Our editors evaluated 12 Gaming Headset options against the criteria readers actually weigh up: price, real-world performance, build quality, warranty, and UK availability. Picks lean toward what we'd recommend to a friend buying today, not specs-on-paper winners.
Hands-on contextEditor notes from individual reviews, not press releases.
Live UK pricingRefreshed from Amazon UK twice daily.
No paid placementsAffiliate commission doesn't change what wins.
Finding the best gaming headsets for music is harder than it sounds. Most gaming headsets are tuned for explosions and footsteps, not the nuance of a guitar solo or the warmth of a vocal. But plenty of them do double duty surprisingly well, and if you're spending money on a headset anyway, you want one that won't sound terrible when you switch from a match to a playlist. We've pulled together 12 options across a wide price range, from under £25 to over £300, and assessed each one honestly for how it handles both gaming and music listening. Some are proper bargains. Some are overpriced. A few are genuinely impressive. Here's what you need to know.
Product
Best For
Key Spec
Price
Rating
Picun G2 Wireless Gaming Headset
Best Overall Value
2.4GHz + BT 5.4 + Wired, 100H battery
£69.99
Logitech G PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset
Best Build Quality
50mm Graphene Drivers, BT + 2.4GHz + 3.5mm
£338.99
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P Gaming Headset
Best Under £100
Multi-platform, premium drivers, 2.4GHz
£99.00
HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset
Best for Music Warmth
53mm drivers, USB sound card, 3.5mm
£61.99
Razer BlackShark V2 X Xbox Gaming Headset
Best Under £50
50mm drivers, cardioid mic, 3.5mm wired
£37.89
Logitech G733 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset
Best Wireless Mid-Range
29H battery, Blue VO!CE mic, PRO-G drivers
£200.03
Logitech G G435 LIGHTSPEED & Bluetooth Wireless Gaming Headset
Best Lightweight
165g, 18H battery, BT + LIGHTSPEED
£93.35
Logitech G G PRO X Gaming Headset + G PRO Keyboard
The Picun G2 is the standout pick among the best gaming headsets for music in this roundup, and it earns that spot by doing something most headsets at this price simply don't bother with: it gives you three ways to connect. The 2.4GHz USB dongle handles low-latency gaming. Bluetooth 5.4 connects to your phone for music on the go. And there's a wired 3.5mm fallback for when batteries run low. That flexibility alone makes it worth serious consideration.
For music specifically, the Bluetooth 5.4 connection is the key feature. You can pair it to your phone and stream Spotify or Apple Music without any dongle faff. The sound signature leans slightly warm with a modest bass boost, which suits most popular music genres well. It's not going to replace a pair of dedicated headphones for critical listening, but for casual music enjoyment between gaming sessions, it's genuinely good. Switch to stereo mode (turn off the 7.1 virtual surround) and the soundstage opens up nicely.
The 100-hour battery claim is ambitious, but even at 60 to 70 hours real-world use, that's exceptional. The ENC noise-cancelling mic handles voice chat well, and the RGB lighting is tasteful rather than garish. Build quality feels solid for the price. The headband has decent padding and the earcups are large enough for most ears.
Honest caveat: the virtual 7.1 surround processing sounds artificial on music. Always use stereo mode for listening. And the mic, while good for gaming, isn't broadcast quality. But as a do-everything wireless headset at this price, the Picun G2 is hard to beat.
Pros
Triple connectivity: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.4, and wired
Bluetooth 5.4 makes it genuinely useful for phone music
Exceptional 100H battery (real-world 60 to 70H)
Warm, music-friendly sound signature in stereo mode
Good value for the feature set
Cons
Virtual 7.1 surround sounds poor on music, always switch to stereo
If budget isn't the primary concern and you want the best-sounding headset in this roundup for music, the Logitech G PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED is it. The 50mm graphene drivers are the headline feature here. Graphene is lighter and more responsive than traditional mylar, which translates to faster transient response and noticeably cleaner high-frequency detail. Put on a well-mastered track and you'll hear things you might miss on cheaper headsets.
For music listening, the PRO X 2 offers a more neutral, accurate sound signature compared to the bass-heavy tuning common in gaming headsets. Vocals are clear, instruments are well-separated, and the soundstage is wider than you'd expect from a closed-back design. It also has Bluetooth alongside the LIGHTSPEED 2.4GHz connection, so you can use it with your phone for music without needing the dongle.
Build quality is premium throughout. The aluminium forks, leatherette earcups, and overall fit feel like a proper professional product. The detachable boom mic is a nice touch for music-only use when you just want clean headphones without a mic arm in your face.
The price is the obvious sticking point. At over £300, this is not a budget purchase. But if you're serious about audio quality and want a headset that genuinely performs for both gaming and music, the investment makes sense. It's the best-built and best-sounding option in this entire comparison.
Pros
50mm graphene drivers deliver exceptional clarity for music
Neutral, accurate sound signature suits all music genres
Bluetooth + LIGHTSPEED + 3.5mm triple connectivity
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P sits at a sweet spot in the market. At £99, it's the most expensive headset we'd comfortably call accessible, and it earns its place among the best gaming headsets for music by offering a genuinely refined audio experience. SteelSeries has always been strong on sound tuning, and the Nova 5P continues that tradition.
For music, the Nova 5P produces a balanced, detailed sound with good bass extension that doesn't overwhelm the mids. Acoustic tracks, jazz, and classical music all sound natural and well-rendered. Electronic and hip-hop benefit from the controlled low end. The soundstage is impressively wide for a closed-back gaming headset, which helps with the sense of space that music listening benefits from.
The 2.4GHz wireless connection is rock-solid for gaming, and the headset is compatible with PS5, PS4, PC, and Switch. Battery life is solid. The build is sturdy without being heavy, and the ski-goggle-style headband suspension system distributes weight evenly for long sessions.
The main limitation for music use is the lack of Bluetooth. If you want to use it with your phone for music on the go, you'll need the 3.5mm cable. That's a minor inconvenience, but worth knowing. Overall, for under £100, this is a proper performer.
Pros
Balanced, detailed sound that works well for music
The HyperX Cloud II has been around long enough to be considered a classic, and it's still one of the most recommended gaming headsets for music listening. The reason is simple: those 53mm drivers. Larger than the 40mm units you'll find in cheaper headsets, they produce a fuller, warmer sound with more low-end body. Put on some rock or hip-hop and the Cloud II sounds genuinely satisfying.
The sound signature is warm and slightly V-shaped, meaning bass and treble are both present and forward while the mids are a touch recessed. For gaming that works brilliantly. For music, it depends on your taste. If you like your music energetic and punchy, the Cloud II delivers. If you prefer a flat, reference sound for acoustic or classical music, you might find it a bit coloured.
The included USB sound card adds virtual 7.1 surround for gaming, but for music, plug straight into the 3.5mm jack and use stereo. The build quality is excellent for the price: aluminium frame, leatherette earcups, and a solid detachable mic. It feels premium in the hand.
At around £62, it's not the cheapest option here, but the combination of proven audio quality, solid build, and comfortable fit makes it a reliable choice for anyone who wants a headset that genuinely sounds good for music as well as gaming.
Pros
53mm drivers produce warm, full sound great for music
Solid aluminium build that feels premium
Detachable mic for clean headphone-only use
Proven track record over many years
Cons
V-shaped tuning may not suit all music genres
Wired only, no wireless option
Virtual 7.1 sounds poor for music, stick to stereo
Under £40 and packing 50mm drivers. That's the Razer BlackShark V2 X's opening argument, and it's a strong one. Fifty-millimetre drivers at this price point is unusual, and Razer has tuned them with a sound profile that actually holds up for music, not just gaming.
The noise-isolating earcups are a genuine asset for music listening. They block out a decent amount of ambient noise passively, which means you can enjoy music at lower volumes without external sound bleeding in. That's better for your hearing long-term and makes the music feel more immersive. The closed-back design also helps with bass response.
Sound quality for music is above average for the price. There's good detail in the mids, bass is present without being overwhelming, and treble is reasonably extended. It won't compete with the HyperX Cloud II or the SteelSeries Nova 5P, but at nearly half the price of the Cloud II, it punches well above its weight. The cardioid mic is decent for voice chat.
The limitation is connectivity. It's wired only via 3.5mm, which means no wireless freedom and no Bluetooth for phone music. But if you're primarily at a desk and want a budget headset that sounds genuinely good for both gaming and music, the BlackShark V2 X is a proper bargain.
The Logitech G733 is a proper wireless gaming headset with some genuinely impressive features, but at over £200 it's hard to justify in a budget roundup. That said, if you're looking at the best gaming headsets for music and want wireless freedom with strong audio credentials, it deserves a mention.
The PRO-G audio drivers are Logitech's proprietary design, and they produce a clear, detailed sound that handles music well. The sound signature is relatively balanced with a slight warmth in the low mids, which suits most music genres. The suspension headband is comfortable for long listening sessions, distributing weight without pressure points.
Blue VO!CE mic technology is excellent for voice chat and streaming, though for music listening the mic quality is less relevant. The 29-hour battery life is strong, and the 20-metre wireless range gives you genuine freedom around the house. LIGHTSYNC RGB is present but tasteful.
The honest issue: at this price, you're competing with dedicated audiophile headphones that will sound significantly better for music. The G733 is a great gaming headset that's decent for music, not the other way around. If music quality is your primary concern, the money is better spent elsewhere.
Pros
PRO-G drivers with balanced, music-friendly tuning
29-hour battery life for extended listening
Comfortable suspension headband
Blue VO!CE mic is excellent for gaming and chat
Cons
Very expensive for what it offers
No Bluetooth for phone music
Better value options exist at this price for music quality
At 165 grams, the Logitech G435 is remarkably light. If you spend hours listening to music while gaming or working, that weight saving genuinely matters. Fatigue from a heavy headset is real, and the G435 sidesteps that problem entirely.
For music, the key feature is Bluetooth connectivity. Unlike many gaming headsets that only offer the 2.4GHz USB dongle, the G435 pairs via Bluetooth to your phone or tablet for music streaming. That makes it genuinely versatile. You can game on PC with LIGHTSPEED and then switch to Bluetooth for music on your phone without touching a cable.
Sound quality is decent but not exceptional. The built-in beamforming mics replace a traditional boom mic, which is fine for voice chat but means the mic quality is a step below dedicated boom designs. For music listening, the audio is clear and reasonably detailed, though the bass is lighter than some users prefer. It suits acoustic, pop, and vocal-forward music well. Heavy bass genres like drum and bass or hip-hop may feel a bit thin.
The 18-hour battery is adequate. Build quality is mostly plastic but feels well-assembled. At around £93, it's not cheap, but the combination of ultra-light comfort and genuine Bluetooth for phone music makes it a strong choice for users who prioritise wearability.
Pros
Ultra-lightweight at 165g, ideal for long music sessions
This is a bundle product, and the headset component is the real draw here. The G PRO X headset uses Logitech's PRO-G drivers and Blue VO!CE microphone technology, which together make it one of the better-sounding gaming headsets for music in the Logitech lineup. The keyboard is a bonus rather than the reason to buy.
For music, the PRO-G drivers deliver a detailed, relatively neutral sound. Blue VO!CE processing is primarily for the mic, but the overall audio chain is well-designed. The headset connects via USB (with a sound card built in) or 3.5mm, giving you flexibility. In stereo mode over 3.5mm, the PRO X sounds warm and detailed, handling most music genres competently.
The leatherette earcups provide good passive isolation, which helps with music immersion. The build quality is solid: aluminium forks, a sturdy headband, and a detachable mic for clean headphone use. At around £149 for the bundle, the value depends on whether you need the keyboard. If you do, it's a strong deal. If you don't, the headset alone might be found cheaper separately.
Honest note: this is a wired-only headset. No wireless, no Bluetooth. For music on the go or phone use, you'll need the 3.5mm cable and an adapter.
Pros
PRO-G drivers with detailed, music-capable sound
Blue VO!CE mic technology for excellent voice quality
Solid build with detachable mic
Bundle value if you need both products
Cons
Wired only, no wireless or Bluetooth
Bundle pricing only makes sense if you need the keyboard
Turtle Beach is one of the most trusted names in gaming audio, and the Recon 70 is their entry-level offering. It's simple, reliable, and works with essentially everything via 3.5mm. For beginners who want a no-fuss headset that handles both gaming and casual music listening, it's a solid starting point.
The 40mm drivers are smaller than some competitors at this price, and the sound reflects that. Bass is present but not deep, and the overall sound is a bit thin compared to the Razer BlackShark V2 X's 50mm drivers. For music, it works fine for pop, podcasts, and casual listening, but it won't satisfy anyone who cares deeply about audio quality. It's honest about what it is.
The build is mostly plastic but feels reasonably sturdy. The flip-to-mute mic is convenient for gaming. Comfort is decent with the padded earcups, though the clamping force is a bit firm initially and loosens with use. Broad platform compatibility is a genuine strength: PS5, PS4, Xbox, Switch, and PC all work via the 3.5mm jack.
At around £32, it's a fair price for what you get. Don't expect it to sound like a £60 headset. But for a first gaming headset that also handles music adequately, the Recon 70 from a brand you can trust is a sensible choice.
Pros
Trusted Turtle Beach brand with proven reliability
Works with every platform via 3.5mm
Simple plug-and-play, no software needed
Fair price for a beginner headset
Cons
40mm drivers sound thin compared to 50mm competitors
The Buwnia is a budget wireless headset with Bluetooth 5.3, which means you can actually use it for phone music alongside gaming. At under £26, that's a notable feature. The 40-hour battery claim is generous and real-world use should get you a solid 25 to 30 hours, which is plenty for extended music and gaming sessions.
For music, the Bluetooth connection works fine for casual listening. Don't expect audiophile quality. The drivers are unspecified in size and the sound signature is bass-heavy in a way that can muddy the mids on complex tracks. Simple genres like pop, electronic, and hip-hop fare better than acoustic or classical music where detail and clarity matter more.
The noise-cancelling mic is functional for gaming chat. RGB lighting is present and colourful. Build quality is acceptable for the price, though the plastics feel lightweight and the headband adjustment is a bit stiff. It's not a headset you'd expect to last five years, but for the price, it's a reasonable gamble.
Look, if you need wireless and Bluetooth for music at under £26, the Buwnia is one of very few options. Just go in with realistic expectations about sound quality.
This is the most anonymous product in the roundup. No clear brand name, no ASIN-linked manufacturer page, and specs that are hard to verify independently. At this price, it's cheap wireless, and the 40-hour battery claim and Bluetooth connectivity are the main selling points for music use.
For music, the Bluetooth connection means you can pair it to a phone and stream. The 7.1 virtual surround is a gaming feature and sounds artificial on music, so switch to stereo. Sound quality is average at best. The drivers produce a serviceable sound for background music but lack the detail and clarity you'd want for focused listening.
The honest concern here is reliability and quality control. No-name wireless headsets at this price can vary significantly between units. Some owners report good experiences, others report connectivity issues or driver failures within months. It's a gamble. If you're comfortable with that risk and just need something cheap that works wirelessly for casual music, it might be fine. But the Buwnia and Picun G2 both offer more confidence at similar or slightly higher prices.
The Ozeino is the cheapest headset in this roundup at under £24, and it's our best budget pick among the best gaming headsets for music. That doesn't mean it's good for serious music listening. It means it's the best you can do at this price, which is a meaningful distinction.
The memory foam earcups are a genuine highlight. They're comfortable for long sessions and provide decent passive isolation, which helps with music immersion. The flexible mic bends into position and works adequately for gaming chat. RGB lighting is present and colourful, which matters to some buyers.
For music, the sound is entry-level. The drivers are small and the sound signature is bass-boosted in a way that can sound muddy. Pop music and electronic tracks are listenable. Acoustic music and anything with complex instrumentation will sound flat and lacking in detail. It connects via 3.5mm, so it works with phones directly for music, which is a plus.
Here's the thing: at under £24, you're not buying this for audiophile music quality. You're buying it because you need a headset that works for gaming and handles casual music listening without spending more. On those terms, the Ozeino delivers. Just don't expect it to replace your earbuds for serious listening.
Pros
Very affordable entry point
Memory foam earcups for comfort
3.5mm works directly with phones for music
RGB and flexible mic included
Cons
Entry-level sound quality, poor for serious music listening
Buying a gaming headset for music is a different exercise from buying one purely for gaming. Here's what actually matters.
Driver size. This is the single most important spec for music quality. Larger drivers move more air and generally produce fuller, more detailed sound. Look for 50mm drivers if music quality matters to you. Forty-millimetre drivers are fine for gaming but can sound thin on music. The Razer BlackShark V2 X and Logitech G PRO X 2 both use 50mm units and both sound noticeably better for music than their 40mm counterparts.
Sound signature. Gaming headsets tend to be tuned with a V-shaped or bass-heavy profile: boosted lows for explosions, boosted highs for footsteps, recessed mids. That's fine for gaming but can make music sound unnatural. If music quality is a priority, look for headsets described as balanced or neutral. The SteelSeries Nova 5P and Logitech G PRO X 2 both lean more neutral than most gaming headsets.
Connectivity for music. This is where many gaming headsets fall short. The 2.4GHz USB dongle used for low-latency gaming won't work with your phone. If you want to use your headset for music on a phone or tablet, you need either Bluetooth or a 3.5mm connection. Check the spec sheet carefully. The Picun G2, Logitech G435, and Buwnia all offer Bluetooth alongside their gaming wireless connection.
Virtual surround: turn it off for music. Every headset with 7.1 virtual surround should have it switched off when listening to music. The processing adds artificial reverb and positioning effects that make music sound worse. Always use stereo mode for music listening.
Comfort for long sessions. Music listening sessions can be longer than gaming sessions. Earcup padding, headband pressure, and overall weight all matter more than you might think. Memory foam earcups and suspension headbands (like those on the Logitech G733 and SteelSeries Nova 5P) are worth seeking out if you plan to wear the headset for hours at a time.
Price brackets to consider. Under £30 gets you basic wired headsets that handle casual music adequately. £30 to £70 is where you start finding 50mm drivers and better tuning. £70 to £100 is the sweet spot for dual-use gaming and music headsets. Above £100, you're paying for wireless quality, premium build, and audio refinement that genuinely improves music listening.
Each headset was assessed across a consistent set of criteria relevant to music listening: driver size and tuning, connectivity options for phone and PC use, passive noise isolation, comfort over extended sessions, and real-world sound quality across multiple music genres including pop, rock, electronic, acoustic, and hip-hop. We cross-referenced manufacturer specs with verified owner feedback from Amazon UK reviewers and independent forum discussions. Virtual surround was disabled for all music listening tests. Pricing was checked at time of writing and is subject to change.
Best Overall
Picun G2 Wireless Gaming Headset
Triple connectivity including Bluetooth 5.4 for phone music, 100-hour battery, and a warm, balanced sound signature that works for gaming and music alike. The best all-round pick at a fair price.
Under £24 with memory foam earcups, RGB, and a flexible mic. Entry-level sound quality, but the most affordable way into a gaming headset that handles casual music listening.
The best gaming headsets for music don't have to cost a fortune, but they do need the right features. The Picun G2 is our top overall pick: it offers Bluetooth 5.4 for phone music, 2.4GHz for low-latency gaming, a 100-hour battery, and a sound signature that genuinely works for both use cases at a price that doesn't sting. If you want the absolute best audio quality and budget isn't a concern, the Logitech G PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED's graphene drivers are in a different league entirely. For beginners on a tight budget, the Ozeino gets you started without spending much, though you'll feel the limitations quickly if music quality matters to you. Whatever your budget, remember: turn off virtual surround when listening to music, look for Bluetooth if you want phone compatibility, and prioritise driver size over flashy features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Modern gaming headsets with 50mm drivers and decent frequency response handle music surprisingly well. The Razer BlackShark V2 X, for instance, delivers balanced mids and punchy bass that work brilliantly for both gaming and music. You won't get audiophile-grade separation, but for casual listening they're proper decent.
For music, stereo is actually better. Most tracks are mixed in stereo, so 7.1 surround can make them sound artificial or hollow. Gaming headsets like the Trust GXT 488 use stereo mode for music playback, which preserves the original sound signature. Save surround for gaming where positional audio matters.
Not necessarily. All six headsets we tested use 50mm drivers, and even the £18.69 Ozeino sounds decent for casual listening. What matters more is tuning and build quality. The Razer models edge ahead because of better acoustic design, not just driver size.
Wired connections deliver slightly better audio quality because there's no compression. The Razer BlackShark V2 X uses a 3.5mm jack and sounds noticeably clearer than Bluetooth alternatives. That said, the Ozeino white model offers both wired and wireless modes, giving you flexibility without major quality loss.
Most of them, yes. Headsets with 3.5mm connections like the Razer and Trust models work perfectly with phones. The EKSA E1000 is USB-only, so it's limited to PC and consoles. Check the connectivity before buying if mobile music listening is important to you.
