The best wired or wireless gaming headsets to buy
-
Loading... - Mary Campbell
- 13 Apr 2022
- 332 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
If you’re shopping for a gaming headset in 2022, you have a lot of options. While there are some great ones out there, it’s easy to pay too much, to accidentally purchase a headset that doesn’t work with your desired console or platform, or to get one that’s uncomfortable after a few hours of use. Knowing a thing or two about headphones might aid in your search, but gaming headsets have only gotten more complicated to shop for — especially the wireless ones.
For instance, wireless headsets made for Xbox operate via Microsoft’s proprietary wireless protocol. They’ll only work on Xbox consoles or a PC that has one of Microsoft’s Xbox Wireless Adapters plugged in, in most cases. Conversely, if you get a multiplatform wireless headset that includes a 2.4GHz wireless USB dongle, it’ll likely work on the likes of the PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch (when plugged into the console’s TV dock), and PC — but not Xbox. In short, it’s best to buy the headset that mentions support for your preferred platform(s) explicitly (or just buy a wired gaming headset instead).
This guide focuses mostly on newer options that you’re likely to encounter at stores as opposed to older models that, while possibly still being worthy of your money, are often tougher to find affordably and easily online. Also, just to mention it at the top, I have a large-ish head, and that factor obviously played a major role in how I judge the comfort of these headsets.
You’ll find a few categories below, including the best multiplatform wireless headsets that are compatible with PC, PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch via its dock (and likely more products than that), the best Xbox wireless gaming headsets, the best PlayStation wireless gaming headsets, and the best wired gaming headsets that support the widest variety of platforms, from console controllers to phones, tablets, and VR headsets that feature a 3.5mm headphone jack.
BEST MULTIPLATFORM WIRELESS GAMING HEADSET: LOGITECH G435 LIGHTSPEED ($79)
Compatible with PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch (via its dock)
For some time now, Logitech has been on the cusp of making a gaming headset that’s good enough for console gamers, mobile gamers, and PC gamers alike. It has finally nailed the balancing act with its new $79.99 (sometimes cheaper) G435 wireless gaming headset. While this headset likely won’t satisfy most enthusiasts because of its lack of a boom microphone (it utilizes beamforming microphones) and its minimal noise isolation, that doesn’t take away from the G435 being a lightweight and comfortable delight to use.
The G435 ships with a USB-A audio transmitter and is compatible with most platforms that have that port, including PCs, PlayStation consoles, and the Nintendo Switch’s dock. It isn’t compatible with Xbox, though. I’ve also had success using a USB-A to USB-C adapter to plug it into my Oculus Quest 2, MacBook Pro, and other devices.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23001470/akrales_211109_4870_0299.jpg)
The G435’s killer feature (aside from its broad compatibility and comfort) is its Bluetooth mode, which lets you connect to a phone so you can remain available to accept calls while you use the headset for something else via the 2.4GHz transmitter. You can also just use them as standard headphones via Bluetooth. It’s far from the first device to combine Bluetooth with 2.4GHz wireless, but the G435’s lightweight design makes it an easier companion to carry around and use for work and play.
The G435 headset is an evolution of the made-for-PC G733’s design but without the futuristic LEDs. Like the G733, it utilizes breathable ear pads, though its plastic headband is wrapped in a layer of fabric. Speaking of plastic, that’s mostly what you’ll find here. This isn’t a robust headset with steel-reinforced arms, like many of our other options below. Yet, when it’s on your head, it’s comfortable enough that you might just forget about that little detail.
The ear cups are mounted to rails that extend from the headband, letting you easily move them around until you find the right fit. And even though one look at its advertising should tell you that these were built for a younger generation, my large head fits comfortably within the range of the G435’s sizing. There’s no annoying clamping, and these are extremely lightweight, so fatigue wasn’t something that I encountered.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23001471/akrales_211109_4870_0311.jpg)
Sound quality is better than I expected for the price, and I often found myself picking these up just to listen to music. They’re also fine for gaming, though they lack the hearty low-end sound and noise isolation you might be looking for (especially if you game competitively). Generally, if you’re in the market for a lightweight wireless gaming headset that costs no more than $80 (again, it’s often cheaper than this) and has a good number of features and broad compatibility, check out the G435.
A RUNNER-UP: EPOS H3PRO HYBRID ($279)
Compatible with PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch (via its dock)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23001463/akrales_211109_4870_0115.jpg)
The Epos H3Pro Hybrid is a new favorite if you’re okay with spending a little more on a gaming headset. At $279, this wireless model supports 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth concurrently, like the G435 Lightspeed above. However, in several ways, it’s a huge upgrade in terms of comfort, overall build quality, thoughtful design, and sound quality — all while still remaining relatively lightweight at about 311 grams.
It’s actually similar in appearance and comfort to the company’s more affordable H3 Hybrid wired headset, which includes Bluetooth support in addition to its wired connection. But the H3Pro Hybrid cuts the cord (the option for wired is still there, though) and adds other capabilities that make it worth the price hike.
Notably, the H3Pro Hybrid features a switch that toggles active noise cancellation and further reduces the amount of incoming noise from your surroundings. The thick, plush ear cups already do a good job at limiting noise as it is, and ANC takes it a step further. It’s difficult to hear much of anything around you when the sound-dampening feature is on, so gamers who need to focus closely on positional sounds should find these to be a great companion (not to mention how handy the feature is for just filtering out noise to focus on work).
Outside of that, the H3Pro Hybrid makes good on its price by nailing the fundamentals. The steel-reinforced headband feels strong and flexible, and it offers a staggering amount of sizing options, going far beyond the size that my large head requires. The ear cups clamp down just tightly enough to make a seal with your skin, and there’s a generous amount of padding at the headband to keep it from weighing you down.
Battery life is good. These support USB-C charging, and with ANC on, they can last around 20 hours per charge or more than 30 hours with ANC off.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23001461/akrales_211109_4870_0072.jpg)
They sound good out of the box, but the Epos gaming suite software for Windows is necessary for tweaking the equalizer and other sound and mic settings. With a little fine-tuning, I was able to achieve my preferred sound reproduction of somewhere between warm and a reference sound, with just a little bass to give it some pep. The drivers are punchy and balanced, and in addition to gaming, these are a joy to listen to music with. They look, feel, and sound like premium headphones should in this price range. Read More...
