Top 10 audiophile headphones for gaming in 2024
Audiophile headphones emphasize sound quality above all else to take your gaming experience to a whole new level. Whether you're looking for immersion in a vast open world or a quick reaction to teammate pings, an audiophile gaming headset will be handy.
There are several things to consider before making a purchase. Audiophile gaming headphones differ in comfort, sound quality, durability, and noise cancellation. Simultaneously, quite a few lack a microphone, prioritizing audio quality over multiplayer compatibility.
To help you choose, we compiled a list of the best audiophile gaming headphones. You'll find options with high impedance for outstanding sound quality alongside cheaper and more comfortable ones for gaming on mobiles and tablets. Without further ado, here are our 5 best audiophile headphones for gaming.
Top 5 audiophile headphones for gaming – shortlist
- Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X – the best overall audiophile headphones for gaming
- Sennheiser HD 650 – optimized for games with orchestral music
- Sennheiser HD 800 S – excellent soundstage capabilities
- HiFiMan Arya – great for shorter and more immersive gaming time
- HiFiMan Edition XS – offers outstanding sound clarity
How to choose headphones for gaming?
The price of an audiophile gaming headset can go well into four digits, so it's a hefty investment. We recommend considering the following criteria to avoid being stuck with expensive headphones unsuited for your needs.
- Comfort. We put comfort first because even the best sound quality cannot help if your ears ache from pressure. Good audiophile headphones for gaming, like the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X, fully cover ears with velour pads. Simultaneously, breathable fabric is advantageous for long hours of gaming.
- Sound quality. The best sound quality is what sets audiophile gaming headphones apart from the rest. You can expect a heavy bass and spatial sound effects with balanced mid-to-high frequencies. The Sennheiser HD 800 S uses an innovative 56mm ring transducer to curve sonic waves for a genuinely spatial experience, amazing for video games like Elden Ring.
- Durability. Gaming headphones must be durable to withstand sessions from morning to dusk. Manufacturers like Beyerdynamic offer headphones that can last for decades without taking significant damage if you accidentally drop them or step on the wire. Furthermore, you can easily find replacements for broken parts to extend their lifespan.
- Weight. Gamers and streamers spend many hours in front of a screen. Heavy audiophile headphones will cause fatigue and neck discomfort. Meanwhile, models like Philips Fidelio X2HR weigh only 379 grams, which you will barely notice.
- Microphone. Multiplayer gamers should look for an audiophile headset that has an attached microphone. Look for options like Logitech's BLUE VO!CE microphone that uses real-time filters to reduce environmental sounds, found on G Pro X 2nd Gen headset on this list.
10 Best audiophile headphones for gaming – our detailed list
To pick the 10 best audiophile headphones for gaming, we analyzed what the top providers offer. We tested their quality compared to the prices and the materials used for longevity. Here are our top 10 picks.
1. Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X – audiophile headphones without sound distortion
| Sound quality: | Excellent |
| Weight: | 345 grams |
| Impedance: | 48 ohms |
| Built-in mic: | No |
The Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X are the best audiophile headphones for gaming, with stellar sound quality and accurate audio reproduction.
Sound quality. Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X uses a STELLAR.45 driver with 48 ohms impedance to ensure these headphones can handle high volume without sound distortion.
Comfort. Big circular velour pads will comfortably cover your ears, held tight by a spring steel headband with memory foam padding.
Durability. This model comes with durable 3m. and shorter 1.8m. cables. The metal, copper, and neodymium material base with foam padding ensures longevity.
Noise cancellation. Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X does not provide noise cancellation, but the spring steel headbands cover your ears tightly to limit some background noises.
Wireless and mic. These top-notch audiophile headphones do not have a built-in mic or wireless connection, prioritizing outstanding sound quality.
2. Sennheiser HD 650 – excellent for soundtrack-heavy games
| Sound quality: | Excellent |
| Weight: | 258 grams |
| Impedance: | 300 ohms |
| Built-in mic: | No |
The minimal total harmonic distortion makes Sennheiser HD 650 one of the best audiophile headphones for gaming.
Sound quality. These headphones are lighter on bass but have outstanding sound reproduction with next-to-nothing distortion, excellent for soundtrack-heavy video games.
Comfort. This model has large ear covers and weighs only 258 g without a cable, which you will barely feel on your head.
Durability. Sennheiser HD 650 uses aluminum voice coils to make them long-lasting with high-quality titanium or silver finish and neodymium ferrous magnet systems.
Noise cancellation. This is an open-backed headphone model with minimal noise cancellation, so using it in a crowded place can interfere with gaming.
Wireless and mic. It uses the 3.5mm Jack connector type (no wireless) and does not have a built-in mic.
3. Sennheiser HD 800 S – audiophile headphones for immersive gaming
| Sound quality: | Excellent |
| Weight: | 330 grams |
| Impedance: | 300 ohms |
| Built-in mic: | No |
Sennheiser HD 800 S offers excellent sound staging, making this model one of the best audiophile headphones for open-world gaming.
Sound quality. The Sennheiser HD 800 S uses the 56mm ring radiator transducers to enhance sound staging and make audio feel like coming in front and around you to maximize immersion.
Comfort. Made mostly out of plastic, this model weighs only 330g for long gaming sessions and uses a 'D' shaped ear cup with sufficient room for your ears.
Durability. Although the plastic base is durable, you will notice a metal grid covering the ear cup exterior that is prone to cosmetic damage.
Noise cancellation. Sennheiser HD 800 S is not manufactured to block background sound and lets some ambient noises through for a better soundstage.
Wireless and mic. Like most audiophile gaming headphones, this model does not have a mic and wireless connection.
4. HiFiMan Arya – amazing sound reproduction for a hefty price
| Sound quality: | Good |
| Weight: | 404 grams |
| Impedance: | 32 ohms |
| Built-in mic: | No |
HiFiMan Arya is the best audiophile headphones for gaming if you're willing to pay extra for second-to-none sound reproduction.
Sound quality. HiFiMan Arya headphone signature is the Acoustically Invisible Stealth Magnet that lets sound waves pass without producing interference, significantly improving audio clarity.
Comfort. The asymmetrical ear cups align with the natural shape of the ear for a perfect fit on your head. Online reviews often outline the outstanding comfort of these top-notch audiophile headphones.
Durability. The high-grade plastic and metal headband mix makes these headphones perfect for long gaming sessions.
Noise cancellation. These open-back headphones do not protect against high-pitched or bass-range noises.
Wireless and mic. HiFiMan Arya uses a 6.35mm cable, does not support wireless connection, and has no built-in mic.
5. HiFiMan Edition XS – audiophile headphones focused on bass
| Sound quality: | Excellent |
| Weight: | 405 grams |
| Impedance: | 18 ohms |
| Built-in mic: | No |
HiFiMan Edition XS are the best audiophile headphones for gamers who enjoy heavy bass and a realistic soundstage.
Sound quality. This model couples HiFiMan Stealth Magnets with a thin supernano Diaphragm to produce a wide and natural soundstage. The planar magnetic transducers boost the bass, letting you immerse in the game's environment fully.
Comfort. Weighing just slightly above 400 grams, the HiFiMan Edition XS can produce some fatigue during long gaming sessions.
Durability. This model is made out of high-grade plastic and aluminum with very big and eye-catching ear cups that will last you for years.
Noise cancellation. The HiFiMan XS has minimal noise cancellation, which is common for open-back audiophile headphones.
Wireless and mic. These are wired headphones without a built-in mic that focuses solely on the best sound quality.
6. Philips Fidelio X2HR – great audiophile headphones price-value ratio
| Sound quality: | Good |
| Weight: | 380 grams |
| Impedance: | 30 ohms |
| Built-in mic: | No |
PHILIPS Fidelio X2HR are among the best audiophile headphones for gaming with acoustic open-back architecture and affordable price.
Sound quality. The PHILIPS Fidelio X2HR Hi-res model uses 50mm dynamic drivers with extended response frequencies to hear a wide range of soundtrack and environmental sounds.
Comfort. This model focuses on comfort, weighing only 380g with big velour pads and a self-adjusting headband perfect for gaming a dozen hours straight.
Durability. The PHILIPS Fidelio X2HR is mostly made of plastic with additional metal reinforcements. Although not as durable as others on this list, it will last long if you use them cautiously.
Noise cancellation. Because these are open-back headphones, they do not have noise cancellation.
Wireless and mic. These headphones come with a 3m cable and a standard 3.5mm jack but without a wireless connection or a built-in mic.
7. Audio Technica ATH M50xSTS XLR StreamSet – good choice for video game streamers
| Sound quality: | Average |
| Weight: | 453 grams |
| Impedance: | 38 ohms |
| Built-in mic: | Yes |
Audio Technica ATH M50xSTS XLR StreamSet comes with a built-in AT20 series mic, particularly popular among streamers and multiplayer gamers.
Sound quality. This model uses 45mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils. Although this headset lacks exceptional sound quality, it offers clear immersive audio with good bass response.
Comfort. For a very moderate price, you get two sets of earpads that offer better sound isolation or breathability, depending on what you're looking for.
Durability. This headset is known for good durability and can withstand heavy use without affecting performance–an excellent choice for streamers.
Noise cancellation. The ATH M50xSTS XLR mic uses a cardioid condenser to neutralize background noise and provide clean and articulate audio perfect for recording. However, some environmental sounds get through, so recording in a quiet space is best.
Wireless and mic. Its high-quality mic puts the headset on this list, but the headphones support only a cable connection.
8. Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro – audiophile gaming headphones for sound mastering
| Sound quality: | Excellent |
| Weight: | 249 grams |
| Impedance: | 250 ohms |
| Built-in mic: | No |
The Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro offers outstanding detail and audio clarity, with a focus on strong bass and professional mastering.
Sound quality. Like all Beyerdynamic audiophile headphones, you get a second-to-none audio quality to immerse in the gaming environment without missing the most subtle audio cues.
Comfort. These headphones offer soft and replaceable velour pads and weigh only 249g, so you will barely feel you have them on.
Durability. This is a long-term investment made from the highest quality material and put together in Germany, so you can be sure they will last long years.
Noise cancellation. Due to their open-back design, these headphones do not reduce background noise to maintain the best sound quality.
Wireless and mic. The Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro is wired with a standard 3.5mm Jack and no built-in mic. However, you can easily combine them with a professional third-party mic for sound mastering or multiplayer sessions.
9. Astro A50 Gaming Headset by Logitech – fully wireless headset with a mic
| Sound quality: | Good |
| Weight: | 380 grams headphones / 318 grams base station |
| Impedance: | 48 ohms |
| Built-in mic: | Yes |
Astro A50 Gaming Headset by Logitech lets you tweak the EQ settings and adjust voice balance, making them one of the best customizable gaming audiophile headsets.
Sound quality. The Astro A50 Gaming Headset boasts of high-resolution audio with clear and distortion-free bass. A smooth frequency spectrum ensures a realistic presentation of the virtual environment.
Comfort. This headset falls slightly behind regarding comfort, as it lacks a flexible mic arm, and the adjustable headband felt a little bit off.
Durability. These massive audiophile headphones are made from solid plastic and can withstand an accidental drop without taking significant damage.
Noise cancellation. Although most audiophile headsets sacrifice noise reduction for better sound quality, the Astro A50 Gaming Headset is particularly susceptible to background noises.
Wireless and mic. This model has an excellent built-in mic and supports a wireless connection that requires 1 Lithium Ion battery, included in the set.
10. Logitech G Pro X 2nd Gen – affordable headset focused on surround sound
| Sound quality: | Good |
| Weight: | 258 grams |
| Impedance: | 35 ohms |
| Built-in mic: | Yes |
The Logitech G Pro X 2nd Gen offers professional 7.1 surround sound for realistic in-game audio presentation.
Sound quality. These headphones use the advanced 50mm drivers with improved bass response. The object-based surround sound is especially suitable for in-game positioning.
Comfort. The Logitech G Pro X 2nd Gen uses soft memory foam ear pads with a breathable velour to avoid sweating even in the most tense matches.
Durability. The steel headband is combined with a durable aluminum fork to ensure the headphone's longevity.
Noise cancellation. Like most Logitech audiophile headphones, these ones include the BLUE VO!CE mic technology that efficiently reduces background noises to enhance speech quality.
Wireless and mic. This is a fully wireless gaming headset that provides movement freedom and a high-quality microphone, perfect for multiplayer sessions.
Comparison of gaming headphones
Picking the best gaming audiophile headphones can get tricky. Some offer better sound quality but don't include a mic or wireless connection. Meanwhile, others may have better noise cancelation but lack comfort for prolonged gaming sessions. Take a look at the table below to see how our top picks compare to each other.
| Model | Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X | Sennheiser HD 650 | Sennheiser HD 800 S | HiFiMan Arya | HiFiMan Edition XS |
| Sound quality | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Weight | 345 grams | 258 grams | 330 grams | 404 grams | 405 grams |
| Impedance | 48 ohms | 300 ohms | 300 ohms | 32 ohms | 18 ohms |
| Built-in mic | No | No | No | No | No |
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How we selected these audiophile headphones for gaming
First and foremost, we did a hands-on test to verify sound quality. We also examined online product descriptions and reviews to inspect the materials used, pricing, mic and wireless connection availability, and other core features listed below.
- Sound quality. Video games are exceptional in the broad range of sounds. Alongside music, they include ambient sounds and dialogues. Everything must perfectly blend together for players who prioritize sound quality.
- Comfort. Playing for a dozen hours straight is not uncommon among gamers. We looked for headphones with adjustable headbands and soft ear pads that aren't heavy to reduce fatigue. We also went through user reviews, as comfort is a subjective term best described by first-hand experience.
- Pricing. You can pay between a hundred into a four-digit price range for the best audiophile gaming headset. They should provide outstanding sound quality, longevity, and comfort the pricier they get.
- Innovation. Like all tech, audiophile headphones are adding new features to improve sound quality. We went through top brands to verify whether they added anything ground-breaking, like the Sennheiser HD 820 ring radiator transducers.
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What are audiophile headphones?
Audiophile headphones are designed to reproduce sound with the best possible accuracy. They are becoming more relevant for gaming as more and more video games create multi-layered soundtracks performed by a live orchestra.
Gaming audiophile headphones often have a higher impedance, which determines how accurately they convert electricity into sound. Soundstage is especially important for recreating a spatial experience and separating various effects in video games. For example, separating character footsteps from background ambient noises can make or break immersion.
High fidelity (Hi-Fi or HiFi) defines the quality of sound reproduction. Modern Hi-Fi audiophile headphones use fiber optic cables and support Wi-Fi connection to expand movement freedom.
Audiophile headphones vs. gaming headphones – what's the difference?
The main audiophile headphones vs. gaming headphones difference is that the latter focuses on gaming features. The best gaming headsets are often cheaper, have a built-in mic, support wireless connection, and emphasize noise cancelation.
Meanwhile, audiophile headphones focus on realistic and spatial sound reproduction. Their steep price results in better durability, and it is easier to find replacement parts. In the end, it is the gamers’ choice. Contemporary open-world video games often invest in a high-quality immersive soundtrack that demands the best HiFi headphones to take your breath away.
FAQ
Are audiophile headphones good for gaming?
Yes, audiophile headphones are good for gaming if they include a few additional features. We recommend choosing gaming audiophile headphones with a built-in mic, wireless connection, and smooth ear pads. You should also consider robust noise cancelation if you frequent esports events or play alongside friends in the same room.
Are audiophile headphones really worth it?
Audiophile headphones are worth it if you prioritize sound quality over price. They might not be necessary for MOBA or arcade video games but significantly enhance FPS and open-world immersion. Audiophile headphones focus on spatial sound separation and reproduction, helping you navigate vast areas.
What is a Hi-Fi headset?
Hi-Fi is an abbreviation for high-fidelity. This term defines high-quality sound reproduction. A Hi-Fi headset aims to reproduce sound as close to the original as possible. They are often used to recreate a spatial live-performance experience at home with good noise cancellation to eliminate distractions.
Can audiophile headphones be wireless?
Yes, the best audiophile headphones for gaming can be wireless. Although some prefer a cable connection that holds a sound quality advantage, a stable wireless connection does not reduce the sound quality too much.
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