Best buys · The gaming setup

The best gaming headset worth buying

Our pick is the HyperX Cloud II. Below: why, what actually matters when buying one, what to get for less, the step up, and whether today's price is a good one.

The headset

HyperX Cloud II

Keeps turning up on best-headset lists years after launch, because it is comfortable for a long session and the sound holds up against headsets that cost twice as much.

Buy it for
Long sessions, voice chat, a first proper headset.
Skip it if
You want wireless. Look at the Cloud wireless models.

What actually matters when buying a gaming headset

  1. Comfort over a long session: clamping force, ear-pad depth and weight.
  2. A microphone that sounds clear to other people. Detachable is a bonus.
  3. Wired or wireless. Wired is cheaper and never needs charging; wireless frees you from the desk.
  4. Closed-back for noisy rooms, open-back for sound if the room is quiet.

Either side of the pick

The step up

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro

Better sound, a base station and swappable batteries on the wireless version.

Check the price at Amazon ↗