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The world of gaming has come a long way in the past few years. There have been tremendous improvements in various aspects of games, including the quality of the graphics, design and storyline. In fact, some games may feel as real as movies, or similar to even real life experiences. The integration of artificial intelligence into the games makes them all the more interesting and real.
One aspect that is key to the wholesome gaming experience is the audio. To experience what the game offers, seamlessly and uninterrupted, gamers need a quality headset. Players are acutely aware of console and screen graphics requirements, but rarely ever take as much time considering the implications of audio. With games becoming even more interactive, the need for high quality interaction during mission games makes audio, and headsets, all the more important. This is why we went ahead and designed this top 10 guide for the best wireless gaming headsets. Feel free to scroll past this list for more detailed information and individual reviews.
Shopping For The Best Wireless Gaming Headset
There are three traditional options for audio in games; speakers, headphones and headsets. Wireless headsets are especially useful in this regard. Using the best wireless gaming headset has numerous advantages. With them, it is easier to hear all the sounds. They have the right surround sound quality and better capabilities than the typical stereo or television speakers. Gamers can hear every single sound, making the gaming experience all the more authentic. Imagine those gaming moments creeping along dark alleys and not being able to hear gunshots or the enemy creeping up behind – a big disadvantage, especially for online gaming. Heck, even the military is using video games these days to train their soldiers – yes, a great gaming headset is also needed for such purposes.
Our Top 5
While speakers might be appealing to many gamers, the noise isolation properties of the best wireless gaming headsets are unrivaled. Speakers might be a problem especially when there are other people in the house. Other members of the household or even the neighbors might find them noisy. On the other hand, other activities, like music, or conversations and movements from the neighbors and other people in the house might interfere with the gaming experience. With the headset, there are no interruptions or disturbances of the neighbors. The gamer can adjust the sound levels accordingly and still experience sound clarity better than they would with gaming speakers alone.
The typical wireless headsets either use Bluetooth or radio frequency technology. They might have, but do not necessarily require cable connection. They use batteries which are rechargeable or, very rarely, disposable. Here are some of the factors to consider when choosing the best wireless gaming headset.
The first aspects most gamers look at is the battery life. Will it be strong enough to sustain those marathon gaming sessions when time seems to literally stop? While the actual battery life varies with different factors such as the usage and settings, the best gaming headsets often have up to between 10 and 12 hours of battery life on a single charge.
The signal relay mechanism is another important factor to consider. The headsets must offer high frequency clear signal, without any lag and resistant to any interference. The best in the industry today, offer rapid burst transmission, and an agility that gives the highest quality of submission.
Whether you play the PS4 or the Xbox One, Sound quality is another important concern. Depending on the price, one could opt either for 7.1 or 5.1 surround sound. More importantly, though, is the working of the mic. In interactive games that require constant communication, the mic should be able only to pick up the voice of the gamer, without any background noise.
Another important aspect is the design. The noise filtering buttons must be strategically placed on the headset, where he gamer can easily reach them. In many wireless headsets, one simply has to turn the microphone up to mute.
When choosing a wireless gaming headset, consider the compatibility. Which gaming device will it be used for? Will it be useful across multiple gaming consoles? Many wireless headsets can now work across multiple gaming platforms. However, it is important to confirm before making the investment.
The ergonomics are another important aspect of the design. When shopping online, one does not have the chance to fit the headset before they choose. It is therefore important that they look at the color and design carefully to establish whether they will be comfortable using them for long. There are various possible designs, from the ear cup which fits completely over the ears to the ear pad which sits on top. Choosing the best wireless gaming headset might seem tedious but the results in terms of gaming quality will be worth it.
1. SteelSeries H Review
SteelSeries has made a name in the gaming industry as a manufacturer of quality gaming peripherals. These include specialty gaming mice, headsets and keyboards. In this particular case, the focus is on SteelSeries H wireless gaming headset for both console and PC use.
What makes SteelSeries H a premium product is the different audio features and the overall audio quality it has. First, it has positional audio capabilities. This is very important because an integral part of the gaming experience is the feeling of being involved in the game. Having realistic sounds and audio accuracy enhances the overall gaming experience. Furthermore, SteelSeries H has the surround sound mode with help from the included optical cable. The quality of audio is complemented by the choice of customizing it. Audio levels of chat and game sound can be mixed along with the choice of switching from surround to normal stereo. All of these options are neatly arranged and easily accessible – suitable for all ages.
SteelSeries H has many other features and functions that include a retractable and flexible microphone with a red light at the tip to indicate that it is muted. Although the microphone does not have noise-cancelling capability, the voice quality is still clear and distinct. Furthermore, the flexibility makes it easier and more convenient for gamers to position or put away.
Aside from the microphone, SteelSeries H has a USB hub which allows for multiple connections for other added features such as enhanced display and power charger. It has a 2 interchangeable battery packs with a battery life of 20 hours. The earpiece has foam to act as a great cushion and for comfort. On top of this, these cushioned pads are leather and there are five of them. SteelSeries’ minimal and simplistic design does not compromise its overall feature-filled and powerful headset. Overall, the SteelSeries H gaming headset is the best you can find currently, and packed with features that other headsets are simply unable to compete with.
This same review can also be found in our Best Gaming Headset guide.
2. Turtle Beach i60 Review
Made popular by its excellent line of gaming headsets, Turtle Beach announced its newest model – the i60. Like its predecessors, the Turtle Beach i60 is expected to deliver top notch quality.
Aesthetically speaking, the i60 certainly aims for a minimalistic look. With its glossy white finish and brushed aluminum trim, it can easily be mistaken as a headset manufactured by Apple. Is this why it is called i60 – just like iPhone or iPad? Get it?
Kidding aside, the i60 was actually made specifically for Apple products. No worries for non-Apple users, it can also work perfectly well with a PC and Android devices. You may just have to make a few changes in the initial setup before using it.
Although it tries to achieve a minimalist look, the i60 is bombarded with a lot of buttons – a total of eight buttons – throughout the headset. These buttons are accompanied by a voiceover to assure you that you pressed the right one. The aesthetic appeal of the i60 is objective. Its minimalist look may impress some. But for others, it may seem that the i60 is trying too hard.
Setting up the Turtle Beach i60 in Apple and Windows devices is easy-peasy. Once plugged, all you have to do is to assign it as the new default device and configure the audio output to 7.1 surround. For Android users, however, a few tweaking in the initial setup will do the trick.
The i60 has the bass, treble, and mids all programmed into the EQ setting. It also features a digital surround space. You can expect high precision from this headset. Turtle Beach i60 also has setting presets for ‘footstep focus’, ‘superhuman hearing’, and ‘stereo expander’. These are settings that all gamers will surely love. Indeed, Turtle Beach is the go-to headset of gamers.
3. Mad Catz F.R.E.Q.9 Review
Do you prefer surround sound over stereo? Are you wishing that your gaming headphone’s microphone is not in the way when you are playing? Are you looking for a wireless gaming headphone with long battery life? Great news! The gaming world’s greatest headphone has finally come into existence and is up for grabs!
Mad Catz is offering you a rare treat: the world’s first wireless gaming headphone with surround sound and noise-cancelling capabilities. The Mad Catz F.R.E.Q.9 Wireless Gaming Headphone is jam-packed with awesome features that just takes gaming to an all-new level. With the patented AM3D’s Zirene Surround Sound technology and Soundchip’s Digital Active Noise-Cancellation, it ensures superb sound quality and perfect music reproduction without all that noise around you. It also has a binaural monitoring program which balances out its noise-cancellation features, thus allowing one to have a conversation with another person in the room without having to remove the device.
Worried about wireless-induced lag while playing? You don’t have to. This headphone has aptX low-latency technology ,which enhances the timing and eliminates the lag issues that other Bluetooth headphones have. Its multi-sync feature also allows two devices to be paired simultaneously and automatically switches from one to another if necessary.
The Mad Catz F.R.E.Q.9 Wireless Gaming Headphone is not just limited to gaming use. One can use it to listen to music and answer phone calls as well. It has a built-in invisible microphone and is compatible with almost all other electronic devices.
Mad Catz has prepared their product for those scenarios when Bluetooth connectivity is not possible. The Mad Catz F.R.E.Q.9 Wireless Gaming Headphone comes with a 3.5-mm input jack and a set of cables which you can use to connect different devices. It also has a lithium-ion rechargeable battery which can last for over 20 hours when fully charged.
With these great features and a state-of-the-art design, this headphone has left its competitors behind in the dust. It is the ultimate headphone that every gamer has dreamed of having.
4. ASTRO Gaming A50 Xbox One Review
Admit it: sometimes, you wish you could be free from the wires that tether you to your device. This is especially true if you’re a gamer. As the games like WoW and FIFA can get too exciting, accidental pulling of the headset wire is foreseeable, which in turn causes you to either lose the action or ultimately damage the accessory. Well, that can be remedied—at least according to several headset manufacturers. You can now have the option to wirelessly connect your headset to your game console.
Enter ASTRO Gaming A50. Touted as the latest accessory to enhance gaming experience, it is equipped with Kleernet 5.8 Ghz capability which allows you to connect to your device without the bothersome wires. Even without an audio cable as a backup, the headset performs well in itself with a battery capacity of up to 10 hours—great for dawn-to-dusk, hardcore gaming sessions. It is powered by a rechargeable Li-Ion battery that requires two hours of charging via the USB port; not so long to resort to wired gaming if you can’t wait.
The Astro Gaming A50 headset is compatible with PC and popular gaming consoles such as the Xbox and PlayStation series. It also comes with a uni-directional mic that allows you to chat with your friends, which is convenient when playing as a team. The mic isolates your voice so you can effectively communicate over the surrounding noise.
Let’s now discuss the more important specs. Other than providing seamless, wireless connectivity, the ASTRO Gaming A50 headset also features Dolby Digital 7.1 surround technology which delivers rich gaming sounds to your ears: gun shots, explosions – you name it, this headset got it covered.
For its price, the ASTRO Gaming A50 headset performs what is expected of such a wireless accessory. It is highly recommended for serious gamers who aim for vicarious thrills in the parallel universe.
5. Wireless Stereo Headset – Playstation 3 Review
Sony finally released a wireless headset specifically built for the PlayStation 3. For $100, users expect to experience greater gaming experience through this headset. Fortunately, they are not disappointed.
The design of the Sony PS3 headset has the look of a high-end headset. It is a stylish and sleek looking pair of headset. It sits comfortably on the head. The brushed metal headband connecting the earcups is adjustable to fit the head perfectly. You can wear it all day without being irritated. It is obviously designed for gamers.
Most of the control buttons of the headset are strategically ‘hidden’, yet highly accessible, to top off the intelligent design. This feature makes the headset more aesthetically pleasing than most headsets of its kind.
When it comes to sound performance, the Sony PS3 headset performs above average. The sound it provides is just fine, nothing beyond the ordinary. However, it performs better than most headsets within the $100 price range. The bass and treble sounds are evenly mixed and balanced. The mids are enough and present. Overall, the sound quality of the Sony PS3 is decent, but not worth fussing about. But then again, this headset was made for gaming and not for listening to music.
The battery life of the Sony PS3 headset is ridiculously short – giving you just about 5 to 7 hours. Although that amount of time is enough for a session of gaming, most avid gamers would want more. It can really be a hassle to recharge the headset countless of times. You will also need to provide your own USB cord for charging. Unfortunately, Sony can’t find the heart to include a cheap USB cord in the $100 headset.
The most outstanding feature of the Sony PS3 headset is the foolproof and extremely easy plug-and-play setup. It works by plug and play, literally. Plug the headset into your PlayStation 3 and play. Obviously, this is what the Sony PS3 headset is made for.
6. Ausdom M05 Review
The Ausdom M05 seems to step beyond the standards of average Bluetooth headphones. With its retail price of about $80 to $90, this headset is surprisingly doing well.
The build looks sleek and expensive. The M05 is not cheap-looking unlike the other headsets in its price range. It is lightweight and comfortable when worn. The headbands and earcups are soft and well-cushioned.
While the M05 impresses in looks, it is a bit disappointing on the sound quality. The bass is full and quite enough. The treble is clear and crisp – not hurtful to the ears. The mids are on the average side – a bit muffled at times. In totality, this headset does not sound great as compared to other headphones in its price range. It seems like the focus for this headset is the ability to be wireless. The sound quality is lacking and a bit compromised.
The M05 has a long lasting battery life. This headset can be used all day long without the risk of having to recharge the battery. It also features a number of buttons to enforce better user interface. Volume and control buttons are available to give you more control of what you are listening to.
The microphone is located at the left earcup. It is larger compared to the microphones of other headsets. It gives a clear sound when used in gaming and voice calls. There are no issues, whatsoever, when it comes to making calls using this headset.
The M05 can be connected through Bluetooth easily. Pairing with other devices does not create any fuss. The Ausdom M05 is also Apt-X capable. Surely, the extra dollars spent for this headset were allotted for great Bluetooth connectivity. The Bluetooth connection can range up to 30 feet without experiencing any interruption. You can stay connected even at longer distances.
7. Logitech G930 Review
Logitech’s G930 headset is one of the best gaming headsets today. With its numerous features, it is easy to get lost in the virtual world of the computer game. Dolby, one of the most trusted names in gaming speakers and audio systems, powers its surround sound technology. Wearing this headset feels like being inside the game itself, with the sounds coming from all directions. It also provides positional audio capabilities, which makes the sound vary depending on the location that the gamer is pointing at, or the origin of a sound.
The headset is convenient to use, as it is wireless. Unlike its other wireless counterparts, the Logitech G690 provides a consistently clear sound, which is minimally affected by any interference present in the environment. The sound transmission is fast and synchronized with the visuals of the game. Lag is never a problem when using this headset.
Its microphone has a noise-cancelling feature, which enables the gamer to communicate clearly. All other outside background sounds are blocked. The microphone’s volume can also be adjusted and muted. A red light indicates a muted setting.
When playing using Logitech 960, a Windows Vista, Windows 8, or Windows 7 USB port is needed. Logitech’s game software also has to be downloaded in order to use the surround sound feature. Some gamers claim that it also works with PS4.
The headset is powered by a rechargeable battery which can last for up to 10 hours. It is worth mentioning that the level of power left never affects the sound quality. It can function at its prime condition until the battery is totally empty.
The Logitech 960 is a good investment for gamers, considering its features that make every gaming experience an excellent one. With its relatively low price tag, this gaming companion can last a long time if properly cared for.
This same review can also be found in our Best Gaming Headset guide.
8. Photive BTH3 Bluetooth 4.0 Review
The Photive BTH3 is one of the best cheap headsets available. As with any budget headphones, the BTH3 promises to give value for your money and even more.
For starters, the BTH3 headset is not fancy-looking. The BTH3 looks sturdily built but sports a rather plain style — as what you might expect from budget headphones. It is lighter and slimmer in design, as compared to other Photive headphones.
The BTH3 is fairly comfortable. It can get uncomfortable when worn for longer hours but not to the point that they are irritating to wear. The adjustable headband and rotating earcups help in finding the right fit.
As for the sound quality, the BTH3 performs above average. In fact, it creates a well-balanced sound. The bass is neither overwhelming nor overpowering. The mids and highs are crisp and clear to the ears. Vocals are given a slight emphasis. Overall, the sound quality of the BTH3 is quite decent for its price.
The BTH3 is equipped with a lithium-ion battery. It promises a battery that charges quickly and lasts for hours. The BTH3 can be fully charged in less than two hours. The listening time can last up to 12 hours or more.
The microphone works well with gaming and voice calls. However, there is a chance that the volume would be lower than desired. There are also instances wherein the users would sound slightly “distant” or unclear.
The Photive BTH3 also promises wireless freedom. With the BTH3, you can stream music directly from your own device. Pairing the BTH3 with different devices is fairly easy. In fact, it features the advanced Bluetooth CSR 4.0 in stereo headphones. This creates greater range in Bluetooth. The BTH3 provides a range of approximately 33 feet without any disruption to your listening. However, going beyond that can lead to some skipping in sound.
9. Mpow Thor Review
The Mpow Thor is a budget wireless headset, and is highly functional for gaming use. The total build quality of the HX100 seems sturdy enough for long-time usage. However, the plastic finish on the earcups tends to look cheap and fragile. The buttons for audio control are unimpressive and seem a little cheap. Nevertheless, the total look of the HX100 is what a $40-headset normally looks like.
The Mpow fits a bit tighter than most headsets but not to the extent that they are unbearable to wear. It is pretty comfortable but more improvements could be done. The foam padding on the earcups could have been a bit thicker. On the upside, both the left and right sides of the headset have length adjustments to provide a better fit.
As a wireless headset, the Mpow serves its purpose. It can be paired successfully with most electronic devices such as computers, tablets, and phones without causing some issues. There are no connection or pairing issues, which is common with most wireless headsets.
At first glance, you will notice the built-in microphone in the headset. This is used during gaming or even for receiving voice calls. However, most users of the Mpow have had issues with the volume when using the microphone. This is because the microphone may not be sensitive enough for usage in calls and in gaming.
Meanwhile, the battery life of the Mpow is pretty decent. It can last long enough to satisfy your gaming needs.
The sound quality is acceptable and not disappointing. It is one of the best that you can get for around this price range. The lows and mids are average. However, you may have to tweak the settings of your devices to get great highs. In a nutshell, the Mpow is a headset that is pretty good for listening but you may want to opt for a higher quality headset for your gaming needs.
10. SoundBot SB250 Review
This headset is practical, flexible, lightweight and very attractive in its design. It folds nicely so that you can keep it in your bag or anywhere so you can maximize space.
A wireless headset is trending and more enticing for customers today because it is sort of an exhibition of how advanced your gadgets are. It also looks more professional. You may picture a businessman with a small ear device. Well, that is different as Soundbot SB270 is a headphone. The connectivity range is up to 10 meters which means you can leave your device anywhere in your house and listen to music (well, it only applies if your house is not that big).
This stereo headphone is a great option for audiophiles and everyday users. It has self-adjusting ear cups, and spongy top head-frame for maximum comfort. This headset is also adjustable in both length and width to accommodate different head sizes. It has several easy-to-navigate media buttons for adjusting volume, powering, and answering calls.
Regarding sound quality, it is good as it has a noise isolating mechanism where you can hear your music better. Aside from the sound quality, it has a built-in microphone that is perfect for users who want to handle calls with ease. It is perfect for gamers too as it is compatible with different gaming consoles like Xbox and PC. Gamers cannot be bothered by long wires that may be hindering their movements in entering a command while playing a game.
The SB270 is a reliable wireless headset that enables you to enjoy 12 hours of hands-free talking or wireless music streaming. It has Smart Audio Sleep feature to conserve power whenever it is not in use. You can use it as a wired headphone whenever the battery dies. You can charge and set it up through its micro USB cable.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]