There are now many audio options for the PlayStation 4, despite Sony’s transition to the PlayStation 5, since many people are still searching for the best PS4 headset. Additionally, newer, less expensive headsets that provide even more value along with new features are replacing some of the greatest gaming headsets from the height of previous generations.
You just need to know one thing. The PS4 doesn’t have a USB-C connection, so many new headsets offering 2.4GHz dongles through that port will require a little extra research. The good news is that many of these PS4 headsets ship with an adapter for use with a standard USB-A port, but it’s always worth double-checking.
We have compiled this list of the best PS4 headsets or headsets for PS4 based on our extensive testing and comparisons.
Table of Contents
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Best Overall)
Specification of Steel Series PS4 headsets:
- Acoustic design: Closed back; over-ear
- Connection: Wireless
- Cable length: 2m / 6.5ft
- Drivers: Steel Series Premium High Fidelity Drivers
- Weight: 337g
- Compatibility: PC, PlayStation
Design: The PS4 headsets from Nova Pro Wireless have made an advanced move in terms of build materials and luxury, but they still conform to the same design language as other less expensive models in the range. With an added touch of a premium finish, you still get the traditional ski goggle headband, longer oval-shaped cups, multi-leveled external design, and adjustable frame.
Features: While the rich, textured audio that amazed us during testing was impressive, what really stood out was how the Steel Series integrated its best-in-class sound into a ton of extra features.
The compact hub/DAC system that comes with every Nova Pro wireless headset houses a lot of these extras. This device offers several useful features, such as seamless wireless input switching (imagine flipping a switch to switch between the audio on your PS4 and Xbox 360). For users across platforms, that’s great, but the battery really steals the show.
The spare battery, which can be hot-swapped in and out of the headset, can also be charged at the base station. This means that you will never run out of juice, which is quite helpful for longer play sessions and for those of us who are messy chargers. We are surprised no one has done this before because we were so amazed by how easy it was to resolve.
Audio: Although we have always found the Steel Series’ audio to be compelling, the Arctis Nova Pros far outperform earlier models. The brand has not only improved the soundstage’s overall balance, but it has also given the lower ranges more power, something we noticed was lacking in earlier models. Together with some superb directional cue handling, this allowed us to enjoy both solo exploration and competitive shooting.
Conclusion: The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro wireless will give life to any PS4 setup with its next-generation audio. For those who want to enjoy premium PS4 audio, the Pro Wireless is the preferred option due to its superior quality of life features, premium microphone, and crystal clear audio. The best PS4 headset is this one, even though its naturally high price point will prevent some people from purchasing it.
PS4 headsets: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 (Best Budget)
Specification of Steel Series PS4 headsets
- Acoustic design: Closed back, over-ear
- Connection: Wired
- Drivers: 40mm neodymium
- Weight: 236g
- Compatibility: PlayStation, Xbox, PC
Design: Compared to the Pro, the Nova 1 is entirely different in design, featuring a more streamlined plastic chassis with an elasticized inner headband for flexibility. Although it won’t provide the same luxurious comfort, we discovered that it did provide comfort over longer sessions, mainly due to the extremely lightweight design. These smaller cups, weighing 236g, were ideal for our heads. The temperature was the only negative we observed. We did notice that these cups warmed up a little faster than others we’ve handled, even though the material on them is fabric, which is typically more breathable.
Features: Naturally, you are not getting the same feature list as you would with a slightly more expensive headset because this one is less expensive. Since this is a wired headset without Bluetooth or 2.4GHz connectivity, you won’t be burdened by such technology—or a battery, for that matter. Sorry, iPhone users, but you can connect to almost anything instantly with the detachable cable. There’s still a respectable ClearCast Gen 2 microphone located elsewhere, along with a standard set of controls on the side.
Audio: It is simple to see how far we’ve come in the audio department. The Steel Series Arctis Nova 1’s comparable soundstage to its far more costly cousins caught us off guard. The Nova 1s pack a ton of power into these smaller 40mm drivers, making audio quality a major factor in this value proposition. Faster games can be played with greater directionality thanks to the clear, well-balanced audio, and the human voice in dialogue has amazing depth.
Of course, you won’t get some of the finer points of high-end audio because this isn’t a $300 headset. This indicates that, when compared directly to more costly options, the low-end is a little phony. Still, you’re getting a great deal on great audio for your money, all housed in a lightweight and cozy design.
Conclusion: Although you are giving up most of the features that the $350 cups above will have, the Arctis Nova 1 still offers excellent value for the money at $60 / £60. For those searching for a less expensive option than the high-end models, this is the best PS4 headset.
PS4 headsets: Razer Kaira (Best high End)
Specification of Steel Series PS4 headsets:
- Acoustic design: Closed back, over-ear
- Connection: Wireless
- Drivers: Razer TriForce Titanium 50mm
- Weight: 331g
- Compatibility: PS4, PS5, PC
Design: The middle child The traditional color scheme, inspired by the PS5, looks fantastic in any setup, and Kaira maintains the plastic chassis and aesthetic of the Pro and X models. Each cup is adorned with two blue Razer logos, and the drivers are covered in a light blue cloth underneath. You are forgoing the leatherette that was used in the Pro option in favor of a flowknit surface that is possibly more breathable and more comfortable. Though the cups feel less padded than other options, which caused some comfort issues around the three-hour mark in our testing, we are relieved that the clamp force in this headband is higher than usual.
Features: Most players searching for a good PS4 headset will prefer to go wireless, even though you might not want to pay the full price for haptic feedback. In the big picture, it’s a minor feature, but in this case, it really does provide much more usability. However, there isn’t much separating the middle-aged Kaira from the X device if you don’t need a cable-free connection.
However, there is an additional wireless feature called SmartSwitch that can switch between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, enabling dual-pairing between your phone and PS4. This feature may entice you to return to the Kaira. You will need to get a PS4 adapter because that 2.4GHz connection is powered by a USB-C dongle.
Audio With their good audio quality, the Kairas provide a better experience than many other headphones in this $100-£100 price range. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands and other clustered soundstages were expertly handled, with each detail standing out above the background cacophony. Although this more delicate balancing is occasionally threatened by booming sounds, which they do emphasize slightly, the basslines are never overdone.
Conclusion: The Kaira, which retails for $99.99 or £99.99, has been designed to appeal to most gamers who want to splurge on premium audio without going over budget for ostentatious extra features. You get official PlayStation design, interchangeable Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connections, and premium audio in a cozy form factor.
That’s great for anyone looking for a PS4 headset that can do more than those designed specifically for the peak of the previous generation
if you would like to read about Vivo X100 and Vivo X100 Pro, which will be launched in January 2024, click here
