As many others have plainly put it, “gaming@ headsets are a marketing ploy targeted toward people (gamers) who would rather be fed an all-in-one package as opposed to doing research and finding what best works for them. In modern times, it usually also means looking incredibly dumb by having weird RGB accents and uncomfortable design. Let’s also not forget that every “gamer” device you own has to have some dubious cloud functionality within a proprietary application you need installed to get the most of it. That being said, I’m drawn to this garbage like a moth to a flame.
To get it out of the way, the Bose QC headphones are great if you’re on the move. I love my Bose QC35s, and they are, without question, the most comfortable set of headphones I’ve owned. However, like ALL Bose headphones, there is an over emphasis on lower frequencies and like most mass-produced consumer headphones, are very bass-heavy. Sound quality isn’t terrible, but you pay the premium for the name, noise cancellation technology, and construction quality. Best usage of these headphones, I found, was when I was traveling and was held up in busy airports. I wouldn’t recommend them for gaming for the lack of overall sound fidelity and the poor integrated microphone.
Astro A50 - Trash. Stupid, uncomfortable design - no RGB though (positive). Terrible application. HORRENDOUS charging cradle that requires the Midas touch to get the headset to actually charge. Shit microphone. Sound is OK, but you wouldn’t want these in your head for more than five minutes unless you like pressure/tension headaches - very tinny, but surprisingly lively. Were they more comfortable, I’d revere them higher. I also shit you not when I mention how bad the charging cradle is.
Logitech G933 - Ugh. Better than the A50, but only because you don’t have to deal with the charging cradle. Mired further by a hideous design that rivals those weird and cheap Chinese headsets you’d find peppered all over Amazon that have thousands of totally legit reviews. Logitech G software is leagues better than Astro Command Center, but that’s not saying much. Sound gets a pass as you’ve a bit more control with the G software and get a digital EQ. Microphone is overly sensitive and hisses. Slightly more comfortable than the A50s, but in my usage, I found them to run kind of hot, and the material of the ear cups when damp isn’t especially pleasant.
SteelSeries Arctis Pro w/ GameDAC (wired) - In my opinion, this is the best “gaming” headset on the market right now. Even with the RGB accents, I find the design minimal and attractive - the least gaudy set of cans I’ve listed (other than the QC35s). Supremely comfortable, I really like the headband and how breathable these phones are. I can wear them hours on end and forget that I even have them on. With a fair bit of tweaking, the microphone sounds pretty good; no complaints of hiss, and it was reported that sound isolation was fair enough in that the clicks and clacks of my keyboard weren’t being picked up. Sound is good. The included GameDAC makes a world of difference. Being able to switch EQ settings on the fly is welcomed, and having the ability to isolate game audio from other voice channels is great if using the headset for communication. Biggest complaint as far as sound goes is probably the lack of depth when listening to music. A common test I issue with all pairs of headphones is We’re In This Together by Nine Inch Nails, and it just sounds flat on this set. It shines everywhere else.
Tl;dr - I’ve spent tons of money on overpriced gamer jank and would only recommend the SteelSeries Arctis Pro for reasons that would be most important to you as a gamer, comfort. You’re way better off buying a real set of cans, DAC/AMP, and a good microphone. It’s a good investment that will last you many, many years if cared for.
