5 common mistakes people make when buying PC gaming headsets

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There are some common mistakes that people make when it comes to PC gaming headsets. And making those mistakes could lead to choosing the wrong model or not getting the most out of it.

Choosing a PC gaming headset or even headphones for gaming require a slightly different order of priorities than something meant mostly for consuming music. For example, while you can use regular headphones for an hour or two of music, you won’t wear them for the same extended period of time as you would a headphone designed for diving into your favorite titles. Remember, most gaming sessions are not short.

With that in mind, we’ve pointed out five potential mistakes that could lead you to buy the wrong PC gaming headset. Thus, you will know what traps to avoid so that even if you are looking for a wireless gaming headset or a budget headphones for gamingyou’ll end up with a gaming headset you really love and get the most out of your listening experience while gaming.

1. Ignoring comfort

5 common mistakes people make when buying PC gaming headsets

(Image credit: Shutterstock / aslysun)

You’ll have that thing draped over your dome for hours at a time, so the first factor to consider is comfort. That includes considering its grip strength, the type of cushion on the ear cups and headband, and cooling.

Clamping force can be relaxed, but it cannot be tightened. While some PC gaming headsets like the amazing sound Audeze Penrose X require a good stretch or five to avoid a pressure headache, others will arrive out of the box so loose they’ll just slide off your head every time you move. But, if you find one that’s right, it will stay firmly on your head without exerting too much force on your head.

Cushioning is usually pretty good on most mid-to-mid-range models. Most companies use some type of memory foam on both the ear cups and headbands to deliver pillow-like softness. But, some – notably SteelSeries – use a interrupted headband design instead of a padded one to prevent that headband from even touching your head. Neither is necessarily better, but the former will offer an added experience while the latter will keep some of the weight of that headset off your head.

Finally, consider whether wearing that headset will make you sweat or not. Some materials used to cover the memory foam, especially leatherette, can limit the breathability of a headset. Some manufacturers will try to compensate for this with a cooling gel injected into the memory foam. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t. You’ll need to research or wear a pair before committing.

2. Not prioritizing sound quality

Surround sound, plush memory foam, brand loyalty. Those may all attract you to certain headphones. But, after comfort, sound is king. The first function of a PC gaming headset is ultimately to reproduce sound. And, you don’t want something that will do a poor job.

Sound is subjective, so think about what you want from your listening experience. You might want something that will give you enough low end that you can almost feel every blast. Something a little lower heavy like the HyperX Cloud Alpha maybe for the best. Or, maybe you want something clear to hear every detail, in which case, the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless with its more refined, detailed sound is an excellent choice.

Soundstage is just as important when it comes to gaming. You should be able to hear the sound elements happening around you, immersing yourself. And, every element in that soundscape should be easy to pinpoint. Listening with good headphones, you’ll be able to hear elements approaching or fading away, whether it’s an enemy coming to attack you from the right or a battle quickly approaching.

For

Exceptional sound quality
Compatible with PC
Wireless or wired function

Against

An underlying hissing noise
Tension clamp force
Final checks
Fuzzy sounding microphone

For

Great for multi-platform gamers
Quality design
Great sound quality
An admirable microphone

Against

A bit bass-heavy for music

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

For

Excellent sound quality
Very detailed audio
Long battery life
Extremely versatile with multiple connectivity

Against

Eye-watering price tag
ANC is not the best
Non-intuitive physical controls

3. Putting too much focus on features

5 common mistakes people make when buying PC gaming headsets

(Image credit: Shutterstock / CameraCraft)

We get it. Features are great. However, most of them won’t make or break your experience.

If a headphone sounds bad, for example, then the app it integrates with won’t make it sound better with EQ or any other post-processing. And, while you sometimes get useful microphone-related features like background noise rejection or being able to adjust sidetone, no headphone comes with a feature set so unique and so great that it makes up for a massive drawback. Also, if it’s that useful of a feature, surely there are other couple alternatives that most likely share that feature while sounding or performing better.

That said, some people may need certain features like wireless connectivity or cross-platform compatibility. If you want to use the same headset for all your next-gen consoles as well as your PC, you might want to look into something like the Logitech G Astro A30.

4. Putting too much stock in brands

Don’t put too much stock in a brand. You can find a wide range of quality for most brands. The budget options will often feel cheap while the flagship models will often pull out all the stops. From time to time, a budget model can impress as the Corsair HS50. On the other hand, sometimes expensive can be debilitating.

So, don’t assume you’ll like one headphone because your previous one from the same company has served you so well for the past two years. Read the reviews. Borrow a pair to listen to. Do not set the mark. If you have to, because you like everything Razer, for example, try to make sure that it is able to produce great sound and comfort. Or, just get the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro.

For

Strong stereo sound
Comfortable, sturdy
Excellent value

Against

No surround sound
Microphone easily misplaced

For

Premium construction
Great sound quality
Razer THX Spatial
Battery quality

Against

Not fully console compatible
Battery indicator not good

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For

Great sound
Comfortable fit
Elegant appearance

Against

Microphone may be too sensitive
A bit expensive

5. Not waiting for a sale

None of these companies are Apple. Is it the holiday season with some Black Friday Deals on the horizon or a retailer trying to move old stock, whatever headset you’re interested in is bound to be sold. That goes for budget and premium models alike.

Unless you’re in a pinch and need something right away, keep an eye on your favorite retailers for that price drop. And, be sure to take advantage of our buying guides as well. They often link to multiple retailers so you can compare prices and look for the best deal.

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