Best Gaming Headphones 2024

Back then, the social elements of gaming were different. You’d visit an arcade or a friend’s house; maybe sit next to each other on Mario, or take turns trying to finish tough levels.

The N64 console allowed you to cram into a friend’s bedroom and play Goldeneye together. How different would those times have been if bits of gaming gear like headphones were as developed then as they are now?

P.C. gamers had it a little easier, of course. Desktop computers already had speakers and headphone jacks in place to help immerse yourself more deeply into their digital worlds, so they were ahead of the curve.

Then the unexpected happened, and gaming became more steadily more mainstream. Now everyone and their mother is a gamer — take the case of Skyrim Grandma — and needless to say, technology has improved a lot.

Perhaps the biggest step in gaming popularity, though, was when streaming hit the bigtime. The likes of YouTube and Twitch not only opened up new doors for the industry, but for gaming accessories, too.

Games began designing for audio precision. Gone were the bleeps and bloops of the past: these limited electronic sounds rapidly gave way to high audio fidelity. And that potted history brings us to an important question.

A good set of headphones can make you feel like you’re setting camp in a mysterious forest with the birds tweeting overhead, or, say, help you pinpoint the direction of enemy gunfire.

Since the gaming industry is such a beast now, though, choosing the best headphones for you is like an adventure in itself. Luckily, we’re here to drop you some quest markers!

There’s also longevity to consider — particularly when it comes to wireless headsets — audio quality, comfort, microphone effectiveness for multiplayer gaming, platform compatibility and even network connection quality. That’s a lot to comb through, so let’s view them all through the prism of price.

The Arctis line has been around since its 2017 debut, but SteelSeries went with the old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Well, in 2024 the manufacturers found stuff to “fix.”

Adding to that feeling is the larger button sizes, which in previous versions were tiny and at times hard to locate. No more blind finger-flailing as you attempt to find your headset controls!

You don’t have to worry about that with the Nova Pro. They’ve replaced the metal fitting with an elastic tension band and extending arms so you can adjust the headphones for added comfort.

Basically, Nova Pro’s ANC uses four mics to regulate noise. And while they won’t overpower loud noises in the same room, most reviewers agree that they do block out lower-level ambient distractions such as noisy keyboards quite effectively.

Overall, the Nova Pro isn’t the cheapest choice in the marketplace, but it delivers quality above its price range and it’s the a great pick for immersing yourself in any game as you while away the hours, online or off. 

The previous BlackShark model was successful across the board: it was stylish, comfortable and audio was on point. Yet at first glance, you may think the Razer BlackShark V2 has taken a step backwards.

The V2’s one of the lightest set-ups available, a design that makes it ideal for both extended gaming sessions and for carrying in luggage. You might be taking it to an esports event, for example.

Besides the BlackShark V2’s impressive spatial separation, allowing you to pinpoint the direction of sound in your 3D experiences, the default rumbling bass setting will rock your world. Literally, if you turn on the bass boost!

Basically, this mode lowers all sounds in the game world except those made by your enemies or allies, emphasizing the important noises that might just give you the split-second edge you need to come out on top.

The second thing you should know is that this is a wired-only model. If you want something similar without cables, Logitech offers options like the G535 LIGHTSPEED Wireless — though the lack of physical connection does increase the price tag.

Appearance-wise, the ear cups are oblong, and while they might not look as sleek as some other models, it’s certainly a look they can pull off. Don’t be fooled by their slightly bulky appearance, though.

What’s more, if you’re grinding your way through a labyrinth with a party of friends, the G432 headset comes with a microphone to shout out your location should you happen to get separated.

Speaking of sound, bass depth is reportedly one of the G432’s let-downs, so if you’re playing an action game bear this in mind. Thankfully the headset’s companion app has some sound profile presets to mitigate this shortcoming.

That’s not to say it’s a wasted purchase for Xbox users — you can still use the headphone jack on the console — but doing so limits the use of any equalization changes made in the companion app. 

PC Gamer crowned the HyperX Cloud Alpha its best wired gaming headset of 2024, which is no small accolade. This is partly due to its availability and affordability, all in one competitive package.

The provided mic also has great volume and clarity! You won’t get your swords and hordes confused due to failed communications in the middle of the battlefield while the HyperX Cloud Alpha’s mic is hugging your chin.

As per PC Gamer, the headset has an ingenious setup in its ear cups, which are separated into two chambers. This reduces distortion giving players a clear bass from its meaty 50mm neodymium drivers.

One of the best things about this headset is that, as mentioned, you get your value for money. Wired headsets are usually cheaper than wireless, and you often find Cloud Alphas sold at a decent discount.

These headphones will work on any of the newer generations of consoles too, from the Xbox One or series X/S, to the PS4, PS5, and the Nintendo Switch. All that and they’re super-comfortable, too.

Obviously, since it’s a budget choice, it’s a wired headset, but don’t let that put you off. If nothing else, you’re saving money on batteries! There is one other possible drawback to consider, though.

You’ll find the Corsair HS55 Stereo is built well on its light frame. This ensures it’s unlikely to induce any tension headaches from overuse if you lose track of time during the zombie apocalypse.

After all, reviewers have noted that gthe audio quality isn’t anywhere near as compromised as you might think. In fact, it’s comparable to some of the mid-range headsets on offer: arguably, you’re getting more than you’re paying for.

Nor will the Corsair HS55 give you an advantage in competitive games like you’d find in the more expensive headsets, thanks to its limited spatial audio. But hey, you can’t have everything.

Sure, it might not quite measure up to some of the more expensive headsets on the list with its rumblings, but when an alien spaceship crashes down to Earth, trust us, you’ll still know about it!

So if none of these headsets push your proverbial buttons, we’d recommend looking around for the best one to suit your needs. Considering every single option is easier said than done, so we have some further advice.

You might want to look into whether your headset has any software with it, too. Some models, especially the mid-to-high budget range, offer extra features such as extra audio profiles.

A headset that provides you with a clear voice is essential for communicating over the internet, and hearing incoming tactics from your friends is just as important if you’re not going it alone.

All the same, whatever your priorities, there are some essential attributes that you want to consider when you’re shopping for a gaming headset. One of those is simply how well the model’s built.

Comfort is also one of the most important things to consider. Think about how well the ear cups are made and whether they’ll be soft on your ears during extended gaming sessions.

And that’s our advice on going shopping for gaming headsets. Happy gaming, and don’t forget to take regular breaks — the world will still be waiting for you to save it when you get back.