You’re an audiophile, and you love gaming, but you need high-quality headphones that don’t muffle sound and still work when it’s noisy.
When you’re fighting off an enemy in a game, hearing the footsteps and sound of breathing around you can give you the edge over your opponents, if your headphones can’t provide that clarity, then they’re a useless investment for both your game time and your audio listening pleasure.
These state-of-the-art audiophile headphones are precisely tuned to deliver high-quality stereo sound while blocking out external noise so they’ll always be able to focus on what’s going on inside the game, not outside. These headphones let you experience games like never before. With a wide frequency range, they’ll make everything seem more immersive and exciting! Experience video games as they were meant to be played.
Today, we are discussing the ten best audiophile gaming headphones. Before getting started, let’s know some basic things about audiophile headphones.
Recommended
Editor’s Choice
Premium Pick
Budget Pick
Runner Up
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Top 11 Favorite Audiophiles Headphones for Gaming
We chose these 10 headphones with a few things to keep in mind; sound, noise cancellation, immersion, comfort, features. Now let’s start the countdown from 1 to 11.
1. MONODEAL Bone Conduction Headphones–Recommended
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Open Ear Design ✅ Bluetooth 5.3 ✅ Bone Conduction Technology ✅ Noise-Canceling Boom Microphone ✅ Waterproof ✅ Wireless |
❌ Battery Life ❌ Comfort |
The MONODEAL Bone Conduction Headphones with Mic deliver an innovative listening experience, leveraging Bluetooth 5.3 for an ultra-fast, seamless connection. Crafted to rest comfortably on the user’s temples, these headphones use bone conduction technology to transmit sound waves directly into the cochlea, ensuring no loss in audio quality while keeping your ears open to ambient noise.
Equipped with a noise-canceling boom microphone, these headphones filter out background disturbances for clear, professional-grade calls, making them perfect for work, driving, or a home office setup. In addition, the inclusion of a high-quality wireless headset ensures freedom of movement without sacrificing audio integrity.
Durability is another defining feature, with a waterproof design capable of withstanding challenging conditions. Its IPX5 rating guarantees resilience against sweat and light rain, suitable for intensive workouts or outdoor activities.
The MONODEAL Bone Conduction Headphones embody convenience, comfort, and advanced audio technology, creating a perfect balance between functionality and user experience. As a tool for work or entertainment, these headphones are a solid choice, combining commercial-quality performance with user-centric design elements.
2. SENNHEISER HD 660 S – HiRes Audiophile -Editor’s Choice
| Pros | Cons |
|
✅ High Quality Sound with Low Harmonic Distortion |
❌ Open Back Design Can Let in Ambient Noise ❌ Not Ideal for Mobile Use due to Long Cable ❌ Not as Flat Sound as Other Audiophile Headphones ❌ Requires Quiet Environment for Optimum Experience |
The SENNHEISER HD 660 S is truly a remarkable headphone, belonging to the reference-class category. Its open-back, dynamic design ensures a captivating and immersive listening experience, while delivering an exceptional level of detail. What sets these headphones apart is the incorporation of new and improved transducers, which significantly reduce harmonic distortion, resulting in an even more pristine sound reproduction.
One remarkable feature of the HD 660 S is the careful selection of transducers, guaranteeing an exact left/right matching tolerance. This meticulous attention to detail ensures outstanding accuracy and presentation of stereo spatial characteristics, allowing you to appreciate every subtle nuance in your favorite music.
With a nominal impedance of 150 ohms, the HD 660 S offers remarkable versatility. It effortlessly connects to both home and mobile Hi-Res audio devices, providing you with the freedom to enjoy your music wherever you go. The included cables, reinforced with para-aramid and crafted from high conductive OFC copper, ensure impeccable signal integrity and minimal handling noise. As a result, your listening experience remains unblemished, delivering a clean and crystal-clear audio output, free from any unwanted disturbances.
The open-back design of the HD 660 S is another noteworthy aspect that contributes to its exceptional performance. By allowing sound to escape through the back of the ear cups, these headphones create a more open and airy soundstage. This enhanced spatial quality further immerses you in your music, letting you feel as though you’re right in the midst of a live performance. However, it’s important to note that the open-back design may also permit some ambient noise to enter the ear cups. While this may not be an issue in quieter environments, it could pose a drawback for individuals who prefer to enjoy their music in noisier surroundings.
One aspect that might polarize users is the length of the cable provided with the HD 660 S. For some, it may be seen as a slight inconvenience, particularly when using the headphones on the go. However, for those who primarily use their headphones in a stationary setup, such as at home or in a studio, the lengthier cable offers added convenience and freedom of movement.
In terms of sound signature, the HD 660 S offers a balanced profile that caters to a broad range of listeners. The audio reproduction is accurate and detailed across the entire frequency spectrum, pleasing most music enthusiasts. However, for those seeking a completely flat sound response, the HD 660 S may not meet their specific preferences.
3. Ultrasone Performance 880 Headphones – Premium Pick
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Light and small in size, so it’s well suited for a trip. ✅ Excellent sound without the need for more expensive headphones. ✅ It supports all portable devices with full compatibility. ✅ It is pleasurable for the ears, which many people say is just the right amount of bass, unlike other headphones that are too much. ✅ Good effective noise suppression so that you do not hear the outside world when playing games or listening to music. |
❌Removable strips were too strong to remove and thus could break off. ❌Upper bass may not be productive for the majority, so audiophiles can only listen. ❌The cable was not detachable, so you have to keep the annoying cable. ❌Untuned cups and plastic wire are too apt to transfer microphonic vibration so that you can hear vibrations when you do not want to. |
The Ultrasone Performance 880 headphones are one of the best in-ear headphones available on the market today. They aren’t just for gamers; they’re a genuine audiophile product that can enjoy many different activities like watching TV and listening to music.
When you pick up these headphones, you get an experience that will blow your mind at how rich and exhilarating the sound is. Compared to conventional headphones, with S-LogicA Plus technology, a lower sound pressure level is necessary at the same volume level (3 – 4dB), improving clarity and making it easier for listeners to hear every detail of their favorite songs.
The unique S-LogicA Plus design reflects the sound more frequently before reaching the inner ear, which creates a spatial impression normally only expected from high-quality speakers. A broad stereo soundstage allows listeners to completely immerse themselves in the music and enjoy a fatigue-free listening experience.
The Ultrasone Performance 880 headphones have a straight 3 mm cable and a gold-plated 3.5 mm jack. It allows you to switch the cable to connect to another device easily. A 1.2m auxiliary cable has a microphone and remote control coupled with a 6.3mm gold-plated screw-on adapter to connect with a mobile phone, tablet, or other portable devices.
The one thing that makes these headphones so great is that they have an in-ear design that creates a robust bass response, with three different interchangeable acoustic filters you can choose between.
4. HyperX Cloud II – Budget Pick 
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Very comfortable so you won’t feel any discomfort ✅ Excellent sound quality so you will hear everything your character is saying or what the enemies are saying. ✅ Excellent battery life, so you will be able to use it for many hours without worrying about the battery dying. |
❌ On the PS 3 or Xbox 360, it is unsupported. ❌ Average mic, so it may not work for people who like to talk on the mic during games. |
If you’ve ever heard the term “gaming headphones,” you’re undoubtedly aware of some of the most excellent headsets. The HyperX Cloud II is a fantastic headphone that includes a newly built USB A and a couple of speakers for a sound card that enhances audio and speech for an ideal Hi-Fi gaming experience. You will be able to hear what you have been missing with it.
The wider frequency range lets in all of the details that other gamers will never know–the rustle of a camper’s boot during rain in Titanfall 2 or the scuttle in a distant vent in Dark Souls 3. With virtual 7.1 surround sound with distance and depth, this headset is perfect for gaming, watching movies, or listening to music. This headset, compatible with the Xbox One, will work with an add-on adapter from Microsoft. However, this is unsupported on Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3.
It can help to hide any outside noises and isolate you from the rest of your surroundings. Since this headset is so comfortable, you can use it for hours at a time without getting tired or feeling discomfort.
5. Razer Nari Essential Wireless 7.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset – Runner Up
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Powerful sound so you can hear every detail. ✅ A sturdy and comfortable design so you are not straining from wearing the headset. ✅ THX Spatial Audio so you can hear the sound as if you were in the middle of a movie or a game. ✅ 7.1-channel surround sound so you can hear even the slightest sounds. ✅ Excellent mic so you can call your friends without any trouble. |
❌ A bit expensive for some people. ❌ A bit heavy, so wearing it for long periods could be troublesome. |
The Razer Nari Essential is very lightweight and durable. It makes it easy to wear for long periods without the need for adjusting the headset throughout. The battery has a lifespan of up to ten hours per charge, which is great because when you’re not playing, you can quickly put the headset on a stand or in its carrying case and take off the battery. The headset also has an auto-adjusting system, so it fits your unique shape, and all major adjustments are done with just one button. It is very comfortable to wear because of the plush leatherette ear cushions, which also cover your ears for excellent sound isolation. The Nari Essential also provides THX Spatial Audio, creating this incredible virtual surround sound experience that makes games more spectacularly immersive than ever before. All these features make this gaming headset one of a kind!
6. Meze 99 Classics Walnut Silver 
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Clear, smooth & direct so you can hear all the notes. ✅ Astonishingly treble-focused bass that permits you to enjoy every song, film, or video game sound. ✅ Excellent tone quality and an incredible feeling of comfort both on and off. ✅ Luxurious appeal so that they look and feel wonderful |
❌ Not the most vibrant, so that some high-energy tracks might sound a bit sedate. |
In my opinion, the Meze 99 Classics Walnut Silver is an excellent pair of headphones. They are well-designed and durable. The wooden components of the headphones are perfect for someone who wants a one-of-a-kind design. The ear cups are handcrafted from walnut wood and come with soft PU leather ear pads for comfort.
Another nice aspect of these cans is that they can be serviced at any time, thanks to their fully-functional design—they’re even built with stainless steel hardware and memory foam ear cups. These headphones also include a spring steel headband, which can be used in multiple positions for ultimate comfort. Overall, this is a great-sounding and durable pair of headphones.
I’d also like to add that I was very pleasantly surprised with the Meze 99 Classics Walnut Silver’s sound quality and would recommend it to anyone looking for a pair of inexpensive headphones that provide good sound quality. Fully serviceable, with a clean sound, these headphones are a good fit for gamers and music lovers alike.
7. CORSAIR VIRTUOSO RGB WIRELESS XT
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ High-quality audio ✅ Wireless and Bluetooth connectivity ✅ Comfortable design ✅ Spatial audio support ✅ Detachable microphone ✅ RGB lighting ✅ Long battery life |
❌ Price ❌ Weight ❌ Limited console functionality ❌ Charging method ❌ Large ear cups ❌ Potential interference |
The CORSAIR VIRTUOSO RGB WIRELESS XT is a high-fidelity gaming headset that offers an immersive audio experience for gamers on various platforms, including Mac, PC, PS5, PS4, and Xbox Series X/S. With its sleek slate design, this headset combines style, comfort, and performance to elevate your gaming sessions.
One of the main features of the VIRTUOSO RGB WIRELESS XT is its exceptional sound quality. The headset supports high-fidelity audio and spatial audio technologies, such as Dolby Atmos and Windows Sonic, which provide a more immersive and realistic soundstage. This enhanced audio experience allows you to pinpoint enemy movements and fully appreciate in-game soundtracks.
Connectivity is another strong point of the VIRTUOSO RGB WIRELESS XT. The headset offers both wireless and Bluetooth options, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices and providing flexibility in how you use the headset. This makes it an ideal choice for gamers who switch between multiple platforms.
Comfort is a priority with the VIRTUOSO RGB WIRELESS XT, as it features premium memory foam earpads and an adjustable headband. This ensures that the headset remains comfortable even during extended gaming sessions. However, the relatively large ear cups and heavier weight of the headset may not be suitable for everyone.
The detachable, broadcast-grade omnidirectional microphone ensures clear and accurate communication during multiplayer gaming sessions. This allows you to stay connected with your teammates and coordinate strategies effectively.
For those who enjoy personalizing their gaming gear, the VIRTUOSO RGB WIRELESS XT features customizable RGB lighting that can be adjusted using the CORSAIR iCUE software. This allows you to create a unique look that matches your gaming setup.
Despite its numerous advantages, the VIRTUOSO RGB WIRELESS XT has some drawbacks. The premium price point may be a concern for budget-conscious buyers, and some features may not be fully supported on all consoles. Additionally, the USB-C charging method may be inconvenient for users who prefer wireless charging.
In conclusion, the CORSAIR VIRTUOSO RGB WIRELESS XT is a high-quality gaming headset that delivers an exceptional audio experience, comfort, and versatility. Its sleek design, customizable RGB lighting, and compatibility with various platforms make it an excellent choice for gamers seeking an immersive and personalized gaming experience.
8. AKG Pro Audio K712 PRO 
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ The excellent build quality allows them to last long ✅ The bass is very friendly and can be readily appreciated. ✅ The sound quality is suitable for any game you want to play. ✅ Neutral mids, so no muddy sounds |
❌ Bounced off the low notes ❌ Highs can be taxing if listened to for a long time. |
The AKG Pro Audio K712 PRO is an excellent set of headphones for gamers. These are crystal clear and crisp from top to bottom. There’s also plenty of isolation, which helps you focus on the game sounds while blocking out distractions and people talking to you in real life (who wants to hear that?).
The sound quality for gamers was also top-notch. They produce decent bass, which is suitable for games like Grand Theft Auto V or Fallout 4, etc.
9. Sony WH-1000XM5 
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Superior Noise Cancellation ✅ Excellent Sound Quality ✅ Clear Hands-Free Calling ✅ Long Battery Life with Quick Charging ✅ Comfortable and Lightweight ✅ Multipoint Connection ✅ Convenient Touch Controls ✅ Ambient Sound and Speak-to-Chat Feature ✅ Auto Pause and Play Feature |
❌ Requires EQ Adjustment for Optimal Sound ❌ Complicated Initial Pairing Process ❌ High Noise Floor ❌ Lacks Sweat/Water Resistance ❌ Call Quality Could Be Better |
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a premium set of headphones that leads the industry in terms of noise cancellation. Equipped with an integrated Processor V1 and eight microphones controlled by two processors, it provides unprecedented noise cancellation. This is further optimized by the Auto NC Optimizer, which adjusts noise cancellation based on the wearing conditions and environment.
The sound quality of these headphones is excellent, engineered to perfection for an immersive audio experience. However, the out-of-the-box sound signature might feel too dark for some, and EQ adjustment could be necessary for a more balanced audio profile.
Clear hands-free calling is a breeze with the WH-1000XM5, thanks to the four beamforming microphones, precise voice pickup, and advanced audio signal processing. However, while adequate for most situations, the call quality might not be on par with headphones specifically designed for calls in noisy environments.
One standout feature of the Sony WH-1000XM5 is the long battery life, providing up to 30 hours of playback. Additionally, quick charging ensures that a three-minute charge can deliver three hours of playback. The headphones also support multipoint connections, making it easy to switch between devices.
In terms of convenience, the Sony WH-1000XM5 comes equipped with intuitive touch control settings for pausing, playing, skipping tracks, controlling volume, activating your voice assistant, and answering phone calls. Additionally, the Speak-to-Chat and Quick Attention mode provide everyday convenience by stopping your music and letting in ambient sound when needed.
The auto pause and play feature is a noteworthy addition, automatically pausing music when the headphones are taken off and resuming when they’re put back on. And while the headphones lack sweat/water resistance, the ultra-comfortable, lightweight design with soft fit leather is a significant advantage, ensuring comfort during prolonged usage.
10. Philips Audio Philips SHP9500
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Comfortable design so you don’t have to worry about using them for hours on end. ✅ The gold-plated connectors give a much more premium feel, which is a first impression the buyer might get from the product. ✅ Good audio reproduction, so the sound is vibrant and clear. ✅ Good build quality so they don’t feel like they will break after prolonged use. |
❌ Impractically bulky headphones that can’t be practical for other activities such as commuting and travel. ❌ Imperfect noise cancellation so external sounds could get into the audio experience and put off some that enjoy more immersive music. ❌ The fact that it’s an open-back design means sound leaks can happen, so you might want to use this in a quiet environment. |
The Philips Audio SHP9500 headphones are a relatively new release by the reputable company Philips. These headphones are designed for those that enjoy a high-quality, rich soundscape while listening to music. They’re over-ear, open-back headphones that allow the sound to be more prominent and more accessible to hear due to their spacious design.
The double-layered headband cushion provides added comfort while adding just the right amount of tension for a secure fit and providing long-lasting use without wear and tear. There’s also an included cable with gold-plated connectors, but since you’ll be using it with audiophile-grade equipment, there’s also a 6.3-3.5mm adapter.
11. HIFIMAN Arya
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Well-made and enduring so that they will last long. ✅ A very neutral sound profile, so they will not give your ears a headache. ✅ Sizable, open-air soundstage. |
❌ No controls, so you can’t personalize the sound. ❌ A little heavy at times. |
If you’re searching for a gaming headset that provides you with immersive sound and an excellent soundstage, then I would strongly advise you to try out the HIFIMAN Arya headphones. I like these headphones because the pads on the headphones are super soft, which means they will not create any discomfort or suffering while you wear them for an extended time.
The sound quality of this headset also impressed me because it’s crystal clear without any distortion, which means you’ll be able to hear the details in your game without issues constantly.
What Are Audiophile Headphones?
Audiophile headphones are high-quality headphones that emphasize producing a clear and precise audio experience with a wide frequency range. It typically has more significant drivers and higher impedance to reduce clipping effects and a stylish design for personal use or gaming because of its superior sound reproduction capabilities. It is the closest to how music was meant to be heard!
Audiophile headphones are designed for the person who craves a more detailed soundscape and the most accurate reproduction of audio possible. They’re perfect for anyone who wants to hear everything on their favorite music with crystal clarity and get lost in sound.
Top-quality materials like aluminum and titanium, combined with a more robust driver, give audiophile headphones the ability to recreate your music and video game sounds as they were initially intended. These headphones are designed to deliver a singular sound that is not distorted by unwanted electronic noise.
Why Do You Need Audiophile Headphones?
There’s a lot of reasons why you need audiophile headphones. Audiophile headphones are a perfect way to enjoy your music. Whether it’s classical, jazz, or rock and roll, the rich detail in music will be captured by these high-quality headphones. They provide an intimate sound experience that exceeds what you would get from speakers or earbuds.
You won’t have to stress over sound quality anymore once you put these headphones on. With the noise isolation they provide, they’re perfect for any busy setting like buses, trains, or airplanes. With an acoustic design specifically for lowering distortion and delivering clean audio performance at any volume level, should we say more? An 8-foot cord ensures that they are portable and will be able to connect quickly with your devices.
Final Thoughts
Overall, these are the best headphones for anyone who is looking to step up their sound quality. There are so many different features you can try out and customize to make your listening experience the best that it could be. You’re sure to find a model in this list that suits your needs and will help you find peace in your music!
FAQs
Are audiophile headphones good for gaming?
Yes, audiophile headphones are perfect for gaming. They’re specially designed to help you feel more immersed in the game and have a better sense of what’s going on.
What is the best audiophile headphone?
It is a complicated question. Every audiophile will have a different answer. However, if I had to go by the “best” answer, I would say the ATH-ADG1X Open Air Gaming Headset.
What headphones do pro gamers use?
Most pro gamers will use audiophile headphones to make sure that they are getting the best sound quality for their gaming and to be able to play with their team effectively. Typically, most players bought high-end headphones to ensure they get the best sound.
Are audiophile headphones worth it?
Yes, for the most part, audiophile headphones are worth it. They don’t come cheap, but they provide you with one of the best listening experiences you can get. There is a significant difference in sound quality that audiophile devices can produce, and it’s worth investing in. Most of the time, you can plug them into an amplifier or a sound system to meet your listening needs as well.
Can Bluetooth headphones be an audiophile?
Yes and no. Technically, some Bluetooth headphones don’t fall into that category. However, some headphones that feature Bluetooth are considered audiophile quality, but it is hard to say what would be considered an audiophile headphone with Bluetooth.
(5 votes, average: 4.40 out of 5)
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