The best gaming headset makes heated competition music to our ears.
The Razer Phone might not have a headphone jack, but that hasn’t stopped PCs from supporting the best gaming headsets on the market, starting with the 10-driver Asus ROG Centurion 7.1 all the way down to the comfy, yet expensive Turtle Beach Elite Pro. If you’re looking for killer, isolated sound for your gaming rig to replace the dinky earbuds that came with your phone a million years ago, you’re in luck.
Because gaming is about more than just 4K visuals, contrary to what the Xbox One X marketing would have you believe, it’s time to make the move to the best gaming headset 2017 has to offer. Then again, how do identify such a headset when you see one? Well, frankly, you can’t. Not without a little guidance that is. It’s one thing to look at a spec sheet and a price and determine from there what’s the top of the lot, but it’s another to know how reliable each one is.
That’s why we’ve gone out of our way to test the best PC gaming headsets on the market, not only for sheer performance and value, but also for dependability. For when you’re lusting after the best sound, but you don’t want to risk a purchase that’ll crap out on you in the next year or so, we’ve assimilated a definitive list of the toughest gaming cans money can buy. Wired, wireless and sometimes both, here they are in the flesh – decades in the making.
10 drivers, 7.1 channels, one impeccable headset
Neglecting all the unwritten rules of fashion, the ROG Centurion 7.1 is a spectacle to behold. Though it’s a living hellscape to set up, this gaming headset delivers both extreme looks and an unruly knack for emitting crystal clear sound waves. The Asus ROG Centurion 7.1 not only bolsters full-fledged surround sound passthrough for an external set of speakers, but its set of onboard amp controls give you complete power, even if there’s a steep learning curve.
7.1 audio channels, zero fuss
Quick and easy to set up using a wireless USB receiver that stores inside the headset for transportation, the Razer ManO’War is a user-friendly unit primed for surround-sound gaming. Sure, it’s a little chunkier than most other headsets, but two soft leatherette ear cups make it comfortable to wear over extended periods. And, with Chroma RGB lighting customizable through Razer Synapse, it even looks snazzy to observers.
Solid stereo sound tuned specifically for PC gaming
There’s a common misconception the best PC gaming headsets have to cost a fortune. That’s fortunately untrue of the HyperX Cloud Alpha, which presents a compelling design along with impressive mid-range sound. The added dual-chamber drivers are a feat for audio quality that doesn’t break the bank, minus the distortion that usually haunts headphones at this price. Better yet, the sonorous bass will put any first-person shooter, not to mention Skrillex, to the test.
Virtualized surround sound made affordable
Although it’s designed to be used for the Xbox One, Windows users can take solace in the fact that the Turtle Beach XO Three is compatible with any PC sporting a single jack for both mic input and headset output or a PC splitter cable. In spite of this minor caveat, the XO Three is a steal for the price, especially considering its use of 50mm sound drivers. What’s more, it even supports Windows Sonic for 3D surround sound.
Stylish with powerful bass-driven tones
If you’re more interested in the sounds coming out of your gaming headset rather than glowing LEDs, macro keys and other gratuitous extras, then the V-MODA Crossfade Wireless is the headset for you. Its stylish cans are a treat for the ears, booming with sound that’s bass-heavy with fantastically crisp treble at the other end. Stepping out of the soundscape, the V-MODA Crossfade Wireless is comfy and spacious too, what with its memory foam earcups.
The best general use headset just got better
We called the original Astro A50 a “game-changing, experience-enhancing headset,” and thankfully its wireless successor follows the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” rule. Astro’s latest headset does what it says on the tin and adds wireless connectivity to an already stellar package. Not only is it ready to rock with your PC, but with PS4, Xbox One and legacy consoles as well – a headset that’s robust and versatile.
A fantastic all-rounder
Following in the footsteps of the already impressive Siberia 800, the upgraded Sibera 840 is pro-Bluetooth, anti-lag and all about personalization. With the SteelSeries Engine 3 app, you can customize everything from equalizer settings to what you want shown on the OLED screen of the accompanying base unit. All of that is, of course, secondary to the Siberia 840’s sound qualities which are nothing less than sublime.
The best gaming headset for virtual reality
With VR headsets like the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift making their way into PC gamers’ rooms, specially-designed audio headsets for virtual reality were bound to follow. The Turtle Beach 350 Stealth VR is one of the most flexible out there, featuring a generous amount of adjustability thanks to its sturdy headband which can fit over the top of VR headsets worn on even the biggest heads.
High performance with a low profile
Unlike some of its competitors, SteelSeries stresses subtlety in its headset designs. The Arctis continues this trend by flaunting sound quality and comfort over gaudy appearances. When you pop an Arctis on your head, the goal is for, say, your stream audience to see a professional environment rather than a Dorito stain on your chair. The customizable lighting gives you plenty of wiggle room, too, in case the whole monochrome look isn’t your thing.
Better sound for the buck
Arguably one of the most affordable gaming headsets available today, the HyperX Cloud Stinger is designed to give players eSports quality audio at a bargain. While the red on black plastic design isn’t much to write home about, this headset’s 50mm directional drivers grace it with superb stereo sound. That goes without mentioning the noise-cancelling mic, which aims to keep background noise from hindering your game sessions.
Stellar Sennheiser audio quality for less
More affordable than Sennheiser’s flagship PC 373D while still packing an audible punch, the GSP 350 carries over that headset’s stellar 7.1 Dolby surround sound and closed ear cup design. Brandishing a closed-back design and toting a noise-cancelling microphone that mutes breathing sounds by default, if you like the look of Sennheiser’s flagship gaming headset but can’t quite stomach the price, the GSP 350 is the “lite” version you’ve been holding out for.
A command center on your head
Logitech’s flagship G933 Artemis Spectrum gaming headset can be recognized by its cup-mounted G-keys that provide handy shortcuts to performing actions in-game.
