Our concise best headsets for Call of Duty buying guide cuts through the clutter of fake reviews and insufficient expert analysis by digging into data and real-world testing. We scrutinized 502,626 reviews (customer & expert) from 57 gaming headsets, evaluating essential performance aspects like low-end roll-off and Microphone sound quality. Our research revealed that 72% of experts fall short in their testing, but we’ve identified the credible few. This meticulous process has allowed us to curate a list of 6 top-performing headsets for Call of Duty, giving you the confidence to make an informed decision based on reliable test data and genuine insights of the top gaming headsets.
Below is our list of the 6 best headsets for Call of Duty.
TL;DR
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How Did We Rank the Best Headsets for Call of Duty?
We’ve redefined gaming headset buying guides, setting us apart from any other site on the planet. Our unique approach leverages a comprehensive dataset from 200+ trusted sites, focusing on key testing metrics (2 required, 2 nice to have) to rank the top-rated gaming headsets and ensure our recommendations meet your specific needs. Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
? Test Criteria
- Low-End Roll-Off: Implementing a low-frequency roll-off below 45 Hz ensures the presence of subtle rumble in the bass, enhancing the immersive quality of your gaming or music experience.
- Microphone Sound Quality Rating: The microphone on the headset must meet or exceed a subjective evaluation rating of 6 in terms of sound quality.
? “Nice To Haves”
- Speech To Noise Ratio: A minimum of 24 dB speech-to-noise ratio to ensure speech clarity by effectively minimizing background noise.
- Latency: The lag time between the headset receiving a Bluetooth signal and interpreting it for output through the speakers is less than 50 milliseconds.
Latest Updates
- 05/07/2024: Published the list of best headsets for Call of Duty based on our True Score system.
Top Best Headsets for Call of Duty For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Headsets for Call of Duty?
By focusing on these criteria (2 required, 2 nice to have), anyone can quickly and easily compare these gaming headsets and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a gaming headset that meets your needs.
CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
---|---|---|---|
Low End Roll Off (Hz) | < 60 Hz | Yes | The point at which bass response starts to fall sharply, causing it to rapidly become inaudible. |
Microphone Sound Quality Rating | > 6 | Yes | A subjective measure of how good the microphone on a headset sounds. |
Speech to Noise Ratio (dB) | > 24 dB | No (Nice to have) | How effectively the headset’s microphone isolates the user’s voice in a noisy environment. |
BT Latency | < 50ms | No (Nice to have) | The amount of lag time that exists between the headset receiving a Bluetooth signal and interpreting it to output it through the speakers. |
Our Trusted Data Sources
We looked at 110+ gaming headset reviewers and found that 31 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for gaming headsets.
- Theresa Ketterling – Rtings, MuckRack
- Reece Bithrey – Trusted Reviews, MuckRack
- Andrei Frumusanu – AnandTech, MuckRack
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every gaming headset review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Gaming Headset Test Data & Results
1. Microphone Sound Quality Rating (out of 10.0) Test Results
Microphone Sound Quality
> 6
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The subjective recording quality of a microphone.
Units of Measurement: N/A
Tools to Measure: N/A
Why It’s Important:
If you use your headset to communicate often, be it in games or just chatting, you want it to make you as clear as possible, so people actually understand what you’re saying.
This is a strange test because it relies on subjective input. In this case, we derived this rating from the testing data provided by RTings and Soundguys, who subjectively rate microphone quality, and have their readers subjectively rate it, respectively. From there, we can average out the ratings and create an overall idea of how good a microphone sounds.
Generally speaking, you want this to be higher than 6.0, as it means you’ll have acceptable sound quality when communicating. There’s no upper limit to sound quality – if you can find a headset that has a 10/10 and suits you and your budget, go for it. Low sound quality mics, however, will distort or blow out your voice, and that will make you hard to hear and understand.
Microphone Sound Quality Rating (higher is better)
2. Speech To Noise Ratio (dB) Test Results
Speech to noise ratio is a bit complex. In the simplest terms, it’s how you measure how good of a job a microphone is going to do with transmitting your voice in a noisy environment without also transmitting all of the background noise.
You’ll want a mic that has a speech to noise ratio greater than 24 dB. By looking for microphones that hit at least this ratio, you’re in a much better position to use your microphone in noisier environments without having to worry about tons of background noise filtering in. If the ratio is too low, expect to transmit dogs barking, air conditioners and fans, and people talking in the background every time you start talking – and if it’s bad enough, even when you’re not.
Speech To Noise Ratio (dB)
> 24 dB
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How well the microphone does at preventing noise that isn’t you talking directly into the mic from being transmitted.
Units of Measurement: dB
Tools to Measure: Dummy head, test microphone, speaker
Why It’s Important:
A higher speech-to-noise ratio ensures your voice is clear over ambient noise, which is essential for effective communication in noisy environments during gaming.
Speech To Noise Ratio (in dB; higher is better)
3. BT Latency (ms) Test Results
BT Latency (ms)
< 50ms
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The amount of time it takes for a headset to interpret and process Bluetooth signals to play them back over their speakers.
Units of Measurement: Milliseconds (ms)
Tools to Measure: Timer
Why It’s Important:
Latency introduced by Bluetooth in audio can cause mismatches between what you see and what you hear, which is frustrating and can ruin videos and games.
Many gaming headsets feature Bluetooth, which means that you have to deal with Bluetooth latency if you’re using that to connect to a console or to a computer. This latency can create issues if the delay between what is being processed over the Bluetooth frequency doesn’t align with what is being shown on screen, which leads to frustration during gameplay and mismatches in visuals and dialogue when watching videos.
That’s why we recommend a delay under 50 ms, in order to reduce the perceived delay between what you see and what you hear. Lower is, of course, always better, as it further tightens up the gap between visuals and sound. If a headset you like has a very high delay, however, you’re going to notice it. You can compensate for this by using a non-Bluetooth connection standard or by using a wired connection instead, but non-Bluetooth standards require their own dongle, and a wired connection might create unacceptable restrictions in movement around your computer.
BT Latency (in ms; lower is better)
4. Low End Roll Off (Hz) Test Results
Deep bass is essential for an immersive gaming experience, and adds punch to common sounds, like gunfire and explosions. Low-end roll off is one of the major factors that helps determine how punchy this bass will sound. If the bass begins to roll off (or fade) too early in the audio spectrum, the result is a less impactful sound, which flattens out music and robs much of the sound you hear in game of depth and rumble.
Ideally, a gaming headset should maintain a robust bass response without significant drop-off at least down to 45 Hz, ensuring the bass feels full and present. Some headsets are capable of managing roll-offs that start in the low 20s or even the teens, which commonly indicates that the bass will be especially strong. Looking for roll offs that start in the low teens or single digits is unnecessary, however. Not only do these headsets not really exist, once you’re under 20 Hz, sound stops being audible, though you can still “feel” these frequencies in some cases.
Low End Roll Off
< 45 Hz
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The point at which response from the headphones starts to rapidly fall away from the target response in the bass end of the spectrum.
Units of Measurement: Hz (Hertz)
Tools to Measure: Frequency response software
Why It’s Important:
Roll off that starts later often indicates that a headset is able to produce deeper bass and still have it be audible, so if you love bass, you want the roll off to start later.
Low End Roll Off (in Hz; lower is better)
Best Headsets for Call of Duty: Mistakes To Avoid
- Ignoring Platform Compatibility: Ensure the headset you choose is compatible with your gaming platform, whether it’s PC, console, or mobile. Avoid headsets that are designed for a different platform or require adapters that may introduce compatibility issues. For example, when selecting a headset for VR, make sure it’s designed to work with your VR setup.
- Disregarding Comfort: Comfort is essential for long gaming sessions. Avoid headsets with uncomfortable ear cups, tight headbands, or poor weight distribution, as they can lead to discomfort and distraction during gameplay.
- Poor Audio Quality: Clear and immersive audio is critical for Call of Duty, especially for hearing enemy footsteps and other crucial in-game sounds. Avoid headsets with subpar audio quality that may hinder your ability to locate opponents accurately.
- Inadequate Microphone Quality: If you plan to communicate with teammates in Call of Duty multiplayer modes, ensure the headset has a high-quality microphone. Avoid headsets with poor microphone quality or excessive background noise pickup, as this can impact communication clarity during gameplay.
ADDITIONAL headset TIPS
To get the most out of your gaming headset, it’s crucial to understand the technical aspects and how to fine-tune them. Learn the differences between true 7.1 vs. virtual 7.1 headsets to choose the right surround sound experience. If you’re debating between Dolby vs. DTS gaming headsets, we have a detailed comparison to help you decide. Knowing how to equalize a gaming headset can significantly improve sound quality.
You might also want to check out the differences between gaming headphones vs. normal headphones and headsets vs. gaming earbuds to make the best choice for your setup. For practical advice, discover how to make sound come from your gaming headset instead of speakers, how to reduce gaming headset sensitivity, and how to fix static in a gaming headset. Finally, keep your setup organized with the best headset stand for easy storage and accessibility.
The Best Headsets for Call of Duty Tests Compared
Product | True Score
|
Max Vol
|
Mic Quality
|
Speech To Noise
|
BT Latency
|
Non-BT Latency
|
Low-End Roll Off
| |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Steelseries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless For Xbox
| 84 |
|
|
|
|
|
| $263.99 $350 $86 |
| 84 |
|
|
|
|
|
| $59.99 $100 $40 |
| 82 |
|
|
|
|
|
| $137.95 $180 $42 |
Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed Wireless
| 81 |
|
|
|
|
|
| $189.99 $249 $59 |
| 79 |
|
|
|
|
|
| $224.64 $250 $25 |
78 |
|
|
|
|
|
| $198.00 $300 $102 |