Audio-Technica ATH-GL3
The ATH-GL3 brings wide positional imaging and crisp game detail to a lightweight closed-back design, making effects and movement feel convincingly mapped around the player. MajorHifi praised its immersive spatial presentation and controlled cinematic lows, while SoundGuys highlighted balanced tuning, useful isolation, and practical detachable voice-chat hardware.
WATT RECOMMENDS
Save your favorites. Compare them anytime.
Create a free HiFi Hub account to save products to your Wishlist and compare your favorites side by side.
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
85/100
Comfort Fit
83/100
Build Quality
78/100
Features Usability
90/100
Value for Money
90/100
Pros
Wide, accurate soundstage and strong positional detail create an immersive gaming presentation.
Controlled, clear bass adds cinematic impact without overpowering other game sounds or vocals.
Detachable microphone, on-cup volume and mute controls, plus two included 3.5 mm cables make voice chat and device switching straightforward.
Cons
Treble can make hi-hats and cymbals sound thin or slightly hissy in music.
Comfort may fade after two or three hours because the unpadded headband and closed-back cups can become tiring or warm.
Midrange can become slightly muddy during especially loud, hectic game passages.
WATT RECOMMENDS
Save your favorites. Compare them anytime.
Create a free HiFi Hub account to save products to your Wishlist and compare your favorites side by side.
What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 85/100
The ATH-GL3 is tuned for clear, immersive gaming rather than outright musical richness. Reviewers praise its controlled low end, wide positional presentation and crisp detail, while noting some treble thinness and occasional midrange muddiness when games get especially loud or busy.
Bass
86/100
MajorHifi found the lows clear, cinematic, tight and controlled rather than artificially boosted. SoundGuys likewise heard bass that was present and enjoyable without overpowering vocals, though it described the overall bass weight as light.
Midrange
85/100
SoundGuys reports a consistent midrange that lets most instruments sound very good, and MajorHifi found it capable of texture and impact. The main caveat is slight muddiness during exceptionally loud, hectic passages.
Treble
81/100
MajorHifi praises crisp, clear highs that reveal subtle textures in games. SoundGuys found the upper range merely adequate in music, however, with hi-hats and cymbals sometimes sounding thin or hissy.
Resolution Detail
85/100
MajorHifi says subtle dynamic details come through well and contribute to an immersive experience. Its clear highs also uncover fine textures, though the reviews do not position the GL3 as a specialist music-listening headphone.
Soundstage Imaging
91/100
MajorHifi specifically praises a very wide sound field that accurately conveys the space around the player character. It found this spatial presentation consistently enhanced gaming immersion.
Dynamics
80/100
MajorHifi notes that the mids can add impact when required and that subtle dynamic details are audible. The reviews otherwise say little about large-scale punch, slam or dynamic contrast in music.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Comfort Fit
83/100
MajorHifi found the headset surprisingly lightweight and suitable for long gaming sessions. SoundGuys was more reserved: it found the GL3 comfortable for shorter stints but potentially tiring after two or three hours, with some creaking noted.
Build Quality
78/100
MajorHifi says the GL3 feels less sturdy than some Audio-Technica models, though it believes the design is intended for heavy use and longevity. SoundGuys' mention of creaking adds a practical reservation.
Features Usability
90/100
The headset includes a detachable boom microphone, an accessible mute button, on-cup volume control, and both single-plug and PC split 3.5 mm cables. These straightforward wired-gaming provisions were praised as especially useful for voice chat and switching between solo and multiplayer use.
Value for Money
90/100
At about $109, SoundGuys calls the GL3 an excellent entry-level choice, citing its solid tuning and acceptable ergonomics. It is presented as a versatile option for gaming as well as casual music listening, rather than a music-first audiophile headphone.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
No reviews found yet
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
Specifications
- Headphones
- Closed-back dynamic
- Type
- 45 mm
- Driver Diameter
- 10 to 35,000 Hz
- Frequency Response
- 98 dB/mW
- Sensitivity
- 45 ohms
- Impedance
- (without cable) Approx. 230 g (8.1 oz) / Approx. 237 g (8.4 oz) (including detachable microphone)
- Weight (microphone)
- Detachable cable (1.2 m (3.9’)/3.5 mm (1/8”) gold-plated stereo mini-plug/4 pole); Detachable cable for PC (3.0 m (9.8’)/3.5 mm (1/8”) gold-platedstereo mini-plug/3 pole x2)
- Cable - Detachable
- Electret condenser
- Microphone Type
- -43 dB (1 V/Pa, at 1 kHz)
- Microphone Sensitivity
- 30 to 20,000 Hz
- Microphone Frequency Response
- Hypercardioid
- Microphone Polar Pattern
- Detachable microphone with windscreen, detachable cable (1.2 m (3.9’)/3.5 mm (1/8”) gold-plated stereo mini-plug/4 pole), detachable cable for PC (3.0 m (9.8’)/3.5 mm (1/8”) gold-plated stereo mini-plug/3 pole x2)
Manufacturer's Description — Audio-Technica
ATH-GL3
The ATH-GL3 high-fidelity gaming headset offers a pure sound quality like no other. Inspired by the elemental power of earth, the grounded, closed-back design of the headphones make you hear and feel every moment of a game. The lightweight, wired gaming headset comes equipped with a detachable boom microphone, and built-in volume control and mute switch for convenient control. Compatible with PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, laptops, PCs, and other devices, the ATH-GL3 is the ultimate gaming headset, delivering an immersive experience.
The ATH-GL3 high-fidelity gaming headset offers a pure sound quality like no other. Inspired by the elemental power of earth, the grounded, closed-back design of the headphones make you hear and feel every moment of a game. The lightweight, wired gaming headset comes equipped with a detachable boom microphone, and built-in volume control and mute switch for convenient control. Compatible with PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, laptops, PCs, and other devices, the ATH-GL3 is the ultimate gaming headset, delivering an immersive experience.
Take your gaming experience to the next level with the ATH-GL3. Inspired by the elemental power of earth, the over-ear gaming headset provides excellent sound isolation. Its 45 mm drivers offer high-resolution audio and superior detail. Equipped with a flexible, detachable high-fidelity gaming microphone and weighing less than 230 grams, the lightweight headset provides crystal-clear communication and allows gamers to stream comfortably for hours on end.
Volume control dial and mute switch are conveniently located on the left earcup for easy control of the incoming sound and the microphone. The wired headset comes with two cables: a 3.0 m (9.8') cable with 3.5 mm (1/8") mic and headphone plugs for connecting to computers, and a 1.2 m (3.9') cable with a 3.5 mm (1/8") TRRS plug for connecting to PS5, Xbox Series X, and other gaming consoles.
Users can easily detach the earpads and headband for easy replacement. This wired headset is compatible with PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, laptops, PCs, and other devices with a standard 3.5 mm TRRS headset connector or with a separate mic input and headphone output.
If you’re looking for the best gaming headset with a professional quality microphone, the Audio-Technica ATH-GL3 is the perfect headset for you.
The Elemental Power of Earth
Arising from a deep heritage of Japanese analogue audio, Audio-Technica high-fidelity gaming headsets continue to deliver a purity of sound that’s all too rare in the gaming world. The elemental power of earth inspires the grounded, closed-back design of the ATH-GL3 headset, making you hear and feel every moment.
High-Fidelity Gaming
Inside the closed-back housings are large 45 mm drivers that provide high-resolution audio with exquisite detail. The left earcup has a built-in volume control dial and a mute switch for convenient control of the professional-quality boom microphone.
Extremely Lightweight
The grounded, closed-back design provides a truly immersive experience. But don’t mistake grounded for heavy. At less than 230 grams, the ATH-GL3 is extremely lightweight, allowing you to game for hours in comfort.
Closed-Back vs. Open-Back
Let’s explore the key differences between closed-back and open-back designs. Selecting the right form factor for your gaming situation will greatly enhance your listening experience.
Closed-Back vs. Open-Back
Closed-Back Characteristics A more closed/focused soundscape – creating a powerful audio experience Closed-back design keeps intense gaming isolated from others around you Blocks external distractions during gaming sessions An enhanced bass listening experience
Closed-Back vs. Open-Back
Open-Back Characteristics A more open/wide soundstage – as if the source is all around you Open earcup design uses less material resulting in an extremely lightweight headphone A cooler, more comfortable fit over extended play Stay aware of your surroundings during gaming sessions A more balanced fidelity listening experience
Kentaro Yoshida
Kentaro was born and raised in a rural fishing village in Toyama, Japan. At the age of 18, Kentaro decided to move to Australia in pursuit of the English language, sunny beaches and a more balanced lifestyle. After a decade, he is now an illustrator and artist, and is currently based in the Northern Beaches of Sydney.
Verified Dealers
Online Dealers
All Dealers
Zoom out the map to see more dealers
Authorized dealers for Audio-Technica ATH-GL3
- The Audio Association — in-store — Anaheim, California, United States (website)
- A1 Futureshop — online and in-store — North Rocks, New South Wales, Australia (website)
- Absolute Audio - Canada — in-store — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (website)
- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- Accesory Jack — online and in-store — New Territories, Hong Kong (website)
- Acclaim Sound and Light — online and in-store — North Bay, Ontario, Canada (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Acoustic Technologies — online and in-store — Montréal, Québec, Canada (website)
- Acton Gate Audio — online and in-store — Cymru, United Kingdom (website)
- Adorama — in-store — New York, New York, United States (website)
and 235 more verified dealers