Compatibility and Connectivity

Before anything else, you want to consider what systems you'll be playing on and how you'd like to connect to them. There are both wired and wireless options for various systems, so make sure to double-check that your preferred consoles are listed on the box. Bluetooth is ubiquitous across a ton of devices, which makes it an appealing option for wireless headsets, but it can add lag that makes gaming unpleasant or impossible. It's common for gaming headsets to include Bluetooth so you can use them while on the go, but they're also usually big and bulky. The other common option is 2.4-GHz wireless, which solves the latency problem, but adds in an extra layer of complexity. That usually means an extra USB dongle, so you'll often see nearly identical headsets with different system compatibility. Wired is always an option as well, and most of the wireless headsets on our list can be connected via USB, although some only use it for charging. There are some gaming headsets that use 3.5 mm, but they're increasingly rare.

Microphones are common on most headphones and earbuds, but on gaming-specific headsets you're more likely to find boom mics sticking out from one of the ears. These tend to provide better audio quality, as well as a few other features you may want to consider when buying a new headset. The first is a visual indicator for whether your mic is muted. I know that sounds a little funny, but it serves a dual purpose of letting you know that you're being heard when you're talking, and also ensuring your friends don't hear you snacking. This might be a light, or a hinge that lets it physically flip out of the way, but either way, it's essential for me when buying a headset. I also like to keep an eye out for sidetone, or talkback, which is how much of what you say is piped back into the headset. Hearing a bit of your own voice can help you know how loud you're talking, especially with how good the sound isolation is on some of these headsets. Dedicated software will often let you adjust this, but if not, you might be stuck with the default setting. Audio quality matters to an extent, but if you're interested in streaming or podcasting, you'll want to check out USB microphones. They require an extra investment, and some desk space, but will provide audio that's closer to what you might expect from professional-grade audio equipment.

Active Noise-Canceling

Slowly but surely, active noise-canceling has made its way from non-gaming headsets into the gaming world. The tech often doesn't work quite as well as the kind you'd find on our favorite noise-canceling headsets, and you might look a little silly adorning your head with RGB LEDs on a long flight anyway. Instead, the implementation here is usually designed to help with sound isolation and spatial audio, bringing the direction and specificity of quieter sounds into sharper clarity. There are multiple downsides though. Using ANC often hurts battery life, sometimes by as much as 25%, although you can usually turn it off to reduce the effects. It also makes the headsets quite a bit heavier, so manufacturers may release less expensive versions without it.