Summary

  • ANC is not as common in gaming headsets as it is in regular headphones, hindering the immersive gaming experience.
  • Selecting a high-end option for ANC performance is essential to block out loud household noises during gaming sessions.
  • Some gamers may not need ANC and could opt for standard gaming headsets or open-back headphones instead.

It seems like every pair of headphones nowadays features ANC, but that is not the case with gaming headsets. A few headsets offer ANC or noise cancelation, but not nearly as much as wireless headphones.

With ANC being sold with daily driver headphones as nearly a necessity, you would think that it would be more prominent in the gaming world by now. What's holding it back, or does having ANC on your gaming headset actually make a difference in your gaming experience?

Advantages of ANC For Gaming

headset with noise cancellation
headset with noise cancellation features

The benefits of ANC might seem obvious to anyone who lives in shared housing or just has trouble focusing on games with surrounding noise. However, even if you don't have any problems like that, ANC can still be useful for creating an immersive gaming experience.

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As we have discussed before, improving your audio setup is one of the easiest ways to create a more immersive gaming experience. And if that means cutting out surrounding noise for you, then ANC is one of the most accessible ways to do that with a gaming headset.

Headphones or a headset that offers good ANC performance are also great for gamers who experience audio sensitivity to reduce the amount of sound you are taking in while gaming. As someone who runs into that problem, a nice pair of ANC headphones is an absolute game changer for gaming with other noises happening around, especially on lawn-mowing days.

Disadvantages of ANC For Gaming

The Austrian Audio Hi-X65 plugged in

Now, there is no denying that well-performing ANC does a great job of allowing you to focus solely on the game or the music you are listening to. However, if the headphones or gaming headset pick-up has mediocre ANC, the noise cancelation can actually be more distracting than the noise you are trying to block out.

ANC and noise cancelation technology, as it stands currently, best removes constant low-frequency noises, so if you are just looking to remove the fan noise from your gaming PC or have a quieter gaming experience, most headsets that offer ANC should suffice. However, if you have a loud household or are trying to cut higher-frequency noises, you are going to have to look at pretty high-end options for ANC performance that can keep up.

Because gaming headset ANC is not really to that point yet, and unless you have the cash to spend on some high-end headphones that can offer that kind of ANC, your best option is to look for a quality pair of IEMs or closed-back headphones that provide passive isolation. Because ANC has become the norm lately, many of us have forgotten about the magic of passive isolation, especially when you have content playing.

With the proper fit, even a cheap pair of IEMs will act like pseudo earplugs and block out all sorts of noises, from low-frequencies that ANC can handle to high-pitched noises that a lot of ANC headphones struggle with. Plus, you don't have to worry about the annoyingly short battery life that comes with high-performance ANC headphones.

Does ANC Really Make A Difference to Gamers?

JBL Wireless Headphones at a Windows PC

Because audio is such a personal experience, it is hard to say whether all gamers should look for an ANC headset or steer clear altogether. A good pair of ANC headphones makes a lot of sense for people looking for that serene gaming experience, but unless you can afford the higher-end options, the ANC performance of more budget options might leave you feeling a bit underwhelmed and wanting more noise cancellation. If that's you, IEMs with foam tips are probably going to be the best way to go.

Not all gamers need to cut out surrounding noise, either. If that is the case, a standard gaming headset or even some open-back headphones might be the best option.

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    SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Gaming Headset
    SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Gaming Headset
    $314 $350 Save $36
    Display card main info widget
    Microphone
    Retractable, Noise-cancelling
    Compatibility
    PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Bluetooth Devices
    Brand
    SteelSeries
    Surround Sound
    Yes
    Noise Cancellation
    Active
    Display card main info widget end

    The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless gaming headset from SteelSeries is a serious gamer's tool. A gamer who wants the convenience and quality of a feature-rich wireless gaming headset need not look elsewhere. The headset's premium high-fidelity drivers deliver a clear soundscape and a fully customizable experience with the Sonar Software. It supports 360-degree spatial audio for a more immersive gaming experience and helps users hear every audio cue around them clearly. 

    With active noise-canceling technology enhanced by a four-mic hybrid system, gamers can use transparency mode to tune out any annoying background noises.

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    $350 at Amazon $330 at Newegg $314 at Best Buy
  • Image
    Fiio FH3
    Fiio FH3
    Display card main info widget
    Display card main info widget end

    The FH3 utilizes a hybrid system of a 10mm beryllium-plated diaphragm dynamic driver and a silver-plated copper cable that delivers outstanding sound in a small package. The beryllium-plated driver is light, thin, and highly rigid, allowing for powerful yet lightning-quick, responsive, and dynamic bass. The refined design of the buds is guaranteed to provide a comfortable fit for hours at a time with little to no strain.

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    $110 at Amazon
  • Image
    Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
    Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
    Display card main info widget
    Brand
    Beyerdynamic
    Material
    Metal, Plastic, Velour
    Weight
    272 grams
    Frequency range
    5Hz-35kHz
    Driver size
    45mm
    Impedance
    80 ohms
    Display card main info widget end

    The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro allows more buyers to experience studio-quality wired headphones at an attainable price. Using a closed-back design, the DT 770 Pro gives listeners an immersive experience during music playback, video editing, or gaming. Unlike most gaming headphones, bass effects are prominent but not exaggerated, so sounds are heard exactly as intended. The DT 770 Pro also boasts an exceptionally durable metal-dominated construction and soft velour earpads that remain comfortable even after extended use. 

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    $170 at Amazon $156 at Walmart

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FAQ

Q: Does ANC make a difference?

In the right scenarios, ANC makes a difference. If you are looking to block out sounds of your commute or lower-frequency sounds, ANC does a great job of doing this. It struggles a bit more compared to passive isolation with higher-frequency and sudden loud sounds.

Q: Is ANC good or bad for your ears?

ANC is not bad for your ear's health at all. However, if you have heavy ANC turned on in headphones that don't have anything playing through them, you can feel some inner-ear pressure that is uncomfortable for some.