The best Nintendo Switch headsets

Nintendo did a commendable job making the best Switch games play just as good docked as in portable mode. However, there’s no doubt that when you take your system on the go, you need to have some accessories to cover your bases and make as few sacrifices as possible. Checking out some of the best Switch controllers is the first thing people will think of, but you shouldn’t overlook your audio quality. Not only are the Switch’s speakers rather unimpressive, but you don’t want everyone around overhearing your game if you’re playing in public. Here are all the best headsets you can use at home or on the go for all your current and upcoming Switch games.

Sennheiser GSP 550 Gaming Headset

Sennheiser’s excellent GSP 550 has large, well-fitting earcups and a padded headband that’s both comfortable and easy to adjust (great for wearing over a hat or hoodie too, if you prefer). Users can experiment with four different equalizer modes to find the right fit for their game, and the headset can enable up to 7.1 Dolby virtual surround sound formats using an included dongle for the best experiences. The nonflexible mic offers noise cancellation to clear up party communication and has an easy flip-up design for muting as well. That allows the headset to offer an impressive frequency response range of 10 to 30,000Hz and a 28-ohm impedance rating.

The GSP 550 doesn’t offer wireless capabilities, although we’ve found this isn’t as important consideration on a mobile device like the Switch. The only significant caveat is the price, which may be a little expensive for those looking to save — fortunately, we also have some budget picks below!

Sennheiser GSP 550 Gaming Headset

PDP REALMz

The brightly colored PDP REALMz is designed for the Switch and makes an excellent (and affordable) pick for those who want an over-ear headset. The wired headphones are licensed by Nintendo to work with all Switch models (as well as the Wii, PC, and mobile devices), so you don’t have to worry about compatibility. They’re very light and designed to be worn for hours on end without discomfort.

The design here is simple and effective: Users get 40mm drivers, padded ear cups to cut down on noise with soft foam for comfort, and a flexible, noise-canceling microphone that you can also flip to mute. You can pick from a range of color options based on popular Switch games or the colors of your Joy-Cons, so everything is sure to match.

Hyper X Cloud Alpha

Hyper X has a lot of options on the market, but we find the Cloud Alpha to be the perfect balance of price and quality. They have a great build quality and comfort, which is perfect if you’re going to be using these in portable mode, and the detachable mic means there’s far less risk of that component breaking. That said, the mic itself isn’t all that great if you’re planning on using it for online gaming or chatting.

In terms of specs, this headset uses 50mm dual chamber drivers — one for bass and one for mids and highs — to give you a full sound in each ear. While it does work with basically all devices that have a 3.5mm port, it sadly doesn’t have any wireless connectivity.

SteelSeries Arctis 1

The Arctis 1 is a strong contender for a middle-of-the-road, solid gaming headset that’s easy to use for just about everything, including all your Switch gaming. Even the wireless version remains affordable compared to alternatives, and we like the simple design with a steel-reinforced headband and durable earcups. Sound quality offers a frequency response range of 20 to 20,000Hz and impedance of 32 ohms.

The detachable mic can be left at home if you want, or attached for noise-canceling communication with friends. There are also wireless adapters that work for other platforms as well, so if you want a headset that can handle gaming on any console you have, this is a great choice!

Razer Barracuda X

If you really don’t like cords or cables getting tangled while you play, Razer’s headset offers a wireless solution that’s still easy to plug into your Switch when the battery gets low. It’s more lightweight than most serious gaming headsets, designed to be taken on daily commutes and other travels where Switch use is common. The 40mm drivers produce great sound for the price, and the battery is rated up to 20 hours before you need to think about USB-C recharging.

The sizable headset includes Razer’s “cardiod” mic which is designed to pick up your voice while avoiding ambient sounds, and a number of onboard controls for managing calls, volume, and more. It’s a great choice for those who take their Switch gaming seriously but still want something lighter than a weighty gaming headset.

EPOS Enterprise GTW 270

Large headsets are just too bulky for some, especially Switch gamers that prefer to travel light. We suggest an alternative: These wireless earbuds are designed specifically for gaming, with noise isolation and Gaming Suite software to customize your sound settings specifically for the games you play (broader modes for gaming, music, and movies also exist). While the earbuds have around a five-hour battery life by themselves, the aluminum charging case can provide several more charges on its own to keep you topped off. Oh, and they’re also water-resistant, so you can wear them during sweaty workouts or in light rain without worrying about damage.