The most common gaming headset problems, from 2,366 verified buyers

1. The most common gaming headset problem owners report: “Broke down or developed a fault”, raised in 25% of the 1 to 3 star reviews, followed by “Connection drops or software bugs” (18%).
2. What happy owners praise most: “Great sound”, in 34% of the 4 and 5 star reviews we read.
3. 91% of verified buyers rated their gaming headset 4 or 5 stars, against 93% across every product type in our study; gaming headsets rank 26 of 37 for happy buyers.
4. 6% gave 1 or 2 stars, about 1 buyer in 17.
5. Across the 13 gaming headsets with 30 or more ratings, the share of happy buyers ran from 78% to 96%.
6. The cheaper half of these gaming headsets (up to £129) had a median of 92% happy buyers, against 90% for the pricier half, so paying more did not buy happier owners.
7. Owners agree with experts here: models whose expert reviews earned our “great choice” verdict had a median of 92% happy buyers, against 86% for “good with caveats”.
8. Buyers in Asia, Africa and Oceania were the happiest (97% at 4 or 5 stars), and buyers in the US and Canada the least (73%).

Share of the 220 reviews of 1 to 3 stars that raise each problem, grouped across models. What to check before you buy.

1. 1. Broke down or developed a fault25%
   Came up on 11 models
2. 2. Connection drops or software bugs18%
   Came up on 9 models
3. 3. Poor mic15%
   Came up on 7 models
4. 4. Uncomfortable fit14%
   Came up on 7 models
5. 5. Thin or quiet sound11%
   Came up on 7 models

The problems above, most common first, and how to avoid each one. Our advice; the order comes from the reviews.

1. 1. Broke down or developed a fault (25% of complaints)

   Faults usually show in the first weeks, so buy from a shop with an easy returns policy, register the guarantee and keep the receipt. A longer maker's guarantee is worth paying a little for.

2. 2. Connection drops or software bugs (18% of complaints)

   Check the headset works with your console or PC without extra software, and keep its firmware up to date.

3. 3. Poor mic (15% of complaints)

   If your team needs to hear you clearly, check independent mic tests rather than the product page.

4. 4. Uncomfortable fit (14% of complaints)

   Check the weight and the ear cushion material for long sessions, and how tight reviewers say they clamp with glasses.

5. 5. Thin or quiet sound (11% of complaints)

   Check it works with the audio settings of your console or PC, and that volume can be raised on the headset itself.

Share of the 912 newest 4 and 5 star reviews we read that praise each point.

1. 1. Great sound34%
   Came up on 15 models
2. 2. Light and comfortable21%
   Came up on 14 models
3. 3. Long battery life11%
   Came up on 10 models
4. 4. Clear mic7%
   Came up on 11 models
5. 5. Good value for the money6%
   Came up on 7 models

Regions with 30 or more ratings, by where the shop is. Shops in each region sell different models, so a gap can come from the models as much as from the buyers.