Best Gaming Headsets for Holiday Gifting: 5 Top Picks

Gaming Headsets FAQ

1. How do I choose a gaming headset as a gift?add

   Start with the platform the person plays on, because a headset that does not support their console or PC will not work no matter how good its features are. Next consider how they connect: a dongle-based wireless link, Bluetooth, or a wired aux input each suit different setups. Only then weigh extras such as a detachable mic or surround processing.
2. Is it worth spending more on a gaming headset?add

   It depends on how much the recipient plays and which features they will actually use. Four of these five headsets sit in the $100-$250 range, while the Audeze Maxwell 2 is in the $250-$500 range. Nothing we hold shows what the extra spend delivers beyond the features named in its listing, so spend more only if the extra features match how the person games.
3. Do wireless gaming headsets work with consoles?add

   Many do, but support varies by model, so check the listing for the exact system. The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 names Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation and PS4. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 lists PS5, PS4 and Switch, and the Audeze Maxwell 2 lists PlayStation and Switch.
4. What does a detachable boom mic do?add

   A detachable boom mic can be removed from the headset, which lets the wearer use it as ordinary headphones when they do not need voice chat. The Logitech G PRO X 2 Lightspeed lists one. It suits someone who switches between competitive play and casual listening.
5. Is Bluetooth good enough for gaming headsets?add

   Bluetooth is convenient for pairing a headset with a phone, but gaming audio is more sensitive to delay than music is. Some headsets here pair Bluetooth with a separate wireless dongle for game audio, as the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 does. The Audeze Maxwell 2 lists low-latency Bluetooth, which points to a connection designed with that delay in mind.
6. How long should a gaming headset battery last?add

   Longer runtimes mean fewer interruptions during long sessions and fewer charging reminders for a gift recipient. Picks here advertise 80 hours, the Audeze Maxwell 2 and the Turtle Beach Stealth 600, and the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 advertises 50-plus hours. Always confirm the figure on the retailer page, since real use varies.