If you game, you have a headset. If you take part in conference calls or online schooling, you have a headset. They have become one of the most versatile and necessary PC peripherals, and are vital in most console gaming too. HyperX, ROCCAT and Razer are just some of the brands we have looked at this year, and we have plenty to look forward to in 2022.
Here are CGMs nominees for Best Headset 2021/22:
HyperX Cloud II Wireless Headset
Writer: Zubi Khan
Score: 8.5
Price: $139.99
Aside from its wireless nature, the HyperX Cloud II is largely unchanged from its wired predecessor. The headset exterior features a standard black frame, accented by energetic crimson red metallic bands that evoke the same design language found within the HyperX logo itself. The red accents continue through the headband of the headset, in an understated and tasteful stitch pattern that helps bring the look of the device together.
Audio quality is fantastic, particularly with its 7.1 virtual audio drivers that deliver 3D audio capabilities, making it great for use with the PlayStation 5 and Windows PC (the headset also works great on the Nintendo Switch). Titles such as Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time, Demon’s Souls and Astro’s Playroom all take advantage of the HyperX Cloud II’s 3D audio feature set, giving a more immersive experience with a more nuanced sense of where specific sounds are emanating from in relation to the action on-screen.
The Hyperx Cloud II Wireless features a sleek and attractive design and quality that should appeal to both core players and those looking for something a bit more practical.
Roccat Elo Air 7.1 Headphones
Writer: Steven Green
Score: 8.5
Price: $99.99
Gaming has never been better with the peripherals available to make each and every player’s experience as high in quality as possible. ROCCAT is one of those makers pushing things farther than some, and the ROCCAT Elo Air 7.1 Headphones are something to marvel at. With one of the more universal fits on the market, as well as high-quality sound and microphone output, you won’t find many headsets that outdo what this one can do—pound for pound.
Additionally, while the design is perfect for comfort and universal wearing among consumers, it does leave the headset feeling a bit flimsy, which could be an issue for any players who are rough on the headset in the long-term. Otherwise, I can’t recommend this headset enough for those out there looking for a more premium, wireless option on the market, even if Bluetooth would be nice.
Even with some durability concerns, the ROCCAT Elo Air 7.1 Headset offers quality sound and features that make it a great option for those in the market for a new gaming headset.
Razer Barracuda X Headset
Writer: Brendan Frye
Score: 9
Price: $99.99
Let’s start off with the design of the Barracuda X. If you ever had the pleasure of enjoying the Razer Opus, you will have a basic idea of what these new headphones offer. The Razer Barracuda X delivers a sleek, minimalistic design that is built to be worn all day. While I have a sense of nostalgia for the Kraken, I do like a headset that feels comfortable when I am gaming for hours on end, and it seems Razer has nailed that balance.
Razer has been taking audio seriously, and the Barracuda X is another example of this attention to sound. While there are more expensive headphones on the market, and many that offer more power, few strike the balance of audio fidelity, comfort, and price that the Barracuda X managed to hit. If you are a lover of gaming, but not a fan of “gamer” looks in audio, give the Barracuda X a try, you may have just found your new favorite pair of headphones.
The Barracuda X Wireless Headphones Are the Latest Headphones That Prove Razer Is Becoming a Force to Be Reckoned With on and Off the Digital Battlefield.
Creative SXFI Gamer Headset
Writer: Brock McLaughlin
Score: 9
Price: $99.99
The Creative SXFI Gamer headphones are relatively cost effective and come with a whole slew of buzzwordy features like Super X-Fi holographic audio technology. This headset offers USB-C, USB Type-A and 3.5-mm analogue connectivity. It also has a CommanderMic microphone making it a real powerhouse for talking with your friends and foes online.
For this price it can’t be beat. It’s an incredible headset with top-notch sound quality and a killer microphone. If you want to play around with the app and all the bells and whistles, you’re in for a real treat. This isn’t a simple pick up and use headset, and you’d be missing out on a lot of the key features if you never looked into all the things you can do with it.
Overlooking the RGB lighting this is an incredible headset for gamers who don’t mind fiddling with features.
Audeze Penrose X Headset (Winner)
Writer: Lane Martin
Score: 9.5
Price: $299
Not to be confused with the more concise Audeze Penrose, which will work with Sony consoles, the Nintendo Switch, PCs and Macs, the Audeze Penrose X is geared toward Microsoft consoles and Windows PCs. Appropriately, the Audeze Penrose X sports a brand identifiable coloured stripe along the ear cuffs so you know what to use it with. These headsets even support both Android and iOS operating systems so you can flex on friends and family during innocuous phone calls, if you so desire.
Now, this isn’t just a pretty set of speakers; there is some impressive tech in this headset. Audeze touts it’s planar magnetic driver technology as the new standard for clarity and detail as well as high powered Fluxor magnet arrays and Uniforce voice coils to reduce any sort of sound distortion. The attachable microphone is noted as “Broadcast quality,” and the internal batteries should give you about 15 hours of juice after a 3 hour charging period. Additionally, an included dongle allows these little monsters to connect wirelessly via a 2.4 low-latency connection.
The Audeze Penrose X Provides High Quality Gaming Audio at a High Price With a Few Minor Issues.
