Next-Level Sound: Top Headphone Choices for 2024

2024 saw a surge in innovative gaming headsets, and as we move into 2025, several stand out as clear favorites. These top-tier models deliver exceptional audio—crisp highs, deep bass, and stunning clarity—alongside cutting-edge comfort and durability features. We've curated a list of the best, guaranteed to elevate your gaming experience.

Table of Contents

• Logitech G G435
• Razer Barracuda X 2022
• JBL Quantum 100
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
• Defender Aspis Pro
• Razer BlackShark V2 Hyperspeed
• HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core
• Astro A50 X
• Turtle Beach Atlas Air
• HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless

Logitech G G435

• Drivers: 40mm
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz
• Impedance: 32Ω
• Sensitivity: 96dB
• Connectivity: Wireless USB-C
• Weight: 165g
• Microphone: Passive fixed with noise cancellation
• Compatibility: PC, consoles, smartphones, tablets

Remarkably lightweight and comfortable, the Logitech G G435 practically disappears on your head. The sound quality is impressive for its price point, offering crisp highs, solid bass, and surprisingly detailed audio. Ideal for extended gaming or listening sessions. The wireless USB-C connection provides minimal lag and convenient portability. Its broad compatibility makes it a versatile choice.

Razer Barracuda X 2022

• Drivers: 40mm Razer TriForce
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz
• Impedance: 32Ω
• Sensitivity: 96dB
• Connectivity: Wireless USB-C
• Weight: 271g
• Microphone: Fixed with noise reduction (-42dB)
• Compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, portable consoles, smartphones

Lightweight and comfortable for extended use, the Razer Barracuda X 2022 delivers clear, deep sound with well-defined low frequencies and detailed mids and highs, perfect for picking up subtle in-game cues. The wireless USB-C connection ensures lag-free performance. Its versatility across multiple platforms makes it a strong contender.

JBL Quantum 100

• Drivers: 40mm
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz
• Impedance: 32Ω
• Sensitivity: 96dB
• Connectivity: Wired 3.5mm
• Weight: 220g
• Microphone: Removable unidirectional
• Compatibility: PC, consoles, smartphones, tablets

A budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality. The JBL Quantum 100 offers a well-balanced sound profile with strong bass and crisp highs, making it suitable for gaming, music, and movies. The wired connection ensures reliable performance, and the detachable microphone adds versatility. Lightweight and comfortable for long gaming sessions.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

• Drivers: Premium High Fidelity
• Frequency Response: 10Hz – 22,000Hz
• Connectivity: Wireless (2.4GHz/Bluetooth), wired USB
• Weight: 337g
• Microphone: Retractable bidirectional with noise cancellation
• Compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, mobile devices, Xbox (separate version)

A top-tier headset that consistently ranks among the best. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless boasts exceptional sound quality, superior comfort, and advanced features like a hot-swappable battery and a docking station with an equalizer. Stylish and functional, it's a versatile choice for both gaming and everyday use.

Defender Aspis Pro

• Drivers: 50mm
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz
• Impedance: 32Ω
• Sensitivity: 103dB
• Connectivity: Wired USB
• Microphone: Adjustable, removable with mute function
• Compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, mobile devices

A solid all-around choice offering excellent sound quality and versatile connectivity. The Defender Aspis Pro provides crisp, clear audio with rich mid and low frequencies. The integrated microphone ensures clear communication.

Razer BlackShark V2 Hyperspeed

• Drivers: 50mm Razer TriForce Titanium
• Frequency Response: 12Hz – 28,000Hz
• Connectivity: Wireless (2.4GHz/Bluetooth), wired USB
• Weight: 280g
• Microphone: Non-removable unidirectional with Razer HyperClear Super Wideband
• Compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, mobile devices

A premium headset combining excellent sound quality and wireless convenience. The Razer BlackShark V2 Hyperspeed features high-quality drivers for crystal-clear audio and a superior microphone for clear communication in team-based games.

HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core

• Drivers: 40mm
• Frequency Response: 10Hz – 25,000Hz
• Impedance: 32Ω
• Sensitivity: 95dB
• Connectivity: Wired 3.5mm
• Weight: 225g
• Microphone: Non-removable dynamic with mute function
• Compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, mobile devices

A budget-friendly and reliable headset for everyday gaming. The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core offers comfortable ergonomics, clear audio, and a functional microphone.

Astro A50 X

• Drivers: 40mm graphene
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz
• Connectivity: Wireless (2.4GHz/Bluetooth via base), wired HDMI
• Weight: 363g
• Microphone: Non-removable omnidirectional with mute function
• Compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch (limited), mobile devices (limited)

The Astro A50 X stands out with its unique base station, enabling seamless switching between PlayStation and Xbox consoles while maintaining high-resolution video. It delivers clean, powerful sound with a comfortable design.

Turtle Beach Atlas Air

• Drivers: 40mm
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 40,000Hz
• Connectivity: Wireless (2.4GHz/Bluetooth), wired 3.5mm
• Weight: 301g
• Microphone: Unidirectional, removable with mute function
• Compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Xbox (wired), Nintendo Switch, mobile devices
• Battery Life: Up to 50 hours

An excellent open-back headset offering incredible comfort and natural sound. Its open design creates a spacious soundscape, perfect for long gaming sessions. The long battery life adds to its appeal.

HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless

• Drivers: 50mm neodymium
• Frequency Response: 15Hz – 21,000Hz
• Connectivity: Wireless 2.4GHz
• Weight: 322g
• Microphone: Bipolar, removable with mute function
• Compatibility: PlayStation, PC
• Battery Life: Up to 300 hours

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless sets a new standard for battery life. While the sound is excellent for single-player games, the microphone performance is less impressive, limiting its use in multiplayer scenarios. However, its exceptional battery life makes it a great choice for extended single-player sessions.

2024 proved to be a strong year for gaming headsets, with manufacturers delivering excellent sound, noise cancellation, and microphone quality, alongside impressive battery life for wireless models. These top contenders are sure to remain relevant well into 2025. Which headset is right for you?