What does your perfect gaming set-up look like? We’re picturing a really comfortable chair, plenty of snacks, and maybe some atmospheric lighting. Plus, your console and controller of choice. But what about a quality gaming headset? It’s all too often forgotten about, but a good headset can be a literal game-changer.
The right gaming headset will give you a level of immersion that just isn’t possible without incredible feedback. It will pull you deeper into the world you’re exploring on the screen, making your game an all-round reality.
The good news is that there are absolutely loads of gaming headsets out there. The bad news is that it can be difficult to find the right headset for you when there’s so much on offer. This is where we can help you out.
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 most important gaming headset features?
Yes, there are a lot of gaming headsets out there. So to make your life that little bit easier, we’ve researched all the ldetails and lined up the most important things to consider:
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Comfort — 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.
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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.
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Isolation — Some games use very slight directional audio cues, so a headset’s seal heavily impacts the sound quality. 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. Some gaming headsets may take isolation even further with noise cancellation.
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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.
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Spatial Sound — Getting the edge over the competition really comes down to spatial audio aka virtual 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. If someone is sneaking up on you from the left, you’ll hear the sound from that direction.
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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.
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 2024.
