The 5 best PC gaming headsets of 2023

The Razer Kraken may be our No. 1 choice, but it needs an adapter or two to be fully compatible with every gaming device you own. For PC gamers, we can’t ignore its quality sound and its affordable price point. 

When you decide on your new PC gaming headset, comfort and quality are key — however, you should also consider whether or not blocking environmental noise and noise-cancelation on your microphone are essential to you while you’re gaming.

There tends to be a baseline in quality for entry, mid, and high-level headset tiers — and as you can imagine, the more you spend, the more likely you’ll enjoy an audio and comfort upgrade. 

While some gamers might insist on a premium brand like Sennheiser or Razer, the price point isn’t the only factor. Plenty of headsets in the entry and mid-tiers are comfortable and will last a long time without costing you a fortune. 

We have attempted to accommodate different budgets while keeping in mind some headsets are specifically designed to cater to particular gaming consoles and setups. 

A pair of headphones is a set of speakers connected together by a band or other structure and is designed to be worn around the head. A headset is a pair of headphones with a microphone attached, in a boom design or otherwise.

Earphones tend to either have a very small band to be worn around the head or will connect through wires only, whereas earbuds are separate and wireless, and are meant to fit snugly in your ears. 

If you want to regularly game with your friends, a headset is necessary for communication. Another benefit of investing in a headset is the potentially improved audio quality of your game, blocking out external distractions, and a more immersive experience. 

There are a few main features you should consider when you pick a headset — and these qualities will show you whether or not a headset is decent and suitable for you. The first element is audio quality: Is it crystal clear? Do you want extra bass? Is there an amplification boost, or is it just stereo-only? (There should also be a lack of crackling and feedback when you are using both the speakers and mic.)

You should also consider the build quality of a headset: basic plastic ones tend to be the cheapest, whereas vendors who use a combination of other materials including metals, wood, and leather tend to be more durable and will last longer. 

Finally, comfort is key. If you’re going to be wearing a headset for several hours at a time, it can’t put pressure on your ears or skull.

It really all comes down to personal preference, but both wired and wireless gaming headsets have their pros and cons. Wired headsets have unlimited play time since they plug into your laptop, console, or PC tower and don’t rely on a battery. The downside is that you often have to deal with long cables that can get tangled and broken.

Wireless headsets give you more freedom of movement, but you then also have to keep track of battery life so you don’t end up with a dead headset in the middle of your game. You also need to make sure your wireless headset can connect to your console or computer, as some models don’t use Bluetooth so they aren’t compatible with the Nintendo Switch, smartphones, or tablets.

My pick for the best overall gaming headset is the Razer Kraken. It features a headband and ear cups that are cushioned with cooling gel for long-lasting comfort during marathon gaming sessions as well as leatherette ear cup material for easier cleaning. Each of the 50mm audio drivers is custom-tuned for superior audio, and the on-board controls make it easy to adjust the volume or mute your mic on-the-fly.

While deciding on the best products on the market, we based our recommendations on quality, build, versatility, and affordability. You don’t need to spend a fortune on a headset to boost your gaming experience, but the pros out there might want to treat their choice as an investment.

There are also other options worth considering: