5 Best Durable Gaming Headsets of 2020 (For Long Sessions)
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Gaming headsets sport stylish designs and are equipped with many exciting features like virtual surround sound or separate volume controls for mic and game audio, and may even come with RGB lighting. Sure, they are very fun to wear while gaming. However, most gaming headsets are notorious for their bad durability or sub-par quality compared to normal headsets in the same price range. If you are a hardcore gamer that plays all day long, you need a durable headset that is also suited for gaming. In this article, we have reviewed a few headsets that would suit the needs of hardcore gamers that prioritize durability and comfort. But before you dive in to read the reviews, check below to understand how to choose a durable headset.
What makes headsets durable
Most people don’t realize that there are things you can check to determine the durability of a headset. Things to consider when buying a durable headset for hardcore gaming sessions are listed below:
1. Build quality and material – A durable headset would feel sturdy in your hands when you hold it and inspire confidence to carry it around with you while traveling. Other than that, you can check the materials it is built with. Headphones with metal parts instead of plastic would last you longer and survive falls better. The housing and cable coating around the electrical components should be good to keep it safe and secure. The build quality of a headset can be determined by the parts used for construction and the padding type and material. The better the materials used, the better the build quality.
2. The design – The durability of a headset can be affected by its design. Foldable headsets are easier and safe to travel but if the hinges are not secure, they may break with rough use or if the headset drops from a height. Similarly, bulkier headsets are more prone to suffer damage from falls and stylish headsets that curve around the ear pads may break more easily.
3. Replaceable parts and carry case – Headsets that come with detachable cables and support replaceable parts are a better long-term investment because even if the cables tear or a replaceable part breaks, you can replace them without much money. Headsets that come with a carry case offer better protection during traveling.
4. Good Warranty – A reputable brand would produce better quality headsets and offer a better warranty on their products. Products with a better warranty than normal usually last longer and are a good purchase because you can claim warranty for a longer duration.
A comparison table for the most durable headsets for gaming is listed below:
| Name | HyperX Cloud II | HyperX Cloud Alpha | Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Pro | Sennheiser Game Zero | V-Moda Crossfade M-100 |
| Connection type | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired |
| Surround sound type | Virtual surround | Virtual surround | Virtual surround | No | No |
| Weight | 13 oz | 11.8 oz | 2.2 oz | 10.5 oz | 9.8 oz |
| Design type | Closed Back | Closed Back | Closed Back | Closed Back | Closed Back |
| Noise cancellation | No | No | No | No | No |
| Compatible devices | PC, Mac, Mobile, Xbox One (with Stereo Adapter) PS4, Nintendo Switch | PC, Mac, Mobile, Xbox One (with Stereo Adapter) PS4, Nintendo Switch | PC, PS4, PS4 Pro, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch | PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mobile | PC, Mac, Mobile, Xbox One (with Stereo Adapter) PS4, Nintendo Switch |
| Price | Check Latest Price on Amazon | Check Latest Price on Amazon | Check Latest Price on Amazon | Check Latest Price on Amazon | Check Latest Price on Amazon |
#1 HyperX Cloud II
The HyperX Cloud II is the perfect combination of comfort and durability. It’s one of the most popular products in the HyperX headset series and a fan-favorite because it perfectly balances price and performance. The 7.1 surround sound headset features an attractive design with swiveling ear cups and are connected with metal forks to the headband on either side. It is built to last, flexible, and would survive a few drops due to the robust aluminum frame of the headband.
The leatherette coated headband and ear cups with memory foam cushioning make them cozy and provide a snug fit. You can wear them for long gaming sessions without any discomfort even if you wear glasses. For further comfort, you can replace the memory foam with plush velour alternatives that are provided with the pack and adjust the ear cups up to an inch up or down.
The Cloud II is an impressive gaming headset with its surround sound technology. With the surround-sound on, you can clearly notice details such as distant shootouts, enemy footsteps, explosions, gunfire, and be aware of your surroundings in games. However, the stereo mode is equally good and performed well when tested in games such as Assassin’s Creed Unity and Titan fall. Though, the lack of bass can be felt easily during large explosions scenes.
The volume level and surround-sound can be adjusted using the control featured on the dongle. However, there is no option to control the sound profiles through software customization because it doesn’t come with any accompanying software. The isolation is pretty good and blocks external noises quite well. This is primarily a gaming headset and it shows when you use it to play music or watch music. But considering the purpose of the headset, that is not disappointing.
It comes with a digitally enhanced detachable boom microphone that supports noise cancellation. It performs quite well when chatting on Discord or Skype as it doesn’t pick up much background noise. Overall, the Cloud II is a great combination of build-quality, comfort, sound quality, and features and should be a top choice if you have a limited budget.
Pros
- Extremely comfortable
- Attractive Design
- Tough build
- Choice of two types of ear covers: plush and pleather
Cons
- Bass could be better
- Lack of software for customizing the sound
#2 HyperX Cloud Alpha
The HyperX Cloud Alpha is one of the most recommended headsets in the HyperX line of headsets. It’s a constant contender to Cloud II due to its durability, sound quality, and comfort. The solid metal headband and forks connected to the thick plastic ear cups with metal ensure that it can survive the occasional accidental drops without any issues. The build quality of the product lives up to the hype and would please many gamers. The replaceable mic and cables is a major advantage over many similar headsets because you can replace them at an affordable cost instead of purchasing a completely new headset.
The adjustable headband with pliable leatherette ear cups make for a very comfortable fit even during long gaming sessions. It is pretty easy to adjust the fit around your head and the thick padding creates a very good seal around the ears to provide great isolation. You can game in peace without any external noise leaking into your ears while gaming.
Unlike the Cloud II, the Cloud Alpha doesn’t support virtual surround sound. However, the stereo sound of the product doesn’t disappoint at all. In fact, it’s up a notch than the Cloud II because of the better seal that it offers. The lack of auditory masking allows you to hear details more clearly. The bass is responsive and the mids are clear. The overall sound signature is balanced well. If you can stretch your budget a little extra, you can choose the ‘Alpha S’ to enjoy 7.1 virtual surround sound. The detachable mic of the product is not accurate but would get the job done when chatting in-game or over Discord.
The Cloud Alpha is recommended for gamers that prefer a headset with good durability, comfort, and good isolation. If a lack of virtual surround doesn’t bother you, this can be a good choice.
Pros
- Superb durability
- Good sound quality
- Amazing noise isolation
Cons
- Lack of extra features
- Mic could be better
#3 Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Pro
The Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Pro has a build-quality that is expected of a product from a well-known brand. The combination of metal and rotatable, thick plastic hinges along with adjustable steel suspension band makes it durable and also allows for a good fit. The earpads of the headset are made with leatherette and soft fabric, allowing for a comfortable fit. A unique advantage of purchasing this product is that many of its parts are replaceable and available on the official Turtle Beach website. You can replace the cords, mic, the ear pads, and even the decorative plates on the sides of the headsets if they get damaged. There is no need to purchase a new headset if you don’t want to do so.
Although the Atlas Pro is compatible with PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch, the surround sound feature i.e Windows Sonic is only supported by Xbox and PCs that run on Windows 10. However, the stereo performance of the headset performed admirably when playing games such as League of Legends, Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Risk of Rain 2. With the surround sound on, games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Dauntless sound much better.
Even when not playing games, you can use it to listen to music or watch movies to your satisfaction because the sound quality is accurate. However, you may need to tweak the low-end a bit to improve the bass output. The mic is not loud but works well if you use an app or software to boost the volume. In fact, it works great for calling as it comes with a 3.5 mm splitter extension cable along with the 3.5 mm cord and mic.
The Elite Atlas Pro is not a flashy gaming headset but contains all the elements of a good gaming headset, except for sound customization options. It is sturdy, comfortable, and features replaceable parts that add to the overall longevity of the product.
Pros
- Supports replaceable parts
- Very comfortable
- Good build-quality
Cons
- Quiet mic
- Adjusting the band is necessary
#4 Sennheiser Game Zero
The Sennheiser Game Zero lives up to the reputation of the brand when it comes to quality. Sennheiser is known for its sound quality and reliability among audiophiles and it’s impressive how the company has adapted this headset for gamers. The pair of cans is well-built with a flexible and lightweight metallic band that is connected to the ear cups with two large metal pins.
The Game Zero’s XXL earcups sport metallic-red highlights and leatherette double layered memory-foam. They fit comfortably on even the largest ears and create a good acoustic seal to block external noise. You can wear them for hours even with glasses on. The removable cables are convenient but also provide an extra measure of durability to the whole set in case they break because you can replace them. The foldable ear cups and the carrying case that is included with the product makes it much more portable.
These are exceptional stereo headsets that feature a wide soundstage. Playing games like Overwatch, Doom, or Battlefield 1 feel great because enemy movements, mission dialogue, and sound effects sound rich and crystal clear. Although, the dialogues in the Witcher 3 felt a little overemphasized.
The music performance of Game Zero is good but you may want to tweak the sound to up the bass response. The music volume can be controlled via the volume wheel embedded in the right ear cup. However, it doesn’t come with any software to tweak the sound. It features a flip-to-mute mic that picks up voice clearly but blocks out background noise. Although, some users may find the mic a bit large.
Overall, the Sennheiser Game zero is a product you would want to purchase if you like professional-grade craftsmanship of a reputed headphone manufacturer. If you value comfort, build-quality, portability, and a good microphone, this could be the choice for you. The two-year warranty ensures peace of mind but it is durable, portable, and flexible enough to last you even for longer.
Pros
- Premium and lightweight design
- Very comfortable
- Well-built
- Portable
Cons
- Overemphasizes voices
- Large mic
#5 V-Moda Crossfade M-100
The V-Moda Crossfade M-100 is an iconic headset that has been recommended by audiophiles, DJs, sound engineers, and music composers over thousands of times. If you prioritize durability, portability, and sound quality over any gaming features like surround sound, the Crossfade M-100 would be the ideal choice.
The hexagon shape ear cups are fitted with ergosoft foam cushions and provide good natural isolation. The Steelflex headband is claimed as virtually indestructible and is fitted with vegan leather to provide extra comfort. The steel frame is connected to the ear cups with a CliqFold hinge that makes folding it into the portable exoskeleton form-fitting case pretty easy. The product is resistant to extreme temperature, UV, humidity, and salt spray. The detachable Kevlar reinforced cable/plug adds to the durability and the two-year warranty helps to elevate any other concerns.
Coming to the sound quality, the Crossfade M-100 features an immersive 3D soundstage with an ultra-wide clarity, vivid midrange, and clean deep bass. Although it’s a stereo headset, it would please even people that love surround sound. Playing games like The Division 2 or Wolfenstein: Youngblood is very satisfying as you can clearly hear bullets whizzing by or the crackling of laser beams. The music performance is extraordinary and suited for audiophiles.
You have the option to order custom shield kits of the color and material of your choice with your logo engraved on it. The SpeakEasy mic cable that it comes with is average but you can spend a little extra to purchase the professional-grade BoomPro mic which works great. The only concern with this headset is that if you have large years, even the XL cushions may not feel comfortable.
In terms of build quality and sound quality, the Crossfade M-100 tops the list. However, it lacks certain features that might appeal to certain gamers and the XL cushions have been known to not live up to their expectations. Aside from that, it is definitely a great purchase for music listening as well as gaming.
Pros
- Very sturdy construction
- Great portability
- Excellent sound
Cons
- May not be comfortable for people with large years
- BoomPro mic not included
Conclusion
A gaming headset is a must for every serious gamer as they make gaming much for fun. However, gaming headsets are not known for their durability and rage-quits have been known to destroy gaming devices. Even with all the great features, if your precious headset stops working in the first month, it can be a profoundly disappointing experience. Another factor to look for is comfort, especially if you game for long sessions alone or with your friends. Without comfort, you cannot wear them without cursing or getting frustrated.
There are not many headsets on the market that balances comfort and build-quality while sounding great in games. And, if you are on a budget, the choices become even more limited. The headsets featured in this article are some of the most popular ones and a few are even crowd favorites. Hopefully, they would live up to your expectations.
