What Is a Noise-Cancellation Headset?

A noise-cancellation headset is a type of headphone that reduces unwanted ambient sounds using active noise control technology. It uses microphones and speakers to analyze the surrounding noise and create opposite sound waves to neutralize the background noise. This way, it can reduce the background noise and make the audio sound clearer.

How Does a Noise-Cancellation Headset Work?

Noise-cancellation headsets work using a process called active noise cancellation (ANC). They use microphones to detect external and internal sounds. An ANC chipset then inverts these soundwaves, and a speaker in the headset emits this inverted sound. This creates a phenomenon known as destructive interference, where two opposing sound waves cancel each other out, reducing or eliminating the perceived noise. However, they might not block out all sounds – higher-pitched noises like voices or sirens may still be heard, albeit at a reduced volume. While beneficial, these headsets have potential downsides such as cost, complexity of use, and potential for distractions.

Why Do Gamers Need Noise-Cancelling Headsets?

Gamers use noise-cancelling headsets for several reasons.

Immersive Experience: Noise-cancelling headsets block out ambient noise, fully immersing gamers in the gaming environment. 

Enhanced Focus: By eliminating background noise, these headsets enable gamers to concentrate better on their game. 

Clear Communication: In multiplayer games, communication between team members is essential for strategizing and coordinating. Noise-cancelling technology ensures that teammates hear the player’s voice without any background noise interference.

Comfort: Most noise-cancelling headsets come with padded ear cups that provide comfort during long gaming sessions. They also reduce the strain on ears caused by loud volumes, thus protecting gamers’ hearing health over time.

Personal Space: For gamers sharing their space with others, noise-cancelling headsets offer a sense of personal space and privacy. The gamer can play without disturbing others; external noises don’t disturb the gamer.

How to Choose Your Noise-Cancelling Gaming Headset

When choosing a noise-cancelling headset, consider the following features.

Noise-Cancelling Capability: Check the main feature, which is the ability of the technology to obstruct background noise. 

Sound Quality: A high-quality headset provides clear highs, rich mids, and strong bass. Added features like virtual surround sound enhance gaming experiences by improving spatial awareness and sound direction precision.

Comfort and Fit: Ensure your headset is comfortable and well-fitted for enjoyable gaming. A poor fit can lead to ear fatigue and frequent adjustments, disrupting your experience.

Customization and Controls: Some gaming headsets have additional features like customizable EQ settings, LED lighting, and programmable buttons. Consider whether these extra features align with your preferences.

Software Support: Check if the gaming headset has dedicated software that allows you to tweak settings, update firmware, or create custom sound profiles. Having software support can enhance the overall functionality and personalization of the headset.

Noise Isolation vs. Noise Cancellation: While noise-cancelling headsets are excellent at reducing external sounds, noise-isolation headsets simply block outside noise by creating a physical barrier with their design. Consider which type aligns better with your preferences and gaming environment.

Warranty and Customer Support: Look for headsets with a good warranty and reliable customer support. This ensures you’re covered for any manufacturing defects or issues with the product.

Try Before Buying (If Possible): Try the headset before purchasing it. This lets you assess its comfort, audio quality, and noise-cancelling capabilities firsthand, ensuring it meets your expectations.

Battery Charging Time (Wireless): Check the charging time required for wireless headsets to reach a full battery. Some headsets support fast charging, which can be beneficial if you quickly top up the battery before a gaming session.

Test the Noise-Cancelling Feature: Test the noise-cancelling feature in various environments, such as a noisy room or crowded area. This will give you a better understanding of how well the headset performs in real-world scenarios.

Noise Isolation or Noise-cancellation

Noise Isolation and Noise Cancellation are two different techniques used in headphones and earbuds to diffuse external sounds.

Noise Isolation, or passive noise control, uses physical barriers to block out sound waves, such as earbuds or earpads, to isolate the sound. Hence, it does not employ electronic techniques of soundproofing.

On the other hand, Noise cancellation, also known as Active Noise Control (ANC), is a technology that reduces unwanted sound by creating an “anti-noise” signal. This method is often used in headphones and earphones to provide a more immersive sound experience.

Here’s how it works: 

The noise cancellation technology uses microphones to capture the ambient noise around you. This noise is then processed to create a sound wave that is the exact negative (or opposite) of the captured noise.

When these two sound waves intersect, they effectively negate each other, hence giving rise to the term “noise cancellation.” 

This process significantly reduces the ambient noise the listener hears, thus creating a more focused and immersive audio experience.

The effectiveness of noise cancellation varies with different types of sounds. It’s particularly good at reducing low-frequency, constant noises such as the hum of an airplane engine or the drone of a fan or air conditioner. However, it may be less effective against sudden, high-frequency noises like car horns or shouting.

Top Noise-Cancelling Gaming Headsets in the Market

Check out the top brands of noise-cancelling headsets for gamers today.

Bose QuietComfort® 35 II

Noise-cancelling headphones give users or players the best sound quality and comfort for up to 20 hours of battery life. Their advanced active noise reduction technology blocks out up to 20db external sounds so that you can enjoy your music without any distractions. It has Bluetooth Connectivity and an integrated Alexa voice assistant. Volume Optimized EQ settings automatically adjust audio levels for a more balanced listening experience.  

JBL Quantum ONE

Is built to give superior audio technology and a richer soundscape. Made to fit comfort and style with its adjustable ear cups to ensure an optimal fit with an integrated voice assistant that lets the user connect to gaming to their gaming communities through voice chat.

Razer Opus X

With its large 50mm driver, the Razer Opus X ensures a powerful audio experience for immersive enjoyment. Its lightweight design guarantees comfort, while the customizable RGB lighting matches your personal style. It offers easy storage and portability due to its removable microphone.

Turtle Beach Stealth 600

Gives crystal clear sound, and its comfortable design makes it an ideal headset. Its impressive  Stealth 600  audio performance features a mic monitoring system that allows you to hear your voice in real time and adjust your volume. The headset works with many devices like PC, Xbox, or PlayStation.

Audeze Maxwell Wireless Planar

Magnetic Headphones use the advanced magnetic driver system for its superior sound clarity and dynamic range. It offers comfort fit to users with its adjustable earcups and 3D-printed metal grilles for added cushion. Its impressive battery life allows up to 20 hours, and Bluetooth 5.0 and NFC pairing offer easy connection. 

Razer BlackShark V2

Offers comfortable ear cushioning, clear sound quality, noise-cancelling, and an adjustable microphone. It has a 3.5mm audio jack and a modern design. It offers many options for compatibility with multiple devices.

Logitech G430

Is a budget gaming headset with excellent sound quality, a noise-cancelling microphone, 7.1 surround sound, and plush ear cushions.

HyperX Cloud Flight Wireless Gaming Headset

Offers wireless freedom, long battery life, an adjustable microphone, a noise-cancelling microphone, and a comfortable design for long gaming sessions, compatible with multiple devices.

The Corsair HS55 Stereo

Gaming headset delivers superior audio quality and comfort. It offers wide cross-platform compatibility for the gaming world or communication. People need its detachable microphone and adjustable ear cup in terms of portability. It has 7.1 surround sound capabilities, and memory foam cushions combine to provide immersive sound and offer an affordable, high-quality gaming experience.

Top Choices For Gaming Headsets With Good Microphones

Gaming headsets with good microphones enhance audio quality and enjoyment. Here are our top choices.

EPOS H3PRO Hybrid

Offers flexibility in connecting multiple devices, allowing for data access and adaptability to specific needs. This allows for more flexibility in using EPOS H3PRO Hybrid, allowing it to adapt to your specific needs.

The Cors Virtuoso Wireless SE RGB

Gaming headset has 50mm neodymium drivers, 7.1 virtual surround sound, and up to 20 hours of battery life. The ear pads are made to fit for comfort for every user.

SteelSeries Arctis Pro

Gaming headset gives exceptional sound quality, dual-microphone setup, and compatibility with PC and console setups.

Turtle Beach Elite Pro 2 Tournament Gaming Headset

Features noise-canceling microphone, comfortable fit, and clear communication for clear matches.

Logitech G Pro X Gaming Headset

Uses premium materials, 7.1 surround sound, noise-cancelling microphone, clear team chat, and a comfortable fit.

HyperX Cloud Alpha S Gaming Headset

Features dual-chamber technology, customizable RGB lighting, 7.1 surround sound, noise-cancelling mic, and immersive gaming.

Razer Nari Ultimate Wireless Gaming Headset

Features THX Spatial Audio, noise-cancelling microphone, adjustable haptic feedback, and up to 8-hour battery life for immersive gaming.

FAQS About Noise-Cancelling Gaming Headsets

Are noise-cancelling gaming headsets worth investing in?

Yes, players can enhance the gaming experience by providing clear audio, eliminating distractions, and improving in-game communication. 

What are the types of noise-cancellation technologies?

The two major types of noise-cancellation technologies are passive and active. The passive type of noise cancellation uses physical barriers to block out external sounds (e.g., dense materials or ear cups that cover your entire ear), while active noise cancellation uses advanced electronics to analyze and cancel out sound waves.

Can I use noise-cancelling gaming headsets for other activities?

Absolutely! Noise-cancelling gaming headsets are not just for players. They also offer better audio entertainment experiences such as listening to music, watching movies, or participating in online meetings. This is because they offer high-quality sound and can block out distracting background noise in any situation.

Do noise-cancelling headsets completely eliminate all background noise?

While noise-cancelling technology significantly reduces background noise, it does not completely eliminate all sounds. It’s particularly effective at reducing constant low-frequency sounds like the hum of a fan or air conditioner, but it might be less effective against sudden, high-frequency sounds like car horns or shouting voices.

Are there any downsides to noise-cancelling gaming headsets?

Some potential downsides include a higher cost than regular headsets, a possible need for batteries or charging (for active noise cancellation), and some people may experience a slight pressure sensation in their ears when using them.

Which brands make the best noise-cancelling gaming headsets?

Several brands produce high-quality noise-cancelling gaming headsets, including Sony, Bose, HyperX, Logitech, and SteelSeries. The “best” one largely depends on individual preferences regarding comfort, sound quality, price, and specific gaming needs.