Do gaming headsets actually give an advantage or are regular headphones enough?
Posted by KRGKart_Support@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 75 comments
This is something that comes up quite often when people are choosing audio gear for their setup.
Some gamers prefer dedicated gaming headsets because of features like built-in microphones, virtual surround sound, and convenience. Others stick to regular headphones or studio setups, saying the audio quality is better and positional sound is just as good with the right configuration.
For those who have used both, did a gaming headset actually make a difference in your experience?
Was it more about convenience, communication, or did it genuinely improve things like directional audio and immersion?
Also curious if this changes depending on the type of games, competitive shooters versus story-driven or casual titles.
Would be interesting to hear what people ended up sticking with and why.
RevTurk@reddit
In my experience pretty much anything that has the word "gaming" put in front of it tends to be garbage.
DiamondHeadMC@reddit
Except for monitors but they don’t say gaming they are just made by brands who make mainly gaming things
dweenimus@reddit
You can get gaming wardrobes. I shit you not
katzengoldgott@reddit
WTH do you have a link? I gotta see this o_o
dweenimus@reddit
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/5027521?&utm_custom6=PLA&deeplink=true&gclsrc=aw.ds&&cmpid=GS001&_$ja=tsid:59157|acid:844-913-7556|cid:20358693262|agid:|tid:|crid:|nw:x|rnd:7936229020907319780|dvc:m|adp:|mt:|loc:1007326&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20358693262&utm_term=5027521&utm_content=shopping&utm_custom1=&utm_custom2=844-913-7556&GPDP=true&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19672037693&gbraid=0AAAAAD9II9lSHAbNatX3VEdcK8eqQQYTM&gclid=CjwKCAjw7vzOBhBxEiwAc7WNrw_xgXD3sonsAa1fcGfKZpyJUKfpr6q_aMCzTQwScBx3pr9IAOn6dBoCxhUQAvD_BwE
Zeired_Scoffa@reddit
And here I thought the gaming bed was excessive...
katzengoldgott@reddit
Wdym there’s a gaming bed 😭😭
Zeired_Scoffa@reddit
ACtually... There's at least 10 variations. I was thinking of one specific one from a Walmart ad though.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/X-Rocker-Orion-eSports-Gaming-Bed-Frame-with-TV-Mount-Child-Teen-Black-Red-Twin-42-5-H/2809177221?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0
There was also one from that brand, and it was the brand I was thinking of, that was jsut a loft bed with some LED lights and a desk built in. Which was 450 Bald Eagle Dollars.
katzengoldgott@reddit
That’s hilarious… at least the price isn’t so bad but the LEDs are absolutely killing me.
This is the death of sleep hygiene for sure XD
I just stick to my Ikea desk and Ikea bed hahaha
Rampaging_Ducks@reddit
Not to mention expensive for no damn reason.
ChrisChris1309@reddit
But it has rgb lights 😆
barrystrawbridgess@reddit
RGB is lights makes everything audibly sound better.
shazneg@reddit
The same issue true for making cars go faster.
georgrp@reddit
Please, we all know that only red makes stuff go faster.
Rampaging_Ducks@reddit
Does adding a spoiler to your chair make it more comfortable? No. But does it look cool? Also no.
Zhaggygodx@reddit
I feel like it's fair to make a clarification around this.
Functionally they're not always garbage. On the high end you can find really good headphones with good mics. The caveat however is that in order to reach the "good" quality bracket you need to spend a lot of money.
A $30 pair of IEMs, or if you don't like IEMs, buy $50 monitoring headphones and pair them with a $100 standalone mic. I guarantee nothing with the word "gamer" slammed on it will outperform them for the price, not even close.
Intelligent_Big_750@reddit
I mean I have like nice headphones that I can’t use with my Xbox or pc cuz they’re not really made for it. I also have a set of dedicated headphones for my pc that also double as regular Bluetooth headphones and they’re pretty nice.
No-Actuator-6245@reddit
You mention virtual surround sound as a benefit of a gaming headset. Any set of headphones can do virtual surround sound, it’s purely software driven and there is nothing special about gaming headsets in this regard. The only benefit of a gaming headset is convenience of a built in mic and wireless. I’ve lost count of how many headsets I have owned or tried and ver the years, none can match my daily headphones which are AKG 712 Pro’s & Beyerdynamic 1770 Pro’s and a cheap desktop usb mic. That said I would like to try the ASUS Kithara that are a collaboration with Hifiman that seem closer to headphones than a gaming headset.
SloppyCandy@reddit
While it's maybe less important; a usb Gaming headset could accept a 5.1 signal and perform virtualization itself; which is something a stero headset cannot do. That said, with modern games more often than not having virtualization built in and with things like Windows Sonic existing at an OS level, this advantage is less interesting.
No-Actuator-6245@reddit
You could do the same with software on the pc, the only difference is the virtualisation is happening on the pc instead of a processor in the headset.
RazorMox@reddit
Beyerdynamic gang, I have DT 1990 pro and will probably use it for life.
grapejuicecheese@reddit
I use a Steelseries Arctics Nova 7. I prefer it over my Audio Technica / Sennheiser headphones for the following reasons.
It's just the convenience and all in one package.
mouse1093@reddit
You didn't have to report yourself so easily my man. Some things are worth keeping to yourself
grapejuicecheese@reddit
Report? I don't get what you're trying to say
mouse1093@reddit
I wouldn't openly admit to wearing trash on my head in public
grapejuicecheese@reddit
Better than having a trash personality
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grapejuicecheese@reddit
Better than having a trash personality
coolboy856@reddit
Wireless is ass for gaming. 20ms delay is noticeable at all times
grapejuicecheese@reddit
Not really for me.
RedMoustache@reddit
I also have one of the Nova 7 models and it’s the most versatile pair of headphones I’ve ever owned. Even compared to way more expensive models.
In addition to your points the version I own have decent range, great battery life, usb-c fast charging, automatic mic/output switching, and can pair to 2 devices at once.
The mic isn’t great, but it’s usable. And they feel kind of cheap but they’ve held up well. I’ve even slept on them a couple times and I’m definitely up in the “average American” size group.
SloppyCandy@reddit
I think it matters a lot less these days; but there was a theoretical "advantage" (debatable) in the old days when you didn't have virtualization built into the game and/or OS.
But to provide some example; I have for years used a Creative sound-card of some form or other as I have gotten used to their specific implementation of virtual surround sound. I can't say if this gives me a particular gameplay advantage over using more typical routes of virtualization; but it does make things a smidge more enjoyable for me.
But that isn't exactly your question; and I think the included mic and potential for wireless is a much bigger decider these days.
usual_suspect82@reddit
Well yes, and no.
Yes in the sense that some headphones are tuned specifically for a type of game i.e. FPS, Open World, etc., are loaded with features such as multi device connection, Bluetooth, etc. which allow you to connect them to multiple devices for convenience and sometimes come with the option to EQ them to your preference to make them sound good enough for any other use preference. They also don't require a dac/amp to get the most out of as most are low impedance meaning they can be powered by a controller or audio jack on the device you're connecting to.
No in the sense that most are built cheaply. If you're not looking to spend $200+ you're running a high risk of running into durability issues, especially in the more popular brands due to them being mass produced. That doesn't mean $200+ are any more durable, it just means you're less likely to run into issues. Another thing in that the sub $200 bracket is you're paying for what you're getting sound wise, features wise, etc.
Plenty-Industries@reddit
I use a pair of Shure SE-215 IEMs. I paid $90 for them and they deliver excellent audio quality for gaming and videos. I replaced the cable with a longer one I got from Amazon for $10 since the standard length they came with were too short.
I use a separate microphone for when I'm gaming with friends, which is an Audio Technical AT2020 XLR (they have a USB version also) that was on sale for $80 and I bought a Scarlett Solo Audio interface for the XLR port. I dont remember how much it was but they have a 3rd gen version listed for $120 on Amazon. Plugs into my PC via USB.
I also have an older headphones, Beyerdynamic DT990 Pros for when I want to hear more bass in my audio - usually for music & movies.
And because my DT990 were too low-volume being plugged into my motherboard, because they were 250ohm version (the more popular 80ohm version was in higher demand and was regularly sold out for weeks at the time) - So I invested in a Schiit Stack with the Magni (amp), Modi (DAC), Loki (4 band EQ for fine tuning).
All-in, I'm rougly $800 in my current audio & comms setup that I've allocated over a period of 2 years. Its lasted me 6 years now and the only thing I needed to replace was the ear cups and headband for the 990s.
I no longer use anything "gaming" branded since my experience with such are usually too muddy/bass-heavy (even after using software EQs) than I'd like.
Whenever I want portability, for when Im using my phone such as if I'm riding my bike or mowing the lawn... I just have some cheap bluetooth ear buds that were like $15 and they've lasted me almost 4 years now and are good enough quality when I'm on a phone call.
PilotedByGhosts@reddit
Anything that says "gaming" on it is likely to be more expensive and lower quality.
MCFroid@reddit
On the contrary, it promises to take your game to the next level.
PilotedByGhosts@reddit
In the most EXTREME and POWERFUL and GARISH way imaginable
Buffbeard@reddit
Usually gaming branded means it looks tacky, is made from cheap plastic, and you pay a premium. A lot of people recommend regular branded headsets instead, same goes for gaming desks and chairs
JeffGhost@reddit
As a PlayStation Pulse 3D and Elite owner, this is 100% accurate. It's easily the cheapest looking headset I've ever owned and I had headsets that cost 1/10th of what I paid for those Pulse headsets that last longer than those garbage. They both cracked the plastic arch because the headset is tight to put on and the plastic is so cheap it cracked right where It has pressure to open and get over the ears.
ego100trique@reddit
I'd like to disagree with you, HyperX makes some really affordable headphones that are super durable.
katzengoldgott@reddit
Hyper X Cloud II my beloved.
I own two of them even because if the older one gives up eventually, I got a backup right away.
alextpale@reddit
Eh, some of it is good. Check reviews and buy from respected brands. I main the JBL quantum 100m2 and it's been fine for me
N41D1SB0@reddit
I have been using IEM for 2 years and its better than the gaming headset I've had
thekins33@reddit
Buy studio headphones they cost the exact same but sound leagues better. Audio technica makes fantastic headphones for a reasonable price.
Bra-Starfish@reddit
The cheapest headphones do suck, so don't buy them. Most gaming headphones are worse in bang for buck vs more general use/ entry level audiophile headphones.
Some headphones (especially cheap ones) can be worse at soundstage or making sound... Sound like it's 3d buts it's negligible if you buy quality headphones.
Sleddoggamer@reddit
If its a competitive shooter like esport games where latency, direction and exact angles matter, a good headset with good spatial adio and clarity is able to be a big advantage. It doesn't need to be a "gaming" headset for that, and you can get more for less simply knowing what to look for in a headset
If you're just planning to play story driven/casual titles, you probably won't notice the difference between one quality headset and a professional headset. At most you might find better immersion and find yourself lost in the soundtracks and game rhythm, but you'll probably enjoy the game or four you can buy for the cost of the headset
My only experience is when I use my younger brothers headset when doing ranked matches, though, and i have no issues just using my T.V most of the time. The only difference is I need to check and recheck before I shoot if I want my first kill before I'm found, and at best that saves me a few seconds per kill with most giving me less then a second extra
Zeired_Scoffa@reddit
None of these things are "gamer" exclusive. I have two expensive sets of noise cancelling headphones that do at least two of those, and they're wireless (I mean, I guess you can get wireless gamer headphones, I just never looked.) They aren't boom mics, which is fine because way too many of them aren't removable and get in the way when I don't need them. (Actually, with Windows being... Windows, the built in mic is actually a hinderance since it's such a PITA to disable passthrough in 11.) I have a 30 dollar desk mic that works fine.
The only thing exclusive to the "gamer" headphones is the blinking lights.
katzengoldgott@reddit
The LEDs are totally not disruptive to sleep or something 🥲
ILIKEBACON12456@reddit
It's not exactly a straight answer. If you're looking for headphones under $80 I'd go with whatever you have or IEMs. The medium end gaming headphones are usually pretty decent for what they're for. The mics are pretty bad tho so if you want anything other than talking to people in game you will need a separate mic. An added benefit of gaming headphones is that they're not that bass heavy which is good for gaming but not the best for music.
jackbarbelfisherman@reddit
I don't recommend Bluetooth headphones for gaming; go with wired ones or ones with a dedicated 2.4 GHz dongle. My Sony XM4s and Anker Soundcores both suffer from lag and signal corruption problems on PC, so I bought a Razer Blackshark V2 pro and while it doesn't sound as good, it just works.
Sync1211@reddit
And mid to high end wired headset will likely beat most "gaming" heaphones.
You want to have as large as a soundstage as possible. Any additional features like boosting gunshot sounds and footsteps can be added via filters.
What I found to be an advantage are keybinds for muting voice chat and increasing/decreasing volume to be able to listen for footsteps/fighting sounds. (+ a few effect presets to reduce noise in some "loud" situations)
marcoNLD@reddit
Get a focusrite scarlet 2i2/ a good open headphone like a beyerdynamics DT990 pro and a good rode shotgun mic. May not be the cheapest option but you get killer sound
TechnoGMNG589@reddit
i have the cloud 3s headset, great headset, good audio quality, decent mic, 10/10 plug and play.
though if your used to feature rich 200+ headsets and/or headphones with dedicated mic with micstand they probably arent for you, but in my opinion for the average person stuff like that just isnt needed.
katzengoldgott@reddit
I own the Cloud III and Cloud II and the latter is a lot better sound wise.
The Cloud III is weirdly quiet, even with the included audio driver, and they killed the noise cancelling that the Cloud II has.
The only thing where I actually prefer the Cloud III is FPS games because the footstep sounds are much more clear. But for everything else I prefer the Cloud II.
TechnoGMNG589@reddit
I don't have experience with the normal version 3, but I do agree that the footsteps thing is very good
mattmaster68@reddit
“Gaming” is a marketing term.
The quality of the headphones matters much more. For a fraction of the price of high-end “gaming” headphones, you can buy hi-fi headphones and a mic and exceed the gaming headset’s performance.
I use the Philips hi-fi headphones and v-models mic. For $90 total, it outperforms pretty much anything under $200.
TeslaDemon@reddit
"Gaming" headsets are just an easy way to get a headset that is going to be somewhat decent. There's nothing about them that is going to make you better at games.
Don't buy any headset based on "virtual surround". People think virtual surround is going to help you in competitive FPS games when essentially every competitive FPS game either outputs purely in stereo, or uses something like Dolby Atmos or Steam Audio to provide directional audio. Virtual surround does nothing besides try to chop up 2 channel audio into 7.1 fake channels which results in inaccurate sound. It might sound nice, but it's not actually accurate.
kamrankazemifar@reddit
I use wired Air Pods Max 2s for the ANC, I haven’t had any issue with pin pointing sound in games like high Immo Valorant or ARC Raiders. I actually hear things better than on my HD800S which audiophiles touted as best in class for gaming or my R70X. I also have Cloud 2s and had no issue pin pointing footsteps same with my Stealth Pros.
I feel like people that bash gaming headsets haven’t used one in the last 4 years since they have come a long away in terms of quality.
Choconolait@reddit
Only considerable options are wireless gaming headphones that uses dedicated dongle that provides low latency audio, since bluetooth audio is terrible especially on PC.
DialtoneDamage@reddit
I swapped to a pair of good IEMs recently and was surprised by how much clearer directional audio was for FPS. Not just for direction but for height and distance too, high recommend looking at the r/iems lists for a good pair for gaming. This was after using both Steelseries and studio reference headphones for years
eon-flux06@reddit
I second this. Switched to IEM’s about a year and a half ago from Astro A40’s and probably won’t get another headset anytime soon.
Icon_Of_Susan@reddit
No, no they don't.
Rather get separately a good pair of cans and a good microphone.
If you want lights, just strap Christmas lights to it later
Imlooloo@reddit
No advantage
_Synchronicity-@reddit
The most important feature is wireless via USB dongle. Aside from Audeze, there are literally no other companies specializing in audio in the market. And theirs isn't exactly the most affordable thing nor is it for everyone.
So if wire cutting is a requirement for you, there isn't much of a choice aside from going for "gaming" headsets.
Wired though, yeah stay with brands who knows what they are doing.
hutre@reddit
I bought my gaming headset purely because it had a chat/gaming slider where you could adjust the ratio between the two.
That way I could turn down people for cutscenes or stuff like that and then turn them up after without much hassle
Exe0n@reddit
Headphones are headphones, gaming labeled headphones are mostly poor quality or favor looks over good audio, the built in microphones are generally poor as well.
Just get a studio quality pair of headphones, you'll either save money or end up with a better product for the same price.
WrongElephant4891@reddit
i’ve used both and honestly the “advantage” is pretty overstated. most of the time you’re not winning fights because of your headset, you’re winning because of game sense and awareness
regular headphones with decent imaging are usually just as good, sometimes better, for positional audio. a lot of gaming headsets lean more on boosted bass and virtual surround which can actually make things muddier in competitive games
where gaming headsets win is convenience. built in mic, easy setup, no extra gear. but if you already have good headphones and a mic, you’re not really at a disadvantage at all
it matters a bit more in competitive shooters, but even there it’s more about clarity than having something labeled “gaming.” for story games though, it’s basically just preference and comfort
righN@reddit
In rare cases, Gaming Headsets are just rebranded audiophile headphones. Just with some specific tuning and features. (HyperX headphones, CoolerMaster had a TaskStar rebrand I think and recently Asus released ones), but most of the time, as mentioned by others, it's just overpriced garbage.
lordvektor@reddit
Any “real” headphones (meaning wired, from an audio brand, not lifestyle brands) will have better audio than a similarly priced gaming pair.
There are a few exceptions - Audeze Maxwell, asus kithara and a few others.
Atrium41@reddit
To me, the biggest advantage comes from the "surround sound" feature. Then you get a better idea where steps are coming from
AliceWhat@reddit
Surround sound is an absolute gimmick for fps games, you better turn that off if you want precise audio.
Chrispy_GB@reddit
Surround sound headsets make a different to me personally. I use a HyperX headset and whilst the quality is lower overall than my Bose headphones, the surround sound does help pinpoint stuff like footsteps in competitive stuff.
Communist_UFO@reddit
other than possibly price there is no advantage to headsets
surround sound in headsets is a useless gimmick and even a midrange headphones + mic setup will sound way better than most flagship "gaming" headsets.
NixKTM@reddit
If you are playing FPS games having good surround sound for situational awareness certainly helps, other genre of games not so much.
I have had both cheap and expensive headsets and there was a noticeable difference in sound quality, which you would expect, but a lot better surround sound was what i was after as i plyed a lot of FPS games.
If i was playing an RPG or some other title, it would not bother me too much and stereo sound would be just fine