We’ve done the research for you to find a full range of options in both categories, with a few niche picks as well. Here are the best USB headsets on the market. The plush foam cups feel great on your ear and provide a decent level of isolation (though not as much as if you were using over-ear headphones). The boom microphone connected in-line has been optimized specifically for video calls, and the sleek black construction looks professional and feels durable. There are no bells and whistles here, such as active noise cancellation (ANC) or high-end drivers (the components that create sound). But overall, this is an easy recommendation. Type: On-ear | ANC: No | Connection options: USB | Accessories included: USB controller, bags for controller and headset With ultra-plush over-ear cups, an excellent, flush-folding boom mic for crystal clear calls, nearly four hours of wireless battery life, and even adaptable noise cancellation, these could be your daily headphones. The headset also ships with a USB dongle so you can use them as a USB headset wirelessly, and there’s even a nifty indicator light that shows those around you that you’re on a call so they won’t disturb you. If you have the budget for these headphones you likely won’t regret the purchase. Type: Over-ear | ANC: Yes | Connection options: Wireless USB, Bluetooth, AUX | Accessories included: Charging cable, AUX cable, travel case, Bluetooth adapter Built-in digital signal processing also approximates a rich 3D surround sound experience. Pair this with the dedicated software to help you fine-tune this location mapping, and you’ve got a high-end gaming experience. The detachable boom mic rounds it out, allowing for better online gaming and communication. The Mobius sits firmly at a premium price point, and the bulky size and lack of a hardshell case make these headphones less ideal for travelers. But overall, the feature set offered here is incredible. Type: Over-ear | ANC: Yes | Connection options: Bluetooth, USB, AUX | Accessories included: Carrying bag, detachable boom mic, charging and connectible USB cables, AUX cable The boom mic is retractable, so it stays out of the way if you don’t need it, and the THX 7.1 surround sound is great for a little added fun while you’re gaming. The design is very gamer-forward, and it’s bulky on the head, so this might be an issue for those who want something subtle. The price can be a little steep, so we recommend shopping around for a discount. Overall, it’s a no-brainer buy if you’ve got the funds. Type: Over-ear | ANC: Microphone only | Connection options: USB | Accessories included: USB cable There’s a bendable microphone with decent sound quality and some reasonably good 7.1 surround sound emulation on board. Well-tuned 40mm drivers produce the sound for plenty of support on the bottom end of the spectrum. The green Razer logo is emblazoned brightly on each ear cup, which could be great for some and too loud for others. Because of the reasonable price point, there are some corners cut in the build quality department, but nothing that will break all that easily. Type: Over-ear | ANC: No | Connection options: USB | Accessories included: USB cable Sure, you can transmit the old-fashioned way with the included USB dongle, but there’s also Bluetooth connectivity involved, including support for the high-quality Qualcomm aptX codecs. The Aria 8090T also comes with a nifty charging stand and active noise cancellation. All of these features come in at a price point that’s admittedly not cheap, but when you consider the extra features, the value is pretty apparent. Type: Over-ear | ANC: Yes | Connection options: Wireless USB, Bluetooth, AUX | Accessories included: USB dongle, charging stand, detachable boom mic, hard travel case, charging cable, AUX cable Unplug the USB desktop remote, and you have the standard pair of Bluetooth, noise-canceling headphones that so many love. When you plug in the USB cable, you’ve got a solid, comfortable pair of gaming headphones with a boom mic built-in and a desktop touch remote at the ready. The price is steep, but for versatility and Bose-level sound, you really can’t go wrong otherwise. Type: Over-ear | ANC: Yes | Connection options: Bluetooth, USB, AUX | Accessories included: Boom mic/USB cable combo, inline desktop remote, travel case, USB charging cable, AUX cable There are several nice touches on the build quality front. The Arctis 5 has an excellent sturdy headband material, plus plush woven “ski goggle” fabric accents, so they’re comfortable while you’re wearing them. There’s a detachable USB desktop controller that allows for easy muting and chatting, and the RGB ring on each ear cup can be customized and synced to your RGB desk setup as well. Type: Over-ear | ANC: Yes | Connection options: Bluetooth, USB, AUX | Accessories included: USB desktop controller
Primary Use Case
A USB headset can mean something very different to an office worker than a hardcore gamer. Picking your primary use case for your headset will really send you in new shopping directions and toward varying price points and designs.
Extra Features
Many USB headsets offer bonuses like extra wireless connectivity (via Bluetooth or a USB dongle) or fancy sonic features (like active noise cancellation or emulated surround sound). Considering the bells and whistles of your ideal headset can go a long way toward helping you to make your buying decision.
About Our Trusted Experts
Jason Schneider is a tech writer and longtime musician. He uses the Jabra Evolve2 85 daily but isn’t averse to popping on the Audeze Mobius for long gaming sessions. When considering headsets he made sure that gaming options were immersive and richly designed, and he made sure all-around headsets offered seamless connectivity and clear sound quality.
