The main difference between regular and gaming headsets is the latter’s superior audio performance. Most gaming headsets have better drivers, so they can produce crisper, clearer sounds without the bass overpowering every other sound.

Most gaming headsets also have noise cancelling mics that pick up your voice more accurately than normal mics. This is great for in-game communication, since your teammates won’t have a hard time understanding you during intense multiplayer matches.

Not all computers are compatible with gaming headsets. To check whether your PC supports a USB receiver for an onboard sound card, go to Control Panel > Sound > Playback and Recording Devices.

If you see “Speakers” in the list of playback or recording devices, then your PC supports onboard audio. If not, then your PC is not able to support a USB headset. A USB headset needs an onboard sound card to function.

Here’s a quick tech tip on how to figure out if your sound card is onboard (or integrated) or external:

Step 1: Open up the Control Panel and go to Sound > Playback and Recording Devices. Right-click on the first option (usually Speakers) and click Properties. If it says “built-in speakers” under the General tab, then that means it’s an onboard sound card or integrated audio device.

Step 2: If it says “Speakers (Razer Surround Audio Controller)” or something similar under the General tab, then that means it’s an external USB sound card.

Maybe. If you want to use multiple headphones at the same time, then you will need an external soundcard to support more than one pair of headphones or earbuds. This is because most built-in headphone jacks on laptops can only handle one pair of headphones at a time. If there are 2 headphone jacks on your PC, then both should work independently as long as you plug into the correct one (usually the green jack).

However, if you just want to use one headset for online gaming, then you might not need an external sound card. You can plug your USB headset into the onboard audio on your PC, and it should work fine as long as your motherboard supports USB on-board audio.

Most gaming headsets come with speakers in each ear cup that produce a much bigger soundstage compared to regular headphones. This is great for competitive multiplayer games where you need to hear sounds coming from all directions – such as when playing first-person shooters (FPS) or multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games. The wider soundstage of gaming headsets makes it easier to discern what’s happening around you in-game.

Having speakers in each ear cup also means that your ears are more isolated from external noises, making them great for late-night gaming sessions. External noises can be distracting when you’re playing games, especially if you live in a noisy place where there’s lots of traffic or pedestrians outside. Having an isolated soundstage makes it easier to focus on the game instead of distractions around you.

Most high-end gaming headsets feature surround sound as well. This gives you a better idea of where the sounds are coming from and makes it easier to predict enemy movements while playing FPS games.

All of the headphones and headsets we’ve listed above are comfortable to wear, even after prolonged use. They’re also heavy enough (without being too heavy) that they don’t feel like they’re going to fall off your head after a few hours of intense matches in Overwatch or PUBG.

Good gaming headsets are designed to be worn for extended periods of time. They’re optimally balanced so you can wear them without experiencing neck pain or a sore jaw, something that’s common with most in-ear headphones and earbuds. Gaming headsets feature large ear cups that cover your ears entirely, and some even have memory foam padding for an extra layer of cushioning that creates additional comfort on your ears and around your head as well.

Another thing to note is that most gaming headsets have a sturdy build quality that’s designed to withstand the test of time. They have strong aluminum frames and durable plastic ear cups that will make them last for years to come.

That all depends on your preference. Gaming headsets with wireless receivers are usually more expensive than their wired counterparts, so you need to consider whether you’re willing to spend more for this convenience. Here are some pros and cons of buying wired vs. wireless gaming headsets.

Wired gaming headsets offer a much higher level of audio quality. Wireless gaming headsets rely on Bluetooth technology to transmit audio signals, and the quality of Bluetooth can vary depending on the device you’re using it with. Bluetooth’s latency can also cause an audio lag when connected to your PC, which is critical in competitive multiplayer games where you need to react as fast as possible.

Wired gaming headphones tend to have a better build quality than most wireless headsets. This is because wireless headphones usually have more components that can break or go wrong, so manufacturers often cut corners in areas like the overall build quality to save costs. Wired headsets usually have sturdier frames and more durable ear cups as well.

That really depends on which headset you’re comparing, as there are good examples of both wired and wireless gaming headsets in terms of audio performance and build quality. It’s all about weighing your options and deciding which one best fits your needs. If you plan to do a lot of gaming sessions at home, then a wired gaming headset would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you like to game on-the-go or in LAN parties where you’d need more mobility, then a wireless gaming headset is ideal.