For another year running, the best PS5 headset remains the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. This is a juggernaut of a headset, offering a rich, robust audio quality with the kind of quality of life features others could only dream of. Not only that, but because it's been on the shelves for a little while now it's also undercutting a lot of the new releases on price.
In the last year, Razer has sent its BlackShark V3, Corsair has posted its Virtuoso Max, and even Sony has been in the running with its new H9 II. The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless always seems to keep its head above these competitive waters, though, surviving on a combination of quality, value, and unique features.
The quick list
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless isn't just the best PS5 headset on the market, it's our favorite gaming headset overall. Its pricing and even its audio quality and feature set regularly beats more recent releases, and it's still going strong in 2025.
A wired connection and a sub-$60/£60 price tag, the Turtle Beach Atlas Air is the best budget PS5 headset we've tested so far. You're not skimping on sound quality here, and Tempest 3D is fully supported as well.
With its fantastic audio, excellent additional EQ presets, and slick design, the Nova 5 is the best option for most players. You're getting excellent value for money overall, while sacrificing some of the Pro's more premium features.
With its HDMI switcher capabilities the Astro A50 X takes the lead over the SteelSeries for those regularly swapping platforms. That does come with some sacrifices though.
If you're after pure Tempest 3D Audio as Sony intended it, the Pulse 3D headset is still one of the best options on the market. It's also surprisingly cheap and comfortable.
Razer has SteelSeries beat in its mic performance here, with the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro offering a superior comms experience overall. This is also going to be a better fit if you prefer a bassier response as well.
The Audeze Maxwell has a more neutral soundstage than the Nova Pro Wireless, as well as a larger 90mm Planar driver. They just sound better, but their features aren't quite as focused on gaming so there are some trade offs.
The PlayStation 5 might be five years old, but it remains my favorite current-gen console out there, especially when it's paired up with one of the best PS5 headsets. I very rarely pick up my DualSense without one. My years of being a gaming tech writer covering headset reviews, and before that, my time spent as a professionally trained musician dealing with high-end audio, has meant I know what separates a good headset from a great one - and I'm here to share that wealth of knowledge with you now. That way, you won't waste your time and money on a pair that doesn't meet your PS5 gaming needs, no matter the budget you have to spare.
The best PS5 headset overall
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is more than the best PS5 headset out there, it's our favorite gaming headset overall. This super flexible, incredibly powerful, set of cups hit all the right notes (and then some) during our testing, proving itself a monster on the battlefield with plenty of extra features up its sleeve as well. All that still rings true all these years later, it's fended off competition from Corsair, Razer, Logitech, Turtle Beach and more and still sits next to my PS5.
Here's why.
The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless has a rich, deep, and fantastically well textured audio quality and it manages to combine that audio pedigree with additional features that actually make life easier. Gaming headsets often pad out marketing with these extra gadgets, but a multi-platform hub with easy-access EQ settings, hot-swappable batteries keeping you juiced up the entire time, and a retractable microphone make tangible improvements to a setup.
There are a number of gaming headsets taking aim at this $350 price point, but none quite offer the full package.
Yes, the Audeze Maxwell might have an edge in audio quality (it's more neutral and offers a wider, more detailed soundstage overall) but its hard, heavy form factor has nothing on the softer, lighter Nova Pro Wireless. Its features are also less focused on gaming overall, with detachable microphone and limited EQ settings on PS5.
The Astro A50 X is better for multiplatform switching with its integrated KVM hub (you can swap both your audio and video feed between Xbox and PS5 at the tap of a button), but this introduces more issues than it solves for a lot of players. Most notably, it doesn't suit those with different setups in different places and can't beat SteelSeries' Bluetooth versatility.
Both these headsets feature further down the page, but SteelSeries has also beaten the more recent Sony Inzone H9 II and Razer BlackShark V3 Pro. The latter got full marks, with a booming sound quality that emphasises bass tones particularly well the best mic we've used on a PS5 headset. EQ settings are a little trickier to manage here, though, and you're dropping that easy charging system. Sony's own Inzone model is more PC-focused but while it matches SteelSeries in a lot of arenas, it falls particularly short in battery.
Read more: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless review
Comfort | 5/5 |
Audio | 5/5 |
Battery | 5/5 |
Microphone | 5/5 |
Versatility | 5/5 |
Build quality | 5/5 |
Should you buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless?
Buy it if:
- You want to invest in a long-term headset
- You play on both console and PC
- You don't want to worry about battery
- You prioritize versatility
Don't buy it if:
- You don't want to tinker with EQ settings
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless vs the competition
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Sony's own entry has a lot in common with the Nova Pro Wireless; ANC, a lightweight design, and a $349 MSRP. This thing sounds fantastic and, overall, rivals SteelSeries in audio prowess, but it can't quite keep up with the quality-of-life features.
The next PS5 headset that comes closest to stealing the Nova Pro Wireless's crown is the Audeze Maxwell. You'll find it a little lower down the page for its audiophile qualities, but it's the audio profile that really punts this planar magnetic model up the recommendation list. That comes at some sacrifice, to EQ settings, battery, and microphone features. It's also considerably less comfortable over longer sessions.
The best budget PS5 headset
The Turtle Beach Atlas 200 can be found for less than $60 / £50 but still manages to offer premium-sounding audio and a particularly comfortable form factor. Those are often your first sacrifices when hunting down a budget PS5 headset, so Turtle Beach is already off to a good start.
The Atlas 200 really wants you to know it's an officially licensed headset, with a crisp white and blue colorway and PlayStation logos stamped on each side of the elastic headband. It's a clean design, though, and remains in keeping with the PS5's aesthetic. It's also super comfortable, resting neatly on the crown and holding out at just 280g.
Yes, you're dropping a lot of the features that you'd find further up the price scale but for $60 / £50 you really just want comfort and audio. If you want to rip the Band-aid off, Turtle Beach has made its biggest sacrifices in the microphone. It's a tiny plastic detachable number with a thin piece of white foam protecting pop sounds. It sounds as cheap as it is, but it functions (better than some we've tested).
Crucially, it works next to a set of cups that over perform for their price. With Tempest 3D Audio fully supported, Silent Hill f proved particularly powerful in our testing, and more competitive scenarios are well catered for as well. The Atlas 200 maintains precise directional audio in Marvel Rivals, even in a busier soundstage.
Comfort | Row 0 - Cell 1 |
Audio | Row 1 - Cell 1 |
Battery | Row 2 - Cell 1 |
Microphone | Row 3 - Cell 1 |
Versatility | Row 4 - Cell 1 |
Build quality | Row 5 - Cell 1 |
Should you buy the Turtle Beach Atlas 200?
Buy it if:
- You want powerful sound
- Comfort is a priority
- You don't mind a wired connection
Don't buy it if:
- You rely heavily on your mic
The best value PS5 headset
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless is the line's middle child, but it's one of the more recent releases for PS5. That means it can pack even better value than the Nova 4 and Nova 7 it finds itself in between. You lose the hot-swappable batteries, hub, and some of the audio power and build quality of the Nova Pro Wireless, but you're spending significantly less and you even gain some EQ add-ons.
That's because the Nova 5 comes with the Arctis companion app. This software gives you access to a massive number (now 300+) of EQ presets created by sound engineers and game developers themselves and tailored specifically for a huge supply of games. You're getting the perfect EQ settings for everything from Fall Guys to Fallout, all just a click away on console. That's not something we see every day, where EQ settings like this a generally locked away for PC users.
Audio straight out of the box is compelling, but we were surprised by just how well the various EQ presets worked with each game we tested. Yes, some are more useful than others - we're not sure just how much a dedicated Fall Guys option really adds. But there were also some shocks in there - cinematic Baldur's Gate 3 scenes benefitted greatly and - of course - you're getting plenty of competitive options in there as well.
With easy connection options across a massive range of devices, but a specific focus on bringing game-specific EQ settings to consoles like PS5, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless makes for a fantastic headset. It's well priced, excellent value for money, and incredibly versatile. The only reason my eyes would stray towards the similarly priced Razer BlackShark V2 Hyperspeed is if my microphone was particularly important. The Nova 5 has a solid arm on it, but it doesn't reach the super wideband heights of Razer.
Read more: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless review
Comfort | 5/5 |
Audio | 4/5 |
Battery | 3/5 |
Microphone | 5/5 |
Versatility | 4/5 |
Build quality | 5/5 |
Should you buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless?
Buy it if:
- You want tailored EQ settings
- Durability is a priority
- You play across a range of platforms
Don't buy it if:
- You want an EQ display
- The mic is your top priority
The best multiplatform PS5 headset
If you primarily play on PS5, but also have an Xbox Series X waiting in the wings, the Astro A50 X is going to be your best friend. This premium model comes in at a higher price than the Nova Pro Wireless, but throws in a unique HDMI switcher feature that lets you hop between consoles at just the touch of a button. Meanwhile, the excellent audio and Tempest 3D compatibility mean the overall experience still remains powerful between the cups as well.
It's less comfortable than the Nova Pro Wireless overall, with harsher plastic sides and a thin material covering the headband. It's also got that robot-aesthetic that doesn't quite match the softer lines of the Nova. There's also a Bluetooth problem.
The Astro A50 X only routes your Bluetooth connection through the hub itself. That means no on-the-go play, a major consideration if you're eyeing it up. Have multiple consoles in the same setup and don't need to travel with your kit? This is the best PS5 headset for you.
The base station keeps the full 4K 120Hz signal of the HDMI 2.1 cables intact, and switches seamlessly between the two provided both are set to rest rather than turned off. Both the headset and dock are plastic in construction, but both feel sturdy enough to survive some beating. There's a particularly soft swivel to each side which means the cups will sit flush against your head without pinching on the ears, though this looser approach does make slotting the headset onto the charging contacts on the base station a little more fiddly.
Featuring the same graphene driver tech as the Logitech G Pro X2s, the Astro A50 X is an absolute belter. There's a particularly deft handling of competing audio across all the ranges here, as well as a powerful bass and well-spaced higher tones as well. Between the bullet-hell cacophany of Doom Eternal's battlegrounds and the thwacks of an Evil West fist fight, audio was booming where it needed to be and delicate elsewhere. That makes for a particularly well-rounded listening experience, not only in games but across music and movies as well.
Read more: Astro A50 X review
Comfort | 4/5 |
Audio | 5/5 |
Battery | 5/5 |
Microphone | 3/5 |
Versatility | 3/5 |
Build quality | 4/5 |
Should you buy the Astro A50 X?
Buy it if:
- You play both PS5 and Xbox
- You only play at home
- You prioritize spatial audio
Don't buy it if:
- You split between different setups
- You need to play on the go
- ANC is a must
The best PS5 headset for Tempest 3D Audio
Sony's official PS5 headset is still a top performer and has consistently been one of our favourites. If you're going all in on 3D audio this generation, this is the most cost-effective option we've tested.
Sharing the same design language and aesthetic that the PS5 and its accessories have, the Pulse 3D headset maintains a subtlety in its form - there's no extruding boom mic, and all the tech is discreetly hidden.
That 3D tech really is at the forefront of the Pulse's package, which means there are other sacrifices in this spec sheet. There's no retractable mic, and battery life could certainly be better. Yet, the headset delivers undeniable quality in its sound and comfort.
It delivers gloriously rich and detailed sound as you traverse Astro Playroom's noisy noisy platforms, and gives multi-layered audio detail in the roar of combat in Miles Morales. However, it is in the quieter moments that the Pulse 3D headset and the PS5's Tempest audio magic really blew us away: spaceships zoom past your head in Astro, or footsteps' exact direction of travel being discernible in Miles Morales. There's a reason that this is the official headset, and we can see from our testing and hands-on that Sony invested in it.
The results are awesome, and it is absolutely one of the best PS5 headsets - and it's at an aggressive price point too. Sony's official device goes above and beyond the call of duty for its price point, even if there are some microphone sacrifices to get there.
Read more: Pulse 3D headset review
Comfort | 4/5 |
Audio | 3/5 |
Battery | 1/5 |
Microphone | 2/5 |
Versatility | 3/5 |
Build quality | 5/5 |
Should you buy the Pulse 3D headset?
Buy it if:
- You want to make the most of Tempest 3D audio
- You need a low weight
- You don't use your mic often
Don't buy it if:
- You regularly play online with chat
- You need a sturdy battery life
The best microphone on a PS5 headset
The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is a sturdy release by itself, even extending a little further into the lower ranges for more bass oomph compared to the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. However, where it truly stands apart from our top contender is in its microphone.
Razer uses its new full band microphone on the V3 Pro, an upgrade even from the V2 Pro's super wideband model. 'Full band' essentially just means the microphone is capable of picking up frequencies across the entire range of human hearing - nothing is left out here.
Its predecessor was already leading the market, and the newer release polishes that trophy a little further. It's one of the richest mic experiences we've had during testing, with excellent noise reduction, a super textured vocal reflection, and plenty of detailing.
This high-end headset is also decked out with ANC, simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz audio, comfortable ear cups, and a great sound thanks to its Razer TriForce Bio-Cellulose 50mm Gen 2 audio drivers. It's deeper than SteelSeries' audio, but rather than being directly better it's geared more towards those who prefer power in the bass ranges rather than space in the mids.
The PS5 version of the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is designed officially with the Sony console in mind, and brings all the impressive qualities that blew us away with the PC version to console players - especially its rich and fantastic sounding full-band omnidirectional microphone that makes it perfect for online gaming fans.
Read more: Razer BlackShark V3 Pro review
Comfort | 4/5 |
Audio | 5/5 |
Battery | 4/5 |
Microphone | 5/5 |
Versatility | 4/5 |
Build quality | 5/5 |
Should you buy the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro?
Buy it if:
- You regularly play online with chat
- You prefer more power in the low ranges
- You prefer material cup covers
Don't buy it if:
- You don't use the mic too often
- You prefer a flatter soundstage
The best PS5 headset for audiophiles
The Audeze Maxwell offers the best audio I've heard on a PS5 headset so far, hands down. Why is it not at the top? Because Audeze goes all in on that sound quality, at the expense of comfort, customization and mic quality. If you're going for audiophile listening first and foremost, you'll have a field day here - but as a headset for the vast majority of players looking to upgrade, it's more difficult to recommend.
We'll start with the good. You'll be looking to a set of 90mm planar magnetic drivers (see which gaming headset drivers you should choose for more) to provide that super wide soundstage the Maxwells are known for. Essentially, these drivers use a different method of vibrating the diaphragm between magnets, one that reduces distortion and increases responsiveness. It's truly fantastic sound, I use these headphones not just for gaming (though I do keep the Nova Pro Wireless next to my PS5 for their convenience features) but for music listening sessions as well.
It's a beautifully detailed stage, with space for intricacies at both the low and high range to shine through. The size of these drivers and the sophistication of the tech here is unmatched on the market today.
So what do you lose compared to SteelSeries? Just about everything else the Nova Pro Wireless has going for it. The Maxwells have a solid 80 hour battery life but you're still plugging in to recharge, EQ presets are a little fiddly and pretty basic on the smartphone app level and the microphone suffers in quality compared to even cheaper gaming headsets. You also sacrifice ANC and simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections.
There's also the build. The Maxwells might feel more durable with their large aluminum and steel parts and hefty weight, but they weigh just as heavy on the head. There's a rubber elastic strap to alleviate pressure, but this is still a two-hour max endeavour.
Read more: Audeze Maxwell review
Comfort | 3/5 |
Audio | 5/5 |
Battery | 4/5 |
Microphone | 3/5 |
Versatility | 4/5 |
Build quality | 5/5 |
Should you buy the Audeze Maxwell?
Buy it if:
- You prioritize audio over everything else
- You don't use your mic often
- You play in shorter bursts
Don't buy it if:
- You prefer to prioritize quality of life features
How we test PS5 headsets
Every PS5 headset we come across goes through weeks of testing before we make our final review assessment, but we don't just leave these cups on the test bench. These headsets are slotted into our everyday play, becoming our daily drivers for work, play, streaming, and music during their testing period.
On PS5, we test across a range of different games, each posing a slightly different question of the device itself. Doom Eternal is used to see how well a driver separates a bassline from more intricate details in the mid-range. Horizon Forbidden West is excellent for measuring a clustered mid-range and how well the headset handles sometimes overpowering environmental sounds when competing with dialogue. Spider-Man: Miles Morales expands upon directional audio in a more condensed environment.
Apex Legends is used to test the directional accuracy of a headset, putting it through its competitive paces for both precision and mic volume. Finally, Dead by Daylight is used to see how the headset deals with a more atmospheric sound, and how it places voice chat within its subtle soundscape.
Of course, we're also playing whatever game sits on our backlog at the time during testing as well. These titles can differ depending on the access of any given reviewer, but it's always pertinent to test headsets during a whole range of games. Ensuring we're using not just the same games across each headset we test, but also brand-new releases is pertinent to recommending each and every set of cups.
Beyond pure audio performance, we're also comparing similarly priced headsets based on design and features. We're continually measuring comfort levels across cushion depth, materials, size, shape, and temperatures as well as headband padding, structural shape, and adjustment options. We then look at the extra features on offer in comparison to other spec sheets, noting connection, EQ, control, battery life, microphone type, and noise cancellation.
Once reviewed, each PS5 headset is scored out of five across six categories; comfort, audio, battery, microphone, versatility, and build quality.
For more information on how we test gaming headsets, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.
Also tested
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How to choose the right PS5 headset for you
If you don't know where to start in your search for the best PS5 headset, it's worth taking stock of what it is you need from your cups, and what features you need the most where your Sony setup is concerned.
If it's a wireless headset you're after, make sure you're getting a 2.4GHz dongle for the fastest connection. You can push the boat out further with an additional Bluetooth option for additional flexibility as well. Headsets part of this list, like SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, provide both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity.
If you play in a busier environment, or you want your headset to double up for commutes, you'll want to invest in something with either active noise cancellation (the digital blocking of external sound) or passive noise isolation (the physical blocking of external sound, via a tighter clamp force or larger ear cushions).
Battery life is important to consider if you don't want to be worrying about tapping out due to low power or having to plug in before or during a play session. Battery lives generally range from 20 - 50 hours these days, with 70 hour options and hot-swappable battery features available in more premium models.
Best PS5 headsets: FAQ
What is the best PS5 headset?
At the moment, the best PS5 headset is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. However, if you're looking to make the most of that Tempest 3D Audio we'd recommend checking out the PlayStation Pulse 3D model instead. For anyone regularly playing online with chat, the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is your go-to.
Is any headset compatible with PS5?
The great news is that an unbelievable number of headsets are indeed compatible with PS5! In fact, it'd be easier to tell you which ones aren't. However, for clarity, any headset that has a wired 3.5mm jack connection, a wired USB connection, or almost any headset that uses a 2.4GHz dongle will be compatible with a PS5. As a result, this opens up a world of possibilities when looking to get some audio givers for your PS5. What's more, any compatible and connected headset will get you all the benefits of the PS5's Tempest 3D Audio engine.
Can you use a Bluetooth headset with PS5?
The PS5 doesn't pack a Bluetooth connection by itself, which means you'll need to pick up an extra adapter if you want to use a Bluetooth headset or set of earbuds with your console.
Glossary
- ANC: Active Noise Cancellation; a digital process of removing external audio picked up by microphones by adding a separate sound to cancel it out.
- Closed-back: A headset design where the driver is completely enclosed in the body of the cup. This is the norm for gaming headsets.
- Driver: The part of a gaming headset that produces the audio by converting electrical signals into sound waves.
- Dynamic: A driver type; dynamic drivers are the most commonly used in gaming headsets due to their low cost and wide range.
- EQ: Equalizer; a feature usually found in a gaming headset's software that allows for the fine-tuning of each frequency point along the device's audio range. EQ settings are used to emphasize or de-emphasize certain sounds like basslines or treble.
- Frequency response: The range of frequencies a gaming headset can produce, usually sitting at 20Hz - 20kHz, the range of human hearing.
- Graphene: A lightweight but sturdy material used in the drivers of high-end headsets to reduce distortion.
- Latency: The speed at which a wireless headset can receive information from your PS5, a higher latency will result in missed audio cues and is inadvisable for competitive play.
- Open-back: A headset design where the driver is not enclosed within the main body of the headset, offering a more spacious and natural soundstage while also bringing sound bleed in both directions.
- Planar: An alternative, more expensive, driver design that prioritizes clarity in low-end frequencies and reduces distortion while also proving more responsive in-game.
- Tempest 3D Audio: Sony's audio engine that uses object tracking to create realistic directional audio.
If you're not exactly in the PlayStation camp, we're also rounding up all the best Xbox Series X headsets and the best Nintendo Switch headsets on the market right now.
