The Sennheiser Game One and Game Zero are two of the brand’s more popular gaming headsets. The biggest difference between the two is that the Game One has an open-back design while the Game Zero is a closed-back gaming headset. They also have different sound profiles due to this difference in design. If you are in the market for a gaming headset, which one of these should you gravitate to? Below is our Sennheiser Game Zero vs Game One review and comparison to help you decide which gaming headset is better for you.
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Sennheiser Game One vs Game Zero Comparison Chart
Design and Build Quality
The Sennheiser Game One is sturdier than the Game Zero due to having less moving parts.
One look at these two and you’ll know that they are gaming headsets. They have the red/black color scheme that’s synonymous with anything gaming related. Their microphones’ design also has that “gamer” look. That said, they aren’t as tacky as other gaming headsets.
The Sennheiser Game One (open-back) gaming headset’s design is reminiscent of Sennheiser’s HD500 series audiophile headphones, but with a mic attached to it. It comes with plenty of padding on the headband and ear cups. The cable is detachable which helps with longevity as it can be replaced easily.
Meanwhile, the Sennheiser Game Zero (closed-back) gaming headset features an original design with hinges that allow you to fold the ear cups for portability. It has faux-leather ear pads and the headband uses the same material. Similar to the Game One, it has detachable cables.
The Sennheiser Game One is made entirely of plastic, but it’s quite durable. On the other hand, the Game Zero has some metal parts, but it’s actually not as sturdy as the Game One since it has more moving parts and potential weak points.
Comfort
The two are comfortable, but the Sennheiser Game One is more breathable.
If you play games for extended periods, the Sennheiser Game One gaming headset will provide better comfort due to its open-back design. Open-back headphones are more breathable than closed-backs, so they don’t trap as much heat. The fabric and padding on the Sennheiser Game One also helps with its breathability.
The Sennheiser Game Zero gaming headset is also suitable for long gaming sessions, provided that you don’t get hot easily or if you play games in an air-conditioned or well-ventilated area. It has large ear cups with plenty of padding and the headband also has enough padding to prevent sore spots.
Features
The two have pretty much the same features.
These two are stereo gaming headsets with built-in microphones. They don’t require you to download any app or software since they don’t really have any special gaming features. They are plug and play.
Since they are plug and play, they are compatible with any platform that has a 3.5mm audio jack. You can use the gaming headset and microphone on PC, Mac, PlayStation and Xbox consoles, the Nintendo Switch and your mobile phone.
As for controls, the two have a similar and simplistic control scheme. They have volume dials on the right ear cup and microphones that can be muted by flipping them up.
Performance
The Sennheiser Game One has a wider soundstage than the Game Zero, but the latter provides better isolation.
With its open-back design, the Sennheiser Game One gaming headset has a mid and treble accurate sound. The mid-range on this headset is accurate and fairly neutral, so instruments and vocals are present in the mix. The highs are also present for an airy and sparkly sound wherein you can hear all the details. However, the bass on this headset, particularly, the sub-bass, is rolled-off. Sub-bass is lacking, and there’s not enough thump and rumble when you’re playing games or watching movies. Mid-bass is there to provide body to whatever you’re listening to. Overall, it has a fairly neutral sound that tend to be boring-sounding if you’re used to a v-shaped (bass-boosted and emphasized highs) sound.
On the other hand, the Sennheiser Game Zero has a more bass-boosted sound profile. Its closed-back design allows it to have more bass presence than the Game One, so you’ll get plenty of thump, rumble and mid-bass punch. The mid-range is just slightly recessed, but the highs are considerably underemphasized for a warm overall sound.
As for gaming, the open-back design of the Sennheiser Game One gives you better soundstage and imaging, allowing you to accurately pinpoint the direction of the sound you’re hearing. This is an inherent design advantage of open-backs against closed-backs. Another advantage of the Game One with its open-back design is that it allows you to hear yourself better when using the microphone, so you can modulate your voice.
Advantages of the Sennheiser Game Zero gaming headset are its superior isolation and minimal sound leakage. With its closed-back design, you’ll have better noise isolation from your surroundings and it won’t leak sound as much as the Game One.
Verdict
Choosing between the Sennheiser Game One and Game Zero will come down to whether you want an open-back or closed-back gaming headset.
Sennheiser Game One
Better comfort, imaging and soundstage
Sennheiser Game Zero
Better noise isolation
Both headsets are excellent for gaming. The Sennheiser Game One excels in imaging, soundstage and comfort. It also has a more neutral sound profile. If you want the better sounding headset with better gaming performance, you should definitely get the Game One. However, it leaks sound due to its open-back design, so you should take that into consideration.
On the other hand, the Sennheiser Game Zero has a more bass-boosted sound and it offers better noise isolation and less sound leakage. It has slightly worse imaging and soundstage, but it’s still a good option if you need noise isolation and you don’t want people around you to hear what you’re listening to.
FAQs
Yes, it has a fairly neutral sound that works great for almost every genre of music.
No, it does not have surround sound.
Yes, it works on any gaming platform that has a 3.5mm audio jack, including the PS4.
No, it does not need a dedicated amplifier as it’s fairly easy to drive.