TechPowerUp Gaming Headset of the Year

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 is easily the best gaming headset in the market under the $100-mark, or $80 to be precise. It features a pure USB interface, with its own CODEC and set of DSPs optimized for gaming. The single USB connection also powers a simple lighting setup. The headphones have decent specs, with a 20–22,000 Hz frequency response, and 93 dB sensitivity. The internal DAC supports Hi-Res 24-bit, 96 kHz formats. There is SteelSeries's second generation ClearCast retractable microphone. Don't need the DAC? You can even plug in the headset to any 3.5 mm audio source. The best aspect of this headset has to be its relatively light 253 g weight.

TechPowerUp Hardware of 2023 Runner Up

AQIRYS Alnair

The AQIRYS Alnair Wireless misses this award by a whisker due to its $100 price and 300 g weight, even though it wins big as a wireless headset with decent chops—103 dB sensitivity, a hybrid ANC setup, and connectivity spanning 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.0 and 3.5 mm wired. It also features a decent battery life from its 800 mAh battery, and USB-C charging. The battery provides up to 50 hours of listening, if you can ration power by turning off the lighting.