The Big Year For Gaming Audio
2025 has been a standout year for gaming audio on PC. From clever wireless charging to ultra low latency wireless and surprisingly powerful earbuds, there is more choice than ever if you want better sound from your gaming setup.
The PC Gamer hardware team has spent the year testing headset after headset, judging them on audio quality, comfort, build, features and connection options. Out of everything they tested, three products rose to the top as the main contenders for Best Gaming Headset 2025.
If you are building or upgrading a gaming PC, these are the audio devices that really deserve a spot on your desk or in your backpack.
Fractal Design Scape: Wireless Charging Game Changer
The Fractal Design Scape is the most eye catching of the bunch and for many the clear favorite. It is a wireless gaming headset with a clean Nordic style design, plush fabric earcups and a matching headband. It looks and feels like a premium bit of kit that belongs next to a high end gaming rig.
The star feature is its wireless charging dock. Instead of fiddling with cables or trying to line up a USB C connector in the dark, you simply drop the Scape onto its dock. Two fabric ovals magnetically pull the headset into the right position. As long as the dock is plugged into your PC, the headset is always ready to go next time you launch a game.
On the audio side the Scape has a warm but accurate sound. Out of the box it is tuned fairly neutral, which works well for both games and music. With Fractal's software you can easily tweak the EQ to taste. With a bit of adjustment the Scape can deliver a proper punch of bass without losing clarity in the highs.
The mic is fully detachable yet also has a flip to mute function when attached, which is handy if you swap between desk microphones and the headset mic. A touch of subtle RGB lighting rounds out the look without turning it into a lighthouse on your head.
For PC gamers who want a clean setup and hate dealing with dead batteries, the combination of strong sound, comfort and magnetic wireless charging makes the Scape one of the most exciting headsets of the year.
Razer BlackShark V3: Competitive Wireless For Serious Gamers
The Razer BlackShark line has been around for a while, but the BlackShark V3 is where Razer really nails the formula. This model refines the classic aviation inspired design into something lighter, more comfortable and more focused on performance.
Inside you get upgraded titanium drivers with a special driver plug to reduce harmonic distortion and a 75 percent larger magnet. In practice this means very tight, detailed audio that suits fast paced games where you need to pick out footsteps, reloads and skill sounds clearly.
Unlike the BlackShark V3 Pro, this version does not include active noise cancelling, but that is not really a downside here. The Pro's ANC was not all that impressive and skipping it helps keep the V3 around 100 grams lighter. That makes a big difference for long sessions whether you are grinding ranked matches or wearing it at the office all day.
Where the BlackShark V3 really stands out for PC gamers is its HyperSpeed Wireless interface. There is a special low latency mode that drops wireless latency to around 10 milliseconds. For casual players any decent wireless headset will probably feel fine but if you are into esports or very competitive shooters, that extra responsiveness can be worth it.
Put simply this is the headset for players who prioritize competitive performance and comfort over extras. It is light, fast, clear and built around giving you every audio advantage in game.
EarFun Air Pro 4: Budget Friendly Gaming Earbuds
Not everyone wants a full size headset clamped on their head all day especially if you also travel or use a handheld gaming PC. That is where the EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds come in.
These little buds regularly sell in the 50 to 80 dollar range, which is very reasonable considering what they offer. Out of the box the sound profile is fine but nothing special. The real magic happens when you jump into the excellent companion app and tweak the EQ. With a bit of tuning they can become surprisingly detailed and engaging, matching or beating far more expensive earbuds.
For gaming there is a dedicated low latency game mode that tightens up the connection so audio lines up better with what is happening on screen. There is also strong active noise cancelling which is especially useful if you travel, commute or game in noisy environments.
The microphone quality is not amazing but that is true of most gaming earbuds right now. The touch controls on the buds can also be easy to trigger by accident, again a common issue with this category. Those small drawbacks are balanced by the fact that you are getting very capable earbuds that can handle gaming, music, movies and travel without destroying your budget.
If you are using a handheld gaming PC like a Steam Deck or similar device, or you just want something lightweight for bed and couch gaming, the EarFun Air Pro 4 are a great fit.
Which One Belongs In Your Setup
All three nominees would be a worthy addition to a modern PC gaming setup. They simply aim at slightly different players.
- Pick the Fractal Design Scape if you value style, comfort and the convenience of magnetic wireless charging on your desk.
- Pick the Razer BlackShark V3 if you are serious about competitive PC gaming and want ultra low latency wireless with clear positional audio.
- Pick the EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds if you are on a tighter budget or want something compact for handhelds, travel or casual gaming.
Only one of these can officially win the PC Gamer Best Gaming Headset 2025 award, but for PC gamers any of them could be the right choice depending on your setup and play style. If you are building a new rig or refreshing your peripherals, now is a great time to give your ears an upgrade.
Original article and image: https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-headsets/pc-gamer-hardware-awards-the-best-gaming-headset-of-2025/
