To take full advantage of the audio capabilities of your gaming devices, you need a quality gaming headset, like our favorite top-tier option, the Audeze Maxwell. But if that’s not exactly what you’re looking for, click here to jump to detailed views of our picks for the best high-end headset, or check out our list below:
TL;DR – These are the Best High-End Gaming Headsets:
- Audeze Maxwell
- SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro + GameDAC
- SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
- Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX
- Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal
- Logitech G935
- HyperX Cloud Orbit S
- Corsair Virtuoso Pro
- JBL Quantum One
- Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed Wireless
- Sony Inzone Buds
A high-end option, though a bit pricey, offers tremendous value compared to a budget headset, with its longevity, quality audio, solid build, and comfy fit. You’re in for a treat whether you’re gaming on the next-gen consoles, your PC, a tablet, or a smartphone. Take a look at our favorites – and click here to find them in the UK.
Best High-End Gaming Headsets:
1. Audeze Maxwell
Best High-End Gaming Headset
Audeze consistently offers state-of-the-art, great-sounding headsets, and the Audeze Maxwell is the latest addition to their lineup, taking the spot of the Penrose X. This pair of cans offers 90mm planar magnetic drivers with magnetic arrays and waveguides loaded on each earcup, letting everything from the in-game sound to music mix to come across clearly. Sound cues in your games, like enemies rustling the leaves in shadows and helicopters coming in the distance, will remain easily discernable thanks to the headsets’ support of Dolby Atmos for some stellar spatial audio.
As for connectivity, the Audeze Maxwell has you covered with a USB-C wired option or wireless dongle to enjoy high-res sound up to 24-bit/96kHz. While Bluetooth 5.3 lets you connect to multiple devices, even supporting the LDAC codec and the low latency LC3plus and LC3 codecs. However, it’s important to note that it’s made for Xbox, though a PS5 version sans Dolby Atmos is available for $30 less. Beyond audio greatness and ample connectivity, this headset offers a suspension headband and contoured earpads for all-day comfort, and we mean all day for several days, with its wild 80-hour battery life.
2. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro + GameDAC
Best High-End Wired Gaming Headset
It seems like most headsets have gone wireless over the past few years, but there is still something to be said for a wired option. A wired connection means better sound quality, less latency, and no need to worry about losing charge. And the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro + GameDAC is a wired unicorn. With it, you get GameDAC, so you can benefit from easy access to exciting ancillary components as well as controls for balancing game/chat mix, toggling between two audio sources, and a plethora of other options. If you want to make further customizations to their sound, SteelSeries’ Sonar software allows the headphones to support spatial audio and 360-degree surround sound, along with more fine-tuned customizations to the audio settings. You’ll enjoy gaming or listening to just about anything else, as you won’t find a sound this headset can’t handle.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro + GameDAC offers impressive audio capabilities, and on top of that, it’s extremely comfortable. A lightweight headband suspension system spreads the headset’s weight evenly across your head while plush leatherette earcups feel great even during marathon gaming sessions. You can even swap out those ear cups if they’re not to your taste. The retractable microphone also sounds impressively clear, and you can adjust the sensitivity using that GameDAC. Beyond that, there’s further versatility with multiple connectivity options through the GameDAC, including two USB-C ports and a 3.5mm aux, while a line out lets you send the audio elsewhere like to speakers or to stream.
3. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Best High-End Wireless Gaming Headset
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless offers just about everything you could want in a wireless headset. You have multi-device connectivity, and even if you go for the Xbox over the PS5 version, you’ll still get compatibility with PS5, along with the Nintendo Switch, PC, and other devices over a lag-free 2.4 GHz wireless or Bluetooth. The headset even comes with a convenient USB hub to wire up devices out of sight, adjust different sound settings, and charge the hot-swappable spare battery — to ensure you never stop listening.
Beyond its impressive multi-device system, SteelSeries packs plenty of other beneficial features in the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. Its new design totes telescoping arms on its adjustable headband to better accommodate larger head sizes, while the earcups are also slimmer and sleeker, giving off less of a gaming headset vibe and more of wireless headphones look. Those improved earcups also help with sound isolation, though you get an effective hybrid noise-canceling system with four mics that adjust based on what you’re listening to and what it picks up in your environment. There’s also some fantastic spatial audio onboard, and you can make next-level customizations to the EQ settings and game chat mix with Sonar and the SteelSeries GG app.
4. Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX
High-End Gaming Audio at a Discount
If you’re searching for a high-end gaming headset with all the premium features but without the premium price, check out Turtle Beach’s Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX. For just under $200, the 50mm Nanoclear drivers deliver impactful audio, and the support of Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, DTS Headphone: X means an even more immersive listening experience. Turtle Beach’s SuperHuman Hearing also allows this headset to easily pick up on quieter cues like footsteps, giving you a leg up on your opponents, as you’ll be able to hear even the most subtle nuances in your games.
Connecting your devices to the Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX is a breeze with a lag-free 2.4GHz wireless dongle and Bluetooth. So, you can listen to the action on your Xbox Series X/S, and with the flip of a switch, connect to other consoles, your PC, or use Bluetooth to stream music through your phone. Being wireless and all means battery life is important. Thankfully, this headset boasts 40 hours of listening time, having you covered for even the longest gaming marathons, while a quick charge feature lets you get 8 hours of juice with just 15 minutes of charging. And you’ll be happy to rock this pair of cans for hours, as they’re comfortable, lightweight, and durable.
5. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal
Best High-End Xbox Gaming Headset
Audiophiles will fall head over heels for the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal. Not only are you getting superb audio quality, but also the perfect headset to pair with your Xbox Series X/S. It doesn’t come cheap, but it might be worth the splurge. This pick is loaded up with active noise cancellation, so the lawnmower outside your home or your noisy roommate won’t distract you while playing. The microphones do a perfect job at reducing the outside noise but can also be dialed up to hear your voice, so you can monitor how you sound to your teammates or viewers. On top of all that, you’re in for a rich, dynamic sound experience thanks to virtual 3D surround sound. You can determine if an enemy is rustling the leaves behind or if a helicopter is coming overhead.
It’s easy to get using the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay with your Xbox Series X/S thanks to its support of Xbox wireless, but it works with a variety of other platforms as well. You can connect to other devices like your PC or phone with Bluetooth pairing. It even supports several codecs including aptX for listening to the best quality audio files. And, there’s always the trusty 3.5mm audio jack too. Though this is a highly capable gaming headset, it looks like your average headphones, so you can enjoy using it from anywhere without the fear of judging glances.
6. Logitech G935
Serious Wireless Surround Sound for Gaming
Though the Logitech G935 is one of our cheaper picks, it’s still packed with sound prowess. You have a perfectly balanced frequency response for clarity across a whole range of sounds from light footsteps to full-on explosions. The 50mm neodymium drivers provide an immersive surround sound experience with the support of DTS:X 2.0 and Dolby Atmos. You can distinguish where the sounds are occurring around you in a game, and these additional cues give you a huge advantage.
One top of steller sound quality, the Logitech G935 is easy to get connected to a variety of devices. There is a USB wireless dongle that works great with the PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch, and a 3.5mm audio jack makes for easy listening on a bunch of other devices. This headset is a bit clunky, so with longer gaming sessions, you might start to feel a bit of fatigue. And, we wish it a battery life slightly longer than the 12-hours it offers. But, the customizable RGB lighting on the earcups is a fun addition.
7. HyperX Cloud Orbit S
Best Audiophile Quality Gaming Headset
It’s hard to compete with sound quality and gaming technology loaded into the HyperX Cloud Orbit S. This headset is designed by HyperX and sound gurus, Audeze. With its 100mm planar drivers, you get a balanced, broad sound that will make audiophiles rejoice. And, the honestly mind-blowing head-tracking Waves NX technology means you can turn your head towards the direction of the sound within a game to hear it better. Almost every function of this headset can be adjusted using Hyper X’s straightforward software too.
The Cloud Orbit S manages to stay comfortable even during extended playing sessions. The earcups are loaded up with controls to adjust headphone/mic volume, mute, 3D audio modes, and even EQ presets can be changed on the mic volume by pressing and scrolling. And, it’s simple to connect this wired headset to a variety of gaming consoles with a USB cord, or the 3.5mm jack makes for easy listening on your phone. We only wish that the Cloud Orbit S featured Bluetooth and a slightly better microphone.
8. Corsair Virtuoso Pro
Best Open-Back High-End Gaming Headset
Rather than your typical closed-back headsets, Corsair Virtuoso Pro switches it up with an open-back for a wide soundstage and spacious listening experience. Add in the 50mm graphene drivers that provide improved detail and resolution, and you’re sure to enjoy the rich, impactful audio with punchy bass, forward mids, and stunning highs for full immersion in the action.
The Corsair Virtuoso Pro’s sleek, stylish design allows it to pass as a pair of high-end headphones—and with such stellar sound, you’ll happily use it as an all-in-one listening option. The soft, cloth earcups feature precision-cut aluminum faceplates, revealing the drivers within, while an overall robust yet lightweight build ensures both comfort and longevity. This headset keeps it simple, providing only a wired connection, including three detachable audio cables with purchase, one of which features a flexible unidirectional mic.
9. JBL Quantum One
Best High-End Noise-Canceling Gaming Headset
Not many gaming headsets come packing noise-canceling technology. There is a benefit though, with the elimination of outside noise distractions, you can better hear the nuances within a game and keep focus on the task at hand. One of the few options toting this technology is the JBL Quantum One, and you’ll only hear what you want to hear with its active noise cancellation.
You’ll find superb sound quality on this pair of cans. There are several surround sound modes, including support of DTS:X 2.0, that provide you with an immersive listening experience on its 50mm drivers. Even more impressive though, is JBL’s QuantumSphere 360 feature that adjusts the positional audio based on where you move your head. Plus, the high-res frequency response means the JBL Quantum One will sound clear and balanced whether you’re throwing loud, booming noises or soft whispers at it. Overall, you’re getting a quality, well-built gaming headset with this pick, and there’s even some fun RGB lighting as an added bonus.
10. Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed Wireless
Best High-End Gaming Headset for Streaming
If you’re into streaming your games, you’ll need a headset that sounds great on your head and to your viewers. Many gaming headsets have less than stellar microphones, so you either force your viewers to listen to your often distorted voice or buy a separate microphone. Luckily, the Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed Wireless, the successor of the Logitech G Pro X, has successfully balanced a great headset with a crisp and clear microphone.
The G Pro X 2 is a powerful gaming headset through and through, but our favorite feature is the mic. It shines thanks to Blue Vo!ce technology. And with Logitech’s software, you can make advanced customizations to it, including cutting down on background noise and taming louder sounds—so your listeners won’t hear when you get a little too worked up in a game. You’ll also be able to pick up all the game’s audio details thanks to surround sound compatibility and powerful drivers, while the headset has a well-padded headband and earcups for a comfortable fit.
11. Sony Inzone Buds
Best High-End Gaming Earbuds
Don’t love the look and feel of a gaming headset? You should give gaming earbuds a try, and we especially love Sony’s Inzone Buds. With these ultra-portable, comfortable, and lightweight listening devices, you get a premium, durable build, intuitive on-ear touch controls, and an impressively long battery life of 12 hours when using the low-latency wireless dongle or even longer over Bluetooth—but Bluetooth support is limited. The charging case gives you an additional 24 hours or more of charge, so these earbuds should last even your longest gaming sessions.
Sony made sure the Inzone Buds were up to par in the sound department as well. They deliver rich and crisp audio, though the bass gets a bit muddy at times, and the spatial audio is nothing to write home about. Still, you get excellent software to make EQ adjustments and to customize the touch controls, while the real star is the first-class noise cancellation. It blows many of the best wireless earbuds out of the park when it comes to dulling the distracting sounds in your environment.
Where to Get the High-End Gaming Headsets in the UK
Why You Need a High-End Headset
Though a high-end gaming headset may seem like a bit of a splurge at first, it will be with you for the long haul. These headsets are often made with the best materials that house high-quality components and loads of functionality. But, there are several features to pay extra close attention to before making a purchase.
First up is connectivity. When grabbing a headset, you should look for one that’s compatible with a variety of devices, so you can get the most out of your money. A common connection these days is a USB wireless transmitter, and with it you just plug in the dongle to a game console or PC to get into the action. Some of our picks even offer Bluetooth, and though you can’t pair the Xbox Series X/S or PS5 with Bluetooth, it’s still convenient for use with other devices like your phone or laptop. Wired options like the trusty 3.5mm audio jack or USB cord can also be beneficial as it limits latency and is more reliable.
Unfortunately, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to use the same headset with both the Xbox Series X/S and the PS5. There are workarounds like plugging into a wired controller though. But, be sure to double-check a headset is compatible with your desired game console before purchase. Xbox even offers its own wireless protocol, which acts similar to Bluetooth but is exclusive to Xbox. Some of our picks come toting it for a simple, quick connection to your Xbox consoles.
Of course, you want a great-sounding gaming headset. There are several factors to consider for the best audio performance. Driver size is important, and 40 mm is often the standard, but bigger usually means better. The drivers are internal mechanisms that create the sound waves you hear. A larger driver allows for more air to pass through, making not only louder sounds but also more nuanced, wider frequencies.
The range of frequencies heard on a headset is their frequency response. As humans, we can hear a range from 20-20KHz. This covers low deep sounds to high pitched screeches. All of our picks offer this frequency response or better.
Since the Xbox Series X/S and PS5 offer support for some of the best spatial audio and surround sound technologies, you’ll want a compatible headset. This type of audio places you right in the center of your game and can pick up sound directionally. You can distinguish the location of a helicopter overhead or an enemy rustling the leaves behind you. It’s truly a next-level immersive audio experience. Looking for headsets that offer Dolby Atmos, Windows Sonic, and DTS Headphone:X can amp up your gameplay and help you efficiently annihilate your competition.
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Danielle Abraham is a freelance writer and unpaid music historian.
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