Buying a Gaming Headset: What Really Matters in 2025?
Surround sound, microphone, wireless – the gaming headset market is huge. We explain what really matters.
A good gaming headset can completely change the gaming experience – you'll hear footsteps you never noticed before. But what are you actually paying for?
1. Wired or Wireless?
Wired headsets have no latency and no battery – ideal for competitive gaming. Wireless headsets are more comfortable for long sessions. Modern wireless models have under 20ms latency – barely noticeable in gaming.
2. Virtual vs. Real Surround Sound
"7.1 Surround" is virtual on most headsets – simulated by software. Real surround with multiple drivers costs significantly more. For most players, virtual 7.1 is perfectly sufficient.
3. Closed vs. Open
Closed headsets isolate outside noise – good for loud environments. Open headsets sound more natural and create a wider soundstage – but ambient noise gets through.
4. The Microphone
In gaming, the microphone is at least as important as the sound. Look for: noise cancellation (for loud environments), swiveling or detachable microphone, and real-time monitoring (you hear yourself).
5. Comfort During Long Sessions
Weight, padding, and clamping force determine whether you play 2 or 6 hours with the headset. Especially with over-ear models: leather pads are warmer, velour is more breathable – depending on preference.
In our shop you'll find gaming headsets from €30 to €150 – wired, wireless, with USB-C and for PC, PS5, and Xbox.