With so many gaming headsets on the market, you’re probably wondering, why choose one of these if I already have headphones? What is it about gaming headsets that makes them so well-suited to gamers?
So, what is the difference between headphones and a microphone and a specialized gaming headset? In this short guide, we’re going to take you through the differences between each setup and why you might prefer to choose one over the other.
Gaming Headsets
First up, gaming headsets.
These are great if you are on a budget and looking for a simple, all-in-one piece of kit. Beginner gamers and those who don’t really consider themselves as audiophiles are likely to find these perfectly sufficient.
There are some advantages to gaming headsets not found on most other types of common headphones. Gaming headsets typically produce a lot more rumble than headphones, allowing you to feel more immersed in your game. And many feature RGB lighting with customization options.
Of course, headsets explicitly designed for gaming (not all headsets are created equal) offer fully immersive surround sound. This is perfect for many types of games, and especially for allowing you to hear the enemy approaching from behind. Not only will you feel like you are right there, but it could also give you an advantage over other players who don’t have such good sound quality.
However, when it comes to communicating, you might be disappointed with the quality of the mic on a gaming headset. While this might not be a big issue for you, it could be for the people you are playing with! There are ways to improve the quality of a gaming headset’s mic; however, we won’t get into that here.
Headphones & Standalone Mic
If you’re truly passionate about sound and gaming, headphones are definitely the way to go. They are also ideal if you are looking for something with more customization options.
With two separate devices, you can mix and match to get the best quality you can afford. Most bluetooth headphones without a built-in microphone are designed to offer you the very best listening experience with all-round balanced sound – they don’t have to worry about the quality of a microphone as well.
With a standalone mic, you have more freedom to position your microphone where you like – you’re not stuck with it just a few inches from your face. Of course, this can be a drawback if you don’t have a surface nearby to set the microphone on.
Headphones are more versatile if you are a bit of an audiophile. You probably wouldn’t want to wear a gaming headset to listen to music on the morning commute. However, great-quality headphones are ideal for this purpose, as well as for gaming.
Which Pair of Headphones Should I Choose?
It really comes down to personal preference, as well as your budget. If you want to give your teammates crystal-clear communication, headphones and a standalone mic are well worth investing in. But gaming headsets have their place too. Just make sure the headset you choose is headphones specifically designed for gaming to ensure you get that fully immersive surround sound.
No matter what platform you use for gaming and whether you are looking for a headset or headphones and a microphone, you are sure to find the perfect setup for your needs.
Why Choose Gaming Headphones or a Headset over Speakers
There is a third option for gaming audio that we haven’t discussed yet – speakers. More and more gamers prefer to use a headset or headphones nowadays, but why?
Speakers can be great for specific users. Perhaps you don’t like the feeling of wearing headphones (maybe you just haven’t found a great pair yet!) or having the volume too loud in your ears for health reasons.
On the other hand, speakers allow you to remain more in touch with your surroundings. Now, this can be either a pro or a con depending on your situation and personal tastes. If you live with others and like to stay up until 3 am gaming, then headphones are certainly what you should be using. On the other hand, if you want to be more aware of what’s going on around you – keeping an ear out for kids, pets, or the mailman, speakers are the logical choice.
Speakers tend to cost a lot more than headphones for a similar level of audio quality, so they are not the best choice for those on a budget. They are also a poor choice when it comes to online gaming – you are much more likely to experience feedback or background noise when speaking over a microphone.