Not all headphones are created equal, but some work perfectly for gaming and listening to music. Whatever the reason, you’ll want to pick a gear that works well during gameplay but still offers serious neutral listening. Let’s take a sneak peek at the overall best non-gaming headphones for gamers:
| Image | Best | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Non-Gaming Headphones For Gaming | Blue Mix-Fi Powered High-Fidelity Headphones with Integrated Audiophile Amplifier | Check Price |
| Best Non-Gaming Headphones For PS5 | Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 ohms) | Check Price |
| Best Studio Headphones For Gaming | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | Check Price |
| Best Audiophile Headphones For Gaming | Sennheiser HD 800S | Check Price |
Choosing the perfect non-gaming headphones is easier if you understand the exact features that make them the ideal solution for your diverse needs. With the help of our detailed guide, you can save money from buying a second pair of headphones solely for gaming.
Table of Contents
Best Non-Gaming Headphones For Gaming
Blue Mix-Fi Powered High-Fidelity Headphones with Integrated Audiophile Amplifier
Blue is best known for its top-quality, game-changing microphones that offer pure sound. When they went on to design and develop headphones, the results were simply outstanding. The Mix-Fi (formerly known as the Mo-Fi) is Blue’s first-ever pair of headphones.
The Blue Mix-Fi is a high-fidelity (hi-fi) headset specially designed for the most discerning of listeners. Everything about the Mix-Fi is fresh and cutting-edge, from its sleek appearance to the integrated analog amplifier.
Mix-Fi boasts a multi-jointed design on the earcups shaped to fit the user’s ears, providing cozy comfort for long gaming sessions. It also sports a unique, adjustable tension knob on its race car-inspired headband, allowing you to dial in the perfect setting. And pivoting arms that keep the angle of the earcups parallel at all times for maximum sound and comfort.
Mix-Fi’s unique design ensures that it’s not too tight or loose but just right. The level of comfort, combined with the headphones’ ergonomic fit, isn’t easy to achieve in most headsets. Still, the Blue Mix-Fi has made it possible by meeting form with function.
Mix-Fi’s audio quality is just as impressive. In fact, it’s the first of its kind that’s integrated with a custom audiophile amplifier and sound drivers. With these, Mix-Fi can produce true audiophile sound performance to just about any device.
You can set amp controls in three different modes: Passive, Active, and Enhanced Bass mode, allowing you to tweak the frequency.
This takes the level of precision and immersion to a whole new level, giving you a mind-blowing gaming experience with realistic sound reproduction, with less distortion on every device. However, note that it does not have active noise canceling, which is probably the only thing where another headset might better serve you.
The Blue Mix-Fi was primarily designed for studio use like recording and mixing. Still, many users buy it for gaming, as well. This is because the Mix-Fi headset can create a precise surround sound environment. Making it incredibly satisfying to play open-world RPGs where every nuance is clearly articulated and FPS games where you can pinpoint the location of enemy gunfire.
Needless to say, you can get the best out of your game with the Blue Mix-Fi, as it’s also targeted at PC and console owners. The design ensures that there are no exposed cables, as they’re lovingly tucked in channels that avoid the dangers of getting snagged while playing. The main cable also has a recessed connection with a tapered end, keeping it nice and snug.
For the weight, the Mix-Fi can be pretty heavy. But again, the thick padding on the earcups and the multi-jointed headband ensure that you’re comfy enough for long hours of gaming.
Pros
- Robust build and innovative design for maximum comfort
- Built-in audiophile amplifier
- Versatile listening mode (Passive, Active, and Enhanced Bass)
Cons
- Bulky design, with a heavy-duty feel and tight seal that could leave a hot sensation around the ears (with prolonged use)
Top Pick
Blue Mix-Fi Powered High-Fidelity Headphones with Integrated Audiophile Amplifier
Best Non-Gaming Headphones For PS5
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 ohms)
Beyerdynamic headphones are known for delivering phenomenal sound clarity. But what sets them apart from other headphones is the impedance. The higher the impedance level, the better audio quality. This makes the 80-ohm DDT 770 Pro an excellent choice for neutral listening.
The DDT 770 Pro has a softly padded headband and cushioned earcups that ensure high wearing comfort for extended gaming or live streaming periods. It comes with a noise-canceling boom mic for delivering the clearest sound quality and a closed-back design that blocks out ambient disturbance and environmental noise around you.
The intense noise isolation, combined with the comfy ear padding, ensures that you won’t strain your ears during long sessions. Additionally, the single-sided cable allows the headphone to be put on and taken off without getting in the way.
This headphone boasts the clearest analog sound while being compatible with any device with a 3.5mm jack port, including PC and gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5. The above-average spatial representation of this 80-ohm headset is simply astounding, despite the strong noise isolation from the outside world.
And with its exceptional acoustic definition and ultra-low bass, it’s capable of reproducing crisp and clear sounds.
Because of these, the DT 770 Pro is an excellent alternative for playing PS5 games that support the Tempest 3D Audio, a PS5-exclusive audio format that supports surround sound.
It’s perfect for playing open-world games, as well as racing and flight simulation games. However, there are some factors about this headphone that you may not like. Some users have complained about poor leakage performance and the bulky design, making it unsuitable for outdoor use.
The closed, over-ear design also tends to clamp on the head, affecting comfort with extended wear. However, this varies from person to person.
Pros:
- Robust and sturdy design for long product life
- Dense, well-padded earcups with secure fit and comfort for long hours of usage
- Balanced audio reproduction and high impedance for neutral listening
Cons:
- Some sound leakages
Best For PS5
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 ohms)
Best Studio Headphones For Gaming
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The ATH-MH50x is a highly respected, best-selling studio headphone that’s one of the most popular choices among audiophiles and gamers. It’s been in the market for some time now. When it was released with the other 3.55mm connector headsets, the ATH-MH50x quickly took the world by storm, despite the sizeable competition.
Today, it’s still the best studio headphones for gaming in terms of pricing, comfort, durability, and sound performance.
The ATH-MH50x is an upgraded version of its predecessor, the ATH-M50, with several cosmetic additions. It’s an extremely comfortable and lightweight headphone, with reinforced padding on the earcups and headband. Unlike the older version, the ATH-MH50x is fashioned with a 90-degree swivel design for compact storage.
Despite the bulky design, there’s minimal clamping force. It only weighs 283 grams, so you can wear it for long periods without feeling any discomfort. The ATH-MH50x also sports a closed-back design that ensures sound doesn’t leak in or get out, which is a massive plus among gamers.
The ATH-MH50x is designed to be wired only, as opposed to the newer version, the M50xBT, a wireless version of the original ATH series of headphones. The MH50x has three 3.55mm-jack cables for each headphone, with a quarter-inch adaptor connected to an audio interface or any high-grade device.
It also comes with a detachable cable. It’s compatible with most smartphones, as well as with Mac and Windows devices, and consoles like the Xbox and PlayStation 4 and 5.
In terms of audio quality, the ATH-MH50x is pretty much well-balanced. The bass delivers just enough oomph to users who prefer that bassy, booming sound to their games.
Gunfire, punches, and everything that pops and explodes out of the soundstage is crisp and clear enough to give you that much-needed level of immersion. This makes the MH50x an ideal choice for gamers who are into FPS and competitive games.
The headphones deliver perfectly layered, unobtrusive vocals and audio that’s never overpowered by other tracks. It produces clear and defined treble and mid-range, free of distortion and muddiness. Whether you’re a casual listener, a serious gamer, or a music connoisseur, you’ll surely be impressed with the ATH-MH50x’s sonic balance.
But while there’s incredible sound detailing, some customers are not satisfied with the imaging. This doesn’t mean it’s a poor choice for competitive gamers though, because you’d still be able to get positional cues.
However, it’s not as accurate as what you’d get from other devices like the DT 770 Pro, with its wider soundstage. Still, the MH50x is your best bet if you’re looking for a more user-friendly design with a well-balanced audio profile.
Pros:
- Sturdy and lightweight build, with a thickly padded headband and earcups for maximum fit and comfort
- Decent noise cancellation from the closed-back design
- Perfectly balanced sound profile, with punchy bass and clear highs
Cons:
- Some leakages, with limited soundstage
Best Studio
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Best Audiophile Headphones For Gaming
Sennheiser HD 800S
Sennheiser’s HD 800S has been around since 2016, but it remains one of the best audiophile headphones on the market today. The price for this piece of cutting-edge technology is no joke, but it’s tailor-designed with elite listeners in mind. Not many headphones can hold a candle to the level of comfort, design, sound profile, and performance the HD 800S delivers.
It’s easy to fall in love with the HS 800S’s style, with its matte-black finish and steel highlights. The industrial design seamlessly combines form with function, layered plastic and metal headband, and handmade microfiber ear pads that provide superior comfort for extended periods of listening or gaming.
The unique earcup design directs sound to the ears at a slight angle, creating a spatial and realistic listening experience. While the earcups make it look a tad bulky, the HD 800S has a lightweight design, weighing only 331 grams.
The headset comes with two 3-meter fabric-sleeved cables. One is a 6.3mm jack plug. The other is a balanced 4.4mm plug to connect to amplifiers, A/V receivers, audio interfaces, etc.
The HS 800S delivers crisp and clear sound that’s natural and realistic in every detail. Gamers are blown away by the sound quality these headphones exude. The open-back, around-ear design provides a spacious, lifelike soundstage for critical listening. The high-accuracy sound imaging is simply phenomenal. You’ll feel as though you’re right in the game.
But because of its open-back style, you can expect some amount of external noise to seep in. This could affect the level of immersion while you’re deep behind enemy lines in an FPS game or tackling a pivotal scene in your favorite role-playing game.
The Sennheiser HD 800S is undoubtedly one of the most expensive headphones out there. But overall, it’s the best audiophile headphone, both for PC and console gaming. It has easy-to-drive power requirements, with vast audio capabilities perfect for any type of gameplay.
The HD 800S is hands-down the undisputed premium headphone for gaming audiophiles, paired with a massive soundstage and excellent bass.
Pros:
- Aesthetic and lightweight design
- Exceptional imaging and soundstage
- Enhanced bass for open-back speakers
Cons:
- Very expensive
Best Audiophile
Sennheiser HD 800S
What To Look For With Non-Gaming Headphones For Gaming
Getting the ideal non-gaming headphones is a lot easier when you know about their salient features. To understand how they work, you need to look into the following key features:
Comfort
When choosing non-gaming headphones, remember that you’ll be using them for almost everything. Pick headphones with large ear cups and a headband that’s breathable and adequately padded.
Earpads made with thin or low-quality foam can dampen your ears after just a few hours. Pads with cheap, meshed fabric can cause an unpleasant, hot sensation on your ears with extended wear. Go for pads with gel-based or soft memory foam in breathable fabric to avoid these. This usually does the trick in keeping your ears sweat-free, with almost zero pressure around the ears.
On the other hand, headbands must have cushions and should be perfectly clamped to fit well with your head size without that tight, pinching feeling. Remember, the best headphones don’t make their presence known.
Sound Quality
For gaming enthusiasts, low-quality sound performance can throw them off their game. Many gaming titles even require accurate sound to clearly identify objects and pinpoint the exact location of a target or opponent.
A non-gaming headset must be perfectly balanced for critical listening, with stable high and mid frequencies and boosted lows, for that natural and realistic audio experience.
With well-balanced frequencies, the headset can produce a surround sound profile. Wider frequency range ensures that you can locate and listen to every voice and sound being played in-game.
And you know what’s awesome? The bass and treble on non-gaming headphones are often much better than their gaming counterparts!
Price
Quality and sound performance cost money, but they’re not the only factors that affect the price of headphones. Accessories, features, and certain technologies also drive up the price.
This doesn’t mean you can’t find budget-friendly non-gaming headsets though, but the higher quality ones tend to kick in around $200. Most headphones with the noise-canceling feature can go up to $300 or more.
You can find a decent pair for as low as $50, but studio and audiophile models can go in the thousands. For example, iconic brands like Sennheiser, Beats, and Bose can also impact pricing.
Compatibility
Remember that you’re choosing non-gaming headphones to fulfill your diverse needs—not just for gaming. With this in mind, you need headphones compatible with various devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, PCs, or gaming consoles.
Durability
Since you’re investing your hard-earned money on new gear, you might as well choose one that could last for years and withstand accidental falls.
When looking for non-gaming headphones for gaming, go for one with a solid, carbon-fiber body and aluminum frame. Features like a reinforced steel headband, and a wire or metal design, are must-haves for non-gaming headphones, as well. Some are also made with strong plastic, which offers good quality, though not as sturdy as metal.
Wireless Or Wired
Most wired headphones now come with a 3.5mm jack and an extra 6.3mm adapter. With these, you’ll get almost universal compatibility. And with a wired connection, you won’t experience any lagging in video or audio.
On the other hand, wireless/Bluetooth headphones have cross-platform compatibility that may not meet your different requirements, except for gaming. The upside with a wireless connection, though, is that you can avoid the mess of tangled wires.
If possible, go for headphones that support both wired and wireless connectivity. Of course, this all depends on your budget and preferences.
Noise Cancellation
Gamers can be really picky with what they want to hear. Modern games are also becoming more complex and engaging, making it essential to pay close attention to in-game sounds. The same goes for recording, mixing tracks and beats, and reproducing vocals.
And so, you need headphones that offer good noise isolation so that no external sounds can spoil your gaming or listening experience.
Open Or Closed Back
Open-back headphones have an external housing with built-in gaps that allow sound and air to pass freely through the earcups. This eliminates pressure to build up, thus encouraging a crisp and natural sound ideal for critical listening.
However, improved audio reproduction comes at the expense of noise isolation. This type of headphones doesn’t block out ambient noise, which means that anyone nearby will hear what you’re listening to.
Meanwhile, closed-back headphones are built exactly how their name implies. This type of headphones is sealed to block any sound leaking or seeping in, thus providing impressive noise cancellation. Because of this, you might notice that closed-back headphones are chunkier than most open-back designs.
Again, it all comes down to purpose and personal preference. Closed-back headphones are ideal for loud environments, but if you like to hear what’s going on around you while listening to music or playing games, an open-back style may be a better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Audiophile Headphones Be Used For Gaming?
Yes and no. Audiophile headphones are tailor-built to help the user feel more immersed in their game and better understand what’s going on. However, most audiophile headphones have a closed-back design, which means that they have limited soundstage compared to open-back, over-ear headphones.
Additionally, this type of headphones can be costly, as they have higher quality sound performance and build. They’re an excellent choice if you already have a dedicated amplifier or high-end audio equipment. Otherwise, you may be breaking the bank if you want them solely for gaming purposes.
Can You Use Professional Headphones For Gaming?
Absolutely. Studio headphones are primarily designed for music connoisseurs. Professional headphones are built in a way that recreates the most natural and realistic sounds possible.
In short, any sound produced is amazingly crisp and detailed. Professional headphones are perfect for studio work because the user can hear any edits, background noises, and distortion during the recording.
For gaming, this means that you can hear even the most minute of details, ones you wouldn’t ordinarily hear with the use of regular headphones. Sounds like the rustling of leaves, the direction of footfalls, movements of nearby predators, and lots of other stuff you wouldn’t believe game produces have included in-game.
You’ll have a better and more immersive gaming experience with professional headphones.
Can You Use Regular Bluetooth Headphones For Gaming?
While regular Bluetooth headsets aren’t necessarily better than wired ones, they’re undoubtedly a good alternative. Their high flexibility gives them a competitive edge. They pretty much offer the same essential features as their wired counterparts. However, you should first consider the latency and battery life, as they can affect your gaming experience.
Summary
There are so many different features to try out to make your listening and gaming experience the best it could be. Overall, the headphones mentioned above are the best choices money can buy for anyone looking to improve their sound quality. They offer well-balanced sound profiles and maximum comfort levels that will keep you playing for hours without unpleasantness and fatigue.
Ultimately, it’s Blue’s Mix-Fi headphones that become the forerunner in our list of the best non-gaming headphones for gamers. It has superb form and function, a slew of features, and cutting-edge audio technology. The clean, natural sound it produces is more than enough to win every music and gaming enthusiast’s heart.
The key to choosing the ideal non-gaming headphones is to sort out the options based on your budget and preferences and according to the type of games you play.
Top Pick
