If you are a brand new user of personal audio devices, you may look to compare gaming headphones vs studio headphones. After all, many of the best headphones around are marketed as being for gamers or for professional audio applications. So what are the main differences between gaming headphones and studio headphones and which is the best fit for you? Keep reading to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Gaming headphones feature gaming-specific functionalities, such as integrated microphones, mute buttons, and even virtual surround sound.
- Studio headphones are much more durable than headphones for gaming, but also tend to cost more than those designed for a positive gaming experience.
- Studio headphones boast better sound quality for making professional mixes, but that does not always translate to a casual listening experience.
Differences Between Gaming Headsets and Studio Headphones
The primary difference between these two types of headphones is that gaming headsets are intended for gamers, while studio headphones are intended for music professionals like engineers and producers. This branches out into plenty of other differences, all of which hold true even if you are comparing high impedance vs low impedance headphones, among others.
Insider Tip
Feel free to use gaming headphones as studio headphones, though account for any EQ-based disparities.
Here are some more differences you can make an informed purchasing decision and move on to other things, like choosing between headphones vs speakers.
Gaming Features
As the name suggests, gaming headphones are chockful of features for hardcore gamers, from integrated microphones to automatic muting, and beyond. Modern gaming headphones are also built from the ground up to integrate with modern gaming consoles, such as the PS5, and personal computer setups. Most studio headphones do not include these features, so if you want to talk to someone while playing a game on a microphone, a gaming headset is your preferred choice, whether you are comparing the Bose 700 headphones vs Beats Studio 3.
Audio Quality
Studio headphones are built to be as close to reality as possible, meaning they give an accurate reading of the source material, without any frills. This is great for studio engineers, as creating a proper mix often relies on hearing accurate sound reproductions. While the audio quality with studio headphones is far and away better than what is found with gaming headphones, some consumers may prefer headphones that add a bit of audio pizazz via audio drivers and enhanced EQ responses. It also goes without saying that neither of these feature active noise canceling technology, if you are comparing earmuffs vs noise-canceling headphones.
Durability
Studio headphones often cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars, and they have the build quality to match. A good pair of studio headphones can last you years before needing a replacement, and that is even with consistent use. Gaming headphones do not tend to last as long, though results vary.
F.A.Q.S
Can you game using studio headphones?
You can, but you won’t be able to access any gaming-specific features, though the sound quality will be great, providing fantastic gaming audio and gaming sound.
How to choose the best headphones for gaming?
It depends on personal preference and the type of headphones you prefer. If you like closed-back headphones, for instance, go for that. Next, choose based on comfort, sound quality, and durability.
When do you need a separate mic?
If you are gaming online and you want a great gaming experience, you will want a pair of headphones with a built-in microphone. Most open-back headphones and closed-back headphones designed for gaming boast this feature.
STAT: French engineer Ernest Mercadier patented a set of in-ear headphones in 1891, Mercadier was awarded U.S. Patent No. 454,138 for “improvements in telephone-receivers…which shall be light enough to be carried while in use on the head of the operator. (source)
