Over-ear headphones are the most common audio device for gamers. But a big, bulky helmet isn't for everyone. They can be uncomfortable, hot, and put a lot of pressure on the top of the head and ears. Eyeglass wearers may feel the tension after long gaming sessions, as the weight of the helmet puts pressure on the frame. For those who don't like in-ear headphones, headphones are a small in-ear alternative.
Headphones have their own advantages and disadvantages. They're smaller and more portable, for those who travel or play outside of their home. They exert no pressure on the outer ear or on the top of the head. You also won't get that playful bump in your hair if you choose an in-ear option.
On the other hand, headphones do not have the capabilities of over-ear headphones. There are a lot of downsides: they won't always have microphones. If they have microphones, they won't be of the same quality as those found on large over-ear headphones. Sound can escape the headphones only to be picked up by the microphone, annoying all of your teammates.
Microphones aren't the only problem with headphones. The audio quality will not be as good as that of over-ear headphones. Headphones are also worse for you than over-ear headphones. The potential for hearing damage and loss is greater for in-ear devices than for those outside the ears. Because they are inside the ear, there is a risk of pain, discomfort, and fatigue when wearing them for long periods of time.
While not on par with in-ear headphones, headphones are capable small devices that are better suited to particular lifestyles than a large, heavy headset. When looking for good headphones, keep an eye out for audio quality, convenience, microphone availability and quality, and price. Most quality headphones are not designed for gamers, but rather for music lovers and mobile use. Gaming brands have yet to fully penetrate the headphone market. This makes the options with decent microphones and limited sound quality.
Noise cancellation is a big advantage of headphones and earphones. Most headphones will have sound insulation. Noise isolation is a passive form of noise cancellation. It prevents additional sounds by creating a seal on the ear canal. With an active noise cancellation process, the headphones use technology to cancel out additional sounds before they reach the ears. Both can be effective, but noise cancellation will be more reliable. Sound insulation requires a perfect fit.
With all of that in mind, here's our list of the best headphones for gamers.
Betron YSM1000
Image via AmazonBetron manufactures a variety of low cost wired headphones with noise isolation technology. The Betron YSM1000 are marketed as having a powerful bass, solving one of the problems with headphones. They have a built-in microphone and controller. The earphones come with a carrying case and silicone and memory foam earbuds in multiple sizes.
Encafire E60 Bluetooth wireless headphones
Image via AmazonThe Enacfire E60 wireless headphones look like the Razer Hammerhead but without the cost. They are designed for sports use, which makes them tough and durable, but lack some of the features gamers have come to expect. They come with a wireless charging case for the ultimate wireless experience. The headphones can be controlled with smart touch sensors. They are waterproof for outdoor use or for spills. The E60 has an eight hour battery. There is a microphone in each ear cup for better sound quality. The headphones also have noise cancellation to filter out ambient noise. These headphones do a lot for their price. They may not be suitable for the gaming community, but would be a good option for those on a moderate budget.
HyperX Cloud Headphones
Image via AmazonHyperX Cloud headphones are a less expensive wired alternative designed for gaming. They are marketed for mobile and Nintendo Switch users but use a standard headphone jack. As long as your device or PC has this port, they will be compatible. They also use a mic built into the cable, which won't be the best quality available, but if you want to nanoboost your Reinhardt it's better than nothing. The cable is rubberized and tangle free to help prevent knots in the cord. They also come with three sizes of silicone inserts for maximum comfort. HyperX is a cheaper branded alternative to Razer or Turtle Beach. If you want headphones, but don't want to spend too much, the HyperX Cloud headphones are a good option.
IWALK wireless headphones
Image via AmazonThe iWalk TWS wireless earphones are a mix of sports and gaming earphones. They have a funky, modern and stylish look that will satisfy that party who wants a fashionable ensemble. They have low latency at 40ms, beating Razer's 60ms. They are waterproof with a built-in microphone, seven hours of battery life, 7.1 surround stereo sound experience. The microphone has noise cancellation, sparing your teammates the background noise.
Listeners KLIM Fusion
Image via AmazonThe KLIM Fusion headphones are one of the cheapest items on the list. With over 20000 reviews, they make a solid pair of inexpensive headphones for gamers and music lovers alike. They are available in five colors: black, blue, green, orange and red. Unlike most headphones, they use memory foam instead of silicone for the best size and fit. Memory foam blocks outside noise better, provided the fit is right. It has a built-in microphone for calls.
Razer Hammerhead True Wireless
Image via AmazonAnother well-known gaming brand, Razer, is entering the headphone market. They have two models, a wired Hammerhead and the wireless one shown here. The wireless has an input latency of 60 ms, a battery life of 15 hours and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. They come with silicone tips for added comfort and fit. They are water resistant and are compatible with touch and voice assistants. Although they have a microphone, the quality does not match that of standard mics.
Sennheiser IE 80 S.
Image via AmazonSennheiser is an expensive brand designed for audiophiles, not gamers. As a result, their microphones will not meet the needs of gamers, but the sound quality is excellent. The IE 80 S is a pair of combined headphones. They sit comfortably inside the ear canal while the cable wraps around the ear for security and stability. They have ear hooks, a detachable cable, and three different types of earplugs, each in three different sizes. The IE 80 S is an expensive set, however, so these are the best if you're already comfortable with headphones as a gamer.
Shure SE215
Image via AmazonShure has established itself as an audiophile brand. Shure headphones and earphones deliver great sound, but often at a steep price. The SE215 has two variants "-CL" indicating clear and "-k" for black. Both are the same model. Shure designed this model with durable reinforced cables for strength and usability. The wires are formable and can be used in an over-the-ear configuration to stay in place and out of the way. The connector has a lock to allow it to turn for a perfect fit. The headphones block 37 dB of ambient sound thanks to soundproofing sleeves. The kit includes three sizes of flexible and black foam sleeves and a carrying case. These can be used wired or wireless. Although they are wireless, they have a battery life of 10 hours and a range of 30 feet.
Turtle Beach Battle Buds
Image via AmazonTurtle Beach is an established helmet brand for gamers. The company has long been involved in the development and production of quality headsets for the gaming market. Turtle Beach's Battle Buds, besides having an adorable name, have a detachable microphone that fixes some of the issues with headphones. Instead of a microphone falling somewhere around the collarbone, this one sits where the average headset mic would rest. They come with several headphones to help users find the perfect fit. A controller is integrated into the cable to quickly adjust the volume or mute your microphone. They come in a standard black and a white with blue accents. These are hardwired, so charging and battery life is not an issue.
1More Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones
Image via AmazonThe 1More Triple Driver in-ear headphones are a nice, moderately priced pair of headphones. They are wired with three drivers to provide precise listening and clarity. Designed by award-winning audio engineer Luca Bernard, these deliver fantastic sound without sacrificing style. They have nine sets of tips to ensure the right size and fit for everyone. There is a built-in remote control for quick access. There is also an in-line microphone with independently tuned ground wires to eliminate background noise and crosstalk.
