But for consoles, we focused more on short-term comfort than all-day wearability. Is it comfortable? Most respondents to our survey of gamers reported that comfort is equally as important as sound quality. For wireless headsets, we preferred those that came with a simple USB transmitter, instead of a bulky transmitter that requires an optical audio connection. We gave preference to headsets that instead terminate in a single four-pole plug (and that require an additional Y-splitter when used with PC). So most wired headsets require an additional adapter to turn two cables into one. The PS4's controller has only a single four-pole jack for audio and mic. Is it easy to connect? Most wired gaming headsets for the PC terminate in two connections: one 3.5 mm jack for audio output, and another for mic input.

We needed something that could deliver dynamic sound without needing a lot of juice. A PC's sound card can deliver more power to headphones. Even our top-pick PC gaming headset sounded a little light on the bass and a little too quiet. Is it easy to power? Most of our favorite PC gaming headsets ended up sounding pretty wimpy when plugged into the DualShock 4. When testing on PS4, we focused on the following criteria: Why turn to runners-up in the search for our favorite PS4 headset? Simply put, it mostly boils down to the fact that headsets that sound great via a PC don't always sound great with the Sony console because the PS4 controller can't deliver the power required to drive some headphones. I started work on this guide by pulling together all of the models in our guide to the best gaming headsets for the PC, as well as a handful of models that didn't quite make the cut for that guide. I've been a dedicated gamer since 1980 and spend at least 15 to 18 hours per week wearing a headset. In addition to reviewing headphones, speakers, receivers, and home theater gear for Home Entertainment magazine, HomeTechTell, Electronic House, Big Picture Big Sound, Digital TV & Sound, Home Theater (now Sound & Vision), Home Theater Review and Residential Systems, I've spent more than 200 hours over the past two-and-a-half years stress-testing more than 70 different headsets for Wirecutter's guide to the best gaming headsets for the PC. The truth is that you could buy a better-sounding, more comfortable wireless headset for $50 more, but you'd be giving up what we consider to be very worthwhile features-namely, Sony's own proprietary virtual surround sound processing, as well as an app that allows you to tune the headset's sound. This much-improved version of the original Gold Wireless boasts better durability, better performance, and superior styling compared with the original Gold. If you absolutely hate wires, even just a short one running from your headset to the controller in your hands, or if you're looking for a tweakable, customizable personal audio experience for your PS4, there's a lot to love about Sony's updated PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset. In this case, there's really no significant advantage to spending more. This is where we normally say something like, 'You'd have to spend $X more to find a better-sounding headset for PS4,' but the truth is that the majority of pricier headsets we tested need more power than the DualShock's headset output can provide. In nearly every way, everything we love about the original Cloud holds true with the Alpha: Its construction is top-notch, its sound isolation is great, and in terms of durability it has few peers.

In this respect it even outshines the original HyperX Cloud, our current top-pick headset for PC gamers, when connected to a PS4. Of all the wired headsets we tested, the Kingston HyperX Cloud Alpha is one of the few that delivered a truly satisfying sound experience when plugged into the PS4's controller-neither too quiet nor too thin-sounding. It's beautifully built, based on a proven design, and features a punchy, bass-forward sound that works great with the low-powered output of the DualShock 4 controller. If you're looking for a gaming headset for PlayStation 4 that delivers the best balance of performance, comfort, and bang for your buck, we think the Kingston HyperX Cloud Alpha is the one to get.

When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, Wirecutter and Engadget may earn affiliate commission. This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter.

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