The 10 Best PS4 Headsets
Editor's Notes
October 13, 2020:
While there are plenty of similarities among the models in this category, there are still a few variables worth scrutinizing when figuring out which model will best suit your gaming needs. The biggest dividing line is going to be between wired and wireless options. Obviously, playing without the hindrance of a cable can be a boon to your sense of freedom, and if you need to shoot victoriously out of your chair at any point, you don't have to worry about dragging your console off the TV stand and breaking it. And models like the SteelSeries Arctis 7 and the Astro A50 show you how far the technology has come in reducing latency to a non-issue.
But wired models like the Turtle Beach Recon 70 have their place, as well. For starters, they tend to be less expensive than wireless options. But what's more, a wired signal should have greater fidelity than a wireless one, provided other parameters are created equal. That Turtle Beach model is a great example, as it offers a nice bass response for such a low-priced set.
Personally, I prefer a set that can do a bit of everything, so something wireless with a detachable microphone and Bluetooth connectivity for use with a mobile phone is nice. The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 is a fantastic example of this, though to be perfectly clear its microphone flips up and tucks into one of the earpieces instead of detaching.
May 31, 2019:
If you play a lot of highly immersive titles or spend a bunch of time in online games, you might need a dedicated gaming headset. Right off the bat, know that Sony's own PlayStation-branded options are of very high quality. The Gold is their wired model and the Platinum is the wireless one, and as you might expect, their instant and complete compatibility makes them hard to beat. Plus, they don't cost a whole lot.
If you're interested in an aftermarket model, there are a ton to choose from. Anything by HyperX is a good bet, and their newest, the Cloud9, is one of the most comfortable headsets on the market, as long as it fits on your head. The Stinger is the one to look at if you want to spend as little as possible while still getting a high-quality microphone.
SteelSeries has long been a favorite among gamers, and their Arctis line is no exception. Whether you're going for a budget-friendly option with the Arctis 5 or a high-end model with the 7 or the Pro, you really can't go wrong. Those concerned with serious sound quality should consider the Sennheiser; considering all the excellent music-oriented headphones they make, it's no surprise that their gaming cans also sound great. And if you can afford it, the latest Astro A40 is an excellent all-around choice. It isn't wireless, but it does include a matching amp, and it's one of the most well-built and good-looking options available.
Gaming With A Headset: The Only Way To Game
Game designers make use of every trick in the book to manipulate sound effects.
Most gamers who are looking for ways to improve their gaming experience focus on buying the newest consoles, best controllers, coolest games, and largest 4K TV they can afford. Unfortunately, many often overlook one of the most basic peripheral devices that can make a huge difference in how immersive the gaming experience is: a headset.
A gaming headset drowns out background sounds that can potentially distract you from your game. Consider the difference in the experience of watching a move in a theater, with the lights dimmed and everyone completely seated and silent, to watching a movie in your home, with the lights on and roommates talking or kids playing in the background. Which is a more enjoyable and immersive experience? The difference between these two scenarios is essentially the same as gaming with a headset versus without one.
Using a gaming headset isn't just about drowning out background sounds. It is also about highlighting in-game sounds. Game designers make use of every trick in the book to manipulate sound effects. If you are in a large, empty corridor, they may add an echo to noises for more realism. To simulate the sound of an in-game character approaching from a specific direction, they will play audio on only one channel, and gradually increase the volume of the sound as the character gets closer and closer. Whether it is the sound of a weapon being reloaded or rushing water from a river you need to find, a gaming headset makes it easier to pick up on these in-game audio cues so you can react accordingly. Hearing all of these little sounds not only makes the game more fun and immersive, it can also help improve your reaction time to make you a better player.
You aren't the only one who benefits from using a gaming headset, either. A headset allows you to play games late at night, without disturbing roommates or family members. If you have a premium home theater system, it is only natural to want to turn the volume up. After all, you want to feel the bass of the explosions and pick up on all of the game's audio clues. This generally means turning the volume up loud enough to disturb others in the home who aren't involved in the gaming session. Using a gaming head set is a win-win for everybody. You can completely immerse yourself in your game, while the other household members can go about their business without being disturbed.
How To Choose A PS4 Headset
If you often play games where you communicate with other players, a high-quality microphone is essential. Nobody wants to have to try and understand garbled, unintelligible voice transmissions. Ideally you should choose a microphone that has good noise-cancellation technology. This way, all of the other team members won't have to hear your wife or girlfriend yelling at you to stop gaming for once and have a conversation. You should also consider microphone positioning and functionality. Some models have a fixed boom, while others feature a boom that you can manipulate for the best placement options. Many players find a mic that automatically mutes when they lift the boom to be convenient, as well.
These numbers correlate to the number of channels in the headset.
For those marathon gamers out there, a high degree of comfort is essential. Look for a model that has a good amount of padding, without being bulky or overly heavy. If a headset is too heavy, it can cause neck pain when worn for long periods of time. An adjustable headband is also a nice touch. This ensures a headset will stay securely on your head, without worry of it being too tight and causing compression headaches.
When it comes to immersion level, there are two things to consider: sound quality and sound isolation. If you want to pick up on all of those in-game audio cues we spoke about earlier and want them to come from the exact direction the game developers planned, then you should choose a headset with 7.1 surround sound, or 5.1 surround sound at the very least. These numbers correlate to the number of channels in the headset. The more channels, the more the sound can be manipulated.
Sound isolation is affected by the style of headset: open-back versus closed-back. Closed-back headphones are better for gamers who prefer a high level of sound isolation, while open-back headphones are good for gamers who want to be aware of what is happening in their surroundings. For complete immersion, you may want to choose a gaming headset that features noise-cancellation technology.
The Evolution Of The PlayStation Console
PlayStation's origins date all the way back to 1988, when Nintendo and Sony first started working on a joint project to create a CD-ROM for the soon-to-be released Super Nintendo system (SNES). Fortunately for the gaming community, what started as a beautiful partnership didn't last long. In June of 1991, Sony revealed the first Super Nintendo with an integrated CD-ROM called the SNES-CD. Just one day after the reveal, though, Nintendo announced that they were breaking their partnership to work with Phillips instead. Apparently Sony and Nintendo couldn't come to an agreement on how to split the revenue.
It took Kutaragi, who is now known as the father of PlayStation, three years, but in 1994, Sony launched the original PlayStation in Japan.
The sudden and surprising break up of the partnership so incensed Sony President Norio Ohga that he appointed Ken Kutaragi, a Sony executive, to develop a rival gaming console. It took Kutaragi, who is now known as the father of PlayStation, three years, but in 1994, Sony launched the original PlayStation in Japan. It was the first gaming console to ever sell 100 million units.
Sony followed up on this success with the PlayStation 2, which is still the best-selling game console to date. In 2006, Sony released the PlayStation 3, which had sold more than 80 million consoles by November of 2013, when they released the PlayStation 4. Continuing with their record-breaking streak, Sony sold one million consoles within the first 24 hours of the PlayStation 4 release, making it the fastest-selling gaming console in history.