As someone who wears glasses, I am familiar with the inconvenience of wearing a full-sized over-the-ear headset. This issue is of particular importance for gamers. Because we spend multiple hours in a stretch, wearing headsets that weigh nearly a pound.
If you’re someone who wears corrective/ gaming glasses, you need to look for very specific characteristics in a headset. Today, I shall talk about these characteristics. What is the best gaming headset for glasses?
You want something a headset that is light, has soft earcups and a moderate/ mild clamping force. If the headband is too stiff, it will generate higher forces on the sides of your head. This will result in the arms of your glasses digging into your skin (very uncomfortable, and it leaves marks after a while).
Soft ear cups ensure that the headset fits snugly around your ears, creating a nice seal. And a lighter headset is always better, but you shouldn’t compromise on audio/ mic quality for that. I will shed further light on these topics within the “Detailed Buying Guide”.
- What To Look For While Selecting The Best Gaming Headset For Glasses?
- In A Hurry? Here Are My 7 Top Picks
- 1. Drop + Sennheiser PC38X
- 2. Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless
- 3. Razer BlackShark V2 X
- 4. Corsair Void RGB Elite
- 5. Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2
- 6. Logitech G PRO X
- 7. Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless
- Selecting A Gaming Headset | Detailed Buying Guide
- Audio Quality
- Ergonomics
- Mic Quality
- Wired vs Wireless
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What To Look For While Selecting The Best Gaming Headset For Glasses?
The best gaming headset for you is one that suits your personal needs. Not everybody wears the same type of prescription/ gaming glasses. Depending on the type of glasses you wear and the aural experience you’re looking for, you can have very different requirements compared to someone else.
If you’re okay with sacrificing a bit of sound quality and don’t really need a microphone, I suggest purchasing in-ear headphones. You know, like what you use with your phone. These plug nicely into your ear and apply zero force on the sides of your head.
Trust me, they are a lot more comfortable compared to wearing a 1lb headset on your head. Since there is no insulating cover sitting over your ears, you won’t be sweating after a few hours of gaming (very useful during the summer season). And depending on the quality of these in-ear headsets, you can even get a pretty good gaming experience.
Alright, let’s say you’re playing a team game that requires constant communication with your squad over the mic. And you don’t own a standalone USB desktop mic. So you decide to invest in a nice gaming headset.
Great, but which one do you get? Remember my previous point- you want to prioritize comfort because you’re wearing glasses. So look for a headphone that is light, with mild clamping force, and soft ear cups.
Open backs are better than closed backs if your gaming area has very little ambient noise. Because they provide a wider, more natural soundstage. And the added ventilation means your ears get some much-needed airflow.
In A Hurry? Here Are My 7 Top Picks
1. Drop + Sennheiser PC38X
Input | Wired |
Drivers | Dynamic, Open-back with 28Ω resistance |
Frequency Range | 10- 30000Hz |
Ear Cushion | Faux leather |
Specialties | Comes with breathable mesh-knit pads, a detachable cable, and a noise-canceling microphone |
Overview
This is my top choice, the best gaming headset for glasses. Drop and Sennheiser have combined their expertise to create a product that improves on the PC37X. And they did it while using the same drivers from the GSP 500 and 600- 2 of Sennheiser’s most popular gaming headsets.
So, what makes the PC38X stand out from the rest? For starters, it’s a quality product made by people who know good audio. This isn’t just a “gaming” headset, but a really good headset in general.
Well made, with quality components that will last several years even with daily usage. Impedance on the drivers has been reduced down to 28Ω, which means you can drive this headset more easily (even with a mobile device). And the mic is optimized for a gaming environment, it’s designed to deal with sudden pops and hisses while also canceling unwanted noise from the background.
Things I Like
2. Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless
Input | Wired and wireless |
Drivers | 50mm neodymium |
Frequency Range | 20- 40000Hz |
Ear Cushion | Memory foam |
Specialties | Detachable omnidirectional mic with LED ring indicator and built-in mute button, Slipstream wireless connectivity |
Overview
If you’re going the wireless route, the Corsair Virtuoso provides an excellent combination of performance and convenience without being exorbitantly expensive. It uses specially tuned 50mm neodymium drivers that have nearly double the frequency range of conventional gaming headsets. The result is an incredible aural experience, unlike any other wireless headset at this price point.
Plus, it looks absolutely fabulous- and the mic even has a LED indicator light. The Virtuoso uses soft memory foam cushioning on its earpads, so it is perfect for gamers who wear glasses. Clamping force is mild, and the frame is built from machined aluminum which makes it light yet strong at the same time.
Things I Like
3. Razer BlackShark V2 X
Interface | Wired |
Drivers | Triforce 50mm |
Frequency Range | 12- 28000Hz |
Ear Cushion | Memory Foam |
Specialties | Easily accessible mic and volume controls, cardioid mic doesn’t pick up sound from the rear and sides |
Overview
Want a decent gaming headset that’s modestly priced? The Razer BlackShark V2 X has all the essentials- solid positional audio, a great microphone, and soft memory foam ear cushions. It is the ideal choice for midrange gamers who want esports-grade performance from a headphone under 100 bucks.
The BlackShark V2 X is a closed-back design, so you’ll get less noise coming in from the surroundings (passive noise blocking). However, this does have its downsides- the headphones are less comfortable in a warm environment with no air conditioning. And the microphone isn’t detachable, but it’s completely flexible and can be folded away.
Things I Like
4. Corsair Void RGB Elite
Interface | Wireless |
Drivers | 50mm neodymium |
Frequency Range | 20- 30000Hz |
Ear Cushion | Mesh-weave/ memory foam |
Specialties | Onboard media controls, RGB lighting, 7.1 surround |
Overview
This is similar to the Razor BlackShark V2 X in terms of audio quality, but it costs slightly more. That’s because you’re getting wireless connectivity and a slightly wider frequency range. The Void RGB Elite is also built to be sturdier, using an aluminum frame.
It also has more “stuff”. Like RGB lights, on-ear media controls, and a flip-up to mute microphone. The headphone comes with microfiber mesh earpads that can be swapped out for memory foam pads.
Things I Like
5. Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2
Interface | Wireless |
Drivers | 50mm “Nanoclear” transducers |
Frequency Range | 20- 20000Hz |
Ear Cushion | Gel-infused memory foam with a fake leather exterior |
Specialties | On-ear media controls, easy connectivity with Xbox and Nintendo Switch, Superhuman hearing mode |
Overview
Of all the headphones on my list, this is the only one that comes with a “glasses friendly” rating. Of course, this isn’t verified by some 3rd party organization or eyecare forum. It’s something that Turtle Beach slaps on the box for marketing purposes.
However, there is some merit to that rating. For starters, the Stealth 700 Gen 2 uses a large-sized memory foam ear cushion. It also features adjustable ear cups, that can be tilted to get a better fit on the ears.
Combine all that with the exceptional battery life of 20 hours, and you have yourself one of the best wireless gaming headsets ever made. The media controls are built into the earcup. So you don’t have to fiddle with inline modules if you want to change the volume.
Things I Like
6. Logitech G PRO X
Interface | Wired |
Drivers | 50mm Logitech PRO G |
Frequency Range | 20- 20000Hz |
Ear Cushion | Memory foam/ velour |
Specialties | USB soundcard with onboard EQ profile storage, the mobile cable includes an inline mic, 7.1 object-based surround sound |
Overview
There are wired and wireless versions of this headset, the one I’m reviewing today is wired. If you want the wireless G PRO X, you have to fork out slightly more cash. But in terms of audio quality and features, they are both very similar.
And the G PRO X is used by several esports organizations, in every game from Counter-Strike to Rainbow Six: Siege. It has exceptionally accurate positional audio with a mic that effectively filters out pops and background noise. The ear cushion has a soft velour exterior with memory foam filling underneath.
Things I Like
7. Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless
Interface | Wired/ Wireless |
Drivers | 50mm neodymium |
Frequency Range | 20- 20000Hz |
Ear Cushion | Plush memory foam |
Specialties | Detachable and flexible omnidirectional mic, 7.1 channel surround sound, 16hrs wireless battery life |
Overview
Want a well-built wireless headset with good drivers and a reliable microphone? The HS70 Pro Wireless is priced well below most rival wireless gaming headsets. It features a steel headband and aluminum forks.
The parts that need to be strong use steel. And the rest is built out of aluminum to reduce weight without compromising structural integrity. They could’ve gone with plastic, like many similarly priced headsets from SteelSeries and Razer, but didn’t.
This is an open-back headphone. This means it is better for long gaming sessions (increased airflow around your ears, less sweating). And the ear cushions are made out of memory foam, so you won’t even feel them pressing on your glasses.
Things I Like
Selecting A Gaming Headset | Detailed Buying Guide
This part of the article is going to talk about general points to keep in mind while purchasing a gaming headset. I won’t mention any specific brands or models. Instead, you’ll learn about key features to look out for while making a purchase.
There are many things that go into designing a good gaming headset. Sound and mic quality are the most important, sure. But they are only part of the equation.
For example- a gaming headset with no detachable microphone is pretty inconvenient. Anyone who uses Discord/ TeamSpeak will tell you that it’s way quicker to just turn off your mic manually as opposed to doing it within the software. Plus, a hardware-based switch is always going to be more reliable/ secure than a software switch.
Different brands implement this concept in their own ways. Some let you detach the mic itself from its 3.5mm/ USB port within the headphone. Others have a retractable mic that you can pull out or push into the ear cup.
Another feature you want is onboard media controls. The ability to increase/ decrease volume and mute the mic by pressing buttons on the headphone itself is very desirable in a gaming headset. Some gaming headsets provide you with inline controls, via a pod built into the cable.
But these inline controls aren’t as convenient/ fast as those that are built into the earcup itself. A few of the more “premium” headsets even have dedicated mic on/ off lights that will let you know if your mic is recording voice.
Audio Quality
For gaming, you have very different requirements when compared to say, a music headset. You aren’t very concerned with things like bass, although having good performance in the lower frequency range is certainly desirable. With gaming headsets, you need very good positional audio.
Crisp and clear sound lets you distinguish between various types of weapons/ abilities. Of course, there are expensive gaming headsets that can do both gaming and music. You can even use these to watch movies since they have a very wide frequency curve and customizable audio profiles.
Expensive gaming headsets might also come with 7.1 channel audio, implemented via an external soundcard attachment. This is fake surround sound, processed by software since the headphone usually has just 2 drivers. Sometimes, the fake 7.1 can actually sound worse than regular stereo mode.
This is particularly bad in competitive shooters, where you need precise audio cues for things such as footsteps and gunfire. Talking of precise audio cues, if you play shooters make sure to get a headset with accurate positional audio. You can use your ears to locate friends/ foes in a 3D space, letting you “see” things that aren’t on your screen yet.
Ergonomics
This one is a combination of various factors. Such as how well the headphone fits over your head, location of mic and volume controls, earcup design, etc. Since we’re talking about gaming headsets for people who wear glasses, you should make sure that whatever you purchase is wearable over long periods of time.
A light open-back headset with soft ear cushions and an easily adjustable headband is ideal. Preferably one with media and mic controls located right on the earcup. If the microphone is easily detachable/ foldable, that’s an added bonus.
Mic Quality
If you play competitive team-based games such as Dota 2, Counter-Strike, Rainbow Six Siege, etc. this is a very important factor. A good microphone can make the difference between winning or losing games. If you sound like a drunk guy with throat cancer who’s sitting next to a blow dryer, your teammates won’t consider your calls (and they are likely to mute you).
A good microphone can clearly transmit your voice while also dampening the background noise. It should be able to convey your voice in a natural manner, without sounding too hollow or distorted. A detachable mic is also good to have since you can easily remove it if you want to watch movies or listen to music while traveling.
Wired vs Wireless
Logically speaking, wireless headsets should be a lot more comfortable compared to wired ones. Not only is there an absence of wires that get tangled up with everything else on your desk, but the overall weight distribution is improved. Since there is no wire dangling on one side, you don’t have to worry about accidentally yanking your headset (and glasses) off.
However, there is more to this than just convenience. Wired headphones have traditionally boasted superior audio quality since they can transfer more data. And the signal is less susceptible to interference when compared to radio waves on a wireless band.
If you’re an audiophile who listens to a lot of music, you’re better off with a wired headset. However, for gaming, the audio quality provided by decent wireless headsets is more than sufficient. I should inform you that these premium wireless gaming headsets from popular brands tend to cost a lot more than their wired counterparts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How to know if a headset is built well?
A: Look for things like metal frames, stitched padding, etc. Read online reviews from verified customers, and examine the design of key areas such as hinges.
Q: I want to turn my regular headset into a gaming headset, can I attach a microphone to it?
A: Yes, there are external microphone modules that can be attached to your existing headset. One of the finest examples is the ModMic from Antlion. It is expensive but provides far better audio quality than the built-in microphones you find on gaming headsets.
Q: How long can a gaming headset last?
A: Depends on how well it’s built, and the frequency of usage. If you use this headset as your daily driver, meaning everything from gaming to music and movies, it should last around 1.5 to 2 years. A well-built headset with a metal frame can last much longer. Usually, it’s the pads and earcups that go down before the frame and audio drivers.
Q: Over-ear or On-ear?
A: If you’re wearing glasses, Over-ear headsets are far better. On-ear headsets have small cups that rest on your ear, pushing into it. This, in turn, will press the arms of your glasses into the sides of your head.
Q: What type of cushion should the headset have?
A: The two most common materials used are foam and leather. Leather can be real or fake, on gaming headsets it’s usually the latter. Ideally, you want a memory foam cushion.
Memory foam conforms to the contours of your ear and shapes itself around the arms of your glasses instead of pressing down on them. But if you want breathability, you’re better off getting a velour pad.
Conclusion
To summarize, the best gaming headset for glasses is one that combines comfort with good audio and mic quality. Comfort is achieved through a light design that utilizes memory foam/ velour pads. Memory foam ear cushions are the best since they curve around the frame of your glasses, instead of pressing into them.
Velour pads, however, are superior for hotter areas and for gaming during summer. They are more breathable, but they also absorb sweat so you need to clean them periodically. You should also pay attention to the headband design.
Low clamping force is better because more pressure on the sides of your head is a bad idea if you wear glasses. For headbands, there are two designs- suspension and conventional. Suspension bands have a flexible soft strap that sits on your head, supported by 2 springy bands on the top.