As you await the inevitable return of graphics cards back to their stock prices, consider this: the rest of your components and peripherals are ageing, and someday theyll be as obsolete as an Intel 8080 is today.
Truthfully, high-quality sound is underrated, so while youre out trying to fetch the highest resolutions and framerates, someone else is outdoing you by taking advantage of the audio immersion offered by the best PC gaming headset.In 2018, even the best gaming monitors either dont come equipped with speakers, or the sound solution is mediocre at best.
So, if you want decent sound, youre stuck choosing between the best computer speakers, or preferably, the best gaming headsets to hear all the immersion-making background music, sound effects and dialogue.
However, a good set of computer speakers can be expensive and take up more space than you actually have, so our general advice here is to just skip all that hassle and just go for one of the best gaming headsets they sound great, and theyre easily stored to boot.For the money, the best gaming headset will give you all the bells and whistles of a pair of speakers, but with one key difference: privacy.
For those dead-set on letting their roommates sleep at night, heres a collection of gaming headsets that weve methodically tested and ranked for your reading pleasure below.1.
HyperX Cloud Revolver SElite feel and sound at a premium priceInterface: Wired (USB) | Features: 7.1-channel surround sound, 50mm drivers, Dolby DSP, 3.5mm jackExcellent all-around soundAll-day comfortFinicky mic positioningCable may be too longWhen we first sat down to review the HyperX Cloud Revolver S, we were frankly divided.
On one hand, it has brilliant 7.1-channel surround sound delivered through Dolbys trademark digital signal processor.
On the other, its ludicrously expensive when compared to other headsets featuring similar specs.
Luckily, as one of Kingstons most subdued pair of cans weve ever laid our ears on, the pristine comfort and top-notch sound more than makes up for its high price and weirdly placed detachable mic.Read the full review:HyperX Cloud Revolver S2.
SteelSeries Arctis ProPC gamings best kept secretInterface: Wired (USB) | Features: 40mm drivers, Retractable boom microphone, DTS Headphone:X v2.0, RGB lighting, Included DACIncluded DACAudiophile worthy soundSurround sound not greatIf theres anything you can count on SteelSeries for, its pristine audio and the SteelSeries Arctis Pro is proof perfect of just that.
Not only will this headset provide immersive surround sound for all the explosive action of your favorite games, but, thanks to its included DAC (digital to audio converter), the Arctis Pro will also serve you well while listening to music.
It may be a little expensive, but when you consider just how comfortable and bombastic this headset is, well, its not hard to see why its one of the best gaming headsets you can buy today.Read the full review:SteelSeries Arctis Pro3.
Logitech G Pro Gaming HeadsetInterface: Wired (Analog) | Features: Passive noise isolation, Pro-G drivers, Detachable Mic, Dolby Atmos supportSubdued designComfortable for long periods Bass can be too heavyValuing sheer performance over the traditional gamer aesthetic, the Logitech G Pro headset offers fantastic sound quality over long periods of time and little else.
Not that thats a bad thing though.
Available for just $89 (about 65, AU$115), Logitech made sure that youre paying for fantastic sound and comfort, with none of your cash being wasted on flashy RGB lighting or other frivolous features.
If youre looking for something a bit more subtle, but can perform with the best of them, the Logitech G Pro is a compelling headset.Read the full review:Logitech G Pro Gaming Headset4.
Astro A20Interface: Wireless | Features: Long-lasting battery life, Astro Command Center software, console compatibilityHigh quality soundSturdy, comfortable buildExpensive for its classIf youre looking for one of the best gaming headsets, but those high-end $300 headsets make your stomach turn and you also dont want something cheap, you should take a look at the Astro A20s.
Featuring solid stereo sound performance in a wireless headset, not to mention the stunning 15 hour battery life, this headset has all the necessary features that you might want in its price range.
Sure, it doesnt have surround sound, but it more than makes up for it with its economy and battery life.Read the full review:Astro A20Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition5.
Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament EditionImproving a perfect formulaInterface: Wired (USB and Analog) | Features: 50mm drivers, reinforced steel and aluminum build, detachable and flexible micVery comfortableClear, accurate soundMids and highs unbalancedOver the years, Creative has made a name for itself to be trusted when it comes to audio products and the Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament edition further cements that legacy.
Rather than just sitting and iterating on the winning formula of its previous products, Creative took the Sound BlasterX H7 and completely changed it up, creating a headset that looks as good as it sounds.
If youre looking for a comfortable, sturdy and deep-sounding headset, the Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition, especially at such a low price, is one of the best PC gaming headsets money can buy in 2018.Read the full review:Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition6.
SteelSeries Arctis Pro WirelessA wireless headset with wired soundInterface: Wireless (Bluetooth) | Features: Dual-battery charging system, Bluetooth connectivity, 40mm driversLossless audioConvenient dual battery systemExpensiveCompromises are a part of everyday life, but nobody actually likes making them.
Luckily with the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless, you dont have to make any compromises, you can get high quality lossless audio playback with a wireless headset.
And, when you add in the unique and ultra-convenient dual-battery charging system that lets you wear this headset in perpetuity, you have a recipe for one of the best gaming headsets weve ever gotten our hands on.
If you have the cash, and you absolutely need the best wireless headphones money can buy you cant do wrong here.Read the full review: SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless7.
HyperX Cloud FlightThe longest lasting wireless gaming headsetInterface: : Wireless | Features: Long-lasting battery life, durable, adjustable steel slider, PC and PS4 compatibility, detachable noise-cancellation microphone30 hour battery lifeGreat sound qualityTad pricier than its competitorsThe HyperX Cloud Flight is a long-lasting wireless gaming headset packed with up to 30 hours of battery life.
This means you can potentially get two full days of gaming in between charges.
However, there is a catch unlike the Cloud Flights competition in the Astro A20, the HyperX Cloud Flight only offers stereo sound, foregoing any surround sound implementation.
You can thankfully get around it by messing around with the Dolby Access app, however, and the sound profile is balanced enough to make this a non-issue.Read the full review: HyperX Cloud Flight8.
Razer ManO'War7.1 audio channels, zero fussInterface: Wireless | Features: Software-based 7.1 surround sound, earcup-mounted controls, Chroma RGB multi-color lighting, 14-meter range (using an extender, 12 meters without)Great surround soundEasy to set upMulti-color lightingSlightly bulkyNo wired optionQuick 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.Read the full review: Razer ManO'War9.
HyperX Cloud AlphaSolid stereo sound tuned specifically for PC gamingInterface: Wired (3.5mm) | Features: Dual chamber audio, removable cable and microphoneImproved looks and comfortDefined mids and booming bassMuddled lowsTheres a common misconception the best PC gaming headsets have to cost a fortune.
Thats 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 doesnt 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.Read the full review: HyperX Cloud AlphaCorsair HS50 Stereo Gaming Headset10.
Corsair HS50 Stereo Gaming HeadsetInterface: Wired (analog) | Features: 50mm drivers, Easy on-ear volume and mute controls, Multi-platform compatibilityStrong stereo soundExcellent valueMic easily misplacedAs a general rule when youre buying anything, much less gaming peripherals, you get what you pay for.
You dont go into Walmart, pick up a $50/50 gaming headset and expect to be blown away.
Corsair takes this rule and turns it on its head.
The Corsair HS50 is, for the budget gamer, the best gaming headset you can buy today.
Retailing at $50 in the US, the HS50 has sound quality and mic quality that rivals headsets that are twice as expensive.
Everything, even down to the build materials radiates quality.
If youre looking for a cheap gaming headset, and you dont mind giving up some extra bells and whistles, like 7.1 surround and Bluetooth connectivity, you need to take a look at the Corsair HS50.Read the full review: Corsair HS50 Stereo Gaming HeadsetCorsair Void Pro RGB Wireless11.
Corsair Void Pro RGB WirelessCorsairs nailed it againInterface: : Wireless | Features: : 50mm drivers, noise-cancelling microphone, RGB lighting, Dolby Headphone 7.1 audioGreat Sound QualityNice DesignOnly the logo is RGBIt wasnt that long ago that Corsair was solely known for PC components but, over the last five years or so, theyve arguably become better known for their gaming peripherals.
With products like the Corsair Void RGB Wireless, its hard not to see why.
Now, while at first glance, some may scoff at the asking price, the Void Pro RGB Wireless delivers on that price point with great build quality, fantastic sound fidelity and perhaps most importantly RGB lighting.
Plus, if youve already got a full arsenal of Corsair peripherals, the Void Pro RGB Wireless fits in nicely, and can even synchronize lighting effects with other peripherals through the Corsair Utility Engine.Read the full review: Corsair Void RGB Wireless12.
Turtle Beach XO ThreeVirtualized surround sound made affordableInterface: Wired (3.5mm) | Features: 50mm drivers, Windows Sonic compatibility, detachable microphone boom, volume wheel, microphone mute sliderComfortable for long periodsMicrophone is crisp and clearSurround sound lacks nuanceLacks advanced featuresAlthough its 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.
Whats more, it even supports Windows Sonic for 3D surround sound.Read the full review: Turtle Beach XO Three13.
SteelSeries Arctis 7Interface: : Wireless | Features: : 40mm drivers, DTS Headphone:X 7.1 surround sound, 20-hour battery lifeLong battery lifeComfortableWeak bassNot wireless on consolesSteelSeries has a storied reputation among the best PC gaming headsets, and the Arctis 7 only proves to continue it.
Boasting a shockingly long battery life and extreme comfort, this headset will appeal especially to anyone who plays a lot of MMOs, where comfort reigns supreme over long play sessions.
The sound quality is also worth noting here as its neutral sound signature means that even audiophiles will be happy with it, even if the bass is a little weak.Read the full review:SteelSeries Arctis 714.
Astro A50 WirelessThe best general use headset just got betterInterface: Wireless | Features: Dolby Digital 7.1 surround sound; Works with PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3, PC, and mobile; Astro Audio; 5.8GHz wireless tech with MixAmp; 6.0mm uni-directional noise cancelling mic; USB charging with base stationFull Dolby 7.1 Surround soundSupremely comfortableFinnicky charging cradleWe called the original Astro A50 a "game-changing, experience-enhancing headset," and thankfully its wireless successor follows the "if it aint broke, dont 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 thats robust and versatile.15.
Asus ROG Centurion 7.110 drivers, 7.1 channels, one impeccable headsetInterface: Wired (USB) | Features: 10-driver 7.1 surround sound, dual-USB amplifier, Sonic Software compatibility, HDMI passthrough, amplifier with audio profile and channel volume controls, unidirectional microphoneExcellent spatial soundSpeaker passthroughCan only be used with its ampHeavy and bulkyEschewing any traditional rules of fashion, the ROG Centurion 7.1 is a beautiful headset regardless.
Even if its a genuine pain to get going, this excellent PC gaming headset features both surprising style and a knack for emitting extremely clear sound.
The Asus ROG Centurion 7.1s onboard amp controls give you complete control over this bombastic sound, and this beast can even bolster its already amazing sound through a passthrough to an external set of speakers.
Really, this thing is great.Read the full review:Asus ROG Centurion 7.1 headsetGabe Carey has also contributed to this articlemDD53PbHRt2NsVKjCCxW37.jpg#