Which gaming headset should you choose? A guide for gamers

A gaming headset product page can list a dozen or more specifications: driver diameter, frequency response, impedance, 7.1, 2.4 GHz, ENC. Some of these have a real impact on how you hear the game and how your team hears you. If you are wondering how to choose a gaming headset, this guide takes you through the decision step by step: from how you play to connectivity and comfort, through to the type of construction.

In this article, you will learn:

• Where should you start when choosing a gaming headset?
• Wired or wireless headsets: which will work better for you?
• What kind of sound helps in games, and does 7.1 audio really make a difference?
• What should you look for in a headset microphone?
• How can you stay comfortable during hours of gaming?
• Will your headset work with PC, PlayStation and Xbox?

Choosing a gaming headset starts with how you play

First, your platform determines which connections are available in the first place. A computer usually gives you the widest choice: a 3.5 mm jack, USB, a 2.4 GHz receiver and Bluetooth, provided the motherboard has a wireless module or you use an external adapter. Gaming headsets for consoles need more attention, as PlayStation and Xbox take different approaches to wireless connectivity.

When choosing a gaming headset for FPS and other online games, focus above all on sound positioning – whether footsteps let you identify the direction and distance of an opponent. In expansive single-player games, music, dialogue and the scale of the effects take centre stage. Session length, in turn, shifts the emphasis towards comfort: you can ignore a firmer headband or warm ear cushions for an hour, but not for an entire evening. The microphone becomes crucial if you play in a team, use voice chat or use the same headset for remote work.

Wired or wireless headsets – which should you choose for gaming?

A good gaming headset can be either wired or wireless – the choice depends primarily on how you play and which device you use. Neither option wins in every situation.

When should you choose a wired headset?

Wired gaming headsets work well if you mainly play at a desk. They do not need charging, and connection quality does not depend on range or signal interference.

Connections differ, though. A 3.5 mm jack is the most universal: you can connect it to a desktop computer, laptop, PlayStation controller or Xbox controller. A USB or USB-C connection means the headset uses its own sound card, opening the door to software, an equalizer and virtual surround sound, but it can be less universal on consoles than an analogue jack.

When is a wireless headset the better choice?

Wireless gaming headsets have the advantage when you play on a console from several metres away, often leave your desk or want to tidy up the space around your computer.

A 2.4 GHz connection uses a dedicated receiver plugged into a USB port. It provides low latency, meaning a minimal delay between an event on screen and the sound in your headset. Bluetooth does not require the receiver supplied with the headset and connects to a phone, tablet or laptop, as well as a desktop computer if it has Bluetooth. However, latency and sound quality depend on the specific model and device, and some headsets switch to a call mode with lower sound quality when the microphone is enabled. That is why Bluetooth works well for music, films and calls, while 2.4 GHz suits fast-paced gaming.

More and more models combine both modes, and some let you use them simultaneously: playing over 2.4 GHz and answering a phone call without taking off your headset.

Gaming headsets for FPS – what kind of sound works in games?

In games, sound should be enjoyable, but above all it should convey information. Sound positioning is the ability to identify where a source is coming from: the left, behind you, above you, nearby or far away. The soundstage describes how wide and spacious the overall sound feels.

Frequency balance is just as important. Heavily boosted bass makes explosions impressive, but it can mask footsteps and reloading sounds. Clear midrange makes dialogue and announcements intelligible – gaming headsets do not have to sound neutral, but they should not bury details under excessive bass.

There are plenty of misconceptions about surround sound. In typical headsets with one driver in each earcup, 7.1 is virtual: software processes the signal to simulate sound arriving from multiple directions. In some games, this effect widens the soundstage; in others, it blurs positioning. Many modern titles have their own spatial audio engines designed for ordinary stereo, while on PlayStation 5, the console itself processes 3D audio. The “7.1” label alone therefore does not ensure better positioning, and it is best to test it in individual games. That is why a 7.1 gaming headset will not automatically perform better than a good-sounding stereo headset.

Gaming headsets with a microphone – what should you look for?

With gaming headsets that include a microphone, voice clarity matters most, so check not only the type of microphone but also its quality during calls. A directional microphone, such as one with a cardioid pickup pattern, mainly picks up sound from the front, so it captures less noise from the keyboard and computer fans. A foam pop filter reduces plosive “p” and “b” sounds. Noise cancellation, often described as ENC, further suppresses background noise, but an overly aggressive implementation can cut off the beginnings of words, so the option to turn it off is useful.

A gaming headset with a detachable microphone can double as ordinary headphones after a game. A folding microphone is always within reach and, in some models, mutes when you raise the boom. Whatever the design, look for a quick mute control on the earcup or cable. A well-chosen headset microphone is usually more than enough for in-game communication and online calls, while a separate microphone is worth considering, particularly for streaming and recording – you can find these models among ENDORFY microphones.

Comfortable gaming headsets – what affects comfort?

Over-ear gaming headsets can differ in weight by several dozen grams, and you can feel that difference after a few hours. Just as important is how the weight is distributed across the headband and how firmly it fits around your head: too little clamping force lets the headset slip when you move, weakening isolation and bass. Too much, on the other hand, starts pressing on your temples after an hour.

Ear cushions, or ear pads, affect how a headset feels more than any specification in a table. Deep earcups keep your ears from touching the inside of the headset; synthetic leather provides better isolation but warms up faster, while fabric is more breathable at the expense of some isolation. If you wear glasses, look for soft, deep pads and moderate clamping force that will not press the arms of your glasses into your skin. Replaceable ear pads extend a headset's life and let you adapt the material to the temperature outside.

Open-back or closed-back headphones for gaming?

A closed-back design limits sound leakage in both directions more effectively, also reducing the risk of the microphone picking up sound from the earcups. An open-back design usually offers a wider, more natural soundstage and better airflow around your ears, but you can hear your surroundings, and people around you can hear your audio.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your surroundings: a shared home, noise outside the window, streaming or voice calls all favour closed-back headphones. In a quiet room, for solo gaming and on warm days, an open-back design is worth considering.

Compatibility with PC, PlayStation, Xbox and other devices

It is also worth remembering that you should always check compatibility for the specific model, rather than the category as a whole. Gaming headsets for computers work in practically any configuration, but consoles can be a different story.

On PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, you can connect a headset through the controller's 3.5 mm jack, and many models with a 2.4 GHz receiver work when plugged into the console's USB port. Xbox uses its own wireless protocol, so headsets with a typical USB receiver generally do not transmit audio through the console's port unless the manufacturer has designed them for that platform. In that case, the controller's 3.5 mm jack remains the most universal option. For Nintendo Switch, smartphones and tablets, check whether the model supports Bluetooth or USB-C and whether the microphone works in that connection mode.

Key gaming headset specifications – what should you check?

Driver diameter. A larger diaphragm (usually 40–53 mm) makes it easier to reproduce bass with ease, but tuning and earcup design are the main factors that determine the sound.

Frequency response. Almost every model lists a range of 20–20,000 Hz, so it tells you little about how the headset sounds.

Headphone impedance and sensitivity. These matter when connecting a headset to a controller or laptop. Low-impedance gaming models usually have no trouble playing loudly from these sources, while headphones with an impedance of several hundred ohms may need an amplifier.

Battery life. Check the volume and mode used to measure it, and whether you can play while charging.

Which ENDORFY headset should you choose?

All gaming headsets in the Viro series have a closed-back, over-ear design with a detachable microphone. They differ in connectivity, weight and features, so the easiest way to choose is to match them to your use case.

Maximum wireless freedom and long battery life: Viro Wireless. This model connects over 2.4 GHz (USB-C receiver), Bluetooth and a 3.5 mm jack, while hybrid mode lets you play over 2.4 GHz and take phone calls at the same time. It runs for up to 240 hours over Bluetooth and up to 130 hours over 2.4 GHz (at 50% volume). It has angled 53 mm drivers, a microphone with active ENC noise cancellation, and virtual 5.1 and 7.1 Xear Surround audio available in ENDORFY Viro Studio software. It weighs 354 g.

Low weight and operation without an app: Viro Infra Wireless. This headset weighs 280 g and offers four connection options: 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, wired USB-C (with simultaneous charging) and a 3.5 mm jack. You can switch between two sound profiles with a single button on the headset. Battery life reaches up to 40 hours over Bluetooth and up to 24 hours over 2.4 GHz (at 50% volume). Worn ear pads can be replaced with new ones from the ENDORFY Earpads series.

The classic wired option: Viro and Viro Infra. Both models connect through a 3.5 mm jack, so they work with a computer, PlayStation controller and Xbox controller. Viro has 53 mm drivers and comes with an extra pair of breathable fabric ear pads. Viro Infra uses 50 mm drivers in deep earcups and memory foam ear cushions.

Software and surround sound over a cable: Viro Plus USB. An external USB sound card with virtual 7.1 audio and dedicated software lets you save your own sound profiles. The headset has 53 mm drivers and an extra set of fabric ear pads.

If you are deciding between the two wireless models, you will find a detailed breakdown in our article comparing Viro Wireless and Viro Infra Wireless. For full specifications of every model, visit the ENDORFY gaming headsets category.

Common mistakes when choosing a gaming headset

It is worth mentioning that most disappointment with headsets comes from choosing based on looks and the number of features. Lighting, virtual 7.1 audio and an extensive app cannot replace comfortable ear pads, well-tuned drivers or a clear microphone – and that last point is easy to overlook if you only think about single-player games. Another common mistake is buying a wireless model without checking whether its receiver works with your console: fitting the port does not ensure compatibility.

Which gaming headset should you choose?

There is no single model that suits every gamer. Your choice depends on what you play on, whether you need wireless connectivity, how important the microphone is to you and how much time you spend wearing a headset.

Before buying, check compatibility, comfort, connection type and headset design above all. If you already know what you need, compare the models in the ENDORFY gaming headsets category.