HeadphonesAddict is user supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more. Here are the best PC gaming headsets for passionate and competitive players who don’t skimp on their gaming gear. Previous Next Rating Price Mic Connection Surround sound More info SteelSeries Arctis 7 Best overall 4.5 Under $180 bi-directional, retractable, mutable Wireless 2.4GHz, 3.5mm DTS Headphone:X 2.0 Review Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Runner-up 4.5 Under $180 cardioid, detachable Wireless 2.4GHz, 3.5mm THX Spatial Audio Review HyperX Cloud II Best under $100 4.6 Under $80 uni-directional, detachable, mutable USB, 3.5mm 7.1 Surround Review Asus ROG Delta S 4.5 Under $180 uni-directional, detachable, mutable USB-C None Review Roccat Syn Pro Air Best RGB 3.9 Under $100 uni-directional, detachable, flip-to-mute Wireless 2.4GHz Roccat 3D Audio Review SteelSeries Arctis PRO + GameDAC Best sound 4.4 Under $250 bi-directional, retractable, mutable USB, 3.5mm, optical DTS Headphone:X 2.0 Review Sennheiser GSP 370 Best battery 4.1 Under $180 flip-to-mute, non-detachable Wireless 2.4GHz EPOS 7.1 Review EPOS H6Pro Open Best open-back 4.1 Under $180 uni-directional, detachable, adjustable, flip-to-mute 3.5mm / Review Logitech G PRO X Wireless 4.4 Under $160 cardioid, detachable Wireless 2.4GHz, 3.5mm DTS Headphone:X 2.0 Review Razer Kraken V3 X Best budget 4.3 Under $70 uni-directional, retractable, mutable 3.5mm Razer Synapse 7.1 Review Tired of your old, worn-out headset and want something new? A headset that is comfortable, has good sound quality and microphone, and possibly looks good? But it’s impossible to choose from so many “best” options. If you’ve been playing games for a while you probably went through a couple of headsets. Among all gaming accessories, they’re probably the most important if you want to immerse yourself into gameplay. The most common issues are bad-quality earpads that literally disintegrate after a couple of months. Or those hellishly annoying headset microphones that buzz and distort until everybody loses their minds. Or weak bass performance. I know what you’re talking about. It sucks. I know because I went through the same thing. But if you pick smart, you can avoid most of the problems. Here you can get the best PC gaming headset today, both wired and wireless models. Choose for your own budget and needs and don’t believe all the hype about the “elite” headsets that you absolutely “must-have”. Often, cheaper, middle-way options offer the best value. CONTENTS (show more) The Best PC Gaming Headsets 1. SteelSeries Arctis 7 Best overall The best wireless gaming headset out there. SteelSeries Arctis 7 headset is the best one for wireless PC gaming right now. An avid gamer canât really expect much more. It has a great design thatâs comfortable and durable while not too flashy. Connection: Wireless 2.4GHz Driver size: 40mm Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz Type: Over-ear | Battery life: 24h | Wireless range: n/a | Noise cancelling: No | Charging: n/a | Microphone: Bidirection, retractable | Controls: Yes | Surround sound: DTS Headphone:X 2.0 Compatibility with all platforms Good sound quality Immersive virtual surround Some features require an app The headset delivers DTS Headphone:X 7.1 surround profile which makes every game a more immersive audio experience. Plus, the sound, in general, is better than with your average wireless headset. The closed-back design keeps the noise out and combined with a retractable microphone delivers solid multiplayer and voice chat performance. Because of the Arctis 7 good noise isolation and lightweight design, you can also use these to commute. Simply plug in the 3.5mm headphone jack and you’re good to go. The wireless range is about 40ft (12m) and the battery lasts for around 24 hours which isnât shabby. Moreover, the big earcups with soft ear pads offer good comfort for long playing sessions. SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless Gaming Headset for PS4, PS5 and PC, White SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless Gaming Headset for PS4, PS5 and PC, White $76.49 $84.99 in stock Buy now eBay SteelSeries Arctis 7+ Wireless Gaming Headset, Lossless 2.4 GHz, 30 Hour Battery Life, USB-C, Black SteelSeries Arctis 7+ Wireless Gaming Headset, Lossless 2.4 GHz, 30 Hour Battery Life, USB-C, Black $139.00 in stock Buy now Walmart.com SteelSeries Arctis 7 – Lossless Wireless Gaming Headset with DTS Headphone: X v2.0 Surround – for… SteelSeries Arctis 7 – Lossless Wireless Gaming Headset with DTS Headphone: X v2.0 Surround – for… $219.99 in stock 2 new from $219.99 2 used from $114.99 as of March 24, 2023 2:52 am Buy now Amazon.com Related gaming guides and check our top picks in: The best wireless headsets for PlayStationBest wireless Xbox gaming headsets 2. Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Runner-up The best gaming headsets from Razer. A new compelling offer from Razer, with wireless connectivity, cool yet understated design, and quality audio. Connection: Wireless 2.4GHz / 3.5mm Driver size: 50mm Frequency range: 12-28.000Hz Type: Over-ear | Battery life: 24h | Noise Cancelling: No | Microphone: Boom mic, cardioid, detachable | Controls: Yes | Weight: 320g | Surround sound: THX Spatial Audio | Features: Removable SpeedFlex cable Great sound Quality build Good mic Average passive isolation Razer TriForce 50mm neodymium drivers provide quite a balanced gaming sound. While they still output a good bass impact during gameplay, BlackShark V2 Pro can also sound very clean and articulate. Razer is known for making very comfortable headphones that you can wear for hours. BlackShark V2 Pro are no different, with plenty of padding on the earcups and headband. Padding is covered in a breathable fabric, which prevents unwanted sweating during long gaming sessions. The detachable cardioid microphone effectively cancels out the background noise so that you can talk to teammates without interruptions. Headphones also have THX Spatial Audio for supported games and movies. RAZER BLACKSHARK V2 PRO Wireless RAZER BLACKSHARK V2 PRO Wireless $60.00 in stock Buy now eBay Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless Gaming Headset: THX 7.1 Spatial Surround Sound – 50mm Drivers -… Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless Gaming Headset: THX 7.1 Spatial Surround Sound – 50mm Drivers -… $119.99 $179.99 in stock 13 new from $119.99 49 used from $50.00 as of March 24, 2023 6:15 am Buy now Amazon.com Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless Gaming Headset: THX 7.1 Spatial Surround Sound – 50mm Drivers -… Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless Gaming Headset: THX 7.1 Spatial Surround Sound – 50mm Drivers -… $167.34 in stock Buy now Walmart.com 3. HyperX Cloud II Best under $100 One of the best gaming headsets under $100. Best wired gaming headset with the robust build quality, detachable microphone, and thick pads for maximum comfort. Connection: Wired – 3.5mm Driver size: 53mm Frequency range: 15-25.000Hz Type: Over-ear | Back design: Closed-back | Noise cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: Yes | Impedance: 60 Ohm | Weight: 12.3 oz (350g) | Cable lenght: 9.8 feet (3m) with extension | Surround sound: 7.1 Virtual Surround | Features: Boom mic, detachable Sturdy build Great comfort Fun, V-shaped sound Non-detachable cable As you can expect from a gaming headset, these tend to amplify the low-end and treble, which helps with immersion. Explosions have a fuller, meatier impact, while high-end provides better detail of your enemy’s footsteps and gunshots. 7.1 surround helps to enlarge the soundstage a bit, but it’s nothing special. Cloud II’s have an aluminum frame and braided audio cable that provide sturdiness, while a detachable mic gives room for improvements. Thick memory foam pads achieve optimal comfort. You also get replacement velour pads, which provide better breathability to prevent excess sweating. If you want a pure 7.1 surround listening experience, you need to plug these via the included audio control box. There’s also a wireless model for $50 more. HyperX Cloud II Red KHX-HSCP-RD Gaming Headset 7.1 Surround Sound PC PS4 Xbox HyperX Cloud II Red KHX-HSCP-RD Gaming Headset 7.1 Surround Sound PC PS4 Xbox $54.90 in stock Buy now eBay HyperX Cloud II – Gaming Headset, 7.1 Surround Sound, Memory Foam Ear Pads, Durable Aluminum… HyperX Cloud II – Gaming Headset, 7.1 Surround Sound, Memory Foam Ear Pads, Durable Aluminum… $94.99 $99.99 in stock 16 new from $94.97 2 used from $77.00 as of March 24, 2023 5:12 pm Buy now Amazon.com HyperX Cloud II – Wired Gaming Headset, Works with PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X – Red HyperX Cloud II – Wired Gaming Headset, Works with PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X – Red out of stock Buy now Walmart.com 4. Asus ROG Delta S Great headsets with excellent sound quality and cool design. If you want one of the best gaming headsets right now with lossless audio for audiophiles, check ROG Delta S. Connection: Wired – USB-C Driver size: 50mm Frequency range: 20-40.000Hz Type: Over-ear | Back design: Closed-back | Noise cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: Yes | Impedance: 32 Ohm | Weight: 10.6oz (300g) | Cable length: 4.9 feet (1.5m) | Surround sound: 7.1 | Features: RGB, QUAD DAC, MQA support Great sound quality with QUAD DAC Support for MQA audio files Elegant design with RGB lighting Good noise cancelling mic Fixed USB-C cable USB-C gaming headphones come with a built-in QUAD DAC to improve sound quality, striking a perfect balance between music and gaming. Audio performance is very accurate, with a high level of detail. Headphones with their USB sound card can even transcode MQA Hi-Res music files, which is a great feature for audiophiles. ROG Delta S high-end headsets are suitable for gamers who want primarily quality sound. However, Asus hasnât skimped on gaming features like flashy RGB. The noise-canceling microphone can also perform effects when you speak, which you can tweak in microphone settings. These kinds of gaming-specific features are cool for streamers. Speaking of the mic, it does a decent job, giving your voice a pleasant warmth while blocking most background noise. Sadly, due to their wired connection, they aren’t very suitable for commuting. ASUS ROG Delta S Gaming Headset with USB-C *READ* ASUS ROG Delta S Gaming Headset with USB-C *READ* $67.47 $74.97 in stock Buy now eBay ASUS ROG Delta S Gaming Headset with USB-C | Ai Powered Noise-Canceling Microphone | Over-Ear… ASUS ROG Delta S Gaming Headset with USB-C | Ai Powered Noise-Canceling Microphone | Over-Ear… $199.99 in stock 21 new from $199.99 7 used from $99.99 as of March 24, 2023 2:52 am Buy now Amazon.com ASUS ROG Delta S Gaming Headset with USB-C | Ai Powered Noise-Canceling Microphone | Over-Ear… ASUS ROG Delta S Gaming Headset with USB-C | Ai Powered Noise-Canceling Microphone | Over-Ear… $199.99 in stock Buy now Walmart.com 5. Roccat Syn Pro Air Best RGB Budget gaming headsets with RGB lighting. If you prefer authentic gamer-looking headphones, the wireless Syn Pro Air might be a great option for you. They’re big and comfy, with cool RGB effects. Connection: Wireless – 2.4GHz Driver size: 50mm Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz Type: Over-ear | Battery life: 24h | Wireless range: 33ft (10m) | Noise cancelling: No | Charging: USB-C | Mic & Controls: Yes | Weight: 13.7 oz (390g) | Surround sound: Roccat 3D Audio | Features: Superhuman hearing, RGB Good sound (for gaming) Great comfort & fit Unique RGB lighting effects Good microphone quality Wireless pairing takes some time Unpolished software The sound signature of the Syn Pro Air is somewhat V-shaped, with a slight emphasis on bass and upper treble and a dip around 500Hz. The latter might cause vocals to lack some fullness, but it doesnât matter that much for gaming. You can still expect an enjoyable gaming experience and good immersion. The most exciting characteristic of the Syn Air Pro is their honeycomb RGB lighting on each earcup. With the help of a companion app, you can tweak the effect whatever you like. You can also adjust the volume by using onboard controls. The built-in mic offers strong performance with good clarity, while thick earpads with fabric cover ensure excellent breathability during long periods of gaming. ROCCAT Syn Pro Air Wireless PC Gaming Headset, Lightweight, 3D Audio Surround Sound, Noise… ROCCAT Syn Pro Air Wireless PC Gaming Headset, Lightweight, 3D Audio Surround Sound, Noise… $79.99 $99.99 in stock 14 new from $104.98 6 used from $43.57 as of March 24, 2023 2:52 am Buy now Amazon.com ROCCAT Syn Pro Air Wireless 3D Audio RGB Gaming Headset PC Gaming Headset ROCCAT Syn Pro Air Wireless 3D Audio RGB Gaming Headset PC Gaming Headset $79.99 $99.99 in stock Buy now eBay ROCCAT Syn Pro Air Gaming Headset ROCCAT Syn Pro Air Gaming Headset $112.20 in stock Buy now Walmart.com 6. SteelSeries Arctis PRO + GameDAC Best sound Best gaming headsets and still a gold standard for sound quality. A great gaming setup deserves a high-end gaming headset. With SteelSeries Arctis PRO + GameDAC bundle you get a quality gaming headset that offers better audio quality than most. Connection: Wired – 3.5mm Driver size: 40mm Frequency range: 10-40.000Hz Type: Over-ear | Noise cancelling: No | Microphone: Boom mic, bidirectional, retractable | Controls: Yes | Surround sound: DTS Headphone:X 2.0 | Extras: GameDAC & Amp Great build quality Impressive sound Compatibility Too sensitive mic Bass on the Arctis PRO is boosted to amplify the sound of in-game sound effects, while the midrange takes a slight dip, but nothing that could impact the detail retrieval or accuracy of positional audio. The design is the same as the rest of the SteelSeries Arctis models (same good build-quality and incredibly comfortable ear cups) but with more âoomphâ and a premium price tag. In the bundle, you get a GameDAC which is a digital-to-analog converter and an amplifier in one. It makes a big difference in sound quality. You get more details, clarity, and power than from any other gaming headset. Of course, you also get all the goodies from âlesserâ models like the removable mic, detachable wires, ChatMix, and comfy earpads. There’s a wireless option, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless, but it comes at a higher price. GameDAC for SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless Gaming Headset WITH Battery GameDAC for SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless Gaming Headset WITH Battery $39.00 in stock Buy now eBay SteelSeries Arctis Pro+GameDAC 61454 Headset White 40,000 Hz Noise Cancellation SteelSeries Arctis Pro+GameDAC 61454 Headset White 40,000 Hz Noise Cancellation $144.99 $249.99 in stock Buy now Walmart.com SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC Wired Gaming Headset – Certified Hi-Res Audio – Dedicated DAC… SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC Wired Gaming Headset – Certified Hi-Res Audio – Dedicated DAC… $168.00 $249.99 in stock 11 new from $168.00 13 used from $68.99 as of March 24, 2023 8:01 pm Buy now Amazon.com 7. Sennheiser GSP 370 Best battery The best headset with incredible 100-hour long battery life. Another futuristic-looking gaming headset from Sennheiser, that impresses with great sound, comfortable fit, and insane battery life. Connection: Wireless 2.4GHz Driver size: n/a Frequency range: n/a Type: Over-ear | Battery life: 100h | Noise cancelling: No | Microphone: Flip-to-mute, non-detachable | Controls: Volume wheel | Weight: 285g | Surround sound: EPOS 7.1 Virtual Surround Lightweight Great sound quality Outstanding battery life Pricey Combined with a proprietary EPOS 7.1 spatial audio, the game audio presentation is charmingly smooth. There is an astonishing amount of detail, especially in the vocals. The headset is made from plastic and is very lightweight. Generous padding on top and inside the earpads provides a comfortable experience for even the longest gameplays. The most notable thing about these gaming headsets is their battery life. With up to 100 hours of continuous gameplay, theyâre one of the best wireless performers from the bunch. The lift-to-mute boom microphone is flexible and has a good voice quality. It might be a bit on the quiet side, which you can correct in PC audio settings or a Sennheiser Gaming desktop app. Sennheiser EPOS GSP 302 Wireless Gaming Headset Black – 1 Sennheiser EPOS GSP 302 Wireless Gaming Headset Black – 1 $19.99 in stock Buy now eBay Sennheiser GSP 370 Over-Ear Wireless Gaming Headset, Low-Latency Bluetooth,Noise-Cancelling Mic,… Sennheiser GSP 370 Over-Ear Wireless Gaming Headset, Low-Latency Bluetooth,Noise-Cancelling Mic,… $99.99 $199.95 in stock 13 new from $83.95 28 used from $59.95 as of March 24, 2023 6:15 am Buy now Amazon.com Sennheiser GSP 370 Wireless Gaming Headset Sennheiser GSP 370 Wireless Gaming Headset $141.92 $247.70 in stock Buy now Walmart.com 8. EPOS H6Pro Open Best open-back There are hardly any other headsets that could beat these in sound. The best wired gaming headset that looks not only amazing but also sounds great. Connection: Wired – 3.5mm Driver size: n/a, dynamic Frequency range: n/a Type: Over-ear | Back design: Open-back | Noise cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: Yes | Impedance: n/a | Weight: 12.7 oz (362g, with cable) | Cable lenght: 8.2ft (2.5m) | Surround sound: No | Features: Magnetically attached mic, volume control wheel Expansive soundstage Natural, warm sound Strong clamp force A simple wired headset with wide compatibility and an even wider soundstage. The open-back design helps the H6Pro headphones portray a vast soundstage, which is essential for in-game immersion. On top of that, the sound quality is rich and natural, without piercing highs and bloated lows. The design is primarily plastic, but it feels durable in hand. Cushy earpads are dressed in a fabric that feels soft to the touch. It also prevents your skin from heating too much. Itâs worth noting that the headset has a fairly strong clamp force, which could be annoying for users with larger heads. EPOS H6Pro donât offer any other bells and whistles. Theyâre an excellent gaming headset that amazes you with sound quality. EPOS Audio H6PRO Open Acoustic Gaming Headset Ghost White EPOS Audio H6PRO Open Acoustic Gaming Headset Ghost White $115.28 in stock Buy now eBay EPOS H6Pro – Open Acoustic Gaming Headset with Mic – Lightweight Headband – Comfortable & Durable… EPOS H6Pro – Open Acoustic Gaming Headset with Mic – Lightweight Headband – Comfortable & Durable… $158.11 $179.00 in stock 6 new from $158.11 18 used from $65.63 as of March 24, 2023 4:11 am Buy now Amazon.com EPOS Audio H6PRO Open Acoustic Gaming Headset (Racing Green) EPOS Audio H6PRO Open Acoustic Gaming Headset (Racing Green) $162.20 $179.00 in stock Buy now Walmart.com 9. Logitech G Pro X These wireless headsets are one of a few things that every serious gamer wants. Apart from the great sound, you also get an excellent mic. Connection: Wireless 2.4GHz Driver size: 50mm Hybrid mesh PRO-G Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz Type: Over-ear | Battery life: 20h | Wireless range: 49ft (15m) | Noise cancelling: No | Charging: USB-C | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: No | Surround sound: DTS Headphone:X 2.0 | Features: Extra fabric earpads, detachable cardioid boom mic Great sound Good microphone quality Comfortable Durable build Lack of compatibility with Xbox No 3.5mm port Excessive bass replaces a more natural sound signature that is suitable for gaming and music. G Pro X can get quite detailed, which is excellent for competitive gaming. You can boost the surround experience with DTS Headphone:X 2.0, giving you a more accurate sense of space and directionality of the sound. Very few gaming headsets have such a high and comfortable build quality, with a mix of plastic and steel. To battle heaviness, Logitech equipped G Pro X with plush ear pads that are great even for users with glasses. Blue VO!CE branded microphone is of pretty good quality and ensures your voice remains clear even during stressful matches with lots of yelling. Logitech G PRO X Wireless Lightspeed Gaming Headset – Shroud Edition Logitech G PRO X Wireless Lightspeed Gaming Headset – Shroud Edition $89.00 in stock Buy now eBay Logitech G PRO X Wireless Lightspeed Gaming Headset with Blue VO!CE Mic Filter Tech, 50 mm PRO-G… Logitech G PRO X Wireless Lightspeed Gaming Headset with Blue VO!CE Mic Filter Tech, 50 mm PRO-G… $172.89 $229.99 in stock 8 new from $170.00 1 used from $134.99 as of March 24, 2023 9:12 pm Buy now Amazon.com Logitech G PRO X Wireless LIGHTSPEED Gaming Headset with Blue VO!CE Mic Filter Tech, 50 mm PRO-G… Logitech G PRO X Wireless LIGHTSPEED Gaming Headset with Blue VO!CE Mic Filter Tech, 50 mm PRO-G… $172.89 $229.99 in stock Buy now Walmart.com 10. Razer Kraken V3 X Best budget Budget-friendly option and the best headsets under $50. Even though this is one of the cheapest Razer gaming headset out there, you still get a compelling all-around good headset, even if you’re on a tighter budget. Connection: Wired – 3.5mm Driver size: 40mm Frequency range: 12-28.000Hz Type: Over-ear | Back design: Closed-back | Noise cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: Yes | Impedance: 32 Ohm | Weight: 10 oz (285g) | Cable lenght: 5.91ft (1.8m) | Surround sound: 7.1 | Features: RGB lighting V-shaped sound, suitable for gaming Well-build construction RGB effects look cool Decent mic for a budget headset Sound signature not suitable for music Unlike other Razer headsets from the past few years, the Kraken V3 X return to the thumping bass signature that theyâre known for. However, it isnât all that bad since the V-shaped frequency response works pretty well for gaming. However, the music would definitely benefit from a calmer audio performance. Nevertheless, for a reasonable price, you get a well-built gaming headset with a decent amount of padding from all sides. You don’t see any green accents, despite of the brand. Another good thing is the included non-detachable mic. The retractable mic is adjustable and surprisingly transparent for under $50. If youâre primarily into casual multiplayer gaming, you wonât be missing a dedicated mic. On top of that, the Razer app lets you adjust RGB effects on the wired headsets and enable 7.1 surround if needed. Razer Kraken V3 X Wired Gaming Headset: 7.1 Surround Sound for PC (RZ04-0375)⢠Razer Kraken V3 X Wired Gaming Headset: 7.1 Surround Sound for PC (RZ04-0375)⢠$32.99 in stock Buy now eBay Razer Kraken V3 X Gaming Headset: 7.1 Surround Sound – Triforce 40mm Drivers – HyperClear… Razer Kraken V3 X Gaming Headset: 7.1 Surround Sound – Triforce 40mm Drivers – HyperClear… $49.00 $69.99 in stock 11 new from $49.00 7 used from $21.22 as of March 24, 2023 6:15 am Buy now Amazon.com Razer Kraken V3 X Wired Lightweight Gaming Headset for PC, PS5, PS4 via USB Type A Connection,… Razer Kraken V3 X Wired Lightweight Gaming Headset for PC, PS5, PS4 via USB Type A Connection,… $67.95 $69.99 in stock Buy now Walmart.com Honorable Mentions JBL Quantum ONE – Best gaming headsets from JBL with powerful sound and wireless features to bring your gameplay to the next level. JBL Quantum ONE work with all platforms but offer the best performance on PC. Only the asking price is a bit high. (Check Quantum ONE price) Razer Nari Ultimate – Another good headset from Razer with haptic feedback that amplifies the game audio effect. There are plenty of customization options inside the app. Nari Ultimate sport a comfortable design with big circular ear cups. There’s a model with wireless functionality for Xbox consoles. (Check Nari Ultimate price) HyperX Cloud Flight – Our previous pick for one of the best batteries can still outperform many headsets, offer a reliable wireless connection and good sound at a good price point. For slightly more you can get the 7.1 surround version with support for Qi wireless charging. (HyperX Cloud Flight review) Razer Kaira Pro – Dedicated Xbox wireless headset (also works on other systems like PC and mobile) that offers good game audio quality with stereo sound (EQ presets available in the app). This gaming wireless headset supports a seamless connection with the Xbox Series X console but also works wirelessly on mobile devices or Nintendo Switch via Bluetooth connectivity. (Check Kaira Pro price) Frequently Asked Questions About Gaming Headsets (FAQ) What to Look For in a PC Gaming Headset? Most important is a detailed sound to quickly locate your opponent. Then is comfort, since nobody likes to experience ear pain during gameplay. Last but not least, microphone quality can also play a crucial role, especially if you’re streaming. Sound The sound quality is the main feature of any headphones including those for gaming. The level of detail and clarity plays an important role in your immersion in single-player games and your competitive advantage in PVP games. You want the right combination of strong bass and detailed treble though there is no objective way to measure sound quality as itâs totally subjective. Nonetheless, most people prefer the best bass headphones with rich sound, depth, and clarity. Comfort Itâs the thing you feel the most. Not even amazing sound can’t save uncomfortable gaming headphones. Generally, if you get a headset from one of the better-known brands (that isnât the cheapest) youâll get a comfortable piece of hardware. If you’re buying online, always check how thick are the pads. Of course, the best way is to try them on spot to see if they fit your ears or not. Apart from audio quality, your gaming headsets have to be comfortable since you usually wear them for multiple hours straight. Durability Normally you treat your new gaming headset with great care but over time you get used to it and become careless. This is perfectly normal for most people. This is why itâs important for a great headset to be well-built with quality materials. A metal headband design and quality plastics are a good sign. Very often durability is better with more expensive models while the cheap ones feel and look like it. If youâre a regular gamer itâs worth getting a higher-quality headset since itâs going to last longer. Otherwise getting a cheap gaming headset makes perfect sense. Microphone Quality Hearing your friends and co-players clearly and without distortion can mean the difference between losing or winning. Today, itâs not acceptable to have a bad-quality microphone for most gamers. That is why companies are putting extra effort into making them bulletproof. A long boom microphone is a good indicator of good performance. Avoid built-in mics like a plague. Thankfully most gaming headphones have at least a decent microphone that wonât annoy your friends. Otherwise, check our selection of the best microphones for gaming. Is Surround Sound Worth Getting? If youâre a serious gamer that plays competitive games, yes. If you just have some casual fun with your friends or alone then itâs not really needed. Overall, it improves the information about the game environment you get from the sound. Whether it is worth it depends on how important it is for you. Most gaming headsets have virtual surround sound modes from Dolby Atmos, DTS, or their own brand version. Surround audio makes gaming more immersive and gives the illusion of 3D audio. Normal stereo gaming headsets donât give as good positional audio cues as a surround gaming headset. Keep in mind youâll have to spend a bit more money on it. Are True Surround Sound Headsets Worth It? Overall, weâd say thereâs very little difference between true surround audio and simulated surround sound, though audio purists will disagree. If you are a serious gamer, pick an overall good gaming headset with virtual surround audio instead of focusing on the true surround. There are True Surround Sound gaming headsets on the gaming headset market but donât compare well to the top choices. Here you can read more about exactly what is the difference between virtual and true surround sound. Can Software Equalize Music Well? Software equalization can be an effective way of changing the audio of your gaming headphones. Itâs simple, works well, and is easy to use. Many PC gaming headsets come with their own desktop app or EQ profiles. How useful this is, is up to debate but most people like the option of tweaking their headphone’s sound. What does “Omni-directional” Mean? This tells you what direction the microphone is recording from. Omni-directional picks up sound from all directions, including your room, your keyboard, and your neighbors. There are 2 other options: uni-directional and bi-directional. Uni-directional picks up sound from one direction, usually the gamer. Bi-directional picks up sound from 2 directions. It works well for a gaming headset. You can read more about all types of microphones here. A good condenser microphone provides the best mic quality. What Type of Microphone is Best for Gaming? The best choice is a uni-directional microphone. Itâs most suitable because itâs positioned to pick up the sound of your voice better than other sounds. Omni-directional microphones are more sensitive to ambient noise and can be distracting to others. Because most of us donât have a dedicated gaming room with perfect sound isolation, omnidirectional mics arenât the best. Are All Mics Really Noise Cancelling? Companies tend to misuse the term “noise cancellation”. In many cases, they mean “noise isolating” as in having a uni-directional design that is better at isolating against background noise. Active noise cancellation microphones do exist but usually only in more expensive, higher-end gaming headsets. Nonetheless, you shouldnât focus on it too much since there isnât a big difference between the 2 designs. A good noise isolation microphone is equally good in most cases. Read more in detail about the difference between active noise cancellation and passive noise isolation. Should You Get Closed-Back PC Gaming Headsets? A closed-back gaming headset has better noise isolation and experiences less sound leakage from your game to the outside. Itâs the preferred type for PC gamers. Also, only closed headphones can produce rumbly deep bass that you want to hear during gameplay. Should You Get Open-Back PC Gaming Headsets? Open-back headphones are known to have a more airy, spacious sound with a better soundstage. The latter improves the immersion in your favorite games without the use of virtual surround. Unfortunately, open-back headphones can leak sound, which can creep into your microphone. Most Common Connection Options for PC Whatâs the most common way to connect a PC gaming headset? Most common: AUX 3.5mm plugUSB connectionOptical 3.5mm (AUX) 3.5mm is the standard for headphones in general. It is supported by almost any device, smartphones, PC motherboards, dedicated sound cards, MP3 players, tablets, and other devices. Itâs by far the most common way to connect a headset, and it supports an analog signal with low latency. It doesnât support virtual surround audio because a USB or optical connection is required for that. AUX connection is supported by all gaming platforms (PC, PlayStation, and Xbox – all versions). USB USB cable is the second most common way to connect gaming headsets to PC and game consoles. Xbox One does have a USB port but doesnât support sound through it. This is why USB gaming headsets arenât compatible with Xbox One unless they have a USB dongle. Itâs very simple to connect since thereâs only 1 plug and it usually works as plug & play. Additionally, it supports virtual surround like Dolby Atmos surround, DTS surround, and others. USB compatibility (USB-A & USB-C) is supported by PC, PlayStation 5 but not Xbox Series X. Optical The optical connection is slowly becoming popular but more with consoles than with PC. Itâs an option with some wireless gaming headsets (their base station) though is pretty much unused for PC. The reason is that you need a better sound card that has an optical connection. Also, most wired PC gaming headsets donât offer the option of an optical connection. Optical is supported by special PC motherboards and sound cards and the latest PS4 and Xbox One consoles. What about Bluetooth? Unless you have a laptop, it isn’t very likely that you have Bluetooth compatibility on your PC. It’s also not the most reliable connection out there due to not-so-good audio latency.
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