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As a gamer, you know that quality headphones can make all the difference in the gaming experience. While gaming headphones are a popular choice, they can sometimes come with a hefty price tag. But fear not, because there are plenty of high-quality non-gaming headphones out there that can provide exceptional audio for your gaming needs. In this article, we'll take a look at the top 5 non-gaming headphones that offer the ultimate gaming experience, without breaking the bank. Whether you're a casual gamer or a pro, these headphones will give you the competitive edge you need to immerse yourself in the game like never before. So, without further ado, let's get started!
Best
TREBLAB Z2
Best Non-Gaming Headphones for Gaming
Active noise cancellation
Our best wireless workout headphones come with Advanced Sound 2.0 Technology and aptX high-performance neodymium-backed 40mm speakers.
Ultra Premium Materials | Super Soft Ear Pads
They’re super-comfortable, made of high-end, ultra-soft materials that mold to the natural shape of your ear for a custom fit.
Game Over for Bad Audio: Why Choosing the Right Headphones Matters for Gaming
When it comes to finding the perfect non-gaming headphones for gaming, there are several factors to consider. While the general points when choosing headphones, such as latency, sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, and microphone quality, are important, the form factor of the headphones as well as whether they should be wired or wireless also play a crucial role. By taking all of these factors into consideration, you can find the best headphones for your individual gaming needs, whether you're a casual player or a professional gamer. So, let's dive into the world of non-gaming headphones and discover the best options for your gaming experience.
General Points to Consider When Choosing Headphones for Gaming
While there are many headphones on the market, not all of them are suitable for gaming. Here are a few reasons why:
Latency: Some headphones may have a delay in sound playback, which can be detrimental in fast-paced games. When playing games like first-person shooters, hearing audio cues in real time can make all the difference in winning or losing. Therefore, headphones with minimal lag in sound playback are preferred for gaming.
Sound Quality: Headphones that are designed for music listening may not have the best sound quality for gaming. They may emphasize certain frequencies that are irrelevant for gaming, while other frequencies that are important for gaming (such as mid-range frequencies for voice chat) may be lacking. Gaming headphones, on the other hand, are designed with sound profiles that enhance important frequencies for gaming.
Another important factor to consider when choosing non-gaming headphones for gaming is noise cancellation. This feature can be particularly useful for gamers who want to focus on the game and eliminate distractions from external noises. There are two types of noise cancellation: active and passive. Passive noise cancellation is achieved through the physical design of the headphones, such as the shape of the ear cups and the materials used for padding, to block out external noise. Active noise cancellation, on the other hand, uses microphones to pick up external noise and then cancels it out with an inverse signal. This can be particularly useful in noisy environments, such as gaming tournaments or LAN parties.
Comfort is an essential factor to consider when it comes to gaming headphones. Many headphones that are designed for music listening are not optimized for long gaming sessions. They may have heavy or uncomfortable ear cups, or not provide adequate ventilation, causing discomfort and fatigue over time.
Microphone Quality: Many headphones that are designed for music listening do not have built-in microphones or have poor-quality microphones. A high-quality microphone is essential for clear communication during multiplayer games, and many gaming headphones come with a built-in microphone specifically designed for gaming.
Finding Your Perfect Fit: Choosing the Right Headphone Type for Your Gaming Needs
When it comes to gaming headphones, there are several types to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. Here are the differences between earbuds, on-ear, and over-ear headphones for gaming:
Earbuds are small and lightweight, making them a convenient option for gaming on-the-go or for those who prefer a more discreet option. However, they may not provide the best sound quality or noise isolation, and may not be as comfortable for extended gaming sessions.
On-ear headphones sit on the outer ear and can provide better noise isolation and sound quality than earbuds. They are also more comfortable than earbuds for extended gaming sessions. However, they may not provide as much noise isolation as over-ear headphones and may not be as comfortable as over-ear headphones for extended use.
Over-ear headphones have large ear cups that completely cover the ears, providing excellent noise isolation and sound quality. They are also the most comfortable option for extended gaming sessions. However, they can be bulky and heavy, which may not be ideal for gaming on-the-go or for those who prefer a more discreet option.
|
Headphones Type |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Earbuds |
Lightweight and portable |
May sacrifice sound quality and comfort |
|
On-ear headphones |
Better sound quality and comfort than earbuds |
May not provide as much noise isolation as over-ear headphones |
|
Over-ear headphones |
Best noise isolation and comfort |
Can be bulky and heavy |
In summary, earbuds are a convenient and portable option but may sacrifice sound quality and comfort. On-ear headphones provide better sound quality and comfort than earbuds but may not provide as much noise isolation as over-ear headphones. Over-ear headphones provide the best noise isolation and comfort but can be bulky and heavy. The best choice ultimately depends on personal preference and gaming needs.
Cutting the Cord: The Pros and Cons of Wired and Wireless Headphones for Gaming
When it comes to choosing between wired and wireless headphones for gaming, both options have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Wired headphones are connected to your gaming device via a cable, which provides a consistent and reliable connection. This can be important for gaming, as any delay or lag in audio can be detrimental to gameplay. Additionally, wired headphones often provide higher-quality sound due to the lack of compression that can occur over wireless connections. However, the cables can be cumbersome and can get in the way of gaming or become tangled. Additionally, some gamers may prefer the freedom of movement that wireless headphones provide.
Wireless headphones use Bluetooth or other wireless technologies to connect to your gaming device. They provide more freedom of movement and can be more convenient to use, especially if you like to move around while gaming. Additionally, wireless headphones are often more lightweight and portable than their wired counterparts. However, there can be some disadvantages to wireless headphones for gaming. The wireless connection may not always be reliable, which can lead to audio lag or disconnection. Additionally, the sound quality may not be as high as with wired headphones due to the compression that can occur over wireless connections.
Bringing It All Together: Final Thoughts
So, when choosing non-gaming headphones for gaming, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to look for headphones that have minimal latency, optimized sound quality, and a high-quality microphone for clear communication during multiplayer games. Additionally, the form factor of the headphones, such as earbuds, on-ear, or over-ear, and whether they should be wired or wireless should also be taken into consideration. Finally, noise cancellation can be an important feature to consider, particularly for gamers who want to focus on the game and eliminate distractions from external noises. By taking all of these factors into consideration, you can find the best non-gaming headphones for your individual gaming needs, providing you with the ultimate gaming experience.
Unleashing the Power of Sound: Our Top 5 Picks for Non-Gaming Headphones That Excel in Gaming
These five non-gaming headphones have made the list of best headphones for gaming due to their unique features that enhance the gaming experience. From superior sound quality to advanced noise cancellation technology, each headphone has something special to offer. Read on to discover why the Treblab Z2, Razer Barracuda Wireless, Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal, Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless and Jabra Elite 85h Wireless made our list of top picks for gaming headphones.
Treblab Z2 - Best Non-Gaming Headphones for Gaming
As the best non-gaming headphones for gaming in 2023, the Treblab Z2 provides top-of-the-line features that are perfect for gaming. With Hyper-HD aptX sound quality and Advanced Sound 2.0 technology, these wireless headphones provide high-performance neodymium-backed 40mm speakers that deliver crisp, clear audio.
Additionally, the ultra-premium materials and super-soft ear pads of the Treblab Z2 make them incredibly comfortable to wear for extended gaming sessions. The high-end materials mold to the natural shape of your ear for a custom fit, providing excellent noise isolation and comfort.
One of the most impressive features of the Treblab Z2 is the T-Quiet active noise-cancelling technology. This unique technology blocks out external sounds, making it easy to focus on your gaming experience without any distractions.
Treblab Z2 headphones also have an impressive battery life, with up to 35 hours of playtime from the PlayXTend battery. The Bluetooth 5.0 aptX connection provides a reliable and consistent connection with a signal range of up to 33 feet.
It's important to note that the Treblab Z2 do offer a wired connection option, which can eliminate any latency that might be present with a wireless connection. This means that you can enjoy a completely lag-free gaming experience with these headphones.
For gamers who prioritize a completely lag-free experience, using the wired connection is a great option. However, the wireless connection still provides a reliable and consistent connection with minimal latency, making it a great choice for most gamers.
+ Pros:
- Exceptional Sound Quality - The Hyper-HD aptX Sound Quality and Advanced Sound 2.0 Technology provides incredible audio quality. I was able to hear every detail of the game, including footsteps and gunshots, which helped me gain a competitive advantage.
- Comfortable Fit - The ultra-premium materials and super-soft ear pads make these headphones incredibly comfortable to wear for extended gaming sessions. I was able to play for hours without any discomfort.
- Active Noise-Cancelling - The T-Quiet active noise-cancelling technology blocked out external distractions, allowing me to focus solely on the game. This helped me stay focused during intense matches.
- Long Battery Life - With up to 35 hours of playtime from the PlayXTend battery, I was able to play for multiple gaming sessions without needing to recharge. This was especially helpful during tournaments or long gaming sessions with friends.
- Reliable Connection - The Bluetooth 5.0 aptX connection provided a reliable and consistent connection. This meant that I didn't have to worry about any lag or connection issues during gameplay.
- Cons:
- Lack of Surround Sound - While the Treblab Z2 do provide exceptional sound quality, they do not have a dedicated surround sound feature. This can make it difficult to accurately pinpoint enemy locations in certain games.
- Bulky Design - The Treblab Z2 has a bulky over-ear design, which may not be ideal for gamers who prefer a more streamlined and lightweight design.
- No Customizable EQ - They do not have customizable EQ settings, meaning that gamers may not be able to adjust the audio to their individual preferences.
Treblab Z2 is an excellent choice for gamers who want high-quality sound, exceptional comfort, and advanced noise-cancelling technology. With its long battery life and reliable Bluetooth connection, the Treblab Z2 is the best non-gaming headphones for gaming in 2023.
Razer Barracuda Wireless - Experience Wireless Freedom and Customizable Sound for Gaming and More
The Razer Barracuda Wireless headphones are a mid-range model designed for versatile use, including gaming and casual use. They offer both a low latency USB dongle and Bluetooth support, which allows you to connect them to your console and smartphone simultaneously. They also have a comfortable fit for long gaming sessions, with over 46 hours of continuous playback time.
The Razer Barracuda Wireless headphones have a discreet design and are mostly made of plastic and metal with cloth ear cups. They have good build quality and don't make a creaking noise when you move the headband or hinges. However, they are not very portable due to their bulky design, and they can take up some room on your desk or table.
The headphones have okay stability, but they do depend on your head size. If you have a smaller head, the headphones may fall off if you tend to move your head while gaming. On the other hand, if you have a larger head, they're a bit more stable but can still move around on your head.
These headphones have outstanding battery life, lasting up to 40 hours continuously. They also offer low latency using their USB dongle and excellent Bluetooth connectivity. However, they don't come with an audio cable that allows you to listen to audio and charge the headphones at the same time.
As a gamer, here are the benefits of using the Razer Barracuda Wireless non-gaming headphones for gaming:
+ Pros:
- Low wireless latency: With their low latency USB dongle, these headphones offer an almost lag-free gaming experience.
- Bluetooth support: I can connect these headphones to my console and smartphone simultaneously via Bluetooth, making it easy to switch between devices.
- Comfortable fit: The headphones are designed for long gaming sessions and provide a comfortable fit, although smaller heads may find them a bit too big.
- Long battery life: The headphones offer over 46 hours of continuous playback time, which is more than enough for long gaming sessions.
- Passive use option: Unlike the Razer Barracuda Pro Wireless, these headphones can be used passively with their 1/8" TRRS cable.
- Excellent wireless and Bluetooth connectivity: The headphones have excellent low-latency wireless connectivity using their USB dongle, and their Bluetooth support works well with PCs, iOS, and Android devices.
- Wide compatibility: The headphones are fully compatible with PCs, PS4 and PS5 consoles, and Xbox consoles via their 1/8" TRRS cable.
- Customizable mic settings: The companion app offers various mic settings and noise cancellation features, allowing me to customize the mic's performance for optimal clarity during gameplay.
- Cons:
- The lack of a boom mic design means that the integrated mic doesn't offer the same level of performance, which can be disappointing for hardcore gamers who want crystal-clear communication with their team.
- While the Razer Barracuda have a comfortable fit, they're a bit large, so it can be tricky for smaller heads to get a good fit. Additionally, the padding can trap some heat over time.
- The Razer Barracuda lack active noise cancelling (ANC), and their passive sound isolation is poor. This can be an issue if you're gaming in a noisy environment, as background noise can easily interfere with your gameplay.
Razer Barracuda Wireless is a great option as non-gaming headphones for gaming. With its superior sound quality, comfortable fit, and long battery life, it provides an immersive and enjoyable gaming experience. If you're looking for high-quality headphones for gaming and other purposes, the Razer Barracuda Wireless is definitely worth considering.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal - Premium Non-Gaming Headphones for an Immersive Gaming Experience
As a non-gaming headphone designed for gaming, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal offers a range of features that make it ideal for gamers. These wireless headphones come in two different console-specific variants: PC/Xbox and PC/PlayStation, with the former offering built-in Xbox Wireless technology for low latency and full audio and microphone compatibility with Xbox One and Xbox Series X consoles. They also come with a USB and analog cable for PlayStation compatibility, though the TRRS cable requires the headphones to be turned on. Additionally, the headphones offer active noise cancelling (ANC) to help reduce background noise.
The design of the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal is sleek and made of premium materials like aluminum, leather, and fabric padding, making them both comfortable and durable. They come in three different colors: 'Black', 'Navy', and 'Grey'.
The headphones offer great controls with touch controls for pausing and playing music, and swiping to adjust the volume. The left slider lets you adjust ANC and Talk-Through, while it controls channel mixing when in Xbox Wireless Connection mode.
While the Beoplay Portal headphones are not very portable, they are adequately breathable and stable. The battery life is good, and the headphones offer a range of customization features through the Beoplay app, including a graphic EQ and pres
As a non-gaming headphone, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal has some benefits that make it a great option for gaming:
+ Pros:
- Low latency: The Xbox Wireless technology built-in to the PC/Xbox variant ensures low audio latency, making them ideal for gaming.
- Customization: The headphones come with gaming-oriented customization features, including a graphic EQ and channel mixing, both available in Xbox Wireless Connection mode. This allows me to fine-tune the audio to my liking.
- Active noise cancelling (ANC): Although the ANC performance is not the best for bass-heavy background noises like bus and plane engines, it still offers better noise isolation than most gaming-oriented headphones, making it easier to focus on the game audio.
- Comfortable: The lightweight and comfortable design allows me to wear them for long gaming sessions without any discomfort.
- Great controls: The responsive and easy-to-use controls, including tap controls and sliders, allow me to adjust audio settings and volume without leaving my game.
- Battery life: With up to 11 hours of battery life with Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth, and ANC turned on, the Beoplay Portal can last through even the longest gaming sessions.
- Cons:
- Fit issues with glasses or long hair: The ear cups may not sit flush against the head, leading to discomfort during long gaming sessions.
- Creaking noise when moving head: The headphones make a slight creaking noise when the head is moved, which can be annoying and distracting during gameplay.
- Disappointing passive soundstage performance: The soundstage is perceived to be large but not very open or natural, which may affect the overall gaming experience.
- No base or dock: The headphones don't have a base or dock, which can make storage and charging less convenient.
Overall, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal is a decent option for wireless gaming headphones, especially for Xbox gamers who can take advantage of its built-in Xbox Wireless technology. The sleek design and premium materials make it comfortable to wear for long gaming sessions, and the range of customization features through the app allows for more personalized sound.
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless - Top Noise-Cancelling Non-Gaming Headphones for Uninterrupted Gaming Sessions
Looking for non-gaming headphones that you can use for gaming? Look no further than the Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless! These headphones are the next generation of the popular Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 and boast many of the same great features as their predecessor, including excellent noise canceling and a comfortable fit. While the ANC performance is not as strong as the QC35 II, it still does a great job at blocking out background noise. Overall, the Bose QuietComfort 45 are great non-gaming headphones for gaming. They may not have been specifically designed for gaming, but they have many of the features that make them suitable for gamers, such as a comfortable fit, great noise canceling, and a neutral sound profile.
+ Pros:
- Comfortable fit: The QC45 has a very comfortable fit, with soft padding on the ear cups and headband that makes it possible to wear for long gaming sessions without experiencing too much fatigue.
- Great controls: The physical buttons on the right ear cup are clicky and easy to use, while the 'Action' button on the left ear cup acts as a multi-purpose control. There are volume chimes, voice prompts, and an adjustable 'Self Voice' feature that you can use to control how much of your own voice you hear.
- Great battery life: The manufacturer advertises 24 hours of continuous playback time with the ANC on and continuous audio playback set to 50% volume. This makes it possible to play games for long periods without worrying about the battery dying.
- Bluetooth connectivity: The QC45 has excellent Bluetooth connectivity, with support for multi-device pairing with up to two devices at a time. You can also connect to Bluetooth-enabled PCs with full audio and mic compatibility. The headphones come with a 1/8" to 1/16" (3.5 mm to 2.5 mm) TRS cable that you can use to passively listen to audio.
- Cons:
- Limited compatibility with gaming consoles: The Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones can only receive audio when connected via analog to Xbox and PlayStation consoles, which limits their compatibility with gaming consoles.
- Mediocre noise handling: The integrated microphone struggles to separate your voice from moderate ambient noise, so if you're taking a call from somewhere like a busy street, your voice could be drowned out.
- Poor passive soundstage: These headphones have a closed-back design and a poor passive soundstage, making them less suitable for gaming than open-back headphones.
In conclusion, the Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless is a great option as non-gaming headphones for gaming. They offer an excellent noise-canceling feature, a very comfortable fit, and a neutral sound profile suitable for most kinds of audio content. While they may not be specifically designed for gaming, their overall performance and features make them a solid choice for gamers who prioritize comfort and audio quality. However, the slight latency on PCs and poor microphone noise handling are downsides if you're looking for a more gaming-oriented headset.
Jabra Elite 85h Wireless - Best Multi-Purpose Non-Gaming Headphones for Superior Audio Quality in Gaming
The Jabra Elite 85h Wireless headphones are a great option for anyone who wants versatile noise cancelling headphones that can be used for a wide range of daily activities, including gaming. They offer great audio reproduction for a variety of music genres and have a decent active noise cancelling feature that blocks out ambient noise well. Although the ANC feature is not quite on par with similar high-end headphones, these headphones are comfortable to wear for long periods of time and have a very comfortable fit. Additionally, their microphone sounds better than most Bluetooth headphones, making them a great option for gaming. These headphones also have amazing battery life and a great wireless range, making them a good option for those who need to use them on long trips or flights.
As a gamer, the Jabra Elite 85h Wireless offer several benefits that make them a great choice for gaming:
+ Pros:
- Comfortable fit: These headphones have a comfortable fit that makes them ideal for long gaming sessions.
- Great battery life: The Elite 85h Wireless offer over 30 hours of continuous playback, which means that they can last for several gaming sessions without needing to be charged.
- Good audio reproduction: With excellent bass, great mid-range, and very good treble, the Elite 85h Wireless provide an accurate and clear sound that is great for gaming.
- Versatile: These headphones are designed for mixed use and are versatile enough to be used for a wide variety of gaming genres.
- Great microphone: The microphone of the Elite 85h Wireless is noticeably better than most Bluetooth headphones, providing clear and detailed speech recording.
- Decent noise isolation: Although not on par with some other high-end ANC headphones, the noise isolation of the Elite 85h Wireless is still decent and blocks ambient noise well.
- Cons:
- Latency: These headphones may have a higher latency than some other Bluetooth headphones, which could be noticeable while gaming. However, you can use them wired with the included audio cable to nullify the latency issues.
- Passive playback: These headphones do not support passive playback, which means you can only use them wirelessly and cannot receive audio when plugged into some gaming platforms.
- Gaming-focused features: Unlike some dedicated gaming headphones, the Jabra Elite 85h do not have specific features like surround sound or game/chat audio balancing.
Overall, the Jabra Elite 85h Wireless headphones are a great value and should satisfy most users who want a versatile, comfortable, and high-quality set of headphones for gaming and other daily activities.
Conclusion
When choosing non-gaming headphones for gaming, there are several important factors to consider. The general points when selecting headphones, such as latency, sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, and microphone quality, are all critical. However, it's also important to consider the form factor of the headphones and whether they should be wired or wireless.
While gaming headphones are specifically designed for gaming, non-gaming headphones can also provide a great gaming experience. The five non-gaming headphones we've discussed - all have their own unique features and benefits that can enhance your gaming experience.
Treblab Z2 headphones are a top choice for gamers looking for high-quality non-gaming headphones. With their low latency, noise cancellation, and exceptional sound quality, they provide an immersive gaming experience. Additionally, the comfort and long battery life make them ideal for extended gaming sessions. Whether you prefer wired or wireless headphones, the Treblab Z2 has you covered with both options available. Overall, the Treblab Z2 headphones are a great investment for any gamer looking to enhance their gaming experience.
FAQ
What is the best non-gaming headphones for gaming?
While there are many great non-gaming headphones on the market, the Treblab Z2 stands out as an excellent choice for gaming. With minimal latency, superior sound quality, and advanced noise cancellation technology, these headphones deliver an immersive gaming experience. Additionally, their comfortable over-ear design and long battery life make them ideal for extended gaming sessions. The Treblab Z2 is a top pick for non-gaming headphones that excel in gaming, providing gamers with the ultimate audio experience.
Are non gaming headsets good for gaming?
Non-gaming headsets can be good for gaming, but it depends on the specific headset and its features. While gaming headsets are often designed with specific gaming features such as optimized sound profiles, low latency, and comfortable designs for extended use, many non-gaming headsets can also provide high-quality audio and comfort suitable for gaming.
Do gamers prefer wired or wireless headphones?
There is no clear preference for wired or wireless headphones among gamers, as it ultimately depends on individual preferences and needs. Some gamers prefer wired headphones for the reliable connection and high-quality sound, while others prefer the convenience and portability of wireless headphones. The best choice for a gamer will depend on their specific preferences and requirements.
What is the difference between gaming and music headphones?
Gaming headphones are often designed with features that enhance the gaming experience, such as low latency, positional audio, and clear communication with teammates through an integrated microphone. They are often over-ear headphones with noise isolation or noise cancellation technology to block out external distractions and enhance immersion.
In contrast, music headphones are designed with a focus on audio fidelity and a balanced sound profile. They often have a more neutral sound signature, which means that they are optimized to reproduce music as accurately as possible without any added bass or treble. Music headphones can come in various designs, such as on-ear, over-ear, or in-ear headphones, and may or may not have noise isolation or cancellation technology.
Overall, gaming headphones prioritize features that enhance the gaming experience, such as low latency and positional audio, while music headphones prioritize audio fidelity and a balanced sound profile for music listening. While there may be some overlap between the two categories, they are generally optimized for different use cases.
