Best Wired Headphones for Gaming and Music: Top Picks

1. Sennheiser Hd 560s

After putting the Sennheiser HD 560S through its paces, I can confidently say these are a serious contender for audio enthusiasts who also game. The soundstage is remarkably wide, allowing for excellent positional awareness in games, and the clarity for music is simply stunning. I found myself picking out subtle details in tracks I thought I knew inside and out.

The open-back design contributes significantly to this immersive experience, creating an airy and natural sound. However, this also means they leak sound considerably, so they are not ideal for quiet listening environments or if you share a space with others who are easily distracted. The build quality feels robust, though the plastic construction, while lightweight, doesn’t exude the premium feel some might expect at this price point.

For the audiophile gamer who prioritizes an expansive soundscape and detailed reproduction for both their games and music library, the HD 560S are fantastic. However, if you need a closed-back design for isolation or a more luxurious material feel, you might want to look elsewhere.

2. Audio-Technica Ath-M50x

We spent considerable time with the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, and they consistently deliver a punchy and engaging sound profile. For music, the bass response is prominent without being overwhelming, making them a pleasure for genres that benefit from a strong low-end. In gaming, the clarity allows for good sound separation, though the soundstage isn’t as expansive as some open-back alternatives.

The build quality feels solid, with a comfortable clamping force that keeps them securely in place during intense gaming sessions. The earcups are plush, offering decent comfort for extended wear. My main gripe, however, is the proprietary connector for the detachable cable; losing or needing a replacement cable means seeking out a specific Audio-Technica part, which can be a minor annoyance.

These are a great choice for anyone seeking a versatile headphone that performs well across music and gaming, especially if they appreciate a slightly more energetic sound. Those who demand the absolute widest soundstage for competitive gaming or prefer a more neutral sound signature might find them a bit too colored.

3. Oneodio A71 Hi-Fi

When considering the best wired headphones for gaming and music on a budget, the OneOdio A71 Hi certainly makes a compelling case. I found the audio quality to be surprisingly robust for the price, offering a balanced sound that doesn’t shy away from detail in either games or music. The bass is present and adds a nice weight to explosions and music beats, while mids and highs remain reasonably clear.

The build feels sturdy, with a metal headband that inspires confidence, and the earcups are generously padded, making them comfortable for long sessions. The swivel cups and folding design are practical for storage and portability. However, I did notice that the clamping force can be a bit tight initially, which might be uncomfortable for those with larger heads until they’re slightly stretched.

For gamers and music lovers seeking an affordable yet capable option, the A71 Hi is a strong contender. If you have a particularly large head and are sensitive to clamping force, or if you require the absolute highest fidelity for critical listening, you might want to invest more.

4. Fifine Studio Monitor Headphones

The FIFINE Studio Monitor Headphones, with their 50mm drivers, are clearly designed with accuracy in mind, and I found them to be quite revealing for both gaming and music. The sound signature is relatively neutral, which is excellent for hearing precise audio cues in games and for accurate music playback. I appreciated the clarity in the mid-range, which is crucial for dialogue and vocals.

The build feels functional, with large, comfortable earcups that completely envelop the ears. The faux leather material is soft, though it can get a little warm during extended use, a common trait of closed-back designs. My primary observation was that the bass, while present, is not emphasized, which might leave those who prefer a more powerful low-end wanting more for certain music genres or gaming experiences.

These headphones are ideal for content creators, gamers who need accurate positional audio, and music listeners who prioritize a flat response. If you’re looking for boomy bass or a highly stylized sound, these might not be your first choice.

5. Oneodio A70

The OneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones Hi offer a straightforward and accessible audio experience. I tested these for a variety of gaming and music scenarios, and they generally provide a decent, if not spectacular, sound. The audio is clear enough for casual gaming and listening to music without significant distortion, and the bass has a noticeable presence.

Comfort-wise, the earcups are soft and provide a good seal, which helps with passive noise isolation. The adjustable headband ensures a secure fit for most users. However, the plastic construction, while lightweight, does feel a bit less premium than some competitors, and I did notice a slight creaking sound when adjusting the headband, which suggests the build might not be the most durable over the long haul.

These are a solid option for budget-conscious users who need a functional pair of headphones for everyday use, gaming, and casual music listening. If you’re seeking exceptional audio fidelity, a premium build, or superior comfort for marathon sessions, you should consider upgrading to a higher-tier model.

6. Razer Blackshark V2 X

We put the Razer BlackShark V2 X through its paces, and it delivers a solid audio experience for its price point. The 7.1 surround sound simulation is surprisingly effective for competitive gaming, allowing us to pinpoint enemy footsteps with decent accuracy. The overall sound profile leans towards clarity, which is excellent for both in-game cues and vocal clarity in music.

The earcups are comfortable enough for extended sessions, with a plush faux-leather finish that feels good against the skin. The adjustable headband provides a secure fit without excessive clamping force. However, I did notice that the plastic construction, while lightweight, feels a little less premium than some competitors, and I worry about its long-term durability with heavy use.

This headset is ideal for budget-conscious gamers who prioritize positional audio and clear communication. It’s also a respectable choice for casual music listening where detailed highs and mids are appreciated. If you’re looking for an immersive audio experience without breaking the bank, this is a contender.

Who is this NOT for? Those seeking premium materials or an exceptionally robust build quality should look elsewhere. Audiophiles demanding the absolute best in music reproduction might also find the sound signature a bit too gaming-focused.

7. Oneodio A70 Bluetooth

While the OneOdio A70 offers wireless convenience and an impressive battery life, its wired performance for the ‘best wired headphones for gaming and music’ category is a bit of a mixed bag. When plugged in, the sound is certainly punchy, with a strong emphasis on bass that many users will enjoy for energetic music tracks. The overall volume can get quite loud, which is great for immersive gaming sessions.

The design is functional, with large, comfortable earcups that create a decent seal against external noise. The build feels sturdy, and the inclusion of multiple cables is a nice touch. However, the soundstage isn’t particularly wide, and the mids can get a little muddy when listening to complex music arrangements or trying to pick out subtle in-game details.

This headphone is best suited for users who primarily listen to bass-heavy genres or enjoy a powerful, impactful sound for movies and casual gaming. The extensive battery life is a major draw for those who want to go wireless for extended periods. It’s a capable all-rounder but not a specialist for critical listening.

Who is this NOT for? Critical listeners or competitive gamers who need precise sound imaging will likely be disappointed. If you prefer a balanced, neutral sound profile, these are probably not the best fit.

8. Hyperx Cloud Iii

The HyperX Cloud III continues the legacy of its predecessors with a focus on comfort and a well-balanced audio profile. We found the plush memory foam earcups and the flexible metal headband to be incredibly comfortable, even during marathon gaming sessions. The sound signature is quite pleasing for both gaming and music, offering clear highs, well-defined mids, and a satisfying, but not overwhelming, bass response.

The microphone quality is a notable improvement, providing crisp and clear voice capture for team chat. The build quality feels robust, with premium materials that inspire confidence. However, the lack of any virtual surround sound processing, while contributing to a more natural stereo image, might be a drawback for those who heavily rely on positional cues in certain games.

This headset is an excellent choice for users who prioritize comfort and a versatile sound profile for both gaming and a wide range of music genres. It’s a fantastic option for streamers or anyone who needs reliable, clear microphone input. The natural stereo imaging makes it a strong contender for audiophiles who also game.

Who is this NOT for? Players who absolutely require simulated 7.1 surround sound for competitive advantage should probably look at headsets with that specific feature. Those on a very tight budget might find it a bit pricier than entry-level options.

9. Logitech G432

The Logitech G432 offers a compelling package for gamers seeking virtual 7.1 surround sound on a budget. We found the DTS Headphone:X technology to be quite effective at creating a sense of spatial awareness, helping us to better locate in-game audio cues. The sound quality is generally clear, with a slight emphasis on the lower frequencies that adds impact to explosions and action sequences.

Comfort is decent, thanks to the rotating earcups and adjustable headband, though the materials feel a bit lightweight and less premium than higher-end options. The microphone is functional for voice chat, but it doesn’t offer the same clarity as some other headsets we tested. A minor annoyance is the somewhat stiff cable, which can occasionally snag or pull.

This headset is a great pick for budget-conscious gamers who want to experience the benefits of virtual surround sound without spending a fortune. It’s also suitable for casual music listening where a bit of extra bass presence is welcome. For the price, it provides a solid audio immersion experience.

Who is this NOT for? Audiophiles seeking a neutral and detailed sound signature for music will likely find this headset too bass-heavy and less refined. Those who require a top-tier microphone for streaming or professional communication should consider other options.

10. Jbl Quantum 100

The JBL Quantum 100M2 aims to deliver a strong audio experience for gamers, and for the most part, it succeeds. We found the sound profile to be energetic and engaging, with a noticeable emphasis on bass that makes explosions and soundtracks pop. The clarity in the mids and highs is good enough for picking out important in-game sounds and enjoying music with a decent level of detail.

Comfort is a strong suit here, with plush earcups that create a good seal and a well-padded headband that distributes weight evenly. The build quality feels solid and durable, suggesting it can withstand the rigors of regular use. However, the microphone, while detachable, could offer better clarity and less background noise pickup during intense gaming sessions.

This headset is a good choice for gamers who appreciate a powerful, bass-forward sound signature and prioritize comfort for long playtimes. It’s also a solid option for general media consumption where an exciting audio presentation is desired. If you enjoy a sound that makes action movies and games feel more impactful, this is worth considering.

Who is this NOT for? Audiophiles who prefer a neutral, flat response for critical music listening will find the bass overpowering. Those who need an absolutely pristine microphone for professional voice work should explore other dedicated gaming headsets.