Best Open-Back Headphones For Gaming Available Online

Open-Back headphones are renowned for their superior sound quality that provides better sound separation and an overall immersive audio experience.


They are now popularly used by gamers to enhance their gaming experience and prolong their gaming time as the open-back headphones exert less pressure on your ears than the closed-back variants, leading to less discomfort and fatigue during long gaming hours.


Here we have created a list of some of the best open-back headphones for gaming, and we have also provided some general shopping guidelines and things to consider that will help you find the best pair of headphones for you.

Best Open-back Gaming Headphones Available Online


1. Sennheiser GSP 550 PC Gaming Headset

Sennheiser GSP 550 PC Gaming Headset with Dolby


Sennheiser needs no introduction as they are one of the best-selling pioneers of the sound systems industry.


They don’t have many products in the gaming department, but these headphones, the GSP 550, is a very powerful audio system with many top features.


They are PC-specific variants, as they come with USB connectivity, so they may not be compatible with other gaming consoles.


One of the best features of this device is the 7.1 Dolby surround sound effect that provides a much more expansive and immersive soundscape experience that is especially beneficial in first-person shooter games to locate enemies sneaking up behind you.


The open-back design adds to the realistic sound creation and reduces pressure build-up on your ears to prolong comfortable gaming time.


The ear cups are ventilated and fitted with cushions covered in soft, breathable fabric that keeps your ears cool and ensures better wearing comfort.


They come with a pro-level microphone that features Sennheiser’s latest noise cancellation technology to deliver crystal clear voice clarity for game chat and sound recording. The mic is fitted on the boom arm, which mutes the mic when lifted.


It also comes with intuitive PC software that provides four sound equalizer modes to optimize game types to your listening preference.

2. EPOS GSP 500 Open Acoustic Gaming Headset

EPOS I SENNHEISER GSP 500 Wired Open Acoustic Gaming

EPOS is the popular gaming accessories brand of the Demant group, which is a leading audio and hearing technology group based in Copenhagen.


The GSP 500 gaming series headphones deliver the high-fidelity audio and rich spatial sounds for enhancing your gaming performance.


They are compatible with multiple platforms like PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, smartphones, and other devices that have a 3.5mm jack input.


With their included cables and optimized impedance, it is an ideal choice for gaming on low-power devices.


They come in an ergonomic design with an aviation-inspired split headband that has adjustable contact pressure and a double-axis hinge mechanism for providing a customizable fit to heads of all shapes and sizes.


Its open acoustic design and proprietary speaker technology are ideal for gamers who play in quiet environments and they keep your ears cool through long gaming sessions.


It comes with a flexible boom microphone that is designed for passive background noise cancellation. The microphone is automatically muted when you raise the boom arm.


The right ear cup of these headphones has a built-in volume control wheel that allows intuitive finger-tip adjustments while gaming. They provide extended durability as the Earpads and cover plates are changeable and can be bought online.

3. EPOS GAME ONE Gaming Headset

EPOS I Sennheiser GAME ONE Gaming Headset

The Game ONE series of EPOS features a slim and sleek lightweight design, a luxuriously padded headband, and XXL plush velvet ear pads for maximum comfort during your gaming time.


The open acoustic design not only keeps your ears cool and comfortable; they are also capable of delivering sonically accurate high-fidelity audio that reveals the details and dynamics realism of the game’s audio for better game performance.

These headphones are also compatible on multiple gaming platforms like the PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, etc.


Their speakers are made with a proprietary speaker technology that delivers the bass extension balanced with other frequencies to deliver extreme acoustic clarity and an immersive gaming experience.


These headphones come with a flexible boom arm, similar to the one found in the GSP 500 gaming series from EPOS. But this microphone has the noise-canceling function for minimizing background noise and delivering clearer acoustics. Raising the boom arm has a similar muting function on the microphone.


They also have the in-built volume control wheel on the right ear cup for quick fingertip control while gaming.

4. Philips Audio Fidelio X2HR Open-Air Headphones

Philips Audio Fidelio X2HR Over-Ear


Philips is also a very popular electronics brand trusted for its superior build quality and value for money. The X2HR headphones are equipped with breathable velour cushions to help dispel pressure and heat and the ear pads are made with memory foam for providing a more comfortable fit.


They have many features that make them a favorite among the audiophile community, such as the powerful 50mm drivers that utilize high-power neodymium magnets to reproduce all the dynamics of your audio and deliver a well-balanced bass, transparent mid-range, and high frequencies.


The drivers are made with a multi-layered polymer diaphragm that encases a layer of damping gel, which together absorbs and dampens any exaggerated frequencies to create a smooth and flatter frequency response. Each speaker is carefully handpicked, tuned, tested, and paired for the most detailed natural sound.


They come with the NeeGo attachable boom mic that fits into your favorite pair of headphones and instantly turns it into a professional gaming or communication headset that delivers clear, crisp, and smooth audio transmission.

5. Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X

Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X

It’s a standard open-back headphone for audiophiles and gaming enthusiasts from Audio-Technica, which is a Japanese company that designs and manufactures professional headphones, microphones, turntables, and other audio systems.


The open-air design exerts very little pressure on your ears and provides a completely natural sensation during prolonged gaming routines. Its aluminum honeycomb casing provides excellent acoustic properties as well as being extremely lightweight.


These headphones have superior power handling properties thanks to their bobbin-wound CCAW voice coils. The drivers included are of size 53 mm and they can reproduce clear treble and midrange sounds so you get to experience a more realistic audio experience.


These headphones are specially designed for comfort and come with flexible raised fabric earpads that offer excellent wearing comfort for extended periods and durability as well. The self-adjusting 3D wind support combined with its total ear-fit design minimizes pressure build-up and provides additional comfort and a better listening experience.


They have a highly conductive OFC single-sided cord with an elastic TPE sheath to prevent tangles and knots and they come with a gold-plated stereo 1/8" (3.5 mm) connector with a 1/4" (6.3 mm) adapter in the box. So, they are compatible with most gaming platforms.

6. Audio Technica ATHPDG1 Open-Air Gaming Headset

Audio Technica ATHPDG1 Open-Air

It’s a more affordable version than the AD700X from Audio Technica, and they come in an attractive Red/Gray/Black color combination. Its open-air design is dedicated to serious gamers who value the natural sounds and comfort of open-back headphones and they deliver powerful, detailed audio as well.


They come with the large 40mm drivers with CCAW voice coils that are specifically tuned to reproduce all the lively sonic detail of what the games nowadays have to offer. They are compatible with most gaming platforms such as the PC and PS4 and they come with a detachable boom mic.


The boom mic is flexible, 6 inches long, and delivers crystal-clear in-game voice communication with other gamers. It comes with a 1.2-meter cable and in-line volume and mute control and can be replaced with a smartphone cable if you need it.


These headphones feature a lightweight honeycomb aluminum casing that provides a natural, spacious sound and keeps your ears cool and comfortable even under long gaming hours.


They also provide a 2-meter extension cable for PC gaming 2 x 3.5mm plug for mic and audio.

7. ASUS ROG DELTA Gaming Headset

ASUS ROG DELTA USB-C Gaming Headset for PC

The Asus ROG series includes a collection of gaming accessories such as keyboards and mouses that are built for extended gaming hours and enhancing your gaming performance.


These headphones feature a unique and rare semi-open-back design that combines the superior soundstage of open-back headphones and the powerful noise isolation of the closed-back designs.


They provide a high-resolution ESS 9218 quad-DAC for improved pinpoint sound accuracy and they come with the attractive Asus-exclusive Aura Sync RBG lighting that is customizable with 16.8 million color combinations and 6 lighting effects.


They are equipped with the 50mm Asus Essence drivers with an airtight chamber design for providing detail-rich audio perfect for FPS games such as PUBG and Call of Duty. They come with a USB type C cable and a USB 2.0 adapter that provides multiple platform compatibility including mobile devices.


They feature hybrid ear cushions that combine protein leather and fabric mesh to provide a thicker and breathable fit with their unique ergonomic D-shaped design that reduces unnecessary contact area by 20%. They also provide a detachable unidirectional boom microphone with an LED mute indicator.

8. Koss GMR-545-AIR Over-Ear Gaming Headphones

Koss GMR-545-AIR USB Over-Ear Gaming

Koss is a popular American headphone designing and manufacturing company that has been producing high-fidelity audio systems since 1958. The GMR-545-Air is great for producing an expansive gaming experience with its open-back design that is specifically engineered to create a realistic environment.


They are equipped with 40mm large drivers that deliver a powerful and wide-ranging 3D sound for a captivating gaming immersion, especially for virtual reality gaming. They feature an ultra-lightweight design with an all-new custom-fitting headband sling that allows the GMR-545-Air to be worn for hours of gaming and extended use.


The over-ear design of these headphones has the iconic Koss “d-Profile” earcup that mimics the shape of the ear to create the perfect seal that provides lasting comfort.


They have the detachable cord design and they come with two cords that include:

  • An 8-foot-long extended cable with a boom microphone
  • A 4-foot-long standard headphone cable with the Koss 1-touch microphone and remote (with the standard 3.5 mm plug).

Their boom microphone is good for in-game voice chat and they come with separate audio/voice plugs.

9. Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphone

Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphone, Ivory

These headphones from Sennheiser are not exactly dedicated gaming headphones, but they still provide many of the essential features required and these are perfect if you have a more versatile use planned with your headphones.


They come with the standard open-back design that delivers an impressive natural tonal balance along with an outstanding spatial performance for an immersive gaming experience and for listening to music.


The Sennheiser engineered transducers use aluminum voice coils for delivering high efficiency, excellent dynamics, and extremely low sound distortion so they are good for minor studio work as well.


It has a lightweight yet robust design with luxurious velour-covered ear cushions and a padded headband that delivers exceptional comfort even for prolonged listening sessions.


They provide versatile connectivity functions with their two detachable cables that include a 3m cable with a 6.3mm jack for the home entertainment system, and a shorted 1.2m cable with a 3.5mm jack that is perfect for connecting to phones, tablets, laptops, etc.


They come in premium design cues with an attractive ivory color scheme, brown headband stitching, and matte metallic detailing.

10. Sennheiser HD 660 S

Sennheiser HD 660 S

If you are looking for a pair of headphones that can handle some professional studio work as well, then the HD 660 S is perfect for you. This open-back dynamic headphone features new lower impedance transduces that produce reference-class sound when connected to both Hi-res home or mobile audio systems.


They are elegantly designed to deliver exceptionally accurate and transparent sound with an expressiveness that immerses the listener in every emotion and nuance of your game audio and music.


They provide very versatile connectivity options with their two para-aramid reinforced detachable cables that employ high conductivity OFC copper to ensure signal integrity with very low handling noise. One cable is terminated with a 6.35mm stereo plug (3.5 mm adaptor is included), and another 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced stereo plug.


They are built for providing supreme comfort with the large elliptical ear cups with soft velour-covered ear cushions and its lightweight build that promotes airflow and reduces pressure build-up on your ears.


These headphones don’t with an in-built microphone so you’ll have to connect a separate stand-alone mic for voice chat and recording functions.

Shopping Guide – Things to consider while shopping for open-back gaming headphones


1. Connectivity type/Compatibility 

If you have multiple gaming platforms and you plan on using your headphones with all of them, you need to get the pair that has versatile compatibility features. Usually, a 3.5mm connectivity is standard for connecting to most gaming platforms and smartphones alike, so go for those headphones that provide a 3.5mm audio jack.


2. 7.1 Surround sound

Headphones that deliver 7.1 surround sound are especially useful for First-person shooting games as they provide great sound directional accuracy for locating enemies with their footsteps and gunfire. They can give you a competitive edge and improve your gaming performance. The EPOS GSP 500 is a great option for its 7.1 surround sound and its versatile compatibility features as well.


3. Microphone

If you play a lot of multiplayer team games then you will need a quality microphone. You can get better quality voice transmission if you go for those headphones with noise-canceling microphones that provide better voice clarity by blocking out ambient noise. For PCs, the Sennheiser GSP 550 comes with a superior quality microphone with noise-canceling, or you can go for the EPOS products that provide the same feature for multiple platforms.


4. Wireless vs Wired

Usually wireless headphones come with some audio lag or delay due to latency problems of the Bluetooth connectivity. This may be problematic for competitive and fast-paced games so wired variants are generally preferred when it comes to gaming headphones. But for those who use smartphones for gaming, wireless connectivity is more ideal. Investing in low-latency headphones will minimize this audio lag to some extent.


5. Versatile use

Most of the dedicated gaming headphones come with attached microphones and bulkier build that may make them unsuitable for using outdoors for casual wear and listening to music while traveling. You should go for those variants that come with detachable microphone settings if you plan to use them outdoors. The Philips X2HR, the ATHPDG1 from Audio Technica, and the Koss GMR-545-Air are all great options for providing versatile use with their detachable microphones.


6. Warranty 

Most open-back headphones are costlier than standard variants so a good warranty policy is a must if you are planning to invest in such headphones.

All the Sennheiser products provide a 2-year standard warranty so they are assured of their quality. Please check the warranty information before you make a purchase.

Final Take

Open-back headphones can provide a host of benefits for enhancing your gaming experience and overall performance.


Many features such as the 7.1 surround sound and hi-fi audio quality will help you sense approaching enemies and increase your awareness. The lightweight and breathable build of the open-back design also exerts less pressure on your ears and leads to expansive gaming routines.


All the items we have listed here are great options as gaming headphones and for listening to music and other audio programs. Please go through the features and specifics of each product and their warranty info before you make your purchase.