Are you looking for the best audiophile headphones for gaming? If yes, so you are in the right place. The below article will help you a lot to choose your best headphone for gaming.
As a gamer, you would like to have a very sensitive hearing because you want to hear the footsteps of the enemy to know from where he is coming. In this regard, we have listed some best audiophile headphones for gaming.
If your budget is on the higher side then you should go for HD 800 S but as a newbie, you may not have that much budget. So in this regard, we also have the best budget pick in the shape of Audio Technica ATH-50x.
Top Pick
Sennheiser HD 800 S
Runner Up
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Budget Pick
Sennheiser HD 600
Difference between Open-Back Headphones and Closed-Back Headphones?
One must know the difference between open-back headphones and closed-back headphones while buying the best audiophile headphones for gaming. In an open-back design, the ear cup is open so it gives the sound closer to realism. The open ear cup allows dissipating heat so you can wear your gaming headphones or gaming headsets for a long time without any irritation.
Now come on to the disadvantages of an open-back design. Due to its open ear cup, the sound is a leak. Anyone near you can hear what you are listening to. The other thing is that you can’t do critical listening when you’re in noisy environments. But it totally depends on the quality of the mic.
Let’s talk about the closed-back design. Its basic disadvantage is that it cuts you from the outside world. Also, there is no way to dissipate heat which disables to wear it continuously for a longer time. Due to its closed design, you can’t listen to what is happening outside. It also has the advantages that it doesn’t provide sound leakage. You can do critical listening whether you are in a noisy environment.
In Which Way Does The Headphone Impedance Effects?
You must have heard a lot about the word impedance while buying the best audiophile headphones for gaming or best gaming headsets.
Actually, it is the resistance (which is obviously measured in Ohms), which the headphone encounters while converting electrical energy to sound waves. The more the resistance, the more the power needed to oppose it. Generally, headphones have impedance ranges from 4-50 ohms but the headphones that use in the studio powerhouse usually have higher values of impedance say 500 ohms.
One thing that should keep in mind while buying the best gaming headsets or best gaming headphones is that the difference between your system power and the headphone’s resistance should not that much. Let’s take an example to understand clearly, say you have a low-powered device but plug-in the highly resistive headphone with it, it ultimately results in a lowering of sound quality because your system doesn’t have that much power to bear it.
Sennheiser GAME ONE Gaming Headset
Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Open-Air Headphones
Sennheiser GSP 500 Headset
Sennheiser HD 599 SE Around-Ear Open Back Headphone
Audio-Technica ATH-ADG1X Open Air High-Fidelity Gaming Headset
Beyerdynamic 459038 DT 990 PRO open Studio Headphone
Sennheiser HD 800 S
Sennheiser HD 600
Audio-Technica ATH-50x
Philips SHP9500s
1) Sennheiser GAME ONE Gaming Headset
Sennheiser game one gaming headset is among the best gaming headsets features with a noise-canceling microphone which enables your mates to understand you. It has a quick volume control on the right ear cup which manages on the go volume adjustments. The softness around headphones makes them comfortable for your ears to wear for a longer period.
Its open-back design makes it more comfortable to wear. It offers an impedance of 50 ohms which increases its sound quality that’s why it is in the list of best audiophile headphones for gaming.
Main Features
- Soft padding ear-cups
- Open-back design
- Noise-canceling microphone
- Long time comfort
- Quick volume control
- Provides natural sound
- 44 x 2.50 x 9.25 inches of dimension
Pros
Cons
FAQ’S
Where is it manufactured?
Made in Germany.
Can Sennheiser GAME One Gaming headset be used with my Android phone?
Yes, it is. Actually, it comes with two cables i.e. one is of dual jack that uses with laptops or pc and the second one is with a single jack that can be used with Android device or even PS4 controller.
Due to its open-back design, does it bother people that are in the surroundings?
No, it is very quiet to the outside world. It will not disturb your surroundings.
What is the length of cable that comes with it?
Actually, it comes with two cables i.e. one is a dual jack (one is for mic and the other is for the speaker) of 3.5mm cable with 3 meters cable length, and the second one is a single jack whose cable is 1.2 mm long.
Conclusion
This headset features a noise-canceling microphone and also has good sound quality. Softness around-ear pads make them comfortable for a longer gaming session and also they are budget-friendly.
2) Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Open-Air Headphones
ATH-AB700X is one of the best audiophile headphones for gaming. It features lightweight which makes it to wear for a longer period without any problem.
In spite of lightweight, it also has a stunning sound quality which makes it the best headphones for gaming. It has an impedance of 45 ohms. While wearing, it provides as if there is no pressure exerted on your head that’s why these are liked by gamers.
Although its bass is not that of very good quality but its other features make ATH-AD700X the best audiophile headphone to buy.
Main Features
- 53mm of drivers
- Clear midrange
- Self-adjusting 3D Wing support
- 20-20,000 Hz of the frequency range
- 11 x 5 x 88 inches of dimension
Pros
Cons
FAQ’S
Where is it manufactured?
Made in Japan.
Is it owns open-back or closed-back design?
It has an open-back design.
Should I go with Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X as the best gaming headphone or buy Sennheiser HD598?
They both are ideal for gaming. The difference is at the comfort end. I feel Sennheiser’s products are more comfortable. If you used to long gaming sessions and you have a solid budget, then you can see Sennheiser products listed in this page.
Is it comes with detachable cables?
No, it doesn’t have detachable cables. Though it has an adapter to change from 3.5mm plug.
Conclusion
If you want a long gaming session without any pressure exerted on your head, then you should go for ATH-AD700x. Although their bass is not that of good quality but they have great sound quality.
3) Sennheiser GSP 500 Headset
As a gamer, comfort is the most important factor which comes to mind because you need to wear it for a long gaming session. The Sennheiser GSP 500 headset offers full comfortability which makes them among the best headphones for gaming.
Also, its soft fabric headband design provides very little pressure on your head. In spite of comfortability, it also features a noise-canceling microphone.
It offers an impedance of 28 ohms which enables them to use with low-power devices too i.e. PS4, Xbox One etc. It has an excellent sound quality with great bass too which makes them the best headsets.
Main Features
- Flip-To-Mute feature
- Soft-fabric headband design
- Noise-canceling microphone
- High Fidelity
- Compatible with low powered devices
- 48 x 3.54 x 7.87 inches
Pros
Cons
FAQ’S
Where is it manufactured?
Made in Germany.
Does Sennheiser GSP 500 headset have a noise-canceling microphone?
Yes, it has a noise-canceling microphone that cuts out background noise with a Flip-To-Mute feature.
Can I use them with low-powered devices too?
Yes, it has an impedance of 28 ohms which enable them to use with low powered devices like Xbox, PS4 controller.
Is it compatible with my Android phone?
Yes, it comes with two cables. One is of dual jack and the other is a single jack that is able to connect with an Android phone.
Conclusion
These headphones fulfill your needs of gaming. They have a noise-canceling microphone and also features flip-to-mute. Also due to their low impedance, they support low powered devices too.
4) Sennheiser HD 599 SE Around-Ear Open Back Headphone
Sennheiser has again hit the mark by launching the balanced headphone in the shape of HD 599 SE. It is among the best audiophile headphones for gaming. It features a comfortable headband that surrounds ear-cups which gives a comfortable feel and as a gamer, having a comfortable feel is one of the most important factors.
It provides an impedance of 50 ohms which results in excellent sound quality. It features two detachable cables of 3m and 1.2m with 6.3mm and 3.5mm jack respectively. However, if you want you can accelerate its sound quality by having an additional audio setup.
Main Features
- Two detachable cables (3m and 1.2m)
- Compatible with all audio devices
- Supports addition of power to enhance sound quality
- Lightweight
- Soft fabric ear-cups
Pros
Cons
FAQ’S
Where is it manufactured?
Made in Germany.
Does Sennheiser HD 599 SE come with two cables?
Yes, it has two cables i.e. one long cable that uses a 6.35 mm jack and the other cable uses a 3.5mm jack. It also has an adopter that converts a 6.35mm jack to a 3.5mm jack so that you can use a small jack with a long cable.
Do these headphones have a comfortable headband?
Yes, they have a headband that is made up of soft fabric so that you can use them for long gaming sessions.
Are they fit on a small head?
Yes, it fits well on a small head too.
Conclusion
If you have a budget and you want high-quality midrange and high frequency then you should go for this headphone. But if you want a noise-canceling microphone too then you can refer to the Sennheiser game one gaming headset above on number 1 position.
5) Audio-Technica ATH-ADG1X Open Air High-Fidelity Gaming Headset
Audio-Technica ATH-ADG1X is one of the best gaming headsets. It features 53mm drivers which enhances the sound quality. Due to its open-back design, it provides sound closer to realism.
It offers 3D Wing support that results in more secure fit and ultimately results in extreme comfort that’s why it is liked by most gamers. It has a state of art microphone which results in extremely crystal clear sound.
Main Features
- 3D Wing support
- Advanced 53mm drivers
- Very much soft ear-pads which results in long time comfort
- High-Fidelity sound
- Simple volume control and locking microphone
- Available in blue and black color
- 5-35,000 Hz of the frequency range
- 00 x 6.00 x 8.00 inches of dimension
Pros
Cons
FAQ’S
Where is it manufactured?
Made in Japan.
Does Audio-Technica ATH-ADG1X comfortable for long gaming sessions?
Yes, it has extremely soft ear pads and also has 3D wing support which makes them ideal for long gaming sessions.
Does it has surround sound?
No, it hasn’t. You need a decent sound card on your system if you want to enjoy its extremely clear sound.
Conclusion
If you have no worry about the budget and you want high fidelity sound then you should go for this headphone. They have 3D wing support which enhances their comfort.
6) Beyerdynamic 459038 DT 990 PRO open Studio Headphone
The German company has launched one of the best audiophile headphones for gaming in the shape of Beyerdynamic 459038 DT 990 PRO. These gaming headphones have high ratings on the buying side. Because of its semi open-back design, it provides both features of the open-back design and closed-back design.
Due to its high impedance of 250 ohms, it offers a high sound quality but its bass is not of high quality. It provides high midrange frequency which is very suitable for gaming. And the other thing as a gamer you must need is comfort. It provides extreme of comfort while wearing.
Main Features
- Semi Open-Back Design
- Lightweight
- High mid-range frequency
- 3-dimensional sound
- Low headband pressure
- Soft ear pads provide hours of comfort
- 7 x 4.7 x 9.1 inches of dimension
Pros
Cons
FAQ’S
Where is it manufactured?
Made in Germany.
Does DT 990 PRO need an amplifier to connect with my mobile?
Yes, it has high impedance so it needs an amplifier to overcome that resistance.
Do these headphones cause headache after long gaming sessions?
No, it doesn’t. It has soft ear pads that support long gaming sessions. So comfort is not a worry.
How they are at the sound quality?
They have 3 dimensional sound which provides excellent gaming session.
Conclusion
If you want an extreme quality sound with high mid-range frequency, then you should buy this headphone. But if you want a good quality bass too then you should go for Sennheiser GSP 500 headset which is described above in the third position.
7) Sennheiser HD 800 S
Sennheiser has hit the mark by launching the best ever gaming headphones in the shape of HD800 S. If the budget does not worry for you, then you must go for one of the best gaming headphones in the shape of HD800 S. With the impedance of 300 ohms and weight of 330 grams, they offer an extra premium quality sound and extreme comfort.
They come with detachable cables and also have two long connecting cables in which one is single-ended and the other is Pentacon. They have the largest drivers 56mm of ring radiator transducers that are ever used in any headphones.
Main Features
- Open-back around-ear design
- Unique ear-cup
- Most impressive and natural sound
- Detachable cables
- 4-51k Hz of frequency
- Lightweight (330 grams)
- Two connecting cables
- Largest drivers ever used
- Dj style
Pros
Cons
FAQ’S
Where is it manufactured?
Made in Germany.
Is HD800s compatible with my iPod?
Yes it is.
Do these headphones come with detachable cables?
Yes, they are. They also come with two long connecting cables i.e. one is single-ended of ¼ inches and the other is a balanced 4.4mm Pentacon cable.
How they are at the sound quality?
Their sound quality is beyond the point. It’s really exceptional. It has a unique ear cup that sends sound into the ear at a unique angle which results in impressively natural sound.
Conclusion
If you have craze of gaming and budget is not a piece of worry for you, then you should go for HD800 S. It has a unique ear cup which sends sound waves at a specific angle into your ear which results in extremely clear and natural sound.
8) Sennheiser HD 600
The Sennheiser HD600 opposes standing waves that ultimately results in clear and natural sound. It features a circumaural design and has magnets and voice coils made of aluminum which helps to generate very clear sound. It comes with a 6.3mm adapter plug and also has detachable cables.
Main Features
- Lightweight
- Circumaural design
- Contains aluminum voice coils
- Have very clear and natural sound
- Have a dimension of 0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches
- Long time comfort
- Open ear-cups
Pros
Cons
FAQ’S
Where is it manufactured?
Made in Ireland.
Do these headphones require an additional amplifier to operate?
Yes, I would suggest using an additional amplifier with it because it has an impedance of 300 ohms. So to enjoy the full of it, I would recommend the use of an additional amplifier.
How they are at the sound quality?
Their sound quality is extremely amazing. They oppose standing waves to enter in the ear which results in extremely clear sound.
Conclusion
These headphones are the best headphones that can be used for gaming. They have built-in voice coils and magnets which ensures very clear sound.
9) Audio-Technica ATH-50x
Audio-Technica ATH-50x is known because of its amazing audio quality. In addition to its sound quality, it has detachable cables. One is a coiled cable with 1.2m-3m and the other is a straight cable with 1.2m ad 3m lengths.
It has mic and button controls attached to its ear cup which enables you to control volume and manage incoming calls. The only problem that I see is its size or dimensions. It is bulky and heavy which sometimes make gamers feel uncomfortable for long sessions.
Main Features
- Detachable cables
- 55mm drivers
- 90 degree swiveling ear cups
- Circumaural design
Pros
Cons
FAQ’S
Where is it manufactured?
Made in Japan.
Can I use ATH-M50x with my PC or mobile phone without any additional DAC or amplifier?
Yes for sure, you can plug them with your pc or mobile phone. They don’t have high impedance so if your pc or other device has quality DAC chip, then you can plug these headphones with them.
Can I wear them with my glasses on?
Yes you can wear them even if you are with your glasses on. They have soft ear pads which make them full of comfort to wear. They fit on the arms of glasses very well.
Do these headphones have a Bluetooth connectivity option?
Yes, it features a Bluetooth connectivity option. They come with an adapter that supports Bluetooth connectivity that is near $50 and while using Bluetooth with them, they are as good in sound quality as they are without having Bluetooth.
Conclusion
If you are a newbie and not have that much budget, then these headphones are ideal for you. Along with budget friendly, they have good sound quality and also has volume controls attached with their ear cup which ensures on-the-fly adjustments.
10) Philips SHP9500s
The last headphone in our list of best audiophile headphones for gaming is Philips SHP9500s. These headphones come with 1.5m long cable that enables you to use them freely. Their double cushioned padding around headband makes them comfortable to wear for longer period.
Don’t under estimate them due to their low price. Along with their comfort, their 50mm drivers ensures clear sound. It has open back design which makes them more attractive to buy. Take a look at their features below.
Main Features
- Double layered cushioned headband
- 50mm neodymium drivers drive a clear sound into your ears
- 5m long cable
- Frequency response: 12-35 000Hz
- Open-back design
- 70 x 7.90 x 3.90 inches of dimensions
Pros
Cons
FAQ’S
Where is it manufactured?
Made in China.
Is SHP9500s comfortable for someone with a big head?
Yes they are extremely comfortable because of their double-layered fabric on the headband.
Conclusion
I would recommend these headphones to a newbie because they are extra featured as compared to their price. They have extra low price and have great features like a comfortable headband, clear sound. As a newbie, you should go for these headphones.
Gaming Headsets Vs Gaming Headphones – Which One To Go For?
There is a debate while buying best audiophile headphones for gaming that either we should buy headsets or go with headphones. Firstly you have to understand the basic difference between headphones and headsets.
Difference Between Headset And Headphones
Headsets are the ones that are standalone means they have self-attached mic, headphones, wireless connectivity, plug-and-play feature while headphones don’t have an attached mic. While wearing headphones, you should need a standalone microphone.
Convenient To Use
Despite the fact that headsets have a self-attached microphone, I would recommend headphones. The reason behind that is the sound quality of headphones. Although you need a separate standalone microphone with headphones but they ended up cheaper and a decent choice.
Conclusion
That doesn’t mean at all that headsets are inconvenient for gaming. It totally depends on your nature. Some people don’t like to have separate things. They want an all-in-one. For them, gaming headsets are a perfect choice. Those who can manage things and also don’t have much budget can go for headphones while buying best audiophile headphones for gaming.