Buying Guide
The Best Headphones for Video Editing
Five headsets compared, from the Philips Open-Back to the INZONE H6 Air, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Editing audio for video calls for accurate, uncoloured sound more than game-tuned bass. Every pick is an open-back, planar or studio-style set, ordered from the lowest price.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: driver size, connection and design come from each maker's published specs; a missing driver size is flagged, not filled in, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Largest Drivers
Philips Open-Back Wired Headphones
The largest driver size here (50mm).
Best for: Listeners who want the biggest drivers here.
Our take Check price for Philips Open-Back Wired Headphones (opens in a new tab)
Detachable Boom Microphone
EPOS H6Pro Open Acoustic
A detachable boom microphone.
Best for: Buyers who want a detachable boom microphone.
Our take Check price for EPOS H6Pro Open Acoustic (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
HIFIMAN HE400SE Planar Magnetic Headphones
Stealth Magnets.
Best for: Buyers who want Stealth Magnets.
Our take Check price for HIFIMAN HE400SE Planar Magnetic Headphones (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
HIFIMAN SUNDARA Closed-Back Planar Headphones
A closed-back design that leaks less sound.
Best for: Buyers who want closed-back design that leaks less sound.
Our take Check price for HIFIMAN SUNDARA Closed-Back Planar Headphones (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Sony INZONE H6 Air Open-Back
The top of this price range, adding drivers adapted from studio monitor headphones.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for Sony INZONE H6 Air Open-Back (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Largest Drivers1 of 5
Philips Open-Back Wired Headphones on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Philips's open-back headphone uses 50mm drivers and ships with a 6.3mm adapter.
Best for
- Listeners who want the biggest drivers here.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: open-back leaks sound both ways.
Why we like it
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. It shares an open-back design with the H6Pro Open and INZONE H6 Air; the Sundara Closed-Back goes with a closed-back planar magnetic design.
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. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the H6Pro Open the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 50mm
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm with 6.3mm adapter
- Design: Open-back
- Microphone: None
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- No charging or pairing needed
- Open-back for a wider soundstage
- Open-back design
Cons
- Open-back leaks sound both ways
- No built-in microphone
Detachable Boom Microphone2 of 5
EPOS H6Pro Open Acoustic on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
EPOS's H6Pro Open is an open acoustic gaming headset with a slim boom mic that detaches.
Best for
- Buyers who want a detachable boom microphone.
Skip if
- Pass on it if open-back leaks sound both way rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It pairs an open soundstage with a built-in mic. No other pick in this guide offers a wired 3.5mm connection; compare the INZONE H6 Air, which has a wired connection. Like the Philips Open-Back and INZONE H6 Air, it has an open-back design, while the HE400SE uses an open-back planar magnetic design.
A detachable boom microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the INZONE H6 Air uses an included microphone. It also offers 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.
Its price falls between the Philips Open-Back and the HE400SE, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed driver size should compare it with the Philips Open-Back, which comes in at 50mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm
- Design: Open-back
- Microphone: Detachable boom
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Open-back for a wider soundstage
- Open acoustic design
- Slimmer boom mic
Cons
- Open-back leaks sound both ways
- Costs more than the Philips Open-Back at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 5
HIFIMAN HE400SE Planar Magnetic Headphones on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The HE400SE stands out for Stealth Magnets, and it adds a full-size open-back design.
Best for
- Buyers who want Stealth Magnets.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when open-back leaks sound both way is a problem.
Why we like it
Planar drivers cover nearly the whole diaphragm for low distortion, and HIFIMAN's Stealth Magnets reduce reflections. It is an affordable way into planar sound. Like the Sundara Closed-Back and INZONE H6 Air, it has a wired connection, while the H6Pro Open uses a wired 3.5mm connection.
You also get a lower price than HIFIMAN's Sundara. Because it is open-back, other people in the room will hear it, and it will not block outside noise. Its price falls between the H6Pro Open and the Sundara Closed-Back, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed driver size should compare it with the Philips Open-Back, which comes in at 50mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: Wired
- Design: Open-back planar magnetic
- Microphone: None
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Open-back for a wider soundstage
- Stealth Magnets
- Full-size open-back design
Cons
- Open-back leaks sound both ways
- No built-in microphone
- Costs more than the Philips Open-Back at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
HIFIMAN SUNDARA Closed-Back Planar Headphones on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Sundara Closed-Back is built around a closed-back design that leaks less sound, with beechwood ear cups on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want closed-back design that leaks less sound.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no built-in microphone.
Why we like it
This is the closed-back Sundara, which keeps sound in and outside noise out, unlike the open original. Its NEO supernano diaphragm is 80% thinner than common designs. Closed-back planars are rare, so it suits planar sound in a shared room where open-backs would leak.
It shares a wired connection with the HE400SE and INZONE H6 Air; the H6Pro Open goes with a wired 3.5mm connection. You get a closed-back planar magnetic design here, which sets it apart from the INZONE H6 Air and its an open-back design. You also get a detachable cable.
When we checked, only the HE400SE and cheaper picks cost less, and the INZONE H6 Air cost more. If you want a confirmed driver size, look to the Philips Open-Back instead: it comes in at 50mm, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: Wired
- Design: Closed-back planar magnetic
- Microphone: None
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Closed-back design that leaks less sound
- Beechwood ear cups
- Detachable cable
Cons
- No built-in microphone
- Costs more than the Philips Open-Back at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Sony INZONE H6 Air Open-Back on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The INZONE H6 Air is the lightest headset here at 199g and the only open-back gaming headset in the group.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: open-back leaks sound both ways.
Why we like it
Sony adapted its drivers from studio monitor headphones and adds a custom equalizer for RPG and adventure games. It shares a wired connection with the HE400SE and Sundara Closed-Back; the H6Pro Open goes with a wired 3.5mm connection. No other pick in this guide offers an included microphone; compare the H6Pro Open, which has a detachable boom microphone.
Because it is open-back, other people in the room will hear it, and it will not block outside noise. Only the Sundara Closed-Back came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 40mm
- Weight: 199g
- Connection: Wired
- Design: Open-back
- Microphone: Included
Pros
- Light 199g build
- No charging or pairing needed
- Open-back for a wider soundstage
- Drivers adapted from studio monitor headphones
Cons
- Open-back leaks sound both ways
- Costs more than the Philips Open-Back at the time of writing
How We Chose These Headphones for Video Editing
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Microphone
- We checked whether a microphone is included, detachable or noise-rejecting.
- Battery and weight
- We compared rated battery life and weight where makers state them, noting where lighting affects the battery claim.
- Drivers and design
- We noted driver size and whether the design is open or closed, which shapes sound and isolation.
- Platform support
- We checked which consoles and PCs each maker names, and flagged Xbox-specific connections.
What to Look for in Headphones for Video Editing
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Pick the connection first
A 2.4GHz dongle gives the lowest latency for games; Bluetooth is convenient for phones but lags for shooters. Wired headsets have no latency or battery concerns.
If you play on a console as well as a PC, check which connections each platform supports before buying.
Open-back or closed-back
Open-back headphones sound more spacious and feel cooler, but they leak sound and block little outside noise. Closed-back models isolate better in shared rooms.
Choose open-back only if you play in a quiet room on your own.
Weight and clamp matter after an hour
Lighter headsets reduce pressure on the top of the head, and memory foam or fabric pads stay cooler. A difference of 50g is noticeable over long sessions.
If you wear glasses, look for soft pads that do not press the arms into your head.
Virtual surround is software
7.1 and spatial audio labels usually describe software processing, not extra drivers. They can help locate sounds in some games and hurt music in others.
Make sure you can switch it off in the headset's software.
Console versions are not always interchangeable
Some wireless headsets come in PC, PlayStation and Xbox versions with different dongles. An Xbox-specific model may not connect wirelessly to a PlayStation.
Buy the version that matches every system you plan to use.
Check the microphone type
Detachable microphones let the headset double as everyday headphones. Some audiophile headphones have no microphone at all, so you would need a separate one.
If you stream or join calls, a cardioid or noise-rejecting mic is worth prioritising.
How to Choose Headphones for Video Editing
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Listeners who want the biggest drivers here | Philips Open-Back | The largest driver size here (50mm) |
| Buyers who want a detachable boom microphone | H6Pro Open | A detachable boom microphone |
| Buyers who want Stealth Magnets | HE400SE | Stealth Magnets |
| Buyers who want closed-back design that leaks less sound | Sundara Closed-Back | A closed-back design that leaks less sound |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | INZONE H6 Air | The top of this price range, adding drivers adapted from studio monitor headphones |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Headset | Driver size | Connection | Design | Microphone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips Open-Back | 50mm | Wired 3.5mm with 6.3mm adapter | Open-back | None |
| H6Pro Open | Not listed | Wired 3.5mm | Open-back | Detachable boom |
| HE400SE | Not listed | Wired | Open-back planar magnetic | None |
| Sundara Closed-Back | Not listed | Wired | Closed-back planar magnetic | None |
| INZONE H6 Air | 40mm | Wired | Open-back | Included |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Headsets |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | Philips Open-Back, H6Pro Open |
| About $100 to $150 | HE400SE, Sundara Closed-Back |
| About $150 to $250 | INZONE H6 Air |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the cheapest pick in this guide?
Start with the Philips Open-Back, the lowest-priced pick when we checked. The INZONE H6 Air is the premium end, so the spread between them shows what extra money buys here.
Should I turn on virtual surround?
Try it in each game. It can help with positioning in some titles and make others sound hollow.
Are open-back headphones good for gaming?
They give a wide, natural soundstage but leak sound and block little noise. They suit quiet rooms, not shared spaces.
Can I use one headset on PC and console?
Many can, but check the connection for each system. Xbox-specific wireless headsets often need a matching adapter or Bluetooth on PC.
Are gaming headsets comfortable with glasses?
Softer memory foam pads and lighter clamp help. Look for listings that mention glasses support if it matters to you.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Philips Open-Back. Look at the H6Pro Open for a detachable boom microphone, the HE400SE for Stealth Magnets and the Sundara Closed-Back for a closed-back design that leaks less sound if those matter more to you.
Check your mix on speakers or earbuds too; viewers won't hear it on studio headphones.