The best PC gaming headsets

The fourth generation of the ASTRO A50 headset has been subject to absolutely no degeneration. The look has toned things down a little from its ancestors, but still carries a powerful profile with hidden on-board volume controls and mod-ready pads. The docking base has had a facelift too, and now carries a reduced desk footprint. More importantly, the drivers inside the pretty shell deliver an exceptional sound profile. Thanks to the ASTRO Audio V2 and Dolby Atmos, the surround sound is faultless. The bass is tight and punchy, the mids are well-balanced and helps vocal audio cut through with precision, while the highs sing with delight. For those looking to get into the details of their audio experience, the ASTRO Command Centre software lets users get under the A50's hood and customise profiles at will.Pros: Excellent execution in all areasCons: Expensive

SteelSeries, the master of hiding immense power in unassuming shells, has jammed the Arctis Pro Wireless with a formidable 10Hz to 40KHz frequency range. This is roughly double the range you're going to find in a standard headset, and the result of this overabundance is a sound profile that is truly a joy and pleasure to experience. The drivers deliver a sound where every single element of audio is represented in uncanny and immersive clarity, with DTS Headphone v2.0 surround sound working to place the listener in its centre. A nice touch is the dual-audio, allowing the PC audio and a sperate Bluetooth device (i.e. smartphone) to allow simultaneous playback – ideal for those who like to chat while they game. The wireless transmitter is a nice tactile addition, and provides a strong and reliable wireless connection. Even the retractable microphone, a relatively pedestrian feature, has been designed with care. The Arctis Pro won't leave gamers high and dry either, thanks to its dual-battery system, which always sees one battery charging while another is in use.Pros: Brilliant features, impressive frequency range, subtle designCons: Battery can be fiddly to change

When we reviewed the Logitech Pro X headset, we were blown away The Logitech Pro X is a remarkable headset, thanks to its accomplished design, immaculate spatial audio, and crystal-clear mic performance. The drivers deliver a powerful and organic audio profile across a 20Hz to 20KHz frequency range, while the DTS HEADPHONE provides a wide surround sound experience, perfectly showcasing near- and far-field sounds. The detachable mic is powered by BLUE VO!CE too, so you know you're in safe hands there.Pros: Subtle design with crystal clear, precise audio performanceCons: Wired connection will be a problem for some, though a LIGHTSPEED wireless version is available

Razer has tried something unusual with the Nari Ultimate. To increase the immersion that's already provided by the near-flawless THX spatial audio, the headset rumbles using Haptic tech to create the one-of-a-kind experience, named Hypersense. Though a strange and potentially disorientating feature, we found that it soon added an exciting and unique extra dimension to our gaming. The Hypersense feature only activates during the loudest of in-game noises, so the headset doesn't rumble continuously. It can be disabled, which will extend the battery life from eight hours to twenty. Don't let the innovation of this feature detract from the rest that this headset has to offer. It's brilliant in all the key areas – it's comfortable and lightweight (even over long sessions, thanks to the gel-loaded earpads), the audio is wonderful, and the wireless connection is solid.Pros: Unique experience and really enjoyable audio performanceCons: Not everyone is going to like the rumble

SteelSeries has packed all it can into the Arctis 7 headset, ensuring that gamers can access the best the firm can offer at a fair midrange price. The S1 speaker drivers push out a clean and defined audio profile, while the DTS X v2.0 creates an incredibly detailed level of immersion (and both of these features can be tweaked via the SteelSeries software). Thanks to the included dongle, the wireless 2.4GHz connection guarantees a stable connection with no audio loss or interference. The air-weave fabric keeps your ears cool during long gaming sessions, which are certainly an option courtesy of the 24-hour battery life. The mic is retractable, bi-directional, and Discord-certified, and the on-board volume controls allow audio to be balanced at will.Pros: Comfortable with an impressive frequency rangeCons: The mic can suffer from sibilance (exaggerated "sss" sound) thanks to sensitive but unrefined mic

HyperX wants gamers to have quick, consistent, and quality audio. We know this because we've tried the Cloud Revolver S. This software-free headset brings stimulated 7.1 Dolby surround sound through a set of well-tuned 50mm drivers, creating an energetic sound profile. We'd certainly recommend these for those looking to up their FPS experience – the depth of field and frequency range separation helps to pinpoint foes with ease, even on large and loud maps. The memory foam earpads keep the headset sitting comfortably, too. In short, they deliver a striking audio experience without the baggage of extra, potentially unneeded features.Pros: Simple and effectiveCons: Features are light on the ground

The curvaceous Virtuoso gaming headset is a very strong offering for Corsair. The 50mm hi-fi drivers are stunning, working well across all media types and gaming content. This is because they operate on a frequency range spanning 20Hz to 40kHz - that comes close to matching the Arctis Pro, and these are half the price. However, those with high audio standards will need to play around with Corsiar's audio software to get the most out of them. The battery is an impressive creature too, storing up 20-hours of charge. The Slipstream wireless connection carries a very low latency, though, for those who prefer to stay tethered to their rig, USB or 3.5mm connections are also available. Add to this excellent sound the super-comfortable memory foam earpads and lightweight aluminium frame, and the Virtuoso's quickly become an enticing headset option.Pros: Comfortable, great soundCons: EQ needs attending too to get most out of the drivers

The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 aren't one of the most popular headsets for nothing. The speakers offer a powerfully driven sound with DTS X technology to provide a quality, all-round immersion, which won't be interrupted by the outside world thanks to the adequate noise cancellation. The wireless capability is robust, and operates from a simple USB-dongle connection. The inclusion of Bluetooth tech also means that you can take calls or listen to music while gaming, and the Audio Hub software lets you turn up specific in-game audio frequencies, such as footsteps or weapon reloading (that's not cheating, right?). It's not a heavy headset either - this headset will comfortably see you through a whole day of gaming, even if you wear glasses.Pros: Sound, comfort, connectivity, and flexibility, all in one packageCons: Plastic-y build

For those looking for their first step into the world of gaming headsets, the Corsair HS35 is a great place to start. Unlike many of its budget rivals, the HS35 headset boasts tuned 50mm drivers, providing respectable audio depth and separation and a pleasing distinction between frequencies. The headset is comfortable, the detachable mic will get the wearer involved in squad call-outs. The easy-access control makes in-game audio adjustment a quick affair. The HS35 proves the PC gaming on a budget doesn't mean having to sacrifice audio quality.Pros: Affordable, comfortable, respectable audio performanceCons: Wired, less refined when compared with higher priced models