Audio Quality: It seems like a given, but we’ll say it anyway: You can’t always tell from a spec sheet what a headset will sound like. A well-made stereo headset can sound better than a poorly made 7.1 Dolby Atmos surround sound set. Check out reviews to get an idea of how a headset performs in real life.
Surround sound options: Modern headsets have become very good at recreating or simulating surround sound in headsets with systems like Dolby Atmos for headphones or DTS:X. These systems are particularly effective in games where you want to hear exactly where an enemy is firing at you from. Make sure you can turn surround sound on or off.
Comfort: This is another subjective category, but if you’re going to be wearing a headset for hours while gaming, it’s important that it doesn’t hurt. A heavy headset pressing against your temples can cause a headache after a while. Look for headsets that have an adjustable, ergonomic design, plenty of padding, and are generally light in weight.
An adjustable boom microphone: If you plan to use your headset for online gaming, a good microphone is important. Many headsets come with boom microphones that can be positioned in front of your mouth. Some are removable, while others can easily be twisted or bent away from the mouth when not in use. Make sure you get the variety that suits your needs.
Visible microphone mute and indicator LEDs: It’s important to know when to broadcast audio so you don’t accidentally share your private conversations with your teammates. Some microphones automatically mute when you flip them up, while others use a dedicated mute button. We particularly like headsets with red LEDs that indicate when you’re muted, which can be helpful.
Microphone monitoring so you can hear your voice: If you want to keep an eye on how you sound to your teammates and not sound like you’re screaming while playing, microphone monitoring is a feature that allows you to hear your own audio through your headphones. Ideally, you can adjust its volume. If you listen to a podcast or radio talk show, chances are these people are using some form of microphone monitoring so they can hear themselves and others.
Equalizer (EQ) and adjustment tools: Games, movies, and TV shows mix differently, and when listening, you may want to emphasize different aspects of the audio signal. Custom EQ presets allow you to set different balances for watching a movie versus playing a game, or even set different balances for each game.