What to look for when buying - Which gaming headset? FAQ

1. Should I buy a wired or wireless gaming headset, or one with both connection types?

Historically, gamers have mostly opted for wired headsets. The reason for this was that until recently, wired headsets were considered better at delivering fast and stable audio signals than wireless headsets. Today, thanks to the introduction of faster 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi technology, wireless headsets can also transmit audio signals very quickly and with minimal interference.

Therefore, if you're a casual gamer and don't mind the very small risk that your audio might drop out, a wireless headset should be perfectly adequate for your needs. The main benefit is that you have much more freedom of movement while still being able to hear your game's audio output—something you don't have when you're tied down by cables.

However, if you're a serious gamer or esports enthusiast, you may want to avoid that small risk of signal loss or interference—even though that's less likely these days. When the stakes are high, a wired headset offers a little more security so you don't miss any important game moments, which could make all the difference in a hard-fought match.

If you can't decide, there are now headsets like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless that offer both wireless and wired functionality in one unit and can switch between those modes in under a minute. However, these headsets can be significantly more expensive, so be prepared to pay more for that versatility.

2. What else should I know about gaming headset connectivity?

Another thing to consider is what devices you want to connect, as wired and wireless headsets have different compatibilities. For example, most wired headsets connect to your computer via a USB-C connection, but unlike many wireless devices, some also have 3.5mm audio jacks, making them compatible with a wider range of devices—like smartphones, gaming consoles, and tablets.

Wireless devices, on the other hand, connect to your device via a USB-C dongle or Bluetooth connection, which limits the number of devices you can use to those that are Bluetooth compatible or have USB-C ports.

3. Why is comfort so important in a gaming headset?

While you may be able to forgo fancy styling, you should never buy a headset that makes you uncomfortable. That's because even a small amount of pressure or friction from wearing your headset can be extremely uncomfortable and can lead to neck pain, a rash, head pressure, or worse.

Also, pay close attention to product descriptions to make sure the manufacturer has prioritized comfort. Things to check off your checklist include:

a) The headset has a flexible band to minimize pressure and the band is height adjustable to fit your ears. There is enough padding on the ear cups and the material is hypoallergenic so it won't cause skin irritation.

b) The earcups are slightly rotatable as this ensures that they move with your head. If possible, you should avoid headsets that are too heavy or too tight as the extra weight and pressure will cause problems. When it comes to comfort, the more expensive headsets tend to perform better so again it can be a question of "paying more for more comfort".

4. What build quality and styling should I look for in a gaming headset?

Although wear and tear is an inevitable result of using a gaming headset, some headsets will hold up better to the rigors of gaming than others simply because they are made from sturdier materials. Ideally, you want a gaming headset with a metal frame and headband for durability, as plastic frames break easily. Metal bands also look more premium, so it's a win-win.

The padding for the headband and earcups can be made of leather, suede, synthetic leather, or foam. Leather and synthetic leather feel and look luxurious. They are also the most resistant to wear and tear, but these materials are not very breathable and can lead to sweaty ears during long gaming sessions. Foam is the opposite: it keeps the ears cool but breaks down faster. Suede is in between, keeping the ears relatively cool and is fairly resistant to wear and tear.

This is more of a general rule than an absolute law. If you prefer a material other than velour, you can buy sweat- or abrasion-resistant covers for your headset's earcups that will help them last longer. If your headphones do show signs of wear, some manufacturers offer the option to purchase and replace damaged parts. Replacing your earcups can freshen up the look and feel of your headset. But having a headset with replaceable cables can actually save you from having to buy a whole new set when the cables get frayed.

5. Is noise isolation important in a gaming headset?

How well your gaming headset isolates noise makes a big difference in sound quality. This is especially the case if you play first-person shooters (FPS), where external noise can make it harder to pinpoint the direction of sounds, like the footsteps of approaching enemies. In marketing materials, manufacturers often use terms like active noise cancellation (ANC) and passive noise isolation, but these terms mean very different things. Here's a quick definition of each:

a) Passive noise isolation: How well a headset can block external noise simply by creating a physical noise-blocking barrier over your ears.

b) Active Noise Cancellation: A technology built into your gaming headset that actively blocks or filters ambient noise so that the sound you hear is as clear as possible.

If possible, you'll want a headset that offers both passive noise isolation and ANC, as these noise-blocking measures both have benefits. Passive noise isolation tends to be better at blocking higher-frequency noise, while ANC is more effective at blocking low-frequency noise—like background noise and traffic noise. How well ANC and passive noise isolation work can vary greatly between headsets, so it's worth doing some research to find a headset that fits the bill.

6. Why is surround sound important for a gaming headset?

Of all the technology built into gaming headsets, this one arguably offers the biggest tactical advantage for gamers. Surround sound headsets use spatial audio technologies like Dolby Atmos to create a 360-degree soundscape. Multiple speakers deliver sound to different positions in each ear cup, telling your brain the exact location in your games.

If you play FPS games like Overwatch, Fortnite, or any of the Call of Duty or Battlefield games, this can have real real-time benefits, like being able to hear players sneaking up from behind or determining the direction of rolling grenades so you can react accordingly. It's a technology that takes a little getting used to, but once you get used to it, it can be a real game-changer.

Headsets with surround sound technologies tend to be expensive, so don't worry if they're out of your budget. Most headsets also come with decent stereo that still does a good job of conveying the general direction of sounds.