Best PC gaming headset 2018: the best gaming headset for your new rig

INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
As you wait for the best graphics cards to return to their MSRPs, consider this: the rest of your components and peripherals are getting
older, and someday they’ll be as obsolete as an Intel 8080 is today
Truthfully, high-quality sound is underrated, so while you’re trying to fetch the highest resolutions and framerates, you’re being
outdone by someone that’s taking advantage of the audio immersion offered by the best gaming headsets.In 2018, even the best gaming
monitors either don’t come equipped with speakers, or the sound solution is mediocre at best
So, if you want decent sound, you’re stuck choosing between the best computer speakers, or preferably, the best gaming headsets to hear
all the immersion-making background music, sound effects and dialogue. However, a good set of computer speakers can be expensive and take
up more space than you actually have, so our general advice here is to just skip all that hassle and just go for one of the best gaming
headsets – they sound great, and they’re easily stored to boot.For the money, the best gaming headset will give you all the bells and
whistles of a pair of speakers, but with one key difference: privacy
For those dead-set on letting their roommates sleep at night, here’s a collection of gaming headsets that we’ve methodically tested and
ranked for your reading pleasure below.1
HyperX Cloud Revolver SElite feel and sound at a premium priceInterface: Wired (USB) | Features: 7.1-channel surround sound, 50mm drivers,
Dolby DSP, 3.5mm jackExcellent all-around soundAll-day comfortFinicky mic positioningCable may be too longWhen we first sat down to review
the HyperX Cloud Revolver S, we were a bit divided
On one hand, it features fantastic 7.1-channel surround sound, delivered through Dolby’s trademark digital signal processor
On the other, it’s extremely pricey when compared to other similar headsets
Luckily, as one of Kingston’s most subdued pair of cans we’ve ever seen (or heard), the pristine comfort and top-notch sound more than
make up for its high price and oddly placed detachable mic.Read the full review:HyperX Cloud Revolver S2
SteelSeries Arctis ProPC gaming’s best kept secretInterface: Wired (USB) | Features: 40mm drivers, Retractable boom microphone, DTS
Headphone:X v2.0, RGB lighting, Included DACIncluded DAC Audiophile worthy sound Surround sound not great If there’s anything you can
count on SteelSeries for, it’s pristine audio – and the SteelSeries Arctis Pro is proof perfect of just that
Not only will this headset provide immersive surround sound for all the explosive action of your favorite games, but, thanks to its included
DAC (digital to audio converter), the Arctis Pro will also serve you well while listening to music
It may be a little expensive, but when you consider just how comfortable and bombastic this headset is, well, it’s not hard to see why
it’s one of the best gaming headsets you can buy today.Read the full review:SteelSeries Arctis Pro 3
Logitech G Pro Gaming HeadsetInterface: Wired (Analog) | Features: Passive noise isolation, Pro-G drivers, Detachable Mic, Dolby Atmos
supportSubdued designComfortable for long periods  Bass can be too heavy Valuing sheer performance over the traditional ‘gamer
aesthetic,’ the Logitech G Pro headset offers fantastic sound quality over long periods of time and little else
Not that that’s a bad thing though
Available for just $89 (about £65, AU$115), Logitech made sure that you’re paying for fantastic sound and comfort, with none of your cash
being wasted on flashy RGB lighting or other frivolous features
If you’re looking for something a bit more subtle, but can perform with the best of them, the Logitech G Pro is a compelling headset.Read
the full review:Logitech G Pro Gaming Headset 4
Astro A20Interface: Wireless | Features: Long-lasting battery life, Astro Command Center software, console compatibilityHigh quality
soundSturdy, comfortable buildExpensive for its classIf you’re looking for one of the best gaming headsets, but those high-end $300
headsets make your stomach turn and you also don’t want something cheap, you should take a look at the Astro A20s
Featuring solid stereo sound performance in a wireless headset, not to mention the stunning 15 hour battery life, this headset has all the
necessary features that you might want in its price range
Sure, it doesn’t have surround sound, but it more than makes up for it with its economy and battery life.Read the full review:Astro
A20Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition5
Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament EditionImproving a perfect formulaInterface: Wired (USB and Analog) | Features: 50mm drivers,
reinforced steel and aluminum build, detachable and flexible micVery comfortableClear, accurate soundMids and highs unbalancedOver the
years, Creative has made a name for itself to be trusted when it comes to audio products – and the Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament
edition further cements that legacy
Rather than just sitting and iterating on the winning formula of its previous products, Creative took the Sound BlasterX H7 and completely
changed it up, creating a headset that looks as good as it sounds
If you’re looking for a comfortable, sturdy and deep-sounding headset, the Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament Edition, especially at
such a low price, is one of the best PC gaming headsets money can buy in 2018.Read the full review:Creative Sound BlasterX H7 Tournament
Edition 6
SteelSeries Arctis Pro WirelessA wireless headset with wired soundInterface: Wireless (Bluetooth) | Features: Dual-battery charging system,
Bluetooth connectivity, 40mm driversLossless audio Convenient dual battery system Expensive Compromises are a part of everyday life, but
nobody actually likes making them
Luckily with the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless, you don’t have to make any compromises, you can get high quality lossless audio playback
with a wireless headset
And, when you add in the unique and ultra-convenient dual-battery charging system that lets you wear this headset in perpetuity, you have a
recipe for one of the best gaming headsets we’ve ever gotten our hands on
If you have the cash, and you absolutely need the best wireless headphones money can buy – you can’t do wrong here.Read the full review:
SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless 7
HyperX Cloud FlightThe longest lasting wireless gaming headsetInterface: : Wireless | Features: Long-lasting battery life, durable,
adjustable steel slider, PC and PS4 compatibility, detachable noise-cancellation microphone30 hour battery lifeGreat sound quality Tad
pricier than its competitorsThe HyperX Cloud Flight is a long-lasting wireless gaming headset packed with up to 30 hours of battery life
This means you can potentially get two full days of gaming in between charges
However, there is a catch – unlike the Cloud Flight’s competition in the Astro A20, the HyperX Cloud Flight only offers stereo sound,
foregoing any surround sound implementation
You can thankfully get around it by messing around with the Dolby Access app, however, and the sound profile is balanced enough to make this
a non-issue. Read the full review: HyperX Cloud Flight8
Razer ManO'War7.1 audio channels, zero fussInterface: Wireless | Features: Software-based 7.1 surround sound, earcup-mounted controls,
Chroma RGB multi-color lighting, 14-meter range (using an extender, 12 meters without)Great surround soundEasy to set upMulti-color
lightingSlightly bulkyNo wired optionQuick and easy to set up using a wireless USB receiver that stores inside the headset for
transportation, the Razer ManO'War is a user-friendly unit primed for surround-sound gaming
Sure, it's a little chunkier than most other headsets, but two soft leatherette ear cups make it comfortable to wear over extended periods
And, with Chroma RGB lighting customizable through Razer Synapse, it even looks snazzy to observers.Read the full review: Razer
ManO'WarCorsair Void Pro RGB Wireless9
Corsair Void Pro RGB WirelessCorsair’s nailed it againInterface: : Wireless | Features: : 50mm drivers, noise-cancelling microphone, RGB
lighting, Dolby Headphone 7.1 audioGreat Sound QualityNice DesignOnly the logo is RGBIt wasn’t that long ago that Corsair was solely known
for PC components but, over the last five years or so, they’ve arguably become better known for their gaming peripherals
With products like the Corsair Void RGB Wireless, it’s hard not to see why
Now, while at first glance, some may scoff at the asking price, the Void Pro RGB Wireless delivers on that price point with great build
quality, fantastic sound fidelity and – perhaps most importantly – RGB lighting
Plus, if you’ve already got a full arsenal of Corsair peripherals, the Void Pro RGB Wireless fits in nicely, and can even synchronize
lighting effects with other peripherals through the Corsair Utility Engine.Read the full review: Corsair Void RGB Wireless Corsair HS50
Stereo Gaming Headset10
Corsair HS50 Stereo Gaming HeadsetInterface: Wired (analog) | Features: 50mm drivers, Easy on-ear volume and mute controls, Multi-platform
compatibilityStrong stereo soundExcellent valueMic easily misplacedAs a general rule when you’re buying anything, much less gaming
peripherals, you get what you pay for
You don’t go into Walmart, pick up a $50/£50 gaming headset and expect to be blown away
Corsair takes this rule and turns it on its head
The Corsair HS50 is, for the budget gamer, the best gaming headset you can buy today
Retailing at $50 in the US, the HS50 has sound quality and mic quality that rivals headsets that are twice as expensive
Everything, even down to the build materials radiates quality
If you’re looking for a cheap gaming headset, and you don’t mind giving up some extra bells and whistles, like 7.1 surround and
Bluetooth connectivity, you need to take a look at the Corsair HS50.Read the full review: Corsair HS50 Stereo Gaming Headset 11
Beyerdynamic Custom GameGaming never sounded so goodInterface: Wired (3.5mm) | Features: Sound Slider, Soft ear pads, Changeable design
covers, Detachable cableExtremely comfortableImpressive audio qualityKind of expensiveWhile it’s more expensive than we’d like, the
Beyerdynamic CUSTOM Game is one of the best gaming headsets we’ve used in a while
While it might not feature flashy surround sound or wireless functionality, this headset excels in the two most important categories: sound
and comfort
Seriously, once you put it on and experience your games in cans that sound this good, you won’t want to go back
Even if the price is a little tough to swallow.Read the full review: Beyerdynamic Custom Game12
Turtle Beach XO ThreeVirtualized surround sound made affordableInterface: Wired (3.5mm) | Features: 50mm drivers, Windows Sonic
compatibility, detachable microphone boom, volume wheel, microphone mute sliderComfortable for long periodsMicrophone is crisp and
clearSurround sound lacks nuanceLacks advanced featuresAlthough it’s designed to be used for the Xbox One, Windows users can take solace
in the fact that the Turtle Beach XO Three is compatible with any PC sporting a single jack for both mic input and headset output or a PC
splitter cable
In spite of this minor caveat, the XO Three is a steal for the price, especially considering its use of 50mm sound drivers
What’s more, it even supports Windows Sonic for 3D surround sound. Read the full review: Turtle Beach XO Three13
SteelSeries Arctis 7Interface: : Wireless | Features: : 40mm drivers, DTS Headphone:X 7.1 surround sound, 20-hour battery lifeLong battery
lifeComfortableWeak bassNot wireless on consoles SteelSeries has a storied reputation among the best PC gaming headsets, and the Arctis 7
only proves to continue it
Boasting a shockingly long battery life and extreme comfort, this headset will appeal especially to anyone who plays a lot of MMOs, where
comfort reigns supreme over long play sessions
The sound quality is also worth noting here – as its neutral sound signature means that even audiophiles will be happy with it, even if
the bass is a little weak.Read the full review:SteelSeries Arctis 7 14
Astro A50 WirelessThe best general use headset just got betterInterface: Wireless | Features: Dolby Digital 7.1 surround sound; Works with
PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3, PC, and mobile; Astro Audio; 5.8GHz wireless tech with MixAmp; 6.0mm uni-directional noise cancelling mic; USB
charging with base stationFull Dolby 7.1 Surround soundSupremely comfortableFinnicky charging cradleWe called the original Astro A50 a
"game-changing, experience-enhancing headset," and thankfully its wireless successor follows the "if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it" rule
Astro's latest headset does what it says on the tin and adds wireless connectivity to an already stellar package
Not only is it ready to rock with your PC, but with PS4, Xbox One and legacy consoles as well – a headset that’s robust and versatile.15
Asus ROG Centurion 7.110 drivers, 7.1 channels, one impeccable headsetInterface: Wired (USB) | Features: 10-driver 7.1 surround sound,
dual-USB amplifier, Sonic Software compatibility, HDMI passthrough, amplifier with audio profile and channel volume controls, unidirectional
microphoneExcellent spatial soundSpeaker passthroughCan only be used with its ampHeavy and bulkyEschewing any traditional rules of fashion,
the ROG Centurion 7.1 is a beautiful headset regardless
Even if it’s a genuine pain to get going, this excellent PC gaming headset features both surprising style and a knack for emitting
extremely clear sound
The Asus ROG Centurion 7.1’s onboard amp controls give you complete control over this bombastic sound, and this beast can even bolster its
already amazing sound through a passthrough to an external set of speakers
Really, this thing is great. Read the full review:Asus ROG Centurion 7.1 headsetGabe Carey has also contributed to this
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