The Nintendo Gameboys and SEGA Master Systems were among the original consoles that brought video games outside of video games and into the living room. Now, 8-bit machines have been transformed into powerful PC gaming consoles and devices, including Microsoft’s Xbox and Sony PlayStation 5.
As consoles and PCs become more and more capable, and internet connectivity is standard (and sometimes required), gaming has become a lot more immersive. Headsets, which allow you to communicate with other players in real time, are a vital component of the modern gaming experience.
However, just as Internet delays can spoil the moment, low-end headphones can mean you have to deal with poor sound, hum, dropped conversations, and discomfort. Luckily for us, there are plenty of options on the market that combine performance and comfort to take your gaming experience to the next level.
ZDNet has rounded up our top picks for 2022 to help you game with a new, quality headset to suit different needs and budgets.
Featured: surround sound
The Razer Kraken Tournament Edition headset is our top pick for the balance between price and quality. This wired headset offers THX 7.1 surround sound through 50mm drivers and gel-padded hoods. The Razer Kraken is compatible with various PC setups as well as game consoles. You connect the headset via the USB port / 3.5mm jack.
The Razer Kraken also includes a retractable noise-cancelling microphone, a volume control wheel, and a microphone mute switch.
Advantages:
- Excellent sound quality
- Retractable microphone
Defect:
- You may need to purchase an adapter depending on your console
Featured: extra-large, wrap-around earcups
The Sennheiser Game Zero headset is the best option to consider if you want a suitable headset for noisy environments. This model features large leather earcups designed to block noise through what the vendor calls “sound buttons”, a noise-cancelling microphone, and is compatible with devices including PCs and game consoles.
The microphone, despite its old design, has a useful ‘flip to mute’ feature, and the headphones also include side buttons for volume management. Furthermore, Game Zero is foldable for easy transport.
Advantages:
- Great noise cancellation
- Useful mute/microphone function
Defect:
- Long-term use can trap heat in the earcups, causing sweating
Featured: noise cancellation technology
The Steelseries Arctis 9 is a wireless headset, designed for PC and console gamers, featuring noise cancellation technology and high-quality sound. Low-latency 2.4GHz wireless is included, along with Bluetooth connectivity and a Discord-certified built-in microphone.
If you purchase this headset, you also get a free game code for Tom Clancy’s Rainbow 6: Extraction.
Advantages:
- Bluetooth for gaming, voice over IP, calls and music
- Up to 20 hours of battery life
Defect:
Featured: Valuable
The Razer BlackShark V2 X gaming headset is an stellar point in the headphone arena. The wired headset, available in six colors, offers 7:1 surround sound via 50mm drivers and is compatible via .5mm jack with Windows PCs, andmacOS machines, and consoles. (You may have to purchase an adapter if an incompatible audio jack/connector is available).
The ear cups are made from memory foam. If desired, you can also purchase the BlackShark V2 X as a wireless (Pro) model, but this is much more expensive.
Advantages:
- Good price
- Light and comfortable
Defect:
- Users report that software improvements are needed
Featured: Compatibility on different consoles
The LucidSound LS35X deserves praise as it has a host of on-device functions such as muting and toggling chats, volume control, and microphone monitoring, all of which require a simple swipe, spin, or tap. on either side of the headset.
Instead of the neon and flamboyant aesthetic of traditional gaming peripherals, the LS35X can become a regular pair of headphones with a mix of metal and leatherette.
However, the LS35X still offers exceptional comfort, and the over-ear memory foam cushions reliably do a good job at canceling passive noise, enhancing what is already a high-performance sound stage. The LS35X can pair wirelessly with PCs and some consoles without the need for a dedicated protector, USB receiver, or cables.
Advantages:
- Multifunction
- Wired or wireless options
Defect:
- Includes passive noise cancellation only
- Style won’t suit everyone
What are the best PC gaming headsets?
While the Razer Kraken might be our #1 pick, it needs an adapter or two to be fully compatible with any gaming device you own. For PC gamers, we cannot ignore its quality sound and affordable price.
|
PC gaming headset |
Compatible with multiple devices? |
Noise cancellation? |
Price |
|
Razer Krake |
Right* |
Right |
$59.99 |
|
Sennheiser Game Zero |
Right |
Right |
$99 |
|
Steelseries Arctis 9 |
Yes (limited) |
Right |
$199 |
|
Razer BlackShark V2 X |
Right* |
No |
$39 |
|
LucidSound LS35X |
Right |
Yes (passive) |
129 dollars |
Which PC gaming headset is right for you?
When you’re deciding on your new PC gaming headset, comfort and quality are key – however, you should also consider whether environmental noise blocking and microphone noise cancellation are necessary. necessary for you when playing games or not.
|
Choose this PC gaming headset… |
If you need… |
|
Razer Kraken |
All-round headphones |
|
Sennheiser Game Zero |
To block unwanted sounds |
|
Steelseries Arctis 9 |
Wireless headphones |
|
Razer BlackShark V2 X |
An entry-level product |
|
LucidSound LS35X |
Compatibility with multiple consoles |
How did we choose these PC gaming headsets?
There’s a tendency to define basic quality for entry-level, mid-range, and high-end headphone levels – and as you can imagine, the more you spend, the more you’re likely to get upgraded sound and comfort. roof.
While some gamers might insist on a premium brand like Sennheiser or Razer, price isn’t the only factor: plenty of mid-range and mid-range headphones are comfortable and will be usable. long term without spending a lot of money.
We’ve tried to accommodate different budgets while keeping in mind that some headsets are specifically designed to cater to specific gaming consoles and setups.
What is the difference between headphones and earphones?
A pair of headphones is a set of speakers connected together by a band or other structure and designed to be worn around the head. In essence, the headset will be a pair of headphones with a microphone attached, with an explosive design or otherwise.
Headphones tend to have a very small band to wear around the head or will only connect via wire, while headphones are wireless and discrete, meaning a snug fit in your ears.
Do I need a headset?
If you want to regularly play games with friends, a headset is necessary for communication. Another benefit of investing in a headset is the potentially improved sound quality in your game, blocking out external distractions and providing a more immersive experience.
How do I know if the headphones are good?
There are a few key characteristics that you should consider when choosing a headset – and these qualities will tell you if a headset is good and right for you. The first factor is its sound quality: Is it crystal clear? Do you want more bass? Is there amplification boost or just stereo? (There will also be a lack of clicks and feedback when you use both the speaker and the mic.)
You should also consider the build quality of the headphones: basic plastics tend to be the cheapest, while those that use a combination of other materials including metal, wood, and leather tend to be durable. and will last longer.
Ultimately, comfort is key. If you’re going to wear the headset every few hours, it can’t put pressure on your ears or skull.
Which is better: wired or wireless?
It all really comes down to personal preference, but both wired and wireless gaming headsets have their pros and cons. Wired headphones have unlimited playtime because they plug into your laptop, console, or PC tower and don’t rely on batteries. The downside is that you often have to deal with long cables that can tangle and break. Wireless headsets give you more freedom of movement, but then you also have to keep an eye on battery life so you don’t experience a dead headset while you’re gaming. You’ll also need to make sure your wireless headphones can connect to your console or computer, as some models don’t use Bluetooth, they’re not compatible with Nintendo Switch, smartphones, or tablets.
What are the best gaming headsets for PC?
That would be my pick for the best overall gaming headset, the Razer Kraken. It features a cooling gel-cushioned headband and ear cups for lasting comfort during extended gaming sessions as well as faux leather ear cup material for easier cleaning. Each 50mm audio driver is custom-tuned for superior sound, and the onboard controls make it easy to quickly adjust the volume or mute your microphone.
Are there any alternative gaming headsets worth considering?
While deciding on the best products on the market, we base our recommendations on quality, structure, versatility, and affordability. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a headset that will enhance your gaming experience, but pros may want to treat their choice as an investment.
There are also other options worth considering:
