Choosing between controllers and gaming accessories can be harder than picking the controller itself. In the controllers gaming accessories space, the headset often matters as much as the controller. These four headsets sit at very different price points, and that spread changes everything about the decision. Do you want to cut the cable, need PlayStation-specific features, or just want a dependable 3.5mm connection?
Quick Take
Here's the short version. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is the feature-heavy, highest-priced pick and the only one described with multi-source mixing. The Sony PULSE Elite gives you a PlayStation-friendly wireless headset with Bluetooth, a hybrid cable option, and a charger included. The Astro A50 brings Dolby audio to PC, PS4, and PS5 at a lower price, but it is a used unit and does not include a charger. The Razer Kraken X is the straightforward wired headset, and it arrives outside its original box.
Price Comparison at a Glance
The table below sorts the group by listed price. The Razer sits at $18, Astro at $69.99, Sony at $99.90, and SteelSeries at $419.99. That puts about $402 between the most and least expensive options.
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|
| SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite Wireless Headset Black Certified Refurbished | $419.99 | |
| Sony - PULSE Elite wireless headset - Midnight Black | $99.90 | |
| Astro Gaming A50 Wireless Gaming Headset Dolby Audio for PC PS4 PS5 | $69.99 | |
| Razer Kraken X Wired Over the Ear Gaming Headset (RZ04-0289) - Black/Blue | $18.00 |
Decision Matrix
Use this to match the headset to the way you actually play. These are starting points, not rankings, because each headset lines up with a different priority.
| If you want | Pick | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-device wireless with wide input options | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite Wireless Headset Black Certified Refurbished | Wireless, hi-res codec support, and inputs for PC, PS5, Xbox, Switch, plus Bluetooth/line-in mixing. |
| PlayStation wireless with Bluetooth and a charger included | Sony - PULSE Elite wireless headset - Midnight Black | PlayStation Link, Bluetooth, hybrid wired/wireless, and planar magnetic drivers for low-distortion audio. |
| PC/PS4/PS5 wireless with Dolby audio | Astro Gaming A50 Wireless Gaming Headset Dolby Audio for PC PS4 PS5 | Used but functionally tested and working, with Dolby audio and built-in mic. No charger included. |
| A low-cost wired headset | Razer Kraken X Wired Over the Ear Gaming Headset (RZ04-0289) - Black/Blue | 3.5mm jack, built-in mic, volume/mute controls, and a 1.3m cable. |
Product Notes
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite Wireless Headset Black Certified Refurbished
At $419.99, this is the most expensive headset of the four. It is also the most feature-loaded: this certified-refurbished wireless model includes hi-res wireless support, the LC3+ codec, and a built-in microphone. The standout reason to choose it is input flexibility. It can mix between up to four sources, covering PC, console, Bluetooth, and line-in paths, which makes it a strong fit if you switch between a computer, a console, and a phone. The price is the obvious limitation, and you should expect a brown-box certified refurbished unit rather than an original retail box. If you want one wireless headset with a wide connection story, this is the one to evaluate first.
Sony - PULSE Elite wireless headset - Midnight Black
At $99.90, the Sony PULSE Elite is the middle-priced option and the one built around PlayStation-friendly features. It is in excellent refurbished condition and includes the charger, a practical plus for a wireless headset. The connectivity story includes Bluetooth and a hybrid wired/wireless design, so you are not locked into one mode. Sony includes planar magnetic drivers for low-distortion audio, and on PS5 games it supports 3D Audio. The limitation is that the input story is narrower than the SteelSeries: you get Bluetooth and a cable option, but not the four-source mixing on the more expensive model. If your gaming home base is a PS5, this is a focused, reasonably priced wireless pick.
Astro Gaming A50 Wireless Gaming Headset Dolby Audio for PC PS4 PS5
At $69.99, the Astro A50 is the cheapest wireless option in this lineup. It is a used unit that has been functionally tested and is working, but it may show minor wear. It connects wirelessly and over Bluetooth, and the title calls out Dolby audio for PC, PS4, and PS5. The built-in microphone makes it a complete headset, and the black headband form factor is straightforward. The clearest limitation is the charger: no charger is included, and the package is just the main headset. If you want wireless gaming audio without paying anywhere near the SteelSeries price, this is the realistic middle path, just know you are getting a used unit and no bundled charger.
Razer Kraken X Wired Over the Ear Gaming Headset (RZ04-0289) - Black/Blue
At $18, the Razer Kraken X is the most affordable pick and the only one that skips wireless entirely. It connects over a 3.5mm jack with a 1.3m cable, so it is a simple option for devices with a headphone jack. The features list includes a built-in microphone, mute button, volume control, adjustable headband, extra bass, stereo, and surround sound support. It is used and in great condition with little wear, but it will not come in the original box. The trade-off is completely wired operation and a no-frills package. If you need a low-cost, wired headset for voice chat and gaming, the Razer Kraken X gets the job done without adding much to your total.
Final Recommendation by Use Case
- Multi-platform wireless with wide input options: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite Wireless Headset Black Certified Refurbished.
- PlayStation-first wireless with a charger included: Sony - PULSE Elite wireless headset - Midnight Black.
- Wireless Dolby audio for PC/PS4/PS5 without the top price: Astro Gaming A50 Wireless Gaming Headset Dolby Audio for PC PS4 PS5.
- Low-cost wired 3.5mm headset: Razer Kraken X Wired Over the Ear Gaming Headset (RZ04-0289) - Black/Blue.
