When I was a young warthog, trying and failing to touch type with my wee hoofs at the family computer, I had a choice of two audio output devices—some relatively decent speakers or a headset that wouldn't look out of place in a call centre. As a teen growing up during the advent of both YouTube and MySpace, I opted for the headset that would make an audiophile weep every time. It was simply all I had. Thankfully, we've come a long way since then.
These days, those serious about sound and gaming are spoilt for choice. If you're not into RGB lighting, the won't demand that you compromise. For example, [[link]] my new reigning champion of the best closed-back headphones category, the , presents a clean black silhouette alongside brilliant sound that picks out all of the little details of a game's soundscape with startling clarity and accuracy.
The Pro MKII is great for gaming and great for music listening—though without a microphone arm, it is less well suited to party chat. Mind you, for those who simply have no desire to venture into the realm of voice chat with strangers (which is fair, to be honest), that might actually sound appealing.
The quick list

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1. Best overall:
2. Best budget:
3. Best wireless:
4. Best mid-range wireless:
5. Best audiophile:
6. Best wireless audiophile:
7. Best for streaming:
8. Best noise-cancelling:
9. Best earbuds:
Best headphones for gaming
Best overall
With incredible audio performance and supreme comfort, the Beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro represents just about the best audiophile gaming experience you can buy right now, all wrapped up in a handsome frame. Those drivers are a classic in studios the world over, and perfect for your games too.
Best budget
Brilliant audio quality and excellent depth combined with a high-performing and easy-to-use microphone means this Drop/Sennheiser collaboration is a great pick for the audiophile on a budget. It's lightweight, comfortable, and a great affordable choice.
Best mid-range
Highly detailed drivers, spotless audio quality, and a massively wide soundstage. Need we say anymore? Well, it's well built, comfy, and comes from one of the most recognizable brands in high-quality audio. That'll do.
Best wireless
Audiophile headphones and wireless are not traditionally good bedfellows. The Audeze Maxwell is here to buck that trend, however, with its staggeringly good planar magnetic drivers. It might be big and heavy, [[link]] but its audio chops are exceptional.
Best closed-back
Sometimes you just need to keep the sound out, whether it's for LAN parties or just at home. These not only do that but also deliver startlingly detailed audio, making them great for both gaming as well as audiophile listening.