There are two components to a quality gaming experience: audio and visual. Of course, a large screen with high definition and 4K capabilities helps you get an immersive gameplay experience. However, high-quality surround sound also makes an immense impact. If you want a better gaming experience, having a high-quality set of headphones is essential. The right headset not only provides an enveloping surround sound experience but also stays comfortable no matter how long you play.
It’s important to keep in mind that the best headphones for gaming are not always gaming headphones — while there are some fantastic headsets by popular gaming brands, many of the best headsets out there are made by hi-fi brands. They are, after all, the ones who know audio best. The best quality headphones are designed to be tools for studio work, audio monitoring, and critical listening in mind. This is especially true if you like to use a separate high-quality microphone rather than a headset with a built-in mic.
While full headsets are convenient and great for casual use, using a separate mic is often preferred for gamers who are more competitive or stream often. Additionally, headphones designed to produce the best audio experience typically don’t have mics. For this reason, most of the headphones on this list don’t have mics attached. With that in mind, if you’re looking to upgrade, check out these top gaming headphones in 2022:
Best Deal
Audio Technica ATH-AD700X
The Audio Technica AD700X gets the top spot because it’s a high-quality pair of headphones that won’t break the bank. While we could’ve listed the most advanced, high-tech headphones that exist today, that wouldn’t be useful for the majority of us who can’t drop thousands of dollars on a gaming headset. So, the AD700X takes number one today.
Audio-Technica is one of the most well-known hi-fi brands, best known for their turntables, although they produce a wide variety of hi-fi gear. These headphones deliver the Audio-Technica quality standard in a lightweight, comfortable package. They feature an open-back design, which is a trademark feature of a high-quality headset. Ventilation on the back of the headphone allows excess vibrations to escape, rather than trapping them inside the headphone where they interfere with the audio experience. Ventilation also takes out excess weight, making the headphones easier to wear for long periods of time.
These headphones are by no means new, yet they continue to rank at the top time and time again, which is only proof of a brilliant headphone design. Additionally, they have the excellent build quality and are designed to last. The other models in the ATH-AD series are also fantastic options, such as the cheaper AD500X and the AD1000X if you want to spend a little more.
Best Headphones
HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnet Version
Okay, now these are some nice headphones that don’t care about breaking the bank because they’re worth it. Running at around $1200, the HIFIMAN Arya is truly a sight to see. These headphones are complete with metal and high-end plastic framing, which contributes to the total weight of about 400 grams. Perhaps the most notable feature is the nanometer thickness diaphragm — a technology introduced by HIFIMAN and one of the main reasons this headset is so impressive among audiophiles.
Arya also features an advanced magnet circuit technology that is acoustically transparent, reducing distortion. The window shade design on the back allows for ventilation while protecting the driver. With a frequency response of 8 Hz to 65K Hz, 90 dB of sensitivity, and 35 ohms of impedance, these headphones can handle anything and everything. The asymmetrical earpads follow the natural shape of the human ear, so they stay comfortable after hours of use.
Runners Up
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Open Studio Headphones
If you’re looking for something in between the first two options, look no further. Beyerdynamic is a German company that manufactures top-tier audio gear. The DT 1990 Pro is an impressive piece of equipment, with a much lower price tag than the Arya.
It is constructed with a metal framing yet weighs only 370 grams. It features ventilation holes to incorporate an open-back design, and the thick microfiber padding makes them comfortable even after many hours of gaming. In the box, these come with two types of earpads that offer their own unique sound experiences, so you can try them both and see which one you prefer. If you’re in the market to be amazed by a headset, the DT 1990 is the one for you.
Sennheiser HD 660 S Hi-Res Open Back Headphones
Sennheiser is another German manufacturer, so the audio quality is of utmost importance here. The HD line has been legendary in the gaming headphone market for years, and the 660 S offers top-of-the-line features. It has an impressive dynamic range for extremely accurate audio reproduction and 150 ohms of impedance for a reliable connection to any power-hungry console. They also are one of the lightest headsets on the market at only 259 grams.
Audio-Technica ATH-G1WL Wireless Gaming Headset
This headset offers some of the conveniences a casual gamer might enjoy while still delivering studio-quality Audio-Technica sound. These headphones use Embody Immerse spatial sound technology to create an enveloping audio experience. They have a headset conveniently included and are completely wire-free.
Many gamers enjoy the convenience of wireless headphones, while others prefer to have a wired connection for more reliability. Although these headphones last for 15 continuous hours before needing a charge, some also prefer to have wired headphones, so they never have to charge them. These headphones are also available in a wired version, the ATH-G1.
