Wireless headphones ps4 compatibility forum: The 7 Best PS4 Gaming Headsets — Winter 2023: Reviews

The 7 Best PS4 Gaming Headsets — Winter 2023: Reviews

Table of Contents
Intro

Best Headset

Best Upper Mid-Range

Best Mid-Range

Best Lower Mid-Range

Best Budget

Best Cheap

Best Open-Back

Notable Mentions
Recent Updates
All Reviews
Discussions

Updated Feb 17, 2023 at 04:53 pm

By Theresa Ketterling

If you’re an avid PlayStation gamer and are looking for the best PS4 headset, you’re likely well-acquainted with the overwhelming number of different options. There’s certainly a lot to choose from, so knowing your priorities can help with your decision. For those who mostly game from the couch and hate having a long cable running to your PS4, wireless headphones are a must. However, those who find that there’s nothing worse than having to keep an eye on your headphones’ battery life will likely gravitate toward a wired headset. If you like to customize your audio experience, some headphones come with companion software so that you can tweak their sound, access virtual surround features, and even control mic performance. That said, any good pair of gaming headphones will accurately localize sounds like footsteps in the stereo image and be comfortable enough for long gaming sessions.

We’ve tested over 710 headphones, and below are our recommendations for the best PS4 headphones to buy. If you’re looking for our top picks for other consoles and PC, check out our recommendations for the best headsets for PS5, the best gaming headsets, and the best gaming headsets for Xbox One.

Best PS4 Gaming Headset

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

SEE PRICE

Amazon. de

Unavailable

Missing Store

Neutral Sound

6.9

Commute/Travel

7.4

Sports/Fitness

7.1

Office

7.4

Wireless Gaming

7.7

Wired Gaming

7.8

Phone Calls

7.6

Type

Over-ear

Enclosure

Closed-Back

Wireless

Yes

Transducer

Dynamic

Noise Cancelling

Yes

Mic

Yes

See all our test results

The best PS4 headset we’ve tested is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. This headset comes in separate Xbox and PlayStation variants, but if you use more than one platform, only the Xbox variant offers wireless compatibility with both consoles. It comes with a wireless transmitter dock that puts controls like EQ settings, volume, and sidetone at your fingertips while you play. It provides a low latency connection, so your game audio and video stay in sync. These headphones also come with interchangeable battery packs, and you can charge one on the dock when it’s not in use, so you always have one full battery set to go. One battery lasts for about 25 hours of continuous use.

They also support Bluetooth, meaning you can hear audio from your console and chat or music on your phone simultaneously. Unlike most gaming headsets we’ve tested, they have an active noise cancelling (ANC) system. It’s not very effective with bass-range noise like the sound of a busy street, but they do a good job of reducing sounds like background conversations or a computer fan. Out of the box, they have a bass-rich sound that helps emphasize sound effects like footsteps, and if you prefer a different sound, their companion software includes a parametric EQ and presets. They have a good overall mic performance, a sturdy build quality, and a comfortable fit for most people. However, the drivers can press against your ears, especially if you have a bigger head, which can become uncomfortable over time.

See our review
Best Upper Mid-Range PS4 Gaming Headset

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro

SEE PRICE

Amazon.de

Unavailable

Missing Store

Neutral Sound

7.7

Commute/Travel

4. 9

Sports/Fitness

5.6

Office

6.2

Wireless Gaming

5.9

Wired Gaming

7.7

Phone Calls

7.0

Type

Over-ear

Enclosure

Closed-Back

Wireless

No

Transducer

Dynamic

Noise Cancelling

No

Mic

Yes

See all our test results

If you’re looking for a cheaper option, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is the best upper mid-range gaming headset we’ve tested. They have a wired design, but like the previous pick, their dock offers a low latency connection and controls, meaning you can adjust the volume or mic sidetone on the fly. Their boom mic has a great recording quality, so your voice sounds clear and natural but a bit bright. Out of the box, they have a fairly neutral sound profile. Elements like voices can sound veiled, but you can customize their sound with a parametric EQ in the companion software. However, compared to their wireless sibling, they’re very prone to inconsistent audio delivery, and people who wear glasses or have thick hair can experience a drop in bass.

They also support an analog connection with most consoles, which is helpful if you want to eliminate latency. However, they don’t have as many features as the previous pick — they lack ANC, interchangeable battery packs, and Bluetooth connectivity. They’re also less suitable for casual music listening or phone calls since they lack onboard audio and call controls. If you’re looking for more versatility at a lower price point, you might prefer the Astro A30 Wireless. They support Bluetooth but don’t have sound customization or channel mixing, so they aren’t as good for console gaming.

See our review
Best Mid-Range PS4 Gaming Headset

HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless

SEE PRICE

Amazon.de

Unavailable

Missing Store

Neutral Sound

7.9

Commute/Travel

6.0

Sports/Fitness

6.1

Office

7. 3

Wireless Gaming

7.9

Wired Gaming

6.1

Phone Calls

7.2

Type

Over-ear

Enclosure

Closed-Back

Wireless

Yes

Transducer

Dynamic

Noise Cancelling

No

Mic

Yes

See all our test results

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless is the best PS4 wireless headset in the mid-range we’ve tested. If you don’t want to worry about recharging your headphones each time you use them, the manufacturer advertises these over-ears to deliver over 300 hours of continuous playback time, which is very impressive for gaming headphones. They also have an auto-off timer to help conserve battery life if you forget to turn them off. They have low latency, so your audio and visuals stay in sync in the heat of the moment. However, some users have noticed latency issues when paired with the headphones’ companion software. If you experience this issue, please tell us about it in the discussions below.

These headphones have a sturdy build and a comfortable fit. When using the ‘Balanced’ EQ, they have a slightly v-shaped sound profile with a touch of extra thump, rumble, and boom, which can help emphasize sound effects. Unfortunately, if you want to customize their sound, their companion software’s graphic EQ and presets aren’t transferrable onto the PS4. They’re also prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery, and you may especially notice a drop in bass if you have thick hair or wear glasses. Their boom mic offers very good performance, so your voice sounds clear, even in moderately noisy environments.

See our review
Best Lower Mid-Range PS4 Gaming Headset

SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless

SEE PRICE

Amazon. de

Unavailable

Missing Store

Neutral Sound

7.2

Commute/Travel

5.8

Sports/Fitness

6.4

Office

6.9

Wireless Gaming

7.6

Wired Gaming

7.6

Phone Calls

6.9

Type

Over-ear

Enclosure

Closed-Back

Wireless

Yes

Transducer

Dynamic

Noise Cancelling

No

Mic

Yes

See all our test results

The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless are the best lower mid-range PS4 gaming headphones we’ve tested. They’re the upgraded variant of the SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless, with a longer continuous battery life, advertised at 30 hours. We measured 60 hours of continuous playback time, which, while not as long-lasting as the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, is still outstanding for wireless gaming headphones. Thanks to their USB dongle, they have very low audio latency, but the dongle doesn’t offer any additional controls or features. Their retractable boom mic also does a good overall job of capturing your voice clearly, even in moderately noisy environments.

These headphones have a ski-band headband design, which helps distribute their weight on your head. However, it has a limited adjustment range, which can be frustrating if you have a large head, and the headband makes it hard to ensure a consistent fit. The headphones are very prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery, so it’s important to take the time to adjust them on your head each time you use that. With a good fit, the headphones have a boomy sound that can help emphasize sound effects. They also have a passable soundstage for closed-back headphones, and audio feels like it’s coming from all around you rather than from inside your head, making for a more immersive experience.

See our review
Best Budget PS4 Gaming Headset

Logitech G535 LIGHTSPEED Wireless

SEE PRICE

Amazon.de

Unavailable

Missing Store

Neutral Sound

8.0

Commute/Travel

5.3

Sports/Fitness

6.0

Office

6. 6

Wireless Gaming

7.7

Wired Gaming

6.0

Phone Calls

6.2

Type

Over-ear

Enclosure

Closed-Back

Wireless

Yes

Transducer

Dynamic

Noise Cancelling

No

Mic

Yes

See all our test results

The Logitech G535 LIGHTSPEED WIRELESS are the best budget PS4 gaming headphones we’ve tested. Unlike the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless, you don’t have the option of using them wired, so if they run out of power, you have to wait for them to charge to use them again. Still, their battery lasts roughly 35 hours of continuous use, so you don’t need to recharge them every day. They come with a USB dongle that provides a low latency connection for gaming and have a comfortable fit for most people.

Their boom mic has an okay recording quality but doesn’t make your voice sound as full-bodied as the previous picks. Their sound profile lacks some thump and rumble, but it’s reasonably well-balanced overall, so your audio has body and warmth, and voices sound clear and detailed. If you prefer a different sound, they have companion software that includes a graphic EQ and presets. They’re decently well-built but feel plasticky, and if you’d prefer a sturdier option, the HyperX Cloud Alpha S are another good, budget-friendly option. They’re better-build overall, and their cable, mic, and ear cup padding are detachable, so it’s easier to replace anything that gets damaged. However, they don’t have sound customization features and create a less natural, open-seeming passive soundstage.

See our review
Best Cheap PS4 Gaming Headset

Logitech G433

SEE PRICE

Amazon. de

Unavailable

Missing Store

Neutral Sound

7.8

Commute/Travel

4.8

Sports/Fitness

5.6

Office

6.1

Wireless Gaming

5.8

Wired Gaming

7.7

Phone Calls

7.3

Type

Over-ear

Enclosure

Closed-Back

Wireless

No

Transducer

Dynamic

Noise Cancelling

No

Mic

Yes

See all our test results

The Logitech G433 is the best cheap PS4 gaming headset we’ve tested. When you get to this price point, it’s pretty common to only find wired headphones without any extra frills. These over-ears are no exception, and while they lack customization features when connected to your PS4, and their controls are limited to mic mute and volume, they deliver a significantly better mic performance than the Logitech G535 LIGHTSPEED Wireless. Their boom mic has a great recording quality, ensuring that your teammates and enemies alike hear you loud and clear.

These headphones have a well-balanced sound that’s very similar to our budget pick, meaning you can expect clear dialogue and instruments. They also have a touch of extra high-bass to add warmth to mixes. Their soundstage feels wide and out-of-head, but it doesn’t feel very natural. They’re very prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery, and you may especially notice a drop in bass if you have thick hair or wear glasses. Their build quality is decent, but the fabric padding can wear and tear over time.

See our review
Best Open-Back PS4 Gaming Headset

Drop + Sennheiser PC38X

SEE PRICE

Amazon. de

Unavailable

Missing Store

Neutral Sound

8.1

Commute/Travel

4.1

Sports/Fitness

5.7

Office

5.6

Wireless Gaming

5.7

Wired Gaming

7.7

Phone Calls

6.8

Type

Over-ear

Enclosure

Open-Back

Wireless

No

Transducer

Dynamic

Noise Cancelling

No

Mic

Yes

See all our test results

The Drop + Sennheiser PC38X are the best open-back PS4 gaming headphones we’ve tested. If you’re looking for a more immersive gaming experience, it’s important to consider open-back headphones. The listening experience is different but far more engaging as the design lets in environmental noise to blend with your game’s audio. Naturally, these headphones don’t isolate you from outside audio, and they leak sound, meaning that people nearby will hear your game at high volumes. However, if you’re looking for headphones that can create a spacious, out-of-head soundstage, you’re in the right category.

These are also among the best open-back headphones we’ve tested. They’re comfortable and have a good build quality, which will help avoid head fatigue during a long gaming session. The mic performs very well, and your voice sounds clear and full over team chat. Due to their open-back design, they don’t produce much low-bass, but the rest of the range is relatively neutral, meaning that dialogue and sound effects will sound well-balanced, detailed, and present. Unfortunately, they don’t have any EQ feature, so you can’t adjust the sound to your liking.

See our review

Notable Mentions

SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless:
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are the previous generation of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless for Xbox and have a more neutral sound profile than their successor. However, they lack ANC, and their continuous battery life is lower.
See our review
Logitech G PRO X WIRELESS LIGHTSPEED Gaming Headset:
The Logitech G PRO X WIRELESS LIGHTSPEED Gaming Headset are wireless headphones with low latency and many customization features. However, their battery life doesn’t last as long as the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless.
See our review
SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless:
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless are the sibling product of the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless. Their continuous battery life doesn’t last as long as the 7P+; they otherwise offer a very similar overall performance worth considering if battery life isn’t your main priority.
See our review
Sony PULSE 3D Wireless:
The Sony PULSE 3D Wireless are gaming headphones primarily designed for PS5 consoles. You can use them on PS4 consoles either by using their 1/8″ TRRS cable or USB receiver. Their integrated mic doesn’t perform as well as the Logitech G535 LIGHTSPEED Wireless, and they have shorter continuous battery life.
See our review

Recent Updates

Feb 17, 2023:
Checked that the picks represent the best recommendations and that the products are in stock.
Dec 20, 2022:
Changed our upper mid-range pick to the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro and our ‘Best Open-Back’ pick to the Drop + Sennheiser PC38X. We also added a mention of latency issues occuring with the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, which some users have experienced.
Sep 23, 2022:
Added the following headphones: the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless for Xbox, SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless, the Logitech G535 LIGHTSPEED Wireless, and the Logitech G433 Gaming Headset. We’ve moved the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC to Notable Mentions and cleaned up the Notable Mentions of picks that are out of date.
May 12, 2022:
Added the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless and Astro A40TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2019 as ‘Best Wireless PS4 Gaming Headset For Battery Life’ and ‘Best Open-Back PS4 Gaming Headset’, respectively. Removed the Logitech G935 Wireless Gaming Headset and the Corsair HS60 PRO SURROUND. Moved the Logitech G PRO X WIRELESS LIGHTSPEED Gaming Headset and Logitech G432 Gaming Headset to Notable Mentions.
Mar 30, 2022:
Checked that picks represent the best recommendations and that the products are available.

All Reviews

Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best PS4 headphones to buy for most people in each price range. We factor in the price (cheaper headphones win over pricier ones if the difference isn’t worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no headphones that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).

If you would like to choose for yourself, here is the list of all our reviews for headphones that are good for gaming. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There are no perfect headphones. Personal taste, preference, and listening habits will matter more in your selection, especially if you don’t care about having a microphone or wireless features.

Discussions

12 Best Wireless Gaming Headsets (2023): PS5, Switch, PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One

We’ve rounded up a wide selection of the best gaming headsets we’ve tried, but there are countless others on the market. Our list is great if you want recommendations so you don’t have to deal with combing through all the options. But if you want to explore for yourself, here are a few important things to look for in a good headset.

Audio quality: It seems like it would go without saying, but we’re saying it anyway: You can’t always tell from a spec sheet how a headset will sound. A well-made stereo headset can sound better than a poorly made 7.1 Dolby Atmos surround sound set. Check reviews to get a sense of how a headset performs in real life.

Surround sound options: Modern headsets have gotten very good at recreating or simulating surround sound in headsets with systems like Dolby Atmos for Headphones or DTS:X. These systems are particularly impactful in games where you want to be able to hear exactly where an enemy is firing at you from. Be sure you can turn the surround sound on or off.

Comfort: This is another subjective category, but if you’re going to wear a headset for hours while you’re gaming, it’s important that it doesn’t hurt. A heavy headset pressing against your temples can give you a headache after a while. Look for headsets that have adjustable, ergonomic designs, plenty of cushioning, and are generally lightweight.

An adjustable boom microphone: If you plan to use your headset for online gaming, a good microphone is important. Many headsets come with boom mics that can be positioned in front of your mouth. Some are removable, while others can simply be rotated or bent away from your mouth when they’re not in use. Make sure you get the kind that’s right for your needs.

Visible mic muting and indicator LEDs: It’s important to know when you’re broadcasting audio so you don’t accidentally share your private conversations with your teammates. Some mics mute automatically when you flip them upward, while others use a dedicated mute button. We particularly like headsets that include red LEDs that indicate when you’re muted, which can be helpful.

Mic monitoring so you can hear your voice: If you want to keep tabs on how you sound to your teammates, and not sound like you’re yelling while playing, mic monitoring is a feature that lets you hear your own audio through your headphones. Optimally, you can adjust its volume. When you listen to a podcast or radio talk show, chances are, those folks are using some form of mic monitoring so they can hear themselves as well as others.

Equalizer (EQ) and customization tools: Games, movies, and TV shows are mixed differently, and when you’re listening, you might want to emphasize different aspects of the audio signal. Custom EQ presets let you set different balances for watching a movie versus playing a game, or even have different balances on a per-game basis.

Best PS4 Headphones — All PlayStation 4 Headsets at a Glance

Why you need quality PS4 gaming headphones and how to choose the right one?

Clear and voluminous soundtrack is an essential companion of any modern video game. It creates the necessary atmosphere, emphasizes significant details, reflects the mood of the characters and tells the player where to go next. It is very important for every gamer to keep this useful channel of information in its original form, the way the developers put it into the product: a subtle change in the tone of the melody, clear speech, rustles and whispers — all this can be of key importance in the passage of the scenario.

Fortunately, modern systems offer the user several comfortable options for transmitting an audio signal at once, but often the PlayStation 4 is connected to a monitor without speakers, or the player does not have the ability to play surround sound using TV audio emitters or professional equipment. In such cases, a headset will help you out, or in a simple way — headphones. By the way, it will also give you the opportunity to easily communicate with other gamers while completing missions thanks to the built-in microphone. Our specialized online market for gaming electronics and video games IgroRay offers you a wide range of accessories, and to make your decision in favor of a professional PS4 headset more obvious, we offer an informative overview of our products with comments on each model.

Introducing the best headsets for Sony PS4!

Sony Platinum Wireless Headset

Headset Sony Platinum Wireless Headset occupies a leading position in sales. This stylish and ergonomic model allows every player to experience new facets of pure sound, immerse themselves in multi-layered soundscapes and dissolve into virtual reality. Enjoy incredible sound in 7.1 3D with 50mm drivers and special playback modes that bring you the most realistic atmosphere laid down by the developers when creating a video game. Find yourself in the epicenter of events, picking up voices and rustles from all sides, actively communicate with friends thanks to the noise-canceling microphone, and don’t think about time — the built-in battery will allow you to enjoy the game for many hours without recharging! This stereo headset has no wires — it will give you incredible freedom of movement, and it also has a special 3.5 mm jack for connecting to smartphones and PS VR.

DOBE Multi-Functional Headphone

This model is notable for its low cost and versatility: in addition to being absolutely compatible with the PlayStation 4, it comes with several adapters at once — 3. 5mm, 2.5mm and USB — for connecting it to other devices. A 3.5 meter cable will allow you to move freely around the room without the possibility of tipping the set-top box. The headset has a built-in microphone and remote control, so that with it the game process will become much more comfortable and interesting.

Thrustmaster Y300CPX Gaming Headset

This stylish snow-white model is designed to fully support PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One and 360, PC, Mac, Nintendo Wii U and 3DS, as well as tablets and smartphones with calling capabilities. Crystal-clear and most realistic sound is created thanks to a special frequency response with an excellent balance of bass, mids and highs, super-soft ear cushions and effective passive isolation. The stereo headset also boasts an ultra-sensitive microphone that anyone can adjust to their own comfort, and a 4-meter cable controller that allows you to individually adjust the volume of music, chat and your voice.

Wired headset Plantronics RIG Black

These stylish black and red PlayStation 4 headphones allow every gamer to balance game audio, calls, music or chat with just one touch, quickly switching between their smartphone or tablet and their chosen PS console. The headset features 40mm bass tubing drivers, an audio amplifier and two noise-canceling microphones to ensure the clearest sound quality possible, plus three equalizer modes: «Powerful» for additional bass boost, «Rich» to accentuate low frequencies. and mid frequencies and «Clear», optimized for negotiations with other players. Solid construction, comfortable headband and soft ear cushions will give you even more pleasure when using this model.

Wired headset Sony Silver Wired Stereo Headset Black 7.1

With this model, you will hear how games really should sound: incredible clarity and depth, 7.1 surround, unique support for sound profiles pre-installed by the developers using the Headset Companion App — all this will raise your gaming level to a new level. The headset is compatible with Playstation 4, Playstation 3 and Playstation Vita, and its lightweight yet durable design ensures long and comfortable use.

Headset Thrustmaster Y350P Ghost Recon Wildlands

These brutal headphones are designed exclusively for the PlayStation 4, and therefore its audio characteristics are ideally optimized for this console. The headset features powerful 60mm drivers, super bass boost, a special balance of mid and high frequencies and unique 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound technology, which, using the Y Sound Commander controller connected to DUALSHOCK 4, will enable the localization of every rustle in the game, which will provide the maximum immersion in virtual reality . Incredible active bass and 7.1 surround sound are automatically powered by an in-cord battery, while the 100% memory foam ear cushions provide an unrivaled combination of comfort and sound isolation.

Headset Sony Gold Wireless Stereo Headset 2.0

This model is very concise in its design, but by no means in its capabilities:

7. 1 surround 3D sound with the widest frequency range and unparalleled detail,

Boost mode, which allows you to adjust the strength of the bass,

built-in battery with its own battery, guaranteeing up to 10 hours of uninterrupted operation,

a controller that allows the player to quickly switch between the game’s music and voice chat,

The absence of a wire is an advantage that will give you the freedom of your own movements.

This headset is available in two colors: black and snow white, its design is made of high quality materials, it is exquisite in its workmanship and is very compact, as it folds easily and fits into a small carrying case. In addition, a special Sony Gold Wireless Stereo Headset 500 Million Limited Edition model has recently appeared on sale, which is dedicated to the release of the limited PlayStation 4 Pro, but having a 3.5 mm jack, it can easily fit other devices.

Thrustmaster Y300P EMEA Gaming Headset

The Thrustmaster Y300P EMEA Gaming Headset is designed to be perfectly optimized for the PlayStation 4, plug-and-play, and PlayStation 3 consoles via USB + RCA hub. It guarantees crystal-clear and most realistic sound, which is created thanks to a special frequency response with an excellent balance of bass, mids and highs, super-soft ear cushions and effective passive isolation. The stereo headset also boasts an ultra-sensitive microphone with a special voice recognition function that each gamer can adjust to their comfort, and a controller on a 5.2-meter cable that allows you to individually adjust the volume of music, chat and your voice.

HORI Headphone Neckband for PlayStation VR

This special wireless model was developed in Japan specifically for use with PS VR: it is worn on the back of the head and allows you to not experience the discomfort of using two accessories at the same time. Its characteristics guarantee high-quality and surround sound, which will help you to fully immerse yourself in the virtual reality of the project, dissolving in its atmosphere.

Stereo headphones DOBE

This is a great alternative to the bundled headphones for Sony DualShock 4, they have a standard 3. 5mm jack and are therefore compatible with any other devices. You can also use them as regular headphones while listening to music on your devices: excellent frequency balancing will allow you to enjoy all facets of sound. And the built-in microphone will allow you to communicate with other players, as well as answer calls from your smartphone or tablet.

If you liked our review, share it or leave us a comment! Thank you!

Review of Razer wireless headphones ManO’War / Overclockers.ua

The saturation of the computer peripheral market today can only be envied — even those manufacturers who were known exclusively for components took up its development. One of the pioneers in the development of gaming peripherals can be called Razer, which always offers to push the boundaries of the environment we are used to a little further. So let me introduce a new addition to our gaming headphone line-up, the Razer ManO’War Wireless Headset. Apparently, the company’s marketers decided to sort out absolutely all the impressive names from all available areas, because one can only guess what the wireless gaming headset has to do with a large warship.

Razer ManO’War

Headphones	Razer Mano’War
Manufacturer website	razerzone.com
Audio channels	7.1
Speakers, mm	50 mm, with neodymium magnets
How it works	Closed
Impedance, Ohm	32
Frequency range, Hz	20-20 000
Nominal sound pressure level, dB	112±3
Connection interface	Wireless USB Transmitter Adapter
Wireless frequency	2.4 GHz
Range	Up to 12 meters
Battery life:	Up to 14 hours with backlight/up to 20 hours without backlight
Weight, g	375
Compatible	PC, Mac, PS4
Microphone
Sensor type	Unidirectional digital microphone
Frequency range, Hz	100–10,000
Sensitivity, dB	-38±3
Signal to noise ratio	> 60 dB
Cost	$190

The earphones are supplied in a fairly large box with a distinctive and recognizable design. The classic green and black gamut leaves no doubt that this is Razer. On the front, we see the image of the headset, its name, as well as a small logo, hinting at the presence of RGB-illuminated headphones. The back part briefly and clearly explains that you will become the owner of a wireless 7.1-channel headset and enjoy sound without delay on a single charge for 7 whole days.

The box opens simply by pulling on the right edge. True, it is not clear why not make it on magnets, because one of the Velcro immediately came off.

An entire article could be devoted to the design of Razer’s packaging. What, for example, was only a pedestal for the Razer Mamba mouse and a transparent box, behind which it was shown as an exhibition item. In this case, the interior is also on top and literally does not allow you to start a closer acquaintance, as if persuading you to stop and admire a little more.

But we are not like that and will not wait. In addition to the headset itself, the manufacturer included a wireless transmitter, a USB extension cable for it, a USB-microUSB cable for charging, as well as instructions and a separate sheet for a “quick start” in the package. The cords have an excellent, dense braid, and their thickness will contribute to the most convenient operation.

Now let’s pay close attention directly to the headset. It is difficult to call it compact — the bowls are very massive. It affects the focus immediately on a wide group of users and an attempt to completely close even the largest ears. The arc holding the bowls together is single and does not have a flexible suspension. Due to this, a little overall volume is saved. The soft insert on the inside of the headband contributes to a more comfortable use.

The ear cushions are quite massive and are made of soft leatherette with internal filling. The material is pleasant to the touch and does not weigh too much, which means it makes it easier to design.

The outer part of each of the phones consists of a grille and a platform with the Razer logo, which can be illuminated in any color or reproduce specified effects at the request of the user.

On the bottom of the left earpiece is an on/off button, a microphone volume wheel, and a retractable microphone.

The right side has a volume adjustment wheel and a cavity for the transmitter. I am glad that the manufacturer did not load the design with multimedia buttons — after all, this is a gaming headset.

After removing the ear pads, which, by the way, are attached to three very convenient and reliable latches, we have a view of the speaker. The Razer ManO’War falls into the category of 7.1 audio sources, which do not have a full set of speakers, but are based on one large one. In our case, this is a 50 mm speaker with a neodymium magnet. The surround sound effect is implemented using the built-in audio processor and software.

Now let’s focus on the design of the microphone. It slides out of the left phone if necessary. The boom is very flexible and allows precise positioning of the microphone.

If the user turns it off completely using the control wheel, a red bar will light up around the circumference of the receiver.

A very convenient solution that allows you to accurately understand whether sound recording / transmission is disabled at a certain moment — just lower your eyes to the microphone without minimizing the current application.

Ergonomics and ease of use

With its impressive size, the headset can surprise you with a fairly reasonable weight. Moreover, it would seem that the absence of a flexible suspension separate from the frame should significantly affect the comfort of the Razer ManO’War. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the optimality of their ergonomics. The headphones were tested along with the writing of the DeusEx Mankind Divided review and were in active use for 5-6 hours in a row, and at night, when general fatigue additionally affects. A successful design and a relatively small weight made it possible to spend time playing with pleasure and did not tire at all. And the high profile of the ear pads, coupled with the leatherette texture, did not create the effect of a greenhouse inside the phones — this is a very important point for a gaming headset and fans of long runs.

Phones are rotated simultaneously in two planes. On the one hand, this allows them to fit comfortably on the head, and on the other hand, it is very difficult to find a place for the earpiece when you need to free one of the ears, for example, to talk with others. And because of the wide headband, they are uncomfortable to hold around the neck and are easier to just remove and put next to you.

I would like to note the very well implemented controls. The wheels responsible for the volume of the microphone and speakers are also pressed completely, turning off the sound of the corresponding module.

It is impossible not to dwell on an important issue for a wireless solution — autonomy. The manufacturer claims a duration of 20 hours on a single charge with the backlight turned off and 12 with it active. The backlight certainly looks very nice and can be useful for those who like to stream their game on the Internet, while the rest will simply get almost twice as much battery life. It was not possible to detect the relevance of these figures with a timer, but they are very close to reality. Charging is done via a microUSB port.

The second important factor for the Razer ManO’War is the receiving distance. Unlike many other devices, the manufacturer chose not Bluetooth as a wireless interface, but a 2. 4 GHz radio connection. Of course, this reduced the circle of possible users who could connect them to their devices directly, without using a separate transmitter.

In defense of the transmitter, it is fairly compact and will not protrude too much from the device.

The advantage of choosing radio communication was a slightly increased range. The declared figures from the manufacturer are 12 meters. In order to imagine not so much the range as the real ability of communication to function indoors and penetrate obstacles, I can compare it with a Wi-Fi bundle of a top-end router and a latest generation smartphone at the same frequency of 2.4 GHz. The range is actually identical and this is good news. The vast majority of users will be able to move freely around the room, while remaining in touch and understanding what is happening with teammates while you are away for a cup of coffee.

Software

As for the software, I was very satisfied. First, Windows 10 users will not have to search not only for drivers, but also for the Razer Synapse software itself. When you connect your headset, you will receive a pop-up notification that you can download the necessary software.

After installation, the user will first be prompted to calibrate the surround sound. True, the mechanism of this calibration seemed strange to me. A sector on a circle is shown and sound is played to match that sector in the space around you, and you can move the slider left or right to tell the system where the sound source feels to be. And, it would seem, everything is correct, but for some reason, when the slider is shifted away from the reference value, the virtual sound source also begins to shift. It turns out that we do not have a single stable value from which we could start or to which we had to attach ourselves. But the initial calibration is very accurate, so we will not find fault with this.

Surprisingly, Razer Synapse doesn’t have the vast amount of sound effects and processing usually found in this kind of software. Normalization of volume and frequencies during use, including taking into account simultaneous negotiations and bass boost — that’s the whole choice. Maybe someone will not like it, but as for me, the existing settings are needed, and everyone else usually just plays once and forgets about them forever.

The «Microphone» tab will not give you the opportunity to speak in the voice of cartoon characters, but it will allow you to adjust the microphone sensitivity, enable additional noise reduction, change the recording volume. A very convenient and immediately available function of listening to your own speech will help you control the volume of your communication and not disturb others.

The standard functionality of the «Mixer» has been expanded with an additional choice of surround or stereo sound modes for each of the active applications.

The «Equalizer» tab does not require additional representation, everything is standard here — eight frequency saturation adjustments and a choice of ready-made presets.

Backlight control is also simple. The user can choose the glow mode: constant in one color, simulating breathing and sequential color change. The ability to turn off the backlight when the screen is off is available, but I’m not sure if it is very relevant. The headset has its own timeout and after a certain time without sound activity, it is completely turned off.

The last tab controls the position of the headphone/microphone volume pop-up indicator.

Probably the only thing I didn’t like about the software was the requirement for constant updates. Razer Synapse is software for all Razer devices, so in three weeks of use, I had to install updates three or four times and restart the computer after installation.

Sound impressions

Now let’s move on to direct listening and evaluating the sound quality. The headphones have been tested in the following popular games: Battlefield 1 beta, Battlefield 4, Deus Ex Mankind Divided, Counter-Strike 1.6. In addition, listening to diverse music and evaluating the sound in films and TV shows were performed. According to the results of testing, the Razer ManO’War headset can be both praised and scolded.

To begin with, I would like to say that not all game projects produce high-quality surround sound, and the Battlefield series is one of them. The headset allows you to perfectly position yourself on the ground, distinguish the distance and direction of shots, determine the location of equipment, as well as the vector of its movement. Another thing is that in the case of large and crowded servers, the sound environment is so filled with events that the need, and even the possibility of precise positioning, rolls to naught.

Counter-Strike is much quieter in terms of sound, so precise positioning based on footstep sounds is much more relevant here.

Deus Ex Mankind Divided supports multi-channel audio and the headset allows you to enjoy the atmosphere of the game. Just here, the Razer ManO’War will allow the owner to maximize their stealth potential.

When it comes to using these headphones to listen to music, one thing can be said — a 7.1 gaming headset can play it, but you will not hear the depth of the sound or its richness. Many authors write that the headphones are too bassy, like all gaming ones, but I did not notice this. I think even fans of «boom-boom» music will not be satisfied. And the situation cannot be pulled out with an equalizer, built-in presets or software improvements. The sound is frankly inexpressive. What is the merit of such dullness one can only guess — whether the speakers are to blame or the built-in audio codec.

The same situation awaits the user when watching movies. If everything is in order with the surround sound, then the saturation of the sound is a little lame.

Conclusions

The Razer ManO’War headset left an ambivalent impression. On the one hand, it is insanely easy to use. Wireless connection relieves the load of a constantly hanging cord and allows you to freely turn your head and move around the room. The ergonomics of the headset allows you to spend many hours in it without fatigue, and the voice recording quality does not cause the slightest criticism.