Headset Microphones for Streaming: Ten Gaming Headsets Compared

A separate desk microphone is one more purchase that many new streamers cannot fit into their budget. This roundup argues that a good gaming headset with a built-in mic is a perfectly reasonable alternative: it handles both game audio and voice chat, and the better models give clear speech to your audience. The author built the list from personal use and buyer feedback, mixing cheap entry-level headsets with a few premium options for professionals.

The ten headsets on the list

• RUNMUS Stereo Gaming Headset – the top pick, chosen largely for value. Its mic has noise cancellation and anti-static technology, and its sensitivity can be adjusted. The author used it while streaming PUBG and Fortnite and praised the light, ergonomic build, RGB lights and support for PC, Xbox One and PS4. The ear foam can get sweaty.
• HyperX Cloud Stinger – a streamer-oriented headset with 50mm drivers, memory foam and earcups that rotate 90 degrees. Its noise-cancelling mic mutes with a swivel. Complaints focused on warranty claims and support.
• RUNMUS Gaming Headset – the cheapest option, with 50mm neodymium drivers, RGB lighting, soft foam and a 3.5mm jack. The mic was judged decent and suitable for YouTube and Twitch, though the headset was called a poor choice for Xbox One.
• NUBWO Gaming headset – slim and durable, with balanced low-distortion sound, a noise-cancelling mic and compatibility with PC, laptops, PS4, Xbox One and Macs. Not intended for hardcore gamers.
• RUNMUS Noise Canceling Headset – recommended for console players, especially on PS4. It has 50mm drivers, red-lit earcups and needs no drivers to install. The review found it bulky.
• SteelSeries Arctis 1 – praised for the clearest mic in the list, with a detachable, noise-cancelling design and natural-sounding voice. Built with a reinforced steel frame and recommended for shooters, but echo and slow support were noted.
• ZIUMIER Gaming Headset – another low-cost model with a noise-cancelling mic, comfortable earcups and support for PS4, PC and Xbox One. Not aimed at pro players.
• HyperX Cloud Alpha S – a premium pick for professionals and esports players, offering balanced, bass-heavy sound, a detachable noise-cancelling mic and a light, comfortable fit. Seen as overkill for beginners.
• Razer Kraken Gaming Headset – popular because PewDiePie has used it on streams. It has gel-infused cushions, a volume wheel and a mic mute switch. Again, not considered a beginner product.
• Sennheiser GSP 600 – the most expensive headset reviewed, with German-made transducers and a mic that suppresses breathing and wind noise. Described as a long-term investment for professional streamers, but costly and not suited to newcomers.

What to weigh before buying

The verdicts across the list point to a few practical questions to answer first:

• Budget versus ambition. RUNMUS, NUBWO and ZIUMIER cover low-cost streaming, while the Cloud Alpha S, Kraken and GSP 600 were reserved for players who take streaming seriously.
• Platform support. Several models list PC, PS4 and Xbox One compatibility, but at least one RUNMUS model was flagged as a weak choice for Xbox One.
• Mic features. Look for noise cancellation, a quick mute, and ideally a detachable boom, all of which the review highlighted as real benefits during live streams.
• Comfort over long sessions. Memory foam, gel cushions and light frames came up repeatedly, as did warnings about sweaty foam and bulky shells.

The author's final three recommendations were the Razer Kraken, largely because of its use by PewDiePie, the Sennheiser GSP 600 as the overall best streaming headset of the year, and the RUNMUS Gaming Headset for anyone on a very tight budget. The closing advice was simple: match the headset to your budget and the platform you play on.