The best wireless gaming headsets 2024

The very best wireless gaming headsets can certainly keep up with the speed and reliability of their wired siblings these days. While latency hasn't really been a problem for the last couple of years, we're now starting to see those prices dropping as well. You would traditionally need to shell out around 30% more for a cordless set of headphones compared to a classic wired set, but with battery and 2.4GHz connection tech getting cheaper, final costs are starting to dip as well. 

We've had our hands on a massive range of wireless gaming headsets in the last few years, and we've brought all our favorites right here. You'll find our top picks across all platforms, as well as the best options for those after haptics, audiophile-level tuning, and ultra-long battery lives. We live with these headsets, which means we've put each through its paces over a range of genres and platforms to make sure it's up to standard. Not only that, but we're also spanning the full price scale here - so that you know you're getting the best value for money no matter the budget. 

These are some of the best gaming headsets on the market, so they not only need to offer excellent wireless performance, compatibility, and battery life but they also need to sound great, feel comfortable, and look the part as well. That's a tall order, especially when squeezing the price down, but there are a few models out there working particularly hard for you. 

The Quick List

The best wireless gaming headset overall

The best wireless gaming headset

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed Back, over ear
Drivers: 40mm Neodymium
Weight: 337g
Compatibility: PS5, PS4, PC, Switch, Mobile

Reasons to buy

+
Incredible SteelSeries audio quality
+
Awesome DAC/hub with great options
+
Superb build and design
+
Excellent connectivity options
+
Ingenius battery solution

Reasons to avoid

-
One of the most expensive premium gaming headsets going

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a go-to for anyone looking to invest in a high end audio system packed with additional extras. It's not just the best wireless gaming headset we've tested, but it's the best set of cups we've ever had on the test bench.

Buy it if

✅ You want to invest: This is a sizeable chunk of change, but if you're investing in a long term solution for a multiplatform setup it's a well placed bet. 

✅ You have a split PC and console setup: The dual connection hub (and audio quality across a range of devices)  means those who play across a couple of platforms are going to get the most out of this investment. 

You don't want to worry about battery: The genius dual-battery solution means you won't have to worry about juicing up before you play - with one charge on the dock you've always got a spare 22 hours. 

Don't buy it if:

❌ You don't play across multiple platforms: If you're not going to use that DAC hub as intended, there's no point in spending more on it. 

You don't want to tinker with EQ settings: We did need to fiddle with the EQ settings straight out the box, so if you're after pristine sound right away a more streamlined device will come in handy. 

Design: The latest SteelSeries Arctis Nova line retains a core aesthetic throughout its models, but everything is dialled up to 11 in the Pro. The luxury build materials, super comfortable ski-google headband and subtle gray color means the Nova Pro Wireless could easily pass as a luxury set of headphones, without even considering the raw gaming power inside. There's plenty of extra features hidden in that slick design, though - which makes its streamlined effect all the more impressive.

Features: The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless astounds with its feature list. First up we've got one of the most helpful battery solutions we've come across so far, hot-swappable battery packs. One slots neatly into the DAC hub (more on that next), while the other sits inside the headset - that means you'll never run out of charge, simply swap them over when you're running low. That main hub is another beast all together. Offering handy multiplatform connections and a direct platform for EQ tweaks. Throw in active noise cancellation and plenty of controls on the headset itself and you've got a serious powerhouse. 

Audio: The Nova Pro Wireless wouldn't be at the top of this list if its audio wasn't sublime. The latest iteration has taken the natural clarity of SteelSeries' drivers and boosted everything with an extra edge of finesse and detailing. Not only is this a supremely spacious soundstage, with excellent attention to detail across all ranges, but we also noticed a boost in the lower regions which has been missing from previous Arctis iterations. 

Verdict: If you have the budget, then this is the easiest recommendation for a wireless gaming headset we can make. It's simply the best wireless gaming headset we've ever tested. The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless delivers on its promise and goes as far as we've witnessed any premium set in justifying the lofty price tag.

Read more: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless review

The best budget wireless gaming headset

The best budget wireless gaming headset

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed back, over ear
Drivers: 40mm
Weight: 254g
Compatibility: PlayStation, PC, Nintendo Switch, Mobile

Reasons to buy

+
Comfy during long gaming sessions
+
Lengthy battery life at 20 hours
+
SteelSeries Engine on PC 
+
Compatible with most systems

Reasons to avoid

-
Stereo audio means it's not great for competitive shooters
-
Not compatible with newer iPhones

We're dropping down to the other end of the SteelSeries scale now, for a budget wireless gaming headset that still performs to this day. The older Arctis 1 Wireless was a revolution in sub-$100 / £100 cordless cups back on its release in 2020 and have since stood the test of time. It's not uncommon to find the Arctis 1 Wireless headset on sale these days as well, which means you can spend even less to secure yourself a solid set of cups. 

Buy it if:

You want a streamlined design: If you don't like the flash or larger shapes of some of the more expensive models, this slick form factor is going to work particularly well. 

You want a simple connection: Just plug in that 2.4GHz USB-C dongle and you've got a faff-free wireless connection. It also helps that the 3.5mm option is compatible with a massive range of devices as well. 

You play more casually: If you don't need the high-end directional audio of a competitive gaming headset, there's no need to pay for it. 

Don't buy it if:

You play competitively: The audio in here isn't cut out for a more competitive scenario - you'll be missing surround sound and directional cues. 

You need Bluetooth connectivity: There's no built in Bluetooth here, so if you do want to connect without a dongle (or to an iPhone) we'd recommend looking at the Razer Barracuda X instead. 

Design: The aesthetic of the Arctis 1 Wireless isn't anything special. The matte black plastic and plush cups do just fine when on your head, though, and won't stand out with that classic gamer design should you need them for commuting. Everything here is minimalist, with a cheaper plastic keeping that cost (and weight) down, and a no-nonsense approach to comfort in the breathable fabric cups. 

Features: It's rare to find a wireless gaming headset under $100, but a reliable 2.4GHz USB-C connection keeps you tether free. That's perfect for anyone looking to keep things clean while still enjoying high quality audio. You're also getting a solid 20 hours of battery life in here - that's not going to compete with more expensive wireless gaming headsets in this list, but it's certainly nothing to be sniffed at further down the price scale. You can also plug in should you need to, with a 3.5mm connection maximizing compatibility across all platforms (sorry iPhone). The Arctis 1 Wireless is also compatible with the SteelSeries software for fine tuning. 

Audio: In our testing we were surprised by just how crisp and clear these budget cups are. We did miss some of the more premium features of more expensive headsets we've tested - the lack of surround sound meant directional audio was hampered significantly in our online multiplayer tests, for example. However, on the whole, there's excellent value for money in the audio being produced. 

Read more: SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless review

The best wireless multiplatform headset

The best multiplatform wireless gaming headset

Specifications

Connection: 2.4Ghz / Bluetooth
Drivers: Graphene 40mm
Frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Microphone: Omnidirectional flip
ANC: No
Controls: Power, HDMI switch, Bluetooth, volume, chat mix
Battery: 24 hours
Weight: 363g
Compatibility: PC, PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch (limited), mobile (limited)

Reasons to buy

+
Fantastic compatibility
+
HDMI switcher features
+
Robust, detailed sound quality
+
Powerful microphone
+
Super comfortable design

Reasons to avoid

-
Bluetooth limited to base station
-
Requires an all-in-one setup

While the fact that its Bluetooth is limited to the base station itself, the Astro A50 X boasts an incredible unique feature that makes it the best wireless gaming headset for anyone splitting their time between PS5 and Xbox Series X. That's the built in HDMI swapper, allowing for full compatibility between systems and easy switching between that at just one press of a button. 

Buy it if:

✅ You play PS5 and Xbox Series X in one setup: If you're running a PlayStation and Xbox next to each other you're going to get the best value for money possible here.

✅ You don't want to play handheld on the go: Switch players and handheld gamers on the go will need Bluetooth baked into the headset itself rather than just the base station. 

✅ You regularly switch between consoles: If you're hopping between inputs regularly, that easy switch button is going to prove its worth particularly quickly.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want to play on the go with handhelds: If you don't want wireless audio to be bound to your home, you'll need to look elsewhere.

❌ You need ANC: The Astro A50 X doesn't pack active noise cancellation features, though many in this upper price range do.

Design: The Astro A50 X doesn't stray too far from its predecessors in its design. The plastic device keeps the clean angular lines and large cylindrical headband struts of older releases, with a particularly sophisticated final effect. It's available in either black or white, but we do prefer the white model we tested - the geometric style of the base station and the softer curves around the bottom of each cup pick up particularly well in this colorway. 

Construction feels solid in the hand, with plenty of rotation to ensure an optimal fit from each cup. We did note that the swivel on each side made placing the headset into the charging dock particularly fiddly - especially considering the contacts need a little wiggling around to truly connect. Everything is nicely comfortable, with plush padding across the middle of the headband and lining each cup. 

Features: This is the big one. The reason so many wireless gaming headsets are either designed for Xbox or PS5 is because the two consoles just don't speak the same connection language. However, Astro has skirted this issue by taking its audio from the HDMI signal instead. Around the back you'll find space for both consoles to connect via HDMI 2.1 (as well as a USB-C for your chat). Once set up, and provided your consoles are set to rest rather than being turned off, the base station can swap both video and audio between them at the press of a button - all while keeping the full 4K 120Hz signal intact. 

This is the best audio I've personally heard through a gaming headset yet

Astro A50 X review

Performance: That slick design and fancy feature set wouldn't be good for anything if these headphones didn't sound as great as they do. This is a particularly powerful sound profile, with a slight emphasis on the lower mid-range, but still nicely defined higher tones with plenty of space in the soundstage. That makes everything from music to games feel just that little bit more vibrant, especially considering the Astro A50 Xs do such a good job at separating more delicate sound effects from even the most chaotic of background gunfights. 

Verdict: The Astro A50 X is heavily reliant on its base station, even needing it for Bluetooth functionality, however if you've got a setup that suits it (your PS5, Xbox Series X, and possibly PC all sharing one screen) it's going to be a game changer. 

Read more: Astro A50 X review

The best wireless gaming headset for Xbox Series X

The best wireless headset for Xbox Series X

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed back, over ear
Drivers: 40mm
Weight: 325g
Compatibility: Xbox, PC

Reasons to buy

+
Meatier sound but still clear
+
Dual connectivity
+
Just as comfortable at the Pro

Reasons to avoid

-
Mic remains a weakness

And we're back to SteelSeries. That's because the Arctis Nova 7X is the best wireless headset for Xbox players right now. It's got a faultless connection to Microsoft's tricksy console, while offering a sound quality on par with that of the far more expensive Pro model listed above. If you don't want to sacrifice features and functions by picking up a cord-free set of cups for your Series X or One, this is the headset for you. 

Buy it if:

Dual connectivity is a must: With both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections, this is more than a wireless headset playing nice with Xbox's finnicky process. You're getting compatibility with a range of other platforms as well.

You mostly play single player: That microphone is a bit of a let down, which means this is one we'd recommend to those who mostly fly solo - save for a few chat sessions here and there.

You want a made for Xbox headset: Wireless headsets can be tricky to find for Xbox, but SteelSeries has a solid history of providing high quality audio for Microsoft fans.

Don't buy it if:

You regularly play online with chat: That mic's tinny quality means this isn't one for those constantly on comms. 

You want a better battery life: There are competitors out there who can beat the Nova 7s 20 hour battery life, so if you don't want to plug in regularly we'd recommend looking elsewhere.

Design: We found the Nova 7 to be particularly comfortable, even while dropping the earcup material down to a tighter pleather. Still, there was plenty of breathability in this fabric, so it's well worth the comfort and additional bass response created by this type of material. A new headband keeps your noggin protected from the plastic bridge at the top, with an elasticated strip of rubber offering plenty of padding. You'll find power, mute, chat mix, and volume controls on the cups themselves as well. 

Features: You're getting both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections here, opening you up to compatibility with far more than just the Xbox Series X. That allows you to listen to nearly every device under the sun - fantastic considering wireless gaming headsets can be finnicky with different connection options. On top of that you're getting everything you would expect, a high-end set of SteelSeries drivers, both volume and chat mix wheels, and around 20 hours of battery life per charge. 

Audio: Putting the Arctis Nova 7X to the test, though, we noticed a more aggressive bass response than in previous iterations. That's excellent news, though - we found previous models offered a solid, rich sound, but sometimes struggled in these lower ranges. Everything's been ironed out here, though, to produce a powerful balance across the full scale. 

Overall, the sound quality here is phenomenal. The crunch of Battlefield V is represented in all its glory, though we did notice that the Nova 7X is slightly more tuned to these gaming sounds now. That means a Spotify playlist is going to be flattened slightly in its more complex elements.

Verdict: The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 replaces the 9X in our books. The high-end audio, additional comfort features, and excellent compatibility make it a must-see for anyone after a wireless gaming headset for Xbox Series X.

Read more: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 review

The best wireless gaming headset for PS5

The best wireless headset for PS5

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed back, over ear
Drivers: 50mm Razer TriForce
Weight: 365g
Compatibility: PS4, PS5, PC, Mobile

Reasons to buy

+
Great audio quality
+
Very comfortable
+
Haptics are excellent
+
Solid design

Reasons to avoid

-
Dearer than some of its competition
-
Mic is a bit tinny and thin

Razer launched three headsets in its Kaira range last year, with only the Kaira and Kaira Pro offering a wireless connection. Of the two, the Pro is - obviously - the better headset overall. 

Buy it if:

✅ Immersion is a top priority: If you want to boost the extra immersion already present in the DualSense's functionality, the extra haptic feedback in here is going to be particularly welcome.

✅ You need to reinvigorate a PS4 setup: PS4 players deserve haptic feedback too! If you're missing that extra level of gameplay without a DualSense you can bridge that gap here.

You want your setup to match aesthetically: The black and white design perfectly matches the PS5 - so if you're going for an all official looking setup you're sorted here.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You primarily play online with chat: You won't be using those haptic features with your mic on, so if you only tend to play online with chat it's not worth investing in these extra features. 

❌ Haptics aren't important: Of course, if you don't need that haptic feedback there's no point in spending the money on it. The Razer Kaira can offer up excellent wireless PS5 connectivity and great audio for less. 

Design: This is undeniably a wireless gaming headset for PS5. That console inspired black and white colorway (even down to the Sony blue hue on the Razer logo) keeps everything in your setup uniform while maintaining a crisp, slick design overall. Everything feels solid here, save for a slight swing on the cups themselves that felt a little less durable during testing. It's not a structural problem - and more of a frustration when lifting the headset with one hand or sit them nicely on a stand. 

Features: The biggest feature lies in that haptic performance. We adored the haptic feedback working in tandem with the DualSense controller, and between gunfire rumbles and precise directional feedback this feature alone may be worth the upgrade. We did need to switch haptics off during multiplayer chat, though, as this tech hasn't quite caught up with the process of having another stream of audio delivered through the cups. 

Elsewhere, you'll find Razer's 50mm TriForce Titanium drivers under each cup, as well as power, volume, mic mute (and chat mix), and haptic controls split across the left and right cups. Of course, there's also a particularly clear HyperClear Supercardioid mic which can be attached and detached easily. 

Audio: You're getting that excellent Razer audio quality with every reload, footstep, and scenic soundscape here. Detailing is clear and crisp - the rustling trees of Assassin's Creed: Valhalla were given just as much attention as the roar of an F1 car engine. While the microphone offers a reliable chat function, it does come across muted and tinny - at least on first boot. This issue did lessen over time, but it still isn't going to be recording quality. 

Verdict: With its additional haptic feedback and more luxurious leatherette cup material, the Razer Kaira Pro is the best wireless gaming headset for PS5 right now. However, if you're not interested in those additional features it's worth noting you can save yourself some serious cash and pick up the cheaper Razer Kaira for PlayStation model. 

Read more: Razer Kaira Pro for PlayStation review

The best wireless gaming headset for Nintendo Switch

The best wireless gaming headset for Nintendo Switch

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed back, on ear
Drivers: 40mm Razer Triforce
Weight: 250g
Compatibility: Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Android mobile

Reasons to buy

+
Subtle non-gamer aesthetics
+
Comfortable memory foam
+
Breathable cushioning
+
Compatible with a wide range of platforms
+
Low-latency Bluetooth mode
+
Virtual 7.1 surround sound on PC
+
Impressive sound quality
+
50+ hour battery life

Reasons to avoid

-
No Synapse support
-
Wired performance drops quality

The 2022 Razer Barracuda X endures as the best wireless gaming headset for Nintendo Switch players. That's all down to its easy plug and play design ethos (simply slot the USB-C dongle into the handheld or dock and you're ready to go), simple feature set, and flexible portability.

Buy it if:

✅ You play in handheld mode on the go: The Razer Barracuda X has a solid battery life and an easy 2.4GHz USB-C dongle (and Bluetooth as well). That means it's perfect for everyday play on the go.

✅ Portability is a big factor for your commute: The subtle design and Bluetooth connection also makes it a fantastic companion for commuting - though there's no ANC here.

✅ EQ settings don't interest you: The X isn't compatible with Razer's Synapse software, so this is for one who want their audio straight out the box. There's still the Razer app for fine tuning should you need it though.

Don't buy it if:

❌ Software support is important: As mentioned above, there's no Razer Synapse support here, so if you want a fine level of control over your EQ (moreso than the Razer app can provide) we'd recommend looking elsewhere. 

❌ You want to fall back on a wired connection: The Barracuda X does have the ability to wire directly into your console, but this is an unpowered connection and the quality does drop. 

Design: It was the comfort and form factor that really shone through in our testing. This is a simple headset made for the players, and that shows in its long-lasting ergonomic design and rejection of over the top tuning options. You can pick up the Barracuda X in black, white, or quartz pink colorways, but each model comes with a supremely comfortable oval cup shape and breathable fabric cushion covers. 

Features: The new model also sports a Bluetooth connection, so you're not tied to that dongle for use with your console. While costing just under $100 / £100, the Barracuda X is for the player who just wants to get going with high quality audio straight out the box. Should you wish to fiddle with EQ settings you can fire up the Razer Audio app on your mobile device, though the Barracuda X isn't compatible with the brand's Synapse software, which means this isn't one for PC playing tinkerers. Instead, you're getting a solid set of cups with a strong battery life to see you through the day. 

Not only that, but there's a faultless wireless connection on offer here that has never wavered in the year we've been using this particular model - not even during low battery sessions. That's not something we can say for many cheap wireless headsets, so it's a real benefit if you don't want to seek out a replacement in a few years' time. 

Audio: We were impressed by the overall audio quality here - there's a richness to this sound profile that doesn't usually make its way this far down the price tag. There's a punchy low end rumbling along here, but still plenty of detailing in the mids and highs - far more than you'll usually find in a headset of this price. No, you're not getting pinpoint directional accuracy here, but the overall soundscape is infinitely more textured than you'll find in other releases. 

Verdict: The Razer Barracuda X is the best Nintendo Switch headset overall, making it an easy recommendation for anyone after a wireless set of cups. Between its low price point, flexible functionality and design, and solid audio quality there's plenty to love here - especially for Ninty fans.

Read more: Razer Barracuda X (2022) review

The best wireless gaming headset for battery life

The best wireless gaming headset for battery life

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed back; over ear
Cable length: N/A
Drivers: TriForce Titanium 50mm
Weight: 11.8oz / 337g
Compatibility: PC, PS5, PS4

Reasons to buy

+
Battery life power by witchcraft 
+
Excellent audio quality
+
HyperX quality design and build
+
Great for all media

Reasons to avoid

-
*Really* disappointing microphone
-
Much more expensive than a lot of wireless competitors that do have good mics

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless is an extraordinary headset and does earn a place on this best wireless gaming headset list - but it is also a frustrating set; stumbling with one feature that could have really made it a world-beater.

Buy it if:

✅ Battery is everything: That 300 hour battery life isn't something you see every day. If you're just after fantastic audio you don't need to think about charging, this is the headset for you. 

✅ You mostly play single player: That mic is particularly weak, which means we can only recommend this wireless headset to those on solo adventures. 

Don't buy it if:

❌ You play online with chat: This is perhaps the strongest 'don't buy it if' recommendation on this page. The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless does have a particularly disappointing mic - if you play online with chat, we'd seriously urge you to look elsewhere. 

❌ Charging isn't a hassle: Of course, that battery life costs money. If you don't mind plugging in every now and then you may find other options more appealing. 

Design: The design and build are classic, quality HyperX too: a simple black and red design with sturdy arching frames for each cup, and a solid and comfortable headband between the two. And the buttons are simple and restrained too - just a volume wheel on one cup, and the mic port, mic mute, power button, and charging port on the other.

Features: The battery life is the main feature here though, and the thing that all the marketing around this headset banged on about - claiming up to 300 hours of battery life, no less. And, I have to say that I have come to believe that claim wholeheartedly: after 110 hours I have had to give up counting just to move on with my life, while the chap in the earcups tells me it has gone down to only 70%. It really is remarkable and a big selling point for the set.

However, the big caveat with this headset is that I found the mic to be really quite bad. Covering all of what you don't want from a microphone - muffled audio to my friends, crackling, inconsistent volume, and indistinct clarity - at times I was having to basically put it in my mouth to be heard. 

Audio: The sound quality is truly excellent. No matter what game we were playing during testing, the Cloud Alpha Wireless's audio shone and excelled. It will have your back whatever you play from the busiest of chaotic shooters to the quietest meanders through open-world landscapes, and everything in between. We were particularly impressed with the clarity of each and every detail of the audio too, from booming weapons to the tweeting of birds. The headset is even excellent for music and TV and film too which is a great plus.

Verdict: What results is a headset that is seriously perfect for you if you don't play much, if any, online games that require communication - if you do, then there might be a better set on this list for you. 

Read more: HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless review

The best microphone on a wireless gaming headset

The best microphone on a wireless gaming headset

Specifications

Connection: 2.4Ghz, Bluetooth 5.2
Drivers: 50mm Razer TriForce Titanium
Frequency response: 12hz - 28kHz
Microphone: Unidrectional Razer HyperClear Super Wideband with 32kHz sampling rate
ANC: None
Controls: Volume, mic mute power, profile/Bluetooth
Battery: Up to 70 hours
Weight: 320g
Compatibility: PC, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, mobile

Reasons to buy

+
Truly excellent audio
+
Extraordinary microphone
+
Great design and lightweight build
+
Long battery life
+
Onboard profiles

Reasons to avoid

-
Some tiny slippage from the earcup / headband
-
No Xbox compatibility
-
No built in mic

It's the crystal clear audio and industry leading microphone that put the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro at the front of the pack when it comes to the best wireless gaming headset for online play. We were blown away by both features when we put the new 2023 model to the test, and with plenty of upgrades over the previous model this is one of the biggest releases of the year so far. 

Buy it if:

✅ You regularly play online with chat: That microphone means this is a wireless gaming headset particularly well tuned for online play. If you're a regular on comms this is a must-see.

✅ You play PS5 / PC: The BlackShark V2 Pro isn't compatible with Xbox's wireless connections so you'll need to make sure you're on the right devices for this one. 

✅ You play competitively: Not only is that mic excellent but the directional audio and low latencies are going to come in particularly handy for competitive players as well.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You don't need a luxury build quality: There's a cheaper model out there now, so if you don't need the high-end build quality of the Pro we'd recommend checking out the more affordable Hyperspeed. 

Design: Yes, the BlackShark V2 Pro looks nearly identical to the previous version, but that helicopter pilot aesthetic was never broken and certainly doesn't need to be fixed. You're getting a premium Razer matte black finish, with a steel headband keeping everything together as well. We did note that the headband itself was prone to slipping when first placed on the noggin, but this slight design oversight never caused any issues during gameplay itself. In fact, memory foam cushions and a lighter weight means the V2 Pro manages to stay comfortable for extended periods of time. 

Features: Razer has also put some serious thought into the microphone. The brand doubled the sampler rate from 16kHz to 32kHz in this latest release, which means incredibly clear chat audio with a rich, velvety voice quality. One of our teammates remarked that it sounded like we were in the room with them, with another calling this audio podcast-worthy. We were blown away by the results when hearing recordings back as well - this is the best mic we've tested on a wireless gaming headset so far. That makes it an easy recommendation for anyone who plays online with chat.

Audio: Of course, the actual audio quality is as impressive as ever as well. Between snappy directional cues and a wide soundstage dedicated to more atmospheric single player scenarios, the BlackShark V2 Pro managed to sound premium no matter where it ws placed. It even made older games sparkle. There's another secret weapon here, as well. The BlackShark V2 Pro carries onboard memory, which means you can take your EQ settings off Synapse and bring them across to PS5 as well as PC. That's a real rarity.

Verdict: The leading microphone, expansive 70 hour battery life, and long-lasting comfort make this a must-see for anyone after a wireless gaming headset for online play. If you're after something a little cheaper, though, the newer Razer BlackShark V2 Hyperspeed can get you most of the way there for just $129.99. 

Read more: Razer BlackShark V2 Pro review

The best drivers in a wireless gaming headset

The best drivers in a wireless gaming headset

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed back, over ear
Drivers: 90mm planar neodymium
Weight: 490g
Compatibility: PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch, mobile (Xbox variant available)

Reasons to buy

+
Premium luxury build materials and design
+
Impressive 80 hour battery life
+
Massive soundstage makes for excellent immersion
+
Crisp AI noise isolation on mic
+
Incredible detail and balance across a range of genres

Reasons to avoid

-
Volume and chat mix dials are too close together

The Audeze Maxwell sits among the best sounding wireless gaming headsets we've tested. Its audiophile-driven philosophy and quality build make it a luxury buy for sure, but definitely one worth checking out if you're looking to take your game audio above and beyond. 

Buy it if:

✅ You want to maximize audio performance: Those going all in on sound quality will be graciously welcomed by those 90mm planar drivers. 

✅ Precise directional audio is a must: A wider soundstage doesn't always mean better detailing, but thankfully here you're getting super crisp and incredibly vivid directional cues. 

✅ You need a headset for more than gaming: Not only is this soundstage fair to video games, but you'll also find a particularly faithful attention to detail across music and movies here as well. 

Don't buy it if:

❌ Active noise cancellation is a priority: There's a lot of cash going into this purchase - and many others in this price range offer ANC features by default. 

❌ You need dual-connectivity: You're also dropping dual Bluetooth connectivity here, which means you won't be able to hook up to both your phone and gaming device at the same time. 

Design: Immersive performance is going to be the goal for anyone picking up the Audeze Maxwell, but that slick aesthetic certainly goes far as well. Everything is built to a particularly high quality, and we have no concerns about the longevity of these parts going forwards. These are particularly round, large cups, though, which do make themselves known on video calls. 

Features: Wireless performance is, of course, excellent, with a 2.4GHz dongle connecting to PC, Nintendo Switch, Android, and PS5 (in our case, an Xbox variant is also available). On top of that, you're picking up a massive 80 hour battery life with a 25% charge after just 20 minutes plugged in. That's not quite as impressive as something like the HyperX Cloud Alpha below, but it's certainly well above industry average. No, there's no active noise cancellation available, but there's an excellent seal created by the leatherette cups that keeps your experience quiet without proving uncomfortable over longer sessions. 

Audio: Everything about the Maxwells is built around its audio quality. For that exquisite sound, we have to thank the 90mm planar drivers whirring away under the hood, offering a massive soundstage with an incredible level of detail and space. While the majority of headsets use a cone-shaped dynamic driver to pump out sound, the flat planar design allows the headset to produce a far greater sense of immersion. Not only that, but there's a natural emphasis on both low and high ranges here, making for satisfying crunch in reloads and shots while still managing to handle lighter sounds with delicacy. We did budge that bass range up a little to suit personal taste, diving into Audeze's own software to add a bass boost preset, which made everything all the more powerful.

Verdict: The Audeze Maxwells certainly aren't cheap, but a gaming headset that can keep up with the latest developments in audiophile level listening is never going to be a bargain buy. This is a supremely well tuned wireless gaming headset perfect for those more discerning ears. 

Read more: Audeze Maxwell review

Best wireless gaming headset: FAQ

Turtle Beach Stealth Pro gaming headset with wireless transmitter on wooden table

(Image credit: Future)

What is the best wireless gaming headset?

The best wireless gaming headset right now is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. We always strive to fill our guides with headsets that will appeal to everyone, no matter your preferred platform, audio grade, or budget. That means those striving for value for money should grab the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 and those scraping the bottom of the budget barrel will be happy with the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless. 

What is the best wireless gaming headset brand?

It's always hard to narrow down a whole field of quality gaming tech to a single brand. And while we do, naturally, put one brand's headset at the top of our best wireless gaming headset list - in this case, SteelSeries - each brand and make has its own attractions, appealing factors, and qualities that will help you make your choice. For example, is battery life and sound quality your main concerns? Then check out EPOS | Sennheiser's GSP 370. Is sheer gaming audio quality your absolutely top priority?  Then go for Razer's BlackShark V2 Pro or the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. On a budget? Check out the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 or 600 Gen 2 headsets. 

Each one on our list will offer something slightly different - so while it might be really tempting to try to put one brand above the rest, the reality is that its just a bit more complex and nuanced than that.

Are wireless headphones OK for gaming?

Wireless headphones are indeed 'OK' for gaming - but they aren't a total replacement for gaming headsets. For most folks, the audio given by a pair of wireless headphones will likely suffice for gaming - single-player games particularly. For anyone who plays competitively, however, or who just likes to ensure they and their games are high-tuned for success, a gaming headset is going to be the way forward as there are some latency concerns with normal headphones. 

The latter is particularly the case when using a Bluetooth connection - we'd recommend avoiding this and choosing, where appropriate, a 2.4GHz wireless connection if you can to ensure that you have a seamless wireless gaming audio experience.

How we test wireless gaming headsets

Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.

We use each wireless gaming headset that passes our desks as if we had just purchased them ourselves. That means running through all daily work, play, streaming, and music using the device while also scrutinising build quality, comfort, and ease of use throughout. We test across a range of different genres, from the vast spaces of an open world to more close-quarters combat scenarios, while also fully depleting the battery at least twice to check lifespan and charging times. A 2.4GHz connection is used most of the time, alongside stress tests on a Bluetooth connection if the device supports it. For more information on how we test gaming headsets, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy

You can read more on how we test gaming headsets at GamesRadar+ with our dedicated article, or for more information on how we look at all things gaming tech, check out our full Hardware Policy.

Tabitha Baker
Managing Editor - Hardware

Managing Editor of Hardware at GamesRadar+, I originally landed in hardware at our sister site TechRadar before moving over to GamesRadar. In between, I've written for Tom’s Guide, Wireframe, The Indie Game Website and That Video Game Blog, covering everything from the PS5 launch to the Apple Pencil. Now, i'm focused on Nintendo Switch, gaming laptops (and the keyboards and mice that come with them), and tracking everything that suggests VR is about to take over our lives.

With contributions from