There is a lot more to gaming than blowing things up and running around virtual worlds. There are also stories and puzzles. For this reason, the sound of the game is not just important for ambiance but as a tool to help gamers make their way through elaborate plots and catch clues about what they need to do next. That is why the headphones a gamer wears is so important.
There are so many types and models that it can get quite intense when you’re looking for the perfect set of headphones for you and your gaming needs. From the design to the features, everything plays a role in the experience. One of the types you may be considering is closed-back. This means that they are crafted with a sealed back that prevents sound from leaking in or out of the unit.
Even still, there are several closed-back options, so we thought we would take a little weight off your shoulders and sift through the options. Of course, we used a list of features that were carefully crafted to do this. We found a nice selection of the best closed-back headphones for gaming.
What features did we look at, you may ask? Here are the features we think need to be present for headphones to be a high-performance closed-back option for gamers.
Isolation – One of the best features of closed-back headphones is noise isolation. This helps the gamer focus on the task at hand without outside noise or interference getting in the way. Some of the more pricey options will come with noise cancellation systems, and some may just come with noise isolation. Both are good and important to gamers.
Material – You want to look for the best quality build and materials that fit within your budget. The better the material, the more durable the headphones will be, and the more value you will get back on your investment.
Features – When we looked at features, we didn’t only look at the specifications of the units but also the additional touches. You want to find headphones with good quality drivers and such, but there are other features that could play a role in your decision – things like extra cords, mic, inline controls, and adjustability.
Comfort – During those long gaming sessions, the last thing you want to deal with is an uncomfortable headband or even ear sweat and fatigue. Comfort is key when choosing your headphones. You want good padding and adjustability of both your headband and ear cups.
Using these four factors, we compiled a list of five of the best options on the market. Below, we will take an in-depth look at each of the best closed back headphones for gaming and find out just what makes them so good for gaming.
Best Closed Back Headphones for Gaming Reviews
Comparison Chart
Audio-Technica ATH-AG1X Closed Back High-Fidelity Gaming Headset Compatible with PS4, Laptops and PC
LyxPro HAS-15 Studio Headphones Closed-Back Over The Ear Headphone with Detachable Cables,Black, Sound Isolation, Professional Studio Recording, Music Listening
Status Audio CB-1
Our first headphones are from Status Audio. They bring with them a minimalist design and many features that make them perfect for gamers.
Review
Here are the main features of these headphones:
- Wired headset
- Over-ear design
- 50mm drivers
- Overstuffed earpads
- Padded adjustable headband
- Two audio cables
- Slim foldable frame
- 3.5mm jack
Often, when you see anything for gaming, it is decked out in some sort of high-fashion design, but this headphone set from Status Audio opted to focus on the components and performance instead. Overall, the design of the model is crafted in lightweight materials, which gives it easy wearability for a long period of time. This is vital for serious gamers who spend hours in front of the monitor.
When it comes to sound quality, you are going to be getting a headset that has an awesome sound stage. Plus, it comes with two audio cables and is compatible with all media platforms.
There are a few issues that we would like to discuss before you make your final decision. Some gamers may find the lack of aesthetics a little off-putting. If that is the case, keep reading. We have a few options listed below that have more of the common aesthetic for gaming headphones. The other issue is the isolation of noise. It is not even close in quality to some of the other options on this list.
Pros
- Give the user a good soundstage
- Lightweight and comfortable design to extend wear
- Works well with all media platforms
- Comes with two audio cables
Cons
- Some may find the aesthetic lacking
- Isolation of noise is sub-par
Sennheiser HD 569
The next close-backed headphone is from a company that knows how to pack a lot of punch into a small package…Sennheiser. The HD 569 is crafted with features like noise isolation that will elevate any gaming experience.
Review
Here are the main features of these headphones:
- Over-ear design
- Wired
- 38mm Sennheiser drivers (28 ohms)
- Replaceable ear pads
- Two detachable cables
- 50-ohm impedance
- 14 – 26000 Hz frequency response
There is a lot to love about these headphones, starting with the fact that they come from one of the most reputable brands out there. Sennheiser has been delivering quality audio accessories for decades, and the HD 569 is no exception. Crafted with comfort and ease of use in mind, this set of headphones is fitted with features that every gamer will love, starting with the built-in mic. This inclusion makes the headphones more versatile and allows for voice commands.
These features are also supported by the inclusion of inline controls. On top of that, the unit is designed with soft ear pads that make long hours of play far more comfortable. Plus, the sound signature of the headphones is crisp and clear, so you will be able to hear every detail of that mission log.
That being said, there are still a few areas of the design that could be improved upon. The sound signature is nice, but if you like to hear the heavy bass of those explosions, this headset is not a great choice. Also, the headband pads are affixed with glue. This may not be a problem for some, but it does mean that they are less durable than other options.
Pros
- Offers a clear, crisp sound signature
- Built-in microphone gives it more versatility
- Padded for easier wear for long gaming sessions
- Fitted with inline controls for voice commands
Cons
- Not great for heavy bass
- Headband pads are affixed with glue
Audio Technica ATH-AG1X
Audio Technica is one of the names that every audiophile knows and respects. With the ATH-AG1X, they live up to their reputation for delivering amazing quality and stylish design.
Review
Here are the main features of these headphones:
- 53mm drivers
- 5-35,000Hz frequency response
- 50-ohm impedance
- Built-in microphone (super-cardioid condenser)
- Over-ear design
- Double air-dampening system
- 3D wing support headband system
- Inline simple controls
The ATH-AG1X from Audio Technica is a great closed-back option for gaming. Other than the fact that the audio quality is top-notch, there are several other great aspects when you look at this headset. The headband is crafted with an open design, and this makes it more breathable, which elevates the comfortability of the headset.
The other great aspect of this model is that it can be used on both console and PC, which gives it more versatility. To round out the great aspects of this headphone set, it is designed with a unique aesthetic and an almost futuristic look.
There are a few drawbacks that we would be remiss without mentioning. The biggest for some is going to be the price, which may be a little steep for some. Also, when it comes to sound quality at lower volumes, we feel the sound gets a little hollow.
Pros
- Outstanding audio quality for the price
- Open headband design allows for better breathability
- Works with multiple devices (PC & console)
- Has a cool futuristic aesthetic that looks awesome
Cons
- Price may be a little steep for some
- May sound hollow at lower volumes
LyxPro HAS-15
If you are working on a tight budget, then the next headphone model is a great option. Crafted with high-quality materials, the LyxPro HAS-15 is quite the investment.
Review
Here are the main features of these headphones:
- 45mm neodymium drivers
- 10-26000 Hz frequency response
- Two detachable cables included
- Adjustable headband and ear cups
- 32-ohm impedance
For those who don’t have a lot of money to spend on a gaming headset but still want quality, then the LyxPro HAS-15 is a good option. It gives the gamer an improved listening experience. This comes from the use of high-quality drivers that give it good impedance and frequency response. On top of this, the design of the model has almost no noise leakage.
When it comes to the design and comfort, the unit is also very well laid-out. When it comes to the headphones, the headband and ear cups really affect the comfort level. Not only are the headphones padded well, but both the ear cups and the headband are fully adjustable.
There are a few issues, though, that could cause some to reconsider making this their choice. There are some that doubt the quality of the overall build. This may not be a universal worry, but if you are spending your hard-earned money, you want something that will stand the test of time. Also, the headphones take some time to break in when it comes to comfort.
Pros
- Outstanding price versus value – affordable for most people
- Improved listening experience over standard headphones
- Offers little to no noise leakage for late-night gaming sessions
- Headband and ear cups are adjustable for a custom fit
Cons
- Issues with the build quality of the model
- Takes a little time to get broken in
EPOS/Sennheiser GSP 600
The last headphone is a collaboration between EPOS and Sennheiser. The GSP 600 is a cool-looking, feature-rich option that will set any gamer apart from their squad.
Review
Here are the main features of these headphones:
- Over-ear wired design
- Flip-to-mute mic
- Built-in volume wheel
- 28-ohm impedance
- 10 – 30000 Hz frequency response
If you’re looking for that iconic gaming look, this may be the best option on this list. The bulky build looks like something a pilot would wear, and that gives it a real gamer like feel. On top of that, the unit is built with the classic flip-down microphone that is of the highest quality. The mic is a flip-to-mute option, which cements this model’s gamer credibility.
The design is where it is at when it comes to control and usability, thanks to the inclusion of a volume wheel that is easy to use and reach. This will make it a no-brainer for the gamer mid-play to adjust the volume to the desired levels. Plus, the fit of the piece is customizable.
All of that is great, but the headset is by no means perfect. In fact, there are two major issues that you should consider when making your decision. The comfortability is not as great as some of the other options. This is mostly due to the weight and thickness of the design. In the sound category, the bass of the sound often gets lost in the mix.
Pros
- Quality of the microphone is excellent and enveloping
- Designed with adjustable headband tension for individual fit
- Easy-access volume wheel for simple control
- Designed with good passive noise isolation
Cons
- Some issues with the comfortability of wear
- Bass tends to be lost in the mix
Final Thoughts
Headphones may not seem like a big deal when you are thinking about gaming, but the sound portion of the game is just as important as the visuals and gameplay. With that being said, it is important to get yourself a pair of high-quality headphones.
We have looked at a few options that are designed with a closed back. These offer noise isolation, which is vital in gameplay. Hopefully, you have found your next pair of headphones amongst our top choices, but if not, just remember to look at the four factors we used in compiling our list and we are sure you will find the right ones for you.