Best Headset for Streaming on Twitch [Buyer’s Guide]

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While the tech does not always make the streamer, having a good headset with a great microphone is essential if you plan on streaming on Twitch. 

So you head to Amazon and start looking, but there are so many options, and you don’t know what to do. 

Luckily for you, here are the 10 best gaming headsets that are perfect for streaming on Twitch and can help improve your stream’s quality. 

If you are new to headsets, check out the buyer’s guide at the end of this article so you know exactly what to look at when choosing the best headphones for your need. 

Now, without further ado, let us begin! 

Steelseries Arctis 7

Specs:

• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20Khz
• Connection: Bluetooth (2.4GHz band)
• Weight: 12.5 oz
• Drivers: S1 Speaker Driver
• Type: Wireless
• Battery Life: 24 hours

Pros:

• 24-hour battery life
• Low-latency and zero interference
• Noise-canceling mic
• 7.1 surround sound

Cons:

• The headband could be better situated
• No noise cancellation

First on the list is the Steelseries Arctis 7, one of the best wireless headset phones you can get for streaming. 

It comes with S1 Speaker Drivers and a frequency range of 20Hz – 20Khz, so you are not paying for unnecessary frequency response while still a bit out of the average person’s hearing range. 

With a 24-hour battery and a fast charge time, you can enjoy long gaming sessions without worrying about it dying on you. 

Another great feature is it automatically turns itself off after a short inactive period, ensuring you do not wake up to your headset dead because you forgot to turn it off. 

While it is built comfortably and is quite durable, the vertical adjustments of the headband could have been better. 

Also, it does not have active noise cancellation. This means it might pick up external noise from your room when you’re not speaking – such as keyboard sounds – especially if you have a mechanical keyboard with clicky switches. 

But otherwise, it is a great choice if you’re looking for wireless headphones for streaming. 

Logitech G635

Specs:

• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20Khz
• Connection: 3.5mm and USB
• Weight: 12.1 oz
• Drivers: 50mm Pro-G Drivers
• Type: Wired

Pros:

• Can be used on multiple platforms
• Durable build
• USB Connection
• Large 50mm Drivers
• Comfortable mesh ear cups
• Mute button and volume control

Cons:

• Sound quality could be better 

Logitech is well known for its gaming mice and keyboards, but they have also made some amazing headsets, including the Logitech G635. 

A wired headset, it comes with large 50mm drivers, which provide you with excellent sound quality and use the latest tech to keep the sound crystal clear. 

It has a durable build and a comfortable headband/earcups, so you can game for hours without feeling uncomfortable. 

One of the best parts of this headset is if you enjoy playing on different platforms, you can use the G635 on PC, PS4, the Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One.

While it comes with a heavier price tag, it is well worth it with its great sound quality, comfort, and durability. 

All in all a good choice in the price range if you want a wired headset for streaming.

Razer Blackshark V2

Specs:

• Frequency Response: 12Hz – 28Khz
• Connection: 3.5mm
• Weight: 1.2 lbs
• Drivers: 50mm 
• Type: Wired

Pros:

• Detachable microphone
• Very comfortable headset with Gel-infused, FlowKnit, Plush Foam cushioning
• 7.1 Surround Sound
• Affordably Priced
• Good build quality

Cons:

• The wired cord cannot be removed

The Razer Blackshark V2 is the first Razer headset on this list, but it will not be the last because of the sheer quality Razer products provide for gaming. 

With 50mm drivers and 7.1 surround sound, your gaming experience will be glorious audio and, hopefully, glorious victories. 

They went all out on comfort for this headset, with Gel-infused, FloKnit, and Plush Foam cushioning on the earcups and the headband, swaddling your head comfortably as you game for long hours. 

While you can detach the microphone, the wired cord can not be removed, which can sometimes get annoying. 

Also, it has an unneeded frequency response of up to 28Khz.

But it’s a popular choice among gamers looking for an excellent and affordable headset.

Razer Kraken X

Specs:

• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20Khz
• Connection: 3.5mm
• Weight: 8.8 oz
• Drivers: 40mm 
• Type: Wired

Pros:

• Multiple features specifically for streaming
• Great sound quality and surround sound
• Budget option
• Lightweight design

Cons:

• Non-detachable mic

Next up, we have another Razer headset, the Razer Kraken X, which like the Razer Blackshark V2, is a wired headset. 

With only 40mm drivers, the sound quality is not nearly as impressive as others on this list, but it still provides good sound quality.

It is also one of the lightest headsets made by Razer, weighing an impressive 8.8 oz, which will sit on your head – light as a feather – for hours. 

The headset is built to last and comes with a non-detachable mic, which, while not ideal, does not get in the way too often. 

HyperX Cloud II

Specs:

• Frequency Response: 15Hz – 25Khz
• Connection:3.5mm and USB
• Weight: 9.70 oz
• Drivers: 53mm 
• Type: Wired

Pros:

• Great sound quality
• Durable 
• The microphone has a good frequency range
• 7.1 surround sound

Cons:

• Cable tends to tangle
• Feels heavy

The HyperX Cloud II is a beautiful yet simple-looking headset with the main parts being black and red accents. 

It comes with some of the largest drivers on this list, 53mm, and offers amazing sound quality for its price. 

The microphone is just as great, with a good frequency range, and the entire headset is built to last with a durable design. 

However, the cable does tend to get tangled up, which can be a pain to untangle, and the entire headset can feel heavy. 

Overall, this headset has little to dislike, and it will provide great game audio experiences. 

Corsair Void PRO

Specs:

• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20Khz
• Connection: 3.5mm and USB
• Weight: 13.8 oz
• Drivers: 50mm
• Type: Wireless
• Battery Life: 16 Hours

Pros:

• Low latency audio reaching up to 40 feet away
• Microphone auto-mutes
• Blocks background sound
• Dolby 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound

Cons:

• Only has a 16-hour battery

Next is a wireless headset, the Corsair Void Pro, with a 16-hour battery life, which while on the low end, is still enough for a long gaming session. 

It provides great sound quality, blocks out ambient noise, and provides low-latency audio up to 40 feet away. 

Another great feature of this headset is its auto-mute microphone, so there is no worrying about people overhearing your conversations. 

Finally, from an aesthetic stance, it is sleek and black, giving a futuristic look without being too flashy or in your face.

BENGOO Gaming Headset

Specs:

• Frequency Response: 15Hz – 20Khz
• Connection: 3.5mm
• Weight: 15.2 oz
• Drivers: 40mm 
• Type: Wired

Pros:

• Good headset at an affordable price
• Great sound quality
• The microphone produces clear sounds
• 49-inch anti-winding cable

Cons:

• Made primarily of plastic
• Feels large on smaller heads

One of the lesser-known brands, the BENGOO Gaming Headset is an excellent budget pick if you do not have much to spend on your headset. 

While cheaper, it still provides good sound quality, and the mic produces clear sounds so people can hear you without much interference. 

The cable is 49 inches long and is designed to avoid tangling up, so while it is a wired headset, it is unlikely to get tangled like other wired ones. 

However, the headset itself is made almost entirely of plastic which, while not super durable, still holds up to daily use fairly well. 

Finally, if you just want a cool headset, the BENGOO has a streamlined design with red LEDs that accentuate the design. 

Sennheiser Game Zero

Specs:

• Frequency Response: 15Hz – 28Khz
• Connection: 3.5mm
• Weight: 10.6 oz
• Drivers: 35mm
• Type: Wired

Pros:

• Durable build
• Extremely comfortable
• Excellent audio quality
• High-quality microphone

Cons:

• The microphone and cord are non-detachable
• Stereo sound only

Another of the top headphone manufacturers on the market, the Sennheiser Game Zero provides some of the best sound quality you can find. 

Even with its 35mm drivers, it packs a mean punch, and you can just let yourself drift away in its audio. 

Built to last, this headset has an adjustable headband and earcups that you can rotate, allowing it to fit many different heads. 

The earcups have a thick memory foam covering them, allowing you to wear this headset for hours without discomfort. 

With a sleek black design and small red accents, you can enjoy your game’s audio and game in style. 

The only real trouble is that the headset microphone and cord are non-detachable; otherwise, it is one of the best headsets on the market, especially if you’re looking for superior sound quality. 

HyperX Cloud Flight

Specs:

• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20Khz
• Connection: Bluetooth (2.4GHz band)
• Weight: 11.11 oz
• Drivers: 50mm
• Type: Wireless
• Battery Life: 30 hours

Pros:

• Long-lasting battery
• Microphone is detachable
• 7.1 surround sound
• Excellent sound quality

Cons:

• On the heavier end

If you do not like the wired HyperX Cloud II, then the HyperX Cloud Flight might be the one for you, as it is completely wireless. 

Built to be as durable as possible, the cord and mic can be detached, further increasing their durability. 

On top of that, it has amazing sound quality and large 50mm drivers, but that is not all this headset comes with. 

It has an impressive battery that can last up to thirty hours, so if you love pulling those 24-hour streams, then you want this headset. 

However, the headset is on the heavier end, which can cause a bit of discomfort after hours of streaming and gaming. 

Razer Kraken Kitty

Specs:

• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20Khz
• Connection: 3.5mm
• Weight: 14.4 oz
• Drivers: 50mm
• Type: Wired

Pros:

• Great comfort
• Solid and durable build
• Noise-canceling microphone
• Powerful drivers

Cons:

• The microphone and cord are non-detachable
• Cat ears can’t be detached
• Needs improved durability

Final on the list is the Razer Kraken Kitty, which is a headset that is primarily marketed toward fem-presenting gamers. However, it is perfect for anyone who wants some extra pizzazz. 

While many products meant to look overly fancy may not have the greatest quality, this headset comes with great sound quality from its 50 mm drivers. 

It is built fairly durable, and though it lacks somewhat in its durability, it will last you a long while. 

The microphone is noise-canceling, though you can not detach the microphone or the cord from the headset. 

Did I mention the RGB lighting that can be connected to the Razer Chroma App, allowing for even more audience interaction? 

Finally, the cat ears can not be removed either, but if you are looking for a cool headset, why would you ever want to remove them?

Overall, this is a great headset if you do not want a basic headset and don’t want to spend a lot of extra money on headset attachments.

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How to Choose the Best Streaming Headset 

When choosing a new headset, it can be easy to get swept into all the numerous specs available and agonize over which will give you a slightly higher number. 

To help you choose a new headset, here are the main 11 specs you want to consider when looking at headsets for streaming on Twitch. 

• Microphone quality
• Sound quality
• Comfort level
• Wired vs. Wireless
• Frequency response
• Sensitivity
• Impedance 
• Driver and driver size
• Harmonic distortion
• Battery life
• ​Dolby Atmos. 

While not all of these are crucial, taking your time will ensure you get the perfect headset for your needs. 

Microphone Quality

First up is the microphone quality, as you will use the microphone attached to your headset to interact with your stream. 

You can have the greatest sound quality and the fanciest headset, but if the mic is poor, people will not have a great time during your stream. 

So when choosing your headset, look at the microphone’s specs if the seller has them on the product page. 

Otherwise, you can usually look on YouTube for recordings from the microphone to get a feel of its quality.

​

Consider a standalone microphone.

Even the best built-in microphone in headsets can’t beat a separate microphone. 

That’s why content creators such as top streamers and podcasters use separate high-quality microphones and headsets. It’s simply the best option to ensure high-quality audio on your streams.

If you consider going this route at some point, it makes sense to purchase a good gaming headset with a detachable microphone.

​

However, an external microphone does come with new challenges. 

New streamers looking for a separate mic solution should consider a USB microphone, as they mostly plug n play. 

If you purchase an XLR microphone, you’ll need an audio interface with balanced XLR inputs as well. Professional microphones don’t use the headphone jack.

But if you want the best mic quality, you need to look at microphones such as the dynamic microphone Shure SM7B or even a condenser mic (if you have an acoustically treated room). 

Note that condenser microphones are very sensitive and pick up background noise and reverb from your room. So you’ll need a shock mount (which is sometimes bought separately), and a microphone boom arm. You’ll also need to consider room for a pop filter to eliminate those plosive s, t, and p sounds.

​

A dynamic microphone such as the popular SM7B from Shure requires a powerful preamp. I’ve tried driving it with a 60dB from my Manley Voxbox, which wasn’t enough!

Using a separate good microphone has challenges, but its if you want the best clear sound.

​

Check out my guide to the best microphone for streaming if you’re considering this route.

Comfort Level

As a streamer, you likely are wearing your headphones for hours at a time, so why would you want a pair that is not comfortable?

When looking at headsets, check the material of the earcups and headband. A headset that will be comfortable for long periods of time will be one with memory foam or similar material under the headband and making up the earcups. 

Next, consider the weight of the headset. The heavier a headset is, the less comfortable it will be, as you will have that weighing down on you the entire time you wear it. 

However, if you want a headset with a lot of fancy technology, you must accept that it will be heavy. 

Finally, check the clamping force of the headband. If it is too tight, you will get ear pain and possibly headaches; if it is too loose, it will fall off your head easily.

Always wear a headset with a good clamping force and right in the middle so it stays on your head without causing pain.

Sound Quality

Next, is the sound quality, which is extremely important because how can you properly interact with your stream if you can barely hear what is happening in your game?

Since sound quality is so important, it is better to spend more money on your headset than cheap out on it. 

Sound quality and price go hand in hand, so if you want headphones with good sound, you will have to spend more on them. 

The factors that affect sound quality, like frequency response, sensitivity, and impedance, will be explained further below. 

Wired vs. Wireless

When considering headsets, you must decide whether you want wired or wireless ones. 

Wired headsets are best if you plan on streaming right in front of a computer without moving around much.

They are generally cheaper and provide excellent sound, and you do not have to worry about the battery dying because you forgot to charge them last night.

If you have overly active streams or play on a console and like sitting on your couch comfortably, wireless will probably work best for you. 

You have to worry about battery life with wireless headsets, so look at how long the headset can last before recharging. 

Frequency Response

Next, we have frequency response, which is the range of bass, treble, and mids that the headset can play. 

For example, if a headset says its frequency response is 15Hz – 20,000Hz, it can play sounds within those frequencies. 

So how do you know the frequency when choosing a headset? Is the higher the number, the better? 

No, because manufacturers’ large frequency response ranges on their headsets are nothing more than marketing tactics to make you purchase their unnecessary headsets.

Listed below are the frequencies that the average person can hear:

• Newborn babies with perfect hearing: 20Hz – 20,000Hz
• Teenagers under 18: 17Khz
• Adults under 40: 15Khz
• Adults under 50: 12Khz

Ask your grandparents in their 60s or 70s if they can still hear the crickets, cicadas, or grasshoppers chirping away. There’s a good chance they can’t hear them anymore because these insects chirp at frequencies above 10Khz.  

​So when looking at headsets, any frequency response within 20Hz to 20Khz (which they all have) is enough.

Sensitivity

Sensitivity measures how loud sounds played from your headset are at a certain power level. If your headset has high sensitivity, you can enjoy louder sounds at one milli-watt power compared to a headset with lower sensitivity. 

So, generally speaking, getting a headset with higher sensitivity is better, as that means the drivers will require less power to produce louder sounds.

However, if you constantly listen to louder noises, ear damage can occur, which should be kept in mind when considering a headset’s sensitivity. 

Higher Sensitivity Headsets:

• Louder sounds
• Use less power
• Can lead to ear damage

Lower Sensitivity Headsets:

• More durable
• Less likely to lead to ear damage
• Requires larger drivers and power sources

Impedance

Another aspect of headset sound quality is impedance, though this is a more scientific aspect of headsets. 

Impedance is the measure of resistance between the audio signals sent to a headset and the headset itself. 

Unless you are an audiophiliac, a headset with an impedance of 20 – 40 Ohms will be perfect for gaming, while an audiophiliac usually wants headsets with an impedance of 64 Ohms or more.

​To be perfectly honest, it’s difficult to hear the difference from the impedance alone, although some will argue that you get a better bass response from a high impedance. 

But the truth is that most high-end headphones with high impedance also have better components. So it’s difficult to say that the impedance is affecting the sound.

Impedance is still important but has more to do with whether you plug your headphones into mobile devices (mobile phones or tablets), a soundcard, or a hi-fi amplifier.

​Headphones with high impedance (above 32-40 Ohms) will sound too quiet when paired with a mobile device. 

When considering headsets and their impedance, remember that the higher the impedance is, the more power it will consume. 

Harmonic Distortion

The final main aspect of sound quality for headsets, harmonic distortion, is the distortion you hear when playing sounds at higher volume levels on your headset and is caused by malfunctioning drivers. 

For the best sound quality, you will want a headset with the lowest possible harmonic distortion to avoid crackling, sound distortion, or other disturbances when you crank up your favorite song to blast your ear drums. 

Drivers and Driver Size

When choosing your next headset, it is important to look at the drivers the headset uses, as that dictates the headset’s sound quality. 

While the science behind driver technology is impressive, what is relevant to you as a streamer is the type of driver in the headset. 

Dynamic Drivers:

• Do not consume much power
• Delivers thick bass
• Good sound pressure
• Most commonly used in headsets

Balanced Armature Drivers:

• Minimal or reduced distortions
• Common in earphones or in-ear headphones
• Smaller in size

Planar Magnetic Drivers:

• No added sound modifications or effects
• Produce high-quality sound
• Come in high-end headphones

Electrostatic Drivers:

• Come in premium headphones
• Expensive
• Produce excellent sound quality

The driver’s diameter directly affects the headset’s sound quality, most falling between the 30 – 53mm range. 

50mm drivers sound better than 40mm, and 40mm sound better than 30mm, so getting larger drivers is important. 

Dolby Atmos

Dolby Atmos is a type of surround-sound technology that Dolby Laboratories allows for the simulation of multiple audio sources creating a 3D experience. 

To use Dolby Atmos, you need to download the Dolby app onto your computer, and while you can get a Dolby Atmos-enabled headset, it is not required as nearly all headsets can connect to and use the software.

In Closing

I hope you found this guide helpful. Remember, you can get far with a good headset with a built-in microphone. You don’t have to start out with a separate mic.

Most importantly, you don’t opt for a cheap headset with low-built quality. Buying too cheap will cost you more in the long run. Not only will you get a subpar gaming experience, but also the microphones on cheap headsets are usually not very good, with excessive noise from bad cables.

All the headsets above are of good quality, each with pros and cons and specific features. Ultimately, it comes down to your needs and what you prefer regarding looks, price, and functionality.

Feel free to reach out if you need further assistance.

Until next time, happy gaming!