How to Choose a Budget Gaming Headset – Buying Guide
Here are some key points to consider:
- Look for technical qualities to ensure great sound quality.
- Opt for gaming headsets with excellent mic features to get better comms.
- Go for the connection type that suits your preference.
- Examine the build quality of the headset to ensure durability and comfort.
- Check the headset’s compatibility with the gaming platform you’re on.
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
1
Look for Technical Qualities to Ensure Great Sound Quality
When looking for gaming headsets, it's important to look at the specs to ensure you get your money's worth. Check the top specifications listed below to know more about these features.
Headsets With Around 40–50mm Drivers Are Best for Great Sound Quality
Drivers are responsible for good sound quality, as they generate good bass sounds. The typical range of headphone drivers is around 20-50mm, so if you want to better audio, look for budget gaming headset options that are in the latter part of that range.
Overall, you can assume thatthe larger the diameter of the driver, the better the sound quality. Just make sure that you are able to control the volume since maximizing this feature can create bass frequencies that may be harmful to your ears.
Surround Sound Gives a 360-Degree Soundstage
Depending on the game, surround sound can be one of the most important features you want to look for. Essentially, this offers a 360-degree soundscape that offers realistic audio simulation and lets you hear sounds coming from all directions as you would in real life. If you’re the type to play competitive games, this feature is a must.
That’s not to say that single-player games don’t benefit from this. For example, Playing Red Dead Redemption 2 and hearing what Arthur Morgan hears provides a level of immersion that stereo sound simply can’t replicate.
Noise Isolation and Cancellation Filter Background Noise
If you want to focus on the game audio alone, get a headset with either noise isolation or cancellation. The former blocks outside noise through its design by having either a tighter fit or sound-resistant padding. Note, though, that you may feel some slight pressure when using these.
Noise cancellation, on the other hand, uses technology to virtually filter out sounds. Hence, this is a more effective way of blocking out the background, with some products even claiming to be able to filter the sound of jet engines.
2
Opt for Gaming Headsets With Excellent Mic Features to Get Better Comms
Noise isolation isn’t limited to what your headset outputs; it’s also an important feature to have in mics. With this, you’re able to communicate with teammates without your device picking up on chatter and background noise.This also comes in handy when you want your stream to record crisp audio.
You may also want to look into other mic types if you have other specific needs. Here are some examples:
- Detachable or adjustable microphone - best for playingsingle-player games or jamming to music without a mic
- Omnidirectional microphone- best for capturing sounds from all directions
- Unidirectional microphone- detects sounds from onlyone direction
3
Go for the Connection Type That Suits Your Preference
Some gamers prefer wireless accessories wireless to do away with pesky wires and have more freedom of movement. Others don't mind a tethered experience and prioritize battery or latency. Regardless if you like wired or wireless, here are their pros and cons in detail.
Wireless Headsets Give Freedom of Movement
We get it—sometimes, there are days when your hand-to-mouse coordination is simply off. In such cases, you may be tempted to rage, but doing so is difficult when you’re tied to a wired headset. So, if you’re the type to move around during gameplay, going wireless may be for you!
This type allows you to connect through Bluetooth or by using a USB dongle. You can connect to your PC or laptop, giving you more flexibility and no wire tangling issues. For instance, you can chill on the couch and connect your gaming platform to the TV, or you can walk in the kitchen, bedroom, or other areas of the house without putting your headset down.
Wired Headsets Are Best for Smooth Gameplay
Some gamers don't like to worry about battery life when playing. For those folks, a wired headset is best, as they're powered by your device. Similarly, these are best for games where lower latency is preferred, like in competitive shooting games. Essentially, you'll hear audio in-game as they happen rather than experience microsecond delays.
Wired headsets also tend to be lighter, as they don't have to pack a battery inside them. The extra space can also be used to fit in higher-quality speakers--all while being cheaper than wireless models. To add, most wired headsets have long cords up to 2 meters. As such, if you're okay with being tethered to a place, you'll get the most out of your money by remaining wired.
4
Examine the Build Quality of the Headset to Ensure Durability and Comfort
Build quality is an important feature of the headset that refers to the durability and comfort that the headband and the ear cups can offer to the user.For the headband, an all-metal arc with a foam or leather cushionprovides the most comfort and durability. Some people, however, don’t like the weight of this, so they go for lighter materials such as plastic, which are not as durable.
For the ear cups, memory foam is the king of comfort. Velour offers the best durability, but they can be quite expensive. As such, it’s best to go with polyurethane memory foam to get a bang for your buck. Cotton and leather ear cups are also good choices, although they may peel over time.
5
Check the Headset’s Compatibility With the Gaming Platform You’re On
In general, a headset with a 3.55mm connection should work with most platforms. There are, however, some caveats to consider. For instance, a PS4 slim lacks a headphone jack in the console itself and instead connects headsets through the controller. So if you’re using third-party accessories, you may want to check first if they accept headphone jacks.
Similarly, some headsets work in sync with products from the same company. Sony’s official Wireless Gold headsets, for instance, automatically connect with 7.1 surround sound when hooked to the PS4. However, if you want to use it with PCs or Xbox, you need to first buy a third-party adapter.
