Sure, the best earbuds are pocketable and convenient. But if you’re after the most immersive listening experience possible, be it in music, podcasts, audiobooks, or other media, nothing beats over ear headphones. Our favorite pair are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2, which deliver studio-grade audio for less than you’d expect. However, if you’re on a tight budget, are after noise cancelling, or want the absolute best-sounding headphones out there, we’ve got you covered.

TL;DR – These are the Best Over Ear Headphones:

• Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
• Tascam TH-02
• Sennheiser HD 800S
• Sony WH-1000XM5
• Beats by Dre Studio Pro
• Sennheiser Momentum 4
• Anker Soundcore Q30
• HiFiMan Sundara
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra
• Apple AirPods Max
• Razer Opus

The best over ear headphones offer quality audio and a comfortable fit that surrounds your ear with plush earcups. Extras like ANC, directional sound, and wireless connectivity can only add to your listening experience. Unfortunately, plenty of headphones make promises too good to be true, so we’ve narrowed your search down to 11 awesome over-ear headphones. You’re bound to find one that suits your needs – and click here to see them in the UK.

1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2

Best Over Ear Headphones

Pros:

• Excellent sound with deep bass and crisp treble
• Easy to pair both wirelessy and wired

Cons:

• No ANC

Audio-Technica knows how to make a mean headset with a killer value, and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT is a solid example of that. This is a wireless version of the great ATH-M50X, and it simply expands on the capabilities of that headset. You’ll still find powerful, 45mm Neodymium drivers offering up a 15-28,000Hz frequency response range for deep bass and crisp treble. The 38-ohm impedance will also let you drive them over a wired connection with just about any device you have handy.

The wireless performance is also set to impress. Using Bluetooth 5.0, the headset is able to offer a 50-hour runtime. The headset also supports LDAC and AAC high-quality audio codecs. It also includes dual microphones to pick up your voice for calls, and there are simple on-ear controls for media playback and calling up Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. Audio-Technica even includes a carrying pouch to keep the them secure when you’re on the go.

2. Tascam TH-02

Best Budget Over Ear Headphones

Pros:

• Great bass response
• Ultra affordable

Cons:

• Lackluster build

The Tascam TH-02 will bring you into the realm of powerful audio for a shockingly affordable price. For about $30, you’re getting a pair of cans that go a little beyond the frequency response range of your average pair. Going down to 18Hz will land you with a little more bass response, while 22,000Hz tops off the treble. That sound will come out of 50mm dynamic drivers. The headphones don’t need anything special to operate though, as their 32 Ohm resistance means you can use them with smartphones and laptops while still enjoying plenty of volume.

The closed back design helps keep external noise out for critical listening. If you’re recording, that seal will also help keep monitor audio from leaking back into the mic. You can take the headphones on the go with easy portability thanks to a folding design, and a quarter-inch adapter will let you use it with pro-audio gear as needed.

3. Sennheiser HD 800 S

The Ultimate Audiophile Experience

• See on Walmart

Pros:

• Impeccable, natural-sounding audio
• Comfortable fit

Cons:

• Amplifier required

Headphones can range in price from $15 to $1,500, and if you have money to burn, the higher end of that spectrum gets you a real treat for your ears. While there are a few incredible sets on the high end, Sennheiser’s HD 800S are often seen as the high-water mark of consumer audiophile cans.

They have an insanely open soundstage, giving you some of the most natural sounding audio you’ll ever hear, and adhere to a flat sound signature better than the vast majority out there. They aren’t cheap, you’ll need an amplifier to drive them, and many people probably won’t even like the way they sound, but for true purists, it doesn’t get much better.

4. Sony WH-1000XM5

Best Noise-Cancelling Over Ear Headphones

Pros:

• Hard to beat AI-driven ANC
• Stellar sound quality

Cons:

• Headband doesn’t fold for travel

Are you ready to tune everything out and really dig into what you're listening to? Then, the Sony WH-1000XM5 are the headphones for you. With this model, Sony took what was already a great pair and made them just that little bit better. You now get eight noise-canceling mics effectively doubling the amount from its previous model. AI and a new processor are also integrated into the headphones, so rather than you having to adjust manually, the ANC is automatically optimized. And similar to the WH-1000XM4, by just putting a hand over your one ear cup, the ANC will temporarily disable, so you can hear the world around you. These are the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 totes some of the most drastic design changes to the line in years. You no longer get a foldable headband, making it slightly less convenient for travel. The earcups also have more clamping force for better soundproofing. But, don't worry, these are still a supremely comfortable pair of cans. Once you’ve got the headphones in your ideal position, connecting to your various devices is simple by using Bluetooth or the classic 3.5mm jack. However, you might not feel the need to use the wired connection often, as these offer a 30-hour battery life. And probably most importantly, the WH-1000XM5 sounds stellar.

5. Beats by Dre Studio Pro

Best Looking Over Ear Headphones

Pros:

• Sleek, stylish design
• USB DAC for lossless audio

Cons:

• Limited adjustability

Beats has always delivered stylish headphones, and the tradition continues with the Studio Pro. The headphones are lightweight at only 260 grams and keep a slimmer design than most of the other options on our list. Plus, they come in several sleek, neutral colors, so you’re sure to find a pair that fits your taste. It’s even possible to fold them to a compact size and toss them in the included carrying case to take on the go. However, it’s important to note that these headphones are tight with limited expandability, making them ideal for those with smaller noggins.

Of course, the Beats by Dre Studio Pro put on a great audio performance, as per usual. This time around, the headphones sound slightly more balanced and crisp with a less heavy bass. But there’s still a good amount of thumping when you want it. You also get ANC, but Bose and Sony still reign supreme in that category. Given Beats is owned by Apple, the headphones are especially well-suited for Apple users. But no matter the platform, anyone will appreciate the simple wireless connectivity. When you opt out of wireless listening, there’s even a USB DAC for lossless audio.

6. Sennheiser Momentum 4

Best Wireless Over Ear Headphones

Pros:

• Long 60-hour battery life
• Ample on ear-controls

Cons:

• Not the best ANC

If you’re opting to cut the cord, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 is a comfortable and classy option with heavily cushioned leatherette ear cups and a padded, fabric-lined headband. Even with its lightweight build, you still get a wild 60-hour battery life along with easy-to-operate on-ear controls using both physical buttons and a touchpad—just be aware that touchpad is extra sensitive. Being one of best wireless headphones, you connect to your devices over Bluetooth 5.2 and can enjoy listening to some high-end audio files thanks to the support of AAC, AptX, AptX Adaptive, and SBC codecs.

As far as sound quality goes, the Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 4 delivers booming bass and crisp, pleasant highs, though you can customize your audio further using the Sennheiser Smart Control app. If you’re looking to make calls while rocking these headphones, the four beamforming mics let you come across clear while dampening noises in your environment. The headphone’s ANC also does a decent job of blocking outside distractions to immerse you deeper in that sound, though still not as well as the Sony WH-1000XM5.

7. Anker Soundcore Q30

Best Budget Wireless Over Ear Headphones

Pros:

• Three ANC modes
• Long battery life

Cons:

• Bass and treble performance could be better

When you don’t want to break the bank in search of wireless over-ear headphones, Anker’s Soundcore Q30 comes in under $100. These headphones have outstanding Bluetooth connectivity that supports NFC pairing and a multi-device connection, though you can also go for a wired connection. Its battery life is also hard to beat, delivering up to 40 hours of listening in noise cancellation mode and 60 hours in standard.

These budget headphones features three user-friendly ANC modes: transport for sitting on the train or plane, outdoors to drown out the traffic and wind, and indoor to escape the office chatter or WFH distractions. Its mics do a decent job of blocking out most sound, while a transparency mode lets you quickly swap to hearing the world around you. Given the Anker Soundcore Q30 is more budget-friendly, there’s room for improvement in audio performance, mainly where bass and treble are concerned, but the 40 mm drivers provide solid mid-accuracy.

8. HiFiMan Sundara

A Planar Magnetic Option

Pros:

• Wide sound stage with virtually no distortion
• Planar magnetic drivers

Cons:

• Chunky and heavy

Most of our favorite over ear headphones offer dynamic drivers where a small coil receives a signal from your device, creating a magnetic field that reacts with a magnet to vibrate a diaphragm and generate sound. Planar magnetic drivers use a design with magnets on either side of the thin, flat diaphragm, allowing for more natural bass extension and less harmonic distortion. However, planar magnetic drivers are more expensive to produce and tend to be heftier, so there’s less variety compared to dynamic driver-based headphones.

Planars are becoming more popular, though, and if you’re ready to dip your toe in the water, the HiFiMan Sundara is a solid and "affordable" entry point. These headphones are chunky and heavy, but the well-cushioned earcups and a suspension band should help relieve fatigue from longer wearing sessions. Once you’re plugged in, you’ll enjoy a wide sound stage and virtually no distortion, even in the highs, making them an audiophile's dream. Just note that these cans use a good deal of power, so you're better off connecting to a computer over your smartphone.

9. Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Best Smart Over Ear Headphones

Pros:

• Extremely immersive
• Soft ear cushions

Cons:

• Expensive

If you’re searching for over ear headphones that seriously immerse you in your music, then the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones will likely grab your attention. Featuring CustomTune technology, these headphones offer personalized sound tailored to individual preferences, ensuring a unique and enjoyable audio experience. These headphones also come equipped with world-class noise cancellation capabilities, including Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, and Immersion Mode.

In this package you not only get immersive sound, but you will also experience extreme comfort with soft ear cushions that gently hug the ears, a pressure-spreading band, and premium materials that make a style statement. And, if you value convenience, the SimpleSync feature allows seamless synchronization with a Bose smart soundbar for a personalized TV listening experience. With an impressive 24-hour battery life (18 hours with Immersive Audio) and quick charging capabilities (15-minute charge for up to 2.5 hours of playtime), these headphones are perfect for users who demand extended usage without compromising on performance, making them one of the best Bose headphones.

10. Apple AirPods Max

Best Hi-Fi Over Ear Headphones

• See on Best Buy

Pros:

• Stunning design
• Spatial audio and head tracking

Cons:

• Pricey

Apple is in on the Hi-Fi game with the release of the premium AirPods Max, the over-ear Apple AirPods option. The headphones are about as Apple as a device can get, aesthetically, with a smooth metal exterior and even Apple's Digital Crown for adjusting volume, controlling audio playback, taking calls, and bringing up Siri. Of course, Apple also inserted its own custom-made dynamic drivers. These are rather heavy, but Apple has designed a mesh band at the top that should distribute the weight evenly.

The AirPods Max come at a high price, but you'll be getting active noise cancellation through eight microphones as well as a transparency mode to allow you to keep enjoying your tunes while still being able to hear the outside world. You'll also get spatial audio with Apple's head tracking feature on supported iPhones and iPads. The head tracking is powered by an Apple H1 chip in each ear cup. The AirPods Max connect wirelessly over Bluetooth 5.0 and have a 20-hour battery life, though you can also use a wired connection with a 3.5mm-to-Lightning cable.

11. Razer Opus

Best Wireless THX Sound

Pros:

• Support for THX
• Great noise-canceling performance

Cons:

• Lackluster design

The Razer Opus headset will check a lot of boxes for users, and support for true THX sound is one of them. The headset was built to THX specifications, and it delivers on frequency response, minimal distortion, and noise isolation. It goes even further to cut down on external sounds with active noise cancellation. Of course, when a headset does this much to erase your surroundings, you can easily toggle on and off ambient sound mode to hear what's around you.

You'll find plenty of memory foam cushioning inside the Razer Opus, so you can stay comfortable even if you want to wear it for a long time to truly test the 40-hour battery life. When it comes time to charge the battery back up, you can do so with a modern USB-C cable. And for connectivity, you can enjoy the best of both worlds with both Bluetooth and wired audio.

Where to Get the Best Over Ear Headphones in the UK

How we pick the best over-ear headphones

When it comes to over-ear headphones, we attempt to get our hands on as many cans as possible for real-world testing. For the picks we don’t get to try for ourselves, we do extensive research, deep diving into all the specs and features of the headphones, comparing different options, and ensuring all the headphones are up to snuff.

We look into frequency response, driver size, impedance, and other audio specs so you know that the headphones sound great first and foremost. Comfort is equally important, and we pay close attention to the build material, weight, headband design, and earcup cushioning. Beyond that, many headphones tout special features, be it ANC, spatial audio, or head tracking. But even if they offer these extras, they must deliver. We ensure that’s the case. Of course, performance is relative to the price, so that’s also taken into account when choosing the best over-ear headphones.

What to look for in a pair of over ear headphones

You might think narrowing your search down to “over ear headphones” would help make the decision process easier, but there are still a ton of things to consider when buying a pair for yourself. A few of the most important include:

Sound: First, and most importantly, you want a pair that sounds good. Some aspects of sound are subjective, like the sound signature, which refers to how balanced the bass, midrange, and treble are. Some people may prefer a “flat” signature that’s closer to the artist’s intention, while others may prefer heavy bass, or a “v-shaped” frequency response that boosts the bass and treble for a livelier feel.

Other things about sound quality are more objective. It’s possible, for example to have bass-heavy with low-quality sound (where the bass is overly boomy) or high-quality sound (where the bass is tight, punchy, and doesn’t completely drown out the rest of your music). If things sound distorted, harsh, or muddy, that’s usually an indication of lower quality headphones. Higher quality headphones sound better, but also cost more, so it’s all about balancing your ears with your budget.

Comfort: Some feel like a cloud on your head, with plush ear pads and a headband that you barely notice is there. Others clamp down hard, squeezing your brain like it’s in a vice and putting undue pressure on the top of your skull.

Most are somewhere in between.

If you plan on wearing them for long stretches—like multi-hour gaming sessions—you’ll want to make sure you get something that stays comfortable long-term. There are a few things that can help—for example, you can replace pleather ear pads with velour-style pads to keep your ears from getting hot—but sometimes you just have to try a pair for yourself. Make sure you put a set of headphones through its paces within that return period, so you don’t end up with a headache and buyer’s remorse.

Open-backed headphones sound more natural and airy but leak sound both ways...

Open- or closed-backed: The ear cups of your headphone can either be open, allowing air to pass through them, or closed, creating a more sealed housing. Open-backed headphones have a more natural, airy sound, but leak sound both ways—you can hear everything going on around you, and people sitting next to you can hear your music. That makes them less than ideal for commuting, offices, and libraries, but makes them great for critical listening at home.

Closed-backed headphones, on the other hand, tend to have a more limited soundstage, but are great for emphasizing bass. (That’s not to say all closed-backed designare bass monsters with limited soundstages, but you get the idea). Most importantly, a closed-backed pair stop people from hearing your music and isolate you from outside noise. Both types of headphones can be great, so buy what sounds good to you and fits your use case.

Closed-backed headphones tend to have a more limited soundstage, but emphasize bass

Wired or wireless: Mobile device manufacturers may be trying to slowly pummel the headphone jack into submission, but wired audio is still around and kicking. All other things kept equal, wired headphones will be cheaper than their wireless counterparts, and don’t come with some of the connection problems and none of the battery life limitations that wireless audio comes with. Still, wireless audio can be mighty convenient if you’re out and about, as long as you can charge them regularly—just be prepared to shell out a bit more for a quality pair.

Active noise cancellation: If closed-back noise isolation isn’t enough for you, some headphones also come with active noise cancellation, which uses clever frequency trickery to cancel out noise around you.

It doesn’t work for all sound—it’s better with consistent noise like the drone of an airplane—but it can be mighty useful. That said, it can also make some people uncomfortable or give them headaches, so you may have to experiment with different headphones and levels of cancellation to find something that works right for you.

Impedance: Most of the options on this list have an impedance of 32Ω (ohms) or less, meaning they’ll work great with a laptop, phone, or tablet—just plug it in and press play. Once you get into audiophile-grade stuff over a couple hundred dollars, though, you’ll start to see more high-impedance headphones at 64Ω, 250Ω, or even 600Ω.

Higher-impedance headphones need a headphone amplifier to supply more power to drive properly

The Higher-impedance, the more power is needed for the drivers to work properly, so you may find them too quiet when plugged straight into a phone or laptop—to get them at the proper volume, you’ll need a headphone amplifier to supply more juice. That’s a completely separate topic with its own list of best products, but the JDS Labs Objective2 and Schiit Magni 3 are good starting points at a decent price.

Headphones are one of those products that are sometimes hard to describe using words alone, and they can be incredibly subjective. So, your best bet when shopping is to order a pair and try it out for yourself—just be sure to buy from a store with a good return policy in case they don’t fit your tastes. You can always send them back and try something else.

Over-Ear Headphones FAQ

Do over ear headphones sound better than other headphones?

Over-ear headphones tend to sound better than on-ear, in-ear, or open-ear options thanks to the larger drivers that often deliver a wider soundstage with more impactful sound for a deeper bass and crisper highs. The earcups also aid in sound quality, as they wrap around your entire ear, helping with passive noise cancellation and sound leakage.

Are over ear headphones good for gaming?

Over-ear headphones can work great for gaming if you’re in a pinch, but you’ll usually be better off with a dedicated gaming headset. Gaming headsets often wrap a wealth of features into their build for a lower price than headphones. Sure, the audio quality may not be as great, but the support for apps to tune your headset to your needs, as well as spatial audio and virtual surround sound are game changers. Plus, the boom microphones are often better for clear communication with teammates. If you’re after wireless connectivity, a headset usually comes with a dongle for an ultra-low latency link to your gaming devices – something you’ll rarely find with headphones.

Whitson Gordon is a writer, gamer, and tech nerd who has been building PCs for 10 years. He eats potato chips with chopsticks so he doesn’t get grease on his mechanical keyboard.

Danielle Abraham is a freelance writer and unpaid music historian.

Are you an esports pro? No, me neither. But what of their keebs?

© Future

The Lenovo Legion Slim 5 is ticking all my gaming laptop boxes, including the all-important price one.

© Lenovo

ABS has got the hardware specs almost spot on in this gaming PC.

© ABS

Save yourself some time in the vault with these floor patterns.

© Bungie

Hopping mad.

© Blizzard

Mica Burton, Sean 'Day9' Plott and Frankie Ward return to hosting duties on June 9

© Future

My excitement is immeasurable.

© @larianstudios on Twitter/X.

The devil is in the details, as the saying goes, but also in the wiring in this case.

© Future

Kwalee has released a gameplay overview trailer for its upcoming cop game that looks like a classic GTA on a modern-day engine, The Precinct. In this trailer, we get to see what our in-game day might look like while playing as a fresh-out-the-academy cop. In The Precinct, players will clean up the city, uncover the … Continue reading The Precinct gets an official gameplay overview trailer →

The post The Precinct gets an official gameplay overview trailer appeared first on DSOGaming.

Netflix has cast the remaining Endless family members in The Sandman Season 2.

The Sandman is Netflix’s well-received live-action adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s groundbreaking comic book of the same name that premiered on August 5, 2022. It follows Dream, a god-like personification who rules over people's dreams in a realm called the Dreaming. The first season consists of 10 episodes, based on stories directly from the comics. A special, two-part 11th episode was released two weeks after the first season premiered. In our review, IGN awarded The Sandman a 9, calling it an adaptation fans "could only conjure up in their deepest of sleeps."

Season 2 resumed production in November, and now Netflix has announced the cast behind Dream's previously unseen siblings. Esme Creed-Miles (The Doll Factory) plays Delirium, Adrian Lester (Primary Colors) plays Destiny, and Barry Sloane (Revenge, Passenger) plays The Prodigal, aka Destruction. The trio join Tom Sturridge as Dream, Kirby as Death, Mason Alexander Park as Desire, and Donna Preston as Despair, who all return from Season 1.

Barry Sloane will be familiar to Call of Duty fans — he’s the actor behind perhaps the most popular character in the first-person shooter franchise: Captain Price.

Get ready for one Hell of a family reunion. Meet the new faces of the Endless in the next season of THE SANDMAN. pic.twitter.com/EXdkQfRLf3

— Netflix Geeked (@NetflixGeeked) May 20, 2024

Other returning characters include Patton Oswalt as Matthew the Raven, Vivienne Acheampong as Lucienne, Gwendoline Christie as Lucifer Morningstar, Jenna Coleman as Johanna Constantine, Ferdinand Kingsley as Hob Gadling, Stephen Fry as Gilbert, Asim Chaudhry as Abel, Sanjeev Bhaskar as Cain, Vanesu Samunyai as Rose Walker, and Razane Jammal as Lyta Hall.

Season 2 does not have a release date or even a release window yet, but given Netflix has started making announcements for it, and the "coming soon" line in the casting announcement teaser, perhaps we won't have long to wait.

Image credit: Raymond Liu/ABC via Getty Images

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

Jeff Daniels has recalled his feelings over the infamous toilet scene in Dumb and Dumber, saying he didn't know whether it would ruin his acting career.

Nearly 30 years after the release of the screwball comedy, Daniels has admitted to USA Today he initially had concerns over the scene that saw his character Harry tussle with a non-flushing toilet after he had suffered a bad bout of tummy troubles. He feared the scene could "end" his career but decided to take the plunge.

This is either the beginning of my career or the end of it.

"It's one thing to read the toilet scene, but then the day comes, and we're actually going to do the toilet scene," Daniels said of his apprehension. "I told Jim [Carrey], 'This is either the beginning of my career or the end of it.' Jim, who is fearless, told me, 'It's going to be great. You've just got to go all the way with it.'"

He admitted it took "a couple hours of porcelain gymnastics" to get the scene right, explaining that the "close-up when they pop in tight" on his flushed red face was genuine because he "almost passed out" from filming the now-memorable scene in the lavatory while also heeding Carrey's advice to give it his all.

It was a risk, especially since he had agents warning him that the comedic route could be a wrong move, but one that ultimately paid off because the movie became a box office hit, grossing $247 million worldwide, with praise from fans and peers, including Clint Eastwood, who said he could relate to the scene.

"Clint says to me, 'I just saw Dumb and Dumber and you know, the toilet scene? That happened to me,'" Daniels recalled of his conversation with Eastwood at a celebrity golf tournament. "And then he tells a story about dating this woman that he really wanted to impress, but the shellfish hit him the wrong way from lunch."

Daniels said it made him realise that he had done his job and admitted the toilet scene "will probably outlive us," saying, "It will be funny 40 years from now."

Dumb and Dumber spawned a sequel in 2014, humorously titled Dumb and Dumber To, but people were not as potty about it. IGN's review of the movie said it was "innately enjoyable to see Harry and Lloyd again, but the movie itself never quite stands out" or offers up "enough to make it a truly satisfying film on its own."

Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on X/Twitter here.

Dell's Memorial Day sale is on the horizon, but they have some excellent deals to check out in the meantime. Our favorite at the moment is on this Alienware Aurora R15 gaming PC that's been docked (after using the code '10AMD' at checkout) to $2,654.99. It's worth the price tag as well, with an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card, 32GB RAM, and a 2TB SSD.

Score an Alienware Aurora R15 RTX 4090 Gaming PC for $2,654.99

Considering RTX 4090 GPUs have an MSRP close to $2,000 on their own, this is a stellar deal to get everything all bundled into one PC that's ready to go for a bit more cash. Not to mention, it offers improved cooling and a 1350W PSU, so it's ready to tackle all of your favorite games right away.

Looking to see even more Dell deals? Make sure to check out our roundup of the best Dell and Alienware deals, which we update regularly with the best discounts available on their site. If you want to look outside of the Dell ecosystem, you can also check out our general roundups of the best gaming PC deals and the best gaming laptop deals to see an overall look at what discounts are available right now.

As stated earlier, Memorial Day weekend sale events are coming up soon as well, and that means plenty more retailers will have a wide variety of deals available. Make sure to check out the roundups listed above for even more gaming PC and gaming laptop deals as they appear, but we'll also update our roundups of the best PlayStation deals, the best Xbox deals, the best Nintendo Switch deals, and the best PC video game deals if you want to see what gaming discounts pop up throughout the rest of the week and into the weekend.

Why Pick a Dell or Alienware Gaming PC?

Alienware is always one of our top picks for best prebuilt gaming PCs, but especially when they're on sale. Nowadays, prebuilt gaming PCs aren't that much more expensive than building one on your own. In fact, it can sometimes even be cheaper, depending on component demands. And when it comes to prebuilds, Alienware gaming laptops and desktops offer a staggering array of options, all built into a custom chassis that's both easy on the eyes and easy on the wallet. Consistent build quality, available inventory, frequent sales, and solid customer service are the main reasons why Dell is at the top of our buying list.

Hannah Hoolihan is a freelance writer who works with the Guides and Commerce teams here at IGN.

MultiVersus has a new cinematic launch trailer that has revealed two new playable characters: Jason Voorhees from Friday the 13th and Agent Smith from The Matrix.

MultiVersus, which launches on May 28, is a free-to-play platform fighter similar in vein to Nintendo’s Smash Bros. series, but with characters from across Warner Bros.-owned properties.

Jason Voorhees and Agent Smith join the MultiVersus roster alongside DC Super-Villain The Joker (voiced by Mark Hamill) as part of Season 1: Puns & Villainy. Jason Voorhees will be available at launch, while Agent Smith will release later in the season.

Other characters we see in the trailer include Wonder Woman and The Joker (DC), Velma (Scooby-Doo), Bugs Bunny and Marvin the Martian (Looney Tunes), Iron Giant (The Iron Giant), Rick Sanchez (Rick and Morty), Stripe (Gremlins), and Finn the Human and Cake the Cat, a variant of Jake the Dog (Adventure Time).

Developed by Player First Games, MultiVersus will be available on May 28 as a free download for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 consoles, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One consoles, and PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), with full cross-play and cross-progression support.

Announced characters currently include Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn, Black Adam, and The Joker (DC); Shaggy and Velma (Scooby-Doo); Bugs Bunny, Tasmanian Devil a.k.a. Taz, and Marvin the Martian (Looney Tunes); Arya Stark (Game of Thrones); Tom & Jerry (Tom and Jerry); Finn the Human, Jake the Dog, and Banana Guard (Adventure Time); Steven Universe and Garnet (Steven Universe); Iron Giant (The Iron Giant), LeBron James (Space Jam: A New Legacy); Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith (Rick and Morty); Gizmo and Stripe (Gremlins); Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th); Agent Smith (The Matrix); and an “extraordinary original creature” named Reindog.

In March, Warner Bros. re-announced MultiVersus with a new release date after Player First Games rebuilt the game from the ground up to improve online play and, with a move to Unreal Engine 5, improve visuals. MultiVersus officially shut down in June last year after launching with a battle pass, microtransactions, and DLC characters. This release was considered an open beta, but some expressed frustration at MultiVersus going dark after spending real money on it.

In our 8/10 review of the open beta, IGN said: "MultiVersus may not be a must-play at social gatherings, but its refreshing team-based battles make it a great platform fighter online."

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

Target has heavily discounted Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for a limited time on its online store. Those interested can currently save $15 on a 3-month code, bringing its price down from $49.99 to $34.99. 1-month codes are also discounted, and down to just $11.89. Target's price drop is a bigger discount than the previous best offer at Woot, and the lowest price Game Pass Ultimate has been for a while.

Discounts on Game Pass can be fairly inconsistent, and not even the biggest shopping events like Prime Day or Black Friday can guarantee great offers on Xbox's flagship subscription service. While there's still an air of trepidation surrounding Game Pass, big discounts like this are increasingly notable considering more price hikes are rumored for later this year.

Game Pass has gotten some heat since Microsoft decided to close studios like Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin. Larger third-party developers, for instance, have also complained that Game Pass cannibalizes retail sales -- concerns that Microsoft admitted last year were founded. It's something to consider when purchasing even more time on the service. That being said, Game Pass is still one of the better deals in gaming, so if you use it often, this deal could be a good opportunity to stack up some membership time at a discount.

The max you can stack Game Pass is three years (36 months). Buying 12 of these 3-month codes totals $418.88--arguably a lot. However, when you compare it to the MSRP cost of Game Pass Ultimate (36 x $16.99/month) it amounts to $611.64. So you're saving $192.76 on your subscription for the next three years if you invest now, and potentially even more if that price hike comes to fruition.

According to a new report by The Wall Street Journal, Microsoft will also soon announce its intention to release this year’s mainline Call of Duty game straight into Game Pass. WSJ reports that Microsoft will announce the plans during its Xbox showcase event in June.

"Microsoft plans a major shakeup of its video game sales strategy by releasing the coming installment of Call of Duty to its subscription service instead of the longtime, lucrative approach of only selling it a la carte,” WSJ reported. Microsoft declined to comment when contacted by the publication.

If you want to see more discounts for specific platforms, you can also check out our roundups of the best PlayStation deals today, the best Nintendo Switch deals today, and the best PC video game deals today.

Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter.

Concerning.

© Larian Studios / FluffySpider on Nexus Mods

But he's at least pretty sure you can't strip him like they do in the show.

© Scallywag Arcade

DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn has confirmed Clark Kent's parents will be played by Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell in 2025's Superman.

Revealed in a Threads post, Gunn celebrated the anniversary of his "favorite Kansas farmers" by announcing Jonathan and Martha Kent's castings for the rebooted DC film universe, the DCU.

"Happy anniversary to my favorite Kansas farmers Ma and Pa Kent, who will be played by Pruitt Taylor Vince (an actor I’ve wanted to work with since I saw him in James Mangold’s Heavy in 1995) and the delightful Neva Howell," Gunn said.

Pruitt Taylor Vince has appeared in myriad films such as Mississippi Burning, Jacob's Ladder, and Constantine, while his television roles include The Mentalist and The Walking Dead, in which he played Otis. Neva Howell has appeared in Ghosts of the Ozarks, The Resident, The Originals, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul, and more.

Superman, previously Superman: Legacy, will be the first film in the DCU's Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters, but it's definitely not an origin story and also features a ton of other DC heroes and villains.

Alongside David Corenswet as Superman stands Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and the film also stars Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, María Gabriela as The Engineer, and more. Gunn confirmed these actors will play the roles in other DCU projects too.

Chapter 1 of the DCU also features TV shows, and while the exact contents have shuffled a tad since Gunn and co-CEO Peter Safran announced it in 2023, an animated series called Creature Commandos will officially kick off the new universe in late 2024.

Image Credit: Paul Michaud/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images and N J Howell on YouTube

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.

One Marvel executive has asked fans of the well-received X-Men ‘97 animated show to be “patient” as it works on Season 2.

X-Men ‘97 Season 1 ends with a number of tantalizing teasers for Season 2. Check out IGN’s X-Men '97 Season 1 review, then head over to our feature on How the Series Sets Up Season 2 for more.

Speaking to ComicBook, Marvel's head of streaming, Brad Winderbaum, said season 2 is currently in the animatic stage.

"It's still an animatic phase. Animation takes so long to make as I'm sure you know,” Winderbaum said. “There was a great bit about this in Invincible Season 2. They just nailed it so hard, it is the greatest. And it takes a long time. Because the studio wants to see how successful the first season is before they greenlight the second season there's a lag. We were lucky enough to get the greenlight before we aired so there's maybe less of a lag. People are just going to have to be patient with us.”

"People are just going to have to be patient with us.

X-Men ‘97 Season 2 has no release window yet, but the hope is it will avoid a similar gap between Season 1 and 2 that Prime Video's Invincible suffered. Invincible Season 1 and 2 saw a gap of more than two years, fueled by the pandemic.

What we do know, however, is fired X-Men '97 creator Beau DeMayo’s involvement with Season 2. Responding to questions from fans following the Season 1 finale, DeMayo said that while he wrote “a lot” of Season 2, he will not be heavily involved in the production of it.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

Ghost of Tsushima’s PC release is a certified hit. According to official numbers provided by Valve, it became PlayStation’s biggest single-player game launch on Steam, hitting a peak concurrent player count of 77,154 on May 19. God of War’s all-time peak is 73,529, achieved when Sony Santa Monica’s action adventure hit Steam two years ago. If you want to jump into the game on PC, the best deal is $50.99 via Green Man Gaming, $9 off the MSRP.

This is a reasonable discount for a new PC release, and well worth considering if you're planning on picking up the action-adventure game anytime soon. It's also one of the best PC video game deals available right now, with our other top picks including discounts on Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, Dragon's Dogma 2, and the latest Humble Choice bundle that includes Hi-Fi Rush, among other games, for just $11.99.

We have a few other deals roundups worth checking out right now as well, including the best Xbox deals, the best PlayStation deals, and the best Nintendo Switch deals. In each of those, you can find a wide variety of great discounts on physical media like games alongside deals on hardware, accessories, and sometimes even memberships. Another great spot to look for the latest sales is in our Daily Deals roundup, where we highlight the best deals available right now. Currently, we have some great video game deals listed alongside Nintendo Switch OLED and CRKD Nitro Deck discounts.

Ghost of Tsushima's success on PC is notable despite Sony's policy requiring a PlayStation Network account for online multiplayer and the PlayStation overlay. As a result, the game isn't available in countries where PlayStation Network is inaccessible.

In 2021, Sony acquired Nixxes Software, a PC port specialist, that handled the highly praised PC version of Ghost of Tsushima. Sucker Punch, the game's developer, expressed gratitude to Nixxes on Twitter, praising their exceptional work on the port. "Your technical expertise has been invaluable in making our first-ever PC release a reality," they stated. "We couldn't have asked for a better partner."

With the success of Ghost of Tsushima, God of War, and Spider-Man on PC, there's growing speculation about which high-profile PlayStation exclusive will be ported next. A recent report suggests that God of War: Ragnarok will be the next PlayStation exclusive to debut on PC, while fans of Bloodborne remain hopeful.

Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter.

Whether you’re on the go or looking to add some magic to your home office, we’ve determined some of the best current PC video game deals available from Steam, Humble, Fanatical, and more. Plus, just because we're nice, we've also found some top discounts for laptops, accessories, PCs, and more that can help enhance your experience. We monitor this space with the best deals as they come in, so you’ll want to keep coming over to check for the newest installments.

TL;DR - Best Steam Deals

Best Ghost of Tsushima Deal on PC

Ghost of Tsushima’s PC release is a hit after it became PlayStation’s biggest single-player game launch on Steam. According to official numbers provided by Valve, Ghost of Tsushima hit a peak concurrent player count of 77,154 on Sunday, May 19. God of War’s all-time peak is 73,529, achieved when Sony Santa Monica’s action adventure hit Steam two years ago. If you're looking to jump into the game, the best deal right now is $50.99 via Green Man Gaming, $9 off the MSRP.

Humble Choice May Bundle for $11.99

Hi-Fi Rush is a part of the Humble Choice Bundle for May, alongside Yakuza Like A Dragon, Steel Rising, and more. You can join Humble Choice for $11.99/month, collecting all these PC games to keep permanently, and you can skip a month or cancel anytime. To top things off, each code included is for Steam.

Final Fantasy Games Get a Big Limited Sale on PC

There's a huge sale right now for a pretty huge chunk of Final Fantasy games on PC. These are all Steam codes, but the sale can be found at trusted retailer Green Man Gaming which has slashed the prices on its whole Final Fantasy catalog.

This includes the original Final Fantasy 7, its Remake (Intergrade), Crisis Core, X/X-2 Remaster, Stranger of Paradise, Lightning Returns, and so much more as well. We'll leave our favorites in the sale just below, but it's worth checking out everything available as it's a mighty impressive sale for fans of the franchise.

Dragon's Dogma 2 Is Just $57.39 Right Now

Dragon's Dogma 2 is also down to just $57.39 only days after release. We've been raving about Dragon's Dogma 2 in our review, and it's already looking like an iconic RPG experience. There's also some good news for PC gamers; for a limited time and while stock lasts, Dragon's Dogma 2 is down to just $57.39 at Fanatical. This is a trusted Steam code provider, so you're in safe hands with this one.

Get 7 Fallout Games for Just $25 (Was $139.95)

This is a huge deal after the brilliance of the Fallout TV Show on Amazon. There's a great deal on the Fallout Bundle at Fanatical. Down to just $25, this includes the Fallout Classic Collection (Fallout, Fallout Tactics, Fallout 2), Fallout 3, Fallout New Vegas, Fallout 4, and Fallout 76.

Best Steam Video Game Deals

With the current deals, old-school and new-school gamers are in for a treat. Our selections for the best PC games out right now feature superheroic tales, wizards doing mass pew-pew, and multiple fighting games to keep you entertained while the world falls apart. The games we selected allow you to play these things solo or paired with a friend -- so go nuts! If you're checking out any games at Fanatical, double check to see if the FANATICAL17 promo code works out as well.

If you’re looking for the best gaming PCs of 2024 no matter your range or budget, we have a list of the best ones overall right here. For more gaming deals, make sure you're following @IGNDeals on Twitter/X, checking out our latest Daily Deals column, or even having a gander at the Best PS5 deals right now.

Alienware Aurora Ryzen RTX 4090 Gaming PC $2899.99

Do you prefer to play on a dedicated tower? Navigating the options online can be a lengthy ordeal. Desk space (or lack of desk space), portability, and price point are often factors in the decision. Utility, function, and fun little extras like RGB capacities or sound-enhancing add-on devices to pair with your PC often make up the list of desired needs.

Starting this week, Dell has just dropped the price of this powerful Alienware Aurora R15 equipped with a GeForce RTX 4090 GPU for only $2899.99 shipped. This is the best Alienware deal on an RTX 4090 equipped gaming PC right now. RTX 4090 GPUs are currently difficult to find at MSRP; right now, a 4090 GPU on Amazon sells at a $300-$500 markup. If this is the GPU you really want, you might actually save money buying a prebuilt PC like this one instead of sourcing your own parts and going the DIY route.

Budget to Best: Gaming PC Laptop Deals

Gaming PC laptops are getting more powerful in smaller sizes, but they come at a price for their portability. A dedicated laptop will offer less customization than its stand-alone PC counterparts but will often be much more accessible, as you won’t have to search several places and wait for your parts to build your rig and get yourself on the go. While on the go, though, some considerations remain when picking up a gaming laptop. Portable computers equipped with the components to play the latest games are often substantially heavier than ones used for other purposes.

Budget to Best: PC Gaming Accessory Deals

For those staying at home, accessories that add to your home experience are everything. Speakers can be great accessories to add to your home PC, but if your monitor and devices can support it, soundbars can turn up your dedicated home gaming time.

You can score some soundbars separately or sometimes in packaged deal bundles with speakers, subwoofers, cables, mounting kits, and controllers to make those linked devices work with just a few clicks. If you’re on the go, though, you’ll want to find a headset that matches your personal brand. Like portable PC laptops vs. less portable PC home-based towers, headsets vary by price point and desired utility.

Jennifer Stavros is a contributing freelancer for IGN, covering everything from comics, games, technology, and nerd culture. She has over 15 years of experience in the gaming industry, including testing and writing for Wired, Inverse, and more. Follow her on Twitter or watch her on Twitch under the handle @scandalous