Audio

Although gaming headsets are seemingly everywhere, it's always great to see dedicated speakers get some love - as seen with the new ROG Gjallar Gaming Soundbar. As an ASUS Republic of Gamers device, this sleek and compact soundbar, which includes a 65-watt subwoofer, is a premium product designed to deliver immersive gaming audio across PC, PlayStation, and mobile devices.

The 2.1.2 system supports Dolby Atmos, with the soundbar featuring full-range left and right speakers, dedicated tweeters for high-frequency sounds, and angled up-firing speakers to create a more immersive, expanded soundstage. And for ease of setup and placement, the 65-watt subwoofer is also wireless, with audio delivered over low-latency 5G.

The ROG Gjallar Gaming Soundbar, named after the Gjallarhorn in Norse mythology, also features a robust audio Control Hub with tactile controls and a dial for quick access to playback and EQ settings. As a Dolby Atmos soundbar, it benefits from all of the optimized cinematic, gaming, and music presets and tuning that the technology offers.

When it comes to PC audio, especially for gaming, there's a lot of attention paid to headsets. And for good reason: there are many gaming headset options, and their mix of portability, versatility, and microphones makes them a go-to choice for multiplayer gaming and social interaction. That said, dedicated speakers will always have a place in any setup, and if you're looking for a more compact option, you might want to check out the new Creative XF1 Desktop Speakers.

The physical design here, available in black or white, is traditional bookshelf in that you've got a pair of woofers and tweeters in a design that hasn't really changed all that much in decades. However, the Creative XF1 Desktop Speakers are definitely modern as the built-in DAC supports high-resolution audio across Bluetooth 6.0, USB-C audio, and AUX input. On the wireless front, it supports the lossless LDAC codec for premium sound.

Now, when it comes to overall audio presence, larger speakers/woofers are important. As compact speakers, the Creative XF1 can output 72W of room-filling sound with its 3-inch FEA-optimized woofers. There's also bi-amplification with dedicated amps for both high and low frequencies, delivering cleaner, more balanced sound. As for the high-resolution playback, they support up to 40 kHz via USB Audio and analog line-in.

MSI's new MAESTRO 500 WIRELESS headset isn't built solely for gaming; in fact, it's more of a versatile lifestyle headset with a stylish design that you can take with you on-the-go. The foldable physical design has more in common with Sony or Bose lifestyle headphones than with previous MSI gaming headsets, and this extends to the inclusion of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with an optional Transparency mode for travel or listening in noisy environments, as well as a 6-microphone design for clear voice communications.

The MAESTRO 500 WIRELESS features 40mm drivers that MSI notes are tuned to deliver a balanced, lifelike sound across gaming, music, and even online meetings. Throw in an HD-like frequency response of up to 40 kHz, and we could be looking at MSI's best-sounding headset to date. And for PC gamers, the inclusion of Nahimic for Headset adds an additional layer of audio immersion over low-latency 2.4 GHz, with the MAESTRO 500 WIRELESS also supporting Bluetooth and 3.5mm wired for connecting to a wide range of devices.

One of the more impressive elements of the design is the 6-microphone system, which includes beamforming and Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) to isolate your voice and reduce background noise, ensuring clear comms in any environment. It's a design that includes a flip-to-mute microphone for voice, positioning the MAESTRO 500 WIRELESS as a lifestyle-like pair of headphones that's also serious about gaming and chat.

Razer's latest microphone supports USB-C, so it's versatile, but it's also built to deliver a professional-grade sound thanks to its built-in audio DSP. The new Razer Seiren V3 Pro is built for creators, streamers, and gamers of all sizes, delivering broadcast-quality audio with the simplicity of a plug-and-play setup.

And it's packed with impressive features, like support for 32-bit float recording via Razer Synapse on Windows, expanding on the standard 24-bit recording to offer a wider dynamic range and more detailed sound. 32-bit recording (with a 50 Hz to 16 kHz range) is also useful when capturing from a louder or more dynamic source, such as an instrument. Part of the premium design of the Razer Seiren V3 Pro is the built-in audio DSP, which means all sound processing is handled on the device rather than on the PC it's connected to.

This includes onboard effects and audio tools such as an AI noise remover, compressor, limiter, and expander. In addition to dual USB-C inputs, the Seiren V3 Pro supports XLR connectivity for pro setups with audio interfaces, mixers, and other hardware. As for the microphone itself, you've got a 30mm dynamic capsule with a cardioid polar pattern.

SteelSeries is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary, and the gaming hardware brand has just announced a pair of new wireless gaming headsets: the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni and Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2. Both are second-generation versions of existing headsets, with the Arctis Nova Pro Omni's Hi-Res Wireless audiophile sound and broadcast-quality microphone making it the company's latest flagship.

The new Arctis Nova Pro Omni is Hi-Res Wireless Certified by the Japanese Audio Society (JAS) and supports 96kHz/24-bit wireless audio over 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, with an expanded frequency range of 10Hz to 40kHz. It also features premium Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that SteelSeries says "blocks up to 40% more background noise versus the competition," with AI Noise Rejection on the ClearCast Pro microphone, which reduces background noise by up to 96% during chats.

The Arctis Nova Pro Omni also includes the company's GameHub for connecting and switching between multiple audio sources, as well as a dual-battery system for long-term use. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni is available today, with an MSRP of $399.99 USD.

With the new Razer Hammerhead V3 HyperSpeed gaming earbuds, Razer has announced its latest gaming audio solution for those seeking an in-ear option rather than a more traditional over-ear headset. To support gaming, the Razer Hammerhead V3 HyperSpeed gaming earbuds feature ultra‑low‑latency 2.4 GHz Razer HyperSpeed Wireless via USB dongle, plus the latest Bluetooth 6.0 for broader compatibility with smartphones, handhelds, and other mobile devices.

One of the more distinctive aspects of the design is that the HyperSpeed Case, which serves as the earbuds' charger, also functions as a USB dongle. When the 2.4 GHz Razer HyperSpeed Wireless is plugged into the case, connect the case to your PC for low-latency wireless audio. This saves you from having to take it out and then plug the dongle directly into a USB port on a PC or laptop.

The earbuds also feature Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation that Razer claims offers 50% more noise reduction than previous generations of Hammerhead gaming earbuds, making this new model better suited for travel and noisy environments. They also have on-ear touch controls for audio and switching between wireless modes and devices, and are IPX4 water-resistant.

Beats Electronics and Nike have announced a new collaboration, resulting in the Nike Powerbeats Pro 2 Special Edition earbuds, which feature built-in heartbeat tracking technology.

In a recent press release, Nike and Beats Electronics detail the Powerbeats 2, explaining that the new product is built on the Nike Powerbeats Pro 2 platform but has been reimagined by Nike, introducing a bold new visual identity and fitness-driven branding.

Most of the changes are in the visual design of the new earbuds, while under the hood, the hardware remains relatively identical to the standard Nike Powerbeats Pro 2. They still rock Apple's H2 chip for smooth connectivity and ecosystem integration, along with noise cancellation and a transparency mode.

Elgato, which is a part of the Corsair family, has just announced Wave Next, a mix of next-generation audio hardware and software built for modern creators, gamers, and professionals. It's the culmination of observing thousands of real-world setups and listening to feedback, and it's all about enhancing and streamlining workflows while also improving audio processing and how the hardware works.

At the core of the Wave Next platform is Wave Link 3.0, a new piece of free software for everyone that delivers a powerful and intuitive audio mixing solution. No matter the audio hardware, Windows and macOS users can use Wave Link 3.0 to manage hardware and software audio inputs, routing, mixing, and monitoring with an intuitive interface. The software also supports VST plugins for per-channel effects and processing.

Naturally, when paired with Elgato hardware, you've got more functionality, including a dedicated device control panel and native Stream Deck integration with third-party effects available via the Elgato Marketplace. On the hardware side, the key technology that defines the new Wave Next ecosystem is the Wave FX Processor.

With an MSRP of just $79.99 USD (or $199.95 AUD), the new Logitech G325 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset aims to shake up the affordable headset market. And it will reportedly do so by offering the sort of immersive audio and features you usually find on more premium offerings - like 24-bit audio and high-quality comms.

As for the voice and chat capabilities of the new Logitech G325 LIGHTSPEED, the headset doesn't include a traditional boom microphone. Instead, it features an integrated beamforming microphone with AI-powered noise reduction, delivering a clear, rich voice quality no matter the gaming device it's connected to.

When you pair the integrated mic with the stylish, ultralight 212-gram build, Bluetooth capabilities, and 24 hours of continuous battery life, the Logitech G325 LIGHTSPEED (available in lilac, black, and white) also doubles as a lifestyle headset for on-the-go use.

The new ROG Kithara is a premium gaming headset that stood out at CES 2026 for its focus on delivering audiophile-grade sound. Although it sports the ROG branding and a stylish design, the overall look and wired setup are reminiscent of premium stereo headphones you plug into an amplifier.

With large cups and an open-back design, the new ROG Kithara gaming headset is powered by ROG-tuned 100mm HIFIMANN planar magnetic drivers with an ultra-wide frequency range of 8Hz to 55kHz. This is well and truly above what you'd find in a typical wireless headset, and is being used here to deliver rich, detailed sound across gaming and other media.

As a wired audiophile headset with a full-band (20Hz to 20kHz) microphone for clear, detailed chat, it's also versatile in its connectivity options. It's compatible with any audio headphone or headset interface, as the ROG Kithara ships with a 4.4mm balanced plug, plus 3.5mm and 6.3mm plugs, and a USB adapter for compatibility with DACs, PCs, consoles, and mobile devices.

I don't know about you, but when I put my earbuds in playing my nu-metal Spotify playlist, I might expect to hear some Static-X - but not actual static.

However, this is what's happening to some folks with Apple's AirPods Pro 3, which went on sale last month.

MacRumors highlighted some complaints on Reddit - and its own forum - about a static, or white noise kind of sound, which is audible when nothing's playing through the AirPods, when noise cancelling is active.

If you've been PC gaming ever since the days of MS-DOS and Windows 95, then you're probably aware of Sound Blaster, Creative's brand for its line-up of dedicated sound cards for PCs. Yes, once upon a time, to get digital sound from a pair of PC speakers, you needed a sound card, with Sound Blaster one of the most dominant names in the space.

Of course, in 2025, motherboards include dedicated sound chips and hardware directly on the board, relegating the sound card market to a niche for audio and music producers. As for Sound Blaster? Well, it's back with Creative announcing the new Sound Blaster Re:Imagine modular audio hub with AI-powered apps and features.

According to the company, the Sound Blaster Re:Imagine takes the core DNA of classic Sound Blaster hardware and evolves it into a "modern, modular platform designed for creators, gamers, and anyone who lives at the intersection of work and play." Its features and capabilities certainly sound impressive (in more ways than one), so here's a quick summary.

Edifier is an audio brand known for creating traditional bookshelf-style speakers and other audio solutions for listening to music, streaming media, and playing games on a PC. In China, the company has unveiled its 'New Cyber' speaker (via TechSpot) that features a design that makes it look like a desktop gaming PC.

Yes, at a glance, you might even think that this was a PC with desktop speakers built into the lower third, but it's not. Priced at 1,499 yuan, which is around $210 USD, this Bluetooth speaker is perfect for those who love the look and aesthetic of a modern panoramic PC. The 2.1 design includes a downward-facing four-inch subwoofer, with two additional speakers with 52mm drivers behind the mesh finish.

The design itself is actually a lot of fun (which, admittedly, is a weird way to put it), as the "GPU" serves as the power supply for the unit. At the same time, the cable that resembles a tuning fork for an AIO cooler houses the speaker cable. In addition to this, you've got lighting flourishes mimicking fans and memory, and a functional 2.8-inch display that can display images, animation, and other information.

Nacon has announced its latest gaming headset, the new RIG R5 SPEAR PRO HS, which is officially licensed for use with PlayStation consoles. Thanks to the custom-tuned 40mm graphene drivers, which the company claims eliminate "virtually all audio distortion," the wired gaming headset delivers a "studio-grade audio experience" for $69.99 USD.

As an officially licensed PlayStation product, in addition to the RIG branding, you've also got the official PlayStation logo on both earcups on the all-black design. The PlayStation logo is featured on the headset's magnetically removable SNAP+LOCK 'Mod-Plates,' which the company plans to use in future headset designs, alongside releasing limited-edition 'Mod-Plate' designs.

In addition to the "studio-grade" audio that has been built, tuned, and optimized for competitive gaming and first-person shooters, Nacon also notes that the 6mm boom microphone (with its 50Hz-15kHz frequency range) is also "broadcast-grade" in quality.

With its $599.99 USD price tag, the new Arctis Nova Elite headset from SteelSeries is making the case for being the first true audiophile-grade wireless gaming headset. For those who live in that space, the Arctis Nova Elite's support for 96 kHz 24-bit hi-res audio over a low-latency wireless signal (via the LC3+ Codec) is something to take note of. As is the frequency response, from 10Hz to 40kHz.

Everything about the new SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite headset is premium and pro-grade, including the carbon fiber audio drivers that feature a brass ring for enhanced pistonic motion. Now, if you're unaware of what that is, it's the sort of thing you find in some high-quality speaker designs. Basically, the promise here is accurate, detailed, and distortion-free sound that you can fine-tune to create an immersive audio experience.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite headset also includes a GameHub that pairs with multiple devices (PC, PlayStation, Switch, Xbox, or mobile) and supports seamless switching. There's even an option to stream from multiple sources at once with "zero audio degradation."

Although still focused on the business and professional market, Dell's audio products got an impressive addition last year with the arrival of the Dell Premier Wireless ANC Headset. What made it stand out was that, in addition to being certified for Microsoft Teams and Zoom, it also delivered impressive comfort, audio quality, and ANC that made it double as a great pair of on-the-go headphones.

And now, Dell is planning to enter the wireless earbud market with the Dell Pro Plus Earbuds (EB525), featuring Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and an AI-powered noise-canceling microphone. The company notes that they're the first earbuds to receive Microsoft Teams Open Office Certification for "top-tier audio quality, even in shared or high-noise environments, and ensure the strictest performance standards."

Often, voice chat is a distant second for earbuds; however, the Dell Pro Plus Earbuds are primarily business-focused, so "clear, reliable audio" is a key part of the design. Dell Pro Plus Earbuds are also Zoom-certified and designed to integrate seamlessly with Dell laptops, docks, and software.

Sony unveiled its first wireless speakers at its State of Play event that recently wrapped up, and according to the company, these wireless speakers are not only designed for the PS5 but also for PC and Mac.

The Pulse Elevate wireless speakers are Sony's latest addition to the line-up of PlayStation audio accessories and are touted to provide immersive, next-level gaming audio in a variety of different setups. As explained in the PlayStation blog post about the Pulse Elevate, each speaker features studio-inspired magnetic drivers for lifelike sound. When connected to the PS5 and a compatible game is played, the Pulse Elevate utilizes Tempest 3D AudioTech, which enhances the accuracy of audio cues.

Additionally, the Pulse Elevate comes with a built-in microphone and AI-enhanced noise rejection, which identifies unwanted background noise for clearer communication. The microphone is located within the right speaker, and according to Sony, it provides "a new level of headset-free voice chat for desktop gaming."

When we reviewed the Logitech G ASTRO A50X Wireless Gaming Headset last year, we were impressed by its sound quality, build, comfort, and broadcast-quality microphone. However, the inclusion of a powerful HDMI base station that doubled as a video and audio hub for all your gaming devices meant that if you weren't using it with a PC and PlayStation or Xbox console, it felt a little overkill and, well, pricey.

The good news is that during its Logitech G PLAY 2025 event, the company announced the new ASTRO A20 X LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset, which is available now with an MSRP of $179.99 USD. With a more wallet-friendly price point and a physical design reminiscent of Logitech's gaming headsets, rather than the ASTRO A50 X, it promises to deliver similar 24-bit audio with broadcast-quality 48 kHz full-bandwidth chat.

Unlike the HDMI base station of the A50 X, this model ships with a more compact PLAYSYNC BASE that features two USB connections, allowing you to connect to two systems simultaneously, and choose from PS5, Xbox, PC, or Nintendo Switch. The headset features dedicated buttons that will enable you to switch between devices, with added support for Bluetooth.

Modern Bluetooth audio devices have been using the newer Bluetooth LE Audio standard for audio and chat after its introduction with Bluetooth 5.2. In a nutshell, it enables the broadcast and synchronization of multiple audio streams, with the LE standing for 'Low Energy' due to its use of the improved low-power Low Complexity Communications Codec (LC3).

In practice, this means that Bluetooth LE-capable headsets and earbuds can now handle proper stereo streaming with improved voice and chat quality. The technology, until now, hasn't been fully supported in Windows 11 with the older "Bluetooth Classic Audio" codec and technology, resulting in mono and muffled sound when attempting to pair audio with Bluetooth LE chat capabilities.

Outside of the lower latency that wireless 2.4 GHz audio provides, the fact that you can get full audio and chat is one of the reasons why Bluetooth headsets aren't really used for much on a Windows 11 PC outside of dialing into a Zoom call. That all changes, as Windows 11 now offers 'super wideband stereo' Bluetooth LE Audio streaming.

We recall speaking to a Razer representative at a convention a few years ago, where we learned that its Kitty line of gaming headsets with cat ears was a popular choice among gamers and streamers in several regions. This is a roundabout way of saying that we're not surprised that Razer has announced the new and improved Razer Kraken Kitty V3 line, which includes the flagship wireless Kraken Kitty V3 Pro model. This model features the company's pro-grade TriForce Titanium 40mm Drivers and a broadcast-quality microphone.

The Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro, priced at $179.99 USD, also supports tri-mode connectivity, featuring low-latency Razer HyperSpeed Wireless (2.4 GHz), Bluetooth 5.3, and wired connections via USB-A. And yes, the Razer Chroma RGB covers both the earcups and the kitty ears and is "designed to react dynamically to games and live events" with profiles and support for over 300 games.

Naturally, the Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro is destined to become popular among streamers, so the inclusion of the Razer HyperClear Super Wideband Mic, which operates at 32 kHz, is more than enough to provide crystal-clear chat for platforms like Twitch and Discord. Rounding out the features, you've got THX Spatial Audio, high-quality memory foam ear cushions, and access to a wide range of audio and chat presets with Razer's Synapse 4 app.