Headset Reviews

Updated: May 17, 2013 23:27
Brand
alaScore
Price
#1
alaScore 100

Harman-Kardon BT

While its design may not be for everyone, the Harman Kardon BT is one of the best-sounding Bluetooth headphones available.

2 expert reviews | 3 user reviews

#2
alaScore 99

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC9

A decent noise-cancelling effort from Audio Technica, but there are more effective options

6 expert reviews | 1 user reviews

#3
alaScore 98

Sennheiser PC 36 USB

Sennheiser's latest gaming headphones are undoubtedly its best. The PC 363D headset is extremely comfortable, seems well built and has all the bells and whistles a PC gamer could need.

3 expert reviews | 5 user reviews

#4
alaScore 98

Harman-Kardon Harkar-CL

For those looking for a great fit, fantastic sound, and a handsome design, we highly recommend taking the Harman/Kardon CL for a test drive.

8 expert reviews | 2 user reviews

#5
alaScore 97

Sony MDR-1RBT

Sony’s MDR-1RBT headphones sound equally good whether you’re listening wired or wirelessly. Hooking up with Bluetooth does give a bit of a bump to bass and treble, too, as well as the convenience of no cords. The convenience of NFC - if you’ve got a...

4 expert reviews | 9 user reviews

#6
alaScore 97

Jabra REVO Wireless

Through it all, the Jabra Revo Wireless has shown us that it’s serious about fending off the competition, seeing that it’s packing countless features that remarkably shows off its versatility. Not only that, the audio quality that it delivers is...

2 expert reviews

#7
alaScore 97

Plantronics Voyager Legend

The $99.99 Plantronics Voyager Legend big boom microphone isn't for the fashion conscious but its superb call audio quality and comfortable fit make it an excellent buy.

5 expert reviews | 11 user reviews

#8
alaScore 96

Jabra REVO

Despite some small flaws in sound quality and a somewhat high price, superior comfort and design help the Revo Wireless distinguish itself from its Bluetooth headphone competitors.

4 expert reviews

#9
alaScore 96

Denon AH-NCW500BKEM

Denon’s AH-NCW500 headphones, from the Globe Cruiser range, pack Bluetooth and active noise cancelling into a well-built shell. The rechargeable battery is convenient, the noise cancelling works well, and the Bluetooth adds versatility. We think the...

5 expert reviews

#10
alaScore 96

Razer Battlefield 3 Expert Blackshark Gaming Headset

The Blackshark headset looks great, but it could be better in other areas

4 expert reviews

#11
alaScore 96

NOCS NS800

We think that the Nocs NS800 Monitors are a special kind of treat for the ears. But, in the same way that not everyone enjoys caviar – at least not right away – some may have difficulty appreciating the NS800’s distinct flavor.

6 expert reviews | 3 user reviews

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#12
alaScore 95

Sennheiser U 320

The Sennheiser U320 is built with gaming in mind and that is quite apparent with how it delivers. In terms of sound quality and bang-for-buck, you absolutely cannot go wrong with this Sennheiser, especially as it is designed to work with most of the...

5 expert reviews | 7 user reviews

#13
alaScore 95

LOGITECH UE UE 9000

The high price of the Logitech UE 9000 is what’s stopping us recommending them outright. If you can find them for a significant discount where they begin to compete with the Audio-Technicas, Boses and Polk Audios in the sub-£200 price range, we’d give...

2 expert reviews

#14
alaScore 95

Corsair Vengeance 2000 Wireless Gaming Headset

The Corsair Vengeance 2000 headset suffers tremendously from inherently flawed drivers that mangle surround sound. The hardware and stereo quality are at least commendable, but these can't justify the $150 asking price on their own.

9 expert reviews | 15 user reviews

#15
alaScore 95

Jabra Supreme

Grab this device at any number of local retailers near you and online. This device is going to be available worldwide immediately if not soon, to get to it!

20 expert reviews | 16 user reviews

#16
alaScore 94

AKG K451

The AKG K451 are good-looking, good-sounding on-ear headphones that are perfect for a work commute. With powerful bass, they’ll liven up a dreary morning with ease. They’re not the last word in audio quality if you’re a bonafide audio snob, but they...

4 expert reviews | 24 user reviews

#17
alaScore 94

Astro A50

The Astro A50 made every game title we played more engrossing and entertaining with terrific virtual surround and extremely visceral, powerful sound.

3 expert reviews | 1 user reviews

#18
alaScore 94

SteelSeries Siberia Full-size Headset

Some lovely styling mixed with great performance mean the SteelSeries Siberia V2 Frost Blue is an exceptional gaming headset.

31 expert reviews | 267 user reviews

#19
alaScore 94

Plantronics Gamecom 780

Overall, this is a balanced headset, but it does not have anything that really sets it apart.

10 expert reviews | 36 user reviews

#20
alaScore 94

Creative Sound Blaster Tactic 3D Wrath Wireless

But at the end of the day, it's up to you, the reader, to decide what is most important in terms of what you come to know as value for money.

12 expert reviews | 117 user reviews

#21
alaScore 94

Creative Sound Blaster RECON3D Omega Wireless

Creative Labs set out to make the ultimate gaming headset with the Sound Blaster Recon 3D Omega, and it succeeded in spectacular fashion. We would defy even the pickiest professional gamer to find anything wrong with it.

16 expert reviews | 86 user reviews

#22
alaScore 94

Sony HMZ-T1

While the Sony HMZ-T1 personal headset is capable of some of the best 3D effects I've ever seen, it's uncomfortable to wear for extended periods and images suffer from blurriness.

32 expert reviews | 84 user reviews

#23
alaScore 93

B&W P3

As with all B&W products, the finish is superb. Well crafted, engineered and a joy to use. Even the price (£170) isn't that excruciating, considering the laughable wedge that can be paid for some premium cans.

3 expert reviews

#24
alaScore 93

Tritton Warhead 7.1

You might find that competing offerings from Turtle Beach and Astro come out stronger in one category or another, but the Warhead is a brilliant piece of Xbox 360-exclusive gear that offers much to justify its $300 price.

6 expert reviews | 5 user reviews

#25
alaScore 93

Bowers & Wilkins P5

Pull off the magnetic ear pads and you’ll find 40mm mylar diaphragms driven by neodymium magnets. The phones come with two cables: a conventional cord with 1/8-inch jack and a ¼-inch adapter, and a second featuring an in-line remote control and...

31 expert reviews | 305 user reviews

Buying Guide

Buying Guide - Headsets

Whether it is for a standard telephone, cordless phone, cellphone, or computer, a headset is becoming the most popular way to listen in to an electronic device. Headsets offer optimum mobility, outstanding reception and sound quality, and eliminate the fatigue that can come from holding a handset to your ear for an extended period of time. Many people do not know what they have been missing until they experience firsthand the comfort and convenience of using a headset.



Contents

Types of Headsets

First you will need to select a headset that is appropriate for the device you will be using it with. There is some overlap of types, but check for compatibility before buying:

Standard Telephone Headsets – These are extremely useful, indeed required, for professionals who have heavy phone duties. Hands-free use of the phone allows you to simultaneously use a computer and perform other duties while maintaining contact with a customer or co-worker.

Cellphone Headsets – Hands-free cellphone use is an increasingly popular option, and may be required in some circumstances. Many jurisdictions now require the use of a headset or hands-free device if you want to make or receive a cellphone call while driving.

Computer Headsets – These are primarily used by dedicated gamers, and add to the immersive experience of gaming. Headsets may deliver improved sound quality performance over standard computer speakers. They are also useful for people who use their computers for telephone applications.

What to Look for in a Headset

Over-the-Head vs. Over-the-Ear: Over-the-Head models are more secure and require less fuss. Over-the-Ear models are less visibly intrusive: they won't mess up your hair or interfere with glasses or a hat. Recent developments include several models that can convert between either style.

Binaural Receivers: This simply means that the headset has two receivers, one for each ear. This provides improved sound quality and some noise reduction.

Noise Canceling Technology: This is a requirement for busy office environments, and provides for clear reception and hearing despite abundant background commotion.

Microphone Configuration: For many consumers , this is as important as the sound quality of the earpiece. A microphone mounted on a longer boom will make your voice sound clearer and stronger, and reduce background noise, the perfect solution to a busy environment.

Connectivity: Most corded and cordless phones will require a small adapter to accommodate a headset. Most cellphones offer plug-in compatibility. Wireless connectivity is quickly becoming the most preferred method, with Bluetooth technology leading the way in ease and convenience.

Popular Headset Brands

Nokia, Sony, and Motorola are all known for quality products across a wide range of performance specifications and price points. Plantronics is a lesser-known name, but has enthusiastic fans based upon its well-reviewed headsets. BlueAnt specializes in headsets that utilize the latest in Bluetooth technology. Sennheiser offers a number of high-end models for consumers who value quality over affordability. Creative has carved out a niche for itself as a provider of high-quality headsets best suited for computers and gaming purposes.

Popular Headset products

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Headsets on alaTest

alaTest.com has collected and analyzed millions of reviews from 2494 sources to help you choose the best Headset from top brands like Plantronics, Motorola, Nokia, Logitech, Jabra and more.

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