The Best Over-Ear Gaming Headphones: Wired and Wireless

Every gamer needs at least one pair of quality headphones. While you could pick up something cheap at any nearby store, we all know video games are only complete when they sound as good as they look. Here are our top picks for the best over-ear gaming headphones. 

1. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro 

This absolute masterpiece from SteelSeries boasts multiple awards from powerhouses like IGN and Eurogamer. It’s also garnered acclaim from some of the most respected tech reviewers. Undoubtedly, the wireless Arctis Nova Pro is one of the best gaming headphones you can get.

Specifications:

• Microphone: Bidirectional and retractable.

• Battery life: Up to 44 hours with only three hours of charging.

• Range: Up to 40 feet.

• Compatibility: Compatible with PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Mobile and Mac.

• Price: $$$

This gaming headphone boasts features like artificial intelligence noise-canceling, a microphone pop filter and 360-degree spatial audio. It even lets you connect to two devices simultaneously. As a bonus, its charging station lets you swap batteries in a pinch.

2. Logitech G Pro X 2 

The wireless Logitech Pro X 2’s memory foam pads and headband cushioning provide top-tier comfort during long gaming sessions. Its steel-reinforced build can withstand anything you throw at it — or throw it at. Naturally, quality-of-life features like its insane range and powerful battery put it far ahead of the competition.

Specifications:

• Microphone: Unidirectional and detachable.

• Battery life: Up to 50 hours.

• Range: Up to 98 feet.

• Compatibility: Compatible with PC, PS4 and PS5.

• Price: $$$

The Logitech Pro X 2 LIGHTSPEED gaming headphones look great and sound even better. Its 50 mm driver promises high-quality sound, reduced audio distortion and better clarity. The quality doesn’t stop at the headphones —  the microphone is specially engineered to minimize popping and hissing.

3. SteelSeries Arctis 9 

Although the wireless SteelSeries Arctis 9 doesn’t compare to the Arctis Nova Pro, it’s still a top-tier option as gaming headphones go — it helps that it’s also half the price.

Specifications:

• Microphone: Bidirectional and retractable.

• Battery life: Up to 20 hours.

• Range: Up to 20 feet.

• Compatibility: Compatible with PC, Playstation, Nintendo Switch, Mobile and VR.

• Price: $$ 

The SteelSeries Arctis 9 has built-in surround sound and can connect to two audio sources simultaneously. It also has an on-ear chat mixer, so you can seamlessly adjust the volume of game chat and your Discord calls. Speaking of Discord, the microphone is Discord-certified — you get all of the clarity and noise cancellation with none of the popping or hissing. 

4. JBL Quantum 910 

JBL is a powerhouse audio equipment company, so it makes top-tier gaming headphones. Of course, the wireless Quantum 910 is no exception.

Specifications:

• Microphone: Unidirectional.

• Battery life: Up to 39 hours with only two hours of charging.

• Range: Up to 36 feet.

• Compatibility: Compatible with PC, Playstation and Nintendo Switch.

• Price: $$ 

The JBL Quantum 910 has active noise-canceling technology, so you can block out background noises to the extreme. Its dual connectivity feature allows you to connect to two devices simultaneously, meaning you can jam to Spotify on your phone while working on your KDR on your PC. There’s no need to pause your game while the battery refills since you can game while charging.

5. RØDE NTH-100M

The Rode NTH-100M professional headphones are a fantastic pick. For starters, the 40 mm custom-matched drivers offer top-tier audio quality, low distortion and accurate frequency response. Also, the cups can be adjusted bi-directionally.

Specifications:

• Microphone: Omnidirectional and detachable.

• Battery life: N/A

• Range: N/A

• Compatibility: PC, Playstation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox and Mobile.

• Price: $$$ 

These headphones have memory foam cushions with CoolTech gel for all-day gaming comfort. The FitLock system lets you lock the adjustable headband in place, which is super convenient. Best of all, the microphone is broadcast-grade.

6. Corsair Virtuoso RGB

Considering RGB is proof you’re actually a gamer, the wireless Corsair Virtuoso RGB gaming headphones are a much-needed addition to this list. 

Specifications:

• Microphone: Omnidirectional and detachable.

• Battery life: Up to 15 hours.

• Range: Up to 60 feet.

• Compatibility: Compatible with PC, Playstation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch.

• Price: $$$ 

The Corsair Virtuoso RGB wireless gaming headphones have 50mm drivers, Dolby Atmos spatial audio and double the frequency range of typical headsets. The sound quality is unparalleled — you’ll be able to hear your games like never before. 

7. Sony INZONE H5

The 360-degree spatial sound and 40mm drivers give the wireless Sony INZONE H5 unparalleled sound quality. Whether you like to enjoy the in-game soundtrack or need to be able to hear where the enemy is camping, this gaming headphone has you covered.

Specifications:

• Microphone: Bidirectional flip-up.

• Battery life: Up to 28 hours with only one and a half hours of charging

• Range: Up to 30 feet.

• Compatibility: Compatible with PC, Playstation and Nintendo Switch.

• Price: $$ 

After a long day of gaming, most headsets feel heavy and uncomfortable — not this one. The Sony INZONE H5 gaming headphones have nylon earpads and headband cushioning. The built-in AI noise reduction and boom microphone round this gaming headphone out perfectly. As a bonus, you can continue gaming while charging.

8. Logitech ASTRO A10

As wired gaming headphones go, the Logitech ASTRO A10 is a fantastic budget pick. It’s under $100, meaning you can get high-quality sound without breaking the bank.

Specifications:

• Microphone: Unidirectional flip-up.

• Battery life: N/A

• Range: N/A

• Compatibility: PC, Playstation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox and Mobile. 

• Price: $

The ASTRO A10 has an ergonomic design and highly durable build — perfect for long nights of gaming and raging at campers. Best of all, it comes in fun colors like lilac, black and mint.

9. Razer Kraken V3 PRO

Naturally, Razer’s wireless gaming headphones are always top contenders — this headset’s Razer Chroma RGB is just a nice bonus to the HyperClear SuperCardioid noise suppression and intelligent audio processing.

Specifications:

• Microphone: Unidirectional and detachable.

• Battery life: Up to 44 hours.

• Range: Up to 25 feet.

• Compatibility: Compatible with PC, Playstation, Nintendo Switch and Mobile.

• Price: $$$  

This gaming headphone is specially designed for a truer voice recreation and high-quality listening. The TriForce titanium 50 mm drivers, passive noise cancellation and THX Spatial audio ensure every sound is crystal clear, giving you an edge in any game. 

10. Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X

The Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X are technically called studio headphones, but those are sometimes the best option for gaming. Besides, they fit into the category of gaming headphones and are definitely worth a mention here. 

Specifications:

• Microphone: N/A

• Battery life: N/A

• Range: N/A

• Compatibility: PC, Playstation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox and Mobile.

• Price: $$$

These open-back wired gaming headphones are ergonomic for maximum comfort during long gaming sessions. Truthfully, the sound quality is unparalleled since it’s specially designed for studio performance. 

Although the DT 900 PRO X doesn’t have a built-in microphone, you can use a ModMic — tech that attaches to any headset — to add one. The Wireless ModMic has five times the response speed of standard Bluetooth. Although the premium wireless option is over $100, you can get the USB and UNI versions for under $100. 

Pick Which Gaming Headphones You Like Best

Of course, you usually get better quality when you pay more. Still, sacrificing a bit of sound quality or supplemental features might be worth saving a hundred bucks. Before you buy any of these, make sure to check out the product pages and compare your top picks.