The best closed-back audiophile headphones for gaming are going to be a little pricey depending on what you want. What you want and what you need will depend on the type of gaming that you want to get into, since if you’re a professional gamer then you already know you’ll want the best you can get.
Canceling out as much noise as possible is necessary when you’re in competition. That’s why you’ll need to be picky when it comes to what you want to purchase and how it will work for you.
Part-time gamers that just want something to cancel out any ambient noise in their home might want something entirely different, but just as effective. I can honestly tell any person that if you want a pair of headphones for gaming, you’ll want to look around and be certain of what you need.
For the price, this headset is pretty nice since it has a cool look to it and it’s actually designed for gaming, which is what serious gamers will need. The capabilities of this headset are solid since it has zero interference and delivers the kind of studio-quality clarity.
In terms of background noise cancelation, it’s a stellar piece of equipment since putting it on gives one absolute certainty that all they’ll hear will be the game and nothing else.
The ultra-low distortion is great since it allows you to hear every single detail within the game. Footsteps and even the sounds of other elements of the game will come in crystal clear with this headset, as it delivers 360 degrees of such high precision audio that if you close your eyes you’ll think that you’re in the game.
They are a little bit on the pricey side, but in terms of getting the best, these are close as you’ll get in the price range.
Trying all these different headsets can be expensive as well as kind of difficult. Some of them are far superior in some ways, while others blow the competition away with their build and capabilities.
The QuietComfort 35 is a great pick thanks to the amazing noise cancelation it provides. Plus, it’s one of the best closed-back headsets for gaming given that it’s Alex-enabled so that one can access their music, information, and other needed modes.
It’s great at picking up voices and the dual-microphone system is noise-rejecting, which gives a big up to this system since your commands will come through clear as a bell.
For professional gamers, this is great, as the last thing you want to worry about is another noise or voice coming from the background that can garble your own voice and/or commands.
Pros
The headset has a 20-hour battery life.
The audio is well-balanced and can perform perfectly at various volumes.
Setting up the Bluetooth is hassle-free.
Cons
The Bluetooth connection can skip from time to time.
The user does need to adjust the settings or Google will update automatically.
The look of this headset is kind of basic but it works in a lot of ways since it’s able to fit most people. A lot of headsets are said to have ‘industry-leading’ noise cancelation, but there are only a few that really live up to that claim.
Sony has been good about making sure that their products work over the years, and the fact is that this headset eliminates background noise with the best of them.
The speak-to-chat option is nice as well since it not only helps when talking to others but it actually reduces the volume when you’re having a conversation. That way you don’t need to shout over the game noise to be heard. On top of that, the voice pickup is amazing.
Pros
30-hour battery life and charges quickly.
The voice pickup is amazing.
The touch sensor allows the user a few different important options that other sets don’t.
Cons
The touch controls can be a little twitchy.
The noise cancelation effect has been documented as causing fatigue.
Right off the bat, these things look sexy to some folks and strange to others. But this headset is comfortable and it does settle well over the ears. The design is easy to appreciate since it’s flat, and it’s foldable, which is great when putting them away.
This headset is great for traveling since you can fold it up and pack it up with your laptop and game on the go. Stating that it’s one of the best closed-back audiophile headsets for gaming is easy since being able to take the headset with you easily makes it far more likable.
For the price, that kind of comfort and ease of use, as well as the versatility, is something that a lot of gamers would find value in. Not only that, but the fact that you can fold these and put them away makes them last a bit longer.
Pros
Can be folded up and put away to preserve it.
Has iOS and Android compatibility.
The headset has adaptive noise cancelation.
Cons
The battery life is kind of limited.
There isn’t really an overlay, meaning that the adaptive cancelation might turn down sounds you want to hear.
The look of this headset is great since it’s one of the many that appear to emulate what is seen in the movies and on TV.
The aesthetics of the HyperX will please many people that feel the need to have the look as well as the function of this device, and the 90-degree rotating ear cups allow a person to get the best fit possible.
While the noise cancelation and overall audio make this headset one of the best closed-back headsets for gaming, the comfort can’t be overstated since the memory foam makes it possible to keep gaming for a long time in comfort.
Coming from a gamer, this is an important quality of any headset. It might have a few handling problems depending on the seller and how it’s delivered, but if purchased right from the store it should last for a while.
Pros
Lightweight and has rotating ear cups for maximum comfort.
Compatible with multiple game platforms.
Directional drivers that can maximize the audioscape of your games.
Cons
The instruction manual is a bit tricky to get through.
The controls can be a little twitchy after a while.
The headset is a bit touchy if it’s being handled too much.
These look like a rather standard pair of headphones since the appearance isn’t all that fancy, but the sound quality is as loud and clear as it can be.
The immersive sound experience this offers is great since the accuracy that this headset delivers makes it easy to think that it’s worth the money you’ll spend on it. If you like simplicity then this headset is a great way to maintain your gaming experience without all the bells and whistles.
When it comes to the overall system, it’s comfortable, light, and durable, and it will make certain that the only noises you hear are the ones you want to.
Calling these the best for the price might be a matter of opinion, but after trying them out, I can tell you that they’re worth the money spent since sitting down to play one game or another is easy when the excess noise is blocked out.
Pros
Advanced 7.1 virtual surround sound.
The oval ear cushions provide maximum comfort.
Light enough that you can wear them for an extended period of time.
Cons
Despite being advertised, it does not connect seamlessly to the PS4.
Sound quality can become an issue at very high and very low volumes.
When talking about the best closed-back audiophile headsets for gaming, you kind of have to mention Sennheiser since they do make a great product. When compared to other headsets they might not be the absolute best, but they’re still a trusted brand among gamers.
The design of the headset is great since it’s classic and like many other headsets, it does feature memory foam ear pads. For the money, the memory foam and the noise-canceling qualities of this headset are on point and can accommodate on-the-fly adjustments.
This means that you don’t have to switch out your game to adjust the audio, you can simply do it while you’re still playing. If that’s not a bonus I don’t know what is. Not only that, but to keep from damaging the headset, it can collapse and be safely stored after use.
Pros
On-the-fly audio feature is great for gamers that don’t want to interrupt their game.
The microphone automatically mutes when it’s raised.
The headset is collapsible for easier storage.
Cons
The cable is expensive to replace.
You will need a sound card.
The headset is perfect for gaming, but not really great for music.
This is the type of headset you take into battle when you’re in the middle of a pro tournament or when you’re live streaming, no doubt. The pro-audio that’s available for gamers is advantageous since it gives people a great deal of control over the voice communication that’s built into this headset.
Tell me one gamer that doesn’t want everything to go as they want it, WHEN they want it, and I’d tell you that you don’t know gamers at all.
Most people wouldn’t think as much about the superior finish, but the snug fit given by the lightweight construction definitely be appreciated by most gamers.
To keep newbies from being bogged down by terminology, I’ll simply say this headset is designed to give you the best clarity and the most control for your buck, hands down.
Pros
Tuned with ASTRO Audio V2, meaning it is pro-quality.
The construction is maximized for comfort and efficiency.
It is mod kit ready, as gamers can refit the headset to their liking.
Getting to the bottom of the list you’ve got to expect that things get a bit cheaper and carry fewer frills, but to the hardcore gamer it’s not always the tools, it’s the individual.
With that being said though, this headset has the type of compatibility that you’d want in a standard set and is still considered among the best closed-back headsets for gaming that money can buy.
The practicality of this headset is what sets it apart from some of the fancier but less useful headsets since the audiophile-grade that it gives the user is standard but great.
There aren’t a lot of extras to be had with this set, since it’s something that’s there to be used and to get you into the game. But for what it is and what it costs, this headset is something that can get you started or keep you grounded and able to focus on your game.
Pros
It’s a practical headset that doesn’t come with a lot of frills.
It’s sturdy and durable, but also built for comfort.
The price is right for a lot of gamers.
Cons
The lack of extras could hurt a serious game in the long run.
Despite their durability, the finish and outer layers can crack and peel.
Audio-Technica is a name that a lot of gamers and even people who know something about their headgear have come to trust over the years. This headset is one of those that you’d want to test out before taking home since it is a little bulky.
But the sound quality has been described as excellent and more than capable of fulfilling one’s needs. Trying on a display headset was interesting since much like any closed-back headset, it does a great job of canceling out any unwanted noise.
It is kind of an awkward fit for some heads but the overall comfort is there since the padded ear cups fit easily over any size of ear and can be adjusted to give the best experience.
The thing about Audio-Technica is that it doesn’t matter how much the cost of their products is, they’re always worth the money.
Pros
The sound quality of this headset is adequate for gaming and music.
The feel of this headset is great, and it adjusts easily enough.
The price is definitely worth it.
Cons
The headset might feel a little big to some gamers.
There is mild distortion at higher volumes.
The durability of the headset has been brought into question.
8 Things to Consider when Buying Closed-Back Headphones for Gaming
1. What do you need?
You really should look at what your needs are when buying a headset. Purchasing the most expensive set when all you need is the most basic setup is kind of wasteful and you might not get the most out of the headset in the process.
If you’re not a pro gamer then a standard to advanced headset should work just fine.
2. What do you want?
Do you want to become a pro gamer? Do you just want to block out the noises in your office or general surroundings? This would lead quickly to what you would need to accomplish such a goal.
But if you want an advanced system then you need to take cost into account as well as your needs.
3. What’s your price range?
This is more important for your wallet and your state of mind since some of these sets can cost a pretty penny. Don’t go thinking that spending more money is always going to get you the best set.
Having a price range in mind doesn’t always limit your options, and it can guide you to a product you might have overlooked.
If you are a pro gamer then you likely know what you want and what works for you. In that case, make certain that you’re catering to your needs, not just your wants.
If you have the money then there are plenty of options, but it’s usually best to go with what works for you, not what’s the most expensive.
5. What system do you operate with?
Some headsets will state that they work with any and every system, but it’s important to realize that a few of them will need added equipment that they don’t always mention.
Be well aware of what’s compatible with your system and what will work without needing any special mods.
6. Do you care about details?
Some people care more about appearance than the other issues that are necessary such as connectivity, and compatibility, and will buy a headset based on how it looks.
You should be looking to find something that can work for you, and worry over aesthetics second. It’s great to have an awesome-looking headset, but unless they work for then they’re essentially useless.
7. What type of connectivity are you looking for?
Many of these questions come down to what you can afford, what you need, and what you will be doing with your headset.
The level of connectivity that you need does depend heavily on what kind of use your headset will see, as a pro gamer will need a solid connection while someone using it for music might be able to find a cheaper headset that works without the frills.
People can and do get picky about their brands since they might think that they only have good luck with one brand and not another. The truth is that some brands are better since they spend more on creating quality products.
You might end up paying more, but for many people, that’s a small price to pay.
FAQs About Closed-Back Audiophile Headphones for Gaming
Can you use audiophile headphones for gaming?
Yes, audiophile headphones can be used for gaming. In fact, many gamers prefer to use audiophile headphones for gaming because they provide a better sound experience than standard headphones.
Audiophile headphones are designed to provide a high-quality sound experience. They usually have a wider frequency range and better bass response than standard headphones. This means that they are better suited for gaming because they give you a more accurate sound when you are playing games.
Plus, audiophile headphones usually come with a lot of features that are specific to gaming. For example, some audiophile headphones have built-in microphones so you can chat with your friends while you are playing games. Others have special noise-canceling technology that helps to reduce the noise from the game world so you can focus on the game.
So if you are looking for a high-quality audio experience when you are playing games, audiophile headphones are a good option.
Is closed or open-back headphones better for gaming?
There are a lot of people out there who believe that open-back headphones are better for gaming. They say that the sound is more natural and you can hear the in-game audio better.
However, many audiophiles believe that closed-back headphones are better for gaming. They say that the closed-back design blocks out external noise and allows you to hear the game audio perfectly. This means that you won’t have to turn up the volume so high to hear the game audio.
Ultimately, it really depends on what you’re looking for in a gaming headset. If you want the best sound quality possible, then open-back headphones are probably the best option. But if you’re more concerned about blocking out external noise, then closed-back headphones are likely the better choice.
Why are most gaming headsets closed-back?
Closed-back headphones are often considered the best option for gamers because they allow for a more immersive listening experience.
Most gaming headsets are closed-back because this is the design that offers the most immersive listening experience. Closed-back headphones block out external noise, which allows players to focus on their game without distraction.
This is especially important in noisy environments, such as in a multiplayer game or during intense action scenes.
Conclusion
When it comes to trying to select the best closed-back audiophile headphones for gaming you’ll want to dig into your wallet and spend a few bucks to get what you need.
A hefty price tag doesn’t always mean quality, which is why you’ll need to do your research and discover if the headset you want will provide what you need for your gaming experience.
Many pro gamers know that the headset they use can make a huge difference in their game and how effective they can be online. So yes, it does help to pay a little more for the best.
Is a musician and journalist with over 13 years of experience writing for some of the music world's biggest brands. Ray loves getting nerdy about everything from guitar gear and synths, to microphones and music production hardware.
