In this article, we will be looking at the top 6 best non-gaming headphones for gaming. These are perfect if you want to use your favorite pair of headphones for both gaming and listening to music or podcasts. You can save money by not having to purchase a second set just for gaming.
Gaming headphones are a dime a dozen nowadays, but what if you don’t want to break the bank on an expensive pair of cans? So many gaming headsets exist that it can be hard to sort through them all. What should you look for in a non-gaming headset? How do they differ from their more expensive counterparts? We’ve put together this list of seven great options at every price point so you can find your perfect gaming headphone without breaking the bank.
In a hurry? Here are our 3 top picks for the best non-gaming headphones for gaming in 2023!
Best Overall
Premium Pick
Runner Up
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Do Headphones Really Matter for Gaming?
One of the first things you might ask yourself is whether headphones even matter for gaming. The answer to that question really depends on the person. Some people find that they can play just fine without headphones, while others can’t concentrate or hear crucial audio cues without them.
If you’re someone who finds that they perform better with headphones, then it’s definitely worth investing in a good pair. The best gaming headphones will offer surround sound and/or 7.1 channel audio so you can hear every footstep and explosion. They’ll also have a built-in microphone so you can communicate with your team without any issues.
If you’re not sure whether headphones make a big difference for your gaming, then we suggest trying out a few different pairs and seeing which ones work best for you.
Are Audiophile Headphones Good for Gaming?
Yes and no. While audiophile headphones often serve as great gaming headphones, there are a few things you should keep in mind before picking up a pair. First off, they’re usually closed-back instead of open-back unless otherwise stated. This means that their soundstage will be significantly smaller than an open-over ear monitor.
Secondly, they’re usually on the more expensive side of things due to their amazing sound quality and design qualities. These are absolutely worth investing in if you already have a dedicated DAC/AMP or some other high-quality audio equipment, but maybe not so much if you just want them for gaming purposes.
Speaking of that, let’s dive into our picks for the top 6 best non-gaming headsets for gaming:
1. Blue Mix-Fi Powered High-Fidelity Headphones — Best Overall
Blue is well-known for offering a diverse selection of high-quality voice and instrument microphones, ranging from ultra-affordable USB devices to pro-level equipment with designs inspired by the golden age of radio.
The Mix-Fi, on the other hand, is the company’s first pair of headphones. When you consider that the Mix-Fi costs $359.99, you can see that it is intended for serious listeners. Everything about it, from its innovative and unique appearance to its integrated analog amplifier, seems fresh and unique.
In terms of audio performance, it is really impressive. It can be used in three different modes: passively, actively, and an upgraded active mode which sculpts the low frequency somewhat. The Mix-Fi is by far the most complicated headphone design, but in the end, only audio matters.
Blue’s Mix-Fi is the world’s first headset capable of delivering true audiophile sound quality to virtually any device. Blue has entirely redesigned the form and functioning of this Hi-Fi headset, from the multi-jointed layout to the ear cups that are fashioned like the user’s ears.
Why Are These the Best Non-gaming Headphones for Gaming in 2023?
In the past, Blue has been known for developing ground-breaking, high-quality microphones which offer pure sound, and when they improve their knowledge of headphone design, the outcomes are consistently excellent.
The Mix-Fi from Blue accomplishes the same thing for headphones. Combined with the Blue Mix-integrated Fi’s audiophile amplifier with high-powered speakers, you’ll enjoy incredible precision and a completely immersive, reality hearing experience.
2. Linsoul HarmonicDyne Zeus 50mm Headphone — Premium Pick
The HarmonicDyne Zeus is made out of elements that were previously used in other, less costly headphones. Although it’s a good-looking device, it’s not the comfiest for long periods of listening. A mixture of superb and just-okay build quality can be found on this model. Zeus, on the other hand, provides a fantastic sound experience.
The acoustic accuracy of these headsets is excellent, thanks to the engineering that went into them. The Zeus, which is equipped with a novel and creative driver idea, has a broad frequency response. As a result, you won’t miss any of the subtleties of the sound.
Furthermore, you will receive ultra-high audio quality with a highly precise bass response. It is substantial enough to provide a pleasing rumbling. All in all, the sound quality is more than enough for gaming purposes. You will be able to hear every gunshot and footstep with exceptional detail.
3. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro — Runner Up
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro are superb neutral listing headphones. They are capable of reproducing a great deal of detail in high-resolution songs while also providing a simple and clean sound quality with a wide soundstage.
They might sound a little harsh at times because the treble range is accentuated a little too much. However, the bass, instruments, including vocals, are all well-balanced and recorded with high fidelity.
The Beyerdynamic 459038 DT 990 PRO headphones are available in two color options, including grey and black.
Gamers will like their broad stereo picture and 3D sound reproduction. These headphones have a terrific sense of vastness and a rich tone depth.
4. Samson Technologies SR850 — Budget Pick
The Samson SR850 is based on the Superlux HD668B; in terms of design, the two headphones are quite identical. There isn’t much to distinguish the Samson 850 from its predecessor, the HD681.
Also similar in appearance and price to the AKG K240 studio headphones, the Samson 850 is offered at a lower price point. The SR850 is more comfortable and has a somewhat distinct sound characteristic from its predecessor.
Given the price tag, SR850’s construction and material quality are of high quality and should last for a long time if handled with care. The headset is nearly entirely constructed of plastic. However, even though the plastic quality is poor, it can last for several months or even years without breaking.
The headband has a swing design similar to the one seen on the AKG K240 microphone. The headband is made of the vinyl material that has been stamped to give it the appearance of leather. It exerts pressure on the skull and effectively balances the already lightweight headset.
Double wires connect the earcups to the headband, which is a comfortable fit. An elastic band on both earcups functions as a self-adjusting system, allowing the earcups to expand as you pull them to ensure a comfortable fit.
5. Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Black
A pleasant listening experience is what the ATH-AD700X is designed to convey. They have a slight mid-range overabundance and aren’t as well-balanced as most of the better-reach headphones, but these reproduce recordings with above-average quality. They also offer a nice soundstage that is well suited for balanced listening conditions.
Plastic is used in the construction of these headphones, which is to be expected at this budget point. While the plastic on these headphones gives them a cheap appearance, they are really rather sturdy.
Despite the fact that the frequency response is quite low, the headphones’ most significant shortcoming is their lack of bass. The bass on these headphones is clean, quick, and tight, but that’s where the benefits end. The sub-bass has been rolled off by roughly 10-15 decibels, and the mid-bass has no influence.
Overall, if you’re looking for a pair of detailed headphones for competitive gaming, look no further than the Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X. The bottom end of these headphones is significantly deficient, yet this might be considered a plus in competitive gaming.
Snce there isn’t much bass, it’s a little difficult to hear footsteps, but it’s a lot easier to notice minor nuances, which gives you a benefit over your rivals.
Only a few companies can match Sennheiser’s level of reliability and long-term durability. Surround sound isolation and exceptional clarity are critical features of the HD280 PRO. The ear cups are quite well padded and provide a great snug fit around the ears. Its lightweight design means it doesn’t pinch even after extended wear.
The sound is strong and very well-balanced. The bass is felt in the peaks and mids, while the lows focus on treble and crispness more. The soundstage is rather large, allowing for a good separation of instruments.
Even when gamers want deeper bass, the HD280 PRO delivers a clear and abundant sound.
6. Status Audio CB-1 Closed Back Studio Monitor
The majority of the CB-1 is constructed of plastic, with the exception of the headband and ear cups, which are made of soft leather. Based on how hard you are with your devices, you may find that they fail more quickly than you expected.
Decorative gold rings surrounding each ear cup that is made of a low-quality metal that is susceptible to scratches and stains due to its construction.
According to the CB-1’s advertising images, it appears to be a high-end pair of over-ear headphones. They aren’t, in fact. This model’s design is more basic than high-end, and it has practical functions that are either successful or unsuccessful depending on your specific listening habits.
In addition, due to its massive and basic design, the CB-1 will not appeal to audiophiles who are concerned with fashion. Those who are concerned about their public image may wish to keep them on exclusively inside.
How to Choose the Best Non-Gaming Headphones for Gaming?
Build Quality
It’s important to find a non-gaming headset with a strong build quality since you’ll be using them for multiple purposes.
Some headsets are big and comfortable on the ears, but constructed of plastic, while others are sleek and give excellent sound quality.
Features like reinforced steel headrest, metal or wire design, and switch or removable microphone are must-haves for a gaming headset.
Comfort Level
Non-gaming headsets are used for almost everything; thus, they should be comfortable. Low-quality foam ear pads make your ears damp after a few hours, and meshed ear cushions with inexpensive fabric might be unpleasant.
The best earmuffs don’t continually remind you that they’re on your ears. The headband must have cushions, be perfectly clamped on the head, and not pinch.
You want to forget you’re using a headset. A big headset will always be noticeable throughout any form of use.
Microphone
Typically, gaming headphones are equipped with boom microphones, which convey voice during cooperative gameplay. Any ordinary microphone with a certification of clarity, on the other hand, will be able to transmit voice perfectly well.
When taking phone calls, you do not need a boom mic. Keeping in mind that you will be using the headset on a regular basis, you should avoid purchasing headsets with fragile microphones, as they may not even be sturdy enough to withstand the usual wear and tear.
Sound Quality
Gaming headphones are well-known for having large audio drivers that are primarily concerned with the surround sound function. In most cases, they do this through the use of virtual amplifiers and software tools.
Similar tactics may be seen in non-gaming headsets as well, with manufacturers boosting treble and bass frequencies in order to produce a surround sound profile in the headset.
Although the bass experience may not be as accurate as that of a specialist gaming headset, it can be significantly more balanced.
The audio quality of a non-gaming headset must be suitable for both audiophiles and gaming enthusiasts, regardless of their preferences. This means that the bass frequencies should be sufficient for gaming, but the middle and treble frequencies should be enough to hear the voices comfortably.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right pair of headphones that can be used for both gaming and other daily activities can be difficult. There are so many different headsets on the market, and it’s hard to know which one is best.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of seven popular non-gaming headphones that gamers may enjoy using with their favorite PC games or consoles. All these models offer excellent sound quality and comfort levels that will keep you playing for hours without feeling any ear fatigue. If you’re looking for a new set of non-gaming headphones, take some time to review our picks!
(5 votes, average: 4.60 out of 5)
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