ErinWhen it comes to the best gaming headsets, everyone is looking for something different. Connectivity (wired vs. wireless), compatibility with different gaming platforms, materials, durability and comfort, and the most important attribute, price, are all big factors to consider.
Keeping track of the ever-evolving features in gaming headsets is no easy feat. Companies are constantly improving and coming out with new ones. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the number of options there are on the market. How do you know which one is the ideal choice for you?
Top 10 Headsets for Gamers
Here are ten of the best gaming headsets in 2020. Reviews are included to assist you in purchasing the best gaming headset for you!
- Astro Gaming A40 TR Wired Headset
- HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset
- LogiTech G533 Wireless Gaming Headset
- CORSAIR Void Pro RGD Gaming Headset
- SteelSeries Arctis 7
- HyperX Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset
- PDP LVL50 Wireless Stereo Gaming Headset
- Razer Kraken Gaming Headset
- Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Wireless Gaming Headset
- RUNMUS Gaming Headset
Astro Gaming A40 TR Wired Headset
As the priciest option on this list, this top gaming headset by ASTRO Gaming packs a punch and is definitely a candidate for 2020’s best gaming headset. It’s tuned with ASTRO Audio V2 (7.1 Surround Sound), and is lightweight and durable.
Features:
The Astro A40 TR gaming headset is wired, with a 1.52m cable. It’s got an extended frequency response and a unidirectional mic that can be placed on either ear for convenience. The earpads are cloth and synthetic leather for moisture-wicking.
Pros:
- Good materials for ear pads
- Convenient, swappable microphone
- Compatible across several platforms (via 3.5mm AUX)
- Customizable ear tags
- Mod kit compatible
Cons:
- No noise cancelling (requires mod kit)
- Short wire length
- Pricey
Verdict
This gaming headset is expensive, and even more expensive if you want the mod kit and mixamp to provide the noise cancellation. However, they appear to be quite comfortable, and the swappable boom microphone is convenient. One of the best gaming headsets, it offers great value for the price.
HyperX Cloud II
The HyperX Cloud II gaming headset is lightweight and features a USB sound card audio control box for amplification of audio and voice.
Features:
This gaming headset is wired, and made with a lightweight aluminum frame. It features large, 53mm drivers and a frequency response of 15-25kHz. The ear pads are memory foam with soft, velour covering, and both the gaming microphone and speakers are noise cancelling. They have a 3.5mm AUX cable.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Noise cancelling
- Comfortable ear pads
- Wide frequency response range
- Stereo compatible with PS4 and Xbox One (with adapter)
Cons:
- Requires the sound card/USB adapter for PC, Mac, and PS4 to experience 7.1 Surround Sound
Verdict
Still a high price point compared to several others on this list. The sound card for 7.1 surround sound is included, however, and the headset seems to be comfortable. The detachable microphone is convenient for when you don’t need it. They also have a 3.5mm AUX connectivity for connection to several other devices that do not have USB ports. Overall, the compatibility to several devices makes this an attractive choice and it’s definitely in the running for best gaming headsets for PS4 and Xbox.
LogiTech G533 Wireless Gaming Headset
LogiTech is a tried and true brand for almost everything tech. This headset is budget-friendly with several attractive features.
Features:
The Logitech G533 is wireless with a 15m range and a 15-hour battery life. It auto-mutes when the mic is flipped up, but it also features a mute button. The earpads are cloth/foam. This headset is compatible with most devices that are Bluetooth-compatible (PC’s Windows 7 or later, Mac OS X 10.11 or later).
Pros:
- Compatible with several platforms
- Long battery life
- Good wireless range
- Auto-mute is convenient
- 7.1 Surround Sound
- On-ear volume control
Cons:
- USB adapter required with non-Bluetooth capable devices
Verdict
These are a more budget-friendly price, while still having great features. They have a good wireless range and battery life, but if your device is not Bluetooth capable, you may need a USB adapter to be able to use them. Overall a good choice if you’re looking to spend a moderate amount on a quality gaming headset.
CORSAIR Void Pro RGD
This good gaming headset looks cool and retro, is comfortable, and has amazing audio performance and durability.
Features:
This headset is wired through USB, with a 1.8m cable. It features 50mm neodymium drivers and a unidirectional, noise-canceling microphone. The earpads are made of microfiber and memory foam. This headset has a frequency response of 100Hz to 10kHz, is Discord Certified, and RGB customizable through CUE software.
Pros:
- Discord Certified
- Comfortable ear pad material
- Compatible with several platforms
- Customizable RGB LED lights for personalization
Cons:
- Requires adapter for platforms without USB ports
Verdict
Dolby 7.1 surround sound makes this an attractive choice. Headphones that are Discord Certified are good, but only if you’re a Discord partner or have Discord Nitro to be able to enjoy the higher bitrates. The RGB backlighting is fun for customization. The microfiber and memory foam ear pads are likely comfortable, but since this headset is wired through USB they will need an adapter for platforms that don’t have USB ports. A good and price-savvy choice if you like customization, and if your platform of choice has USB ports.
SteelSeries Arctis 7
This gaming headset is stainless steel, has a removable 3.5mm AUX cable and USB cable, and provides 7.1 Surround Sound for PC.
Features:
This headset is wireless with a battery life of over 24 hours. The microphone is bi-directional and features noise cancellation. The speakers also have noise cancellation and S1 speaker drivers. The earpads are made of athletic-inspired fabric for moisture wicking. This headset is advertised as compatible with Xbox One and PC, but since it comes with a 3.5mm AUX cable, it is compatible with almost anything that has a headphone jack. It is also Discord Certified.
Pros:
- Discord Certified
- Speaker and microphone noise cancellation
- Compatible with several platforms
- Excellent battery life
Cons:
- Stainless steel material may be heavy
- 7.1 Surround Sound for PC only
Verdict
This is a pricey gaming headset. It’s also Discord Certified, but once again, that only benefits you if you’re a Discord partner or have Discord Nitro. The 24-hour battery life is excellent, and the removable 3.5mm AUX cable makes it convenient to be able to use this headset across several platforms. If you’re willing to spend the money, this would be an excellent set of upscale gaming headphones with mic.
HyperX Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset
While this headset may look simple and humble, it delivers several features desirable to every gamer.
Features:
The HyperX Cloud Stinger headset is wired with a 3.5mm AUX cable. It has 50mm directional drivers and a frequency response of 18-23kHz. The earpads are made with comfortable memory foam, and noise cancellation is featured in the speakers. There’s a steel volume slider on the ear cup, and the microphone is swivel-to-mute.
Pros:
- Compatible with several platforms
- Directional sound
- Volume slider on the earcup
Cons:
- 7.1 Surround Sound available, but only with post-market mixamp
Verdict
This headset is pretty “what you see is what you get”. For an additional fee, you can get the mixamp that provides the 7.1 Surround Sound, but everything else is pretty much included. With directional sound and noise cancellation, this headset is simple but powerful for a modest price.
PDP XBox LVL50 Wireless Stereo Headset
Licensed by Microsoft, this one of the best wireless gaming headsets and it is packed with features optimized for the Xbox One.
Features:
This headset is wireless, with a 12.2m range and a 16-hour battery life. It comes with a USB adapter for use on other platforms (other than Xbox One) that have USB ports. The speaker drivers are 50mm and the volume controls are featured on the ear cup. The microphone is noise cancelling and flip-to-mute, and the ear pads are made of nylon mesh.
Pros:
- Good wireless range
- Good battery life
- Licensed by Microsoft, so likely good customer service
Cons:
- Not compatible across all devices unless USB adapter can be plugged in
- No 7.1 Surround Sound
Verdict:
These headphones include several desirable features (good wireless range and battery life, noise cancelling microphone, flip to mute microphone) but unfortunately do not include 7.1 surround sound. They are also not compatible across several platforms like others on this list. However, this makes an excellent Xbox headset.
Razer Kraken
This headset has tons of technical features, but doesn’t compromise on comfort.
Features:
The Razer Kraken headset is wired (3.5mm), and features a lightweight, aluminum frame and custom-tuned 50mm drivers. The ear pads are gel-infused to keep cool, and feature indents for people who wear glasses. The microphone is noise cancelling and retractable, with in-line audio controls and a switch to mute. Speakers are noise cancelling.
Pros:
- Compatible with several platforms
- Noise cancelling in both speakers and microphone
- Gel-infused and glasses-friendly ear pads prioritize comfort
Cons:
- Does not advertise 7.1 Surround Sound
Verdict
Aluminum is one of the lightest but strongest materials, which makes it an excellent choice for gaming headsets. The gel-infused ear cushions keep you cool while the indents keep glasses-wearers comfortable. They have a 3.5mm AUX connectivity, which allows compatibility with several platforms. They are noise cancelling in both the mic and speakers. The only drawback seems to be that they are not advertised as having 7.1 surround sound. However, for the number of features (even though they’re not wireless) this is one of the best gaming headsets on this list.
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Wireless
This headset is directly and wirelessly compatible with the Xbox One and compatible Windows 10 PC’s, making connectivity fast and easy.
Features:
The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 headset is wireless with a battery life of 15 hours. It’s optimized for Xbox One and compatible Windows 10 PC’s (though an adapter may be required). It features 50mm drivers, and the microphone is swivel-to-mute. The ear pads are mesh.
Pros:
- Long battery life
- Optimized with Windows Sonic Surround Sound for Xbox One and compatible Windows 10 PC’s
Cons:
- Not compatible with other platforms
- Requires adapter for Windows 10 PC’s
- No 3.5mm AUX port (Note: The next model up, the 700, added Bluetooth capability and a 3.5mm AUX port)
Verdict
These have excellent battery life and surround sound (although not advertised as having 7.1 Surround Sound), but they don’t feature a port for a 3.5mm AUX cable, which means if they run out of battery you can’t just plug in an AUX cord and continue (they need to charge). Overall, this gaming headset makes an excellent Xbox One wireless headset, and even a good PC gaming headset.
RUNMUS Gaming Headset
As the least expensive option on this list, this gaming headset is jam-packed with quality.
Features:
The RUNMUS gaming headset is wired with a 3.5mm, 2.2m cable. The speaker drivers are 50mm, and the microphone is retractable and has a mute switch. This headset is noise cancelling (both microphone and speakers). This headset has decorative LED lights, and comes with a 12-month warranty.
Pros:
- Retractable and noise cancelling microphone
- Compatible with several platforms
- 12-month warranty
Cons:
- Not advertised as having 7.1 Surround Sound
Verdict
Noise cancelling microphone and speakers are attractive, as well as the 3.5mm AUX cable and cool-looking LED lights. The price and the warranty are likely why it’s on the best-selling list for PS4 headsets on Amazon. We’ve determined that 7.1 surround sound is the standard, and these unfortunately don’t have it, but for the number of features (and for the price), these are an incredible and budget-friendly choice.
Considerations
What should you look for in the best gaming headset? It depends on what exactly you plan on using the headset for, as well as how much you’re willing to customize it. Here are the most basic characteristics to look for when picking from the best gaming headsets.
Driver Size
Driver size refers to the diameter of the speaker diaphragm in the headset. The larger the driver size, the better the output sound quality. For comparison, typical earbuds have driver sizes between 13.5-15.4mm range and over-ear/on-ear headphones have drivers that lie in the 30-53mm range.
All the options on this list have driver sizes between 50-53mm.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Connectivity in this sense refers to how the gaming headset connects to different platforms (3.5 or 6.3mm AUX, USB, etcetera). Compatibility refers to the ability of the headset to connect to a range of platforms, and is much affected by connectivity.
For example, a wired headset that has 3.5mm AUX connectivity will not be able to connect to a console that doesn’t have a port for it. In that case, you may opt to go for a headset that is Bluetooth or wireless compatible with that platform. Overall, it’s a good idea to aim for a headset that is compatible with a wide range of gaming platforms so you may have options.
Wired or Wireless?
Wireless headsets offer more freedom of motion, but may have spotty input and require battery charging.
Wired headphones do not run out of battery and may offer a better quality of sound, but at the expense of being “tethered” to the console.
The preference of wired vs. wireless is personal, and one isn’t necessarily better than the other.
Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation in a headset’s microphone minimizes the amount of background noise while you speak, so others who are listening in may hear you better.
Noise cancellation in headphone speakers cancels out ambient background noise from your environment so you are immersed in the environment of the game. Generally, it is best to purchase headphones that have both features. However, if you do not plan on playing online with others or streaming, the microphone’s ability for noise cancellation has less importance.
Materials and Comfort
It’s likely you’ll be wearing this headset for hours on end, fully immersed in a gaming environment, so it’s important that this headset is comfortable and lightweight. Heavier headsets may feel more sturdy, but over time they may hurt your neck and back from the weight.
Headsets with ear pads that feature cool materials like synthetic leather can keep your ears from getting hot and sweaty, especially in over-the-ear headsets. In addition, some headsets have indents in the structure to accommodate glasses. It’s best to try on headsets before purchasing, so you may have an idea of how they feel.
7.1 Surround Sound
7.1 Surround Sound offers better directional sound, which makes it feel like you are sitting in a surround sound setup. This means that instead of just having sounds on the left and on the right, it feels as though there are detectable sounds in the front and back as well.
This is important in FPS games, but it’s also a fantastic feature in games you just want to feel immersed in.
Conclusion
While there are dozens of options with even more features to check out for each headset, ultimately it’s up to you to choose which is the right fit.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you make your decision to find the best gaming headset for you!
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