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Rift S has a 3.5 mm headphone output, so these wired headphones and headsets connect for audio without adapters. The Rift S jack is headphone output only; its microphone is not supplied through that connection. The halo strap makes physical fit the deciding factor: low-profile on-ear, in-ear or compact over-ear designs are easier to position, and a short cable or clip prevents a cable from catching on the headset.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Koss KSC75 | $15–$25 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | Sony MDR-7506 | $80–$110 | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | Audio-Technica ATH-M40x | $80–$120 | Amazon · eBay |
| 4 | Razer BlackShark V2 X | $35–$50 | Amazon · eBay |
| 5 | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 | $50–$70 | Amazon · eBay |
| 6 | HyperX Cloud III Wired | $60–$100 | Amazon · eBay |
| 7 | Philips SHP9600 | $60–$90 | Amazon · eBay |
| 8 | Sennheiser HD 280 PRO | $80–$110 | Amazon · eBay |
| 9 | Logitech G333 | $30–$50 | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
Koss KSC75
A lightweight clip-on headphone with a 3.5 mm plug; its ear clips avoid placing a headband over the Rift S halo strap.
- 3.5 mm wired plug
- clip-on ear hooks
- open-back design
- lightweight frame
- No top band conflicts with the halo strap
- Open clips leave room around the headset
- Open design leaks sound and offers little isolation
Sony MDR-7506
A folding closed-back monitor headphone with 40 mm drivers and a gold-plated 3.5 mm plug plus 6.3 mm adapter.
- 3.5 mm plug
- 40 mm drivers
- closed-back earcups
- folding construction
- Direct wired connection to Rift S audio output
- Foldable construction stores easily with a VR kit
- Coiled cable needs routing so it does not catch during room-scale movement
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
A closed-back 3.5 mm monitor headphone with swiveling earcups and detachable cables, useful when you need a replaceable cable around the headset.
- 3.5 mm connection
- closed-back design
- swiveling earcups
- detachable cables
- Detachable cable is easier to replace than a fixed lead
- Closed cups reduce room noise
- Full over-ear cups can press against the Rift S halo strap
Razer BlackShark V2 X
A wired gaming headset with a 3.5 mm jack and plush earcups; audio works from the Rift S output, while its boom mic needs a separate PC input if used.
- 3.5 mm wired jack
- over-ear earcups
- boom microphone
- wired gaming headset
- Direct 3.5 mm audio connection
- Affordable headset format
- The boom mic does not become a Rift S microphone through the headphone jack
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1
A multi-platform wired headset made for devices with a 3.5 mm jack, with an adjustable headband and retractable microphone.
- 3.5 mm wired connection
- over-ear design
- adjustable headband
- retractable microphone
- Designed for standard 3.5 mm devices
- Retractable mic can stay out of the field of view
- Headband fit must be checked with the Rift S halo strap
HyperX Cloud III Wired
A wired gaming headset offered with 3.5 mm, USB-A and USB-C connections; use its analog 3.5 mm lead for Rift S audio.
- 3.5 mm analog connection
- over-ear headset
- detachable microphone
- wired design
- Analog lead avoids USB compatibility questions
- Padded headset format suits seated VR sessions
- Bulkier earcups may need repositioning around the halo strap
Philips SHP9600
An open-back over-ear headphone with a 3.5 mm cable connection, for seated VR users who prefer a conventional headphone over a gaming headset.
- 3.5 mm connection
- open-back earcups
- over-ear fit
- detachable cable
- Detachable lead can be replaced if damaged
- Open cups reduce heat buildup around the ears
- Open cups leak sound and can pick up room noise
Sennheiser HD 280 PRO
A closed-back wired monitoring headphone with 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm connectivity, suitable for users who prefer stronger passive isolation.
- 3.5 mm plug
- closed-back design
- over-ear earcups
- folding construction
- Direct analog connection to the Rift S jack
- Closed design reduces household noise
- Clamp and cup size can interfere with the halo strap for some head shapes
Logitech G333
A wired in-ear gaming earphone with a 3.5 mm plug, avoiding any headband conflict with the Rift S halo strap.
- 3.5 mm plug
- in-ear design
- wired connection
- inline microphone
- No over-head band competes with the Rift S fit
- Small cable is simple to secure to clothing
- In-ear fit is more personal than an over-ear headphone
Buying tips
- Use the Rift S 3.5 mm jack for headphone audio only; route any headset microphone to the PC separately.
- Fit the Rift S first, then add headphones and recheck the rear fit wheel.
- Secure excess cable to your clothing and keep it clear of the DisplayPort and USB tether.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.