Buying a Gaming Headset

A gaming headset lets you envelop yourself in audio, which can help make the game feel more immersive and realistic. The best headsets also offer clear voice chatting, durable construction and comfort during long play sessions. In addition, they often feature gaming-specific opportunities, compatibility with various devices and accessories, and dedicated customer support.

Some gaming headphones come with built-in surround sound, like DTS:X or Dolby Atmos, which you can activate by pressing a button. But a lot of headsets don’t have that option, and that’s fine if you don’t want to bother with the extra setup process. Most headsets have stereo sound, which is just as good for playing MOBA games, character action or other single-player titles.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless is a great example of that. It’s comfortable to wear for long stretches and features huge circular velour pads that wrap your ears in heavenly comfort. It’s not the most portable headphone, however, and requires that you remember to use your PC for volume controls rather than the headset itself.

If you do want to go with a wireless headset, look for one that has a low-latency 2.4GHz connection or Bluetooth (which is convenient if you ever use the headset outside of gaming). It’s also worth thinking about whether you want a wired or wireless model and if it will work with your current console or mobile device.

A gaming headset should offer clear, detailed sound with a lightweight frame and a flexible boom mic that won’t pull on your neck. You’ll also want a high-definition microphone that can pick up your voice and reduce background noise, but you should be aware of the differences between studio-quality recording and the sound quality of a headset. gaming headset