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What to look for when buying Headphones for gaming?

BloodaxesBloodaxes Member EpicPosts: 4,662
in Hardware
Hi there.

I've been struggling on looking around for a reasonably priced Headphones (or Headset but I have a stand microphone) as I get headaches from pressure at the top of my head AND when they squish my glasses to my face. 

For a couple months I've been using earbuds as an alternative solution. I doubt they're the most efficient gaming wise, but they work overall. I've been interested in games like Rainbow Six Siege, Hunt: Showdown, etc where hearing your surroundings is vital to not dying. While I understand open back headphones are the "best", I share a room my with my brother and there's noises in the house (baby crying and whatnot) so they're a no-no. Also important is noise isolation and obviously no sound leakage (or at least minimal). 

Any suggestions on what I should look for when searching around? (Amazon, etc) I'm from Europe if it makes any difference. 

Thanks

Comments

  • sgelsgel Member EpicPosts: 2,197
    I recently bought the DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm after some audiophiles recommended them.
    Absolutely phenomenal sound and they were only around 100 euros.

    I'd be very surprised if you can find something better sounding at that price range.

    cheebaBloodaxesAsm0deus

    ..Cake..

  • PhryPhry Member LegendaryPosts: 11,004
    Have a dedicated soundcard, not the highest end Soundblaster there is but its a decent one, personally i prefer using surround speakers, but if i had to use headphones, it would have to be comfortable to wear while having the capability to utilise the sound output from the soundcard, so no USB or Wireless, has to be direct wired. Lot of flashy looking headphones out there which on closer examination are pretty much just for consoles and smartphones, not really for PC's. I will likely stick to using speakers as the sound quality is good and are not in any way encumbering.
    Bloodaxes
  • cheebacheeba Member UncommonPosts: 196
    Don't buy gaming headphones would be my best recommendation.  Some of the upper tier gaming headsets are getting close.  Just expensive for what you get.  Get the best headphone you can afford.  Ebay is a great place to find great deals. 

    Beyerdynamic  880 / 770
    pick a lower Ohm model unless your gonna invest in extra equipment ie  Amp.

    Sennheiser HD 58X / HD 6XX / HD 600
    Probably need a cheap Amp for the HD 6xx/600.  I can point you in the right direction.  Worth it if you can afford it.

    Earbuds:
    Massdrop x NuForce EDC3 In-Ear Monitors
    Drop + JVC HA-FDX1 DUAL CARBON IEM

    Gaming:
    Beyerdynamic Custom Game
    Steel Series Arctis Pro Wireless


    Then add a Antlion Audio ModMic and you have one of the best setups available.  I own and use the HD 600, DT 990 250Ohm, Drop + JVC HA-FDX1 DUAL CARBON, Steel Series Arctis Pro Wireles, and Beyerdynamic Custom Game.





    Bloodaxes

    ---------------
    Tested over a 115+ games since 1997.

    Currently Playing:

    Played(Retired): AOL NWN(91-95), UO, EQ1/2, DAoC, CoX, Lineage1/2, SWG(Pre CU/NGE), Planetside, Anarchy Online, FFXI, AC, Vanguard, D&D, AoC, DCUO, Rift, Eve, others


  • BloodaxesBloodaxes Member EpicPosts: 4,662
    Thanks for the tips guys. 

    At the moment, I'm currently just looking at the options and what to seek out when looking for Headphones as I'm still studying. If I had to be perfectly honest, I'd rather not spend over 100. Hell, even that might be a bit too high for me. I'll be seeing in a couple months after I gather some income and go from there.

    I also want a new chair so priorities, priorities hehe

  • CleffyCleffy Member RarePosts: 6,413
    Under your circumstances, getting a comfortable fit will be difficult. There are ones that decrease pressure on your head, but pressure on your glasses will still be there unless you use earbuds or a different glasses design.
    The Steel Series Arctis and Audio-Technica have a different band design on the head that increases surface area while keeping the audio wires off the head decreasing pressure on the head significantly. The Audio Technica generally is above $100, but there are a few models that are under $100.
    Bloodaxes
  • TillerTiller Member LegendaryPosts: 11,449
    edited September 2019
    I bought a set of Bang and Olufsen h9i after my Sennheisers broke after 10 years for gaming since sound and quality was more important than having a boom mic. No plastic to break, replacable battery, noise canceling, way better than anything else I looked at. I know they may seem expensive, more than $100 but if you watch sales you can grab them for less than $300. 


    Bloodaxes
    SWG Bloodfin vet
    Elder Jedi/Elder Bounty Hunter
     
  • BloodaxesBloodaxes Member EpicPosts: 4,662
    edited September 2019
    Cleffy said:
    Under your circumstances, getting a comfortable fit will be difficult. There are ones that decrease pressure on your head, but pressure on your glasses will still be there unless you use earbuds or a different glasses design.
    The Steel Series Arctis and Audio-Technica have a different band design on the head that increases surface area while keeping the audio wires off the head decreasing pressure on the head significantly. The Audio Technica generally is above $100, but there are a few models that are under $100.
    It is a struggle! Buying them online is also a gamble as I can't try them on. Yes, you could theoretically return them but it would be a silly excuse and too much hassle imo.

    I was keeping an eye out for audio technica as I've heard many praises on their headphones. We shall see maybe in November there will be some deals or something.

  • AAJoeAAJoe Newbie CommonPosts: 1
    ModMic staff here -

    For the sub-100 budget I suggest taking a look at the Philips SHP9500. You can often pick them up for $50 or so during sale events (I think they run about 80 normally).

    Obviously we then suggest adding our mic. A little bird told me that there's a sale 'soon' where you can potentially pick one up in the 30 dollar range. Starts at $43 normally.

    The SHP is being suggested because of its comfort level and overall fantastic quality for its price. You won't go back to gamer headsets after this :).


    The alternative for Audio Technica is probably the ad500x or ad700x, though the SHP is more comfortable for most folks.


  • AmatheAmathe Member LegendaryPosts: 7,630
    Places on the device that will be stressed by taking them on and off a lot. The bigger and heavier they are, the more easily there is some place that will be easy to break.

    EQ1, EQ2, SWG, SWTOR, GW, GW2 CoH, CoV, FFXI, WoW, CO, War,TSW and a slew of free trials and beta tests

  • VrikaVrika Member LegendaryPosts: 7,973
    Amathe said:
    Places on the device that will be stressed by taking them on and off a lot. The bigger and heavier they are, the more easily there is some place that will be easy to break.
    ?

    Usually for headsets, being heavy means it has aluminium instead of plastic and it's much harder to break.
     
  • TillerTiller Member LegendaryPosts: 11,449
    edited September 2019
    AAJoe said:
    ModMic staff here -

    For the sub-100 budget I suggest taking a look at the Philips SHP9500. You can often pick them up for $50 or so during sale events (I think they run about 80 normally).

    Obviously we then suggest adding our mic. A little bird told me that there's a sale 'soon' where you can potentially pick one up in the 30 dollar range. Starts at $43 normally.

    The SHP is being suggested because of its comfort level and overall fantastic quality for its price. You won't go back to gamer headsets after this :).


    The alternative for Audio Technica is probably the ad500x or ad700x, though the SHP is more comfortable for most folks.



    SWG Bloodfin vet
    Elder Jedi/Elder Bounty Hunter
     
  • blamo2000blamo2000 Member RarePosts: 1,130
    Any recommendation for me if I want a headset with a microphone that 1) will not break or malfunction for a long time 2) is wireless and has a good battery life 3) is not cost prohibitive.

    I don't care about audio quality.  Any recommendations would be appreciated.  
  • AmatheAmathe Member LegendaryPosts: 7,630
    Vrika said:
    Amathe said:
    Places on the device that will be stressed by taking them on and off a lot. The bigger and heavier they are, the more easily there is some place that will be easy to break.
    ?

    Usually for headsets, being heavy means it has aluminium instead of plastic and it's much harder to break.
    Unfortunately my experience has been different. But hey, I'm no expert. Just chipping in based on my personal experience.

    EQ1, EQ2, SWG, SWTOR, GW, GW2 CoH, CoV, FFXI, WoW, CO, War,TSW and a slew of free trials and beta tests

  • OzmodanOzmodan Member EpicPosts: 9,726
    edited September 2019
    Personally, if the headphones don't have a mike don't bother with them.  I have a box full of microphones and they all suck.  Mikes under $100 are junk. 
    Unless you want to spend more for your mike than the headphones....
  • PurplePepePurplePepe Member UncommonPosts: 122


  • Dagon13Dagon13 Member UncommonPosts: 566
    If you're not an audiophile, you probably don't need a high end set.  My focus would be on accessories, particularly ear pads.

    I bought the V-MODA Crossfade LP2 for ~$150 us and picked up the extra large ear pads.  I'll wear them for 5-6 hours and while my head does get warm, I can't even tell I'm wearing glasses.  You can also remove the backside to go open ear.  Mine came with a mic'd cable.  I'm very happy with the set but I don't have enough experience to compare them to any of the other sets referenced here.

    I will say, I recently did a play through of Skyrim with these and a 3d audio mod.  It was such an experience that I finally beat the game.
  • psychosiz1psychosiz1 Member UncommonPosts: 200
    I have gone through gaming headset after gaming headset.  I've tried so many and have had so many either stop working in some capacity or had issues with comfort.  There are soem decent ones out there but in all honesty I have the best option is to get a good quality non gaming head set and a separate mic.  I found the quality is better all around and I haven't had any issues with anything.  I was able to get a mic and headphine set for about 150 total, cheaper than many of the gaming headsets I've had and the quality, durability and comfort level is much better accross the board.  
  • OhhPaigeyOhhPaigey Member RarePosts: 1,517
    I've had two sets of Astro A40's and couldn't really complain.
    [Deleted User]
    When all is said and done, more is always said than done.
  • RidelynnRidelynn Member EpicPosts: 7,383
    I bought a Corsair HS70 to use for when my kid and wife are all in the computer room at the same time and I can't hear anything coming from my own computer.

    I hate wearing them though - not very comfortable.

    My son has the wired version (HS60 maybe? exact same thing just wired) - he's already lost one mic. Fortunately it was covered under warranty.

    If your going to go headphone route - my advice is get a good Yeti or Snowball mic, and get a really comfy pair of Senns or ATs for cans. You'll spend a bit, but you'll have something really nice that you can use for a long time, and use for things other than just at your computer.
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