If you're looking for the best gaming experience, you need to be using headphones that offer an open-back design.
Many different open-back headphones on the market can provide a great gaming experience, but some come with microphones, and others don't. So, it can be difficult to decide which ones are best for you.
That's why we've put together a list of the top 5 best open-back headphones for gaming and what we believe is the #1 solution for those sets without microphones.
With an open-back design, these headphones allow for more air circulation and provide a wider soundstage, giving you the most immersive gaming experience possible. And with a variety of different options to choose from, we know you'll find the perfect pair of headphones for your needs.
Read on for our list of the 5 Best Open-Back Headphones for Gaming and what we believe is the best solution for headsets without a microphone.
We hope you find just what you're looking for from the list below! Each product was independently selected by our editors. Some may have been sent as samples for us to fiddle with, but all opinions in this article are our own. Oh, and FYI — BestToGet may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business). Reviews have been edited for length and clarity. Enjoy finding what’s best for you!
How We Choose The Best Open-Back Gaming Headphones!
It can be hard to find the best headphones for gaming that will provide you with the sound quality and features that you need to take your gaming experience to the next level.
Most gamers settle for headphones that don't quite meet their needs because it's hard to know which ones are actually good for gaming. You might end up wasting your money on a pair of headphones that don't deliver the sound quality or features that you're looking for.
After reading through thousands of reviews on Amazon, we've found the best open-back gaming headphones that will give you an edge over your competition. Our top picks provide stunning sound quality, crystal-clear dialogue, and an immersive surround sound experience.
Our Top Pick Open-Back Headphones For Gaming
Drop + Sennheiser PC38X Gaming Headset
What We Love
Whether you're fragging enemies on PC or capturing flags on consoles, the Drop + Sennheiser PC38X gaming headset has you covered with awesome and accurate sound quality plus super wide compatibility.
With angled drivers for improved locational accuracy, you'll always be one step ahead of the competition. Plus, the comfortable velour earpads make those long gaming sessions a breeze.
And when it comes to talking smack to your fellow gamers, the noise-canceling microphone ensures that your voice comes through loud and clear.
And if you need to take a break from all the action, just flip the mic up, and it will automatically mute. With its convenient volume control dial, the Drop + Sennheiser PC38X gaming headset is the perfect choice for any serious gamer.
What You Should Know
When it comes to gaming headsets, you want to make sure you have one that is compatible with all of your devices. You don't want to be stuck with a headset that only works with one system.
The Drop + Sennheiser PC38X Gaming Headset is the perfect choice for gamers who want a versatile headset that will work with a PC, Mac, or any controller that has an audio port.
It features a 3.5 mm jack and 28 ohms impedance. The microphone is also Mutable by simply moving it up, so you can use it when you need it and mute it when you don't. Whether you're gaming on a PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, or Xbox, this headset has got you covered.
Best Budget Open-Back Headphones For Gaming
Samson Technologies SR850 Semi Open-Back Studio Reference Headphones
What We Love
Looking for a great gaming headset that won't break the bank? The Samson Technologies SR850 Semi Open-Back Studio Reference Headphones are just what you need.
It features superb sound quality thanks to its 50-millimeter high-sensitivity dynamic drivers and impedance of 32 ohms. This semi-open-back headset strikes a balance between noise-canceling and wide soundscape, giving you the best of both worlds.
Plus, it's super comfortable to wear for long gaming sessions. And at less than $50, it's a great value for the money.
What You Should Know
The Samson Technologies SR850 is compatible with anything that has a 3.5mm headphone jack, and it comes with a 1/4" stereo adapter.
It has an impedance of 32 ohms and doesn't have a microphone. We were a little disappointed at first that it didn't have a microphone, but we quickly realized that it wasn't a big deal. We found the perfect solution at the end of our list that beats many built-in headset microphones.
The sound quality is excellent on these wired headphones, and they are very comfortable to wear.
We would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a great pair of gaming headphones at a rock-bottom price. And paired with our microphone solution below, these headphones rival others 3x their cost.
These headphones go way beyond just a decent gaming headset.
Best Sounding Open-Back Headphones For Gaming
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Over-Ear Studio Headphones
What We Love
Looking for a top-of-the-line gaming headset that will give you the edge over your opponents? The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Over-Ear Studio Headphones are exactly what you need.
These incredible headphones provide amazing natural sound quality, outstanding bass response, comfort, and a wide soundstage to give you the ultimate gaming experience.
It's a top choice for audiophile headphones, and thousands of positive reviews on Amazon can attest to the DT 990 Pro's superior performance - making it one of the best-sounding headsets you will ever purchase for gaming or listening to music.
And with its durable frame and comfortable, replaceable ear pads, it's perfect for long gaming sessions. So don't settle for second best - step up your game with the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Over-Ear Studio Headphones.
What You Should Know
I don't know about you, but I take my gaming seriously. I want to be able to hear every footstep and every shot fired, so I need a good gaming headset.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is one of the best headphones on the market, and it's compatible with just about anything that has a 3.5mm headphone jack. It has a 3.5mm jack and a 1/4" adapter so that you can use it with your PC, your PS4, your Xbox One, your Switch - really anything.
It is available in two different impedance settings - 80 ohms and 250 ohms. But we recommend the 80 ohms for gaming as less power is needed to drive them for sound like from consoles. They are also super comfortable to wear, even if you're gaming for hours on end.
The only downside is that it's a bit expensive and does not come with a microphone, but in my opinion, it's worth it. And paired with our suggestion for an attachable microphone below, it can be as good as it gets for gaming.
Most Comfortable Open-Back Headphones For Gaming
Audio-Technica ATH-GDL3BK Open-Back Gaming Headset
What We Love
Looking for a gaming headset that's comfortable to wear for hours on end? The Audio-Technica ATH-GDL3BK gaming headset is perfect for you! With its lightweight design and cushy earpads, this headset is comfortable even with glasses.
Plus, the flexible, detachable boom mic ensures clear, directional audio pickup. And if you're a PC or console gamer, no worries - this headset comes with two detachable cable adapters, so you can use it for both PCs and gaming consoles.
So go ahead and game all day and night - your head will thank you later!
What You Should Know
Gamers need a headset that is going to be comfortable to wear for hours on end. They also need one that has a clear sound and a flexible mic. This headset has all of that and more.
It weighs less than 220 grams and has a flexible, detachable boom mic. It also has easy on-device volume and microphone controls. The head pad is replaceable, so you can keep using it even if it gets worn out.
It comes with two detachable cable adapters, so can be used for both PC and gaming consoles. And the large-diameter 45-millimeter drivers create a clear sound even when things are getting hectic in the game.
Best Bang For Your Buck Open-Back Headphones For Gaming
EPOS I Sennheiser Game One Headset
What We Love
Introducing the EPOS I Sennheiser Game One headset - the perfect choice for gamers who demand the best in audio quality at an affordable price.
This professional-grade headset features an open-back design for improved breathability and directional accuracy, while the lightweight frame and plush velour ear pads provide hours of comfortable gaming.
The integrated volume control on the right cup lets you easily adjust the sound level, and the noise-canceling mic with flip-to-mute function ensures clear communication with your team.
Whether you're challenging yourself to a solo campaign or teaming up for multiplayer action, the EPOS I Sennheiser Game One headset is a great choice at a great price.
What You Should Know
When it comes to gaming headsets, you want something that's going to give you the best bang for your buck.
You want clear, high-fidelity sound so you can hear every footstep and gunshot. You want an integrated volume control on the right cup so you can quickly adjust the sound without having to fiddle with any settings.
And you want a lightweight frame with plush velour ear pads because who wants to wear a headset that's going to give them a headache after a few hours?
The EPOS I Sennheiser Game One headset has all of those features and more.
It also features a noise-canceling mic with a flip-to-mute function, so you can easily mute yourself when you need to. And because it has an open-back design, it's more breathable and provides better directional accuracy.
So, if you're looking for the overall best bang for your buck, the EPOS I Sennheiser Game One headset is the way to go.
Best Wireless Boom Microphone For Gaming Headset
AntlionAudio ModMic Wireless Boom Microphone
What We Love
Introducing the AntlionAudio ModMic Wireless Boom Microphone, the #1 microphone solution for gaming headphones without microphones.
This easy-to-add microphone attaches magnetically to your headphones and pairs with your computer via a Bluetooth USB receiver.
With up to 12 hours of battery life, you can game all day without having to worry about recharging. And if you do need to recharge, you can continue using the ModMic while it's charging.
The built-in mute toggle makes it easy to silence yourself when you need to, and the outstanding sound quality ensures that your voice will be heard loud and clear.
Whether you're playing on Windows, Mac, Linux, or PlayStation, the AntlionAudio ModMic Wireless is the perfect way to take your gaming experience to the next level!
What You Should Know
If you're a serious gamer, you know that having a quality microphone is essential. But if your headphones don't come with a built-in mic, it can be tough to know what to do. That's where the AntlionAudio ModMic Wireless Boom Microphone comes in.
This easy-to-use mic attaches magnetically to any over-the-ear headphones and pairs with your computer via Bluetooth. It works with Windows, Mac, Linux, and PlayStation 4 - no drivers required! And it has a whopping 12 hours of battery life so that you can game all day long.
Plus, it has a built-in mute toggle, so you can quickly silence yourself when necessary.
Whether you're streaming your gameplay or just chatting with friends, the AntlionAudio ModMic Wireless Boom Microphone is the perfect solution for great sound quality.
Open-Back Headphones For Gaming FAQs
When you're trying to find the best open-back headphone for gaming, it can be tough to figure out what all the specs mean and how they will affect your experience.
It's hard enough to find a great pair of headphones that work well for gaming, but even harder when you don't know what to look for. You might end up spending a lot of money on something that doesn't really suit your needs.
Our comprehensive FAQ guide is here to help. By reading this guide, you will have a better understanding of what open-back gaming headphones are good for gaming and what features to look for when making your purchase.
Is an open-back headset better for gaming?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Some people believe that open-back headsets offer a more immersive gaming experience, while others find that they can hear more background noise with an open-back headset, which can be distracting. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference.
Do open-back headphones have better sound quality?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on a person's individual preferences. Some people believe that open-back headphones offer a more natural and spacious soundstage, while others find that they leak sound outwards and allow outside noise to interfere with the listening experience. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer the transparency of open-back headphones, while others prefer the sealed-in feeling and insulation from external noise offered by closed-back headphones. In the end, it is up to the individual to decide which type of headphones produces the best sound quality for them.
Are open-back headphones good for rock music?
Yes, open-back headphones are good for rock music because they provide a more natural and spacious sound. This is because the soundwaves are not trapped inside the headphone cups like they are with closed-back headphones. As a result, you'll get a better sense of the stereo image and the position of each instrument in the mix. It's worth noting that open-back headphones are not as good for genres like hip-hop and electronic music, where low-end bass is important because this type of music tends to sound muddy and blown out on open-back headphones. For these types of genres, closed-back headphones are a better option.
Do open-back headphones leak sound?
Yes, open-back headphones leak sound. This is because the drivers are not enclosed in a cup-like enclosure like closed-back headphones. Open-back headphones typically have a more natural and spacious soundstage because of this leakage. However, some people don't like the feeling that others can hear what they're listening to, so it's really a matter of personal preference.
Are open-back headphones worth it?
There is no simple answer to this question, as it depends on a variety of factors, including your listening environment, the type of music you listen to, and your own personal preferences. That said, many people find open-back headphones to be more comfortable and provide a more natural sound than closed-back headphones. They can also provide a better sense of space and airiness in the soundstage, making it feel like the music is "around you" instead of directly in your ears. On the other hand, open-back headphones can also leak noise outwards and allow external sounds to interfere with your listening experience. If you plan to use them in a noisy environment or while traveling on public transport, closed-back headphones may be better.
Why do people like open-back headphones?
There are a few reasons why people like open-back headphones. First, they tend to have a more spacious soundstage, which gives the listener the illusion of being in a room with the performers. Second, they're often more comfortable than closed-back headphones because they don't create as much pressure on the ears. And finally, many people find that open-back headphones produce less listening fatigue over time.
Do open-back headphones have less bass?
There is no definitive answer to this question since it will depend on a number of factors, such as the type of headphones, the size and shape of the ear cups, and the person's individual ears. However, in general, open-backed headphones are often thought to have less bass than closed-back headphones. This is because open-backed headphones allow more sound leakage from the back of the headphone, which can muffle or distort the low-end frequencies.
What headset does Ninja use?
Ninja, when streaming, has been seen using Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones.
Do open-back headphones leak into the mic?
Yes, open-back headphones leak sound into the microphone. This is because the back of the headphone driver is not enclosed, which allows sound to escape and be picked up by the microphone. While this may not be an issue when using headphones for personal listening, it can be a problem when using headphones with a mic for recording or teleconference purposes. However, this can be negated with a noise-canceling microphone which some Open-Back headphones have built-in for gaming.
What is the difference between 80 Ohm and 250 Ohm headphones?
The difference between 80 Ohm and 250 Ohm headphones is that the higher the impedance (Ohms), the more power is required to drive them for sound. 80 Ohm headphones are easier to drive than 250 Ohm headphones, which require more power and may not be compatible with some devices. Headphones with a higher impedance rating can deliver better sound quality because they require less distortion to produce a given volume level. However, they also need more power to achieve that volume level, so they may not be compatible with all devices. Low-impedance headphones tend to be less expensive and are better suited for portable devices, whereas high-impedance headphones provide better sound quality but may not be as portable.
Best Gaming Open-Back Headphones For You!
Whether you are a gamer looking for the best open-back headphones to take your gaming experience to the next level or just in need of a good pair of headphones for work or daily use, we have got you covered.
We have spent dozens of hours reading verified customer reviews on Amazon to find the best open-back headphones for gaming and general use. So, what are you waiting for? Tap the button to check out the price on our top picks!
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