Gaming headphones usually compromise on audio with big boomy bass and not much else. At the same time, audiophile-grade headphones usually aren’t suited for gaming with their specific tuning and lack of features like a microphone. However, there are a few high-end options out there that combine the best of both worlds. Here are some audiophile-grade gaming headphones that we’ve found right here on Amazon. They’ve been chosen based on their features and specifications.
Sennheiser has a long history of producing well-regarded personal audio solutions across a variety of categories. The GSP 600 is a premium gaming headset that definitely lives up to its audiophile brand pedigree. It features a pleasing sound signature with some extra added warmth to make the bass presence better. At the same time, there is a focus on clarity and detail retrieval. Its gaming chops are no slouch either – the large, pillowy earcups made out of a faux suede material wicks moisture away to keep your ears cool and comfortable and lets you keep the headphone on your head for long gaming sessions. The noise-canceling microphone eliminates ambient noise so that your voice is the only thing your teammates hear. The industrial design aesthetic that the headphone follows is complemented by the premium metal build which makes the headphone quite rugged. If you need a headphone that can stand the test of time, the Sennheiser GSP 600 is a great bet.
JBL Quantum ONE bundles oodles of software wizardry that strives to make your gaming and music experience more immersive. The SPHERE 360 technology lets you pinpoint positions in your audio accurately, whether it be footsteps in an FPS game or a guitar in a live performance. The technology also enables head tracking, meaning that the audio modulates itself to account for the movements of your head, thereby delivering an experience that is closer to live stereo speakers than a headphone. The Quantum ONE also has DTS Headphone X 2.0, which takes the basic left and right audio streams and transforms them into virtual 3D. Large 50 mm Neodymium drivers provide ample amounts of bass as well as a good soundstage, while the Discord certified, omnidirectional microphone makes your voice ring clear during comm sessions. If immersion is your thing, the JBL Quantum ONE is the headphone for you.
The Razer Nari Ultimate Wireless has a very funkily styled colourway that pays homage to the Brazillian DJ character, Lúcio, from Overwatch. The bright neon yellow, green and blue headset is sure to grab eyeballs. The Nari Ultimate Wireless can connect to your device via the included USB receiver or a regular 3.5mm jack, making it compatible with any device you might want to use it with. The headset’s Hypersense feature analyses the frequencies of your in-game audio and converts them to subtle haptic feedback that lets you feel as well as listen. The heat transfer fabric earcups with cooling gel cushions make sure to keep your ears cool and comfortable even through long gaming and listening sessions, while the retractable microphone lets you tuck it away when not needed. If you are a fan of Overwatch and Lúcio or just love making style statements, the Razer Nari Ultimate Wireless Overwatch Lucio Edition is worth consideration.
At almost a century old, Beyerdynamic has been manufacturing headphones longer than most of us have been alive. Their MMX 300 II is the second iteration of their vastly successful MM3 300 which was a pioneering product that proved a market existed for premium gaming headphones that also appealed to audiophiles. It offers a V-shaped signature with emphasized bass and treble and recessed mids that make it great for most action games (for those thumpy gunshots and boomy explosions) as well as music genres like EDM and Rock. The soundstage is really expensive – but what’s more, the MMX 300 II has a software ace up its sleeve. Using a partner software called Immerse, you can adjust the surround sound to your personal preference so that you get the best spatial awareness. This lets you decide how far away the instruments sound or better figure out which direction the footsteps are coming from. The adjustable boom mic comes with an inline mute switch in the fixed headphone cable. If spatial audio awareness is something you really care about, the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 II is a good choice.
Despite wireless headphones being infinitely more convenient compared to their tethered counterparts, high-fidelity wireless options remain scarce even today. Enter the Corsair Virtuoso. Carrying a name that indicates its proficiency even in music, the Corsair headset makes no bones about what it wants to do. The hand matched 50mm neodymium drivers go up to 40,000Hz, which allows for better detail reproduction in the highs, while the large size delivers good amounts of bass. The Corsair Slipstream technology ensures that your wireless experience rivals a wired connection with almost no latency, while the plush, soft memory foam earcups let the headset stay on your head for hours on end without discomfort. The broadcast-grade, omnidirectional, removable microphone picks up your voice loud and clear, making it easy for your teammates to hear your calls while the 20 hours of battery life help you get through even the most gruelling game sessions. If you are looking for a great audio experience minus the wires, the Corsair Virtuoso is worth a look.
The beyerdynamic TYGR 300 R is the German company’s latest offering in the gaming audio space. It offers some serious audio chops with an open back design, letting you enjoy and immerse yourself in a truly massive soundstage. The robust design with the good build quality and solid materials enables the headphone to take any accidental falls and tumbles that might occur. The headphone itself is lightweight at 290g with large earcups, making it comfortable to wear over long periods of time. Beyerdynamic has a long history of making great-sounding headphones, and the TYGR 300 R builds on that, promising great detail. It also features an inbuilt acoustic fleece to tame some of the piercing highs, reducing listening fatigue for long hours of gaming. If comfort is a top priority and you appreciate detailed audio, the Beyerdynamic TYGR 300 R should be on your radar.