11 Best Headphones For Streaming 2025 [With And Without A Mic]

Headphones are a practical requirement when attempting to stream to an audience over the internet. The reason for this is pretty simple, as any monitoring from a speaker would likely introduce feedback into the audio signal.

If you’re playing a game, headphones allow you to hear the game’s audio, along with anything else you might need for your session. Whether you need headphones with or without microphones, the following will serve you well. 

Without Mic

Beyerdynamic DT 990 – Best Overall

Are you someone who will probably use their headphones for recording and general music listening alongside streaming? If so, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) is one of the most popular choices for its price. 

The DT 990 is a wired pair of headphones with circumaural, open-back ear cups. With an impedance of 250 ohms and 45mm drivers, the DT 990 has an astonishing frequency response ranging from 5Hz to 35kHz.

One nice thing is that Beyerdynamic includes a 1/4” adapter with the headphones. This allows you to connect the headphones to any device with either a 1/4” or 1/8” output. 

Beyerdynamic also includes a coiled cable measuring just shy of 10 feet. The cable itself is heavy-duty, but it can become a bit cumbersome or annoying after some time with it.

However, you’ll find that the cable is just one small annoyance to pay for the extreme comfort of the headphones’ velour ear pads and padded band. Even if you have glasses on, you’ll find this pair of headphones stays comfortable for long periods of time. 

The DT 990 was designed for mixing and mastering in recording studios. Its fantastic reputation made it ripe for adoption among podcasters and streamers alike. 

In terms of its sound, the DT 990 has an almost 3-D sound image with a fairly balanced EQ. It has been reported that, with some video games, the DT 990’s bass and treble ranges seem more pronounced and seemingly less articulate.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that it can be hard to compare tests unless headphones are tested against the same benchmarks. The actual quality of the video game’s audio track does play a role in the response a pair of headphones has.

Overall, these are built to last and provide a level of comfort that is ideal for those long 12-hour streams. It’s hard to argue with the quality and durability of these headphones at this price, and you get a convenient carrying bag to keep it all safe. 

Sennheiser HD 800 S – Best Premium

Are you willing to pay the price for a pair of headphones that deliver a stunning degree of definition and resolution? The Sennheiser HD 800 S (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) should be on your list of must-try options. 

These headphones were made for professional studio work as well as the audiophile who has sharp ears. As such, the HD 800 S is a practical option for playing games that employ environmental sounds and characteristics that change based on the proximity of your in-game location. 

The HD 800 S has an open-back ear cup design with a circumaural fit and is dressed with microfiber. These headphones have an impedance of 300 ohms with huge 56mm drivers, providing a frequency response ranging from 4Hz to 51kHz.

When crafting these headphones, it appears that Sennheiser opted to make this one of the best reference headphones on the market. The HD 800 S has just 0.02% total harmonic distortion, ensuring that the sound is a pure reflection of the audio information.

In terms of sound, these really shine in the treble range and allow one to hear things with fantastic detail. The bass range is a bit lacking, but this can be tailored using an EQ.

Along with the headphones, Sennheiser includes a carrying case and a pair of 9.8ft. cables. One of these cables has a 1/4” plug while the other has a 4.4mm plug. 

Not everyone will likely find the need to spend this much money on a pair of headphones. However, if you want to hear every detail possible in the mix of a song or in a video game, the HD 800 S is very much worth the price. 

At the time of this writing, there aren’t very many options that provide 56mm drivers powered at 300 ohms. It is this combination that allows every sound mix to have jaw-dropping clarity. 

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x – Best Budget

Not wanting to spend much money on a pair of headphones suitable for any general use? The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) is a reliable choice that will make you feel like you didn’t cheap out with your decision. 

These wired headphones have a closed-back, swiveling ear cup design with a circumaural fit. At an impedance of 47 ohms, its 40mm drivers produce a frequency response of 15Hz to 20kHz. 

The ATH-M20x’s ear cups are equipped with a leathery material that feels fairly comfortable with its padded construction. Its padded headband provides a sufficient amount of comfort. 

In addition to the headphones, Audio-Technica has included a 9.8ft. cable that has a 1/8” connection. A 1/4” adapter also comes included for enhanced connectivity. 

If you are considering these headphones, it’s important to be realistic with your expectations. These headphones will not have the same kind of audio quality and definition as something like the aforementioned Sennheiser HD 800 S. 

However, at this price, you’re not really asking for that anyway. Rather, these make for excellent choices when you are in situations where you need multiple pairs of headphones.

For example, if you’re live streaming a band’s performance, each band member will likely want their own pair of headphones. The ATH-M20x really shines in this capacity and its cost makes the occasion affordably possible. 

With Mic

Audeze Maxwell – Best Overall

If you’ve been on the hunt for a pair of headphones that is widely accepted by gamers, the Audeze Maxwell has probably been on your radar. The Maxwell has quite a bit of hype but manages to deliver upon its expectations shockingly well.

This set of wireless headphones features a closed-back design with swiveling ear cups that feature molded padding. The Maxwell employs a pair of 90mm Planar Magnetic drivers to deliver an unbelievably detailed sound image. 

Despite being a wireless unit, the Maxwell has the ability to handle lossless, high-resolutions with its 24-bit, 96kHz playback. 

Audeze has made a bold claim that just 20 minutes of charging will give you wireless capabilities for an entire day. There might actually be some credence to this statement as the Maxwell’s battery life is rated to last 80 hours on a full charge.

The Maxwell has been one of the most popular choices on the market thanks to its connective capabilities with different gaming consoles. In addition to this, the Maxwell does come with a microphone for talking to other players in-game or to your audience on the stream.

Audeze has thrown in a twist with the microphone to help the Maxwell stand on its own above the rest. It has A.I. monitoring to reduce any outside noises so that your voice is the only thing being transmitted by the microphone. 

The Maxwell is certainly expensive, but it offers some of the largest drivers and the longest battery life on the market. Not to mention, it’s often chosen as the headphone of choice among professional gamers and streamers. 

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro – Best Premium

Do you have a little extra to spend on a streaming headset with a microphone? The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is, by far, one of the best streaming headsets on the market.

These closed-back wireless headphones also have quite a bit of hype, but that’s all for good reason. Not only does it have exquisite audio quality, but the Arctis Nova Pro also has spatial audio along with noise canceling and transparency modes.

Ultimately, what this means is that the Arctis Nova Pro is the ideal choice for just about any scenario with high-resolution audio. Do be mindful that there are separate versions of the Arctis Nova Pro for use with Xbox and other gaming consoles. 

The Arctis Nova Pro’s microphone is hidden away at the left ear thanks to its retractable design. Simply pull it out and the microphone’s noise-cancelling AI software will ensure that only your voice is picked up. 

By far the best thing about the Arctis Nova Pro is its wireless capabilities. The headset’s battery is stored in one of the ear cups and can be charged in either the wireless transmitter or by USB-C.

SteelSeries has gone the extra mile in providing 2 rechargeable batteries, ensuring that 1 can always be charged. You’ll get about 40 hours between both batteries at full charge, with 15 minutes of charging providing about 3 hours of use. 

The transmitter itself is where the Arctis Nova Pro’s special features are truly unlocked. You’ll be able to control every level, whether it be the EQ or the parameters of different modes, directly from the transmitter’s menu. 

Plus, you aren’t just limited to using the Arctis Nova Pro wirelessly. You can use them while they are charging via USB-C or by using the included 3.5mm cable. 

Overall, it’s clear to see that quite a bit of foresight went into packing the most value into the Arctis Nova Pro. Despite its hefty price, it feels comfortably luxurious in both feel and sound. 

Razer Barracuda X – Best Budget

Not looking to spend too much money on a wireless headset suitable for gaming and streaming? The Razer Barracuda X is a prime contender for its price point and is sure to get the job done no matter what you’re doing.

This streaming headset sports a closed-back design with 40mm drivers. For the price, the Barracuda X actually has pretty decent audio quality, supporting Surround Sound settings in different video games.

Because the Barracuda X is wireless, you will have to charge its battery, which can provide up to 50 hours of use on a full charge. A 3.5mm cable does come included in the event that you want to use the Barracuda X in a wired configuration.

The Barracuda X also comes with a detachable cardioid microphone. However, it’s important to note that the audio quality with this microphone can leave quite a bit to be desired.

Depending on your settings, you’ll find that the microphone tends to be a little distorted. Similarly, it can have a sort of nasal quality to its sound.

With that being said, the Barracuda X is still a viable option for gaming on a stream where you have a separate microphone for your streaming audience. It’s light on the wallet and light on the head, though it is far from perfect. 

Despite its flaws, it still manages to have pretty great audio quality and outstanding battery life, too. Something like this can hold you over while you save up for something more premium if you do find that you need an upgrade.  

Other Great Alternatives

Neumann NDH 20

If you have a sizable budget and are looking for something with fantastic audio quality and comfort, check out the Neumann NDH 20 (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon). These professional-level headphones have an incredibly flat response and retain the original sound without introducing coloration. 

The NDH 20 features a closed-back design with a circumaural fit. These headphones have 38mm drivers with an impedance of 150 ohms, so you’ll need to make sure you can supply that much power.

In terms of sound, the NDH 20 has a frequency response ranging from 5Hz to 30kHz. Again, something like this is fantastic for using headphones as a reference for mixing or other post-production steps.

The NDH 20 is a prime choice for those who do not want a wireless headphone setup. In addition to the headphones, Neumann provides 2 different cables ranging up to 10ft in length.

These headphones are also ridiculously comfortable with their ear pads made of memory foam. This, combined with its lightweight construction, ensures you’ll be able to wear them for those long marathon streams. 

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB

Are you looking for a pair of studio-grade headphones that come included with a high-quality microphone? The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) is one streaming headset that provides professional-grade quality at a reasonable price. 

At its core, the ATH-M50xSTS-USB consists of Audio-Technica’s iconic ATH-M50x series of headphones. These are some of the most recommended headphones overall, and to be honest, I’m actually wearing a pair right now.

The ATH-M50xSTS-USB version essentially upgrades this winning recipe by incorporating a unidirectional condenser microphone. With an impedance of 38 ohms, it utilizes 45mm drivers and has a frequency range of 15Hz to 28kHz.

These headphones do manage to have a fairly flat response with a decent bass presence. With that being said, one of the ATH-M50xSTS-USB’s strengths is actually its microphone. 

This attached microphone really has some excellent quality, and you might find yourself a bit surprised. In fact, you could easily feel comfortable using it for musical performances during live streams.

Audio-Technica has even included a handy mute function, engaged by moving the microphone up. Additionally, the company has included a 6.6ft cable cable along with its purchase.

Logitech G PRO X Wireless Lightspeed

Some people trust Logitech for all things related to computer accessories. And, in some way, this is deserved as the company has seemingly grown alongside the dawning of the age of personal computers.

The company’s computer keyboards, mice, and other accessories are great, but how do its headphones stack up? The Logitech G PRO X Wireless Lightspeed is one of the company’s higher-end models that has become increasingly popular.

These headphones employ 50mm drivers, which help to provide expansive and immersive sound. If you’re somebody who utilizes Surround Sound, the G PRO X Wireless Lightspeed could be a great fit.

Unfortunately, like many other headsets with microphones, the G PRO X Wireless Lightspeed’s microphone can leave a bit to be desired. Nevertheless, it’s still suitable for chatting within a video game, but not necessarily for a streaming audience. 

With memory foam ear pads and 20 hours of wireless performance on a full charge, the G PRO X Wireless Lightspeed can be what you’ve been looking for. It’s just that, at this price, there are so many other options offering more, sometimes for less. 

Sennheiser HD 280

Looking for an affordable pair of headphones that gets the job done reasonably well without anything too fancy? The Sennheiser HD 280 (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) allows you to get serious audio quality without breaking the bank.

In fact, the HD 280 is one of those sleeper hits in the music world that only a select few tend to know about. Its closed-back, circumaural-fitting design provides a whopping amount of isolation and a high degree of detailed clarity.

The HD 280 has an impedance of 64 ohms and a frequency response range of 8Hz to 25kHz. As such, it makes a great choice for studio work as well as the occasional video game audio. 

The HD 280 does not have wireless capabilities, nor does it come with a microphone. However, it provides a degree of dependability at a price that is hard to argue with. 

Plus, its ear cups can be replaced, which adds a degree of longevity that is somewhat hard to find when it comes to headphones. In general, the actual headphones themselves are fairly comfortable.

For the most part, the HD 280 hits the mark where it needs to by being a great generalist pair of headphones. Plus, it’s affordable enough to have a few lying around the studio for those times you have guests on your stream. 

HyperX Cloud II

Are you looking for a tried-and-true set of headphones that are great for gaming and streaming? You’ll definitely want to take a look at the HyperX Cloud II, which provides legendary capability at an affordable price.

HyperX’s Cloud series is known throughout the gaming community as being one of the most innovative headsets of its time. The Cloud II builds upon that legacy and packs quite a punch in terms of its audio capabilities.

This headset employs 53mm drivers in a closed-back design, offering a frequency response range of 15Hz to 25kHz. These are noted for being fantastic options for 7.1 Surround Sound setups.

By most standards, the Cloud II’s audio quality is pretty impressive for its price, as is its durability and comfort. HyperX has opted to utilize aluminum for its headband frame, and memory foam for its ear pads. 

A headset designed for gaming and streaming would be incomplete without a microphone. The Cloud II has a detachable microphone that is equipped with noise-cancelation functionality.

Compared to other headsets, the Cloud II’s microphone doesn’t provide the greatest sound quality. At the very least, however, it’s more than suitable when talking with teammates in an online game.

While you will find better options available, the Cloud II maintains its legendary status for providing extreme value per cost. The audio quality here really is quite commendable and should be considered by anyone on a tighter budget. 

Also, keep in mind that a wireless version of Cloud II does exist for a little bit extra. However, at that price, there is some serious competition that might fare as a better choice depending on your own specific needs.

At the end of the day, the wired version of the Cloud II provides dependability at a price anyone can afford. 

What To Look For When Buying Headphones For Streaming

Depending on what you need your headphones to be able to do, you will need to spend a decent amount of time researching different options. Just because a pair of headphones has multiple rave reviews doesn’t necessarily mean it will meet your specific needs.

Because of this, it’s important to take some time so that you can assess what your personal needs are. Knowing more about your specific needs will allow you to match with different possibilities in a more efficient manner. 

Take a few moments to work through the following points of general information. These can serve as points of invited introspection, allowing you to think and come to your own personal conclusions.

Budget

Obviously, the amount of money you can afford to spend is probably what is going to be the most definitive aspect at the beginning of your research. Rather than avoid it until the end, take the time to come up with a concrete price range that you can realistically and comfortably afford. 

When you’re visiting different online retailers, many of them will allow you to filter different options by price. From there, you can weigh things out by rating, price order, or by taking the time to investigate their composition.

Of course, if you’re looking for something reasonably affordable that can get the job done, the $100 range is most applicable. $100 is a pretty widely accepted price for commendable entry-level gear with a reputation.

To make the most sense of this, it’s helpful to use the microphone world as an example. The time-tested Shure SM57 and SM58 microphones are dependable, long-standing industry standards that cost the same price. 

Many $100 headphones and headsets are suitable enough for the average person and can be a great place for beginners to start. If you’re spending beyond $100, you had better be sure that you know precisely what you are looking for beyond basic functionality.

Headphones can get ridiculously expensive, and we’re not here to tell you how you can or can’t spend your money. But it’s wise to leave the high-ticket items to the professionals who can use the headphones as a tool to help generate an income.

Comfort & Build Quality

For streaming in particular, you’ll want to take some extra time to consider how comfortable each pair of headphones is. Keep in mind that what is comfortable immediately might not be very comfortable at all after 1 or 2 hours of use.

In general, that is perhaps the biggest gamble when it comes to buying a pair of headphones. No store will allow you to stand there for multiple hours with headphones on, listening to music.

This doesn’t mean you’re entirely out of luck, as you can make an educated guess in this area. Chances are, you probably have at least some experience with different materials used on the ear cups of different headphone models.

Even if it’s a bit dusty in your mental attic, try and remember the features that you enjoyed or disliked the most. The material used on the ear cup goes a long way in determining whether the headphones remain comfortable over time.

More often than not, the more affordable models will typically have a leatherette covering over some decent padding. However, these can and will flake after years of continual use.

Other headphones utilize memory foam and microfiber coverings. Similarly, the headband area can differ by either offering some padding or an extra band for weight distribution.

What material and construction is right for you is going to be dependent upon your own tastes and preferences. Whenever possible, it’s best to try each model on for size by visiting your local music shop.

Even if you only wear them sometimes, be sure to bring your glasses when you go to a store to try out headphones. Some models feel much different (and sometimes more uncomfortable) when one has glasses on. 

Audio Quality

How the headphones sound should probably be the most important factor in your purchasing decision. Though it’s not always the case, price serves as a fairly predictable reflection of the kind of audio quality a pair of headphones provides.

There are some things you can keep an eye out for to help you get an idea of the kind of audio quality different models have. One is in the size of the drivers, which can range on average between 35mm and 55mm. 

In general, the larger driver size can indicate a greater amount of detail, especially if it takes quite a bit of power. This can be indicated by its impedance, which can range anywhere between 30 ohms and 300 ohms. 

Depending on what the headphones require, you may need additional equipment to be able to supply the headphones with enough power. This oversight could eat into your budget more than you had initially planned for.

Another thing to look for is the frequency response rating that the headphones have. This refers to the sound characteristics the headphones have in relation to the EQ.

Some headphones have a massive range, offering bass frequencies as low as 5Hz. Similarly, some headphones aim for a flat response without coloration, which is helpful during a recording studio’s mixing and mastering processes. 

At the end of the day, this is one of the main reasons you’d want to test different headphones in a store. Try to have a small playlist of different items so that you can have consistent testing across multiple models. 

Necessary Features

Now that we’ve covered cost, comfort, and performance, it’s time to think about those extra features. For the sake of this discussion, “extra features” refers to anything beyond what is required for basic headphone performance and operation. 

One popular feature in today’s market landscape is wireless technology. This means less clutter in general while ensuring you can move around during your stream.

If you do opt for wireless, pay attention to not only the amount of life a full battery has but its rate of charging, too. 

Another popular feature in the streaming community is a microphone, either fixed or detachable. Microphones are practically a requirement in online games and can make a world of difference in scenarios that rely on teamwork.

If you’re wanting a microphone headset, take great care to test the audio quality of each offering. This is especially true if you have plans to sing cover songs while playing the guitar, for instance.

Aesthetics

Aesthetics play a small part in the visual branding of your streaming channel. If it’s important to you, ensure that the headphones match the vibe you already have established.

Music Brands Vs Consumer Technology Brands

Something that can help is whether you want to opt for something made by a legitimate audio equipment company, or one whose reputation is built in the computer accessories niche.

Are you looking for the best in audio quality, or are you looking for superb audio quality alongside features that any streamer can benefit from? Only you can answer this question for yourself. 

Best Brands For Streaming Headphones

Thanks to websites like Amazon, people can purchase products for less than what they might in a physical store. Unfortunately, this has increased the prevalence of questionable products from unknown brands.

If you’re serious about your purchase, it’s probably best to opt for the side of reputation and experience. While there is never any guarantee, this is at least a reassurance that you will be paying for a certain degree of quality and performance.

The following brands are especially notable for their range of headphones, though they have differing backgrounds as companies. At the very least, you can use these companies’ products as a benchmark to test other options against.

Beyerdynamic

Beyerdynamic has been a leading innovator in the microphone and audio system niches for nearly 100 years. Almost every product this company has released has been regarded as being of premium quality, and its headphones are no different.

Many Beyerdynamic headphones are used in professional recording studios for mixing and mastering. These remain a popular choice in studios, though many gamers and streamers have adopted them for their superb audio quality and comfort.

Audeze

Audeze is a headphone company that has seemingly been lock-in-step with demands that have come with the growth in streaming capabilities. The company got its start in 2008 and has since become a household name in gaming and streaming communities.

Audeze makes a wide range of different headphones intended for different use cases, with its streaming offerings being some of the most premium options on the market. Additionally, other Audeze headphone lines are being adopted by music producers and audio engineers. 

Best Headphones For Streaming, Final Thoughts

If at all possible, be sure to try these headphones out before you spend your hard-earned cash. How one person hears sound could be completely different from how you personally hear sound.

Fortunately, the market has plenty of options available for those who want to spend as little or as much as possible. Likewise, it has plenty of options for those who value the highest audio quality as well as those who value practicality over anything else.