Best Open-Back Headphones for Gaming in 2026
The Sennheiser HD 560S is the best open-back headphones for gaming pick in 2026 at $179.99. The HIFIMAN HE400SE ($109) is the cheaper way in.
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Sennheiser HD 560S
The Sennheiser HD 560S ($179.99, 4.5 stars on 3,820 ratings) is the pick: open-back, "natural and accurate reference sound" per Sennheiser, and no extra hardware needed beyond a mic. The HIFIMAN HE400SE ($109) is the cheapest, and the DT 990 Pro is the best-rated (4.6 on 20,210) but needs an amp or interface.
Check Price on AmazonAt a Glance
| Feature | Sennheiser HD 560S | HIFIMAN HE400SE | beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro (250 ohm) | beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.99 | $109 | $199.99 | $279.99 |
| Easy to Drive | Impedance not stated in the bullets I read | High sensitivity, suits low-voltage sources (HIFIMAN) | 250 ohm, needs an interface or amp for full volume (listing) | 48 ohm, no amp needed (listing) |
| Owner Ratings | 3,820 ratings at 4.5 | 1,042 ratings at 4.4 | 20,210 ratings at 4.6 | 1,579 ratings at 4.5 |
| Microphone | None listed | None listed | None listed | None listed |
| Price | $179.99 | $109 | $199.99 | $279.99 |
Quick Comparison
Our Top Picks
Sennheiser HD 560S
Open-back with "natural and accurate reference sound", per Sennheiser. $179.99.
- Open-back, wide soundstage per Sennheiser
- Angled drivers (e.a.r. design), per the listing
- 3,820 ratings at 4.5 stars
- No microphone listed
- Open-back leaks sound out and lets room noise in
- $109, the cheapest here
- Planar magnetic drivers, per HIFIMAN
- High sensitivity, suits low-voltage sources, per HIFIMAN
- 4.4 stars on 1,042 ratings
- No microphone listed
- Fewer ratings than the Sennheiser
beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro (250 ohm)
The best-rated of the four, but a 250-ohm design that wants an interface or amp.
- 20,210 ratings at 4.6 stars, the best here
- Open-back, velour pads, per the listing
- 3m coiled cable
- The listing says it needs an interface or headphone amp for full volume and is not ideal straight from a phone
- $199.99
- 48 ohm; listing says no amp needed
- Detachable cable
- STELLAR.45 driver, per beyerdynamic
- 4.5 stars on 1,579 ratings
- $279.99, the dearest here
- No microphone listed
How This Was Researched
I compared the Amazon.com listings, maker claims and owner ratings for four open-back wired headphones. Prices, ratings and stock were read from the Amazon.com listings on 5 October 2026 (US delivery). I have not tested these products myself. None of these listings mentions a microphone, so you need a separate mic or a headset-style splitter setup. Open-back headphones let sound leak in and out; that is how they work.
Frequently Asked Questions
They work, but they leak sound out and let room noise in, so they suit a quiet room. None of these listings includes a microphone.
The DT 990 Pro (250 ohm) listing says it needs an interface or amp for full volume. The DT 900 Pro X is listed as 48 ohm with no amp needed, and HIFIMAN says the HE400SE suits low-voltage sources.
Sennheiser HD 560S
Open-back with "natural and accurate reference sound", per Sennheiser. $179.99.
Check Price on Amazon