10 Best Headphones for Music and Gaming (Is one enough?)
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It is very important to know that some headphones are specifically designed for either music or gaming. Hence, if you use them for both functions, they will only perform well for one and function poorly for the other. You might go to the market to shop for headphones and end up buying the wrong one if you do not understand the difference. However, there are some headphones that are excellent for both music and gaming.
There are lots of factors that you need to consider before selecting a pair of headphones. You should not be carried away with the fancy aspect while you neglect the most important features.
Type of headband
One of the essential things to consider is if it is over-the-ear or not. A good headphone, which will make you enjoy your game session and music time, must be able to stand well on your ears without discomforting you. You can play games and music for hours, so if the headband cannot stand very well, you would not enjoy yourself.
Noise-canceling feature
Noise-canceling is another vital factor to consider. Side noise can distract you while you are playing games or music. Therefore, to ensure full concentration, buy a headphone that can reduce noise and side sounds. The improvement in technology has made the canceling of noise possible.
Wired or wireless
Furthermore, when you want to buy a headphone that can work for both music and gaming, you should note whether it is wired and wireless. Not all games can use a wireless headphone, so you must put this into consideration. Buy a headphone that has the wire and can also work as wireless so that it can be used for a wide range of things. Although most of the gadgets that are produced in recent times are using Bluetooth, a headphone that is wireless and is also using wire would be beneficial.
Driver
This aspect should not be joked with because the driver is one of the crucial components of a headphone. For you to enjoy your game, buy a headphone with good drivers. This is because the drivers help in converting the electrical signal into an audible sound signal which can be perceived by the ears of humans.
Impedance
You should also consider the impedance too. Impedance means the amount of power needed to drive the headphone.
You might also put the battery life into consideration.
Best Headphones for music and gaming you should consider
1. Turtle Beach Ear Force Stealth 450
Specs
| Battery life | 15-hour per charge |
| Mic | Adjustable and sensitive |
| Headband | Adjustable |
| Connectivity | Wireless |
| EQ settings | 4 preset including superhuman |
First on the list is the Turtle Beach Ear Force Stealth 450. This headphone is believed to be one of the best because it has astounding specs. It features a marketing tag-line: “Hear Everything, Defeat Everyone”. This tag-line is a simple summary of this headphone as it offers a clear sound that is loud enough for everyone. For people looking for a low budget headphone and still desire a nice set of wireless music and gaming headphone, this is just the best for you. The headphone is decently built and is not as luxurious as some kind of headphones.
When you are using it for a game, its drivers are very responsive; therefore, every small detail would be heard. This is why it is possible to hear the movement of your virtual enemies even before they get close to you. As an added advantage, it is packed with 3 other Turtle Beach preset audio equalization settings. Its mic is adjustable and highly sensitive. This mic is removable in case you want to listen to songs in your music library or watch a movie. It is latency-free; hence, it is possible for the headset to provide monitoring.
In addition, Turtle Beach Ear Force Stealth 450 is android compatible. Its battery can last for a period of 15 hours. Due to its unique features such as comfortable ear pads, the adjustable headband, and the modern woven fabric, this is the perfect headphone for long-term use as you will feel no pain when using it.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Surround sound
- Good battery life
- Wireless
Cons
- Not luxurious
Why you need to buy it
Considering the price factor, it is advisable you go for this headphone. Its battery life is reliable for use and it produces good sound.
2. Sennheiser HD 280 PRO
Specs
| Driver | 40mm |
| Frequency Response | 8 Hz to 25 kHz |
| Cable | 10’/3m coiled cable |
| Earcups | Swiveling |
| Design | Dynamic, closed-back design |
| Cushions | Leatherette |
| Headband | Padded, adjustable headband |
| Circumaural/sound isolating | -32 dB |
If you do not want to spend much and still want a good sounding headphone, just go for Sennheiser HD 280 PRO. This headphone has a silky smooth sound and is packaged with 40mm drivers. The range of its frequency response is highly impressive. This simply means you can hear every note in the music you are playing. And if it is a game, you cannot miss any single footstep of your nearest enemy in a shooter game.
This headset is a closed and dynamic stereo headphone; thus, its sounds are accurate with a linear sound reproduction for some critical monitoring applications. To ensure its universal compatibility, it has optimum impedance. The design of its rotating earcups is space-saving collapsible and its ambient noise attenuation is up to 32 dB.
The frequency response of this headphone is within the range of 8 Hz and 25 kHz. It has a high ability to reject outside noise as well as an extended dynamic range and high output because of the efficient neodymium magnets that it has. For the users’ comfort, its earcups are thick, adjustable and padded with leatherette.
Pros
- It is good for studio recording and mixing as well as gaming
- It is comfortable for long use
- Its frequency response is highly sensitive
- It is universally compatible
Cons
Why you need to buy it
This headphone is very good for shooting games because you can hear every sound. It comes with great comfort and produces accurate sound.
3. Marshall Major III
Specs
| Drivers | 40mm |
| Battery life | 30+ hours of playback |
| Hinges | Ergonomic rotating 3D |
| Cable | 3.5mm cable with built-in mic/remote |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth aptX wireless technology |
| Design | Collapsible |
This is another best of its kind as it offers amazing features that you can hardly find in others within the same price range. This is a result of its mixture of classic aesthetics with modern technology. It comes with comfort combined with the ergonomics of 3D hinges. It has soft earcups and a padded headband coupled with a durable set of thick loop wire and a set of reinforced rubber damper. Not just that, it has a built-in and multi-directional control knob, which allows you to manage the audio playback and phone calls. Therefore, it can be used to answer calls, reject or ends calls while your phone is still inside your pocket or bag.
The texture of the exterior of the headband, earcup and ear cushion edges is the unique vinyl. The Marshall Script logo is engraved on each of the earcups. It has support for Bluetooth aptX which makes it possible for you to stream audio in high quality when it is paired with a compatible device. Due to the presence of inbuilt 40mm dynamic drivers, it has been tuned and engineered for a smooth miss, enhanced bass and clear highs.
The headphone is designed to be wireless or wired depending on your choice. The wire can help you to connect with devices that are not supporting Bluetooth. It has an inline microphone and remote; hence, you can enjoy remote audio. For lovers of music, it has over 30 hours of playback per charge.
Pros
- It has longer hours of playback
- The earcups are soft
- It has been tuned and engineered inbuilt 40mm dynamic drivers.
Cons
Why you need to buy it
You need to buy it because it has good bass and clear highs. It is useful for making calls. It is comfortable for playing games.
4. Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) Wireless Headphones
Specs
| Connectivity | Alexa-compatible, wireless headphones |
| Audio quality | Dynamic full-range audio |
| Components | Durable high-end |
Another great headphone is Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) Wireless. It is a wireless and also lag-free headphone that can stream from any android device. This headphone has some special features that make it a great option for lovers of games. It is Alexa-compatible, and with a simple touch of a button, you can access the mic. It has been specially made to give balanced audio and also block out the background noise. This is why it is possible to get immersed in the game and carried away with the audio sensation.
Incorporated into this headphone is an advanced triple-level noise-canceling method. The essence of this is to create real-world audio deprivation which will make the game more real like you are experiencing it. It is one of the best headphones in the market. Premium materials were used for its crafting to make it beautiful and to provide luxurious high-end comfort.
Pros
- It is best for noise cancellation
- It has high-end components
- It comes with a greater comfort
- It gives a dynamic full-range audio
- It has a lag-free wireless headphone
Cons
- It is a bit costly
Why you need to buy it
This headphone blocks out background noise which gives you better concentration. It has audio stimulus for a game which others do not have. It is comfortable for use.
5. HyperX HX-HSCF-BK/AM Cloud Flight Wireless Gaming Headset
Specs
| Frequency Response range | 15 – 25,000 Hz |
| Dimensions | 7.5 x 3.4 x 7.4 inches |
| Weight | 0.69 lbs |
| Mic | Removable microphone |
| Battery life | 30 hours |
| Connectivity | Wireless |
This is another unique brand of headphones. It is a wireless headset with 30 hours of battery life. The battery lasts longer if the LED Mode is off. Due to its battery strength, it has a little advantage over the audio-Technica open airs. It gives excellent sound quality.
Though it is a little less powerful when compared with others, it is one of the most comfortable in its kind. Its microphone can be removed. For the benefit of lovers of game and music, it has appropriate cables for game and music connections. This headphone works perfectly for PS4 and PC.
Pros
- It is the most comfortable pairs
- The sound quality is excellent
- It is good for game and music connections
Cons
- The quality of the microphone is kind of drowned out
- In some cases, there might be a need for an external microphone
- No surround sound, just stereo
- The battery life is short if the normal lights are running
Why you need to buy it
This headphone produces excellent quality sound and works very well for PC and PS4.
6. ASTRO Gaming A10 Gaming Headset
Specs
| Headband | Sturdy steel |
| Microphone | Omnidirectional mic |
| Connectivity | Detachable wire |
| Cover | Rubberized poly-carbonate cover |
| Earpads | Foam-cushioned earpads |
This is another low-price quality headphone that is suitable for music and gaming. It gives an accurate audio quality with drivers that are perfect for handling the high output while playing a game. This headphone comes with a sturdy steel headband that is covered with a rubberized poly-carbonate that helps to resist damage. It also boasts of having a detachable wire which assists in prolonging its life as it gets wear and tear. Although it is not as comfortable as the previous ones, you will have no problem with its durability.
To make it look better, it has ear foam cushions that are breathable so as to prevent sweating. With the presence of ear foam cushions, the sound is directly focused on the ears; hence, when you are using it for gaming, the audio produced is well-tuned for a high-fidelity definition. For in-game communication, it has a flip to mute omnidirectional microphone. It works perfectly with consoles, Macs, Gaming PCs, and Android devices.
Pros
- It is a durable design
- It can be flipped to mute the mic
- The price is affordable
- The audio is well fine-tuned
- The parts are of good quality
Cons
Why you need to buy it
With a little amount, you will enjoy quality sound. Its audio is highly well-tuned. It is useful for resisting damages.
7. Sony MDR7506
Specs
| Drivers | 40mm Neodymium |
| Frequency Response | 10 Hz – 20,000 kHz |
| Design | Circumaural closed-back stereo |
| Cable | Coiled, single-sided |
| Earcups | Swiveling |
| Additional feature | Soft case |
Sony is a strong household name in the world of electronics. This is one of the best products produced so far from Sony in terms of headphones. In the aspect of been luxurious, this product might not be the best in the market but anyone who knows much about headphones would not think twice before going for it. It is durable and the quality of the sound is also amazing. It has a coiled cable which makes the connection to be seamless.
It features high-quality 40mm drivers and has an exceptional frequency response range. With these two factors combined together, you have a studio-level quality for yourself. This is one of the best headphones that work for all applications both music and gaming applications. For those into recording and filming, it is very useful. The reason is that it has low impedance and close-ear design. This design makes it easier for Sony MDR-7506 to perform a good job in cutting down background noise while it still provides enough volume in the field or in the studio.
As an added advantage, the closed-ear can eliminate headphone bleed when you are overdubbing in the studio. This headphone works well for camcorders, MIDI workstations and other equipment that have less powerful headphone amplification. The Sony MDR-7506 is foldable to make it store and transport things conveniently. While its coiled cable, on the other hand, allows the Sony MDR-7506 to stretch and also spring back to its normal position when stretched during use.
In addition, it can be used for professional applications because of its circumaural closed-back stereo. The coiled cable enhances its mobility and also prevents snags from tugging the headset. For deeper bass, wider dynamic range and lower distortion, there are 40mm diameter drive units. Sony MDR-7506 makes use of OFC cable and gold plated Unimatch plug to enhance its connectivity.
Pros
- It is good for filming and recording
- It can store and transport
- Its frequency response is highly impressive
Cons
- It looks cheap, so if you are looking for a luxurious product, this is not for you.
Why you need to buy it
With these headphones, you cut the background noise. It is durable. The audio quality is good.
8. Sol Republic Master Tracks X3
Specs
| Mic | Good quality mic with a 3-button remote |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs |
| Dimensions | 8 x 3.3 x 6.8 inches |
| Frequency Response | 500 Hz – 3 kHz |
| Design | Modern, clean and comfortable |
This is a low-budget headphone with quality sound. The bass is deep and the highs are clear. The sound quality is simply perfect. Its headband is durable and comfortable as well. When it comes to sound quality, it can be compared to Beats.
You can swap out the headband for your comfort. Its chords are also detachable coupled with an apple inline remote/microphone. The microphone plus a 3-button remote allows you to pick calls and hang-up calls at your convenience. You can also adjust the volume of a song or simply skip, pause and resume a song. You just press and hold the button to activate Siri. Sol Republic Master Tracks X3 is a modernly designed, clean and comfortable.
Pros
- Good quality sound
- It can be hyperextended
- Comfortable and durable headband
- Interchangeable speakers, wires and headband
Cons
- The headphone comes with wires that feel a bit cheap
- For those using glasses, the speakers may not rest well over the ears
- It sometimes hurt sides of the head
Why you need to buy it
It produces a good quality sound and gives you the opportunity to control the device connected with it. Among its kind, it is the best modernly designed headphone you can get.
9. Logitech G433 7.1 Wired Gaming Headset
Specs
| Headband | Steel headband sliders with 90-degree swivel |
| Drivers | 40mm |
| Mic | Detachable boom mic |
| Connectivity | Wireless |
| Sound system | 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound |
| Design | Lightweight and comfortable |
| Material | Hydrophobic, stain-resistant fabric |
| Port | Hidden acoustic port |
This is an amazing product from Logitech. It is highly flexible and good for gaming. It can work on a variety of devices. It has an over-ear design coupled with 40mm drivers. The headband is soft and likewise the earcups. The mic is detachable. So, when it is not needed, you can remove it, especially when you are listening to music.
It works perfectly for gaming consoles, PC and smartphones. It has cable just for it to be useful for PC, gaming consoles and other devices that do not have Bluetooth. The headset will be locked when you buy it, which limits your enjoyment to the full set of features. All you need to do is to unlock it by downloading the Logitech’s Gaming Software.
For you to enjoy the more unique listening experience, it has a virtual 7.1 surround sound. For gamers, this feature makes it easier for you to detect your enemies and teammates. If you have not downloaded the Logitech’s gaming software, you cannot use it with a PC, and moreover, you need to use a USB digital audio converter (DAC) with it.
As earlier said, its 40mm audio drivers are designed with hybrid mesh materials. This is why its bass is deep and rich while its highs are clean and accurate.
Logitech’s Pro-G 40mm audio drivers are made with hybrid mesh materials and deliver clean and accurate highs as well as deep, rich bass. Moreover, the G433 features an acoustic port positioned behind the driver that resonates and amplifies audio for dynamic, cinematic sound. When you use the cables, it will be compatible with PlayStation 4, smartphones, Nintendo Switch, Xbox one and tablets, but you need to be careful because some console controllers might require an adapter for their audio cable input.
Pros
- It is comfortable for use
- It produces accurate and clean sound
- It has a deep and rich bass
Cons
- It is too technical because you need to download Logitech’s gaming Software for the PC
Why you need to buy it
This headphone gives you a deep and rich bass. With this headphone, gamers can hear all the movement of your enemies because its sound is so accurate and clear.
10. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Specs
| Drivers | 45mm Neodymium |
| Earcups | 90-degree swiveling with single-ear monitoring |
| Cable | Detachable single-sided, straight and short cable |
| Frequency | The extended frequency range for clarity |
| Design | Circumaural, Sound-Isolating |
| Adapter | Screw-On 1/4″ adapter |
| Extra feature | Pouch |
For those familiar with Audio-Technica products, you would know that its M-Series are great products that are making waves in the market. Out of all the M-Series, ATH-M50x is believed to be the overall best. Top audio engineers and professional audio reviewers have also made a similar claim. ATH-M50x is not just an ordinary headset; it is a professional monitor headphone. It has detectable wires coupled with a coveted sonic signature. It features sound-isolating earcups and large-aperture drivers with robust construction. ATH-M50x guarantees an unequal experience for professionals in the aspect of critical audio.
In addition, Audio Technica ATH-M50x monitor headphone is designed for users who are into studio mixing and recording and likewise for monitoring applications for DJ. It has a circumaural and around-the-ear design which is helpful in providing sound isolation when you are in a loud environment. As we are aware that it has 45mm Neodymium drivers that have copper-clad aluminum voice coils to extend its frequency response from the range of 15Hz to 28kHz. The earcups of Audio Technica ATH-M50x have the ability to be swiveled 90-degrees which allows single-ear monitoring. Inside the headphone are a 3-meter coiled cable, 1.2-meter straight cable, and a detectable single-sided cable system. In a situation where you are not using the ATH-M50x, you can fold it down and store it in the carry pouch.
Pros
- It is useful for studio mixing and tracking
- It is good for professional works
Cons
Why you need to buy it
For those who love to go about with their headphone, it is can be folded and store in its carry pouch for mobility. It is good for studio work.
Recommendations
In conclusion, if you want to pick one or two out of the abovementioned headphones, it is advisable for you to go for either Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) Wireless Headphones or Logitech G433 7.1 Wired Gaming Headset. These two headphones produce a quality sound with deep bass and accurate highs. They make your game more realistic and offer you top-quality sound.
