10+ BEST Open Back Headphones For Gaming (Guide)

Open-back headphones provide a natural and lifelike sound quality that every gamer enjoys. No one likes having echoes inside their headphones while gaming, which makes open-back headsets better than their closed-back counterparts.

10 Best Gaming Earbuds [Top Picks!]

However, things are hazy until you acquire a better understanding of each headset model's features and compare them to your requirements.

This is why we compiled a list of the 10 best open-back headphones for gaming, and we are keen to explain why each of these headphones performs the best in certain circumstances and for every league of gamers. Let’s take a look!

What are Open Back Headphones?

Open-back headphones are designed to allow air to pass through the ear cups and into the speaker elements. This way, whenever you sit down for a long gaming session with the guys, you won't have to keep removing your headphones due to the heat!

The Open Back headphones are the ideal addition to your gaming headset because they prevent pressure from building up and affecting your sound. A device that allows you to hear sounds that are more natural and authentic to nature without any additional echoes in your headphones.

A great device for your nights at home alone; you won't have to remove the headphones to hear anything other than your gaming console.

One thing to keep in mind is that while the headphones will provide more natural voice reception, they will not necessarily provide noise cancellation. In addition, if you decide to buy open-back headphones, make sure you have a clean place to store them in your home.

Top 3 Open Back Headphones For Gaming

IMAGE	PRODUCT	DETAILS	Check price
Best Overall	Best Overall	Audio-Technica ATH-ADG1X	Noise Cancellation, Impressive Frequency	Check Today's Price
Affordable Pick	Affordable Pick	Samson SR850	Affordable, Semi-Open Design	Check Today's Price
Best Sound	Best Sound	GRADO SR80E	Affordable, Good Frequency Range	Check Today's Price

The 10 Best Open Back Headphones For Gaming

1. Audio-Technica ATH-ADG1X – Best Overall For Gaming

Topping our list, the Audio-Technica ATH-ADG1X headphone will render your gaming experience enjoyable, thanks to the giant 53mm drivers that pump a pronounced sound across all frequencies. This pair’s glory shines in fast-paced games, where hearing your enemy’s footsteps is the key to victory.

This model boasts outstanding ergonomics, especially when you consider the 3D Wing Support system that Audio-Technica employs to let the headband adapt to your head’s posture. Additionally, the earpads are sufficiently padded with foam for extended gaming sessions making it one of the best headphones under 150 dollars.

The audio communication with your team is no longer hindered due to the built-in microphone, which supports noise cancellation. Also, Audio-Technica includes a windscreen for the microphone to enhance its clarity further. The audio mic is equipped with volume and mute switches so that you won’t have to use the push-to-talk button like in the case of these best earbuds for phone calls.

On the downside, this pair carries a hefty price tag compared to its peers like the best studio headphones under 300.

Bottom Line

Worry no more about your opponent flanking to get effortless kills, since the Audio-Technica ATH-ADG1X headphone, with its powerful sound, will unleash the stealth within you to win the upper hand in your gameplay.

2. Samson SR850– Best Cheap Headphones for Gaming

If you’re running low on cash, then the Samson SR850 headphone is what you can go for without sacrificing your wallet. The ear cups house 50mm drivers that deliver a neutral sound quality. We deem this pair to be in the middle of the spectrum because of the mediocre stereo imaging.

Owing to its semi-open structure, this pair provides a clear audio soundstage effect with no compromises on noise isolation, unlike typical open-back headphones. Moreover, it offers a great bass response that enables you to gather intel on your opponents through hearing footsteps and faraway gunfire.

The SR850 headphone features a self-adjusting headband that complies with your head’s position, and the earpads are stuffed with plush velour for comfort. It also comes with a ¼”-⅛” screw-on adapter for incompatible audio jacks similar to these bone conduction earphones.

Bottom Line

The Samson SR850 quality open back headphones is your savior if you want to compliment your audio gaming setup on the cheap. With their semi-open design, rest assured that you won’t miss out on your gameplay’s details.

3. GRADO SR80E– Budget Pick For Gaming

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The SR80E was one quality pair that I used to frown on due to the plastic housing, but when I learned that this very plastic features a polymer that neutralizes redundant distortion, it left me impressed! I found its sound reproduction competent in the treble and bass ranges in FPS games.

Although the SR80E isn’t on par with the high-end models with quality metal cups, the 40mm drivers here articulate a solid bass range, rare for a pair under $100. The 4-conductor cable allowed me to make the most of the frequency response since it has 2 extra taped wires for highs and mids generally found in these best over ear headphones under 200 dollars. 

You can argue that these gaming audio open back headphones are so “open-back” that they lead to inevitable noise leakage. However, the on-ear cups leave no place for complaints about a faulty soundstage. Speaking of the cups, they’re reinforced with synthetic velour — even the headband is padded with synthetic leather. 

Well, the good news here is that the SR80E comes with a confident 1-year warranty and a ¼” screw-on adapter in case you want to connect to a home stereo system similar to the headphones for casio keyboard. 

Bottom Line

At this price segment, the only thing we’re all concerned about is the quality sound reproduction, and the GRADO SR80E nails the frequencies it promises to deliver at the expense of the build quality.

4. Sennheiser Game ONE– Best for Gaming Comfort

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As opposed to most gaming open back headphones, the Sennheiser Game ONE's comfort quality is primarily targeted at gamers.

This pair is molded into a lightweight frame that won’t burden your head. Moreover, the earpads are oversized for improved immersion and padded with velour for long-term comfort. Regarding volume controls, they’re ingeniously placed on the right ear cup for easy access.

Comfort isn’t the only perk of the Game ONE since the cups are powered by Sennheiser’s celebrated drivers, providing a realistic sound quality experience when you add the acoustic open-back design to the equation. 

We like how convenient the microphone felt like these best closed back headphones. First off, it features active noise cancellation to block unnecessary breathing noise, and you can effortlessly mute audio it by raising the boom arm to the open-back headband’s level. 

Well, this pair’s integrated cable is durable since it’s made of braided fabric. However, we didn’t like how Sennheiser separated the audio and mic jacks. You’ll need a gaming splitter if your gaming rig supports an audio-mic combo output with mic monitoring.

Bottom Line

Crafted with gaming comfort and sound quality in mind, the Sennheiser Game ONE is an excellent choice for diehard gamers who spend considerable time on their gaming setup.

see also:

What Is Mic Monitoring And How To Use It for Gaming? 

 

How to Hook up Bluetooth to Xbox One?

 

5. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro–

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The DT 990 Pro headphone makes a reliable pair for the gaming days to come. The cups here are reinforced with metal housing, let alone the steel headband, which boasts rigidity in the long run. 

We’re talking specifically about the DT 990 Pro headphone with the 250-ohm flavor, which is good and well-suited for gaming setups due to the improved power draw. Here is a tutorial on how to connect headphones to xbox one.

The 3m cable should provide years of gaming service, thanks to its coiled open-back construction. Moreover, it’s braided to be single-sided and won’t get tangled in the process of wearing and taking off the headphones. 

The 45mm pro audio drivers produce a pronounced bass range. Note that, unlike many high end gaming open back headphones, the bass response’s clarity doesn’t come at the cost of the mid and treble ranges since you’ll get detailed sound quality output from this pair. Unfortunately, however, the DT 990 Pro doesn’t promise much regarding noise isolation.

Bottom Line

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is constructed to stand the test of time. These gaming headphones strike a balance between durability and decent sound reproduction that won’t let you down while gaming.

6. Sennheiser HD 599 SE– Best Balanced Sound

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With the Sennheiser HD 599 SE headphone, you want to get a premium pair of gaming open back headphones offering an unbiased stereo imaging, meaning it’ll capture accurate tones that won’t produce distortion when they overlap.

Thanks to Sennheiser HD's Open Acoustic gaming Design, this pair achieves an ear-filling soundstage effect in games. Also, the open-back sound leakage is reduced to the minimum compared to other open-back headphones. Yet, you’ll eventually notice a sensitivity to ambient noise.

Well, you may deem the 38mm drivers inefficient. However, they deliver good, undistorted, clear highs, and warm mids. Due to a base frequency of 12 Hz, bassheads may find the lows inadequate. Still, it’s acceptable for most gamers. For comfort, the velour stuffed in the headband and ear cushions prevents ear fatigue.

Sennheiser equips this model with a 3m detachable cable for audio playback devices and home entertainment. But, what we gamers need here is the 1.2m cable for laptops and computers. 

Bottom Line

A blend of high-quality sound reproduction and comfort—that's what we always expect from Sennheiser. The HD 599 SE is a great choice for gamers due to its outstanding stereo sound and ergonomics.

7. Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X– Best Clarity

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Like Audio-Technica’s audiophile models, the ATH-AD700X headphone features a 3D Wing support for a snug fit. Combined with the Open Air design, the pair provides a spatial soundstage, especially in story-based games, where the cinematic passages are also part of the comfortable gaming experience.

The giant 53mm drivers reproduce clear mid responses. Although the ATH-AD700X headphone may not impress in the bass department, its CCAW voice coils add some punch to lower frequencies. However, the bass still fails to make it to the fore. Apart from that, the mids and highs are impressively precise.

The ear pads housing is molded into a honeycomb shape. Audio-Technica, of course, had to implement this comfortable gaming open-back ear cup construction due to the good 53mm drivers, which still render this pair weighty.

Regarding connectivity, the detachable audio cable comes with a ¼” screw-on adapter for cross-platform connectivity. The cable is also single-sided to prevent inconvenient tangles. 

Bottom Line

The Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X is a cut above its competitors with regards to its crystal-clear treble and mid ranges. Although some users may not be satisfied with the bass response, the dedicated CCAW coils boost it to the average level.

8. Sennheiser PC 373D– Best Soundstage

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The PC 373D presents a delicate combo of Sennheiser’s well-known drivers, and the Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound technology. 

Dolby is known for their want of unprecedented audio optimization it implements in gaming headset and comfortable gaming laptops. This built-in dongle enhances the immersive 3D sound in games, and you can download a dedicated driver to this sound card from Sennheiser’s website. I recommend messing out with the Dolby sound driver since the sound reproduction wasn’t as expected.

The PC 373D’s acoustic open-back design also contributes to the good audiophile sound stage effect in case you assume the Dolby sound quality card is insufficient. Moreover, I liked how sizable the XL ear pads are. Although they entirely encompass your ears, they’re large enough to allow for proper ventilation so that the skin won’t heat up.

Although this best open back headphones for gaming blend ensures a satisfactory sound output, it results in an imminent sound leakage while gaming. 

This pair features a noise-canceling microphone that eliminates unwanted breathing and background noise. Like the Sennheiser Game ONE, you can mute the microphone by merely lifting the boom arm to the headband’s height.

Bottom Line

The Sennheiser PC 373D is a result of the unique collaboration between Dolby’s second-to-none immersion and Sennheiser’s high-quality drivers. This pair is great if you want to experiment with versatile sound adjustments based on your audio needs.

9. Philips SHP9500– Best Hi-Fi Sound 

 

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Philips is renowned for manufacturing top-notch high-fidelity headphones, and the SHP9500 is no expectation. Actually, the reason we regard this model as a second-to-none Hi-Fi pair is that sound reproduction involves zero sound coloration that often leads to inauthenticity throughout the frequency response.

This pair delivers detailed highs and mids, thanks to a high 35kHz max frequency. I found the bass somewhat poor. However, the giant 50mm drivers manage to boost the bass range’s presence, but it still lacks the punch that bassheads favor. 

My inner critic didn’t come out when I saw how well-thought the ergonomics are. The cold-rolled steel headband is self-adjustable with sufficient padding. Even the audio ear pads are thoroughly cushioned with breathable velour to eliminate pressure. Moreover, the want for over-ear design allows for an improved sound stage with negligible leakage.

Alongside the comfortable pair, you get a generous 1.5 detachable long cable, and a ⅛” to ¼” screw-on adapter for audio playback devices or audiophile-grade equipment like stereo systems. Although this pair doesn’t feature an onboard microphone, it has a 3.5mm jack for good microphone connection. 

 

Bottom Line

 

Not only does Philips brag about the high-fidelity capabilities in the SHP9500 but also about how far the comfort factor goes when considering the double-layered padding on the steel headband. Despite the feeble bass, this pair will genuinely deliver mid and high frequencies as promised.

 

10. Sennheiser GSP 500– Great Bass Quality headphones

 

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I know that only hardcore bassheads headphones will read till the end in pursuit of their pair of choice. The Sennheiser GSP 500 headphones is the bass monster we’ve always been searching for!

As advertised, the GSP 500 is another pair made especially for gamers, and the punchy bass here shows prominence in identifying various gunshots or car engines in your gameplay. 

Due to a 30 kHz max frequency, the overemphasized bass doesn’t mean that mids and highs won’t get untended. On the contrary, the transducers pristinely pronounce upper mid and treble frequencies even when they overlap with bass notes.

The comfortable fabric Sennheiser headphones uses here in the ear cushions is a blend of synthetic leather and plush velour, combining both breathability and comfort for extended sessions. Moreover, the adjustable headband in the open back gaming headphones ensures that the ear cups are perfectly aligned with the pair’s height for a snug fit.

Multi-platform connectivity is undoubtedly a blast. That’s why this pair has a do-it-all 3.5mm audio jack input for consoles and PC. For in-game voice chat, we luckily get Sennheiser’s noise-canceling microphone here that supports the flip-to-mute technology.

If I had anything to complain about, it’d be that this pair is inevitably on the not comfortable weighty side. Maybe that’s why Sennheiser doesn’t specify the drivers’ size here. A solid bass range definitely requires gigantic drivers, doesn’t it? Also, ventilated ear pads are synonymous with

 

Bottom Line

 

The Sennheiser GSP 500 is the champion for your gaming endeavors as far as bass attacks are concerned in this open back gaming headphones. I really favor this pair since it doesn’t compromise on mids and highs like the majority of gaming headset where bass ranges are pronounced. Make sure to raise the boom arm if you’re deciding on tactics for your next offensive. Simple as that!

Alternative Video: Best Open Back Gaming Headphone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD1ECzBKHDI

 

Why Do You Need to Use Open-Back Headphones for Gaming?

While there’s nothing wrong with using the closed-back ones, best open-back headphones offer a superior soundstage effect and a better experience when it comes to different sound effects.

Also, open-back headphones are much more comfortable to wear while playing music. The reason behind this lies in the materials used for making both types. A closed-back headset is usually made of fake leather, intended to create a seal around the ears. 

This seal keeps the sound within the best open back headphones for gaming instead of letting it escape. This is great if you use the headset for short durations. However, if you spend a couple of hours with one of these sets on your head, your ears will heat up, and soon enough, they’ll be scorching hot. 

On the other hand, open-back headphones are designed to allow some sound to escape. They’re never tight on your ears. On the contrary, the cups are loose around the ears. Not to mention, they’re made of comfortable materials that allow you to play for many hours with no fatigue whatsoever. 

Another advantage of using best open back headphones is that they don’t produce distortion when the frequencies overlap in most games, and as far as microphones are concerned, they feature noise cancellation with excellent audio quality. 

In best open back headphones, the sound distribution is better than that of the closed-back counterparts. It’s as if the sound is spanning your ears’ diameter with a soundstage quality. Generally, authentic sound delivery is where open-back headsets shine.

Benefits of Open Back Headphones

1. Brilliant quality of sound

Because of the audiophile-grade design, the sound quality in your open-back headphones will be noticeably better than standard headphones on the market.

This masterpiece is a comfortable partner for a long time without causing your head to pound, in addition to the ability to breathe without hindrance caused by the pressure of sound and the heat radiating from your body.

2. No more sweaty ears

Consider working with headphones without having to remove them every half hour to wipe away sweat. A nice and fresh air circulation, as well as no coiled up heat, will ensure that you can enjoy longer, more comfortable listening sessions without interruption.

Long days of gaming are now a blessing, thanks to the fantastic heat dispersal and passive cooling technique.

3. Lighter weight

For something that will be resting on your head for an extended period of time, the lighter the better applies. A fantastic sound quality combined with a lighter frame will ensure that you don't tire out your ears while playing on your console for long periods of time.

The weight of the open-end headphones is distributed far from your ears, with the emphasis primarily on the outside cups, making them appear lighter than they are.

4. More advanced Driver options

If you purchase an open-back headphone, you will have the option of a variety of designs and technologies that will not be available in the product's counterparts.

These headphones, with their sophisticated design and improved control palette, can be said to almost delve into your needs as if they were made for you.

How to Pick Open-Back Headphones For Gaming?

Open-Back vs. Closed-Back

There are many advantages and disadvantages that come with each of these 2 types of headphones. We might have talked to you a little about why the open-back ones are better at times, but this doesn’t mean they’re always the right choice.

It all depends on how frequent and where you’ll be using your headset. As mentioned earlier, open back gaming headphones are better for prolonged gaming sessions. However, they’re only suitable for quiet places because while they allow the sound to escape, they also allow some noise to get to your ears.

That being said, it’s safe to say that closed-back headphones are better in noisy places. They don’t offer the neutral sound their counterparts offer, but they’ll allow you to be more focused given the circumstances.

Meanwhile, if you usually game alone in your room and want to make sure you'll hear your parents when they call on you, go for the best open-back headphones without giving them a second thought.

Drivers

The quality drivers’ features can significantly affect your gaming experience. The best open back headphones for gaming come with magnetic drivers that are capable of pumping a consistent output with minimal distortion. Also, they can produce the transient response essential for deep bass notes. They’re clear, accurate, and they generate a natural sound. 

The cheaper great open-back models will feature dynamic drivers. They consist of a coil of long quality wire headphones attached to a plastic diaphragm. This headphones setup is then placed on a magnet. Such models will do a decent job with low volumes, but you’ll end up with frequent distortions as the volume increases.

Also, the drivers' size will impact the performance of the gaming headsets as it affects the frequency. For reliable performance, don't settle for less than 40mm drivers' size.

 

Sounding 

The sounding of the gaming headset will significantly impact your experience. Although all the open-back headphones have a natural sound, some differences depend on the model you choose. 

Another thing to look at is the materials of the housing. High-quality materials will offer a clearer and more realistic sound. Other quality factors we talked about earlier, like the drivers’ types and sizes, will also impact the overall sound quality.

The key to knowing this is to try the headphones for gaming for a couple of minutes before making any purchase. 

Comfort 

Comfort can’t be stressed enough; it’s crucial to find a pair of comfortable headphones for gaming, through which you can enjoy your prolonged gaming sessions.

There are a couple of features that you should aim for to end up with comfortable gaming headset. For starters, the headband should be padded. The materials will differ, thus, offering a different level of comfort. It’s a matter of personal preference, but as long as you have a pad on the headband, you’re good to go. 

Moreover, choose light and spongy Open Back Headphones for gaming. Another factor to consider is the size of the headphones. If they’re too small for you, you’ll end up with something like a tight band wrapped around your head for hours. This will only give you headaches. 

Final Headphones Verdict 

It’s a little tricky to find the quality best open-back headphones for gaming that guarantee the most outstanding gaming experience. However, once you figure out what your priorities are, things will start to get clearer. 

All the best open back headphones on our list will do a great job if you put them in the right place. The open-back Audio-Technica ATH-ADG1X is the pair of choice for hardcore gamers who don’t mind spending so much on a headset.

This pair stands out as a great pick for streamers who know they’ll be getting back the money they invested in no time. Also, if you are in to SteelSeries brand, you might also want to check out our comparison of Arctis 7 vs Arctis Pro headphones.

However, other gaming headphones can do a decent job and aren’t as expensive. The open-back Sennheiser PC 373D is amazing when it comes to high sound customization. It certainly gives you a perk compared to other headphones, thanks to the included Dolby dongle.

If your number one goal is to get quality comfortable headphones for gaming that you can wear for hours and hours, then the Sennheiser Game ONE headphones and the Philips SHP9500 headphones are the absolute go-to.

The Samson SR850 headphones and the GRADO SR80E headphones are the cheapest headphones on our list, but you’ll be settling for average sound quality. On the other hand, the Philips SHP9500 is an affordable price option that never compromises high-fidelity despite the low price tag.

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