10 best gaming headphones

*Editor’s review of the best. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective, it is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to purchase. It is absolutely necessary to consult with an expert before buying.

When it comes to selecting game hardware, novice gamers often focus their attention on performance – the CPU, the graphics card, and more. But experienced gamers, especially those who have dealt with real eSports games, will confirm that in serious gaming accessories also play an important role. This even applies to headphones – sound detail, localization, range coverage is guaranteed to affect whether or not an opponent can get close to you undetected, whether or not you recognize any other threat.

The editorial team of Expertology magazine has prepared for you an overview of the most worthy and in-demand models of gaming headphones available on the Russian market in the first half of 2021.

Why these models are best

The market for computer accessories is literally enormous, and even if you narrow the corridor of choice to headphones, which without any reservations can be considered a gaming, it is still possible to “get lost” in this variety. Our experts have defined some criteria for selection and rating.

During the selection process, a team of experienced marketing and technical experts worked in close consultation with eSports professionals. The best models were selected in several stages. We took into account the results of our own tests, opinions of independent experts and testers.

From the list of pre-selected models, Further selection was based on the consolidated opinion of domestic testers and foreign colleagues from respected industry and consumer communities. For example, we compared our own conclusions with the opinions of experts from the well-known thematic magazine PC Magazine, a specialized publication for gamers PC Gamer, the consumer community TechAdvisor and, of course, the well known resource TechRadar.

The final phase of selection as a criterion implied taking into account the opinion of the last and most important instance – the users themselves. We have carefully studied a lot of positive and negative feedback from users on the largest domestic and foreign trading platforms. This allowed us to make conclusions about the long-term performance of this or that model and finally form a selection of the best ones.

How to choose a gaming headphones

Now here are some quick tips on what to look for when choosing the right headphone model for your gaming needs. Here we also present what domestic and foreign experts consider to be the most important criteria. In particular, much of what follows is recommended by Consumers Union (USA), one of the largest consumer protection societies in the world, which has over 6 million active members.

Form Factor and Comfortable Fit

The most obvious in all senses that distinguishes headphones in principle is the form factor. There are miniature in-channel “earplugs,” and there are massive full-size headphones with cups that completely cover your ears. The intermediate variant is the overhead.

In view of the absence of clear standards in this matter, no one forbids the manufacturers to label as gaming even normal “earmolds”, which, by definition, can not provide proper sound characteristics. From the gaming in such models can be only the design.

That’s why in this review we didn’t consider any half-measures and took into consideration only full-size headphones. Any gamer will confirm that it is the only variant that can create the most believable scene, provide audibility of the slightest rustle and give the feeling of deep immersion and involvement in the game.

Separately, a little clarification – we’re talking about PC or console gameplay here. For mobile gaming on smartphones and tablets, of course, the requirements and expectations are completely different, and there just full-size “monsters” will be completely irrelevant and superfluous.

“Wire” or “wireless.”

For all the seemingly obvious advantages of wireless headphones, when it comes to serious gameplay, these advantages do not look so convincing anymore. It’s all about latency, interference and distortion, which any wireless connection is by definition more prone to than a wired one. The slightest manifestation of this phenomenon can be fatal and catastrophic during a serious eSports competition.

On the other hand, if you like to play more for your own not too exacting entertainment, in this case you don’t need to get additional wires.

A definite alternative and compromise here can be a variant of headphones with both types of connection and with detachable cord. Bluetooth 5 is an excellent audio interface for PCs and headphones, which means more bandwidth and higher sound quality.

Control

The positive thing about full-size headphones is also that on their body you can place several controls at once, which greatly simplifies the life of the user. This can be a volume control, a microphone mute button, active noise cancelling on/off, and anything else. Here you can choose according to your own feelings and needs, but there is a choice.

Sound quality and performance

A very broad formulation, in which we combine a whole list of technical parameters: the coverage of the frequency range, the presence of active noise cancellation, impedance (impedance), the ratio of harmonic distortion, and more. These points we will deal with in the descriptions of each model, if in this or that case it will make sense to pay attention to such moments.

In general, the reviewed models in one way or another provide sound that will suit most users. More demanding gamers can immediately pay attention to the selection of premium headsets.

Microphone

A point wittingly or unwittingly neglected by beginners. The fact is that today’s games mostly take place online, and the player interacts with live people, just like himself. Accordingly, in the course of the game you often need to actively communicate by voice with team members. Therefore, even with the best quality headphones a bad microphone can make this or that model unsuitable for serious gameplay.

Soundproofing

And one more thing that matters more to the people around you, but also to the gamer himself. Full-size (and not only) headphones come in two different acoustic designs – closed and open. Here it should be understood as the degree of sound penetration to the outside.

Open type headphones are specially created with holes on the outside, covered by grilles or other design elements. This is done in order to reduce the pressure on the hearing organs without loss of volume and timbre. An extremely important point when it comes to multi-hour gaming sessions. Side effect – all what happens in the game with shooting, explosions and shouting will be heard by the household, and it will sooner or later drive them mad.

Closed type headphones do not have this disadvantage, the sound is quite isolated. But your ears are under serious strain, which pretty quickly becomes simply debilitating. So the choice should be guided by the situation – is it possible to have complete privacy to play.

Best gaming headphones

Best inexpensive gaming headphones

Although in the gaming “iron” quite organically and naturally look high price tags, many potential buyers are ready to play with pleasure, but not at all ready to splurge and pay for the headphones, as for not the worst smartphone. Especially if we are not talking about fighting for the title of champion in eSports. It is for this category of users we have chosen three extremely affordable models.

If we compare with the view of our foreign colleagues, the same TechAdvisor consider all gaming headphones cheaper than 100 pounds (about 140 U.S. dollars) to be budget. Understanding the realities of the Russian market and the capabilities of the “average” buyer, we have significantly lowered the bar.

CROWN MICRO CMGH-21 01

Rating: 4.4

Traditionally, let’s start with the “cheapest among the cheapest” option. This is a simple and uncomplicated headset, which is a full-size headset with a microphone. Nothing pronounced about the Crown Micro brand. It’s not a no-name, because the range of products is quite wide and the brand itself is recognizable. But this is certainly not a top manufacturer. The competitiveness of the product is ensured by the combination of good quality and very affordable prices.

Actually, this is one of the main advantages of this model, and users often point out in their reviews that CROWN MICRO CMGH-21 01 is a rare example of cheap gaming headphones, which few other models can compete with the combination of performance and cost.

But the price is not the only thing that makes this headset good. Here we can see quite good objective data. The headphones are closed type, full size, covering a frequency range from 20 to 20 thousand. Hertz. A surprisingly good noise-canceling microphone. “Surprisingly”, because in this price category the manufacturers most often throw all their efforts to provide at least an acceptable sound, and the microphone part is worked out on the residual principle.

Another nice surprise is that the cord in this model is not just long, high quality and detachable. It is also enclosed in a solid braid, and it’s not typical for budget headphones.

And that’s not all. In this model, the manufacturer has provided a built-in sound card. This “default” for many users may seem like an indisputable advantage, but it is not all so clear-cut. For those users that have the most ordinary integrated sound card “without pretensions” it is certainly an advantage. But for those, who have discrete sound card and a good one, it is more of a minus. On the other side, a user who is ready to pay a sum of money for a discrete sound card is unlikely to buy the cheapest headphones, so this combination is unlikely.

From Yandex user review.Market with “Level 4 Gadget Inspector” status: “Good sound in games, very pleased with 3D. Very long cord, long distance to the control unit. Overall impressions are top notch. In my opinion, the best model in its price segment”.

Advantages

• not bad sound in all demanded ranges;
• quality microphone;
• Built-in sound card;
• A 3 meter braided cord;
• Comfortable fit (not on the big head);
• The most affordable price in the selection.

Disadvantages

• it is impossible to switch off the backlight on the microphone;
• hot not “breathing” ear cushions.

SVEN AP-U980MV

Rating: 4.6

The second number we will consider the headset of well-known to all Finnish-Russian manufacturer. SVEN trade mark has been present in CIS markets for many years and is respected for its combination of high quality of all possible accessories and accompanying computer peripherals at very affordable prices.

The technological profile of the headset is very close to the above model. These are also full-size closed-type headphones with a good quality nonremovable microphone, built-in sound chip and approximately the same sound characteristics. Headphones are connected via USB, which is a big plus for some users and a minus for others.

The differences here are noticeable both in positive and negative way, but without any pronounced negative. The slightly lower upper bar of 16k frequency band coverage. Hz practically no one will notice, and the lower threshold is the same here – 20 Hz, and this is already quite normal bass. The diaphragm is exactly the same – 50 mm, so the volume reserve without distortion will also be quite decent.

But where these headphones clearly win over the previous model is in the design, and especially in the backlighting. On the outside of the bowls is made decoration in the style of high-tech or even cyberpunk, from the inside shimmering with different colors backlighting. Such visuals are important for those gamers who stream gamers – for the viewer, an additional spectacle factor.

The only thing – you can not turn off the backlight, and the headphones do not go into standby mode when inactive, as it do, for example, computer mice with backlight.

Users in their reviews positively comment on the sound quality of the headset, including the microphone, and many like the comfortable fit of the balls, quality sound insulation. Almost everybody is happy with the design, but there is a noticeable percentage of complaints about the non-switching backlighting. Many users point out that the headset is quite “delicate” and is highly undesirable to drop or use carelessly. Not the most sturdy plastic, especially in the joints.

Advantages

• Clear sound with good bass;
• Built-in sound card chip;
• A high-quality microphone;
• the cord is in a fabric braid;
• microphone switching off on the housing;
• design, decor and backlighting.

Disadvantages

• weak plastic joints;
• You can not turn off the backlight.

ASUS TUF Gaming

Rating: 4.8

Starts the “average price” selection of the best gaming headphones super popular model Cloud Stinger black brand HyperX. This is the “internal” brand of the famous American manufacturer – Kingston Technology. This model balances between average and budget price segments and partly for the same reason it is one of the most bought and discussed.

In this case we’ll make an original move and say that the main advantage is not the sound. The whole point is that this model collects in the masses literally rave reviews from users in terms of a comfortable fit and comfort for many hours of use. Here the secret is in several things, such as rigidity of the headband, well-designed shape of the cups, optimal upholstery material and so on. But the deciding factor here is the filling – HyperX’s own proprietary, high-quality foam, which has shape memory properties.

Now back to the sound characteristics after all. It’s a closed headphone, too, like all the previous ones. Bandwidth is a little wider than any of the described budget models – from 18 to 23 Hz. microphone is fixed, with noise cancelling, the range – from 50 to 18 thousand. Hz. Diaphragm size is similar – 50 mm. Connection is via two mini jack 3 plugs.5mm. Headphone cable length 1.3 m, but there is also an extension cable 1.7 m.

The materials are of very good quality, but the plastic parts are rather brittle, so it is undesirable to drop the headset when it is subjected to shock loads. The design is discreet, but stylish and nice.

From Yandex user review.Market with “Level 6 Gadget Inspector” status: “Amazing comfort, you can sit in them all day without pain in the head and ears, and nothing sweats. Reliable – yes, the cups rotate, but don’t dangle when removed. The relative compactness”.

Advantages

• Extremely comfortable and comfortable fit for hours of wear;
• Expressive sound, you can clearly see the difference compared to budget models;
• connection – 2 mini jack 3 plugs.5 mm;
• High-quality software emulation Surround;
• One of the most purchased headsets in the review;
• discreet but stylish design.

Disadvantages

• Rather fragile design – it is highly undesirable to drop;
• partial “leakage” of sound to the outside.

Razer Kraken 2019

Rating: 4.7

Continuing this part of the review is a headset, which is only slightly more expensive than the previous one, but it is all the more pleasing, because we are dealing with the brand Razer. It’s one of the most innovative companies in the world of gaming electronics and accessories. It was founded by two avid gamers, who were categorically dissatisfied with what the market had to offer to gamers at the time. And pretty quickly they became the standard setters in the industry.

The headphones are different from the above model, even in terms of “pure” technical characteristics regarding sound parameters. But to begin with the secondary points, which in the long run do not look so secondary. Above all, it’s ergonomics. Users and experts alike say that these are probably the most comfortable headphones in this price range.

Indeed, this headset was designed by people who understand exactly how passionate video gamers feel. The shape of the cups, the size, the degree of rigidity of the aluminum headband core – all this is deeply thought out and intelligently calculated. The upholstery is fabric, not eco leather like on many even the most expensive headphones. The breathable fabric upholstery benefits any player who’s spent hours playing a game. There is even a notch for glasses.

But now, however, about the sound, especially since there are ambiguities on this part. The range of frequencies is even wider than in the above model – from 12 to 28 thousand. Hz. The sensitivity is very high – 109dB. Directional noise-canceling microphone with coverage from 100 to 10 thousand. Hz. Sound isolation, according to many experts and users, is almost perfectly balanced.

Sound in games supported by proprietary software amazes with details, accuracy of localization, realistic scenes. It creates the effect of deep involvement and presence, when the player forgets about everything in the world, so true acoustic environment is created. This is greatly helped by the multi-channel audio support 7.1 and additional software effects.

And here we should warn readers that these headphones are almost strictly for gaming. If you want a universal headset that will give you a decent sound in the game, and when watching movies, and listening to music, it’s better to look for another option. Everything is geared for gameplay and in the game the sound is just right, maybe a little too much bass. I also love watching movies with these headphones. But they are not suitable for listening to music.

Advantages

• The legendary manufacturer;
• cloth padding;
• Perfect detail and scene in games;
• high quality surround sound;
• high sensitivity;
• perfect sound balance.

Disadvantages

• the gaming specialization in terms of sound character.

SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless black

Rating: 4.8

Next we will take a look at two models produced by the Danish company SteelSeries, well known for their quality gaming accessories. The first will be the younger, but very interesting in its characteristics model of the Arctis series.

The first thing that makes these headphones interesting is the fact that they are wireless. The connection is made through the included communicator, which plugs into the USB Type-C port, then the headphones are detected, linked and synchronized automatically. For connecting to PCs or laptops that don’t have a USB Type-C socket, it comes with a USB Type-A adapter.

The second important advantage of this model echoes the previous headset: the exceptionally comfortable fit. The headphones don’t really feel, and you can spend many hours playing without any discomfort.

From the quality of communication between the headphones and the communicator connected to the sound source, ambiguous impressions. If the communicator is in direct line of sight, everything works like clockwork – fast, clear, without delay. But any obstacle brings dissonance to this harmonious harmony – it’s enough to cover the communicator with your hand to make the connection already unstable. For the conditions of a stationary gaming station it is not relevant. But given the fact that the kit is literally “sharpened” to be able to connect to a smartphone, listening to music can be difficult. So here we see another parallel with the Razer Kraken 2019 – the headphones are optimized for gaming and only for gaming.

Let’s briefly go over the key specifications. The frequency range is from 20 to 20 thousands decibels. Hz, sensitivity – 98 dB. Directional microphone with noise cancellation. The microphone with a loop does not go anywhere, but it is detachable and can be removed from the peripheral vision if not needed.

One more remark at the end. The manufacturer has provided in this model the possibility of wired connection. So if you happen to forget to charge your headset, you can use a wired connection as an emergency measure.

Advantages

• exceptional comfort;
• high sensitivity;
• Fast and confident connection to the communicator;
• Fabric ear cushions;
• The quality of materials and assembly;
• detachable microphone;
• wired connectivity.

Disadvantages

• narrow gaming specialization, not for music.

SteelSeries Arctis 5 2019 Edition white

Rating: 4.9

And the 5th generation Arctis model completes the list of the best headphones for gamers in the mid-range according to Expertology magazine. Again this is a fully corded headset, but it has earned immense popularity and even “national love,” so we’ll take a closer look at it.

Here we should point out that these headphones are officially positioned as gaming headphones and only for gaming. Consequently, we see the same narrow specialization as in the previous two models. This is frustrating for those who would like to combine gaming and quality listening to music. But in fact we have to accept the fact that if the headset is called a gaming headset it means not only “pluses” but also some limitations.

That’s where these headphones are strong, it’s all the same comfortable fit. All the same inventions, innovations, simple and complex ideas that are embodied in the “neighboring” in the series of headphones – Arctis 1 are implemented here.

In terms of sound in games, here the reviews of experts and users are strictly positive. When you activate the multichannel sound mode 7.1. Many users experience the “wow effect” of stunning detail, precise localization, large-scale scene.

Sound isolation is not ideal in the sense that the headphones do not cut off the player completely from the outside world, and this is rather welcomed by many gamers than condemned. The effect is that during the game you will not hear anything obviously unnecessary, but a sharp or particularly loud sound will break through the barrier, and you will be able to react.

Users are unanimous in their reviews in their high estimation of sound, microphone quality, sound isolation. Almost everyone mentions the exceptionally comfortable fit. Lots of positive feedback about the headset’s concise yet surprisingly stylish design.

Advantages

• exceptionally comfortable fit;
• balanced sound insulation;
• quality sound;
• The expressive effect of Mode 7.1;
• quality microphone;
• discreet, but extremely stylish design.

Disadvantages

• narrow gaming specialization.

The best premium gaming headphones

Finally, the third and the most interesting nomination in the review of the best gaming headphones according to Expertology magazine. Here we look at the top three models in the top price segment. But still not the “top” one, if you look at the market of all headphones in general. We took into consideration only the models that are positioned as a gaming headset, and in this segment the upper price bar is much lower than, say, in the same studio headphones.

SteelSeries Arctis Pro USB

Rating: 4.8

First let’s look at the Pro-version of the same SteelSeries Arctis we talked about above. The differences here will be highly obvious, so that a twofold difference in price will look quite organic.

The first and most important advantage of these headphones is a full-fledged Hi-Res support. And while studio (or just premium) headphones for music specialization often have this feature, especially those that are more expensive, among gaming headsets such models are very few.

Actually, even dry figures of characteristics say that we are definitely dealing with something unusual. At least the coverage of playable frequencies deserves respect – from 10 to 40 thousand. Hz. A little clarification is needed here. The attentive and erudite reader may notice that the human ear is capable of distinguishing frequencies no higher than 20k. Hz. The question is why we need this double exaggeration?

The point is that it is the range within which the sound device can “spread out” that matters. And for this you need a wide range of principled possibilities. And if those frames are wide, as in this case, it allows for much more accurate, crisp, expressive, and juicy sound with fine detail.

Such possibilities are provided by a high-quality and generally well-proven in other devices separate digital-to-analog converter ESS Sa
e 9018.

Experts and users are also unanimous in their high positive evaluation of the ClearCast microphone. Its frequency range is pretty standard, from 100K to 10K. Hz, but it’s sensitive and the result is a much more distinguishable voice “on the other side” than other comparably priced headsets. True, some users note that the voice is slightly distorted, but they say that this is a side effect of improved speech intelligibility, and it does not seem to be a problem.

A few more words about ergonomics. Comfort of fit is generally met with positive feedback, everyone likes the breathable fabric ear cushions and the fact that the headphones almost do not feel for a long time. However, there is a point – the headband is not adjustable, which means you can’t adjust the headphones to fit a larger head.

Advantages

• full-fledged Hi-Res support;
• record coverage of playable frequencies;
• built-in ESS Sa DAC
  e 9018;
• Quality sensitive microphone;
• exceptional seating comfort;
• The quality of materials and assembly;
• Laconic yet stylish design;

Flaws

• non-adjustable headband.

ASUS ROG Theta Electret

Rating: 4.8

Our review has already featured the famous ASUS brand with its no less famous series of gaming electronics TUF Gaming. Now we will talk about another legendary headphone series, the ROG (Repub

c Of Gamers).

This is an even more advanced product for quality gameplay, and it is evident already in the main technological idea. So, here in each cup there is not one but two speakers for each ear. And what’s more interesting, they are different in action and specialization – one electret, the other bass. The manufacturer is positioning this model as the first in the world with such an original and effective approach to the separation of sound on two speakers.

Here we see all the typical features that the premium segment of any tech has. For example, the core wire is not simple aluminum strands, as in the inexpensive and even mid-priced models, but copper coated with silver. This alone significantly reduces sound loss and distortion.

The sound range coverage is almost the same as the previous model – from 20k to 40k. Hz. Removable microphone with coverage from 100 to 10k. Hz. It’s notable for its uncommon sensitivity and voice quality. In fact, a considerable amount of time and effort has gone into the quality of voice communication. ASUS ROG Theta Electret are certified by TeamSpeak and Discord.

On the whole, these headphones get almost exclusively positive reviews from specialists and rave reviews from users. All say comfortable fit and breathable ear cushioning. Many are simply delighted with the sound in the game – the clarity, the accuracy of the localization, the scale of the scene – everything is superb. The only thing – the headphones are really heavy. After all, 555 grams after many hours of playing gives you a feeling of comfort.

From Yandex’s review.Market with “Level 7 Gadget Inspector” status: “Was pleasantly surprised by the sound quality of this product. The highest detail (probably better than the Beyerdynamic Custom Game), the middle and high frequencies are excellent. “On the whole a great product, ASUS has made a serious step forward in headphone sound quality.

Advantages

• The legendary ASUS ROG series;
• Exceptionally comfortable fit;
• fabric ear cushions;
• two speakers in each ear;
• The cable is made of silver-plated copper;
• A sensitive microphone with high-quality voice feedback;
• TeamSpeak and Discord certification;
• Frequency coverage up to 40k. Hz.

Disadvantages

• heavy weight – 555 g.

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 (2. Generation)

Rating: 4.9

And to complete the selection of the best premium gaming headsets, and at the same time the entire review of the best gaming headphones according to Expertology magazine, the most expensive model in this segment, but it is also the most remarkable. The manufacturer is a well-known and reputable German company Beyerdynamic GmbH Co. KG. Specialization is extremely narrow – headphones and microphones. It’s partly the reason why the company achieves such outstanding results in terms of quality and capability.

Specialization is one factor, but another and no less important one is that all production lines are located in Germany. The assembly of premium products is done mostly by hand with strict cross-checking.

In terms of sound, this model – a solid virtue. Frequency range coverage is from 5 to 35 thousand. Hz. More than a wide scope to bring out the smallest details of the sounds of the surroundings in the game. Incredibly sensitive microphone with a coverage of 30 to 18 thousand. Hertz is an absolute and unquestionable record. Actually, the microphone is one of the greatest strengths of this headset.

In terms of ergonomics, everything is on par here as well. Large cups, soft filler and silky velour ear cushions all contribute to the long hours of not feeling the headphones at all. Plus, they’re not as heavy as the previous ones – a little over 300g.

Users in their reviews are most responsive to the qualities of the headphones, which stem from their direct purpose – terrific sound quality and detail in games. Many note the “honest” sound, not distorted by artificial accentuation on the bass, which “sin” a lot of manufacturers.

From a Yandex user review.Market with “Aitech Level 7” status: “Excellent detailed sound. The most detailed I’ve heard in this price range. Some say it lacks bass. This is not true, the bass on these ears is excellent. It’s just not artificially high, and it sounds right where it needs to be”.

Advantages

• reputable German specialty brand;
• German handmade;
• Comfortable fit, soft velour ear cushions;
• sensitivity;
• wide frequency range coverage;
• quality microphone;
• carrying case included.

Disadvantages

• a non-removable microphone (a wish of the users).