Best gaming headsets for Xbox, PS5, Switch, and PC (2025)

Microphones are included in most headphones and earbuds, but gaming-specific headsets often have a boom mic sticking out of one ear. These tend to offer better audio quality and also offer some other features to consider when purchasing a new headset.

The first is a visual indicator of whether the microphone is muted. It may sound a little funny, but it serves the dual purpose of letting you know that you can be heard when you’re talking, and ensuring that your friends can’t hear you eating your snack. This could be a light, or a hinge that physically flips it out of the way, but either way, it’s essential to me when buying a headset.

I would also like to pay attention to sidetone and talkback. Talkback refers to how much of what you say is returned to the headset. Listening to your own voice a little bit can give you an idea of ​​how loud you’re speaking, especially knowing how good the sound isolation is on these headsets. You can often adjust this using specialized software, but if not you may be left with the default settings.

Audio quality does matter to some degree, but if you’re into streaming or podcasting, you might want to check it out. USB microphone. It requires additional investment and some desk space, but provides audio close to what you would expect from professional audio equipment.