Top 10 Gaming Headphones According to Customer Reviews

Review of the best according to the editorial board. About selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

For gamers, headphones and headsets are preferable to regular speakers for two reasons. Firstly, thanks to stereo sound (and in some models a full-fledged 7.1 environment is also emulated), a deep immersion in the gameplay is provided. Secondly, some multiplayer projects involve voice communication between gameplay participants, and you can talk comfortably only through a headset.

Ranking of the best game players

nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best low-cost gaming headphones	1	Sennheiser PC 8 USB	1623 RUB.
	2	Somic G909	2544 RUB.
	3	ASUS Cerberus	2070 RUB.
The best mid-range gaming headphones	1	HyperX Cloud Core	4230 RUB.
	2	Razer Kraken Pro	5330 RUB.
	3	HyperX Cloud	6100 RUB.
The best high-end gaming headphones	1	Sennheiser G4ME ZERO	10 990 RUB.
	2	Creative Sound Blaster EVO ZxR	12 816 RUB.
Best Wireless Gaming Headphones	1	Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930	11530 RUB.
	2	ASUS Strix Wireless	8300 RUB

What to look for when choosing a gaming headset

The main criteria when choosing a gaming headset or headset are:

1. Connector type. Headphones connected to a computer via USB have a lot of advantages over those equipped with a line-in (3.5 mm) input. First, they often have their own sound processor and amplifier built in for better audio or stage reproduction. Secondly, the acoustics of these headphones can often be customized. Well, some models like the Razer Kraken Chroma have an attractive look with lighting and other 'amenities';
2. Linear connector type. The operation of some functional elements of gaming headphones depends on it. For example, the Razer Kraken Pro comes with a combo plug, so if you plug them into a computer that uses a separate microphone input, it simply won't work. Likewise, you cannot connect a headset with separate microphone and headphone jacks to a computer that has only the combo input. We'll have to use adapters;
3. Microphone type. Directional captures only speech with little or no background noise, but needs to be individually adjusted for placement relative to the mouth; omnidirectional captures all surrounding sounds, but costs less;
4. A type of gaming headphone. Full-size (monitor) completely cover the auricle and create passive noise isolation; overheads press the auricle to the head and create an open sound environment – loud external sounds will be heard through them.
5. Acoustic parameters are also important. Among them:
6. Sensitivity. This parameter, measured in dB, refers to the maximum volume of the headphones. Models with sensitivity below 95 dB and above 130 dB are not recommended for purchase;
7. Reproducible spectrum. The human ear hears sounds in the 15 to 15,000 Hz range. But if the headphones have a minimum threshold of the reproduced spectrum below 15 Hz, bass and similar sounds will feel more 'lively' and 'assertive';
8. Microphone sensitivity. It is desirable that it be as wide as possible – for example, 50-16000 Hz. Then the voice will feel natural and convey intonation.
9. It is also worth paying attention to the length of the cable. It is desirable that it be in the range of 1.5-2 meters. This will allow you to move actively without the risk of breaking the cable or damaging the computer by jerking the cable.

Which gaming headset to choose

Almost every manufacturer of gaming accessories considers it their duty to release gaming headsets. However, the following companies are the best:

1. Sennheiser. Usually produces headphones and audio equipment. The headsets from this company retain their signature sound – with slightly enhanced bass and wide customization options;
2. ASUS. Manufacturer of computer equipment and accessories. The headsets have an attractive design, excellent microphones, pleasant sound;
3. Razer. Produces incredibly recognizable headsets. The sound and microphone quality is not insanely high, but it's worth the money. But the headsets are highly comfortable, which allows you to wear the headphones for hours without any fatigue;
4. HyperX (sub-brand of Kingston). Headsets and gaming accessories manufacturer. The headphones have excellent sound and microphone quality, but their design may seem quite conventional;
5. Creative Sound. There are few gaming headsets from this manufacturer, but each has excellent sound;
6. Logitech. Headsets of the middle and top price segments are recommended for purchase. Others may provide insufficiently pleasant sound.
7. In the budget segment, the company Somic is also of interest.

Rating of the best low-cost gaming headphones

Sennheiser PC 8 USB

Rating: 4.9

Over-the-ear headset with fixed-mount microphone with stepped position adjustment. The microphone itself is equipped with a built-in noise cancellation system and therefore only captures the voice. Connects to a computer, as the name implies, via USB.

Since the headset was developed by Sennheiser, the sound is quite high – especially for its price segment. Other advantages include a microphone control panel located on the cable; wire 2 meters long; built-in sound chip; light weight and fairly high comfort.

The cable fits into the earbuds on both sides, which takes a little getting used to. But this further increases the reliability of the structure.

Due to the fact that these are on-ear headphones, there is no noise cancellation in the speakers. Therefore, external sounds penetrate the scene, and at high volume, others also hear the reproduced audio.

Advantages

• Noise cancellation system in the microphone;
• Good sound;
• Microphone control panel;

disadvantages

• Two-way cable connection;
• Open headphone design.

Somic G909

Rating: 4.8

Full-size headset with fixed microphone and stepless adjustment. The microphone is non-directional and without noise cancellation, so it captures not only the voice, but also the surrounding sounds. Computer connection via USB. One of the earphones has a volume control and a microphone mute button.

One of the most interesting features of gaming headphones is vibration mode. As the name implies, the headset vibrates slightly in some cases (for example, when shooting in a game), providing a deeper immersion in the gameplay. The driver simulates a 7.1 surround sound environment to create a surround scene.

The sound is voluminous, juicy, non-porous, but well-detailed. The bass is palpable, and with the vibration mode on, physically palpable.

The audio chip is its own, so the playback quality does not depend on the installed sound card or just its presence.

Advantages

• Vibration mode;
• Imitation of a volumetric scene 7.1.
• Good sound;

disadvantages

• Fixed omnidirectional microphone.

ASUS Cerberus

Rating: 4.7

Full-size headset with movable microphone. The microphone is omnidirectional, supports a wide frequency spectrum, with a mute button on the cable. Connection to a computer – via a combined linear (3.5 mm) jack. An adapter for two connectors and an extension cable are included. The microphone can be detached if necessary.

Gaming headphones are based on neodymium magnets, so they provide a rich and 'rich' sound with a bias towards low frequencies. Noise cancellation is passive, created by a closed design.

The design includes a rubber headband that gradually takes on a comfortable length. But this is a rather long process, so in the first couple of weeks of use, the headphones will put a little pressure on the head and the ears themselves. However, the headband will soon stretch to a comfortable state.

Advantages

• Good microphone;
• Ability to work with both old and new sound cards;
• Nice sound;

disadvantages

• Uncomfortable placement on the head.

The best mid-range gaming headphones

HyperX Cloud Core

Rating: 4.9

Full-size headset with a movable condenser directional microphone. The frequency spectrum to which it is sensitive is very wide – from 50 to 18000 Hz. This ensures accurate reproduction of intonation and voice characteristics. Connecting to a computer – through two linear (3.5 mm) connectors. The cable is fixed on one side.

Headphone impedance – 60 ohms. Therefore, they are not very suitable for use with mobile devices or Dualshock. But on the computer, they create a surround scene with a rich sound, which, as is characteristic of headphones with neodymium magnets, has a slight bias towards bass. Audio positioning is accurate, especially when used with a high quality sound card.

The ear pads are large, completely cover the auricle. The headband is soft. The speaker design is closed for passive noise cancellation. The headphones are comfortable and do not cause fatigue even after several hours of playing.

Advantages

• High quality microphone;
• High comfort;
• High quality sound;

disadvantages

• Desired discrete sound card.

Razer Kraken Pro

Rating: 4.9

Full-size headset with flexible directional microphone. The microphone has a fairly wide frequency range, good voice transmission. Connection to a computer – via a combined linear (3.5 mm) input, and an adapter for 2 connectors is included in the kit. The cable is not detachable.

The sound is dense, very energetic, dynamic. There is a bias in the bass, quite significant – in some cases, low frequencies are felt literally physically. However, this is common to all Razer headphones. The acoustic scene is pronounced, three-dimensional: in some cases it seems that the sound comes from a point 'somewhere in the head', in others – that it is 'from somewhere far away'.

The headband and ear pads are soft, but fit very tightly to the head. Closed speaker design, passive noise reduction. Due to the tight fit to the head, slight fatigue may occur after prolonged (5-7 hours in a row) use.

The headset should definitely be recommended to fans of dynamic games, music with a lot of bass, action movies. Due to the noticeable bias in low frequencies (without a dip in the middle and high), it creates a noticeable effect of presence.

Advantages

• Directional microphone;
• Perceptibly created scene;
• Assertive, driving sound;

disadvantages

• Extremely strong bass possible;
• Very tight fit of the headphones to the head.

HyperX Cloud

Rating: 4.8

Full-size headset with a flexible directional condenser microphone. The sensitivity range is 100-12000 Hz. Captures the voice well and most of the intonations. The microphone switch and volume control are on the cable. Connection via two linear (3.5 mm) connectors.

The sound is highly detailed. There is no special emphasis on certain frequencies. The scene is shallow, but every instrument is distinguishable. The direction of sound, which is important for games, is also available and very noticeable. The impedance of the headphones is 60 ohms, like other models from the Cloud series. Therefore, they should not be used with portable devices or, for example, Dualshock. A good sound card is the perfect complement to gaming headphones.

The headphones are perfect for multiplayer gamers. First, they are equipped with a quality microphone. And secondly, a very detailed sound stage is realized in them, which allows you to hear almost everything that is happening around.

The ear pads are large, the headband is soft. Therefore, the headphones are very comfortable and do not cause discomfort even when worn for a long time.

Advantages

• Large, comfortable headphones;
• Nice sound;
• High quality microphone;

disadvantages

• Desired discrete sound card.

The best high-end gaming headphones

Sennheiser G4ME ZERO

Rating: 4.9

Full-size headset with flexible directional microphone. The microphone is equipped with a noise reduction system, condenser, sensitivity 50-16000 Hz. The headset is connected to a computer using two linear (3.5 mm) connectors. The microphone is equipped with an automatic shutdown system – it turns off when it is raised.

Gaming headphones have a closed design and passive noise cancellation. The frequency range is the widest in its segment: 10-26000 Hz. There is a slight bias towards bass, which is characteristic of all Sennheiser headphones, but with proper equalizer settings, if necessary, you can get rid of it.

The cable is very long – 3 meters. Plus, the kit comes with an additional 1.2 meter cord. The impedance of the cable is 50 Ohm, so the headphones can be used with mobile devices, however, they can only fully 'open up' on a high-quality sound card or together with a high-quality amplifier.

The sound is superb, highly detailed, with a tangible 3D scene. Perfectly transmit speech. Perfect for playing games, listening to music, and watching movies.

The ear pads are large, soft. The headband is soft. The headphones are generally very comfortable, comfortable, do not create discomfort even with prolonged use or wearing with glasses. The package is huge – it also includes a hard shipping case.

Advantages

• Convenient to use, high quality microphone;
• Wearing comfort;
• Good sound;
• Long cable;
• Passive noise cancellation;

disadvantages

• Desired discrete sound card.

Creative Sound Blaster EVO ZxR

Rating: 4.8

Wireless headset with built-in omnidirectional microphone. Connected via Bluetooth, supports many high-quality audio technologies including aptX. Equipped with a built-in sound processor. Supports virtual surround sound including 7.1 scene creation.

The microphone supports proprietary technology CrystalVoice, which captures sounds only from the software created virtual acoustic zone. Therefore, the interlocutors hear only the speaker's voice. The technology is supported not only in games, but also during voice calls or even when activating mobile assistants.

The earbuds have built-in active noise canceling that can be turned off. The speakers are neodymium, wide, so there may be a slight bias towards the bass. The range of reproduced frequencies is wider than that perceived by the human ear, due to which the sound becomes tangible at the 'physical' level.

Headphones can be configured through a dedicated mobile app. The headset features an interesting TalkThrough technology, which allows you to talk to a person without removing the headphones.

In addition to Bluetooth, the headphones also support connection via a cable with a combined 3.5 mm jack (included) or via USB (also included).

Advantages

• Many ways to connect to a computer;
• Microphone with programmed acoustic zone and noise reduction;
• Support for aptX codec and other software sound enhancement technologies;

disadvantages

• To activate all functions of the headphones, you need to connect to Bluetooth;
• Headphones are configured via the smartphone app.

Rating of the best wireless gaming headphones

Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930

Rating: 4.8

Full-size headset with directional microphone. It is connected to a computer via a 2.4 GHz radio channel (it is important to take this into account so that, for example, there is no overlap from the Wi-Fi signal). Equipped with a full 7.1 out of 8 speakers with the option to turn off the Surround mode.

Condenser microphone with noise reduction system. Placed on a movable mount.

Gaming headphones have a built-in sound chip. This provides an excellent surround scene. There is no frequency skew, the sound is quite detailed, the bass is pleasant, not 'hollowing out'.

Advantages

• Full system 7.1, physical;
• Surround sound stage;
• Directional microphone;

disadvantages

• Only one antenna, so the transmitter signal can interfere with other 2.4 GHz waves (from a keyboard, mouse or router).

ASUS Strix Wireless

Rating: 4.7

Full-size headset with directional microphone. It is connected to a computer via a 2.4 GHz radio channel; the receiver has a compact size and does not need to be placed on a table. Equipped with a built-in sound chip and a program for its remote setting. Supports 7.1 virtual surround sound.

Wireless connection is provided by two antennas built into the headband. This allows you to compensate for interference even in 2.4GHz loaded environments – with multiple active Wi-Fi networks and simultaneous wireless mouse and keyboard connections, for example.

Additionally, the headphones support a wired connection, the necessary cables are included. However, Sound Tuning and Virtual Surround are only available when connected via radio to a computer.

Directional condenser microphone. Has a removable design. The mount is rigid, fixed.

The sound is detailed. There is a slight bias towards low frequencies.

Advantages

• Directional detachable condenser microphone;
• The presence of two antennas to protect against interference with other 2.4 GHz devices;
• Virtual Stage 7.1;
• Support for wired connection;

disadvantages

• Some features (such as software equalizer and 7.1 virtual stage) only work when connected wirelessly.

Which gaming headset to buy

1. When choosing a gaming headset, it is worth starting from the budget and the equipment used. So, for example, if the computer is not equipped with a high-quality discrete sound card, then it is better to pay attention to models with an integrated chip – wireless or having a USB connection.
2. But for computers with a discrete sound card of a high or even professional level, gaming headsets of the middle or top price segment are suitable.
3. Finally, for computers with an integrated mid-range or low-end sound card, it is better to use appropriate (budget) wired headphones. The top ones on such a route will still not be 'revealed', so there is no point in overpaying.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.