As technology continues to take over, headsets are being used more today than they ever had been. Among the many categories of headsets, gaming headsets have taken the lead. They are recommended for enjoying a great gaming experience.
Gaming headsets serve a unique purpose in providing a fantastic gaming experience with its specialized features that gamers love! Headsets use in gaming has increased a lot. They have become specialized under the name of “gaming headset” in the market.
They are used by gamers to enjoy better sound quality, noise cancellation and mic communication. Do you know why gaming headsets are important? What makes them unique? How do they differ from a regular headset? Well, you can read about that here.
If you are planning to buy a gaming headset, you’re at the right place. This article talks about a detailed buying guide for a purchasing gaming headset. It provides a list of the best gaming headphones under 200. So, head on and read all about gaming headsets, and find the right one for yourself.
Best Gaming Headsets Under 200 Dollars In 2021
- Best Overall: Razer Kraken Tournament Edition
- Best for PC: SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless
- Best Budget: NUBWO Gaming Headsets
- Best for PS4: SteelSeries Arctis 7
- Best for XBOX: NUBWO U3 3.5mm Headset
- Best With Mic: Sennheiser Game One
- HyperX Cloud Alpha S - PC Headset
- Razer Kraken Gaming Headset: Lightweight Headset
1. Best Overall: Razer Kraken Tournament Edition
Ratings: 4.3/5
Design
It has two elegant yet attractive colors that carry the perfect look. The product has THX 7.1 sound surround. It has a cooling gel-infused cushioning. It provides support for glasses to prevent overheating and guarantee all-day comfort.
Performance
With these headphones, you are guaranteed a real in-game experience and all-day comfort. Whether you are looking for style or actual in-game experience, these headphones are a good choice. A real in-game experience is supporting spatial audio beyond the standard cues. It has a noise-canceling microphone with multiple compatibilities.
Specs
| Drivers: | 50mm |
| Controls: | Inline |
| Dimensions: | 6.76 x 7.60 x 3.86 inches |
| Surround sound: | THX 7.1 |
| Compatibility: | Windows 10-64 bit |
| Connectivity: | USB |
2. Best for PC: SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless
Ratings: 4.4/5
Design
It has a steel-reinforced durable headband. The product comes in a variety of styles that you can choose as per your need. It is available with wired or wireless support. It supports a detachable noise-canceling microphone that is clear cast. High-performance drivers for speakers are also available. These are very comfortable and can be worn easily for long hours.
Performance
This headset supports a detachable noise-canceling microphone that guarantees to provide you minimal outside distractions. If you love playing games, this headset offers you high-performance drivers, for the speakers and cancels all surrounding sound. It is a highly compatible with android phone, PC, or PS4. They provide natural and high sound quality.
Specs
| Dimensions: | 6.76 x 7.6 x 3.86 inches |
| Controls: | On-ear |
| Weight: | 11.4 ounces |
| Drivers: | 50mm |
| Battery life: | 24 hours |
3. Best Budget: NUBWO Gaming Headsets
Ratings: 4.2/5
Design
These headsets are designed to provide a balanced, detailed soundscape with minimum distortion as you enjoy your music, games, and videos. This headset enjoys the versatility of being used with almost every device, including Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, and mobile. It is ergonomically designed with a padded headband with soft leatherette cups. It is ideal for providing comfort for long hours as you enjoy your gaming.
Performance
The products serve to perform the Noise-cancelling function. It provides a noise-free and 3D stereo sound experience. The compatibility of the product is very versatile. With perfect noise cancellation and a 3D stereo sound experience, this headset offers you perfect gaming experience. They provide comfort so you can enjoy gaming all day long.
Specs
| Drivers: | 50mm |
| Jack: | 3.5mm |
| Dimensions: | 3.94 x 3.94 x 3.94 inches |
| Controls: | Inline |
| Distortion: | Ultra-low |
| Mic: | 120 degree |
| Stereo sound: | 3D |
4. Best for PS4: SteelSeries Arctis 7
Ratings: 4.3/5
Design
If you want both style, design, and the perfect gaming experience, this is the right headset for you. It is sleek and elegantly designed, black with a variety of designs. It is compatible with mac, ps, pc, switch, and mobile.
Performance
The product provides a 2.4g connection that can deliver rock-solid sound. Zero interference from surroundings is experienced. It has the best mic for gaming. These headsets deliver perfect sound. It cancels all external noises. A long enough battery time of 24 hours gives you enough time to enjoy even your most extended gaming session. Overall Steelseries has been one of the best gaming headsets maker in the market over the years.
Specs
| Connection: | 2.4g |
| Audio: | 360 degree |
| Sensitivity: | 98dB |
| Dimensions: | 7.76 x 6.89 x 3.58 inches |
| weight: | 12.5 ounces |
| Batteries: | 2 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
5. Best for XBOX: NUBWO U3 3.5mm Headset
Ratings: 4.2/5
Design
If you are looking for a headset that is compatible with multiple devices, this is the right choice for you. Intelligent extreme bass and high-quality stereo. It is designed to have universal compatibility to work with almost any device such as Tablet, computer, iPhone, etc. the product supports skin-friendly and soft ear pads. There are two colors with a variety of features that make your gaming experience ideal. It provides a comfortable headband to make it easy for long-time wearing.
Performance
This gaming headset provides superior and precise sound quality. It has an adjustable volume mute control. It delivers high quality and crystal-clear sound experience by canceling the surrounding or background noises.
Specs
| Dimensions: | 4.1 x 7.5 x 8.4 inches |
| weight: | 14.4 ounces |
| Jack: | 3.5mmc |
| Length of cord: | 5 feet |
6. Best With Mic: Sennheiser Game One
Ratings: 4.3/5
Design
On the right ear cup, the volume buttons can be easily used to make quick adjustments. It is ideal in design and looks. The product is made with velvet pads. It has an ideal transducer technology feature. Two-year warranty starting from the purchase gives you a guarantee of the durability and longevity of your headset. It is lightweight and promises high durability.
Performance
Sennheiser doesn't need any intro in the world of audio gadgets. This is a headset that can provide both ideal signature dynamics for sound and is a perfect noise-canceling option for you. This gaming headset comes with signature dynamics for sound. It is an expert in providing accuracy and extreme sound clarity. The microphone cancels background noises. It also has a flip-to-mute feature. The product provides a clearer in-game experience.
Specs
| Frequency: | 15 – 28,000Hz |
| Acoustics: | Open |
| Connectors: | 2 x 3.5 mm / 1 x 3.5 mm |
| Impedance: | 50 ohms |
| Dimensions: | 2.44 x 2.50 x 9.25 inches |
| Batteries: | 2 Lithium Polymer |
7. HyperX Cloud Alpha S – PC Headset
Ratings: 4.4/5
Design
This gaming headset provides supreme comfort. They support custom-tuned HyperX 7.1. It is available in colors; red, blue, and black. It has a very stylish look. It supports a braided cable. The mic can be detached as required. Durable frames made of aluminum. They have an advanced audio control mixer.
Performance
This unique headset offers great noise cancellation so you can enjoy a perfect gaming experience and supports a fantastic sound. These headsets ensure quality and long-lasting function. These are particularly ideal to be used for gaming and chat balance. Overall, HyperX is among the top-sellers for gaming headsets and this one lies in that line too.
Specs
| Surround Sound: | 7.1 |
| Dimension: | 7.84 x 5.31 x 3.63 inches |
| Frequency: | 13-27,000Hz |
| Driver: | 50mm |
| Connectivity: | 3.5mm (4 Pole) or USB |
| Weight: | 13.2Ounces |
8. Razer Kraken Gaming Headset: Lightweight Headset
Ratings: 4.5/5
Design
With bright, amazing colors and ideal comfort supported, this headset is a great choice if you are looking for style and comfort. It is available in sharp, bright, amazing colors, and with an elegant design, these gaming headphones are yours to take. This headset is ideal for providing all-day comfort because of the cooling gel-infused oval cushioning. It has indents for glasses that prevent pressure build-up and overheating. Being light in weight and durable in quality, you can trust them to last long!
Performance
With the wide range of gaming gadgets, Razer has made its name in the mind of all gamers. This product has a retractable microphone, which is noise isolating. It also helps in reducing the sound in the background. It is best to support crystal clear communication. The product contains the built-in wheel for analog volume control. The mute mic switch allows easy access to controls in the middle of your gaming. It is durable and light in weight.
Specs
| Drivers: | 50mm |
| Jack: | 3.5mm |
| Dimension: | 7.87 x 6.69 x 1.55 inches |
| Microphone: | Noise isolating |
| Volume control: | Built-in |
| Weight: | 11.2 ounces |
Buying a gaming headset? Here are a few things that you need to look out for!
These gaming headsets come with decent sound quality, a microphone, and a cord with the right length suitable enough to go with every gaming headset. Hence, gaming headsets are essential for gamers who want an amazing gaming experience.
Types of different headsets
There are several types of headsets based on their categorizations. They are categorized based on mono, stereo, and sound, microphone style, telephone, and headband style. Let us describe these types and how they are different.
Mono, stereo, and surround
Headsets are found in single and double earpiece designs. Single earpiece headsets are called monaural, whereas the double earpiece ones may be supporting stereo sound, and may have a similar audio channel for both the earpieces. Unlike the ones mentioned above, the virtual surround features of the headsets have cups that cover the whole ear. To create sound, these headsets use only two discreet speakers, one speaker to each cup of the ear.
Microphone style
This design includes the headset’s microphone arm, which can carry an external microphone or have a voice tube. The external microphone design headphones present the microphone placed in the front end of the arm. On the other hand, the voice tube design or the internal design of the microphone has its tit set near to the earpiece, and the tube carries sound to the microphone.
Styles of headband
Usually, headsets come with a headband that is worn over the head and are called over-the-head headsets. Back wear-headsets, on the other hand, go over the back of the person’s neck. Other headsets that are worn over the soft ear-hook of the ear are called ear loop headsets or over-the-ear headsets. A blend of all these styles is known as a convertible headset, which enables the user to change the method of wearing them by assembling and reassembling different parts.
Telephone
Telephone headsets are connected to a telephone line that is fixed. This headset works by replacement of the headset of the telephone. With mobile telephones, it is often cordless Bluetooth headsets that are used. These headsets are most often used for telephone-intensive jobs where constant calls are required. This is common in call center jobs.
There is a great variety of headsets available in stores with different prices and different features. Nevertheless, there are a few essential things, which you need to look for when you are deciding upon which headset to buy. It’s better to find a headset with most, if not all, of the features. Head on and read below about what you need to look for before buying a gaming headset.
Comfort
How the headset fits your head is among the most important things you need to consider when searching for a gaming headset. If you are a gamer, you know that you need hours and hours to sit and play. That can get hard if you don’t have a comfortable headset. To avoid discomfort from long gaming experiences, you need to consider comfort as a top priority.
Build quality of the headset
The material of the headset is also on top of the list when looking for the right headset. Cheap plastic won’t work. You need to look for a headset that feels sturdy and solid, using wireframe or metal at best. Plastic should not be in your options for material, but if you do find a plastic one, make sure to find something that fits the size of your head.
Microphone
With a microphone, as a gamer, you need to communicate with other players so your headset should have a microphone. Find a headset that supports a good quality microphone, best if it supports noise cancellation. A good microphone can ensure smooth and good communication with your fellow players, hence make sure to consider this feature as you look for your headset.
The durability of the headset
Every gamer wants to invest in a headset that guarantees durability and longevity. Choose a headset that is made of top quality material and one that promises to last long.
Why is a gaming headset necessary?
The people living with you may eventually get annoyed with the various gunshots, bleeps, and noises of the video games you play. These headsets give comfortable solution to this problem. Additionally, to complete your multiplayer needs, your current headphones with a mic and webcam may not be working well, and that’s precisely where gaming headsets take the lead. These headsets provide an effective, all-in-one solution to your problem of not meeting the gaming needs.
FAQs About Gaming Headsets
Here are a few frequently asked questions about gaming headsets. They can help you choose the right pair of headphones.
Q1. Can I get a headset with my mobile phone?
Yes, you can get a headset for your phone. To get the correct and compatible headset for your phone, you can consult the manufacturer with the model number of your phone. They can guide you to find the headset that can work with your mobile.
Q2. What headset style can I get?
You can get any of the three styles of headphones, i.e., single speaker, two speakers, or over the ear headset, each having its unique features. The single speaker is ideal for those who are often on the phone and need to communicate with friends. The two-speaker headset is for the people who require full concentration and cannot work in noisy environments. Finally, over the ear headset is designed for those who need an unobtrusive, lightweight headset.
Q3. What does it mean for a headset to be noise-canceling?
Noise-canceling headset, as the name suggests, is made up of microphones that efficiently cut the sound to up to 75% around you in the background. They are suitable for plan work areas which are open.
Q4. Where can I get spare parts for my headset?
If you go contact the company and place where you got your headset from, they might offer you spares for things like the leatherette and foam ear pads, replacement of voice tubes, spare leads for your headset, training leads, and microphone windshields among many others.
Q5. Which headsets are ideal to be used with my PC?
Most of the headsets available can work with a PC if the computer has a fitted sound card or modem. These headsets usually have jack plugs that can fit in with the PC’s microphone or the earphone socket. So, yes, you can use almost every headset with your PC as long as your PC supports it.
Buying a gaming headset is a tough job because there is a great variety available, and you have to find the best one for yourself while considering the price and the features. Make sure to search thoroughly before you decide which ones to buy!