Gaming headsets will completely change your gaming experience. Audio in games have come a long way from the Atari days. A gaming headset allows you to hone in on each layer of audio in a game — from the suspenseful horror tones of “Dead Space” to the epic space battles of “Star Wars: Fallen Order.” Games are meant to be immersive, and having a headset allows you to immerse yourself even further. If you’re also a streamer, then having a gaming headset is a necessity. Plus, with a built-in microphone, you can finally communicate with your friends on Discord or in-game.
Why is a Gaming Headset Necessary?
I love my gaming headset, and I can’t imagine playing without it. Developers tell stories through audio — whether it’s to increase tension during a horror game, or to have comedic relief during a dramatic moment. The game’s soundtrack is a core part of the playing experience. While I’m playing, I want to be able to hear as much as possible as if I’m being enveloped in the audio. Without headphones, I wouldn’t have the same experience.
We also can’t forget about online gaming and communication. I sometimes create Discord groups and parties on the console just to talk with friends. We might not even be playing the same game, but just having a group to talk with while gaming makes it more fun. Now, some consoles come with microphones built into the controller. But, trust me, if you want your friends to understand what you’re saying, get a headset with a built-in microphone.
If you love to play online games and even competitive games, then group communication is mandatory. You need to be able to tell your team what you need. In order to do that, you’re going to need a headset with a mic. Don’t be that player who tries to play ranked with friends without a microphone — it’s not fair for your team.
You’ll be seeing a lot of headsets that support DTS X: spatial audio, but what is it? DTS X: spatial audio replicates sounds produced by a multi-speaker sound system. It’s one of the best spatial sound technologies out there for gamers and it creates a more immersive experience.
How to Choose a Gaming Headset
There are a ton of gaming headsets on the market. Here are some of the most important features to consider:
Noise Cancellation
This is a game-changer. If you’re an audiophile then you know how incredible it is to cancel out background noise. Noise cancellation is seen in a ton of headphones and earbuds these days, and it allows the user to hear more clearly. It’s also possible that users would sometimes not want noise cancellation. Maybe you have the oven on and want to make sure you can hear the beep, or you have a child and need to be alert. It all depends on your lifestyle.
Wireless/Wired
When it comes to wired or wireless headphones, you want to figure out what device you’ll be using. Compatibility with your PC or console is going to play a huge part. With a wireless headset, you do have to think about charging the headset. Usually, there is a USB dongle that plugs in and acts as a receiver to the headset. This will give you more freedom and even allow you to move around your home without needing to take the headset off. Keep a note of battery life on wireless headsets because, if you forget to charge it, then you’re out of a headset for a couple hours.
Some gamers might worry about latency between wired and wireless headsets. It’s so minimal that you won’t notice it. Headsets also offer software support that helps reduce latency. More times than not, the latency won’t be noticeable.
Keep in mind that the microphone quality will go down with a wireless headset versus a wired headset. Again, this might not be as noticeable, but it is an area to mention. With a wireless connection, there is a lot of compression which will make your voice not as clear as a wired headset.
Microphone flexibility
Having the option to move your microphone away from or toward your mouth is a pretty neat feature. There are even headsets that allow you to remove the microphone altogether. Having a flexible microphone that you can move closer to your mouth makes all the difference. Our heads are all different sizes, which is another reason I’d prefer to have a mic I can mold to my face, rather than a microphone that doesn’t move.
Flair
Now flair is an optional feature, it doesn’t change your audio, but it does add some character to your headset. Having a matching color scheme with your desktop and peripherals is a nice touch, especially if you’re a streamer. A headset with RGB lighting is a fun addition and allows you to add some flair to your gaming setup.
Best Gaming Headsets
XPG PRECOG S Wired On-Ear Gaming Headset
The XPG PRECOG S is a wired on-ear gaming headset that takes gamers on a surreal audio experience, immersing them in their desired virtual worlds. The XPG PRECOG S has top-tier sound quality, deep bass, and spatial 3D audio support. It’s designed for overnight gaming sessions with friends with breathable ear cushions, an auto-adjusting headband, and a lightweight body. It even comes with a high-sens omnidirectional mic and on-ear controls for quick audio adjustments.
- 50mm Drivers
- High Sensitivity Omnidirectional Microphone
- Lightweight (Only 300g)
- On-ear volume Control and Mute Switch
Astro Gaming A10 Gen 2 Wired Over Ear Gaming Headset for PC
The Astro gaming A10 gen 2 headset is beautifully crafted for PC gamers. With a flexible lightweight design, adjustable headband, and ultra-soft ear cups, you’ll be gaming for hours. The headset supports clear and precise audio designed for Windows and Mac users. You have an in-line volume control mic on the detachable audio cable and on-ear controls with a flip-to-mute 6mm unidirectional boom mic. The Astro gaming A10 gen 2 headset is all about long comfortable gaming and durability.
- Windows and Mac users
- 6.0mm Uni-directional microphone
- Ultra-soft ear cups
- Adjustable headband
- Flip-to-mute mic
- In-line volume control
- Wired – 3.5mm 5Pole Jack
MSI Immerse GH20 Gaming Headset
The MSI Immerse is a cross-platform compatible gaming headset. This is an amazing headset for gamers who switch between devices. The ear cups are 2.5cm thick and designed to adapt to users who wear glasses. The MSI Immerse has a solid build quality with a stainless steel headband that is adjustable. Each ear cup has a 40mm driver built in and the headset also comes with an adjustable microphone.
- 40mm drivers
- Stainless steel adjustable headband
- 5cm thick ear cups that are glasses-friendly
- Adjustable microphone
- Wired – 3.5mm plugin
IOGEAR Kaliber Gaming NUKLEUS Wired Universal Gaming Headset
The Iogear Kaliber offers 50mm drivers with a powerful bass. With an onboard volume control and mute switch, you won’t have to worry about fiddling with your console’s audio. The flexible microphone is also detachable allowing you to use the headset outside of gaming. The ear cups are noise-isolating and are designed for maximum comfort.
- 50mm drivers
- Onboard volume and mute controls
- Adjustable, and detachable microphone
- Noise-isolating ear cups
- Wired – 3.5mm plugin
Conclusion
If you haven’t experienced gaming with a headset, I strongly recommend it. The great thing about a headset is that it’s not solely for online communication. A gaming headset will not only immerse you deeper into the game but you’ll also not be distracted by outside noise. I tend to look for headsets that give me more functionality, such as volume and mute controls. I also gravitate toward a more comfortable ear cushion since I game for multiple hours a day. Find which headset suits your needs, and if you feel like treating yourself, check out our other headsets over $50!
