Wired gaming headsets are great for communicating with online friends, but their cords get in the way during intense gaming sessions. There’s a solution: wireless gaming headsets, which free you from those annoying cables. We’ve tested gaming headsets for more than 10 years, carefully analyzing audio quality, making test recordings using the built-in microphones, playing games to evaluate spatial audio, and exploring their apps that enable EQ settings and other sound-related features. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is our top overall pick, thanks to its excellent performance and build quality, active noise cancellation, flexible transmitter, and dual-swappable batteries, but it’s not the only one we recommend. Read on to learn more about our favorites in the best wireless gaming headsets category.
The Best Wireless Gaming Headsets for 2026
Compare Specs
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
March 12, 2026: With this update, we added the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite to our list of best wireless gaming headsets, replacing the Audeze Maxwell. The other picks have been vetted for currency and availability. We currently have gaming headsets from Logitech, Razer, and Turtle Beach in PC Labs for evaluation.
Pros & Cons
Full, clear audio
Good microphone
Strong noise cancellation
Clever base station with hot-swappable batteries and two USB ports
Powerful software with extensive audio adjustments and effective simulated surround
Audio profile requires some tweaking with EQ to get the best experience
No optical audio input for the base
Why We Picked It
This is one of the most functional and best-performing wireless gaming headsets we’ve tested. The base station connects to two different devices over USB, so you can use the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless with your PC and console without switching cables. The base also features a slot to charge the headset’s spare battery, which is a massive boon; instead of plugging in the headset or taking a break, you can simply swap batteries and stay charged and wirelessly connected for as long as you play.
It sounds excellent, too, though you’ll get the most benefit if you spend some time in the SteelSeries GG software to tweak the audio performance. It’s one of the few gaming headsets (or headphones, for that matter) to offer a full parametric EQ, rather than the standard five- or 10-band EQ. That means you can create precise audio curves for your favorite games. It has Bluetooth, too.
Who It’s For
PC gamers: The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is primarily designed for PC gamers, as the software helps them optimize the headset’s performance. The base station features a large knob for adjusting volume levels or controlling the game/chat mix. It’s still a console-friendly headset, though you must choose between the PlayStation or Xbox versions (the PC model works with both systems).
Cable haters: Most wireless gaming headsets need to be plugged in to charge, but not this one. Two swappable batteries mean you don’t have to tether yourself to a power source, no matter how long you play.
Specs & Configurations
Type
Gaming, Circumaural (over-ear)
Connection Type
USB, Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Review
(Credit: Will Greenwald)
(Credit: Will Greenwald)
Pros & Cons
Strong audio performance
Clear mic quality
Comfortable fit
Plenty of connectivity options with Bluetooth, USB-C transmitter, and 3.5mm
7.1-channel simulated surround sound isn’t the most accurate
Doesn’t come with a carrying bag or case
Why We Picked It
When we first tested it, the Barracuda X used a USB-C transmitter for wireless connectivity, with a 3.5mm wired option for devices with a headphone jack. This lets the Barracuda X work with numerous systems (PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and any Android phone with a USB-C port), making it a flexible wireless gaming headset for less than $100. Razer has since added Bluetooth and simulated surround to the cans. Bluetooth enables it to work as a pair of wireless headphones without a transmitter, which is very convenient. The 7.1-channel simulated surround is only for PCs and isn’t as accurate as THX Spatial Audio on Razer’s higher-end headsets. Still, any surround sound on an inexpensive wireless headset is welcome. The mic’s impressively clear, too.
Who It’s For
Budget-minded gamers: Anyone looking for inexpensive wireless audio for their PC, PlayStation, or Switch should consider the Barracuda X. It combines 7.1 simulated surround sound with a sub-$100 price, making it particularly attractive.
Specs & Configurations
Type
Circumaural (over-ear), Gaming
Connection Type
Bluetooth, USB-C, Stereo 3.5mm
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
Razer Barracuda X (2022) Review
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Pros & Cons
Detailed, clear audio
Active noise cancellation works well
Can be used wired or wireless
Easy to switch between EQ profiles
Powerful software for PC and mobile
Esports EQ presets don’t work with spatial audio
Why We Picked It
The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro may be $50 more expensive than its predecessor, but it comes with an important feature: active noise cancellation (ANC). The headset effectively blocks out distractions while you play, and it provides excellent sound quality and a clear microphone. It also offers spatial audio on PC through Razer’s software, and supports both Bluetooth and 3.5mm wired connections via its 2.4GHz USB transmitter.
Who It’s For
Gamers who need to focus: This is an excellent gaming headset if you want to dampen ambient noise without spending more than $300 on another model with features you don’t need (like a full base station with multi-system connectivity).
Specs & Configurations
Type
Circumaural (over-ear), Gaming
Connection Type
USB, Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
Razer Blackshark V3 Pro Review
(Credit: Will Greenwald)
(Credit: Will Greenwald)
Pros & Cons
Balanced, full sound with audiophile-pleasing clarity
Wireless 96Hz/24-bit hi-res audio support
Exceptionally clear microphone
Capable noise cancellation
Supports three wired devices, including PlayStation and Xbox
Hot-swappable batteries
Very expensive
Lacks head-rattling bass, if you’re looking for that
Why We Picked It
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is one of the best-sounding headsets I’ve ever tested. It builds on the already excellent Arctis Nova Pro Wireless by adding carbon fiber with brass surrounds, wireless 96kHz/24-bit hi-res audio, and the ability to connect to three systems over USB at once, including PlayStation and Xbox. Most of its upgrades apply more to music than gaming, though, and at $220 more than the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, it’s very expensive. But worth it.
Who It’s For
Audiophile gamers: The Elite’s hi-res audio capabilities and overall refined, polished sound will satisfy audio die-hards who swear by lossless music formats. If you don’t have strong opinions about bitrates and headphone driver materials, the extra aural finesse probably won’t justify the extra cash over the Pro Wireless.
Specs & Configurations
Type
Circumaural (over-ear), Gaming
Connection Type
USB-C, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.3
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite Review
(Credit: Will Greenwald)
(Credit: Will Greenwald)
Pros & Cons
Well-balanced, detailed audio
Open back gives a good sense of space
Clear microphone
Long battery life
Lacks noise isolation
Relatively weak bass
Why We Picked It
The Atlas Air is a rare open-back gaming headset with earcups that let air freely flow in and out. This enables a more natural, open sound than the typical closed-back gaming headset, which lets air move only where the earcup faces the ear (which is why many audiophiles prefer open-back headphones). It’s a comfortable and great-sounding gaming headset for PCs and Bluetooth-enabled devices. Be aware that the open-back design means it won’t block noise.
Who It’s For
Open-back headphone lovers: If you want accurate sound that gives a good sense of space and doesn’t isolate your ears from your surroundings, the Atlas Air is one of the few gaming headsets that delivers.
Specs & Configurations
Type
Gaming, Circumaural (over-ear)
Connection Type
USB, Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
Turtle Beach Atlas Air Review
(Credit: Will Greenwald)
(Credit: Will Greenwald)
Pros & Cons
Base station simultaneously connects to PC, PlayStation, and Xbox
Excellent sound quality and microphone
Includes Dolby Atmos for Headphones on PC and Xbox
Serves as an HDMI switch between PlayStation and Xbox
Expensive
Convoluted setup for the HDMI and USB combination connection
Why We Picked It
Logitech G’s flagship Astro-series gaming headset resembles the last few iterations of the A50, but it introduces a new feature: a base station that can simultaneously connect to a PC, PlayStation, and Xbox and switch between them with the touch of a button. It pulls this off with a bit of cable tango, using the transmitter as an HDMI switch for the two consoles, and it works well.
Who It’s For
Gamers who own a PlayStation and an Xbox: If you have both a PS5 and an Xbox Series X and want to use the same headset for both without juggling transmitters or plugging a wire into your controller, the A50 X is the only way to do it. It also sounds good, features an excellent microphone, and even works over Bluetooth, making it convenient for on-the-go use.
Specs & Configurations
Type
Gaming, Circumaural (over-ear)
Connection Type
USB-C, HDMI
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
Logitech G Astro A50 X Review
(Credit: Will Greenwald)
(Credit: Will Greenwald)
Pros & Cons
Powerful, sculpted sound
Comfortable fit
Programmable RGB lighting
7.1-channel surround sound with PC USB connection
Mediocre microphone
PC software doesn’t enable any sort of EQ
Only available in pink
Why We Picked It
Sometimes you just want to game while wearing glowing pink cat ears. The Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT lets you do precisely that, with pointy kitten ears and RGB lighting sticking out of a bubblegum pink headband. Since it’s a Bluetooth headset, the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT is better suited for on-the-go use, but it’s still lots of fun and an easy recommendation.
Who It’s For
Playful, budget-minded streamers: If you want to up your streaming style and don’t mind compromising on connectivity or mic quality, this is the headset for you. It’s also just a fun set of Bluetooth headphones.
On-the-go, on-the-low furries: The Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT is a Bluetooth headset with a feline angle. So you can wear cat ears anywhere you want, without it becoming a whole thing.
Specs & Configurations
Type
Circumaural (over-ear)
Connection Type
Bluetooth, USB
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT Review
(Credit: Will Greenwald)
(Credit: Will Greenwald)
Pros & Cons
Powerful audio
Excellent microphone
Long battery life
Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity
Comfortable
Pricey
Mediocre noise cancellation
Bluetooth only supports the SBC codec
Why We Picked It
In the past, we’ve seen a few true wireless headphones try to serve as gaming headsets, but the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are the best so far. They have a powerful sound, surprisingly good microphones for earbuds, and come packed with customization features through SteelSeries’ mobile and PC apps. The Arctis GameBuds come with a USB-C transmitter for higher-quality, lower-latency audio, and support Bluetooth for use with your phone.
Who It’s For
Earphone lovers: These are for gamers who want full audio on the go without the bulk of a conventional headset. The Arctis GameBuds are a bit pricey, with mediocre noise cancellation at best, but they’re impressive on all other fronts.
Specs & Configurations
Type
In-Canal, Gaming
Connection Type
Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds Review
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Buying Guide: The Best Wireless Gaming Headsets for 2026
Which Wireless Headsets Are Compatible With Switch, PlayStation, or Xbox?
Compatibility is the most crucial aspect of purchasing a gaming headset, particularly if you’re a console gamer. Headsets with 3.5mm connectors work with a wide range of devices, but wireless headsets typically use USB transmitters that require compatibility with your specific system.
Most wireless headsets work with PCs out of the box, but PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series compatibility is typically an either/or matter. Because the two consoles use USB differently, support for the PS5 and Xbox is generally mutually exclusive. Generally, you should check a wireless headset’s product page or packaging to see if it’s compatible with those systems.
Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 compatibility is a little more complicated. Few wireless gaming headsets are specifically designed for Nintendo’s systems, and adapters are often hit-or-miss, especially on the Switch 2. On the upside, both Switch consoles feature Bluetooth, so you can enjoy wireless audio with any compatible Bluetooth headset. However, the headset’s microphone won’t work through that connection. It’s less of a problem for the Switch 2, since that system has a built-in mic that works fairly well in both handheld and docked modes.
Which Wireless Gaming Headset Has the Best Mic?
All gaming headsets come with microphones, but not all microphones offer the same level of performance. A good headset mic should provide clear voice communication at a minimum, but it likely won’t be broadcast-quality. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a great starting point, as it features an excellent microphone for streaming, commentary, and podcasts. Others let you be heard in voice chat but may introduce wireless artifacts, sibilance, or subpar clarity.
Razer Barracuda X (Credit: Razer)
If you’re serious about streaming or recording, you should consider a dedicated USB microphone. Good mics cost around $50 to $150, and offer far superior audio quality than nearly any boom mic. You need to be careful with the positioning and configuration of a separate microphone, but it’s worthwhile if you want to work professionally. See our story on how to make your podcast sound better for general tips that apply to all recording and broadcasting scenarios.
Recommended by Our Editors
As for the best wireless gaming headset, you can’t go wrong with any of the options we’ve tested here. Choose the one that meets your budget and needs, and start playing.
