5 Best Open-Back Gaming Headphones

Best Open-Back Gaming Headphones

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Wide compatibility, a noise-cancelling mic, and angled drivers for improved locational accuracy are among the reasons you should get only the best open-back gaming headphones as a gamer or streamer. 

Although I can’t categorically say open-back gaming headsets are better than closed-back headphones, better sound quality, improved comfort and breathability featured in open-backed earphones are great for gamers.

Anyways, here are the top open-back gaming headsets to buy now!

They offer many more benefits, such as wide compatibility, a noise-canceling mic, and angled drivers for improved locational accuracy—perfect for gamers and streamers. This article will enlist the best open-back gaming headphones and everything you need to know about them.

I can’t categorically say open-back gaming headsets are better than closed-back headphones, but their better sound quality, improved comfort, and breathability take them up a notch.

Anyway, here are the top open-back gaming headsets to buy now!

Table of Contents

What Makes a Good Pair of Open-Back Gaming Headphones?
Our PicksDrop + Sennheiser PC38X Gaming HeadsetPhilips Audio SHP9600MB Open Back Headphones for Gamingbeyerdynamic TEAM TYGR Open Back Gaming Headphone & Fox MicrophoneKnox Gear TX-200 Open Back HeadphonesAudio-Technica ATH-AD700X Open Back Headphones
Summary
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Editor’s Pick
Drop + Sennheiser PC38X Gaming Headset

Drop haven’t been offering their headphones or collaborations with brands for long. This venture to offer this on Amazon is new and shows their confidence to put their product partnerships under the fire of the Amazon review machine.

A great choice of headphones for gaming is made even more spacious with the open-back design. Sennheiser has been a powerful force in open-back headphones, which continues with this model!

What Makes a Good Pair of Open-back Gaming Headphones?

I’ve used a fair share of open-backs, and I can say these are the best open-back gaming headphones you can get right now!

Editor’s Pick

Drop + Sennheiser PC38X Gaming Headset

Editor’s Pick – The Top Option for Gamers in 2022

5/5
Price Range: $$
Brand: Sennheiser
Drop-Sennheiser-PC38X-Gaming-Hea

TL:DR;

With this, you get everything that makes a high-end headset but fully gaming-optimized and at more than a fair price!

The sound quality is exceptional, and it features a set of angled drivers. What these drivers deliver in plain terms is higher locational accuracy!

If you play first-person shooters, this can make the difference between winning and losing the game. It’s a genuine advantage over other players. Apart from being sonically accurate, the sound is also well-balanced.

This set is a major improvement compared to the PC37X model in the addition of venerable drivers. They are taken straight from the Sennheiser GSP 600, possibly the finest set of headphones the company can offer right now.

Now, what about comfort? It’s a 10/10 for me once again! The headband is top-notch and grips your head just enough to stay firmly in place without too much pressure.

The company has included 2 sets of earpads, velour and mesh knit. Everything about this set, from the sound delivery to the physical aspects, is about breathability, comfort, and low tension.

To round up the perfect gaming experience, it has a noise-canceling microphone in the mix!
It delivers a clear and articulate mix that you can also use for any type of video or audio call. I like how the mic mutes the sound when you lift it rather than doing it manually.

It works with Xbox One, Xbox Series X & S, and Sony PS4/PS5 controllers.

What’s in the Box?

  • Travel bag
  • Velour and mesh knit ear pads
  • PC audio cable
  • Console audio cable
  • User manual

Stuff I like

  • Staple high-end Sennheiser sound, but gaming-optimized
  • Exceptional comfort
  • Noise-canceling mic
  • Premium looks and design
  • High versatility, comes with cables for PC and console

Stuff I like less

  • No wireless option

Best Value

Philips Audio SHP9600MB Open Back Headphones for Gaming

Top Bang for the Buck!

4/5
Price Range: $
Brand: Philips
Philips-Audio-SHP9600MB

TL:DR;

If your budget is around a 100 bucks and you want a set that excels in a gaming environment and has a microphone, this is your best bet.

I stumbled upon this pair by accident and was pleasantly surprised. This model excelled at just about every game I played.

Driven by 50mm drivers, SHP9600MB excels at delivering crystal clear high frequencies, punchy mids, and even some growling lower mids. The basses and sub-basses are nothing to write home about, but they are still decent.

While in action, I was thoroughly impressed by the sounds of bullets hitting all targets, shotgun blasts, team communication, and much more. Explosions could have used that extra low-end rumble but were still solid.

The higher frequencies dominate the mix a tad too much on high volume, becoming harsh on the ears. But I think those critical volumes are way above what anyone goes for when playing games.

The comfort level is high, and the cups are breathable. I love the addition of a microphone, which is perfect for gaming. For the listed price, it’s not easy to beat this one!

What’s in the Box?

  • 1/8-inch audio cable
  • 1/4-inch cable adapter
  • User manual

Stuff I like

  • Stellar audio quality – even if it’s not technically a ‘gaming’ headset
  • Great value for money – typical of philips
  • High comfort
  • Versatility uses

Stuff I like less

  • Lower quality cable
  • Not technically a gaming headset (not really a negative as the really perform well)

Editor’s Pick

beyerdynamic TEAM TYGR Open Back Gaming Headphone & Fox Microphone

Best for Gaming Streamers

4/5
Price Range: $$$
Brand: beyerdynamic
beyerdynamic-TEAM-TYGR

TL:DR;

If you’re a streamer, this bundle is a match made in heaven for you. The beyerdynamic DT-1990 Pro is almost my endgame for music and recording!

So as a streamer, you will need a pair of cans that delivers an even, well-balanced sonic attack, low ear fatigue, and high comfort, and that’s what you’ll get here!

Its basses are rich, the trebles are well-tamed and don’t cause fatigue, which I particularly like, and the mids are slightly underrepresented in the sonic mix but nothing special.

The majority of the sounds you hear in all gaming genres will stand out loud and clear, increasing immersion. This is a bit more of a higher-end device, so listening to music will work just as fine. The cans are durable and comfortable, allowing you to wear them for 10-hour work days without a break!

You should take a break from time to time, though, for your own sake.

For streamers, built-in mics won’t cut it. Sure, they can be great for team communication, but you’ll need something better for streaming. Luckily, this is a 2-in-1 deal, including the company’s large-diaphragm USB microphone called the Fox!

The mic has a solid construction, comes with a stand, and works great in the middle and higher registry – ideal for voice recording. It doesn’t do an amazing job in picking up the low registry, but that’s not what a streaming mic needs unless you’re a music streamer, so all good there. No latency, either.

What’s in the Box?

  • The Fox USB microphone
  • Cables
  • User manual

Stuff I like

  • Exceptional value for streamers
  • Gaming-optimized sound output
  • Great looks
  • beyerdynamic quality – made in Germany
  • 2-in-1 deal aimed at streamers – included microphone
  • Great for using with PC Gaming or Consoles

Stuff I like less

  • If you don’t need a pro-level streaming mic, not much point in investing in one

Budget Pick

Knox Gear TX-200 Open Back Headphones

Budget Pick for 2022

4/5
Price Range: $
Brand: Knox Gear
Knox-Gear-TX-200

TL:DR;

I have to say that I’m generally skeptical about cheap open-back headphones. After all, these things are open and lightweight, and it’s easy that they end up flimsy if the budget is too tight.

With that said, Knox Gear TX-200 is an exception to the rule. For the listed price, which can go as low as 20 bucks, this set delivers everything a decent pair of open-back gaming headphones should. And that’s just amazing!

The only exceptional thing about this set is the price. Everything else is decent, good, or even pretty good, but you can’t expect a stellar performance in this price range.

With that said, the sound quality is the most surprising aspect. Specifically, the basses are genuinely booming.

Apart from that, the sonic attack is generally versatile and works both for gaming and listening to music.

The TX-200 is lightweight and breathable as any open-back model, albeit not top-notch. Even at this price, the headset will still easily serve you for some 4-5 hours of extensive gaming without causing discomfort.

What Knox Gear doesn’t deliver is durability. These headphones are somewhat fragile, and while they will withstand regular use and even getting dropped a few times, make sure you treat them with care, or they might break.

What’s in the Box?

  • Audio cable
  • User manual

Stuff I like

  • Amazing performance considering the price
  • Strong Bass
  • Decent comfort – a nice flow of air
  • Cool looks

Stuff I like less

  • Not the most durable product

Also Consider

Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Open Back Headphones

Top Option for Audiophile Gamers

4/5
Price Range: $
Brand: Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica-ATH-AD700X-Audiop

TL:DR;

Up next, a little treat for all you audiophiles out there!
Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X is a top-value pair of headphones on all fronts, but I was pleasantly surprised – almost shocked – by the audio nuance this set delivers in gaming environments!

The high and mid-level frequencies are exceptionally balanced. In technical terms, this model sports 53mm drivers. They help the headphones deliver a well-balanced audio output, not too bass-heavy, and ideal for games.

The clarity allows this set to separate various sounds clearly during gaming sessions, be it enemy footsteps, incoming missiles, or any type of ambient sound you can imagine.

This will affect your performance, too. Hearing enemies approaching more clearly will make you more careful. I firmly stand behind the idea that quality audio will make you a better gamer!

Yes, you will still need to put in the hours and hone your skills, but a great set of cans will certainly help!

II like the addition of the self-adjusting 3D wing support. The earpad quality is great, and you can easily wear these headphones during 8-hour long gaming sessions.

What’s in the Box?

  • 1/8-inch audio cable
  • 1/4-inch cable adapter
  • User manual

Stuff I like

  • Stellar audio quality
  • Great value for money
  • High comfort
  • High versatility

Stuff I like less

  • Lower quality cable
  • No mic

Summary

I hope this rundown was helpful and that I’ve piqued your interest in the power of open-back headphones.

I know most gamers primarily think about investing in gaming components and often neglect the sonic aspect. But I just say – try a good set of open-back gaming headphones; you can test them in the store as well.

A whole new world will open up to you. You can thank me later.

Stay safe! Happy Gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can open-back headphones leak into the mic?

With open-back headphones, you won’t hear anything through your mic until and unless you are listening to music at a very high volume.

2. Can I use open-back headphones for multiplayer gaming?

Yes, you can use open-back headphones for multiplayer gaming. They create an extensive soundscape, and the amazing vocal clarity helps you communicate well with your team players.

3. Is it worth getting open-back headphones?

It depends on the purpose you’re seeking to fulfill, along with the listening environment and your preference. Closed-back headphones are a better choice for noisy environments. However, if you don’t mind hearing what’s happening around you while you listen to music or play games, we suggest you buy open-back headphones.

If you have any questions or want to know more about which open-back gaming headphone is a good fit for you, reach out at hello@makelifeclick.com or +1 (415) 562-7571. Also, don’t hesitate to check out our amazing deals and join the newsletter to win our monthly draw. 

A musician with over 2 decades of experience in studio recording. Audiophile, always in pursuit of the perfect set of headphones. King Crimson fan.

This post was last updated on 2025-02-05 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.


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