Headphones
top 5 headphones for virtual reality gaming (updated march 2 2025)
By Alex Johnson
Published: 02 Mar 2025
So, you're diving headfirst into the world of virtual reality gaming? Awesome! I was there not too long ago, completely overwhelmed by the sheer number of headsets, and even more confused about which headphones would actually make the experience amazing. Let me tell you, finding the right pair is kinda like finding the perfect pizza topping – it's all about personal preference, but some options are definitely better than others. I've spent hours (okay, maybe days) testing out different headphones, and I'm ready to share my top picks with you. Buckle up!
person wearing VR headset and headphones, immersed in a game | Image: Supplied
1. Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset
This is the one I started with, mostly because it was readily available and reasonably priced. It's designed specifically for the PlayStation 5, and let me tell you, the 3D audio is insane. I felt like I was truly inside the game, the sounds surrounding me, completely realistic. The comfort level was pretty good for extended gaming sessions, which is a huge plus. The only tiny downside? The battery life isn't the longest, so you might want to keep a charging cable handy. But honestly, the immersive audio more than makes up for it. If you're a PS5 gamer, give this one a serious look.
Pros: Amazing 3D audio, relatively affordable, comfortable. Cons: Battery life could be better.
Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset on a Playstation 5 | Image: Supplied
2. HP Reverb G2
Okay, this one's a bit of a splurge, but the HP Reverb G2 offers unbelievable visual clarity, which means you really need incredible audio to match. The headphones included are surprisingly great. While they aren't specifically designed for gaming (they are more for VR use in general), they deliver a fantastic audio experience. The sound is crisp and detailed, allowing you to hear subtle cues within your virtual environment. Plus, they're super comfortable, which is crucial when you're spending hours in VR. If you're a serious VR enthusiast, the added cost is totally worth it. Trust me. I almost cried when I got mine. I wasn't kidding when I said it was a splurge, it really felt like a luxurious gift to myself.
Pros: Exceptional sound quality, comfortable design, crisp and detailed audio. Cons: High price point.
HP Reverb G2 VR headset with headphones | Image: Supplied
3. Oculus Rift S
If you're a bit more budget-conscious, the Oculus Rift S is a solid choice! The integrated headphones aren't top-of-the-line, but they are totally passable and provide great positional audio, which is essential in VR gaming. This makes it easier to pinpoint where your in-game enemies are. (This saved my life more times than I care to admit, trust me on that one.) Its integrated design is really convenient; no extra cables needed! Overall, you get great value for the money. It's a great entry point into the world of VR gaming if you don't want to immediately make a huge investment. You may regret it later if you get hooked and want to upgrade later though!
Pros: Affordable, integrated design, good positional audio. Cons: Sound quality isn't as exceptional as some of the other headphones.
Oculus Rift S VR headset | Image: Supplied
4. Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT
These are not specifically VR headphones, but hear me out. The comfort, the sound quality – they are exceptional! These are versatile and will work with your VR headset. The superior audio quality makes a big difference in competitive VR gaming. The wireless aspect is also a nice touch, allowing for freedom of movement (which is crucial in some games). Now, the price is a bit steep, but if you want top-tier audio for all your gaming needs, then it's a worthy investment. I've used these for years and I would use them again tomorrow.
Pros: Incredible sound quality, wireless convenience, super comfortable. Cons: Expensive, not VR-specific.
Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT headphones | Image: Supplied
5. SteelSeries Arctis 9X
Another excellent, versatile pair of headphones. If the Corsair Virtuoso is out of your budget, I consider this a very close second. The SteelSeries Arctis 9X wireless headphones offer a great balance of comfort and sound quality. These are fantastic for VR gaming—they offer excellent positional audio which, as we've discussed, is essential for accurate enemy pinpointing in VR games (trust me, its a lifesaver, its almost cheating!). Plus, they are compatible with a wide range of devices, so they aren't just limited to your VR setup.
Pros: Comfortable, great positional audio, versatile. Cons: Not as premium as some of the others on this list.
SteelSeries Arctis 9X headphones | Image: Supplied
