Looking for the best audiophile headphones for gaming might seem like an impossible task, but it isn't. And no, asking for excellent sound quality is not too big of an ask.
Some would argue that a gaming setup without good gaming headsets is incomplete. That said, it can be overwhelming to look for premium headphones with noise cancellation, natural sound, high build quality, a built-in microphone, and good audio reproduction, all at an affordable price.
Fortunately for you, we have compiled a list of the best budget audiophile headphones for gaming. Our experts have done their research, and with thorough testing, we have penned down this utterly honest review.
However, before we begin talking about our top picks for audiophile headphones, let us tell you what you should look for when buying gaming headphones.
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What To Look For When Buying Audiophile Headphones For Gaming?
When looking for the right pair of audiophile gaming headphones, it is important to split your preferences into categories. It makes the search a lot easier and helps narrow down your options. We've got your back if you have no clue what to look for.
Here are some of the most important questions to ask before buying audiophile gaming headphones:
What kind of headphones do you want?
At this point, you probably already know what type of gaming headset or headphones you prefer. But, as a rule of thumb, you should decide if you want over-ear headphones, on-ear headphones, earbuds, or in-ear monitors to get started on the buying journey.
Then, it would help if you also considered whether you are looking for wireless headphones, Bluetooth headphones or wired headphones. Do you want a built-in microphone or prefer using a separate microphone? You can move on to the next step: sound quality when you've made your choice.
What type of sound quality are you looking for?
There are many types of sound quality and even output audio quality you can choose from when looking for audiophile headphones for gaming. You can decide if you want:
- Surround sound
- Natural sound
- Accurate sound quality
- External noise cancellation
- Leak sound
- Spacious and airy sound etc
The only real way to know what type of gaming sound quality you prefer is through trial and error. However, as we progress in this review, we will briefly explain how each type of sound quality would work for different applications.
What's your budget?
If you have been told that you cannot enjoy fantastic sound quality without spending a lot of money, you've been bamboozled. It is possible to get audiophile gaming headsets on a friendly budget too.
Hence, before you decide to buy any audiophile headphones, it helps to determine your budget. Start by researching the type of headphones you can get for different price ranges, and then pick the budget you can afford. Regardless of the price range you choose, we have some of the best budget audiophile headphones for gaming on this list for you!
Product #1 – AKG PRO Audio K712 PRO – The Best Overall*
AKG Pro Audio K712 PRO Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones
- Over-ear design maximum wearing comfort for long work sessions
- Sophisticated open technology for spacious and airy sound without compromise
- Improved low-end performance by 3dB for more powerful sound imaging
- Over-ear design maximum wearing comfort for long work sessions
- Sophisticated open technology for spacious and airy sound without compromise
- Improved low-end performance by 3dB for more powerful sound imaging
- Revolutionary flat wire voice coil for incredible impulse and treble response
Product Highlights
We consider the AKG Pro Audio K712 Pro the best audiophile headphones for gaming because of the superior sound quality they offer. They are open-back, over-ear headphones that are suitable for higher budgets. They are very comfortable headphones that offer so much while being simplistic. These audiophile headphones are wired headphones with detachable cables. They are lightweight, require 200 milliwatts, and only come in black.
Features
- Spacious and airy sound quality
- Flat wire coil design that provides impeccable impulse and treble response
- Excellent sound quality at low-end 3dB performance that provides you with great sound images
- Comfortable to wear open-back headphones for long gaming sessions
What We Like About AKG Pro Audio K712 PRO
First of all, if you have long gaming sessions, then having the most comfortable gaming headset is a lifesaver. The great thing about these headphones is how you can wear them for hours on end and not experience headaches, soreness around your ears or excessive sweating. The ear cups fit nicely around the ears and allow for breathability.
As a result of the ear cups design, you will experience a spacious and airy sound that is still clear and crisp even at lower decibels. You will be able to hear every type of in-game sound and increase your attention to detail and reaction time. It would work well for FPS games because you will be able to hear enemies sneaking up behind you! These audiophile headphones are good because they mute out ambient noise without complete noise cancellation. If noise isolation gives you anxiety because you need to be able to hear some background noise, these are perfect for you.
Moreover, you will appreciate the impulse and treble response. Some higher-end headphones might not retain the excellent bass response for a long time. But with these AGK Pro headphones, you can rest assured that you'll have excellent response quality for a very long time. Lastly, you would love to know that these audiophile headphones are compatible with PC, Playstation, and Xbox gaming consoles.
What We Don't Like About AKG Pro Audio K712 PRO
If you look for noise cancellation, you might be disappointed by these audiophile headphones. They do not offer any noise isolation below 1KHz. However, that is quite expected of any open-back, standard gaming headset.
Moreover, if you are looking for high-quality, leak sound control, they also tend to lack that. You can expect some sound leaking for up to 1ft. they can be very noisy due to the design of the open-back headphones.
Unfortunately, they are not Bluetooth headphones, so you might not like them if you are strictly looking for wireless headphones. Although it is not a detrimental feature for most people, you could be someone who does not like dealing with wired headphones for gaming.
It also does not have USB connectivity, so you need to ensure that your PC's headphone jack is compatible/available. If not, you will have to invest in a connector dongle or a a good interface like the Focusrite Scarlet 2i2*. It is an additional expense that will expand your budget, so it might be best to look for wireless headphones instead.
Speaking of budget, these headphones are also quite expensive. When we compare them to other audiophile headphones, they lie in the higher-middle price range, but it is not worth buying if you need noise cancellation, Bluetooth connectivity, and a built-in microphone.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High-quality sound
- Comfortable ear cups
- Good treble response
- Ideal for FPS games
- Can be used for various applications such as studio use
Cons
- Expensive
- Lacks noise cancellation
- No Bluetooth or USB connectivity
- No built-in microphone
- Approximately 1ft leak sound
Product #2 – The Sennheiser HD 599*
SENNHEISER HD 599 Open Back Headphone, Ivory
- Premium, around-ear, open back headphones: Audiophile sound combined with premium design and materials
- Padded headband and luxurious velour covered ear pads perfect for long listening sessions with no pressure on the ears
- Premium, around-ear, open back headphones: Audiophile sound combined with premium design and materials
- Padded headband and luxurious velour covered ear pads perfect for long listening sessions with no pressure on the ears
- Multiple connectivity options: Robust 3 meter detachable cable and 6.3 millimeter jack and additional 1.2 meter detachable cable with 3.5 millimeter Jack
- Timeless design cues: Ivory color, matte finish together with the brown headband stitching and matte metallic detail convey quality at first glance
- Premium Components: Sennheiser engineered transducers use aluminum voice coils delivering high efficiency, excellent dynamics and extremely low distortion
- Connectivity technology: Wired
- Power source type: Battery
Product Highlights
Sennheiser has been delivering high sound quality audiophile headphones for a long time, ever since 1960. The Sennheiser HD 599 are one of their best audiophile headphones for gaming because they outperform a lot of similarly priced gaming headsets.
These audiophile headphones have been designed for home theatre and surround sound quality. The ear cups are large and extremely comfortable and also replaceable. The earpads also provide an additional touch to an already excellent sound isolation experience. The build quality is also excellent, making them a great pair of premium headphones for gaming.
Features
- Sleek ivory color, exceptional build quality, and it fits any aesthetic
- Natural sound, spacious sound stage
- Premium quality headphones for gaming with brown leather, lightweight headband, large ear cups, and cozy ear pads.
- Removable capsules, and comes with two stock cables, one is 6.3 mm and the other is 3.5 mm
What We Like About The Sennheiser HD 599
There are many great features to these audiophile headphones for gaming: the exceptional build quality. Although they are made in China, they feel very sturdy for over-ear headphones. The earpads are velour, so they are extremely comfortable and replaceable! When they become old and overused, you can get a new pair of ear pads to maintain the same comfort level.
The brown leather headband also looks very neat and sleek. It is also flexible so you know it can fit anybody easily.
It stays true to the reputation of fine German craftmanship, as it offers natural sound and a spacious sound stage. These headphones transmit sound signals directly into the listener's ears, offering a clean and crisp sound quality. The bass response aids in providing an immersive experience. The Sennheiser HD599 is a perfect choice for all audiophiles. It has an amazing bass quality that will give you quite an immersive listening experience. It offers a clear and crisp sound quality, which will offer a natural sound to the listener.
You will not only enjoy the good sound quality for gaming, but you will also appreciate it for casual use. It makes music and watching films engaging and captivating. The natural sound of these headphones makes for a warm, soothing feel. They are considered an all-rounder and premium pair of audiophile headphones for gaming.
What We Don't Like About The Sennheiser HD 599
While these are great for gaming, they are quite bulk. Suppose you are a competitive gamer who frequently travels to participate in tournaments. In that case, you should probably look for another pair, unless you decide to make space in your suitcase or backpack anyway.
They also lack noise isolation, so you cannot expect most external noise to be blocked out. It is not the best audiophile pair for gaming if you do not want any ambient noise interfering with detailed sounds. You will also find that they leak sound quite often, so if you prefer to avoid letting other people listen in on your audio, you might not get that with these. You also will not get a case or pouch for the headphones, so there is always a risk of damaging them during commutes.
These audiophile headphones also lack terms of IP ratings for water and dust resistance. If you tend to use one pair of headphones for multiple purposes, such as sports and fitness use or gaming, these will not work. They tend to make you sweat more and retain that swear around the ear cups because of their size. These audiophile headphones are best for at-home, indoor gaming, or casual use. You will find many more audiophile headphones that are multipurpose, so if that's what you need, you might as well keep searching.
They also lack office use because of the sound leakage and absence of noise isolation. You might also be disappointed that they do not carry a Bluetooth feature and are strictly wired headphones. They are okay for wired gaming headsets with analog connectivity, but they are not compatible with any other type of connectivity options.
They also do not have a built-in microphone. You will have to look for a microphone separately or you will not have any audio input. It might be a turn-off for people who enjoy speaking in-game with their teammates. Lastly, they lack onboard controls, so your only way for volume control is through your PC, console or mobile device.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent sound quality and clarity
- Good bass response, Good passive soundstage
- Smooth and tight
- Immersive listening experience
- Comfortable to wear
- Solid built
- Lightweight
Cons
- No noise cancellation and will not block all ambient noise
- Colored sound, not Hi-Fi with overbearing mids and low mids
- Mid-bass bloat
Product #3- The Budget One – Philips SHP9500*
Philips Audio Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Over-Ear Headphones (Black)
- 50mm neodymium drivers deliver full spectrum of sound
- 1.5m cable gives you freedom of movement for indoor use
- Comfortable double layered headband cushion, breathable ear cushion for longer wearing comfort
- 50mm neodymium drivers deliver full spectrum of sound
- 1.5m cable gives you freedom of movement for indoor use
- Comfortable double layered headband cushion, breathable ear cushion for longer wearing comfort
- Finishing of connector: gold-plated, acoustic system: open, Magnet type: neodymium
Product Highlights
If you need the best budget audiophile headphones for gaming, then the Phillips SHP9500 is for you. They are comfortable, with a lightweight yet durable build quality. They also offer a very neutral sound profile ideal for indoor gaming headsets but not the best option to use outdoors.
You will find that the price is very friendly for the outstanding sound it produces. They are a great pair of open-back headphones for gaming with large ear cups that fit nice and snug while giving a spacious sound stage. The treble, mids, and bass responses on these gaming headsets are above average.
Features
- Comfortable headphones for gaming with soft ear pads. The headband is adjustable and has large ear cups. The clamping force might be a bit weak if you like tighter fits
- Neutral sound profile, perfectly balanced sound quality and ideal for casual gaming
- Open-back headphones can be great for gaming and casual use but not great for studio use because the sound leaks and they lack noise cancellation
- The jack is a 3.5 mm type, so that it may require a connector dongle for use in non-compatible devices
What We Like About Philips SHP9500
Aside from the price tag, the best thing about these audiophile headphones is the premium audio quality they provide. Compared to competitor headphones for gaming in the same price range, these headphones exceed expectations. You will find that more expensive gaming headsets only match the excellent sound quality.
It is also very comfortable, and the large ear cups can fit nicely on anyone. The design is also lightweight, with a slightly loose fit, but it is made very well. The padding on the cups is soft, so it is great for prolonged use without causing soreness.
Although it lacks noise isolation, it is still a good option if you do not mind some background noise. However, we have also hardly noticed any background noise to the point that it impacted the sound quality. The overall experience with these headphones for gaming has been pleasant.
What We Don't Like About Philips SHP9500
Even though the build quality of the headband is great, keep in mind that it mostly comprises metal and plastic components. The pads might be soft, but they are also quite shallow. For some people, they might be so shallow that their ears touch the insides, which can get uncomfortable if you use these headphones for gaming for prolonged periods. The earpads are also non-removable, so you can not replace them with ear pads unless you rip them off.
Moreover, the cable is 3m long and made of plastic and can get in your way if you move around a lot. It would be best to upgrade to a lighter cable, but you cannot expect them to turn into Bluetooth headphones. This is a big letdown for those who prefer wireless headphones. Additionally, if you are looking for noise cancellation, you will not find that.
Regarding the sound: yes, these audiophile headphones offer an excellent sound quality, but there are some things it lacks. The frequency response is both good and bad. The mids are pretty flat, and the sub-bass is almost non-existent because of the open-back design.
If you love an excellent bass response, you might have to look elsewhere. And you might also find that the sound quality is a little grainy. It is only noticeable if you focus or have tried other premium headphones. And if you need critical listening, the sound detail is not great. It would not suit FPS games or any competitive gaming very well.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comfortable, lightweight, and durable design
- Great audio reproduction
Cons
- Big and bulky gaming headphones
- Open-back design, so they leak sound
- Very sensitive to ambient noise by design
FINAL VERDICT -THE BEST PRODUCT
AGK Pro Audio K712 PRO*
It was difficult to reach a decision, but the top choice for the best audiophile headphones for gaming is undoubtedly the AGK Pro Audio K712 PRO*. There are so many reasons that make it the best gaming headset for audiophiles. However, let's start by saying that these can be considered premium headphones for gaming because of the beautiful sound quality they offer.
The spacious sound stage gives it a natural sound and better quality than many other open-back headphones.
Although the headset lacks noise isolation, one can argue that this holds true for almost all open-back headphones. We know you will love adding these headphones to your setup if you enjoy a natural sound stage. Overall they offer good sound quality and manage to keep most external sounds out.
It will be hard to find audiophile headphones that can match the outstanding sound and comfort of the AGK Pro Audio K712 PRO. However, if those are not for you, you can check other premium choices and best budget audiophile headphones mentioned in this review. We hope that you found this review helpful and that you can find the perfect fit for you!
FAQ
What's the best connectivity for gaming headsets on PC?
It depends on your preference between wired or wireless audiophile headphones for gaming. However, a wireless headset can sometimes go out of sync, so wired headphones are your best bet.
Should I get an extra microphone when buying the AGK Pro Audio K712 PRO?
Yes, we recommend buying a microphone if you don't already have one, since it does not come with a built-in microphone, unfortunately. If you do not want to invest in a separate microphone, you should probably look for a gaming headset with a built-in microphone.
Are audiophile headphones for gaming?
Yes, audiophile headphones can be used as gaming headsets. They come in over-ear or in-ear headphones designs. You can buy almost any style you prefer, but the large ear cups in over-ear headphones are usually the best choice. We recommend getting a pair of closed-back headphones to block out ambient noise if you want noise isolation.
Does the AGK K712 Pro come in other colors?
Unfortunately, they only come in black. If you want a different color, you either have to customize them by a third-party retailer or select a different AGK headphones model. Almost all AGK headphones have a good sound quality and work great for gaming.
Do I need an interface or DAC for the AGK K712 Pro headphones?
If you want to enhance your listening experience and advance the sound quality, we recommend investing in an interface or DAC. This stays true for any pair of audiophile headphones. However, you probably don't need it if you have high-quality sound in your premium gaming headset.
For a simple headphone DAC we can recommend the FiiO K3. For an interface we recommend the Focusrite Scarlet 2i2. You can get both at Amazon.com
FiiO New K3 Headphone Amplifier High Resolution 384kHz/32bit PCM DSD256 USB-C DAC...
- [Up to 384kHz/32 bit PCM and native DSD256]: Equipped with an XMOS USB receiver chip, the new K3 headphone amps is capable of decoding up to 384kHz/32 bit PCM and native DSD256 – the same as many DACs costing much more. The new K3's dual crystal oscillators ensure that any digital audio signals being fed into the DAC are exactly correct for further enhanced sound quality. Just connect the new K3 to your computer via USB to instantly upgrade to high-fidelity sound, and enjoy your music.
- [Up to 384kHz/32 bit PCM and native DSD256]: Equipped with an XMOS USB receiver chip, the new K3 headphone amps is capable of decoding up to 384kHz/32 bit PCM and native DSD256 – the same as many DACs costing much more. The new K3's dual crystal oscillators ensure that any digital audio signals being fed into the DAC are exactly correct for further enhanced sound quality. Just connect the new K3 to your computer via USB to instantly upgrade to high-fidelity sound, and enjoy your music.
- [Simply reliable USB power]: The new K3 headphone amplifier adopts the modern USB Type-C input interface for a more reliable and stable connection, including that of power. However, care to ensure an uncompromised power supply doesn't stop there – the new K3 implements overvoltage protection (OVP) and a double-filter circuit to ensure power supply stability, while the digital and analog audio circuits each get their own power supply to greatly reduce crosstalk.
- [Two modes for your choice]: Sometimes, you may not have access to a device that can connect to the new K3 via USB Audio Class 2, you can go to USB Audio Class 1 mode with just the flick of a switch. In high-performance applications, you can use the 2.0 mode to enjoy up to 384kHz/DSD 256 decoding. · For certain situations, you can use the 1.0 mode to enjoy up to 96kHz/24-bit PCM audio without needing any drivers. *Using the 2.0 mode requires downloading and installing the FiiO USB driver.
- [Coaxial/Optical digital outs]: The XMOS USB receiver chip in the new K3 directly converts any USB audio input to digital signals output via the coaxial and optical connectors, allowing you to connect to speaker systems, amplifiers, or other external decoders.
- [Different connection options for different scenarios]: 1. Connect it to a desktop computer 2. Use the driverless 1.0 mode for business trips 3. Make it a digital turntable connected to an external decoder 4. Connect it to a speaker, using the New K3 as a DAC
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Songwriting, Streaming...
- Pro performance with the finest pre-amps - Achieve a brighter and a more open recording thanks to the best performing mic pre-amps the Scarlett range has ever seen. A switchable Air mode will add extra clarity to your acoustic instruments when recording with your Scarlett 2i2.
- Pro performance with the finest pre-amps - Achieve a brighter and a more open recording thanks to the best performing mic pre-amps the Scarlett range has ever seen. A switchable Air mode will add extra clarity to your acoustic instruments when recording with your Scarlett 2i2.
- Get the perfect guitar and vocal take - There's no need to sacrifice your tone with two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass so that they shine through. Capture your voice with clarity and your instruments in all their glory without any unwanted clipping or distortion thanks to our Gain Halos.
- Low-noise for crystal clear listening - Two low-noise balanced outputs provide clean audio playback. Hear all the details and nuances of your own track or music from Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music. Plug-in your own headphones via the output for private listening in high-fidelity.
- Studio quality recording for your music and podcasts - You can achieve professional sounding recordings with Scarlett's high-performance converters which enable you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192kHz. Your recordings will retain all of their sonic qualities so that you can sound like the artists you admire.
- Easy Start - It's easier than ever to get up and running with your Scarlett with our online tool, Easy Start. Whether you're looking to record or playback audio, we will help you get started.
- All the tools you need to start recording right, now - We've partnered with our favourite industry partners to provide you with plenty of sound content and software so that you can create and record music right away.
- Enjoy three years of warranty - Wherever you happen to be in the world, you can rely on a three-year warranty if any Focusrite hardware needs repairing or replacing due to a manufacturing fault.
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