The ability of a headset to be used on multiple gaming consoles is an essential feature of a gaming headset. While many gaming consoles provide more connectivity options and allow you to use any headset with a 3.5mm jack, some older console versions do not support certain connections.Most wired gaming headsets are compatible with specific gaming platforms as long as they offer the ability to connect with a 3.5mm headphone jack, such as the Xbox One, PS4, and the new PS5, which has a 3.5mm audio jack for any headset.On the other hand, gaming consoles have not always provided an option to connect an analog gaming headset to the console. The Nintendo Switch may have a 3.5mm jack, but some controllers don't. The same can be said of gaming consoles; for example, the PS3 doesn't have a 3.5mm audio jack while any Bluetooth headset could connect.As far as the PlayStation game console is concerned, things changed with the release of the PS4, which, unlike the PS3, no longer supports Bluetooth but a proprietary PS4 Bluetooth technology that only works with Bluetooth gaming headsets designed to work with the PS4.With newer gaming consoles, problems arise when you want to connect a Bluetooth headset that is not compatible with the proprietary wireless technology of the Xbox and PlayStation. In this case, your Bluetooth headset can only connect via a cable or Bluetooth transmitter.That's where a multi-platform gaming headset comes in handy. It allows you to use the same headset for multiple gaming platforms and doesn't limit your options. Cross-platform headsets are compatible with many devices, such as mobiles, laptops, tablets, PCs, Macs, and even consoles like PlayStation 3, PS4, PS5, the Xbox One S/One X, Nintendo Switch, and others.
Who Can Benefit From Multiplatform Gaming Headsets?
Multiplatform Gaming Headsets are ideal for playing different types of games on different platforms (console, PC, mobile, PS5). Most gamers only use their PC or mobile devices to play games. However, it might be useful to note that some games require an Xbox controller for PC and/or a PlayStation controller for mobile devices.You will need a multiplatform gaming headset to connect and use consoles like the Xbox One or PlayStation 4.A Few More Things You Should Know About Multi-platform Gaming Headsets:
Some gaming headsets are compatible with a broader range of platforms than others
Not all multi-platform gaming headsets provide compatibility with ALL platforms. Some will only work on two or three platforms, for example, Steelseries Arctis 7P, which works with PS3, PS4, PS5, PC, Android, and Nintendo Switch but doesn't work with Xbox One or Xbox Series X | S.Check the manufacturer before buying. We've already mentioned some of the brands above, but you can search for all major brands on this page to make sure you know which one to use.
Not all gaming headsets are created equal. They may offer features depending on the platform.
Take the SteelSeries Arctis 7 and Arctis 7P as an example. While both are compatible with PlayStation, the headset designed specifically for the PS gaming console has features that work with the PS4, while the standard wireless version does not. The Arctis 7P offers surround sound and ChatMix features on PS4, while the wireless Arctis 7 offers DTS Headphone:X Surround, SteelSeries Engine 3, and ChatMix on PC and Mac (not the DTS surround sound though)
What are The Best Gaming Headsets That Work Across Various Gaming Consoles?
The multi-platform headsets we love the most and consider to be the best multiplatform gaming headsets include:
Audeze Penrose (for PlayStation platforms) or Audeze Penrose X (for Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S)
Audeze Penrose headphones are premium wireless gaming headphones designed for multiple gaming consoles with 100mm audiophile-grade drivers. Penrose headsets do not have Nx technology for head-tracking, and 3D surround sound capabilities. However, they now have a Bluetooth module for lower latency (~15-20ms) for console gaming. The Audeze HQ app (available for Windows, Mac OS X, and Android) is still here and helps fine-tune your headset with a handy 10-band equalizer to ensure you get the best sound regardless of game or song you're playing.
Portable and discreet, this headset offers three connectivity options and works perfectly on PC, Mac, PlayStation, and smartphones via Bluetooth, a 3.5 mm audio cable, or a USB dongle. For pairing with the Xbox, the manufacturer has created a separate model called Penrose X. Moreover, while the headset has an overall low latency when used on PC, there are times when it reaches 200-250 ms, but this is not a regular phenomenon to worry about. For communicating and chatting via voice chat, the Penrose cross-platform gaming headset has a detachable boom mic with good quality and headphone & mic volume controls . It causes no complaints in Overwatch or Rainbow Six Siege.
The headset isn't heavy because it uses plastic for its construction to compensate for the planar magnetic drivers, which, unlike other planar gaming headsets, offer immersive sound with energetic bass and slightly more accentuated mid-bass when playing games or movies. The result is amazing and makes the rumble of explosions, gunfire, and other sounds sound much more intense than planar gaming headsets. Footsteps, on the other hand, are not as prominent as one would like.
For games and music, Audeze Penrose plays with a lot of detail and properly accentuates all the instruments and musical notes without confusing you about where everything is coming from, offering good positional accuracy. In addition, the headset provides a good soundstage that isn't as thorough as most open-back headsets but is still wide enough to feel immersed in what you're doing. Compared to other multi-platform wireless gaming headsets, the Audeze Penrose is a serious upgrade that the gaming community has waited for.
Drop + Sennheiser PC38X
With no bells and whistles, the PC 38X doesn't offer surround sound or wireless connectivity, or a USB adapter. Instead, this gaming headset is based on a wired design with a wide frequency response range (10Hz to 30kHz) and offers compatibility with devices that support 3.5mm jacks such as Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Sony PS4 & PS5, PC, Mac, and mobile devices.The headset comes with two detachable cables, two pairs of earpieces, one of which is velvet, and a travel pouch. The microphone boom is not detachable but does not weigh on the headset either (253 grams). It also doesn't offer any equalizer settings to adapt the sound profile to your needs. However, if you can live with these limitations, the PC 38X is still a powerful headset for cross-platform gaming.Compared to its predecessor, the PC37X, the new PC38X has a warmer sound and better sound quality for gaming. It's nothing like ordinary gaming headsets, which tend to overload the bass and pay little attention to sound accuracy. The PX38X isn't perfect either; vocals seem to be pushed behind instruments in some cases, which only affects the quality of music listening.For gaming, the Sennheiser PC38X cross-platform headset offers an extensive soundstage for a closed-back headset and a smooth, transparent sound signature that doesn't throw you off. Its sound profile resembles the HD650, which says a lot about the PC38X's ability to deliver good sound without sacrificing too much low end. However, it still lacks a sense of positioning, which is not conducive to games that require positional cues. We don't think this is a problem for casual gamers. Competitive professional players, on the other hand, will have to look for something else.Ultimately, if you're looking for a good value gaming headset that's compatible with most gaming platforms, the PC38X is a solid choice. While it doesn't emphasize footsteps and lacks a bit of bass, it's nothing like most gaming headsets on the market today - the PC38X emphasizes clarity and detail. At the same time, the microphone recording quality is fantastic.
SteelSeries Arctis 7X for multiple platforms
For gamers who own all types of gaming consoles, a good option is to purchase multi-platform gaming headsets from renowned companies such as SteelSeries. The Arctis line is one of the best choices whe considerin a gaming headset capable of running on all major gaming platforms.The SteelSeries Arctis 7X is compatible with smartphones, Xbox Series X|S series, Xbox One, Nintendo, Mac, PC, and even PlayStation. It's much cheaper than the Arctis 9X/9P, provides a wider compatibility range, and is also more universal. On the other hand, it doesn't have a frequency range as wide as Arctis 9X, and the sound quality is slightly lower.As with the Arctis 7, the 7X's ear cups use the same breathable materials that make the headset more comfortable to wear. Nevertheless, one aspect of the SteelSeries Arctis 7X headset that sets it apart is the inclusion of a USB-C dongle, and an included USB-A adapter that allows it to work on both Xbox One and PlayStation, which the Arctis 7P does not have, making it incompatible with Xbox consoles.For gaming, the SteelSeries Arctis 7X achieved good positioning accuracy, excellent clarity, and separation, but the bass was a bit lacking with poor extension. The 5-band EQ doesn't seem to positively affect bass response either, which is a shame because the Arctis 7P / 7X sounds pretty good in games but could have been better. The 7.1 surround sound mode is mediocre, but heavy action games with lots of guns can sound pretty darn good even without it.In the end, the Arctis 7X is a worthy investment for multi-console users. It offers nice sound quality for games and a reliable microphone. It follows the success of the Arctis 7 and offers greater compatibility with gaming consoles and customizable options in the SteelSeries Engine 3 software. However, it could have offered slightly better sound quality to address the shortcomings of its predecessor.
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless
This wireless gaming headset is a sleek plastic and steel look with a 3.5mm audio cable, USB transmitter for wireless connection, excellent ergonomics, Razer Synapse 3 interface via USB, and proprietary HyperSpeed wireless technology for faster Bluetooth transmission and lower latency. In contrast to the PC38X, the appearance is simpler, more streamlined, but elegant, and the microphone is detachable, which reduces the overall weight of the wireless headset to 320 grams.When paired wirelessly via the USB dongle using Razer's proprietary wireless protocol HyperSpeed, the BlackShark V2 Pro benefits from lower latency. The Razer Synapse 3's utilities can be used for equalizing sounds via a 10 band EQ, enhancing audio settings such as Bass booster and THX Spatial Sound, and adjusting the microphone. As for the reproduction of sound, Razer uses 50mm TriForce dynamic drivers with titanium-coated diaphragms capable of reproducing frequencies from 12 to 28 kHz, a relatively wide range perfectly suitable for all kinds of music.Game-wise, the sound is well-balanced, with detailed vocals in the foreground and voluminous basses. It helps to immerse oneself in action. In fact, the bass isn't as powerful as other Razer gaming headsets, which makes them more neutral and attentive with the important details that are crucial for the game, such as footsteps or reloading sounds. This can be considered a plus, making the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless gaming headset work well in all genres.Overall, the BlackShark V2 Pro is a comfortable wireless headset that offers a wired connection mode and compatibility with the most popular gaming consoles and computers, namely: PC, Mac, Xbox One, Playstation 4, and 5, Switch, and mobile devices. The wireless version of the BlackShark V2 isn't as high value and good-sounding as the wired version. Still, the convenience of a wireless solution with a more reliable connection than its competitors is certainly a selling point for wireless headset buyers. For budget users, don't hesitate to buy the BlackShark V2. It offers compatibility with as many devices as the BS V2 Pro.
HyperX Cloud Alpha
HyperX Cloud Alpha is the raved gaming headset with dual chamber drivers for more powerful bass and clear sound reproduction of the low notes. It is compatible with all major platforms such as PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Mac. As with Sennheiser PC38X, it comes with two 3.5 mm audio jack and no surround sound. And same as Turtle Beach Elite Atlas, it is made of plastic.The first thing that makes the HyperX Cloud Alpha stand out on first use is that it has better sound and can hardly be rivaled by other sub-$100 gaming headsets on the market. The HyperX Cloud Alpha also has a nice and sleek design and an excellent finish with red metallic accents. A sturdy framework with a detachable mic on the left earcup and cozy leatherette ear pads.This cross-platform gaming headset isn't the lightest (336 grams), but the microphone is detachable, and the ear cups can be easily replaced with a pair of velvet or leather, which is a must-have for long gaming sessions. In addition, the electret condenser microphone is more than decent with clear vocals and a surprisingly big frequency response range of 50 Hz - 18,000 Hz.In terms of sound performance for gaming, the HyperX Cloud Alpha headset is very impressive. It does a good job of positioning, clarity, and separation of different sound effects. Connected to a DualShock 4 controller, it offers a decent bass response with the right amount of thump for explosions and gun shots. And it's not surprising considering how rich, clear, and well-rounded the sound of Cloud Alpha is.The highs may be slightly recessed, but we're not bothered by that. In fact, it's quite unnatural at this price point for a headset to have such few flaws, and it's still much better than HyperX Cloud II or Alpha S (supposed to have been an upgrade), which are in the same category. Therefore, for all intents and purposes, the HyperX Cloud Alpha is basically an impeccable cross-platform gaming headset under $100.