Finding the best Nintendo Switch headset is not as easy as it sounds. With a variety of brands on the market and a ton of features to look out for, choosing an ideal headset can be tough. Plus, the best gaming headset will appeal differently to different people. While sound quality might be a top priority for some, others may value comfort or a wireless headset the most. Nintendo’s recent decision to add Bluetooth connectivity to the Switch also makes wireless headsets eligible for consideration.
It requires a lot of time, energy, and effort to find a Nintendo Switch headset that’s perfect in every way. Fortunately, we have done the hard work for you. After testing dozens of gaming headsets, we’ve compiled the top picks for you. We’ve made sure to cater to all kinds of needs and budgets – from the best budget headsets to the most premium high-end headset money can buy. Read on for the best Nintendo Switch headsets on the market.
TL;DR – These are our picks for the Best Nintendo Switch Headsets:
- Razer Barracuda X
- HyperX Cloud Alpha
- SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless
- Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 Max
- Logitech Pro X Gaming Headset
- SkullCandy Plyr
Razer Barracuda X
Best Nintendo Switch Headset
The Razer Barracuda X is easily our top pick for a Nintendo Switch headset that’s impressive in every way and at an incredibly reasonable price. For just $99, you get excellent audio quality and a lag-free wireless connection through the low-latency 2.4GHz USB dongle. This headset also offers seamless Bluetooth connectivity for your Nintendo Switch, smartphone, and other devices for a completely cable-free setup.
The Barracuda X is also immensely comfortable thanks to its mesh-covered memory foam earcups, remarkably thick headband padding, and lightweight plastic body. Weighing just 250g, it is ideal for extended hours of gameplay without feeling like a burden on your noggin. What makes the Barracuda X even better for long gaming sessions is its 60-hour battery life, and even when it runs out of juice, you can always use the included 3.5mm cable to keep playing. If you also game on platforms other than the Switch, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s compatible with PS4, PS5, PC, as well as phones sporting USB-C Ports.
HyperX Cloud Alpha
Best Wired Nintendo Switch Headset
The HyperX Cloud Alpha is one of the most popular choices for a wired gaming headset. It hosts 50mm dual chamber drivers that deliver focused and powerful sound. The sound is crisp and clear, and it maintains that clarity even when the volume is cranked all the way up. The detachable boom mic on the cans is excellent at canceling unwanted background noise and transferring your voice clearly and precisely.
The Cloud Alpha features a sturdy aluminum frame headband that makes it durable and light. The lightweight profile of the headset coupled with its thick earcups makes for a tremendously comfortable fit as well. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry too much about the cable being a hassle. The headset boasts a braided nylon cable that is fairly easy to untangle.
SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless
Best Wireless Nintendo Switch Headset
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless Gaming Headset is one of the best options if you want to go fully cable-free. The headset has a lag-free connection with its USB dongle and it provides up to 20 hours of gaming before it runs out of battery. Sporting wired connection options as well, you don’t have to put the headset down when it’s out of juice. Though you’ll be tethered to a cable, you won’t have to pause your gaming. The Arctis 1’s 40mm drivers help deliver impressive audio.
Apart from the seamless connection and brilliant sound, the headset features a sturdy body padded with soft Airweave fabric on the earcups and plushy foam cushions on the headband. Plus, it weighs a total of 254g to sit comfortably atop your head. It offers easy compatibility with not just the Nintendo Switch but also PS4, Xbox One, PC, and mobile devices. What’s more, it features a fantastic mic, which is also thankfully detachable, so you won’t look like a newscaster when you’re not gaming.
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 Max
Best Cross-Platform Nintendo Switch Headset
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If multi-platform compatibility is what you need, the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 Max is a great pick. The 2.4GHz dongle that comes with this brilliant headset works with the Switch, PC PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Only a few headsets on the market offers complete compatibility across all platforms due to Microsoft’s proprietary wireless technology, but this headset is one of the most affordable ones.
Additionally, it offers excellent built-in spatial audio that can make your games come to life. It sports a light all-plastic body so you won’t get weighed down. There’s also a two-part hinge system on the earcups that allows them to rotate nicely and even lie flat on your shoulders. The earcups are generously padded with memory foam and covered in mesh fabric, which not only ensures comfort but also breathability so you don’t end up in a gross, sweaty gaming session. Available at an economical price of $129, the Stealth 600 is nothing less than a steal.
Logitech Pro X Gaming Headset
Best Sounding Nintendo Switch Headset
The Logitech G Pro X is a great choice if you prioritize high-quality sound in a gaming headset. It features impressive highs that thankfully, doesn’t go overboard with the clear lows as well. Oftentimes, the bass is overdone, so it sounds thick and heavy. However, that isn’t the case with the Pro X, explosions and the like sound great. The surround sound on the headset is pretty impressive too, which always helps to enhance the overall experience.
It’s also a tough and sturdy headset, accompanied by thick cushioning to keep the strain off your head and ears at all times. Apart from ensuring a comfortable fit, the thick cushioning facilitates a certain level of passive noise isolation as well. Not only is the Pro X immensely comfortable, but it also fits rather snugly too. It hugs your ears tightly at all times and exerts just enough clamping force to not feel overbearing. Logitech also thoughtfully provides an extra pair of velour pads in the package to accommodate users with glasses. of glasses, far outweigh that.
SkullCandy Plyr
Best Bluetooth Nintendo Switch Headset
SkullCandy’s Plyr is a great Bluetooth headset for your Switch. The connection process is fast and simple, and there are hardly any lag. With a 3.5mm cord in the package, you can also use the Plyr as a wired headset. You can rely on the headset’s 50mm drivers to deliver punchy, clear, and focused sound. For a $130 midrange headset, the sound on this is brilliant. It has the immersive audio experience that gamers look for.
Plyr also allows an impressive amount of user customization through the SkullCandy-HQ app It allows you to modify the equalizer channels with options for bass, mids, and highs – or there are presets such as RPG, music, and film mode. The app also lets you tweak volume levels for both gaming and chat, which you can also adjust using the headset’s onboard controls.
What to look for in a Nintendo Switch Headset?
One of the most important features to look for when buying a Nintendo Switch headset is comfort. You’re going to be spending a lot of time wearing it, so therefore you don’t want something that’s a burden on your head and ears. Avoid this by opting for a headset that is generously padded, both on the headband and earcups. You’ll also want to make sure the earcups are covered in mesh fabric instead of leatherette, as the latter material often causes you to sweat from heat buildup. Noise isolation is almost as important as comfort. noise. Make sure to look for a headset that forms a snug seal around your ears as it provides a good degree of passive noise isolation. The circumference of the earcups should be large enough to fit around your ears. If you’re someone who wears glasses, consider velour earcups.
While we’re on the topic of silencing ambient noise, active noise-canceling (ANC) is another important feature to look for. Noise cancellation helps block out any external sounds so you can pay more attention to those slight, but all-so-crucial directional audio cues. Basically, ANC enhances immersion and results in an overall enhanced gameplay experience.
It’s wise to not underestimate the importance of build quality. You might be tempted to opt for plastic headsets because of their relatively inexpensive price tags. However, it’s best to invest in a sturdy metal headset that will last you a couple of years. Not only will plastic give up on you pretty soon, but it also exudes a cheap and flimsy look as well.
A significant part of gaming is coordinating with your teammates, which makes the microphone on a headset one of its most important features. You’d want to make sure the mic transmits your voice quickly and clearly without any lag. It is also recommendable to look for headsets that feature custom settings for mics, so you can tweak how you sound. Also, if you plan on using the headset on the go, definitely go for those with detachable mics.
Lastly, but very importantly, one of the features most gamers value the most is sound. Make sure the sound on your headset is customizable via EQ settings on a companion app, so that you have some level of control over it. The rest mostly has to do with your preferences. If you’re a fan of bass, look for a headset that emphasizes low-end. If you’re big on RPGs, surround sound is a must-have feature.
Dua has been hooked on technology since she was a kid and used to spend all of her spare time reading product reviews online. Today, she writes for IGN, TechRadar, and Gizmodo, and has worked for PCMag, Digital Trends, and ScreenRant among other tech publishers. When she isn't obsessing over the latest gadgets, Dua spends her time working out, playing the uke or reading.
