The best wireless gaming headsets 2023

Go tether-free with the best wireless gaming headsets on your platform of choice - our picks from across the price ranges

The best wireless gaming headsets are finally giving wired models a run for their money. Of course, the latency problem was eradicated a while ago, but we're now starting to see prices falling from their traditionally premium perch which means more options in the budget and mid-range market and more features creeping in as well. Active noise cancellation, smart battery features, larger drivers, and premium comfort are now easily available on the top devices, which means there's never been a better time to cut the cord.

We've had our hands on a massive range of wireless gaming headsets in the last few years, and we've brought all our favorites right here. You'll find our top picks across all platforms, as well as the best options for those after haptics, audiophile-level tuning, and ultra-long battery lives. We live with these headsets, which means we've put each through its paces over a range of genres and platforms to make sure it's up to standard. Not only that, but we're also spanning the full price scale here - so that you know you're getting the best value for money no matter the budget.

These are some of the best gaming headsets on the market, so they not only need to offer excellent wireless performance, compatibility, and battery life but they also need to sound great, feel comfortable, and look the part as well. That's a tall order, especially when squeezing the price down, but there are a few models out there working particularly hard for you.

You'll find them all below, as well as the internet's best prices.

Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.

Our expert review:

This is it folks: this is the generation's gold standard and best wireless gaming headset. At least it is so far - and the thought of the Nova Pro Wireless being bettered is a dizzying one.

It really is setting a new standard for wireless headsets this generation.

Anyway, if you have the budget, then this is the easiest recommendation for a wireless gaming headset I can make; it is simply, hands down, one of the best headsets I've ever tested. In every way, the headset delivers on its promise and goes as far as I've witnessed any premium set in justifying the lofty price tag.

The Nova Pro Wireless is a fantastic sounding headset for all games and media, but it is a headset whose audio is surrounded in excellence in every area: the design and build are supreme and sleek - and one that means you can easily use these as your daily-driver headphones; the connectivity is wonderful; the mic is rich and clear; and the feature set and base station are so good at allowing customization and tweaking so you can get the perfect setting no matter what you're playing. And the battery solution is also ingenious! The base station charges one removable battery while you use the other, and you can plug it in via USB-C to charge it too.

This is a premium wireless headset if we've ever seen one, yes, but my goodness it ticks every box and could very well be all the wireless gaming headset you'll likely ever need.

Read more: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless review

Our expert review:

We're dropping down to the other end of the SteelSeries scale now, for a budget wireless gaming headset that still performs to this day. The older Arctis 1 Wireless was a revolution in sub-$100 / £100 cordless cups back on its release in 2020 and have since stood the test of time.

A headset for all occasions and devices

You're still getting that excellent SteelSeries audio here, with a reliable 2.4GHz USB-C connection to keep you tether free. That's perfect for anyone looking to keep things clean while still enjoying high quality audio. It's not uncommon to find the Arctis 1 Wireless headset on sale these days as well, which means you can spend even less to secure yourself a solid set of cups.

You aren't sacrificing pristine audio here either. In our testing we were surprised by just how crisp and clear these budget cups are. We did miss some of the more premium features of more expensive headsets we've tested - the lack of surround sound meant directional audio was hampered significantly in our online multiplayer tests, for example. However, on the whole, there's excellent value for money in the audio being produced.

The aesthetic of the Arctis 1 Wireless isn't anything special. The matte black plastic and plush cups do just fine when on your head, though, and won't stand out with that classic gamer design should you need them for commuting.

Read more: SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless review

Our expert review:

The second generation of Turtle Beach Stealth 600s is probably the best wireless gaming headset for under $100 right now. Given its two versions are compatible with Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, and PC, and the Turtle Beach quality on offer is excellent, it really does offer great bang-for-buck value for those looking to cut the chords.

Simply put, the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 is an excellent wireless headset for the price point, especially for online gaming

With nicely-tuned 50mm drivers, a solid-but-unspectacular 15-hour battery life, a comfortable fit - even with glasses - the bang for buck value is strong. Throw in an easy setup process, and a very accessible price tag, and you really are off to a winner. This is certainly a great choice for gaming on a budget, as the sound quality is top-tier and the microphone sensitivity is ideal for those who want to communicate without shouting. However, because of the reasonable price, the headset plastic does feel a bit cheap, especially across the headband and on the ear cups, and unfortunately, the ear cups do get a little uncomfortable in longer gaming sessions.

However, the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2's are a good sequel to an affordable wireless headset. It looks pretty good, feels pretty good, and sounds great - a no-brainer if you're looking to get a pair of headphones ahead of the next-gen release that won't bankrupt you. This is definitely one of the best wireless gaming headsets, and certainly of the best Turtle Beach headsets.

Read more: Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 review

Our expert review:

The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro is a rare beast. A multi-platform all-rounder with excellent audio quality and all the additional features one would expect from a high end wireless gaming headset, this is a real winner. Turtle Beach has stayed away from this premium $329.99 / £279.99 price point over the last few years, sticking to cheaper plastic models. Everything about the performance, aesthetic, and functionality of the Stealth Pro exudes luxury, though.

These cups shine across a massive range of platforms, genres, and use-cases with a bursting feature set designed to offer all-round functionality no matter what, where, or how you play.

That multi-platform functionality is achieved via the pairing of the 2.4GHz wireless transmitter dock and Bluetooth connectivity. If you pick up the Xbox version, that gets you hooked up to pretty much every device under the sun and with low latency Bluetooth you're sorted across mobile and Nintendo Switch. This is about as versatile as they come (the only nitpick is the lack of USB-C dongle which means things aren't plug and play on Switch handheld mode), but there's more.

It's rare to find a wireless gaming headset that retains its performance while simultaneously connected via 2.4GHz and Bluetooth. However, the dual connectivity of the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro is rock solid, maintaining a rich sound quality on PC or console while also connected to mobile for incoming calls or music.

It doesn't stop there, though. We were blown away by this performance, especially considering Turtle Beach has packed plenty of extras in under the hood. The active noise cancellation is among the best we've tested in a gaming headset, hot-swappable batteries are a life saver for quickly getting back in the game, and the microphone offers crystal clear comms. Superhuman Hearing is also built in here, though we'd only recommend switching it on if you're only concentrating on your competitive efforts, it reduces the audio quality so much that we rarely used it during testing.

The Stealth Pros take over from the Turtle Beach 700 Gen 2 Max we previously considered the gold standard in multi-platform wireless gaming headsets. The metallic construction, boosted audio quality, noise cancellation, and dual connectivity make the Pros a better buy overall, but if you're not looking to spend over $300 / £250, the 700 Gen 2 Max is still an excellent option at $150 / £150.

Of course, Turtle Beach is mimicking the success of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless here, for ever so slightly less cash. However, the reduced charge in each battery (12 hours compared to 22 hours on SteelSeries' side) and the higher clamp force, leading to a less comfortable experience overall, mean they don't quite pip the Nova Pros to the top spot.

Read more: Turtle Beach Stealth Pro review

Our expert review:

Razer launched three headsets in its Kaira range last year, with only the Kaira and Kaira Pro offering a wireless connection. Of the two, the Pro is - obviously - the better headset overall. That's because of the additional haptic feedback and more luxurious leatherette cup material. However, if you're not interested in those additional features it's worth noting you can save yourself some serious cash and pick up the cheaper Razer Kaira for PlayStation model.

The rumble of gunfire is particularly immersive, and when you turn the haptics up to their full power, it really is something else to behold.

Going for the full whack really did prove to be worth it in our testing. We adored the haptic feedback working in tandem with the DualSense controller, and between gunfire rumbles and precise directional feedback this feature alone may be worth the upgrade. We did need to switch haptics off during multiplayer chat, though, as this tech hasn't quite caught up with the process of having another stream of audio delivered through the cups.

All in all, though, you're getting that excellent Razer audio quality with every reload, footstep, and scenic soundscape here. Detailing is clear and crisp - the rustling trees of Assassin's Creed: Valhalla were given just as much attention as the roar of an F1 car engine. While the microphone offers a reliable chat function, it does come across muted and tinny - at least on first boot. This issue did lessen over time, but it still isn't going to be recording quality.

Read more: Razer Kaira Pro for PlayStation review

Our expert review:

And we're back to SteelSeries. That's because the Arctis Nova 7X is the best wireless headset for Xbox players right now. It's got a faultless connection to Microsoft's tricksy console, while offering a sound quality on par with that of the far more expensive Pro model listed above. If you don't want to sacrifice features and functions by picking up a cord-free set of cups for your Series X or One, this is the headset for you.

For the money, this is once again a best-in-class audio proposition.

We found the Nova 7 to be particularly comfortable, even while dropping the earcup material down to a tighter pleather. Still, there was plenty of breathability in this fabric, so it's well worth the comfort and additional bass response created by this type of material. A new headband keeps your noggin protected from the plastic bridge at the top, with an elasticated strip of rubber offering plenty of padding. You'll find power, mute, chat mix, and volume controls on the cups themselves as well.

Putting the Arctis Nova 7X to the test, though, we noticed a more aggressive bass response than in previous iterations. That's excellent news, though - we found previous models offered a solid, rich sound, but sometimes struggled in these lower ranges. Everything's been ironed out here, though, to produce a powerful balance across the full scale.

Overall, the sound quality here is phenomenal. The crunch of Battlefield V is represented in all its glory, though we did notice that the Nova 7X is slightly more tuned to these gaming sounds now. That means a Spotify playlist is going to be flattened slightly in its more complex elements.

Read more: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 review

Our expert review:

The 2022 Razer Barracuda X endures as the best wireless gaming headset for Nintendo Switch players. That's all down to its easy plug and play design ethos (simply slot the USB-C dongle into the handheld or dock and you're ready to go), simple feature set, and flexible portability.

I was impressed by the balance and power behind these cups when they released in 2021 and their 2022 iteration still continues to surprise me every time.

On top of that, the new model also sports a Bluetooth connection, so you're not tied to that dongle for use with your console. While costing just under $100 / £100, the Barracuda X is for the player who just wants to get going with high quality audio straight out the box. Should you wish to fiddle with EQ settings you can fire up the Razer Audio app on your mobile device, though the Barracuda X isn't compatible with the brand's Synapse software, which means this isn't one for PC playing tinkerers. Instead, you're getting a solid set of cups with a strong battery life to see you through the day.

We were impressed by the overall audio quality here - there's a richness to this sound profile that doesn't usually make its way this far down the price tag. However, it was the comfort and form factor that really shone through in our testing. This is a simple headset made for the players, and that shows in its long-lasting ergonomic design and rejection of over the top tuning options.

Not only that, but there's a faultless wireless connection on offer here that has never wavered in the year we've been using this particular model - not even during low battery sessions. That's not something we can say for many cheap wireless headsets, so it's a real benefit if you don't want to seek out a replacement in a few years' time.

Read more: Razer Barracuda X (2022) review

Our expert review:

The Audeze Maxwell are among the best sounding wireless gaming headsets we've tested. That's testament to the 90mm planar drivers whirring away under the hood, offering a massive soundstage with an incredible level of detail and space. While the majority of headsets use a cone-shaped dynamic driver to pump out sound, the flat planar design allows the headset to produce a far greater sense of immersion. Not only that, but there's a natural emphasis on both low and high ranges here, making for satisfying crunch in reloads and shots while still managing to handle lighter sounds with delicacy. We did budge that bass range up a little to suit personal taste, diving into Audeze's own software to add a bass boost preset, which made everything all the more powerful.

There's so much room in between these drivers, it was like stepping into a completely different game on the first test.

Still, audiophiles are going to have a blast with these cups even straight out of the box. Everything is tuned particularly well to make the most of those larger drivers, meaning there's excellent attention to detail even in the under-emphasized mid ranges. The Last of Us Part 2's empty corridors and lurking clickers were all the more terrifying with the space between these cups, we could track echoes bouncing off walls just as easily as footsteps and shots in CS:GO.

Wireless performance is, of course, excellent, with a 2.4GHz dongle connecting to PC, Nintendo Switch, Android, and PS5 (in our case, an Xbox variant is also available). On top of that, you're picking up a massive 80 hour battery life with a 25% charge after just 20 minutes plugged in. That's not quite as impressive as something like the HyperX Cloud Alpha below, but it's certainly well above industry average. No, there's no active noise cancellation available, but there's an excellent seal created by the leatherette cups that keeps your experience quiet without proving uncomfortable over longer sessions.

Immersive performance is going to be the goal for anyone picking up the Audeze Maxwell, but that slick aesthetic certainly goes far as well. Everything is built to a particularly high quality, and we have no concerns about the longevity of these parts going forwards.

Read more: Audeze Maxwell review

Our expert review:

If you’re looking for a wireless gaming headset that work great straight out of the box definitely consider the Logitech G535. Angled as the mid-range gaming headset from the well-known brand, they offer a quality package at a price that's right in the goldilocks zone for value.

Right out of the box I was struck by how featherlight these cans feel, despite having generously proportioned cups on each side.

Overall, the most impressive feature of the Logitech G535 is just how light they are while retaining a comfortable design. At just 236 grams you’d be forgiven for forgetting you’re even wearing them, even over the longest of sessions. Generously padded and proportioned ear cups as well as a highly adjustable over-head fabric band lend to a beautifully balanced and comfortable headset for use in-game.

Sound-wise, the 40mm drivers in the Logitech G535 aren't the loudest we’ve tested but they do offer a generous helping of bass and all-important clarity in-game. You’re not going to get any 7.1 surround sound or fancy-shmancy marketable audio features with the Logitech G535, but what it does offer is a solid, well-rounded headset right out the box. If you’re on a PC then you can do some additional tweaking with the supported Logitech G hub software, which offers a ten-band EQ and some easy-to-use presets. That said, the G535 sound great out the box so those on a PS5 or Xbox shouldn't feel put off by the lack of software.

Where the Logitech G535 do fall down slightly, however, is its lack of support for Nintendo Switch and Bluetooth. If you’re hooking up these cans to a device, you’re going to have to use the provided USB dongle, so bear that in mind if you’re running short on external ports. Other slight criticisms include the all-plastic build, which lends to the G535 feeling slightly less premium than some similarly priced headsets, although it does make the headset very light indeed.

Read more: Logitech G535 review

Our expert review:

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless is an extraordinary headset and does earn a place on this best gaming headset list - but it is also a frustrating set; stumbling with one feature that could have really made it a world-beater.

I charged it once when I got it out of the box and haven't done so again, weeks after that first use.

However, first the rundown on all things good: the sound quality is truly excellent. No matter what game I was playing during testing, the Cloud Alpha Wireless's audio shone and excelled. It will have your back whatever you play from the busiest of chaotic shooters to the quietest meanders through open-world landscapes, and everything in between. I was particularly impressed with the clarity of each and every detail of the audio too, from booming weapons to the tweeting of birds. The headset is even excellent for music and TV and film too which is a great plus.

The battery life is the main feature here though, and the thing that all the marketing around this headset banged on about - claiming up to 300 hours of battery life, no less. And, I have to say that I have come to believe that claim wholeheartedly: after 110 hours I have had to give up counting just to move on with my life, while the chap in the earcups tells me it has gone down to only 70%. It really is remarkable and a big selling point for the set.

Elsewhere the design and build are classic, quality HyperX too: a simple black and red design with sturdy arching frames for each cup, and a solid and comfortable headband between the two. And the buttons are simple and restrained too - just a volume wheel on one cup, and the mic port, mic mute, power button, and charging port on the other.

However, the big caveat with this headset is that I found the mic to be really quite bad. Covering all of what you don't want from a microphone - muffled audio to my friends, crackling, inconsistent volume, and indistinct clarity - at times I was having to basically put it in my mouth to be heard.

What results is a headset that is seriously perfect for you if you don't play much, if any, online games that require communication - if you do, then there might be a better set on this list for you.

Read more: HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless review

The best wireless gaming headset right now is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. We always strive to fill our guides with headsets that will appeal to everyone, no matter your preferred platform, audio grade, or budget. That means those striving for value for money should grab the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 and those scraping the bottom of the budget barrel will be happy with the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless.

It's always hard to narrow down a whole field of quality gaming tech to a single brand. And while we do, naturally, put one brand's headset at the top of our best wireless gaming headset list - in this case, SteelSeries - each brand and make has its own attractions, appealing factors, and qualities that will help you make your choice. For example, is battery life and sound quality your main concerns? Then check out EPOS | Sennheiser's GSP 370. Is sheer gaming audio quality your absolutely top priority? Then go for Razer's BlackShark V2 Pro or the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. On a budget? Check out the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 or 600 Gen 2 headsets.

Each one on our list will offer something slightly different - so while it might be really tempting to try to put one brand above the rest, the reality is that its just a bit more complex and nuanced than that.

Wireless headphones are indeed 'OK' for gaming - but they aren't a total replacement for gaming headsets. For most folks, the audio given by a pair of wireless headphones will likely suffice for gaming - single-player games particularly. For anyone who plays competitively, however, or who just likes to ensure they and their games are high-tuned for success, a gaming headset is going to be the way forward as there are some latency concerns with normal headphones.

The latter is particularly the case when using a Bluetooth connection - we'd recommend avoiding this and choosing, where appropriate, a 2.4GHz wireless connection if you can to ensure that you have a seamless wireless gaming audio experience.

You can read more on how we test gaming headsets at GamesRadar+ with our dedicated article, or for more information on how we look at all things gaming tech, check out our full Hardware Policy.

Get the best gaming deals, reviews, product advice, competitions, unmissable gaming news and more!

I'm the Commissioning Editor for Hardware at GamesRadar+ and have been here since the hardware team's inception in late 2018. I'm also a writer on games and have had work published over the last six years or so at the likes of Eurogamer, RPS, PCGN, and more. Day to day, I take care of a whole host of gaming tech reviews, buying guides, and news and deals content that pops up across GamesRadar+. I'm also a qualified landscape and garden designer, so I do that in my spare time. I'm also an expert on the virtual landscapes and environments of games and love to write about them too, including in an upcoming book on the topic!

The God of War Ragnarok PS5 bundle has never been this cheap

Meta Quest 3 launches later this year, costs $500

All hail Diablo 4 patch 1.0.2, the GOAT of day one updates

By Molly EdwardsJune 01, 2023

By Molly EdwardsJune 01, 2023

By Emily GarbuttJune 01, 2023

By Molly EdwardsJune 01, 2023

By Molly EdwardsJune 01, 2023

By George MarstonJune 01, 2023

By Benjamin AbbottJune 01, 2023

By Emily MurrayJune 01, 2023

By Joe DonnellyJune 01, 2023

By Sam LoveridgeJune 01, 2023

By Bradley RussellJune 01, 2023