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Picking up one of the best gaming headsets for Call of Duty can make a huge difference to your play experience. A high-quality headset will allow you to more accurately decipher key audio cues like enemy footsteps or nearby gunshots in online multiplayer. A decent headset microphone will also let you communicate with your team more clearly, greatly improving your ability to coordinate with other players in the lobby.
Sure, you might be able to make do with just the audio from your TV and the microphone that came with your console, but it could potentially be putting you at a serious disadvantage. Especially as TV speakers typically don't have the range or spatial audio capabilities of a gaming headset.
April 15, 2026
Refreshed the introduction. We've replaced several products in this guide with new ones, including the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro (best wireless), SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (best overall), RIG R5 Spear Pro HS (best wired), and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite (best premium). Furthermore, we've removed the 'best haptics' category and replaced it with 'best earbuds'. Our first sitter here being the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds. Image galleries have also been added for each product, giving you a better look at them from multiple angles.
Best gaming headsets for Call of Duty
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Best overall gaming headset for Call of Duty
✅ You need something with a long battery life: Having a long battery life is a huge benefit for a headset. The last thing you'd want is to find yourself without audio in the middle of a Warzone match.
✅ You want something versatile: If you play Call of Duty alongside other games, a versatile headset that will sound good in a range of titles like the Nova Pro can be a worthwhile investment.
❌ You're shopping on a budget: This headset certainly doesn't come cheap. We think it's well worth the money for an avid Call of Duty player but, if you're working with a tight budget, consider some of the cheaper options on this list.
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless offers impressive lossless audio playback without any of the hassle that wires bring. It's absolutely perfect for Call of Duty players who are willing to spend more to get their hands on one of the very best wireless gaming headsets.
We were able to place other players’ footsteps in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 with pinpoint accuracy, and follow gunfire to get right into the thick of it. Combine that with excellent microphone quality so that other squadmates can hear us perfectly (not to mention extensive voice chat settings so that we can hear them in return), and each match felt as fast and intense as we’d hoped. For Call of Duty, there’s nothing better right now.
The ultra convenient dual-battery charging system also means that you can swap out the headset's battery in a flash, getting a full charge without interrupting your game. Although it costs quite a lot, you're certainly going to be getting plenty of value for money from the incredible audio quality.
The design is also very comfortable and it is compatible with a wide range of platforms. Better still, the wireless build means you're not even restricted to a single space when playing. If you're willing and able to pay the high price for a great headset like this, you're not going to regret it.
- Read more: SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless review
Best budget gaming headset for Call of Duty
✅ You're shopping on a budget: The sound quality of the Corsair HS50 punches well above its modest price tag making it our top choice if you're shopping for a Call of Duty headset on a budget.
✅ You appreciate a sleek design: Despite what some might say, you don't actually have to pay a lot for a great design. This headset stands out from the crowd with its neon green highlights.
❌ You might lose the microphone: This model features a removable microphone which is fantastic if you don't want it getting in the way while you game. As many Call of Duty players rely on voice chat, however, this might also mean that you could find yourself without when you need it in a match.
Looking at the Corsair HS50, you likely wouldn't even realise that it's a budget product. The design is extremely similar to a lot of their high-end offerings and even sports some striking green highlights to help this gaming headset stand out from the crowd. Corsair also haven't cut any corners when it comes to the quality of the audio or materials here.
Featuring large faux leather cups, this is a comfortable design that is very resistant to wear and tear. The detachable microphone also does a great job of picking up your voice, something that is going to be very important for most online Call of Duty players. Especially if you're squadding up with friends for Team Deathmatch or tense Warzone excursions.
The one thing to note, however, is that the ability to remove the microphone can be something of a double edged sword. On one hand, it gives you one more layer of customization but, on the other, the detached module can be very easy to lose thanks to its small size. Still, if you want high-quality headset at a bargain price, you can't go wrong with this.
- Read more: Corsair HS50 Stereo review
Best premium gaming headset for Call of Duty
✅ Money's no object: Yes, the Arctis Nova Elite is a seriously spenny bit of kit. You're getting the best of pretty much everything here, so long as you have the budget.
✅ You want something versatile: Wireless multiplatform connectivity via the included DAC is a godsend; no picking or choosing between specific platform versions here.
❌ You're not an enthusiast: The Nova Elite borders on audiophile territory in terms of sound and comfort. If that sounds like overkill to you for Call of Duty, you still can't go wrong with cheaper options.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite stands out for its audiophile-grade sound, delivering Hi-Res certified 24-bit/96kHz wireless audio with remarkable richness and detail. For those after pinpoint positional cues and nuanced fidelity, the Nova Elite’s soundscape offers a level of immersion that’s among the best in the gaming headset space. In Call of Duty, expect volumous explosions and seriously crunchy gunfire, adding a layer of satisfaction you simply won't get on cheaper, less fulsome models.
Build quality and driver design set the Nova Elite apart. Its premium construction feels sturdy and comfortable, with earcups and a headband bearing a comfort factor that's tailor-made for hours-long sessions.
A particular highlight is the included DAC, which lets players adjust wireless compatibility across a broad range of platforms. Whether you're on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, or PC, you won't run into issues here.
Desirable wireless features only bolster the Nova Elite’s appeal. One unique selling point carried over from other SteelSeries cans is the Infinity Power system. Admittedly, that's coming on a bit strong in the terminology, but it essentially offers a hot-swappable battery feature so you can keep gaming when you need to top up.
The old axiom of 'you get what you pay for' is extremely true of the Nova Elite. This is absolutely an enthusiast product that packs sublime audio, a crystal clear microphone, multiplatform connectivity, and excellent battery life among other fantastic features. If you've the budget and you'd like the most detailed, immersive audio experience possible for Call of Duty, this is undisputably the option to go for.
- Read more: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite review
Best wireless gaming headset for Call of Duty
✅ You want hours upon hours of battery life: You'll get a whopping 70 hours of battery life here via 2.4GHz wireless connection. Nuff said.
✅ You're after functional ANC: The V3 Pro does a great job of blocking out background noise, letting you focus on matches without distraction.
❌ You're on a tight budget: The V3 Pro does border on premium price territory. If it's out of your range, consider a cheaper option or wait for a sale.
It should come as no surprise that the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro sits as our current wireless headset champion for Call of Duty. Replacing the outgoing Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, that headset (while still great) has been rendered rather redundant thanks to the V3 Pro's upgrades.
One of the most meaningful here is a massive improvement to low-end sounds. Bass is booming, and you'll be able to pick up gravelly footstep sounds and bullet whizzes with a greater degree of clarity and spatial accuracy.
Typical of Razer, the V3 Pro is unbelievably comfortable, too. The earcups are made of a breathable plush fabric, with memory foam cushioning that rests softly on the head. Paired with that absurd 70 hours of battery life, this is a headset tailor-made for lengthy gaming sessions with friends.
On that note, you can expect a crystal clear microphone here. Plus, ANC (active noise cancellation) is also a feature. While it's not the best we've ever tested, it's plenty effective at blocking out background noise, allowing you to hone in on team comms in Call of Duty and listen out for pesky enemy movement.
- Read more: Razer BlackShark V3 Pro review
Best wired gaming headset for Call of Duty
✅ Audio lag frustrates you: The RIG R5 Spear Pro HS's low-latency wired connection means you never have to worry about audio delay or dropouts.
✅ You have a mid-range budget: At $69.99 / £69.99, this headset is competitively priced and is better value than many of its peers.
❌ You want something more portable-friendly: You can't detach the mic here, so this probably isn't a headset you'd want to be seen out in public wearing.
The RIG R5 Spear Pro HS is our wired headset of choice for Call of Duty, delivering a low-latency wired connection and crisp, clear audio that makes every step and shot easy to pick out. Not to mention it provides a much more immersive soundstage than your TV speakers could ever hope to.
During our hands-on testing and review period, the R5 provided the kind of lag-free, performance that's so important for intense competitive shooters, with the added bonus of working seamlessly across PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, so it’s as versatile as it is precise.
Where the R5 stands out most is in delivering accurate directional audio, powered by its 40mm graphene drivers. This is a surprising but ultimately welcome choice, as it's a material you typically find in more premium headsets. Graphene offers a more lightweight build overall, and clearer, distortion-free audio.
The microphone is a winner here, too, despite being non-detachable: it offers consistent clarity, and in our testing, teammates had no trouble hearing callouts even in the most intense shootouts. Compared to the Corsair HS50, our current best budget sitter, the R5’s relatively more detailed audio profile and sharper directional cues gave it the edge for Call of Duty, comparatively.
Opting for the R5 does mean giving up the freedom of wireless connectivity. However, the positive trade here is there's no risk of Bluetooth connection dropouts and, as mentioned, the 3.5mm jack allows the headset to be compatible with a broader range of platforms.
- Read more: RIG R5 Spear Pro HS review
Best gaming earbuds for Call of Duty
✅ You want a noise-canceling microphone: You might not immediately appreciate the lack of background noise when you're talking in a match, but your teammates absolutely will.
✅ You love haptic feedback: Haptic feedback can help create an even more immersive gaming experience. If you want a headset with haptic feedback, this is the one.
❌ You don't want a wire: Having a wired headset necessitates you staying relatively close to your setup. If you don't want a wire restricting your movement, look at the wireless options on this list instead.
If you've made it this far down, reading every entry along the way (thanks!), you've probably noticed that our best gaming headsets for Call of Duty guide has been rather SteelSeries heavy. And that's for good reason; the manufacturer simply rules the roost when it comes to making immersive cans for competitive shooters.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, that's also true for the earbuds space. The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are a fantastic choice if you don't want to be weighed down by a traditional headset, and remain comfortable for hours-long gaming sessions.
The real ace up the GameBuds' metaphorical sleeves are its plethora of EQ presets, some that are even designed specifically for Call of Duty. You can simply load up the Arctis Companion App on mobile (or SteelSeries Sonar if you're on PC), and install and EQ preset onto your buds with no hassle. Then, you've got tailor-made audio without having to fiddle with sliders manually (though you can still do that if you prefer).
Otherwise, you can expect the usual SteelSeries pedigree here. Phenomenal sound, expert-level comfort and world-class battery life seldom seen among other pairs of gaming earbuds.
- Read more: SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds review
FAQs
What is the best Call of Duty headset?
If you're looking for the best all-rounder choice, then look no further than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, which sits in our 'best overall' slot. This used to be our 'best premium' sitter, but it can now be found for much less, offering luxurious audio and comfort at a more wallet-friendly price.
How do I hear footsteps better in Call of Duty?
Many of the headsets featured in this list will have preset equalizer settings tailor-made for FPS games which can help you hear footsteps better. Typically, this EQ setting will boost quieter or distant sounds like footsteps and gunshots so that you can better understand where your enemies are.
What headsets do the Call of Duty pros use?
There have been a huge range of headsets worn by esports professionals playing Call of Duty over the years, but we have always seen the likes of Corsair, Logitech, Razer, and HyperX adorn many of the headset, desk, and PCs that appear on the biggest stages. This is often because those sets provide not only some of the best audio, but also have terrific microphones, and are robust and sturdy too.
Best gaming headsets for Call of Duty: latest updates
April 15, 2026
Refreshed the introduction. We've replaced several products in this guide with new ones, including the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro (best wireless), SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (best overall), RIG R5 Spear Pro HS (best wired), and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite (best premium). Furthermore, we've removed the 'best haptics' category and replaced it with 'best earbuds'. Our first sitter here being the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds. Image galleries have also been added for each product, giving you a better look at them from multiple angles.
