Can You Use Headphones On Switch While Docked

Trying to notice the best Nintendo Switch headset is a more complicated suggestion than it may initially seem. Your audio needs tin can vary pretty wildly depending on how you tend to utilise the panel.

On tiptop of that, in that location are the usual gaming audio questions to answer. Practise you demand something with a microphone? Is environment sound important to you? Don't fret! It may seem a lilliputian overwhelming, but we accept you lot covered with some of the all-time Nintendo Switch headsets.

Editor'due south notation: this listing of the all-time Nintendo Switch gaming headsets was updated on August 25, 2022, to update formatting and discuss the results of microphone polls. We as well expanded the list of ownership options for each height five option.

For our acme five picks, you tin find the isolation and frequency response charts at the finish of each image gallery. Yous tin can larn more about how to read our charts here.

Why is the Razer Barracuda X (2022) the all-time Nintendo Switch gaming headset?

If y'all don't want something particularly gamer-yin its aesthetic, Razer's gaming headset might be one to wait out for. (Who'd take idea?) The Barracuda 10 (2022) is super comfortable, with mesh-covered ear pads, and a light plastic frame that's 250 grams. This wireless gaming headset uses a USB-C dongle to connect, which makes it compatible with Nintendo Switch (docked or undocked), PlayStation four and v, and PC, also as smartphones with USB-C ports. This kind of multi-platform support is pretty rare amidst wireless gaming headsets.

Razer Barracuda X (2022)

seven.7

Non merely is it like shooting fish in a barrel to use the Barracuda 10 (2022) in many places, but it's likewise only a pleasure to utilize information technology. The headset sports an okay frequency response with some noticeable inconsistency in the high end. Unlike the Razer Barracuda before it, the 2022 version'south bombardment lasts just shy of 60 hours, and you can even utilise the included 3.5mm string to go along gaming in one case it dies.

Below is an example of the Barracuda Ten (2022) microphone functioning in diverse environments.

Razer Barracuda X (2022) microphone demo (Ideal):

Razer Barracuda X (2022) microphone demo (Part):

How does the microphone sound to you lot?

527 votes

Razer Barracuda X (2022)

All prices listed in USD unless otherwise specified. Prices may change over time, and vary by region. Unfortunately, nosotros cannot listing Amazon prices on the site, equally they vary greatly by currency.

For great a sturdy build and great sound quality, get the HyperX Cloud Alpha

The HyperX Deject Alpha offers best-in-form sound for far less than many of its competitors. This wired headset comes with a detachable iii.5mm mic, a durable frame, and deep headphone pads which brand long gaming sessions very comfortable.

This Deject Blastoff is a community favorite—just wait to the myriad Twitch streamers who wear it daily—and for skilful reason. It's reliable, comfortable, and it nails the basics. Sure, it doesn't come with the added bells and whistles many other gaming headsets offer, similar surround audio or flashy customizable lighting, but virtually of that doesn't work on a Switch anyhow. Instead, the HyperX Deject Alpha focuses on roofing the basics, and it does so with aplomb.

For under $100 USD, you probably can't exercise better than this HyperX headset, regardless of the platform. The fact that this works with the Switch docked or undocked is just icing on the cake.

Below is an instance of the HyperX Cloud Alpha microphone functioning before we standardized our sample system.

HyperX Cloud Blastoff microphone demo (Non-standardized):

How does the microphone sound to you?

5262 votes

HyperX Cloud Alpha

All prices listed in USD unless otherwise specified. Prices may change over time, and vary by region. Unfortunately, we cannot list Amazon prices on the site, as they vary greatly by currency.

Why is the JBL Quantum 50 a dandy pair of budget Nintendo Switch gaming earbuds?

Having a slap-up gaming headset with environment sound, booming bass, and crystal clear audio is great, but sometimes spending a couple hundred dollars on a headset only isn't in the cards. The JBL Quantum 50 is a fantastic option if you don't have much more than the price of a new game to spend on a pair of gaming earphones. This is a completely wired matter, then all you need is the Quantum fifty, a three.5mm input, and you're off to the races. JBL separates the controls module from the in-line microphone unit, so you don't accept to concord the wire up to your oral fissure when you take a phone call.

Angled ear tips and a soft-bear on disc ensure a comfy fit for hours-long gaming or music listening sessions. You may recognize the rubberized discs from JBL's other popular earbuds like the Endurance Peak 2. Desktop PC gamers may abound frustrated with the fairly brusk (ane.2m) cable, only you tin always purchase an extension cable for a couple of dollars.

Despite its economical cost point, the Quantum 50 sounds quite practiced and its frequency response tightly hugs our house curve, with bass notes sounding a flake louder than what we posit as the platonic ideal. In short, this is an affordable option that gets the job done, evidently and simple.

The Breakthrough 50 earbuds have a decent microphone built into the cable. Still, it won't fool anyone into thinking yous take a professional setup, or fifty-fifty a boom mic.

JBL Quantum 50 microphone demo (Ideal):

JBL Breakthrough 50 microphone demo (Part):

How does the mic sound to you lot?

737 votes

The JBL Quantum 50 wired earbuds in white against a white background.

JBL Quantum l

All prices listed in USD unless otherwise specified. Prices may modify over time, and vary by region. Unfortunately, we cannot list Amazon prices on the site, equally they vary greatly by currency.<br />

The SteelSeries Arctis 7+ Wireless is easy to connect to your Switch and has a long battery life

The SteelSeries Arctis vii+ Wireless is another bully wireless headset for the Nintendo Switch and works whether the panel is docked or non. Much similar the Razer Barracuda X, this headset uses a USB-C dongle to connect. Just plug information technology into the USB port on the bottom of the Switch and you're all set for wireless, undocked listening. When y'all want to dock, the headset as well comes with a USB-A to USB-C adapter, then y'all can plug the receiver in and stay wireless.

SteelSeries Arctis 7+ Wireless

7.6

SteelSeries Arctis seven+ Wireless

Outside of that, the Arctis vii+ is built from largely the same materials as the rest of the Arctis line. Information technology features the company's signature comfortable suspension band for hours-long condolement, and it can last for much longer than that. In our testing, we establish the Arctis 7+ can last upwardly to 71 hours, 42 minutes. You can nonetheless use the Arctis seven+ while charging or opt for the three.5mm connectedness. In short, if you lot're looking for wireless audio on the Switch (or just well-nigh anywhere else), there's really no option more than versatile than this.

The Arctis 7+ Wireless has a skillful microphone, and it's easy to position the smash mic thanks to its flexible arm. Interestingly, the mic quality is better when y'all use a 3.5mm wired connection rather than the wireless USB-C dongle.

SteelSeries Arctis 7+ Wireless microphone wired 3.5mm demo (Ideal):

SteelSeries Arctis 7+ Wireless microphone wireless demo (Platonic):

SteelSeries Arctis 7+ Wireless microphone demo (Part):

How does the microphone sound to you?

1447 votes

SteelSeries Arctis 7+

All prices listed in USD unless otherwise specified. Prices may change over time, and vary by region. Unfortunately, we cannot list Amazon prices on the site, equally they vary greatly by currency.

The Logitech G435 Lightspeed is a groovy choice for kids or environmentally conscious buyers

Rounding out this list, the Logitech G435 Lightspeed wireless gaming headset is an excellent pick for consumers who value environmentally friendly products, as well as a neat selection for kids. This wireless headset tin can connect to your Nintendo Switch both through the console's Bluetooth menu as well equally through a low latency USB dongle when the console is docked. In our testing, the bombardment lasted over 24 hours, even longer than the advertised xviii hours.

Logitech G435 Lightspeed

7.9

The audio quality of the G435 is reasonably solid for the price range, only dropping off slightly in the high frequencies. Although the G435 doesn't block exterior dissonance too well, it makes up for information technology with its lightweight construction and condolement; it's lighter than most any other gaming headset on the market, even the related G733 Lightspeed.

Additionally, Logitech touts the G435 Lightspeed as an eco-friendly headset, and Natural Capital letter Partners has certified it as carbon neutral. Logitech has made use of recycled plastic in the structure of the headset, besides as responsibly sourced wood products for its packaging. Logitech offers a global recycling plan to responsibly handle products at the terminate of their lifecycle. If you want to game in good censor and know that you're supporting a visitor that'southward trying to offset its environmental effect, the Logitech G435 is a great option, as are whatsoever of Logitech's gaming headsets.

The G435 Lightspeed microphone sounds pretty skilful, merely if you're gaming in a noisy environment, your friends will hear what'south going on effectually you.

Logitech G435 Lightspeed microphone demo (Platonic):

Logitech G435 Lightspeed microphone demo (Office):

How does the microphone sound to yous?

1711 votes

The Logitech G435 gaming headset in blue, purple, and pink against a white background.

Logitech G435 Lightspeed

All prices listed in USD unless otherwise specified. Prices may change over time, and vary by region. Unfortunately, nosotros cannot list Amazon prices on the site, as they vary greatly by currency.<br />

The all-time Nintendo Switch gaming headsets: Notable mentions

The mesh-covered ear pads manage heat well on the Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX.

Astro A10: If yous absolutely must take a headset that uses Nintendo's app-based vox chat system, the Astro A10 is definitely 1 of your better options. It dramatically boosts mid-range audio, merely information technology's got a great sounding microphone and an included 3.5mm splitter for linking upwards to your Switch and your smartphone at the same time.
Beyerdynamic MMX 100: This wired gaming headset is pretty portable for a set up of over-ears and offers slap-up sound quality that'due south nearly more studio-like than consumer-friendly.
EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid: This is a decent option for users looking for wireless Bluetooth audio on their Switch. The only real negative with the GTW 270 Hybrid is the lack of microphone support when gaming (the mic works when listening to music) and the toll.
HyperX Cloud II Wireless: Like the Stealth 600 Gen 2, this just works when the Switch is docked, but information technology'south ane of the most comfy and reliable wireless gaming headsets out in that location. Featuring corking audio and battery life, and that classic HyperX wait, the Deject Two won't disappoint.
Razer BlackShark V2: This is one of the best budget gaming headsets we've tested, featuring costly ear cups, great isolation, a neutral-leaning frequency response, and THX spatial audio—all for around $100.
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro: For double the cost of the BlackShark V2, y'all're getting a vastly improved microphone, added bass-accent in its sound contour, and wireless connectivity.
Razer Kraken Ten: The Razer Kraken X offers clear decent audio from both its headphones and mic, and its volume and mic controls are piece of cake to reach in the left earcup—plus information technology lacks the obnoxious LEDs of many Razer devices. In short, information technology's an affordable option that gets the task done, apparently and simple.
SteelSeries Arctis 3 (wired): While its sound quality won't blow you abroad, it's one of the most comfortable gaming headsets you'll notice for under $60 USD.
SteelSeries Arctis 7P+: It's a little more than affordable than the regular Arctis 7+, and this is a swell pick for Nintendo Switch gamers who too play on the PlayStation 5. It brings the same USB-C dongle equally the Arctis 7+, simply the battery life isn't quite as impressive and falls just shy of 66 hours. To be clear, this is notwithstanding ameliorate than a bulk of gaming headsets.
Turtle Embankment Recon 70: This is a solid selection for those who desire a very inexpensive headset, delivering decent sound quality and comfort for less than $l.
Turtle Beach Recon 500: A reasonably priced three.5mm gaming headset, the Recon 500 sounds skillful and feels prissy, though its mic can pick upwardly some headphone audio if the volume is as well loud.
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX: Information technology'due south only going to work when your Switch is docked, only this is a solid and reasonably priced wireless gaming headset with a 78-60 minutes bombardment life and a great microphone.

What you should know about Nintendo Switch headsets

The Nintendo Switch will piece of work just fine with anything with a three.5mm headphone plug.

Before we become into our main recommendations, information technology's important to clear a few things up kickoff. For starters, the Switch is a hybrid console—it works at habitation, plugged into your Television, and while out and about. What this means for audio considerations is that the Switch can actually piece of work with a Bluetooth connection, 3.5mm hardwire connectedness, and USB input, at least to a point. There are plenty of means to connect your gaming headset, and information technology can become a bit confusing as you expand to multiple consoles.

With the Nintendo Switch firmware version 13.0.0, gamers can use Bluetooth to stream audio directly from the Switch to a pair of Bluetooth earbuds or headphones like the Apple AirPods and Sony WH-1000XM5 or XM4. Still, you cannot use a Bluetooth microphone with the Switch, and while Bluetooth audio is accessible, you're jump to notice some latency. Prior to version 13.0.0, you had to use a USB-C adapter to transmit wireless audio. Y'all can still use a wired iii.5mm audio connexion if you and so choose (except in the example of the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless).

Surround audio is also a less prominent concern, the Nintendo Switch doesn't back up it. Even games similar Fortnite, one of the almost popular games to use the feature, only offer stereo sound on Switch, regardless of your audio hardware.

Why should your Nintendo Switch gaming headset block out noise?

A noise cancelling chart for the EPOS H3PRO Hybrid

ANC in a gaming headset is pretty uncommon, but information technology'due south definitely welcome as seen with the EPOS H3PRO Hybrid.

Anytime y'all take your Switch out to game during your commute, you'll desire to consider how well your headphones isolate you lot from your surround. The better a headset is able to block out background noise, the clearer your game audio will sound. This depends on how well headphones fit around your ears and on your head. When wearing over ears, y'all want to make sure there are no gaps between the padding and your skull. When wearing earbuds, it's important that the ear tips seal to your ear canal entrances for optimal isolation and noise cancelling if applicable.

Do gaming headsets sound different from regular headphones?

Gaming headsets function just like full general consumer headphones, but the sometime is designed specifically for, well, gaming. Y'all'll often find that gaming headsets have a bass-heavy frequency response to make explosions sound boomier and give the gamer a more immersive experience.

JBL Quantum 600 Frequency Response chart

The frequency response of the JBL Quantum 600 (cyan) varies wildly and its boosted bass is allegorical of gaming headsets generally.

A frequency response like the Quantum 600 from JBL deviates a chip from our business firm curve due to the 10dB boost effectually 100Hz. We typically score the sound quality of gaming headsets lower when they boost bass more than our curve recommends; also much bass can brand it hard to hear of import musical and in-game detail, like how-do-you-do-hat sounds or enemy footsteps. Since the Nintendo Switch is a portable gaming headset, the additional bass response may exist an advantage. Loud bass can make sure that external (real life) sounds don't mask in-game battle sounds.

Does microphone quality thing on a gaming headset for the Nintendo Switch?

Other, more typical gaming headset considerations are a little fleck less important with the Switch. Having a microphone is important if you lot're into Fortnite, but a lot of games don't accept voice chat enabled. Virtually games, including the ones fabricated by Nintendo and big names like Monster Hunter Ascent, use a mobile app that requires splitting sound betwixt a Switch and a smartphone. To exist frank, it'due south routinely such a terrible experience that it'south hard to recommend any headset that uses this method.

How nosotros chose the best Nintendo Switch headsets

The EPOS H3 gaming headset lays on a fabric surface plugged into the Nintendo Switch and Google Pixel 4a running the Nintendo Switch voice chat app

Nosotros put gaming headsets through their paces, but like any sound product that comes our mode.

The gaming headset space, much similar many other parts of the sound industry, is rife with exaggerated linguistic communication and gimmicky sounding features that often don't add much of anything to your feel. Information technology's piece of cake to get defenseless up in the flashy lights and promises of immersive audio and bass then intense it'll rupture your eardrums (just in a adept way), just almost of that stuff flat out doesn't matter. That'due south why we review headsets, and why we have lists like this. We reviewed each headset listed equally a elevation v selection, so nosotros could collect as much data on it as possible. Then, we made sure that every headset worked with the Nintendo Switch and took into account factors like portability, comfort, audio quality, and isolation.

This list is a living commodity that we update regularly equally new and worthy candidates come up along. Many SoundGuys writers are Switch owners too, and so we know what you demand from a headset—and what y'all don't.

Why you lot should trust SoundGuys on the all-time Nintendo Switch gaming headsets

A hand holds one of the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) to the ear of a head simulator.

Now, we apply a Bruel & Kjaer 5128 test head to perform isolation and frequency response tests, equally seen with the AirPods and whatever other headset that comes our way.

The team at SoundGuys is deeply invested in helping you discover the best audio products for your needs and budget. We want to share our passion with our readers and minimize the legwork you need to put in. Whether we're interviewing experts on hearing loss or submerging waterproof speakers, we practise what information technology takes to get to the truth of the matter.

Our team has years of experience reviewing products, conducting lab tests, working in studios, and in the field of journalism. If you've wondered if we get paid to favorably review certain products: we don't. In fact, it'southward confronting the SoundGuys ideals policy to receive any compensation or gift for reviews or spots on our lists.

Frequently asked questions near Nintendo Switch gaming headsets

If you're on a tight budget, the Razer Kraken Ten is a great value for under $50. It features vii.1 environs audio, good sound quality, and a fairly comfortable design. All the same, if y'all're willing to spend double the price, the Razer BlackShark V2 improves upon the Kraken Ten in every regard. The BlackShark V2 sports very comfy ear cups, THX Spatial Audio support for PC gaming, and a more accurate audio signature—all wrapped upwards in a sleek, matte blackness enclosure.

Generally speaking, gaming headsets are tuned primarily for… well… gaming, pregnant that its sound contour tends to emphasize mid and low frequencies. This helps gamers with their spatial awareness, though at the price of de-emphasizing higher frequencies. For a truly enjoyable music listening experience, invest in a pair of proficient-quality headphones or earbuds that cater to your sonic preferences.

Aye, these headphones volition piece of work with pretty much any other gaming device you program on using. However, nosotros do have a more comprehensive listing of the best gaming headsets for accommodating utilise, rather than only for the Switch. If yous're looking for a gaming headset with a practiced microphone, nosotros've got you covered there, too!

If you're playing a game on Nintendo Switch like Fortnite, Warframe, or Dauntless, it really shouldn't be whatever more complicated than plugging a headset into the console's 3.5mm headphone jack. If it's still not working, information technology may be an issue in your game settings—is voice conversation turned on? What about button to talk? If everything in-game is set up correctly, your headset may have a hardware event.

Unfortunately, Nintendo locks vocalisation conversation to its own tethered smartphone solution for about of its games. However, cantankerous-platform games similar Fortnite, Warframe, andBraveback up native voice chat through the headphone jack.