In 2022, for the first time in history, the Russian team won the prestigious international eSports tournament in Dota 2 and received $18.2 million as a reward. The victory inspired gamers even more, and fewer and fewer parents began to resent the fact that their children sat at the computer for hours. Jokes aside, but in eSports, as in any sport, equipment is important. And headphones have a worthy place here.
Why do you need gaming headphones? They really help you win. The better the sound, the greater the chances of catching the opponent’s movement, bypassing him and thereby winning the trophy. Often in a game (especially in shooting games) you can hear how the opponent is coming, and what is important is to catch which side. In some virtual missions, audio is an integral part of the mission.
Gaming headphones are comfortable. They are designed so that nothing distracts from the virtual battle. A long wire and a reliable braid - and now you can move around the room on a chair without fear of getting tangled. As a rule, their protection is reliable, it doesn’t care about corners, chair rides, pets’ teeth... In a word, they won’t break.
Finally, the headphones immerse you in virtual reality - surround sound creates the effect of being in the game. By the way, for this reason, many people like to watch movies with gaming headphones. Moreover, at a qualitatively high level.
Most often, gaming headphones are an over-ear design, full-size. They have good sound insulation. But the connection method is not important here. Wireless ones are fine if you are willing to constantly monitor charging. It is worth paying attention to the microphone, because in the game gamers often communicate with each other.
In product descriptions you can find terms such as “ 7.1 sound” and “ 3D sound ”. The 7.1 format applies not only to speakers, but also to headphones. Yes, 7.1 sound means seven speakers placed around the room and one subwoofer. And in headphones, this term is used mostly as a marketing ploy. The manufacturer uses it to highlight technologies that allow for high-quality surround sound. Naturally, there are no built-in “speakers”.
3D sound also exists in various gadgets and is used not only in home theaters. Of course, as in the case of 7.1, this is not about columns that are arranged along three perpendicular axes. And about high-quality surround sound, achieved through technical and software manipulations.
Expert's choice
For help, Komsomolskaya Pravda turned to Evgeny Filippov, manager of the interStore service center network. The expert chose the following model as the best.
SteelSeries Arctis 9
SteelSeries Arctis 9. Photo: market.yandex.ru
SteelSeries Arctis 9 headphones - their quality justifies the high price. They sound professional and handle games, music and movies equally well.
The headset is easy to use. It can be connected to two sound sources at once, for example, play and listen to music from a smartphone. And a separate wheel helps balance between game and chat volume.
The headphones have a powerful battery that allows you to actively play for 20 hours straight.
The construction is durable and will last a long time. The set includes over-ear ear pads, and the sound is controlled by a switch on the headphones. The retractable bi-directional noise-cancelling microphone makes your audio perfect.
Main characteristics
| Playback frequency | 20 - 20000 Hz |
| Connection type | wireless |
| Connector | USB |
| Wireless headset range | 12 m |
| Battery life | 20 h |
| Equipment | headset, USB charging cable, wireless transmitter |
Advantages and disadvantages
Holds charge well, excellent sound and noise isolation, supports Playstation and Bluetooth
Not everyone is comfortable with ear pads; you need to adjust the sound. If the battery is dead, the microphone cannot be used with a wired connection.
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Surround support
It seems like someone snuck up behind you...
Modern games are capable of generating acoustic content with very precise positioning of sound sources. This is especially true in genres such as shooters, where at a competitive level it is important to catch even small noises and accurately determine their direction. If you are a fan of such gaming projects, then support for the surround sound function will be a great help, otherwise it will turn into a waste of money for the sake of an unnecessary “trick” that, at best, you will just show off to your friends. Surround sound technology in headphones is implemented according to two schemes: virtual and multi-channel.
Virtual
surround sound is simulated in software. This costs significantly less, plus allows you to implement the function even in budget and wireless models of any form factor. On the other hand, virtual multichannel has less fidelity, which means that immersion in the game world will be incomplete.
Multichannel
or true surround sound is created by using multiple speakers in the cup design, thereby ensuring the most accurate location of sound sources in the playing space. There are also serious disadvantages: complexity of setup and calibration, increased weight of the headphones, and overpriced.
Top 10 best gaming headphones of 2022 according to KP
Logitech G Pro X Wireless
Logitech G Pro X Wireless. Photo: market.yandex.ru
Voice transmission is A+, they support Blue Voice technology - this is voice filtering when recording in real time. This reduces background noise and makes the user's voice richer. It's like a TV presenter is broadcasting.
A rich set of replaceable ear pads, a sound card, cables for connecting to different types of devices, and a case are included. The design is decent, suitable not only for e-sports, but also appropriate for the office. The design is comfortable due to the adjustment and soft lining of the headband. The frame is metal, which means “indestructible”.
They are configured using the proprietary control center G HUB, which can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website.
Separately, the speakers can be noted. They support surround sound, are also suitable for listening to music, and they are among the best in transmitting special effects in films and games.
Main characteristics
| Playback frequency | 20 - 20000 Hz |
| Connection type | wired |
| Connector | mini jack 3.5mm combo |
| Microphone | removable |
| Weight | 320 g |
| Regulators | volume, microphone mute |
Advantages and disadvantages
Surround sound, quality construction, attractive design
Weak bass, settings are lost, button
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Gaming laptops
Gamers will have to spend money to buy a powerful laptop
HyperX Cloud Flight S
HyperX Cloud Flight S. Photo: market.yandex.ru
The best wireless gaming headphones in the relatively budget segment, gaming headphones with 7.1 sound. Provide 30 hours of active play without charging. You can use a cable. There are two connection methods - 3.5 mm and USB.
They have a folding design, so they are convenient to take with you even in a small bag, and also to store - they do not take up much space.
Produces loud clear sound. Soft ear pads are comfortable and protect against extraneous sounds. The microphone is detachable and noise-canceling. The headphones are compatible with many gadgets, including Xbox One and Playstation 4.
Main characteristics
| Playback frequency | 10 - 20000 Hz |
| Microphone | yes, with noise reduction |
| Weight | 320 g |
Advantages and disadvantages
Long battery life, wireless charging, microphone mute indicator
Sound quality through microphone, there may be interference
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SteelSeries Arctis 7P
SteelSeries Arctis 7P. Photo: market.yandex.ru
In short, it's high-quality sound and a comfortable fit. The wireless headset is designed specifically for PlayStation, but is perfectly compatible with PC, Android, and Nintendo Switch. The sound is transmitted over a high-frequency radio channel, and the bi-directional microphone transmits the slightest sigh of the player.
You can wear these headphones comfortably for many hours thanks to the soft ear pads made of proprietary material. In addition, the gamer will not disturb the household in any way. The headset has sound insulation, which does not let any noise into the outside world.
As a nice bonus, there are elastic straps with Velcro, the length is easily adjustable.
Charging allows you to play all day long. The main advantage of the model is its versatility. The included USB can be connected to your favorite device.
Main characteristics
| Playback frequency | 20 - 20000 Hz |
| Microphone | yes, with noise reduction |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB |
Advantages and disadvantages
There is an equalizer, attractive design, build and sound quality
At high volumes there may be sound distortion
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Sennheiser G4ME ZERO
Sennheiser G4ME ZERO. Photo: market.yandex.ru
Wired gaming headphones with the best microphone. Closed stereo headset. It is important to know that this model does not have software; the headset is connected only through analog inputs.
The kit includes a case that makes it easy to carry or store the headphones. There are also two detachable cables for connecting the headset to different devices. But the microphone here is surprisingly not removable.
The ear pads are made of high-quality leatherette material, guarantee good sound insulation and do not wear out over time.
The headphones have two mini jack connectors. The operating frequency range is high, which indicates a professional level. The microphone in the model is built into the left earcup. To turn it off, simply rotate it to the vertical position.
Main characteristics
| Playback frequency | 10 - 20000 Hz |
| Connector | 2 x mini jack 3.5 mm |
| Microphone | yes, with noise reduction |
| Microphone frequency range | 50 - 16000 Hz |
| Additional cable | 1.2 m |
Advantages and disadvantages
Good sound and noise isolation, light in weight, excellent microphone
Build quality, awkward cable, weak bass
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JBL Quantum One
JBL Quantum One. Photo: market.yandex.ru
PC gaming headphones with backlight, wired with 3D sound.
A good package that includes a 3.5 mm audio cable, a calibration microphone, a detachable directional microphone, windproof foam for the microphone and an adapter cable with USB with game-chat balance adjustment.
The design is made of durable plastic. The control panel is located on the left earcup. One of the features is backlighting. This can be either disabled or configured in the JBL Quantum Engine app.
Good bass, normal high sounds. The volume is low, but it's enough for watching movies or playing games in a quiet place. There is an active noise reduction function.
Main characteristics
| Playback frequency | 20 - 40000 Hz |
| Microphone mount | fixed |
| Sensitivity | 97 dB |
Advantages and disadvantages
High-quality assembly, good materials, comfortable fit
Not very good sound at maximum volume, settings may go off
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Noise canceling headphones
Noise cancellation allows you to listen to audio without being distracted by what's going on around you
Logitech G733
Logitech G733. Photo: market.yandex.ru
Good gaming headphones with backlight and fabric ear pads. A multi-channel headset with good surround sound, the “filling” allows us to call the model professional. There is multi-colored RGB lighting that will “cheer up” the gamer. She reacts to sound. That is, it can be configured and it will produce certain sound reactions.
The design has the property of memory, that is, it takes the shape of the player’s head, you can use them comfortably for a long time. The microphone is unidirectional, but with a volume control.
The wireless headset is also perfect for watching movies. Moreover, you can move around the apartment - the range is up to 20 meters.
The microphone in this model is of high quality, does not distort the voice and transmits even minor noise.
Main characteristics
| Playback frequency | 20 - 20000 Hz |
| Connection type | wireless |
| Connector | USB |
| Detachable microphone | There is |
| Weight | 320 g |
| Wireless headset range | 20 m |
| Battery life | 29 hours |
Advantages and disadvantages
Lightweight design, convenient on/off key, stylish design
The sound is normal, without any special features. There may be interference, the microphone is quiet
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HyperX Cloud Orbit S
HyperX Cloud Orbit S. Photo: market.yandex.ru
The best gaming headphones for a computer: magnetic-planar drivers, excellent sound. Headphones are wired. Please note, Bluetooth is not included. Their distinctive feature is that they are comfortable in a large size, which is just right for gamers. The ear pads completely eliminate external noise. The cups rotate easily, so the structure is easy to fold.
Although the headset is wired, it requires charging via USB because it has a built-in battery. And this “feeding” is needed if the headphones work via a mini-jack. If you connect to your phone or computer via USB, then the headphones are charged directly.
Sound quality, or rather its volume, is achieved using support for 7.1 (eight-channel surround sound audio system) or Hi-Res Audio - high-resolution audio. These modes can be switched depending on the game. A special feature of the model is head position tracking and automatic sound adjustment. Coupled with 3D sound, the environment in the game is more than real.
Main characteristics
| Playback frequency | 10 - 50000 Hz |
| Connection type | with wire |
| Connector | USB / 2 x mini jack 3.5 mm |
| Detachable microphone | There is |
| Sensitivity | 120 dB |
| Noise canceling microphone | There is |
| Battery life | 10 o'clock |
Advantages and disadvantages
High sound quality, convenient control via app, built-in amplifier
Quiet microphone, plastic assembly, weak design
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SteelSeries Arctis Pro USB
SteelSeries Arctis Pro USB. Photo: market.yandex.ru
High-quality wired headphones with a microphone for gaming. The headset has speakers with high-density magnets that are capable of reproducing sound up to twice the standard frequency range. The game becomes “live”.
The headphones are equipped with special technology to synchronize lighting effects with all SteelSeries devices. There is a volume control on the earpiece. You can completely disconnect the cable; you can also connect a regular cable with a 3.5 mm jack to the headset. The ear pads are easy to remove and are made of breathable material.
The design is made in a gaming style. Equipped with a bi-directional microphone with noise reduction function. The model is perfect for games that require precise positioning.
Main characteristics
| Playback frequency | 10 - 40000 Hz |
| Connection type | with wire |
| Connector | USB |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB |
| Noise canceling microphone | There is |
| Foldable design | Yes |
Advantages and disadvantages
High-quality sound, convenient design, additional sound settings in the application
The microphone may distort the voice, the assembly is unreliable, there is no carrying case
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Gaming smartphones
Phones are great for gaming, and the mobile gaming trend is growing non-stop
HyperX Cloud Alpha S
HyperX Cloud Alpha S. Photo: market.yandex.ru
The model has replaceable ear pads with shape memory. There are no modern features, such as backlighting or software. However, the frame looks stylish and expensive and, most importantly, reliable due to the metal structure and lack of “gloss”.
You can accurately determine where the sound is coming from with these headphones. It’s also easy to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the game. The model is also suitable for watching movies and streaming.
The microphone does not distort the voice and suppresses extraneous noise. By the way, the microphone of the headphones is removable, it can be installed in the most convenient position for yourself. Connect to the device using a cable with a universal 3.5 mm mini jack connector. The volume control is located on the wire.
The headphones support HyperX 7.1 technology, that is, surround sound and are compatible with Playstation 4.
Main characteristics
| Playback frequency | 13 - 27000 Hz |
| Connection type | with wire |
| Connector | mini jack 3.5mm combo |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB |
| Noise canceling microphone | There is |
Advantages and disadvantages
Clear sound, comfortable fit, attractive appearance
Short cord, quiet microphone, inconvenient volume control
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Asus ROG Theta 7.1
Asus ROG Theta 7.1. Photo: market.yandex.ru
There are no complaints about the sound quality. Surround audio is achieved through speakers. There are eight of them, and four more amplifiers. So the effect of reality in this model is at its best, there is also intelligent noise reduction - adjustment to the surrounding reality.
However, the headphones are quite massive, but at the same time ultra-durable. The microphone is located on a removable stand, and a switched-off microphone will be indicated by a backlight. The cable is additionally protected from bending. The headphones can be controlled using ASUS Armory software.
Main characteristics
| Playback frequency | 20 - 40000 Hz |
| Microphone type | dynamic |
| Microphone mount | movable |
Advantages and disadvantages
Comfortable ear pads, eight-channel surround sound, high-quality build
Heavy construction, software glitches, heavy wires
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FAQ
Isn't it better to buy a separate microphone?
If you plan to record podcasts, streams, voice over videos, or work with music, then it is advisable to purchase an external microphone. Separate microphones almost always produce better sound.
But when the budget is limited or you do not need crystal clear voice transmission, a good headset with a microphone is quite enough.
If you still use a headset to record your voice, which one is better?
Despite the fact that a separate microphone is the optimal solution, there are headsets on sale for recording fairly high-quality sound. In addition to the Corsair Virtuoso Wireless SE presented above, a good option is the Logitech G Pro X. This model works with a proprietary application for detailed settings of the headphones and microphone.
Do the microphones on your headphones pick up keyboard and mouse sounds?
Because the headset's microphone is often closer to your mouth than a standalone device, it is less able to pick up the sound of clicks and clicking keys. To completely eliminate keyboard and mouse noise, you can reduce the microphone sensitivity in chatting apps like Discord. Another option is to configure the headset in the manufacturer's software. Thirdly, you can simply buy a quiet keyboard.
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How to choose gaming headphones
Evgeny Filippov, manager of the interStore service center network, spoke about the intricacies of choosing gaming headphones and answered popular questions from readers.
Before buying gaming headphones, look at the following parameters:
Construction, shape
Choose headphones that have a dual headband design. Usually it consists of a metal “rim” and a soft lining under the head. This way the cups will fit snugly to your ears. Ear pads matter too. It is better to choose foam ones - they have a memory function and are breathable.
Microphone
This element is very important, because in online games you often have to communicate with teammates. Sometimes perform tasks where a “voice” is necessary. Opt for a highly sensitive microphone with active noise cancellation.
Specifications
Make sure there is surround sound. This way you will get an advantage over your opponent, hearing even his distant steps in the rear. Choose headphones that emphasize low frequencies and have a sensitivity of at least 105 dB.
Design Features
Little things make a big difference
Having decided on a suitable form factor, it’s time to think about comfort, because uncomfortable headphones can ruin your gaming experience, even if they provide first-class sound. Tired ears, aching necks, chafed scalp, rattling structural elements and other troubles are mandatory attributes that happen to those who neglect the importance of design.
Before purchasing gaming headphones, we strongly recommend that you try them on, evaluate the headband length adjustment margin and the comfort of the ear cups: the headphones should not dangle or put pressure on your head and ears. Check the quality of the cable fastening and the strength of its braiding - these are often the weakest points in the design. It is also important to ensure the quality of the assembly of the moving elements - they should not have too much movement, creak or rattle.
The materials of the ear pads are also important. Velor or leather are usually used. We recommend choosing velor ear pads; they do not slip when wet from sweat. Accordingly, the headphones will not hang around your ears. There is also a drawback - the material wears out quickly, so the option of replacing the linings will be a big plus, worthy of an overpayment. If you like leather, then choose artificial leather, it is less slippery than natural leather.
As for the backlight functions, this is a matter of taste, since the presence of an LED “garland” does not affect the performance characteristics. If you're a streamer, having a bright headset on your head may appeal to viewers, but in other cases, the backlight only leads to an increase in the cost of the headphones, so you can safely ignore it.
Control functions
Why is this button here?
Manufacturers often provide their gaming headphones, especially top-end models, with additional functionality. This can be either simple software for fine-tuning, if you chose a version with a USB or wireless connection, or auxiliary buttons on the headphones themselves.
In the case of a regular remote control on a case or cable, it really makes sense to pay extra only for the simplest options: adjusting the volume, turning the microphone on and off. Everything else is just marketing and design complexity that can lead to early failure of the headphones. You will only use the additional buttons a couple of times for testing and will happily forget about them.
Noise suppression
Nothing extra – just pure sound
Excess noise can distract from the gameplay, so gaming headphones use noise-canceling technology. There are two types of them - passive and active.
Passive Noise Cancellation
is carried out due to the design of the cups and, first of all, the ear pads, which are made of sound-absorbing materials and fit tightly to the ears, reducing the volume of penetrating extraneous sounds. Often this is quite enough, especially when using full-size form factor headphones.
Active Noise Cancellation
involves eliminating noise by superimposing specially generated sounds of the same amplitude on top of them, but with an inverted phase, which ultimately leads to their mutual suppression. This technology increases the cost of the headphones, but provides better protection against background noise.
It is worth remembering that the active noise reduction function is strictly contraindicated for gamers with weakened vestibular function. Its use can cause severe headaches.
Top brands
Who is the market leader in gaming headphones?
The gaming headset market is very saturated, but one of its clear leaders is Logitech .
, which is famous for its wireless models, but also offers a wide range of quite budget headphones.
Razer brand is not far behind
, originally specializing in gadgets for gamers, so he knows a lot about producing quality products.
Sennheiser also has an impressive share.
, one of the leading manufacturers of wired gaming headphones.
World famous companies Asus
and
Sony
are constantly on the list of the best brands that produce hybrid versions with connection to a PC, both wired and wireless.
The second tier is represented by SteelSeries
,
HyperX
,
Audio-Technica
and
Sven
.
Top 3. Sennheiser GSP300
Rating (2021): 4.70
First-class gaming headphones from the German brand. They will offer a wide frequency range, good sensitivity of 113 dB and a professional gaming microphone with noise reduction. There is nothing superfluous in the design, and connection via a separate 3.5 mm plug allows you to use external sound cards. Among the disadvantages, we note low impedance and lack of support for multi-channel audio, i.e. In shooters, this model will not perform well.
Characteristics:
5450 rub. / Germany / Frequency range: 15 – 26000 Hz
