You know how good it feels to be gaming and be completely immersed in the experience.
You can take that same feeling and bring it to a whole new level, just by wearing the right headphones.
Open back headphones are awesome for gaming, because not only can you hear your own voice, but you can hear the game and any other sounds in the room.
We’ve done the work to find the best open back headphones for gaming. Check them out:
Our Picks:
Best Overall
Sennheiser GAME ONE Gaming Headset – Black
The highest rated open back headphones for gaming, with hundreds of positive reviews, this Sennheiser pair is modern and durable, with amazing sound quality.
The transducers increase both sound clarity and accuracy, while the interchangeable cables are compatible with multiple platforms. The ear pads are comfortable, and the open back design both lightens the overall weight and increases coolness.Check Price on Amazon
Best with No Microphone
Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Headphones
Audio-Technica headphones give you a professional sound with a heavy duty look, and this brand has an established reputation for their products.
These open back headphones may not have a microphone, but they don’t skimp on other features. They’re durable, over-ear, and have huge ear cups to ensure long-term comfort for gaming.Check Price on Amazon
Most Customizable
Would you like to spend the time customizing the perfect gaming headset for you?
This pair from ASTRO Gaming is compatible with the company’s Mod Kit components, so you can actually change to a closed-back, noise isolating pair. The parts are sold separately. You can also personalize the headset with the magnetic speaker tag system. Have fun making these your own!Check Price on Amazon
Best for Passionate Amateurs
Sennheiser PC 360 Special Edition Gaming Headset
Are you an amateur or at-home gamer, but still want to get your hands on a pair of top quality ‘cans’?
This Sennheiser Gaming headset is just as good as the Sennheiser best overall pair above, with a slightly lower price point and a couple of less features. But these still have the brand’s signature attention to detail when it comes to sound. They only come with one 3 meter long cable.Check Price on Amazon
Best Value
XIBERIA USB Headset with Microphone
Are you on a budget, but are still wanting a pair of open back headphones for gaming?
This headset from XIBERIA is very inexpensive, but still gives you all the great features, with open back earcups, an attached microphone, a suspension style headband, and memory foam earpads for comfort. You also get a 7.2 foot cable to hook up to your gaming system.Check Price on Amazon
Best Open Back Headphones for Gaming (Summary Table)
Choosing your next pair of headphones is really up to the individual, so now it’s time to compare the strengths and weaknesses of the following models. These headphones are all open back and come with large over-ear cups. From there, though, they each have different features you’ll want to compare.
| HEADPHONES | OUR RATING | PRICE | MICROPHONE? | STRENGTH | WEAKNESS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sennheiser GAME ONE Headset | Check Amazon | Yes | Comes in two color choices. | Ear pads aren’t comfortable. | |
| ASTRO Gaming TR40 Headset | Check Amazon | Yes | Compatible with Mod Kit items. | Main cable is quite short. | |
| XIBERIA USB Headset with Microphone | Check Amazon | Yes | Great sound for this price range. | Does not work with Xbox One. | |
| Sennheiser PC 360 Gaming Headset | Check Amazon | Yes | Designed for professionals. | Best with an amplifier or equalizer. | |
| Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Headphones | Check Amazon | No | Large drivers, really long cable. | Cable doesn’t detach from headphones. |
Benefits of Using Open Back Headphones for Gaming
Have you ever tried open back headphones for gaming? After you do, you’ll be joining other happy gamers by saying that these can be the best headphones you’ve ever used.
The benefits are numerous, but really all come down to one key feature: sound experience. With open back headphones, you’re not just listening to the game, you’re in it.
The sound comes from all around you, not just one direction. It’s totally immersive, detail-oriented, and startlingly real.
When you’re using open back headphones for gaming, you’re experiencing:
- Cool airflow through the open back ear cups.
- Less chance of your ears getting hot or sweaty.
- Comfort, even for glasses wearers.
- Surprisingly lightweight designs for long-term gaming.
- Over-ear cushions that cup your ears.
- Adjustable headbands for a perfect fit.
Best Open Back Headphones for Gaming Reviews
Would you like an attached microphone? Is having a color choice important to you? What about the sound quality?
Read about the following open back headphones and see which pair is right for you.1. Sennheiser GAME ONE Gaming Headset
With extreme sound clarity and accuracy, this Sennheiser gaming headset has original transducer technology.
The GAME ONE also has interchangeable cables, so that it’s compatible with all of your gaming systems, as well as PC or Mac devices. The microphone is noise-cancelling.PROS
- Comes in two color choices – black or white.
- You can mute the microphone.
- Velvet, plush ear pads so your skin can breathe.
- Some users have reported they’re not all that comfortable.
- The ear pads have a tendency to cause your ears to sweat.
- The sound is bass heavy, missing presence in the mid and high ranges.
Summary:
A good rating on Amazon gives these headphones a solid approval by customers. You are advised to use these with an adequate amplifier, to really take your gaming experience to a new level.Check Price for Sennheiser GAME ONE Gaming Headset2. ASTRO Gaming A40 TR Headset
This handsome headset is compatible with plenty of computers and consoles, including your PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Mac.
This is the most customizable pair of gaming headphones you can get, because you can buy different components, have different colors, or change out the speaker tags. The attached microphone is great for gaming, too.PROS
- Has a 3.5 mm connector, as well as a Y-splitter for two plugs.
- Is compatible with swappable Mod Kit components.
- Can personalize your headset with magnetic speaker tag system.
- Not as durable as other gaming headphones.
- Microphone and mute buttons prone to shorting out.
- Main cable is a little short for gaming.
Summary:
A solid star review on Amazon means that some customers have totally loved this headset, and others haven’t been as sold. These are customizable and great for gamers.Check Price for ASTRO Gaming A40 TR Headset2. ASTRO Gaming A40 TR Headset
This handsome headset is compatible with plenty of computers and consoles, including your PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Mac.
This is the most customizable pair of gaming headphones you can get, because you can buy different components, have different colors, or change out the speaker tags. The attached microphone is great for gaming, too.PROS
- Has a 3.5 mm connector, as well as a Y-splitter for two plugs.
- Is compatible with swappable Mod Kit components.
- Can personalize your headset with magnetic speaker tag system.
- Not as durable as other gaming headphones.
- Microphone and mute buttons prone to shorting out.
- Main cable is a little short for gaming.
Summary:
A solid star review on Amazon means that some customers have totally loved this headset, and others haven’t been as sold. These are customizable and great for gamers.Check Price for ASTRO Gaming A40 TR Headset3. XIBERIA USB Headset with Microphone
This handsome headset is compatible with plenty of computers and consoles, including your PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Mac.
This is the most customizable pair of gaming headphones you can get, because you can buy different components, have different colors, or change out the speaker tags. The attached microphone is great for gaming, too.PROS
- Has a 3.5 mm connector, as well as a Y-splitter for two plugs.
- Is compatible with swappable Mod Kit components.
- Can personalize your headset with magnetic speaker tag system.
- Not as durable as other gaming headphones.
- Microphone and mute buttons prone to shorting out.
- Main cable is a little short for gaming.
Summary:
A solid star review on Amazon means that some customers have totally loved this headset, and others haven’t been as sold. These are customizable and great for gamers.Check Price for XIBERIA USB Headset with Microphone4. Sennheiser PC 360 Special Edition Gaming Headset
You’ve fallen in love with gaming headsets, and now you want an exceptional pair.
This is a special edition headset, ideal for professional gamers and those in the industry who want headphones that deliver an ideal performance. Sennheiser has excellent sound quality, and it comes with a noise-cancelling microphone, too.PROS
- Extra large velvet ear pads and cushioned headband.
- Sennheiser designed transducers for audio clarity.
- Comes with a combo audio adapter for compatibility.
- Can be a bit ‘clampy’ and too tight for some users.
- Requires an amplifier or equalizer to boost the power.
- Not bass heavy.
Summary:
This gaming headset has a good review on Amazon thanks to its professional design and top quality. This takes gaming to a whole new level.Check Price for Sennheiser PC 360 Special Edition Gaming Headset5. Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Headphones
Large 53mm drivers make these open back headphones excellent for producing a clear treble and midrange dynamics.
These are a pair of full open-air type of headphones. Since they don’t produce any pressure on your ears, you’ll hear such a rich and natural sensation. The aluminum casing is light, with a honeycomb style that filters acoustics perfectly.PROS
- Bobbin-wound CCAW voice coils to handle large amounts of power.
- 10-foot cable comes with 3.5mm gold-plated connector and separate 6.3mm adapter.
- Comfortable double headband design with 3D wing supports for custom fit.
- Not as good for studio uses, like mixing and recording.
- Cable does not detach from the headphones.
- Some users have reported a rattling sound.
Summary:
Audio-Technica is a really high quality headphone brand, and this model has earned 4.3/5 stars on Amazon thanks to its sound and overall construction. They truly define the open back experience and give you that ‘soundstage’ audio you’re looking for.Check Price for Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Headphones
Do You Need Open Back Headphones for Gaming?
While closed back headphones offer their own unique and high quality approach to gaming, you really haven’t experienced an immersive experience until you try open back headphones. This is what the professionals use, who go to conventions and have marathon gaming sessions.
So, if you’re at all serious about gaming or there is one particular game you totally enjoy and want to take it to a new level, you need open back headphones. They put you right in the middle of the action, in a way you’ve never experienced before.
How to Find Your Ideal Open Back Headphones for Gaming
When trying different headphones, you’ll notice that they each have their own features. How do you choose which are the best for you?
- Would you like an attached microphone? Some of the best models don’t have one, but it is a feature you’ll want to look into.
- What is your budget? These headphones range in price from lower end models you can pick up cheaply, up to professional quality.
- Do you have an amplifier? Open back headphones do sound better with an amp.
- What is your gaming console? Believe it or not, some gaming headphones aren’t compatible with gaming systems! Save yourself the frustration and double-check that your headset is compatible with your system.
Open Back Headphones for Gaming Fast Facts
Firstly
There’s no such thing as gaming headphones. Yes, it’s true. There are only closed back or open back, with or without a microphone, and wired or wireless. There’s no specific ‘gaming’ headphones.
Secondly
Open back headphones are not noise isolating. If you’re trying to play games quietly, then you’ll want closed back headphones, not open back. Others can hear your game, since the air flows out of the ear cups.
Thirdly
Go for the best sound, not the best tech features. It’s fun to get carried away with color choices, customization, and even light-up LEDs. But, you really want the best sound.
Make sure the cord is long enough. It would actually help to measure the distance between your console and your chair, to make sure you’re purchasing wired headphones with a cable that’s long enough.
An Alternative Product
Invest in the best by getting yourself a highly rated pair of Sennheiser HD 598 SR open back headphones. The open back design lets in air and elevates your natural listening while gaming.
The ear cushions are incredibly soft, the headband is sturdy and adjustable, and there’s two different audio jacks to fit any amp, computer, laptop, or smartphone. These are also fabulous for studio use or just regular listening.
Conclusion
How would you like to have an amazing gaming experience, where you feel as if you’re right in the middle of the action? Open back headphones will give you an immersive audio experience by expanding the sound around you. You’ll hear gunshots, shouting, explosions, music, and other sound experiences from the front, the sides, and behind you, too. Instead of those sounds beaming directly into your ears, you’ll be almost ‘dropped’ into the action. As if you’re really there!
That is the true power of open back headphones: they make you feel as if the game is real.
