Best gaming headsets in the UK

We’re going to assume that most of you understand the importance of a high-quality gaming headset, but just in case there is any doubt, we’re happy to outline why a headset is probably the most important accessory for your console.

Why should you consider investing in a gaming headset?

Gaming is all about escaping the real world, and you can’t do that without a certain level of immersion. Gaming headsets are the best tools for immersing yourself in whatever game you’re playing by blocking out background noise and producing accurate, detailed, and powerful sound that places you in the centre of the action. If you want a distraction-free and immersive gaming experience, your best option is to invest in a top gaming headset.

The promise of a more immersive experience is enough for most gamers, but there is another important reason for considering a gaming headset. Nowadays, a headset can be the difference between success and failure. Experienced gamers will know that being able to pick up on subtle sounds is absolutely vital at crunch time, especially with games like Call of Duty and Fortnite. Anyone able to clearly hear footsteps and gunshots from different directions is going to have a serious advantage over the competition.

So there are two clear reasons to consider investing in a gaming headset: immersion and advantage. We realise that not everyone is that fussed about blocking out the world and dominating opponents, but we also know that there are some seriously competitive gamers out there who will be looking to find every possible edge. We can help this group of dedicated gamers find their perfect gaming headset.

What are the most important features in a gaming headset?

We’re done trying to persuade you to invest in a gaming headset. We think we’ve made a pretty solid case, and if you’ve come this far, we’re sure you don’t need any more persuasion. So now that this is settled, you’ve probably got some questions.

When it comes to selecting a gaming headset for your console, there are some things that become immediately clear. For starters, there are a lot of options out there. This is good thing, but also complicates matters. With so many headsets to consider, it can be tricky to find the best option for you. How are you supposed to know which headset is going to suit you best? What are the most important features to look for in a headset? What are the best headset brands? All of these are important questions to ask, are we’re going to try to answer them.

We’ve sat down and done all the hard work for you. We’ve researched everything that matters about gaming headsets, and these are the most important things to consider:

Surround sound — We have already spoken about how gaming headsets can give you the edge over the competition, and this really comes down to surround sound. This feature provides accurate omnidirectional hearing, giving you a heads up when enemies are near. The best gaming headsets are able to map sounds to virtual 3D locations where calibrated speakers can precisely position the sounds for a more realistic listening experience. Basically, this means that if something or someone is sneaking up on you from the left, you’ll hear the sound from that direction.

Comfort — This one might seem obvious, but a gaming headset isn’t much good if you can’t wear it without discomfort. Nothing ruins a gaming session like an uncomfortable headset, and it simply doesn’t matter if an uncomfortable headset produces absolutely incredible sound with an accurate microphone and a stylish design. If it’s not comfortable, it’s not worth considering. So before you jump in and buy yourself something that looks great, we recommend considering how the headset will fit on your head. Is it a tight fit? How much does it weigh? Does it have any cooling technology? All of these things matter, especially if you’re the type to play for hours at a time.

Build quality and durability — The majority of gaming headsets are made from plastic, but this can result is a flimsy and cheap feel that in a word, sucks. If you’re not able to find something with a durable metal or wire frame, you should at least try and pick a headset that has a good range of movement. This will offset some of the pressure that comes with a plastic build. The very best gaming headsets will come with premium materials like leather that will provide long-lasting comfort. These materials will also provide a good degree of durability, so you won’t have to replace your favourite headset regularly. After all, if you’re spending over £100 on a gaming headset, you expect it to last.

Isolation — Some headsets and games make use of very slight directional audio cues, which is why the quality of a headset’s seal heavily impacts the quality of the sound you receive. It is therefore important to consider how the foam of the headphone pad will mold to the shape of your head. If the seal isn’t effective, you should either find something that fits nicely, or purchase replacement pads that fit better. Some gaming headsets take isolation even further by offering noise cancellation. This technology filters out all that annoying background noise, so you can focus on the audio that matters. Interference is the enemy of all gamers, but isolation can help.

Microphone — When selecting a gaming headset, you should consider whether it comes with a built-in mic. If not, you’ll need to purchase a microphone to attach to your headphones. If it does come with a built-in mic (and it should), it’s worth checking for noise-cancelling properties, a convenient mute function, and a boom. All of this combines to improve voice clarity, minimise outside distractions, and ensure your privacy. It’s easy to overlook the microphone but you really shouldn’t, especially if you regularly play cooperative online games. Communication is the key to success, and for effective communication you’ll need a decent mic.

Style — There are many more important things to consider when it comes to your gaming headset, but style is essential to many gamers. It’s always better to prioritise sound and build quality, but there is no reason why you can’t have both things with a stylish design. Most of the best gaming headsets offer multiple colour options, so you can usually find something that works for you and your setup.

It’s important to consider all of these features before investing in anything, as once you have highlighted where your priorities lie, you can make an informed decision.

What is the best gaming headset for the Xbox Series X?

We have checked out all the best gaming headsets from the biggest brands, and lined up a selection of your best options from big names like SteelSeries and Razer. We have considered style, sound quality, materials, comfort, and more to bring you a bunch of strong options for every budget.

We’ve stuck to the biggest gaming brands for this roundup, but that’s not to say you shouldn’t consider something else. There is life beyond the likes of Turtle Beach and Logitech, but these brands are tough to beat when it comes to advanced features. You can still find value with some of the lesser known brands, but we wouldn’t recommend straying too far. The biggest gaming brands are popular for a reason, and it’s because they know a thing or two about producing stylish devices that offer impressive levels of performance.

All you need to do is consider the headsets in this list, compare against your list of priorities, and pick a favourite. We’re not saying that this is an easy decision, but you can’t go wrong with the headsets that have made the cut. Plus, whilst we have specifically tracked down the best gaming headsets for the Xbox Series X, most of these devices will work well with your PS5, PC, or mobile device.

These are the best Xbox Series X headsets in 2021.