If you’ve been to a movie theater, you have experienced the enveloping sound field and incredible spatial cues provided by a dedicated surround sound system. Many want that experience at home. However, a full surround system setup requires significant expense, acoustic tuning, and a dedicated space that most people cannot achieve. Thankfully, new technology allows for spatial coding and mixing of audio content to recreate the alluring experience of the theater without breaking the bank, your lease, or your relationships. Read below to see which pair of surround sound headphones best fit you.
What is Surround Sound?
Most music we have heard the past 60 years has been in stereo. We define “true stereo” as two channels of information (left and right). With the speakers and listener in the correct formation, stereo can provide a wide, left-to-right soundstage and excellent front-to-back depth. By varying the information across the two speakers, we can create an illusion that the sound is coming from anywhere between them. Other spatial cues, such as sounds coming from further away, are also provided. This format offers an excellent sound field in front of us but offers no sounds from the sides, rear, or above.
Surround sound takes the typical stereo setup and integrates additional audio channels to improve the directional qualities of music, movies, and games. Over the years, many formats that provide supplementary channels have been introduced, offering us even more spatial information. From the 4-channel mixes first introduced with “The Empire Strikes Back” to modern ATMOS setups such as 7.2.4 (7 speakers in the horizontal plane, two subwoofers, and four elevated or “above” speakers) utilized in theaters today, the formats and usage have continually evolved. At the same time, stereo has stayed much the same.
Technically headphones are not stereo, but binaural — a term that means “with both ears, from all directions.” This detail isn’t a concern, but it illustrates how surround sound is possible in special headphones in a way that cannot be done with two speakers in a standard stereo setup or earbuds. The pinnae (outer ear) and sound reflecting off them help “localize” or determine the origin of sounds.
Stereo speakers cannot create sounds coming from above and other locations. Surround sound headphones use filtering and some advanced processing to alter the audio, making it appear as though the sounds are coming from the sides, behind, or even above you. These techniques make surround sound, sometimes called “immersive” or “spatial audio,” possible in your headphones.
Who Should Buy Surround Sound Headphones?
Surround sound headphones have solid benefits for many users. Spatial audio music (and remixes of older songs) are becoming increasingly common. Many streaming sites now provide surround sound mixes. Some devices default to spatial audio settings without the user even realizing it.
Gamers
The gaming crowd is one of the largest markets for surround headphones. Modern games are dense immersive experiences with dialog, music, and sound effects to match. Surround sound gaming headphones provide the extra benefit of helping users determine where a particular sound is coming from. For first-person shooters and similar action/adventure, true spatial awareness of your environment is possible. That advantage can be the difference between winning and losing.
Quiet, Casual Users
Commuters, night owls, and cinephiles can also benefit from surround headphones without affecting neighbors and fellow travelers. Many streaming services automatically stream in surround sound, and your device “folds down” or collapses the mix for playback on standard stereo systems. An entirely new experience awaits listeners who enjoy their favorite movies in surround sound. These headphones are perfect for the complete theater experience without rattling the windows or even waking a sleeping child.
Audio Engineers
Finally, mixing and mastering engineers can benefit from these for their immersive mixes and checking stereo mix translation on these devices. A full Dolby ATMOS remodel of your studio is expensive and not possible for everyone. These surround headphones will allow users to make confident, educated choices, no matter where the content is played back.
Best Headphones with Surround Sound
Beats by Dr. Dre Beats Studio Pro Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Why We Chose These Headphones: With Active Noise Cancellation, extended Bluetooth range, and 360° surround sound, the Beats by Dre Studio Pro Wireless are the perfect headphones for people who want it all. Dynamic head tracking provides a real-world ATMOS experience, recreating the feel of being in an actual room. Listeners can also switch between class-leading noise cancellation to block out distractions or transparency mode to let external sounds blend in with their music. Beats Studio Pro’s new noise-canceling system improves 27% over previous models. Battery life will never be an issue as a quick 10-minute charge provides 4four hours of use, while a full battery lasts 40 hours (24 using active noise cancellation).
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz
- Phone Calls: Yes
- Noise Canceling: Yes
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Microphone: Internal
- Weight: 9.1 oz (258g)
Logitech G G635 7.1 Surround Sound LIGHTSYNC Gaming Headset
Why We Chose These Headphones: A perfect amalgam of looks and sound, the Logitech G G635 7.1 Surround Sound headset is designed for streaming content creators and gamers who value a customized look. Competitive gamers will love Logitech’s proprietary G HUB software, which allows users to program macros, in-game commands, and audio settings. LIGHTSYNC RGB can create 16.8 million color settings to match the decor for any streaming set perfectly. The 6mm microphone boom offers a flip-to-mute action for fast and easy communication when you want it and silence when you don’t. DTS Headphone X 2.0 technology will immerse users in the action with better spatial accuracy than 7.1 surround.
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz
- Noise Canceling: No
- Bluetooth: No
- Microphone: Boom; Cardioid
- Weight: Without Cable: 12.1 oz (344g)
HyperX Cloud II 7.1 Surround Sound Wired Gaming Headset
Why We Chose These Headphones: A detachable microphone and durable construction make these headphones a double-duty problem solver for gamers who want a headset that can also work for everyday use. Hyper X also knows comfort matters. The Cloud II 7.1 Surround Sound Wired Gaming Headset features plush memory foam and premium leatherette ear pads, as well as optimized weight distribution and clamping pressure for even the longest campaigns. The advanced audio control box gives users fast access to headphone and microphone volume controls. This remote also features a toggle button for instant 7.1 surround sound, allowing a seamless switch between music and games.
- Frequency Response: 10Hz-23kHz
- Noise Canceling: Headphones – No; Microphone – Yes
- Bluetooth: No
- Microphone: Boom; Cardioid
- Weight: 11.2 oz (317.51g)
HyperX Cloud Revolver 7.1 Surround Sound Over-Ear Gaming Headset
Why We Chose These Headphones: The HyperX Cloud Revolver is an excellent budget-conscious choice for streaming and games. With 7.1 surround sound and an improved, wider soundstage, this studio-grade headset provides an improved depth of field, making it easier to hear opponents and other vital game cues. MMO and team-oriented players will appreciate the crystal clear communication offered by the detachable microphone and advanced USB audio control box. The control box makes level adjustments easy and provides extra digital noise cancellation for clear communication. Soft memory foam and steel frame provide lasting comfort and extra durability for long sessions and travel.
- Frequency Response: 10Hz-23kHz
- Noise Canceling: Headphones – No; Microphone – Yes
- Bluetooth: No
- Microphone: Boom; Cardioid
- Weight: 12.64 oz (358.33g)
Lenovo Legion H500 Pro Wired 7.1 Surround Sound Over-Ear Gaming Headset
Why We Chose These Headphones: Sleek and futuristic, the Lenovo Legion H500 Pro Wired 7.1 Headset works with any system (PC, Mobile, Xbox, PS4, Nintendo Switch) and connects with 3.5 mm and USB inputs. The retractable omnidirectional microphone features passive noise cancellation for clean voice transmission regardless of angle. Custom tune your sound with the wired USB remote control featuring level controls and three unique EQ profiles. An innovative suspension design and thick memory foam earpads with protein leather covers make for a cozy and classy fit. The tuned 50mm drivers offer deep, rich sound with a 7.1 configuration detailing an immersive soundstage experience.
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz
- Noise Canceling: Headphones – No; Microphone – Yes
- Bluetooth: No
- Microphone: Boom, Omnidirectional
- Weight: 12.34 oz (350g)
Logitech G G733 LIGHTSPEED Wireless RGB Gaming Headset
Why We Chose These Headphones: When the look has to be as good as the sound, the Logitech G G733 LIGHTSPEED wireless gaming headset has you covered. Content creators and fashionistas can say goodbye to drab monochrome with multicolored accessories (available separately) and a 16.8 million color light display. Streamers need broadcast-quality sound too, and the G733 delivers. Logitech’s ingenious BLUE VO!CE filters help achieve professional-level sound with included presets and adjustable parameters for fine-tuning. The G733 allows you to game effortlessly all day and all night with a 20 meter range, over 29 hour battery and ultra-lightweight construction.
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz
- Noise Canceling: No
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Microphone: Boom, Cardioid
- Weight: 9.80 oz (278g)
Sennheiser RS 175-U Digital Wireless Dynamic Headphone System
Why We Chose These Headphones: The RS175-U cuts the cord and gives hi-fi quality sound with unrestricted movement to 100 meters! An extended frequency bandwidth and closed-back design mean you’ll hear every detail no matter where you wander. The included docking base accepts digital and analog inputs and functions as a transmitter and charger, so this headset is ready to go anytime. Users can enjoy premium surround sound entertainment alone or together with an optional second headset. Intelligently designed controls on the earcup offer instant access to control parameters and easily switch into surround modes and an enhanced bass mode for low-end lovers.
- Frequency Response: 17Hz-22KHz
- Noise Canceling: No
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Microphone: No
- Weight: 11 oz (310g) (with Batteries)
Conclusion
A plethora of new options are available when looking at upgrading to a surround sound headphones. Whether your needs tend towards gaming, streaming, or music production, a quality surround sound headset can bring immersive audio to you without the cost or headache of a full surround room setup.
