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When companies first began developing accessories for gaming consoles and PC games back during the dawn of the gaming age, technologies were still developing. The peripherals and add-ons that customers could buy were few and far between, especially when it came to "gaming headsets." Because there wasn't a huge emphasis on online gaming, there wasn't much need for a headphone/microphone combo device that would allow gamers to easily communicate with one another. Prior to the advent of online gaming, players would simply plug in any standard aux-corded headphones or earbuds if they wanted a better sound experience.
Fast-forward to today and there is a multitude of specialized headsets and microphones that are built with gaming in mind, custom-tailored to provide players with an enhanced experience by highlighting specific sound ranges. But some gaming headsets can be a bit expensive, and some players may be questioning if spending the money on a gaming headset is even worth it compared to simply using an everyday pair of headphones or earbuds. Here's a look at what gaming headsets are all about, to help players decide if they even need a gaming headset.
What Are Gaming Headsets For?
The main draw for gaming headsets is that they seamlessly combine both a microphone and headphone peripheral into one easy-to-use package. Players that find themselves playing online games often, or wanting to record voice-over content for gaming-based clips and streams, will need to have both a microphone and headphones to hear sounds and communicate clearly. Although there are some players out there that prefer to have their devices separate for better overall control and customization, having two separate pieces of hardware can be a bit of a hassle for the average gamer.
Gaming headsets make things much easier, especially concerning console gaming, where connecting multiple devices is a frustrating and confusing affair. Players that want to quickly hop online and talk with their friends or other gamers via voice chat will love how easy it is to plug and play with a gaming headset. There are headsets that are custom-tailored for specific consoles or generalist gaming headsets that can connect to both console and PC by way of separate cables and adapters (which are usually included with the gaming headset itself).
What Makes Gaming Headsets Different From Normal Headphones?
Players wondering whether they should buy a gaming headset or headphones may not be considering a key factor: gaming headsets aren't simply combination devices, they provide specialized sound-tuning that helps differentiate them from standard headphones. Traditional earbuds, on-ear, and over-ear headphones are designed with music, audio, and visual entertainment in mind. Because of this, companies work hard to craft drivers and companion software that allow users to fine-tune their listening experience. This includes options like tuning the Treble and Bass, as well as access a variety of different pre-sets and equalizers to help create the ultimate listening experience, depending on multiple variables, focusing on things like musical genre and personal taste.
Gaming headsets usually don't focus on additional options and adjustable Treble as designers are more interested in giving players access to the multitude of sounds they may not hear within a game by using a standard headphone with music-based mixing. As a product, gaming headsets are usually tuned with heavier Bass, as well as ranges that highlight things like enemy footsteps or other sound effects. They also focus heavily on Surround Sound, giving players the best possible experience to immerse themselves in a given game. Although music can be an integral part of a game experience, it's much more likely that the sound effects will play a big part in making gamers feel as if they're part of the action.
This heavy emphasis on Surround Sound can also help players who like to engage in competitive multiplayer or PvP, as it helps them hear their opponents easier. That said, gaming headsets aren't without their flaws. Although, in the modern age, there are many gaming headsets that are suitable for both gaming and music, they can be rather expensive. Players should expect to pay a higher premium if they want a gaming headset that has a multitude of options available, such as a removable mic or even active noise cancelling. Gaming headsets usually have a poorer sound quality when it comes to "easy listening" and can be a bit abrasive for people that are simply using them to listen to music, television, or audiobooks.
If you're curious what our favorite headsets are, check out our lists for the best overall gaming headsets, the best wireless gaming headsets, and the best wired gaming headsets.
Do I Need A Gaming Headset?
Gaming headsets are absolutely worth it for players that are looking to communicate with other players. Gaming headsets undoubtedly help players perform better during multiplayer game modes, as cooperation is key to being competitive. Fans of single-player experiences can likewise enjoy more immersive experiences thanks to superior sound drivers that draw out additional sounds they may not hear with a traditional headset, better amping up the action.
Although plain headphones and earbuds used to be much lower quality compared to gaming headsets on average, the gap has been closed for a few years now, leaving players with the ability to get just as good sound quality from high-end headphones as they would from gaming headsets. However, there are few affordable options for headphones or earbuds that have a decent microphone.
Players who are looking to get the best audio quality for their games can often achieve this by getting a good gaming headset, so why not go with the option that comes with a mic?
After all, gaming headsets are extremely useful in giving players easy access to a communication device, without forcing them to purchase additional products just to voice chat with friends and other players. This is even more important for console gamers, who are often forced to abide by console or controller specific ports. For console gamers, specifically, a gaming headset can make a world of difference, as it gives them the ability to communicate with others without having to go through a multitude of extra steps.
However, streamers and other voice professionals often find that headset mics just aren't worth it and can even impede recording. For these players, getting headphones or earbuds and a dedicated microphone is the better option. Wireless earbuds have the bonus of being quite concealed and won't mess up your hair, get caught on earrings, or fall off when leaning back. Separate recording mics are also helpful to streamers and performers, as they allow voice audio to be edited separately from game audio, which is an indispensable feature for most professionals.
Most gamers aren't famous streamers though, and so gaming headsets are ultimately a great boon for players. Gamers who enjoy a Surround Sound experience or want to engage in online play should absolutely choose a headset over just headphones or earbuds.
How Much Are Gaming Headsets?
Thankfully, in the modern age, there are gaming headsets available that should appeal to all budgets, so players don't need an expensive headset to get good sound quality. Those looking for a solid gaming headset that will work for PC or Console can expect to pay somewhere around $50 - $100 for a mid-range headset from a reputable company. Those that don't want to spend that much can search websites like Amazon, eBay, and Newegg for cheaper alternatives from lesser-known companies.
It's important to note that just because a company is lesser-known and offering a cheaper product does not mean it's a "bad gaming headset." In fact, there are many affordable headsets that lie in the $20 - $40 range that are more than enough for the average gamer and will still greatly enhance their gaming experience by offering superior comfort for extended listening times, as well as tuned drivers. Often, these lower prices reflect the lifespan of the device, rather than its overall quality. If a $20 gaming headset can last long enough for a player to save up for a nicer one, or at least until they can spend another $20 on a replacement, that's often more than enough for gamers on a budget.
On the other hand, those looking for something higher-end, should expect their device to be capable of producing the best sound quality while simultaneously providing players with additional tuning options via companion software and equalizers. Such headsets will last a few years at least, and players will easily spend $150-$300 for their higher quality headset.
Gaming headsets come in a multitude of shapes and sizes, with varying price points that should appeal to anyone. Prices vary based on the materials used, the features of the headset, and the brand.
What is the best headset brand?
Every gaming headset brand has their own style and their own sets of pros and cons. As such, it's impossible to name a single brand as the absolute best. However, there are some clear leaders in the industry who are known for certain traits.
Razer, for instance, is constantly combining performance with RGB lighting, packing their headsets with powerful drivers and long-lasting batteries. Similarly, Logitech can typically be counted on for impressive battery life with their own high-quality headsets, and though they don't typically have RGB lighting, they do often come in fun colors not found elsewhere on the market. HyperX, Microsoft, Sony, and Turtle Beach are some of the most recognizable brands in the industry, with their offerings spanning a wide array of features and price points. Astro and Corsair headsets are often the most expensive options, though their top of the line specs make them worthwhile to many gamers. SteelSeries is one of the best high-end headset brands currently, with their Steelseries Arctis Nova Pro wireless headset being our top choice.
Every brand is constantly trying to one-up the others, so who is considered the very best changes frequently. Fortunately, buying a headset isn't an everyday occurrence, and as such gamers can take their time choosing the one that's right for them. Weighing each of these factors against personal preference will lead players to a reliable headset that will improve communication and enhance immersion through every adventure.
How to Choose A Gaming Headset
Picking out a headset that works for you can be a bit tricky. There are hundreds of options and a lot of variation in price. It doesn't have to be a nerve-wracking decision though! There are just a few key considerations that will help you choose the best gaming headset:
Price
Budgets can be flexible or rigid, but regardless of what your wallet can do, players should set a price goal. By narrowing options to a specific price range, like $75-$100, players can cut down their possible choices from a few hundred to a few dozen.
Size
Not all gaming headsets are designed for all ages. Make sure to check the sizing chart for any adjustable headsets to prevent purchasing a device that won't fit. People with heads and ears that fall outside the average range may have more trouble finding headsets that fit them, but they'll also feel a lot of pain when wearing a gaming headset that doesn't fit right.
Sound Control
Most gaming headsets have some amount of noise-cancellation and isolation. Noise-cancelling headphones keep sound out, so players can focus on their game audio and team chat. Noise-isolating headsets prevent sounds other than your voice from being picked up by the mic. Both of these features are very important, but the better each performs, the higher the cost of the headset will be.
Wired vs. Wireless
Players often have a personal preference when it comes to wired or wireless devices. It used to be that wired headsets worked much better than wireless, but that's simply not true anymore. Wired headsets are typically available at much more affordable prices and are compatible with most controllers and PCs. Wireless controllers are way more convenient, but are often made for a specific system or require the use of an adapter.
Compatibility
While some gamers only play on a single device, many more play games on their PC, Xbox, Playstation, and/or Switch. Finding a headset that works with all the devices a player wants to connect to is important, especially for gamers on both Xbox and Playstation, whose market rivalry has yet to yield against universal devices for PC and Switch. Most of the time, gamers will need to have two separate headsets for these two systems, with few notable examples.