Headset vs headphones – is one better for gaming?
We’re taking a deep dive into the audio world, exploring what headsets and headphones are, and determining which one is better for gaming.
What is a Headset?
A headset will typically feature both a built-in microphone and speakers. Connecting directly to your PC, a headset allows you to listen to music and chat to your friends online simultaneously.
You can find both wired and wireless variants, each with its own set of pros and cons. Wired headsets boast a consistent connection with no latency. However, with a wireless headset, you have the freedom of getting up for a mid-game snack whilst you carry on rocking out to your favourite gaming soundtracks.
Pros and Cons of a Headset
Pros
- A speaker and microphone combo allows you to listen and talk simultaneously
- Leave your hands free meaning you can still work or game
- High-quality sound. More headsets feature premium speakers to deliver clear audio.
- Detachable microphones. A typical headset will include a detachable microphone, meaning you can either completely remove it or discreetly tuck it away out of sight when not in use.
- Ergonomic design. Memory foam ear pads and adjustable headbands ensure you stay comfortable during extended hours of work or play.
- Wired and wireless options available.
Cons
- Often more expensive.
Corsair HS65 Gaming Headset
- Wired gaming headset
- 7.1 virtual surround sound
- Integrated omni-directional microphone
- Memory foam ear cups
ASUS ROG Delta S Wireless Gaming Headset
- Wireless gaming headset
- 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth connectivity
- 50mm ASUS Essence audio drivers
- Integrated AI Noise Cancelation microphone
What are Headphones?
Alternatively, headphones only feature speakers to allow you to listen to music or watch videos. A typical set of headphones won’t include the built-in microphone. The only exception to this is mobile phone earbuds.
Similar to a headset, you can find wired and wireless headphones, meaning you pick the pair that perfectly suits your needs and preferences. Wireless headphones allow you to shut out the hustle and bustle of your morning commute with no wire to get tangled in. Whereas wired headphones offer reliable connectivity that is compatible with a wide range of devices, including PCs, mobile phones, and consoles.
Pros and Cons of Headphones
Pros
- Designed to deliver high-quality audio. Headphones have been fine-tuned for exceptional crystal-clear sound to immerse you in your favourite tracks.
- Wired and wireless variants available
- Enhanced ergonomics. Plush ear cups and adjustable headbands help to keep you comfortable for longer.
Cons
- Typically don’t include a built-in microphone. The lack of an integrated microphone means you can’t listen and talk with headphones. They are for audio only.
Shure SRH1540 Closed-Back Headphones
- Closed-back headphones
- 40mm neodymium audio drivers
- Plush earpads
- Lightweight headband
ASUS ROG Cetra Wireless Headphones
- Wireless headphones
- In-ear design
- Up to 27-hour battery life
- 7.1 virtual surround sound
Headset vs Headphones – What Are the Key Differences?
There are a few notable differences between headsets and headphones. We’ve listed all the key ones below.
Purpose
Headsets have been designed for multitasking. You can listen to music, chat to your friends, and still use your hands to control your mouse and keyboard. Whereas headphones are built purely for audio only.
Design
Headphones and headsets come in a variety of different designs, meaning you can pick the style that suits you. This includes:
- In-ear
- Over-ear
- On-ear
In-ear
In-ear headphones are small enough to fit within your ear canal. They are designed to fit the shape of the human ear to keep you comfortable during extended use. What’s more, thanks to the integrated noise-blocking seal, any unwanted background chatter is eliminated.
You can find both wired and wireless in-ear headphones. Often included with wireless models is a small portable carry case to ensure you don’t lose them!
Please note, you can only find in-ear headphones.
Over-ear
Over-ear do exactly as it sounds – they go over your ears! This design helps to reduce the level of ambient noise, removing the need for you to listen to music on high volumes in the office or on the morning commute.
Over-ear will typically feature plush ear cups that are often made from memory foam. This material won’t press into your ears for improved comfort.
You can find both over-ear headphones and headsets.
On-ear
Lastly, there is on-ear. These will rest on top of your ears and often boast a small, lightweight construction. The main drawback to on-ear is that the cushions will press on your ears, meaning you find yourself quickly getting uncomfortable and needing a break.
You can find on-ear headsets only.
Portability
Headphones, especially in-ear, are extremely portable. You can neatly tuck them away in a pocket or small carry case to take with you virtually everywhere you go. Whereas, a headset is bulkier due to the built-in microphone, making it harder to carry around.
However, if you want to invest in a headset but need it to be portable, you can find foldable variants. These boast a handy foldable design, allowing you to carefully store them away in your bag.
Price
Both headsets and headphones can vary in price. Typically, headsets are the more expensive option as you have the added cost of the integrated microphone. However, if you need a microphone buying them individually will be more costly.
Headset vs Headphones – Is One Better for Gaming?
Both headsets and headphones come with plenty of pros and cons. But the real question is which one is better for gaming?
For multiplayer gaming especially, a headset is the perfect choice. With a headset, you can listen to your teammates and shout out commands for your next strategy, all whilst you keep your hands free to control your mouse and keyboard.
Alternatively, if you prefer gaming solo, headphones are perfect. Designed for high-quality audio, headphones will fully immerse you in the action and beautiful soundtrack of your favourite single-player games. You won’t need the additional built-in microphone to chat away to your teammates.
What About Speakers
We couldn’t talk about headsets and headphones without touching on speakers.
Speakers are another viable option for gamers and audiophiles, especially if you want to share the experience with others. They are perfect for a split-screen gaming date or showing off the latest album from your favourite musician.
Speakers have been designed with the same high standard as headsets and headphones, often boasting premium-quality drivers to ensure crystal-clear audio and deep basses for an immersive listening experience.
Read More About Headsets and Headphones
Still struggling to decide whether a headset or headphones are right for you? Check out more of our dedicated blog posts.
- 6 min read
Ruth Rowley
Author
Ruth has been with Overclockers UK for over a year and has gone on to write about everything ranging from in-depth hardware guides to monthly game releases.
Outside of writing blog posts, she can be found wrapped in a blanket with her black cat, engrossed in a book or playing life-simulation games such as The Sims, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing.
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