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The Best Nintendo Switch Headsets for Immersive Gaming

Whether you’re looking for noise-canceling cans or a great microphone for streaming and chatting, we have you covered.

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best nintendo switch headsets
Popular Mechanics; Courtesy Alienware

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It’s no secret that the built-in speakers in the Nintendo Switch leave something to be desired. Across all three different Nintendo Switch models, the built-in speakers are small and underwhelming. When put up against games with incredible sound like The Gardens Between, Hades, and Gris, the adventure sounds a lot less epic than the action happening on screen.

Gamers have long considered headphones the best way to enjoy a game’s sound, and the Switch is no exception. Games with locational, ambient sound like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild come alive with a proper set of headphones.

When it comes to choosing the best headset for your Switch, there are lots of factors to consider, and the Switch’s new Bluetooth headphone capability opens the door to even more options. Keep reading for buying advice and reviews of 10 great Nintendo Switch headsets.

Best Nintendo Switch Headsets

  • 1
    ATH-G1 Premium Gaming Headset

    Best Wired Headset

    Audio-Technica ATH-G1 Premium Gaming Headset

    $169 at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    H3 Hybrid Gaming Headset

    Best Headset for Streamers

    EPOS H3 Hybrid Gaming Headset

    Read more
  • 3
    HS50 Pro Gaming Headset

    Best Wired Headset Under $50

    Corsair HS50 Pro Gaming Headset

    Read more
  • 4
    7.1 Gaming Headset

    Best Mid-range Wired Headset

    Alienware 7.1 Gaming Headset

    Read more
  • 5
    Recon 50X Gaming Headset

    Best Headset For Kids

    Turtle Beach Recon 50X Gaming Headset

    Read more

The Basics of Nintendo Switch Audio

The best options for Nintendo Switch gaming headsets depend on whether you’re playing on your own, gaming with friends via the internet, or streaming on Twitch, along with other factors like sound quality, comfort, and price.

First, let’s break down the audio specs for the various Switch models. All three models—the classic Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED—come with the same speakers and audio output jacks. The Switch Lite’s speakers are underneath the device, which some users say their hands cover while they’re playing. The Lite also has a lower maximum volume. When using headphones, though, all three Switch models have the same audio quality. It wasn’t until the 13.0.0 software update that the handhelds could support Bluetooth headphones, but as reviewers have pointed out, the functionality is a bit clunky and isn’t compatible with Bluetooth microphones.

Choosing a Wireless or Wired Nintendo Switch Headset

Wireless headsets let you play rambunctiously without worrying about getting tangled in wires. Some models are earbuds, which are the lowest profile design when it comes to headsets. On the other hand, wireless models have limited battery life. Compared to your average wireless earbuds, gaming-oriented headsets boast longer battery life, typically around 20 hours. Great headsets exceed 30 hours of play on a single charge.

Although Nintendo’s move to support Bluetooth audio is a good thing, it’s not without limitations. If you’re playing your Switch with a Bluetooth headset paired, you can only connect two Joy-Cons at a time, instead of the usual eight. That said, if you’re using headphones, you’re likely playing solo and probably not concerned about connecting a bunch of other controllers.

Not all wireless headsets use Bluetooth to transmit audio. Some link to your Switch using 2.4-gigahertz wireless USB-C dongles. These can allow for much faster connection than Bluetooth, so lots of gamers prefer them for uninterrupted audio input and output. To use your wireless headset when your Switch classic or OLED model is docked, you’ll need a USB-A adapter.

ATH-G1

When it comes to fit and comfort, you can find the same quality in a wireless or Bluetooth headset as you will in a wired one. The advantage of a wired headset, then, comes down to cost and audio quality. There are pricey wired models, but if you’re looking for a budget model, you’ll get better performance for the money with a traditional headset.

Wired headphones, which connect to your Switch through a typical 3.5-millimeter stereo jack, solve the problem of throttled audio quality due to Bluetooth connections. Using wired headphones also gives you the opportunity to include a DAC, or digital-to-analog converter, in your setup, which can elevate sound quality or audio levels. (It is possible to use DACs with Bluetooth or wireless in general, but it’d be pretty clunky on the Switch and probably isn’t worth it.) This option isn’t necessary for the average Switch player, but if you’re looking for the absolute best audio output, a DAC can help.

What Makes a Good Headset Microphone

None of the Switch models have a built-in microphone, so if you plan to stream on Twitch, record yourself for a YouTube video, or use in-game voice chat features, you’ll need a headset with a mic, and unless you’re playing a third-party app like Fortnite, to download the Nintendo Switch Online app on your phone.

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Although audio output isn’t what you’re going to experience most often when using a headset with your Switch, a microphone can come in handy for other gaming. Look for a model with sound isolation, which means the mic will pick up your voice and anything a few inches from the mic, while “ignoring” sounds like the garbage truck outside or your roommate cooking dinner. It’s also best to choose a unidirectional mic, instead of a bidirectional or omnidirectional model, to pick up just your voice. Better still, if it has something soft around it to keep hard consonants from sounding too crisp to listeners. And if you aren’t planning to chat while playing your Switch, a detachable boom lets you keep your headset minimalistic and lighter weight for maximum comfort.

How We Evaluated

As avid Switch gamers, we know one of the great things about the console is how immersive it can be. But if you lose sound or struggle with poor audio quality, you’re more likely to focus on tweaking tech than getting to the next level of Little Nightmares II.

To find the best Nintendo Switch headsets, we prioritized audio quality, comfort, and a solid microphone. We also found options at a variety of price points because improving the Switch’s middling speakers doesn’t have to require a huge investment. We used headset reviews from the experts at Nintendo Life, Tech Radar, iMore, Sound Guys, Tom’s Guide, and Review Geek, as well as customer reviews on sites like Best Buy. After we meticulously scoured through spec sheets for what felt like hundreds of headsets (but was probably more like 35), the 10 recommendations below stood out.

1
Best Wired Headset

Audio-Technica ATH-G1 Premium Gaming Headset

ATH-G1 Premium Gaming Headset
1
Best Wired Headset

Audio-Technica ATH-G1 Premium Gaming Headset

$169 at Amazon$169 at Walmart$169 at dell.com
Pros
  • Replaceable pads
  • Great sound quality
Cons
  • Volume controls on wire, not on cups
  • Expensive

This headset is legendary among gamers because of its supreme sound quality, unbeatable comfort, and high-quality microphone. The faux-leather pads are replaceable should they wear out, making the higher cost a more reasonable investment over time. The boom mic sits on a flexible arm so you can adjust it to the optimal position, and it detaches when you’re only listening to audio.

This is also a stylish option compared to other gaming headsets, with Audio-Technica’s signature round cup shape on full display.

Key Specs

ConnectionWired
FitOver ear
MicDetachable boom
2
Best Headset for Streamers

EPOS H3 Hybrid Gaming Headset

H3 Hybrid Gaming Headset
2
Best Headset for Streamers

EPOS H3 Hybrid Gaming Headset

Now 16% Off
Pros
  • Surround sound
  • Dual connectivity for wired and wireless use
Cons
  • Expensive

If you’re serious about streaming, playing with friends, or recording audio while you play, the Epos H3 Hybrid is easily one of the best options out there.

This sleek design has two mics—one on a detachable boom arm and the other in the ear cup—so you can chat with friends even when your boom isn’t attached. Raising the boom arm while you’re playing mutes your mic automatically, which is another excellent feature. The volume knob is an easy-to-use wheel on the right cup, and you can expect 7.1 surround sound. Audio comes in from two streams in this headset, so you can listen to your game while hearing your friends’ chatter.

The best part? The H3 supports wired and Bluetooth connections, with up to 37 hours of battery life when it isn’t plugged in.

Key Specs

ConnectionWired and Bluetooth
FitOver ear
MicDetachable boom
Pros
  • Comfortable cups
  • Inexpensive
Cons
  • No surround sound

Corsair has long been a go-to for affordable tech, and its gaming headsets are no different. This stereo headset is a simple, wired option for just $40, making it the ideal pick for beginner Twitch streamers or anyone on a budget. The comfortable memory foam cups muffle outside audio, but they aren’t totally noise-canceling. Although the sound quality isn’t sophisticated enough for multi-layered music tracks, the HS50 Pro performs well for gaming.

The unidirectional mic is easily detachable, and the volume and mic mute switches are located on the ear pad, so you can change volume without stopping play.

Key Specs

ConnectionWired
FitOver ear
MicDetachable unidirectional
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4
Best Mid-range Wired Headset

Alienware 7.1 Gaming Headset

7.1 Gaming Headset
4
Best Mid-range Wired Headset

Alienware 7.1 Gaming Headset

Now 34% Off
Pros
  • Attractive design
  • Great value
Cons
  • Volume controls on wire

Alienware’s 7.1 surround sound headset is easily the best value when it comes to mid-range price options. That’s evident by the microphone alone, which can be tough to get in a mid-range model. But Alienware doesn’t stop there. This super sleek, lightweight headset comes with thoughtfully designed memory foam ear cups you can wear for hours on end. The audio quality bolsters the headset’s value with custom audio drivers that produce some of the market’s best sound.

Reviewers have reported that the headset’s noise canceling works almost too well. That’s great for noisy airplane rides or simply getting lost in play.

Key Specs

ConnectionWired
FitOver ear
MicRetractable noise-canceling
5
Best Headset For Kids

Turtle Beach Recon 50X Gaming Headset

Recon 50X Gaming Headset
5
Best Headset For Kids

Turtle Beach Recon 50X Gaming Headset

Now 38% Off
Pros
  • Inexpensive
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Cheap materials
  • Microphone isn’t detachable

Turtle Beach makes some of the gaming world’s most popular headsets—and they’re often very affordable, too. The Recon 50X is ideal for kids mostly because of its price, so you won’t be mad if it ends up on the floor or squished into the bottom of a backpack. The headset is made of relatively cheap, but surprisingly durable, materials.

Although it doesn’t have a ton of features, it’s functional, comfortable, and the mic has decent sound, so your school-aged kiddo can play Switch games with their friends without breaking the bank.

Key Specs

ConnectionWired
FitOver ear
MicAdjustable
6
Best Wireless Headset

Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE

On Sale
Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE
6
Best Wireless Headset

Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE

Pros
  • Surround sound
  • Incredible mic
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Can’t use wirelessly when playing on handheld

The Virtuoso is designed beautifully and filled to the brim with incredible specs and high-quality features (as you might expect for a gaming headset at this price).

With very comfortable memory foam ear pads and 7.1 surround sound, you’ll feel totally immersed in your Switch. There’s a customizable RGB light at the end of the omnidirectional mic. And because the mic detaches, you can wear these lightweight cans walking around town.

Corsair’s SlipStream connector, a proprietary wireless adapter, lets you use the Virtuoso in cordless mode when your Switch is docked, but you’ll need to change to a wired connection for handheld play.

Key Specs

ConnectionWired and wireless
FitOver ear
MicDetachable omnidirectional
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7
Great Aesthetic

Razer Barracuda X Gaming Headset

Barracuda X Gaming Headset
7
Great Aesthetic

Razer Barracuda X Gaming Headset

Now 23% Off
Pros
  • Stylish
  • Dual connectivity
Cons
  • Fit might be too snug for some gamers

In my opinion, you can’t beat the aesthetics of a bright pink-and-white headset with rounded edges like the Barracuda X. This headset, which also comes in all-white and all-black, is not just an attractive option. It’s also outfitted with 7.1 surround sound, a decent microphone with voice isolation, and about 20 hours of battery life. The USB-C dongle creates the wireless connection when you’re playing handheld.

One drawback to this model is the snug fit, which some gamers find a bit too tight for long hours of gaming.

Key Specs

ConnectionWired and wireless
FitOver ear
MicDetachable with voice isolation
8
Best Mid-Range Wireless Headset

SteelSeries SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless

SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless
8
Best Mid-Range Wireless Headset

SteelSeries SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless

Now 25% Off
Pros
  • Dual connectivity
  • Reasonably priced
Cons
  • Some people struggle with the fit

SteelSeries makes some of the best PlayStation headsets on the market, but its products are great for Switch users, too. This mid-range option will only cost you $100, making it a great value. Some people find the headband a bit too snug, but it’s adjustable so, in theory, you can mold it to fit.

The mic is Discord-certified and bidirectional, and the noise-canceling design blocks out background noise. The battery life lasts 20-ish hours; that’s comparable to most others on this list, though serious gamers might find it a bit short.

Key Specs

ConnectionWired and wireless
FitOver ear
MicDetachable noise-canceling
9
Versatile Bluetooth Earbuds

Jabra Elite 7 Active

Elite 7 Active
9
Versatile Bluetooth Earbuds

Jabra Elite 7 Active

Pros
  • Versatile
  • Excellent noise canceling
Cons
  • Short battery life
  • Might not be as comfortable as over-ear designs

If you want a pair of earbuds you can wear to the grocery store and also connect to your Switch when you get home, the Jabra Elite 7 Active is a great option. They have excellent active noise canceling and superior sound quality. These connect to your Switch via Bluetooth, so you can pop them in anytime. They also come in a convenient charging case that looks super sleek. We’ve used Jabra’s earbuds for years, and the Elite 7 Active is only better, featuring longer battery life (about eight hours) and a more ergonomic shape.

Key Specs

ConnectionBluetooth
FitIn ear
MicNoise-canceling
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10
Premium Bluetooth Earbuds

Razer Hammerhead True Wireless (2nd Gen)

Hammerhead True Wireless (2nd Gen)
10
Premium Bluetooth Earbuds

Razer Hammerhead True Wireless (2nd Gen)

Now 47% Off
Pros
  • RGB lighting
  • Low-latency gaming mode
Cons
  • Expensive
  • So-so battery life

If you’re specifically looking for a pair of Bluetooth earbuds for gaming, Razer’s latest Hammerhead True Wireless buds are worth a look. They are perhaps the only pair of Bluetooth earbuds with built-in RGB lighting, a hallmark of the Razer brand. Outside of flashy aesthetics, the Hammerhead’s are great for gaming thanks to their comfortable fit and dedicated “gaming mode.” When set to this mode, the Hammerhead’s deliver lower-latency audio, as long as you stay within two feet of your device. Like many popular Bluetooth earbuds, the case changes the headphone when not in use.

Key Specs

ConnectionBluetooth
FitIn ear
MicNoise-canceling
Headshot of Harry Rabinowitz
Harry Rabinowitz

Harry Rabinowitz is a writer, editor, and columnist covering the latest and greatest products in the gaming industry. He also works to tell educational and entertaining stories about tech, entertainment, home goods, and more. When he’s not learning or writing something new, he’s probably heading to the library for a new graphic novel to read.

Headshot of Zoë Hannah
Zoë Hannah
Deputy Editor

Zoë Hannah is a Deputy Editor, Reviews, at Popular Mechanics, Runner's World, and Bicycling. She has ten years of experience as a journalist covering travel, video games, mental health, and product reviews. When she isn't editing or writing, you can find her hiking wooded trails, reading a fantasy book, or stretching out on her yoga mat. You can find her work right here, on her website, and on outlets like WIRED, Tom's Guide, Insider, Entrepreneur, and more.

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