A gaming headset with a built-in microphone (commonly called a headset-micro) is the ultimate communication tool—vital for the best possible multiplayer conditions, but also handy for telework. Below is our curated selection of wired and wireless headsets that excel in audio, microphone quality, and comfort.
The headset-mic is key for any enthusiastic gamer who wants to hear and be heard clearly. The models listed here excel in their price categories and have passed extensive testing in our audio lab, where we measure performance in sound reproduction and microphone capture. We also rigorously assess their comfort and user-friendliness, ensuring they can serve you well for hours of gaming—or even as an office headset if you work from home.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro: An Excellent Wired Gaming Headset
Key Strengths
- Balanced and pleasant sound once equalised
- High-quality microphone capture
- External station (DAC, parameter access, multiple connection ports)
- Excellent comfort
- Very comprehensive PC software
- Superb build quality
Key Weaknesses
- Slight imprecision and lack of detail in the high frequencies
- Synthetic leather ear-cushion material can get warm
Essentially the wired version of the outstanding Nova Pro Wireless, the Arctis Nova Pro matches its wireless sibling in many areas: top-tier comfort, wide-ranging personalisation in the software, and a solid microphone. Acoustically, it performs very well, though we do wish the highs were more precise. Overall, if you want a computer headset that’s robust for both gaming and everyday tasks, this is a fine option.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: A Wireless Gaming Headset That Can Do It All
Key Strengths
- Balanced audio signature once tuned with EQ
- Decent active noise reduction
- External base station (battery charging, settings, multiple connection ports)
- Multiple connection possibilities (Bluetooth, proprietary wireless, mini-jack)
- First-rate comfort for any head size
- Feature-packed PC application
- Almost unlimited battery life via dual-battery system
- Excellent build quality
Key Weaknesses
- High-frequency detail could be better
- Microphone capture is good but not outstanding
- Synthetic leather ear cushions can get hot
- A mobile app would have been a plus
- The large feature set can be intimidating at first
Equally comfortable with PC or console gaming, and even everyday music, the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a joy to use. This is a veritable “Swiss army knife” among wireless headsets, boasting extensive connectivity, decent noise reduction, and exceptional comfort. Its dual-battery system is particularly clever for avoiding downtime. Sound quality is pleasing after EQ adjustments, both for games and casual music listening, although the highs lack ultimate detail. Likewise, the microphone captures voice clearly but not with absolute precision. Despite that, the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless remains one of the best all-rounders for those seeking a new headset with a broad range of features.
Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed: The New Benchmark
Key Strengths
- Warm, enjoyable sound in gaming contexts
- Outstanding comfort
- Mammoth 84-hour battery life
- Multiple connection options (USB dongle, Bluetooth, mini-jack)
- Easy to operate
- High-quality finish
Key Weaknesses
- Relative lack of detail, especially for music playback
- Virtual spatialisation not particularly useful
- Vocal capture lacks some naturalness
A thoroughly versatile gaming headset, the G Pro X 2 Lightspeed excels in numerous areas without any major weaknesses. It’s extremely comfortable, enjoys colossal battery life, and remains pleasant to use daily. While it won’t match the acoustic precision of certain audiophile models or the top-tier mic capture of the original Logitech G Pro X, it’s currently one of the best wireless headsets when you’re looking for a broad mix of comfort, battery, and user-friendliness—suitable for pro gaming as well as more casual sessions.
SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless: The Swiss Army Knife of Wireless Gaming Headsets
Key Strengths
- Superb user experience with highly detailed controls
- Very wide connectivity options
- Dual-battery system providing effectively “unlimited” battery life via the base station
- Comfortable for most head sizes
- Extremely comprehensive accessory bundle
- Effective microphone
Key Weaknesses
- High-mid/treble detail is lacking
- May be slightly tight for larger heads
- EQ is not the most “musical”
- No virtual 7.1 over USB (optical only)
The Arctis Pro Wireless demonstrates numerous advantages in the wireless work headset market, particularly its impressive flexibility and dual-battery system. This approach remains a strong selling point for gamers who spend hours at a time plugged in. It falls short of perfection due to sub-par treble detail and an occasionally imperfect fit for those with bigger heads. As an alternative, Astro’s A50 Wireless also offers strong performance, while the RIG 800 is worth considering if you have a smaller budget but want consistent audio and comfort.
Best Value for Money
Logitech G Pro X: The Best Microphone Among Gaming Headsets
Key Strengths
- Great audio with the fabric ear pads (after EQ)
- Possibly the best microphone found on a gaming headset
- Very effective Blue VO!CE vocal processing
- Comfortable to wear
- Sturdy build
- Multiple analogue connections plus USB for PC, mobile, or consoles
Key Weaknesses
- Stock frequency response is uneven without software EQ
- Overly boomy bass when using the synthetic leather cushions
- Limited isolation, regardless of which ear-cushion material is used
Although the G Pro X’s overall sound reproduction is decent (though not flawless), it stands out thanks to its superb microphone—the best we’ve encountered in any head seat or gaming headset. The Blue VO!CE processing is equally remarkable. If you often stream or produce gaming videos, this model is perfect for capturing crystal-clear speech at a reasonable price. For those specifically seeking the best “voice” performance, it’s hard to beat.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5: An Effective and Versatile Gaming Headset
Key Strengths
- Versatile sound profile
- Smartphone app plus PC/Mac software
- Almost perfect comfort
- Good-quality microphone
- Excellent battery life
Key Weaknesses
- Treble lacks precision
- Narrow soundstage
- The PC app can be tricky to navigate
- Microphone is somewhat sensitive to breathing or sibilant noises
A well-rounded wireless usb headset (though also usable wired via certain adaptors), the Arctis Nova 5 has no critical flaws. Comfort is excellent, the design is intuitive, battery life is very high, and the mic offers decent clarity. Sound is generally balanced but does lack detail in the highs. While it’s not revolutionary in technology or acoustics, it’s thoroughly polished in both function and form.
Sennheiser GSP 500: The King of Spatialisation
Key Strengths
- Natural, immersive audio
- Reactive, controlled bass
- Good detail retrieval
- Outstanding stereo imaging and wide, precise spatialisation
- Remarkably high-quality microphone
- Sturdy build
- Very comfortable…
Key Weaknesses
- … though the clamping force can feel tight
- Slightly coloured treble, so neutrality is not perfect
- A hint of muddiness in the midrange
- Proprietary connector on the headset
The GSP 500 does have a few small flaws—like a strong clamp—but it otherwise offers a top-tier experience. It’s comfortable for many users, equipped with an excellent microphone, and delivers a very immersive sound, mainly thanks to broad and precise stereo imaging. This advantage is especially noticeable in games and films, though its performance in music listening can be less impressive. If you mainly want a fully open design for gaming or cinematic immersion, the GSP 500 stands among the best in that category.
Sennheiser GSP 600: A Sturdy and Immersive Gaming Headset
Key Strengths
- Balanced audio signature
- Accurate sound with low distortion
- Rugged, finely crafted build
- Very effective passive noise isolation
- High-quality voice capture
- Extremely comfortable…
Key Weaknesses
- … but less so for larger heads
- Treble somewhat shy
- You can definitely feel it on your head
- Proprietary connector on the headset
The GSP 600 is a highly successful entry in our comparison table. It ticks all the boxes for a wired gaming headset: rugged build, easy operation, superb comfort, great noise isolation, precise mic capture, and immersive, balanced audio. That said, it’s not the best choice for extremely large heads or for those wanting an ultra-light feel. In such cases, consider the less expensive HyperX Cloud Alpha, which offers a lighter build at a friendlier price.
Smart Buys
Epos H3: A Champion of Voice Communications
Key Strengths
- Balanced, versatile sound with no major flaws
- Exceptionally clear and natural voice capture
- Excellent stereo imaging
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Comprehensive connections for PC and consoles
Key Weaknesses
- Only moderate precision in the treble
- Volume wheel affixed to the headset can be a possible weak point
- Microphone picks up external noise
Many people shopping for a headset value the microphone quality as much as the listening experience, and the Epos H3 clearly demonstrates that approach. It captures vocal signals with clarity and detail—among the best in the market—while also delivering a perfectly fine audio output. It’s a strong rival to the HyperX Cloud Alpha, which may have better speaker drivers but less impressive mic performance.
Logitech G435: Wireless and Affordable, Yet Surprisingly Decent
Key Strengths
- Clean, balanced sound with decent transparency
- Convincing stereo imaging
- Perfectly intelligible and natural mic capture
- Dual wireless connectivity (Bluetooth + USB)
- Low latency over Bluetooth
- Good battery life
- Extremely lightweight with good comfort
Key Weaknesses
- Lacks sharpness in the sound signature
- Microphone is sensitive to background noise
- No wired connection
- No included carry pouch
- Headband might be too short for some large heads
A highly pragmatic product, the Logitech G435 is everything one would expect from an entry-level wireless headset: simple but robust design, fuss-free operation, and respectable performance from both the speakers and microphone. Best of all, it’s flexible thanks to its dual USB/Bluetooth connectivity. The G435 pairs excellently with Nintendo Switch, for instance, because of its notably low latency, making it a compelling choice for casual gamers in search of a cheap headset.
Logitech G432: A Simple Refresh of the G430
Key Strengths
- Extended frequency response, decent low-end presence
- Solid stereo imaging
- Precise and convenient volume control on the headset
- Full-featured software with an easy-to-use interface
Key Weaknesses
- Underwhelming overall presence, even after EQ
- Sound lacks detail
- Hinges can still creak
- Volume wheel integrated in the headset (no easy replacement)
- Non-detachable cable and mic
In essence, the G432 does little to improve upon the G430. While we appreciate the updated software, we hoped for more changes in build quality, comfort, and audio fidelity. Even the 7.1 surround effect is not particularly convincing. If you want a simple stereo headset with a mini-jack connection, you might look into the G233 or the HyperX Cloud series—such as the Cloud Alpha, often discounted. For USB connectivity, the G433 is similarly priced, and for a decent wireless usb headset, the G533 might be appealing.
HyperX Cloud Alpha: A Reliable Favourite
Key Strengths
- Remarkably precise sound reproduction
- Good stereo separation
- Balanced, musical tuning
- Neutral bass and mids
- Superb comfort
- Quality construction
- Strong mic performance
Key Weaknesses
- Could use more “bite” or sparkle in the highs
- Spatial imaging can be slightly imprecise
- Mic sensitivity is somewhat low
- Earcups do not swivel vertically
The first HyperX Cloud quickly rose to the top of gaming headset deals under €100, and the Cloud Alpha is poised to continue its legacy. Excellent in nearly every regard, it’s also impressively precise in its sonic reproduction (albeit slightly on the soft side). For the vast majority of gamers, it’s a business headset solution that will not disappoint—offering comfort, reliability, and high-quality audio at a fair price.
