You don’t have to stick with a shoddy headset because it came bundled with your console. These are the best headsets for the PlayStation 4, whether you’re in the market for virtual surround sound or merely a comfortable build.
Arctis Pro
The best
Why should you buy this? It’s the best gaming headset for virtually any system.
Who’s it for? Those who want high fidelity audio and a premium feel.
Why we picked the SteelSeries Arctis Pro:
The Arctis Pro excels in so many categories, it’s hard to know where to start. Regardless of your preferred setup, you’ll be able to find a version of the Pro that works for you, as both wired and wireless models exist. Both versions include plug-and-play peripherals that support hi-res sound and enable users to fine-tune EQ settings and surround sound at a much more granular scale than the competition. For multiplayer communication, the headset includes a highly flexible, crystal-clear mic that rivals even some professional-grade audio equipment. Best of all, it does all this without the need for extra software or downloads, which is something that kept previous Arctis headsets from reaching their full potential when connected to a PS4.
If you’re a multiplatform player with either multiple consoles or a gaming PC in addition to your PS4, you’ll be able to enjoy the Arctis Pro on all of those systems as well. Though the optional hi-res GameDAC and the 2.4G Bluetooth receiver box are only compatible with PC and PS4, the Arctis Pro is compatible with virtually every console right out of the box, either through wireless USB or 3.5mm wired connection. All players, regardless of platform, can take advantage of the headset’s excellent stereo mix and super-clear microphone.
Finally, unlike many bulky headsets with gaudy designs, the Arctis Pro’s design looks mature and professional. Its aesthetic mimics stylish audiophile headphones, with a novel, one-size-fits-all headband that is incredibly comfortable and can be customized with different earpad fabrics and headband styles to fit your taste.
HyperX Cloud Revolver S
The best premium wired headset for PS4
Why should you buy this? The excellent-sounding Cloud Revolver S is the most versatile and intuitive headset we’ve tested.
Who’s it for? Anyone and everyone, provided a wired connection works with your setup.
Why we picked the Cloud Revolver S:
The Cloud Revolver S from HyperX boasts incredible versatility. You’ll have three separate connection types at the ready — 3.5mm, dual 3.5mm, and wired USB. This variety enables the headset to connect to just about any platform. While offering multiple connection types is not a feature entirely unique to the Cloud Revolver S, the headset takes compatibility a step further by eliminating the need for any extra breakout boxes, software, or driver downloads. It’s a truly plug-and-play peripheral, which isn’t as common as it was in the past for high-end headsets. This is of utmost importance with the USB connection, which uses a USB dongle featuring its own built-in sound card and controls for Dolby 7.1 virtual surround sound and EQ settings.
The connection flexibility is great, but the Cloud Revolver S’ most important feature is its brilliant sound performance. The stereo mix on its own is superb. It offers great balance and punchy bass that enhances gameplay and music. The virtual surround sound feature and EQ settings further enhance the experience, and we especially like the added gravitas from the Bass Boost preset. The final kicker is that the headset is extremely comfortable, with a sturdy design, generous padding, and an auto-fitting headband.
Astro Gaming A50
The best premium wireless headset for PS4
Why should you buy this? It’s one of the most full-featured wireless headsets available for the PS4.
Who’s it for? PlayStation gamers who want a powerful wireless headset (and don’t mind paying for it).
Why we picked the Astro Gaming A50:
The latest iterations of Astro’s A50 sport offer all the same hallmarks of their last-gen brethren, and to be honest, we couldn’t be happier with that. The phenomenal headset remains among the best choices on our list granting you 5.8GHz wireless technology and virtual 7.1 surround sound within a solid, over-the-ear design. The uni-directional mic helps isolate your voice from surrounding background noise, while a built-in feature allows you to engage the mute function by simply flipping the boom upward. The three distinct EQ modes, terrific sound reproduction, and cross-platform support grant it even more appeal.
This headset also nails all the feature points you’d expect from high-quality gear such as auto shutoff, hassle-free wireless connection, and long battery life. But most importantly, the A50 makes games more engrossing and entertaining, and it’s also compatible with PC and Mac. For the serious gamer seeking an incredible wireless experience, the A50 is a great choice … provided you’re willing and able to shell out the cash.
Turtle Beach Recon 200
The best budget wired for PS4
Why should you buy this? It’s an affordable headset with great audio and chat functionality.
Who’s it for? The budget-minded gamer.
Why we picked the Turtle Beach Recon 200
For sound quality, comfort, and handy chat features on a budget, Turtle Beach has you covered with its Recon 200 wired headset. Equipped with a 3.5mm jack to easily switch between systems to go from Xbox One to PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch in a hurry, the Recon 200 has the audio quality you’re looking for in a dedicated gaming headset. Its always-on Bass Boost feature brings extra immersion to your favorite games. Kratos’ “Boy!” cries have never sounded so real.
The Turtle Beach Recon 200 is incredibly affordable for what you’re getting, and it offers much more than just sound quality. The microphone built into the headset is omnidirectional and it features a flip-to-mute feature, so you don’t have to hit any buttons after turning it to its vertical position. It also has microphone monitoring built in, so you can hear your own voice levels while you’re chatting with your gaming friends online, and there’s a monitoring wheel on the control panel so you can adjust it on the fly.
How we test
Like we do for all the products we test, we put gaming headsets through the ringer. We judge based on a headset’s audio performance, mic performance, wearability, and if necessary battery life and wireless connectivity. We play games of various sound experiences to ensure the headsets will sound great during action-heavy gameplay, as well as quieter sections. We also listen to non-gaming audio and videos, including a selection of music from various genres at differing bit rates to discern whether the headsets perform well outside of a gaming context.
To test mics, we record clips of ourselves speaking in quiet and loud environments, both with any noise canceling or enhancements toggled on and off. We use the headsets over multiple days, wearing them while gaming, watching videos, or listening to music to test the veracity of battery life claims and/or appraise their long-term wearability and comfort.
