Physical social distancing is affecting digital socializing in odd ways. For one, wearing headsets can no more be considered rude in the real world, since we’re anyway all a bit exhausted of discussing the same mysterious illness. But that’s just the offline bonus; online is where the bigger changes are taking place. Gaming, according to a recent study, shot up in the US by 75% due to the virus outbreak. Especially online multiplayer gaming.
The fact that you are on this page, reading these words, already proves your interest in gaming. The intensity of the passion, of course, varies in each of us. For me it began with Doom when I hadn’t yet reached teenage, and I’m happy to report that it’s still going strong with the love for shooting out in full force with Doom Eternal.
The format has changed by leaps and bounds during this time. We’ve gone from a video game to 3D gaming, and this change isn’t just manifested in pixel quality, it applies to programming, intelligence, interaction and yes – audio. We’re in an age when games comereplete with kickass soundtracks (Doom put a ‘heavy metal choir’ together for theirs), and it does make a huge difference to the experience.
Know what’s worse than losing a game? Your shotgun / rifle / launcher / cannon sounding like a flimsy water gun. Gaming is the peak of interactive entertainment; it ought to be at the sharp edge of technology in all spheres, and gaming headsets are big component of that package.
Do You Even Need A Gaming Headset?
Let’s get basics out of the way first. What makes gaming headsets different from the audio equipment you already own? A built-in microphone, to begin with. You need microphones for communication within multiplayer online games, without one you are doomed to botch up strategy that could lead to a satisfying game.
Sure, you could just as well opt of speakers that have enough sound to boom shootouts off your room walls. Or stick to your regular pair of headphones and invest in a separate mic that is easier to adjust and offers good quality. But the question here is, how serious are you about a seamless gaming experience? Because gaming headsets are targeted exclusively at gaming enthusiasts and take care to provide benefits that are tailored to turn a game into the brilliant fantasy it is meant to be.
The idea is a one-stop audio solution for a gaming experience. Towards that end, gaming headsets are designed keeping gaming convenience in mind. Unless you are going for a super cheap variant, most will spare you the technical fiddling as they are adaptable across platforms, largely affordable, equipped with padded ear cups and retractable mics, and in colors that do justice to your backlit keyboard.
In short: Yes. If you are into gaming, you do need a dedicated gaming headset or you are depriving yourself of the ease that such technology is supposed to be played with in.
How Should You Choose A Gaming Headset?
There are several parameters that define a good gaming headset. Broadly, the main consideration is of course sound quality, but also comfort – for those night-long sessions – clarity of microphone, user-friendliness, multi-platform compatibility and the budget you have set aside for all these.
Another significant decision, one that will directly affect your budget, is whether you go for wired headsets or wireless ones. The latter obviously costs more and provides much better flexibility, but in the case of gaming headsets the compatibility ends up mattering more (in any case, not like you’d be juggling cooking and gardening with your gaming stints).
At this point you might wonder if Bluetooth hadn’t solved all such issues already, but it hasn’t. It works to connect you to certain systems, but for most, proprietary wireless connections offer way better quality and signal, even though they limit you to a single console and maybe a PC.
Lastly, one feature you’d see screaming off product descriptions is surround sound. Every gaming headset worth its bullet claims to be offering it, but the truth is that they can only afford (space-wise) stereo drivers to produce it, and so no matter how hefty the promise is, it can’t really provide 360-degree audio. Surround sound is a definite plus for immersive gaming, but don’t let it be your main guiding factor for a purchase.
Right. With all this in mind let’s take an in-depth look at the best gaming headsets that all denominations of money can buy.
Best Gaming Headsets 2021
Assuming that you are serious about gaming, I have not gone into the dirt-cheap options in this list. That’s because if you are low on dosh you might as well make do with regular headphones and save for one of the following 7 beauties. Because trust me, these gaming headsets bring the game to life.
1. SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless – Best Gaming Headset 2021
If you are new to gaming, you are right to wonder why there are no regular good-headphone brands in here, but that’s because gaming headsets are a different ballgame. And in this ballgame, SteelSeries Arctis Pro is quite the winner. There’s also a wired version of the same, but if it’s the best we are going for, I’d rather we shove that cumbersome wire off the scene altogether.
What makes it the perfect choice?
Undoubtedly, the most important aspect of a headset – for gaming or otherwise – is sound quality. The SteelSeries Arctis Pro is the highest priced gaming headset on this list, but that’s precisely because of the ‘lossless’ audio that is its prime feature. We are talking about 40,000Hz-capable, hi-fidelity drivers that will even pull off a Mozart concerto. That’s powerful stuff with zero distortion.
Besides excellent sound, the ear cups are fitted with breathable air weave cushions, a wide and adjustable headband that’s very comfortable, and a dual-battery charging system with each battery giving up to 10 hours of sheer play. Indeed, you can keep on playing with the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless, sure at the same time that an explosion never sounded better.
Who is this for?
SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless is suitable for those who’ve set aside their biggest budget only for gaming peripherals. If your daily gaming hours are the highlight of your life, then this pair of gaming headsets will not disappoint; it’s an investment in best possible sound.Surround sound, let’s say.
- Hi-res Lossless audio
- DAC (Digital to Audio Converter)
- Great comfort
- Dual battery system
- Expensive
- Not compatible with Xbox One
2. Astro A50 Wireless Gaming Headset
A close contender for the best gaming headset that your money can buy is the Astro A50 Wireless. A premium investment no doubt, but wait till you hear of all the features you’d be getting for a good many bucks lesser than the above option.
What makes it the perfect choice?
One look at Astro A50 Wireless will tell you that it is wholly meant for gaming. It’s got that ‘gamer’ look, exactly as you might imagine. Astro Gaming has been producing pro-grade gaming peripherals for over a decade, and in all these years they’ve managed to stay pretty much on top of the game.
Goes without saying that their sound quality is great, especially for the theatrics of gaming. I wouldn’t say it scores high on noise cancellation, but if you’re hidden away in your room-den then they are great to tune into a game with. Astro A50 also comes with removable, magnetic ear pads that can easily be replaced with leather ones with an A50 Mod Kit, so that’s one up. Fully compatible with Xbox as well as PC and PS4, and with good mic quality too. Rotating mic instead of a retractable one (sticks out on your head), but still.
Who is this for?
For those who are proud of their passion for gaming and would like to flaunt it by wearing an appropriate headset, Astro A50 Wireless is perfect. Take it out for a walk with Megadeth blaring in your ears and slide right back into your gaming seat without a loss in sound quality.
- Excellent balanced sound
- Comfortable
- Removable ear pads
- Fairly expensive
- Non-retractable mic
3. Sennheiser GSP 370 Gaming Headphones
The Sennheiser GSP 370 is where battery life meets sound quality at a mid-range level. It wouldn’t leave a hole in your pocket like SteelSeries Arctis Pro or the Astro A50, and will still give you great sound quality. German quality, so you can be sure it’s value for money.
What makes it the perfect choice?
Sennheiser is possibly one of the best and longest known audio equipment brands that have held us in thrall. This Germany company has been producing excellent headphones since 1945, and somehow with the GSP series they’ve totally cracked the audio requirements of a typical gamer. This is the gaming headset I’ve been climbing levels with for 8 months now, and I have no complaints as far as sound goes.
The ear cups are an excellent fit, so that in itself is enough for effective noise cancellation. But the best part is the battery life – 100 hours. Really. Swoon on that. And I promise you the Sennheiser GSP 370 will last you a long while because of its trademark sturdy build and design.
Who is this for?
Sennheiser GSP 370 is what they call a ‘good investment’. Financially, it’s a very balanced choice, and sonically an excellent one. If it is a wireless gaming headset you had your heart set on, and if your budget limit is strictly $200, then this is what should be in your shopping cart for gaming.
- Good sound quality
- Solid build
- Long battery life
- Not compatible with Xbox One
4. HyperX Cloud Flight Wireless Gaming Headset
This was HyperX’s first wireless gaming headset, and while HyperX is something of a game leader in affordable headsets, this one got mixed reviews. Surely, there are other brands that offer more features, but like I said in the beginning of the article, surround sound isn’t the only criteria when it comes to intelligent selection for your gaming needs.
What makes it the perfect choice?
Why HyperX Cloud Flight is on this list despite its more-affordable competitors, is because of its battery life. 30 hours on a rechargeable battery is tech-excellence; it means your charging cycle can be deferred to week by week instead of daily. It also means you can game for 24-hours nonstop. Beat that.
Design is another aspect that sets HyperX Cloud Flight apart from other gaming headsets, mainly for its built-in lighting. There are gamers who prefer a subtle look, but personally I keep gaming to my room, and I like doing it with full paraphernalia – like a psychedelic warrior. HyperX Cloud Flight is not garish since only the logo lights up, but just enough of a hint of the gamer in you (should you find yourself wearing this headset in public).
Are we forgetting something? Jeez, sound! Well, no surround sound in here, that’s the going complaint. But HyperX Cloud Flight has two massive 50mm drivers that do a good job of giving you bassy audio even without subwoofers. Plus you can tweak it to your liking with the downloadable Dolby Access app.
Who is this for?
HyperX Cloud Flight is in the upper end of affordable gaming headsets, ideal for those who are okay to compromise other smaller features in exchange for a long-lasting battery. Overall, a sturdy fit to wear for your extended gaming sessions.
- 30 hours of battery life
- Funky lighting and sleek design
- Bass-heavy sound
- Affordable quality
- Lightweight
- No surround sound
5. Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero
As far as mid-range wireless gaming headsets go, the Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Pro is the best possible buy for PC users. That’s the catch – it is wireless with PC only – but then it has the most powerful software support and extremely versatile customization features that prove the brand’s clout in the gaming headset space.
What makes it the perfect choice?
With 50mm drivers you’d be set for good sound with the Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero, but that isn’t the only reason that makes it a good choice. What we love is that it is the most customizable of all the gaming headsets – you can switch between stereo and 3D sound, tweak the equalizer, adjust mic pickup, reprogram buttons and create different profiles for individual games. It takes some fiddling to understand the last bit, since there aren’t many presets, but I like the awesome control it offers.
Other features that Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Pro boasts include a 30-hour battery (for PC, yes), a snug fit – with gel-infused ear cushions and special attention to bespectacled gamers – and multi-system compatibility. As in, if you don’t mind the wire you are free to couple it with PS4 and Xbox One using a 3.5-mm audio connection.
There are perhaps a bit too many controls crammed on to the ear cups, but once you get a hang of how to navigate them you are on your way to long gaming hours with the sound tweaked to suit each and every game.
Who is this for?
Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Pro is ideal for PC gamers. It’s also a sweet buy if you wear glasses.Comes with what they call ProSpecs Glasses Relief System, which lets you create a little channel behind the ear cups to make it more comfortable.
- Value for money
- Customization features
- Good sound & noise-cancelling mic
- Comfortable fit
- Wireless with PC only
- Costly
6. Razer Kraken Tournament Edition Competitive Gaming Headset
Razer Kraken is a well-known name in the world of competitive gaming headsets; there simply aren’t many brands out there that provide such solid build at the kind of prices they offer. The Razer Kraken Tournament Edition is a wired headset, but the price and the features might convince you to skip the temptation of the wireless convenience.
What makes it the perfect choice?
This chunky headset is one of those rarities where you get what you pay for. With 50mm drivers and THX simulated surround sound, the audio is so good – and distortion-free! – that you can distinguish the sound of different guns and the gunshots of each squad member. Comes with strong, adjustable bass that rounds off the sound aspect nicely, and the retractable mic is clear enough to serve the purpose of communication.
As can be expected from any Razer Kraken headset, the Tournament Edition is also supremely comfy around the ears. It is lightweight – something constantly overlooked by many gaming headset brands – and has a typically sturdy build for its price.
PC users will be able to make the most of all its features – albeit with a 5-ft cable – but Razer Kraken Tournament Edition is equally good to go with any game system or mobile device.
Who is this for?
Got a 100-dollar budget for all your combat needs? Razer Kraken Tournament Edition is it.And if you like a bit of spunk like I do, the fluorescent green model will fit right into the wildest of your game imaginations. My verdict? An all-rounder for a 100-dollar bill.
- Value for money
- THX simulated surround sound
- Solid build
- Fewer features on Xbox One
7. Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless Gaming Headset
Up front, Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless is best budget-buy possible for all gaming headset needs. Corsair is well known to anyone who’s into gaming, mainly because of its unique package of affordability plus impressive audio. They ace at building no-frills, bass-heavy headsets that are a one-stop awesomeoness for any gamer to invest in.
What makes it the perfect choice?
First of all, who’d give you a good wireless for less than 100 dollars? That’s too much to ask for, but Corsair has done it. Corsair HS70 Pro’s simple design is hardly indicative enough of the features inside.
Custom-tuned 50mm drivers and 7.1 surround sound mean that you are signing up for spectacular audio for your gaming sessions, with zero latency. The flipside is that this sound is limited to PC users only, but if you are one of them, here’s your readymade pick of a gaming headset. With 16 hours of battery life, adjustable ear cups and a detachable, noise-cancelling mic, it’s almost impossible to believe the price tag.
Another cool feature is CUE. Corsair Utility Engine is a free software tool that will also let you tweak EQ settings for optimum personalization. What all this means is that you can game on with your kind of sound, happy in the knowledge that you got a fab deal at a throwaway price.
Who is this for?
Obviously, Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless is best suited for PC users on a budget. This is the kind of gaming headset that, given the budget, might switch you from wired to wireless for good.
- Value for money
- Bass-heavy surround sound
- CUE software for customization
- Surround sound and CUE for PC only
Which Is The Best Gaming Headset in 2021?
Each of the 7 gaming headsets in this list is a good tech deal in itself, but a lot depends on your personal preferences and seemingly minute factors such as where you game, what games you dig, how much you game and how often. You don’t want an ill-fitting pair for a noisy gaming environment, for instance.
Besides the options above, a few models that deserve mention include Logitech G935 Wireless and Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition in the middle price range, and the Razer Kraken X Ultralight in the budget range. This last model is priced at $50 and will still give you the gaming audio quality you need. For the lowest of budgets, there are the Sades Gaming Headsets that cost as little as $30, are lightweight and comfy, and with the included adapter can be used on any gaming system.
All said and done, what you need to remember while choosing the best gaming headset is that the purpose of it is to turn you into a better player. And for that, a good microphone and headset comfort are absolutely essential. If it makes your gaming experience more real with good audio, no reason to think twice before hitting the Buy button!
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Last update on 2021-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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