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beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO vs MMX 300 2nd Gen: Which Should You Buy?

Comparison

beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO vs MMX 300 2nd Gen: Which Should You Buy?

The beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO (80 Ohm) and beyerdynamic MMX 300 2nd Gen are both wired over-ear options aimed at serious gaming and high-quality audio, but they solve different problems. DT 990 PRO leans toward open-back detail and soundstage for critical listening and positional cues, while MMX 300 adds sound isolation and a built-in microphone for an all-in-one headset setup. On the provided scoring, DT 990 PRO is the stronger overall pick, but MMX 300 can make more sense if you need a mic and prefer a closed-back design.

Expert tested Data driven Unbiased reviews Updated 10 June 2026
beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, 80 Ohm, Open Back, Over Ear, Wired Professional Studio Headphones, Gaming, Podcast, Audiophile, Mixing, 3m Straight Cable, Black with Gray Velour Ear Pads

#1 Overall Winner

beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, 80 Ohm, Open Back, Over Ear, Wired Professional Studio Headphones, Gaming, Podcast, Audiophile, Mixing, 3m Straight Cable, Black with Gray Velour Ear Pads

84/100
  • Excellent audio quality for detail and separation , backed by a very strong audio score and frequent “crystal clear” feedback.
View review
Beyerdynamic 718300 MMX 300 Second Generation Gaming and Multi-Media Headset

Contender

Beyerdynamic 718300 MMX 300 Second Generation Gaming and Multi-Media Headset

78/100
  • Integrated microphone for gaming and comms , with many reviews praising speech intelligibility and mic quality.
View review

Quick verdict

Choose the DT 990 PRO (80 Ohm) if you want open-back detail and imaging for mixing/critical listening and you don’t mind using a separate mic for chat.

Choose the MMX 300 2nd Gen if you want an all-in-one gaming headset with isolation and a built-in microphone, and you’re comfortable managing potential long-term mic/reliability variability reported by some owners.

Overall winner

Depends on your needs

At-a-glance comparison

Feature beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, 80 Ohm, Open Back, Over Ear, Wired Professional Studio Headphones, Gaming, Podcast, Audiophile, Mixing, 3m Straight Cable, Black with Gray Velour Ear Pads Beyerdynamic 718300 MMX 300 Second Generation Gaming and Multi-Media Headset Winner
Overall score 84 overall 78 overall beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, 80 Ohm, Open Back, Over Ear, Wired Professional Studio Headphones, Gaming, Podcast, Audiophile, Mixing, 3m Straight Cable, Black with Gray Velour Ear Pads
Audio quality 92 audio score; praised for detail 88 audio score; praised for sound beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, 80 Ohm, Open Back, Over Ear, Wired Professional Studio Headphones, Gaming, Podcast, Audiophile, Mixing, 3m Straight Cable, Black with Gray Velour Ear Pads
Sound signature sensitivity (treble) Bright treble noted; EQ often recommended by some No specific treble issue highlighted in provided summary Depends
Noise isolation / leakage Open-back; no noise control Sound isolation Beyerdynamic 718300 MMX 300 Second Generation Gaming and Multi-Media Headset
Microphone included No Yes (microphone included) Beyerdynamic 718300 MMX 300 Second Generation Gaming and Multi-Media Headset
Cable practicality 3 m straight cable; non-detachable (common complaint) Detachable cable; includes cables/adaptor Beyerdynamic 718300 MMX 300 Second Generation Gaming and Multi-Media Headset
Impedance 80 ohms 32 ohms Depends
Gaming positional performance High accuracy score; many reviews cite pinpointing footsteps Good performance score; praised for precise positioning Depends
Usability score 78 usability 72 usability beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, 80 Ohm, Open Back, Over Ear, Wired Professional Studio Headphones, Gaming, Podcast, Audiophile, Mixing, 3m Straight Cable, Black with Gray Velour Ear Pads
Build quality score 82 build quality 74 build quality beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, 80 Ohm, Open Back, Over Ear, Wired Professional Studio Headphones, Gaming, Podcast, Audiophile, Mixing, 3m Straight Cable, Black with Gray Velour Ear Pads
Reliability score 78 reliability 58 reliability beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, 80 Ohm, Open Back, Over Ear, Wired Professional Studio Headphones, Gaming, Podcast, Audiophile, Mixing, 3m Straight Cable, Black with Gray Velour Ear Pads
Customer satisfaction 4.6/5 from 3,498 reviews 4.1/5 from 3,706 reviews beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, 80 Ohm, Open Back, Over Ear, Wired Professional Studio Headphones, Gaming, Podcast, Audiophile, Mixing, 3m Straight Cable, Black with Gray Velour Ear Pads
Value score 86 value score; value feedback mixed but generally strong 69 value score; value feedback mixed beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, 80 Ohm, Open Back, Over Ear, Wired Professional Studio Headphones, Gaming, Podcast, Audiophile, Mixing, 3m Straight Cable, Black with Gray Velour Ear Pads
Setup score 85 setup 68 setup beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, 80 Ohm, Open Back, Over Ear, Wired Professional Studio Headphones, Gaming, Podcast, Audiophile, Mixing, 3m Straight Cable, Black with Gray Velour Ear Pads

Detailed comparison

Performance

For real-world performance, the choice is largely about how you want sound to be presented. The DT 990 PRO scores higher for performance and especially audio quality, and it’s repeatedly described as detailed with strong spatial cues—useful for picking out subtle elements in a mix or tracking directional sounds in games.

The MMX 300 also performs strongly and is widely praised for sound quality “for a headset,” but its closed, isolating approach emphasizes focus and practicality for gaming and multimedia. If you’re in a quiet room and want an expansive stage, DT 990 PRO is typically the more natural fit; if you need isolation and integrated comms, MMX 300’s performance is easier to leverage day to day.

Reliability

Reliability is one of the biggest separators in the provided data. The DT 990 PRO has a higher reliability score and fewer severe recurring complaints in the included summary, though there are still mixed durability/value comments from some buyers.

The MMX 300 has notably lower reliability scoring and more reports of issues over time, including microphone failures and some units breaking or malfunctioning. If you’re buying for daily use and want to minimize replacement risk, DT 990 PRO is the safer bet on the information provided.

beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, 80 Ohm, Open Back, Over Ear, Wired Professional Studio Headphones, Gaming, Podcast, Audiophile, Mixing, 3m Straight Cable, Black with Gray Velour Ear Pads

Pros

  • Excellent audio quality for detail and separation , backed by a very strong audio score and frequent “crystal clear” feedback.
  • Open-back soundstage and spatial imaging that many buyers like for positional gaming and critical listening.
  • Comfort-focused velour, replaceable ear pads designed for long sessions.
  • Serviceable, longevity-oriented design (parts fully serviceable per product details).
  • Good overall value and customer satisfaction based on strong review rating and value scoring.
  • Wide compatibility for wired use (3.5 mm with screw-on 1/4" adapter; works with consoles, laptops, production gear).

Cons

  • No noise isolation (open-back; “Noise Control: None”), so it’s not ideal for noisy rooms or shared spaces.
  • Non-detachable cable is a recurring drawback in reviews and the score interpretation.
  • Bright-leaning treble can cause fatigue for some ; multiple reviews mention treble harshness/ear strain (often fixable via EQ).
  • Fit and clamp can be divisive ; some find it snug or too tight.
  • Not a headset (no included mic), so voice chat needs a separate microphone.
  • Portability is limited for travel use (open-back and wired with a long 3 m cable).
beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, 80 Ohm, Open Back, Over Ear, Wired Professional Studio Headphones, Gaming, Podcast, Audiophile, Mixing, 3m Straight Cable, Black with Gray Velour Ear Pads

Beyerdynamic 718300 MMX 300 Second Generation Gaming and Multi-Media Headset

Pros

  • Integrated microphone for gaming and comms , with many reviews praising speech intelligibility and mic quality.
  • Closed-back sound isolation for better focus and less sound leakage than open-back designs.
  • Detachable cable (noted explicitly in the specs), which can be a practical ownership advantage.
  • Strong audio performance for a headset , with reviews frequently calling the sound high-end.
  • Comfort-focused fit for long sessions (plush ear cups cited in reviews; “lightweight” positioning).
  • Made in Germany and stated 2-year warranty (as provided in the product details).

Cons

  • Reliability and durability are mixed in reviews and reflected in lower reliability/durability scores (reports of breakage and malfunctions).
  • Microphone durability is inconsistent ; some users report the mic failing after months.
  • Value is debated (customers disagree on value for money; lower value score than Product A).
  • Clamping pressure can be high (stated in product details; also mentioned as subjective comfort issue in reviews).
  • Some users report creaking with movement , which can be distracting.
  • May need extra sound hardware for best results according to multiple reviews and the score interpretation.
Beyerdynamic 718300 MMX 300 Second Generation Gaming and Multi-Media Headset

Final verdict

The beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO (80 Ohm) is the stronger overall buy on the provided data, with higher overall scoring, higher customer ratings, and standout audio performance for detail and imaging. It’s particularly compelling for people who want a studio-leaning headphone that also performs well for competitive gaming positional cues—assuming you can use it in a quiet environment and you’re fine adding an external mic.

The MMX 300 2nd Gen remains a sensible alternative when your priority is a single-device gaming headset: you get isolation, a built-in microphone, and a detachable cable. The key trade-off is more mixed feedback on long-term reliability (especially microphone durability) and lower value/reliability scoring. Choose it for convenience and isolation; choose DT 990 PRO for the more consistently rated audio-first experience.

Overall winner

Depends on your needs

Frequently asked questions

Which is better overall: DT 990 PRO (80 Ohm) or MMX 300 2nd Gen?

Based on the provided scoring, the DT 990 PRO (80 Ohm) ranks higher overall (84 vs 78). It scores especially well for audio quality, value, and customer satisfaction. The MMX 300 is still a strong option if you specifically need a built-in microphone and sound isolation, but its reliability and value feedback are more mixed.

Which one is better for competitive gaming positional audio?

Both are commonly used for gaming, but they approach it differently. The DT 990 PRO is frequently praised for soundstage and spatial imaging (open-back), which many players like for pinpointing direction. The MMX 300 also gets positive feedback for positional cues, and its isolation can help you focus in louder rooms. Your environment (quiet vs noisy) is a key factor.

Which has better sound quality for music and mixing?

The DT 990 PRO is explicitly positioned for critical listening, editing, mixing, and mastering, and it earns a higher audio-quality score (92 vs 88). Reviews repeatedly highlight its detail and ability to reveal mix issues. The MMX 300 is also praised for high-end sound, but as a gaming-focused headset, it’s more often discussed as an all-in-one solution rather than a dedicated studio tool.

Do either of these headphones need an amp?

Some users report wanting more volume without extra hardware on both models, depending on the source device. DT 990 PRO owners mention that you might need an amp even at 80 ohms, depending on onboard audio. MMX 300 reviews also mention improved results with extra sound hardware. If you’re using a controller, phone, or basic laptop jack, it’s worth checking output power and return policy.

Which is better for voice chat and Discord?

The MMX 300 is the clear fit if you want a single plug-and-play gaming setup with a built-in microphone, and many reviews praise speech intelligibility. The DT 990 PRO does not include a mic, so you’ll need an external microphone (USB or analog) for chat. Note that MMX 300 mic feedback is mixed long-term, with some reports of failures after months.

Which is better for noisy environments or shared spaces?

The MMX 300 is better suited to noise and shared spaces because it lists sound isolation (closed-back behavior), helping reduce outside noise and limiting leakage. The DT 990 PRO is open-back with no noise control, so it leaks sound and lets in room noise—great for a quiet home studio, but less practical around others or in loud environments.

Which is more comfortable for long sessions?

Both are designed for long wear, and both get comfort praise in reviews. DT 990 PRO highlights soft, replaceable circumaural pads, but fit/clamp is mixed (some say it squeezes). MMX 300 is described as lightweight with plush ear cups, but it also notes high clamping pressure, and some users find it too much. Comfort is head-shape dependent, so consider return options.

Which is more reliable long-term?

From the provided scoring and review summaries, the DT 990 PRO looks more consistent overall (higher reliability and durability scores, and higher customer satisfaction). The MMX 300 has more frequent reports of breakage, malfunctions, and microphone issues over time, even though many owners also report excellent build and daily use. If reliability is your top priority, DT 990 PRO is the safer pick on the data given.

What’s the practical difference between the cables?

The DT 990 PRO includes a 3 m straight cable and is commonly criticized for being non-detachable, which can be inconvenient if it gets damaged. The MMX 300 lists a detachable cable and includes cables/adapters for different 3.5 mm jack setups (as described by reviewers). If you want easier cable replacement or different connection options, MMX 300 has the advantage.

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