Social Distancing? The 10 Best Gaming Headsets to Buy Right Now
Let's face it, being cooped up at home because of the coronavirus was probably not on your bucket list, but here we are. So what are people doing to pass the time during this social distancing? Well, a new Verizon study gives us some insight into how Americans are spending time in this new normal. Here's a bit of a breakdown on what Verizon found, based on peak data hour usage week after week:
- Virtual private network, up 34 percent
- Web traffic, up close to 20 percent
- Video, up more than 12 percent
- Social media usage: 0% (flat)
But the most interesting stat of all is that gaming is up a whopping 75 percent right now. Americans are diving into gaming platforms to not only blow off some steam but to socially play games like Fortnite and Destiny. So we thought there was no better time to present the top 10 best gaming headsets you can buy right now. This list is in no particular order; these are just the best of the best.
1. Audio-Technica ATH-G1
Audio-Technica is certainly not a new name in the audio business. The company has been making audio products since 1962 and is highly regarded in the space. Some of you may be surprised that the company actually makes gaming headsets, but it does, and the ATH-G1 is one of our favorites.
Compatibility: PC / Xbox / PS4 / Nintendo Switch / Mobile
The ATH-G1 gaming headset is not only super comfortable but the 45 mm drivers sound amazing, it's very easy to set up and use, and the ear pads are replaceable. Having replaceable ear pads is a huge deal when you use a gaming headset for a long time. You can pick up these headphones on Amazon for $169. Read the full review on Techaeris, which scored them 9.3/10.
2. Logitech G Pro Gaming Headset
While Audio-Technica made its name in the world of consumer and pro audio, Logitech has done so on the computer peripherals side. The company also has a variety of audio products and gaming products to its credit. One of them is the excellent Logitech G Pro Gaming Headset.
Compatibility: PC / Xbox / PS4 / Nintendo Switch / Mobile
The Logitech G Pro Gaming Headset impressed us with its robust build quality, the amazing sound from its "hybrid-mesh PRO G" drivers and its excellent mic quality. Mic quality is a huge deal when you're playing with friends online. The G Pro Gaming Headset delivered on sound quality, but it is the mic quality that allowed it to make this list. You can pick up these headphones on Amazon for $69.78. Read the full review on Techaeris, which scored them 9.9/10.
3. Sennheiser GSP 370
Sennheiser, easily one of the most recognizable names on this list, considering it's been in the audio business since 1945. The company has its hands in just about every part of the audio space there is, and for good reason: It makes really amazing products. The Sennheiser GSP 370 is one of the higher-priced headsets on our list, but it is well worth the expense.
Compatibility: PC / PS4
The marquee feature of the GSP 370 is its crazy 100-hour battery life. If that's not impressive, you're hard to please. The GSP 370 also has that amazing Sennheiser sound quality helped by the wonderfully made transducers and drivers. The mic quality is acceptable but not the best on the list. You can pick up these headphones on Amazon for $199. Read the full review on Techaeris, which gave them a score of 9.4/10.
4. SteelSeries Arctis 1
SteelSeries is one of the new kids on the block. Founded in 2001, the company started directly in the gaming peripheral business and has done well for itself. It sells tons of headsets, keyboards, mice and more to eager gamers around the globe. The SteelSeries Arctis 1 is one of its best headsets to date and costs under $100.
Compatibility: PC / Xbox / PS4 / Nintendo Switch / Mobile
We love the Arctis 1 for its comfort, ease of use, USB-C connection and great sound quality. Of note, the Arctis 1 did take a few wears to break in, and it may take a while for them to feel comfortable. Mic and sound quality are both great, but we did experience some echo during game play while playing with others. Still, the pros outweigh the cons, so the Arctis 1 earns a place on this list. You can pick up these headphones on Amazon for $99. Read the full review on Techaeris, which scored them 8.8/10.
5. LucidSound LS35X
We've talked about some big audio companies on this list, but there are also smaller companies represented, like LucidSound. This young company is doing some great things and really impressed us with its LS35X headset. While these aren't the cheapest on the list, they're worth the price.
Compatibility: Xbox / Windows / Mobile
There are plenty of console headphone options out there, but few offer the Xbox Wireless one-button sync functionality that the LucidSound LS35X has. With an attractive and slick design, fantastic sound and great battery life, the LS35X should definitely be on your consideration list if you're looking for a wireless Xbox One gaming headset. You can pick up these headphones on Amazon for $179. Read the full review on Techaeris, which scored them 9.5/10.
6. Razer Electra V2
If you're into gaming, Razer needs no introduction. It is one of the premier gaming companies on the market making gaming peripherals and gaming hardware. Razer's gear is often sought after and coveted by gamers everywhere. For this list, we've chosen the Razer Electra V2 because of the budget-friendly price.
Compatibility: PC / Xbox / PS4 / Nintendo Switch / Mobile
The Electra V2 is priced at just $59, and that right there is entry-level gaming pricing. While many of the other headsets on this list beat the Electra V2 in some areas, they can't beat the price. This headset is fairly comfortable, has decent sound, has a removable/adjustable mic and long cables, and is multi-platform. While the performance isn't on par with more expensive headsets, its price is the reason it made our list. You can pick up these headphones on Amazon for $59. Read the full review on Techaeris, which scored them 9.1/10.
7. Turtle Beach Stealth 700
Turtle Beach made its first gaming headset in 2005 and hasn't looked back. The company has made a name for itself in the gaming space with consistently great devices. Turtle Beach makes headsets that run the players gamut. From noobs to pros, they have something for everyone. We think the Stealth 700 is a great pick for just about everyone.
Compatibility: Xbox
The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 finally brings true wireless audio to the Xbox One console family. Easy to connect, it offers decent sound and even Bluetooth connectivity for extra functionality. Turtle Beach has even built in Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos support. Battery life is also really great on this headset. You can pick up these headphones on Amazon for $149. Read the full review on Techaeris, which scored them 9.2/10.
8. Razer Thresher Ultimate
Score another win for Razer as we chalk up this headset on our list. We already know Razer is one of the premier gaming companies out there, and the Thresher Ultimate is one of its premier products you can lay your ears on. It's also one of the most expensive on our list, but if you can afford them, they are the cream of the crop.
Compatibility: PC / Xbox / Mac
If you've been looking for a lag-free wireless gaming headset with great sound and fantastic battery life for your Xbox One console, look no further than the Razer Thresher Ultimate for Xbox One. The 50 mm drivers with neodymium magnets give these headphones amazing sound. You can pick up these headphones on Amazon for $249. Read the full review on Techaeris, which scored them 9.8/10.
9. Omen by HP Mindframe
Gaming headsets most often vary by design, build quality and sound quality. Every once in a while, a gaming headset comes along with a new feature. That's why we picked the Omen by HP Mindframe. HP is often thought of as a laptop and desktop maker, but the company has been selling gaming gear under the Omen name for some time now, and the Mindframe headset is excellent.
Compatibility: PC
The Omen by HP Mindframe Advanced Gaming Headset offers decent virtual 7.1 surround sound for gaming as well as audio. The real winning feature, though, is just how cool they keep your ears during long gaming or listening sessions. Sadly, these are PC only. We'd love to have a set for the Xbox One! You can pick up these headphones up on Amazon for $199. Read the full review on Techaeris, which scored them 9.4/10.
10. Turtle Beach Recon Chat
Our final headset is yet another Turtle Beach product. For a company that released its first gaming headset in 2005, we're impressed it made our list twice. The Recon Chat is a multiplatform headset that won't break the bank. As a matter of fact, you can get these for less than $20, which is just amazing.
Compatibility: PC / Xbox / PS4 / Nintendo Switch / Mobile
If you're looking for an affordable, great-sounding chat headset for your Xbox One, with a high-sensitivity microphone providing clear voice communication, check out the Turtle Beach Recon Chat headset. You can pick up these headphones on Amazon for $19.99. Read the full review on Techaeris, which scored them 9.4/10.
There it is, our top 10 best gaming headsets you can buy right now. I have to admit, it was a tough list to come up with because there are many more headsets out there that are worthy. For more reviews on gaming gear, be sure to check out Techaeris' gaming review section on its website.
Alex Hernandez is the editor-in-chief and founder of Techaeris. Follow him on Twitter, @daAlexHernandez. Follow Techaeris on Twitter, @techaeris, and visit its website for the latest tech reviews and news.
Newsweek has affiliate partnerships and may earn revenue from purchases using our links.
