Forget RGB gimmicks and overpriced plastic. These are the game-changers that made us ditch our “pro” headsets for good — tested across FPS lobbies, co-op chaos, and RPG marathons. Expect instant sound, pinpoint clarity, and comfort that lasts until sunrise.
Last updated: Jun 15, 2025
If you've ever thought your earbuds were "good enough" for gaming, this might change your mind. I've tested everything from $49 budget headsets to the kind of $300 pro gear esports players swear by — and I'll be honest, I didn't expect a $99 pair of in-ear monitors to mess with my loyalty to conventional gaming headsets. But after three months of testing — across ranked matches, tournament streams, and everything in between — I found something surprising: not all gaming audio is created equal. And the one I kept coming back to? Wasn't the most expensive.
Before we get into our top picks (spoiler alert: a certain pro music brand came out of nowhere and crushed the rest), let's talk about why proper gaming audio actually matters — especially if you've been winging it with consumer earbuds. Unlike Bluetooth earbuds, quality gaming headsets are built for serious players. They offer wired connections — so there's zero lag, no dropouts, and your audio cues stay exactly where they should. They come with noise-isolating designs that seal out distractions from roommates, traffic, and background noise. And the good ones? They're comfortable enough to wear through a full tournament without ripping them off mid-match just to give your ears a break.
The right pair doesn't just sound better — they help you track enemy positions, hear every detail in-game, and protect your hearing while you do it. And if you're wondering which model left our whole gaming group side-eyeing their old gear? Scroll down. You're about to meet your new favorite.
How We Tested
Latency (monitored during competitive gameplay and streaming)
Frequency response (tested across the full audible range, 20Hz — 20kHz)
Noise isolation (tested using real-world gaming environments and dB measurements)
Comfort (rated after 6+ hour gaming sessions)
Durability (sweat, drop, and cable stress tests)
Value (based on sound, build, and included accessories)
The Best Gaming Headsets
Soundbrenner Wave
SteelSeries Arctis 7P
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
HyperX Cloud Alpha
Sennheiser HD 599
Razer BlackShark V2
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
1. Soundbrenner Wave (9.5/10) — Best Overall
Price: $179 (or $99 if you catch the sale)
Driver Type: 10mm dual-magnet dynamic drivers
Frequency Response: 20 Hz — 20 kHz
Listen, I was fully ready to write these off. $99 wired in-ear monitors from a metronome company? For gaming? Cute. I figured I'd test them, shrug, and toss them in my drawer next to the headsets that didn't make the cut.
Plot twist: these haven't left my gaming setup since they arrived.
Let me set the scene. I'm halfway through a ranked Valorant match in my apartment. My roommate's blasting music. The neighbor's dog is going off. My old earbuds are slipping, I'm cranking the volume, and I still can't pinpoint where that enemy is rotating from. Cue frustration. Cue missed callouts. Cue the ringing in my ears afterward.
Then I switched to the Soundbrenner Wave. One round in, I could finally hear everything. And I mean everything. Footsteps, reloads, ability casts, directional audio — locked in like I was wearing $400 studio monitors. No lag, no bleed, no guessing.
Why I'm Lowkey Obsessed:
Actually Zero Latency: Bluetooth buds? Great for music. Terrible for competitive gaming. The Wave plugs in via 3.5mm and delivers sound instantly. Audio cues stay tight. No delay, no drift, just locked-in precision.
Noise Isolation That Works: The foam tips sealed out distractions like someone hit mute on the world. I didn't have to blast the volume to compete with background noise. My ears thanked me later.
All-Day Fit: These come with six tip options — foam and silicone in multiple sizes. I found my perfect fit, popped them in, and forgot they were there. No slipping, no soreness, even after a 6-hour stream.
Built for Pros, Not Casuals: Long braided cable. Over-ear design. Gold-plated detachable connectors. These aren't dressed-up consumer earbuds. They're real-deal competitive tools.
Room for Improvement:
Hard to Catch in Stock: Like that one teammate who's always clutch but never online, these IEMs are elusive and tend to sell out fast. If you see them in stock, don't overthink it.
They Might Ruin Your Other Headphones: I went back to my usual gaming headset after a week with the Wave. Immediate regret. Everything felt muddy and imprecise. Honestly, these spoiled me.
Real Talk Time
After three weeks of ranked grind, tournament matches, and content creation, I get why more gamers are making the switch to IEMs — and why this one, specifically, is gaining a following. It just works. There's no gimmick here. No "7.1 surround sound" or flashy RGB integrations. Just great fit, clean sound, real isolation, and zero latency — all at a price that doesn't make you feel like you need to sell your graphics card to afford it.
If you've been winging it with AirPods and a Bluetooth dongle or whatever came free with your console, this is the upgrade you didn't know you needed. Your ears (and your K/D ratio) will thank you.
Final verdict? Best $99 I've spent on my setup in years. Skip the energy drinks this month. Get the gear that makes you sound like you actually know where your enemies are. Just remember to buy from Soundbrenner's official site — there are already knockoffs popping up faster than Fortnite skins.
The Runner-Ups: Still Great Picks, Just Not Quite Wave-Level
2. SteelSeries Arctis 7P (9.1/10) — Luxury Choice
Price: $199
Driver Type: 40mm dynamic drivers
Frequency Response: 20 Hz — 20 kHz
Strengths:
Wireless freedom with excellent battery life and low-latency 2.4GHz connection.
Premium build quality with steel headband and ski goggle suspension.
Retractable microphone with broadcast-quality clarity.
Comfortable for extended gaming sessions with plush ear cushions.
Limitations:
Bass response may feel lacking for explosion-heavy games.
Wireless connection occasionally drops in crowded wireless environments.
Higher price point compared to wired alternatives with similar audio quality.
Best For: Those who prefer to pay more for wireless convenience and proven reliability, even if better deals exist.
3. Sony Pulse Explore (8.8/10) — Best for PlayStation Integration
Price: $199
Driver Type: Planar magnetic drivers
Frequency Response: 20 Hz — 30 kHz
Strengths:
PlayStation Link technology provides as low latency as you're going to get with a wireless connection to PS5 and PC.
Planar magnetic drivers deliver good detail and clarity across all frequencies.
Seamless integration with PlayStation ecosystem including 3D audio optimization.
Limitations:
Battery life limited to 5 hours per charge, requiring frequent charging breaks.
Premium price point puts them out of reach for budget-conscious gamers.
PlayStation Link adapter required for PC use, adding setup complexity.
Best For: PlayStation 5 owners who want premium wireless earbuds designed specifically for their console's advanced audio features.
4. HyperX Cloud Alpha (8.7/10) — Longest Cable for Wired Freedom
Price: $99
Driver Type: 50mm dynamic drivers with dual chamber design
Frequency Response: 13 Hz — 27 kHz
Strengths:
Dual chamber drivers separate bass from mids and highs for cleaner sound.
Detachable noise-canceling microphone with flexible positioning.
Aluminum frame construction for durability without excessive weight.
Excellent value proposition for the features offered.
Limitations:
Midrange frequencies may sound slightly recessed compared to highs and lows.
Treble can be sharp during extended listening sessions.
Ear cup padding may compress over time with heavy use.
Best For: Console gamers who want more slack to move around the couch or living room.
5. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x (8.5/10) — Best for Small Heads
Price: $159
Driver Type: 45mm dynamic drivers
Frequency Response: 15 Hz -- 28 kHz
Strengths:
Exceptional sound accuracy with professional studio heritage.
Closed-back design provides excellent noise isolation.
Detachable cables including coiled and straight options.
Foldable design for portability and storage.
Limitations:
Clamping force may be tight for larger heads initially.
Cable connection can be prone to disconnection during intense gaming.
Lacks built-in microphone requiring separate purchase for communication.
Best For: Gamers with smaller head sizes who can't get a proper fit with most over-ear headphones.
6. Moondrop Aria 2 (8.4/10) — Best Budget IEM Alternative
Price: $89
Driver Type: Single 10mm dynamic driver with LCP diaphragm
Frequency Response: 5 Hz — 36 kHz
Strengths:
Great value proposition with audiophile-grade sound quality at budget pricing.
Comfortable lightweight design suitable for extended gaming sessions.
Detachable MMCX cables allow for easy replacement and customization.
Limitations:
Build quality feels less premium compared to higher-priced alternatives.
Cable prone to tangling and microphonics during movement.
Lacks gaming-specific features like built-in microphone or software integration.
Best For: Budget-conscious gamers who prioritize pure audio quality over gaming-specific features and don't mind adding a separate microphone.
7. Sennheiser HD 599 (8/10) — Loudest Volume to Drown Out Everything but Your Game
Price: $112
Driver Type: 38mm dynamic drivers
Frequency Response: 12 Hz — 38.5 kHz
Strengths:
Open-back design creates a large soundstage great for positional audio.
Balanced sound signature with natural midrange reproduction.
Premium build quality with ivory and brown aesthetic.
Limitations:
Open-back design allows sound leakage, disturbing others nearby.
Bass response may lack impact for action-heavy gaming genres.
Requires amplification to reach optimal volume levels with some devices.
Best For: Anyone tired of turning up their volume and still not hearing directional cues clearly.
Comparison by Use Case
Best for Beginners:
Soundbrenner Wave — Plug-and-play simplicity with optional adapter and multiple tip options
HyperX Cloud Alpha — Gaming-focused features with easy setup
Best for Competitive Gaming:
Soundbrenner Wave — Zero-latency, noise-isolating, tournament-ready build
SteelSeries Arctis 7P — Wireless freedom without compromising competitive edge
Best for Content Creation:
Soundbrenner Wave — Balanced response ideal for streaming and recording
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x — Accurate positional audio and professional clarity
Best Value for Money:
Soundbrenner Wave — Pro-level comfort and isolation at an under-$100 price
HyperX Cloud Alpha — Most gaming features per dollar
Care & Usage Tips
Cleaning
Use a soft cloth or alcohol wipe on ear cups and outer housing. Avoid getting moisture in driver units or connector pins. Replace foam tips periodically for IEMs to maintain best seal.
Storage
Store in provided cases to protect drivers and cables. Avoid leaving in extreme heat like cars or direct sunlight. Don't coil cables too tightly — let them breathe between gaming sessions.
The Bottom Line: Why This $99 IEM Is Becoming a Gamer's Best-Kept Secret
After testing the most promising gaming headsets of the year, one stood out for all the right reasons: the Soundbrenner Wave. While most gaming headsets either sound good or feel good, the Wave nails both — delivering zero-latency, competition-ready sound with the kind of noise isolation and marathon-session comfort gamers actually need.
From the dual-magnet drivers to the detachable braided cable and six tip options, everything is designed for serious gaming use — whether you're grinding ranked, streaming content, or competing in tournaments. You don't have to fight to hear enemy positions. You don't have to blast the volume. And you definitely don't have to drop $300 to get clean, consistent audio precision.
If you're still relying on consumer earbuds or overpriced gaming headsets that don't quite hold up, this is your upgrade moment. It's not famous. It's just good.
Limited-Time Price: $99 (normally $179)
Free shipping
30-day hassle-free returns
Click here to secure your Wave before prices increase →
Have you tried any of these headsets for gaming? Share your experiences in the comments!
Comments
JasonL
16 hours ago
Interesting. Might actually be time to retire my old headset.
mikeplays
2 days ago
Been using cheap earbuds for years, mostly casual stuff, but this kinda convinced me. Didn’t expect IEMs to matter that much for gaming, but now I’m curious. Appreciate the honest review.
elirose_
3 days ago
Picked up the Wave after reading this. Played some Apex last night and the difference was legit. Could finally tell where stuff was happening - footsteps, reloads, everything. Way clearer than my old setup.
Jordan Vega
2 days ago
Eli — love that you’re getting that clarity. It’s wild how much more confident you feel when your ears aren’t guessing.
J_Morales
3 days ago
was pretty skeptical going in, but a week later I’m sold. Sound’s cleaner, I don’t need to crank the volume, and I can hear stuff I used to miss. Solid rec.
Jordan Vega
2 days ago
Appreciate that, man. I had the same feeling early on — once it became part of the setup, I didn’t want to go back. Glad it’s working for you too.