For years, surround sound was the domain of home cinema enthusiasts, those who measured speaker placement by the millimeter and spent weekends running cables through floorboards. As with so much in the world of audio, things have changed. What was once the worth of a living room can now be replicated by a single pair of headphones. No AV receiver, no satellite speakers, no deteriorating relationships or annoying neighbors. Just put them on and hit play.
From best-selling sound design to the digital footsteps in your favorite games, spatial audio has gone from grand immersion to intimate solo escape, and the results are beyond imagination. Well-done surround sound headphones elevate passive viewing to something far more dynamic, more reactive, and occasionally completely transcendent. And that’s true whether you’re in a COD shoot-out, on a flight, or at home listening to Vangelis in the dark (again).
Best Surround Sound Headphones of 2025
But while the promise of surround sound is simple, the headphone landscape is anything but. There are virtual and object-based formats, gaming headsets with real-time chat mixing, audio headphones tuned for surgical sound accuracy, and more abbreviations than most people are willing to decipher. Some headphones aim for fidelity, others aim for pretense. There are those who try to mimic a 7.1 setup, while others trick your brain into thinking you’re in a Dolby theater.
In this guide, we’ve divided things into two categories: movie and music headphones, and gaming headsets, as well as a few hybrids that, like a smoldering Joaquin Phoenix, manage to straddle the line. But before we get into hardware, a word on technology, because not all surround sound is created equal. Some of it is the real deal. Some is less “true surround sound” and more stereo on steroids – and in a world of head tracking, imaging, and all-things-Atmos, knowing what you’re actually buying is half the battle.
Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones ©Harvey Isitt, Empire
Surround Sound In Headphones Explained
Want to make sense of surround sound headphones? The terminology can get muddled quickly. But really, it breaks down into two camps: true surround sound and virtual surround sound.
True surround sound headphones were the originals. Back in the early 2000s, brands like Zalman and Sony stuffed multiple mini-speakers into each earcup, one for each channel in a 5.1 or 7.1 setup. In theory, this gave you accurate, real-world positioning (front-left, rear-right, etc). In practice… it wasn’t always great. They were bulky, expensive, and often fatiguing to listen to. Some models still try this today, but smarter designs opt for fewer drivers and let your brain do the rest. After all, immersion isn’t just about what gets to your ears, but what your mind makes of it.
Virtual surround sound, on the other hand, only uses two speakers, left and right, but manipulates timing, phase, and frequencies to create a 360-degree soundscape. This is the tech behind Windows Sonic, Sony’s Tempest 3D Audio, DTS Headphone X, THX Spatial Audio, and the ever-popular Dolby Atmos. Rather than relying on fixed channels, the software treats sounds as dynamic objects that can move around in your head space. Think of footsteps creeping up behind you or a helicopter flying overhead. It’s all software, and when done right, it can be incredibly convincing, which is why you’ll find it in many of today’s best gaming headsets.
So, which is better? Well, it all depends on how you listen. Competitive gamers might want the fast, precise cues of Windows Sonic, while movie buffs might prefer the cinematic feel of Atmos or DTS. And for most people, especially in 2025, the best virtual surround sound software is good enough to make your games or movies feel big without the bulk, expense, or confusion. Many options are free and work with any standard stereo headset. To see which one is right for you, scroll down to our buyer’s guide.
How We Chose The Best Surround Sound Headphones
We choose the best surround sound headphones through a combination of in-depth research, hands-on testing, and our own experience as tech journalists. We look at brand reliability, pricing, user reviews, and how well each pair handles what really matters: movies, music, and gaming. For surround sound sets, we focus on sound quality, value for money, comfort, and build. We also highlight headphones with features like surround sound formats and wide connectivity. You’ll find more details on each product’s strengths and specs in the sections below. Curious how we test and score them? Here’s a complete breakdown of our review process.
All prices were accurate at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
Best Surround Sound Headphones In 2025: Music And Movies
Best Overall Surround Sound Headphones
Price: £399.00
دیدگاهتان را بنویسید