When it comes to PS5 gaming, one of the most important accessories to have is a high-quality headset. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the best one. Here’s a guide on what to look for before purchasing a headset, as well as a list I created to help you make your decision.
What to Look for Before Buying:
- Compatibility: Ensure the headset is compatible with PS5 to enjoy its full features.
- Audio Quality: Look for headsets with surround sound or 3D audio support for immersive gaming.
- Comfort: Check for adjustable headbands, cushioned ear cups, and lightweight designs for long gaming sessions.
- Microphone: A clear and adjustable microphone is crucial for in-game communication.
- Wireless vs. Wired: Decide if you prefer the freedom of wireless or the reliability of wired headsets.
- Battery Life (for wireless): If you opt for wireless, consider the battery life for uninterrupted gaming.
- Price: Set a budget and look for headsets that offer the best features within that range.
Crafting a Helpful List: To create a list that truly helps, I researched various headsets, scoured Reddit and gaming forums for user reviews, and considered personal experiences and expert opinions. I’ve compiled a list of top-rated headsets that cater to different preferences and budgets, ensuring there’s something for everyone. This list aims to simplify your decision-making process and lead you to the perfect headset for your PS5 gaming needs.
Our Top Picks:
- Audeze Maxwell
- SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
- PlayStation Pulse Elite
- Razer BlackShark V2 Pro
- Logitech G PRO X 2
Audeze Maxwell
Type: Over-ear | Enclosure: Closed-Back | Wireless: Yes | Transducer: Planar Magnetic | Noise Cancelling: No | Mic: Yes
The Audeze Maxwell Wireless is the best PlayStation 5 headset I’ve tested. These over-ears are available in a PlayStation variant and provide a premium gaming experience thanks to their planar-magnetic drivers. When compared to dynamic driver headphones like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, these drivers allow for more bass extension, less distortion, and a better soundstage. Although they are a little bulky and heavy, which may cause discomfort during extended gaming sessions, their impressive battery life of nearly 78 hours means you will be able to enjoy many gaming sessions without having to recharge.
These gaming headphones have a neutral sound profile by default. The bass range provides plenty of thump and punch, enhancing sound effects like explosions and gunfire for an immersive gaming experience while not overpowering the overall audio mix. For those looking to personalise their audio experience, the Audeze HQ app includes EQ presets such as the ‘Immersive’ preset, which flattens the sound profile and is perfect for high-resolution audio.
Furthermore, the boom mic ensures that your voice is heard clearly and naturally, while teammates’ voices are detailed and easy to understand, allowing you to stay connected and aware during intense gaming sessions. These headphones are frequently back-ordered and difficult to locate, so if you find them available for purchase, act quickly.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Frequency response: 10Hz – 22kHz | Microphone: ClearCast Gen 2 – Fully Retractable Boom; Bidirectional Noise-Canceling | ANC: Yes | Controls: Power, mic mute, Bluetooth | Battery: 22 hours per battery | Weight: 337g | Compatibility: PC, PlayStation
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is without a doubt my top pick for gaming headsets, particularly for the PlayStation 5. It’s a powerhouse with excellent audio quality, impressive features, and a comfortable design. While it is expensive, if you want the best of the best and are willing to invest, this headset is worth considering. Its versatility shines through for those with a split PC and console setup, as the headset’s high-quality audio is supplemented by a split connection hub, making it an excellent value for those who use both platforms. Furthermore, the swappable battery packs address the age-old issue of battery life, allowing you to game for hours without worrying about running out of power.
However, the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is not suitable for everyone. If you prefer a plug-and-play device without having to fiddle with EQ settings, this headset may be more than you bargained for. Its premium features and quality come at a cost, making it less appealing to those with a limited budget. Despite these considerations, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless stands out as a top choice for anyone looking for the best gaming experience on the PlayStation 5.
PlayStation Pulse Elite
If you’re looking for a high-end gaming headset designed primarily for the PlayStation 5 ecosystem, the PlayStation Pulse Elite is a strong contender. One of its headline features is planar magnetic drivers, a technology more commonly found in audiophile-grade headphones than typical gaming gear. Reviewers found that this driver type delivers exceptionally clear sound and superb positional audio — making it easier to pinpoint footsteps or directional cues in gameplay. On the mic side, it features a retractable boom with AI-driven noise rejection, and the battery life is solid, with Sony claiming up to 30 hours of wireless play.
In everyday use, the Pulse Elite gives you a lot of bang for your buck. For instance, reviewers praised its integration with the PS5’s “Tempest 3D AudioTech”, calling the soundstage immersion “some of the best audio going on PS5”. Also, the mic performance appears to punch above expectations — in tests, the voice came through cleanly even with ambient distractions.
However — and there’s always a however — it’s not perfect. Some criticisms include the bulky or “bulbous” design (which may not be comfortable for smaller heads or long sessions) and build quality that doesn’t quite match the premium feel of some competing brands. Noise isolation is another weak spot: despite being closed-back, the headset doesn’t block ambient noise aggressively (so if you’re gaming in a noisy environment, you’ll still hear things).
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro
Type: Over-ear | Enclosure: Closed-Back | Wireless: Yes | Transducer: Razer TriForce Titanium 50mm Drivers | Noise Cancelling: Yes, Passive Noise Cancelling | Mic: Yes, Razer HyperClear Supercardioid Mic
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro stands out as a top-tier PS5 gaming headset, with a feature set that few others can match. The 2023 remake has taken an already popular headset to new heights, with onboard profiles that seamlessly carry Synapse EQ settings over to console and one of the best microphones tested thus far. This makes it a standout choice, particularly for those who frequently play online on the PlayStation 5.
Furthermore, the BlackShark V2 Pro is ideal for those who alternate between PS5 and PC gaming, providing significant value due to its PC-compatible design. Competitive players will also appreciate its ultra-low latency and lightweight design. However, if you don’t need a wireless connection, the BlackShark V2 Pro’s features may appear excessive, as its high price reflects the premium placed on wireless capabilities. Furthermore, without active noise cancellation, it may not be the best option for those who require headphones for commuting.
Logitech G PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED Wireless
The best wireless headset for PS5 we’ve tested at an upper mid-range price is the Logitech G PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED Wireless. These headphones succeed their predecessor, the Logitech G PRO X WIRELESS LIGHTSPEED Gaming Headset, with a better build and a wider range of motion for the ear cups. They have low latency, a comfortable fit, and nearly 100 hours of continuous battery life, so you don’t need to worry about recharging too often. If you’re on the go, these headphones can connect to your phone via Bluetooth. However, unlike the Audeze Maxwell Wireless, they don’t support multi-device pairing, so you won’t be able to answer a call before seamlessly switching back to gaming. That said, the Logitech headphones are more comfortable and even come with an extra set of earpads with a cloth finish.
They have a detachable boom mic that makes your voice sound clear and prevents your voice from being drowned out by background chit-chat or a passing car. Their software comes with a dedicated suite for microphone effects with tools to de-ess, compress, and limit your voice, but too much tinkering can make your voice sound more robotic. You can also use their feature-packed software to alter and save your EQ on the headphones’ dongle for use with your PS5. If you’re looking for a mic that makes your voice sound more natural out of the box, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro are a decent pickup at around the same price. However, they don’t perform as well in noisy environments and aren’t quite as comfortable for most people.