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Gaming Headset Recommendations 2025

CLW

Member
Found a few old threads but nothing very recent. Looking to pickup a nice set of "gaming" headphones for my PS5/PC desk setup.

Based on my preliminary research Arctis Nova Elite or Auduze Maxwell seem to be popular picks.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
 
I'm rescuing this thread to subscribe to this question.

BennyBlanco BennyBlanco you told me 2 years ago (lol) that the Arctis are pretty nice. Which one would you recommend? The Pro is a bit too expensive but the 5 might be a good purchase. I'm not an audiophile, just looking for a headset that's comfortable and has nice audio quality and if possible, while providing nice insulation.

Also ofc if anyone has any other recommendation I'll be... all ears. :lollipop_content:
 
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I'm using a Fosi Audio K7 with a pair of Hifiman HE400SE at the moment, with a USB switch so I can swap between PC and PS5.
 
If you want something with a mic, Sennheiser PC38X offers incredibly good value for money.
 
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I have had an Arctis Nova Pro since 2022 and a PC38X since 2024. I almost exclusively use the Arctis. Both are good though. I have tried others (Astro A50x, Asus Delta II, etc.) but I think these two are good enough for most.
 
I'm rescuing this thread to subscribe to this question.

BennyBlanco BennyBlanco you told me 2 years ago (lol) that the Arctis are pretty nice. Which one would you recommend? The Pro is a bit too expensive but the 5 might be a good purchase. I'm not an audiophile, just looking for a headset that's comfortable and has nice audio quality and if possible, while providing nice insulation.

Also ofc if anyone has any other recommendation I'll be... all ears. :lollipop_content:

I've been using the Arctis Nova 7 wireless for like 3 years and have had 0 issues. It's way better than the previous Sony ones I had and also some Corsair piece of shit that broke after like 6 months.
 
I've been using the Arctis Nova 7 wireless for like 3 years and have had 0 issues. It's way better than the previous Sony ones I had and also some Corsair piece of shit that broke after like 6 months.
Thanks man. Last question: is it comfortable for long sessions? I've seen people complaining about the model 5 because the ear pads/cushions are a bit too small.
 
Yeah I find them very comfortable. They have adjustable straps as well.
Many thanks my man! I'll be gifting myself those sweet Arctis Nova 7.

edit: hey BennyBlanco BennyBlanco I don't want to bump the thread just for this but man I'm super happy with the purchase. Many thanks for the recommendation!
 
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Can vouch for Audeze Maxwell even if the name is dumb.

I have the first version but interested in v2 as a backup.
I have both V1 and V2.

Bass on V1 is louder but more boomy.
Bass on V2 is more controlled
Both sound great and have a wide soundstage but the detail on the 2 is slightly better.

For the money I'd have just stuck to the version 1
 
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I have both V1 and V2.

Bass on V1 is louder but more boomy.
Bass on V2 is more controlled
Both sound great and have a wide soundstage but the detail on the 2 is slightly better.

For the money I'd have just stuck to the version 1
Thanks for the insight, I'll wait for this one to break and grab a V2 at that time then.

In the meantime I'll look for a cheaper backup for travel.
 
Based on my preliminary research Arctis Nova Elite or Auduze Maxwell seem to be popular picks.
Maxwell 1 is fantastic sounding but a bit heavy on the head, heard of some QA issues as well so check some reviews.

There's a Maxwell 2 out there now, but don't know how much of an upgrade it is tbh.

Thanks man. Last question: is it comfortable for long sessions? I've seen people complaining about the model 5 because the ear pads/cushions are a bit too small.
If the earpads aren't to your liking there are a lot of aftermarket options, Wicked Cushions are my recommendation.
 
Many thanks my man! I'll be gifting myself those sweet Arctis Nova 7.

edit: hey BennyBlanco BennyBlanco I don't want to bump the thread just for this but man I'm super happy with the purchase. Many thanks for the recommendation!

hulk-hogan-nodding.gif


Glad to help.
 
For PC, not super expensive but man, the Sony Pulse Elite is pretty fucking awesome. I bought Atmos for 14.99, its awesome. I use a BT 990 Pro with a amp if I'm wanting to really be immersed but wireless, the Pulse is good bang for your buck
 
For PC, not super expensive but man, the Sony Pulse Elite is pretty fucking awesome. I bought Atmos for 14.99, its awesome. I use a BT 990 Pro with a amp if I'm wanting to really be immersed but wireless, the Pulse is good bang for your buck
I also use the Pulse Elites on both PS5 Pro/Portal/PC/SW2 and love them. They sound great IMO and I love the simultaneous Bluetooth audio. I threw some Wicked Cushions on them.

I just got a good deal on the Inzone H9 II though so I just switched over. I switched from the OG H9 to the Elites and I miss the noise cancellation and transparency mode. I really like them so far. The only thing I lose is portal functionality but I barely ever use headphones with Portal anyways and I have the Pulse Explore if I really want to.
 
I also recently got the SteelSeries Arctics Nova 7x 2nd gen and been loving it. My last wireless was also a Steel Series and it lasted for about 4+ years. Great brand.
 
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless.

Works wired or wireless, has hotswappable batteries, wireless DAC allows for adjusting EQ/mic volume/other options, adjustable headband. It's lasted me the last 3 years with no issues.

Having replaceable parts is a plus, since the battery, headband, and ear cushions can all be replaced.
 
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I always come back to the Astros. Had them since Gen 1 (the 5.8 receiver thingy was amazing back in the days) and now on gen 5. I also play with iems (currently hype 4 MK2 on a fiio k13). Used to have hifiman Arya desktop dac amps etc so I'm used to hifi sound too. However, the Astros gen 5 are my go to. Especially with Joe's preset for gaming, (gadgetry tech) with the little tweak these are amazing
 
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