As any PC gamer knows, having a good headset is crucial, not only for immersion but also for competitiveness. Whether I’m playing the latest open-world RPG like Dragon’s Dogma 2 or battling enemies in Call of Duty, being able to hear things at high quality is just as important as having a good gaming mouse and keyboard.
But with so much technology out there and so many options, I found it tricky to figure out which headset is best for me. These days, there’s so much to know: Do I need 7.1 Surround Sound or is stereo sufficient? Is head tracking worth it? How much should I spend on a gaming headset? What design is the most comfortable? And so much more.
Over time, I’ve managed to get my hands on a number of PC gaming headsets, and I’ve collated information from trusted sources to help you make the correct decision when buying a PC gaming headset. I’ve also made sure all of these products are available for purchase in New Zealand, so there are no expensive shipping fees or dodgy third-party resellers.
This guide will cover:
- Why you need a good PC gaming headset
- How much you should spend on a PC gaming headset
- The must-have features you should look for in a PC Gaming Headset
- What we think are the 5 best PC Gaming headsets NZ
- Frequently asked questions
Why you need a good PC gaming headset
Immersive Experience: High-quality sound can significantly enhance the immersive experience of gaming. If you’re like me, you probably want to be sucked into the world your game is in, and audio is a significant factor in contributing to that.
Communication: Ever played with a teammate whose microphone sucks? Can you hear their fans in the background or, worse, hear them eating food? Frustrating, isn’t it? You don’t want to be that person. A good PC gaming headset will, most of the time, come with a clear microphone to eliminate those problems.
Sound Detail: Over time, the gaming space has become increasingly popular and, with that, increasingly competitive. If you like to play competitive games, sound details are very important. It might be other players stepping behind you or someone reloading their gun. Audio queues are important. A good PC gaming headset will ensure other players don’t have an advantage over you.
Comfort: Gaming sessions can last for hours, making comfort important. A good gaming headset is designed for long-term wear without causing discomfort or fatigue.
Convenience: Many gaming headsets have additional features, such as volume controls, mute buttons, and sometimes surround sound, which make the gaming experience more convenient and enjoyable.
How much should you spend on a PC gaming headset?
Typically, the cost of a PC gaming headset correlates with its quality and features. Prices vary significantly, from around $100 to $800.
It’s important to strike a balance between what you can afford and what you need.
While higher-priced headsets offer advanced features and superior quality, it’s often possible to find a more affordable option that still delivers a satisfying gaming experience.
Remember, though, that the most expensive headsets are expensive because they represent the pinnacle of what the market has to offer.
What features do I need in a PC gaming headset?
Sound Quality: Sound quality is the most crucial feature you need in a PC gaming headset. If you’re spending hundreds of dollars on one, it needs to sound good. Obviously, you can’t test this before purchasing; however, looking at specs and comparisons is a good way to gauge whether or not it sounds good.
Comfort: Comfort is crucial since you might be wearing the headset for long periods. Look for lightweight models with padded ear cups and adjustable headbands. Some headsets now come with memory foam cushioning, which adds to the comfort.
Microphone Quality: A noise-cancelling microphone can ensure your voice is heard clearly by teammates without background noise interference.
Durability: A well-built headset can withstand daily wear and tear. Look for quality materials and solid construction.
Compatibility: Ensure the headset is compatible with your PC and any other devices you want to use. If you own other gaming consoles, like a PS5 or Xbox One, it might be a good idea to opt for a headset that’s compatible with those as well. This will save you having to buy multiple headsets. Check for connection types like USB, 3.5mm jack, or wireless options as well.
Wireless vs. Wired: Wireless headsets offer freedom of movement, but keep in mind battery life and potential for latency. Wired headsets eliminate these issues but restrict movement. I will always go for a wireless headset over a wired one if you ask me.
Sound Isolation: Good sound isolation immerses you in your game and minimises external noises. Some headsets now have active noise cancellation (ANC) capabilities, which will cancel outside noise. If you game in a busy room, this might be an important feature to look out for.
Surround Sound: For a truly immersive experience, consider headsets with surround sound capabilities, which help pinpoint the direction of sounds in-game.
Controls and Customisation: On-ear controls for volume, mute, and other settings can be very convenient. Some headsets also offer software customisation for sound profiles. It’s very important you look into the software your headset will use, such as Razer’s Synapse program. These can vary greatly, with some of them not being great.
The 5 Best PC Gaming Headsets NZ
1. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Price: $798
PS5/Xbox/Switch compatible | ANC | Noise Cancelling Mic
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless isn’t just a gaming headset; it’s the pinnacle of gaming audio. Its Nova Pro Acoustic System delivers unparalleled sound clarity, making every game an immersive experience.
Active Noise Cancellation eliminates distractions, while Transparency Mode keeps you aware of your surroundings.
Thanks to the Infinity Power System, you can easily switch between devices with its multi-system connect feature and never worry about battery life. The AI Noise Cancelling Microphone ensures your voice is always clear, and with its adjustable comfort features, you can game for hours without discomfort. In our opinion, it’s simply the best there is.
2. Logitech G Astro A50 X
Price: $798
Simultaneous PC, PS5, Xbox connection | 24-hour battery
The Logitech A50 X headset is a game-changer for those with multiple gaming systems.
Its ability to connect simultaneously to PC, PlayStation, and Xbox and seamlessly switch between them is unmatched in the market. This feature alone makes it a worthwhile investment for serious gamers.
Additionally, the A50 X boasts a long battery life of 24 hours and delivers great audio quality with its 40mm Pro-G Graphene drivers.
While the setup can be complex, its convenience and performance are unparalleled. Despite the high price, for PC gamers who dive into a bit of console gaming as well, the A50 X is an exceptional choice. And even if you solely play PC games, the A50 X is very good.
Check our Logitech G Astro A50 X review
3. HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
Price: $299
300-hour battery | Affordable
Despite its lack of advanced features, the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless is arguably the best value-for-money gaming headset available. Its 300-hour battery life is unmatched for long gaming sessions.
The audio quality is excellent, with HyperX Dual Chamber Drivers delivering clear sound, and DTS Headphone:X offering solid spatial audio for an immersive experience.
While it may not boast the latest features, its performance is reliable. The HyperX NGENUITY software makes customisation straightforward. This headset works well, making it a top pick for gamers.
4. JBL Quantum 910 Wireless
Price: $478
ANC | Head-tracking
The JBL Quantum 910 Wireless is tailored for PC gamers, offering Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and extensive customisation options for sound and RGB lighting. It provides a focused gaming experience with clear, immersive audio and the convenience of wireless connectivity.
Despite its robust feature set, it faces stiff competition from headsets offering superior audio quality or longer battery life. Additionally, its price point and the balance between performance and cost might not appeal to all users, especially those looking for either budget options or top-of-the-line premium features.
Nevertheless, the Quantum 910 is a strong option for PC gamers who value a mix of performance, customisation, and comfort.
Check out our JBL Quantum 910 Wireless review
5. Logitech G Pro X2 Lightspeed
Price: $368
70-hour battery | 40mm drivers
The Logitech G Pro X 2 LIGHTSPEED gaming headset offers a comfortable design, versatile connectivity options, and decent sound quality.
The headset’s lightweight construction and memory foam earcups make it comfortable for extended gaming sessions.
The rotating hinges allow for convenient storage, you can use the headset with almost any device, and the microphone delivers clear voice output.
While it doesn’t reach the audio quality levels of headsets higher up on this list, it’s a good option for any PC gamer who wants good audio without spending more than $500.
Check out our Logitech G Pro X2 Lightspeed review
FAQs
- What should I look for in a PC gaming headset?
- Look for sound quality, comfort, build quality, battery life (for wireless models), microphone clarity, and compatibility with your devices. Features like surround sound and noise cancellation might also be important based on your needs.
- Look for sound quality, comfort, build quality, battery life (for wireless models), microphone clarity, and compatibility with your devices. Features like surround sound and noise cancellation might also be important based on your needs.
- Is wireless or wired better for gaming headsets?
- It depends on your preferences. Wireless headsets offer freedom of movement and a cleaner setup, but they require charging. Wired headsets provide a reliable, lag-free connection and don’t need to be charged, but they limit your movement.
- It depends on your preferences. Wireless headsets offer freedom of movement and a cleaner setup, but they require charging. Wired headsets provide a reliable, lag-free connection and don’t need to be charged, but they limit your movement.
- Do I need a headset with surround sound?
- Surround sound can enhance the gaming experience by providing more immersive audio and helping you pinpoint the direction of sounds in-game. However, it’s not essential for all players, and some prefer the clarity of stereo sound.
- Surround sound can enhance the gaming experience by providing more immersive audio and helping you pinpoint the direction of sounds in-game. However, it’s not essential for all players, and some prefer the clarity of stereo sound.
- How important is the microphone quality on a gaming headset?
- Very important, especially if you play multiplayer games or stream. A clear microphone ensures effective communication with teammates and a better overall gaming experience.
- Very important, especially if you play multiplayer games or stream. A clear microphone ensures effective communication with teammates and a better overall gaming experience.
- Can I use a gaming headset for other activities, like listening to music or attending calls?
- Yes, gaming headsets can be versatile and are often suitable for listening to music, watching movies, or taking part in video calls, thanks to their sound quality and microphone.
- Yes, gaming headsets can be versatile and are often suitable for listening to music, watching movies, or taking part in video calls, thanks to their sound quality and microphone.
- How do I know if a gaming headset will be comfortable?
- Look for headsets with adjustable headbands, cushioned ear cups, and breathable materials. Reading reviews or trying on the headset if possible can also help you assess comfort.
- Look for headsets with adjustable headbands, cushioned ear cups, and breathable materials. Reading reviews or trying on the headset if possible can also help you assess comfort.
- Are expensive gaming headsets worth the investment?
- Higher-priced headsets can offer better sound quality, durability, and extra features like active noise cancellation. However, there are also many budget-friendly options that provide good value. Consider what features are most important to you.
- Higher-priced headsets can offer better sound quality, durability, and extra features like active noise cancellation. However, there are also many budget-friendly options that provide good value. Consider what features are most important to you.
- Can all gaming headsets work with any PC?
- Most gaming headsets are compatible with PCs, but it’s important to check the connectivity options (USB, 3.5mm jack, wireless) to ensure they match your setup. Some features might require specific software or compatibility with your operating system.
