PC38X Gaming Headset

Don't need to get too complicated. You're asking enthusiasts what you should buy, and they will suggest enthusiast-grade products like DACs and dedicated mics. You don't need any of that. Listen to people who suggest a quality headset (most of the time are not typical gaming headset companies) that don't make your wallet cry. I've used the Sennheiser PC38X for years now. It's an open-back headset, very comfortable, legit headphone quality sound, built-in mic, for like $189 (used to be $139 sadly it went up). Many enthusiasts suggest it.

Drop/Sennheiser PC38X Gaming Headset. I love 'em. These are open back. I don't know if Sennheiser makes a closed back version anymore. You get Sennheiser sound in a headset. Mic mutes when you flip it up. No software.

I have nothing but bad things to say about the PC38x but goddamn was is good for footsteps in siege.

The Sennheiser Drop PC38X is $200 and probably the best headset for gaming if you really just want an all in one headset. The general recommendation is to get separate headphones (DT 770, AKG k371, ath m50x) and mic (shure sm57 or sm58, antlion modmic) but anybody that just wants a simple headset will have the best experience with one of the sennheiser drop models.

If you are looking for a headphone with a built in mic then the best option would be to go with Sennheiser + Drop PC38x. Its got an amazing built in mic and awesome sound performance. It has been my daily driver since late 2023. Alternatively, you can go with a pair of decent audiophile headphones and get an external or attachable mic.

I'd probably recommend Drop/ Sennheiser PC38x for multiplayer/ directional audio and HiFiMan Edition XS (or perhaps Sundara if you have small ears; not comfortable for me) for cinematic single player games for fairly affordable headsets within a few hundred bucks. I've read good things about the Audeze Maxwell. Going much higher will probably require an amp and get MUCH pricier. For PC and listening to music, I use an HE1000SE, which will challenge your statement about budget not mattering. It's by far the best set of headphones I've ever used for gaming (including the also excellent Sennheiser HD 490 Pro, which I also own) or music but definitely not low budget.

Agreed, not likely to buy any of these. I might buy the Audeze Maxwell on a great sale. I have a couple of headphones for console that can be powered by a potato, the PC38x and Aune AR5000. For PC, where I'd play competitive games, I use HE1000se, HE6se V2, and HD490 Pro. I've heard the Arya Stealth is also excellent for gaming, but I don't have that one.

Just about any headset or headphones tuned in a manner that's good for gaming will sound great on PS5 provided it has adequate power. The higher quality headset, the better it is likely to sound. I have a few easy to power headphones (as in no amp; plug into controller) I mainly use with the PS5 Pro, the PC38x, Aune AR5000, and soon the Audeze Maxwell 2 (well, this one is wireless). I also have the Ziigaat Arete 1 IEMs. The Maxwell 2 is supposed to also work with the Switch 2, which I'll try out soon. I'd have to figure out how to get an amp working with the PS5 and get long enough cables to run to my couch for my higher end headphones like the HE1000se, HE6se v2, or HD490 Pro. I haven't bothered with that and just use those with my PC for both gaming and music.

A price range is pretty important for these types of questions. Also, do you want wireless only? With PS5 Pro, I’ve personally used Drop/ Sennheiser PC38x (predecessor PC37x would be cheaper option) for multiplayer or fast paced games (like Returnal) for good directional audio and HiFiMan Edition XS for cinematic single player games. You would need to plug them into your controller in the 3.5mm jack. I’m not into the overpriced and underperforming “gamer brand” headsets. A decent Sennheiser headset typically blows them into the weeds and lasts years longer. I have higher end headsets that would blow your mind like the HD490 Pro and especially the HE1000se I use on PC. Those are probably going to be way too pricey for this discussion.

The 560s can sound shouty sometimes. PC38x is pleasant all-around, yet still lets you hear directional cues. Plus they’re easy to drive and come with a mic.