Sennheiser Gaming Headsets review

Whether you’re a dedicated single-player experience gamer or an online superstar competing at the highest level of eSports, the right headset can make all the difference. Today I’m taking a look at five different Sennheiser gaming headsets, each with its own unique strengths and perks. Come check out the differences between these models and you may just find the perfect headset for your gaming style.

Sennheiser GSP 300

The Sennheiser GSP 300 series is a multi-platform headset the works great across all devices and consoles. Even though it’s the entry level (and therefore most economical) model among all the headsets I’ll be taking a look at in this review, it’s certainly not a slouch quality and performance-wise. This headset delivers excellent sound thanks to Sennheiser’s trademark German engineering.

The key feature of this headset is its closed-acoustic design. This means that it is designed to isolate noise as much as possible. Not only does it block out distracting noise from the surrounding environment, but it prevents audio from leaking outside the headset.

This makes the Sennheiser GSP 300 an ideal choice for gamers in busy households who may not want to disturb their housemates. It also makes them perfect for commuters who tend to play on public transit or who may fly often.

For me the only potential downside to closed acoustic headsets is that they tend to cause your own voice to echo inside your head a bit more. This can be slightly less ideal during multiplayer chat depending on your preferences.

Recommended games:

While each headset I’ll be looking at ultimately works well with any type of game, I’ll be making a few recommendations for each based on its biggest strengths. In accordance with its quality sound combined with its effective audio isolation, my picks for this headset are:

• Music games (Tetris Effect, Lumines, Persona Dancing series)
• Immersive single player RPG’s (Skyrim, The Witcher 3)

Sennheiser GSP 350

The Sennheiser GSP 350 series is essentially very close to the previously discussed 300 series, with the key difference being that it markets itself as a PC-only headset. That said, Sennheiser does state that the headset will work with consoles as well, providing that the PC-only USB cable is swapped out for a standard 3.5mm headset cable (not included). I did test this out though, and found no issues using this headset with any of my gaming consoles.

While the Sennheiser GSP 350 shares a similar design and the key closed acoustic feature with the 350, its PC focus means that it comes with the additional benefit of Dolby 7.1 surround sound capability. Naturally this feature is lost when the headset is not being used on a PC however.

The wire also incorporates a dongle that can be used to toggle between multiple audio settings. These include 7.1 Dolby surround, standard stereo mode, as well as a “music mode” tuned specifically toward the best music listening experience.

Recommended games:

With its incredible sound isolation and precise 7.1 Dolby surround features, my top picks for this headset are:

• Battle Royales (PUBG, Fortnite, Apex Legends)
• Stealth games (Assassin’s Creed, Hitman)

Sennheiser GSP 500

Like the 300 series, the Sennheiser GSP 500 series is a multi-platform headset. However, upon moving into the 500 series and above, these Sennheiser headsets take a giant leap forward in their already impressive level of comfort and quality.

The material around the ear cups is even softer and more breathable than the 300 or 350 series. Furthermore, the audio quality sees a steep improvement in overall fidelity. With even deeper booming bass and crystal clear audio and chat, the 500 series and above really reaches the levels desired from a high-end headset. It also offers more adjustable features to ensure the best fit.

Another key difference is that the Sennheiser GSP 500 series is an open acoustic headset. This means it’s a bit more forgiving with the level of isolation it offers. When using this headset players will feel a bit less cut off from the outside environment.

As previously mentioned, this is also generally my preference for group party chat. With the open acoustic makeup of the Sennheiser GSP 500, your own voice will sound a bit more normal as you speak.

My one criticism of this headset is that I find the overall curved shape to be a bit too circular. No matter how I adjusted it, for my personal preference it seemed as though the bottom of the ear cups came in too close while the top remained a bit too far. This leads to a very slight imbalance in pressure. This sensation is very minimal though. It’s not something that I continued to really notice once I was in the heat of a game.

Recommended games:

Due to its incredible sound, lasting comfort, and excellent chat audio, I’m going to recommend these games for this particular headset:

• Looter shooters (The Division 2, Destiny 2)
• Co-op adventures (Sea of Thieves, Overcooked 2)

Sennheiser GSP 550

Just like the 350 series in relation to the 300 series, the Sennheiser GSP 550 is essentially the same as the 500 series, with the key difference that it is geared specifically toward PC gamers.

Basically everything noted above about the 500 series holds true for the 550 series as well. The noticeable upgrades to overall comfort and audio quality, as well as the open acoustic design are all here. It also has roughly the same shape and hardware design. This includes the overly round shape that occasionally had me fiddling a bit longer for the proper fit.

Naturally, the PC focus on the Sennheiser GSP 550 series again comes with the added benefit of 7.1 Dolby surround sound when using the headset on that platform. It incorporates the same dongle as the 350 series which allows users to toggle between different tailored presets as well. The 550 series definitely takes the foundation built by the 350 series and brings it to the level of a high-end headset.

Recommended games:

For its PC focus and excellent audio chat functionality, I’m going to recommend the following types of games for this headset:

• MMO’s (World of Warcraft, Star Wars: The Old Republic)
• Competitive eSports (DOTA 2, Counter Strike: Global Offensive)

Sennheiser GSP 600

The Sennheiser GSP 600 series is essentially the flagship model from this line of Sennheiser headsets. It absolutely features the most impressive audio fidelity, noise-cancelling microphone technology, and overall comfort—with a cooling suede-like material over the ear cups performs impeccably over long play sessions.

For reasons such as these, Sennheiser considers the 600 series its “professional” model, and I have to agree. It also opts for closed acoustic functionality, which really suits it as an ideal headset for professional eSports players who may be gaming in a noisy stadium environment.

While I stated previously that I often prefer open acoustic headsets for group chat, there certainly are exceptions. The Sennheiser GSP 600 can block out harmful distractions while allowing gamers the crystal clear communication necessary to compete and win at a high level. Honestly it sounds and feels so fantastic, it’s hard to care whether one prefers open or closed acoustic headsets!

Recommended games:

Honestly, it’s difficult to narrow down. Absolutely anything and everything is a pleasure to play while wearing the Sennheiser GSP 600 model. However I spent a lot of time enjoying it while playing a few games on the top of my queue right now, such as MLB The Show 19 and Borderlands GOTY edition.

This impressive line of Sennheiser gaming headsets has a make and style for every type of gamer

Each of these Sennheiser gaming headsets has its own particular strengths that will suit a variety of preferences. Whether you prefer the isolation of a closed acoustic set or the additional awareness of an open acoustic set—or depending on your preference for a headset with a PC focus vs. one that aims itself at a variety of platforms—Sennheiser has a gaming headset geared toward any and every style of play.