How We Research
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-01 · 8 min read · Independent comparison
• Skullcandy SLYR Multi-Platform — biggest strength: 50mm dynamic drivers, a detachable boom mic with an LED mute indicator, and a 3.5mm plug-and-play cable that works across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch and mobile.
• Skullcandy SLYR Multi-Platform — biggest trade-off: It's a wired analog headset with no active noise cancellation and no rechargeable battery, so it's tethered to whatever you plug into and relies on sound isolation only.
• Kensington Noise Cancelling H2000 — biggest strength: A work-first design with environmental noise-canceling microphones, passive noise cancellation, a 270° rotating mic, busy/mute LEDs and USB-C plug-and-play.
• Kensington Noise Cancelling H2000 — biggest trade-off: It's a USB-C office headset with inline controls and a fixed 1.8m cable, so it's less of a mixed-device gaming accessory and more of a desk-bound work tool.
• Who the SLYR is for: Gamers and multi-device users who want one wired headset for console, PC and handheld play.
• Who the H2000 is for: Professionals and students who live on calls all day and want clear voice pickup plus comfort for long sessions.
The SLYR is built around one idea: give you a single wired headset that works almost everywhere. The 3.5mm jack means it doesn't care whether you're on a PC, a PlayStation, an Xbox, a Switch or a phone — you plug in and you're running. That's the appeal of a wired over ear headset for gaming. No pairing menus, no dongles, no charging. The box even includes a 5ft 3.5mm cable, a 3ft PC splitter cable and the removable boom mic, so you can wire straight into a console controller or split mic and audio on a desktop.
Audio is the headline spec here. The 50mm dynamic drivers are tuned for a wide frequency range (20Hz–20KHz), which in practice means a fuller low end and more detail in the mids than you'd get from a small driver. The bi-directional boom mic is designed for focused voice pickup, and it has an LED status light so you know when you're live. The mic detaches, which is genuinely useful if you want to use the headset for music or single-player games without a mic dangling in your face.
Comfort is where this headset earns its keep for long sessions. It weighs 265g, which is light for an over ear headset, and it uses memory foam cushions with a noise-isolating fit plus airflow to keep heat down. The impedance is rated at 140 ohm, which is on the higher side — worth knowing if you plan to drive it from a weak source like a phone jack, since it may want a bit more volume than an efficient low-impedance headset.
Who should buy it: Gamers who switch between console and PC, want a wired connection they never have to think about, and value a detachable mic plus a lightweight, breathable fit. It also suits anyone who wants one headset for both voice chat and casual listening. Who should skip it: If your priority is blocking out a noisy office or open-plan room with active noise cancellation, or if you need a USB-C headset with inline call controls and busy lights, this isn't that product. The SLYR isolates sound passively; it doesn't cancel it electronically.
The H2000 is a work headset, and it says so plainly. It's a USB-C over ear headset that plugs straight into a laptop or a dock and works with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Windows, macOS and Chrome OS. There's no pairing, no software to install, and it comes with a USB-A to C dongle in the box so older machines are covered. The 1.8m (6') tangle-free nylon braided cable gives you room to stand up and stretch during a long call — a small detail that matters if you're on the phone for hours.
The noise story is the core of this headset, and it's a two-part approach. Passive noise cancellation (PNC) uses the over ear design and the cooling-gel infused memory foam earpads with breathable, heat-transferring fabric to physically block surrounding sound. Then environmental noise-canceling (ENC) microphones work on the other end — they suppress background noise so the person listening to you hears less of your room and more of your voice. That's a different goal than musical noise cancellation, and for call quality it's the one that counts.
Audio comes from 40mm neodymium dynamic drivers with a 20Hz–20,000Hz range — fine for calls, voice, and casual music between meetings. Impedance is 32 ohm, which is low and easy to drive from a laptop. The rotating mic swings up to 270° and can be worn on either the left or right side, which is a real convenience if you're used to a particular setup. On top of that you get inline controls for volume, play/pause, mute and a busy button, plus integrated busy lights that tell coworkers you're occupied, and sidetone so you hear your own voice naturally on calls.
Who should buy it: Anyone who spends their day on video calls — remote workers, support teams, teachers, students in online classes — and wants clear voice pickup, all-day comfort, and visible mute/busy status in one USB-C package. The 2-year manufacturer warranty is a nice reassurance for a daily-driver work tool. Who should skip it: If you want a headset for console gaming or mixed-device play, the USB-C-only connection and inline-control cable make it a poor fit. It's also not a wireless headset despite some of the connectivity labeling you may see — the H2000 is a wired USB-C product.
• Best for console gaming → Skullcandy SLYR Multi-Platform. The 3.5mm jack and PC splitter cable cover PlayStation, Xbox, Switch and PC; the H2000 is USB-C only.
• Best for all-day calls → Kensington Noise Cancelling H2000. ENC mics, PNC, busy lights and sidetone are built for meeting-heavy days.
• Best for mic flexibility → Kensington Noise Cancelling H2000. Its mic rotates up to 270° and works on either side; the SLYR's mic detaches entirely but is fixed in position.
• Best for mixed listening and gaming → Skullcandy SLYR Multi-Platform. Bigger 50mm drivers and a detachable mic make it the more versatile entertainment pick.
• Best for blocking out a noisy room → Kensington Noise Cancelling H2000. Passive noise cancellation plus ENC mics target exactly that problem.
• Best for long-session comfort → Kensington Noise Cancelling H2000. Cooling-gel memory foam and breathable fabric are designed for hours of wear, though the SLYR's 265g weight and airflow cushions are no slouch either.
• Best for plug-and-play across many devices → Skullcandy SLYR Multi-Platform. Analog 3.5mm works with almost anything; USB-C is more limited by comparison.
• Best for a tidy, single-desk setup → Kensington Noise Cancelling H2000. One USB-C cable, inline controls, and no separate mic to manage.
In my opinion, the right pick comes down to what your day actually looks like. If you're a gamer who wants one wired over ear headset for console, PC and handheld play — with a detachable mic, big drivers and a light, breathable fit — I'd go with the Skullcandy SLYR Multi-Platform. If you're on calls for a living and care most about your voice coming through clean while the room stays quiet, I'd go with the Kensington Noise Cancelling H2000; its ENC mics, PNC, busy lights and USB-C convenience are purpose-built for that job. Neither is the "better" headset in the abstract — they're aimed at two different people. Match the headset to your workday or your game night, and you'll be happy with either. And since prices move around, check the current price on Amazon before you commit.
what is over ear headset
An over ear headset is a headphone whose earcups sit around your ears rather than pressing on them. Both the SLYR and the H2000 are over ear designs, which is why each can use larger cushions for comfort and passive sound isolation over long sessions.
what is the best over ear headset
There's no single best one — it depends on your use. In my opinion, for multiplayer gaming across consoles the Skullcandy SLYR Multi-Platform is the stronger fit thanks to its 3.5mm multi-platform cable and 50mm drivers, while for call-heavy work the Kensington H2000's ENC mics and USB-C setup make it the better choice.
what are over ear headsets
Over ear headsets are headsets built with full-size earcups that surround the ear and typically include a microphone for voice chat or calls. The SLYR uses a detachable boom mic for gaming, while the H2000 uses a rotating 270° mic with environmental noise cancellation for meetings.
what is on ear headset
An on ear headset rests on top of your ears instead of around them, so it usually has smaller cushions and less passive isolation. Neither product here is on ear — both the SLYR and the H2000 are over ear, which generally means better comfort and more sound isolation for long wear.
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