The Best Gaming Headsets

When it comes to PC gaming and console gaming such as on the Xbox One, the Xbox Series X or the Sony Playstation 5, especially online competitive multiplayer gaming sessions, gamers are looking for the most immersive and enjoyable gaming experience. It is important to note that the gaming headsets and features that we will discuss apply not only to a video game on a gaming console but also PC gaming headsets.

Online gaming, offered through an Xbox Gold Live membership from Microsoft, or a corresponding membership to the online service provided by your gaming console or PC, is the pinnacle of competitive gaming. Therefore gamers are constantly looking for an edge in their gaming sessions. One of the best ways to enhance your gaming experience is with a nice high end wireless gaming headset or even a more budget friendly wired gaming headset.

Ranging from the budget friendly to the more high end range of the gaming headset spectrum, are a plethora of tremendous options offering top notch audio quality (preferably with surround sound or spatial audio), a comfortable headband for a comfortable fit during long gaming sessions and an overall high quality build, design and feature list.

Speaking as an avid esports gamer, who likes different platforms like the Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Sony Playstation and PC gaming, it is a must for us to have a gaming headset providing us with the best sound quality for the respective device. So for us compatibility of the gaming headset is an important feature allowing us to easily use the headset between devices, be it wireless or with a wired connection. You can find gaming headsets from different manufacturers like Logitech (like the Logitech G series), Turtle Beach (like the Turtle Beach Stealth), Razer (like the Razer Kraken, or the Razer Blackshark v2, v2Pro or pro x) Audeze Maxwell and HyperX among others. Keep in mind many of the best gaming headsets offer adapters for enhanced compatibility.

There are additional features on the best gaming headsets that gamers have identified as crucial to getting the best gaming experience they can. These are achieved via a combination of software and hardware features that on their headsets that show actual in game improvements to their gaming sessions. We will continue to explore the already briefly discussed features and the additional ones in more detail.

Features for Gamers

The best wireless gaming headsets are going to offer the latest in technology to help improve your gaming session and provide a comfortable design that will allow for longer gaming period with less fatigue.

1. First and foremost, you will want to make sure that the headset you purchase has a comfortable design good build quality and can fit your head shape well. You want comfort in a good price range, but also safety and longevity in your pair of headphones at a good price range.
   1. Within that the topic of comfort your headset should feature preferably have rich memory foam earcups or earpads designed for long term wear and extreme comfortability.
   2. Try and find a nice gaming headset with a comfortable headband which will reduce the stress placed on the top of your head during gaming sessions. This will also reduce headaches commonly associated with uncomfortable hard plastic headbands.
   3. Do you like over the ear headsets or on the ear headsets? Or maybe you prefer earbuds as you go to gaming headset. There are options with great features in all of these form factors.
2. Audio Quality: Having top notch game audio will not only make for a more immersive experience but adds to gaming headphones with features like Dolby Atmos, DTS: X and Windows Spatial Audio Support. These are some of the latest and best surround sound formats you can get. These will help you get that excellent sound which is imperative. This is especially true when playing online multiplayer games, so that the game participants and the actual game sounds come through clear and with extreme precision. Great audio on your Windows based PC or Xbox is achieved via Windows Spatial or Sonic which is Microsoft’s version of surround sound (unless equipped with Dolby Atmos functionality). It provides virtual surround sound as if you were listening through a receiver or sound bar with a 7.1.2 or similar layout. The first number refers to the amount of surround speakers in your system, the second number corresponds to the number of subwoofers in your system and the third number are the Height/Ceiling speakers like the ones providing Dolby Atmos.
   1. A high end gaming headset will have several sound profiles such as ANC or Active Noise Cancellation. Just as how these work on your personal use headphones or earbuds, these will use ANC technology to eliminate background noise so you can concentrate on your gaming experience without interruption.
   2. There may also be a transparency mode like you would find on a pair of Apple Air Pods Pro. The transparency mode will allow you to wear the headset and converse with people around you and hear them clearly. Noise Cancellation is turned off when using Transparency Mode if available.
   3. Looking for a pair of headphones that support the DAC or Digital to Analog converter is not a bad idea. It offers higher quality sound than your standard 3.5mm connection.
   4. Having audiophile quality is not a necessity, however with some of the new features supporting surround sound and other features, many audiophiles will even appreciate some of the best budget gaming headsets on the market.
   5. Having THX certification is one of the highest achievements that audio devices can get. For example we use a Pioneer Elite A/V receiver coupled with our Xbox. This receiver as a THX certified item would be as with a gaming headset, recognized as an industry leader in audio for cinema and other avenues. Be prepared to pay a premium at times for a gaming headset with this certification, as besides for the intense R&D and testing required by THX to get certified audiophiles will appreciate this acclaimed recognition on their gaming headsets very much.
3. Great microphone quality is a feature that the best gaming headsets will have. This would include possibly a boom mic, or a mic with clear chat, voice isolation and other features.
4. Connectivity: If you are going for some of the best wired connection gaming headsets, they will usually not include a bluetooth feature for a wireless connection. However, having a wired connection from your headset to the gaming console or PC will make for the lowest latency in sound production. The bluetooth connection will be needed to wirelessly pair your gaming headset with your console or PC. When purchasing wireless gaming headsets, there several factors to consider.
   1. Will my wireless headset get you the battery life you need for my long gaming sessions? So how many hours of battery life is quite a factor in gaming. Charging for most wireless gaming headsets are accomplished via USB-C, and many models allow for simultaneous charging and gaming.
   2. Does my headset have the best connectivity options? Ideally you would like to have a headset with a wireless connection, and an optional wired connection via USB or a 3.5mm jack. For the wireless options look for newer bluetooth standards which will result in low latency audio between your device and headset. Wired connections will get you the lowest latency.
5. You will want to check out options for gaming headsets with control dongles that that provide customization of quick action preset buttons. Being able to customize the buttons will save so much time, so feel free to quick mute your chat, change the sound profile or disconnect the headphones all with a simple press of a preset button.
6. Make sure that your headset provides powerful drivers for the mic and noise control functions. Some of the best gaming headsets provide planar magnetic drivers which help remove distortion and other electronic interference.
7. With CES 2024 wrapping up, retailers are looking to show their latest and greatest offerings in the world of gaming headsets. So now is a great time to shop for the best budget or a nice pair of high end gaming headset. There maybe pricing discounts offered.
   

Top Picks

Now that we have established what some of the best features and specs that gamers are looking for in their headsets, we can begin to explore our top picks for you.

One of the best budget pairs of gaming headsets that we love are the Adesso Xtream G2 Stereo USB Gaming Headphone/Headset with Noise Canceling Microphone. These headphones come in at the low end of the price range for gaming headsets while still providing some great features:

• Ease of use with a built-in soundcard ready to plug and play. So no hassle with any software installation.
• Does not require separate connections for audio and the microphone.
• The included earcups and headband are adjustable (not detachable as on some models) to ensure a comfortable fit. And the custom padding provides a soft comfortable cushion that creates an almost pillow like feel on your ears, reducing strain and discomfort.
• With blue LED lighting you add a nice relaxing ambient lighting experience to your headset.
• Noise cancellation on a budget pair of gaming headphones? You bet, the Adesso Xtream G2 provides it.
• Compatibility with gaming devices such as PC/Notebook or Laptop/PlayStation 4/Xbox/Nintendo Switch.
• An omnidirectional mic which gets the sound with reliability, is extremely flexible which allows you to adjust the position for optimal performance. This adds to the overall comfort and ease of use of this headset.
• Good noise cancelling technology helps remove unwanted noises from the background during your gaming session, ensuring your voice is heard clearly.

Another one of our best budget pairs of gaming headsets that we love is the HyperX Cloud Stinger Official Licensed Gaming Headset for PS4/PS5. This is an officially licensed Sony Playstation headset. Some of the features which attracted us to this headset include:

• Easily connect to your Sony Playstation via a cable with a 3.5mm port with guaranteed compatibility for PS5 and PS4 controllers.
• 90 degree rotating memory foam and premium leatherette headband and earcups for enhanced comfort on this lightweight gaming headset.
• 50mm directional drivers provide that high-quality sound
• Signature memory foam for added comfort on the headband and earcups.
• Easily mute the microphone by just flipping it away from the main body of the headset.
• With extensive compatibility for PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices, this is a well priced headset to good to pass up.
• 2 Year manufacturer limited warranty.

The next pair of gaming headsets that we believe will take your gaming experience to the next level is the BeyerDynamic MMX 150 Closed Back USB Gaming Headset, Grey w/ Warranty Bundle.

• BeyerDynamic patented drivers are a great pick in premium studio quality high end sound world. They have been specifically been designed with gamers in mind and with rigorous testing by BeyerDynamic, you can rest assured of top notch surround sound.
• Get that studio level sound in your gaming session with the new META VOICE cardioid condenser microphone on the MMX 150. This features a 9.9 mm capsule to reproduce your voice naturally and clearly. Background noises like keyboard clacks and mouse clicks won’t disrupt your chat during an online playing session.
• Easy to use controls mean you can adjust the volume without leaving or disrupting your game. The microphone can be muted and unmuted swiftly with a dedicated separate mute button.
• The aluminum band provides a sturdy and strong design build that provides durability and a premium look.
• The microphone is detachable and other peripheral parts are made to be easily replaced at home if need be.
• An all new augmented mode is responsible for the real-time monitoring of the environment and allowing the headset to adjust accordingly with the volume wheel.

Our fourth recommendation for one of the best gaming headsets is the BeyerDynamic MMX 300 PC Gaming Digital Headset with Microphone – 2nd Generation or Gen 2.

• Normally an expensive high end gaming headset in the same vein as ones produced by Astro and other manufacturers, it is discounted now after being released years ago, but is still relevant in todays market.
• The MMX 300 shows itself off as a high-end pair of headphones with a boom mic attached.
• The cable to attach the gaming headset to your console or PC is 3.9 feet long and ends in a four-pole 3.5mm plug.
• There is an inline remote which is placed approximately 12 inches down from the earcup and has a volume wheel/rocker and microphone mute switch. The longer cable is 8.2 feet long and terminates in two three-pole 3.5mm plugs.
• The headband is padded and covered in leather, and you can remove the padding if you so desire. So there is flexibility with the headband to help with comfort and ease of use in long intensive gaming sessions.
• BeyerDynamic doesnt just stop there. They include a hard-shell zip-up case and a 0.25-inch headphone adapter for these headphones ensuring a wide range of compatibility.
• High end sound for music reproduction can be accomplished at max volumes with no distortion and a good soundstage with bass heavy audio reproduction.
• The overall design makes this a luxury fit and feel for gamers.

Finally we recommend checking out the fantastic HyperX CloudX Stinger Core Wireless Gaming Headset, Black/Green. This headset contains some tremendous specs and features which we will expound on.

• This is an officially licensed gaming headset for Xbox One and Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X.
• Featuring a direct to Xbox wireless connection with an easy simplistic press of a button.
• Good gaming-grade wireless connection on the 2.4 Ghz wireless spectrum. This wireless band allows for longer range connectivity from your router as it passes through obstacles better than the 5 Ghz band.
• You don’t have to purchase additional wireless adapters as this has direct Xbox Wireless Connectivity.
• Immersive and wide sounding surround sound is provided by Windows Sonic. Please note: there are apps in the Microsoft Windows store on the Xbox or PC that will allow you to download virtual surround sound with Dolby Atmos and DTS.
• This headset provides some nice upgrades over the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless gaming headset which are wired only.
• With a great chat mixer (a feature which any online gamer will harp on) is included. The chat mix controls on the headset earcup. So easily adjust the multiplayer chat to your desired comfort level.
• Memory foam ear cushions wrapped in leatherette will give you a comfortable lengthy gaming experience with reduced stress on your head and ears.
• Easy mute and unmute by swiveling the mic. In addition the noise cancelling gets rid of all that distracting ambient noise.
• With a Rechargeable lithium-polymer battery providing up to 17 hours of battery life and only requiring a 3 hour charge, you will experience less downtime from gaming with your headset.

Conclusion

Gamers can rejoice. With the advancement in technology for the gaming headsets, you can now get features on budget friendly models with features normally found on higher end ones. So if you are in the market for one of the best gaming headsets on the market today, you have your pick of the litter.

Plus as esports, competitive first person shooter games and even single player games are starting to be released more and more with high end audio capabilities such as Dolby Atmos and DTS X support, now is the time to grab one or more of the best gaming headsets for your console or PC.