Any seasoned gamer will tell you that sound quality is as important as graphics when it comes to enjoying a realistic gaming experience. And while there is an overwhelming range of gaming headphones on the market, we’ve picked the best ones in every price category to help simplify your search.
Under $50
JBL excels at producing reliable gear at accessible prices. And if you’re looking for a basic yet decent pair of gaming headphones, it’s hard to go wrong with the wired JBL Quantum 100X. While the build may be nothing fancy, the headphones do feature a very high-quality detachable boom microphone (with mute feature) that delivers impressively clean and intelligible speech. The detailed soundstage is also a big plus, offering a realistic spatial playing experience. Given that the 100X supports Windows Sonic Surround sound, it works most optimally with the Xbox Series X and Series S consoles.
If you want to go Bluetooth, check out the SoundForm Adapt Wireless from Belkin. These cans convey a rich and reasonably precise sound via wireless Bluetooth connection. In addition to the touch controls, the boom microphone mutes when you flip it up and it features environmental noise cancellation (ENC) to ensure that your voice delivers detailed and well-defined speech. You can also expect multiport pairing, which allows the headphones to be connected to two devices simultaneously. Boasting up to 65 hours of playtime, the headphones charge via USB-C connection. Alternatively, the USB-C feature can be used as a wired digital audio input.
Under $100
With surprisingly impressive resolution and a sleek design, the Razer Barracuda X Wireless is one of the most popular gaming headphones in this price range. In addition to a wired connection, this headset offers Bluetooth connectivity. And one of the best features of this model is that it includes a companion app, which has an equalizer in addition to a Do Not Disturb function, and a battery status indicator. Given the Barracuda X’s rich and clear sound profile, as well as the fact that the microphone is detachable, it’s also an ideal headphone for listening to music on the go.
If sound quality is a priority, it’s usually a safe bet to go with gaming headphones from Audio-Technica. Although the ATH-GL3 doesn’t include an EQ app like the model above, it offers a crowd-pleasing sound signature with an expansive soundstage for realistic gaming. The headset features volume control, as well as a mute button for the detachable microphone. You’ll also get two cables. One has split 3.5mm mic and headphone plugs to connect to your desktop, and another has a 3.5mm TRRS plug, which allows for connections to hosts with combo audio ports, such as the PS5, Xbox Series X, and other compatible devices.
Under $200
The Audio-Technica M50X is one of the most famous headphones on the market. So, it’s no surprise that the company has decided to make it available to gamers. The sound profile of the M50XTS is tuned for clarity, as well as deep and accurate bass. And unlike so many other gaming headsets that use dynamic microphone capsules, the M50XSTS employs a more sensitive condenser microphone, which delivers more nuanced and articulate speech. Featuring an XLR microphone input, you can achieve professionally clean sound when connected through an audio interface. This model also comes with two sets of earpads. Use the breathable mesh earpads for all-day comfort or go with the isolating leatherette pair to maximize sound isolation and bass response.
Under $300
If you tend to play on a number of game consoles in addition to your PC, such as the Xbox Series X | S and PlayStation 5, you will appreciate the A50 Gen 5 from Astro. It offers three-system switching on the included base station, which supports USB-C connections with up to three compatible devices. These cans also don’t mess around when it comes to speed and resolution; featuring a LIGHTSPEED connection, you can experience low-latency and uncompressed 24-bit, 48kHz audio with an up to 29-foot range. The soundstage is particularly impressive with remarkably accurate imaging that makes the gaming experience truly enveloping. Microphone clarity has also been made a priority, supporting up to 48 kHz for broadcast quality sound.
With companion desktop software as well as the Logitech G app for iOS and Android, you’ll have control over EQ as well as the ability to enhance microphone resolution, control noise reduction settings and more. Another handy feature is the magnetic click-in charging, which allows the A50 Gen 5 to securely click into the base station for wireless charging. Finally, you can also make use of the game/chat mix controls located on the headset, allowing you to find the optimal balance between game audio and communications.
Under $400
In this price range, we get into audiophile territory. And Audeze is one of the leading audiophile brands around. In fact, the Maxwell Wireless is a top seller in this echelon. The planar magnetic drivers mean a richer, tighter and more controlled sonic profile with enhanced separation between sound elements. The tuning is also designed to emphasize atmospheric sounds, giving incredible realism to the playing experience. And even when connected via Bluetooth, you’ll still get high-resolution sound thanks to its support for LC3plus, LE Audio LDAC codecs. With a whopping 80 hours of wireless playback, for those who can afford it, the Maxwell Wireless is a no brainer.
For those looking for the most-expansive soundstage available, consider an open-back model like the MMX 330 from Beyerdynamic. Open-back headphones tend to offer the most immersive gaming experience. In fact, for many pro-gamers, open-back headphones are a must. You’ll hear ample dimension with respect to depth, height and width, with ambient effects seemingly jumping right in front of you. And although the low-end leans more toward a neutral presentation, you’ll be hard pressed to find a bass response that’s this articulate. Meanwhile the midrange not only reveals crips dialogue but is also optimally balanced for music enjoyment. And the treble is smooth, yet sparkly in the highest registers. Next to the Maxwell Wireless, few other gaming headphones can match the technical prowess of the MMX 330.
$500 and Up
Any audiophile who is familiar with headphones knows about Audeze’s LCD series. The LCD-GX is undoubtedly the Mercedes of gaming headphones, with its open-back design, planar magnetic drivers and wide frequency response. It delivers a huge soundscape, as well as the rich, meaty bass that Audeze headphones are famous for. The robust sounding LCD-GX comes packed with two cables, including a boom mic cable and an LCD series cable for users who don’t always require the boom mic. A TRRS to dual TRS splitter is also included in the box for use with gaming computers with separate mic and headphones ports. For audio enthusiasts not only looking for a gaming headphone but also for a luxurious music listening experience, the LCD-GX is the ultimate choice.
For more information about these gaming headphones, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out our detailed product pages.
