Headphones designed to be connected to a personal computer or laptop and equipped with a built-in microphone (in other words, a classic headset) are quite convenient products. It will be perfect for talking on Skype. During multiplayer games, due to them you can constantly stay in touch with the team.
Thanks to such equipment, you can get rid of the so-called acoustic feedback, which necessarily occurs while connecting a microphone and speakers. Similar models can also be used as classic headphones, for example, to listen to music or watch movies.
However, such equipment has a number of disadvantages. Due to the compactness of the product, the quality of the microphone leaves much to be desired, respectively, it is suitable only for conversational communication. To connect to the system unit, which is usually installed under the table, you need a rather long wire. It can cause additional interference, However, recently began to appear headset equipped with a Bluetooth module. It allows you to get rid of inconvenient wires, but there is one important point associated with such headphones - the connection can suddenly break due to a dead battery.
When developing our rating, we took into account not only these points, but conducted an analysis of user reviews to determine people's preferences. In addition, the price-performance ratio of the models was taken into account. We hope that this review will be informative and useful for you, and after reading it you will be able to purchase the most suitable model for yourself.
Summary of the rating:
Top 3 Gaming Headphone Models
3. HyperX Cloud Stinger
This headset is notable for its low cost and quite acceptable sound quality. This is an overhead model, which is also equipped with a pretty good microphone. The key advantage of this model is the excellent transmission of both high and low frequencies. This allows you to hear almost every rustle during the game, so you can get a certain advantage over the opponent. The drivers on the computer are installed automatically. The microphone has good noise reduction, in order to turn it off, just turn it up until it clicks.
The model is made of reliable plastic, very pleasant to the touch. You can adjust the volume of the headphones and microphone using the ergonomic lever, which is located on one of the bowls. In the manufacture of a special foam, made using HyperX technology, which remembers the shape of the head. This allows you to use the model continuously for a long time without causing discomfort. The products are quite durable, can withstand physical stress.
Benefits:
- High sound quality;
- Very comfortable sitting on the head;
- Long wire;
- The microphone has the function of suppressing extraneous noise.
Disadvantages:
- The wire sheath is not braided, but rubber;
- The microphone cannot be removed from the headset.
2. SteelSeries Arctis 5
This model belongs to the middle price category, however, it perfectly fulfills its functions.The design is more like classic headphones for a mobile phone, the manufacturer decided to give the model a more modern look. In terms of convenience and ease of use, this product is one of the best among those on the market. The headphones have excellent sound transmission, a special application is also included in the kit for finer tuning. However, it should be borne in mind that this model is designed for use during games, so you should not expect super high quality when listening to music. The sound range is in the range from 20 Hz to 22 kHz, has a sensitivity of about a hundred decibels. Retractable type microphone, has a reliable noise reduction system.
Sound control allows you to adjust their combinations in the game. There are often times when constant negotiations in voice chat seriously distract from the game process, then you can remove these annoying head with a flick of the wrist. It is worth noting that the microphone consists of two elements - one is directed directly to the user, the other is outward, it is designed to capture external noise, after which the system will suppress them, making the voice more clear. You can connect a microphone using a 3.5 mm or USB connector, all drivers are installed automatically, however, additional software will have to be downloaded from the manufacturer’s official website independently.
Benefits:
- Comfort and lightness of the model - almost not felt on the head;
- Attractive appearance;
- Reasonable cost;
- Durability and reliability of the assembly.
Disadvantages:
- The quality of sound insulation is poor.
1. Sennheiser PC 373D
This is one of the most expensive models on the market, but they are characterized by high-quality sound transmission, excellent workmanship and a very beautiful appearance. Although the products are quite durable, the model has a small mass. In the manufacture of used reliable plastic, which will not break even with strong bending. The earbuds are soft and comfortable, the bowls are considerable in size, which gives extra comfort and provides excellent sound insulation.
The main positive quality is the ability to reproduce sound, which undergoes additional processing using a special unique technology created by the manufacturer of this model. No matter what happens on the computer monitor, the sound remains perfectly clear all the time. Headphones perfectly convey details from any sounds. Bass lines are not too pronounced, more emphasis is placed on the midrange. During operation, the model supports one of the most advanced sound technologies Dolby Surround 7.1. To perform fine-tuning, there is a special application.
Benefits:
- Excellent build quality;
- Good sound transmission;
- Reliable microphone.
Disadvantages:
- Very high price.
Best computer headphones with USB connection
3. Plantronics Audio 648
This model will be fixed not through the head, but through the back of the head, which may cause some pressure on the ears. The headband cannot be adjusted. It is convenient here to use a microphone, the position of which can be changed over a fairly wide range. On the lead-in cable there is a convenient control panel equipped with four buttons at once - one of them is used to answer incoming calls, for example, via Skype, pressing it again interrupts the conversation. Another button is used to mute the microphone, and two more are used to change the volume level of the headphones. The cable is quite long - more than two meters.
Such a model is made of high-quality plastic, the ear pads themselves are made of comfortable foam, which can retain its original shape for a long time. It greatly reduces the degree of discomfort from pressing the headphones to the ears.When connecting the device for the first time, the model automatically installs several driver components, and this operation is performed quickly enough.
Benefits:
- Keep perfectly on the head;
- High quality workmanship;
- The microphone eliminates extraneous noise well; during a conversation, the voice is transmitted very clearly and clearly;
- A fairly long supply wire;
- Connector Connection
Disadvantages:
- The body material is quite easily soiled, there are several sharp cuts;
- The volume control is quite heavy;
- The price is a bit high.
2. Logitech Stereo Headset H390
The emphasis of this headset is made precisely on the quality of the microphone and ease of use, which allows you to wear it on yourself throughout the entire working day in the office. The headphones have a classic appearance, the build quality is very high and neat. The design is designed in such a way that they will look great on both the girl and the man. Appearance is very stylish. The headband is plastic, but on the upper part there is a soft lining, which makes the use of the product even more comfortable even during long conversations.
The headband arc is made of several elements, which allows you to adjust its diameter, and it is quite wide, will not break even under severe physical exertion or as a result of prolonged use. Closer to the bowls themselves, the headband goes into small areas where the headphones themselves are located. On the outside, they are additionally decorated with glossy plastic rings. The bowls of the headphones are medium in size, but they are quite large for high-quality sound transmission, but will not make the design too heavy. Headphones are hinged, rotated so as to fit as tightly as possible to the head. Swivel type microphone, located on the left side, transmits sound well, suppresses most extraneous noise, providing clear sound.
Benefits:
- Light weight;
- It interacts well with any operating system;
- Long warranty.
Disadvantages:
- If improperly adjusted, it will put pressure on the head.
1. Sennheiser PC 8 USB
This is one of the best models from this manufacturer, in addition, the design has a small mass - only 84 grams. Headphones are practically not felt on the head, which allows you to wear them on yourself throughout the day. Another important advantage of this product is the presence of one of the most advanced microphone noise reduction systems. The sound of the voice is not distorted at all, but at the same time all extraneous sounds will be removed.
Some users say that the headband is not quite suitable, because of which it puts too much pressure on the temples and behind the ear. However, this problem is quickly solved by the quality and adjustment of the product. The wire is double, which is also not very convenient, it is much easier to work with equipment equipped with a single wire. The headphones themselves are light and compact, the sound they produce is quite decent, which will be perfect for negotiating on Skype or using other programs, as well as for games, listening to music and watching movies. Models are connected via USB 2.0 or 3.0 port, no special drivers are required.
Benefits:
- Insignificant mass;
- Excellent sound suppression;
- Acceptable sound;
- Low price
Disadvantages:
- All controls are located on the cord of the product, it is not very convenient to use them.
Best Overhead Computer Headphones
3. Sony MDR-XB450AP
This is one of the most comfortable models during operation; during the manufacturing process, special attention was paid to bass quality and ease of use. The weight of the structure is 165 grams - it does not seem heavy, so the headphones can be worn for several hours in a row. The body of the product is made of aluminum, which ultimately allows you to get a reliable design that is resistant even to severe physical exertion. The model operates in the range from 5 to 22,000 Hz with a sensitivity of 102 decibels.
The bowls are made on the basis of special technology, they have a special design that provides excellent sound insulation. The microphone is characterized by all focus, gives the interlocutor only a clean voice. The design itself is notable for its attractiveness and long service life, the aluminum case gives the product even more style.
Benefits:
- One of the widest ranges of frequencies used;
- A high level of sensitivity for both the microphone and the headphones;
- Reinforced wire that can withstand any load for a long time;
- Excellent sound quality, not only low frequencies, but also all the others - it turns out pretty balanced sound.
Disadvantages:
- The cord is not very long;
- There is no separate plug for connecting a microphone.
2. Marshall Major II
The design of this model may seem a little outdated, but it is rather a tribute to the classics. In any case, the headphones from this manufacturer cannot be confused with any others - they still retain the wire cup mounts. The connectors are made of yellow metal, which also gives them additional appeal and vintage. The headband is additionally decorated with faux leather with an embossed logo of the manufacturer. The mass of the product is negligible, so this model will sit perfectly on your head for several hours. Cable connectors are located on each of the bowls, and a free jack can be used to connect another pair of headphones.
The sound is transmitted perfectly regardless of the format, and if desired, such headphones can be connected not only to a computer, but also to a smartphone. Their bass is not too deep, all frequencies are well optimized for each other. The microphone is reliable with a noise reduction system, along with the headphones comes a convenient application for fine-tuning music playback.
Benefits:
- Beautiful original appearance;
- It is possible to connect another pair of headphones;
- Good balanced sound;
- On the plug there is a spring that protects the wire from breaking;
- There is a folding mechanism.
Disadvantages:
- The kit does not include a storage case.
1. Denon AH-MM400
This is one of the best models of overhead type headphones for connecting to a computer, which can only be found on the Russian market. These headphones have a closed acoustic design, which ensures passive sound insulation, so they will be almost silent for others, however, for the user himself, the sounds of the environment will be much quieter. These headphones are perfect for home, office. It is worth noting that a similar model can also be used for professional sound recording - the sound from the phonogram sounding in the headphones will not fall into the microphone's field of action.
The model has serious sensitivity, so it will have to be configured using a special application. She is very sensitive to power. This model has a convenient folding mechanism that allows you to take it with you on the road, it also has a beautiful appearance.
Benefits:
- The highest power can reach 1000 watts;
- In the manufacture of speakers used neodymium magnets;
- A case and an adapter are supplied with the headphones;
- The cable can be disconnected if necessary;
- Excellent sensitivity;
- Good noise reduction at the microphone;
- The output is high-quality and surround sound.
Disadvantages:
- High price;
- Significant mass.
Finally, a useful video
As you can see from the review, there are a lot of models of headphones, and they are very different from each other, first of all, in sound quality, and then in all other parameters.We tried to consider all the key elements that will somehow influence the choice of model. If you have something to share with other readers of our rating on the content or characteristics of the presented models, you can express your point of view in the comments to our article.