The 10 Best Surround Sound Headphones

1. HyperX Cloud II

The HyperX Cloud II has been around for a while, yet it remains one of the best surround sound headphones on the market. It’s an affordable option that is a favorite among gamers. With a price tag of under $100, it offers exceptional value for money.

The Cloud II features replaceable memory foam earcups that provide hours of use without discomfort. The cable comprises two parts, with the USB portion acting as a USB sound card. It supports standard USB ports (with the sound card) and 3.5mm outputs (without sound card), providing broader platform support.

The built-in microphone performs extremely well, providing clarity in the most chaotic gaming moments and allowing you to communicate effectively with your squad. The microphone is also detachable and can be replaced.

Overall, the HyperX Cloud II is built to last and offers high-quality surround sound performance in an affordable package. They’ll last for years.

2. SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless

3. Turtle Beach Stealth 700

The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 isn’t just for chatting with friends in-game. The Turtle Beach Audio Hub app unlocks its versatility, letting you take calls or listen to music while you play. No more awkward mic leaks – the Stealth 700 features a handy auto-mute mic that mutes when flipped up. With a 10-hour battery life, you can game or multitask for a full day without worry.

Comfort is a priority with the Stealth 700. Plush ear cushions with a ProSpecs design ensure glasses wearers can play in comfort. An adjustable headband and a rubberized top for better grip round out the user-friendly design. The Stealth 700 caters to both casual and competitive gamers. Immerse yourself in 7.1 surround sound and active noise cancellation to eliminate distractions. Multiple EQ presets let you personalize your audio experience.

Gain a competitive edge with the Stealth 700’s Superhuman Hearing Technology, which amplifies key audio cues. The 50mm cups deliver a wide soundstage with powerful bass and clear treble, ensuring you hear everything on the battlefield. The Stealth 700 offers both wireless and wired connectivity. Choose wireless for convenience, or use the optical jack for additional features on PS4. Finally, the headset boasts multi-platform compatibility, working with Windows/Mac, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and mobile devices.

4. HyperX Cloud Alpha S

The Cloud Alpha S prioritizes enhanced gaming audio with 7.1 surround sound and minimal distortion. Sliders let you adjust bass for a personalized experience. The durable, comfortable design with a detachable microphone is great for everyday PC and PS4 use. Memory foam padding makes it comfortable, but the leatherette ear cups can get warm.

The Cloud Alpha S boasts wider sound and more control compared to the Cloud Stinger. The bass gets a boost, so if you prefer a neutral sound this isn’t ideal. It works well with mids and highs for a balanced sound overall. Dual-chamber drivers reduce distortion for clear audio even at high volumes.

The 3.5mm connection allows easy connection to various devices. It includes an extension cord for PC with volume and mute controls. The Cloud Alpha S is compatible with PC and PS4.

5. Razer Kraken Tournament Edition THX

The THX Razer Kraken Tournament Edition, priced under $100, features THX Spatial Audio for a 360° sound experience. With 50mm drivers and cooling gel-infused cushions, it offers day-long comfort and clear communication via its cardioid microphone. This headset is compatible with PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices.

Comfort is key, making it ideal for marathon gaming. Although bulky like previous Razer headsets, it is sturdy and comfortable. The padded headband and gel-infused ear cushions reduce heat buildup, provide noise cancellation, and ensure sound isolation, perfect for long or short gaming sessions.

The gel cushions help with heat buildup and can be chilled in the fridge for extra cooling. The thick metal headband and robust earcups ensure durability and comfort with ample foam padding. The 360° THX Spatial Audio, powered by magnet drivers, delivers deep bass, warm mids, and clear highs.

The left side features a Bass toggle function for adjusting bass levels, while the right side has controls for enabling THX Spatial Audio and a chat mixer for easy sound personalization mid-game.

Using a 3.5mm audio jack, the headset offers cross-platform compatibility and includes a second cable with a sound card for Razer Synapse software add-ons and THX Spatial Audio. The audio enhancer DAC connects via USB, with THX Spatial Audio available on Windows 10 64-bit only.

6. Corsair VOID RGB Elite

For just under $100, the Corsair VOID RGB Elite Gaming Headset offers 7.1 surround sound. Similar to the Corsair Void Pro RGB, this newer version is completely wireless with a 40-foot range and 16-hour battery life. It has an expanded frequency range up to 30kHz, which helps prevent audio distortion.

This stylish headset features customizable RGB lighting on each ear cup. It also includes a Discord-certified omnidirectional microphone for clear communication. The microfiber mesh fabric and memory foam earpads ensure comfort, while the aluminum yokes provide durability.

The Corsair VOID RGB Elite delivers warm sound with decent bass depth, though the mids and highs are adequate for gaming rather than music. The expanded frequency range (20Hz to 30kHz) and high-density drivers enhance the gaming audio experience, with virtual surround sound available when connected to a PC.

The omnidirectional mic swings down for use and includes a windbreak to reduce popping noises. The headset connects wirelessly to your PC or PS4 using the low-latency 2.4GHz wireless USB adapter dongle, allowing for easy pairing.

7. Logitech G533 Wireless Gaming Headset

The Logitech G533 Wireless Gaming Headset, priced around $74, is a standout wireless option from Logitech. Released in 2017, it features Pro-G audio drivers with DTS 7.1 surround sound. It offers a wireless range of up to 15 meters and up to 15 hours of battery life, making it suitable for all-day use.

The headset is built from standard plastic and weighs 12.5 oz, but the weight is evenly distributed for comfort. The joints are slightly loose, so handling with care and storing in a separate case is recommended. The G533 includes a boom mic, on-ear volume, and mute controls, making it a budget-friendly wireless option.

Design-wise, the G533 is larger with a glossy finish and the “G” logo on each ear cup. It has a functional, non-extravagant look without any RGB lighting, appealing to gamers who prefer a simpler aesthetic. The ear cups are made of lightweight sports mesh material, removable, and washable, ensuring comfort and cleanliness.

The headset offers various audio and equalization options for different genres, with the 7.1 surround sound providing immersive gameplay by highlighting directional audio cues. The Pro-G audio drivers deliver clear high frequencies and deep bass, recreating in-depth game audio effects. Compared to the G933, the G533 is simpler but offers a great experience at a better price.

The Logitech G533 is compatible with PC and PS4 via a USB connection, making it unsuitable for public use but perfect for home gaming setups.

8. Logitech G935 Wireless

The Logitech G935 is a continuation of the G9 series, featuring a similar design but with a cleaner, glossier finish and a personalized G935 logo. This headset balances between premium and affordable, offering quality and style. It connects to various devices using a 3.5mm jack but primarily uses a 2.4GHz wireless setup with a 12-hour battery life, making it a versatile PC gaming headset priced just above $100.

The G935 boasts rectangular, closed-ear cups made of proprietary woven hybrid mesh with leatherette padding. This design, along with a durable padded steel headband, ensures comfort and durability for daily use. Though bulky, it suits a stationary gaming setup, with swiveling ear cups for easy customization and an LED strip with the G branding on each cup.

Customizable volume, EQ, and surround sound settings per game, combined with next-gen 7.1 surround sound technology (X 2.0), deliver precise positional audio. The headset features Logitech’s most expansive audio driver, offering increased bass response and accuracy with a 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response for minimal distortion.

The microphone, while slightly over-saturated for recordings, is adequate for gaming. It conveniently extends from the left ear cup for clear communication. The G935 is compatible with PCs via the Logitech G Hub and wireless USB adapter, and can also connect to other audio sources like smartphones using a 3.5mm cable. Note that the 7.1 surround sound feature is only available with a USB connection.

9. Razer Kraken X Ultralight Gaming Headset

The Razer Kraken X Ultralight Gaming Headset offers excellent features for under $50. The analog audio controls for volume and mic mute/unmute are conveniently located behind the left ear cup. It includes a flexible cardioid microphone, which cannot be detached but can be adjusted for comfort.

Despite its low price, the Kraken X Ultralight is of high quality, providing great comfort for long gaming sessions. Weighing only 8.8 ounces, it is extremely lightweight and comfortable, making it suitable for users who wear glasses. This budget-friendly headset is compatible with multiple platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and more.

The Kraken X Ultralight features 7.1 surround sound and custom-tuned 40mm drivers for powerful, clear sound. Its minimalist design comes in classic black or black and blue, with a sleek look and the Razer logo on each ear cup. The headset has oval ear cushions, a durable and flexible headband slider, and a swivel mechanism for easy adjustment.

With a wide frequency response of 12Hz to 28kHz, the Kraken X Ultralight delivers high-quality, immersive audio. The custom-tuned 40mm drivers and sound-isolating ear cups limit external noise, making it ideal for gaming. While it excels in treble and voice work, it may not satisfy audiophiles seeking strong bass for music.

The Razer Kraken X Ultralight connects via a 3.5mm audio jack, making it compatible with PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and other mobile devices.

10. Razer BlackShark V2 X

The Razer BlackShark V2, released in mid-2020, is a popular sub-$100 gaming headset, rivaling higher-priced models like the Cloud Alpha. It offers premium features and performance typical of $150 alternatives.

Weighing just 262g, the BlackShark V2 is lightweight yet durable, though it requires gentle handling around the hinges. The sleek black design with green accents avoids flashy RGB lighting. The oval-shaped earcups, a departure from Razer’s usual circular designs, improve fit and comfort. Ultra-soft, breathable memory foam earcups, and a padded headband enhance comfort and reduce heat, making it suitable for long gaming sessions. Passive noise cancellation effectively blocks ambient noise.

Featuring 50mm TriForce Titanium drivers, the BlackShark V2 provides a balanced sound with enhanced low-end response and brightness in the lower treble. The audio performance is impressive, delivering immersive explosions in FPS games and enjoyable music listening, especially in EDM and hip-hop. The driver design aids frequency separation, improving in-game audio cue detection.

The detachable microphone offers clear audio, flexible for positioning, and is of high quality for its price range, though it may lack some depth.

Simple, intuitive controls include a microphone mute button and a volume dial. The wired headset has a built-in cable, which can’t be replaced but is durable. The USB soundcard dongle allows compatibility with PlayStation 4 and 5, though it’s primarily for PC users. For Xbox One or Series X, it connects via a 1/8″ TRRS connection to the controller.

Overall, the Razer BlackShark V2 is an excellent gaming headset under $100, offering impressive sound quality, a good microphone, and exceptional comfort.