The best gaming headsets offer more balance drivers that require minimal tweaking on your end, and you won't need to spend hundreds of dollars. The ChatMix control on the headset then allows you to balance the two audio streams on the fly without ever leaving your game.

Beyond its impressive sound, this headset is also durable yet comfortable, toting a lightweight form factor with ample adjustability and well-cushioned memory foam ear cups. It also works with every major game console (you must choose between PlayStation and Xbox versions, though; there's no model that works with both) along with PCs, and can even connect to two devices over USB-C at once.DTSHeadphone:X® makes all this possible with an incredible technology that simulates the 3D environment of the audio’s original mixing stage. Steelseries has been at the top of the gaming headset game for a while with some of the best audio hardware and software. So check your game’s settings and see what it offers—this isn’t super common, but for some games, it may be all you need. I have never been a big fan of the virtual surround that comes with most headphones, but I rather enjoy some of the alternative options.

Rather than your typical closed-back headsets, Corsair switches it up with an open-back for a wide soundstage and spacious listening experience. I’ve reviewed more than a thousand different consumer electronics products including headphones, speakers, TVs, and every major game system and VR headset of the last decade.Similar to other peripherals, like a gaming mouse or gaming keyboard, it’s always up for debate whether you should go for a wired or wireless headset.

You’ll be good to game for 16 hours without needing to juice up, which isn’t the best we’ve seen, but thankfully, charging is facilitated by a USB-C cable to make life easier. Bit off-topic but the last hope is that Sony allow surround over USB and support external USB devices like PS4.Presumably, games designed to work with Spatial Sound will sound better than unsupported upscaled games, but it’s nice to know you can use it with anything.

The Beyerdynamic MMX 100 is as close to perfection as a wired gaming headset can get thanks to its impressive sound, comfort, and build quality.Just flip that on, and the game will do all the virtual surround processing for you; no need to download or install anything. Gaming headsets are a much easier-to-use plug-and-stream option that requires a slight sacrifice to audio quality. Similarly while Creative didn't release OpenAL for free use by any sound card maker, it would have been stupid to demand some per game license fees from game developers. But even if this awesome gaming headset isn't up your alley, there are so many gaming headsets out there, no matter what your style or budget looks like. But it doesn’t just put a home theater audio experience in your pocket, it works with music and games too.