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Best PS5 headsets

Maximize your PS5's next-gen gaming with our top headsets. Don't settle for TV speakers, immerse in unparalleled sound quality.
By
January 31, 2024
The Best
Audeze Maxwell
MSRP: $299.99
8.5
Check price
Positives
Sound quality
App
Connection options
Physical mute switch
Negatives
Band
Mass
Long-term comfort
Bang for your buck
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7
MSRP: $179.99
8
Check price
Positives
Comfortable
Fast charging
Cross-platform compatibility
Good software
Negatives
Strange sound profile
Best wireless
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2020)
MSRP: $179.99
7.6
Check price
Positives
Wireless
Comfortable
Big mic improvement
Audio
Negatives
Worse isolation than regular BlackShark V2
Big price hike for wireless
Not as good on console
Best features
Logitech G Pro X 2 LIGHTSPEED
MSRP: $249.99
8.2
Check price
Positives
Connection options
Battery life
Comfortable
Good sound
Negatives
Price
Fewer features, connection options on different platforms
Best active noise cancelling
Turtle Beach Stealth Pro
MSRP: $329.00
8
Check price
Positives
Swappable batteries
Compatibility
Microphone
Great ANC
Negatives
So-so sound
Price
Lackluster Bluetooth support

While snagging a PlayStation 5 is no longer the challenge it once was, securing the perfect gaming headset to enhance your gaming experience still is. Dive into our curated list to discover the best PS5 headsets that truly elevate your gaming sessions on Sony’s leading console.

What's new?

  • This best list was updated on January 31, 2024, to refresh our Top Picks and adjust formatting to our current style.
  • We are currently testing Sony's new INZONE H5 gaming headphones for review and plan to review the upcoming Pulse Elite Headset for PS5 when it is released in late February 2024.
  • For more cord-cutting options, check out our list of the best wireless PlayStation 5 gaming headsets, and if you want to use a headset with more gaming consoles than just the PS5, check out our list of the best gaming headsets.

Why the Audeze Maxwell for PlayStation is the best PS5 headset

The contents of the Audeze Maxwell's packaging.
Christian Thomas / SoundGuys
You get a lot of headsets with the Maxwell and a lot of little parts.

The Audeze Maxwell is one of the best-performing gaming headsets we’ve tested and should be on your radar, provided you have the budget. Thanks to their planar-magnetic drivers, the Audeze Maxwell achieves deeper bass extension, lower distortion, and a broader soundstage, distinguishing it from dynamic driver headsets such as the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. They are a bit bulky and heavier than typical gaming headsets, to be sure, but the beefy 64-hour battery can get you through days of gaming without recharging.

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In terms of software, the Audeze HQ app provides Spatial Audio and various EQ presets. The headset’s substantial ear cups and clamping force compensate for the absence of active noise cancelation, providing effective passive noise isolation. For PS5 users, choosing the correct variant of the Audeze Maxwell is essential to ensure compatibility with console-specific audio features like Tempest 3D audio.

Audeze MaxwellAudeze Maxwell
SoundGuys Editors Choice
Audeze Maxwell
Sound quality • App • Connection options
MSRP: $299.99

What makes the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 a great PS5 headset?

A closeup of the controls on the left ear cup of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1.
The headset offers a relatively simple set of controls on the left ear cup and a detachable headphone cable.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 is a newer entry in a new line of gaming headsets from SteelSeries. Much like the non-Nova Arctis 7 headsets, this wireless gaming headset uses a USB-C dongle to connect to your device of choice. The on-ear controls and hardware features are very similar, but visually, the design is pretty different.

The Arctis Nova 7 brings an improved microphone that now retracts to fit flush in the headset, an updated suspension band that you can adjust with pins in the frame like a snapback hat, and that same comfortable Airweave material covering the ear pads. The headset sounds a little closer to our in-house target curve, and in our testing, we found it lasted well over 41 hours.

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The headset continues SteelSeries’s movement toward USB-C dongles for its wireless headsets, like the Arctis 7+ and Arctis 7P+. However, besides the 2.4GHz wireless and wired connection options, the Arctis Nova 7 also supports Bluetooth connections. You can also use Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connections simultaneously, so you’ll never miss a phone call.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7
SG recommended
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7
Comfortable • Fast charging • Cross-platform compatibility
MSRP: $179.99
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 gives one of the company's most popular headsets a refresh, maintaining the comfort and ease of use. The headset sounds better than the Arctis 7's last outing. A nice option at a relatively reasonable price that works just about everywhere.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 takes a lot of cues from previous Arctis 7 headsets, but there are some definite differences between it and its predecessors. The two big differences are the connectivity and the battery life. The Arctis Nova 7 has Bluetooth, which the Arctis 7, Arctis 7P, and both + variants lack. The new headset also has better battery life than the non+ headsets—the Arctis 7+ and Arctis 7P+ both do better in this regard. However, the Arctis Nova 7 also features a better default EQ profile (You can EQ any of these headsets with SteelSeries software.

People who hate wires should get the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro

A man wears the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro gaming headset sitting at a PC, with posters for The Adventure Zone and My Brother, My Brother, and Me on the wall behind him.
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is perfect for users who prefer an untethered gaming experience.

If you want one of the best wireless headsets, go with the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro. The original BlackShark gaming headset was already one of our favorites, and the second iteration makes it an even better buy. Complete with an improved microphone and wireless functionality, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro impressed us.

All you need to do to connect your Razer headset to your PS5 is plug the RF dongle into the USB input. Of course, this also means that this is compatible with PCs and the PS4. The headset has a 3.5mm input and an impressive 24-hour battery life. Pair that with the ear pad’s superior comfort, and you’re ready for a day and night of adventure. The surround sound compatibility means these are compatible with the 3D Audio built into the PlayStation 5.

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2020)Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2020)
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2020)
Decent sound • Comfortable • Excellent microphone
MSRP: $179.99
One of the best wireless gaming headset.
The BlackShark V2 Pro wireless headphones have a better microphone than their predecessors. The battery provides at least twenty-four hours of gameplay, and the app adds control features and surround sound support.
See price at Amazon
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Razer BlackShark V2 Pro

Bounce around platforms? Get the Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed

The Logitech G PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED lays on a wooden surface.
It’s nice that the microphone is removable if you do decide to treat this as a regular pair of headphones.

For those looking to bounce between computer, console, and smartphone, the Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed has much to offer. Namely, there are a ton of available connections and features that allow you to use everything from your computer to Nintendo Switch.

Though there’s no Bluetooth multipoint, the ability to use wired, wireless, or dongle connections means you shouldn’t have any issues using this headset with your platform of choice. This is fortunate, as the Logitech Logitech G Pro X Lightspeed does not come cheap at $279. But they offer low latency, a comfortable fit, and over 88 hours of continuous battery life.

Logitech G Pro X 2 LIGHTSPEEDLogitech G Pro X 2 LIGHTSPEED
SG recommended
Logitech G Pro X 2 LIGHTSPEED
Comfortable • Feature-packed • Sturdy build
MSRP: $249.99
The newest iteration of the G Pro headset line merges the benefits of its wireless and wired predece
The newest iteration of the G Pro headset line merges the benefits of its wireless and wired predecessors. The Logitech G PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED features graphene headphone drivers, and a boatload of connection options.

The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro is the ANC king of gaming

The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro gaming headset lays flat on a wooden surface.
This is a comfortable headset, but it’s also very expensive.

If you need to block out the world around you, the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro offers the best ANC of any gaming headset we’ve tested thus far. Sure, there are a few tradeoffs, but overall, this is a rock-solid headset if you want something that will keep you from hearing your housemates or living on a noisy street.

However, anyone looking to grab this headset should be aware that it’s heavy. It won’t make you forget similarly-priced headphone options for music, either. Though the range of sounds that the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro makes your enemies anything — you may want to use an equalizer if you’re going to swap to tunes.

Turtle Beach Stealth ProTurtle Beach Stealth Pro
Turtle Beach Stealth Pro
Swappable batteries • Compatibility • Microphone
MSRP: $329.00
If you're on the hunt for a gaming headset that does a little bit of everything, the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro is definitely worth some attention. It's not perfect, but it's still very compelling.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless brings best-in-class battery life to a classic build

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless lays on fabric
This headset offers a ton of battery life at a low cost.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless is a wireless update to the classic HyperX workhorse. This gaming headset connects to your platform of choice using a 2.4GHz USB-A wireless dongle, and it brings an improved microphone (the original didn’t quite pull enough power for the low end) and indisputably the best battery life on the market. The Cloud Alpha Wireless lasted over 327 hours on a single charge in our testing.

On top of the battery and mic improvements, the headset sports the same very comfortable metal design with thick leatherette ear pads. It sounds just as good as its predecessor, too. The price markup for going wireless is rather significant, but it’s hard to argue with a battery like that.

HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Gaming HeadsetHyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Gaming Headset
HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Gaming Headset
Incredible battery life • Great sound • Comfortable
MSRP: $199.99
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless adds battery performance leaps and better than the competition.
This classic workhorse gaming headset dramatically outlasts the competition with 300 hours of battery life, making this a no brainer for anyone who's ever known the sting of a dead battery at the beginning of a gaming session.

What about the Sony PULSE 3D Wireless Headset?

The Sony Pulse 3D wireless headset sits on a white shelf in front of a reflective black panel.
Sony stepped up its aesthetic game time around, at least.

Don’t get us wrong; the Sony PULSE 3D Wireless Headset is a good gaming headset. It represents a notable improvement over the PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset, with a much better microphone and build that’s more comfortable for more people. It also has good sound quality when playing games on the PS5 and matches the console’s aesthetic to boot. However, compared to most gaming headsets worth their salt on this list, this one just doesn’t hold up all that well. Gaming headsets have come a long way in the last few years, and this one doesn’t quite measure up to the others on our list. That being said, PlayStation enthusiasts will still find a lot to like here, even if the audiophiles are left wanting more.

Sony PULSE 3D Wireless HeadsetSony PULSE 3D Wireless Headset
Sony PULSE 3D Wireless Headset
Stylish • Lightweight • Good sound
The last official PlayStation gaming headset was pretty mediocre. Will the new generation enough?
The Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset is a straightforward gaming headset for the company's next generation console. It works well on PlayStation 5—not necessarily better than any other compatible headset—and not very well on other platforms. At least it matches the console's color scheme.

Are there any eco-friendly PS5 headsets?

A man wears the Logitech G733 gaming headset with a poster for my brother my brother and me in the background.
At just 285g, this is a seriously lightweight gaming headset.

The Logitech G733 Lightspeed is one of a few eco-friendly headsets for gamers, as Logitech is a member of the Amazon Climate Pledge and merits Natural Capital Partners’ CarbonNeutral certification. Its battery life is pretty good at around 28 hours, so you should be able to last quite a few gaming sessions before you need to top the battery back up. This saves those precious lithium battery cells from quick degradation. The headset has other qualifications too, like its lightweight build, great sound, and solid microphone.

The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 has a wealth of connectivity options

The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 gaming headset leans on a PlayStation DualShock 4 controller
This headset is built for PlayStation 4 and 5, but it also works well with other platforms.

The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 is a great gaming headset with consistently accurate microphone quality and Bluetooth connectivity. Its desktop app is simple, which may leave some gamers wanting more, but at least it doesn’t overcomplicate the setup process. Few wireless gaming headsets also connect over Bluetooth and the ones that do usually cost a small fortune. We like the Stealth 700 Gen 2 because it’s a fairly affordable headset with plenty of ways to connect. It sounds pretty good and has an above-average mic all rolled in, too.

Turtle Beach also sells new variants of this headset, bringing notable but limited improvements. The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 USB is virtually the same headset as the regular Gen 2 model. Still, it now includes a USB dongle with a switch that adds compatibility with Xbox consoles, meaning the headset now works well on every platform. The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX also features the new USB dongle, but its big improvement comes in battery life, where it reaches over 40 hours on a single charge (a big step up from the base Gen 2 model)

The best PS5 gaming headsets: Notable mentions

The Sony INZONE H3 sitting on a block of wood with the 3.5mm audio cable coiled up next to it.
  • Sennheiser GSP 300 ($34.99 at Amazon): You’ll stay well below a $100 budget with this wired gaming headset, which is compatible with any 3.5mm connection and even works with macOS.
  • SteelSeries Arctis 3 ($93 at Amazon): Versatility is the name of the game with this wired headset, which works with any 3.5mm connection. The Arctis 3 shares much of the same DNA as the SteelSeries Arctis 7.
  • Razer Barracuda X ($99 at Amazon): This wireless gaming headset checks off pretty much all the same boxes as the SteelSeries Arctis 7P and Arctis 1 Wireless. It’s not quite as comfortable as the Arctis 7P, but it sounds great, connects using a USB-C dongle, and it’s very lightweight.
  • Sony INZONE H3 ($48 at Amazon): The lowest tier of Sony’s newest line of gaming headsets is a wired gaming headset. It uses 3.5mm to connect, so it works everywhere, and it’s pretty comfortable for long gaming sessions. However, its sound and microphone are a little lackluster.
  • Sony INZONE H7 (on the product’s website): The mid-tier INZONE headset is wireless, connecting with a USB dongle. It sounds a little better than the H3, and it’s got great battery life, but it’s pretty expensive.
  • Sony INZONE H9 ($279.99 at Best Buy): Sony’s newest top-of-the-line gaming headset is wireless like the H7, but it brings ANC and Bluetooth support to the table. It sounds good, it’s comfortable, and the INZONE Hub app really rounds out the experience. However, it’s also priced a lot higher than most gaming headsets with comparable features.

What should you know about PS5 gaming headsets?

What we’ve selected as the best PlayStation 5 gaming headsets all operate similarly to other gaming headsets. We still prioritize sound and microphone quality, battery life (when applicable), comfort, and compatibility. Let’s dive into everything you should know before buying.

What is 3D Audio on Sony PlayStation 5?

A diagram of Sony 3D audio on TV speakers.
Sony: Since all the processing is built-in, no special external hardware is necessary. Sony 3D audio will work over your existing TV speakers, a stereo, 5.1 or 7.1 system, or preferably headphones, which convey the effect of 3D Audio most dramatically.

Sony’s 3D Audio uses an object-based system to place sound objects in 3D space around the user’s head. We’ve seen other companies do this, even with non-gaming headsets like Samsung 360 Audio and Apple’s spatial Audio for its AirPods and other compatible products. What’s so cool about 3D Audio on the PlayStation 5 is that it works with any headset. That’s right; you don’t specifically need to buy a proprietary headset to use it.

How to connect a gaming headset to the PS5

There are multiple ways to connect a headset to the PlayStation 5, and perhaps the easiest way is to do so directly through the controller’s 3.5mm input. Alternatively, you can use your headset’s 2.4GHz USB dongle to connect to either the USB-A or USB-C input on the PS5 console itself.

The USB RF dongle of the Audeze Maxwell, set atop wood.
Christian Thomas / SoundGuys
Just stick the USB dongle in the PlayStation, and you’re good to go.

If you want to connect a Bluetooth headset to your PlayStation 5, you’ll need to purchase a USB-A or USB-C Bluetooth transmitter. Once you connect the transmitter to your PS5 and put it into pairing mode, you can then turn your headset on (and into pairing mode). The two devices will “find” each other and establish a connection. Be aware that Bluetooth connectivity, while convenient, may introduce audio-visual lag, which is bad for gaming.

How should a PS5 gaming headset sound?

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Gaming headset manufacturers tend to boost bass notes more than companies that create general consumer headsets. This kind of frequency response with extra-loud bass can be good for people because it makes action sounds seem that much more impactful. Still, the fact of the matter is that audio engineers who work on games typically mix explosions and gunfire to be the loudest sound regardless of a headset’s response. While you may still want booms to sound extra, well, boomy, you shouldn’t be all too worried if a gaming headset appears to under-emphasize bass relative to either our house curve or the headset’s midrange and treble response.

How much noise should a PS5 gaming headset block out?

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Seeing how most gaming headsets don’t feature active noise canceling (ANC), don’t expect any headset to block out much low-frequency noise. Passive isolation is more effective for blocking out high-frequency, incidental sounds anyway and is ideal if you live with roommates who do the dishes while you game. A good seal between the ear pads and your head will do more to affect these unpredictable sounds (above 1kHz) than ANC would.

Why you should trust SoundGuys

The Astro A30 headset being worn.
The Astro A30 is comfortable enough to wear for many hours of gaming.

At SoundGuys, our commitment to delivering in-depth, unbiased reviews is unmatched. Our team of experienced audio professionals and enthusiasts rigorously tests each headset, ensuring our recommendations are based on performance, quality, and user experience. We understand that sound quality is crucial for an immersive gaming experience, especially with next-gen consoles like the PS5. That’s why we analyze everything from audio fidelity to comfort, build quality, and feature set. We don’t just rely on our ears; we also use industry-standard equipment to measure performance objectively.

By choosing SoundGuys, you’re not just getting a list of products; you’re getting trustworthy guidance backed by thorough testing and a deep understanding of audio technology. Trust us to enhance your gaming experience with the best headsets tailored to your needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions about the best PS5 headsets

Yes, there are plenty of gaming earbuds around, and we even have a list of the best gaming earbuds for you to peruse.

Yes, you can use any headset here on PlayStation 4, whether that means plugging the headset into the PS4 controller’s 3.5mm input or connecting via USB.

Topping our list, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 stands out as the premier choice for gaming on the PlayStation 5.

For those seeking seamless dual Audio, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7, with its simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connections, is a game-changer.

When it comes to unparalleled noise cancelation, the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro wears the crown in the gaming headset realm.

For budget-conscious gamers, the Razer Barracuda X and Sony INZONE H3, both priced at a modest $99, offer stellar performance without breaking the bank.