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A good video game is one that immerses you in the gameplay and makes you invested in the story. With great dialogue, attention to detail with sound effects, and iconic soundtracks, the audio can be just as important to the gameplay as the visual. And as more and more games make you rely on audio clues, you need to make sure you can focus and listen.
If your headphones aren’t able to handle your needs, you may be missing out on crucial details and hindering your gameplay.If you are sick of sub-quality headphones impacting your gameplay, or just want to have the most immersive experience, you need a pair of high-quality closed-back headphones.
According to our tests, the best closed back headphones for gaming are the Astro Gaming A40. These headphones have next level sound and mic quality and are the go-to tournament headphones for pros.
A Quick Look: Closed Back Gaming Headphones
These headphones are designed to provide you with the perfect audio for streaming and tournaments. They are also extremely comfortable.
These headphones come with a two-year limited warranty and professional-grade audio. You can also change wires to work with any device.
Easy controls are built into the design to keep you playing without having to worry about settings changes. You also get a built-in microphone.
If you want a great set of headphones but are on a budget, you should consider these. They have high-quality features, without the high-quality price tag.
Easily switch from one device to another with interchangeable cables. You can also game all day without worrying about getting uncomfortable.
While these headphones are on the pricey side, you are getting quality that can't be beaten. It is also customizable to get the best fit.
These headphones come with a smartphone cable to allow you to make phone calls. This means you technically get two headphones for the price of one.
7 Best Closed Back Headphones For Gaming We Recommend
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Summary:
If you are into live streaming your gameplay or competing in tournaments, then you need a pair of headphones that are up to the task. The Astro Gaming A40 headphones provide you with 3D audio that provides greater immersion and an easier time hearing the different parts of the game. This means you will never miss even the tiniest audio clue.
You also get the MixAmp Pro TR to prevent lags in audio and keep you from being slowed down when streaming. If you want to get an even better experience with these headphones you can also buy the Mod Kit that is designed for those all-day sessions.
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If you want high-quality audio for all your gaming devices, it is important to have headphones with versatile cable jacks. The Sennheiser HD 598 comes with two different cable jacks to let switch out when needed. That means one set of headphones works with all your devices without any hassle.
The headphones themselves have padded ear pads made from leatherette for a comfortable fit. That means you can play for hours without ear discomfort. There is a microphone in the headphones for communicating during gaming, but it is built into the device, rather than the separate piece.
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If you are looking to save some money on your headphones, but still have that Sennheiser quality, you could choose to go with the GS 302. These headphones still feature the high-quality audio and noise-canceling microphone but feature plastic in some areas to help you save money. The earpads are made of memory foam and you can rest assured you won't miss out on bass. You can also easily control these headphones with buttons right on the outer ear. That makes it easy to adjust as you need, without interrupting your gameplay. Enjoy crystal clear team communication as you enjoy your game together.
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If you are on a tight budget, consider the Cloud Stinger headphones. These Hyper X headphones are designed to be lightweight and comfortable, while still providing quality sound. The ear cups are made of the unique Hyperx signature memory foam and can rotate 90 degrees to provide you with a comfortable fit. The noise-canceling microphone is also easy to use and can be muted and unmuted simply by moving the microphone up or down.
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For the gamer who doesn’t want to choose between one console or medium, the Sennheiser Game One, is a great solution. It features two different cable jacks so you can seamlessly switch between one game to another, regardless of what you are playing it on. That means you are not restricted to any one device and can use these when you are gaming with friends on their devices without worry.
This versatility is not the only thing the Game One headphones have going for them. A built-in noise-canceling microphone allows for easy communication during gaming and features mute sensitivity. These headphones are also designed to be lightweight and breathable, making sure that your ears don't get too warm. And the velour ear cups allow for comfortable use over long periods.
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If you have ever put on a pair of headphones and lamented that they just didn’t fit quite right, then the Sennheiser GSP 600 is the answer for you. These headphones provide you with the ability to adjust the headphones and choose how much pressure you want from them. That takes away the risk of buying headphones that are too tight to be comfortable or too loose to stay in place.
In addition to the customization, you also get the built-in noise-canceling microphone so you can easily communicate with your teammates or trash talk your competitors. And of course, the headphones themselves can provide you with clear quality, great bass, and passive noise cancellation.
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The ATH-PG1 headphones from Audio-Technica are designed to provide you with something more versatile than just being for gaming. You still get the built-in noise-canceling microphone and ear cups, but you also get a smartphone cable. This allows you to plug the headphones into your device and make calls as you go. That means that you can easily use these headphones for gaming, or casual use, depending on your needs at the time. This prevents you from having to buy two separate sets of headphones to handle the different tasks.
What are Closed-Back Headphones?
When it comes to shopping for the best audio quality headphones, it all depends on the design. There are two main audio headphone designs and they are open-back headphones and closed-back headphones.
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Closed-back headphones are a great piece of equipment to have as they effectively seal out any sound happening around you. They're closed around the back of your ear to block out noise and enhance your listening experience.
The only troubles people find with these closed-back headphones is the fact that it doesn't ventilate your ear at all. Since it is completely closed over your ear, heat remains trapped inside the headphones. This can cause your ear to get increasingly warm.
That said, they are still the most effective noise-canceling headphones to use while gaming as the sound will always remain inside your headphones. Taking them with you to work, riding the bus or anywhere else in public will be entertaining to you without disturbing anyone else.
Factors to Consider:
Buying Guide
When picking the best headphones, you’ll want to find some that provide more than just great sound. There are other factors you should keep in mind when you’re shopping or doing your research.
How Durable They Are
When purchasing a good set of headphones, you're essentially investing in a piece of audio equipment. These are headphones you'll be wearing and using them at least once a week while you play video games. You'll want them to last and have strong build quality.
Try to search for material on your headphones that’s tough and can handle any type of roughness. If you plan to wear these out in public, you’ll want to make sure they’re ready for different environments.
Other Headphone Parts To Go With It
As you buy your new set of headphones, you may have to look into other accessories. A few additional items you’ll have to purchase separately can include:
• Extra earpads- in case the current one become worn out
• Additional cords or cables
• A case for traveling and storage
You need to keep these additional expenses in mind when planning your proposed budget for headphones. Learn more about the specific headphones your buying and what gear should be prioritized over others.
How Comfortable They Are
If you’re planning to wear these headphones a lot while gaming, you’ll want to factor comfort in as an important feature for your headphones to have. You’ll want to check the padding in both the headband and cups of the ears. Make sure it has enough fluff and padding to wear for long periods at a time.
If you’re shopping for these headphones in the store, try them on to see how snug they are around your head and ears. You don’t want to buy anything that puts too much pressure on your ears. Try out the adjustability as well to make sure nothing is too tight around your ears and head.
Wires or No Wires
If you're walking around with these headphones or want the freedom to move around while using them, then this may be important to you. Wires are often a hassle and can get in the way pretty easily. This is why a lot of closed-back headphones contain a wireless Bluetooth option. You should be able to easily set them up to your phone without plugging anything in.
When you’re playing video games, you won’t want wires getting in the way. So purchasing no wire headphones could be a great option if your console has Bluetooth. If you don’t have Bluetooth equipment, you’ll need wires to have the full gaming experience.
Closed Back vs Open Back Headphones
As mentioned, these are the two main headphones you’ll have to pick from when it comes to proper sound quality and style. They’re both good gaming headsets and have different pros and cons and each for various certain situations. To help you understand their differences, we’ll compare them in this section.
Closed-Back Headphones
With closed-back headphones, you'll notice that the outer ear cup is closed. Since closed-back headphones provide more of a cushioned feel and are placed over the ear, most people prefer it.
Closed-back headphones work hard to effectively keep outside noise from entering your ear. That’s why many consider them the best headphones for gaming. Audiophiles also consider them the best headphone types.
If noise cancellation and sound isolation are important to you, closed-back headphones can get the job done. They are built with high-quality technology that can keep the sound in your ear without any distractions.
Using closed-back headphones are an option, but can be too much pressure on your ears. This is because you're trapping the bass from the video games in your ears via the gaming headset, This can make the vibrations intense.
If you are planning to walk around in public with these headphones, you can be sure that you'll be the only one hearing your music. The sound stays in your ears and your ears only. This means that others won't feel uncomfortable listening to your music while you're going about your day.
Open Back Headphones
If you were to purchase open-back headphones, you'd realize that they lack in keeping any type of outside noise away. The sound is known to leak and creep out of your earphones and is easily released for all to hear. This can be a nuisance for others in your environment.
If your music blends in well with different background and ambient sounds, open-back headphones could be a smart purchase. If you want something to highlight the bass sound in your music, you'll want open-back headphones.
Conclusion
When it comes to gaming or listening to music, you don’t want any type of distractions. When you purchase headphones with a closed back, you’re guaranteed not to be distracted by external noise. No matter where you're traveling or what you're doing, these should be perfect to use and take care of.
Make sure you're considering all the above factors when making the final decision on which is right for you. Go for any of these top closed back headphones for gaming on our list and you’ll be delighted with your purchase!
