Gaming headset test 2021

Good sound is often underestimated, but the headset can be decisive when it comes to gaming. Above all, a suitable gaming headset provides the necessary feeling of being right in the middle of things. GIGA presents the best headsets in different price ranges and categories and also explains what you have to pay attention to before buying.

Gaming headsets 2021: all recommendations at a glance

The best gaming headsets: This is how we chose

The selection of gaming headsets is gigantic and therefore it is anything but easy to always keep an overview. It starts with the type of connection: cable or wireless? Which consoles should the headset be compatible with besides the PC? Not to mention the numerous additional functions such as RGB lighting, special software or virtual surround sound.

We have therefore consciously chosen models for models that on the one hand cover the broadest possible price range and are just as versatile in their respective purposes. In order to give you the best possible overview, in addition to our own experience, we also included external user opinions in our decision. You can find more information about our purchase advice in the article “This is how we advise”.

Buying a gaming headset: you should know that beforehand

Wired or wireless?

Both variants have clear advantages and disadvantages: A wired headset is always ready to use and works with almost any device that has a corresponding 3.5 mm jack plug or USB port. For this, your freedom of movement is severely restricted. With wireless models, on the other hand, you can move around completely freely and, depending on the application, you can also play comfortably from the bed or sofa.

The biggest disadvantage here is the limited battery life, which can vary greatly depending on the headset. While some models promise a runtime of up to 100 hours, others have to be charged in less than 20 hours. Price is also a factor, as high-quality wireless headsets are usually a lot more expensive than comparable wired models. In addition, wireless gaming headsets are not always suitable for every platform – so pay attention to the compatibility of the respective headset with the PS5 / PS4, Xbox Series X / One, Nintendo Switch or PC when buying.

The right construction: closed or open?

As a rule, you will almost exclusively find gaming headsets headsets that completely enclose your ears and, thanks to their closed design, isolate a large part of the outside noise. This makes sense when gaming, as you can concentrate fully on what is happening in the game. In addition, such gaming headsets are usually a lot more bass-heavy, which makes for more powerful explosions and the like, especially in action games. However, this design also has disadvantages: The headsets are overall a bit heavier and due to the low air permeability you tend to sweat under the headset even more. Especially in summer temperatures it can quickly get warmer than you would like.

What should I do with the old headset? In our Video you can find out how to dispose of electronics properly:

Now the question may arise, why should you opt for a headset with an open design at all? Basically, it depends on your personal preferences, but headphones of this type often offer a significantly better spatial representation and a more open sound. The increased air permeability is another advantage. In addition, you may find it more pleasant to talk to your colleagues if you are not completely shielded from the outside world. So, before making a purchase, all of these factors should be considered accordingly.

Surround sound: do I really need it?

Anyone who has ever enjoyed a 5.1 or 7.1 sound system will probably be reluctant to return to stereo sound. This is precisely why numerous manufacturers advertise rich 7.1 surround sound in headset format. There is a sound card in the gaming headset for this purpose, so that the effect can then be simulated using software – but the simulation can only keep up with “real” surround sound in very few cases. In addition, for the virtual surround sound a USB port is required. So if you already have a separate sound card or an amplifier, you will not be able to use both in combination.

In most cases, virtual surround sound is only worthwhile with higher-priced headsets, as the hardware required for a realistic simulation is only installed there. Alternatively, you can opt for one external amplifier decide with a built-in sound card – such as the EPOS Sennheiser GSX 300. An audio amplifier can be worthwhile for completely different reasons.

Combination devices with built-in “digital-to-analog converters” (DAC) can considerably increase the sound quality. However, it only really pays off if you have the appropriate quality headphones. The FiiO EK10 Olympus 2 represents an affordable entry point that I have been using privately for several years.

Which additional functions do I need?

Gaming headsets have long since become more than just headphones with a built-in microphone: Special software, virtual surround sound, additional controls or customizable RGB lighting allow you to tailor your audio experience to your individual needs. Admittedly, not all functions are equally important, but there are some practical features that you should consider when buying a gaming headset.

Some models have interchangeable ear pads and detachable microphones. So your headset always fits perfectly and you can use it as regular headphones when you are out and about. You also want to be able to mute yourself or adjust the volume as quickly as possible? For this purpose, control elements are located on the cable or the auricle, which allow you to control the microphone or the volume at the push of a button. Everything else like RGB lighting or additional software then again depends on your preferences.

Which gaming headset is right for me?

That primarily depends on which devices you primarily want to use your headset on. While wired gaming headsets are compatible with almost all common platforms, the situation is different with wireless models. In order to make the choice a little easier for you, we present different scenarios below:

• your occasionally plays with friends and would like to be able to communicate on the side? In such a case, an inexpensive wired headset would be the best choice. Wired models are usually much cheaper than wireless ones and they also work on almost any device that has a corresponding 3.5 mm jack or USB plug.
• You mainly play shooters or the like and want to experience every explosion up close as well as hear your opponent’s every step? Here it is worth investing in a higher quality pair of headphones to ensure the most immersive gaming experience possible. It could also be worth considering investing in a headset or corresponding amplifier with 7.1 surround sound. If you don’t mind regular charging, a wireless headset would also be a possible alternative.
• Yours is not only good sound important, but just as important clear intelligibility? Since gaming headsets in the lower price ranges usually only have mediocre microphones, you have to dig a little deeper into your pocket here. The better alternative in this case would be to buy a separate microphone and then the right headphones. The operation is then a bit more complicated, but you get significantly more (voice) quality for your money.