The top six gaming headsets for every budget
Gaming is a multi-billion dollar industry in Australia thanks to our love of entertainment and games and the amazing technology now available both in our hands and at home. Alongside some of the most immersive games ever made this combination makes slipping away to "play a game" so much more than it ever was.
The popularity and ease of use that has come from console gaming on the Xbox and PlayStation sits side by side with the slightly more in-depth or hardcore gamer using a PC for their latest FPS (first person shooter) or racing SIM.
With that comes the need to get the best experience and headphones are not just a way to ensure other people in the house aren't exposed to the sound of your games at all times of the day, but in many games they create a more immersive experience along with the ability to chat in real-time with other players around the world.
What to look for when buying gaming headphones
In some ways there are products that you can't go wrong with, but in other ways there are some gaming headphones that might disappoint when you get them home to use them. For the most part this is because you expected more than was possible from either the headset or the gaming console you have.
First and foremost, you need to decide if you're going wired or wireless because the choice can really change your options. Wired is the safest bet for all platforms and, if you're gifting headphones, should potentially be your choice unless you really know the needs of the user.
Wired headphones can plug directly into a PC for gaming, and on console games you are not wired to the Xbox or PlayStation, the headphones plug into the actual controller in your hands when playing.
Personally, I find wired headphones fantastic because you always know they're working, they often have a much longer battery life and less complexity if you have multiple platforms to game on.
However, the freedom that comes from wireless headphones is ideal in many circumstances. The main thing to know though is that unlike simple Bluetooth headphones for your smartphone, wireless headphones don't always "just work" with your console. They may need their own USB receiver that comes with the headset to be plugged into the console for them to pair up.
Where Bluetooth is possible, these USB wireless connections are often a better "lag free" experience because in gaming the last thing you want is lag!
Gaming headphones you need to consider:
JBL Quantum One
Price: $197 (was $499)
Wired connectivity and the JBL Quantum One headphones mean a premium sound and a set of gaming headphones that will work plugged into any controller or PC.
For those on a PC these may be the ultimate, with a stunning Quantum Sphere 360-degree sound capability using the JBL companion software, which means if you turn your head the sounds stay relative to your position – a remarkable feature that could give you the edge in an FPS for the audio aware.
Solid active noise cancelling blocks out all the noise around you and it's good enough to rival some of the best consumer noise-cancelling headphones out there.
For those keen on an in-game chat or Discord group, there's a dial to adjust your gaming and chat levels with ease, while the headphones lay flat so they are safe when you're not gaming.
LED lights, of course – because what would anything gaming be without lights?
These wouldn't be my choice for console-only gamers given the price, but for those with PC gaming in mind, you won't get much better.
Logitech G G733
Price: $185 (was $299.95)
Available in four different colours, the G733 from Logitech is a fantastic mid-range staple for PC and PlayStation gamers. With almost 30-hours battery life on the USB-based wireless connection there's days of gaming here before you need to plug them in.
I've worn these for the entire Far Cry 6 campaign and their best feature is how lightweight and comfortable they are. So soft on your head that you can forget you're wearing them.
Sound quality is fantastic, and the microphone has a great twist inward to ensure you can keep your chatter to a normal level for those not involved in your gaming.
Customisable head-bands will allow you to create your own flare with the G733s, but out of the box in black, white, purple and blue, they are a premium looking, feeling and sounding gamers headphone. Just a shame they aren't Xbox compatible.
Razer Kraken Kitty
Price: $143 (was $255.95)
Gamer girls unite! These are among the most popular for streamers thanks to the kitty ears but they aren't just a great look, Razer make amazing gaming products and these headphones and the Kraken models (Kitty and others) include THX Spatial audio for an accurate sound representation for both your games or music listening.
But they are also designed with comfort at the core. The large ear cups mean no stress on your ears, while the ear cushions are a comfortable cooling-gel you won't get hot during a long gaming session.
Made with a light-weight aluminium frame, the microphone will block out background noise. For PC gaming, there's also some streaming software meaning you can customise the lighting to interact with your stream viewers.
I've worn these for the entire Far Cry 6 campaign.
HyperX Cloud Alpha
Price: $151.50 (was $159)
Durability is at the core of these HyperX Cloud Alpha headphones. Across the headband and onto the ear-cups is an aluminium frame, which really gives these a solid feel both in the hand and when you're putting them on and off. The last thing you want to feel like is that your headphones are so flimsy they will break through normal usage.
Add to that the bold red and black design along with the on-cable volume control dial and microphone button and these are ticking lots of boxes.
Audio wise these feature a dual-chamber driver design to remove distortion by separating the bass from the mids and highs in the audio. This means a cleaner sound, which will help you identify that person creeping up on you next time you're gaming.
Microphone is detachable and has a level of noise cancellation to it for improved cancellation.
As it's wired, it will work with all platforms, there is also a wireless version using a USB dongle for PC and PlayStation users, if you're willing to pay the extra.
JBL Quantum 100 Wired
Price: $49 (was $59.95)
Bang for your buck these entry-level JBLs are sensational. Firstly they are at a price that suits any budget and in particular at gifting time.
Secondly, there aren't too many brands doing audio products that have been around as long as JBL so you're getting fantastic sound quality and accuracy, and the microphone that is detachable is also engineered to be voice focused for those gaming chats.
They are an over ear design so they will feel comfortable in long gameplay sessions, and because they are wired can be used on PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Switch, Mac or your mobile via the headphone jack.
Pay a little bit more and they come in white or blue which I think really sets them apart from the rest.
Turtle Beach Stealth 700
Price: $299.95
Turtle Beach is yet another name synonymous with gaming gear and these Stealth 700 headphones will tick every box for any gamer.
Compatibility is the key here with the USB receiver equipped with a simple switch allowing you to change between Xbox or PC and PlayStation in an instant. So, if you're a multi-platform home you don't need a range of headphones these will work with them all.
A massive 40 hours or more on the battery life means you're going to play for weeks on end (or days for those who really push their session times), and a 15-minute charge gets you another 8 hours battery life.
Get this though, the Turtle Beach Stealth 700s also feature Bluetooth, which can work simultaneously while gaming, so you can take calls or listen to music while you game.
Not the cheapest, but you'll struggle to find a set with more features or compatibility.
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