The Best Open-Back Gaming Headsets With Mics

Like the Fosi i5 and Ananda, it has a wired connection, while the H6Pro Open uses a wired 3.5mm connection. An on-cable MEMS boom mic microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the H6Pro Open uses a detachable boom microphone. It also comes with an open-back design.

Because it is open-back, other people in the room will hear it, and it will not block outside noise. It also brings no charging or pairing needed. Worth noting too: open-back for a wider soundstage.

It makes the most sense for listeners who want the biggest drivers here, since it offers the largest driver size here (100mm). Its price falls between the Ananda and the Fosi i5, based on our last check.

It also offers a 97mm driver size. Its 97mm planar diaphragm is 2 microns thin with a sputtered silver alloy coating. A memory-steel headband, multi-axis pivoting cups and silicone sliders handle the fit.

It shares a wired connection with the ROG Kithara and Ananda; the H6Pro Open goes with a wired 3.5mm connection. It shares an open-back planar magnetic design with the ROG Kithara and Ananda; the DT 990 Pro goes with an open-back design. Because it is open-back, other people in the room will hear it, and it will not block outside noise. At our last price check it topped the group, with the ROG Kithara the nearest cheaper option.

It pairs an open soundstage with a built-in mic. No other pick in this guide offers a wired 3.5mm connection; compare the ROG Kithara, which has a wired connection. Like the DT 990 Pro, it has an open-back design, while the Ananda uses an open-back planar magnetic design.

A detachable boom microphone is unique to it among these picks, while the ROG Kithara uses an on-cable MEMS boom mic 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.

It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the DT 990 Pro was the next step up. Buyers who need a confirmed driver size should compare it with the ROG Kithara, which comes in at 100mm.

It works best from an audio interface or amp rather than a controller jack. Like the H6Pro Open, it has an open-back design, while the ROG Kithara uses an open-back planar magnetic design. It also offers 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. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper H6Pro Open and the pricier Ananda, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its driver size; if that figure matters, the ROG Kithara comes in at 100mm.

It pairs Stealth Magnets with HIFIMAN's NEO supernano diaphragm for a fast, detailed response. It is a step up the planar range for critical listening. It is open-back and needs a quiet room, but it rewards careful listening.

It sits above the Sundara in HIFIMAN's range and suits critical music listening. Its window-shade grille reduces reflections, and asymmetrical ear cups follow the shape of the ear. Like the ROG Kithara and Fosi i5, it has a wired connection, while the H6Pro Open uses a wired 3.5mm connection.

You also get a detachable cable. Because it is open-back, other people in the room will hear it, and it will not block outside noise. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper DT 990 Pro and the pricier ROG Kithara, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its driver size; if that figure matters, the ROG Kithara comes in at 100mm.