A good gaming headset can make all the difference when you’re teaming up online. You need to be able to hear your environment and your allies with clarity, without one being drowned out by the other. Nobody likes sweaty ears, either. Luckily, there are quite a few headsets out there that fit the bill—no matter what console, computer, or device you game on.
If you’re looking to go completely wirefree, check out our Best Wireless Gaming Headsets guide. Here are our favorite corded or cord-optional headsets of 2021.
Updated March 2021: We’ve added the Audeze Penrose, Logitech G333, and adjusted prices throughout this guide.
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Photograph: Audeze
Simply the Best
Audeze Penrose Gaming Headset
The Audeze Penrose employs planar drivers, which means sound is filtered through a super-thin layer of conductive film, and that film is suspended between two permanent magnetic fields. Just floating in there! It’s super cool. Technical details aside, what does that mean for sound? It means the Audeze Penrose produces unbelievably clear, detailed, rich sound. For gaming, that means an all-new level of immersion. Seriously. On top of all that, they work wired, wireless, and with Bluetooth—and the included (removable) boom mic sounds great.
Wired, wireless, and Bluetooth. Works with PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X.
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Photograph: Steelseries
Best Wired-Only Headset
SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC
No headset, wired or wireless, has impressed us as thoroughly as the Arctis Pro + GameDAC (9/10, WIRED Recommends). It has the same leading comfort and quality of most SteelSeries Arctis headsets—with a retractable mic and comfortable cushioning—and the included GameDAC gives it better sound than anything outside our top pick by Audeze, adding a lot of depth and drama to your play. The only downside is that it plugs into your console or PC via USB, so cord length can be a problem, depending on your setup.
Wired only. Works with Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC.
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Photograph: Steelseries
Best Under $50
SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wired
The Arctis 1 has the quality design, comfort, removable mic, and clear sound that make the Arctis line some of the best gaming headsets you can buy. This headset’s wireless version is one of our faves, with an understated design and rich, robust sound. The corded Arctis 1 is an excellent, and more affordable, pick that feels and sounds more expensive than it is.
Wired only. Works with PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Switch, PC, Mobile.
