We review the best PC and console gaming headsets for 2017, with comfortable and sturdy design, surround sound support, top audio quality and responsive mics. Not to mention a host of bonus features to help you get ahead of the game.
We’ve had our major E3 2017 gaming convention for the year, with all its many announcements, and the gaming future is looking very bright indeed for PC and console users. HDR bright to be exact. But while top visual quality is a major push in gaming right now, the audio is also massively important for proper immersion. So it’s time to turn to gaming headsets, for greater enjoyment and improved in-game awareness.
When we say gaming headsets, we don’t just mean your typical over-ear headphones. We’re talking about cans that also offer dependable microphone functions, so you can get the best multiplayer experience too. But which are the best ones to get right now? Read on, dear gamer, to find out.
For a truly immersive gaming experience, check out our pick of the best 4K gaming monitors in 2017.
Logitech G433
This is a gaming headset designed with flexibility in mind. That means this really is ideal for most gaming situations, if you spread yourself across a number of devices.
Thanks to a removable cable and a hydrophobic and stain-resistant material, plus breathable and washable parts, this headset can go anywhere you do. That means it’s great for Nintendo Switch or smartphone gaming on the move, but also pwns the home console situation too.
Complete with removable unidirectional microphone, the G433 works well for co-op gaming. The Dolby DTS sound offers 7.1 wired surround sound gaming, with specially tuned Pro-G drivers that are made for certain games. Some games are already partnered up, so on your PC you can set these headphones so the game will deliver audio specifically for the G433. It really is the ultimate audio immersion. Not bad at all for £110.
Check out our full Logitech G433 review
Astro A50 Wireless
The Astro A50 now comes with 5.8GHz wireless smarts, but without losing any of its already established awesomeness. That means you get 7.1 surround sound, tip-top comfort, a noise-cancelling microphone and plenty of booming bass, without any of the faff of cables trailing about the place.
The A50 Wireless headset works with PC but also PS4, Xbox One and more besides. It even works with HTC Vive and other VR headsets, if true virtual reality immersion is what you’re after. USB charging via an included base mean you don’t even need to worry about running out of juice. Just pop them down when done and by the time you come back, they’ll be good to go once again. All of the punch you’d expect a £150 headset to pack then.
Razer ManO’War
With a name like ManO’War, this Razer headset was always going to make the list. The fact that it’s actually really decent and reasonably priced are just bonuses.
These wireless cans offer a 14-metre range and hours of battery life, as well as 7.1 surround sound, comfy soft leatherette ear cups and even RGB lighting. Customise your look by controlling the lighting on the sides of this headset, using Razer Synapse. At only £100, this is a real competitor for best headset of the year.
HyperX Cloud Stinger
For a seriously affordable but capable gaming headset, the HyperX Cloud Stinger is spot on at just £48. For that low asking price you get decent sub-bass, controlled mid and impressive high frequencies.
Sure these cans are made from plastic, but that means they’re also light. Plus, with the foam ear pads and padded headband, they’re comfy too. You get a quality microphone with quick flip for easy mute, plus a volume slider built in. The earcups also rotate, so you can wear these comfortably around your neck.
Steel Series Siberia 800
As wireless gaming headsets go, this £225 set of cans is one of the top-end options out there in 2017. Right away you notice this is next-level tech, from the funky way the mic folds away into the headset. The sound quality follows that design ethos too, with great attention to detail in replicating audio.
Connect wirelessly to any kind of gaming device via Bluetooth, from PC to PlayStation to Xbox. There’s even a digital receiver that doubles as a replaceable battery charger, audio equaliser and chat channel mixer. Expect comfort, quality and good looks for your money with these kick-ass cans.
Turtle Beach Elite Pro
As you may have guessed from the name, this headset is aimed at serious gamers. As such it’ll cost you a cool £160 for the privilege of being classed as that rank of button basher.
The Elite Pro offers 7.1 surround sound, 50mm speakers for crisp sound and a breakout Tactical Audio Controller to adjust background noise and mic-monitoring. You can also upgrade the mic to a noise cancelling unit if you need that – ideal for those competing in a noisy environment.
Antlion Audio ModMic
Here’s something a bit different – it’s a microphone attachment that’ll turn your current headphones into a gaming headset. This is an affordable way to make use of your current headphones, by upgrading them to become game-ready.
The Audio ModMic will only cost you £40 and works with pretty much any pair of headphones out there. But the key here is that you’re spending all that money on the mic, so you end up with what is a super high-quality unit, better than some of the offerings on the best headsets out there right now. If keeping your current cans and getting the ultimate mic is your goal, this is the gadget for you.
Sennheiser GSP 350
When you get a sound specialist like Sennheiser cracking out a gaming headset, you know the audio is going to be good. As such you get crystal clear 7.1 surround sound with a very cool closed back design.
The GSP 350 headset also comes with a broadcast-quality microphone that uses noise-cancelling smarts and auto mutes when lifted up. Plus it omits breathing noises when active. Design wise, you get a split headband and memory foam ear pads for comfort. All that and it’ll only cost you £100.
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