Should you switch from gaming headsets to gaming earbuds? I did and I'll tell you what you need to pay attention to.
A year ago, I put my gaming headset in the closet and switched to gaming headphones. Actually, this was meant to be just an experiment because I had tested two models at the time. It's been a year now and my gaming headphones are still waiting to be used.
Although larger headphones have obvious advantages, I'll stick with earbuds in the long run. There are good reasons for that.
Why I prefer gaming headsets
Portability: For someone like me who loves to play portable gaming consoles, the small earbuds are perfect. When I travel, it’s much easier to take a pair of earbuds with me than a full-fledged gaming headset. With the Sony Inzone Buds, you can also store the USB-C receiver in the charging case.
The small size also takes up less space on my desk because there is no need for a headphone stand.
You can easily slip gaming headsets into your pocket. The headset shown here, the Corsair Virtuoso Pro, still requires a case for safe transportation.
Wearing comfort: I wear glasses and after a few hours of gaming I notice unpleasant pressure points on all gaming headsets. I also sometimes find that the pressure on my jawbone is too strong on some models – although this only becomes noticeable after a few hours.
These problems simply don’t exist with gaming headsets. The small in-ear headphones simply plug into your ears and that’s it. If I also want to have one ear free, it’s much easier and more comfortable with earbuds than with gaming headsets.
My ears stay free with the headphones on. Plus, my glasses don't cause any annoying pressure points.
Heat evolution: I don't like wearing headphones in the summer because my ears always get too warm underneath them – even with open-back headphones. Gaming headphones don't have that problem, which is why they're my go-to choice in the summer.
What do gaming headsets do best?
All of the reasons for choosing earbuds have one thing in common: comfort. Although my gaming headset hasn’t left the closet for a long time, I can’t deny that it has clear advantages, which is why I won’t give it up.
Of course, gaming headsets can also look really stylish on a stand. The Corsair Virtuoso Pro is pictured here.
Better sound quality and surround sound: Gaming headsets typically come with larger drivers that can deliver better sound quality and more intense bass. Many gaming headsets also offer surround sound technology, allowing for more precise localization of in-game sounds and providing greater immersion. Additionally, open-back headsets naturally provide a larger soundstage.
There are now in-ear technologies that are supposed to provide immersive sound thanks to head tracking, though I still prefer the surround sound of headphones. It sounds a bit more natural.
Significantly longer battery life: The small earbuds can only accommodate small batteries. Most devices last about eight to ten hours before needing to be recharged. The charging case usually provides an extra charge or two. For me, that’s generally enough, but if you’re a streamer or e-sports fan, for example, charging too often can get on your nerves.
On the other hand, there are gaming headsets like the HyperX Cloud Alpha with an incredible battery life of up to 300 hours.
HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless with up to 300 hours of battery life.
Better comfort for sensitive ear canals: There are quite a few people who are allergic to headphones. This can cause itching in the ear canals or an uncomfortable feeling of pressure in them. Gaming headphones leave your ear canal free and can be more comfortable for you.
My recommendation
I recommend gaming headphones if…
- …You're looking for a portable alternative to gaming headsets.
- …you wear glasses or find headphones uncomfortable for other reasons.
- …you find the heat from over-ear headphones annoying – especially in the summer.
On the other hand, a gaming headset is the better choice if…
- …its focus is on sound quality and immersion.
- …long battery life is important to you with wireless headphones
- …in-ear headphones feel uncomfortable.
What about the sound quality and additional features? It all depends on the model – whether it’s a headset or earbuds. The Sony Inzone Buds have a pretty good microphone, effective noise cancellation, and a nice transparency mode. The Redmagic Cyberbuds, on the other hand, don’t have the best microphone, but they do have a handy docking station with volume control. So, as with gaming headsets, there are big differences.
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