Gaming headsets are gaining popularity these few years thanks to the rise of battle royale games like PUBG, Fornite and COD: Warzone. Competitive gamers wanted better team communications and also the ability to locate enemies with surround sound on the headphones.
Apart from good audio quality, gaming headsets must also have crystal clear microphones. This makes them slightly different from what makes good headphones for entertainment.
After comparing more than 40 different models, I have chosen these top 10 gaming headsets in Malaysia.
- Best Wired Gaming Headset Under RM1000: Astro A40 TR Headset
- Best Wireless Gaming Headset: Logitech G Pro X Wireless
- Best Gaming Headset With Good Mic: Steelseries Arctis 5
- Best Gaming Headset With Good Noise Isolation: Razer BlackShark V2
- Best Multi-Platform Gaming Headset: HyperX Cloud Alpha
- Best Budget Virtual Surround Sound Headset: Corsair HS60 Pro Surround
- Best Value Gaming Headset: HyperX Cloud Stinger
- Best Gaming Headset Under RM150: Tronsmart Alpha
- Best Cheap Gaming Headset: Mpow EG10
- Best Selling Gaming Headset on Shopee: Plextone G800
Comparing the 10 best gaming headsets in Malaysia.
| Model | Surround | Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Astro A40 TR Headset | Dolby Digital Surround Sound | No |
| Logitech G Pro X Wireless | DTS HEADPHONE:X 2.0 | Yes |
| Steelseries Arctis 5 | DTS HEADPHONE:X 2.0 | No |
| Razer BlackShark V2 | THX Spatial Audio: 7.1. Surround Sound | Yes |
| HyperX Cloud Alpha | Virtual 7.1 surround sound | No |
| Corsair HS60 Pro Surround | Virtual 7.1 surround sound | No |
| HyperX Cloud Stinger | Stereo | No |
| Tronsmart Alpha | Stereo | No |
| Mpow GE10 | Stereo | No |
| Plextone G800 | Stereo | No |
Best Wired Gaming Headset Under RM1,000
Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro
Astro A40 TR Headset features:
- Astro Audio V2
- Astro Command Center Software
- Superior finish quality
- Astro MixAmp Pro
- Dolby audio ready
Reasons to buy:
- MixAmp Addon
- Great microphone
- Great audio quality
- Comfortable and solidly-built
Reasons to avoid:
- Lack noise isolation
- Wired only
Astro A40 is an over-ear, open-back gaming headset. It delivers insane sound quality. From the photo alone, I think you know why it is top of the list. There are no other gaming headsets in this list that offer a designated MixAmp add-on.
MixAmp is a little device that let you mix chat audio and game audio, as well as connecting audio from multiple devices together. You can mix console and PC audio together. And it lets you control each of the input volumes separately.
This is the reason that it is a popular headset amongst streamers. For example, PS4 gamers will use the MixAmp to integrate PS4 and PC audio together, which let them listen to both game audio from the game console as well as the Discord chat from the PC.
And also there are some gamers who prefer higher voice chat volume and lower in-play game volume. This can be easily achieved through the MixAmp too.
If you still don’t understand what it does. The Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro combo is probably too technical for you to use. You should skip this headset and check out other headsets in this article.
The sound of Astro A40 is crisp, clear and fairly good with positional audio. It lets you hear footsteps very easily. Check out the video review below.
It is comfortable enough to wear and game for long periods of time without experiencing head pains.
The Astro A40 is recommended for avid gamers who are willing to spend time learning the basics of setting up the headphones properly. It takes a bit of effort to tinker with the MixAmp and the Astro Command Center Software.
Best Wireless Gaming Headset
Logitech G Pro X Wireless Gaming Headset
Logitech G Pro X Wireless features:
- Detachable pro-grade microphone
- Next-gen 7.1 and object-based surround sound
- Soft memory foam ear-pads
- Advanced PRO G 50 millimetre drivers
- Premium USB external sound card with EQ profile storage
Reasons to buy:
- Low latency audio
- Comfortable memory foam
- Detachable boom microphone
- Sleek design
- Good noise isolation
Reasons to avoid:
- Expensive
- Not compatible with Xbox user
The Logitech G Pro X Wireless is the wireless version of the Logitech G Pro X version which received multiple awards. The headphones not only sound good, but it also looks very premium.
Both the earpads and headbands are padded with high-quality memory foam to offer maximum comfort. The headband is made of durable steel and the adjustable fork is made of flexible aluminium. Users will not feel overstrain or tired even after gaming for long hours wearing these headphones.
G Pro X Wireless uses next-gen 7.1 surround sound which let gamers hear life-like surrounding audio in-game. You can better locate your opponents’ position and play better.
The voice quality of the 6mm Blue VO!CE microphone is one of the best in the industry. With advanced noise reduction technology, your voice sounds richer and clearer in real-time.
The box also includes a premium USB external sound card. This external USB soundcard helps to process audio so that the audio is delivered more consistently and clearly.
The overall sound quality of Logitech G Pro X Wireless is awesome. It has crisp bass and enough treble. All could be customized according to your preference with the Logitech G Hub equalizer.
If you find the wireless Logitech G Pro X too expensive, check out the wired version, the original Logitech G Pro X. It costs half as much as the wireless version, so it is actually a better deal. Personally, I prefer wireless as it is more convenient.
Best Gaming Headset With Good Mic
Steelseries Arctis 5
Steelseries Arctis 5 features:
- DTS headphone’s v2.0 surround sound
- Arctic ClearCast bidirectional microphone
- Padded air weave ear cushions
- Steel reinforced headband
- Premium USB external sound card with EQ profile storage
Reasons to buy:
- Good neutral sound
- ClearCast noise-cancelling microphone
- Retractable boom
- Cushy ear cushions
Reasons to avoid:
- Less optimized for console gamers
There are reviewers who rate Steelseries Arctis 5 as the best gaming headset under $100 (about RM400). PC gamers will love the Arctis 5 headset, which features DTS surround sound technology, a bidirectional microphone, inline USB ChatMix dial and dual-zone RGB illumination.
First, the design of Arctis 5 is elegant and will not go out of style. For adjustment of headset size, Arctis uses an unconventional approach. It uses a piece of premium grade elastic fabric to contours across your head, giving you a perfect fit and optimal tension.
Steelseries Arctis 5 uses DTS Headphone:X 2.0 that delivers surround sound. The great sound performance covers subtle details and helps you to easily identify the position of enemies.
This headset has a retractable microphone that allows you to keep the entire boom inside the ear cup, giving you a normal headphone appearance.
The microphone is very clear and the noise cancellation is pretty good. It greatly reduces the noise in the background but at the same time, your voice will sound a little bit unnatural due to the post-processing of your voice.
Another unique feature of Arctis 5 is the built-in USB ChatMix Dial. The USB ChatMix Dial connects to PC or Mac via USB. It lets you control the game and chat volume separately, without having to leave the game.
This feature is so handy and useful that there are some users who buy the Arctis 5 solely for this feature alone.
Best Gaming Headset With Good Noise Isolation
Razer BlackShark V2
Razer BlackShark V2 features:
- THX 7.1 Spatial Surround
- Triforce Titanium 50mm High-End Sound Drivers
- Breathable Memory Foam
- Detachable Razer Hyperclear Cardioid Mic
- Premium USB external sound card with EQ profile storage
Reasons to buy:
- Decent audio quality for gaming and music
- Detachable microphone boom
- Clear voice
- Fully cushioned headband and earpad
- Great passive noise isolation
Reasons to avoid:
- USB sound card not compatible with Xbox
Razer Blackshark V2 gaming headset is a popular alternative to Steelseries Arctis 5. There’s a cheaper version known as Razer Blackshark V2 X. They are similar except that V2 X doesn’t come with a sound card and the boom is non-retractable.
The headset is very light, only weighs 262 grams. You can wear it for long gaming sessions without feeling uncomfortable. It has no noticeable pressure points and the clamping force is just right in my opinion.
Razer Blackshark V2 is certainly great for gaming. The THX spatial surround sound allows for distinct and accurate sound even in chaotic group fights. The mic quality is good as it can capture voice clearly without much background noise.
With the USB Sound Card and Razer Synapse 3 program, you can further tweak and enhance your audio. There are tuning features such as mic boost, voice gate, volume normalization, mic equalizer and ambient noise reduction.
The Razer Blackshark V2 sports a large oval-shaped earcup that fully encapsulates your ear. And this gives it a great passive noise isolation performance that gives you an immersive gaming experience.
Best Multi-Platform Gaming Headset
HyperX Cloud Alpha Gaming Headphone
HyperX Cloud Alpha features:
- HyperX Dual Chamber Drivers
- Triforce Titanium 50mm High-End Sound Drivers
- Memory Foam + Leatherette
- Detachable braided cable
- Compatible with PC, Mac, PS4/5, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch
Reasons to buy:
- Unique bass slider on each earcup
- Detachable noise-cancellation microphone
- Multi-platform compatibility
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited tuning features
- Stereo sound, not surround sound
The HyperX Cloud Alpha has gained praise for its comfort and awesome sound quality. The headsets are light and hold just sufficiently tight on ears. The large earcups that padded faux leather upholstery are very soft and cuddly. Users will no feel pain on the ears or head.
The audio quality of Cloud Alpha is terrific, clear, detailed and dynamic. It uses a Dual Chamber Drivers Design with one chamber for bass and another for mids and high. As such, it is able to provide more distinction between sounds and minimizes distortions.
The microphone sounds clear and crisp. It has a built-in noise cancellation feature that reduces background noise. Furthermore, it is a detachable microphone. You can just unplug it when you’re only watching a movie or listening to music.
And this HyperX gaming headset is certified by TeamSpeak and Discord. It is also compatible with many major VOIP software like Skype, Ventrilo, Mumble and more.
The braided connection wire is also detachable. This is very convenient for storage and the cable is less likely to be damaged by improper folding.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha delivers good sound quality and comfort for a decent price. This headset is one of a very few that can be worn with glasses comfortably. Also, it is so versatile that it can connect to any device with a 3.5 mm headphone jack. You can use it on a PC, a PlayStation, an Xbox or even a Nintendo Switch.
Best Budget Virtual Surround Sound Gaming Headset
Corsair HS60 Pro Surround
Corsair HS60 Pro Surround features:
- 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound
- 50mm neodymium audio drivers
- Detachable noise-cancelling unidirectional microphone
Reasons to buy:
- Virtual surround
- Great sound quality
- Above-average microphone
- Clean professional look
Reasons to avoid:
- Few complaints about it being uncomfortable
- Minor latency when connecting to USB adapter
The Corsair HS60 Pro is definitely the least gamer-ish headphone on the list. It is a decent wired gaming headset with virtual surround sound (only for PC). With its professional appearance, you can use it for video conferences too.
Memory foam is used in the earcups to ensure maximum comfort. The headphones are powered by a 50mm neodymium driver that delivers excellent audio quality. With the USB DAC and Corsair iCUE software, users can customize the equalizer setting and enable immersive 7.1 surround sound.
The detachable microphone sounds clear during in-game chat and video calls. Its noise-cancellation feature is great in blocking out surrounding noise. The mic mute button is on the left ear cup and is easy to access.
The Corsair HS60 Pro, however, receives several complaints on it being uncomfortable after prolonged use. Even so, some people find it very comfortable. When a trend or pain point is frequently mentioned, you might want to pay attention to it or try it out physically before purchasing.
Best Value Gaming Headset
HyperX Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset
HyperX Cloud Stinger features:
- 50 millimeter directional drivers
- Lightweight headset (275 gram)
- Swivel-to-mute noise-cancellation microphone
- 90-degree rotating ear cups
- Multi-platform compatibility
Reasons to buy:
- Great sound at an affordable price
- Easy to use microphone
- Lightweight
Reasons to avoid:
- Plastic build
- Bulky design
HyperX Cloud Stinger is the best value gaming headset for FPS gamers. Its highly boosted mid-tones make sure you can hear gunshots and movement in the distance when playing fast-paced games like PUBG and Warzone
The overall build of Cloud Stinger is only average and feel plasticky. The ear cups can be rotated at 90-degree. So you can comfortably hang it on your shoulder when you’re not using the headphone. It is also very lightweight at only 275 grams.
For gaming, the audio performance is impressive as it gives plenty of bass for gunshots and explosions. You can clearly hear the atmospheric music and various sound effect.
The boom mic has awesome voice quality. Voice can be heard clearly and understandably even in a noisy environment.
Despite the microphone is not detachable, you can simply mute the microphone by turning it upright against the head, which is very intuitive.
Lastly. the HyperX Cloud Stinger headset is one of the most confusing series because it has multiple versions. There are Cloud Stinger, Cloud Stinger Core, Cloud Stinger 7.1 and Cloud Stinger Core 7.1. Each of them is slightly different, so make sure you buy the correct version.
Best Gaming Headset Under RM150
Tronsmart Glary Alpha
Tronsmart Alpha features:
- 50mm driver
- 360 degrees adjustable microphone
- RGB lighting
- Multi-platform compatibility
Reasons to buy:
- Value for money
- Separate headband and padding structure
- Awesome sound with lots of details
Reasons to avoid:
- Plastic build
- None adjustable headband
- No equalizer software
These past few years, TronSmart has been releasing plenty of awesome audio equipment, like Bluetooth speakers and wireless earbuds. The Tronsmart Glary Alpha has definitely nailed it as an affordable and great gaming headset.
First, the design of the headphones is rather unconventional. Tronsmart calls it the “Flying wing head beam” design. It features a pair of separate but flexible padding so that the headphones fit accordingly to the shapes of your head.
Its sound quality sets it apart from the competition. The Alpha does not emphasize mid-tones as much as many other models do. With boosted bass and lower frequencies, the sound is full and rich with subtle details.
No matter how crowded the scene is, gamers can hear every detail. The positioning of the sound is excellent: you can hear every action from your left, right and any other directions.
The microphone quality is excellent. The sounds are clear and loud, with little background noise detected.
There is one thing I dislike about the headphones: they look overly gamer-like. I prefer a more professional looking gaming headset. And the headset is quite large, and its adjustment is solely relying on the flying wing head beam. Therefore, it might not be suitable for people with tiny or small heads.
Best Cheap Gaming Headset
Mpow EG10
Mpow EG10 features:
- 50mm driver
- Lightweight 254 g
- Flexible headband
- Multi-platform compatibility
Reasons to buy:
- Cheap
- Full and warm sound
- Great Microphone
Reasons to avoid:
- No local warranty
- Bulky
Mpow is an upcoming and very popular budget audio gear brand from China. Its wireless earbuds are often selected as the top budget pick by many expert reviewers. Their gaming headsets are similarly great for value of money.
Mpow EG10 is the best gaming headset under RM50 in Malaysia because its performance is on par with a gaming headset that cost RM100 or more.
Despite the design of Mpow EG10 is quite bulky, this headphone is only 254 grams. So, it is light on the head. The headband can be extended to fit a large head.
EG10 delivers a full and warm sound as well as a decent soundstage. You can hear plenty of details while playing games. But it is a bit weak in the department of positional audio.
The microphone is good but not the best. The voice can be heard loud and clear.
For your knowledge, Mpow EG10 was being sold at 24 USD (about RM100) on Amazon. It is definitely a steal that we can buy this gaming headset at only RM50. Do note that the warranty claim could be difficult as the seller is based in China.
Best Selling Gaming Headset on Shopee
Plextone G800
Plextone G800 features:
- 50mm rubidium, iron and boron speakers
- Lightweight 269 g
- Flexible headband material
Reasons to buy:
- Cheap
- Local vendor and warranty
Reasons to avoid:
- Short 1-month warranty
- Bulky
Plextone G800 is the best-selling gaming headset on Shopee. It receives over 1300+ ratings with an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
The headset is quite bulky and the build quality is average. But the ear pad’s opening is a bit small. There are few complaints that it doesn’t feel comfortable after wearing it for long hours.
As far as audio quality is concerned, it’s okay. There’s a decent amount of treble, good in low and mid-range frequency but lacking in bass. You can easily distinguish sound from left and right but a bit difficult to really identify the exact location of your enemy.
The microphone is good that the voice can be heard loud and clear. You can check out the video review by Monaliza PC
Despite Plextone G800 being the most popular cheap gaming headset on Shopee, I don’t recommend buying it. Mpow EG10 is better value for money as the overall performance, comfort and build quality is better. Since Plextone only offers a 1-month warranty, local or overseas sellers don’t really make much difference.
Other Gaming Headsets That I Like
Other gaming headsets which I also like but didn’t include in the top ten list. They are Razer Kraken X, Logitech G331, and Mpow Air SE.
Gaming Headset FAQ
What is the best gaming headset in 2021?
Logitech G Pro X Wireless is the overall best gaming headset. HyperX Cloud Alpha is the best value for money gaming headset.
Which gaming headset brands are the best in Malaysia?
It is best to stick with established gaming gear brands like Logitech, Razer, Steelseries and HyperX
What’s the difference between unidirectional, bidirectional and omnidirectional microphones?
Unidirectional microphones only receive sound from a single direction. Thus, less background noise. Bidirectional receive sound from front and back. Omnidirectional receives sound from every direction.
What headsets do pro gamers use PC?
Shroud, a professional Twitch streamer uses Logitech’s G Pro X Wireless Gaming Headset. It offers awesome sound quality with little latency.
Wired or wireless gaming headset better?
Wireless gaming headsets are more comfortable because there’s no cable or wire that dangling around. Wired gaming headsets are good for its low to almost zero latency.
Are gaming headsets worth it?
Yes, high-quality gaming headsets deliver life-like surround sound that lets you aware of everything happening in the game. You can detect enemies easier and react faster. Clear communication with team members is an important element of modern competitive gaming.