The 5 Best Surround Sound Headphones Money Can Buy in 2022
Whether gaming, streaming music, or watching videos, the best surround sound headphones offer the best listening experience. The good news is that there is a wide range of options in the market that suit any budget.
Unlike old headphones, surround sound technology makes listening more immersive. It uses complex sound processing to produce a multidirectional sound effect.
Also, surround sound headphones use the same philosophy as surround sound speakers. There are multiple discrete speakers painstakingly installed into the headphone cup.
This allows sound to enter the ear canal from multiple angles, so it feels like it comes from the surroundings rather than the person’s head.
Nowadays, you can easily find tons of surround sound headphones in a single search. However, not all of them are made equal.
Aside from that, surround sound headphones tend to have a higher price tag than standard types. This is due to the improved technology and better sound quality you’ll enjoy.
If you’re on the hunt for authentic surround sound headphones, we reviewed five top picks below. We also discussed a short buying guide, in the end, to help you pick the headphones that match your needs.
Too long, can’t read? Here’s a quick rundown of our top 5 picks:
If you’re looking for the best surround sound headphones for watching movies, you won’t be disappointed with the MEE audio Connect T1CMA Wireless Headphones. This boasts four sound enhancement profiles to suit your listening needs.
It has the CinemaEAR button that you can use to select from these four options: Clear Voice Mode, Dynamic Music Mode, Clear Voice Plus Mode, and Bass Boost Mode. This makes MEE audio Connect a top choice for almost every multimedia experience.
Another thing I like about the MEE audio Connect T1CMA is its Qualcomm aptX technology. This is a low latency technology that ensures synced and clear audio while watching TV shows or movies.
Moreover, these headphones have memory foam padding for all-day comfort. It’s also equipped with Bluetooth for wireless listening, or you can use the Connect transmitter for old TVs. This transmitter is bundled with the headphones, which allows you to convert this into a wired type.
When used in wireless mode, you’ll have 30 hours of battery life per charge. As for wired operation, you can utilize the RCA, 3.5 mm headphone jack, or optical S/PDIF slots, whichever you need. Cables are also included in the package so that you can use the headphones straight from the box.
Aside from that, these headphones are designed for dual-headphone streaming. That means you can connect two units in one television, so you and your special someone can watch without waking up the kids.
So whether you have a brand new smart TV or still using your trusty unit, these headphones can adjust well.
Pros
Travel-friendly design
Compatible with almost any streaming device
Little to no lag
Compatible with AirPods
Pairs with Bose Soundlink headphones
Complete package
Low latency
Cons
Shorter range
Other Bluetooth devices must be off
Small ear cups for big users
Pros
Travel-friendly design. These MEE audio surround sound headphones have a compact form factor. It’s easy to carry around, even if you’re traveling all the time.
Compatible with almost any streaming device. Whether it’s your TV or in-flight entertainment systems, these headphones are conveniently compatible.
Little to no lag. These headphones have very little to no lag, even when used in wireless mode. For most users, the lag is difficult to notice and completely negligible.
Compatible with AirPods. The transmitter works with at least 2nd generation AirPods, even in dual-headphones mode.
Pairs with Bose Soundlink headphones. If you have Bose headphones, this one would be a perfect pair. It syncs well and won’t cause any lag or signal disruption on a dual setup.
Complete package. While the brand doesn’t highlight this part, their headphones already come with a full set of cables. There’s no need to buy these extras.
Low latency. The MEE audio Connect headphones have impressive sound quality with no noticeable latency.
Cons
Shorter range. These headphones tend to lose connection once you walk past 25 feet. In that case, it will require manual re-pairing.
Other Bluetooth devices must be off. When using these headphones, you have to turn off other Bluetooth features like speakers, hearing aids, or phones. If not, it will mess with the connectivity.
Small ear cups for big users. If you’re tall or has a larger than usual ear, the earcups on these headphones will feel smallish. Nevertheless, most users will find the size just right.
If you’re in the market for truly wireless surround sound headphones, I recommend the HyperX Cloud II. This headset is compatible with PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5, and PS4 use.
These headphones have a 7.1 surround sound technology on their 53 mm driver. It also has a built-in microphone (mouthpiece), so you can use it for entertainment and communication purposes.
Another good feature here is the LED mute indicator that lets you see if your mic is on. Aside from the built-in mic monitoring system, this is to ensure that your voice remains clear while talking.
Aside from that, these headphones work in a wireless 2.4 GHz network for a lag-free listening experience. It also has a range of up to 20 meters and an unbeatable battery life of 30 hours per charge.
These wireless headphones are fitted with premium memory foam on the ear cups. Despite that, the entire thing is lightweight for just 300 grams, so you can play games, watch movies, or listen to music without the strain. In addition, the HyperX Cloud II has an aluminum frame to make it enduring of daily use.
I also like the fact that the company offers a 2-year warranty for their headphones. It’s proof of their dedication to quality, much so for this price range.
HyperX also made sure that they could cater to a wide range of users by offering a wired version of this same headset. Both boast low latency, premium leatherette, and a lightweight feel.
Pros
Large driver
Tough construction
LED mic indicator
TeamSpeak and Discord-certified
Multi-compatibility
Long battery life
Cons
It feels a little tight
It feels hot
It has less bass
Pros
Large driver. The HyperX Cloud II sports a 53 mm driver, which is more than enough to satisfy the pickiest audiophile. Rest assured that the headphones deliver top-notch surround sound quality.
Tough construction. These headphones are made to withstand the perils of regular use. It’s made with an aluminum frame, so it lasts long without the cumbersome feeling.
LED mic indicator. The mic mouthpiece has a LED indicator that will light up once your microphone is on. This lets you check your audio without having to fiddle on your device.
TeamSpeak and Discord-certified. These headphones are guaranteed to deliver excellent audio quality for streaming, meetings, and other two-way means of communication.
Multi-compatibility. These headphones are compatible with Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, and computers. It comes with a USB adapter for a plug-and-play setup.
Long battery life. Each charge will give you up to 30 hours of listening and chatting on these headphones. For this price range, you simply can’t beat that.
Cons
It feels a little tight. These headphones will feel too snug at first. The trick is adjusting it bigger than your head to reduce the tension on the frame.
It feels hot. The leatherette on these headphones can get hot and sweaty if you’re not in an air-conditioned room. Nevertheless, you can always replace the leather pads with cotton to solve this problem.
It has less bass. Some audiophiles noticed that the HyperX Cloud II has a slightly lower bass output than other leading options in the market. But for the most part, this small niggle is almost negligible.
If you don’t have the budget for top-dollar surround sound headphones, the Razer Kraken X is the best middle ground between price and features. These budget-friendly headphones sport a 7.1 surround sport technology for multi-positional audio.
Even though it’s way cheaper than HyperX, Razer managed to fit a 40 mm driver into this headset. This is more than enough for a software-powered surrounded sound listening experience.
Moreover, there are in-headset audio controls on this headset. There’s a mic mute switch and a volume control wheel for quick adjustments.
Like HyperX, the Razer Kraken X has a bendable microphone. It’s programmed with noise cancellation technology to reduce ambient and background noisesso that you can communicate well.
While the Kraken isn’t as fancy as expensive models, it has a reasonably durable construction. It’s also light at 250 grams, so first-time headphone users will find this more comfortable than heavier options. Also, the headband has a sliding design and is well-padded to reduce head strain.
On the ear, it has foam cushions to keep the headphones comfy for long-term listening. It’s covered with faux leather, which is already impressive for this price range.
I also like that the cord on this headset isn’t elastic, which prevents it from curling. It’s a great deal for those who are looking for entry-level options.
Overall, these headphones are signed for multi-platform gaming. But since it has 7.1 surround sound, it will be a great tool for almost every multimedia experience.
Pros
Affordable headphones
Bendable cardioid mic
Made for gaming
Immersive surround sound
Excellent volume
High-quality entry-level headphones
Cons
The construction isn’t very solid
Screamy highs
It’s not eyeglasses-friendly
Pros
Affordable headphones. Those who are on a budget will have a great deal with the Razer Kraken. It’s under 50 bucks and has surprisingly decent features for this price range.
Bendable cardioid mic. Thanks to the cardioid design of the headset’s microphone, it eliminates background noise. Also, you can bend the mic if you’re not comfortable having it on the side of your face.
Made for gaming. These headphones are compatible with PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and other gaming platforms. It uses a 3.5 mm connection for a plug-and-play experience.
Immersive surround sound. Despite its low price, the Razer Kraken has a 7.1 surround sound technology. This makes the headset stand out from stereotypes within the same price range.
Excellent volume. With a 40 mm driver, the Razer Kraken packs a lot in the volume aspect. It stays loud even when using the 7.1 mode.
High-quality entry-level headphones. If you want to test the waters of surround sound audio, the Razer Kraken offers a low-risk option. It has a low price, which is less intimidating than the one from HyperX or MEE.
Cons
The construction isn’t very solid. The Razer Kraken is a bit more fragile since its construction has more plastic than metal. Overall, this is fairly reasonable considering the price.
Screamy highs. Users notice that these headphones tend to have a ‘screamy’ quality on high sounds. Also, it’s far from impressing bass heads, and the mids are slightly pitchy.
It’s not eyeglasses-friendly. While Razer promotes the Kraken to have eyewear channels, it’s not the most comfortable to use if you’re wearing eyeglasses.
When it comes to authentic 7.1 surround sound, the CORSAIR Void Pro Gaming Headset is a great purchase. It has 50 mm neodymium drivers that deliver an authentic surround sound experience.
Aside from that, these headphones are compatible with Windows 7 and up or any device with USB port connectivity.
The CORSAIR Void Pro offers low latency wireless audio with an unbeatable range of up to 40 feet. You can walk around without losing connection. Overall, this range is much better than other options, even those from MEE or HyperX.
Moreover, these headphones have a unidirectional microphone complete with a LED mute indicator at the mouthpiece. The microphone can also be pushed out of the way or stowed when not in use.
Another thing we like about the CORSAIR Void Pro is its aluminum construction. This is paired with memory foam on the ear cups and microfiber mesh instead of leather that can make you sweaty. With this, CORSAIR Void Pro can take the beating of regular use while remaining comfortable to wear.
As for battery life, each charge will give you up to 16 hours of listening. While this is shorter than other options, CORSAIR compensates for other features. Overall, this is just a small niggle, and the battery life remains long at best.
These headphones are also Discord-certified, thanks to their clear communication design. It enhances voice quality while reducing noise.
Overall, this wireless headset offers the best surround sound experience for a reasonable price. It offers solid value with added comfort and range that can penetrate through walls. For most users, this is more than impressive.
Pros
Longer range
Comfortable ear cups
Microphone indicator
Rugged quality
Compatible with the iCue program
Cons
The mic dock is a bit clunky
The RGB light consumes a lot of battery
Pros
Longer range. The CORSAIR Void Pro has one of the longest wireless ranges among surround sound headphones reviewed here. It works for up to 40 feet, and the signal can penetrate through floors and walls.
Comfortable ear cups. Unlike other headphones, the CORSAIR Void Pro has a memory foam and mesh cover. This keeps your ears dry and cool during long hours of use.
Microphone indicator. This headset has a LED microphone indicator. It’s a great feature for streamers and gamers.
Rugged quality. The Void Pro is made to withstand excessive wear and tear, thanks to its aluminum frame. It can withstand years of use, even for the most avid gamers or streamers.
Compatible with the iCue program. These headphones are compatible with the iCue program that you can access on the CORSAIR website. This will help you fix sound issues so that you can make the most out of your purchase.
Cons
The mic dock is a bit clunky. This may sound a bit nitpicky, but the microphone dock of these headphones feels slightly clunky. Nevertheless, it remains durable, but picky users may notice it easily.
The RGB light consumes a lot of battery. If you want to increase battery life in every charge, you should consider turning the RGB feature off. It consumes a lot of power, which is not worth it if you’re just using it for watching movies or listening to music.
If you’re looking for surround sound headphones with an attractive price, excellent set of features, and reputable brand, the CORSAIR HS60 PRO might be your best bet. These wired headphones have an immersive 7.1 surround sound experience on PC. It’s also compatible with gaming platforms like Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.
Moreover, these headphones have a 50 mm neodymium driver, which is the same as the one you’ll find in the Void Pro. It delivers top-notch sound quality, which delivers a great listening experience while watching movies, playing, or listening to music.
Aside from that, these headphones have on-ear mute and volume controls. You can easily adjust the sound without getting distracted from your gaming or streaming. The microphone is also detachable to suit your level of convenience.
Another thing I like about these headphones is the braided audio cable. It will not get stiff over time, and it also protects the wire from damages.
Meanwhile, the ear cups of the headset have memory foam but without the mesh fabric cover from Void Pro. Nevertheless, it remains lightweight and uses an aluminum construction.
Like the Void Pro, the HS60 PRO is compatible with the iCue software. Here, you can customize your equalizer settings, audio quality, sidetone, and so on. Just note, though, that the 7.1 surround sound feature of these headphones isn’t supported on devices that use Apple M1 chips.
Pros
Low price
Detachable microphone
Braided cable
Durable construction
iCUE compatible
Easy volume controls
Ideal for gaming
Cons
Not supported on Apple M1 devices
It doesn’t have mesh fabric like Void PRO
Less noise cancelation
Pros
Low price. The CORSAIR HS60 PRO has the features of an expensive headset, but for a fraction of the price. It’s the right balance between value and quality.
Detachable microphone. The noise-canceling microphone of these headphones is detachable for your convenience. You’re free to remove or put it back anytime.
Braided cable. The braided cable of the HS60 PRO lasts longer than rubber-coated types. It also prevents the cable from twisting and getting tangled.
Durable construction. Despite its low price, the HS60 PRO has an aluminum construction and memory foam-padded ear cups. This keeps users comfortable even during extended listening hours.
iCUE compatible. Like the Void Pro, the HS60 PRO is also compatible with CORSAIR’s iCUE software. This gives you a wide range of options to customize your listening experience.
Easy volume controls. These headphones have volume and mute controls on the ear cups. This lets users adjust their headphone settings on the fly. There’s no need to take your eyes off the screen.
Ideal for gaming. Most CORSAIR headphones are designed with gamers in mind. So if you’re looking for an affordable gaming headset, this one won’t disappoint.
Cons
Not supported on Apple M1 devices. Devices using the Apple M1 chip won’t support these headphones. You can’t activate the 7.1 surround sound of these headphones using such devices.
It doesn’t have mesh fabric like Void PRO. CORSAIR decided to swap the mesh fabric cover with the standard faux leather on the ear cups. Nevertheless, it remains comfy for most users.
Less noise cancelation. While these headphones have noise cancelation technology, it’s not as good as other models. It can be an issue for those who are planning to use this for communication.
What to Consider When Buying Surround Sound Headphones
There are many surround sound headphones in the market, but not all of them live up to the hype. To ensure that you’re getting real and high-quality surround sound pairs, the following are some of the points you should consider:
5.1 vs. 7.1 surround system
Surround sound speakers can either have 5.1 or 7.1 systems. In some cases, it can be both.
This refers to the layout of the speakers within a sound system. For example, 5.1 (pronounced as five-point one) has five speakers and one subwoofer. On the other hand, the 7.1 system has five speakers and one subwoofer.
Overall, the only difference between these types is two additional speakers. Still, the difference is quite noticeable when it comes to the surround sound effect.
With this, a 7.1 surround sound system is much better than 5.1. Nevertheless, all 7.1 systems are built upon 5.1, which means you can downgrade to the latter anytime you wish.
If we are to compare, 7.1 surround sound has better depth and precision. However, it also comes at a higher price tag, which is a reasonable trade-off if the buyer wants quality.
For those who aren’t too nitpicky, the 5.1 system would be more than enough for watching movies, gaming, and listening to music.
Impedance
The next thing you should check is the impedance of the surround sound headphones. Impedance refers to the electric current resistance of the headphones, which is measured in ohms. This resistance affects the quality of the sound.
Overall, you’d want to aim for a higher impedance because this means that the headphones will have a clearer and crisper sound. In general, high-impedance starts at 40 ohms and above.
Nevertheless, 20 to 40 ohms impedance is usually good enough for surround sound headphones.
Wired vs. wireless
You also have to decide whether you want wireless or wired headphones. Both work well, but each one has its upsides and downsides.
Wired headphones guarantee the reliability of sound quality, and there’s no need to charge batteries. However, the cable clutter can be less appealing, though this is just a tiny niggle for most users.
On the other hand, wireless headphones offer freedom of movement. You can connect your wireless surround sound headphones to your device and walk around up to 30 feet in distance.
However, this benefit is at the expense of some level of consistency and the hassle of charging.
In the end, the choice depends on what you prefer. Just remember that wireless headphones tend to have higher price tags due to the added features.
Compatibility
The headphones’ compatibility with your device is also an important consideration. Almost all wireless surround headphones connect through Bluetooth.
However, if you’re opting for a wired type, make sure that it’s fitted with a 3.5 mm jack. This is the standard across mobile devices, though an exemption would be Apple devices.
Overall, we don’t recommend going for USB-plugged headphones. Even though it matches your current device, this form factor doesn’t offer much future-proofing for your purchase.
Noise cancelation feature
Another feature you should look for is noise cancelation. While surround sound offers an elevated listening experience, you’d also want the headphones to have a reliable microphone.
This way, you can answer calls or make recordings without the ambient noise.
It’s also a big plus if the surround sound headphones have a built-in microphone. Whether it’s a mouthpiece or an in-line mic depends on your preference.
Volume and balance control
The surround sound headphones you’re going to buy should have easy volume control. It’s best if the headphones have buttons or a wheel that will let you adjust the volume on the fly.
This way, you won’t have to fiddle with your device, say the TV or computer volume.
Other surround sound headphones have equalizers to balance the sound. This is purely optional since most headphones with this technology are often on the expensive side.
Weight and adjustability
The actual feel of the headphones is also crucial to ensure comfort. Other users prefer lighter headphones, so it doesn’t strain their ears too much. This is because very heavy headphones can be tiring to wear, especially for extended hours.
Most surround sound headphones have an over-ear design to ensure that the sound won’t leak. It’s also intended to channel the sound effectively into your ear canal.
However, this same design can be a bit uncomfortable, especially for those who aren’t used to wearing headphones for long periods.
Price range
The cost of surround sound headphones is often proportional to their features and quality. With that, investing a few more bucks will make a difference in your listening experience.
Nevertheless, expensive doesn’t always mean good. It’s still important to check the quality of the headphones based on buyer reviews.
If you are going to purchase expensive headphones, make sure that a reasonable warranty covers them. This will protect your purchase in case of defects.
FAQs About Surround Sound Headphones
Q: Is it worth getting surround sound headphones
A: Surround sound headphones elevate your listening experience. While it costs more than standard stereo headphones, it’s worth the splurge for audiophiles. Aside from that, surround sound headphones deliver higher sound quality, so you’ll have an immersive listening experience. Since surround sound is no longer new, you can find affordable options in the market that still offers reasonable quality.
Q: Is surround sound bad for gaming?
A: Surround sound headphones are popular in the gaming community. It gives a more in-depth sound profile, not to mention that it makes gaming more enjoyable. However, it’s important to know that surround sound headphones alone won’t make you a better gamer. It just adds a better user experience.
Q: Can stereo headphones play surround sound?
A: Stereo headphones aren’t always designed for surround sound and can’t deliver such a level of sound quality. While sound enhancing software can help boost stereo headphones’ performance, it doesn’t replace real surround sound technology. If you’re keen to experience better sound quality, it’s best that you invest in a pair of surround sound headphones instead.
Q: How do I check if my headphones have surround sound?
A: To check if your headphones have surround sound, you should look for the ‘7.1 Surround’ option under your Windows Speaker Setup. Also, you should check the specific model of your headphones to know whether it’s marketed as surround sound or not. Overall, you’ll easily hear the difference between surround sound and stereo headphones.
Q: Do pro gamers use surround sound headphones?
A: Most pro players prefer stereo headphones. Still, most pro gamers will invest in surround sound headphones so that they can activate the 7.1 surround technology for specific games. But professional gamer or not, the preference toward surround sound headphones is purely optional.
Q: Is 7.1 virtual surround sound good for movies?
A: The 7.1 virtual surround sound is an excellent choice when watching movies. Headphones with this technology offer a more realistic and enjoyable listening experience. It allows you to hear every detail of the movie you’re watching. Overall, surround sound headphones provide directional and spatial audio sense while watching a movie.
Q: Is surround sound good for music?
A: Surround sound headphones are great options when listening to music. This gives listeners a more in-depth and richer listening experience. Nowadays, there are multichannel mixes and surround sound streaming platforms that offer a new way to enjoy music. This is where surround sound headphones come in handy.
Conclusion
The best surround sound headphones will elevate your listening experience. It provides a more realistic and immersive audio quality, which stereo headsets alone can’t achieve. This is a great choice for those who love watching movies, playing games, or listening to music.
Still, it’s important to know that not all surround sound headphones in the market live up to the hype. It’s crucial to check the features to ensure that it matches what you’re looking for.
And if you want to skip the guesswork, our top five picks above will be great options. Which one do you plan to use? Share your thoughts in the comment section!
Music is the lifeblood of my veins. I love to listen, play and write music. Being a music band manager is what I love to do mostly because I love working with artists on their personal branding and brand building while helping them find the next level of success.
