The Best Open-Back Gaming Headphones

It has no mic, so pair it with a separate one. A wired 3.5mm and 6.3mm connection is unique to it among these picks, while the H6Pro Open uses a wired 3.5mm connection. A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter.

Because it is open-back, other people in the room will hear it, and it will not block outside noise. When we checked, only the ATH-M50x and cheaper picks cost less, and the DT 990 Pro cost more. If you want a confirmed driver size, look to the SHP9500 instead: it comes in at 50mm, while this one gives no figure.

There is no microphone, so pair it with a desk or clip-on mic. On driver size it ties with the Philips Open-Back at 50mm. It also comes with a double-layered, breathable headband cushion.

A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter. Because it is open-back, other people in the room will hear it, and it will not block outside noise. Another plus is no charging or pairing needed. When we checked, only the H6Pro Open and cheaper picks cost less, and the ATH-M50x cost more.

It pairs an open soundstage with a built-in mic. It is the only pick here with a wired 3.5mm connection; the HD 599 has a wired 3.5mm and 6.3mm connection instead. You also get a detachable mic for use with a separate microphone.

A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter. Because it is open-back, other people in the room will hear it, and it will not block outside noise. On price it sat second of 6, between the cheaper Philips Open-Back and the pricier SHP9500, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its driver size; if that figure matters, the SHP9500 comes in at 50mm.

It works best from an audio interface or amp rather than a controller jack. It also comes with a 250-ohm load suited to audio interfaces and a studio reference design. Because it is open-back, other people in the room will hear it, and it will not block outside noise.

Another plus is no charging or pairing needed. It also brings open-back for a wider soundstage. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the HD 599. Buyers who need a confirmed driver size should compare it with the SHP9500, which comes in at 50mm.

It has no mic. Its ear cups swivel 90 degrees for one-ear monitoring, and the extended frequency range includes deep, accurate bass. On driver size it trails the group at 45mm, while the SHP9500 comes in at 50mm.

You get a closed-back design here, which sets it apart from the H6Pro Open and its an open-back design. It also brings no charging or pairing needed. When we checked, only the SHP9500 and cheaper picks cost less, and the HD 599 cost more. Driver size is its weakest area, and the SHP9500 covers it better at 50mm.

It is the lowest-priced open-back model here. Its open-back design suits long music sessions, and a padded headband and breathable cushions keep it comfortable. On driver size it ties with the SHP9500 at 50mm.

A 3.5mm plug means it works with a controller or front-panel jack; on PC, a separate mic and headphone jack may need a splitter. Because it is open-back, other people in the room will hear it, and it will not block outside noise. Another plus is no charging or pairing needed. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the H6Pro Open was closest.