Shopping around for headphones can be confusing, and there’s lots to consider. Instead of relying on marketing promises, the process is objective, data-driven, and updated as new models appear. In terms of performance, they’re not bad — there are plenty of affordable models — but better sound quality can be found if you’re willing to spend. It’s refreshing to hear an audio tune that acknowledges what its target market needs. Whether you’re a competitive player or a casual gamer, the results provide a shortcut through the noise of endless marketing claims.
Overall, I think AOC has nailed the balance, especially in a wireless headset that can be picked up for under £70. If I were to describe the sound in one word, it would be “clinical”. Because the thin film diaphragm has no resonances or energy storage, it is free of the distortion inherent in moving coil speakers. As with all things, you have to make a cost-benefit analysis.
ChatGPT’s Top 5 Gaming Headsets of 2025
- Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2025 Edition): It’s refreshing to hear an audio tune that acknowledges what its target market needs. Here, the bass is still punchy, but it’s not overwhelming, allowing the mids and treble to shine through.
- Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed: The microphone is about what you’d expect from a budget headset, but here it is crystal clear from my experience. It is a fantastic microphone.
- Sony INZONE H9: The headset produces very precise audio that is well-suited for competitive gaming, but it lacks warmth. Still, it is very comfortable.
- SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: The sound has the potential to be ideal for competitive gaming, and the battery life is outstanding. It’s a fully featured headset, with a few minor niggles that can generally be overlooked.
- HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless: Outstanding endurance and reliability. It’s remarkably clean, and retains plenty of desirable definition without booming.
Mini Reviews – What Makes Each Headset Stand Out
1. Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2025 Edition)
The sound quality is very good, particularly considering the price point. The bass is well-represented and able to produce low-down rumble, but considering the large drivers it lacks a little oomph.
This gives exceptional clarity, but at the expense of warmth. It’s very comfortable, but it can make your ears quite warm compared to fabric coverings. It’s a bold look and one that I’m fully here for. Overall, it is a brilliant wireless headset within its price range.
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2. Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed
Built for esports professionals. The audio overall is fairly good. The standard 40mm drivers feel almost flatlined and restricted, almost as if a piece of foam had been placed in front of a set of G PRO drivers.
The microphone is Discord certified and I can confidently say that the mic is one of the best parts as it is crystal clear from my experience. I have had no latency issues, as well as being able to actually walk around my flat without much trouble or dropouts. The lightweight nature of the headset definitely doesn’t hurt this either.
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3. Sony INZONE H9
Sound separation is good at a medium volume level, allowing you to accurately pick out directional cues. It’s not as effective as it could be, though.
The soundstage is quite narrow, lacking the spaciousness you get from higher-end headsets. However, it is still a great option, especially for those that do not care for RGB and are more concerned with communication over audio quality. It has wide compatibility thanks to multiple connection options, and the battery life is outstanding.
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4. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
The design is rather fetching, and I love the RGB strip. It has a very specific gamer-focused audio tuning. Rather than the bass-heavy tune many manufacturers use, the profile is mostly neutral, with an emphasis on the mids and lower high end that makes the audio sound bright and clear.
The headset produces very precise audio that is well-suited for competitive gaming. Dual connectivity and excellent battery performance keep it competitive against newer models.
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5. HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
Remarkably, it can last over 45 hours with the RGB switched off, dropping to a still respectable 35 hours with RGB on.
Charging via the now ubiquitous USB-C port takes just 2 hours. The frame is clean, lightweight and can withstand twisting with next to no issues. The earcups are snug without being constraining. Overall, it is a great option, especially for budget-conscious gamers.
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How ChatGPT Ranked the Headsets
The AI model applies a scoring system based on four key areas that reflect what most players care about: sound performance, connectivity, comfort, and durability. Each headset receives weighted scores based on both technical testing and real-world feedback.
The process is objective, data-driven, and updated as new models appear. It’s a component that converts electrical energy into acoustic energy, also known as a transducer. It’s very comfortable, but it can make your ears quite warm compared to fabric coverings. These headbands provide a great deal of comfort, distributing the weight and force across a wider area and conforming to the shape of your head, unrestricted by the frame.
Audio Quality and Surround Tech
Rather than the bass-heavy tune many manufacturers use, the profile has a mostly neutral balance, with an emphasis on the mids and lower high end that makes the audio sound bright and clear. This gives exceptional clarity, but at the expense of warmth. Sound separation is good at a medium volume level, allowing you to accurately pick out directional cues, but gauging distance isn’t as easy as it could be, as everything sounds quite close. The audio overall is fairly good. I’d say it has a decent sound quality but it doesn’t feel as alive and vibrant as the higher-end drivers.
The headset produces very precise audio that is well-suited for competitive gaming, but it lacks warmth and may not be ideal for other listening purposes such as music or movies. A final note on the sound quality; At full volume, there is a moderate amount of distortion, which makes the resultant sound messy and lacking definition.
Latency and Wireless Performance
The 2.4GHz connection was stable with no dropouts and the average range was as we’d expect. The latency of the 2.4GHz connection was very good at under 50ms, compared to the approximately 140ms latency of the Bluetooth connection. Wireless range is above average, maintaining connection up to around 6 metres without any drops, but this lowers to a few metres if there are any obstructions or interference.
I have had no latency issues, as well as being able to actually walk around my flat without much trouble or dropouts. Charging is carried out via USB-C, with fairly fast charging and an expected game time of 33 hours, which is excellent.
Comfort and Build Quality
Lightweight, comfortable and with an audio-tune customised for gaming. The earpads are stuffed with plenty of soft foam and coated with supple leatherette. AOC has judged the clamping force perfectly; some headsets can squeeze across your temples or below your ears but these sit perfectly for my taste.
The earcups themselves are dual-layered with memory foam and finished in a sport-like fabric, providing amazing comfort and great noise isolation. However, the imperfect fit that ruins the acoustic seal will be a deal-breaker for most. It’s not quite on the same level as Turtle Beach’s ProSpecs padding, as you do lose the seal slightly. Because the lower end of the headset straightens out, this holds the bottom of the ear cups outwards and prevents it from creating an effective acoustic seal. I couldn’t get a proper seal without holding in the bottom of the headset.
Compatibility and Connectivity
You can use the wireless dongle with PCs, Macs, both PS4 and PS5 consoles, as well as the Nintendo Switch when it is docked. The headset can be switched between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz modes with a simple switch, and connecting via the 3.5mm audio jack will override both wireless connections.
Simply connect the dongle to the USB port on your PC or PS4/5, power up the headset, and it will automatically connect. However, the 2.4GHz connection can be a bit awkward to set up, as the dongle doesn’t ship paired with the headset, requiring a manual pairing process. There’s also a DTS toggle for surround sound, which is only operational via the 2.4GHz wireless connection.
Shared Features in AI’s Top Picks
THX Spatial Audio and 360° Sound
It’s not as effective as it could be, though. Sound separation is good at a medium volume level, allowing you to accurately pick out directional cues. Precision in footsteps, gunfire, and directional cues defines the experience more than raw loudness. A driver serves the core function of loudspeakers and headphones, producing the sound you hear.
Snapdragon Sound and Low-Latency Gaming
Low latency is critical for competitive gaming. The latency of the 2.4GHz connection was very good at under 50ms. Bluetooth latency is higher, but caused no issues with audio/lip-sync. The headset will automatically connect. It’s reliable and doesn’t have any crackle or static noise sometimes attributed to physical volume adjusters.
Hi-Res Certification and Dual Connectivity
The headset can be switched between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz modes with a simple switch. Users will appreciate plug and play connection. You can still use Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos or DTS sound processors. Versatility across platforms is another major factor.
Why These Picks Make Sense for 2025
Due to the more complex structure of the motor system and large diaphragm, some models often cost more, are heavier, and are less efficient, meaning they require more power to be driven. Because they’re so small, it’s possible to use multiple armature drivers. Microelectromechanical systems combine microelectronic circuitry with micrometer-sized mechanical components.
The faster mechanical response means a flat frequency response, better phase response, and lower distortion. Most consumers will be perfectly happy with dynamic driver headphones. Of course, if audio is your passion and you can pursue that passion, planar magnetic, electrostatic, and balanced armature-driven headphones or earbuds are worthy of potential upgrades.
Should You Trust AI with Your Gaming Setup?
As with all things, you have to make a cost-benefit analysis. It’s a rare miss when the imperfect fit ruins the acoustic seal. Still, the microphone could be improved and slightly more features would be preferable, but it’s forgivable. The process is objective, data-driven, and updated as new models appear. If you’re on a budget and want a wireless headset that won’t let you down, it is a great choice.
Final Thoughts
Overall, it is a brilliant wireless headset within its price range. The crisp and bright gamer-focused audio tune is well suited to gaming. If you can try one, and the headset fits your head without losing the seal, you’re going to be very happy with it. Dynamic drivers make the most sense since most of us operate within constrained budgets and don’t need the most accurate response. AI helps filter the best, but your ears make the final call.