AudioTechnica ATH-GDL3 High-Fidelity Open-Back Gaming Headset

To help put my review in context: I used this headset to replace a Corsair Virtuoso SE Wireless headset. Also, this is plugged directly into the rear ports on my PC, which is using an Aorus X570 Elite motherboard. I do not have a separate sound card.

I've used this regularly for about 3 weeks now. I wanted to write a much more thorough review, but apparently there's a character limit.

The tl;dr is that it's been great. I only miss the wireless capability of my Corsair headset a little, but that was a convenience for me, not a necessity. The only hang-up I had was just some initial settings futzing in Windows 11 and the Realtek Audio Console, but that's not something I can hold against Audio Technica. Once I adjusted the bass, and some noise suppression settings for the mic, the input and output sound just as good as my Corsair headset.

The headset is extremely lightweight, coming in at about 8oz on my kitchen scale. I haven't noticed any real fatigue yet, and I typically wear my headset for 3+ hours almost daily. The one potential criticism I have is that I wish there was a smaller-sized headpad available. I have a small head, and it JUST so happens that the smallest size adjustment fits me. But seeing as it's some rubbery piece that pops out, it couldn't be too hard to make some other size-range options to swap in.

With respect to one of the other reviewers, I think they just chose the wrong headset for their needs. If you live/work in a noisy environment where your goal is to block out sound, then open-back headphones are most likely not for you. I've previously used open-back headphones, and personally I like that I can hear somewhat; it helps me be mindful of my volume when speaking. It also allows me to hear things like the doorbell, etc. Once my game/music volume kicks in, ambient sounds like my PC are easily drowned out, even when the fans spin up. I also appreciate that the open-back style keeps my ears a little cooler during long sessions.

I was excited to try out this headset, but it wasn't what I expected it to be. the mic quality isn't all that good, I can hear way too much background noise to the point in which I can listen to my PC 2.5 Ft away. It makes your ears feel muffled and like you have water in them. The only thing good about this honestly is that it is somewhat comfortable about the only thing you got right on it. The open-back look is cool but just not good for use as I want nor is it good at all, there's a reason the top-of-the-line headsets don't have it. Honestly don't even want to give it to someone else to use because of how much of an atrocity this headset is. My $60 Turtle Beach headset was better than this and I was only going to use it temporarily. Overall out of five stars it'd be lucky to get a 2/5...

I've been using this headset for about 2 weeks now and couldn't be happier. It's so lightweight and comfortable. 10/10 would recommend to anyone looking for a overall well balanced soundstage gaming headset.