A good gaming headset is a great tool if you are looking forward to having an amazing experience. It even gets better if you play as a team, as you can communicate with others in real time.
Sometimes, you need to listen to the sounds and words in your game to know the next cause of action. You might also enjoy the sounds that come with a victory round.
Getting the best gaming headsets is not that easy if you don’t know what to look for. Here are some of the things to consider when selecting one.
Platform consideration
Gaming has evolved, and you can now play on gaming consoles, your PC, or even your portable devices like smartphones or tablets. You must ensure that the gaming headset you are about to pick is compatible with your platform.
For a start, a gaming headset with a 3.5mm connection is compatible with most gaming devices. You can also select one that comes with a variety of connectors that make it easy to switch from one device to another. Sometimes, you might need a converter or adapters to make gaming headsets work on some devices.
Wired vs wireless
Wired headsets
Wired headsets use a 3.5mm jack or USB ports to connect to the gaming device. The length of the connecting cable will determine your sitting position as you use wired headsets. Wired headsets are generally affordable and come packed with various features. They are especially loved by those who don’t want to keep on checking if their headsets have enough charge to take them through games.
Wireless headsets
Wireless headsets connect to the gaming device using a wireless dongle or Bluetooth technology. They come with rechargeable batteries that you can charge using USB ports. However, you must ensure you are in range to connect wireless headsets with gaming devices.
Even though wireless headsets can be more expensive than their wired equivalents, you don’t need to win any casino jackpots to afford to buy them. Such gaming devices can be as cheap as $100 or up to thousands of dollars, depending on build quality, features, and brand.
Build quality
The materials used to build the wireless headset will determine its durability. The ideal pieces should be made of quality materials that are also comfortable for your ears. Artificial leather and fabric are the most used materials for building gaming headsets.
Fabric headsets typically have a lot of breathable mesh, making them ideal for long gaming hours. Leather pieces, on the other hand, are built to last and also provide noise cancellation. However, they might become uncomfortable when it is hot and you play for longer hours.
Checking reviews can help you determine if the headsets you are eyeing are comfortable.
Noise-cancelling
Some games demand that you listen to what is happening, take instructions, and know the next cause of action. Outside noise can affect the quality of your gaming experience. This is true, especially when you are gaming in an area with a lot of activities. It even gets worse when the gaming area is not sound-proofed.
Gaming headsets can either have Active Noise Canceling or Passive Noise Isolation techniques. ANC is a technology that actively filters background noise, resulting in better and clearer audio quality. Passive Noise Isolation blocks noise from the surroundings using physical features.
Sound output options
Another important consideration is the source of the sounds or how they are presented. A gaming headset can have stereo, virtual surround, or 3D dimensional sounds.
- Stereo sound: This produces sounds from the right and left years.
- Virtual surround: This alters the sound to make it appear as if it is coming from different speakers in different locations.
- 3D Sound/Spatial: This advanced technology makes it sound like the sounds are coming where they should be in real life. If you are playing action games, spatial sounds will make it sound like you are on a real battlefield.
Conclusion
We believe you now know what to consider when selecting your next gaming device. We can also recommend you check out our list of best headsets in 2024. Remember that paying attention to things like build quality and noise cancellation will determine whether you enjoy your next game, irrespective of whether you are a professional or recreational player. Paying a few extra bucks for a proper headset and investing some time in research will pay off and offer you the optimal gaming experience.
