Any seasoned console gamer will tell you a PS5 headset is a must-have to hear every approaching footstep in popular titles like Elden Ring, Astro Bot, Demon’s Souls or your other favorite PlayStation games. In addition to having exceptional spatial audio, the best PS5 headsets also offer a long battery life and useful EQ customizations, too. After research and testing, I chose the Sony Inzone H9 II Wireless as the best PS5 headset overall for its impressive audio quality and intuitive EQ customizations to help you stay immersed in your game.
The best PS5 gaming headsets immerse players in the aural world of their favorite games.
Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers
One of the other PS5 headsets featured here may be better for your needs, especially if you prefer wired or wireless headsets, or if you value microphone quality the most. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X, as an example, provides an impressive audio quality for a reasonable price. There’s also the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, which lasts up to 300 hours before it requires a recharge. After research and firsthand testing, here are the top picks for the best PS5 headsets.
Intuitive Software Separates This Headset From The Pack
Amazon
Sony Inzone H9 II Wireless
Driver size: 30mm | Connection type: 3.5mm headphone jack,2.4GHz Wireless | Weight: 9.6 ounces | Noise cancellation: Active | Battery Life: Up to 30 hours
What you’ll love:
Noise cancellation mic offers exceptional voice clarity
AI-assisted noise canceling headphones tune out the din around you
Spatial sound experience
Keep in mind:
It’s a little pricey
The Sony Inzone H9 II Wireless gaming headset features drivers that deliver crisp audio aided by active AI-assisted noise cancellation technology. This advanced ANC can help block noise ranging from the hum of an air conditioning unit to nearby mumbling to traffic noise from the street below. And because the headset offers a 360-degree spatial audio, you can easily hear approaching footsteps during your gameplay. The battery life lasts up to 30 hours on a single charge, too.
But what separates this headset from the pack is its intuitive software. You can use the Sony Inzone software via the downloadable software or a web browser to adjust your EQ. If you choose to use the web browser, your changes automatically reflect on the headset, so there’s no need to to download any software if you don’t want to. The microphone also features impressive noise isolation technology, so the only thing your teammates or the folks following your stream will hear is the sound of your voice. That said, at $350, it’s a little pricey.
Lightweight construction with comfortable ear pads
Impressive audio quality
Keep in mind:
No active noise cancellation (ANC)
If you’re seeking to keep the cost of your next gaming headset under $150, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless is a great option. Its audio quality is robust and sounds good right out of the box. Its lightweight build feels comfortable for hours of wear, and the mesh ear pads help prevent your ears from overheating.
The earcups provide decent passive noise cancellation, so you can focus 0n your online world without real world distractions. The headset can last up to 40 hours on a single charge, and a quick 15-minute charge gets you nine hours in a pinch. That said, while there is passive noise cancellation via the mesh ear pads, there is no ANC.
What our editors say: Consumer tech and electronics editor Rebecca Isaacs tested the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless and noted how comfortable they were. “They don’t pinch my ears, and their lightweight build makes them great for hours of gameplay,” she says, adding, “The headset nailed the deep rumbles during world boss battles in Diablo 4 with ease.”
Best Premium PS5 Headset
Great Audio Quality And Plush Ear Cups, Too
Best Buy
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
Driver size: 40mm | Connection type: 3.5mm headphone jack, 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth | Weight: 13.4 ounces | Noise cancellation: Active | Battery life: Up to 30 hours
What you’ll love:
Minimal sound compression built for audiophiles
Multi-source mixing capabilities
Active noise cancellation is impressive
Keep in mind:
More expensive than other options
They’re pretty heavy
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite lets you seamlessly mix audio from up to four sources at once. There is almost no sound loss to compression, so you can hear every detail of your games, movies, music and more. And thanks to the quality ANC, you won’t hear background sounds, too. Like the Sony Inzone H9 IIs, the headset can also be customized via a web browser, but it also can be customized by the SteelSeries mobile app, and you can also make EQ adjustments on the headset itself.
While the headset’s drivers are made from a lightweight carbon fiber, it’s one of the heaviest gaming headsets our tech team tested. The extra-plush ear cups help offset the weight, but if you want a super light pair, look elsewhere. But if audio quality is most important to you, then this premium model is well worth the investment.
What our editors say: Isaacs also tested this headset as a contender for the best gaming headsets and says, “The audio quality, thanks to the new carbon fiber speaker drivers, sounds stunning, and it’s worth playing around with the EQs in the SteelSeries Sonar software to customize your preferences. Spatial audio is powerful on this headset, too; I experienced jump scares during Dishonored: Death of an Outsider.”
Memory foam earcups are comfortable for long hours of wear
Keep in mind:
No ANC
EQ software is lacking
Can only be used wirelessly, as the USB-C port is for charging only
You probably won’t ever need to put the battery life of the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless headset to the test, and that’s a good thing: the battery life lasts up to 300 hours before requiring a recharge. When you do enter into a marathon gaming system, the memory foam-padded and faux-leather coated earcups are comfortable. Should you need to get up and move around some, the Bluetooth range is around 65 feet, so you won’t lose contact with your PS5 console.
The microphone of the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Headset features noise canceling capabilities, but the headphones don’t. If you need maximum ANC, look elsewhere. The headset uses software called Ngenuity. The adjustable settings are very limited, though. You can change the time it takes before it powers off automatically, apply general EQ settings and enable spatial audio, but that’s basically it. Keep in mind that if you accidentally run the battery low, you cannot use the headset while it’s charging, too.
What our editors say: Isaacs has long-term tested this pair for over a year and says, “I charged it around once a month—but really, I could have gone much longer. I’ve had these headphones in my home for over a year and very rarely do they require a recharge. In fact, I’ve never even heard its low-battery ping.”
Best Sony Branded PS5 Headset
A Sleek Design With Impressive Drivers
Amazon
PlayStation Pulse Elite Wireless
Driver size: N/A | Connection type: 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth | Weight: 11.4 ounces | Noise cancellation: Passive | Battery life: Up to 30 hours
What you’ll love:
A unique and stylish design
Seamless function with Sony games’ 3D Audio
Excellent audio quality
Keep in mind:
The microphone could be stronger
Headset isn’t as durable as other options
While most PS5 headsets use dynamic drivers, the Sony PlayStation Pulse Elite Wireless features planar magnetic drivers. In short, these drivers create a higher quality audio with less distortion and better fidelity. This design does add some weight to the headset, and it’s not as durable as other gaming headsets, so be mindful of any accidental drops. The battery life lasts up to 30 hours, and a quick 10-minute charge gets you up to two hours of gameplay in a pinch. The charging hanger looks just as sleek as these headphones, too.
Controls on the headset are intuitive, and you can expect to hear all around you thanks to Sony’s proprietary 3D Audio immersive sound. Some users report that the built-in retractable microphone leaves much to be desired, so be aware that your buddies may not hear every word you say with perfect clarity.
Best Wireless PS5 Headset
Studio-Grade Audio Quality
Amazon
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Driver size: 40mm | Connection type: 2.4GHz Wireless, Bluetooth, 3.5mm headphone jack | Weight: 12.1 ounces | Noise cancellation: Active | Battery life: Up to 22 hours per swappable battery
What you’ll love:
Minimal audio compression makes for an impressive audio quality
Swappable batteries can keep you gaming long into the night
Keep in mind:
It’s pretty pricey
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is unique because it features a swappable battery. You can easily remove its battery and pop in a charged battery in a matter of seconds—and yes, it comes with two batteries—so your gameplay isn’t interrupted. While many headsets have removable microphones, this one offers fully retractable mic. Simply slide it into the earpiece and it’s completely out of sight.
But ultimately, a gaming headset is all about audio quality, and the Nova Pro Wireless delivers. A four-microphone system detects and removes background noise. The headset also offers a hub to make on-the-fly adjustments as well as the SteelSeries Sonar software. With the software, you can make unique EQ settings or choose from plenty of EQ presets. If you prefer a certain audio setting for Battlefield 6 versus Hogwarts Legacy, you can mark those as your favorites and swap between them on the gaming hub with ease. The drivers deliver deep bass, clear midrange audio and highs that are crisp without being shrill, and an included gaming hub lets you quickly adjust the volume and settings and to toggle between up to four sources of audio, like that PS5, a Nintendo Switch, a PC or Mac and your mobile device.
What our editors say: Isaacs was left impressed by its audio quality, swappable batteries and more, saying the SteelSeries Sonar software, “not only allowed me to adjust EQ to my specific preferences, but also comes with a slew of game audio presets (last time I checked, there were nearly 200 different games, including top titles like Apex Legends, Call of Duty Modern Warfare, Diablo 4 and more). These audio presets can help make your gaming all the more immersive; tack on dedicated spatial audio, and it sounds immersive and marvelous.”
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted tech team consists of staff writers and editors with dozens of years of collective experience testing and reviewing consumer tech of all types, from smart home devices to Windows laptops, digital calendars and more.
This article was written by Forbes Vetted staff writer Steven John, who covers gear and tech for Forbes and who has used multiple generations of video game consoles, including PlayStations, for nearly three decades.
The piece was edited by Rebecca Isaacs, the consumer tech and electronics editor at Forbes Vetted. She’s been gaming since desktop computers ran MS-DOS, and she regularly tests best gaming TVs and the best gaming headsets. She has also spent hundreds of hours listening to music to find the best wireless headphones.
For this story, we also spoke with several unbiased experts to learn more about PS5 headsets. In particular, we spoke with Alexandre Fossier, iGaming Expert and eSports Specialist at iGamingNuts and Jeremy Rambarran, professor at Touro Graduate School of Technology.
How We Chose The Best PS5 Headsets
Because your game’s audio is just as important as its visual quality, our tech team combined our research and first-hand testing to choose the best PS5 headsets. Here’s a breakdown of how we selected our picks.
We only narrowed down our picks to reputable brands including SteelSeries, Sony and more.
We read hundreds of reviews and only considered PS5 gaming headsets that were well-reviewed and well-rated by verified users. When reading ratings and reviews, we look for repeated praise as well as for repeated “red flags” that people mention.
We spoke with industry experts to learn more about the features and what to look for in the best PS5 headsets.
Because many members of the Forbes Vetted team use headsets from several of these brands as their daily drivers, we also used their personal testing insights. Their experience with the hardware helped inform which models got closer consideration.
We also considered different kinds of users, from those who prefer wireless options to those who want the longest battery life available.
How To Choose The Best PS5 Headset For Your Needs
When looking for your next PS5 headset, above all else, you want a comfortable headset that allows you to hear every footstep during gameplay. Here are a few of the factors and features to consider when you shop for a headset intended to plunge you into an immersive aural gaming experience.
Sound Quality
Your next PS5 headset should have a robust audio quality, period. If you’re playing first person shooter games, look for features like 360-degree spatial audio and customizable EQs. Some headsets also offer footstep boosting technology to help you hear approaching footsteps before your competition, too. “When playing competitive shooters, surround sound can significantly enhance your experience. For casual and narrative-focused games, it’s a pleasant yet non-critical aspect,” says Rambarran.
Comfort
Don’t overlook how much an additional ounce or two of weight can impact how a gaming headset feels after hours of play, and don’t take it for granted that a headset that feels comfortable at first will still feel great all day long. “Focus on what fits your gaming style. Comfort should be non-negotiable. If you’re playing for hours, you don’t want something that feels like a clamp on your head,” says Fossier. Look for a lightweight headset, and look for materials like memory foam padding, an easily-adjustable headband and leather or faux-leather earcup covering. If your ears tend to overheat while you’re gaming, consider mesh ear pads, which tend to be more breathable.
Connection Type
A wired gaming headset typically offers better sound quality and lower latency, and you never have to worry about battery life. “Wired headsets are generally seen as more reliable, no battery to worry about, lower latency, and usually better sound quality for the price,” says Fossier.
A wireless headset means you can skip cables that may get tangled, and can even jump up and move about if you ever want to. “For a lot of players, especially those who stream, compete or just want a cleaner setup without cables getting in the way, wireless is worth it,” says Fossier. “Just make sure you’re getting one with decent battery life and stable connectivity.”
Battery Life
For wired headsets, battery life is a non-issue. For wireless headsets, however, it’s a key factor to be considered. Look for a wireless gaming headset with a minimum life of 20 hours: You want to to last through your gaming session without worrying you might be almost out of juice. Also, look for headsets that charge up quickly so you won’t have to wait around to get back to the action.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
After research and testing, the best PS5 headset we chose is the Sony Inzone H9 II Wireless . If features comfortable ear pads, a 30-hour battery life and an excellent microphone for talking with your friends mid-battle. The flexible software offerings also helped it stand out from the competition.
The driver size of your headphones does matter, but only to some extent. Drivers are essentially the headset speakers. Very small drivers will not be able to produce much sheer volume. While larger drivers can create better bass, a larger driver size doesn’t necessarily mean you will hear better audio quality. There, driver type and construction materials are of greater importance.
It depends on your needs. Generally, a wireless headset offers greater flexibility, as you aren’t tethered to a cable that’s plugged in. They do need to be recharged, but there are options that offer swappable batteries or an extra long battery life so you can game for hours. However, if you’re worried about battery life or latency, a wired headset may be best.
