The best Nintendo Switch headsets in 2024

The best Nintendo Switch headsets do more than simply provide a private soundstage. However, the nature of the console means brands have to design these cups carefully and a lot of the more generalized gaming headsets on the market don't quite quality for this particular list. Instead, we're looking at the features Switch players need in particular. That means long battery life, a portable form factor, and emergency wired connections are the order of the day here. 

Thankfully, there's no shortage of devices geared directly for the Nintendo Switch and we're rounding up all the best headsets we've personally lived and played with, spanning all budgets and playstyles. In short, our favorite right now is the Razer Barracuda X, but there are plenty of options above and below that $100 price tag. 

Each device on this list has undergone intensive testing well beyond the initial weeks of reviewing - we keep these gadgets in constant roster alongside new releases to truly make sure they live up to their price tags.

The Quick List

The best Nintendo Switch headset overall

The best Nintendo Switch gaming headset

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed back
Cable length: 1.5m
Drivers: 40mm Razer Triforce
Weight: 250g
Compatibility: Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Android mobile

Reasons to buy

+
Subtle aesthetic
+
Comfortable memory foam cushioning
+
Breathable material
+
Widely compatible
+
Low-latency Bluetooth mode
+
Impressive sound quality
+
50+ hour battery life

Reasons to avoid

-
No Synapse support
-
Wired performance drops quality

The 2022 Razer Barracuda X takes over from the previous 2021 model at the top of our list. Its low price point (for a wireless gaming headset of this quality), long battery life, powerful audio, and lasting comfort make it the best Nintendo Switch headset for the majority of players. 

Buy it if:

✅ You play in handheld mode on the go: The ease of this USB-C connection (and Bluetooth if you're in a pinch) and subtle design means this is a go-to travel buddy.

✅ Portability is a big factor for your commute: Of course, that Bluetooth functionality, comfort, subtle aesthetic, and long battery life also makes the Barracuda X a perfect commuting solution. 

✅ EQ settings don't interest you:  The Barracuda X is designed to be simple so there aren't a ton of EQ settings to pore through to get great audio straight out the box. 

Don't buy it if:

❌ Software support is important: The Barracuda Xs aren't compatible with Razer's Synapse software so you won't have the same level of control over EQ as you would a more expensive device. However, you're still getting some customizations in the Razer app. 

❌ You want to fall back on a wired connection: The wired connection isn't powered, so we noticed a significant drop in quality when bringing a cable in to play. 

Design: At just 250g, these are some of the lightest cups on the market right now - beating the Logitech G733 which is often touted as one of the most comfortable options. That means you'll be able to dive into particularly long play sessions, Switch battery allowing, without feeling the strain. That's because there's a nicely padded headband and plump cushioning on either side, which makes for a nice temperature without crushing your ears. That subtle aesthetic also means you'll get away with using the Barracuda Xs as more than a Nintendo Switch headset - these are more than passable as an everyday set of headphones. 

Features: Sure, there's no Synapse support for more PC focused players, but the 2022 model's Bluetooth functionality means the Razer Audio app is now in play. That means you can quickly customize EQ settings and personalize the experience in a number of ways. On top of that the new release also offers playback controls on the headset itself - perfect for commuting. 

Audio: The audio even straight out of the box is impressive - with robust, well rounded soundtracks, effects, and dialogue the quality of which is rare to find at a sub-$100 / £100 price point. That sound signature is identical to the previous year's model, but we were celebrating that one back in the day as well. We loved the crunchy growls of Doom's soundtrack and gun noises, but the Barracuda X could also handle the twinkling melodies and intricacies of Super Mario Galaxy just as well.

Verdict: The Razer Barracuda X storms in with an excellent $99.99 price point, without sacrificing any features a Nintendo Switch player would be looking for. We loved that the subtle aesthetic, tap media controls, and new Bluetooth functionality (the previous model was 2.4GHz only) mean the Barracuda X will fit into any commuter's journey but it's the overall value for money that really shines through here. 

Read more: Razer Barracuda X (2022) review

The best budget Nintendo Switch headset

The best budget Nintendo Switch headset

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed back, over ear
Connection: Wired
Drivers: 40mm neodymium
Weight: 236g
Compatibility: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, PC

Reasons to buy

+
Clear and well balanced
+
Multiplatform
+
Comfortable

Reasons to avoid

-
Surprisingly warm

SteelSeries has been making some serious moves recently, with the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless topping the charts (and the price range) with its audio prowess. The much much cheaper SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 still offers that same premium pedigree, but in an affordable $59.99 / £59.99 form factor that will serve Nintendo Switch players particularly well. 

Buy it if:

✅ You want a simple plug and play headset: Say what you want about the old days, those easy 3.5mm connections drop a ton of pain points over newer wireless options. Just plug it in and you're good to go.

✅ You want easy compatibility across other platforms: If you're buying for more than a Nintendo Switch you won't have to worry about the Arctis Nova 1's compatibility - you can use this with anything with a headphone jack. 

✅ A wireless connection isn't a priority: If you don't care about maintaining a cable-free setup, there's no point in investing extra cash in a wireless connection. 

Don't buy it if:

❌ A wireless connection is a must: If you want to play in docked mode without a wire tethering you to the TV you're going to want to check out a wireless model. 

❌ You want rich audio in the lower ranges: The Arctis Nova 1s do struggle in the lower ranges, which is to be expected at this price point. 

Design: The design is a far cry from the luxuries of more expensive models, but you've still got a comfortable form factor overall. That lighter weight is playing a large role here, ensuring the Nova 1s remain ergonomic during longer play sessions and aren't a burden to take with you on the go. An elasticated inner headband keeps the plastic main band off the noggin well, and some memory foam in the cups themselves goes a long way as well. 

We did notice that the fabric material did get warm after a while, though. This is a wired headset with a smaller footprint, so there's no need to worry about bulking out your backpack with a worryingly expensive piece of kit. However, you're still getting 2022 level quality - and it's surprising how far that Arctis line will take you even in these cheaper seats. 

Features: The Arctis Nova 1s are unsurprisingly lean in features. This is a simple plug and play wired Nintendo Switch headset after all. However, that 3.5mm connection means you're getting excellent compatibility with just about anything (sorry iPhone) making this a particularly versatile piece of kit. On top of that, you're getting all the onboard volume and mic mute controls as well. 

Audio: We were surprised to find that the audio coming from the Nova 1s was actually comparable to that of models further up the line. With the Nova Pro is obviously far out in front, there was a solid similarity between the sound profile here and in the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7. That just goes to show how far audio technology has developed in recent months - for $60 / £60 you're getting quality that would have been well into the three figures just a few years ago. As it stands, we were impressed with the well balanced sound on offer, with rich dialogue and a wide open soundstage of a plethora of genres. While the lower end is a little more artificial (there are some sacrifices to be made for the cash) this is a particularly well tuned set of cups for the price. 

Verdict: Overall, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 represents excellent value for money in this cheaper price range. An easy plug and play system that won't break the bank (or your backpack), this is the best Nintendo Switch headset for those looking to spend less than $60 / £60. 

Read more: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 review

The best luxury Nintendo Switch headset

The best luxury Nintendo Switch headset

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed back; over ear
Cable length: 1.2m / 4ft
Drivers: SteelSeries Premium High Fidelity Drivers
Weight: 337g
Compatibility: PC, PS4, PS5, Switch

Reasons to buy

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

Reasons to avoid

-
One of the most expensive premium headsets going

If you've got a very, very healthy amount of cash to drop on a Nintendo Switch headset you’ll definitely be interested in Steelseries’ new wired flagship Arctis model. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is currently rated as the best headset on the market overall right now, which means you're getting some serious luxury here. 

Buy it if

✅ You have a multiplatform setup: That dual-connection hub is a godsend for anyone who pairs their Nintendo Switch with a PS5 and PC. 

✅ You don't want to worry about battery: With hot-swappable batteries (and the space to charge one from the main hub), you won't have to worry about juice anymore. Simply swap them over when you run out of charge.

✅ You play open world games: The Arctis Nova Pros absolutely sing in a detail-heavy open world environment. Larger scenes are this headset's bread and butter.

Don't buy it if

❌ You don't play across multiple platforms: If you just play Nintendo Switch, you're not going to get the best value out of this investment.

❌ You don't want to tinker with EQ settings: There's a little work going into getting the best sound from these cups, so if you don't want to dive into the graphs we'd recommend looking elsewhere.

Design: First and foremost, it’s a step up in comfort and looks. Gone is the old ski goggle headband design, replaced by a new internal headband suspended from press studs on the headband inner. The earcups themselves feature a similar shape, but now have recesses and emphasize a circular motif in the middle, finished in a magnetised and swappable plate featuring Steelseries branding. The real showstopper here is the earcup cushioning, though - softer pleather or memory foam you’ve never touched. The result of that is an even comfier fit than previous Arctis models provided, and it was already their strength. We do wonder how it’ll hold up over time, though - those plastic hinges and new headband design don’t look as durable as on previous models. 

Features: Where do we start? The Nova Pro Wireless is packed with extra features including hot-swappable batteries, a dedicated DAC system (with platform switching), and super easy EQ adjustments. Of course, you're going to get the most out of those additional features if you also play across PC and PS5 (and ideally within the same setup), however if you're looking to splash out you might as well do it with the best. Those extra features do, however, mean that the Nova Pro Wireless isn't the best Nintendo Switch headset for everyone. You're spending a lot of cash on these add-ons so if you won't make the most of them, it's not worth the additional investment. 

Audio: Sound quality is the biggie here though, and the Nova Pro Wireless offers up some of the clearest and most well defined soundscapes we've tested yet. Not only is this a supremely powerful audio, but the Nova Pro Wireless has even upped the ante when it comes to performance in the lower ranges. This is where the predecessor, the Arctis 7P, struggled, but everything is well and truly beefed up here. 

Verdict: The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a sizeable investment, but if you're after a true luxury headset and you split your time between Nintendo Switch and other systems it's well worthwhile. No, this isn't going to be the best purchase for everyday Switch players, but the audio quality, unique extra features, and all-round comfort make it the best for premium value. 

Read more: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro review

The best Nintendo Switch headset for in-game chat

The best Nintendo Switch headset for game chat

Specifications

Drivers: 50mm
Weight: 680g
Features: Wired connection, Bluetooth
Works with: Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PC, all phone and tablets

Reasons to buy

+
Well-rounded audio quality 
+
Excellent for voice chat
+
Dual connection for wired and Bluetooth
+
Comfortable and sturdy

Reasons to avoid

-
Mic placement is a bit awkward

The Corsair HS70 Bluetooth headset is perfect for those after a Nintendo Switch headset with a mic for voice chat. If you're looking to stream both in-game audio and Nintendo Switch Online chat features through the app at the same time, there's no other set of cups like it. 

Buy it if

✅ You regularly play online with chat: If you're a Nintendo Switch app regular, this is going to be a lifesaver. You can finally string your game and chat audio through the same set of cups.

✅ You're happy with a wired connection: That wired connection might not be best if you're playing from a dock that's farther away, but if you're happy plugging into your console or a controller this is excellent value.

✅ You want a solid audio quality: On top of those Bluetooth features, the HS70 Bluetooths also offer excellent audio quality to boot.

Don't buy it if

❌ You want a fully wireless connection: If the cable is a deal-breaker there are other wireless options out there for a similar price.

❌ You primarily play on a different console: This device has been tailor made for the Nintendo Switch, so while that wired connection will work with other devices you'll find more platform-specific features elsewhere.

Design: This is far from a flashy design, the matte black finish runs throughout the entire headset without a single glimmer of RGB. That's perfect for those after a more subtle aesthetic, and especially welcome considering so many cheaper headsets opt for brighter colors and cheap LEDs. You're getting a soft, though leatherette, padding to each cup for a nice level of comfort, and we particularly appreciated the larger cup design, which envelopes the ear rather than pushing against the side of the head. 

Features: With a dual-connection between 3.5mm and Bluetooth, you can finally easily stream both audio channels through the same headset, and take advantage of a decent mic at the same time. That's an excellent Nintendo Switch feature that certainly fixes one of the biggest pet peeves many initially had with the system, but this cheaper price point doesn't skimp on the audio quality either.

Audio: There's a well-rounded sound up for grabs here, with rich performance across all ranges and nicely balanced bass. All of that means everything from thrashing action to quieter open-world moments sounds great here and performs at a much higher level than you'd expect from the price alone. All of that comes in a sturdy, comfortable package. The HS70 Bluetooth is a little weighty in the hands, however, once it's on your noggin the over-sized ear cups and premium padding along the top of the headband will keep that pressure off the skull. 

Verdict: Overall, you're getting a good set of headphones here for the cash. it's worth noting that you'll only be able to get a wired connection for Xbox and PlayStation - though PC players can still connect through Bluetooth. That makes this a decidedly Nintendo Switch focused affair, where the Corsair HS70 Bluetooth really has the chance to shine. 

Read more: Corsair HS70 Bluetooth review

The best gaming earbuds for Nintendo Switch

The best gaming earbuds for Nintendo Switch

Specifications

Battery life: RGB / ANC off: 6.5 hours + 26 hours in case
Connection: 2.4GHz / Bluetooth 5.2
Noise cancelling: Yes
Compatibility : PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch, mobile, (Xbox version available)
Mic: Omnidirectional

Reasons to buy

+
Premium aesthetic and feel
+
Low latency Hyperspeed connection
+
Dual Bluetooth and 2.4GHz
+
Wide soundstage with excellent balance
+
Particularly strong dialogue performance

Reasons to avoid

-
Tap gestures are too unreliable
-
Additional setup steps on PC

The Razer Hammerhead Hyperspeeds are the latest earbuds to leave the brand's factory and with active noise cancellation, rich audio quality, and a long-lasting battery life they're the best gaming earbuds not just for Nintendo Switch but overall as well. 

Buy it if

✅ Low latencies are a high priority: The Hammerheads are supremely quick across both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless connections. 

✅ You value high quality game audio: If you're investing more in audio quality, you'll be particularly pleased here. There's plenty of power behind these buds and some solid ANC to keep everything else out as well. 

✅ You commute regularly: That noise cancellation comes in particularly handy if you're commuting regularly - as well as the pretty solid battery life.

Don't buy it if

❌ You want to rely on tap gestures: The tap controls on these Hammerheads aren't great, and they're too unreliable to fully slot into your everyday listening.

❌ You're not concerned about aesthetics: Razer has covered the case with a premium feel and added some extra RGB flair to the buds themselves. However, you're paying for both of these with either your wallet or battery life, so if you're not fussed about looks there are better options out there.

Design: It certainly helps that the Hammerheads come in a particularly luxurious build quality. Contrary to the only slightly cheaper Turtle Beach Scout Airs, everything from the case to the individual buds feels durable, and even premium. Our only concern comes from the fact that there's no internal housing for the 2.4GHz dongle - you'll be transporting this plugged into the USB-C charging dock of the case itself, which doesn't feel too secure. 

Features: That choice in connectivity is going to be a big factor for any Nintendo Switch players out there. You can easily slot the USB-C dongle into your handheld for play on the go, or keep things at Bluetooth level for docked gaming as well. We noticed a speedy connection no matter the method, and easy setup across the Switch system. 

That's also handy for the commuters among us, you can quickly double up your earbuds for everyday music when those thumbs get tired. That said, we did notice a few tricky moments with the tap gesture controls - they're not all too reliable, to the point where we gave up trying shortly into our testing. 

Audio: Nevertheless, stick these things in your ears and you're going to be surprised by the depth and richness of the audio on offer. Attention is paid across the full soundstage, but we were particularly impressed by the full-bodied dialogue and punchy lower ranges. 

Verdict: At just $149.99 / £149.99 you're not at the top of the price scale here. In fact, considering there's plenty of EQ adjustments in the Razer Audio app, RGB built into each side of the buds, and both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz USB-C connection options you're getting excellent value for money overall.

Read more: Razer Hammerhead Hyperspeed review

The best budget earbuds for Nintendo Switch

The best budget earbuds for Nintendo Switch

Specifications

Acoustic design: In-ear
Connection: Wired, 3.5mm
Drivers: 10mm neodymium
Weight: 82g
Compatibility: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, PC

Reasons to buy

+
Impressive performance in lighter games
+
Excellent price point
+
Comfortable even over a long period of time

Reasons to avoid

-
Can struggle with heavier soundscapes

At $24.99 / £19.99, the Roccat Syn Buds Core aren't going to win any audiophiles over, but they do perform remarkably well for such a low price point. We still keep these wired earbuds handy in a Nintendo Switch case, ready to plug and play whenever we're stuck for audio while out and about. 

Buy it if

✅ You never want to be without audio: The wired design means there's no need to faff around with keeping these buds charged. Simply throw them in a carry case and you've always got audio when you need it. 

✅ You play games with a lighter soundstage: Like many cheap earbuds, the Syn Buds Core do run much better in a lighter soundstage than a more complex audio profile. 

✅ Budgets are tight: You can't argue with this quality at this price - you're spending well under $30 / £30 here after all.

Don't buy it if

❌ You play competitive online games: There's very little directional audio in here, and certainly not enough to keep up with more competitive endeavors.

❌ You want the best audio quality possible: Realistically, you're not going to get the best sound from a budget set of earbuds - these are for those who need functionality over raw power. 

Design: The buds themselves do stand out from other budget wired earbuds you'll find on the market. The angular lines of the main buds and Roccat logo stamped on each side are your main clue that these are being sold as a gaming option, for example. That design means they do stick a little further out of the ears than other options, but they still manage to hold a decent level of comfort for longer sessions.  

Features: A simple set of earbuds in a neat little carry case (and with inline mic and volume controls) is really all you need if you're in a pinch and these buds have come through for us on a number of occasions. There's very little in the way of extra features here - this is a super cheap plug and play system with the core basics covered well. 

Audio: That bargain price shouldn't leave you remembering the gummy earbud days of yore, things have moved on since then. For your cash these days, the Roccat Syn Buds Core handle a wide variety of genres surprisingly well. Super Mario Sunshine was translated particularly delicately in our testing, allowing the multi-layered melodies to sing vibrantly while still remaining distinct. These lighter soundscapes are where the Syn Buds Core are at their best. The roars of Doom didn't fare quite so well. A busier stage does prove a little too much for these headphones to maintain their clarity. Lower ranges are a little too limited to force themselves through heavier scenes, and you lose the mids and highs in the eventual flattening as well. 

Verdict: We wouldn't recommend these for the most discerning of traveller, but if you're after a cheap set of gaming earbuds, the Syn Buds Core are working a lot harder for their price compared to other options on the market right now. 

Read more: Roccat Syn Buds Core review

Nintendo Switch headsets: FAQ

Razer Barracuda X gaming headset

(Image credit: Future)

What is the best headset for Nintendo Switch?

The best Nintendo Switch headset we've tested is the Razer Barracuda X. It balances a low price point with excellent audio quality without overloading you with features the system won't be able the use. You can spring for something a bit more premium (we'd recommend the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro if you're going all the way to the top), but for casual everyday play the Barracuda X is all you're going to need and slightly more. 

Should you buy a Nintendo Switch headset with a mic?

Nintendo Switch headsets with mics are generally designed to be used across a range of console platforms. That's because it's very difficult to make good use of a microphone on your headphones when playing on Switch. Nintendo requires its players to route their voice chat through their smartphones, using a particular app. Only the Corsair HS70 Bluetooth headset fixes this issue, by allowing you to run game audio from your console and voice chat audio from your phone at the same time. Having these two audio sources coming from different devices usually makes the Nintendo Switch headset with mic redundant. 

However, Nintendo is starting to improve its native support for voice chat. Fortnite and Warframe are currently the only titles that allow you to use voice chat directly from your console. That means Nintendo Switch headsets with mics attached are becoming a lot more useful. If you plan on diving into either of these titles, we'd recommend making sure there's a microphone attached to your cups. 

Can any headphones work with Nintendo Switch?

If you don't want to splash out on a whole new Nintendo Switch gaming headset, the good news is you can use pretty much anything with a 3.5mm or Bluetooth connection on your console. You might not get the most game-friendly audio (directional cues might be muddier and sounds might be slower reaching your ear), but it's certainly a budget-friendly workaround for anyone who doesn't want to buy a new device. 

How to find the best Nintendo Switch headset for you

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There's a lot to choose from when picking out the best Nintendo Switch headset for you. From picking out your budget to finding the right form factor for your play style, here's how to find the best set of cups for you. 

Wired vs Wireless
A wired headset will be a lot cheaper but can be limiting, especially if you're looking to play with your console in docked mode. However, you won't have to worry about running out of battery so much when you're out and about. If you play in handheld mode the most, it's a lot easier to pick up a wired headset that will suit you.

Budget
A major consideration is how much you want to spend. Thankfully, Nintendo Switch headsets rarely cost the earth, like some PC options tend to. You can get away with spending less than $40 / £40 on your new set of cups, with plenty of budget options all offering some excellent value for money at this more affordable price point. This is the price of an entry-level model, with passable audio and a cheaper build.

However, between $50 and $150 (£50 and £150) you'll notice the quality of your audio (in particular the handling of the bass and finer mid-range details) increasing, more premium and comfortable materials, and more wireless options on the market.

Above this price range, you'll start picking up more sophisticated positional audio features, enhanced mic qualities, longer battery life in wireless headsets, and lighter weights as well.

Over ear vs in ear
We're seeing more and more earbuds hitting the market, vying for a position as one of the best Nintendo Switch headsets. These are usually cheaper, and can be more comfortable if you don't want a headband and often warmer ear cups getting in your way. Plus, these are far easier to throw into a case when you're out and about. However, you won't get quite the same quality here.


We're also rounding up all the best PS5 headsets as well as the best Xbox Series X headsets. Or, if you're out of the console game, check out the best PC headsets on the market right now.

Tabitha Baker
Managing Editor - Hardware

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

With contributions from