Latest from GamesRadar+ in Headsets-headphones

Name: Overall Chart Title
Creator: Default

GTA 6 is powered by Sony's Tempest 3D audio tech, and these are the PS5 headsets that'll give you the best sound this November

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:07:32 +0000

GTA 6 pre-orders are now live, and amongst the latest details of the new contents and flashy vehicles we can drive around the streets of Leonida, the official PlayStation Store page states that you'll be able to "immerse yourself in Leonida's distinct soundscape" once the game launches on November 19 later this year, as it's equipped with Tempest 3D Audio.

Check pre-orders

US | Check Amazon

UK| Check Amazon

What's Tempest 3D Audio, you ask? Well, it's essentially the name given to Sony's proprietary spatial audio technology, which allows you to don one of the best gaming headsets and hear your game's audio in a more realistic way. Instead of being able to pinpoint a character's location as they send a barrage of bullets your way from left to right, you can more accurately and realistically hear exactly where they're coming from in a 3D environment, which is going to be very handy when it comes to the crime-laden streets of the latest Grand Theft Auto.

The neat thing about it is that you don't need a specific headset to enable Sony's spatial audio tech. The console provides it out of the gate, so any of the best PS5 headsets will do the trick. Equipping your setup with cups specifically catered to the Tempest 3D Audio tech will have the best results, but I've gathered an arsenal of both, so you have plenty to suit your budget and PS5 needs - especially if your budget is a little low after securing your GTA 6 pre-order this week.

Turtle Beach

Atlas 200 for PS5

Pros

Funky official PlayStation design
Comfortable glasses-friendly cushions
Extremely lightweight
Premium sound despite budget price
Tempest 3D AudioTech supported
Inexpensive

Cons

Sub-par microphone quality

RIG

R5 Spear Pro Hs Wired Gaming Headset Officially Licensed for PlayStation

Pros

Officially licenced for PS5/PS4
Budget-friendly
Fantastic sound and value
Comfortable lightweight fit
Firm foam ear cushions
Comes with official Sony mods
Open to customizability

Cons

Subpar microphone quality
No on-cup controls
No range of mods available to purchase yet

Logitech G

Logitech G535 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset

Pros

Supremely comfortable
Lightweight
Great out the box sound

Cons

No Bluetooth
Not compatible with switch

SteelSeries

Arctis Nova 3P Wireless Multi-Platform Gaming Headset

Pros

Same impressive Arctis Nova 5 Wireless audio quality
Lavender & Aqua SKUs available
Bluetooth & 2.4GHz support
Comes with new slimline 2.4GHz dongle
Has high-quality detachable ClearCast Gen 2.X microphone
Simplified onboard controls
Lightweight and comfortable
Impressive compatibility list

Cons

Less powerful and quieter audio out of the box (before EQ personalization)

Turtle Beach

Stealth 700 Gen 3 Wireless Gaming Headset

Pros

Compatible with a huge list of devices
Includes two 2.4GHz dongles for easy setup
Impressive audio quality with its powerful 60mm audio drivers
Crystal clear flip-to-use microphone
FPS “Superhuman” EQ audio setting

Cons

Heavy & uncomfortable even short periods of use
No wired audio option
No ANC
Pricier than other mid-range headsets

Skullcandy

Crusher PLYR 720 Wireless Gaming Headset

Pros

Great natural open-back sound
Comfortable fit
Subtle glowing RGB earcups
Unique bass haptics
Simultaneous wireless audio
Fantastic software support

Cons

Bass haptics take getting used to
THX Spatial Audio is PC-only
Average mic quality

Razer

Blackshark V3 Pro Wireless

Pros

Fantastic space in the low ranges
Solid ANC
Comfortable earcups
Simultaneous wireless connections
Textured, vibrant audio quality

Cons

Headband could be a little more padded
Lower battery life on console

SteelSeries

Arctis Nova 5P Wireless Multi-System Gaming Headset

Pros

Excellent EQ support for console users
Comfortable over longer sessions
Durable build quality
Extendable microphone
Fantastic detailing in audio

Cons

Not all presets are equally useful
No direct control over EQ settings in-app
Less powerful audio straight out of the box compared to competition

nzone H9 II Wireless Noise Canceling Gaming Headset

Pros

Unique adjustable headband
Incredibly lightweight
Easy to adjust
Soft to the touch earcups
Comfortable onboard controls
ANC support
Sack case provided
Easy-to-use accompanying app

Cons

Super premium price point
Disappointing 30-hour battery life

SteelSeries

Arctis Nova Pro Omni - Hi-Res Wireless Gaming Headset

Pros

Hi-res certified audio compatible
Includes wired, Bluetooth & 2.4GHz
Can connect to 4 platforms & mix the audio of each
Superb build SteelSeries sound
Thicker earcups provide more comfort
Mic now mutes when retracted
Hot swappable battery tech remains
Available in new Midnight Blue color

Cons

$20 more than the older Pro Wireless
Tighter clamping force than other Arctis Nova headsets

Audeze

Maxwell 2 for Xbox, Pc, Mac, Switch, and PlayStation (new Version 2026)

Pros

Pristine audio
Far more comfortable
Excellent battery life

Cons

Very similar to original
No simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth

Turtle Beach

Stealth Pro II Premium Wireless Gaming Headset

Check out our guides to the best PS5 controllers and the best SSDs for PS5 if you want to stay prepared for GTA 6 this November.

Sony Inzone H6 Air Wired Open-back Gaming Headset review

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Wired gaming headsets come in all shapes and sizes, but I rarely get to test one that's as fancy-pants and rich-sounding as the Sony Inzone H6 Air.

More often than not, the best gaming headsets of the wired variety that pass my testing bench are designed to be a low-cost alternative to gamers on a smaller budget first and foremost. However, at $199.99 / £179.99, the InZone H6 Air is definitely not that.

This headset may be wired, but it shares the same driver components as Sony's MDR-MV1 studio-grade headphones, and flaunts an open-back form factor that prioritizes a rich and natural creamy sound. Instead of being designed for the budget-conscious, the pair is more concerned about providing an immersive and realistic sound for RPG and single-player game fans, and it definitely gets the job done and then some.

Key specs

Price	$199.99 / £179.99
Acoustic design	Open back, over-ear
Connection	Wired
Drivers	40 mm MDR‑MV1 drivers
Frequency response	10 Hz - 20000 Hz
Microphone	Cardoid detachable microphone
ANC	No
Controls	Mic mute, volume controls
Battery	N/A
Weight	199g
Compatibility	PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2

Design

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

If you've got experience with the Sony Inzone H9 II headset, you'll have already come face-to-face with the design used for the Inzone H6 Air.

Sony has essentially re-used the same form factor, right down to that unique headband. It's comprised of a leather band suspended under a rope-like strap, which contributes to the pair's light 199g weight. It's in fact lighter than the 260g of the H9 II, and it's one of the most comfortable headsets I've tested to date.

Where it differs from its H9 II brethren is that there's no longer that glossy texture to the exterior of the earcups. Instead, you're met with a series of perforated holes, which help give the sound more freedom to reverberate and create that immersive soundscape open headsets are known for.

Features

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

The standout feature of the Inzone H6 Air lies in its open-back acoustic design. It allows the sound generated from the 40mm-sized audio drivers to freely resonate around the cans.

Besides this, the H6 Air isn't as feature-full as other cups in the Inzone line. It's a wired only headset, so there's no Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless options available. Instead, you can connect the PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and other devices with the USB-C port of the USB-C Audio Box, or you can detach this and use the 3.5mm cable instead - the latter of which is best suited for the PS5 players in particular.

Even the onboard controls are minimalistic, as all you have is a mic mute button and a volume wheel, and that's it. At least the mic mute button is a great one, as it copies the H9 II by including a large, rounded button that's textured and perfectly sized for the tip of a human thumb.

The left earcup, where these controls are located, also plays host to the headset's microphone. It's detachable, which is a massive preference of mine, and it carries a unidirectional cardioid pattern. The H6 Air also includes audio monitoring, support for Sony's 360 Spatial Sound technology, and support with the Inzone Hub, where you can take advantage of the "RPG/Adventure” equaliser profile for single-player RPGs developed alongside PlayStation Studios.

Performance

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

Sony sent me out this loaned headset around the same time my PS5 Lego Batman Legacy of the Dark Knight pre-order arrived at my door, which felt like a sign that I needed to hook it up to the Sony pixel-pusher before all else, and I'm glad I did. You wouldn't expect there to be a lot of depth in the soundscape of the latest Lego game, but the brick-built version of Gotham can get very atmospheric, and the H6 AIr managed to bring that to life.

Whether it was being able to hear every pitter-patter of the rain as it filled the Gotham streets, or the waves of wind that blew as I glided across the different villain-littered districts, the H6 sounded sublime. I did assume as much, as past experience with open-back headsets like the Skullcandy Crusher PLYR 720 also emphasised the sound design to any game, but this came in handy particularly with Lego Batman, as it makes the satisfying clicks of collecting studs sound all the more satisfying.

Traveller's Tales' Lego game wasn't ideal for testing the game's score, as the Batman theme is used pretty sparingly, so I made sure to dig out the usual testing titles like Marvel Rivals and Doom Eternal. Just as I thought, the 40 mm-sized drivers are well-equipped to take on busy soundstages. I could hear every nuance of the Scarlet Witch's "Pure Chaos" voice line as I took out half a team of enemy players, almost like I was right in the vocal box alongside the actress, and the mids and highs of the ending match jingle had just as much clarity.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

The only personal gripe I had with the sound was visible when I loaded up titles like Doom Eternal. With an emphasis on dialogue and high-pitched sounds, audio on the lower end of the scale felt a bit lacking. And with no way to use both the wired headset and the Inzone Hub EQ settings simultaneously on PS5 (if there was, I didn't discover it), I was left wanting more on Sony's own current-gen console.

PC was a different story. I had the Inzone Hub software at my fingertips, which let me toggle on spatial audio, adjust the sidetone, and select from a few pre-made EQ settings, including ones tailored for FPS games. It's a good thing Counter Strike happens to be one of my go-to PC headset testing games of choice, that's for sure, as I adored what it could do. For the first time, I was able to rake in the kill shots. Sure, it was the practice range as I still don't dare join online matches with actual hardened players, but even being able to stand my own amongst a sea of bots is usually unheard of for me.

The main reasoning behind my new skills was the FPS 1 preset, as it brought down the emphasis on sound effects despite stating it does quite the opposite. Out of the box, gunshots in CS2 were loud and startling. But with FPS1 toggled on, I could feel satisfied with the crunch and bang of each shot without having to worry about my ear health. Talking of presets, I also made sure to try out the RPG setting that Sony states it "developed with sound designers from PlayStation Studios at Sony Interactive Entertainment."

The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt was my RPG of choice, given I wanted to start a new file anyway with the new DLC on its way, but I didn't notice much of a huge difference. The preset is meant to set a sound "which is sensitive to the spatial information of games,” but it sounded pretty similar with or without it. Which is fine, as that sounds great, but I'm wondering if Sony has a certain type of RPG in mind that I just didn't get around to playing.

Before I round things up, let's talk about that microphone. I really like the design of the mic, as it has a large circular diameter at the end rather than the typical tear-drop shaped bulb you find on other headsets.

But as you can hear from the sample above, the cardioid boom mic is pretty prone to picking up white noise. When you're in the middle of a Marvel Rivals match, or chatting to a large group of friends on Discord who are all talking over each other, you won't notice it much. Yet it's not one I'd recommend you use for streaming, podcast audio, or any other situation where you want crystal clear vocals.

Should you buy the Sony H6 Air gaming headset?

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

The Sony Inzone H6 Air seems like it's designed for a very niche individual. Someone who cares deeply about how their games sound, but who wouldn't benefit from any wireless support via Bluetooth or a wireless 2.4GHz dongle that's crammed into the boxes of most of the best wireless headsets on the market.

Personally, that isn't me. If I'm spending $199.99 / £179.99, I like to ensure I'm getting plenty more bang for my buck, but that doesn't mean I don't see value in this open-back headset.

A modern pair of Sony MDR-MV1 open-back headphones, that the H6 Air shares a lot in common with, will set you back $419.99 at Amazon. Meanwhile, these are $220 less and add a microphone into the mix, and a USB-C cable over a 6.3mm stereo plug. It definitely feels like Sony has re-wrangled the MDR-MV1s into a package more suited towards single-player gamers who love their FPS and RPG games, and if that sounds like you, then the H6 Air would likely be right up your ally.

How I tested the Sony H6 Air gaming headset

The Sony Inzone H6 Air was on my testing bench for a little over two weeks, where I used the pair to play the PS5, PC, and the Nintendo Switch 2. With the PS5, I had the headset hooked up to my DualSense controller while I explored the brick-built world of Gotham in Lego Batman, played multiple matches of Marvel Rivals, and re-explored the hellish depths of Doom Eternal.

On PC, I dug out Marvel Rivals again to compare the two versions, alongside Counter-Strike 2, and Mina the Hollower. Meanwhile, Mario Kart World, Pokemon Pokopia, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Donkey Kong 64 were my testing games of choice on the Switch 2, and I also used the pair while re-watching HBO's Girls and Hacks on Now TV. For more information on how we test gaming headsets, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

If the Sony Inzone H6 Air isn't for you, check out our guides to the best Nintendo Switch headsets, the best PC headsets for gaming, and the best Steam Deck headsets for a look at other premium pairs.

It won't be revolutionary for most people, but the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro 2's charging dock button deserves an award

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 12:11:06 +0000

The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II headset includes a charging dock that's designed to charge a battery pack while you use the other. Much like the best gaming headsets, it's a feature to eliminate the annoyance of hunting down a charging cable, but I love it more for its large RGB-lit button. Pressing this down releases a mechanism that pops out the battery in a matter of seconds. It's a simple inclusion that many might gloss over, but as someone who finds charging the batteries of SteelSeries' similar headsets a pain (sometimes in the literal sense), I'm a little bit obsessed with it.

At $349.99 (Amazon), this is not a key feature that I'd want people driving to pick up the Stealth Pro II for, of course. With Prime Day gaming deals, I'm hoping we'll actually see a few dollars shaved off its lofty price tag, but we'll have to wait and see. But my achy wrists and impatience with unnecessarily awkward gaming tech are forever thankful for this little button.

The headset doesn't just have a handy button on its charging dock, but it also features CrossPlay 2.0 that allows you to switch up between four platforms at a time, 60mm Eclipse Dual audio drivers, simultaneous USB and Bluetooth audio, Dolby Atmos spatial audio, an 9mm microphone integrated with AI Noise Reduction, and advanced ANC to block out un-wanted sounds while gaming on the PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, or the Nintendo Switch 2.

UK: £299.99 at AmazonView Deal

I've always found swapping out the batteries of headsets like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni, and the Pro Wireless before it pretty awkward. The pair comes with an extra device (known as the Game Hub) that requires you to push and click in a spare pack for charging. SteelSeries has been using its hot-swappable battery tech for years now, and pretty much revolutionized the way modern headsets can be charged, but it's not the most efficient of processes.

You have to push it in and tuck it behind a little ridge for it to stay put. Whenever I go to take it out, I have to shove my finger inside a small slit, and it's just a bit meddlesome. Not enough that I like the headset any less, but enough for me to moan about it to you right now.

I'm not sure if the designers at Turtle Beach felt similarly, as I much prefer their take on a similar system. Pressing that lovely button I mentioned earlier pops the battery right out, and it's already sitting out in the open and easy to grab. There's no fear of breaking a nail or causing aches in my old-age gaming pensioner finger joints, just an easy-breezy experience.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

It may feel a bit silly to compare the two, as the Game Hub is capable of much more than just charging. There's every chance SteelSeries may have been limited in how they could incorporate the battery system into a device that also allows you to adjust EQ settings, and in the case of the Omni, hook up to multiple consoles and mix the audio of all of them simultaneously.

Yet, this tiny battery design choice has already got me pretty intrigued and excited to see what the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II is truly capable of, the more I test it. Expect a full review (which will most definitely include more about the button) very soon.

View all Turtle Beach headsets at Amazon

If the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II doesn't push your buttons, I've also rounded up the best PS5 headsets, the best Xbox Series X headsets, and the best Nintendo Switch headsets that you should check out.

I hate to admit it, but these SIVGA in-ear phones have replaced my wireless gaming buds simply out of laziness

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:29:46 +0000

I'm lazy. I feel safe sharing that with you, as we're all friends here. Plus, I'm sure there are plenty of you who also like your tech to be as low-effort as possible.

That includes when it comes to the best gaming earbuds, as sometimes I just can't be bothered putting them on charge, even when their cases keep them juiced up for me most of the time.

The SIVGA M260 Wired Earbuds have been really handy in that respect. They include a USB-C cable, so there's no charging required. All I need to do is pop them into the bottom of my phone or the top of my Switch 2 to get going. Even better, they're only $45 (Amazon), which is marginally less pricey than the $199.99 wireless buds I usually rock. They might even get cheaper once the Prime Day gaming deals roll out later this month, but $45 is still a fair price for the wired and lazy-no-charging experience - just like my childhood self remembers.

The SIVGA M260 wired earbuds are available in two configurations: one with a USB-C cable and the other with a 3.5mm jack connection. The latter will be ideal for PS5 players, as it is compatible with the DualSense's headphone jack. However, you'll need to grab that USB-C set if you want the built-in microphone for quick phone calls and in-game chats.

UK: £45 at AmazonView Deal

I've been a bit more stressed and anxious than usual lately, as I have a lot on my plate. When that happens, I hate having to keep track of a million things at once, and even just the annoyance of remembering to charge my modern tech becomes a massive hindrance.

In that regard, switching to these in-ear phones has taken a little bit of stress off my shoulders. While sitting on a long train journey, I only have to worry about my phone's battery lasting, as there's no charging involved with these whatsoever, just like the cheap earphones I used as a teenager. They also came with a little fabric case that makes them easier to put away, like the plastic case of my SteelSeries Arctis Nova Game Buds, my usual wireless buds of choice, though it's much less fancy.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

It helps too that these buds are extremely comfortable to wear, and their mighty 14.2mm Dynamic audio drivers sound pretty damn excellent. But you know me, if these made the wonderfully jazzy Mario Kart World OST sound like a distorted mess, I definitely wouldn't be recommending them to fellow lazy gamers.

Using these over my normal wireless buds isn't a complete revelation. When I want to switch things up from gaming to listening to music on the go, the included MMCX detachable cable often gets caught at the ends of my jacket. It doesn't happen a lot, but it can get a little annoying whenever this results in the buds being yanked out of my earlobe. Ouchies.

I also haven't completely abandoned wireless earbuds. I don't think I'd ever be okay calling it quits on the Arctis Nova Game Buds' tap controls and ANC. Yet, sometimes I just like to switch things up to something less overwhelmingly featureful, and that's much like the limited tech of my youth.

View all gaming earbud deals at Amazon

Not an earbuds fan? I've also rounded up the best gaming headsets, which include some of the best PS5 headsets and the best PC headsets for gaming you can grab today.

From budget-friendly pairs to premium-sounding powerhouses: these are my top-rated gaming headset picks for 2026

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:28:48 +0000

I'm juggling brand-new pairs of cups every couple of weeks, but that's a bit of a given as the GamesRadar+ gaming headset queen. Before you ask, I most definitely gave myself that nickname, but nevertheless, it stands that I oversee and curate what new pairs deserve to be on our roundup of the best gaming headsets, and which ones are best left being as far away from your ears (and game consoles) as humanely possible.

With the best Prime Day gaming deals returning for another summer, plenty of my top-rated pairs from 2026 and last year are bound to get a discount or two, and I'll be sure to tell you all about it. But I thought it'd take this opportunity in particular to remind you which gaming headsets to look out for, whether you're after one of the best PS5 headsets under $50, or if you have your eyes set on the best money can buy - cough SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni cough.

If, and when, you see a pair listed amongst Prime Day's upcoming deals, you'll know which ones are worth investigating. While I've gathered some of my favorite pairs below, do be sure to check the 'view details' button to find out more. If you have any questions, you can always call on me, and I'll be happy to help. Just be loud enough, as I'll likely be testing yet another headset.

SteelSeries

Steelseries Arctis Nova Elite Hi-Res Wireless Gaming Headset

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is the most expensive headset I've ever used in my years of testing tech, so it's not going to be everyone's cup of tea. That being said, I gave it a full 5-star rating as it's just as luxurious as its price suggests.

It's compatible with Hi-res audio, which is a bit of a rarity to find in a wireless form factor. While that lends itself more to PC players, even on PS5 and Xbox, the pair's 40mm Brass Surround + Carbon Fiber audio drivers and expanded 10-40,000 Hz frequency response conjure up an out-of-this-world sound quality. If you want the Pro Wireless but better (and have the budget to spare), the Arctis Nova Elite is it.

Pros

First certified Hi-Res headset in a wireless form factor
Best sound available in a headset
Connects to four sources at once
Can mix four audio sources simultaneously
Keeps hot-swappable batteries of Pro Wireless
Comfortabe despite its heavy weight
Available in stunning Sage Gold colorway

Cons

Most expensive headset on the market
PS5/Xbox/Switch consoles are not compatible with Hi-Res audio
Best suited for players with a unified PC & console setup

SteelSeries

Steelseries Arctis Nova Pro Omni Wireless Gaming Headset

SteelSeries released banger after banger of a headset over the last few months, but the Omni has been my favorite out of the lot.

It has the Hi-res certified audio advantages of the pricier Elite, but at a drastically lower price point. You've still got the wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz options at your fingertips and that accompanying Game Hub too. But the latter of which has been upgraded to allow you to connect to 5 platforms and mix the audio of them all simultaneously. It's a multi-platform game's dream in a lovely Midnight Blue pair of cups.

Pros

Hi-res certified audio compatible
Includes wired, Bluetooth & 2.4GHz
Can connect to 5 platforms & mix the audio of each
Superb build SteelSeries sound
Thicker earcups provide more comfort
Mic now mutes when retracted
Hot swappable battery tech remains
Available in new Midnight Blue color

Cons

$20 more than the older Pro Wireless
Tighter clamping force than other Arctis Nova headsets

SteelSeries

Steelseries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless Headset - Lavender

Not everyone can fork out over $300 on a headset, which is why I'm a huge fan of SteelSeries' Arctis Nova 3 Wireless - especially as a low-cost alternative to the Omni.

It comes in a variety of colors to suit multiple setup types, and there's a model available for both the PS5 and Xbox, but both support PC and the newer Nintendo Switch 2. It doesn't quite have the audio power of the brand's more premium cups, which made it fall short of a full 5-star rating. But the 40mm Neodymium drivers can still pack a punch. If they don't do it for you, you also get access to EQ customization and over 200+ audio presets at your fingertips via the SteelSeries GG software.

Pros

Same impressive Arctis Nova 5 Wireless audio quality
Lavender & Aqua SKUs available
Bluetooth & 2.4GHz support
Comes with new slimline 2.4GHz dongle
Has high-quality detachable ClearCast Gen 2.X microphone
Simplified onboard controls
Lightweight and comfortable
Impressive compatibility list

Cons

Less powerful and quieter audio out of the box (before EQ personalization)

Turtle Beach

Turtle Beach Airlite Fit Wired Gaming Headset – Officially Licensed for Nintendo Switch 2

I'm not going to sugarcoat it. The Turtle Beach Airlite Fit isn't some premium headset that has the chops to take down the Arctis Nova Elite or the Arctis Nova Pro Omni, yet I'm a huge fan of it anyway.

It's a budget-friendly pair that's easy to use, and still sounds great despite its cheap price. Its 40mm drivers aren't going to blow you away, but they still manage to pay justice to a range of game types, whether you're drifting around corners in Mario Kart World or just want something simple to stick into your PS5 DualSense controller. This is a great option for kids too, as it's available in a variety of colorways, including a newer Super Mario design.

Pros

Stylish Switch 2 design
Comfortable fit
Great sound
Easy-to-use wired connection
Fits larger head sizes
Cheap price

Cons

Limited features
Minimal levels of adjustment

Razer

Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro Wireless RGB Gaming Headset

I feel like headsets with cat-ears have a bad rep, or at least so many presume they must be all about looks over quality, but that is not the case with the Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro.

It's a little over-priced, that's for sure, and I'd much prefer it sat around the $100 prive point of the Razer Barracuda X Chroma, as the Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity, 40mm TriForce Titanium audio drivers, and microphone quality are very similar. That being said, you are paying a little more for the fact that you have RGB-lit up ears here, which you can customize to your liking and even sync up with the rest of your Chroma-powered tech.

Pros

Adorable & purr-fect design
Cat ear RGBs are customizable
Tri-mode connectivity options
Comfortable & soft ear cups
Available in multiple colorways
Equipped with Razer's great-sounding 40mm TriForce drivers

Cons

Cat ears make it top-heavy
Mic awkward to retract
RGB ears drain the battery life
A little pricey

Skullcandy

Skullcandy Crusher PLYR 720 Wireless Gaming Headset

The Skullcandy Crusher PLYR 720 sounds great even without its neat-bass gimmick, but it's the latter that I still can't stop thinking about months after my review.

The pair is integrated with two additional dual bass drivers in each cup, which allow it to shake your head alongside the audio to your favorite games. During testing, my head was literally shaking with excitement whenever I entered a battle in Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth on the PS5, as I could feel every bassy beat reverberating throughout my body. It can get a little overbearing, but it's a fantastic option for bass and haptic tech fans alike.

Pros

Great natural open-back sound
Comfortable fit
Subtle glowing RGB earcups
Unique bass haptics
Simultaneous wireless audio
Fantastic software support

Cons

Bass haptics take getting used to
THX Spatial Audio is PC-only
Average mic quality

Beyerdynamic

Beyerdynamic MMX 150 Bluetooth Wireless Over-Ear Gaming Headset

Beyerdynamic are typically known for releasing headphones to please the audiophile market, but they also have gaming headsets like the MMX 150 too.

This is another headset that screams luxury, from its velvet-velour-covered earcups to its creamy sound conjured up by its 40 mm dynamic audio drivers. It also happens to have one of the best microphones I've used on a headset to date, which managed to keep up with my 10+ hour Talisman gaming session on Steam with friends without fault. Do be warned, though, that this headset can get uncomfortable fast due to its tight clamping force. With that in mind, I recommend taking a few breaks between gaming sessions, but you're meant to do that anyway.

Pros

Stylish design
Great sound isolation
Includes tri-mode connectivity
Dongle includes USB-A to USB-C adapter
Long-lasting battery life
High-quality microphone
Compatible with a wide range of platforms

Cons

Clamping force a bit too tight
Better availability in the UK & Europe

Logitech G

Logitech G325 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset

Talking of comfort, the Logitech G325 Lightspeed is my go-to recommendation if you want a super lightweight pair on your head.

At just 212g, this is a pair that I often forgot I was testing, which is a relief when I'm used to sampling a slew of heavy headsets that get uncomfortable super fast. Much like the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless, this is also intended as a more budget-friendly option, which keeps things minimal with a limited list of features that includes an omnidirectional beamforming mic, 32mm audio drivers that can support 24-bit audio, Bluetooth, and the brand's Lightspeed wireless technology.

Pros

Extremely lightweight & comfortable
Reasonable price tag
Great out-of-box sound
Available in three colorways
Compatible with an array of platforms

Cons

Plastic chassis feels flimsy and cheap
Sub-par microphone quality
Mic cannot be adjusted

HyperX

HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless Gaming Headset With RGB Base Station

The HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless is a great option for gamers and content creators alike, as its accompanying dongle doubles up as both a 2.4GHz receiver and a mini-Stream Deck-like device.

You know me, I love a headset gimmick, and so this was a pretty neat addition to find amongst the rest of the samey pairs on the market today. The RGB Base Station buttons (the device in question) can be customized or left as is. As a HyperX headset, the pair also carries that ridiculous battery life the brand is known for, as you can get 250 hours of playback, making it an ideal pickup for those too lazy to charge.

Pros

Fantastic 250 hour battery life
Sublime sound
Comfortable earcups
Simultaneous wireless connections
Convenient Base Station buttons

Cons

Expensive price point
Awkward to use with consoles
Sub-par mic quality

Turtle Beach

Turtle Beach Atlas 200 Wired Gaming Headset

I don't like being at the mercy of wires and used to always opt for a wireless headset fire and foremost, but the Turtle Beach Atlas 200 changed all that.

Why? As it's meant I don't have to worry about charging, but also because Turtle Beach managed to pack in a really impressive sound in an otherwise extremely budget-friendly PS5 headset. I originally tested this pair alongside the indie horror Still Wakes the Deep, and scared myself silly as the 50mm Nanoclear audio drivers were able to capture every nuance of the hauntingly scary oil rig environment. By the way, if you don't like the Sony branding, there's also a PC version available out there.

Pros

Funky official PlayStation design
Comfortable glasses-friendly cushions
Extremely lightweight
Premium sound despite budget price
Tempest 3D AudioTech supported
Inexpensive

Cons

Sub-par microphone quality

RIG

R5 Spear Pro HS Wired Gaming Headset

If it's low-cost PS5-branded headsets you're after, there's also the RIG R5 Spear Pro HS. Its name can be a bit of a mouthful, but these cups include a neat feature that I adore - two magnetic plastic 'Mod Plate' earcups.

There's a pair of Sony-branded earcup covers right in the box, which you easily attach on and off. However, if these aren't to your liking, RIG also provides the STL 3D-printing files so you can create your own. It's a nice pro-consumer move you don't see often with modern gaming tech. Besides its customization, this is also a great-sounding headset in its own right, thanks to its Graphene-coated audio drivers.

Pros

Officially licenced for PS5/PS4
Budget-friendly
Fantastic sound and value
Comfortable lightweight fit
Firm foam ear cushions
Comes with official Sony mods
Open to customizability

Cons

Subpar microphone quality
No on-cup controls
No range of mods available to purchase yet

SteelSeries

SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds

I appreciate it might be a bit cheeky of me to include earbuds on this list, as they aren't a headset at all. Not to mention, it was my co-worker Tabitha Baker who gave these GameBuds a top-rated 5-star review, but I entirely agree with her every word.

I adore my GameBuds, and they've earned a permanent spot in not just my gaming setup, but also my backpack for listening to music on the go. The wireless charging of the case makes them compatible with a wide variety of my phone chargers, and despite their tiny 6mm neodymium drivers, they sound sublime. If you have a Nintendo Switch 2, the buds are more than worth the pickup as you can pop their wireless dongle in the extra USB-C port, and they even fit in some Switch 2 cases thanks to their compact size.

Pros

Incredible audio
Fantastic EQ preset software
Button controls are far more reliable than the competition
Long battery life
Powerful ANC

Cons

Wear detection can sometimes play up

If you're on the hunt for more gaming accessories, check out our guides to the best early Prime Day PS5 deals and the best early Nintendo Switch Prime Day deals to see what discounts could be coming your way.

For each day I'm too lazy to charge a headset, I'm glad I have the Turtle Beach Atlas 200 by my side

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 16:15:56 +0000

Whenever I'm after the best sound possible for my latest PS5 game obsession, I'm picking up a wireless headset. Right now, I'm obsessed with Lego Batman, and I've been cruising over the Gotham building tops with the best PS5 headset, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni, pressed up on my head like the Dark Knight's cowl and loving it.

Yet even with the pair's hot-swappable battery tech in my utility belt, there have been a few occasions where I've just been too lazy to ensure the pair is all juiced up - enter, the Atlas 200 for PS5.

This headset is wired, so it takes the pressure off remembering to charge it. The best part? It sounds better than other wired headsets I've popped into my DualSense, so I haven't missed any of the Lego game's hilarious quips of that iconic Batman score.

If you're in the market for a no-fuss PS5 headset and don't mind the wire, the Atlas 200 is down to a record low $44 price today. The savings don't stop in the US either, as UK PS5 players can grab it for just £39.99 instead.

UK: £39.99 at AmazonView Deal

During the many, many hours that I've been playing Lego Batman, I've had the Atlas 200 at arm's length. It sits in a hamper next to the sofa, originally intended for blankets, which has instead been relegated to storing all the best PS5 accessories I want to have easy access to at all times.

I'm glad I decided to add the Atlas 200 to the accessory pile, as it's made my lazy Lego Batman and gaming days a treat. The headset takes seconds to hook up, and afterwards, I can stay on the sofa for hours without having to ever get up for a charging cable because it doesn't need one. It relies purely on its 3.5mm cord, and that's that. At just 280g, it's also super lightweight and doesn't get grating on my head after I've noticed I've been running around collecting Lego studs for 5+ hours.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

Most importantly, it sounds pretty darn impressive despite being a budget-friendly wired headset, so I can be lazy without having to forgo any sound quality. Batman games, even in their Lego form, are known for their great music, and I've been able to fully appreciate every moment of it.

It's usually $59.99 / £49.99 when there are no deals kicking around, and that price alone feels like you're getting plenty of value for what its 50mm Nanoclear Drivers can muster. Gotham gets pretty loud in Lego's latest game, as you're constantly bombarded with police alerts and nearby citizens barking at you, but the Atlas 200 makes every bit of audio sound levelled and balanced.

Right now it's down to $44 (Amazon) / £39.99 (Amazon), which is a record low for both the US and the UK, and a deal worth grabbing if you want to be lazy and comfortable too. Of course, you could always wait a bit for the best Prime Day PS5 deals to drop on June 23, where there's likely more headset savings to come. But if you have your eyes on a no-fuss all-must PS5 pair, I doubt you'll find much better than this.

View all PS5 headset deals at Amazon

If you've already got a perfect pair for your PS5, check out the best PS5 controllers, the best SSDs for PS5, and the best monitor for PS5 instead.

These incoming Anker Pokemon earbuds have got me charged up for all the wrong reasons

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:49:37 +0000

Tech brand Anker, known for its portable chargers designed for everything from your smartphone to your gaming laptop, announced a new range of Pokémon-themed products, including a set of adorable Pikachu and Eevee earbuds.

These best gaming earbud contenders were unveiled as part of the Anker Power Conference 2026 on May 27, and are inspired by Pikachu and Eevee, going as far as to include subtle silhouettes of the classic Gen 1 Pokemon on their charging cases. Their Pokemon inspirations don't stop there, as the Pikachu earphones sport a contrasting yellow and black color palette and the Eevee version a metallic brown, which matches that of the Pokemon themselves. Yet as cute as they are, I'm disappointed that these new Pokemon 30th Anniversary items remain exclusive to Japan.

(Image credit: Future/Anker/The Pokemon Company)

We're not starved of Pokemon audio tech in the US and UK. It wasn't that long ago that I tested the official Razer Pokemon Gengar Kraken Kitty V2 headset, which goes all out with its Pocket Monster inspirations. However, I'd love to be able to dig into some Pokemon Pokopia with these compact in-ear phones instead, especially as their 6.2 x 3.1 x 4.1 cm size would make them more likely to fit inside my Switch 2 case.

The Soundcore C50i buds aren't just compact, but share an open-back acoustic design, similar to the Asus ROG Cetra Open wireless gaming earbuds I reviewed earlier this year. Alongside their large 12mm-sized dyanmic audio drivers, that means the soundstages to games, Pokemon and otherwise, should sound pretty grand, which only makes me want them more.

They also feature a cuff design, which means that these hook onto the side of your ear, rather than traditionally sitting inside. That makes these far easier to show off than traditional earphones, which is exactly what I'd do if these were to be released here in the UK. The light and dark brown two-tone colorway of the Eevee Soundcore C50i buds is particularly striking, and includes a slight shimmer to its paint job if the official Anker Japan product page is to be believed. As a lover of a good bit of licenced tech, I also can't help but gawk over the inclusion of the tiny Poke Ball icon above the USB-C port of the charging case, or the tiny Eevee on the opposite side.

(Image credit: Future/Anker/The Pokemon Company)

Want Pokemon audio tech that's not a Japan exclusive?

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

The Razer Pokemon Gengar Kraken Kitty V2 headset is still widely available for $111.99 at Amazon in the US, and £132.94 at Amazon in the UK, and comes decked out with the brand's iconic TriForce 40mm audio drivers and Chroma-RGB powered lighting.

The Soundcore C50i buds weren't the only pieces of Anker Pokemon tech announced during the same Anker Power Conference. Anker also unveiled an official Pokemon Anker 70W USB Fast Charger and an Anker Travel Adapter, both set to release in Japan in early July, with no signs of a US and UK availability. (Sorry, fellow Pokemon fans.)

The ¥7,990 (roughly $49.98) Fast Charger includes a yellow Pikachu design this time around and includes two USB-C and one USB-A port to keep your tech powered up and ready to go. It also comes with a wrapped charging cable and a Pikachi-themed cable tidy.

Meanwhile, the ¥5,990 (roughly $37.48) Anker Travel Adapter plays host to an AC outlet, two USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports, and features a Pokeball design that lights up when in use. Both have Pikachu silhouette designs of their own, and can be stored in the Pikachu Anker Travel Pouch, which is available to purchase separately from the Anker Japan online store.

If you have access to import shopping services, both the Pikachu and Eevee are available for ¥13,990 at Anker Japan alongside the chargers, which is approximately $89 each, and a pretty reasonable price for open-ear buds. For now, I just have to hope my pleas for a US and UK release spark Anker into releasing these worldwide.

We've also rounded up the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases, the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers, and the best Nintendo Switch headsets if you're on the hunt for the best ultimate Ninty setup for playing your favorite Pokemon games.

Sony's PS5 earbuds take centre stage in the Days of Play sale, but the SteelSeries Game Buds are the real star

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Thu, 28 May 2026 16:14:13 +0000

Sony's Days of Play sale is back and is running until June 11. Plenty of the best PS5 accessories are included in this year's savings, including Sony's own Pulse Explore Wireless buds, which I spotted are down to a record low right now.

The wireless earbuds have been marked down to just $149 (Amazon), which is $50 off their full MSRP. Yet while these official earbuds and their PlayStation Link capabilities must be an alluring purchase, I'd much sooner recommend you grab the SteelSeries Arctis Game Buds while they're down to a much cheaper $114.99 at Amazon for a refurbished pair instead. They aren't officially licensed for the Sony pixel-pusher, but these earphones pack in not just an easy-to-pair PS5 setup thanks to the slimline USB-C dongle, but a longer 10-hour battery life that can power plenty more Sony-fueled gaming sessions to come.

The black model Arctis Game Buds are down to just $114.99 at Amazon today, so long as you're okay picking up a refurbished pair. But I'd recommend SteelSeries flagship Game Buds even at their full $199.99 brand-new MSRP because of their handy charging case, intuitive tap controls, brilliant unwanted noise-blocking ANC, and great sound from their small but mighty 6mm neodymium audio drivers.

Buy it if:

✅ You're a PS5 player
✅ You want earbuds for gaming and music
✅ The inclusion of ANC is a must

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want a premium microphone for Discord
❌ You want an officially licensed pair of buds

UK: £140 at AmazonView Deal

I must admit, I haven't had time with Sony's Pulse Explore wireless earbuds, so I can't comment on those directly through personal experience. However, I've been using the SteelSeries Arctis Game Buds for almost a year with my PS5, and there's not only plenty more impressive features on display, but these are the best gaming earbuds for the PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Steam Deck, and any modern games console I've used to date.

The slimline USB-C dongle makes setup a breeze. You just have to pop the thing into the front-facing port, and you're golden. It allows you to use this with more than just the PS5, and that's exactly what I do every day, listening to music on the go with these sat inside my ear canals.

But I'm not here to blether on about why the Game Buds are excellent for music listening on the go (though they very much are), but how great they are for the PS5. And they are, most notably for their impressive battery life. The best PS5 headsets are always going to have earbuds beat where battery is concerned, but these little earphones can still muster up 10 hours of playtime, with up to 40 hours in total thanks to the handy Qi Charging Case. 10 hours might not seem like a big deal, but I've rarely had to worry about these dying on me during heated Marvel Rival matches, or during my recent Lego Batman sessions, and these buds never leave my sight.

(Image credit: Future)

Not only do these buds have the Pulse Explore's 5 hours of battery life beat, but they're also super comfortable to wear. I used to stay clear of earbuds as my awkwardly large ears made using them get uncomfortable fast. But I've had no aches and pains, no matter how many hours I've had these popped in my ears with a DualSense controller in hand.

Getting lost in your PS5 games and wasting away the hours is pretty easily done with these buds, thanks to the impressive ANC too. I play my PS5 in the same room as my partner's gaming PC, and he's spent many frustrated moments trying to talk to me for 30+ minutes while I've been none the wiser. Whether it's the ANC, comfort, great battery, fantastic sound, or the handy case, these buds are still just as great to use with my Sony console as they were on day one, and this $114.99 opportunity is not worth missing out on.

If you prefer officially licenced tech, I wouldn't blame you if you still picked up the Pulse Explore Wireless buds instead. I'm also highly aware that not everyone is comfortable picking up a refurbished pair of buds, no matter if they're backed by the Amazon Renewed Guarantee. Yet, I highly recommend you grab the SteelSeries Arctis Game Buds for your PS5, or for any console you have at your disposal.

Remember, if their new $199.99 price is too much, you can always wait to check out the best Amazon Prime Day PS5 deals, which are expected to drop in June later this year, in hopes of a better bargain.

View all PS5 Days of Play discounts at PS Direct

Check out our guides to the best PS5 controllers, the best SSDs for PS5, and the best PS5 monitors if you're on the hunt to create the ultimate Sony gaming setup.

The new Sennheiser Momentum 5 is incoming, but it's not the EPOS replacement you might be looking for

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Wed, 27 May 2026 11:54:00 +0000

Sennheiser unveiled its brand new Momentum 5 headphones on May 26, 2026, the next evolution up from the Momentum 4 that's been available since 2022. The new pair is very similar to its predecessor, as both share the same 42mm transducer speakers and look practically identical.

Where the new $399.99 (Sennheiser) headphones differ is through the inclusion of Hi-res certified audio, a user-replaceable 700 mAh battery, and a new active noise cancelling system. If you're still reeling over the loss of the EPOS Sennheiser partnership and were hoping to replace your old cups with that audiphile-level sound the brands' pair was known for, these are set to launch on June 16. However, with no boom microphone or 2.4GHz wireless, you won't get all you need for gaming.

If you're okay sourcing a microphone from elsewhere, grabbing the Momentum 5 will grant you with an up to 57-hour battery life, ANC, 42mm transducer audio speakers, and the pair comes with a storage case with a USB-C charging cable included.

UK: £329.90 at SennheiserView Deal

As a pair of headphones rather than a headset, the launch details don't actually reference gaming in any way. Regardless, I know for a fact that many fans of the audiophile-level quality Sennheiser headsets are known for may want to pick these up specifically for PC and consoles. I wouldn't recommend it unless you're comfortable losing out on some key features.

Before the EPOS and Sennheiser team-up came to an end in 2023, headsets like the EPOS Sennheiser GSP 670 were known for their high-quality microphones. If you were eager to grab a new Sennheiser pair for that reason alone, you'll be disappointed, as there is no flip-to-mute boom mic on this upcoming pair.

Additionally, the Momentum 5 ships with Bluetooth 5.4 wireless support in the box, and a future firmware update is on its way to make it compatible with Bluetooth 6.0, but there are no 2.4GHz options to be found. That makes compatibility more limited when consoles like the PS5 don't natively support Bluetooth, but you should be fine when it comes to your gaming PC and handhelds like the Nintendo Switch 2. The pair also comes packaged with a 3.5mm analog audio cable, which will give you wired access where Bluetooth is unavailable.

(Image credit: Sennheiser)

Otherwise, the Momentum 5 sounds pretty impressive, and I'd be curious how its " full-bodied sound with dynamic bass" and Hi-Res Audio lends itself to my favorite PS5 titles.

There are four microphones per side onboard to power up its ANC tech, and those who grab the pair early can get access to Dolby Atmos with headtracking to increase immersion.

The Sennheiser Momentum 5 will be $399.99 at launch in the US, which is a lot to fork out on a pair not designed for gaming, and one that only provides no wireless dongle or boom arm microphone for chatting to friends online. If you're on the hunt for a premium headset with Hi-res audio, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Omni is available for the same price, while music-heads can stick to the Momentum 5, which will be available at sennheiser-hearing.com and "select" US retailers.

View all Sennheiser headsets for gaming at Amazon

Check out our guides to the best PC headsets for gaming, the best PS5 headsets, and the best Nintendo Switch headsets for pairs designed for your platform of choice in mind.

The SIVGA M260 wired earbuds are a Y2K-fueled trip down memory lane, and my new budget pick

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Fri, 22 May 2026 15:55:44 +0000

As a sap for nostalgia, the SIVGA M260 wired earbuds caught my eye pretty fast, and I'm glad they did.

There turned out to be far more to these best gaming earbuds contenders than their Y2K-inspired translucent detachable MMCX cable. They sound fantastic, and fortunately, nothing like the fuzzy and distorted mess that were wired earbuds from my actual early 2000s teenage years. Not only that, but they're one of the most comfortable buds I've ever used, even if they can tend to move around if the wire gets caught on anything.

As a result, these buds have earned a permanent place in my backpack for gaming and listening to tunes on the go. However, their tendency to prioritize high-frequency sounds and make them sound overpowered means I won't be hanging up the best gaming headsets any time soon.

The SIVGA M260 wired earbuds are available in two versions: the USB-C model that I've reviewed here today, and a 3.5mm model that's best suited for PS5 players.

UK: £45 at AmazonView Deal

Key specs

Price	$45 / £45
Connection	USB-C
Drivers	14.2mm Dynamic Drivers
Cable length	120 cm
Frequency response	20 - 20 KHz
Microphone	High-sensitivity mic with multi-function controls
ANC	N/A
Controls	Volume controls, answer call button
Battery	N/A
Compatibility	PC, Nintendo Switch 2, mobile

Design

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

The look of the SIVGA M260 earbuds is why I've labelled them as "Y2K-fueled," and it all has to do with their translucent wiring. Tech which you could see through was a big thing in the late 90s and early 00s, and I was utterly obsessed with it at the time. I still dream of one day owning an original 'Bondi Blue' Mac, which has that transparent plastic blue butt. But these earphones help fill that void in a more compact (and cost-friendly) way.

The MMCX detachable cable is the only part of these buds that is translucent, but they still look pretty great in spite of that. The heads of the buds have a metallic finish, with gold accents that contrast against the white-silver look of the wiring. The branding is used pretty understatedly too, just appearing across the tip of the USB-C cable and across the accompanying fabric carrying case, which helps contribute to the M260's classy and retro appeal.

Features

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

As wired buds, the M260's aren't fully clad with features like the SteelSeries Arctis Game Buds. Instead, they keep things simple by including 14.2mm dynamic audio drivers in each bud, which are powered by a copper ring-enhanced diaphragm to help combat audio distortion, and include that 4N silver-plated OFC MMX detachable USB-C cable in the box that I mentioned above.

The cable is fully removable at the buds, making it easily replaceable should any harm come its way. The pair is actually available to purchase in two plug configurations, so while I was provided with the USB-C version to review, you can instead pick up the 3.5mm L-shaped plug version for just $35 / £35 instead - which I'd recommend if you're a PS5 player. Or, if you have one spare, just attach it to these existing buds to save some extra cash.

The USB-C version is the most high-powered of the two, boasting a built-in Realtek ALC5686 DAC (digital audio converter) that supports up to 32-bit/384kHz Hi-Res audio. If you're on the hunt for a pair for gaming and music listening on the go, this is the version I'd recommend. Not to mention it's the only model with a highly sensitive microphone that you can use for Discord, GameChat on the Switch 2, or answering phone calls. There are also volume and call answer buttons on the USB-C cable to help with the latter.

Performance

I tested the SIVGA M260's in the opposite way that I would normally approach earbuds. Instead of seeing how my favorite games sounded, I was desperate to see how these handled music first and foremost. This was spurred on after seeing the wave of articles about how younger generations prefer old tech, and I'm glad I did it this way.

The M260's sound pretty snazzy. With large 14.2mm dynamic audio drivers, I did expect a loud and booming quality, but it still took me by surprise when I first popped the buds in my ears. Some of my favorite tracks in recent years, like Opr by Gesaffelstein sounded especially crunchy, which is exactly what you want when it comes to industrial EDM.

These earphones were also able to get plenty loud. While there's no ANC at play, I could still comfortably turn these up and zone out the world around me as I strolled down the sunny streets of Glasgow, feeling like a teenager again. Tracks like Masayoshi Takanaka's "Oh! Tengo Suerte" felt especially bouncy and invigorating during these days out. And just as SIVGA boasted, the copper ring diaphragm of the drivers managed to keep any distortion at bay. There was no warbling or audio issues, no matter what I listened to, which is how these low-cost buds have now ended up as my new go-to music accessory.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

The only real issue with the quality that I noticed is that higher frequency sounds can tend to sound a bit grating to the ears. This was more prevalent when gaming, as the soundtracks to titles like Mario Kart World are a lot busier than a relaxing Masayoshi Takanaka guitar track.

When it came to replaying my favorite courses, the roaring of my kart's engine and the sound effects of Koopa shells that were hurling in my direction were startling. They didn't distort, but they sounded far louder than they should be, almost like the drivers were singling them out on purpose. This carried on to Donkey Kong Bananza, which I would much sooner recommend playing with one of the best Nintendo Switch headsets instead.

Using the Elephant Bananza's special move to suck up terrain sounded horrendous, as it was so loud and imposing. Even in Pokemon Pokopia, where the sounds are a lot more chill in comparison, still hurt my ears whenever a high-pitched cry of one of my Pokemon pals would sound off in the distance.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

It's annoying, as these are still great-sounding earbuds, and ones I would recommend to Switch 2 players. Especially as they can easily pop into the extra USB-C port at the top of the handheld. The same goes for the PC. They don't sound bad, but games like Counter-Strike 2, where a lot is going on, are going to startle your eardrums. To give your ears a rest, I'd much prefer you use these for the odd Marvel Rivals match or two and music, than full-blown 10+ gaming marathons.

If you want to know what these are like for the PS5, I sadly wasn't able to test them with Sony's pixel-pusher. The USB-C model I reviewed wasn't compatible with the DualSense controller, and I wasn't provided with a 3.5 cable to use in its stead. If you do pick up that version, you shouldn't have any issue connecting to the console, other than the overpowering sound design permeating your eardrums.

If you are at all concerned about general comfort, you don't need to be. I have pretty sensitive lugs, and I found these to be pleasantly comfortable after hours of use. As you have that cable dangling, they will have the tendency to move around or even fall out if you're listening to music out and about. Yet, even the tiny amount of foam padding on the buds was enough for a pretty comfortable wear.

Should you buy the SIVGA M260 wired earbuds?

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

If your budget is tight and Gen Z's obsession with older tech has emboldened you to re-enter the realm of wires, the SIVGA M260 earbuds are a fantastic choice. For music, these have earned a forever spot in my backpack as they sound great, are comfortable to wear, and their wired nature means I don't have to spare a thought for battery woes while on the go.

For gaming, they sound just as impressive, though I'd only recommend them for small sessions. The audio that can be conjured up in these compact earphones is mighty impressive, and they contain some of the best bass I've heard in a wired form factor. However, the drivers seem to prioritize high-range sounds, which can make sound effects in games, from a barrage of bullets to the cries of Pokémon, sound a bit grating and unpleasant on the ears.

Making sure the buds aren't too loud can help, but you'll still get a surprise shock whenever you get blasted with a blue shell, or if a match of Marvel Rivals gets particularly loud, as they tend to do.

How I tested the SIVGA M260 wired earbuds

The SIVGA M260 wired earbuds became my only audio source for two weeks of testing, whether I was listening to music or playing my Samsung S24 smartphone, Nintendo Switch 2, or my gaming PC. As the USB-C sample I was provided with to review was not compatible with the PS5 via the DualSense controller, I spent many hours using the buds alongside my Ninty handheld while playing Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Pokemon Pokopia.

Afterwards, I tested the M260's while playing Counter-Strike 2, Marvel Rivals, Paranormasight The Mermaid's Curse, and Dead as Disco on Steam. When not gaming, the wired earphones were attached to my Samsung phone and used to listen to a huge range of music, from The Beatles to the EDM and industrial music stylings of Ninajirachi and Gesaffelstein. Plenty of TV was watched too, as I used the buds to play catch-up with the last episodes of The Boys on Amazon Prime and episodes of the anime series Witch Hat Atelier via Crunchyroll. For more information on how we test gaming headsets and earbuds, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

If you prefer some over-ear action, check out our guides to the best PS5 headsets, the best Xbox Series X headsets, and the best PC headsets for gaming.

These official Hatsune Miku earbuds come with a leek case, but we can't have them

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Thu, 21 May 2026 14:44:49 +0000

The best gaming earbuds and in-ear headphones are often packed with cases. Most of them are for charging duties and aren't much to look at, but Chinese audio tech brand Moondrop has taken things to a new level by launching a pair of Hatsune Miku buds with a leek case.

You read that right, as discovered by Dexerto, the case is shaped like the leek vegetable that Hatsune Miku is famous for holding in her version of the classic 'leek spin' meme from the internet of yore. The buds are also draped in lots of fan-friendly nods to virtual diva, but much to my (and my gaming setups') dismay, they remain a China exclusive for now.

A post shared by AniHobby (@anihobby_my)
A photo posted by on

Die-hard Miku fans will be well aware that the leek in question, as seen in the above images by AniHobby, is actually the Japanese negi vegetable, but that's besides the point. I'm just surprised to see the leek meme be referenced after all these years, especially when other audio brands' collabs don't go as hard in the branding.

Earlier this year, Sony released a pair of Hatsune Miku Limited Edition LinkBuds, which were just the same as past versions but featuring a green colorway. They did come with a set of Miku-themed goodies, including a fancy acrylic stand, but if I had the choice to pick Moondrop's version.

According to Google Translated press release shared by Finance Sina on May 20, the buds are available for 239 yuan (approximately $35) at JD.com, and are equipped with 10mm-sized dynamic audio drivers, ANC, and can connect wirelessly to devices over Bluetooth 6.0. They can also "support a low-latency gaming mode" which I assume is a reference to 2.4GHz wireless, so if you can manage to get a pair, they might just be good for gaming too.

(Image credit: Moondrop/Crypton Future Media, Inc)

Want more Hatsune Miku accessories?

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe`)

While the Hatsune Miku earbuds aren't available in the US, there's plenty of official tech to go around. The entire Asus TUF gaming x Hatsune Miku collab is still available at Amazon, which doesn't feature her handy leek, but is just as adorable.

H1 Gen II Wired Gaming Headset | $94.99 at Amazon
K3 Gen II Wired USB Gaming Keyboard | $92.99 at Amazon
Mini Wireless Mouse | $94.99 at Amazon
P1 Portable Gaming Mouse Pad | $22.99 at Amazon

The buds also provide up to 12.5 hours of playback, and that iconic leek (or should I say, negi) case can extend that further to 41 hours. Judging from the marketing images, the leek case also features a USB-C port, so passthrough charging as found on the Asus ROG Cetra Open wireless gaming earbuds could also be a feature. However, it's hard to decipher, given there's no English text on any of the imagery, and I can't get a hold of these myself to put them to the test.

With or without passthrough charging, the Vocaloid fan-girl within me can't help but fawn over these adorable earbuds. It's not just the case that I'm obsessed with, but the clever use of Miku's 01 tattoo iconography on the sides of the buds, and the turquoise and pink color palette that screams 'Hatsune Miku' in my eyes.

I can only hope that one day, Moondrop makes these easily accessible in the US and UK, as playing Hatsune Miku Project Diva Mega Mix + with these at two would be a dream come true. In the meantime, I at least have the Asus TUF x Hatsune Miku collection at my disposal to keep my Vocaloid fandom satiated.

View all gaming earbud deals at Amazon

If you care more about quality than aesthetics, check out the best PS5 headsets, the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Xbox Series X headsets we've tested so far.

Why you should keep tabs on the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless this Memorial Day

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Thu, 21 May 2026 11:36:58 +0000

Memorial Day sales are more handy for grabbing deals on shiny new furniture for your house and less so for getting cash off the best gaming headsets for your setup. But it doesn't mean this Monday, May 25, 2026, will be entirely devoid of gaming bargains.

Last year, our roundup of the best Memorial Day sales included the mighty SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, which had dropped from its $379.99 MSRP to just $243.46, and I suspect that it's going to be a fixture of this year's big day too. This time last year, the Pro Wireless was the most premium pair in the Arctis Nova lineup, and discounts weren't a rarity exactly. But the existence of not one, but the existence of the brand new Arctis Nova Pro Omni could make it more prone to big discounts next week, and during every big sales event ahead.

Memorial Day hasn't even arrived, but you can get $100 off the full $379.99 price of the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless for your PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and more. For just $279.99 today, you're getting that comfortable fit the Arctis lineup is known for, ANC, simultaneous 2.4GHz & Bluetooth audio, x2 hot swappable battery packs, a premium sound, and support for over 200+ game audio presets.

UK: £249.99 at AmazonView Deal

Since last Memorial Day, two new SteelSeries headsets have entered the scene: the Arctis Nova Elite and the Arctis Nova Pro Omni. When I was first briefed on the Omni and its new wealth of features, SteelSeries informed me that the availability of the Pro was going to change. It wasn't going to be hard to find in stock, but its presence would shrink a little bit, likely to shift focus onto the new big thing.

That's entirely understandable, especially as the Omni and the Pro Wireless are very similar headsets. Both look practically identical, include the hot-swappable battery tech, and the Game Hub device that allows both headsets to be a multi-platform gamer's dream. However, the new Omni takes things a step further by decking out the device with the ability to hook up to more sources, mix the audio of those sources, and it supports Hi-res audio while wireless.

With that in mind, I have a sense that Pro Wireless discounts are going to be even more of a fixture at Memorial Day, Amazon Prime Day 2026, and all big sales events going forward. Think about it, if SteelSeries wants all eyes on the new Omni, it'd make sense to use big flashy sales events to get rid of old stock and make way for the new big thing.

Is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless still worth it?

(Image credit: Future)

Even in a post-Omni world, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is most definitely still worth picking up.

If you want the best of the best around the $300 price point, I am, of course, going to recommend the Omni instead right now. It's not the new king of our best headset guides for no reason. However, sticking with the Pro Wireless is a great way to get an almost-as-premium pair, without the premium cost.

If you have a split PC and console setup, the Pro Wireless is a dream. You can hook it up to your desktop and your PS5 at the same time and use the Game Hub to navigate through their volume controls and settings. As I said earlier, it also has that hot-swappable battery tech, which practically makes charging obsolete, and you've got your pick of a wired, Bluetooth, or 2.4GHz connection types and one of the best microphones I've tested in my years of writing about headsets.

There's a reason why the new Omni takes so much from the Pro Wireless, because even years later it's still an impressive piece of tech. Its out of the box sound isn't up to par with the brand's newest releases. However, you do still have the SteelSeries GG PC software at your fingertips and a huge range of EQ settings and game audio pre-sets at your behest, which can help bring out the best of its older Neodymium magnetic audio drivers.

The greatest part of it all is that it's considerably less expensive than the Omni if there are discounts around. Even today, you can grab the headset for just $279.99, saving you $100 off its full price, days before Memorial Day even kicked off. That's not a record low saving, as it dropped as low as $234.35 during last year's Prime Day sales. That being said, it's still big enough that I'd recommend grabbing it even before next week. Anything more this Memorial Day would be a no-brainer. So long as you're okay missing out on the Hi-res wireless stylings of the Omni.

Join GamesRadar+ Deals on WhatsApp for our top daily discounts

Take a look at our guides to the best PS5 headsets, best Xbox Series X headsets, and the best Nintendo Switch headsets if you want to learn more about the pairs you should be checking out this Memorial Day.

LucidSound has entered the budget headset fray with a new battery champion that provides one hour of battery for every $1

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Wed, 20 May 2026 11:00:24 +0000

The PowerA-owned audio tech brand LucidSound unveiled its new LS500 wireless gaming headset on May 19, 2026, which despite its cheap price, manages to pack in an impressive 70-hour battery life.

The newly announced pair is available in models for both the Xbox Series X/S and the PS5 and can achieve those 70 hours of playback on a single charge over Bluetooth, or it can reach up to 50 hours when hooked up to its included wireless USB dongle. While some of the best gaming headsets I've tested at the $100 mark struggle to provide more than 40 hours, this new budget-friendly pair can achieve that at just $69.99 (Amazon), regardless of which model you choose.

The new LucidSound LS500 is available in both a PlayStation (LS500P) and Xbox (LS500X) models, but both are equipped with quick access audio controls, a glasses-friendly fit, custom-tuned 50 mm audio drivers, and a flip-to-mute microphone with mic monitoring.

LS500X (Xbox): $69.99 at AmazonView Deal

I've tested a lot of budget-friendly wireless headsets in my time, and up to 70 hours at a $70 price point is pretty impressive. Even my current go-to headset, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless, that I recommend for those looking for something around and below the $100 mark, can only achieve up to 40 hours of playback. Although the pair is equipped with fast charging, which helps make up for it.

The LucidSound LS500 doesn't have fast charging itself, but PowerA boasts that there is plenty more to like about this new pair of cups that "delivers the sound, comfort, and flexibility players expect", according to Sr Director of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships, Matt Hiler. Talking of comfort, this headset only weighs in at just 265g, which definitely makes it one of the lightest options out there. For comparison, the Logitech G325 Lightspeed comes in at a close 212g, and that's been the lightest pair I've tested and reviewed to date.

(Image credit: PowerA/LucidSound)

The LS500 also features custom-tuned 50mm audio drivers to provide "clear, balanced stero sound" according to the press release, and there's three EQ modes at your fingertips to achieve a more personalised sound. As the pair is available for both the Xbox Series X/S and the PS5 they can come supporting either Windows Sonic or Sony's Tempest 3D AudioTech - it just depends on whether you stick with the LucidSound LS500X or the LucidSound LS500P.

Both versions are available right now at Amazon and the official PowerA website in the US in Black and White colorways. For those of you on a budget-friendly headset hunt in the UK, you'll have to wait or look elsewhere, as no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't quite find these across the pond. If and when that changes, I'll be sure to let you know, but you can check out the best wireless headsets guide to find low-cost alternatives worth your attention.

View all LucidSound gaming headsets at Amazon

I've also rounded up the best PC headsets for gaming, the best PS5 headsets, and the best Nintendo Switch headsets for you to check out.

Why the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni is the new, unrivaled king of our headset guides

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Mon, 18 May 2026 14:12:33 +0000

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless has sat in the best gaming headset top spot for as long as I can remember - and for good reason. The multi-platform powerhouse is compatible with everything from the PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2, and the PC, and sounds even better than it looks.

Yet now, SteelSeries has finally been pushed off its headset pedestal for the first time in over a year, but it just so happens it's by its own new headset. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni has now overtaken its own Arctis Nova brethren as the best pair of cups that myself, and the rest of the GamesRadar+ hardware team, have tested. It wasn't an easy defeat as the Pro Wireless is still a formidable piece of audio tech, but the new Omni takes all its best features and makes them just that little bit better with just a $20 / £20 price difference too - what's not to like?

The Arctis Nova Pro Omni launched on May 5 2026, to coincide with the brand's 25th anniversary. The new premium headset packs on Hi-Res Wireless audio, carbon fiber audio drivers, ANC, a new and improved Game Hub, and support with a staggering 200 game audio presets, all in a Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless form factor - now available in 'Midnight Blue' too.

UK: £349.99 at AmazonView Deal

The Arctis Nova Pro Omni is very similar to the Pro Wireless, but its small differences are what make it worthy of GamesRadar+'s best headset moniker. It's available in a new 'Midnight Blue' colorway, and it's a little bit more comfortable to wear thanks to its thicker earcushions. At first glance, I thought these may make the Omni less glasses-friendly than the Pro Wireless, but I was happily mistaken.

I wear glasses every single day, and yet I experience no discomfort whatsoever. There is a bit of a tighter clamping force with this pair, which was a bit unnerving to feel when I first plopped the pair on my head. Yet it only took a matter of days for the Omni to loosen up and feel attuned to my noggin', just like the Pro Wireless before it. Outside of these changes, the design is pretty much the same with this new pair as the brand has followed the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" rule to a T.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

It's not in its design that makes the Omni worthy of knocking the Pro Wireless down a peg, but in its features. Everything that made the Pro Wireless great is back, but with additions that make the $20 / £20 price difference feel more than justified. The first major upgrade is that SteelSeries has imbued the pair with certified Hi-res audio.

Not all gamers will be able to fully appreciate its 96kHz/24-bit Hi-res ways as consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S max out at 48k/16bit. However, this makes the Omni far more futureproof than previous Arctis Nova headsets, as it's very likely the upcoming PS6 and Xbox Project Helix consoles will support the higher standard of sound when they launch in the near future. Meanwhile, PC players can take advantage of this regardless, as can any audiophile music fans looking for a multi-purpose gaming and music pair of cups.

Even without its Hi-res ways, the out-of-the-box sound of the Omni far outstretches the Pro Wireless. One of the few cons of the older pair was that its sound relied on its EQ settings and the game-audio presets available through SteelSeries GG to truly make it sound as leveled as it could be. I have a pair of my own, and I usually have to at least push up the bass to give the lower sounds of my games more warmth. This time around, I had to do none of that, as the Custom 40 mm Neodymium Magnetic audio drivers did all the hard work for me.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

So it looks and feels better to use and sounds better to boot, but what else makes it even more worthy of that best headset title? It's unmistakably its new and improved Game Hub. This little device came with the Pro Wireless and was at the center of what made it truly special. With it, you could connect to multiple consoles at once, and it could charge a spare battery pack at the same time.

The hot-swappable battery tech is still a key feature with the Omni, and the design of the Game Hub is essentially identical (albeit with a new textured dial). However, this time around, you can connect to up to four consoles at once and mix the audio of those platforms simultaneously. My gaming setup is not unified, so I've not been able to take full advantage of this, but being able to keep my Spotify playlist on while chatting to co-workers while I'm hooked up to both my work laptop and my gaming PC never gets old.

Overall, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni is essentially the Pro Wireless but better, so it makes all the sense that it's over-taken the Pro Wireless. I'll be writing up a more in-depth comparison between the two high-end headsets shortly, but if you're looking for the best headsets out there (and don't want to part with $699.99 (Amazon) for the SteelSeries Actis Nova Elite), the Omni is a must-have.

View all SteelSeries gaming headsets at Amazon

Check out our guides to the best PC headsets for gaming, the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Xbox Series X headsets for a full range of SteelSeries pairs to suit budgets of any size.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni wireless gaming headset is the Nova Pro killer I've been dreaming of, and the best I've ever tested

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Fri, 15 May 2026 14:22:23 +0000

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni felt like it came out of nowhere. SteelSeries has already launched its most luxurious headset yet with the Arctis Nova Elite, one of the first of its kind to carry a hi-res audio certification in a wireless form factor, so I thought it'd at least be a while longer before anything remotely as premium came along.

Yet in a matter of months after the Elite came on the scene, SteelSeries managed to release a new headset that plopped Hi-Res audio support in a cheaper form factor while simultaneously pushing the best gaming headset out from its top spot.

The $399.99 / £349.99 headset boasts all the same high-end features that mesmerized me with the Pro Wireless, from its comfortable fit, hot-swappable battery tech, and accompanying Base Station (now dubbed the Game Hub) that allows you to hook up to multiple gaming platforms at once. The Omni has all that in spades, but it's even better as you can hook up to more platforms, it's got cushier earcups, and most importantly, the audio and microphone quality feels leagues ahead of what came before. This is the new best of the best.

Key specs

Price	$399.99 / £349.99
Acoustic design	Closed back, over ear
Connection	Wired, Bluetooth & 2.4GHz wireless
Drivers	Custom 40 mm Neodymium Magnetic (Hi-Res)
Frequency response	10-40,000 Hz
Microphone	ClearCast Pro - Retractable Boom Microphone with onboard AI Noise Rejection
ANC	Yes
Controls	Volume/ChatMix Dial, Source Mix Power/Pairing/Quick-Switch Button, Mute Button, Bluetooth Media Control, Multifunction Wheel on Game Hub
Battery	2x hot-swappable batteries (Up to 30 hours per battery 2.4GHz ANC off / 50 hours Bluetooth - ANC off / 19H per battery 2.4G+BT ANC on)
Weight	339g (Headphones) / 169g (Game Hub)
Compatibility	PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Switch 2

Design

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

The Arctis Nova Pro Omni looks almost identical to the Nova Pro Wireless or the Nova Elite, but there are some minute changes afoot. The first should be pretty obvious from the photos included in this review, as this newest addition to the Arctis lineup comes in a cool 'Midnight Blue' colorway. It's basically just navy, which isn't too exciting, but it's still refreshing to see colors besides the more traditional black look.

The Omni does happen to also be available in Black and White if that's what you like, but I was very happy to sample the new color, especially as it's not just relegated to the headset itself. Even the little Game Hub has been given a splash of Midnight Blue color across its dial, which has also been upgraded with a textured grip around the edges.

Color aside, the Omni also separates itself by having slightly thicker ear cushions than its predecessors. SteelSeries told me in a video call that this was to improve overall comfort, but it does mean that it's not compatible with the replacement cushions the brand sells on its online store. Besides what I just mentioned, the Omni is pretty much identical in design to the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless in looks alone. As always, the brand is going for the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mindset with design, but I'm here for it.

Features

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

When it comes to features, the Omni is yet again flaunting its Pro similarities, but with one big difference: this bad boy is Hi-res audio compatible. Instead of just providing 96kHz/24Bit audio support via a wired connection like the Pro, you can achieve that audiophile-friendly sound on the go - well, so long as you're hooked up to a gaming PC or listening to some lossless audio tracks.

As I mentioned in my SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite review, consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S max out at 48k/16bit, so console players won't notice a huge difference. That being said, this will likely become a handy headset down the line, where futureproofing is concerned, as it's very likely that the next-gen Xbox Project Helix console and the PS6 will be able to support the higher quality sound.

The Omni has other features that separate it from Arctis Nova headsets, past and present. The Game Hub has been given an upgrade, and now lets you connect to four platforms at once (2xUSB+Bluetooth+Line-in) and mix the audio of those simultaneously. For example, I've had the Omni hooked up to my gaming PC and playing Spotify faintly while in a catch-up video call with the rest of the team, and was able to mix and alter the levels of their speaking with my anime tunes still audible in my ears.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

The Omni's other new features are small, like the fact the microphone now automatically mutes when fully retracted, or pair's tighter clamping force. Talking of the microphone, this headset marks the debut for the ClearCast Pro, a higher-bandwidth and omnidirectional microphone with a 50-16,000 Hz frequency response and built-in noise rejection.

Otherwise, this is a very similar package to the Pro Wireless, as you've still got that hot-swappable battery tech, multi-platform support, and similar over-ear and closed-back form factor as before.

Performance

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

As current-gen consoles aren't Hi-res audio compatible, it felt best to hook up the Omni to my PC first for testing. The first game on the platter was Counter-Strike 2, where the gunshots felt extra crunchy and satisfying. Right off the bat, I noticed that any dialogue and sound effects are really amplified with this headset, as even when I knew enemy bot players (I'm still practicing) were just around the corner due to the spatial audio capabilities, the clarity of their gunfire made me constantly jump out of my seat.

Picking up Marvel Rivals sounded just as juicy. The pulsating sound effects of Invisible Woman's attacks brought me right into action that I was even doing her hand movements between matches. This punchy clarity continued no matter what game I threw the pairs way on Steam, but even more so once I checked out the Dead As Disco demo. The music-rhythm beatem up felt like the perfect testing choice, as it gave me the opportunity to see how the pair dealt with music and a sound-effect-heavy soundstage. Naturally, as I expected, the Omni has no issue, and in fact, there were moments where I was getting too into the catchy rendition of 'Maniac' that I missed some counter opportunities. Not a headset issue, but definitely a skill issue.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

Before I tap into how it sounded on the PS5, I do need to elaborate that this headset, while extraordinary, is not built for my setup. What I mean by that is, my consoles and my gaming PC are in two separate rooms, and so I never have the means to use the Game Hub to its fullest potential. If you're in the same boat, that doesn't mean there isn't a lot to get out of adding the Omni to your setup, it just means you might be a better target for the brand's SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless until you have one unified gaming space.

Despite that, I was still able to put the hub's audio mixing to the test. I connected it to my PC and work laptop simultaneously, and I was able to easily customize the volume levels of my co-workers' voices and my music that I sneakily had on Spotify in the background. Now, I wouldn't recommend you recreate my test to avoid getting in trouble with your boss, but having this ability to mix the audio of multiple platforms at once is something that'd be a great tool for streamers and content creators, which is worth keeping in mind.

While I wasn't able to hook the Omni up to my PC and PS5 in the same way, I did test it with my Sony pixel-pusher and had just as great a time. The first thing I noticed with this new headset is that it gets loud, something that very few PS5 headsets manage. I'm not sure why the PS5 has volume issues, but I've tested so many pairs that are just too quiet, no matter what settings I tinker with, but the Omni was just right. I almost shed a tear when I discovered I could hear composer Tsutomu Narita's Granblue Fantasy Relink score pounding into my eardrum, especially as the ANC meant I could totally switch off the outside world and completely immerse myself in the RPG's world.

It was the microphone that was next on the testing chopping block. My friends are used to hearing the ClearCast Gen 2 from the Pro Wireless, which is one of those mics that they'll always make positive comments about during our regular Repo sessions and Discord calls. If and when I switch to a budget headset instead, they're all well aware, so I was really intrigued to see how the ClearCast Pro would go down. From my own audacity tests, I was pretty impressed.

I've provided a sample audio clip above, so you can hear it for yourself, but it's one of those rare instances where the microphone actually manages to capture the deep timbre of my voice. I'm always an advocate for grabbing the best streaming gear and a high-end microphone if you want professional-level audio, but if you just want one of the best mics for chatting to friends for many hours of Repo, Fortnite, and in my friends' case, many hours worth of Talisman on Steam, this is a fantastic, if not one of the best mic choices you can make.

My only recommendation is to get that sidetone turned down via the SteelSeries GG software as soon as possible. By default, it's a bit too loud, and hearing your own loud voice right in your ear can be a bit of a distraction. Talking of which, the Omni is compatible with GG, and you still have all the EQ settings and game audio pre-sets to play around with, if that's what you want. Although I've had just as incredible an out-of-the-box sound that I never felt inclined to have any pre-set on. The low, mid, and high sound frequencies sound perfectly leveled and juicy right on their own.

Should you buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni headset?

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni headset should be your first choice if you're after the best in the business but want to steer clear of the $599.99 / £599 price tag of the Elite (and still want to take advantage of its Hi-res ways).

With this release, the brand has taken my and the rest of the team's favorite headset, the Pro Wireless, and made it even better, so there's very little here not to like. It doesn't just have practical upgrades like the retractable mic muting and thicker earcup cushions, but its out-of-the-box sound and the new ClearCast Pro microphone are also better this time around. Through Hi-res audio support and the ability to connect up to more sources (and mix them), it's basically the Pro Wireless Plus, where I'm concerned.

Of course, with its $399.99 / £349.99 MSRP, there is a small matter of its $20 / £20 price difference compared to our much beloved Pro. To me, everything you get in this package feels like it more than justifies the extra funds. But I entirely understand anyone who still wants to opt for the next best thing in order to save some cash, especially as the Pro Wireless is regularly discounted when big events like Black Friday come around.

Availability of the Pro Wireless is going to simmer down a bit now that the Omni is here, which is worth considering. SteelSeries informed me that it will still be available at big-name retailers, but the Omni is set to be the new star of the Arctis line. Hopefully, it will eventually see just as many discounts in the future as what came before, as any and all multiplatform gamers deserve to have this echelon of headset and audio quality in their setup.

How I tested the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni headset

I had the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Omni Pro headset on my testing bench for a little over two weeks, using it to hook it up to everything from my gaming PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Steam Deck, and my Samsung S24 smartphone. During that two-week process, I first used the pair to play Marvel Rivals, Counter-Strike 2, Vampire Crawlers, and the Dead As Disco demo. PC testing was a priority due to the pair's Hi-res audio support, but I later took up games like Granblue Fantasy Relink, Mixtape, and Marvel Rivals on the PS5. Additionally, I played a range of Switch 2 games via the headset, including Mario Kart World and Pokemon Pokopia.

Outside of gaming, I used the headset to listen to music, including Hi-res audio files like the album 'Death Club' by Slime City and 'I Love My Computer' by Ninjajirachi. The Omni was also my go-to headset when catching up with the latest Witch Hat Atelier episodes on Crunchyroll and The Boys on Amazon Prime. For more information on how we test gaming headsets, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

Check out our best PS5 headset, best PC headset for gaming, and best Nintendo Switch headset guides to see how we rank the rest of SteelSeries' Arctis Nova gaming audio catalog.

The retro look and budget price of the SIVGA M260 gaming earbuds might finally make me a wired bud fan

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Mon, 11 May 2026 14:45:36 +0000

In a world where the cost-of-living crisis and console price hikes are omnipresent, the best gaming earbuds can be a cheaper alternative to headsets, particularly if they're wired. Yet I've never quite been a fan, no matter how cheap they are.

However, my interest was piqued when the SIVGA M260 HiFi Wired Earbuds launched on May 8, 2026 as they're not just affordable, but look great too. They include transparent cabling and are only $45 at Amazon, and that's for the most pricey pair of the two. The buds are available in two models, one that connects via USB-C with an integrated DAC and microphone, and one that's only $39.90 at Amazon and relies on a 3.5mm connection instead. If you want the cheaper version, you'll have to be okay with losing out on 32-bit/384kHz audio support, but I'm just happy both pairs are well under $50 when gaming tech is getting pricier by the day.

Both the USB-C and 3.5mm versions of the SIVGA M260 HiFi Wired earbuds are currently available at Amazon, and come packaged with a set of four ear tips and a fabric carrying case.

UK: Check stock at AmazonView Deal

No matter which version of the earbuds you pick, they both share that late 90s and early 00s nostalgic look thanks to the translucent cabling. I typically don't like being at the mercy of a wire when it comes to my earbuds, which is one of the reasons why I recommend the SteelSeries Arctis Game Buds above all else. But even I'm pretty privy to the M260's retro-inspired design.

According to SIVGA's tech specs, these earphones should also sound as good as they look. They're equipped with 14.2mm dynamic audio drivers, which are "engineered to provide an expansive soundstage and impressive clarity." These drivers have also been equipped with a copper-ring composite bio-diaphragm to reduce audio distortion and offer a more balanced sound.

(Image credit: SIVGA)

According to SIVGA, the Hi-Res earphones also include a lightweight Copper-Clad Auliminum Wire (CCAW) voice coil and a N50 neodymium magnet to improve clarity, and "precise control" across ITS frequency range. The frequency response itself doesn't stand out too much as the buds just include a 20Hz-20kHz as seen in a lot of the best gaming headsets I've tested, but I'm still intrigued by the sound and overall quality of these new earbuds nonetheless.

Besides its boasted sound specs, the brand also states that the M260 features a MMCX detachable cable system. They come packaged with a 4N silver-plated OFC cable, which you can swap out if your wiring needs a repair, or if you're an audiophile who wants to swap in something else for size. Talking of cables, if you're after the 32-bit/384kHz audio support, it's the USB-C version you'll want to stick to, but at least you'll only have to pay $5 for the difference.

The SIVGA M260 HiFi Wired earbuds are available now for $45 / £45 and $39.90 / £39.90 at Amazon and select retailers. While SIVGA provided me with the UK prices, I haven't quite found them at a UK retailer quite yet, but I'll be sure to update this page when I do. If you'd rather wait to see how we feel about them before adding them to your online shopping cart, a review is incoming.

View all wired gaming earbuds at Amazon

If earbuds aren't your thing, our guides to the best gaming headsets are full of the best PS5 headsets and the best PC headsets for gaming that look and sound the part.

The Audeze Mazwell 2 gaming headset can now be customized with these funky Audeze ReSkin earcup covers

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Mon, 11 May 2026 11:45:03 +0000

The best gaming headsets can sometimes look a bit too similar, and that is especially true of the Audeze Maxwell 2. It bears a striking resemblance to the older Audeze Maxwell, and without my years of testing and reviewing the latest cups, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference at a first glance. But the audiophile brand has found a way to set the two apart with the release of the Audeze Reskin earcup covers.

Starting from $19.99 (Audeze), these official Audeze ReSkin earcup covers are "easily interchangable" and allow you to swap out the plain all-black covers for unique designs created by artists instead. From lucky cat designs to a flurry of Day of the Dead-inspired creations by artist Jesse Zamora, there's a wide range to pick from. But if you're eager to give your Maxwell 2 a bit of pizazz, I recommend picking up a pair sooner rather than later, as some are already starting to sell out.

The Audeze ReSkin earcup covers are compatible with the brand's latest audiophile gaming headset, the Audeze Maxwell 2. If the designs available today aren't your thing, you can check back later as limited and special editions and rotating designs will also be available from the Audeze ReSkin storefront.View Deal

My favorite covers of the set are hard to narrow down, but I do have a preference for the Planar Scan. This design includes an X-ray look at the headset's own Maxwell 2 90mm Planar audio drivers, which our team's own Tabitha Baker stated in her Audeze Maxwell 2 review created "space and power that goes beyond anything I've heard from a gaming headset."

There's also the Whiteboard earcups, which are dry-erase marker compatible. I have to admit I don't think I'd entirely feel comfortable scribbling over a high-end headset like the Maxwell 2, but I do love that you can basically grab a pen and design these to your liking. Time to put those years of perfecting that pointy 'S' doodle to the test.

(Image credit: Future)

It should be said that Audeze is not the only headset brand serving up ways to personalise your headsets. SteelSeries has had its Booster Packs available for quite some time now, which come in a range of colors and designs and are compatible with the majority of the Arctis Nova lineup. Even better, instead of just providing a set of earcup covers, these packs also include matching replacement headbands to make the difference a tad more eye-catching.

I currently have the Bright Pink pair that's available for $48.99 from SteelSeries on my Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, and it's allowed the pair to match that of my pink gaming setup. If you don't have an Audeze or SteelSeries headset, brands like RIG also allow you to customize the earcups on a range of its headsets, including that for the RIG R5 Spear Pro HS that I reviewed late last year, thanks to their "Mod Plate" add-ons. The R5 Spear P HS actually came with a set that featured Sony logos, as they're designed with the PS5 in mind.

RIG even goes the extra mile by providing 3D-print-friendly STL files of these Mod Plates, so you can design and create your own. I honestly wish all headset brands, Audeze included, followed suit, as it'd be a great way to save cash after forking out the $329 (Amazon) needed for a pair of Maxwell 2's.

View all Audeze Mazwell headsets at Amazon

Check out our guides for the best PS5 headsets, best PC headsets for gaming, and the best Xbox Series X headsets if you're after a pair that stands out from the rest.

SteelSeries celebrates its 25th anniversary with the release of the brand-new Hi-res Arctis Nova Pro Omni Wireless gaming headset

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Tue, 05 May 2026 14:20:26 +0000

SteelSeries has dominated the best gaming headset guide here at GamesRadar+ for over a year now. I was about to suspect that nothing would be able to shake up the top spot that it's held onto for over a year, until the gaming accessories brand unveiled the brand-new SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni Wireless.

This new $399.99 / £349.99 headset was ceremoniously announced and released today by SteelSeries and is available straight from the official SteelSeries storefront and select retailers. It boasts many similar features to its Pro Wireless brethren, from a similar MSRP, a similar over-ear form factor with a suspended headband, and hot swappable battery tech, and the accompanying GameHub device has also made a comeback. But the new Arctis Nova Pro Omni Wireless is Hi-Res Wireless Certified to boot.

The new SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni headset is available now for $399.99 and features Hi-Res Wireless audio, carbon fiber audio drivers, ANC, and support with the app and over 200 game audio presets all in a Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless form factor.

UK: £349.99 at AmazonView Deal

Much like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite that launched late last year, this new SteelSeries pair is compatible with Hi-res 96kHz/24bit audio over 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, just without that massive $599.99 / £599.99 price. It achieves this audiophile-grade sound as it's got new Hi-Res Neodymium 40mm audio drivers in each earcup, along with an extended 10Hz to 40kHz frequency range, both of which, according to SteelSeries, are "necessary to support full Hi-Res Wireless Certification."

This is ideal for PC players as you just need to ensure you have the 96kHz/24-bit setting toggled on via the GameHub device, and you're golden. You won't be able to take advantage of its hi-res audio on the PS5 or Xbox Series X, as those consoles max out 48k/16bit, unfortunately. Though I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the looming PlayStation 6 and Project Helix next-gen platforms could be Hi-res audio compatible, making this new headset a futureproof pickup.

(Image credit: SteelSeries)

Tech specs at a glance

Price: $399.99 / £349.99
Release Date: May 5, 2026
Drivers: Hi-Res Neodymium 40mm
Frequency Range: 10Hz - 40kHz
Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz Wireless & Wired
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Switch 2, mobile.
Battery Life: Unlimited (30H+ 30H 2.4 / 50H+ 50H BT)
Weight: 339g

The new pair isn't just boasting of Hi-Res audio support, but it's also equipped with a new and improved ClearCast Pro omnidirectional microphone with the brand claims can reduce "96% of background noise." Much like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless, it's a retractable microphone this time around, but the brand has gone the extra mile to ensure it actually mutes once you push it back into the left earcup, a small yet very much appreciated inclusion.

Talking of which, there are a few more of these handy upgrades found in this new addition to the Arctis Nova line. The accompanying GameHub can connect up to five devices at a time, mix the audio sources of four of those, and it's been upgraded with a new tactile dial to make running through its various sound options easier if you've got a case of the sweaty gamer hands. That dial is also available in a range of three colorways, ranging from Midnight Blue, Omni Black, and Omni White, which match that of the headset itself.

(Image credit: SteelSeries)

The design changes aren't limited to colors, either, as the ear cushions are a bit thicker and meatier with this release. That does mean they aren't compatible with the existing Arctis AirWeave Ear Cushions replacements you can purchase separately online, but at least this new headset works fine with the existing Booster Packs if you want to personalise your pair. I've been testing these out for a few days now, and have had no issue popping in the pink discs that previously sat on my Arctis Nova Pro Wireless.

If you want the Hi-res audio capabilities of the Arctis Nova Elite without the elite price, the new SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni is available starting today from SteelSeries and other retailers. Alternatively, you could wait a while for my review, which is in the works, to see if it truly has the specs to knock the Pro Wireless from our best gaming headset pedestal.

View all SteelSeries gaming headsets at Amazon

I've also rounded up the best PS5 headsets, the best PC headsets for gaming, and the best Nintendo Switch headsets if you're after a brand new pair for your gaming platform of choice.

HyperX is expanding its catalog with the new Cloud Stinger 3 gaming headset that packs a mighty 80-hour battery for just $99.99

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Tue, 05 May 2026 12:33:26 +0000

HP is expanding its long line-up of gaming tech with the influx of a new range of HyperX goodies. Announced on April 30, 2026, the brand unveiled the HyperX Clutch Talon Controller, but as the resident audio tech nerd who regularly tests and rounds up the best gaming headsets, I was far more intrigued by the announcement of two new HyperX Cloud Stinger 3 gaming headsets.

Starting from $49.99 (HyperX), there are two new pairs available in total: the new HyperX Cloud Stinger 3 and the HyperX CloudX Stinger 3. Both headsets are available in wired and wireless models, with the wireless versions sporting both Bluetooth and 2.4Ghz support, along with a $99.99 MSRP. The main difference between the two is that the CloudX version is compatible with Xbox Series X/S consoles, yet both pairs share the best feature of the lot in my eyes, the up to 80-hour battery life.

The HyperX Cloud Stinger 3 gaming headset is compatible with the PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2 consoles and comes equipped with the brand's well-known comfortable over-ear design, an 80-hour battery life, 50mm audio drivers, and support for the latest NGENUITY audio engine.

PlayStation Wired: $49.99 at HyperXView Deal

The HyperX CloudX Stinger 3 gaming headset is essentially the same as the HyperX Cloud Stinger 3, but it's compatible with the Xbox Series X/S consoles. Alongside support for Microsoft's pixel pushers, you get the same 80-hour battery life, comfortable fit, and 50 mm-sized audio drivers.

Xbox Wired: $49.99 at HyperXView Deal

Up to 80 hours of juice isn't the most impressive battery life I've seen in a headset. That award still goes to the brand's own HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, which can reach an unrivaled 300 hours on a single charge. However, it is pretty impressive given the $99.99 MSRP of both the HyperX Cloud Stinger 3 and the CloudX Stinger 3. Some of my personal favorite pairs of cups around a similar price range, like that of the $109.99 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless, can only muster up to 40 hours max, whereas this new Cloud Stinger 3 can achieve double that.

It's not the only thing these new headsets have going for them. Both pairs are also equipped with dual wireless 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth wireless, noise-cancelling swivel to mute microphones, and 50 mm-sized audio drivers. The official HyperX product page, nor the HP Press Release, doesn't elaborate on the type of drivers used, other than that they're "big," but their large size, combined with the advanced spatial audio support on PC via the latest NGENUITY Audio Engine, is a surefire combo for high-quality sound.

(Image credit: HP/HyperX)

While the HyperX Cloud Stinger lineup of headsets has got some new additions, so has the NGENUITY software that goes along with them. It's available to download straight from the HyperX official website and is powered by HEAR360 to introduce parametric and graphic equalizers, game and chat audio balance, along with the ability to customize the headset's spatial audio and spatial chat features.

The NGENUITY audio engine's new upgrade also includes real-time dynamic microphone processing, voice monitoring, EQ presets, and AI noise reduction for these new headsets, and a long range of existing HyperX products. Including that of the HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless, which I reviewed late last year, and more of the brand's accessories you might currently have in your gaming setup.

Both the HyperX Cloud Stinger 3 and HyperX CloudX Stinger 3 are available in black and white colorways for $99.99 at HyperX today. If that's out of your price range, you can grab the wired versions for $49.99 instead, which are available for both the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles.

View all HyperX gaming headsets at Amazon

Check out our guides to the best PS5 headsets, best PC headsets for gaming, and the best Nintendo Switch headsets if you need an even bigger battery life.

Asus ROG Cetra Open wireless gaming earbuds are as comfortable as they are flashy, but the audio sadly misses the mark

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Fri, 01 May 2026 14:05:17 +0000

I've been excited to try out the Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless Gaming Earbuds ever since they were first unveiled at CES 2026 earlier this year. Combining the natural-sounding quality found in open-back headphones with an earbud felt like a no-brainer, but the end result didn't exactly match up to my expectations.

It's not all bad, as these are definitely up there with the best gaming earbuds as far as comfort goes. The hook design doesn't put too much pressure on your ears, and I was able to even fall asleep in these without so much as a tinge of discomfort - though I beg that you never do the same.

The earbuds themselves are also pretty flashy, and the glowing RGB logos (though you never see them once they're on your ears) are a nice touch, but the sound never reached similar heights. Dialogue in games was fine, but there's a permanent airy underlining to the bass and mid-range frequencies that didn't sound natural but simply deflated instead. Ensuring Gear Link is active definitely helped things, and I can see these being ideal for those after buds for gaming, music, and working out. But those after a gaming pair are best sticking to SteelSeries flagship buds.

Key specs

Price	$229.99 / £184.99
Connection	Bluetooth 6.0 and ultra-low-latency ROG SpeedNova 2.4GHz wireless
Drivers	14.2mm Diamond-Like Carbon Drivers
Frequency response	20Hz – 20kHz
Microphone	x4 built-in AI noise cancelling microphones
ANC	No
Controls	Multi-gesture physical tap buttons on L and R bud
Battery	Up to 64 hours (via Bluetooth with RGB off)
Weight	11g
Compatibility	PC, Mac, PS5, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android

Design

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

The look of the ROG Cetra Open earbuds feels pretty nostalgic. They aren't draped in a retro, translucent colorway or anything, but that ear hook design reminds me of the similar earbuds I would 'borrow' from my mum back in the early '00s. Back then, I wasn't actually a fan of the design, as it never felt secure enough. But the cylindrical ends to each of these buds keep them weighted down, and feel (and look) far more substantial than the earbuds of yore.

The fishhook shape isn't the first thing you'll notice when digging out these buds from their black case. Instead, it's likely to be the Asus ROG logos as they're RGB-powered and are pretty striking. If you've got the accompanying USB-C cable charging in the back of the case, or you're just plainly using the buds, these will be pulsating through a rainbow spectrum of colors. It's a nice spectacle as most RGB features are, but you won't really notice them once you've got them wrapped around your ear lobes.

Features

Talking of which, once you've got them on your ears, there's plenty to take advantage of. First, you've got 14.2mm Diamond-Like Carbon audio drivers in each earbud, alongside four built-in microphones with AI noise cancellation to help solo in on your voice.

Secondly, the buds are equipped with physical buttons, one on each. Pressing down once on the left or right bud will play or pause music and end phone calls, twice can skip tracks, three times can turn the microphone on and off, four times can turn the volume down, and holding will enter Bluetooth pairing mode.

These open buds include Bluetooth 6.0 support, or you can use the wireless dongle that's housed in the middle of the charging case to use the ROG SpeedNova powered 2.4GHz wireless instead. This was my connection of choice, namely as it was pretty simple to pop it in the USB-C port of the PS5, my PC, or that of the Nintendo Switch 2, without having to fiddle about with any settings. This 2.4GHz wireless dongle is what makes the ROG Cetra Open buds special, as they include USB-C one-way passthrough charging. It allows you to pop these in your smartphone (iOS or Android) alongside a charging cable so you can still listen to tunes and give your phone some juice - which is pretty handy.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

If you're wondering about any ANC, that's where things get a little interesting. As these are open ear buds, they can't have any traditional active noise cancelling. Instead Asus ROG have conjured up "Immersion Mode", a dynamic frequency filter that minimizes unwanted exterior noises. As your ear canal isn't plugged up by the nature of the open design, it doesn't allow for total immersion as the name suggests, which is worth taking onboard if you need to have complete and total isolation from the outside world while gaming, or listening to music on the go.

Performance

Even with its large 14.2mm Diamond-Like Carbon audio drivers in tow, these Asus ROG Cetra Buds never reached the audio quality heights I hoped for. At first, I thought I wasn't wearing them properly, as no matter the platform, every game sounded a bit lackluster.

I first played Granblue Fantasy Relink on the PS5. The Granblue series is known for its fantastic music, and a grandious RPG felt fitting to see if the open sound I was used to in headsets like that of the Skullcandy Crusher PLYR 720 could translate to a pair of buds. It was promising at first, as the piano melody that plays at startup sounded heavenly. So lovely and natural in fact that I thought I was listening to the audio straight from my TV, but no, the buds were in fact working just as intended.

When I got into the action is where the promise started to waver. It's not a bad sound, but not one I'd want to come out of a pair of $229.99 / £ 184.99-priced audio tech. The clashes of swords and rumbling bass of the score by Tsutomu Narita didn't have that oomph and sounded a bit airy. I regularly checked I was wearing the buds correctly, as I was initially worried they were hanging wrong, but no, this was just how they sounded right out of the box. Dialogue and higher-pitched parts of the game's soundstage sounded lovely, but mid to low sounds just felt forever insubstantial.

This continued in Marvel Rivals on the PS5, and when I switched over to compare it on the PC. The only benefit there is that I wasn't limited by the Sony console's weird volume issues, so I could get things much louder. But even then, that just made the middling bass even more apparent. This is definitely where Asus's Gear Link came in handy, and if you're going to invest in these gaming earbuds, then I highly recommend you get familiar with the software. There's an app and browser version, and there you can select from a range of EQ presets designed for both gaming and music, and tap on the 'Phantom Bass' to power up its soundstage a little more.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

Using Gear Link didn't entirely solve all of my issues with the sound, but it does make things better. The rapid fire of my artillery in Counter-Strike 2 sounded far crunchier, which is what I prefer when it comes to any FPS. The pre-match music as I started each new match in Marvel Rivals also felt significantly boosted, and actually got me amped up instead of feeling a bit limp as it did on the PS5.

Sound quality aside, I do like these gaming earbuds. Its USB-C dongle made it ideal for playing with the Nintendo Switch 2 in particular, as I just slotted it in the top port and away I went. Its case is a bit bulky, so it didn't fit in the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases that I have in my possession, but earbud cases very rarely do. It also sadly does not have wireless charging capabilities, so I did have to drag out a cable and pop it in the back of the case when I needed to give the buds more juice, which didn't suit my lazy gaming ways, but it's not a huge deal breaker.

The best thing about these buds is definitely the comfort. I even accidentally fell asleep in these on a couple of occasions (damn you ASMR videos) and woke up without issue. I don't recommend you ever actually do that, but it was nice to wake up and not feel like my ears had been through it. The hook design is also plenty secure, which I appreciated. This may be oversharing, but I can't tell you the many times I've gone to the bathroom and feared that past buds would fall off and end up where they're not supposed to be. However, Asus ROG's versions have stayed in place throughout the entirety of my testing. As a nice touch, there's actually a cable included in the box that attaches them together for those worried about losing the pricey buds. Or for those who want that extra security when going on a jog, which is a really nice touch.

Should you buy the Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless Gaming Earbuds?

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

There are plenty of gaming earbuds that do what the Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless Gaming Earbuds can do, but better, and for cheaper than $229.99 / £184.99.

So long as you don't have your heart set on an open form factor, I'd much sooner recommend the $159.99 / £159.99 SteelSeries Arctis Game Buds, as they're much more intuitive, compact, and ultimately sound a lot better. However, I completely get the preference for buds that wrap around your lobes and don't project sound directly into your ear canal, especially from an ear health point of view.

Games get loud. Real loud, and having the buds sit in proximity to your ear canal instead means you're less likely to subject your eardrums to a barrage of gunfire, explosions, or the loud screams of your friends over voice chat. Just unfortunately, the sound that the 14.2mm Diamond-Like Carbon audio drivers manage to muster up from that distance just isn't as substantial as I've experienced with the SteelSeries flagship alternative.

It's not bad, but no matter the platform I was playing on, I kept wishing it had more volume and more punch to the low and mid frequencies. I wouldn't entirely write them off, as they're comfortable, look great, the passthrough charging is super helpful. You can also use Gear Link to give the audio a little boost. I just expected a higher quality sound for buds over the $200 price mark.

How I tested the Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless Gaming Earbuds

I used the Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless Gaming Earbuds for a little over two weeks to fully put the little guys through their paces. In that time, I used them to play a packed lineup of games on the PS5, including Granblue Fantasy Relink, Fatal Frame 2 Crimson Butterfly Remake, and Marvel Rivals and Invincible Vs. on PC, I played through multiple hours of Counter Strike 2, Marvel Rivals, and Talisman, and on the Nintendo Switch 2, I dug out Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, Pokemon Pokopia, and Tomodachi Life Living the Dream with the buds wrapped around my earlobes.

When not gaming, I was listening to a wealth of music, but most notably TWRP and NSP, Ninajirachi, and Head Noise on Spotify, and plenty of game soundtracks via the Nintendo Music app. To test how they dealt with dialogue, I also used the buds to catch up with the latest episodes of The Boys and Invincible on Amazon Prime, and a rewatch of Malcom and the Middle on Disney+.

If earbuds aren't your thing, our team has also tested, reviewed, and rounded up all the best PS5 headsets, the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Xbox Series X headsets for you to check out.

Nacon's new headset looks pretty value-packed, but you'll need to buy extra dongles to get its best feature

Tabitha Baker — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Nacon has just unveiled its latest wireless gaming headset, and the RIG R8 Spectre Pro HS has a few tricks up its sleeve. With its signature charging hub at its side, and 40mm graphene-layered drivers up front, this is already an interesting proposition - but it's those extra 2.4GHz receivers that have piqued my interest today.

The headset itself is launching at $179.99 - not too shabby when you consider competitors with similar features range from $150 to $400. At its core, though, the RIG R8 Spectre Pro HS wants to run all your systems in one go, swapping between them at the touch of a button. For that, you'll also need to shell out an extra $24.99 per dongle - but it could well be worth it.

With these dongles plugged into your Xbox, PS5, PC, Switch, or Steam Deck, you've got an all-in-one multiplatform audio solution - and that's something some of the best gaming headsets can struggle to get right.

Nacon RIG R8 Spectre Pro HS

Nacon's latest gaming headset hits the shelves today, with the RIG R8 Spectre Pro HS offering up 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and wired connections, a dedicated charging base, 40mm graphene drivers tuned for competitive gameplay, and memory foam padding around both the headband and cups.

Plenty of other headsets have aimed at the same use-case. The Logitech Astro A50 X is the most expensive, coming in at a whopping $399.99 (Amazon). You're getting the same base station design and graphene drivers, with the additional benefit of KVM HDMI switching.

There are some caveats, though, that make the RIG R8 Spectre Pro HS all the more interesting. First up, Bluetooth is tied directly to Astro's base station. That means you can't connect to anything when you're out of the hub's range. Next, you'll need to hard-wire your systems to the hub itself, so you better have your Switch, Xbox, PC, and PlayStation all in the same setup.

The R8 Spectre Pro sidesteps Astro's issues with separate dongles, that can travel anywhere you need them to. You're losing that nifty image swapping, but trading it out for a far more versatile experience - for a fraction of the price.

That's this headset's biggest strength. Each dongle comes in at $24.99, pushing the final price up to $204.98 if you're picking up one additional receiver. You do, however, have to weigh up the benefits of this easy connection while moving into a slightly higher price bracket to get it.

Next on the hit list we have the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2, a $199.99 option that keeps your 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections in a simpler dongle package. There are no additional connections available for this model, so that multi-platform experience is less streamlined, you're getting a shorter 50 hour battery, and there's no base station charging involved. However, the Nova 7s do offer simultaneous audio across both calls and music, whereas Nacon's offering only supports the former. SteelSeries' device also comes with a mobile app stocked with over 300 game sound-engineered game presets to choose from - a personal favorite of mine.

Nacon RIG R8 Pro HS comparison
	Nacon RIG R8 Spectre Pro HS	Astro A50 X	SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2	Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed
Price	$179.99	$399.99	$199.99	$279.99
Drivers	40mm graphene	40mm graphene	40mm Neodymium magnetic	50mm graphene
Connectivity	2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired (USB-C)	2.4GHz, Bluetooth	2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired (3.5mm)	2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired (3.5mm)
Simultaneous audio	Calls only	Full simultaneous connection	Full simultaneous connection	No simultaneous audio
Compatibility	Xbox version most widely compatible, additional dongles available	Multiplatform (single hub connection)	Xbox version most widely compatible	PC, PlayStation, Switch, mobile only
Software	Mobile app - EQ, mic, custom profiles	Logitech G Hub (PC)	Mobile app - preset profiles	Logitech G Hub (PC)
Battery	60 hours	26 hours	50 hours	50 hours
Charging	Base station and wired	Base station and wired	Wired	Wired
Weight	364g	363g	332g	345g

If easy, versatile multiplatform play is your primary goal, the RIG R8 Spectre Pro is well worth investigating further. That 60 hour battery life punches slightly above the $179.99 price tag, you're covered for all major platforms and connections, and you've got the luxury of base station charging and competitively tuned graphene drivers. That's a pretty compelling package for the cash.

See all gaming headsets at Amazon

We're also hunting down the best PS5 headsets and the best Xbox Series X headsets, or check out the best Nintendo Switch headsets for something more portable.

Nacon RIG is slowly but surely fixing my biggest issue with its headsets: US availability

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:35:07 +0000

I've tested my fair share of Nacon RIG headsets, but each and every time I write up my reviews, I usually have to preface that they're purely available at UK and European retailers. That all changes today as accessory maker just announced the US availability of the RIG R5 Pro HX, R5 Pro HC, and the white version of the R5 Pro HS headset.

Starting yesterday, those of you in the US hunting for the best gaming headset for your setup can now pick up the RIG R5 series headsets at Amazon, Best Buy, and directly from the official Nacon online store if you prefer to go straight to the source.

Nacon RIG

Rig R5 Spear Pro HXWired Gaming Headset Officially Licensed for Xbox Series X|S

Nacon RIG

Rig R5 Spear Pro HC Multiplatform Wired Gaming Headset for PS5

Nacon RIG

R5 Spear Pro HS Wired Gaming Headset Officially Licensed for PlayStation

Nacon RIG has some of the most confusing naming conventions for their headsets, as they sound pretty similar. So while I'm here, let me give you the lowdown on what does what, in case you're interested in grabbing the newly available R5 series cups. The first to release across the pond is the RIG R5 Pro HX.

The $69.99 (Amazon) RIG R5 Pro HX is an officially licensed headset designed for Xbox Series X/S players. It's essentially an Xbox iteration of the RIG R5 Pro HS that I reviewed late last year, which comes equipped with 40 mm Graphene Coated audio drivers, high-fidelity audio support with a frequency response of 20 Hz - 40kHz, and Dolby Atmos audio support. There's also a 6mm flip-to-mute microphone attached to this wired headset.

The $69.99 (Amazon) RIG R5 Pro HC isn't licensed for either the Xbox or PS5 players, but aimed more at PC and multiplatform gamers. It shares the same form factor and list of features, including compatibility with the Snap+Lock mod system, which allows you to personalize the earcups. In fact, all of these newly available R5 series headsets do, which happens to be my favorite feature when I reviewed the R5 Pro HS model.

(Image credit: Future)

The Snap+Lock mod system allows you to attach interchangeable magnetic Mod Plates to earcups to change up their style. Each pair comes with a basic set, with the R5 Pro HS being packaged with a pair featuring Sony logos to better tie in with the PS5. You need to buy these Mod Plates separately via the Nacon store if you want anything different, but interestingly, the brand provides STL Files for 3D printing, so you can design and create your own.

The last of the headsets to be available today is the Nacon RIG R5 Pro I've just mentioned, but it's a new white model that's available across US retailers. It swaps the boring all-black headband and earcups for a blinding white alternative. In all honesty, judging from the marketing images, it much better suits the white Sony pixel-pusher, but no matter if you grab it or the black version, you're still getting access to the same wired headset with the same bunch of features.

If you want to read more about Nacon RIG headsets, check back in with my ramblings in the future. I'm currently testing the Nacon RIG R5 Max HD headset, which includes a DAC dongle and a pair of fancy 40mm GrapheneQ audio drivers.

View all Nacon RIG gaming headsets at Amazon
View all gaming headsets at Amazon

Check out our guides to the best Nintendo Switch headsets, the best PS5 headsets, and the best PC headsets for gaming for a bigger spread of cups to choose from.

MCHOSE V9 Turbo review

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:52:03 +0000

The more you spend time with the Mchose V9 Turbo Wireless Gaming Headset, the more you'll appreciate it. At first, I looked at the pair as if it were the bizarre lovechild of the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro and the Fractal Design Scape, thanks to its eerily similar design, on-board control placement, and charging stand. Yet, the more time I spend with it, the more I grew to love it for its own merits.

The best gaming headsets around its $139.99 MSRP typically don't come with features like a whopping 200-hour battery life, 60mm audio drivers, or a magnetic look-in-place RGB charging stand. The Scape charges $199.99 for the privilege, and its stand doesn't look nearly as nice.

It's not a perfect pair. Its average out-of-the-box sound lets it down. Especially as relying on the Mchose Hub software to give it an adequate boost means it's more of a PC headset for gaming than something I'd recommend to console players. It's also only available on the Mchose official online store for now, so availability is limited. Yet, if you want a mid-range headset with more high-end features, and absolutely hate charging as much as I do, this is one of my new favorite headsets that you'll find below a $150 price point.

You can grab the V9 Turbo directly via the Mchose website, where it's available in the Steel Black version I've tested today, alongside Black Gold, Icy White, White Gold, and Berry Red colorways.View Deal

Key specs

Price	$139 / £119
Acoustic design	Closed-back, over ear
Connection	2.4GHz / Bluetooth Wireless / Wired
Drivers	60mm Composite Diaphragm Drivers
Frequency response	20 Hz–28,000 Hz
Microphone	AI Noise-Canceling Microphone with 360-degree Voice Pickup
ANC	No
Controls	Volume knob, power button, quick switch button, mic mute button
Battery	Up to 200 hours + includes RGB charging station
Weight	320g (excluding microphone)
Compatibility	PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch & Switch 2, mobile

Design

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

The pair of cups themselves looks so similar to Razer's BlackShark line that I wondered at first if MCHOSE had been copying some homework. The V9 Turbo shares the same over-shaped earcups and bulbous volume dial, as well as a similar placement for its on-board controls. The pairs aren't an exact match, of course. But I wouldn't blame you if you couldn't tell them apart at first glance.

Looking closer, you'll spot a glossy Mchose logo can be found on the exterior of each cup. Meanwhile, its full brand name is embossed on the soft-to-the-touch headband. Talking of soft, the 90-degree swivel ear cups have padding that's coated in both fabric and a leather-like material, so you get the best of both worlds. Mchose even pack in an additional fabric pair to attach, if that's your preference.

Features

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

If you're wondering where those Fractal Design Scape similarities are found, it's all in that charging stand. They aren't new by any means, but I can't help but be reminded of Fractal Design's version when gazing at the oval-shaped wedges of the V9 Turbo's stand.

Mchose's version is at least a bit flashier, as it's rocking a rim of RGB lighting around the bottom. It's also a lot larger than the Scape's version, but this makes it easier to drop down and magnetically lock in the headset when you need to give it more juice. It's not just built for charging either as it also doubles up as a wireless transmitter.

You can hook it up to your gaming PC or console of choice, and it'll act similarly to a 2.4GHz wireless dongle. The headset actually comes with one of them too, which can be placed within the stand or directly into your PC or Nintendo Switch 2 dock; it just depends on your preference. That's good news for multiplatform gamers, as it means you can easily switch between PC and consoles at a whim.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

The huge range of features on offer with the Mchose V9 Turbo is what makes it so special. Not because these features aren't present in other mid-range headsets out there, but because so rarely will you find all that the V9 Turbo has to offer for just $140. Besides the charging stand, the headset itself is packed with 60mm Composite Diaphragm audio drivers, 7.1 channel surround sound, EQ customisation via the Mchose Hub software, and a whopping up to 200-hour battery life.

Performance

As the charging stand is a pretty chonky boy, it felt fitting to test the headset with my gaming PC first. The desk space was also ideal for the charging stand to rest on, and testing on PC first gave me access to the Mchose Hub for customizing its RGB lighting and messing around with EQ settings. Yet before I got deep into tinkering around with the audio, I checked out its out-of-the-box sound.

The only real disparity I could hear was with the lower end. The mid to high range frequencies sound really bright and crisp, but the raw sound just doesn't have enough power in the bass. To make up for that, I used the Mchose Hub and selected the 'Dynamic Low Frequency' setting, and that's where things started to get gut-punchingly good.

The setting is designed to "enhance strong rhythms" and make beats sound more powerful, and it definitely achieved that. While playing Marvel Rivals, the underlying sounds that follow Galacta's voice as you take down enemy team members sounded more thunderous and blood-pumping, as did the music that swells just before every match. This transposed its way to Counter-Strike 2 too, where every shot I fired sounded far more satisfying than had I left the setting alone.

When I switched over to the PS5, I sadly lost the ability to use the Mchose Hub. There is a Mchose Hub web version, but this wouldn't run on my phone, no matter what I tried. With no app version available, that left me with the basic sound for my Sony gaming, which wasn't ideal, but it wasn't the worst thing either. Marvel Rivals still sounded great, and the 7.1 channel surround sound let me pinpoint the footsteps of nearby Spider-Man players that continuously tried to flank me down, as they like to do. As I'm still slowly getting my way through the Fatal Frame 2 Crimson Butterfly Remake, I also put its creepy soundstage to the test with the V9 Turbo, and discovered an entirely adequate sound quality.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

At this point, I did start to desperately miss the Dynamic Low Frequency setting. After whipping out the Nintendo Switch 2 also for some Mario Kart World and Lylat Wars via the Nintendo Switch Online N64 game library, I started to realise that the V9 Turbo is best for PC players. Its natural sound quality isn't bad by any stretch, but to truly get your money's worth, it's better to have that easy access to the Mchose Hub.

The Hub is also where you can select from a range of game audio presets. For esports fans, you can also find a list of these designed in tandem with a range of competitive players. I will admit though, that as my brain prioritizes storing information about headsets and the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories, the names 'Baize', 'YJJ' or 'Nanbowan' didn't do anything for me. What did were the additional settings for the microphone, which allow you to toggle on AI noise reduction, side tone, and even some monster sound effects for some bizarre reason?

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

Talking of the microphone, it's fine. It doesn't carry the same broadcast quality as the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro that I've been comparing this headset to throughout this review, but it's not horrific when mixed into Discord or used to chat to co-workers in meetings either. Just beware that it will have a strange echo if you forget to toggle off any other headset settings, including the Dynamic Low Frequency or Audio Brightening options available via the Hub.

The microphone itself is detachable and features a little ring of blue LED lighting, which glows red when it's muted. A detail I very much appreciated during testing, as someone who regularly accidentally mutes themselves in Discord and when playing online games like Talisman and Marvel Rivals with their friends.

Should you buy the MCHOSE V9 Turbo wireless gaming headset?

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

If you care more about the wealth of features of a headset than its audio quality alone, then the V9 Turbo is a great choice. That may sound negative, but even after spending two weeks with the pair, I'm continually impressed by all the value Mchose managed to pack in. This is a feature-full headset, and there's nothing wrong with wanting to get your money's worth.

It's not just the only headset you'll find with a charging stand for just $139.99, but its stand is one of my favorites that I've used to date. It looks fantastic even without the rainbow wave of RGB lighting glowing underneath, and dropping the headset down into it for some extra juice is easy peasy. Mchose even made sure to include a cut-out wedge so you don't need to detach the microphone when charging, either.

I wouldn't ever recommend a headset purely for the stand it comes with, of course, and you can find mid-range headsets like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless for a similar price that are not only more console-friendly but provide better raw audio and microphone quality. Whether the Mchose V9 Turbo is a better fit for you will depend on whether you don't mind tinkering around with EQ settings to get a better sound, and whether you're a PC and console-gaming fan.

How I tested MCHOSE V9 Turbo wireless gaming headset

I had the Mchose V9 Turbo wireless gaming headset as part of my everyday gaming setup for a little over two weeks in order to put it through its paces. In that time, I had the charging stand set up at my desk, where I was able to use the headset to play Counter-Strike 2, Marvel Rivals, and Paranormasight The Mermaid's Curse. When not playing on my PC, I unhooked the wireless dongle from the charging stand to plug into my PS5, where I tested the V9 Turbo alongside the console version of Marvel Rivals, Fatal Frame 2 Crimson Butterfly Remake, and Doom Eternal. Additionally, I used the pair's Bluetooth capabilities to test it alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 to play Pokemon Pokopia, Mario Kart World, and Tomodachi Life Living the Dream.

When not gaming, I had the headset on my head while listening to the Invincable soundtrack, Headnoise's 'The Noise of Art' album, and the Nintendo Music app. I also used it to catch up on TV, including the latest episodes of High Potential and Malcolm in the Middle Life's Still Unfair on Disney+. For more information on how we test gaming headsets, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

If you're dreaming of a more premium pair for your gaming setup, check out our best PS5 headsets, the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Xbox Series X headset guides.

In a post-pricey console world, this new budget GXTrust Forta PS5 headset is a sight to behold

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:02:46 +0000

I've become so accustomed to seeing eye-watering price tags when covering anything to do with Sony's current-gen pixel-pusher, especially in the wake of the latest wave of price increases. That's why I was pleasantly surprised by the Forta Wireless PS5 headset and its £69.99 MSRP.

The best PS5 headsets aren't always super expensive. But spotting anything with official Sony PlayStation branding at a reasonable price point is a relief in this day and age. The new Forta Wireless is available right now in the UK and comes packed with an ultra-low latency 2.4GHz USB wireless receiver and 50mm audio drivers. But only those in the UK can grab this new budget pair of Sony cups.

This budget-friendly wireless headset is officially licensed for the PS5, and brings low-latency 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, 3D audio support, fabric and PU leather earcups, and a mighty 55-hour battery to the table, all at a sub £100 price point.View Deal

As hard as I tried, I couldn't quite find the new GXTrust Forta Wireless PS5 headset at US retailers. This isn't all too surprising as it's from a European brand, but it means US players will have to keep shopping around. That is a shame, as alternatives like the Turtle Beach Atlas 200 for PS5 are similarly priced at £49.95 (Amazon UK) and entirely lack its wireless capabilities.

With the new Forta Wireless, you aren't just able to take advantage of its wireless tech, but it also packs in a pretty impressive battery life. It can muster up to 55 hours of juice, something the best gaming headsets that are almost double its price tag can't manage to match. In between testing the newest pairs, I've been regularly pulling out the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless, and that can only reach up to 30 hours with my PS5, and that retails for $109.99 / £99.99.

(Image credit: GXTrust/Sony PlayStation)

Besides its impressive battery life, the Forta Wireless also supports 3D audio, though Trust hasn't specifically stated if it's compatible with Sony's Temptest 3D Audio in particular. I can only hope that given this pair is "designed specifically for PlayStation fans" and PS5 consoles, but I'll need to test it for myself to make sure.

What I can at least confirm is that the headset looks to be pretty comfortable, as Trust boasts that it features swivelling ear cups, an adjustable headstrap, and "extra-soft" over-ear pads. Lastly, it also comes with a detachable cardioid microphone, which can be stored away if you prefer single-player PS5 games to playing online with friends.

I'm a detachable-mic preferer myself, as I never trust that a flip-to-mute mic won't capture my nonsense in-game chatter. However, there is a mute mic button alongside some other handy on-board controls, which is a relief.

The GXTrust Forta Wireless PS5 headset is available now from UK retailers like Amazon for £69.99 (Amazon) in Midnight Black, White, and in a Black and White colorway that's exclusive to Amazon. Hopefully, it'll make an appearance at US retailers one day, but for now, this new GXTrust headst remains a UK (and Ireland) exclusive.

View all PS5 gaming headsets at Amazon

Our team has also gathered the best PS5 controllers, the best SSDs for PS5, and the best PS5 monitors in one place if you're looking to complete your Sony gaming setup.

A new contender for my favorite headset has been revealed as Turtle Beach unveils the new Stealth Pro II

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:35:52 +0000

Turtle Beach is mostly associated with creating the best gaming headsets for the budget-conscious, but today it has revealed something a little bit different. The brand has just unveiled the new Stealth Pro II, a brand-new premium pair that introduces Hi-Res audio support, and more juicy high-end features.

The $349.99 / £299.99 headset launches on May 17, later this year, and will be compatible with the PS5, PC, and the Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2 (I presume, as it doesn't confirm the latter) thanks to its simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless audio. For Xbox players, Turtle Beach is also launching an Xbox version on the same day, which supports not just the Xbox Series X/S, but the older Xbox One. Yet, it's not its wide compatibility that has me foaming at the mouth, but that Turtle Beach has made sure to add swappable batteries into the mix.

The new Stealth Pro II is available to pre-order, and regardless of whether you grab the PC or console version, you'll receive a hard case, charging station, wireless dongle, two swappable batteries, and a charging cable right in the box.

UK: £299.99 at Turtle BeachView Deal

Swappable batteries have continued to wow me ever since I first got hold of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. The headset has remained my (and the rest of the GamesRadar+ hardware team's) top headset pick for over a year now, and its batteries are a huge part of that. The Stealth Pro II must've been copying SteelSeries' homework as it includes two up to 40-hour battery packs and a charging station of its own.

This compact device can keep one of your battery packs charged while the other is snug in your Stealth Pro II, but it also acts as a wireless transmitter. You can hook it up to your console of choice to get a low-latency connection, or use the USB-A dongle included with every headset, giving you two options to choose from.

The similarities between SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless and this upcoming pair don't stop there. Turtle Beach has equipped the Stealth Pro II with CrossPlay 2.0, which Turtle Beach CEO Cris Keiren states allows players to "seamlessly switch between up to four platforms and devices at the touch of a button," but you will be limited to two from the get-go. To receive support for those four platforms, you'll need to grab two additional transmitters, which are sold separately.

(Image credit: Future/Turtle Beach)

That's a bit of a bummer when you consider this pair's $350 price tag, but there are more features abound that help explain its high cost. The pair also features 60mm-sized Eclipse Dual audio drivers, advanced active noise canceling, a unidirectional 9mm floating microphone, and Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio support to offer up a more immersive soundstage for your favorite games.

Not to mention, its Hi-Res audio support is something typically reserved for more high-end headsets, like that of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite. Turtle Beach states that its wireless audio is certified by the Japan Audio Society, and that the Stealth Pro II delivers "true 24-bit/96kHz wireless audio" to boot.

If that's what's caught your eye over this new pair, do remember that this doesn't matter much if you're a console player. Both the audio of the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles max out at 48k/16bit, so you'll only notice the difference if you're a PC player first and foremost.

If that all still sounds good to you, you can pre-order the new Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II straight from Turtle Beach for $349.99 / £299.99 and participating retailers. Or, you can wait to hear my thoughts on the cups once I get my hands on them to review.

View all Turtle Beach gaming headsets at Amazon

I've also rounded up the best PC headsets for gaming, the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Xbox Series X headsets that are full of more high-quality cups to suit your gaming setup.

Sony is copying SteelSeries homework with the launch of its new retro-inspired 'Glass Purple' Inzone Buds, and I'm a fan

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:24:13 +0000

Sony just unveiled a brand new batch of products to its Inzone line, and it seems to be taking after SteelSeries with its new Inzone Buds. The newly unveiled model of its earbuds hasn't undergone any kind of hardware upgrade to shake up the best gaming earbuds, but instead they're rocking a new 'Glass Purple' colorway. A design that's not only stylish, but harkens back to the colorful see-through tech of the late 90s and early 00s.

The new Glass Purple Inzone Buds are available now for $239.99 in the US, and will launch later for £180 on May 1 in the UK. They feature a translucent purple chassis that lets you see the inner workings inside. Those inner workings, by the way, are entirely the same as the original Inzone Buds, with their Sony Dynamic Driver X audio drivers and Bluetooth and 2.4GHz audio support. This new iteration is instead all about that retro-inspired colorway.

Sony's new Inzone Buds feature the same ANC, Bluetooth LE, and low-latency 2.4GHs wireless connectivity as before, but they now sport a new retro-inspired colorway. With these new $239.99 buds, you'll still get access to spatial audio support, tap controls, an AI-assisted microphone, and support with the Inzone Hub software to tailor the sound, and tap controls, to your liking.

UK: £180 at Amazon (Pre-order)View Deal

This isn't the first time a big-name brand has given its buds a retro look. Just last summer, SteelSeries gave the Arctis GameBuds a 'Glorange' transparent orange makeover. If you ever owned those Fire Orange Funtastic Nintendo 64 back in the 90s, then you'll be more than familiar with the exact see-through shade of orange the brand picked.

Yet as much as I adore the 'Glorange' buds, which are a permanent part of my gaming setup, I have to admit, I'm much more of a fan of the 'Glass Purple' look. Nostalgia is 100% to blame in this case. The new Inzone Bud's design instantly conjures up memories of the Atomic Purple Game Boy Color, with its see-through purple chassis, which one of my best friends had growing up. While I was stuck with the plain purple-blue handheld, I used to dream of owning the Atomic Purple version, as it felt so high-tech and new.

Whenever any new hardware likes to call back to Nintendo's stylish Game Boy Color of the past, I can't help but be a fan. Whether it's CRKD's Atomic Purple Atom controller, Turtle Beach's Airlite Fit Ghost Purple headset, or now, the upcoming new Glass Purple Sony Inzone buds. It helps too, that what lies underneath this new retro call-back color is a great quality pair of gaming earbuds.

(Image credit: Sony)

The new Inzone Buds are the same as before, boasting compatibility with PC gaming platforms, the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, the PS5, and smartphones. Just like previous models, the Glass Purple buds are also equipped with ANC, touch controls, an up to 12-hour battery life (48 hours in the case), and spatial audio, including support with the PS5's Tempest 3D Audio tech.

Whether they'll run fine with the best retro handhelds remains to be seen, as I'd need to get my hands on the nostalgia-fueled buds and do some testing myself. But as they're kitted out with Bluetooth audio, there's bound to be plenty of matching transparent portable devices that pair perfectly. Time to take my new Anberic RG Cube XX for a spin.

View all Sony Inzone Buds at Amazon
View all gaming earbuds at Amazon

I've also rounded up the best PC headsets for gaming, the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best PS5 headsets if you prefer a pair of cups to a pair of earbuds for your gaming setup.

Sony is adding a breath of literal fresh air to its Inzone line

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:11:36 +0000

Sony has just announced the upcoming Inzone H6 Air, and given its name, it's exactly what you think it is. The brand new headset sports an open-back design, which allows air (and the sound through it) to move more freely, creating more natural audio for players.

The upcoming best gaming headset contender is available now in the US for $199.99 and takes after Sony's widely used studio headset, the MDR-MV1s. They share the same tuned 40mm audio drivers and open-back form factor. However, while the MDRs are designed with audiophiles and musicians in mind, the new Inzone H6 Air is after that single-player game enthusiast who wants titles to sound as immersive as possible.

The new Sony Inzone H6 Air open-back headset is available right now and features an open-back wired design, with 40mm audio drivers adapted from Sony MDR‑MV1's headphones, a detachable cardioid boom microphone, and support for Inzone Hub software.

UK: £180 at Amazon (Pre-order)View Deal

The upcoming headset has been engineered with the same tech as the MDR-MV1s, which includes the back ducts that have been integrated into the driver unit to help "deliver deep and controlled bass reproduction." Open-back designs are often adapted into gaming headsets to offer a more realistic soundstage, and Sony states that this design, along with the H6 Air's ability to maintain a clear separation of mid and low frequencies, helps achieve just that.

This more natural sound is being targeted towards fans of single-player games. While past headsets like the Sony Inzone H9 II were ideal for online gaming, Sony wants to produce a headset for single-player experiences that were "rich in sound detail." It's worked with sound designers from PlayStation Studios who create audio for PlayStation games to create an "RPG/Adventure" EQ profile, though Sony hasn't shared exactly what titles it was designed for. The audio profile recreates the "acoustic experience of a sound studio" and helps deliver a more immersive experience.

(Image credit: Sony)

Want the a wireless Inzone headset instead?

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

The Sony Inzone H9 II headset doesn't have the open-back design of the H6 Air, but it still provides a fantastic sound and super comfortable fit thanks to its 260g weight and unique headband.

Sony Inzone H9 II | $349.99 (Amazon) / £299.99 (Amazon)

Besides its immersive natural sound, the H6 Air manages to keep things light, achieving a weight of just 199g. The super comfortable design of the Sony Inzone H9 II was one of my favorite features of the premium pair, so my interest was instantly piqued when Sony mentioned its practically weightless form factor.

The commonalities end when it comes to its price. The closed-back Sony Inzone H9 II launched for a whopping $349.99 / £299, whereas the Sony Inzone H6 Air is just $199.99 / £180 instead. This is a wired headset, though, which partially explains its cheaper price point.

If you want a more immersive wireless experience, you're better off trailing through the rest of Sony's Inzone lineup. Those who don't mind being at the mercy of a 2 metre 3.5 cable can check out the H6 Air now in the US, or on May 1 when it drops later in the UK.

View all Sony Inzone headsets at Amazon

If the Sony Inzone H6 Air isn't the right fit for your setup, check out our guides to the best PS5 headset, the best Xbox Series X headset, and the best Nintendo Switch headset instead.

Like a phoenix, Razer's Hammerhead gaming earbuds are back with a shiny new 2.4GHz charging case

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:49:48 +0000

April is a month typically associated with rebirth, so it feels entirely fitting that Razer chose it to drop the next iteration of its flagship gaming earbuds. The brand-new Razer Hammerhead V3 Hyperspeed gaming earbuds were unveiled on April 9 and come equipped with a feature-filled case that's not just decked out with an on-case LED bar, but also serves as a 2.4 GHz wireless receiver.

As you'd expect with the best gaming earbuds, the included HyperSpeed Case charges the earbuds when placed inside. However, when the HyperSpeed dongle is placed inside along with them, the entire case becomes a 2.4GHz receiver, which can be plugged into your gaming PC, laptop, PS5, Steam Deck, or whatever gaming platform of your choosing to provide low-latency gaming audio.

The new Razer Hammerhead V3 Hyerspeed gaming earbuds are available right now and are powered by the brand's HyperSpeed Wireless tech, which allows you to easily switch between low-latency 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth 6.0 audio. The pair also features 11 mm audio drivers, touch controls, ANC, an up to 40-hour battery life, and includes an IPX4 water-resistant design to keep them protected against water damage.

Razer Hammerhead V3 X: $99.99 at AmazonView Deal

With the dongle nice and snug in the decked-out Hyperspeed Case, you can also charge it and still make full use of the earbuds at the same time. The little built‑in LED status indicator on the side of the case will let you know how charged your buds are, and will change depending on your connection status and if you get any system alerts while using the Hammerhead V3 Hyperspeed buds.

If 2.4GHz isn't your preferred wireless type of choice, Razer has also packed in Bluetooth 6.0 for " improved power efficiency, and greater stability in crowded wireless environments." With Bluetooth 6.0, you'll have wider compatibility with a range of smartphones, making these buds handy for not just gaming audio, but listening to music on the go too.

In fact, once I get my hands on a pair for testing, that's exactly what I intend to check out as the earbuds feature an up to 40-hour battery (10 hours via the earbuds and an extra 30 hours from the charging case). The buds are also equipped with Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, which Razer boasts features "50% improved noise reduction" compared to the older Hammerhead buds, which sounds far more ideal for listening to music out and about, and for gaming naturally too.

At just $129.99 at Amazon and available straight from the online Razer store, these gaming earbuds are bursting at the seams with features. You can also take advantage of THX Spatial Audio if you're a PC player, and customization via the Razer Synapse 4 software. If that's a little out of your budget, Razer also dropped the Razer Hammerhead V3 X HyperSpeed at the same time.

These cheaper buds are just $99.99 at Amazon and also feature the same multi-functional Hyperspeed Case that doubles up as a 2.4GHz receiver. However, to keeps costs low, you're losing out on the ANC and have to settle for just up to 25 hours of battery life and Bluetooth 5.2 instead.

View all Razer gaming earbuds at Amazon

If you'd rather have a headset instead, our team has also rounded up the best Razer headsets, the best PC headsets for gaming, and the best PS5 headsets.

The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro and its "can't be challenged" audio power is down to a record low price

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:09:27 +0000

The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro impressed me and fellow headset enthusiast (yes, that's a thing) Tabitha Baker so much that it quickly earned a spot in our best gaming headset guide after release. The most premium pair of the brand's latest V3 line-up features Razer's super speedy HyperSpeed Wireless Gen 2 wireless tech, but it's the audio quality that made this pair a no-brainer addition to our best of guides.

At the time of the review, Tabitha exclaimed that the "power of its audio can't be challenged" but that its $249.99 / £249.99 price tag was "commanding". I entirely agree, as $250 is a lot to fork out for even the best PC headset, no matter how great it sounds. However, now that we're approaching its one-year anniversary, the premium pair of cups has dropped to $209.99 (Amazon), its lowest ever price so far.

In the almost year since the BlackShark V3 Pro came on the scene, it's jumped up and down in price, but today's $209.99 is the lowest it's ever been, according to our handy CamelCamelCamel price checker. Before today, the premium headset had only dropped as low as $215 towards the end of January earlier this year, but you can save a full $40 off today, which helps make this premium pair more accessible.

Buy it if:

✅ You need a headset for PC gaming
✅ You want a fantastic out-of-the-box sound

Don't buy it if:

❌ You don't like the BlackShark design
❌ You only play Xbox

UK: £229 at AmazonView Deal

Should you buy the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro wireless headset?

(Image credit: Future)

If you're on the hunt for one of the best PC headsets for gaming, you're gonna struggle to do much better than the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro - at least as far as its audio prowess goes. In her Razer BlackShark V3 Pro review, our team's own Tabitha Baker stated that she was "immediately enthralled" by the amount of space in the low end of the pair, but that it was the "power that's put into those deeper details is even more impressive."

At the time of the review, Tabitha tested everything from Marvel Rivals to Doom The Dark Ages, and even Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, where the finer details of its soundstage were put to the test, and it never faltered. In fact, she even went as far as to state that the V3 Pro "probably beats" her go-to SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, which is a massive compliment given the Pro Wireless is what has remained our best gaming headset pick for quite some time now.

(Image credit: Future)

If you care about sound quality first and foremost, then the headset and its TriForce Bio-Cellulose 50mm Gen 2 audio drivers would be a great fit for your PC gaming adventures. However, that's not all it has going for it. The BlackShark V3 Pro is also equipped with tri-mode connectivity, ranging from wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless support. The latter of which resolves around a wired in Hyperspeed Wireless Gen-2 dongle, rather than a typical USB dongle you might be used to.

It still provides a wireless connection, and the V3 Pro can provide up to 70 hours of battery life for PC players at that. However, instead of popping in a small dongle to your rig, you'll need to find space for one that's attached to the end of a wire, which takes a bit to get used to. This was the same case for the Razer BlackShark V3, which I reviewed last year, but so long as you have the desk space, its speedy low-latency wireless connection and great sound will soon distract you from the awkward cabled accessory. As will the $40 Amazon has dropped off the full price of this typically pricey but great-sounding headset.

View all Razer gaming headsets at Amazon

I've also rounded up the best PS5 headsets, the best Xbox Series X headsets, and the best Nintendo Switch headsets if Razer's BlackShark V3 Pro doesn't suit your setup.

Glorious has entered the gaming audio ring with the GHS Eternal and GHS Eternal RGB gaming headsets

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:44:14 +0000

Glorious has been keeping my fellow GamesRadar+ co-workers busy with gaming keyboards and mice to review for years now, but now it's my turn. On April 7, the brand unveiled a pair of new best gaming headset contenders with the GHS Eternal and the GHS Eternal RGB, which are compatible with gaming PCS, the PS5, and the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.

Not only is the GHS Eternal and the GHS Eternal RGB the brand's first foray into gaming headsets, but they're both available right now for just $59.99 (Amazon) and $89.99 (Amazon), respectively, as Glorious believes that "great gear doesn't have to cost a fortune." This is a stark contrast to other tech brands' first headset releases, with Fractal's Scape headset costing $199.99 at launch, so it's a relief to see a new pair of cups well below the $100 price mark instead. Better yet, the Eternal is affordable, but it still packs in 40mm custom-tuned audio drivers, a detachable microphone, and support with the Glorious CORE software.

The GHS Eternal is available in both black and white SKUs at no additional cost. The headset is wired and comes boxed with a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable so you can pop it right into the headphone jack of your PC, PS5, Switch, or Switch 2 for an instant plug-and-play connection.

UK: £56.32 at Amazon View Deal

The GHS Eternal RGB is essentially the same as its non-RGB counterpart. You're still getting a wired headset here with 40mm custom-tuned drivers and a detachable microphone, but you also have strips of customizable RGB lighting around the earcups for a more 'gamerfied' aesthetic.

UK: £79.99 at AmazonView Deal

The low cost of the new GHS Eternal and GHS Eternal RGB makes sense when you notice that these are purely wired gaming headsets.

Unlike the Fractal Scape, which includes wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless support along with a rechargeable cradle, the GHS Eternal and its RGB counterpart just rock a simple 3.5mm connection and that's that. Which is entirely fine if you just want a plug-and-play experience, as there's a lot more going on underneath the surface that makes me eager to test Glorious' headset debut.

The brand has equipped both headsets with memory foam ear pads and a suspension headband and 40mm custom-tuned audio drivers, which are angled to "deliver a wider and more natural soundstage" when playing your favorite games. The brand states that these drivers will ensure that "every audio cue sounds exactly how it should and comes from where it needs to." Additionally, each pair includes a "crystal clear" detachable microphone with an omnidirectional pickup pattern that's designed to make your voice sound clear and crisp from any angle.

These aren't the most feature-full headsets going, but keeping things simple is likely what helps Glorious keep their debut prices so affordable in the first place. Of course, if you want the GHS Eternal RGB and its fancy lighting, that's where things start to get a little pricier.

Grabbing the GHS Eternal RGB will cost you $30 as opposed to sticking with the GHS Eternal. However, grabbing this version will grant you the ability to customize the lighting how you see fit via the Glorious CORE software. Here, you'll also get access to some EQ options, including the ability to "boost lows for their IRL bass heavy soundtrack" and this pair comes with a USB-C to USB-A and a USB-C to USB-C cable in the box to make hooking it up to your gaming PC, or console of your choice, an easier feat.

This time of year is when all the new headset releases like to roll out, so I'm a bit inundated with pairs to review, but I'm hoping to try and get some time with the GHS Eternal and GHS Eternal RGB to see how they fare against everything else I've tested over the years. In the meantime, you can grab either headset straight from the Glorious website or the US and UK retailer of your choosing if you don't want to wait to hear what I have to say.

View all Glorious gaming accessories at Amazon

I've also rounded up the best PS5 headsets, the best PC headsets for gaming, and the best Nintendo Switch headsets if the Glorious GHS Eternal doesn't sound like the right fit for your setup.

This Super Mario Switch 2 headset is as cheap as it is stylish, and it's my go-to pick for little Nintendo fans

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Turtle Beach rolled out the new Mario Star version of its iconic Airlite Fit wired headset, and I can't think of a better Switch 2 headset pick for kids.

The $27.99 (Amazon) / £19.99 (Amazon) headset features adorable art of Mario pointing to a star that every Super Mario fan would get a kick out of. I'm in my mid-30s, and even I can't help but fawn over the funky design. But while its look has changed, its price has not, and this new and snazzy version of the Turtle Beach Airlite Fit remains the best officially licensed budget option out there. If you're looking for a headset for your kid to play the Switch 2 so you can have some time to yourself, this is an affordable and stylish treat.

Kids deserve quality, no matter the age. But most little ears aren't going to find much need for the best gaming headsets that are overflowing with features. I don't have kids yet myself, but I also know many friends wouldn't feel comfortable with handing over a beastly pair like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless to their 8-year-old, no matter how good it's going to make Roblox and Fortnite sound. (And I can attest to the latter.)

Turtle Beach

Turtle Beach Airlite Fit (Mario)

Turtle Beach

Turtle Beach Airlite Fit

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

The Turtle Beach Airlite Fit wired gaming headset keeps things light on features, which is why it's also light on price. It's got 40mm with Neodymium Magnet audio drivers stuffed inside both oval jersey knit-covered earcups, a flip-to-mute microphone, and a 3.5mm wired connection, and that's about it. But honestly, that's all your child really needs to have a great time playing the Switch 2 in the back of the car, or while moseying about the house.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

Its sound quality is even better than you'd expect for a headset so cheap.

The lows, mids, and highs sounded great on games like Pokemon Pokopia and Mario Kart World. When I originally tested the Switch 2-looking version of the cups that shares the exact same specs, I was impressed by how warm and bright the Mario Kart soundtrack turned out. I even ended up spending multiple hours just listening to the jazzy tracks, forgetting I was plugged into my handheld and not listening to it Spotify.

At just 228g, this headset is really lightweight too, and comfortable after long gaming sessions. If you have a kid with sensory issues or prone to headaches (that was definitely me growing up), then they shouldn't have any issues with it. The wired cable might get annoying, especially as the headphone jack of the Switch 2 runs at the top. However, it's an easy thing to get used to, no matter the age.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

The only real big downside comes to its microphone. It's not great. If you don't feel comfortable letting your kid chat away to friends on Game Chat anyway, that's not going to be an issue. But I would warn your kids' friends that things are going to sound a bit muffled and even distorted if they like to get loud.

These microphone shortcomings are fortunately easy to forget when you take a look at this pair's new look. If it existed when I was little, I'd have been absolutely obsessed. Mario can be spotted on both earcups, in that classic Yoichi Kotabe art style. He looks cute as a button, and the design is made all the better by the pair's chassis being made of a smokey black translucent chassis with a bright red headband.

The Airlite Fit comes in a range of designs and colorways, but this is the best version of the bunch by far. If you grew up with the translucent plastic Nintendo 64 'Fun' colored consoles and other see-through tech, you're sure to get a kick out of it too.

View all Turtle Beach Nintendo Switch 2 headsets at Amazon
View all Turtle Beach Nintendo Switch 2 accessories at Amazon

Our team has also rounded up the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers, the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express Cards if you're on the hunt for more budget and child-friendly Ninty accessories.

Beyerdynamic MMX 150 Wireless headset review

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0000

The Beyerdynamic MMX 150 Wireless comes from a long line of headsets that aimed at pleasing the audiophile market, and I can see why. The velvet-velour-covered earcups and well-balanced sound scream quality.

The MMX 150 Wireless was first announced at Gamescom in August, 2025 as a newly upgraded version of the older 150 pair. Now, instead of being limited to a wire, this new best gaming headset contender is equipped with Bluetooth and a low-latency connection via a wireless dongle, making it compatible with a larger range of platforms, ranging from the PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and the Nintendo Switch 2.

During that original announcement, Beyerdynamic boasted that this new and improved pair was "robust and comfortable," and after weeks of testing, I can definitely attest to the 'robust' part, but less so the 'comfortable' part. The pair's tight clamping force pinched on my head throughout the two long weeks of testing, and became distracting and headache-inducing over time. Which is a shame, as this $199.99 / £149.99 head is fantastic in almost every other way.

Key specs

Price	$199.99 / £149.99
Acoustic design	Closed back, over-ear
Connection	Wired, Bluetooth and wireless via low-latency dongle
Drivers	40 mm dynamic drivers
Frequency response	20 - 20,000 Hz
Microphone	Detachable META voice microphone
ANC	N/A
Controls	Control wheel, multi-function button, on-off button
Battery	Up to 50 hours (includes fast charging)
Weight	336 g (without cable)
Compatibility	PC, Xbox (wired), PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch & Switch 2

Design

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

I'm quite a fan of the style that the Beyerdynamic MMX 150 Wireless oozes from its white and orange 'Arctic White' colorway. The little orange details around the closed-back, over-ear headset, from the orange branding sitting on each cup and the matching orange cables around the yokes, look pretty snazzy.

This isn't just down to the version I was provided with, either. The 'Black' SKU also utilizes the same unique orange details, which I'm very much a fan of. They can also be located around all the on-board controls, with the volume dial even sporting the same bright and vivid color. But this great look was to be expected, as audiophile brands tend to try to make their cups look pretty sleek and professional in an effort to tie in with their costly MSRPs.

There's a nice mixture of materials on display with the MMX 150 Wireless, too. The 'Beyerdynamic' embossed headband is plastic, much like the earcups. Meanwhile, the thin yokes are made of a cool-to-the-touch metal, the padded headband is made from a leather-like material, and the earcups are coated in a soft velvet fabric, which only adds to its professional and sleek aesthetic.

Features

The velvet-covered foam padding is so large that it almost eclipses the ear cups, which feature the pair's 40 premium dynamic drivers inside. It's these drivers that form the "foundation of an immersive sound experience," according to Beyerdynamic, as likely does the inclusion of spatial audio, and the multiple types of connectivity the MMX 150 has to offer.

Unlike the original MMX 150 headset, this new updated version includes Bluetooth and a low-latency wireless connection via its accompanying USB dongle. That makes the pair compatible with not just the PC, but the PS5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and the Xbox Series X/S consoles (via the included analog cable). In fact, the official MMX 150 Wireless product page states its "best compatibility" is with these specific platforms.

If you prefer a wired connection, that's an option too, and the headset is packaged with all the cables you need right in the box. The MMX 150 Wireless is also equipped with an up to 50-hour battery life and fast charging, which provides 5 hours of juice on just a 15-minute charge. You can keep track of this battery life via the free-to-download Beyerdynamic app, which also allows you to adjust the sidetone, gives you a range of EQ settings to play around with, and lets you alter the auto shutdown time.

Performance

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

By the time I needed to review the MMX 150 Wireless, two of my most highly anticipated games of the year so far had dropped on the PS5: Resident Evil Requiem and Fatal Frame 2 Crimson Butterfly Remake. I ended up being glad they did, as the headset lent itself to the nuanced soundstages of both iconic horror releases.

The eerie calm and echoes of my footsteps as I wandered around the ruins of Raccoon City as Leon in Requiem sounded fantastic, with the sound isolation being a big factor behind it. There's no ANC here, as that was reserved for the MMX 230 announced alongside this MMX 150 Wireless. However, the massive earcups were still large enough to entirely obscure my ears, allowing only the sounds of the 40 mm dynamic drivers to permeate my eardrums.

As I was parrying clusters of gun-wielding zombies, Requiem's soundstage had the right amount of support from its bass, mid, and high frequencies. Fatal Frame 2 sounded even better, with the ghosts moaning in my ears, making me jump on several occasions. I already find the game terrifying after growing up with the original PS2 version, but the spatial audio support made exploring the dilapidated old traditional Japanese houses a horror treat. Every subtle creek and rumble was picked up masterfully through the MMX 150 Wireless, and even though I have more headsets to test right afterwards, I'm making sure to platinum the remake through it and only it.

While little to no outside noise was able to leak into the cups and disturb my horror fun, the MMX 150 didn't manage to get quite loud enough. This is an age-old gripe I have with the PS5, but hooking the pair up to the PC rectified the issue entirely. Not only could it get as loud as I like it, but I could better hear the full power Beyerdynamic had crammed into this stylish headset.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

On PC, I first gave the game a whirl with Paranormasight The Mermaid's Curse. I didn't originally want to pick up another horror game, but it has a pretty iconic soundtrack, and I wanted to hear how the headset coped, especially to get a glimpse into its music capabilities. Just as I thought, Hidenori Iwasaki's score sounded heavenly, especially when I turned things up to the max and got far louder than the PS5 could manage.

I also made sure to test the headset using our usual suspects of Counter-Strike 2 and Marvel Rivals. The latter of which can get very loud very easily, especially towards the latter half of matches, where there's an influx of characters' Ultimate moves going off at once. The MMX 150 Wireless still didn't falter, but it was here where my main issue with the headset became clear - its comfort levels.

Beyerdynamic describes the headset as providing "endless hours of comfort" but I can't quite agree. In order to be so masterful at sound isolation, the clamping force of the pair feels pretty tight, and no matter how I adjusted them, they got headache-inducing pretty fast. Most of the time, I ended up placing the headband towards the back of my head to try to relieve the pressure a little bit, but I still had to take frequent breaks. It's a shame, as the pressure on the side of my head is fine, and these are some of the cushiest and plush earcups I've ever experienced. But the headband felt like it was trying to break into my skull after the two weeks of testing had come to an end, and adjusting the yokes was no help.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

I was extra annoyed at how uncomfortable the headset got, as it ended up being incredible for music listening. I had spent a huge part of the two-week testing time getting acquainted with the Nintendo Music app, and all my favorite Nintendo soundtracks sounded amazing. Listening to the Title Screen track from the original Legend of Zelda on the NES was maybe a bit overkill in this fancy headset, but my word, did the ringing of the iconic NES soundboard sound particularly nostalgia-inducing.

Not only did the MMX 150 Wireless end up being great for music, but it has one of the best microphones I've used to date. For one, its boom arm is extremely adjustable, which was a relief. I recently tested the Logitech G325 Lightspeed, which had an invisible AI-beamforming mic that didn't physically exist, so adjusting it was nonexistent. With the META voice microphone, every millimeter of its boom arm could be moved, and it always stayed exactly how I left it.

I used the mic for a 10-hour session of the Steam version of Talisman with friends, and was told my voice sounded as clear as it did in person. I ended up being incredibly thankful that our game lined up with testing the MMX 150, as it was a lot easier to get relaxed into the very long session (which still hasn't ended by the way) when you don't have to worry about repeating yourself or sounding muffled. Strangely, the mic didn't jam well with my recording software Audacity, and there was crackling whenever I tried to capture the audio to provide a sample. I suspect there's likely something going on with the software itself, as this wasn't present when I was actually using it via Discord, or while playing Marvel Rivals via the PS5 in-game chat.

Should you buy the Beyerdynamic MMX 150 Wireless headset?

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

The $199.99 / £149.99 Beyerdynamic MMX 150 Wireless is a fantastic mid-range headset. No matter if you're a PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, or Nintendo Switch 2 fan, this is one impressive and sublime-sounding pair, with one of the best microphones to match. But as good as it is, not everyone is going to have an easy time getting a hold of it.

Beyerdynamic is a German-based brand, and so this headset is more prevalent at UK and European retailers. That's not to say it doesn't exist in the US at all, as you can currently pick up the pair from Best Buy. However, that's one of the only places I've managed to find it. If you do have the opportunity to grab the pair, it's definitely worthwhile for its tremendous sound and multi-platform support. Just be aware that it's not a great pick for those with a sensitive head.

How I tested the Beyerdynamic MMX 150 Wireless headset

I used the Beyerdynamic MMX 150 Wireless for a little over two weeks, putting it through a rigorous testing process of playing through a variety of PC, PS5, and Nintendo Switch 2 games. I used the pair to play multiple hours of Tailsman, Counter-Strike 2, and Paranormasight The Mermaid's Curse and Marvel Rivals on Steam, Resident Evil Requiem, Fatal Frame 2 Crimson Butterfly Remake, and Marvel Rivals on the PS5, and plenty of Pokemon Pokopia on the Nintendo Switch 2.

When it came to testing the META VOICE microphone, I used the microphone to chat to friends via Discord while playing multiple sessions of Tailsman, and recorded my voice on the audio platform Audacity to listen back to microphone recordings. When not gaming, I was using the MMX 150 to listen to a huge range of music, including the album 'I Love My Computer' by Ninajirachi and the Nintendo Music app. The MMX 150 Wireless was also my headset of choice for two weeks while catching up with Frieren Beyond Journey's End season two, and Smosh Reads Reddit Stories on YouTube. For more information on how we test gaming headsets, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

I've also tested and rounded up the best Nintendo Switch headsets, the best PC headsets for gaming, and the best Xbox Series X headsets if you want a bigger selection of cups to choose from.

This Switch headset costs less than $30 and still got four stars in my review, now it's on sale for even less

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Amazon's Spring Sale is a great time for finding the best Nintendo Switch 2 headsets at a more reasonable price, but the Turtle Beach Airlite Fit was already reasonable to begin with. Its MSRP is only $27.99, which is as budget-friendly as they come for wired headsets, especially ones draped in fancy official Switch 2 colors.

If that's still more than you wanted to fork out on a headset, the Spring Sale has knocked its price down to $19.74 (Amazon) today. That's still strangely not a record-low, as there are still a few cents to go until it reaches its lowest ever price I spotted during last year's holidays. But this is still a great deal, even with that teeny tiny price difference, and a great headset for all your Switch 2 gaming needs.

The Amazon Spring Sale has knocked over $8 off the Turtle Beach Airlite Fit, dropping the budget headset to an even more budget-friendly $19.74. If you're okay being at the mercy of a wire, this it the best budget Switch 2 headset out there that you'll find below the $20 mark.

Buy it if:

✅ You play the Nintendo Switch 2
✅ You prefer officially licensed tech
✅ You value high-quality audio

Don't buy it if:

❌ You need a fully adjustable headset for comfort
❌ You need a broadcast-quality microphone

UK: £19.99 at AmazonView Deal

Exclusive offer + free Amazon gift card

If you love a good bargain, NordVPN is handing out free Amazon gift cards worth up to $50 with monthly rates discounted as low as $2.91. Better yet, lucky GamesRadar+ readers can also grab four free months for free, all with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Nord VPN | up to 77% off, 4 months extra free, Amazon gift card

I love testing the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories that prove that cheap in price doesn't have to mean cheap in quality. The Turtle Beach Airlite Fit is definitely one of those products, as its sound quality is vastly better than its full $27.99 price lets on. I don't want to exaggerate, as this pair of cups doesn't have the mind-blowing sound quality you'd get from the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. However, during my Turtle Beach Airlit Fit review, I found myself using the headset to continue listening to the jazz stylings of the Mario Kart World soundtrack for hours, and it was a delight.

Turtle Beach has packed 40mm Neodymium drivers in each cup. I've tested a fair number of cheaply priced headsets, and that normally means having to deal with plenty of warbling on lower frequencies, and yet these cups never faltered, no matter if I was playing Mario Kart World or experiencing the very busy soundstage of Donkey Kong Bananza.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

The microphone isn't that bad either, which is usually where the quality takes a hit with headsets below the $100 price point. Don't get me wrong, it's not broadcast quality, so I don't recommend it for podcast recording or streaming. However, it's ideal for a few hours on GameChat or Discord if you want to chat with your friends. Your voice will have a slight muffling to it, but nothing so egracious that your friends will have trouble making out a word.

If your budget can stretch a little further, I'd recommend most players start with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless headset, which is down to $89.99 at Amazon thanks to the same Spring Sale. The SteelSeries pair comes in a variety of colors, has a microphone you can detach and set aside, and brings Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connections, into the picture.

Just remember, this deal price will only be around until March 31, so you'll need to pick it up sooner rather than later.

View all Nintendo Switch 2 headsets at Amazon
View all Nintendo Switch 2 Spring Sale deals at Amazon

Our team has also rounded up the best Nintendo Switch headsets, the best Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express Cards, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases if you're hunting for even more accessories to suit your budget.

This $27.99 Switch 2 headset already costs less than my lunch, but it somehow just got even cheaper

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:45:01 +0000

The Turtle Beach Airlite Fit wired headset is instantly what comes to mind when friends, and friends who are parents, ask for a cheap-but-not-bad Switch 2 headset recommendation. It launched for just $27.99, which is shockingly affordable for a gaming accessory in the age where the cost of everything is on the up and up.

With a price that low, you can bet I was even more joyous to see it drop down to $19.99 at Amazon today. It's just an $8 difference, and if any of the other best Nintendo Switch 2 headsets were discounted by just that much, I'd not bother typing up a whole spiel about it. Yet that small $8 makes the pair of cups just cents away from a record low price, and cheaper than the average cost I spent putting together my lunch today.

The Turtle Beach Airlite Fit wired headset isn't immune to discounts, but it likes to flip and flop between its full $27.99 price and around $23.90, according to our handy CamelCamelCamel price checker. That makes today's $19.99 deal a bit of a rarity, as the last time it was any cheaper ($19.26) was during last year's holiday sales.View Deal

Should you buy the Turtle Beach Airlite Fit wired headset in 2026?

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

I'll be blunt: a fancy Switch 2 headset this is not. It's essentially a low-cost wired option for those who don't have the means to fork out a lot on an accessory alone. Or, for those who want a headset for their kids without the fear that they're going to break one of the best gaming headsets that'll be expensive to replace.

It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless, which I'd recommend for those who can spare a little extra cash. It has a wired connection which you hook up to the handheld's 3.5mm port, a flip-to-mute microphone, and two sets of earcups where the music comes from. But really, that's all you need if you just want to chill back and listen to the roaring engines of your kart in Mario Kart World, or the chill and dulcet soundtrack of Pokemon Pokopia.

Yet in 2026, it's well worth today's $19.99 deal price, and even its full price. The audio quality is pretty great, and the jersey knit-covering ear cushions are amply padded and perfectly comfortable. They're a little rounded, so they're going to better suit smaller ears (like that of any little Nintendo fans in your life), but I never had any strain or huge discomfort during any moment I tested these cups. The microphone isn't ideal, and is better left muted unless you want to subject friends to a muffled plane-like announcer's voice. But for single-player Nintendo fans, a little goes a long way with this pair.

(Image credit: Turtle Beach/Nintendo)

If the Switch 2-themed design of the headset isn't quite your thing, you might want to hold off until March 30, 2026. On the day, Turtle Beach is releasing a special 'Mario Star' version of the headset, which features some classic Yoichi Kotabe Mario art on the earcups.

It's available to pre-order for $27.99 at Amazon right this very moment, and I have to say I much prefer its design. Its chassis is made up of a semi-translucent plastic, which reminds me of the transparent Game Boy Color and N64 designs of my childhood. It's essentially the exact same headset, though, so while it looks fundamentally cooler, all your Switch 2 games are going to sound the same whether they come from it or the model included in today's limited edition deal above.

View all early Spring Sale gaming deals at Amazon
View all Switch 2 headsets at Amazon

Our hardware team has also rounded up the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases, the best Nintendo Switch microSD Express Cards, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers if you're after more budget-friendly accessories.

I'm obsessed with this Switch 2 headset and it's just returned to a ridiculously low price at Woot

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 16:39:24 +0000

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless has remained the best Nintendo Switch headset I've tested since it first found its way on my head. It offers up that comfortable fit the Arctis line is known for, while providing a great sound, fantastic microphone, and a range of colorways to suit different Switch 2 player styles. Most importantly, it launched with an original low cost of just $109.99, which instantly made it stand out.

Today, you can even catch it for as low as $59.99 at Woot. This saving marks a return to its lowest ever price, and exactly what I want to see when everything else in the gaming world continues to rise in price.

The White and the Aqua models of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P Wireless are included in today's Woot saving, not the purple version shown in the images on this page. However, regardless of the color, you're still getting that great sound, great microphone, up to 40-hour battery life, fast charging tech, use of up to 200+ game audio presets, and Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity options.View Deal

Should you buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3?

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless remains the best choice for Switch 2 players for all it can do for its price. Even at its full $109.99 MSRP, I find it a bit of a bargain, so you're getting far more bang for your buck thanks to Woot today.

For one, the sound quality is top-tier. There's no distortion with low sound frequencies, and the catchy soundtracks to Donkey Kong Bananza or Mario Kart World sound lovely through the pair's 40mm Neodymium audio drivers. If you want that gut-punching bass, you do need to do a little tinkering with either the SteelSeries app or its free-to-download GG software, but it's pretty simple to use. In fact, I recommend that you do, as this headset grants you access to over 200+ game audio presets that are designed for everything from Mario Kart World to Dead by Daylight.

You don't have to use them, but whenever I feel like drifting around in free-roaming mode in Mario Kart World, you can bet I have the game's preset locked and loaded and ready to go. Instead of having to tinker with EQ settings, the preset instantly brightens up the soundstage, and lessens the grating sounds of the engine rumbling that I can always do without.

What other options are there?

If you have a bigger budget to spare, you could alternatively grab the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless instead. It's compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2, and will let you hook up to your PS5 and gaming PC at the same time. Of course, to take full advantage of that it's best if your setup is all confined to one place. I prefer to play my Switch 2 on the couch or in bed, so my dock is sitting underneath the main room TV, and not anywhere near my gaming rig.

It's also $379.99 at full price, though it's down to $299.99 (Amazon) today. That's almost the full cost of the handheld itself, so I don't expect it to suit everybody's budget. If you were looking for a headset for your Switch 2, PS5, PC, and even everyday music listening, then I'd say it's still worth the investment. But those of you on the hunt for more budget-friendly Switch 2 pairs are better off sticking with the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless, or even the Turtle Beach Airlite Fit.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

The Airlite Fit is one of those headsets aimed more towards kids, but adults can still have a pretty good time with it. It doesn't have the sound quality that can match that of the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless, but even I was pretty surprised with how great it sounded for just $27.99 - and it's down to a lower $19.99 (Amazon) price today.

In my Turtle Beach Airlite Fit review, I stated I was "taken aback by how balanced the bass, mid, and high frequencies sounded as they permeated through the cushioned cups" and I still am to this day. They aren't the comfiest pair around, as the cups are extremely rounded and made for smaller ears, but there was no distortion or sound muffling even at full volume. During my initial testing, I even found myself listening to the Mario Kart World soundtrack for hours after, while not actually playing the game, and entirely forgetting I was using such a cheap pair as they sounded that great.

For $19.99 today, you don't get any audio presets, fast charging, or even a wireless setup. This is purely a low-cost wired headset that plays sound, hooks up to your Switch 2 via the headphone jack, and has a flip-to-mute microphone which is best left muted. However, it's still a valid option if your budget can't quite manage the $59.99 of the discounted SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless.

View all Switch 2 gaming headsets at Amazon
View all gaming headsets at Amazon

Our team has also rounded up the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases, the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers if you need more high-quality Ninty-compatible accessories.

The SteelSeries Arctis Game Buds just dropped to all-time record low in the UK, and your Switch 2 needs them

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 17:26:22 +0000

The SteelSeries Arctis Game Buds are the best gaming earbuds I've ever popped inside my large Scottish ears, and I swear by using them with the Switch 2. It's just difficult to recommend them to friends as their full £159.99 price is a lot to stomach at a time when everything from heating bills and the average cost of the weekly food shop continues to climb.

Amazon UK has some limited time deals on offer that have managed to make my life so much easier. Today, the SteelSeries Arctis Game Buds are down to £94.99 at Amazon, their lowest ever price here in the UK. I've seen them skim along the £100 price mark in the past, but they tend to shoot back up shortly afterwards. This limited deal means there's £65 off in total, which is going to make me yapping on about them to my fellow Switch 2-owning pals easier than ever before.

SteelSeries' flagship buds like to fluctuate between their full £159.99 price and £100 here in the UK, but they're finally below that £100 sweet spot. Today they're £94.99, offering up to 40-hours of battery life, ANC, and full button controls alongside your Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, or even your Steam Deck. They're ideal for listening to music on the go too.

Read more: SteelSeries Arctis Game Buds reviewView Deal

It's all thanks to that additional USB-C port. I despise fiddling around with Bluetooth, as it takes time to pair and issues pop up constantly. These have Bluetooth for those who want to use it, but you can more easily take out the slimline wireless 2.4GHz dongle and pop it on top of the Switch 2 for a low-latency and practically automatic connection.

The Game Buds also sound fantastic despite their small size. I was a bit wary that they would sound tinny or muffled, but the little 6mm neodymium can pack a punch. The upbeat jazz-inspired stylings of the Mario Kart World soundtrack sound sublime, with even low bass frequencies feeling like they're getting their due through the tiny audio drivers. Thanks to the inclusion of active noise cancellation, I've also been able to sit back in a cafe and tune out the rest of the world. Drifting around in free-roam mode unbothered by the world's goings on is exactly how gaming on the go should be.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

What makes these especially handy for the Switch 2 is their compact size. While I'll always prefer to use one of the best Nintendo Switch headsets when it comes to sound quality, packing a pair of cups into my bag isn't fun. They take up a lot of space, space that's already limited if Ninty's handheld is coming with me. Even in their wireless charging case, the buds are just about the same size as the palm of my hand.

I've been able to fit my Switch 2, the Game Buds, a whole makeup bag, and even a spare controller in one of my backpacks, which would have been a far harder feat with a headset, let me tell you. Of course, you could save even more space by grabbing a wired alternative like the 1More Triple Driver earbuds.

These start at £69.99 at Amazon, so they're even cheaper than today's Game Buds deal, and can pop into the headphone jack of the Switch for a just as straightforward setup. Their small size also means you can keep them in your Switch 2 case, something I can't manage with the Game Buds. The hi-res certified three-driver earbuds also have an extended frequency response of 40,000 Hz, which is marginally larger than the Game Bud's 20 - 20,000Hz range, so you're getting a more in-depth sound at a lower price to boot.

1MORE

Triple Driver In-Ear Earphones

Razer

Moray - Ergonomic In-Ear Monitor

If you don't mind spending a bit more, there's also the Razer Moray in-ear monitor buds you can grab instead. These start at £129.99 at Amazon, but they come packaged with a set of custom ear tips in varying sizes, so you pick the best fit for your ears. Despite SteelSeries' large £159.99 MSRP, their buds don't come with additional tips, which has always been a bit of a sore spot for me - especially as my large ears require comfort above all else.

With both of these alternatives, you don't have to worry about charging too. That's worth remembering as the Game Buds can only muster 10 hours until you need to pop them in their charging case.

If you're looking for a more compact alternative to a headset, the SteelSeries Arctis Game Buds should however, be your first choice when it comes to the Switch 2, especially when they're as low as £94.99. Just remember that this is a limited-time deal, so it won't stay under £100 for much longer.

View all gaming earbud deals at Amazon
View all gaming deals at Amazon

Our hardware team has also rounded up the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases, the best Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express Cards, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers if you're looking to give your Ninty gaming setup a boost.

Should you buy an open-back headset for gaming?

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:28:33 +0000

Open back gaming headsets aren't new by any means, but if you've ever spent time choosing the best gaming headset to make yours, you've likely stumbled across a pair or two. Unlike traditional headsets, these cups feature open grills varying in design on the back of each earcup. Air (and the sound traveling through it) on an open-back pair can move more freely, which helps create a more natural sound, regardless of what game you're playing.

Top picks

(Image credit: Future)

Best open back: Turtle Beach Atlas Air

Best closed back: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

Many audiophiles have been using open back headphones for years in audio recording and studio-based environments because of the more natural and in-depth sound on offer. Over the years, this trend has translated to gaming too, where brands like Asus ROG, Skullcandy, and Corsair have been releasing gaming headsets with an open back design to offer up the same natural audio quality to players. However, just because they allow games to sound more natural doesn't make them the best fit for all types of players.

TL;DR: Open back vs closed back gaming headsets compared

Open-back

More natural sound and airy sound
Can increase spatial awareness
Can be lighter than closed-back alternatives
Best for heat dissipation
Ideal for gaming and sound mastering

Closed-back

Ideal for isolating outside sounds
Seals around the ears to improve immersion and volume
More closed-back designs to choose from/more variation
Less audio spillage
Better suited for recording and streaming

Open back vs closed back - what's the difference?

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

A closed-back gaming headset includes ear cups which enclose around a player's ears, keeping sound isolated to them and them only. The speakers or 'audio drivers' in each earcup are physically "closed off" behind them, so sound is trapped and isolated to the wearer's ears.

As the earcups are physically closed off to the rest of the world, a closed-back design can also be ideal for noise isolation, keeping you immersed in your current gaming obsession. Even if a pair is absent of specific ANC features, the closed design can still be advantageous to blocking out unwanted noise, from the sound of your washing machine to your noisy neighbours.

Meanwhile, open-back headsets feature little vents behind the audio drivers. Sound can move and vibrate more freely, which creates less distortion and that "natural" sound. Your game audio has more space to breathe, just like the real-life sounds of the world around you.

However, it can also cause audio spillage, which others around you can hear, making them less ideal for gaming on the go or turning into an everyday pair of cups for music listening. Additionally, if you share a gaming space with others and need to be mindful of what they hear, open-back headsets are not an ideal choice.

Should buy an open-back gaming headset?

(Image credit: Future)

If you're a bit of an audiophile and want your game soundstages sounding as natural as possible, by all means, an open-back pair is a great fit. When I reviewed the Skullcandy PYLR 720, I was taken aback by its high standard of audio quality, which transposed well, no matter if I was playing a single-player experience like Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth or Marvel Rivals.

Open-back headsets don't always come with pricey MSRPs, either. Take the likes of the Corsair Virtuoso Pro, which our hardware team's own Tabitha Baker reviewed back in 2023. It sports an open-back design that Tabitha exclaimed brought an "incredibly natural experience" and a solid level of directional audio, which was "enhanced by the clear detailing of those graphene drivers." Since that review, it's regularly discounted as low as $139.99 at Amazon.

It's your environment that will shape whether you should buy an open-back gaming headset. If your gaming setup is in a small, isolated space with others around you, an open-back design would not be the best choice. Your friends, roommates, and loved ones will be able to hear a constantly small, tinny sound coming from the back of each earcup due to the nature of the open-back design.

Yet, if you have your own gaming space away from anyone else's, like a dedicated gaming room, then an open-back pair would be a great addition to your setup.

Just be aware that while open-back headsets have been a thing for a while now, they aren't as prevalent as closed-back options. While browsing the best headsets at US and UK retailers, you're going to find an easier time finding closed-back pairs.

Best closed back

SteelSeries

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

Best open back

Turtle Beach

Turtle Beach Atlas Air

View all open-back gaming headsets at Amazon
View all closed-back gaming headsets at Amazon

Our guides to the best PS5 headsets, best PC headsets for gaming, and the best Xbox Series X headsets are full of closed-back alternatives if open-back headsets aren't for you.

I've found your next favorite PS5 headset, and it's all thanks to this week's Best Buy savings

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:31:12 +0000

Best Buy's Tech Fest Sale has officially kicked off, and it's looking to be a good week for those of you PS5 players in need of a new headset. Plenty of the best PS5 headsets I've ever popped on my head and reviewed are included amongst today's tech savings.

Take the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, the best option out there for PS5 players overall. It's down to $299.99 at Best Buy today, a mighty $80 saving off its full $379.99 price. Sure, it's not a record-low, but it's not far from it, and picking it up this week means you're getting access to the greatest headset that can pair with Sony's pixel pusher. If it's a bit out of your budget, the brand's mid-range Arctis Nova 5 Wireless is down to $129.99 (Best Buy) and carries the same comfortable over-ear design, albeit without some of the fancy high-end bells and whistles.

It's not just SteelSeries headsets that are seeing plenty of savings this Tech Fest, but a whole range of big-name brands from Turtle Beach to Razer. So you can find the right pair for you, I've gathered all my top PS5 picks from this week's sale down below and have made sure to include devices that myself, or someone else on our hardware team, have tested. Better yet, I'll continue to add any PS5 headset deals I see over the coming days as the sale doesn't end until this Sunday, March 22, 2026.

The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is the best there is for the PS5, but its full $379.99 MSRP is not one everyone can budget for. Thankfully, Best Buy's Tech Fest deals have dropped it below that juicy $300 price mark, making it and its sublime audio quality, hot-swappable batteries, ANC, and Base Station more accessible for PS5 players.

Featured in: best gaming headsets

Read more: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless reviewView Deal

If you like your headsets coming with extra little devices, this PS5-compatible pair also comes with its own base station, which combines the functionality of a Stream Deck and 2.4GHz wireless dongle into one. It typically boosts this pair into the £299.99 price bracket, but it's down to a record-low $249.99 price during Best Buy's Tech Fest Sale.

Read more: HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless reviewView Deal

The Virtuoso Max Wireless is one of Corsair's most premium PS5 headsets, and also the most stylish. The RGB lighting on this pair is some of the most vivid in any pair I've tested to date, and it happens to sound fantastic too. If you want a flashy PS5 headset that's all about style and substance, it's $80 off today at Best Buy.

Read more: Corsair Virtuoso Max Wireless reviewView Deal

If you want a PS5 headset that's best for bass, the Stealth 700 Gen 3 is your best bet. Out of any PS5 pair I've tested, there's rarely been a pair that could rival the gut-punching power this brings to low-frequency sound, which makes it an ideal pick for music too. This booming bass usually comes at a $199.99 price, but it's just $149.99 today.

Read more: Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 reviewView Deal

SteelSeries and the best PS5 headsets go hand in hand, but if the Pro Wireless is out of your budget, you could instead grab the Arctis Nova 5 Wireless today. It's also part of the Tech Fest sales, with a $20 off discount that takes its price down to $129.99. It's not a record low, but still a monumental saving on a headset I still use with my PS5 on the regular, thanks to its great sound, comfort, fantastic low-latency 2.4GHz wireless dongle, and high-quality microphone.

Featured in: Best PS5 headsets

Read more: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless reviewView Deal

If your PS5 headset budget is far below the $100 mark, there are plenty of options for you among the Tech Fest sales. The best of the bunch is this $20 saving off the wireless Razer Barracuda X, which carries the same iconic 40mm Triforce audio drivers as many Razer pairs up in the $100+ price bracket. You not only get a great sound here despite its low $79.99 price, but also a comfortable fit with its lightweight 250g form factor, a high-quality cardoid detachable mic, and an up to 50-hour battery life to boot.

Read more: Razer Barracuda X reviewView Deal

How I find the best PS5 headset deals for gamers

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

Finding the best gaming headset deals at an event like Best Buy's Tech Fest Sale is an easy feat for me, but that's because I spend day after day catching up with the latest pairs and their pricing history. When I first approach a brand-new sales event, I look at how the most premium pairs are discounted, which, in this case, means the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless.

It currently tops our best PS5 headset guide, and is my go-to pair whenever I start a new PS5 game, whether that's Resident Evil Requiem, Fatal Frame 2 Crimson Butterfly, or just the latest season of Marvel Rivals. I'm always keeping an eye on its pricing history as it tops multiple of our "best of" lists, but for an event like today, I'm most interested in seeing how much it's discounted from its full price, and how close it is to its record-low saving. If it's just a measly $10 or so off, it doesn't feel relevant to bring to your or anyone else's attention. However, this week it's $80 off at Best Buy, which brings the usual $379.99 pair down to $299.99 - a price definitely worth highlighting.

After looking at more premium offerings, I like to check out the mid-range market and below to see what lower-priced headsets are even cheaper at an event like Best Buy's Tech Fest Sale. In today's case, that brought me to the likes of the SteelSeries' own Arctis Nova 5 Wireless and the Razer Barracuda X wireless headset. The latter of which isn't currently on our top PS5 headset list, but it's actively been a favorite headset of mine due to its comfortable, lightweight design and great sound.

I'm not just looking at the differences in MSRPs when choosing the best PS5 deals to include today, but I also like to ensure there's a bit of variation for any type of PS5 player. For example, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is the best of the best, but it's best suited for those who play on the PS5 and other platforms. Meanwhile, I included the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 for those who need their bass to sound in-your-face and as intense as possible, and the Corsair Virtuoso Max Wireless is included here as it's cheaper and one of the best-looking PS5 headsets for those who love a bit of RGB lighting in their setups.

When does the Best Buy Tech Fest Sale end?

The Best Buy Tech Fest Sale comes to an end on Sunday, March 22, 2026. That leaves you with plenty of time this week to grab a brand new PS5 headset or peruse the rest of its PS5 accessory and game deals.

If it's high-quality PS5 accessories you're after, our best SSDs for PS5, best PS5 controllers, and best PS5 external hard drive guides are full of top-tier devices that have been tried and tested by our very own hardware team.

Nacon just unveiled the RIG R5 Spear Max HD headset, and I'm ecstatic the snap-lock feature is here to stay

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 16:05:00 +0000

Nacon RIG has unveiled the brand new RIG R5 Spear Max HD headset today, the latest of the brand's R-series lineup. The new pair of cups is designed to be one of the best gaming headsets for PC players, and comes equipped with mighty 40mm GrapheneQ audio drivers from Ora, which are custom-tuned for first-person shooters and competitive play.

The $149.99 (Amazon) wired headset is available in the US, which is a relief when plenty of previous RIG headsets were previously exclusive to UK gamers. This time, the pair with its high frequency range of 20 - 40kHz, broadcast-grade 6mm unidirectional microphone, and Dolby Atmos support can be picked up only at US Amazon, and better yet, it includes my favorite feature from previous RIG cups - the customizable Snap+Lock mod system.

The Nacon RIG R5 Spear MAX HD is a wired gaming headset designed with PC players in mind, and comes equipped with 40 mm GrapheneQ audio drivers with a 20 Hz – 40 kHz frequency range. The headset doesn't just sound great, but it includes a 6 mm unidirectional microphone, Dolby Atmos support, and can hook up to your PC via a USB-C DAC.View Deal

I'm a sucker for good customization, and Nacon RIG ticked all my boxes when it launched the RIG R5 Spear Pro HS during November last year. The budget pair was the first to feature the brand's Snap+Lock system, which provided additional earcup covers that could magnetically "snap" and "lock" into place. It was designed to be one of the best PS5 headsets, so it came packed with additional cups (what Nacon RIG named 'mod plates') sporting the Sony logo, but the RIG R5 Spear Max HD is a PC headset through and through.

Instead, its mod plates feature an embossed RIG logo on either cup, which are still pretty stylish to snap on. The best aspect of this system is that RIG provides STL 3D printing files for you to make your own. Without access to a 3D printer myself, I haven't yet dived into creating some GamesRadar+ themed earcups, but just the fact that RIG fully supports this creativity is one of the reasons why I'm fond of their cups - especially since they could have easily abandoned this design for this brand-new release.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

That's not all that's technically customizable. The snap-lock design ethos carries onto the microphone too, which can be attached to either the left or right earcup. There's a section of magnetic prongs at the bottom of each, which can attach to the microphone unit, or be covered up with a plain black part, which is attached straight out of the box.

When I attended the official press briefing for this headset, it wasn't its customizability that was the main focus, however. Instead, it was those 40mm GrapheneQ audio drivers I mentioned earlier. That's because Nacon RIG partnered with Montreal-based graphene company Ora to specifically create the speaker tech, which they explain carries a "unique combination of high stiffness and low density," to produce improved audio and ultra-low distortion.

For you audiophiles out there, the fact that this headset carries a USB-C DAC with a portable digital-to-analog converter will be another draw. It can support 32-bit/384kHz sample rates, and includes power passthrough for gaming on the go, and an auxiliary port, which is handy for streaming. I currently have it plugged into my PC as I'm typing these very words, as Nacon RIG sent a sample unit my way, and it's been incredibly handy where my convoluted gaming setup is concerned.

It'll take a few weeks of testing to put its "new standard for studio-grade game audio" marketing spiel and USB-C audio DAC to the test and see what it can do for my favorite PC games. If you can't wait, you can grab it right now if you're based in the US straight from Amazon, and put it to the test yourself instead.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

View all Nacon RIG headsets at Amazon
View all PC gaming headsets at Amazon

I've also rounded up the best PS5 headsets, the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Xbox Series X headsets if the RIG R5 Spear Max HD doesn't sound like a great fit for your gaming setup.

The best budget PS5 headset I've ever popped on my head is so cheap I had to look twice

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 16:34:11 +0000

The Turtle Beach Atlas 200 for PS5 is a testament that cheap tech doesn't mean bad tech. The wired headset could have easily cheapened out on its sound with its £49.99 price tag, but instead it ended up as one of the best PS5 headsets I've ever had the pleasure to test.

The head continues to produce a punchy sound that rivals headsets twice its price, and yet Turtle Beach has stuck by its £49.99 MSRP since launch. I'd recommend it even at that full price if you don't mind being tethered by a wire to your DualSense, but it's even slightly cheaper than normal today with its £37.89 (Amazon) saving. That's just £12 off, which I get isn't remarkable when you consider the rest of the huge Amazon Spring Sale deals going on. Yet when you get down to it, it's a cheap PS5 headset that's just got even cheaper - what's not to like?

The Atlas 200 is a wired headset, and so it hooks up to your PS5 via the 3.5mm port at the bottom of your DualSense controllers. It's packed with fantastic-sounding 50mm Nanoclear audio drivers, a unidirectional flip-to-mute microphone, and a super lightweight 280g fit with ample amounts of padding thanks to its dual-foam ear cushions.

Read more: Atlas 200 for PS5 review

Featured in: best PS5 headsetsView Deal

Should you buy the Turtle Beach Atlas 200 for PS5 during Amazon's Spring Sale 2006?

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

Before I get into the nitty-gritty about what makes this headset so special and worthwhile in 2026, I want to point out that it's the black model that's currently discounted right now. The white version that I reviewed and that you're seeing in these images on this page is down to £41.99 (Amazon) instead. They're both the same headset under the hood, but I thought I'd mention it in case you were specifically after that white and blue aesthetic - especially as it more appropriately ties into the color-scheme of the PS5.

Whichever color you end up getting, it's a great headset for those who don't mind a wire in the way. During my Turtle Beach Atlas 200 for PS5 review, I noted that it "excelled at making horror games sound their best" and I stand by that. While playing Silent Hill f, the unnerving and atmospheric sound design of the foggy streets of Ebisugaoka felt super immersive, and that was thanks to the headset being fully compatible with Sony's Tempest 3D AudioTech and punchy low-frequencies that the Nanoclear drivers could muster. It wasn't just great for single-player experiences either, as the often at times chaotic soundstage of Marvel Rivals sounded just as balanced and full of warmth.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

Where it falters is down to its microphone, but honestly, you're gonna struggle to find a high-quality mic in any headset below the £129 mark. It's still use-able, and I could chat to my friends via Discord on the PS5 just fine. Yet, there were a lot of moments during testing where I had to repeat myself, and there was a continuous muffled tone to my voice. If you can imagine how plane announcements sound, that's pretty much what you get here.

If you prefer single-player experiences, it's pretty easy to look past its microphone misgivings. It's easier again when you factor in that current £37.89 Spring Sale price too. If you're definitely okay with a wired headset (I like to check, as I'm a wireless kinda gal myself), then this is the best budget PS5 pair out there. Just be sure to grab this deal before it disappears with the rest of Amazon's Spring Sale deals on March 16.

View all PS5 headset deals at Amazon
View all Spring Sale gaming deals at Amazon

If you'd prefer to grab a wireless headset during this month's Spring Sale savings, our best PC headsets for gaming, best Nintendo Switch headset, and best Xbox Series X headset guides are full of the top pairs you should be checking out.

There's a new exclusive Hello Kitty Razer gaming headset in the wild, and I can't have it

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:48:13 +0000

There's a lot not to like about living in the UK, and Razer has now made matters worse. The brand behind some of the best gaming headsets has released an adorable new Hello Kitty edition headset, but it's only available in the US. Worse yet, it's a Target exclusive, and we don't even have that retailer around these parts.

The new Hello Kitty Edition Razer Kraken Kitty V2 USB Headset is available for $139.99 (Target) and has a stunning rose gold colorway, from its earcups to the tip of its kitty ears. Its design is a bit of a hodge-podge between two existing cups, as it features the moulded ears and bow from the Hello Kitty Kraken Kitty V2 BT and the Hyperclear cardioid mic as found throughout the older Kraken Kitty V2 lineup. Those lucky enough to be based in the US can already get their paws on the new USB headset, but the rest of us will have to make do with what we've got.

The Hello Kitty Edition Kraken Kitty USB headset is equipped with an exclusive rose-gold colorway and features the brand's iconic Triforce 40mm audio drivers, Chroma-powered customizable RGB lighting, 7.1 surround sound support, Razer Hyperclear cardioid microphone, and a limited edition Hello Kitty design for fans of everything cute and Sanrio-flavoured.View Deal

As I mentioned briefly above, there is technically already a Razer Hello Kitty headset out there. The Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT is still available for $127.99 at Best Buy, and sports the same ears and bow on its headband. If it weren't for its missing microphone, it would appear like this new US exclusive version was just it spray-painted rose-gold. However, there are some other differences between the two.

The Target-exclusive Hello Kitty Edition Razer Kraken Kitty V2 USB headset isn't wireless and, due to its USB connection, is best suited for PC players. Whereas the original Hello Kitty pair relies on Bluetooth, and is ideal if you're on the hunt for a pair to use alongside your Nintendo Switch 2. You could use the new Kraken Kitty V2 USB headset alongside the Switch 2 dock, you'd just have to be very wary of how far your couch is located from your gaming setup.

Of course, the look and appeal of the headsets is really what sets them apart. The pink and white colors of the older version have been replaced with blush-colored gold instead, and there's adorable printed imagery of Hello Kitty's face on the headband, and even underneath the gold foam padding. I'm more of a silver person myself, but it's hard to ignore the allure of that luminous paint job - especially as it adds a more adult and luxurious edge over what came before.

(Image credit: Razer/Sanrio)

Setting aside looks for the moment, under the hood, the drivers for both headsets are the same. Both headsets include Razer Triforce 40mm audio drivers and are equipped with 7.1 surround sound, so there shouldn't be any differences in audio quality. If you're a bit bummed that you can't get a hold of the rose gold version, sticking to the older pair won't leave you losing out on audio quality - so it's not all doom and gloom.

Not to mention, there's a plethora of Sanrio-flavoured Razer accessories and headsets out there for both US and UK Sanrio fans, including the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT Kuromi Edition, which I took a look at last year. Instead of taking after Hello Kitty, it pays homage to the best-girl Kuromi, including replicating her jester bunny ears on the headband.

If rose-gold accessories are more your thing and you're based in the US, you can instead grab this new US-exclusive headset, and I will be a bit jealous. However, at least there's plenty Sanrio goodness to go around.

View all Hello Kitty accessories at Razer
View all Razer Kraken Kitty gaming headsets at Amazon

I've rounded up the best PS5 headsets, the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Xbox Series X headsets if this Hello Kitty pair of cups isn't for you.

The mighty SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headset just got a ridiculous Spring Sale price cut

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 16:34:30 +0000

Amazon's Spring Sale has landed in the UK, and after perusing the best gaming deals, I was happy to see the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless included amongst the rest of this week's savings. It's the best gaming headset I've ever tested, and continues to dominate our team's best headset guides no matter the platform, but it's also £329.99 most days.

That's a big investment for an accessory alone, even one that can hook up to the PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S all at once. But thanks to the spring sale, it's now £229.99 at Amazon, a mere £10 away from its lowest ever price yet. I shout and scream at my friends to pick up this headset every time it gets this low, and today's no different, as you're saving a huge £100 in total here. Not only that, you're getting a headset that, no matter the hundreds I've tested in its wake, has continued to smash the competition with its great sound, multi-platform compatibility, and hot-swappable battery tech. This is as good as it gets.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless isn't immune to discounts, yet it's worth making a fuss about every time it drops closer to that £200 mark. For £100 off today, you're getting the best headset on the market, with simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless, hot swappable batteries, a high-quality microphone, Tempest 3D Audio for PS5 / Microsoft Spatial Sound support, ANC, and support for three platforms at a time, including the PC, Xbox Series X/S, Switch/Switch 2, and PS5.

Featured in: best gaming headsets

US: $379.99 at AmazonView Deal

Should you buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headset in 2026?

(Image credit: Future)

Very few headsets have managed to make me forget about the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. In fact, since it launched back in 2022, I'd even not recommend everyday gamers grab the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Elite in its stead - unless you have the cash to burn and are a bit of an audiophile.

The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless has remained one of the best PC headsets for gaming and other consoles due not just to its great sound, but all the features it offers in one comfortable and snazzy-looking package, and I'd still recommend it in 2026. Its 40 mm Neodymium Magnetic audio drivers still manage to make my favorite games sound sublime. I always have these cups on my head when grinding up the latest battle pass in Marvel Rivals on PS5, as they make everything sound intense, from the character select music to the roars of the character's Ultimates when a match is getting particularly heated.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

My favorite feature of the pair is those hot-swappable batteries. I'm really bad at remembering to charge headsets, but this headset comes with a Base Station device that continuously charges one while you're using the other. Instead of sitting for hours and waiting for your headset to charge back up, you just have to swap the batteries, and away you go. That Base Station is also what lets you connect up to three platforms at a time, which is especially handy if you keep all your consoles in one confined setup.

If you have a bigger budget to spare, you could drop £559.49 at Amazon on the Arctis Nova Elite, which just saw its first-ever discount. That adds the ability to hook up to four sources at once, and you can mix the audio of each at the same time with its newly improved 'Game Station' (formerly the Base Station). It's also compatible with hi-res audio, which the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless can only achieve via a wired connection.

But honestly, I don't recommend everyone drop that amount of cash. Unless you also happen to be a big music nerd with access to a ton of FLAC audio tracks of your favorite albums. Parting with £229.99 now is enough to get the best parts of the Elite and the best headset out there on the market today, but you only have until the Spring Sale ends on March 16 to grab it.

View all SteelSeries gaming headset deals at Amazon
View all Spring Sale gaming deals at Amazon

Our guides to the best Nintendo Switch headsets, the best Xbox Series X headset, and the best gaming earbuds are full of cheaper alternatives if you can't quite budget for the Arctis Pro Wireless.

My favorite budget Switch 2 headset just got a makeover for Mario Day, and it's pretty super

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:38:20 +0000

Mario Day is here, and Turtle Beach is taking advantage of today in the most opportune way possible by adorning one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 headsets with a new Mario look.

Today of all days, the accessories brand has announced it's releasing a new version of the Turtle Beach Airlite Fit wired headset, swapping its black, blue, and red color palette for a new 'Mario Star' design which includes a translucent black and red color combo. The best part is undoubtedly the inclusion of Mario on the earcups, who's sporting that iconic and classic Yōichi Kotabe art style.

Despite its swanky new looks, the headset is sticking to its budget $27.99 / £19.99 price tag, and is available to pre-order now on the official Turtle Beach US and UK online stores. Better yet, you don't have to wait long for it to arrive, as it's set to launch on March 30, 2026, alongside a brand-new Mario and Luigi controller.

Turtle Beach

Airlite Fit Wired Gaming Headset for Nintendo Switch 2

Turtle Beach

Rematch Wireless Controller – Nintendo Switch 2

The upcoming Mairo Star Airlite Fit wired gaming headset might just be one of my favorite versions of the cups I've seen yet. It's hard to outdo the nostalgia-fueled look of the Ghost Purple Airlite Fit in my 90s kid eyes. Yet, I can't help but be a fan of the fact that Turtle Beach has also equipped this incoming Mario version with a translucent plastic chassis, which gives it a retro appeal despite being so new it isn't even out yet.

Under the hood, it's the same old headset as before. It's still sporting those 40mm audio drivers, jersey-knit-covered ear cushions, and a flip-to-mute noise-canceling microphone. I reviewed the pair in September last year, and I was pretty impressed with its sound despite its low price. However, it's definitely one I'd recommend for the younger Nintendo fans in your life, rather than those invested in finding the best gaming headset out there.

The microphone isn't ideal, and the headset feels a little cheap when popping on your head, so older fans might prefer saving up for an alternative like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless. Yet, if you've got a tight budget to deal with after investing in a Switch 2 and just want a pair for gaming on the go, it's still an ideal pickup, especially as the original is prone to discounts.

(Image credit: Turtle Beach/Nintendo)

To keep the Mario Day celebrations going, Turtle Beach is also launching a new Mario and Luigi Switch 2 controller, with the Mario & Luigi Rematch Wireless RGB Gaming Controller. It's essentially a re-skin of the brand's Rematch pad, featuring swanky TMR sticks, motion controls, and wireless connectivity that works up to 30 feet, and that new 'c' button to unlock quick access to Game Chat.

Of course, as it's Mario Day, the focus is more on its flashy design, which features Mario and Luigi with crossed arms on either grip. At a glance, it's pretty plain-looking, with just a blue background and matching blue face buttons; however, the RGB element is what brings it altogether. When lit up and ready to go, a sea of rainbow Mario items glows across the pad and illuminates the controller. I kinda wish the headset did the same thing, but that'd likely affect its budget-friendly status, and I don't fancy seeing more inflated prices in this day and age.

The Mario and Luigi Rematch Wireless RGB gaming controller is available to pre-order for $64.99 (Turtle Beach) and £54.99 in the UK and is set to launch on March 30, the same day as the new Mario Star Airlite Fit headset. You still have a few days to wait before they'll arrive at your door, but you can check out our Mario Day Starter Pack for more super goodies you can grab quicker than you can say "yahoo!"

View all Turtle Beach Switch 2 headsets at Amazon
View all Turtle Beach Switch 2 controllers at Amazon

Check out our guides to the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases, the best Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express Cards, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 cameras for more accessories for your new Ninty handheld.

First revealed at CES, Asus's first open-back ROG Cetra earbuds are finally available in the US

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 14:36:45 +0000

CES 2026 was a few months ago now, but we're finally seeing its shiny tech reveals hit the online shelves, including the Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless earbuds.

These contenders for the best gaming earbuds are the brand's first ever delve into open-back design, a style typically reserved for high-end headsets and headphones. In the case of these $229.99 (Amazon) buds, it means that they sit outside your ear canal and direct sound towards your ears, rather than entirely sealing them off from the rest of the world. It's mainly for comfort and, if earbuds have put you off in the past due to the worry of ear aches and pains, you can grab these from today.

Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless Gaming Earbuds | $229.99 at Amazon
Available today, the Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless earbuds feature dual Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless, including USB-C charging passthrough via the low-latency dongle included with the buds. They also provide everything from AI noise cancellation, onboard audio modes including a Phantom Bass to enhance the low-sound frequencies of games, and an up to 64-hour battery life (16 hours playback.)View Deal

Asus states that having the buds rest outside your ear canals helps "eliminate pressure points" common to in-ear designs. That alone has intrigued me enough to give these a whirl as soon as possible as I still prefer the best gaming headsets for day to day play.

The buds have also been developed using "skin-friendly" materials and feature an ergonomic ear hook to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. With that in mind, a lot of the official marketing imagery of these buds is centred around sports and fitness activities. However, there are plenty of features keep up that gaming ethos, such as their 14.2mm Diamond-like carbon diaphragm audio drivers and dual-mode connectivity.

The ROG Cetra open earbuds are equipped with dual Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless, making them compatible with everything from the brand's own Asus ROG Xbox Ally X handheld, the PS5, PC and other consoles and your smartphone at the same time. That means you don't have to pop down Pokemon Pokopia if you have an incoming call, and you can carry on playing with your with Pokemon pals interrupted.

(Image credit: Asus ROG)

The 2.4GHz dongle also marks the brand's first stab at one-way passthrough charging. A USB-C port on the buds provides up to 16 hours of playback while you're actively using them to play games at the same time. Out of all these gaming earbuds have to offer, this is the feature I'm most excited about testing once my sample arrives.

At the moment, the SteelSeries Arctis Game Buds are my day-to-day buds, but I have to remove them and pop them into their wireless case whenever they need more juice. The buds, which currently sit at the top of my recommendation list, remain fantastic, but it'd be a dream to not have to unplug them from my ears each time they need a recharge - especially as I've been blazing through their battery life while building habitats in Pokopia this past weekend.

It'll still be a while until my review is ready to go, but if you're eager to make them yours, the Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless gaming earbuds are now available directly from the Asus eStore, and other notable US retailers from Amazon, Best Buy, Micro Center, and Newegg.

View all Asus ROG earbuds at Amazon
View all Asus ROG gaming headsets at Amazon

If you prefer a traditional pair of cups instead, I've rounded up all the best PS5 headsets, the best PC headsets for gaming, and the best Nintendo Switch headsets worth your time and attention.

Logitech G325 Lightspeed review

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:42:33 +0000

I've been reviewing the best gaming headsets for years now, and yet none have remained as soft and snug on my head as the Logitech G325 Lightspeed, and its low-cost $79.99 / £69.99 price is just as refreshing as its comfortable fit.

Logitech has packed in the essentials from Bluetooth and 2.4GHz lightspeed wireless connectivity, G Hub compatibility, an over 24+ battery life, and a beamforming microphone into a less than $80 package. If you care about comfort above all else, you're getting a lot of bang for your buck here, no matter the platform.

Yet, its microphone leaves a lot to be desired with its muffled and peaking audio. If online games are your thing, you'd be better off waiting for $100 + headsets from the SteelSeries Arctis Nova line to drop down to a similar price range. However, if comfort is of the utmost importance, the Logitech G325 Lightspeed is a valid pick for your game and your head.

Key specs

Price	$79.99 / £69.99
Acoustic design	Closed back, over ear
Connection	Lightspeed wireless & Bluetooth
Drivers	32 mm
Frequency response	20~20 kHz
Microphone	Built-in, Omni-directional beamforming mic
ANC	No
Controls	Power switch, quick switch button, volume buttons, mic mute button
Battery	24+ hours battery life
Weight	212 g
Compatibility	PC, PS4, PS5, Switch 1 and 2, Steam Deck

Design

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

Logitech proudly boasts that the G325 has a "clean stylish design" but it's pretty plain-looking all things considered. The Logitech G325 Lightspeed has 'G' in the name, so it takes after the brand's G-series design ethos. At a glance, it doesn't look that disimilar to the Logitech G522 Lightspeed headset that I reviewed last year. Both share a dark plastic form factor, glossy G logo on the yokes, and oval-shaped earcups.

As a budget-leaning headset, there's no RGB lighting or vivid-colored headband. Any bright bits of color are relegated to the Lilac SKU of the G325, but the volume buttons and wiring do at least rock a purple look to break up the plain-black monotonous colorway.

The cups and headband are padded with a light grey breathable knit fabric, which contracts nicely against the all-black plastic chassis. The edges of the plastic yokes and the cups are nicely rounded, and overall, it's a pretty albeit minimal-looking pair of cups. However, that minimal design is likely what helps keeps it price low and budget-friendly.

Features

As Logitech's new flagship budget pair of cups, this isn't the most feature-full headset in its catalog. Yet, Logitech still boasts that its 32 mm audio drivers can support 24-bit audio and that they feature an "enhanced bass" which helps make it cope with loud, lower sound frequencies without resorting to any warbling or distortion.

As a pair with "lightspeed" in its name, this pair utilizes the brand's ultra-fast 2.4GHz wireless audio, which can be achieved via hooking any compatible PC or console of choice via the pair's accompanying wireless dongle. The G325 can alternate between this Lightspeed connection and Bluetooth, via a quick switch button on the left ear cup.

The buttons on this headset are just as minimal as the features on offer. Other than the power toggle and quick switch button, there's a purple set of volume buttons, a mic mute button, and a USB-C port for charging its battery, which can provide around 24 hours of playback. The right cup is totally free of any buttons and controls, but this minimal tech is likely what helps keep it sitting at its 212g weight.

Outside of its Logitech G compatibility, the last major feature of the Logitech G325 Lightspeed comes down to its invisible beamforming AI-powered microphone. There is no physical boom arm to adjust here. Instead, the headset encircles the sound of your voice and picks it up so you can chat away to chat with friends via Discord and in-game voice chat.

Performance

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

I was pleasantly surprised with what the Logitech G325 Lightspeed could muster despite it's cheap price. That's not to say that budget headsets can never sound incredible - that was instilled into me when I reviewed the Turtle Beach Stealth 200 for PS5 last year. Yet, no matter how loud and overbearing the soundstages were to any game I threw the G325's way, its 32 mm audio drivers coped just fine.

PC was my first protocol for testing. As with all Logitech tech, the headset relies on the G Hub software for any tinkering with its audio and settings, so I wanted to start from there. When roaming around the Office complex map in Counter-Strike 2 on my gaming rig, gunfire boomed throughout the earcups, and yet there was zero distortion to be found. This was particularly surprising as the headset volume didn't feel particularly loud, even with the volume up to 100% on Windows 11, and yet every ringing shot sounded as prevalent as the last.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

This was likely that "enhanced bass" doing its thing, and I was very much a fan. The sound lent itself to other titles, too, with Marvel Rivals on PC sounding really nice and balanced where sound design was concerned, though its score was still a bit quieter than I personally prefer. I could make out every time a Scarlet Witch was using her Ultimate and on her way to decimate my team, but the music at the player's screen failed to sound loud enough to amp me up for the matches ahead. Selecting the "Bass Boost" EQ preset from G Hub did help enhance volume a little, but not enough to get my preferred "in your face" level of sound.

On PS5, it was really apparent how great the pair's 20~20 kHz frequency response dealt with dialogue and audio placed in that higher registry. While playing Resident Evil Requiem, I was utterly terrified while hearing the slurred speech of a nearby zombie mumbling, "don't turn off the lights" on repeat through each cup. I made the fatal error of playing with the lights off, and the clarity with which the G325's delivered every word made me jump on several occasions.

This was also aided by the ear cups' perfect sizing, which managed to isolate my ears from unwanted sounds. There's no active noise canceling with this headset, which you wouldn't expect in anything priced $150 and above, just to be clear. Regardless, the terror of exploring the Care Center as Grace was amped up by these quality cups, as my ears were nice and snug between the foam padding and were less prone to outside noise.

I also made sure to test these cups with my Nintendo handheld, as it being particularly lightweight made it instantly a contender for one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 headsets out there. After weeks of playing Pokemon Fire Red, Pokemon Legends Z-A, and an evening of Pokemon Pokopia, these have definitely become my go-to pair for nights where I want to snuggle up in bed for an evening of handheld gaming under the cozy covers. Again, I was a bit niffed they didn't make the intensive battle music for Legends Z-A sound as loud as I liked, but I easily got over that when I was able to play Pokopia for hours without so much as an awkward tingle on my head.

The lightness of this headset did make it feel a bit cheap. The plastic form factor is made from up to 46% post-recycled plastics, which is a lovely factoid to know as someone who is pretty eco-conscious. Yet, that has resulted in plastic yokes that feel a bit sharp at the edges. That's not my only grievance, either, as the G325 also has a pretty dire microphone quality, which is what I was worried about when I first learned about its beamforming design.

Testing the mic came at an unfortunate time as I was dealing with a throat infection, but even then, every sample I recorded via G Hub sounded muffled and unclear. In practice, my friends had little issue hearing me talk in games like Repo and Marvel Rivals, but there were a few moments where I had to repeat myself, which wasn't fun when my throat was on fire. Typically, in those moments, I'd adjust the boom arm of the mic I was testing, but there is no physical boom arm with a mic of this kind.

I understand that Logitech went in this direction with the microphone to keep things as lightweight as possible. However, I'd sooner of preferred a detachable microphone like that found on the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless, if it meant being able to have better quality to contend with.

Should you buy the Logitech G325 Lightspeed wireless headset?

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

If you want a gaming headset and weight is your biggest concern, the Logitech G325 Lightspeed is a valid choice. It feels so light on the headset that each and every time I wore it for testing I would have a moment where I forgot it was there.

These moments even lent themselves to what I was playing, as titles like Resident Evil Requiem sounded all the more terrifying when my brain instinctively thought the creepy zombie mutters were happening in the same room. For gaming on the go, it's a particular blessing as you can hook these up to the Steam Deck or Switch 2 via Bluetooth and lay back in bed, or sit in the back of a coffee shop for hours without any pain to your noggin.

I have a particularly sensitive head as a chronic migraine sufferer, so I found this pair to be a dream compared to the heavy headsets I'm used to testing. However, while the G325 has the benefits of an affordable price and lightweight design, grabbing it will mean having to deal with a less-than-ideal microphone. The beamforming mic has a muffled sound and will peak no matter how naturally quiet or loud your voice is.

This isn't a huge issue if you stick to single-player games, but I'd much sooner advise you watch for the $109.99 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless to drop in price if you want a better mic. Especially as the G325's microphone is not one you'll want to expose to your friends via Discord voice chat on a regular basis.

How I tested the Logitech G325 Lightspeed wireless headset

The Logitech G325 Lightspeed became my one and only headset during a two week testing time, which included whether I was playing my PC, PS5, Switch 2 or just hopping on to listen to some music while working. During that time, I specifically tested a range of games, including Counter Strike 2, Marvel Rivals, and Paranormasight The Mermaid's Curve on the PC. Additionally, I used Resident Evil Requiem, Marvel Rivals, Death Stranding Director's Cut, and Doom Eternal for testing on the PS5, and Pokemon Pokopia on the Nintendo Switch 2.

When not testing games, I was using the pair to listen to music via Spotify, including Da La Soul, Mystery Skulls, and even the string quartet covers found within the recent Bridgerston Season 4 soundtrack. In that two-week testing time, the G325 was also my go-to pair for catching up with Smosh Reads Reddit Stories on YouTube, and binge-watching all of How to Get to Heaven From Belfast on Netflix.

If the Logitech G325 Lightspeed doesn't do the job, I've also rounded up the best PC headsets for gaming, the best PS5 headsets, and the best Xbox Series X headsets that will make your games sound their absolute best.

The Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro is the cutest headset I've ever tested, and it's never been cheaper

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 16:45:39 +0000

I sometimes feel a bit embarrassed to admit that I absolutely adore the Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro and the rest of the best gaming headsets out there with cat-ears. There's a weird stigma attached to them that, because they're cute, means they mustn't be an actually decent pair of cups, but that couldn't be further from the truth.

While I try not let that embarrassment get to me, what does get to me is their price, as this pair in particular is $179.99, which is a hefty sum to pay for a wireless headset with the brand's older 40mm TriForce Titanium audio drivers. That's why I love that they're down to just $129.99 at Amazon today, as it cuts a huge $50 off their full price and makes them far more purr-fectly reasonable for those like me, who love all things cute and high in quality.

Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro wireless gaming headset | ~~$179.99~~ $129.99 at Amazon
Save $50 - Earlier this year, the Mercuary White Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro wireless gaming headset dropped to a then record-low $160. However, this month it's now even cheaper at just $129.99, saving you $50 off this pair's customizable cat-ear lighting, tri-mode (Wired, Bluetooth 2.4GHz) wireless audio, up to 70 hours battery life, and compatibility with everything from the PC, PS5, up to the Nintendo Switch 2.

Buy it if:

✅ You unashamedly love cute cat-ear headsets
✅ You play PC/PS5/Switch/Switch 2/Steam Deck
✅ Having wired, Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless is a must

Don't buy it if:

❌ You're more of a dog person
❌ You need a lighter headset

UK: £169.99 at AmazonView Deal

Should you buy the Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro gaming headset?

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

If you've been aching for one of those cat-ear headsets, then by all means, this should be the one you get - especially now it's down to $129.99 today. This is the first of Razer's Kraken Kitty line-up to include not just Bluetooth, but also 2.4GHz wireless into the mix, which makes it better suited for those who play on everything from the PS5 to the Nintendo Switch 2.

As the Sony console doesn't natively support Bluetooth, the best PS5 headsets all require having some form of wireless 2.4GHz dongle, which you get with this pair. Previous Kraken Kitty headsets, such as the Kraken Kitty V2 BT, relied on Bluetooth only, so you'd have needed to grab an adapter to make it PS5-friendly. Not to mention, having that low-latency 2.4GHz connectivity makes setup easier for the PS5 and pretty much everything, as you just need to pop the dongle in a spare USB port and you're golden.

Switch 2 players will need to have it hooked up to the handheld's dock, but you can switch to Bluetooth if you're a handheld mode preferer like I am. No matter your platform of choice, Razer's signature 40mm Razer TriForce Titanium audio drivers sound sublime. During my review, I tested everything from Marvel Rivals to Repo, and the soundstages sounded equally as clear and balanced. Yet, PC players are going to have a better time with the sound of the Kraken Kitty V3 Pro.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

PC players will have access to THX Spatial Audio, which is particularly incredible to have at your disposal for online games. Every creek of the Headman Manor map in Repo sounded utterly terrifying with the spatial audio tech, and even my friends' screams and cries sounded as if they were going off all around me. Even if you prefer single-player games, this will elevate the immersion of everything you play.

During testing, I also managed to customize the RGB cat-ear lighting to my own voice, which resulted in some particularly hilarious Repo moments. Your screams become less terrifying when your gaming office lights up pink each and every time you open your mouth. You can, of course, turn this off, and you'll reach closer to that optimum 70-hour battery life. But I will warn you that after grabbing this headset, you'll find it impossible not to want to have the cat-eyes glowing at every opportunity.

If you're on the hunt for a cat-ear headset, the Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro is the one I'd recommend, especially as it's current $129.99 deal price. Unfortunately, it's just the white version that's this cheap today, so you'll need to keep a closer eye on the pink version if you're chasing after that even cuter, pink aesthetic.

View all Razer Kraken Kitty gaming headsets at Amazon
View all Razer gaming headsets at Amazon

I've also rounded up the best PC headsets for gaming, the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Xbox Series X headsets if you're not a cat person.

There's still time to grab the limited edition Marathon PS5 headset, but the controller is a prettier sight to behold

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 17:11:38 +0000

Limited edition PS5 tech typically doesn't stay in stock long. Yet, on the lead up to Marathon's big release date on March 5, those on the hunt for one of the best PS5 headsets still have the chance to grab the Marathon Pulse Elite Wireless gaming headset.

The PlayStation pair of cups takes Sony's Pulse Elite Wireless and gives it a Marathon makeover, featuring green, pink, and gray iconography on the headband that's extracted straight from the extraction shooter (get it). At $169.99 (PS Direct) a pop, you are paying a $20 mark up from the plain version, but that's usually a given with any kind of licensed PS5 accessories. Yet while it's a perfectly on-brand accessory for a future weekend marathoning Marathon, I much prefer the look of that DualSense controller.

Sony PlayStation

PULSE Elite wireless headset - Marathon Limited Edition

Sony PlayStation

DualSense Wireless Controller - Marathon Limited Edition

Pulse Elite Wireless - Marathon Limited Edition PS5 headset | $169.99 at PS Direct
The limited edition Marathon Pulse Elite Wireless gaming headset swaps its plain white headband for some Marathon art, but remains compatible with the PS5 and PS Portal devices. While stock remains plentiful, PS Direct has limited this unique headset to one per order.

UK: £74.99 at PS Direct UKView Deal

I wish there were more going on with the official Marathon PS5 headset. It's "inspired by Marathon’s bold graphics and industrial surfaces," and yet very little of it has been modified. It doesn't look bad, and I love it whenever the best PS5 accessories look like something you could actually find in an in-game universe. But it would have been nice to see more than just the headband receive any Marthon themeing. Neon green ear cups, maybe?

The rest of it is just your average Pulse Elite Wireless gaming headset, with its planar magnetic audio drivers, retractable microphone, and up to 30-hour battery life. The pair also utilizes the brand's PlayStation Link tech, which allows you to hook up to your PS5 or PlayStation Portal device using a low-latency wireless connection - something that'd be an ideal tool to have up your tool for an online-only multiplayer shooter like Marathon.

(Image credit: Bungie/PlayStation)

It also utilizes one of my favorite features of the headset, its unique charging hanger. When taking a break between running across planet Tau Ceti IV, you can hang up the headset and keep it charged. It also acts as a nice display method, in case you want to show off that you have the limited edition accessory.

If you're not hugely a fan of its design like me, you could alternatively grab the limited edition Marathon DualSense controller, which is $84.99 at PS Direct and also readily available. I'm so used to making a mad dash to PlayStation's official online store when it comes to funky controllers to avoid stock issues, like with my original Astro Bot pad, that this surprised me. Yet, the stunning white and green PS5 controller is still up for pre-order in all its officially licensed glory.

Again, it's just a re-skin of sorts, but if the larger surface area makes much better use out of Bungie's Marathon imagery. From the neon green and black logo on the touchpad to the tiny PlayStation icon details surrounding the face buttons, it's one of the better limited edition DualSense designs I've seen in a long time.

Both the limited edition Marathon Pulse Elite Wireless headset and the limited edition Marathon DualSense controller are expected to launch on March 5, along with the game. PS Direct's stock game remains strong for now, but I'd recommend running to these as soon as you can to avoid any disappointment.

View all limited edition DualSense controllers at PS Direct
View all PS5 gaming accessories at Amazon

Our team has also rounded up the best SSDs for PS5, the best PS5 controllers, and the best PS5 external hard drives if you're preparing your setup for marathoning Marathon this month.

Audeze Maxwell 2 review: still an incredibly impressive audiophile gaming headset, but it could have done more

Tabitha Baker — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 12:56:55 +0000

I often found it hard to wholeheartedly recommend the original Audeze Maxwell among the rest of the best gaming headsets on the market. The OG was, and the new Audeze Maxwell 2 still is, at the top of the food chain when it comes to clean, accurate, powerful audio, but the previous headset's comfort shortcomings and more audiophile-leaning feature set largely held it back.

After spending hours with the new headband redesign on my noggin, I can confidently say Audeze has fixed one of its issues. Whether there's enough outside of audio quality to draw players away from more feature-rich headsets is another matter.

Key Specs
Price	$329 / £339
Connection	2.4GHz / Bluetooth / Wired
Drivers	90mm Planar Magnetic
Frequency response	10Hz - 50kHz
Microphone	Hypercardioid w. AI noise reduction
ANC	No
Controls
Battery	Up to 80 hours
Weight	560g
Compatibility	PC, PS5, Switch, mobile (Xbox variant available)

TL;DR: What is the Audeze Maxwell 2?

The Audeze Maxwell 2 is a long-awaited follow up to one of the best wireless gaming headsets of the last decade, a planar-magnetic set from a brand well recognized in the audiophile space.

It's a heavy, chunky device (though improvements in the headband have mitigated the original's comfort issues) that puts audio quality at the forefront in a way no other headset can. That means it's incredibly clear, but doesn't offer the same kind of bass engineering that you'll find from the likes of the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro.

At $329 / £339 it's right at the top of the price spectrum, beaten only by the super premium SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite ($599.99 / £599.99), and will suit those after clarity and power in the higher ranges better than those hunting down a warmer bassy experience.

What I love about the Audeze Maxwell 2

Audio quality still sits at the forefront

(Image credit: Future)

The Audeze Maxwell 2s are clean, incredibly clean. The mids and highs are separated beautifully with a space and power that goes beyond anything I've heard from a gaming headset, well - maybe barring the original Maxwells. This is a headset built around offering a faithful, crisp sound quality that allows instruments to breathe and shine independently. That means it excels in both single player and competitive scenarios.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's gorgeous soundtrack, crucial dodge cues, and intricate sound effects are all pushed to the forefront of the soundstage with a fantastic sense of impact and precision. What impressed me more, though, was the clever handling of busier soundscapes. Doom: The Dark Ages is a cacophony of bass-heavy backing tracks, demon screeches and gunfire, and I could pick out every layer with surprising detail while never feeling overwhelmed by lower ranges, as is so common when testing headsets on this particular title.

I keep saying it, but this really is the cleanest in-game experience I've had - even the clunky machine sounds of Horizon Forbidden West were nicely separated on PS5 (and that's often the biggest single-player test each headset faces). That kind of staging also makes the Audeze Maxwell 2 a force to be reckoned with in competitive arenas.

Footsteps and gunshots are brought straight to the top of the priority list in CS2, even among more complicated sound effects and jingles.

Music absolutely shines as well. Tracks like "The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel" gain an extra dimension with this much space in the soundscape, while the distorted lower tones of Grandson and President maintain their clarity even through grittier processing. Higher ranges are perhaps the punchiest I've heard them, with a whole ballroom of space in the mids as well.

Where the Audeze Maxwell 2 may fall down for some is the lower end. Everything here is pristine, but that means I lost a little of the bass grunt I've come to appreciate from headsets like the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro and even, to a lesser extent, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. Jumping slightly further up the price scale, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite offers a similar level of clarity (though I find it doesn't quite have the scale of the mid-range) while offering a warmer, less clinical tone overall.

I will say, though, throwing on "Figure It Out" by Chandler, Stafford Beats, and YNG Martyr with the Bass Boost EQ preset applied gave me a satisfying jolt of bassy goodness.

Excellent comfort improvements

(Image credit: Future)

The original Maxwells were cursed with a comfort problem that came up nearly every time I felt myself about to recommend them. The Maxwell 2s were in danger of doubling down on this problem, with a heavier, bulkier form factor - they've been saved by a simple headband adjustment, though.

The part of the ski-band style topper that straps itself across the crown has been widened to provide additional support compared to the original. Whereas I've grown used to sacrificing a comfortable noggin for the Maxwell's sound quality, the Audeze Maxwell 2s are remarkably well tailored.

No longer can I feel the full pressure of a giant set of cups handing off a skinny piece of rubber across the top of my head. Instead, the improved weight distribution means I've been wearing this headset for sessions lasting up to around four hours without feeling any discomfort.

That's supported by the lighter clamp force, generously padded leatherette earcups and an almost-square ear cut-out that keeps everything nicely enclosed with no pinching. It's not the most comfortable headset I've used - that award goes to the almost floating design of the Turtle Beach Atlas Air. I can still feel this thing on my head, but it's come a long, long way.

Long-lasting battery life

(Image credit: Future)

In my first week of testing, I used the Audeze Maxwell 2 for a few evening sessions of Doom: The Dark Ages, CS2, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, running for between two to four hours at a time, listening to music for roughly four hours during the day. At the end of the week. After all that, I still had 45% battery left to play with.

That tracks with Audeze's estimate of 80 hours per charge, a rate that beats out the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro's 70 hours. It nearly quadruples the battery life of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, but there's a heavy caveat here. The Arctis Nova Pro (and Elite) use hot-swappable batteries that remove the need for charging at all. It's a better system overall, and is one of the reasons the Maxwell 2s might struggle to compete in a more casual gaming setup.

What to consider

No major developments over original

(Image credit: Future)

Side by side, it's easy to spot the differences between the Audeze Maxwell 2 and its predecessor. That wider headband, a slightly thicker cup size, and additional controls visually distance the new generation from the old. On the head, though? There's not too much to report on.

This is still the same 90mm planar magnetic driver with a frequency range of 10Hz to 50kHz as the original. Don't get me wrong, there's no point in fixing something that wasn't broken - but it's worth knowing if you're looking to upgrade your existing headset based on an audio quality boost.

The new model does feature the brand's SLAM tech, said to boost the lower ranges and enhance spatial positioning. Listening to the two side by side, there might be some evidence of this is more concentrated testing, but in every day music and gaming I didn't feel the benefits of these upgrades too keenly.

There are small enhancements, particularly in the spacing of that low range, but they largely fall into the 'iterative' camp rather than the 'revolutionary'. It's no bad thing, but worth acknowledging.

Drops premium features from other headsets

(Image credit: Future)

Here's where things turn a little sour. I was incredibly excited about those improvements in comfort when Audeze announced the Maxwell 2s, and now that they're fixed I've been keen to integrate the headset into my everyday PS5 and PC setup. In doing so, I've noticed a few sacrifices that I seem to have taken for granted from other devices.

The most surprising was the lack of simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz audio. This is a premium feature on the best PS5 headsets and best PC headsets, but it's a given on any other device with a starting price over $270 these days. Being able to channel both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth sources separately is a surprisingly large part of my day-to-day, it turns out. Whether that's throwing my own tunes on while traversing Fallout 76 or picking up a group chat call halfway through a gameplay session, I was shocked to find out the Maxwell 2s won't play ball.

Audeze's software has seen a major overhaul with the new release, and it's much improved over the original barebones program. However, it's still not as rich as SteelSeries' suite of extra features. The Nova Pro model benefits from an EQ hub with easy adjustments for both PS5 and PC, while the Nova Elite adds support for a massive library of per-game presets. Audeze has a few dedicated presets to its name and a 10 bad equalizer to play with.

At this kind of pricing it's also reasonable to expect some extra charging features these days. SteelSeries headsets benefit from hot-swappable batteries but other models like the Astro A50 X and Fractal Scape use docks to keep those charges topped up when not in use. We're back to just plugging in via USB-C here.

Finally, the mic is fine. It's a microphone that will pick up your voice and does an adequate job of blocking any other noise out. It's not quite got the richness of alternatives from Razer, though. A gaming headset doesn't need a podcast-quality microphone, that's a benefit you'll have to seek out separately, but the Maxwell 2 coasts in this department.

Should you buy the Audeze Maxwell 2?

(Image credit: Future)

Ultimately, my recommendation for the Audeze Maxwell 2 matches that of the original, with the caveat that I'm more likely to suggest the new generation based on its enhanced comfort features.

That is to say, if you value balanced, clear, high quality audio more than extra quality of life features this is going to be a worthwhile investment. If you want an easier life with still-fantastic sound that provides slightly more bass grunt, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite's additional features will pull their weight (though that is one serious price tag) as will the cheaper SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless.

There's not enough here to justify an upgrade if you already have a set of Maxwells, but if you're investing in an audiophile gaming headset for the first time this is absolutely where I'd direct your cash.

How I tested the Audeze Maxwell 2

I used the Audeze Maxwell 2 for three weeks, with one week spent directly comparing against the Audeze Maxwell, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite, and Razer BlackShark V3 Pro. I primarily tested across Doom: The Dark Ages, Horizon Forbidden West, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, and CS2, while also playing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Planet Coaster, and Life is Strange: Double Exposure. I split testing across both PC and PS5, while listening to Spotify lossless on PC and an iPhone 13 Pro. For more information on how we test gaming headsets, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

We're also rounding up all the best Xbox Series X headsets and the best Nintendo Switch headsets on the market. Or, take a look at the best gaming earbuds for a more portable option.

The top 5 things you should know before buying a PS5 gaming headset

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:04:27 +0000

As a Sony console connoisseur, I always recommend that friends grab one of the best PS5 headsets when they finally make that next-gen leap.

A high-quality headset designed with the PS5 in mind can make or break your experience with a game, but there's a lot more to consider than meets the eye. I mean, the PS5 is almost six years old at this point, so while it's still an impressive piece of kit, it's not entirely up to date with the latest audio tech. For one, did you know that unlike the Nintendo Switch 2, the PS5 doesn't natively support Bluetooth audio? Well, now you do, and I've got a lot more factoids where that came from.

To make choosing your new PS5 headset an easier feat, I've narrowed down the top 5 things you should know as soon as possible. That way, choosing the best gaming headset for your Sony console will be an easier feat. I've even thrown in some of my top PS5 headset recommendations for good measure.

5. The PS5 doesn't have native Bluetooth support

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

The PS5 does not natively support Bluetooth headsets. If you want to use a headset that relies purely on Bluetooth connectivity like the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT Kuromi Edition, you will need an adapter, or you'll need to source an entirely different headset altogether.

While Sony hasn't officially stated why Bluetooth is a no-go for audio, it's highly likely that this is to avoid any annoying latency issues. Not to mention, any interference when it comes to the official wireless DualSense controllers.

There are plenty of adapter options on the market, including the UGreen USB-C Bluetooth Adapter for PS5 for $29.99 at Amazon, which you can pair with to get your headset rolling. I much prefer relying on a 2.4GHz wireless connection myself, as it will help fight against any lag, which is pretty important if you play a lot of online PS5 games. Yet, if your budget can't extend to a whole new pair of cups, grabbing an adapter is a cheaper alternative.

4. You can switch off automatic headset connectivity

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

If you have already bought your headset and have the 2.4GHz wireless dongle of a pair like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless or the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, you might have noticed that your audio will automatically output to them every time you turn it on.

While annoying, you can turn this off, saving yourself a big headache. It's pretty easy to do, too. All you need to do is turn on your PS5 and navigate to: Settings > Audio Output > and toggle "Switch Output Device Automatically" off.

From now on, every time you boot up your PS5 with a wireless dongle inserted, the audio will output to your TV (or TV speakers), saving you from reaching for that DualSense controller and messing around with your settings. Honestly, this should be the first thing after adding the PS5 headset of your choice to your online shopping cart.

3. The PS5 can't support Hi-Res audio

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

If you're a bit of an audiophile and fancied grabbing a headset like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite, please be aware that the PS5 won't get the full splendour of its Hi-Res Audio ways.

Like most consoles, Sony's pixel-pusher audio maxes out at 48k/16bit, and can't keep up with the 96kHz/24-bit capabilities of the Elite and other hi-res headsets. That doesn't mean the Elite doesn't make PS5 sound incredible. I definitely discovered that games like Marvel Rivals and Death Stranding Director's Cut sounded impeccable through the 40mm Brass Surround + Carbon Fiber audio drivers. However, it does mean that you should consider other options if you're purely a PS5 player.

The Arctis Nova Elite has a $599.99 (Amazon) MSRP, and that's a big chunk of change to lay down when its main feature isn't compatible with the PS5. Other Hi-Res alternatives can be just as pricey. In this instance, I'd much sooner recommend our best PS5 headset pick, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, as it's prone to discounts and still includes some of the Elite's best features, like its hot-swappable battery tech. Plus, it sounds pretty incredible too.

2. Wired headsets can sound just as good as wireless

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

It's very easy to assume that affordable wired headsets must be worse in quality, but that isn't always the case. Take the Turtle Beach Atlas 200 for PS5, for example. This wired headset was designed for the Sony console and mind, and despite its affordable $59.99 (Amazon) MSRP, it's still packing impressive 50mm-sized Nanoclear audio drivers.

When I originally took the Atlas 200 for a spin during my review, I was amazed at how the low-cost cups amplified the horrors of Still Wakes the Deep. The creepy mutterings of the monsters that waited for me upon the derelict oil rig sounded like they were right next to me. A natural soundscape, especially one that makes dialogue sound rich and realistic, is typically found more on pricier open-back PS5 cups like the Skullcandy Crusher PYLR 720 Wireless. Yet, the Atlas 200 can muster up a sound that rivals headsets that cost more than double its MSRP.

Being at the mercy of a wire is never fun, but the 200 keeps things just long enough so it's not pulling down your head once you hook it up to the 3.5mm jack of your DualSense controller. There's also the RIG R5 Spear Pro HS available for $69.99 (Amazon), which packs in Graphene Coated 40mm audio drivers that eliminate any would-be distortion caused by low bass frequencies.

1. Trust me, you want a better battery life

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

Ensuring you have a decent battery life should be a priority when it comes to buying a headset for any platform, including the PS5. There's nothing worse than getting truly immersed in online matches of Fortnite and Marvel Rivals with your friends, only for your cups to give up and leave you frantically searching for a charging cable.

As much as I adore the PS5, the measly battery life of the DualSense controllers annoys me enough. I don't want to add any headset battery woes on top of that. The best way to get around a bad battery is to simply do a bit more research before you pick the right PS5 headset for you.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless is available for $199.99 at Amazon and is PS5 compatible with its monumental up-to-300-hours of battery life. That's pretty much the gold standard if you want the best in battery, but the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is just as valid a pickup with its hot-swappable batteries. Alternatively, if you want to keep your costs far below the $200 mark, you can grab the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless instead.

So long as you can spare 15 minutes when things get dire, you can get 9 hours of playback with its fast charging feature. Even better, it still provides that comfortable standard the Arctis line is known for, but it is just $109.99 (Amazon) and is prone to discounts, making it a more budget-friendly pickup for the battery-conscious.

View all PS5 gaming headset deals at Amazon
View all gaming headsets at Amazon

I've also rounded up the best PC headsets for gaming, the best Xbox Series X headsets, and the best Nintendo Switch headsets if you aren't a Sony fan.

The Logitech G325 headset is as light as a cloud, and my migraine-having butt has never been happier

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 14:27:25 +0000

I've been testing the new Logitech G325 Lightspeed to see if it's one of the best gaming headsets on the market, and while that remains to be seen, I can confirm that it's the lightest pair of cups I've ever had the pleasure of placing on my head.

It weighs just 212g. That may not sound that light to some, but there have been multiple occasions now where I've gone to try and find the $79.99 (Amazon) headset, only to remember that it, in fact, is still on my noggin. You'd think I'd have noticed, given the eerie soundtrack of Paranormasight The Mermaid Curse was permeating my eardrums, but it's very easy to forget you're using a pair of cups that feels as light as a cloud.

Logitech G325 Lightspeed Wireless gaming headset | $79.99 at Amazon
The Logitech G325 Lightspeed wireless gaming headset isn't just literally light, but it's light on price too, with its $79.99 MSRP. For just under $80, you also get compatibility with a range of platforms from PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Steam Deck, and more, a 24+ hour battery life, and Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity.

UK: £69.99 at LogitechView Deal

During the briefing I had with the headset shortly before launch, Logitech described the G325 as weighing as "light as two decks of playing cards," and that feels pretty accurate. I sadly don't have any cards at hand to balance on my head to check against the statement officially. But using the pair is such a comfortable experience that I believe them.

Lately, I've been so used to using the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite, which is 380g, so the 168g difference has been pretty noticeable in the best possible way. The Elite isn't especially heavy, but as someone who's been suffering from chronic migraines nearly their entire life, I appreciate the extra relief from my head. The plastic headband of the G325 is also perfectly padded, and it doesn't feel too soft or too firm, which is what you want to avoid any discomfort.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

I've been recovering from a pretty bad flu lately, and any form of sickness can be a trigger for more migraines. Being sick and having to keep testing headsets usually makes me wince as I want to relieve my head of pressure and not add to it. Yet, using the Logitech G325 throughout the past few days of flu-ridden hell has been more than comfortable. In fact, it's even alerted me to the fact that the G325 is an ideal headset for gaming in bed.

You definitely can't fall asleep in these. This is still a headset at the end of the day, and the plastic ear cups will hurt if you roll onto your side. However, their lightweight nature is ideal for curling up under the covers with a game. The Paranormasight sequel launched on Steam earlier this month, and I've been playing it almost exclusively with the headset in bed.

With the headset so lightweight that I forget it's there, I've been able to get more immersed in the spooky horrors on my Steam Deck, which is exactly the experience I wanted for the sequel to one of my all-time favorite horror games. Even better, the 32 mm audio drivers sound pretty fantastic too, making it a contender for one of the best Steam Deck headsets out there. I had my worries that such a light-feeling pair of cups would mean the quality wasn't up to par, but the drivers can still pack a punch. Even at full blast, there's no wobbling or audible distortion, just a clear and crisp sound instead.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

I'm still in the middle of my testing, so the jury is still out on whether I love the Logitech G325 Lightspeed for more than its lightweight feel and great sound. This is the Logitech headset that has an invisible beamforming microphone, which has me feeling certain things as someone who likes to have an adjustable boom arm at their fingertips.

The absence of a physical microphone is what helps contribute to its weight, so there is that. Yet, I'd much rather have preferred a detachable mic like that found on the SteelSeries Arctis Wireless 3 over one I can't even see and move around to get the best sound. We'll see how it, and the rest of the Logitech G325 Lightspeed, measure up when I write up my review next week.

In the meantime, if having a super light headset is of the utmost importance to you, this could be the pair for you.

View all Logitech gaming headsets at Amazon
View all gaming headsets at Amazon

I've also rounded up the best Nintendo Switch headsets, the best PC headsets for gaming, and the best PS5 headsets if you're on the hunt for a comfortable pair of cups.

Latest from GamesRadar+ in Headsets-headphones

GTA 6 is powered by Sony's Tempest 3D audio tech, and these are the PS5 headsets that'll give you the best sound this November

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Sony Inzone H6 Air Wired Open-back Gaming Headset review

Key specs

Design

Features

Performance

Should you buy the Sony H6 Air gaming headset?

How I tested the Sony H6 Air gaming headset

It won't be revolutionary for most people, but the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro 2's charging dock button deserves an award

I hate to admit it, but these SIVGA in-ear phones have replaced my wireless gaming buds simply out of laziness

From budget-friendly pairs to premium-sounding powerhouses: these are my top-rated gaming headset picks for 2026

Shop the collection

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

For each day I'm too lazy to charge a headset, I'm glad I have the Turtle Beach Atlas 200 by my side

These incoming Anker Pokemon earbuds have got me charged up for all the wrong reasons

Sony's PS5 earbuds take centre stage in the Days of Play sale, but the SteelSeries Game Buds are the real star

The new Sennheiser Momentum 5 is incoming, but it's not the EPOS replacement you might be looking for

The SIVGA M260 wired earbuds are a Y2K-fueled trip down memory lane, and my new budget pick

Key specs

Design

Features

Performance

Should you buy the SIVGA M260 wired earbuds?

How I tested the SIVGA M260 wired earbuds

These official Hatsune Miku earbuds come with a leek case, but we can't have them

Why you should keep tabs on the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless this Memorial Day

Is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless still worth it?

LucidSound has entered the budget headset fray with a new battery champion that provides one hour of battery for every $1

Why the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni is the new, unrivaled king of our headset guides

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni wireless gaming headset is the Nova Pro killer I've been dreaming of, and the best I've ever tested

Key specs

Design

Features

Performance