Best Gaming Headphones: Supported Shortlist

Best gaming headphones: a supported shortlist

The best gaming headphones depend on your platform, budget and whether you prioritise sound, battery life, microphone quality or simple compatibility. For most buyers, a wireless over-ear gaming headset with a built-in microphone is the most practical choice.

The strongest options here cover budget, mid-range and premium use, with models for PC, PlayStation, Xbox and multi-platform setups. Audeze Maxwell 2 is the premium audio choice, HyperX Cloud III S Wireless offers particularly long battery life, and Razer provides both high-end wireless and low-cost wired options.

Best gaming headset for PC, PS5 and Xbox

Choose the headset by platform first. Compatibility is more important than a longer feature list if the wireless connection does not work with your system.

The Logitech PRO X 2 is listed for PC, PS5 and PS4, but Argos states that its wireless connection does not work with Xbox and that the headset is not made for Xbox. Audeze sells separate PlayStation and Xbox versions of the Maxwell 2, so those versions should be treated as different platform variants.

Best wireless gaming headphones

Wireless gaming headsets are easiest to use when they offer both 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth. The former is suited to a dedicated gaming connection, while Bluetooth is useful for compatible mobile devices and general listening. A 3.5 mm cable is valuable as a fallback when a battery is empty or a platform does not support the wireless mode you want.

The HyperX Cloud III S Wireless is the clearest battery-life choice in this group. HyperX gives different figures for its two wireless modes, so consider how you will use it rather than choosing on the largest number alone. The headset supports PC, Mac, PS5, mobile and Switch.

The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is more feature-heavy: it includes hybrid active noise cancellation, THX Spatial Audio and simultaneous 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth. The manufacturer describes battery life of up to 70 hours, making it suitable for someone who wants one headset across several devices.

Gaming headphones with microphone

A complete gaming headset includes a microphone, so you do not need to buy a separate one. Look for a boom microphone that can be moved away when you are not speaking, plus a connection that works with your console or computer. Built-in microphone specifications alone do not establish which model sounds best in every room; position, background noise and software settings also affect calls.

The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro, Logitech PRO X 2 and HyperX Cloud III S Wireless all combine headphones with an integrated microphone. The Razer Kraken X Lite is a simpler wired option with a noise-reducing microphone and virtual surround.

If you already own good headphones, a model without a microphone can still be used for gaming with a separate microphone. However, a complete gaming headset is usually the simpler purchase for voice chat, particularly on consoles.

Audeze Maxwell 2: premium gaming headphones

The Audeze Maxwell 2 is the premium sound choice in this shortlist. It uses 90 mm planar magnetic drivers, offers up to 80 hours of battery life and supports 24-bit/96 kHz wireless audio. Planar magnetic drivers use a thin diaphragm and magnetic force to produce sound; here, the specification is aimed at buyers who put audio quality ahead of a low purchase price.

Audeze UK lists the Maxwell 2 at £339.00. The product is available as a PlayStation/PC/Mac/Mobile version or an Xbox/PC/Mac/Mobile version. PC Gamer gives the PlayStation version a price of £339 and the Xbox version a price of £369.

The Maxwell 2 is best suited to a buyer who wants a premium headset and knows which console family they use. It is less suitable as a casual budget purchase, and the separate Xbox and PlayStation versions mean it is not the simplest choice for a household that switches between both consoles.

Razer headset options: BlackShark and Kraken X Lite

Razer covers two very different budgets in this guide. The BlackShark V3 Pro is a premium wireless model with ANC, THX Spatial Audio, a long battery claim and several connection methods. The Kraken X Lite is a low-cost wired headset intended for buyers who want a basic gaming setup without charging.

The prices and specifications in the table come from Currys’ BlackShark V3 Pro listing and its Razer headset listings. The £29.99 model is the Kraken X Lite; that price does not apply to the older Razer Kraken X.

Gaming headset prices and best-value choices

A low price usually means accepting a wired connection or fewer premium features. A mid-range headset can add wireless connections and platform flexibility, while premium models typically focus on advanced audio hardware, noise cancellation or longer battery life.

Prices can change, so verify the retailer listing close to purchase.

How to choose gaming headphones

Use this order of priorities to narrow the list quickly:

1. Start with the platform. Confirm PC, PS5, Xbox or multi-platform support. Pay special attention to separate Xbox and PlayStation versions.
2. Choose wireless or wired. Wireless gives more freedom of movement, while a 3.5 mm headset avoids charging and is straightforward to replace or share.
3. Decide whether you need a microphone. Choose a complete gaming headset for regular voice chat. Choose headphones without a mic only if you already have another microphone.
4. Set a realistic budget. The listed options range from the wired Razer Kraken X Lite at £29.99 to the Audeze Maxwell 2 at £339.00.
5. Compare battery modes. HyperX gives different figures for 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth, so the mode you use matters more than the largest headline number.
6. Check fit and weight information. Comfort depends on the headband, ear cushions and personal fit. The Logitech PRO X 2 is listed at 345 grams, which may matter if you prefer a lighter headset.

Gaming in-ear headphones, children’s gaming headphones and headphones without a microphone can all make sense for specific users, but the models in this guide are mainly complete over-ear gaming headsets. For the broadest compatibility and the least extra equipment, choose an over-ear model with a microphone and both a dedicated wireless option and a cable.

Frequently asked questions

Which headphone is the best for gaming?

The Audeze Maxwell 2 is the strongest premium sound option in this guide, with 90 mm planar magnetic drivers and up to 80 hours of battery life. For a lower-priced wireless choice, the HyperX Cloud III S Wireless offers up to 120 hours through 2.4 GHz and supports PC, Mac, PS5, mobile and Switch.

What is the best headset for gaming?

Choose by platform and budget. The Audeze Maxwell 2 is the premium option for audio hardware, the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro combines wireless flexibility with ANC and THX Spatial Audio, and the HyperX Cloud III S Wireless prioritises long battery life at a lower price level.

Are wireless gaming headphones better than wired ones?

Wireless is more convenient for movement and multi-device use, while wired headphones avoid battery charging and can be a simpler fit for a controller or computer. The best choice depends on whether convenience or a direct 3.5 mm connection matters more in your setup.