Part of what makes modern gaming so rewarding is the way various games affect your senses, obviously. While many of us certainly appreciate what a large HD screen and crisp, detailed graphics offer, the other part of the equation – audio, is sometimes downplayed or even ignored. In short, if you really want to take your gaming to the next level, you need to improve your sound reinforcement setup. Likewise, we often forget about how much more intimate playing with headphones makes things, and in some games sound alone can suck you in and transport you to other words. If you own a PS4, you really should have a premium headset that’s capable of complimenting what the system is capable of, that’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 15 for you to check out.
Note* – in this instance the word “premium” refers to those headsets generally considered to be on the upper end of the price spectrum.
Turtle Beach Ear Force PX4 Premium Wireless
Features like Dolby Digital surround sound and dual-band Wi-Fi come together with elegant design to forge a really solid and upper end, yet still a bit more affordable, Turtle Beach offering. Aside from all the great options for EQ and the obvious perks of superior audio delivery, it’s also a comfortable unit that manages to incorporate Bluetooth in its design, allowing you to actually answer calls without having to leave or pause the game you’re playing.
Turtle Beach Ear Force Stealth 500P
The Stealth 500P model pairs a great wireless design with 360 degree sound reproduction that’s been called “stellar” and “astounding”. Of course, this headset also allows you to take calls while in-game as well and even utilizes a more balanced and technically sensible microphone system as well – Mic monitoring. Separate volume controls rounds out its features along with a fairly lengthy battery life, which is yet another excellent inclusion not to be underestimated.
Turtle Beach Ear Force Stealth 400
Ostensibly being basically a somewhat stripped-down version of Turtle Beach’s Ear Force Stealth 500 model, the 400 Premium found here includes many of the same features. Amazing sound quality is obviously at the top of the list here and it makes for an excellent companion to any PlayStation 4 console. A handy mobile cable is also included which means you can use it with any mobile device as well, which makes it incredibly useful and versatile on top of being ideal for gaming.
Turtle Beach Ear Force PX51
Dual stage audio processing is the main selling point of the PX51 to be honest, although it does have other useful features to take note of. For instance, chat volume is designed to naturally swell during those moments when game volume fluctuates, meaning that you’re not left out of the communication loop (useful for certain types of action games with lots of explosions). Since it is also wireless you have full freedom of movement, which is important in gaming, and you can also use it with other devices as well (long battery life is noted too).
Turtle Beach Ear Force XP510
If you want a headset that essentially contains all the top features you could want, the XP510 is probably for you. Remarkable sound quality and reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum is paired with built in surround sound, interference free wireless, customizable presets, dynamic chat boost, and more. Perhaps its coolest addition though is the ability to utilize Bluetooth for taking calls while playing and also streaming your own music in which replaces the game’s soundtrack.
Turtle Beach Ear Force Elite 800
If you want a truly elite headset then the Elite 800 is definitely for you. As far as sound quality goes it is basically unmatched, with enhanced DTS surround sound modes, presets, dynamic chat boost, noise-cancellation and much, much more. As it is wireless, it also comes with its own charging stand and the battery is known to last quite a long time as well. Of particular note is the unit’s ability to grant gamers superhuman hearing abilities, which would definitely come in handy if you were playing competitively.
Turtle Beach Earforce PX51-BLKN
The PX51 is an amazing headset from Turtle Beach that does all the stuff that more expensive units tend to do but at a slightly lower premium price than generally expected. This wireless product deals out dual band Wi-Fi along with Dolby Digital surround sound, Bluetooth for calls, etc. Even though it can do a bit of everything, its main claim to fame is its excellent sound reproduction capabilities and the fact that it tends to sound amazing right out of the box, requiring very little setup time.
HyperX Cloud II
Hyper X’s Cloud II gaming headset is probably more associated with PC gaming than that of console exploits but it performs well in either situation. It delivers great sound via USB sound card audio and ensures a “hi-fi” experience. There are all sorts of little touches which add to both comfort and audio quality, like memory foam and velour ear pads as well as 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound and noise-cancellation. Likewise, while it brings great quality in terms of sound it also costs a bit less than other premium models out there.
PlayStation Gold Wireless Stereo Headset
If you crave solid sound quality, of the type that allows for the crispest highs and deepest booming lows yet also favor officially licensed gear, this wireless headset from Sony is the one for you. It does indeed provide 7.1 virtualized surround sound in addition to a handy companion app allowing for customization modes for specific games. Basically, it is the obvious unit to get if you just want to play it safe and prefer to have completely in-brand furnishings.
PDP Afterglow Kral PS4
Whether or not PDP’s Afterglow Kral PS4 wireless headset fits into the premium category is up for debate, although some of its features certainly belong there. For starters, it is definitely affordable, being well under the $100 mark and having its on on-board USB transmitter. The fact that it is wireless and also features a 50 mm audio driver should also be noted. Moreover, you can also use it with any PC or mobile device too, although it was definitely made for use with Sony’s PS4.
ASTRO Gaming A50 PS4
ASTRO audio definitely put some work into this A50 model, ensuring that its abilities to replicate frequencies is perfectly in line with the demands laid down by actual game developers. Dolby 7.1 is on-board too, along with excellent wireless quality and stability as well. It’s EQ settings will no doubt also come in very hand, especially considering that it can be used with all sorts of other devices. In the end though, sound quality is the name of the game and the A50 definitely delivers.
HUHD® 2.4Ghz Fiber-optical
Falling near the bottom of the price index within the premium heading, HUHD brings us a great-sounding and looking headset which is amazing for use in gaming and broadcasting. Again, while it can definitely handle your sound reproduction needs in terms of quality though; perhaps its main claim to fame is the fact that its wireless technology allows for solid uninterrupted use at a distance of up to 10 meters. This means that you can really move around without fear of losing your signal (which is pretty important for some people).
PDP Afterglow Nur
Yet another offering from PDP, the Afterglow Nur model is perhaps their best model available for Sony consoles like the PS4 and PS3. It comes with a handy conductive charging stand which not only looks great but always ensures that you’re filled up and ready to go. Sound quality is spot on, obviously, as is this headset’s general comfort rating, which affords ease of use without discomfort for hours upon end.
PlayStation Gold Wireless Stereo Headset (Special Editon)
Basically the same thing as the PlayStation Gold Wireless model in black, this limited edition white version has been found in the Destiny game + console bundle. Needless to say, it reproduces everything in stunning detail from the faintest pin drop to the loudest, deepest grown or boom off in the distance. Again, the main reason a person might want to pick this one up links back to the fact that it is an officially licensed Sony product and was pretty much made to compliment the PS4.
ASTRO Gaming A40 and MixAmp Pro
ASTRO’s A40 + MixAmp pro combo is a great addition to anyone’s PS4 setup, namely because it affords you complete control of your audio in more than one way. Essentially, what you have here is really splendid audio quality paired up with all sorts of other customization capabilities; definitely worth looking into if you are an audiophile.
Tory originated from a line of ancient space-faring reptiles. Tory is an article writer whose passion is video games, programming and music.