Let’s talk about that phrase we all love to throw around online: “do your research.” You’ll see it everywhere—forums, comment sections, Reddit threads, etc.
But when it comes to buying a gaming headset, that vague command isn’t exactly helpful unless you know what you’re supposed to be researching. Like, cool—do I just Google “good headset” and roll the dice? Read 500 reviews written by people who may or may not know the difference between stereo and surround sound? Ask my cousin Dave who still uses a wired Logitech headset from 2009?
If you’re tired of tech bros gatekeeping basic info and want a no-BS guide to actually figuring this stuff out, you’re in the right place. Let’s break it down.
Platform Compatibility: Will This Thing Even Work?
Before you even look at price or features, make sure the headset you’re eyeing works with your platform. Shocking, I know.
- PC is pretty forgiving—you can plug in almost anything and it’ll work. Wired, wireless, USB, 3.5mm… you’re golden.
- Nintendo Switch is a different beast. It supports wired 3.5mm headsets through the headphone jack, and some Bluetooth headsets after that long-overdue firmware update. But don’t expect premium features like mic monitoring or surround sound to carry over.
Pro Tip: If it says “PlayStation Only” or “Xbox exclusive,” it’s probably not worth the headache unless you’re gaming on those platforms too. Always check for multi-platform compatibility if you switch between PC and Switch like I do.
Sound Quality: More Than Just Volume
So you want it to sound “good,” right? But what does that mean?
Here’s the lowdown:
- Stereo vs. Surround Sound: Stereo is fine for casual play, but if you’re trying to sweat your way up the Apex ladder, you’ll want virtual 7.1 surround sound so you can hear every footstep like it’s breathing down your neck.
- Bass-heavy vs. Balanced Audio: Some headsets crank the bass so high it feels like your eardrums are in a club. Others go for balanced audio, so dialogue, footsteps, and music don’t blend into one chaotic mess.
- Driver Size: Bigger drivers (like 50mm) usually mean better sound range. Think of it like speakers in your ears—but not the Dollar Store kind.
Do your research by watching sound comparison videos on YouTube (with headphones on) or checking Reddit threads where actual humans talk about sound profiles—not just specs on a box.
If you want solid surround sound without needing a sound engineering degree, the Razer BlackShark V2 is an excellent pick. It delivers rich, balanced audio and doesn’t cost as much as a GPU from the black market.
Looking for something bass-heavy to make your eardrums feel alive? The Corsair HS65 Surround punches above its price range.
Mic Quality: Don’t Sound Like You’re Trapped in a Tin Can
If you’re using your mic for Discord calls, streaming, or yelling at your friends, you want one that doesn’t sound like it’s recording from a bathroom stall.
Look for:
- Noise cancellation or noise isolation
- Detachable or retractable mics (so you can get them out of the way)
- Clear vocal pickup (check voice test samples online!)
Red flag alert: If the reviews say, “Mic is fine, I guess,” run. That’s code for “I sound like I’m talking through a potato.”
If you’re planning on streaming or podcasting—or just yelling clearly at noobs—check out the Logitech G Pro X. The detachable Blue VO!CE mic is honestly impressive for the price.
Budget option? Try the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2—surprisingly crisp mic, especially for the price tag.
Comfort: Your Skull Will Thank You
You ever wear a headset that feels okay for ten minutes and then slowly turns into a medieval torture device? Yeah. That’s what you want to avoid.
Check for:
- Adjustable headbands
- Memory foam or breathable ear cushions
- Lightweight design (under 300g ideally)
If you wear glasses, make sure the headset doesn’t crush your temples like it has a personal vendetta against eyewear.
And no, “it’ll stretch over time” is not a comfort strategy. That’s headset Stockholm Syndrome.
Wired vs. Wireless: Freedom or Fear?
Wired = no charging, lower latency.
Wireless = freedom from cable spaghetti, but welcome to Battery Anxiety™.
If you go wireless:
- Check battery life (at least 20 hours is the standard now).
- Look for low-latency connections (2.4GHz is your friend).
- Avoid Bluetooth-only headsets for gaming—they suck for real-time sound.
Some headsets offer dual connectivity (wireless and 3.5mm wired), which is honestly the best of both worlds if you want to use it on both PC and Switch.
If you want the luxury of wireless but the safety net of a cable, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 is a strong choice. It connects to PC and Switch (wired or wireless) and feels like someone finally listened to what gamers want.
Software and Features: Just Enough, Not Overkill
If you’re on PC, check what software the headset uses—SteelSeries Engine, Razer Synapse, Logitech G Hub, etc. Some of them are great. Some of them are glorified adware. IYKYK.
You might want features like:
- EQ customization (adjust treble/bass levels)
- Mic sidetone (so you can hear yourself and not scream like a banshee)
- Game/chat audio balance (super useful when your squad is talking over cutscenes)
But don’t fall for the RGB trap unless you really need rainbow lights on your ears to feel something.
Read Real Reviews (Not Just the 5-Star Shills)
Here’s where the “research” part really kicks in:
- Ignore the marketing jargon. Everyone says they have “crystal-clear audio” and a “pro-grade mic.” That’s code for “we’re hoping you don’t notice how average this really is.”
- Check Reddit, trusted YouTubers, and verified buyer reviews.
- Look for consistent feedback, not just glowing 5-star ratings with zero detail.
If half the people say the mic died in three months, believe them. That’s not a coincidence—that’s a design flaw.
Final Takeaway
“Do your research” doesn’t mean “spend four hours spiraling into tech rabbit holes.” It means know what matters to you, figure out your platform, set a budget, and look for actual performance, not just hype.
Your headset is how you hear the game—and how the game hears you. Don’t treat it like an afterthought. Whether you’re on a ramen-budget build or flexing with a high-end rig, the right headset will make every game sound better, every call clearer, and every rage-quit moment a little more satisfying.
So yes—do your research. Not because it makes you smarter, but because your ears deserve better than sounding like static from a ‘90s Walkman.
Stay snarky,
~ Rita 🖤