Posted on 25 April 2022
This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.
SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC
Comfortable, powerful and complete, it has everything an old high-end model represents. It will assist you through long hours of gaming with a high level of comfort.
Here is a headset that stands out for its relevant use of a GameDAC. Of course, there is a simple wired version (less expensive) as well as a wireless version (more expensive), but the configuration with GameDAC brings a real plus in terms of equalisation and is really useful for a quick and easy management of all your settings. This asset completes an already substantial equipment with a first-class comfort and a high quality of assembly.
There are different sizes of headsets to suit everyone.
The better the headset, the better the immersion during your sessions.
Remember to choose a headset with good soundproofing.
Comfort is a key element to ensure long gaming sessions.
The quality of a gaming headset also lies in its microphone.
Connectivity is also important when choosing your headset.
Creative SXFI Gamer
Creative continues its adventure into the world of gaming headsets with a convincing basic model that boasts great audio and broad compatibility.
The Creative SXFI Gamer surprised us with its many qualities. Indeed, it is qualitative both in terms of assembly and audio rendering, enhanced by a dedicated sound card. Its microphone is even more powerful and is among the best in its category. It also offers a convincing 7.1 spatialisation combined with the SX-FI system, which is based on your morphology to optimise the rendering. Unfortunately, the latter is totally dispensable and often, it is more interesting to deactivate it.
Astro A50 Gen 4
This high-end model reference continues to evolve by refining its many qualities (especially in terms of sound reproduction), thus keeping its title of best of high-end models.
The Astro A50 has been a model we can rely on since 2012. Its fourth version continues to progress while maintaining its strengths, namely: a wide and balanced sound reproduction (especially once the high-pitched sounds are increased), excellent bass reproduction and a first-rate microphone. It also has a high level of comfort (although limited for large heads), thanks to the soft fabric-covered cushioned ear pads. The microphone is equally convincing thanks to its particularly effective noise control. A docking station is provided for charging and connecting to other devices (e.g. home consoles).
Razer Kraken X
Razer’s basic model includes everything you’d expect from a Razer headset with surround sound, comfort and top-notch finishes.
With the Kraken X, Razer offers us a very good headset that will delight many gamers. Its little flaw is the microphone that is a little too sensitive to air blasts. However, it still managed to convince us thanks to the significant contribution of surround sound. During our tests, we almost had the impression that we were dealing with a high-end model in terms of sensations.
Logitech G Pro X
This headset is one of the best on the market, offering an excellent balance between high performance and comfort. Moreover, its microphone clearly outshines all its competitors.
After a quick trip through the settings to tweak the equalisation and after putting up the cushioned velvet ear pads, the G Pro X shows itself in all its glory with a high-quality sound. The microphone, meanwhile, doesn’t require any settings to shine, but it can still be enhanced with Blue VO!CE technology, which makes it an almost basic professional microphone.
Our selection
| Our choice, Best mid-range | Best budget | Best high-end | Budget alternative | Mid-range alternative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|  | | | |
| Arctis Pro + GameDAC | Creative SXFI Gamer | Astro A50 Gen 4 | Razer Kraken X | Logitech G Pro X |
| Comfortable, powerful and complete, it has everything an old high-end model represents. It will assist you through long hours of gaming with a high level of comfort. | Creative continues its adventure into the world of gaming headsets with a convincing basic model that boasts great audio and broad compatibility. | This high-end model reference continues to evolve by refining its many qualities (especially in terms of sound reproduction), thus keeping its title of best of high-end models. | Razer's basic model includes everything you'd expect from a Razer headset with surround sound, comfort and top-notch finishes. | This headset is one of the best on the market, offering an excellent balance between high performance and comfort. Moreover, its microphone clearly outshines all its competitors. |
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Honorable mentions
Corsair HS60 Pro Surround (£64,99 upon publication): an excellent model for any gamer, especially PC gamers. It offers the performance of a mid-range model at a price slightly higher than that of a basic model. It features surround sound wrapped in a pleasant comfort and quality materials. The quality microphone just needs a slight volume boost to keep the competition at bay. In fact, we found it to be quite similar to the Kraken X.
Razer Nari Ultimate (£126,97 upon publication): for a great immersion. With this headset, Razer is breaking new ground by integrating haptic feedback into its design, in order to enhance immersion in your favorite games. The brand has also made sure that compatibility is sufficiently extensive (PC, PS4 and Xbox) and that comfort is of course at the rendezvous. However, we do have one criticism: the battery life is a bit short once all the features are activated and you need to connect it to the Synapse software to take full advantage of its features.
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How to choose your gaming headset?
Unlike many preconceived ideas, the headset is an essential element in a gaming setup, just like the computer, the keyboard or the mouse. Whether it is to achieve greater immersion or to maintain optimal concentration (especially in competitive games), it plays a major role.
The market is much more crowded than one might think at first sight, and it is full of certain features that are not always useful to everyone, depending on the type of game they play, their environment or their degree of professionalism. But in any case, certain parameters must be considered:
- Sound quality: gaming headsets differ from audio headsets in that their driver (the metal disc that transforms the electrical signal into sound) is generally larger, enabling cleaner bass. However, the bass should not take over completely, as this can lead to a cold sound and drown out other sounds such as dialogue.
- Spatialisation: this feature enables your ear to determine the position of the different sound sources. It can be done in two ways: in stereo (left and right) or in 7.1 surround (more precise localisation). The latter can be virtual (digitally managed), as on most models, or real (using several drivers). It is often advised to opt for a well-made stereo headset rather than a low-end surround sound, where the experience will be less effective. A good experience is particularly important if you are playing FPS.
- Comfort: as important as audio quality, the issue of comfort should be considered, especially if you spend many hours with your headset on. Check the materials used, the weight, the adjustment options, and the density of the cushions, to make sure that the headset fits you.
- Microphone: often overlooked, the microphone is a key point if you are playing network games. It is important to check if it has a noise control device, if it is revolving or retractable (because the tighter the pick-up, the more you will be cut off from your environment). The sound transmitted must be clear.
- Control buttons: located on the headset or on the cable, they should be easily accessible and distinguishable by touch.
- Connectivity: PS4, PC, smartphone, Xbox… Not all headsets are compatible with the same systems, depending on their type of connection (USB, 3.5 mm jack…). The jack plugs are the ones that are best supported.
It is also important to ask yourself if you want a wireless headset or not. A wireless headset has the significant advantage of giving you more freedom of movement. However, it is a technology that is sometimes still quite expensive and generally less efficient in terms of sound quality and responsiveness.
If you are going for a wireless headset, in addition to the above criteria, you should consider the following:
- Autonomy: a good wireless headset should give you enough battery life to play for a full day. Moreover, it is preferable that it also includes a feature that allows you to use it with an audio cable, so that you are not dependent on your charge level.
- Latency: it is important that your gaming headset does not suffer from too much latency, as this could result in you losing all the benefits of good soundproofing. For this, it is necessary to refer to specialised tests.
Translated by Aylin Akturk
