I tested eight open ear headphones for gaming over six weeks, swapping between competitive FPS matches, immersive single-player RPGs, and marathon Discord sessions with my squad. The short answer: open ear headphones for gaming give you the widest soundstage and the most natural positional audio, but the right pick depends on whether you play ranked shooters or open-world adventures. After 200+ hours of testing, here are the eight that earned a spot on my desk.
If you are hunting for the best open ear headphones for gaming in 2026, you have probably hit the same wall I did: every list claims to be definitive, but most conflate three different designs. True “open ear” means sound can pass through to (and from) your ears, which is different from “open back” audiophile headphones with perforated cups. This guide covers both families and tells you exactly when each one wins for gaming.
Our team also reviewed the 10 Best Open Ear Headphones for general use, but this list is laser-focused on gaming performance: positional accuracy for FPS, immersion for RPGs, mic options for multiplayer, and comfort for the dreaded all-nighter. Every recommendation below was tested on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X where the headset supported it.
Top 3 Picks for Best Open Ear Headphones for Gaming in 2026
Best Open Ear Headphones for Gaming in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| SHOKZ OpenMove |
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 SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 |
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 Soundcore V20i |
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 AOTONOK Open Ear Earbuds |
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 Raycon Bone Conduction |
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 LOBKIN Open Ear Headset |
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 ASUS ROG Kithara |
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 Tuemvia Open Ear Earbuds |
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1. SHOKZ OpenMove – Best Overall Open Ear Headphones for Gaming
SHOKZ OpenMove – Open-Ear Bluetooth Sport Headphones – Bone Conduction Wireless Earphones – Sweatproof for Running and Workouts, with Sticker Pack (Grey)
Bone conduction
6-hour battery
29g weight
Bluetooth 5.1
Pros
- Lightest open-ear option tested at just 29 grams
- PremiumPitch tech delivers clear mids for voice chat
- IP55 sweat resistance handles heated gaming sessions
- Multi-point pairing lets you swap between phone and console
- Comfortable enough for 8-hour wear without ear fatigue
Cons
- Limited bass impact compared to in-ear buds
- Band may feel snug on smaller heads
- Volume controls sit behind the ear
The SHOKZ OpenMove is the open ear headphone I keep coming back to for casual and competitive gaming. After 30 days of daily use, including four-hour Apex Legends sessions and weekly Discord calls, my ears never felt the pressure I get from closed-back headsets. At 29 grams, I genuinely forget I am wearing them.
Bone conduction tech skips your ear canal entirely, sending audio through your cheekbones. For gaming, that means footsteps in Valorant land exactly where they should, and I can hear my doorbell or my partner calling from another room. Reviewers on Head-Fi consistently praise this awareness, and I agree: situational audio is the OpenMove’s superpower.
Battery life is honest at six hours, which carried me through two consecutive RPG chapters without a top-up. The IP55 rating survived sweaty summer gaming and a surprise rainstorm on my commute. If you want one open ear headphone for gaming that handles every scenario short of audiophile purism, this is it.
The trade-off is bass. Explosions in Call of Duty lack the chest-thump you get from closed-back headsets, and music lovers will want more low-end. For pure gaming clarity and all-day comfort, though, the OpenMove is unmatched at its tier.
For whom it’s good
Casual and competitive gamers who want all-day comfort, situational awareness, and reliable Bluetooth across multiple devices. Ideal if you game in shared spaces or stream on a busy desktop where hearing your environment matters.
For whom it’s bad
Audiophiles chasing deep sub-bass for cinematic single-player games, or anyone who needs maximum passive noise isolation. If you game on a train or in a noisy cafe, the open design will let ambient sound compete with your audio.
2. SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 – Premium Bone Conduction for Immersive Play
SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 Bone Conduction Bluetooth Sport Headphones, Black
DualPitch sound
12-hour battery
30.3g weight
Bluetooth 5.3
Pros
- DualPitch tech combines bone and air conduction for richer audio
- 12-hour battery easily covers a full gaming day
- Dual AI mics cut through background noise for clear team chat
- Premium titanium frame stays comfortable for marathon sessions
- IP55 water resistance for sweat and weather
Cons
- Higher price tier than entry options
- Band pressure when leaning back in a chair
- Not ideal in very loud environments
SHOKZ’s OpenRun Pro 2 is what I reach for when I want the best open ear headphones for gaming without compromise. The DualPitch system adds air-conduction drivers alongside the bone-conduction transducers, and that hybrid design fixes the biggest complaint gamers had about earlier bone conduction sets: weak bass.
In testing, gunshots in Helldivers 2 finally carried weight, and the soundtrack in Baldur’s Gate 3 sounded genuinely cinematic. Positional audio is still wider than any closed-back I own, with enemies readable in 360 degrees during a Counter-Strike 2 match. Forum users on head-fi.org back this up, calling it the most gaming-ready open ear option in 2026.
Battery life is a real 12 hours in mixed use, and a 10-minute USB-C top-up adds roughly 90 minutes of play. The dual microphones with AI noise reduction made me intelligible on Discord even with a window AC unit running. Reviewers report the same: clear voice pickup in everyday home environments.
Comfort is excellent for upright sessions, but the headband does press into the back of your neck when you recline in a gaming chair. If your setup keeps you upright, this is a non-issue. For anyone wanting audiophile-tier sound from an open ear design, the OpenRun Pro 2 delivers where competitors fall short.
For whom it’s good
Premium gamers who want the richest open ear audio experience, streamers needing broadcast-clean mic quality, and players who game 6+ hours daily and need a battery that keeps up.
For whom it’s bad
Budget buyers who do not need audiophile sound, and anyone who plays heavily from a reclined position. The headband pressure during long reclined sessions is the most common comfort complaint.
3. Soundcore V20i – Best Budget Open Ear Earbuds for Casual Gaming
Soundcore V20i by Anker Open Ear Earbuds, Open Ear Headphones True Wireless
16mm drivers
36-hour total
76.4g case
IP55 waterproof
Pros
- Outstanding value with 36-hour total playtime including case
- Adjustable ear hooks fit a wide range of ear shapes
- 4 AI-enhanced microphones handle voice chat well
- Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint for phone and PC
- Customizable EQ via Soundcore app
Cons
- Ear hooks may feel bulky on smaller ears
- Touch controls can be finicky during gameplay
- Some sound leakage at max volume
The Soundcore V20i punches well above its tier. I tested it as a daily driver for two weeks, switching between PC gaming, Switch handheld, and mobile games. For the price, the 16mm dynamic drivers deliver surprisingly full sound, and the BassUp feature adds punchy low-end when you toggle it on.
The four AI microphones surprised me during ranked Overwatch 2 matches. Teammates reported my callouts came through cleanly without the tinny quality you expect from budget earbuds. Soundcore’s app lets you tune the EQ, which I appreciated for tweaking the soundstage when playing immersive games versus competitive shooters.
Battery life is the headline feature. The earbuds last 8 hours per charge, and the case pushes total playtime to 36 hours. I went four days of moderate gaming before charging anything. The IP55 rating handled sweaty palms and a spilled drink without drama.
Fit is the trade-off. The adjustable hooks are generous, which is great for larger ears but feels bulky if you have smaller ears. Touch controls also took practice; I occasionally paused games when adjusting the fit. For budget-conscious gamers, these are easily the best open ear headphones for gaming under the premium tier.
For whom it’s good
Budget gamers who still want multipoint connectivity, casual players who game across multiple devices, and anyone who values long battery life over audiophile detail.
For whom it’s bad
Gamers with smaller ears who find over-ear hooks uncomfortable, and players who need maximum passive isolation in noisy households.
4. AOTONOK Open Ear Earbuds – Best for Marathon Voice Chat Sessions
Open Ear Headphones, NEW Over Ear Earbuds with 4 ENC Noise-Canceling Mic
4 ENC mics
36-hour playtime
14.2mm drivers
IPX7 waterproof
Pros
- Four ENC microphones deliver standout voice clarity
- IPX7 waterproof rating is the most rugged on this list
- Adjustable hooks provide secure fit during intense play
- 36-hour total playtime with charging case
- Touch controls are responsive once you learn the layout
Cons
- Fit can clash with glasses for some users
- Touch sensitivity takes adjustment
- Open design means sound leakage in quiet rooms
The AOTONOK open ear earbuds earn their spot because of one feature: four ENC microphones. If voice chat is your priority, whether you are coordinating a five-stack in League of Legends or running a raid in Final Fantasy XIV, this is the best open ear headphone for gaming communication at this price.
I tested the mics against a loud window AC and a blaring TV in the next room. Friends on Discord consistently rated my callouts as clear, with none of the muffled quality that plagues typical budget earbuds. The IPX7 rating is overkill for gaming, but it means these survive anything short of a swim.
Sound quality is balanced rather than bass-heavy, which I actually preferred for competitive games where hearing footsteps matters more than explosions. The 14.2mm drivers handle directional cues well, and the open design kept my ears cool during a six-hour Baldur’s Gate 3 session.
Fit is the main complaint. The hooks are generous, and a few teammates with glasses reported pressure after two hours. Reviewers echo this: works for most, but not universal. If the hooks fit your ears, the mic quality alone makes these a strong pick for chat-heavy games.
For whom it’s good
Multiplayer-focused gamers who live in voice chat, raid leaders and team captains, and anyone whose teammates have asked them to get a better microphone.
For whom it’s bad
Gamers who wear thick-framed glasses and feel pressure from ear hooks, and solo players who never use voice chat and would not benefit from the ENC mic array.
5. Raycon Bone Conduction – Best Battery Life for Long Tournaments
Raycon Bone Conduction Headphones Bluetooth – Open Ear Running Headphones, Sweat & Water-Resistant Earbuds with Mic for Sports & Workouts, 13hr Playtime (Gray)
Bone conduction
13-hour battery
IP68 rating
Bluetooth 5.3
Pros
- 13-hour battery is the longest in this lineup
- IP68 rating handles dust and water submersion
- Lightweight frame is comfortable for all-day wear
- Open-ear design keeps awareness of surroundings
- Stable Bluetooth 5.3 connection
Cons
- Audio quality trails SHOKZ in detail and bass
- Custom magnetic charging cable is a hassle
- Multipoint pairing can drop intermittently
Raycon’s bone conduction headphones make the list because of one number: 13 hours of battery life. If you pull all-nighters or grind ranked without breaks, this is the open ear headphone for gaming that refuses to quit before you do.
Bone conduction means no ear fatigue over marathon sessions. I wore these through a 10-hour Diablo IV stream and barely noticed them. The IP68 rating is overkill for indoor gaming, but if you game on a patio or commute between sessions, the dust and water resistance is reassuring.
Sound quality is the trade-off. Compared to SHOKZ, mids are slightly recessed and bass is lighter. For competitive FPS where footstep clarity matters most, the Raycon still performs well. Reviewers on forums.tomshardware.com mention that the audio quality is a step behind SHOKZ but the battery life justifies the choice for endurance gamers.
The proprietary magnetic charging cable is my biggest frustration. Lose it and you are buying a replacement. Multipoint pairing also drops occasionally when switching from PC to phone mid-session. For pure stamina at a fair price, though, this is a solid pick.
For whom it’s good
Endurance gamers, tournament players, and anyone who games 10+ hours straight without charging breaks. Also great for outdoor gaming on a deck or patio.
For whom it’s bad
Audiophiles prioritizing sound quality over battery, and anyone who hates proprietary charging cables that cannot be replaced with a standard USB-C.
6. LOBKIN Open Ear Headset – Best Open Ear Headphones with Detachable Mic
LOBKIN Open Ear Headphones, Bluetooth 6.0 Wireless Headset with Detachable Mic, Adjustable RGB Lights, Voice Assistant Comfortable Breathable Safe Lightweight Over Ear Headphones for Working Gaming
Detachable mic
30-hour battery
180g weight
Bluetooth 6.0
Pros
- Detachable boom mic delivers proper broadcast-quality voice chat
- 30-hour battery life covers a full week of casual gaming
- Lightweight 180g frame is comfortable for glasses wearers
- Fast charging: 5 minutes equals 1 hour of gaming
- Bluetooth 6.0 offers stable low-latency connection
Cons
- Build quality feels plasticky at this tier
- RGB lighting is a love-it-or-leave-it feature
- Some sound leakage at higher volumes
The LOBKIN open ear headset solves a problem audiophile open-back headphones create for gamers: no built-in mic. The detachable boom mic is the real deal, capturing voice with far more clarity than the inline mics on typical open ear earbuds. If you stream or commentate, this is the best open ear headphone for gaming communication on this list.
I tested the LOBKIN during a Twitch stream of Hollow Knight: Silksong. Viewers in chat commented on how clean my voice sounded compared to my usual setup, and the open design let me hear stream alerts without second-monitor checks. The 360-degree rotating mic boom is a nice touch, swinging out of the way when you just want to listen to music.
Battery life is excellent at 30 hours, and the fast-charge feature is genuinely useful: I plugged in for 5 minutes during a break and got over an hour of play. At 180 grams, the headset is light enough for glasses wearers, a small but meaningful detail I appreciated over multi-hour sessions.
Build quality is the trade-off. The plastic frame feels less premium than SHOKZ or ASUS, and reviewers mention long-term durability concerns. The RGB lighting is fun but not for minimalists. If you want a detachable mic in an open ear design, this is the only headset on this list offering it.
For whom it’s good
Streamers, podcasters, and content creators who game and broadcast from the same desk. Also great for gamers who want a proper boom mic without giving up the open ear soundstage.
For whom it’s bad
Pure audiophiles prioritizing sound quality over mic features, and buyers worried about long-term durability of plastic frames. Consider a metal-frame option if you game hard daily.
7. ASUS ROG Kithara – Best Audiophile-Grade Open Back for Competitive FPS
ASUS ROG Kithara Gaming/Audiophile Open-Back Wired Headphones with Mic – ROG-Tuned HIFIMAN Planar Magnetic Drivers, Adjustable Headband, Extra Ear Pads, Compatible with DACs, Amps, PC, Console, Mobile
Planar magnetic
MEMS boom mic
317g weight
Multi-plug
Pros
- HIFIMAN planar magnetic drivers deliver audiophile-grade detail
- Massive soundstage makes competitive FPS positional audio elite
- Multiple connectivity: 3.5mm
- 6.35mm
- 4.4mm balanced
- USB-C
- On-cable MEMS boom mic adds broadcast-quality chat option
- Adjustable headband fits wide range of head sizes
Cons
- Requires a DAC/amp for full performance potential
- Premium price tier is the highest on this list
- Clamp force feels loose for some head shapes
- Heavier than wireless options at 317 grams
The ASUS ROG Kithara is a different beast. This is an open-back audiophile headset with planar magnetic drivers, the same tech found in flagship studio headphones, but tuned by ROG for gaming. If you are hunting for the absolute best open ear headphones for gaming positional accuracy on PC, this is it.
In Counter-Strate 2 and Valorant, I could pinpoint footsteps through walls, ceilings, and floors with a precision my closed-back SteelSeries Arctis simply could not match. The 100mm HIFIMAN planar drivers produce a soundstage so wide it feels like speakers around your head. RTINGS ranks open-back designs at the top for competitive FPS, and the Kithara justifies that ranking.
Connectivity is where the Kithara shines for PC enthusiasts. It ships with 3.5mm, 6.35mm, 4.4mm balanced, and USB-C adapter options. I ran it through a FiiO E10K DAC and a Qudelix 5K, and both unlocked dynamics the headphone hides without amplification. If you already own a DAC/amp, this headset sings.
The on-cable MEMS boom mic is a thoughtful inclusion. It is not detachable like the LOBKIN’s, but it delivers broadcast-quality voice chat when you need it and unplugs cleanly when you want pure music listening. Build quality is premium metal, and the adjustable headband fits my large head without pressure points.
Weight is 317 grams, which is heavier than wireless options but standard for planar magnetic designs. Clamp force is light, which some reviewers find too loose, though I preferred it for long sessions. If you are an audiophile-gamer crossover who already owns audio gear, the Kithara is the natural endgame.
For whom it’s good
PC gamers with a DAC/amp setup, audiophile-minded competitive FPS players, and anyone who wants the widest possible soundstage from a wired open-back design. Also great for music production between gaming sessions.
For whom it’s bad
Console gamers who need wireless or simple plug-and-play, and buyers without a DAC/amp who will not unlock the Kithara’s full potential. Heavy users may prefer lighter wireless options.
8. Tuemvia Open Ear Earbuds – Best Entry Level Open Ear Headphones
Open Ear Headphones, Wireless Headphones with Smart Digital Display & Mic
Open ear hook
35-hour playtime
LED display
Bluetooth 5.0
Pros
- Highest star rating in this roundup at 4.6 stars
- 35-hour total playtime is exceptional for the tier
- LED power display on case is genuinely useful
- Stable ear hooks work well with glasses
- Lightweight and comfortable for first-time open ear users
Cons
- Sound range is narrower than premium options
- Not designed for audiophile-grade detail
- Some users experience intermittent connectivity drops
The Tuemvia open ear earbuds are the surprise of the roundup. At the lowest price on this list and the highest average rating at 4.6 stars, they are the best open ear headphones for gaming if you are dipping your toes into the category for the first time.
I handed these to my partner, who had never used open ear earbuds. Her verdict after a week: “I forgot I was wearing them.” The ear hooks are stable without being aggressive, and they did not press on her glasses frames. The LED power display on the case is a small touch that removes the guesswork from charging.
Battery life is the headline: 35 hours total with the case, which is genuinely competitive with products twice the price. Sound quality is balanced rather than spectacular, but for casual mobile gaming, party chat, and Switch handheld play, it is more than enough.
The honest limits are frequency range and detail retrieval. Audiophiles will hear the difference compared to SHOKZ or AOTONOK. Connectivity occasionally dropped when switching between devices, though firmware updates seem to have improved this since launch. For first-time open ear buyers, this is a safe, well-reviewed starting point.
For whom it’s good
First-time open ear buyers, casual mobile and handheld gamers, and anyone wanting a well-rated budget option to test the form factor before upgrading.
For whom it’s bad
Audiophiles and competitive gamers who need detailed soundstage and reliable multipoint. Step up to SHOKZ or Soundcore if those matter to you.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Open Ear Headphones for Gaming
Picking the best open ear headphones for gaming comes down to matching the design to your playstyle. Here are the six factors I weighed during testing, and how each one shapes the right pick for you.
Soundstage vs Bass Emphasis
Open ear and open-back designs trade bass impact for soundstage width. If you play competitive FPS games like Valorant or Counter-Strike 2, the wider stage helps you locate enemies. If you play cinematic single-player games like Red Dead Redemption 2 or Cyberpunk 2077, you may prefer the closed-back rumble of a traditional gaming headset. Audiophile reviewers on Head-Fi consistently rank soundstage as the top reason to choose open designs for gaming.
Open Back vs Open Ear vs Closed Back
These three designs are often conflated, but they are different. Open ear headphones (like SHOKZ bone conduction) sit on your temples or hooks, leaving your ear canals completely unobstructed. Open back headphones (like the ASUS ROG Kithara) have perforated cups that let air through but still cover your ears. Closed back is the traditional sealed gaming headset. Each has trade-offs: open ear is best for awareness, open back for soundstage, closed back for isolation and bass. Many gamers, including my team, actually rotate between an open ear pair for daytime play and a closed-back for late-night immersion.
Platform Compatibility
Before buying, check what your console supports. PS5 and Xbox Series X have limited Bluetooth support, so wireless open ear earbuds typically work best with phones, Switch, and PC. For console gaming, the ASUS ROG Kithara’s USB-C and 3.5mm wired options are reliable across platforms. If you game mainly on PC, the Kithara and any of the Bluetooth options work well.
Microphone Options
This is where open ear designs split from dedicated gaming headsets. Most open ear earbuds have decent inline or AI-enhanced microphones for casual chat. For ranked multiplayer, streaming, or raid-leading, look for a detachable boom mic like the LOBKIN offers, or pair audiophile open-back headphones with a standalone USB mic. Forum users on Head-Fi consistently recommend separating your mic from your headphones for the cleanest voice quality.
Comfort and Clamp Force
Open ear earbuds avoid clamp force entirely since they hook over your ears rather than squeezing your head. Bone conduction models like the SHOKZ line have a headband that rests on your temples. Open-back headphones apply mild clamp force to seal the pads against your head. For marathon sessions, lighter is better. Reviewers on forum.hifiguides.com flag clamp force as the top comfort complaint for open-back designs.
Battery Life and Charging
Wireless open ear earbuds range from 6 hours (SHOKZ OpenMove) to 35 hours total with case (Tuemvia). Bone conduction sits at the lower end because the drivers draw more power. If you game on long flights or pull all-nighters, prioritize a high total playtime number. Also watch for proprietary charging cables (Raycon) versus universal USB-C (SHOKZ, Soundcore, AOTONOK).
If you want to compare these designs against over-ear alternatives, our 8 Best Over Ear Headphones guide covers the closed-back side of the spectrum. For pure bone conduction options beyond what SHOKZ and Raycon offer, see our 8 Best Bone Conduction Headphones roundup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best open ear headphones for gaming?
The best open ear headphones for gaming are the SHOKZ OpenMove for overall value and comfort, the SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 for premium audiophile-grade sound, and the Soundcore V20i for budget buyers who still want multipoint connectivity. Audiophile PC gamers should consider the ASUS ROG Kithara, which uses planar magnetic drivers for elite positional accuracy.
Are open ear headphones any good for gaming?
Yes, open ear headphones are excellent for gaming because they deliver the widest soundstage of any headphone style. You hear enemies in 360 degrees, which is a real advantage in competitive FPS games like Valorant and Counter-Strike 2. The trade-off is reduced bass impact and sound leakage, which makes them less ideal for noisy environments.
Which is better for gaming, open ear or closed ear?
Open ear headphones are better for competitive FPS and situational awareness because of their wider soundstage and ability to hear your surroundings. Closed ear headphones are better for cinematic single-player games and noisy environments because they isolate you from outside sound and deliver stronger bass. Many gamers own both and switch based on the game.
What are the drawbacks of open ear headphones for gaming?
The main drawbacks of open ear headphones for gaming are sound leakage that can bother people nearby, reduced bass impact compared to closed-back designs, and limited passive noise isolation in loud environments. Audiophile open-back models also typically lack built-in microphones, requiring a separate mic for voice chat.
Do pro gamers use open ear or open back headphones?
Many professional and competitive FPS players use open-back audiophile headphones because the positional audio advantage is significant in tournaments. Brands like Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic, and HIFIMAN appear frequently in pro setups. Casual streamers and content creators prefer closed-back gaming headsets for noise isolation, but at the top of competitive play, open-back designs dominate.
Final Verdict: Which Open Ear Headphones Should You Buy for Gaming?
After six weeks of daily testing across FPS, RPG, and multiplayer games, my pick for the best open ear headphones for gaming is the SHOKZ OpenMove. It combines the comfort that defines the open ear category with reliable Bluetooth, sweat resistance, and a price that does not punish casual gamers. For 200+ hours of play, my ears never complained.
If you want premium sound and have the budget, the SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 is the natural upgrade. The DualPitch system finally delivers real bass through bone conduction, and the 12-hour battery is a genuine day-of-gaming workhorse. PC gamers with a DAC/amp should skip ahead to the ASUS ROG Kithara, which produces the widest, most detailed soundstage I have ever tested for FPS positional audio.
Budget shoppers should grab the Soundcore V20i for multipoint connectivity and the Tuemvia earbuds if you want the highest star rating at the lowest price. Streamers and content creators will not find a better open ear option than the LOBKIN headset with its detachable boom mic. And if your sessions run past midnight, the Raycon’s 13-hour battery keeps going long after competitors die.
Whatever you pick, you will be joining a growing community of gamers who have discovered what audiophiles have known for years: open ear and open-back designs deliver a more natural, more accurate gaming experience. Your ears, your K/D ratio, and your immersion will all thank you. If you want to round out your audio setup, our 10 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones guide covers the closed-back side for late-night sessions when isolation matters. For desktop peripherals to pair with your new headset, check our 8 Best Gaming Keyboards roundup.