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Best gaming headphones in SA for 2021

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Gaming headsets are designed with very specific goals in mind. On the one hand they need to enhance the immersive multimedia effects in a videogame. On the other hand they can provide a competitive edge to the serious player, either signalling the actions and location of enemies or otherwise assisting the player with their mission and gear. Finally, and probably most importantly, good voice quality allows virtual teams to chat and co-operate more closely to achieve victory.

Game audio is a huge part of all the best PC games, from realistic sound effects to cut scene voice acting to the dramatic music soundtrack which gives the game its personality.

These are the best gaming headsets we tested over the past 12 months that elevate the entertainment experience for amateurs on a budget and the most fussy and competitive players.

TECHRADAR HEADPHONE GUIDES

Best gaming headphones at a glance

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro
Corsair HS60 Haptic
Logitech G Pro X Wireless
SteelSeries Arctis Pro
Astro A50 Wireless (2019)
Corsair HS50 Stereo Gaming Headset
SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless
Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero
1More H1007 Spearhead
Razer Nari Ultimate
Astro A20
Asus ROG Strix Fusion 700
Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament
1More E1020BT Spearhead In-Ear

1. Razer BlackShark V2 Pro

Premium wireless gaming headset

Specifications

Interface: 2.4GHz USB wireless, 3.5mm audio jack

Features: THX Spatial Audio, noise cancellation, TriForce Titanium 50mm drivers, removable HyperClear Supercardioid mic

Reasons to buy

+Great sound quality +Razer's THX Spatial audio app for fine audio customization +Battery quality

Reasons to avoid

-Isn't fully compatible with consoles -Could use a better battery level indicator

Focusing primarily on three attributes: positional audio, communication clarity and noise cancellation, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is a premium wireless gaming headset in every sense of the word. It has a great feature set, serious battery life, excellent build quality and impressive sound quality, all of which work together to deliver an amazing audio experience whether you're gaming or movie watching. Next to those, the fact that it's incredibly comfortable seems like icing on the cake.

Read the full review: Razer BlackShark V2 Pro

2. Corsair HS60 Haptic

One of our favorite headsets ever, hands-down

Specifications

Interface: Wired (USB)

Features: haptic bass powered by Taction Technology, custom-tuned 50mm neodymium audio drivers, noise-cancelling unidirectional mic

Reasons to buy

+Excellent sound +Haptic feedback is like wrapping your head with a subwoofer +Excellent noise-cancelling microphone

Reasons to avoid

-In theory, you can lose the detachable mic -Some might prefer a wireless headset

Easily one of the best headsets we've ever used, the Corsair HS60 Haptic boasts haptic feedback so that you can feel every single bass note, putting you right in the middle of all the action. It actually feels like you've just strapped a subwoofer comfortably to your head, and that's without compromising the sound quality. With no Bluetooth or wireless radio connection to worry about, this isn't a surprise. For those who enjoy multiplayer campaigns with friends, that mic not only provides incredibly clear voice input, but also comes with a few onboard controls for mic muting, volume and haptic intensity. Best of all, while this isn't the cheapest headsets out there, it's also not expensive, making it a great value for your money.

Read the full review: Corsair HS60 Haptic

3. Logitech G Pro X Wireless

Wireless freedom

Specifications

Interface: Wireless

Features: up to 20h battery life, Detachable mic with foam windscreen, 1.8m USB A to USB C charging cable

Reasons to buy

+Excellent sound quality +Superb build quality +Comfortable

Reasons to avoid

-Kind of expensive -Weak mic

Wireless headphones are no longer plagued with latency, with such releases as the Logitech G Pro X Lightspeed setting a higher standard for wireless audio. One of the best gaming headsets out there, this pair of cans gives you wireless freedom alongside low latency, robust build quality and, most importantly, excellent sound. It also boasts up to 20 hours of battery life, and a wireless range of up to 13m. Its microphone could be better, and it could also be cheaper. However, if you have the cash (and you don't use the mic that much anyway), this one's a shoo-in.

Read the full review: Logitech G Pro X Wireless

4. SteelSeries Arctis Pro

PC gaming's best kept secret

Specifications

Interface: Wired (USB)

Features: 40mm drivers, Retractable boom microphone, DTS Headphone:X v2.0, RGB lighting, Included DAC

Reasons to buy

+Included DAC +Audiophile worthy sound

Reasons to avoid

-Surround sound not great

SteelSeries is known for offering impeccable audio, but the SteelSeries Arctis Pro takes things to the next level. This headset doesn't just offer up immersive surround sound for all the explosive action of your favorite games, but thanks to its included DAC (digital to audio converter), the Arctis Pro also serves you well when listening to your favorite music. One of the best PC gaming headsets to date, this one's a little on the pricey side, but when you consider just how comfortable and exceptional sounding this headset is, well, it's easy to see why it's one of the best gaming headsets you can buy today.

Read the full review: SteelSeries Arctis Pro

5. Astro A50 Wireless (2019)

Like the Cadillac of PC gaming headsets

Specifications

Interface: Wireless

Features: Dolby Audio; Works with PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3, PC, and mobile; Astro Audio; 5.8GHz wireless tech with MixAmp; USB charging with base station

Reasons to buy

+Dolby Audio sounds amazing +Supremely comfortable

Reasons to avoid

-Edgy aesthetics

For years, the Astro A50 has been one of the best gaming headsets, known for premium comfort and audio quality. And, the 2019 model improves it on almost every level. Not only is the sound quality still there in full, but it looks better, with a full-black design, rather than the clashing colors of past models. The docking station is also smaller and less of an eyesore. Just keep in mind that this is still a pricey headset.

Read the full review: Astro A50 Wireless

6. Corsair HS50 Stereo Gaming Headset

The budget king

Specifications

Interface: Wired (analog)

Features: 50mm drivers, Easy on-ear volume and mute controls, Multi-platform compatibility

Reasons to buy

+Strong stereo sound +Excellent value

Reasons to avoid

-Mic easily misplaced

Usually when you're purchasing anything, including gaming peripherals, you get what you pay for. You don't go into Walmart, pick up a $50/£50 gaming headset and expect to be blown away, at least not usually. Well, Corsair takes this rule and turns it on its head. The Corsair HS50 is, for the budget gamer, the best PC gaming headset you can get today. Retailing at $50 in the US, the HS50 has sound and mic quality that rivals headsets that are double the price. Everything, down to the build materials, radiates quality. If you don't mind forgoing some extra bells and whistles – like 7.1 surround and Bluetooth connectivity, for example – then you need to take a look at the Corsair HS50.

Read the full review: Corsair HS50 Stereo Gaming Headset

7. SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless

A wireless headset with wired sound

Specifications

Interface: Wireless (Bluetooth)

Features: Dual-battery charging system, Bluetooth connectivity, 40mm drivers

Reasons to buy

+Lossless audio +Convenient dual battery system

Reasons to avoid

-Expensive

Compromises are a part of everyday life, but nobody actually enjoys making them. Luckily, you won't have to with the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless. With it, you can get high quality lossless audio playback with a wireless headset. And, when you add the unique and ultra-convenient dual-battery charging system that lets you wear this headset in perpetuity to the mix, you have a formula for one of the best PC gaming headsets we've ever had the chance to use. If you have the money, and you absolutely need the best wireless headphones money can buy, this is your best bet.

Read the full review: SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless

8. Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero

How elite is the Elite Atlas Aero?

Specifications

Interface: Wireless connectivity

Features: Metal headband, powerful desktop software, enable Waves NX 3D Audio, ProSpecs Glasses Relief system

Reasons to buy

+ProSpecs Glasses Relief system +Plenty of features

Reasons to avoid

-Questionable aesthetic

Yes, there might be a few things that hold the Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero back from true greatness – namely, its tight fit and not-so-appealing aesthetic. However, when it comes to what really matters, this headset delivers. With great sound quality to start, coupled with its ProSpecs Glasses Relief system to make it more comfortable for wearers with glasses, plethora of features and incredibly powerful software, this is one of the best gaming headsets we've ever put over our ears. And, for it, you'll be happy to pay what would have felt like an exuberant price.

Read our full review: Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero

1More H1007 Spearhead over ear (Image credit: 1More)

9. 1MORE H1007 Spearhead

Affordable surround sound

Specifications

Interface: Wired (USB and 3.5mm)

Features: Floating headband, 53mm drivers, 7.1 surround sound

Reasons to buy

+Solid build +Extra bass

We like 1More for its superb all-round value. Its headphones regularly overdeliver on sound and build against a very reasonable price point, and that is definitely the case here too. The build quality is excellent, especially compared to other products in this price band. We're a fan of floating headbands, especially for gaming headsets, because you get optimal pressure and comfort without having to fiddle with cups sliding up and down every time you fit them. These generously oversized cups are swivel mounted to ensure a good seal against the head, and the faux leather padding feels surprisingly durable.

The surprise is the decent 7.1 surround sound, a real bonus at this low price. Thanks in part to the outsized 53mm driver the overall sound is great, rivalling some sets ranked far higher on this list, especially for bass. The lack of a boom mic raises some concern, but the condenser mic built into the left cup worked perfectly well according to feedback from our online team mates.

10. Razer Nari Ultimate

Feel the game

Specifications

Interface: Wireless

Features: 8-hour battery life, HyperSense haptic feedback, compatible with many devices, 50mm drivers

Reasons to buy

+Great sound +Tons of connectivity

Reasons to avoid

-Haptic vibrations are divisive

Anyone can simply just listen to their games, but with the Razer Nari Ultimate, you can feel them as well. This gaming headset has haptic motors in the ear cups that make your ears vibrate. That's more than enough to make this at least a curious headset, but when paired with the long battery life, amazing sound quality and comfortable build, it's clearly one of the best gaming headsets out there. Do yourself a favor and turn off the haptic feedback, even when you're listening to music.

Read the full review: Razer Nari Ultimate

11. Astro A20

The best of both worlds

Specifications

Interface: Wireless

Features: Long-lasting battery life, Astro Command Center software, console compatibility

Reasons to buy

+High quality sound +Sturdy, comfortable build

Reasons to avoid

-Expensive for its class

If you're searching for one of the best PC gaming headsets, but the $300 price tags on those high-end cans make your stomach turn, you should take a closer look at the Astro A20. Boasting solid stereo sound performance in a wireless headset, not to mention the superb 15-hour battery life, this headset has all the necessary qualities that you might want in its price range. Sure, it doesn't come with surround sound, but it more than makes up for it with its economy and battery life.

Read the full review: Astro A20

12. Asus ROG Strix Fusion 700

Shiny

Specifications

Interface: Wireless (Bluetooth)

Features: 7.1-channel surround sound, 50mm Neodymium drivers, Bluetooth, Built-in DAC

Reasons to buy

+ Great sound quality + Aesthetic

Reasons to avoid

- Expensive

With its Republic of Gamers brand, Asus has built a reputation for being the name behind some of the best gaming peripherals to constantly meet consumer standards. The Asus ROG Strix Fusion 700 joins their ranks. Packed with 50mm Neodymium drivers and Bluetooth compatibility, this gaming headset provides fantastic sound quality without being tethered with a wire. It's even compatible with other gaming platforms, so you won't have to switch between different headsets. It's a little pricey, but considering how good this headset sounds and how flexible it is, we'd say it's worth it.

Read the full review: Asus ROG Strix Fusion 700

13. Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament

Loud and clear

Specifications

Interface: Wired (USB and 3.5mm)

Features: Prospecs glasses relief, Multi-platform support, 50mm drivers

Reasons to buy

+ Comfortable + High sound quality

Reasons to avoid

- Kind of expensive

If you're the type of gamer who likes to let the world know you're playing games, the Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament may just be the best PC gaming headset for you. Not only is it extremely comfortable to wear, but its 50mm drivers mean that sound quality is always top notch – even if it could have a bit more bass in the mix. You really do have to like the 'gamer aesthetic' however, as its plastic build and orange highlights personify the style. Still, if you can get past or embrace the looks and the price tag, there's a lot to love about the Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament.

Read the full review: Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament

1More E1020BT Spearhead in-ear headphones (Image credit: 1More)

14. 1MORE E1020BT Spearhead In-Ear

Great sound for mobile gamers on a budget

Specifications

Interface: Bluetooth wireless

Features: Neckbuds, 32g, dual titanium and graphene drivers

Reasons to buy

+Lightweight +Fast charge

Reasons to avoid

-Looks cheap

For gaming buds the overall sound, lightness and fit of these Bluetooth neck buds was so good they earned a place in the main wireless earbuds section, too. For the price these are an unbeatable combination of audio quality and features that rounds out the mobile gaming experience.

Don't be put off by the shiny plastic construction: they're well built but still light enough for extended sessions or even all-day wear, and with a very comfortable neckband. The dual titanium and graphene drivers deliver a properly rich sound with so much depth it almost fools you into thinking you're wearing over-ears. For team games, and for taking calls, the built-in mic is remarkably effective too. The on-the-go mobile gamer will appreciate the fast charge where just a couple of minutes plugged into a powerbank gets you additional hours of gaming.

Gabe Carey has also contributed to this article

Put your audio quality to the test in the best PC games

Bill Thomas (Twitter) is TechRadar's computing editor. They are fat, queer and extremely online. Computers are the devil, but they just happen to be a satanist. If you need to know anything about computing components, PC gaming or the best laptop on the market, don't be afraid to drop them a line on Twitter or through email.