The Best Gaming Headsets
Gaming has come a long way in just a few decades, and it's taking on new life now more than ever. The graphics are better, the systems are faster, and the online capabilities of games allow players to connect with other gamers from around the globe. Some players even make careers out of streaming on Twitch. If you're looking to take your gaming to the next level, you may need a good gaming headset to chat with other players. That's why we made a list of our top picks to help you max out your gaming style.
What to Look For
When narrowing down the best gaming headsets, we considered price, style, features, and sound quality. For example, if you want top-notch sound quality and a comfortable fit with features to spare, the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 wireless gaming headset is your best bet. And if you want something a little more affordable, the Tatybo gaming headset may be more your speed. Keep reading to see all our top picks and find the gaming headset that fits your needs.
Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 Wireless Gaming Headset
Jack of all trades
If you’re looking for the best gaming headset that can do it all, this blacked-out model from Turtle Beach is a great place to start. This headset works with a variety of different consoles, has massive surround sound, a battery life of 20 hours, and can connect to Bluetooth so you can listen to music or take calls while gaming. It also features great microphone quality and a mute function, making it easy to hop in the chat or take a breather. For the cherry on top, it has Aerofit cooling gel-infused memory foam in the ear padding to keep you comfortable. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Pros:
- It’s designed to work with glasses and remove pressure on your frames while gaming.
- You can select from four different audio presents to control the way the eq sounds.
Cons:
- While the high-tech features are a plus, they may cause pairing issues on some consoles and setups.
SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless Gaming Headset
Unplugged
If you’re an avid gamer, you know that concentration is key. You need to stay totally focused to play your best, and the last thing you need is your headset coming unplugged because you moved your head a little too much. If you want to avoid this problem altogether, this wireless headset can do the trick. It has a wireless range of 40 feet and is compatible with multiple platforms, making it perfect for the gamer who does it all. It even has 30-hour battery life. If you want to make the switch to cordless gaming, this is a great first step.
Pros:
- If you’re tight on time, you can do a quick 15-minute charge for 3 hours of gameplay.
- It comes with a USB-C dongle and a USB-A adaptor, so you charge and connect in multiple ways.
Cons:
- The sound quality isn’t that great given the price, but its other features make up for it.
Klim Puma USB Gamer Headset
If the boot fits
If you’re a devout PC gamer, you may be interested in a USB headset. While most systems offer 3.5mm headphone jacks, some consoles rely on USB inputs. If that’s the case, this affordable headset may be just what you need to get up and running. It comes fully loaded with immersive 7.1 surround sound that offers optional vibrations on bass frequencies for added effect. It also has cushioned earmuffs, an elastic headband, and an adjustable mic, making it comfortable and versatile. On top of it all, the price is almost too good to be true.
Pros:
- The sound quality is great and the EQ is fairly bass-heavy, which is a feature other headsets lack.
- The microphone lights up during gameplay, so it has a cool aesthetic for streaming.
Cons:
- It’s made of cheaper materials, which makes it lighter but also more fragile.
Bose QuietComfort 35 Series 2 Gaming Headset
Pure silence
Bose is no stranger to critical acclaim, as they’ve been one of the foremost heavyweights of high-quality speaker manufacturers for decades. However, they’ve stepped into new territory with this gaming headset. Featuring a world-class noise-canceling microphone, this headset keeps your audio crisp and clean so your teammates can hear you without background noise. It even has built-in voice assistants for Amazon Alexa and Google. For top-notch specs and noise-free audio, you can’t beat Bose.
Pros:
- This headset can be wired for gaming with a mic setup or wireless for listening to music on the go.
- The materials are lightweight and comfortable, making for a snug fit that won’t get irritating after extended use.
Cons:
- This headset is fairly pricey, but it’s worth it if you’re serious about gaming.
Tatybo Gaming Headset
Don't break the bank
If you’re an avid gamer but you’re working with a tight budget, that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. This headset from Tatybo proves price tags can be deceiving. It comes equipped with powerful 50mm magnetic neodymium drivers for massive stereo surround sound, and memory protein earmuffs for a comfortable fit. It features a 3.5 mm headphone jack, so it’s compatible with plenty of different consoles. On top of that, it even has a noise-canceling mic. For such a low price, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better bargain than this.
Pros:
- This headset comes in several different color options with corresponding LED lights.
- These headphones are lightweight and weigh less than eight ounces, so they won’t get heavy after hours of gaming.
Cons:
- The USB connector is only meant to power the headset’s LED lights and does not connect the headset to the gaming console via USB.
How To Store Your Gaming Headset
When not using your gaming headset, it’s essential to store it properly to prevent damage and prolong its lifespan. After all, you’ve likely spent a small fortune on it, so it’s important to give it some TLC to extend that lifespan. So, we’ve whipped up a few suggestions for storing your gaming headset:
Headset Stand: Use a dedicated headset stand or hanger to store your gaming headset. This helps maintain its shape and prevents unnecessary stress on the headband. You can pick up some pretty cool styles to enhance your gaming setup, too.
Desk Hook: A simple storage solution is just to attach a hook under your desk or on the side to hang your gaming headset when not in use. This keeps it within reach and prevents it from cluttering your desk.
Drawer or Shelf: If you don’t have a stand or hook, you can store your gaming headset in a drawer or on a shelf. Make sure to place it gently to avoid putting pressure on the ear cups or headband.
Cable Management: To prevent cable damage or tangling, coil the cable loosely and use a cable tie or Velcro strap to keep it organized. Avoid wrapping the cable tightly around the headset, as this can cause internal wire damage and can be game over for your headset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do gaming headsets work with every video game system?
Not necessarily. Some are designed to work with certain systems more intuitively and some have connecting ports that won’t work with every system. Wired headphones with a 3.5mm cable can work with most consoles, but some USB connections may cause problems. It’s best to research your system connectors before buying.
Can I use regular headphones with my gaming console?
Many gaming consoles have outputs for headphones, but regular headphones aren’t designed for communicative gameplay. Although there’s nothing stopping you from using regular headphones, they would just replace the speakers on your tv. They wouldn’t allow you to chat in the game since they wouldn’t have a mic, and the cable would most likely be too short to be practical.
Not to mention, they also (probably) won’t have features like virtual surround sound or mute functions. However, if you have a pair of headphones you love, there’s a good chance you can use them with your system.
Why do gaming headsets break so easily?
Gaming headsets can break easily due to various factors, such as tension on cables, exposure to sweat and moisture, and poor build quality. One of the most common causes of headset breakage is when gamers let the cord dangle, which can lead to damage over time from being constantly bent or stretched.
Furthermore, exposure to moisture, humidity, and sweat for extended periods can cause corrosion on the internal wiring, ultimately leading to headset failure.
To prolong the life of your gaming headset, it’s essential to store it properly when not in use, avoid exposing it to moisture, and handle it with care during those gaming marathons.
What happens if you wear a gaming headset all day?
Using a gaming headset for extended periods throughout the day can potentially impact your health and well-being. So, be a bit careful if you’re partial to playing games all day (or all night!).
Using gaming headphones for extended periods may contribute to noise-induced hearing loss, which could manifest as challenges in perceiving high-frequency sounds, understanding speech in loud settings, differentiating consonants, and even experiencing a ringing sensation in the ears.
Moreover, wearing too-tight headphones for long durations might, in serious cases, result in compression headaches due to the pressure applied to your head and inner ear.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.