Best Open Back Headphones for Gaming and Music

1. Sennheiser Hd 600

We spent considerable time with the Sennheiser HD 600, a legendary audiophile staple that also happens to excel in gaming and music. The soundstage is impressively wide for an open-back design, allowing for excellent positional audio cues in games and a truly immersive listening experience for music. Detail retrieval is exceptional, revealing nuances in tracks I hadn’t noticed before.

However, the comfort, while good, isn’t perfect for extended sessions; the velour earpads, while soft, can get a bit warm after several hours. The build quality is robust, feeling substantial and well-made, but the aesthetic is undeniably utilitarian and might not appeal to everyone.

This is specifically for the discerning listener who values accuracy and detail above all else. Whether you’re dissecting the soundscape of a competitive shooter or appreciating the subtle textures in a classical piece, the HD 600 delivers with unflinching clarity.

While the open-back nature provides superb airiness, it means zero isolation, making them unsuitable for noisy environments or if you need to keep your audio private.

2. Sennheiser Hd 560s Open

The Sennheiser HD 560S Open impressed us with its balanced and analytical sound profile, making it a strong contender for both gaming and music. The clarity across the frequency spectrum is remarkable, offering precise imaging that aids in pinpointing enemy footsteps and appreciating the fine details in music. The open-back design contributes to a natural and airy sound, preventing listener fatigue.

I did find the clamping force to be a tad firm initially, requiring a bit of stretching to achieve optimal comfort for longer wear. The plastic construction, while lightweight, doesn’t feel as premium as some of its competitors, which is a minor drawback for a headphone in this category.

These are ideal for gamers and music enthusiasts who prefer a neutral sound signature and prioritize accuracy over boomy bass. If you enjoy the subtle details in your audio and want a headphone that doesn’t color the sound, the HD 560S is a solid choice.

Their lack of bass emphasis means bass-heads will likely find them wanting; if you crave impactful low-end rumble, you should look elsewhere.

3. Beyerdynamic Dt 990 Pro

The beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, 250 Ohm, Open Back, Over Ear, is a staple for many, and we can see why. Its signature V-shaped sound profile, with boosted highs and lows, makes for an exciting listening experience in games and music alike. The expansive soundstage provides excellent immersion, and the detailed treble can help pick out subtle in-game cues. These are undoubtedly among the best open back headphones for gaming and music.

However, the 250 Ohm impedance means you’ll likely need a dedicated amplifier to get the most out of them, which adds an extra cost and complexity. The velour earcups, while soft, can also trap heat, leading to slightly warm ears during marathon sessions. The coiled cable, while durable, can be a bit unwieldy and snag on surfaces.

This headphone is for the user who enjoys a lively, energetic sound and is willing to invest in amplification. If you want your music to pop and your game audio to be impactful, the DT 990 PRO delivers, but not without a bit of setup.

Those sensitive to treble might find the high frequencies a bit too pronounced; if you prefer a smoother, more laid-back treble response, these might be fatiguing.

4. Fifine Open Back Gaming Headset

We tested the FIFINE Open Back Gaming Headset with 7.1 Surround Sound, and it offers a compelling package for budget-conscious gamers. The virtual 7.1 surround sound does a commendable job of creating a sense of spaciousness and directionality in games, which is a significant plus for the price. The open-back design contributes to a less fatiguing listening experience, allowing for better awareness of your surroundings.

The audio quality, while good for gaming, can be a bit less refined for critical music listening, with some muddiness in the mids. I also noticed that the microphone, while functional, had a slightly plasticky feel and pick-up quality that could be improved. The build, while solid, uses a fair amount of plastic that doesn’t feel particularly premium.

This is a great option for casual gamers who want an immersive audio experience without breaking the bank. If your primary focus is on gaming and you appreciate the effect of surround sound, this headset provides good value.

Audiophiles or serious music listeners should steer clear; the sound signature is tuned for gaming and lacks the nuance required for high-fidelity music playback.

5. Sennheiser Hd 599 Se Open

The Sennheiser HD 599 SE Open provides a comfortable and enjoyable listening experience that bridges the gap between gaming and music. Its sound signature is warm and inviting, with a pleasing emphasis on the bass that adds impact to explosions in games and richness to music. The large earcups are exceptionally plush, making them incredibly comfortable for extended wear, and the open-back design ensures a natural, airy sound.

However, the soundstage, while wide, isn’t as precise for positional audio as some other options; I occasionally found it slightly harder to pinpoint exact enemy locations in fast-paced games. The overall build, while sturdy, relies heavily on plastic, which detracts slightly from a premium feel. The cable is also permanently attached, which can be a point of annoyance if it gets damaged.

This headphone is perfect for those who prioritize comfort and a warm, bass-forward sound for both their gaming sessions and music enjoyment. If you want a relaxed listening experience that’s easy on the ears and sounds good with a variety of content, the HD 599 SE is a strong candidate.

If you require razor-sharp positional accuracy for competitive gaming or a completely neutral sound for critical music analysis, you might want to consider alternatives with a more analytical profile.

6. Fiio Jt3

We put the FiiO JT3 through its paces, and for a relatively straightforward over-ear headphone, it delivers a surprisingly engaging listening experience. The build quality feels robust, with a satisfying heft that suggests durability. I found the sound signature to be quite balanced, offering clear highs and a solid mid-range that works well for both intricate musical passages and the subtle audio cues in games.

The earcups are quite comfortable, providing a good seal without excessive clamping force, which is crucial for extended listening sessions. However, the pleather material, while soft, can feel a bit warm after a few hours, leading to a slight desire for more breathable padding. Despite this minor point, the overall comfort is commendable.

For anyone seeking a no-fuss, reliable pair of headphones for a mix of audio consumption, the JT3 is a strong contender. It doesn’t attempt to reinvent the wheel but executes its purpose with competence. This is a solid choice for someone who values straightforward performance and a pleasant acoustic profile above all else.

7. Linsoul Kiwi Ears Altruva

When considering the best open back headphones for gaming and music, the Linsoul Kiwi Ears Altruva presents a compelling argument. I was immediately struck by the detailed soundstage, which is essential for pinpointing enemy locations in-game and appreciating the spatial separation in complex music. The drivers manage to produce a lively and dynamic sound that rarely feels fatiguing.

The physical design is also noteworthy; the materials feel premium, and the overall construction exudes quality. The earcups are generously padded, offering a plush feel against the ears. My only real quibble here is that the adjustment mechanism for the headband, while secure, feels a touch stiff, requiring a bit more force than I’d ideally prefer.

This is an excellent option for audiophiles who also enjoy immersive gaming. If you prioritize a wide, accurate soundstage and a rich, detailed audio reproduction, the Altruva should be high on your list. It truly shines when you need to hear every nuance, whether it’s a whispered dialogue or a delicate instrumental passage.

8. Drop Pc38x Gaming Headset

The DROP PC38X aims squarely at the gaming market, and in many respects, it succeeds admirably. We found the sound to be incredibly clear and articulate, making it easy to discern critical in-game audio cues like footsteps and directional gunfire. The microphone quality is also a standout feature, delivering crisp and intelligible voice communication without significant background noise.

Comfort is a strong suit here, with plush earcups and a lightweight design that makes extended gaming sessions a breeze. However, I did notice that the open-back nature means a fair amount of ambient noise can creep in, which might be an issue for those in louder environments. It’s a trade-off for that wide soundstage, but one worth considering.

This headset is almost exclusively for gamers who prioritize communication and positional audio above all else. If your primary use case involves competitive multiplayer titles or narrative-driven games where sound design is key, the PC38X is a fantastic choice. Those looking for a versatile headphone for critical music listening might find it slightly too specialized.

9. Philips Open Back Wired Headphones

The Philips Open Back Wired Headphones offer a refreshing, natural sound that’s quite pleasing for casual listening and light gaming. I appreciated the airy quality of the sound, which avoids the fatiguing treble sometimes found in more aggressive designs. The build feels decent for the price point, with a simple yet functional aesthetic that won’t draw undue attention.

During our tests, the soundstage was respectable, providing a good sense of space for music. The earcups are soft and provide a comfortable fit for shorter to moderate listening periods. However, the clamping force felt a little on the lighter side for my preference, and I occasionally found myself adjusting them to ensure a consistent seal, especially during more active moments.

This product is best suited for individuals who enjoy a relaxed listening experience for genres like acoustic music, classical, or podcasts. If you’re looking for a no-frills headphone that offers a gentle and open sound signature without breaking the bank, these are a solid consideration. Avoid these if you need headphones for intense gaming where every sound needs to be precisely placed or if you prefer a more secure fit.