Best Open Back Headphones for Gaming: For many people, the gaming industry has developed as their primary form of entertainment. As more users join the fray, the popularity of the open back headphones has increased.
Since they have been used in audio quality applications for a long time, there is no doubt that open-back headsets deliver the best audio.
Open back headphones for gaming and mixing are now gaining a lot of traction, thanks to their superior sound capabilities, which also extends to gameplay.
Many gamers and professional players now use open back gaming headsets to increase their engagement and complete gameplay experience.
Open-back headphones do not create moisture as much as closed-back headsets. They provide better airflow for the ears due to their openness and ability to allow air to flow.
When you pair this with breathable velour/fabric earpads, you have the ultimate formula for listening for long periods without getting sticky or sweaty.
Before we move further, let’s have a quick look at the top open back headphones that might perfect for gamers –
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Beyerdynamic 459038 DT 990 PRO open Studio HeadphoneHigh Rated
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 | Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Open Studio HeadphonesGood Choice
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 | Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro Over-Ear Studio HeadphoneGood Choice
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 | EPOS I Sennheiser GAME ONE Gaming HeadsetGood Choice
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 | Sennheiser HD 650 Open Back Professional HeadphoneGood Choice
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 | Sennheiser HD 599 SE Around Ear Open Back HeadphoneAmazon’s Choice
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 | Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Open-Air HeadphonesGood Choice
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 | GRADO SR80e Prestige Series Wired Open Back Stereo HeadphonesGood Choice
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 | Samson Technologies SR850 Semi Open-Back Studio HeadphonesGood Choice
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 | Philips Audio Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Over-Ear HeadphonesAmazon’s Choice
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 | AKG Pro Audio K712 PRO Open-Back Studio HeadphoneGood Choice
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 | Good Choice
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Read Also: (Top9) Best Gaming Headphones for Small Heads
Best Open Back Headphones for Gaming Reviews
Beyerdynamic 459038 DT 990 PRO open Studio Headphone
Beyerdynamic is a German firm that specialises in high-end headsets for professionals. The firm offers open-back, semi-open, and closed-back headphones. The DT 990 Pro is a pair of open-back technical headsets for mastering, gaming, mixing and editing.
Steel is used for the mainframe and earcups. The tightening of the headband is always tidy and accurate.
There are no creaks or rattling sounds as friction is exerted and the headphones are extended.
Soft velour covering is used on the headband and foam earplugs to prevent extreme heat accumulation during prolonged use.
If you can forgive the headsets’ heavy weight, this makes them incredibly easy to wear for long periods of time.
When we talk about sound quality, the DT 990 PRO it has strong bass.
The sub-bass is missing, but the overall bass performance is excellent.
Simple terms, the treble in the device is outstanding and it is a bit brighter than most and might not be for everyone, but for those who appreciate high-end, this is awesome.
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Open Studio Headphones
Beyerdynamic has long been recognised for making high-quality materials, and this is no exception. The construction standard of the DT 1990 pro is exceptionally sturdy and durable.
On the left earcup of the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro, there is a single mini-XLR link. Beyerdynamic includes two cables for the DT 1990 Pro: a 3-meter straight cable and a 5-meter coiled cable.
With a 6.35mm screw-on connector, all cables ended in a 3.5mm mini-jack. The B pads were pre-installed on the DT 1990 Pro right out of the box, making the headsets sound fantastic.
It has a frequency response of 5-40,000 Hz. and a nominal sound pressure level of 102 dB SPL (1mW/500Hz).
Although the treble quality is outstanding, the highs can be a little too energetic at times, approaching the brightness choice limit.
Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro Over-Ear Studio Headphone
When we talk about best open back headphones for gaming, this option definitely pops up in the mind. We are talking about DT 880 Pro, this headset comes with amazing build quality. The mainframe is made of aluminium and have a strong feel to it.
The earcups are made of plastic, but the grill has a metal patch to make them more secure. The headset is padded similarly to the more expensive Beyerdynamic devices.
Through undoing the button clips that keep the leather-wrapped headband in place, you can quickly remove it.
Both velour padding and clamping force of the headphone is quite good so it will make you feel comfortable yet secure.
The frequency response and nominal sound of this device is 5 – 35.000 Hz and 96 dB respectively.
EPOS I Sennheiser GAME ONE Gaming Headset
Another common stereo brand among audiophiles is Sennheiser. It has an open back for “classic high-end open acoustic gaming,” and as a result, it produces “natural, spatial sound.” Its aim is to give the game’s audio a vibrant and authentic feel. It’s light enough to wear for long periods of time.
The Game One can be used on a variety of platforms, including PCs, Macs, consoles, handheld devices, and notebooks with a 3.5mm input.
The Game One headset has a microphone, which is uncommon with open-back headphones. The device’s mic is connected but does not extend.
This Sennheiser open back headphone also includes additional features like Flip-To-Mute and noise cancellation.
Another reason to why this is in the list of best open headphone for gaming is due to its lightweight design.
It is lightweight yet durable which makes it perfect for players who sit for long duration of time during game.
Sennheiser HD 650 Open Back Professional Headphone
Let’s start with the construction standard, this headset has a good build quality. Steel is used for the headband and the mainframe. When the headphone is extended, there is no flex or creaking.
However, the ear caps are made of silicone and can sound flimsy in addition to other high-end headsets. The velour lining on the earpads and headband is very fluffy.
For smooth motion and service, the headband modification is appropriately balanced. The headphone’s fastening power is also on the light side, reducing pressure.
This headphone’s audio signature can be described as deep and clear. These devices don’t have a lot of basses; instead, they’re flat.
The mids on these are exceptionally well-done and Sennheiser excels in this field, providing the smoothness for which the business is renowned.
The treble is satisfactory as well, with clear separation and clarification. This device has an extensive and airy soundstage. The information is excellent, and the processing is exceptional.
Sennheiser HD 599 SE Around Ear Open Back Headphone
Sennheiser’s HD 599 SE is a relatively new model among the most stable open back headphones on the marketplace. Emerging from Sennheiser, it isn’t the most cost-effective choice among open-back headphones.
The Sennheiser HD 599 SE has a classic style. The headband wraps around the ear cups and is padded for additional convenience.
The rest of the architecture is fast and reliable for both recording and gameplay events.
The main cable is 3 metres long and has a 14″ (6.3mm) jack for production use. If you choose to use them to listen to music or watch movies, you’ll also get a shorter cable with a 3.5mm port.
The HD 599 SE is a gaming headset with a 50-ohm amplification. You’ll need a great sound system to get the best out of them, though. The more energy you put into your headset, the louder the audio will be.
Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Open-Air Headphones
To begin with, the sound quality of this headset is excellent. Although they are not just metal tanks like other high-end headphones, they nevertheless sound robust and durable. There are no rumbling or clattering noises coming from the headband.
The headband has 3D shaped protruding wings to provide protection. The wings are well-padded to have enough comfort.
The wings are well-padded to have enough support.
The earpads are made of velour, which is a soft material.
The headband framework isn’t the most versatile one, but it gets the job done most of the time.
They are most convenient, although the level of ease varies depending on the size and form of the user’s head.
The ATH-AD700x has a very specific and neutral audio characteristic in terms of music quality.
They’re a perfect pair of open back headphones for gaming because of their unique sound characteristic.
All is shown well here, from blasts to soft movements, and the sound never becomes too sharp or wearying.
GRADO SR80e Prestige Series Wired Open Back Stereo Headphones
Grado is a well-known audiophile headset maker. All about the SR80E, like all headsets, is intended to keep the high-quality drivers out of the way. As a result, the foam pads’ consistency isn’t especially impressive. These headphones get out of the way and can be replaced, so they’ll last a long time.
If you’ve had your feet wet, you’ll almost certainly want to upgrade to a higher-end Grado.
The SR80E headphones make up for their lack of comfort with audio quality.
You would not even realize it until you tried them, but the whole frequency spectrum is presented in a controlled and airy way.
When we talk about the cable, you will find it an essential quality that is not bad.
Samson Technologies SR850 Semi Open-Back Studio Headphones
The SR850 headphones from Samson aren’t quite up to par with the best in the business, but they’re a fine pick for gameplay. The SR850 headsets are as cheap as they come, so if you’re starting from scratch with your gaming skills, these are a great choice to start.
They have 50mm drivers, which have a decent dynamic range.
They have a frequency spectrum of 10Hz to 30kHz as well. You can also switch the adapter from a 14″ to a 1/8″, allowing you to play games on various devices while also listening to music or watching films.
The SR850 does not have a completely open back. As it has a semi-open back, you’ll be able to listen out more of the noise.
If you live in a loud environment or have a lot of people in your house at all times, the SR850 could provide you with the peace you need to enjoy your game’s incredible ambient sounds.
At the very least, you’ll be able to detect those mysterious steps that deter you from reaching the top five in battle multiplayer games.
Philips Audio Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Over-Ear Headphones
Next in our list of best open back headphones for gaming, we have Philips Audio SHP9500. This device comes with a 1.5m cable which allows you to do free movement along with comfort.
Deep bass quality is the only thing missing. However, this isn’t a big drawback because it’s always on par with most other console headsets.
The 50mm drivers produce a well-balanced sound with outstanding clarity.
Since it has an entirely open back layout, the SHP9500S lets any exterior noise in but not sufficient to spoil your gameplay or experience. Also, the neutral tone makes it quick to read, as well.
The neutral sound also makes it possible to tell the difference between game effects and real-world sound effects.
I can’t say enough good things about the SHP9500S in terms of comfort.
Moisture-wicking fabric and large holes are featured on the ear pads.
This relieves a lot of the burden and allows them a decent option for gaming for several hours at a time.
AKG Pro Audio K712 PRO Open-Back Studio Headphone
Let’s start with the construction standard. The headset is made entirely of plastic with a metal insert. This headphone is incredibly light due to its plastic structure. The device is strong and robust overall, with only slight creaks.
The velour earpads are incredibly convenient for lengthy gaming sessions. To add to the comfort, a comfortable leather headband is suspended from the headband.
The sound stage and imaging produced by this headphone are the most striking features.
The audio stage is massive, and everything about the sound is exact. The imaging is, therefore, very accurate.
This is particularly useful in multiplayer play, where the subtle sound of an approaching footstep will determine the round’s outcome.
This headphone’s overall sound signature is vibrant and energetic.
This headphone’s treble is expertly executed. It’s the most forward of all the frequencies, but the amount of information it collects is incredible.
The treble answer here can be a little bright for some users, but for the most part, this would be a fun and comfortable headset to listen to, and the immersion it offers in games is impressive.
The sound is still exceptionally audible throughout.
AKG Pro Audio K612 PRO Premium Open Back Headphone
The mainframe of this headset is made of metal and features a suspension headband mechanism. Plus, its ear cups are made of cardboard, but they are of outstanding quality.
The cord that emerges from the earcup is not detachable and terminates in a 3.5mm adapter with a screw-in 14 adapters accessible.
Other than that, the earpads have a velour covering that is very soft, but the shape used inside is rigid at first and takes some breaking in.
Velour padding on the earpads is very soft, but the shape used inside is rigid at first and takes some time to break in.
The headset is made of stitched leather and offers adequate head padding. This device is strong, durable, and comfortable in general.
When we talk about its compactness, it only weighs 238 g.
For an audio system headset with good bass response, the sound system is also vast and ordinary.
The processing is also fantastic, making them perfect for direct audio without being loud or exhausting to listen to, which is something that many professional gamers love.
How to Buy the Perfect Open Back Headphone for Gaming?
When you search for open back headphone, there are hundreds of options available in the market.
Before making a purchase, you must think about the various features and aspects of open back headphones for gaming which are as follow –
Comfort
The most critical aspect that affects your decision to buy is comfort. This is a simple explanation.
No matter how sound the given headset’s output is, it would be useless if it is uncomfortable to use.
As a buyer, if you don’t want to put on the headphones before buying them, you can aim for one with many adjustabilities.
Microphone Quality
Dialogue is also a significant part of gaming.
Having a conversation with your teammates while completing a mission and providing a status update of enemy location after you die will significantly impact the outcome of a game.
Sadly, most audiophile headphones omit a built-in microphone, necessitating the purchasing of additional microphones.
Plus, if you purchase a headphone with built-in microphone, you will not get a good sound quality.
Sound Quality
If you’re purchasing an open back headphone for gaming, you’re looking for a better sound quality.
The sound reproduction of almost all open-back headsets is fine, but they have dramatically distinct traits.
The sound signature of some devices is warm and gentle, while the sound signature of others is vivid and snappy.
Durability and Quality
This is a critical aspect. If the headset is not well-made from high-quality components, it will not last long.
This is particularly critical for gaming headphones, which are subjected to a great deal of everyday use.
Extra Features
Other than the usual aspects of sound quality and durability, if your open back headphone has some additional features then it can be a cherry on top.
Details like the mute button, volume up-down button can be some additional highlights.
FAQs Related to Open Back Headphone
Yes, it is suitable for gaming, depending on your gameplay. Plus, it has its advantages and disadvantages.
This relies on your own musical and acoustic preferences. Some even favour a more balanced tone with precise and tight bass replication, while others prefer a bassy sound signature, sometimes boomy bass.
When we talk about the best open headphones for gaming, Beyerdynamic 459038 DT 990 PRO, beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro and EPOS I Sennheiser GAME ONE are amongst the top choices.
Most professional players use closed-back gaming headset, but this is optional as many opt for open back headphones.
You Have Best Options Now, It’s Time for Action
Depending on your specific needs, either of the above options might be the right open-back headset pair for you.
Each pair has above-average sound quality, but some are more so than others, and the same is valid for convenience. So follow the above article and pick the best open back headphones for gaming that will sound good and increase your gaming experience.
