What does your perfect gaming set-up look like? We’ll take a guess. We’re picturing a really comfortable chair, plenty of drinks and snacks, and maybe some atmospheric lighting. You’ll also have your console and controller of choice, obviously.
What about a quality gaming headset? The gaming headset is so often forgotten about, but these devices make such a difference.
The right gaming headset will complete your gaming setup, providing a level of immersion that just isn’t possible without incredible sound and music. Whether it’s the intense moments in Call of Duty or the epic soundtrack of Final Fantasy, a headset will pull you deeper into the world you’re exploring on the screen, making it an all-round reality.
The good news is that there are absolutely loads of gaming headsets available to purchase, with models to consider from top brands like SteelSeries, Turtle Beach, and Logitech. The bad news is that it can be difficult to find the right headset for you with so much on offer.
This is where we can help you out. Here’s some key information.
Do you need a gaming headset?
By blocking out background noise and producing accurate, detailed, and powerful sound that places you in the centre of the action, headsets are your perfect gaming partner. Gaming is all about immersion, after all.
Another reason to consider a headset is that these devices can be the difference between success and failure. Being able to pick up on subtle sounds is absolutely vital at crunch time. We realise that not everyone is that fussed about blocking out the world and dominating opponents, but there are some seriously competitive gamers out there who will be looking to find every possible edge.
What are the best gaming headset features?
There are a lot of gaming headsets out there. This is good thing, but also complicates matters. With so many headsets to consider, it can be tricky to find the best option for you. To make your life that little bit easier, we’ve researched everything that matters about gaming headsets and lined up the most important things to consider:
Comfort — This one might seem obvious, but nothing ruins a gaming session like an uncomfortable headset, and it simply doesn’t matter if an uncomfortable headset produces absolutely incredible sound with an accurate microphone and a stylish design. If it’s not comfortable, it’s not worth considering.
Durability — The majority of gaming headsets are made from plastic, but this can result is a flimsy and cheap feel. If you can’t find something with a durable metal or wire frame, you should at least try and pick a headset that has a good range of movement. This will offset some of the pressure that comes with a plastic build.
Isolation — Some headsets and games make use of very slight directional audio cues, so a headset’s seal heavily impacts the quality of the sound. It’s important to consider how the foam of the headphone pad will mould to the shape of your head. If the seal isn’t effective, find something that fits better, or purchase replacement pads. Some gaming headsets take isolation even further by offering noise cancellation.
Microphone — When selecting a gaming headset, you should consider whether it comes with a built-in mic. If not, you’ll need to purchase a microphone to attach to your headphones. If it does come with a built-in mic (and it should), it’s worth checking for noise-cancelling properties, a convenient mute function, and a boom. All of this combines to improve voice clarity, minimise outside distractions, and ensure your privacy.
Style — There are many more important things to consider when it comes to your gaming headset, but style is essential to many gamers. It’s always better to prioritise sound and build quality, but there is no reason why you can’t have both things with a stylish design.
Surround sound — Getting the edge over the competition really comes down to surround sound. This feature provides accurate omnidirectional hearing, giving you a heads up when enemies are close by. The best gaming headsets are able to map sounds to virtual 3D locations where calibrated speakers can precisely position the sounds for a more realistic listening experience. If someone is sneaking up on you from the left, you’ll hear the sound from that direction.
Keep these things in mind when you’re shopping around for the perfect set.
How much does a gaming headset cost?
You can get a decent set for under £100. In fact, there are some very affordable options on this list. But you can also pay much more if you want serious quality and advanced tech. If you’re dedicated gamer, it’s worth spending anywhere up to £300-plus.
What is the best gaming headset?
That all depends on your price range and gaming requirements. To help, we have tracked down a selection of the very best headsets to suit every gamer and every budget, with something for your PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. We’ve checked out specs, features, and reviews to give you a clear idea of what headset is best suited to you and your needs.
These are the best gaming headsets in 2022.
