Top 5 High End Gaming Headset 2023
1. Audeze Maxwell
Compatibility: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Nintendo
Switch, Mobile
Connectivity: Lossless 2.4GHz low-latency wireless, Bluetooth, USB-C,
3.5mm analog
Drivers: 90mm Planar
Battery Life: 80 hours
Weight: 490g
The Audeze Maxwell, which replaces the
Penrose X in their lineup of cutting-edge, excellent-sounding headsets, is the
newest model from Audeze. This set of headphones features 90mm planar magnetic
drivers, magnetic arrays, and waveguides placed on each earcup, ensuring
crystal-clear reproduction of music and video game audio. Thanks to the
headsets' support of Dolby Atmos for some fantastic spatial audio, sound cues
in your games, such as opponents shuffling through shadows and helicopters approaching,
will stay plainly audible.
As for connectivity, the Audeze Maxwell has you covered with a USB-C wired option or wireless dongle to enjoy high-res sound up to 24-bit/96kHz. While Bluetooth 5.3 lets you connect to multiple devices, even supporting the LDAC codec and the low latency LC3plus and LC3 codecs. However, it’s important to note that it’s made for Xbox, though a PS5 version sans Dolby Atmos is available for $30 less. Beyond audio greatness and ample connectivity, this headset offers a suspension headband and contoured earpads for all-day comfort, and we mean all day for several days, with its wild 80-hour battery life.
2. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro + GameDAC
Compatibility: PS4, PS5, Xbox, PC/Mac, Nintendo Switch,
Mobile
Interface: wired
Connectivity: 2 x USB-C, 3.5mm aux, stereo
Drivers: 40mm Neodymium
Surround sound modes:360° Spatial Audio, 3D Audio, Microsoft Spatial Sound
Weight: 338g
It seems like most headsets have gone wireless over the past few years, but there is still something to be said for a wired option. A wired connection means better sound quality, less latency, and no need to worry about losing charge. And the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro + GameDAC is a wired unicorn. With it, you get GameDAC, so you can benefit from easy access to exciting ancillary components as well as controls for balancing game/chat mix, toggling between two audio sources, and a plethora of other options. If you want to make further customizations to their sound, SteelSeries’ Sonar software allows the headphones to support spatial audio and 360-degree surround sound, along with more fine-tuned customizations to the audio settings. You’ll enjoy gaming or listening to just about anything else, as you won’t find a sound this headset can’t handle.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro + GameDAC offers impressive audio capabilities, and on top of that, it’s extremely comfortable. A lightweight headband suspension system spreads the headset’s weight evenly across your head while plush leatherette earcups feel great even during marathon gaming sessions. You can even swap out those ear cups if they’re not to your taste. The retractable microphone also sounds impressively clear, and you can adjust the sensitivity using that GameDAC. Beyond that, there’s further versatility with multiple connectivity options through the GameDAC, including two USB-C ports and a 3.5mm aux, while a line out lets you send the audio elsewhere like to speakers or to stream.
3. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Compatibility: PS4, PS5, Xbox, PC/Mac, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
Connectivity: 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth, 3.5mm analog
Drivers: 40mm Neodymium
Surround sound modes: 360° Spatial Audio, 3D Audio, Microsoft Spatial Sound, Dolby Atmos
Weight: 338g
Almost everything you could possibly desire in a wireless headset is provided by the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. You have multi-device connectivity, and even if you choose the Xbox over the PS5 version, you'll still have lag-free 2.4 GHz wireless or Bluetooth compatibility with PS5, the Nintendo Switch, the PC, and other devices. To make sure you never stop listening, the headset also has a handy USB hub where you can connect devices out of sight, change the sound settings, and charge the hot-swappable extra battery.
The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless from SteelSeries has a tonne of useful features in addition to its excellent multi-device system. To better fit larger head sizes, its new design has telescoping arms on its adjustable headband, but the earcups are smallerand sleeker, giving off less of a gaming headset vibe and more of wireless headphones look. Those improved earcups also help with sound isolation, though you get an effective hybrid noise-canceling system with four mics that adjust based on what you’re listening to and what it picks up in your environment. There’s also some fantastic spatial audio onboard, and you can make next-level customizations to the EQ settings and game chat mix with Sonar and the SteelSeries GG app.
4. Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX
Compatibility: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, PC, Mac,
Mobile
Connectivity: 2.4GHz Wireless, Bluetooth
Drivers: 50mm
Surround sound modes: Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, DTS Headphone: X,
Superhuman Hearing (PC)
Battery Life: up to 40 hours
Check out Turtle Beach's Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX if you're looking for a high-end gaming headset with all the premium features but without the premium price. The 50mm Nanoclear drivers offer powerful audio for little under $200, and the support for Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Headphone: X results in a more immersive listening experience. You'll have an advantage over your rivals since you'll be able to hear even the minute details in your games thanks to Turtle Beach's SuperHuman Hearing technology, which also makes it easy for this headset to pick up on subtler indications like footfall.
It's simple to connect your gadgets to the Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX thanks to Bluetooth and a lag-free 2.4GHz wireless dongle. So, while watching the action on your Xbox, you can easily connect to other consoles, your PC, or utilise Bluetooth to play music from your phone while also connecting to other devices. Battery life is crucial because wireless technology in general. With 40 hours of listening time, this headset thankfully has you covered for even the longest gaming marathons, and a quick charge feature enables you to gain 8 hours of juice in only 15 minutes. You'll be content to sport this pair of cans for hours because they are cosy, light, and strong.
5. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal
Compatibility: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, Mac, PS4/PS5,
Nintendo Switch, Mobile
Connectivity: 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.1, 3.5mm audio cable,
USB-C
Surround sound
modes: Dolby Atmos
Battery life: 12-24 hours
Weight: 311g
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal will win the hearts of audiophiles everywhere. Along with excellent audio quality, you also receive the ideal headset for your Xbox Series X/S. Although it is pricey, it can be worthwhile to spend the extra money. This selection is fitted with active noise cancellation, so you won't be distracted while playing by the lawnmower outside your house or your noisy roommate. The microphones are excellent at cancelling out background noise, but they can also be adjusted to pick up your voice so you can hear how you come across to your team members or spectators. In addition to all of that, virtual 3D surround sound will give you a rich, lively audio experience. On top of all that, you’re in for a rich, dynamic sound experience thanks to virtual 3D surround sound. You can determine if an enemy is rustling the leaves behind or if a helicopter is coming overhead.
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay supports Xbox wireless, making it simple to use with your Xbox Series X/S, but it also works with a number of other platforms. Bluetooth pairing enables you to connect to other devices, such as your phone or computer. Even better, it supports aptX for listening to the highest-quality audio files among other codecs. Additionally, there is always the reliable 3.5mm audio jack. Although this is a very capable gaming headset, it has a typical appearance, so you can use it anyplace without worrying about people staring.