10 Best PC headphones 2025 in the United States

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a top-tier gaming headset designed to deliver exceptional audio and comfort for long gaming sessions. It features premium high-fidelity drivers that provide clear, immersive sound enhanced by 360° spatial audio, which helps you detect game details like footsteps and reloads with precision. The headset is comfortable with an over-ear design, suitable for extended use without causing discomfort.

One of its standout features is the active noise cancellation, powered by a smart 4-mic system that blocks out background noise effectively, helping you stay focused in noisy environments. For voice chat, the retractable ClearCast Gen 2 microphone uses AI technology to reduce background noise and deliver clear communication. Connectivity is flexible; it supports both lag-free 2.4GHz wireless for gaming and Bluetooth for calls or music, letting you mix audio sources easily.

The included base station allows quick switching between multiple devices like Xbox, PC, and PlayStation, and offers two USB ports for added convenience. Battery life is impressive at around 40 hours, and the Infinity Power System lets you hot-swap batteries to keep playing without interruption. Some users have reported occasional Bluetooth connectivity hiccups, which can usually be fixed by toggling Bluetooth off and on. While the headset weighs about 3 pounds, which might feel slightly heavy to some, its build is sturdy but mainly plastic, so durability is good but not premium metal-level. This headset suits gamers seeking high-quality sound, versatile connectivity, and comfort, especially if they play across several platforms and value clear voice chat and noise cancellation.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is designed for gamers who want top-tier sound and versatile connectivity. It delivers excellent sound quality thanks to premium hi-fi drivers and customizable EQ settings through Sonar Software, making it easy to tailor audio to your taste. The 360° spatial audio feature adds immersion by letting you hear directional sounds clearly, which is great for gaming.

Comfort-wise, the over-ear design is generally well-padded, though the headset weighs around 3 pounds, which might feel a bit heavy during long sessions for some users. The microphone stands out with AI-powered noise cancellation that effectively filters out background noise, ensuring clear communication. Plus, the mic retracts neatly when not in use, keeping the headset sleek.

Connectivity is a strong point with dual wireless streams—2.4GHz for lag-free gaming audio and Bluetooth for calls or music at the same time. The included OLED base station simplifies switching between PC, consoles, or mobile devices, and the hot-swappable battery system means you can keep playing without interruption, boasting a long 44-hour battery life. The active noise cancellation works well, blocking out distractions, and the transparency mode helps you stay aware of your surroundings when needed. Durability is solid with a premium feel and quality materials, though the headset’s weight and size may not suit everyone. This headset is a premium choice for gamers seeking high-quality sound, flexible multi-device use, and long battery life, but those sensitive to heavier headsets might want to try it on first.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are a strong contender in the premium headphone market, especially for users seeking top-notch noise cancellation and sound quality. These headphones feature Advanced Noise Canceling technology with Dual Noise Sensor, which effectively minimizes ambient sounds for an immersive listening experience. The sound quality is enhanced with Sony's DSEE Extreme, upscaling compressed music files for superior audio performance. Comfort-wise, these headphones have an updated design that relieves pressure, making them suitable for long listening sessions without discomfort.

The battery life is impressive, offering up to 30 hours of use on a full charge, and quick charging provides 5 hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge, which is convenient for busy users. Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.0, allowing for multi-device pairing and easy switching between devices. The touch sensor controls on the ear cups facilitate effortless management of playback, volume, and phone calls, as well as activation of voice assistants like Alexa.

The Speak-to-Chat feature and wearing detection add to their user-friendly design, pausing music automatically when you start talking or remove the headphones. The built-in microphones deliver clear call quality, which is beneficial for those who frequently make phone calls or participate in virtual meetings. However, a potential drawback for some users might be the price point, as premium features come at a higher cost. Additionally, while the headphones are durable with quality materials, their plastic build may raise concerns about long-term robustness compared to metal alternatives. These headphones are best suited for individuals prioritizing noise cancellation, superior sound, and comfort, particularly for long flights, commutes, or focused work sessions.