When it comes to gaming, the right headphones can make all the difference in your experience.
Closed-back gaming headphones, in particular, offer several advantages, including enhanced sound isolation, a more immersive gaming experience, and improved bass response.
These headphones provide a sealed environment around your ears, reducing ambient noise and allowing you to focus on your game.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the best closed-back gaming headphones available today.
SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC: Best for Audiophile Gamers
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC is one of the top choices for audiophile gamers looking for high-quality sound.
With its high-resolution audio support and 24-bit/96kHz DAC, it delivers superb sound clarity, perfect for detailed soundscapes in games like FPS and RPGs.
The closed-back design ensures sound isolation, keeping you immersed in the game without distractions.
Pros:
Crystal-clear audio with high-resolution support.
Comfortable fit with breathable ear cushions.
Premium build quality.
Excellent sound isolation.
Cons:
Expensive.
The GameDAC may not be needed for everyone, especially those without an audiophile setup.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II Gaming Headset: Best Noise Cancellation
If you’re looking for the best noise cancellation for gaming, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II is a strong contender.
These headphones feature the industry-leading noise-canceling technology Bose is famous for.
Although primarily known as a premium travel headphone, it also works well for gaming with its clear sound and comfortable design.
Pros:
Top-tier noise-canceling technology.
Comfortable, long-lasting design.
Clear, balanced sound.
Cons:
Pricey compared to typical gaming headsets.
Lacks some of the gaming-specific features found in other models, like surround sound.
HyperX Cloud II: Best Budget Closed-Back Gaming Headphones
The HyperX Cloud II is often considered the best budget-friendly closed-back gaming headset without compromising on sound quality or comfort.
It features virtual 7.1 surround sound, which enhances positional audio, making it easier to locate enemies in your favorite games.
The soft memory foam ear cushions and adjustable headband provide comfort for long gaming sessions.
Pros
Affordable without sacrificing audio quality.
Comfortable fit with memory foam padding.
Good sound isolation and noise reduction.
Cons
Surround sound may not be as immersive as higher-end models.
Microphone quality could be better.
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro: Best for Competitive Gaming
Razer is known for producing some of the best gaming peripherals, and the BlackShark V2 Pro takes it up a notch with its excellent sound quality and ultra-low latency.
It features THX Spatial Audio, which provides an immersive and accurate 3D soundstage, making it an excellent choice for competitive gaming.
The closed-back design keeps noise out, and the ear cushions ensure comfort for long gaming sessions.
Pros
Excellent sound quality and spatial audio for precise in-game sound.
Lightweight and comfortable.
High-quality microphone for clear voice communication.
Cons
High price point.
Software suite can be overwhelming for casual users.
Sennheiser GSP 670: Best for Wireless Gaming
For gamers who prefer wireless headphones, the Sennheiser GSP 670 is one of the best closed-back gaming headphones available.
It features excellent wireless performance with low-latency connectivity and active noise cancellation.
Sennheiser’s audio quality shines through with deep bass and crisp highs, while the closed-back design ensures minimal sound leakage.
Pros
Superb wireless performance with low latency.
Comfortable, durable design with noise cancellation.
Excellent microphone quality with noise-canceling technology.
Cons
Expensive.
Battery life is decent but not as long as some wireless options.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: Best for Pure Sound Quality
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a studio-grade pair of headphones that performs exceptionally well for gaming, offering superb sound clarity and balance.
While these headphones are primarily designed for music professionals, their closed-back design and superb isolation make them great for gaming as well.
The mids and highs are particularly sharp, making them ideal for games that rely on subtle sound cues.
Pros
Excellent sound quality, particularly for music and dialogue.
Durable and lightweight build.
Very comfortable for long gaming sessions.
Cons
Lacks a dedicated microphone, so you’ll need to use an external mic.
Not designed specifically for gaming, it lacks gaming-centric features like surround sound.
Logitech G Pro X: Best for Customizability
The Logitech G Pro X combines premium sound quality with excellent customization options.
It comes equipped with Blue VO!CE technology, which enhances the microphone quality for crystal-clear voice communication.
The Pro X also supports DTS Headphone:X 2.0 Surround Sound, providing immersive positional audio for competitive gaming.
Its closed-back design offers sound isolation, making it ideal for focused gaming.
Pros
Customizable sound profiles and microphone settings.
Excellent surround sound performance.
High-quality, clear microphone for communication.
Cons
Expensive for a non-wireless headset.
Some users might find the fit too tight after extended use.
Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless: Best for Wireless Comfort and Durability
The Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless is another excellent choice for gamers seeking wireless closed-back headphones.
With premium memory foam ear cups and a lightweight design, these headphones offer hours of comfortable gaming.
The wireless connection is stable with low-latency performance, and the 40mm neodymium drivers deliver impressive sound quality for an immersive experience.
The durable build ensures the headset can withstand daily wear and tear, making it ideal for gamers who prefer a durable, reliable wireless solution.
Pros
Comfortable and breathable ear cups for extended use.
Solid wireless performance with low latency.
Affordable wireless gaming headset option.
Cons
Lacks advanced surround sound features.
Some users report occasional connectivity issues in certain environments.
Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2: Best for Console Gaming
The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 is a highly regarded wireless headset that provides excellent audio performance for console gamers.
Compatible with PlayStation and Xbox, this closed-back gaming headset features high-fidelity audio and superhuman hearing technology, which enhances the detection of enemy footsteps and environmental sounds.
The active noise cancellation reduces external distractions, while the comfortable memory foam ear cushions ensure a snug fit for extended gaming sessions.
Pros
Compatible with both PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
Excellent sound isolation with active noise cancellation.
Comfortably padded ear cups for long gaming sessions.
Cons
May require a firmware update for optimal performance.
Audio quality isn’t as high-end as other premium options.
ASUS ROG Delta S: Best for RGB Fans and High-Res Audio
For gamers who want high-res audio and love customizable aesthetics, the ASUS ROG Delta S is a standout option.
This closed-back headset boasts ESS Sabre DAC technology for clear and accurate audio reproduction.
The AI-powered noise cancellation ensures crystal-clear voice chat even in noisy environments.
The RGB lighting is customizable, appealing to gamers who enjoy flashy setups.
Additionally, the memory foam ear cups offer great comfort for long sessions, and the sleek design adds a premium touch.
Pros
High-resolution audio with ESS Sabre DAC technology.
Customizable RGB lighting for a personalized aesthetic.
AI noise cancellation for clearer voice communication.
Cons
The design may not appeal to all users.
Expensive compared to other models with similar features.
Conclusion
When selecting the best closed-back gaming headphones, consider your budget, the type of games you play, and any specific features you need, such as surround sound, wireless connectivity, or noise cancellation.
Whether you’re an audiophile, a competitive gamer, or simply someone who wants a great sound experience, there’s a pair of closed-back gaming headphones suited to your needs.
From the premium SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC to the budget-friendly HyperX Cloud II, the options are diverse, allowing you to choose the one that fits your gaming style and budget.
