The best gaming headsets for 2021
You need a good headset (or a gaming headset, if you prefer) to play online. Without one, you won't have a reliable way to outrun the competition or coordinate strategies with your team or your guild.Surprisingly, gaming headsets are pretty good
tools for your home office
.
Your choices range from basic wired earbuds and boom mics you can buy for $20 at a drug store (or are included with your gaming console), to expensive, esports-oriented, wireless, over-ear simulated surround sound.
listeners
available on enthusiast sites. You should buy the one that fits your budget and needs. Luckily, you don't need a ton of money for a quality helmet; $50 can get you started if you don't want to get into high-end features and connection options.
Wired or Wireless Gaming Headsets
Headsets can be wired or wireless, with wireless models usually costing more. Most importantly, each gaming headset supports different system, handheld, and computer connections. You can use Bluetooth with a wireless headset for you connect to a
playstation5
,
Xbox series X
,
Xbox series S
, latest generation consoles, most mobile devices, and some computers (the original Xbox One does not support Bluetooth, however). Other systems require a different wireless connection, often with a separate base plugged into your console or your computer.
Bluetooth has come a long way in recent years, but proprietary wireless connections generally offer better audio quality and a stronger signal. Proprietary wireless connections are usually designed for a single console, or a console and PC; you have to choose between Xbox and PlayStation models for most wireless gaming headsets.
See how we test headphones
See how we test headphones
If you are playing on PlayStation 4/5, the
nintendo switch
, new Xbox models or most portable gaming devices, you can simply plug a single 3.5mm headphone jack into the controller or system and start playing. Xbox One and Series X/S work the same way, but if you have an old Xbox One gamepad, you might need the Microsoft one.
Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter
to use a wired headset with. Most of the headsets on this list can connect to your preferred system in some way.
If you want to use your headset with newer generation systems like the PS3 and Xbox 360, you'll need to see if the headset supports their own unique connections or if adapters are available. PCs are the most flexible with gaming headsets. gaming, as they can work with USB headsets (which are generally only compatible with PCs), 3.5mm analog connections (although you may need a splitter adapter if your headset terminates in a single jack), and often optical audio.
To learn more, check out our picks for the
Best Wireless Gaming Headsets
.
Do you need surround sound?
Most high-end gaming headsets claim to offer some form of surround sound, but that's not accurate. The vast majority of surround sound headsets still use stereo drivers (often a single 40mm driver for each ear) to produce sound. The surround aspect comes from Dolby, DTS and/or THX processing technologies that change the way headphones mix sound between your ears to give the impression of 360 degree sound. This is an artificial effect which wouldn't provide a true surround sound image even if the headset had individual drivers for each channel; there simply isn't enough space for the sound to resonate to produce the impression of precise directional sound. However, it can make things more immersive and improve your ability to follow the direction sounds are coming from.
Some expensive gaming headsets like the
JBL Quantum One
deliver more immersive sound by incorporating head tracking into the mix. They still deliver the same simulated surround sound as other headsets that support this feature, but they also pan and shift the audio based on the way you move your head, which gives the surround effect a lot more realism.
Gaming Headset Console Compatibility
Currently, many of the headsets on this list seem to support PS4/5 systems more than Xbox systems, but higher-end headsets often come in separate, console-specific versions. If a headset is primarily marketed for PC , it can work with a console via USB, but the headset may not support all features. Of course, any headset with a 3.5mm wired connection can work with either console via the headphone jack on the controller; it's USB compatibility that can confuse different versions. Check the packaging and the product page to make sure the headset you want is compatible with the system you plan to use it with. 'utilize.
There are a few console-specific headsets and variants you can consider, such as the Xbox Wireless Headset, which offers solid performance. Still, you usually won't find a "best" headset unique to a console; the higher-end models usually have several system-specific versions.
The best microphone for gaming
When it comes to headset microphones, we've always been impressed with the mics that Razer puts in its high-end Kraken and Nari headsets, as well as the mics from Astro Gaming.Logitech, Turtle Beach's flagship headsets. models can be quite expensive, but they offer excellent voice clarity.
You can also consider the
Antlion Audio ModMic
(pictured above). It's a boom mic that easily attaches to your favorite headset and can be removed when not in use with a two-piece magnetic mount. ModMic does not have the features specific to the gaming associated with dedicated gaming headsets, but it lets you use your beloved old cans for voice chat. Just make sure you have the right connection or adapter to use with your gaming rig. favorite game.
If you're really serious about
Diffusion
or any other gaming commentary, you might want to forego the boom mic altogether and get a
Micro-USB
.Decent USB mics can be found for around $50 to $150, and they sound much clearer, richer, and more natural than any boom mic. good sound; you need to be mindful of the position of the microphone and where you are in relation to it.
If you prefer single-player games and live alone, you don't need a headset at all. You can use
speakers
and enjoy the room-filling atmosphere and shout into the cheap, mediocre monophonic headphones that come with many consoles.
Next time you're on a deathmatch, raid, or capture mission, be sure to shout into the boom mic of a good headset. To find the right one, check out our recommendations here, then take a look. look at our
5 simple tips to extend the life of your headphones
.