Sennheiser Game Zero vs Game One: Which Is The Best?
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Finding the best gaming headphones is already a difficult chore; what’s worse is choosing between headphones made by the same company, especially when it’s SENNHEISER, a renowned brand.
But since I am here, everything will be a breeze.
Choosing between Sennheiser Game One and Sennheiser Game Zero will be made simpler for you in today’s article.
Let’s get started on the matter right away without wasting any time.
Table of Contents
EPOS I SENNHEISER GAME ZERO
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EPOS I Sennheiser GAME ONE
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Introduction to Sennheiser Game Zero vs. Game One
Below, I will throw in a few extra words regarding both headphones, giving us a general idea about them.
Sennheiser Game Zero
| Frequency range: 15-28000hz |
| Microphone range: 15-16000hz |
| Style: Closed |
| Impedance: 50 Ohms |
| Weight: 0. |
| Connectivity: 3.5mm wired |
| Dimensions: 9.1 x 9.09 x 9.29 inches |
The EPOS|SENNHEISER Game Zero is a reliable, premium headset with all the features you might want on gaming headsets.
It offers superb audio quality, has a sleek design, and is built to last.
Each and every component is carefully considered and demonstrates that it was made by an expert brand.
Sennheiser Game One
| Frequency range: 15-28000hz |
| Microphone range: 15-16000hz |
| Style: Open |
| Impedance: 50 Ohms |
| Weight: 1.38lbs |
| Connectivity: 3.5mm wired |
| Dimensions: 2.44 x 2.5 x 9.25 inches |
The Audio Giants, SENNHEISER, were able to enter the gaming market thanks to their merge with EPOS, and the Game One is one of their initial products in this area.
What to expect?
Well, it’s easy, just the SENNHEISER tier.
It checks all the criteria that a gamer could want: good build quality, nice comfort, a solid microphone, good mic quality, and, of course, good sound quality.
Game Zero vs. Game One: A Comparison of the EPOS and Sennheiser Offering
Now that we have a general idea of both headsets it’s time to start comparing them so we can find out which option will suit you the most.
Moving To Their Design and Build
If you have never had the opportunity to see headphones before, it will be difficult to distinguish between them at first glance.
For instance, you may get Game Ones in either black or white. Red accents surrounding the ear cups and red fabric covering the speakers add a little more flair, but the color scheme is primarily monochromatic.
The Zero, on the other hand, uses the same design blueprint but is marginally better constructed.
The Games one is entirely plastic, whereas the Zero has some metal within, making it noticeably bigger and more robust.
In terms of aesthetics, these are definitely gaming headphones, although while having some red in them, their design isn’t particularly aggressive.
They still appear to be a modest pair of headphones that share many features with the other Sennheiser headphone models.
So, certainly, it will be apparent that they are Sennheiser.
The two headsets’ ear cups are different from one another. The Sennheiser Game One’s ear cups are made of velvet. The Game Zero ear cups, on the other hand, have synthetic leather coverings.
Furthermore, Game Zero’s collapsible design is impressive from a comfort or portability standpoint; you can practically flatten it. Since you can only change the width of the head by sliding the earcups in and out, Game One is rather limited.
So, Game Zero wins in terms of design and comfort, but that doesn’t negate the fact that Game One is still a pair of incredibly comfy and well-built headphones, despite the fact that their misuse of plastic may turn some people off.
The Main Difference: Open-Back and Closed-Back
The style of how they are constructed, in my opinion, makes the most impact in terms of design.
Indeed there were differences in their comfort and overall design, however, they are something we can easily get adjusted to but the Closed-Back and Open-Back design is something that might bother many gamers, at least it does have an impact on me.
You might wonder why, well the Game Zero’s are Closed-Back headphones and the Game ones are Open-Back, meaning that Zero can block the ambient noise in a passive way while game One can’t.
I have discussed in my previous article that this, background noise, sure impacts how you play your games, with Game One you will hear your dog barking and your mother vacuuming through the house but you won’t hear them with Game Zero.
Yes, Open-back headphones have their own benefits still this won’t weigh down the Closed-Back benefits when it comes to gaming.
Having background noise isolated is a great way to focus your games.
How Do They Sound? Performance
According to the paper, they have “identical” sound quality, with both having a frequency range of 15-28,000Hz and a microphone range of 15-16,000Hz.
However, that’s not quite the case here since they have different sound profiles.
As I already mentioned, Game One has an open-back design, which creates a large sound stage that sounds airy and spacious. The bass is purer, and the overall sound of the game is more authentic.
The Game Zero, on the other hand, offers a punchier and more rounded bass that creates a “dramatic sensation,” i.e., a dark sound profile.
Nevertheless, the difference in sound quality is minimal to nonexistent. The internals of the Game Ones and Game Zeros are likely identical, and if there is a change in sound between the two, I can’t tell; only the sound profile defiance it, one having a dark profile while the other one a neutral and spacious one.
Although I wouldn’t suggest these headphones for purely listening, it doesn’t affect the fact that the sound quality is rather outstanding.
Therefore, if your primary purpose is gaming with occasional music listening, these cans may be a good choice for you.
EPOS I SENNHEISER GAME ZERO
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EPOS I Sennheiser GAME ONE
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Final Words, Conclusion
Since we have essentially reached the end of the article, it is not as difficult to choose between those headphones as I had anticipated.
As we can see, the Game Zero is clearly the winner in this comparison because it is closed-back, has a sturdy design, and provides better comfort.
They also cost more than their brother, the Game One, so don’t be hasty; take the price aspect into account as well.
So if you have money to spend, go ahead and get Game Zero, but if you have a little less, you may purchase Game One, and you won’t have much to lose.
This concludes the article. I hope I was clear and you were able to learn something.
Further Reading
As another possibility in case you couldn’t find a suitable headphone, here comes Beyerdynamic headphones, which would be a huge loss to miss out.
Headphones for Rainbow Six Siege are killing it. Besides, for overall gaming like MOBA Dota, and League, these gaming headphones are amazing.
If you don’t like the color pink, grow up because I have two bird in one stone headphones where the sound quality and appearance are killing it. Check pink headphones to find your own style.
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Anton Dimitriyev
You’ll never find anyone more passionate about sound as me. I love to share my knowledge with others and help people find the right equipment for them.
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Sennheiser Game One vs Zero: Which Is Best For Gaming?
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AllSoundLab Team
AllSoundLab Team is a team of dedicated and passionate audiophiles. We give expert advice and product reviews through extensive testing of the equipment. We delve into technical specifications, and in-depth product reviews and guides.
In this modern world, there’s no excuse for crappy audio.
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In recent years, Sennheiser has moved into the audio space for gamers. The Game One and Game Zero headphones are two of the premiere models, offering flexibility across platforms, an adjustable microphone, and beautiful finish.
They’re so close, in fact, that’s a bit difficult to tell the difference between the two. While the $50 price difference brings some new features, the headphones are mostly the same, built in the same shell, using mostly the same technology. Read on to see if that price jump is worth it to you.
Great Sound Quality
SENNHEISER Game Zero Gaming Headset
$87.89
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01/05/2023 08:59 am GMT Sennheiser GAME ONE Gaming Headset
$98.89
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01/05/2023 08:09 am GMT
Contents
- 0.1 Quick Compare
- 1 Sennheiser Game One
- 1.1 Features
- 1.2 Sound Quality
- 1.3 Sennheiser Game One Overall
- 2 Sennheiser Game Zero
- 2.1 Features
- 2.2 Sound Quality
- 2.3 Sennheiser Game Zero Overall
- 3 Conclusion
Quick Compare
| Sennheiser Game One | Sennheiser Game Zero | |
| Frequency response | 15Hz-28kHz | 15Hz-28kHz |
| Impedance | 50 Ohms | 50 Ohms |
| Cable length | 3m and 1. 2m |
3m and 1.2m |
| Price | $229.95 | $279.95 |
Sennheiser Game One
The Game One is, counterintuitively, the more inexpensive of the two pairs. Despite that, it’s still a great pair of headphones, with excellent build quality and great sound to boot.
Design and Build
You can get the Game Ones in two different colors: black and white. There’s a little extra flair from red accents around the ear cups and red cloth covering the speakers, but the color is mostly monochromatic.
For the Game Ones, this works just fine. The headphones look very much in the vein of “gamer”, but not too overtly. They’re stylized, don’t misunderstand, but Sennheiser manages to make this happen without being gaudy.
The build quality looks good but is suboptimal considering the price. Mainly, this critique comes in the frame. It’s made completely out of plastic and feels pretty weak when put under any scrutiny. It’s disappointing, really, considering how expensive these headphones are and how cheap they feel.
Comfort doesn’t tell the same story, thankfully. The ear cups are very comfortable, with extra large plush velvet ear pads. The only downside to these is that they can get a little gummed up if you sweat a lot while gaming. On top, there’s plenty of padding to keep your head nice and comfortable, even during long gaming sessions.
While the build leaves a bit to be desired, the Game Ones are still a pair of headphones that looks good and is comfortable to wear. I would’ve liked to see more considering the price, but, overall, I can’t complain.
Features
These headphones are truly tailored for gaming, with an open-back design, positionable microphone, and on-ear controls. It’s also compatible across platforms so you can use it anywhere.
The open-back design is really nice when gaming. Using closed headphones for long periods of time has unintended consequences, including headaches and, in some cases, nausea. While it seems like not a big deal, having a little ambient noise goes a long way with these cans.
It’s also useful considering there’s no sort of surround-sound in these headphones. Simulated surround is huge for gaming and, while it’s disappointing to not see here, the open-back design provides a more natural sound which leads to a wider soundscape.
The microphone is quite good, providing clear audio when gaming and cutting most background noise. The only issue is that it’s pretty massive. While you can pivot it back, it’s a bit uncomfortable having a massive mic hanging off your head.
It, thankfully, doesn’t get in the way of controls, though. The opposite ear cup has a fairly large dial that allows you to adjust the volume of the headphones without reaching around. It’s fairly large, yes, but it would’ve been nice to see either a dial on the bottom or a larger implementation so it’s easier to access.
Overall, the feature set for the Game Ones is perfect for the purpose they want to serve. The only thing I would have liked to see is some sort of virtual surround sound for a sense of space when gaming.
Even so, the open-back design goes a long way in doing something similar.
Sennheiser GAME ONE Gaming Headset
$98.89
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Sound Quality
Sound quality is quite good for these headphones, although I wouldn’t recommend them for solely listening. If your goal is gaming, with some light listening here and there, then these cans may be a fit for you.
You really notice a lack in the midrange. The headphones don’t pump in the way you’d expect when listing to music because this area of the frequency spectrum is lacking. It’s empty, lacking any true impact due to how much is cut out.
This does, however, work very well in games.
Sound effects hit much harder, peaking at the top and bottom of the frequency spectrum. There’s a nice sense of space too, feeling gunshots shoot past or tires screech on the ground.
While it’s good, it’s certainly not the best for gaming. Sennheiser sits in between, not fully catering to either gamers or listeners. What’s left is something that does both decently, but neither great.
Its experience in audio products is probably a good explanation. It’s a different and one that, as an audio guy, I prefer, but gamers may not. It’s certainly not the normal frequency response you’d expect out of a pair of gaming headphone and, while it’s not bad, it’s something that should be considered.
Sennheiser Game One Overall
The Game Ones are a bit of an awkward pair of headphones. They have plenty of merits, with attention to detail in comfort, decent sound quality and plenty of features. However, they don’t fit the mold of what should be expected from gaming headphones. It’s certainly not bad, just something that should be considered.
Sennheiser Game Zero
The Game Zeros are slightly more expensive, but present mostly the same view as seen with the Game Ones. However, some upgrades in the build quality set these cans just a notch above.
Design and Build
The biggest difference between these two pairs of headphones is how they’re built. While the color choices and general aesthetic carry over from the little brother, the Game Zeros are much more rigid in their build quality.
The ear cups are attached to the headband through a ball joint, with metal bracing for extra support. This design makes the headphones more durable, yes, but it also means it’s much easier to adjust to ear cups to fit your head.
Additionally, the ear cups are actually larger. The Game Ones could clamp down on the edge of your ear depending on how you wear them. Such is not the case here, though. The Game Zeros have larger earcups to accommodate, completely sealing off the sound.
The plush velvet material on the ear pads is gone too.
Sennheiser ditched those in favor of a leatherette covering with triple-layer memory foam on the inside. This is not only much more comfortable but means the pads won’t get nasty if you’re prone to sweat.
The extra $50 is well spent considering the build difference between these two headphones. While you’re still getting a mostly plastic covering, the upgrades in durability and comfort sell the Game Zeros for me.
Features
The feature set is mostly the same as well. The headphones still feature an open-back design, with a large (sometimes intrusive) microphone, controls on the side of the ear cups and support for just about any platform.
However, there are some subtle differences. For instance, the ear pads are constructed differently than the Game Ones and create a tighter seal with your ear. Because of that, the open back design functions slightly differently.
The intended wider soundstage is better capitalized on here. Instead of losing sound, the seal traps what you want to hear in and carries some ambient noise in through the intended channel.
It works much better for these headphones, and I’m glad the change is here.
The only true change is that these headphones are collapsible. The metal bracing on top of the ear cups allows them to fold down completely whereas the Game Ones could not. Sennheiser includes a pretty nice carrying case, too.
There are only a few differences, yes, but the differences still add up to provide some value. The extra $50 is mostly in the build, but the addition of a collapsible frame and a tighter seal on your ears is quite the improvement.
Great Sound Quality
SENNHEISER Game Zero Gaming Headset
$87.89
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Sound Quality
Unfortunately, there is little to no difference in sound quality.
The Game Ones and Game Zeros are likely built using the exact same internals and, if there’s a difference between the two in terms of sound, I certainly can’t tell.
The starkest difference is likely due to the seal the upgraded ear pads create. The experience is more immersive, with sound effects creating a space much larger than the Game Zeros little brother.
The issues with midrange are slightly better, too. You can more fully hear the nuances in the headphones. While it certainly isn’t ideal for listening outside of gaming, it’s a slight improvement over the Game Ones.
The Game Zeros are more or less the same headphones internally. While the slight improvement in sound is worth noting, it’s not much compared to the extra features and better build quality on these cans.
Sennheiser Game Zero Overall
Sennheiser had taken the Game Ones and stripped them down to craft something new. While the sound quality is more or less the same, the better build and more robust feature set is more than enough to justify the price hike.
Conclusion
Great Sound Quality
SENNHEISER Game Zero Gaming Headset
$87.89
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01/05/2023 08:59 am GMT
Sennheiser GAME ONE Gaming Headset
$98.89
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01/05/2023 08:09 am GMT
These two pairs of headphones are comparable across the board, from design to build to sound quality. However, the Game Zeros edge out with a more durable construction and better sealing around the ears.
With that being said, they’re also $50 more, and while the price hike makes sense, it may not be worth it to you. To save a few dollars, the Game Ones are more or less the same pair of headphones so you’re not missing out on much.
Which pair are you going with? Let us know in the comments below and, as always, thanks for reading.
Further read: Top 9 Best Headphones for 2022
Review of Sennheiser HD 206 on-ear headphones: from design to sound quality
The relatively inexpensive full-size, entry-level Sennheiser HD 206 closed-back headphones replaced the long-running HD 201 model back in 2017. The physical difference, as well as technical characteristics, between these two models is zero. So what’s so special about this headset?
Looking ahead, let’s talk about the pros and cons of the audio product.
Low price
Lightweight, comfortable
Great sound for this price range
Material quality
Cable too long
Sennheiser HD 206 headphone specifications:
- Color: black/silver.
- Frequency range: 21-18000 Hz.
- SPL: 108 dB
- Total harmonic distortion: <0.7%.
- Type: overhead.
- Plug: 3.5/6.3 mm, stereo.
- Cable length: 3 m.
- Converter: dynamic, closed. nine0022
- Weight: 215 g (165 g without cable).
- Rated resistance: 24 ohms.
Contents
- 1 Design, build and comfort
- 2 Sound quality
- 3 General impressions
Design, build and comfort
, if some design elements were changed to move with the times, but the brand decided not to change anything. You still see the same silver and black color scheme, the same logo placement, the same cable design and, you guessed it, the same headband style. In fact, only the numbers of the model number have changed. nine0003
Viktor Yurchenko
Sound engineer, arranger. Work experience 18 years.
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Unfortunately, another disappointing thing is the build quality.
More than 10 years have passed since the release of the HD 201, materials have improved, technological ear pads have appeared, but Sennheiser has remained true to cheap plastic. This was normal for products 10 years ago, but now even Chinese OEM brands have stepped up their game in the budget market, using higher quality materials. nine0003
Another section that could be made from better quality metal or plastic is the headband adjustment. Again, like the 201, this part is not of the highest quality.
The full-coverage Sennheiser HD 206 on-ear headphones are lavishly embellished with the familiar soft leatherette upholstery. They offer wide vertical adjustment and a slight degree of lateral swivel to provide a comfortable fit for any head shape. nine0003
The tension on the headband is well thought out, providing a snug enough fit to the ear, but not so tight that the ear pads feel overly pressed against the head.
In the Sennheiser HD 206, the fixed two-wire cable still splits at a point under the chin to feed each ear.
Its length remained at the level of three meters, which, according to some, is too much.
Viktor Yurchenko
Sound engineer, arranger. Work experience 18 years. nine0003
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Such long wires tend to get tangled, it’s true. However, the extra length can be a bonus, for example when tracking with guitars or an electronic drum kit. Long cables in the studio are very useful, they allow you to move around with the instrument without disconnecting from the mains. But on the street to use such a headset will be extremely embarrassing.
Sound quality
So far, the review of the Sennheiser HD 206 headphones has not impressed, perhaps the sound will be a redeeming feature. Basic input:
- impedance — 24 ohms;
- frequency response Sennheiser HD 206 — 21-18,000 Hz.
So, based on the characteristics of the Sennheiser HD 206, the picture does not look promising. True, the specification only tells part of the story, so what do they sound like? Well, pretty good actually.
The sound is quite loud, almost without distortion. The bass is solid, well rounded, quite deep, clean and well detailed. There is a bit of a struggle at the bottom as the headphones run out of steam quickly. So if you’re into deep bass, this may not be for you. nine0003
The mids are well defined, sometimes even a little too exaggerated, they take center stage and sound loud. The soundstage is wide and open, with plenty of detail throughout the frequency range. The upper frequencies are slightly bright and slightly harsh.
Yes, the sound quality of this headset will never win any awards, but that’s not to be expected at this price point. However, the HD 206s are a marked improvement over their predecessors. nine0003
8.6
reliability
2.9
frequency balance
7.7
build quality
7.0
Closed-back headset design keeps out unwanted external noise. They are lightweight, and the comfortable padding on the headboard and ear cushions allows them to be worn for long periods of time.
For tracking purposes, the sound is clear and well rounded. Even with an imperfectly tuned bass response, the HD 206s are suitable for general programming and mixing.
Recommended read here: how to mute the microphone in zoom
Adaptable, capable and simply comfortable, the HD 206 maintains a compromise between versatility and cost. What they may lack in forward-thinking design and quality materials, they more than make up for in the areas they were designed for, delivering decent sound at minimal cost.
We recommend reading here: how to turn on the microphone in obs
zero latency is greatly improved thanks to the new wireless system — data analysis. nine0001
Date:
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Just a few weeks ago, Zero Latency announced some updates that include the elimination of heavy backpacks and the choice of a new system that wirelessly transmits content to headsets with local PCs.
After a demonstration at the company’s docks in Melbourne, I see the attraction.
I have tried Zero Latency twice, and while both times were enjoyable, there were limitations with tracking options and comfort options for each player. It was a good experience based on the location, but it wasn’t perfect either. nine0003
However, new and existing venues will now transition to the new system. The combination of heavy backpack PC and HP Reverb is gradually being replaced by a new solution in which players are equipped with a standalone headset — HTC Vive Focus 3 — and peripheral weapons. All content is now processed by on-court computers and transmitted wirelessly to each player’s headset. It supports up to eight players per session and uses advanced Wi-Fi 6E technology.
Wi-Fi 6E, which uses the higher 6GHz frequency, is so new that it hasn’t even been approved by most national regulators yet. Australia is one of the first countries to do this, allowing Zero Latency to create the new Docklands in Melbourne, the first with a wireless system.
nine0003
Getting rid of heavy PC backpacks provides a smoother experience for both staff and players, and greatly reduces pre-session briefing and setup time. During sessions, players are freer than ever and much less restricted in their movements without a backpack and its associated straps and cords. Everything seems much more solid and accessible.
From a technological standpoint, I was worried that the new system would fall victim to unreliability and high latency, two well-known problems with wireless VR content streaming. However, when I walked out of the demo last week, I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth and reliable everything was. The vast majority of my nearly 45-minute play time experienced little to no hiccups in terms of streaming performance — just two very short freeze frames lasting barely a second. Other than that, the headset gave me a solid, high-quality picture that stayed consistent throughout. Tracking was also noticeably improved and felt less buggy than my previous zero-latency sessions a few years ago.
nine0003
This did not yet quite match up with local VR on Quest 2 or a wired VR system on PC. Experienced VR users will likely notice a slight delay, most noticeable when physically moving around the game space. For example, it’s more noticeable than the Oculus Link, but I don’t think it hurts the experience in any way. It’s important to note that it was never enough to make me feel uncomfortable or nauseous. Similarly, those with a keen eye may also notice that the image quality is very good, but still compressed for streaming — again, a bit of a nitpick. nine0003
It’s unlikely that most players will be bothered or even notice these differences, and they seem like acceptable compromises. for general improvements in any other area. This was my most comfortable, reliable, and enjoyable zero-latency session, albeit by a wide margin.
The upgrade to the HTC Vive Focus 3 pictured above is also a huge upgrade. I found this to be the most comfortable headset Zero Latency has to offer, while being significantly easier to install and customize to my liking.
Best of all, there is an IPD scale on the bottom of the headset, allowing you to easily and accurately adjust the lens distance at any time — an important parameter to avoid nausea and increase comfort. nine0003
While Melbourne’s Docklands site was the first to receive the new technology, the plan is to roll it out to all new sites and upgrade existing sites as soon as possible. Speaking to Zero Latency CTO Scott Vandonkelaar after my demo, he told me that one of the biggest hurdles to rollout is simply waiting for Wi-Fi 6E certification in other countries.
That being said, once it does, the new system should be cheaper and faster to set up than any other zero-latency system so far — setup time for Docklands was just one day, compared to several days or even weeks with previous systems. nine0003
While the current plan is to continue using local PCs for rendering, Vandonkelaar also told me that they have been experimenting with remote cloud rendering in some areas. This comes with some expected trade-offs — increased latency and decreased bitrate — but Zero Latency says pre-testing has shown those numbers are still in the acceptable range.
This will most likely be decided on a case-by-case basis, but Vandonkelaar says it could be a viable option in the future. nine0003
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It will be interesting to see how Zero Latency develops its content offerings for this new generation of location-based VR. In Docklands I tried Zombie Arena, an experience developed in-house and part of Far Cry VR, brought to Zero Latency in partnership with Ubisoft and developed by nDreams. While the former was still quite enjoyable, the latter was more visually impressive and probably more appealing to the casual audience. nine0003
While Vandonkelaarvas remained tight-lipped, he hinted that more partnerships might already be in the works. Popular objects such as Star Wars and The Avengers. helped bring people to The Void locations before the pandemic, so we’ll be watching to see if Zero Latency can deliver similar level new content to their locations with this new Zero Latency tweak.
New Zero Latency Wireless System is up and running at Funlab’s Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq in Docklands, Melbourne Expected to hit select US and European sites this summer.
