As 2024 draws to a close, it’s time to examine the advancements made in gaming audio. Since gaming headsets first became common in setups, innovation hasn’t always been constant. Still, manufacturers like Turtle Beach deserve credit for making gaming more immersive. If a mic isn’t a priority, studio-grade headphones are now more accessible to buyers.
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More selection among audio gear leads to better buying opportunities. Unfortunately, buyers can become confused by different feature sets. We’ve chosen some of the best gaming headsets 2024 debuted at various price points. Also included are headphones and earbuds that excel at music listening and production. Whether shopping for a wired or wireless candidate, 2025 models will struggle to match their excellence.
10 Beats Solo 4 Wireless
Beats headphones are popular because of their sleek, attractive designs and premium sound quality. Only mobile gamers should consider the Beats Solo 4 Wireless Bluetooth headphones to avoid higher latency. That said, weighing 217 grams, the compact Solo 4 is far more portable than chunky gaming headsets.
Although Beats headphones are known for thumping bass, the Solo 4 has a fairly neutral sound. Consequently, it’s suitable for multiple music genres. The Solo 4 is also designed for painless pairing, supporting instant connectivity on Apple and Android smartphones. iPhone owners can also experiment with spatial audio and head tracking, creating a more immersive sound.
The Solo 4 is available in several stylish colorways and is easily recognizable in subways and gyms. Its foldable design makes the headset ideal when working out or commuting. Battery life is excellent at 50 hours, and owners can regain hours of use from a 10-minute charge.
At its normal $200 asking price, the Solo 4’s lack of active noise cancellation is tough to swallow. However, recent deep discounts have turned it into one of the hottest holiday items.
9 Austrian Audio Hi-X20
The Austrian Audio Hi-X20 wired headphones cater to audiophiles with modest budgets. Even without a sale, the Hi-X20 matches the calibrated soundscape of the best headphones at a surprisingly low price. If gamers pair it with a standalone USB microphone, they can create the perfect content creation studio.
The Hi-X20 headphones have many similarities to the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 PRO headset. Both devices feature straightforward wired connectivity without needing a DAC. They are also constructed to outlast warranties with metal reinforcing sensitive joints. On the other hand, Beyerdynamic’s Austrian rival is lighter and considerably cheaper. Unusual for studio headphones, the Hi-X20 folds up, allowing it to accompany musicians and gamers on road trips.
Using ring magnets and copper-covered voice coils, the headphone rejects any distortion. Our Austrian Audio Hi-X20 review confirmed that it outperforms any headphones in its price range.
8 SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds
Earbuds have struggled to bring the performance gamers demand to a mobile form factor. Ready for the challenge, the Arctis GameBuds overcome many issues that gaming earbuds usually face. The SteelSeries gaming earbuds include a tiny 2.4 Ghz USB wireless adapter that prevents lagging audio. Toggling to Bluetooth sources is painless when listening to music or playing casual mobile games. The Arctis GameBuds avoid the frustrations of alternatives with physical controls.
The Xbox variety of the Arctis GameBuds boasts incredible multi-platform compatibility. Whether on PCs or consoles, the earbuds include spatial audio found on chunkier gaming headsets. SteelSeries’ mobile app is loaded with profiles that give competitive gamers a leg up on opponents when away from home.
Finding active noise cancellation on a reasonably priced gaming headset can be difficult. The Arctis GameBuds’ ANC is aimed at gamers who compete outside soundproof environments. While they can’t replicate the booming bass of headsets, SteelSeries has produced the most fully featured gaming earbuds yet.
7 PlayStation Pulse Elite
With its wavy exterior, the Pulse Elite looks like a PS5 accessory. More importantly, with planar magnetic drivers, it sounds like a high-end headset. Considering Sony acquired Audeze, it’s not a shock the Pulse Elite uses the same technology as the pricey Maxwell. Distortion is non-existent, and the soundscape doesn’t overemphasize rumbling bass.
The Pulse Elite offers other dramatic improvements over its Pulse predecessor. Regarding comfort, the flexible frame feels much less confining on heads. PlayStation gamers can now pair the headset to Bluetooth sources and monitor phone calls. Battery life has been bumped up to 30 hours and features quick charging. The Pulse Elite’s retractable microphone is not world-class but is far superior to the Pulse’s internal mic.
Sony’s headset connects to the PlayStation Portal handheld and its Link protocol without needing a USB dongle. It’s also tuned to take advantage of Tempest 3D spatial audio with other settings accessible in the PS5 dashboard. There is a large crop of PS5 wireless headsets, some even compatible with Xbox consoles. Still, our Pulse Elite review explained why it should be the first choice for devoted PlayStation gamers.
6 Corsair Virtuoso Max
The Corsair Virtuoso Max is a rock-solid peripheral that will become a permanent fixture in setups. Sadly, its sturdy construction presses a bit too much against the ears, affecting comfort levels. Nevertheless, Game Rant’s Virtuoso Max review determined its dynamic 50 mm graphene drivers compensated for any drawbacks.
Only the most premium gaming headsets include active noise cancellation. Instead of relying on a tight seal, the Virtuoso Max emits sound pulses to drown out background clatter. To enhance private listening, Dolby Atmos excels on Corsair’s wireless headset. It’s a tremendous choice for watching movies or playing cinematic games like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Spatial audio also makes the Virtuoso Max a strong contender for competitive shooters. Graphene drivers give new depth to sound, and critical audio cues are easier to detect.
SoundID Technology demonstrates how gaming headset apps are becoming more intelligent. For gamers intimidated by EQ sliders, the headset learns a listener’s preferences and adjusts settings.
Time-saving software and a premium build confirm the Virtuoso Max as one of the best gaming headsets 2024 unveiled. Its expansive soundscape on the PC and PlayStation is game-changing for audiophiles and casual gamers.
5 Beyerdynamic MMX 300 PRO
One of the best gaming headsets 2024 introduced may seem like a surprising choice. The Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro makes deciding between headphones and gaming headsets easier. Beyerdynamic’s headset has the precise soundscape that producers demand. At the same time, a better-than-average microphone turns the MMX 300 Pro into capable gaming gear. It’s pricey for a corded option, but the device’s simple connectivity shows why wired gaming headsets remain relevant.
Beyerdynamic has a sterling reputation for assembling resilient German-made audio gear. The MMX 300 Pro is no exception, with metal parts positioned where headsets are most stressed. It’s also customizable and easy to maintain with modular headband padding and ear pads. Velour inside the earcups adds a touch of luxury while rejecting body heat.
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In my MMX 300 Pro review, I discussed how its wide frequency response also made it exceptional for music listening. Owners don’t have to tinker with software since its well-shielded cord plugs into PC or controller headphone jacks. If you are looking for a professional-grade open-back headset like the Turtle Beach Atlas Air, I also tested the airy MMX 330 Pro.
4 Audeze Maxwell
Technically, the Audeze Maxwell was released in 2023. Stock levels often stymied gamers anxious to experience its 90 mm planar magnetic drivers. Now more available, the Maxwell’s pure and powerful sound outperforms more recent headsets. The wireless Maxwell is sold in versions for the PlayStation and Xbox, with either variety thriving on PCs.
The Maxwell’sunusually oversized drivers make manufacturing more challenging than its competitors. They also lead to a 490-gram weight, so the Maxwell is much heavier than the typical headset. Addressing concerns, Audeze placed an enormous amount of padding on the earcups. The result is supreme build quality and a headset that feels lighter than it is.With its bulk, the Maxwell has other advantages, like asubstantial 80-hour battery life.
Choosing 90 mm planar drivers results in crystal-clear sound with booming bass. The Maxwell also pays equal attention to medium and high tones, so the headset is a strong all-around performer. For the highest quality audio possible, it connects to PCs through a USB-C or analog audio cable. Our Audeze Maxwell review found the headset even more versatile than the corded Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro.
3 Razer Kraken V4 Wireless
Comfort, sound quality, and connectivity are all critical factors with gaming headsets. Yet, their style also separates them from basic black headphones. The Razer Kraken V4 Wireless maximizes its RGB effects with nine customizable lighting zones. It’s also a well-built peripheral that will become a focal point of gaming setups.
The Kraken V4 feels a bit confining at first, but swiveling earcups soon provide long-lasting comfort. Its rigid but well-padded headband also slides up and down above plush mesh knit ear pads. The highlight of the Kraken V4’s design is its illuminated earcups, which allow it to shine as a streaming headset.
Razer’s headset benefits from powerful Synapse 4 software. The app unlocks content and game-specific EQ profiles that enhance its 7.1-channel THX spatial audio. If buyers demand more innovation, I reviewed the Kraken V4 Pro with pulsating haptic feedback. Still, the much higher asking price doesn’t currently justify upgrading from the Kraken V4.
2 Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3
The Stealth 600 Gen 3 is a more conventional gaming headset that forms tight seals on the ears. However, the headset’s ability to work on every platform solidified a strong year for Turtle Beach. The other standout quality of the Stealth 600 Gen 3 is its 80-hour battery life, enabling it to endure many days of gaming without recharging.
The Stealth 600 Gen 3 Xbox version is the most appealing since it also functions as a PS5 headset. Using a physical button, gamers can switch to Bluetooth sources, including the Nintendo Switch. When I reviewed the Stealth 600 Gen 3 earlier this year, only software issues detracted from the versatile headset. The revamped Swarm II software now causes fewer headaches. Meanwhile, a mobile app makes changing EQ settings on other platforms convenient.
Potent 50 mm drivers that magnify footsteps and an excellent microphone are assets in competitive shooters. At a mid-range price that occasionally borders on budget territory, the Stealth 600 Gen 3 is one of the best gaming headsets 2024 has to offer.
1 Turtle Beach Atlas Air
In 2024, we saw a gradual movement toward open-back gaming headsets. Most headsets are closed-back to block out distractions, but the Turtle Beach Atlas Air has several advantages. Its earpads use breathable mesh covering memory foam that causes minimal irritation. With Turtle Beach’s floating earcup design, gamers may forget they are wearing a headset at all. Our Atlas Air review found that its comfort was on another level compared to competitors.
Like most open-back headphones, the Atlas Air produces a balanced and natural soundscape. The headset thrives on PCs with the highest-quality audio, but it’s also an option for consoles. Gamers can use a low-latency USB RF dongle or Bluetooth, which benefits the Nintendo Switch and smartphones. The USB wireless adapter works on PCs and PlayStation consoles, but Xbox owners must resort to a wired connection.
A detachable microphone that records crisp audio makes the headset even more well-rounded. Only gamers who play in chaotic environments might need to consider other options. Otherwise, the Turtle Beach Atlas Air is an example of a headset manufacturer taking a risk that pays off.
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