While most wired standard headphones with microphones technically work as headsets for the PS4 – You simply connect the headphones to the 3.5 mm socket on your controller. – A special “gaming” headset ensures an optimized experience and enables others to hear you clearly when playing multiplayer games online.
With the PlayStation 4, many people opt for a wired headset just because you connect it to the already wireless controller. It’s also worth noting that many, if not most, of PS4 wired Headsets also work well with that Xbox One, Windows PCs, Macs and the Nintendo Switch.
However, if you want to remove the cable from the controller to your headphones, there are numerous options for wireless headsets. However, be aware that they all include and require a low-latency wireless dongle that plugs into your PS4’s USB port (there should be no audio delay). Also note that almost no PS4 wireless Gaming headsets also work with Xbox One. The switch requires a wireless USB-C dongle for wireless headset connectivity (although some of the USB dongles work via the switch dock).
Some midrange and high-end models – both wired and wireless – offer virtual 7.1 surround sound. While this is not real surround sound, it can help achieve a more complete and intense audio experience. It also gives you a better sense of spatial awareness in certain games where this can be beneficial.
With that in mind, let’s talk about our favorite PS4 options. These are the results of our own home tests, which are updated regularly and include some options suggested in GameSpot’s list of the best gaming headsets.
HyperX
After trying a headset, I often hand it over to my 14-year-old son, who almost exclusively plays on PS4. I have several gaming headsets lying around and he always returns to HyperX Cloud Alpha. It is simply very solidly built, has a good sound with strong microphone performance and is above all comfortable to wear for long gaming sessions.
For about $ 30 more, you get the HyperX Cloud Alpha 7.1, which has an almost identical design, but supports virtual surround sound audio – but only for PCs. It’s only stereo for PS4. Read our HyperX Cloud Alpha preview.
Josh Miller / CNET
Sony’s PlayStation Gold wireless headset has been around for a while and was last updated in 2018. It’s still the most affordable wireless headset for PS4 players, especially for those looking for a wireless model for VR games. You need to use the included USB dongle to establish a wireless connection. It offers 7.1 virtual surround sound for games that support this function. Continue reading.
Sennheiser
The GSP 370 from Sennheiser is not only very well built, but also offers excellent sound, comfort, microphone performance (excellent noise reduction) and battery life of monsters – up to 100 hours, but a little less. With the included USB dongle you can establish a wireless connection to your PS4 and the microphone can be muted by lifting the boom. The GSP 370 is also compatible with PCs.
Our friends on our sister site GameSpot found that it is a relatively inexpensive model for the middle price, with few physical buttons (no chat volume control, no switching of the sound mode), except for a power switch and a large volume wheel that works very smoothly works . I found it to be one of the most comfortable headsets and it also works well for listening to music. Continue reading.
SteelSeries
Some say the Arctis Pro Wireless ($ 330) is the best all-round headset for PS4 and PCs. It was developed for these two platforms and offers high-end audio, a comfortable fit and numerous functions, including a removable battery. According to SteelCase, two batteries are included, each supplying enough juice to power the headset for 10 hours.
With a wireless transmitter the size of an Apple TV connected to your PS4 (or PC), setup and operation is a bit cumbersome (you can access the transmitter’s settings). However, it is one of the few wireless headphones outside of Sony models that offers virtual surround. It also has a Bluetooth wireless connection so you can connect it to smartphones.
The Arctis Pro was released in early 2018, so an upgrade is likely to be planned, but it remains a top headset for PS4 (and PC) if you can afford it. Below is the Arctis 1 sibling, which you can buy for less than a third of the price. Continue reading.
JBL
The $ 200 Quantum 800 is not JBL’s top gaming headset, a newcomer to the gaming headset market, but has long been in the radio play. That would be the $ 300 Quantum One, but that’s a wired headset and also an overkill for the PS4. The Quantum 800 is wireless and includes a dongle that works with your PS4 and Windows PC. It also offers noise cancellation and sounds great not only for games but also for music and movies. It’s a bit heavy, but comfortable to carry.
The microphone performance is in the middle and is probably not quite as good as it should be at this price. It is also worth noting that the microphone is not removable (it is located on the Quantum One), but is muted. It would be nice if it were removable, as the Bluetooth connection could be used with your smartphone on the go. The battery life is up to 14 hours when the lights are off. However, if you keep the volume high enough, you should expect a slightly shorter battery life.
On the PC side, JBL has to solve some software problems, but everything is easier with the PS4. This is the headset that you should consider when looking for a model that is versatile, has good sound quality and works with multiple devices. Continue reading.
SteelSeries
As mentioned above, the Arctis Pro Wireless is a monster – but it costs more than $ 300. If you’re looking for a much cheaper alternative, check out the Arctis 1, a well-designed (but less fancy) radio model that sells for around $ 100. It offers excellent value for money and is compatible with PS4 and PC as well as the Nintendo Switch thanks to the included USB-C dongle (in wireless mode). The Discord-certified microphone is removable and the battery life is up to 20 hours, which is pretty decent. Continue reading.
David Carnoy / CNET
The Quantum 100 is the entry-level model in JBL’s new line of Quantum gaming headsets, which cost between $ 40 and $ 300. This model is nothing special, but it’s fairly light and comfortable with nicely padded ear cups and a detachable boom mic. There is a volume control and a microphone mute button on the left ear cup. It also works with other game consoles and is pretty decent for music, although it’s a bit bright.
While some of JBL’s high-end models have wireless connectivity and even noise cancellation, the Quantum 100 is just a simple gaming headphone that appeals to casual gamers on a tight budget. Continue reading.