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Rather than being designed equally for listening and communicating, these gaming headphones focus solely on providing ultimate audio quality.
The explosion in popularity of online gaming has led to headphones becoming an integral accessory for any gamer. Specific gaming headphones have therefore been created for this purpose.
It’s rarer to find a gaming headset with no mic than it is to find one that has a microphone fitted. This is because most gamers require a mic to interact with others while playing their favorite console or computer.
In this guide, we’ve carefully selected the best gaming headphones without a mic so that you can choose the best option.
In a Rush Roundup
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How We Tested
When searching for the best gaming headset without a mic, we narrowed them down by testing the following aspects. Firstly, we tested the comfort of the headphones when they’re worn over a long period of time.
Next, we took note of the clarity of the audio that the headphones produce in relation to their frequency response range. Then, we tested their resistance to wear and tear. After combining the results of these tests, we compiled this list of the best options available.
Best Gaming Headphones Without a Mic Reviews
Sony MDR-7506 Closed-Back Professional Headphones
Sony MDR-7506 Closed-Back Professional Headphones Review
If you’re looking for a bargain, these Sony headphones are great value for the money. Designed to deliver crisp audio quality with a wide frequency range, they are very well suited to gaming.
With a closed-back design, these Sony MDR-7506 Closed-Back headphones create a barrier between your ears and the external world. This makes it easy to hone in on the audio from your games or hear the voices of other gamers.
The earcups are designed to sit comfortably around your ears so that you can wear them for extensive periods. This is complemented by the adjustable headband, which can be tweaked to the ideal size.
Sony has fitted these headphones with a Stereo UniMatch plug, which means that they can be plugged into either a ¼ inch or 1/8 inch headphone socket. This also makes them compatible with adapters for all major gaming consoles.
The headphones come with a soft carry case which provides protection when they are in transit or stored away when not in use.
Another noteworthy aspect of these gaming headphones is the gold connectors, which are joined by oxygen-free copper cables to deliver pristine transmission of sound.
Features
- 40mm driver
- 10Hz – 20kHz frequency response
- Passive noise isolation
Pros
- Adjustable headband for maximum comfort
- Versatile wired connector
- Convenient fold-away design
Cons
- No wireless connectivity
Sennheiser HD 600 Open-Back Audiophile Professional Headphones
Sennheiser HD 600 Open-Back Audiophile Professional Headphones Review
If you want the best sound quality possible when gaming or interacting with your fellow gamers online, the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones are a worthy investment.
With a typical stylish design, these open-back headphones are designed to highlight every detail of the audio you listen to. They produce a strong, consistent bass response, with minimal coloration of the mid and higher frequencies.
Sennheiser has built its reputation on delivering incredible sound quality. The HD 600 headphones are further evidence of this, and they somehow manage to reduce the harmonic distortion to less than 0.1%.
These headphones come with a detachable cable that is 9.8ft long. They also have two adapter sizes so that they can be used with a variety of adapters for gaming consoles or any other audio format.
The cushioned velour earpads prevent tension from building, by cupping the ears gently with minimal force. Also, the open-back design still blocks out some outside noise but makes it possible to hear loud external sounds when required.
Voice coils are an essential component of any gaming headphones. Sennheiser has used aluminum coils that weigh very little, and improve the sound of transients.
Features
- 12Hz – 38kHz frequency response
- Cushioned velour earpads
- 42mm driver
Pros
- Clear, transparent sound quality
- Extremely comfortable earpad design
- Minimal harmonic distortion
Cons
- Slightly low voltage sensitivity
Shure SRH440 Closed-Back Studio Headphones
Shure SRH440 Closed-Back Studio Headphones Review
The SRH440s are a very popular set of affordable headphones by Shure. Although they’re designed for musicians and producers, they’re also great for gamers who don’t need a headset with a microphone.
With a fully closed-back design, these headphones isolate the audio from your gaming and minimize outside distractions. This allows you to be fully immersed in the experience of gaming.
The all-black design of these Shure SRH440 headphones makes them look like a set that you’d expect to cost considerably more than they do. The ear cups are replaceable, so you can retain the fresh feel whenever you need to.
Shure has optimally designed the power handling capabilities of these gaming headphones so that they reduce any interference and deliver pristine sound quality throughout their extensive frequency response.
The headband is adjustable so that you can find the ideal fit for the shape and size of your head, reducing any pressure or tension in the process. A 9.8ft detachable coiled cable can be secured in place using the onboard clip.
Also, the headphones can be folded inwardly for storage or transportation. Thick layers of padding cushion the headphones and make them comfortable for long gaming sessions.
Features
- Passive noise isolation
- Cushioned foam earpads
- 10Hz – 22kHz frequency response
Pros
- Affordable and comfortable
- Fold-away design
- Lightweight construction
Cons
- Lack some clarity in the bass frequencies
Neumann NDH20 Closed-Back Studio Headphones
Neumann NDH20 Closed-Back Studio Headphones Review
Neumann’s NDH20 closed-back headphones are ideal for gaming. They allow you to enjoy the full spectrum of in-game audio, with incredibly accurate reproduction across their wide frequency response.
The earpads are made from memory foam, which softly covers the ears without causing any discomfort no matter how long you wear them. The closed-back design also provides stellar noise isolation for crystal-clear audio.
With a convenient foldable design, these headphones can easily be stored away or placed in the carry bag when not in use. The bass frequencies are particularly clear and full-bodied.
Fitted with neodymium magnets, the NDH20 headphones deliver ultimate transparency. You’ll be able to hear the voices of other gamers and enjoy an immersive sonic experience.
Some gaming headphones color the sound too much, which makes the audio sound forced or over-exaggerated. However, these Neumann headphones produce no coloration, making them highly precise.
They come with a bag for transportation and storage, in addition to a detachable coiled cable. They also boast 34dB passive noise isolation, which adds to the overall clarity of the audio they produce.
Features
- 38mm driver
- 5Hz – 30kHz frequency response
- Memory foam earpads
Pros
- Extremely comfortable to wear
- Linear frequency balance
- Good noise isolation
Cons
- May require a converter for certain consoles
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250 ohm Closed-back Studio Mixing Headphones
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250 ohm Closed-back Studio Mixing Headphones Review
The DT 770 Pro headphones by Beyerdynamic represent a middle ground between high-end, expensive gaming headsets with no mic and budget options. They combine comfort with sonic clarity.
Able to produce low-end frequencies that go down to 5hZ, these headphones will bring every small detail of your game’s audio to your attention. Plus, their closed-back design allows you to get lost in the world of gaming with no distractions coming from outside.
A convenient coil cord is included with these Beyerdynamic gaming headphones, which can be extended to a maximum length of 3 meters. They also have a steel headband with a spring mechanism that applies the least amount of pressure to your head and ears.
If you use a PC for gaming, you can simply connect these headphones to the 3.5mm headphone input. If you use a console, you can use an adapter to ensure that they are compatible with your PlayStation or Xbox.
A carry bag is included with the headphones, and to improve them further, Beyerdynamic has used their bass-reflex feature which ensures consistency in the low and midrange frequencies.
Features
- 5Hz – 35kHz frequency response
- Passive noise isolation
- Soft Velour earpads
Pros
- Solid bass response
- Cushioned, comfortable earpad design
- Headband reduces tension
Cons
- May make it difficult to hear outside noise
Vic Firth SIH2 Stereo Isolation Headphones
Vic Firth SIH2 Stereo Isolation Headphones Review
Affordable and practically designed, the Vic Firth SIH2 headphones are perfect for gamers who are on a strict budget. Designed for ultimate stereo isolation, they effectively block out external sounds so that you can hear in-game audio.
With newly upgraded 50mm drivers, these headphones deliver a fuller-sounding bass than the original version. The low-end boost is especially noticeable when you’re playing story modes on games.
Vic Firth has attempted to focus equally on appearance, comfort, and sound quality when designing these headphones, and I must say they’ve done a pretty good job at balancing these attributes.
If you want to protect your ears while gaming, you’ll probably find the 25dB external noise reduction that these headphones can achieve to be a welcome addition.
The bass frequencies aren’t the only band that has been intentionally shaped by Vic Firth. With exceptionally clear highs and solid midrange frequencies, you get a good balance when gaming.
As these suitable gaming headphones were originally designed for musicians, they hug the ears tightly without causing pressure to build up thanks to the padded earcups and flexible headband.
Features
- 20Hz – 20kHz frequency response
- 50mm driver size
- Circumaural closed-back fit
Pros
- Great noise isolation
- Comfortable headband and earpads
- Classy design
Cons
- Wired design may require an adapter for older consoles
- Not the most comfortable headphones for long-term wear
Gaming Headphones Without Mics Buyer’s Guide
Finding the best gaming headset without microphones can be a difficult task, as most of them come with one already installed.
The headphones featured in this guide are all very well suited to gaming, providing sound isolation, comfort, and a high level of audio quality. Hopefully, reading this guide will help you find the set that suits your budget.
Things To Consider When Buying
Consider the build quality
If you’re an avid gamer, you’ll need headphones that can withstand heavy usage. Many gaming headsets are made from cheap materials like plastic, and this affects their longevity. It’s therefore important to choose a set that is built robustly enough to last a long time.
Think about the comfort
No matter how good a set of gaming headphones sound or look, if they aren’t comfortable they will be of very little use to you. Look out for cushioned paddings, flexible headbands, and other factors that impact the comfort of these headphones.
Consider isolation
Gaming headphones that fit around the ears tightly are more effective at isolating the audio coming from your game. This isolation allows you to focus on the audio without being distracted by external sounds.
Think about frequency response
Frequency response is a term used to indicate the range of sound frequencies that gaming headphones can produce. 20Hz – 20 kHz is a good range for ensuring that you hear all of the low, midrange, and high sound frequencies from a game’s audio.
How Headphones Can Transform Your Gaming Experience
microphones. These headphones focus solely on providing excellent audio quality.
With every year that passes, gaming audio becomes more immersive and detailed. This has resulted in the sonic aspects of gaming almost matching the visuals in terms of the importance to the whole experience.
Investing in a set of headphones that deliver excellent audio quality, accuracy, and dynamic response will unlock aspects of your gaming audio that you didn’t even know existed.
When the sound engineers mix a game’s audio, they include so many slight nuances and finer details that simply won’t be audible on a sub-par gaming headset.
Therefore, if you want to become immersed in your favorite games and maximize the experience, investing in high-quality headphones is a must.
The Physical Aspects of Gaming Headphones
Before we get into the different factors which impact the way gaming headphones sound, it’s important to consider their physical design.
Comfort is an essential quality that gaming headphones must possess. If you choose a set that has hard earcups and a tight headband, you’re not going to be able to wear them for very long. And as we know, sometimes a gaming marathon can unexpectedly occur!
It’s important, therefore, to check that the headphones have cushioned earpads and an adjustable headband that will facilitate your head shape and size.
Another thing you’ll need to think about is whether closed-back or open-back headphones would be best for your gaming setup.
Open-back headphones will provide you with a more detailed and accurate sound, but you will still be able to hear external sounds quite clearly. Closed-back headphones will isolate the gaming audio more effectively, and block out some background noise.
Sonic Qualities
There are several different factors and components that determine the way gaming headphones sound.
The type of driver that is installed within the headphones is directly linked to their maximum volume. For example, a 50mm driver will be significantly louder than a 20mm driver, but this doesn’t necessarily mean it will result in better sound quality.
The frequency response of the headphones is also an important thing to look out for, particularly if you want your gaming audio to be as detailed as possible.
The minimum range that gaming headphones should cover is 20Hz – 20kHz, but many will exceed this, ranging from 5Hz up to 35kHz. The wider the frequency response, the more accurate the gaming audio will be.
Additional Features
It’s also common for gaming headphones to include additional features and capabilities to improve their performance and make them more practical to use.
For example, many gaming headphones offer passive noise cancellation, which reduces the volume of external sounds so that you can fully focus on the audio from your gaming console or PC.
Certain headphones may also be foldable, which is convenient if you like to take your gaming rig on your travels.
They may also have detachable cables, which prevent the cables from being damaged over time and makes it easier to store the headphones when they’re not being used.
Gaming Headphones Without Mics FAQs
Are Gaming Headphones Good for Listening to Music?
Headphones that are well suited to gaming are also highly likely to be good for listening to music too. Gaming soundtracks often include music, speech, and other sounds that are within the frequency range of music.
That’s one of the main advantages of investing in a good set of headphones – they can be used for gaming, listening to music, and enjoying any other form of content.
Are Noise Cancelling Headphones Good for Gaming?
Headphones that have passive noise-canceling capabilities will improve your gaming experience. These headphones work by creating a barrier between your ears and the outside world so that less external noise is audible when you are wearing them.
Passive noise cancellation will allow you to hone in on the audio from the games you play, and prevent you from being distracted by outside noise.
Does a Bigger Driver Mean a Better Sound?
It’s a common misconception that headphones with bigger drivers will automatically produce a better sound quality. In reality, the only thing this guarantee is that they will be able to produce louder volumes than headphones with small drivers.
Nevertheless, many of the best-sounding gaming headphones do have larger drivers installed in them. The size of the driver is less important than the quality of the driver and the other vital components within the headphone.
