Buying Guide
The Best Over-Ear Gaming Headphones
Five headsets ranked on driver size and connection; the Philips Open-Back is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Over-ear headphones suit gamers who already have a desk microphone. Every pick is an over-ear model without a built-in microphone, ordered from the lowest price.
We ranked these headsets on driver size, connection and design using manufacturer specifications; where a maker leaves out driver size, we say so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Philips Open-Back Wired Headphones
A lower price than the HD 280 Pro and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for Philips Open-Back Wired Headphones (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones
Up to 32 dB of listed passive attenuation.
Best for: Buyers who want up to 32 dB of listed passive attenuation.
Our take Check price for Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Philips SHP9500 Open-Back Headphones
A double-layered, breathable headband cushion.
Best for: Buyers who want double-layered, breathable headband cushion.
Our take Check price for Philips SHP9500 Open-Back Headphones (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
40mm drivers.
Best for: Buyers who want 40mm drivers.
Our take Check price for Audio-Technica ATH-M40x (opens in a new tab)
Solid Runner-Up
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)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 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
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Pass on it if open-back leaks sound both way rules it out for your setup.
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 matches the SHP9500 on driver size (50mm).
Like the SHP9500, it has an open-back design, while the HE400SE uses an open-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 was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the HD 280 Pro was 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
Also Consider2 of 5
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Sennheiser's HD 280 Pro is a closed studio headphone with up to 32 dB of listed passive attenuation.
Best for
- Buyers who want up to 32 dB of listed passive attenuation.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no built-in microphone.
Why we like it
It blocks a noisy room well but has no mic. You get a wired 3.5mm connection here, which sets it apart from the HE400SE and its a wired connection. It shares a closed-back design with the ATH-M40x; the HE400SE goes with an open-back planar magnetic design.
It also offers a closed design for shared rooms and a foldable frame. 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. It was priced above the Philips Open-Back and below the SHP9500 at the time of writing. There is no published driver size figure, whereas the Philips Open-Back comes in at 50mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm
- Design: Closed-back
- Microphone: None
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Up to 32 dB of listed passive attenuation
- Closed design for shared rooms
- Foldable frame
Cons
- No built-in microphone
- No published driver size
- Costs more than the Philips Open-Back at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Philips SHP9500 Open-Back Headphones on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The SHP9500 is a hi-fi headphone rather than a headset: open-back 50mm drivers and a breathable headband give a wide, natural sound.
Best for
- Buyers who want double-layered, breathable headband cushion.
Skip if
- Pass on it if open-back leaks sound both way rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
There is no microphone, so pair it with a desk or clip-on mic. It matches the Philips Open-Back on driver size (50mm). Like the Philips Open-Back, it has an open-back design, while the ATH-M40x uses a closed-back design.
It also offers 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. Its price falls between the HD 280 Pro and the ATH-M40x, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 50mm
- Connection: Wired 3.5mm, 1.5m cable
- Design: Open-back
- Microphone: None
Pros
- 50mm drivers
- No charging or pairing needed
- Open-back for a wider soundstage
- Double-layered, breathable headband cushion
Cons
- Open-back leaks sound both ways
- No built-in microphone
- Costs more than the Philips Open-Back at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Audio-Technica's ATH-M40x uses 40mm drivers and 90-degree swiveling earcups.
Best for
- Buyers who want 40mm drivers.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no built-in microphon rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is the lower-priced closed studio headphone in the line. Its circumaural ear cups seal around the ears for isolation in loud rooms, and the pads and headband use professional-grade materials. It is built for studio monitoring as much as gaming.
Its 40mm drivers use rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminium voice coils. On driver size it trails the group at 40mm, while the Philips Open-Back comes in at 50mm. It shares a closed-back design with the HD 280 Pro; the Philips Open-Back goes with an open-back design.
You also get detachable cables. When we checked, only the SHP9500 and cheaper picks cost less, and the HE400SE cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Driver size: 40mm
- Connection: Wired, detachable cables
- Design: Closed-back
- Microphone: None
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- 40mm drivers
- 90-degree swiveling earcups
- Detachable cables
Cons
- No built-in microphone
- Driver size trails the Philips Open-Back (50mm)
- Costs more than the Philips Open-Back at the time of writing
Solid Runner-Up5 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
- Pass on it if open-back leaks sound both way rules it out for your setup.
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. You get a wired connection here, which sets it apart from the HD 280 Pro and its a wired 3.5mm connection.
An open-back planar magnetic design is unique to it among these picks, while the HD 280 Pro uses a closed-back design. It also comes with 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. There is no published driver size figure, whereas the Philips Open-Back 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
- No published driver size
How We Chose These Over-Ear Gaming Headphones
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared five headsets on driver size, connection, design and microphone as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Philips Open-Back to the HE400SE, state connection, design and microphone.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The HD 280 Pro and the HE400SE give no driver size.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Philips Open-Back ($50 to $100) to the HE400SE ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in Over-Ear Gaming Headphones
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Driver size across these picks
Here driver size runs from 40mm on the ATH-M40x to 50mm on the Philips Open-Back. Start with the Philips Open-Back if driver size decides it. No figure for the HD 280 Pro and the HE400SE.
Extras that separate them
The SHP9500: a double-layered, breathable headband cushion. The ATH-M40x: 90-degree swiveling earcups. The HE400SE: a full-size open-back design.
Where your budget lands
$50 to $100 buys the Philips Open-Back, the HD 280 Pro and the SHP9500; $100 to $150 buys the ATH-M40x and the HE400SE at our last check.
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.
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.
How to Choose Over-Ear Gaming Headphones
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible | Philips Open-Back | A lower price than the HD 280 Pro and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want up to 32 dB of listed passive attenuation | HD 280 Pro | Up to 32 dB of listed passive attenuation |
| Buyers who want double-layered, breathable headband cushion | SHP9500 | A double-layered, breathable headband cushion |
| Buyers who want 40mm drivers | ATH-M40x | 40mm drivers |
| Buyers who want Stealth Magnets | HE400SE | Stealth Magnets |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Philips Open-Back leads on driver size at 50mm, ahead of the SHP9500 at 50mm. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Headset | Driver size | Connection | Design | Microphone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips Open-Back | 50mm | Wired 3.5mm with 6.3mm adapter | Open-back | None |
| HD 280 Pro | Not listed | Wired 3.5mm | Closed-back | None |
| SHP9500 | 50mm | Wired 3.5mm, 1.5m cable | Open-back | None |
| ATH-M40x | 40mm | Wired, detachable cables | Closed-back | None |
| HE400SE | Not listed | Wired | Open-back planar magnetic | None |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Philips Open-Back was the lowest-priced pick and the HE400SE the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Headsets |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | Philips Open-Back, HD 280 Pro, SHP9500 |
| About $100 to $150 | ATH-M40x, HE400SE |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Philips Open-Back our Lowest Price Here pick?
It earns the label for a lower price than the HD 280 Pro and the rest when we checked. It suits spending as little as possible.
Do the Philips Open-Back and the HD 280 Pro differ on design?
The Philips Open-Back and the SHP9500 use open-back; the HD 280 Pro and the ATH-M40x use Closed-back; the HE400SE uses open-back planar magnetic.
What extras do the Philips Open-Back and the HD 280 Pro include?
The Philips Open-Back: 50mm drivers. The HD 280 Pro: up to 32 dB of listed passive attenuation. The SHP9500: a double-layered, breathable headband cushion.
Should I pick the Philips Open-Back or the HE400SE?
The Philips Open-Back suits spending as little as possible; the HE400SE suits buyers who want Stealth Magnets.
What else do the ATH-M40x and the HE400SE offer?
The ATH-M40x: detachable cables. The HE400SE: a lower price than HIFIMAN's Sundara.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Philips Open-Back, chosen for a lower price than the HD 280 Pro and the rest when we checked. Look at the HD 280 Pro for up to 32 dB of listed passive attenuation, the SHP9500 for a double-layered, breathable headband cushion and the ATH-M40x for 40mm drivers if those matter more to you.
Pair them with a standalone USB microphone for voice chat.