After you’ve assembled the powerful hardware needed to build a decent gaming PC, you’re left with a few final touches. You may have spent a lot of money and are now looking for a headphone with powerful features at an affordable price. This is what we will present to you from our top picks from our headphone reviews. Choices include wired and wireless headphones. The headset is very useful in group games, horror and thriller games, and to hear gunshots and know the type of weapon, so you will find various options at different prices and many features. Be sure to read the review of each headset if you want more details.
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Our experts have tested 86 products in the headphone category so far this year
Since 1982, PCMag has tested and evaluated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. a witness How do we test products.
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The best gaming headsets of 2023
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Astro Gaming A10 (Gen 2)
The best mid-range wired headphone
Rating 4.5
Why we chose it
The second generation of “Astro Gaming A10” headphones is a follow-up to the famous wired Astro Gaming headphones, and this model is distinguished in terms of design and sound quality. The headset is comfortable to use, especially with a clear boom mic and well-padded, fabric-covered ear cups that you can wear comfortably for long periods of time.
The A10 is also the lowest priced on the list of best gaming headphones. You can find other wired headphones for under $60, but not quite as good as this one. The headset is compatible with PC, Nintendo Switch, current and latest generation PlayStation and Xbox by connecting it to the headphone port on their consoles. It is an ideal headphone for beginners.
Astro Gaming A10 (Gen 2) Review
Advantages
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Well padded earmuffs
- Powerful audio performance
- good microphone
- The price is average
Negatives
- The microphone is not replaceable if it breaks
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Razer Barracuda X headset
The best mid-range wireless earphone
Rating 4.5
Why we chose it
The Razer Barracuda X isn’t the fanciest gaming headset, but it’s one of the most flexible in terms of connectivity options, offering great sound quality at an affordable price. The 2022 headset plugs into a USB-C transmitter, allowing it to work with any computer, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 or 5, or Android phone with a USB-C port but does not support an Xbox. Razer has also added Bluetooth calling. So you can also pair them with your phone or Nintendo Switch via Bluetooth, and use them while gaming without the USB-C transmitter, making them act as a standalone pair of wireless headphones.
The Barracuda X is the best option in terms of price and capabilities for gamers looking for a wireless headset. At least to connect it with PC, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation. The USB-C transmitter delivers high-quality wireless audio with fast latency, and the addition of Bluetooth pairing makes them useful on the move. It also delivers a solid audio performance overall for its sub-$100 price tag, making it the most powerful wireless headset — except for its lack of Xbox compatibility.
Razer Barracuda X review
Advantages
- Powerful audio performance
- Clear microphone quality
- Comfortable on the ear
- Lots of connectivity options, via Bluetooth, or a USB-C and 3.5mm transmitter
cons
- The simulated surround sound is rather weak
- There is no bag to save and carry the headset
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Razer Blackshark V2 Headset
Best spatial audio for beginners
Rating 4.5
Why we chose it
If you plan to spend $100 on a gaming headset, at this price you can get the benefit of stereo sound while gaming. Fortunately, the Razer Blackshark V2 offers stereo spatial sound through a USB sound card with the headset, and other features with the mid-priced wired headset.
The Razer Blackshark V2 is a headset that plugs into a 3.5mm jack just like the Astro Gaming A10, but also connects via a USB audio adapter that comes with the headset, which provides a premium stereo sound experience. This external processing unit powers THX Spatial Audio through Razer’s Synapse software platform, delivering surprisingly powerful directional imaging of sounds thanks to the clever blending of drivers.
As an added bonus, the external processing unit allows for audio adjustments through Razer Synapse, which lets you do various audio and microphone adjustments, so you can get the best sound both ways.
All of the Razer Blackshark V2’s features are customized via an external USB sound card and Razer’s Synapse software, so this headset is primarily intended for gamers looking for an excellent wired headset for under $100. The stereo sound is real and excellent, and the various customization options are also great. And because the discrete processing unit runs via a separate USB card from the headset, you can still use the headset on its own with any other gaming device that has a 3.5mm headphone port.
Razer Blackshark V2 review
Advantages
- Powerful audio performance
- Excellent microphone
- USB sound card included with THX Spatial Audio audio editing software
- The weight is light and comfortable
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Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Pro Headset
Best for influencers
Rating 4.0
Why we chose it
The Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Pro is a fun headset that combines signature RGB lighting with a fun, feminine design. The design has cat, bear, and bunny ears that you can switch between, all with customizable RGB lighting. The speaker delivers powerful sound and has a clear microphone for chatting with friends.
The speaker is a favorite with audiences of influencers and streamers. These features will not interest you if you are not interested in these looks.
Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Pro Headset Review
Advantages
- Powerful and balanced sound
- Excellent microphone
- Interchangeable light-up ears
Negatives
- It features 7.1-channel stereo surround sound instead of spatial audio
- USB connection only
- the price is too high
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Xbox Wireless Headset
Best for Xbox gamers
Rating 4.0
Why we chose it
The Xbox Wireless Headset is a wireless headset for Xbox. It uses the same wireless connection as Xbox Wireless Controllers to pair with an Xbox One or Series S/X console without a separate transmitter, while maintaining fast latency and high-quality audio. It has Bluetooth too (like the Xbox Wireless Controller), so you can also use it with any phone or computer.
The Xbox Wireless Headset is fine, although its microphone isn’t the best. The headset provides simulated stereo surround sound and spatial audio on Xbox, with Windows Sonic automatically enabled on the console. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X-enabled versions are available for a few bucks, regarding $10 to $20, respectively. You can connect them without connecting any cable or settings, just press the button on the Xbox and press the button on the headset. The speaker isn’t bad if you connect it via Bluetooth, but it’s not the best option. If the Xbox is your gaming platform, the Xbox Wireless Headset is a great choice at an affordable price.
Xbox Wireless Headset review
Advantages
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Powerful audio performance
- Bluetooth connectivity is also provided
- Pairing with Xbox is easy
cons
- Bluetooth lacks high-end audio codecs
- High-bass sound requires EQ adjustments
