In this guide, we'll cover 5 things to look for in a gaming headset.
A gaming headset is more than just a piece of gaming equipment. It’s your connection to the virtual world, which can be the difference between a win and a loss. There are an unbelievable amount of options available that offer a diverse range of performance benefits, but which one is right for you?
We'll break down everything you need to know and should be considering when buying a new gaming headset. We talk about sound quality, comfort and fit, microphone clarity, and durability. Let’s jump right into the key headset features that can make a huge difference in your gaming experience.
5 Things to Look for in a Gaming Headset
1. Sound Quality
Sound quality naturally tops the list when it comes to gaming headset considerations. It's one of the most crucial aspects of gaming. Immersive gaming means you need to have peak performance.
A good set of speaker drivers is the foundation for audio quality. Arctis Nova headsets from SteelSeries boast Neodymium Magnetic Drivers, our top-of-the-line and custom made. The superior sound quality is further enhanced by compatibility with 360° Spatial Audio, enabled by our free audio software on PC, but the Spatial Audio formats on PlayStation 5 and Xbox work right out of the box as standard.
You can further tailor the audio with custom EQ presets and tailor them to your game on PC, and on console with the Arctis Companion app for Arctis Nova 5 Wireless and Arctis GameBuds.
2. Comfort and Fit
Are you logging long gaming hours and need some more comfort? If you’re constantly adjusting your headset due to uncomfortability, you’re probably missing out on key in-game activities. You want to make sure that your headset fits appropriately and without it being too heavy, constricting, or ear pain.
Make sure to check out the ear cup material on the headset you’re considering. Leather ear cups are very common as they provide a soft, snug, but comfortable fit. This material can get warm during extended use which could hinder a longer gaming session. You might also want to explore fabric ear cups that offer a more breathable experience, such as AirWeave, which most Arctis Nova gaming headsets use. These allow air to circular and keep your ears cooler over time. Fabric ear cups won’t filter out as much background noise as leather but remains a good option for players who have a dedicated space.
The other thing you’ll want to pay attention to is the weight of the headphones. If you want to reduce the pressure of your head and neck and are dealing with discomfort, you’ll want to find a headset with a lighter profile. Heavier headsets can feel more durable and comfortable at first but can impact and cause strain on your head and neck over time. Headsets weighing around 250-350 grams would be considered light and preferred for longer users, such as Arctis Nova 1 or Arctis Nova 3.
However, most Arctis Nova headsets actually fall under the 350 gram range, so they won't weigh too much on you even if you play for quite a while. They also have multiple points of adjustment, so no matter the size of your head, you'll find the right and comfortable fit.
3. Microphone Quality
If you’re a gamer who needs top-tier communication, having a quality microphone can be the difference between a win and a loss. If you want to avoid the common pitfalls of distracting communication, investing in a microphone that offers clear and crisp audio is the clear option.
Noise canceling microphones are a must if you play in a noisy environment. Having a microphone that filters out any ambient background noise like keyboard clicks can be a huge discretion saver for you and your team. This ensures that your team only hears your voice instead of the million other things that could be happening in the background.
Arctis Nova headsets feature ClearCast 2.0 microphones that have baseline noise cancellation of 25 dB, which is further enhanced by a powerful setting in Sonar: ClearCast AI Noise Cancellation. This drastically reduces and usually completely eliminates any kind of background noise coming from your micrphone. Furthermore, it can even reduce noise that is coming in from your friends' microphones. So no more listening to Jimmy crunching on his chips.
4. Build Quality and Durability
It goes without saying that if you’re investing in a quality headset, it should actually be quality. This means that it can last the tests of time and the day-to-day wear and tear of an avid gamer.
The first thing to look at is the building materials of the headset. Most premium headsets are built using steel or aluminum frames, giving them strength and flexibility, while being lightweight. These materials are better at resisting wear over plastic and can likely withstand some accidental drops or being thrown in a bag for on-the-go gaming. This isn’t to say that plastic isn’t a good option too. Plastic headsets are lightweight and affordable.
Arctis Nova headsets feature increased durability and thus last longer; Arctis Nova 7 Wireless and Arctis Nova Pro Wireless feature premium PVD-coated steel construction to make them more durable.
Whenever you are investing money into your gaming gear, you should check the warranty and brand reputation of whatever company you intend to buy from. You want to find a warranty that gives you piece of mind and buy from a brand that is established and known in the industry.
5. Wired vs. Wireless Headsets
Picking a wired vs wireless headset is completely driven by your preference. There are pros and cons to both depending on who you are but both can offer exactly what you’re looking for. When considering one over the other, you should focus in on the following aspects:
- Latency & Connection Quality: Do you prefer a clear connection between the headset and your gaming rig? Wireless headsets have come a long way in terms of latency and connection issues and are a very reliable source for quality audio. Wired headsets offer the same quality but can limit you total range of motion if that’s something you need.
- Battery Life: While wireless has come a long way, these headphones will require some time of recharge or batter swap. If you want uninterrupted gaming, you might prefer a wired headset. If you are consistent with charging after each session and prefer the clutter free look of one less wire, wireless might be your first choice. Arctis Nova 7 Wireless has a battery life of up to 38 hours, while Arctis Nova Pro Wireless features a dual battery system, so you will never run out of power.
- Range & Movement: Do you prioritize movement while gaming? If you need space to move around and react to in-game situations, wireless is going to be your best bet. If you stay stationary, a wired connection will offer you the same quality audio without the need for recharging or battery swaps.
- Compatibility: While wireless has made many steps forward, sometimes they can’t take all the steps. A wired connection is understood to be the more compatible option if you’re frequently changing consoles or PCs. With SteelSeries, simply choose the version of the headset that is for the right console, but most of them are multi-platform and all of them will work with PC.
Which Gaming Headset Is Right For You?
The right gaming headset can change your gaming experience in both good and bad ways. You want to find the one that works best for you. This might mean buying a bestselling headset or trying a bunch of different kinds until you find the needle in the haystack that works for you.
Focus on sound quality, comfort, and quality and durability. Having a quality headset that can last the tests of time is going to make you feel like you’ve put your money in the right place instead of being constantly disappointed with your choice. If you’re looking for a new headset and not sure where to start, check out our top-tier line up of products that create immersive experiences for gamers at all levels.