The best gaming headphones
🎧 Top-Tier Audiophile Headphones for Gaming
Sennheiser HD 660S2
Type: Open-back
Why it's great: Wide soundstage, phenomenal clarity—perfect for pinpointing footsteps in FPS games.
Sound: Neutral with slightly warm mids
Comfort: Super comfortable for long sessions
Best with: A DAC/amp to bring out its full potential
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X
Type: Open-back
Why it's great: Crisp highs, detailed soundstage, replaceable parts
Sound: Analytical but not fatiguing
Build: German tank-like durability
Bonus: 250-ohm
💰 Mid-Range Picks
1. 🎧 Philips Fidelio X2HR
Type: Open-back
Why it's great: Great value for wide soundstage and punchy bass
Sound: Lively, slightly V-shaped
Comfort: Plush and breathable
Known for: Being a gaming favorite on a budget
2. 🎧 Audio-Technica ATH-R70x
Type: Open-back
Sound: Balanced and accurate
Comfort: Ultra-lightweight design
Studio roots: Great for competitive games where accuracy matters
🔇 If You Want Closed-Back
🎧 Top-Tier Closed-Back Headphones for Gaming
1. Focal Elegia
Why it's great: Audiophile-grade sound in a closed-back design
Sound: Clean, detailed mids and highs, tight bass
Soundstage: Surprisingly wide for closed-back
Comfort: Lightweight with plush memory foam earcups
Best for: Premium immersive gaming with isolation
2. Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro
Why it's great: Impressive clarity, massive soundstage for closed-back, dual ear pad options (analytical vs balanced)
Sound: Precise, punchy, slightly V-shaped
Durability: Solid build with replaceable parts
Needs: Amp recommended to drive the 250 ohm impedance
3. Denon AH-D5200
Type: Closed-back
Why it's great: Natural timbre, warm yet detailed sound
Sound: Smooth, lush with tight low-end and good treble
Comfort: Large plush cups, real wood cups add to the premium feel
Best for: Long gaming sessions, rich single-player soundscapes
💰 Mid-Range Closed-Back Picks
1. 🎧 Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 or 250 ohm)
Type: Closed-back
Why it's great: Legendary status for studio use and gaming
Sound: V-shaped—crisp treble, tight bass
Comfort: Excellent with velour pads
Isolation: Fantastic passive noise isolation
Tip: 80-ohm version is more versatile without an amp
See prices:
2. 🎧 Audio-Technica ATH-M70x
Type: Closed-back
Why it's great: Flat, accurate response great for competitive gaming
Sound: Very detailed, bright upper mids—footsteps are crystal clear
Comfort: Good, though pads may feel shallow for some
Bonus: Swappable cables and solid portability
3. 🎧 Sony MDR-1AM2
Type: Closed-back
Why it's great: Lightweight, stylish, well-balanced
Sound: Clean bass, pleasant treble—not fatiguing
Comfort: Featherweight and soft pads = all-day wear
Versatility: Excellent for gaming, music, travel
