Buying guide for Best PS4 headsets
Sure, team-based PlayStation 4 games like Overwatch and Apex Legends are an absolute blast, but if you’re not coordinating your strategies with your teammates mid-match, the enemy team will have a distinct advantage as they pick your crew off one by one. That’s just one of the reasons why it’s well worth getting a quality headset for your PS4.
With so many styles, shapes, and brands on the market, where do you even start to look? After many hours of immersive gameplay and dominating online, we have all the information you need to choose the right PS4 headset for you.
Key considerations
Comfort
You might think that you want the best sound quality available over anything else, but if your PS4 headset pulls your hair, slides off your head, or pinches your ears, you won’t wear it twice. A headset that prioritizes comfort is a great investment for long-term gaming, so be on the lookout for ergonomic features like well-padded ear cushions, an adjustable microphone, and a flexible headband.
Sound quality
While comfort is important for the long term, selecting a headset with superior sound quality is absolutely essential for getting the most out of your PlayStation 4 games. It might be confusing to compare the competing claims that each gaming headset has the “best audio available,” so keep an eye out for tangible signs of premium sound quality, such as 3D audio, an immersive 7.1 channel surround sound or stereo game sound, and Dolby technology.
Durability
Durability is likely one of the last things you consider when looking for a PS4 headset, but that glaring omission will come back to haunt you when that cheap plastic model snaps after you adjust the microphone or headset mid-game. If the outside of the headset is made of flimsy materials, you can only imagine how underwhelming the technology inside is, too!
If you’re looking for a product that will carry you through countless online battles, we suggest seeking out PS4 headsets made with better materials, such as a metal headband, memory foam ear cushions, and braided fabric cables.
We review basic, wired PS4 headsets as well as wireless options engineered for zero noticeable latency.
We consider both large and small PS4 headsets that can accommodate the needs of nearly everyone.
We give extra points to PS4 headsets with noise-canceling microphones that reduce ambient noise.
We look for an adjustable boom microphone that picks up your voice clearly.
We evaluate a variety of PS4 headsets with features such as plush ear cups and padded headbands for comfortable use over long periods.
We comb through expert opinions and long-term reviews to find the most durable PS4 headsets.
We include some models with LED lights and other premium features that gamers love.
We start our research with some of the most reputable brands that are known for high-quality headphones and gaming equipment.
Advanced features such as 7.1-channel surround sound can increase immersion in games that support them.
We make absolutely certain that each recommended headset is fully plug-and-play compatible with the PS4 and its controllers.
PS4 headset features
A good PS4 headset feels cozy on your head, delivers crystal-clear sound, and provides you with many years of service, but there are additional features available that distinguish the good from the excellent. Although anyone can get by playing with a PlayStation 4 headset with the most necessary features, it might be in your best interests to invest in a superior model that includes the following options:
Wireless
Wireless headsets include an internal battery and do away with that annoying feeling that your head is tethered to your controller. These devices are usually recharged with the aid of a USB cable or a dedicated charging station.
Sound cancellation
The ability to exclusively hear what’s going on within your game and what your teammates have to say mid-match can mean the difference between a big win and a colossal loss. A sound-canceling feature can also enhance single-player video games by helping players immerse themselves in the music, sounds, and dialogue of their favorite game universes.
Design
PlayStation 4 headsets are available in a staggering array of styles and colors, ranging from simple and sleek to bold and colorful. Since you’ll have to look at your PS4 headset sitting on the shelf when you’re not wearing it, it’s worth selecting a device that looks cool!
Expert Tip
Some owners may experience an echo effect the first time they use a premium PS4 headset. Simply navigate to Settings, Devices, and Audio Devices, and turn down the gain two to four notches to fix this common issue.
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PS4 headset prices
Inexpensive: You might be surprised to learn that while models differ wildly in both design and features, the price for the average PS4 headset usually ranges from $20 to $25. This fairly low price point covers everything you need from the average headset while playing online, including a comfortable design and clear audio.
Expensive: If you absolutely must have the best audio experience from your PlayStation 4, there are a number of premium headsets available that are normally priced from $100 to $200. Most of these ergonomic headsets are built with special features in mind, including virtual surround sound, powerful amplified audio, memory foam ear cushions, and noise-canceling technology.
Did you know?
Some PS4 wireless headsets require occasional software updates for fine-tuning. If you’re constantly hearing distortion from your headset, it might need the latest available update.
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Tips
- Play quietly. If you need to play quietly for some reason, you can send the entirety of your PS4’s audio output directly to your headphones by navigating to Settings, Devices, Audio Devices, and checking All Audio as seen under the Output to Headphones tab.
- Play safely! Please note that listening to audio at high volumes for extended periods of time might damage your hearing. Set the volume on your PS4 headset on low the first time you use it, and gradually increase the volume to comfortable levels as you play. Nothing’s more irritating than having your eardrums blown out as soon as you boot up a new game!
- Play collaboratively. If people are having difficulty hearing you through your PS4 headset, try adjusting the Audio Level feature from the Audio Devices menu. Increasing your microphone input level may fix this issue.
"If you prefer playing with a wireless PS4 headset, it’s a good practice to place it back on its charger between gaming sessions. It’s never fun to run out of battery power mid-match!"
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FAQ
Q. My wireless PS4 headset isn’t being recognized by my PS4. How do I fix it?
A. There are a few ways to troubleshoot PS4 wireless headset connectivity issues, so start out by trying the following:
- Play closer to your PS4. You might simply be out of range of the console.
- Reset your wireless headset.
- Remove wireless devices in your playing area that could interfere with your connection, such as TV remotes or other video game consoles and controllers.
Q. Can I use my PS3 headset with my PS4?
A. Maybe! As unprofessional as this may sound, when it comes to the PlayStation 4 and its potential backward compatibility with PlayStation 3 headsets, some headsets work perfectly and others simply don’t. Either search online to learn if your exact PS3 headset model is compatible with the PS4, or plug it into your console to see for yourself. If your older PS3 works just fine on the PS4, it could save you some serious money!
Q. Do I need a sound-canceling gaming headset?
A. No, but it’s a nice feature to have. The ability to drown out any noise outside of the game’s audio and feedback from your teammates makes for a much more immersive experience. A noise-canceling feature does wonders for making certain single-player games more exciting as well, such as being able to hear captivating audio clues that you might miss otherwise, like the tiniest creaks from wooden floorboards as a monster quietly stalks you just out of sight in Resident Evil 7.
