Are you having a hard time choosing the best gaming headset? Don’t worry. We’re here to help you out. Gaming headsets are one of the best ways to enhance your gaming experience. They offer quite a handful of benefits for your gaming endeavors. But due to its popularity, there are a plethora of options available on the market to choose from.
Some are worth buying, and some are just ain’t it. So, to make sure that you don’t waste your money on some low-quality gaming headsets, we’re here to discuss the top seven factors to consider when choosing the best gaming headset.
Wired vs. Wireless
The first factor to consider when choosing the best gaming headset is whether you want a wired or wireless gaming headset. The type of connection is one of the most important factors to consider since both have advantages and disadvantages. Thus, picking the right connection for you may significantly affect your gaming experience.
Wired Gaming Headsets
If you’re on a tighter budget, a wired gaming headset is your best bet. They’re a lot cheaper because they use less advanced technology, unlike wireless gaming headsets. But despite that, they still offer excellent sound quality.
Wired gaming headsets also experience little to no syncing issues since wires get almost no interference, unlike Bluetooth. In addition, wired headsets are very simple to use. They’re simple plug-and-play devices. They remove the hassle of having to connect your gaming headset to your gaming device. Lastly, you also won’t have to worry about its battery life, which is a huge advantage over its wireless counterpart.
Now that we’ve talked about its pros let’s talk about its cons. The very first con is that it is very prone to cable damage or breakage. Wired headsets are prone to get tangled, making them very prone to damage or even breakage when in comparison to wireless headsets. Wired headsets also make your gaming setup look a lot messier, especially if you don’t organize your cables. And lastly, a wired connection restricts your movement, which can be quite inconvenient.
Wireless Gaming Headsets
The main difference between these two types of connections is that wireless headsets do not include wires or cables. To make up for the lack of wires or cables, wireless headsets use a wireless 2.4 GHz dongle or Bluetooth technology to maintain the connection with your gaming device. Since it uses a wireless connection, you have a lot more freedom to move around. As long as you’re within the connection range, you can pretty much move around and be in any position while you’re gaming.
You also won’t have to worry about cable damage or breakage because, of course, they don’t have any. This can save you a lot of money since cables are prone to damage. Cable clutter ruins your gaming setup, but with wireless gaming headsets, you won’t have to worry about that anymore. This helps improve your gaming setup aesthetic. Wired headsets are also futureproofed and have better cross-platform compatibility.
We’ve discussed all the good. Now let’s talk about the bad. First and foremost, they’re a lot more expensive compared to their wired counterparts. This is due to its more advanced technology. Wireless headsets are also more prone to syncing issues. You also have to take note that you have to charge your wireless headsets.
Overall
Despite their differences, they offer almost the same sound quality. Although some are better than others, you just have to make sure that you choose a high-quality model.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is another factor to consider. Having a high-quality sounding headset is what makes your gaming experience a lot better and more immersive. To ensure that you have great sound quality, you have to check out these features:
Noise Isolation vs. Noise Cancelation
These two filter out any unnecessary background noise you wouldn’t want to hear during your gaming sessions. But what’s the difference between the two? Noise isolation uses physical barriers like your ear cups to block out any background noise. It’s also known as “Passive Noise Cancelation.”
Meanwhile, noise cancellation uses technology that actively filters out any background noise, which gives it the name “Active Noise Canceling.” Noise isolation is better at isolating higher-pitched sounds, while noise cancellation is better at filtering lower-pitched sounds like chatter or any ambient noise.
Surround Sound
Surround sound is what makes your gaming experience much more immersive because it uses an algorithm or technology to automatically adjust the volume and delay of the sound to stimulate a realistic 3D audio experience. It also sends the correct sound to the correct ear, which gives the sounds a sense of direction.
Microphone Quality
Microphone quality is often overlooked when choosing a gaming headset. However, it is as important as the other factors. A microphone will play an important role in communication in certain games where you must communicate with your group. A good microphone will allow you to converse with your teammates and other players properly. So, when looking for a gaming headset, search for a microphone with noise-canceling capabilities. You can use either a built-in or removable microphone, depending on what you want.
Build
When it comes to build quality, you must confirm that the materials and build are durable. Most headsets are typically composed of robust plastic, incorporating aluminum or metal elements for added sturdiness. But despite that, there are some headsets that do not have a good build. Since you’re spending your hard-earned money on a high-quality gaming headset, be sure you’re getting the most for your money.
Comfort
When you’re gaming, it’s easy to lose track of time and wind up playing till the sun comes up. This is why it’s important to look for a gaming headset that’s comfortable for both your ears and your head. Choose a headset with an adjustable and cushioned headband to reduce pressure on your head. Don’t forget to also choose one with soft and breathable earcups. Other headsets have a leather finish, and although leather lasts longer, for the best comfort, look for a headset with a softer and breathable material.
Design
Since most gaming sessions happen inside the comfort of your home, some gamers tend to overlook the design and aesthetics when they’re choosing a gaming headset. Although the design isn’t as important as the other factors, since you’re already investing money in it, why not choose one that’s aesthetically pleasing?
There are hundreds of designs to choose from, from flashy ones to minimalist ones. There are also headsets that sport an RGB feature. But no matter what you choose, remember that your setup reflects who you are.
Price
Gaming headsets are a bit pricier than standard headsets, so it’s good to also consider their price. They’re pricier because they offer features that most normal headsets don’t have, like surround sound or noise isolation. However, there are some high-quality gaming headsets under $100 that you can try if you’re on a tighter budget.
Bottomline
There is no absolute “best gaming headset” because it is subjective to your personal preferences. Choosing the best gaming headset might be tricky, but we hope this guide has helped you narrow down your options.
Photo credit: The feature image has been done by Vadym Drobot.
