If gaming runs in your veins, you must invest in a superior headset that delivers audio the way the developers intended. Not experiencing the whole sound spectrum can spell bad news for any avid gamer, making all the difference between victory and loss. Moreover, a headset that doesn’t fine-tune the sound and suffers from abrupt explosions or missed beats can damage your experience and your ears!
Purchasing a quality headset is as crucial as upgrading your GPU or monitor. Many established players in this space offer dependable gadgets that survive long hours of gameplay. You can explore brands like Razer, HyperX, and Astro to zero down on the right headset for you.
Essentials in a Professional Gaming Headset: What to look for
Here’s what you must prioritize when shopping for a gaming headset to support you in the arena:
- The drivers: You need large drivers to optimize the sound output. Many AAA games and esports use audio effects to the hilt, and missing out on sounds can quickly spiral into defeat.
- Sound output: Most headsets rely on Dolby Atmos or DTS Headphone:X to generate surround sound. You can also opt for 3D spatial audio.
- Frequency response: The standard response 20Hz to 20,000Hz. We recommend double-checking this metric to ensure your money is for a worthy cause.
- Design: Choosing an ergonomic headset with breathable material and a portable build is essential if gaming takes up several hours of your week.
- Customization: Ardent gamers live for this stuff. We are talking equalizers, game-voice balance, bass adjustment, the works. Look for software (included/optional) that comes with these settings.
- Battery backup: Wireless headsets need to offer unplugged usage for flexible use. You can get up to 300 hours with some brands like HyperX.
Top 5 Best Gaming Headset 2022 for Xbox, PC, PS5, PS4, Switch, Mobile & Mac
We have collected the five best headsets for gamers that offer the complete mix: immersive sound, high-quality microphones, and options for customization. Most of these are also ergonomic and comfortable to wear for extended hours. It is no surprise some of these can be super pricey since professional sound comes at a cost.
But the difference in your game can be commendable. If you aspire to improve your sound to raise your stakes on the battlefield, we cannot over underline the importance of a pro headset. Another option is to purchase a budget device and pay for optional customization software on a need basis.
Best Gaming Headset: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
- Brilliant sound output
- Active noise cancellation on the mic
- Sleek and thoughtful design
- Professional customization options
- Good battery backup and hot swapping
- Expensive
- Leatherette material does not suit everyone
- EQ tweaking can take some getting used to
Presenting one of the finest gaming headsets money can buy today: the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro at $320.00. This sleek gadget employs superior high-fidelity drivers to offer a 360° surround sound experience. This premium PVD-coated headset lets you mix two audio connections so that you can chat and game alongside. Think strategy huddles with teammates, Bluetooth calls, music, Discord, you name it.
The AI microphone is excellent. We like the active noise cancellation with a 4-mic hybrid system. The 2.97lbs headset uses Sonar Software and Parametric EQ for advanced customization – just what pro gamers need.
The design frontier also doles out some beauties. For instance, the mic can retract fully to keep things neat. You get two USB ports and can switch with just a button press. The battery backup is decent, and the ability of hot swapping between two batteries prolongs usage. The earcups can rotate and adjust to your chosen height.
Best Wireless Gaming Headset: ASTRO Gaming A50
- Excellent Dolby Audio sound
- Offers customization software for advanced settings
- Lightweight and portable design
- Steeply priced
- Can face sound leaking at high volumes
- You may have to purchase cables separately
- Average battery life
The ASTRO Gaming A50 works with multiple devices and gaming consoles and delivers cinematic, top-notch sound with Dolby Audio. It boasts a well-balanced mix of gaming sound vs. voice, letting you optimize your experience.
Plus, it comes with Astro command center software for even more personalized settings. This headset excels at customization, with options like a USB sound card and an A50 Mod Kit. The latter lets you choose features ear cushions for better noise isolation. Your attention will be only on the game as all surrounding noise gets tuned out.
This headset lasts 15 hours on a single charge, giving you some unplugged gaming time. It is incredibly lightweight at 1.49lbs – you can carry it easily to gaming events and competitive gatherings. It is designed thoughtfully with options like flip-to-mute and an ergonomic, comfortable feel for long hours of gaming.
Best Budget Gaming Headset: HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
- Super-long battery life
- Good spatial audio with dual-chamber drivers
- Durable and comfortable design
- More affordable than others on the list
- The audio output can be a tad inconsistent
- It caters mainly to PC users
Check this out: the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless lasts 300 hours on a single charge! The battery backup is perfect for gamers who travel frequently and like to play on the go.
This headset delivers sharp localization and satisfying 3D spatial audio with DTS Headphone:X. The dual chamber driver system is particularly noteworthy. You can experience the entire spectrum of lows, mids, and highs like the developers dreamt of when you play games with extensive audio effects.
A noise-canceling microphone lets you interact with your peers without getting drowned in ambient noise. It is detachable and uses a convenient LED indicator to assess if you get muted.
The design frontier is excellent. HyperX uses memory foam to keep things breathable and a sturdy aluminum frame to extend its lifespan. The leatherette material doesn’t feel stuffy against the skin during prolonged use. Also, the lightweight build (11.4oz) makes it easy to carry.
Best Mobile Gaming Headset: Razer Barracuda Pro Wireless Gaming
- Great sound output
- Effective mic with good noise cancellation
- Works with different platforms
- Offers software for professional settings
- Average battery backup
- Pricey
- It does not have a 3.5mm jack
- It does not work with Xbox
The Razer Barracuda Pro Wireless Gaming at $249 is a sensible choice if you need a headset that works with different consoles, laptops, and mobile phones. It uses a combination of a 2.4GHz wireless connection and Bluetooth to give you a professional gaming experience.
The 50mm drivers (bio-cellulose) generate pleasant sound output by working on the bass and minimizing distortion. An achromatic amplifier lets you enjoy high-fidelity audio for games, music, cinema, etc. We also found the microphone above par. It has terrific active noise cancellation to reduce all surrounding noise and keep your attention on the game.
This 12oz headset comes with the dependable Razer Audio app that permits you to fine-tune settings such as levels of microphone noise-canceling. It is helpful for pro gamers who seek more control over their performance.
This headset runs for 40 hours on one charge – rather disappointing if you want to travel extensively.
Best Wired Gaming Headset: ASTRO Gaming A40 TR
- It offers professional software for audio and voice settings
- Comfortable and durable build
- It has a premium feel
- Very expensive
- Not compatible with all gaming consoles
- The surround sound is not as good as some competitors
Here is another ASTRO headset worth its salt for passionate gamers looking for pro settings and additional control. The ASTRO Gaming A40 TR offers ACC software to permit you to change settings for voice and audio.
You can also experience the perks of ASTRO MixAmp Pro TR that offers Dolby Digital Surround Sound. Plus, it is straightforward to strike the accurate balance between voice and gaming sound.
This headset works perfectly with PlayStation, laptops and Macs. (If you need compatibility across Xbox consoles, you might have to go for firmware updates.)
The design sense of this gadget is worth a mention. It is light but durable, premium but comfy. We especially like the choice of material: cloth for the ear cushions and synthetic leather for acoustics. You can also choose a padded headband and speaker tags if you have some cash to spare. The overall feel is luxurious for the price.
Conclusion
A high-quality gaming headset can boost your odds of victory in competitive gaming. It can also enhance your experience by delivering engaging sound and all the feels – just what you need to delve into a virtual world away from everyday anxieties.
Gaming headsets have become cheaper with the rising demand for quality sound and the increasing popularity of video games as a go-to entertainment option. Brilliant headpieces are now available in the $100-$300 range, fitting casual players and professional gamers who need to push the envelope.
Do you have a bigger budget? We suggest checking out the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. It uses hi-fi drivers and offers active noise cancellation for entertainment without distraction. Also, the design is impressive and sleek for modern lifestyles.
ASTRO has some worthy options for gamers, such as the A50 and the A40 TR. Both the picks offer ample customization and premium design.
You can go for the HyperX Cloud Alpha if battery backup is a priority. It also boasts a dual chamber driver system to sharpen the soundscape.
Another reliable pick is the Razer Barracuda Pro. It has powerful drivers, an audio app, and support for Bluetooth. The microphone is also pretty good with noise cancellation during multiplayer games.
