12 best headphones for computer

People are often willing to spend months of their time and a lot of money on assembling a computer, but to play sound they buy a headset for a couple of thousand rubles, which negates the audio component. This selection presents the best headphones for a computer, which are suitable for different purposes: listening to high-quality music, playing games and communicating.

The best headphones

Headphones for smartphone

Headphones for computer

Gaming headphones

Wireless headphones

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What headphones are best to buy for a computer?

Computer sessions are rarely limited to a few minutes - most often the time varies from a couple of hours to the whole day. Therefore, when choosing headphones, you need to be guided not only by sound quality, but also by ease of use.

The list will not include a single in-ear model or in-ear headphones, because they are the least comfortable and, even in theory, are not capable of providing sound at the level of full-size or even on-ear headphones.

Just a few years ago, wireless models could not compare with wired ones, but now the difference is almost unnoticeable, so it makes sense to buy cordless devices.

In most cases, it is more convenient to use Bluetooth headphones, since rarely does anyone sit more than 10 m from the computer.
When purchasing gadgets with a radio channel, you get freedom of movement within a range of 100-150 m, but the headphones themselves greatly lose autonomy.

You need to choose the headphones themselves based on the usual indicators: the range of reproduced frequencies (usually 20 Hz - 20 kHz is enough), resistance, microphone quality, but do not forget about additional features. This could be battery life, if the headphones work wirelessly, the presence of noise cancellation features, and perhaps even design.

Recommendations: 16 Best Headphones for Listening to Music

SteelSeries Arctis Pro USB

The best headphones with a microphone in this year's ranking.

The best in the rating of headphones with a good microphone are the gaming SteelSeries Arctis Pro USB ($213) - excellent headphones for games with very high-quality sound and microphone. The first thing that distinguishes this model from most gaming headsets is its appearance, as is typical for the best SteelSeries headphones; the headset looks great, stylish and memorable.

The directionality of the headphones is immediately visible. This is largely facilitated by the lighting along the edges of the cases.

SteelSeries Arctis Pro USB is an expensive gaming model, so it can offer very good detail and positioning in games, a high-quality microphone and virtual surround sound with DTS support.

Main characteristics

Headphone type: full-size, closed
Frequency range: 10 – 40000 Hz
Resistance: 32 Ohm
Sensitivity: 102 dB
Harmonic distortion: 1%
Noise canceling microphone
Microphone impedance: 2200 ohms
Microphone sensitivity: -38 dB
Microphone frequency range: 100 – 10000 Hz
Microphone mute: yes
Membrane diameter: 40 mm
Foldable design
Connection type: with wire
Connector: USB
Connector shape: straight

Equipment

Headphones
USB cable
USB cable with mixing console
Adapter to mini-jack
Wind protection for microphone
Documentation

The best gaming headphones for computer

Headphones for gamers most often do not have any special features except for a catchy design. Although, increasingly, manufacturers are trying to make them more universal in order to attract more consumers.

HyperX Cloud MIX

5.0

★★★★★

Audeze Mobius

5.0

★★★★★

editorial assessment

Razer Kraken X

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

92%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

Users have a very mixed attitude towards Razer devices. Some believe that the manufacturer creates high-quality premium accessories, while others suggest that it simply purchases from China and decorates the products with green symbols. But the popularity of these headphones cannot be denied.

Kraken X can only work via wire, so the microphone is not detachable here. But they are light and relatively compact. Like other gaming headphones, the Razer Kraken X has an emphasis on low frequencies, although highs sound good too. The headset supports virtual 7.1 sound.

Advantages:

Recognizable design;
High-quality sound;
Not a bad microphone;
Very light;
Virtual 7.1 sound;
Reasonable price.

Flaws:

Mediocre quality of plastic.

Not the most expensive, but recognizable headphones that can hardly be confused with anything else. The fragile body material is compensated by excellent sound, but it is better to use this accessory only at home.

SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

88%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

Another representative of the famous series. This model is an updated version of Arctis Pro, which can now work wirelessly. Outwardly, it is difficult to say that it is positioned as a game. A fabric tie is used for adjustment - unusual, but original. The microphone is hidden in the left cup.

The headphones also work with a wire. With this connection, a special docking station is used, which is responsible for software sound settings. There's also no punchy bass like typical gaming models. Arctis Pro sound rather universal.

Advantages:

High-quality sound;
Easy to use;
Universal design;
Retractable microphone;
Wide range of customization options;
Replaceable battery included.

Flaws:

8 hours of operation from one battery;
Mediocre microphone.

A beautiful and good-sounding gaming headset that can be used outside the home without any problems. A single charge lasts only 8 hours, but the kit includes a replaceable battery that will provide the same amount of time.

HyperX Cloud Flight S

HyperX Cloud Flight S review - the best wireless gaming headphones for your computer with an excellent microphone.

Second place in the TOP of headphones with a good microphone is taken by the HyperX Cloud Flight S ($175) - the best wireless gaming headphones for a computer under $200. The headphones have a comfortable fit, good sound (with 7.1 emulation), wireless charging and functional button controls.

This is perhaps the first wireless gaming headset with wireless charging.

Main characteristics

Headphone type: full-size
Acoustic design: closed
Speaker diameter: 50mm
Frequency range: 10 Hz – 22000 Hz
Resistance: 32 Ohm
Sensitivity: 99.5 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz
Virtual 7.1 surround sound
Connection: radio channel
Battery life up to 30 hours
Charging: microUSB
Microphone: electret condenser with noise reduction
Microphone frequency range: 50 Hz – 18000 Hz
Microphone sensitivity: -40.5 dBV

Equipment

Headphones
Detachable microphone
Radio USB receiver
Documentation

Video review

Comfortable fit
Good sound for games and music.
Convenient wireless features.
Convenient buttons for headphones.
High quality microphone.
Detachable microphone. The good thing is that you can simply put it away in a box. In single-player games, nothing superfluous interferes.

Inability to connect with a cable.
Control features. The buttons on the bowl will take some getting used to.

The best headphones for computer with a good microphone

A microphone in headphones is needed either for talking on the phone or for work. In most devices, its quality is a compromise. But there are models that combine cool speaker sound and an excellent microphone.

Jabra Elite 85h

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

95%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

Expensive wireless headphones with active noise cancellation have the audEERING function, which analyzes the environment and adjusts its sound to the environment.

These “ears” are large, but they look very stylish and minimalistic. They look more like a concept than an actual device. Good materials are also used here: fabric and eco-leather.

The Jabra Elite 85h lasts a phenomenal 40 hours on a single charge (35 hours with noise cancellation on). Plus, in 15 minutes you can charge them for further listening for another 5 hours.

Advantages:

Stylish design;
Unattainable indicator of autonomy;
Active noise reduction function;
They sit comfortably;
Great microphone.

Flaws:

The sound is good, but not perfect.

Almost flawless headphones with high-quality sound, stylish design and incredible battery life also have one of the best microphones.

Asus ROG Delta

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

91%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

True gaming headphones that are lucky enough to have one of the best microphones. They have a very memorable triangular design and an LED logo of the ROG line. The model is very large and heavy, but easy to use.

In addition to the 50mm drivers there is a special chip. When playing, ROG Delta sounds like monitor headphones, producing a very smooth sound, but in games the emphasis is traditionally on the bass. The microphone is not only good, but also offers a wide range of settings.

Advantages:

Memorable design with RPG logo;
Sound settings separately for games and music;
High quality microphone;
High-quality assembly;
Good sound insulation.

Flaws:

Large and heavy;
There are minor software glitches.

These headphones cannot be taken on the road - they are too large and attract a lot of attention, but for home use they are a good option. They can even be configured to sync the LED with the rest of the system's RGB lighting.

SteelSeries Arctis 5 (2019)

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

90%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

The middle model from the updated line of the gaming manufacturer received a very laconic design. A tape is used to adjust the headband, and there is a backlight on the outer sides of the ear pads.

The headphones sound good, but the playback quality becomes even better after installing the SteelSeries Engine 3 software, which allows you to customize the headphones and activates virtual multi-channel audio. There you can also adjust the sensitivity of the microphone and its noise reduction.

The updated version of the “ears” has DTS Headphones:X 2.0 technology, which is especially noticeable in bass-heavy music and games.

Advantages:

Decent sound quality;
Excellent microphone with ClearCast technology;
Wide range of customization options;
Nice RGB lighting;
Reasonable price.

Flaws:

Ambiguous adjustment tape.

A successful update to an already high-quality line. Good sound, affordable price and neat design are complemented by a pleasant bonus - an excellent microphone.

SVEN AP-U980MV

The best budget gaming headphones with microphone.

The best budget headphones with a good microphone are SVEN AP-U980MV ($35). The device comes with a disk with drivers and programs. The coating is soft, you can work for a long time, your ears do not get tired. Sven conveys sound well, the bass is clear and expressive, there is virtual 7.1 sound. A gadget with a good microphone, it transmits speech clearly, without any complaints.

Main characteristics

Frequency range: 20 – 20000 Hz
Impedance: 32 Ohm
Sensitivity: 100 dB
Weight: 365 g
Microphone sensitivity: -58 dB
Microphone frequency range: 30 – 16000 Hz
Membrane diameter: 50 mm
Connector: USB
Connector shape: straight
Cable length: 2.2 m

Equipment

Headphones
Documentation

Video review

Sound.
Good microphone. Does not produce noise, suppresses noise, and transmits the voice clearly.
Possibility of replacing ear pads.
Value for money. Definitely the best budget headphones with a microphone. Here the build quality is reliable, the sound is clear, and the microphone clearly transmits the voice.

A bit heavy.
Backlight. It irritates many people.

The best headphones for listening to music on your computer

For the highest quality sound, you need special headphones with a wide frequency range and high-quality tuning.

Audeze LCD-GX

5.0

★★★★★

editorial assessment

100%

buyers recommend this product

The unique headphones, which the manufacturer calls the first audiophile model for gamers, look very expensive, sound great, and cost accordingly.

The Audeze LCD-GX has a stylish, premium design, and large 103mm drivers are responsible for sound reproduction. They guarantee rich bass and high sound detail at all frequencies from 10 to 50,000 Hz with a resistance of 20 Ohms. The microphone can be removed, so, in extreme cases, you can go on the road with these headphones.

Advantages:

Look premium;
Great sound;
Rich equipment;
Wide range of reproduced frequencies;
Huge drivers.

Flaws:

High price.

Audeze is the first audiophile gaming headphones. This statement by the manufacturer is fully confirmed by the characteristics and operation of this model.

Sony WH-1000XM3

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

90%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

One of the most popular models with active noise reduction function is already in its third generation. They look as neutral as possible. There are also buttons and a touch control panel. The device operates for about 30 hours on a single charge.

The model is not a gaming one, but the bass sounds brightest in it. All this can be flexibly adjusted using the equalizer. The main feature of the Sony 1000XM3 is its almost perfect noise reduction performance due to the dedicated chip.

Advantages:

Excellent noise reduction system;
Good sound;
Ability to customize sound;
NFC for device connection;
Minimalist design.

Flaws:

They do not tolerate cold well;
Leatherette on ear pads.

This model is called by many a trendsetter for the noise-canceling function in headphones.

Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

88%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

Sony's main competitor in terms of noise reduction. The only thing is that the headphones look worse due to the glossy plastic on the outside of the earcups. But there is an application for them that allows you to adjust the sound quality and controls.

So, you can change the function of the voice assistant call button. The sound in the “ears” is neutral, and this will allow everyone to customize it for themselves using a proprietary equalizer.

Advantages:

Active noise cancellation;
High-quality sound;
Wide range of customization options;
Ease of use;
About 20 hours of work.

Flaws:

Poor equipment;
The price is higher than analogues from competitors

Bose headphones are attractive primarily due to their noise reduction, and they offer everyone the ability to customize the sound in a proprietary application.

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 (2. Generation)

Wired over-ear headphones with great sound for gaming and music.

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 (2. Generation) ($350) - full-size wired headphones for games and music from a well-known manufacturer. The headphones do not have a virtual surround sound option, but the positioning of sound sources is very high quality. The audibility of quiet sounds against loud ones is also at an excellent level. All this is thanks to a good driver and its regulation.

These headphones position themselves as excellent music headphones; they are a little expensive, but in terms of sound and microphone quality they can compete with gaming models.

Main characteristics

Headphone type: Full-size dynamic
Frequency range: 5 – 35000 Hz
Resistance: 32 Ohm
Harmonic distortion: 0.2%
Sensitivity: 96 dB/mW
Maximum power: 100 mW
Cable connection: single sided
Detachable cable: yes
Detachable microphone: no
Connector: 2 x mini jack 3.5 mm
Connector shape: straight
Volume control: yes
Weight 294 g

Equipment

Headphones
Cable 1.2 meters (3.5 mm mini-jack)
Cable 2.5 meters (2 mini jacks 3.5 mm)
6.3 mm adapter
Hard case
Documentation

Video review

Sound quality. Natural, detailed and accurate sound with a slight emphasis on treble. Positioning and presence are no worse than those of models with good virtual 7.1 sound.
Comfortable fit. You will spend dozens of hours wearing headphones and will not feel any discomfort.
Microphone. Excellent voice transmission. Does not distort and does not pick up unnecessary noise.
High quality build.
Set.
Detachable cables and other parts. It's great that the cable can be replaced. In addition, the headband pad and ear pads are easily removed. A replacement can always be found from the manufacturer.

Price. Very expensive headphones.
Features of cables. They are rigid, which is often uncomfortable.
Demanding on the sound source.

The best inexpensive headphones for your computer

High-quality gaming headphones are not cheap by default, but even at a low price you can get something decent for everyday use, music and games.

Sony WH-CH500

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

90%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

Budget over-ear headphones for daily use are not very well complemented by glossy plastic. It doesn't look as good as in more expensive models, and it gets scratched a lot.

The headphones themselves are lightweight, but due to the form factor, they can compress the ears when used for a long time. The sound is provided by 30mm speakers. The device works for about 20 hours on a single charge. It was unexpected to see NFC in public sector employees for instant wireless connection to devices.

Advantages:

NFC chip;
20 hours of battery life;
Compact and lightweight;
Good quality microphone.

Flaws:

The glossy body is impractical;
There may be playback delays when connected to BT

Inexpensive headphones with decent sound for those who listen to MP3 and don't bother with equalizer settings.

Headphone selection criteria

Few people know how to choose headphones so that they do not break a month after use. To choose the best model, you need to be familiar with several basic selection criteria.

Frequency range - what is it and is it important?

The frequency of the headphones can vary from 20 to 20,000 Hz. This is exactly the range that the human ear can hear. The frequency response of headphones reflects the tonal balance. This criterion is important when there is a desire to buy a specific device - with an emphasis on bass, classical, vocals, etc.

Resistance

Headphones are divided into low-impedance and high-impedance. Full-size models with a reading of up to 100 ohms are considered low-impedance, while earbuds are considered low-impedance only up to 32 ohms. Everything above this indicator refers to high-resistance devices.

There is a false belief that high-impedance headphones require an additional amplifier. In fact, to understand which models will play louder, you should pay attention to the maximum voltage level that the port of your phone, computer or player can output. Everything is hidden in physics - every detail is interconnected.

Headphone sensitivity

Most often this parameter is indicated in relation to power. However, it is easier to use the dB/V ratio, which allows the buyer to see how much volume depends on the applied voltage. If there is high sensitivity and low impedance, the headphones will have a good output volume. The downside is the increased chance of encountering unnecessary noise.

Acoustic design

There are only three types of acoustic designs:

without sound insulation;
with partial sound insulation;
with complete sound insulation.

The design of the model without sound insulation is designed in such a way that the user can hear the environment, and all people standing nearby can hear the music being played.

Partially noise-isolating headphones provide slight suppression of sound from both sides. We can say that this is a compromise among all three options.

Fully noise-isolating headphones ensure that no one can hear the sound produced and the user is not disturbed by noise from outside.

Manufacturer

Undoubtedly, the choice of manufacturer is an important criterion. By purchasing original products from Sony, Samsung, Philips, Razer and other well-known companies, the user guarantees himself ideal quality and a minimum of problems.

Wired or wireless

For the greatest convenience when working, it is recommended to use wireless headphones. They connect to a personal computer via Bluetooth or radio and practically do not limit the user. He can get up, move away, and get distracted at any time, without worrying about a torn cord. However, such models are usually more expensive. Therefore, if the goal is savings, then you will have to take acoustics with a wired connection.

How to choose headphones for PC

Type. Tablets or earbuds are the simplest models in design and sound. An alternative to them are plugs, which, due to their design, offer better sound insulation. But for PCs it is better to choose overhead or monitor ones.
Microphone. It can be used for various tasks, from communicating in game chats and work, to communicating with friends. Depending on the task at hand, you need to choose a headset of appropriate quality.
Connection. The models on the market are divided into two categories: wired and wireless headphones. The latter are more convenient, but more expensive (especially for good sound without delays). Wired ones can connect via 3.5 mm and USB.
Cable. If it is too thin, it can wear out quickly. Thick cables can also be different. Thus, braided cords are more reliable and do not tangle. Also note that the cables can be firmly fixed to the bowl and removable.
Remote controller. Very useful when you need to quickly adjust the sound or mute the microphone. In some models, the latter is turned off simply by lifting it up. But usually there is a separate button for this on the bowl or remote control.