Headphones

For most people the best PS5 headset is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5. Its small USB-C dongle gives you low-lag wireless audio on the PS5, and Bluetooth covers your phone. If you want PlayStation’s own headset, the PlayStation Pulse Elite uses PlayStation Link and planar magnetic drivers. On a budget, the wireless LucidSound LS500 (under $100) or the wired HyperX Cloud Alpha, which plugs into the DualSense controller, are the picks. Sony’s new Pulse headset launches this holiday season, so we cover it below too.

Check the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on PlayStation’s and manufacturers’ official specifications and published reviews (linked below). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices are list prices at the time of writing and change often. See how we choose products.

Best PS5 headsets compared

Specs from each manufacturer’s product page. Battery figures are the maker’s ratings.

How headsets connect to a PS5

The PS5 doesn’t send game audio to Bluetooth headphones, so a PS5 headset connects in one of three ways:

• USB dongle (2.4GHz): most wireless gaming headsets, including the Arctis Nova 5, INZONE H5, LS500 and Maxwell 2. Low lag, and the mic works in party chat. PlayStation versions of these headsets usually don’t work wirelessly with an Xbox.
• PlayStation Link: Sony’s own lossless, low-latency wireless, used by the Pulse Elite, Pulse Explore and the new Pulse headsets. They come with a PlayStation Link USB adapter for the PS5, PC and Mac, and the PlayStation Portal has it built in (PlayStation).
• 3.5 mm wired: any wired headset plugs into the headphone jack on the DualSense controller. No battery, no lag, and the mic works.

PS5 3D Audio (Tempest) works with any of these, including cheap wired headphones, so you don’t need a special headset to get it.

The best PS5 headsets in 2026

1. SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5: best PS5 headset overall

The Arctis Nova 5 gets the basics right for a fair price. Its small USB-C dongle plugs into the PS5’s front USB-C port for low-lag wireless audio, and Bluetooth lets you take calls or listen to your phone. It weighs 265 g, the mic retracts fully into the earcup, and SteelSeries rates the battery at up to 60 hours. The phone app has audio presets for more than 100 games, which is handy on a console where you can’t run PC software. Tom’s Hardware’s review calls it a cheaper Nova 7, and it’s the “best for consoles” pick in our best gaming headsets guide.

Good to know: there’s no active noise cancelling, and ChatMix (the game/chat balance dial) doesn’t work on PlayStation. It’s often cheaper around Black Friday.

Check the Arctis Nova 5 on Amazon →

2. PlayStation Pulse Elite: best official PS5 headset

Sony’s own headset uses planar magnetic drivers and PlayStation Link, which also works with the PlayStation Portal, PC and Mac. It can stay connected to your PS5 and to your phone over Bluetooth at the same time, so you can hear a call without leaving your game. The mic retracts into the earcup and uses AI noise rejection, and PlayStation rates the battery at up to 30 hours, with about 2 hours from a 10-minute charge. A charging hanger is included (PlayStation specs). TechRadar calls it the best official PS5 headset, praising its audio and its PS5 and Portal integration.

Good to know: at about 340 g it’s heavier than most picks here, and there’s no noise cancelling. If you own a PlayStation Portal it’s the obvious choice, because PlayStation Link is built into the Portal. A new PlayStation Pulse headset is due this holiday season (see below), so watch for Pulse Elite discounts.

Check the Pulse Elite on Amazon →

3. Sony INZONE H5: lightest wireless headset for PS5

The INZONE H5 is Sony’s lighter, cheaper gaming headset for PS5 and PC. It connects with a 2.4GHz dongle (plus a 3.5 mm option), weighs about 260 g, and has a boom mic with AI-based noise reduction and up to 28 hours of battery. On PS5 it shows its settings on screen and handles game/chat balance automatically. SoundGuys’ review covers its sound and mic in detail.

Good to know: there’s no Bluetooth and no noise cancelling, so it won’t double as your phone headphones. Our Sony headphones for gaming guide compares it with the INZONE H9 II, which adds noise cancelling.

Check the INZONE H5 on Amazon →

4. LucidSound LS500: best budget wireless PS5 headset

For well under $100, the LS500 is wireless, light and long-lasting for the money. It connects to the PS5 through a USB dongle or to other devices over Bluetooth, weighs 265 g, and PowerA rates the battery at up to 50 hours on the dongle or 70 hours over Bluetooth. The 50 mm drivers have three EQ modes (Signature, Bass Boost and FPS), and the mic flips up to mute.

Good to know: PC Gamer, which picks it as the best budget headset, notes a plasticky feel and that its reviewer could only get the mic working over the dongle. Xbox players need the LS500X version.

Check the LucidSound LS500 on Amazon →

5. HyperX Cloud Alpha: best wired PS5 headset

A wired headset is the cheapest way to get everything working on a PS5: plug it into the DualSense controller and you get game audio, 3D Audio and a working mic, with no battery and no lag. The Cloud Alpha’s 50 mm dual-chamber drivers keep its strong bass separate from footsteps and voices, and the mic detaches when you don’t need it. PC Gamer names it the best wired gaming headset.

Good to know: the mic doesn’t flip up to mute, so you mute with the in-line control. It’s often cheaper around Black Friday.

Check the Cloud Alpha on Amazon →

6. Audeze Maxwell 2: best sound quality

If sound quality matters most, the Maxwell 2 uses 90 mm planar magnetic drivers, the kind found in high-end hi-fi headphones, with Audeze’s SLAM design for deeper bass. The PlayStation version works with the PS5, PC and Switch over a 2.4GHz dongle, and also connects by Bluetooth, USB-C or 3.5 mm. The battery is rated at up to 80 hours, and the detachable boom mic uses AI noise reduction.

Good to know: at 560 g it’s very heavy, and some reviewers found it uncomfortable over long sessions. RTINGS’ review covers its sound in detail. Buy the PlayStation version, not the Xbox one, for a PS5.

Check the Maxwell 2 on Amazon →

7. PlayStation Pulse Explore: best earbuds for PS5

Regular Bluetooth earbuds can’t play PS5 game audio, but the Pulse Explore can, because they use PlayStation Link. They connect to the PS5, PC or Mac through the included USB adapter and to the PlayStation Portal directly, and they can stay connected to your phone over Bluetooth at the same time. Two hidden mics with AI noise rejection handle party chat. PlayStation rates the battery at up to 5 hours, plus 10 more from the case (PlayStation specs).

Good to know: 5 hours per charge is short for long sessions, and there’s no noise cancelling. They make the most sense with a PlayStation Portal. For more earbud options, including Sony’s dongle-based INZONE Buds, see our Sony gaming headphones guide.

Check the Pulse Explore on Amazon →

Coming soon: PlayStation Pulse and Pulse Edge

On September 15, 2026, PlayStation announced two new headsets (PlayStation Blog):

• PlayStation Pulse Wireless Headset: planar magnetic drivers (4 magnets per driver), an integrated mic with AI noise rejection, PlayStation Link and simultaneous Bluetooth. It launches in select markets starting this holiday season.
• PlayStation Pulse Edge Wireless Headset: planar drivers with double the magnet volume for deeper bass, active noise cancelling and a detachable boom mic. It launches in early 2027.

PlayStation hasn’t announced prices yet. We’ll add them to this guide once they’re confirmed. If you want a PlayStation Link headset now, the Pulse Elite is the current model, and it’s likely to be discounted as the new ones arrive.

More earbuds for PS5

The PS5 doesn’t support Bluetooth audio, so earbuds need PlayStation Link (like the Pulse Explore above), their own 2.4 GHz dongle, or a cable into the DualSense controller. These are the alternatives to the Pulse Explore:

Sony INZONE Buds: best overall for PS5

Sony’s gaming earbuds use a small USB-C dongle that plugs into the PS5, a PC or a Switch 2, and Sony rates its delay at under 30 ms. They have noise cancelling and last up to 12 hours per charge, more than twice the Pulse Explore’s 5 hours. Good to know: they don’t use PlayStation Link. If you also play on a PlayStation Portal, the Pulse Explore connect to it directly. They cost noticeably more than the Pulse Explore.

Check the Sony INZONE Buds on Amazon →

SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds (PlayStation version): most features

The white PlayStation version connects to the PS5, PC and Switch through a 2.4 GHz USB-C dongle and to your phone over Bluetooth 5.3, with 4-mic hybrid noise cancelling, 10 hours per charge (40 with the case) and 100+ game audio presets in SteelSeries’ app. Good to know: there’s a separate Xbox version, so make sure you buy the PlayStation one.

Check the Arctis GameBuds (PlayStation) on Amazon →

Razer Hammerhead V3 X (PS5 Edition): best value

Licensed by PlayStation, these use their charging case as the 2.4 GHz receiver: plug the case into the PS5 and the earbuds connect to it. Razer rates them at 10 hours per charge and 35 with the case, with IPX4 water resistance and USB-C passthrough so you can charge while playing. Good to know: the listing doesn’t mention noise cancelling.

Check the Hammerhead V3 X (PS5 Edition) on Amazon →

On a tight budget, any wired earbuds with a mic, such as the HyperX Cloud Earbuds II, work through the DualSense’s 3.5 mm jack with no delay. For PC and phone gaming too, see our best earbuds for gaming guide.

Can you use AirPods or Bluetooth headphones with a PS5?

Not directly. The PS5 doesn’t support Bluetooth audio, so AirPods and other Bluetooth headphones won’t pair with it for game sound. You have three workarounds:

• Plug wired headphones, or Bluetooth headphones that have a 3.5 mm input, into the DualSense controller.
• Use the PS Remote Play app on your phone and listen through your earbuds there (expect extra delay).
• Use a third-party USB Bluetooth audio adapter, which adds some latency and usually can’t carry your mic.

For fast games, a headset with a dongle or PlayStation Link is the better option. Our guide to Bluetooth headphones for gaming explains why Bluetooth lags.

PS5 headset deals: Black Friday 2026

Gaming headsets are some of the most heavily discounted products over Black Friday (November 27, 2026). Popular picks such as the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 and HyperX Cloud Alpha have dropped well below their list prices in past Black Friday sales, so a cut of only a few dollars is usually worth skipping.

Past prices don’t guarantee this year’s deals. Check that a deal is for the PlayStation version of a headset, not the Xbox one, and see our best gaming headsets guide for more deal tips.

Specs from the makers, side by side

Every figure below comes from the manufacturer’s own spec page, taken from our earbuds and headphones spec database. “Not stated” means the maker doesn’t publish it, not that the feature is missing.

Our verdict

For most PS5 owners, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 is the best headset: low-lag wireless on the console, Bluetooth for your phone and a long battery. Choose the PlayStation Pulse Elite if you want PlayStation Link and use a PlayStation Portal, the LucidSound LS500 or the wired HyperX Cloud Alpha on a budget, and the Audeze Maxwell 2 for the best sound. If you can wait, PlayStation’s new Pulse headset arrives this holiday season.

Frequently asked questions

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Beats Studio Pro or Beats 360? Get the Beats 360 (launched September 22, 2026) for stronger noise cancelling, longer battery life with ANC on and a sweat-resistant build for the gym. Get the Studio Pro, now with a lower list price, if you want wired listening (USB-C lossless or a 3.5 mm cable for flights) and a more neutral sound. Retailers often sell them for less. The Studio Pro are also the top pick in our best headphones for teens gift guide.

How we put this together: this guide is based on Beats’ and Apple’s official specifications plus published reviews (linked below). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices are list prices or recent street prices at the time of writing and change often. See how we choose products.

Check today’s Beats Studio Pro price on Amazon →

Beats Studio Pro vs Beats 360: specs compared

Specs from Beats’ Beats 360 announcement and our Beats Studio Pro specs page. Weight of the Beats 360 as measured by SoundGuys.

What reviews say about the Beats Studio Pro

Trusted Reviews found “clear, neutral sound quality, strong noise-cancellation, and an excellent wireless performance”, but concluded they’re “not quite at the level to supplant the likes of Sony”, with sound and comfort bettered by Sony and Bose at the same price. That matches the wider consensus: the Studio Pro are good all-rounders rather than class leaders, which is why the price cut matters.

Their standout feature in 2026 is wired audio. Over USB-C they play lossless and hi-res audio up to 24-bit/48kHz, and the 3.5 mm input works with in-flight entertainment. As T3 points out, basic playback over the 3.5 mm cable even works when the battery is flat. Battery life is up to 40 hours, or 24 with noise cancelling on, and they pair with one tap on both iPhone and Android.

The trade-offs: no water resistance, no LDAC or other hi-res Bluetooth codecs, and none of the newer Apple features such as Adaptive Audio or Conversation Awareness.

What reviews say about the new Beats 360

The Beats 360 use a “true wireless” design, with a separate battery, antenna and processor in each ear cup, eight microphones and a custom Beats chip. Beats claims up to 1.75 times the Studio Pro’s noise cancelling and rates the battery at up to 32 hours even with noise cancelling on. They’re Beats’ first over-ear headphones rated IPX4 for sweat and water, and the ear and headband cushions can be swapped.

SoundGuys rates them 7.3/10: comfortable, water-resistant, with good call quality and battery life that beat Beats’ own figures (a nearly six-hour flight with ANC used only 14 percent). But they have no wired audio at all, no custom EQ, and the sound gets bass-heavy with noise cancelling on. Its verdict: “If sound quality matters most to you, the Studio Pro is still the smarter buy.”

Check the Beats 360 on Amazon →

Beats Studio Pro vs Beats 360 for gaming

For gaming, get the Studio Pro, because they can go wired. On an iPhone, iPad, Mac or Android device the USB-C cable carries audio and the mic with no Bluetooth delay, and the 3.5 mm cable plugs into a PS5 or Xbox controller for game sound. The Beats 360 are wireless only, so they always have Bluetooth delay (roughly 150–200 ms on most devices) and can’t be used with a PS5 or Xbox at all.

Neither has a boom mic or a low-latency wireless dongle. For the full platform-by-platform setup, and gaming headsets that cost less than the Beats 360, see Are Beats good for gaming?

Studio Pro or Beats 360: which should you buy?

• Buy the Beats Studio Pro if you fly often and want to plug into the seat-back screen, you want lossless audio over USB-C, you prefer a more neutral sound, or you can get them for $250 or less.
• Buy the Beats 360 if you want stronger noise cancelling, long battery life with ANC on, headphones you can wear to the gym, or the ability to swap cushions and colours.
• Buy neither if noise cancelling is your top priority: the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) are the stronger choices. See our best noise-cancelling headphones.

Our verdict

At full price the Beats Studio Pro were hard to recommend over Sony and Bose. After the price cut they’re a much easier buy, especially for frequent flyers who want a wired option and for households that mix iPhones and Android phones. If you want the newest Beats with the best noise cancelling and don’t need a cable, the Beats 360 are the better headphones, as long as you’re happy to pay more.

Check the Beats Studio Pro on Amazon →

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

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For most people the best headset for the Nintendo Switch 2 is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5. Its small USB-C dongle plugs straight into the console, so you get low-latency wireless audio and a mic that works in GameChat. That matters because the Switch 2 doesn’t support Bluetooth microphones. On a budget, a wired headset such as the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 plugs into the console or the Pro Controller and does everything. For earbuds, the Sony INZONE Buds use their own USB-C dongle instead of Bluetooth.

Check the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 on Amazon →

Our picks at a glance

How we put this together: this guide is based on Nintendo’s official support pages for Switch 2 audio, manufacturers’ specifications and published reviews (linked below). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices are list prices at the time of writing and change often. See how we choose products.

How headphones work on the Switch 2

The Switch 2 gives you three ways to connect headphones, and they don’t all do the same things:

Nintendo’s support pages spell out the Bluetooth limits: “Microphone input via Bluetooth is not supported on Nintendo Switch 2”, so with Bluetooth headphones you can hear other players in GameChat but they can’t hear you through the headset (Nintendo). While a Bluetooth audio device is connected, you can only use two wireless controllers, and a pair of Joy-Con 2 counts as two (Nintendo). Bluetooth audio also disconnects when you start local wireless multiplayer, and Nintendo warns you may notice audio latency (Nintendo). USB headsets and 4-pole wired headsets have none of those limits, and their mics work in GameChat.

The best headphones for Nintendo Switch 2

1. SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5: best overall

The Arctis Nova 5 is the easiest way to get wireless audio and working voice chat on a Switch 2. Its small USB-C dongle plugs into the console’s top USB-C port, so it works in handheld mode and when docked, and it also works with PC, PlayStation, phones and handhelds. Bluetooth is built in as well, for your phone. It weighs 265 g, the mic retracts fully into the earcup, and SteelSeries rates the battery at up to 60 hours. It’s the “best for consoles” pick in our best gaming headsets guide.

Good to know: use the dongle, not Bluetooth, on the Switch 2, or the mic won’t work in GameChat. Xbox players need the Nova 5X version. It’s often discounted below its list price.

Check the Arctis Nova 5 on Amazon →

2. SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1: best budget headset

A wired headset is the cheapest way to get everything working on the Switch 2: no lag, no battery, and a mic that works in GameChat. The Arctis Nova 1 uses a single 3.5 mm combo plug, weighs just 235 g and has a ClearCast Gen 2 noise-cancelling mic. Tom’s Hardware found it slimmer, lighter and much more comfortable than the Arctis 1 it replaced.

Good to know: plug it into the top of the console in handheld mode, or into the Switch 2 Pro Controller’s headphone jack when docked. The Joy-Con 2 don’t have a headphone jack, so docked players without a Pro Controller should go wireless with a USB dongle instead.

Check the Arctis Nova 1 on Amazon →

3. HyperX Cloud III: best wired headset

If you want a more premium wired headset, the Cloud III has large 53 mm drivers angled toward your ears, a detachable boom mic with an LED mute indicator, and a 3.5 mm plug for the console and Pro Controller. Nintendo Life recommends it for Switch 2 as a comfortable, great-sounding wired option, and Tom’s Hardware found it lighter, with better audio and a better mic, than the Cloud II.

Good to know: the DTS spatial audio and some extras need a PC; on the Switch 2 it works as a plain, very good stereo headset.

Check the HyperX Cloud III on Amazon →

4. Sony INZONE Buds: best earbuds for Switch 2

Earbuds are the most portable option for handheld play, and the INZONE Buds avoid Bluetooth’s problems by using a small USB-C dongle, with latency Sony rates at under 30 ms. They add active noise cancelling and Bluetooth LE Audio for your phone, and Sony’s specs list up to 12 hours of play on the dongle (11 with noise cancelling on), at about 6.5 g per bud. See our Sony gaming headphones guide for more.

Good to know: the dongle takes the console’s top USB-C port, and an earbud mic can’t match a boom mic for voice clarity. Regular Bluetooth earbuds like AirPods also work for game sound, but without the mic and with more delay.

Check the INZONE Buds on Amazon →

5. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni: best premium, multi-console

If the Switch 2 is one of several systems you play on, the Nova Pro Omni (May 2026) connects to all of them. Its GameHub base station has two USB inputs plus Bluetooth and line-in and can mix several sources at once, so you can hear a Switch 2 and a PC or another console through one headset. It adds active noise cancelling, Hi-Res certified drivers, a retractable mic and two hot-swappable batteries.

Good to know: it’s expensive, so it’s only worth it if you really do switch between systems. It’s covered in full in our best gaming headsets guide.

Check the Arctis Nova Pro Omni on Amazon →

Can you use AirPods or Bluetooth headphones with the Switch 2?

Yes, for game audio. Go to System Settings, then Bluetooth Audio, then Add Device, and put your headphones in pairing mode. They’re fine for single-player games where a little delay doesn’t matter. The trade-offs are the ones in the table above: no mic in GameChat, only two wireless controllers while connected, audio that drops when you start local wireless multiplayer, and some delay that shows in rhythm and fast action games. Our Bluetooth headphones for gaming guide explains the latency in detail.

If you already own good Bluetooth headphones, a workaround for GameChat is to use the Switch 2’s built-in microphone for your voice while listening through Bluetooth.

Setting up a headset: handheld vs docked

• Handheld: plug a USB-C dongle into the top USB-C port, or a wired headset into the headphone jack on top of the console.
• Docked: the top USB-C port is still free, so a USB-C dongle works there. A wired headset needs the Switch 2 Pro Controller’s headphone jack, since the Joy-Con 2 don’t have one. Nintendo also supports USB headsets in the dock’s USB ports.
• Check the mic: System Settings has a Test Microphone option, and in GameChat your icon shows a green border when you speak.

Specs from the makers, side by side

Every figure below comes from the manufacturer’s own spec page, taken from our earbuds and headphones spec database. “Not stated” means the maker doesn’t publish it, not that the feature is missing.

Our verdict

For the Switch 2, choose a headset that connects by USB or a wired plug, not just Bluetooth. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 is the best all-round pick, with a USB-C dongle that gives you wireless audio and a working GameChat mic in handheld and docked mode. On a budget, the wired Arctis Nova 1 does everything for little money, and the HyperX Cloud III is the wired upgrade. For earbuds, the Sony INZONE Buds skip Bluetooth with their own dongle, and the Arctis Nova Pro Omni is the premium choice if you play on several consoles.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

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For most PC and PS5 players the Razer BlackShark V3 is the best gaming headset right now: light, low-latency wireless, a strong mic and around 70 hours of battery. If you play on Xbox or move between consoles, get the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (the Nova 5X for Xbox). On a tight budget, the LucidSound LS500 is wireless for under $100. For the best sound, the Audeze Maxwell 2; for one headset that connects to everything at once, the Arctis Nova Pro Omni.

Check the Razer BlackShark V3 on Amazon →

Check the BlackShark V3 at Razer.com →

How we put this together: this guide is based on manufacturers’ official specifications plus published reviews and measurements from independent outlets (linked in each pick). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices are list prices at the time of writing and change often. See how we choose products.

Best gaming headsets compared

Specs from each manufacturer’s product page. Battery figures are the maker’s ratings and drop with RGB, noise cancelling or low-latency modes switched on.

The best gaming headsets in 2026

1. Razer BlackShark V3: best overall

The BlackShark V3 gets the basics right at a fair price. It weighs 270 g, connects over Razer’s 2.4GHz HyperSpeed dongle, Bluetooth or USB, and can play both wireless sources at once, so you can hear your game and a phone call together. A low-latency mode cuts wireless delay to as little as 10 ms, according to Razer. The battery is rated at up to 70 hours, and 15 minutes of charging gives about 6 hours. The 50 mm drivers and a detachable super-wideband mic round it out.

PC Gamer rates it the best gaming headset overall, praising its clear mids for picking out in-game detail and an improved bass over the last generation. Good to know: the 10 ms mode drains the battery faster, and the standard V3 doesn’t work wirelessly with Xbox. The V3 Pro adds noise cancelling and an Xbox version, but costs much more.

Check the BlackShark V3 on Amazon →

Check the BlackShark V3 at Razer.com →

2. SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 / Nova 5X: best for consoles

The Arctis Nova 5 is the easy pick if you play on more than one system. Its small USB-C dongle works with PC, PlayStation, Switch and Switch 2, Steam Deck-style handhelds and USB-C phones, and Bluetooth covers everything else. The Nova 5X version adds Xbox support with the same specs and price. It weighs 265 g, the mic retracts fully into the earcup, and SteelSeries rates the battery at up to 60 hours. The companion phone app has audio presets for more than 100 games, which is handy on consoles where you can’t run PC software.

Good to know: there’s no active noise cancelling, and ChatMix (the game/chat balance dial) doesn’t work on PlayStation. Tom’s Hardware’s review calls it a cheaper Nova 7, which is a fair summary.

Check the Arctis Nova 5 on Amazon →

Check the Nova 5X (Xbox) on Amazon →

3. LucidSound LS500: best budget wireless

For under $100, the LS500 from PowerA’s LucidSound brand is wireless, light and long-lasting for the money. It connects to PlayStation and PC through a USB dongle or to other devices over Bluetooth, weighs 265 g, has a glasses-friendly fit, and PowerA rates the battery at up to 50 hours on the dongle or 70 hours over Bluetooth. The 50 mm drivers have three EQ modes (Signature, Bass Boost and FPS), and the boom mic flips up to mute. Xbox players need the LS500X version.

Good to know: PC Gamer, which picks it as the best budget headset, notes a plasticky feel and that its reviewer could only get the mic working over the dongle, not Bluetooth. There’s no noise cancelling at this price.

Check the LucidSound LS500 on Amazon →

4. HyperX Cloud Alpha: best wired headset (and great bass)

If you don’t need wireless, the HyperX Cloud Alpha is still the one to beat years after launch. Its 50 mm dual-chamber drivers separate the bass from the mids and highs, which gives it a hearty low end without muddying footsteps and voices. It plugs into anything with a 3.5 mm jack, including PS5 and Xbox controllers, the Switch and phones with a headphone port, so there’s no battery or wireless lag to think about. The mic detaches when you don’t need it.

Good to know: the mic doesn’t flip up to mute, so you mute with the in-line control. It’s often discounted well below list price. PC Gamer names it the best wired gaming headset.

Check the Cloud Alpha on Amazon →

5. HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless: best battery life

The wireless Cloud Alpha keeps the same dual-chamber drivers and adds a battery that HyperX rates at up to 300 hours, so most people charge it every few weeks rather than every few days. It connects to PC and PS5 over a 2.4GHz USB dongle and weighs about 320 g. The detachable mic has an LED that shows when you’re muted.

Good to know: there’s no Bluetooth and no Xbox support, and it costs more than the BlackShark V3. GamesRadar+ picks it as the best headset for battery life.

Check the Cloud Alpha Wireless on Amazon →

6. Audeze Maxwell 2: best sound quality

If sound quality matters most, the Maxwell 2 is the headset reviewers keep pointing to. It uses 90 mm planar magnetic drivers, the kind found in high-end hi-fi headphones, and adds Audeze’s SLAM design for deeper bass that doesn’t cover up detail. It connects over a 2.4GHz dongle, Bluetooth, USB-C or 3.5 mm, the battery is rated at up to 80 hours, and the detachable boom mic uses AI noise reduction. RTINGS and PC Gamer both rank it their top wireless pick for audio.

Good to know: at 560 g it’s very heavy, and some reviewers found it uncomfortable over long sessions. It can’t mix the dongle and Bluetooth audio at the same time. The PlayStation version works with PC, PS5 and Switch; the Xbox version also works with PC.

Check the Maxwell 2 on Amazon →

7. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni: best premium, multi-platform headset

The Nova Pro Omni, launched in May 2026, is for people who play on several systems and want one headset for all of them. Its GameHub base station has two USB inputs plus Bluetooth and line-in, and can mix up to four sources at once, for example Discord on your PC with game audio from a PS5 or Xbox. It adds active noise cancelling with a transparency mode, Hi-Res certified drivers, a retractable mic, and two hot-swappable batteries: one charges in the base while you use the other, so you never wait on a charge (SteelSeries specs).

Good to know: it’s the most expensive pick here, and you only get the most out of it if you really do switch between systems. GamesRadar+ currently ranks it the best gaming headset overall.

Check the Arctis Nova Pro Omni on Amazon →

Best gaming headsets for bass and sound quality

More bass makes explosions and engines feel bigger, but too much of it can mask footsteps in competitive shooters. The best headsets for bass keep the low end separate from the mids:

• Most bass without losing detail: Audeze Maxwell 2, whose SLAM design was built to deepen the bass of its planar drivers.
• Best bass for the money: HyperX Cloud Alpha (wired) or Cloud Alpha Wireless, thanks to the dual-chamber drivers.
• Bass on a budget: LucidSound LS500, using its Bass Boost EQ mode.
• Clearest footsteps: Razer BlackShark V3, which is tuned for clear mids and positional audio.

Every wireless pick here has an EQ in its app, so you can add or remove bass yourself. For competitive games, an FPS or footsteps preset usually helps more than a bass boost.

Which gaming headset for your platform?

• PC: Razer BlackShark V3 for most people; Audeze Maxwell 2 for the best sound; Cloud Alpha Wireless if you hate charging.
• PS5: BlackShark V3, Arctis Nova 5 or LucidSound LS500. The PS5 doesn’t send game audio over Bluetooth, so use the dongle or a cable. See our best PS5 headsets for more, including the new PlayStation Pulse. Sony’s own INZONE and Pulse headsets are covered in our best Sony headphones for gaming guide.
• Xbox: wireless headsets need an Xbox-specific version (Arctis Nova 5X, LucidSound LS500X, the Maxwell 2 Xbox edition), or the Arctis Nova Pro Omni. Any headset works wired through the controller’s 3.5 mm jack, which makes the HyperX Cloud Alpha a safe choice.
• Switch, Switch 2 and handhelds: the Arctis Nova 5’s USB-C dongle is the neatest option; any wired headset works too. See our best headphones for Switch 2.
• Mixing PC and console: the Arctis Nova Pro Omni is built for exactly this.

Thinking of using regular Bluetooth headphones instead? Read can you use Bluetooth headphones for gaming first: Bluetooth adds noticeable lag, which is why gaming headsets use a 2.4GHz dongle.

Gaming headset deals: Prime Big Deal Days and Black Friday 2026

Gaming headsets are some of the most heavily discounted products in Amazon’s October sale and over Black Friday. Popular models such as the Razer BlackShark V3, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 and HyperX Cloud Alpha have dropped well below their list prices in past Black Friday sales, so if a headset is only a few dollars off, it’s usually worth waiting for the next sale.

The LucidSound LS500, Audeze Maxwell 2 and Arctis Nova Pro Omni (launched May 2026) have no Black Friday history yet, so treat any real cut below list as a bonus.

How to tell a real headset deal

• Check the exact model. Sales often land on a different version: the BlackShark V3 X instead of the V3, the Nova 5P or 5X instead of the Nova 5, the LS500X instead of the LS500. On Xbox, only the Xbox versions work wirelessly.
• Compare with the list price, not the “was” price. Some listings show an inflated “was” price to make the discount look bigger.
• Look at the price history. A tracker such as camelcamelcamel or Keepa shows whether today’s price is really a low.
• Check who sells it. Buy from Amazon itself or the brand’s official store; third-party listings can be older stock or a different region’s version.

Shopping for a gaming laptop too? See our October Prime Day gaming laptop deals and the best laptops to buy on Black Friday.

Also worth a look

• Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed: graphene drivers with precise directional audio that competitive players like, though GamesRadar+ notes a weaker mic and a USB-A receiver.
• Turtle Beach Atlas Air: a rare open-back wireless gaming headset, with 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, for a more spacious sound if you play in a quiet room.
• Sony INZONE H9 II and H5: strong options for PC and PS5; see our Sony gaming headphones guide.
• Earbuds instead of a headset: the EarFun Air Pro 4 has a low-latency game mode over Bluetooth; PC Gamer picks the Air Pro 4+ as its best gaming earbuds.

Specs from the makers, side by side

Every figure below comes from the manufacturer’s own spec page, taken from our earbuds and headphones spec database. “Not stated” means the maker doesn’t publish it, not that the feature is missing.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

• Best Sony headphones for gaming
• Can you use Bluetooth headphones for gaming?
• Sony XM5 and XM6 for gaming
• Best noise-cancelling headphones
• Best Xbox headsets
• Best headphones for hearing footsteps
• Best headphones for glasses wearers
• Best earbuds for gaming

Yes, Sony headphones are good for gaming, but only the right ones. Sony’s INZONE line (H9 II, H5, H3, INZONE Buds) and the PlayStation Pulse Elite are built for it, with low-latency wireless and proper microphones. The famous WH-1000X headphones (XM6, XM5, XM4) sound great and work well for casual gaming when plugged in, but they lag over Bluetooth, and their mic doesn’t work over the cable. For most gamers the INZONE H9 II is the best Sony pick; on PS5 on a budget, the INZONE H5.

Check the Sony INZONE H9 II on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on Sony’s and PlayStation’s official specifications and help guides, plus published measurements and reviews from independent outlets (linked below). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. See how we choose products.

Sony gaming headphones compared

Specs from Sony and PlayStation product pages and listings. Weights are approximate and exclude detachable mics.

Are Sony headphones good for gaming?

It depends on which family you mean. Sony makes two very different kinds of headphones:

• Gaming headsets (INZONE and PlayStation): they connect through a dedicated low-latency wireless dongle or PlayStation Link, have a boom or built-in mic designed for voice chat, and work with a PS5 out of the box. These are the ones to buy if gaming is the main job.
• Everyday headphones (WH-1000X, ULT, WH-CH series): they connect over Bluetooth, which adds noticeable delay, and consoles like the PS5 and Xbox don’t send game audio over Bluetooth at all. Plugged in with a 3.5 mm cable they have no lag, but on the 1000X models the headset mic stops working when wired.

If you already own a pair of XM4s, XM5s or XM6s, you can game with them: see our guides to the Sony XM4 for gaming and the XM5 and XM6 for gaming. For the numbers behind Bluetooth lag, see can you use Bluetooth headphones for gaming.

The best Sony headphones for gaming

1. Sony INZONE H9 II: best overall

The INZONE H9 II is the Sony headset that does everything. It uses the same drivers as the WH-1000XM6, adds active noise cancelling, and connects three ways: a 2.4GHz USB-C dongle for low-latency play on PC and PS5, Bluetooth (including LE Audio) for your phone, and a 3.5 mm cable. The detachable cardioid boom mic is a real gaming mic, which the 1000X line doesn’t have. At about 260 g without the mic and with a suspension headband, it’s light for a wireless headset, and Sony rates the battery at up to 30 hours with ANC on.

Good to know: it’s the priciest Sony gaming headset, and RTINGS’ review is a useful read on its sound and mic before you buy. If you mostly play on PS5 and don’t need ANC, the H5 or Pulse Elite costs less.

Check the INZONE H9 II on Amazon →

2. Sony INZONE H5: best value for PC and PS5

The INZONE H5 keeps what matters for gaming and drops the extras. You get the 2.4GHz dongle (plus a 3.5 mm option), a bidirectional boom mic with AI-based noise reduction, 40 mm drivers, up to 28 hours of battery and the same light 260 g build. On PS5 it shows on-screen settings and game/chat balance automatically.

Good to know: there’s no active noise cancelling and no Bluetooth, so it can’t double as your phone headphones. SoundGuys’ review covers its sound and mic in detail.

Check the INZONE H5 on Amazon →

3. PlayStation Pulse Elite: best for PS5 owners

Made by Sony Interactive for PlayStation, the Pulse Elite uses planar magnetic drivers and PlayStation Link, a lossless low-latency wireless connection that works with the PS5, PC, Mac and the PlayStation Portal. It can stay connected to your game over PlayStation Link and to your phone over Bluetooth at the same time. The mic retracts into the earcup, the battery is rated at up to 30 hours, and a 10-minute charge gives about 2 hours (PlayStation specs).

Good to know: at around 340 g it’s the heaviest pick here, there’s no ANC, and PlayStation Link on PC needs the included USB adapter.

Check the Pulse Elite on Amazon →

4. Sony INZONE Buds: best gaming earbuds

If you want gaming audio without a headset, the INZONE Buds connect through a small USB-C dongle with latency Sony rates at under 30 ms, which also makes them a good fit for a Switch, a Steam Deck or an Android phone with USB-C. They add active noise cancelling, Bluetooth LE Audio, and an AI noise-reducing mic. Sony’s specs list up to 12 hours of play on the dongle (11 hours with ANC on) and about 6.5 g per bud.

Good to know: a mic in an earbud can’t match a boom mic for voice clarity, so squad-chat regulars may prefer the H9 II or H5.

Check the INZONE Buds on Amazon →

5. Sony INZONE H3: best budget (wired)

The INZONE H3 is Sony’s entry-level wired gaming headset. It has no battery to charge and no wireless lag to worry about, a flip-up boom mic that mutes when raised, and support for Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound for Gaming on PC through the INZONE Hub app. It works with PC and PS5. At about 299 g it’s heavier than the wireless H5 and H9 II, but it’s usually the cheapest way into Sony gaming audio.

Sony no longer lists the H3 on its own store; Amazon still has stock, so buy it while it lasts.

Check the INZONE H3 on Amazon →

6. Sony WH-1000XM6 or XM5: best if music comes first

If you want one pair of headphones for commuting, flights and some gaming, the 1000X line has the better noise cancelling and a more refined everyday design. For gaming, plug in the 3.5 mm cable for zero lag and use your controller or a separate mic for chat, because Sony’s help guide confirms the headset mic doesn’t work over the cable. Over Bluetooth they’re fine for single-player games on a phone or PC but lag in fast shooters. Our XM5 and XM6 gaming guide covers the details.

See the Sony WH-1000XM6 and the Sony WH-1000XM5. Already own the older XM4? Here’s how the XM4 does for gaming.

Which Sony headset for your platform?

• PS5: INZONE H9 II, INZONE H5 or Pulse Elite (all wireless without Bluetooth). Other brands are in our best PS5 headsets guide. The 1000X headphones only work on PS5 wired through the controller.
• PC: any INZONE model; the H9 II and H5 dongles give the lowest lag, and the INZONE Hub app adds EQ and spatial sound.
• Xbox: Xbox doesn’t support these 2.4GHz dongles or Bluetooth audio, so use a 3.5 mm cable through the controller (the H9 II and H5 have a 3.5 mm option).
• Switch, Steam Deck, phones: the INZONE Buds’ USB-C dongle is the neatest option; any model also works wired. More options in our best headphones for Switch 2 guide.

Specs from the makers, side by side

Every figure below comes from the manufacturer’s own spec page, taken from our earbuds and headphones spec database. “Not stated” means the maker doesn’t publish it, not that the feature is missing.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

• Can You Use Bluetooth Headphones for Gaming? Latency Explained
• Sony XM5 and XM6 for gaming
• Sony WH-1000XM4 for gaming
• Best noise-cancelling over-ear headphones