The Best Gaming Headphones
Gamers know: when it comes down to the wire, sound can make the difference between victory or defeat. Whether it's the whirring of bullets, an ally's cry for help, or that nearly-imperceptible crunching footstep nearby that tips you off to your sneaky enemy's approach, being able to hear in-game sound is essential to maximizing your gaming experience. Whether you're a competitive gamer or not, with a good pair of gaming headphones, you'll not only improve your odds at victory, but you'll also heighten your enjoyment of the world's environment. Our team has selected a few of the best gaming headphones available today and ranked them based on a few factors. We've prioritized sound quality (of course), comfort (for those marathon gaming sessions), and cost value. Take a look and see what you think.
Bengoo G9000
Oooh, Shiny
Those who are enticed by ultra-slick headphones with flashing LED lights will want to check out Bengoo’s lauded G9000. Mega-popular in the gaming community, these headphones are one of the most well-rounded pairs you can find at this price point. Boasting comfort, flexibility (the headband is adjustable to fit anyone’s head), noise-cancellation abilities, and cross-console compatibility, this pair is perfect for the gamer who would rather own a stylish pair that gets the job done than a super expensive, cutting-edge pair.
Pros:
- Mic quality isn’t half bad
- Features a mute switch for the microphone and a volume adjustment knob
- The braided cable is well-made and quite long
Cons:
- Not the most breathable, so you may find yourself sweating if you wear it for extended marathon sessions
- If you’re looking for a headset that’ll last you years, this may not be your pick
Runmus 7.1 Surround Sound
Run Circles Around the Competition
For a product to make it to our list, it’s got to be not just good, but also distinct from the myriad competitors it faces. This is especially true when it comes to gaming headphones, because this is a saturated market where products have to outshine many, many competitors to rise to the top. So when it comes to this pair from Runmus, we don’t just like them because of their rugged build, their soft and comfy design, or their sexy black-and-red aesthetic; no, what sells us is the surround-sound feature. This pair’s driver mimics and reproduces sound as if it was coming from every direction, creating a totally immersive soundscape that brings the battlefield to life. Don’t let the enemy surround you – instead, let the sound of their defeat fill your ears in surround sound.
Pros:
- Considering the price, this build quality on this one is phenomenal
- Not that we expect you to be tossing the headset around, but theoretically, it can take a bit of a beating (so to speak)
- LED lights are an attractive feature
Cons:
- It’s a bit bulky, so it might feel a little heavy after long gaming sessions
- Noise cancellation isn’t the best
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Better Believe Bose
If you haven’t yet heard of Bose’s QuietComfort 35 II (also known as the QC35 II), let us enlighten you. Sure, this pair is popular in the gaming community, but even more so, it’s an absolute hit in the headphone community at large. Though it’s expensive, this lauded pair offers unbeatable noise-cancellation and soft-as-a-cloud comfort. For this reason, it’s a favorite not only for those seeking an ultra-immersive gaming experience, but also for office workers, commuters, music-lovers, and anyone else looking to block out ambient sound to help them focus. Translation: these headphones can do it all.
Pros:
- You can truly wear these for hours on end without needing to take them off, thanks to both their comfort and their breathability
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Dual-microphone system utilizes noise-rejecting tech so that your voice comes through crystal clear
- Can be used wirelessly (Bluetooth) or with a wire
Cons:
- Despite its phenomenal quality, you’re paying a bit of a premium for the Bose name. Still, until another pair can compete with this one, it’s well worth the investment.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
Give Me All the Details
Having developed a reputation for itself as a pair capable of punching far above its weight, the ATH-M50X is ideal for gamers eager to hear all the details of the soundscape they’re playing in. Ideal for those immersed in world-based games but also great for shoot-’em-ups, with these headphones, don’t be surprised to find yourself hearing all kinds of sounds you never knew were there – even in games you’ve played a million times before. Why? Well, these are designed as professional-tier studio monitor headphones, meaning sound engineers and the like utilize them for the incredibly intricate and demanding requirements of audio engineering.
Oh, and as an aside, it’s worth mentioning that we also love the collapsible design, which allows the pair to fold and collapse into a compact shape so that you can stash them away easily when you’re done playing.
Pros:
- Includes 3 different cables: 1 coiled and 2 straight
- These headphones are truly capable of competing with headphones twice their price (or more)
- Phenomenal bass response, so they’re perfect for hearing low-frequency ambient noise, vehicles, explosions, war noises, etc.
Cons:
- Considering the price, they really ought to be a bit comfier
Superlux HD668B Dynamic Semi-Open
The Price is Right
Look, we won’t mince words with this one. If you’re okay with not having the best of the best, but still want something pretty damn good, this pair from Superlux has got to be your choice. Considering its cost, this pair of headphones is ideal for the casual gamer who’d rather save that extra cash for the newest game release. This isn’t to disparage the headphones’ quality; no, it’s just to say that if you want pro-level audio at a hobbyist-level price, this one gets you as close as you can expect to get. What’s more, if you’re not sold on the flashy flamboyance of traditional gaming headsets with their flashing lights and whatnot, this humble, understated pair will suit you excellently.
Pros:
- Phenomenal cost value. Few in this price range hold a torch to this pair
- Frequency range is wider than average, so you can expect to hear lower lows and higher highs than you would with competing headphones
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a microphone, so if you plan on communicating with teammates/friends, you’ll need to buy a mic separately
- Due to their semi-open design, they won’t cancel out sound, but rather muffle it. This may or may not be a problem for you depending on your preferences
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the purpose of having gaming headphones? Can’t I just use regular speakers?
Using headphones offers a few advantages over speakers. First of all, many gaming headphones come equipped with microphones. This allows you to communicate with your teammates in real-time. (Try using a mic while your speakers are blasting out sound – you won’t have a great time.) On top of that, headphones typically provide more detailed sound than speakers, allowing you to hear those far-away explosions or nearby footsteps more easily. Further to that point, headphones offer noise cancellation (either passive or active), ensuring that ambient sounds in your immediate environment (such as a barking dog outside) don’t distract you from your gaming. Speaking of the immediate environment, with headphones, you don’t have to worry about disturbing your neighbors or housemates with the loud sounds that speakers would otherwise produce.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.