When you want to listen to your favorite games while traveling, sometimes using traditional headsets can be a drag. Due to their bulky designs, they can be troublesome to store; they tend to make you stand out when you don't want to, and they're uncomfortable to wear while doing intense exercises.

In this case, earbuds are a better option due to their smaller size, which makes them more discreet and portable. One such headset is the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds, which is now on sale for $159.99 at Amazon, courtesy of Amazon's Prime Day sale.

Why buy the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds?

The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds rank among the best Xbox headsets we've covered on this website. I know my colleague, Jez Corden, certainly believes so, as he said, "the SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds are the first Xbox and PC "gaming" earbuds that I feel truly check all the right boxes, across performance, features, and price."

They're equipped with custom Neodymium Magnetic Drivers that deliver some of the best sound quality you'd never expect from an earbud, complete with a punchy bass and 360° Spatial Audio for extra immersion for the listener.

They also feature a long battery of 10 hours, a Qi charging case, 2.4GHz wireless connectivity for Xbox and other home consoles, Bluetooth 5.3 for mobile devices, 4-mic hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, over 100 game audio presets to adjust a game's sound to your tastes, and a smooth, ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to wear in your ear.

So, if you're looking for a viable gaming earbud to take with you while on holiday or riding a plane, then nothing tops the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds.

FAQ

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SteelSeries is, without a doubt, one of the best go-to providers of high-quality gaming headsets, as their offerings are built to last for years with their immaculate sound quality, sturdy builds, and useful features such as active noise cancellation.

One of SteelSeries' best works, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, is one such headset, and it's now on sale on Amazon Prime Day at a 34% discount, priced at $249.99.

Why buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro?

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro earned a spot among our favorite Xbox headsets for very good reasons, and that starts with its sound quality.

With its Premium Hi-Fi Drivers, 360° Spatial Audio, and adjustable EQ, this headset can deliver extremely immersive, balanced, and broad soundscapes while isolating specific sound details that make a game's sound design heavenly to listen to.

The soundscape also provides a competitive edge with multiplayer games like Call of Duty, as it can help isolate specific sounds like enemy player movements so they don't get the drop on you.

Other welcome features of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro include active noise cancellation to shut out distracting background noise, 44 hours of battery life (22 hours with Bluetooth), connectivity with every console and device, comfortable ear cushions, and a decent-quality microphone with active noise cancellation.

It's even got a bundled digital-to-analog (DAC) converter base that can recharge the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro's hot-swappable batteries, connect it to multiple devices, and adjust its audio settings.

While the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Omni may be the new hotness, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro proves it's still got it in 2026, and we highly recommend it now for audiophiles looking to upgrade the auditory experience of their games.

FAQ

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I love the Arctis Nova Elite, but man, it's really tough to recommend a $650 headset. What if there was a cheaper option?

Say hi to the Arctis Nova Pro Omni, the second iteration of the Arctis Nova Pro of yesteryear. And yes, it's still quite pricy at $399, but it's also the last headset you might need to buy.

It's not only compatible with literally every platform; it's simultaneously compatible with every platform. You can mix audio from PC, Xbox, mobile, and other platforms through its powerful 3-port DAC, complete with Bluetooth LE now with Hi-Res certification and boosted ANC.

Its design is subtle enough to be used out and about, its powerful enough for music, movies, and communications. It's cinematic enough for single-player games and smart enough for tactical audio in multiplayer titles.

It's simply a fantastic headset and joins the Elite in becoming one of my daily drivers. The Arctis Nova Pro range continues to be the best Xbox headset overall, especially for multiplatform gamers.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni: Specs and price

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni is mostly comparable to the Arctis Nova Pro, although it brings in some bells and whistles from its most pricy "Elite" cousin.

It drops the metal accents and carbon fiber drivers for more "affordable" plastics and more traditional neodymium magnets, but it brings across Hi-Res certification, a triple-input DAC, boosted ANC, and various other enhancements.

It beats the Nova Pro in every way, and although there's a fire sale for the Nova Pro going on right now, it's only slightly more expensive with regard to RRP.

$399 is still a fairly big ask for a headset, though. You're going to need and want all of its features, but if you are someone who will make use of them (like me), it's arguably the best multi-platform headset on the market right now.

Read on to find out why.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni: Comfort and design

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni looks similar to its regular Pro and Elite counterparts, sporting an all-black design with dark grey accents, bright SteelSeries logos on the speaker plates, and a retractable mic.

The headband itself is metal, with a floating strap keeping the pressure off your skull. It has adjustable connectors for the cups for different-sized heads and swivel pivots for alignment.

The microphone is retractable and has a red mute light indicator. The on-ear controls are well constructed, with high-quality materials and a high degree of design variance and shapes.

Why?

It makes it easier to figure out which button you're reaching for if they all feel different. You can adjust ANC, power, muting, Bluetooth pairing, and volume without reaching for the digital audio controller, but when you need to get more complex, it's right there for you.

The Digital Audio Controller is an impressive piece of kit, with three ports for USB-C devices, as well as a 3.5mm audio port on top. With this, you can connect your PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, or PlayStation simultaneously and switch between them on the fly.

You can mix sound sources between them as well, using the volume dial and visual cues on the DAC to shift volume balance between your PC and Xbox, as well as controlling chat volume and game sound on the fly.

It's incredibly well-designed and deserves some kind of legitimate award beyond our meager Windows Central Award.

The cushions on the earcups themselves are thick and comfortable, with an almost delicate-feeling texture on the leatherette finish. You'll play for hours and not even notice you're wearing them.

I'm also grateful that the Omni didn't make the mistake of its predecessor, which had large protruding microphone modules inside the earcups for the ANC. For many, this position proved incredibly uncomfortable. The Omni has no such problem.

The only complaint I could potentially leverage here is that they quite easily slip off if you lean forward or backward or get too "animated" while streaming or raging at your teammates. This trade-off means that it's not very tight at all while in use, so it delivers maximum comfort. But if you're traveling with them as a Bluetooth lifestyle kind of headset, you might need to take some extra care so they don't slip off your head.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni: Audio and features

The sound quality on the Arctis Nova Pro Omni is absolutely immaculate and something I can't recommend enough.

While not offering the detailing of the more expensive Elite, the Pro Omni remains at the top of its game for delivering audio that can be as cinematic as it can be tactical. Using Dolby Atmos or Windows Sonic, you'll get an exemplary surround sound experience, elevated further if you drop in SteelSeries' in-game profiles tuned for specific games.

The app indeed is quite powerful on that front. There's a variety of audio profiles for dozens of games, as well as some default profiles for EQ profiles like bass boost and so on. Whether you're trying to boost your tactical awareness in games like Overwatch or Arc Raiders or immerse yourself in a single-player cinematic experience like Death Stranding 2, you absolutely will not be disappointed with the sound quality here.

I do wish there were more options to control the profiles on the included DAC, admittedly, but it's not a huge deal. You can configure them via either Bluetooth on your phone or a connected Windows PC, as well as control additional settings like microphone sidetone, EQs, and so on.

Speaking of the microphone, it's another retractable option from SteelSeries, easy to tuck away into the headset itself if you're planning to go fully mobile. It has a red LED light for mute indication and offers pretty decent quality for a headset microphone. Albeit a little tinny-sounding. You probably won't create content with this headset, but it's more than adequate for gaming comms.

As features go, there's not much competition out there, save for other Arctis Nova products. The fact that you can simultaneously mix sound from two separate USB-C sources on top of an additional Bluetooth LE source is fantastic for content creators and podcasters, as well as those who are heavy into multi-platform gaming.

Indeed, if you only play on one or two systems at a time, there are arguably far more affordable options out there for you. But if you want a headset that can do absolutely everything, there's no real competition here.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni: Competition

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni sits in a category alongside very few peers. Only the Astro A50 series has some similar options for multi-platform capabilities, but they're nowhere near as open as what SteelSeries is offering.

I've been using the Astro A50 2015 model for over ten years purely for its optical audio cable. Being able to mix Xbox sound via my TV's optical port and PC audio via the Astro A50's USB was a functionality that I haven't found reliably anywhere else, until the Arctis Nova line. Sure, I could use Bluetooth, but it's always a bit susceptible to interference, and that's a problem when I'm podcasting or streaming.

Indeed, the fact that you can simultaneously mix two USB-C sources is, as far as I can tell, something utterly unique to the Nova Pro range. Other multi-platform headsets, like the more recent Astro A50, only let you do one USB-C source at a time; even if you can plug them in simultaneously, they're still bound to a switch.

The ability to mix three seems to be unique to the Elite and Pro Omni on top. As more and more of us play across multiple systems and storefronts, I suspect this type of modality will become increasingly popular.

The audio quality is not quite up there with the Elite as you'd expect given the price delta, but the extra features you're getting over its predecessor and competitors like the Astro A50 make it more than worth it in my view. I am someone who will frequently use these across Bluetooth, USB-C on Xbox, and USB-C on PC, though.

If you're not planning to use them to their full multi-platform potential, a cheaper, more focused headset is probably going to be a better option. If you were playing on just Xbox by itself and wanted to save a heap of cash for something with comparable audio, for example, I'd recommend the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen-3 for the vast majority of people.

But for multi-platform gamers, this is the best option for the vast majority of people. If you want to go super-premium, consider the Arctis Nova Elite as well.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni: Should you buy it?

Even though it's far more affordable than the Arctis Nova Elite, it's still a pricy pick at $399 RRP. The savings on the materials and the like aren't as big a compromise as you might expect, and the audio delivery is still very impressive despite losing the carbon fiber drivers of its $649 cousin.

But you're really going to want to use all of those features to justify the price. If you're someone who typically plays only on one platform, you could pick up an alternative headset that does away with the DAC and the multi-capable platforms and opt for something more affordable. If you do play on multiple platforms, however, there is frankly no better option right now. SteelSeries has a banger here.

✅You should buy this if ...

• You frequently play across different console and PC platforms.
• You want a headset that can be reliably used for lifestyle scenarios, i.e. music in public, etc.
• You don't mind spending the big $$ for big features.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You primarily play on only one platform.
• You're more of a sofa gamer, since the DAC will be out of reach.
• You don't really need Bluetooth or lifestyle capabilities.

For sure, it always feels a bit iffy recommending a headset that costs as much as a console itself, but this is something you can happily use as a lifestyle headset on top. It's far more than a simple "gaming headset," as a result, and the price reflects that multi-modality.

If you don't need all that capability in a single product, then definitely look elsewhere, like our best Xbox headsets list, for example. But, if you frequently find yourself annoyed manually switching between audio devices across Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC, or even the Xbox Ally range ... this is your best-value option right now by a country mile.

Congrats to SteelSeries; you finally helped me retire my battered 2015 Astro A50 with the optical audio port!

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When we're looking for headsets, sometimes we want one that connects to multiple devices at once instead of only one at a time. Reasons for this range from wanting to play our favorite music tracks during climactic moments in video games, saving time switching headsets, or making sure we don't miss important calls while listening to music.

Headsets capable of such a feat usually run at premium prices that cost hundreds of dollars, like the Razer Barracuda Pro, which has an MSRP of $249.99. However, thanks to this 44% discount, you can now get it for $139.99 at Amazon.

Why buy the Razer Barracuda Pro?

Our colleagues at Tech Radar gave the Razer Barracuda Pro an extremely favorable 4.5/5 review, stating that it's near-perfect for folks looking for "a wireless headset to straddle the line between gaming and the everyday".

It offers top-notch sound quality with distinct clarity and deep bass reproduction. Plus, the Razer Barracuda Pro has active noise cancellation in its earcups and microphone to block out all background noise without degrading sound quality when listening to audio or communicating online.

One of the biggest selling points of the Razer Barracuda Pro is that it can connect to two devices at once and switch between them via its Dual Wireless Smartswitch feature. With this, you can hop from listening to your gaming system to your phone in an instant.

Other notable benefits of this headset include a lengthy battery life of 40 hours, a sleek and gorgeous design that's comfy to wear, 2.4GHz wireless & Bluetooth connectivity, a THX Achromatic audio amplifier for boosting its dynamic range for cleaner audio quality for games, movies, and music, and compatibility with the Razer Audio App so you can finetune its active noise cancellation levels, audio EQ, and more.

The only real issues with this headset are that it doesn't work for Xbox consoles, its Bluetooth/wireless switch can be a bit spotty to use, and it runs for an extremely high MSRP of $249.99.

If you can put aside these issues, then the Razer Barracuda Pro is a great find for PC gamers and music lovers alike, especially now, since Amazon's $139.99 discounted price will save you $110 off its MSRP.

FAQ

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Gaming headsets are a great way to enrich your immersion in a game's sound design and better communicate with teammates in multiplayer games. However, not all gaming headsets can work universally with every console, forcing players to buy multiple headsets if they play on multiple consoles.

The Logitech Astro A50 X, on the other hand, doesn't have that issue; it can connect to every gaming hardware while providing excellent sound and comfort at a high premium price, which is now 25% more affordable for $299.99 at Amazon.

Why buy the Astro A50 X?

Logitech's Astro A50 X is a special piece of gaming tech whose main selling point is its PLAYSYNC Simultaneous Multi-System. With this, you will be able to hook up your TV, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC platforms simultaneously via HDMI pass-through (which supports 4K resolutions at 120Hz refresh rates) and wireless audio via USB. You can also switch platform is active for the headset with on-ear controls.

Setting up the docking station with your chosen gaming platforms can be time-consuming and convoluted, but worth the effort as it all works seamlessly and makes sure you never need to constantly switch out headsets ever again.

Of course, the Logitech Astro A50 X multi-platform gimmick will mean nothing if it doesn't have good sound quality to back it up. Fortunately, the sound quality more than delivers with clear and detailed clarity and superb surround design for its earphones and microphone

Other notable features include comfortable earphones, intuitive on-ear controls, and a sizeable battery life of roughly 25 hours.

If you play multiple gaming consoles but only want one premium-grade gaming headset that can play them all, then the Logitech Astro A50 X, which is now on sale for $299.99 at Amazon (was $399.99), could be your next main gaming headset of choice.

Alternative discounts

• $299.99 at Best Buy (was $399.99)

FAQ

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SteelSeries celebrates 25 years of creating gaming peripherals by announcing a brand-new wireless headset designed with audiophiles in mind. The newly unveiled Arctis Nova Pro Omni gaming headset from SteelSeries checks all the boxes for Hi-Res fidelity in a wireless headset that works across multiple platforms — including Xbox, PC, and handhelds.

The current gaming landscape is in a shift, as younger generations leave behind stationary gaming desktop rigs and consoles for more portable gaming devices like the Steam Deck, ROG Ally X, Nintendo Switch, or even just their smartphones.

Gaming on mobile and handheld devices has become a more premium experience as the platforms evolve, but options for audio solutions that can keep up with the more immersive and intensive gaming experiences have been lacking.

SteelSeries aims to fill that gap with the Arctis Nova Pro Omni, a more premium headset engineered to be platform agnostic. Whether your gaming sessions are on-the-go with your smartphone or at home with your custom gaming desktop and favorite console, the Arctis Nova Pro Omni provides Hi-Res fidelity sound through 96kHz/24-bit wireless audio connected to up to five devices via 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity.

Omniplay, SteelSeries' interconnectivity feature, allows you to simultaneously connect, mix, and play with multiple devices. Connect up to three devices via wired USB-C to the base station and up to five total, then hop into a Discord call on your PC while hearing game audio from your Xbox while watching TikTok on your smartphone. It's a multitasker's dream come true.

Hi-Res Wireless Certified by the Japanese Audio Society, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni features custom-designed Hi-Res Neodymium Magnetic 40mm drivers with an extended frequency range of 10Hz up to 40kHz.

Neodymium magnetic drivers utilize some of the strongest magnets available to offer unmatched sound quality that is more accurate and detailed, and the Arctis Nova Pro Omni drivers are custom-tuned with 360 Spatial Audio — perfect for helping you hear that enemy that's creeping up behind you.

SteelSeries pairs the neodymium magnetic drivers of the Arctis Nova Pro Omni with additional features like improved Active Noise Cancellation capable of tuning out 88% of background noise, improving your overall experience by keeping you more immersed in the game.

Noise disruption extends beyond just the audio output of the Arctis Nova Pro Omni. SteelSeries' premium new headset features the new ClearCast Pro omnidirectional microphone. The microphone has undergone an upgrade from other Arctis headsets and now features an advanced chipset that delivers twice the bandwidth of other gaming headsets.

And, of course, it's not tech unless it includes some sort of AI functionality. SteelSeries has embedded the tech into the microphone via algorithms intended to reduce background noise by 96%, improving the broadcast quality of the built-in microphone without the need for additional software.

The Arctis Nova Pro Omni's mixed audio functionality also works with the microphone, allowing you to use the mic simultaneously across game chat and Discord while the Smart Switch capability allows the microphone to switch to your smartphone when you take an incoming call. To switch back to your game chats, simply end the call and the active chat will change dynamically without the need for any additional input from you.

For maximum control over audio input and output with the Arctis Nova Pro Omni, the SteelSeries Arctis app can be used on your favorite mobile device to dynamically adjust presets in real-time without the need to leave your game or call. The Arctis app features over 200 game-specific audio profiles tailored by audio engineers, esports pros, and game developers to give you the best sound and the most immersion possible. Players on PC can also utilize the SteelSeries Sonar App to adjust the Arctis Nova Pro Omni.

The Arctis Nova Pro Omni from SteelSeries is available now in three colorways: Midnight Blue, White, and Graphite. Audiophile-quality sound and multiplatform compatibility does come with a premium price tag, as the Arctis Nova Pro Omni will cost $399.99.

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Before the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro came along, one of our top gaming headsets was the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) for its long-lasting batteries and sublime audio quality.

However, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro had a sibling called the Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed, which sacrificed portions of its build quality in favor of keeping its premium-grade sound at a lower MSRP of $129.99.

Fortunately, this price has now gone down even further as it's now available with a 46% discount for $69.99 at Amazon.

Why buy the Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed headset?

As mentioned earlier, the Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed features many of the same qualities as the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (which we gave a perfect 5-Star review to).

These traits include the Triforce Titanium 50m Audio Drivers, which deliver rich, crisp, high-quality sounds, and a Hyperclear Super Wideband Mic with equal levels of audio quality when conveying your voice online.

The Razer BlackShark V2 Hyperspeed also includes comfortable memory-foam earcups that naturally block out background noise, over 70 hours of battery life, and extremely secure 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth connectivity.

The main differences the Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed has with its V2 Pro counterpart are that the V2 HyperSpeed's mic is non-detachable, its plastic build isn't as durable, and it lacks some of the pro-tuned sound profiles the V2 Pro headset has.

Other quibbles you need to know about this headset are it's lack of multi-source audio mixing and no compatibility with Xbox consoles.

If you can put aside these issues, then Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed is an excellent mid-range PC gaming headset for players who only care about rich sound quality, and with this $69.99 discount at Amazon, it's practically a steal.

FAQ

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When it comes to Xbox headphones, the most popular ones tend to be premium, wireless powerhouses armed with immersive soundscapes, industry-leading build quality, and extra features that bump their price to astronomical proportions.

However, if you're just looking for a headset that can do the bare essentials with a minimum blow to your budget, there are plenty of solid options available, like the HyperX CloudX that's now on special offer for $44.98 at Amazon.

Why buy the HyperX CloudX gaming headset?

The HyperX CloudX features 53mm neodymium audio drivers with enhanced bass reproduction and a Frequency Response between 15Hz to 25kHz, giving it above-average audio quality levels when using it to listen to games or teammates online.

It also has a unidirectional, detachable microphone with equal levels of audio quality to the headphones when communicating online. Plus, it has Active Noise Cancellation so your friends don't get distracted by background noise when you're talking.

Other notable features include a lightweight aluminum frame with memory foam earcups that make it very comfortable to wear, and natural noise isolation to block most background noise while in use.

To top it off, the HyperX CloudX's default MSRP is $69.99, which is pretty generous considering the relatively advanced tech it has installed inside, making it one of the best Xbox headsets in the budget-price range.

So, if you don't mind losing out on wireless and Bluetooth connections and just want a headset that can "do the bare minimum for the bare minimum", then the HyperX CloudX is for you.

FAQ

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Turtle Beach, one of the world's leading manufacturers of gaming accessories, just revealed a wireless gaming headset called the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II.

This headset aims to improve upon the foundations set by the original Turtle Beach Stealth Pro with far greater audio performance levels, comfort, seamless switching between multiple compatible devices, and more rich features.

It's open for pre-order with an MSRP of $349.99/€349.99/£299.99 at multiple retailers and is currently scheduled to release on May 17, 2026.

Here are all the details on what tech you can expect to see from the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II Wireless Gaming Headset.

The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II will be available in two models — Xbox and PC.

The Xbox model will be compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC (Windows 10 & higher, USB 2.0 or higher), and Bluetooth-compatible mobile devices.

Meanwhile, the PC model will be compatible with PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC (Windows 10 & higher, USB 2.0 or higher), and Bluetooth-compatible mobile devices.

Both models will include the following features:

• Certified High Resolution Wireless Audio — The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II will deliver 24-bit/96kHz wireless high-resolution (available on PC or other systems supporting 24-bit/96KhZ output) via an ultra-low-latency 2.4GHz USB connection. With this, you will enjoy audiophile-grade sound levels that will bring your favorite games and soundtracks to life.
• CrossPlay 2.0 Multiplatform Wireless Audio — This will let the headset switch between up to four platforms with the press of a button (additional transmitters are sold separately).
• Advanced Active Noise Cancellation — The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II can block out distracting background noise with the aid of four internal microphones.
• 60mm Eclipse Dual Drivers — These large audio drivers with dedicated woofers and tweeters produce powerful bass, detailed mids, and crisp highs for extra auditory immersion.
• Broadcast-Quality Floating Microphone — This is a unidirectional 9mm floating microphone that can broadcast a user's voice with exceptional clarity thanks to AI-empowered noise reduction while having convenient flip-to-mute controls. This mic can also have its sensitivity, noise gate, and EQ be customized via Turtle Beach's Swam II app.
• Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio — With Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio, this headset can create a three-dimensional soundstage, placing audio all around you for better positioning and immersion.
• Dual Swappable 40-Hour Batteries — Listen to games for two days straight with two 40-hour rechargeable battery packs with a bundled charging dock to keep your spare battery charged up when the main battery is used up.
• Built-in Beamforming Microphones — This headset has integrated beamforming microphones that focus on your voice while lessening background noise, so you can communicate online clearly without needing a boom mic.
• Simultaneous Wireless + Bluetooth — The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II allows the user to listen to two devices at the same time with simultaneous 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth, with independent volume controls for both audio sources.
• Premium Design for Comfort and Durability — This headset is built with anodized aluminum, soft-touch materials, and memory-foam ear cushions with ProSpecs glasses relief for improved comfort and durability. It also has a reinforced design and an included hard case for extra protection.
• Anywhere Audio Customization — Download Turtle Beach's Swarm II app and connect it to the Stealth Pro II to access its 10-band audio EQ, microphone EQ, sensitivity and noise gate adjustments, and update it with the latest firmware.
• Easy Access to Audio Presets — Switch between four built-in Turtle Beach audio presets to suit your preferences, which include Bass Boost, Signature Sound, Treble, and Vocal Boost.

Windows Central's take

We at Windows Central loved the original Turtle Beach Stealth Pro headset to the point that we gave it a perfect 5-star review for its excellent sound design and ergonomics.

It's a hard act to follow, but judging from these specs, the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II has a good chance of succeeding its predecessor and becoming one of the best Xbox headsets on the market in the premium price range.

However, that ultimately depends on whether it can fulfill its promised sound quality and comfort levels when it launches on May 17, 2026, and we can't wait to see if it can deliver the goods.

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Few Xbox gaming headsets left us as awestruck as Turtle Beach's Stealth 700 (Gen 3). This headset puts nearly all of its competition to shame with immaculate playback quality, a cavernous soundscape, a wealth of audio mixing features, and tight ergonomics.

What's more, its industry-beating MSRP of $199.99 has been reduced to $134.99 at Amazon, making its expensive tech a better value for money compared to similar premium headsets that cost way more in the $200+ range.

Why spend money on the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3)?

What makes the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) one of the best Xbox gaming headsets is its impressive sound delivered through 60mm "Eclipse" dual audio drivers. When these drivers kick in, it will enthrall your ears with rich audio levels and soundscapes so immersive that it will make you feel you're actually in the level of whatever game you're playing.

This headset also features natural closed-back isolation to block out background noise, and customizable sound profiles that can be adjusted to your liking.

On top of that, the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) has a monstrous battery life of 80 hours, memory-foam cushioned earcups to keep your ears comfy, and simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity and audio mixing between Xbox and PC so you can play games while chatting with friends on Discord.

Granted, its mic doesn't have the greatest input audio in the world, and its firmware update can be convoluted. But those are minor nitpicks that should not deter you at all from picking this incredible gaming headset, especially now that it's on special offer for $134.99 at Amazon.

Alternative discounts

If Amazon's discount expires or runs out of stock, here are some alternative back-up options you can use:

• $134.99 at Best Buy (was $199.99)
• $134.99 at Walmart (was $199.99)
• $164.99 at Newegg (was $199.99)

FAQ

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Razer has built a gargantuan catalog of high-quality gaming headsets during its tenure, from premium-priced juggernauts to cheap yet reliable alternatives.

The Razer Barracuda sat somewhere in the middle with its high $99.99 MSRP, advanced audio quality, and complex tech that made it compatible with a variety of platforms.

However, thanks to Amazon's 33% discount, it now sits comfortably in the budget-price range at $67.29.

Why buy the Razer Barracuda X?

For starters, the Razer Barracuda X features Razer TriForce 40mm drivers within its earcup to produce high-quality audio with punchy, controlled bass and rich trebles.

Additionally, this headset includes a universal 2.4GHz USB-C dongle that, when plugged in, ensures its wireless connections have near-perfect audio reception and sound quality with no lag dragging it down.

Other notable features include 3.5mm wired connectivity in case you lose the wireless dongle, 20 hours of battery life, Type-C charging, a detachable Razer HyperClear Cardioid microphone, an Over-the-ear design with padded earcups that's comfy to wear, and a lightweight of 250g so it doesn't wear down on your head.

The only real point of contention with the Razer Barracuda X is that (aside from not being able to use this headset wirelessly with Xbox), if you lose the universal dongle, you will lose access to its wireless connectivity, so make sure you put it in a safe place you can remember to find.

Other than that, this is a great headset for PC, mobile, and console players who like to play on multiple platforms, especially for budget-savvy users now that it's at a more affordable price of $67.29 at Amazon.

Alternative discounts

If Amazon's discount on the Razer Barracuda X expires or Amazon's stock runs out, here are some backup alternative discounts you can use:

• $67.29 at Best Buy (was $99.99)
• $79.99 at Newegg (was $99.99)

FAQ

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The faithful gaming headset I've had since 2020 is starting to give up the ghost. Fortunately, Razer has plenty of options to choose from as it's a leading provider of some of the best gaming accessories on the market.

One fine example of Razer's work is the BlackShark V2 Pro gaming headset, and its $199.99 MSRP has been downsized to $128.15 at Walmart for a limited time.

Why buy this headset?

The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) is a marvellous piece of auditory engineering that is good enough to earn a perfect score from us, and its Xbox version ended up being one of the best Xbox Gaming Headsets.

It's equipped with Razer TriForce Titanium 50mm sound drivers with a frequency response between 12Hz and 28,000Hz, a detachable mic with a frequency response rate between 100Hz and 10,000Hz, THX Spatial Audio, and natural noise isolation.

With the auditory specs combined, what you get is a headset capable of immersing the player in rich, high-quality sounds and music, and delivering their voice online to other people with broadcast-quality clarity.

The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) also features Bluetooth 5.2 and 2.4 GHz connectivity with low latency, 70 hours of battery life, a comfortable and form-fitting design, and customizable audio profiles that players can fine-tune to their preferences via Razer Synapse.

So, if you want a gaming headset that will elevate your favorite PC games' sound design, atmosphere, and soundtracks to new heights of enjoyment, the BlackShark V2 Pro could be for you.

Alternative discounts

If Walmart's $128.15 discount for the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) expires or runs out of stock, here are a couple of alternative discounts to consider as back-up options.

• $129.99 at Amazon (was $199.99).
• $179.99 at Best Buy (was $199.99)

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Razer is a king among gaming accessory manufacturers, whether it's producing Xbox controllers that are superior to Microsoft's offerings or creating headsets with incredibly immersive, high-quality sound design that makes the user feel they're listening to a movie at a cinema.

The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is of the latter, and it's one of the best Xbox and PC gaming headsets we'd recommend to heaven and back, especially now that it's on a 21% discount for $198.00 at Amazon.

Why buy the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro?

The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro took all the niggling problems with the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, removed them, and put in their place new tech and features so advanced that it makes its predecessor look inadequate by comparison.

It features TriForce Bio-Cellulose 50mm Gen-2 drivers to deliver exquisite audio quality and THX Spatial Audio 7.1.4 support to enable surround sound for increased immersion while gaming.

It also includes a high-quality microphone with sampling rates between 32KHz and 48KHz to enhance your voice clarity online, insanely low wireless latency of 10ms, simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz audio mixing, and new features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and a customizable roller that adjusts audio balance levels.

Despite being 47g heavier than previous Razer headsets, the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is still comfortable to wear for long hours thanks to its memory foam ear cushions and refined ergonomic design with a 15-degree swivel joint that can fit any headsize.

So, if your old Xbox headset has given up the ghost and you need a replacement, then we strongly recommend grabbing an Razer BlackShark V3 Pro as its impeccable sound and tech make it one of the best Xbox gaming headsets around.

Alternative discounts

If Amazon's stock of the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro for Xbox runs out or its $198.00 discount expires, there's a backup option for $199.99 at Best Buy.

Alternatively, if you want the PC version of the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro instead of the Xbox version, it's also on sale for the following discounts:

• $219.99 at Amazon (was $249.99)
• $219.99 at Best Buy (was $249.99)

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Best Buy's Tech Fest is a great time for tech-heads as it brings much-needed discounts on PCs, laptops, and other gaming accessories that, despite being awesome, are normally too rich for most people's blood to afford.

For instance, the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro, one of the best wireless gaming headsets we've covered for its rich audio and strong durability, had its steep MSRP of $329.99 cut down to a much, MUCH more reasonable price of $164.99 at Best Buy.

Why buy the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro?

The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro is packing a monumental amount of advanced tech that still holds up even after it's been out for over 3 years.

It can block unwanted noise with active noise cancellation >25dB Noise Reduction at 100Hz, its leatherette cushioned earcups provide supreme comfort for the user during long hours of gaming, and its 50mm "Nanoclear" neodymium audio drivers can produce sound quality so rich you'll never want to listen to games without it.

What's more is that the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro can provide players with a tactical advantage during competitive multiplayer games through the use of the Superhuman hearing algorithm sound profile.

Once activated, this gaming headset can isolate and heighten specific sound effects like footsteps or someone reloading their gun. With this feature, you will be able to hear the sound of an enemy player trying to ambush you in games like Overwatch or Call of Duty, and catch them before it's too late.

Other cool features of the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro include 12 hours of battery life, solid 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, and customizable sound and EQ levels via on-ear controls and the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro Hub app.

So, if you're looking for one of the best gaming headsets to chat with friends online with or to make sure you don't get backstabbed in Overwatch again, this $164.99 discount at Best Buy is the perfect time to grab a Turtle Beach Stealth Pro, as this is the biggest discount it's had in months.

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This week is a great time for gaming accessory hunters as Best Buy's Tech Fest event has discounted several of our favorite Xbox and PC peripherals.

One such lucky gadget is the Turtle Beach Stealth (Gen 3). This bad boy is currently our favorite Xbox Gaming headset of all time for its rich audio levels and gargantuan battery life, and it's now on sale for $149.99 at Best Buy.

Why spend money on the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3)?

Turtle Beach had truly outdone itself when they created the Stealth 700 (Gen 3) in 2024. Its sound, build, and battery quality are so good that it managed to win our top spot for the best overall Xbox gaming headset, which no other gaming headset has been able to do since.

It features 60mm "Eclipse" dual audio drivers that deliver cavernous soundscapes with rich audio levels, natural closed-back isolation to block distracting background noise, and sound profiles that can be adjusted to fit your personal preferences depending on the game you play.

The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) also has 80 hours worth of battery life before it needs recharging, simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity, and memory-foam cushioned earcups so it's comfy to wear for long hours without straining your ears.

Granted, the audio quality of its built-in mic could be better, and updating its firmware can be a long and annoyingly convoluted process, but those are minor nitpicks in the grand scheme of things.

It's honestly shocking that this headset costs $199.99 at retail because its high-quality build and sound tech are on par with more expensive gaming headsets like the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro.

So it's a blessing we're now able to experience this glorious Xbox headset for a generous MSRP, which is now more affordable thanks to Best Buy's $149.99 discount deal.

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Since the demise of Windows Phone nearly a decade ago, I've been bouncing between Android and iOS, attempting to settle into one ecosystem. I'm currently in an iPhone cycle, complete with a set of AirPods Pro that I actually enjoy using.

Well, I enjoy using them most of the time, anyway. You probably already know where this is going. Connecting AirPods to a Windows PC is not always a fun experience. While they seemed to work fairly well on Windows 10, changes to the audio codec in Windows 11 have created some annoying issues. Slow or failed connections, lagging audio, unwanted idling; that sort of thing.

👉 Are Apple AirPods good earbuds for Windows users?

It's not entirely Microsoft's fault, of course. Apple's hardware is designed to work with other Apple hardware, at least if you want the full experience. Many of the perks I enjoy when my AirPods are connected to my iPhone, like immediate pairing, adaptive audio, and noise cancellation control, are missing when I'm using them with my Windows 11 PC.

It's just something I've put up with, but now I feel like an idiot for living like this for so long after learning about a MagicPods app (via XDA). It's an app available via the Microsoft Store, and it costs $1.99 for a one-time purchase. There's also a free trial that I used (and you can use) to test the app, but it's working well enough that a full buy is basically a no-brainer.

The MagicPods app relies on a MagicAAP driver to run advanced AirPods features on Windows 11. The driver is, unfortunately, not signed, which means you must put Windows into test mode to install it. This can cause security risks or interfere with gaming anti-cheat tools. There is a community-signed driver available that doesn't require test mode, though it too may get flagged by Microsoft Defender or interfere with anti-cheat. My advice? Don't install the driver on a gaming or company-managed PC to avoid issues.

The MagicPods app experience on Windows 11

After downloading the MagicPods app from the Microsoft Store, I grabbed the community-signed MagicAAP driver (which doesn't require Windows to be put into test mode) and installed it using the official instructions from the MagicPods website.

I then launched the MagicPods app, clicked Connect (my AirPods were already paired to my laptop), and let the app take over. An immediate connection? Yup. A little animated window showing battery status for the AirPods and case? You bet.

I was expecting these changes; what I wasn't expecting were the myriad customization options available through the app. Practically every setting I care about is here and can be tweaked, including the press speed of the physical buttons, noise cancellation, ear detection behavior, and low battery warning threshold.

Perhaps the most noticeable change is that there's no longer that awful audio delay when you hit play on your music or video, something I've put up with for far too long. My AirPods immediately begin sounding off when I click Play. Awesome.

Putting my AirPods back in the case and pulling them out again saw them reconnect to my PC almost immediately, even with my iPhone at my side. There's still a bit of a delay as my laptop's Bluetooth abilities catch up, but it's better than what I used to experience: failed connections, painfully slow connections, etc.

The app has a built-in dark mode, which I love, and there's a long list of customizable hotkeys you can set up for easier control over your wireless audio setup. Whether or not you enable hotkeys, the app's most important controls can all be handled from the tray icon.

Is the MagicPods app worth $1.99?

The creator of the app, Aleksandr Maslov, says the app works with AirPods, Beats, "fake AirPods with Airoha chips," a handful of Sony models, and some other headphones. I haven't tested anything other than my AirPods, but you might have some luck elsewhere. The app can work on a Steam Deck via the Decky Loader, which I'm sure a lot of people will love.

The creator also adds that the app involves "no data collection, no ads, no subscriptions, no paid content. Just a convenient tool that works offline. And yes—no AI."

With these promises in mind, and with my own experience coming out quite smoothly, MagicPods is absolutely an app I can recommend to most people who hate how AirPods function with Windows 11.

The only qualm I have with the app is its unsigned driver and community-signed alternative. I don't recommend you use the app on a company- or school-managed laptop, nor do I recommend using it on a gaming PC lest your anti-cheat throws up a false positive.

Now, excuse me while I go listen to the new Johnny Blue Skies album while further tweaking my audio setup via the MagicPods app.

What do you think about the MagicPods app?

Is the MagicPods app something you can see using with your Windows PC? Are you already using it? Why or why not? Let me know in the comments section!

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All eyes are on Apple this week, but it's an "iMac killer" that grabbed my attention. A deal on the Lenovo Yoga AIO 27" slashes the price of the All-in-One PC by $600.

That's a 41 percent discount on an attractive and versatile All-in-One PC that comes with everything you need in the box. That discount is on the model with an Intel Core Ultra 5 125H processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. There are also sales on more powerful versions through Lenovo.

Why buy the Lenovo Yoga AIO 27"?

Our colleague's at Tom's Guide rate the Lenovo Yoga AIO 27" as the best Windows PC for students. The fact that it includes everything you need in the box is a big plus, especially given the creeping cost of accessories.

The Lenovo Yoga AIO 27" comes with a keyboard and mouse and has built-in speakers and a built-in webcam. There are no hidden charges like having to grab a set of speakers.

You can open the box the Lenovo Yoga AIO 27" comes in, plug it in, place your phone on the PC's wireless charging pad, and get to work in a few minutes (or as long as the Windows 11 setup process takes these days).

The included keyboard is exceptional and it helped the All-in-One earn a perfect 10/10 in the "Keyboard and Mouse" section of our Lenovo Yoga AIO 27" review:

"This is hands-down the most satisfying AIO keyboard that I've ever used. Its floating keycaps look fancy while the keys themselves press in beautifully while I type," said Rebecca Spear. "Plus, this wireless keyboard is rechargeable via the included USB-C cable, so I don’t have to hunt down AA batteries every few months."

Sometimes PC makers toss in a serviceable but underwhelming keyboard with All-in-One PCs. That couldn't be further from the case here.

The Lenovo Yoga AIO 27" is a versatile All-in-One PC that works well on its own or as a companion device for power users.

Since the Lenovo Yoga AIO 27" has an HDMI-in port, you can use it as a monitor for another device. For example, you could swivel the Lenovo Yoga AIO 27" into portrait mode and use it as a dedicated monitor for Slack, Microsoft Teams, or other work apps. It's also great for keeping an eye on X or social media sites.

I know quite a few professionals that have a second monitor in portrait mode, including journalists, web developers, and accountants.

Lenovo Yoga AIO 27" is perfect for most students and professionals, as well as many creators depending on how demanding their workflow is.

While my colleague at Tom's Guide called the Lenovo Yoga AIO 27" an "iMac Killer," that title is most accurate when you look at pure versatility. The Lenovo Yoga AIO 27" offers several "quality of life" features that Apple's iMac M4 simply doesn't match, such as a physical rotating display for vertical work, a built-in wireless charging pad in the base, and an HDMI-in port that lets the Lenovo Yoga AIO 27" pull double duty as an external monitor.

It’s important to note the trade-offs, however. The Lenovo Yoga AIO 27" features a 2560 x 1440 resolution, which is excellent for most tasks but lacks the pin-sharp density of the iMac M4's 4.5K Retina display. Additionally, while the Lenovo Yoga AIO 27" covers the essentials for creators, it falls slightly behind the iMac in terms of professional-grade color accuracy.

Ultimately, the Lenovo Yoga AIO 27" earns its "iMac Killer" reputation for users who prioritize value, flexibility, and a machine that plays well with other hardware.

There's one more area where the Lenovo Yoga AIO 27" trounces the iMac M4: price. The 41% discount on the AIO undercuts the base iMac M4 by hundreds of dollars.

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Best Buy is teaming up with Turtle Beach for a special campaign of discounts on some of our favorite gaming accessories to enrich your skills (and immersion).

One of the lucky ones is the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro, an incredible gaming headset with impeccable sound, comfort, and build quality that's now on sale for a much more affordable $249.99 at Best Buy.

Why buy the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro gaming headset?

If your gaming headset has an MSRP as high as $329.99, it better have the best cutting-edge technology and sound quality to justify the price. And yes, thankfully, Turtle Beach manages to meet such high demands and more, as our Executive Editor, Jez Corden, discovered in his 5-star review of the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro.

It features 50mm "Nanoclear" neodymium audio drivers with a frequency response of 10Hz to 22kHz and Active Noise Cancellation with >25dB Noise Reduction at 100Hz. This gives you impeccable sound quality when listening to a game's soundtrack and audio design while filtering out distracting background noise that could get you killed during an intense boss fight.

What's more, this headset's Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity has no sound interference or degradation while active. This means you can listen to your favorite songs on Spotify while playing games without the game's sound quality being diminished.

The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro also allows the player to customize its sound levels via on-ear controls and its EQ levels via the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro Hub app to their personal preference.

Additionally, this gaming headset includes Turtle Beach's Superhuman hearing algorithm. This toggleable sound profile isolates and heightens specific noises, such as footsteps or a gun reloading, to give players a tactical advantage when watching for enemies in competitive PvP games like Overwatch and Call of Duty, or Extraction Shooters like Arc Raiders.

Other notable features of the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro include comfortable leatherette ear cushions and a headband, a sturdy yet lightweight build, and swappable batteries with 12 hours of life before needing a recharge with a bundled wireless battery charging dock.

It also has a wireless range of 49 feet, and a detachable microphone with sublime audio quality and active noise cancellation so other people don't get distracted by background noise whenever you're speaking to them online.

With all these premium luxuries combined, it's no wonder it costs a hefty $329.99 at retail. Fortunately, you don't have to pay this price as, for a limited time, Best Buy is selling it with a 24% discount for $249.99 at Best Buy.

So, if you have been holding out for a discount on one of the best Xbox gaming headsets Turtle Beach has ever produced, now's the time to strike.

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Gaming headsets are an essential gaming accessory when playing video games, whether it's communicating with teammates during a PvP match or enhancing the immersion of a game's sound design.

One of the best gaming headsets we've come across that can more than pull off this job while ensuring the user's comfort is the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3), which is now on sale for $149.99 at Amazon.

Why buy the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3)?

The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) is one of the few Xbox headsets we've covered that has earned the distinct accolade of earning a 5/5 Star review from us, and for good reason.

This gaming headset features 60mm "Eclipse" dual audio drivers that convey cavernous soundscaping while in use, with sweeping, warm, and rich bass levels that make you feel like you're experiencing a movie at an IMAX cinema.

This, in combination with closed-back isolation to block out background and customizable sound profiles that can emphasize enemy footsteps in competitive games like Call of Duty, and you have one of the immersive sounding headsets on the market.

Other noteworthy features of the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) include Dual-USB switching and Bluetooth audio mixing so you can swap sound signals with ease, a gigantic battery life of over 80 hours before needing to recharge, a durable build, and comfy ergonomics thanks to its memory-foam cushioning.

The only drawbacks with the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) are that its built-in microphone's audio quality isn't on par with the headset's audio quality, and updating its firmware can be an annoyingly convoluted process.

Aside from those nitpicks, is undoubtedly one of the best Xbox gaming headsets out there, and now that it's $199.99 MSRP has been reduced to $149.99 at Amazon, it's a must-have.

Alternate discounts

Here are some back-up discount options for the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) headset if Amazon runs out of stock or its discount expires.

• $149.99 at Best Buy (was $199.99)
• $149.99 at Walmart (was $199.99)
• $171.99 at Newegg (was $199.99)

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Earbuds usually tend to be the cheaper, lesser counterparts of full headsets for folks who want to listen to music and calls without being weighed down by the bulk of a headset.

The Status Pro X, on the other hand, is a premium-grade set of earbuds that gives even the best headsets a run for their money with expert-level sound quality and comfort, and it's now on sale for $199 on Amazon.

Why buy the Status Pro X?

I'll admit, spending $299 at retail for such tiny earbuds is a tall order, but the Status Pro X is more than meets the eye.

These Hi-Res earbuds are stacked with expensive and powerful hardware that will take your auditory experience listening to music, movies, phone calls, video games, and more to new heights of sensory bliss.

For starters, it has a Triple Driver system with 12mm dynamic and dual Knowles balanced armature with LDAC (Hi‑Res Wireless Audio), SBC, AAC, LC3 (LE Audio) audio codecs.

In layman's terms, these earbuds deliver supremely high-quality sound with such detailed immersive soundscapes and deep basses that it will sometimes make you feel you're in a movie theatre or a concert. The earbuds' sound levels can also be adjusted to your personal liking through messing around its built-in sound EQ presets.

The Status Pro X also boasts a sound structural design that gives it a sleek appearance, makes it comfy to wear for hours-long sessions, and ensures that it stays in your ear without falling off while you're moving.

Other notable features include Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity with Auracast support, active noise-cancelling to drown out background noise, 6 beamforming mics with Voiceloom AI speech enhancement, dust and water resistance, and a long battery life of eight hours per charge/32 hours while stored in its Qi wireless charge case.

So, if you're on the hunt for a set of premium-level earbuds that can bring you some of the best sound experiences in media, the Status Pro X is a must-buy now that it's on sale for $199 on Amazon.

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Valentine's Day has come and gone, but it's never too late to find the right gift to surprise the love of your life and show how much they mean to you.

For instance, if your romantic partner is a gamer desiring a cute gaming headset, then we recommend grabbing them a Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro wireless gaming headset, which has recently had its MSRP cut down from $179.99 to $129.99 at Amazon.

This gaming headset does more than make you feel adorable

The Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro may look like a gimmicky headset with its novel, anime catgirl design, but it's packing a fair amount of high-quality hardware that helps it stand out as a capable gaming headset in its own right.

It comes equipped with 40mm audio drivers and 7.1 surround sound to help it deliver crisp, crystal-clear audio when listening to a game's sound design or listening to teammates when playing online co-op games like Monster Hunter.

It's also comfy to wear due to its memory foam ear cushions and headband. It has a retractable mic with Active Noise Cancellation to register your voice without background noise, and it has three methods of connectivity: 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.3, and USB-C wired.

Of course, we can't talk about this headset without discussing the cat ears. The Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro includes a pair of cat ear pertrusions with RGB lighting that has an optional setting to automatically change color when playing a game or chatting online.

So, if you're looking for a cute yet sleekly designed gaming headset with high-quality audio to match, then the Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro that's now on sale for $129.99 at Amazon is for you and your romantic partner.

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The ASUS ROG Kithara doesn't look like any other gaming headset I've tried in the past, and is essentially an audiophile-style open-back set of headphones that happen to also ship with a boom mic and a pile of cables so you can use it for gaming. The vented design reminded me straight away of the rear of the Xbox Ally X, which is pretty neat.

Going into this review, I was pretty sceptical, it looks awkward on my head for one, and is also very expensive at $299.99 for something that is wired only. That said, after using it for a few weeks now, it's grown on me immensely, and its unique style only adds to the character for me. Despite my initial qualms on it being so different from my usual choices, I've ended up loving it.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by ASUS. The company had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

ASUS ROG Kithara Headset: Specs and pricing

The main selling point here is the 100mm planar magnetic drivers, developed in partnership with HiFiMan. These are much larger and more expensive to make than the dynamic drivers used in most gaming headsets.

It’s a fully wired, dual-entry design headset, which in normal talk means a cable for each side. The unboxing itself is a bit of a cable fest with all the optional accessories and attachments. It was a bit like when I unboxed my wireless vacuum and all its heads for different floor types. You get a boom mic cable (with volume/mute toggles), a standard headphone cable, and every connector you could possibly need, and some I didn't even know still existed (3.5mm, 6.3mm, 4.4mm, and USB-C). You can hook it up to basically anything that fits the connectors so PC, console, or DAC, without having to mess around with any software. It's not advertised as Xbox-compatible, but it will work if you plug the 3.5mm jack into your controller.

It isn't cheap, though $299.99 puts this squarely in the premium bracket. For a wired headset, you’re paying a serious markup. It’s clearly aimed at competing with "real" studio headphones rather than the usual gaming stuff you see from this brand. In the United Kingdom, you can pick up the ROG Kithara for £284.99 at Scan.co.uk.

ASUS ROG Kithara Headset: Comfort and build quality

Build quality was impressive straight out the box. The frame feels solid and the hinges feel like they could take a few beatings at the bottom of my backpack (not that I'm putting that to the test). The headset feels closer to studio headphones than your average plastic gaming headsets.. In fact, my son, who likes to record audio for his music and acting project, is looking to swipe these away from me as they fit into his microphone perfectly with the generous bundle of attachments.

Although the Kithara is pretty damn big and weighs around 420 grams, I was surprised by how comfortable it actually is. I expected it to feel heavy and awkward, especially given how it looks on my head (see in slideshow above), but in practice it feels very well balanced and much lighter than I anticipated. I had no issues wearing it for long sessions, even if it did look comically large compared to my normal headsets.

The headband doesn't dig in at all, and since it’s an open-back design, my ears stayed way cooler than they do in standard closed-back sets. I normally wear the LucidSound LS50X, but I have to admit my ears usually get pretty stuffy in those after a while.

My only real gripe is that the earcups tend to slide down if I move around too much during a frantic game. I’m constantly nudging them back up, though that might just be a "me" problem. The men in my family tried them on and didn’t have any issues. It probably just comes down to how massive these things are relative to my head!

Two sets of ear pads are included in the box, including velour pads which feel cooler and softer over time, but they slightly reduce isolation and bass compared to the stock pads.

Overall, the Kithara is very well built and, despite my initial scepticism about its size and appearance, it turned out to be far more comfortable than I expected.

ASUS ROG Kithara Headset: Mic and audio quality

The detachable MEMS boom microphone is solid but I wouldn't say it is outstanding. As in, it is perfectly fine for gaming but if you stream or podcast you will want to stick with something entirely seperate. But yeah, this is a gaming headset remember.

Voice clarity is good, background noise is handled well, and it works perfectly fine for gaming chat, Discord and my work calls on Microsoft Teams. And its always fun to have something a bit different on when we are asked to turn our cameras on. People will still be able to tell that you are using a headset microphone when you talk through this but it is cleaner than what you usually get from most gaming headsets.

One concern with open-back headsets is whether game audio leaks back into the microphone. In my testing, this was not an issue and I did not experience any obvious audio bleed being picked up by the mic.

The audio performance is where the ROG Kithara clearly separates itself from normal gaming headsets. Before getting into sound quality, it is important to be clear about one thing. The Kithara does not offer virtual surround sound or any form of spatial audio processing. It is a purely passive stereo headset.
I had to go back to school for this review just to figure out what "open-back" actually meant. Basically, since the earcups are vented rather than sealed shut, the sound breathes (supposedly). Audiophiles love to rave about the "spacious soundstage" of open-back headsets. What this does mean, though, is you get zero privacy. I’m hearing everything happening in my house, and worse, everyone else can hear my music too. There’s no way I’m winning any cool points for my indie taste when everyone in the room can clearly hear I’m just blasting Taylor Swift again. Definitely don't be that person who wears these on a bus.

This is a selling point if you play in a quiet room and care about natural presentation and spatial depth. It won't be for you if you game in noisy environments or shared spaces around family. Personally, while I'm normally gaming around other people I do actually want to be able to hear my family so this doesn't bother me at all. If you prefer to drown out the sound of petulant children, you may want to look elsewhere.

In use with actual games, the open back and flouncy-sounding "airy soundstage" actually makes a bit more sense. So environmental sounds, gunshots etc are easy to separate. Positioning is generally easy to follow in shooters, and there's no echoey effect from the cups.

Sound-wise, I noticed this headset was substantially less 'bass-heavy' than other gaming headsets, and it's up to your preference whether you like that.

Volume was also dependent on my connection. Bear in mind, I'm writing this as a millennial who spent most of their teens destroying their eardrums with the highest possible iPod volume. Plugged directly into my PC, the headset gets reasonably loud but can feel slightly limited at the top end. Using the included USB-C adapter makes it noticeably louder when it benefits from the extra power delivery (up to 90W), as it did when I plugged it into my phone. No amount of finicking around with Windows 11 audio settings changes this otherwise. So your experience may vary depending on what you plug it into.

ASUS ROG Kithara Headset: Should you buy it?

The ROG Kithara is a niche headset that puts sound quality ahead of features. It makes sense for a very specific type of user.

✅ You should buy this if...

• you mainly play in a quiet room and do not need isolation
• you care more about sound quality and separation than surround sound features
• you want one headset that works well for gaming, music and general listening

❌ You should not buy this if...

• you want wireless, noise cancelling, RGB lighting or software features
• you rely heavily on virtual surround or spatial audio modes
• you play in noisy or shared environments

The ASUS ROG Kithara feels less like a gaming headset and more like a pair of high-end studio headphones that just happened to have a mic slapped on at the end. I was pretty skeptical at first, that price tag is hard to ignore, especially for something with a wire. But once I actually put it on, it was way more comfortable and easy to deal with than the size suggests.

It’s not trying to win a feature war with brands like SteelSeries or Turtle Beach. You aren't getting a million buttons or gimmicks here; you’re paying for the sound quality and that open-back feel. If you’re hunting for that specific "audiophile" sound but don't want the hassle of a separate desktop mic and headphone setup, the Kithara is basically in a league of its own.

At $149.99, the Corsair Void V2 Max Wireless sits firmly in the premium headset category. It supports Xbox Wireless alongside Bluetooth, includes Dolby Atmos, and promises close to 70 hours of battery life, making it a compelling option on paper.

Corsair is a brand I have consistently trusted in the past, which made my experience with this headset more frustrating than expected. While there is a lot to like here, particularly in terms of comfort and audio quality, several usability issues and a game-specific problem prevented it from being the straightforward recommendation I hoped for.

I tested the Xbox edition of the Void V2 Max Wireless across Xbox Series X, Series S, and PC. While performance was largely consistent, microphone reliability in ARC Raiders became a recurring problem, shaping my overall impression. Outside of that one title, the headset performs well, which makes the issues harder to ignore rather than easier to excuse.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Corsair. The company had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Corsair Void V2 Max Wireless: Specs and pricing

To Corsair’s credit, the specs on offer here are genuinely impressive. For the price, you are at least getting a strong package on paper, which makes it worth taking a closer look at what is actually under the hood.

Despite my issues, there are genuine reasons someone might be tempted to buy this headset, particularly if it is discounted. In daily use, I was able to walk around my entire house from top to bottom, make a cup of tea, and still chat with friends on Discord via Xbox without any dropouts.

Dual audio playback is another standout feature. Being able to hear audio from Xbox and Bluetooth devices simultaneously is genuinely useful and something I found myself using more often than expected.

That said, all customisation and firmware updates are locked behind Corsair’s iCUE software on PC. There is no mobile app, which feels like a missed opportunity, especially for an Xbox-focused headset at this price.

That RGB lighting also serves a practical purpose, as it indicates which mode the headset is currently using. Double-pressing the power button switches it into Xbox mode, which is how I mainly used the headset outside of some sessions on PC.

I cannot speak to how the headset performs on PlayStation, as I have the Xbox edition, but Corsair’s quick start guide does outline the required steps clearly for those platforms.

Corsair Void V2 Max Wireless: Comfort and build quality

This is easily one of the most comfortable headsets I have used. Coming from the Razer Kraken, which is already fairly comfortable, the Void V2 Max Wireless felt noticeably better during long sessions.

As someone who wears glasses while working and gaming, comfort matters a lot. The ear cups and headband never pressed my glasses into the side of my face, even after extended use.

Build quality is fairly unassuming. Nothing feels what I'd consider premium, but it feels good enough for the price. The headset is lightweight, adjusts easily, and accommodates a wide range of head sizes without feeling awkward.

The main concern here is the controls. The buttons, and especially the volume mixer, feel finicky in use and do not inspire much confidence in long-term durability.

Corsair Void V2 Max Wireless: Mic and audio quality

The Void V2 Max Wireless for Xbox does offer a competent microphone, including the ability to mute it by lifting the mic from the on position to off. That said, I never found it more impressive than the microphone on my Razer Kraken, and none of my friends noticed a meaningful improvement either, and you can hear for yourself here:

Where I did notice a clear step up was in audio quality. The 50mm drivers performed well in ARC Raiders, making it easy to pick out enemies and environmental threats to the point where friends often relied on my callouts in tense situations.

Using the volume mixer, however, was often frustrating. Pressing the button regularly left me unsure what I was actually adjusting, and on several occasions, my audio stopped working entirely, forcing me to power the headset off and back on again.

Despite these frustrations, the raw audio quality itself is genuinely strong and one of the headset’s highlights. Better refinement around audio mixing would have gone a long way, and the fact that it disables Xbox’s own audio mixing options in party chat and Discord remains a significant drawback for me.

Not to drive the ARC Raiders point home too much, but on the one occasion the microphone did function in-game, all game audio became muted, leaving me unable to hear anything. While this may be an issue specific to the game itself, it is still worth mentioning given how prominent the game is right now.

Corsair Void V2 Max Wireless: Should you buy it?

✅ You should buy this if...

• Want a headset that sounds, feels, and looks great
• Plan to use it across multiple devices, not just for gaming
• Want great battery life
• Need dual audio playback

❌ You should not buy this if...

• Dislike RGB lighting, even when it is subtle
• Need active noise cancellation
• Want to play ARC Raiders on Xbox
• Do not have a PC to customise features

I do plan to continue using the Corsair Void V2 Max Wireless as my daily headset, if only because the alternative is my partner’s pink Razer Kraken. That said, I still cannot rely on it all the time, which remains a major sticking point for me.

One feature I have grown to really appreciate is dual audio playback. Being able to hear audio from both the Xbox and a Bluetooth device at the same time is genuinely useful, and it is something I have ended up using more often than expected, sometimes even by accident when both my PC and Xbox were on. It is a feature I would genuinely miss if I had to go without it.

If ARC Raiders is not a game you play or plan to play on Xbox, this is otherwise a fairly solid headset. Its unassuming design, strong comfort, and broad feature set are appealing, but at $149.99, the price still feels steep given the issues I ran into.

Even if some of those problems stem from the game itself rather than the headset, the volume mixer feels flimsy at times, and the controls are awkward to use. On top of that, updating and customising the headset is locked to Corsair’s iCUE software on PC, meaning Xbox-only users are locked out of firmware updates and certain features entirely.

Taken together, these frustrations make it difficult for me to fully recommend the headset at full price. Many users online appear to have run into similar issues, which is especially disappointing given just how comfortable the headset is. If you can find it discounted and do not plan to play ARC Raiders on Xbox, it may still be worth picking up compared to some of the best Xbox headsets out there.

It feels like Razer has its hands in a little bit of everything at this point, but I still more or less know what to expect when I meet with the Razer team... until this Consumer Electronics Show, at least.

If you were expecting Razer Blade updates or new competitive PC and console gaming accessories at CES 2026, you won't find them here. Razer's showings this year were a little different, and I never quite knew what I'd be checking out next.

Razer's gaming AI companion is entering the physical world, the company has decided that smart headphones make a lot more sense than smart glasses, your gaming chair could one day offer all-in-one immersion, and... what else? Oh, the Razer Wolverine V3 is getting a Bluetooth variant designed with your TV in mind. Here's what you need to know.

Razer is experimenting and expanding

It's no secret that Razer has been investing more and more into artificial intelligence, especially given that the company unveiled its own gaming-centric AI companion, Project Ava, last CES.

AI is only becoming more important for Razer (like with many tech companies), and CES 2026 saw Project Ava take on an all-new form supported by a year of growth and evolution. Soon, instead of an unseen presence on your screen, Project Ava will be able to live on your desk as an actual, holographic companion that can see and hear you in real time. I didn't see this one coming, I'll be honest.

This is a real product coming this year, and you can actually reserve your own in the USA. The latest version of Project Ava will be a 5.5-inch, animated avatar contained within a very Razer-esque cylinder, and will theoretically be able to help you in real-life and on-screen with gaming, productivity, and everyday life.

Razer's initial avatars look pulled straight from anime, and the list will apparently grow as Project Ava's capabilities and popularity does. I'm not sure how many people will actually buy into this product, but I have to give Razer props for trying something different and trying to make AI fun in its own way.

While we're on the subject of AI companions that stick close to you, Razer also showed off its spin on the expanding smart wearables market, which is currently dominated by products like AR glasses. Enter Project Motoko, a concept for a pair of smart headphones equipped with dual PoV cameras.

By "PoV," I mean these headphones are designed to actually see exactly what you see by matching your eyeline, while most smart glasses are slightly above. Razer also argues that people are generally more comfortable wearing headphones than glasses, people with glasses don't have to worry about prescriptions, headphones make conversing with your AI companion more private, and — at the end of the day — you can simply use these as a great pair of wireless, Bluetooth headphones.

The idea is to have an always-present AI companion that sees and hears what you do, and can answer questions, provide feedback or directions, suggest ideas, translate languages, recognize images and objects, and more. Project Ava isn't making another appearance here, though, as Razer is planning to leave Mokoto open to the user; you'll be able to choose the LLM or AI companion that best suits your needs, which will run natively on the headphones until it needs your device's internet connection.

As you may have guessed from that last section, Razer is also planning to release Project Mokoto as a real product, but it won't look quite like this. The initial concept is built on something like the Razer Barracuda X Chroma I reviewed, but the final product could look very different (and will be flagship-level). Razer gave me a very tentative "2026" window for a potential launch, but that's absolutely not confirmed right now.

Razer also showed off a concept chair; no, not the concept chair that Razer showed off last CES with the built-in cooling and heating. Project Madison is all about immersion, bringing comfort, audio, haptics, and RGB together in one cohesive product. If you're familiar with the Razer Freya we reviewed, imagine a gaming chair with that built in, and with THX stereo speakers flanking your head, and reactive Razer Chroma lighting baked into the headrest.

Will this ever be a real product? I don't know; unlike the two previous "projects," Madison is following precedent in that it may never be available to purchase — but the ideas and concepts can absolutely influence future Razer products. Something you can buy is the Razer Iskur V2 NewGen. As the name suggests, it's basically the Razer Iskur V2 we reviewed, but with Razer taking in feedback about comfort and ergonomics to make it a better chair.

Finally, there's the Razer Wolverine V3 Bluetooth, a more mobile-oriented version of the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro we reviewed and loved. This controller takes the familiar design and class-leading controls, but takes advantage of cutting-edge ultra-low latency Bluetooth for maximum performance. It was also designed in partnership with LG, with native integration with the LG Gaming Portal and built-in TV controls.

I always have fun hanging out with Razer, and I can usually count on the company to surprise me with something. At CES 2026, nothing here stood out to me as something I personally need, but I like that Razer is continuing to experiment and try new things, as well as expanding into new categories. Hopefully, Windows Central will get its hands on a lot of this as it releases in the coming months.

What do you think about Razer's hardware announcements at CES 2026? Was there anything you were hoping to see that wasn't here? Let us know in the comments below!

I've used a lot of headphones and gaming headsets, and few have been able to truly challenge Audeze when it comes to sheer audio quality.

Now, at CES 2026, the high-end audio brand has returned with the Audeze Maxwell 2, an all-new, totally redesigned wireless gaming headset packing some serious upgrades. I'm actually at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, but before I flew out, I had a brief opportunity to test the new headset.

I'll need to use this headset a lot more after I return home to really know if Audeze struck gold with its Maxwell follow-up, but I'm not harboring any doubts. The first-generation Maxwell wasn't perfect, but it has held on to its spot on our list of the best Xbox headsets for over two years — and its successor promises to be better across the board.

Better audio, greater comfort, slimmer design

Audeze is the de facto champion of planar magnetic technology in headphones, pushing forward with new innovations and evolutions. Planar magnetic drivers are larger, heavier, and more expensive than the dynamic drivers in most headphones, but they're also more precise and responsive.

Planar magnetic expertise has earned Audeze a reputation for phenomenal audio quality, and that's exactly why I praised the original Audeze Maxwell in my 4/5-star review. So, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the Maxwell 2 refines what its predecessor started, with massive 90mm planar magnetic drivers loaded with Audeze's various proprietary technologies.

This time, that also includes SLAM, a newer tech that I first experienced with my 4.5/5-star Audeze LCD-S20 review. You can check that review out for more information, but the idea is that the Maxwell 2 should have fuller, deeper low-end than the original Maxwell. The Maxwell 2 boasts twice the microphone bandwidth (48KHz), too, on top of brand-new FILTER AI background noise cancellation.

The most immediately obvious improvement, though, is in the design. While not as luxurious as Audeze's highest-end headphones, the Maxwell 2 is clearly premium, with a slimmer and lighter design, a more breathable and comfortable suspension strap, and magnetically attached earcups for easy replacements.

I could tell the moment I put the Maxwell 2 on my head — this is a huge upgrade in comfort, which bodes well for longer gaming sessions. Audeze didn't compromise on endurance, either, with the same 80-hour battery rating. We still get 2.4GHz wireless for Windows PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, and Bluetooth for Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.

Wherever you use the Audeze Maxwell 2, you'll be able to take advantage of the new Audeze app for on-the-fly controls and adjustability, showing Audeze is committed to making the Maxwell 2 a far better all-around headset. I'm honestly really excited to dive more into this headset, but you don't have to wait.

The Audeze Maxwell 2 is already available for $349, or $329 if you don't need Xbox Wireless support. I also know Audeze is already planning some special edition drops, but we'll have to wait longer to see those.

When choosing a gaming headset, just how important is audio quality to you? Will the Audeze Maxwell 2 become your next gaming headset? Let us know in the comments below!

2023's Razer Blackshark V2 Pro gaming headset blew our minds with its high-quality audio and ergonomic design, but it was incompatible with Xbox consoles.

Razer then sought to correct that in 2024 with the Blackshark V2 Pro Wireless Xbox Gaming Headset, so Xbox players can finally experience its rich sounds. Now, at the end of 2025, its $199.99 MSRP has been slashed down to $104.99 at Amazon during the holiday sales.

Why is this one of the best gaming headsets to buy for Xbox?

There are plenty of reasons why hardcore Xbox players should consider owning a Razer Blackshark V2 Pro for Xbox.

This gaming headset features impeccable sound quality when listening to games, thanks to its 50mm TriForce Titanium drivers, spatial audio support, and customizable audio profiles to let the user adjust the EQ levels to their personal preferences.

There are also a couple of pre-installed audio profiles tuned for competitive online multiplayer titles like Call of Duty, Battlefield, or Arc Raiders to help players better hear enemy movement or teammate call-outs.

The Razer Blackshark V2 Pro for Xbox's mic quality also matches its headset audio quality, as its unidirectional, detachable microphone with 32KHz sampling rates can convey your voice with exquisite detail while isolating it from distracting background noise.

Of course, a wireless headset's audio quality means nothing with a stable wireless connection to back it up. Thankfully, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Xbox more than delivers it with stable, responsive, and reliable Razer Hyperseed 2.4Ghz wireless or Bluetooth connections to prevent audio latency.

Add in a long-lasting battery life of 70 hours, an extremely comfy, ergonomic design that's pleasant to wear for many hours, and some compatibility with PC (minus Razer Synapse support and audio profiles for Valorant and Counter-Strike), and you've got one of the best Xbox Gaming Headsets on the market.

So, if you're looking for a premium-grade Xbox Headset to buy for Christmas, today's your lucky day as Amazon's sale is offering the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro for Xbox with a 48% discount for $104.99 at Amazon.

FAQ

Arrives after Christmas and need a gift sooner? 

If your item won't arrive in time for Christmas or you're looking for a quick and easy add on, buying an Amazon eGift Card is a fast, flexible way to give purchasing power now—send instantly or schedule delivery by email or text, choose any amount from $5 to $2,000, and the balance never expires, making it ideal when a deal’s item won’t ship until after the holidays.

Amazon eGift Cards let you pick a design, set a custom amount, add a personal message, and choose delivery by email or SMS with the option to schedule the exact delivery date—including immediate delivery or a future date up to a year ahead. There are no fees, and gift card balances never expire, so recipients can redeem the code and apply the funds to their Amazon account whenever they’re ready, across millions of eligible items.

Many wireless gaming headsets often cost over $100 to justify the cost for their wireless connectivity, rich sound, and other features.

However, the LucidSound LS15X possesses these enticing qualities while sporting a slick design and a budget-friendly price of around $70, which Amazon has reduced even further to $49.03.

Why should you buy the LucidSound LS15X wireless gaming headset in 2026?

For a budget wireless gaming headset costing below $100, the LucidSound LS15X sure doesn't feel like a one for how good its sound quality is.

When my colleague, Jez Corden, reviewed the LucidSound LS15X in 2021, he remarked how impressed he was at its excellent positional awareness and warm, sweeping bass that sounded completely natural when Jez tested it out with Call of Duty: Vanguard and Battlefield V.

On top of that, it features a microphone with above-average sound quality, stable wireless and Bluetooth connectivity with little to no audio latency, comfortable earcups that make it pleasant to wear, and a long-lasting battery of 15 hours before needing to recharge.

The only downsides of this gaming headset are that its build quality can feel brittle in hand, and its adjustable head strap doesn't stay in position stably.

Plus, its audio control dials and buttons lack sufficient information and feedback when operating them, which can make adjusting audio on the LucidSound LS15X a somewhat confusing and frustrating process.

If you can disregard those nitpicks, then we highly recommend the LucidSound LS15X for anyone looking to purchase an Xbox or PC wireless gaming headset with rich sounds without breaking the bank.

If you're interested in this consumer-friendly stocking filler, the LucidSound LS15X is on sale for $49.03 at Amazon for a limited time.

FAQ

When playing games or listening to music, some people prefer using earbuds over full-on headsets due to their lighter weight and portability.

One of the best earbuds designed with Xbox and PC gaming in mind is the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds. This is a fabulous headset packed with great features, comfort, and sound, and it's now on sale for $148.99 at Amazon after having its $199.99 MSRP cut by 26%.

Why buy the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds?

Many of us at Windows Central consider the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds to be one of the best Xbox Gaming headset alternatives we've ever seen, and with good reason.

Its design is immensely comfortable to wear (even more so than Apple's AirPods) with multiple ear-tip options. It has stable, dual connectivity with Xbox consoles and PC via 2.4GHz wireless and mobile devices via Bluetooth 5.3, and a long battery life of 10 hours while in use.

While the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds' sound quality isn't as powerful as a dedicated premium headset, they're still very solid.

They have punchy bass and good positional and spatial awareness to help the player immerse themselves in a game's sound design or detect enemy footsteps more accurately in online competitive games like Call of Duty or Arc Raiders.

On top of that, these earbuds have Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) to block out background noise, intuitive audio controls, configurable audio profiles, and a bundled Qi Charging Case (with 30 hours of battery life) to recharge the earbuds.

So, if you're thinking of getting a gaming headset to listen to your favorite Xbox games while travelling on the bus or plane, then you can't go wrong with the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds, especially now that they're $53.00 cheaper with this discounted price tag of $148.99 at Amazon.

FAQ

Arrives after Christmas and need a gift sooner? 

If your item won't arrive in time for Christmas or you're looking for a quick and easy add on, buying an Amazon eGift Card is a fast, flexible way to give purchasing power now—send instantly or schedule delivery by email or text, choose any amount from $5 to $2,000, and the balance never expires, making it ideal when a deal’s item won’t ship until after the holidays.

Amazon eGift Cards let you pick a design, set a custom amount, add a personal message, and choose delivery by email or SMS with the option to schedule the exact delivery date—including immediate delivery or a future date up to a year ahead. There are no fees, and gift card balances never expire, so recipients can redeem the code and apply the funds to their Amazon account whenever they’re ready, across millions of eligible items.

In 2022, Sony announced it would take a stab at the gaming accessory market by debuting its INZONE product line-up of wireless headsets, keyboards, mice, and other gadgets for PlayStation 5, PC, and mobile devices.

In the spirit of Black Friday, Best Buy has managed to acquire some exclusive discounts on Sony's INZONE products, and we've rounded them all up to help enhance your gaming experiences for less.

More Black Friday 2025 — quick links

• All our TOP recommended Black Friday deals: Just the best
• Mini PC deals: up to 47% off tiny PCs
• GPU deals: early price drops on NVIDIA RTX before they go up
• Microsoft Surface deals: save up to $500 on premium PCs
• Xbox accessories: best deals on gadgets for your Xbox Series X|S and PC
• Gaming laptop deals: the best laptops for the best price
• Xbox controllers: our top picks for best controller deals
• ANC headphones: great Black Friday deals on the best ANC headphones
  
  Even more Black Friday deals:
• Samsung monitors: the best Samsung display deals we've found
• Walmart: 7 top laptop deals you shouldn't miss
• Retro gaming: handhelds, arcade machines, old school consoles, and more
• Gamer merch: Blizzard’s Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo IV collectibles
• Game keys: 10 PC game codes are even cheaper at Loaded (formerly CDKeys)
• Accessories: Even more PC accessories starting at $17

FAQ / Buying Advice

While we at Windows Central prioritize covering Xbox-centric accessories, we will spotlight peripherals primarily aimed at PlayStation 5 if they're compatible with Windows PC and are having big bargains.

Such is the case with this line-up of Sony INZONE products, some of which are reduced by massive 40% Black Friday discounts.

Also, some of these gadgets have been rated highly by our friends at Tom's Guide and Tech Radar. For example, Tom's Guide gave the Sony INZONE H9 Gaming headset a 4/5 review for its solid build and sound quality, while Tech Radar gave the Sony INZONE Buds a 4/5 star review for its stellar noise cancellation and long-lasting battery life.

Before jumping off to buy these items, here are a couple of pieces of advice regarding these items and Black Friday.

I recently reviewed my first-ever hi-res headset in the Arctis Nova Elite, and the algorithm must've known I was keen to explore this segment even more.

The hi-res certification is issued to headsets that meet a certain quality criteria, revolving around things like 40 kHz audio ranges and 24-bit streaming standards. Some aspects of the certification could be described largely as a marketing gimmick, particularly with audio frequencies that fall well out of the range of human hearing capabilities, but it does represent a family of specs that do contribute to a better overall sound experience, at least in general.

I'd been seeing the Status Pro X earbuds flash up on Instagram and other social media platforms for a while, and nine times out of ten when I buy something from Instagram I fully regret it. The Status Pro X certainly looks the part, but it's all in the listening with these types of products. Dare I say the Status Pro X sound even better than they look?

Finally, an Instagram ad that actually lives up to the hype — the Status Pro X absolutely blows every other earbud I've used out of the water, making my Samsung Galaxy Buds3 earbuds look (and sound) like a toy.

Status Pro X: Specs and price

I mentioned that the Status Pro X are hi-res certified, but the shiny badge doesn't mean a great deal on paper. It's the full gauntlet of specs that give the Status Pro X its impressive soundscape, as described below.

The $300 price tag is tough to swallow on paper, but when you look at all the tech Status managed to minaturize here, it's hard not to see why they cost as they do. Even before we start talking about audio, we have future-facing tech like LDAC wireless audio codecs, LC3, multipoint 5.3 Bluetooth, Auracast support, and IP55 certification. We have Qi wireless charging in the case, across 8 hours of playback for the earbuds and 32 hours stored in the case itself. We have ~52 dB active noise cancelling, and 6 beamforming mics for calls.

The Status Pro X excel with 12mm triple driver array for speakers, clinching it that hi-res certification. How does it all come together in practice, though?

Status Pro X: Comfort and design

The Status Pro X earbuds are bold without being gaudy in appearance, with a rectangular outer appearance with silver and black accents. There are no loud logos or flashy colors here. The Status Pro X are subtle in presentation, eager to adapt to your style as opposed to the other way around.

They are quite large for earbuds, and it's impressive (and appreciated) that Status managed to resist the temptation to whack a loud logo or advertisement on the chassis. Instead, the only logo you'll find is the firm's understated waveform logo on the case itself, which is svelte and small enough to fit in any pocket.

The earbuds themselves sport an ergonomic shape with eartips that protrude away from the plastic. Whether it's AirPods or Galaxy Buds, I've often found the plastic part designed to sit outside of your ear canal is often too big — designed to house components rather than be comfortable. The Status Pro X are thankfully not designed this way, utilizing the ear tips for stability rather than the main body.

Across hours upon hours of use, I've found them to be incredibly comfortable, but also crucially stable in-ear. I found that my Galaxy Buds3 would often slip out of my ear, leaving me to be overly cautious while commuting. Trying to search for my earbuds on a transatlantic flight is not something I want to repeat, and I don't think I'll have to with the Status Pro X.

The earbuds themselves have capacitive controls that can be adjusted in its high-quality app. Each earbud also has a physical button on top, which can also be customized, albeit not as deeply as the capacitive controls. I'd like to see Status open up the physical buttons to more control options in the future.

Status Pro X: Audio and features

But really, it's all about sound, right? Status ticks all the right boxes when it comes to design, comfort, and physical features, but the proof is in the listening — and it's here where the Status Pro X just blows everything else I've used out of the water.

I paid roughly $200 for my Samsung Galaxy Buds3 earbuds, and frankly, I hate them. I switched over to the similarly-priced Arctis Gamebuds for a while, which are far more comfortable and crucially, actually stay in your ear. But I find myself craving a better audio experience, matching some of the headphones I have access to here, such as the Arctis Nova Elite or my family's beyerdynamic DT 1990 open back headphones I often steal borrow.

I was unsure if that was achievable with earbuds, given their size. I don't like using headphones while commuting and travelling, preferring something smaller and more easy to manage. I figured audio compromise was just the reality of the form factor. The Status Pro X proves that to be wrong.

The Status Pro X represents, by far, the best sound experience I've ever had with earbuds. It helps that they're incredibly comfortable and reassuringly well-fitting, but it's the immersive soundscape that really elevates whatever auditory challenge you throw at it.

I've used the Status Pro X in games on my Xbox Ally X, for calls and work on my Razer Blade laptop, and music via the hi-res codec on my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with lossless audio on my Spotify subscription. I love it when a product is so fun and immersive to use that you simply forget about the review and just start enjoying it.

The separation of the instruments and immaculate detailing across the spectrum make for a really enchanting experience all up. I prefer deep bass when I listen to music, and Status' sound presets deliver it in spades if you want it. I found myself settled with Status' own signature sound profile out of the box, without having to do any EQ tweaks to get things sounding optimal.

After using the Status Pro X earbuds, I knew that it would be impossible to go back to using cheaper earbuds. You will know it too.

Status Pro X: Final thoughts

The Status Pro X is well and truly the "everything and the kitchen sink" of earbuds. Immaculate design, a stunning amount of tech, piles of features, and truly impeccable audio make for a headset that well and truly feels worth the price tag.

If you listen to a ton of music as I do, this is the kind of product that will take your experience to a new level. If you've been using cheaper, standardized earbuds as I have opted for previously, the Status Pro X is like opening the door to a higher plane of existence you were hitherto unaware of. Okay, maybe that's a bit dramatic, but you get the point.

Your ears will feel comforted, your music will gain new dimensions, and your wallet will admittedly be much lighter — but this is a rare situation where I can well and truly say it's fully worth it. I've used a ton of earbuds across all sorts of price points, and sometimes, you just have to pay a little bit more if you want that extra quality. The Status Pro X are absolutely worth it.

Black Friday 2025 — Quick links

• All our TOP recommended Black Friday deals: Just the best
• Mini PC deals: up to 47% off tiny PCs
• GPU deals: early price drops on NVIDIA RTX before they go up
• Microsoft Surface deals: save up to $500 on premium PCs
• Xbox accessories: best deals on gadgets for your Xbox Series X|S and PC
• Gaming laptop deals: the best laptops for the best price
• Xbox controllers: our top picks for best controller deals
• ANC headphones: great Black Friday deals on the best ANC headphones
  
  Even more Black Friday deals:
• Samsung monitors: the best Samsung display deals we've found
• Walmart: 7 top laptop deals you shouldn't miss
• Retro gaming: handhelds, arcade machines, old school consoles, and more
• Gamer merch: Blizzard’s Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo IV collectibles
• Game keys: 10 PC game codes are even cheaper at Loaded (formerly CDKeys)
• Accessories: Even more PC accessories starting at $17

A good pair of wireless, noise-canceling headphones can be a true lifesaver when you're at the gym, traveling, taking a walk, or even just doing chores at home. My Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones are genuinely one of the most important parts of my kit, and now they're on sale for just $179.99 at BestBuy.com.

They're my favorites, but Sennheiser isn't the only company discounting its finest ANC headphones for Cyber Monday — Sony, Beats, and Bose are all joining in on the fun. These discounts were the push my mother needed to finally replace her broken AirPods Max, and after same-day delivery she has already fallen in love with her own pair of Momentum 4 headphones.

If you need a new pair of cans to grace your ears, look no further than these deals — but don't hesitate, because there are less than 8 hours remaining on all these sales at Best Buy.

I've covered previous Cyber Monday sales on the Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones, and a lot of Windows Central readers took advantage of those discounts. Now, the steep price cuts have returned, and — as someone who still uses these headphones every day — I couldn't help but share the savings with all of you again.

Of course, there are actually a good number of awesome deals on some of the most beloved and highest-rated active noise-canceling headphones, so don't sweat if your preferred brand is Sony, Beats, or Bose. I'll point you toward the Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones for $179.99 at BestBuy.com first, but you're bound to find the perfect pair of ANC headphones for your needs in this article.

If you're wondering why I haven't been tempted away from my trusty headphones even after years of use, it comes down to aesthetics, sound quality, and battery life. Even now, I firmly believe the Momentum 4s are the best-looking of the mainstream ANC headphones, especially in the awesome "Denim" colorway (the exact color that's enjoying the steepest discount, by the way).

While newer headphones have made some notable upgrades to overall audio quality, the Momentum 4s still count among the best with a crisp, punchy, and clear sound that's perfect for all music genres. The Momentum 4s' rated 60 hours of battery life continues to beat most other ANC headphones, too, and I can tell you I have no issues with taking these headphones on long work trips even now.

Newer and more expensive headphones may take the cake when it comes to noise cancellation, transparency modes, and smart features or gestures, but the Sennheiser Momentum 4s aren't lacking anything in these areas. For $180, they're definitely the ANC headphones I personally recommend — and it's one of the best Cyber Monday deals I've seen so far.

It's good enough that my mom, who has been hanging on to a broken pair of AirPods Max for ages, bought a pair of Sennheiser Momentum 4s the same day I sent her this article. It didn't take long to receive texts about how "cool" her new headphones were. I can't help but feel validated now that my favorite ANC headphones have my mother's seal of approval (and we match now!).

FAQ

More Cyber Monday 2025 — Quick links

• All our TOP recommended Cyber Monday deals: Just the best
• Mini PC deals: up to 47% off tiny PCs
• GPU deals: early price drops on NVIDIA RTX before they go up
• Microsoft Surface deals: save up to $500 on premium PCs
• Xbox accessories: best deals on gadgets for your Xbox Series X|S and PC
• Gaming laptop deals: the best laptops for the best price
• Xbox controllers: our top picks for best controller deals
• ANC headphones: great Cyber Monday deals on the best ANC headphones
  
  Even more Cyber Monday deals:
• Dell deals: 13 deals from Dell.com that you shouldn't miss
• Best Buy: 34 hottest discounts on laptops, monitors, gaming, and more
• Walmart: 7 top laptop deals you shouldn't miss
• Samsung monitors: the best Samsung display deals we've found
• Retro gaming: handhelds, arcade machines, old school consoles, and more
• Gamer merch: Blizzard’s Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo IV collectibles
• Game keys: 10 PC game codes are even cheaper at Loaded (formerly CDKeys)
• Accessories: Even more PC accessories starting at $17

The search never ends for PC gamers looking to snag the best gaming headsets with crisp sound quality for chatting online and immersing themselves in the rich audio design of their favorite titles.

However, we have found a gem of a headset that may be what they're looking for; the 2023 edition of the critically-acclaimed Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, now on offer for $129.99 at Amazon instead of its typical MSRP of $199.99.

Additionally, the Xbox version of the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro's early Black Friday discount of $119.99 at Amazon is still live.

Why should you buy the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro?

One of our lead experts in reviewing gaming headsets, Zachary Boddy, lavished praise on the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, giving it a perfect 5/5-star review.

I don't blame him, as this headset is indeed one of the best PC gaming headsets out there.

The sound quality of the earphones is excellent and crisp, thanks to this headset's Razer TriForce Titanium 50mm sound drivers with a frequency response that can go from 12Hz to 28,000Hz.

The same goes for its detachable mic with a sampling rate of 32,000Hz and a frequency response rate between 100Hz to 10,000Hz. So whether you're chatting to a friend online or taking in a game's immersive soundtrack and ambience, your auditory experiences are guaranteed to get a cinema-level upgrade.

Other features include 70 hours of battery life, THX Spatial Audio, Bluetooth connectivity, an ergonomic design that makes the headset comfortable to wear for hours without straining the user, and customizable sound profiles that can be switched at the press of its Smart Switch button.

Aside from not being capable of multi-source audio mixing between Bluetooth and HyperSpeed Wireless modes, the only drawback is that this headset doesn't work on Xbox consoles.

Thankfully, Razer has made another version of the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Xbox that also works on PC. It shares the same high-quality sound and engineering as the regular version, and is also having an early Black Friday sale for $119.99 at Amazon.

However, if you want the regular version to use with PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch hardware, then now's one of the best times to get one, as it's currently on a limited-time 35% discount for $129.99 at Amazon.

FAQ

$599.99. That's how much the latest effort from SteelSeries will set you back. And it's a price tag that's impossible to overlook.

This is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite. It joins other products that share the "Elite" branding, such as the Xbox Elite Controller, targeting users on the high end. Gamers span all sorts of purchasing power capabilities these days, and companies know it. For those with cash to burn, building products that can seemingly do everything while also sporting the most premium materials is a segment manufacturers are increasingly targeting. The Arctis Nova Elite unashamedly joins that market as the best Xbox headset for pure, decadent luxury.

As a humble games blogger, I'm not sure there's a universe where I would (or even could) ever pay $599.99 for a headset, practically under any circumstances — but if I could afford it, it would absolutely be for this headset. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is undeniably the most luxurious gaming headset I have ever used, whose features and quality inarguably justify that sky-high price tag. But you're going to be a very specific type of gamer to want to buy in here.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by SteelSeries. The company had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: Price & Specs

You know the price already. It's a beefy boy, but what about the specs to match it? Let's take a look.

This is premium from every angle you look. This is a hi-res certified headset, which means it's verified by independent organizations as being able to deliver sound beyond a typical CD. This is 24-bit/96 kHz signals specifically, and to do that, requires a higher grade of engineering and materials.

As far as I could tell, this is the first wireless gaming headset to achieve this standard — a level typically reserved for audiophile products and studio-grade gear.

It's not all about hi-res certification here, though. While premium materials definitely had a role to play here, this headset also boasts some of the most impressive versatility we've ever seen in a gaming headset.

The Arctis Nova Elite's powerful digital audio controller looks unassuming on your desk, but it boasts monstrous capabilities. It's your platform for hot-swapping and keeping batteries charged up (with each of the 2 included cells offering up to 30 hours of playback). It also lets you mix audio signals from four different sources: two USB-C, one 3.5mm line-in, and one Bluetooth 5.3. This is the first headset that has offered the ability to mix Xbox, PS5, and PC audio simultaneously since SPDIF fell out of fashion as a result — something game streamers using consoles and capture cards might appreciate.

Even the packaging is premium here, as SteelSeries guns for the audiophile and enthusiast gamer segment. It's as expensive as some Xbox Series X and PS5 models at $599.99, and it seems to have good stock levels across the board as of writing.

Does the Arctis Nova Elite stick the landing? Absolutely yes, in (almost) every regard. And luckily, the parts that could be improved are software in nature and can be updated. Here are more details on the experience.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: Comfort & Design

When I opened up the package to this headset, I immediately knew I was about to experience something special. This is by far and away the most expensive headset I have ever reviewed, and its premium presentation will immediately command your attention.

The packaging is accented in gold and comes in a sort of monolithic box as if it had descended from another planet. The Arctis Nova Elite sports a familiar design if you've seen the predecessor Arctis Nova Pro (my previous primary driver here), complete with a retractable mic, detachable magnetic side-plates housing USB-C connectivity and the battery bay, as well as a floating headband. What sets it apart is that every aspect of it is dialled up to 11.

The dials, buttons, and materials all sport a very luxurious feel. Various parts of the headset that were plastic in other models are now metal, including the textured volume dial and adjustable hinges on either side. The leatherette earcups feel incredibly comfortable, and dare I say, dreamy on the skin, easily defeating fabric-clad rivals. The floating headband is also an easy win for long, long periods of use, and retains SteelSeries' tradition for cranial comfort.

One weird downside of the floating headband is that it's easy to rock the headset off your head if you get a little too immersed in the music (and immersed you will, the sound delivery on this headset is immense). It's designed for long gaming sessions at the end of the day, but it's worth being aware of.

Returning is the retractable boom microphone, which now cleverly has per-configuration settings. When you retract it, you can still use it for calls, and it'll beamform your voice similar to earbuds. When you extend it, it functions as a high-quality mic for comms and potentially even light content creation. I'm not sure I'd record a full YouTube video on this mic over my Elgato XLR, but it's up there with the best gaming headset mics I've used.

Indeed, the ability to retract the mic and fall back to Bluetooth 5.3 gives you lifestyle usability here that many other "gaming" headsets don't really offer. The subtle design on the black model means it won't look out of place when used during commutes or on a plane, and there's even an alternative colorway that fits a more Apple-style grey fashion aesthetic, too.

The only criticism I'd offer here from a "lifestyle" perspective is that, perhaps, the logos are a bit "loud" for this type of use case. There are after-market sideplates you can buy that look a little more subtle, though, or even louder ones if you prefer. The World of Warcraft Horde ones are out of stock, though (dang.) Also, the soft-touch plastics SteelSeries opted for here tend to be fingerprint magnets too, which isn't a big deal, but on the black model, it can be pretty noticeable.

When you're knee deep in corpses in a Battlefield 6 map or rocking to Nirvana while writing a gaming headset review on the internet (meta), you're likely not thinking about the side plates or fingerprints, though. How's the audio? It's fan-expletive-tastic.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: Audio & Features

Let's not beat around the bush here. The Arctis Nova Elite is the most immaculate audio experience I've had in over a decade of gaming headset reviews. I put them directly head-to-head with a family member's studio-grade Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO and was quite stunned to find the experience pleasantly comparable.

This is a gaming headset, but I've found myself using it primarily for music over the past few weeks. Rediscovering new details in soundscapes I know very well has been incredibly fun with this product, as someone who generally uses earbuds or other random gaming headsets for music typically.

There's no distortion, no glitching, no artifacting, no muddiness, no range is overbearing or under-represented — it's simply hard to go back to anything else after using these. ANC helps eliminate background noise on planes, trains, and buses, and easy on-ear controls and a solid mobile app make them a winner for commuters.

Indeed, you have multiple ways to connect to this headset, too. As noted, the digital audio controller will sit at your desk and politely allow you to connect up not one, but actually three sound sources, on top of a fourth Bluetooth signal directly into the headset. And yes, you can mix them all simultaneously.

No other headset I've used allows for this absurd level of versatility and freedom. The vast majority of users won't need this, but as a game streamer that uses a laptop and an Xbox with a capture card, I've found it incredibly welcome to not need to Bluetooth to my TV to get game audio (but you can still do that if you want?!).

The headset is heavily configurable, too. The Steelseries GG software on PC and mobile devices allows you to load up from a huge array of presets for various games, more so than any other headset I've tried. Even obscure games are represented here, which is impressive. The only downside is that you can't really delete any of the presets, nor favorite the ones you prefer. It can be a pain going back and forward between a gaming preset and a music preset, for example — but it's easily fixable.

The software on PC in general could use a variety of improvements, as it sometimes hangs and features app downloads and things most people are doubtlessly unlikely to use (why would I need to download Discord from SteelSeries?). But, this is quite honestly my only gripe with the feature set, and thankfully, software is a comparably easy fix over a hardware flaw.

This headset has no hardware flaws. The first iteration of the Arctis Nova Pro had a protrusion in the left ear that could get uncomfortable across long sessions, for example, but there's no such issue here. Maximum comfort, with maximum longevity, and superb, immaculate audio.

For gaming, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite continues to excel. Games like Battlefield 6 and Overwatch absolutely sing on this device, giving away enemy positions with powerful tactical awareness, all without detracting from the more immersive sound design of the various virtual warzones we inhabit.

The amount of tweaking you can do is impressive, too. Pushed to its extremes, the bass can get obnoxiously punchy if you want it to, or leave it thick and creamy, all while retaining maximum clarity and separation. Instruments sound like real instruments on this headset, which might sound like an odd thing to say — but you really feel the physicality of a kick drum or the slide of a bass string in this soundscape.

Imagine how that translates to games with high-quality audio design, with explosions and gunfire zipping all around you. It's difficult to compare this to other gaming headsets as a result. The Arctis Nova Elite is just sublime.

The microphone experience is good, too. As you can hear in the clip above, you're looking at crystal clear comms with the microphone extended, and very good call quality when it's retracted. You can set per-config sidetone too. The sidetone quality isn't the best, but it's more than adequate for game comms.

All up, it's hard to find things to gripe about here. I wish the apps were a little less bloated and more focused, but it doesn't impact the sound experience. The number of settings you can alter and control is intuitive to set up and access, even if the software itself can be a bit slow at times. And hey, it can (and will) be updated.

This headset is an absolute winner, but ... it's hard to look past that price point.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: Competition

There's pretty much no other headset that competes with the Arctis Nova Elite. On pure audio alone, the Arctis Nova Elite stands out in its own class and is more closely comparable to other hi-res headsets that typically don't fall into the gaming category.

The only other headset with this kind of wireless versatility is the Astro A50 (2025), and the Arctis Nova Elite has it utterly beaten on raw audio, comfort, and lifestyle versatility. The Astro A50 is a pure gaming headset, though, and shaves $300 off the asking price to boot.

I think, unless you were planning to use this headset everywhere and anywhere as a lifestyle option, you might get more bang for your buck with the similarly versatile Astro A50 ... but you wouldn't get the sound quality, multi-USB source mixing, or hot-swappable batteries. There's simply no real comparison here. The Arctis Nova Elite is well and truly in a category of its own.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: Final Thoughts

The Arctis Nova Elite is the ultimate gaming headset. It's the ultimate everything headset, frankly, able to easily accommodate high-end gaming, multi-device mixing for content creation, and day-to-day lifestyle use with ANC and Bluetooth.

Its hi-res certification isn't just a sticker; it's immediately recognizable the second you commit a current to this headset. The sound reproduction puts the Arctis Nova Elite thoroughly in a category of its own, with few, if any, comparable peers.

But boy howdy, it ain't cheap. You're going to either need to be a true all-day audio enthusiast, particularly fiscally affluent, or (like me) a poor financial planner to justify buying this.

✅You should buy this if ...

• You play a ton across multiple platforms.
• You want a headset that can double up for both gaming and lifestyle use.
• You have cash to burn.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You typically only play on one platform.
• You typically play from a sofa in the living room, given that the DAC will be generally out of reach anyway.
• You are fiscally responsible.

In my headset reviews, I tend to put a big emphasis on value for "most" people. Most of us are unlikely to look at a $599.99 headset and ever consider it an option — myself included. But with this, hearing is believing. It's one of the best headsets around.

I've used my Arctis Nova Pro as my "daily" headset for several years at this point, and aside from some cushion wear, it's as good as it was the day I got it (and the cushions are easily replaced, too). If you were planning to use this headset for years and years, I think even the more budget-conscious could consider this headset, particularly if you wanted something you could use everywhere and anywhere. At the same time, would you feel comfy taking a $599.99 headset on the subway in that situation? I'm not sure I would.

This headset is targeting a very specific type of customer unashamedly, and given what it offers, it's hard to penalize it for its price tag alone. The price makes sense given what's on offer. Whether or not it makes sense for your budget entirely depends on you and your needs. One thing I do know is you absolutely will not be disappointed.

Best Buy is done waiting for Black Friday as it's launched an Early Black Friday sales event that will last until November 9, 2025, discounting a host of electronics, accessories, video games, and more.

One such example is Best Buy's discount for the HyperX Cloud III Wired Gaming Headset, taking the MSRP of this comfortable and well-made pair of headphones down from $99.99 to $69.99.

Is this gaming headset worth being 'hyper'-fixated on?

HyperX's Cloud III Wired Gaming Headset trades away the wireless freedom of its HyperX Cloud III Wireless counterpart for a lower price point while retaining its more expensive brethren's advanced features, high-quality, and comfy ergonomics.

It features earphones outfitted with 53mm drivers, which successfully deliver the sound and music of any game you're hearing with high, immersive clarity.

The headset also features spatial audio, so the user's ears can more easily pick up subtle sound cues like footsteps or breathing. This feature is a great boon that can save you from being sneak-attacked by enemy players in Xbox and PC games like Call of Duty or Battlefield.

The HyperX Cloud III Wired Gaming Headset also comes with a detachable mic whose sound quality when conveying your voice online is just as polished as the headset's 53mm drivers.

On top of that, this headset is mighty comfortable to wear due to its extremely cushy earphone cushions and headband rigged with memory foam to ensure it fits snugly on your head.

If you prefer having a good old-fashioned wired headset, which, in my opinion, can have more stable and reliable connections than wireless headsets, then I highly recommend the HyperX Cloud III Wired Gaming Headset.

You can get your hands on the wired version of one of the best PC gaming accessories for $69.99 at Best Buy, which $30 cheaper than its $99.99 MSRP for a limited time until Best Buy's Early Black Friday sales event ends on November 9, 2025.

FAQ

There are plenty of trusted brands for affordable gaming gear, but it can be difficult to find a great wireless gaming headset for less than $100. So, what about a fantastic wireless gaming headset for $60?

That's where the Logitech G321 LIGHTSPEED comes in, and I'm honestly amazed just how good this headset is for the price. The design, comfort, performance, and connectivity are all better than you'd expect, and compromises Logitech made to hit this price are easy to see.

I wish the onboard controls were better or that I could at least customize my experience with Logitech's software, but those are minor complaints. The G321 LIGHTSPEED is the queen of value-driven gaming headsets, and it'll be tough for other companies to properly beat it.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Logitech. Logitech had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Comfort and style in one affordable package

Entry-level gaming headsets are normally obvious at a glance, with chunky designs and visibly cheap plastic, but the G321 LIGHTSPEED manages to avoid that curse.

This is very much a Logitech headset, with plenty of soft curves, fabric-covered Memory Foam ear cushions, and a splash of color to add character. I honestly really like this design, and the G321 is quite comfortable to wear for long periods of time — even with the simple headband "cushion," which is just a fabric wrapping.

It helps that the G321 only weighs 210g, which is a lot lighter than most other wireless gaming headsets. Everything about this headset is simple and straightforward, with the flip-to-mute microphone, the simple power switch, the single-press button to switch between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz modes, and the volume rocker.

I really wish the connection mode button also doubled as media controls, but those are sadly lacking. It's all about the basics with this headset, and Logitech made sure to nail those fundamentals.

The G321 is equipped with standard 40mm drivers tuned with gaming in mind, but I also had no issues using this headset for video conferences, music, and videos. Audio quality is more than good enough for $60, although the G321 is certainly on the quiet side for headsets I've tested, and can get muddy through the mids.

The microphone shares the same vibes — it's honestly better than I expected for a $60 headset, and the flip-to-mute design is appreciated, but it isn't going to blow your mind. My voice was always picked up without issue and sounded clear, and background noise was kept to a minimum, but recordings sound flat in general.

One area where the G321 truly surprised me, though, is wireless connectivity. It's nice enough that this headset boasts both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth options, letting it support a wide range of devices, but I was impressed by both how quickly the headset connected when turning on or switching modes, and by how strong the connection was in use. I've tested far more expensive headsets that skipped or struggled with interference more than this one.

The cost of cutting costs

I'm clearly happy to heap some praise on the Logitech G321 LIGHTSPEED, but Logitech could hardly defy logic with a $60 wireless gaming headset. Corners were cut, and how influential those cuts are will depend on what you need from a gaming headset.

More than anything, the G321 just has less of everything. I already mentioned the lack of onboard media controls, but you also don't get onboard memory or swappable audio profiles, software support to customize equalizers or enable other features (including microphone monitoring), multi-source audio mixing, Xbox support, or wired connectivity.

The battery also isn't the most impressive, with Logitech claiming up to 20 hours of usage. That's on the low-end for any wireless headset or pair of headphones, and I did end up needing to charge the G321 during my test period. Fortunately, charging via USB Type-C is both easy and quick.

Of course, the G321 does feel like a low-end headset, too. It's well-built for what it is and I'm not afraid of it falling apart on me (honestly, I believe this headset could take a fair amount of abuse before throwing in the towel), but the G321 won't be able to fool anyone into thinking it's a $100+ headset.

G321 LIGHTSPEED review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a good-looking gaming headset without breaking the bank.
• You only care about the basics — comfort, audio quality, and performance.
• You absolutely need a wireless headset and can't spend more than $70.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You need a headset with dozens of hours of battery life.
• You want features like multi-source audio mixing or Xbox support.

The Logitech G321 LIGHTSPEED is unlike any other comparable headset in its price range because it's confident. The fit and finish, the reliable performance and dependable audio quality, even the crisp audio cues for powering on/off or switching connectivity modes — the G321 is a simply good headset.

The fact the Logitech G321 LIGHTSPEED costs only $59.99 at BestBuy.com is its "killer feature," and it makes this my new top pick for the best value wireless PC gaming headset. I only wish I could add it to our list of the best Xbox headsets, too, but I can't.

I recently reviewed the Logitech G522 LIGHTSPEED headset, and I really liked it. The G321 feels like a perfectly diluted version of that headset, and it costs $100 less. The G321 made me forget at times just how affordable it is, and Logitech should be proud of that accomplishment.

The holiday season is right around the corner, and — if you're like me — you just might be shopping for some new headphones. SteelSeries is hoping to make its way on to your holiday shopping list with some new headsets coming to its popular Arctis audio line.

SteelSeries Arctis headsets are the most awarded audio line in gaming, and the two newest entries to the lineup build upon that history while pushing forward the award-winning design with breakthrough technology.

Meet the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2

The Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 is the next generation of gaming audio, featuring real-time audio control through the brand-new Arctis App. The app gives you, the gamer, the power to choose your audio preset.

Enjoying a movie? Jamming out to the hottest new album? Dipping in for a session in one of over 200+ supported games? There's an audio preset for that to ensure that you're getting the best listening experience SteelSeries can offer. In fact, the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 even features presets for the top 3 games — Call of Duty, GTA, and Fortnite.

A new app isn't the only improvement for the next-gen Arctis. Snagging one of these sleek new headsets also lets you enjoy simultaneous audio through 2.4GHz and Bluetooth for true wireless freedom.

Dual audio mixing makes the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 a versatile headset for all your gaming and entertainment needs. Drop in to Call of Duty: Warzone and watch some TikToks while you're waiting in a lobby without switching between audio devices. Live a double life and carry on conversations simultaneously via Discord and Xbox Party Chat.

The Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 is made to be as flexible with your gaming platforms as you are — and it does it with a newly boosted battery life that is optimized to fast charge for 6 hours in just 15 minutes. Before you even need to worry about charging the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2, you'll get to enjoy 54 hours of battery life even if you're multitasking.

You can snag the Arctis Nova 7X Wireless Gen 2 for Xbox, the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 for PC, or the Arctis Nova 7P Wireless Gen 2 for PlayStation from the SteelSeries website with a $200 price tag. The headset is available in classic black and white color options, as well as a sweet new Magenta color that I will certainly add to my cart as soon as I finish typing.

A new flagship emerges in the Arctis Nova Elite

SteelSeries looked at its already successful Arctis line of gaming headsets and said, "Now, make it luxury." The Arctis Nova Elite is the brand's new take on the high-end of gaming audio accessories in a way that doesn't just jack up the price. That's because its actually the world's first hi-res wireless gaming audio system.

The 24 Bit/96KHz transmission over 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless connections offer audio quality that even an audiophile is sure to be tickled by via incredibly clear, custom two-piece 40 mm Carbon Fiber Speaker Drivers and a uniquely designed custom brass ring. The combination creates what SteelSeries describes as a 'pistonic' driver that is similar to the piston of a car.

Tech-heavy details aside, the Arctis Nova Elite is paired with SteelSeries' new GameHub, which introduces a new tech called OmniPlay — the ability to connect to your PC, PlayStation, and Xbox simultaneously. OmniPlay also gives you the freedom to mix audio from up to four sources without sacrificing audio clarity.

Connecting your Xbox, PC, or PlayStation headset to any other platform can be challenging, and many of us have different headsets for different platforms. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is an all-in-one unit equipped with triple USB-C inputs in order to connect to any system simultaneously. Chat with your buddies in Discord on your PC while watching a TikTok on your laptop and loading up some Black Ops 7 on your Xbox, and never change your headset.

OmniPlay is only part of what you're getting for your money with the Arctis Nova Elite. Like the aforementioned Arctis Nova 7s, the Elite is compatible with the Arctis App, which boasts 200+ game-specific audio presets.

Active Noise Cancellation while gaming keeps you immersed, while the 32kHz/16-bit Auto-Switching Microphone means your besties can hear you loud and clear, no matter what platform they're on, and an Infinite Power System utilizes dual batteries for an unlimited battery life.

It's all packed into a sleek, all-metal frame designed to be ergonomic with premium materials. While the Arctis Nova Elite does lack that killer Magenta colorway, it does have a unique sage green and gold option.

The luxurious tech package and design aesthetic of the Arctis Nova Elite comes with a luxury price tag, however. You can expect to pick one up from SteelSeries if you're willing to shell out around $600.

It's time for another Xbox and PC headset review, but will this one make our list of best Xbox headsets or best PC gaming headsets? You'd better read on to find out.

This is the Astro A20 X, a new 2025 version of Astro's popular mid-range A20 line. The A20 typically sits below headsets like the A40 and A50, which are more on the premium end. We live in a different economy, though. Global tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and a big purchasing power squeeze has battered supply chains and increased material costs. The landscape on gaming accessories is changing rapidly, but there's also been great evolving needs too, as more of us than ever go multiplatform.

The Astro A20 X feels like a reaction to that evolving landscape, with great visual flair for those who want to play on camera, and absurd 90-hour battery life to reduce fuss. On top, you also get a mid-range price point with maximum versatility, compatible with virtually every platform out there.

Is this the headset for you, though, given how many options there are on the market? Let's examine, together.

This headset was reviewed with an Astro A20 X unit provided by Logitech. Logitech did not see the contents of this review prior to posting.

Astro A20 X review: Features, specs, and price

The Astro A20 X is relatively standard on paper for a 2025 Xbox / PC headset, albeit with a few extra bells and whistles to differentiate itself.

It comes with a wireless transmitter in the box, which lets you connect up two USB-C cables simultaneously. Each port has a switch on them, letting you mix between console and PC signals simultaneously. You could have one plugged into your PC and one into your Xbox, for example, or one plugged into your Nintendo Switch 2 dock and one into your PS5.

There's also a Bluetooth 5.3 signal baked in, with a button on the headset for connecting even more devices, but we'll talk more on that in the audio section.

The Astro A20 X joins other headsets in this range by prioritizing battery life, offering an impressive 90~ hours on a single charge. It differentiates itself a bit with its on-ear RGB lighting, which, even when turned on, still provides you with roughly 40~ hours of battery life. This can be turned off, of course.

You can switch it off with the A20 X's impressive PC software, which affords a high degree of configurability. You can let Windows Dynamic Lighting handle your RGB synchronicity, or decouple it and set it up separately. You can tune EQ settings, and also access Blue microphone tweaks from here as well.

On the headset itself, you have a button to switch between your two USB-C signals, as well as on-ear chat and sound mix buttons, and master volume sliders.

The Astro A20 X will set you back around $179.99 in the United States. Is it worth the ask? Let's go deeper.

Astro A20 X review: Construction and comfort

The Astro A20 X is a mid-range priced sort of headset, at least in modern tariff terms, and it does seem a bit like Astro compromised a little on materials to prioritize usability and features.

The headset itself doesn't feel very densely constructed, with hollow-feeling cavities atop a plastic headband. It also has pretty basic cushioning, with fabric that, at least on mine, doesn't fit plush with the cushion itself. That's not to say it's uncomfortable though, far from it, actually.

This is an incredibly lightweight headset, and while I have some reservations about its ability to take a bump ... when it's on your head and in use, it's very comfortable. I'm not usually a fan of fabric ear cups, but they do the job here, but it's clear some superficial quality was sacrificed for features.

The headband feels decent enough, and the adjustability comes from slides on the earcups themselves. I've got a big head, and the maximum adjustments were generous enough, I felt. The floating headband adds a bit of comfort too, although the red accent was a bit of an odd decision in my view.

Why? Well, the Astro A20 X sports large RGB lights on each ear cup, presumably aimed at streamers or influencers who want to game and get on camera at the same time. I would've picked neutral tones for my accents, knowing that streamers might want to use branded colors for their RGB lighting. The red band and buttons might clash, etc. But it's a minor gripe, I suspect most of the people reading this aren't planning to use this headset on camera, and will most likely turn the lighting off since it serves no real purpose. It's fun for kids though, maybe, but it seems like a lot of added cost for little real benefit.

Overall, it's a well-put together headset that sports some unnecessary lights, but some of you reading this might be in the market for that, and that's A-OK. But pretty lights can't help a headset with bad audio ... how does the Astro A20 X fare here?

Astro A20 X review: Audio and mic quality

The Astro A20 X isn't quite on the level of its more expensive A40 or A50 cousins, but it's certainly no slouch either, offering decent sound reproduction at an affordable price.

40mm drivers with a standard frequency response between 20Hz and 20kHz power the Astro A20 X's audio scape, and generally it does a decent job. It has powerful and creamy bass, and playing Call of Duty Black Ops 7 beta, it was great at reproducing directional sound cues. I was able to pinpoint the general position of incoming footsteps and other enemy tells, giving me additional tactical awareness.

Where it struggled a bit was in more cinematic sound, I found, at least without tweaks. You can vastly tune the EQ in this headset, and the Logitech G Hub also comes with many presets for various games, but I still found it to be lacking a bit when it comes to more detailed soundscaping.

For example, in Silent Hill F, dynamic combat music feeds into the sound mix when more and more enemies appear. The closer they get to you, distortion and radio interference sounds enter the sound scape, and the A20 X struggled a fair bit with this. The high pops and crackling noise came through incredibly unpleasant, and I think it's a result of the headset being tuned to separate highs more aggressively for FPS tactical play. It could be that I'd just need more time to tweak the EQ settings, but at the very least, know that it might take some time to get the sound profile where you want it.

It's not bad overall by any means, particularly in this price range, but there are some edge cases like the above that seem to push it beyond its limit.

The microphone is quite good too. It's not content-creation grade, but the Logitech G Hub app does come with Blue software support, and comes with a variety of profiles for different audio feels. It's more than adequate for basic game streaming and voice comms, providing crisp and clear reproduction, which you can hear for yourself in the sample above.

Astro A20 X review: Competition

The elephant in the room with the Astro A20 X is potentially the price tag. It's $179, which is cheaper than the RRP of many of its similar competitors, but with sales events and the like, it puts it within range of the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3). The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) retails for a fair bit more at $199, but it has many of the same features, and goes a bit beyond with the addition of Bluetooth sound mixing.

However, the Stealth 700 is far bulkier than the Astro A20 X, owing to more metal parts and a flip-to-mute mic, rather than a detachable one.

In my mind, it really does come down to these two headsets in this price bracket. If you prefer something sleeker with RGB lights, the Astro A20 X might be for you. But I would argue that the Stealth 700 (Gen 3) sound is a bit punchier overall, but you do pay a premium for that on top.

Astro A20 X review: Conclusion

While I have some reservations about its build quality, they are fairly unfounded. I'm curious how long it will last with its all-plastic construction, but unless you're particularly careless, I doubt there's any real risk here.

It's lightweight and comfortable, and easily suitable for those long 90~ hour sessions its battery life affords, but you might be tweaking the EQ for a fair while to improve upon its default configuration.

✅ You should buy this if:

• You enjoy headsets with RGB.
• You want something with multi-platform capabilities, moving beyond the bare basics without breaking the bank.
• You need something with Bluetooth on top.

❌ You should avoid this if:

• You don't feel like you need RGB lights.
• You play primarily cinematic games, instead of competitive shooters.

I think there are better headsets on offer if you play primarily cinematic games or want to listen to music, although it's certainly no slouch in those departments either, and perhaps subsequent firmware updates will improve some of the popping I heard playing games like Silent Hill F.

If you are playing competitive FPS, however, it's a far better experience, and the microphone is very capable for coordinating your strats. This is a versatile headset offering great value, and worth your time and consideration.

Razer is a titan in the 3rd-party gaming scene, as it has produced some of the best gaming accessories on the market that have made our gaming experience richer.

One such accessory is the Xbox edition of the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless Gaming Headset.

This headset is one of our favorites for its excellent, comfy design, world-class mic, and it's now on sale for a 35% discount, taking its $199.99 MSRP down to $129.99 on Amazon.

Why buy the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro headset?

The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is packed with many technological advancements and sound-improving tech that make it one of the best Xbox headsets around.

For starters, this fine headset by Razer is equipped with 50mm TriForce Titanium drivers that deliver sublime sound quality that will let the wearer hear the minutest detail of a game's sound design for extra immersion.

It's also useful for competitive gamers as this feature can help players listen to enemy movements if they're being snuck-up on in PVP titles like Call of Duty or Overwatch 2.

Other standout features of this headset include a unidirectional, hi-fi, detachable microphone that delivers crisp sound quality to your voice when speaking online, and a long-lasting battery life of 70+ hours before needing to recharge.

It also has a comfortable design with soft memory foam ear cushions surrounded by high-quality, durable, and breathable fabric to ensure the user's comfort for many hours of gaming.

If you don't mind losing out on PC-specific features of the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro PC Edition, like Razer Synapse support and additional audio profiles, then we highly recommend the Xbox Edition of this headset, as it is a worthy purchase for any hardcore Xbox fan.

Amazon is currently hosting a 35% discount, slashing the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro's MSRP down from $199.99 to $129.99. This will save you $70, which is enough money to buy a fully priced Xbox title.

FAQ

If you're looking for a budget-friendly gaming headset that doesn't sacrifice audio quality for a cheaper price, then allow me to introduce you to the HyperX CloudX gaming headset for Xbox and PC.

This gaming accessory is packed with advanced tech, a durable yet comfortable design, and a modest MSRP of $49.99. This price was slashed to $39.99 on Amazon for October's Amazon Prime Day event, but this deal still active, so you still have time to make good on this discount.

Why buy the HyperX CloudX headset even though its over two years old?

The HyperX CloudX is regarded as one of the best Xbox accessories in the business, even after its release in 2023, with other modern HyperX products succeeding it, like the HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 headset.

It's built with a detachable mic and 53mm neodymium headphones that can deliver crisp, high-quality audio whether you're chatting to your friends online or listening to a game's audio to immerse yourself in its sound design further.

The mic is also equipped with noise-cancelling, so your friends won't be able to hear distracting background noise when you talk to them online.

The headphones are also very comfy to wear for the user as they are outfitted with smooth, leatherette earcups that can block out background noise, so you won't get distracted while listening to your friends online or your games.

The HyperX CloudX headset also has a very lightweight frame, so it doesn't wear down the user's head or ears after several hours of use.

However, don't mistake its lightness for fragility, as the HyperX CloudX gaming head has a sturdy and durable build quality that will last you for a very long time.

The only real downsides of the HyperX CloudX gaming headset are that it's a wired-only headset and it's missing several features premium headsets take for granted, like onboard surround sound.

Overall, this is a brilliant entry-level gaming headset that is a must-have for Xbox and PC players looking to improve their gaming experiences with accessories before committing to premium-grade products.

If what you read has intrigued you, then now's the perfect time to buy the HyperX CloudX, as its inexpensive MSRP of $49.99 has been reduced to $39.99 on Amazon thanks to Amazon Prime Day.

This discount is still live, however, and there's no telling when it will dry up, so be sure to take advantage of it while you still can.

FAQ

There might be no better time to upgrade your gaming audio than right now. Razer’s Kraken V3 HyperSense headset is on sale for $74.99 at Amazon, down from its original $129.99, a huge 42% discount.

Originally a premium pick at launch, this wired headset remains one of Razer’s most immersive models thanks to its HyperSense haptic feedback, letting you feel in-game action alongside the audio.

What makes the Kraken V3 HyperSense stand out

If you read our original review, you’ll know the Kraken V3 HyperSense feels premium the moment you pick it up. It has a solid metal frame, thick padding, and soft ear cushions for comfort, with Jez describing the build quality as “top marks for design and execution.”

The headset features large 50mm titanium drivers, giving it a rich, full sound with plenty of bass and clear mids. In our review, Jez noted it was “balanced and clear,” making it powerful without being too harsh or bass-heavy.

One of its standout features is the HyperSense technology, which uses tiny vibration motors to add subtle force feedback to in-game sounds.

If that’s not your thing, you can easily adjust or disable it. There are three intensity levels to choose from. Jez mentioned that in some games, the feature works brilliantly, while in others it can react to simple menu clicks, which can be distracting.

The microphone quality is another highlight. The detachable mic captures your voice clearly and filters out background noise, making it perfect for Discord or party chat.

You’ll need the Razer Synapse software if you want to customize the headset’s settings and RGB lighting. Jez described the glowing Razer logos as stylish, and you can turn the lighting off entirely if you prefer a cleaner look.

Is the Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense worth it?

Having received 4 out of 5 stars at full price in our review, the Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense was praised for its comfort, sound quality, and solid build. While the haptics might not be for everyone, it’s still an excellent all-round headset that now feels like an easy recommendation thanks to the current discount.

Originally retailing for $129.99, it’s now available for $74.99 (42% off) — great value for a premium headset with immersive sound and sturdy design. It’s ideal for PC gamers looking to upgrade, or anyone building a first setup and wanting something that feels high-end without breaking the bank.

Razer is known for producing solid, well-built hardware across its huge lineup of gaming peripherals, and the Kraken V3 HyperSense is no different. Whether you’re gaming for long sessions or chatting with friends, it delivers comfort, reliability, and consistent performance that holds up over time.

The USB-only connection does limit compatibility for Xbox users, but for PC players, it’s plug-and-play simplicity with premium comfort. As Jez said in his review, it’s “a truly great headset overall,” and now’s the perfect time to grab one at nearly half the price.

Logitech G, one of the biggest gaming-tech manufacturers in the world, has just unveiled a multitude of new products for its annual Logi PLAY event. One of these new products is the Logitech G Astro A20 X gaming headset, the latest entry in Logitech G's Astro gaming headset lineup.

This device aims to raise the bar of gaming audio quality with improved tech, comfy ergonomics for long hours of gaming, wider software customization options, the ability to listen and switch between two gaming devices regardless of whether they're a home console or PC, and more.

Here's everything you need to know about the Logitech G Astro A20 X gaming headset.

The Logitech G Astro A20 X is packed to the brim with advanced features to enrich the sound quality of your favorite video games and your voice while chatting online. One of the A20 X's unique features is Playsync Audio, which allows the user to connect to two gaming platforms simultaneously and switch between them with the press of a button.

What's most exciting is that the Logitech G Astro A20 X is compatible with a myriad of gaming platforms, which can take advantage of the Playsync Audio feature via wireless, Bluetooth, or USB wired connections.

These devices include:

• Xbox Series X|S
• Xbox One
• PlayStation 4
• PlayStation 5
• Nintendo Switch
• Mobile devices
• PC
• Mac

With this, you can listen to Xbox games with your headset one minute, and then immediately switch to the audio of a PC or PlayStation title the next by pressing the Playsync Audio button, all staying connected to two of these platforms. This eliminates the hassle of having to connect and reconnect your gaming headset to different platforms anytime you want to listen to a game exclusive to a particular system.

Another desirable feature of the Logitech G Astro A20 X is its mic, which uses the same tech found in Logitech G's A50 X headsets, so you can convey your voice with crisp clarity whether it's during a friendly chat on Discord or a competitive match in Overwatch 2.

This mic includes 48 kHz full bandwidth, broadcast-quality sound, a mute button with an indicator light to let you know you're muted, and the ability to be detached. Of course, a headset means nothing without good sound drivers to back it up, and the Logitech G Astro A20 X is equipped with the best in the business.

With 40mm PRO-G drivers, you will be able to listen to the minutest detail of a video game's sound design and immerse yourself in its heart-pumping soundtrack with no sound compromise.

Deeper technical specs include:

The Logitech G Astro A20 X also comes installed with many useful software features.

Examples include the G-Hub or Logitech G Mobile App, which lets the user customize sound quality settings like 10-band EQ adjustments or tweak the headset's RGB settings to give it a unique look.

Another intriguing software feature of the Logitech G Astro A20 X is "Blue VO!CE Technology", which allows the user to apply filters or sound effects to their voice while speaking through the mic.

With this, you can make your voice like a smooth criminal or an epic god of war to prank your friends online. Plus, you can use the headset's onboard Digital Signal Processing (DSP) feature to save your personalized audio settings, to save you the trouble of adjusting your voice every time you use Blue VO!CE Technology.

To top it off, this gaming headset is equipped with ultra-plush memory foam, a suspension headband, and an ultra-lightweight design that weighs less than 300g, so you can wear it for hours on end without feeling any strain on your head.

Speaking of hours, the Logitech G Astro A20 X has 40 to 90 hours of rechargeable battery life, depending on whether you have RGB lighting active for long gaming sessions.

On a side note: the contents of the Logitech G Astro A20 X within its packaging are:

• A20 X LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset
• Detachable boom mic
• PLAYSYNC BASE
• Additional head strap
• 2x 1.8m USB-C to USB-A cable
• User documentation

Switching between two consoles may soon be a thing of the past

Over the years, we at Windows Central have covered many Logitech headsets, some of which we can consider to be the finest on the market, whether they're the best PC gaming headsets or the best Xbox gaming headsets.

Such distinguished examples include the Astro A50 (Gen 5), which my colleague Jez Corden claimed was the "king of convenience" in his 4.5-star review, and the Logitech G522 LIGHTSPEED, which earned a 4.0-star review from our own Zachary Boddy for its reliable performance and sleek design.

After seeing the specs of the Logitech G Astro A20 X, I have a feeling that this new headset is going to continue to uphold Logitech G's legendary pedigree of high-quality headsets for years to come.

The idea of being able to switch between Xbox and PC games to listen to their music without needing to reconnect wireless connections between platforms sounds so convenient and useful, and this is coming from a guy who prefers using wired headphones.

My old headphones are slowly giving up the ghost, so I may consider picking up the Logitech G Astro A20 X in the future when it's eventually time to upgrade.

If you want to pick up the Logitech G Astro A20 X for yourself immediately instead of waiting like me, it's available right now at Logitech's website for $179.99 and comes in black or white color schemes.

Mere weeks separate me from reviewing the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro, which I firmly declared as the absolute best wireless gaming headset you can buy across Xbox, Windows PC, and PlayStation. Despite that, I may not be switching back to it after this review.

The new Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro isn't a better headset by any means — it costs $70 less, performs worse, and boasts fewer features, after all — but the "cute" factor is real, and it's making some monumental plays with the headset I've been testing for a couple of weeks now.

It took three generations, but Razer has finally made a cat-eared gaming headset that truly doesn't compromise, and it's easily the greatest in this admittedly niche category. It may seem shallow to value aesthetics so much, but the Kraken Kitty V3 Pro is as capable as it is adorable.

It's a Razer Kraken V4, but cuter

I had a lot of positive feelings when I reviewed the Razer Kraken V4, mostly centered around its more refined design and balanced feature set. Well, the Kraken Kitty V3 Pro might as well be the aforementioned Kraken V4, but with RGB-lit cat ears.

It's a little more complicated than that, of course, but I'll still keep it simple. The Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro shares its base design, audio quality, performance, feature set, and pricing with the Kraken V4, but feels a little less premium, adds some ears, and loses some endurance.

It's not unreasonable to describe this headset as a Razer Kraken V4 with cat ears, and that comparison is even more obvious when you notice I added some detachable cat ears to the Kraken V4 when I reviewed it. So, why does this headset exist?

Those who love gaming headsets with cat ears already know the answer — the Kraken Kitty V3 Pro is cuter. With no bulky, unsightly straps securing the ears to the headband, the Kraken Kitty V3 Pro looks sleeker and feels more comfortable. That customizable RGB lighting makes a difference, too, and there's even an option to make that lighting react to the game you're playing or your chat (if you're a streamer).

Yeah, it's all about aesthetics, and it's only for gamers who love adding cat ears to their headset. It's a niche category, but Razer chose the right headset to base the Kraken Kitty V3 Pro off, and it made the right decisions to make this headset as good as possible for the price.

I adore the different colorways, too. I've used the Kraken Kitty V3 Pro in both white and pink, and each looks fantastic. Personally, the white is the best of the bunch, especially with how clean the RGB lighting in the earcups and ears is.

Not the most premium, but great all around

Seeing how similar this headset is to the Razer Kraken V4, I don't need to break down every facet.

These 40mm drivers sound good for gaming and music, the retractable microphone is crisp and clear, the battery life lasts for dozens of hours if you disable the RGB lighting, Razer Synapse provides plenty of software features, you get onboard audio profiles you can quickly switch between, there's both Razer HyperSpeed Wireless and Bluetooth support, and performance is good.

There is more RGB lighting here because of the attached cat ears, though, so enabling those lights will kill the battery noticeably faster than the Kraken V4. This headset also comes in at the same price, and Razer did have to cut a corner or two to accomplish that.

Namely, in build quality. The Kraken Kitty V3 Pro still feels appropriately put together for the price, but the overall fit and finish, plus the faux leatherette ear cups, do feel slightly less premium than the earless Kraken V4.

The Kraken Kitty V3 Pro does suffer from some familiar weaknesses, too. You can't mix audio sources, for example (although I don't really expect that feature in sub-$200 headsets), and it can be a little finicky to switch between Razer HyperSpeed and Bluetooth modes.

The onboard controls are messy in general. There are just a lot of buttons and dials at this point, so there's a learning curve when setting up the headset. There's also no Xbox-specific version, which especially stings coming off the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro I recently reviewed.

Kraken Kitty V3 Pro review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a quality gaming headset with proper RGB-lit cat ears.
• You're tired of cute headsets compromising on features or performance.
• You're looking for a great headset that comes in more than just black.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You don't care about cat ears on your headset (why are you here?).
• You prioritize performance and features far more than aesthetics.

Over two years separate Razer's fresh Kraken Kitty V3 Pro from its predecessor, and it's clear how the company's approach has changed in that time. The new headset is sleeker, cheaper, more capable, and drops the restrictive wire — all while looking better than ever.

Sure, we can't swap between different ear designs anymore (which will undoubtedly devastate some), but the new Kraken Kitty V3 Pro possesses a lot more mainstream appeal. It's the best the line has been, and while I would happily pay for an ultra-premium flagship variant, I also completely understand why Razer made this the highest-end Kitty.

And, to be frank, I like this headset enough that I may not go back to the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro — even though that headset is objectively nicer in almost every category.

It's interesting to consider where the Kitty headset goes from here, especially knowing that Razer is considering detaching it from the Kraken family entirely, but I'm not in any rush to find out. The Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro is the wireless gaming headset for those who want to be cute, and it's available now for $179.99 at Razer.com.

Razer also has the new, entry-level Kraken Kitty V3 X for $59.99 at Razer.com, which is perfect for children or those on a tight budget. Sadly, there's no middle child, as Razer opted to keep the alright Kraken Kitty V2 BT on instead.

I like having fun. I like looking cute. I like playing games. It should come as no surprise that I've been a fan of the Razer Kraken Kitty family of gaming headsets for years, ever since I reviewed the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Pro.

That was actually my first gaming headset review for Windows Central, and a lot of audio gear has come and gone across my desk in the intervening years. Now, the day has finally come — the Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro is official, and Razer made sure I was among the first to get their grubby paws on it.

• RELATED: My full, in-depth Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro review

This latest Kitty headset is a departure in some ways from its predecessor, but those changes make it even better. I also recently had a chance to sit down with Razer's Global Head of Design, Charlie Bolton, though, so I know even bigger changes are coming way down the line for this prestigious family.

In the meantime, though, here are my thoughts on the brand-new Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro.

Unboxing the new Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro

It's pretty clear at a glance that Razer took the foundation it debuted with the Kraken V4 mid-range wireless gaming headset for this product. I reviewed the Razer Kraken V4 and praised it for its balanced versatility, so I wasn't at all disappointed to spot all the blatant similarities.

You're looking at the same general unboxing experience, complete with the generous (and wonderfully color-matched) accessories. You get the same slimmer Kraken design, 40mm drivers, THX spatial audio, 9-zone RGB lighting, dual Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity (with no simultaneous source mixing), and the same upgraded, retractable microphone.

If you're looking for what Razer changed, you only have to look. The Kraken Kitty V3 Pro also comes in really sleek white and quartz (pink) colorways, adds RGB-lit cat ears to the top, and manages to hit the same price point of $179.99 at Razer.com, which I did not expect and love to see.

It does feel like overall build quality has taken a slight dip to avoid those ears accruing a cost premium, though, including the fabric earcup cushions of the Kraken V4 being replaced with more fragile-feeling leatherette cushions.

I think that's a fair compromise; Razer struck a good balance here, just as it did with the regular Kraken V4. This does mean we no longer get the swappable ears of the older Kraken Kitty V2 Pro, but a more elegant design, wireless connectivity, and a lower starting price more than make up for that in my eyes.

I am slightly disappointed that there's no Kitty variant of the full-featured Razer Kraken V4 Pro I reviewed, but I also understand. The Kraken Kitty family has a passionate fanbase, but it's still relatively niche — it doesn't make sense for Razer to make an ultra-premium variant that very few people will actually buy.

Still the best gaming headset with cat ears, but what's next?

You'll have to wait a little longer for the full interview, but I did recently have a long discussion with Charlie Bolton, Razer's Global Head of Design. “The Kitty family is definitely something we’re looking into… What could we do with it?" He said during our conversation. "It has been part of one of the really strong families, okay, now what’s the next thing for it?”

Since its inception, the Kraken Kitty headsets have been closely tied to, well, the Kraken headsets. After all, the Kraken Kitty V3 Pro is essentially a cat-ified variant of the Kraken V4. That relationship makes a lot of sense, and I have little doubt this headset will end up being a top pick for a lot of people, but Razer is apparently considering a big shift in approach for the next generation.

“The Kitty family still has a huge, huge way to go, even if it’s not part of Kraken,” Bolton told me. I'm really excited to see what that looks like, but I won't hold my breath. There's at least a couple of years separating us from the Kitty V4, and what's the rush? We just got a great new wireless gaming headset, and I'll be reviewing it for Windows Central in the near future.

My thoughts right now? I love this design and the three available colors. The audio quality and performance have been excellent so far, and I really wish there were an Xbox-specific version. I still have a lot more testing to do, but Razer is off to a great start with the Kraken Kitty V3 Pro gaming headset, now available for $179.99 at Razer.com in black, white, and pink.

There's also the new ultra-affordable, wired Razer Kraken Kitty V3 X for $59.99 at Razer.com, if you want to save some cash. Razer is keeping the old Kraken Kitty V2 BT around as a middle-of-the-road option, too, but if you want a wireless headset, it's honestly worth paying more for the Kraken Kitty V3 Pro.

I can be rational and accept the limitations of small-scale, limited-edition collaborations between brands. I can accept that some partnerships make most sense in specific markets (even if I'm not a part of those markets), and that the economy of scale means collaborations may not always target the products I'd personally use.

It's good to know, however, that the disappointments of reality can occasionally be subverted. Case in point: Razer remembering that I don't live in China, and therefore was unable to appreciate its special edition gaming headset inspired by one of my top three favorite Pokémon of all time.

The full force of my delusion reassures me that you, dear reader, understand exactly where I'm going with this — the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Gengar Edition is finally available in global markets, and I've been fortunate enough to already get my hands on it.

Unboxing the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Gengar Edition

Razer has been going hard with its brand collaborations lately, and some have been pretty awesome. We more-or-less know what to expect, though, so I wasn't particularly surprised by what I found when unboxing this ghost-ified gaming headset.

This is the Razer Kraken Kitty V2, a wired USB, PC gaming headset with a $100 price tag, modest hardware, and an adorable design. It's the perfect base to do some limited-edition designs, and it makes complete sense to use it here.

You'll find the Gengar Edition safely encapsulated in its custom packaging, but the contents of the box are the same — it's the headset, its permanently attached cable, and some paperwork.

Razer rarely sticks to the basics with its limited-edition gear, though, so don't expect this to be a regular Kraken Kitty V2 spray-painted purple. The whole headset gets a tasteful shift in hues, with clashing purples in the plastics and cushions, bright red fabric in the ear cups, some hidden ghosties, and Gengar's iconic head and back spines replacing the standard cat ears.

It's well done, but the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Gengar Edition also costs $139.99 at Razer.com, a $40 premium that makes it far pricier than what you'd normally pay for this caliber of gaming headset.

Not the headset I'd use, but it's the Pokémon I'd choose

I recently went hands-on with the Razer x Pokémon Collection, and I mostly really enjoyed what felt like a well-rounded and thoughtfully designed set of gaming gear. It also made me hopeful that we'd see some other Razer collaborations hit global markets, like, hm, I don't know, the Kraken Kitty V2 Gengar Edition that was exclusive to China for nearly a year?

I'm ecstatic now that it's here, as Gengar is one of my top three favorite Pokémon of all time (Absol and Umbreon are the other two, if you were curious). It's a good-looking headset, too, but I definitely see it more as a collector's item than anything else.

The Kraken Kitty V2 is a fine wired gaming headset, but it's also showing its age, and these limited editions always cost significantly more. When your product's whole thing is offering a great value, any noticeable price increase is a tough pill to swallow — a 40% price increase just feels ridiculous.

Still, I'm happy this headset is more widely available now, and I think it'll make a lot of hardcore Gengar fans really happy (even if they don't end up using it as their primary gaming headset). It's a fantastically spooky design built onto an already-adorable headset, and there's no such thing as "too many Gengar collectibles."

Now I just need Razer to release a new ultra-premium, wireless Kraken Kitty headset and design an awesome, extremely detailed Shiny Umbreon special edition. You only have to make one, Razer, and no one else has to know.

The Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Gengar Edition is now available for $139.99 at Razer.com. If you'd rather go full Pikachu, the Razer Kraken V4 X Pokémon Edition is also available for $99.99 at Razer.com, which does feel like a more approachable price.

When I reviewed the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023), I named it one of the very best wireless gaming headsets you could buy. A year later, and we finally got a console-friendly version that was just as good — but it could obviously be better.

Now we finally have the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro, and... I can't believe how big of a jump this is. When Razer briefed me on its new flagship esports-focused headset, I was rendered speechless by the ceaseless list of improvements and upgrades, all while preserving the same iconic design language.

It may be more expensive and a little heavier now, but the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is the closest to perfection I've ever seen a gaming headset reach. It's made even better that we don't have to wait for Xbox and PlayStation versions.

I don't often do this, but I'm putting my recommendation front and center. If your budget is $250 for a high-performance wireless gaming headset, then save yourself some time and go get the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro for $249.99 at BestBuy.com.

Yeah, let's just summarize those upgrades real quick

Some of you may accuse me of being dramatic if I don't lay it out loud and clear, so I'm starting by listing all the noticeable improvements Razer made with the new BlackShark V3 Pro.

• Upgraded audio. The BlackShark V3 Pro upgrades to Razer's new TriForce Bio-Cellulose 50mm Gen-2 drivers, which are basically bigger and better versions of the drivers in the ultra-premium Razer Kraken V4 Pro I reviewed.
  • Not content with just that, Razer also added THX Spatial Audio 7.1.4 support, which adds four virtual speakers above your head when you want that surround sound effect. The BlackShark V3 Pro supports the Xbox and PlayStation spatial audio equivalents, too.
• Bigger microphone. The BlackShark V2 Pro already had one of the best microphones on any headset, but Razer made it even better by increasing the physical size of the HyperClear Super Wideband microphone from 9mm to 12mm, and increased the sampling rate from 32KHz to 48KHz while it was at it.
• Improved performance. This headset is designed with competitive gaming in mind (especially first-person shooters), so improved performance was a guarantee.
  • The greatest performance upgrade comes from Razer's new HyperSpeed Wireless Gen-2. Yes, Razer HyperSpeed actually got a next-gen upgrade with greater efficiency and stability, but Razer also reduced the wireless latency to a mere 10ms — easily the best in the industry.
  • Razer has continued working with esports athletes to develop professionally tuned audio profiles for six of the most popular FPS games, and you can now store a total of 9 unique audio profiles on the BlackShark V3 Pro.
• Refined ergonomics. Razer may have kept the same overall design language, but the BlackShark V3 Pro is still a lot more refined in a lot of ways.
  • The yoke design has returned, but it's further reinforced and now has a 15-degree swivel joint to provide a better fit to everyone's unique head shape.
  • The Memory Foam ear cushions are just as comfortable as ever, but Razer designed a new dual-layer fabric that uses leatherette for superior noise isolation underneath cloth for improved breathability.
  • The design has been refined in other ways, too, like more distinct textures for the onboard controls and adding swappable magnetic faceplates (which have nothing to do with comfort, but could be great for customization).
• Better support. Unlike the BlackShark V2 Pro, Razer's latest flagship gaming headset is coming out of the gate with PC, Xbox, and PlayStation versions — all available in black or white.
  • Not only do we already have console-specific versions, but they also fully support Razer Synapse on PC this time, so you don't have to choose one or the other.
  • The BlackShark V3 Pro can also do simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz audio mixing, so you can have a voice call on one and your game on the other, or whatever combination you need in the moment.
  • If you'd rather plug in, the BlackShark V3 Pro supports USB wired audio and even comes with a 3.5mm adapter for more traditional headphone jacks.
  • You can customize your BlackShark V3 Pro using the Razer Audio App on Android and iOS, the Razer Headset Setup app on Xbox, and the Razer Synapse app on PC — and the increased onboard memory will remember all your changes.
• More features. The BlackShark V3 Pro also gains some brand-new features. I already mentioned the simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz audio, but there are a couple more, too.
  • Razer has brought hybrid active noise cancellation to the BlackShark, with 4 microphones (2 internal and 2 external) dedicated to filtering out unwanted background noise to keep you in the game.
  • In addition to the new ANC button for cycling through modes, Razer also added a customizable roller to the BlackShark V3 Pro, which handles chat balancing by default, but can also uniquely increase just the sounds of footsteps to give you a competitive advantage.

Whoo, that's a lot. Let's actually talk about my experience using the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro now.

It'll be difficult for Razer to impress with the BlackShark V4

I already spent a lot of words just explaining what Razer did with the BlackShark V3 Pro, but the important question is if those upgrades actually make a difference. Um, yes. Yes, they do.

At first glance, the BlackShark V3 Pro isn't a major departure from its predecessor, but this headset is noticeably more comfortable to wear, especially for long periods. A lot of that comes down to the new swivel joint, which is important for the fit but also improves isolation.

It's still a predominantly plastic headset, but the BlackShark V3 Pro does feel very well put together, and there are a lot of fine details and accents that remind you that this is a premium headset, including real stitching on the headband that's color-matched to the version you bought (black for PC, green for Xbox, blue for PlayStation).

Razer also made the faceplates easily swappable via magnets; right now, Razer isn't selling custom options to make your BlackShark V3 Pro your own, but I can't imagine Razer made this deliberate design decision without some intent to take advantage of it.

The only downside is that the BlackShark V3 Pro is about 47g heavier than before, which is a noticeable increase. It's still extremely comfortable to wear, but the added baggage is worth noting.

Performance has also evolved by a significant degree, and for two main reasons. First are the new Bio-Cellulose 50mm Drivers Gen-2, which results in a much warmer and deeper sound profile similar to the Kraken V4 Pro headset, but with some precision, soundscape, and responsiveness improvements.

The BlackShark V3 Pro does sound excellent for gaming, music, movies, and everything in between, with powerful bass and sub-bass response and clean mids. Lots of onboard memory and a solid equalizer mean you can tailor the BlackShark V3 Pro to every use case.

I did notice some distortion at higher frequencies, especially when the active noise cancellation (ANC) is enabled, and this headset sometimes struggles when switching between audio profiles, becoming hollow-sounding overall for a few (long) seconds. Overall, though, the BlackShark V3 Pro is a substantial improvement over the 2023 model.

The second major performance upgrade? Razer HyperSpeed Wireless Gen-2, which debuted with the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro gaming mouse I reviewed. The BlackShark V3 Pro sadly doesn't get the new wireless receiver design, but it does benefit from improved stability (even with a lot of interference from competing wireless signals) and lower latency.

Razer told me it probably could've made the latency even lower than 10ms, but there was no point — 10ms is how long it takes for a healthy brain to process audio, apparently. I can't really claim to tell the difference, but I can tell you the BlackShark V3 Pro sounds instant and is incredible with competitive gaming.

One area where the BlackShark V3 Pro is a bit shakier compared to its predecessor is with endurance. I wrote an editorial years ago about how it felt like it took forever to kill the BlackShark V2 Pro, and the new headset does boast similar longevity... but if you take advantage of its new features, like active noise cancellation and simultaneous audio mixing, you can absolutely kill it faster.

Speaking of ANC, the BlackShark V3 Pro utilizes 4 microphones (separate from its main mic, which you'll need for voice calls) to filter out unwanted noise, and it does work, albeit subtly. The BlackShark V3 Pro certainly isn't usurping Sony or Bose for the best ANC headphones any time soon, but the ANC does make a (positive) difference, and you do get a fair amount of control over it, including an ambient mode that is equally fine.

I also understand why it exists for marketing reasons, but the PC-only BlackShark V3 Pro does feel pointless this time around. The Xbox and PlayStation versions rightfully have full compatibility and feature parity with Windows PC (apart from the PlayStation version missing the Halo-focused audio profile), so there's no real reason to get the PC-only version.

BlackShark V3 Pro review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a high-quality gaming headset that works across platforms.
• You want the best performance possible out of a wireless headset.
• You value features like ANC and a class-leading microphone.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You won't take advantage of this headset's competitive performance.
• You need a headset for exclusively one platform (and want to save money).

What even is left for Razer to do? Perhaps the BlackShark V4 Pro will be a bit lighter, and last a bit longer, and sound a bit better, and block out background noise a bit more, but fundamentally, it feels like Razer truly nailed it with this iteration.

Razer took every piece of legitimate criticism from every review (mine included), and actively worked to fix those weaknesses with this headset. It's the culmination of years of refinement and innovation, and the end result is easily one of the best Xbox and PC gaming headsets ever made.

The BlackShark V3 Pro may cost $50 higher starting out, but it's worth every penny you spend on it, even if you're not the most competitive gamer to walk the earth. If you'd like to save money, the standard Razer BlackShark V3 seems to basically be the BlackShark V2 Pro but with some upgrades (like simultaneous Bluetooth/2.4GHz audio) for just $150 — but bear in mind that I haven't personally used that headset.

With upgraded audio, active noise cancellation, and a bevy of other upgrades, the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is an incredibly easy recommendation for $249.99 at BestBuy.com or $249.99 at Amazon.com. Xbox or PC, it doesn't matter — this is the headset I'm using from now on, and it's all because Razer actually listened to us.

Audeze is becoming one of my favorite audio brands thanks to its continued investments in planar magnetic technology, delivering stellar audio with best-in-class dynamism and responsiveness.

When I reviewed the Audeze MM-100, I praised those headphones for bringing Audeze's audio prowess down to a far more accessible price point, making them one of the best entryways into hi-fi audio. Now, the Audeze LCD-S20 has arrived, and I know I'm upgrading to them.

Does that make these headphones better than the MM-100 I reviewed before? Honestly, it's a give and take — the Audeze MM-100 still provides the better value overall, and they're still a slightly better fit for more casual setups, but the LCD-S20 boast the more exciting sound profile and vastly superior isolation.

Phenomenal hardware with impressive audio

The Audeze MM-100 is undeniably premium, but the LCD-S20 ups the ante on every front. Constructed of magnesium, aluminum, and steel, these headphones feel every bit like $500.

This is a familiar fit and finish for Audeze, but why change what clearly works? Of course, this is a closed-back design. That means a narrower soundstage (thanks to less air moving through the headphones), but far superior isolation — so you hear less of the outside world, and the outside world hears less of your music.

The LCD-S20 weighs a whopping 550g, which is a full 75g heavier than the MM-100. You feel that weight, but the LCD-S20 is surprisingly comfortable, with a balanced clamping force and a wide suspension headband strap to disperse all that weight.

I love how these headphones look and feel, including the tasteful cloth-bound earcups, and Audeze also introduced magnetically attached earcup cushions to make replacing them easier.

As expected, these headphones utilize a lot of Audeze's technology, including massive 90mm planar magnetic drivers. I already broke down a lot of why Audeze's headphones are so impressive in my MM-100 review, so I'll stick to what the LCD-S20 does differently.

The Audeze LCD-S20 uses the company's innovative SLAM technology, which (to massively simplify it) enhances bass response with carefully engineered channels that relieve pressure, improve stability, and reduce distortion at lower frequencies. The LCD-S20 also boasts a much wider frequency response than the MM-100, too.

At the end of the day, though, all that matters is how the LCD-S20 sounds — and it's wonderful. Where the Audeze MM-100 deliver a neutral and flat "studio" tuning with a massive soundstage, the LCD-S20 is fun.

Audio is still incredibly accurate and clean, but the LCD-S20 has a fuller and punchier low-end and beautifully rounded mids. It's a comfortable and dynamic sound, and my ears have thanked me for it.

The LCD-S20's one weakness is that higher frequencies feel a little duller than the brighter MM-100, but I only really noticed when listening to the same song on each pair of headphones back to back — and even then, I still enjoyed the LCD-S20 a lot more.

A worthy upgrade, but not the best value from Audeze

As an enthusiast rather than a professional, I prefer the more colorful sound profile and the improved isolation of the LCD-S20 compared to the more neutral and wider MM-100.

These headphones look, feel, and sound better, in my opinion. But is that worth the extra $100? For those who know what they want, yes. For those who are just getting started with hi-fi audio, I still suggest the MM-100.

It's not just that the MM-100 includes a soft, protective bag in the box where the LCD-S20 doesn't, or that the MM-100 are flat out more affordable while using a lot of the same technology.

It's a small difference, but the LCD-S20 have lower sensitivity than the MM-100, meaning that (even with the same impedance level), they need more juice to reach the same volumes.

I consistently had the LCD-S20 volume 5-8 points higher than the MM-100. This won't matter at all with proper hi-fi audio setups with dedicated DACs and more powerful headphone jacks, but one of the greatest strengths of the Audeze MM-100 is that they'll work with basically anything with a headphone jack, including your laptop or desktop PC.

That meant you could start with the Audeze MM-100 and then expand your setup later on to further upgrade your sound and eventually reach the MM-100's full potential. The LCD-S20 should boast the same device compatibility, but you may be unable to get the volume you want without that additional gear.

Audeze LCD-S20 review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want high-end audio in a closed-back pair of headphones.
• You want hi-fi headphones that work with a wider range of devices.
• You're looking for a more colorful sound than a lot of studio headphones.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You're a real bass head and need overwhelming low ends.
• You're just starting out with hi-fi audio and want to save money.

The Audeze MM-100 let me fully step into the world of hi-fi audio I had been dipping my toes in for years, and I still recommend it first and foremost to casual audiophiles wanting a sweet pair of planar magnetic headphones.

That being said, the Audeze LCD-S20 are my new favorite headphones. Sleep Token, Rush, Icon for Hire, Black Lab, Megadeth — every genre I threw at these cans sounded awesome, driven by impressive bass for closed-back planar magnetic headphones.

Well, impressive to everyone but bass heads who want to feel the vibrations running through their entire body with each low-end hit. I've always preferred a more balanced sound, but some of the best dynamic headphones may give you what you're looking for.

I'm certainly not going back, though. The Audeze LCD-S20 are here to stay for me, and for $499 at B&HPhoto are a great (and reasonable) upgrade over the MM-100 I've been favoring.

There's no shortage of awesome gaming headsets to add to your setup, but your options are more limited if you need a wireless headset that works with Xbox consoles, too.

That's just the nature of Xbox Wireless, but you still don't have to pay extra for a great headset. SteelSeries has added a new option to the mix with the Arctis Nova 3X Wireless, the Nova-fied redesign of its uber-popular Arctis 1 Wireless headset from yesteryear (which we reviewed).

I've been using it for a few weeks now, and I've been really impressed by this headset's design and featureset for the price point — and I absolutely adore that SteelSeries is actually offering more than just black and white colors. The Arctis Nova 3X isn't perfect, but it's still a really solid wireless Xbox option for those wanting to spend around $100.

A lightweight headset with some actual personality

First, the Arctis Nova 3X does adopt the same design language we've seen from other Nova products, with the two-tier circular earcup design and slim profile. The Arctis Nova 3X looks great, and its detachable microphone makes it more than sleek enough for use as a normal pair of wireless headphones.

This is an all-plastic headset, which is a double-edged sword. On one hand, the Arctis Nova 3X is insanely light at only 260g, so you barely feel it on your head. On the other, it does feel quite cheap in the hand, with a fair amount of creaking.

I've seen for myself how much abuse the Arctis Nova 3X can take, though, so in this case, "cheap" doesn't mean "fragile" — you shouldn't have to worry about this headset too much if you pass it to your children.

The Arctis Nova 3X also has some give and take when it comes to ergonomics. Breathable fabric earpads with a healthy amount of cushioning and a wide suspension headband work in tandem with that ultralight design to make this a very comfortable headset, but the Arctis Nova 3X is on the small side — even on the largest settings, it still barely fit me, so those with larger heads may struggle.

What I love more than anything, though, is that SteelSeries actually gave the Arctis Nova 3X some color. The standard black and white colors are here, of course, but you also get "Aqua" and "Lavendar" options... or blue and purple, if you're normal.

These colors are more "pastel" than "neon," so they may not be as punchy as you'd like, but I have both in hand, and the Arctis Nova 3X looks great. For the eagle-eyed, these are the same fun and cheerful colors offered by the SteelSeries Rival 3 (Gen 2) Wireless mouse I reviewed, so you can color-match your setup on a budget.

In so many ways, personal technology has become unbearably monochrome over the last few years, a symptom of the obsession with "minimalist" design. Just having some fun color options gives the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X a leg up in my book, but it does also help that it's a solid headset.

Features are there, but performance isn't always

The Arctis Nova 3X is equipped with some pretty impressive hardware for the price, including 40mm Neodymium Magnet drivers with spatial audio support, a high-resolution noise-canceling microphone, and both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless connectivity.

On the audio front, this headset is good — if not amazing — for the price. There's a good amount of punch in the low end, with great detail and responsiveness in the mids and highs, but the overall soundstage is on the narrow side.

There's also a persistent, soft static in the background, something that you may hear with other headphones at higher volumes — but seems to be always present with the Arctis Nova 3X. Any music or audio immediately drowns it out, but it does affect clarity.

The microphone is a major improvement over SteelSeries' earlier budget wireless headsets, though, with respectable depth and detail, as well as actually functional background noise cancelation. I can't imagine many will complain about this microphone for only $110.

Where the Arctis Nova 3X slips is in performance. Having both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth lets this headset connect to basically any device (including Xbox, as long as you switch the dongle over), but stability wasn't the best.

The Arctis Nova 3X was prone to interference and skips, and often refused to properly connect to my Xbox without switching the dongle over to PC and back again. I also genuinely can't tell you how good the new SteelSeries mobile app is for customizing the Arctis Nova 3X, because it absolutely refused to connect properly (a common problem, it seems, if you go off Google Play Store reviews).

None of these problems made the Arctis Nova 3X bad to use, and the SteelSeries GG app on Windows PC was more than enough for customizing the EQ and other headset settings, but those planning to use the Arctis Nova 3X primarily with their phone and Xbox can't rely on the mobile app, and those who need the absolute best wireless performance for competitive gaming can't rely on the Arctis Nova 3X 100% of the time.

I've no such issues with battery life, though. SteelSeries quotes up to 40 hours of continued usage, and that feels perfectly accurate from my testing. It's also easy to charge via USB Type-C, netting you hours of use with just minutes of charging.

Arctis Nova 3X Wireless review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a cheap wireless headset for Xbox, PC, and mobile.
• You love fun colors and are tired of the same black/white designs.
• You need a lightweight headset that can take a beating.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You need the most reliable wireless performance (or a working mobile app).
• You need a larger headset for a comfortable fit.

Quick overview: the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless is a really good wireless gaming headset for around $100, especially since it's compatible with Windows PC, Xbox consoles, mobile devices, and more.

The wireless performance isn't the best (and the mobile app flat out won't work for me), and I have some other complaints for this value-driven headset — but it's fun, durable, and packs a surprising number of features.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless is available for $109.99 at Amazon or $109.99 at Best Buy, making it one of the best Xbox headsets for those on a budget... but if you can drop the extra cash, the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) we reviewed is still the champion at $200.

There's a huge variety of different gaming headsets in the industry right now, ranging from more basic and budget-friendly options to premium offerings with large suites of nifty features and even larger price tags. During big sales like Amazon's annual Prime Day event, though, you can get many of the latter for far less than usual, and this year, the Alienware Pro Wireless gaming headset — one I've been using daily since reviewing it — is down to just $141.99 at Amazon.

That's still quite a bit of money, but it's incredibly affordable for a headset of its caliber. And compared to its usual price of $230, it's nearly a full $100 off — a colossal discount, and easily one of the best I've seen during "Prime Week."

• Shop all Amazon Prime Day deals

The headset I use every day — here's why I love it

The Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Headset is the third entry in a new "Pro" line that Dell introduced for its gaming brand last year, with its release following the arrival of the Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard and the Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse. Those two peripherals were fantastic, and the headset is no different — something I quickly realized once I started testing it for my review.

As I wrote then, it's "so good it's dethroned my favorite from Razer," which was a Razer Kaira Pro I bought early in 2024 for wireless use while gaming on PC. Since then, it's remained the headset I reach for every day, whether I'm enjoying my favorite games or listening to music during work hours.

There's a ton to love here, but the thing that stands out the most about the Alienware Pro Wireless is the quality of its audio — something I'm glad to be able to say about a headset. Speech comes over the detachable microphone crisply and clearly, and while there's noise cancellation you can toggle if you're playing in a particularly noisy environment, I find that the mic excellently blocks out background sounds without it. You also have the option to use mic monitoring if you'd like to listen to yourself speak for volume control.

The speakers, meanwhile, have a wide 20-40KHz range and are powered by potent 50mm drivers. The soundscape they deliver is extremely rich and balanced across lows, mids, and highs, but also incredibly clean and free of any muddy distortion. Notably, the headset can also get surprisingly loud compared to others I've used, which is something I enjoy taking advantage of during particularly grandiose and epic moments in-game (or for jamming out to heavier music genres).

In terms of other features to take advantage of, there's full support for Dolby Atmos spatial audio as well as active noise cancellation (ANC), though the headset's ANC is fairly mediocre and struggles to block out sounds louder than a fan. This ultimately doesn't bother me since I dislike ANC because it gives me headaches, but it's something to keep in mind if you enjoy using it.

Design-wise, the Alienware Pro Wireless is superb, and sports a highly adjustable and cushioned headband along with memory foam leatherette earcups that rest gently on your head. And while the headset's fit is snug, it's also very light at 315g (0.69lbs) and breathable, too. I routinely wear it all day long while working and gaming; in fact, I'm listening to music with it right now. Aesthetically, it's got a minimalistic "Lunar Light" white colorway with a silver Alienware logo on the earcup exteriors; there's a "Dark Side of the Moon" black option, too, but it's not on sale for Amazon Prime Day.

Onboard controls include a mic mute, volume wheel, and an ANC button, along with a power switch and a slider for switching between connecting via a USB dongle or Bluetooth (the headset also works over a wired connection when plugged in and charging). Battery life is high with an average of about 70 hours in my experience (Dell advertises 75), though you'll only get about 30 hours before needing to charge if you use ANC.

Ultimately, the Alienware Pro Wireless is one of the best headsets I've ever used for PC gaming, and picking it up while it's nearly $100 off is a massive steal. Just don't get it expecting it to work with Xbox consoles, however, as it's unfortunately not compatible.

My very favorite set of headphones is currently on a Lightning Deal sale as part of Amazon Prime Day, reducing them to their lowest price ever.

That's right, the Sony WH-100XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones, which have an MSRP of $349.99 are reduced to just $183.00 at Amazon while stock for this Lightning Deal lasts.

That's a whopping 48% off to anyone with a Amazon Prime membership. These headphones aren't the latest model, but they're still worth getting, especially at this price.

The lightning deal has ended, but there's still a really nice discount on these amazing headphones

Chances are, you are already familiar with Sony's headphones, or at least have heard someone talk about them at some point.

They offer some of the best active noise cancelling (ANC) of any premium headphones on the market while having a comfortable design that many can wear for hours.

The WH-1000XM4 model from 2020, in particular, is a few years old at this point, but still a fantastic choice for anyone who wants to enjoy their music, podcasts, audiobooks, and other media while blocking out most of the rest of the world.

I've put my own WH-1000XM4 headphones to the test recently by traveling across the world from the USA to Taiwan. First hand, I can tell you that I love how well they block out the sounds of the plane and other passengers (including three crying babies on my last flight).

Audio comes through beautifully, and all I have to do is lift one cup away from my ear to talk to someone, and my music automatically gets paused.

The right earcup has two physical buttons, one of which is the power button and the other toggles through noise-canceling modes. Outside of that, I can tap the outside of my earphone to skip a song, adjust volume, play, or pause.

The controls are all very convenient and easy to interact with directly, so I don't have to whip out my phone to make adjustments unless I want to.

I'm also very partial to the look of these headphones. All three color options (black, blue, and silver) look sleek and attractive. Of course, the blue version has the best sale going on now, dropping the price to just $194.00 at Amazon.

However, the silver and black ones only cost a little more right now, so you can grab them if you really like the look of them better. They are both selling for $193.00 at Amazon while this Lightning Deal lasts.

In addition to the headphones, this purchase gives you a carrying case, an adaptor plug for airplanes, a USB-A to USB-C cable, and a headphone cable.

Something I appreciate about this headphone's carrying case is that it is significantly smaller than some other cases I've used. When I traveled with it to Taiwan, it didn't take up nearly as much room in my tech bag (Tomtoc Navigator-T66), which allowed me to pack more total.

If you're in need of a new pair of headphones or want some high-quality ones that block out the world's sounds more effectively, I highly recommend grabbing the Sony WH-1000XM4.

They aren't the latest model, but that just makes them more affordable. Plus, they still offer some of the best audio quality and ANC available right now, so this purchase is definitely worth it.

I also recommend...

As headsets go, few people have tested as many as I have. I've recommended Xbox and PC gaming headphones to hundreds of people over the past decade, and typically have a handful of "go to" recommendations for different price points and use cases.

There are ultra-high end headsets that cost hundreds of dollars, and then cheap and affordable options on the low-end. I feel like you don't need to (and shouldn't need to) spend the price of an actual Xbox console to get a decent sound experience, and apparently, neither does Turtle Beach.

Since last year, my go-to recommendation for "most" people has been the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) headset, which I reviewed and updated a short while ago. This is a headset that punches well above its weight in terms of audio quality, while also offering a truly uncompromised feature set for all modern gaming scenarios. For Amazon Prime Day, the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) model is 17% off, making the value proposition all the sweeter.

A fantastic Xbox and PC gaming headset for virtually everyone

Above all, I think what defines the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) is versatility. This is a headset that can literally connect to every device you have at home. Even though it's "designed for Xbox," the product contains multiple USB wireless transmitters in the box, allowing you to connect via 2.4 GHz to PCs, PlayStation consoles, Xbox One, and of course, Xbox Series X|S.

It doesn't stop there, either. This headset also comes armed with Bluetooth 5.2, which can be used simultaneously with the 2.4 GHz signals for combining mobile calls with your game audio. It's good for content creators, because you can feed Xbox game sound from your TV via Bluetooth while using the PC signal via USB for Discord calls and streaming and the like.

Their design also makes them a good option for using out and about. The flip-to-mute mic also hides neatly within the cans, making them a decent headset for going fully portable. They isolate sound in the headset well and aren't super leaky, at least at lower volumes, although they don't have full noise cancelling or anything like that.

What they do have is truly absurd, 80 hours of gameplay battery life. In my testing, I found that it even likely exceeds this, which is an impressive feat.

The Turtle Beach headsets have long held a tradition for comfort, with thick cushions and airy, silky materials that are great on sensitive skin. The headset is endowed with metal accents and reinforcements, which should give it some serious longevity through moderate abuse.

But what about sound quality? Turtle Beach really delivers here. The cavernous 60mm speakers paint a vast soundscape that really aids with both immersion and tactical positional awareness. The headset leverages Turtle Beach's "superhuman" hearing features to emphasize directional tactical sounds, such as footsteps, but you can also turn that off to enjoy something more "realistic" and cinematic.

They're great for music too, with sweeping bass notes and good balance, with impressive separation. I'm loathe to admit how much ASMR I listened to while "testing" this headset, owing to their immersive proficiencies.

They were already a steal at $199 in my view, but at $165 it's hard of me to assume you'll find a better gaming headset deal for this summer's Prime Week. Simply fantastic. They well and truly are the best gaming headset for "most" people right now, without hitting more absurd price points.

Let me know if you have any questions about them in the comments, too, and I'll be obliged to answer!