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The Best Gaming Headsets for Prolonged Wear

  1. ASTRO Gaming A50 Wireless Dolby Gaming Headset
  2. Logitech Artemis Spectrum Surround Gaming Headset
  3. A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro Gaming Headset
  4. SteelSeries Siberia Elite Prism Gaming Headset
  5. LogitechG633 Artemis Spectrum RGB 7.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset
  6. Sennheiser Game Zero PC Gaming Headphone
  7. Logitech ClearChat Comfort Computer Headset
  8. Creative SB Blaze Analog Gaming Headset
  9. SADES SA-708 Stereo Gaming Headphone Headset with Microphone
  10. Buyer's Guide

Gaming headsets differ from standard headsets by the special needs they must fulfill—while sound quality is an important consideration, the best gaming headsets must also be comfortable enough for prolonged wear. Thankfully, there are wired and wireless headsets that meet these requirements so gamers have plenty of options to choose from.

Since gaming headsets can cost you quite a lot of money, it’s important to choose a model that works well for your needs while providing adequate value for the money you’re spending. Check out our list of the best gaming headsets in 2022 and the buyer’s guide below for all the information you need to pick just the right headset for your next gaming session.

Comparing the Best Gaming Headsets of 2022

ASTRO Gaming A50 Wireless Dolby Gaming Headset - Best Gaming Headset Overall

Astro is known for producing excellent headsets, especially their wired series with mixamps that let you get the best audio possible. With this wireless selection, they’ve proven their ability to make a tremendous wireless gaming headset.

This headset includes gold plated connectors for superior sound quality, 40mm drivers in full cup headphones that sound terrific, and the unit connects wirelessly to a USB dongle. It also includes a USB cord used to recharge the batteries and you can continue using the headset while charging through the cable. One thing to note, however, is that you cannot remove the batteries, so you must recharge them after about six to ten hours of use.

The microphone on this model is very adjustable (though not removable) and it mutes automatically when completely rotated up away from your mouth. There are also a number of audio controls on one of the earpieces (including volume adjustments) and an integrated switch lets you choose between three audio presets.

Logitech Artemis Spectrum Surround Gaming Headset - Runner Up

This is an excellent model offering users some nice extra features and customization options that you don't often find with a wireless gaming headset. First and foremost are the buttons on the headset itself. There'sa standard mute button and a wheel that controls volume, as well as three programmable buttons with them. You can set these to control different audio elements in games or other programs you use such as to skip, pause, and go back in a music player, or program them to change rooms in a voice chat program. You can even program the buttons to enter commands into a PC game you play.

Sound is great with the headset which includes 40mm drivers that provide 7.1 surround sound. It uses a wireless adapter and includes a USB cable that you use to charge the headset’s battery, and you can keep playing with it connected. The headsets microphone is also fully adjustable, and can be folded up into the headset itself.

A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro Gaming Headset - Honorable Mention

This is a great headset, and though many of its nicest features aren’t entirely necessary for playing a lot of PC games, such a terrific level of customization is worth checking out. The speakers are very good, with 40mm drivers providing either 5.1 or 7.1 stereo surround sound while you're wearing them.

The included “mixamp” device is terrific and lets you control volume and even adjust the sound levels and balance between game sounds and other people's voices during online play. This gives you a lot more audio control than most other gaming headsets have, even those with equalizer software and hotkeys on the earpiece. The headset is quite comfortable and the adjustable microphone which can detach and be connected to either the left or right side, has a frequency response of 15Hz-28KHz, which beautifully captures both low and high voices.

SteelSeries Siberia Elite Prism Gaming Headset - Consider

Overall, this is a very strong choice for a gaming headset which offers a closed design, meaning you get plenty of great 7.1 surround audio from the 50mm speakers in the headset and it blocks out sound around you. If you tend to play in an area with other people talking or television noise, this helps block out extra sound but if you tend to play with people in the room you need to be able to hear it may be an issue.

This headset has a retractable microphone, which is great for keeping the boom out of your way when not in use, and has a frequency response range of 100Hz-10KHz, which is pretty good but definitely not amazing. The ear cups are illuminated with a wide range of colors to choose from, so you can customize your choice to match your gaming rig and even program it to change colors intermittently.

The audio controls are found on wheels on the ear cups, with one side controlling volume and the other letting you mute the microphone. There’s also an indicator light on the microphone which lets you know when it’s muted. This headset also comes with a USB sound card that enhances the audio performance further, and can connect via USB in addition to both single and dual 3.5mm plugs.

LogitechG633 Artemis Spectrum RGB 7.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset - Best Gaming Headset Overall

If you want a high-quality gaming headset but you don't need a lot of extra bells and whistles like devices that let you control audio with a mixing device, then give this one a good look. The 7.1 channel sound is nice and the 40mm drivers provide great sounding audio but there are more powerful headsets on the market. Perhaps the best feature on this headset is the three programmable buttons located on one of the ear cups. You can set them up to change audio settings, control music, and even enter commands into games you are playing. The three buttons are located alongside volume and microphone mute controls on the ear cup. The noise-cancelling microphone is pretty good, with a frequency response range of 100Hz-20KHz, which means it is not ideal for capturing low frequency sounds, but should be good for most voice. Lastly, this headset offers nicely padded ear cups and headband so it’s quite comfortable to wear on your head and you're even able to adjust the color of lighting on the headset for the ultimate in customization.

Sennheiser Game Zero PC Gaming Headphone - Best Gaming Headset Overall

This is a great headset designed for optimal use by gamers, even professional gamers. The ear cups are made from thick leatherette with multiple layers of memory foam, which keeps it very comfortable and helps block outside noises. The noise-cancelling microphone picks your voice up clearly and eliminates other noises that can be distracting to individuals you’re talking to. This microphone has a frequency range of 50Hz-16KHz which is very good, though certainly not the absolute best range available.

There is a simple control on one ear cup to change the volume, and you can easily raise the boom to automatically mute your microphone. This model sounds great and connects through a 3.5mm audio connection. One very nice feature of this headset is it folds up and includes a carrying case, making it ideal for taking with you to LAN parties and professional gaming tournaments.

Logitech ClearChat Comfort Computer Headset - Best Budget Gaming Headset

The design of this budget gaming headset is simple and light-weight, so it's easy to wear even during long gaming sessions. It has padded ear cups and headband so it stays comfortable and helps block out some outside sounds while you're wearing it. The noise-cancelling microphone is on an adjustable boom that you can rotate out of the way when you're not talking through it.

While the simple in-line controls for volume and muting the microphone are easy to use, it lacks any other customization or control options. This model also uses a USB connection, rather than individual 3.5mm headphones and microphone plugs. While that certainly works well for some setups, you typically get better customization and sound quality with a pair of 3.5mm plugs.

Creative SB Blaze Analog Gaming Headset - Best Budget Gaming Headset

This is an excellent gaming headset in many ways, but the price on it is just a bit high when compared to other budget models. You get a solid headset that offers great, clear sound thanks to 40mm speakers. There’s also a detachable, adjustable noise-cancelling microphone, a feature you don’t normally find find in a budget-friendly model.

This is a comfortable headset that’s nicely padded both for the top of your head and your ears. It uses a 3.5mm stereo input so make sure your computer has the right kind of connections for these plugs. You get simple, but effective in-line controls that include volume adjustment and a mute switch. It’s a slick headset that sounds and feels great, but the suggested retail price on it is pretty close to the budget limit.

SADES SA-708 Stereo Gaming Headphone Headset with Microphone - Best Budget Gaming Headset

While SADES might not be a major household name like Logitech or Corsair, this is a surprisingly nice budget gaming headset that really saves you money. The ear cups are quite large, covering your ears well while blocking out surrounding noise. A nice bonus is the ear cups house 40mm drivers which offer up surprisingly rich sound at this price point. The microphone can be rotated toward your mouth or up into the ear cups to hide it from view, but you cannot bend the boom which makes it less adjustable than some other headsets on our list.

The headsets omni-directional microphone captures your voice quite well, but can also potentially pick up more background noise than other models, so keep that in mind. This budget gaming headset has in-line controls with a mute switch and volume wheel to give total control over your audio, but otherwise lacks any extra bells or whistles.

Buyer's Guide

Many gaming enthusiasts don’t just play games for fun but even make it a professional career. Today, professional gamers are raking in thousands of dollars from playing games. Getting an immersive sound experience while gaming is almost as important as the visuals playing on the screen.

The need for an immersive gaming experience gave rise to the development of special headsets for gaming. Games are played in real-time now, and winning or losing is determined by the tiniest margin. Picking out sounds that signify danger or opportunities could make or break a gamer’s potential to win. Gaming headsets are designed to enhance gamers' concentration by picking up all sounds and perfectly relaying them to the gamer’s ears.

Gaming has evolved so much that you now get to play as part of a team in real-time. As part of a gaming team, two-way communication is essential for the team to win. You communicate ideas and tactics to teammates over the headset and vice-versa. You also get to exchange friendly banter with opponents.

Tips for Handling Gaming Headsets

When in use, gaming headsets are meant to fill your ears with sounds from the game. When not in use, they are meant to be kept in a safe place. Most gamers hang the headset over the screen of their laptops or on top of the gaming console. The last thing you want is your gaming headset crashing to the floor regularly. Hence, there are custom-made holders that are specifically designed to hold headsets when not in use.

Before you buy your gaming headset, be sure to consider the following factors to ensure that the headset performs optimally.

What Are Things to Consider Before Buying Gaming Headsets?

Comfort

The first factor that a gamer should consider when selecting a gaming headset is comfort. You do not want a headset that leaves your ears burning or your head itching after a few minutes. Gaming is a time-intensive endeavor that could go on for hours at a stretch. Thus, an ideal gaming headset should be equipped with soft ear pads that are easy on the ears and offer maximum comfort.

Driver Size

The size of a gaming headset’s driver determines how well the headset relays the game’s sound. The higher the headset’s driver size, the better sound it produces.

Compatibility Range

A gaming headset’s range of compatibility is also significant when choosing the best gaming headset to buy. This factor is of particular importance to gamers who play games on different platforms. Some gaming headsets are compatible with only one platform, while there are others that support multiple platforms.

Thus, instead of getting different headsets for different consoles and platforms, a single do-it-all gaming headset that supports multiple platforms will do the trick and save cost.

Corded vs. Cordless Headsets

Corded gaming headsets are connected to the game via wires. Cordless headsets connect to the game wirelessly usually via Bluetooth. They come with built-in batteries and can run for up to 20 hours without charging. Cordless gaming headsets are slightly more expensive than corded ones, but they help you keep your gaming space decluttered with one less streak of wire.

Battery Life

This factor applies to only cordless gaming headsets. Since they are powered by a built-in battery, battery life should be a major consideration when choosing a cordless gaming headset. The battery life of cordless gaming headsets is usually proportional to the price. Thus, cordless gaming headsets with long battery life tend to cost more.

Microphone

A gaming headset essentially relays sound to your ears— that is its primary function. However, a good headset also helps you relay sound to other gamers too. Therefore, another feature you should be on the lookout for when buying a gaming headset is the availability of a microphone. A separate gaming microphone usually serves this purpose, but now there are gaming headsets that have microphones in the market.

A gaming headset equipped with a microphone makes it easier for you to communicate with opponents and teammates in real-time. It also saves you the cost of getting a separate gaming microphone and frees up extra space on the desk.

Noise Cancelation

Another feature to look out for in a gaming headset is noise cancelation. Noise canceling helps to improve the gamer’s concentration by filtering out all unnecessary noise. A good gaming headset should have a noise canceling feature to keep out distractions.

Aesthetics

A gaming headset should not always be all black and predictable. Headsets for gaming can also spot some aesthetical features like changeable design covers.

How Much Do Gaming Headsets Cost?

The price of gaming headsets ranges from $15 to $450. The higher the price, the better the quality of sound and comfort the gaming headset will give. Gaming headsets within the $150 to $300 price range offer a good balance between cost and efficiency.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are playing games for fun or playing professionally, a good gaming headset will undoubtedly elevate your gaming experience. It is crucial that you ensure that the gaming headset you choose is compatible with your gaming platform— it would be a waste of money to buy a gaming headset that is incompatible with your gaming console.

Best Gaming Headsets FAQ

Q: Can I use a gaming headset for music?


A: Gaming headsets can be used to play music, and are especially helpful if you like to listen to your own music while you game. However, they may not give you the same output as a regular headset.

Q: Do non-professional gamers need a gaming headset?

A: Gaming headsets are not reserved for professional gamers only. The immersive gaming experience that gaming headsets afford gamers is not restricted to pro gamers— gamers of any level will find these headsets beneficial.

Q: Can regular headsets be used for gaming?

A: Regular headsets will work reasonably well with most games, but they do not offer the same quality of gaming sounds as headsets specifically made for gaming.

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