The Best Headphones to Buy for Gaming

Gamers want to experience sound quality at its full potential and a set of headphones will do just that.

It is believed that the best headphones for gaming are gaming-specific headsets but that it is not true.

Whether it be for single-player stories or competitive multiplayer, there is a range of headphones to suit everyone.

Most wireless devices use Bluetooth but they can be a problem, especially when playing online. Gaming devices also need to have Bluetooth connectivity.

However, latency does not matter when playing a cinematic story. High-quality sound and practicality are much more important.

A solid pair of headphones can be more expensive than a traditional gaming headset but they can be used for so much more than just playing games.

There are some excellent non-gaming-branded headphones which are noise cancelling to ensure that you are fully immersed in the game.

We look at some of the best on-ear and in-ear headphones to buy if you are a gamer.

Sony WH-1000XM3

Cost – £280

The Sony WH-1000XM3 is arguably one of the best headphones to buy for gaming due to its plethora of features.

Its 30-hour battery life is what it is known for as it is an unparalleled feat within gaming.

They also showcase top-notch noise cancelling thanks to the QN1 HD noise cancelling processor. This means that it can keep out a range of sounds, from conversations to noises in crowded areas.

This ensures that a game will have your full attention.

Sony has claimed that they deliver pristine high fidelity sound over a five hour period after just 10 minutes of it being plugged in.

The standard controls of wireless headphones are also non-existent as the WH-1000XM3 has touch-based playback commands to bring the technology into the modern day.

One issue is that it does not have Wi-Fi connectivity which is something that is rare outside of the gaming market.

They do have Bluetooth so as long as you have a device with Bluetooth connectivity like a smart TV, they will be useful.

All of this gaming-specific technology is encased within a sophisticated design finished with a metallic or matte look. This really is a brilliant set of headphones to go for if you are a keen gamer.

Bose SoundSport Wireless

Cost – £114

These Bose SoundSport Wireless headphones are not just great for gaming but they are also useful when exercising.

They are water and sweat resistant and have a durable build so that they will offer high-quality sound even if they gather wear and tear over time.

The SoundSport has a respectable six-hour battery life so that playing for long periods will not be a problem.

While they don’t have a charging case, the headphones are tethered to a rubber string which wraps around your neck during idle moments.

One thing that Bose is known for is their StayHear+ earbud tips which massively improve in-ear stability and reduce outside noise.

The SoundSport Wireless earbuds have a comfortable fit and stay in your ears.

This is a welcome change from other wireless in-ear headphones which are usually ill-fitting.

As for Bluetooth connectivity, pairing the SoundSports to any device is almost effortless.

When it comes to gaming, Bluetooth capabilities are required but it is not difficult to get them working.

AKG Y50BT

Cost – £66

The best headphones are typically expensive but the AKG Y50BT is a good quality model on a budget.

It is one of the best value ones out there and it has a number of specs that are as good as or even better than the more expensive headphones.

The AKG’s feature a built-in microphone which dismisses the misconception that headphones are not good for gaming as they don’t have a mic.

The microphone is built into the right ear cup, allowing you to interact with fellow gamers as you play online. However, the mic quality is not the best as it does not extend outwards.

But it is not that important when AKG headphones are mainly bought for their renowned audio output.

The Y50BT’s exhibit clear sound through their state-of-the-art 40mm sound drivers. It is no surprise when they are made by the world-recognised AKG acoustics who are known for their professional audio equipment.

Its value is even more impressive when you look at the 20-hour battery life. It is more than a lot of its market rivals and it is a lot cheaper.

For those who wanted premium audio for a reasonable price then these are for you.

Jabra Elite Active 65t

Cost – £145

An in-ear headphone which is ideal for a number of things and not just gaming is the Jabra Elite Active 65t.

They deliver high-end audio when gaming and when listening to music while doing other things.

While audio quality is important, a headphone’s comfort is what can draw a person in.

The Elite Active 65t has prioritised comfort and longevity as opposed to audio engineering and other unnecessary features.

The sound quality is still good. They have a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz which rivals some of the more well-known gaming headsets.

It has a comfortable in-ear design ensures that they will not slip out during intense gaming.

One negative aspect is that it has exclusive Bluetooth connectivity which is a problem for gamers but because there are adaptors, it will not be an issue setting them up.

The inclusion of five microphones make Active 65t perfect for gaming and it is all packed into a sleek design. What is not to like about the Elite Active 65t.

Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Over-ear

Cost – £130

For those who prefer gaming the old-fashioned way, the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 is ideal.

Its cool retro design shows why headphones are better than a gaming headset.

The Sennheisers are also perfect for those who don’t want to deal with the hassle of Bluetooth. Just plug them in and you’re good to go.

While they look great, they maintain premium audio quality.

Inside there are a few 40mm drivers along with 18 Ohm transducers which have been engineered by Sennheiser for first-grade audio.

Even though the headband looks impractical, they can be folded, meaning that you can travel with them.

The Momentums are a versatile set of headphones because not only are they suited for gaming but they are great for listening to music on a phone.

There are two versions available for both iPhone and Android devices.

Klipsch R6i II

Cost – £70

Configuring Bluetooth on a PC for gaming can be annoying which is why some people prefer wired headphones. The Klipsch R6i II is one to consider.

Their unparalleled performance makes them one of the best in-ear headphones on the market.

They emit sound at a 10-19kHz frequency response range meaning audio is loud, almost eardrum-shredding should you decide to increase the volume.

When combining the R6i’s overall quality with the £70 price tag, it looks like they are a good value for money.

However, one problem is that some devices are moving away from the traditional 3.5mm audio jack so connectivity may be limited.

It may mean that another investment would need to be made for an adaptor but the excellent sound is tempting for anyone who wants to enhance the overall gaming experience.

These headphones have been designed with gamers in mind even though they are suitable for other uses.

Modern technology and engineering have been incorporated to create excellent quality devices, both in terms of sound and physical appearance.

On-ear and in-ear headphones, as well as the varied price tags, suit different preferences.

One thing for sure though is that they all enhance the sound quality of video games in order to create a fully immersive experience.