Whether you’re looking to play Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane 11, or any other flight simulator game, your needs are likely to be the same.
You want a headset that is durable, comfortable to wear for long periods of time, and able to deliver excellent audio clarity for an enjoyable, realistic experience.
5 of the Best Flight Simulator Headsets
Top Pick: Thrustmaster T.Flight U.S. Air Force Edition Headset
The Thrustmaster T.Flight is the only headset that is officially licensed by the U.S. Air Force.
New: $206.00
Any headset that is officially licensed by the U.S. Air Force is naturally going to be your best option to maximize your flight sim enjoyment.
Inspired by the aviation headsets worn by pilots in the USAF, the Thrustmaster T.Flight U.S. Air Force Edition Headset strikes an excellent balance between high-quality audio and comfort with its padded ear pads, and 2”/50 mm drivers that make sure that audio comes through loud and clear.
The ear pads also feature a layer of gel to keep your ears cool, which is just as well for those extended sessions, and manage to provide impressive sound isolation too.
You’ll also appreciate how the mic is designed to only pick up your voice instead of background noise, as well as how easy it is to detach and adjust, including adjustment of the volume directly via the inline controller.
Also Great: HyperX Cloud Alpha S
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S betters its predecessor in almost every way.
New: $89.99
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S builds upon its predecessor and betters it in practically every way, especially in the sound department with its excellent virtual 7.1 surround sound.
The headset’s dual-chamber driver system is smartly designed to reduce distortion and provide clearer sound, which is what the original Cloud was famed for and makes a real difference when it comes to listening to ATC. The newly added bass adjustment sliders found on the ear cups are definitely a welcome feature too, as they add to the realism of sound when playing.
You are also able to adjust the mix of game and chat audio levels without the hassle of going into in-game or system menus, which makes it easier to prioritize what you want to hear
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S is comfortable thanks to its highly breathable leatherette ear cushions, and built to last thanks to its durable aluminum frame.
Best VR Headset: HP Reverb G2
With its unmmatched image resolution and clarity, the HP Reverb G2 delivers the most realistic flight sim experience.
New: $478.76
The HP Reverb G2 is the headset of choice if you’re looking for the most realistic virtual reality flight simulation experience.
What makes the G2 such a great flight simulator headset is its resolution and crystal clear clarity, providing the best visual experience by far. It’s no surprise that many players who have experienced flight sims in VR, especially on the G2 in all its glory, never go back.
Many pilots will tell you that the G2 provides the closest experience to flying a real airplane.
Best Wireless Headset: Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless
With its high-speed transmission, extremely low latency, and accurate 7.1 surround sound, the Razer V2 Pro has everything you want from a wireless headset.
New: $121.99
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless is a great option if you want a wireless flight simulator headset.
It can be hard to get a wireless headset right, but Razer managed to achieve it with the V2 Pro thanks to its high-speed transmission, extremely low latency, and accurate 7.1 surround sound.
The headset’s Triforce Titanium 50mm High-End Sound Drivers make sure that high, mid, and low audio frequencies come through loud and clear, especially when it comes to the clarity of any vocals. The detachable mic also worth a mention because it does such a good job at picking up just your voice instead of any background noise.
Comfort levels remain high for extended sessions due to the V2 Pro’s lightweight design and breathable, plush cushions that fully cover your ears while providing top-tier sound isolation.
Best Budget Pick: RUNMUS Gaming Headset
The RUNMUS Gaming Headset is comfortably the best headset at its price point.
Check Amazon for Pricing
The RUNMUS Gaming Headset may not be able to compete with more expensive headsets, but at its price point, you can’t do better.
The headset is surprisingly comfortable considering its low price, though your ears can get a bit warm during longer sessions as the ear cups don’t feature a gel layer like some more expensive headsets do.
The headset’s audio quality is what really makes us like this headset, though. The audio comes through clearly, and the mic does a good job at ignoring background noise.
What to Consider When Buying a Flight Simulator Headset
- Comfort
Whether you’re wearing an aviation headset or flight simulator headset, discomfort can be a real killer when it comes to the enjoyment of flying – virtually or otherwise.
A headset with soft padded earpads that are also designed to keep your ears cool can go a long way in keeping comfort levels high as you play for long periods of time.
- Audio Features
Many headsets feature virtual 7.1 surround sound, which some players can’t imagine not using while others can happily live without. Others feel the same about noise-canceling features and excellent passive sound isolation. While it’s generally preferable to have these features, you can save some money if you can live without them.
- Versatility
Are you planning on using the headset just for flight sim and gaming, or are you are planning on watching movies and listening to music too? Depending on your needs, your preferences for sound isolation, surround sound, as well as mic and audio quality might differ.
- Virtual Reality
Many flight sim fans are starting to turn to VR due to the unmatched realism and immersion it offers, especially as VR headsets and components become more affordable. If you’re serious about getting the best flight sim experience, you might want to consider making the jump to VR if your budget allows it.
Also See:
- Best VR Headset for Flight Simulator
- Best Flight Simulator Yokes
- Best Flight Simulator Rudder Pedals
- Best Flight Simulator Throttle Quadrant
- Best Flight Simulator Setup
- Can Flight Simulator Teach You How to Fly?
John is a highly skilled and dedicated Certified Flight Instructor with a passion for teaching students of all ages how to fly, and takes enormous pride and satisfaction seeing his students become licensed pilots.
After holding various roles in the aviation industry as a pilot, John decided to become a flight instructor, and for the past decade has worked at several flight schools that offer pilot training programs of all levels, due to the rewarding nature of the job.
John has been quoted or mentioned in major publications, including Chron, Flying Mag, and National Review.
