With a quality gaming headset, you can take your gaming to the next level. However, with so many gaming headphones out there you might need a bit of guidance to choose the right ones for your setup! 

There are five key questions you need to ask when selecting a gaming headset:

1. What devices are compatible with my gaming headphones?
2. Should I choose wired or wireless headphones?
3. Built-in mic, no mic, or headphones and separate mic?
4. Are open-back or closed-back headphones best?
5. Are the headphones solely for gaming or for everyday listening too?

In this gaming headset guide, Audio-Technica shares all you need to know about choosing your next gaming headset.

1. What Devices Are Compatible With My Gaming Headphones?

Before selecting your gaming headset, consider what devices you use most frequently. Most quality gaming headphones should be compatible with your laptop or PC, Xbox, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch and more. 

Audio-Technica’s range of headphones and headsets are compatible with most devices, with many coming complete with mic and headphone plugs and a TRRS plug. 

2. Wired or Wireless?

Gamers who love a marathon session might not want to worry about charging their headset, and a wired option means you can always keep your game going. If high sound quality is key, but budget is still your priority, wired headphones are likely to be the best option for you. 

Wireless gaming headsets offer more flexibility for movement - so you can chat to fellow gamers while you grab more snacks - but keep an eye out for the sound quality and the range offered by the headset as most wireless devices cut out when you’re around 30ft away from your connected device. 

3. Built-in Mic, No Mic, or Headphones and a Separate Mic? 

There are 4 options when it comes to selecting gaming headphones: 

1. Gaming headset including a built-in mic
2. Headphones with a seperate mic
3. Headphones without a mic
4. Gaming headset with a built-in mic

Some gamers may worry that having a built-in mic won’t offer the same audio quality as a separate, studio-quality microphone and, while there is some truth to this, the quality available in gaming headsets is actually based on headsets used by professional broadcasters.

The boom arm mic integrated into our gaming headsets is optimised for vocal pickup, keeping ambient noise a minimum, so you can achieve a clean and consistent performance.

Headphones with a seperate mic

This is often a popular choice for streamers on Twitch and PC gamers, as you will have an enhanced vocal performance - just make sure you opt for a cardioid pattern and sit the mic in front of your keyboard, so you don’t capture background noise.

Headphone without a mic

If you’re more interested in immersing yourself in a great gaming soundtrack (which we get - we work with Masayoshi Soken!), then we would recommend opting for a high-quality studio headphone - like our M50x - to capture the entire soundscape.

There’s also an option to add a detachable boom microphone to your favourite headphones. Audio-Technica’s ATGM2 detachable gaming boom mic, for example, is a great way to make your voice heard. This is a great option for fans of our headphones such as the ATH-M50x, which provides an exceptional listening experience but doesn’t have an in-built microphone. 

4. Open-Back or Closed-Back?

There are some key differences between closed and open-back gaming headphones.

Closed-back headphones offer:

• A more closed/focused soundscape for an intimate listening experience
• Excellent isolation, keeping external distractions out of your gaming zone
• Reduced sound leakage - great for keeping intense gaming isolated from others around you
• Enhanced bass 

Open-back headphones offer: 

• A more open/wide soundstage that provides a natural, authentic sound
• Lightweight listening as the open-ear cup design uses less material
• A cooler, more comfortable fit for gaming marathons
• The opportunity to stay aware of your surroundings during your gaming sessions
• A more balanced fidelity listening experience 

There is no right or wrong answer when choosing between open or closed-back headphones - it’ll all come down to your personal preference and the way you like to experience sound when you’re in the zone. 

5. Are Gaming Headsets Solely for Gaming or for Everyday Listening Too?

One big consideration before you purchase your headphones is whether you’re looking for a dedicated gaming headset or headphones that move seamlessly throughout your life - from gaming to listening to music.

If you want a dedicated gaming headset we’d suggest thinking about what’s most important to you in your gaming experience. Is it all about communicating with other gamers or immersing yourself in the soundtrack? This will help you to make a decision based on some of the above points. 

If you’re looking for the best wireless headphones for gaming and music, choose a pair of lightweight and comfortable everyday headphones such as Audio-Technica’s ATH-M50XBT2 wireless over-ear headphones. 

Are Audio-Technica Headphones Good For Gaming? 

We have over 40 years of experience providing broadcasting equipment for professional commentators around the world - most gaming headsets are based on the famous broadcasting headsets used in film and television sets.

In addition, we’ve worked with composers of gaming soundtracks, including Masayoshi Soken who composed the soundscape for Final Fantasy XIV.

We combined these experiences to construct our latest range of lightweight headsets, ideal for gaming. Our GDL3 and GL3 headsets are the perfect choice for those wanting to enhance their gaming experience. 

Cult favourite M50x headphones are also a popular choice for many gamers and streamers, thanks to their balanced and natural sound. Plus, we know Masayoshi Soken is a fan of our open-back M70x when he’s working on the Final Fantasy audio!