Headphones should do just one job well: produce good sound. Vocals and small cues should be easy to pick out, and bass should hit without covering detail. These things matter.
But if we want a good headphone for gaming, we should consider other qualities. For example, how fast the sound “arrives” at your ears, how comfortable it is, and whether the mic is any good. Ideally, it shouldn’t cost you your lung, so leave that to RAM costs.
Our list describes the best headphones for both audiophiles and gamers in 2025. We blend wired and wireless models.
This list mixes wired and wireless models because the best choice depends on how you play, where you listen, and how much you move.
Razer BlackShark V3
This is a wireless headset built for high-speed gaming. It still delivers strong sound without drifting into premium pricing. If timing matters to you and you still want music to sound punchy, this model strikes a sensible balance.
- Price: $120-$150
- ANC: No
- Battery life: Up to 70 hours, shorter with low latency mode enabled
- Gaming optimization for low latency: Dedicated low latency mode delivers audio in about 10 ms over a 2.4 GHz wireless link
Other features
- Dual wireless modes with 2.4 GHz for gaming and Bluetooth for phones and tablets
- 50 mm TriForce Titanium Gen 2 drivers that keep mids clear for vocals and footsteps
- Detachable microphone, though audio quality is not its main selling point
Corsair HS55 Stereo
This headset covers the basics at a low price and avoids surprises. It plugs into almost anything, sounds clean enough for music, and keeps voice chat easy to understand.
- Price: $60-$80
- ANC: No
- Battery life: Not applicable
- Gaming optimization for low latency: Wired 3.5 mm connection delivers sound with near-zero delay
Other features:
- 50 mm neodymium drivers tuned to avoid boomy bass
- Flip to mute the microphone for quick control during matches
- Lightweight build for comfort
HyperX Cloud Alpha
This is a wired headset that earns its reputation through comfort and sound quality rather than extra features. It suits players who want one reliable option for games, music, and long daily use.
- Price: $80-$120
- ANC: No
- Battery life: Not applicable
- Gaming optimization for low latency: Wired analog connection keeps sound perfectly in sync
Other features:
- Dual chamber drivers that keep bass separate from mids and highs
- Strong directional sound for shooters, paired with solid impact for music
- Detachable noise-canceling microphone for calls and chat
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X
This headset works well when you split time between a desk, a handheld device, and a phone. It keeps gaming audio fast while offering simple switching for daily listening.
- Price: $100-$130
- ANC: No
- Battery life: Up to 40 hours with fast charging support
- Gaming optimization for low latency: 2.4 GHz wireless via a USB C dongle keeps timing tight
Other features:
- Bluetooth 5.3 for casual listening alongside 2.4 GHz for gaming
- App-based EQ presets for games, music, and general listening
- Detachable microphone with a dedicated mute button
Beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro
This headset leans toward audiophile sound and works best in quiet rooms. It trades isolation for space, which helps both music depth and directional audio in games.
- Price: $300-$340
- ANC: No
- Battery life: Not applicable
- Gaming optimization for low latency: Wired connection ensures zero audio delay
Other features:
- Open back design that creates a wide and airy soundstage
- STELLAR.45 drivers with a 5 to 40,000 Hz range for detailed sound
- High-quality condenser microphone with a focused pickup pattern
How to pick the right headphones
You can narrow down what you want faster than most buying guides with this short list of traits:
- Usage type: If you value music first and foremost, you can concentrate on sound quality. Gamers should also account for latency. Fast shooters reward low delay and precise left-to-right placement, which helps you react to footsteps and reloads. Slower games tolerate more delay.
- Connection: A cable gives the simplest and most reliable timing. A 2.4 GHz dongle delivers low delay without wires. Standard Bluetooth suits travel and casual listening, but timing can slip in fast games.
- Sound isolation: Closed back designs block outside noise and keep sound in, which suits shared rooms. Open back designs leak sound but create a wider and more natural sense of space in quiet rooms.
- Noise canceling: ANC targets steady, low noise like engines and fans. It uses more battery and can slightly change the sound, which is why it helps most when you travel.
- Comfort: Weight, clamp force, ear pad material, and heat buildup decide whether a headset still feels fine after two hours. Comfort problems end sessions early.
- Battery life: Make sure the headphones last as long as your gaming sessions. Some devices let you swap batteries, so you can keep playing while recharging a spare set.
- Mic and controls: If you play with others, fast mute access and a clear mic matter. A removable mic helps when you switch to music or travel use.
Conclusion
You don’t need separate headphones for music and gaming. You need a pair that stays pleasant and comfortable across long sessions.
There are plenty of options that satisfy both needs. Choosing headphones does not have to feel risky like Bitcoin poker. This guide lays out the basics clearly, so you can make a confident choice without stretching your budget.