The Very Best Headsets for Programmers

As a programmer, having a reliable and comfortable headset is key. Whether you’re collaborating with colleagues, attending virtual meetings, or listening to music to help you focus, a good headset can make all the difference in the world. But with so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. We’ve put together a roundup of the very best headsets to help you choose.

In this guide, we’ll go over a variety of headsets with fantastic features for programmers. We’ve taken a look at the features and specifications that matter the most — from noise cancellation to microphone quality to comfort for long periods of wear. We’ve also considered factors like price and brand reputation to help you find a headset that performs well, fits your budget, and lasts a long time.

Whether you’re a seasoned programmer or just starting out, our roundup will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision and find the perfect headset for your needs. So, sit back, put on your favorite Spotify playlist, and let us introduce you to your next favorite headset.

Best Headsets for Programmers, Rounded Up

Our top pick for the best headset for programmers is the Logitech H390 USB-A Headset. This headset is stylish, comes in three color options (black, off-white, and pale pink), and delivers high-quality sound at an unbeatable price.

One of the standout features of this headset is its fine-tuned 30-mm audio drivers that deliver superior sound compared to other headsets and headphones in this price category. You’ll enjoy clear and crisp sound whether you’re listening to music or participating in virtual meetings.

The Logitech H390 is also designed for comfort during extended periods of wear. It features an adjustable headband with swivel-mounted, leatherette ear cushions that allow you to listen to long playlists and get into a deep state of flow without hurting your ears.

Another great feature of the H390 is its rotating noise-cancelling microphone. Whether you’re working from a busy coffee shop or from the comfort of your own home, the mic will help filter out background noise and ensure clear communication. Additionally, the boom is easy to tuck away whenever you’re not in a daily standup or planning a sprint, making it a versatile option for any situation.

This headset also includes convenient in-line controls that allow you to adjust the volume or mute the sound directly from the headset, so you don’t have to fiddle with your computer settings during important meetings.

Finally, the Logitech H390 sports a USB-A connector with a long, 6.23-feet cable, providing ample room to move around while staying connected to your computer. Overall, the Logitech H390 USB-A Headset is an excellent choice for programmers who want a comfortable, high-quality, and affordable headset for their work.

If our top pick is not available or if you’re looking for a backup option, check out our runner-up pick for the best headset for programmers, the Senzer SG500 Pro Gaming Headset. This headset is a great alternative that provides high-quality sound and noise cancellation features, making it a great option for both gaming and programming.

This gaming headset is designed for extended periods of use, featuring telescopic arms and detachable memory foam ear cushions that allow you to listen to music or attend calls for up to eight hours without experiencing pressure build-up. The headset also includes active noise cancellation and big, soft, high-protein ear pads for optimal comfort.

The Senzer SG500‘s bendable noise-cancelling microphone filters out background noise and delivers crystal-clear audio to your teammates during virtual meetings. Additionally, the headset includes a volume dial to adjust the volume or mute the sound of the headphones and a switch to turn your microphone on and off.

Equally good for work and play, one of the standout features of this headset is its surround-sound capability, making it a great choice for both coding during the day and gaming at night. The headset includes a 3.5-mm jack and a microphone-and-jack 3.5-mm adapter, making it compatible with any device from your work computer to your game console.

It’s worth noting that the Senzer SG500 is bulkier than our top pick and sports a 3.5-mm jack rather than a USB-A connector, which may put some readers off. However, it still delivers excellent sound quality and noise cancellation, making it a great choice for anyone in need of a reliable headset for programming or gaming.

If you’re looking for the ultimate gaming and programming headset and don’t mind splurging a bit, the Massdrop x Sennheiser PC37X Gaming Headset is our top-of-the-line pick. A collaboration between Sennheiser and Drop, this headset is a minor redesign of a Sennheiser classic with several impressive features.

One of the best features of the PC37X is its angled drivers, which are typically only seen in much more expensive headsets meant for music studios and audio-editing professionals. These drivers, which come from the same family as the Sennheiser HD598 and HD600, deliver first-class sound quality, making them ideal for both gaming and programming.

The Massdrop x Sennheiser PC37X is also incredibly comfortable, with big velour earpads that prevent pressure from building up around your head or causing pain in your ears. The headset is adjustable and flexible, allowing you to customize the fit to your liking. However, it’s worth noting that according to SoundGuys, this headset may not be the best option if you wear glasses.

The PC37X comes with a 10 feet (3 meter) detachable cable that has a 3.5-mm headphone and 3.5-mm microphone jacks. This headset is compatible with PCs, Macs, and most gaming consoles, although you may need to purchase a gaming adapter that converts the two jacks into one.

All in all, the Massdrop x Sennheiser PC37X is an excellent choice for anyone looking for the ultimate headset for programming by day and gaming by night. With a superb sound quality, comfortable design, and compatibility with multiple devices, it’s worth the splurge for anyone who wants the very best.

What to Look For

Choosing the right headset for day-to-day programming can be a challenge, but it’s an important decision that can affect your comfort and productivity for hours on end. Here are some tips to help you make it a good one:

First, consider the type of headphones you need. You’ll probably be participating in video calls or need to communicate with remote teammates, so headphones with a built-in microphone (a.k.a. a headset) are essential. If you listen to music or podcasts for long periods of time, you’ll want a headset with high-quality sound and plush, comfortable ear cups.

Next, think about the style of headset you prefer. Over-the-ear headsets offer more sound isolation and tend to be more comfortable for extended use, whereas on-the-ear headsets are more portable and often have a more stylish design. Earbuds are a good choice if you’re looking for something lightweight and portable, but they’re uncomfortable when used for extended periods of time.

Another factor to consider is the headset’s compatibility with your devices. Make sure the headset you choose is compatible with your computer or other devices, and that it has the appropriate connectors. Consider whether you’d like to go for a headset with a USB connector, or one with a 3.5-mm jack. The former are mostly for computers, while the latter are also compatible with gaming consoles and other devices.

Finally, think about your budget. There are headsets available at a wide range of price points — from budget-friendly options to high-end models with high-end features you may or may not necessarily need.

Consider how much you’re willing to spend and prioritize the features most important to you; you’ll be wearing them almost all day, every day.