Best Audiophile Headphones for Gaming: 10 Models for Incredible Sound

Are you having a hard time finding the best audiophile headphones for gaming? Your search ends here. In this blog post, I invite you to explore the top 10 products that provide an immersive audio experience to transport you right into the game world. Let’s get started!

Quick Answer

A good audiophile gaming headphone is designed to offer an unrivaled gaming audio experience. They provide the following features:

1. Amazing sound quality to hear every detail in the game;
2. A wide soundstage to pinpoint directional sounds; 
3. Noise isolation to prevent sound leakage;
4. A premium build quality to improve durability and comfort.

Now, the question narrows down to choosing audiophile headphones, good enough to fulfill the above criteria. Continue reading below, where I will go in-depth on the pros, cons, key features, and specs of all the top 10 contenders and help you make a buying decision. Let’s deep dive in!

Best Audiophile Headphones for Gaming: Comparison Table of 10 Choices

The following table quickly compares the 6 key aspects of the 10 best audiophile headphones for gaming:

Now, let’s have a look at these products in detail:

1. Best Overall Audiophile Headphone: HIFIMAN Edition XS

Listed below are the pros and cons of the number one contender. Let’s have a look:

Gamers always want a headphone set that provides an immersive experience with clear and accurate audio. The Edition XS is the unit that fulfills these requirements. Its natural and realistic timbre makes game audio spring to life.

Moreover, the wide soundstage gives a great sense of space and immersion in the game world. On top of that, detailed mids and treble help you pinpoint enemy locations based on subtle sounds.  

Features 

The following are the features of the HIFIMAN:

• It boasts all-new NEO super nano diaphragms (NsD) that produce faster responses.
• The headphone generates sound waves with the help of Stealth magnets to reduce distortion.
• It offers ergonomically accurate comforts for long usage, coupled with high-grade foam. 
• The frequency response of up to 50kHz blows away the competition.
• Due to its performance, the headset has won many awards, including the CES 2017 Innovation Award Honoree and the VGP 2017 Summer Award. 

Specs

Let’s have a look at the specs:

2. Best High-Fidelity Audiophile Gaming Headset: Meze 99 Neo

The advantages and disadvantages of the headset are mentioned below:

The Meze 99 Neo is a great all-around headset for gamers and audiophiles. This product tops the list because of its sound quality and affordability. The headphones produce rich bass, detailed mids, and clear highs.

It is one of those microphones that requires less power due to its low 26 ohms resistance. Lastly, it comes with a wide range of accessories, including an OFC cable, microphone, headphone adapter, and a pouch – making it an all-in-one package. 

Features

Let’s have a look at the features of the Meze 99:

• The self-adjusting headband provides a comfortable and secure fit for all head sizes.
• It required a very little power of 50 mW to produce signals.
• The headphone supports a range of connectors, including 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm adapters.
• It boasts a strong build quality, with the use of zinc alloy.

Specs

The following are the specs of the headset:

3. Best Comfortable Audiophile Headphone: Sennheiser HD 560 S 

Below are the pros and cons of these headphones:

The HD 560 S is a gaming headset with linear acoustics that offers a calculated and excellent sound quality. I feature this headphone in third place because it boosts a neutral and accurate sound profile with a wide and spacious soundstage.

Moreover, it has an angular transducer that produces a strong bass equipped with brilliant treble. Finally, its over-the-ear design ensures you spend hours gaming comfortably.

Features 

The following are the features of the microphone:

• It has an open-back design that allows sound waves to travel freely in and out of the ear cups.
• The headset has The E.A.R. technology to recreate the optimal triangular listening position. 
• It features the ergonomics of the higher-end headset HD 599, which enhances comfort. 
• There is a thin diaphragm that improves the listening experience even over 10 kHz, shaping the accuracy of sound. 

Specs 

Below are the specs of the microphone:

4. Best Audiophile Headphone with Detachable Cables: Meze 99 Classics

Let’s break down the key pros and cons of the 99 classics:

The Meze 99 Classics are a great pair of audiophile-grade headphones with an eye-catching wooden design and impressive audio performance. The over-ear open-back design delivers a natural soundstage with clear mids.

On top of that, vocals come through with warmth and intimacy, while instruments have a realistic timbre. While the bass doesn’t dig incredibly deep, it has a decent slam and texture. Lastly, Build quality is excellent thanks to the wooden ear cups and metal frame.

Features 

Below are the features of the product:

• A closed-back design ensures that the voice reaches your ears with minimum noise.
• This product supports DAC, AMP, or DAP conversation to increase compatibility. 
• The headphone comes with 40 mm drivers that enhance the game listening experience.
• It requires a low power of 50 mW to provide stable signal transmission.

Specifications

The following are the specifications of the product:

5. Best Audiophile Headphone for Premium Design: Focal Elegia Audiophile

Let’s have a look at the pros and cons of the Focal Elegia:

The Focal Elegia headphones are high-end headphones that offer excellent sound quality and comfortable listening. They have full-range speaker drivers that deliver rich bass, clear mids, and crisp highs.

Moreover, the soundstage is wide and immersive, making you feel like you are in a live game. When I mention that beginners require a learning curve, you have to burn up the microphone before using it. Otherwise, it will skip low-frequencies.

Features

The following list describes the features of the headphones:

• The headphones have a circum-aural and closed-back design that encloses the entire ear.
• Half-roll NBR surround suspension to offer resistance from heat. 
• A 6.35 mm adapter to connect with different sources as needed. 
• It has a tonal balance feature that maintains the sounds of both high and low pitches.

Specs

Let’s have a quick look at the specs:

6. Best Budget Audiophile Headphone: Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X

Let’s explore the good and bad about these open-air headphone:

Audio-Technica has always been famous for making immersive, high-quality sound. This time, they produced a marvelous open-air headphone, ATH-AD700X. These best budget audiophile headphones are engineered to produce natural, accurate audio which is ideal for gaming.

They’re also highly comfortable for long gaming sessions thanks to the self-adjusting headband and soft memory foam earpads. For gamers who play at home in quiet settings, the spacious, natural audio gives an edge in FPS titles for hearing footsteps and gunshots. 

Features

Listed below are the features of the product:

• The large woofers cover a wide range of vocals, ensuring you hear all the details in your music.
• It comes with a CCAW (Copper-clad aluminum wire) that minimizes the resistance and provides superior power.
• A self-adjusting 3D Wing automatically adjusts on your head for comfortable wearing.
• The TPE sheath covers the wires to prevent them from tangling. 

Specs

The following are the specifications of the AD700X:

7. Best Headphone for Critical Listening: Sennheiser HD 800S

Let’s see what 800S presents in terms of pros and cons:

The HD 800 S are reference-grade headphones that offer an exceptional audio experience. While testing them out, the natural and accurate sound reproduction is noticeable. Explosions rumble with tight bass, and gunshots ring out crisply.

Moreover, the open sound makes it easy to pinpoint enemy locations based on subtle audio cues. On top of that, the vocals come through clearly for squad communications.

Features

The following are the features of the headset:

• It is coupled with Innovative absorber technology that diminishes unwanted noises.
• An angular design that throws sound such that it reproduces spatial listening experience. 
• Its body features a vibration-damping chassis that reduces unwanted distortions caused by vibrations of internal components. 
• It has a large speaker diaphragm that strategically routes the air to prevent sound leakage. 

Specs

The specifications of the headset are given as follows: 

8. Best Audiophile Headphone for Articulated Sound: SENNHEISER HD 660S

The pros and cons of the product are mentioned below:

Coming with the signature sound of Sennheiser, the HD 660 S is a headset that would catch your eye for its comfortable design made for long gaming sessions. After testing them out, the neutral and accurate sound reproduction is apparent. Gunshots and explosions have an impact but lack some of the rumbling bass authority I want from action games.

Detailed mids will allow you to pinpoint enemy movements from subtle audio cues. The open-back soundstage gives a sense of space but isn’t as expansive as some other audiophile headphones.

Features

The following are the features of the microphone:

• New 38 mm transducer design for improved control of the diaphragm movements and accuracy.
• Reference class gaming headset with one of the flattest frequency responses. 
• An ideal contact pressure of 6.0 N – 1 N to maximize comfort.
• A steel mesh on the outside perfectly displaces the air to lower the turbulence in the headset.

Specs

Below are the specs of the headset: 

9. Best Audiophile Headset with 3D Audio: VZR Model One

Let’s discover the pros and cons of the VZR:

A headset with a built-in mic, the VZR model delivers exceptional sound quality and a comfortable fit. With its CrossWave technology and natural 3D audio, this unit has a huge advantage in competitive games where precise awareness is required.

Although the tone is not on par with other Sennheiser gaming headsets, it is quite great regarding high-resolution drivers and a wide frequency response. Talking about the build quality, you will get soft leather ear pads and memory foam headbands for ample cushioning. 

Features

The features of VZR Model One are given below:

• It has planar magnetic drivers for excellent sound quality and wide frequency response.
• CrossWave technology is added to deliver accurate and natural 3D audio.
• Build quality is fortified with an aluminum frame and the use of carbon fiber in the overall body.
• It can handle maximum power of 30 mW without being damaged. 

Specs

The specs of the headset are given below:

10. Best Audiophile Headset with a Boom Arm Mic: Massdrop x Sennheiser PC37X Gaming Headset

The pros and cons of the product are discussed below:

The PC37X is a solid choice for gamers with a reliable microphone. The gaming headset itself is quite comfortable and adjustable. Despite being plastic, the build quality is quite sturdy and can handle normal wear and tear.

Similarly, the sound quality is also quite great, with just a little bump in the bass. Over to the microphone, which is also exceptionally good in clarity, although its accuracy can be termed normal. 

Features 

The features of the headset are mentioned below:

• The headset comes with angled drivers that let you hear and locate enemies. 
• It offers a 3-year US warranty to cover any damages to the headset. 
• It has stereo speakers that optimally produce sound without any glitches. 
• There is a noise-canceling feature in the mic that handles unpleasant pops and hisses effectively

Specs 

The specs of the headset are as follows:

An Insight Into the Audiophile Gaming Headphones

An audiophile gaming headphone has the properties of both audiophile and gaming earphones. Let’s break down both types: 

1. An audiophile headphone offers hi-fi enriched sound.
2. Meanwhile, a gaming headphone offers a specific audio profile with excellent bass and treble.

Listed below are some of the notable features of audiophile headphones:

1. Superior audio drivers: They use high-end speaker drivers optimized for smooth, nuanced sound with excellent bass, mids, and treble. Common audiophile-grade driver materials include neodymium magnets and dynamic drivers.
2. Amplified audio: These gaming headphones have built-in amps that boost audio power for driving high-impedance headphones properly. This improves volume, dynamics, and cross-talk performance.
3. Premium build materials: From steel and aluminum to leather, audiophile headphones utilize quality materials that are sturdy and comfortable.
4. Sophisticated soundstage: Advanced audio engineering delivers a spacious, multi-dimensional soundstage (immersive and spatial sound experience) that immerses you in the game world.

Are Audiophile Headphones Good for Gaming –  A Comparison Between Different Consoles

When picking an audiophile gaming headset, it’s important to consider which gaming platform you’ll be using to choose the right connections and compatibility. The audio output capabilities of each platform are different. 

Moreover, with the release of new generations, things are becoming more complicated. Therefore, I have made this quick guide that describes the type of headphones you should choose, depending on your gaming device. Let’s have a look: 

1. Playstation

The latest consoles by Sony offer the following sound properties: 

1. The PlayStation 5 features 3D spatial audio and Tempest Engine;
2. The PS4 utilized 7.1 surround sound and Sony’s own virtual surround formats;
3. Lastly, the PS3 introduced 5.1 surround sound support. It also supports 7.1 surround sound after the updates. 

If you have any of the above PS and want to take advantage, use a headset with a 3.5mm jack and boom mic for full compatibility. For an enhanced experience, you can use a headset that supports Sony’s Tempest 3D audio, like the Pulse 3D Wireless. 

2. Xbox

Xbox series offers the following sound features: 

1. The Xbox Series X enables Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Windows Sonic. 
2. The Xbox One added spatial surround sound. 
3. The Xbox 360 first introduced 5.1 surround sound. 

An Xbox-licensed wireless headset will work across these generations. However, to use other wireless headphones, you must buy a wireless dongle such as Creative BT-W3 Transmitter. This dongle supports Bluetooth 5.0 – enabling every wireless headset to connect with Xbox.

3. Switch 

You can connect your headphones both wirelessly and wire with Switch:

1. On the Nintendo Switch, you can connect your headphones wirelessly with USB-C and a 3.5mm headphone jack. 
2. For wireless connectivity, you have to use Bluetooth dongles. 

4. PC

The PC offers the most flexibility in terms of connectivity, including:

1. Opt for wired headphones, USB models, or 3.5mm audiophile headsets to connect to your sound card. 
2. Most of the systems support Bluetooth for wireless connection. In case your computer doesn’t have this facility, opt for a Bluetooth dongle for PCs, such as a TP-Link USB Bluetooth Adapter. 
3. PCs can also handle advanced spatial surround formats and high-res music. 

The Benefits and Technicalities of Audiophile Headphones Designed for Gaming

When it comes to audiophile gaming headphones, each model offers different features. Some are wired headphones and others are wireless. Similarly, a few variants have dynamic drives, while several use planar magnetic drivers. 

But how do these different variants and features compare with each other? Continue reading below, where I have compared the different properties of these headphones in terms of pros and cons:  

1. Bluetooth vs Wireless Connection

Different headsets use different technologies to connect with the audio source, such as: 

1. Bluetooth;
2. Radiofrequency;
3. Infrared waves.

But how do these technologies compare to each other? Let’s have a look:

Bluetooth

Bluetooth headphones for gaming use a specific type of frequency that operates on a 2.4 GHz band. This frequency requires very low power and bandwidth to transfer audio signals. However, it is only reliable for short distances. Have a look at the pros and cons of the Bluetooth connection:

Radio Frequency

Headphones that support radio frequency contain a small RF receiver inside the earcups that picks up audio signals from an RF transmitter plugged into your audio source. The transmitter converts the audio from your device into an RF signal, which is then decoded by the headphones and converted back into an analog audio signal you can hear. RF headphones have the following pros and cons

Infrared Waves

Infrared headphones have an infrared emitter in the transmitter that beams signals to a receiver in the headphones. Audio plays clearly as long as the emitter and receiver are in the line of sight. The following are the pros and cons of these headphones:

2. Audiophile Headsets vs Audiophile Headphones 

While they may seem similar initially, audiophile headsets and headphones offer a different experience. In short, audiophile headphones don’t have a mic while audiophile headsets come with the mic. Let’s have a look at the pros and cons to quickly differentiate both types:

Audiophile Headsets

Listed below are the pros and cons of the audiophile headsets:

Audiophile Headphones 

Audiophile headphones have the following perks and downsides:

Check this video to understand audiophile headphones vs. gaming headsets in detail. 

3. Dynamic vs Planar Magnetic vs Electrostatic drivers 

The driver type used in audiophile headphones directly impacts the sound quality and audio performance. There are 3 most common types of drivers:

1. Dynamic drivers;
2. Planar magnetic drivers;
3. Electrostatic drivers.

Here’s an overview of the above types of drivers:

Dynamic Drivers

Dynamic drivers use a moving coil and magnet to produce sound. The following are the pros and cons of the drivers:

Planar Magnetic Drivers

Planar magnetic headphones driver uses a thin diaphragm with magnetic elements for the driver. The following are the good and bad things about these drivers:

Electrostatic Drivers

Electrostatic drivers use electrically charged stators and diaphragms to create sound waves. They have their advantages and disadvantages, mentioned below:

Check out this helpful video on comparing dynamic, planar magnetic, and electrostatic drivers. 

4. Closed-Back vs Open-Back 

Most audiophile headphones come in closed-back and open-back designs. This is how we can quickly differentiate both types: 

Closed-back Design

As the name indicates, a closed-back headset has no opening in the mic. Moreover, it doesn’t allow the ventilation of air. These are the pros and cons of this closed-back design:

Open-back Design

This design has a vent in the back – allowing air to circulate. The open-back design offers the following pros and cons:

8 Key Considerations When Buying Audiophile Gaming Headphones

Investing in audiophile headphones for gaming involves weighing several key factors that impact your experience. Therefore, I have prepared a list of 8 parameters you should check while buying. Let’s have a look:

1. Sound Quality

Your headphones should reproduce all the nuances and textures in gameplay audio clearly and accurately. Listen for:

1. Crisp highs that add detail without being harsh; 
2. Smooth midranges that portray vocals naturally;
3. And tight bass that punches but doesn’t muddy the mix. 

An example of a model with these qualities is my top contender Hifiman which delivers sound across 8Hz to 50kHz for pristine fidelity.

2. Soundstage/Surround Sound

A wide, spacious soundstage coupled with surround sound is important because it gives you a competitive edge by precisely locating enemy footsteps and gunfire. 

The Sennheiser HD 800 with ring radiator drivers with virtual surround processing is an example of a model with such a soundstage. 

3. Noise Cancellation

Active noise cancellation feature uses microphones and algorithms to counter ambient noise. This effect from models like Focal Elegia lets you focus on game audio without disruption from chatter or external sounds. 

4. Amplification Needs

Amplification is the amount of power required by headphones to achieve the desired volume levels. It is useful for mics that have low sensitivity.

However, a higher amplification may cause distortion in the audio signal. Therefore, a good gaming headphone with low to moderate amplification is recommended. An example of such a headphone is SENNHEISER HD 660 S.

5. Distortion

Distortion is the deviation of the sound signals in the headphones. Low distortion is crucial for accurate positioning and immersion. You can’t pinpoint enemy locations or fully immerse in the game environment if sounds are unclear or bleed together. Look for total harmonic distortion of 0.1% or below, like in the Sennheiser HD 560 S.

6. Design and Comfort

Gaming sessions often last hours. Hence, an uncomfortable headphone causes fatigue and pain, which ruins the experience. Proper weight distribution, padding, and adjustable fits prevent this.

Moreover, a good audiophile gamine headset should also have features like noise cancellation, boom arm mic, and volume control for enhanced comfort.

7. Portability

A portable headphone is easy to carry and store. You may have to game at different locations, like at home, on the go, or in any tournament. Therefore, a headphone that is lightweight and easy to carry makes transportation easy.

Models with detachable cables, like the Meze 99 Classics, are also easy to pack. Moreover, closed-back headphones also isolate sound for use in public. Wireless Bluetooth headphones offer cable-free convenience but may have latency.

8. Compatibility

Compatibility refers to the ability of the headphones to work with various drivers and devices. To ensure that you get the most out of your gaming headphones, it is suggested that you buy a product that can work optimally with your setup.

A headphone with a universal 3.5mm headphone jack has the potential to be compatible with most of the devices.

FAQs

What is the best audiophile headset for PS5?

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro is one of the best audiophile headsets for PS5 due to its integrated 3D Tempest audio support and neutral, detailed sound profile.

What are the best audiophile headphones for competitive gaming?

The Sennheiser HD 800 S, Sennheiser HD 600, and SteelSeries Arctis Pro are the best audiophile headphones for competitive gaming, thanks to their incredibly accurate imaging and massive soundstage.

How much difference do audiophile headphones make?

Audiophile headphones make a significant difference by providing more natural, high-resolution sound, revealing subtle audio details missed by typical gaming headsets.

Do I need a separate microphone for audiophile headphones?

Yes, nearly all audiophile headphones require a separate microphone for voice chat since they lack a built-in microphone when focused purely on sound quality.

Are Audiophile Headphones Good for Gaming?

Yes, audiophile headphones provide an immersive gaming experience with features like high-fidelity sound and noise cancellation. However, they lack surround sound.

Which Gaming Headphones Have the Best Sound Quality?

Some of the best gaming headphones include HIFIMAN Edition XS, Razer BlackShark V2, and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless.

Are Audiophile Headphones Better than Gaming Headphones?

Audiophile headphones offer superior fidelity and sound accuracy. While gaming headsets focus more on boosting immersion.

What Headphones Do Pro Gamers Use?

Pro gamers often use gaming headphones like Turtle Beach Scout Air, Logitech G Pro X, Steelseries Arctis Nova Pro, and Sennheiser HD800s for their combination of sound and features.

Conclusion 

Summarizing the review, the best audiophile headphones for gaming can enhance your gaming experience with their high-fidelity sound and wide frequency range. While buying one, consider your needs, budget, sound quality, noise cancellation, and sound stage. Moreover, you can’t ignore portability and comfort since these headphones will be on your head for hours of gaming sessions. 

While there are many options, I trust the HIFIMAN Edition XS. This product checks all the boxes required for gaming, including a detailed sound, an open soundstage, punchy bass, and a wide dynamic range. On top of that, it also justifies the pricing.