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If you're searching for the best computer headset, we have you covered. After researching dozens of models, we purchased the top 4 to compare side-by-side in an electronic accessory showdown. We used our team of expert product testers to evaluate the comfort, extra features, and audio quality of these devices by putting each one through a series of uncompromising tests. Read below to see the results of our exhaustive study.
The Callez USB Headset is our favorite computer headset thanks to its thoughtful features and design and overall high performance. This model has in-line controls on the cable with buttons to mute or unmute the microphone or speaker, as well as volume controls. The controls can be clipped onto your shirt to keep them easily accessible at all times, and the microphone can be rotated to be used on either ear and flexed into the most comfortable position. We're huge fans of this headset's clear sound quality and also found that it received excellent quality sound in the microphone. This design is exceptionally lightweight, great for those who don't want any extra weight on their neck or spine at the end of the day.
Even though the Callez USB Headset is one of our favorite models, we realize it's not for everyone. If you need a headset that can block out as much noise as possible while working in a busy office or loud household, this probably isn't the right headset. The one-sided design means that one ear will always be exposed to background noise, and the on-the-ear rather than over-the-ear design will detract from its sound-blocking capabilities even more. But if you're in the market for a light, user-friendly headset with great controls and fantastic sound, we recommend the Callez.
The Callez USB Headset is light, easy to use, and sounds great.
The New Bee USB Headset has some admirable and commendable elements. We think that this model has a solid construction. It's comfortable, the controls are straightforward to use, and the extra few inches of the cord can make a difference in those particular situations. This computer headset showed extraordinary performance during our microphone noise-canceling capability assessments.
Regrettably, we recorded a very low volume while recording anything with the New Bee during our microphone noise-canceling assessment. If transceiving audio with your computer headset is an essential feature for you, this model may not be your best bet. If you plan on using the New Bee as a 3.5mm only model, remember that the USB controls will be lost when you disconnect the dongle.
The New Bee Headset is easy to use, has solid noise cancellation, and good quality sound.
The Logitech H390 computer headset is a solid choice for people looking for an over-the-ear stereo model with a commendable noise-canceling capability for the microphone. We love that it's foldable, making it ideal for those who are always on the go. Also, the mute button on the Logitech H390 has a light indicator to show you whether or not the mute is activated, which might be especially useful for those that may often end up in difficult conversations.
We had a few complaints about the H390. First, our entire testing team agreed this model is rather tight-fitting. If you're shopping on a budget, this computer headset is probably not what you're looking for — if you prefer basic function over performance, there are much cheaper models that will get the job done. During our microphone trials and analysis, we found that the H390 was unusually loud. You may not want to use this option if you're concerned about your gaming teammates hearing your spouse or roommates making noise in the background.
The Logitech H390 offers top-notch audio quality and folds up for storage and travel.
If the primary purchasing factor for you is the price, the Cyber Acoustics AC-204 is a good option. This stereo computer headset has a microphone that is adjustable to be used on either side. It has a Y adapter to integrate with computers that have a microphone and a headphone jack.
If you're searching for a headset with controls, the Cyber Acoustics AC-204 is a no-go. This model only uses a 3.5mm plug, so USB jacks are out as well. We also found this model to have a bit of an awkward fit and feel. Unless you are shopping on a very tight budget, we'd recommend choosing a different model.
The Cyber Acoustics AC-204 is one of the most affordable in our test, but it comes with some concessions.
Credit: Laura Casner
Why Trust GearLab
Our computer headset review was conducted by our In-House Research Analyst Austin Palmer and our In-House Review Editor Ross Patton. On top of being a top-notch analyst who has worked on hundreds of products, he has spent thousands of hours of his personal time wearing a computer headset while gaming. Ross, also an avid gamer, has spent the last ten years working in consumer product research and development. Since becoming a part of the GearLab team, he has reviewed categories ranging from Bluetooth trackers to lithium-ion powered tools and everything in between. With the two of them working on a review together, you can rest assured that they have taken the utmost care to detail to ensure that our readers are making the best purchase possible.
Here at GearLab, we take very much pride in buying and testing every product in our reviews to deliver a real hands-on comparison and analysis to our readers. We made it a point to analyze all sorts of data for these products ranging from the overall comfort to the sound quality. We carefully inspected any bonus features that set each model apart from one another.
Whether you want stereo, one-sided, or wireless headphones should be a large consideration before you make a purchase.
Certain models have accordion-style cords to help keep things organized.
For many people, a wireless model will be the way to go.
Analysis and Test Results
After developing a test plan, we carefully measured, weighed, analyzed, and listened to each model. The specifics of our experimentation phase are outlined below.
Headphone Sound Quality
Audio quality is one of the key deciding factors to consider while deciding which computer headset you're going to purchase. With modern technological advancements in compact speakers as well as noise cancellation improvements, some headsets produce an impressively high-quality sound — others, not so much. Depending on the application for which you plan to employ your headset, it may be wise to put a heavy value on this metric. Our expert audio product analysts conducted an array of tests to give you the information to purchase the model to best suit your sound quality needs.
Amongst the one-sided earpiece computer headsets, we were very impressed with the sound quality of the Callez USB Headset. During our audio assessment, we concluded that the sounds emitted by the Callez were crisp and clean.
Microphone Sound Quality
The microphone quality of these devices can be a major purchasing factor for many people. The ability to amplify, transmit, or record sounds are a large portion of what differentiates computer headsets from other types of headphones. If you're going to be using your headset for telecommunications, you do not want the receiving party to have a muffled or unclear sound on their end. Likewise, it's very annoying if you cannot hear your teammates in a heated gaming session and vice versa.
When it comes to computer headsets, the microphone sound quality can be equally or more important than the earphone quality.
Credit: Laura Casner
After our assessments, a few models stood out as producing higher-quality microphone transmission recordings than the rest. The Callez USB Headset excelled here, transmitting minimal background noise.
Comfort
Many people who work in telecommunications will be spending long hours wearing these products every day, and avid gamers have been known to put in some extraordinarily long-lasting sessions on the joysticks. If either of these scenarios applies to you, the last thing you're going to want to deal with is ear pain or some sort of scratching or chafing on your head. We've tested hundreds of sets of headphones, so getting a gauge on computer headsets is right up the audio alley for us.
At only 1 ¾ ounce, the Callez USB Headset is a very comfortable one-sided option. We are also fans of the flexible microphone cable, which stays in position very well. For a lighter-weight headset, we'd suggest going with a corded model so that the weight of the batteries is not resting on your neck.
Features
Many of these companies have thought to add elements to the headsets that will improve user-friendliness. This section outlines the products that possess features that will make your life easier while using them.
The Callez USB Headset has in-line controls that are removable if you ever need to run the headset with a 3.5mm jack rather than USB.
The in-line controls on the Callez USB Headset help with workflow.
Credit: Laura Casner
Conclusion
To produce our reviews, we purchase all of the products from the same retailers as our readers to eliminate bias. We ran each computer headset through a series of stringent tests to ensure that our article will help you make the most informed purchasing decision possible, leading you to the product that best suits your wants and needs. If you don't find your match here, you could be looking for an option from our best gaming headset review.
