Additional contributions by Christopher Coke and Joseph Bradford.
With the year’s end fast approaching it's time to do a final wrap-up of our favourite tech here at MMORPG.com for 2024. It's been a year full of updated existing tech, new, innovative ventures and some that took us completely by surprise. While it was a tough task to list only our very favourites, the list here has been a labor of love and our little Christmas gift to all of you. So, without further ado here is our list of Best Tech of 2024.
TL;DR - These are our favorite products this year
- Best Gaming Keyboard - Corsair K70 Pro TKL
- Best Enthusiast Keyboard - Meletrix Zoom75 TIGA
- Best Gaming Mouse - Razer Viper V3 Pro
- Best Gaming Headset - Audeze Maxwell Wireless
- Best Gaming Controller - SCUF Reflex (PS5)
- Best Mobile Gaming Controller - Backbone One
- Best Pre-Built PC (We’ve Reviewed) - Starforge Systems Voyager II
- Best PC Case (We’ve Reviewed) - NZXT H6 Flow
- Best PC Case Overall - HYTE Y70 Silver Wolf Case
- Best Webcam - Insta360 Link 2/Insta360 Link 2C
- Best Value Gaming Monitor - Xiaomi G Pro 27i
- Best Overall Gaming Monitor - ROG Swift OLED PG32UDP
- Best Gaming Chair - Secretlab Titan Evo - NanoGen Edition
- Best Chair Accessories - Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner, Secretlab SKINS Lite, Secretlab Professional Footrest
- Best Ergonomic Chair - Steelcase Gesture
- Best Audiophile (Golden Ear) Headphones - HIFIMAN HE-1000se
- Best IEM - Thieaudio Origin
- Best Streaming Bundle Item: Elgato Stream Deck +/ Elgato XLR Dock
- Best Audio Interface/Mixer for Streaming - Beacn Studio
- Most Exciting Trend This Year - Audiophile Gaming Headsets
Best Gaming Keyboard - Corsair K70 Pro TKL
Key Specs
- Get it here: $149.99 (Best Buy)
- Corsair MGX Hyperdrive Magnetic Pre-lubed Switches
- 8,000Hz Poll Rating
- Individual RGB LED Control
- Dedicated Keys and Customizable Control Dial
- Compatible with PC, Mac, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, PS4/5
What a year for gaming keyboards. While there have been some incredible releases this year, there’s one that strikes the perfect balance between price and performance: the Corsair K70 Pro TKL. In our review, we found that, not only was it incredibly responsive, but it was also impressively customizable and downright fund to play games on.
The keyboard debuted Corsair’s MGX Hyperdrive magnetic switches. Like its competitors, such as the Razer Huntsman Analog and Wooting 80HE, they’re linear but Corsair’s pre-lubrication process makes them exceptionally smooth and pleasant to hear when smashing keys and typing emails. It also features an 8000Hz polling rate so you’ll never miss a stroke.
Just as importantly, you can customize nearly every aspect of it. The K70 Pro TKL works hard to its Pro title.
From adjustable actuation points to rapid trigger and SOCD, to macros, key remaps, shortcut keys and more, it offers pro gamers every tool they’ll need to win a clutch match. It also offers incredible compatibility via both wireless and wired connections to a wide range of hardware. Onboard profile saves give gamers lots of customizable setups to work with. While other keyboards offer similar specs, Corsair manages to bring it all together in a wonderfully compact and premium package.
The K70 Pro TKL manages to bring it all together offering a premium, pro gamer keyboard at a more than reasonable price point making it our Best Gaming Keyboard for 2024.
Best Enthusiast Mechanical Keyboard - Meletrix Zoom75 TIGA
(and other Honorable Mentions)
Key Specs
- Get it here: Starting at $195 (Meletrix)
- Layout: 75% (Compact TKL)
- Connection: Wired or Wireless (Bluetooth/2.4GHz)
- Key Features: Plentiful color options, modular badge/key/screen area, full aluminum case, incredible customization options (plate, mounting, modular case parts), multiple foam options, unique cork “foam”
- Pre-assembled: No
If it was a great year for gaming keyboards, it was an even better year for enthusiast and custom mechanical keyboards. This year, we saw the hobby become more accessible than ever with an array of great pre-builts and custom keyboard kits like the Luminkey LK98, the Daring Run DR-70F, the WOBKey Rainy75, Chilkey ND75, Keychron Q1 HE, and many more. It’s one of the best ways to elevate your computing experience if you do a lot of typing, and it’s safe to say that you no longer have to spend an arm and a leg or even build it yourself to enjoy the custom mechanical keyboard experience.
But the Meletrix Zoom75 TIGA stands out from the pack. You have to build it yourself, which means bringing your own switches and keycaps, but Meletrix provides a wonderful array of options to ensure you have an end result that you’ll absolutely fall in love with. There are more colors options to choose from than any other brand we’ve encountered and you can buy extra parts to mix and match to design something completely your own. There are multiple mounting styles to choose from and different types of foam to choose that each impact the sound and feel you’ll experience when typing and gaming. There are different plates and different modules that you can swap into the right side if you don’t like the LCD screen. And thanks to advancements like its catch-ball system for tool-less disassembly and magnetic POGO pin mounting, you can complete the build easily even if you’ve never attempted one before. All of this for $195… these same features would have easily cost double that only two or three years ago.
Of course, there were lots of great enthusiast keyboards this year and they absolutely deserve mention. The Freya from Wuque Studio was especially striking with its large screen and intricate case design. Angry Miao released banger after banger, starting with the Relic 80 and rounding out with the RGB show-stopper, the Neon 80. Wind Studio was also out to impress with its Wind X80, a TKL with a classy sense of style and great typing experience.
This is a multi-award category for sure; 2024 was a banner year for mechanical keyboards.
Best Gaming Mouse - Razer Viper V3 Pro
Key Specs
- Get it here: $159.99 (Amazon)
- Razer Hyperspeed Wireless For Up To 8,000 Poll Rating
- Focus Pro 35K Optical Sensor Gen-2
- Max Sensitivity (DPI) of 35,000
- Max Speed (IPS) of 750
- Optical Mouse Switches Gen-3
There is so much preference involved in picking the best mouse, from weight to design, it can be difficult to pick the best mouse. With that in mind, our pick is an all-around excellent gaming mouse that can accommodate most gamers. We are speaking, of course, of the Razer Viper V3 Pro. Carrying with it Razer’s long history of mouse design, the Viper V3 Pro manages to pack some impressive tech into a compact and sleek design.
As noted in our review, the Viper V3 Pro “has undergone one of the most significant reworks in its history.”From the Focus Pro 35K Optical Sensor Gen-2 to the Optical Mouse Switches Gen-3, the Viper V3 Pro has been reworked from the ground up to offer one of the most precise mice experiences available. Impressive battery life also means that you’ll have no problem keeping up during those long gaming sessions and its ergonomic design makes it highly adaptable for a wide range of gamers.
While there have been some excellent gaming mice released this year, the Razer Viper V3 Pro manages to find the sweet spot between form and function. These elements combined make it our top pick for Best Gaming Mouse of 2024.
Best Gaming Headset - Audeze Maxwell
Key Specs
- Get it here: $299.99 (Amazon)
- Over-ear Closed-Back Design
- Planer Magnetic 90mm Drivers
- Fluxor Magnetic Array
- Ultra-Thin Uniforce Diaphragm
- Frequency Response of 10Hz-50kHz
While there have been some incredible line refreshes this year (I’m looking at you Turtle Beach), none have come close to the incredible Audeze Maxwell wireless gaming headset. Audeze, made its name on bringing planar magnetic drivers into the headphone world, targeting and achieving mass success with audio enthusiasts. It knows how to make a great pair of headphones, but it has also earned a lot of respect with its various gaming headsets. The Maxwell is easily the best wireless gaming headset it has ever made and is the best gaming headset of the year by a significant margin.
The Maxwell blends the best parts of gaming headsets with audiophile-tier acoustics. IIt's stand-out 90mm drivers deliver an incredible soundscape, complete with powerful bass and impressive detail. There are multiple sound modes to match your needs straight out of the box too, so whether you’re looking for those all-important footsteps, big bass for those cinematic explosions, or an immersive listening experience for your favorite MMORPG, this headstand stands ready to deliver.
It’s not all about the sound you hear, however: it’s also about what your teammates don’t hear. It’s microphone — developed in collaboration with Shure, makers of some of the most popular broadcase microphones ever made — features AI noise cancellation and it’s more than a little impressive. Your partner could be vacuuming in the same room and all your roommates will hear is a gentle hum behind your own dulcet tones.
The Audeze Maxwell is large, in charge, and our pick for Gaming Headset of the Year.
Best Gaming Controller - SCUF Reflex Pro (PS5)
Key Specs
- Get it here: Starting at $209.99 (SCUF Gaming)
- Adaptive Triggers and rumble
- Lightweight build
- Remappable paddle buttons on back
- Non-slip grip keeps controller comfortable and in place during tense gameplay
- Works on PS5 and PC
Over the years the DualSense controller design has grown on me to the point where when I reach for a controller at my PC, I typically reach for the DualSense first. SCUF’s Reflext Pro brings everything I love about the DualSense controller, from its adaptive triggers to the incredible pin point rumble feature that truly draws me into whatever gaming experience I’m in. It’s also lightweight, which makes marathon sessions a bit easier to manage.
I also appreciate the non-slip grip on the controller, though I’ll admit it took a bit to get used to going from Sony’s smooth design. The paddles on the back are also great for shooters, keeping my thumbs squarely on the sticks where they belong, and even in MMOs they’ve come in handy, especially games like Black Desert which uses quite a few button combinations to pull off its elaborate combos. It’s not cheap, but I daresay it’s a higher build quality than the pro or elite controllers Microsoft and Sony have been putting out in recent years, so it’s worth the cost of admission.
Best Mobile Gaming Controller - Backbone One
Key Specs
- Get it here: $99.99 (Backbone)
- Comes with either a Lightning port for older iPhones or a USB-C connection for newer iPhone/Android models
- Build quality is incredible for the price
- Buttons do not have the mushy feel many mobile controllers have nowadays
- Swappable paddles allow for a great fit for any device
- Allows for a direct connection to charge your phone while playing, as well as a 3.5mm audio jack for those using IEMs to game
I love the Backbone One. I know, I know, many people don’t see mobile gaming as real gaming, but those people just don’t understand the breadth of experiences you can have on the go. Mobile MMO-Lites like Genshin Impact single with the Backbone controller, while games like Balatro feel so good to play with this controller, enabling that “one more run” feeling more than if I were tapping a screen.
The Backbone One has a few legs up on its competition as well, namely it’s pass-through charging. While I really love the SCUF Nomad (which is the same price), its Bluetooth connection means I don’t have a way to charge my phone while using the controller effectively. The Backbone solves this with a pass-through port, while the controller itself doesn’t use too much power itself if you happen to be somewhere you can’t connect to an outlet.
While I don’t like that Backbone wants you to subscribe to their service to get the full power of their app, the app itself isn’t inherently necessary to use the controller properly, whether you’re playing an app natively on your device or streaming using Nvidia Geforce Now, Steam Link, or Xbox Cloud Gaming. It’s also lightweight and small, making it easy to stuff in a backpack and carry around anywhere you go. And the PlayStation edition looks great and doesn’t cost any extra, in case you want that aesthetic.
Best Pre-Built PC (That We Reviewed) - Starforge Systems Voyager II
Key Specs:
- Get it here: $2599 - (Starforge Systems)
- Custom Pre-built PC from expert builders
- Powerful PC equipped to handle streaming, gaming, or both
- 2TB NVMe Storage is really nice out-of-the-box
- Large case allows for easy upgradeability, while cases can be customized with different prints and platelights for a more personalized PC experience
- 2-year full parts and labor warranty
The Starforge Systems Voyager II surprised me when I reviewed it earlier this year. As someone who really enjoys building PCs, the idea that a pre-built could become my go-to recommendation for anyone looking at upgrading from a console or buying their first PC was out of my mind until I fired up the Voyager earlier this year.
Equipped with an Intel i7-14700K and a powerful Nvidia Geforce RTX 4070 Ti Super, 2TB of fast NVMe m.2 storage, custom liquid cooling, and 32GB of blazing speed DDR5 RAM, this PC is directly targeted at someone looking for high-performance gaming, or maybe want to dabble in a bit of content creation - or both. The PC is so powerful it’s become our new test bench for graphics cards reviews for 2025.
Additionally, the support from the Starforge Systems team is worth the build cost. While we didn’t experience issues with our Voyager II sample, the Navigator line PC we reviewed earlier this year ran into a catastrophic failure - something the Starforge team took seriously and within days had drop-shipped us a second sample to resolve the issue. The customer support is no joke, and it’s a company I trust to send my friends to spend their hard-earned money when in the market for a stellar new rig.
Best PC Case (That We Reviewed) - NZXT H6 Flow
Key Specs
- Get it here: $134.99 (Amazon)
- Dual-Chamber Mid-Tower Design
- Tempered Glass Front and Side for Optimal Viewing
- Supports Max GPU size of 365mm
- Supports ATX, Micro-ATX and Mini ATX Motherboards
- Impressive Fan Support with 45° Mounting
The NZXT H6 Flow is a dual-chamber, fishbowl-designed PC case that takes the cake for the best PC case of 2024 — of those we reviewed. Designed to maximize airflow and keep everything running nice and cool, the H6 Flow’s design can accommodate a wide range of parts and cooling systems. Supporting ATX to Mini-ATX motherboards, the H6 Flow can flex to support a host of builds.
A standout feature, as we highlighted in our original review is the 45° angle in the front corner of the case that houses the three intake fans. This design allows for better-cooling thanks to its more directed airflow while still allowing for the front glass panel. The dual-chamber design also makes cable management a dream, turning this case into the ideal framework for our PC builds.
The NZXT H6 Flow is a superb case for builders looking to add a unique look and flair to their setup and is why we picked it as the best PC case that we’ve reviewed this year.
Best PC Case (With a Review on the Way) - HYTE Y70 Silver Wolf Case
Key Specs
- Get it here: $299.99 (HYTE)
- Standard Edition: $199.99 (Amazon)
- Dual-Chamber Mid-Tower ATX case
- Limited Edition Honkai: Star Rail custom printing
- Tempered Glass Front and Side for Optimal Viewing
- Massive Amount of Expansion Slot Space
HYTE cases are known for their quality, and the Y70 case is one of the best the company has to offer, with its incredible amount of build space inside the case, incredible amount of expansion slots, and its three tempered glass sides that allow for optimal viewing into the powerful PC components inside.
The case also includes a luxury PCIE 4.0 riser cable for easy GPU installation, and its massive size allows for optimal airflow to keep components cool under pressure, especially with room for multiple 360mm radiators (the case has the capacity for 10 separate fans).
However, the Silver Wolf collaboration makes this case even better with its custom colorway, incredible artwork of Hoyoverse’s Honkai: Star Rail character, as well as custom fan shrouds based on the character. It’s definitely worth a look for the most ardent Silver Wolf fan.
Best Webcam - Insta360 Link 2/Insta360 Link 2C
Key Specs
- Get it here: Insta360 Link 2 - $179.99 (Amazon) Insta360 Link 2C - $149.99 (Amazon)
- ½” Sensor
- 1.8 Aperture
- Resolution: 4K30fps, 108060fps
- Built-In Microphone
- HDR Support
This year has seen some excellent additions and advancements in webcams. Our pick though has to be the Insta360 Link 2 and as a bonus its little brother the Link 2C. The Link 2 offers some of the best AI tracking we’ve tested this year and features an exceptionally crisp, almost DSLR-like picture. If you aren’t interested in spending big on a full mirrorless camera and capture card setup, this webcam will allow you to achieve results so close that your viewers won’t tell the difference.
With a built-in gimbal and an impressive half-inch sensor, the Link 2 offers 4K30 capture solid autofocus and color correction. While our review covered both versions of the Insta360 Link, the most notable element of the Link 2 was the aforementioned AI. Its quick response time, impressive autofocus and white balance make it some of the best AI technology we’ve tested in a web camera.
Its smart tracking, gesture control and impressive noise cancellation raised the bar on what we can expect from a webcam.
It’s a killer pick, even compared to great alternatives like the OBSBOT Meet 2 and OBSBOT Tiny 2, which are both impressive in their own right. In fact, if you’re looking for a compact webcam that doesn’t sacrifice on image quality, we would recommend the Meet 2 over the Link 2C, so consider it an award winner too!It is hands down our favorite Webcam from 2024 offering everything needed to up your virtual meetings.
Best Value Gaming Monitor - Xiaomi G Pro 27i
.jpg)
Key Specs
- Get it here: $369.99 (Amazon)
- Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440
- Refresh Rate: 180Hz
- Panel Type: IPS, Mini-LED
- Local Dimming Zones: 1,152
The Xiaomi G Pro 27i is the best monitor you can buy under $400, period. While it may not be the cheapest monitor you can buy, there’s no questioning its value as Xiaomi designed this to be a market disruptor. For $369, you’re getting an accurate IPS panel that runs up to 180Hz at 1440p resolution at 27 inches. In other words, you won’t need a top-of-the-line PC to push this monitor to its limits but can still count on an incredible picture thanks to its pixel density.
The real killer feature here is its mini-LED backlight. While it’s possible to find mini-LED gaming monitors for even less than this, they, well… they’re not very good. The G Pro 27i breaks the mould thanks to its 1,152 local dimming zones. This allows it to isolate lights and darks across its panel with a minimum of blooming. Peak brightness reaches above 1,000 nits, too, so in addition to deep and inky blacks, highlights absolutely pop. And since it’s not an OLED (which still takes the cake for contrast), you don’t need to worry about limited SDR brightness or burn-in.
Frankly, it’s incredible how much you’re getting for the cost of entry with this display.
Editor’s Note: [Chris]: I tested this display alongside Matt and was blown away. I review monitors for a living and came to this monitor from several top-of-the-line OLED gaming monitors costing well over $1,000. This display gets you as close as you can get without paying hundreds more for its closest equivalent. Don’t sleep on this display.
Best Overall Gaming Monitor - ROG Swift OLED PG32UDP
Key Specs
- Get it here: $1,199.99 (Amazon)
- 32-inch 4K (3840x2160) WOLED
- ROG Anti-Flicker Technology
- Dual Mode 4K at 240Hz. FHD at 480Hz
- G-SYNC Compatible
- Auto KVM support
The ROG Swift OLED PG32UDP is our best overall monitor pick for 2024. While it will cost you a pretty penny it's worth every dime. This 32” WOLED display is packed to the bezel with features and technology to take your gaming to the next level. Chief among them is the new dual-mode display that allows for viewing at a beautiful 4K at 240Hz or FHD at 480Hz. In essence, the monitor adapts to support your rig making it adaptable to your needs.
On top of this, the ROG Swift OLED PG32UDP comes with some of ROG’s latest Anti-flicker tech, G-SYNC support and even a built-in KVM allowing you to support multiple systems on the fly. Pushing that customization one step further, ROG has thrown in customizable aspect ratios allowing you to shift the aspect to support both 24.5” and 27” accommodating for your preferred method of viewing.
This accommodation for a wide range of gamers, built-in KVM and incredible WOLED panel make the Swift a thing of beauty. When all of these elements are combined the ROG Swift OLED PG32UDP is all-around an incredible monitor and deserves our pick for best overall gaming monitor.
Best Gaming Chair - Secretlab Titan Evo - NanoGen Edition
Key Specs
- Get it here: $799.99 (Secretlab)
- Upholstery: NanoGen Hybrid Leatherette
- Key Features: Softer, more breathable upholstery, softer cushion, improved durability
- Ergonomic Adjustments: Height, recline, tilt/tilt lock, 4D armrests
- Maximum Weight: 285 lbs
Gaming chairs get a bad rap for their ergonomics, but that’s just not true with the Secretlab Titan Evo - NanoGen Edition. This new version of the classic Titan Evo is not only the best gaming chair the company has ever produced, it’s the absolute best of the year. The secret behind Secretlab’s revision is its improved Nanogen Hybrid Leatherette upholstery and a new, softer seat cushion. The closest comparison is Brisa ultra fabric, a material you’ll typically only find on luxury products that vie for your mortgage payment. It’s exceptionally soft, breathable, and is multiple times more durable than traditional PU leather. Don’t knock it until you try it because this is genuinely something different than any other gaming chair in the market.
This fabric is complemented by a suite of other features that make it worth saving for. The 4D armrests are exceptionally adjustable and offer the kind of comfort every gaming chair should offer and bafflingly doesn’t. Their PlushCell foam toppers, trimmed in soft velour provide you with a perpetual sense of comfort. It also comes with a magnetic neck pillow made out of similarly soft foam. Unlike many neck pillows that just force your neck forward, this one contours to match your neck and is, well, an actual pillow. You’ll want to use it and not just throw it to the side like other racing chair “pillows.”
This model also comes with all of the same ergonomic features as the standard Titan Evo. It includes an adjustable lumbar that shifts up and down as well as in and out, so every gamer can find a fit. You can adjust height, tilt, and recline. The only thing we wish it had was a seat depth adjuster, but at the rate Secretlab is going, they might just release an update for that too.
Which brings us to…
Best Gaming Chair Accessories - Secretlab Ergonomic Recliner, Professional Footrest, and SKINS Lite
While it might seem a little odd to have a section just for gaming chair accessories, but Secretlab has really challenged convention with the different products it has offered this year. For starters, we have the Ergonomic Recliner, which is a game-changer. It’s able to attach to any Titan or Omega chair in just a couple of minutes thanks to its easy clamp-based attachment system. But, unlike every other gaming chair “recliner” we’ve seen, this is the only one that actually works like a real recliner. It comes with a separate lever to raise it and unlock it to fold down under your chair when not in use. The pillow is so comfy too. With this accessory, we finally found ourselves taking naps in our Titan!
Secretlab’s SKINS were one of the most innovative accessories you could get for your chair when they first launched back in 2022. They’re exactly what the name implies, a fast way to make your chair look like a completely different version with a slip-on sleeve that’s so form-fitting, the end product genuinely looks like a new chair. This year, the company debuted its SKINS Lite line-up, a more affordable version that looks no less perfectly matched. It even launched with a killer World of Warcraft version that we reviewed and were impressed by.
The final accessory has turned out to be one of our favorites — and one of the most unexpected to be saying that about: the Secretlab Professional Footrest. Yes, a footrest. But hold the phone — this isn’t just any footrest. It’s topped with PlushCell memory foam and brings that pillowy comfort to your feet. It also has a foot-activated lever to change its angle without getting up from your desk. Secretlab sent one over to for our editor, Chris, to try and it hasn’t left his desk since. It’s even getting a foot warmer attachment soon that we can’t wait to try. If you have a chilly workspace, it has a natural appeal.
Other chair brands, wise up. There’s more you could be doing to keep your chairs interesting and evolving! Secretlab has lead the way this year.
Best Ergonomic/Office Style Chair - Steelcase Gesture
Key Specs
- Get it here: Starting at $1,399 (Steelcase, Amazon)
- Upholstery: 34 options, three fabric types (Era, Cogent: Connect, Billiard Multi Use), Elmosoft Leather
- Key Features: Fantastic support, designed for modern use (phones, computers, gaming, etc.), industry leading armrests
- Ergonomic Adjustments: 360 degree arms, 3D Liveback, seat depth, adjustable lumbar, waterfall seat, optional headrest, tilt tension, variable backstop
- Maximum Weight: 400 lbs
The Steelcase Gesture is the rare product that earned our coveted 10 out of 10, “Masterpiece,” rating. It’s the most comfortable, most supportive, most adjustable chair we’ve ever reviewed. Steelcase is known for making high-end performance task chairs and the Gesture is its current flagship. Sit in it once and adjust it for your body and you’ll immediately understand why.
The Gesture is made to match your body and gives you a huge array of adjustments to ensure just that. You can adjust the seat depth, lumbar position, tilt tension, and height. It features the company’s LiveBack design, allowing the backrest to shift and adapt to you as you move. The optional headrest comes in clutch and is simply one of the best available in ergonomic seating today with its three-dimensional adjustments, large size, and ample padding.
If there’s one feature that really sells it, though, it’s the armrests. These “360-degree” armrests have more in common with monitor arms than task chair armrests. The arms pivot and shift up and down, in and out, and rotate. The actual armrests have soft tops and have all of the adjustments you would expect (depth, angle, width) with an even wider range of adjustment than you would typically expect. All of these features combine to ensure that you have the perfect arm support no matter what you’re doing. From holding a controller, to typing at a desk, to scrolling on your phone, they’re perfect.
The Gesture really is that good and, as we said in our review, is worth every penny — even with its high price.
Best Audiophile (Golden Ear) Headphones - HIFIMAN HE-1000se
Key Specs
- Get it here: $1,699.99 (Amazon)
- Asymmetric Earcup Design
- Acoustically Invisible Stealth Magnets
- Nanometer Thickness diaphragm
- 35 Ohmn Impedance
- Frequency Response: 8Hz-65kHz
If ever there was a subjective category the “best,” it would be audiophile headphones. However, it’s one of the areas we’ve excelled at with our Golden Ears column and we’ve tested more than our fair share. Though it recently launched a new “Unveiled” version we’ve yet to test, our favorite pair of headphones this year is the HIFIMAN HE-1000se (reviewed here). They’re not cheap, but are highly regarded and all it takes is a single listen to understand why.
These premium headphones offer a calibre of clarity and detail you won’t find in lower-tier headphones — and that includes headphones that are still $1,000, even within HIFIMAN’s own catalog. Its large planar magnetic drivers are flanked with wide-open grilles for an incredibly spacious and detailed sound. You’ll hear every single detail that makes up your favorite songs, but just as importantly, they’ll become your new best friend for gaming. These headphones are revealing in the best possible way. Though some may find them slightly light in the low end, they offer the equivalent of jumping from 1080p to 4K in your ears. It’s no exaggeration. Even if you can’t buy them for yourself, we recommend stopping by your local HiFi store and taking them for a test run. These are class-leading headphones that reveal what next-level listening holds if you have the budget to dive into the deep-end of the audio hobby.
Best In-Ear Monitors - Thieaudio Origin
Key Specs
- Get it here: $849.99 - Linsoul
- 8 Driver System
- Frequency response: 20Hz-44kHz
- Impedance: 9 ohms @1kHz
- Sensitivity: 102dB (±1dB) @ 1kHz
- Included plugs: 3.5mm and 4.4mm
Sticking with the theme of premium audio tech, where should you turn if you don’t want an over-ear pair of headphones? Our pick for Best In-Ear Monitor of the year goes to the Thieaudio Origin. Featuring an 8-driver configuration composed of a dynamic driver, four balanced armatures, two electrostatic drivers, and a bone conduction driver, this pair of IEMs is not only unique, but demonstrates why Thieaudio has climbed to the top of the industry as quickly as it has. They’re fantastic.
The Origin offers incredible detail and a versatile tuning all in a compact yet beautiful package. The mix of drivers ensures top-tier resolution that’s perfect for revealing each nuance in your favorite music or game. The electrostatic drivers add high frequency detail and “air” to create a sense of space while the bone conduction driver lends music and games a unique texture that’s almost elastic to the ear.
If it all sounds a bit complicated don’t worry, we unpack it all nicely in our review. Suffice it to say that the result is a superior audio experience that provides a rich, full, bass-forward soundscape that is a delight to listen to. As for quality, the hard resin shell is incredibly durable making them ideal for traveling musicians. As an added level of design prestige, each set of Origins is hand-painted making each pair unique.
Best Streaming Bundle: Elgato Stream Deck +/ Elgato XLR Dock
Key Specs
- Get it here:
- Elgato Stream Deck + - $179.99 (Amazon), Elgato XLR Dock - $119.99 (Amazon)
- Bundle - Elgato Stream Deck + and XLR Dock for Stream Deck + - $249.99 (Elgato)
- Stream Deck + is endlessly customizable with Elgato’s powerful software suite
- 8-Large face buttons, 4 customizable dials and a handy touchscreen to control your whole PC
- XLR Dock powers your favorite XLR mic while utilizing Elgato’s great Wave Link software
- Everything is powered by a single USB cable, freeing up I/O on your PC
I love the Stream Deck +. It has changed the way I interact with my PC, whether it be video editing, audio mixing, podcasting, streaming - or just quickly taking screenshots in a game with a simple push of a button. It’s become my go-to productivity tool while working or gaming. What I didn’t like was having a separate XLR mixer on my desk at the same time to power my Rode Podmic. The XLR Dock changes that, fitting snugly onto the back of the Stream Deck +, allowing for a single USB connection to my PC. The powerful studio preamp in the dock powers my mic effortlessly, and Elgato has come a long way with its mic effects, such as noise gates, EQ presets and more.
If you’re still using a USB mic and have no need for the XLR dock, the Stream Deck + is still an invaluable tool to help daily drive your PC. For those who don’t need the Stream Deck but want to use their XLR mic effortlessly, we recommend….
Best Audio Interface/Mixing Device for Streaming: Beacn Studio
Key Specs
- Get it here: $249 (Amazon)
- Industry first dual-PC audio control on one device
- Onboard real-time processing of audio effects, freeing up system resources
- Powerful headphone amp as well as studio-grade XLR preamp
- Beacn’s software unlocks so much potential to get the best sounding audio possible on your stream, podcast, and more
I’m a massive fan of Beacn. While I do use the Rode Podmic on occasion, as mentioned above, my normal daily driver is Beacn’s Mic we reviewed a few years back. So when I learned Beacn had come out with another product to help streamers and content creators, I was intrigued. This time, the company is targeting those who might already have a stellar mic they love but want to take advantage of the bevy of features Beacn’s excellent mixing software has to offer.
Enter the Beacn Studio, an XLR dock that, in effect, is so much more than just simply that. It’s an audio mixer, it can effortlessly combine audio streams to allow for the industry’s first dual-PC audio controller on the market, and it takes advantage of all of the powerful voice and EQ effects available in Beacn’s software on any mic connected. Best part is all this is handled on the Studio device itself, freeing up system resources in order to have a higher quality stream, higher framerate in your games, and more.
While it lacks the overall features of the Stream Deck + in terms of its productivity, if you’ve already got a Stream Deck but need a powerful audio interface, especially if you’re dual-PC streaming, the Beacn Studio is worth every penny.
Most Exciting Trend of the Year
Perhaps the most exciting trend we’ve seen this year is the bending of audiophile and gaming headphone technology. While traditionally these two techs lived comfortably in their own separate spaces, this year has seen the marriage of these two worlds to some interesting results. While the Audeze Maxwell is an excellent example of this trend we would be remiss if we didn’t note some others that have come out this year.
The Beyerdynamic MMX 300 pro deadset, for example, offers a wired gaming experience but features a redesign of the classic beyerdynamic driver found in the DT 990 Pro, classic audiophile headphones from the same company. Their streamlined and simple design makes them an excellent plug-and-play option and their low impedance means they work incredibly well in a host of hardware applications.
Another great example is the Meze Audio 99 Classics with the attachable Meze Boom Mic. Meze took a bit of a different approach here and married their excellent audiophile level Classics with gaming hardware in the form of a boom mic. While the result was interesting the fact that companies that once avoided the gaming industry are now innovating and experimenting is something to celebrate.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, our collection of Editor’s Choice award winners for our favorite tech of the year. It has been an exciting year for hardware and it shows no sign of slowing in 2025 (especially if you’re interested in AI!) and we’ve enjoyed sharing it with you. While this is our list, we would love to hear what your favorite tech was this year. Let us know what you think in the comments below and thank you for joining us in the journey that is this article and our coverage throughout the year and into the next!
Purchasing products through the affiliate links included in this article will result in a small commission for the site. Authors are not compensated based on clicks or commissions.
