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The last two generations of consoles in particular have seen the range of gaming headsets and earbuds increase exponentially.
Even the last generationsPS4 headsetsandXbox One headsetsare still excellent performers on current-gen systems.
As a result, choosing between a gaming headset and gaming earbuds has become tougher than ever.
In brief, a gaming headset will sit over your whole head, with each earcup encasing your ears.
Gaming earbuds are much more reliant on your ears being a good match.
Both headsets and earbuds can be wired or wireless so theres no clear divide here.
Generally, wired variants of both will be cheaper which may help to guide a price-driven approach.
Features are where the two sets are often closely aligned nowadays.
Controls are easier to interact with on headsets too given the space for buttons and rollers.
However, there will be compromises in what earbuds can offer due to their smaller drivers.
Being so small, earbuds can only pack in drivers of a certain size.
Overall, gaming headsets can deliver a more dynamic and varied audio profile.
Looking at compatibility, its a close-run thing.
When it comes to use cases, some differences become clear.
Their smaller design and portability mean that gaming earbuds are more natural partners for mobile play.
A headset takes up much more space and is less at home when on the go.
However, earbuds are generally cheaper, as a rule.
Things get a little closer at the cheaper end of the price spectrum.
Our overarching advice here is to first think carefully about the other factors and characteristics weve discussed here.
This will help guide your investment, based specifically on what youre after.
If you want something more portable, and potentially cheaper, then gaming earbuds are also an excellent option.
You want a top micGaming headsets will offer better microphones.
The extra padding in the headband and on the earcups is something earbuds cant compete with.
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