Open-back headphones feature ear cups designed with perforations or mesh coverings, enabling the passage of sound in and out of the headphones. This design fosters a more expansive and lifelike soundstage, potentially augmenting the immersive quality and authenticity of your gaming encounters. However, open-back headphones also have some drawbacks, such as poor noise isolation, sound leakage, and lack of bass. Hence, the selection of optimal open-back headphones for gaming relies on individual preferences, financial considerations, and the gaming setting.
In this detailed post, we will review the 5 best open back headphones for gaming. We will also provide some tips on how to choose the right open-back headphones for your gaming needs.
Check out our article: Open-Back Vs Closed-Back Headphones!
The best open back headphones for gaming
The following is our pick of the best open back gaming headphones. They are chosen based on sound quality, features, price, and comfort. Here is the complete list:
- Sennheiser HD 800 S
- Monolith M570
- Philips SHP9600MB
- Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO
- Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X
1. Sennheiser HD 800 S
The Sennheiser HD 800 S are the best open-back headphones for gaming that we have tested. These high-end dynamic driver headphones excel in sound quality but come at a considerable cost. Additionally, utilizing them requires a robust amplifier, which represents an added expense if not already owned. Nevertheless, for those seeking top-tier performance, these headphones deliver an exceptional passive soundstage that feels organic, expansive, and immersive. Additionally, they exhibit superb construction and provide a highly comfortable fit for most users, enabling prolonged listening sessions with minimal fatigue.
The Sennheiser HD 800 S exhibits a balanced sound profile suitable for various music genres. While their open-back design limits low bass performance, they incorporate a slight boost in high bass to introduce warmth into the audio blend. The instruments and vocals sound clear and natural, and the treble is well-balanced and detailed. The headphones also have a low-latency wired connection, which is ideal for gaming. However, they don’t have a microphone, so you’ll need a separate one if you want to communicate with your teammates or opponents.
The Sennheiser HD 800 S are the best open-back headphones for gaming if you want the ultimate sound quality and don’t mind the high price tag and the need for an amp. They are also great for music listening, especially for classical, jazz, and acoustic genres. However, they are not suitable for noisy environments, as they don’t block out any background noise and leak a lot of sound.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding sound quality and soundstage
- Excellent build quality and comfort
- Low latency wired connection
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Require an amp
- No microphone
- Poor noise isolation and sound leakage
What’s in the box?
- The HD 800 S headphones
- A 3m silver-plated OFC cable with a 6.35 mm jack plug
- A 3m silver-plated OFC cable with a balanced 4.4 mm jack plug
- A cloth pouch
- A USB stick containing the instruction manual (PDF) and individually measured diffuse-field frequency response
- A printed instruction manual
- A microfiber cloth
2. Monolith M570
The Monolith M570 is the best planar magnetic open-back headphones for gaming that we have tested. These headphones utilize planar magnetic drivers, employing a thin diaphragm positioned between dual magnets to generate sound. Renowned for their precision in swiftly reproducing sound, especially within the bass and mid-range frequencies, planar magnetic drivers excel in this regard. The Monolith M570 brilliantly showcases these qualities, delivering robust, impactful bass, a finely defined and harmonized mid-range, and an exquisite, detailed treble.
Sporting a robust and comfortable design, the Monolith M570 features generously sized ear cups that snugly accommodate most ears. Notably, these headphones arrive with a detachable cable equipped with an in-line microphone—a rarity among open-back headphones. The microphone boasts decent recording quality and effective noise reduction, proving advantageous for gaming purposes. However, it’s important to note that the cable’s excessive length and bulkiness, coupled with the headphones’ considerable weight, might not suit every user’s preferences.
For enthusiasts seeking powerful and accurate sound tailored for any gaming genre, the Monolith M570 emerges as the ultimate choice among planar magnetic open-back headphones. Furthermore, they excel in music listening, especially for genres reliant on pronounced bass, such as rock, hip-hop, and EDM. However, their portability and versatility are limited; lacking wireless functionality, these headphones exhibit subpar noise isolation and sound leakage tendencies, and they necessitate an amplifier for optimal performance, potentially restricting their use in certain situations.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful and accurate sound
- Sturdy and comfortable design
- Detachable cable with in-line microphone
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavy and bulky
- Require an amp
- Poor noise isolation and sound leakage
What’s in the box?
- The M570 headphones
- A 2m detachable cable with an in-line microphone and a 3.5 mm jack plug
- A 6.35 mm adapter
- A user manual
3. Philips SHP9600MB
The Philips SHP9600MB are the best budget open-back headphones for gaming that we have tested. They represent an upgraded iteration of the well-received Philips SHP9500, which are also great open-back headphones for gaming. Remaining true to its predecessor’s design and sonic identity, the SHP9600MB introduces several enhancements. These include an integrated detachable cable with a boom microphone, a reinforced headband for added durability, and a slightly warmer audio profile with improved bass richness.
Embracing a lightweight and comfortable design, the Philips SHP9600MB features breathable ear pads and a self-adjusting headband, ensuring a pleasant fit for extended gaming sessions. Its low-latency wired connection is particularly advantageous for gaming purposes. The boom microphone impresses with its commendable recording quality and effective noise reduction, ideal for seamless voice chat experiences. However, it’s worth noting that the cable’s length might be limited, and the microphone isn’t detachable, potentially restricting usage scenarios.
For budget-conscious gamers seeking decent sound quality coupled with a reliable microphone at an affordable price point, the Philips SHP9600MB stands as the optimal choice. Additionally, these headphones offer a commendable listening experience for music enthusiasts, especially for genres that don’t heavily rely on bass, such as classical, jazz, and pop. However, their versatility is somewhat restricted due to their lack of wireless functionality, subpar noise isolation, and sound leakage tendencies. Moreover, they might not deliver sufficient volume for certain users, highlighting a potential limitation.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Decent sound quality and soundstage
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Detachable cable with boom microphone
Cons:
- Short cable
- Non-detachable microphone
- Poor noise isolation and sound leakage
- May not be loud enough for some users
What’s in the box?
- The SHP9600MB headphones
- A 1.8m detachable cable with a boom microphone and a 3.5 mm jack plug
- A 6.35 mm adapter
- A user manual
4. Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO
In our evaluations, we’ve determined the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO to be among the best open-back headphones for both gaming and movie-watching. These headphones boast a V-shaped sound profile, characterized by amplified bass and treble tones, while the mid-range is slightly understated. This unique setup produces an immersive and lively audio output, intensifying the richness and intricacy of your gaming and cinematic experiences. Notably, their expansive soundstage further enhances the immersion factor, drawing you deeper into the content you engage with.
Featuring a robust and comfortable design, these headphones come equipped with plush velour ear pads and a padded headband, ensuring a comfortable fit during extended use. Additionally, their coiled cable, extending up to 3 meters, provides some flexibility and freedom of movement. However, it’s essential to note the absence of an integrated microphone, necessitating the use of a separate one for communication during gaming sessions or conversations with friends.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO emerges as the top choice for open-back headphones if you prefer a V-shaped sound profile and desire an expansive soundstage. Their versatility extends to music listening, particularly for genres benefitting from enhanced bass and treble, such as rock, metal, and EDM. However, they do come with limitations; they lack wireless functionality, exhibit subpar noise isolation and sound leakage, and require an amplifier for optimal performance, thereby reducing their overall versatility.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fun and exciting sound profile and soundstage
- Solid and comfortable design
- Coiled cable with long reach
Cons:
- No microphone
- Require an amp
- Poor noise isolation and sound leakage
What’s in the box?
- The DT 990 PRO headphones
- A 3m coiled cable with a 3.5 mm jack plug
- A 6.35 mm adapter
- A drawstring bag
- A user manual
5. Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X
The Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X are the best open-back headphones for gaming and music that we have tested. These headphones offer a balanced and neutral sound profile, faithfully reproducing audio as intended by its creators. Their quality bass response, clear and natural mid-range, and smooth, detailed treble contribute to an immersive listening experience. Furthermore, their exceptional soundstage enhances the depth of games and music, drawing you deeper into your audio world.
Crafted with a lightweight and comfortable design, these headphones feature generously sized ear cups that comfortably encase most ears. The inclusion of a long, detachable cable adds a degree of flexibility to your usage. However, it’s important to note that they lack an integrated microphone, necessitating a separate one for communication during gaming sessions with teammates or opponents.
Beyond gaming and music, the Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X proves versatile for watching movies, enjoying podcasts, and diving into audiobooks, thanks to their clear and accurate sound reproduction. Nonetheless, they do have certain limitations. They’re not wireless, exhibit poor noise isolation and sound leakage, and might not deliver ample volume for some users, reducing their overall versatility.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Balanced and neutral sound profile and soundstage
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Long and detachable cable
Cons:
- No microphone
- Poor noise isolation and sound leakage
- May not be loud enough for some users
What’s in the box?
- The ATH-AD700X headphones
- A 3m detachable cable with a 3.5 mm jack plug
- A 6.35 mm adapter
- A user manual
Table comparing the 5 best open back headphones
| Model | Driver Type | Form Factor | Frequency Response | Impedance | Cable Length | Microphone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sennheiser HD 800 S | Dynamic | Over Ear | 4 – 51,000 Hz | 300 ohms | 3 m | No |
| Monolith M570 | Planar Magnetic | Over Ear | 10 – 50,000 Hz | 16 ohms | 2 m | Yes (in-line) |
| Philips SHP9600MB | Dynamic | Over Ear | 12 – 35,000 Hz | 32 ohms | 1.8 m | Yes (boom) |
| Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO | Dynamic | Over Ear | 5 – 35,000 Hz | 250 ohms | 3 m | No |
| Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X | Dynamic | Over Ear | 5 – 30,000 Hz | 38 ohms | 3 m | No |
Factors to look for in the best open back headphone
Open-back headphones are not for everyone, as they have some advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before buying them. Here are some factors that you should look for when choosing the right open-back headphones for gaming.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of open-back headphones is usually better than that of closed-back headphones, as they have a more natural and spacious soundstage, which can make you feel more immersed in your games. However, open-back headphones also have less bass and more treble than closed-back headphones, which may not suit your preferences or game genre. Therefore, you should look for open-back headphones that have a sound profile that matches your taste and needs.
Comfort
Comfort is very important for gaming, as you may want to play for long hours without feeling any discomfort or fatigue. Open-back headphones are usually more comfortable than closed-back headphones, as they have a more breathable design that prevents your ears from getting hot and sweaty. However, open-back headphones also have different shapes and sizes, which may not fit well with your head and ears. Therefore, you should look for open-back headphones that have a comfortable fit, soft ear pads, and a lightweight and adjustable headband.
Features
Features are another factor that you should consider when choosing the right open-back headphones for gaming. Several functionalities that can improve your gaming immersion include a microphone, wireless connectivity, volume adjustment, and noise-cancelling capabilities. However, open-back headphones usually have fewer features than closed-back headphones, as they are more focused on sound quality and comfort. Therefore, you should look for open-back headphones that have the features that you need and want and be aware of the trade-offs that they may entail.
Price
When selecting open-back headphones for gaming, cost should be the least important consideration. Open-back headphones can range from very cheap to very expensive, depending on their sound quality, comfort, features, and brand. Therefore, you should look for open-back headphones that fit your budget and offer the best value for your money. You should also compare different models and read reviews to find the best deals and discounts.
How we tested the open back headphones
We used different types of tests to evaluate various open-back headphones, compiling the above list and their corresponding evaluations based on these tests.
For audio quality testing, we employed ARTA (Software for Acoustic Measurement). It served as our primary tool to assess how well different headphones reproduced frequencies within the audible spectrum (20 Hz – 20 kHz).
In addition to software testing, we played tracks with deep bass, listening for clarity, depth, and distortion at higher volumes. We also utilized tracks featuring multiple instruments playing simultaneously to evaluate the headphones’ ability to separate different sounds. Recognizing open-back headphones’ wider soundstage, we played tracks creating spatial awareness or directional sounds (like orchestral music or certain gaming soundtracks) to assess their capability to reproduce a wide soundstage and precise imaging. We then compared the performance of different open-back headphones.
Next, we conducted a comfort and fit test. Each pair of headphones was worn for an extended period to evaluate weight, padding, and overall comfort. Additionally, we considered adjustable features such as headband size or ear cup rotation to ensure a customizable fit for various head shapes and sizes.
To provide a comprehensive assessment, we tested the open-back headphones with various audio sources (phone, computer, TV, headphone amp) to gauge their performance across different setups.
Overall, our evaluation encompassed multiple open-back headphones, offering a well-rounded assessment of their capabilities. Based on this evaluation, we’ve presented five of the best open-back headphones for different reasons in this article.
Conclusion
Open-back headphones are a great choice for gaming, as they can provide a more natural and spacious soundstage, which can make you feel more immersed in your games. However, open-back headphones also have some drawbacks, such as poor noise isolation, sound leakage, and lack of bass. Therefore, choosing the best open-back headphones for gaming depends on your personal preferences, budget, and gaming environment.
In this blog post, we have reviewed the 5 best open-back headphones for gaming based on their sound quality, comfort, features, and price. We have also provided some tips on how to choose the right open-back headphones for your gaming needs. We hope that this blog post has been helpful and informative for you and that you have found the best open-back headphones for gaming that suit your taste and needs.
Recommended Post: Best Closed-Back Headphones for Gaming