Best Gaming Headsets With Sidetone in 2026 (Top 5 Picks With Volume Control & a 3.5mm Jack)
Ever caught yourself yelling into your mic without realizing it, or heard “wait, can you even hear me?” mid-match? That is usually a sidetone problem, not a mic problem.
In this guide, we compare the best gaming headsets with sidetone you can buy on Amazon right now. Every pick below has a real 3.5mm jack, onboard or in-line volume control, and a way to hear your own mic in your ears so you stop guessing how loud you are talking. If you would rather go wireless, our wired vs. wireless gaming headset comparison can help you decide which connection type fits your setup best.
Why Sidetone Matters More Than You Think
When your ears are fully covered by a closed-back headset, you naturally lose track of how loud your own voice is. Sidetone fixes this by routing a bit of your microphone signal back into your ear cups, so you hear yourself the same way you would with the headset off. It sounds like a small thing, but anyone who streams, plays competitive shooters, or jumps between voice chat and games notices the difference fast. A gaming headset with sidetone means fewer “you’re too loud” or “I can’t hear you” moments in your party chat.
| Sidetone Type | Adjustability | Connection Needed | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passive/analog bleed | None — fixed | 3.5mm only | Basic |
| USB DAC + software slider | Adjustable, PC only | USB dongle/DAC | Better |
| Companion app w/ EQ + sidetone | Fully adjustable | USB, free software | ⭐ Best choice |
3.5mm Jack vs. USB: What Changes for Sidetone
A 3.5mm jack is what makes a headset work with almost anything: PC, Xbox and PlayStation controllers, Nintendo Switch, and phones. The tradeoff is that adjustable sidetone almost always needs a USB connection, since that is what lets the headset’s companion software talk to the microphone signal in real time. Plug in over 3.5mm only and you usually still get sound and a working mic, just without a way to dial in how much of your own voice you hear. If you mainly play on console, our best gaming headsets for Xbox, PS5, and PC guide covers which models handle 3.5mm-only setups best.
PC Gamers Who Want Full Sidetone Control
If you mainly play on PC, connect over USB whenever it is available. That is the only way to unlock the sidetone slider, EQ presets, and mic tuning in each brand’s free software.
Console Players Who Need Simple Plug-and-Play
On Xbox or PlayStation, the 3.5mm jack on your controller is usually your only option. Look for a headset that still sounds good and has an easy on-ear volume control, since sidetone software will not be available.
Streamers and Frequent Callers
If you spend hours in voice chat, calls, or on stream, a headset with strong mic processing (like Blue VO!CE or ClearCast) paired with adjustable sidetone will keep your voice consistent without you having to think about it.
Quick Comparison Table
| Product | Drivers | Connection | Best For | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HyperX Cloud III Best Overall | 53mm angled | 3.5mm + USB-A/C | All-around PC & console use | Amazon → |
| SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Best Value | 40mm neodymium | 3.5mm only | Lightweight, budget-friendly sidetone | Amazon → |
| Logitech G PRO X Premium | 50mm PRO-G | 3.5mm + USB DAC | Streamers & competitive mic quality | Amazon → |
| Corsair HS55 Surround | 50mm neodymium | 3.5mm + USB adapter | Budget PC/console with Dolby 7.1 | Amazon → |
| Razer BlackShark V2 X | TriForce 50mm | 3.5mm only | Lightest headset, console-first | Amazon → |
← Scroll to see full table →
Detailed Reviews
HyperX Cloud III
Angled 53mm drivers, a 10mm detachable mic, and adjustable sidetone through free software
The Cloud III is the natural upgrade of HyperX’s legendary Cloud II, and it earns the top spot here mainly because it covers every base well instead of excelling at just one thing. The 53mm angled drivers sound clear and full for both gaming and music, the memory foam earcups stay comfortable during long sessions, and the aluminum frame feels genuinely durable. Plug it into a PC or Mac over USB-A or USB-C and the free HyperX NGENUITY software unlocks an adjustable sidetone slider, a 10-band EQ, and DTS spatial sound. Switch to the 3.5mm cable for Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, or mobile and you still get the same drivers and mic, just without the sidetone control.
- Adjustable sidetone and 10-band EQ via free NGENUITY software
- Comfortable memory foam and a durable aluminum frame
- Works across PC, PS5, Xbox, Switch, and mobile with 3 included connectors
- Detachable noise-cancelling mic with an LED mute indicator
- Sidetone only works over USB, not on console via 3.5mm
- No EQ presets for music or movies out of the box, only gaming
- Cable is fixed to the headset (not detachable at the earcup)
If you only want to buy one headset and use it everywhere, the Cloud III is the easiest recommendation on this list. It nails comfort, sound, and mic quality without asking you to compromise, and the sidetone feature via NGENUITY is genuinely useful once you have it dialed in.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1
Ultra-light 3.5mm headset with full sidetone and EQ through SteelSeries Sonar
The Arctis Nova 1 proves that you do not need a wireless dongle or a premium price tag to get real sidetone control. It connects using nothing but a 3.5mm jack, so it works instantly with a PC, PS5, Xbox controller, Switch, or phone. Plug it into a Windows PC and SteelSeries’ free Sonar software unlocks a 10-band parametric EQ, game-specific audio presets, and an adjustable mic sidetone slider. At roughly 236–253g, it is one of the lightest headsets on this list, and the AirWeave memory foam earcups stay cool during longer sessions.
- Adjustable sidetone and 10-band EQ via free Sonar software
- Extremely lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- True universal 3.5mm plug-and-play, no dongle needed
- Retractable ClearCast Gen 2 mic reduces background noise
- 3.5mm only — no USB or wireless option
- Sonar sidetone and EQ features are PC-only
- Plain plastic design compared to pricier Arctis models
For the price, the Nova 1 delivers surprisingly complete sidetone and EQ control once you install Sonar. It is an easy recommendation if you want a comfortable, no-fuss headset that works everywhere and only turns into a “PC feature” headset when you plug in via a computer.
Logitech G PRO X
Esports-tuned 50mm drivers with Blue VO!CE mic tech and adjustable sidetone via G HUB
The G PRO X was designed with and for esports pros, and it shows in how much attention went into the microphone side of things. The detachable boom mic uses Blue VO!CE broadcast technology, giving you real-time noise reduction, compression, and de-essing through Logitech’s free G HUB software, along with a proper sidetone slider so you can hear exactly how you sound to your team. Connect the included USB external sound card and you also get 7.1 surround sound and downloadable EQ profiles tuned by pro players. It ships with two 3.5mm cables (one for PC, one for mobile) plus a Y-splitter for desktop setups with separate mic and headphone ports.
- Adjustable sidetone slider plus Blue VO!CE broadcast mic filters
- Detachable mic and swappable leatherette/velour earpads
- Downloadable pro EQ profiles saved to onboard memory
- 2-year limited warranty and included carrying bag
- Blue VO!CE, surround sound, and sidetone all require the USB DAC and G HUB — PC only
- No onboard controls on the headset itself, only on the cable
- Costs more than the other picks on this list
If your voice quality in comms or on stream actually matters to you, the G PRO X justifies its higher price. The combination of Blue VO!CE and adjustable sidetone is hard to beat at this level, though you will want to stay in the Logitech G HUB ecosystem to get the most out of it.
Corsair HS55 Surround
50mm drivers, Dolby Audio 7.1, and adjustable sidetone through Corsair iCUE
The HS55 Surround is Corsair’s entry-level wired headset, and it packs in more software features than its price suggests. Plug in over 3.5mm for instant compatibility with PC, Mac, Xbox, PS5 (with Tempest 3D AudioTech support), Switch, or mobile. Connect the included USB adapter on a PC or Mac and Corsair’s free iCUE software adds Dolby Audio 7.1 surround sound, a custom EQ, and an adjustable microphone sidetone level. The memory foam leatherette earcups keep it comfortable, and the flip-to-mute mic makes muting fast and obvious.
- Sidetone and EQ adjustable via free Corsair iCUE software
- Dolby Audio 7.1 surround sound on PC and Mac
- Comfortable memory foam leatherette earcups
- Reliable flip-to-mute microphone design
- 7.1 surround and iCUE features require the included USB adapter
- Some users report the sidetone level runs quiet even at max
- Plastic-heavy build compared to pricier Corsair models
The HS55 Surround is a smart pick if you want Dolby surround sound and sidetone control without paying premium prices. It will not out-perform the pricier picks on this list, but it covers the essentials well for the money.
Razer BlackShark V2 X
TriForce 50mm drivers in one of the lightest closed-back headsets you can buy
We are including the BlackShark V2 X for accuracy and full transparency: it is a fantastic 3.5mm headset with a real on-earcup volume knob and mute button, but it does not have adjustable software sidetone since the standard version has no USB sound card. If sidetone is a must-have for you, one of the four picks above is the better fit. But at 240g, this is one of the lightest closed-back gaming headsets around, and its TriForce 50mm drivers and cardioid mic still make it a strong straightforward option for console players who just want a comfortable, plug-and-play headset.
- One of the lightest closed-back gaming headsets available
- Simple, reliable 3.5mm plug-and-play on any platform
- Clear cardioid mic with good noise rejection
- Budget-friendly price point
- No adjustable sidetone — the base 3.5mm version has no USB sound card
- 7.1 virtual surround needs a separate Windows-only app and activation code
- Mic is fixed in place, not detachable
This is our pick for shoppers who searched for “volume control” and “3.5mm jack” more than “sidetone.” It is light, comfortable, and easy to use everywhere, just know that sidetone is the one box it does not check.
Buying Guide — What to Look For
Here is what actually matters when you are comparing gaming headsets with sidetone, instead of just going by star ratings.
Is the Sidetone Actually Adjustable?
Some headsets let your own voice bleed through passively just because of how the ear cups fit, but that is not the same as real sidetone. Look for a companion app with a dedicated sidetone slider, like NGENUITY, Sonar, G HUB, or iCUE, so you can control exactly how much of your voice you hear.
Connection Type
A 3.5mm jack gives you the widest compatibility across consoles, PC, and phones, but sidetone software almost always needs USB. If you split time between PC and console, pick a headset that offers both connections, like the HyperX Cloud III or Logitech G PRO X.
Volume Control Placement
Decide whether you prefer an on-earcup dial, an in-line control on the cable, or software-only control. On-earcup dials are the fastest to reach mid-game, while in-line controls keep the earcups cleaner but add a bit of extra cable clutter.
Comfort for Long Sessions
Memory foam earcups and a lightweight frame matter more the longer you game. If you also listen to music or watch shows on your headset, our best headphones for music and gaming guide is worth a look for picks that balance both use cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Verdict — Which Should You Buy?
All five headsets here handle a 3.5mm jack and give you real volume control, but if adjustable sidetone is your top priority, stick to the first four picks.
| If You Need… | Best Pick | Key Spec | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | HyperX Cloud III | 53mm drivers, 3-way connect | Amazon → |
| Best value | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 | ~236g, Sonar sidetone | Amazon → |
| Premium pick | Logitech G PRO X | Blue VO!CE + sidetone | Amazon → |
| Best budget | Corsair HS55 Surround | Dolby 7.1 via iCUE | Amazon → |
| Lightest build | Razer BlackShark V2 X | 240g, no sidetone | Amazon → |
Still deciding between wired and wireless, or curious how these stack up against surround-sound and Xbox/PS5-specific options? Check out our best 7.1 surround sound gaming headset guide, our Xbox, PS5, and PC headset picks, our Skullcandy vs. HyperX comparison, and our favorite headset stands to keep your setup tidy. Got a headset you love that has great sidetone? Let us know in the comments below. 👇