best gaming headsets for ps5

The PlayStation 5 ships with Tempest 3D AudioTech, a hardware-accelerated audio engine that can place sounds all around you with convincing height and depth. But to hear it properly, you need a headset that can handle the spatial processing without adding latency or muddying the soundstage. Whether you're tracking footsteps in Call of Duty or soaking up atmosphere in Elden Ring, the right headset makes the difference.

Here's what matters for PS5 headsets:

• Low latency — wireless headsets should use a 2.4 GHz dongle (not plain Bluetooth) to keep audio in sync.
• Comfort — sessions run long; clamp force, weight, and ear pad material matter.
• Mic quality — your squad will thank you for a clear, noise-rejecting mic.
• 3D audio support — most wired and 2.4 GHz wireless headsets work natively with Tempest 3D AudioTech.1

We've picked three headsets that cover the spectrum from premium to practical.

1. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless — best overall

Check price →

The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is the headset that keeps showing up at the top of expert roundups for good reason.1 It's a premium wireless headset with a hot-swappable battery system — one battery charges in the base station while you use the other, so you never have to plug in. The base station also acts as a DAC with a built-in EQ and simultaneous 2.4 GHz + Bluetooth mixing, letting you take phone calls or listen to Discord on your phone while gaming on PS5.

The active noise cancellation (ANC) is genuinely useful for blocking out household noise, and the sound signature is neutral enough to work across competitive shooters and cinematic single-player games alike.3 Tempest 3D Audio passes through cleanly, giving you precise positional cues.

The main trade-off is price — this is the most expensive option here. But if you want one headset that does everything well and you're willing to invest, this is it.

Best for: Gamers who want premium wireless with ANC, hot-swappable batteries, and zero downtime.

2. Razer BlackShark V2 — best wired performance

Check price →

If you don't mind a cable, the Razer BlackShark V2 delivers excellent audio clarity at a lower price point. It's a wired headset with a lightweight design (around 262 g) that stays comfortable over multi-hour sessions. The 50 mm Triforce Titanium drivers separate highs, mids, and lows into distinct audio channels, which helps with game audio clarity — footsteps and gunfire don't blur together.

The detachable cardioid mic is one of the better stock mics in this price range, rejecting background noise well enough for voice chat and light streaming. And since it's wired (3.5 mm jack), it works with the PS5 controller's headphone port with zero latency and full Tempest 3D Audio support.1

The downside: it's wired. If you like to sit far from your TV or frequently get up during matches, the cable can be annoying. But for pure audio performance per dollar, this is a strong pick.

Best for: Competitive players who prioritize sound clarity and low weight over wireless convenience.

3. HyperX Cloud Alpha — best budget-friendly wired

Check price →

The HyperX Cloud Alpha has been a staple recommendation for years, and it still holds up. It uses dual-chamber drivers that separate bass from mids and highs to reduce distortion — a clever design that gives it cleaner audio than most headsets at this price.2

The build is mostly aluminum with a padded headband, and the memory foam ear cups are some of the most comfortable in the category. At around 336 g, it's not the lightest, but the weight distribution is good enough for long sessions. The detachable noise-cancelling mic is clear and reliable.

It's wired (3.5 mm), so it works with the PS5 controller directly with no adapter needed. You won't get ANC or wireless freedom, but you get dependable sound and build quality that often outlasts more expensive headsets.

Best for: Budget-conscious gamers who want durable build quality and reliable sound without extras they won't use.

Comparison at a glance

Which one should you buy?

• Go with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless if you want the best all-around wireless experience with ANC, hot-swap batteries, and the flexibility of simultaneous Bluetooth. It's expensive, but it's the headset you won't feel the need to upgrade from.1
• Go with the Razer BlackShark V2 if you're a competitive player who values lightweight comfort and clear audio separation, and you're fine with a cable.
• Go with the HyperX Cloud Alpha if you want a proven, durable wired headset that sounds good and won't break the bank.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, AskBuy earns from qualifying purchases. This doesn't affect our recommendations — we only recommend products we've researched and verified through expert testing.