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Wouldn't you want a pair of comfortable headphones to catch up with intense gaming sessions? If yes, then open-back headphones are for you.
Before you head out to the market and pick the first available pair you see, let us give you a detailed review of some of the best open-back headphones.
This article will explain what these headphones are and how they are different from closed-back ones.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Open Back Gaming Headsets
- OUR TOP PICK: EPOS Sennheiser GAME ONE
- RUNNER-UP: ASTRO Gaming A40 TR
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Sennheiser GSP 500
Comparison of the Best Open Back Gaming Headsets
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What is an Open Back Gaming Handset?
Unlike closed-back ones, open back headsets do not have the noise-canceling quality and allow air passage through the user's eardrums to give a speaker-like effect. As a result of this phenomenon, the air pressure doesn't build up in one place or impact the sound quality; rather, it eliminates echo and sound distortion.
Several high-end brands are now making open-back headsets as they have more natural and realistic sound quality.
Open back units are mostly used by professionals or gamers as they give a more accurate and natural sound. Gamers who prefer to play their games in an isolated environment should avoid opting for these. These units are also high-maintenance, so people looking for high-quality stereo sound and high maintenance gadgets should go for them.
What Purpose Does an Open-Back Gaming Headset Serve?
As mentioned above, the primary users of open back headsets are professionals and gamers. However, it serves several purposes. These include:
Stereo Imaging
Gamers prefer to use open-back headphones because of stereo imaging functionality. With stereo imaging, the user can tell which direction or location each sound is coming from. Crisp and detailed sound sources can be identified precisely by using these headphones. Therefore, these units play an important role in a gamer's or a sound recorder's life.
Comfortable Wear, Good for Gaming Tournaments
Gaming enthusiasts indulge in long-term tournaments and matches that last for hours. The advanced design of these headsets makes them superb for such an extended duration of gaming. Some units even have reliable wireless connectivity that further ensures comfort while gaming.
Sound Design
Sound design is an extensive field of work that has to do with the recording, editing, manipulating, and creating audio. It is widely practiced in gaming as well as film production. Open back headsets minimize echos and sound distortion and have a meaningful purpose in sound design as intense detailing and sound clarity is involved.
Review of the Best Open Back Gaming Headset
This section will look at the pros and cons of top open-back gaming headsets and see what makes them stand out. Find out which product suits your needs the best:
Best Overall:
EPOS Sennheiser GAME ONE
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People were extremely happy and impressed with the removable cord option. The unit comes with a smartphone cable and a regular, longer cable, which people thought was a very important feature in terms of convenience. Other reports tell us that the volume wheel is easy to use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Unlike regular open-back headsets, this unit comes with efficient noise cancellation and has superior sound quality with lots of adjustable options. One truly impressive feature is the unit's design and comfort. Even though really stylish, it can still be a delight to wear with its lightweight build and high-quality construction. The acoustic quality of the product is also better than many other units.
Sennheiser Game One is specifically designed for gaming lovers; therefore, its various cables allow users to use them with a smartphone, PC, and Mac.
Bottom Line
The EPOS Sennheiser Game One headset can conveniently be called the overall best choice among the available products on the market. The exchangeable cable and the unit's compatibility with several devices make it stand out.
Runner-up:
ASTRO Gaming A40 TR
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
According to buyers, the customizability of this unit is the best part. The audio controllability allowed buyers to use the headphone to their full potential. Even though pricey, buyers found the product to be worth it as it offered excellent, reliable and consistent performance.
Why it Stands Out to Us
ASTRO Gaming A40 can be used as both an open back and closed back headset. This versatility makes it suitable for various purposes and occasions. For gamers, the cushioned ear cups and headband are ideal features as they ensure the utmost comfort. Meanwhile, the 3D audio effect is great for sound-design professionals as well as for gaming since it enhances the sound experience.
If you want to personalize your experience, this product is the perfect pick for you with its Command Center feature that gives great control over the unit's sound.
Bottom Line
The ASTRO unit is a higher-end product that is loved by pro-gamers. It is ideal for gaining control over your sound experience. The customization, adaptability, and add-on mod kit all make it a good purchase for gamers.
Best for the Money:
Sennheiser GSP 500
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers called this a "spiritual successor" of EPOS Sennheiser Game One. It is reported to be a much more improved and better-performing, budget-friendly alternative to its counterparts.
With its average-level loudness, buyers were also satisfied that it is safe and healthy to use for even longer hours. Individuals also used it for watching movies and had a theatre-like experience.
Why it Stands Out to Us
With outstanding quality and impressive features, this unit is the most budget-friendly option you have on the market. It is made with great German audio technology that is bound to last for a long time. It also has an adjustable design to fit different users accordingly and is equipped with a suede cushioning on the ear cuffs for greater comfort.
The volume of the device can easily be controlled and has a flip-to-mute option on the microphone. So, gamers who no longer have to talk to their teammates or are using the headset for other purposes can quickly mute the mic and carry on with their tasks.
Bottom Line
EPOS Sennheiser GPS 500 can be a good purchase for people looking for a headset that gives a great gaming experience at this price. It has impressive extra features, such as a mic that make it a worthy investment.
Best Open Back Wireless Gaming Headset:
Plantronics RIG 800HD
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The larger size of the ear cups has pleased most buyers due to the comfort it offers. Users were able to connect the device from a good distance, and really enjoyed the mess and tangle-free wireless operation of this unit.
Why it Stands Out to Us
For us, Plantronics RIG 800 is different from other units due to its wireless technology and long-lasting battery life. Closed-back or open, long battery life is mostly a challenge for wireless headset users. However, this device offers great convenience to users with its long-lasting battery run time and a quick charge capability.
It also features a lightweight and fully adjustable design. The sound quality of the headphones is very clear and natural, with minimal distortion. The wireless headset lets gamers sit comfortably within a range of 10m from their PC setup.
Bottom Line
To conclude, the Plantronics RIG 800 is a good wireless headset option for online gamers. The sound quality is good, so people with updated tech and software will really enjoy this unit.
Editor's Pick:
Audio-Technica ATH-ADG1X
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People report that this unit has an excellent surround sound capability. They were able to experience enhanced audio experience while playing games, particularly by hearing sounds from various locations and directions. Another feature that was reported as a plus point about the product was its lightweight construction.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Whether it is the minute details, such as footsteps or high-intensity sounds like gunshots, this headset will deliver it all to you at high quality. The unit is known for its superior surround sound quality with minimal echo.
The top-notch audio quality also makes this a great pick for watching films and other entertainment content. It has the capacity to handle high range sounds magnificently and gives gamers an immersive experience. It's one of the very few open back options that can have their side panels removed. The metallic mesh components ensure good breathability.
Bottom Line
It's a good overall option for people who want a multipurpose headset. It has great construction quality, good sound quality, and is also very easy to use with its mute mic system and volume control feature.
What to Look for When Buying an Open Back Gaming Headset
There are certain features that you need to keep in mind before purchasing an open back gaming headset. Make a wiser decision by considering the following factors and features before making the purchase.
Comfort
Gamers usually play tournaments or matches for an extended time; therefore, comfort and ease are very important. You can look for units with mesh components that allow good airflow and breathability. You can also ensure that the ear cuffs are padded or have cushioning that prevents hard metal or plastic from putting pressure on your skin.
Durability
Since these products or any gaming equipment, for that matter, is not very cheap, they must last you a long time. It is crucial to check the product's build quality, along with its warranty (if any), and brand reliability. The unit should be durable enough to last for more than a few months and add value to your money.
Battery Life
Open back headsets come in both wireless and wired forms. However, wireless units rely on rechargeable batteries to operate. It is essential to inquire about the unit's battery life as well as its charging time.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Open Back Gaming Headsets
Like all products and gadgets, gaming headsets such as open back ones have their own set of pros and cons. We have listed down some important aspects you should know about such units.
Advantages
Many gamers prefer these headsets for the following benefits they have to offer:
High-Quality Sound
The sound quality of an open back gaming headset is better than other types of such devices. This is why they are multipurpose and can be used for gaming, professional sound production, and for entertainment purposes.
Detailed and Clear Sounds
In order to respond quickly in a game, the player has to have a virtual surround sound, so they know where the sound is coming from. Open back gaming headsets allow gamers to control their performance by assessing and dealing with every minor sound.
Lightweight and Airy
Open back headsets are usually lighter in weight and have an airy feel to them, which enables gamers to use them for a longer period.
Multipurpose
Although movie enthusiasts prefer to use closed-back headphones, the ones who like to have a theatre-like 3D experience can also opt for open back models. Gaming, sound recording, and other such things can be done and enjoyed with these types of headsets.
Disadvantages
Here are some ways in which open-back models can be of disadvantage.
Outside Noises
These units cannot block outside noises. Advanced closed back units now come equipped with a noise cancellation feature that isolates you from the outside noises. As a result, the gaming experience can be less immersive and can face lots of distractions.
Microphones
Gaming tournaments require communication between participants; therefore, a mic is a necessity. Open back headsets for gaming do not always come with a built-in microphone.
Open vs. Closed Back Headset for Gaming - Comparison Overview
There is no hard and fast rule as to which one is better for gaming since it totally depends on your choice and situation. However, we have made a quick comparison to see what sets the two variants apart.
Noise Cancellation
If you plan on playing the game in an isolated setting with no outside noise, then the right choice would be open back headsets. Meanwhile, if you are looking for an immersive experience in a noisy setting, then closed-back models are a good choice as they cancel noise much efficiently.
Stereo Imaging and Sound Staging
Open back units have a huge fanbase from the gaming community because they offer natural and more life-like sound effects while gaming. Features like stereo imaging and sound staging give players the advantage of identifying the direction of the sound. This feature is missing from even the priciest closed back units.
Ear Coverage
Closed-back units give a more immersive experience with how they are designed. The shell covers the entire ear area, making the sound more immersive. They also tend to have a better appearance and more design options due to this factor. Open back models have a sound that is more like a distant speaker. They also do not cover the entire ear.
Conclusion
In the end, the final choice comes down to your preference and usage. Make sure to only choose the product after you have read the reviews and have considered the important factors. For gamers, we suggest they use open-back headsets as the sound quality is unparalleled and highly advanced.
People Also Ask
This section of the article will deal with important questions that most buyers and customers ask regarding the product. These questions are frequently asked and can help you in making an informed decision.
Can You Record with Open Back Headphones?
Yes, open back headphones can be used for recording.
Are Open Back Headphones Loud?
No, they aren't as loud as one might expect them to be. Instead, they are more like a speaker playing from a distance but with good and clear sound quality. The purpose of these devices is not to be loud but to deliver crystal clear and detailed sound.
Are Open Back Headphones More Comfortable?
These headphones are definitely more comfortable as they have cushions around the ear cuffs and are designed for gamers who work with headphones for an extended period. They also have adjustability options that allow them to fit perfectly on any head.
Are Open Back Headphones Good for Gaming?
Yes, they are specifically designed for gaming and are a preference for most gaming enthusiasts.
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