10 Best Open-Back Studio Headphones For Gaming in 2024

Driver Type: Dynamic
Impedance: 30 ohms
Sensitivity: 100 dB

The Philips Fidelio X2HR sits at a very interesting space in the mid-priced open-headphones market. They are easy to drive and will sound well even from your computer’s motherboard. Alongside other headphones like the HE400s or HE400i, they are a bargain and a great bang for the buck.Let’s get deeper into the review below.

First, the construction of the headphone is pretty solid. The headphone does not creak and the earcups are made out of high-quality plastic which looks metal. The Fidelio X2HR overall materials like real leather, steel, velour earpads with memory foam make it feel and look very premium. The headband utilizes a hammock design made of dual metal tubing covered by a real leather strap. underneath leather strap is a self-adjusting hammock headband that rests on the head. The ear cups are big and have detachable pads. The X2HR features a removable cable with the cable port located on the left earcup.

The overall comfort of the headphone is great. Despite the headphone being a little heavier, you can wear them for several hours without fatigue. Memory foam pads which are thick and soft plus a self-adjusting headband make it very comfy to wear. The mesh padded headband does not create any hotspots on the head. The clamp is noticeable but does not get uncomfortable over time. Overall, the comfort is good.

The sound signature of the Philips Fidelio XH2R is a V-shape. They have a boosted bass and treble with a slightly recessed midrange. A V-shaped sound signature works well especially with movies, gaming, and bass-heavy music. The bass of the Fidelio X2HR is tight and has a good impact especially for an open-back headphone. The midrange is a little recessed but they are very coherent and detailed. The treble, though also dominant is well controlled and shows good balance. Soundstage width and depth is good. The soundstage and imaging are of the strongest parts of the X2HR’s sound.

The Philips Fidelio X2HR is a superb gaming headphone. The build quality, ergonomics, and comfort are all good. They are excellent for gaming, watching movies, and bass-oriented genres like Hip-hop or EDM. Paired with a boom mic, the Philips Fidelio X2HR will wipe most highly-priced gaming headsets.

Driver Type: Dynamic
Impedance: 38 ohms
Sensitivity: 100 dB

The Audio Technica ATH-AD series currently features six headphones. They include the AD300, AD500, AD700, AD 900, AD 1000PRM, and the AD2000. The Audio Technica ATH-AD700 was the first AD-series headphone I tried out. It is easy to drive and has a spacious and open sound. Read on for an in-depth review.

The build quality of the ATH-AD700x is good. They are not indestructible like Beyerdynamic headphones, but they feel sturdy. The headphone is made out of plastic, which gives the headphone a cheap look. However, I think this is expected at this price range, and they are fairly durable. The earcups are covered with a soft velour material and joined with two metal wires. The wires and the earcups feel strong. The headband is a pair of two thinly padded plastic with a spring-loaded mechanism. When you put the headphone on, the tension of the headphone causes them to float.

Thanks to the lightweight design of the headphones, the thin padding on the headband is very sufficient. The overall comfort of the headphone is also good. The earpads are reasonably thick, and big to sit around the ears. The clamping pressure is very minimal, which makes them comfortable for even long sessions.

The overall sound quality of the Audio Technica ATH-AD700x is detailed and well balanced. The headphone is light on bass, the bass present is punchy and accurate. The bass does not get boomy or interfere with the mids at all. The mids are clear, detailed, and good separation. Vocals are clear and detailed. Female vocals shine while male vocals sound ok. The treble is a little bright but revealing such that small details are easily discernible.

The Audio Technica ATH-AD700x like most headphones in this list are not marketed for gaming. The massive soundstage, clarity, and revealing qualities in the sound make them good for gaming. Positional audio at this price is the best. You can hear and locate footsteps, gunshots, grenades, and even subtle movement sounds. Games like CS: GO, Doom, or Half-Life 2, you can notice some serious improvements from the AD700x’s.

Driver Type: Dynamic
Impedance: 62 ohms
Sensitivity: 103 dB

The AKG K702 is basically an improved version of the much-loved K701. AKG claims that the K702 is unique and uses a flat wire technology along with a Varimotion 2-layer diaphragm patented technology driven by neodymium magnets. However, not these claims seem to touch on how the sound is affected. One good feature in the K702 is the removable cable, which will allow for customizations and change as needed. For gaming, the AKG K702 is a great option, Let’s learn more in the in-depth review below.

The build quality is not the best. The headphone features mostly plastic in the build. The earcups and headphone slides are plastic, however, they seem durable and of good quality. The headband is self-adjusting and utilizes two wires and a leather headband that is attached to elastic threads that auto-adjust. The leather is soft but the auto-adjusting headband might not be good for people with large heads. The earcups are well-padded and covered with velour. They are angled and hit the ear in a more natural position.

Though the earcups are not deep, they are very comfortable to use even in long sessions. The K702 has good space, breathable velour plus very good ventilation of the earcups avoid heat build-up even on hot days. The earpads are easily removable to enable easier cleaning and replacement when the need arises. The clamping force is relaxed and does not press hard on the sides of the head. Overall, the K702 has a good amount of comfort. The lightweight design also helps in improving comfort.

Going by the overall sound performance, the AKG K702 has a higher ability in terms of accuracy, detail retrieval, transparency, soundstage, and imaging. The bass is present but lacks impact. If your genre or choice does not involve bassy music, this is a good headphone, for gaming the bass is great. The midrange is neutral and transparent, while the treble is airy and clear. Overall, The K702 pays more focus on the mids and high-end.

The soundstage is airy and wide with good separation and full of details. The imaging is also great with accurately positioned instruments.  The lack of bass makes the AKG K702 less immersive, but if you want the highest level of competitiveness, this headphone is the best choice.

Driver Type: Dynamic
Impedance: 250 ohms
Sensitivity: 96 dB

If you are looking for good headphones, you’ve most probably heard of German professional audio electronics manufacturer Beyerdynamic. They have been in the business since 1924 and are synonymous with hi-fi audio. It’s no surprise that when you set out to find new headphones, Beyerdynamic headphones are one of the most recommended. For gaming, the Beyerdynamic DT990 PRO is one of the most recommended headphones since it is only just under $200 and it is also used by famous gamers like Ninja.

The build quality of Beyerdynamic headphones is one to love. The DT 990 Pro is built like a tank. Save for the headband and the yorks holding the earcups, most of the headphone is made out of plastic. The plastic in the earcups is thick and will get through accidental drops. The headband is made of spring steel. It is well padded and covered with a pleather type material. The Headband is held in place by four clasp-buttons which makes it removable. Overall, the build quality is great. The only gripes I have with Beyerdynamic DT series headphones would be the exposed cables from the earcups. The DT 990 PRO comes with a 3-meters coiled non-detachable cable which can get problematic in case of a damaged cable.

Beyerdynamic is known for its velour earpads. This the best of their headphones apart aside from the build and sound quality. The DT 990 PRO is well padded and the pads have plenty of space for your ears. The headband adjustments are fine and can extend to fit almost any head size. The headphone can be a little tight especially if you have a wide head. However, the headband is made of spring steel, so do not be afraid to bend it a little to loosen up the clamp.

Now for the sound quality. Overall the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO has a slightly V-shaped sound. The bass is present and hits hard. It is not boomy or authoritative like in closed headphones but it is good. The midrange is not the best, but it is clear and transparent. The high-end can get a get harsh at a high volume especially when playing songs with instruments like saxophones or violins.

The bass is solid for an open-back headphone. The elevated treble response though troublesome in treble centric music is great and will make you feel the gunshots and explosions. The DT 990 PRO is also a solid choice for watching movies. You will also require a DAC/Amp to get the best out of these headphones.

Driver Type: Planar Magnetic
Impedance: 50 ohms
Sensitivity: 96 dB

Planar magnetic headphones have seen a drop in price in recent years. The HE400i and the HE400s are the best examples of planar headphones that have drastically reduced prices since they entered the market. The Monolith M1060 has also been hyped in recent years as a very affordable planar magnetic headphone. A few revisions of the M1060 such as a thicker wood enclosure and a switch to the 2.5mm headphone port has improved it. Let’s get deeper into the review.

The Monolith M1060 has a decent build. It is not built like a tank and you should take care of these like babies. Monolith is constantly trying to improve the headphones by incorporating user reviews and experiences on the headphone’s build. I think this deserves a special mention because the company listens to its customers. The M1060 features metal in most of its build. The headband is a metal strip with a leather strap that sits on the head. The outer headphone grids are also well-designed metals. The M1060 also features a wooden ring around the headphone drivers that adds to the aesthetics of the headphone. The headphone uses a detachable cable and has 2.5mm connectors on each earcup.

The earcups are huge and thickly padded. These fit very well and are comfortable even for long sessions. Though the build quality might be a miss, the comfort and fit are good. They are covered by pleather which is soft and they are deep enough to ensure the ears do not touch the grills. The headband has little bumps on it that help in distributing the headphone’s weight evenly. The bumps can, however, get uncomfortable after a long session.

As far as the sound quality goes, the Monolith M1060 has a good bass response that goes low enough and also has a good impact and presence. The midrange is a little misbalanced and comes out as overpowering. For music fans, this will give a more revealing and dynamic listening experience. The treble is a little laid back but with plenty of details and resolution.

Revisiting BF1 (BattleField 1), Martini Henry shots have a tight and fast punch that makes you feel the power and recoil. BF1 soundtrack is also a joy to listen to out of the M1060 planar headphone.

Driver Type: Dynamic
Impedance: 32 ohms
Sensitivity: 101 dB

If you are looking for a cheap open-back headphone for gaming, the Philips SHP9500 is a solid choice you should pick. This is the perfect excuse to treat yourself.  Still not convinced? Let’s get deeper into the review.

The build quality of the Philips SHP9500 is moderate with extensive use of plastic in the headphone’s construction. The plastic is to be expected at this price range but it does not feel flimsy or easy to break. The headband is plastic with foam padding underneath. The padding snaps off the mainframe which allows for handwashing when needed. Large “L” and “R” painted in white on the metal grills and earpads identify the left and right sides. The earpads are huge and should be an easy fit even for folks with large ears. They are made from the same mesh material as the headband. The earpads are not user-replaceable.

The comfort of the headphone is good. The clamp is very little and you should not have any issues with it. The headband allows for a number of adjustments that make it a great fit. The headphone is light and the headband padding seems to a great job of sitting comfortably on the head. The earcups are huge and should fit around even large ears with ease. The earpads are not deep and depending on the headphone’s position your ears might touch the headphone drivers.

For the sound quality, the bass is present but does not have a hard effect. For bass heads, you might have to look elsewhere. The midrange is well balanced with vocals and instruments. The mids are comparable to the HD 600 but a tad less refined. The high-end at high volumes might come out with a few distortions but it is overall clear. For the price, the soundstage is wide and they also have good imaging. It might not be amazing, but it is good for games helping in immersion or hear enemies in competitive gaming.

If you are used to shitty gaming headsets, the Philips SHP9500 is a worthwhile upgrade for a low price. They have decent clarity, soundstage, and imaging for gaming. You can be able to separate footsteps from other sounds pretty well. The headphone also does not make for a congested gaming experience.

Driver Type: Dynamic
Impedance: 50 ohms
Sensitivity: 106 dB

The Sennheiser HD 599 is the top headphones in the Sennheiser HD 5*9 range that targets entry-level audiophiles. There are two versions of the HD 599, which are the ivory and black variants (HD 599SE). Apart from the color scheme of the two headphones, there seems to be no difference between the HD 599SE and HD 599. The Ivory and brown design might appease some people while others will go with the all-black design.

The build of the HD 599 is entirely plastic. For the price, that’s a bummer, but they seem to be sturdy. While to some people this might be a sign to keep off these headphones, overall they seem well built. The plastic seems tough and is very durable. Because of the plastic, the headphone is very light which adds to the overall comfort. The headband is covered by a well-padded soft leatherette for a painless listening experience. The earcups are huge and go around the ears. The left earcup features the 3.5 mm headphone port. The headphone comes with a removable cable and you get two 3-meter cables in the package.

As for the comfort, the overall lightweight design and the soft, well-padded headband make the headphone very comfortable to wear. The headband has several size adjustments to offer a comfortable fit for most people. The earcups are big and cover the ears very well. This is a perfect example of an over-ear headphone. They are also deep and the ears do not touch the headphone drivers. The earpads are covered by soft breathable velour. Clamping force is light and these feel like they float around your head.

The sound quality is where the Sennheiser HD 599 speaks for itself. The bass is deep and hits hard but there is no thump or rumble. The midrange, particularly the lower mids are forward while the higher mids are a little recessed. This gives sound more volume. instruments can be heard well but vocals are not forward. The treble is well extended but has a slight hint of sibilance.

Both soundstage and imaging are excellent on the Sennheiser HD 599. They are very open and soundstage is also reasonably wide. Overall, HD599 is a great and solid option for gamers. The warm and spacious sound, excellent comfort, plus they are easy to drive even from your PC’s motherboard.

Driver Type: Planar Magnetic
Impedance: 35 ohms
Sensitivity: 93 dB

The HiFIMAN is an entry-level headphone from HiFiMAN Planar magnetic line. It is largely viewed as the successor of the HE-400. The HIFIMAN HE-400I has drastically reduced in price to just under $300 making it one of the cheapest planar magnetic headphones available in the market. The HE-400i is not new to gaming. Over the years I have spotted several gamers using it. How does it perform you ask? let delve deeper into the review.

First, the build quality. The build is a mix of plastic and metal. The earcups are plastic, which has a shiny metallic appearance. The black grills are metal and can be removed to be modified, which what some people have been doing. The headphone yokes too are plastic. The top headband is a metal tension bar that does not look anything special. Underneath it, the suspended pleather headband is a little thin but does a very good job of spreading the weight across the top of the head without any hotspots. The FocusPad earpads are a combo of velour and pleather. They are thick and feel very soft to the skin. The earpads are removable. The headphone cable is also removable.

The HE-400i is quite flexible and can be easily adjusted on your head (even if you’re a gamer with a big head). The headband and earpads contribute so much to the overall comfort of this headphone. FocusPads are soft, well-padded, and the fit over-the-ears is good. The headband sits well on top of the head and has a good amount of adjustment available. The clamp pressure might get uncomfortable on initial use but they get more comfortable after a few days of use. At 370 grams, the HIFIMAN HE400I is a light planar headphone, which also largely contributes to the overall comfort.

The bass on the HIFIMAN HE-400I is decent but not great, It lacks the thump or rumble which is especially noticeable when playing bass-heavy music. The midrange and treble are where this headphone shine. Vocals and instruments are detailed and presented in a very good way. The treble response is clear, natural, and lively-sounding. It might sound bright or a little sibilant depending on what you give it, but overall the HE-400i seems just perfect. Apart from bass-heavy music, the HE-400i should work with a wide variety of genres.

The soundstage on the HE400i is not that wide but the imaging is impressive. Though the soundstage width is not exceptional, it feels realistic and natural. For gaming, the HE-400I has good positional/directional accuracy. Separation is also good, which improves imaging, and micro-details also emerge.