Now that the Steam Deck is out, it’s time to start thinking about what your options are for the best headsets to use with it. While the speakers on the Steam Deck are fine, a headset can provide a few benefits. First, let’s talk about the speakers though.
The Steam Deck speakers aren’t terrible but they’re really nothing to write home about. Not exceptional, just, not bad. They add nothing to experience beyond being able to hear your game without additional accessories. They also don’t take anything away from the standard experience of gaming on Steam Deck.
With that out of the way, choosing to use a headset while you play has its merits. For one, you could conserve battery life on the Steam Deck if you choose to use a wired headset. You could do this by either plugging something in using the 3.5mm audio port, or the USB-C port if you have a pair of USB-C wired headphones or earbuds. You could also go wireless which, won’t help the battery life, but it will make things more hassle-free due to the lack of wires.
Aside from that, using headphones while you play makes it a little more acceptable to play games on the Steam Deck in quieter public settings where you don’t want to bother others. And lastly, they can help you avoid having to hear the Steam Deck’s fans. Which are definitely noticeable. So, what are the best headsets for the Steam Deck? We’ve selected a handful of great options and listed them below.
The Best Headsets For The Steam Deck
Below you’ll find a summary of all the headsets we’ve selected for this list along with the prices of each headset and where to buy them. Below the summary you can find brief descriptions of each headset. As well as the same pricing information and links for where to buy.
| Headset | Cost | Where To Buy |
| SteelSeries Arctis 7+ | $169.99 | Amazon, SteelSeries, Best Buy, Adorama, ABT |
| Razer Hammerhead Duo Console | $59.99 | Razer |
| Master & Dynamic MG20 | $499.99 | Amazon, Master & Dynamic |
| Logitech G Pro X | $99.99 | Amazon & Various Other Retailers |
| HyperX Cloud Earbuds | $39.99 | Amazon, HP |
| SteelSeries Arctis Prime | From $67.99 | Amazon, SteelSeries, Best Buy, Newegg, Adorama |
| Razer Barracuda X | From $79.99 | Amazon, Razer, Target, Best Buy, GameStop, Newegg, Adorama |
| Corsair HS70 | From $79.99 | Amazon, Office Depot, Best Buy, GameStop, Adorama |
| Logitech G432 | From $46.99 | Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, B&H, Newegg, Target |
| EPOS H3Pro Hybrid | $279.99 | Amazon |
SteelSeries Arctis 7+
Typically we prefer wireless headsets when it comes to gaming. And even though the SteelSeries Arctis 7+ is a wireless headset which will drain the Steam Deck’s battery more, it provides excellent audio for playing games.
This is built to be multi-platform. As all of the headsets on this list are. Which means you can also use this with PC, Nintendo Switch, mobile devices, PS4, PS5, and any device that has a USB-C port. To connect, you plug in the USB-C dongle to your device, in this case the Steam Deck.
Power on the headset, and you’re good to go. It also comes with a retractable built-in mic for voice chat when available, and it’s pretty darn comfortable. It lasts for up to 30 hours on a single charge too. Though you won’t get near that with the Steam Deck unless it’s plugged in.
Razer Hammerhead Duo Console
- Price: $59.99
- Where To Buy: Razer
Our first wired option on the list is the Razer Hammerhead Duo Console. This uses a 3.5mm audio jack for the connection, but it also comes with a USB-C adaptor. So you can really choose to use whichever one you want on the Steam Deck. Our recommendation of course would be to stick with the 3.5mm audio jack. That way you can keep the Steam Deck plugged in using the USB-C port at the same time.
In terms of features, things are pretty light here since this is a pair of wired earbuds. But these do come with an aluminum frame and braided cables for durability. Not to mention three sizes of silicone ear tips.
Master & Dynamic MG20
Ok we know that these are about the same cost as the Steam Deck 256GB model. But the important thing is that you’re getting a headset with so much versatility here that the price really is worth it if you appreciate luxury headsets with premium audio.
This is designed as a wireless gaming headset for the PS5. Which we love it for and it’s currently our favorite headset for that console. But this also supports Bluetooth connectivity which means you can use it wirelessly with the Steam Deck. Or, you could opt to plug this headset in using a 3.5mm audio jack as this headset supports wired connections as well. Which is what we would do.
Additionally it works as a mobile pair of headphones for smartphones using the Bluetooth. And it comes with a detachable boom mic for voice chat during games, as well as a built-in mic for voice calls. To top it all off, it’s built with luxury materials and it’s insanely comfortable to wear.
We don’t have any illusions of this being an affordable option, especially after spending all that money on a Steam Deck. But, if you’ve the money to spend and want something that offers the best experience, we think this is it.
Logitech G Pro X
We absolutely love the Logitech G Pro X Wireless and it’s favorite gaming headset for PC right now. The G Pro X is basically the same headset, but it’s wired instead of wireless. That makes it compatible with the Steam Deck, and best of all is that it connects to the Steam Deck through the 3.5mm audio port. So you can keep the USB-C port free for charging when and if you need it.
This is an extremely comfortable headset as well with large cushiony ear pads. You also get your choice of ear pads made of memory foam or leatherette. The leatherette for instance feel a little more soft and plush, but the memory foam are a little more breathable. Swap as you see fit.
Did we also mention the mic is detachable? Well, it is. So you can remove it if you’re using these in public when not needing voice chat. All-in-all, this is one of the best headsets for the Steam Deck and it’s pretty affordable at $99. Especially for the quality you’re getting.
HyperX Cloud Earbuds
HyperX makes great gaming headsets so it was only fair that we included one for the Steam Deck. And we feel this is probably the best option. These earbuds provide long-lasting comfort, great sound, and they’re only $40.
You get multiple eartip sizes to find the right fit, but our favorite feature is the design choice to use a 90-degree connector. Which is optimal for use with devices like the Steam Deck that have the connector on the top. There’s an in-line mic as well if you want to use voice chat where available.
SteelSeries Arctis Prime
SteelSeries went out of its way here with the Arctis Prime. It’s affordable at $67.99 (this is the sale price), and it has the same high-fidelity audio drivers and premium hardware and tuning as the Arctis Pro.
Some bonuses, are that it comes with a detachable 3.5mm audio cable so you can plug it in to the Steam Deck, and detach it when you feel like packing it up. Add to that some leather ear cushions to isolate sound, the ski goggle headband for adjustable tension and fit, and a Discord-certified mic, and you have yourself an excellent headset for gaming.
Razer Barracuda X
We’ve got another wireless option here for those that prefer wireless. Keep in mind this will be a headset that will drain the Steam Deck’s battery faster, but if you really prefer a wireless option, this is a great one.
It’s only $80 on sale through Razer right now, and it comes in three colors. It also connects via a USB-C adaptor though. Which means it’ll take up your charging port. Aside from that, the headset also offers great comfort, a detachable mic, and some on-headset controls for volume, music management, mic mute, and accepting incoming calls.
Corsair HS70
Not only is this headset multi-platform, but it’s capable of being used both in a wired mode, and a wireless mode using Bluetooth. It also comes with a detachable mic, large comfy ear pads, and up to 30 hours of battery life. So, it’ll outlast your Steam Deck on a single charge and then some.
Large comfy ear pads and an adjustable headband will help to keep this comfortable for longer gaming sessions too. The coolest feature though is the dual connectivity allowing you to connect this to the Steam Deck with the cable, and then connect to your smartphone wirelessly for use with Discord chat. Very nifty if we do say so ourselves. And we do.
Logitech G432
This is the most affordable over-the-ear headset that we have on this list and it’s got a lot of things going for it that make it a great value. One, the flip down boom mic is really ideal for gaming headset. While not detachable, it provides an easy way to get the mic out of your face if you want to take a sip of water or snack on something without dipping the mic in it. Not to mention flipping it mutes the mic too.
And since this is wired you won’t have to worry about this draining the Steam Deck’s battery during use.
EPOS H3Pro Hybrid
- Price: $279.99
- Where To Buy: Amazon
Rounding out the list is another one of our favorite gaming headsets altogether. The EPOS H3Pro Hybrid is great because you can use it through Bluetooth, which means it’s compatible with mobile devices and the Steam Deck. But you can also connect it as a wired headset with the included 3.5mm cable.
So, you have options for connectivity here with the Steam Deck. Connectivity options aside, it provides some of the best sound in a gaming headset that we’ve tried. Plus it’s comfortable as heck and the ear pads are easily replaceable if they ever need to be swapped out. We’d also be remiss if we didn’t mention the very slick detachable mic which connects to the headset using magnets.
This is another pricey option, but for its versatility, quality, and comfort, it’s one of the best headsets for the Steam Deck that you can buy.
2022-03-15 15:06:10