Headset Buyer's Guide - PC Guide https://www.pcguide.com Practical Guides to PC & Tech at Home, Work, and Play Tue, 28 May 2024 13:35:00 +0000 en-US https://www.pcguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/PCguide-favicon-75x75.png Headset Buyer's Guide - PC Guide https://www.pcguide.com 32 32 Best wireless headset: top overall, high quality, Xbox picks https://www.pcguide.com/headset/guide/best-wireless/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=273173 Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:56:23 +0000 Best Gaming Headsets Under $100 in 2024 https://www.pcguide.com/headset/guide/best-gaming-under-100/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=3413 Thu, 27 Apr 2023 15:47:24 +0100 Best HyperX Headset in 2024 https://www.pcguide.com/headset/guide/best-hyperx/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=22877 Tue, 18 Apr 2023 22:22:00 +0100 Best Budget Gaming Headset: Cheap Headphones for Gaming in 2023 https://www.pcguide.com/headset/guide/best-budget-gaming/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=2048 Mon, 17 Apr 2023 17:08:36 +0100 Best Studio Headphones – our pick of the best headphones for studio production https://www.pcguide.com/headset/guide/best-studio-headphones/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=181300 Wed, 22 Mar 2023 15:43:45 +0000 Best Headsets for Zoom Meetings in 2023 https://www.pcguide.com/headset/best-headsets-for-zoom-meetings/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=155894 Fri, 10 Feb 2023 17:23:02 +0000 Best Headphones Under $50 in 2023 https://www.pcguide.com/headset/guide/best-under-50/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=23042 Thu, 22 Jul 2021 11:31:59 +0100 Best Wireless Headphones under $50 https://www.pcguide.com/reviews/best-wireless-headphones-under-50/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=10914 Thu, 23 Apr 2020 14:46:26 +0100 Best Gaming Headset In 2023 (PC, Surround, and Comfort) Durable Headset

Razer Kraken Pro V2 Frequency Response: 12Hz - 28kHz Connection: 3.5mm Weight: 12 oz Features: 50mm Drivers, Aluminum ConstructionView Latest DealRead Full Review

Ultimate audio quality

Sennheiser GSP 300 Frequency Response: 15Hz - 26kHz Connection: 3.5mm Weight: 12.8 oz Features: noise canceling microphone, 5.1 SurroundView Latest DealRead Full Review

Wireless connection

Logitech G933 Artemis Spectrum Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz Connection: Wireless (12 hour battery) Weight: 1.8 lbs Features: Wireless connection, 7.1 surroundView Latest DealRead Full Review

long battery life

HyperX Cloud Flight Frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz Connection: 3.5mm or Wireless (30 hour battery) Weight: 11 oz Features: Detachable microphone, 50mm drivers, noise canceling microphoneView Latest DealRead Full Review

Best 7.1 gaming headset

Corsair Void Pro Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz Connection: USB Weight: 12 oz Features: RGB lighting, 7.1 surround, directional microphoneView Latest DealRead Full Review

excellent audio quality

HyperX Cloud II Frequency Response: 15Hz - 25kHz Connection: USB Weight: 11.2 Ounces Features: 53mm drivers, 7.1 surround sound, detachable noise canceling microphoneView Latest DealRead Full Review

Unique haptic feedback

Razer Nari Ultimate Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz Connection: Wireless (8 hour battery life) Weight: 15.2 Ounces Features: Haptic feedback, 7.1 surround sound, cooling gel paddingView Latest DealRead Full Review

lightweight headset

Logitech G Pro Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz Connection: 3.5mm Weight: 9 oz Features: Lightweight, detachable ear pads with replacementsView Latest DealRead Full Review

for console players

Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz Connection: Wireless (15 hour battery life) Weight: 1.3 lbs Features: 50mm drivers, “superhuman hearing” sound enhancementView Latest DealRead Full Review

Most affordable

Logitech G430 Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz Connection: 3.5mm or USB Weight: 1.37 lbs Features: 7.1 surround, included USB adapterView Latest DealRead Full Review

1. Razer Kraken Pro V2

The Top Gaming Headset is also Durable with top of the line audio Frequency Response: 12Hz - 28kHz Connection: 3.5mm Weight: 12 oz Features: 50mm Drivers, Aluminum Construction Durable, light aluminum construction Wide frequency response Comfortable ear pads and headband In-line controls aren’t greatCheck Price on AmazonIf you’ve looked around the market for pretty much any gaming peripherals before, then Razer is probably a familiar name, and for good reason. They’ve become known for producing high-quality gaming equipment that performs well, and usually looks good to boot.The Kraken Pro V2 headphones are probably the most durable gaming headphones you’re going to find. They are constructed of bauxite aluminum that lends the headset impressive durability without being super heavy. Inside the headset, the 50mm drivers are powered by neodymium magnets that can produce a huge range of frequencies and will last for years without losing power.This headset uses a standard 3.5mm audio jack with a splitter where two seperate ports are needed to audio output and microphone input. The headband is super comfortable and makes it easy to wear the Kraken Pros for hours at a time, especially when paired with the interchangeable ear cushions.Finally, the microphone on this headset produces clear sound, and is fully retractable. The Razer Kraken Pro V2 is probably the best PC gaming headset all around and represents an excellent balance of audio quality, microphone quality, durability, and affordability.

2. Sennheiser GSP 300

Ultimate audio quality and comfort Frequency Response: 15Hz - 26kHz  Connection: 3.5mm Weight: 12.8 oz Features: noise canceling microphone, 5.1 Surround Very high quality audio Noise canceling microphone Wide headband and soft padding Short cableCheck Price on AmazonSennheiser is another brand that many people will already be familiar with. Sennheiser has a long history making audio equipment, some of which is even used by professional musicians for recording or performance.The Sennheiser GSP 300s offer excellent audio tuning and drivers that can easily produce sounds well outside the range of human hearing. The volume can also be adjusted using the large dial on the side of the right headphone. This is probably the best volume control on any of the headphones we’re going to look at as it’s large and easy to find without looking.The microphone on the GSP 300s is also top-notch and one of the best on this list. It boasts very clear audio as well as noise-canceling to ensure your teammates don’t have to hear every sound you make while playing. The microphone also swings up to move out of the way of your mouth, and mutes itself when retracted into the upright position.With memory foam padding on the headband and the ear pads, these headphones are also very comfortable. The headband is also twice as wide as most other headsets, spreading the weight of the headphones more evenly over your head.

3. Logitech G933 Artemis Spectrum

Wireless headset with surround sound Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz Connection: Wireless (12 hour battery) Weight: 1.8 lbs Features: Wireless connection, 7.1 surround Wireless connection Dolby 7.1 surround sound Short rangeCheck Price on AmazonFor those who want the freedom to move around while they have their gaming headset on without worrying about yanking any cables, then the Logitech G933 is a good choice. This headset uses a 2.4GHz wireless connection to offer good sound and a nearly latency free connection.These headphones are also great if you’re looking for a headset that can be connected to multiple devices at once. They feature multiple source audio mixing that lets you easily switch between up to three inputs. This means you can answer a call, play a game on your PC, then move over to your Playstation or Xbox without having to do anything with cables or connections.While the sound produced by these headphones is not quite audiophile tier like the Sennheiser and Razer headphones we just looked at, it does sport Dolby 7.1 surround. This is a great feature for gaming headsets as it lets you easily and quickly locate enemies based on sound cues alone.Sadly, there are a couple problems with this headset. First, it has a somewhat short range; they’ll usually cut out if you are further than about 10 feet from the source. Secondly, with them being wireless, the headphones are constrained by battery life. These work for around 8-12 hours, depending on usage, which isn’t particularly great.

4. HyperX Cloud Flight

Wireless headset with long battery life Frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz  Connection: 3.5mm or Wireless (30 hour battery) Weight: 11 oz  Features: Detachable microphone, 50mm drivers, noise canceling microphone High quality detachable microphone 30 hours battery life RGB lights drain battery FASTCheck Price on AmazonNext is another wireless headset, but this one has a much greater battery life than the G933 (~30 hours!), as well as some other unique features. For starters, these headphones use large 50mm drivers that produce strong bass and offer a pretty immersive sound in games like shooters.The headset is purposefully lightweight and has comfortable padding for longer playing sessions. While comfy, the padding is made from a fake leather that can get a little warm and isn’t super breathable.The HyperX Cloud Flight is also capable of being used on two devices at once. One device can be plugged in with the included detachable 3.5mm jack while another can be set up wirelessly.Moving on to what makes this headset unique, is the detachable microphone. The microphone produces pretty good audio and is clear enough to talk to your teammates, and can be entirely unplugged from the device for a cleaner look that is great for taking on the go and listening to music.

5. Corsair Void Pro

Best 7.1 gaming headset Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz Connection: USB Weight: 12 oz Features: RGB lighting, 7.1 surround, directional microphone Immersive 7.1 surround sound Very comfortable Very big on most people’s headCheck Price on AmazonThe Corsair Void Pros are the headset that I personally use and they have served me well in many games.The 7.1 surround sound does a great job of providing sound cues. This directional sound can be a huge advantage in many games. I have practically never been taken by surprise in battle royales and these headphones have been indispensable in many Apex Legends wins. If you’ve ever been playing a game of PUBG and gotten ambushed, then you know how critical it can be to know where enemies are coming from at all times.The 50mm drivers are also suitable for music listening and offer pretty good sound quality. The breathable mesh over the memory foam padding is also very comfortable, and the headphones are easy to wear for hours at a time. They are, however, pretty loose.The microphone is also very high quality and is even suitable for streaming. Speaking is clear and barring you mumbling a lot, there is little chance that your teammates won’t hear you. The headset uses USB rather than a 3.5mm jack and comes with a short, 1.8m (~6 feet) cable.

6. HyperX Cloud II

Audiophile headset with excellent audio quality Frequency Response: 15Hz - 25kHz Connection: USB Weight: 11.2 Ounces Features: 53mm drivers, 7.1 surround sound, detachable noise canceling microphone Great sound quality Extremely comfortable Poor noise isolationCheck Price on AmazonEvery headset and pair of headphones has a different tuning and will perform better or worse compared to other headphones in certain areas. If you like a powerful, bassy tuning, then the HyperX Cloud II might be a great choice for you. These headphones use a 53mm driver to get excellent frequency response, especially in the lower end.The sound produced by these headphones is clear and strong. It uses a USB audio sound card to drive more power through the drivers than typical headphones that use a 3.5mm jack. This also produces a cleaner signal most of the time, resulting in clearer audio. These headphones also boast 7.1 surround sound capability.Much like the previous HyperX headset we looked at, the Cloud II has a detachable microphone. This makes them great for gaming at home and taking with you on the go for listening to music out of the house with the mic removed.The microphone produces reasonably good audio, and can be easily adjusted or muted with the inline controls. While it might not be good enough for streaming, your friends in Discord or teammates in game will be able to understand you.The Cloud II is also comfortable with two sets of detachable ear pads included. One option is a faux leather memory foam, while the other option is a soft velour material.

7. Razer Nari Ultimate

Haptic feedback for your head Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz Connection: Wireless (8 hour battery life) Weight: 15.2 Ounces Features: Haptic feedback, 7.1 surround sound, cooling gel padding Unique haptic feedback Comfortable cooling gel ear pads Very heavyCheck Price on AmazonThe Razer Nari Ultimate is a relative newcomer to the gaming headset market and sports some very unique features. These big beefy headphones have haptic motors inside of them, which are essentially the same thing that makes your phone buzz when set to vibrate. Using Razer’s hypersense technology, these interpret audio cues to shake your head at appropriate moments.In video games, this usually equates to your head getting a shake whenever there is an explosion or gunfire. While this is immersive to some people, many people find it annoying. Luckily, this features can be turned off, but it might not be worth paying extra for a feature you find annoying.These headphones also have a unique cooling gel inside the padding to prevent your head from getting too hot underneath the heavy headphones.Aside from these odd and eye catching features, this headset is pretty much a run of the mill wireless headset. It has decent sound quality and a good microphone that can retract when not in use. It also has THX surround sound for good awareness in games.

8. Logitech G Pro

Simple and lightweight headset Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz Connection: 3.5mm Weight: 9 oz Features: Lightweight, detachable ear pads with replacements Lightweight Detachable cable and mic Not very good sound qualityCheck Price on AmazonWhile using a headset for gaming is practically essential in certain games for communication and clear directional sound, some people simply hate the feeling of wearing a headset. Having something putting pressure on your head can be uncomfortable over long periods of time, no matter how soft or comfortable they are designed to be. If this sounds like you, then the Logitech G Pro headset might be worth looking into.These are the lightest headphones on our list and weigh a measly 9 ounces. They also boast pretty big ear cups that make it so most people will hardly notice that they are even wearing a headset. The G Pros even come with two different ear cups for you to choose from: a leatherette one that isolates noise well and a soft suede fabric one.The microphone and 3.5mm audio jack are both detachable, making these great for gaming or music listening. That being said, this headset doesn’t have the best audio quality and can get crackly at higher volumes. The detachable microphone captures voices clearly enough but also picks up on things like mechanical keyboard strokes.

9. Turtle Beach Stealth 600

Wireless headphones for console players Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz Connection: Wireless (15 hour battery life) Weight: 1.3 lbs Features: 50mm drivers, “superhuman hearing” sound enhancement Good surround sound Mic mutes when flipped up Can only be used with one consoleCheck Price on AmazonIf you’re a console player who is particularly loyal to one console over another, then Turtle Beach offers some great brand specific wireless headphones. Both Playstation 4 and Xbox One versions of these headphones are available. The Playstation model uses standard Bluetooth to connect to the console, while the Xbox version uses Microsoft’s proprietary wireless frequency.These headphones are designed explicitly for gaming and have some cool features because of this. Namely, Turtle Beach uses their “superhuman hearing” technology to make quiet sounds like footsteps more pronounced. While the audio quality is certainly not the best, it does have pretty good directional sound to let you know where people are coming from in game.The microphone on these headphones is also far from the best. The mic swings up and out of the way when needed, and is muted when put into the upright position.

10. Logitech G430

Most affordable gaming headset Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz Connection: 3.5mm or USB Weight: 1.37 lbs Features: 7.1 surround, included USB adapter Highly affordable Comes with 3.5mm jack and USB connector Poor audio qualityCheck Price on AmazonThe final computer gaming headset we’re going to look at is the Logitech G430. This is by far the most affordable headset in our roundup; but don’t worry, they actually have some impressive features for their price so they’re still a good gaming headset. These headphones are surprisingly comfortable and have very soft padding on the headband and in the earcups.The headset has a 3.5mm audio jack for sound and another for the microphone output, but comes with a converter so you can use a USB connection instead. The G430 is even Dolby 7.1 compatible and has pretty good directional sound.That being said, the audio quality of both the headphones and the mic are somewhat lacking.

How to Pick the Best Gaming Headset For Your Needs

There are a nearly limitless number of factors you could look at when considering what headset might be best for you. However, for simplicity’s sake we’ve narrowed it down to a few main factors.

Sound Quality & Frequency Response

The first and probably most obvious factor to consider is how they sound. While every pair of headphones are tuned differently, one good way to separate the best gaming headphones from the crowd is by looking at the frequency response.Frequency response is simply a measurement of the range of frequencies a given headset is capable of producing where the first number represents the deepest bass frequency and the second number represents the highest frequency.Humans can generally hear sounds within the range of 20Hz all the way up to 20kHz, so you likely won’t find any headsets with frequency responses narrower than that; although, there are many that have ranges broader than that. A wider frequency response has two benefits.First, they will be able to produce sounds within the range of human hearing much more easily and accurately. Headphones with a wide frequency range will avoid the tell tale crackle that lower end headphones have when they are struggling to produce heavy bass or high pitch noises.Secondly, while you may not be able to literally hear very low or very high frequencies, you can certainly feel them. A headset that can produce sub-bass noises below 20Hz will make explosions and gunfire in games feel distinctly punchier and more visceral.

Comfort

The second factor many people will consider is comfort. Unfortunately, this is largely subjective. For instance, if you have small ears, you are less likely to have over-ear headphone cups actually resting on part of your ear.Likewise, a person with a larger head might find the “one size fits all band” to be too tight even when adjusted to the max setting. Fortunately, there are some things we can tell you to look for.Most people will find the most comfortable gaming headsets to be ones that use memory foam padding. This material is perfect for headphones and is able to retain its shape and softness for years. The Sennheiser GSP 300s and the Corsair Void Pros both use memory foam padding. Both of these headsets also use breathable fabric to keep you cool under pressure.Moreover, you’ll want to look out for weight, since most people feel that it correlates closely to long term comfort. Usually around 12 oz is a nice sweet spot. Notably, this is the weight of the headset that I use (and about the weight of the editor’s headphones, as well).

Microphone Quality

Microphone quality can also be hard to quantify as every microphone is very different and will make every sound different. That being said, if you’re looking for the best mic possible and want crystal clear sound, the Sennheiser GSP 300 is the best headset for the job. Sennheiser has a long history making audio equipment, and they put that history to good use with this headset.

Surround Sound

The final thing that most people will want to consider is whether the headset they’re planning to purchase has surround sound. Surround sound can be incredibly important while gaming.Most games these days, especially competitive shooters, have very precise directional sound coded into the engine of the game. These sound cues can give you vital information as to which direction an enemy is coming from, and where they are moving.Many of the best PC headphones on this list boast Dolby 7.1 or THX 7.1 surround capability. The Corsair Void Pros and Logitech G933 Artemis Spectrums have very strong directional sound with Dolby 7.1 while the Razer headphones on our list use THX 5.1 or 7.1 surround depending on the settings you configure.Both are excellent for determining where enemies are and offer an immersive experience, but most people prefer the THX surround and find it to be more accurate.]]> https://www.pcguide.com/headset/guide/best-gaming/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=1606 Sun, 30 Jun 2019 15:12:34 +0100