In our testing, in-game surround-sound settings sounded much better and were much more accurate than any headset’s artificial surround sound. Virtual surround simulates positional audio by artificially adding reverb and distance between channels, an effect that we found makes games and music sound terrible-like throwing a tin can down a concrete hallway. This feature is often listed as “virtual 7.1 surround sound” and meant to simulate a surround-sound setup in stereo speakers. Surround sound: If an already good headset offers virtual surround sound, that’s fine, but it’s not worth paying more for.Compatibility: Headsets with 3.5 mm connectors, like many headphones with microphones, are compatible with a wider range of gaming devices-PCs, consoles, and mobile devices-than USB headsets, which typically work only with PCs and the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One.We paid attention to how easy these were to use, especially the mic-mute function. Volume controls: Gaming headsets should have volume and microphone mute controls on the earcups or on the cable.Most headsets-including all our picks-come with a two-year warranty. We prefer headsets with detachable cables and microphones, since they’re easier to replace if they break, as well as replaceable earpads. In addition to our testing, we looked for reports of broken headsets in owner reviews of our finalists. Build quality: The headset’s band shouldn’t creak when you put the headset on or move around, and the headset should survive being tossed in a bag.For a great-sounding wireless headset, expect to pay between $150 and $200. You can get more accurate sound in a wired headset that costs more than $150, but that isn’t worth the investment for most people.

You can find solid budget options for around $50, but when you go even cheaper you lose sound clarity in the headphones and mic, and the comfort and build quality drop considerably.

Price: After researching hundreds of headsets, we found that most people should be happy with a wired set that costs around $100.

Microphones that rotate often support a convenient flip-to-mute function, but microphones that bend are easier to position in such a way that they pick up your voice but not every single breath. Some gaming headset mics rotate, some retract, and others bend. So we focused on clarity in a headset’s built-in microphone.

Noise cancellation is helpful but tends to affect clarity and make your voice sound as if you’re talking through cupped hands, or stuffy, like you have a cold. Microphone: Most headset microphones have noise cancellation, which minimizes low-pitched sounds such as a computer’s fans or an air purifier well enough but has trouble with higher pitches like loud typing.

In games, this means being able to tell how far away the person shooting at you from behind your left shoulder is, for example. One of the most important aspects of sound quality for gaming headsets is a large soundstage, which allows audio that sounds as if it’s coming from a specific location in a three-dimensional space rather than presenting as a single, flat wall of sound. Sound quality: Gaming headsets rarely sound as detailed as comparably priced headphones, but they should still be clear and accurate, with no frequency range overpowering another.We also looked for headsets that accommodated a wide range of heads and ear sizes. The headband design should distribute the headset’s weight so it doesn’t dig into the top of your head, the cups shouldn’t make your ears too hot, and the headset shouldn’t pinch or let too much sound leak out if you wear glasses. A good headset doesn’t clamp too tight on your head or jaw, but it shouldn’t slip off your head, either. Comfort: A gaming headset should be comfortable to wear for hours.

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