The 6 Best Headsets For PS5 - Spring 2023 Reviews

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is the best PS5 headset we've tested. If you're searching for headphones packed full of features, look no further. These premium over-ears come with a wireless transmitter with controls like EQs, chat mix, and surround sound that are within easy reach. The transmitter also ensures low audio lag and acts as a charging dock for the dual battery pack system, so you can replenish one battery while still using the other. Additionally, one battery lasts 25 hours. If that's not enough, the headphones are Bluetooth-compatible, so you can simultaneously connect to your PS5 and another device like your smartphone.

Note that these headphones are available in PC/PlayStation and PC/Xbox variants. However, while the PlayStation variant is only compatible with this console, you can also use the Xbox version on the PS5, which is nice if you're looking for a single pair of gaming headphones that you can use across multiple consoles.

Their sound delivers a touch of extra bass, which can help bring out sound effects like footsteps or liven gameplay. Dialogue and instruments can sound a bit harsh and veiled, though. They also have an ANC system, and while it's not optimized for tackling bass-range sounds like bus engines, it does a better job of cutting down background chatter and the hum of standing fans. They're well-built too, but there's a protrusion inside the ear cup, which can put pressure on your ears over time.

The best headset for PS5 in the upper mid-range is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. These headphones have a wired design but, like the previous pick, come with a GameDAC Gen 2 that provides a low-latency connection with PlayStation consoles. The DAC also has controls like EQ setting and channel mixing, meaning you can adjust your sound on the fly. They have a well-balanced sound profile that ensures your audio has rumble, punch, and warmth, while voices in cutscenes will be clear and understandable. Sibilants like S and T sounds are a bit piercing, but you can adjust the sound with a parametric EQ and presets in the companion software.

They have a sturdy design and a comfortable fit for most people. Their boom mic makes your voice sound very clear and does a decent job of separating it from background noise. They don't have ANC like the previous pick and don't passively block out much noise, like most gaming headsets. They don't have Bluetooth, so you can't mix game audio with chat or music from your phone. You do have the option of using them wired with most consoles, which eliminates latency.

If you'd prefer a wireless headset that supports Bluetooth, the Astro A40 Wireless is a good option. Their mic makes your voice sound less natural, and they aren't as comfortable for most, but they have a long 40-hour continuous battery life, and you might prefer them if you want the freedom of a wireless design.

If you're looking for a less expensive option, you might prefer the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless. Once again, the lower price comes with a step-down in mic performance, so it makes your voice sound less natural than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro's mic. However, these headphones have a similar bass-rich sound profile, a comfortable fit for most, and a sturdy build quality. Their roughly 30-hour continuous battery life can last through long gaming sessions, and they have an auto-off timer to save power when they're not in use. They come in console-locked variants, so be sure to get the 7P variant for the best performance with PlayStation consoles.

Like the previous picks, they work with companion software that has a parametric EQ for sound customization. When you're connected to a PS5, you can also use Tempest 3D AudioTech, which is meant to help situate sound effects like footsteps properly in the soundstage. We tested the 7X variant, which provides a low latency connection with consoles, and we expect the 7P variant to perform similarly. You can also use them wired with most consoles if you want to avoid latency altogether.

For PS5 gamers wanting to stick within a budget, the Logitech G535 LIGHTSPEED Wireless are the best headphones for PS5 that we've tested. Unlike the pricier options on this list, you don't have the option of using these headphones wired. They also don't support Bluetooth but come with a USB dongle that provides a low-latency connection via non-Bluetooth wireless. You can adjust their well-balanced default sound profile with an in-app graphic EQ, which is nice for budget-level headphones, and they even have a virtual surround sound feature to help create a more immersive soundstage.

They're decently well-built and have a comfortable fit for most people. They last for around 35 hours of continuous use off of a single charge, and even though they don't support an analog connection, they can receive audio while charging. However, keep in mind that if you play a lot of multiplayer games, the mic makes your voice sound thin compared to previous picks, including the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless.

There is a cheaper, more bare-bones option you might prefer if you're looking for a basic headset. The Logitech G432 are wired headphones designed primarily for PCs. They're fully compatible with PS5, but you won't have access to any changes you make in the companion app, like tweaks to the sound profile. Still, they offer a comfortable fit and a very good overall mic performance that rivals the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7, so your voice sounds clear during online games, even with some noise in the background.

Their sound profile is reasonably well-balanced. They don't do a great job reproducing the rumble and thump of low bass, but audio sounds warm and full. Elements like voices in dialogue are clear if a little veiled. You can connect to your PS5 by plugging them into a controller or with the USB dongle, which provides low enough latency for gaming. Unfortunately, they have a plasticky build quality.

The Drop + Sennheiser PC38X are the best headphones for PS5 with an open-back design that we've tested. They're priced in the mid-range, like the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, but offer a different set of advantages and drawbacks. Open-back headphones aren't suitable for use outside quiet spaces since they don't block out ambient sound and leak a lot of noise. However, if you like to immerse yourself in your game's audio, their open-back design helps to create a soundstage that seems wider and more open. These wired headphones are well-built, very comfortable, and include a choice of velour or microfiber ear cup pads.

The headset has a boom mic that makes your voice sound clear and natural, even if you're playing in a moderately noisy environment. Their sound lacks low bass, like most open-back headphones, but it has a bit of extra boom to help bring out sound effects like footsteps in games, while voices and dialogue reproduce clearly and accurately. Unfortunately, unlike most of the other headsets listed here, it doesn't have a companion app or come with any features for sound customization, like an EQ or presets.