Best PC Gaming Headsets 2011-2012

Your vote counts! Below this top ten list and the top ten list for budget headsets is an interactive poll. The order of the following headsets is determined monthly based upon your vote. Updated: 4/24/2012.

ASTRO Gaming A40 Audio System 
Amazon Price: $249.99
The Astro A40 continues to be number one on our list. It's the most used gaming headset in professional tournaments, the official headset of MLG, and is completely configurable for your personal style. Astro's Mix Amp truly makes the difference here providing nearly perfect surround sound for PC and all consoles. Only the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 and Sennheiser PC 360 rival its dominance.

Wireless Range

If you've ever ruined a pair of headsets by accidentally running over their cord over and over, then you know how great it is to have a wireless headset. The Logitech G930 has about the longest range of any wireless headset I've seen at around 40 feet. I had no problem with distortion even when taking it upstairs or going in my kitchen to get a snack. The charge lasts around 10 hours, but if you're running short on juice you can easily hook up the USB into your PC while you're gaming and recharge it fully in about 2 hours. The Logitech's G35 is very similar to this model and has a braided USB cord rather than the wireless capability. If you'd rather have a corded headset, then you can save about $20 by going with the G35.

7.1 Surround Sound

Being able to hear your opponents before you see them is a huge advantage. You may not notice a huge upgrade if you're switching from a 5.1 surround system, but it's still substantial. With advanced Dolby technology you also get detailed positional audio for all of those footsteps and bullets. If you're upgrading from stereo, then it's a huge difference.

As I mentioned above most newer games support 7.1 surround sound but if you're listen to a game or format that doesn't have it, then Dolby® Headphone technology emulates a surround sound experience. Sometimes this works out and at times it sounds artificial. If that happens simply switch the surround sound to stereo sound by using the button on the bottom left side.

Portability

The G930 is extremely easy to fold up and take to LAN parties or with you on trips. Like most higher-end headphones the microphone bends up but another cool feature is how the ear pieces fold inward so you can pack it flat.

Game in Comfort

There are a lot of comfort features on the G930 that you only find in $200 headset models. It has large noise isolating ear pads that seal out unwanted noise and a memory foam headband which helps it to sit a little more comfortably on your head for hours on end.

Programmable Buttons

The G930 includes 3 programmable buttons on the side that work great for customization with one-touch commands over chat clients, and the voice morphing software that comes with the headset. You can even install media player or even get more creative with the buttons.

Microphone

There's not a noticeable difference between the microphone on this headset when compared with others in its price range. It has similar noise cancelling features and sounds clear. One feature I do like about the mic is how you can bend and shift it so that it's right in front of your mouth.

Overall

It's easy to see why the Logitech G930 is the bestselling gaming headset over $100. It has a lot of features you'd find in a more expensive headset, including 40 mm laser-tuned speaker drivers, for about 60-80% of the total price.

SteelSeries Siberia V2 Full-Size Gaming Headset (Red)
SteelSeries is well-known and used among professional gamers. This headset gives you 50mm drivers, positional audio, great acoustic performance, and a deep rich base. Because of it's low price this headset could go under the budget section, but it holds its weight against the big boys. Amazon Price: $89.99

Razer Megalodon 7.1 USB Gaming Headset
Like the Logitech G930 a lot of gamers like that you don't have to have to purchase an integrated sound card in order to be able to get full 7.1 surround sound with the Megalodon. That's because it features on board audio processing and incorporates Razer's Maelstrom Audio Engine.
Amazon Price: $126.84

Sennheiser PC 360 Headset for Pro Gaming
The Sennheiser PC 360 definitely shouldn't be looked over. It provides hi-fi stereo sound and should be used with a sound card while gaming to give you ultimate audio quality. If you already have a good sound card, then it's a pretty easy choice. If you don't, then you'll have to decide whether you're willing to fork over all that cash for audiofile bliss.
Amazon Price: 219.99 

Logitech G35 7.1-Channel Surround Sound Headset
This is a great headset and I hesitated to put it in the Under $100 because it was so darn close to the price point. This set gives you 7.1 surround sound, an unbelievable sound, and a crystal clear microphone. It's pretty much the corded version of the G930 (see the review above). Amazon Price: $109.99 

The X12 was released in August of 2011 and quickly replaced the X11 on the bestseller's list for game equipment. The X11 was the bestselling Xbox headphone ever made. This headset is now number one on that list because Ear Force has taken everything that was great about the X11 and added a few things to make it even better. It also works great as a PC gaming headset.

What's New with the Turtle Beach Ear Force X12?

Amplifier with Variable Boost

Like the X11 the X12 combines xbox live chat with in game chat. The X12 has a new amplifier with gaming chat volume controls and a mic mute for easy access but the best part about the X12 is the new variable boost which allows you to set the right level of base so that you can hear gun shots, footsteps, and explosions as loud as you want to hear them.

Larger Speakers and Better Comfort


While the X11 used 40mm speakers Ear force took that up a notch and gave you more value by adding 50mm speakers. These deliver better clarity in your highs and lows and little to no distortion even when turned up to its capacity. To house the larger speakers the ear cups are also larger and deeper so they lift the speakers farther away from your ears. There's also fabric mesh on the headrest so it doesn't feel like it has as much weight.

Stereo Sound to Surround Sound


The X12 sounds good in stereo sound (3.5mm connector), but if you want surround sound, then consider using a DDL sound card for your computer or picking up the Ear Force DSS for your computer or gaming system in order to give you Dolby 7.1 channel surround sound. If you use the DSS with your computer you'll need an audio advantage micro 2 (or similar device) which will turn one of your USB ports into a digital optical port.

Overall - Best Gaming Headset Under $50

This is my pick for best bang for your buck in the under or around $50 category. It sounds amazing when added to the Ear Force DSS; however, if you're going to use the DSS and use this for your PC, then you'll have to decide whether the $120-130 price tag for both these items is better than purchasing a similarly priced PC gaming headset like the G930 or the Sharkoon X-tatic.



Ear Force X12 Gaming Headset and Amplified Stereo Sound
Amazon Price: Too Low to Display 

Razer Carcharias Gaming Headset (Black)
Razer is probably better known for their gaming mice, but the Carcharias remains on the most popular list. The Carcharias includes extra soft earpads, a headband cushion, size-extenders, and an adjustable microphone. Amazon Price: $66.64

Tritton TRIAX-180 AX 180 Universal Gaming Headset
Stereo analog connection. Compatible with Xbox360, PS3, Mac or PC. The mic is also removable so you can use them as stand alone headphones.
Amazon Price: $56.95

PS3 Ear Force PX21 Gaming Headset
You can use this headset with PS3 & XBOX 360 & PC or Mac. Like the X12 it has a variable bass boost, and separate volume controls which make it easy to balance the game with your chat levels.
Amazon Price: $58.96

Turtle Beach Call of Duty: MW3 Ear Force Bravo Limited Edition Programmable Wireless Universal Gaming Headset
Great sound and a custom-tailored look for FPS gamers.
Amazon Price: Too Low to Display 

Video game sound technology has changed a lot in the last few years and headphones have changed with it. Stereo and even 2.1 surround sound have become technologies of the past in the PC gaming world. Despite this, there are still many audiofiles who swear by hi-fi stereo sound when it comes to playing some games and especially when listening to music.

Most newer games are now compatible with 7.1 surround sound which gives each game you play a much more realistic feel than ever before. 7.1 surround simply means that it has three channels in the front, two surround channels, a channel for the subwoofer (thus the .1), and two surround channels in the back - all wrapped up in your headset. It's my opinion that those who use 7.1 surround sound gain a huge advantage when playing FPS-type games. Those with a stereo headset already can use an external or internal sound card to convert stereo sound to Dolby 7.1 surround (read more about this in the Ear Force X12 review below).