On the game: TOP gaming headphones

Designed specifically for gamers, A4 Tech's Bloody series of PC accessories features a distinctive aggressive design and red and black color scheme. The G-500 headphones are a budget model that has all the makings of a good gaming headset.

Headphones are quite massive, but at the same time light. They sit comfortably on the head and do not tyre even after several hours of use. Soft ear cushions made of polymers that look like eco-leather tightly wrap around the ears, but do not press. Passive soundproofing is quite decent, external noise is almost inaudible, but the sound from the bowls at high volume breaks through well, so that those who are nearby will not be very comfortable. The metal headband is quite wide due to the soft lining and is adjustable to a comfortable length. In general, ergonomics are on top.

The implementation of the microphone in terms of convenience also did not let us down. It is retractable, with a flexible neck that allows you to give any position. But the sound quality leaves much to be desired. This is due to the low sensitivity of -58 dB. The recording turns out to be deaf and quiet, and the voice seems to be 20 years older. Sound card software can improve the situation, but not much.

The sound in the headphones themselves is much better. It could not be otherwise, given the presence of 40 mm neodymium drivers. But sharpening for games is palpable. The music sounds somehow artificial, with raised highs and a flat bass, but all sorts of “boom” effects are worked out dynamically and accentuated. In the same Counter Strike game, it is easy to find out where shots, explosions, steps come from.

The headset comes in a colorful cardboard box, complete with an extension cable with two plugs for connecting to the microphone and audio jacks of a PC. The headphones themselves have a rubberized round red cable with a one-button remote control. That is, if desired, they can be connected to a smartphone or tablet via a regular 3.5 mm audio output and listen to music, watch movies or enjoy your favorite games.

A4 Tech Bloody G-500 is a comfortable and inexpensive (40 USD) headset for beginner gamers or a spare (temporary) option for more advanced gamers.

Kingston is known for its high-quality yet affordable PC peripherals, not least of which is the HyperX Cloud line of gaming headsets. The Core model is a simple and practical solution for a computer starting at $60.

The headphone design is classic for overhead closed models and is made without frills. The color scheme is dominated by black, except for the red HyperX logo on the oval cups and the same red stitching that is stitched on the headband. The assembly is solid, the materials used are soft-touch plastic for the bowls, aluminium in the headband and high-quality leatherette for the ear pads. The latter tightly wrap around the ears, but do not tyre or press, thanks to the memory foam.

The neck of the microphone is long enough to speak directly into it. Wind protection cuts off unnecessary noise, and plus, thanks to a good sensitivity of -39dB, the voice recording is quite clear and loud. If desired, the microphone can be turned off or removed altogether when it is not needed: if you decide to listen to music, for example, or watch a movie.

Headphone sound is good for everything. Not just for games. But they show themselves most productively. The effects sound realistic, voluminous and most importantly, it is clear where they come from. For listening to music, Cloud Core is also quite suitable. The 53-mm Hi-Fi class emitters cope with the transfer of the scene with dignity. But it should be noted some inexpressiveness of mid frequencies.

With all the positive aspects of the model, it does not have a very high volume level. For a PC, this is not a problem, you can tweak it in the sound card settings, but when connected to a tablet or smartphone, everything is more complicated. Moreover, the impedance of the headphones is 60 ohms and it will not work to swing them on low-power devices.

The delivery set is minimal compared to the more expensive versions of the HyperX Cloud and Cloud II series and contains only the most necessary: a headset with a 1-meter cable in a fabric winding, a microphone and a 2-meter extension cable, which simultaneously acts as an adapter from a 4-pin mini-jack to two separate 3.5 mm plugs.

HyperX Cloud Core is a great gaming headset for those who prefer to have everything they need at hand without overpaying for decorations and frills.

The Kraken Pro V2 headset from Razer is a proven solution for the avid gamer, balanced in terms of price and quality.

The design of the model turned out to be quite a classic, without aggressive forms.

Headphones are offered in 4 color options: black, light green, red and white. The shape of the bowls is round, but there is a model with oval cups. The headband is metal, sheathed in soft eco-leather, the length of adjustment is enough even for a large head. It won't be difficult to change.

The microphone is not removable, but it can be hidden in the case when not needed. The electret cardioid capsule picks up sound quite clear and intelligible, despite the lack of a windscreen. The position of the microphone can be adjusted using the flexible neck.

The sound of the headphones themselves is also pleasing. The 50 mm drivers produce quite powerful sound with a good volume margin (118 dB) in the range of 12 - 28000 Hz. The sound stage is very well developed at all frequencies, it can be heard both in music files and in game special effects. In a word, there are no complaints about the sound. For those who want to indulge in a multi-channel 7.1 sound, albeit virtual, you can install the Razer Surround software on your PC.

The left earpiece is equipped with a non-detachable 1.3-meter audio cable with a remote control button. Additionally, the kit comes with an extension cable for two 3.5 mm connectors - for microphone input and audio output.

The Razer Kraken Pro V2 are mid-range headphones for gamers who are not too demanding, but who know the value of good sound. Good model for 80 USD.

The SteelSeries Arctic headphone series is a new generation of gaming headsets with advanced features. Arctic 5 is the most balanced and sought-after model from the line, so we decided to pay attention to it.

The manufacturer managed to create a rather stylish, neat design. Headphones look original and cute. The cups and headband are made of soft-touch plastic, pleasant to the touch, and the ear pads are covered with a special “breathable” fabric. Moreover, inside they do not have a foam filler, but also fabric, due to which excellent ventilation and comfort are achieved. Ears don't sweat. What frankly did not like was the fabric insert in the headband with an adjustable clip. A non-standard and very unusual approach to finding a comfortable position on the head.

On the left side there is a microphone mute button, a volume control wheel, connectors for a 3.5 mm audio cable and microUSB. The microphone in the model is non-removable, but if necessary, hides in the case, and the all-round orientation allows you to capture not only close sounds, but also those around you. Which in general is not good. But if you work with the noise reduction settings, you can get good audibility without extraneous sounds. In addition to the microphone, the cable has a ChatMix remote that is responsible for the priority of sound in games or voice chats. The thing is interesting, but cumbersome and not always working correctly. Fortunately, you can disconnect the cable from ChatMix and not use it.

But the USB cable opens up truly limitless possibilities for headphones. First, there is no dependency in a good sound card on a PC for good sound. Secondly, by installing special software on your computer, you can wind up this very sound any way you want, even 7.1 Surround (Windows only), and also choose any shade for the RGB LED backlight of the frame that borders the outer perimeter of the bowls, logo and microphone. In general, such is the light music.

As for the sound, in DTS Headphone X 7.1 mode, it sounds great in games and movies. In the musical sense, the headset works much better in stereo mode. But not five. The bass is assertive, elastic, the middle is slightly failed, and the tops are overstated and prone to whistling sounds. However, quite a normal picture for a good gaming headset.

The SteelSeries Arctis 5 is one of the best headsets under $100 for those who love style and advanced surround sound effects.

Almost everything that the eminent German brand offers us is beyond doubt in terms of quality. The Sennheiser G4ME One headphones are no exception to the rule. We have the usual set for "Sinhs". Solid build, good ergonomics, discreet design, premium sound and a corresponding price of 270 USD for all this.

Velor ear pads are very comfortable and pleasant. The ears do not sweat in them also because the bowls have a perforated outer sideproviding air circulation. The headphones sit on the head quite tightly, and at first they can cause slight discomfort, which then passes.

On the left side is a large microphone. He does not hide in the body, and does not detach, but if you lift it parallel to the headband up, then it will not interfere. By the way, in this position it is turned off, and if you lower it down, you will hear a slight click, which means it is turned on. The microphone is long enough, it bends. Thanks to the powerful noise reduction system, the audibility is excellent, the voice is clear, without chewing and interference.

As for the sound of the headphones, it is, of course, good. Especially if you connect the G4ME One to an external sound card or a good discrete one. Testing headphones of this level on a regular Realtek sound card is equivalent to listening to a symphony orchestra on TV. However, Realtek also feels good scene elaboration and positioning of effects in movies and games. The music also sounds decent, with tight elastic bass, wide mids and ringing highs. It is also worth noting a good volume level up to 116 dB, which is conveniently adjusted with a wheel on the right bowl. But the audio cable could be made removable. With a 3-meter length.

The Sennheiser G4ME One is an all-around great headset for gaming and listening to music at home on your computer. Everything except the price. She could have been more modest.