
Some gaming headset mics rotate, some retract, and others bend. So we focused on clarity in a headset’s built-in microphone. Noise cancellation is helpful but tends to affect clarity and make your voice sound as if you’re talking through cupped hands, or stuffy, like you have a cold.

We also looked for headsets that accommodated a wide range of heads and ear sizes.

The headband design should distribute the headset’s weight so it doesn’t dig into the top of your head, the cups shouldn’t make your ears too hot, and the headset shouldn’t pinch or let too much sound leak out if you wear glasses. A good headset doesn’t clamp too tight on your head or jaw, but it shouldn’t slip off your head, either. Comfort: A gaming headset should be comfortable to wear for hours.
