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.
Top PickThe Thrustmaster T.Flight is the only headset that is officially licensed by the U.S. Air Force.
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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 delivered an excellent balance between high-quality audio and comfort with its padded ear pads, and 2”/50 mm drivers that made sure that audio comes through loud and clear.
The ear pads also feature a layer of gel, which kept my ears nice and cool, which was just as well for those extended sessions, and managed to provide impressive sound isolation too.
I also appreciated how the mic is designed to only pick up my voice instead of background noise, as well as how easy it was to detach and adjust, including adjustment of the volume directly via the inline controller.
Also GreatThe HyperX Cloud Alpha S betters its predecessor in almost every way.
New: $79.97
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 added to the realism of sound when playing.
I was also able to adjust the mix of game and chat audio levels without the hassle of going into in-game or system menus, which made it easier to prioritize what I wanted to hear
I found the HyperX Cloud Alpha S to be comfortable thanks to its highly breathable leatherette ear cushions, and built to last thanks to its durable aluminum frame.
Best VR HeadsetWith its unmmatched image resolution and clarity, the HP Reverb G2 delivers the most realistic flight sim experience.
New: $509.00
The HP Reverb G2 is my 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 I have experienced by far. It’s no surprise that many people 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
Best Wireless HeadsetWith 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: $124.99
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 made sure that high, mid, and low audio frequencies came through loud and clear, especially when it came to the clarity of any vocals. The detachable mic is also worth a mention because it did such a good job at picking up just my voice instead of any background noise.
Comfort levels remained high for extended sessions due to the V2 Pro’s lightweight design and breathable, plush cushions that fully covered my ears while providing top-tier sound isolation.
Budget PickThe RUNMUS Gaming Headset is comfortably the best headset at its price point.
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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 was surprisingly comfortable considering its low price, though my ears did 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 me like this headset, though. The audio came through clearly, and the mic did 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.
Helen Krasner holds a PPL(A), with 15 years experience flying fixed-wing aircraft; a PPL(H), with 13 years experience flying helicopters; and a CPL(H), Helicopter Instructor Rating, with 12 years working as a helicopter instructor.
Helen is an accomplished aviation writer with 12 years of experience, having authored several books and published numerous articles while also serving as the Editor of the BWPA (British Women Pilots Association) newsletter, with her excellent work having been recognized with her nomination of the “Aviation Journalist of the Year” award.
Helen has won the “Dawn to Dusk” International Flying Competition, along with the best all-female competitors, three times with her copilot.
