If you’re a pro gamer, you must be really keen on finding a durable pair of headphones that last long-gaming sessions. Or can take abuse when you vent post-game frustration on them after losing a close battle.
Sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, and an un-slackening microphone, all these features come later, and they all contribute to enhancing the overall performance of a headset.
Market, nowadays, is flooded with headsets of all shapes and sizes. Some are rugged, some not. Some have advanced features like surround sound, noise cancellation, and some make several trade-offs to keep a cheaper price tag.
Here, our main focus would be on rugged headphones that offer all essential features and specs for gamers. Of these, premium headphones often are not more rugged than the cheaper ones, but they are expensive because they have more advanced features.
We have a buying guide for beginners.
So without further ado, let’s get straight to it.
Table of Contents
Tough Gaming Headsets: BUYING GUIDE
Before buying a durable gaming headsets, you must go through a buying guide to roughly sketch a model you’re about to opt for and buy.
Here are a few features, you must consider before buying.
DURABILITY AND COMFORT
As a gaming enthusiast, you must know how important these two features are in a headset. Coupled together, they let you have a smooth experience.
Obviously, you won’t burn up your whole piggy bank just for something that barely lasts two months. It’s an utter disappointment.
So better look for headsets that are durable and long lasting, plus look for those companies that back their products with warranty so that you’re sure enough that they’d stay in place no matter what.
Strong hinges, metallic frame and tough leatherette fabric lasts longer, keep that in mind.
Durability doesn’t mean that you have got to put your comfort at stake. You can have the best of both worlds. If your headsets are not comfortable, the whole experience goes in vain.
Buy headsets that have breathable fabric, avoiding heating up and weigh extremely lightweight.
SOUND QUALITY AND SURROUND SOUND
Another important feature is sound quality. Sound interruption or distortion would annoy you during the gaming session.
Pick one that has a flattened frequency response and the audio is completely balanced throughout the domain, without smudging other ranges.
Another feature that plays a vital role in gaming, especially FPS Games, is surround sound features.
For those who don’t know, it’s a 3-dimensional impact sound that lets you have a virtual consciousness in all directions (360 degrees).
In practice, It helps you track down the enemies, through footsteps and minor hints like these. Without this conscious you’ll fail to have the enemy revealed.
Related Articles: Best Headphones For FPS Shooters
MICROPHONE
As a gamer, you’ll be aware of the fact that how important is conversing with your gaming partners. Without such contact, you’ll fail to devise a winning strategy.
A poor microphone performance can get in the way. The blurred up and suppressed vocals is hella annoying, and is totally frustrating.
In order to avoid such annoyance, opt for a microphone that transmits audio to the receiver at maximum clarity without vaguing the audio.
Plus, the microphone should be removable or at least, retractable, so that it doesn’t protrude out in your face when it’s not in use.
The microphone or the boom is the most vulnerable part of the headset, make sure that it has a metallic construction.
BATTERY LIFE
Wireless headsets should be preferred. Why?
The wires usually get tangled and there is also a possibility of damaging your headphone jack. It usually happens when you accidentally move away from the setup unaware of the fact that the headset’s wire is still connected.
So pick a wireless headset, with a long battery life as once in a fierce gaming session, you can’t stand any distraction like “low-battery” alerts.
At least for a minimal charge, it should give out juice for maximum hours with a quick charge which, obviously, doesn’t droop down that easily.
10 Rugged Gaming Headphones for Long Sessions
RAZER BLACKSHARK V2
$69.99 in stock
30 used from $45.47
Razer Blackshark v2 is a durable pair of gaming headsets that excel in almost every field. Having a triforce audio driver with extra clarity in notes, these headsets range just around $100.
DURABILITY AND COMFORT
The construction mainly consists of metallic form. A porous mesh fabric is wrapped all over the headsets. The fabric is tough and breathable, your ears won’t heat up.
Plus, the fabric wont torn off easily, so it can bear minimal scratches. Beneath the fabric are plushy earcups , they’re porous too and are tougher enough to hold the ears in place.
The headsets fit perfectly on all head and ear sizes. This is because the hinges are built to last, not snappable at all. The strong hinges ensure a secure fit throughout the game session with any interruption.
SOUND QUALITY
Razer provides exquisite sound with no muddiness or vague texture. There’s an overemphasis on bass and highs. The instrumental notes are filtered out solely. There’s no suppression in minor audio.
Talking about the surround sound, it’s perfect and there’s an advantage of 360 degrees sound blending. It helps the gamer for directional imaging and provides realistic vibes to track down the foes.
NOISE CANCELLATION
The headsets do not provide active noise cancellation but the design solely is responsible for providing passive noise cancellation. Its amazing how the construction is capable enough for blocking the nearby sounds.
MICROPHONE
The microphone performance is marvelous, it doesn’t pick outside noises. Just like the earcups, the microphone has its own EQ customization for voice normalization, clarity and ambient noise cancellation.
Pros
- Solid noise cancellation
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Outstanding microphone performance
Cons
- Permanently attached cable to earcups
RAZER NARI ESSENTIAL
$66.67 in stock
12 used from $43.04
These gaming headsets come up with a well-built and ergonomic design. They’ve 7.1 channel simulated surround sound used for customizing and tweaking audio. Razer Nari provides well-sculpted audio with fidelity in each audio region.
DURABILITY AND COMFORT
The outer frame consists of aluminum construction, providing a secure composure. At the end of the aluminum frame (mainly encompasses the headband part), the headsets have got memory foam earpads sheathed inside the layer of faux leather.
The stuff is durable and water resistant, hence aiding the gamers in many ways as it will bear the sweat due to your manic gaming session.
The earcups are composed to slide up and down. This flex helps to accommodate different head sizes without any apparent fracture.
SOUND QUALITY
If your appetite for bass and sub bass is endless, these headsets are made to feast your cravings. The overall emphasis is on the bass-region. In all the audios, you’ll notice a high thumped bass area and over-defined lower ends
But for all the other purposes, such as gaming, you don’t really need to have the lower ends hyped up, it will automatically muffle down all the nearby vocals.
So by default, these headsets filter an audio with heavy bass. But this can be tweaked easily using the app. You can use sound normalization mode to do so, it also has vocal clarity mode for the mid-highs to be really audible, just for immersion in the game.
NOISE CANCELLATION
The noise cancellation over here is not active, its passive, entirely. But still it provides better isolation than any other noise isolating elite brands. The audio is crystal clear without any noticeable cloaking.
MICROPHONE
The microphone provides exquisite sound with approximately no sibilance or muddiness. The microphone is retractable. That means it won’t annoy you with its presence if it’s of no use. It can easily be traced backward.
Pros
- Powerful sound
- Sturdy composure
- User adjustable EQ
Cons
- Heavy bass by default
- Not suitable for ps4
ASTRO A50: Best Premium Durable Headsets
$229.50 in stock
9 used from $139.00
4th generation Astro A50 provides wireless gaming with a base station for quick and long-lasting battery charging. This new model of Astro has modified its features including thicker and breathable padding, and a smaller base station easy carriage.
DURABILITY AND COMFORT
These pairs of headsets are made to bear major thuds with solid and sturdy built. The headset mainly consists of matte plastic with the supports on both sides of the headband, being purely aluminum.
The overall composure helps to get a stable grip over the head and around the ears. The weight of these headset is another add on, get them on and carry on with your hectic gaming session, they’ll feel extremely comfortable on your head.
The earcups are spacious to encompass your ear completely for minimal ambient noise penetration. They are covered under a comfortable velour sheath for comfort.
SOUND QUALITY
The headsets provide an overall balanced audio, each range is filtered out with plenty of emphasis without muffling up other frequency ranges. The lower frequency has a great amount of resonance whereas higher has a tint of string texture.
They are perfect gaming headsets with a durable build. The marvelous surround sound provides a natural atmosphere to combat its detail. The footsteps are immense and different types of ammunition can be distinguished easily.
NOISE CANCELLATION
Noise cancellation is not very appreciable, its average. You’ll notice it has nullified minor sounds like whirring of the fridge, chirping etc but noise cancellation wont work for a busy and rowdy environment. So better keep these headsets confined for gaming in a peaceful environment.
MICROPHONE
This microphone has a solid performance with a major drawback that it distorts deeper and husky voices. The audio on the receiver end gets suppressed on a higher level. The microphone is not retractable but it traces back up easily.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Balanced audio
- Overemphasized bass
- Perfect surround sound
Cons
- Expensive
- underpowered highs
LOGIC TECH G PRO X
$91.98 in stock
1 used from $59.00
This model of logic tech stands in the market with extra commendable characteristics and plenty of customization features. With a minor tweaking through an app, you’ll extract out refined and dynamic sound without and distortion or compression.
DURABILITY AND COMFORT
Comparatively, these headsets have got a sturdier composure than all above previously mentioned gaming headsets. They’re manufactured so that your bangs and minor thuds between the gaming sessions won’t rupture the built.
The headband is made of steel with leatherette sheath all over the headset, additionally, the headsets are also supported with aluminum supports to keep the ear cups intact.
The box contains two types of replaceable ear cups, leatherette and velour. For comfort, the velour fabric is favored due to breathability of porous texture. On the other hand, we’ve got leatherette ear cups for maximum passive noise cancellation and compact fit.
SOUND QUALITY
We’ve got another headset pair with thumpy and striking bass. It’s powerful and rich. So, lower ends are highly emphasized by these headsets.
The instrumental distinction is another add on. The background drums and guitars have a vital and thunderous impact. striking bass combined with well highlighted trebles gives out a balanced and versatile audio.
For gamers, the surround sound is perfect for navigating foes through their minor foot taps that get amplified in your ear cups. Plus, different explosives and weapons sounds are separable, making easy for planning up the intensity of response against rivals.
NOISE CANCELLATION
Once again the drawback is that we do not get ANC here, it’s mostly passive which can be achieved using leatherette earcups. The tight seal won’t block out the low frequency sounds like the whirring of the fridge or the continuous vibrational noise of the washing machine etc but, it will definitely put a barrier against the heavy nuisance.
MICROPHONE
The most convenient fact is that the microphone is detachable, it doesn’t have to occupy the space when it’s of no need. Coming up to its performance, it’s fair. The crisps in audio delivered through the blue voice features is amazing.
We have certain presets such as high pass filter, noise reduction mode and refining of audio, each preset works efficiently and the audio is quite enhanced according to your desire.
Pros
- Versatile adjustments in sound
- Comfortable
- Solid built
- Three-band equalizer for mic
Cons
- Pricey
- Works with USB transmitter only
CORSAIR HS70 PRO: Best Cheap Rugged Headphones
$94.99 in stock
These are the latest gaming headsets of this brand with sleek yet simple design, by not putting much effort into it. These headsets rank on the top tiers in the category of durable gaming headsets. They offer a long-lasting 16 hours battery life with flexible and modifiable presets.
DURABILITY AND COMFORT
These headsets are born to last. The headband is made of black metal, coupled with plushy and thick padded earcups. The ear cups do give a leathery texture and are tough, won’t rip up easily.
On top of that, the padding on the headband is thick too with a stitched outlook. They weigh extremely light despite their sturdy built. Wear them for extended sessions and they won’t cause any sort of soreness.
The headsets provide extended range of rotation. The swiveling joints allow quite a rotation but for the end point, the clamping force might get a bit tighter.
SOUND QUALITY
We get well-sculpted audio through these headsets. No matter the audio is concerned with music, gaming, or binging on Netflix the audio is crystal clear and lively.
While listening to the music, you’ll notice that the frequency curve is well flattened. Lead instruments and vocals are prominent without getting muddy.
The surround sound is amazing too. Without activating the surround sound, you can easily process what’s happening in the game to your right and left.
however for 3 dimensional effect, surround sound has to be turned on. It helps you stay conscious in every direction regarding opponent attack.
NOISE CANCELLATION
No ANC but the plushy earcups are soft enough to trap in ambient noises on a wider range.
MICROPHONE
The microphone performance is good too. Cosair facilitates with the software to create customizable EQ profiles, for you to modify presets according to your need.
Pros
- Good surround sound
- Louder bass for gaming as well as music playing
- Sturdy design
- Lightweight
Cons
- The vocals sound turn out to be a bit metallic
- Minor cracking sound in microphone
HYPWEX CLOUD ALPHA: Best Value Rugged Headphones
These headsets are just on the top of the stockpile when it comes to having a pair of the best durable gaming headsets under the price tag of 150. They’re quite inexpensive so with such a price tag, these headsets are a cut above all. The modified design includes many amendments including some thick and tough padding to fit on well.
DURABILITY AND COMFORT
Along with ranging on top for durable gaming headsets, these hybrid headsets do not lag even in comfort. The protruded earcups might look very bulky but, with a solidified form, they fell just feather-like if you get indulged in the session.
Specially if you’re a gaming enthusiast, stamina and vigor is what you’ll be looking for. So, these headsets won’t fall short for such site.
Headset is made of aluminium, which is not only robust, but is flexible as well. So, don’t worry if you snatch them away aggressively, unknowingly, because these headsets are quite moldable.
Coupled with this frame are well padded earcups backing in tight seal and indirectly, noise cancellation.
SOUND QUALITY
Sound quality of these headset is far more than what you expect from all other durable gaming headsets, falling in same price range.
So what is the main highlight of these headsets? It’s the overpowered and emphasized bass. Plus, you wont feel a vaguey texture at other frequency ends just due to the emphasis in lower end.
No matter how thumpy the bass gets, other ranges are not filthied by its presence in spotlight.
These headsets have got 2 compartment spec for mids and bass, meaning that they’ll be treated and refined in separate chambers without distortion in any range. And this feature grasps the interests of most customers.
NOISE CANCELLATION
Unfortunately no ANC mechanism but there definitely are plushier ear cups just shield the inner from outside distraction. But all this depends upon how proper these headsets fit on your ear, otherwise most of the features appear to be inefficient automatically.
MICROPHONE
First of all, the microphone is inline, no interruption with its presence. While even being inline, its microphone succeeds to provide well-sculpted audio on the receiver’s end. But for all this to be joyed, better keep it close to your mouth.
Pros
- Perfect built
- Dynamic sound even without any customization available
- Reasonable price
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Bulky
- Mediocre noise cancellation
TURTLE BEACH ELITE ATLAS PRO
Here comes the biggest brand for durable gaming headsets. This model is more likely to be basic and primary. It doesn’t accommodate all the advanced and well precise features but it does excel in all those basic features it already offers, they’re flawless.
DURABILITY AND COMFORT
As mentioned earlier, these headsets are very durable and for this reason, these headsets maintain their built even after a long time.
The overall built is combined, plastic and metal. On the edges of the headset, there are small steel strips for ease in extension without cracking away. This suspension is tough and accommodates versatile head sizes.
The most impressive feature is that these earcups lay flat on your body which is quite an uncommon trend in gaming headsets.
Along with being sturdy they’re really comfortable and light weight. You can wear them for hours and can still face almost no ache as the clamping is minimized. This is done by using a stretchable headband against the frame. It keeps the head in place.
SOUND QUALITY
These headsets are simple stereo headsets with no software for tweaking. Though it offers almost no customization, it’ll still do a good job for you if you’re not too nitpicky about the details or presets.
It offers an exquisite audio with highly defined and rich bass. it suits jamming on your favorite songs, but still music is not much recommendable with these headsets, as music requires extra refinement and anomaly.
There’s no surround sound but still, the directional imaging lets you pinpoint the foes, even without 3D impact. Surround sound helps u trace how far the enemy is, not where exactly the enemy is approaching from.
The bass helps to boom the explosions but not to a level where it fades the vocals or other ranges.
NOISE CANCELLATION
Noise cancellation is below average. Precisely speaking, don’t go to rowdy areas and binge on gaming with these headsets, you’ll fail to gain the tempo as the noise isolation is not capable enough to nullify or even minimize louder sounds.
But you can definitely have them help you in home or peaceful places.
MICROPHONE
Microphone is above average, luckily. The sound is clear with minimal sibilance but it’s a bit suppressed on the receiver’s end. Position your microphone accurately so that it works well.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Replaceable components
- Dynamic audio
- High frequency response
Cons
- Poor noise cancellation
SENNHEISER GAME ZERO
12 used from $41.66
They’re one of the top-notch durable gaming headsets with finely tuned frequency response and passive noise cancellation. They’re a perfect deal and if you’re ready to spend for a bit pricey headset comparatively then, you can’t unsee such a masterpiece.
DURABILITY AND COMFORT
These headsets have a robust structure but they’re supremely comfy and lightweight. Apparently, their bulky composure seems fatiguing. But they impose almost no more pressure, just bearable pressure is implied to stay in place.
The whole headset is metallic and flexible, it doesn’t make you clench your jaw with excessive clamping force. The headband is connected to earcups through two metal pins, the extension is strong and lets the earcups stick to the headband.
On the edges of headbands, we’ve got plush faux leather earpads with foamy cushions inside the ear pads. Such an assembly provides a snug fit and aids in passive noise cancellation.
SOUND QUALITY
Despite all other minor drawbacks, sound quality is definitely a slam dunk. Its beautifully balanced without biasing any range over the other. It’s well tuned.
The main emphasis of these headsets is, midrange and bass. additionally, the highs are rolled off smoothly just to avoid shrillness and ear damaging audio.
The best part is that its bass is emphasized but is soft and slacky, other ranges are clear too. Majority of the headphones fail by dampening other frequency ranges due to emphasis.
Though it’s a stereo headset, you can easily overwatch your enemies. The instinct adds in due to its design. You can easily locate the opponents and distinguish among variety of gun fired and explosives.
NOISE CANCELLATION
As the earcups are closed back, the headsets nullify surrounding sound passively. Hence, you can get passive noise isolation through its design and of course, the plushier and thicker padding.
MICROPHONE
The audio for the microphone is good, it picks up your voice and transmits it to the receiver’s end with refindeness and accuracy. Luckily, there’s no prominent latency in the microphone too.
Pros
- Comfy
- Portable
- Perfect microphone
- Marvelous audio quality
Cons
- Expensive
- Hollowly effects invoices
RAZER BLACKSHARK V2
$69.99 in stock
30 used from $45.47
v-moda is a highly recommended choice. Because it offers many other features additionally prior to other gaming features. It extracts out a lively sound and has an iconic outlook.
DURABILITY AND COMFORT
They are extremely comfortable. It’s an on-ear headset typically used by audiophiles. The overall construction is flexible and made to last for long. The hinges on the edges are quite flexible and they do not snap away.
The headset wont cramp even if you curl up in a small figure, its pretty durable and moldable. So don’t worry. The headband is made of flexible which lets it retain back its shape as soon as the force is removed.
The headset is fully covered with faux leather and the ear cushions are replaceable, you can clean them and put them back, no worries.
SOUND QUALITY
The sound quality offered by these headphones is far above average. The headband basically favours mid-range, specifically the instruments. They sound really lovely within these memory foam earcups.
The lower region is a bit suppressed, can’t say it to be recessive but it lacks clarity. The overall sound delivered by these headphones is marvelous and lively.
NOISE CANCELLATION
The isolation is pretty good due to its design, it’s appreciable. But don’t just go into rushy areas wearing them, they won’t impress you much there.
MICROPHONE
The microphone is online but works pretty well in all environments. It’s not good for blocking all the ambient sounds, but the nearby chattering can be dampened easily.
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Portable
- Removable parts
- Carrying case
Cons
- Not good for people wearing glasses
Kevin is a Tech journalist for over a decade. He writes on Wearables, Headphones, and Laptops. When he is not glued to his laptop, You will find him working on exciting projects that include Unboxing new Gadgets, comparing them, and tweaking their hardware.