Why a high-quality gaming headset is a must-have for your setup

Imagine this: That new game that you’ve waited months to launch has finally arrived, and after a long day of being productive, you finally get to kick back and switch on your console. While certain gear—like a new monitor for better visuals and customized mechanical keyboards for low latency—can help take the experience up a notch, there’s one gadget you shouldn’t sleep on: a trusty gaming headset.

Good audio can actually change the way you play. Developers put a lot of work into designing the sound of the world you’re diving into. Music plays a big part, too—just look at how The Last of Us Part II is iconic for Joel and Ellie’s heart-wrenching cover of Future Days by Pearl Jam. Intricate scores and sound effects deserve to be heard through high quality headphones.

In case you’re still on the fence about this gadget, here are a few reasons why a gaming headset is a must-have for your setup.

Immersive spatial sound

Gaming with headphones takes the experience to the next level. You’re better immersed in that world because you hear the littlest details in the game, like NPCs’ footprints and the rustling of leaves. This heightened awareness of your in-game surroundings helps you take down more of your opponents.

Headsets also help drown out the noise of real life, especially if you live with roommates or siblings that crank the TV up while you game.

Seamless comms

In online multiplayer games like Call of Duty and Fortnite where you can voice chat with your teammates, a mic that captures crystal clear audio comes in handy. You don’t even need to splurge on those streaming microphones, as some headsets come with one built in.

Comfortable to wear for hours

High-quality gaming headsets—especially over-ear ones—are designed to be worn for hours on end. They have padded foam earcups to reduce the pain that comes with having them on for longer periods.

You can use it beyond gaming

When you’re not playing, high-quality headphones still deliver when you just want to listen to music and watch your favorite shows online. Its mic doesn’t just come in handy for in-game voice chat, but for calls for work, too.

For those who want to amp up their setup with a trusty headset without breaking the bank, there’s the JBL Quantum 250. These wired headphones come with 50mm carbon dynamic drivers that drop you in your game. With the JBL Quantum Spatial Sound, you’ll hear your foes coming from different directions, allowing you to get that edge.

These headphones are also equipped with a detachable 6mm Cardioid boom mic that lets you strategize with your teammates clearly.