Getting the best USB gaming headset is almost always never the priority when building a gaming set-up. On the PC, most gamers prioritize frame rates, resolution, and how high they can turn up the graphics. However, as awesome as smooth gameplay with beautiful environments is, it doesn’t always put you at a competitive advantage.
In shooters, especially, bad audio can hurt your performance. It can make you hear in-game sounds like enemy gunfire, explosions, and even footsteps, a little too late. That is if you can even hear them at all. Also, not having a USB headset with a microphone puts you at a disadvantage since you can’t communicate effectively with your squad.
Investing in the best USB gaming headset will make sure that you won’t have to worry about these kinds of stuff anymore.
The best headsets will deliver crystal-clear audio and will often match it with a noise-canceling microphone. You’ll get to hear sounds like you never have before, and because you’re using a USB gaming headset, you’ll be able to bypass the sound card and enjoy a stronger cleaner signal, or to put it simply, better sound quality.
With that said, make sure that you scroll down below to find 7 of the best USB gaming headsets available on the market today.
As a bonus, we also threw in a couple of tips on how to choose the best USB gaming headset.
Best USB Gaming Headset
1. Logitech H390
This is the best Logitech USB gaming headset for those looking for something basic but not necessarily low-quality. It’s affordable, as it should be. However, it is made out of high-quality construction materials. This includes, among others, cushioned ear cups, a swiveling built-in microphone, and accessibly control buttons.
These kinds of materials are quite rare in its price range. Even rarer is the fact that it comes with a noise-canceling microphone.
This might not have all the bells and whistles, or so to speak. However, it does cover the basics.
Technical Specifications:
- Frequency response: 100 hertz to 10 kilohertz
- Connections: USB 1.1 / USB 2.0
- Compatibility: Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 / Mac OSX 10.2.8 or later
Sensitivity
- 94 dBV/PA +/3 dB (Headphone)
- 17 dBV/Pa +/4 dB (Microphone)
Pros:
- Affordable
- Accessible controls
- User-friendly
Cons:
- Tends to hurt after wearing for hours
2. SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC
High-res audio used to be pretty niche. It still is. It’s just that it won’t be as a niche for long. The number of games supporting it is continuing to grow.
So, if you’re the sort to jump early on tech, you could do a whole lot worse than the SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC.
With a 10Hz-40KHz frequency response range and 40mm neodymium drivers, the Arctis Pro GameDAC can make everyday audio sound a whole lot better. But, if you think that’s good, you should wait until you listen to compressed files. The difference is just staggering. You’ll have a hard time going back to the more standard types of headphones.
The GameDAC is also pretty useful. It’s literally a 3-in-1 addition. It’s not just a DAC, but it’s also a preamp and a control center. It makes it convenient to access any and all controls of the Arctis Pro GameDAC. This includes disabling or enabling the DTS Headphone-X to surround sound, EQ settings, and more.
The Arctis Pro GameDAC even has the looks department going for it. It might be a gaming headset, but you wouldn’t be able to tell at first glance.
The only issue we have with it is that you can’t really use it with a smartphone out of the box. You’ll need to buy an adapter to use the GameDAC model with a smartphone.
Technical Specifications:
Frequency response: 10 hertz to 40 kilohertz
Sensitivity:
- 102 dB SPL(Headphone)
- -38 dBV/Pa (Microphone)
Connections: USB
Compatibility: Windows 7+, Mac OS X 10.9+ (DTS Headphone:X available on Windows 7+ only)
Pros:
- Beautiful
- Stylish and subtle RGB lighting
- GameDAC makes controls convenient
- Surround sound
- Retractable boom microphone
Cons:
- Not smartphone-compatible out of the box
3. HyperX Cloud Revolver S
The HyperX Cloud Revolver S is not cheap, but it’s not expensive either. It walks the fine line between affordable and expensive gaming headsets. However, it pulls it off so well that it’s become a highly recommended USB headset with a microphone.
The Dolby 7.1-channel surround sound and 50mm drivers are incredible if a little expensive. It does make up for its high asking price though.
The Cloud Revolver S is extremely comfortable. This is all thanks to the premium leatherette and memory foam construction that has become the signature of the HyperX line. It’s also very durable, with a steel frame that can withstand its fair share of flexing. To top it all off, the noise-canceling microphone is certified by Discord and TeamSpeak.
The Cloud Revolver S has the ideal mix of comfort and quality sound. The price is a bit higher than most are comfortable with. But, it does come with very few compromises if any at all.
Technical Specifications:
Frequency response: 12 hertz to 28 kilohertz
Sensitivity:
- 100.5 dBSPL/mW at 1 kHz (Headphone)
- -44dBV (Microphone)
Connections: USB / 3.5mm
Compatibility: Windows 7+, Mac OS X 10.9+ (DTS Headphone:X available on Windows 7+ only)
Pros:
- Comfortable to wear for hours
- Surround sound
- High-quality surround sound
- TeamSpeak- and Discord-certified microphone
Cons:
- Weird detachable microphone positioning
- Not cheap
4. Razer BlackShark V2
Razer’s made some pretty popular and highly-recommend headsets over the years. However, the Razer BlackShark V2 might just be the best one yet.
The BlackShark V2 is a premium gaming headset through and through. The feature set is well worth its asking price and the battery life is amazing for the wireless version. It’s also well-constructed and the sound quality is hard to find faults in. This is all topped off by oval-shaped cushions infused with cooling gels to minimize pressure and heat build-up.
Going back to the sound quality, Razer put in a lot of effort making the BlackShark V2 sound great. The sound makes good use of the THX profiles to make the surround sound feel like you’re in the middle of it all. This especially evident in games that come with their own optimized THX profiles. This includes titles like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Apex Legends, among others.
Another added benefit is the sleek and stylish look. This makes it great as a tournament headset since it’s so easy to carry around.
The fact that the BlackShark V2 is so affordable is just icing on the cake at this point.
Technical Specifications:
Frequency response: 12 hertz to 28 kilohertz
Sensitivity:
- 100 dBSPL/mW, 1 kHz(Headphone)
- -42 dB V/Pa (Microphone)
Connections: USB / 3.5mm
Compatibility: PC and Mac
Pros:
- Nuanced and realistic surround sound
- THX profiles
- Well-priced
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Getting a good fit can take a while
- Very few games with THX-optimized profiles
5. JBL Quantum 800
They say that it’s not good to be a jack of all trades because then you’ll end up being a master of none. But, what happens if a headset can do everything exceptionally well?
That’s a question that only the JBL Quantum 800 can answer.
The Quantum 800 is what happens if JBL decided to drop the head tracking, the price, and made the JBL Quantum One wireless. This isn’t to say that it’s better than the flagship product. However, Quantum 800 is, by far, a much better value. This is because it offers pretty much the same kind of performance and features in a wireless yet more affordable package.
The Quantum 800 does a bit of everything well. It has tasteful programmable lighting, a 14-hour wireless battery life, simulated surround sound, and a good noise-canceling microphone.
Of course, it’s not perfect. Its audio accuracy isn’t quite there yet compared to the more expensive gaming headsets. It also doesn’t have as extensive support for gaming consoles as it does for PCs, which is a bummer. But, if you’re looking for flagship-level audio performance on the PC, the JBL Quantum 800 might just be the best USB gaming headset for you.
Technical Specifications:
Frequency response: 20 hertz to 40 kilohertz
Sensitivity:
- 95 dB SPL @1 kHz / 1mW (Headphone)
- -40 dBV @1 kHz / Pa (Microphone)
Connections: 2.4Ghz / Bluetooth 5.0 / 3.5mm
Compatibility:
- PC, PS4, Mac, and VR (2.4GHz)
- PC, PS4, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, Mac, and VR (3.5mm)
- Any Bluetooth-enabled device (Bluetooth 5.0)
Pros:
- Does a little bit of everything well
- 14-hour battery life (lights disabled)
- Strong audio performance
- Effective noise-canceling microphone
- Dual wireless audio (2.Ghz and Bluetooth 5.0)
Cons:
- Most features are PC-exclusive
- Heavy
6. Sades Armor Gaming Headset
The Sades Armor Gaming Headset is the most affordable USB gaming headset on our list. Understandably, it’s not the best USB gaming headset in terms of performance and features. It is, however, value-packed and perfect for those with a low budget.
For the price, you’re getting a lot with the Armor. It has REALTEK Gaming Audio with RGB lighting and weighs only 260 grams. The elastic suspension headband all but guarantees a tight fit for a variety of head sizes. It even comes with a noise-canceling omnidirectional microphone and has an in-line controller for mic and audio controls.
Backed by an 18-month guarantee, the worst thing you can do is to try the Armor if it’s for you and return it if it’s not.
Technical Specifications:
Frequency response: 20 hertz to 20 kilohertz
Sensitivity:
- 93 ± 3 dB at 1 kHz (Headphone)
- -21 ± 3 dB at 1 kHz (Microphone)
- Connections: USB
- Compatibility: Windows 7, 8, 10, and Nintendo Switch
Pros:
- Cheap
- Noise-cancelling omnidirectional mic
- RGB lighting
- Big and comfortable soft ear muffs
Cons:
- You get what you pay for
7. Astro Gaming A50
The Astro A40 was the best USB gaming headset in years past. Its successor, the A50, is even better.
Astro’s newest flagship product comes with 5.8GHz wireless technology and virtual 7.1 surround sound for optimal sound quality. The unidirectional microphone makes your voice loud and clear despite all the ambient noise. Meanwhile, it’s packed with an additional quick-mute feature that’s both ingenious and intuitive.
That’s not the end of it. The A50 even has cross-platform support. You can expect it to work just as well on the Xbox One as it would on the PS4, as well as the PC. Plus, its long battery life is made even better thanks to its auto-shutdown feature.
Of course, at the end of the day, audio performance is where the true selling point of the A50 lies.
The sound is engrossing, entertaining, and powerful. It’ll satisfy both audiophiles and gamers alike, as well as audiophile gamers. However, premium quality comes at a price, and the A50 is easily the most expensive USB gaming headset on our list.
Still, if you want the best USB gaming headset on the market, you should be willing to pay for it.
Technical Specifications:
Frequency response: 20 hertz to 20 kilohertz
Sensitivity:
- 118dB @ 1kHz (Headphone)
- N/A (Microphone)
Connections: USB / 2.4Ghz
Compatibility: Windows 7, 8, 10, Mac, PS4 (PS4 Version) and Xbox (Xbox Version)
Pros:
- Long battery life
- Audiophile-grade sound quality
- Premium feature set
Cons:
- Expensive
- Limited console compatibility
The Pros and Cons of USB Gaming Headset
Most gaming headsets are well built. The more expensive ones, especially so. However, with headsets that use a 3.5mm audio jack, there is the possibility of the headsets coming loose or disconnected. As a result, this can cause the occasional if not persistent popping static sound that can really detract from the listening experience.
This is not something you’ll worry about with USB gaming headsets.
Another advantage of using USB headsets is they are easy to install and uninstall. All you need to do is to plug the headsets in, and that’s it. Your computer, for example, will install the necessary drivers for the headset to work automatically. Also, most USB headsets come with in-line volume and microphone controls for better convenience.
USB headsets also don’t need sound cards. In fact, they can’t use the sound cards on your PC installed. Instead, the USB itself acts as a sound card.
The most common issue with this is that there might be a delay in sound between the plugging and unplugging of a USB gaming headset. Also, USB gaming headsets are more expensive than analog gaming headsets.
Conclusion
Whether you’re in it for the sound quality or for the competitive edge, getting the best USB gaming headset should be on the top of your gaming to-buy list.
Thanks to our recommendations, that list just got a little easier to complete.
From the more affordable offerings to the more expensive ones and everything in between, we made sure to have a wide selection of gaming headsets to guarantee that we have a recommendation for the best USB gaming headset for everybody.
