The Best Headsets For Gamers
Graphics aren't the only important aspect of games. Audio plays a huge role as well, so you'll want to be able to hear everything clearly. This is where a quality gaming headset comes into play. Between the countless models of headphones available today, it can be tough to find the good ones. That's why we're here, to steer you in the right direction. Keep reading and we'll share our top picks for gaming headsets.
What to Look For
So what makes a great gaming headset, and how did we choose the best models? We used the following criteria: wired versus wireless, audio quality, and comfort. If you want a wireless headset that is incredibly comfortable, go with the Logitech G733. With the Lightspeed technology through a USB adapter, the wireless audio signal is super clean and lightning fast. For a more affordable, wired set, check out the Recon 50 from Turtle Beach. With a solid microphone and comfortable cans, this inexpensive headset is great for gamers that aren’t too fussy about their headset of choice. Below, we’ll dive into more detail on each pair of gaming headphones.
Turtle Beach Recon 50 Gaming Headset
Hear every detail
A good gaming headset doesn’t have to cost a bunch, as proven by this excellent model. The Recon 50 delivers powerful audio and has a great microphone that picks up your voice clearly. Since it’s wired, it will never die mid-game on you, too. If you’re looking to max out your budget on components or other accessories, this headset makes a solid choice.
Pros:
- Great budget price for high-quality audio (with virtual surround sound capability)
- Good passive noise isolation
- Plastic feels solid and not cheap
Cons:
- The cord could be a bit longer, although an extension cable could fix this easily
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Wireless Headset
Fashionable, ergonomic, and gamer-approved
If you’re sick of wired headphones, we have just the headset for you. The Stealth 600 comes with Bluetooth connectivity and plenty of battery for long gaming sessions. This premium headset features super soft, plush ear cushions. The headband is also very comfortable, so you won’t feel a strain on your head after a few hours. And did we mention that it looks incredibly sleek, with clean lines and an eye-catching design? Both the sound and design on this headset are top quality, and easily worth every cent.
Pros:
- Works on the Nintendo Switch with a USB-A to USB-C adapter
- 3D sound works really well on this headset, immersing you in games
- The microphone flips up to mute, an intuitive way to control it
Cons:
- We wish it had equalization settings on the PC app
Ozeino Gaming Headphones with Microphone
Low cost, high performance
Gaming gear doesn’t have to have RGB, but we prefer ours with some lighting pizzazz. This gaming headset from Ozeino rocks some killer lights while serving as a high-quality pair of headphones. If you like leather, you’ll probably enjoy the plush ear pads. They’re made of soft faux leather and feel so luxurious, you’ll forget this headset doesn’t cost a fortune. And if you’re looking to get into streaming games on Twitch or Youtube, this makes a great addition to the visual aesthetic of your videos.
Pros:
- Thick braided cable resists fraying and doesn’t retain kinks or loops
- Works with any 3.5mm audio jack, so it can be used for listening to music on laptops, for example
- Can play for hours without irritation around the ears
Cons:
- The lighting requires a USB plug to work
Logitech G733 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset
Cut the cord
This headset has it all: an immaculate wireless connection with almost zero latency, a snazzy aesthetic, supreme comfort, and fantastic audio quality. The virtual surround works incredibly well, especially with content optimized for it. One of the best things about this headset is how lightweight it is. You could wear it all day and barely notice it — and the battery will keep up, lasting through all-day gaming marathons. Since it uses a USB dongle to connect via 2.4 gigahertz, the digital transmission is pristine, leading to a crystal clear output.
Pros:
- Surprisingly realistic digital surround sound
- Over 24 hours of battery life
- Customizable color settings, able to be linked with lighting software
Cons:
- This model is a bit on the pricier side for gaming headsets
Corsair HS45 Virtual Surround Sound
Feel totally immersed
These headphones are perfect for a variety of uses. You can connect them with the regular 3.5mm audio cable for good old-fashioned stereo sound. But with the USB adapter, you can upgrade to 7.1 digital surround sound. This helps you pinpoint enemy footsteps in-game, which from our experience helps prevent people from sneaking up on or flanking you.
Pros:
- Plenty of options for equalization and fine-tuning the sound to your liking
- The headband locks in place securely and has a wide range of adjustable positions
- Super comfortable foam earpads
Cons:
- Slight squeaking when flexed
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I choose between wired or wireless headsets for gaming?
Both types of headsets have their advantages. For example, wired headphones can achieve better quality at a lower cost, and they’ll never need to be charged — they simply always work. Of course, the downside is that the cable can be annoying. Wireless headphones, on the other hand, are more comfortable without the cable but can die if you forget to charge them (thankfully most wireless headsets have excellent battery life). Depending on the brand and price, they can sound okay or just as good as wired headphones, you just might have to pay more.
How does virtual surround sound for headsets work?
Essentially, the audio signal is processed in a way that tricks our brains into thinking that it’s coming from a point in space around us. This is achieved by taking advantage of the head-related transfer function, which is how our body and brain pinpoint where sounds are coming from. Because of the shape of our ears, sounds from the front, back, and sides will have different audio properties. By augmenting parts of the audio to mimic these aural changes, we can place sounds in a virtual 3D space around us.
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.