The numbers of gamers looking for the best studio headphones for gaming is steadily increasing.
Seems like people aren’t willing to compromise with sound quality in exchange for a fancy design anymore.
So, they seek headphones that can multitask.
Be it gaming, where the imaging and soundstage can play a very important role, or studio use, where you need a very neutral sonic profile or general use, where a thick low end might be the most desired quality, the quest is to find a pair that can tick all these boxes.
The question is, do such headphones even exist?
Best Overall
- Very Balanced Sonic Profile
- Close-Back Design
- Plush Ear Cups
Premium Pick
- Phenomenal Sound Quality
- 56mm Transducer
- Large Sound Stage
Budget Pick
- Professional-Quality Sound
- Budget-Priced Headphone
- Great Sound-Stage
Best Studio Headphones For Gaming Comparison Table
Given that all of these are very unique requirements, how can you find one headphone that fits the bill?
That’s exactly what we’ve done.
We have analyzed some of the top headphones from each category that we mentioned and picked the best ones with features that overlap.
Here you go.
1. Sennheiser HD800S – Premium Pick
When we spoke to a professional gamer about how the Sennheiser HD800S sounded for gaming, he mentioned that it sounded ‘Godly’.
That best sums up the appeal of these incredibly popular headphones from the German brand.
These are a pair of prosumer headphones with one of the largest soundstages ever.
The ear cups are designed in a way that the drivers are positioned in front of your ears (at a fair distance) when you wear them. Sounding like a set of powerful speakers in front of you rather than a headphone over your ears.
Our Premium Pick
Sennheiser HD800S
The sound is immersive and will envelop you into the soundstage. There’s so much of space and air that you can actually pick up the tiniest of details while listening to any gaming soundtrack.
Usually, large soundstages and directional cues don’t mix too well. But you’ll be able to gauge every single instrument and foley added to the soundtrack with this. Footsteps, gunshots, explosions, dialogues, everything sort of pops out, sounding extremely clear and crisp.
There’s no muddiness in the mids, the treble doesn’t sound shrill ever and the bass doesn’t overpower the rest.
There’s enough impact to satisfy even the most bass-craving gamer. Yet, it sounds so much better as compared to any of the super-bass headphones of today. Explosions will be felt, but it won’t be a jittery sound, if that makes sense.
The Sennheiser HD800S is also one of the most comfortable headphones you’ll ever use. The construction is a blend of metal and plastic, and it sits on your head rather than clamping it. There’s enough padding on the aluminum headband to allow hours of continual use.
The ear cups have plush cushions with a microfiber covering that keeps you comfortable.
For those who are interested in the more technical side of things, under the ear cups lie a 56mm transducer, and drivers that are positioned on an angle to mimic the sound of a pair of speakers.
The HD800S comes with a 10-foot long copper cable covered in Kevlar with a 6.3mm phono plug at the end.
Irrespective of whether you are a professional sound recordist looking to dabble in gaming, or the other way round, the HD800S provides a very satisfying sound quality.
Pros
- Large sound stage
- Surround sound with locations that are easy to pick
- Phenomenal sound quality
- Large ear cups with a cushion and microfiber covering
- Perfect clamping force for continual use
- 56mm transducer
- Drivers positioned at an angle to mimic large speakers in front of the ears
- 10-foot-long copper cable wrapped in Kevlar
Cons
- The price
2. AKG K702
The AKG K702 is one of the top studio headphones for gaming.
It has a very neutral sound profile which means that you will hear exactly the way the soundtrack is intended to be. The headphones do not add any warmth to it, nor does jack up the bass.
AKG K702
You can wear it for gaming sessions all day and wear it all the way to the studio if need be. The sound profile is perfect for mixing and mastering. Oh, it’s incredibly comfortable on your head too.
For those who are new to this, AKG is an Austrian brand that’s quite popular among professional recordists and musicians. The K702 is one of their lower-priced offerings that brings studio sound quality to a consumer-grade product.
The headphones are open-back with a very wide soundstage. You will feel the air and the space in the track with excellent detailing. This will pick up every tiny detail and reproduce it accurately.
Be it the mids, the treble, the bass or the vocals, everything sounds neutral. That’s the best way to describe it.
Directional imaging is exceptional as compared to any flashy gaming headphone that you can pick. There’s no 7.1 surround, which is often hyped by manufacturers. But you can pin point the directions with great accuracy in FPS games.
As is the case with any open-back headphones, there’s very little noise cancellation. But it sounds so immersive that we doubt that anything in the surroundings is going to disturb you.
The construction is top-notch too. It uses the vintage dual-rod, spring-loaded harp design with a leather band that sits on your head. There’s little in terms of padding on the band, but you probably won’t even notice that it’s there. The 3d-foam ear pads are perfect for all-day use.
The clamping force is not too much either and you can easily adjust this according to the size of your head.
A few technical details for your reference.
The K702 features a Patented Varimotion two-layer diaphragm that improves the performance at different frequencies. It uses a flat-wire coil which improves the sensitivity as well as the response in treble and impulse.
It ships with a 10-foot-long cable with a 6.3mm phono plug and a 3.5mm adapter in the pack.
Pros
- Neutral sounding headphones
- Studio-quality in a consumer product
- Large, spacious soundstage
- Perfect for directional cues
- Excellent detailing
- Leather headband with 3D-foam ear cups
- Open-back design
Cons
- These don’t offer a colored sound, which is what most gaming headphones do. That’s not a con per se. But a lot of end users get disappointed when they hear a neutral sounding headphone.
3. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO – Budget Pick
To be honest, we wanted to include the DT990 pro in this list. These are amongst our favorite Beyers.
But after picking two open-back headphones, it’s time for a close-back one that works equally well for gaming and studio use. There are few better options than the DT770 pro.
Our Budget Pick
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO
The DT770 pro is at the budget-range of Beyerdynamic’s studio headphones that offers an exceptional sonic profile for its price tag.
At first glance, it looks exactly like the DT990, albeit with a close-back design. The metallic headband, the large circular ear cups with ample padding, there’s nothing fancy about the DT770.
The clamping force is a tad high out of the box. But it does loosen after the ‘Break-in’ period.
The sound quality is a little more refined, if that’s the right word, as compared to a ‘pure’ studio headphone. But it’s still very accurate as compared to most run-of-the-mill headphones out there.
You’ll feel a little extra punch in the bass, while the rendering of the mids is just perfect. It’s clean, not thin at all and the highs are just as clear as they can be without sounding distorted or grainy.
If anything, the vocals and audio sound a little distant. But even that’s too tiny a difference for most casual users to take notice.
The soundstage is the best that we’ve seen in a close-back headphone. It almost sounds like a 7.1 surround sound even in basic stereo mode. Extremely precise imaging too. You will have no problems whatsoever picking up objects, gunshots, footsteps and whatnot.
Also, there’s very little leakage both ways unless you want to test your eardrums and crank up the volume all the way up.
Given a chance, the only thing that we’d like to change about the DT770 pro is the permanent cable that it comes with. A removable one would have added to the portability. But that’s just a tiny quibble that most people would be willing to overlook.
Pros
- Professional-quality sound
- Budget-priced headphone
- Punchy bass, perfectly-rendered mids and crystal clear highs
- Exceptionally good soundstage and imaging
- Very little leakage
- Replaceable velour ear pads are perfect for long use
Cons
- Permanently attached cord
4. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x – Best Overall
These headphones need no introduction. The Audio Technica ATH are Audio Technica’s bestselling studio headphones for gaming that continue to tick on despite sizeable competition from other brands.
The Audio Technica ATH-M50x is essentially the Audio Technica ATH-M50 with a few cosmetic upgrades. For the uninitiated, those were Audio Technica’s consumer-grade studio headphones that became wildly popular.
Our Pick
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
With the M50X, the brand irons out the tiny crevices that plagued the original and gives you a practical design that can be worn on the bus, in the studio as well as during marathon gaming sessions.
The Audio Technica ATH-M50X is an extremely comfortable headphone. There is reinforced padding on the headband and the ear cups, which now sport a swiveling design for storage.
The clamping force is minimal and despite looking a tad bulky, these headphones only weigh 283 grams, which means that you can wear these all day without feeling any discomfort. It also comes with a detachable cable.
A close-back design ensures that ambient disturbance is minimal if any. Sound doesn’t leak in nor does it get out, which is what most gamers prefer.
Coming to the sound quality, it is very well balanced. The bass has enough punch to impress gamers who prefer a bassy, booming sound. Punches, gunshots, everything pops out of the soundstage.
The midrange and treble is very detailed and clear with absolutely no muddiness or distortion. Vocals and audio sounds very well layered and is never overpowered by the other tracks. Irrespective of whether you listen to music casually or are a more discerning audiophile, you’ll be impressed with the sonic balance.
There’s a lot of detailing too. Even tiny, feeble instrument tracks sound quality very clear.
The imaging though, is not as great as some of the other headphones for gaming on this list. Don’t get us wrong. You’ll still be able to get positional cues.
But it’s not as accurate as what you’d get with the AKG-K702 or the DT-770 Pro.
If you are looking for a wide soundstage with a close-back design, the DT-770 Pro is your best bet. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more consumer-friendly design with a balanced sound profile, the M50X will be a better buy.
Pros
- Audio Technica’s bestselling headphones
- Upgraded design with thickly-padded headband and plush ear cups
- Removable cord with 3.5mm connector
- Decent noise isolation due to the close-back design
- Very balanced sonic profile, lots of detail
- Punchy bass and clear highs
- Ear cups swivel 90-degrees for storage
Cons
- Closed, limited soundstage
5. Drop + HIFIMAN HE4XX
The original Hifiman HE400 was one of our favorite headphones when it was launched. That was ages ago.
Massdrop though has shown no plans to let go of their position as industry-leaders offering planar magnetic headphones for pocket-friendly prices.
Drop + HIFIMAN HE4XX
This is the Drop+ HIFIMAN HE4XX which is a terrific pair of cans for the price. These headphones retain a lot of the original HE400I design, which was quite popular among audiophiles and casual users.
But there are some much-needed upgrades. For starters, the stainless steel headband has been revamped. So have the ear cups which are now the Focus-A hybrid pads.
These are pleather covered with soft, velour. Marathon tourneys? No problem. These are incredibly comfortable.
Let’s talk sound.
If this is the first time you are listening to a planar magnetic headphone, you’d be a little surprised at the sound quality. There will be a noticeable boost in the low end. But that’s how planar headphones are.
Not that we see too many gamers complaining. The explosions, bass-heavy sound tracks and gunshots will really shine. Why you can tweak it to have a more prominent low end with an equalizer and it still won’t sound distorted like dynamic drivers do.
The high frequencies are equally good and clean, but the mids sound a little feeble as compared to the other two. Nothing overly thin, mind you. But it’s still on the weaker side as compared to lows and highs.
The sound stage is pretty wide being an open-back headphone.
The placement of different instruments and foley sounds are layered with precise separation. You should have no problems picking the directions that the sounds originate from, which can amplify your decision-making in some games.
Overall, we’d highly recommend the Drop + HIFIMAN HE4XX to anyone looking for a great pair of headphones for gaming. These are a great introduction to the world of Planar magnetic headphones and they don’t sound too different from their much more expensive counterparts.
Go check them out.
Pros
- Planar magnetic headphones at a budget-price
- Comfortable stainless steel headband with thick padding
- Plush ear cups with Focus-A hybrid ear pads
- Perfect for all-day usage
- A little heavy low and high end with decent mids
- Great detailing
- Wide sound stage with excellent imaging
Cons
- Lack of noise isolation
- Not a portable design
6. Philips Audio SHP9500
Experience the digital music concert of your life. Philips Audio headphones are made for one thing–delivering sound quality with deep bass, crystal clear highs and enriched vocals.
Feel the power of drums pounding in rhythm to your heart rate while listening to uplifting vocalists belt out their favorite hit songs. Perfect for casual gaming or serious studio mixing, this is audio you can trust!
Philips Audio SHP9500
The Philips SHP9500 are great open-back headphones that come at a fantastic price. They’re considered the best budget option out there, and they won’t disappoint!
Philips SHP9500 is a headset with 50mm neodymium drivers that deliver the full spectrum of sound.
The 1.5m cable gives you freedom of movement for indoor use. Comfortable double layered headband cushion, breathable ear cushion for longer wearing comfort.
What are good headphones for gaming without well-balanced bass and crisp highs? These 50mm driver earphones offer you the best of both worlds with their high-power neodymium magnets.
The acoustic open-back architecture of the HPA driver greatly enhances sound transparency and smooths extended high frequencies.
They reproduce all your music’s dynamics, delivering rich sound that will make any gamer out there happy!
Pros
- Clear mids and highs
- Very comfortable
- 3.5mm jack (so it supports the Vmoda boom pro)
- Budget Friendly
Cons
- Earpads are non-replaceable
- Bass is pretty lackluster
7. Philips Audio Fidelio X2HR
The Philips Audio Fidelio headphones are a favorite of gamers and audiophiles around the world, with their high-end sound quality that will take your music or game to new heights.
These H2HR models have been improved in several ways: their more oval-shaped headband can fit onto larger heads; also comes equipped cable (3mm), 3.5mm connectors at each end as well 6.5 mm adapter so you don’t need another set for traveling purposes!
Philips Audio Fidelio X2HR
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is the perfect way to experience your video games, albums, and artists in an immersive way. With its excellent sound quality that’s clear from the beginning until the end, you will be able to get lost on one of those catchy choruses!
Philips Fidelio X2HR Hi-Res Audio gaming headset is designed to deliver the ultimate audio experience. Experience more of your music, movies, and games with a wider range of sound.
The Fidelio X2HR delivers enhanced bass, clearer highs, and smoother mid-range tones for powerful sound quality that reveals details you’ve been missing.
With its open-back design, it offers an unmatched listening experience for all types of music.
With high-power neodymium magnets and 50mm drivers, the speakers are able to reproduce all your music’s dynamics. Not just for crisp bass but also transparent mids with pristine highs so you can enjoy it at its best quality!
The double-layered ear shells are engineered to provide comfort even after hours of use while blocking ambient noise so you can stay focused on your game or music.
Pros
- Superb, detailed highs and mids
- Excellent soundstage and sound quality
- Good bass for an open headphone
- Excellent build quality
Cons
- A little tight for my average-sized head
- Heavy
How To Select The Best Studio Headphones For Gaming
Studio headphones are designed for professional tasks, like recording, mixing and arranging tracks, which means that they have very neutral sound signatures.
Gaming headphones are a different beast altogether.
These are typically designed with a noticeably heavy low end, decent imaging capabilities, a reasonably-wide sound stage and some noise isolation.
In a nutshell, they sound nothing like studio headphones.
So, while selecting the headphones specifically for gaming, you’d have to keep aside every preset notion that you might have had about how gaming headphones should sound.
Instead, here are some of the factors to consider while shopping for these.
Sound Stage And Imaging
While a very large sound stage is not required for a gaming headphone, it makes the listening experience immersive, which is a prerequisite for gaming.
Imaging on the other hand is one of the factors that we based our choices on, because it can be very useful in some types of games, like FPS shooters.
Open-back headphones have capacious sound stages which make them sound closer to listening a live band playing on stage. The caveat is that they are notorious for leaking sound.
Closed-back ones on the other hand have slightly narrower sound stages, but may offer better imaging and directional cues as compared to open-back ones. (Not always)
All the headphones listed here have an excellent sound stage with decent imaging capabilities.
Build Quality And Comfort
Most studio headphones are designed to take a beating.
That’s irrespective of whether it’s made of aluminum or stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic.
You should have no complaints about the build quality of any of the headphones for gaming in this list. Most of these brands offer replacement parts as well, should one of them get damaged prematurely.
Gaming headphones must be comfortable. There’s no workaround for this. If its uncomfortable, too heavy, too tight, you’ll start to rue your decision to buy them.
To this end, we have picked headphones that offer ample padding, cushy ear cups, removable cables (barring one) and are light weight. Clamping force is subjective, but we have carefully avoided headphones that are known to be too tight out of the box.
Price
Top tier studio headphones can cost anywhere from $100 to $2500 and more.
Not everybody has that kind of cash lying around though. So we have picked headphones at varying price points. There’s one for the budget-minded shopper, a couple for gamers looking for a healthy mix of price and features, and one for the user who cares a hoot about the price tag.
We hope that you can find the best studio headphones for gaming in this list to suit your requirements.
Do you like to listen to music while you play games? Check out the best headphones for gaming and music.
Studio Headphones For Gaming FAQ:
Can Studio Headphones be Used for Gaming?
Yes, they can. While some gamers don’t like wearing anything on their head while playing video games for reasons of comfort or size, there are plenty of gamers who prefer to use studio-quality headphones in order to get the most out of their audio technology.
When making purchases for your gaming headset, keep in mind that you will want a certain amount of product features in order to make the experience more immersive.
Should I Get Studio Headphones Or A Gaming Headset?
It depends on what you want. Any type of headphones will be sufficient for listening to music or watching Youtube videos, but studio headphones are great if you’re recording vocals or live instruments.
There are plenty of good-quality gaming headsets out there, but they may not have the same sound quality as an audiophile would need when using them in a more professional setting.
Ultimately it’s up to your preference and budget.
What Are The Best Studio Headphones For Gaming?
We highly recommend the Sennheiser HD800S or the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x for gaming because they are great at stereo imaging. The level of detail in these headphones is just breathtaking.
This makes them an excellent option not only for competitive online gamers but also for couch-bound players who want to engross themselves fully in the game.
Are Audiophile Headphones Good For Gaming?
Yes, Audiophile Headphones are generally more effective for gaming.
This is because their audio quality allows you to think of the world around you in a different way. Greater immersion leads to less distraction and ultimately better gameplay.
The best bet for an audiophile headphones would be open-back models if they plan on using them exclusively for listening purposes without bothering anyone else nearby because of less sound leakage.
Are Studio Headphones Good For Everyday Use?
Yes, studio headphones are good for everyday use. Studio headphones are of the highest quality with features like noise-canceling and built-in amplifiers all in one package.
What Are The Differences Between Standard And Studio Headphones?
The main difference between studio and standard headphones is the size of the drivers. Studio drivers are usually a little bit larger with a wider frequency range for bass and they typically have more features like active noise cancellation or antimicrobial ear cups.
Studio headphones are great if you’re going to be gaming while listening to music in both quiet and noisy environments.
Are Studio Headphones Better Than Consumer Headphones?
Studio Headphones are one notch above consumer headphones in terms of sound quality, comfort, and fit.
However, the primary difference is that studio headphones have balanced armature drivers whereas consumer headphones have dynamic drivers. Overall, Studio headphones for gaming are better because they provide the most comfortable fitting for your ears with their replaceable ear pads.
Some people find them to be more aesthetically pleasing as well because of their lack of logos on the exterior, which makes them look less bulky on your head or ears when watching movies for example. Ultimately it’s up to personal preference.
Are Studio Headphones Worth It?
Yes, because they offer individual sound isolation for private listening and a tighter seal around the ear.
If you’re using headphones for professional studio applications such as recording, computer audio workstation software, or music editing, or to mix multi-track recordings, you want to get the very best quality possible to minimize distractions and fatigue.
Studio Headphones also provide significant isolation from outside noise and ambient sound leakage so that important musical details can be heard clearly and cleanly.
Final Word
When it comes to gaming, you need the best gear. You want a headset that lets you hear every detail and keeps your head from getting too warm or sweaty.
We’ve compiled this list of 7 Best Studio Headphones for Gaming based on different needs so we can help you find something perfect for what you’re looking for. From our research the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is the perfect headset for most gamers. If none of these meet your expectations, let us know and we’ll see if we have anything else in store!
