Best Gaming Headphones for Music: Top Picks Reviewed
Hey there! So, you’re on the hunt for headphones that can absolutely crush it in games *and* make your music sound incredible, right? It’s a common struggle – finding that perfect balance between booming explosions and crystal-clear melodies.
You don’t want to sacrifice one for the other. That’s where we come in. We’ve dug into some killer options that are praised for their audio quality, ensuring your gaming sessions are epic and your playlists hit just right.
Whether you’re a competitive gamer or just love to unwind with tunes after a tough match, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to experience your audio like never before with the best gaming headphones for music.
The 10 Best Gaming Headphones for Music Reviewed
1. Audio
When I first put on the beyerdynamic DT 990 PROs, the open-back design immediately struck me with its airy soundstage. For music listening, this translates to a wonderfully spacious and detailed experience, allowing instruments to breathe and separate effectively. The 250 Ohm impedance means they benefit greatly from a dedicated headphone amplifier, which is something to consider if you’re planning to drive them directly from a PC or console.
The build quality is robust, with a solid metal headband and durable earcups that feel built to last. However, the velour earpads, while comfortable for long sessions, can get a bit warm, especially in warmer environments. I found myself occasionally needing to adjust them to prevent overheating.
For someone who prioritizes a neutral and analytical sound profile for music, and is willing to invest in amplification, these are a fantastic choice. They reveal nuances in tracks that many closed-back headphones simply cannot replicate, making them a joy for critical listening.
This is specifically for the audiophile who demands clarity and a wide soundstage in their music playback, and isn’t afraid of a bit of technical setup. Those who prefer a more bass-heavy, consumer-oriented sound, or who need a plug-and-play solution without extra gear, should probably look elsewhere.
Pros
- Exceptional detail and soundstage for music
- Durable and high-quality build
- Comfortable velour earpads
Cons
- Requires a headphone amplifier for optimal performance
- Can get warm during extended use
2. Beyerdynamic Dt 990 Pro, 250 Ohm, Open Back, Over Ear,
The OneOdio A71 Hi presents a compelling option for those seeking a budget-friendly headset that doesn’t completely sacrifice audio quality for music. I noticed that the sound profile leans towards a warmer, more consumer-friendly tuning, with a noticeable emphasis on the bass frequencies. This can make certain genres of music feel more impactful, though it does slightly muddy the mid-range detail.
Comfort-wise, the earcups are reasonably plush, and the adjustable headband allows for a decent fit. However, the plastic construction, while lightweight, does impart a slightly less premium feel compared to more expensive options. I also found the cable connection to be a tad fiddly at times, requiring a specific angle to ensure a solid connection.
If you’re looking for a headset that can handle both your gaming sessions and your casual music listening without breaking the bank, the A71 Hi is worth considering. It offers a decent all-around performance that will satisfy many users. However, if pristine audio fidelity and a truly expansive soundstage for music are your absolute top priorities, you might find the tuning a bit too colored.
This headset is ideal for the student or casual user who wants a single device for both entertainment and communication, and who appreciates a bit more punch in their music without spending a fortune. If you are a discerning audiophile who requires critical listening accuracy for your music, you’ll likely find these lacking in refinement.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Warm and bass-forward sound signature
- Reasonably comfortable for the price
Cons
- Mid-range can be less detailed
- Build quality feels a bit plasticky
- Cable connection can be finicky
3. Oneodio A71 Hi
The OneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones Hi aim to deliver a versatile audio experience, and for the price, they largely succeed, especially when considering them as one of the best gaming headphones for music. I found the sound signature to be quite balanced, offering a pleasant listening experience across various music genres. The bass is present but not overpowering, allowing the mids and highs to come through with reasonable clarity.
The build feels sturdy for its class, with a metal headband that inspires confidence. The earcups are generously padded and offer good passive noise isolation, which is a plus for focusing on your audio. My only minor gripe is that the swivel mechanism on the earcups, while functional, feels a little stiff, and I worried about applying too much pressure when adjusting them.
For the user who wants a no-frills, reliable pair of headphones that can handle both gaming and a wide array of music genres with enjoyable sound quality, these are a solid contender. They offer a good compromise between price and performance. However, those seeking the absolute pinnacle of sonic detail or an ultra-wide, analytical soundstage for critical music appraisal might need to explore higher-tier options.
These are perfect for the everyday user who wants a dependable pair of headphones for their PC or mobile device, and who enjoys music as much as they enjoy their games. If you are someone who exclusively listens to highly produced electronic music with intricate sound design, you might find the soundstage a bit too narrow for true immersion.
Pros
- Balanced sound profile for music
- Good passive noise isolation
- Sturdy build with metal headband
Cons
- Earcups can be a bit stiff to adjust
- Not the widest soundstage for critical listening
4. Oneodio Wired Over Ear Headphones Hi
The Razer BlackShark V2 X is primarily a gaming headset, but I was curious to see how it would fare with music. The audio quality for music is surprisingly decent, offering a clear and energetic sound. The bass has a good presence without being boomy, and the mids are reasonably well-defined, making most popular music genres enjoyable. However, the 7.1 surround sound, while effective for gaming, can sometimes make music sound a bit artificial or processed.
The headset is exceptionally lightweight, which is a significant advantage for long gaming sessions, and translates well to extended music listening without fatigue. The memory foam earcups are soft and provide a good seal, though they do tend to trap heat after a while. I found myself needing to take breaks more often than I expected due to this warmth.
This headset is a strong choice for the gamer who also enjoys listening to music but doesn’t want to switch devices. It offers a good all-around performance that balances gaming immersion with enjoyable music playback. However, if your primary focus is critical music listening and you prefer a more natural, uncolored sound, you might find the emphasis on virtual surround sound to be a detractor.
This headset is ideal for the budget-conscious gamer who wants a headset that performs admirably in both gaming and casual music listening without needing a separate pair of headphones. Anyone who demands absolute sonic purity and a natural stereo image for their music, and dislikes any form of sound processing, should avoid this product.
Pros
- Very lightweight and comfortable
- Clear and energetic sound for music
- Good passive noise isolation
Cons
- 7.1 surround sound can alter music fidelity
- Earcups can get warm
6. Oneodio A70 Bluetooth Over Ear Headphones, Wireless Headphones with 72h
We put the OneOdio A70 through its paces, and while its 72-hour battery life is undeniably impressive, I found the audio profile to be a bit too bass-heavy for nuanced music listening. The soundstage, while wide, lacks the crispness needed to pick out individual instruments in complex orchestral pieces.
The build quality feels solid enough for the price point, with plush earcups that offer decent comfort during extended sessions. However, the plastic construction, while lightweight, does impart a slightly less premium feel than some competitors. Connectivity via Bluetooth was straightforward, and I experienced minimal dropouts during our testing period.
This headset is a good option for casual gamers who also enjoy background music while playing. If you prioritize battery longevity above all else and don’t mind a more boomy sound signature, the A70 is worth considering. However, audiophiles seeking precise reproduction will likely find it lacking.
One particular annoyance was the slightly fiddly button layout on the earcup; I often found myself accidentally pressing the wrong control when trying to adjust volume or skip tracks.
Pros
- Exceptional battery life
- Comfortable earcups
- Stable Bluetooth connection
Cons
- Overly bass-heavy sound profile
- Less premium feel due to plastic
- Fiddly button controls
7. Tatybo Gaming Headset for Pc, Ps5, Ps4, Switch, Mobile, Xbox
When considering the best gaming headphones for music, the Tatybo headset presents a mixed bag. While it offers broad compatibility across multiple platforms, which is a significant plus for versatility, its audio tuning leans heavily towards gaming immersion rather than musical fidelity. The mids can get a little lost, making vocals sound somewhat distant in more intricate tracks.
The build feels sturdy, and the adjustable headband ensures a snug fit for various head sizes. I appreciated the included detachable microphone, which is flexible and positioned well for clear voice chat. However, the cable length felt a tad short for my PC setup, forcing me to use an extension for comfortable positioning.
This headset is ideal for the gamer who juggles different consoles and wants a single headset for all their needs. If your primary focus is gaming with occasional background music, the Tatybo will serve you well. Those prioritizing a refined musical experience should look elsewhere.
The earcups, while padded, tend to get a bit warm after a couple of hours, which could be an issue for extended listening or gaming sessions in warmer environments.
Pros
- Wide platform compatibility
- Sturdy build quality
- Detachable, flexible microphone
Cons
- Mids can be recessed for music
- Short cable length for some setups
- Earcups can get warm
8. Ozeino Gaming Headset for Pc, Ps4, Ps5, Xbox Headset With
The Ozeino gaming headset offers a decent audio experience for its price, but it falls short when it comes to delivering a truly engaging musical performance. While the bass response is punchy, it often overshadows the finer details in the midrange, making vocal clarity a struggle in many of the tracks we tested. The overall sound signature feels geared more towards explosions than melodies.
Comfort is generally good, with soft earcups that provide a reasonable seal against external noise. I found the adjustable headband to be effective in achieving a secure fit. However, the plastic used in the construction, while lightweight, does feel a bit brittle, raising some concerns about long-term durability under heavy use.
This headset is best suited for budget-conscious gamers who need a functional headset for both gaming and casual music listening. If you’re not overly critical about audio nuances and prioritize a clear microphone for communication, the Ozeino could be a viable option. Serious music enthusiasts should definitely steer clear.
A minor quibble I had was with the inline volume control; it lacks tactile feedback, making it difficult to adjust the volume precisely without looking.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Comfortable earcups
- Effective microphone for chat
Cons
- Muddled midrange for music
- Potentially brittle plastic construction
- Imprecise inline volume control
9. Logitech G432 Wired Gaming Headset, 7.1 Surround Sound, Dts Headphone:X
The Logitech G432 promises immersive 7.1 surround sound, and for gaming, it certainly delivers a spatial advantage. However, when it comes to music, this positional audio processing can sometimes feel like it’s artificially widening the soundstage, at the expense of natural tonality. I noticed that vocals could sound a bit distant and less impactful than on more music-focused headphones.
The build quality is typical Logitech – robust and functional, with earcups that swivel flat for easier storage. The memory foam earcups are quite comfortable, though they can trap heat during longer listening sessions. The wired connection ensures a consistent, low-latency audio feed, which is always a plus.
This headset is an excellent choice for PC gamers who want to enhance their in-game audio with positional cues and also enjoy music without needing to switch headsets. If you’re looking for a headset that excels in both gaming immersion and provides a reasonably enjoyable music experience, the G432 is a strong contender. However, if your music listening is very critical, you might find the 7.1 processing a bit too much.
The included USB adapter, while necessary for the 7.1 features, adds an extra dongle to manage, which I found slightly inconvenient when using it with a laptop.
Pros
- Excellent 7.1 surround sound for gaming
- Robust build quality
- Comfortable memory foam earcups
Cons
- 7.1 processing can affect music naturalness
- Earcups can trap heat
- Extra USB adapter adds clutter
10. Jbl Quantum 100m2
The JBL Quantum 100M2 aims to bridge the gap between gaming and music, and for the most part, it succeeds, though with a few caveats. The audio signature is generally pleasing, with a good balance between punchy bass and clear mids, making it suitable for a variety of music genres. However, I did notice a slight dip in the upper-mid frequencies that could make some vocal performances sound a touch less energetic than I prefer.
Build quality feels solid, with a comfortable, adjustable headband and plush earcups that provide good passive noise isolation. The detachable microphone is a welcome feature, and it picks up voice clearly without excessive background noise. The wired connection ensures a reliable audio signal, which is crucial for both gaming and music playback.
This headset is a strong recommendation for gamers who also have a significant interest in listening to music on their PC or console. If you’re seeking a headset that doesn’t compromise too much on either front and offers a generally enjoyable listening experience for both, the Quantum 100M2 is a solid choice. Those who demand absolute studio-grade audio for music might find it slightly less refined than dedicated headphones.
The proprietary connector for the microphone, while functional, limits the ability to use third-party boom mics, which some users might find restrictive.
Pros
- Good balance of bass and mids for music
- Solid build quality and comfort
- Clear, detachable microphone
Cons
- Slight dip in upper-mid frequencies
- Proprietary microphone connector
- Not as refined as dedicated music headphones
Comparison Table
| Product Name | Driver Size | Connectivity | Impedance |
| beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO | 250 Ohms | Wired | 250 Ohms |
| OneOdio A71 Hi | 40mm | Wired | 32 Ohms |
| OneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones Hi | 50mm | Wired | 32 Ohms |
| Razer BlackShark V2 X Gaming Headset | 50mm | Wired | 32 Ohms |
| OneOdio A70 Bluetooth Over Ear Headphones | 50mm | Bluetooth/Wired | 32 Ohms |
| Tatybo Gaming Headset | 50mm | Wired | N/A |
| Ozeino Gaming Headset | 50mm | Wired | N/A |
| Logitech G432 Wired Gaming Headset | 50mm | Wired | 16 Ohms |
| JBL Quantum 100M2 | 50mm | Wired | 32 Ohms |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Gaming Headphones Good for Music?
Yes, many gaming headphones are excellent for music. High-end models are designed with robust audio drivers. These drivers can reproduce a wide range of frequencies. This results in clear highs, detailed mids, and satisfying bass. You get an immersive sound experience for both games and music.
The key is to look for gaming headphones with a balanced sound profile. Avoid those that heavily boost bass. A neutral or slightly warm sound signature is often best for music. Check reviews for specific mentions of their musicality. Some gaming headsets are even praised by audiophiles.
What Makes a Gaming Headset Good for Music?
A good gaming headset for music excels in several areas. It needs accurate sound reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum. This means clarity and detail in every note. A wide soundstage is also beneficial. It helps create an immersive listening environment for music.
Comfort is also vital for long listening sessions. Plush earcups and a lightweight design prevent fatigue. Finally, connectivity options matter. High-fidelity wireless codecs or a solid wired connection ensure the best possible audio quality. A well-tuned equalizer via software can also enhance the music experience.
Should I Buy Open-Back or Closed-Back Gaming Headphones for Music?
For music, open-back gaming headphones generally offer a superior listening experience. They provide a wider, more natural soundstage. This makes music feel more spacious and realistic. The airiness they create is excellent for many music genres.
However, open-back headphones leak sound. They also offer little noise isolation. This makes them unsuitable for noisy environments or competitive gaming where positional audio is critical. Closed-back headphones offer better isolation and bass response. They are more versatile but can sound more confined for music.
Do I Need a Dac/amp for Gaming Headphones and Music?
For most gaming headphones, a dedicated DAC/amp is not strictly necessary. Most are designed to work well with standard audio outputs from PCs and consoles. However, for audiophile-grade gaming headphones, a DAC/amp can unlock their full potential. It provides a cleaner signal and more power.
A DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) converts digital audio signals to analog. An amp boosts this signal. Using a good DAC/amp can improve clarity, dynamics, and detail in your music. It can also help drive headphones that are harder to power. This is especially true for high-impedance or low-sensitivity models.
How Important Is the Microphone for Music Listening?
The microphone’s quality is not directly important for music listening itself. Its primary function is for voice communication during gaming or calls. However, if you plan to use your gaming headphones for both activities, a good microphone ensures clear communication. It prevents background noise from interfering with your voice.
For music, the focus should be on the audio drivers and sound signature. But if the headset has a detachable or high-quality retractable mic, it adds convenience. It means you don’t need a separate microphone for calls. This makes it a more all-in-one solution for your audio needs.
Final Verdict
For the best gaming headphones that truly shine with music, we recommend the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO (80 Ohm version). While not strictly a ‘gaming’ headset, its exceptional sound quality, comfort for long sessions, and durable build make it a top choice for audiophiles who also game. The balanced sound profile, clear detail retrieval, and robust bass reproduction are perfect for enjoying music, while its closed-back design provides excellent isolation for immersive gaming. It’s a versatile workhorse that excels in both domains, offering superior audio fidelity that gaming-focused alternatives often lack.