GameSpot may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and from purchases through links.

Battlefield 2 Headset Roundup

Playing Battlefield 2 without a microphone is almost as bad as playing a first-person shooter with a trackball mouse. You don't want to be one of <i>those</i> people do you?

Comments

Battlefield 2 requires a lot from your system. Even if you have a beast of a computer, your chances of success drop precipitously in a game like Battlefield 2 if you can't communicate with your teammates in a timely manner. The squad-based nature of Battlefield 2 means you'll need a good headphones and microphone combination to help take your team to victory.

If you have to stop to type out messages to your teammates in order to relay commands and requests, chances are you're not going to last very long. Effective communication during crucial moments can translate to a successful charge, but a lack of communication will result in a lot of failed objectives.

That's where having a good headset and microphone combination comes in handy. You'll want to look for a few important features while hunting for a good headset. Most importantly, comfort is key. If you can't stand wearing a particular headset, you're probably not going to continue using it. Remember, you'll have to wear the headset for hours at a time. Try to go to a store where you can try on different pairs to get a feel for what kind of retention mechanism suits you best. Some headsets press on your skull, others stay in place by applying pressure against your ears. Some headsets even have overly large, circumaural headphones that cover your ears rather than pressing against them.

Since Battlefield 2 is all about communication, make sure the attached microphone meets your needs. The microphone has to be able to relay your voice to your teammates clearly and without static. Take into account the adjustability of the microphone. Some headsets only let you swivel the mic up and down, while others let you maneuver the microphone in a multitude of directions, which is great in case you need to adjust for "heavy breathing" audio pickups.

Last but not least, make sure the sound of the headset is pleasing to your ears. Some headsets can be overly bright, which might sound great when you try them out for five minutes, but your ears will likely get tired of the harsh sounds if you're going for marathon gaming sessions. Other considerations to take into account include surround-sound options and bass output. Most headphones only offer stereo sound, but 5.1 models are starting to become more common. And, finally, a public service reminder: Listen at moderate sound levels with headphones to preserve your hearing. You have one set of ears, so use them carefully.

We've gathered a range of headsets to help you start your search for the ideal Battlefield 2 headset:

No Caption Provided
AudioFX Force Feedback Gaming Headset
"If you are looking for an immersive sound experience without springing for a 5.1 surround-sound system for your PC, this gaming headset provides a viable alternative."
- Greg Mueller, from the Review

Score: 7.2


No Caption Provided
Logitech Premium USB Headset 350
"The Logitech Premium USB Headset 350 offers all the features we would expect out of a gaming headset for a suggested retail price of $49.99. The headset offers easy USB connectivity, an excellent microphone, but has average-sounding headphones."
- Sarju Shah, from the Review

Score: 7.2


No Caption Provided
Sennheiser PC 155 USB Stereo Headset
"A jack-of-all-trades that also happens to deliver solid sound, the PC 155 is a pricey but exceedingly versatile and certainly high-end personal audio/communication solution."
- Gord Goble, from the Review

Score: 8.0


No Caption Provided
Sennheiser PC 160 Headset
"The Sennheiser PC 160 Stereo Headset is a good bet for those who require a personal listening/communication device and won't settle for one of the many entry-level and bargain-basement units that seem to litter the marketplace."
- Gord Goble, from the Review

Score: 7.5


No Caption Provided
Turtle Beach Ear Force HPA
"Turtle Beach put a lot of thought into the unit's features, and it shows. If you're willing to give up some level of portability, the Ear Force HPA might be your cheap personal ticket into the land of surround sound."
- Sarju Shah, from the Review

Score: 7.9


No Caption Provided
Ultrasone HS-15
"The unit performed well during our voice testing, but with retail prices around the $100 mark, the Ultrasone HS-15 headset is best left to well-heeled professionals who can better appreciate the headset's unique audio features."
- Tracy Baker, from the Review

Score: 7.5

Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com

Join the conversation
There are no comments about this story