Best USB Headset for 2022

USB headsets have become a ubiquitous accessory for gamers, but that doesn’t mean that’s the only thing they’re useful for. Whether you’re looking for a hands free way to talk during your daily commute or a way to field all of your conference calls at the office while keeping your hands free and not disturbing your cubicle neighbors, a USB headset offers a reliable and savvy way to make the most of your time. That doesn’t mean you should just pick up the first USB headset you find on the shelf.

Our guide will point you towards 10 of the best USB headset models available at the end of 2022, and we’ll provide you with useful shopping advice that can help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

The 10 Best USB Headsets

Design	Computing	Retailer
	Logitech USB Headset H390	Check Price
	Jabra Evolve 40 UC Stereo USB Headset	Check Price
	iMicro Im320 USB Headset	Check Price
	Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000 Headset	Check Price
	Plantronics Blackwire 3210 USB-A Headset	Check Price
	HyperX Cloud Revolver S USB Headset	Check Price
	Mpow 071 USB Headset	Check Price
	Razer Kraken Kitty RGB USB Gaming Headset	Check Price
	Cyber Acoustics Mono USB Headset	Check Price
	Plantronics Blackwire C5220 Headset	Check Price

USB Headset Buyer’s Guide

Whether you’re looking to buy a headset for gaming, for work, or as a means to take calls on your daily commute, the fundamental features and specs you should pay attention to aren’t going to change all that much. But there are some features that will benefit some applications more than others, and we’re here to help you understand what constitutes the best USB headset for your specific needs. Keep reading to learn more about the fundamentals and develop the skills you need to shop for a USB headset like a pro.

Compatibility

The first question to ask yourself (as well as the easiest one to answer) is whether or not the headset you’re looking at will work with your computer. Not all headset models will work with every version of every operating system. Sometimes that’s due to proprietary standards. Microsoft naturally doesn’t want people using their USB headset on a Mac computer, and Apple is similarly territorial about the hardware that they bring to market. But sometimes, the compatibility of a headset with your device is a matter of the tech built-in.

Don’t just look for compatibility with the operating system in general. Make sure that the headset you’re looking for is compatible with your version of the operating system. For most cheaper headset models in the $20 price range, this shouldn’t be a big deal, but if you want access to features like surround sound, you may want to pay closer attention to the specs. The Razer Kraken Kitty gaming headset, for instance, will work with a wide variety of different operating systems, but it can only employ THX 7.1 Surround Sound with Windows 10. That exclusion might not make it worth the $150 price tag for some users, since it’s arguably the best feature that this headset offers.

Intended Use

Before you go out and purchase a USB headset, you need to ask yourself what you’ll be using it for. Models that are designed to be used as part of the workplace experience tend to prioritize compatibility with voice chat applications, so that you can get access to the important VoIP functionalities it takes to run a modern business, and the more straightforward approach to their design means that they tend to be relatively inexpensive.

Headphones gaming enthusiasts should use cost more but tend to deliver a more luxurious experience. Features like surround sound and compatibility with Discord aren’t going to be much value at all towards professionals looking for a USB headset, but they’re the best choices if you want a gaming headset or something for listening to music. We’ll get into the specifics of those features and specs below, but we recommend that you consider what you’ll be using your USB headset for so you can zero in on the factors that you should be paying the most attention to for the ideal experience at the best price.

Microphone Quality

When looking at microphone quality, there’s one factor to consider above all else: whether or not it’s a noise-canceling microphone with sound isolation. That’s something that we made a necessity for every brand of USB headset that we included on our list, but it’s something you should pay close attention to when you’re shopping for a USB headset that’s not on our list.

A unidirectional model offers higher mic quality because it only picks up the sound that’s broadcast directly into it. That means that you don’t have to worry about background noise or feedback sabotaging your experience. And while it’s one of the features most important when you’re working in a busy office, it’s also one of the best features to pay attention to when looking at a USB gaming headset.

Another factor to consider when looking for microphones is whether or not the headset allows you to adjust the mic. This is known as a boom mic, and it’s one of the best options if you plan on alternating between using your headset as headphones. If you want to listen to music with high audio quality or alternate between single and multiplayer games without sacrificing how comfortable to wear it is, a boom mic is an essential. It reduces the risk of projecting sound from your mouth when you don’t want to, and it can help you when you’re juggling calls while also talking to people in the same room.

Sound Quality

Most inexpensive headsets are going to come with basic stereo sound, although a rare few of the cheaper models rely solely on mono sound. What’s the difference? Stereo sound projects the sound through two channels, and that allows for a greater sense of fidelity. If you’re just using your headset for making basic phone calls, mono sound should be just fine, but the price differences are small enough that we suggest you make a jump towards stereo sound.

You may want to aim for a higher audio quality if you really want to immerse yourself in your favorite games, movies, or music. Many of the more expensive USB headsets come with some variation of 7 channel surround sound. While this won’t deliver the full surround sound experience that you’d get by setting up a series of connected speakers into your living room, they do create a greater sense of depth of sound that creates a strong sound stage and lets you feel like you’re in the midst of the experience you’re trying to relive.

Frequency Response

Frequency response is something that comes up a lot when we discuss headphones, but it’s still relatively important when looking for a headset. The frequency response refers to the range of sound that headphones can deliver. Lower numbers refer to the level of bass reproduction, while higher numbers typify the higher registers extending into trebles. The human register for the frequency response range is between 20 and 20,000 Hz, but having a range that goes outside these parameters can deliver a richer sound quality for everything within that audible sound register.

Is frequency response going to be that important if you just wear your headset to make business or personal calls? Not really. Even USB headsets that don’t cover the full frequency response range are going to be capable of delivering other voices and traditional sound without distortion or difficulty. But if you’re looking for a headset for gaming, music, or movies, you’ll want a device that offers a wider range. Explosions, high pitched noises, and every other sound on the register will sound richer, and while it won’t help you too much when trying to communicate with your teammates over your mic, it can dramatically impact how immersed you are in the experience.

Driver Size

When we talk about drivers, we’re referring to the small speakers that are packed into each ear cup, and the quality and size of these drivers can have a pretty dramatic impact on sound performance. For casual and business users, the driver size likely won’t be that big of a deal. Unless you’re in a very loud environment, any driver should deliver clear enough performance for calls.

But if you want the best sound performance possible for gaming or films, you should keep an eye out for a higher rating driver. A larger driver can deliver louder sound, and they also tend to offer crisper and cleaner audio fidelity. That said, the driver size isn’t the be all and end all of sound quality. While you should pay attention to driver size when looking for the best headset to wear, you’ll get more value by reading Amazon and professional reviews to get a more detailed analysis of the sound quality.

Connectivity

Obviously, all of the headsets on our list are going to come with USB connections. USB comes with a number of advantages that include the ability to deliver higher sound quality without the need to rely on the connected device’s sound card and a lack of feedback, but there’s something to be said for the advantages that come from a 3.5 mm connector too. These make it easy to connect your mic and headset to other devices like phones and gaming controllers, although the sound reproduction tends to be less high fidelity through a 3.5 mm connection. But if you want to regularly swap between different devices, getting a model with both USB and aux inputs is a good idea.

You may have noticed that we haven’t included any wireless headsets on our list. While there are a lot of wireless models that use USB connectors, we considered that outside our purview for our list. If you do decide you want a wireless model, you can always check out our guide to the best wireless gaming headsets of 2022.

Durability

If you want to invest in a quality headset, you should look for one that you can wear for a long time. That’s where build quality comes in. Cheap plastic headsets are a dime a dozen, but you could end up spending more money in the long term by having to replace them every few months. By contrast, getting a headset made out of aluminum, steel, or carbon fiber is a great way to ensure that your headset will last for years. For that reason, we suggest that if you have the money to do so, be willing to invest a little more for the sake of long term finances.

Noise Cancelling Functionality

We’ve already talked about the advantage of noise cancelling technology built into mic models when making calls, but noise cancelling can apply to the ear pads as well. While you want to make sure that the people on the other end of your calls can hear you, you also want to ensure that the noise around you doesn’t affect your ability to hear calls.

Active noise cancelling features are popular among people who like to wear more advanced headphones, but they tend to be significantly less common in headsets. ANC works by creating signals that counterbalance background noise and filter it out of what you hear. But just because it’s hard to find ANC headsets doesn’t mean that you can’t find models with passive noise cancelling functionality. You’ll want to wear thicker ear pads that cover the entire ear completely. While they may not make use of any advanced technology, they do create a seal around your ears that will drown out everything but the people on the other end of your calls.

Price

How much can you expect to pay for headsets? That will vary some, but there are some standards you can look for. Entry level, feature light headsets typically cost around $20 or less with more advanced professional models approaching $100. If you want a top of the line gaming headset, expect to pay somewhere in the range of $150 to $250.

Comfort

The best mic quality and features in the world are only going to be a small relief if your headset isn’t comfortable to wear. But what’s comfortable for you has a lot to do with your personal sensibilities. Ask yourself if you prefer a lighter headset with just one cup or a heavier one that offers a lot of padding and full coverage of your ears. Memory foam is common in headsets, and it’s usually supplemented by heat reducing materials that keep the thick cups from smothering your ears too much. Leatherette is usually the best material for the exterior of the headphones, but in any case, you want to find materials that conform to the shape of your ears and also sport a breathable surface.

It’s just as important to pay attention to how the headband is designed. Some users prefer a snug fit, and that’s a great way to help minimize the presence of background sound, but it also creates an uncomfortable sensation for a lot of consumers. This is a situation where finding what works for you could require some trial and error, so we highly suggest that you take the time to try on some models so that you can find what suits your sense of style.

Weight and Size

It’s natural that a more lightweight headset is going to feel more comfortable over your ears, and that’s an especially important factor to pay attention to when you’re looking at a model that you can wear for long gaming sessions or for an entire workday. While a few of the more serious gaming headsets can weigh a few pounds, the more lightweight models typically just weigh a few ounces. That said, lightweight models also tend to be lighter on features, so you may have to make the sacrifice of a weightier model if you want a headset packed with the latest tech.

The dimensions are something else you should pay attention to. How bulky is the headset, and will it be easy to carry with you? Larger headsets can be uncomfortable, while smaller headsets might not fit you right if you have a larger head. We recommend that you take the time to try some models on so you can get a feel for the type of headset that’s well suited to you. A smaller size can also benefit you if you plan on traveling regularly with your headset. Some models can fold up or come with a carrying case, making them a great choice for taking with you on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are USB Headsets Better?

USB headsets have a couple of major advantages over headsets that use a more traditional 3.5 mm aux connection. The primary advantage is that they include their own digital to analog converter (DAC). In practical terms, that means higher sound quality that doesn’t rely on the sometimes underwhelming sound card of your computer or other device as well as a lower risk of feedback. It also allows you to multitask by playing music or video sound through your computer’s speaker and employing a separate sound channel through your headphones.

What is the Best USB Headset for VOIP?

If you want a headset that’s almost guaranteed to work with any voice over IP platform you can imagine, we can’t recommend the Jabra Evolve 40 enough. It’s been tested meticulously to work with major services like Skype as well as a huge variety of lesser known and more specialized VOIP services. If you’re looking to make IP calls without having to worry about compatibility, we think it’s the best model, and it’s available for a very affordable price.

Which HyperX Headset is the Best?

HyperX sits alongside Razer and SteelSeries as a top brand for gamers looking for the best headset, but he Cloud Revolver S is our standout winner among the products HyperX produces. The Cloud Revolver S headset is comfortable to wear, and it sits comfortably in the middle of the price points for HyperX mic headphones. The powerful drivers, compatibility with Discord, and ear pads reinforced with memory foam ensures that the Cloud Revolver S provides the customer with an all around stellar experience without costing a fortune.

What is the Best Gaming Headset of 2022?

The Razer Kraken Kitty is our pick for the best USB headsets of 2022. The Razer Kraken’s THX Spatial tech offers some of the best surround sound performance we’ve found on the market, and the ear cups feel very comfortable. There are also a ton of cool features like the ability to handle emotes directly through the compatible app. And if the RGB enabled cat ears on the Razer Kraken are a little too flamboyant for you, there are a few more traditional variants of the same headphones available that deliver the same quality surround sound performance.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for basic USB headsets you can make calls with, a lightweight model that can provide you with clear sound performance and comfortable ear pads during long gaming sessions, or a simple pair of headphones that you can also use to make personal calls, we’re sure there’s a device here that you’ll love to add to your collection. We hope you find a solid match that you’ll enjoy, and we hope you’ll continue to use ISITRATED.com when you’re trying to search for great deals. We guarantee you we’ll put in the effort to offer you only the best product reviews and guides.

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