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<\/br><\/code><\/p>\n\nIf you\u2019re shopping for a gaming headset in 2022, you have a lot <\/em>of options. While there are some great ones out there, it\u2019s easy to pay too much, to accidentally purchase a headset that doesn\u2019t work with your desired console or platform, or to get one that\u2019s uncomfortable after a few hours of use. Knowing a thing or two about headphones might<\/em> aid in your search, but gaming headsets have only gotten more complicated to shop for \u2014 especially the wireless ones.<\/p>\nFor instance, wireless headsets made for Xbox operate via Microsoft\u2019s proprietary wireless protocol. They\u2019ll only work on Xbox consoles or a PC that has one of Microsoft\u2019s Xbox Wireless Adapters plugged in, in most cases. Conversely, if you get a multiplatform wireless headset that includes a 2.4GHz wireless USB dongle, it\u2019ll likely work on the likes of the PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch (when plugged into the console\u2019s TV dock), and PC \u2014 but not Xbox. In short, it\u2019s best to buy the headset that mentions support for your preferred platform(s) explicitly (or just buy a wired gaming headset instead).<\/p>\n
This guide focuses mostly on newer options that you\u2019re likely to encounter at stores as opposed to older models that, while possibly still being worthy of your money, are often tougher to find affordably and easily online. Also, just to mention it at the top, I have a large-ish head, and that factor obviously played a major role in how I judge the comfort of these headsets.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll find a few categories below, including the best multiplatform wireless headsets<\/strong> that are compatible with PC, PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch via its dock (and likely more products than that), the best Xbox wireless gaming headsets<\/strong>, the best PlayStation wireless gaming headsets<\/strong>, and the best wired gaming headsets<\/strong> that support the widest variety of platforms, from console controllers to phones, tablets, and VR headsets that feature a 3.5mm headphone jack. <\/p>\n
\nCompatible with PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch (via its dock)<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/NrccwhKa6xCAm37rWSGSkD-aYC4%3D\/0x0%3A2040x1360\/1200x0\/filters%3Afocal%280x0%3A2040x1360%29%3Ano_upscale%28%29\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/23001468\/akrales_211109_4870_0263.jpg?w=1140&ssl=1\")
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<\/p>\n Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales \/ The Verge<\/cite><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n
For some time now, Logitech has been on the cusp of making a gaming headset that\u2019s good enough for console gamers, mobile gamers, and PC gamers alike. It has finally nailed the balancing act with its new $79.99 (sometimes cheaper) G435 wireless gaming headset. While this headset likely won\u2019t satisfy most enthusiasts because of its lack of a boom microphone (it utilizes beamforming microphones) and its minimal noise isolation, that doesn\u2019t take away from the G435 being a lightweight and comfortable delight to use.<\/p>\n
The G435 ships with a USB-A audio transmitter and is compatible with most platforms that have that port, including PCs, PlayStation consoles, and the Nintendo Switch\u2019s dock. It isn\u2019t compatible with Xbox, though. I\u2019ve also had success using a USB-A to USB-C adapter to plug it into my Oculus Quest 2, MacBook Pro, and other devices. <\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/PVdguEyCU4inbWeuULbZWVJOynY%3D\/0x0%3A2040x1360\/1200x0\/filters%3Afocal%280x0%3A2040x1360%29%3Ano_upscale%28%29\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/23001470\/akrales_211109_4870_0299.jpg?w=1140&ssl=1\")
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<\/p>\n Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales \/ The Verge<\/cite><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n
The G435\u2019s killer feature (aside from its broad compatibility and comfort) is its Bluetooth mode, which lets you connect to a phone so you can remain available to accept calls while you use the headset for something else via the 2.4GHz transmitter. You can also just use them as standard headphones via Bluetooth. It\u2019s far from the first device to combine Bluetooth with 2.4GHz wireless, but the G435\u2019s lightweight design makes it an easier companion to carry around and use for work and play.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/y3h1xExuNQeIJpXT3K1kFJEACDU%3D\/0x0%3A2040x1360\/1200x1200\/filters%3Afocal%281020x680%3A1021x681%29\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/23001468\/akrales_211109_4870_0263.jpg?w=1140&ssl=1\")
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Logitech G435 Lightspeed<\/a><\/p>\n<\/h3>\n\nLogitech\u2019s G435 Lightspeed is a lightweight and comfortable wireless gaming headset that won\u2019t break the bank. It\u2019s compatible with PlayStation consoles, as well as the Nintendo Switch and PC. It also supports Bluetooth, so you can listen to music or pick up calls while you game.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
The G435 headset is an evolution of the made-for-PC G733<\/a>\u2019s design but without the futuristic LEDs. Like the G733, it utilizes breathable ear pads, though its plastic headband is wrapped in a layer of fabric. Speaking of plastic, that\u2019s mostly what you\u2019ll find here. This isn\u2019t a robust headset with steel-reinforced arms, like many of our other options below. Yet, when it\u2019s on your head, it\u2019s comfortable enough that you might just forget about that little detail.<\/p>\nThe ear cups are mounted to rails that extend from the headband, letting you easily move them around until you find the right fit. And even though one look at its advertising<\/a> should tell you that these were built for a younger generation, my large head fits comfortably within the range of the G435\u2019s sizing. There\u2019s no annoying clamping, and these are extremely lightweight, so fatigue wasn\u2019t something that I encountered.<\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/cA6Uh6XwczF22M_wZuNC1f-jtFU%3D\/0x0%3A2040x1360\/1200x0\/filters%3Afocal%280x0%3A2040x1360%29%3Ano_upscale%28%29\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/23001471\/akrales_211109_4870_0311.jpg?w=1140&ssl=1\")
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<\/p>\n Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales \/ The Verge<\/cite><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n
Sound quality is better than I expected for the price, and I often found myself picking these up just to listen to music. They\u2019re also fine for gaming, though they lack the hearty low-end sound and noise isolation you might be looking for (especially if you game competitively). Generally, if you\u2019re in the market for a lightweight wireless gaming headset that costs no more than $80 (again, it\u2019s often cheaper than this) and has a good number of features and broad compatibility, check out the G435.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s what the microphone on the Logitech G435 Lightspeed headset sounds like:\n<\/div>\n
\nCompatible with PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch (via its dock)<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"Epos](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/zOiFIvXxxWNdE003k6glmKgpsE8%3D\/0x0%3A2040x1360\/1200x0\/filters%3Afocal%280x0%3A2040x1360%29%3Ano_upscale%28%29\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/23001463\/akrales_211109_4870_0115.jpg?w=1140&ssl=1\")
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<\/p>\n Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales \/ The Verge<\/cite><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n
The Epos H3Pro Hybrid is a new favorite if you\u2019re okay with spending a little more on a gaming headset. At $279, this wireless model supports 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth concurrently, like the G435 Lightspeed above. However, in several ways, it\u2019s a huge upgrade in terms of comfort, overall build quality, thoughtful design, and sound quality \u2014 all while still remaining relatively lightweight at about 311 grams. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s actually similar in appearance and comfort to the company\u2019s more affordable H3 Hybrid wired headset, which includes Bluetooth support in addition to its wired connection. But the H3Pro Hybrid cuts the cord (the option for wired is still there, though) and adds other capabilities that make it worth the price hike.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n![\"Epos](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/95e7UWYkt--REt3Jmtp9-qnpgDg%3D\/0x0%3A2040x1360\/1200x1200\/filters%3Afocal%281020x680%3A1021x681%29\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/23001461\/akrales_211109_4870_0072.jpg?w=1140&ssl=1\")
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Epos H3Pro Hybrid<\/a><\/p>\n<\/h3>\n\nThe latest wireless gaming headset from Epos brings stellar sound quality, lots of comfort, and dual connectivity via 2.4GHz and Bluetooth.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Notably, the H3Pro Hybrid features a switch that toggles active noise cancellation and further reduces the amount of incoming noise from your surroundings. The thick, plush ear cups already do a good job at limiting noise as it is, and ANC takes it a step further. It\u2019s difficult to hear much of anything around you when the sound-dampening feature is on, so gamers who need to focus closely on positional sounds should find these to be a great companion (not to mention how handy the feature is for just filtering out noise to focus on work). <\/p>\n
Outside of that, the H3Pro Hybrid makes good on its price by nailing the fundamentals. The steel-reinforced headband feels strong and flexible, and it offers a staggering amount of sizing options, going far beyond the size that my large head requires. The ear cups clamp down just tightly enough to make a seal with your skin, and there\u2019s a generous amount of padding at the headband to keep it from weighing you down. <\/p>\n
Battery life is good. These support USB-C charging, and with ANC on, they can last around 20 hours per charge or more than 30 hours with ANC off.<\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"Epos](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/Bonf9NtJa8m0dUQI_h60FYGcUYY%3D\/0x0%3A2040x1360\/1200x0\/filters%3Afocal%280x0%3A2040x1360%29%3Ano_upscale%28%29\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/23001461\/akrales_211109_4870_0072.jpg?w=1140&ssl=1\")
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<\/p>\n Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales \/ The Verge<\/cite><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n
They sound good out of the box, but the Epos gaming suite software for Windows is necessary for tweaking the equalizer and other sound and mic settings. With a little fine-tuning, I was able to achieve my preferred sound reproduction of somewhere between warm and a reference sound, with just a little bass to give it some pep. The drivers are punchy and balanced, and in addition to gaming, these are a joy to listen to music with. They look, feel, and sound like premium headphones should in this price range.<\/p>\n
\nCompatible with Xbox Series X \/ S, Xbox One, Bluetooth-ready devices, and PC if you have an adapter<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"Xbox](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/iXOxSKl4CAojQLbyyWhmQfX7s1M%3D\/0x0%3A2050x1367\/1200x0\/filters%3Afocal%280x0%3A2050x1367%29%3Ano_upscale%28%29\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/22363682\/cfaulkner_210311_4469_0006.jpg?w=1140&ssl=1\")
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<\/p>\n Photo by Cameron Faulkner \/ The Verge<\/cite><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n
Microsoft\u2019s Xbox Wireless headset is surprisingly good for $100. It has all of the same features as our previous top pick, Razer\u2019s Kaira Pro, but knocks $50 off the price and has a better design. Like the Surface Headphones, this headset features twistable dials on the outside of its earcups, and it simplifies making quick adjustments, like turning up the volume on the right side or tweaking the game \/ chat audio mix on the left.<\/p>\n
This headset operates on the Xbox Wireless protocol, letting it connect effortlessly to a modern Xbox console with a push of its pairing button (it pairs just like a controller). It supports a concurrent Bluetooth connection, too, so you can be paired to your phone and console at the same time. <\/p>\n
\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/kHQhX8I0ybkUuQMcvR1psF1ITe0%3D\/0x0%3A2050x1367\/1200x1200\/filters%3Afocal%28910x681%3A911x682%29\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/22363681\/cfaulkner_210311_4469_0005.jpg?w=1140&ssl=1\")
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Xbox Wireless Headset<\/a><\/p>\n<\/h3>\n\nYou don\u2019t have to miss a call while you game thanks to Microsoft\u2019s Xbox Wireless Headset. In our review<\/a>, we found it to be a comfortable, intuitively designed headset that\u2019s well worth the price. In addition to working well with Xbox consoles, it can connect to another device simultaneously via Bluetooth.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBattery life is fine but not spectacular at around 15 hours per charge. While I really like the Bluetooth feature, this headset lacks a multifunction button for controlling, say, phone calls or playing \/ pausing music or podcasts coming from your phone or tablet that might be connected. Another fault is that this model lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, but that might not be a big deal for you.<\/p>\n
Microsoft\u2019s headset doesn\u2019t break new ground \u2014 it just does a lot right for a reasonable price. There are other options that offer noise cancellation and more hearty sound quality than this model. But if you don\u2019t want to spend more than $100, most people should be very happy with what the Xbox Wireless headset offers.<\/p>\n
\nA runner-up: Victrix Gambit ($129.99<\/a>)<\/h2>\nCompatible with Xbox Series X \/ S, Xbox One, and PC<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/O3tLD0Evu6Ah6b9fkcwpRNohYGo%3D\/0x0%3A2040x1360\/1200x0\/filters%3Afocal%280x0%3A2040x1360%29%3Ano_upscale%28%29\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/23001472\/akrales_211109_4870_0346.jpg?w=1140&ssl=1\")
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<\/p>\n Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales \/ The Verge<\/cite><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n
I\u2019m willing to bet that you may not have heard of Victrix, a brand owned by PDP Gaming that\u2019s focused on making peripherals suited for e-sports pros and aspiring gamers. Either way, it made a killer wireless headset in the Gambit that I think many people will enjoy. It\u2019s a $129.99 device that comes in two versions: one that\u2019s compatible with the Xbox family of consoles and with PCs and a PlayStation version<\/a> that operates with a different dongle than the one included with the Xbox version. I tested the Xbox version, which has a different chipset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/YqZg86_V11G2QC7Uacriw3jySX8%3D\/0x0%3A2040x1360\/1200x1200\/filters%3Afocal%281020x680%3A1021x681%29\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/23001472\/akrales_211109_4870_0346.jpg?w=1140&ssl=1\")
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Victrix Gambit Wireless Gaming Headset<\/a><\/p>\n<\/h3>\n\nThe Victrix Gambit is a wireless gaming headset that nails the fundamentals, with good sound quality and controls that are intuitive to use. Unlike many of the headsets in this guide, the Gambit recharges via Micro USB, which is a drag.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
It\u2019s easy to recommend this headset to people who want to do the least amount of fiddling. I\u2019m no designer, but it\u2019s tough to imagine how Victrix could have made the built-in controls any more intuitive. On the left ear cup, there\u2019s a mic that turns on when you lower it and mutes when you raise it back upward. That cup also has a button that adjusts between three levels of mic monitoring sensitivity and a rubberized dial for finding the perfect balance of game and chat audio. Over on the right cup, a fantastic volume knob sits alone as the only control. <\/p>\n
I enjoyed the sound quality as much, if not slightly more, than the Xbox Wireless Headset above. The Victrix Gambit doesn\u2019t try too hard to woo with bass or with an overly crisp sound that forgoes warmth. It just sounds good out of the box, and I have no complaints about its performance while tethered to the included USB audio transmitter (alternatively, it can be used wired via 3.5mm). Its mic quality is also better than I expected.<\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/yBQQVGL3JXl9gLoBhXBKX0h3xeo%3D\/0x0%3A2040x1360\/1200x0\/filters%3Afocal%280x0%3A2040x1360%29%3Ano_upscale%28%29\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/23001474\/akrales_211109_4870_0390.jpg?w=1140&ssl=1\")
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<\/p>\n Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales \/ The Verge<\/cite><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n
Its build quality leans heavily on plastic and leatherette. This alone doesn\u2019t negatively impact its comfort, but it didn\u2019t feel like it seamlessly fit my head like a glove the way Microsoft\u2019s option did.<\/p>\n
For me, this headset\u2019s lack of a USB-C charging port would be a deal-breaker \u2014 it uses a Micro USB port for recharging. That aside, there\u2019s very little that the Victrix Gambit does wrong, and unlike with Microsoft\u2019s Xbox Wireless Headset, the included audio transmitter lets it work with a PC out of the box using the Xbox Wireless protocol (normally, you\u2019d have to purchase Microsoft\u2019s own transmitter that doubles as a wireless controller hub). But unless you prefer it aesthetically, it\u2019s tough to recommend it over the cheaper Xbox Wireless Headset if you\u2019re just gaming on Xbox. <\/p>\n
\nCompatible with PS5, PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch, mobile, Oculus Quest 2<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/ZHDDSWN_uXJA6Nz2OZZINSdeTms%3D\/0x0%3A2040x1360\/1200x0\/filters%3Afocal%280x0%3A2040x1360%29%3Ano_upscale%28%29\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/23001466\/akrales_211109_4870_0168.jpg?w=1140&ssl=1\")
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<\/p>\n Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales \/ The Verge<\/cite><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n
The SteelSeries\u2019 Arctis 7P Plus has dethroned Sony\u2019s own Pulse 3D headset as the best option out there for PlayStation gamers, despite costing $69 more. It\u2019s one of the company\u2019s most complete headsets yet in terms of features, connectivity, and comfort. Really, the previous version nailed the comfort already, but this year, it added on more battery life, a game and chat audio dial, and USB-C charging (good riddance, Micro USB).<\/p>\n
\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/2gfEXcXfcgUAu8VTspdNULA518Q%3D\/0x0%3A2040x1360\/1200x1200\/filters%3Afocal%281020x680%3A1021x681%29\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/23001466\/akrales_211109_4870_0168.jpg?w=1140&ssl=1\")
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SteelSeries Arctis 7P Plus<\/a><\/p>\n<\/h3>\n\nThe new Arctis 7P Plus has the same design and comfort of previous SteelSeries headsets, but this newer model boasts improved battery life and USB-C charging, making it easy to use the same charging cable that your DualSense uses.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
If you\u2019ve read anything about the older Arctis 7P, that\u2019s probably still true about this newer one. It has SteelSeries\u2019 signature ski goggle headband that suspends its weight without pressing down. The ear cups rotate to be stored more easily or lay on your chest. It still includes a USB-C audio transmitter (and a USB-A converter), making it compatible with a wide range of devices, including the Oculus Quest 2, Switch, and much more. It\u2019s these small additions that elevate this year\u2019s model higher in our rankings than before. Also, it comes in black if you prefer that color over white.<\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/j3xI30lAQatnbjW7NqiZKJtUc2k%3D\/0x0%3A2040x1360\/1200x0\/filters%3Afocal%280x0%3A2040x1360%29%3Ano_upscale%28%29\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/23001467\/akrales_211109_4870_0213.jpg?w=1140&ssl=1\")
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<\/p>\n Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales \/ The Verge<\/cite><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n
SteelSeries boosted the advertised battery life from 24 to 30 hours per charge \u2014 a claim that it meets. I won\u2019t shut up about USB-C charging, and in this case, it really just makes a lot of sense to have since it\u2019s the same charging port as the DualSense controller. This is the first of many (I hope) SteelSeries headsets to ditch Micro USB for the reversible USB standard.<\/p>\n
The $169.99 price might be steep if you were hoping to spend less, but compared directly to the Pulse 3D headset, the Arctis 7P Plus\u2019s comfort, microphone quality, button layout, and ease of use make it a far better choice for gamers who want to get the best bang for their buck.<\/p>\n
\nA runner-up: Sony Pulse 3D ($100<\/a>)<\/h2>\nCompatible with PS5, PS4<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"Sony](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/Kb4kpzDwebNJYp9rrm_-Al7D3EA%3D\/0x0%3A1923x1282\/1200x0\/filters%3Afocal%280x0%3A1923x1282%29%3Ano_upscale%28%29\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/22276836\/pulse3d.jpg?w=1140&ssl=1\")
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The Sony Pulse 3D gaming headset<\/figcaption>Sony<\/cite><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n
Sony\u2019s $99 Pulse 3D wireless headset for the PS4 and PS5 is a surprisingly feature-packed headset that\u2019s also one of the most comfortable options on this list. I\u2019m a sucker for well-fitting headsets, and the bungie-style headband Sony supplies is fantastic. Instead of having a hard plastic band pulling down on the top of your head, this headset hangs its weight on a silicone band. It gives the headset a near-weightless feel when it\u2019s on my head. Just a note<\/strong>: the ear cups are on the smaller side, and while mine fit just fine, folks with larger ears might not find them all that comfortable.<\/p>\nThe Pulse 3D\u2019s headline feature, though, is its ability to serve up 3D audio from the PS5\u2019s Tempest sound engine. Actually, Sony says most headphones can push out the 3D effect, but this headset was made to really show it off. Support for 3D audio varies from game to game, but I found the PS5\u2019s Demon\u2019s Souls<\/em> to be a great showcase for it. In that game, everything from the highs that ring out from swords clashing to daunting fire-breathing dragons that push out medium- and low-frequency sounds were a delight to hear. For a more relaxing experience, Astro\u2019s Playroom<\/em> and Returnal<\/em> sound great, too. There are little sounds coming from everywhere, it seems. Games that don\u2019t support 3D audio still sound good but are not quite as enthralling. <\/p>\nFor a $99 headset, the positional audio quality is better than I expected, as is the sound balance. There\u2019s not an overwhelming amount of bass or tinny highs \u2014 everything is delivered delicately. I like that because it helps prevent fatigue during long play sessions.<\/p>\n
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Sony Pulse 3D headset<\/a><\/p>\n<\/h3>\n\nSony\u2019s Pulse 3D wireless gaming headset<\/a> is worth the roughly $100 price tag if you want a wireless model that allows the audio to shine in select PS5 exclusives. It sounds fantastic with titles like Spider-Man: Miles Morales <\/em>and Demon\u2019s Souls<\/em>, as well as more recent hits like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart<\/em>. Like the console, this headset has been a little tough to find, but it\u2019s coming back in stock more frequently these days. Sony also released a midnight black version<\/a> of the headset for $100, however, it\u2019s slightly more difficult to find in stock.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nSony claims 13 hours of wireless performance per charge. The headset actually landed between about 10 and 12 hours during my testing, which is an underwhelming result. Of course, this is less of an issue if you\u2019re connecting it to a power source each time you stop gaming for the day.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n![\"Xbox](\"https:\/\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/6oyOwyZy0J2GFydMY3mwpa_Kdxg=\/0x0:2050x1367\/320x0\/filters:focal(0x0:2050x1367):format(webp):no_upscale()\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/22363682\/cfaulkner_210311_4469_0006.jpg)
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<\/p>\n![\"Sony](\"https:\/\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/xVfJw4pjHILqhqXlEwm_twvUir0=\/0x0:1923x1282\/320x0\/filters:focal(0x0:1923x1282):format(webp):no_upscale()\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/22276836\/pulse3d.jpg)
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