Many gaming headsets and sound cards have a “virtual surround” feature that aims to make your gaming audio feel more realistic. If you’re unsure about this feature, there are free or low-cost virtual surround apps that can add it to your current headphones.
Some people think that the software in Windows is even better than what comes with many gaming headsets, which matches my own experience. I haven’t liked the virtual surround in most headphones, but I enjoy using some other options. Many games do a good job of creating sound direction using stereo sound, especially with good open-backed headphones. Microsoft has also provided game developers with helpful tools in its new Spatial Sound feature. Remember, everyone hears differently, and the algorithms these tools use may work better for some than others. Luckily, you can usually try these options for free to see if they improve your experience.
Some games already include built-in surround sound. For example, Overwatch has a Dolby Atmos for Headphones option in the Sound menu. Just turn it on, and the game will handle the virtual surround sound for you—no downloads needed. Try playing with it on and off to see which you like better.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has its own 3D audio feature that it recommends keeping on, while turning off other sound effects (though you can turn it off if you prefer something else). Check your game’s settings to see what sound options it has—this isn’t very common, but some games may have everything you need.
In 2017, Microsoft introduced a feature in Windows called Spatial Sound, allowing different programs to add virtual surround sound for headphones. Some programs and games are designed to work specifically with Spatial Sound.
Even if a game isn’t made for it, Spatial Sound can enhance stereo sound to create surround effects through your headphones. Games that are built for Spatial Sound will likely sound better than those that aren’t, but it’s good to know you can use it with any game.
Windows Sonic for Headphones is Microsoft’s version of this spatial sound and is free with Windows 10. You can try it while watching movies or playing games by right-clicking the sound icon in your system tray and selecting Spatial Sound > Windows Sonic for Headphones.
Another option is Dolby’s Atmos for Headphones, which works with Windows’ Spatial Sound feature. It functions like Windows Sonic—some games are made for it, while others are not, but it will work with all games using Dolby’s special surround sound tuning. Dolby Atmos boosts background sounds just like Windows Sonic, but it does this in a clearer way. I think this is a big improvement.
Unlike Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos for Headphones is not built into Windows; you need to download the Dolby Access app from the Microsoft Store to use it. The app is free and helps games work with Dolby Atmos speaker systems. However, the Dolby Atmos for Headphones feature costs $15, though you can try it for seven days for free.
To use this feature, open the app, start your game, click the sound icon in the system tray, and select Spatial Sound > Dolby Atmos for Headphones. The app also has an equalizer for different audio types, but I turned this off. You can check Dolby’s website for a full list of games that support spatial audio.
DTS might not be as well-known as Dolby, but it has also been important in surround sound recently. You have probably heard audio using DTS technology on a Blu-ray. Like Dolby, it has a version of Windows Spatial Sound called DTS Headphone:X. To use it, download the DTS Sound Unbound app from the Microsoft Store, enable DTS Headphone:X in the app, and then select it from the sound icon in the taskbar.
The DTS Headphone:X feature is available as a 14-day free trial, but costs $20 for permanent use. Make sure to buy the DTS Headphone:X decoder, not the cheaper DTS:X decoder meant for home theaters—the DTS Headphone:X purchase includes both.
In my tests, DTS:X seemed to widen the sound more than Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos. You can still tell where sounds are coming from, but it doesn’t boost background noises as much as Sonic and Atmos do. Some people may prefer this subtle style, while others might want those sounds to be louder during action—it’s all about personal choice.
DTS also offers helpful options in the Sound Unbound app. If you click the DTS tab and select Settings under DTS Headphone:X, you can choose a specific setting for your headphones. DTS has profiles for regular earbuds, over-ear headphones, and over 500 actual headphone models.