For open back headphones gaming, I recommend the beyerdynamic DT 990 for its spacious presentation and detailed positional imaging, especially for TV watching.
open back headphones gaming at a Glance
• beyerdynamic DT 990 — best for immersive home gaming and TV viewing; pick this if you want an open presentation with detailed spatial imaging and a 3-meter cable.
• Sennheiser HD 560 — best for balanced listening and locating sounds; pick this if the angled drivers and detachable cable suit your setup.
• Sennheiser HD600 — best for focused hi-fi and studio listening; pick this if you value reference-oriented playback and have a source suited to its 300-ohm impedance.
• Philips Open Back — best for straightforward TV or PC connection; pick this if you want 32-ohm headphones with a detachable 3-meter cable and a 1/4-inch-to-3.5mm adapter.
The DT 990 is a wired, over-ear open-back headphone with 80-ohm impedance. Its key draw for gaming is the combination of a naturally open presentation and detailed spatial imaging. In practical terms, that makes it a compelling choice for games where you want to follow sound cues across a scene, and for TV shows or films where a broad sense of space adds to the experience.
The included 3-meter straight cable gives you room to sit back from a nearby TV or connect to a home audio setup. It uses a 3.5mm jack with a screw-on 1/4-inch adapter, so it can connect to compatible equipment with either input. The soft, replaceable circumaural ear pads and lightweight construction are designed for longer listening sessions. Those details matter if gaming or watching TV tends to stretch into the evening.
This is also a studio-oriented model, with a stated frequency range of 5–35,000 Hz and a design intended for detailed listening. I’d consider it for someone who wants one wired headphone for gaming, music, and other home listening rather than a headset with gaming-specific extras. The trade-off is that it has no noise control, and its cable is a fixed 3-meter straight lead rather than a detachable one. Since it is open-back, it also isn’t the right style for keeping sound contained in a shared room.
How We Research
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
The HD 560 S is an open-back, wired over-ear headphone built around natural, accurate playback. Its angled drivers are intended to create a wide sound field by directing sound toward the ears at a more natural listening angle. For gaming, that design makes it a sensible pick if you want a broad presentation for environmental cues rather than an enclosed feel.
Its low-end response is described as extended, with a transducer designed for controlled movement. That gives it a useful balance for games, films, and music: bass presence is part of the presentation, but the model is also positioned for revealing detail. The 38mm drivers, 6 Hz–38 kHz stated frequency range, and lightweight design point to a headphone suited to long sessions of attentive listening.
The cable is detachable and 3 meters long, with a 6.3mm plug and a flexible 3.5mm adapter. That can make it easier to match the headphone to a receiver, audio interface, laptop, or other compatible source without giving up reach. The main trade-off is that it remains a wired, open-back headphone with no noise control. It won’t isolate you from people nearby, and people around you may hear some of what you’re playing. I’d choose it over the DT 990 when a detachable cable and Sennheiser’s angled-driver design are the deciding details.
The HD600 is a wired, open-back headphone aimed at analytical hi-fi listening and studio monitoring. Its reference-oriented approach makes it a good fit for someone who wants to hear game audio, dialogue, and music without choosing a model primarily for bass-heavy impact. For TV watching, that focus may appeal if clarity and a natural personal listening setup matter more than isolation or wireless convenience.
The design uses a 42mm dynamic driver and an acoustically transparent open-back earcup. Its stated frequency range is 12–40,500 Hz, and its 300-ohm impedance is important when considering what will drive it. I would check that a compatible TV headphone output, receiver, or other source is appropriate for this load rather than assuming every device will be an ideal match.
The HD600’s over-ear construction and velour padding are intended for extended listening. It also comes with an adapter, which can help when connecting to equipment with a different compatible jack size. The main trade-off is its demanding 300-ohm specification compared with the 32-ohm Philips or 80-ohm DT 990. It is also an open-back design with no noise control, so it is better suited to a quiet room than a noisy household. I’d pick it for focused hi-fi listening first, and gaming second.
The Philips SHP9600 is a wired, open-back over-ear headphone with a 32-ohm impedance and 50mm drivers. Its straightforward connection options make it an easy model to consider for a home TV or PC setup. The included 3-meter cable ends in a 3.5mm connector, with a 1/4-inch adapter for compatible equipment.
For everyday use, the detachable cable is a practical advantage: the headphone isn’t tied to a permanently attached lead. Philips also describes a reinforced steel headband, a double-layer headband cushion, and breathable ear-cup cushions. Those features are aimed at comfortable home listening, whether you’re watching a show, playing a game, or listening to a podcast.
The sound description emphasizes bass, midrange, and high-frequency detail, while the open construction is intended to give sound room to expand. I’d recommend it to someone who wants a relatively simple, wired option for TV and PC use without a high-impedance specification. Its trade-off is the same basic limitation shared by the other open-back picks: it offers no noise control and won’t keep sound private in a shared room. Its 32-ohm impedance is a useful spec to consider, but the connection still needs to match your particular TV or audio equipment.
We compared the published specifications and features for gaming, home listening, and TV use.
The order reflects my independent editorial opinion, not a paid placement; no brand paid for placement.
Are open-back headphones good for gaming?
They can suit gaming when you want a more open presentation and detailed sound cues. They do not provide noise control, so outside sounds can remain audible and your game audio may be heard by people nearby.
No. These picks are over-ear headphones with open-back earcups. “Open-ear” can refer to a different style that does not cover the ears, so a search for the best open ear headphones for TV watching may lead to a different category.
In-ear headphones fit inside the ears; the four models here are over-ear designs. If you’re searching for the best in ear headphones for TV watching, look for that separate style and check that it can connect to your TV. For an over-ear option, the Philips is a practical candidate to consider for home use.
My final recommendation for TV watching and gaming is the beyerdynamic DT 990: its open presentation, detailed spatial imaging, and 3-meter cable make a strong combination for a seated home setup. If a detachable cable and angled-driver soundstage matter more to you, consider the Sennheiser HD 560 instead.
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