10 Best Gaming Headsets & Headphones

39 Comments

1. denis

   6:07 PM - Nov 2, 2015

   Hi, What is the difference between Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X and Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X especially for the CS-GO? If there is no difference I’d rather save $ 40.

   And i have ASRock B85M Pro4 with Realtek ALC890, need to buy a discrete sound card or Realtek ALC890 cope with these headphones?

   Reply

2. Headphones Addict

   4:22 PM - Nov 16, 2015

   The ATH-AD500X have more bass, a lot more compared to AD700X which isn’t helpful for competitive gameplay because loud, bassy explosions will overpower all “smaller sounds” like footsteps… which you want to hear in CS:GO. If you want absolute best competitive headphones for CS:GO, ATH-AD700X are the 1st choice, but if you more affordable headphones with better immersive experience then AD500X will do the job. You should ask yourself, do you want maximum advantage in CS:GO or do you also want to play other games and hear the bass?

   The soundcard will be good enough to drive these headphones, though you could still get some additional benefit in sound quality by getting a better one.

   Reply

3. Eddie

   11:50 PM - Nov 22, 2015

   HAve you had any experience with the DT880s? I’ve heard that these are have more balanced sound than the 770 and 990 as they don’t over emphasize the bass. I was wondering if someone could confirm this.

   Reply

   1. Eddie

      12:25 AM - Nov 23, 2015

      Also if you have an opinion on the m50x compared to the DT770Pro that would also be appreciated.

      Reply

      1. Headphones Addict

         4:21 PM - Dec 17, 2015

         They are both very similar headphones, over-ear, comfortable, good noise isolation, emphasized bass, but when it comes to gaming, DT770 PRO have better soundstage in our opinion. So if positional accuracy is important to you, if you play FPS games like CS:GO, Battlefield… Beyerdynamic DT770 PRO have a slight edge in this regard.

         Reply

   2. Headphones Addict

      4:15 PM - Dec 17, 2015

      You heard correct. DT770 Pro do have stronger bass.

      Reply

4. A Bird

   5:50 AM - Apr 13, 2016

   This article’s been around for a while, so I don’t know if you still read these, but if you do: When you recommend non-“gaming” headphones, you emphasize how this will get you more quality for your buck. However, the headphones listed far outprice all but the most high-end headsets on the list. Do you think that, unless investing in more high end headphones, “gaming” headsets are the way to go? And/or do you have any recommendations for more budget-oriented headphones?

   Reply

   1. Headphones Addict

      2:48 PM - Apr 24, 2016

      You are correct, if you just want a good value for money gaming headphones, go for the affordable gaming headsets. But if you are willing to spend more money and want the absolute best advantage for specific genres of games (there are no best headphones for everything), than high-end audiophile headphones with a modmic is the way to go.

      Reply

5. Irfan

   1:42 PM - May 18, 2016

   Is the sound on the Sennheiser PC363d comparable to that of the HD598?

   Reply

   1. Headphones Addict

      11:36 AM - May 31, 2016

      The quality is comparable, but it differs slightly in sound signature.

      Reply

6. Jonatha

   5:02 PM - May 21, 2016

   Hello, I have a ATH-AD700X to games, and was looking to buy a sound card.
   you have some suggestions?

   Reply

   1. Headphones Addict

      11:33 AM - May 31, 2016

      Sorry we’re not experts on PC sound cards so have no idea.

      Reply

7. Moses

   8:33 AM - Jun 12, 2016

   hello

   hd598 vs ath-ad700x for gaming (mmorpg and flight simulators)?

   i want big soundstage but looking for very clear and high quality sound..
   really not sure which one to buy..

   any of u guys have an advice?

   Reply

   1. Headphones Addict

      8:44 AM - Jun 13, 2016

      HD598 are more versatile and you’ll get better sound quality out it while still having good soundstage and details, ATH-AD700X are better only at FPS where you need monster soundstage and detail whoring.

      Since you’ll be playing MMORPGs and flight simulators, I’d go with Sennheiser HD598.

      Reply

8. Jacques

   5:04 AM - Jul 8, 2016

   First, thanks mates for taking the time to reply to questions on this topic, pretty awesome that you have.

   Secondly, the question:
   I tried the PC363D I believe they were, but honestly, they looked ridiculous in the color schemes and with the giant mic boom.

   Value of going a HD598 + V-Moda Boom Pro vs the PC363D? (not considering the included usb sound card that comes with the PC363D)

   I do love the more subtle, wood toned styling of the HD598.

   If only they made a wireless open-backed headset with quality mic, I’d be in heaven.

   Reply

   1. Headphones Addict

      4:35 PM - Jul 8, 2016

      While Sennheiser HD598 headphones do have detachable cables, their plugin input is 2.5mm and V-Moda mic is 3.5mm so you’d need to use an adapter which isn’t optimal. Either go for AntLion ModMic or a whole headset in one.

      Reply

9. Brandon

   1:33 PM - Jul 11, 2016

   Great site, exactly the info I need.

   I’m leaning toward the Fidelio + Modmic combo, due to the cost of the other gaming headsets (might as well get the best actual quality if I’m spending $300.00).

   You mentioned 2 things that I’m interested in learning more about:

   The 3.5mm connection to a ps4? Would this plug into the controller (with a splitter for the mic)? Isn’t optical the best way to transmit audio? I feel like the audio quality would be degraded whenngoing through the controller due to its Bluetooth connection.

   And, you mentioned somewhere that a Lozano would be recommended, but you don’t talk a lot about this piece of the puzzle. Is there any more information on which one to get and How to set it up?

   I know it’s a lot of questions but I’m the type that divrs into the details of large’ish purchases.

   Thank you for the great site.

   And

   Reply

   1. Headphones Addict

      8:14 PM - Jul 13, 2016

      The only way to connect the headphones and the mic to the controller is through the 3.5mm plug, there is no way to connect the headphones through an optical cable since it’s a different kind of transmission. Optical=digital, 3.5mm=analog.

      Yes you need a splitter to connect headphones and the microphone into the console controller.

      True Bluetooth isn’t the best for music transmission, but this is the best you get with consoles right now and it actually isn’t that bad.

      Yes the Mixamp is recommended when you’re connecting high-end headphones to a gaming console like a PS4, you will get better sound since Mixamp acts as an amplifier and high-end headphones like Philips X2 Fidelio really shine when given more power.

      Reply

10. Brandan

    6:16 PM - Sep 29, 2016

    Don’t know if you’re still replying to comments but which do you think I should get for mainly CSGO? can’t decide between the Audio Technica ath ad700x or the Sennheiser HD 598. The ad700x is $60 cheaper than the 598’s.

    Reply

    1. Headphones Addict

       3:09 PM - Oct 8, 2016

       Audio-Technica are better for CSGO, but HD598 better overall… more immersive sound.

       Reply

11. Thales

    6:35 AM - Oct 17, 2016

    What do you say about the Fidelio L2 ? I have only 3 options : The Fidelio L2 , the Hyperx Cloud Revolver and the Fidelio X2. The X2 is double the price while the other 2 have similar price. Music quality is important too ( basically old classic rock, prog, blues). What should I
    I choose? The L2 soundstage is good? The expensive X2 really makes a lot of difference?
    Sorry for the poor english.

    Reply

    1. Headphones Addict

       9:56 AM - Oct 24, 2016

       The X2 are best for music and details in gaming, but lack microphone. The HyperX Cloud Revolver are good at details and competitive gaming, but lack sound quality for music and immersive gameplay, is in, non-competitive. Not familiar with L2. There is not perfect choice, you have to know what you want more, music sound quality over convenience, or vice versa.

       Reply

       1. Thales

          3:13 AM - Oct 28, 2016

          Thanks for the reply! This site is relly detailed and full of information. Very nice job!
          Just put my hands (and ears) on the Fidelio X2 and already listened to some albums (The Who -Quadrophenia, Pink Floyd – The Wall, Gentle Giant – In a Glass House and ZZ Top – Tres Hombres). I am really amazed with the clarity and detail! It is really comfortable too! Some people told me the AKG701 QC has wider soundstage… Is this true?
          Another question, how the soundstage of the ATH-AD900x compares to the ATH-AD700x? Is there a top pick for prog rock, classic rock and blues? I basically listen to music from the sixties an seventies… I am looking for detail, clarity, soundstage and accuracy.
          Thanks in advance.

          Reply

          1. Thales

             4:17 AM - Oct 28, 2016

             I will bother you again. I forgot to ask: Wich headphone would be better suited for Jimmy Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan?
             Thanks.

             Reply

          2. Headphones Addict

             11:48 AM - Nov 3, 2016

             There is no major difference in soundstage and detail when it comes to 900X vs 700X, but the AD700X are cheaper, thus better value for money. 🙂

             Reply

12. Darren

    12:31 PM - Oct 22, 2016

    Thanks for this headphone shopping guide,really detailed and always updated.
    I found out Razer Hammerhead not really fit my tastes.What I really looking for was earbud that versatiles to my usage:Gaming and listen to EDM(dubstep,glitch hop,electro) music on mobile devices.

    I came to my mind that I might wanna try a combination of the earbuds with some little magic,like adding Comply’s foam tips,add the Sony ECMCS3 mic…There,$40-ish on the cart and I have $60 left for buying the earbud.

    So here is what I leaning for:
    -Sennheiser CX 300 ii Precision
    -Comply Foam Tips Isolation TX-400
    -Sony ECMC53 mic

    What do you think?If you have any suggestion,fell free to add it.I don’t mind if there is no tangle-free and in-line remote for smartphone,just need a versatility of experiencing both gaming and EDM.

    Thanks again for this site and keep up!

    Reply

    1. Headphones Addict

       9:49 AM - Oct 24, 2016

       Yes that’s a good combination if you’re willing to deal with 2 cables. I assume you’ll be using this combo at home. The bass with these earbuds will come out nicely which is perfect for your music genres.

       Reply

13. Sarah

    1:52 AM - Nov 27, 2016

    The Sennheiser HD 598 would be my best pick for the money. I’ve already tried that stuff and it works pretty well. Don’t know about other games but it’s pretty effective on CS:GO. You can hear every foot step nearly approaching.

    Reply

14. Boonierat

    11:27 PM - Jul 19, 2017

    How is the ATX-AD700X compared to the 900X or 1000X in terms of overall sound and soundstage?

    Reply

    1. Headphonersaddict

       4:24 PM - Jul 20, 2017

       All are super accurate and full of details made for studio use. AD700X and AD1000X use same size 53mm drivers, open back, basically have all the same stats. I’d go with AD700X and save some money.

       Some say AD900/1000X have more bass and while that might be true they still have less bass than most other headphones.

       If you listen to music as well as play games then you’d do better to get closed-back headphones = better bass and still good soundstage. Check out Beyerdynamic DT 880 PRO. Closed-back, good soundstage, good bass, good accuracy.

       Reply

       1. Boonierat

          5:28 PM - Jul 20, 2017

          Yeah, but if one goes for that, may as well go for the X2’s. The Beyerdynamic DT 880 PRO has 250 ohm impedance. So driving it properly would require buying an additional amp. I have seen some changing the earcups of the ATX-AD700X to pleather ones. That supposedly improves bass slightly. Was actually wondering how they compared to the Superlux HD668B?
          Still, great reviews. I always point everyone to this page when they ask about gaming headphones. Thanks!

          Reply

          1. Headphonersaddict

             1:39 PM - Jul 21, 2017

             Thank you for your compliment. We really appreciate it.

             Superlux HD668B are more like a poor man’s AD700X. Semi open back, little bass, still wide soundstage but not as good as AD700X and for a lower price.

             Actually there’s a 32, 80 and 250 ohm versions of Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO. We recommend the 80 ohm version for gaming.

             Reply

             1. Boonierat

                9:52 PM - Jul 22, 2017

                Ah, never knew that. Thank you!

15. Boonierat

    5:23 AM - Oct 4, 2017

    I got to listen to the AD700x and was quite blown away. This review is an excellent reference point. Curious about the Sennheiser HD 599 though. Anyone ever given it a try? How does it compare to the X2?

    Reply

16. surajpalsinghuppal

    9:56 PM - Feb 6, 2019

    Great article very helpfull, after reading the article I searched for sennheiser hd 558 but I didn’t found any stock, on official site those are priced at 13k and the model HD 559 is for 8k and tech spec doesn’t speak that much about the difference, and I cant even find any difference online. Just wondering would it be wise spend on HD 559.

    Reply

    1. HeadphonesAddict

       5:03 PM - Feb 7, 2019

       The HD 559 are the updated model of the HD 558 but they’re basically the same open-back headphones with good soundstage. We’ll probably update the recommendation because it’s kind of hard to get the 558 nowadays. Both are good though.

       Reply

       1. surajpalsinghuppal

          6:16 PM - Feb 7, 2019

          Recently like on Amazon I searched for HD 518 and Amazon suggested the newer model to this is 559, and when I searched for HD 558 it say the newer model to this is HD 579. Really confused now and I am worried as I already ordered HD 559 form online sennheiser shop I hope the sound quality is not compromised and Headphones are as good as HD 558

          Reply

          1. HeadphonesAddict

             2:58 PM - Feb 8, 2019

             Amazon is often wrong about those recommendations. The HD 559 are better value for money as they cost less. If you’re considering the 579 then you might as well get the 599. For the price, the 559 are great.

             Reply

17. Payball

    11:55 AM - Nov 19, 2019

    Hi Headphonesaddict,

    First of all an excellent reviews guide!

    I was wondering which headphone/headset you recommended for a punching bass in gaming environment? I am between Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO and HyperX
    Cloud Alpha. Is there are great difference in bass between these two? I prefer to go for HyperX Cloud Alpha as it has a mic. I already own Superlux HD668B and the Plantronics Backbeat Pro but would like one with more bass.

    Thank you for recommendations

    Greetings

    Reply