Best Headset for Apex Legends (2023 Guide)

In competitive battle royale games like Apex Legends, audio acts like a second set of eyes, helping players locate enemies they can’t see. A quality gaming headset can enhance your hearing and make it easier to determine the distance and direction of critical audio cues like footsteps.

To find the best gaming headset for Apex Legends, we analyzed reviews and specs to choose a list of headsets for in-house testing. We then hand-test each headset’s audio quality, ergonomics, features, microphone, and more to help you find the best headset for Apex Legends.

 Best headset for Apex Legends

• Wired pick: Astro A40 TR
• Wireless pick: HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
• Studio headset pick: Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X
• Wired runner-up pick: Logitech G Pro X
• Wired runner-up pick 2: Razer Blackshark V2
• Wireless runner-up pick: Razer Kraken V3 Pro
• Budget pick: HyperX Cloud Stinger 2

At a glance

• Connectivity: Wired
• Design: Open-back
• Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Mobile
• Drivers: 40mm
• Weight: 369 grams
• Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz
• Microphone: Detachable boom, flip-up

The Astro A40 TR is an open-back headset for gaming and esports. The A40 “Tournament Ready” has a perfect sound mix for FPS games like Apex Legends, where spatial audio and critical listening are vital to success.

The A40 TR has a unique design compared to other gaming headsets. The headset frame is mainly made of glossy plastic, aside from the two aluminum arms used to adjust the length of the headband. The aluminum arms have markers to help you find the right fit for your head, but changing the size of the A40s is a two-handed task that usually requires removing the headset.

The plastic used to construct the A40 TR is more durable than most hard plastics found on other gaming headsets. The headband is made entirely from soft-plastic material, unlike the steel and aluminum headbands on most gaming headsets in the A40’s price range. The soft plastic gives the A40 an unusual amount of flex and pliability.

One of the distinctive features of the Astro A40 TR is its replaceable parts. The headband cushion, ear cushions, speaker tags, microphone, and audio cable are detachable, making them easy to replace or upgrade. Also, the A40 TR is the only headset we tested where you can swap the boom microphone to the left or right ear cup, depending on your preference.

The Astro A40 TR has incredible sound for FPS gaming. The headset’s open-back design allows air to directly reach the drivers, creating an open soundstage perfect for determining the distance and direction of audio cues. During testing, the sound mix was balanced and clear for Apex Legends. The headset dampens loud sounds like gunfire and explosions while isolating important audio cues like footsteps. I liked that I could increase the volume to enhance my listening without feeling like I would blow out my eardrums.

There’s a reason that the A40 TR is one of the most popular headsets used by esports pros we track at Setup.gg; it has a unique combination of comfort, durability, and sound quality that’s ideal for FPS gamers. Check out the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X for an open-back headset that sounds great when listening to music.

At a glance

• Connectivity: Wireless
• Design: Closed-back
• Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Switch (docked)
• Drivers: 50mm
• Weight: 327 grams
• Frequency Response: 15-21,000 Hz
• Microphone: Detachable Boom

The Cloud Alpha Wireless combines the best aspects of HyperX’s Cloud series gaming headsets with some of the best wireless functionality we’ve seen. After spending time with the Cloud Alpha Wireless, it’s hard to find anything the headset doesn’t do well.

Compared to most wireless headsets, the Cloud Alpha Wireless is extremely simple to set up. Plug in the USB transmitter, turn on the headset, and you’re immediately ready to start gaming. Some features like DTS Headphone:X Spatial Audio and EQ tuning are accessed with the free HyperX NGENUITY software, but we didn’t need to use these while playing Apex Legends.

The headset features an onboard power button, mute button, and volume control. Each has a premium tactile feel, and HyperX designed the mute and power buttons concave and convex, so it’s easy to know which one you’re pressing. One of my favorite design features is the red LED mute indicator on the tip of the boom microphone, which lets you know the microphone’s status without removing the headset.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha uses plush memory foam and leatherette, which makes it comfortable for marathon gaming sessions. The memory foam that spans the entire length of the steel headband does an excellent job of distributing the headset’s weight. The leatherette ear cushions are incredibly soft to the touch and create a seal around the ears that helps block out background noise.

The Cloud Alpha Wireless is one of the best-sounding wireless headsets, with 50mm dual-chamber drivers that separate the mids and highs from bassy lows. When playing Apex Legends, I was surprised at the depth of sounds the Cloud Alpha Wireless was able to produce. Listening to Apex Legend’s dynamic soundtrack with the Cloud Alpha Wireless is an elite audio experience.

One of the most impressive features of the Cloud Alpha Wireless is its 300-hour battery life, which lasts for months without needing to be plugged in. I’ve only been able to deplete the battery by around 10% during testing; it’s impressive that HyperX included such massive battery life without making the headset overweight.

The Cloud Alpha Wireless is one of the best-value wireless headsets, with a winning combination of comfort, sound, and battery life. Check out the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless for a wireless gaming headset compatible with Xbox consoles.

At a glance

• Connectivity: Wired
• Design: Open-back
• Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Mobile
• Drivers: 45mm
• Weight: 345 grams
• Frequency Response: 5-40,000 Hz
• Microphone: No

The Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X is a professional-quality studio headset with an open-back design allowing air to permeate the drivers. The DT 900 Pro X’s open-back design creates a spacious and transparent sound profile, enabling precise localization of audio cues in Apex Legends.

The DT 900 Pro X is a premium headset inside and out with a sturdy metal frame extending through the headband that holds each ear cup in place. When I first started wearing the DT 900 Pro X, the headset clamped too tightly on my head. The clamping force lessened over time, and the headset became more comfortable as the metal frame adjusted to the size of my head.

The DT 900 Pro X’s circular ear cushions are made of an ultra-soft gray velour material that feels more luxurious than most fabric ear cushions. The memory foam underneath the velour is thick and helps maintain a snug fit around the head. There’s plenty of room to spare in the ear cups, and I never felt cramped while wearing the headset.

Beyerdynamic made essential components of the DT 900 Pro X replaceable, like the headband cushion, ear cushions, and audio cable, further adding to the headset’s durability. Many headset audio cables become easily deformed, leading to tangling, but the DT 900 Pro X’s 3.5mm to Mini XLR audio cables are thick enough to maintain their shape even when bent or coiled.

For Apex Legends, the DT 900 Pro X has precise audio thanks to 45mm neodymium drivers and a 5-40,000 Hz frequency range– the widest of any headset we tested. The wide frequency range helps distinguish between subtle audio cues, and the audio mix is surprisingly well-equipped for FPS gaming.

The DT 900 Pro X blows other dedicated gaming headsets out of the water for listening to music. Beyerdynamic designed the headset for critical listening and mastering, and while playing my favorite tracks, I felt like I was in the recording studio; it truly is an incredible experience if you’ve never tried a studio-quality headset before.

The DT 900 Pro X is best suited for an at-home setup because the open-back design leaks audio and works better in a quiet environment. If you have a quiet at-home setup and want a headset with premium-quality audio for gaming and music, look no further than the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X.

At a glance

• Connectivity: Wired
• Design: Closed-back
• Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Mobile
• Drivers: 50mm
• Weight: 320 grams
• Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz
• Microphone: Detachable boom

The Logitech G Pro X is an esports headset with a premium build quality that’s become popular with FPS gamers around the globe. When Logitech designed the G Pro X, they collaborated with professional players to create a headset designed by pros for pros.

The first thing that comes to mind when holding the G Pro X is that it’s a solid piece of hardware. There’s hardly any wobble between the joints of the headset, and all the materials seem built to last. I like the shiny metallic plates that Logitech added to each ear cup; they add a flair of gaming aesthetic to an otherwise subdued headset.

The G Pro X has a matte-black metal band that extends through the headband and holds each ear cup in place. At first, the headset clamped too tightly on my head to be comfortable for extended gaming, but after a few days of testing, the metal arms stretched out to better accommodate the size of my head.

Logitech includes two ear cushions with the G Pro X, one set of leatherette, and one set of velour pads. Swapping the ear cushions was painless; I used velour pads to create a more open soundstage and reduce heat build-up over time.

While testing headsets, some became overwhelmed with the variety of Apex Legend’s soundtrack. Explosions, gunfire, abilities, environmental sounds, and voice lines can all happen simultaneously, causing a loud jumbled mix of audio that fatigues the ears. The G Pro X did an excellent job of isolating important audio cues like footsteps while reducing loud sounds, which helps increase focus and reduce fatigue during long play sessions.

The G Pro X is compatible with Logitech’s free G HUB software, including features like EQ tuning, audio profiles, mic tuning, surround sound, and more. G HUB is one of the most straightforward software to use, and I like the prospect of being able to fine-tune my EQ settings for each game I play.

The Logitech G Pro X has a lot to like– it’s one of the most esports-ready headsets and is available for a reasonable price. Check out our review of the Razer Blackshark V2 below for a similar wired headset with a more comfortable fit.

At a glance

• Connectivity: Wired
• Design: Closed-back
• Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Mobile
• Drivers: 50mm
• Weight: 262 grams
• Frequency Response: 12-28,000 Hz
• Microphone: Detachable boom

The Razer Blackshark V2 is a lightweight, comfortable gaming headset with crisp audio for Apex Legends. Razer priced and designed the Blackshark to entice a wide range of gamers, and the Blackshark V2 is a great entry point into esports headsets.

The first thing you’ll notice about the Blackshark is the headset’s attention to ergonomics. The headband and ear cushions both use an extra-thick layer of memory foam that, combined with the low curb weight, makes it feel like you’re wearing a pillow on your head.

The lightweight construction of the Blackshark V2 is a positive, but it does feel like Razer sacrificed durability to save a few grams. The arms of the headset are made from a coat hanger-thin metal wire that adds flexibility but also makes me question the long-term durability of the headset.

The Blackshark V2 is simple to control. The headset includes an oversized volume knob and mute button on the left ear cup that are both easy to use without removing the headset. The rest of the Blackshark’s features, like THX Spatial Audio and EQ tuning, are available using the Razer Synapse software with the USB sound card plugged in.

While playing Apex Legends, the Blackshark V2 produces crisp, distinct audio that rivals more expensive closed-back headsets. The synthetic weave ear cushions don’t isolate sound as well as leatherette, but they do create an open soundstage that helps increase spatial awareness.

Overall, the Blackshark V2 doesn’t have the same audio quality for Apex Legends as the Astro A40 TR or Logitech G Pro X, but it is the most comfortable of the three headsets. If you’re looking for a comfort-first wired headset that produces competent FPS audio, the Blackshark V2 might suit you.

At a glance

• Connectivity: Wired, wireless
• Design: Closed-back
• Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Mobile
• Drivers: 50mm
• Weight: 372 grams
• Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz
• Microphone: Detachable Boom

The Razer Kraken V3 Pro is Razer’s flagship wireless headset that delivers an immersive experience with deep sound and an innovative haptic feedback feature. The Kraken V3 Pro’s design and features emphasize fun, with enough performance left over to help players compete at the highest levels in Apex Legends.

The Kraken V3 Pro is a comfortable headset. The large circular ear cushions are more padded than most, with leatherette around the sides and fabric where the cushion contacts your head. The headband cushion is equally plush, and the extra padding is necessary to brace all 372 grams of the hefty headset.

The Kraken V3 Pro can be used wirelessly with the 2.4 GHz transmitter or wired with the 3.5mm audio cable. The headset’s battery lasts about 44 hours on a single charge, which is still at the higher end of what most wireless headsets offer. Unfortunately, there’s no Bluetooth connectivity, which is somewhat disappointing given the price point of the headset.

Diving into features, the Kraken V3 Pro has some unique tech that sets it apart from the pack. A button on the right ear cup of the headset controls HyperSense, which introduces haptic feedback vibrations in coordination with the audio output. The HyperSense feature won’t increase your advantage, but it does increase the intensity of playing games like Apex Legends.

The Kraken V3 Pro also includes tasteful RGB lighting on both ear cups that can be customized with the Razer Synapse software. If you have other RGB Razer products, like a mouse or keyboard, you can use Synapse to harmonize color patterns across all your devices.

Powerful 50mm drivers create a bass-heavy audio mix for Apex Legends, and I had no trouble zeroing in on enemies around the map. During intense moments like Bangalore’s Rolling Thunder ultimate ability, the bass makes you feel every explosion happening around you.

The Kraken V3 Pro is a fun headset for players looking for an immersive audio experience that keeps their palms sweaty. Check out the Logitech G735 for a wireless headset with a less-bassy audio mix and Bluetooth connectivity.

At a glance

• Connectivity: Wired
• Design: Closed-back
• Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Mobile
• Drivers: 50mm
• Weight: 272 grams
• Frequency Response: 10-28,000 Hz
• Microphone: Flip-up

The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 is one of the most popular budget gaming headsets, with audio quality comparable to more expensive models. After testing the Stinger 2, we can confidently say that it exceeded our expectations for the price.

The Stinger 2 uses a mostly-plastic construction with leatherette on the headband and ear cushions. The leatherette is not as soft as on some more expensive headsets, but it still does the job. The ear cups are spacious, and the cushioning is sufficient to keep my ears from contacting the drivers. The leatherette combined with a loose fit can cause the Stinger 2 to feel slippery on the head, but luckily the headset is lightweight and doesn’t feel like a burden during extended play sessions.

Since the Cloud Stinger 2 is a budget headset, you aren’t paying for premium build quality. There is some rattling in the connection points, but you don’t notice it while wearing the headset. Also, the 3.5mm audio cable is not detachable and bends easily, which can become a nuisance when it tangles in your lap.

The flip-up microphone on the Cloud Stinger 2 has ample clarity to communicate with teammates, and I liked that the microphone flips up outside of my vision when not in use. While raising the microphone, an audible click lets you know the mic has been muted.

The Cloud Stinger 2 starts to shine while playing Apex Legends and listening to the 50mm drivers’ audio quality. The Stinger 2 has a surprisingly open soundstage, and the 10-28,000 Hz frequency range is impressive for a headset at this price point. I never felt disadvantaged while playing Apex Legends with the Cloud Stinger 2, even if the audio is a little more hollow than you’d find on a more expensive headset like the Logitech G Pro X.

I highly recommend the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 to young, entry-level gamers or anyone needing a backup headset. You may want to upgrade to more features or wireless gaming in the future, but until then, the Cloud Stinger 2 can help you climb the ranks in Apex Legends. Find other peripherals to pair with the Cloud Stinger 2 in our best mouse for Apex Legends guide.

Test results

We in-house tested the best headsets for Apex Legends and compared the test results and specs for each headset below. Subjective categories are rated on a scale of excellent, great, good, poor, and bad.

Audio

We tested the audio quality of each headset by playing Apex Legends on PC and listening to a selection of music tracks.

The two open-back headsets, the Astro A40 TR and Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X, displayed exemplary directional audio for Apex Legends. Both headsets have a spacious sound stage, making it easy to discern specific audio cues. The Logitech G Pro X also produced excellent game audio during testing and can access EQ tuning with the G HUB app, unlike the A40 TR and DT 900 Pro X.

The Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X is the best choice for listening to music. Low, highs, and mids sound crisp and incredibly accurate with the DT 900 Pro X. The Razer Kraken V3 Pro also excels while listening to music with its bass-centric audio mix. However, we wouldn’t recommend enabling HyperSense haptic feedback since it detracts from the clarity of the audio.

Connectivity

The headsets with the most connectivity options are compatible with the broadest range of devices. Apex Legends players should be aware that Xbox consoles require specific compatibility for wireless headsets, like found on the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless.

The Logitech G Pro X and Razer Blackshark V2 connect via a 3.5mm audio cable, with the option to connect via a USB dongle. Both headsets can only access features like spatial audio and EQ tuning through the USB connection.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless has the best battery life, with a jaw-dropping 300-hour lifespan. The Razer Kraken V3 Pro’s 44-hour battery life isn’t too shabby either, and you can still use the headset with the USB charging cable plugged in.

Hands-On

All headsets we tested for Apex Legends feature similar adjustability, with the A40 TR and Cloud Stinger 2 edging out the pack since they fold to lay flat. The Logitech G Pro X was the most stable on the head, but don’t expect any gaming headsets to maintain their position during exercise.

The Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X and Razer Kraken V3 Pro have stand-out build quality with a combination of metals and soft leatherette. The Cloud Stinger 2 has the most disappointing build quality, but it still exceeds expectations for the price point.

The Logitech G Pro X and Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X lost points in comfort because they clamp tightly on the head, which may cause fatigue over time. This may be fine for those with smaller heads or players who enjoy a more firm-fitting headset.

Features

The Razer Kraken V3 Pro is the most feature-heavy headset, with built-in RGB lighting and haptic feedback. The RGB lighting and haptic feedback increase battery consumption so that you won’t get the entire 44-hour life with these features enabled.

The Cloud Alpha Wireless, G Pro X, Blackshark V2, and Kraken V3 Pro include free companion software to customize features like RGB lights, surround sound, and EQ tuning. However, these headsets have great audio out of the box, and I didn’t feel the need to use any 3rd party tuning while playing Apex Legends.

None of the models we tested included substantial carrying cases, which is expected since gaming headsets are not intended for travel. The DT 900 Pro X, G Pro X, and Blackshark V2 include a drawstring pouch to protect them from dust and scratches.

Microphone

A microphone is part of what distinguishes a gaming headset from a regular pair of headphones. Gaming headset microphones come in all shapes and sizes, but what’s important is that they reproduce accurate sound with minimal background interference.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless and Astro A40 TR feature great-quality detachable boom microphones with excellent background noise suppression. The A40 TR is the only headset we tested with a microphone that can be swapped to the left or right ear cup.

The Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X is a studio headset that doesn’t include a microphone. Many gamers playing with the DT 900 Pro X use an external microphone, like the Shure SM7B, to communicate with teammates in-game.

What headset do Apex Legends pros use?

Over 11% of Apex Legends players tracked by Setup.gg use the HyperX Cloud II. This wired headset offers accurate, low-latency audio for Apex Legends, helping its top players perform at their best.

Honorable mentions

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is SteelSeries’ flagship headset brimming with features like dual connectivity, talk-through, and active noise canceling. The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is also virtually universally compatible via a 3.5mm audio cable, low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless, and Bluetooth. We chose the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless instead because it produced slightly more accurate audio for Apex Legends.

The HyperX Cloud II is an ultra-popular gaming headset with an intelligent balance of comfort and audio quality. The Logitech G Pro X edged out the Cloud II because it’s a similarly designed headset with a more-durable detachable audio cable and a better sound mix for Apex Legends.

The Logitech G735 features dual 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth connectivity, with customizable RGB lights through the intuitive Logitech G Hub software. Although the Razer Kraken V3 Pro doesn’t feature Bluetooth connectivity, it did display a greater depth of sound and a more immersive experience for Apex Legends.

The Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED Wireless is an ultra-light budget headset weighing only 165 grams. The G435 can connect via low-latency 2.4 GHz or Bluetooth and features a decibel limiter to protect the user’s hearing. We chose the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 instead because it displayed more capable directional audio for Apex Legends.