Audio quality: It sounds like it would go without saying, but we’re saying it anyway: You can’t always tell from a spec sheet how a headset will sound. A well-made stereo headset can sound better than a poorly made Dolby Atmos 7.1 surround sound system. Check out the reviews to get an idea of how the headphones work in real life.
Surround sound options: Modern headphones have become very good at recreating or simulating surround sound on headphones with systems like Dolby Atmos for Headphones or DTS:X. These systems are particularly impactful in games where you want to be able to hear exactly where an enemy is shooting at you from. Make sure you can turn surround sound on or off.
Comfort: This is another subjective category, but if you’re going to be wearing a headset for hours while gaming, it’s important that it doesn’t hurt. A heavy headset pressing against your temples can give you a headache after a while. Look for headphones that have adjustable, ergonomic designs, plenty of padding, and are generally lightweight.
An adjustable boom microphone: If you plan to use your headset for online gaming, a good microphone is important. Many headsets come with boom mics that can be placed in front of your mouth. Some are removable, while others can simply be rotated or folded away from the mouth when not in use. Make sure you get the right type for your needs.
Visible LED indicators and mic mute: It’s important to know when you’re streaming audio so you don’t accidentally share your private conversations with your teammates. Some microphones automatically mute when you flip them up, while others use a dedicated mute button. We particularly like earbuds that include red LEDs that indicate when you’re muted, which can come in handy.
Microphone monitoring so you can hear your voice: If you want to control how you sound to your teammates and not sound like you’re yelling while gaming, microphone monitoring is a feature that allows you to listen to your own audio through your headphones. Optimally, you can adjust its volume. When you listen to a podcast or radio show, chances are those people are using some form of microphone monitoring so they can hear themselves and others.
Equalizer (EQ) and customization tools: Games, movies, and TV shows mix differently, and when you listen to them, you may want to emphasize different aspects of the audio signal. Custom equalizer presets allow you to set different balances for watching a movie instead of playing a game, or even have different balances per game.
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