The best gaming headsets 2021

Finding the right gaming headset isn’t easy. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all option — literally. Each person who wants to play video games using a gaming headset will have different preferences, needs, and requirements. We’re here to help you make the best choice for your head, ears, and even your eyes.

Polygon has been testing a wide range of headsets over the years. Every person is different and each one looks at the headsets differently. Our individuality allows us to offer an array of options and alternatives no matter what you’re looking for in a gaming headset.

Here is our updated list of top gaming headsets for 2019, which we are constantly updating.

Table of contents

Best wireless gaming headset

Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2

The Nintendo Switch is a great gaming headset, whether you’re using it on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X or Windows PC. Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2. The headphones are well-suited for all your audio needs, thanks to their price, compatibility with various systems, comfort and other features.

There are two types of Turtle Beach Stealth 700s available: one that connects wirelessly to the Xbox Series X, and the other that needs a dongle. This doesn’t work with the Switch or the PS5. No matter what you decide, they will work seamlessly with your system.

The Bluetooth audio feature, however, is what makes it the best connectivity option. Once you have set up the Bluetooth headset, it is possible to use Bluetooth audio independently of your console’s audio. You can play your music on your phone and still hear the audio from your gaming console. This is even more important because you can play your game and chat on Discord or via phone calls.

This is my favorite way to play these games. Pokémon Unite Oder Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is to pop on these headphones while I’m on the couch, fire up my game, and connect to a Discord call on my phone. You can mix Bluetooth audio as well as the game using the volume dials at the sides of these headphones so you can fine tune the sound. It’s been a great way to easily add voice chat to my Nintendo Switch gameplay sessions since the console has no easy to accommodate it. —Jeff Ramos

The best gaming headsets for glasses-wearers

Syn Pro Air Wireless

Syn Pro Air Wireless

Price at publishing time.

The lightweight headset works well for those who have glasses. It’s great for gaming, listening to music, and even taking video calls (if you don’t mind the glowing colors on the side of the headset).

The Syn Pro Air WirelessThis is one pair of headphones that I have loved to use for long periods. That’s because Roccat’s “ProSpecs” design makes these light headphones feel great while wearing glasses. The earcups and the band’s clamping force are created in such a way that they don’t pinch or shove my glasses around while wearing them. This comfortable benefit doesn’t come at the cost of great audio quality or compromises elsewhere.

They were so comfortable that I could wear them for hours, listening to music, making calls, taking calls for work and even coordinating strategies over Discord. Apex Legends. They are not fatigue-inducing, unlike other gaming headphones. They are so light they don’t weigh down on my head nearly as much as some of my other favorite headsets. Even with thicker glasses, the ProSpecs design makes these glasses very comfortable. —JR

Best big gaming headset for large heads

Razer Kraken

Razer Kraken

Price at publishing time.

Razer Kraken, a large and comfortable headset for those with large heads, is great. The Razer Kraken is also well-suited for people with smaller heads. Razer green is also available in the black, white and pink versions.

A large head can pose challenges in finding the right headset for long gaming sessions. You are more likely to have problems if you wear glasses. You are the worst. Razer KrakenThese are the two main issues that headphones solve for me. At first glance, Kraken headphones may look chunky and heavy, but I’ve never noticed that heft thanks to several features that make them feel comfortable.

The headset’s headband is thick and sturdy where it needs to be so it doesn’t feel flimsy. The headset’s durable frame is surrounded by plush padding. This allows the headphones to rest comfortably on my skull, without feeling heavy. I’ve worn these headsets for hours playing games while on a Discord chat, standing while taking Zoom calls, and listening to music during my workday. The top of my skull has never been affected by all this.

I’ve often found that my big noggin forces me to compromise somewhere when trying to find the right headset. Whether that’s tightness because armbands don’t stretch long enough to wrap around my head well or having to wear a big chunky headset. I find the Krakens to be very comfortable and light. —JR

Small head gaming headsets:

Logitech G733

Logitech G733

Price at publishing time.

Logitech’s G733 gaming headset is an excellent choice for those with smaller heads.

Back in those days, I used the Logitech G430 headset. However, after hours of wearing it, it would feel uncomfortable. The G733 seemingly gets rid of that problem and it’s stylish to boot.

The headset itself feels way less clunky and heavy, so there’s less weight pulling down and I don’t feel like I have a dent on the top of my head after a long gaming session.

This headset is a comfortable and stylish addition to your life. —Julia Lee

The Best PS5 Headset

Pulse 3D Wireless Headset

Pulse 3D Wireless Headset

Price at publishing time.

The Sony Pulse 3D wireless headset is made for the PlayStation 5 and takes full advantage of all of the console’s sound capabilities.

The Pulse 3D is a gaming headset, so there’s a microphone built in — two of them, in fact. They’re built into the headset itself, though, so there’s no unwieldy boom for the microphone. You can find all the control buttons, including volume, power and chat-versus game sound priority around the left side of your left can. With no protruding mic and easy-to-reach buttons, the overall design is sleek and matches the PlayStation 5’s aesthetic perfectly.

It’s a headset designed for the PS5, so things like the look and ease of connectivity aren’t surprising. We were most surprised by how comfortable the headsets are. I know I have a large head and lots of hair on top of that, but the Pulse 3D is easily the most comfortable gaming headset I’ve used. —Jeff Parkin