Gamers like immersion, so any game, product or peripheral that focuses on immersion is usually a good buy. When it comes to peripherals, nothing really beats a gaming headset for getting you truly sucked into the game you’re playing, whether it’s The Division, Fallout 4 or even Rocket League. Headsets do much more than immerse you, though. Whether you’re trying to block out the noise of loud roommates or trying to keep from waking your newborn baby, headsets do so much to contain your gaming experience that they’re pretty high on the list of peripherals you need to own.
What Do You Look for in a Headset?
Before we go into the best PS4 headsets for 2016, let’s figure out exactly what you should be looking for before you press that “add to cart” button. Comfort should be the top priority- even if you don’t like to play games for long periods of time, there are headsets out there which will definitely pinch your ears or squeeze your head within minutes of putting them on. The power of the headset is also important- many offer a simulated 7.1 surround sound experience that even audiophiles have a hard time disliking. Bleeding and noise cancellation are definitely something to look into as well- if your goal is to contain your experience, you don’t want your sound to be heard throughout the house and you definitely don’t want to be able to hear other noises over your game. Lastly, consider if you’d prefer a wireless headset over a wireless alternative- wireless gives you the freedom to run and grab a soda between games and avoid being tangled in cords, but it comes at the expense of needing to buy batteries.
Anyway, with all of that in mind, let’s dive into the top offerings (in no particular order).
PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset
It has 7.1 surround sound, it’s wireless, it’s comfortable, and the aesthetic matches your PS4 perfectly. This is the Sony-licensed headset that is loved by almost everyone who buys it, and for the price, it’s pretty dang good at what it does. Where it really shines is the Headset Companion App, which gives you access to custom audio profiles for your favorite PS4 games.
Turtle Beach Ear Force 60P
Turtle Beach is a big name in gaming headsets, and for good reason- their products range from budget to high-end, and each one delivers as promised. The Ear Force 60Ps are on the lower end of the price spectrum, but they still offer a quality sound that will be more than enough for any casual gamer. Wired, no surround sound, but pretty comfortable and no major bleeding.
HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset
If comfort is your highest priority, the HyperX Cloud II is the headset you’re going to want to buy. While most headsets are made with leather ear cups, these bad boys come with velour, which is basically up there with satin as the best-feeling material on the planet. The really good part is that the power isn’t compromised very much in order to make room for comfort- you’re getting 7.1 surround sound and the noise cancellation is phenomenal (just read the top review on Amazon for a fantastic example).
Astro Gaming A40 PC Headset
If you game on multiple consoles, this headset is a fantastic buy. The base price is a little steep (especially since the headset is wired and doesn’t pump out 7.1), but the great thing is that the headset can be completely customized in order to fit exactly what you’re looking for. Great balance all around and perfect for someone who likes modding their tech.
Skullcandy SLYR Gaming Headset
Skullcandy is known for their headphones, but does the SLYR perform well for gaming? Absolutely. You’re not getting surround sound, but an on-the-go equalizer allows you to customize bass and treble to your liking, and you’re ultimately getting a great sound even if it isn’t coming from all directions. They’re sleek, versatile, and ultimately a great buy if you like the brand.
Tritton Kunai Stereo Headset
If any headset for the PS4 would be considered the “budget” buy, this would have to be it. With that being said, it’s definitely the best budget buy you could make when it comes to PS4 headsets- decent sound, comfortable feel, long enough cord to not get too in the way when playing, fairly durable… if you only have $50 to spend on a headset, this is a fantastic contender.
PDP Afterglow Kral PS4 Wireless Headset
Aesthetically, these take the cake. As the name implies, the headset gives off a steady, cool glow that definitely makes them look futuristic. This headset gets complimented a lot for its fantastic range in sounds, from booming bass to crisp high notes, and while it doesn’t feature 7.1 surround sound, all the other features pretty much make up for it.
Need more PS4 headset ideas? Check out our ultimate PS4 Headset guide, which uncovers the best headsets whatever your budget might be.
I’m Nate, PS4 gamer and freelance writer from Denver… I like to game, obviously, as well as hike and camp and all of that stereotypical stuff! My favorite game of all time is GTA: San Andreas, but I love playing Diablo 3 with my girlfriend!