There are plenty of great gaming headsets out there for PC gamers. But which ones work well with your Linux PC? Find out in our list of 5 USB gaming headsets that work with Linux!
What makes a good Linux gaming headset?
These days, a gaming headset for computers is more than just a pair of headphones and a microphone. They are full-featured devices with tons of features, like LEDs, surround sound, and often include microphone sidetone support to make voice conversations easier. Some gaming headsets even offer programmable buttons that users can customize.
As cool as these features are, not all advanced gaming headset features will work on Linux. So when shopping for a gaming headset, it’s important to look for one that is fully Linux compatible and that is supported by the company itself or by the Linux community at large.
In this list, we have handpicked 5 great Linux compatible gaming headsets. You will be able to enjoy the features they offer while playing your favorite Linux games!
What are the best Linux gaming headsets?
In our extensive testing, we’ve found this gaming headset to be the best gaming headset for Linux users.
The is a USB powered gaming headset that features Linux support within the Linux kernel via the generic sound drivers included in all Linux distributions. However, the headset is also supported on Linux via OpenRazer, and Linux users can fully adjust their headset settings within this app just like they would on Windows with the official Razer app.
Specifications for the Razer Kraken 7.1 V2 include integrated 7.1 virtual surround sound, 50mm drivers, a fully retractable microphone, oval over-ear cushions, and noise-canceling technology.
Using the Razer Kraken 7.1 V2 on Linux, we found that the device worked fine on Linux and that the headset could be tuned and adjusted, as long as OpenRazer is present on the system.
notable features
Fully configurable on Linux with OpenRazer.
Retractable microphone.
Virtual 7.1 surround sound.
Cost
The is a Razer product, so the price is very high. With that in mind, the cost is worth it, especially if you’re a Linux user who wants a device that’s supported by the community (via OpenRazer) and “just works.”
In the mood for a wire-free Linux compatible gaming headset? Review the . It’s an impressive headset that is compatible with all Linux distributions, thanks to drivers included in the Linux kernel. Best of all, users can get side effect support through the open source Headsetcontrol tool for Linux.
The Logitech G533 has some impressive features. They include 7.1 surround sound audio, wireless headphone technology with 15 meter range, ear cups, 15 hours of battery life and much more.
Our experience with the Logitech G533 was very positive on Linux. Wireless worked out of the box on Linux, and sidetone was easy to set up using . That said, Logitech sound profiles are not supported on Linux, so see if that feature is essential for you.
notable features
15 meter wireless range.
7.1 audio surround sound.
15 hours of battery life.
Cost
For a wireless gaming headset, it’s very affordable. If you need a great wireless gaming headset that works great on Linux platform, go for this one!
It is a great wired gaming headset for PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch. It delivers audio through two standard 3.5mm headphone jacks (one for microphone and one for headphones), so it works on Linux with no drivers or setup required. Ideal for those who just want to plug in a gaming headset and get going.
Under the hood, the Logitech G332 SE has some pretty impressive features, like large 50mm drivers that cover the ears, a 6mm retractable boom microphone that mutes when flipped up, and cables that are compatible with both computers for games like with modern video. game consoles. An amazing all-around headset!
While using the , we found that it worked on all Linux operating systems without any issues, as it requires no drivers to use. However, the audio quality may depend on your gaming PC’s sound card, as it doesn’t work over USB.
notable features
It does not work with USB, so there is no need to install drivers.
Compatible with video game consoles and PC.
The retractable boom microphone mutes when retracted.
Cost
As far as analog gaming headsets go, this is it. While it may lack the fancy features that USB headsets have, it makes up for it by being compatible with game consoles as well as your Linux PC.
SteelSeries is known for their quality headsets and they are no different. It is an awesome wireless headset that works with PC as well as PlayStation 4. It works on Linux via generic drivers and has side effect support thanks to the Linux headset control app.
Arctis 7 is an excellent headset with impressive specs. They include a 2.4G wireless connection with ultra-low latency, a two-way microphone that can be retracted when not in use, DTS v2 surround sound, 24-hour battery life, a wired input (for when you don’t feel like to go wireless), on-ear headphones, and much more.
The worked pretty well on Linux, and the side effect was easy to set up with the tool. However, the SteelSeries customization program for Windows does not work on Linux, so keep that in mind.
notable features
Wireless but can be used with a cable if needed.
Fully collapsible microphone arm.
24 hour battery life.
It works with PS4.
Cost
Steelseries gaming products are always a bit pricey, but that’s a lot of time, and care is put into their products. If you like the idea of a wireless gaming headset that has DTS v2 surround sound and a 24-hour battery life, all of which is Linux compatible, the cost is worth it.
The is a USB headset from Corsair. It runs on Linux and even the Pulse Audio sound system detects it as a gaming headset thanks to drivers included in the Linux kernel. Like many other headphones, the built-in sidetone function is supported by Headsetcontrol. Currently, it does not work with the open source Corsair CKB-Next tool, but support is expected eventually.
The Corsair VOID Pro specs include 7.1 surround sound, 50mm drivers, an omnidirectional microphone that has an LED mute indicator, over-ear foam cushions, and LED indicators on each earcup.
During use, it worked great on all Linux operating systems with no configuration required. The sidetone support was easy to configure once it was installed. However, the headphones are not compatible with , so the LEDs on the headphones are not programmable and remain in their original colors.
notable features
It has an LED mute indicator on the microphone arm.
Physical mute button.
It has soft fabric earmuffs.
Surround sound 7.1.
Cost
The is one of the best USB headsets out there right now because it offers some great features and stellar build quality at a reasonably low price. If you’re on a budget and need a great USB headset that will work decently on Linux, check out Void Pro.
conclusion
All of the headsets on this list work great on Linux, but they’re not the only gaming headset available. What is your favorite gaming headset? Does it work well with Linux? Tell us about it in the comments section below!
