When it comes to gaming audio, whether you prefer to rock a pair of earbuds or join the headset guild depends on how and where you play. Earbuds offer the flexibility of portability, a customizable touch control and a low-profile that can hide away in your pocket while you game. Headphones, on the other hand, give gamers a premium over-the-ear fit and comfort, surround sound that helps to immerse you in your gaming experience and, often, support two-way communication. Both types of headphones have stellar stats but it’s up to you which is right for your needs.
The question of whether to choose a gaming headset or opt for a pair of earbuds that have microphone capabilities is one many gamers grapple with, especially as a growing number of high-quality gaming earbuds come on the market that are competing with the comfort and performance of more traditional gaming headsets. Some of these include the HyperX Cloud earbuds which have a very comfortable over-the-ear design that allows you to adjust the size of the earpieces to match your ears while keeping noise out and providing excellent latency that makes them suitable for even multi-hour gaming sessions.
Other earbuds with mic capability such as the Razer Seiren Elite are more compact and fit neatly into your ears without putting pressure on them. They’re also very lightweight and come with a handy carry case that can be charged up and used to store additional sets of earbuds when you’re not using them. This is a great feature that helps to make these earbuds suitable for portable use when you’re travelling and can save you money over buying separate headsets for different occasions.
Another thing that separates earbuds from headsets is the ability to have open-back headphones that allow air in and out to keep your ears cool. This can be especially important if you live in a warm environment or enjoy long gaming sessions because wearing closed-back headphones can lead to sweaty ears and discomfort over time.
While earbuds don’t have the same sound quality as top-of-the-line headsets, they’re an affordable and portable option that many gamers find suitable for their needs. If you don’t require the comfort or performance of a headset but need to communicate with teammates and friends, earbuds with a mic are an ideal solution that will provide an enjoyable experience while saving you some money. The fact that they’re more portable and can be used for a wider range of activities means you’ll get far more use out of them than the best gaming headsets, which will rarely see regular use outside of your gaming sessions.