Our favorite wireless gaming headset is the feature full SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7, but we’ve found plenty of alternatives, from high-end and long-lasting to budget-friendly and multi-platform headsets.
TL;DR – These are the Best Wireless Gaming Headsets
- SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7
- Audeze Maxwell
- Razer Barracuda X
- PDP Airlite Pro
- Sony Inzone H9
- Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX
- SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
- HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
- Victrix Gambit
- Razer Kraken V3 Pro
The best gaming headsets keep you immersed in the action. And just because you ditch the wires doesn't mean you'll experience distracting latency or miss out on features and audio prowess. So, after extensive testing and research, here are ten of the best headsets to keep you untethered – and click here to find our picks in the UK.
The Best Wireless Gaming Headsets
1. SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7
Best Wireless Gaming Headset
Pros:
- Extremely comfortable
- Excellent Sonar software
Cons:
- No active noise cancelation
When it comes to a quality headset that is chock full of features and relatively affordable, you can’t beat SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7. Of course, as is essential with any wireless headset, you get support for various systems and devices thanks to a low-latency wireless dongle and Bluetooth. Connecting to your PC or PS5 over that USB-C dongle is simple and gives you a virtually lag-free feed, while Bluetooth is perfect for using the headset with your phone. Best of all, you can use both simultaneously, so in addition to listening to the action in a game, it’s possible to rock out to your favorite tunes or chat over discord. And though you don’t get wireless compatibility with Xbox consoles, there’s a 3.5mm audio cable for a wired connection, or you can grab the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X to go wireless.
Beyond its compatibility, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 offers plenty more to love, starting with the design. You get a durable pair of cans with a height-adjustable headband for a universal fit and breathable AirWeave ear cushions. Housed inside the earcups are 40mm drivers to deliver a strong sound. And though this headset sounds great straight out of the box, SteelSeries Sonar software takes it to the next level with EQ adjustments and 360-degree spatial audio, which puts you right at the center of the action. To ensure you never miss a moment of action, you’ll also love the 38-hour battery life, while a noise-canceling mic and on headset controls for ChatMix, volume, Bluetooth pairing, and more add to its convenience.
2. Audeze Maxwell
Best Wireless Gaming Headset for PC
Pros:
- Next-level sound quality
- 80-hour battery life
Cons:
- Heavy and bulky
For a premium-audio boost to your gaming PC, grab the Audeze Maxwell, the follow-up to the Penrose X. These headphones provide a latency-free wireless audio experience to enjoy your games free from the leash that often ties us to our desks thanks to a 2.4GHz dongle. That dongle works seamlessly with your PC and PS5, but Bluetooth 5.3 is available for pairing with other devices. There’s also an Xbox version with Dolby Atmos support for $30 more.
This high-end gaming headset is hefty, but a suspension band and contoured earpads should keep your head happy. Inside the earcups are 90mm planar magnetic drivers for stunning audio performance. When connected via USB-C, either with a wire or wireless dongle, you can enjoy high-res sound up to 24-bit/96kHz. If you’re listening via Bluetooth, there’s support for the high-res LDAC codec along with the low latency LC3plus and LC3 codecs. And a wild 80 hours of charge while listening wirelessly at 80 decibels makes it one of the longest-lasting headsets we’ve seen.
3. Razer Barracuda X
Best Budget Wireless Gaming Headset
Pros:
- Multi-platform compatibility
- Comfortable build
Cons:
- Good but not great sound quality
$100 can take you far when you go for the Razer Barracuda X. This wireless gaming headset is showing just how much wireless gaming audio has improved in recent years since it can deliver a quality experience at such an affordable price and top it off with surprising flexibility.
The Razer Barracuda X doesn’t lock you into wireless on only one platform. It supports a wireless connection with its 2.4GHz USB-C dongle on the PS4, PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch, and even Android devices. So, whether you’re gaming at home or on the go, you can make use of this headset. If you want to support other platforms, it even includes a 3.5mm connection. Packing in all that potential, the Razer Barracuda X still maintains a lightweight design and uses a breathable material called BlowKnit. You might think battery life had to take a hit for that low weight, but the headset can run for 50 hours on a charge.
4. PDP Airlite Pro
Best Ultra Cheap Wireless Gaming Headset (only PS5/PS4/PC)
Pros:
- Lightweight, durable design
- Crisp highs and powerful bass
Cons:
- Mediocre battery life
You don’t need to throw down a ton of dough to get a cheap headset that can keep up with all the action in your favorite games. For just $80, the PDP Airlite Pro is ready to deliver an immersive experience with 50mm drivers that pump out crisp highs and booming bass. The headset is designed to be durable yet comfortable, as you get ample adjustability and well-cushioned memory foam ear cups with on-ear controls in a lightweight form factor. There’s even a flip-to-mute mic with noise canceling built-in to keep a clear line of communication between you and your teammates.
The PDP Airlite Pro is officially licensed by PlayStation, and it seamlessly connects to your PS4, PS5, or PC—you’ll want to grab the Xbox version to play on that console. Being wireless, you’ll have to juice up every 16 hours or so, which isn’t the best battery life we’ve seen, but it should still have you covered for gaming marathons. And charging is simple using the included USB-C cable.
5. Sony Inzone H9
Best PS5 Wireless Gaming Headset
Pros:
- Sony Tempest 3D audio support
- Comfortable, sleek design
Cons:
- Mediocre microphone
To make the most of the PlayStation 5, you'll want to take advantage of the Tempest 3D audio system. To that end, Sony has designed the best PS5 headset for the job, the Inzone H9. When paired with Tempest 3D audio, you’ll find yourself in an immersive sound environment that gives the perception of sounds coming from all around you. It doesn’t stop there, as ANC is baked into the headset, doing a decent job of blocking noises to keep your focus on the action. Though, the performance still doesn’t beat Sony’s best noise-canceling headphones.
The Inzone H9 keeps a look similar to Sony’s Pulse 3D with a white outer shell and black headband that match the PS5 hardware itself. The earcups are large and flexible, adding to their comfort. However, the microphone is a little lackluster in both looks and performance. Wirelessly connecting to your console or PC is simple via a USB dongle, and Bluetooth is available for other devices. Bluetooth and the dongle can even be used simultaneously for listening on multiple devices.
6. Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX
Best Xbox Series X/S Gaming Headset
Pros:
- Multiplatform connectivity
- Long-lasting battery
Cons:
- Microphone picks up background noise
For an Xbox headset that’s well designed and full of features ready to game on the Xbox Series X or S, turn to the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX. This headset makes loads of upgrades to the Stealth 700 Gen 2, while costing only $50 more. Connection to your Xbox is pain-free using the 2.4GHz dongle, and with the flip of a switch, it connects to other gaming consoles like the PS5 or Nintendo Switch. You’ll welcome this uninterrupted, lag-free gameplay. With Bluetooth support also available, this headset should easily connect to most of your devices. Plus, it’s possible to use both the wireless dongle and Bluetooth at the same time, meaning you can rock out to music on your phone while still hearing the action in a game.
The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX is packing a whole lot more than just incredible connectivity. For one, its battery life is impressive with 40 hours of listening time on one charge, and a quick charge feature gets you 8 hours of juice with just 15 minutes of charging. Clearly, this headset is reading to take on your marathon gaming sessions. It also helps that it’s super comfortable, lightweight, and durable, thanks to design improvements. The 50mm Nanoclear speakers relay even the most subtle nuances in your games, including picking up on the quiet footsteps of your enemies. There is Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, DTS Headphone: X, and Superhuman Hearing support baked in, so you’re in for an insanely immersive sound performance.
7. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Wireless and Bluetooth at the Same Time
Pros:
- Hybrid noise-canceling system
- Hot-swappable rechargeable battery system
Cons:
- Expensive
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a headset built for incredible flexibility. It supports both wired and latency-free wireless connections, and then it takes that a step further with Bluetooth support. That'd be plenty on offer from any headset, but SteelSeries has also built the headphones to support more than one connection at the same time. So, you can connect the headphones to your platform of choice via the 3.5mm cable or USB dongle while simultaneously connecting to your phone to listen to music, podcasts, or even chat on discord. And, a hot-swappable rechargeable battery feature means when the juice runs low during a heated moment in a game, you just quickly change it out, barely missing a second of the action.
With SteelSeries latest comes the biggest design shift since the start of the Arctis lineup, now toting telescoping arms to accommodate all head sizes along with snaps to adjust the plastic band tighter or looser on your head. The earcups are also slimmer and sleeker, giving off less of a gaming headset vibe and more of wireless headphones look. You still get a hybrid noise cancelation to drown out distractions. There’s also some fantastic spatial audio onboard, so it's easy to hear enemies lurking in the bushes or helicopters flying overhead. You can even make some next-level customizations to the EQ setting and game chat mix thanks to the Sonar and the SteelSeries GG app.
8. HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
Longest Lasting Wireless Gaming Headset
Pros:
- 300-hour battery life
- Layered, balanced sound stage
Cons:
- No Bluetooth or wired connectivity
Nothing is worse than your headset dying during an integral moment in a game, so unless you decide to go for a wired headset, your best bet is to grab a headset rocking a hefty battery life. That’s where the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless steps in with a wild 300 hours of juice from a single charge. That battery means you can go months without ever worrying about plugging in. And as far as wireless connectivity goes, the 2.4GHz wireless dongle plays nice with your PS5 or PC, but if you want an Xbox headset, it’s best to look elsewhere. There’s also no Bluetooth or wired option for these cans, so your connectivity is limited. However, you’re not going to find a wireless headset with better battery life.
Its battery may just be the cherry on top of an already great pair of cans, as the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless is lightweight and comfortable with tons of useful features. The earcups are large and well cushioned with tactile, easy-to-use controls on their side. You get dual chamber 50mm drivers that deliver a layered, balanced sound stage, while HyperX's Ngenuity app lets you adjust sound settings, create profiles, and enable DTS Headphone: X Spatial Audio. Beyond that, you get a decent removable bi-directional mic that picks up your voice well, even if there’s excessive background noise.
9. Victrix Gambit
Best Surround Sound Wireless Gaming Headset
Pros:
- Dolby Atmos support
- Built-in microphone with voice monitoring
Cons:
- Deep bass can overpower subtle sound cues
The Victrix Gambit wireless gaming headset will have you fully immersed in your favorite games thanks to its impressive surround sound audio. With Dolby Atmos support, you will be able to easily hear your opponent’s approach as you tour different countries in your favorite racing games with directional audio or be taken aback by an explosion while on the battlefield with its impressive bass. Just be aware that this headset does seem to favor those deeper bass sounds, and it may sometimes make you miss other, more subtle audio cues. There are 55mm drivers and an over-ear cup design on these cans making the sound more isolated and removing some outside noise distractions–it's perfect for anyone looking to escape the outside world for a few hours.
The Victrix Gambit headset features a built-in microphone that will isolate audio to focus on your voice and a voice monitoring switch is located just below the microphone. Plus, when things get a little heated during gameplay, and you’re afraid you may say something you’ll regret later, just flip it up, and the mic will mute. This headset has plug and play support for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC, so it’s pretty simple to get using. The battery life should be plenty to last even your longest sessions at 16 hours. Priced at only $129, there really is a lot to love about this headset.
10. Razer Kraken V3 Pro
Haptic Sound Effects
Pros:
- THX Spatial Audio support
- Classic, comfortable design
Cons:
- HyperSense haptic feedback can be distracting
If you’re looking for a sound you can feel, the Razer Kraken V3 Pro is for you. The onboard haptics are the closest option to simulating a subwoofer on our skull, thanks to the HyperSense technology Razer bakes in. It’s basically tiny little vibrating motors in the earcups, giving you the feeling of sub-bass without actually hitting the low frequencies that could damage hearing. However, this feature can be distracting when playing certain games. Even with this setting turned off, you’ll still feel the powerful bass while you get a well-balanced sound overall. If you’re gaming on a PC, you can also enjoy virtual surround sound with THX Spatial Audio support.
Beyond its impressive haptics, the Razer Kraken V3 Pro keeps its classic, comfortable design of previous Kraken iterations. The well-cushioned earcups feature a variety of controls for volume, power, and mic mute, as well as enabling haptic feedback. And given Razer is a gaming brand through and through, there are some RGB lighting effects, too. You’ll be good to connect this wireless headset to your PC, PlayStation, and docked Nintendo Switch using the USB wireless dongle. The 3.5mm jack works great for a wired connection to your other devices, including Xbox, but you aren’t going to find Bluetooth support.
Where to Get the Best Wireless Gaming Headset in the UK
Lucky for you every single one of the headsets mentioned within this article is also available to buy in the UK at a decent price. Most headsets available can be found at Amazon as well, so you can take advantage of a quick no-faff delivery time.
What to Look for in a Wireless Gaming Headset
There are a few key things you should look out for when buying a wireless gaming headset with the battery life being one of the most important. Your wireless gaming headset's battery life is of course intrinsically tied to how long your play sessions will be. Most options available today offer a decently long battery life between 10-20 hours. The only real exception to this is the Razer Nari, which only lasts around eight hours due to its integrated lighting and haptic feedback systems.
Secondly, since we're talking about wireless gaming headsets here and not Bluetooth headphones, most of the options here connect with a dedicated wireless dongle. With that in mind, most gaming headsets connect over a 2.4GHz band and rarely a 5.0GHz band. That said, some wireless gaming headsets also come with Bluetooth connectivity which allows you to pair it to a second device like your phone. The added Bluetooth connection is a nifty feature if you like to listen to music or podcasts and take calls while you game.
Wireless vs. Wired Headsets
Similar to other peripherals, like a gaming mouse or gaming keyboard, it’s always up for debate whether you should go for a wired or wireless headset. Below we go over the benefits and disadvantages of both.
The main concern that always comes up, no matter the wireless peripheral, is latency. Wireless headsets have almost conquered this issue in recent years thanks to the 2.4GHz dongle you slot into your console or PC, providing almost completely lossless audio. However, there’s always the possibility of signal interference between your gaming device and headset. If you’re connected using Bluetooth, it can pose a bigger problem, along with lag. That’s not a concern for wired headsets, as they have a direct connection for sound to travel faster with less margin for error.
Wired headsets also shine when it comes to battery life—for obvious reasons. You’ll never need to worry about recharging or digging up batteries from a junk drawer, as it’s powered by whatever port the headset is plugged into. Many wireless headsets offer a decent battery life, lasting 25+ hours, making recharging less of a chore. Then there’s the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, which manages a wild 300 hours on a single charge.
When purchasing a quality wireless gaming headset, you need to be willing to spend. Otherwise, the sound quality, design, and battery life will leave you disappointed. Cheaper wired headsets often don’t fall into those same issues because extra money and time aren’t spent on wireless capability. But, when you spend a bit more to get a wireless headset, many do come with an option for a wired connection.
If you want to get right into gaming, a wired headset is easier to use. You can just port it into your gaming console or even some controllers, getting in-game audio almost instantaneously. Many even offer different plugs and adapters, making the headset work with almost any device. Wireless headsets are a bit more involved, as you need to plug a USB dongle into your gaming device or connect over Bluetooth. After, you’ll have to go into settings to ensure the headset is paired to your device.
Though that cable does seem to give wired headsets an overall advantage over wireless, it does mean you’re tethered to your gaming device. If you like to move around or get overly excited during a match, there’s a chance of yanking it right out of the console. Wireless headsets give you much more freedom to move around. Some even offer features that let you connect to multiple devices at once, so you can listen to some music while still hearing all the action on screen.
Wireless Gaming Headset FAQ
Are wireless headsets good for gaming?
If you had asked us this a few years ago, we probably would’ve said “no,” as the latency experienced in certain games could be a matter of life or death. But with most headsets offering a 2.4GHz dongle that can plug into your console or PC and other wireless technology, like Xbox Wireless, you’ll experience almost completely lossless audio. There’s still the possibility of signal interference, but these technologies are far superior to Bluetooth.
Of course, battery life is always a concern, though every headset on our guide should far surpass the amount of time needed for even marathon gaming sessions. Wireless options also offer all the handy features and settings of their wired counterparts while giving you the freedom to move around more.
Kevin Lee is IGN's Hardware and Roundups Editor. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam
Danielle Abraham is a freelance writer and unpaid music historian.
