A non-gaming headphone can work for gaming when its plug or wireless link matches your PC or console and you plan voice chat separately. The seven picks are studio or everyday headphones, not gaming headsets. Six are wired with no microphone listed, and the Sony WH-CH730N adds Bluetooth and a built-in microphone to a wired cable.
Start with four decisions: open or closed back for your room, wired or Bluetooth, a microphone built in or added, and cable length for your desk. Each product section gives the maker’s own figures for impedance, weight and cables.
For PC or console play, choose the connection and room fit before treating a non-gaming headphone as a headset.Table of Contents
Best Non-Gaming Headsets for Gaming Compared
| Image | Product | Details | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X | Best fit: Closed-back with a locking detachable cable Back type: Closed-back Connection: 3.5 mm jack; 6.3 mm adapter; detachable 3 m cable Impedance: 48 ohms Microphone: None listed; add a separate microphone | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Audio-Technica ATH-R50x | Best fit: Lightweight open-back for a private room Back type: Open-back Connection: 3.5 mm plugs on 3.0 m and 1.2 m cables; 6.3 mm adapter Impedance: 50 ohms Microphone: None listed; add a separate microphone | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus | Best fit: Open-back kit with extra ear pads and a case Back type: Open-back Connection: 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm; 1.8 m and 3 m cables Impedance: 130 ohms Microphone: None listed; add a separate microphone | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Sony WH-CH730N | Best fit: Wireless with a built-in microphone Back type: Closed-back Connection: Bluetooth 6.0, or a 1.2 m stereo mini-jack cable Impedance: 100 ohms wired with the unit on; 25 ohms off Microphone: Built-in microphone | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | Best fit: Closed-back with swiveling earcups Back type: Closed-back Connection: 3.5 mm connector; 6.3 mm adapter; three detachable cables Impedance: 38 ohms Microphone: None listed; add a separate microphone | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Philips SHP9600 | Best fit: Open-back for home and TV listening Back type: Open-back Connection: 3 m removable cable; 6.3-to-3.5 mm adapter Impedance: Not given by Philips or Amazon Microphone: None listed; add a separate microphone | Check Price on Amazon |
 | AKG K371 | Best fit: Lightweight closed-back Back type: Closed-back Connection: 1.2 m and 3 m cables; 3.5 mm to 6.5 mm adapter Impedance: 32 ohms Microphone: None listed; add a separate microphone | Check Price on Amazon |
1. beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X — Best Closed-Back Pick With a Locking Cable
The DT 770 PRO X is a closed-back wired headphone with a detachable cable. beyerdynamic lists a closed operating principle, a nominal 48-ohm impedance, a 3.5 mm jack with a 6.3 mm adapter, and 305 g without the cable. beyerdynamic says the 48-ohm design gives studio-quality audio even on devices with low output power, and Amazon’s feature list says no headphone amp is needed.
The detachable 3 m cable has a locking mini-XLR connector, and beyerdynamic lists 1.2 m, 1.8 m and coiled cables as separate accessories. beyerdynamic calls the velour ear pads comfortable during long sessions, adds a headband recess that reduces pressure on the top of the head, and describes the closed back as high sound isolation. beyerdynamic lists no microphone, so team chat needs a separate one.
Our Take Buy the DT 770 PRO X if you want a closed-back wired headphone with a locking detachable cable. Skip it if you need a microphone in the same product or want an open back for a quiet room.
- beyerdynamic describes the closed back of the DT 770 PRO X as high sound isolation, with a nominal 48-ohm impedance.
- The DT 770 PRO X cable is detachable, 3 m long and has a locking mini-XLR connector, and beyerdynamic lists other cables as separate accessories.
- beyerdynamic describes the velour ear pads as comfortable during long sessions.
- beyerdynamic lists no microphone for the DT 770 PRO X, so voice chat needs a separate microphone.
- beyerdynamic lists 305 g without the cable, more than the 207 g listed for the Audio-Technica ATH-R50x.
2. Audio-Technica ATH-R50x — Best Lightweight Open-Back Pick
The ATH-R50x is an open-back headphone for a private room. Audio-Technica describes open-back headphones as suited to a studio or other private space, and lists 50 ohms, a 3.5 mm stereo connector and approximately 207 g without the cable. Two detachable cables come with it, 3.0 m and 1.2 m, each ending in a 3.5 mm plug, and the box adds a 6.3 mm adapter and a pouch.
Audio-Technica says the lightweight headband and velour earpads are designed to keep you comfortable for hours, and that the open earcups add airflow. Neither Audio-Technica nor Amazon lists a microphone for the ATH-R50x.
Pick the ATH-R50x for a room where nobody else needs the game to stay quiet.Our Take Buy the ATH-R50x for a private desk where you want a light open-back headphone and two cable lengths. Skip it for a shared room or if you want a microphone in the headphone.
- Audio-Technica lists the ATH-R50x as open-back, with an impedance of 50 ohms.
- Audio-Technica includes two detachable cables, 3.0 m and 1.2 m, each with a 3.5 mm plug, for the ATH-R50x.
- Audio-Technica lists approximately 207 g without the cable and describes the headband as designed for hours of comfort.
- The ATH-R50x is open-back, a design Audio-Technica describes for a studio or other private space.
- Audio-Technica lists no microphone for the ATH-R50x.
3. Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus — Best Open-Back Kit With Extra Ear Pads and a Case
The HD 490 PRO Plus is an open-back kit, not only a pair of headphones. Sennheiser lists article number 700287 for the Plus, an open-back design, 130 ohms at 1 kHz, 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm connectors, and 260 g. Its box list adds 1.8 m and 3 m cables, a mixing and a producing set of ear pads, an extra headband pad and a case. Amazon’s title for this listing names the same extra cable, earpads and carry case.
Sennheiser also lists a sensitivity of 105 dB SPL at 1 Vrms and 96 dB SPL at 1 mW, and describes lightweight ergonomics with open-mesh earpiece covers for ventilation. Impedance is the electrical resistance a headphone presents to its source, and 130 ohms is higher than the 48 ohms of the beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X and the 50 ohms of the Audio-Technica ATH-R50x. Sennheiser lists no microphone.
Sennheiser’s box list for the Plus includes two sets of ear pads and an extra headband pad.Our Take Buy the HD 490 PRO Plus for an open-back desk setup that uses a kit with spare cables and ear pads. Skip it if you want a built-in microphone or a closed back.
- Sennheiser lists the HD 490 PRO Plus as open-back with 130 ohms impedance at 1 kHz.
- Sennheiser’s box list for the HD 490 PRO Plus includes 1.8 m and 3 m cables, two sets of ear pads and a case.
- Sennheiser lists both 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm connectors for the HD 490 PRO Plus.
- Sennheiser lists 260 g for the HD 490 PRO Plus, more than the 207 g listed for the Audio-Technica ATH-R50x.
- Sennheiser lists no microphone for the HD 490 PRO Plus.
4. Sony WH-CH730N — Best Wireless Pick With a Built-In Microphone
The WH-CH730N is a wireless closed-back headphone with a built-in microphone and a wired option. Sony lists Bluetooth Specification Version 6.0, the SBC, AAC and LC3 audio formats, the A2DP, AVRCP, HFP and HSP profiles, and multipoint connection to two Bluetooth devices. Sony also lists wired listening through a stereo mini-jack with the included cable of approximately 1.2 m, and an impedance of 100 ohms wired with the unit on or 25 ohms wired with it off.
Sony’s page is titled as a headphone with microphone and lists an Enhanced Call Quality feature, and Amazon’s feature list says Precise Voice Pickup uses beamforming microphones and AI-based processing. Sony lists up to 50 hours of playback with noise cancelling on and up to 75 hours with it off, says actual battery performance varies, and lists approximately 207 g. Sony publishes no Bluetooth latency figure.
Our Take Buy the WH-CH730N if you want one headphone with Bluetooth, a built-in microphone and a wired cable. Use the cable when you want to avoid depending on Bluetooth timing, which Sony does not quantify.
- Sony lists a built-in microphone for the WH-CH730N, and Amazon’s feature list describes beamforming microphones with AI-based processing.
- Sony lists multipoint Bluetooth connection and wired listening through an included stereo mini-jack cable of approximately 1.2 m.
- Sony lists up to 50 hours of playback with noise cancelling on and up to 75 hours with it off.
- Sony publishes no Bluetooth latency figure for the WH-CH730N.
- Sony lists a single cord length of approximately 1.2 m for wired use of the WH-CH730N.
5. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x — Best Closed-Back Pick With Swiveling Earcups
The ATH-M50x is a closed-back studio monitor headphone with three detachable cables. Audio-Technica lists 38 ohms, 45 mm drivers, a gold-plated 3.5 mm connector and 285 g without the cable. The box adds a 1.2 m straight cable, a 3.0 m straight cable, a 1.2-to-3.0 m coiled cable, a 6.3 mm screw-on adapter and a pouch.
Audio-Technica lists 90-degree swiveling earcups for one-ear monitoring and a collapsible design that folds flat for travel, and says the closed-back design gives passive isolation from outside noise. It describes the earpads and headband as durable and comfortable. Audio-Technica lists no microphone for the ATH-M50x.
Our Take Buy the ATH-M50x for a closed-back wired setup with a choice of three cables and earcups that swivel. Skip it if you need a microphone in the headphone or prefer an open back.
- Audio-Technica lists the ATH-M50x as closed-back with 38 ohms impedance.
- Audio-Technica includes three detachable cables with the ATH-M50x, including 1.2 m and 3.0 m straight cables.
- Audio-Technica lists 90-degree swiveling earcups and a collapsible design for the ATH-M50x.
- Audio-Technica lists no microphone for the ATH-M50x.
- Audio-Technica lists 285 g for the ATH-M50x, more than the 207 g listed for the Audio-Technica ATH-R50x.
6. Philips SHP9600 — Best Open-Back Pick for Home and TV Listening
The SHP9600 is an open-back headphone for home listening. Philips lists an open-back design, 50 mm neodymium drivers and a 3 m removable cable. Philips says the included cable has a gold-plated 6.3-to-3.5 mm jack adapter, and describes listening from a smart device, home setup, TV or laptop. Neither the Philips product page nor Amazon’s feature list gives an impedance figure.
Philips describes a double-layered headband cushion and breathable ear-cup cushions as suited to long listening sessions, with a steel-reinforced headband. Philips lists no microphone for the SHP9600, so voice chat needs a separate one.
Philips frames the SHP9600 around home listening, with a TV or laptop as sources.Our Take Buy the SHP9600 for an open-back home setup that needs a 3 m removable cable and a 6.3-to-3.5 mm adapter. Skip it if you share the room or want a one-piece headset.
- Philips lists the SHP9600 as open-back with 50 mm neodymium drivers.
- Philips lists a 3 m removable cable and a 6.3-to-3.5 mm jack adapter for the SHP9600.
- Philips describes a double-layered headband cushion and breathable ear-cup cushions for long listening sessions.
- Philips lists no microphone for the SHP9600.
- Philips lists a single 3 m cable for the SHP9600, while four other picks list a 1.2 m cable.
7. AKG K371 — Best Lightweight Closed-Back Pick
The K371 is a foldable closed-back headphone. AKG’s product page lists a closed-back, over-ear design, a 32-ohm rated impedance, 50 mm drivers and 255 g, and calls it ultra lightweight and foldable. The box list has 1.2 m and 3 m straight cables, a 3 m coiled cable, a 3.5 mm to 6.5 mm adapter and a carrying pouch.
AKG says its impedance and sensitivity let it work with professional or consumer devices with no audio degradation, and describes an adjustable headband and slow-retention foam pads for long-wearing comfort. AKG lists podcasting, vlogging and game streaming among its applications, and lists no microphone.
AKG lists game streaming among the applications for the K371, but lists no microphone for it.Our Take Buy the K371 for a lightweight foldable closed-back wired headphone with three cables. Skip it if a built-in microphone or wireless use is a requirement.
- AKG lists the K371 as closed-back and foldable with a 32-ohm rated impedance and 50 mm drivers.
- AKG’s box list for the K371 has 1.2 m and 3 m straight cables plus a 3 m coiled cable.
- AKG lists 255 g and describes slow-retention foam pads for long-wearing comfort.
- AKG lists no microphone for the K371.
- Amazon’s title calls the K371 wired, and it names no wireless mode.
Buying Guide
1. Choose open or closed backs for the room
Open-back headphones let air and sound pass through the earcups, and Audio-Technica describes them as suited to a studio or other private space. Open-back construction fits a quiet private desk. The Audio-Technica ATH-R50x, Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus and Philips SHP9600 use this design.
Closed-back headphones seal the earcup, which limits sound passing in or out. Closed-back isolation is the better starting point for a shared room. The beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X, Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, AKG K371 and Sony WH-CH730N are closed-back, and only the Sony lists a built-in microphone.
Weight and comfort come from each maker’s own wording. Listed weights run from 207 g for the ATH-R50x and the Sony WH-CH730N, to 255 g for the K371, 260 g for the HD 490 PRO Plus, 285 g for the ATH-M50x and 305 g for the DT 770 PRO X. Philips lists no weight on its product page.
2. Decide between a wired cable and Bluetooth
Each maker lists a wired connection for every pick here. A 3.5 mm plug appears on the DT 770 PRO X, ATH-R50x, ATH-M50x and HD 490 PRO Plus, and the SHP9600 and K371 come with adapters between 3.5 mm and larger plugs. If your laptop has no 3.5 mm headphone jack, the USB-C headphone guide covers adapters and digital USB-C audio.
Sony lists Bluetooth 6.0, multipoint connection and a wired cable for the Sony WH-CH730N. No Sony Bluetooth latency figure is published, so whether the wireless link suits fast games is unknown. The wired cable is the listed alternative when you would rather not depend on Bluetooth timing.
3. Plan the microphone as a separate part of the setup
Six picks here list no microphone, so they are headphones, not full headsets. A separate USB microphone adds voice chat on a PC when the headphone plug carries only audio. A clip-on microphone can sit closer to your mouth, but check the headset jack wiring and console support before buying one.
The Sony WH-CH730N is the exception because Sony lists a built-in microphone and the HFP and HSP profiles. Built-in call microphones can simplify everyday calls, but neither Sony nor Amazon says how that microphone works with a console or game chat.
4. Match impedance and cable length to the device
Impedance, in ohms, describes how much electrical resistance a headphone presents to its source, and sensitivity and the source’s output also affect loudness. 32 to 50 ohms covers the AKG K371, Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X and Audio-Technica ATH-R50x, while the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus is rated at 130 ohms. Sony lists 100 ohms for wired use with the unit on and 25 ohms with it off, and neither Philips nor Amazon gives an impedance for the SHP9600. beyerdynamic and AKG each say their headphones work on low-power or consumer devices, and Sennheiser and Audio-Technica make no matching statement.
Cable length decides how far the headphones can sit from the device. Four picks list a 1.2 m cable, the Audio-Technica ATH-R50x, Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, AKG K371 and Sony WH-CH730N, while longer cables of 1.8 m and 3 m reach a tower or console shelf with more slack to manage. A portable headphone amplifier guide and the USB-C audio-interface guide are useful follow-ups when the headphone output or microphone routing is the limiting part of the setup.
FAQ
Can non-gaming headphones work for gaming?
The connection decides it. Every pick here has a wired connection listed by its maker, and AKG lists game streaming among the applications for the K371. None of the makers states how its headphones perform in games, so compare connection, back type, impedance, weight and cables instead.
Voice chat is a separate decision. The six wired headphones need an added microphone, while the Sony lists a built-in one. A 3.5 mm cable does not turn a headphone into a one-piece headset.
Are open-back headphones a good choice for gaming?
Audio-Technica describes open-back headphones as suited to a studio or other private space, and the Audio-Technica ATH-R50x, Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus and Philips SHP9600 use open construction. Open construction lets sound reach the room, so it is unsuitable when nearby people need quiet.
Choose a closed pair when the room is shared. The beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X, Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and AKG K371 are wired and closed-back, and the Sony WH-CH730N combines closed cups with Bluetooth and an optional wired cable.
Do I need an amplifier for these headphones?
Check the headphone output you plan to use. beyerdynamic says the 48-ohm DT 770 PRO X gives studio-quality audio even on devices with low output power, Amazon’s feature list says no headphone amp is needed, and AKG says the K371 works with professional or consumer devices with no audio degradation.
Sennheiser lists 130 ohms for the HD 490 PRO Plus and makes no statement about laptop or controller output. Audio-Technica lists 93.3 dB per mW for the ATH-R50x and 99 dB for the ATH-M50x. If a pair is too quiet at your device’s maximum volume, a USB audio interface or headphone amplifier is the next component to consider.
Bottom Line
The beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X is the closed-back wired pick with a locking cable, the Audio-Technica ATH-R50x is the lightweight open-back pair for a private room, and the Sony WH-CH730N is the wireless pick with a built-in microphone and a wired cable. The other four cover a kit with spare ear pads, swiveling earcups, a 3 m cable for home listening and a foldable closed-back at 255 g.
