10 Best Studio Headphones For Gaming 2020

You know one of the most common questions we get asked on our Facebook and Twitter pages is best studio headphone for gaming (or alternatively what are the best studio headsets for gaming).

 However, you word it you are in luck because as ashamed as I am to say it, in my mid 30's, I game a lot and I have done for the past 10 years.  PC gaming was always my preference over consoles and a big part of that was the immersive sound quality that you just didn't get on an Xbox or PlayStation. 

When searching for the best studio  headphones for gaming of 2020 we went to town. We sought out recommendations from pro and amateur gamers and also chose to test out some of the bigger name brands.  

The results were quite surprising in that the performance you can get for very little money comes amazingly close to those of the more expensive offerings.


10 Best Studio Headphones For Gaming 2020

1. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 ohm Headphones

https://amzn.to/2WAAbf3

Key Features

  • Back design: Closed-back
  • Noise-cancelling mic: No mic
  • Connection: Wired (3.5mm)


The DT 990 has three variations. You can choose between 32, 250, and 600 ohm. For gaming purposes, the 250 ohm model offers the most balanced sound quality for home and studio use.

The cable is equipped with a standard ¼” connector and a screw-on 3.5mm jack. While it’s not detachable, it does feature a reinforced design at the connection point which increases its durability.

The open back design allows for enough background noise to still be discernible, so you won’t have to get into fights with your parents or roommates for not answering them.

What’s particularly impressive about the DT 990 is the extra bass quality. The sound is quite rich and it should allow you to enjoy any type of game from sports simulators to story-driven FPS triple A titles.

2. Sennheiser GAME ONE Gaming Headset

https://amzn.to/2woH0p1

Key Features

  • Back design: Open-back
  • Surround sound: No
  • Noise-cancelling mic: Yes
  • Connection: Wired 3.5mm


This headset features Sennheiser’s standard design with the headband sitting comfortably over your ears. The padding is plush and allows your ears to breathe. Thanks to the softness, your ears will not hurt once you take your headphones off after some hours of gaming.

With an impedance of 50 ohms, this headset will deliver a stunning gaming experience, while the noise canceling microphone will help your in-game mates understand you. The mic is good enough for clear audio recordings and internet calls.

You can listen to your favorite music and watch TV in high-quality audio with a frequency range of 15-28,000Hz. There is a volume control integrated on the cable. Also, thanks to its intuitive design, you can easily mute the microphone by raising the boom arm.

The headset comes with a 3.5mm audio and mic jack. If your computer has only an audio output, that means you will have to get an audio/mic splitter. Also, while the microphone has noise canceling properties, the headphones fail at blocking background sounds due to the open-back design.

3. Sennheiser HD 599 SE Around Ear Open Back Headphone

https://amzn.to/3bbx29h

Key Features

  • Back design: Open-back
  • Surround sound: No
  • Noise-cancelling mic: Yes
  • Connection: Wired 3.5mm


A fairly new model, Sennheiser's HD 599 SE is one of the most balanced open back headphones on the market. Coming from Sennheiser, it’s of course not the most affordable option among open back headphones.

The HD 599 SE features the classic Sennheiser design. The headband just wraps around the ear cups and comes with very comfortable padding. The design is otherwise simple, yet very efficient for both recording and gaming sessions.

The main cable is 3m and fixed with a ¼” (6.3mm) jack meant for studio use. You’ll also get an additional shorter cable with a 3.5mm jack should you want to use them to listen to music or view some movies.

With a 50 ohm impedance, the HD 599 SE has immense potential as a gaming headset. However, to get the most out of them you’ll need a decent audio setup. The more power you can pump into the headphones, the more sound clarity you can enjoy.

The quality of the midrange and high frequency is what you’re looking for. The bass is also good but that’s not where the headphones earn their money in gaming. The midrange is what gives you superior vocal clarity, which means that for games with complex story modes, these headphones are a blast to use.

4. Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Open-Air Headphones

https://amzn.to/2UsPB2i

Key Features

  • Back design: Open-back
  • Noise-cancelling mic: No mic
  • Connection: Wired (3.5mm


The soundstage is very impressive on the ATH-AD700X. Although the bass output is not premium quality, the clarity on the midrange and high frequencies, as well as the balanced output and the low price, make these headphones a solid choice for any gamer.

The ATH-AD700X features a true lightweight design which I find essential if you’re a professional gamer or streamer. The pressure exerted on your head is barely noticeable, so if you want to avoid burning ears these are a good choice.

The cable has a ¼” connector and also a 3.5mm detachable jack. If you’re looking to switch platforms in seconds without switching cables, the ATH-AD700X offers a simple solution. This should also improve your range of motion since there’s less chance to unplug the cable from the headphones by accident.

The CCAW voice coils used in the 53mm drivers are also a nice choice for a budget pair of gaming headphones. They give your sound more depth and help you get immersed in the story.

5. GRADO SR80e Prestige Series Wired Open Back Stereo Headphones

https://amzn.to/2UmVQoh

Key Features

  • Back design: Open-back
  • Surround sound: No
  • Noise-cancelling mic: Yes
  • Connection: Wired (4.5mm)


Grado is a highly respected manufacturer of audiophile headphones. Like all headphones, everything about the SR80E is designed to get out of the way of the high quality drivers.

As such, the quality of the foam pads is nothing to write home about. They get out of the way and they are replaceable, so these headphones can really last a while. Chances are though that you can’t resist upgrading to a higher-end Grado once you got your feet wet.

What they lack in comfort, the SR80E headphones make up for in terms of sound clarity. You wouldn’t know it until you tested them, but the balanced and airy presentation of the entire frequency range is more than impressive.

The cable is pretty much standard quality. It splits and goes directly into both ear cups. It’s the audiophile way of tackling things.

6. Sennheiser Consumer Audio GSP 500 Wired Open Acoustic Gaming Headset

https://amzn.to/2Wtrdjx

Key Features

  • Back design: Closed-back
  • Surround sound: No
  • Noise-cancelling mic: Yes
  • Connection: Wired (3.5mm)


Comfort is one of the top priorities during a long gaming session. The Sennheiser GSP 500 has a headband wrapped in soft fabric which will allow both your ears and your head to breathe. That will prevent any in-game discomfort and post-gaming pain.

It’s not only the superior comfort that makes these headphones great. The transducers are inside the pads and they send audio directly to the ear. This should make your in-game environment and atmosphere more realistic. The headphones have solid bass and provide good sound quality while you’re listening to music or watching videos.

The impedance of 28 ohms makes these headphones great for using with low-power devices too. You don’t need a PC for a perfect gaming experience. The Sennheiser GSP 500 is a multi-platform headset with a standard 3.5mm audio output. It will work with the PS4, the Xbox One, and various other consoles without a loss of quality.

If you want durable, great-quality headphones and are willing to spend a little bit more, the Sennheiser GSP 500 might be the right choice for you. Just keep in mind that they are rather bulky, so their size doesn’t recommend them for outdoor use.

7. Samson SR850 Semi Open Back Studio Reference Headphones

https://amzn.to/2U3dDlm

Key Features

  • Back design: Open-back
  • Surround sound: No
  • Noise-cancelling mic: Yes
  • Connection: Wired (6.3mm)


Samson headphones may not be exactly on par with the top manufacturers, but as far as gaming needs are concerned, the SR850 headphones make a solid choice any day of the week.

The SR850 headphones are as budget-friendly as they come, so if you’re looking to build up your gaming setup from scratch, these headphones are excellent starters. They feature 50mm drivers which give them good dynamic range.

They also have a wide frequency response range rated at 10Hz to 30kHz. The connector is also interchangeable from a ¼” to a 1/8”, so you’re able to game on multiple platforms as well as listen to music or watch movies.

The SR850 is not a full open back design. It’s a semi open back design which means that you’ll be able to tune out most of the background noise.

If you’re living in a busy area or you have a lot of people in the house at all times, the SR850 might just given you the peace and quiet you need to enjoy the amazing sound effects that your game has to offer.

At the very least, you’ll be able to hear those elusive footsteps that keep preventing you from getting in the top 5 in battle royal game modes.

8. Sennheiser PC 373D - 7.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset


https://amzn.to/2WALELg

Key Features
  • Back design: Open-back
  • Surround sound: Nk
  • Noise-cancelling mic: Yes
  • Connection: Wired (7.1mm)

With the Sennheiser PC 373D gaming headset, the affordability is perhaps the primary selling point. You will get a standard Sennheiser open headset that will keep your head cool. With velvet ear pads and a solid headband, you can immerse yourself in the game and not worry about possible discomfort.

Chatting with your peers in-game will be clear and easy. The microphone cancels all the surrounding noise and only focuses on your voice. You can control the volume yourself with the output cable and mute the microphone automatically by simply raising the boom arm.

The headphones are lightweight and durable with great sound quality. They have transducers that emit a detailed in-game sound to your ear, so you don’t miss a beat. 7.1 Surround Sound is also a key selling point of the 373D.

Unsurprisingly, with the lower price point, there is also slightly lower sound quality, though it’s still more than sufficient for high-level gaming. You may also experience slight sound leakage owing to the open-back design, but that shouldn’t be that big a problem.

If you are on a budget and want a pair of open back gaming headphones with all the essential features, you can count on the Sennheiser PC 373D to do a decent job.

9. LyxPro OEH-10 Open-Air Headphones Hi-Fi Audiophile

https://amzn.to/3djjoTI

Key Features

  • Back design: Closed-back
  • Surround sound: No
  • Noise-cancelling mic: Yes
  • Connection: Wired (3.5mm)


If you’re gaming on a budget but still having a great time, things area about to get a bit better. What if I told you that you could almost game like a pro with the LyxPro OEH-10 headphones? The transparent sound experience will only enhance in-game sounds and music.

The reinforced 8-foot cable is durable and long enough to provide freedom and stay out of the way in most gaming setups. The rotating ear cuffs are a nice touch but not nearly as nice as the extra thick cushioning, which is, by the way, replaceable.

I would also like to point out that the stainless steel headband is highly resistant. However, it may not be the most comfortable, given its modest leather cushion.

That said, you will be able to get clear sound, decent low and midrange definition, as well as a crisp tone in the higher register when the game demands it.

10. Philips Audio Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Over-Ear Headphones 

https://amzn.to/2Qw698h

Key Features

  • Back design: Open-back
  • Noise-cancelling mic: No mic
  • Connection: Wired (3.5mm)


At one point, the Philips SHP9500S headphones were considered THE best headphones for gaming. While it’s true that their sound quality is very impressive, they’re not at the top of the food chain anymore. Still, that doesn’t make them any less viable as gaming headphones.

The one thing that’s lacking is deep bass quality. But that’s nothing too serious, and it's still at par with most other gaming headphones. The 50mm drivers deliver otherwise balanced sound and superior clarity.

As a full open back design, the SHP9500S does let some of the outside noise get in, but generally speaking not enough to ruin your gaming experience. Also, the neutral tone makes it easy to distinguish game effects from real-world background noise.

In terms of comfort, I have nothing bad to say about the SHP9500S. The ear pads have moisture-wicking fabric and large openings. This takes away a lot of the pressure and makes them a solid choice for multiple hours straight of gaming.

Best Studio Headphones Buyers Guide

Open-Back Headphones for Gaming – Advantages
If you hesitate whether open-back headphones can become a great addition to your gaming experience, then this piece of information is prepared specifically for you. So what are the main advantages of having a pair of great open-back headset for gaming? Well, there can be many of them.

First, they are very cool in terms of comfort. This is explained by the fact that the ear cup housing remains open via some sort of grill the headphones breathe, so there are usually no problems with heat accumulation inside the ear cup and on the surface of its padding. This means that you should not vent your ears regularly, as the heat is mainly trapped inside causing no discomfort to the user. Moreover, while most models feature velour pads having a breathable texture, gamers can sit with the headphones on for literally 12 hours with no complaints.

Second, the majority of open-back headphones are designed in such a way that they allow users to get in touch with the environment, which means that you will most likely hear the doorbell or your phone calling. This feature is very useful, as you will not be scared every time somebody enters your room or miss the important call.

Third, these headphones tend to have a stylish design and lightweight construction, so using them is a total pleasure. Overall, you should simply try them out once and you will realize how great open-back headphones can be!

How Loud are Open Back Headphones?
Well, the loudness of open-back headphones differs from model to model. However, there are some common features with the way they sound that can be met in these and those models. First of all, it is necessary to clarify that most open-back models rarely offer much isolation from the surrounding environment due to their design characteristics (specifically the way the air flows in and out). This is why the user is meant to hear some very loud sounds produced nearby and does not lose the full connection with the outside world.

The second issue to be explained is that the ear cups on such headphones are rather open and airy, so the sound flowing out of the headset has a wider and deeper soundstage compared to closed-back headphones. However, this may also result in the situation in which sound leakage occurs affecting the loudness to a certain extent. Overall, this does not mean that this type of headphones is characterized by silent performance, open-back headsets are definitely not those ones with the glass-breaking loudness.

Are Studio Headphones Good for Gaming?
This question sounds a bit strange, as most open-back headphones are designed in such a way that gamers are considered their target audience. So why they are particularly good for gaming purposes? First, they keep your ears relaxed all the time no matter how many hours in a row you are using this device. The second benefit of using studio headphones for gaming lies in the fact that they almost never get hot enough, so there is no need to remove them from your head due to hot ear pads. The third obvious advantage of using these headphones for gaming derives from the fact that they are pretty lightweight and can fit different users. Moreover, they also provide a rich sound palette, while still keeping the listener aware of what happens around in the gaming room. With this kind of headset, you will never miss a call (unless you want to miss it on purpose).

They are fantastic for games if you want to get really clean but not too bass-heavy sound. Such a headset is able to give a total advantage in gaming. The player is able to hear everything around him/her. For instance, it is easy to determine where you are being shot from or when your teammates or NPCs are coming. With this headset, you will be able to hear all voices around you – behind, in front, or on each side. That’s why you should consider this type of headset if you are looking for total immersion. Nevertheless, open-back headphones let hear everything that is coming into the headset, so you will be able to hear if someone is talking to you in real life. But high volume shuts disturbing things out from the external environment so that is not a problem.

Post a Comment

0 Comments