HyperX Cloud II Wireless ($81): This is an excellent 7.1 surround headset that features HyperX's signature comfortable fit, which I ended up bumping from the list in favor of the Cloud Alpha Wireless because the Alpha's battery life is a huge distinguishing feature. The Cloud II Wireless does have a better signal range as tested, though, and you can use it wirelessly with a PS4/PS5 and Nintendo Switch as well as a PC.Read our HyperX Cloud 2 Wireless review.

Razer Barracuda X ($80): The performance, audio quality, and design of the Barracuda X make it an excellent choice for cross-platform players. I wouldn't recommend the headset for cloud gaming, though. Razer refreshed it in 2022, boosting battery life to a rated 50 hours and adding Bluetooth for the same price. I haven't tested the updated model.  Read our Razer Barracuda X review.

SteelSeries Arctis Prime ($48): The budget, cross-platform wireless Arctis Prime performs well, but if you're sensitive to fit, weight and other design-related considerations, I suggest you give it a heads-on before buying. Read our SteelSeries Arctis Prime review.

Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense ($90): Razer's updated haptic feedback debuted in this gaming headset -- it basically vibrates when the signal contains certain frequencies, in order to provide positional information and a more immersive experience. The new version improves upon its predecessor found in the Razer Nari line by being able to work without specific support within a game and the ability to choose from two intensities. It has the same great sound quality as the other Razer headsets with the TriForce Titanium drivers. But I suspect the haptic feedback is an acquired taste, though. Thus far, I've found it more distracting than immersive. And without game support it's too random; for instance, bass-voiced narration rumbles in a disconcerting way and it kicks in when I have mic monitoring on. Other issues I've had include it being a little too tight (especially with glasses), its THX Spatial Surround falling a bit short of other virtual surround technologies I've used, and the braided but thick cable tends to kink. I haven't given up on it, though, and am giving it another shot with its higher-end sibling, the Kraken V3 Pro.

EPOS Audio H3Pro Hybrid ($144): This former top-lister is a somewhat controversial choice overall, but even a lot of people who don't like the Epos gaming headsets in general tend to agree that they have great stereo audiophile-quality sound. Given Epos' kinship with audio veteran Sennheiser -- and unfortunately, the Sennheiser-level high prices -- one expects no less. I really like the H3Pro Hybrid headset, though, for gamers who don't need surround sound. The biggest problem with it is the barely adequate range the dongle gives it (about 16 feet in my testing) which may be a deal-killer for a lot of people. The software's kind of lackluster as well. But it's comfortable, sleeker than your usual gaming headset, has solid ANC and supports simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connections. 

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