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To have the best experience when gaming, you must have great-quality audio. One of the best solutions is wearing a pair of audiophile headphones. Audiophile headphones will create much more immersion in your game, whether you’re playing on your computer or a console.
With so many options in the market, it can be hard to find the perfect pair for your particular use case. Different models of headphones will differ in how well they can reproduce specific frequencies and how much immersion they will give you.
This article will review the ten best audiophile headphones for gaming in 2022 and go through all the essential factors you should note when shopping for a pair.
Table of Contents
- Buying Guide: How to Choose Audiophile Headphones for Gaming?
- 10 Best Audiophile Headphones for Gaming
- Conclusion
Buying Guide: How to Choose Audiophile Headphones for Gaming?
Before we start our review, here are a few things to keep in mind to help you find the best headphones for your particular use case.
1. Comfort
Comfort is key. You don’t want your headphones to hurt your ears or feel heavy on your head in long gaming sessions. That’s why the best pairs for gaming are those with comfort features such as cushioned pads, headbands, and a lightweight design.
2. Sound Quality
Of course, if you’re looking for an audiophile pair of headphones, they must give you excellent sound quality. Whether or not a pair will sound good will depend on several factors such as its frequency range and response, sensitivity, components, and the size of the drivers.
3. Sound Stage
Sound stage is a term that refers to the perceived environment and sound of the headphones. This factor is primarily tied to the immersion you will have while gaming since a good sound stage will help you determine where each sound is coming from, giving you a more realistic experience.
While this characteristic is hard to measure in concrete terms, the best way to know if a certain pair of headphones have a great sound stage would be to test them in person. If not possible, you can always look at reviews on the internet. Some features such as 7.1 surround sound capability will significantly improve the sound stage.
4. Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation technology will suppress external noise and give you more immersion when gaming. Several characteristics are tied to how well a pair of headphones will cancel noise, such as the design, how well it fits around your ears, and whether or not it has an active noise cancellation system.
5. Mic Quality
Many gamers want a pair of headphones with a good-quality microphone to talk to their peers while gaming. If that’s your case, it is essential to make sure that the mic performs excellently as well.
10 Best Audiophile Headphones for Gaming
| Best Audiophile Headphones for Gaming | Rating | Price | Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| Razer Kraken Ultimate RGB USB | 4.6/5 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 | 4.3/5 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| SENZER SG500 | 4.3/5 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| HyperX Cloud Core | 4.5/5 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Corsair Virtuoso | 4.3/5 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Victrix Gambit | 4.1/5 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| Sennheiser HD 600 | 4.8/5 | Check Amazon Check Walmart Check B&H | Read Review |
| Philips H9505 | 4.1/5 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Edifier W820NB | 4.4/5 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| AKG Pro Audio K240 STUDIO | 4.6/5 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
1. Razer Kraken Ultimate RGB USB Gaming Headset
Score
- Comfort: 5/5
- Sound Quality: 4/5
- Sound Stage: 5/5
- Noise Cancellation: 4/5
- Mic Quality: 5/5
Features
- Over-Ear Design
- THX 7.1 Surround Sound Capable
- Cooling Gel-Infused Cushions
- Active Noise Cancelling Microphone
- USB Connectivity
Review
Comfort
The Razer Kraken is quite comfortable since it features cooling gel-infused cushions that will keep your ears from overheating, especially good if you live in warmer climates. The headphones are lightweight, so you won’t even feel them on your head after a specific time.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of these headphones is decent. The Razer Kraken is especially good at reproducing low frequencies, thanks to the tight fit it creates around your ears.
Sound Stage
The sound stage of these headphones is fantastic and, by far, one of the best features of the Razer Kraken. The pair features THX 7.1 surround sound capability, which can significantly improve your immersion experience.
Noise Cancellation
These headphones are fabulous at canceling external noise. While the pair doesn’t feature active noise cancellation for the sound, it still creates a very tight fit around your ears, which will help keep unwanted noise out of your gaming session.
Mic Quality
The mic on the Razer Kraken is retractable and has active noise cancellation, ensuring crystal-clear communication.
2. Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2
Score
- Comfort: 3/5
- Sound Quality: 4/5
- Sound Stage: 4/5
- Noise Cancellation: 5/5
- Mic Quality: 5/5
Features
- Over-Ear Design
- 3D Spatial Surround Sound
- High-Sensitivity Mic
- Bluetooth Connectivity
Review
Comfort
The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 is considerably comfortable and features well-cushioned earpads, but it is pretty large and may feel too bulky if you have a smaller head.
Sound Quality
Featuring 50mm Nano clear speaker drivers, the sound quality of this pair is quite decent, and it is particularly good at reproducing low frequencies. One thing we like about these is that it features several sound presets that you change with the built-in controls on the headphone’s earcup.
Sound Stage
This pair is incompatible with technologies such as THX 7.1 but still features 3D spatial surround sound capability. One factor contributing to the soundstage in the case of these headphones is the larger ear cup size: they sit over your ear and create more immersion while playing.
Noise Cancellation
Just as it contributes to the sound stage, the larger ear cups also contribute to canceling noise. These headphones do not feature active noise cancellation, though.
Mic Quality
The mic featured in the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 is of excellent quality and should suffice for most use cases. We should note that it has high sensitivity and may pick up external noise.
3. SENZER SG500
Score
- Comfort: 4/5
- Sound Quality: 4/5
- Sound Stage: 3.5/5
- Noise Cancellation: 4/5
- Mic Quality: 5/5
Features
- Over-Ear Headphones
- Foldable Design
- Noise-Cancelling Anti-Static Microphone
- Surround Sound Capable
Review
Comfort
The SENZER SG500 is quite comfortable and lightweight, but it is a little larger than most other options. If you have a smaller head or ears. The company states that customers can use the pair for up to 8 hours without these headphones causing excess pressure.
Sound Quality
The SENZER SG500 sound quality is average. It is not the best-sounding pair on the list, but it is justifiable at $29.99. It is one of the most affordable pairs on the list.
Sound Stage
The SENZER SG500 has surround sound capabilities so that you can get a decent sound stage experience with these.
Noise Cancellation
This pair doesn’t feature active noise cancellation, but the ear foam still does a decent job at sealing your ears from external noise. It is less effective when compared to more expensive models, but it should suffice for most use cases.
Mic Quality
For the price of these headphones, the mic quality is excellent. It features noise canceling technology and near-zero latency.
4. HyperX Cloud Core
Score
- Comfort: 5/5
- Sound Quality: 3/5
- Sound Stage: 5/5
- Noise Cancellation: 3/5
- Mic Quality: 5/5
Features
- Over-Ear Headphones
- Virtual 7.1 Surround Sound Capable
- USB Audio Control Box
- USB Connectivity
Review
Comfort
One of the best characteristics of the HyperX Cloud Core is that it is incredibly comfortable to wear for prolonged gaming sessions. The ear pads are well cushioned and covered with a soft material. Another factor that contributes to the comfort is that it features a USB audio control box, allowing you to change parameters on the go.
Sound Quality
These headphones sound decent but seriously lack low frequencies. Depending on the type of game you’re playing most frequently, it might not be the best option.
Sound Stage
This pair features virtual 7.1 surround sound capabilities, a feature that is often only found in more expensive models, so the sound stage is impressive.
Noise Cancellation
These do a decent job at canceling noise, but the ear cups don’t seal the ears, as well as some other options on the list. If you’re playing in an environment with minimal external noise, that wouldn’t be a problem.
Mic Quality
The microphone of these headphones is excellent. It is Discord, and TeamSpeak certified, noise-canceling, and you can configure it via the USB audio control box.
5. Corsair Virtuoso
Score
- Comfort: 5/5
- Sound Quality: 5/5
- Sound Stage: 5/5
- Noise Cancellation: 3/5
- Mic Quality: 4/5
Features
- Over-Ear Headphones
- 7.1 Surround Sound Capable
- Premium Memory Foam Earpads
- Wireless Connectivity
Review
Comfort
These headphones are incredibly comfortable. The premium memory foam earpads are well-cushioned, and the headband is also entirely cushioned. Plus, it is built out of aluminum which makes it very lightweight.
Sound Quality
With a frequency range of 20Hz-40kHz, this pair is one of the best on the list regarding sound quality. It has powerful lows, crisp highs, and high fidelity up to 24bit/96kHz.
Sound Stage
The Corsair Virtuoso has an excellent sound stage thanks to its 7.1 surround sound capabilities.
Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation is not the best feature of the Corsair Virtuoso, but the pair still suffice at providing an excellent sealing between the headphones and the ears. It should perform quite well for most use cases and applications but don’t expect the best performance in a noisy environment.
Mic Quality
While the microphone’s design feels a bit fragile, the mic quality is excellent and provides superb vocal clarity. It also features a built-in mute button.
6. Victrix Gambit
Score
- Comfort: 3/5
- Sound Quality: 5/5
- Sound Stage: 4/5
- Noise Cancellation: 5/5
- Mic Quality: 3/5
Features
- Over-Ear Headphones
- 50mm HD Speakers
- Noise Canceling Microphone
- Wired and Wireless Connection
Review
Comfort
The Victrix Gambit is quite comfortable and lightweight, but the larger size may be a problem if you have a smaller head.
Sound Quality
Featuring 50mm HD speaker drivers and both wired and wireless connectivity, the Victrix Gambit sounds particularly good for the price. The bass response is perfect, and the highs are crisp.
Sound Stage
These headphones offer 3D surround sound capabilities, improving immersion quite a bit and performing decently. However, certain more affordable headphones have a better sound stage, such as the HyperX Cloud Core, which features THX 7.1 virtual surround sound, a superior technology.
Noise Cancellation
When it comes to noise cancellation, the Victrix Gambit performs on par with other models. It seals the ears quite well.
Mic Quality
Although the company states that the mic is noise-canceling, many reviews online state that it picks up more noise than other models. This shouldn’t be a problem, but you’ll notice it if gaming in a noisy environment.
7. Sennheiser HD 600
Score
- Comfort: 5/5
- Sound Quality: 5/5
- Sound Stage: 2/5
- Noise Cancellation: 1/5
- Mic Quality: N/A
Features
- Over-Ear Headphones
- Open Back Design
- Lightweight Design
- Detachable Cable
Review
Comfort
The Sennheiser HD 600 is exceptionally comfortable to wear since it has an open-back design and is very lightweight. The open metal mesh earpiece covers effectively prevent the ears from overheating. The headband is also very well-cushioned.
Sound Quality
These headphones are meant for the studio and have excellent sound quality. However, the open-back design causes it to lack a bit of definition in the low frequencies.
Sound Stage
The sound stage of the Sennheiser HD 600 is not that great. It doesn’t feature surround sound capabilities like headphones specifically designed for gaming.
Noise Cancellation
Due to its open-back design, the Sennheiser HD 600 has feeble noise cancellation capabilities. It is not a flaw, though; more of a characteristic of open-back headphones, which have open ear pieces to achieve a more natural sound. These definitely won’t work if you’re gaming in a noisy environment.
8. Philips H9505
Score
- Comfort: 5/5
- Sound Quality: 3/5
- Sound Stage: 2/5
- Noise Cancellation: 5/5
- Mic Quality: 2/5
Features
- Over-Ear Headphones
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation
- Built-In Controls
- Bluetooth Connectivity
Review
Comfort
The Philips H9505 is quite comfortable. It is smaller than most other options on the list, so we recommend it if you have a smaller head or ears.
Sound Quality
These headphones sound decent. The 40mm drivers deliver a good response in the mids and highs but may lack a bit of definition in the lows. Depending on what games you’re playing, this could be a drawback.
Sound Stage
The small size of these headphones creates a more limited sound stage. The sound won’t feel “as big” as with other larger pairs on the list, but it is still decent.
Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation is one of the best features of the Philips H9505. It features passive and active noise canceling technology, so it performs very well in that subject.
Mic Quality
The mic in the Philips H9505 is not that great if compared to headphones designed for gaming since it is made for phone calls, but it is still usable.
9. Edifier W820NB
Score
- Comfort: 5/5
- Sound Quality: 3/5
- Sound Stage: 2/5
- Noise Cancellation: 5/5
- Mic Quality: 3/5
Features
- Over-Ear Headphones
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation
- Built-In Controls
- Bluetooth Connectivity
Review
Comfort
The Edifier W820NB is exceptionally comfortable and very lightweight. It is excellent for those with a smaller head.
Sound Quality
These headphones sound decent, and the low frequencies are particularly strong. The highs are a bit muffled. We like the fact that it features a gaming mode, which decreases delay.
Sound Stage
As these headphones are small, they consequently have a sound stage that is perceived to be smaller than other larger models on the list.
Noise Cancellation
Just like the Philips H9505, these headphones feature active noise cancellation features, so they are excellent when it comes to immersion.
Mic Quality
The microphone on the Edifier W820NB is decent, but you shouldn’t expect too much since they are made with phone calls in mind.
10. AKG Pro Audio K240 STUDIO
Score
- Comfort: 5/5
- Sound Quality: 4/5
- Sound Stage: 2/5
- Noise Cancellation: 3/5
- Mic Quality: N/A
Features
- Over-Ear Headphones
- Semi-Open Back Design
- Lightweight Design
- 2 Sets of Earpads
Review
Comfort
The AKG K240 is extremely comfortable since it is exceptionally lightweight. The open-back design helps create less pressure between the ear cups and the ears.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of the AKG K240 is fantastic in the mids and highs but lacks a bit of definition in the low frequencies, mainly due to the semi-open-back design.
Sound Stage
Compared to headphones intended for gaming, these don’t sound as big. Instead, the AKG K240 aims to sound more natural.
Noise Cancellation
As a characteristic of the semi-open-back design, the AKG K240 is very limited at canceling outside noise but performs better than fully-open pairs.
Conclusion
As you can see, different audiophile headphones on the market will fit other gamers, so remember to consider all the factors we explained in the article when shopping. While all the pairs on the list performed very well, one particular model was our favorite. The Corsair Virtuoso offers the best balance between comfort and sound quality and looks very good. Sold for $175 (by the time I wrote this article), it is not the most affordable option but still offers an excellent value for the price. You can find the link to each product’s respective titles on the list. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions!
Hello, my name is James Longman.
I’m a writer and editor at AudioReputation. I disassembled my first portable AM/FM radio when I was only 8. At the age of 11, I burned the circuit board on my old boombox cassette player. I’m not going to explain how but it was reckless and stupid.
Since then, I have become much more careful around radios, boomboxes, and other audio devices (at least, I like to think so) but I have never lost the passion for audio equipment. Throughout 20 years of my professional career, I’ve been working for various audio equipment manufacturers and even started building speakers on my own in my little workshop.
I love the work we do here at AudioReputation. Testing, comparing, and evaluating all kinds of audio devices (speakers, soundbars, headphones, home theater systems, etc.) is something I truly enjoy. I try to be unbiased and give you my honest opinion on every piece of equipment I test. Still, you should take my reviews with a pinch of salt and always be just a little bit skeptical. The fact that I liked some speaker or soundbar doesn’t mean that you are going to love it. If you have the opportunity, you should test it/hear it before buying it.