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The ASUS ROG Kithara is a wired, open-back gaming headset aimed at people who want spacious, detailed sound for both games and music—not wireless convenience or a full set of gaming controls. Reviewers praise its listening experience, but its open design leaks sound and offers little isolation. It makes the most sense in a quiet, private room; it is a poor fit for commuting, noisy spaces, or shared rooms where others may hear your audio.
What the ASUS ROG Kithara is
Announced on January 6, 2026, the Kithara is ASUS ROG’s first high-fidelity planar magnetic gaming headset, developed with HIFIMAN. It is a wired, open-back design built around ASUS-customized 100 mm HIFIMAN planar magnetic drivers. Those details describe the hardware, not a guarantee of better sound or gaming performance.
ASUS lists an 8 Hz–55 kHz headphone frequency response and a full-band MEMS boom microphone with a 20 Hz–20 kHz response. These are manufacturer specifications; the broad headphone range alone does not establish audible superiority. ASUS’s announcement and specifications are on the ROG Kithara product page.
How it sounds in games and music
Independent reviews support the Kithara’s sound-first positioning, while reflecting reviewers’ assessments rather than a test conducted for this article. RTINGS describes its tuning as closer to studio headphones than a typical consumer product and highlights spacious ear cups and comfort. PC Gamer describes an engaging listening experience, and Tom’s Guide praises spacious, detailed sound for music as well as games.
#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 sound profile may suit atmospheric games and music listening, but the evidence does not establish that planar drivers deliver more accurate positional cues or improve competitive results. If your priority is a headset’s gaming software, chat controls, or wireless features, the Kithara’s audio-first approach may not match your needs.
Open-back design: the biggest practical trade-off
Open-back ear cups let sound pass through rather than sealing it in. You get little isolation from a noisy room, and audio can be heard by people nearby. RTINGS says this makes the Kithara poorly suited to travel and noisy offices. In a quiet room, that openness may suit someone who values a less isolated listening experience; in a shared room, it can disrupt others.
Rank #2
- ROG Optimized 100mm HIFIMAN Planar Magnet Driver: With an extremely wide frequency range from 8 Hz to 55 kHz, the fidelity of the audio fan. Extremely low distortion
- Open design: spatial and natural sound with clear isolation of bass, mids and highs, improve the sense of spatial
- Full Band MEMS Boom Microphone to Headphone Cable: High SNR for accurate voice recording and clear voice playback with a wide frequency response from 20Hz to 20kHz. Two 3.5mm inputs prevent cross-talk and ensure uninterrupted communication
- 【WIDE COMPATIBILITY AND PLUG & PLAY CONVENIENCE】Symmetrical 4.4mm plug, single ended 3.5mm and 6.3mm connector, USB-C adapter, widely compatible with DAC, amplifiers, PC, console and mobile devices
- QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP FOR DURABILITY AND COMFORT: Elegant ear cups with soft adjustable headband, sturdy metal frame and hinges, and signature ROG elements
It is also wired-only, so there is no wireless listening option. RTINGS notes that a carrying case is not included, which further limits its convenience as a portable headset.
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Connections, microphone, and gaming features
ASUS lists 4.4 mm balanced and 3.5/6.3 mm single-ended plugs, along with a USB-C-to-dual-3.5 mm adapter for laptops and mobile devices. The company says the headset is compatible with most DACs, amplifiers, PCs, and gaming consoles. That broad compatibility does not guarantee every microphone feature will work through every device or connection path. Check the intended platform and connection against the official Kithara support FAQ before buying.
Rank #3
- 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.
Reviewers also point to missing gaming conveniences. PC Gamer notes the absence of digital surround, RGB, chat mix, and onboard volume control. Tom’s Guide criticizes the microphone, headband/build, and price. Reviews differ on comfort and build, so those judgments are not settled defects that every owner will experience.
Price and value
ASUS USA listed the Kithara at $299.99 when its product page was checked in 2026; that page also displayed a promotional price of $266.99. Windows Central’s 2026 references listed $264.99 at Amazon and $299.99 at Best Buy. These are dated US price snapshots, not a guarantee of current pricing, availability, or stock. Check the retailer and ASUS product page for today’s price before deciding.
Rank #4
- HEADSET FOR CLEAR, DETAILED AUDIO - ASUS ROG Delta S Gaming Headphones feature high-resolution ESS 9281 with QUAD DAC technology and MQA technology support to deliver impeccably detailed, true-to-life audio that gives you an edge to win!
- Ai NOISE-CANCELLING MICROPHONE - The unidirectional, detachable mic is designed to reduce over 50 million types of background noise, including chatter, keyboard clatter & mouse clicks by up to 95%. The mic is certified by, both, Discord and TeamSpeak
- FPS GAMING ACE - The ROG Delta S can achieve an extraordinary SNR of 130 dB, a level untouched by single-DAC gaming headsets, allowing you to precisely pinpoint the origin of enemy footsteps, location of gunfire or explosions in FPS intense games
- MULTI-PLATFORM GAMING HEADPHONES - This gaming & music headset is as versatile as can be - the USB-C connector ensures high-fidelity audio experience with PCs, MAC, smartphone devices and gaming consoles such as Nintendo Switch and PS4 & PS5
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN - D-shaped ear cups closely match the shape of your ears, and the sloped design ensures superior sound quality. The cushions are made of 100% protein leather & fast-cooling memory foam that provide optimum comfort for long gaming sessions
At around $300, the case for buying it depends on whether sound quality and music listening outweigh the limitations. The included plug and adapter options provide several wired connection paths, but ASUS does not say an external DAC or amplifier is required. Do not add one to the budget unless your particular setup needs it. If you need wireless use, isolation, portability, or extensive onboard controls, the price is harder to justify.
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Who should buy the Kithara?
- Consider it if you play and listen in a quiet, private space, prefer wired headphones, and want one sound-focused headset for games and music.
- Look elsewhere if you need to block room noise, avoid disturbing people nearby, travel with your headset, or want wireless operation and gaming controls such as chat mix and onboard volume.
- Check before purchase if you rely on the boom microphone with a particular console, laptop, adapter, DAC, or amplifier; confirm the connection behavior for that setup in ASUS’s support FAQ.
Verdict
The ASUS ROG Kithara is a plausible choice for quiet-room gaming and music listening if you value spacious, detailed sound more than convenience features. Its open-back construction, wired-only operation, and missing gaming controls make it a specialized purchase, not an all-purpose headset. Review praise supports its sound-first appeal, but it does not establish a competitive advantage; decide based on your room, connection needs, and the price available where you live.
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.
