Because You Need The Right Gear!
Contents
Let’s start out with Alienware’s AW988 gaming headset. We are looking at a highly durable item that is also practically weightless. Furthermore, these headphones are wireless with the operational range of 40 feet, which is clearly more convenient than using wired headphones with tangy cables.
The AW988 offers top-notch audio quality with plenty of bass and ambience while sporting a unidirectional noise cancelling microphone, allowing for crystal clear communication in-game.
You’ll be able to use this bad boy for a long time while enjoying the comfort and sonic quality. What more can you ask for?
Most audiophiles are well aware of the fact that Sennheiser makes some of the finest cans in terms of sound quality and sonic performance, but we’d be willing to say that the GSP 500 is one of the best wireless gaming headsets you could possibly find on the market, regardless of the price.
Why? Well, apart from the impeccable audio transmission, these headphones also feature a set of ergonomic pads made from exceptionally breathable fabric material. Simply put, they’re as comfortable to wear as can be, which is very important for gamers. Additionally, they’re very elastic and durable – very useful when it comes to those rage-quits. After all, that’s the least you could expect from German engineering.
The open-acoustic design somewhat lowers the product’s ability to reduce ambient noises, making this a better opetion for those who do not want to shut down their surrounding completey. This form of design also reduces the sweat build-up. Other features include onboard volume controls that you can use even while you game without having to pause.
Asus gear is widely considered as top tier, so don’t be surprised with the presence of the ROG Delta model on our little rundown. This headset packs 50mm drivers that provide exceptional sound quality that especially shines when you play first-person shooters. It also features a built in ESS Sabre Quad Dac that further supplements the already-great soundstage.
The headphones are also highly comfortable sporting an ergonimic, slightly larger than average design of the ear cups that allows for hours of gameplay with no ear fatigue. Speaking of which, you’ll get two sets of these ear cushions – one is hybrid, and the other is made from premium quality protein leather. Test them both out and see which one fits best.
However, there are no pads on the headband, so if you use them for hours at a time, you might sweat a bit more than you’d like. All things considered, these cans offer a good sound quality, solid comfort, and for what it’s worth, they also look absolutely gorgeous.
HyperX models are incredibly popular nowadays, and you’ll find some of their flagship models among the best gaming headsets under 100. Even though their mid-priced cans are top-notch, it’s safe to say that they pale in comparison to the Cloud Revolver S – a true representative of what the brand can do.
The Cloud Revolver boasts studio-grade audio performance, which means that its frequency response isn’t overly delicate. Although you won’t find their sound as bassy or crispy, but you will benefit from impeccable sound clarity. While this gaming headset isn’t exactly perfect for casual music listening, it’s absolutely phenomenal for gamers who need to hear every little bit in detail.
They’re powered by the exquisite 50mm drivers and surround sound 7.1 technology, plus they sport a detachable lightweight microphone which rocks noise cancellation properties.
This gaming headset was specifically tuned to adapt to the needs of a gamer, so pay attention. The soundstage offers a well-balanced bass response, clear mids, and decently crispy highs. What’s more, Dolby 7.1 surround sound tech is also included in the mix, making your games truly come to life.
A40 TR is also pretty light considering that it’s made from incredibly durable and robust materials. Furthermore, onboard you’ll also find a precision omni-directional microphone which boasts superb ambient noise reduction technology.
To top it all off, there are several EQ presets you can use to fine tune your sound. The only thing that’s not so great about these headphones is the fact that the earcups are a bit big, so if you do not adjust the headband properly, they’ll keep coming off.
Razer offers a ton of different high-quality headphones, such as the various versions of Hammerhead, Kraken, Nari, and, of course, the Man’o’war. We’ve picked the latter up for review – here’s why…
These headphones pack 50mm drivers that, as we’ve discussed, deliver exceptional gaming audio quality. You’ll find onboard volume controls so that you can adjust it without having to pause your gaming session.
The microphone that comes supplied to the Man’o’war is pretty cool too. It’s retractable and packs a flexible design which makes it very convenient to use for in-game conversations.
In terms of comfort, these headphones are phenomenal. The headband is very wide, and the plushy ear cushions feel very gentle. However, the holes in the earcups are very small, so you should expect quite a bit of clamping pressure to get in the way.
We are pulling the curtain down with Cowin’s E7 Pro Active noise cancelling headphones. It’s no wonder that this model has made it in so many reviews online, as it’s among the most versatile headset you can find in the price range.
Its aesthetic component is relatively basic, but it comes available in seven different color variations. Furthermore, its sound is powered by 45 large aperture drivers that deliver deep bass and very crispy highs. Moreover, Cowin’s noise cancelling technology is on par to the best top-tier gaming headsets.
As for the comfort rating, they’re genuinely comfortable to wear, although the lack of pads on the headband might make sweating a bit of a problem.
In truth, you should immediately expect quite a lot from a gaming headset in the price range of $200. The vast majority of models in this price point category excel in virtually every field of performance. However, the best of the best are clearly different from the rest, so let’s talk about the things that separate the most valuable gaming headsets between each other.
Most top tier gaming headsets come outfitted with premium quality drivers and Surround sound technology. In fact, knowing that such headsets are used by professional gamers, the most expensive headphone models need to provide the ultimate high-fidelity audio transmission possible.
Investing $200 in a set of gaming headphones would be too much if you for any reason doubt how sturdy they are. Of course, most professional gamers get their headgear for free by their sponsors, but if you’re not a pro, you need to be sure that the cans you want to buy are built like a brick wall. Luckily enough, every model in our review boasts a substantial durability rating, so whichever you pick you can rest assured that they’ll last for months, even years.
Since you’re paying top dollar, it’s only natural that you want your headphones to be as comfortable as possible. Headphones in this price point category are outfitted with exceptional ear cushions and pad reinforcements, so don’t settle for less.
Additionally, most top tier gaming headsets put up minimal ear clamping pressure due to their superiorly designed ear cups. What’s more, the biggest manufacturers in the industry often provide a bonus set of ear cups as a complementary feature.
A professional gaming headset needs to have a microphone because most pro gamers communicate between themselves as they’re taking part in competitions and tournaments. Of course, there are many differences between a low-cost mic and a professional grade one.
Boutique level gaming headsets are often outfitted with removable microphones that pack a form of ambient noise reduction. The reason why that is so is quite simple – gamers need to hear each other from within their ear cups because they need to focus on the game. If the ambient sound could bleed in the ear cups, the gamer’s focus would drop in mere seconds.
When it comes to budget models, many people prefer wireless gaming headsets over wired ones because of the flimsy, tangy cables. However, in the price range of under $200 you shouldn’t worry about these problems at all. A top-grade wired model is almost by default equipped with a highly durable, convenient cable. On the other hand, wireless models in this price range pack superior Bluetooth technology that rocks a superior operational range.
Obviously enough, how a headset looks like is of little importance. It’s imperative that the headphones sound good, that they feel good, and that they’re capable of withstanding several months of usage. However, if you want the best headphones, you should also look for a set that looks as good as it performs. For example Alienware’s AW988 comes supplied with customizable RGB lightning and they look absolutely exquisite.
In a sense, they are. Basically, most people wouldn’t feel too comfortable paying so much for a set of headphones, especially since every single component of a gaming rig costs a fortune already. However, nothing should stop you from buying a boutique level gaming headset if you have the money for it.
What makes gaming headsets under $200 better than models from other price point categories?
In essence, budget gaming headsets are designed to serve a basic purpose, mid-priced models offer the same benefits but on a higher level while top-tier gaming headsets are in a completely different league.
Namely, the brands that make boutique gaming headsets use more durable materials, you’ll see bleeding edge technologies in terms of ambient noise reduction and surround sound tech, and such. Furthermore, high-end gaming headsets undoubtedly sound several times better in comparison to their low and mid-priced counterparts.
The winner of this bout is Alienware’s AW988 gaming headset. If you’re looking for quality and don’t mind paying top dollar for it, then this model is perfect for you. It offers the best sound quality, comfort, and durability in comparison to similarly priced (top tier) headsets.