By Steve Holdgren

Gaming headsets are not solely for gaming; you can use them for listening to music, Skype, or chatting with friends. We selected our 10 favorite gaming headsets based on the following qualities:

1. Sharp, realistic audio
2. Surround sound
3. Comfortable to wear even for a long time
4. Good construction
5. Swiveling, padded ear pads
6. Blocks out ambient noise
7. Detachable or adjustable boom mic
8. Special features that enhance gameplay
9. Good value

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

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More Gaming Headsets

By Steve Holdgren

Not only does the Y-250 gaming headset from Thrustmaster sound great, but it looks great too. 50mm drivers are encapsulated in the ear cups to deliver a large sound for the best gaming experience. Highs and lows are reproduced accurately to fully deliver the sound as it was meant to be heard. These headsets feature a detachable unidirectional high quality mic. It does an excellent job of cancelling out surrounding noise so only a gamer’s voice gets transmitted. Every gamer knows how important that is. The Y-250 gaming headsets also feature inline controls for volume, bass levels, and voice feedback. Controls located on the cable make it extremely easy to adjust every aspect of sound. And most importantly, they are comfortable. That is probably one of the best qualities in a gaming headset since they will typically be worn for longer periods of time. In any case, the Y-250 gaming headset is well worth the $89.99 price. That price goes across all platforms.

Quick Specs

• Gaming headsets for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360
• Two 50mm speakers
• 10 Hz to 25 KHz frequency
• 348 to 364 grams

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

A versatile headset from TekNmotion, the Yapster TM0YB100A lets you listen to music, Skype, play games, or chat with these comfortable over-the-ear ear pads. The boom mic can be pulled down to the mouth or tucked up out of the way. Plugging it in is simple with the microphone port and the headphone port. The sound quality is good if not excellent; there are some occasional squeaky noises. The volume control and mic mute switch are in easy reach. Overall, these headphones work very nicely and are fairly priced at $19.99.

Quick Specs

• Universal gaming headset
• 3.5mm connector
• 2.2m cord
• 7” x 3.5” x 12”
• 10.4 oz.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

For an inexpensive gaming headset, the Plantronics GameCon 367 has a comfortable fit and sturdy construction of durable plastic. We were impressed by the option to tuck up the boom mic when you’re not using it. The overall sound quality is good if not excellent; however, gamers have noted that the sound quality vastly improves with an amplifier, bringing the highs, mids, and lows to life. The bass especially becomes deep and booming enough that you can feel it as much as hear it. The volume control is within easy reach. While the closed-ear headset fits comfortably over the ears, they can make your ears feel warm after a time, and they don’t block out ambient noise. However, we were impressed with the overall quality and the affordable price of $24.84.

Quick Specs

• Closed-ear gaming headset
• Hidden mic boom
• 50 mm stereo speakers
• 8.8” x 12” x 4.2”
• 1.1 lbs.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

The Ear Force X12 from Turtle Beach is a high quality gaming headset for the reasonable price of $50.83. The ear pads are designed to fit comfortably even after long periods of use. Thanks to USB power, you won’t have to worry about replacing or recharging batteries. There is a barely noticeable static hiss, however. We were amazed at the fine sensitivity of the mic, which picks up even the smallest whispers and sighs. Of course, you may also pick up other noises in the room, which could be a problem. With excellent audio and convenient controls, the Ear Force X12 is a valuable purchase.

Quick Specs

• Gaming headset and amplified stereo sound
• 50mm speakers
• USB powered
• 8.8” x 6.8” x 3.8”
• 1.4 lbs.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

With the mic monitor on this Ear Force P11, you’ll hear yourself talking along with the sounds of the game. The headset fits comfortably on the head, giving you fully immersive sound. The 50mm speakers really bring game sound effects to life. While the sound quality is great, you won’t notice the headphones after a while. The gaming headset is perfectly suited to the Playstation 3. We wish it were also compatible with the Xbox 360 and other gaming consoles. However, for the audio quality it provides, the $50.24 price tag seems reasonable.

Quick Specs

• Gaming headset for PS3
• 50mm speakers
• 12-foot cable
• USB powered
• 10” x 9” x 4”
• 1.4 lbs.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

Swiveling ear cups make this gaming headset comfortable to wear even if you have a large or unusually shaped head. The ear cups are also softly padded, and you can wear them for long stretches without feeling your ears heat up. The sound quality is great; it’s highly detailed and realistic. While the mic is very sensitive, other gamers won’t hear the tiniest noises or your breathing, which is good. The headset cancels out most, but not all, outside noises. That may or may not be a good thing, depending on whether you need to hear a ringing doorbell or phone. Overall, the sound quality and construction of these headphones is great, making them well priced at $38.99.

Quick Specs

• Gaming headset with detachable boom mic
• 40mm neodymium drivers
• 16.5” x 8” x 12.8”
• 1.1 lbs.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

Turtle Beach, a company responsible for some of the highest quality wireless gaming console headsets, is introducing the Ear Force XP300, a headset compatible with the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The Ear Force XP300 uses the wireless Bluetooth chatting feature of the XP500 while making the headset more affordable and adding rechargeable batteries. The XP300 also features new dual-band Wi-Fi technology that doesn’t suffer interference from other wireless devices in the house. The common 2.4 GHz band frequently gets cluttered with Wi-Fi signals from phones, routers, and other electronic devices, but the Ear Force XP300 uses a 2.4/5 GHz dual band that delivers interference-free audio. Gamers can expect the headset, which costs $169.95, to be available in the first quarter of 2012.

Quick Specs

• 2.4/5 GHz dual band
• Rechargeable lithium polymer batteries
• hours gameplay

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

Not only does the Sharkoon X-Tatic gaming headset sound great, but it looks sleek and stylish, too. Sound effects come out with crisp clarity; you’ll feel as well as hear the low bass. Wearing the headset is also great because it’s so comfortable even after a long period of time. All the volume controls you’d expect are here and within easy reach: mic mute, master volume control, separate voice control. USB-powered, you can plug this headset in right away and start playing. While there’s a slight, barely noticeable buzzing noise, it’s appears to be a common issue with USB-powered headsets. In any case, the Sharkoon X-Tatic gaming headset is well worth the $62.99 price.

Quick Specs

• Gaming headset for PS3 and Xbox 360
• Two 40mm speakers
• 20 Hz to 20 KHz frequency
• 1.6 lbs.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

Perhaps one of the most comfortable gaming headsets out there, the Razer Carcharias fits over the entire ear and is softly cushioned in all the places where it touches your head. It’s lightweight too, so you’ll almost forget you’re wearing them after a while. The sound quality is great; game effects come across with great clarity, and the bass has a nice thump to it. The mic focuses on your voice and filters out extraneous noises in the room. We were happy with the overall design and the long, 9-foot cable that gives you mobility. This Razer headset is pricey at $69.99, but the sound quality and comfort factor justify the cost.

Quick Specs

• Gaming headset with circumaural ear pads
• 3.5mm jack
• 40mm drivers
• 4.3” x 8.7” x 10.2”
• 1.4 lbs.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

Sound quality doesn’t get much better than this. This Logitech gaming headset works wirelessly with a USB recharging base that lets you recharge the headset as you play. There’s no sound lag as long as you’re within the 40-foot wireless range. We definitely liked having that kind of mobility. The Advanced Dolby surround sound makes game effects sound like they’re coming from all around you. Its uncompressed sound is great even if you just want to listen to music or play a movie. The construction is well thought out; the boom mic automatically mutes when you push it away, for instance, and a red light lets you know it’s muted. This headset is pricey at $158.73, but the fine audio quality makes it worth the price.

Quick Specs

• Gaming headset with 7.1 surround sound
• Advanced Dolby
• Compatible with Windows PCs
• 9.8” x 9” x 4.3”
• 1.8 lbs.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

This gaming headset from Creative Labs provides amazingly clear and immersive audio, something remarkable for a headset under $100. In fact, the $34.99 headset lets you hear the sound coming from all around you; the 3D sound effect is courtesy of THX TruStudio surround sound. Playing games with the headset becomes a fully immersive experience. You can even change your voice to sound like a character’s. The detachable mic allows you to wear the headset on the go when you just want to listen to music. It’s convenient being able to switch between an analog or USB hookup. Overall, we were highly impressed with the sound quality and design.

Quick Specs

• USB gaming headset
• 40mm drivers
• 9.8” x 4.4” x 13.2”
• 1.2 lbs.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices

By Steve Holdgren

Turtle Beach is introducing the Ear Force XP400, a headset compatible with the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The Ear Force XP400 uses the wireless Bluetooth chatting feature of the XP500 while making the headset more affordable and adding rechargeable batteries. The XP400 also features new dual-band Wi-Fi technology that doesn’t suffer interference from other wireless devices in the house. The common 2.4 GHz band frequently gets cluttered with Wi-Fi signals from phones, routers, and other electronics, but the Ear Force XP400 uses a 2.4/5 GHz dual frequency that delivers interference-free audio. You can expect the Ear Force XP400 to cost $219.95, and it will arrive in the first quarter of 2012.

Quick Specs

• 2.4/5 GHz dual frequency
• Compatible with Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3
• Rechargeable lithium polymer battery
• 15 hours of gameplay

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices