Premium Wireless Gaming Headsets: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, Audeze Maxwell, Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 and Razer BlackShark V3 Pro
Four high-end wireless headsets compared by the features that matter: platform support, battery design, microphone and comfort.
Four high-end wireless headsets compared by the features that matter: platform support, battery design, microphone and comfort.
Photo by Zephyris at English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
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Once you move past budget headsets, sound quality differences shrink. Features and comfort become the deciding factors: which platforms the headset works with, how the battery works, and whether the microphone is good enough for your squad. This guide compares four premium wireless headsets on those features. It is based on listed specifications, not hands-on testing.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless comes with a base station and two swappable batteries: one charges in the base while you use the other, so the headset never needs to sit on a cable. It also supports active noise cancellation. Check that you get the version made for your console (PlayStation or Xbox), because the Xbox version also works on PlayStation, but not the other way around.
Audeze Maxwell
The Audeze Maxwell uses large planar magnetic drivers, which are usually found in hi-fi headphones. It is known for long battery life and is aimed at players who also want a headset for music. Like the SteelSeries, it is sold in PlayStation and Xbox versions.
Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3
The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 offers wireless gaming plus Bluetooth with a more approachable price than the flagships above. It is a good fit for console players who want premium features without paying for planar drivers.
Razer BlackShark V3 Pro
The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro continues the BlackShark line, which is popular with esports players for its light, clamp-friendly fit and strong detachable microphone.
What to check
- Platform version: Xbox consoles need Xbox-certified wireless headsets. Buy the Xbox version if you play on Xbox at all.
- Simultaneous Bluetooth: this lets you take a call or play music while gaming on the 2.4GHz connection.
- Microphone: if you play in a team, a good mic matters more to your squad than drivers matter to you.
- Comfort: clamping force, weight and earpad material decide how a headset feels after three hours. Glasses wearers should look for soft, deep pads.
Bottom line
At this price, every option sounds good. Choose by platform support, battery design and comfort for your sessions.
Our picks: Headsets
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Affiliate links.As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links below go to Amazon; prices and availability change, so check Amazon for current pricing.Affiliate disclosure
Illustrative photos: Photo by Zephyris at English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0