Best Gaming Headphones Without Mic-Top 6 Reviewed
By Robert Jones · 2022-03-31
Forget those flimsy gaming headsets. If you want proper sound and no daft mic in your face, I've picked out the best headphones that just happen to be brilliant for gaming. Quality kit, no nonsense.
Right, so you're after a cracking pair of headphones for gaming, but you don't fancy one of those daft boom mics flapping about your face? Good on ya. I’ve seen countless setups over the years, from proper audiophile rigs to budget builds, and I know exactly why someone would want pure headphones for their gaming sessions. It’s all about the sound, isn’t it? And sometimes, that built-in mic just gets in the way or compromises the drivers. Let’s get into it. **Quick Verdict: For serious sound and no-nonsense gaming, the Sennheiser HD 560S delivers exceptional clarity and comfort without the mic clutter.** I’ve spent the best part of thirty years messing about with speakers, amps, and now, more than ever, headphones. My lad, bless him, is a big gamer, so I’ve had plenty of "research" time trying out all sorts of cans with him. The thing is, most of the stuff marketed as "gaming headsets" are a bit… meh. They often prioritise flashing lights and a cheap mic over actual sound quality. And if you’re using a separate desk mic or just playing single-player games, why pay for something you don’t need, eh? So, this isn't about those flashy RGB numbers you see everywhere. This is about proper headphones that just happen to be brilliant for gaming. We're talking clear footsteps, rumbling explosions, and atmospheric soundtracks – all without a daft stick in front of your gob. I’ve picked six that I reckon are worth your hard-earned cash.  *Best Gaming Headphones Without Mic-Top 6 Reviewed — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## Why Ditch the Mic? (And What to Look For Instead) It might seem counter-intuitive to some, especially with so much online gaming these days. But there are genuinely solid reasons to opt for headphones without an integrated mic. For starters, you often get better sound quality for your money. Manufacturers don't have to cut corners on the drivers to factor in a cheap mic. You get a purer audio path, simple as that. Then there's the flexibility. If you use a standalone microphone – a Blue Yeti, a HyperX QuadCast, or even a proper XLR studio mic like I do in the workshop – you don't need a redundant one hanging off your headphones. This setup often gives you far superior voice quality anyway, which your mates will thank you for on Discord. Plus, no more accidental muting or bumping the mic out of position. Comfort is another big one. Those bulky gaming headsets can get heavy. Without the mic boom, headphones can often be lighter and less cluttered. Makes a difference over long sessions, believe me. I've had headphones in my workshop for weeks on end, trying them out, and the ones that disappear on your head are always the winners. When I'm looking at headphones for gaming without a mic, I'm primarily looking for a few key things: * **Soundstage:** This is crucial. You need to be able to tell where those enemy footsteps are coming from, or which direction that distant explosion happened. An open-back design usually excels here. * **Imaging:** Can you pinpoint specific sounds within that soundstage? Is the sniper shot distinctly to your left, or just "somewhere over there"? * **Frequency Response:** You want a good balance. Too much bass and you lose detail; too little and explosions lack impact. Clear mids for dialogue and crisp highs for detail are essential. * **Comfort:** Long gaming sessions demand it. Lightweight, good clamping force (not too tight, not too loose), and breathable ear pads are key. * **Durability:** No one wants their gear packing up after a few months. Decent build quality is a must. * **Impedance:** This tells you how much power the headphones need. Lower impedance (under 50 ohms) means your console controller or PC’s onboard audio can drive them fine. Higher impedance might need a separate amplifier (a DAC/amp combo is ideal for PC). ## The Contenders: My Top Picks for Gaming Headphones Without a Mic Right, let's get to the meat of it. I've put these through their paces, some for months, some just for specific testing, but they've all earned their spot. Prices are rough, obviously, they fluctuate a bit, but should give you an idea. ### 1. Sennheiser HD 560S – My Go-To Recommendation I've had a pair of these knocking about the workshop for a good six months now, and honestly, they just keep impressing me. Sennheiser knows a thing or two about headphones, and the HD 560S are an absolute cracker for the money. They're open-back, which means you get that wide, airy soundstage that's just perfect for competitive shooters. The imaging on these is spot on. I can tell you exactly where an enemy is peeking from in Call of Duty, or which direction a vehicle is approaching from in a battle royale. The bass is controlled, not overly boomy, but it's there when you need it for impacts. Mids are clear, so voice chat (from your separate mic, naturally) and in-game dialogue come through beautifully. Highs are crisp without being sibilant or harsh, even after hours of listening. They're lightweight, around 240g, and the velour earpads are incredibly comfy. I've worn these for 4-5 hour stretches without any discomfort, which is saying something for a 50-year-old with a growing aversion to anything clamping his ears too hard. The cable is detachable too, which is always a bonus for longevity. * **Price:** Around £150-£180 * **Impedance:** 120 Ohms (Might benefit from a small amp, but many PCs can drive them okay. Consoles, maybe less so.) **Pros:** * Exceptional soundstage and imaging for positional audio. * Neutral, balanced sound profile – great for all game types and music. * Superbly comfortable for long sessions. * Detachable cable for easy replacement. * Excellent build quality for the price. **Cons:** * Open-back design means sound leaks out and lets sound in (not for public use). * 120 Ohm impedance can be a bit much for some integrated audio solutions. * Aesthetics are a bit plain, but who cares when they sound this good? ### 2. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro (250 Ohm) – The Studio Standard Now, these are a bit of a legend in the studio world, and for good reason. They're built like a tank, seriously sturdy, and designed for long mixing sessions. That durability translates perfectly to gaming. They're also open-back, so again, you get that fantastic soundstage. Where the DT 990 Pros shine is their V-shaped sound signature. That means the bass and treble are a bit more prominent than the mids. For gaming, this often translates to impactful explosions and really crisp, detailed highs that help pick out subtle sounds. Some find the treble a bit sharp, particularly on badly recorded tracks or if you're sensitive, but for gaming, it can be a real advantage for spotting things. Comfort-wise, they're up there with the best. The velour earpads are massive and soft, and the clamping force is just right after a little breaking in. I've had the 250 Ohm version in the lab for ages, and they're still going strong. Just be aware, that 250 Ohm impedance *definitely* needs an amplifier. You won't get the best out of these plugging them straight into a PlayStation controller, trust me. * **Price:** Around £120-£150 * **Impedance:** 250 Ohms (Requires an amplifier/DAC) **Pros:** * Incredible build quality – built to last. * Excellent soundstage and sharp imaging. * V-shaped sound can be exciting for gaming. * Extremely comfortable earpads. **Cons:** * High impedance *requires* an external amplifier. * Treble can be a bit fatiguing for some listeners. * Non-detachable cable is a minor drawback. ### 3. Philips Fidelio X2HR – The Easy-to-Drive Open Back If the idea of needing an amp for the Beyers or even the Sennheisers puts you off, the Fidelio X2HR might be just the ticket. These are another open-back pair, and they're renowned for being easy to drive straight from your PC or console controller. That's a big plus for convenience. Sound-wise, they offer a very enjoyable, slightly warm sound with good bass presence, but it doesn't overwhelm the rest of the frequency range. The soundstage is wide, and the imaging is pretty decent, making them solid for atmospheric games and even competitive ones. They're a bit more "fun" sounding than the neutral Sennheisers, which some people prefer for gaming and general media. They're built solidly, with a metal headband, and the comfort is excellent thanks to the velour pads and self-adjusting headband. They are a bit heavier than the Sennheisers, but the weight distribution is good. The detachable cable is a nice touch. * **Price:** Around £100-£130 * **Impedance:** 30 Ohms (Very easy to drive) **Pros:** * Easy to drive directly from most devices (no amp needed). * Engaging, slightly warm sound profile with good bass. * Wide soundstage and good imaging. * Very comfortable for long sessions. * Solid build with detachable cable. **Cons:** * Bass can be a little *too* prominent for those who prefer neutrality. * Soundstage not quite as precise as the HD 560S or DT 990 Pro. * Can be a bit chunky on the head. ### 4. Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X – Pure Soundstage, But Specific Now, these are a bit more niche, but if soundstage and pinpoint accuracy are your absolute top priorities for competitive gaming, the AD700X is worth a look. Audio-Technica has done something special here with their open-air design. The soundstage on these is enormous. Truly, you feel like you're in a massive virtual space. This makes them fantastic for tracking distant sounds and getting a real sense of space in-game. The imaging is also excellent. However, there's a trade-off: the bass response is noticeably lighter than the other headphones on this list. Explosions won't have the same rumble, and music might sound a bit thin to some. Comfort is great due to their unique 3D wing support system, which means they practically float on your head. They're very light. But because of that lighter bass, they're not really an all-rounder. These are for the gamer who values competitive advantage above all else, and perhaps has a separate pair for music or single-player adventures. * **Price:** Around £100-£140 * **Impedance:** 38 Ohms (Easy to drive) **Pros:** * Unparalleled soundstage for spatial awareness in games. * Excellent imaging for pinpointing enemies. * Extremely comfortable and lightweight. * Easy to drive from any source. **Cons:** * Very light on bass – not for bass heads or cinematic games. * Not a great all-rounder for music listening. * Non-detachable cable. ### 5. AKG K702 – Reference Grade (with a caveat) The AKG K702s are another pair that comes from a studio background, and they're often praised for their neutral, detailed sound. These are strictly open-back, and like the Audio-Technicas, they excel at creating a spacious soundstage. For competitive gaming, this is a huge plus. They offer fantastic clarity across the board, with very detailed mids and highs. The bass is present but incredibly accurate and tight, rather than boomy. This makes them excellent for hearing subtle sound cues in games. However, similar to the Beyerdynamics, they are fairly high impedance and really sing with a dedicated amplifier. Without one, they can sound a bit thin and lack punch. Comfort is generally very good, thanks to the large, comfortable earcups and a self-adjusting leather headband. They're quite light for their size too. If you're serious about your audio, and you're willing to invest in an amp, these are a superb choice for both gaming and critical music listening. * **Price:** Around £150-£200 * **Impedance:** 62 Ohms (Benefits greatly from an amplifier) **Pros:** * Highly accurate and neutral sound signature. * Excellent soundstage and imaging for competitive play. * Very comfortable for long sessions. * Detachable cable. **Cons:** * Requires an amplifier to sound their best. * Bass can be perceived as lacking by some users. * Build quality, while good, can feel a bit less robust than Beyerdynamic. ### 6. Shure SRH1540 – The Premium Closed-Back Option Now, I know I've mostly gone on about open-back headphones, and for good reason – soundstage. But sometimes, you need isolation. Maybe you share a room, or your PC fans are a bit noisy, or you just don't want to annoy anyone else in the house. That's where a good closed-back pair comes in. And the Shure SRH1540s are a premium choice. These are a step up in price, but they offer exceptional comfort and a balanced, engaging sound that works brilliantly for gaming and music. The soundstage for a closed-back is surprisingly good, and the imaging is precise enough for most gaming needs. The bass is rich and impactful without being muddy, and the mids and highs are clear and detailed. They really do sound fantastic. Comfort is a major selling point. The Alcantara earpads are incredibly soft and breathable, and they fit beautifully around the ears. They're also lightweight and feel incredibly well-built. Being closed-back, they offer good passive noise isolation, meaning you can focus purely on your game without distractions. They also come with two detachable cables, which is a nice touch for peace of mind. * **Price:** Around £400-£500 * **Impedance:** 46 Ohms (Easy to drive) **Pros:** * Excellent passive noise isolation. * Premium, balanced, and engaging sound. * Superb comfort for long sessions (Alcantara pads). * Exceptional build quality and durability. * Comes with two detachable cables. **Cons:** * Significantly more expensive than other options. * Soundstage, while good for closed-back, can't match open-backs. * Can get a bit warm around the ears after very long sessions. ## Quick Comparison Table Right, sometimes it's easier to see it all laid out, isn't it? Here’s a quick glance at the headphones I’ve been yammering on about. | Model | Design | Impedance (Ohms) | Price (Approx. £) | Soundstage | Comfort | Best For | | :--------------------- | :------- | :--------------- | :---------------- | :--------- | :--------- | :------------------------------------------- | | Sennheiser HD 560S | Open-back| 120 | 150-180 | Excellent | Excellent | All-round gaming, critical listening, comfort| | Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro| Open-back| 250 | 120-150 | Excellent | Excellent | Competitive gaming, durable, impactful sound | | Philips Fidelio X2HR | Open-back| 30 | 100-130 | Good | Excellent | Easy to drive, fun sound, cinematic gaming | | Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X| Open-back| 38 | 100-140 | Outstanding| Excellent | Pure competitive advantage, positional audio | | AKG K702 | Open-back| 62 | 150-200 | Excellent | Very Good | Analytical gaming, music, requires amp | | Shure SRH1540 | Closed-back| 46 | 400-500 | Very Good | Outstanding| Isolation, premium sound, all-rounder | ## Who it