Best Gaming Headphones

Sound is a key elements of PC gaming, and investing in a decent headset/headphones is a must have for both the casual and serious gamer. Although visuals and dependable controls are the skeleton of gameplay, sound really fleshes out and completes the gaming experience. Let’s take a brief look at why owning a good headset is important, and then check out some headsets which can make your gaming even more fun.

The importance of sound in gaming deserves its own article, but having a basic knowledge of what it does for a game is highly relevant when considering a headset. Understanding how a headset effects gameplay may dictate what you’re looking for, and even how much you’ll be willing to spend.

Sound in games is mostly two categories: cosmetic and functionally interactive, although there is a lot of crossover between the two. Cosmetic sound would include things like the game’s soundtrack and a good chunk of the sound effects. Like movies, big studio games need their own composed songs and musical scores to get across emotions or emphasize dramatic events.

In-game sound effects shouldn’t be overlooked either – even casual games are much more enjoyable with the pop and fizz which clicking around creates. While games are perfectly playable without this type of sound, they lose a lot of their fun factor without it.

Functionally interactive sounds would include in-game indicators and some environmental effects. These differentiate from cosmetic ones because they directly influence how decisions are made while playing the game. For instance, some games play certain music/sound in specific scenarios, like when an enemy/object is in close proximity. Hearing these sound queues will help the player avoid ambushes and/or take advantage of nearby objects.

Functional sound is absolutely essential for competitive gaming. For first person shooter enthusiasts, hearing enemy footsteps and being able to tell what direction they’re being shot at from is absolutely essential to winning a game. Real time strategy gamers benefit from hearing audio queues about in game events, such as enemy attacks or when tasks are completed. Games can be decided in seconds and equipment which picks up these audio queues will give the player an edge on the competition.

Rank:	Picture:	Model:	Highlights:	Rating / Reviews:
1		Razer Kraken PRO	- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz - Sensitivity: 110 ± 4dB - Impedance: 32 ohm - Cable Length: 4.27 ft - Type: Gaming Headset	96.8 See Reviews (606)
2		Sennheiser PC 330	- Frequency Response: 17 Hz – 15 kHz - SPL: 112 dB - Impedance: 32 ohm - Cable Length: 9.8 ft - Type: Gaming Headset	92.8 See Reviews (24)
3		Turtle Beach Ear Force PX22	- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz - Impedance: 32 ohms - Weight: 0.513 lb - Cable Length: 3 ft - Type: Gaming Headset	90.2 See Reviews (267)
4		Logitech G330	- Frequency response: 40 Hz–18 kHz - Sensitivity: 94 dB - Impedance: 32 ohm - Cable Length: 8 ft - Type: Gaming Headset	87.6 See Reviews (473)
5		Turtle Beach EarForce X12	- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz - Weight: 0.513 lb - Cable Length: 16 ft - Magnet: Neodymium - Type: Gaming Headset	85.4 See Reviews (2,110)