

Updated · Feb 02, 2023
Updated: February 02,2023
Are you thinking of joining the HiFi world? A fantastic pair of cans is a must, then. We’ve assembled and reviewed 10 of the best headphones for music available, and there’s bound to be one that’s your perfect match.
Scroll down, and you’ll find:
So, let’s get down to business!
Are you looking for the finest noise-canceling headphones? The Sony WH-1000XM4 is full of intelligent features that ensure your complete isolation wherever you are. It has a stunning battery life of 30 hours with ANC on.
at Amazon
Active noise cancelation
Yes
Battery life with ANC on
30 hours
Support
SBC, AAC, and LDAC
The Grado SR325x are more than just brilliant open-back headphones — they are a statement piece. Their authentic design and natural sound are a powerful combo. They cost $295 and come with two adjustable sets of earpads, each capable of reproducing a different sound signature.
at Amazon
Earpads
Two sets
Frequency response
18Hz-24kHz
Design
Retro
The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro are masterfully made professional open-back headphones. They are a must-have for analytical listeners. But they aren’t just serious headphones: switch their analytical earpads with the balanced ones, and you’ll hear a whole new world. These German-quality headphones cost $599.
at Amazon
Pads
Two sets
Frequency response
5Hz-40kHz
Impedance
250Ω
Creative knocks it out of the park with its Zen Hybrid over-ear headphones. You get active noise cancelation, the option to go wired or wireless, and a compact travel design with three folding options. What’s more, you can now pick them up for less than $70, making them our top pick for those on a low budget.
at Creative
Active Noise Cancelation
Yes
Frequency Response
20Hz-20kHz
Drivers
40mm
The AKG Y500 are budget-friendly wireless headphones that can pack quite a punch. Despite their low price, they deliver a balanced and warm sound that isn’t muddied by bass. Their 33-hour battery life is also nothing to scoff at! They can be yours for just $150.
at Amazon
Bass
Balanced, but energetic
Battery life
33 hours
Support
SBS and AAC codec
The Sennheiser HD 800 S is not to be taken lightly. This majestic pair of open-back headphones represent the pinnacle of neutral sound. Its massive drivers are also capable of reproducing an impressively wide soundstage. The price is premium, too — $1400.
at Amazon
Impedance
300Ω
Drivers
56mm
Frequency response
4Hz-51kHz
The HiFiMan Arya is a cutting-edge pair of open-back headphones with an incredible neutral sound. It uses planar magnetic drivers instead of the usual dynamic ones, and its frequency response range goes up to 65kHz. This extravagant model costs $1600.
at Amazon
Connector
1/4’’ (6.35mm)
Frequency response
8Hz-65kHz
Impedance
35Ω
If you’re looking for something cheap and practical that will sound consistently excellent across genres, then the JBL Tune 750BTNC might be your pick. These wireless closed-back headphones also support ANC and multipoint connections. You can fully immerse yourself in sound for just 130$.
at Amazon
Noise Cancelation
Active
Frequency response
20Hz-20kHz
Audio cable
1/8’’ (3.5mm), detachable
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones’ futuristic design will make you stand out in a crowd. These $380 wireless headphones have eight high-quality headphones that make noise cancelation and taking calls a piece of cake. Their sound is also top of the class and adjustable, thanks to the Bose Music app.
at Amazon
Support
SBC and AAC codec
Microphones
Eight
Noise cancelation
Active
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless has the best of both worlds: Bluetooth convenience and stunning sound quality. Its clever selection of audio codecs makes sure of that. Take into account the adjustable noise control and durable frame, and you have a very attractive pair of wireless headphones for $260-$400.
at Amazon
Support
aptX, aptX LL, and AAC codec
Noise cancelation
Active, adjustable
Frequency response
6Hz-22kHz
The Focal Clear Mg is a magnesium work of art. Its build quality is the stuff of dreams: the transducer dome and grill are uniquely designed from choice materials. The biggest surprise is that you’re not bound to high-power amplifiers to drive these cans — your phone will suffice. They cost $1490.
at Amazon
Frequency response
5Hz-28kHz
Weight
1lbs (450g)
Impedance
55Ω
Creative Zen Hybrid - Best for those on a low budget.
There is a lot of technical lingo being thrown around casually, which can be intimidating if you’re a newcomer. But, don’t be discouraged — you don’t need a dictionary to find your way around. We will cover the basic features to look for when shopping for your ideal high def headphones.
Let’s jump right in.
Before doing anything, you have to think about how you’re going to use your cans. Consider situations like commute, travel, office use, sports, and gaming.
Do you need a versatile pair that you can carry with you everywhere you go? Or do you want to invest in a stay-at-home model?
Do you want to isolate yourself from external noise or be aware of your surroundings?
Is it important that you listen to music without any of it leaking?
Yep, that’s a lot to think about! But it’s crucial before moving on to the next step.
Comparing various headphone types is easy once you have an idea of how you will use them.
But, before we get started, one word:
You might notice how we didn’t include in-ear models or earbuds in our selection. There is a reason — sound quality.
Now, let’s browse.
Wired headphones are a relatively simple affair. Yes, a wire limits your mobility. But you can count on a consistent, well-rounded sound and not worry about battery life and Bluetooth connectivity shenanigans.
The biggest thing, however, is sound quality. Even the best Bluetooth codecs can’t beat wired audio signal quality.
On the other hand, headphone jacks on phones are a slowly dying breed, making wireless headphones for music a necessity. And you can’t deny their convenience — no more untangling your cable! Still, for many, the inferior sound quality is a big minus. If you decide to bite the bullet and cut the wire, look for cans with high-quality audio codecs, like the 990kbps aptX HD and LDAC.
Headphones also differ based on how they sit on your head and ears. It’s a significant distinction that affects your comfort levels, portability, bass and sub-bass sounds, and soundstage (we’ll get to that later!).
Over-ear options have big, spacious, enveloping earcups. They are deeper, too, with a distance between the speakers and your ears, making for a spacious sound. You can hear the lower ends more intimately.
They are also generally bulkier, which doesn’t mark well for mobility.
On-ear cans sit directly on your ears and are lighter, more compact, and portable. You will also hear a bit more ambient noise. That makes them a good compromise for office use — when you want to be isolated and keep up with everything going on.
Despite being relatively lightweight headphones, users sometimes find them uncomfortable and clamp-heavy. Comfort is subjective, though, and depends on even the tiniest details like your ear size.
Their sound is a bit more shallow, too.
In short:
If it’s full of vents and holes, they are open-back, with a more natural, open audio reproduction.
If it’s solid, they are closed-back, with an immersive, encompassing audio.
Other than the overall sound, the biggest difference between the two types is sound leakage. The best closed headphones act like a leak-proof seal around your head. On the other hand, open-backed models are by design, well, open — everyone can hear what you’re listening to.
Another critical factor is how much of the outside world you want to filter out. Noise cancelation features help you focus on your music more and can help prevent hearing loss! You won’t feel the need to turn up the volume as much.
Generally speaking, there are two types of noise-canceling: passive and active. Passive noise isolation depends mainly on your cans’ design. Over-ear and closed-back ones have inherently good passive noise resistance.
Active noise isolation features microphones that cancel out (or let in) external sounds. It’s more precise, and it needs the power to do so. However, it’s also more expensive.
This is a no-brainer: of course, you need to pay close attention to sound. To be more precise - audio characteristics, like neutrality, signature, separation, and frequency response.
Let us explain.
The top options have a neutral sound. They aren’t colored by excessive bass, mids, or treble. They simply reproduce the audio the way it is originally mixed.
All headphone models have a specific sound signature that they’re known for. It’s their unique sound color or how the model’s drivers are tuned to amplify or reduce certain frequencies. You should always check it out before committing to buying a pair. So, if you’re very sensitive to higher frequencies, you should avoid cans with a brighter sound signature.
Another detail that marks the top music headphones is the level of sound separation. If you listen to a song, you should smoothly tell one instrument from another and even locate them differently. It should feel as if one instrument is to your left, one to your right, another in the back, and so on. The space you can discern between the leftmost and the rightmost instrument is your headphones’ soundstage. You want it to be as broad and grand as possible.
One last thing:
You’ve probably seen frequency range specs while looking up specific models. Some are wider than others — does that make them better?
Not necessarily.
The frequency response shows you how well your headphones can reproduce various frequencies. The range represents the lowest and higher points of the audio reproduction.
It’s a good thing to keep in mind, but don’t get too hung up on the numbers. You’re human, not a bat (nor Batman) — you physically can’t hear the high-level frequencies that some cans reproduce. Your natural human hearing range should be around 20Hz-20kHz. But, you can feel sounds that are outside of your scope, especially sub-bass rumbles.
This is a tricky one! Comfort is entirely subjective, but it can be a complete deal-breaker.
The main thing you should look out for is how padded the headband and earcups are. Thick padding will prevent hot spots from forming on your head.
Higher-end headphones have moved on from classic materials. They use memory foam, microfibre, velour, high-quality leather, and even more extravagant options.
We left the price for last. The harsh reality is that the HiFi world is often expensive, and there is a lot of hype surrounding the most prized items. Still, there are cheap and awesome high-def headphones.
Anyway, you’re supposed to train your ears and build your way up to the more elaborate (and expensive) models. It’s a musical journey — take it slow and don’t skip ahead.
Right from the bat, we have to say that there is no universal prime musical material for testing cans. But, we can give you a couple of tips that are the next best thing.
First of all, try to pick well recorded, produced, and mastered songs in the highest possible quality. We’re talking crisp FLAC format, not jangly Youtube-to-mp3 converter quality.
This might come as a surprise, but it should also be songs you’ve heard hundreds of times. Since you’re so familiar with them, it will be easier to notice what has changed in the sound when using different headphones.
There are also some objective points of reference while you’re considering the best music to test headphones.
Go for:
There’s a Spotify playlist with more certified jams if you’re interested!
There is a lot to take into consideration when looking for a pair of good-quality headphones. There’s more to it than just the price or sound quality. Everything is interconnected: the type of headphones, craftsmanship, comfort, general usability, and the additional features.
The good thing is there’s something for everyone. Our selection proves that being an audiophile is more than just having deep pockets.
It’s a tough call, but it’s the Sennheiser HD 800 S. They are designed to be paired with high-end audio equipment. The model is for critical listening and studio use, and its neutral sound reflects that.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all pair of audiophile headphones. You should consider first how you would use them and where. Feel free to check our buyer’s cheat sheet above.
It would be impossible (and honestly, a bit unfair) to just point out the one, so here’s several: Grado, Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic, Focal, Sony, Shure, and AKG. Each has the quirks that make it worthy of your time.
Without a moment of hesitance, we can say yes. Finding your best headphones for music will make listening to your favorite tunes a more enjoyable experience. Their sound balance and neutrality will open up a whole new world for you.
Selma Citakovic
Selma is a content writer with a love for all things nerdy by day and an internet archaeologist that likes to dig up obscurities by night. Mostly she's trying to balance between many obsessions. Right now, it's bass playing and reading hard sci-fi about vampires in outer space - next week, who knows.
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