11 Best Headsets for YouTubers (with the Best Mic)

Unless you are starting your own in-house YouTube studio a headset will provide you with all of the great audio and mic performances that you need to deliver crystal clear antics and gaming reactions to your fans. If you are thinking between a headset with a microphone and headphone then you need to consider your uses. First ask, what do your favorite YouTube stars use? What do the best gamers use? Find people in your niche and see how they manage audio. 

What is your budget? The microphone itself is going to be $100+. See this list for microphone prices. Further, are you going to need extra equipment like stands and cables and audio boxes? All of this is important when you are deciding what is best for you. If you are just starting out or don’t have a large budget you should think about going with a headset. 

Headsets allow for many benefits that you can’t get with a separate microphone and headphone combo. First, it is price-effective. Second, it doesn’t take up much room. Third, it can deliver the same quality as a separate microphone. Fourth, you can move your head around and in multiple directions without being worried about not being picked up by the mic. Last, you only need to make one decision, which headset to buy.

What Features Are Important In A YouTube Streaming Headset?

Don’t just buy the headset that your favorite streamers and YouTube celebrities use. Often, those headsets are given the streamers for free as promotions by the manufacturers hoping that fans will think it is an endorsement of the quality. Instead, you should know what makes a good headset and decide on the benefits that are important to you.

Wired Or Wireless

Bluetooth and USB wireless connectivity has come a long way. Most models have no loss of audio-video syncing via wireless transmission. So, the question then rests on price. Wired headsets tend to be less expensive. Many models that are wireless have a cord that can be used for wired connections or charging while using them.

Should You Go For 5.1 Or 7.1 Headsets?

Your streaming headset will come with either 40mm or 50mm neodymium drivers. The larger drivers don’t necessarily mean a better sound. What usually means better sound for production audio, gaming, and general computer use is 7.1-surround sound. It gives the listener a sense of being somewhere larger.

Microphone Quality

If you are YouTuber, then you are probably talking. If you are talking you probably want to be heard. Getting a headset with the best microphone possible will differentiate you from the rest of the crowd. You can’t fix poorly recorded audio no matter how many filters you run it through.

Noise Cancelling/Noise Isolating/Open-Closed-Back

Closed-back, open-back, noise isolating, and noise cancellation technology all concern the mic and the cups. Noise isolating mics filter out the background noise or other extraneous noise except for your voice. Closed-back versus open-back refers to whether the cups are sold in the exterior or if they are open to the air.

Closed-back cups better muffle exterior noise and stop noise from escaping. However, open-back cups allow for a more natural sound. Noise cancelling refers to an active electronic device in the cups that cancel out exterior noise. All of this tech builds a great audio experience.

Comfort

Whether it is gaming or painting, if you are streaming you will most likely be wearing the headset for a while. Make sure that the ones you buy are comfortable and can fit your head and glasses if you wear them.

#1 SteelSeries Arctis 7: Best Overall YouTube Headset

The Steel Series Arctis 7 is what most people would call “the complete package.” It delivers on audio, mic tech, wireless, and comfort. The features make it a truly professional headset. However, the style makes it suitable for every-day use. This would include work, general listening, and teleconferences. It is compatible with all major platforms. This includes compatibility with PS4, Xbox one, Switch, mobile, and PC. The cups have independent 40 mm drivers. The wireless tech works off of 2.4-GHz wireless connectivity.

The mic is a retractable noise-cancelling mic and the headset is comfortable enough for all day use. The 12-meter wireless range means you can leave your chair, walk around your room, and still chat with your audience and record completely clear audio anywhere in the room regardless of which way you are facing.

#2 Steelseries Arctis Pro + GameDAC: YouTube Gear For Audiophiles

The Steelseries Arctis Pro + GameDAC delivers audiophile-level sound quality to a YouTube streamer headset. The usefulness of the model is the GameDAC or DAC (digital-to-analog converter), which allows it to deliver high-resolution 96-kHz/24-bit audio. The GameDAC comes with optimization equalizers for a higher level of audio oversight. The subtle RGB lighting is built into the stand to keep things sounding and looking good.

The Pro is fully compatible with most platforms including compatibility with PS4, Xbox One, Switch, mobile, and PC. The cups have independent 40 mm drivers. The wireless tech versions work off of 2.4-GHz wireless connectivity and versions include Bluetooth for lossless audio.

Some models include wired versions. The Pro model uses a ClearCast microphone, which is well know as one of the best models of mics for headsets.

#3 HyperX Cloud Stinger: Solid Entry Investment

The HyperX Cloud Stinger packs a punch with its 50mm neodymium drivers and its soft, faux-leather ear cups. It is comfortable, has a great sound, and solid mic to deliver you the best experience you need for an entry-level model. Don’t think you need to invest large amounts of money for what you need.

If you are looking for quality but don’t want to make a large investment, the Stinger is a great entry investment and purchase to get started and jump into the streaming and edited YouTube world. It isn’t wireless but it will work with all the platforms you need including PS4, Xbox One, Switch, mobile, and PC.

There is a wireless version that is a little pricier but it comes with all of the same great features.

#4 HyperX Cloud Alpha: Full Delivery On Sound, Style, And Value

The HyperX Cloud Alpha delivers on the HyperX Cloud series of headsets for YouTube creators, Twitch streamers, and all gamers alike. Their goal is to build cheap, effective, efficient, and high-quality headgear for anyone looking to get involved in the digital audio world.

The Alpha model is fully compatible with PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch, and mobile devices. It doesn’t have wireless functionality to save on the price. But HyperX Cloud does offer some wireless models of the same type.

The cups deliver a full range of audio with the dual 50 mm dual chamber drivers. Generally, it is hard to beat the range of features at the HyperX Cloud entry-level prices.

#5 Astro A40 + MixAmp Pro: The Set For Professional Streamers 

The Astro A40 + MixAmp Pro is the combo set you need if you want to tweak the audio stream or slightly inline edit the sound through the mic.  The A40 comes with the MixAmp Pro that allows instant frequency alteration and preference settings changes.

The design of the amp and the included software is powerful and intuitive for those not used to sound editing. The frames are durable and lightweight. The cups deliver high-end sound out of the 40 mm drivers. The headset isn’t wireless as the amp requires a corded system. However, no one is going to question your choice of headset with the quality audio that they deliver.

If you need a headset with full operational control over your audio then the Astro A40 with the MixAmp Pro is your pair.

#6 Logitech G430 7.1 Dolby: True Dolby 3D Sound

The Logitech G430 is one of the lightest headsets on the market, coming in at only 0.5 pounds. Logitech is a well-know computer peripherals developer. Their keyboards and mice have been staples for years. Their headsets are no exception to the streaming, gaming, and YouTube production world. The G430 is able to connect to most devices including your PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.

Further, with a partnership with Dolby. They deliver a full 7.1-surround sound via the Dolby 3D sound drivers in the cans. The mic is fully adjustable and is noise-cancelling. The cushions and lightweight frame deliver all-day comfort and long sessions. These models are wired and don’t have a wireless option.

#7 CORSAIR Void PRO RGB: Headset For YouTube Gaming

If you are looking for a headset by a gaming company then the CORSAIR Void Pro RGB is a great set up for many reasons.

What makes the Void Pro RGM unique is the fact that you can sync up all of your iCUE devices with the headset RGM through the software. Compatible only with your PC and MAC, the Void Pro RGM has true Dolby 7.1-surround sound and connects wirelessly via 2.4-GHz connectivity.

The range is up to 40 feet which means that you can walk away from your desk and still talk and chat with your fans. The microphone has built-in uni-direction noise isolating tech.

#8 Sennheiser Game One: Sound Company Tech With YouTube Utility

For Sennheiser Game One, the product is all about acoustics. The company started in the sound technology and continues there with headsets.

The Sennheiser models work with all of your most important platforms including your PC, Mac, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and all types of smartphones. The cups come with plush velvet ear-pads. Few other headsets have velvet as the comfort technology.

You can easily mute the noise-canceling mic by raising the mic lever arm. The acoustics are built around an open-back canister design. This allows for more noise to leave and enter the headset but also allows for a fuller and more natural sound.

Further, the open-back design allows for freer airflow through the headset. If sweat is an issue, then you should make sure that the design is open-back. 

#9 Sennheiser GSP 600: Pro Gear For Pro Enthusiasts

The German engineered Sennheiser GSP 600 was made for those looking for the best audio experience available.

The GSP 600 is fully compatible with all of your major devices including your PC, Mac, Xbox, and PS4. The closed-back design allows for full passive noise-cancelling isolation for your ears. It keeps the noise out and the noise in your ears where it all belongs.

Most of the headsets have a set clamp pressure. However, these come with a variable headband that allows for variable clamping pressure. As with some of the best-designed headsets when you raise the mic boom the mic is muted. The ear cups are made of velvet for superior comfort and cool hours of work. Sound controls are integrated into the headset for immediate and easy use.

#10 Razer Kraken 7.1 V2: Phat Gold For YouTube Creators

If you enjoy a little extra bulk then you should check out the Razer Kraken 7.1 V2. The 7.1 refers to the true 7.1-surround sound that can deliver amazing quality audio under all circumstances.

The massive oval ear cushions hide dual 50 mm drivers that help create the amazing audio experience while keeping you looking good on the screen. The headset includes audio software that allows you to custom develop your own 7.1-surround sound experience. The 7.1 also comes with RGB -lights that you can also customize based on your preferences.

#11 Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero: Glasses Wearers Rejoice

The Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero is your set if you are looking for software EQ customizations, high-end audio, and over a 30-hour battery for the wireless connection. The drivers in the cans are two 50mm Nanoclear Neodymium Drivers delivering high-end audio. With a solid noise-cancelling microphone you will stay crystal clear during all of your YouTube sessions.

The device connects with your PC, PS4 (Wireless); and Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Mobile (Wired). If you don’t want to use the wireless feature it comes with a 3.5 mm audio connector cable to ensure regular audio and mic connections with just about every device you have. The gel pads in the cups are comfortable and are great for glasses wearer who often gets pressed with the clamps of the headset.