What features make the best Sennheiser gaming headphones? When considering the audiophile sound qualities of the Sennheiser GSP headset and other high-end gaming models, you’ll first want to look for outstanding audio quality. These top-performing headphones for gaming deliver an immersive experience, and pin-sharp acoustic clarity in the frequency ranges most relevant to focused, competitive gaming.
Sennheiser headsets have a comfortable design, durable materials, and superb ergonomics that support wearing over long periods. Being among some of the best gaming headsets on the market, a Sennheiser model can also improve your streaming content, thanks to its excellent microphone quality. This feature lets you record better audio with less interference from environmental noise.
Keep reading to learn more about Sennheiser Gaming Headphones and how they compare to the best models from other brands.
Top Sennheiser Gaming Headphones
#1 Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Gaming Headset
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This device has a sealed design that immerses the user, providing an engaging experience. The device has an ultra-long cord that offers flexibility during recording or gameplay.
- Outstanding 9.8-foot cord
- Immersive closed-back design
- Replaceable ear pads, headband padding, and cord
- Tight headband
The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro gaming headset is a closed-ear model that offers a hypnotic experience. This device weighs just 285g, so it’s comfortable to wear during lengthy gaming sessions. Featuring a long 9.8-foot cord, this device is ideal for connecting to TVs and other devices that are far away from the user. It has a sound pressure level of 113, delivering solid audio. However, the headband on this model is too tight for some users.
This Sennheiser HD 280 Pro gaming headset has padded ear cups for comfort. It also has a heavily cushioned headband that’s pleasant on the head. We like the modular design of this device, which enables replacing the ear pads, headband padding, and cord. The ear cups on this device fold for space-saving transport and storage. This headset has a noise-isolating microphone, which is great for both music production and gaming.
#2 Sennheiser RS 175 Gaming Headset
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This pair of headphones has a rechargeable battery that offers up to 18 hours of runtime. It boasts Surround Sound and Bass Boost modes, offering convenient control.
- Excellent battery life of up to 18 hours
- Closed-ear design offers audio immersion
- Surround sound and Bass boost
- Doesn’t have a microphone
The Sennheiser RS 175 headphone system is a versatile device that can be used for music, movies, and gaming. It features an over-the-ear design that provides auditory immersion. Featuring wireless technology, this device eliminates the need for messy cords. It has a Bass boost function for enhancing low tones. Equipped with a surround Sound listening mode, this device brings out the best in movies and games. However, this headset doesn’t have a microphone, so it may not be ideal for gaming or video calls.
This Sennheiser RS 175 headphone system has digital wireless processing, providing a lossless signal transfer for clarity and accuracy. With earcup controls, this device offers intuitive adjustment. The headset is compatible with Sennheiser HDR 175 headphones (sold separately) for wireless sound sharing. This headphone system features a rechargeable battery that provides up to 18 hours of runtime. It’s made of premium materials that offer durability. The cups on this model have a closed design to block out noise.
#3 Sennheiser GSP 300 Gaming Headset
Award: BEST FOR PROFESSIONAL GAMERS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This headset boasts a closed design that provides a hypnotic listening experience. Its flick muting function enables easy operation. The headset is heavily padded for comfort.
- Smart lift-muting function
- Excellent sound
- On-ear volume control
- The mic is not bendable
- Has a short cable
The Sennheiser GSP 300 gaming headset features a closed design that keeps out outside noise. This device has memory foam ear pads, providing lasting comfort. Featuring an acoustic seal, this device minimizes the amount of sound leaking from the speakers. The drivers offer audio cues for responsive in-game reactions. The headset delivers deep bass to add fun to the gameplay. This device features high-quality parts that will last. However, it has a relatively short cable.
This Sennheiser GSP 300 gaming headset has a powerful mic to enhance team gaming. With passive noise cancelation, the device drowns out background noise. The mic has a lift-to-mute boom arm for convenient adjustment. An integrated wheel on the right ear cup enables adjusting the volume easily. The headphones have aluminum voice coils that deliver incredible dynamics and low distortion. Thanks to a 3.5mm connector, this headset is compatible with computers, consoles, and mobile devices.
#4 Sennheiser HD 559 Gaming Headset
Award: BEST FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This Sennheiser headset has an alluring palette with a matte finish to add a touch of uniqueness to the desk or music studio. The device has an acoustically non-sealed design that delivers incredible spatial sounds.
- Outstanding build quality
- Detachable 3.5mm and 6.3mm cables
- Open-back design
- Lacks a mic
The Sennheiser HD 599 headphone system has a distinctive open-back design that provides a good listening experience without blocking out ambient sounds. Thanks to two detachable cables, this device is compatible with a wide variety of sound equipment. It has a 10-foot detachable cord with a 6.3mm plug for connecting to amplifiers and musical instruments. However, the absence of a microphone on this device limits its usage during gaming.
A 4-foot detachable cable on this device with a 3.5mm connector plugs into computers and consoles. This Sennheiser HD 599 headphone system has soft ear cups and an ultra-lightweight headband to provide a pleasant experience. These headphones have an alluring ivory color scheme with a matte finish that will stand out. With elegant double stitching, the headband on this device offers durability. The device offers audiophile sound reproduction by featuring Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement (E.A.R) driver alignment.
#5 Sennheiser GAME ONE Gaming Headset
Award: BEST COMPATIBILITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: This headset has large padded cushions to provide comfort. It features high-quality drivers and delivers natural, spatial sounds that will appeal to a variety of people. With a lift-muting microphone, this headset captures clear audio
- Outstanding drivers deliver natural, spatial sounds
- Open acoustic design delivers natural sound
- Flip-to-mute noise-canceling mic
- Sound leaks from the earcups
Optimized for gaming, the Sennheiser GAME ONE gaming headset features high-quality drivers that deliver accurate in-game sounds. This device has a noise-canceling mic that captures the user’s voice while clouding out the background sounds. The boom mic arm swivels easily and has a flip-to-mute function, allowing users to silence it and get it out of the way whenever required. However, the sound on this device sometimes leaks from the speakers to the mic.
This Sennheiser GAME ONE gaming headset has versatile hardware that works with PC, Mac, consoles, and mobile devices. Its classic design with a slim silhouette brings retro vibes to the workstation. With heavily padded velvet ear pads, this device is comfortable to wear for long hours. It has a padded headband for comfort. A volume control rotary dial on the ear cup enables easy adjustment. This device has open acoustics to deliver natural spatial sound without blocking out ambient audio.
#6 Sennheiser PC 8.2 CHAT Gaming Headset
Award: BEST COMPACT
WHY WE LIKE IT: This headset has a remarkably lightweight design that will suit people who use headphones every day. It has a bendable, swiveling mic with sound isolation tech for in-game communication and video calls.
- Extremely lightweight design
- Noise-canceling mic
- Plug-and-play USB connector
- So-so sound quality
The Sennheiser PC 8.2 CHAT headset has a simple design that will appeal to people who use headsets regularly. This wired device is suitable for casual gaming and conference calls. It has a noise-canceling mic, which produces crystal-clear sounds. Featuring a plug-and-play USB interface, this device is easy to install. It ships in frustration-free packaging for convenience. However, this headset has average drivers with mediocre sound quality, which may disappoint hardcore gamers.
This Sennheiser PC 8.2 CHAT headset has an in-line controller that allows users to adjust the volume easily. With dynamic moveable earcups, this device allows customization to fit bigger and smaller ears. It has a 5.5-foot cord for connecting to TVs and other devices located far from the user. We like the 180-degree swiveling mic on this device, which allows users to take it out of the way. Its boom arm is bendable, so users can optimize it for maximum clarity.
Introduction to Sennheiser Gaming Headphones
One of the world’s foremost audio companies, Sennheiser is a German brand that produces speakers, headphones, microphones, and wireless equipment. Founder Fritz Sennheiser started the company in 1945, and it made its first original design, the MD 2 microphone, in 1947.
Sennheiser has been a leader in broadcast and home audio for decades. It produced the first shotgun mic, the MD 82 model, in 1956. Decades later, the brand merged with the Neumann studio microphone brand in 1990. Under the management of Dr. Andreas Sennheiser and Daniel Sennheiser, grandsons of the company founder, Sennheiser continues to produce high-quality speakers, headphones, PA systems, and recording equipment.
The brand’s gaming headsets have a well-deserved reputation for quality that helps justify their relatively premium price. They offer a wide range of headsets with an open-back design for more natural sound qualities and a broader virtual soundstage, in addition to models with a more conventional closed-back design. Their wireless gaming headsets offer up to 100 hours of battery life and deliver excellent noise isolation along with a comfortable, lightweight design.
If you’re interested in other brands, you’ll want to check out our list of great SteelSeries gaming headsets.
Sennheiser’s audiophile headphones for gaming don’t typically come with gaming-specific design touches such as RGB lighting, but they offer an ergonomic design and detailed sound with nearly unmatched aural clarity, plus the usual connectivity technology options, such as low-latency Bluetooth 5.0 and WiFi wireless dongle and 3.5 mm headphone jack connections.
How Sennheiser Compares to Other Brands
(Pro 1) Available Open-Back Acoustic Gaming Headphones: A rarity among gaming headsets as a whole, the Sennheiser line generally includes wired and wireless headset models with open-back headphones. In quiet environments, these models deliver a more natural sound experience. They combine audiophile-grade game audio, outstanding sonic clarity, and the comfort of a lightweight design.
(Con 1) Limited Budget Models: The EPOS Sennheiser Line focuses on the premium price range, so it may not have the best choice for those looking for a budget gaming headset.
(Pro 2) Excellent Comfort: Sennheiser gaming headsets offer an ergonomic design with well-placed, intuitive volume control and comfort features like an adjustable headband. These headsets provide a high level of comfort and help create a more focused gaming experience. Although, it is possible to find other comfortable cans, such as the best gaming headphones without a mic.
(Con 2) Limited Mobile Device Compatibility: Most EPOS Sennheiser GSP wired gaming headset models use audio jack connectivity, so mobile gamers may find their connectivity options somewhat limited. However, some of the Sennheiser GSP wireless headphones offer Bluetooth.
(Pro 3) Excellent Battery Life: Sennheiser wireless headsets offer some of the longest battery life available on any wireless headphone model. Some provide up to 100 hours of battery life.
(Con 3) Companion App Not Gaming Specific: Sennheiser’s Smart Control App is generally easy to set up but lacks gaming-specific features some rival headset brands offer, like Razer gaming headsets.
(Pro 4) High-quality Microphones: Benefiting from the brand’s 70-some years of microphone production, Sennheiser offers various high-quality retractable microphone and boom mic options, with many providing active noise cancellation.
(Con 4) Some Models Are Not Ideal for Noisy Environments: Open-backed acoustic headsets can offer superior acoustic clarity for enjoyable game audio but provide less passive noise isolation than closed-back models due to the inherent sound leakage of the open-back design.
(Pro 5) High Level of Comfort: One advantage of using audiophile headphones for gaming, and the Sennheiser GSP line, in particular, is the extreme comfort. Thanks to features like plush velvet ear pads and plenty of airflow, these on-ear headphones provide a much more comfortable experience than the average wired gaming headset.
(Con 5) Many Models Lack Built-in Mic: While some products in their range do include boom arm microphones, such as the EPOS Sennheiser GSP 600, most Sennheiser on-ear headphones don’t have a mic. However, serious streamers and gamers looking for the best quality microphones will likely want an external tube mic anyway.
Why You Should Buy a New Sennheiser Gaming Headset
A new Sennheiser GSP wired, or wireless gaming headset can offer a more accurate sound that provides an edge during competitive gaming sessions. Headsets with richer, more detailed sound qualities give a more immersive gaming experience and afford more accuracy in games that use spatial sound cues as part of the gaming environment.
If you enjoy multiplayer gaming or need to record streaming content, the Sennheiser GSP on-ear headphones provide much better listening quality when reviewing playback. In addition, Sennheiser and Neumann microphones provide improved quality for voice recording and in-game communication.
If you’re building out your new gaming and work area and won’t have to deal with as much ambient noise in the new setup, consider switching to audiophile headphones for your gaming audio. An acoustic gaming headset with an on-ear design and open-back headphones can provide improved comfort over long gaming sessions and deliver more natural sound.
New Sennheiser gaming headphones provide improved spatial sound, vivid virtual surround sound effects, and faster, more convenient connectivity technology. They also offer a longer battery life and faster charging capabilities, thanks to improved charging standards and USB-C cables. These models perform better in gaming situations, cutting down on output lag and allowing for faster in-game reactions.
How Long Do Sennheiser Gaming Headphones Last?
While the average gaming headset lasts around 3-5 years, Sennheiser headphones may last significantly longer. Audiophile headphones with a wired connection, in particular, can last a decade or more. Wireless headphones tend not to last as long, in part due to the limits of their built-in battery. Modern wireless headphone models typically use lithium-ion battery cells; depending on their size, these cells can last around 500-1500 charge cycles or approximately 5-8 years.
Various factors affect the lifespan of headphones. The type of use, the storage environment, and the type and quality of the headphones can all make a big difference in how long a given pair of headphones last. Most Sennheiser acoustic gaming headset models have a fairly robust design with high-quality materials.
On over-ear headphones, the padding around the ear cups typically shows wear first, and over time the moving parts, such as a flexible headband and the swivel mounts for the earcups, can become loose or damaged. The cloth filters and built-in pop filters on microphones usually wear out before the rest of the unit does. Fortunately, pop filters are a replaceable item.
Heat, humidity, intense use, and careless handling can accelerate headphones’ wear and tear. To maximize the lifespan of your gaming headphones or acoustic gaming headset, keep the set someplace dry and away from extreme heat.
Sennheiser Warranties
Sennheiser US offers a 2-year limited warranty on new headphones and gaming headsets. The warranty covers parts and manufacturing defects and extends to all wired and wireless headset models sold directly or at an authorized retailer in North America.
New Neumann microphones come with a 1-year limited warranty, while refurbished headphones and Bluetooth units get a 90-day warranty.
The new headphones’ limited warranty includes tech support and one-way shipping for replacement items. Most warranties require proof of purchase and exclude accidental damage, 3rd-party software or hardware modifications, and normal wear and tear.
The warranty excludes parts Sennheiser defines as wear items or consumables, including batteries, earbud covers, foam windscreens, cases, cable clips, and headphone padding.
