10 Best Gaming Headsets

Many gamers have fallen victim to poor sound. In first-person shooters and other games with player vs. player capabilities, sound quality can mean the difference between life and death. You may be unable to hear enemies sneaking up on you, or to get tactical information from teammates. Even in video games where sound can't change the outcome, it's hard to enjoy the game as much when it sounds bad. Fortunately, many headsets for gaming have hit the market in recent years, thanks to the ever-expanding gaming market. Though there are dozens of models marketed to gamers, there are few that stand out as the best gaming headsets available.

A good gaming headset has different features than a standard pair of headphones. Ear cups, cans or other noise-canceling properties are crucial - none of those tiny behind-the-ear headphones. It's convenient for gaming headsets to have attached microphones, allowing for in-game communication with allies. Headsets for gaming should also have longer cords, due to the distance between a computer's audio port and where the wearer is sitting. Last but not least, the best gaming headsets are designed for long-wearing comfort so that ear pain doesn't force you to stop playing.

Best Gaming Headsets

Creative Fatal1ty MKII - Newegg, $69.99

This is the high-end model in a series of headsets for gaming developed by Creative with pro gamer Johnathan "Fatal1ty" Wendel. This headset has generous proportions, with roomy ear cups and an expandable headband designed to fit just about anyone. The ear cups and headband are also padded, making this a very comfortable headset for long stretches of time. This series of headsets includes microphones with surprisingly effective noise-cancelling capabilities. As a goofy bonus the MKII model also includes VoiceFX voice morphing, giving you 18 ways to disguise your voice on Ventrilo and other voice chat programs.

Best Gaming Headsets

Creative Fatal1ty HS-1000 - Amazon, $49.99

Another model in the Fatal1ty series, this model has some differences from the MKII. One marked difference is the material used on the ear cups. Some gamers have allergic reactions to the vinyl-esque material used on the MKII and other headsets for gaming. The HS-1000 features velvet-covered ear cups instead. This headset also conveniently connects via USB, unlike the standard 3.5mm analog audio connection favored by most headsets. If you can't afford the MKII but want a headset with a standard connector, the entry-level model into this series of headsets for gaming (the Creative Fatality HS-800) may be the ideal choice for you.

Best Gaming Headsets

Sennheiser PC166 - Newegg, $139.95

Many gamers swear by Sennheiser for optimum gaming performance. With crystal-clear audio quality and a noise-cancelling microphone that does a pretty remarkable job of blocking unwanted sounds, this is a winner. What doesn't get blocked out naturally can easily be muted using the in-line control. This model uses a USB sound card, which saves your sound settings - handy if you need to unplug your headset or use multiple computers. Sennheiser's headsets for gaming are modeled to fit small to average-sized heads. If you have a large head or ears, or wear glasses, these may be less comfortable for you.

Best Gaming Headsets

Sennheiser PC151 - Newegg, $59.95

If the PC166's $140 price tag is a little too high for you, check out the PC151. This model is the "little brother" of the PC166, for less than half the price. Like the more expensive Sennheiser model, the PC151 has a noise-cancelling microphone and in-line controls. Both models are also certified for use on Skype. These headsets are durably constructed and built to last; I have a pair still going strong after nearly 4 years. Like all Sennheiser headsets, the native bass on the PC151 is a little low, but can easily be adjusted within your computer's sound control.

Best Gaming Headsets

SteelSeries 61001SS - Newegg, $99.99

SteelSeries create high-quality accessories favored by many competitive gamers. The 61001SS model is ideal for competitive and FPS gameplay, thanks to a few well-planned features. This gaming headset travels better than most, since it can be disassembled into 3 pieces. The cushiony ear cups and headband padding make the 61001SS very comfortable to wear while providing a custom fit. This features a long 10 foot cord, which is made to last since it's made of braided nylon instead of the standard rubber. Last but not least, this headset features 7.1 virtual surround sound with a "custom engineered soundscape" designed for gaming. Enjoy never getting snuck up on again with this headset wrapped around your ears.

Best Gaming Headsets

SteelSeries Siberia 51002SS - Newegg, $99.99

This offering from SteelSeries isn't specifically designed for FPS gaming like the 61001SS model listed above, but can still take everything you throw at it. The 51002SS is more of a jack-of-all-trades headset, equally capable of PC or console gaming, mp3 listening or watching movies on your computer. Another difference between the two models is the Siberia's stylish design - this looks more like a pair of high-end audiophile or recording headphones than a gaming headset. It's super-lightweight and very comfortable, making long gaming sessions pain-free. These are available in black and white, and there was also a pink "Lady Siberia" version for a while (though it seems to have been discontinued). Both the 61001SS and the 51002SS are available in 3.5mm and USB connector varieties, with no difference in cost or quality.

Best Gaming Headsets

Turtle Beach Ear Force X11 - Amazon, $52.24

The Ear Force X11 was designed with Xbox 360 gamers in mind. This is a big upgrade from the standard Xbox Live headsets for gaming, with cool features that also make the X11 valuable for PC gamers. This headset features an extra-long 16 foot cord, leaving you plenty of room to kick back and relax as you play. It can be connected to your computer, your TV (HDMI and VGA) or your sound system, depending on how you play. The X11 features sound-enhancing features including bass boost and an in-line amplifier, allowing you to easily fine-tune your sound. Though the X11 features cushioned ear cups, the built-in microphone monitoring feature also eliminates the muffled feeling usually experienced while talking with noise-cancelling headphones on. The X11 brings a little of your speech into audio, so you can hear what you're saying without drowning out game sounds or voice chat.

Best Gaming Headsets

Razer Carcharias - Newegg, $79.99

Another brand known for making products just for gamers, Razer has grown a reputation for quality products at an affordable price point. This headset is no exception, easily competing with (and arguably surpassing) Sennheiser's PC166 at a much lower price. The usual features are here: padded headset and ear cups designed for comfort, in-line volume and microphone control, and a noise-filtering microphone that eliminates background noise. This headset connects via 3.5mm analog connectors. This headset doesn't have a lot of completely unique features, but its simple delivery makes coming up with a good gaming headset look easy.

Best Gaming Headsets

Sharkoon X-Tatic - Amazon, $159.99

Sharkoon is a German company known for computer components such as cases and fans. Their foray into the high-end headset market is a successful one, however, because the X-tatic packs a lot of punch. It's comfortable, it sounds good, and it has more features than you'll probably ever need. This headset features Dolby digital 5.1 sound, spread over 8 speakers - 4 in each ear. Each of those speakers has their own volume knob on an in-line adjuster. The X-Tatic features a TON of wires. There are multiple inputs and outputs, including those for PS3, PC/Mac, and one that allows someone else with the same headset to listen to your sound (a nice feature for PC movie watching, perhaps?). The microphone allows you to choose whether or not you hear your own voice, and a sound control unit is included to help your mic work over Xbox Live and PS3. $160 is still a steep price for a headset, but the Sharkoon X-Tatic seems like a worthy investment.

Best Gaming Headsets

Creative HS-1200 - Newegg, $99.99

One of the biggest drawbacks to gaming headsets is the cord. No matter how long it is, it never seems to be enough. Cut the cord with this wireless headset from Creative. Play or voice chat from across the room, or enjoy listening to music in bed. Voice chat enthusiasts can answer and control calls from the controls right on the headset, eliminating the need to walk back to the computer. The huge 72-foot range makes it possible to answer the door or grab a drink without interrupting your conversation. This headset charges through the USB port, giving up to 8 hours of wireless audio. Apart from all the headset's awesome wireless features, the HS-1200 is a high-quality, comfortable and durable gaming headset. If you've always wanted to go wireless, this is one of the best gaming headsets for you.