The most important things I look for when buying gaming headphones

I didn’t realize how much of a difference the right gaming headphones can make until I upgraded from a low-quality pair to a new model. Now I consider many factors when purchasing new headphones. From exceptional sound quality and advanced controls to maximum comfort, here are the main factors I focus on.

1 They should be comfortable

Comfort is my top priority. Since I spend a lot of hours gaming, I look for a lightweight design that distributes the weight evenly to make my gaming setup more comfortable. The clamping force should be balanced – it shouldn’t be so tight that it causes headaches or neck pain, but also not so loose that the headset shifts with every movement.

I prefer over-ear headphones with padding around my ears. They don’t touch my ears directly, so I can wear them for long periods of time without straining. The design of the earcups should conform to the shape of my ear. It should be breathable to avoid heat buildup, sweating, and pain.

To make sure my new headset doesn’t cause any discomfort, I prefer to test it in person in a store rather than buying it online.

2 I prefer headphones with wired and wireless options

To avoid the hassle of choosing between wired and wireless gaming headsets, I always buy headphones that offer both options. In wireless mode, I enjoy the freedom to stretch or walk away from my desk without having to take off my headphones. It also allows me to switch between different gaming devices without having to plug and unplug them.

However, wireless mode has one significant drawback: latency. There is a slight audio delay, enough to miss your opponent’s footsteps and be caught off guard. That’s why I also appreciate the wired option, which doesn’t have this problem. I can also switch to a wired connection when the battery gets low, so I never have to abandon my gaming session.

3 I want to have a sound advantage when playing games

For me, high-quality audio output is just as important as low ping in shooter or battle royale games. Clear audio helps me detect and respond to subtle in-game cues, which can make the difference between winning and losing, so sound quality is probably one of the most important factors I consider when purchasing new headphones.

I’m looking for headphones with excellent spatial audio and surround sound capabilities to hear the enemy’s footsteps, judge their direction, and accurately locate gunshots.

Since effective communication with my teammates is also important, I look for headphones with a balanced sound profile that ensures the game audio doesn’t drown out the voice chat. I also prefer closed headphones so as not to disturb my family members when they play in the same room.

4 A high-quality microphone with noise cancellation

Since clear communication with my team is important, I look for a top-notch microphone that will filter out background noise and pick up my voice loud and clear. I don’t want my friends to be distracted by the hum of my PC, the clatter of a mechanical keyboard, or ambient noise from outside my room while we coordinate an ambush.

A high-quality noise-canceling microphone will meet this requirement. The microphone should also be detachable so that I can take it off when playing single-player games. Due to previous experiences with microphones that became loose after a few months, I now focus on durability and choose a microphone that is built to last.

5 Aesthetics is non-negotiable for me

I want my headphones to be something I can proudly show off when streaming or gaming with friends, so aesthetics are non-negotiable for me.

When looking for new headphones, I look not only for top-notch specs, but also for a design that stands out. Details like the shape of the earcups, the design of the headband, the quality of the build, the color scheme, and features like RGB lighting influence my purchase decision. I also make sure that the headset fits the theme of my overall gaming setup.

Since I spend many hours each week at my gaming desk, I want my headphones to enhance the look of my room.

6 A stable construction is important

I want my headphones to be durable enough to withstand accidental drops, frequent adjustments, and daily use, so I look for models made from high-quality materials. The headband should be durable enough to keep its shape and not crack over time. I also look for rough edges or poorly glued parts.

Hinges need to be sturdy enough to allow for regular adjustments, and all connections should remain secure without coming loose. For wired headphones, I prefer a braided cable that resists damage and prevents fraying. Before buying, I make sure the headphones are durable so I can be sure my money is well spent.

7 Controls and customization on the device

I also like my headphones to have a set of controls right on the device. I prefer headphones that have both volume and microphone controls. While the volume control lets me easily adjust the volume, a toggle switch lets me quickly mute my microphone if someone unexpectedly walks into my room and starts talking.

For action games, I like a bass-heavy audio profile, but for strategy games, I switch to a more balanced sound. I always buy headphones that allow me to switch between different audio profiles or create custom profiles to my liking. These features may seem insignificant, but they greatly improve my gaming experience.

8 Value for money

The more advanced features, the better the design and the higher the build quality of a headphone, the more expensive it usually is.

Finding the right balance between cost and quality has always been a challenge. I used to spend more than necessary when buying new headphones. Now I set a clear maximum budget before shopping, which helps me choose headphones with balanced features that fit my budget.

I prefer to buy from reputable brands, even if they are more expensive, and I always consider whether the features offered are worth the price before buying.

Buying a new gaming headset can be challenging, especially if you’re on a budget. I hope my insights into what I look for in new headphones will help you in your search. I recommend finding different models that fit your needs and choosing the one that best suits your preferences. Don’t forget to check out our picks for the best budget gaming headsets.