Looking for the best open back headphones for gaming? This article gives you the TOP 12 best open back headphones for gaming.
The 12 Best Open Back Headphones for Gaming in 2022 have been tried and tested by gamers, saving you the time and hard work!
Whether you are a pro or casual gamer, having a decent set of headphones can make or break your gaming success.
But why should you choose open back headphones for gaming?
Open Back Headphones vs Closed Back Headphones
The main difference between open back and closed back headphones lies in their design and the impact this has on sound quality and comfort.
Open back headphones are headphones that have the earcups open at the back, exposing the drivers and allowing the free passage of air through vents or grills. This allows sound to escape and come in from the back of the headphones providing improved sound quality, more natural sound, and a better connection to your surroundings.
Other benefits of open back headphones are:
Less sweaty ears. Air can circulate around the earcups so your ears will be able to feel a breeze. This makes this style better for marathon gaming sessions.
Lighter. Open back headphones use less material in the earcups so naturally this style will be a little lighter. Again, making these a great choice for gaming.
More advanced tech. Open back headphones provide greater options for design and technology that their closed back counterparts don’t. This applies mainly to the advanced driver options that exist for open back headphones.
Because of the open back design, this style of headphone is not as good at noise isolation and cancelling as closed back headphones. They can also be uncomfortable for people with larger ears due to their design.
Closed back headphones have the drivers isolated in a closed ear cup design. Due to their design this style has better noise cancelling abilities and produces a stronger bass response, making them an ideal choice for gaming sessions.
Due to their superior noise cancellation, closed back headphones are designed to be portable and used in noisier environments. The result is a wealth of design choices that tend to be smaller, foldable and sturdier design features.
The closed back design may get uncomfortable after long periods of use and often the overall sound quality is not as good.
What to look for in the best open back headphones for gaming?
Frequency Response Range
This is the range of sound reproduced by your headphones. The most common range is 20 Hz – 20 000 Hz. Having a larger frequency response range means a full range of sound. A good gaming headphone should have at least 12 000 Hz for a full spectrum of natural sound.
Style
You can choose from 2 styles for open back headphones- classic and semi-open. The classic style has open vents on the back of both ear cups. The semi-open style has a vent but also includes a panel that covers the back of the driver. The panel prevents as much sound leakage that will prevent disturbing others if you want to user them on a crowded train or library.
Build Quality
It’s important to choose open back headphones that are made of good quality, durable materials. Poor build quality could lead to sound distortion and leakage, as well as them not lasting as they should.
Sound Quality and Noise Isolation
You want to be able to hear your enemies sneak up on you. As you will see, the best open back headphones for gaming will deliver great sound quality and noise isolation features.
Price
Open back headphones tend to be more expensive than the closed back design. But you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a decent pair of quality headphones. Just expect to spend a little more.
Driver Size
Open back headphones tend to be more expensive due to the size of their drivers. The driver determines how loud your device can get and how accurate the sound quality will be. 40mm drivers will do the job for gaming, but many on this list of best open back gaming headsets have 50mm+ drivers.
Comfort
Open back headphones tend to have a slightly tighter fit than other designs so they may get a little uncomfortable after extended periods of use. For gaming, it is important to find a pair of headphones that fit snuggly but also provide comfort for longer gaming sessions.
Introducing the 12 Best Open Back Headphones for Gaming in 2022!
These have been tried and tested by gamers, saving you the time and hard work!
Can be used in wired or wireless mode | | Good quality plastic build |
If you are looking for the best open back headphones for gaming, then these need to be on your list. The Philips Audio Fidelio X2HR are designed with gamers in mind. These headphones give you excellent sound quality at a reasonable price. These headphones have high-res audio and a wide frequency response for full spectrum sound. The speaker trays are tilted at a slight angle to fit the natural curve of your ear. The self-adjusting headband has a dual metal tube design and double-layered ear shells. The Layered Motion Control (LMC) minimizes vibration and maintains a crystal-clear audio experience. The open back design allows air to flow freely to the drivers and your ears, increasing comfort and sound transformation.
Pros- Open-back design for natural, balanced and refined sound
- Solid build quality
- Comfortable tilted foam cushioned ear cups
- 50mm neodymium drivers
- Tilted speaker plates
- Self-adjusting hammock in the headband
- 50mm drivers
Cons- Need to buy additional pads to improve treble sharpness
- No carrying-case
- Microphone performance could be better
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 are the best open back headphones for gaming over long periods. They are designed to provide rich, powerful sound for an immersive 3D gaming experience. The soft headband and low pressure fit make these an ideal choice for long gaming sessions. These headphones mean business when it comes to sound, offering unrivalled tonal depth with their professional mixers and studio monitors. The sound is so good you will forget you are playing a game. These headphones come in 40, 250 or 600 ohms so you can choose the set to suit your needs. All models have a 15-24 hz frequency response, but the open back design means that you will also remain connected to your surroundings. These headphones are ideal for frequent and pro gamers.
Pros- Durable build
- Unbeatable sound quality
- Comes with a carrying case
- Comfortable fit
Cons- Earpads cannot be replaced
- Velour earpads can get a little hot
In contrast to the Beyerdynamic headset above, these closed back Sennheiser GAME ONE headphones are not designed with sound as a priority. Comfort and noise isolation are the primary goals here. Sennheiser have created a basic, comfortable headset with good sound quality, low latency and good noise isolation. In comparison to other more expensive headsets, you may find that these are missing some more advanced features and the sound quality isn’t as good. While these are not the best open back headphones for gaming on the market, they will provide you with the ultimate comfort needed for long gaming sessions.
Pros- Good, realistic sound quality
- Comfortable design and fit with a lightweight headband
- Comes with an oversized pad to place under the headband for extended periods of use
- Open ear pads for a more comfortable, less sweaty fit
- Adjustable microphone that is muted when you move it towards the back of the headphones-easy microphone controls
- Good build quality
Cons- Open ear pads don’t provide the same noise isolation
- May be missing some more advanced features
- Microphone and audio jack are separate.
These Audio-Technica headphones are designed for regular gamers who are looking to take it to the next level. They are equipped with 53mm drivers and lightweight honeycomb aluminium casing, to provide you with full spectrum, natural, immersive sound. These headphones come with a self-adjusting hammock in the headband so you won’t need to keep adjusting the size. The open-air design coupled with flexible raised fabric earpads make these headphones breathable and comfortable for hours on end.
Pros- Nice design
- Great sound quality
- Comfortable fit
- 53mm driver
- Single sided cable with oxygen free copper cabling to reduce tangles and increase longevity
- Good for mids and highs
- Lightweight
Cons- Noise isolation is of average quality
- Lack the technical specifications of more expensive headsets.
- Unimpressive bass sounds
Sennheiser is the pioneer of open back headphones, so it will come as no surprise that these headphones have excellent sound quality, a sexy design and a noise cancelling microphone. Sennheiser have also made sure for the price that the comfort of these headphones is unrivalled. The build is completely plastic but don’t let this fool you, these headphones are built to last.
Pros- Comfortable headband and spacious replaceable earcups
- 3.5-metre-long cable
- Great bass sound
- Lightweight
- Large ear cups made with breathable ear cushions
- Flip-to-mute mic
Cons- All plastic build
- Concave mids
- Ambient sound sensitivity
- 38mm driver
These semi-open back headphones by Samson provide epic sound for a very reasonable price. These headphones feature 50mm neodymium drivers that deliver good bass and frequency responses from 10-30 khz. These features allow for cleaner, sharper and more natural sound. The semi-open back design with velour earcups provides the perfect level of comfort. Designed for professional studio use, Samson’s headphones will give you the immersive, natural sound you want for the best gaming experience.
Pros- Simple design
- Affordable price
- Very lightweight
- Durable build quality
- Self-adjusting earpads and headband
- Price
Cons- Does not prevent much ambient sound
These are the coolest headphones on the block. If you are looking for the best open back headphones for gaming, then these may just be it. The Hifiman HE400i are planar magnetic headphones that deliver low distortion, tight bass and a deep soundstage. The massive diaphragm allows high signal input and flexible bass and treble. Hifiman have also designed these headphones for ultimate comfort. They are 30% lighter than comparable headphones and feature hybrid earpads and a hammock headband. Perfect for competitions or long gaming sessions.
Pros- Amazing soundscape and quality of sound
- Contemporary design
- Comfortable headband with improved pressure pattern
- Comes with a 3.5m oxygen free copper cable
- Velour and leatherette ear cups
- Can be used with a modest sized amplifier
Cons- Earcups can get a little hot
- Build does not feel very sturdy
Hifiman are up to their magnet tricks again with the Deva-Pro. These feature acoustically invisible stealth magnets that reduce interference and distortion when sound waves pass through them. Unlike the 400i above, these use a Bluetooth adapter- the Bluemini R2R, as well as the 3.5m cable. So you can choose whether you want to go wired or wireless. If you are looking for the best wireless open back headphones for gaming, then these need to be a serious contender. The new style diaphragm used by the Deva-Pro is 80% thinner giving you faster response and fuller spectrum sound.
Pros- Fantastic sound
- Can be used in wired or wireless mode
- Large over ear ear cups
- Good Bluetooth connectivity with 35-40ft range
Cons- Only 6.5 hours battery life with one charge
- No carrying-case
- Connectivity issues when connected to multiple devices
50mm neodymium drivers, an omnidirectional microphone, wireless connectivity and noise cancellation, make these a tough contender for the best wireless open back headphones for gaming. The drivers deliver great sound quality and range, so you won’t miss a minute of action. The microphone provides exceptional clarity and is muted when flipped up, so no messing around with buttons or switches. The 4ghz wireless technology provides low latency connectivity and operates via a handy USB adapter. Corsair have also made sure that you are able to reduce distractions during gaming sessions with noise-cancelling technology. Not convinced yet? Wait until you try the plush memory foam adjustable ear cups that mould to the shape of your ear.
Pros- Great quality sound
- 50mm drivers
- Removable microphone
- 4Ghz wireless technology via a USB adapter
- Noise cancelling technology
- 16 hours battery life with one charge
- 40ft wireless range
Cons- Mic doesn’t always work well in wireless mode
If you are looking for something to connect easily to your Xbox One, then the Corsair HS750 model could be a great choice.
These open back over-ear Philips headphones deliver great sound quality with surprisingly strong bass. Like many of the best open back gaming headset, these have 50mm neodymium angled drivers. These align perfectly with your ear, providing great clarity of sound. The frequency response is 12-35000Hz and combined with the drivers, deliver full spectrum natural sound. These headphones feature a double layered headband cushion and breathable ear cushions for maximum comfort.
Pros- Crisp bass, transparent mids, and smooth highs
- Super comfortable design with breathable ear cushions
- Precision sound
- Angled earcups provide comfort and clear sound
- Steel headband
- 1.2m cable and 3.5mm jack
Cons- Maybe too much base for competitive gaming
- Microphone not included
- Not such great build quality
This upgraded version of the PC37X is a collaboration between Drop and Sennheiser. This represents the next evolution in the best open back gaming headsets. The PC38X gaming headset features stunning detailed sound and great frequency response. Like Philips above, these also feature angled drivers to provide improved stereo imaging and locational accuracy for an immersive gaming experience. The optimized noise cancelling microphone is designed so you can be heard clearly over any ambient noise. You won’t complain about the comfort level of these headphones. With a breathable mesh-knit pad on the headband and soft earcups in mesh-knit or velour, you will barely notice you are wearing them.
Pros- Fantastic sound
- Compatible with a variety of consoles including Xbox one
- Good quality plastic build
- Microphone with noise cancelling technology
- Comfortable fit
- Comes with 2 separate cables for Pc and console
- Comes with a travel pouch
Cons- Not the prettiest of designs
The EPOS H6Pro is an open back wired acoustic headset and a favourite with the pro gamers. It uses the best transducers on the market for masterfully reproduced audio and a realistic gaming experience. The headset is designed for long gaming sessions with a slim padded headband and hinged earcups that conform to the shape and size of your ears and head. The microphone has a slim removable magnetic boom arm and controls for volume and mute can be found on the earcups for ease-of-use and access. These headphones can compete with the best open back gaming headset and is compatible with all major platforms and consoles.
Pros- Removable microphone boom arm
- Comfortable fit
- Good sound quality
- Widely compatible with platforms and consoles
- Lightweight
- Come in white, black or green
- Come in open back or closed back design
Cons- Not great for people with bigger heads
The list above contains the TOP 12 best open back headphones for gaming and the best wireless open back headphones for gaming.
When looking for the best open back gaming headset you should consider sound and comfort above all else.
Prices do vary but there is no need to give your bank manager a heart attack. You can get an amazing set of headphones to meet all your gaming needs for less than $100.
Happy hunting!
