When looking for the best Alienware gaming headset, keep in mind that the best gaming headsets feature things like top-notch build quality, a comfortable fit for long gaming sessions, and immersive, directional sound that makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. And you’ll get all this and more with an Alienware gaming headset.
With over 20 years under its belt, Alienware has become a household name in gaming circles worldwide. Its headsets are characteristically recognized for their immersive surround sound and snug fit that plunge experienced and casual gamers into the gaming world. Not to mention, the brand’s top-of-the-line product offerings are easily identifiable by their alien-themed design, ensuring they stand out visually amongst the ever-increasing competition.
Keep reading our buying guide to discover everything Alienware gaming headsets have to offer and whether they’re a viable option when it’s time to get your game face on.
Top Alienware Gaming Headsets
#1 Alienware 7.1 AW510H PC Gaming Headset
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: It is capable of surround sound audio and offers impressive microphone quality. It is available in two color choices and has very comfortable ear pads.
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- Impressive sound and mic quality
- Offers 7.1 channel surround sound
- Quite comfortable
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- Doesn’t come with a pouch for storage
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The Alienware AW510H is a popular release from Dell’s line of Alienware Gaming Headsets, and one of the reasons for this is because it comes with custom-tuned 50mm 20Hz-40kHz for high-resolution audio. The headset’s support for 7.1 surround sound allows for an immersive audio experience, and its earpads and headband are well padded. It also stays well in place during gameplay since it has an ideal amount of clamp force. Users will also find controls that allow them to easily adjust the volume or mute the sound. However, there’s no pouch for storage.
This headset is available in either black or silver matte colors and has a retractable microphone that can be pushed all the way back when not in use. It also boasts of impressive noise isolation, and this is ideal for avoiding outside distractions and staying focussed when gaming. The headset also comes with a USB and AUX cable with both volume and mic control and a 3.5mm jack.
#2 New Alienware AW410K Keyboard and Gaming Headset
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: The microphone on this headset is quite sensitive, and the ear cups feel very comfortable. The headsets might be a favorite for bass enthusiasts, and its cups can rotate 90 degrees for a flat layout position on the chest.
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- Great microphone
- Heavily emphasized bass
- Decent sound quality
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- No 7.1 surround sound
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The Alienware AW310H is a stereo gaming headset with a matte texture and ear cups consisting of plush memory foam and leatherette material for a comfortable feel. The cups can be rotated up to 90 degrees for a flat layout, and its headband is flexible enough to fit most head sizes. Inside the left ear cup is a retractable microphone that can be bent and adjusted as the user sees fit and comes with a 3.5mm audio cable for multi-platform connectivity. Still, some might not like that it doesn’t have 7.1 surround sound.
The microphone on this headset is super clear, and since the headset comes with custom-tuned 50mm drivers, it delivers a frequency response of between 20Hz to 40kHz. In terms of sound quality, bass response has been heavily emphasized, which might be good news for users who appreciate a thunderous sound.
#3 Alienware AW310H Stereo PC Gaming Headset
Award: BEST FOR NOISE CANCELLATION
WHY WE LIKE IT: It has very comfortable ear cups that are also engineered to block out environmental noise. They are also Discord-certified as being of good quality and are also lightweight.
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- Discord-certified as high quality
- Impressive noise cancellation
- Comfortable headband and ear cups
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- No pouch for storage
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The Alienware AW310H is a standard Stereo PC gaming headset with its retractable microphone pushed back into the left ear cup and a headband consisting of a hybrid of plush memory foam for optimal comfort and cooling. The headset is Discord-certified, meaning the company recognizes that they are of high quality. Looks-wise, its design is similar to other headsets in Dell’s Alienware lineup, spotting the alien logo on each ear cup. However, it does not come with a carry bag or pouch for storage.
Weighing only 0.77 pounds, the headset is also pretty lightweight, and since its headband has an ideal clamp force, there’s no chance of it slipping out of place even with excessive head movements during gameplay. The headset also features a swappable 3.5mm cable for cross-compatibility and also has impressive noise cancellation so that players can place all their attention on the game at hand.
#4 Alienware AW988 Wireless Gaming Headset
Award: BEST FOR GAMES
WHY WE LIKE IT: It has a decent 14-hour battery life and delivers a pretty strong bass response. It also has features such as noise cancellation and surround sound technology for immersive gameplay.
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- Capable of Surround sound
- Decent battery life
- Strong bass response
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- Limited to PC use
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Released in 2019, the Alienware AW988 is a robust gaming headset that boasts an angular design, with a matte black appearance and RGB lighting on the outside of its ear cups. The headset’s microphone is properly hidden inside a dock on the left ear cup and will only need to be pulled out to be activated. Its ear cushions are also made of a breathable fabric, and its clamp force is just enough to stay in place without causing any discomfort. Unfortunately, they are limited to only PC use.
The Alienware AW988 is capable of delivering 7.1 surround sound and therefore creates a directional sound map that players can rely on to pinpoint their opponent’s direction. The headset provides a strong bass response, and its microphone has built-in noise cancellation. It is also wireless and has a battery that can support up to 14 hours of continuous use.
Introduction to Alienware Gaming Headsets
Alienware was founded back in 1996 by Nelson Gonzalez and Alex Aguila. Originally named Saikai, they started out building standard PCs, but over time, the duo shifted their focus to building PCs specialized for gaming. Soon after, they rebranded themselves as Alienware, taking inspiration from the science fiction TV series X-files.
Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Alienware extensively sought to expand its product offering across the globe. It finally happened a decade later when Alienware became a part of Dell in a long-anticipated acquisition. By tapping into Dell’s purchasing power, economies of scale, and a wide-reaching supply chain, Alienware burgeoned. Today, along with alien-themed laptops, the company’s product range extends to video game consoles, desktops, notebooks, workstations, gaming mice, and of course, gaming headsets.
Whether you’re an expert gamer or just entering the gaming world, Alienware is your safest bet. It has built a reputable image among gamers worldwide with an excellent lineup of gaming headsets found across varied price points. They come with wired and wireless connectivity options and offer fully immersive audio experiences. If Alienware headsets don’t suit your playstyle, of course, you could always go with the best Xbox One headset.
How Alienware Gaming Headsets Compare to Other Brands
(Pro1) Alienware locates sound better with 7.1 surround sound: Alienware is a fan favorite among gamers primarily due to its custom-tuned drivers and acoustic chambers that offer out-of-the-world 7.1 virtual surround sound. It can produce both rumbling and high-pitched sounds with utmost clarity. Compared to the top contenders (SteelSeries and Razer), you’ll be able to locate sounds from different directions much better.
(Con1) Some headsets lack a gaming aesthetic: Some of Alienware’s headsets have immense aesthetic appeal, but not all Alienware headsets are equipped with RGB lighting to set them apart from the competition. The RGB lighting is only on Alienware’s more expensive headsets.
(Pro 2) Includes handy onboard controls: From the power button and volume dial to the microphone’s mute button and chat volume mixer, everything can be easily located and controlled on the left earcup support. In other words, simple audio tweaks during a game will never be a hassle.
(Con 2) Padded band isn’t the most comfortable: When set side by side, the flexible ski-goggle strap headbands that SteelSeries offers is more comfortable than Alienware’s padded variety. Though Alienware integrates a soft-touch coating on top of its padding, SteelSeries’ ski-goggle strap material helps to eliminate the weight of the headphones when they sit on your head.
(Pro 3) Ergonomically shaped earcups: If you find yourself wearing headphones for long gaming sessions, you’ll love Alienware’s luxuriously thick memory foam padding that takes the shape of your ears to fit comfortably against your head. Plus, the soft microfiber will keep you cool in the middle of intense FPS combats.
(Con 3) Max volume limitations on certain games: An issue you may face with the Alienware headphones is that for some games, like CS:Go, the max volume may not be loud enough for you. This can happen with a few YouTube videos too.
Why You Should Buy Alienware Gaming Headsets
Almost every gamer, pro or casual, uses a headset, and for a good reason. For maximum immersion, comfort, and privacy, you’re going to want a well-built headset that produces clear sound and doesn’t leave you with a headache due to its clamping force.
Alienware’s sound-isolating ear cups and soft ear cushions are sure to give you a hyper-realistic auditory experience that is comfortable for extended durations. With better audio, you’ll enjoy a better performance during your games, and you won’t have to break the bank to purchase these headsets.
How Long Will Alienware Gaming Headsets Last?
Four main factors determine the longevity of Alienware gaming headsets — materials, speaker driver quality, cables, and battery. If you keep them clean and maintain them fairly well, you can expect them to last between 2 to 5 years. But on the upper end, they could last you a few years short of a decade, like the best Astro headset.
With wired headphones, you’ll have to be careful with the cable because that tends to malfunction first. Though Alienware’s cables are durable, winding and rolling over the cord is not recommended.
If you’re using a wireless pair of headphones, the battery will degrade gradually and eventually need replacement. But since the batteries in headphones are much larger than what you’ll find on wireless earphones, you can expect them to last 2 to 4 years or more, depending on use.
Alienware Gaming Headset Warranties
Dell Alienware carries a 2-year limited hardware warranty that covers defects in materials for both Dell-branded hardware products and peripheral products. If problems result from external causes, like failure to follow instructions, using third-party components, and normal wear and tear, the limited warranty will be voided for the Alienware gaming headset.
