No Man's Sky receives a lot of attention for its procedurally generated planets, resulting in unique-looking environments. However, the game's audio is just as impactful and adds tension when exploring perilous new worlds. The recent Adrift update forces players to rely even more on their instincts, with no NPCs around to provide guidance. A gamer's hearing provides vital clues about their surroundings, and the best gaming headset for No Man's Sky Adrift can be as crucial of a tool as a scanner.
Wired Vs. Wireless Gaming Headsets
Wireless and wired headsets each have pros and cons making the decision a complicated one for gamers. Which option is right for you?
A quality headset seals players off from the outside world and contributes to the sense of loneliness in No Man's Sky Adrift. Unlike most PC speakers, headsets with well-designed passive or active noise cancellation fully immerse gamers in virtual worlds. No Man's Sky players should also look for gear that supports spatial audio so that it's easier to pinpoint the location of potential danger. Finally, as with all headsets, buyers must find a wired or wireless device compatible with the game platforms they own.
Game ZXC's Best Gaming Headsets for No Man's Sky Adrift
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X provides Xbox gamers with powerful audio using a combination of top-tier hardware and software. The headset uses the Nova Acoustic System, made up of 40mm audio drivers providing spatial audio, and a 10-band Parametric EQ from Sonar Software. Players can listen to two devices at once with simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth. Plus, with premium materials for both the headband and the earcups, players will stay comfortable throughout hours of gameplay.
- Battery Life
- 38 hours
- Wireless?
- Yes
- Microphones
- Yes
- Compatible With
- Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch, Mac, Mobile
- Brand
- SteelSeries
- Connection Type
- 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
- Weight
- 324g/.71lbs
- Dimensions
- 7.58 x 6.6 x 3.41 inches
- Noise Cancellation
- Yes, mic only
- Driver size
- 40 mm
- Excellent support for multiple spatial audio formats
- Stellar 38 hour battery life and USB-C fast charging
- Comfortable suspension strap design
- Simultaneous Bluetooth connectivity
- Sonar software is powerful but complex
- Poor noise isolation
No Man's Sky Adrift can be particularly stressful without a reliable and comfortable gaming headset. Fortunately, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7x can become an invaluable asset for stranded explorers as they make sense of the abandoned world around them. Buyers won't find a better example of spatial audio in this wireless headset's price range, which can provide vital audio cues for navigating planets and space safely.
The Arctis Nova 7x is an excellent choice for an Xbox headset, but it also works on PlayStation consoles and thrives on PCs thanks to Sonar software. Shipping with a versatile multi-platform wireless USB-C dongle, gamers will find no audio delays in the dynamic No Man's Sky soundscape. Battery life is outstanding at 38 hours, so players will recharge their health and other tools long before the headset runs out of power. It's easy to lose track of the outside world in No Man's Sky, but simultaneous Bluetooth enables listeners to monitor mobile phones for incoming calls.
Steelseries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Headset Review
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro wireless gaming headset is one of the best on the market. Here's everything you need to know about it!
Gamers can focus on the difficult missions in the game without constantly adjusting the fit of the Arctis Nova 7x. Instead of a headband pressing against the top of the head, a more flexible strap floats above listeners, causing minimal discomfort. The rotating earcups utilize a breathable fabric that resists heat but doesn't excel at blocking outside noise. Unlike the pricier AceZone A-Spire or Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, this headset lacks the active noise cancellation that would keep gamers more immersed in No Man's Sky.
The Arctis Nova 7x differentiates itself from its competition by supporting nearly every major spatial audio technology. Dolby Atmos sounds stunning on the Xbox, while Sony's Tempest 3D Audio allows gamers to experience the game's rich audio in more dimensions. However, PC users gain more control over the headset's 360-degree audio with the Sonar app. The 40 mm Neodymium Magnetic drivers pump out powerful audio, but the bass-heavy default sound benefits from some EQ adjustments in the software.
Incredibly comfortable and capable of reproducing the most subtle sound effects, the Arctis Nova 7x is the best gaming headset for No Man's Sky Adrift. Regardless of the platform, this headset embraces spatial audio and helps gamers identify any danger before disaster strikes.
AceZone A-Spire Gaming Headset
The AceZone A-Spire is a gaming headset designed with esports competitors in mind. Benefiting from a combination of active and passive noise cancellation, gamers can focus on performing their best. The A-Spire enhances footsteps in FPS titles while reducing sounds that can mask vital audio cues. Ensuring that communication with teammates remains reliable, the A-Spire microphone drowns out all outside noise with noise suppression algorithms. This AceZone headset can connect to sources wireless through Bluetooth, an analog audio cable, or USB-C.
- Microphone
- Noise cancelling
- Compatibility
- PC, Xbox, PS5, Mobile
- Brand
- AceZone
- Noise Cancellation
- Active, Passive
- Weight
- 270 g
- Battery Life
- 35 hours
- Frequency Response
- 20 Hz- 20,000 Hz
- Driver
- 40 mm
- Active and passive noise cancellation creates more immersion
- Highly accurate positional audio
- Very lightweight and portable
- Simple wired connectivity
- Not easy to switch from wired to Bluetooth sources
- Doesn't add much flair to a gaming rig
The AceZone A-Spire is designed for competitive gaming, but its precise positional audio will keep No Man's Sky players aware of their surroundings. Primarily a wired USB-C headset, the A-Spire also offers noise cancellation features that less expensive options lack. Its ability to shield gamers from background distractions only makes the Adrift expedition more haunting.
Extremely lightweight at 270 grams, the A-Spire lacks the bulkiness and RGB effects of flashier gaming headsets like the JBL Quantum 910X. Its sleek nature also benefits comfort, and when combined with memory foam earcups covered by leatherette, the A-Spire disappears when worn. The thin attached microphone has nowhere to retract but maintains crystal clear communication for multiplayer chatting.
The A-Spire will make No Man's Sky players think they actually live in its desolate landscapes. Its earcups envelope ear canals for effective passive noise cancellation without extreme clamping force. However, the headset's adjustable active noise cancellation is powerful enough to dull the roar of air conditioners in gaming rooms.
Although the A-Spire doesn't officially support branded spatial audio formats like Dolby Atmos, its positional audio is why esports pros rely on this headset. In its review of the A-Spire, Game ZXC found that the headset's default audio profile excelled in more than just FPS titles. Also, while there is a mobile app to adjust profiles, the A-Spire doesn't require complex software like the Arctis Nova 7x. No Man's Sky gamers can simply connect it to a PC's USB port and identify the position of a giant sandworm without tweaking settings. The A-Spire is surprisingly versatile with its Bluetooth connectivity for mobile devices and an analog audio port for gaming controllers.
As the best wired headset to take on the Adrift expedition, the A-Spire has superior comfort and a soundscape that supplies vital audio cues.
Logitech G Astro A50 X Lightspeed
Now upgraded with breakthrough innovations in audio and connectivity, the new Logitech G ASTRO A50 X LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset + Base Station is the new flagship high-performance gaming headset for console players.
In gaming, comfort, sound, connectivity, communications, and compatibility are the keys gamers look for in an audio solution. The A50 X combines the design of the original A50, a favorite of console gamers everywhere, with four breakthrough innovations in the console headset market.
- Battery Life
- Up to 24 hours
- Brand
- Logitech
- Weight
- 363 grams
- Microphone
- Omnidirectional
- Compatibility
- PlayStation, Xbox, PC
- Surround Sound
- Dolby Atmos, PS5 3D Audio
- Driver
- 40 mm Graphene
- Range
- Up to 12 meters with Lightspeed
- Same version can connect to nearly any source
- Comfortable fit with breathable ear cushions
- Subtle sound effects heard with Graphene drivers
- Very high-bandwidth audio
- Challenging cable management
- Poor noise isolation
The Logitech G Astro A50 X not only provides the highest quality audio possible but also matches the futuristic aesthetic of No Man's Sky. Still, the wireless headset's ability to stay connected and easily switch between a PC, console, and mobile device makes it unique. Along with an innovative HDMI base station, the Astro A50 X's improved graphene drivers ensure that every detail of the game's soundscape is heard clearly.
There is no mistaking Astro headsets, with their traditional shiny piping connecting the earcups to headbands. Fitting in perfectly in a modern gaming setup, the Astro A50 X feels lighter on heads than its 363-gram weight would indicate. The default ear cushions consist of breathable fabric, which isn't ideal for passive noise cancellation, but leatherette alternatives are available. As with past headsets in this product line, the sound quality is excellent, despite a rather loose fit.
Best Logitech Gaming Headsets of 2024
Logitech has an impressive array of headsets, including both wired and wireless options. But which Logitech gaming headset is the best?
No Man's Sky Adrift is available on many platforms, and gamers can easily switch between systems with the A50 X's wireless adapter. The back of the component has high-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports and USB connections for Xbox and PlayStation consoles. PCs typically only need a USB-C cable to access all of the headset's features. Once set up, a PlaySync physical button on the A50 X will seamlessly switch between sources without hesitation. The only downside is the wiring mess necessary to keep all these devices connected simultaneously.
The Astro A50 X offers class-leading connectivity and comfort, but its 40 mm graphene drivers also contribute to its premium asking price. The thin but super-strong material inside the headset's earcups rejects distortion, so no sound effect in No Man's Sky lacks definition. The A50 X also embraces Dolby Atmos, giving the Adrift expedition a cinematic feel.
Game ZXC's review of the Logitech G Astro A50 X determined that its outstanding sound quality translates on its many supported platforms. The A50 X is the best gaming headset for No Man's Sky Adrift when gamers wish to explore planets on any console or PC.
Logitech G432 Wired Gaming Headset
The Logitech G432 is a wired headset designed for gaming. The on-ear headphones deliver a frequency response area of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and the large 50-millimeter audio drivers produce a sound capable of an immersive gaming experience.
The headset comes with support for advanced DTS surround sound, which can help gamers locate enemies thanks to precise positional audio and a 3D soundscape. The headset's microphone includes a convenient flip-to-mute function, and volume controls on the left ear cup. The Logitech G432 supports most devices with a 3.5 mm connector to USB DAC input.
- Brand
- Logitech
- Weight
- 280 g
- Microphone
- Boom, Cardioid
- Compatibility
- PC, Xbox, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
- Surround Sound
- Yes
- Driver
- 50 mm
- Convincing surround sound on a budget
- Powerful 50 mm drivers
- High-quality USB connectivity to PCs
- Long cord
- Tight fit on larger heads
- Flimsy build quality
Surround sound setups are typically quite expensive, but the Logitech G432 is an affordable way to experience multi-dimensional audio. As a budget wired headset with DTS Headphone:X 2.0 support, the G432's large 50 mm drivers output powerful sound that matches the impact of the No Man Sky visuals.
The G432 connects to PCs with a compact USB DAC, which allows the G Hub app to activate its 7.1-channel audio. Console gamers won't enjoy the same compatibility with DTS surround sound through a 3.5 mm analog cable. However, Tempest 3D makes this stereo headset a decent option for PS5 gamers. A generous 6.5-foot cord nullifies some of the inconvenience of the G432 not being wireless.
Logitech G432 Gaming Headset Buyer's Guide
The Logitech G432 Wired Gaming Headset trades lackluster simplicity in design for increased usability.
Despite a rather bass-heavy profile, surround sound helps to smooth out some of the G432's rough edges, and its soundscape is reasonably wide. That said, gamers will need a PC for the headset to maximize its capabilities. The number of settings available in G Hub is impressive for a budget headset. Also, the G432 is compatible with Immerse, an A.I. technology that intelligently amplifies the sound of footsteps.
As very affordable gaming gear, it's not surprising that the G432 is made mostly of plastic. Some metal in the headband enhances the headset's durability, even if buyers shouldn't expect it to last many years. Leatherette around the ear cushions makes them smooth to the touch, but the foam underneath is not the cushiest. While generally comfortable, the G432 isn't particularly form-fitting, and larger gamers may find it too confining.
Especially impressive as a PC gaming headset, the Logitech G432 offers surround sound at an unexpectedly low price point. When trying to survive in No Man's Sky, the G432 is inexpensive gear gamers will find a vital asset.
JBL Quantum 910X Gaming Headset
The JBL Quantum 910X features JBL QuantumSPATIAL 360 technology and includes integrated head-tracking technology for a more immersive experience. The headset delivers Hi-Res audio with certified 50 mm neodymium drivers. These drivers were tuned by JBL audiologists specifically for gaming. The JBL QuantumSOUND Signature aims to make every sound in-game more detailed, which allows players to hear each footstep and explosion.
- Battery Life
- 37 hours with dongle, 42 hours with Bluetooth
- Brand
- JBL
- Weight
- 420 grams
- Noise Cancellation
- Active noise cancellation
- Microphone
- Yes
- Compatibility
- Xbox optimized, also compatible with PlayStation, PC, and Nintendo Switch
- Charge Time
- 3.5 hours
- Spatial Audio
- Yes
- Driver
- 50mm neodymium drivers
- Head-tracking feature works well
- Thick padding on earcups and headband
- Rare effective implementation of RGB lighting
- Feature-packed including Active Noise Cancellation
- Bulky and heavy design
- Disappointing microphone isn't very flexible
As a staple on Xbox Game Pass, No Man Sky is a very popular title on Xbox consoles. The JBL Quantum 910X is one of the few Xbox-compatible devices that boasts head-tracking, resembling a VR headset-like listening experience. This headset is ideal for buyers looking to add yet more impact to an already satisfying spatial audio experience.
The Quantum 910X will disappoint buyers hoping for innovative technology packed into a compact peripheral. At 420 grams, it's one of the bulkiest headsets around, but unusually thick memory foam padding leads to maximum comfort levels. The Quantum 910X also doesn't just have a dash of customizable RGB lighting but multiple illuminated zones on and around the earcups' JBL logo.
Gamers who enjoy traditional spatial audio will find that the Quantum 910X emphasizes the cinematic qualities of Dolby Atmos. Even so, the headset's advantages are somewhat wasted without experimenting with its head-tracking capabilities. Xbox gamers with PCs will benefit from software that calibrates the Quantum 910X to shift its soundscape according to a listener's head movements. Despite seeming like a gimmick on paper, the feature works quite well, especially with a title like No Man Sky, which has supported VR since 2019. The only downside is that head tracking tends to flatten its sound when active, losing some of the variation between low and high tones.
Although the Quantum 910X doesn't pair with Xbox consoles without a dongle like the Razer Kaira Pro, its wireless adapter provides low-latency audio. Battery life is above average at 37 hours, even longer with the headset's Bluetooth connectivity. The USB dongle also works on the PS4 and PS5, further expanding the Quantum 910X's versatility.
Most gamers will find the Adrift Expedition more suited for a single-player experience, but the Quantum 910X's microphone is not a strong point. The stiff component is difficult to orient close to mouths, and voices aren't captured as naturally as expected from a high-end headset.
With its default green and black color scheme, the well-padded JBL Quantum 910X is a fantastic Xbox headset to add to any setup. Head-tracking positional audio demonstrates how even the slightest movements on No Man's Sky planets result in an entirely different soundscape.
Sony Pulse Elite Wireless Headset
The Pulse Elite is the next generation of Sony wireless headsets made to take advantage of the PS5's dynamic Tempest 3D audio. With planar magnetic drivers, bass tones sound convincing while subtle audio effects are heard clearly, giving gamers an advantage. The Pulse Elite pairs with PlayStation consoles, PCs, and Macs with the latest PlayStation Link low-latency wireless technology. Gamers can connect to even more sources through the headset's Bluetooth support. Battery life is also outstanding at a maximum of 30 hours with quick charging capabilities.
- Battery Life
- 30 hours
- Brand
- Sony
- Weight
- 347 grams
- Microphone
- Retractable, AI Noise-Cancelling
- Compatibility
- PS5, Windows, Mac, Mobile
- Driver
- Planar magnetic
- Surround Sound
- Tempest 3D
- Low-latency long-range wireless connectivity
- Easy to pair with PlayStation consoles and mobile devices
- Generous battery life
- Better multi-device headset than Pulse 3D
- Microphone quality is average
- No controls to adjust chat mix
There are many worthy third-party PS5 gaming headsets, but owners often have to sacrifice functionality. With the Sony Pulse Elite, more settings are accessible with physical buttons, and it's built from the ground up to support Tempest 3D audio. Also, planar magnetic drivers output a clean and well-balanced sound that makes competing headsets envious.
Following the No Man's Sky Next Generation update in 2020, explorers discovered improved support for Sony's spatial audio format. Using the planar magnetic technology found in Audeze headsets like the Maxwell, listeners can discern the most seemingly irrelevant sounds with the Pulse Elite. Unlike many gaming headsets focusing on booming explosions, the Pulse Elite pays equal attention to sounds of any pitch.
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Choosing the best headset to pair with a PS5 is no easy task. Following the steps on this guide makes it simple.
As with the Logitech G Astro 50 X, the Pulse Elite has futuristic styling and a headband that curves in unexpected places. This design might be too unconventional for some buyers, but it perfectly matches the color scheme of the PS5. Suction cup-style leatherette earcups surround your earlobes without suffocating them, and padding is plentiful. Most listeners find the headset's fit less confining than the Pulse 3D, but earcups sometimes swivel too easily with normal head movements. Streamlined controls depend on the PlayStation Link button, which performs many basic functions, but gamers may be surprised that there is no way to adjust chat volume.
The Pulse Elite utilizes Sony's new PlayStation Link wireless protocol, which still requires a USB dongle but achieves incredible low-latency performance. With Bluetooth connectivity, the Pulse Elite is also a more well-rounded headset, and listeners can remain connected to mobile phones while gaming. Battery life is also significantly improved versus the Pulse 3D and lasts 30 hours.
Unfortunately, this headset's microphone effectively uses A.I. to filter out distractions, but recorded voices still lack clarity. Otherwise, Game ZXC's review of the Pulse Elite concluded that it's the best headset to showcase Tempest 3D audio. With an often dark and desolate setting, the Pulse Elite encourages No Man's Sky Adrift players to use their ears to find safety.
Finding the Right Headset for No Man's Sky Adrift
The Adrift expedition in No Man's Sky tests players' survival instincts in new and challenging ways. To avoid becoming disoriented in this vast abandoned world, the best gaming headset for No Man's Sky Adrift provides clues about what lurks on the horizon. To find the right headset to enjoy the game's rich and dynamic soundscape, focus on these considerations:
Spatial Audio
FPS games like Call of Duty demand headsets that provide accurate positional audio. However, headsets can also be invaluable in No Man's Sky, where sounds can point the way to safety. The AceZone A-Spire is a wired USB-C headset designed for competitive shooters, but it also has spatial audio that works effectively in any genre. Other headsets like the JBL Quantum 910X take multi-channel audio to another level with head tracking that changes how an environment sounds as heads move.
Noise Cancellation
It's easy to become absorbed in No Man's Sky's wondrous and futuristic landscapes. Headsets with passive and active noise cancellation ensure that nothing in a player's background will interrupt gameplay. The AceZone A-Spire shows how active noise cancellation relying on neutral sound pulses can negate any unwanted interference. Even less expensive headsets like the Sony Pulse Elite form barriers from surroundings with smooth ear cushions that fit snugly on a listener's head.
Platform
No Man's Sky can be played on many different gaming PCs and consoles. Each platform presents different challenges, with the Xbox especially fussy about headset connectivity. The Logitech G Astro 50 X overcomes these difficulties with a highly innovative HDMI base station connecting to virtually any source. For Xbox gamers, the JBL Quantum 910X supports their consoles but also works with the PC and PlayStation using a single wireless dongle.
Wired vs. Wireless
Wired headsets may seem outdated compared to the technology in No Man's Sky, but they remain the preferred choice of many gamers. Usually cheaper than wireless candidates, the Logitech G432 demonstrates how corded headsets offer better performance for less money. This budget headset supports 7.1 channel surround sound, so players won't have to worry about running out of power during the Adrift expedition. On the other hand, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7x doesn't have to be recharged frequently because of its 38-hour battery life.
If gamers can only bring one device with them, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7x is the best headset for No Man's Sky Adrift. This headset works with multiple spatial audio technologies, and its lasting comfort gives listeners one less thing to worry about during missions.
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Turtle Beach Stealth 600 headsets hit the sweet spot in terms of value. The Gen 3 promises even longer battery life and more versatile connectivity.
FAQ
Q: Does No Man's Sky have in-game voice chat?
The 2018 1.5 Update in No Man's Sky introduced many new multiplayer features. Among them was the ability to team up with friends to complete missions, enabling players to communicate using headsets.
Q: Is the music in No Man's Sky randomly generated?
Most sounds in No Man's Sky aren't original in the same way that planets have unique appearances. However, the game relies on a vast library of sound effects and music snippets that combine to enhance various gameplay experiences.
Q: Can players create custom music for No Man's Sky?
Late in 2019, players became able to install a ByteBeat Device in No Man's Sky bases. These futuristic audio synthesizers can compose original audio tracks to add personality and distinctiveness to a base.