No matter which console or device you play on, these corded headsets will serve you well.
A good headset can make all the difference when you’re teaming up online. You need to be able to hear your environment and your allies with clarity, without one being drowned out by the other. Nobody likes sweaty ears, either. Luckily, there are quite a few headsets out there that fit the bill—no matter what console, computer, or device you game on.
We’ve already picked the Best Wireless Gaming Headsets elsewhere; if you want to go completely wirefree, check out those picks because we don’t repeat them here. This guide covers the best gaming headsets around, but they all have a wire of some kind. We’ve tested many sets in the past year, and these are our absolute favorites.
Updated for May 2020: We’ve updated prices throughout, removed a few outdated picks, and added the Razer Opus.If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission.
PHOTOGRAPH: STEELSERIESBest OverallSteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDACNo headset, wired or wireless, has impressed me as thoroughly as the Arctis Pro + GameDAC (9/10, WIRED Recommends). It has the same leading comfort and quality of most SteelSeries Arctis headsets—with a retractable mic and comfortable cushioning—and the included GameDAC makes it the best-sounding headset I’ve used, adding a lot of depth and drama to your play. The only downside is that it plugs into your console or PC via USB, so cord length can be a problem, depending on your setup.
PHOTOGRAPH: RAZERStealth ModeRazer Opus HeadsetThe Opus is Razer’s first pair of high-end luxury headphones. They’re a little different from Razer’s usual fare. They’re sleek, luxurious, and you won’t get any second glances wearing them in public. There aren’t even any glowing snakes, the logo that Razer usually slaps onto all its products—just a slick midnight blue finish and plush leatherette ear cups. They work wired or wireless (Bluetooth), plus there’s powerful active noise cancellation, THX-Certified audio quality, and 20 hours of battery life.The mic gets the job done and features reliable noise isolation, but it’s a little quiet since it doesn’t have a boom that sticks out in front of your face. Most importantly, they produce rich, resonant sound, whether you’re listening to music or exploring a haunted skyscraper in Control.
PHOTOGRAPH: STEELSERIES Budget LuxurySteelSeries Arctis 1 WiredThe Arctis 1 has the quality design, comfort, removable mic, and clear sound that make the Arctis line some of the best gaming headsets you can buy. This headset’s wireless version is one of our faves, with a solid, understated design and rich, robust sound. The corded Arctis 1 is an excellent, and more affordable, pick that feels and sounds more expensive than it is.
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PHOTOGRAPH: STEELSERIESFor SwitchSteelSeries Arctis 3 (with Bluetooth)If you only play Fortnite, you can connect a regular corded headset to your Switch and use the mic. Sadly, that’s not the standard for most Switch games. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Splatoon 2, and other Nintendo titles rely on Nintendo’s Switch Online app for Android and iOS. If you want to hear your friends and your game, the Arctis 3 with Bluetooth is your best option. It lets you listen to both audio sources at once. You don’t need to own a Switch to appreciate it, though. This is a fantastic headset that lets you pipe in Bluetooth audio to give games your own soundtrack.
PHOTOGRAPH: LOGITECHFor AudiophilesLogitech G Pro XThe Logitech G Pro X (8/10, WIRED Recommends) eschews the design language many gaming headsets share. It’s simple and elegant—more like high-quality headphones than a gaming headset. But there’s more to it than meets the eye. Not only does it produce resonant sound on an expansive soundstage with 7.1 surround, but Logitech’s included software gives you granular control over the quality of your voice. The included mic and software were engineered with help from Blue (of Blue Yeti fame), and together they produce crystal-clear, broadcast-quality comms.
PHOTOGRAPH: TURTLE BEACHCooling & ComfortableTurtle Beach Elite Pro 2 + SuperampIf you like Turtle Beach’s sound but want to level up on comfort and design, try the Elite Pro 2. It comes with plush Aerofit ear cushions, which contain gel-infused memory foam that keeps your ears cool. It’s easily one of the most comfortable headsets I’ve ever worn. The mic is quite bendable, with built-in monitoring so you can hear your voice as you talk. The star of the show is the optional amp, which ups the sound quality and offers some extra app-enabled features and Bluetooth connectivity, so you can listen to audio from your phone while playing.
PHOTOGRAPH: RAZERFor Cat LoversRazer Kitty KrakenThis headset is adorable. It has little kitty ears with Razer’s Chroma RGB lighting and a millennial pink finish with a pink braided USB cable to match (though they also come in black and white). It was designed with streamers and cosplayers in mind and even has a built-in cosplay mode; if it’s plugged into a power bank, the headphone lighting will stay on. But even if you’re not an internet personality, it’s a fun headset with great sound and a microphone with active noise canceling. Did I mention the kitty ears? Because it has kitty ears.
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