Best gaming headset 2022 for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Switch

In many games - particularly shooters such as Valorant, Fortnite and CSGO - hearing a single footstep from an enemy could mean the difference between a delicious chicken dinner and an ignoble defeat. We've gathered our top recommendations for the best gaming headsets on the market right now based on price and quality.

Whether you prefer the lower cost and higher audio quality of wired headphones or the convenience of wireless headsets, we've got what you're looking for. We've also included recommendations for the PS5, the Xbox Series X/S, the Switch and the PC, so no matter what system you game on, you'll be able to find at least a few top-tier gaming headsets that are much better than the built-in speakers on your TV or monitor. We'll also discuss both open-back and closed-back headphones, as the former tend to provide a wider sound stage conducive to locating enemies, while the latter minimise sound leakage to ensure you don't disturb your flatmates.

In addition to our recommendations, we should note what we'll be looking for when choosing the best gaming headsets. We want a pair of headphones that we can wear comfortably for hours without getting uncomfortable during marathon gaming sessions. You should also pay attention to the sound quality, as this will allow you to hear each sound clearly and become completely immersed in the game. Also, it's important to have a built-in microphone with good noise reduction to communicate with your friends or teammates. Finally, we would also like to see support for multiple systems, so that if you own a console and a PC, or multiple consoles, you can use the same headset on both platforms.

Let's jump right into Digital Foundry's picks for the best gaming headphones available in 2022. Click the links to jump straight to the pick you're interested in, or scroll on to read the whole piece! You can also find answers to frequently asked questions at the end of the page.