More often than not, the perfect gaming headset isn’t a “gaming headset” in any respect. Though these units are sometimes considered a definite area of interest throughout the wider headphone market, they’re finally nonetheless headphones. And whereas it’s actually not unattainable to get a gaming headset that sounds good, doing so nonetheless tends to come back at the next price than a comparable pair of wired headphones (sure, these nonetheless exist).
A great wired headphone stays your greatest guess if you need probably the most detailed sound attainable at a given value level and don’t want one thing particularly transportable, which is normally the case whether or not you’re gaming on a console or PC. If you want to chat with mates, you possibly can at all times purchase an exterior microphone, whether or not it’s a USB mic, a less expensive clip-on model or a standalone possibility just like the Antlion ModMic or V-Moda BoomPro. In lots of circumstances, these will make your voice sound clearer and fuller than those included with a gaming headset.
However we do acknowledge that many individuals simply need the comfort of an all-in-one combo, worth and aesthetics be damned. So after testing out a couple of dozen pairs over the previous a number of months, we’ve put collectively an inventory of excellent headphones for gaming and devoted gaming headsets. We advocate you think about the previous first, however all of them ought to make your play time extra pleasing.
What to search for in good gaming headphones
Evaluating headphones is a very subjective train, so calling one pair absolutely the “greatest” is one thing of a idiot’s errand. At a sure level, whether or not you are an audiophile or not, all the things turns into a matter of style. For many, a headphone with a large soundscape and robust imaging efficiency — i.e., the flexibility to place sounds accurately, so you possibly can extra exactly inform the place footsteps and different recreation results are coming from — will present probably the most immersive gaming expertise, the sort that makes you’re feeling like your head is inside a given scene.
For that, you desire a high-quality pair of headphones with an open-back design. That’s to say, an over-ear pair whose ear cups don’t utterly seal off the ear from air and out of doors noise. The large trade-off is that these are inherently horrible at isolating you from exterior sound and stopping others from listening to what you’re enjoying. So for those who usually play video games in a loud surroundings, their advantages will likely be blunted. However in a quiet room, the perfect open-back pairs sounds considerably wider and extra exact than extra frequent closed-back fashions.
Extra up for debate is how a great gaming headphone ought to sound. If you’d like one thing that’ll provide help to in aggressive multiplayer video games, you will seemingly desire a headphone with a flatter sound signature, so a recreation’s combine gained’t be overly boosted in a single path and masks the smaller particulars of what’s taking place round you. A barely brighter sound, one which pushes the higher frequencies a smidge, may additionally work. Open-back headphones virtually by no means have enormous sub-bass, so that you hardly ever have to fret about low-end sounds muddying up the remainder of the signature. On this mild, the truth that an awesome quantity of gaming headsets are closed-back and bass-heavy appears counterintuitive.
Plenty of individuals love bass, although. And for those who aren’t simply anxious about aggressive play, some additional low-end can add a contact of pleasure to heavy motion scenes or a rousing soundtrack. You continue to don’t desire a pair that reinforces it too exhausting — which many devoted gaming headsets do — however the level is that what makes a pair “immersive” to 1 individual could sound uninteresting to a different.
Finest headphones for gaming: Beyerdynamic DT 900 Professional X
The Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X ought to please a large swath of individuals prepared to pay for a capital-N good set of headphones for his or her gaming classes. This pair has nice imaging efficiency and the type of spacious soundstage anticipated from an open-back design. Bass is a bit more current right here than on many open-back headphones as effectively. There nonetheless isn’t a lot in the best way of deep sub-bass, as anticipated, however there’s sufficient heat to provide in-game explosions a bit extra juice with out muddying up the mid-range frequencies. The mids get probably the most emphasis total, however they’re clear, and that forwardness isn’t a nasty factor once you’re making an attempt to hear for enemy gamers in a aggressive FPS like Counter-Strike. The treble isn’t pushed fairly as exhausting, but it surely’s neither overly recessed nor harsh.
All of this implies the DT 900 Professional X sounds detailed however not boring, so it ought to play good whether or not you’re making an attempt to win a multiplayer recreation or taking in a extra cinematic single-player expertise. And once you’re not gaming, you get an pleasing sound for music.
Every part’s constructed effectively, too. The DT 900 Professional X will clamp down barely tougher than common you probably have a big head, but it surely balances its weight effectively, and its splendidly delicate velour earpads go a great distance towards retaining the pair snug over lengthy classes. It comes with two removable cables, together with a three-meter possibility that’s handy for those who sit far out of your PC. The design can’t fold up, although.
Like all open-back headphones, the DT 900 Professional X leak recreation audio and let in a lot of noise, so it’s not nice on the go. Clearly, for those who can afford to improve to an ultra-premium pair like Sennheiser’s HD 800 S, you’ll get more room and true-to-life element. However for a comparatively attainable $250 to $300, the DT 900 Professional X ought to fulfill.
Enclosure: Open-back
Driver: Dynamic
Frequency response: 5 – 40,000 Hz
Mic: No
Connectivity: Wired
Weight: 345g (with out cable)
One other good possibility: Sennheiser HD 560S
In the event you’d quite not spend as a lot, the Sennheiser HD 560S is one other glorious open-back headphone that’s usually accessible for lower than $200. Just like the DT 900 Professional X, it has a large soundstage that’ll provide help to really feel immersed in a given recreation. Its sound is barely extra impartial on the entire, so that you gained’t really feel such as you’re lacking any a part of a mixture, and it retrieves a stunning quantity of element from the treble and mid-range frequencies. There’s much less bass energy for explosions, although. And the treble, whereas extra current, could sound piercing at instances. Imaging isn’t fairly as nuanced both, although it’s nowhere close to poor.
Design-wise, the HD 560S are a lot snug to put on for prolonged durations. They don’t clamp down too exhausting on these with large heads (like yours actually), and the velour earpads hug your ears softly. The included cable is detachable, too. The plastic body doesn’t really feel as sturdy or premium because the DT 900 Professional X, nevertheless, so that you gained’t need to chuck them round haphazardly. It gained’t block a lot outdoors noise both, nor will it stop these round you from listening to what you are enjoying. However, the HD 560S is a pleasure and a fantastic worth.
Enclosure: Open-back
Driver: Dynamic
Frequency response: 6 – 38,000 Hz
Mic: No
Connectivity: Wired
Weight: 280g
Finest headphones for gaming underneath $50: Koss KSC75
In the event you can’t spend greater than $50, it’s still hard to high the Koss KSC75. It prices $20, however judging purely on audio high quality, it’s higher than some headphones priced nearer to $100. This pair may be very clearly devoid of deep bass, so that you gained’t get that full-bodied oomph from in-game results. You additionally will not hear all of the intricate particulars you’d decide up with the pricier headphones above. However it locates sounds precisely and its open design delivers an actual sense of width. It’s an excellent worth for aggressive play.
The catch is that it’s constructed like a set of free airline headphones. The KSC75 has an odd clip-on design that, whereas light-weight, gained’t be a cushty match for everybody. It actually appears to be like prefer it prices $20, although Koss backs it with a lifetime warranty that basically permits you to get countless replacements for $9 every. Even when the KSC75 are pushing 20 years previous, its sound stays comparatively well-balanced and significantly well-suited for gaming.
Enclosure: Open-back (on-ear)
Driver: Dynamic
Frequency response: 15 – 25,000 Hz
Mic: No
Connectivity: Wired
Weight: 43g
Finest gaming headset: Astro A40 TR
In the event you should have a devoted gaming headset with a built-in mic, think about the Astro A40 TR. One other open-back pair, it has a extra spacious soundstage than regular for the class — although it is nonetheless narrower than the perfect non-gaming open-back headphones — and it usually localizes sounds accurately. This profile emphasizes the bass, which supplies explosions a easy and satisfying thump, but it surely doesn’t overdo it like many different headsets marketed towards gaming.
The sound right here continues to be a step behind the DT 900 Professional X or HD 560S, particularly for on-line shooters. Subsequent to these headphones, the A40’s pushed upper-bass/lower-mids and weaker treble blunt nice particulars a bit extra and make footsteps sound much less clear. However in comparison with most gaming headsets, the A40 sounds higher balanced. It does effectively to envelop you within the sounds of a busy scene.
Consolation shouldn’t be a problem, both. The A40 is on the bulkier aspect, however its weight is evenly distributed, and it doesn’t clamp down overly exhausting. The fuzzy earpads are delicate and breathable, whereas the ear cups are roomy sufficient to suit bigger ears. The headset has the standard open-back shortcomings, although, because it leaks a bunch of sound and blocks virtually zero outdoors noise. The mostly-plastic design appears to be like “gamer-y” and lacks built-in quantity controls, too. No one would name it “premium.” Nonetheless, it isn’t flimsy.
The A40’s mic, in the meantime, is simply OK. It picks up background noises when you chat and makes voices sound considerably muffled. It’s serviceable, however you’d purchase the A40 for its sound high quality first. The mic isn’t removable both, however you possibly can simply flip it up and out of the best way.
The A40 has been round for a number of years now, however its value has come down from $150 to a extra affordable $130 in that point. Astro sells an non-compulsory DAC with additional controls for $130, however at that value we’d strongly advise shopping for a great “regular” headphone and exterior mic.
Enclosure: Open-back
Driver: Dynamic
Frequency response: 20 – 20,000 Hz
Mic: Sure, not removable
Connectivity: Wired
Weight: 369g (with out cable)
Finest price range gaming headset: HyperX Cloud Stinger 2
You gained’t discover a good open-back gaming headset for lower than $50, so for those who’re on a good price range and require a built-in mic, you’ll must compromise on sound high quality. With that in thoughts, the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 is an honest purchase at its typical road value of $40. Its mic belies that low value, making voices sound comparatively clear and correct. Actually, it’s a transparent step-up from the A40. Whereas it isn’t removable, it routinely mutes once you slide it out of the best way. This pair additionally will get the consolation half proper, because the pleather ear cups don’t clamp down exhausting and have sufficient delicate padding the place it counts.
The Cloud Stinger 2 has a V-shaped sound profile, which is to say it exaggerates the bass and treble whereas recessing the mid-range. It’s not unhealthy for what it’s, and it’ll undoubtedly give motion scenes a heavy sense of affect. However the upper-bass is bumped to the purpose the place it could get tiring over time, and also you lose among the nice particulars you’d hear on our suggestions above. Since this can be a low-cost closed-back headset, the Cloud Stinger 2 doesn’t sound almost as broad because the pairs above, neither is it as nuanced about positioning sounds precisely. It’s lower than ultimate for aggressive video games consequently, although it may well nonetheless sound “enjoyable” with many different titles.
Past that, the plastic design feels cheap-ish. Its cable isn’t detachable, and it doesn’t block a lot outdoors noise regardless of having a closed-back design. However, you must decide your battles on this value vary. The Cloud Stinger 2 is flawed, but it surely does sufficient effectively to be a great headset for sure budget-conscious patrons. HyperX not too long ago launched PlayStation- and Xbox-themed variants of the headset for those who desire these stylings as effectively.
Enclosure: Closed-back
Driver: Dynamic
Frequency response: 10 – 28,000 Hz
Mic: Sure, not removable
Connectivity: Wired
Weight: 275g
A fast PSA on wi-fi gaming headsets
Most individuals do not want a wi-fi gaming headset. The PS5 and Xbox Sequence X/S have a headphone jack constructed into their controllers, whereas the Nintendo Change and most gaming PCs nonetheless have the port, too. The price of an OK wi-fi headset is usually greater than a comparable wired mannequin, and for the cash the wi-fi variations normally present worse audio high quality and a much less clear microphone. You additionally danger introducing points with latency. (That’s why non-gaming Bluetooth headphones are a no-go right here.)
Finest wi-fi gaming headset: Audeze Maxwell
Nonetheless, for those who actually desire a wi-fi headset – say, in case your gaming PC is located on the far finish of your desk – the Audeze Maxwell is the perfect we have examined. At $299 (or $329 for the Xbox mannequin), it’s actually not low-cost, but it surely’s one of many few devoted gaming headsets whose audio and mic high quality maintain up subsequent to good “regular” wi-fi headphones.
The Maxwell’s planar-magnetic drivers do effectively to breed smaller intricacies in a given scene. The default signature right here is sort of a extra refined model of the frequent “gaming headset” sound. Bass is easy and impactful however well-controlled. Highs are crisp however not overly sharp. Some results within the mids can sound skinny, and as this can be a closed-back headset, it may well’t present the identical immersive width and exact imaging because the open-back fashions above. (Wi-fi gaming headsets with an open-back design are nearly nonexistent.) However in comparison with different wi-fi headsets, it’s unusually nice, detailed and balanced. Its clearer treble offers it the sting over the Astro A40 for music particularly, although for $200 extra we’d anticipate as a lot. In the event you don’t just like the default sound, Audeze’s app contains a number of EQ presets.
Alongside these traces, the Maxwell’s removable growth mic is a standout. It does an exceptional job of muting background noise, and whereas your voice loses some air, it’ll nonetheless sound clearer and fuller right here than on most wi-fi headsets we’ve examined.
The Maxwell may be very a lot on the cumbersome aspect, and its metal headband makes use of an odd suspension mechanism that successfully isn’t adjustable with out taking the headset off. The squishy padded ear cups could make your ears really feel heat, however they preserve the headset snug and isolate a good quantity of outdoor noise. (Others will hear what you’re enjoying for those who crank the amount, although.) On the whole, the design feels substantial. The important controls are constructed into the left earcup, and the machine can join over Bluetooth or a 3.5mm cable along with a USB-C wi-fi dongle. You’ll be able to even pair with two units directly, one over the dongle and one other over Bluetooth. The headset must be powered on with a purpose to play music over a cable, nevertheless.
Audeze charges the Maxwell’s battery life at roughly 80 hours, although you will get much less for those who play at excessive volumes or use options like Bluetooth or sidetone closely. That’s effectively behind the longest-lasting choices available on the market, but it surely’s ok to not really feel like a hindrance.
Enclosure: Closed-back
Driver: Planar magnetic
Frequency response: 10 – 50,000 Hz
Mic: Sure, removable
Connectivity: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.3 (LDAC, LE Audio, LC3, LC3plus, AAC, SBC), 3.5mm, USB-C digital audio (non-compulsory), Xbox Wi-fi (non-compulsory)
Weight: 490g
One other good wi-fi possibility: HyperX Cloud Alpha Wi-fi
In the event you can’t afford the Maxwell however nonetheless need to go wi-fi, think about the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless. It’s an apparent downgrade by way of audio high quality and basic options, but it surely’s usually accessible within the $150 vary, and its absurdly lengthy battery life helps paper over its flaws. HyperX says it may well final 300 hours per cost, however we had been capable of squeeze out a pair dozen extra at average volumes. iFixit has a helpful teardown for those who’re curious as to how that is attainable, but it surely’s not a stretch to say one cost right here might final you months of play time.
The sound right here is typical of many gaming headsets: usually V-shaped, with overemphasized bass that may make recreation results sound thrilling however usually presents footsteps and smaller particulars with much less readability. As a closed-back headphone, it gained’t sound as spacious or pure because the extra open pairs above. It’s not unhealthy by wi-fi gaming headset requirements, and it usually locations sounds in the precise place; it’s simply not tuned or designed as optimally as a pair just like the Astro A40.
The headset itself is snug to put on for hours at a time, with plush padding that doesn’t really feel too tight. The fake leather-based earpads could make your ears really feel mildly heat, however usually, it’s simpler to put on than the Maxwell for prolonged durations. Every part is sturdy, and the headscarf is properly versatile. The growth mic can be nice, although that’s relative to different wi-fi headsets. It cancels out background noise effectively and retains voices legible, however these voices gained’t sound as crisp or full-bodied as they may very well be on wired headphones with good mics.
A phrase of warning: HyperX’s companion software program has been buggy. Whereas you should use the corporate’s Ngenuity app to customise the headset’s EQ and activate a DTS:X encompass sound function, several users have reported that this introduces noticeable latency. In the event you actually need these options, you could need to use a third-party EQ app and the spatial audio instruments constructed into Windows and the PS5. By default, the included USB dongle affords a gradual wi-fi connection.
The opposite caveat is that the Cloud Alpha Wi-fi solely works with PCs, PlayStation consoles or a Change whereas docked. It can also’t join over a cable or Bluetooth. In the event you’re on the lookout for a reliable different for Xbox, go for the Maxwell or considered one of our honorable mentions beneath.
Enclosure: Closed-back
Driver: Dynamic
Frequency response: 15 – 21,000 Hz
Mic: Sure, removable
Connectivity: 2.4GHz
Weight: 335g
Honorable mentions
Corsair Virtuoso Professional
The $200 Corsair Virtuoso Pro is one other one of many few devoted gaming headsets with an open-back design. Just like the Astro A40, it sounds wider and extra spacious than typical gaming headsets however feels narrower than the “regular” open-back headphone we advocate above. It has a comparatively darkish sound with elevated bass and principally underemphasized treble, although the latter is clearer right here than it’s on the A40. We most well-liked this signature over Astro’s pair with some video games: In a first-person shooter like Halo Infinite, rumbly explosions had extra affect and far-off gunshots had been a bit simpler to select. With different video games, it got here off as much less balanced: The automobile engines in a racer like Forza Motorsport hummed a bit too loud, whereas dialogue in an RPG like Baldur’s Gate 3 sounded just a little wonkier.
The Virtuoso Professional’s mic is decidedly much less muffled than the A40’s however nonetheless sounds pretty skinny, so it’s merely first rate in comparison with the broader headset market. The design is better-built and appears extra refined, although the headscarf adjustment mechanism feels low-cost and you may’t detach the mic with out swapping cables out fully. Its spherical, breathable ear cups and light-weight weight (0.75 kilos) make it simple to put on, and it comes with a sturdy journey case for defense. Finally, it’s a great different to the A40 if you need a devoted headset with a clearer mic, however there are richer-sounding headphones accessible when you get into the $200 vary.
Logitech G Professional X 2 Lightspeed
If the Audeze Maxwell didn’t exist, the Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed can be our high wi-fi headset decide. It sounds higher than the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wi-fi, with satisfying however extra managed bass and extra correct mids, and it’s lighter on the pinnacle than Audeze’s pair. Logitech charges its battery life at 50 hours, however we discovered it to final for much longer at average volumes. Nonetheless, a dip within the treble makes it sound darker and extra veiled than the Maxwell, and its microphone offers voices a much less pure tone than both of our essential wi-fi picks. Plus, whereas it may well join over a USB dongle, Bluetooth or a 3.5mm cable, it may well’t pair to 2 units directly just like the Maxwell. At its regular value of $250, it’s in one thing of a no man’s land, but it surely’s a great possibility if it ever goes on sale.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X
Xbox house owners who desire a extra reasonably priced wi-fi headset than the Audeze Maxwell might do worse than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X. It’s one other bass-forward pair, and its mic is akin to the one on Cloud Alpha Wi-fi. Like different Nova fashions, it affords a number of connectivity choices, together with Bluetooth and a 3.5mm cable. And whereas it is marketed for the Xbox, it may well additionally hook up with PCs and PS5s. Its 30-ish hours of battery life are effectively in need of our high picks, nevertheless, and it may well sound uneven within the treble vary.
HyperX Cloud Alpha
The wired HyperX Cloud Alpha is usually on sale for $80 or much less, and at that value it’s an honest center floor between the Cloud Stinger 2 and Astro A40 for those who completely want a closed-back gaming headset. It’s previous, however its plush earpads and headband stay cozy, and its removable mic, whereas not excellent, continues to be higher than Astro’s pair. Its treble is underemphasized, nevertheless, and once more it sounds extra “in your head” than the A40.
Logitech G535
The Logitech G535 is an impressively mild (236g) and comfortable wi-fi headset that’s usually accessible for $100 or much less. It has a extra impartial sound signature than the Cloud Alpha Wi-fi and Arctis Nova 7X: not flat, however much less beholden to large thumping bass. It might probably make mid-range particulars sound skinny, and if something it might use just a little extra sub-bass, but it surely’s an agreeable listening expertise total. It might probably additionally join over Bluetooth. Nonetheless, its mic offers up some fullness in comparison with the Cloud Alpha Wi-fi (which already wasn’t excellent), and its 30 or so hours of battery life is a major drop-off from our high suggestions. It doesn’t work with Xbox both, and it forces you to crank the amount to achieve a listenable stage. However for those who don’t need to spend a ton on a wi-fi headset, it’s the perfect of the $100-and-under fashions we have examined.
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