Audio-Technica ATH-GL3BK

The ATH-GL3 has a mic so good it's almost unfair, and it weighs less than your average energy drink. Just don't expect wireless freedom or pillow-soft comfort.

The 45mm dynamic drivers deliver a 10Hz-35kHz range that sounds surprisingly open for a closed-back design. Sound quality sits in the 85th percentile, which means it's a standout for gaming audio, especially positional cues and dialogue. The real surprise is the mic. It's in the 99th percentile, which is basically the absolute best right now. Noise cancellation on the boom mic is excellent, and the detachable design means you can ditch it for music sessions. Build quality is also top-tier at the 95th percentile, which is rare at this price point.

Against the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 and Sony WH-1000XM5, the ATH-GL3 loses on comfort, ANC, and wireless convenience, but it absolutely destroys them on mic quality and weight. The MOMENTUM 4 and XM5 are lifestyle headphones that happen to work for gaming, while the GL3 is a gaming headset first. If you need a boom mic for team chat, the GL3 is the obvious choice. If you want all-day comfort and noise cancellation for travel, go with the Sony or Sennheiser instead.

At USD 99 to USD 109 across US listings, the ATH-GL3 is a solid deal if you prioritize mic quality and durability. The spread is small, but Newegg has the best price at USD 99, so grab it there if you're in the US. For CAD 169 in Canada, it's a bit steeper, but still reasonable for what you get. You're paying for the mic and build, not wireless features or plush comfort.

The Audio-Technica ATH-GL3 is a wired gaming headset that punches way above its weight where it counts: the mic and build quality. At 230 grams, it's one of the lightest closed-back headsets we've tested, and the detachable boom mic is genuinely best-in-class. But don't expect wireless tricks or plush comfort, this is a focused tool for gamers who want clear comms and clean sound without breaking the bank.

If you're looking for wireless freedom, active noise cancellation, or all-day plush comfort, this isn't it. Go get the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 instead. The ATH-GL3 is for gamers who want a killer mic and a light, durable build, not a lifestyle headphone.

The Audio-Technica ATH-GL3 is the gaming headset to buy if you care about clear voice comms and a lightweight, durable build. It's not the most comfortable option out there, and you'll need to accept the wired life, but the mic alone justifies the price. For competitive gamers and streamers on a budget, this is an easy recommendation.