Functional and Comfortable: The Best Computer Headsets
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Logitech H800 Computer Headset -
Logitech ClearChat Comfort Computer Headset -
Plantronics Blackwire Computer Headset -
Microsoft LifeChat USB Computer Headset -
Buyer's Guide
A good computer headset should provide you with both functionality and comfort. Whether you use a headset while gaming with friends or on an online conference call, you need to consider a headset that offers great sound, an ergonomic design, and a quality mic. Headsets that give you controls or extra features for easy and efficient use are ideal, and there are many wired and wireless options. The headband and ear cups also need to be comfortable so that you can wear them for several hours at a time without any pain or irritation. There are lots of features to consider, but that's why we're here to help.
We’ve chosen these as the best computer headsets in 2022 because they offer excellent sound quality and comfort. All of these picks have an overhead band that rests comfortably on your head with padding on the ear pads so that you can wear them for hours. In addition to their sound quality and comfort, many of these headsets have a noise-canceling feature so you have the best audio quality possible during a conversation. Read on below to see our favorite headsets from 2022 along with a buyer's guide to aid you in your purchase.
Comparing the Best Computer Headsets 2022
Logitech H800 Computer Headset - Best Computer Headset Overall
Although there are quite a few great headsets on the market, this one just has a few extra features that give it the edge over other models out there. Audio controls are located on one of the ear cups, letting you easily control music and volume levels with the push of a button. It has a fully adjustable noise-cancelling microphone, which you can fold up between one earpiece and the headband to keep it out of the way when you're not using it. Additionally, the entire headset can actually be folded for easy storage and transportation.
This headset has a wireless range of up to about 40 feet and includes a USB dongle you can plug in for the wireless signal. As a bonus, you can use this headset while charging it although you need to be close enough to your computer for the charging cable and still have the USB dongle plugged in. One of the best features about this model is it can also work without the dongle through a Bluetooth connection, making it great for devices like tablet computers and Macs.
Logitech ClearChat Comfort Computer Headset - Runner Up
This is a much more basic computer headset than some wireless models on the market, but it works well enough for most situations. This headset uses a USB connection, rather than 3.5mm audio and microphone plugs, which makes it easy to use with a wide range of computers, including laptops. Of course, if you want the best audio quality possible, you'll probably prefer a more expensive headset with wireless or 3.5mm connections. It has an eight foot cable which gives you plenty of distance between yourself and your computer.
The speakers on this headset are good, but serious audiophiles will probably find them lacking in performance, although the ear-cups and headband are padded for extra comfort. The noise-cancelling microphone is fully adjustable and can be moved up out of your way when not in use. There are inline controls for volume and muting the microphone, which makes use easier but does add a little extra weight to the cord which should be kept in mind.
Plantronics Blackwire Computer Headset - Honorable Mention
There's a lot to like about this headset, though it lacks a few features as well. This computer headset has a great, fully adjustable noise-cancelling microphone and excellent speakers built into the ear cups. The inline controls on this model are nice with up and down buttons for volume and a mute button. While the volume buttons work, a volume wheel is usually more precise than "up" and "down" buttons. However, like other headset models these controls do add weight to the cord.
One of the best things about this computer headset is it works through both a USB connection and Bluetooth. You can have it physically connected to a PC and paired with a mobile phone through Bluetooth, and easily swap between the two devices. The headset is quite lightweight, folds up for flat storage, and includes sensors so the headset automatically answer calls when you put it on.
Microsoft LifeChat USB Computer Headset - Consider
If you are not specifically looking for a wireless computer headset, then this is a very nice option that gives you great sound quality and comfort. The padded ear cups are very comfortable, letting you wear this headset for hours without undo ear strain. The noise-cancelling microphone offers excellent clarity and is fully adjustable, both by bending the boom itself and also rotating it.
This model connects through a USB 2.0 cable, which does not have an in-line controller. Instead, one of the earpieces includes volume and microphone controls, and this headset is optimized for Skype and other instant messaging programs. However, perhaps the one weakness with this model is the headband itself isn’t padded so while it’s certainly comfortable on your ears, it lacks padding for the top of your head.
Buyer's Guide
Computer headsets offer a handy and practical solution to all of your audio needs. Headsets have a microphone that provides two-way communication and allows users to listen to the audio and speak simultaneously when playing online games, having an online meeting, and more.
With so many different types of headsets available, it can be hard to decipher all of the specifications and understand the importance of some software features over others. Our buying guide below simplifies the buying process and lists those factors you should consider when choosing the best computer headset for all of your audio needs.
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Headset for Your PC?
What are the important things that you need to look out for when picking out the best headset for your PC? Let’s take a look at them.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is an important factor to consider when choosing a headset for your PC, as listening to audio is one of the headset's primary functions. Excellent sound quality is needed so you can properly listen to conversations, in-game sounds, or videos and music. A quality headset can also support noise-canceling for even clearer sound. Noise-cancelation is a great feature to have because it helps you to focus on your task and not what’s going on around you.
Wired or Wireless
When searching for a new pair of PC headphones, you should know if you’re purchasing a wireless set or a wired one. You might prefer a wireless headset, but you should note that wireless headsets do require charging. A wired headset, on the other hand, does not require a charge. Typically, the battery life of most wireless headsets falls between seven to eight hours. However, wireless headsets are very convenient and limit desktop clutter.
Microphone
With the endless list of features you have when it comes to computer headsets, it’s important to know if the microphone works well enough. You need a headset that can hear your voice and not the surrounding noise or music that’s playing over your headset. Check the quality of the microphone on your computer headset and make sure that your voice can be heard clearly and loudly. If you're doing some research before making a purchase, reading online reviews can be helpful.
Comfort
Comfort is another crucial factor to check out when buying a PC headset. Especially if you are going to be using the headset for prolonged hours you’ll need a headset that fits and causes no discomfort whatsoever.
There are a lot of sizes that you can choose from when picking out your computer headset, and many have adjustable overhead bands so you can find that perfect, individualized fit. Headsets that have metal parts or plastic bands without padding won’t be comfortable for long usage times. Search for a pair of headsets that are padded and gently rests on your head.
You’ll often find that headsets with larger ear cushions have superior noise-canceling abilities. In this case, quality ear cushions lead to higher-quality sound. While you don't want to skimp out on padding for comfort, you don't want to go without good ear cushions for the sound's sake, either.
Durability
You want to find a pair of headsets for your PC that is designed to last for a long time. The various parts (the pins, microphones, speakers, wires, etc.) should be top-notch and of premium quality. The headset should be strong enough to not break from small accidents and falls. By making the right choice in quality, you can avoid losing your headset to minor accidents.
Open or Closed
When thinking about headsets you get the option to opt for either open or closed style. With open headsets, you’ll be able to hear your surrounding audio. This allows you to wear the PC headset for a long time without your ears heating up. If you are a gamer, a closed pair of headsets will probably be more appropriate as there are fewer distractions and you can concentrate a lot easier.
How Much Does a Computer Headset Cost?
When it comes to the cost of your computer headset, it’s all up to you. The cost of the headsets ranges widely from very expensive to cheap. Purchasing the cheapest models can lead to inferior quality, whereas choosing a very expensive pair will give you the best quality. You should pick one that falls into your budget.
The extra features in more expensive computer headsets offer a greater level of audio fidelity and are usually well worth it if you’re looking to make an investment in your sound setup and plan on using these headphones to listen to music.
With wireless headsets, you may have to pay a bit more for the wireless functionality. Regardless, with the number of different models coming out at various pricing levels, it’s a lot easier to find something that fits into your price range.
If you hope to save money on a wireless headset you may have to sacrifice other things such as sound quality or extra features. High-end wireless headsets will set you back around $200-300 because the extra features and better sound quality increase the cost price.
Some Tips Before You Buy
The sound quality of the headset for your PC is important. A great quality pair will enable you to clearly hear everything that’s going around you and on your system. If you want to get headphones that are most appropriate, there are certain questions you need to ask yourself:
- Do you use the headsets for more than a few hours a day?
- What do you intend to use the headset for?
- Do you work in a noisy environment?
- Do you often wear a hat or have a particular hairstyle that might not be fitting to wear a headset on?
- Do you need to take off your headset often?
Answering these questions would assist you to make better-informed decisions when you are buying your computer headset. Also, if you’re planning to use the headset for music and movies, you should consider the type of sound stage they produce. Some computer headsets are bass-heavy— which is excellent for music listening and gaming— whereas others will be neutral and well-balanced. But, this usually comes down to personal preference in the end.
Best Computer Headset FAQs
Q. What should I look for when buying a computer headset?
A. You should buy a headset that lets you perform other activities freely and be heard well. The key is finding a computer headset that transmits great audio while being comfortable for all-day wearing. You need to ensure you can be heard through the mic and that you can hear the proper audio without distraction from outside noise.
Q. Which headset works best for a noisy environment?
A. Your environment plays a huge part in deciding what headset really works well. In louder environments, a noise-canceling option will pick up your voice better in the mic while also ensuring that you can hear your audio above the background noise.
Q. Why buy a wireless computer headset?
A. Wireless headsets offer a lot more than eradicating cable tangles. These headsets are comfortable to wear for long periods and have great audio quality.
