SECOND only to a good keyboard/mouse/controller, a gaming headset is an essential component of a proper gaming experience – and there’s a range of excellent options on the market for all budgets and needs.
Whether you want a battlestation headset for PC gaming, a wireless one for connecting to your next-gen console, or something to do some mobile gaming on, there’s something here for you – read on and find out about some of your options!
EPOS GSP 601/602
https://www.eposaudio.com/en/au/gaming/products/gsp-601-gaming-headset-1000413
If you want to give someone (or drop some hints that you’d like) a top-quality gaming headset, it’s hard to go past the EPOS GSP 601/602 closed-back gaming headset.
They connect via a 3.5mm jack and are therefore equally at home connected to your PC, Xbox (One X/S or Series X/S) or PlayStation (PS4 or PS5), Nintendo Switch, or even a mobile phone if you’ve still got one with a headset plug in it.
Comfortable, outstanding sound quality and well made, the closed back design provides for a more intimate audio experience and the passive noise cancelling is very good too – they come highly recommended.
RRP: AUD$319
TURTLE BEACH STEALTH 600 GEN 2
The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 headsets come in two varieties – one for Xbox Series X/S, and one for PlayStation 5. Both headsets connect wirelessly to the console – the Xbox version connects directly, the PS5 version needs an (included) dongle.
Combining price, quality and function, these headsets also feature breathable padding designed to work comfortably with glasses as well, adding to the appeal – they’re a good all-round headset that will do a solid job without breaking the bank (or the gift budget!)
RRP: AUD$169
ASTRO A20 GEN 2
https://www.astrogaming.com/en-eu/products/headsets/a20-gen-2.html
Bringing Astro’s signature style to console gaming, the Astro A20 Gen 2s are specifically designed to work with the Xbox Series X/S or the PlayStation 5. They’re comfortable, have a good range, and distinctive style as well as a 15 hour battery life and adjustable audio presets.
Connection is via a USB stick connected to the console, and the Xbox Series X/S headsets work with PC as well, adding to the versatility.
RRP: AUD$279
SONY PLAYSTATION 5 PULSE 3D HEADSET
https://store.sony.com.au/playstation-5-accessories/PS5HEADSETW.html
The official headset designed to work with the Sony PlayStation 5, the Pulse 3D headset is very comfortable thanks to the multi-strap design, ensuring it can fit pretty much anyone’s head. The 3D audio is also very good, adding another dimension to the PlayStation 5 experience
RRP:AUD$159
SENNHEISER MOMENTUM TRUE WIRELESS 2
https://en-au.sennheiser.com/momentumtruewireless-2
Sometimes when you’re gaming on a mobile device you don’t want a big chunky over the ear style; you want something smaller and more designed to stay in your ears – something like the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, which I was very impressed with when I reviewed them earlier this year.
They are IPX4 rated for splash resistance, have a 7 hour battery life (plus another 21 hours from the case) and the audio quality was really good – rich and deep, which I like, with clear audio across the board.
They’re not cheap, but they are worth it.
RPP: $399
SKULLCANDY INDY EVO
https://www.skullcandy.com.au/store/p69/INDY_EVO.html
Basically Airpods without the Airpod price tag, the Skullcandy Indy Evo are designed to appeal to a youth audience with active lifestyles who want good quality music and gaming audio on the go, but don’t want to drain their bank account for it either.
The sound quality is good, they fit very well in the ear, and as a bonus, they also include Tile tracking functionality, making them harder to misplace – making these an attractive option for those seeking wireless sound without an over-the-ear design.
RRP: AUD$179
RAZER BLACKSHARK V2 X
https://www.razer.com/gaming-headsets/razer-blackshark-v2-x/RZ04-03240100-R3U1
Drawing inspiration from e-sports headsets, the Razer BlackShark V2 X brings tournament styling at a wallet-friendly price point while still having plenty of attractive features including passive noise cancellation and quality sound.
Weighing just 240g, the Razer BlackShark V2 X features memory foam ear cushions and 7.1 surround sound, not to mention running off a 3.5mm jack and thus being compatible with a range of PCs and consoles too.
RRP: AUD$109