Oculus Quest Headphones

The state-of-the-art Oculus Quest makes for an unparalleled and immersive gaming experience, thanks to the device being a standalone VR headset. Oculus Quest is a new VR headset that allows you to enjoy high-level video games like Vader Immortal III and Beat Saber without using a game console, PC, or smartphone. You also do not need to connect any wires to the headset for operating it, thereby sparing you from the hassle of dealing with chaotic knots.

The Quest comes with integrated speakers offering an excellent surround sound experience, which gets better if you use quality headphones. The Oculus Quest works best with wired headphones that you need to the plugin for an unparalleled acoustic experience. However, things can get somewhat intricate when pairing the VR headset with wireless headphones.

If you have an Oculus Quest, then you know that it comes with its own set of built-in hardware and software. So you do not need to buy any additional equipment or accessories for making the most of your Quest headset. At the same time, you do not have to use any wires or external sensors for using the Quest.

However, when it comes to pairing the VR headset with a good pair of headphones, wired earphones are most compatible. Of course, you can connect the Quest with wireless headphones, but you’ll need to follow numerous complicated steps for pairing. Also, keep in mind that the Quest may not be compatible with all types and brands of wireless headphones.

Owing to the complexity of hooking up earpieces of the wireless variety with the Quest, we’ll focus entirely on wired headphones. 

Three Top Headphones for Oculus Quest

1. Oculus Quest In-Ear Headphones –Most Suitable for Oculus Quest

Though it does not bear emphasis, it’s best to use OEM headphones with the Oculus Quest. If you’re looking for a quality earphones pair to use with the Quest VR headset, then the Oculus Quest In-Ear Headphones is your best bet. The OEM in-ear headphones from Oculus are perfectly compatible with the Quest headset.

These Oculus earbuds have been designed with meticulous care to work seamlessly with the VR headset, reproducing the best quality of spatial audio you can imagine. The customized length of the cords minimizes chances of knotting or tangling, and the shorter span also does away with the need to tuck the wires. The 3.5mm earbuds for both the ears come equipped with built-in flexible tips making for a comfortable fit and minimizing external noise and distractions.    

What we liked:

• Shorter cord length
• Distinct headphones and 3.5mm plugs for both the ears
• Comfortable and lightweight
• Seamless companionability

What we did not:

• No 3D surround sound audio 
• In-ear headphones that only reproduce mono audio
• Poor quality vis-à-vis the price 

2. HyperX Cloud Alpha S –The Best of the Best Headphones

The HyperX Cloud Alpha S is packed to the hilt with a host of practical features that makes it the most versatile headphones for Quest. This Cloud Alpha S headphone set from HyperX features a custom-designed framework for ensuring the perfect equilibrium between reliability, accuracy, and responsiveness. The light ring furnishes a lively and energetic 360° RGB effect.

The keyboard remains steady and structurally stable for years on end, thanks to the aluminum sleeve. You can personalize the RGB backlit keys one by one by exploiting radiant lighting effects. The ultra-portable and compact profile, along with the detachable USB Type-C cable, make the Cloud Alpha S incredibly handy.

You can take advantage of the NGenuity software for customizing the program buttons, lighting effects, and so on. The Omron switches offer solid tactility and good for a whopping 50 million clicks. The soft cloth padding on the surface, together with the rubber base having a granular consistency keeps your top and ears comfortable and prevents slippage.         

What we liked:

• Sliders for bass adjustment
• Proprietary HyperX 7.1 surround sound effects
• State-of-the-art USB audio control enclosure
• Equipped with the pioneering dual-chamber transducer system for clear distortion-free sound
• Memory foam ear cushions with ultra-breathable leatherette
• Removable noise cancellation microphone with intertwined cable
• Pixart 3389 Sensor featuring DPI up to 16,000 

What we did not:

• Audio control mixer not compatible across-the-board
• Poor noise cancellation quality
• Earpads are not as comfortable as they ought to be

3. Steel Series Arctis 5 –Most Versatile and Compatible Headset

You’ll find many good reasons to go for the Steel Series Arctis 5 Headset for pairing with your Oculus Quest. For a start, the headset’s ergonomic design ensures that it fits across your head and ears-the balanced distribution of the headphone’s heft does away with pressure points. The Arctis 5 headset is incredibly lightweight; you won’t even feel that you’re wearing it.

You can enjoy extended gaming sessions without putting undue stress on your ears, thanks to performance-oriented AirWeave ear cushions. The retracting Arctis ClearCast mic reproduces top-quality audio and offers extraordinary external noise cancellation. The revolutionary DTS headphone: X v2.0 surround sound makes for an immersive and unmatched aural experience.   

What we liked:

• SteelSeries Engine software for customizing audio
• Smartphone-ready and multi-platform compatibility 
• Intuitive on-ear controls for instant muting and volume control
• Vibrant lighting effects
• Convenient balancing the game volume and chat audio
• S1 speakers deliver high-quality, ultra-low distortion audio  

What we did not:

• Components are not as hardy as you’d expect them to be
• The headband profile keeps the headphone stable but ultimately causes discomfort