PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S in the UK

Take a moment to imagine your perfect gaming setup. We reckon you’ve got a really comfortable chair, plenty of drinks and snacks, and maybe some moody lighting. You’ll also have your console and controller of choice, obviously.

You might also have imagined a quality gaming headset, and for this we applaud you. The gaming headset is so often forgotten about, and that’s a shame because these devices make such a difference.

The right gaming headset can really complete your gaming setup, providing a level of immersion that just isn’t possible without incredible sound and music. Whether it’s the intense moments in Call of Duty or the epic soundtrack of Final Fantasy, a headset can pull you deeper into the world you’re exploring on the screen.

Do you really need a gaming headset?

Gaming is all about immersion, and gaming headsets are probably 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, headsets are your perfect gaming partner.

Another reason to consider a headset is that these devices can be the difference between success and failure. Being able to pick up on subtle sounds is absolutely vital at crunch time. 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.

Which gaming headset features should you care about?

There are a lot of gaming headsets 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. To make your life that little bit easier, we’ve researched everything that matters about gaming headsets and lined up the most important things to consider:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. This means that if something or someone is sneaking up on you from the left, you’ll hear the sound from that direction.

There are other things that might matter to you, like price, but keeping these features in mind is a good place to start.

What is the best gaming headset?

The good news is that there are absolutely loads of gaming headsets available to purchase, with models to consider from top brands like SteelSeries, Turtle Beach, and Logitech. The bad news is that it can be difficult to find the right headset for you with so much on offer. This is where we can help you out.

We have tracked down a selection of the very best headsets to suit every gamer and every budget, with something for your PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. We’ve checked out specs, features, and reviews to give you a clear idea of what headset is best suited to you and your needs.

These are the best gaming headsets in 2021.