For gaming headphones in 2025, the top recommendations are:

• Audeze Maxwell: Best overall gaming headphones with exceptional sound quality via planar magnetic drivers, crisp highs, detailed bass, spatial audio support from Dolby Atmos, and clear mic quality. Great for immersive single-player and competitive multiplayer gaming. They are comfortable and built for long sessions but come at a premium price around $329.

• Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro: Best for accurate sound and voice chat with studio-like sound reproduction, excellent microphone, sturdy build, and comfort. Priced around $299, ideal for gamers who want precise audio and clear communication.

• SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X: Best value with versatile USB-C dongle compatibility across Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, PC, and mobile. Offers more than 42 hours of battery life, good mic clarity, and many EQ presets for $130. Balanced warm sound signature, great for gamers using multiple platforms.

• HyperX Cloud Alpha: Best wired option with excellent sound clarity, defined bass, and very comfortable design with velour earcups for long gaming sessions. It includes a detachable mic of good quality and is cost-effective.

These choices cover top-tier audiophile-level headphones as well as more affordable and versatile options for different gaming needs and budgets.