Anyone who plays video games knows well enough that sound is among the most important factors aside from video quality. It allows for a more immersive experience, and maybe even an advantage in multiplayer games. Both headsets and speakers have their own perks, so which one should you use?
Headsets
You probably noticed that almost every single video game streamer uses a headset during gameplay, and there's a reason for that. Depending on the game, sometimes you need accurate audio to gain an edge in gaming. This is especially true for multiplayer titles.
In competitive gaming, especially first-person shooters, there are a lot of sounds that tell you what you should do. If you hear footsteps, you have to be quiet and prepare to shoot. Depending on the model of the headset, you might even hear where the sounds are coming from through spatial audio.
For such games, you'll need to prioritize precision over immersive gameplay. Plus, multiplayer games sometimes require you to have a microphone, and gaming headsets usually already come with one for communication in-game.
Of course, you can always use speakers during such competitive games, but you will have to purchase a separate mic to speak into. And since the audio from the video game will be playing in the background, it could interfere with your communication as it will be included in the sounds the mic picks up.
Speakers
As mentioned before, speakers are far superior when it comes to immersive gaming, especially if you purchase the right speakers and position them right. If the game has Dolby Atmos content, you can definitely experience sounds from various positions.
Of course, you have to make sure that your speakers are compatible with such functions. For instance, the Sonos Era 300 has the technology to make surround sound possible. When an enemy is coming from your left side, then you will also hear the sound coming from your left space.
You have to check the kind of speaker you want to purchase first. Not all speakers support spatial audio and those that do tend to have a higher price. If you're willing to pay extra for sound quality, then this might not be an issue for you.
Your gameplay will feel more natural with speakers as well, as opposed to having a headset on for hours at a time. While some players are comfortable with headsets, others prefer having the sounds come from your environment.
Considering Your Budget
You will rarely find quality equipment at low prices, so you have to be prepared to spend a couple hundred dollars for a decent or high-end sound system. If you're considering the costs of your options, then maybe you should compare prices first.
For example, the mentioned Sonos Era 300 will cost you about $499, depending on where you're purchasing it from. If you want a surround sound system, then you will need two of them, so you might need to pony up around $1,000.
As for gaming headsets, there are tons of choices for you to check out. For surround sound gaming, you can opt for the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7. It has 360-degree spatial audio, is wireless, and will only cost you around $200, also depending on where you purchase it.
