Top 5 Best Gaming Headsets Canada

Most Important Features of a Gaming Headset

Memory Foam Ear Cups – Memory foam gradually shapes to suit whatever is pressed against it. Ear cups of this kind will mould to suit your ears over time – literally getting more comfortable the more you wear them. This is important, given the large size of headset drivers.

Memory Foam Headband – A foam headband has the shaping feature of ear cups, but also has the benefit of being softer and gentler with hair and scalp. The weight of the headset rests on the top of your head, so this is important for those long sessions.

Compatibility – Is this going to be used on your PC, your PS4, your Xbox, or a mixture? Some headsets, typically PC models, will only have a USB connector but PS4 controllers are designed for an audio jack. The best gaming headphones supply multiple jacks to solve this problem.

Driver Size – The driver is the membrane producing the sound – a larger driver typically produces a better sound. Compare the tiny openings on earphones to the large space on a full headset, and the difference it makes in sound. Typically, headset drivers are between 30mm and 50mm.

Frequency Response – This refers to the range of sound frequencies that the headset is physically able to emit. The lowest frequencies (bass sounds) are around 20hz and the highest are around 20,000hz. Headsets equipped for higher and lower ranges will give a much richer sound.

Corded USB Connection – While going wireless may seem more futuristic and advanced, many gamers opt for a simple USB connection because it’s more reliable. Being hardwired removes any possible latency and mean that the headset won’t need charging.

Wireless Connection – A wireless connection is still tempting to many gamers, as it does have certain key benefits. The most obvious is the amount of freedom it gives; you won’t have cables getting in the way. Wireless headsets can also make it easier to sit back and play further from the screen.

Battery Life – Wireless headsets do have a drawback, in terms of battery life. The last thing any gamer wants is to be suddenly deaf and mute in the middle of a crucial match. The best gaming headsets will have a battery life running for several hours, which you should compare to your typical session length.

Programmable Buttons – A great feature for adding value to a headset, programmable buttons allow gamers to choose what the headset is capable of. These could be set up for controlling media, or they could shortcut to events in-game, such as toggling voice chat on and off.

Analog 3.5mm Jack Connection – This is important if you’re playing through a pad, or if your PC soundcard uses an analog output. For example, Xbox One pads require a 3.5mm jack. This means that older headsets designed for the 360 will need a 2.5mm to 3.5mm adapter.

Audio Type – Stereo headsets support left and right sound, which is important in music but also gives spatial awareness in games; an explosion to your character’s right will sound just like that. 7.1 Surround Sound headsets virtually recreate the full immersion produced by surround sound systems.

Audio Volume & Mute Controls – The best gaming headphones will have audio controls. In the middle of a match, it’s far easier to tap a button on the wire, or on the headset itself, to increase or decrease volume. A quick mute is useful if someone is trying to get your attention back in the real world, too.

Noise Cancelling – This important feature allows a headset mic to filter out certain sounds, which it can recognise as unnecessary noise. Sounds in the background will not be heard by you or your teammates. This is sometimes measured in DB, with higher numbers being better.

Mute Light – This seems like a minor feature, but many a gamer has been unable to work out why they can’t be heard, trying all manner of technical solutions, before realising that they’ve muted their mic and forgot.

Microphone Volume Controls – Microphone volume can be a nightmare to set up through Windows or convoluted console sub-menus. A mic control on the headset can bump you up or down on the fly. A quick mute button is also vital if you don’t want your teammates to hear you drinking, sneezing or coughing.

Detachable Microphone – Advanced headsets are often now equipped with detachable mics. This means that you can remove the mic if you just want to listen to music, putting it out of the way – ideal for getting more out of your headset.