Good Gaming Headsets

Finding a gaming headset that is best for you may be difficult, as there are so many really good gaming headsets to choose from.  You not only have to consider a number of technical features but also your gaming habits and personal requirements.  Prices of really good gaming headsets can vary a lot, so you don’t want to spend money on features you won’t need.  We have looked at the three most important aspects: sound quality, comfort, and price and have come up with a list of really good gaming headsets at budget prices, at midrange, and at premium quality.

Best Budget Gaming Headsets

Corsair HS50

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We don’t think anything better can be bought at a price of $50. At such a low price, Corsair sells the HS50 packed with very decent features and compelling aesthetics. The sound quality is better than average and miles above compared to cheap headsets. However, don’t get your hopes up, as a 50 dollar piece of equipment comes nowhere near the quality of a high-end best gaming headset. In any case, the Corsair HS50 works wonders with its balanced, clear and natural sound. It might give up on you on higher frequency sounds but that can be forgiven. Ask your friends not to scream through their microphones.

When it comes to earcups, you will not be disappointed. The super-soft faux-leather coated earcups shall take you to the heavens with the comfort they provide. The one thing we feel is the biggest drawback of the Corsair HS50 is the 3.5mm jack. Don’t get us wrong, the jack works pretty well but you know Bluetooth reigns the market these days, so it is necessary for any headset manufacturer to add a Bluetooth connectivity feature in their product. Fortunately, Corsair does not go overboard with its list of features (Bluetooth is still necessary). The manufacturer also did not consider the 7.1 surround sound, which you would find in a high-end best gaming headset. The styling has been kept to the minimum, such that it feels like Corsair wants customers to consider the HS50 as an entry-level headset. There is no cheap attempt to add flashy RGB lights or cutting-edge design elements to appease gamers. However, there is no denying that the Corsair HS50 is the best cheap gaming headset.

Specs

• Wireless: Yes
• Connection: 3.5mm
• Sensitivity: 106dB

Pros

• Value for money
• The built-in microphone is of decent quality

Cons

• No 7.1 surround sound
• Misses a USB connection option

Corsair Void Wireless

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Would you consider a headset the best if it is not attractive? This is certainly the first thing that attracts an eye. Fortunately, the Corsair Void wireless gaming headset does well in this department. Sure, the flashy RGB lights are not there but that does not make Void unimpressive. On the inside, it has a metal frame while plastic covers most of the headset outside. It is highly durable and long-lasting, making it the best gaming headset. However, the plastic is of cheap quality which will disappoint you in gaming arenas. That said, the Corsair Void wireless gaming headset is cheaper than the rest of the wireless options on our list. We say you should be more worried about the sound. In this department, the Corsair Void fills the void.

The in-game sound is great, however, for songs and movies, you will not find it up to the mark. Are you thinking this shortcoming can be overcome with the EQ software? You will be disappointed again because options are limited. No matter how hard you try, you cannot alter the soundstage to produce high-quality sounds. That’s just the way it is built; you cannot alter the hardware. Surprisingly, the Corsair Void Wireless offers Dolby 7.1 surround sound, which can be initiated through the Corsair Utility Engine (CUE). However, we advise not to use it because it alters the sound quality and you go from having a clear sound to a muddy audio output.

Specs

• Wireless: Yes
• Connection: USB
• Sensitivity: 106dB

Pros

• Better than average sound quality
• Unique design
• Retractable microphone

Cons

• Limited EQ customizing options
• The headband is a bit uncomfortable

HyperX Cloud Alpha

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Take one look at the HyperX Cloud Alpha and you can tell that it’s a purposeful PC gaming headset. We rate this as the best gaming headset owing to its high-quality aluminum build, memory-foam ear cups, and great sound. It sits firmly on your head allowing no discomfort even you wear it for hours. The secret lies in the well-built, lightweight, and sturdy headband that can adjust to the size of your head very easily without going loose. The design of the Cloud Alpha consists of two primary ingredients the gamers look for in the best gaming headset. They include appealing aesthetics and ergonomic build. The color scheme is a let-down though since it features the same black and red colors, found in most gaming headsets on the market.

When it comes to the sound – the most important aspect of the best gaming headset – the Alpha outperforms most of the headsets in our list. The brilliant earcups completely cover your ears allowing no external noise to pass through. The 50mm drivers do their job amazingly well providing you crisp sound. Good luck answering your mother’s requests while you are wearing this bad boy. The Cloud Alpha is one of the best gaming headsets in the mid to low price range having great sound delivery at high frequencies. You will feel there is a slight focus on the element of bass while the mids have a better delivery, which is the tailor-made setup for the best gaming headset. Therefore, we wouldn’t advise using this PC gaming headset for watching movies or listening to songs. You even get a built-in decent quality microphone that can be used to talk to other players.

Specs

• Wireless: No
• Connection: 3.5mm USB
• Sensitivity: 100.5dB

Pros

• Highly comfortable
• Good sound quality for the price
• Value for money

Cons

• Microphone design is a bit awkward
• Low bass

Best Midrange Gaming Headsets

Sennheiser PC 373D

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When it comes to audio-related equipment, Sennheiser is a leading brand. This best gaming headset is no exception to the Sennheiser excellence. It sounds extremely well, better than most of the best gaming headsets on our list. Moreover, the construction is top-class and the built-in microphone is one of the best. The PC 373D has the surround sound feature, which is pretty impressive as well. The design is very simple which Sennheiser has tried to make more appealing with the use of red and black color theme. That doesn’t mean the PC 373D loses any points in comfort. The earcups are built so softly that you can wear these babies all day and you won’t feel their presence. We can go as far as to say that if this Sennheiser gaming headset did not have a microphone, it could be used primarily to listen to music. The biggest drawback is that it is wired. This conventional approach leaves you with lesser connectivity options. For example, you can only use this gaming headset in gadgets with a USB feature. A 3.5 mm jack or Bluetooth option is out of the question and that limits your possibilities. That is why the word PC comes with the model name because this works best on a PC. If you are a hardcore PC gamer, we highly recommend the Sennheiser PC 373D.

Specs

• Wireless: No
• Sensitivity: 116dB
• Connection: USB

Pros

• Intuitive minimalistic design
• Brilliant audio
• Durable build quality
• Clear microphone
• Great surround sound

Cons

• Expensive considering the features
• No attractive color options

Steel Series Arctis 7

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The Arctis 7 is an older series by Steel Series which has been overtaken by the Arctis Pro we discussed above. Although Arctis 7 lacks in various aspects that have been improved in the Arctis Pro it is still among the better gaming headsets around. At a much lesser price, you get a box packed with the best gaming headset producing the best sound quality and the greatest EQ customization. The Steel Series Engine 3 software works brilliantly well in helping you adjust the output to a setting that you like. The sound isolation works so well that you can hear detailed audio. The surround system creates an immersive experience which you will not only like in gaming but also while listening to music or watching movies. The Dolby 7.1 is good but not the best compared to other best gaming headsets in our list. When it comes to comfort, the earcups do a brilliant job. The soft leather fabric and padding that envelopes the cup-frame allow little sound to pass through. Couple that with a lightweight aluminum frame and you get a balanced well-built best gaming headset. The overall design is very attractive, complemented by appealing colors, which make the Steel Series Arctis 7 stand out among its competitors. Furthermore, the Arctis 7 offers a 3.5 mm headphone jack as well as a USB connectivity option, allowing you to connect the headset to mobiles, PC, and consoles. Then you get the retractable microphone that comes in handy while playing games with your friends.

Specs

• Wireless: Yes
• Connection: 3.5mm / USB
• Sensitivity: 98dB

Pros

• Sounds almost as great as the Arctis Pro
• Supreme comfort thanks to soft earcups
• Brilliant design and aesthetic appeal
• Value for money

Cons

• The software is not user-friendly
• Not easy to create sound profiles

Turtle Beach Stealth 700

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Almost all the headsets mentioned in our list can be connected to a console but what if we tell you there is one gaming headset that is built specifically for a console? In comes Turtle Beach Stealth 700, which serves as an Xbox One gaming headset and PS4 gaming headset. This particular headset is tuned to give you the best gaming experience on a console. It syncs with the Xbox One wireless function automatically without the need for any wireless transmitters or dongles. How about that?

To top that off, Turtle Beach produces rich bass and crystal-clear audio. There is even a handy microphone that does well considering it transmits audio wirelessly. Furthermore, with the use of EQ customizable options, you can fine-tune your experience and kickstart Windows Sonic surround system. However, this might not be as good as the Dolby Digital Surround Sound. The active noise-cancellation and integration with the Turtle Beach Audio Hub app is also a commendable feature. When it comes to earcups, they are built soft and supple to provide good support to your ears. The 50mm drivers do a pretty good job when it comes to immersive sound. The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 also includes Turtle Beach’s exclusive Superhuman Hearing sound setting, Mic Monitoring, independent game and chat volume control, Dynamic Chat Boost, audio presets like Bass Boost, and a 10-hour rechargeable battery.

Specs

• Wireless: Yes
• Connection: Bluetooth
• Frequency: 20 -20 kHz

Pros

• Direct compatibility with Xbox One console
• Minimalistic yet attractive design
• Comfortable all around

Cons

• Restricted to only Xbox One and Mobile
• Expensive

Best Premium Gaming Headsets

Steel Series Arctis Pro

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The Steel Series has manufactured many really good gaming headsets in the past and with the Arctis Pro, the company cements its position as the industry’s finest manufacturer. The Pro builds upon the success of the Arctis 7 and comes with more advanced features. The design issues have been rectified with the help of a new and improved headband that can be adjusted to fit various head sizes. You can also buy Arctis Pro with a customized earcup livery. This can work wonders if you play with a professional gaming team and have a dedicated logo of your own.

When it comes to sound quality, the Steel Series Arctis Pro is the best gaming headset. While some competitors perform better in the sound department, the Arctis Pro does not disappoint. If you are more inclined toward professional game playing, you can opt for a $70 add-on for the Steel Series GameDAC version. This special version is forged to cater to your game needs. While that might be a requirement for some, we think the base model does the job pretty well. The Arctis Pro also comes as a wireless gaming headset, however, that model is a bit pricier than others. If budget is not a constraint, the wireless model is sure to expand your range, otherwise, a single cable never harms anyone.

Specs

• Wireless: No
• Connection: 3.5mm / USB
• Sensitivity: 102dB

Pros

• Detailed and crisp audio
• Flexible and comfortable design
• Good external sound isolation

Cons

• The mids could be better set
• The GameDAC model is a bit too pricey

Razer Man ‘o War

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The best gaming headset is one that has a decent microphone. Fortunately, the Razer Man ‘o War comes with a great mic. What’s not to like? The headset produces detailed sound with its unparalleled wireless signal range. The Man ‘o War really comes with the concept of going to war with its competitors. Most of the best gaming headsets in this list fall behind in terms of performance when we compare them with this spectacle by Razer. The earcups restrict external sound and create an isolated environment surrounding your ears that transcends you into a different universe. The exceptional surround sound, adjustable EQ, make the Man ‘o war not only the best gaming headset but a great option for listening to songs, audiobooks and even movies.

The one thing that takes the Razer one step above the HyperX Cloud Alpha is its retractable microphone. With regard to sound, the Cloud Alpha still edges out. This best gaming headset is also comfortable to be worn for long periods. The earcups are made of leather and are huge, hence it is better to take them off after some time to give rest to your ears and let the sweat cool off. Unfortunately, there is not much we can do about the sweating aspect. In order to get supreme sound, you have to bear sweaty ears. Another aspect that sets the Man ‘o War apart from its rivals is The Razer Synapse software. The software allows you to customize and adjust the sound according to your preferences, so you are not stuck with the pre-programmed sound found in cheap gaming headsets. The design is overall very well put; even when it looks bulky, it weighs less.

However, this disparity in the design produces more flex destroying the overall balance of the best gaming headset. We feel that cheaper options do much better in this department while producing decent quality sound. Razer could have added a 3.5mm jack which could have helped when the battery drains out but instead the company went for fancy RGB lights to attract customers.

Having said that, we still feel that at $110 the Razer Man ‘o War is the best gaming headset.

Specs

• Wireless: Yes
• Connection: 3.5mm / USB
• Sensitivity: 118dB

Pros

• Premium quality built-in microphone
• Comfortable for long hours
• The wireless function works exceptionally well
• Great software

Cons

• The headband does not fit tightly
• Expensive

Astro A50

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If you are looking for the best wireless gaming headset, look no further than the Astro A50. This Astro gaming headset has a pretty wide frequency range. It has three EQ settings to choose from and let’s not forget Dolby’s Digital 7.1 surround sound. When you try them on and listen to some music, the wireless gaming headset will give you the perfect sound experience. Gaming could never have been better as you can hear the slightest of enemy movements; kill them and be victorious. Use the default EQ setting and you will be more than happy. However, if you yearn for more, use a studio setting for a crisper sound. If you like to hardwire it, you can go for the pro EQ setting. It reduces bass and makes everything much clearer. The biggest letdown is the Astro’s design. The plastic material used to build this headset disappoints a lot. Astro does give us good features in this one but its appearance is cheap. It seems Astro was trying to save money on the looks.

Nevertheless, we do not feel the appearance matters a lot when we get all the bells and whistles we need for gaming. Talking about the features, the Astro A50 can be charged wirelessly using the wireless transmitter that acts as the charger as well as a signal transmitter. You might not need the charger because the A50 lasts 15 hours on a single charge and when the headset is not in use, it goes into sleep mode further saving the battery. The biggest advantage, however, is the customization. You can replace the earcups as well as the headband with after-market parts. There is a built-in mic as expected in the best gaming headset but it does not render a high-quality voice output. The Command Center software comes in handy when you need to alter the EQ settings. Although the price is high, this Astro gaming headset is worth every penny you spend on it.

Specs

• Wireless: Yes
• Connection: USB
• Sensitivity: 118dB

Pros

• Superb sound quality
• Comfortable as can be
• Highly durable
• Battery saving sleep mode

Cons

• Very expensive
• Command Centre difficult to understand
• Unclear microphone

Hyper X Cloud Flight

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HyperX is too good a company to have only one mention in our list of really good gaming headsets. Filling in the second place for HyperX is the Cloud Flight. The Cloud is an exceptional series all around. You can pick any headset from this series and it won’t disappoint you even a bit. The Cloud Flight is special because it is wireless, extremely comfortable, and weighs very low. We are kidding but 10.6 oz literally seems like a joke if you compare Cloud Flight with other headsets.

Maybe, this is the reason it is named ‘Flight’; it offers wireless connectivity and weighs almost nothing. The closed-back ear cups on the Flight produce brilliant sound while maintaining an isolated environment thanks to the supple leather padding. You even get LED lights that give you a fancy look while wearing the Hyper X. You can never decide against using it, as you get a mind-boggling 30-hour playback on a single charge. However, in case you do use the LED light show, the battery runtime sinks to thirteen hours. The lights don’t look very nice so we would advise you forego the aesthetic to enjoy the seemingly never-ending performance.

As for the sound, it is not as great as offered by the Hyper X Cloud Alpha but still, you get a decent quality. It is natural for the best gaming headset to have a weaker high frequency, and that is true for Cloud Flight as well. However, the headset manages the ordeal expertly. Except for a slight disturbance in higher ranges, you get a clear sound, low bass, and strong mids. Design-wise, the Flight is very straightforward and simple. The extremely basic red and black color theme follow here as well. When it comes to connectivity, you can’t connect the Hyper X Cloud Flight directly with the Xbox One.

Specs

• Wireless: Yes
• Connection: 3.5mm
• Sensitivity: 106dB

Pros

• Extremely long-lasting battery life
• Comfortable
• Twisting earcups

Cons

• The wireless function works with limited options
• Very basic design
• The microphone is not very clear

Editor’s Choice

We have discussed 10 really good gaming headsets above. All of them have their pros and cons. Let’s face it, nothing is without flaws but we can look for something that has the least flaws, especially keeping you gamers in mind. We found that HyperX Cloud Alpha is an outstanding performer. This is the best gaming headset when it comes to supreme sound quality at an affordable price. Neither are you paying an exorbitantly high amount like you would if you were buying the Astro A50 and it is too cheap that you lose out on all the important features you need as a gamer. The design is exceptional and fits on top of your head easily. Not to mention the earcups which are so soft and comfortable that you can wear them all day and not feel a tinge of discomfort.

Conclusion

Reading about all the really good gaming headsets in our list, you would have acquainted yourself with the capabilities and features of the best gaming headset. It is important that you keep the buying guide handy while making your buying decision. We do not want you to buy a headset that you feel uncomfortable so do thorough research. That’s why we have only included the best of the best in our list.