For an open ear headset with mic, I recommend MSI’s DS501 for hiking because its wired mic and quick-access controls make calls straightforward. Razer is the runner-up if you want wireless modes and a detachable mic, though it is an over-ear headset.
Despite the search term, none of these four products is described as open-ear or designed for hiking. They are gaming headsets or a gaming bundle, so I would not treat any as a substitute for purpose-built hiking earbuds.
• MSI Gaming Headset — best for wired gaming and voice chat; pick this if you want an adjustable omnidirectional mic and controls on a wired remote.
• CHONCHOW Gaming LED Keyboard — best for a basic gaming desk bundle; pick this if you also need a keyboard, mouse, mouse pad, and a headset for a PC or laptop.
• Vakedy Gaming Headset — best for wireless gaming across compatible devices; pick this if you want 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity, with the caveat that Bluetooth does not work with PS4, PS5, or PC.
• Razer BlackShark V3 — best for switching between wireless and USB connections; pick this if a detachable cardioid mic and three connection options matter more than an open-ear design.
The MSI DS501 is a wired, over-ear gaming headset with two 40mm drivers and an adjustable omnidirectional microphone. It is a straightforward option for someone who wants a headset for a gaming setup and prefers a physical connection over wireless pairing. Its self-adjusting headband and lightweight design are intended to make longer sessions more comfortable.
The wired remote puts volume, microphone, and vibration controls within reach. That can be handy when switching between a game and voice chat without digging through software menus. The headset also has closed ear cups and passive noise reduction, which are useful for focusing on audio at a desk but work against the open-ear idea of staying aware of nearby sounds.
For calls or team chat, the adjustable omnidirectional mic can be positioned to suit the user. MSI describes it as designed to reduce background pickup, but it remains a gaming-headset microphone rather than a hiking-specific communication feature. The 3.5mm connection also means the headset is not a wireless choice.
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We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
I’d choose the MSI for wired gaming and convenient physical controls, not for a trail. Its over-ear, closed-cup construction is the clearest drawback for anyone searching for an open ear headset with mic: it does not leave the ear open in the way that phrase suggests.
The CHONCHOW product is a wired gaming bundle, not a standalone headset. It combines a keyboard, mouse, mouse pad, and over-ear headset. That makes it most relevant to someone building a basic desk setup who needs several gaming peripherals together, rather than a hiker looking for a light headset or earbuds.
The headset has 50mm drivers, breathable fabric ear pads, and an adjustable memory-foam headband. Those details point toward extended gaming sessions at a computer. It connects through a 3.5mm audio jack, and the listed compatibility for the headset is limited to PCs and laptops. The sheet notes that using it with PS4 or Xbox One requires a USB-to-3.5mm adapter that is not included.
The included keyboard has multicolor lighting options, a set of commonly used keys that do not conflict when pressed together, and a Windows-key disable option. The mouse pad has a nonslip rubber base and a waterproof surface. These additions may be useful as a coordinated desk bundle, but they do not make the headset more portable or suitable for outdoor use.
The main trade-off is that the buyer gets a package rather than a headset focused on open-ear listening. The listed headset is over-ear and wired; there is no stated Bluetooth connection, open-ear fit, or hiking-focused feature. I would consider it only when the keyboard, mouse, and mouse pad are also part of the need.
The Vakedy HW20 is a wireless, over-ear gaming headset with a 2.4GHz USB dongle connection and Bluetooth 5.4. Its stated 2.4GHz compatibility includes PS5, PS4, PC, and Mac through the dongle; Bluetooth is for smartphones, tablets, and similar devices. The product details explicitly say Bluetooth is not compatible with PS4, PS5, or PC, so buyers should choose the connection mode based on the device they plan to use.
For gaming, the 50mm drivers and stated latency of up to 20 milliseconds are intended to support responsive audio. The headset also has an omnidirectional noise-canceling mic that rotates and includes a mute button. That is a useful setup for voice chat, but it remains a boom-style gaming headset rather than an open-ear microphone solution.
For someone looking for bluetooth earbuds for hiking, this is still a mismatch: it is an over-ear gaming headset, not a set of earbuds, and its Bluetooth compatibility has important device limits. It also does not claim to be sweatproof or volume limiting. I’d consider it for wireless gaming, especially where the dongle connection suits the setup, rather than for trail use.
Razer BlackShark V3
The Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed is an over-ear wireless gaming headset with 50mm drivers, a detachable cardioid microphone, and three ways to connect: 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, or USB. That combination gives it more connection flexibility than a simple wired headset. The product is described as working with PC, Mac, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and smartphones, although the specific connection method depends on the device and setup.
Its cardioid mic is designed to pick up more of the wearer’s voice and less surrounding sound than an omnidirectional pattern. Because the mic detaches, it can be removed when it is not needed. The 2.4GHz connection is intended for low-latency gaming, while Bluetooth supports wireless use with compatible devices and USB provides a wired option.
The headset also features Gen-2 50mm drivers, 7.1 surround sound, and a stated battery life of up to 70 hours. Its listed weight is 0.77 kg, so the product data does not support describing it as a particularly light hiking option. Plush earcups and an over-ear fit are designed for gaming comfort, but they do not provide the open-ear awareness a hiker may want.
I’d pick the Razer over the other options here if wireless flexibility and a removable, directional mic are priorities for gaming. The trade-off is clear for this search: it is still a closed, over-ear gaming headset, not an open-ear headset, and it does not have stated sweatproof or volume-limiting features.
We compared the listed connection options, microphone designs, fit, controls, and other published features.
The order and recommendations are our independent editorial opinions; no brand paid for placement.
No. The MSI, Vakedy, and Razer products are described as over-ear gaming headsets, while CHONCHOW’s bundle also includes an over-ear headset. None is specified as an open-ear design.
Vakedy offers 2.4GHz wireless through a USB dongle and Bluetooth for compatible devices. Razer offers 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and USB connections. MSI and CHONCHOW’s listed headsets are wired.
No sweatproof rating or clip-on earbud design is listed for any of these products. They are gaming headsets or a gaming bundle, so the product details do not establish them as suitable hiking earbuds.
None of these products is identified as true wireless earbuds or as having volume limiting. If those features are essential, these four options do not meet the stated need.
For hiking, I would not recommend any of these as an open-ear headset with mic. The MSI is my pick for wired gaming chat, but for a trail I’d look specifically for a purpose-built open-ear or clip-on design with stated sweat resistance and volume controls; those features are not listed here.
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