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Here’s a list of the best open-back headphones to buy for gaming in 2024 and beyond. We’ve made our picks across several boards including budget options, based on comfort, wired or wireless, basically, this guide is everything you need to choose an open-back headphone for your gaming conquests.
The Best Gaming Open-Back Headphones (Our Top Picks)
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | ASTRO Gaming A40 TR Wired Headset with Astro Audio V2 for Gaming | 9.8 | Check On Amazon |
Budget Pick  | SENNHEISER HD 599 Open Back Headphone | 9.7 | Check On Amazon |
High Quality Pick  | Sennheiser HD 800 S Over-the-Ear Audiophile Reference Headphones | 9.7 | Check On Amazon |
Top Premium Collab  | Massdrop x Sennheiser PC37X Gaming Headset | 9.7 | Check On Amazon |
For Comfort Gaming  | EPOS I Sennheiser GAME ONE Gaming Headset | 9.7 | Check On Amazon |
Top Wireless Pick  | Riwbox WB5 Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Foldable Headphones | 9.6 | Check On Amazon |
Wireless Pick 2  | Grado SR80e Prestige Series Headphones | 9.6 | Check On Amazon |
Best Versatile Pick  | beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones | 9.6 | Check On Amazon |
There was a time when you could play video games comfortably on the speakers of your TV or computer without having to worry about anything aside from the time being too late and people waking up – but things are quite different today.
Not only is online gaming incredibly crucial today, most of the popular games right now require vocal communication so that you can have the best experience possible!
It’s not just about online gaming either. Hundreds of single-player video games feature a spectacular sound design that makes the game feel even better when you listen to it with high-quality headphones or gaming earbuds (That’s a list of our top picks too).
And last but not least – some video games even make use of things such as directional sound that allow you to figure out where the threat is coming from. Even if you don’t want to hear interruptions as you game, noise-canceling has you covered.
Whatever your reason may be, it’s without a doubt that you need amazing gaming headphones right now. And with so many brands in the market, it can be quite difficult to know which ones to go for.
Because every pair of headphones is catered to a different person, so what you want has to be carefully filtered out to find the ones that are best suitable for your preferences.
Fortunately, we’re here to help – we’ve created a guide to the best open-back headphones for gaming that explores features and prices so that you can find the best option for yourself. Let’s get started!
What are the best Open Back Headphones for Gaming?
These are our top picks for the best open-back headphones for gaming that you can use in 2024.
Some of the factors that we kept in mind were a high-quality sound that can handle great bass and directional sound effects, noise cancellation, lightweight that does not wear your ears out, comfortable material that will not cause sweat, and up-to-date compatibility with drivers such as Nvidia’s RTX sound.
And of course, you will find budget open-back headphones in this list too!
The Best Budget Open Back Gaming Headphones
If you’re on a budget, here are the best open-back gaming headphones to look at.
1. ASTRO Gaming A40 TR
What We Like About This Headphone 👍
- The great sound quality is built with the expertise of pro gamers.
- Comfortable ear pads with a balanced overhead lock.
- Clear microphone quality with natural noise cancellation.
- Compatible with mods, such as a closed-back noise-isolating kit that you can buy if you desire.
- Reasonably priced.
What We Don’t Like 👎
- No noise canceling on the audio side of things.
- A bit large for smaller ears
Why we recommend it:
The ASTRO Gaming A40 TR has been created with consultancy from pro gamers – and if there’s anyone who understands what makes a great gaming headphone, it’s those guys.
A40 TR has a very immersive sound quality with a focus on providing realistic stereo performance that allows you to feel like you are actually in the scene. The padded ear cups make them comfortable and there are several voice-related options that will allow you to coordinate with your pals or gloat about your victories with ease.
For something with this many features, it has a very decent price tag, and not only will they work on your computer – but they also have variants for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One – so you’re covered in every regard.
Aside from great sound quality and a good microphone, this pair of headphones have noise cancellation in chat which allows you to speak clearly even in a crowded environment.
2. Sennheiser HD 599
What We Like About This Headphone 👍
- Premium material that provides amazing sound quality with low distortion.
- Very comfortable to wear with breathing space from every side + lightweight.
- Multi-purpose use as it can connect to almost any device.
- E.A.R technology provides efficient and separated sounds that make the experience feel more realistic.
- Fairly compatible with all kinds of ears.
- One of the best-priced Sennheiser headphones.
What We Don’t Like 👎
- Not meant for communication.
- Might need a bit of tweaking in settings to separate between mid and high tones.
Why we recommend it:
Sennheiser is a brand that has something for everyone as their headphones can even reach up to a thousand dollars – but their budget choices are no less amazing either. The Sennheiser HD 599 has a premium design that has the perfect balance between sound and comfort thanks to its large ear cups that have plush velour cushions.
They are built for audiophiles, so they will act as your headphones for purposes other than gaming too, thanks to the excellent noise-canceling it offers.
It makes use of the ‘Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement’ technology that is original to the Sennheiser brand that allows you to have an efficient sound that will allow you to immerse yourself in whatever you’re playing.
And it’s perfect for multi-purpose uses too since it comes with a 3m cable with a 6.3mm jack and a shorter 1.2m cable with a 3.5mm jack that can be used on mobile devices and such too.
The Highest Quality Open Back Headphones for Gaming
If quality and top-notch performance are what you’re after, these are the open-back headphone options to consider.
1. Sennheiser HD 800 S
What We Like About This Headphone 👍
- Computer-optimized magnet systems that clear out distortion to form efficient sound.
- Lightweight and very comfortable for long sessions.
- Excellent dynamic response.
- Accurate hearing with directional sound and natural noise suppression.
- State-of-the-art in quality and precision can even be used in music studios.
What We Don’t Like 👎
- Costs too much.
- Not meant for communication.
Why we recommend it:
If you’re someone who wants the highest quality products in every aspect of your life and doesn’t mind taking a significant hit on your wallet to achieve that – then the Sennheiser HD 800 S is the only pair of headphones that you will need for years.
It is created with premium materials that have a beautiful open design and optimized magnets with aluminum voice coils, which allows for extremely clear, efficient, and realistic sound quality. They are meant for the biggest of audiophiles and will teleport you inside whatever you’re watching or playing.
These headphones have amazing directional sound, the precise distinction between high and low tunes, and a design that automatically cancels out unnecessary sounds from your environment. Not only is this the best choice for gaming, but these headphones can even be used professionally in studios.
2. Mass drop x Sennheiser PC37X
What We Like About This Headphone 👍
- Perfect for gaming in terms of both single-player and multiplayer experiences.
- Excellent noise cancellation in the microphone.
- Lightweight and comfortable for your ears.
- Suppresses needless noise from your environment so that you can get immersed in the game’s sounds.
- Very reasonably priced despite the premium make.
What We Don’t Like 👎
- Not an all-purpose headphone as it’s catered more towards gaming than music.
Why we recommend it:
With the price tag that this has, you might be wondering why it’s not in the budget section. The answer is simple: this amazing pair of headphones has a premium quality that you’d usually only find in particularly expensive products.
It has the incredibly precise audio quality and the microphone quality is top-of-the-line as well. If you play online video games, you don’t need to look for anything else due to how accurate the directional sound is and the stereo imaging is insanely well-done.
The microphone is a surprising but welcome touch to the overall package because not only does it do a great job at getting your voice across-it has very efficient noise cancellation as well.
The Best Wireless Open-Back Gaming Headphones
Looking for wireless options? Take a look at these options.
1. Riwbox WB5 Wireless
What We Like About This Headphone 👍
- Wireless with low latency.
- Microphone with decent quality and natural noise suppression.
- Multiple compatibility modes are great for both gaming and music based on your preferences.
- Extremely comfortable to wear and lightweight.
- 20 hours battery time with a single charge.
- Amazing price.
What We Don’t Like 👎
- The microphone is not particularly amazing, but for its price, that’s a given.
- Might need a little optimization with its modes for the best results.
Why we recommend it:
If you’re tired of wires – then wireless is the obvious way to go. However, when it comes to gaming, you need something with low latency and precision so that being wireless does not become a disadvantage for your gaming experiences.
The Riwbox WB5 Wireless has an amazing build with aluminum forks and a balanced headband. What’s interesting about them is the fact that, unlike most gaming headphones, WB5 has great bass compatibility that would truly make the music come alive if it has a touch of electronics in it.
Bundle all of that with comfortable earpads and precise microphone quality that comes with natural noise suppression – and we have ourselves a great deal at a very decent price.
2. GRADO GW100 Wireless
What We Like About This Headphone 👍
- The extremely precise sound separates everything realistically and provides directional audio too.
- Balanced frequency response.
- Low latency so you won’t be desynced with your gaming.
- Very comfortable to wear and can be used for hours with no fatigue.
What We Don’t Like 👎
- Not meant for communication.
- Aside from the earpads, the make is slightly lower in quality than other options on the list.
Why we recommend it:
While the Riwbox WB5 is a great entry-level option, the GRADO GW100 is what you want if you’re ready to take things to the next level.
The primary thing kept in mind while developing this headphone was to provide a comfortable experience with sound quality that is so immersive that you’ll find yourself lost in the experience for hours.
It has a very detailed sound and feels very smooth to listen to, which is perfect for gaming and does wonders for all different genres of music too.
The Best Open Back Headphones for Comfortable Gaming
If comfort is your main goal, check out these options.
1. Sennheiser Game ONE
What We Like About This Headphone 👍
- Extremely comfortable and does not cause any strain despite hours of use.
- Volume and mute controls are placed conveniently, with the mic turning off even with a simple flip.
- The great sound quality is precise and compatible with Sennheiser drivers.
- Reasonably priced.
- Compatible with almost every game console too aside from computers.
- Noise cancellation in the microphone.
What We Don’t Like 👎
- Not the most balanced audio precision in terms of distortion and high/low tunes.
Why we recommend it:
Having the highest possible quality is a great thing – but comfort is underrated. The Sennheiser Game ONE is meant for those who want long gaming sessions without any physical strain on their ears, while not holding back on the sound quality.
It has a lightweight frame that feels very balanced on your head and the earpads have great material that feels like clouds on your skin.
The usual Sennheiser drivers are compatible, so you get realistic sound quality and a very conveniently placed microphone that has active noise cancellation. The volume and mute buttons are placed in great spots too so that you won’t take longer than required and can get back to your game immediately.
2. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
What We Like About This Headphone 👍
- Durable make which guarantees long-term use.
- Excellent bass quality that will bring out the best experience with high-quality music.
- Balanced audio is great for immersion, as different types of sounds are all separated properly.
- Exceptionally comfortable due to its spacious design, perfect earpads, and an amazingly lightweight headband – which makes it great for long hours of gaming.
- Multi-purpose use as it’s great for listening to non-gaming music too
- Reasonably priced.
What We Don’t Like 👎
- Not meant for communication.
- The audio is not as crispy and clear-cut as some of the more expensive options on the list – but for its price and focus on comfort, this is a great option.
Why we recommend it:
The DT 990 Pro is not only very comfortable to wear thanks to its balanced steel headband and unbelievably soft earpads – but it’s also incredibly durable.
It’s reinforced with metal housing in some of its parts and its 250-ohm impedance allows it a great power draw that is perfect for gaming and does not cause any strain on devices that use batteries, such as laptops.
Unlike many other gaming headphones that sacrifice bass for quality, the DT 990 Pro has a perfect balance of precise sound quality and incredible bass that makes use of 45mm pro audio drivers. It’s comfortable, durable, and offers a surprisingly competent audio quality – which is everything that you need from a good gaming headphone.
Conclusion
That wraps up our list of the best open-back headphones for gaming in 2024 that we have carefully handpicked for your sound-related needs. We hope that you found the one best suited to your preferences and are ready to begin your journey of long gaming sessions!
If you have any questions, don’t forget to ask us right away in the comments – and don’t forget to check out some of our other helpful guides meant for gaming hardware too.
