The first open-back planar magnetic Asus ROG headset is here, and it's another win for audiophile gamers

Asus ROG has launched the brand-new ROG Kithara, the first open-back planar magnetic gaming headset for the brand.

Originally unveiled at CES 2026 earlier this year, the pair of cups was developed alongside HiFIMAN, a Chinese audiophile company known for the use of planar magnetic audio products. Unlike the dynamic drives found in plenty of the best gaming headsets in the market today, the Asus ROG Kithara is equipped with 100mm planar magnetic drivers with an 8Hz - 55 kHz frequency response. It's this, combined with its open-back design, which helps the Kithara deliver an "uncompromising audiophile-grade sound" for gamers in a $299.99 pair of cups.

If you aren't that much of an audiophile and have no idea what the benefit of a planar magnetic gaming headset is, don't worry about it too much. A planar magnetic gaming headset refers to the planar audio drivers packed in each earcup. Unlike traditional dynamic speakers, planar drivers are designed differently, utilizing conductor wire that spreads out across the diaphragm of the speaker.

This wire and diaphragm are situated between magnets, which, when pushed or pulled, produce vibrations and sound waves. This setup allows for less interference from other vibrations, which creates a less distorted sound, which audiophiles eat up, and is found in this very Asus ROG Kithara headset.

Asus ROG specifically states that it creates "exceptionally low distortion" and a soundstage that makes everything from footsteps, reloads, and distant movements sound more subtle, but I'll have to see that for myself if I can get ahold of a pair to review as soon as possible. To pair with this audiophile-grade sound, the Kithara is also equipped with an on-cable full-band MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) boom microphone.

The microphone features a wide 20 Hz - 20 kHZ response, high signal-to-noise ratio, and "minimal distortion" according to Asus ROG themselves. As an open-back headset, where audio is purposely designed to emanate from the exterior of the cups to help produce a more natural sound, I was a little concerned to see it packed with a microphone.

However, Asus ROG also states that it features separate paths for audio and microphone inputs to ensure "clear, uninterrupted communication," so hopefully the high-end microphone won't pick up any unwanted noises.

Like a lot of audiophile headsets (not permitting the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite, which is unique in its audiophile wireless form factor), the Asus ROG Kithara is a wired pair of cups, and comes packaged with support for 4.4mm balanced, 3.5mm, and 6.3mm connectivity if you need it. It's also compatible with gaming PCs, consoles like the PS5, laptops, and DACs and amplifiers if you're looking for a headset for gaming and music production on the side.

If that's your plan, then you can grab it right this very moment at Amazon, Best Buy, and Newegg in the US. However, Asus ROG has yet to share when those in the UK can expect to get their hands on a pair.

• Asus ROG Kithara gaming headset $299.99 at Amazon
• View all Asus ROG gaming headsets at Amazon