepared to pay premium prices for a PC gaming accessory that does the lot, and in the headset category that’s the Siberia 840.
Following in the footsteps of the already impressive Siberia 800, the upgraded Sibera 840 is pro-Bluetooth, anti-lag and all about personalization. With the SteelSeries Engine 3 app, you can customize everything from equalizer settings to what you want shown on the OLED screen of the accompanying base unit.
All of that is, of course, secondary to the Siberia 840’s sound qualities which are nothing less than sublime. Activating Dolby 7.1 surround sound is like dropping you into the game. Enemies’ footsteps can be picked out across a room including behind you, leading to some heart-in-mouth moments in gory shooters like Doom.
6. Turtle Beach 350 Stealth VR
The best gaming headset for virtual reality
Interface: Wired (3.5mm)| Features: Battery-powered amplification (30 hours on a single charge), variable bass boost, full-range audio, mic monitoring, removable noise-cancelling microphone, ergonomic VR design. swappable cable system
Ergonomic design suits VR headsets
Battery amplification provides full-bodied sound
Mic monitoring lets you hear yourself
Feel flimsier than more expensive headsets
No surround sound
With VR headsets like the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift making their way into PC gamers’ rooms, specially-designed audio headsets for virtual reality were bound to follow.
The Turtle Beach 350 Stealth VR is the one of the most flexible options out there, featuring a generous amount of adjustability thanks to its sturdy headband which can fit over the top of VR headsets worn on even the biggest heads.
Sure enough, the 350 Stealth is designed for practicality rather than sharp looks. Its black-and-white color scheme isn’t the most exciting design out there, but an abundance of features makes up for that. The mic monitoring allows you to hear your own voice inside the headset and allows for bass boost for booming lows. The noise-cancelling headphone mic is detachable and a groove in the ear cups lets you tuck the audio cable out of the way.
While it’s perfectly suitable for owners of PC-based VR headsets, it’s quite literally a great fit for PSVR gamers too.
7. SteelSeries Arctis
High performance with a low profile
Interface: Wireless or wired (3.5mm)| Features: 2.4GHz wireless technology (Arctis 7 only); 15-hour battery; built-in digital audio control; Virtual 7.1 Surround Sound; Steelseries Engine software, Compatible with PC, Mac PS4, Xbox One, smartphones, tablets and VR
Sterling bass and treble quality
Professional design
Ugly suspension headband
Unlike some of its competitors, SteelSeries stresses on subtlety in its headset designs. The Arctis continues this trend by flaunting sound quality and comfort over gaudy appearances.
When you pop an Arctis on your head, the goal is, for example, for your stream audience to see a professional environment rather than a Dorito stain on your chair. The customizable lighting gives you plenty of wiggle room, in case the whole monochrome look isn’t your thing.
The SteelSeries Arctis comes in three distinct flavors: Arctis 3, Arctis 5 and Arctis 7, each one more expensive than the last. The Arctis 3 is par for the course analog protocol while the Arctis 5 ships with an external digital-to-analog converter (DAC).
