Looking for a good headset for gaming is a little tricky but even trickier if it’s for a PSVR. It doesn’t stop there, with different models labelled as VR headsets; things get complicated, and it gets harder to choose the right pair of headphones.
We know you’re not sure what to look for, so give us the chance to explain it all, but first, we’ll review the best headphones for PSVR that are currently available on the market. The help section after the review will help you make an informed decision, so let’s get started!
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Contents
Comparison Table:
| Headphones | Wired / Wireless | Design | Driver Size | Weight |
| Sony PlayStation Gold Wireless | Wired / Wireless | Over-ear | 40mm | 0.9 lbs |
| Plantronics RIG 4VR | Wired / Wireless | Over-ear | 40mm | 0.5 lbs |
| Sony PlayStation Platinum | Wired / Wireless | Over ear | 50mm | 0.7 lbs |
| Sennheiser GAME ONE | Wired | On-ear | 40mm | 1.38 lbs |
| Bose QuietComfort 25 | Wired | Over-ear | 40mm | 0.5 lbs |
| Turtle Beach Stealth 350VR | wireless | Over-ear | 50mm | 1.1 lbs |
The 6 Best Headphones for PSVR in 2020
1. Sony PlayStation Gold Wireless – Editor’s Choice
These headphones are specifically designed for PS4 and offer some user-friendly features that make them an excellent option for many users. Moreover, they’re reasonably priced, so you don’t have to break the bank for an exceptional VR experience.
The main feature that made this headset our top pick is that it supports 7.1 virtual surround sound on PS4. The technology is the best when it comes to FPS games that require enhanced acoustic details.
The surround sound can be controlled from the headset without the need to turn to the application, yet using it is a hassle-free experience, and unlike other headsets, you can disregard the app entirely without any compromises in terms of functionality.
Unfortunately, this feature isn’t supported on PCs, so the PlayStation Gold Wireless isn’t a headset that you can use with any gaming console. On the other hand, if you only use PSVR or PS4, you’ll appreciate the headset’s solid performance with different games.
The microphone doesn’t offer much, and you might find the prominent sibilant sound a bit disturbing. Therefore, the headset might not be the best option for multiplayer games unless you use an external microphone.
The music performance isn’t all bad, but it can be a little distorted, with some notes being softer than they should be, and others being a little over-emphasized.
Pros:
- Supports 7.1 surround sound
- Convenient and user friendly
- Comfortable
- Decently priced
Cons:
- Only compatible with PS4
- Average mic performance
Bottom Line
With all the sacrifices you’ll make with the Sony PlayStation Gold, it still outweighs many PSVR headphones when it comes to sound quality and pricing. You’ll get the best of the headset with battle royale games.
2. Plantronics RIG 4VR – Best Value for Money
The Plantronics RIG is another outstanding Headset for PSVR, not merely because of the sound experience, but also because of the fact that it’s extra-lightweight, which makes it suitable for long gaming sessions and more tolerable for those struggling with the weight of the PSVR itself.
It comes in a detachable design to be easier to adjust. The earcups are soft on the ears and can provide optimal isolation that keeps the gamer immersed in the game and disconnected from the surroundings.
The sound quality is pretty impressive as well, especially that you won’t experience any cracking or breaks despite the distinctively loud sound. This particular feature is quite amusing to the user, but it can be a bit annoying for anyone who’s around while you’re using the headset and can’t tolerate a little sound leakage.
One of the reasons the Plantronics RIG 4VR should be on the top of your list is that it comes with different cables that allow you to use the headset with other gaming consoles. However, you should ‘t entirely count on it because the headset is mainly built for PSVR.
With the microphone, you don’t have to worry about the surrounding noise or how clear your voice is during different games. It’s detachable, so you can replace it whenever needed or even remove it and use an external one instead.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Excellent audio quality
- Decent microphone
- Comes with all the necessary cables
Cons:
- Looks cheap
Bottom Line
For a budget option, the Plantronics RIG 4VR has a lot to offer with respect to functionality and sound experience. Although it’s made of plastic, it’s much stronger than it actually looks.
3. Sony PlayStation Platinum – Best Wireless Headphones for PSVR
Sony makes high-quality headsets, and the PlayStation Platinum isn’t any different, but there’s one specific feature that makes the headset one of the best options for PSVR, which is the 3D audio.
Most gaming headsets support surround sound that allows the user to recognize where the sound is coming from, yet that’s not always satisfying because it involves only one plane.
With the 3D audio technology, there’s a better simulation of what’s happening in different planes. This means that it doesn’t stop at whether the sound source is to your right, left, front, or back, but it also includes whether it’s above or below you.
Unfortunately, this feature is only compatible with PlayStation VR, and you won’t be able to get such an advantage with other gaming platforms. With that being said, it’s pretty expected that these headsets are more expensive than other Sony gaming models.
The one thing that’s missing from this headset is the boom mic. Instead, it features a pinhole microphone that covers the basic communication requirements while gaming. Additionally, it comes with a 3.5mm audio cable so that you can use it as a wired headset. However, the performance is much better with wireless connectivity.
Regarding the app, it gives you the chance to customize the EQ mode and choose between three different modes, from which only two can be uploaded to the headset for a quicker transition.
Pros:
- Solid construction
- Features 3D audio
- Steady microphone
- Adjustable equalizer
Cons:
- 3D audio only works with PSVR
- Pinhole mic is less reliable than the boom one
Bottom Line
Sony has stepped up its game with the PlayStation Platinum model, offering a unique sound experience that’s hard to compete with. The headset is a little pricey, but it’s totally worth it considering the performance.
4.Sennheiser GAME ONE – Most Realistic Sound Experience
For the best virtual reality experience, you need a headset that can offer a natural sound that mimics our everyday sounds, or at least doesn’t tweak the sound to the extent where the user finds it unnatural.
The over-ear design of the Sennheiser GAME ONE provides the kind of experience we just mentioned, and although you can find better options for gaming, they might not be as suitable for a realistic gaming session.
Gaming with the headset offers high fidelity with excellent dynamics and a bright sound out of the box. The smacking and battling sound are particularly outstanding, and the boom microphone supports noise cancelling to ensure clear in-game communication.
The controls featured on the headset are quite basic; there’s nothing to complain about there. However, you won’t be able to adjust the sound profile because the software lacks an equalizer. This doesn’t necessarily impact the sound quality, but it makes the headset a less versatile option.
When testing the headset’s music performance, it wasn’t all that great, yet it’s pretty understandable because it is designed for a different purpose. Accordingly, you can use the headset with other gaming consoles, not just your PlayStation, but it’s not the best choice for audiophiles.
Pros:
- Comfortable and well-padded
- Supports noise-cancelling
- Comes with two swappable 3.5mm audio jacks
- Outstanding microphone performance
- Can be used with multiple gaming consoles
Cons:
- A bit pricey
- Bulky
- Doesn’t feature a sound equalizer
Bottom Line
The Sennheiser GAME ONE offers a captivating VR experience because of its design, sound quality, and clear mic. Although it’s a little overpriced, it’s an excellent choice for gamers who seek high-end virtual realism.
5. Bose QuietComfort 25 – Best for Noise Cancelling
Having an immersive gaming experience is what every gamer looks for, especially those who use a PSVR. Accordingly, it’s essential for these users to get a headset that complements the realistic visuals.
In this case, the Bose QuietComfort 25 is the headset to opt for because of the noise-cancelling technology that prevents any external sound from reaching your ears while gaming. Even when you turn off noise-cancelling, the closed-back design reduces the background ambient sounds.
Although Bose has released a newer model -the QuietComfort 35- the QuietComfort 25 is a better bargain for those who prefer wired headphones. Moreover, the difference in price between the two models isn’t consistent with the difference in performance, so you can use the money for another gaming accessory instead.
Another feature that might make you opt for this headset is its compatibility with different gaming platforms, let alone mobile phones. And to top it all, you can use the headset for both gaming and listening to music with strong bass and a crispy sound across different frequencies.
Settling for this headset guarantees comfort and stability in sound quality. Because it allows you to stay concentrated during the game, it’s an excellent option for hardcore gamers who want to use the PSVR in combination with a good headset to build themselves a realistic gaming environment.
Pros:
- Outstanding noise isolation
- Affordable
- Can be used for gaming and listening to music
Cons:
- Doesn’t support wireless connectivity
Bottom Line
Although Bose is continuously producing new models, they didn’t stop producing QuietComfort 25 because, for some gamers that spend so much on getting a PSVR, this headset is quite a catch.
Find Bose QuietComfort 25 featured in:
6. Turtle Beach Stealth 350VR – Most Affordable
As the name implies, the Turtle Beach Stealth 350VR was designed to offer a realistic gaming experience with an implemented Bass Boost technology that adds more depth to the game sound. Although the headset’s sound quality is no less than that provided by many premium models, it’s a budget-friendly headset.
You’d expect an average microphone at such a modest price, but surprisingly, the mic supports noise-cancelling to eliminate any background disturbances and provide clear in-game chatting.
Additionally, it utilizes a Mic Monitoring technology that enables users to hear their own voice while gaming. It’s detachable, so if you’re into solo gaming or looking for a more professional set up, these headphones won’t restrict you.
The Stealth 350VR has thick padding over the headband that makes it quite comfortable, and the ergonomic design matches that of the PSVR with easy controls that don’t require connecting to an application.
Despite being a VR headset, it’s compatible with other gaming consoles, including PS4, PS4 Pro, HTC Vive, and Oculus Rift. It comes with all the necessary cables to connect to the previously mentioned platforms, which adds even more value to the money you pay.
Pros:
- Beautiful design
- Low price
- Bass Boost technology enhances the sound quality
- Mic Monitoring to avoid shouting during games
- The microphone features noise cancellation
Cons:
- Average performance
Bottom Line
Turtle Beach Stealth 350VR is a headset for occasional PSVR users that need a headset to use when they go over to their friends’ place or for week-to-week gaming, but nothing too extreme.
Why Use Headphones for PSVR Instead of Earphones?
Choosing a sound device remains a matter of personal preference, but that doesn’t contradict the fact that headphones are much better when it comes to a realistic experience.
To begin with, the quality of the earphones can’t compete with that of headphones. This is mainly because the drive’s size has a significant impact on the sound quality in terms of amplification and clarity.
Also, whereas headphones distribute the sound all over your ears, earphones produce the sound right into your ears, allowing some background noise to find a way into your ears.
That said, headphones can offer a much more immersive experience that corresponds to that provided by the PSVR.
How to Pick Headphones for PSVR?
Wired vs. Wireless
Wireless headphones are becoming more popular every day, and because they’re more practical than their wired counterparts, a lot of people gave up on their old wired headsets.
Despite the vast improvements of the wireless headset’s sound quality, they still can’t put up with the capabilities of the wired ones in many circumstances, including VR simulation and 3D audio experience, so it’s still better to stick to the traditional wired headphones.
Nevertheless, if you’re a huge fan of wireless headphones, maybe you can opt for a headset that features both types of connections and alternate between them according to the situation.
Design
Headphones come in 2 styles: over-ear and on-ear. Physically, these cover different portions of your head with the over-ear headsets covering a halo around your ears.
Sound-wise, they offer nearly the same experience, but the over-ear design has a single advantage over its counterpart when it comes to blocking the outside sound, and since many brands offer both designs from each model, it’s preferable to go with the over-ear versions, especially that both designs mostly have the same budget.
Sound Quality
The whole point of using a headset with your PSVR is to get a high-end sound experience with some superiorities over the headphones built inside the PSVR. So, unless you’re on a tight budget, why not have a major improvement, instead of settling for a slight one.
Technologies like 71.surround sound and 3D audio will enhance your gaming performance and contribute to a more realistic experience. Keep in mind that open-back headsets, like Sennheiser GAME ONE, offer a natural sound, but they allow some noise to reach your ears, so they’re only suitable for gaming in a quiet environment.
Sound Cancellation
One of the essentials of having a good gaming session is to create a quiet atmosphere that allows you to concentrate and keep your head in the game. Sound cancellation is the key to obtaining this level of immersion, especially if you live in a noisy environment, or you’re usually distracted by frequent side-talks.
Another thing that should be mentioned is that the earcups’ material helps passively cancel some of the surrounding noise. It can be a little tricky, though, because some of the headsets feature leather ear cuff covers that are ideal for passive noise cancellation, but the sound might feel a bit unnatural.
On the other side, if you go for a different material, you won’t get the same result in terms of isolation; however, you’d be saving the sound neutrality. Between this and that, you should find the perfect mix that keeps you satisfied.
Weight
A PSVR is a bit heavy, so it’s best to choose a lightweight headset that doesn’t make things worse. Although it’s not a significant factor and of course, the priority goes to other factors like the sound quality and the price. Anyhow, it’s still a factor to consider, especially for those who spent many hours using the PSVR and those who usually suffer from tremendous headaches after long gaming sessions.
Microphone
In-game chat is one of the things you can’t ignore, especially when it comes to multiplayer games. Accordingly, you should always think about the quality of the microphone that comes with the headset.
Do you stream? Is the microphone detachable? Would you be able to replace it or use or use an external microphone instead? On the other hand, if you’re more into solo games, there’s no need to go an extra mile to look for a decent microphone; a standard built-in pinhole microphone would be more than enough.
Wires and Ports
Are you looking for headphones for PSVR only? Or are you planning to use them with other platforms as well? As mentioned earlier, the wired headsets are more reliable while gaming, but if you’re only using the headset for PSVR, how long should the wire be? I mean, you wear both devices on your head, so a shorter cord will be more convenient.
Meanwhile, if you need the headset for multiple purposes, it’s better to get a variety of swappable cables and use each in its right place. An alternative option would be to invest in a couple of external cables that are compatible with your headset of choice so as not to be restricted or contrarily, get tangled while gaming.
The same goes for the ports that the headset features; it’s all a matter of matching your connectivity needs to the headset you’ll purchase, keeping in mind that the more ports you have, the better the headphones’ accessibility will be, with the Bluetooth connection on the side.
Final Thoughts
The virtual reality experience is amusing, but it can be even more satisfying when combined with high-quality gaming headsets. There are many VR models on the market, but they don’t offer the same performance.
The Sony PlayStation Gold Wireless is a decent headset with above-average performance and a reasonable price. It’s a little disappointing that it’s only compatible with PS4, but it’s certainly a good choice if you don’t use any other gaming platform.
If you have a higher budget, the Sony PlayStation Platinum would be a better choice thanks to the 3D audio technology that will take your games to a whole new level.
Lastly, we recommend the Bose QuietComfort 25 for game rs looking for a versatile option to use with a variety of gaming consoles, including their mobile phones. The headset offers the best noise-cancelling capabilities on the list, and you can use it for listening to music as well.
With all that being said, it shouldn’t be hard to find the best headphones for PSVR; at the end of the day, the choice is yours. However, each of the headsets on our list can excel in certain aspects; you simply have to decide which of these aspects matter to you the most.