How We Research
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-01 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
If you want a versatile, everyday wired headset you can move between a console, a laptop and a phone, choose PHOINIKAS Gaming Headset; if you need a dedicated PC gaming headset with virtual surround sound and a detachable boom mic, choose hp USB PC Gaming. Both lean on passive noise isolation rather than active cancellation, but they solve that problem for two different desks.
• PHOINIKAS Gaming Headset — biggest strength: a 3.5 mm jack that works across PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC and mobile devices, plus a 50 mm dynamic driver and an omnidirectional mic in one simple over-ear package.
• PHOINIKAS Gaming Headset — biggest trade-off: it's a plain, no-frills design with a fixed mic and a USB plug that only powers the lighting, not the audio.
• hp USB PC Gaming — biggest strength: virtual 7.1 surround sound through a 50 mm driver, a flexible detachable mic and an in-line controller for volume, mute and LED on/off.
• hp USB PC Gaming — biggest trade-off: it connects over USB only, so it's effectively tied to a PC or laptop rather than a console or phone.
• Pick PHOINIKAS if you want one headset for mixed devices and long daily use. Pick hp if your gaming lives on a computer and you want surround cues and a mic you can remove.
The PHOINIKAS H9 is the friendly generalist of this pair. Its 50 mm dynamic driver, 32Ω impedance and 112 dB sensitivity put it in easy-to-drive territory, and the 15 Hz–20 kHz frequency range covers the low rumble of explosions up through the sharper detail of footsteps and voice chat. The omnidirectional 6.0 x 2.7 mm microphone at -38 dB handles party chat and calls without fuss. Nothing here is exotic, and that's the point — it's a straightforward wired headset that does the basics well.
What makes it flexible is the 3.5 mm jack and the 2.1 m cable. That combination lets you move the headset from a PS4 or Xbox One to a Switch, a laptop, a tablet or even an iMac without swapping gear. PHOINIKAS also notes the H9 uses a size upgrade aimed at larger head circumferences, which matters if most headsets clamp too tightly on you. The over-ear plastic enclosure in bronze is lightweight in spirit if not in listing, and the remote control gives you a volume dial on the cord.
hp USB PC Gaming: Who It's For
The hp HP5GS is built for one job and does it with more ceremony. Its headline feature is virtual 7.1 surround sound driven by a 50 mm dynamic driver, and HP describes it as helping you place direction — footsteps, gunfire, environmental cues. If you play competitive shooters on a PC or laptop, that spatial information is the whole reason to consider it. The frequency range runs 20 Hz–20 kHz, with 16Ω impedance and 117 dB sensitivity, so it's also easy to drive from a USB port.
Comfort gets real attention here. HP uses a self-adjusting padded headband and full-cover ear cups with soft memory foam and a protein-style cushion coating. The ear cups are described as breathable for long sessions, and at 380 g the headset is substantial without being punishing. The detachable, flexible microphone is a smart touch — leave it on for team play, pull it off when you're just listening. An in-line controller handles volume, mic on/off and LED on/off, and the RGB lighting on the ear cups and mic is there to set the mood.
The noise isolation story is similar to the PHOINIKAS but tuned for a desk. The over-ear cups seal around your ears to block room noise, and the mic is designed to isolate your voice from background clutter. The catch is USB-only connectivity. HP lists compatibility with devices that have a USB input, like PCs and laptops, and mentions PC, PS4 and Mac in its marketing — but there's no 3.5 mm option, so consoles that rely on a headphone jack and phones without USB audio won't work. Skip it if you want one headset for every device in the house.
Side-by-Side: Which Should You Choose?
• Best for multi-device use → PHOINIKAS Gaming Headset. The 3.5 mm jack covers PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, tablet and phone; the hp is USB-only.
• Best for a removable mic → hp USB PC Gaming. The flexible mic detaches when you don't need it; the PHOINIKAS mic is fixed.
• Best for long-session comfort features → hp USB PC Gaming. Self-adjusting headband, memory foam cups and breathable ear pads are spelled out in the design.
• Best for larger head sizes → PHOINIKAS Gaming Headset. The H9 series uses a size upgrade intended for bigger head circumferences.
• Best for plug-and-play simplicity → PHOINIKAS Gaming Headset. No drivers, no USB dependency, just a 3.5 mm plug and a cord remote.
• Best for lighting and desk flair → hp USB PC Gaming. RGB on the ear cups and mic, controllable from the in-line switch.
• Best for warranty peace of mind → hp USB PC Gaming. HP lists a one-year manufacturer warranty; PHOINIKAS lists a shorter 0.6 figure.
In my opinion, most people shopping this comparison should buy the hp USB PC Gaming headset — if they game primarily on a PC or laptop. Virtual 7.1, a detachable mic, memory foam comfort and a one-year warranty make it the more complete gaming tool for a desk setup. I'd only steer you to the PHOINIKAS Gaming Headset if flexibility is your priority and you need one headset that jumps between console, laptop and phone on a 3.5 mm jack. Decide which of those two lives you actually live, and the choice is easy.
what is noise isolation headphones
Noise isolation headphones reduce what you hear by physically blocking sound — usually through over-ear cups that seal around your ears, sometimes with dense padding. It's passive, not electronic. Both headsets here use sound isolation rather than active noise cancellation.
are noise cancelling headphones good for gaming
Active noise cancelling can help in a noisy room, but it isn't required for gaming and can add pressure or latency in some designs. For most players, good passive isolation plus a clear mic matters more. That's exactly the approach both of these headsets take.
what are the best noise cancelling gaming headphones
I can't hand you a universal winner, and I won't pretend to. For this pair, the hp USB PC Gaming fits PC players who want surround sound and a detachable mic, while the PHOINIKAS Gaming Headset fits players who need one headset across consoles and mobile. Match the feature list to your setup, then check the current price on Amazon before deciding.
are there noise cancelling gaming headphones
Yes, though many "noise cancelling" gaming headsets actually mean noise isolating — passive blocking rather than active cancellation. Both the PHOINIKAS H9 and the hp HP5GS fall into that passive category. If true active cancellation is a must, look for a headset that specifically states ANC.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon or its affiliates. This site is an independent third-party review and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Amazon or the product brands mentioned.
See also: MKJ Corded 2.5mm vs Wantek RJ9, QearFun Kids vs KVIDIO Headphones, VANTIYAUS Earbuds vs Yunsailing 10, Redskypower 1 vs MKDTNJT Kids Headphones Bulk