The 7 Best Headphones for Sim Racing

The 7 Best Headphones for Sim Racing
Author Alessio Lorandi
Alessio Lorandi
November 30, 2021

In the world of sim racing , every piece of hardware is needed in order to provide the most realistic racing experience and environment.

If we look at some of the hardware such as brakes, switches, steering wheels, and gas pedals, we can see that these hardwares are created with similar features with the real pieces used on a racing car.

The 7 Best Headphones for Sim Racing

On the other hand, racing simulation is run in a completely different condition.

Say that you are racing from the comfort of your own desk, you will not need some of the real life racing equipment such as a helmet.

After all, the best sim racing equipment are the ones that have been adapted with sim racing conditions.

One device needed by sim racers but not by real life racers is a pair of good quality headphones.

Why use headphones for sim racing? Well, for the exact same reason why gamers need headphones, using headphones when sim racing will drastically improve the immersion of your racing experience.

Audio is a big part of the racing world, that is partially why people spend a lot of money to watch a live race in the circuits. If you have been to a circuit before, you must be familiar with the beautiful sound of the racing car engine.

The 7 Best Headphones for Sim Racing

Now imagine what the racers can hear directly from the racing cockpit, a non-stop sound of the roaming car engine.

Each year, sim racing softwares/games from around the world are competing to produce better sound details to provide ultimate immersion for us simulation racers.

If you have been racing without using a headphone, we highly recommend you to start using one as soon as possible, trust us and feel the difference!

How to Choose The Best sim racing Headphones for yourself

Sim racers use headphones for similar reasons to gamers. Additionally, us sim racers race in a similar environment to other gamers. For that reason, good gaming headphones would most likely be suitable for simulation racing.

You can definitely use this comparison as a standard when buying headphones, as most headphones are created for gaming in general and not specially made for sim racing.

Still, there are several features that you have to look for when buying headphones for simulation racing. The key point is to make sure that the headphone features do not interfere with both your racing experience and performance. Here are some of the things to consider:

  • connectability

Which do you prefer, wireless or wired? Everyone has their own preference, but each choice comes with different benefits. For instance, wired headphones are able to run non-stop no matter how long you race, but you have to make sure that the wires are properly placed to prevent wire clutter in between your racing setup.

On the other hand, a wireless headphone may be more convenient in terms of mobility, but you have to make sure that your headphones are fully charged if you are planning to race for a long time. If you like both method, simply go for a headphone that is compatible with both features

  • microphone

You may notice that some gamers like to use a stand alone microphone when they are gaming, which they can conveniently locate by their gaming desk in front of them. However, this may not be possible for us sim racers.

Our setup is not the same and you have your steering wheels in front of you, so a stand alone microphone is not suitable for us.

You still can get a headphone without a microphone if you are not planning to use voice over chat when you are racing, but we definitely recommend getting headphones with built-in microphones if you are communicating over VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocols) such as discord

  • design

The final thing that you have to look for is the design. Again, everyone has their own preference when it comes to design, but we recommend getting a closed-back headphone as it is able to block external noise to provide you with maximum immersion.

Some people still prefer open-back headphones as they feel that it is more comfortable when used for a long time.

If you feel the same way, just get yourself an open-back headphone, you will still be able to get full immersion if you can minimize the external noise around you

With those things in mind, you can start looking for your headphones! The following list is the 7 best headphones for sim racing in 2021 that you can choose from, stay tuned!

SteelSeries Arctis 3

 

Compatibility : PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, VR, Android, and iOS

Chech the current prices here on Amazon

 

SteelSeries Arctis 3 is a popular wired gaming headphone known for their noise cancelling capabilities. Despite its excellent ability to cancel external noise, the SteelSeries Arctis 3 has an exceptionally compact design including a detachable microphone.

This headphone is also highly durable as it is supported by a steel-reinforced headband while still maintaining its lightweight and ergonomic structure.

Features:

  • Arctis ClearCast bidirectional microphone

  • Background noise cancellation

  • Detachable microphone

  • Steel-reinforced headband for durability

HyperX Cloud Stinger

 

Compatibility : PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Mobile

Chech the current prices here on Amazon

 

Headphones are relatively cheaper than most gaming equipment, moreover you can still find affordable alternatives such as the HyperX Cloud Stinger. The HyperX Cloud Stinger is a wired headphone that comes with a built-in microphone.

The design itself is quite large, but it is made to be lightweight and will not feel bulky when you are wearing it.

On the microphone itself you will be able to find many practical features such as a swivel-to-mute mic, volume control on the ear cup, and an adjustable steel slider.

Features:

  • 90-degree rotating ear cups

  • Lightweight design

  • 50mm directional drivers to ensure gaming grade sound quality

  • HyperX Signature Memory Foam

NUBWO G06

 

Compatibility : PS5, PS4, PC, Mac, mobile

Chech the current prices here on Amazon

 

As mentioned above, you can always get headphones with wired and wireless technology such as the NUBWO G06 if you are still not sure about your preference. There are 2 wireless methods that you can use with the NUBWO G06, which is the USB mode for PS5, PS4, PC, and mac, or just use the bluetooth mode compatible with any other device including mobile.

The battery life itself is 47 hours so do not worry about running out of battery when racing as long as you charge it once every few days.

Features:

  • Immersive 3D sounds

  • 47 hours battery life

  • Flexible connectability

  • Noise cancelling mic with high clarity

 

Razer BlackShark V2 Gaming Headset

 


Compatibility : PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X & S, Mobile

Chech the current prices here on Amazon

 

One of the best gaming headphones that is suitable for sim racing is the Razer BlackShark V2 Gaming Headset. Yes, it is quiet on the pricey side, but you can expect quality, durability, versatility, and comfort when wearing this pair of headphones by Razer.

In addition to its noise cancelling technology, you will find closed ear cups and plush cushion to further isolate any external noise.

Features:

  • Razer HyperClear cardioid mic with USB sound card

  • Razer TriForce titanium 50mm drivers

  • Advanced passive noise cancellation

  • Ultra-soft breathable memory foam ear cushions

 

SteelSeries Arctis 7

 

Compatibility : Pc, Mac, PS, Switch, Mobile

Chech the current prices here on Amazon

 

SteelSeries Arctis 7 is a wireless headphone with compact design that is very suitable for sim racing. It has a battery life of 24 hours and a design that prioritizes comfort, including a premium woven ski goggle fabric to make sure that you can wear this headphone comfortably for a long time.

Features:

  • ClearCast noise cancelling microphone

  • 24 hours battery life

  • Lightweight design with high quality material

HyperX Cloud II

 

Compatibility : PC, PS4, PS4 PRO, Xbox One, Xbox One S, Mobile

Chech the current prices here on Amazon

 

Another high quality wired headphone that you can buy is the HyperX Cloud II, a noise cancelling headphone that will keep you immersed into your racing simulation. Besides an excellent noise canceling feature, it also comes with an echo cancelling sound card and a voice-chat optimized microphone.

Feature:

  • Noise cancelling microphone via inline sound card

  • Memory foam ear pads

  • Echo cancelling via inline sound card

  • Voice-chat optimized headphones

Logitech G432

 

Compatibility : PC, mobile, console

Chech the current prices here on Amazon

We are closing this list with an affordable headphone that really can not go wrong for sim racing, the Logitech G432. Made to be compact and minimalistic, this pair of headphones will not interfere with your racing performance.

More importantly, it is lightweight and will be comfortable even for long term usage.

  • Advanced DTS Headphone: X 2. 0 surround sound

  • Flip-to-mute switch at the control of your fingertips

  • Leather earpads and headband for maximum comfort

Wrap up

That ends our list of the 7 best headphones for sim racing in 2021. Since headphones are not as expensive as most sim racing equipment, we highly recommend you to expand your budget and invest in a high quality headphone.

Remember, you can always use these headphones for other purposes.

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About the autor

Alessio Lorandi

Alessio has been involved at the highest levels in racing since the age of 5 (2003). He won a CIK-FIA World Championship in 2013 and then raced in F3, F2, and finally GT3s before now dedicating himself to SOLOX. He’s now on a mission to help thousands of sim racers around the world achieve their fullest potential through his ACC setups.

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