Razer Barracuda X
With the Barracuda X, Razer brings a one-fits-all solution to the table: thanks to mini-USB-C wireless transmitters, the Barracuda X is supposed to excel with PCs, Playstations, Switches as well as Android devices. We tried it out.
Gaming
The Gaming Headset – ideal for online games
Anyone who plays online games like Call of Duty often has to stay in touch with their fellow players, since this direct communication is what makes these games so special. That’s why it’s best to use a gaming headset with a built-in microphone.
With soundcard or without?
An important purchase criterion is the built-in technology: Many game headphones have installed sound cards and you connect them easily via USB or wirelessly via Bluetooth. Most of the time you need to install suitable drivers and additional software for these headphones to work. They are a good alternative if your PC soundcard is not good enough. If you already own a high-quality sound card, a headset without a sound chip would be sufficent.
Wireless freedom – models with Bluetooth
If you like to play with consoles connected to your TV, we recommend models with Bluetooth technology. They offer you freedom of movement while gaming. Although these headphones are usually more expensive, kinked or too short cables are then a thing of the past.
In the middle of the action – headphones with surround sound
Several built-in speakers let the sounds come from different directions, which ensures a realistic sound impression and lets you experience games even more intense. However, these models are larger and heavier, the comfort can suffer and with some cheap representatives of this genre, the surround quality is unfortunately bad.
Open or closed?
Closed headphones sit firmly on your head and give you a direct and intense sound. However, for some people these headphones might be a little too tight, if you bother, you should look at the open models in more detail: they are more comfortable but also let in many ambient sounds from the outside.
Latest: Gaming
Asus ROG Theta 7.1
The Republic of Gamers, or ROG for short from Asus, don't want to make a fuss with the Theta 7.1, they want to make a big statement – the appearance of this powerful headset makes this impressively clear from the very first moment. Four drivers on each side of the earpiece, an integrated 7.1 DAC, a Hi-Res Audio certification and an AI-controlled microphone aim to conjure up a sound experience never before experienced in our ears. But have we finally found the Holy Grail of gaming headsets?
Astro A20 Gen. 2
For some time now, the A20 gaming headset from Logitech's subsidiary Astro Gaming has been available in its second generation, which is offered in two variants. Based on colour coding, the area of use can be visually assigned: Xbox gamers (Xbox One, Xbox One X, Xbox One S, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S) go for the version with green colour accents, Playstation gamers (PS4 and PS5) opt for the blue version. Both have compatibility with Macs and PCs in common. Fans who use game consoles from Sony and Microsoft still do not have to buy both versions - it is "enough" to buy the USB wireless transmitter (approx. 20 euros) to achieve full platform compatibility.
Astro A50
The fourth generation of the gaming headset A50 from Logitech subsidiary Astro aims to impress with meaningful innovations. However, the manufacturer still offers two different versions – for Playstation or Xbox. The only difference between the two models is the colour of the printed labels and the software. Xbox users also benefit from a Dolby Atmos licence that is valid for two years. Both are compatible with Windows and macOS computers. Fans who own both Sony and Microsoft game consoles do not have to buy both versions – it suffices to purchase the base station to achieve full platform compatibility.
Logitech G733
With the G733, Logitech add a wireless gaming headset to its range that claims to have been specially designed with wearing comfort in mind. It also offers surround sound, voice filters from subsidiary Blue Microphones and RGB lighting that can be configured via software.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal
After Bang & Olufsen announced a partnership with Microsoft in mid-2020 and specifically mentioned the US software giant's Xbox gaming console, it was only a matter of time before we got the chance to wear a pair of gaming headphones from the Danish hi-fi specialist on our ears. Now the time has finally come: Beoplay Portal are here, and we shall see if they have what it takes to take the throne in the hotly contested gaming headset market. But will the result be Game Changer or Game Danger?
Audeze Penrose
Good things don't always have to be expensive. On the other hand, quality usually has its price, and you'll have to dig a little deeper into your pocket for the Audeze Penrose.
EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid
This time, just for a change, gamers get something in their ears rather than on their ears. After all, we gamers have been out and about in the wild ever since the GameBoy was launched - although today we tend to use smartphones, tablets and Nintendo Switch. Not everyone likes having to wear a big headset on their head. Now we no longer need to look enviously at AirPods, Galaxy Buds or other in-ear systems, because EPOS has come up with something designed especially for gamers: their new true-wireless headphones the GTW 270 Hybrid.
Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Pro
With the Hammerhead True Wireless Pro, Razer has expanded its in-house headphone range with cable-free in-ears that can actively suppress and amplify external noise and offer a latency-reduced wireless connection for mobile games or movies. Using the app connection, the touch control and the bass-strong basic sound of the headphones can be adjusted via 10-band EQ. Alternatively, a much more balanced tuning is available with the THX mode.
Razer Kaira Pro for Xbox
With the Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft has already entered the 4th generation of consoles. Since the distinction between the generations is no longer so clear and Microsoft is also available on Android with their subscription service "Gamepass" thanks to "Project xCloud", Razer has released the Kaira Pro for Xbox, a headset for all uses that have something to do with Microsoft's gaming consoles. So it doesn't matter whether you've already arrived at the current generation (Series X or S), are still in the last generation (One, One S and One X) or play via the cloud on a mobile device, the new headset from Razer works everywhere. Of course, this also applies to Windows 10, after all, it's essentially all about Microsoft.