Getting a good set of speakers or headphones can be a chore. There are simply SO many options to choose from. Well, let the ol’ GamingShogun take that burden off your plate and step right up for a good old fashioned gift guide. This time, speakers and headphones!
TV Soundbar
Winner
Samsung HW-Q990B
Samsung’s HW-Q990B soundbar is the best wireless DOLBY ATMOS enabled soundbar on the market today. It’s easy to use, extremely powerful, and will cost you a pretty penny. However, if you are a discerning cinephile who wants that amazing surround sound at home in a soundbar form factor, this is the one to get.
Price: $1899.99
Runner-Up
Creative Stage 360
Coming in at the opposite end of the price spectrum is Creative Labs Stage 360 soundbar. Equipped with DOLBY ATMOS as well, the Creative Stage 360 provides decent surround sound while not breaking your budget.
Price: $229.99
Computer Speakers
Winner
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Katava V2X Soundbar
Creative Labs knocked it out of the park with their Katana V2 soundbar earlier this year. However, they couldn’t leave well-enough alone and decided to take the V2 to another level. Enter: The Katana V2X. It’s the same Katana V2, just in a 40% smaller form factor and slightly less expensive price point. It also features a host of connection options: USB-C, HDMI ARC, optical-in cable, AUX-in cable, and wireless Bluetooth® 5.0! Also, the sound quality is fantastic – you won’t go wrong with the Katana V2X for your computer sound solution.
Price: $279.99
Big Wallet Energy Option
Razer Nommo Pro
Razer’s Nommo Pro is simply a set of next-level computer speakers for a very high price tag. THX Certified Premium Audio coupled with Dolby Virtual Surround Sound and a powerful, downward-firing subwoofer makes for a mean customer. The Razer Nommo Pro – you’ll have great sound, just “Nommo” money!
Price: $579.99
Headphones
Winner
RIG – 800 Pro HS Wireless Headset and Base Station
RIG’s 800 PRO wireless gaming headphones are so comfortable. Couple that extreme comfort with a snazzy charging dock, long 24-hour battery life, and lag-free wireless performance and you have one terrific set of headphones. The price is great too, and isn’t so expensive that it prices itself out of most budgets.
Price: $149.99
Runner-Up
RØDE NTH-100 Professional Over-Ear Headphones
The RØDE NTH-100 professional over-ear wired headphones offer exceptional sonic performance and superior comfort. They may be designed with creators in mind, but the natural sound reproduction and voluminous sound make these amazing when paired with a nice soundcard or DAC. I love these headphones for both gaming and movie-watching!
Price: $149
Ear Buds
Winner
Apple Airpod Pro 2nd Generation
Apple’s AirPods Pro 1st generation earbuds were (and still are) an outstanding choice for your on-the-go audio. The AirPods Pro 2nd generation takes that initial design one step further with better noise cancellation, improved adaptive transparency, faster CPU, and better spatial audio. This doesn’t even mention the improvements to the MagSafe charging case, which now features a built-in speaker!
Price: $249
Runner-Up
EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid Closed Acoustic Wireless Earbuds
EPOS makes some mean speakers, and the GTW 270 hybrid takes all that quality and design and shoves it down into the form factor of a set of ear buds. Not only can you pair it with your smartphone, but it was also designed to run via a USB-C wireless dongle that allows you to utilize it with your computer or game console! GENIUS! Of course, it also features a charging case to let the ear buds rest inside when not providing your ears with great sound, so that’s another positive.
Price: $149
