The best headphones for gaming can deliver a remarkable difference to your gaming experience. Crystal-clear audio is the fine line between life and death if you are playing first-person shooters. Or the difference between full immersion in the incredible settings of role-playing games and simulations, and mediocre gaming experience. Whether you are looking to gain a competitive edge or simply want to improve your overall experience, getting your hands on quality headphones for gaming should be your #1 priority.
There are a few things you should consider when choosing the best headphones for gaming. One of the essential factors is sound and price. You’ll also want to think about how comfortable they are because you don’t want to be stuck with constantly adjusting your headphones or removing them often during longer gaming sessions. The next thing you should look for is microphone quality because crystal-clear speech is crucial for chatting with your teammates, and it will surely help you win more.
Our list of the best headphones for gaming has something for everyone regardless of budget. And if you are wondering which headphones are best for you, then you should keep reading.
Table of Contents
Best Selling Gaming Headphones on the Market in 2024
Last update on 2024-10-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Top 5 Headphones for Gaming
- Razer Nari Ultimate
- Turtle Beach Elite Pro 2
- Logitech G PRO X
- Corsair VOID ELITE
- Beexcellent Gaming Headset
Best Headphones for Gaming: Benefits
If you wonder whether you should invest in headphones for gaming or not, or if it’s even worth the money, here are the few reasons that should clear all the doubts.
Image Courtesy of Tech Radar
Superior sound quality
The gaming headphones offer superior and crystal-clear sound over traditional external speakers, which is crucial if you want to be at the top of your game. But nobody is saying that speakers are bad, just that when the accurate highs and deep, rich bass are delivered straight to your ears, it sounds better and makes for a more enjoyable gaming experience.
Most of today’s games require accurate and precise movements and good reaction times, and to achieve that, you often need to rely on audio cues throughout the game heavily. Having headphones for gaming gives you a better chance to react and beat your enemies. Some headphones offer surround sound in addition to stereo sound, which creates an incredible, hyper-realistic auditory experience.
Blocking of external noises
Hearing music or sounds from every other source than your game can break the immersion and ruin your gaming experience. Headphones for gaming offer a noise-canceling feature that counters or blocks the majority of outside noise. Whether they use digital (counter-signal) or physical (sound-isolating earcups) noise-canceling technology, they will immensely improve your immersion and let you play your games in peace.
Limits disturbance
When you are gaming, you should also be aware of your real-life surroundings. Without headphones, it’s often impossible for you to enjoy a game or two because the place you are at requires peace and quiet. With headphones for gaming, you will be able to game whenever you want and wherever you want without worry.
Team communication
If your games require you to always communicate with your friends and teammates, especially if you are mostly playing online games, gaming headphones come with a built-in microphone. This allows you to quickly convey your messages to your buddies, coordinate strategies easily, and make crucial decisions, which is often a difference between winning and losing.
Price to performance ratio
When you compare the best headphones for gaming to a decent sound system, you may think at first that sound system delivers a far better sound, and you are right. But when you compare their prices, you will see that headphones have an excellent price to performance ratio, which means that you get more bang for your buck if you decide to buy headphones. Also, even if you purchase a sound system, you still would miss out on all the benefits mentioned earlier that a gaming headset offers.
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Best Headphones for Gaming: Review
1. Razer Nari Ultimate
- HyperSense Technology to Feel the Action for an Additional Layer of Immersion: Feel every impact in your game. The Razer Nari Ultimate features HyperSense technology that picks up on audio cues and uses vibrations to add tactile feedback, allowing you to truly feel the action. Whether it's a plane flying overhead or blasts from an explosion, your gaming experience now comes with a whole new layer of immersion.
- THX Spatial Audio for Next-Gen Surround Sound: Go beyond traditional virtual surround sound. THX Spatial Audio* breaks the boundaries of defined 5.1 and 7.1 channel surround to deliver seamless 360° positional audio for a more natural and lifelike experience. It also adds depth by simulating sound both above and beneath you for incredible gaming immersion. *Available with Razer Synapse.
- Cooling Gel-Infused Cushions to Stay Cool on Gaming Marathons: Unlike conventional headsets, cooling gel-infused ear cushions reduce heat build-up, while high-density foam with plush leatherette on the rims of the earpads provide the perfect combination of comfort and sound isolation. Hidden indented channels eliminate pressure from glasses for eyewear relief.
- Auto-Adjusting Headband with Swiveling Earcups for a Personal Fit: The auto-adjusting headband with swiveling ear cups is engineered for maximum adjustability to fit your head to perfection for fuss-free comfort. The unibody aluminum frame ensures that it is lightweight with long-lasting durability.
Last update on 2024-11-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Price: Very High
Razer Nari Ultimate headphones are one of the best headphones for gaming. They will provide you with the most incredible gaming sensation ever. Their Hypersense Technology features haptic technology that creates touch-sensory feedback for lifelike sensations based on audio cues, either in-game while listening to music or watching videos.
Otherworldly THX spatial audio breaks the boundaries of defined 5.1, and 7.1 channel surround to deliver seamless 360 Degree positional audio for a more natural and lifelike experience.
With powerful Razer synapse 2.4 GHz wireless audio, you will get a lag-free, high-fidelity gaming audio experience with a wireless range of up to 12 meters.
Headphones also feature a retractable mic with adjustable game/chat balance, so you can easily make your ideal mix of game audio and team communication.
Their cooling gel-infused cushions reduce heat build-up, while a soft cloth and leatherette combination provides comfort and sound isolation so you can enjoy endless hours of gaming.
They are wirelessly compatible with PC and PS4, and wired compatibility can be achieved via 3.5mm cable with PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices.
What we like:
- Hypersense technology that uses vibrations to add tactile feedback, allowing you to feel the action truly.
- 360 Degree positional audio.
- Extremely comfortable and great noise canceling.
What we don’t like:
- The microphone adjustments can only be made via the PC app.
2. Turtle Beach Elite Pro 2
- ProSpecs glasses relief system - Turtle Beach’s distinct ProSpecs comfort-driven design removes pressure on your glasses while you play
- Aerofit ear cushions - revolutionary material technologies combine to keep your ears comfortable and cool while also blocking out external noise and improving bass response
- Bluetooth connectivity - connect to the Turtle Beach audio hub app from your mobile device to unleash the full power of the Elite SuperAmp, and additionally stream music or take calls while gaming
- Surround sound ready for Xbox One - optimised to deliver immersive windows sonic for headphones surround sound
Last update on 2024-11-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Price: High
These high-end headphones deliver a truly stunning, next-generation audio performance with its custom-tuned 50mm Nanoclear over-ear speakers. Elite Pro 2’s microphone comes equipped with TrueSpeak technology that ensures crystal-clear transfer of voice over team speak.
They are very comfortable, and their size is adjustable, so they always provide a great fit. Over-ear cushions are breathable and deliver cooling comfort as well as passive noise isolation and a more profound bass response.
The SuperAmp Pro Performance Gaming Audio System is a great addition, although a clunky one. You need to connect the headset to SuperAmp via 3.5mm cable and then connect SuperAmp to the device via USB cable.
Elite SuperAmp is a “Bluetooth-connected, app-controlled, audio-enhancing, amplified Windows Sonic surround sound-supporting gaming controller.” You can make all adjustments via mobile app and phone that wirelessly connects to the SuperAmp.
What we like:
- Incredible audio performance with crystal-clear sounds and voice.
- Cooling effect of ear cushions and excellent passive noise isolation.
What we don’t like:
- They are not wireless, the setup is a bit clunky, and sound can sometimes be too quiet.
3. Logitech G PRO X
- Blue VO!CE microphone Technology: Detachable pro-grade microphone filters tune your voice in real time to sound richer, cleaner and more professional
- DTS Headphone:X 2.0: Next-gen 7.1 surround sound provides greater positional and distance awareness
- Comfortable memory foam padding: Soft memory foam earpads with your choice of premium passive noise-cancelling leatherette or soft, breathable velour for supreme comfort
- Durable steel and aluminium construction: Aluminium and steel frame and construction is comfortable, durable and strong
Last update on 2024-11-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Price: Medium
The relatively budget-friendly Logitech G PRO X Gaming Headset features Blue VO!CE microphone technology which lets your voice be heard with greater clarity and confidence. Detachable pro-grade microphone filters and adapts to your voice in real-time so you’ll always sound more professional.
PRO-G 50-mm drivers deliver crisp 7.1 surround sound to your ears for a full spatial immersion and experience. Overall, great performance to cost ratio, very comfortable and adjustable.
The problem is that it can only be connected to a PC because the headset requires an external USB sound card and Logitech G HUB software (though these come bundled with the headset).
What we like:
- Clear sounds and profound deep bass.
- Durable steel and aluminum construction.
- Comfortable earcups padded with soft memory foam and sleek leatherette or velour.
What we don’t like:
- They can only connect to the PC because of software restrictions.
4. Corsair VOID ELITE
- Stunning sound: Hear everything thanks to premium, custom-tuned 50 mm high-density neodymium audio drivers with an expanded frequency range of 20 Hz-30,000 Hz
- Enduring comfort: Breathable microfiber mesh fabric and plush memory foam ear pads keep you comfortable even during long gaming sessions
- Optimised omnidirectional microphone: Picks up your voice with exceptional clarity, while a flip-up mute function and a built-in LED mute indicator ensure you know when you will or won't be heard
- Durable construction with aluminium yokes: Built to last through years of gaming
Last update on 2024-11-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Price: Medium
Corsair VOID ELITE is the budget-friendly version of Logitech’s headset mentioned above. They have very similar audio characteristics, but Corsair’s headphones cost half the price.
The custom-tuned 50 mm neodymium audio drivers deliver crystal-clear 7.1 surround sound surprisingly well on PC via USB cable. There is also a wireless variant, but you should stick to the cable for the best audio. Wireless headset can connect to your PC or PS4 with a low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless connection with a range of up to 40 ft and all-day battery life, which lasts up to 16 hours.
Microfiber mesh fabric and memory foam earpads provide lasting comfort for up to several hours. The lightweight frame is adjustable, and the side that comes in contact with the head is also padded with memory foam.
Powerful Corsair iCUE software ties everything together, enabling full control over equalizer settings, 7.1 surround sound, RGB lighting, and more.
What we like:
- Price to performance ratio is extraordinary.
- Good, clear audio, and surprisingly great microphone.
What we don’t like:
- Most of the headset is plastic, so after some time, it gets worn out and creaky.
5. Beexcellent Gaming Headset
No products found.
Price: Low
And the last on our list, the budget-friendliest headset on the market that can still deliver fantastic sound, the Beexcellent Gaming Headset.
Made entirely out of premium plastic, this headset features soft protein head and ear pads. It is lightweight, it is adjustable, and it is comfortable. The exterior is decorated with LED lights that adapt to the rhythm and sounds.
High precision 40mm magnetic neodymium driver offers a high sensitivity and strong frequency sound. Coupled with resonating bass, it can provide a relatively pleasant listening experience and bring some vivid and immersive sound to your ears.
Obviously, the quality of sound cannot be compared to the sound quality of high-end gaming headsets, but for its price, Beexcellent Gaming Headset will surely surprise you.
What we like:
- Cheap headset with relatively good sound quality.
- Universal compatibility with devices via 3.5mm jack.
- Lightweight and adjustable frame.
What we don’t like:
- They do not feel sturdy enough to be able to last a few years.
No products found.
Best Headphones for Gaming: Buying Guide
The best headphones for gaming on the market will surely satisfy all your gaming audio needs. Some of them are incredibly durable, and you can use them for years on end without needing a replacement. But there are many different options on the market to choose from right now, and it can be really tough to choose the best headphones for gaming that will suit all your needs. Also, not all headphone brands available are worth purchasing.
So, how to choose the best headphones for gaming? Here are the qualities you should take into account when you are shopping for headphones.
Image Courtesy of T3.com
Wired or Wireless
The first thing you should look out for is if the headphones are wired or wireless because gaming headphones’ type of connection will largely affect your gaming lifestyle. Both connections do have their advantages and disadvantages.
Wired gaming headphones use cables to connect them to a compatible audio source, usually via USB port or 3.5mm jack. Because they are physically attached to the audio source, they are permanently connected to the power source. This means that they do not need to be charged; thus, you don’t have to worry about batteries running out in the middle of the gaming session.
Wired headphones are often cheaper than wireless ones, but they do pack the same punch. Every primary feature that wireless headphones have, wired headphones have it too. Also, they are easy and convenient to use because of their plug-and-play compatibility. Plus, a wired connection is more stable and reliable in a data transfer than a wireless option.
One of the downsides of wired headphones is that they are infinitely more prone to tangling when compared to wireless headphones. Tangled cable is often hindering your ability to use them properly, and there is a high chance of damaging the cable/headphones. Cable also means that you have restricted reach. You can only use them in one position – your gaming station.
Wireless headphones do not require the use of cables or wires. Instead, they are establishing a connection via Wireless USB dongles or Bluetooth. Their most significant advantage over wired headphones is that they have little to no restrictions, which means that they can be used in any position during gaming. If you need to step away from your game for some time, you can still talk to your friends.
Another big plus is a cross-platform compatibility, which means that wireless headphones for gaming will work with any device that supports wireless standard (e.g., Bluetooth).
The disadvantage of having wireless headphones is that they pose the risk of running out of battery in the middle of a gaming session. The more expensive models have long-lasting and quick-charging battery features.
Your Choice of Gaming Platform
The platform you are playing games on will affect your choice of gaming headphones. Almost every headphone on the market is compatible with every platform, but some consoles have certain difficulties. Some consoles may not effectively support individual gaming headphones models’ specific functions as they are dependent on certain software features, for example, Virtual Surround Sound.
Noise Cancellation
The noise-cancellation feature is what makes a difference between mediocre and fantastic gaming experience—hearing music or sounds from every other source than your game can break the immersion and ruin your gaming experience.
When you are selecting the best gaming headphones for you, you should definitely look for headphones that have good noise-cancellation ability. There are two different ways in which headphones block external audio sources, active and passive noise cancellation.
Passive noise cancellation is a term used to describe headphones that block sound from external sources with its physical design (e.g., tight fit around head and ears). Active noise cancellation is a term that describes headphones that detect background noises and then digitally counter the signal for a crystal-clear and high-quality audio experience.
Sound Quality
The superior sound quality of gaming headphones will make you hear sound inputs like gunfire, footsteps, or scenario indicators crisp clear. Gaming headphones’ sound quality is determined by drivers and surround sound, and the higher the driver’s quality, the higher the price.
High precision drivers can deliver crisp and superior sound quality, including a fantastic bass surround sound, and surround sound offers omnidirectional hearing, so you’ll always know where the sound or opponent is coming from.
Comfort, Build Quality, and Aesthetics
Gaming can turn into a long experience taking over 12 hours of your day. This means that the best headphones for gaming are ones that are comfortable to wear for extended periods. But how to know which features make gaming headphones more or less comfortable?
Headband and ear cups should not be too tight or too loose; they must offer a comfortable fit. If the headband and earcups are too tight, they might restrict blood flow, leading to headaches and fatigue.
Both the headband and earcups should be made of comfortable and breathable materials. A big plus is if they are filled with memory foam, which allows them to conform to your head’s shape for added comfort.
The weight also plays a massive part in comfort. You want to choose a lightweight pair of headphones, not a heavy pair that will weigh your head down. Bulkier headphones are not suitable for extensive use because they are more likely to cause headaches and fatigue.
If you want to invest a lot of money in a high-quality pair of gaming headphones, then you need to be sure that they will last endure many years of continuous use. When you choose the best headphones for gaming, they should not only be comfortable but must also be constructed with high-grade materials.
The better models on the market have a steel headband, a strong and durable plastic earcups construction, and premium faux leather covering.
Microphone
Communication is an unavoidable part of online gaming. As an online gamer, you’ll need to communicate with your teammates both during and in between sessions. That is why you should choose the headphones with microphones that provide better voice clarity through their excellent noise-cancellation feature.
