The 7 Best PS4 Gaming Headsets – Summer 2023: Reviews
- Table of Contents
- Intro
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Best Headset
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Best Upper Mid-Range
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Best Mid-Range
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Best Lower Mid-Range
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Best Budget
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Best Cheap
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Best Open-Back
- Notable Mentions
- Recent Updates
- All Reviews
- Discussions
Updated Jul 13, 2023 at 03:27 pm
By Kieran Dunn
If you’re an avid PlayStation gamer, you’re likely well-acquainted with the overwhelming number of different available for the PS4. There’s a lot to choose from, so knowing your priorities can help your decision. Wireless headphones are necessary if you want the freedom to move your head around and get up from your game without worrying about snags. If you’re the type to forget to charge your headphones, wired headphones are likely better suited for your needs. If you like personalizing your listening experience, some headphones have companion software to help you fine-tune the mix to your preferences, enable virtual soundstage features, or simply adjust the mic’s volume over team chat.
We’ve tested over 730 headphones, and below are our recommendations for the best PS4 headphones to buy. If you’re looking for our top picks for other consoles and PC, check out our recommendations for the best headsets for PS5, the best gaming headsets, and the best gaming headsets for Xbox One.
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Best PS4 Gaming Headset
Audeze Maxwell for PlayStation
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Neutral Sound
7.9
Commute/Travel
7.0
Sports/Fitness
6.
8Office
7.3
Wireless Gaming
7.8
Wired Gaming
7.9
Phone Calls
7.9
Type
Over-ear
Enclosure
Closed-Back
Wireless
Yes
Transducer
Planar Magnetic
Noise Cancelling
No
Mic
Yes
See all our test results
The best PS4 headset we’ve tested is the Audeze Maxwell Wireless. These premium gaming headphones are available in PlayStation and Xbox variants, so get the model that’s compatible with your console. They’re among a few gaming headphones to feature planar-magnetic drivers, which lets them produce more low-bass than similar gaming headphones with dynamic drivers, like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless.
These headphones also have very low latency over Bluetooth and via their USB dongle, ensuring a gaming experience without audio lag.They also have a very neutral sound profile that accurately reproduces sound effects, dialogue, and soundtracks. However, they’re quite bulky, and their ski-band headband design doesn’t distribute their weight comfortably across your head during long play sessions. If you’d like a different sound profile, their companion app offers a few EQ presets to help change their sound to your liking. Their battery lasts nearly 78 hours, so you can game over several days without recharging.
Their boom mic is impressive, making your voice sound clear and natural over team chat, even in environments with loud background noise. You can also take the boom mic off and use their integrated mic, which makes them versatile as an everyday casual-use option. However, they don’t have ANC, so any loud background noise around you will impact how well you hear your game.
While you’re likely to have trouble finding a pair since they’re currently on backorder, they’re worth waiting for due to their unique features.See our review
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Best Upper Mid-Range PS4 Gaming Headset
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
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Neutral Sound
7.7
Commute/Travel
4.9
Sports/Fitness
5.6
Office
6.2
Wireless Gaming
5.9
Wired Gaming
7.
7Phone Calls
7.0
Type
Over-ear
Enclosure
Closed-Back
Wireless
No
Transducer
Dynamic
Noise Cancelling
No
Mic
Yes
See all our test results
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is the best upper mid-range gaming headset we’ve tested. They have a wired design, but their dock offers a low latency connection and controls, meaning you can adjust the volume or mic sidetone on the fly. Their boom mic also has great recording quality, so your voice sounds clear and natural but a bit bright. Out of the box, they have a fairly neutral sound profile. Elements like voices can sound veiled, but you can customize their sound with a parametric EQ in the companion software. However, compared to their wireless sibling, they’re prone to inconsistent audio delivery, and people who wear glasses or have thick hair can experience a drop in bass.
They also support an analog connection with most consoles, which is helpful if you want to eliminate latency. This also means you don’t need to worry about battery life, unlike the Audeze Maxwell Wireless. However, this also makes them less suitable for commuting or the office. They aren’t great for phone calls either since they lack onboard audio and call controls. If you’re looking for more versatility at a lower price point, you might prefer the Astro A30 Wireless. They can be used wirelessly and have a more intuitive control scheme but aren’t as comfortable.
See our review
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Best Mid-Range PS4 Gaming Headset
HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
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Neutral Sound
7.3
Commute/Travel
6.
0Sports/Fitness
6.0
Office
7.1
Wireless Gaming
7.3
Wired Gaming
5.9
Phone Calls
7.1
Type
Over-ear
Enclosure
Closed-Back
Wireless
Yes
Transducer
Dynamic
Noise Cancelling
No
Mic
Yes
See all our test results
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless is the best PS4 wireless headset in the mid-range we’ve tested. If you don’t want to worry about recharging your headphones each time you use them, the manufacturer advertises these over-ears to deliver over 300 hours of continuous playback time, which is very impressive for gaming headphones.
They also have an auto-off timer to help conserve battery life if you forget to turn them off. They have low latency, so your audio and visuals stay in sync in the heat of the moment.These headphones have a sturdy build and a comfortable fit. When using the ‘Balanced’ EQ, they have a slightly V-shaped sound profile with a touch of extra thump, rumble, and boom, which can help emphasize sound effects. Unfortunately, if you want to customize their sound, their companion software’s graphic EQ and presets aren’t transferrable onto the PS4. They’re also prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery, and you may especially notice a drop in bass if you have thick hair or wear glasses.
Their boom mic performs well, so your voice sounds clear, even in moderately noisy environments. Additionally, some users have noticed latency issues when pairing these headphones with their companion software on PCs. If you experience this issue, please tell us about it in the forums.
See our review
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Best Lower Mid-Range PS4 Gaming Headset
SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless
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Neutral Sound
7.
2Commute/Travel
5.8
Sports/Fitness
6.4
Office
6.9
Wireless Gaming
7.6
Wired Gaming
7.6
Phone Calls
6.9
Type
Over-ear
Enclosure
Closed-Back
Wireless
Yes
Transducer
Dynamic
Noise Cancelling
No
Mic
Yes
See all our test results
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless are the best lower mid-range PS4 gaming headphones we’ve tested.
They’re the upgraded variant of the SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless, with a longer continuous battery life, advertised at 30 hours. We measured 60 hours of continuous playback time, which, while not as long-lasting as the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, is still outstanding for wireless gaming headphones. Thanks to their USB dongle, they have very low audio latency, but the dongle doesn’t offer any additional controls or features. Their retractable boom mic also does a good overall job of capturing your voice clearly, even in moderately noisy environments.These headphones have a ski-band headband design, which helps distribute their weight on your head. However, it has a limited adjustment range, which can be frustrating if you have a large head, and the headband makes it hard to ensure a consistent fit. The headphones are very prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery, so it’s important to take the time to adjust them on your head each time you use that.
With a good fit, the headphones have a boomy sound that can help emphasize sound effects.
They also have a passable soundstage for closed-back headphones, and audio feels like it’s coming from all around you rather than inside your head, making for a more immersive experience.See our review
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Best Budget PS4 Gaming Headset
Logitech G535 LIGHTSPEED Wireless
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Neutral Sound
8.0
Commute/Travel
5.3
Sports/Fitness
6.0
Office
6.6
Wireless Gaming
7.7
Wired Gaming
6.
0Phone Calls
6.2
Type
Over-ear
Enclosure
Closed-Back
Wireless
Yes
Transducer
Dynamic
Noise Cancelling
No
Mic
Yes
See all our test results
The Logitech G535 LIGHTSPEED Wireless are the best budget PS4 gaming headphones we’ve tested. Unlike the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless, you don’t have the option of using them wired, so if they run out of power, you have to wait for them to charge to use them again. Still, their battery lasts roughly 35 hours of continuous use, so you don’t need to recharge them daily. They come with a USB dongle that provides a low latency connection for gaming and have a comfortable fit for most people.
Their boom mic has an okay recording quality but doesn’t make your voice sound as full-bodied as the previous picks.
Their sound profile lacks some thump and rumble, but it’s reasonably well-balanced overall, so your audio has body and warmth, and voices sound clear and detailed. They have companion software that includes a graphic EQ and presets if you prefer a different sound.They’re decently well-built but feel plasticky, and if you’d prefer a sturdier option, the HyperX Cloud Alpha S are another good, budget-friendly option. They’re better-build overall, and their cable, mic, and ear cup padding are detachable, so it’s easier to replace anything that gets damaged. However, they don’t have sound customization features and create a less natural, open-seeming passive soundstage.
See our review
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Best Cheap PS4 Gaming Headset
Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED Wireless
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Neutral Sound
7.
8Commute/Travel
6.3
Sports/Fitness
6.9
Office
6.5
Wireless Gaming
6.9
Wired Gaming
5.5
Phone Calls
6.1
Type
Over-ear
Enclosure
Closed-Back
Wireless
Yes
Transducer
Dynamic
Noise Cancelling
No
Mic
Yes
See all our test results
The Logitech G435 are the best cheap PS4 gaming headphones we’ve tested. Headphones at this price range don’t come with many extra features or customization options, like graphic EQ or channel mixing, and these are no different.
These lightweight over-ears are mainly designed for younger users and people with small heads, so if you’ve often found most headphones fit too big, these are worth considering. They also have an adjustable volume limiter, which can help anyone trying to habitually lower their average listening volume. Some users have noticed issues with their wireless dongle being able to update to recent firmware, but we found that hard resetting the headphones solved this problem.They have a warm sound profile that gives extra boom to sound effects and footsteps. Dialogue and instruments also sound clear and detailed but a bit recessed. Their integrated mic makes your voice sound bright and clear but unnatural and lacking fullness. They only last around 20 hours compared to the Logitech G535 LIGHTSPEED Wireless’ 35 hours, but they’ll still get you through several playing sessions before needing a top-up. If you don’t want to worry about battery life at all, the Logitech G433 have a wired-only connection and a boom mic that transmits your voice more clearly than the G435.
However, their wired connection makes them less versatile for casual use while away from your PS4.See our review
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Best Open-Back PS4 Gaming Headset
Drop + Sennheiser PC38X
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Neutral Sound
8.1
Commute/Travel
4.1
Sports/Fitness
5.7
Office
5.6
Wireless Gaming
5.7
Wired Gaming
7.7
Phone Calls
6.
8Type
Over-ear
Enclosure
Open-Back
Wireless
No
Transducer
Dynamic
Noise Cancelling
No
Mic
Yes
See all our test results
The Drop + Sennheiser PC38X are the best PS4 headset with an open-back design that we’ve tested. If you’re looking for a more immersive gaming experience, it’s important to consider open-back headphones. The listening experience is different but far more engaging as the design lets in environmental noise to blend with your game’s audio. Naturally, these headphones don’t isolate you from external audio; they leak sound, meaning people nearby will hear your game at high volumes. However, if you’re looking for headphones that can create a spacious, out-of-head soundstage, you’re in the right category.
They’re among the best open-back headphones we’ve tested, with good comfort and build quality to help avoid head fatigue during a long gaming session.
The mic performs well, and your voice sounds clear and full over the team chat. Due to their open-back design, they don’t produce much low-bass, but the rest of the range is relatively neutral, meaning that dialogue and sound effects will sound well-balanced, detailed, and present. Unfortunately, they don’t have any EQ feature, so you can’t adjust the sound to your liking.See our review
8
These headphones also have very low latency over Bluetooth and via their USB dongle, ensuring a gaming experience without audio lag.
While you’re likely to have trouble finding a pair since they’re currently on backorder, they’re worth waiting for due to their unique features.
7
0
They also have an auto-off timer to help conserve battery life if you forget to turn them off. They have low latency, so your audio and visuals stay in sync in the heat of the moment.
2
They’re the upgraded variant of the SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless, with a longer continuous battery life, advertised at 30 hours. We measured 60 hours of continuous playback time, which, while not as long-lasting as the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, is still outstanding for wireless gaming headphones. Thanks to their USB dongle, they have very low audio latency, but the dongle doesn’t offer any additional controls or features. Their retractable boom mic also does a good overall job of capturing your voice clearly, even in moderately noisy environments.
They also have a passable soundstage for closed-back headphones, and audio feels like it’s coming from all around you rather than inside your head, making for a more immersive experience.
0
Their sound profile lacks some thump and rumble, but it’s reasonably well-balanced overall, so your audio has body and warmth, and voices sound clear and detailed. They have companion software that includes a graphic EQ and presets if you prefer a different sound.
8
These lightweight over-ears are mainly designed for younger users and people with small heads, so if you’ve often found most headphones fit too big, these are worth considering. They also have an adjustable volume limiter, which can help anyone trying to habitually lower their average listening volume. Some users have noticed issues with their wireless dongle being able to update to recent firmware, but we found that hard resetting the headphones solved this problem.
However, their wired connection makes them less versatile for casual use while away from your PS4.
8
The mic performs well, and your voice sounds clear and full over the team chat. Due to their open-back design, they don’t produce much low-bass, but the rest of the range is relatively neutral, meaning that dialogue and sound effects will sound well-balanced, detailed, and present. Unfortunately, they don’t have any EQ feature, so you can’t adjust the sound to your liking.Notable Mentions
- SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless for Xbox:
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless are premium wireless gaming headphones. They come in Xbox and PlayStation variants, but only the Xbox variant offers wireless compatibility with both consoles if you use multiple platforms. Their ANC system isolates you from background chatter and whiny PC fans, but their battery doesn’t last as long as the Audeze Maxwell Wireless.
See our review - Logitech G PRO X WIRELESS LIGHTSPEED Gaming Headset:
The Logitech G PRO X WIRELESS LIGHTSPEED Gaming Headset are wireless headphones with low latency and many customization features. However, their battery life doesn’t last as long as the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless.
See our review - SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless:
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless are the sibling product of the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless. Their continuous battery life doesn’t last as long as the 7P+; otherwise, they offer a similar overall performance worth considering if battery life isn’t your main priority.
See our review - Sony PULSE 3D Wireless:
The Sony PULSE 3D Wireless are gaming headphones primarily designed for PS5 consoles. You can use them on PS4 consoles using their 1/8″ TRRS cable or USB receiver. Their integrated mic doesn’t perform as well as the Logitech G535 LIGHTSPEED Wireless, and they have shorter continuous battery life.
See our review
However, their battery life doesn’t last as long as the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless.Recent Updates
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Jul 13, 2023:
We’ve replaced the Logitech G433 with the Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED Wireless as our pick for the ‘Best Cheap Gaming Headphones For PS4’.
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May 15, 2023:
Updated our top pick to the Audeze Maxwell Wireless. Moved the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless to Notable Mentions. -
Feb 17, 2023:
Checked that the picks represent the best recommendations and that the products are in stock. -
Dec 20, 2022:
Changed our upper mid-range pick to the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro and our ‘Best Open-Back’ pick to the Drop + Sennheiser PC38X. We also added a mention of latency issues occuring with the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, which some users have experienced. -
Sep 23, 2022:
Added the following headphones: the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless for Xbox, SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless, the Logitech G535 LIGHTSPEED Wireless, and the Logitech G433 Gaming Headset. We’ve moved the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC to Notable Mentions and cleaned up the Notable Mentions of picks that are out of date.
We’ve moved the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC to Notable Mentions and cleaned up the Notable Mentions of picks that are out of date.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best PS4 headphones to buy for most people in each price range. We factor in the price (cheaper headphones win over pricier ones if the difference isn’t worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no headphones that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you would like to choose for yourself, here is the list of all our reviews for headphones that are good for gaming. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There are no perfect headphones. Personal taste, preference, and listening habits will matter more in your selection, especially if you don’t care about having a microphone or wireless features.
Best wireless PlayStation 4 gaming headsets
Gaming headsets are meant to do a lot of things, but if there’s one singularly consistent element informing everything about their design, it’s convenience.
These products simplify your audio setup, regardless of how you play video games. But, you know what isn’t convenient? Stretching a cord across your living room to take advantage of your gaming headsets’ different features. Luckily, there are all sorts of wireless PlayStation 4 gaming headsets.
Editor’s note: this list of the best wireless PlayStation 4 headsets was updated on September 14, 2022, to add the HyperX Cloud II Wireless, SteelSeries Actis Nova Pro Wireless, Sony INZONE H9, and Razer Barracuda X (2022) as top picks. We also added the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless as a highlight pick, updated the Notable mentions section, add microphone demos, and expanded the list of buying options.
For our top five picks, you can find the isolation and frequency response charts at the end of each image gallery. You can learn more about how to read our charts here.
HyperX Cloud II Wireless is the best wireless PlayStation 4 headset
The HyperX Cloud II Wireless is a great wireless headset for PlayStation 4 and PC alike, with its lag-free 2.
4GHz RF dongle for wireless connection, enjoyable sound profile, and long battery life. It’s a simple plug-and-play headset that won’t disappoint, and you won’t have to charge it very often with its 32 hour battery life. The HyperX Cloud II Wireless is also extremely comfortable, with an aluminum frame, flexible headband, and ear cups that have thick memory foam cushions covered in leatherette.
HyperX Cloud II Wireless
7.7
If you plan on using the headset on PC as well, you can download the NGenuity app to adjust mic volume, sidetone, power saver function, and enable virtual surround sound. These aren’t make-or-break features, so you won’t be missing out on much if you’re playing mostly on console. But for the moments where you want surround sound, the option is there on PC.
The headset sounds great, with a frequency response really close to our target curve. Most people will enjoy the sound of this headset, making it a great option for gamers and music enjoyers alike.
For $149 USD, this headset is a fantastic choice for PlayStation 4 gamers who want a good quality headset.
The microphone on the HyperX Cloud II Wireless is relatively average for a gaming headset. Bass frequencies are deemphasized, so while this combats the proximity effect so voices don’t blow out the microphone when speaking too close, deeper voices will sound a bit quieter and higher tones in those voices will be more noticeable, creating a “tinny” sound. It’s nothing too crazy, and voices are still audible, but it’s something to keep in mind.
HyperX Cloud 2 Wireless microphone demo (Non-standardized):
HyperX Cloud II Wireless
All prices listed in USD unless otherwise specified. Prices may change over time, and vary by region. Unfortunately, we cannot list Amazon prices on the site, as they vary greatly by currency.
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The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless can do just about anything, for a price
If you want a headset that’s great for PlayStation 4, PC, your phone, or pretty much anything else, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is the multipurpose headset for you.
It comes with a base station to plug into your device of choice for wireless uses, and it also has 3.5mm or USB-C wired connectivity as well. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro also has active noise canceling, so you can focus on the game and not the sounds around you. The sound profile is great for gaming, and while the bass boost might not be for everyone, music sounds pretty good through it too.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
8.1
The battery life on the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is also pretty good, coming in at 22 hours, 36 minutes in our testing. If you want to keep going without charging, you can actually quickly swap a battery out of the headset with a battery charging in the base station’s charging bay. The headset will stay on for eight seconds without the battery in, giving you time to swap it out with no problems.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is pricey at $349 USD, but it’s well worth it if you want a premium headset with lots of great software features, a good sound, ANC, and many connectivity options.
The retractable microphone on the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is quite good, with voices sounding very clear with no issues. Bass frequencies are deemphasized as is quite typical with headsets to combat blowing out the mic, but it doesn’t make lower voices sound bad as a result. The headset doesn’t suppress a ton of background noise, but the mic won’t cut out from those sounds.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless microphone demo (Ideal conditions):
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless microphone demo (Office conditions):
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
All prices listed in USD unless otherwise specified. Prices may change over time, and vary by region. Unfortunately, we cannot list Amazon prices on the site, as they vary greatly by currency.
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If the PlayStation 4 isn’t your only gaming platform, consider the SteelSeries Arctis 7+
The SteelSeries Arctis 7+ Wireless uses the same USB-C dongle as the Arctis 1 Wireless and Arctis 7P.
Now this may not seem like such a good thing for someone who just needs something for the PlayStation 4, but if you need something to work across platforms, this is probably your best bet.
SteelSeries Arctis 7+ Wireless
7.6
On top of the USB-C dongle, there’s an easy USB-A adaptor cord for PlayStation 4, and PC if needed. Using USB-C means this can also plug into the bottom of many smartphones without much issue, as well as the bottom of a Nintendo Switch. You can use the included 3.5mm cable to plug into your Xbox One controller. SteelSeries even incorporates USB-C audio passthrough here too, giving you a ton of options on how to connect.
Sonar launched in beta with SteelSeries Arctis 7+ and it offers a lot of the same features as Engine.
On top of its fantastic compatibility, the Arctis 7+ Wireless design is nearly identical to the Arctis 7 and Arctis 7P, which both feature a clever suspension headband. The ear pads are made of SteelSeries’ signature airweave fabric, so heat buildup really isn’t an issue.
This headset is comfortable enough for multi-hour gaming sessions, and it can last for much longer than that. In our testing, we found the Arctis 7+ Wireless can last 71 hours, 42 minutes before you need to recharge with the USB-C cable.
The microphone is very good, though you’ll get better sound when you speak over a 3.5mm connection compared to a wireless one. With a pretty generous bass bump, the Arctis 7+ Wireless makes bass frequencies sound about twice as loud as mids, which makes explosions that much more prominent.
SteelSeries Arctis 7+ Wireless microphone wired 3.5mm demo (Ideal):
SteelSeries Arctis 7+ Wireless microphone wireless demo (Ideal):
SteelSeries Arctis 7+ Wireless microphone demo (Office):
SteelSeries Arctis 7+
All prices listed in USD unless otherwise specified. Prices may change over time, and vary by region. Unfortunately, we cannot list Amazon prices on the site, as they vary greatly by currency.
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The Sony INZONE H9 brings ANC and Bluetooth to the table
The Sony INZONE H9 is full of features, with 2.
4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity options, ANC, and almost 59 hours of battery life with ANC off. The noise canceling is pretty good, though it’s not at the same level as Sony’s other noise canceling headphones on the market. The sound profile is also good, with a boost in the bass range that can complement gaming well.
Sony INZONE H9
7.7
For anyone wanting to get a Sony headset for the Sony platforms, this is it. You can use it for gaming on PC and other consoles as well. Sony has the INZONE Hub on PC as a companion app, so you can change your EQ, customize the controls, and enable virtual surround sound, similar to Sony’s 360 Reality Audio setup process.
The price is a bit high at $299 USD, but it’s a great headset full of features, and ANC and Bluetooth are bound to drive up the price of anything. If you have the money for a premium pick like this, the Sony INZONE H9 is a great option.
The microphone is pretty good, it’ll do just fine for Discord or video calls.
One great feature of the microphone is noise suppression, with background noises being quieter and echoes being inaudible. This means you can talk in a mostly empty room and nobody will hear the irritating echo over the microphone.
Sony INZONE H9 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):
Sony INZONE H9 microphone demo (Office conditions):
Sony INZONE H9 microphone demo (Reverberant conditions):
Sony INZONE H9
All prices listed in USD unless otherwise specified. Prices may change over time, and vary by region. Unfortunately, we cannot list Amazon prices on the site, as they vary greatly by currency.
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The Razer Barracuda X (2022) brings solid wireless audio on a budget
A new update to the Razer Barracuda X, the Barracuda X (2022) comes with Bluetooth connectivity and improved battery life. The Razer Barracuda X (2022) is lightweight at only 250g, super comfortable, and sounds great too.
Now that it has Bluetooth connectivity, you can pair this headset with just about any console.
Razer Barracuda X (2022)
7.7
The near-60 hour battery life of the Razer Barracuda X (2022) is very impressive, making it possible to game throughout the week without needing to charge it. There aren’t any premium features like surround sound or RGB lighting, so this is a good headset for the utilitarian gamer. At $99 USD, this headset is well worth it for gamers on a budget.
The detachable microphone on the Razer Barracuda X (2022) performs quite well, deemphasizing lower tones while not completely eliminating them. Lower voices won’t sound “tinny” and will come through very clearly.
Razer Barracuda X (2022) microphone demo (Ideal conditions):
Razer Barracuda X (2022) microphone demo (Office conditions):
Razer Barracuda X (2022)
All prices listed in USD unless otherwise specified. Prices may change over time, and vary by region. Unfortunately, we cannot list Amazon prices on the site, as they vary greatly by currency.
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For the best battery life, look to the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
The Cloud Alpha Wireless battery life is ridiculous, clocking in at more than 327 hours.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless builds on the success of the HyperX Cloud Alpha, an iconic affordable gaming headset. This time around, it’s wireless, and has an incredible battery life. It still has a sturdy metal frame, and comfortable memory foam ear pads coated in leatherette that will remain comfortable on your head for hours at a time. And we mean hours, because this headset has a battery life of a whopping 327 hours.
The sound profile of the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless is very bassy, so while this may enhance the experience of playing games like first-person shooters, you may not love it for music. Unless you love bass that much, in which case you’re going to like this frequency response.
While this headset costs $199 USD, the price is well worth it if you need a marathon-level battery life out of a gaming headset.
You also get to use HyperX’s NGenuity app for changing your EQ, installing firmware updates, controlling mic and headphone volume, and enabling spatial sound. With features and battery life in mind, this headset could be a great option for PlayStation 4 gamers and PC gamers alike.
The microphone is pretty typical for a gaming headset. It’s not the greatest, but speech intelligibility isn’t an issue. This microphone is perfectly fine for Discord calls, but if you want to record audio for a podcast, definitely use a dedicated microphone for that.
HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless microphone demo (Ideal):
HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless microphone demo (Office):
HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
All prices listed in USD unless otherwise specified. Prices may change over time, and vary by region. Unfortunately, we cannot list Amazon prices on the site, as they vary greatly by currency.
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The best wireless PlayStation 4 headsets: Notable mentions
It doesn’t matter if you’ve got $500 budget or a $50 one, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is worth considering.
- Bose QuietComfort 35 II Gaming Headset: Based on the same design and tech as the original Bose QuietComfort 35 II, these cans double as a great-sounding gaming headset and a reliable pair of Bluetooth headphones for casual listening.
- HyperX Cloud II Wireless: This no-frills wireless gaming headset gets the basics right, offering great audio quality, a comfortable design, and over 30 hours of battery life. Its available for $150 USD—a price tag that shouldn’t be too out of reach for most gamers.
- Razer BlackShark V2 Pro: This headset has everything you’d want in a gaming headset: a low-profile aesthetic, unparalleled comfort, great sound profile, and compatibility with a wide variety of gaming platforms.
- Sennheiser GSP 670: This sub-$200 headset offers a very comfortable design and very accurate audio reproduction, and should appeal to gamers who are quite picky when it comes to sound quality. It also comes equipped with Bluetooth, with support for high-quality codecs like AAC, aptX, and aptX Low Latency.
- HyperX Cloud Flight S: This headset is one of the only gaming headsets that offers surround sound on PlayStation 4, with even fewer being wireless like the HyperX Cloud Flight S. It also has a nice 35-hour battery life, supports wireless Qi charging, and uses a 2.4GHz RF dongle for lag-free wireless gaming. For $97 USD, this is a fantastic option for PlayStation 4 gamers.
- EPOS h4Pro Hybrid: This headset has a great array of connectivity options, with Bluetooth capabilities alongside a 2.4GHz RF dongle and wired listening as well. The headset also sounds nice, has a great microphone, and it has ANC so you can block out the noise around you while you game. The EPOS Gaming Suite companion app also gives you great software features like custom EQ profiles and 7.1 virtual surround sound.
- Logitech G435: If you don’t mind the flashy color scheme, the Logitech G435 Lightspeed is ultra-light at 163g (5.7oz), has a pleasant sound profile, and the microphone sounds great for an embedded microphone setup. It also has volume-limiting capabilities to prevent hearing loss, which is especially helpful for children, as they’re more susceptible to noise-induced hearing loss. This is a great choice for kids, or anyone who wants a light, environmentally conscious headset, as this has Carbon Neutral Certification from Natural Capital Partners. It’s also only $79 USD, making it pretty affordable.
- Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 Max: The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 Max has a fantastic battery life coming in at 78 hours, 23 minutes in our testing. The sound profile is alright, with bass being deemphasized, and the isolation isn’t the best either. But if you’re looking for battery life, and great compatibility across different platforms, this is a good headset for you, coming in at $129 USD.
It also has volume-limiting capabilities to prevent hearing loss, which is especially helpful for children, as they’re more susceptible to noise-induced hearing loss. This is a great choice for kids, or anyone who wants a light, environmentally conscious headset, as this has Carbon Neutral Certification from Natural Capital Partners. It’s also only $79 USD, making it pretty affordable.Hold up! Something’s different:
Some of this article’s picks or notable mentions have frequency response and isolation charts that were measured with our old testing system. We have since purchased a Bruel & Kjaer 5128 test fixture (and the appropriate support equipment) to update our testing and data collection.
It will take a while to update our backlog of old test results, but we will update this review (and many others!) once we’re able with improved sound quality measurements and ANC performance plots. These will be made obvious with our new chart aesthetic (black background instead of white).
Thank you for bearing with us, and we hope to see you again once we’ve sorted everything out.
What you should know about wireless PlayStation 4 gaming headsets
Do you need a wireless headset with the PlayStation 4?
That little hole there? A totally functional 3.5mm port.
The PlayStation 4 runs into the kinds of quirks and constraints typical of a modern console. You can plug just about any 3.5mm headset into the console’s DualShock controller it’ll work just fine. In a way, because of this connection method, you don’t need a wireless headset—regardless of which one you use, you’ll never be stretching a cord across your living room. However, if you want access to more features than just a pair of headphones with a microphone attached, you’ll need to change things up and go wireless.
If you want to get a little more out of your gaming headset, your best bet is to switch to a USB connection. If you’re in the all-too-common situation where stretching a headphone cord across your living room just isn’t realistic, getting a wireless headset is your best bet. The PlayStation 4 doesn’t support Bluetooth audio, so all wireless headsets need dongles, and that’s probably for the best—USB dongles all use 2.4GHz RF transmitters for sound, which is entirely lag-free. Just be ready to give up one of your console’s few USB ports for the rest of its life.
How should a gaming headset sound?
Aside from a notable boost in bass frequencies and some variation in treble, the Razer Kraken V3 follows our house curve fairly close.
A frequency response just denotes the range of tones that a component (headset) can reproduce. 20Hz-20kHz is a common frequency range because it aligns with the lower and upper limits of human hearing. But a simple range of numbers doesn’t tell the whole story, to add more information we provide frequency response charts for all of our reviews.
This depicts where, within a given frequency range, a headset amplifies or under-emphasizes certain frequencies.
Many of our charts feature two lines: cyan and pink, with the cyan line representing the headset in question and the pink line representing a particular SoundGuys house curve. While our house curve isn’t objectively perfect, it is what we posit that most listeners will enjoy when picking up a pair of consumer or studio/audiophile headphones.
Gaming headsets tend to boost bass notes to make explosions even boomier, though this isn’t necessary. See, game audio engineers generally tune the game mix so that action sounds like gunfire or explosions are the loudest elements in a mix. So, if you see a headset that under-emphasizes bass or sub-bass notes, it’s not a huge deal in this arena.
What about gaming headsets for the PlayStation 5?
PlayStation
In November 2020, Sony launched its latest gaming console: the PlayStation 5. With a striking black and white design, this new console brings a suite of new audio capabilities, including its own built-in spatial audio system.
The console supports audio connections over 3.5mm through the new DualSense controller, as well as via USB-A and USB-C ports on the console itself, and it can send 3D audio through any of those methods. It doesn’t support Bluetooth audio connection.
It wasn’t terribly clear before launch, but we now know that almost every accessory compatible with the PlayStation 4 will also work with the PlayStation 5. This means that any headset you buy on this list will also work just fine if you decide to upgrade consoles. Additionally, you won’t even need an adapter cable for headsets like the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless and Arctis 7P, which is nice. You can read about the best PlayStation 5 gaming headsets here.
Why you should trust
SoundGuys
The gaming headset space, much like many other parts of the audio industry, is rife with exaggerated language and gimmicky features that often don’t add much of anything to your experience. It’s easy to get caught up in the flashy lights and promises of immersive audio and bass so intense it’ll rupture your eardrums (in a good way, somehow), but most of that stuff flat out doesn’t matter.
That’s why we review headsets, and why we have lists like this. When it comes down to it, we don’t just review gaming headsets. No, our reviewers are passionate about good audio. Plus, we know what kind of audio features are important for different kinds of games, and maybe more importantly: which ones aren’t. To learn more, read up on our Ethics policy.
Frequently asked questions about gaming headsets
The biggest difference between the two headsets relates to design. The Corsair Void RGB Elite Wireless sports a sturdy metal frame with jet-black finished ear cups, while the Corsair Virtuoso Wireless SE is adorned with gunmetal aluminum accents and micro-perforations for the RGB lighting. The Virtuoso Wireless SE also delivers better sound quality compared to the Void RGB Elite wireless, although its sound profile is still better suited for gaming rather than casual listening. Besides those two key differences, both headsets deliver comparable wireless performance, isolation, and battery life.
Yes, the Sony INZONE H9 and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless feature ANC, as well as the EPOS h4Pro Hybrid under our notable mentions. That being said, it’s important to make sure that your next headset has good isolation performance, which ultimately determines how well a product is able to block out ambient noise.
When it comes to convenience, wireless is king. However, wired headsets have superior sound quality over their wireless counterpart. This is because wired connections allow for a greater amount of data transmission, resulting in higher fidelity audio with less latency. It is worth noting that as new wireless technologies develop, the gap between wired and wireless sound quality is closing to the point where unless you’re a true audiophile you may not even notice a difference.
Be sure to check out our list of the best Playstation 4 headsets, which feature some wired options for those who prefer sound quality over convenience.
Since it connects using a 2.
4GHz USB dongle or wired 3.5mm connection, the PULSE 3D Wireless does work with PlayStation 4. It also works with Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series X.
Wireless headset | Sony GB
Take your audio experience to the next level with this advanced gaming headset for PS4 and PS VR.
The gold standard in gaming sound
With an ultra-comfortable design and built-in dual microphones, the Wireless Headset (Gold) for PS4 and PS VR lets you know how great your games sound.
• Hear the footsteps of invisible enemies and immerse yourself in explosive gameplay with 7.1 virtual surround sound in all PS4 games.
• Chat with friends and discuss tactics with teammates in crystal clarity thanks to hidden noise-canceling microphones.
• Create your own custom sound settings or use modes created specifically for their games with the PS4 Headset Companion App*.
• Change settings while playing by adjusting the volume and mute.
Wireless Headset (Gold) – Rose Gold
Add elegance to your playset with the Rose Gold Headset.
On sale since November 2019.
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Fortnite Neo Versa Bundle
Fight and fight your way to victory in Fortnite with enhanced and virtual surround sound.
Buy now
Experience enhanced audio and crystal-clear party chat in phenomenal Fortnite – and play in style with PlayStation-exclusive* content. The Fortnite Neo Versa Bundle includes the Neo Versa Epic Costume**, the Neo Frenzy Epic Back Bling**, 2000 V-Bucks, and a Gold Wireless Headset.
WHAT GAMES SHOULD SOUND
7.1 SURROUND SOUND Bring incredible audio clarity to every adventure and bring your games to life with virtual 7.1 surround sound available in all PS4 games, including Fortnite, Days Gone and Red Dead Redemption 2.
4 0- MILLIMETER SPEAKERS Enjoy the powerful bass from built-in 40mm drivers in each ear and hear explosions and the noise of passing vehicles for total immersion.
Optimized in-game chat
Dual hidden microphones ensure optimal voice clarity, whether you’re discussing tactics or chatting in a group.
Built-in noise-canceling microphones ensure your friends and teammates hear only what’s important, while Thanks to the strategic positioning of both microphones, your every word will sound crystal clear, no matter how you put the headset on.
The durable wireless headset headband (gold) and ear pads are designed to be more comfortable to use with your PS VR headset*, allowing you to stay in virtual worlds longer.
See more PS VR accessories
Close-ups of
What’s in the box?
Wireless headset (gold)
USB cable (type-A and micro-B) for charging the built-in battery of the headset.
3.5mm audio cable for use with PlayStation VR and mobile devices.
Wireless USB adapter for PS4, PC and Mac.
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Explore new dimensions of gaming sound with a professional wireless headset (platinum) featuring 3D audio technology, 40mm drivers, a stylish foldable design and extended battery life.
Learn more
Enjoy premium sound with our best PS4 headset.
Platinum-worthy sound
Put yourself at the center of gaming worlds with 3D audio technology, enhanced 7.1 surround sound and a variety of custom listening modes.
Enhanced 7.1 virtual surround sound enhances your gaming immersion by allowing you to hear crowd noise and enemy footsteps in crystal clear clarity.
With 3D sound*, you can pinpoint exactly where the sound is coming from and where footsteps, voice or gunshots are coming from.
Create your own modes or listen to games the way the developers intended.
Effortlessly store and carry your headset with a stylish foldable design, and a long-lasting battery to keep you in the game longer.
Surround sound-enabled games* take you to a new dimension, while 360-degree 3D audio lets you hear sounds from above, below, front and rear.
Hear which side the horde is approaching you from in Afterlife, listen to the sounds of battle raging in the sky or on the ground in Anthem, follow the sound of a thunderstorm in Horizon Zero Dawn, and enjoy the roar of the stands in MLB 19: The Show.
Enhanced 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound
Powered by
3D Sound Technology Put yourself in the center of the action with incredible 3D audio technology that enhances 7.1 virtual surround sound in all PS4 games and delivers crisp, object-based audio from all angles.
50mm Drivers
Improved 50mm drivers in each ear cup deliver incredible sound clarity and a wide range of sounds, from highs to deep, rich bass.
Custom Listening Modes
Find the perfect sound setting for each of your games and enjoy listening modes created by the developers specifically for their PS4 games.
Create your own modes
Create and save your own modes for your favorite games with the PS4 Headset Companion App* – then use these settings every time you play to enhance your gaming experience.
Developer Listening Modes
Find out how your games were meant to sound with Developer Listening Modes available for selected games in the PS4 Headset Companion App.
Download the app
Experience listening modes in these games:
Built-in microphones
Discuss game tactics and plan your next attack with your teammates thanks to two built-in noise canceling microphones.
Each built-in microphone is tuned to ensure your voice is as clear as possible and unobstructed while you play – so no setting will distract you while you play.
Compatible with many devices
Enjoy a truly immersive virtual world experience with a wireless headset (platinum) that can be connected to PS VR using the included audio cable.
Listen to music or movies directly from your Windows PC or Mac with the included wireless adapter.
Connect to your mobile device with a 3.5mm audio cable.
Close-ups of
What’s in the box?
Wireless headset (platinum)
USB cable (type-A and micro-B) for charging the built-in battery of the headset.
3.5mm audio cable for use with PlayStation VR and mobile devices.
Wireless USB adapter for PS4, PC and Mac.
Buy Now
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How to connect headphones to PS4 via Bluetooth, joystick, USB
Playing PlayStation 4 with headphones is a pleasure. Especially with good headphones. I’m not a PS fan, I rarely play, but the difference between the sound from the TV and the headphones was appreciated. Even if your TV gives out good sound, or a good speaker system is connected to it, you still somehow immerse yourself in the game with headphones. Yes, and there are situations when you want to play, but you can’t make noise. In order not to disturb anyone, just plug in a headset and play.
In this article, I’ll show you how to connect wired and wireless headphones to PlayStation 4 (Pro and Slim versions). Of course, using wired headphones is not as convenient as wireless ones, but there are nuances here, which I will also talk about. There are several connection options:
- Via Bluetooth. I must say right away that regular Bluetooth headphones or a Bluetooth speaker cannot be directly connected to the PlayStation 4. It just doesn’t support Bluetooth audio devices. Solutions: Connect the wireless headphones to a TV (which outputs sound via HDMI). Or use a special USB Bluetooth adapter or transmitter.
- Via joystick. This is not quite a wireless method, but it is also very convenient. I use it. Just connect any wired headphones to the joystick and the set-top box outputs sound to the headphones through the gamepad.
- Via USB. These are wireless headphones that connect to the console via a USB adapter (transmitter). This is how most headphones work, which, as it were, were designed specifically for the PS4. Including branded Sony Gold and Platinum.
I must say right away that regular Bluetooth headphones or a Bluetooth speaker cannot be directly connected to the PlayStation 4. It just doesn’t support Bluetooth audio devices. Solutions: Connect the wireless headphones to a TV (which outputs sound via HDMI). Or use a special USB Bluetooth adapter or transmitter. Let’s look at all three options in more detail.
How do I connect Bluetooth headphones to my PlayStation 4?
For some reason, I always thought that since the PlayStation has built-in Bluetooth, a section in the settings, then you can connect any Bluetooth headphones or speaker to it.
Initially, I planned to connect AirPods at all 🙂 But as it turned out, the PlayStation 4 does not support connecting Bluetooth headphones directly at all (via the built-in module). Even branded Gold and Platinum headphones are not connected via Bluetooth, but via a USB adapter. I tried to connect my JBL earphone, Redmi AirDots, AirPods, SONY speaker. The game console finds devices (in the “Devices” – “Bluetooth devices” section), sees them, but when connected, an error 9 appears0140 “PS4 does not support Bluetooth audio devices” .
You can not even try to connect – it will not work. But there are solutions. And there are several.
1. Special USB Bluetooth adapter for PS4
There are a huge number of special adapters (transmitters) that plug into the PlayStation 4’s USB port or gamepad and transmit sound via Bluetooth to headphones or a speaker.
About the disadvantages of such adapters: sound delay, possibly poor sound quality (usually on cheap models) and problems with the headset (microphone) in games.
There are many nuances with codec support? both from the side of the adapter and from the side of the headphones. To have a minimum audio delay, it is desirable that the transmitter and headphones support the aptX-LL codec.
These adapters look like this:
How these adapters work:
- The adapter plugs directly into a USB port, or via a USB extension cable to the PS4.
- The console detects it as a USB headset.
- Both the adapter and the headphones are in pairing mode at the same time. The devices are connected.
- PlayStation outputs sound to the adapter (like a USB headset), and the adapter transmits sound to headphones via Bluetooth.
I read a lot of information, and often met comments that if possible, it is better to buy original headphones from Sony than to use similar devices.
2. Bluetooth transmitter + PS4
Another device that can receive sound from a game console or TV via cable and transmit it to headphones or a Bluetooth speaker.
Important! With this connection, the microphone on the headphones will not work.
About Bluetooth transmitters and how to use them to connect any Bluetooth headphones to a TV, I talked in detail in a separate article: Bluetooth transmitter for TV (headphones). What is it, how does it work and how to choose? You may be able to connect a Bluetooth earphone directly to your TV. This is even better. The game console transmits sound to the TV via an HDMI cable, and we receive sound from the TV (directly or through a transmitter) to wireless headphones.
You can also connect a Bluetooth transmitter directly to the PlayStation 4. But only via an optical cable, since it does not have a regular 3.5 mm output. This means that the transmitter must have an optical audio input (SPDIF IN). I have such. Now I will demonstrate.
- Use an optical cable to connect the transmitter to the PS4. The console has a DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) output. I think it’s better to turn off the console before connecting. The transmitter can be powered from the USB port on the console.
- Then just turn on the transmitter and connect headphones to it. The transmitter must be switched to TR (transmitter) and SPDIF (optical cable) mode. To connect headphones on the Bluetooth transmitter and headphones, activate the connection mode (you need to hold the power button or a special button for a few seconds) and wait until they connect.
- After a few seconds, the sound from the console appeared in the headphones. You don’t need to change anything in the settings. The sound is dubbed to the headphones (via the DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) output and transmitter) and to the TV. I could not turn off the sound on the TV (HDMI) in the PS4 settings. Even if you select “DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL)” in the settings under “Sound and display” – “Audio output settings” – “Main output connector”.
Therefore, we simply twist, or turn off the sound on the TV and play. If you know how to turn off the sound via HDMI in the console settings with this connection, write in the comments.
The transmitter can be powered from the USB port on the console. 
Of course, with this connection there is a sound delay. And as far as I could estimate, the delay is decent.
Connect headphones via joystick (gamepad) PS4
An excellent solution that I myself use. If you do not have special wireless headphones that connect using a USB adapter, then we take any wired headphones, connect them to the gamepad, select the headset that is connected to the controller as the sound output source in the PS4 settings and enjoy the sound from the headphones. The cable from the controller to the headphones does not interfere at all. And between the controller and the console, the sound is transmitted via Bluetooth.
If you have headphones with a microphone, the game console will see it as a source for sound input and will use the microphone in games and programs.
Headphones must be plugged into the 3.5 mm output on the DUALSHOCK 4 controller.
If the sound on the headphones did not appear automatically, then go to the settings, in the “Devices” – “Audio devices” section.
- Input device (microphone) – Headset connected to the controller.
- Output device – Headset connected to controller
- Microphone level settings – you can check if the microphone is working on your headphones and adjust it.
- Volume control (headphones) – this is understandable.
- Headphone output – you can select all sounds, or just the chat sound.
- Automatic switching of output devices – I recommend enabling it. In this case, PS4 will automatically switch the sound to the headphones after they are connected to the controller.
Everything is very simple and convenient. Thanks to Sony at least for such an opportunity, since they removed the ability to connect a headset via Bluetooth.
Headphone connection via USB
There are different models of PS4 wireless headphones from SteelSeries, HyperX, Razer, Sennheiser, Sony and other manufacturers that connect via USB. The kit comes with a USB adapter that plugs into the USB port on the game console and transmits sound to the headphones wirelessly.
All these headphones are usually equipped with a microphone. Sony Gold and Sony Platinum branded headphones connect and work in the same way.
It is enough to connect this transmitter to the console and turn on the headphones.
In the settings of the PlayStation 4 (under “Devices” – “Audio Devices”), the headset is identified as “USB Headset (Wireless Stereo Headset)”. As a source for audio output as well as input. Well, in the menu “Output to headphones” you need to select “All sounds”.
I think there will be no problems with connecting such a headset.
Terminals
If there is no possibility, desire, or need to buy a branded headset from SONY, or other popular manufacturers, then the best solution, in my opinion, is to connect headphones through a gamepad. In general, any (with a 3.5 mm jack) can be connected there and they will work. All these Bluetooth transmitters and Chinese USB Bluetooth adapters will work, but you will most likely not like the sound quality and latency.