Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The ASUS ROG Kithara is a wired, open-back gaming headset aimed at people who want spacious, detailed sound for games and music—not wireless convenience or a long list of gaming controls. Reviews praise its listening experience, but its open design leaks sound and blocks little outside noise. That makes it a better fit for a quiet, private room than a commute, shared space, or noisy gaming setup.
What kind of headset is the ROG Kithara?
ASUS announced the Kithara on January 6, 2026, calling it “the first ROG high-fidelity planar magnetic gaming headset.” Developed with HIFIMAN, it uses ROG-customized 100 mm planar magnetic drivers in a wired, open-back design. Those are manufacturer specifications, not independent measurements of sound quality. ASUS ROG’s announcement and specifications
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
ASUS lists a headphone frequency response of 8 Hz–55 kHz and a full-band MEMS boom microphone response of 20 Hz–20 kHz. A broad frequency-response specification does not, by itself, show that a headset will sound better or help you play better; the listening impressions from reviewers are more useful for understanding the experience.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
How does it sound in games and music?
Reviews generally frame the Kithara as a sound-first headset. RTINGS describes its tuning as closer to studio headphones than a typical consumer headset and highlights spacious ear cups. PC Gamer focuses on the large planar drivers and describes an engaging listening experience. Tom’s Guide praises spacious, detailed sound and its use for both games and music. These are reviewers’ assessments, not results from a listening test for this article.
#1 Best Overall
- ROG-tuned 100mm HIFIMAN planar magnetic drivers: Audiophile-grade fidelity across an ultra-wide frequency range with vivid detail and exceptionally low distortion
- Open-back architecture: Spacious, natural soundstage with clear separation across bass, mids, and treble
- On-cable full-band MEMS boom microphone: Accurate voice pickup with a wide 20Hz–20kHz response and high SNR for clean, lifelike communication
- Broad compatibility and plug-and-play convenience: 4.4mm balanced plug included, plus 3.5mm and 6.3mm single-ended plugs, and a USB-C adapter for seamless compatibility with DACs, amps, PCs, consoles, and mobile devices
- Premium build for durability and comfort: Soft, eight-level adjustable headband, robust metal frame, and hinges, and sleek earcup with signature ROG elements
That combination may appeal if you want to move between immersive games and music without choosing a headset designed mainly around gaming effects or onboard features. But planar drivers alone do not guarantee accurate positional cues or a competitive advantage. If you mainly want wireless play, chat controls, or digital surround features, the Kithara’s priorities may not match yours.
Will its open-back design work in your room?
Open-back ear cups allow air and sound to pass through the rear of the ear cup. This can contribute to the spacious presentation reviewers describe, but it also means the Kithara provides little isolation: you may hear people and other room noise, while people nearby may hear your game or music.
Rank #2
- Own Your Look: Experience the bold, sleek design of this RGB gaming headset, featuring customizable side-facing lighting powered by LIGHTSYNC RGB in up to 16.8 million colors
- Command Your Voice: Best in class voice clarity with full bandwidth 48 khz/16 bit microphone for crystal-clear in-game communication and broadcast-quality audio streaming
- Immerse Yourself: State-of-the art PRO-G audio drivers deliver synchronized 48 khz/24 bit audio for exceptional sound quality, low distortion, and rich bass on this wireless headset
- Play Free: Choose your listening mode, LIGHTSPEED wireless on PC for busy environments, Bluetooth for mobile devices, or wired USB A-USB C for uninterrupted play
- Flex Your Game: Designed for style, comfort, and durability, the lightweight 280 g build features a washable suspension band and rounded cushion ear cups for an upgraded fit
- Good setting: a quiet room where you can listen without disturbing anyone.
- Poor fit: a shared room, noisy office, commute, or other setting where you need privacy or isolation.
- Portability: RTINGS notes that the headset is poorly suited to travel and that a carrying case is not included.
What features and connections does it include?
The Kithara is wired-only. ASUS lists a 4.4 mm balanced plug, 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm single-ended plugs, and a USB-C-to-dual-3.5 mm adapter for laptops and mobile devices. ASUS describes compatibility with most DACs, amplifiers, PCs, and gaming consoles. That range of plugs gives you connection options, but it does not mean you need to buy a separate DAC or amplifier.
Microphone operation can depend on the device and connection path. Before buying, check ASUS’s ROG Kithara support FAQ for the platform and microphone setup you intend to use.
Rank #3
- Stunning Sound: Hear everything from the lightest footstep to the most thundering explosion thanks to premium, custom-tuned 50mm high-density neodymium audio drivers with an expanded frequency range of 20Hz-30,000Hz.
- Enduring Comfort: Breathable microfiber mesh fabric and plush memory foam earpads keep you comfortable even during long gaming sessions.
- Low-Latency 2.4GHz Wireless: Connect wirelessly to your PC or PS4* with the included USB adapter.
- Optimized Omnidirectional Microphone: Picks up your voice with exceptional clarity, with a flip-up mute function and a built-in LED mute indicator.
- Durable Construction with Aluminum Yokes: Built to last through years of gaming
Review coverage also notes omissions compared with feature-rich gaming headsets. PC Gamer points to the lack of digital surround, RGB, chat mix, and onboard volume control. If those conveniences matter more to you than a sound-focused design, account for that trade-off before choosing it.
What do reviewers say about comfort, microphone, and build?
Comfort and build assessments are not uniform. RTINGS identifies comfort and spacious ear cups as positives, while Tom’s Guide criticizes the headband and build. Tom’s Guide also criticizes the microphone. Treat those as publication-specific impressions rather than settled defects or guarantees; fit, comfort, and microphone needs can vary with the user and setup.
Rank #4
- Versatile Tri-Mode Connectivity: Features Bluetooth, 2.4GHz (via ROG SpeedNova wireless technology), and USB-C wired connection options for extensive compatibility. Enjoy lag-free audio across gaming, music, and everyday use.
- Multi-Platform Compatibility: Works seamlessly across multiple devices including PC and Mac, consoles such as PlayStation (PS4/PS5), Nintendo (Switch 1/Switch 2), and mobile. The ROG Pelta is also the top choice as a ROG xbox Ally / Ally X accessories and headset.
- Immersive High-Fidelity Audio: 50mm titanium-plated diaphragm drivers ensure rich, detailed sound with wide 20 Hz–20 kHz frequency response.
- Super-Wideband Microphone: Features a 10mm detachable boom mic with a super-wideband frequency range to ensure your voice is captured with exceptional clarity and detail during intense team battles, streaming, and online calls, including for work.
- Ergonomic, Lightweight Comfort: Weighing only 309 grams with a breathable, three-level adjustable elastic headband, this over-ear headset is engineered for maximum comfort during extended gaming without pressure or fatigue.
Windows Central lists the Kithara at 420 g, a secondary-source specification. Check the current ASUS specification sheet before relying on that figure for a purchase decision.
How much does it cost?
ASUS USA’s product page listed a $299.99 US retail price when accessed in 2026 and also displayed a promotional price of $266.99. Windows Central’s 2026 reference listed $264.99 at Amazon and $299.99 at Best Buy. These are dated snapshots, not guaranteed current prices; check the retailer’s listing for your region, current availability, and total cost before purchasing. ASUS USA product page · Windows Central review and retailer references
Best Value
- Versatile Tri-Mode Connectivity: Features Bluetooth, 2.4GHz (via ROG SpeedNova wireless technology), and 3.5mm wired connection options for extensive compatibility
- Multi-Platform Compatibility: Comptaible with PC and Mac, PlayStation (PS4/PS5), Xbox (Series X|S and One), Nintendo (Switch 1/Switch 2), and mobile. The ROG Delta II is also the top ROG xbox Ally / Ally X accessories choice
- DualFlow Audio: Simultaneously connect to two devices via 2.4GHz and Bluetooth. This wireless gaming headset makes it easy to switch between PC, console, and mobile audio or pick up phone calls with a single press of the earcup button
- Immersive High-Fidelity Audio: Over-ear headphones equipped with 50mm titanium-plated diaphragm drivers, delivering high-resolution 24-bit/96 kHz audio (in 2.4GHz mode) to create natural, realistic audio for an gaming, music, and everyday use
- Super-Wideband Microphone: Features a 10mm detachable boom mic with a super-wideband frequency range to ensure your voice is captured with exceptional clarity and detail during intense team battles, streaming, and online calls, including for work
Who should buy the ROG Kithara?
- Consider it if you play and listen in a quiet, private space, prefer a wired connection, and value a sound-focused headset for both games and music.
- Look elsewhere if you need wireless operation, sound isolation, a travel-ready design, or gaming controls and features such as chat mix and onboard volume adjustment.
- Check first if microphone behavior on your exact platform is essential, or if comfort and fit are deciding factors.
At roughly $300 in the cited US price references, the Kithara makes the most sense when its open-back listening experience is the main reason you are buying a headset. Its sound-oriented appeal is supported by reviewer impressions, but the design asks you to give up isolation and several common gaming conveniences.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
