If you’re a gamer who wants to get the most of their time in front of the screen, then you should consider a gaming headset. These peripherals are a key part of any setup, and with good reason—they can create more immersive experiences and help you communicate with teammates.
There are hundreds of various gaming headsets around, and choosing which features are right for you can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the technology inside these impressive bits of hardware.
Who Needs a Gaming Headset?
The right gaming headset—and a good pair of headphones, for that matter—can revolutionize your experience if you’re accustomed to weak TV speakers or tinny laptop audio. It can also prevent your gaming from disturbing others, and stop you from being interrupted.
Gaming headsets come with microphones, so you can chat with your friends while playing. Whether you’re planning tactics in Fortnite, running squads in Apex Legends or just catching up while playing Minecraft, this piece of gear is a vital addition to your play.
Plus, many of them have cross-platform compatibility, especially the wired options. This means you can enjoy your new gaming headphones when PC gaming, playing with friends on PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch, or listening to music on a mobile device.
There are loads of reasons to invest in a gaming headset, but which should you buy? We’ve rounded up seven favorites in our buyer’s guide so you can find the right one for your needs and your budget.
1. SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless Gaming Headset
Perhaps the best wireless gaming headset on our list, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro combines lag-free, low-latency, and lossless DTS Headphone:X v2.0 technology that gamers and audiophiles alike will love. It also boats an industry-leading, noise-canceling ClearCast microphone. The Arctis Pro has two batteries, so you’ll never be without power. You can adjust the volume from the headset or base station as well.
This headset has a stunning OLED menu, and the headset combines a lightweight aluminum alloy construction with comfortable, cushioned pads. It also works via 2.4G lossless and Bluetooth, giving you flexibility when choosing a wireless connection. Plus, if you like the build quality and features of the headset but can do without some of the higher-tier performance, consider the SteelSeries Arctis 7.
2. Astro Gaming A40 TR Headset
The Astro Gaming A40 TR serves up a broad range of features. This gaming headset is tuned to provide soundscapes that flow into your ears exactly as developers intended, and it offers customization options like adding your own speaker tag.
The A40 has a swappable microphone, and you can further customize the headset with different noise-isolating components to really make it your own. It also has a lightweight design that provides a comfortable fit for lengthy gaming sessions.
3. Logitech G PRO X Gaming Headset with Microphone
The Logitech G PRO X was designed for e-sports, which means it has high-end, Pro-G 50mm audio drivers, a detachable boom mic that tunes your voice, 7.1 surround sound, and comfortable memory foam padding. If you’re looking for a headset that can keep you in the game and ahead of the competition, this is for you.
4. SteelSeries Arctis 1 4-in-1 Wireless Gaming Headset
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 is one of the least expensive gaming headsets in this roundup, so it’s a great budget option. Don’t consider it “cheap,” though. This wireless unit packs in the same high-performance speaker driver as pricier Arctis units, so tremendous sound quality is assured.
Like other SteelSeries models, the Arctis 1 has a ClearCast detachable microphone, a USB-C dongle for gaming on-the-go, on-ear controls, and a headband reinforced with steel. The best feature? It may just be the lengthy 20-hour battery life.
5. Astro Gaming A50 Wireless Headset + Base Station for Xbox
The Astro Gaming A50 is one of the pricier peripherals here, but it does come with a stunning wireless base station, cinematic Dolby Atmos audio, and a smart balancing tool to ensure your voice is never drowned out. But it’s not just versatile. The A50 offers market-leading audio quality.
You can mod the Astro A50 kit with headbands and ear cushions, its battery lasts for more than 15 hours, and the stunning Astro Command Center app provides incredible control.
6. Logitech G533 7.1 Virtual Surround Wireless Gaming Headset
The inclusion of 7.1 surround sound delivers an immersive gaming experience, and the Logitech G533 set provides incredible bass and high-end audio from its hybrid mesh Pro-G audio drivers.
The G533 gaming headset has on-ear volume and mute controls as well as a custom equalizer. It’s durable and lightweight and boasts a 15-hour battery life. Plus, the noise-canceling microphone is installed on a folding, extending arm, so you can move it away for those solo gaming sessions.
7. SteelSeries Arctis 3 Wired Gaming Headset
The SteelSeries Arctis 3 is the most affordable headset on our list. But don’t be fooled by the lower price, because it still delivers a high-quality audio experience. Its Arctis signature soundscape emphasizes subtle, important sounds while you game, so you won’t miss out on those crucial moments.
This headset uses a bidirectional ClearCast microphone with noise cancellation, and it has a lightweight design with comfortable ear cushions, which were inspired by athletic wear. It was created with Windows Sonic Spatial Audio in mind, too, which is the native surround sound built into Windows 10 PCs and Microsoft Xbox One consoles.
Want to see even more options? At Adorama, we carry gaming headsets from some of the most trusted brands including Corsair, HyperX, Razer, and Sennheiser.
Feature Image via Canva
