If you are a gamer and you have decent gaming headphones, then consider that 30% of the victory is already in your pocket. A good computer, the right keyboard for your purposes, and a dedicated gaming mouse will do the trick, but there's no doubt that sound is a major factor.

However, what should such headphones be like? We have highlighted some rules for selecting the ideal gaming headset, and also compiled a top 10 rating.

Selection rules

First of all, I must say that you can’t buy good gaming headphones for five kopecks. Their prices start at approx. from 3 thousand rubles, and these are quite budget models that will allow you to play, but will not provide great sound transmission. Of course, you can purchase the option on Ali for 500 rubles, but such a headset will be like a Christmas tree decoration: beautiful, but not pleasing.

Next parameter The thing you need to pay attention to is whether the headphones have surround sound technology. Optimally, they can produce virtual 7.1 sound. This sound quality will help when you need to hear the enemy long before he appears, for example, when he approaches from around a corner or creeps up from behind.

Second factor, which should be taken into account is the resistance produced by the headphones. If you need a headset that operates without noise and distortion, this figure should be at least 30-32 ohms, or better yet, twice as high.

Third point. A gamer's headset must come with a long cable - at least 2 meters. It is best, of course, if the wire is removable: it can be shortened if necessary, and if it breaks, it can be quickly replaced. Regarding wireless headphones: we are not categorically against their use for gaming, but we must take into account that the average “life” of such a device from charge to charge is usually 15-20, maximum 36 hours, then the game has to be interrupted, and wireless gaming headphones with microphone - charge. In addition, the sound quality of such a headset is often slightly lower than that of its wired relatives.

Traditionally, it is recommended to choose headphones for gaming, USB connected to computer, since the 3.5mm jack can distort sounds or the microphone does it. However, there is a hidden stumbling block here. The fact is that if your computer has a good sound card, for example, Creative Sound Blaster Z, this rule will not work. That is, the recommendation is relevant for those players who have integrated sound and standard codecs on their PC. In their case, indeed, the best sound will be in a USB headset. The advantage of such a device is that they already have their own DAC and amplifier installed inside, and the wiring of these parts is done according to the mind. That's why, regardless of how the sound in the PC itself is designed, the sound quality will be consistently good.

No less important is the parameter low frequency transmission, that is, bass. It is believed that the emphasis here should be on low frequencies so that the sounds are rich, therefore, PC headphones with a microphone - gaming, as well as music - must have a sensitivity of at least 105 dB. However, in fact, this is not entirely true. Or maybe not at all. The fact is that if a player hears only roar and reverberation, for example, while shooting in a shooter, he often cannot correctly assess the source of sound in the game or create a correct sound picture of the area. Therefore, it is better not to overdo it with the bass, since the most important thing for gamers is not the beauty of the sound, but its information content.

However, top manufacturers offer various options for displaying bass: there are gaming “ears” with a significant increase in low frequencies, which, indeed, are the majority, but there are also headsets that do not have this function. And it is not necessary.

The next important point for the player- location of the control unit. Ideally, it should be located directly on the cord. If during the game you have to blindly poke somewhere in the ear area, this is not an option for gaming: it makes you distracted, and what’s more, you’ll press somewhere in the wrong place.

And finally, of course, you should evaluate materials from which the gadget is made. If the ear pads are equipped with a memory effect and lined with breathable leatherette, which will not make your ears sweat, if the arch is metal, but duplicated by a second, soft one, if the body is made, for example, of high-quality plastic, and the cord is in a reliable braid, you can safely take it. But still, don’t judge only by appearance: ideally, before buying, you should play with new headphones for an hour or two, but since this option is usually not available in the store, you should at least try them on. Ease of use is a big deal.

Decide if you want to purchase half-open “ears” or completely closed- only to you, and it depends entirely on your tasks. If you can give 100% to the game, buy closed ones. If you are constantly approached by a boss, wife or mother, it is better to take, of course, half-open ones. But then at night you won’t be able to play with full dedication.

Concerning microphone, then everything is quite simple: you need to choose a headset with high sensitivity and active noise reduction - this is enough for your gaming partners to hear quite clearly everything that you have to tell them, even in a whisper.

Gaming headphones with microphone: top 10

Of course, you don’t always have the time or desire to go shopping or surf the net and look for the best option for headphones. It is much more convenient to read a ready-made rating and then, after touching and trying it on, form your opinion and make a thoughtful purchase. Therefore, we offer you a rating of the top 10 gaming headphones. You can also pay attention to ours - not for gaming, but for general purpose, but sometimes they can also be suitable.

1. SteelSeries Arctis Pro USB

Excellent, albeit quite expensive, gaming headphones with a microphone - the SteelSeries Arctis Pro USB are a kind of classic in the gaming world. This is a full-size headset with an impedance of 32 Ohms, sensitivity of 102 dB, active noise-canceling microphone, ventilated ear pads, in general, everything we love. The cost of such a device will be almost 15 thousand rubles, but believe me, they are worth it.

Type: closed
Resistance: 32 Ohm
Sensitivity: 102 dB

2. Razer Tiamat 7.1 V2

The direct competitor for leadership is the Razer Tiamat 7.1 V2, which in all respects corresponds to our idea of ​​​​the ideal gaming headphones with a microphone. The type of acoustic design here is closed, the cable length is as much as 3 meters, and the gadget can connect to a PC using either USB or 2 3.5mm jacks. The disadvantages include some fragility of the design, which you would not expect for the 16 thousand rubles that are asked for this headset.

Type: closed
Resistance: 32 Ohm
Sensitivity: 118 dB

3. Logitech G G PRO

Nice headphones with a classic design, the Logitech G G PRO does not disappoint in terms of sound: there is bright bass and the clarity of playback is quite high. But the cost starts from 6.5 thousand rubles, which makes the device a winner in the price/quality category.

Type: closed
Resistance: 32 Ohm
Sensitivity: 107 dB

4. Sennheiser G4ME ZERO

Another good - almost ideal - option for gaming. This is a headset with full-size closed-back headphones, a noise-cancelling microphone, good quality gaming sound, but a 2 x 3.5mm connection, although perhaps for some PCs this will be optimal.

Type: closed
Resistance: 50 ohm
Sensitivity: 108 dB

5. Plantronics RIG 600

A veteran of the gaming (and not only) audio market, he has long established himself among players. The only slippery point about this headset is the combined 3.5 mm jack. Otherwise, this full-size device is well worth the money, and the price here is about 5 thousand rubles.

Type: closed
Resistance: 32 Ohm
Sensitivity: 111 dB

6. Logitech G G633 Artemis Spectrum Gaming

And again the result of the efforts of engineers from good old Logitech. According to users, it is very difficult to find fault with the sound here; we liked the design, the earcups are deep. However, there are two main complaints here: firstly, the assembly is not very neat (we hope that the manufacturer will correct this issue), and, secondly, the microphone control is inconvenient.​

Type: closed
Resistance: 39 Ohm
Sensitivity: 107 dB

7. HyperX Cloud Silver

We're a little disappointed by the build quality of the HyperX Cloud Silver. However, the microphone here is noise-canceling, the sound quality in the ears is not bad, so, if you do not take into account the assembly lottery, in general the headset is suitable for both novice and experienced gamers.

Let's start with the connection method. The easiest and cheapest way, of course, is to use simple jacks, and if the headset has a 4-pin jack, then it will be suitable for a phone or tablet. But the wire will inevitably get in the way, and on cheap headsets it will also be prone to breaks and fractures. With cheap sound cards, the sound quality will not be so great, especially at the microphone: a long connecting wire not only dampens the amplitude of the signal, which is already weak, but also “enriches” it with noise. In this regard, USB models are more interesting: they “supply” already digitized sound to the computer and allow digital volume control.

Let’s talk about volume control separately: wherever the regulator is (on the cord or the body of the headphones), the problem will be common: the miniature stereo potentiometer will sooner or later begin to “rustle” when adjusted, and an imbalance in the right-left channel is possible due to uneven wear of the tracks. “Digital” is free of these problems.

Or maybe do away with wires altogether? Then look towards wireless headphones with a microphone: they are especially convenient for laptops and computers with built-in Bluetooth, and can work with mobile gadgets. But don’t forget that such a headset will need charging sooner or later.

Is it worth buying a dedicated gaming headset? Only the top models with surround sound support make a real difference; in games they provide truly the best immersion. Conventional stereo models may turn out to be even less universal than conventional headsets: headphones “tailored” for processing gaming special effects will turn out to sound disgusting when music is played through them due to the specific shape of the frequency response, which will have to be somehow compensated for by an equalizer.

But, no matter what headphones with a microphone you choose, first of all, of course, pay attention to how they sit on your head: good sound is of no use if after an hour you want to throw the headset off your head.

The market for gaming accessories today is oversaturated, and making a choice is sometimes difficult.

The advantages of gaming mice (high sensor resolution, accurate cursor positioning, etc.) and mechanical gaming keyboards are quite obvious, but the advantages of a gaming headset may not be clear, especially for beginners.

But a good headset can improve your gaming experience no less than an ergonomic mouse, a powerful video card and a high-resolution widescreen monitor.

During the game, the user is often forced to determine the positions of shooters or other enemies, focusing only on the sound source: to the right, left, in front or behind. This is exactly why you need a gaming headset, which is ideal for sound orientation in the game space, unlike ordinary headphones, even very good ones.

Another important factor is how long you can sit in headphones without experiencing discomfort. The headphones should not make the ears sweat, the headband should fit tightly, not dangle, but at the same time not put the slightest pressure on the player’s head. The volume reserve should be sufficient so that you can relax, hanging the headphones around your neck, while continuing to clearly hear the sound picture of the game, so that at the right moment you can quickly react and return the headphones to their place in one movement.

Let's try to figure out in this review: who needs, why and what kind of gaming headsets.

Of those presented in our review, this is the most affordable and relatively popular headset.

The delivery set includes: an additional extension adapter (allows you to connect to sound cards with different 3.5 mm connectors separately for headphones and a microphone), instructions and a warranty card.

The headset is a closed-back design with a non-removable microphone and large (40 mm) speakers with neodymium magnets for playing music in the high and mid frequency ranges, with rich and deep bass.

The A4Tech Bloody G500 doesn't support 7.1 multi-channel audio, but it still performs well in Outlast, providing high audio clarity and complete isolation from external noise.

The headband of the headphones can be adjusted to ensure a comfortable fit on your head. Quite flexible and durable arc. The ear pads are made of soft artificial leather, fit quite tightly to the head and do not press.

The microphone is located on the left; you can hide it in the earpiece of your headphones. A detachable microphone would be more convenient, but this option can be considered an acceptable compromise.

The headset cable has a button to control the player on the smartphone; With its help you can accept and reject calls, adjust the volume. The cable is flat and will not get tangled during operation.

Summary: Despite the moderate price, the A4Tech Bloody G500 can be fully recommended for gamers. Good value for money.

Pros:

• price
• good sound
• use with smartphone
• flat cable

Minuses:

• fixed microphone
• small ear pads

Price: 2,190 rubles

Logitech's time-tested headset is as good as classic models (discussed below), but costs significantly less.

Included: USB adapter, instructions and a three-year warranty card.

The design of the headset can be called restrained and calm. The ear pads are made of special durable fabric that will not sag or wrinkle after a week. The ears hardly sweat in these headphones.

The ear pads are removable, i.e. they can be removed and washed carefully. The headband is metal, a little hard, but reliable. The headphones themselves are made of pleasant matte plastic. Another small detail: the earcups are rotatable, you can rotate them 90 degrees and hang them around your neck, which is also convenient for transportation.

In general, the assembly is of quite high quality - nothing loose or creaks.

Closed-type headphones with declared support for DOLBY 7.1, which will allow you to hear sound during the game as if it were coming from different directions, despite the speakers being placed close to each other.

The wire is hidden in a fabric braid, there is a ring that allows you to adjust the length of the wire - a small thing, but nice. There is a large and convenient volume control and microphone on/off control.

The 2.3 m long cable (for those who have a system unit under the table, for example) has two standard 3.5 mm jacks for headphones and a microphone, which can be immediately plugged into the sound card (or you can use a USB adapter, which is included in the kit). Multichannel sound will be provided by software, since it is difficult to achieve a 7.1 effect with two mini-jacks. Therefore, we download and install the universal Logitech Gaming Software. In order to get DOLBY 7.1, you need to connect exclusively via USB. The software allows you to adjust a lot of settings and get the effect of surround sound from all directions.




DOLBY 7.1, despite its virtuality, really provides accurate positioning of sound in the game, deep sound effects in game combat scenes.

The sound insulation is high, no unnecessary sounds get into the headphones or outside, which makes it possible not to be distracted from the game and not disturb others.

The microphone is flexible: it bends, rises, falls - you can adjust it as you wish. Plus, thanks to the built-in noise reduction function, the voice is clearly transmitted without extraneous noise.

Summary: The Logitech G430 is an overall reliable and high-quality gaming headset with virtual support for 7.1 surround sound, it's a good workhorse with a lot of advantages.

Pros:

• build quality and materials
• adjustable cable length (up to 2.3 m)
• 7.1 support

Minuses:

• Headband stiffness is above average
• ear pad material is not for everyone
• cannot be used with a smartphone

Price: 4,800 rubles

Kingston HyperX Cloud Core

The Kingston HyperX Cloud Core is a classic stereo headset and does not support 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound. On the other hand, this is Kingston's most affordable gaming headset in the HyperX Cloud lineup.

The manufacturer has achieved a significant reduction in cost and retained the characteristics of the older models, “lightening” the kit. All that was left in the box was a two-meter extension adapter with a 4-pin 3.5 mm jack to two 3.5 mm plugs for separately connecting headphones and a microphone to the PC.

The oval ear cups completely hide the ear and are based on 53mm drivers with neodymium magnets. The ear pads are very soft, made of artificial leather, and fit tightly to the head. Sound insulation almost completely cuts off external noise.

The removable microphone can be installed at any angle, it holds tightly and securely (but to connect the headphones you will have to remove it, which means you won’t be able to plug in the microphone during the game).

In addition, the microphone cannot be turned off with a button or removed; it can only be removed from the socket.

The headband has a metal arch base with soft polyurethane memory foam padding. The design is moderately rigid and quite light. The headphones sit tightly on your head, do not press or dangle - after just a few minutes of playing you forget that they are even on.

In general, the headset leaves the feeling of an expensive device that is pleasant to use and even just to hold in your hands.

In shooters, it is easy to determine the direction of shots or track the movement of enemies on the map, and the quality of playback of music tracks is comparable to more expensive analogues.

Summary: Great value for money makes the Kingston HyperX Cloud Core one of the best gaming headsets on the market.

Pros:

• build quality and materials
• comfort during long-term use
• sound quality
• detachable microphone

Minuses:

• bass lacks depth

Price: 5,990 rubles

Razer Kraken Pro

This stereo headset has been tested by time and players. The delivery set includes an additional extension cord - a 2 m long adapter for two separate jacks for headphones and a microphone, a certificate of authenticity, instructions and a branded sticker.

Unfortunately, the main cable, 1.5 m long, has a rubberized braid, which is much worse than fabric.

Razer's corporate identity emphasizes that the owner of the headset belongs to the gaming community. The headphones are made of high-quality plastic and leatherette, the round bowls are covered with a black metal mesh with a plastic insert in the center.

Kraken Pro headphones are closed type. They have 40mm neodymium magnetic drivers and have excellent sound insulation. Quite dense, but soft removable ear pads 2 cm thick are covered with artificial leather and fit well to the head.

The outside of the headband is covered with leatherette, and the inside is lined with soft fabric material with filling. The fit is comfortable, you don’t feel any pressure on your head at all. A distinctive feature of the model is its weight: only 293 g - an important parameter for many hours of gaming.

A retractable telescopic microphone is located in the left earcup. The microphone is unidirectional, with a sensitivity of 40 dB and clear sound. If necessary, you can completely hide it in the earcup.

The Razer Kraken Pro sounds very clear when connected to any device (PC, smartphone or tablet), the headphones have excellent impedance and a large volume reserve.




However, this model will not suit music lovers - it is better not to listen to music on it. However, this is not what the Razer Kraken is intended for anyway.

In games, the source and direction of sound are determined accurately. The headset performs especially well in shooters: gunshots, explosions and destruction sound frighteningly realistic thanks to the sharp and deep low frequencies.

The headset allows you to get virtual multi-channel 7.1 surround sound: this will require installing additional Razer Surround software.

Summary: ergonomic model for daily multi-hour gaming.

Pros:

• light weight
• realistic sound in the game
• excellent ergonomics
• retractable telescopic microphone

Minuses:

• mediocre sound when listening to music

Price: 6,490 rubles

SteelSeries Siberia 200

Siberia 200 inherited the comfort and high-quality sound of the Siberia V2 model, popular in the gaming community. The new headset has received a slight restyling: a different microphone, an improved arc shape and more color options.

In most cases, the cable length is sufficient, but 1.8 meters may not be enough to connect to a system unit standing under the table.

The cable has a volume control, a microphone on/off button and two standard 3.5 mm jacks. The rubber cable sheath is the weak point of even the most reliable headsets. However, in the case of Siberia 200, the quality of the rubber is much better, which means the headset will last longer.

The headband consists of two rubberized flexible arches with soft leatherette inserts with a fabric backing, attached to four metal cables. This design allows adjustment without user intervention, and the headphones do not put any pressure on the ears and head.

The large ear pads (the diameter of the inner part is 50 mm) made of artificial leather do not press too tightly to the head, so you should not expect complete sound insulation from the Siberia 200. But if you don't plan to listen to music in crowded places or play in a noisy place, then this won't be a serious problem.

The retractable microphone can be hidden well in the left earcup, and the shape of the mount can also be changed. There is no foam tip, but there is no need for it; extraneous noise practically does not enter the airwaves.

Siberia 200 weighs only 249 g and is suitable for those gamers for whom “five minutes” imperceptibly turns into “tomorrow”. This is largely why this model is held in high regard by professional e-sportsmen.

Summary: Siberia 200 has become a worthy successor to Siberia V2; it is an excellent gaming headset that is perfect for long gaming sessions, but can also be used as universal headphones.

Pros:

• sound clarity in games
• excellent ergonomics
• automatic headband adjustment

Minuses:

• fabric backing on the headband

Price: 6,990 rubles

AfterShokz Bluez 2S

AfterShokz wireless headphones occupy a special place in our review. Bone sound transmission technology has long been successfully used in medicine when working with hearing impairments. Its essence is the transmission of sound through the bones of the skull into the inner ear, bypassing the external auditory canals. Thanks to this, people who are hard of hearing can expand their capabilities, and everyone else can experience the “surround sound” effect.

The main advantage of this sound transmission is the simultaneous perception of the surrounding space and the reproduced sound reality in the headphones. In other words, you can hear everything that happens in the game, and at the same time hear the doorbell ringing or the kettle boiling. Or go for a morning jog while listening to music, but at the same time hear the car horn on the road in time. Thus, AfterShokz Bluez 2S can act as safe headphones for the city (for which IP55 water and dust protection would not be superfluous).

The fit of the headphones on the head is non-standard: the arch is located at the back of the head, and the cups are adjacent to the cheekbones without covering the ears. The arc is rigid and durable, but there is no feeling of pressure on the head even after wearing it for a long time. The tightness of the fit on the head is regulated by a rubber strap in the inner part of the bow, which can be removed if necessary.

Thanks to its unusual design, the headset is almost weightless - only 41 g!

AfterShokz Bluez 2S can be used with any devices via BT. The outside of the headphone body is made of glossy plastic, and its inside is made of matte plastic. The device control buttons are located directly on the arc, on both sides.

The headset is powered by a 250 mAh lithium-ion battery; continuous operation in active mode ranges from five to six hours. This should be enough for a long gaming session, but then the device will have to be charged, which takes two to three hours. The device will signal when the charge drops to a critically low level. The package includes only a USB-microUSB cable; you will have to buy an additional charger.

Summary: The high-tech AfterShokz Bluez 2S are versatile headphones that are equally suitable for listening to music in an urban environment, and for gaming in situations where it is necessary to maintain control over the environment outside the game.

Pros:

• control simultaneously in the game and outside
• no wires
• versatility
• Can be used with a smartphone

Minuses:

• battery limit
• no mains charger included

Price: 7,490 rubles

The favorite and undisputed leader of our review is the Logitech G933, the flagship model of a gaming headset. It has everything you could dream of: sound quality, functionality, ergonomics, 7.1 support.

Three sources can be connected to the device at once. Now you can answer an incoming call without interrupting the game: the voice will be superimposed on the game audio track. The headset is compatible with PCs, tablets, smartphones, and game consoles.

The delivery set includes a headset, a main fabric-braided cable 1.7 m long with two 3.5 mm jacks and a mobile device control panel, a USB-microUSB cable for charging, a 2.5 mm adapter, a wireless USB adapter, a cable 2xRCA to 3.5mm and custom tags (left/right).

The futuristic gaming design with LED lighting is eye-catching. You can customize the backlight and program effects yourself. The body is almost entirely made of matte plastic, with small glossy design elements. The headband is trimmed with a soft fabric insert filled with polyurethane memory foam.

The weight of the device is impressive - 378 g - but thanks to the thoughtful design you don’t notice it.

The removable ear pads, like those on the Logitech G430, are made of a special wear-resistant fabric material that is easy to clean and wash. The ear pads fit snugly around your head, providing powerful two-way sound isolation even at high volumes.

The outer part of each earphone is a lid that opens easily and conveniently. The battery is hidden behind the right one, and the wireless USB transmitter is stored behind the left one.

On the outside of the left earphone there are several function buttons and a wheel for adjusting the volume. The buttons differ from each other in shape and size, so they can be easily found and distinguished by touch. At the bottom of the same earphone there is a 3.5 mm jack and a microUSB slot.




If necessary, the bowls can be rotated 90 degrees and hung around the neck. A flexible, flip-out, retractable unidirectional microphone hides in the left earcup. It is equipped with an operating indicator light and a noise reduction system. Turns on and off automatically.

The declared battery operating time without backlight is up to 12 hours, with backlight - up to 8 hours. When a critically low battery charge level is reached, a sound signal sounds and the backlight turns off.

The wireless operating range is 15 m; it works perfectly even at a considerable distance from the PC.

For full operation of the headset, you will need to install special software - Logitech Gaming Software. With it we can set the actions of the function buttons, set the backlight parameters, adjust sound profiles if necessary, but most importantly, we can create 7.1 surround sound.

This model features Dolby® Surround Sound technology - 7.1 virtual surround sound. What is worth noting about these headphones is the particular clarity of positioning in virtual space; the localization of the sound source is extremely clear. In games and movies, the headset showed the highest sound quality: everything was heard as it was intended.

Summary: The Logitech G933 is a great, ergonomic wireless gaming headset with support for virtual 7.1 surround sound, rich functionality and an excellent microphone.

Pros:

• build quality and materials
• sound quality
• functionality and breadth of settings
• 7.1 support
• wired and wireless modes
• ergonomics
• convenient microphone

Minuses:
Price: 15,890 rubles

We thank the company "Yulmart" for assistance in preparing the material.

Updated: 07/13/2018 16:43:24

For gamers, headphones and headsets are preferable to regular speakers for two reasons. Firstly, thanks to stereo sound (and in some models a full 7.1 surround is emulated), deep immersion in the gameplay is ensured. Secondly, some multiplayer projects involve voice communication between gameplay participants, and you can only talk comfortably through a headset.

Rating of the best gaming finders

But mination	place	Name of product	price
The best cheap gaming headphones	1		1623 RUB.
	2		2544 RUB.
	3		2070 RUB.
The best gaming headphones in the mid-price segment	1		4230 RUB.
	2		5330 RUB.
	3		6100 RUB.
The Best High-End Gaming Headphones	1		10990 RUB.
	2		12816 RUB.
Best Wireless Gaming Headphones	1		11530 RUB.
	2		8300 rub.

What to look for when choosing a gaming headset

The main criteria when choosing gaming headphones or headsets are:

Connector type. Headphones that connect to a computer via USB have many advantages over those equipped with a line-in (3.5 mm) input. First, they often have their own sound processor and amplifier built into them for better audio or scene reproduction. Secondly, the acoustics of such headphones can often be customized. Well, some models like the Razer Kraken Chroma have an attractive appearance with backlighting and other “amenities”;

Line connector type. The operation of some functional elements of gaming headphones depends on it. For example, the Razer Kraken Pro is equipped with a combo plug, so if you connect it to a computer that uses a separate microphone input, it simply won’t work. Likewise, it is impossible to connect a headset with separate connectors for microphone and headphones to a computer that only has a combo input. You will have to use adapters;

Microphone type. Directional captures only speech with virtually no background noise, but requires individual adjustment of placement relative to the mouth; omnidirectional captures all surrounding sounds, but costs less;

Type of gaming headphones. Full-size (monitor) ones completely cover the auricle and create passive noise insulation; On-ear headphones press the auricle to the head and create an open sound environment - loud external sounds will be heard through them.

Acoustic parameters are also important. Among them:

Sensitivity. This parameter, measured in dB, indicates the maximum volume of the headphones. Models with sensitivity below 95 dB and above 130 dB are not recommended for purchase;

Reproducible spectrum. The human ear hears sounds in the range from 15 to 15,000 Hz. But if the headphones have a minimum threshold of the reproduced spectrum below 15 Hz, bass and similar sounds will feel more “alive” and “punchy”;

Microphone sensitivity. It is desirable that it be as wide as possible - for example, 50-16000 Hz. Then the voice will feel natural and convey intonation.

It is also worth paying attention to the length of the cable. It is desirable that it be in the range of 1.5-2 meters. This will allow you to move actively without the risk of breaking the cable or damaging the computer with a sharp tug of the cord.

Which brand of gaming headset should I choose?

Almost every manufacturer of gaming accessories considers it their duty to release gaming headsets. However, the following companies are the best:

Sennheiser. It usually produces headphones and audio equipment. Headsets from this company retain their signature sound – with slightly enhanced bass and wide customization options;

ASUS. Manufacturer of computer equipment and accessories. The headsets have an attractive design, excellent microphones, pleasant sound;

Razer. Produces incredibly recognizable headsets. The quality of their sound and microphone is not “insanely high,” but it’s worth the money. But the headsets are highly comfortable, which allows you to wear the headphones for hours without any fatigue;

HyperX (sub-brand of Kingston). Manufacturer of headsets and gaming accessories. The headphones have excellent sound and a high-quality microphone, but their design can seem quite ordinary;

Creative Sound. This manufacturer has few gaming headsets, but each one has excellent sound;

In the budget segment, Somic is also of interest.

Rating of the best inexpensive gaming headphones

An on-ear headset with a rigidly fixed microphone with step-by-step position adjustment. The microphone itself is equipped with a built-in noise reduction system and therefore only captures the voice. It connects to the computer, as the name suggests, via USB.

Since the headset was developed by Sennheiser, its sound is at a fairly high level - especially for its price segment. Other advantages include a microphone control panel located on the cable; wire 2 meters long; built-in sound chip; light weight and fairly high comfort.

The cable connects to the headphones from both sides, which will take a little getting used to. But this further increases the reliability of the design.

Due to the fact that these are on-ear headphones, there is no noise cancellation in the speakers. Therefore, external sounds penetrate into the scene, and at high volumes, others also hear the reproduced audio.

Advantages

Noise reduction system in the microphone;

Good sound;

Microphone control panel;

Flaws

Two-way cable connection;

Open headphone design.

Full-size headset with a rigidly mounted microphone with infinitely variable position adjustment. The microphone is omnidirectional and without noise reduction, so it captures not only your voice, but also surrounding sounds. Connection to a computer is via USB. On one of the headphones there is a volume control and a microphone mute button.

One of the most interesting features of gaming headphones is the vibration mode. As the name implies, the headset vibrates slightly in some cases (for example, when shooting in game), providing a deeper immersion in gameplay. The driver simulates 7.1 surround sound to create a surround sound scene.

The sound is voluminous, rich, not pushy, but well detailed. The bass is noticeable, and with the vibration mode turned on, it is physically noticeable.

The audio chip is its own, so the playback quality does not depend on the installed sound card or simply its presence.

Advantages

Vibration mode;

Simulation of a three-dimensional scene 7.1.

Good sound;

Flaws

• Rigidly mounted omnidirectional microphone.

Full-size headset with a movable microphone. The microphone is omnidirectional, supports extended frequency spectrum, with a power button on the cable. Connection to a computer is via a combined linear (3.5 mm) connector. An adapter for two connectors and an extension cable are included. If necessary, the microphone can be detached.

Gaming headphones are based on neodymium magnets, so they provide rich and “rich” sound with a focus on low frequencies. Noise reduction is passive, created by a closed design.

The design includes a rubber headband that gradually takes on a comfortable length. But this is a rather lengthy process, so in the first couple of weeks of use, the headphones will put a little pressure on the head and the ears themselves. However, soon the headband will stretch to a comfortable state.

Advantages

Good microphone;

Ability to work with both old and new sound cards;

Pleasant sound;

Flaws

• Uncomfortable placement on the head.

The best gaming headphones in the mid-price segment

Full-size headset with a movable directional condenser microphone. The frequency spectrum to which it is sensitive is very wide - from 50 to 18,000 Hz. This ensures accurate transmission of intonation and voice characteristics. Connection to a computer is via two linear (3.5 mm) connectors. The cable fastening is one-sided.

Headphone impedance – 60 Ohm. Therefore, they are not suitable for use with mobile devices or Dualshock. But on a computer, they create a three-dimensional stage with rich sound, which, as is typical for headphones with neodymium magnets, has a slight bias towards bass. Audio positioning is accurate, especially when used with a high-quality sound card.

The ear pads are large and completely cover the auricle. The headband is soft. The speaker design is closed, which provides passive noise reduction. The headphones are comfortable and do not cause fatigue even after several hours of playing.

Advantages

High quality microphone;

High comfort;

High-quality sound;

Flaws

Full-size headset with a movable directional microphone. The microphone has a fairly wide frequency spectrum and transmits voice well. Connection to a computer is via a combined linear (3.5 mm) input, and an adapter for 2 connectors is included in the kit. The cable is not detachable.

The sound is dense, very assertive, dynamic. There is a bias in the bass, quite significant - in some cases the low frequencies are literally felt physically. However, this is typical for all Razer headphones. The acoustic scene is pronounced, three-dimensional: in some cases the sound seems to come from a point “somewhere in the head”, in others it seems “from somewhere far away”.

The headband and ear pads are soft, but fit very tightly to the head. The speaker design is closed, noise reduction is passive. Due to the tight fit to the head, slight fatigue may occur after prolonged (5-7 hours in a row) use.

The headset is definitely worth recommending to fans of dynamic games, music with a lot of bass, and action films. Due to a noticeable bias in low frequencies (without a dip in the mids and highs), it creates a noticeable effect of presence.

Advantages

Directional microphone;

Tangibly created scene;

Assertive, driving sound;

Flaws

Possibly extremely strong bass;

Very tight fit of the headphones to the head.

Full-size headset with a movable directional condenser microphone. Sensitivity range – 100-12000 Hz. Captures voice and most intonations well. The microphone switch and volume control are located on the cable. Connection via two linear (3.5 mm) connectors.

The sound is highly detailed. There is no particular emphasis on certain frequencies. The scene created is shallow, but each instrument is distinguishable. The direction of sound, which is important for games, is also present and very noticeable. The headphone impedance is 60 Ohms, like other models from the Cloud series. Therefore, they should not be used with portable devices or, for example, Dualshock. The ideal complement to gaming headphones is a good sound card.

The headphones are perfect for fans of multiplayer games. Firstly, they are equipped with a high-quality microphone. And secondly, they implement a very detailed sound stage, which allows you to hear almost everything that is happening around.

The ear pads are large and the headband is soft. Therefore, the headphones are very comfortable and do not cause discomfort even when worn for a long time.

Advantages

Large, comfortable headphones;

Pleasant sound;

High quality microphone;

Flaws

• Desirable discrete sound card.

The Best High-End Gaming Headphones

Full-size headset with flexible directional microphone. The microphone is equipped with a noise reduction system, condenser, sensitivity 50-16000 Hz. The headset is connected to the computer using two linear (3.5 mm) connectors. The microphone is equipped with an automatic shut-off system - it turns off when raised.

Gaming headphones have a closed design and passive noise reduction. The frequency range is the widest in its segment: 10-26000 Hz. There is a slight bias towards the bass, which is common to all Sennheiser headphones, but with proper EQ settings, this can be eliminated if necessary.

The cable is very long - 3 meters. Plus, the kit comes with an additional 1.2 meter long cord. The cable impedance is 50 Ohms, so the headphones can be used with mobile devices, but they can only “open up” fully on a high-quality sound card or together with a high-quality amplifier.

The sound is excellent, highly detailed, with a tangible three-dimensional stage. They convey speech perfectly. Perfect for gaming, listening to music, and watching movies.

The ear pads are large and soft. The headband is soft. The headphones are generally very comfortable, convenient, and do not create discomfort even when used for a long time or worn with glasses. The package is huge - it also includes a hard transport case.

Advantages

Easy to use, high quality microphone;

Comfortable to wear;

Good sound;

Long cable;

Passive noise reduction;

Flaws

• Desirable discrete sound card.

Wireless headset with built-in omnidirectional microphone. Connects via Bluetooth and supports many high-quality audio transmission technologies, including aptX. Equipped with a built-in audio processor. Supports virtual surround sound, including 7.1 stage creation.

The microphone supports proprietary CrystalVoice technology, which captures sounds only from a software-created virtual acoustic zone. Therefore, interlocutors hear only the voice of the speaker. The technology is supported not only in games, but also during voice calls or even when activating mobile assistants.

The headphones are equipped with a built-in active noise reduction system, which can be turned off. The speakers are neodymium and wide, so there may be a slight bias towards the bass. The range of reproduced frequencies is wider than what is perceived by the human ear, making the sound perceptible on a “physical” level.

Headphones can be configured through a special mobile application. The headset features interesting TalkThrough technology, which allows you to talk to a person without removing the headphones.

In addition to Bluetooth, the headphones also support connection via a cable with a combined 3.5 mm jack (included) or via USB (also included).

Advantages

Many ways to connect to a computer;

Microphone with programmatic acoustic zone and noise reduction;

Support for aptX codec and other audio enhancement software technologies;

Flaws

To activate all functions of the headphones, a Bluetooth connection is required;

The headphones are configured via an application on a smartphone.

Rating of the best wireless gaming headphones

Full-size headset with directional microphone. It connects to a computer via a 2.4 GHz radio channel (this is important to take into account so that, for example, there is no overlap from the Wi-Fi signal). Equipped with a full 7.1 system of 8 speakers with the ability to turn off Surround mode.

Condenser microphone with noise reduction system. Placed on a movable mount.

Gaming headphones are equipped with a built-in sound chip. This provides excellent surround sound. There is no distortion in frequencies, the sound is quite detailed, the bass is pleasant, not “hollow”.

Advantages

Full system 7.1, physical;

Surround sound stage;

Directional microphone;

Flaws

• There is only one antenna, so the transmitter signal may interfere with other 2.4 GHz waves (from a keyboard, mouse or router).

Full-size headset with directional microphone. Connects to a computer via a radio channel with a frequency of 2.4 GHz, the receiver is compact in size and does not require placement on a table. They are equipped with a built-in sound chip and a program for its remote configuration. Supports 7.1 virtual surround sound.

Wireless connection is provided by two antennas built into the headband. This allows you to compensate for interference even in busy 2.4 GHz environments - with multiple active Wi-Fi networks and a simultaneous wireless mouse and keyboard connection, for example.

Additionally, the headphones support a wired connection; the necessary cables are included. However, sound settings and virtual surround mode are only available when connected via radio to a computer.

Directional condenser microphone. Has a removable design. The mount is rigid and fixed.

The sound is detailed. There is a slight bias towards low frequencies.

Advantages

Directional condenser detachable microphone;

The presence of two antennas to protect against interference with other 2.4 GHz devices;

Virtual stage 7.1;

Wired connection support;

Flaws

• Some features (such as software equalizer and 7.1 virtual stage) only work when connected wirelessly.

Which gaming headset to buy

When choosing a gaming headset, you should consider your budget and the equipment you use. So, for example, if your computer is not equipped with a high-quality discrete sound card, then it is better to pay attention to models with an integrated chip - wireless or with a USB connection.

But for computers with a high-level or even professional-level discrete sound card, gaming headsets in the middle or top price segment are suitable.

And finally, for computers with an integrated mid- or low-end sound card, it is better to use appropriate (budget) wired headphones. The top ones won’t “open up” on such a path anyway, so there’s no point in overpaying.

Attention! This rating is subjective in nature, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Headphones are an essential tool for gamers. The sound in the game is one of the main components. Taking into account new technologies, good gaming headphones are not only capable of creating a “presence effect” in another reality, but are also equipped with additional functions for an interesting and comfortable game.

Many conquerors of cyberspace joke that you need to invest a lot of money in the quality of escapism from reality. Is this such a big investment, and is such spending justified? Let’s look at the review of 12 types of headphones for games in five price categories.

But first, it’s worth answering the following questions:

• What types of headphones are best for gaming?
• What parameters should you use to choose gaming headphones?
• How to make the right choice?

According to the type of design, there are: in-ear headphones (in-ear), in-ear, wireless in-ear, on-ear and full-size.

1) In-Ear Headphones- the simplest ones. They lack sound insulation and are unsuitable not only for a gamer, but even for traveling on the subway. In addition to falling out of the ears and constant noise from the outside, such headphones have another “minus” - a short cord.

2) In-ear headphones with silicone or porous inserts - a good option for travel, sports, and even office work. These headphones are not quite suitable for gaming, as they have sound insulation, but do not create the desired effects.

3) Wireless in-ear headsets with hooks and Bluetooth support can be considered as an option for gaming entertainment. However, gamers themselves consider the use of sports headphones undignified.

4) On-ear headphones (open type) with a larger membrane size are more suitable for working at home at the computer. This is not the best option for games, because extraneous noise penetrating into such headphones from the outside world greatly distracts the gamer from the game.

5) Full-size closed-back headphones– exactly the type of headphones that is ideal for gaming, and which we will dwell on in more detail in our review. These headphones are also called "over-ear" headphones because they are designed to provide excellent sound isolation.

The main advantages of full-size closed-back headphones

• high-quality sound;
• excellent sound insulation;
• convenient arc mount on the head;
• the presence of a built-in or detachable microphone;
• surround sound technology.

Please note that these headphones are good not only for gamers, but also for those who need excellent sound insulation, for communicating on Skype, listening to music in a noisy office without interrupting their work, without disturbing other employees.

What technical parameters should you use to choose headphones?

• Sensitivity: The higher this technical parameter, the higher the volume of the headphones. For people with normal hearing, a sensitivity of 100 decibels is the optimal value.
• Noise reduction in headphones and microphone: This function is not present in all models, but the presence of this parameter indicates the quality of the device.
• Frequency range: a completely standard characteristic that should correspond to 20-20000 Hz. These frequencies correspond to the physiological capabilities of the human ear.
• Power: The power rating is important when your equipment is connected to an amplifier, and you can adjust the richness and quality of the sound. High-power headphones are unlikely to be needed to listen to audiobooks or music from your phone.
• Sound distortion level: When choosing headphones for gaming, pay attention to the fact that this indicator is minimal in the instructions.
• Resistance (impedance). Headphones for games with an impedance of 32-40 Ohms are quite suitable for connecting to a computer, 40-120 Ohms - for games using a sound amplifier. To connect such headphones to a smartphone or tablet, the resistance value can be 16-32 Ohms.
• Amplitude-frequency response (AFC): Most manufacturers provide graphs of device frequencies in the operating instructions. From the graph you can see which frequencies (low, mid or high) are inherent in specific headphones.
• Material: Ear pads can be made of synthetic fabric, thick fabric coated with velor, artificial or genuine leather. The fabric gets dirty faster, but your ears don’t sweat as much as with leather (or all variations on the leather theme) headphones. Fabric headphones can be cleaned with special products. With proper care, fabric ear pads can be more durable than their faux leather counterparts.
• Cord: The length and thickness of the cord are very important for a gamer. The comfort of the game and the durability of the device depend on this. Choose headphones for gaming with a thick cord, with good braiding and thickening around the plugs.
• Connecting headphones for games (connectors and plugs): The following types of plugs are commonly found:
  • mini-jack (3.5 mm) is the most common plug;
  • standard jack (6.3 mm) – more often found on professional headphones for recording;
  • micro-jack (2.5 mm) is found on some outdated models and cheap Chinese headphones;

Self-respecting manufacturers include an adapter with their headphones.

How to choose quality headphones for gaming?

Tips for choosing gaming headphones:

1. Study the operating instructions, taking into account the technical parameters described above.
2. Check the plugs and adapters, the quality and length of the cord.
3. If you need to create a real gaming atmosphere and the effect of presence in the game, choose only closed-back headphones.
4. Some games require a microphone. Models with a built-in microphone are quite suitable for gaming, but if you want to use these headphones for recording sound, it is better to purchase a model with a microphone on the holder, with its position adjustable. Please note whether the model in question has a noise reduction function.
5. Be sure to check the sound adjustment, sound quality, and microphone operation right in the store.
6. Check the fit of the device on your head and the comfort of your ears, pay attention to the quality of the ear pads. Please note that in protracted battles, even minor discomfort at the beginning can become clearly felt after an hour or two.
7. Buy headphones based not only on your budget, but on the planned intensity of use - here the tactic of buying “to grow” may actually be correct: a more expensive model will sound better and last longer.

The best headphones for gaming: a review of 12 worthy models

In the price category up to 1000 rubles

Crown CMGH-101T

The model is suitable for games, as it is closed and has microphone mute, noise reduction and volume control functions. Connection – mini-Jack (3.5 mm) with adapter. At a fairly low cost, the headphones have good quality characteristics, optimal wire length and a representative design. Soft and comfortable ear pads do not provide perfect sound insulation, but they provide gamers with comfort when playing at home. The model is not ideal for listening to high-quality music, but for games and movies it’s just right. The model will appeal to those new to the world of gaming and those who like to watch blockbusters with headphones.

Characteristics:

• Type: overhead, closed;
• Connection type: wired;
• Connection: 3.5 mm;
• Frequencies: 10-22000 Hz;
• Resistance: 32 Ohm;
• Sensitivity: 105 dB;
• Cable length: 2.1 m;
• Cable connection: one-sided;
• Microphone presence: yes.

Advantages:

• affordable price;
• nice design;
• soft ear pads;
• the frequency range meets the gamer's requirements (strong low frequencies);
• foldable microphone

Flaws:

• not ideal sound insulation;
• not ideal music sound;
• the microphone must be configured on the computer;
• hard headband.

Canyon CND-SGHS3

Quite a budget model, with a speaker diameter of 50 mm, equipped with a microphone and a volume control function. The headphones create a high-quality gaming atmosphere, have high sensitivity and high-quality sound. The ear pads and headband are covered with plastic materials that “remember” the shape of the gamer’s head and ears, and create comfort during long gaming sessions.

Characteristics:

• Type: overhead, closed;
• Connection type: wired;
• Frequencies: 20-20000 Hz;
• Resistance: 32 Ohm;
• Sensitivity: 95 dB;
• Cable length: 2 m;
• Cable connection: one-sided;
• Microphone presence: yes.

Advantages:

• optimal cost;
• sound quality;
• comfortable fit;
• soft ear pads with plastic material;
• built-in microphone;
• manufacturer's warranty (2 years).

Flaws:

• The model is specifically a gaming model: it is not entirely applicable for recording sound or listening to music.

1000-3000 rubles

Sven AP-U980MV

A good model with 7.1 surround sound effect, the microphone is directional and can be used in some games. They feature an optimal USB plug and are well suited for playing on a laptop. Brightness of sound, impressive design and soft ear pads are the undeniable advantages of this model. The ear pads and headband are covered with a pleasant soft-touch material. This model will please a child or teenager.

Characteristics:

• Type: overhead, closed;
• Connection type: wired;
• Connection: USB;
• Frequencies: 20-20000 Hz;
• Resistance: 32 Ohm;
• Sensitivity: 108 dB;
• Cable length: 2.2 m;
• Cable connection: one-sided;
• Microphone presence: yes.

Advantages:

• inexpensive;
• sound quality;
• high-quality cable, braid;
• length of cable;
• good microphone.

Flaws:

• not a perfect fit;
• for a small head (teenager);
• plastic headband;
• The purpose of the backlight is unclear.

A4 Tech Bloody M-425

Not bad headphones for beginning conquerors of cyberspace with a speaker diameter of 40 mm. They have a stereo effect and fairly good sound quality. Can be used for gaming, as well as for watching movies from a tablet or smartphone on the go. The presence of a noise reduction function expands the capabilities of the model: Skype conversations, amateur sound recordings. The model can be considered as a gift for a novice gamer, but you shouldn't expect too much from the microphone.

Characteristics:

• Type: overhead, closed;
• Connection type: wired;
• Connection: mini-Jack (2 x 3.5 mm);
• Frequencies: 20-20000 Hz;
• Resistance: 16 Ohm;
• Sensitivity: 102 dB;
• Cable length: 2.2 m;
• Cable connection: one-sided;
• Microphone presence: yes.

Advantages:

• optimal cost;
• compactness;
• comfortable headband;
• presence of a microphone;
• noise reduction function;
• high-quality sound;
• adjustment on the body;
• 3 color options;
• nice lighting.

Flaws:

• the case is easily soiled, needs to be cleaned once a month;
• not a perfect microphone.

JetA GHP-400 Pro 7.1

A fairly advanced model, superior to the previous ones in terms of microphone quality and built-in sound card. Equipped with a vibration response function, loved by many gamers, as well as surround sound in 7.1 format (virtual). The microphone can be turned off if necessary and adjusted in height. In its price category it can claim to be the best, and will bring pleasure from the game.

Characteristics:

• Type: overhead, closed;
• Connection type: wired;
• Connection: USB A;
• Frequencies: 20-20000 Hz;
• Resistance: 32 Ohm;
• Sensitivity: 112 dB;
• Cable length: 2.2 m;
• Cable connection: one-sided;
• Microphone presence: yes.

Advantages:

• price-quality ratio;
• high-quality surround sound;
• fine-tuning sound effects;
• vibration response;
• comfortable fit and soft headband;
• high quality cord;
• LED backlight;
• good microphone.

Flaws:

• within its price segment - not found.

3000-5000 rubles

Qcyber Roof

Sensitive cyber headset with volume control, backlight and vibration effects. Provides rich and surround sound in 7.1 format using the Double Shock vibration system. The adjustable microphone on the arm is noise-proof and will be a good support in many games; it can be turned off if necessary. It has a durable and at the same time wear-resistant design. An improved model for passionate gamers, film lovers and music lovers.

Characteristics:

• Type: overhead, closed;
• Connection type: wired;
• Connection: USB A;
• Frequencies: 20-20000 Hz;
• Resistance: 32 Ohm;
• Sensitivity: 115 dB;
• Cable length: 2.2 m;
• Cable connection: one-sided;
• Microphone presence: yes.

Advantages:

• sensitivity;
• sound quality;
• vibration effect;
• noise protection;
• compactness;
• metal carcass;
• wear-resistant ear pads;
• high quality cord;
• LED backlight;
• stylish design.

Flaws:

• not identified - the manufacturer carefully considered all the nuances and reviews of the Qcyber Dragon model. You can only find fault with the only color scheme of the headset.

Logitech G233 Prodigy

The removable cable allows you to use a short or long cord (as a telephone headset and for a PC, respectively), if necessary, or a cord with a different connector. An adapter is included with the headphones, and the microphone can be removed from the case if necessary. The built-in Pro-G audio driver provides high-quality sound in both high and low frequencies. This compact and lightweight model with ear pads made of high-quality wear-resistant synthetics will serve well both at home and on the go. Both gamers and music lovers will like it.

Characteristics:

• Type: overhead, closed;
• Connection type: wired;
• Connection: 3.5 mm jack, adapter included;
• Frequencies: 20-20000 Hz;
• Resistance: 32 Ohm;
• Sensitivity: 107 dB;
• Cable length: 2 m and 1.5 m;
• Cable connection: one-sided;
• Microphone presence: yes.

Advantages:

• compactness and light weight;
• sound quality;
• two cables and an adapter;
• fine sound settings;
• noise protection when using a microphone;
• comfortable fit;
• soft ear pads (polycarbonate + nylon).

Flaws:

• if the long cable is braided with fabric, then the short one is ordinary rubber, which when moving (when rubbing it against clothes) creates extraneous sounds in the headphones.

A4 Tech Bloody M-615

The model is distinguished by sound quality in all ranges, which the manufacturer attributes to a dual-core membrane with Mycelium of Carbon IT technology. Two cable options, with an adapter, allow you to make these headphones “at home” for games and use them for walking with music. Excellent sound detail is the main advantage of this model.

Characteristics:

• Type: overhead, closed;
• Connection type: wired;
• Connection: 3.5 mm (Audio/Microphone) + USB cable + 100 cm adapter;
• Frequencies: 20-20000 Hz;
• Resistance: 16 Ohm;
• Sensitivity: 102 dB;
• Cable length: 1.3 m + 1 m extension;
• Cable connection: one-sided;
• Microphone presence: yes.

Advantages:

• dual-coil audio driver design;
• good sound insulation;
• convenient sound adjustment;
• excellent sound detail;
• comfortable fit and softness;
• cups are covered with eco-leather;
• high-quality sound;
• noise suppression;
• backlight;
• durable braided copper cable;
• presence of an extension cord;
• breathable material (ears “breathe” and do not sweat).

Flaws:

• quite expensive;
• not an ideal microphone;
• fingerprints on plastic;
• The brightness of the backlight is not adjustable.

from 5000 rubles

Razer Kraken 7.1 V2

A super-sensitive model for professional gamers with a USB connection and proprietary 7.1 sound technology (virtual sound). High frequency response rates. If you want to achieve maximum sound quality, this gaming headset requires connection to Razer Synapse 2.0 proprietary software. Polymer foam filling of the ear pads ensures minimal pressure on the player's ears and head. Signature Razer Chroma LED lighting provides 16 million shades! Home version of prof. headsets for immersing yourself in virtual reality or high-quality musical worlds.

Characteristics:

• Type: overhead, closed;
• Connection type: wired;
• Connection: USB A;
• Frequencies: 12-28000 Hz;
• Resistance: 32 Ohm;
• Sensitivity: 118 dB;
• Cable length: 2.0 m;
• Cable connection: one-sided;
• Microphone presence: yes.

Advantages:

• noise suppression;
• high frequency response rates.
• retractable microphone;
• comfortable fit;
• high-quality cable with fabric braiding;
• backlight with an innumerable number of tones;
• two body colors.

Flaws:

• quite expensive;
• a little heavy;
• require installation of proprietary software (to improve stereo sound).

Roccat Khan Pro

Professional gaming headset with a wide range of sound and a proprietary audio card. Low distortion and excellent sound insulation provide a fully immersive gaming experience. Very light weight (230 g) and soft landing help gamers not get tired of playing for a long time. Leather ear pads with special filling “remember” the shape of the gamer’s head. In a word, headphones for pros.

Characteristics:

• Type: overhead, closed;
• Connection type: wired;
• Connection: mini-Jack (2 x 3.5 mm);
• Frequencies: 10-40000 Hz;
• Resistance: 25 Ohm;
• Cable length: 2.45 m;
• Cable connection: one-sided;
• Microphone presence: yes.

Advantages:

• Hi-Res sound quality;
• sensitivity;
• comfortable fit and lightness;
• excellent assembly;
• convenient volume control;
• ability to mute the microphone;
• strength;
• braided cable;
• two body colors.

Flaws:

• bass is not very prominent;
• The microphone and cable are not removable.

Asus ROG Strix Fusion 500

Next-generation professional gaming headset with high-quality ESS components: ES9018 digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and 9601K amplifier. These headphones provide perfect 7.1 virtual sound (from partner Bongiovi Acoustics). Touch volume control and backlight synchronization via a mobile application via Bluetooth expand the capabilities of the device. Such controls do not distract the gamer from the game. Multi-color RGB lighting adds to the sound effects and immerses the gamer in a different reality. The model is also good for music lovers.

volume control;

long braided cable.

Flaws:

• high price.

Sennheiser GSP 600

Excellent equipment for the modern gamer. It features a bi-directional microphone with a sensitivity of 47 dB and is compatible with any operating systems. The microphone noise cancellation can be turned on and off, as well as adjusting the volume in fairly simple ways. Genuine leather and soft “suede” lining of the ear pads and “memory filler” ensure long gaming without headaches. The set includes 2 cables: one (with straight plugs) for connecting to a PC, the second (with “angled” plugs) for consoles. Not bad headphones for gamers, but for listening to music the upper frequency range is a little lacking.

The low-frequency range (plus and minus) predominates.

Separately, it is worth noting an interesting “feature” of these professional gaming headphones: as tests have shown, after purchasing them “out of the box,” the sound can be unpleasantly surprising. But, as tests again showed, a couple of days of waiting “to warm up” - and they reveal themselves in all their glory.

Let's sum it up

Based on the results of the review, it can be noted that models in price categories up to 1000 rubles And from 1000 to 3000 rubles They don't have any special sound quality. They are suitable as a gift for a teenager who loves computer games. Models SvenAP-U980MV And JetAGHP-400Pro 7.1 can compete with more expensive ones, as they support 7.1 virtual sound format.

In the price category 3000-5000 rubles gaming headsets are presented with various technical delights that enhance the effect of presence in the game: vibration effects at low frequencies, better sound insulation than more inexpensive models, soft materials for a long gaming duration. Among the models QcyberRoof, LogitechG233Prodigy, A4TechBloodyM-615 a novice gamer can choose something.

Models RazerKraken 7.1V2, RoccatKhanPro in the price category 5000-10000 rubles claim to be called “professional gamers”. Having familiarized yourself with them in detail, you will understand what is there and what to pay for. Some headphones of this category require additional software to obtain greater sound brightness (for example, RazerKraken 7.1V2).

Headphone models for games in the price range more than 10,000 rubles multifunctional. In this case, manufacturers present headsets with simplified controls, removable wires, and various sound and light effects. According to the manufacturers of expensive models, such headphones are valuable not only for gamers, but for film buffs and music lovers. However, most of them are quite heavy and can't compare with more mobile (and cheaper) options.

Thus, in pursuit of sounds and special effects, the buyer of a gaming headset loses lightness and portability. Very cheap options have poor assembly, sound or microphone (depending on the model). Very portable ones have worse sound insulation or a not very comfortable fit. The “golden mean” is somewhere between them.