If you were asked to conjure up the generic image of a gaming headset in your head, you're likely imagining an all black or all white pair of cups, and that's to be expected.
Most of the brands behind the best gaming headsets launch their cups in black or white. However, 2025 marked the year when some brands, like SteelSeries and Turtle Beach, made sure to make their latest headsets in a range of different colorways to suit a variety of setup types and themes, and I hope that the variety of colors for headsets is a trend that continues into 2026 as the new year approaches.
Earlier this year, SteelSeries released the new SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless gaming headset, which didn't just launch in the suspected all black and white models like the headsets before it. Instead, it was also available in a lovely Aqua and Lavender versions, providing more variety for those who wanted it.
For review, I was given the Lavender version, which is draped out in a lovely pastel purple colorway, and looks far more fitting in my cute, gaming-themed setup than the all black version would. It's also the same headset under its purple exterior, with its 40mm Neodymium audio drivers, Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless audio support, fast charging, and support for over 200+ audio presets - there's no style over substance here.
SteelSeries didn't do this with just one release over 2025 either. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 headset was available in black, white, and Magenta when it launched on October 14 earlier this year. This new colorway was particularly unique as it provided a dark pink shade, when other pink headsets, like the Razer Kraken Kitty V3 line, resort to light pink shades instead. Unfortunately, there was no Aqua or Lavender like with the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless release, but to see any color alongside the all-black and white models was a treat. I review a ridiculous number of headsets every year as the resident headset nerd of the GamesRadar+ hardware team, and the sight of all black and all white colorways gets monotonous and boring over time.
SteelSeries isn't the only brand that was experimental with its color variety this year, but Turtle Beach also got in on the trend. In February of 2025, the brand released a new purple SKU of the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 wireless gaming headset, which saw the cups covered in a dark, deep purple shade.
Cris Keirn, CEO of Turtle Beach Corporation, stated in the February 13 2025 press release that he was "happy to give gamers a wider range of colors" when it came to the headset, and I can see why. The deep purple shade stands out from other headsets on the market today, and means that players have more of an opportunity to grab a high-quality PC headset that can match up with their setup, especially if they're particularly fond of the color purple.
A dark, deep purple doesn't match up with my white and pink PC gaming setup theme, however, I was happy to see this version of the cups pass my testing bench at the start of the year. Not only was the headset sporting the new colorway, but even the 2.4GHz dongle was purple too, which made it easier to find amongst my ever-growing collection of wireless dongles for the many headsets and accessories that find their way into my setup.
I'm not entirely sure why this added variety has been a trend seen throughout headsets this year, but I'm glad to see it. More variety is always the more consumer-friendly choice, as it means anyone looking to upgrade their headset can do so while picking out a design and look they actually like, without having to stick to the all-black look purely as it might be the only one available at the time.
My only guess at the swarms of new color varieties could have something to do with streaming, and having PC and console setups that look as aesthetically pleasing as possible to viewers who might get a glimpse into your gaming setup. The advent of TikTok content also means that there are plenty of people showing off their dedicated themed PC and console areas of their house, and having these extra colorways can give a better choice to those who need to keep everything looking as video-friendly as possible. No matter the reason, I'm all for it.
Gaming headsets will still most commonly be available in black and white models, and that's likely going to change any time soon. Recently, I've reviewed the Sony Inzone H9 II wireless headset and the RIG R5 Spear Pro HS, and both are available in black SKUs, with Sony opting for a white version too, likely to better match the headset with the white design of the PS5 console itself.
However, with extra emphasis put on the look of headsets as well as their specs when it comes to things like streaming, I'm excited to see the trend of new colorways continue as we enter the big new year of 2025. If anything, at least it will ensure that everyone has more choice and variety and can better unify their PC and console gaming setups to the color and aesthetic of their choosing - which I am a fan of this year, and will be the next.
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- SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless | $109.99 at Amazon
Our guides to the best PS5 headset, the best Xbox Series X headset, and the best Nintendo Switch headset are full of cups, which are available in a range of colorways for all your aesthetic setup needs.
