Gaming Headphones – Options, Prices, and Things to Consider
Whether one is playing lesser-known tinier games or Triple-A titles, the right equipment can elevate the gaming experience. While basic gadgets do the job for occasional play, the moment it gets competitive, the right accessories make all the difference. One of the key accessories to invest in is headphones. Here, choosing a pair that offers clear and crisp audio, low latency, and good build quality can help one enjoy an immersive gaming experience.
Popular options and prices
To narrow down options, one can choose from popular gaming headphones and compare their features.
1. Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX
Selling at a price of around R$ 824, the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX are high-end gaming headphones for those willing to splurge on accessories. Some of the product’s key features include 40+ hours of battery life, clear audio input with a microphone, and 50mm audio drivers. The headphones are also compatible with a range of consoles, including Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, PC, and Mac models.
2. Turtle Beach Stealth 600 (Gen 3) Wireless
An affordable alternative to the Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX, the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 (Gen 3) Wireless is another feature-rich option. For instance, the product comes with a flip-to-mute microphone, good recording quality, brilliant low-latency connection, and over 85 hours of battery life. One could find these gaming headphones for sale at R$ 556 .
3. Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED Wireless
Gaming enthusiasts on a budget can consider opting for the Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED Wireless, which is priced at about R$ 382. While they might have to make peace with its plastic frame, the product is packed with various handy features one would want in a gaming audio wearable. For instance, the headphones do not compromise on latency whether one needs it over Bluetooth or via the wireless USB dongle. The sound via the mic is also bright and clear to receivers. Additionally, as they are equipped with a 20-hour battery life, the headphones offer enough runtime for uninterrupted gameplay.
4. HyperX Cloud Stinger 2
If one needs a pair of good gaming headphones on a budget, they can consider the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2. Priced at R$ 164, it is one of the most affordable wearables that also offers value-for-money features. Its plush leatherette ear cups and adjustable headband make it easy to customize the fit, making the wearable comfortable for hours. The headphones have powerful 50mm drivers to let one listen to even subtle sounds like footsteps.
Things to consider
When shortlisting and comparing new gaming headphones for sale and their prices, one should also look at a few features that indicate the overall quality of the chosen product.
1. Isolation
A gaming headphone may have multiple remarkable features, but if the noise isolation is poor, the gaming experience will not be as smooth as possible. This element is important to consider when buying a new gaming headphone, as good noise isolation will help users listen to even subtle directional audio cues. Here, one should check the quality of the seal, especially the size and material of the headphone pad . If the foam pad does not create an effective seal immediately, one should give it some time to adapt to the shape of the head. However, if the pad is not big enough to go around the ear, one should consider investing in a larger pair of headphones or buying replacement pads with a larger circumference.
2. Microphone quality
The mic is among the most crucial parts of the headphones when it comes to gaming. It lets one communicate with other players, making it essential for multiplayer gaming. Most headphones may come with a mic of decent audio quality , but for the best experience, one should look for additional features, like background noise reduction, which allows one to communicate with others with minimal disturbances. There are two popular types of microphones on a gaming headphone.
- An omnidirectional microphone picks up sound from all directions, making it ideal for setups where multiple people are gaming in the same room. Alternatively, this mic works for quieter environments with limited exterior sounds.
- A unidirectional microphone is highly preferred, as it only captures sound from one direction. It helps one avoid capturing noise in crowded environments or spaces with more than one person gaming simultaneously.
3. Latency
If one is buying a pair of wireless headphones, one must pay close attention to latency—the delay between an action in the game and the corresponding audio response. So, buying low-latency headphones is crucial when engaging in action-packed games. Professional wired headphones typically do not have audio delay issues.
4. Build quality
A pair of headphones might offer all the must-have features housed in a poor-quality build. For instance, if it has a cheap plastic body, even a little pressure or tension can break it. Low-quality headphones may even snap. So, when buying a new gaming headphone, one should examine the build quality and choose an option known for its durability.
5. Virtual surround sound
Headphones can be equipped with a virtual surround sound system, which stimulates the regular surround sound using just two speakers. This feature offers an edge in player vs. player battles. Additionally, if one plans to use the headset for non-gaming activities, like listening to music or streaming content, they must consider splurging on headphones with virtual surround sound.