Whether you’re a serious gamer or just looking for a high-end audio experience, investing in a pair of audiophile headphones can make all the difference. They emphasize strongly on sound quality, and most of them can create immersive and spacious sound stages. Usually, they are also well-built and comfortable for long-term listening. So, to pick up your first pair of audiophile headphones or possibly upgrade the existing ones, we have compiled the best audiophile headphones for gaming.
Important factors while choosing the best audiophile headphones for gaming
The primary factor you may emphasize while picking audiophile gaming headphones is the sound quality. There are other factors, like the type of headphones, impedance, and comfort. We went through it all to help you make a well-informed decision about the best audiophile headphones for gaming.
Sound Quality
First of all, to select the best audiophile headphones for gaming, you must ensure they can cover the full range of the spectrum to understand every beat of the music. Because limited frequency range or ignoring a part of the spectrum may cause missing out on some intricate detail of the music. That is why good audiophile headphones should be equipped with high-fidelity drivers to ensure rich and excellent sound separation to have a natural hearing experience.
Comfort
As you deep dive into gaming for long hours, keeping comfort high on your list of priorities is a must. So, always ensure that the headphones are light in weight so that you don’t feel like your head is weighing you down. Also, the earcups must be covered with soft and thick padding to prevent ear fatigue. The design should be ergonomic and adjustable to fit your head size and shape perfectly, providing maximum comfort during extended gaming sessions.
Open-back vs. closed-back.
While seeking the best audiophile headphones for gaming, you may need clarification on open-back and closed-back headphones. Closed-back headphones have more significant sound isolation areas and can prevent sound leakage to different stages, which open-back headphones cannot do. Open-back headphones let some air pass through the ear cups and provide a more natural and spacious sound.
So, if it’s the more emphasized sound experience you are after to get yourself out of the surrounding world, you should look for closed-back headphones. In contrast, you can get open-back headphones to feel yourself right into the game while sitting in your room and receive sound naturally.
Impedance
Impedance is an important consideration that ensures the adequate power needed to drive the headphones so you get the most out of them. Most everyday headphones are built with impedances ranging from 4–40 ohms. Hi-Res headphones can have an impedance beyond that range, requiring more juice to work with them. So, ensure the headphones and the source of your audio have a good match to get state-of-the-art audio performance.
Connectivity
Audiophile headphones are built to produce top-class sounds that require some headphones to use different connection modes. For instance, some high-end headphones may come with a 3.5- or 6.35-mm wired connector. While some headphones may offer wireless connectivity, some may be loaded with Bluetooth connectivity. In any case, ensure that you have adequate compatibility or resources to support the connectivity options offered by the headphone.
Best audiophile headphones for gaming | Top 11
There is vast availability of audiophile headphones on the market, and each is equipped with many features that cater to different needs. We have listed the top audiophile headphones best suited for high-end gaming. All these headphones have been reviewed in detail and passed with flying colors. So you can be sure they will provide fantastic output, especially considering various user-specific aspects.
Here is the list of the best audiophile headphones for gaming in 2023
- Corsair Virtuoso
- Razer BlackShark V2
- Sony-INZONE H9
- LOGITECH G PRO X WIRELESS
- Audio-Technica ATH-GDL3BK
- Beyerdynamic MMX 300
- SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
- Audio Technica ATH-M50X
- Meze Audio 99 Classics
- VZR Model One
- Drop + EPOS PC38X
Corsair Virtuoso XT
Form Factor: Over-Ear
Connectivity: Bluetooth
Corsair made its mighty name for its high-quality gaming equipment. The Corsair Virtuoso headphone is no different. If you are after great sound positioning and comfort, no one can beat these audiophile headphones. Everything from shooting, booming, and footsteps of your enemies can be clearly separated while gaming, especially in fps gaming like Apex Legends or Counter‑Strike, etc., making it the best closed-back headphones for gaming.
If you prefer a more tailored sound to play with your preference, then the Corsair iCUE software lets you customize the sound and the mic response. Most importantly, these headphones are comfortable to wear for a long time. It’s lightweight, and the clamping force is not too tight to feel fatigued after a while. Moreover, the earcups and the band are cushioned with soft and moderately thick pads, which don’t get scratchy or smoosh on your head.
In terms of build quality, some of the parts of these headphones are made of plastic. Which is sturdy and robust enough to hold up for a long time.
For connecting the device to your pc, these headphones use Bluetooth 5 technology. The connection is seamless and doesn’t cause any interruption while listening for a long time. Also, these headphones support the default SBS codec along with AAC, aptX, and aptX HD. We appreciate the aptX HD as it greatly emphasizes wireless audio with minimal quality loss compared to the AAC codec.
Pros:
- Superb sound quality
- Great software support
- Robust build quality
- Support for different Audio codec
- Comfortable to wear for hours
Cons:
- Earpads may heat up with prolonged use
All in all, the Corsair Virtuoso XT is a premium headphone with decent sound quality, a wide range of compatibility, lots of audio codec supports, and 15 hours of battery life. If you think budget is not an issue, you should definitely look into this beast when seeking the best audiophile headphones for gaming.
Quantitative Measurements:
Sound performance: 10/10
Comfort: 9.5/10
Design: 9/10
Connectivity: 9/10
Razer BlackShark V2
Form Factor: Closed Back
Connectivity: 3.5 mm jack
If you are after premium gaming headphones within a budget that will help you graduate from a casual gamer to a professional one, the Razer BlackShark V2 is a perfect choice. Looking at the design and build, this headphone is constructed with sturdy plastic material. The underside of the headbands and the earcups are covered with soft and thick memory foam which is also wrapped with breathable fabric. Overall, the construction is lightweight and comfortable enough, so you should have no issues wearing them for a long time.
This headphone connects using the 3.5mm wire, which seems stiff enough to last long. Also, there is a USB sound card for smooth and clear voice capture with the detachable Cardioid mic. To control everything from sound to how the microphone will respond, there are buttons and a controller on the left earcup.
Additionally, for having a more preferred output, the Razer BlackShark V2 supports the Razer Synapse software that allows you to customize sounds and microphones. The sound quality is impressive, delivered from the Triforce Titanium 50mm driver. The bass response is tight, and the mid-range was also nice to hear. But the high-frequency level is quite average. However, after observing the overall sound profile, it is the best-sounding headphones that give a good sense of space, especially with the 7THX 7.1 enabled.
Pros:
- Great design
- Comfortable fit
- Hi-res sound profile
- Fantastic in-depth sound experience
Cons:
- Sound card does not support Xbox
The Razer BlackShark V2 is worth jumping on for someone looking for the best budget audiophile headphones that provide seamless audio during intense gaming sessions. However, the incompatibility of the soundcards with the Xbox might disappoint some users, so you have to use only a 3.5-millimeter jack in that case. Besides that, the BlackShark V2 ticks all the boxes to be one of the best audiophile headphones for gaming.
Quantitative Measurements:
Sound performance: 9.5/10
Comfort: 8.5/10
Design: 9/10
Connectivity: 8.5/10
Sony-INZONE H9
Form Factor: Closed Back
Connectivity: Wireless, Bluetooth
Sony is no stranger to producing headphones, and in terms of gaming headphones, the Sony-INZONE H9 is outstanding. These headphones have a super comfortable and ergonomic design. The headband and the earcups are comfortable to wear for a long time without any discomfort, and you can also move the earcups depending on your best fit. The clamping force is adequate, so you don’t feel any pain in your ear.
While the microphone is not movable to the front or back, you can rotate this upward and downward to put it on rest or use it in the appropriate position. Regarding control, there is a volume rocker and ANC button in one earcup. And another earcup contains power, Bluetooth, and an independent game and chat button. Overall, the controls are straightforward, and you shouldn’t face any accidental press.
You can connect this beast using the 2.5 GHz wireless dongle for better connectivity. Or, you can use Bluetooth 5.0 if you don’t have access to a USB port on your device. Now, when you listen to the sound, these headphones will blow your mind from every aspect. You can feel the exact separation of sounds produced by different instruments. It can produce clear bass regardless of too much concentration or flatness. And the mids and highs are also quite perfect in almost every situation.
After playing games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Grim Dawn, it proved its excellent audio imaging. That is, you can clearly understand the different levels of sounds depending on the game, from shooting, stepping, booming, or music. On top of that, the Dual Sensor Noise Canceling feature effectively blocks out external noise around you and immerses you deeply into the game.
Pros:
- Excellent noise-canceling capability
- Both Bluetooth and wireless connectivity
- Impressive Hi-Res sound
- Outstanding comfort
Cons:
- Heats accumulate at the surface of the earcups
Overall, If you are looking for top-notch headphones to beat the big boys in gaming with confident and accurate sounds, Sony-INZONE H9 is a worthy option. The only thing to note is that the leather pads accumulate heat around the earcups, especially in a hot room without an AC. That caveat aside, this is one of the best audiophile headphones for gaming because of its superb audio, good connectivity, comfort, and 32 hours long battery life.
Quantitative Measurements:
Sound performance: 9.5/10
Comfort: 9/10
Design: 8.5/10
Connectivity: 9.5/10
LOGITECH G PRO X
Form Factor: Closed Back
Connectivity: Wired, Wireless
Logitech is one of the famous names in the minds of every gamer. The G PRO X is another legit device from Logitech to impress you with whatever game you play with this. In the box, this headset comes with a Bluetooth dongle which is specifically made for Logitech headphones and can maintain almost lossless wireless connectivity.
Moreover, there is a detachable mic which, however, could be better with the default settings because we found the voice sounds a little compressed. But after you turn on the blue voice settings, it enhances the voice quality, which seems okay for daily usage. Also, you can customize it more with the excellent Logitech G HUB software.
Additionally, there is a USB C cable to charge the device when it gets tired after supporting you for 20 long hours, which is almost a whole day. The headband of the G PRO X is made of steel, making them flexible and durable to last a long time.
The adjustments are made of aluminum, allowing you to adjust the headset to your preference smoothly. You can also swivel the earcups and adjust the height to fit correctly over your ear. As a bonus, the ear pads are of two types, the default one is wrapped with artificial leather. And the spare one is made of cloth that will solve issues regarding heat in the ear resulting from the leather earpads.
When observing the sounds, we had no complaints in terms of gaming. The 50mm driver produces crisp and clear sounds with full detail, which is required in concentrated gaming. We especially liked the DTS surround sound system, which helps you feel the presence of everything around you.
Pros:
- Classic design
- Multiple earpads included
- Good sense of depth in gaming
- long battery life
Cons:
- Buttons feel flimsy
Summing up, if you look at the price, it is absolutely worth investing in. However, the buttons of this headphone are not as tactile as we expect from such a premium-level headphone. Apart from that, the minimalist design, comfortable fit, and in-depth sounds make this device the best audiophile headphones for gaming.
Quantitative Measurements:
Sound performance: 8.5/10
Comfort: 8/10
Design: 9/10
Connectivity: 8.5/10
Audio-Technica ATH-GDL3BK
Form Factor: Open Back
Connectivity: Wired
The Audio-Technica ATH-GDL3BK is an open-back gaming headset compatible with both pc and console using a 3.5 mm cable. When looking at the appearance, these headphones are so lightweight that they might lead you to think they are flimsy. But actually, the build quality is sturdy and sits well on your head without being smooshed. The open-back design of the earcups also produces a wide soundscape.
In addition, they are covered with fabric rather than faux leather to prevent heat and 2.4″ deep memory foam that keeps those muffs well-clamped for a long season. When talking with the mic, we found it’s good for capturing your voice and keeping the sound natural. Mainly because of the open-back design, while playing the Back 4 Blood Zombie Murder, we found no in-game audio bleeding into the mic.
Of course, this beast’s sound is more widescale than any closed-back design. This results in more sound bleeding, but still, it sounds so lovely with balanced bass and good positioning that is specifically suited for gaming. For instance, if you play any FPS games with these headphones, you will find pinpoint accuracy about your enemies and feel the distance about where they are coming from.
Pros:
- Wide soundscape
- Lightweight design
- Good microphone output
- Comfortable earpads
Cons:
- Flat bass
To sum up, Audio-Technica ATH-GDL3BK is on this list of the best autophile headphones because of its fantastic expansive soundscape that is so natural and clear. The flat bass may be a con for some users. Aside from that, it has lightweight nature, pure audio output, a perfect microphone, and many other noteworthy feathers to make it the best open back headphones for gaming.
Quantitative Measurements:
Sound performance: 8.5/10
Comfort: 8/10
Design: 7.5/10
Connectivity: 8/10
Beyerdynamic MMX 300
Form Factor: Closed Back
Connectivity: Wired
What happens when a well-known professional studio headphones manufacturer comes with an audiophile gaming headphone? That should be obviously up to the mark to be one of the best headphones for gaming and music as well. Packed with a beautiful carrying case, the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 headphones will catch your eye at first sight.
In terms of design, the underside of the headband is loaded with a Velcro-type pad which is replaceable and adjustable. And the cups containing the drivers are attached to replaceable yolks, covered with thick foam, and packed with velour-finished fabric that doesn’t heat up. So, the overall design is comfortable that won’t squash your ears obnoxiously, even when used for an extended period.
As far as voice chat is concerned while gaming, the microphone effectively blocks out external noise. Also, you can swivel it or adjust the gooseneck according to your preference to get the highest potential feedback.
Next, the sound response of this headphone is pretty straightforward and detailed with the punchy bass. However, this headphone has a big spike in the treble response, which some users won’t like. But that is actually going to help in gaming, where spatial audio and sound images are important since most of the cues you hear in gaming, like stepping, dropping, or taping, are a bit higher-pitched sound. However, you can always use an equalizer to customize as you prefer. Otherwise, the bass response, positional equity, and clarity are impressive to rate this as the best Beyerdynamic headphones for gaming.
Pros:
- Great sound isolation
- Replaceable yolks and pads
- Blocks out ambient noise on the microphone
- Durable construction
Cons:
- The clamping force is a bit tight
Ultimately, the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 is proud of its durable and comfortable build. The only noticeable issue is that it clamps and fits too tightly, which might become exhausting initially but improves after a while. Keeping that aside, by considering all the facts about this product, including its best-in-class sound performance, appearance, and flexibility, it is worth considering as one of the best audiophile headphones for gaming.
Quantitative Measurements:
Sound performance: 7.5/10
Comfort: 8/10
Design: 7.5/10
Connectivity: 7.5/10
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
Form Factor: Closed Back
Connectivity: Wired
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro does have a good entrance because of its unique features, good sound quality, and durability. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is enriched with a 40 mm high-fidelity driver with 360-degree Spatial Audio. It supports Dolby Atoms, Windows Sonic, and Play Station 5 to immerse deep into the 3D sound.
This headphone has extended features when using the legendary GG app. Here, you will get many equalizer presets for games like Valorant, League of Legends, Rainbow 6 Siege, etc. Beyond the sound customization, you can also modify the output of the microphone. So, the microphone and the game audio will sound as you want. Note that you will also get all these controls on the transmitter as well.
Now, let’s come to the construction part. After wearing that headset, you will almost forget about anything existing over your head. Its adjustable elastic strap-type headband clamps with comfortable telescoping earcups, making it satisfactory for hours without feeling any fatigue.
Also, these sophisticated and sleek headphones come up with swappable and replaceable batteries, which can serve up to 12-30 long hours depending on the use of ANC, wireless transmitter, and Bluetooth connectivity. Probably the most unique and surprising feature is the 2.4 GHz LED wireless transmitter which transmits audio with almost no latency, even within rooms or floors.
Pros:
- Swappable and rechargeable batteries
- Unique equalizer and microphone presets
- Beautiful LED controller
- Very low latency audio transmission
Cons:
- Microphone sounds a bit compressed sometimes
All in all, for anyone searching for a good deal in the world of competitive gaming, these headphones crank up for their replaceable batteries, simultaneous connections, and game-wise superb sound performance. The only thing to note is that the microphones sound a little compressed. That might feel like you are in space. If that’s not a deal breaker, you should never ignore this one of the best audiophile headphones for gaming to elevate your experience to the next level.
Quantitative Measurements:
Sound performance: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10
Design: 7.5/10
Connectivity: 8/10
Audio Technica ATH-M50X
Form Factor: Closed Back
Connectivity: Wired (Detachable)
The ATH-M50X is another pick from Audio Technica, which is one of the most popular and all-time top-rated studio monitoring headphones. Also, this headphone is a good choice for having clear surround sound delivery while gaming on the pc or PS5. As a studio headphone, it definitely shines on every level of the spectrum, from highs to mids and lows.
Despite the closed-back design, these do really well in gaming by producing a balanced soundscape that is not too much open or closed. Plus, the closed-back design is a lot more helpful in blocking the ambient noise as well. In our experience, after playing lots of FPS games like Far Cry or Counter-Strike, we found the sound clear and well-positioned to clearly guess where it’s coming from.
Even though this headphone is said to be bass-heavy for some users, it’s fine to feel the intensity of explosions and the punch when shooting. It’s also cozy to wear for prolonged gaming seasons. That means the headband and the earcups won’t create any pressure on your head or crush your ears. Furthermore, these headphones are foldable, which makes them portable and space-saving while you are on travel.
Pros:
- Good sound quality
- Easy to carry around
- Sleek design
- Very comfortable to wear during long sessions
Cons:
- Could include the microphone
Overall, Audio Technica ATH-M50X is unquestionably benchmarked to be the best studio headphones for gaming. Whether you’re a marathon gamer or a music lover, this headphone is a great choice for providing clear, sharp, detailed sound and comfort. But, one of the downsizing facts is the absence of a microphone which is vastly needed during multiplayer gaming. In that case, you can buy the cable with a boom microphone from Amazon to get out of this issue and make it an all-in-one studio headset for gaming.
Quantitative Measurements:
Sound performance: 8.5/10
Comfort: 8/10
Design: 7.5/10
Connectivity: 7.5/10
Meze Audio 99 Classics
Form Factor: Closed Back
Connectivity: Wired
If it’s an all-purpose headset you are after, like watching movies, listening, and of course, gaming, the Meze 99 could be your pick. This headphone totally caught our eyes at its first impression with its classic royal design. The headband is made of a light and sturdy metal frame, which is backed up by the flexible strap underneath to fit easily on your head. And the wooden cups are enclosed with thick memory foam.
When gaming, we found this headphone sounds great with a bit of power on bass that helps to pursue the blaze of explosions. And, you can experience the crackling sounds of the gunshots with a higher range in the mids. In terms of other activities like music or movies, these headphones are quite a bit balanced, as expected from an audiophile headphone.
Pros:
- Posh looking design with a classic touch
- Balanced soundstage
- Comfortable for prolonged hours
Cons:
- No volume rocker
Overall, the Meze 99 Classics is a classic and posh-looking headphone dedicated to serving a great audiophile experience regardless of the game, which makes it one of the best audiophile headphones for gaming. From ensuring the assault comfort to the high-end tuning, it sure can vibe its competitors.
We would like to have a volume rocker with the controller, but that’s not a deal breaker in most cases. So, If you’re a marathon gamer looking for something top-notch, you should certainly find this product among the best high-end gaming headsets.
Quantitative Measurements:
Sound performance: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10
Design: 9/10
Connectivity: 7.5/10
VZR Model One
Form Factor: Closed Back
Connectivity: Wired
The VZR Model One is another high-profile headset that is prominent for gaming and other purpose as well. These headphones have a great lead on sound performance. They really flicker for their jaw-dropping audios on every aspect of the spectrum with splendid sound imaging. After having a good run on the pc with Dead by Daylight, where you have to depend mostly on sound rather than dark graphics to locate the enemies, we found it very useful.
The squishy earpads have a good seal against the ambient noise to concentrate deeply on gaming. We found them more comfortable than other leatherette type of earpads due to the ventilation port under the pads to exhaust the air to prevent heat. The overall design of the headphones, however, is a bit bulky, but they are sturdy and good for a long time.
The detachable microphone can capture voice with average-quality sounding, but its passive noise canceling is really good. Plus, this headphone has a 3-meter-long cable with a 3.5 jack, making it easier to connect to a PC and similar devices.
Pros:
- Good sound imaging
- Lucrative design
- Sturdy build
Cons:
- Mic quality could be improved
All said and done, this is an incredible pair of headphones with top-notch build quality and awesome noise canceling to dive deep into gaming. However, the mic quality might let some users down as it sounds a bit poky. But that should not be a red flag to choose this as one of the best audiophile headphones for gaming.
Quantitative Measurements:
Sound performance: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10
Design: 8.5/10
Connectivity: 7.5/10
Drop + EPOS PC38X
Form Factor: Open Back
Connectivity: Wired
If you don’t want to spend too much on Playing but still love to have an audiophile-level sound experience, then the Drop + EPOS PC38X is one of the best Sennheiser headphones for gaming. At first glance, you will find these sleek design headphones comfortable with their open-back design and breathable microfiber ear cups, making them perfect for long gaming sessions.
Moreover, this headphone has an extra pair of Valour earcups, so you can change them to your liking. The open-back design makes the earcups susceptible to sound leakage and does not block external noise. But that is highly appreciated in terms of getting spatial sounds while gaming. While playing Apex Legends, for example, we found these headphones decent at producing sound with sufficient sound imaging.
This headphone is a good choice for those who love to feel the punch of bass, as it has a good concentration of upper bass response to produce extra boom and punch. And other areas of the spectrum, like highs and mids, are perfect enough to be at the top of the scale.
Pros:
- Strong bass
- Decent passive sound stage
- Dual earpads
Cons:
- Flimsy cable
Ultimately, the Drop + EPOS PC38X is an ultimate gaming headset that offers exceptional audio quality across the entire frequency range. However, the flimsy cable is a bit of a downside. Or else, with its comfortable design and acoustic sensation, it’s a great choice for gamers demanding the best audiophile headphone for gaming.
Quantitative Measurements:
Sound performance: 7.5/10
Comfort: 8/10
Design: 7.5/10
Connectivity: 7.5/10
Bring the battlefield to life
When it comes to gaming, having the best equipment can make all the difference. And when it comes to audio, audiophile headphones take the experience to a whole new level. With their immersive sound quality and ability to pick up even the slightest of details, audiophile headphones bring the battlefield to life. So, why settle for average headphones when you can truly elevate your gaming experience? Get one from this list of the best audiophile headphones for gaming that best suits your preference.
If this reading helps, you can also see our best over-ear headphones for working out or the best waterproof headphones for outdoors.
