People who wear glasses on a daily basis face challenges unknown to their 20/20 brethren. One of those problems is finding a set of headphones that work well with glasses. In our experience, many headphones just aren’t up to the challenge of providing great, immersive sound without cramming the glasses’ earpieces into users’ temples. However, with a little bit of searching, wearing headphones with glasses won’t be much of an issue. With that in mind, we looked for the best headphones for glasses wearers, so you don’t have to.

We checked out headphones in all shapes and forms, but mostly ones with wide, adjustable headbands, lots of cushioning, and enough flexibility to accommodate a wide range of frame sizes. So, whether you’re nearsighted, farsighted, or just rock blue light-blocking lenses, there should be a great fit on this list for you.

The Best Headphones for Glasses Wearers

Beats Solo3

If you’re looking for the best headphones for glasses wearers who travel or commute a lot, the Beats Solo3 is a great option. These on-ear headphones fold down to a minuscule size, and their padded case and durable build make them easy to throw in a bag without worry. Owing to the Solo3’s wireless connectivity, they pair quickly and easily. But these bad boys also come with a cord, so when the battery dies, you can keep the tunes going.

You’ll hardly ever need it, though — with 40 hours of battery life, you can get a week’s worth of work done before you need to charge it. And with the rapid charging, you can squeeze 3 hours of playback out of a quick five-minute charge. For glasses wearers, the adjustable headband and soft leather ear cups provide a perfect fit, allowing us to wear them for hours on end without any discomfort. After a long workday with glasses on, my ears were a bit sore, but it was a small price to pay for the portability.

And the mic is clear as a bell, too. We’ve used these on video conferences and phone meetings and have never had any complaints from anyone on the receiving end.

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Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II

Bose is a force to be reckoned with in the audiophile world, and the Quiet Comfort 35 II is a great example of why the brand is so well-regarded. One of the most comfortable headphones for glasses, the sound quality coming from these headphones is also outstanding. As well, they’re definitely one of the best choices in their price segment. The audio performance is very balanced, making Bose QC 35 II great headphones for just about any kind of music. What’s more, it remains balanced even if you crank up the volume, which is not true of many headphones on the market.

Comfort-wise, Bose QC 35 II performs equally well when worn by people with and without glasses. The headband would benefit from more padding, but it’s not a huge issue. Since the QC 35 II model connects to devices wirelessly, you don’t have to worry about tangled and damaged cables. Of course, there’s also a headphone out jack in case you want to use the traditional wired connection.

If you commute a lot, you’re probably going to love the Bose QC 35 II’s built-in noise cancellation feature. It is highly effective, canceling out even louder outside noises and allowing you to concentrate on your music. In addition, the QC 35 II model is officially Alexa-certified, which means that you can talk to Alexa when wearing these headphones. Whether you want to find out more about the weather, add bread to your shopping list, or play some smooth jazz, just say it, and Alexa will take care of it for you.

Purchase

Audio-Technica ATH-M30

If you’re looking for a great pair of headphones for glasses, but don’t want to spend a lot of cheddar, the Audio-Technica ATH-M30 might be a perfect fit. Audio-Technica is a well-established name in the audio world, so you can be sure that these headphones will deliver quality sound. They may not have the same quality as the company’s ATH-M50s, but at less than half the price, you won’t be disappointed.

The ATH-M30’s are full-size over-the-ear headphones under $100, which means they’ll sit comfortably on your head without adding undue pressure on your ears. This means that you can rock any kind of glasses frame with these bad boys for hours without any discomfort.

The only problem you may find with these is that they aren’t overly portable. Since they’re not as solid as the high-end headphones in Audio-Technica’s lineup, you’ll want to take some care when putting them in a bag. The long cable can also be unwieldy during workouts, and there’s no microphone for taking calls or Zoom meetings. If you’re looking for a pair of headphones for working out or meeting online, these may not be the ones for you. But if you just want a good, affordable pair of headphones for working at home, they’re a great choice.

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Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 Ohm

Want studio-quality sound, but don’t want to pay studio-quality prices? Then check out the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro model. Built with audio professionals in mind, these German-made headphones are available in multiple impedance options ranging from 32 to 250 Ohm. If you’re actually an audio professional, you may want to go for the higher end of that range. But if you’re an audiophile, we recommend you stick right in the middle with the 80 Ohm option. It’s probably the most versatile entry in the lineup and will put out great sound from just about any source.

As far as comfort goes, the Beyerdynamics are a good option for people with wider and/or larger heads thanks to the extra flexible headband with lots of soft padding. They’re also full-size headphones, so you shouldn’t have any issues with your glasses while wearing them. These headphones may require some time to wear in and adjust to your head, so don’t be disappointed if you don’t get a perfect fit straight out of the box.

If you’re a commuter, the DT 770 Pro studio headphones are not the most portable headphone set imaginable. They can’t be folded, and the non-detachable cable means you need to be extra careful with it. On the bright side, the velour pads are replaceable, so you don’t have to worry too much about damaging those. That said, the Beyerdynamics really shines when being used at home or at the workplace, since we wouldn’t recommend putting them through the daily wear and tear inside a commuter bag.

Purchase

Sennheiser Urbanite XL

If you’ve got a big dome, point that melon at the Sennheiser Urbanite XL. Sennheiser is a German brand with over 100 years of experience in all things audio-related, so it’s pretty safe to say you’d be getting a quality piece of gear with the Urbanite XL. However, they might not be the best option if you’re into classical music or jazz, as they’re pretty bass-heavy and thus more suitable for people who want some thump to their music.

Wearing the Urbanite XL with glasses should be no problem at all, as they have a wide, adjustable headband and big, cushy earpads. Such thick padding provides a very comfortable fit for people with larger heads. Covered in durable denim, the headband can take a lot of wear and tear before something goes wrong with it. Plus, the denim headband gets style points for distinctiveness.

Since these headphones were designed for portable use, you get a nice travel pouch to protect them from scratches and physical damage, so they make great headphones for travel and commuting. The cable is detachable, and you can choose from several cable options, including cables with customized controls for iOS and Android devices.

Purchase

Sony MDR1AM2

Sony is widely known for its wide array of electronics, not the least of which is its iconic PlayStation console family. However, Sony is also a strong player in the audio field, with a countless number of top-notch headphones and speakers. The MDR-1AM2 model is a great example of why Sony is well-respected among audiophiles. These headphones sound almost neutral, with a slight emphasis on the lower mids and heavy bass. This allows the MDR-1AM2 to sound warm but not distorted and makes them a great option for everyday listening as well as for hearing every nuance on your favorite vinyl.

These headphones sport padding that looks slight but is extremely cushy and may be the most comfortable model for people with glasses. The ergonomic headband design allows the weight of the headphones to be distributed evenly without creating points of pressure on your head or ears. And thanks to the 6.6-ounce weight, you may even forget that you’re wearing them.

They don’t fold, but their ear cups do rotate toward the inside of the headband for more convenient storage and transportation. Sony MDR1AM2 headphones come with a travel pouch, so you can take them with you everywhere you go without taking up a lot of space in your backpack. They’re on the pricier side of headphones, but their comfort and sound quality will make them feel like a bargain.

Purchase

Samson SR850 Studio Reference

If you’re stoked on all these headphones, but they’re all out of your price range, you’ll be stoked to see the Samson SR850 Studio Reference, a truly budget-friendly set of headphones, on our list. At just a fraction of what most of our previous entries cost, these budget headphones still manage to deliver good-quality audio and feel surprisingly comfortable for glasses wearers.

While the sound quality isn’t as good as what the higher-end models can offer, you’re not going to find better sound for under fifty bucks. Even so, the sound coming out of the SR850 headphones is surprisingly clear, with crisp highs and punchy lows. So, don’t expect to get the muffled, thin sound (associated with many off-brand headphones) from Samson SR850, because they’re clearly capable of more.

The SR850 model is available in several versions. It may be tempting to get the Basic or Studio ones since they’re cheaper and they actually look pretty cool, but we highly recommend the “Studio Reference” if comfort is a priority. The headband of the Studio Reference headphones is completely different than what you get with the other two models, meaning a world of difference for people wearing glasses. Thanks to the extremely wide, auto-adjustable headband, these headphones can be a good fit for just about anyone, with plenty of space to comfortably accommodate your glasses.

Purchase

Headphones for Glasses Wearers Buying Guide

Features to Look for in Headphones for Glasses Wearers

Size – How well a set of headphones fits you is a huge factor in how comfortable they’re going to be. For people who wear glasses, this presents a unique challenge. The headphones will have to be tight enough to provide a tight seal, but not so tight that they squash your ears and glasses frames into your head. Most headphones sport adjustable headbands so you can customize the fit to an extent. But if you have an especially large or small head, keep an eye out for an XL or XS option.

Ear Pad Material – When it comes to comfort, ear pads are a crucial component when it comes to headphones. Since they are what comes in contact with your eyeglass frames, they’re where the potential for discomfort lies. Even slight pressure can press your eyeglass frames into your temples, which can cause some pretty savage discomfort, especially during long periods of wear.

Look for especially squishy ear pads made with a softer external material like velour or soft leather. These materials will conform around your glasses’ earpieces, instead of cramming them into your temples.

Over-ear vs. On-ear Headphones – For the most part, headphones come in two different forms: over-ear headphones and on-ear headphones. (The ones that go in your ears are called earbuds). Choosing which kind depends on personal preference, but there are a few things to consider.

• Over-ear headphones have larger cups designed to fit over the entire ear. This provides a secure seal around the ear for better sound and noise cancellation. They also eliminate any pressure points on your ears since your head is the only point of contact. This is doubly true for people who wear glasses.
• On-ear headphones are smaller and lighter thanks to their smaller ear cups, which rest on the ears instead of over them. These headphones are generally more portable, but they can pose a problem for people with glasses since they add pressure between the ears and eyeglass frames.

Headband – A good, padded headband is ideal for comfort in general. But if you wear glasses, adjustability is a bigger factor. Some headphones have headbands that can expand and retract to allow you to customize how they fit. This is perfect for glasses wearers since you can try a few different settings with them to dial in a comfortable fit.

Glasses Frames – You’re going to be wearing your glasses a lot more often than your headphones, so a good fit with your glasses should be your priority. No matter how much music (or how many crime podcasts) you listen to, headphones are a peripheral piece of gear compared to your glasses. So, make sure your glasses are a comfortable fit, then buy a pair of headphones that works well with them.

Versatility – For office wear, things like portability are secondary to comfort. A well-fitting pair of headphones that’s comfortable enough to wear for an entire workday should be your highest priority if you’re buying a pair for the office.

If you want a more versatile pair to wear during your commute, to the gym, or for travel, you’ll need to consider a few more things. Look for a durable pair that packs down small. This way, it won’t take up a ton of space in your pack and won’t get damaged while it bounces around in your bag.

Also, a wireless connection might be ideal, so you won’t get tangled up running on a treadmill or fidgeting around in your airplane seat.

Headphones for Glasses Wearers FAQ

What are the best headphones for people who wear glasses?

Since people come with different-sized heads and wear a wide range of glasses types, there’s no one pair of headphones that is perfect for everyone who wears glasses. There are, however, a few things to look for if you wear glasses.

The best headphones for people with glasses should have soft ear cups, so they won’t put a lot of pressure on your eyeglass frames. Also, look for a pair with an adjustable headband so you can customize your fit.

Once you’ve found a pair that seems like a good fit, check the reviews online to get an idea of how they sound, then look for any other features you’d want, like Bluetooth connectivity.

Can people with glasses wear headphones?

People who wear glasses absolutely can wear headphones. There are plenty of great headphones for glasses wearers that are comfortable and provide great sound. For the most part, over-ear headphones are the most comfortable for glasses wearers, but there are also great glasses-friendly headphones that go on the ears as well.

How do you wear noise-canceling headphones with glasses?

You wear them just like you wear any other noise-canceling headphones. A good pair of headphones will have ear cups that are soft enough to wrap around and provide a tight seal over eyeglass frames.

Sources:

1. The Most Common Problems You’ll Encounter as a Glasses-Wearer – Innes Eye Clinic

The best wired and wireless in-ear headphones or earphones are difficult to pick out among a sea of products. You’ll end up spending a lot of time narrowing down your choices to the very best ones. But fortunately, you have this product guide to give you a head start. Below are some of the best earphones currently out on the market, including wired earphones, wireless neckband earphones, and truly wireless earphones.

The Best Wired and Wireless In-ear Headphones

Best Truly Wireless Earphones: Sony WF-1000XM3

The Sony WF-1000XM3 are some of the best and most popular truly wireless earphones on the market, and that reputation is well earned. They are noise-canceling earphones with good sound quality, decent battery life, convenient touch controls, and good app support. They are more suitable for many people than the similarly priced Apple AirPods Pro and the cheaper Samsung Galaxy Buds, with no feature restrictions regardless of smartphone OS. You can get them for around $230, with the option to choose between a more discreet black model and a classier silver model.

While they are not as imposing as the Audeze iSine 20, the WF-1000XM3 are a bit bulky for a pair of truly wireless earphones, sticking out from your ears. But they are lightweight and comfortable to wear, with multiple silicone and foam ear tips to choose from. They stay securely in your ears despite lacking stability fins and ear hooks. Their overall build quality feels premium, but they are not as water-resistant as sports earphones.

Carrying the WF-1000XM3 for everyday use is not going to be a problem. They are extremely portable and will easily fit into your shirt pocket. And since they are cable-free – not counting the charging cable – you don’t have to deal with tangled cables. Their charging case, which holds additional charges, is also compact and portable, making it easy to slip into small pockets. The case looks just as premium as the earphones themselves and connects using a USB-C cable.

For controls, the WF-1000XM3 feature a touch surface on each unit that is responsive and easy to use and doesn’t cause you to push the earphones further in your ear canals, which is uncomfortable. With the touch controls, you can activate your voice assistant and manage your calls and music. You can quickly switch to attention mode by covering the left unit’s touch surface. When attention mode is engaged, the volume drops, and the active noise cancellation (ANC) is disabled, allowing you to listen to your surroundings or talk to someone without taking the earphones off your ears.

The WF-1000XM3 are some of the best-sounding truly wireless earphones and will surprise many with their overall sound quality. You can modify their sound using the Sony companion app, which allows for a good amount of customization and is one of the best headphone apps out there. Their integrated mic is also decent, but it’s not suitable for phone calls in a very noisy environment.

And speaking of which, the WF-1000XM3 are good at blocking out ambient noise with their passive in-ear seal and ANC, making them suitable for commute, travel, and office use. If you can get a tight seal with any of the included ear tips, they are very effective at blocking ambient noise in airports, public transport, and busy offices. Their sound leakage is also low at higher volumes, preventing your loud music from bleeding out too much and disturbing nearby people.

With their six-hour battery life per charge, the WF-1000XM3 last longer than many other truly wireless earphones. They will easily last through shorter flights and typical commutes, but for longer flights and road trips and regular work shifts, their single-charge battery life is not going to be enough. Fortunately, their charging case, as mentioned, holds additional charges. You get three additional charges in the case, which translates to a total battery life of 24 hours.

Overall, the WF-1000XM3 are excellent wireless earphones that easily stand out among a sea of contenders. They are versatile earphones suitable for everyday use, with their premium build quality, good audio reproduction, six-hour battery per charge, good noise isolation, and customizability being some of their most notable aspects. They work well with both Android and iOS devices and support NFC technology for faster pairing.

Best Neckband Earphones: Sony WI-1000X

If you prefer wireless earphones with longer battery life than truly wireless earphones, check out the Sony WI-1000X. They are wireless neckband headphones that are suitable for commuting, travel, and office use, featuring ANC for better noise isolation in noisy environments. They sell for around $300 and are available in black and gold, with the latter being the more premium-looking model.

The WI-1000X are better-built than the more popular Bose QuietControl 30 and have a sleek neckband with smart cable management. Their audio cables extend from each side of the neckband and are not too long. The neckband itself is sturdy and durable and has a clean look, with minimal branding and discreet buttons for controls. There are different sizes of ear tips included in the box, allowing you to choose ear tips that offer the best comfort and seal.

Compact and lightweight, the WI-1000X are comfortable to wear, but they are not as comfortable for long listening sessions as the QuietControl 30. They are easy to carry for everyday use and don’t stand out too much when worn around your neck. For easy access, you can simply wear them around your neck when not in use instead of putting them back into their travel pouch.

Unlike some behind-the-neck earphones that include an in-line remote, the controls are on the neckband itself, with each side featuring at least one button. You can use the controls for call and music management and for switching between ANC and ambient mode. The control scheme is simple, effective, and easy to use, with the buttons offering decent feedback.

In addition to the pouch, charging cable, and multiple ear tips, the package includes an airplane adapter and an audio cable. Both accessories are not normally included with neckband headphones, especially the latter. With their audio cable, the WI-1000X stand out as some of the few neckband headphones that can be used in wired mode. The audio cable ends with a regular 3.5 mm analog plug for universal compatibility with most mobile devices.

The WI-1000X is a pair of good-sounding neckband headphones with a balanced treble and mid-range and a punchy bass that makes them suitable for bass-heavy music. You can modify the sound using the Sony companion app, which offers presets and a graphic equalizer. Like the Sony WF-1000XM3, they support NFC for faster pairing and have a decent integrated mic for phone calls.

Compatible with both Android and iOS devices, the WI-1000X are good earphones for commuting, travel, and office use. Their noise isolation with ANC is one of the best among neckband headphones, blocking a good amount of background noise such as the sound of airplane and bus engines and office chatter. And with their low sound leakage, you can increase the music volume to further mask ambient noise without worrying about the audio bleeding out too much.

With their 10-hour battery in wireless mode with ANC enabled, the WI-1000X are more suitable for long listening sessions than truly wireless earphones. Their battery life per charge increases up to 13 hours when in wireless mode with ANC disabled and up to 14 hours when in wired mode with ANC enabled. They also charge fast – though not as fast as some wireless headphones – providing 70 minutes of playback after 15 minutes of charging.

All in all, the WI-1000X are some of the best wireless earphones on the market. Their build quality and sound quality are both good. They are suitable for all-around casual use, with their portable design, long battery life, and ANC making them especially suitable for commuting and travel. However, they are not the most affordable earphones – their $300 price easily stands out among wireless earphones regardless of form factor.

Best Earphones for Audiophiles: Audeze iSine 20

The Audeze iSine 20 are unique among the products in this guide, not only in sound profile but also in structure and aesthetic. They are semi-open headphones with planar magnetic drivers, a technology normally seen in over-ear headphones. They stand out as some of the best-sounding earphones on the market and are recommended for audiophiles and headphone enthusiasts, but their usage is limited due to their semi-open design.

A pair of wired earphones, the iSine 20 have an unusual look that you’ll either love or hate. They are larger and bulkier than regular earphones, featuring hexagonal housings with webbed backplates that might remind Star Wars fans of TIE fighters. Their overall build quality is good and feels durable, with a mix of plastic and metal parts in the construction.

While they are bigger than most earphones, the iSine 20 are still lightweight, with the pair weighing around 0.71 ounces or roughly 20 grams without the audio cable. They are comfortable to wear for long hours – they are supremely breathable and don’t enter your ear canals too deeply. There are multiple ear tips included in the box, along with ear hooks. Unlike with some sports earphones with optional ear hooks, you’ll need to use the ear hooks for stability and support; without them, you are unlikely to get a very secure fit with these Audeze earphones.

The iSine 20, like other earphones, are compact and easy to carry if you want to use them at the office or while traveling, but they are not as portable as truly wireless earphones. They include a nylon travel case and a standard 3.5 mm audio cable, with the option to get the Cipher Lightning cable featuring a built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC), mic, and controls for iOS devices. Unfortunately, the travel case is not as good as a hard case and will not provide strong protection against water spills.

Excluding professional in-ear monitors, you’d be hard-pressed to find better-sounding under-$1,000 wired earphones than the iSine 20 – their overall sound quality is terrific, with deep bass, detailed mid-range, and smooth treble. Their soundstage is wide, which is particularly notable for earphones, while their distortion is minimal even at high volume. They are suitable for different music genres, but you’ll need the Cipher Lightning cable for the best sound quality when connected to an iOS device.

With the Cipher Lightning cable, you can customize the sound using the Audeze iOS app. The app has two presets and a 10-band equalizer that allows for real-time sound customization. Without the Cipher Lightning cable, the iSine 20 still sound decent and are still better than many regular earphones. But for the best results, you have to either connect them to iOS devices using the unique Cipher Lightning cable or make use of alternative solutions when connecting them to non-iOS devices.

As mentioned in the product introduction, the iSine 20 have limited usage due to their design. They are best used for listening to music in a quiet environment, at home or otherwise. Their noise isolation is poor, making them unsuitable in crowded or noisy places. And their sound leakage is quite high, which can be a problem in some situations – like when listening to loud music during flights.

The iSine 20 are not as versatile as the other top picks in this guide. But if you want the best-sounding wired earphones purely for enjoying music at home, they are the best option. They sound phenomenal with minimal distortion and are comfortable to wear for long hours. If you are going to connect them to an iOS device, we highly recommend getting the Cipher Lightning cable as well.

Purchase

Best Earphones for Sports: Jaybird Tarah Pro

The Jaybird Tarah Pro are the best earphones for all-around sports use. They are ruggedly built wireless earphones with stability fins and a long-lasting battery. You can get them for $160, with Jaybird offering a few dual-color options. While they are some of the more expensive sports earphones, their versatility makes up for it; they are recommended for athletes and fitness enthusiasts and are suitable for both light workouts and rigorous training.

Like the Sony WI-1000X, the Tarah Pro are wireless earphones that need to be worn around your neck, but instead of a solid neckband, they have a more flexible behind-the-neck cable with an in-line remote for controls. Their overall build quality is good – they have a durable braided cable and boast an IPX7 rating for water resistance. They can be worn either over or under your ears due to their rotating earpieces, with their stability fins making for a more secure fit, which is important during intense workouts with lots of head movement.

However, their stability fins are integrated into the ear tips, preventing you from combining different ear tip and stability fin sizes for the most comfortable fit for your ears. There are three different sizes of ear tips included with the earphones, along with a travel pouch, a shirt clip, and the proprietary charging cradle. Take good care of the charging cradle: It is not easy to replace and is more expensive than regular USB charging cables.

Although they are not as portable as truly wireless earphones, the Tarah Pro are easy to carry for daily workouts. They are lightweight and compact and will easily fit into small pockets, with their travel pouch protecting them from scratches. You can simply wear them around your neck when not in use – their magnetic earpieces allow for effective cable management and keep the earphones secure around your neck while walking.

The Tarah Pro have a simple and efficient in-line remote that includes a mic and the usual three-button control scheme seen in most headphones. Well-spaced and responsive, the control buttons allow for call and music management, volume control, and voice assistant activation. The in-line remote is easily accessible and doesn’t get in the way during workouts, with the buttons providing good feedback. You can also enable power-saving mode by simply snapping the magnetic earpieces together.

Customizable using the Jaybird companion app, the Tarah Pro are decent-sounding wireless earphones with an excellent wireless range and a hassle-free Bluetooth pairing process, but they don’t support NFC technology. They can last up to 14 hours on a single charge, which is one of the best marks for sports-oriented earphones with a behind-the-neck form factor. They charge fast as well, providing two hours of playback after five minutes of charge time.

With their good passive noise isolation, the Tarah Pro will allow you to train in peace and stay focused on your routine in a crowded gym. They are not on the same level as actual noise-canceling headphones regarding overall noise isolation performance. But they block a good amount of ambient chatter, making them suitable for office use. Their sound leakage is also minimal even at high volume, which is another plus when using them as office earphones.

If you are in the market for the best sports earphones, look no further than the Tarah Pro. They are suitable for all-around sports use, with their 14-hour battery making them useful for ultra-running and long training sessions over multiple days. They are durable and well-protected against sweat and stay securely in your ears during rigorous workouts, thanks to their stability fins. Their sound quality and app support are both decent, while their passive noise isolation is good.

Best Wired Earphones Under $50: Tin Audio T2

The Tin Audio T2 are budget earphones that look like premium earphones due to their excellent build quality and sound better than many earphones selling for twice the price. We recommend them for audiophiles who are looking for affordable headphones that not only sound good but are also easy to carry for everyday use. While they lack an in-line remote, they are decent wired earphones for all-around usage, increasing their overall value.

A pair of closed-back earphones, the T2 are better-built than most earphones in the same price range, featuring metal earpieces and a braided audio cable. The default foam ear tips are bright blue for a clean, modern look. The white audio cable is detachable and has gold-plated MMCX connectors on one end and a 3.5 mm analog plug on the other end. With the red and blue rings around the cable slots, you can easily identify the left and right earpieces.

While their packaging might come off as a bit shoddy, the T2 are premium-looking earphones that feel sturdy and durable. Their overall build quality is excellent even without considering their price. You can easily replace the detachable audio cable when it becomes damaged, extending the lifespan of the earphones – which can’t be said for many other wired earphones regardless of brand or price range.

The T2 are comfortable to wear due to their breathable and secure in-ear fit. But they are not as comfy for long listening sessions as headphones with over-ear and earbud designs, which are generally more comfortable. They are best worn with the audio cable positioned over your ears for better support and stability, especially when using them while running or jogging. There are multiple ear tip options in the box, allowing you to choose the best fit for your ears.

Unsurprisingly for budget earphones under $50, the T2 lack accessories. Aside from the default foam ear tips and additional ear tips, there are no other accessories included in the box. You won’t find a shirt clip, an airplane adapter, or a travel case in the package. The exclusion of a carrying case is the most notable, as there are cheaper and similarly priced headphones that include at least a soft pouch for storage.

Capable of cleanly reproducing vocals and lead instruments, the T2 are some of the best-sounding wired headphones under $50. Their overall audio reproduction is good and will sound consistent among different users when the foam ear tips are used. Their bass is powerful but not too emphasized, while their mid-range is balanced. They are suitable for most music genres and will satisfy most people with their sound profile.

As mentioned above, the T2 are decent earphones for all-around usage. They are good for listening to music at home and are decent for running or jogging. They are suitable for office use, with their passive in-ear seal blocking a good amount of ambient noise like chatter. While they are not very good at blocking the sound of airplane and bus engines, their minimal sound leakage allows you to increase the music volume to mask background noise during travel and commute without disturbing other people with your loud music.

On the whole, the T2 are fantastic budget earphones, offering good value for the money. Their sound quality and build quality are some of the best in this price range, while their passive noise isolation is decent. If you are shopping for portable audiophile headphones that are significantly more affordable than the Audeze iSine 20, check out these Tin Audio in-ear headphones.

Purchase

Best Wireless Earphones Under $50: Anker SoundCore Spirit X (2019)

Selling for just around $30, the 2019 Anker SoundCore Spirit X are the best budget wireless earphones for all-around use. They are designed specifically for sports, but like the Jaybird Tarah Pro, they are also decent earphones for casual everyday use. Compared to the older Spirit X model, they have a better IP rating and boast a longer battery life per charge.

The 2019 Spirit X look identical to the previous model. They are wireless in-ear headphones featuring a behind-the-neck cable design with ear hooks and stability fins. Unlike some sports earphones, they don’t come in flashier or sportier colors, but their all-black color scheme makes for a more low-profile look that some may prefer. Their overall build quality is decent for budget earphones, with their impressive IP68 rating, meaning they are well-protected against both water and dust.

With their breathable design and flexible ear hooks, the 2019 Spirit X are comfortable to wear for long hours. The ear hooks and stability fins allow for a more secure fit, which is especially important for rigorous workouts with lots of head movement. You can easily adjust the length and tightness of the cable using the small cable management clip.

Like the more popular Beats Powerbeats3, the 2019 Spirit X are slightly bulkier than other sports earphones due to their ear hooks. Nonetheless, they are still very compact, lightweight, and easy to carry not only for daily workouts but also for casual everyday use. The box includes a travel case for storage, along with multiple ear tip and stability fin options and a shirt clip.

For controls, the 2019 Spirit X have a simple in-line remote with three well-spaced and responsive buttons and a built-in mic for phone calls. The buttons don’t feel mushy or too stiff and provide good tactile feedback. With the in-line remote, you can easily control the volume and manage your calls and music, whether the cable is tight or loose – a tightened cable pushes the remote toward the back of your neck, while a loosened cable has the remote closer to your mouth.

The 2019 Spirit X are decent-sounding budget earphones with a deep, thumpy bass that makes them suitable for bass-heavy music genres. Although they are not as good-sounding as the similarly budget-friendly Tin Audio T2, their overall sound quality will satisfy most people. They can connect with multiple devices at the same time and allow you to easily switch between sources if you prefer to play music and take phone calls using two different devices.

On the other hand, the 2019 Spirit X are not as customizable as the Tarah Pro and other sports-oriented wireless earphones from Jaybird. Like most other cheap headphones, they lack a dedicated companion app for modifying the sound and other aspects of the earphones. Their passive noise isolation is also not as good as that of other in-ear headphones, but it’s decent enough for office use. However, since their sound leakage is low even at high volume, you can increase the music volume to mask ambient noise without worrying about the audio bleeding out too much.

Among the wireless earphones in this guide, the 2019 Spirit X have the best battery life. They can run up to an incredible 18 hours per charge. That’s one of the best marks among similarly designed wireless earphones and beats the already impressive 14-hour battery of the Tarah Pro. With their 18-hour battery life, you’ll still have enough battery for ten hours of use after using them throughout a typical work shift.

Overall, the 2019 Spirit X are excellent budget earphones and are some of the best wired and wireless in-ear headphones on the market. Their breathable design, ear hooks, stability fins, and IP68 rating all make them ideal earphones for sports. Meanwhile, their portability, user-friendly controls, convenient wireless connectivity, and 18-hour battery are all beneficial for casual everyday use. If the Tarah Pro are way out of your budget, check out these cheap headphones instead.

Ad for more amazing products like this, check out our guide to the best closed-back headphones.

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More Options

The market is full of many other good in-ear headphones. The nine products below – which include audiophile earphones and noise-canceling earphones – are some of the most notable ones.

1More Triple Driver Earphones (E1001)

The 1More Triple Driver Earphones are some of the best-sounding earphones under $100. They are wired earphones that are suitable for everyday use, with their sturdy and durable build making them more resistant to wear and tear than earphones mostly made of plastic. Their earpieces are made of metal and feature angled ear tips for better ergonomics, while their long audio cable is thick and includes an in-line remote. Multiple foam and silicone ear tips are included in the box, along with a travel case.

In addition to the three-button control scheme for call and music management, the in-line remote has a built-in mic. The mic is good and allows for clear phone calls, but not in a very noisy environment. And speaking of noisy places, these headphones under $500 also have decent passive noise isolation and are suitable for blocking out ambient noise in the office.

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Samsung Galaxy Buds

Featuring user-friendly touch controls, the Samsung Galaxy Buds are truly wireless headphones with a breathable and comfortable in-ear fit. They have a discreet, low-profile look with none of those stems extending out from the earpieces like the Apple AirPods. Their six-hour battery life per charge is one of the better marks among truly wireless earphones. The included charging case holds another seven hours of battery, bringing the total battery life to 13 hours.

The Galaxy Buds are suitable for casual everyday use, with their decent passive noise isolation and minimal sound leakage making them good headphones for office. They are some of the best-sounding in the truly wireless category, and their integrated mic is decent as well. While they are not as water-resistant as some of the best sports headphones, they are suitable for running due to their breathable and secure in-ear fit.

Amazon Echo Buds

Selling for less than $150, the Amazon Echo Buds are some of the most affordable noise-canceling truly wireless earphones. You can even get them for less than $100 during a sale, making them much more accessible for most people than premium products like the Sony WF-1000XM3 and the Apple AirPods Pro. They are all-around earphones that are suitable for different usages, with their good noise isolation – with or without ANC enabled – allowing you to listen to your music in peace at the office and while commuting or traveling.

Capable of running up to five hours on a single charge, the Echo Buds are IPX4-rated headphones under $200 with a comfortable fit for long listening sessions. Their stability fins allow them to stay securely in your ears, which is important when using them for running and working out. They come with a compact and lightweight charging case that holds additional charges to increase the total battery life.

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Jabra Elite Active 65t

The Jabra Elite Active 65t are truly wireless earphones that are suitable for all-around use. They are good headphones for travel, commuting, sports, and office use. Although their design is practically identical to the regular Elite 65t, their matte finish makes for a more premium look, and their IP56 rating means they are better protected against water and sweat. They are some of the better-sounding truly wireless earphones on the market and can last up to five hours per charge.

Compared to the Samsung Galaxy Buds and Amazon Echo Buds, the Elite Active 65t are a bit bulkier and more noticeable in your ears. Nonetheless, they are comfortable to wear – especially if you can find a perfect fit with the included ear tip options – and stay securely in your ears. With their tight in-ear seal, they provide good passive noise isolation, which is beneficial for commuting and office use.

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Apple AirPods Pro

A pair of truly wireless earphones, the Apple AirPods Pro are some of the most popular earphones on the market. Unlike the regular AirPods, they are closed-back earphones featuring ANC technology for significantly better noise isolation. They are some of the best noise-canceling earphones currently out and are ideal for commuting, traveling, and office use. Their secure fit and breathable form factor also make them suitable for running and working out.

The AirPods Pro are IPX4-rated earphones with three pairs of silicone ear tips to choose from. Their build quality feels premium. That’s also true for their extremely compact and lightweight charging case, which supports wireless charging and holds additional charges. While serious audiophiles won’t be impressed by these Apple earphones, they are surprisingly decent-sounding and are suitable for most music genres. On the other hand, their app support is limited, and their battery life per charge is only four-and-a-half hours with ANC enabled, and the volume set to 50 percent.

You may also be interested in some of these top neckband headphones from our list. Check them out.

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Beats Powerbeats Pro

Of the truly wireless earphones in this guide, the Beats Powerbeats Pro are the best for sports. They are designed specifically for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and gym rats, featuring flexible ear hooks for a more secure and stable fit. They are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable to wear for long training sessions. Composed of a multi-purpose button and a volume rocker, the control scheme on each unit is user-friendly and allows for easy call and music management.

While the Powerbeats Pro are not as ruggedly built as other sports headphones – they are only rated IPX4 for water resistance – their build quality is good. Their wireless range is excellent, while their integrated mic is decent for phone calls. Their nine-hour battery life per charge is one of the best among truly wireless earphones, making them suitable for extended hours at the gym.

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Etymotic Research ER4XR

The Etymotic Research ER4XR are earphones recommended for music lovers. They are some of the best-sounding wired earphones under $500 and will impress both audiophiles and professionals. Their overall build quality is great and feels high-end; their aluminum housings and braided audio cable are both durable. The audio cable ends with a 3.5 mm analog plug and is detachable, allowing for easy replacement when damaged.

Whether you are using silicone or foam ear tips, the ER4XR provide excellent passive noise isolation and are even better than many noise-canceling headphones. They are good at blocking ambient noise in places like airports, public transport, and busy offices. But they are not as comfortable to use for long listening sessions as other earphones – mainly because their ear tips enter your ear canals deeper than that of most other earphones. In addition to the multiple ear tip options, a travel case, a shirt clip, and a stereo jack adapter are included in the box.

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Shure SE535

Part of the Shure SE Series, the SE535 are some of the best headphones for audiophiles. They are wired earphones selling for around $500. While their high price is hard to swallow, their sound quality and build quality make up for it. They are great-sounding earphones that are suitable for most music genres, including reggae, hip hop, death metal, and punk rock. Their overall build quality feels high-end and durable.

The SE535 are worn over the ears for better support and stability and feature a detachable audio cable that terminates with a 3.5 mm analog plug for universal compatibility. They have angled ear tips, with multiple ear tip sizes to choose from. A compact case and a stereo jack adapter are also included in the box. With their tight in-ear seal, these Shure earphones provide good passive noise isolation, which makes them suitable for listening to music in moderately noisy environments.

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Ultimate Ears Reference Remastered

If you can spend around a grand on the best wired and wireless in-ear headphones, check out the Ultimate Ears Reference Remastered (UERR). They are custom in-ear monitors that are ideal for serious audiophiles and professional studio use. Ultimate Ears offers a variety of color and material options for the earpieces – including the option to remove the company logo. You can even customize each unit separately.

The UERR are some of the best and most neutral-sounding custom in-ear monitors under $1,000, which makes them ideal for critical listening and studio use. Their passive noise isolation is also good, allowing them to block a good amount of ambient noise in busy or crowded places. While there are better-built custom in-ear monitors, their overall build quality is good – their audio cable is sweatproof and easily replaceable when damaged, while their earpiece housings are sturdy.

There are plenty of headphones that are decent for studio use, whether it’s for recording tracks or sound mixing and mastering. You’ll need to be thorough with your research to filter out winners from the losers, and that could take weeks. If you don’t have the time or patience to evaluate the numerous options on the market – and believe us, there are dozens of them – then this product guide is for you.

In this product guide, you’ll find the top options currently available, with many of them coming from companies known for their professional audio equipment. The products included are separated into two sections: headphones best used for recording tracks and headphones that are ideal for sound mixing and mastering. All products are over-the-ear headphones.

Headphones for Sound Mixing and Mastering

Not all headphones are suitable for sound mixing and mastering in the studio. For those tasks, you’ll want headphones with a neutral sound profile for better accuracy. Open-back headphones fit the bill since they are generally more natural-sounding than closed-back headphones. Their more accurate audio reproduction allows you to analyze the audio better and discern flaws. In addition, their more breathable open design is beneficial for particularly long hours in the studio.

Open-back headphones are not suitable for all-around studio use, though. They are not recommended for recording due to their high sound leakage – the sound leaking out from them will be picked up by your sensitive mic, affecting the recording. The products below are the best headphones for sound mixing and mastering. A couple of semi-open headphones, whose enclosures are not fully open, are also included.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

If you can spend more than $1,000 on a pair of headphones, check out the Sennheiser HD 800 S, which usually retails for around $1,700. They are wired over-ear headphones featuring massive ear cups with open backplates. They are some of the best and most neutral-sounding headphones on the market, which makes them suitable for sound mixing. They sound clear and extremely detailed, with a spacious soundstage.

The HD 800 S are premium headphones that are sturdy and durable, though their overall build quality might disappoint those who are expecting an all-metal construction. While their bulky design will suggest otherwise, they are not too heavy, which makes them less fatiguing on the head during long studio sessions. Their ear cups are well-padded and breathable while their headband is flexible, easily adjusting to large heads. The headband clamp is not too tight, adding to the overall comfort level of the headphones.

With their bulky design being an obvious indicator, the HD 800 S headphones are not meant to be portable and are not recommended for professionals who frequently travel. In addition to their physical size, they don’t fold into a more compact format to take up less space in your bag. They don’t include a case (only a soft pouch), which is disappointing for headphones selling for more than a grand.

There are two audio cables included in the box: one terminating in a 6.3 mm plug and one ending in a 4.4 mm plug, with Sennheiser also offering an optional cable with an XLR4 plug. None of the cables is coiled, but both of them are quite long, measuring roughly 10 feet. While the detachable cables add to the overall durability of the headphones, you can’t easily replace them with third-party cables. Thankfully, the audio cables are quite durable and will last a long time when given proper care.

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HiFiMan Ananda

Although not exactly advertised for professional studio use, the HiFiMan Ananda headphones are suitable for critical listening. Like the Sennheiser HD 800 S, they have a very neutral sound profile, which is beneficial for sound mixing and mastering. They can reproduce vocals and instruments with excellent clarity and detail and boast a wide soundstage. They are easy to drive, which is one of their biggest selling points, and are suitable for both studio use and simply enjoying music at home.

The Ananda are over-ear headphones with an open-back design, featuring nice-looking backplates with horizontal metal grilles. Unlike the Sennheiser dynamic headphones, they are equipped with planar magnetic drivers, which make for a heavier build. They include multiple audio cables that connect to both ear cups and have a transparent coating. Their dual headband design is composed of a sturdy metal headband and a leather strap that feels comfortable on the head.

With their spacious ear cups and soft cushions, the Ananda headphones are comfortable to wear for long hours in the studio, but they are not as breathable as other open-back headphones. Their tight fit is mitigated by their thick earpads, which are asymmetrical for better ergonomics. They stay securely on the head, allowing you to move around the studio from one audio equipment to another without worrying about them sliding off your head.

Aside from the stock audio cables, the Ananda headphones include a 6.3 mm plug adapter for interfacing with your studio equipment. But that’s it for the accessories. There is no travel case or soft pouch included, which is quite disappointing for premium headphones selling for around $700, even if they are not meant to be portable and are best used at home or in the studio.

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Audeze LCD-1

The Audeze LCD-1 headphones are excellent planar magnetic headphones and are some of the more affordable Audeze headphones on the market. They are wired headphones with an over-ear fit and open-back ear cups. With their neutral sound, they are designed for critical listening both in the studio and at home. They sound clear and detailed and will sound consistent among different users, but their soundstage is not as wide and spacious as that of the Sennheiser HD 800 S and the HiFiMan Ananda.

The LCD-1 headphones have a more casual look, with their all-black color scheme making for a more discreet profile. Their build quality is good, with their metal-and-plastic construction appearing sturdy and durable and leather-coated memory foam earpads adding to comfort. While their ear cups are a bit smaller than that of other over-ear headphones, they will easily fit on most ear sizes. They are comfortable to wear due to their lightweight frame and soft earpads, making them suitable for long hours in the studio.

Of the headphones in this section, the LCD-1 headphones are the most portable and most suitable for professionals who sometimes need to do their work on the road. They can be folded into a more compact format – which is one of their main selling points – and include a travel case. Their foldable design allows them to take up less space in your bag while their case protects them from minor physical damage.

The default audio cable is detachable, allowing for easy replacement when damaged. It connects to both ear cups and ends in a 3.5 mm analog plug. Like the headphones themselves, the stock cable is durable and doesn’t feel cheap. There is only one audio cable included in the box, along with a 6.3 mm plug adapter, which is a common accessory among professional and audiophile headphones.

AKG K702

The AKG K702 are terrific headphones for sound mixing and mastering in the studio, with their neutral sound allowing for accurate analysis and critical listening. They sound clear and detailed and have a spacious soundstage, but their bass is a bit lacking. They will allow you to pick out faults in the recording – which is a good thing for studio use but undesirable for some people when simply enjoying music at home.

A pair of over-ear headphones with open-back ear cups, the K702 are bulky headphones with a retro aesthetic that some might find clunky. They will look at home in a studio environment. Unlike the similarly designed K701, their audio cable is detachable, allowing you to easily replace it, which adds to their overall durability. The default audio cable connects to the left ear cup and terminates with a 3.5 mm analog plug, with AKG also including a 6.3 mm plug adapter in the box.

For long hours in the studio, the K702 headphones are comfortable to wear. They are lightweight – though their bulky design and large, circular ear cups may suggest otherwise – and don’t feel too tight. Their leather strap feels good on the head while their headband is flexible and adjusts easily to large heads. If, however, you have a small head, you might find the headphones too cumbersome and unstable on your head.

Compared to the Audeze LCD-1, the K702 headphones are less portable, especially considering their larger ear cups. They don’t fold into a more compact form, not to mention they lack a travel case or soft pouch for better portability. Depending on your workflow or preferences, their mediocre portability is either a bad thing or a total non-issue. If you prefer studio headphones that are easier to take with you for on-the-go work and for simply listening to music while traveling, there are better options out there, like these headphones for travel and commute.

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Sennheiser HD 600

The Sennheiser HD 600 are some of the most popular headphones among both headphone enthusiasts and professionals. They are open-back headphones with an over-ear fit and a detachable audio cable connecting to both ear cups and terminating in a 3.5 mm plug. A 6.3 mm plug adapter is also provided, but that’s about it for the accessories. You can get these headphones for around $300, making them much more affordable than the previously mentioned HD 800 S.

However, compared to the more premium HD 800 S, the HD 600 headphones have less impressive construction, with their headband feeling less durable. Their build quality is still solid, though; their ear cups, which include metal grilles, are sturdy while their earpads are soft and thick. Their large, oval ear cups can easily fit around most ear sizes and are decently breathable, but they don’t fold into the frame for better portability.

While their well-padded ear cups and headband and lightweight frame allow for better comfort, the HD 600 headphones are not the most comfortable for long hours in the studio. The biggest culprit is their very tight clamp, which makes them more fatiguing on the head. But on the bright side, their tight clamp adds to their stability, preventing the headphones from sliding off your head easily when you are moving around the studio.

Regarding audio reproduction, the HD 600 headphones are excellent. They are some of the best-sounding open-back headphones under $500. They sound transparent and detailed, with a flat mid-range, a balanced treble, and a spacious soundstage. They can cleanly reproduce vocals and instruments and have minimal distortion. While their build quality and comfort level are not the best, they are superb for sound mixing and mastering in the studio due to their neutral sound profile.

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Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro

The Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro are over-ear headphones with semi-open enclosures. They have a more neutral sound profile than both the DT 770 Pro and the DT 990 Pro, which makes them more suitable for sound mixing and mastering. While they are more expensive than those two headphones, normally selling for around $250, their price regularly drops to below $200.

Like their open-back and closed-back counterparts, the DT 880 Pro headphones have a utilitarian design, featuring circular ear cups and a metal headband. Their build quality is good and better than some headphones selling for a higher price. Their padded headband is sturdy and flexible while their ear cups feel durable and include metal grilles composed of tiny holes. For comparison, the open-back DT 990 Pro headphones have plastic grilles. The non-detachable, coiled audio cable connects to the left ear cup. It ends with a 3.5 mm plug, with the included 6.3 mm plug adapter allowing for secure connectivity with studio equipment.

Although they are a bit tight on the head, especially out of the box, the DT 880 Pro semi-open headphones are comfortable to wear for long hours. They are more breathable than the DT 770 Pro headphones due to their semi-open backplates and can easily accommodate most ear sizes. Their earpads are coated with velour material, which feels more luxurious than synthetic leather. You can easily replace the earpads when they get damaged or worn out after repeated use.

With their neutral sound profile, the DT 880 Pro headphones are suitable for critical listening. They can accurately reproduce vocals and instruments, boasting flat and near-perfect mid-range performance, and have a spacious soundstage. They sound clear and detailed, even at low volume levels, and will impress both professionals and audiophiles. Their sound isolation is not much better than that of the DT 990 Pro headphones, though; their noise isolation is poor while their sound leakage is high, which makes them unsuitable for recording tracks.

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Philips SHP9500

The Philips SHP9500 are some of the best and most popular headphones under $100. Their sound quality is excellent, while their build quality is decent for the price. They sound neutral and balanced and have a good soundstage. They are recommended for those who don’t want to break the bank for a pair of studio headphones and simply want relatively budget-friendly headphones that are comfortable to use for long hours.

The SHP9500 headphones are a pair of over-ear models with open enclosures and a low-profile black color scheme. They have large ear cups with distinct left and right markers on the grilles and include a detachable audio cable terminating in a 3.5 mm analog plug, with a 6.3 mm plug adapter also provided. Their metal-reinforced headband is flexible and sturdy and has markers for the adjustment, which is convenient.

The SHP9500 are some of the most comfortable headphones to wear for long continuous listening sessions, making them perfect for long hours in the studio. They are lightweight despite their bulky design and don’t feel tight on the head. Their open-back design makes them more breathable while their roomy, well-padded ear cups easily accommodate large ears. On the other hand, the material covering the earpads feels a bit cheap and not as soft on the skin as velour and leather.

Unlike some budget headphones under $100, the SHP9500 headphones have few accessories. In fact, the only other item included in the box (aside from the audio cable) is the plug adapter. There is no soft pouch or carry case included to protect the headphones from minor physical damage like scratches. But that’s easy enough to swallow for many people, considering the headphones already bring a lot of value for the money.

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Superlux HD 681

If the Philips SHP9500 headphones are still not within your budget, check out the Superlux HD 681 headphones instead. They are semi-open headphones selling for just around $30, which makes them the most affordable product in this entire guide. They are some of the best-sounding headphones under $50, with their neutral sound profile making them suitable for sound mixing. Their bass and mid-range are both accurate while their soundstage is good for semi-open headphones, but their treble can be piercing in some tracks.

The HD 681 are over-ear headphones with a mediocre plastic build that doesn’t feel durable, which isn’t surprising considering their price. They are large and bulky headphones that are not meant to be portable, especially with their non-folding design. They look bland and unappealing, with the red accents on the ear cups not helping them stand out, which is either good or bad, depending on your preferences. They have a dual headband design with an artificial leather strap below the headband arc and include a non-detachable audio cable terminating in a 3.5 mm analog plug. A 6.3 mm screw-on adapter is also included, along with a soft pouch.

While their build quality is unimpressive, the HD 681 headphones are comfortable to wear for long hours, partly due to their lightweight plastic construction. They have large, circular ear cups that will fit around most ear sizes, and they don’t feel too tight. They are decently breathable, but their earpads are subpar and are better off replaced with different ones.

Like the Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro, the HD 681 headphones are not much better at sound isolation than fully open headphones. They will hardly block any background noise and have high sound leakage even with the volume set to moderate levels. This leakage makes them unsuitable for recording tracks as well as other usages aside from sound mixing in the studio and listening to music at home.

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Headphones for Recording

Recording in the studio requires a different type of headphones. Open headphones are ill-suited for the job due to their practically non-existent sound isolation. If you use open or semi-open headphones for monitoring your recording, their sound leakage will be picked up by the mic. Closed-back headphones are more suitable for recording, with their sealed ear cups allowing for lower sound leakage. They will still leak sound, especially at high volume, but compared to open-back and semi-open headphones, they are better at sound isolation to keep the audio from being picked up by the mic.

On the other hand, closed-back headphones are less breathable than open-back headphones, which makes them a bit less comfortable for prolonged continuous use. And while some products are at least decent for critical listening, closed-back headphones are generally not recommended for sound mixing and mastering – their sound profiles are less natural-sounding compared to that of open-back headphones.

Shure SRH1540

The Shure SRH1540 are premium headphones that sound good and are comfortable to wear for long recording sessions in the studio. Their sound is close to neutral while their sound isolation is decent, with low sound leakage unless the volume is cranked up. Their build quality is good and feels durable, with their non-folding design translating to fewer moving parts that are vulnerable to wear and tear.

A pair of wired headphones, the SRH1540 are bulky models featuring a metal headband with ample padding coated in synthetic leather. They have metal yokes and large ear cups with outer shells made of carbon fiber. Their soft earpads are covered with perforated material that feels nice on the skin. The audio cable is detachable and connects to both ear cups, which makes it easy to replace when damaged, and terminates in a 3.5 mm analog plug that can be connected to the provided 6.3 mm plug adapter.

Although they are not as flexible as other headphones, with no option to rotate the ear cups to a flat position, the SRH1540 headphones are comfortable to wear for long hours. They are lightweight and have a secure fit without being too tight on the head. Their earpads are spacious and should have no problem accommodating large ears. While they are not as breathable as fully open headphones, they are not fatiguing to wear continuously for long hours, making them suitable for long recording sessions.

For accessories, the SRH1540 headphones include a hard case, an extra pair of earpads, an extra audio cable, and the aforementioned plug adapter. The extra earpads and audio cable allow for easy parts replacement while the hard case is useful for those who travel frequently and also want to use the headphones for travel due to the passive sound isolation they provide.

You may also be interested in these best noise-canceling wireless earbuds and in-ear headphones from our list. Check them out.

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Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones are a wired, over-ear model explicitly designed for studio use. But while they are advertised for sound mixing, they are better used for recording. Their sound profile has an emphasized bass and treble and a recessed mid-range. They are not as neutral-sounding as the open DT 990 Pro and the semi-open DT 880 Pro. They are still some of the best-sounding closed-back headphones under $200, though, boasting excellent bass performance and a fairly decent soundstage.

Like their open and semi-open counterparts, the DT 770 Pro are some of the best-built headphones in their price range. They are sturdy and durable, and their external parts are easily replaceable, which adds to their longevity. They have an adequately padded, metal headband and circular ear cups with velour-coated cushions and plastic outer shells. Their non-detachable audio cable is coiled, allowing for more movement freedom in the studio. The default cable connects to the left ear cup and ends in a 3.5 mm analog plug, with a 6.3 mm plug adapter also provided.

Lightweight and well-padded, the DT 770 Pro headphones are comfortable to wear. Their earpads are soft and feel luxurious while their large ear cups are glasses-friendly and should easily fit around most ear sizes. Unfortunately, their tight fit and less breathable design make them more fatiguing to use for particularly long recording sessions in the studio. On the bright side, their tight clamp allows for a more secure and stable fit, preventing them from sliding off your head.

Regarding sound isolation, the DT 770 Pro headphones are decent. Their noise isolation performance should be good enough for studio use, and they don’t leak too much at moderate volume. If you want to use them for content production while in a non-studio environment, their decent sound isolation will allow you to work in peace without disturbing nearby people.

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Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Available in three colors, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are some of the most popular headphones on the market. They are versatile over-ear headphones that are suitable for both studio use and DJ-ing, with their rotating ear cups allowing for easy one-ear monitoring. Their sound quality is good, with a clear and detailed mid-range and a deep bass, while their mostly plastic build is sturdy and durable. Their sound leakage is also low, with their sealed ear cups doing a better job at keeping the audio from leaking out compared with the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones.

The ATH-M50x headphones are lightweight due to their mostly plastic build and are comfortable to wear. They have a metal-reinforced headband and oval ear cups with adequate padding. Their ear cups can fully rotate and swivel to a flat position while their headband is flexible and doesn’t creak alarmingly when adjusted. Their earpads are not as soft and comfortable for long listening sessions as that of the DT 770 Pro, though.

Of the best studio headphones in this guide, the ATH-M50x headphones are some of the most portable. They collapse into a compact format, with both ear cups folding neatly under the headband. And as mentioned, their ear cups can swivel into a flat position. Both features allow the headphones to take up less space when stored in your bag. A soft pouch is included for basic protection against physical damage.

The ATH-M50x headphones are generous on the accessory front. In addition to the soft pouch, they include three audio cables and a 6.3 mm plug adapter. One of the audio cables is a coiled cable that can stretch up to around ten feet. The other two audio cables are straight cables of different lengths. All three cables lack an in-line remote for controls – a common omission among professional headphones.

Our guide to the top sports headphones offers some cool options for workout enthusiasts. Check them out.

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AKG K371

If you are limited to a $150 budget, the AKG K371 are another pair of headphones that are worth considering. While they are inferior to the similarly priced Audio-Technica ATH-M50x in many areas, their sound leakage is lower. Among the closed-back headphones in this section, they are the best at preventing the audio from leaking out. Their sound profile is on the neutral side, with an accurate mid-range and bass. Their reproduction of vocals and instruments is clear, detailed, and balanced, but their soundstage is mediocre.

The K371 are over-ear headphones featuring a sleek, modern design with a discreet matte black color scheme that looks pleasing. Their mostly plastic build is decent, with their detachable audio cable also adding to their overall durability. Their oval ear cups are large and have soft cushions covered with artificial leather. They are comfortable to wear, but their earpads are a bit shallow and will not be the most comfortable option for those with large ears.

Like the ATH-M50x, the K371 can be folded into a more compact form, making them more portable and easier to carry for travel. Their ear cups fold neatly into the headband, allowing them to take up less space in your bag. However, the folding design adds more moving parts that are vulnerable to wear and tear. A soft pouch is also provided as a storage for the headphones, but it’s not as good as a hard case and will not provide protection against physical impact.

For accessories, the K371 headphones include a 6.3 mm plug adapter – an accessory commonly included with both professional and audiophile headphones – along with three audio cables. The three audio cables include a coiled cable, a long straight cable, and a short straight cable, with all of them terminating in a 3.5 mm analog plug.

If you need a reliable pair of headphones for office use, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to the best ones on the market.

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Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

Selling for just around $100, the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro are relatively budget-friendly headphones designed for professional use. Their build quality is decent for the price while their sound quality is good. Their sound profile is transparent, with an accurate mid-range, a deep bass, and a balanced and clear treble. While they are not the best for sound mixing, they are suitable for recording tracks in the studio, especially considering their low sound leakage.

The HD 280 Pro are wired over-ear headphones with a bland aesthetic, which is either good or bad depending on your taste. Their overall design is practical. While they are mostly plastic, their build quality is decent, with both the ear cups and headband appearing durable. The default audio cable is non-detachable and terminates in a 3.5 mm analog plug, with a 6.3 mm adapter also provided. The single-sided cable is coiled and can stretch up to around ten feet, which is beneficial for studio use.

Although the HD 280 Pro headphones are lightweight and have well-padded ear cups that easily accommodate large ears, their comfort level is only decent at best. Their headband has a very tight clamp, especially out of the box, which makes them uncomfortable to use continuously for more than an hour. Their thick earpads help lessen the discomfort of the tight clamp, but not by much. If long studio sessions are the norm for you, then these Sennheiser headphones are not recommended.

Considering their bulky frame and lack of a travel case, the HD 280 Pro are not the most portable studio headphones. But due to their foldable design, they are easier to pack for travel than most full-sized over-ear headphones. They will take up less space in your bag, but you need to put them in a case or pouch to protect them from scratches and minor water spills.

For more excellent audio devices, check out our reviews of the most sought-after neckband headphones.

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Sony MDR-7506

The Sony MDR-7506 are popular headphones for professional use. They are over-ear headphones that sound good and are decently built, with their foldable design making them more portable and easier to pack for travel. You can get them for less than $100. While other products offer more value in this price range, they are still a reliable option, especially if portability is an essential factor for you.

Like other professional headphones, the MDR-7506 have a boring but practical design that will not look out of place in the studio. They have large, oval ear cups that will fit around most ear sizes and feature a metal-reinforced headband coated in synthetic leather. Terminating in a gold-plated 3.5 mm analog plug, their coiled audio cable can extend up to around ten feet and is non-detachable, which is disappointing but hardly a deal-breaker. A 6.3 mm plug adapter is included in the box, along with a soft pouch for storage.

With their lightweight frame and well-padded ear cups, the MDR-7506 headphones are comfortable to wear for long recording sessions. Their wide headband has a considerably looser clamp compared to that of the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones, which makes them less fatiguing on the head. On the other hand, the material covering the earpads feels cheap and looks delicate.

Easy to drive, the MDR-7506 are good-sounding headphones, but there are better-sounding headphones in the same price range. Their bass is powerful but not too emphasized while their mid-range is clear and balanced. Their sound isolation is also decent, which is especially beneficial when recording in the studio. Their sound leakage is low even at high volume levels, while their noise isolation performance is adequate for a studio setting.

If you are looking for more portable and breathable options, be sure to browse our list of the best-rated on-ear headphones.

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Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

If you are looking for budget headphones for recording, check out the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x, which sell for around $50. Compared to the more expensive ATH-M50x headphones, they are less portable and have fewer accessories. Their build quality is also cheaper, as expected from a low-end product, but on the other hand, their sound quality is good for the price while their sound leakage is low.

The ATH-M20x are over-ear headphones that look similar to the higher-end ATH-M50x headphones, with oval ear cups and a metal-reinforced headband. Their build is primarily plastic, but both the ear cups and the headband appear decently durable. They have rotating ear cups that allow for easy one-ear monitoring and include a non-detachable, single-sided straight cable terminating in a 3.5 mm plug. While their earpads are not the best, they are comfortable and don’t feel too tight on the head.

Unlike the ATH-M50x, the ATH-M20x headphones don’t collapse into a more compact format, making them less portable and more cumbersome to carry from place to place. Their ear cups don’t swivel into a flat position, and they lack any form of container. Their mediocre portability is not going to be an issue for most people, though.

As mentioned, the ATH-M20x headphones have fewer accessories than the ATH-M50x headphones. This isn’t surprising for budget headphones. The only accessory included in the box is the usual 6.3 mm plug adapter. There are no additional cables included, forcing you to look into other solutions if the stock audio cable is not to your liking.

You may also like some of these impressive quality laptop headphones from our list. Check them out.

Purchase

Shopping for planar magnetic headphones is a much more difficult task than shopping for dynamic headphones. There are significantly fewer options on the market, not to mention many of them don’t have a whole lot of reviews, even the best ones. Fortunately for you, we already got you covered with this product guide. The products below are some of the best planar magnetic headphones currently out right now.

The Best Planar Magnetic Headphones

Best Under $1,000: Dan Clark Audio Aeon Flow 2

Launched in November 2019, the Aeon Flow 2 are the first headphones under the rebranded Dan Clark Audio, formerly known as MrSpeakers. Like the original Aeon Flow, they are available in both open-back and closed-back configurations, with both selling for $900. The Aeon Flow 2 Open are best used for listening to music at home while the Aeon Flow 2 Closed-Back Headphones are more versatile, with their sealed design offering better passive sound isolation.

The Aeon Flow 2 are wired over-ear headphones featuring large teardrop-shaped ear cups, a Nitinol headband, and a leather strap. While they look identical to the original Aeon Flow, they are easily distinguishable from their blue-colored predecessor due to their new red color scheme, which makes for a more striking look. They are lighter than many other planar magnetic headphones, but they are still quite bulky, with their large ear cups easily standing out.

With their spacious ear cups, soft earpads, and relatively light frame, the Aeon Flow 2 are comfortable to use for long listening sessions. Their clamp is secure but not overly tight, striking a good balance between stability and comfort. Due to their open-back design, the Aeon Flow 2 Open are slightly more breathable than the Aeon Flow 2 Closed, which further adds to their comfort level.

Unlike their predecessor, the Aeon Flow 2 can be folded into a more compact format, making them more portable and easier to carry for travel. Their smooth folding mechanism is similar to that of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, with both ear cups fully tucking underneath the headband. They also include a more compact travel case, which protects them from scratches and physical impact and makes them even more portable than the original Aeon Flow.

In addition to the travel case, the Aeon Flow 2 also come with tuning pads and a detachable audio cable, with Dan Clark Audio offering different cable connector options when buying the headphones from the official site. As with most other headphones designed for audiophiles, professionals, and headphone enthusiasts, the included audio cable lacks an in-line remote for music management and volume control, which can be inconvenient in some situations.

Although the Aeon Flow 2 Open and the Aeon Flow 2 Closed are practically identical in almost all design aspects, their sound profiles and sound isolation effectiveness are different. The Aeon Flow 2 Closed have a punchy and warm bass, an intimate and detailed mid-range, and a smooth treble. Their soundstage is also pretty good for closed-back headphones. With their sealed design, they offer better passive noise isolation than their open-back counterpart, which makes them more suitable for listening to music in moderately noisy places. You can use them for listening to music in the office and while traveling, especially considering their portable design and low sound leakage.

The Aeon Flow 2 Open, on the other hand, have a rich and tight bass, a well-balanced mid-range, and a wide soundstage, with excellent instrument separation. They are more natural-sounding than their closed-back counterpart. But they are only suitable for listening to music in quiet environments because of their poor noise isolation. Their sound leakage is also higher, which means you’ll disturb nearby people with your loud music. As mentioned earlier, they are best used for listening to music at home, which can also be said for all other open-back headphones.

Overall, the Aeon Flow 2 are the best planar magnetic headphones under $1,000. Whether you choose the open-back model or the closed-back model, you’ll get a pair of great-sounding headphones that are well-built and comfortable to use for long hours. They are not just a minor upgrade from the original Aeon Flow. They are better-sounding, with a redesigned driver structure, and are much more portable due to their folding design and smaller travel case.

If you want more versatile headphones with better sound isolation, not only for home use but also for listening to music in the office and while traveling, go for the Aeon Flow 2 Closed. They offer a more intimate and more private listening experience. But if you don’t care about sound isolation and prefer headphones that are more natural-sounding, with a more spacious soundstage, strictly for listening to music at home, get the Aeon Flow 2 Open instead.

Purchase

Best Under $500: HiFiMan Sundara

The HiFiMan Sundara are some of the best open-back headphones on the market, outperforming and offering better value for the money than most other products in the same price range. Their build quality feels premium while their sound quality is outstanding. While their open design makes them a poor choice for listening to music in noisy places, they are excellent for listening to music at home.

A pair of wired over-ear headphones, the Sundara are premium-looking headphones featuring a mostly metal construction with a nice matte black finish. They have well-padded ear cups and a flexible metal headband with a synthetic leather strap. Their round ear cups are large and spacious and can easily accommodate most ear sizes. The metal yokes connecting the headband to the ear cups are more wear-resistant while the grilles on the ear cups are sturdy and look good.

The included audio cable – which is detachable and connects to both ear cups – ends with a 3.5 mm analog plug for universal compatibility. It’s durable and has secure connectors, but it lacks an in-line remote for volume control and music management. A gold-plated 6.3 mm plug adapter is also included in the box. There are no other accessories included in the package aside from the default audio cable and the plug adapter.

While they are not as breathable as other open-back headphones and have a tight clamp, the Sundara are very comfortable to use for long hours. They have soft earpads and good weight distribution and stay securely on the head. They are not as heavy as some planar magnetic headphones that are also mostly made of metal, which makes them less fatiguing to wear for extended listening sessions.

Unlike the Dan Clark Audio Aeon Flow 2, the Sundara don’t fold into a more compact format and lack any form of case for storage, hurting their portability. But since they are meant to be used for listening to music at home, their mediocre portability is not really a big deal. Their lack of a case is slightly disappointing, though, considering many similarly priced headphones – including the Audeze LCD-1 – come with a case or pouch.

The Sundara are some of the best-sounding open-back headphones under $500, with their immaculate mid-range being the highlight. They have a tight and punchy bass and a detailed treble that is not too sharp. While not as good compared to that of premium open-back headphones like the Sennheiser HD 800 S, their soundstage is wide. They are suitable for most music genres and will impress audiophiles with their audio reproduction.

In addition to listening to music, the Sundara are also decent headphones for gaming, especially if you love to play games with an excellent soundtrack. But they are less versatile than some of the best gaming headsets. Moreover, they lack a boom mic for voice chat, which can be an issue if you have a mixed gaming diet and regularly play both single-player and online multiplayer games.

Like other open-back headphones, the Sundara are best used in quiet environments, whether at home or otherwise. Due to their open design, their sound isolation is non-existent both ways: their noise isolation is poor while their sound leakage is high. This means they are not going to block out ambient noise even in moderately noisy places and will leak a lot at high volume. In some situations, their high sound leakage is going to be a big problem when listening to very loud music and while playing action-packed games with a lot of gunfire and explosions.

Selling for around $350, the Sundara are an excellent pair of planar magnetic headphones that sound fantastic and are comfortable to use for long hours. Their build quality is great, with a sturdy headband and durable ear cups, while their clamp is secure without being uncomfortably tight. Compared to the newer LCD-1 – one of their main competition in this price range – they are more neutral-sounding and have a better soundstage, but they are less portable.

Purchase

Best Under $200: HiFiMan HE400S

You don’t have to look far if you are shopping for planar magnetic headphones that are more affordable than the HiFiMan Sundara. The best ones that you can get for around $200 or less are the HE400S, which also come from the same Chinese audio company. While they are considered as entry-level planar magnetic headphones, their sound quality is impressive for the price and their build quality is solid.

The HE400S are wired over-ear headphones with an open design and a detachable audio cable. They are bulky and have a plain aesthetic that won’t win any style awards, but their build quality is good and feels sturdy. They have a dual headband design composed of a metal headband and a synthetic leather strap. While the squared headband looks odd, it can easily accommodate large heads and allows for a secure and comfortable fit, with no alarming creaks when being adjusted.

Unlike the headband, the ear cups are made of plastic, but they feel durable and make for a lighter frame. They are large and spacious, easily accommodating most ear sizes, and include soft pads with velour covers. They make the HE400S comfortable to wear for long listening sessions, with their more breathable design adding to their comfort level. The ear cups have a nice silver finish while the grilles and earpads share the same black color scheme of the headband.

As noted by some people, the weakest part of the HE400S in terms of build quality is the braided audio cable, which is roughly five feet long and terminates with an angled 3.5 mm analog plug for universal compatibility. The default audio cable is stiff and feels rather cheap. While it is decent enough, we recommend replacing it with a better audio cable from other brands.

You shouldn’t expect too much regarding accessories. The HE400S offer the exact same number of accessories as the more expensive Sundara – which is to say there isn’t much to see. The only items included in the box are the detachable audio cable and the 6.3 mm plug adapter. There is no case or pouch, but that’s not really a big deal unless you plan to use the headphones when traveling despite their open design, bulky frame, and lack of in-line controls.

The HE400S have superb sound quality for a pair of planar magnetic headphones under $200. They are smooth and engaging and are thoroughly enjoyable to use for a variety of music genres. They are easy to drive – which is one of their biggest selling points – and have minimal distortion at safe volume levels. Their mid-range is magnificently detailed while their treble is never harsh. Their soundstage is wide while their bass performance is good but feels a bit lacking, which will leave you wanting more if you are a fan of bass-heavy music.

If you don’t mind their lack of a boom mic, the HE400S are also good headphones for gaming. Their wide soundstage is beneficial for some games while their comfortable fit makes them suitable for long gaming sessions. They are suitable for both action-packed games and story-driven games with a lot of dialogues and cutscenes. If sound quality is more important to you than convenient gaming features, they are a good alternative to gaming headsets in the same price range such as the SteelSeries Arctis 7 and the Astro Gaming A40 TR.

Considering the HE400S are open-back headphones, it’s hardly surprising that their sound isolation is non-existent. They are not going to block out background noise even in moderately noisy places and will leak a lot at high volume. Their high sound leakage can be a problem in certain situations – like when listening to loud music at the office or in a small room with other people around. They are best used for listening to music in quiet environments with no one around to disturb or bother with their high sound leakage.

All in all, the HE400S are the best option if you are in the market for relatively budget-friendly planar magnetic headphones. Their price-performance ratio is excellent while their build quality is solid, with their metal headband and plastic ear cups both appearing durable. Although their styling is not the most good-looking, they are comfortable to wear for long hours due to their generous padding and relatively lightweight design.

Purchase

Best Earphones: Audeze iSine 20

If you prefer to use earphones, check out the Audeze iSine 20. They are in-ear headphones with planar magnetic drivers and a semi-open design, both of which are uncommon in their category. They are some of the best-sounding earphones on the market. While they are quite expensive, they are still not as expensive as premium in-ear monitors designed for professional use. You can get them for around $600 with the Cipher Lightning cable, which is recommended if you plan to connect them to an iOS device.

The iSine 20 are wired earphones that are larger and bulkier than typical earphones, but they are still lightweight, measuring around 0.04 lb without the audio cable. They have an eye-catching design that will easily turn heads, featuring hexagonal frames with webbed backplates. They are easily noticeable in your ears, which makes for a less discreet look. Their build quality is good, with a mix of metal and plastic parts in the construction.

Although they are quite bulky for earphones, the iSine 20 are comfortable to wear for long listening sessions. Like other earphones, they are significantly more breathable than both over-ear and on-ear headphones since they don’t cover or press on your ears at all. They don’t enter your ear canals too deeply, which makes them less fatiguing after several hours of continuous use, and stay securely in your ears. There are multiple silicone ear tips included in the box, along with thin ear hooks for support and better stability.

Compared to over-ear and on-ear headphones, the iSine 20 are much more portable. They are extremely compact and lightweight and include a travel case. However, they are not recommended for commuting and traveling due to their semi-open enclosures, which translates to mediocre sound isolation. They are designed for listening to music at home, making them less versatile than typical earphones.

The default audio cable terminates with a regular 3.5 mm analog plug for universal compatibility, but it lacks an in-line remote for volume control and music management. If you are going to connect the earphones to iOS devices, we highly recommend buying the iSine 20 with the Cipher Lightning cable included. The Cipher Lightning cable, which sells for $120 as a standalone unit, has a built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC), along with a mic and remote.

Suitable for different music genres, the iSine 20 have excellent sound quality, with good instrument separation and minimal distortion at high volume. Their bass is deep and powerful while their mid-range is rich and detailed. Their treble is smooth while their soundstage is fairly wide, which is notable for earphones. But they are best used for listening to music in quiet environments since their noise isolation is mediocre, as expected from semi-open earphones.

While they are still decent and sound better than many other earphones with their regular audio cable, the iSine 20 can only reach their true potential when connected to an iOS device using the Cipher Lightning cable. With the unique cable, you can modify the sound profile using the Audeze iOS app, which has two presets and a 10-band equalizer. If you are using an Android device, you’ll need to look into other solutions to get the most out of these Audeze earphones.

Considering their compact design and portability, it’s tempting to use the iSine 20 for listening to music while commuting or traveling. Sadly, they are not built for that. In addition to their mediocre noise isolation, their sound leakage is also quite high. This means you’ll disturb nearby people with your loud music, especially during flights. You can use them for listening to music in the office, but only if their high sound leakage is not going to be an issue.

Although they are not as versatile as typical earphones, the iSine 20 are excellent earphones. They are great-sounding planar magnetic earphones that are well-built and comfortable to wear for long listening sessions. Their build quality is good, with their compact design and weight making them easy to carry from place to place. If you want these Audeze earphones and plan to connect them to an iOS device, we highly recommend getting the package that includes the Cipher Lightning cable.

Purchase

Best for Gaming: Audeze Mobius

Most of the other products in this guide are at least decent for gaming, especially if you don’t mind not having a boom mic for voice chat. But if you want planar magnetic headphones that are designed for gaming, check out the Audeze Mobius. Unlike all the other products here, it’s an actual headset, which means it comes with a boom mic. It’s packed with features, boasting multiple connection options – including Bluetooth – and impressive virtual surround sound technology.

The Mobius is an over-ear gaming headset with closed-back ear cups and a detachable boom mic. It has a casual design and doesn’t appear to be intended for gaming at first glance. It has large, roomy ear cups with contoured memory foam pads coated in artificial leather. While its mostly plastic construction is disappointing for a product selling for $400, its build quality is good, with its thickly padded ear cups and flexible headband both appearing sturdy and durable.

For long gaming sessions, the Mobius is comfortable to use despite its tight fit. It has soft earpads that don’t feel too hot after just a couple of hours of continuous use. Its spacious ear cups can accommodate most ear sizes while its bulky frame is neutralized by its good weight distribution. Although the tight clamp is uncomfortable at first, it makes for a more secure fit, with the headset not easily sliding off when you are turning your head.

Like other wireless gaming headsets, the Mobius has on-cup controls for different functions. It has one of the most complete control schemes among gaming headsets, offering both basic and gaming-related functions. It has a power button, a 3D button, an audio volume wheel, a mic volume wheel, and a mic mute switch – except for the latter, all of them have multiple functions.

The power button is also used for Bluetooth pairing and for call and music management (excluding track skipping). Meanwhile, the 3D button is used for changing the 3D audio settings and for switching between different sources. In addition to their default functions, the audio volume wheel can be used for track skipping while the mic volume wheel can be used for cycling through the EQ presets and for changing audio modes. While confusing to use at first, the control scheme is efficient and allows for easy adjustments on the fly once you become familiar with the layout and all the functions.

In contrast to many other gaming headsets, the Mobius includes three audio cables, with two of them also serving as charging cables. It has a USB-C to USB-C cable, a USB-C to USB-A cable, and an analog audio cable with a 3.5 mm plug; the former two can be used for charging and digital audio while the latter allows for universal compatibility with most gaming platforms, including mobile devices. In addition to the multiple cables, Audeze also includes a hard case, which is useful if you want to use the headset as travel headphones with the boom mic detached.

Capable of running up to around 10 hours in wireless mode, the Mobius is a good-sounding gaming headset with an accurate mid-range and a deep bass. It boasts an impressive virtual surround sound feature – superbly implemented with Waves Nx technology – with integrated head tracking and room emulation for a more immersive gaming experience. You get plenty of options for the 3D audio on the Audeze app, which is user-friendly but lacks some features typically found in other gaming software.

The Mobius has a great boom mic as well, which is especially beneficial for voice chat when playing online multiplayer games. With its multiple connectivity options, you can connect the headset to various gaming platforms. You can use the USB-C, USB-A, and analog cables for connecting to PC, consoles, and mobile devices. If you prefer the convenience of wireless connectivity, you can connect to compatible devices using Bluetooth. Unfortunately, the Mobius lacks a dedicated wireless transmitter for a low-latency wireless connection, which makes it inferior to other wireless gaming headsets – like the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless and the Astro Gaming A50 – in regard to wireless gaming.

Although it’s designed for gaming, the Mobius is also decent for other usages. It’s decent as office and travel headphones due to its Bluetooth connectivity, on-cup controls, casual design, and secure and comfy fit. But don’t expect it to block a lot of ambient noise in crowded or noisy environments – it has mediocre passive noise isolation. On the bright side, its sound leakage is not too high, allowing you to increase the volume to reduce ambient noise without worrying about your loud music leaking out too much.

Overall, the Mobius is a great planar magnetic headset for gaming, with its multiple connection options allowing you to use it for different gaming platforms. Its sound quality is good while its mostly plastic build feels sturdy and reliable. It has a decent app for customization and features a good on-cup control scheme with a lot of functions. It’s one of the most expensive gaming headsets, though, normally selling for around $400, making it even more expensive than the Arctis Pro Wireless.

Purchase

More Options

If none of our top picks above meets your preferences, consider the following products. In this section, you’ll also find more options under $500, including planar magnetic earphones that are much more affordable than the Audeze iSine 20.

Fostex T50RP MK3

The Fostex T50RP MK3 are wired over-ear headphones with a semi-open design. They are designed for professional studio use and are hard to drive. While their utilitarian design is unappealing, their build quality is solid; they feel durable and reliable, with secured parts and a sturdy headband. They are not the most comfortable, though, especially for long listening sessions. They have thin and shallow earpads that are not glasses-friendly and make the headphones feel like on-ear headphones.

Selling for around $150, the T50RP MK3 are better-sounding than their predecessor. They are better-balanced, with a well-defined mid-range, a clear treble, and a wide soundstage for a pair of semi-open headphones. They are meant to be used at home or in the studio, especially considering their mediocre noise isolation. Of the best planar magnetic headphones in this guide, they are some of the easiest to disassemble and modify, making them an excellent option for headphone enthusiasts who are interested in modding headphones.

Purchase

Tin HiFi P1

If you prefer to use earphones due to their portability but can’t afford the Audeze iSine 20, check out the Tin HiFi P1. They are much more affordable, selling for less than $200, with the price sometimes dropping to around $150. They are wired earphones featuring a detachable audio cable and metal frames with angled nozzles for better ergonomics. Their build quality is excellent, with the detachable audio cable – which can be easily replaced by third-party ones – also adding to their longevity.

Suitable for a variety of music genres, the P1 are good-sounding earphones that are detailed from top to bottom. Their bass is not too emphasized while their treble is rarely harsh. They are not as good as typical earphones at blocking ambient noise, though, but their sound leakage is low. There are multiple ear tips included in the box – including foam tips – allowing you to choose ear tips that offer the best seal and comfort for your ears.

For many affordable but high-quality options, check out our guide to the best truly wireless earphones under $100.

Purchase

Monoprice Monolith M1060

The Monoprice Monolith M1060 are bulky over-ear headphones that sound good and are enjoyable to use for different music genres. But they are not as comfortable to use for long listening sessions as the similarly priced HiFiMan Sundara, mainly due to their weight. They weigh around 1.1 lb, which makes them more fatiguing on the head.

On the bright side, their build quality is good, with their mix of metal and wood parts making for a more premium look. The M1060 have durable ear cups and a sturdy metal headband with an artificial leather strap. Their ear cups are large and spacious while their earpads are soft and don’t feel too hot after a couple of hours of continuous use. Their open-back design means they are poor at both blocking out background noise and preventing your loud music from leaking out, so if that’s the deal-breaker for you, be sure to pick some of the noise-canceling headphones.

Purchase

Audeze LCD-1

The Audeze LCD-1 are some of the best planar magnetic headphones under $500 and are the next best option if you don’t like the HiFiMan Sundara. They are wired over-ear headphones featuring open-back ear cups with memory foam cushions covered with leather. They are lighter than the Monoprice Monolith M1060 and are more portable than the Sundara, featuring a folding design, with their travel case also adding to their portability.

Capable of reproducing clear and detailed vocals and instruments, with good separation, the LCD-1 are some of the best-sounding open-back headphones. They are suitable for listening to music at home, but you can also use them as studio headphones, with their comfortable fit making them ideal for long listening sessions. They have a detachable audio cable terminating in a 3.5 mm analog plug and include a 6.3 mm plug adapter. Due to their portability, they are recommended if you travel frequently and can’t leave home without your hi-fi audio equipment.

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Sendy Audio Aiva

A pair of over-ear headphones with an open design, the Sendy Audio Aiva are beautiful headphones that will easily stand out. Their build quality and styling are excellent, with their smoothly finished wooden ear cups being especially notable. They have a dual headband design composed of a metal headband and a leather strap. Their large ear cups have thick cushions and nice-looking black metal grilles with fish-scale-like patterns. Ending in a 4.4 mm plug, the audio cable is braided, with Sendy Audio also including a 3.5 mm plug adapter in the box, along with a travel case.

While their soundstage is a bit disappointing for open-back headphones, the Aiva are good-sounding headphones that sound engaging, with an energetic and clear treble, a warm bass, and a detailed mid-range. They are comfortable to wear despite their bulky and heavy construction and stay securely on the head without being overly tight. They are best used for listening to music at home, especially considering their poor noise isolation and high sound leakage.

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Purchase

HiFiMan Ananda

The HiFiMan Ananda are some of the best-sounding headphones under $1,000, with their neutral sound profile making them suitable for critical listening. They sound rich and detailed and have a spacious soundstage. They are easy to drive and include a detachable audio cable terminating in a 3.5 mm plug for universal compatibility.

Featuring horizontal metal grilles for an open design, the Ananda are over-ear headphones with large, spacious ear cups that will easily fit around most ear sizes. Their earpads are asymmetrical for better ergonomics. Their metal headband, which is complemented by a leather strap, is flexible and has no problem adjusting to large heads. Although they are not as breathable as other open-back headphones, they are comfortable to wear, with their soft earpads mitigating their tight fit.

For more affordable options, check out our guide to the top headphones under $200.

Purchase

Audeze LCD-2 Classic

Built like a tank, the Audeze LCD-2 Classic are over-ear headphones that sound good and are suitable for most mainstream genres. Their build quality is simply outstanding and definitely one of the best among over-ear headphones regardless of the price range. They have a sturdy metal headband with an artificial leather strap below it. The grilles on their large ear cups are also made of metal, but on the other hand, the mostly metal construction of the headphones is reflected in their weight.

The LCD-2 Classic are much heavier than the LCD-1, weighing around 1.2 lb, which is more than double the weight of the LCD-1. But despite their weight and bulky design, they are comfortable on the head, with their generous earpads and good weight distribution making them less fatiguing to use for long listening sessions, which is why they make a great pair of headphones for office use.

Purchase

RHA CL2

Of the best planar magnetic headphones in this guide, the RHA CL2 are the most versatile and most suitable for all-around outdoor and indoor use. They are in-ear headphones that can be used in either wired or wireless mode. You can easily convert them from regular wired earphones to neckband earphones with Bluetooth connectivity. When in wireless mode, they can run up to 12 hours per charge, which is a solid mark for neckband earphones.

The CL2 are good-sounding earphones that also block a good amount of background noise with their passive in-ear seal, making them suitable for listening to music when commuting or traveling. They come with plenty of accessories. In addition to the two audio cables and the neckband, they include a carry pouch, a foldable travel case, an airplane adapter, a sports clip, and multiple silicone and foam ear tips.

Purchase

Wireless headphones are generally more expensive than their wired counterparts, with some of the best ones selling for more than $200. But there are also plenty of good options under $100, and that includes earphones in a truly wireless format. In this product guide, you’ll find the best wireless headphones under $100, including over-ear and on-ear headphones and different types of earphones. Except for the two gaming headsets, all the products listed here are Bluetooth headphones.

The Best Wireless Headphones Under $100

Best Over-ear Headphones: Anker SoundCore Life Q20

The Life Q20 are great headphones for everyday use, with their active noise cancellation (ANC) feature making them suitable for listening to music both indoors and outdoors. They sell for just around $60 and offer excellent value for the money. They are available in black and silver, with Anker also offering a slightly more expensive package that includes a hard case instead of a soft pouch.

Featuring a closed-back design, the Life Q20 have a simple aesthetic that makes for a low-profile look suitable for outdoor use. Their plastic build is decent, with their smoothly finished ear cups and padded headband both appearing sturdy and durable. Their headband is reinforced with a thin strip of metal while their memory foam earpads are coated with artificial leather that feels nice on the skin.

Although their ear cups can get noticeably warm after a few hours of continuous use, the Life Q20 are comfortable to wear. They are lightweight and not too tight on the head, with their headband easily adjusting to large heads. Their earpads are thick, soft, and comfortable for both small and large ears while the padding on the headband is adequate.

The Life Q20 are not too cumbersome to carry for everyday use and are more portable than wired over-ear headphones. They can be folded into a more compact format, allowing them to take up less space in your bag, and include either a soft pouch or a hard case. The hard case is a much better container if you can spend around $10 more. In addition to their foldable design, the ear cups can also rotate to a flat position, making the headphones less awkward to wear around your neck when not in use.

For controls, the Life Q20 have responsive and easily accessible buttons on both ear cups. On the right ear cup, there are three buttons for managing your calls and music, adjusting the volume, toggling the bass boost mode, and activating your voice assistant. On the left ear cup, there are two more buttons: a power button and a dedicated button for the ANC.

With their exciting sound profile, the Life Q20 are suitable for bass-heavy genres. Their sound quality is decent overall, but their bass is overly emphasized and too much for some people, even with the bass boost mode disabled. Unfortunately, you can’t modify the sound profile to tone down the bass for some music genres, as the headphones lack a companion app for customization. In addition to their decent audio reproduction, their mic performance is also decent while their wireless range is excellent.

Suitable for reducing background noise in the office and while traveling and commuting, the Life Q20 have good noise isolation performance. They are very effective at blocking out ambient chatter, which is useful in a busy office. While not as good as some of the best noise-canceling headphones, they are decent at blocking out low-frequency and high-frequency noises. Their sound leakage is also low, but on the other hand, they lack a talk-through feature for monitoring your surroundings without having to remove your headphones.

The Life Q20 boast the best battery life among the headphones in this guide. With the volume set to 60 percent, they can last up to 40 hours per charge in wireless mode with ANC enabled and up to 60 hours with ANC disabled, which are some of the best marks among Bluetooth headphones regardless of form factor. Their quick-charge feature is great, with five minutes of charging already providing four hours of playback, which is impressive. Using the included audio cable, you can also switch to wired mode when the battery is depleted.

For all-around everyday use, the Life Q20 are the best wireless over-ear headphones under $100 and make a strong case for the best overall in this price range. They are versatile headphones that are good for office use, commuting, and traveling. Their noise isolation performance, battery life, controls, and wireless range are either good or great, while their sound quality and build quality are decent.

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Best On-ear Headphones: JBL Live 400BT

The Live 400BT are well-designed on-ear headphones with good performance. They are the best option among the several JBL on-ear headphones under $100. They are versatile headphones that are suitable for casual everyday use and have a very customizable sound profile. Like many other JBL headphones, they are available in different colors, with JBL offering black, green, red, white, and blue color options.

A pair of closed-back headphones, the Live 400BT are lightweight and more portable than over-ear headphones, with smaller ear cups. They have a metal-reinforced headband covered with a nice fabric for a more premium look and include soft, pleather-coated earpads. Their ear cups fold into the frame for better portability, but they lack a pouch or case for storage. Although their plastic parts look a bit cheap, their overall build quality is decent.

Since their ear cups simply rest on your ears, the Live 400BT are much more breathable than over-ear headphones with a closed design. However, their comfort level is only decent at best, with their rather tight fit making them more fatiguing to wear continuously for long hours. Their thin earpads are not enough to mitigate the tight headband clamp. But on the bright side, the tight clamp makes for a more secure fit, which is helpful when using the headphones while walking or jogging.

The Live 400BT have a user-friendly and efficient control scheme primarily composed of small buttons on the right ear cup. In addition to the usual three-button setup for call and music management and volume control, there is a dedicated Bluetooth pairing button and a button for adjusting the ambient sound mode, along with a power switch. The ambient sound mode is especially notable for headphones without ANC. You can also tap on the JBL logo on the left ear cup to trigger your voice assistant, which is convenient but prone to accidental taps.

With their well-balanced audio reproduction, the Live 400BT are some of the best-sounding wireless headphones under $100. Their deep and powerful bass is not too emphasized while their mid-range is clear and detailed. Their treble is also good, but their soundstage is mediocre, which is not surprising for closed-back on-ear headphones. If you don’t like their default tuning, you can freely customize their sound using the companion app, which offers a parametric equalizer that allows for a good amount of modification.

For phone calls, the Live 400BT are adequate enough, but not for business calls. Their integrated mic’s performance is satisfactory: the recording quality is decent but the noise reduction is mediocre, making the headphones unsuitable for phone calls in noisy places. They also feature multi-device pairing, with the option to connect with up to two devices at the same time and seamlessly switch between them.

Capable of running up to 24 hours on a single charge, with the option to switch to wired mode using the included audio cable, the Live 400BT provide passive noise isolation. They are decent at reducing ambient chatter and high-frequency noises. This makes them a decent option for listening to music at the office and while commuting, but not during flights. Their sound leakage is also notably low for on-ear headphones, allowing you to listen to loud music without disturbing the people around you.

Overall, the Live 400BT are the best wireless on-ear headphones under $100. They are good-sounding headphones with good controls and great battery performance. They support multi-device pairing and have access to an app that allows for a good amount of sound customization. Their build quality and passive noise isolation are decent while their wireless range is excellent.

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Best Truly Wireless Headphones: Anker SoundCore Liberty Air 2

If you prefer truly wireless earphones due to their excellent portability, the Liberty Air 2 are the best option under $100. They are suitable for office use, commuting, and sports use and include features that are normally seen in more expensive products. They are available in either black or white, with both models featuring red accents and a matte finish for a more premium look.

The Liberty Air 2 are truly wireless headphones with a comfortable in-ear fit and short stems extending out similar to the Apple AirPods. They are extremely compact and lightweight and will easily fit into most pockets with or without their case, which also serves as their charging dock and holds additional charges. The build qualities of the earphones and the charging case are good and feel sturdy, with the former featuring an IPX5 rating for water resistance. Instead of the usual three, there are five pairs of ear tips included in the box, giving you more options to find the best fit for your ears.

With their very breathable form factor and cable-free design, the Liberty Air 2 are especially suitable for sports use. They stay securely in your ears during both light exercises and rigorous training, but unlike some sports-oriented truly wireless headphones, they lack stability fins and ear hooks. Their IP rating means they are protected against sweat while their compact design makes them easy to carry for daily runs or gym sessions.

Compared to wireless over-ear and on-ear headphones, the Liberty Air 2 have a more limited control scheme due to their design. You can use their touch controls to manage your calls and music, adjust the volume, and activate your voice assistant. You can customize the controls using the companion app, but the options are limited. The earphones also have a smart pause feature, which automatically pauses the audio when they are removed from your ears.

The Liberty Air 2 are some of the better-sounding truly wireless headphones under $100, with their emphasized bass making them suitable for genres such as hip hop and electronic dance music. Unlike with the controls, the companion app offers more sound customization options. In addition to all the presets, the app includes a graphic equalizer for manual sound modification, though it wasn’t available in earlier versions of the app.

For listening to music in the office and during commutes, the Liberty Air 2 are good headphones. Their passive noise isolation is good, especially if you can get a tight seal with the included ear tips. They are very effective at reducing ambient chatter at the office and in public transport. They also reduce a good amount of high-frequency noises, but they are not the most suitable for blocking out noises in the low-frequency range. Since their sound leakage is minimal, you can listen to loud music to further block out background noise without bothering the people around you.

One of the best aspects of the Liberty Air 2 is their battery performance. They last longer than many other truly wireless headphones, including the more expensive ones. They can run up to seven hours on a single charge. The charging case, which has a USB-C port and supports wireless charging, holds three additional charges to bring the total battery life to 28 hours.

You’d be hard-pressed to find similarly priced truly wireless headphones that offer a more complete package than the Liberty Air 2. They are more than just AirPods clones. They are a great pair of truly wireless headphones that are suitable for all-around use. Their sound quality, build quality, battery life, app support, and passive noise isolation are good while their touch controls are decent. They have an excellent wireless range and a lower-than-usual latency when connected to smartphones.

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Best Noise-canceling Headphones: Mpow H10

The H10 are the best budget noise-canceling headphones under $100, providing better noise isolation than the similarly priced Anker SoundCore Life Q20. They are suitable for listening to music while traveling and commuting, especially considering their foldable design and long battery life. Although their build quality is rather cheap, they offer great value for the money.

Featuring foldable and rotating ear cups for better portability, the H10 are wireless headphones with an over-ear fit and a closed design. They have a bland and unattractive aesthetic that some might prefer for a more discreet profile when using them outdoors. Their plastic build is subpar but acceptable for the price. Their ear cups are sturdy and durable, but their headband and hinges feel rather fragile when being adjusted. A soft pouch is included for storage, along with a micro USB charging cable and an audio cable that terminates in a mini-plug for wired connectivity.

Although their build quality is unimpressive, the H10 are very comfortable to wear for long hours, which is especially beneficial during long flights. Their headband has a secure clamp without being too tight while their earpads, which are covered with artificial leather, are soft. They are also decently breathable for closed-back headphones. On the other hand, you might find them a bit unstable if you have a small head.

The H10 have an on-cup control scheme composed of three buttons on the right ear cup and a switch on the left ear cup. The buttons on the right are for call and music management and volume control, with the middle button also serving as the power button and Bluetooth pairing button. Meanwhile, the switch on the left ear cup is for toggling the ANC, but there is no option to switch to talk-through mode, which is a common feature among noise-canceling headphones.

Capable of running up to 30 hours on a single charge, the H10 are decent-sounding headphones that are suitable for most mainstream music genres. Their bass is deep, punchy, and not too emphasized while their mid-range is good. On the other hand, their treble can be piercing in some tracks, which is undesirable for some people. Unfortunately, you can’t modify the sound profile to your liking, as the headphones lack a dedicated app for customization.

Regarding noise isolation performance, the H10 are good and even better than some noise-canceling headphones selling for a much higher price. They are especially effective at blocking out the sound of airplane engines and ambient chatter, which is beneficial when using them while traveling and in the office. They are also decent at reducing high-frequency noises. However, their sound leakage is quite high, which means you’ll disturb the person sitting next to you during flights if you have very loud music playing.

All in all, the H10 are the best option if you are looking for noise-canceling headphones but prefer to stay in the budget category. They are decent-sounding headphones that are comfortable to wear for long hours, have a good wireless range, and provide good noise isolation with ANC. Their batter life is great while their on-cup controls are easy to use, but their overall build quality is unimpressive.

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Best Sports Headphones: Jaybird Tarah

For purely sports use, the Tarah are the best wireless headphones under $100. They are earphones with a behind-the-neck cable, which means they are not completely wireless headphones. Although they have fewer features and a shorter battery life per charge than the more expensive Tarah Pro, they are a great pair of sports headphones nonetheless. You can get them for around $50-80, with three color options to choose from: black, gray, and dark blue.

The Tarah are well-designed headphones featuring a comfortable in-ear design with stability fins for a more secure fit, which is important for sports use. Unlike true neckband headphones, they lack a thick neckband and simply have a short audio cable connecting to the earpieces. Their overall build quality is better than most budget sports headphones, with their IPX7 rating meaning they are well-protected against sweat.

With their breathable design and lightweight build, the Tarah are comfortable to wear during both light exercises and rigorous training. They come with a shirt clip for additional stability and include a small cable management clip for adjusting the tightness of the audio cable. There are three pairs of silicone ear tips included in the box. Unlike with some sports-oriented wireless earphones, the ear tips and the stability fins are a single unit, which means you can’t mix and match different ear tip and fin sizes for a more personalized fit.

Composed of three buttons and a built-in mic, the in-line remote of the Tarah is easy to use, with the buttons easily registering input. Using the small remote, you can manage your calls and music, adjust the volume, and activate your voice assistant. You can also customize the middle multi-function button using the Jaybird companion app.

The Tarah are good-sounding sports earphones that sound clear and detailed and have the right amount of bass. Their wireless range is good and they support multi-device pairing, with the option to connect with up to two devices at the same time and seamlessly switch between them. You can customize some aspects of the earphones using the companion app – which is one of the better headphone apps out there – with options to customize the auto-off timer and modify the sound using a parametric equalizer.

Although they lack ANC, the Tarah provide good noise isolation. They are good at reducing ambient chatter and high-frequency noises. And for headphones that simply rely on their passive in-ear seal for noise isolation, they do a satisfactory job at reducing low-frequency noises. Their sound leakage is also minimal even at high volume, allowing you to listen to loud music to further reduce ambient noise without bothering the people around you. If their six-hour battery is not an issue for you, they are also decent headphones for office use and traveling, with their compact design making them easy to carry.

There are more versatile sports headphones that are also good for casual everyday use. But for strictly sports use, the Tarah are the best option under $100. They are durable sports headphones with a comfortable and secure fit and an IPX7 rating for water resistance. Their sound quality, passive noise isolation, wireless range, and app support are good while their in-line mic and controls are decent.

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Best Gaming Headset: SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless

The Arctis 1 Wireless is the best and most versatile wireless gaming headset under $100, featuring the capability to connect with most current gaming platforms wirelessly. It includes a USB-C transmitter for a low-latency wireless connection, along with a USB-A adapter for the dongle and an analog audio cable for wired connectivity. You can use it for gaming on PC, PS4, Switch, Android mobile devices, and Xbox One, with the option to connect wirelessly with all platforms except for the latter.

An over-ear headset with closed-back ear cups, the Arctis 1 Wireless has the same casual design of other headsets in the popular Arctis lineup. It has large ear cups featuring thick earpads and an on-cup control scheme with a mic mute switch and a volume wheel. It comes with a detachable boom mic that connects to the left ear cup. Unlike more premium Arctis models such as the Arctis Pro Wireless, it has a regular, metal-reinforced headband design, with no elastic strap.

For long gaming sessions, the Arctis 1 Wireless is comfortable to wear. It has a lightweight plastic build and doesn’t feel too tight. Its earpads are decently breathable while its headband is flexible and easily adjusts to large heads. While it lacks a pouch or case for storage, it’s good for gaming on the go due to its convenient wireless format. Its ear cups rotate to a flat position, allowing it to take up less space in your bag and making it less cumbersome to wear around your neck.

The Arctis 1 Wireless is a good-sounding headset with an excellent boom mic for voice chat, which is especially useful if you play lots of online multiplayer games and actually talk to other players. It can run up to around 20 hours per charge. Its passive noise isolation is decent enough for gaming at home while its sound leakage is low, allowing you to increase the volume without bothering people around you when gaming in crowded places. You can customize the sound and mic settings on the SteelSeries Engine desktop app, which has a user-friendly interface.

With the included USB-C transmitter, the Arctis 1 Wireless allows for low-latency wireless connectivity on PC, Switch in handheld mode, Switch Lite, and Android mobile devices. You can also use the USB-A adapter for the dongle to wirelessly connect to PS4 consoles, a docked Switch, and a PC or laptop that lacks a USB-C port. For gaming on Xbox One consoles and other devices that are not compatible with the transmitter, you can use the analog audio cable for a regular wired connection.

On the whole, the Arctis 1 Wireless is a highly versatile wireless gaming headset that can connect with different gaming platforms, either wirelessly or using the analog cable. Its sound quality, battery life, mic performance, and app support are good and more than compensate for its rather fragile build. You can use it for gaming at home and while on the go, with its compact USB-C transmitter being especially convenient when gaming on a Switch in handheld mode, a Switch Lite, or an Android mobile device.

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More Options

Below are more good options if you are shopping for the best wireless headphones under $100, with a few of them being more affordable alternatives to some of our top picks above.

Anker SoundCore Spirit X (2019)

The upgraded Spirit X are a more affordable alternative to the Jaybird Tarah. They are sports-oriented headphones with a comfortable in-ear design and ear hooks for a more secure fit. While their overall build quality is slightly inferior to the Tarah, their IP68 rating – which means they are protected against both dust and water – is better. They have an in-line remote for call and music management and include a small cable management clip for adjusting the fit.

With their portable design and decent passive noise isolation, the Spirit X are also suitable for office use and commuting. They can last up to an incredible 18 hours per charge, which is even better than the battery life of the Tarah’s more expensive big brother, the Tarah Pro. Their sound quality is decent, but there is no way to modify the sound profile, as they lack a dedicated companion app.

For more great options for your days at the office, check out our selection of the best headphones for office use.

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SoundPeats TrueFree+

Selling for just around $30, the TrueFree+ are truly wireless earphones that offer excellent value for the money. They are suitable for office use, commuting, traveling, and sports, with their very compact design and excellent portability making them easy to carry for everyday use. Their overall build quality is good for the price while their charging case has a secure lid.

The TrueFree+ are decent-sounding earphones for travel and commute that sound clear and detailed. Moreover, they are good at blocking out ambient noise, which is beneficial when listening to music in noisy environments. On the other hand, their battery life per charge is easily the worst among the truly wireless headphones in this product guide: they are limited to around three to four hours per charge. But with the additional charges in the case, their total battery life increases to around 35 hours, which is impressive.

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Samsung U Flex

If you prefer wireless in-ear headphones in a neckband format, check out the U Flex. They are decently built neckband earphones that are good for both sports and casual everyday use. They have a flexible neckband with user-friendly controls for call and music management and include magnetic earpieces for better cable management. Although they are not as portable as truly wireless earphones, they are still very portable and can be simply worn around your neck when not in use.

Capable of running up to 10 hours per charge, the U Flex are decent-sounding earphones with a good wireless range and a decent integrated mic for phone calls. They can connect with up to two devices at the same time and have good app support, but only when connected to Samsung smartphones. While their passive noise isolation is subpar overall, they are good at blocking out ambient chatter, which is useful when using them in crowded places or noisy offices.

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Skullcandy Grind Wireless

The Grind Wireless are some of the best budget headphones under $50. They are on-ear headphones with a sturdy metal frame and efficient on-cup controls. With their looser headband clamp, they are more comfortable to wear for long hours than the JBL Live 400BT. Their small, circular ear cups are very breathable and include soft cushions. But unlike with the JBL headphones, their ear cups are not foldable, which hurts their portability.

While the Grind Wireless have mediocre noise isolation, they are decent-sounding headphones that are suitable for most music genres. They can run up to 12 hours per charge, with the included analog audio cable allowing you to switch to wired mode when the battery is depleted. Their wireless range is good, but they don’t support wireless technologies like NFC pairing, multi-device pairing, and low-latency codecs.

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Creative Outlier Air

Of the three truly wireless headphones in this product guide, the Outlier Air have the best battery life per charge. They can last up to 10 hours on a single charge, making them more suitable for all-day use in the office and during long flights. With the additional charges in the case – which connects to a power source using a USB-C cable – you get a total battery life of 30 hours.

The Outlier Air are in-ear headphones with a limited but user-friendly control scheme, with the option to access voice assistants such as Siri and Google Assistant. Their plastic build is good and feels sturdy and durable. Their IPX5 rating – which means they are well-protected against sweat – makes them suitable for running, especially considering their excellent breathability, stable in-ear fit, and cable-free design.

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Anker SoundCore Space NC

The Space NC are wireless headphones with an over-ear design and closed ear cups featuring a user-friendly on-cup control scheme with touch controls. They are comfortable to wear for long hours and their build quality is good for the price. They fold into a more compact format, making them more portable, and include a hard case for storage, which is notable for headphones under $100.

Suitable for commuting, traveling, and office use, the Space NC are good at blocking out ambient noise with their ANC and have a good wireless range. They can run up to 20 hours on a single charge while in wireless mode with ANC enabled. If you want them to last longer, you can use the included analog audio cable to switch to a wired connection, with Anker advertising a remarkable 50-hour battery in wired mode with ANC enabled.

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Beats BeatsX

Available in different colors, the BeatsX are some of the best neckband headphones under $100. They are suitable for casual everyday use. They have a stable and breathable in-ear fit, with multiple ear tips to choose from, and include a simple in-line remote integrated into the left audio cable. Unlike other neckband headphones, their neckband is much more flexible, making them easier to cram into small spaces. Their earpieces are magnetic for better cable management if you prefer to wear them around your neck when not in use.

Compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones, the BeatsX have good passive noise isolation, which makes them suitable for commuting and traveling. Their sound leakage is also minimal even at high volume. They can run up to a solid eight hours per charge, with their fast-charge feature allowing them to gain two hours of playback after just five minutes of charging.

In case you are interested in headphones for glass wearers, be sure to check out our selection of the best ones on the market.

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Corsair HS70 Pro

The HS70 Pro is an over-ear gaming headset with a closed-back design, though the grilles on its ear cups might suggest otherwise. While it’s not as versatile as the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless, with fewer connection options, its build quality is significantly better. It’s better-built than some headphones selling for a higher price, featuring aluminum yokes that make for a sturdier and more durable build. It has soft memory foam earpads and includes a detachable boom mic that connects to the left ear cup.

Featuring an easily accessible on-cup control scheme composed of a volume wheel and a mic mute switch, the HS70 Pro is a good-sounding headset that supports virtual surround sound on PC. It can run up to 16 hours per charge. It comes with a USB transmitter for a low-latency wireless connection on PC and PS4, but it lacks an analog audio cable for wired connectivity on gaming platforms that are not compatible with the USB dongle.

You will find more affordable options by checking out our guide to the best headphones under $150.

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Sennheiser HD 4.40BT

The HD 4.40BT are wireless over-ear headphones with closed-back ear cups and on-cup controls for easy call and music management. They are comfortable to wear due to their lightweight build, soft and thick earpads, and flexible headband. While they are primarily made of plastic, their build quality is decent, but since they are foldable, there are more moving parts that are vulnerable to wear and tear.

Capable of running up to 25 hours per charge, the HD 4.40BT are good-sounding headphones that support NFC technology for faster pairing and have an excellent wireless range. Compared to many other Bluetooth headphones, their latency is lower, which is especially beneficial when watching video content. If you want to eliminate latency issues or want to use them even when the battery is depleted, you can switch to wired mode using the provided analog audio cable.

With the best headphones for travel and commute, you can shut off the world around you and listen to music in peace, whether you are traveling by airplane or commuting via bus or train. From over-ear headphones to truly wireless earphones, the products listed here are the best options if you are shopping for commute and travel headphones. Almost all of them feature active noise cancellation (ANC) technology for better noise isolation.

The Best Headphones for Travel and Commute

Best Over-ear Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM3

If you prefer the all-around usefulness of over-ear headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM3 are the best headphones for travel and commute. Regarded as some of the best noise-canceling headphones out on the market, they are perfect for blocking out ambient noise in crowded places like airports and public transport hubs. You can get them for around $350, which puts them in the same price range as the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and the Beats Studio3.

The WH-1000XM3 are wireless headphones with closed-back ear cups. They are lightweight and are comfortable to wear for long hours, though their bulky design might suggest otherwise. Their build quality is great and feels more premium than that of the QuietComfort 35 II. Their headband and ear cups are both well-padded and durable. Their overall aesthetic is clean and minimalist, allowing for a more low-profile look.

Although they are not as compact and portable as other types of headphones, the WH-1000XM3 are easy to carry for travel and commute. Like many modern headphones, they fold into a more compact form, allowing them to take less space in your bag. They also include a hard case, which offers better protection against physical damage than a soft pouch.

With the on-cup touch controls, you can easily manage your calls and music, adjust the volume, and activate your voice assistant while on the move. You can also toggle between ANC and ambient modes and quickly switch to attention mode – which automatically lowers the volume and disables the ANC – by covering the right ear cup with your hand. You can map the controls using the companion app if you prefer a custom control scheme.

For accessories, the WH-1000XM3 include an airplane adapter and a 3.5 mm analog audio cable for switching to wired mode, along with the charging cable and the aforementioned hard case. Both the airplane adapter and the audio cable are convenient for frequent travelers; the latter is useful if you forget to charge your headphones overnight before a particularly long flight.

The WH-1000XM3 are good-sounding headphones that sound consistent, with good bass and mid-range performance. Compared to their chief rival, the QuietComfort 35 II, they don’t sound as good out of the box. But on the plus side, their sound profile is more customizable using the companion app, allowing you to modify their sound to your liking. Their integrated mic is also decent and performs well even in moderately noisy places.

Whether you are traveling by airplane, bus, or train, you can count on the WH-1000XM3 for blocking out background noise. Their ANC is one of the best in the business and can effectively block ambient noise like the sound of airplane and bus engines and chatter in public transport. Furthermore, their sound leakage is low, allowing you to turn the music volume up without disturbing other commuters and travelers.

Regarding battery life, the WH-1000XM3 are impressive. They can last up to 30 hours per charge in wireless mode with ANC enabled. That’s more than good enough for long flights and commutes and extended layovers. They also charge fast, with 10 minutes of charging already providing five hours of playback, allowing for quick charges at the airport between flights. If the headphones run out of battery mid-flight or while commuting, you can simply switch to wired mode using the provided audio cable.

Overall, the WH-1000XM3 are well worth their $350 price. They are some of the best noise-canceling headphones for travel and commute. They are comfortable to wear continuously for long hours, feature user-friendly on-cup controls, and offer excellent noise isolation. Their build quality, battery life, and app support are all great, while their portability is decent for over-ear headphones.

$348

Best Truly Wireless Earphones: Apple AirPods Pro

Nothing beats truly wireless earphones in portability. They are a lot easier to carry than over-ear and on-ear headphones and are even more compact than neckband headphones. If truly wireless earphones are your preferred audio equipment for travel and commute, check out the Apple AirPods Pro.

They are more versatile than the AirPods 2, with their ANC making them more suitable for travel and commute. While they look similar to the AirPods 2, their design is notably different. They still have the familiar stem extending from the earbuds, but instead of open-back, they are closed-back earphones with a typical in-ear fit. They are comfortable to wear for long hours, with Apple including three different pairs of silicone ear tips to choose from.

A pair of IPX4-rated earphones, the AirPods Pro are extremely compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry in your pocket. Their build quality is great and feels premium. They stay securely in your ears despite their lack of ear hooks and stability fins. They are much more breathable than over-ear and on-ear headphones since they don’t cover or press on your ears at all.

The AirPods Pro have a responsive and user-friendly control scheme, with both earbuds featuring force sensors. You get essential functions like track skipping and call management. You can also activate Siri and disable the ANC. Unlike with some truly wireless earphones – like the Beats Powerbeats Pro and the Jaybird Vista – there are no physical buttons on each earbud.

Like the earphones themselves, the included charging case is extremely compact and looks premium. It measures 2.4 inches wide, 1.8 inches tall, and 0.9 inches thin, making it more compact than most charging cases. It is just as lightweight and portable as the earphones and has a secure lid. It supports Qi wireless charging and holds additional charges to extend the total battery life, which is useful for long flights.

While their sound quality is inconsistent and varies among users, the AirPods Pro are decent-sounding earphones that are suitable for listening to music, audiobooks, and podcasts. They have an excellent wireless range and seamlessly pair with Apple devices. You don’t get a dedicated app for customizing the earphones, though, which is disappointing but not a deal-breaker.

Compared to the open-back AirPods 2, the AirPods Pro are much better at noise isolation. Their passive in-ear seal and ANC allow them to block a significant amount of ambient noise like the sound of bus and airplane engines. They are great at canceling the sound of chatter at airports and public transport hubs. Their sound leakage is also minimal even at higher volumes, which is beneficial for your fellow commuters.

One of the most notable weaknesses of the AirPods Pro is their mediocre single-charge battery life, which is a common issue among truly wireless earphones. They can run up to only four hours and 30 minutes per charge with ANC enabled and the volume set to 50 percent. The good news is that the charging case, as mentioned, holds additional charges. With the additional charges, you can get more than 24 hours of total battery life, which is great.

If you prefer truly wireless earphones due to their unmatched portability, the AirPods Pro are the best headphones for travel and commute. They have a comfortable in-ear fit, a decent control scheme, an extremely compact charging case, and an IPX4 rating for sweat resistance. Their noise isolation is one of the best for their type of headphones, but on the other hand, they are not as customizable as some competing products.

$249

Best Neckband Headphones: Sony WI-1000X

Of the best neckband headphones on the market, the Sony WI-1000X are the most suitable for travel and commute, edging out the more popular Bose QuietControl 30 by a slim margin. They are better-built and more customizable and include an airplane adapter and an audio cable. They are just as pricey as the Bose headphones, though, normally selling for almost $300.

The WI-1000X are noise-canceling headphones with a typical in-ear fit and an actual solid neckband, which separates them from other behind-the-neck headphones like the Jaybird Tarah Pro. They are available in two colors (black and gold) and include multiple ear tip sizes, allowing you to choose the best fit for your ears. They have thin audio cables that extend from the neckband, with their smart cable management making for a cleaner setup.

Like other in-ear headphones and earbuds, the WI-1000X have a breathable design that makes them comfortable to use for long hours. They are quite stable and don’t easily pop out of your ears despite lacking stability fins. They are easy to carry due to their compact and lightweight design and can be simply worn around your neck when not in use, which is convenient.

An airplane adapter and an analog audio cable are included in the box, along with a soft pouch and the charging cable. The audio cable is especially notable, as neckband headphones usually can’t be used in wired mode. You can connect the audio cable to pretty much any device that supports a 3.5 mm analog plug, either natively or with an adapter.

The controls are located on the neckband itself. They are easy to use, with the buttons providing decent tactile feedback. Using the neckband controls, you can easily manage your calls and music, adjust the volume, and disable the ANC while walking, with no need to take out your smartphone.

Optimized for Google Assistant, the WI-1000X are good-sounding for neckband headphones, with their companion app allowing you to customize their sound profile. They support NFC for faster pairing and are compatible with both iOS and Android devices. While their integrated mic is surprisingly decent, there are neckband headphones that offer better mic performance.

From the sound of airplane engines to ambient chatter in public transport, the WI-1000X are great at blocking out unwanted noise. Their noise isolation performance is one of the best among neckband headphones. Their sound leakage is also low even at higher volumes, preventing your loud music from disturbing your fellow commuters and travelers.

The WI-1000X have a much longer battery life per charge than the Apple AirPods Pro – one of the most notable advantages of neckband headphones over truly wireless earphones. They can last up to 10 hours in wireless mode with ANC enabled and up to 13 hours with ANC disabled. Their battery life with ANC increases to 14 hours while in wired mode, which is great for particularly long flights and road trips. On the other hand, their fast-charge feature is not as good as that of other wireless headphones, with 15 minutes of charging only providing 70 minutes of playback.

On the whole, the WI-1000X are recommended noise-canceling headphones if you prefer neckband headphones for travel and commute. Their noise isolation, build quality, app support, and battery life are all great. Their controls and sound quality are both good, while their integrated mic is decent. They are not the most budget-friendly neckband headphones, though.

$298

Best On-ear Headphones: Beats Solo Pro

The Beats Solo Pro are more suitable for travel and commute than the older Solo3, with their ANC and better noise isolation being the biggest reason for that. They are wireless on-ear headphones that are available in different colors, including black, red, and light blue. They are significantly more expensive than the Solo3, selling for $300.

A pair of closed-back headphones, the Solo Pro have a stylish design that stands out, similar to the Solo3 and the Studio3. Their build quality is great and feels premium. They are noticeably bulkier than most on-ear headphones, appearing to be over-ear headphones at first glance. They are lightweight and breathable and have well-padded ear cups, but they are not as comfortable for long listening sessions as other on-ear headphones due to their very tight fit.

Like the Solo3, the Solo Pro fold into a more compact form, allowing them to take less space when stored in your bag. While they are not as compact and portable as other on-ear headphones, they are not too cumbersome to carry for daily commute despite their bulkier design. A soft case is included in the box for storage, which is a bit disappointing since many similarly priced headphones come with a sturdier hard case instead.

The Solo Pro have a user-friendly on-cup control scheme featuring the essential functions. You get controls for calls, music, and volume, along with a dedicated ANC button. You can turn on/off the headphones by unfolding/folding them, allowing you to quickly switch them on/off without fumbling for a small button on the ear cups.

Although they are not recommended for professional use, the Solo Pro are good-sounding headphones with a fairly balanced audio reproduction. They are consistent and are suitable for different music genres, including punk rock, reggae, hip hop, and heavy metal. They seamlessly pair with Apple devices and boast an excellent wireless range. However, unlike many other wireless headphones, they lack a full-fledged companion app for customization.

As mentioned, the Solo Pro are better than the Solo3 regarding noise isolation. They do a decent job blocking out the sound of airplane and bus engines. Moreover, they block a great amount of ambient chatter, whether you are at the airport or in a public transport terminal. Their sound leakage is also low, which is notable for on-ear headphones and is beneficial for people around you.

Regarding battery life, the Solo Pro are just as good as the Studio3. They can last up to 22 hours per charge while in wireless mode with ANC enabled and up to 40 hours with both ANC and transparency mode disabled. Their fast-charge feature allows them to gain three hours of playback after just 10 minutes of charging. Sadly, they don’t include an audio cable for switching to wired mode when the battery is low, which is disappointing for $300 headphones.

The Solo Pro are some of the most expensive on-ear headphones on the market. But if you prefer noise-canceling on-ear headphones for commute and travel, they are the best option currently out. Their build quality, control scheme, battery life, and noise isolation are all great. They are good for all-around use, but they are not as comfortable to wear for long hours as other on-ear headphones.

$300

Best Budget Headphones Under $100: Anker SoundCore Space NC

Selling for less than $100, the Anker SoundCore Space NC are a more affordable alternative to the popular Sony WH-1000XM3. They are wireless over-ear headphones featuring a closed-back design and ANC for better noise isolation. While not as customizable and good-sounding as the Sony product, they offer good value for the money and are suitable for commute and travel.

The Space NC are well-built headphones with memory foam padding and a nice metallic finish on their plastic ear cups. They are lightweight and are comfortable to wear despite their bulky design and tight clamp. While they are not as breathable, they are much better for long listening sessions than the Beats Solo Pro, making them more suitable for long flights.

For a pair of bulky over-ear headphones, the Space NC are quite portable and not too cumbersome to carry for commute and travel. They fold into a more compact form for easy storage and include a hard case, embarrassing some high-end headphones that merely include a soft case or pouch. Their ear cups also swivel, which makes them easy to wear around your neck when not in use.

With their responsive and user-friendly on-cup controls, the Space NC allow for easy call and music management and volume adjustment while on the go. The control scheme is composed of a touch surface and physical buttons. In addition to the essential functions, you can also disable the ANC and activate your voice assistant using the on-cup controls.

Regarding audio reproduction, the Space NC are not bad, but they have a bass-heavy sound profile than some will not like. You can’t modify the sound profile to your liking, as there is no companion app for customization. On the bright side, they have a decent integrated mic and a good wireless range and easily pair with both iOS and Android smartphones.

Their battery life is also good. With both Bluetooth and ANC enabled, they can last up to 20 hours per charge, which is good enough for long flights and commutes. When in wired mode, their battery lasts up to an incredible 50 hours with ANC enabled, according to Anker. You can also still use them as regular wired over-ear headphones when the battery is fully depleted, which can’t be said for some wireless headphones.

The Space NC have good noise isolation, blocking out the sound of chatter and airplane engines in an effective manner. You can increase the music volume to further reduce background noise at particularly crowded or very noisy environments. You don’t need to worry about disturbing nearby people with your loud music because the headphones also have low sound leakage.

If you are limited to a $100 budget for noise-canceling headphones, check out the Space NC. They are easy to use and are comfortable to wear for long flights and commutes. They have good noise isolation, on-cup controls, build quality, and battery life, and their mic performance and portability are both decent. They offer good value for the money and are some of the best noise-canceling headphones under $100.

$99

Best Cheap Headphones: Aukey Latitude

The Aukey Latitude are sports headphones that are also great for travel and commute. They are wireless in-ear headphones with a behind-the-neck cable and an inline remote. They sell for around $30, making them even more affordable than the Anker SoundCore Space NC. While their build quality is not as rugged and premium as more high-end sports headphones, their noise isolation is great, which is impressive for headphones without ANC.

Featuring stability fins for a more secure fit, the Latitude have an all-black color scheme that makes for a more discreet look. Their overall build quality is decent for budget headphones, with their IPX4 rating meaning they are protected against sweat. Their earpieces are magnetic, which allows for easy cable management. There are different ear tip and stability fin sizes included in the box, giving you the chance to mix and match individual units for the best fit for your ears.

Like other types of in-ear headphones, the Latitude are very compact and lightweight and are much more portable than regular over-ear and on-ear headphones. Unlike the Sony WI-1000X, which have a less flexible neckband, they will easily fit in most pockets due to their extremely compact design. A soft pouch is included in the box, which is a plus since cheap headphones don’t usually come with any form of container.

The Latitude have a small inline remote for controls. You can use the remote for managing your calls and music and adjusting the volume. You can also use the multi-function button to cycle between the three preset sound profiles. Unlike with some budget headphones, the control scheme is easy to use and doesn’t feel cheaply implemented, with the buttons providing decent tactile feedback.

Performance-wise, the Latitude are decent overall. Their audio reproduction is surprisingly decent for cheap headphones, with good bass performance. You can use them for listening to music, audiobooks, podcasts, and other media. Their inline mic is also decent for phone calls even in a moderately loud environment, which is a big plus for some people. On the other hand, they lack a dedicated app for customization.

With their incredibly effective in-ear seal, the Latitude are good at passively blocking out ambient noise like airport chatter and the sound of bus engines. They are even better than some noise-canceling headphones selling for a much higher price. Their sound leakage is also minimal, allowing you to increase the volume to further block background noise without disturbing people around you.

The Latitude can run up to eight hours on a single charge, which should be good enough for most people for daily commuting. However, compared to some of the best neckband headphones, their battery life is a bit shorter. On the plus side, they charge fast, only requiring around one hour and 30 minutes to be fully recharged.

All in all, the Latitude are highly recommended if you are in the market for cheap headphones that are suitable for travel and commute. They are surprisingly versatile headphones that are also good for office use and sports, which increases their value even more. Their sound quality, mic performance, controls, and build quality are all decent, while their noise isolation and portability are both great.

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More Options

If none of our top picks above are to your liking, check out the products below. All of them are also good headphones for commute and travel. The products include several Bose noise-canceling headphones, which are some of the best in their respective categories. Mpow H10

The Mpow H10 are wireless over-ear headphones featuring ANC for better noise isolation. They are even more affordable than the Anker SoundCore Space NC, selling for around $50-60. They have a bland aesthetic and don’t really stand out. They are comfortable to wear for long hours due to their soft earpads and lightweight frame. Their on-cup controls are decent and include essential functions like call and music management.

While they are not the most portable headphones, the H10 are good for travel and commute. They have an advertised battery life of 30 hours, which is especially beneficial for long flights and layovers. Their noise isolation with ANC enabled is also surprisingly good for budget headphones. They block a good amount of background noise like the sound of chatter and airplane engines. However, they are mediocre are preventing sound from bleeding out, so you’ll need to keep the volume at moderate levels to avoid disturbing fellow commuters and airplane passengers.

PurchaseBose QuietComfort 25

If you don’t really care about wireless connectivity, the Bose QuietComfort 25 are a better buy than the popular QuietComfort 35 II and the Sony WH-1000XM3. They are significantly more affordable and can be bought for less than $150. These headphones under $200 are just as comfortable to wear continuously for long hours as the QuietComfort 35 II, featuring a lightweight frame and soft earpads. Their noise isolation with ANC enabled is also excellent, making them suitable for blocking out ambient noise while commuting and traveling.

A pair of wired over-ear headphones, the QuietComfort 25 are not as big as some over-ear headphones and are quite portable. They are lightweight, fold into a more compact form, and include a hard carry case for a more secure container. Their audio cable ends with a regular 3.5 mm analog plug for universal compatibility with most mobile devices. An airplane adapter is also included in the box, along with an AAA battery for the ANC.

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Amazon Echo Buds

The Amazon Echo Buds are some of the most affordable truly wireless headphones with ANC, selling for $130, which puts them in the same price range as the Samsung Galaxy Buds. They have a stable and breathable in-ear fit, with multiple ear tips and stability fins to choose from. Their build quality is good, with their IPX4 rating meaning they are protected against sweat. Like many other truly wireless headphones, their control scheme is rather limited, but it offers essential functions like call and music management, along with ANC control.

Although these headphones under $150 are not as good as the more premium Apple AirPods Pro, the Echo Buds are great at blocking out background noise – with or without ANC. They will allow you to listen to your music in peace during flights and commutes. And with their minimal sound leakage, you don’t need to worry about disturbing other people with your loud music. Their battery life per charge is short, though, which is a common issue among truly wireless headphones. They can run up to five hours per charge, but with the additional charges in the charging case, you get up to 20 hours of total battery life.

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Microsoft Surface Headphones

Featuring a minimalist but appealing aesthetic, the Microsoft Surface Headphones are a solid pair of wireless over-ear headphones for travel and commute. They are not the most portable, which can be said for many other over-ear headphones, but they are comfortable to wear for long hours and boast good noise isolation performance and low sound leakage. Their battery life is 15 hours per charge, which is decent but not on par with that of other noise-canceling over-ear headphones.

The Microsoft Surface Headphones are well-built headphones that are lightweight and durable. Their tight clamp makes for a more secure fit. One of their highlights is their excellent on-cup control scheme composed of buttons, dials, and touchpads. With the on-cup controls, you can manage your calls and music, adjust the volume and ANC, and mute the mic. They have the most complete control scheme among the best headphones for travel and commute listed in this guide.

For more quality audio devices, check out our selection of the best studio headphones.

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Bose QuietComfort 20

If you still prefer the straightforward design of wired earbuds, check out the Bose QuietComfort 20, which sell for around $250. They are some of the best wired earbuds for travel and commute, with their ANC feature allowing them to block a great deal of ambient noise. They are more comfortable to wear for long hours than typical in-ear headphones and can last up to 16 hours per charge.

With their compact and lightweight design, the QuietComfort 20 are very portable and easy to carry for everyday use. Similar to other Bose earbuds, they have stability fins for a more secure fit. Their audio cable ends with a regular 3.5 mm analog plug for universal compatibility with most devices. A small remote and a separate control module for the ANC are integrated into the long audio cable – both of which are user-friendly and don’t feel cheaply built.

If you would prefer more affordable options, check out our selection of the top cheap earbuds under $20.

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Bose QuietControl 30

The Bose QuietControl 30 are wireless neckband headphones that are great for all-around use. They are more comfortable to use for long hours than typical in-ear headphones, making them more suitable for long flights. They have stability fins for a more secure fit, but the ear tips and the stability fins are a single unit, which means you can’t mix and match different sizes for a customized fit.

Although their neckband is not as flexible as that of other neckband headphones, they are portable and easy to carry for travel and commute, with their hard case protecting them from physical damage when not in use. Their noise isolation with ANC is great and can be easily adjusted using the inline remote, which also allows for basic functions like call and music management. They can last up to 10 hours per charge – a good mark for noise-canceling neckband headphones.

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Sennheiser PXC 550-II

The Sennheiser PXC 550-II are wireless over-ear headphones featuring closed-back ear cups with soft padding. Like all the other over-ear headphones on this list, they are equipped with ANC technology for better noise isolation. They are lightweight and more breathable than most over-ear headphones, making them comfortable to wear for long flights and commutes. They have an efficient and user-friendly control scheme that allows for easy call and music management while on the go.

For commute and travel, the PXC 550-II are better headphones than the original PXC 550. Their noise isolation performance is better, which is important for blocking out ambient noise in crowded places and when traveling by plane or bus. They are also good-sounding headphones that are suitable for most music genres. Their battery life is 30 hours per charge, with the option to switch to wired mode when the battery is low.

You may also be interested in some of these reliable planar magnetic headphones from our list. Check them out.

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Bose QuietComfort 35 II

If you like the Bose QuietComfort 25 but want the convenience of wireless connectivity, consider the QuietComfort 35 II instead. They are wireless over-ear headphones that are just as expensive as the Sony WH-1000XM3, selling for around $350. They are some of the best and most popular noise-canceling headphones on the market, not only for commute and travel but also for office use.

Compared to the WH-1000XM3, the QuietComfort 35 II are better-sounding out of the box and are more comfortable to use continuously for long hours. Their on-cup control scheme is also simpler and easier to use. On the other hand, they are less customizable and have a shorter battery life of 20 hours per charge in wireless mode with ANC enabled. They also leak more sound at higher volumes, so you’ll need to be mindful of your music volume if there are people sitting beside you during flights and train or bus rides.

Here are some of the best-rated semi-open headphones on the market. Check them out.

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Bowers & Wilkins PX

A pair of wireless over-ear headphones, the Bowers & Wilkins PX are premium noise-canceling headphones with excellent noise isolation performance and build quality. With their ANC enabled, they block an incredible amount of ambient noise, from the sound of bus and airplane engines to chatter in crowded places. They have a simple on-cup control scheme and can last up 22 hours per charge in wireless mode with ANC enabled. When used in wired mode with ANC enabled, the battery life increases to 33 hours.

The PX, however, are not the most comfortable headphones for long listening sessions. They have a very tight clamp, especially out of the box. Moreover, they are the least portable among the over-ear headphones in this guide, mainly because they don’t fold into a more compact form. Their soft pouch is also disappointing for such an expensive pair of headphones. But despite their flaws, they are still some of the best headphones for travel and commute and are the best-built among the noise-canceling over-ear headphones listed here.

For long days at work, be sure to check out our selection of the best headphones for office use and pick your favorite pair.

With a $500 budget, you’ll have more options to choose from when shopping for headphones. But it can get confusing real fast due to the number of products on the market, not to mention there are different kinds of headphones to consider, with multiple types in the wireless category alone.

If you are shopping for the best headphones under $500, we got you covered with this guide. In this product guide, you’ll find the top options in different categories, including truly wireless headphones, neckband headphones, and open-back headphones. All the products listed here normally sell for at least $200, with many of them sitting in the $300-400 range.

In case you change your mind about your budget and want to look into more affordable headphones instead, you can check out our separate product guides for the best headphones under $200 and the best budget headphones under $50.

The Best Headphones Under $500

Best Wireless Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM3

The Sony WH-1000XM3 are all-around headphones that are good for commuting, traveling, and office use. In addition to being the best wireless headphones under $500, they are also some of the best noise-canceling headphones on the market. Their overall design and performance are great and better than the similarly priced and popular Bose QuietComfort 35 II, often regarded as their main competition.

A pair of over-ear headphones, the WH-1000XM3 are well-designed headphones featuring closed ear cups and a padded headband. Their build quality is great, though their folding design includes more moving parts that are vulnerable to wear and tear. With their soft earpads and flexible headband that doesn’t feel too tight, they are comfortable to wear for long hours.

For controls, the WH-1000XM3 have a touch-sensitive surface on the right ear cup that recognizes tap and swipe gestures. Using the touchpad, you can manage your calls and music, adjust the volume, and activate your voice assistant. The left ear cup, meanwhile, includes a power button and a dedicated button for switching between active noise cancellation (ANC) and ambient modes. You can customize the on-cup controls using the companion app.

With their lightweight build and foldable ear cups, the WH-1000XM3 are easy to carry for everyday use. They include a hard case for storage, which adds to their overall portability. An airplane adapter and an audio cable are also included, with the former accessory being especially beneficial for frequent travelers. The audio cable, which allows you to still use the headphones passively when their battery is depleted, terminates in a 3.5 mm analog plug for universal compatibility with most mobile devices.

The WH-1000XM3 are good-sounding headphones for general media consumption, with their deep and powerful bass making them suitable for listening to bass-heavy music genres. They support NFC for seamless pairing with compatible devices. Their integrated mic is decent enough for phone calls while their wireless range is great, but they don’t support low-latency codecs. Using the Sony companion app, you can modify some aspects of the headphones, including the sound and the on-cup controls.

From ambient chatter to the sound of airplane engines and air conditioning units, the WH-1000XM3 are excellent at blocking out background noise. This makes them ideal for listening to music at the office and while commuting or traveling. Their sound leakage is also low at moderate volume, which means you won’t disturb nearby people with your loud music. They can last up to 30 hours per charge in wireless mode with ANC enabled and include a modern USB-C charging cable.

Overall, the WH-1000XM3 are excellent headphones for travel and commute that stand out as the best wireless headphones under $500. Their sound quality, on-cup controls, build quality, and app support are good while their battery life and noise isolation are superb. They are highly versatile headphones that are suitable for everyday use, with their lightweight build, foldable ear cups, and hard case making them more portable than many other over-ear headphones.

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Best Truly Wireless Headphones: Sony WF-1000XM3

If you find wireless over-ear headphones too cumbersome to carry for everyday use – even the foldable ones – get the Sony WF-1000XM3 instead. They are truly wireless headphones that are significantly more portable than over-ear and on-ear headphones. Like the WH-1000XM3, which are basically their over-ear counterpart, they are noise-canceling headphones that are suitable for listening to music in the office and while traveling.

The WF-1000XM3 are extremely compact and lightweight headphones with a typical in-ear fit that some might find uncomfortable at first. Their build quality is good and feels premium despite being mostly made of plastic, but they are not as sweat-resistant as sports-oriented truly wireless headphones like the Beats Powerbeats Pro and the Jaybird Vista. While they lack stability fins or hooks, they stay securely in your ears. There are different sizes of silicone and foam ear tips included in the box.

Compared to wired earphones, the WF-1000XM3 are more portable, with their totally cable-free design saving you from having to deal with tangled cables. Their earpieces are compact and will easily fit into most pockets. The included charging case is similarly compact and easy to carry every day and holds additional charges for longer total battery life. A short USB-C cable is also provided for connecting the case to a power source.

Like their over-ear counterpart, the WF-1000XM3 feature touch controls, with the circular panels on the back of their earpieces serving as the touchpads. But considering their smaller touch-sensitive surfaces, their touch controls are more limited. You can use the touch controls to manage your calls and music, activate your voice assistant, and quickly switch between ANC and ambient modes. Unlike with physical buttons, using the touch controls does not cause the ear tips to go further in your ear canals, which can be uncomfortable.

The WF-1000XM3 are some of the best-sounding truly wireless headphones on the market, with their companion app allowing you to modify the sound if their default tuning is not to your liking. They support NFC technology and have a decent integrated mic. They last up to six hours on a single charge, which is decent for truly wireless headphones. Their case holds three additional charges to increase the total battery life to 24 hours.

Regarding sound isolation, the WF-1000XM3 are good. With their ANC and in-ear fit, they are good at blocking out ambient noise, especially if you can get a tight seal with the included ear tips. You can use them for blocking out ambient noise in airports, public transport, and busy offices. Their sound leakage is also low even at high volume, allowing you to listen to loud music without disturbing or annoying the people around you.

All in all, the WF-1000XM3 are the best truly wireless headphones under $500, with their good sound quality and noise isolation and excellent app support separating them from the competition. While they are not the best for sports, they are good for commuting, traveling, and office use. Their build quality, controls, and total battery life are good while their portability even with their charging case factored in is terrific.

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Best Closed Headphones: Shure SRH1540

Suitable for listening to music at home and recording tracks in the studio, the Shure SRH1540 are an excellent pair of closed-back headphones. They are wired over-ear headphones that are recommended for both audiophiles and professionals, with their premium build and good sound quality making them stand out. They are the most expensive product in this guide, selling for almost $500, but they are well worth the money, especially if you want durable headphones that can last several years.

The SRH1540 are good-looking headphones featuring a sturdy metal frame and carbon-fiber-reinforced ear cups. Their sturdy headband, which is connected to the ear cups with metal yokes, has a thin layer of padding coated with artificial leather. Their large ear cups include soft cushions covered with perforated fabric that feels nicer on the skin than artificial leather material. The default audio cable, which ends in a 3.5 mm plug, is detachable, with Shure including an extra audio cable in the box.

Although their bulky design might suggest otherwise, the SRH1540 are comfortable to wear for long hours, which is especially beneficial for studio use. They are surprisingly lightweight despite all their metal parts and don’t feel too tight on the head. Their earpads are spacious and breathable, with enough room to accommodate most ear sizes, while their headband is flexible.

Unlike the Sony WH-1000XM3, the SRH1540 don’t fold into a more compact format, hurting their overall portability. But they do come with a hard case for storage, which makes them a bit easier to carry from one place to another. In addition to the case and the aforementioned extra audio cable, they also include extra earpads and a gold-plated 6.3 mm adapter. Unfortunately, Shure opted for identical audio cables instead of including a shorter cable for mobile use or a coiled cable for studio use.

Enjoyable to use for a variety of music genres, the SRH1540 are good-sounding headphones that sound clear and detailed, with good instrument separation and an impressive soundstage for closed-back headphones. Their bass is controlled, deep, and not too emphasized while their treble is clean and never harsh. Their mid-range is pleasant but slightly recessed while their imaging is good.

The SRH1540 are not ideal for sound mixing and mastering, though. They are better used for recording tracks in the studio. Their sealed ear cups are decent at blocking out background noise passively and prevent the sound leakage from being picked up by your mic while recording. Their lightweight build and comfortable over-ear fit make them suitable for long hours in the studio.

While they are not as versatile as the WH-1000XM3, the SRH1540 are better-built and better-sounding closed headphones that are great for listening to music. They are comfortable to wear for long hours and allow for easy connectivity with most devices with no latency issues. They come with a nice set of accessories that include extra earpads and a hard case for storage.

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Best Open Headphones: Sennheiser HD 600

The Sennheiser HD 600 are some of the best and most popular open-back headphones on the market, with their excellent sound quality being the biggest reason for that. They are wired headphones with an over-ear fit, featuring large ear cups that will easily fit around most ears. With their neutral sound, they are suitable for sound mixing in the studio and simply listening to music at home. You can get them for around $300-400, offering better value for the money than the similarly popular HD 650.

Featuring a detachable audio cable, the HD 600 are bulky headphones with oval ear cups and a padded headband. Their overall build quality is solid but not as good as that of the Shure SRH1540, with their less durable headband being the weak spot in their construction. Like other open headphones, their ear cups have grilles on the back, showing the dynamic drivers within. The audio cable connects to both ear cups and measures roughly 10 feet long.

Compared to the Shure headphones, the HD 600 are much less comfortable to wear for long listening sessions. While their ear cups are well-padded and breathable, their headband has a very tight clamp, which makes them more fatiguing to use for long hours, especially if you have a large head. Their thick earpads help mitigate the tight clamp, but not by much. The silver lining here is that the tight clamp makes for a more stable fit, with the headphones staying securely in your head, allowing you to move more freely without worrying about them sliding off.

The HD 600 are not the most portable headphones. In addition to their bulky frame, they don’t fold into a more compact format and lack any form of storage, which is disappointing for headphones normally selling for $400. Aside from the stock audio cable – which terminates in a 3.5 mm analog plug – the only item included in the box is a 6.3 mm plug adapter.

What makes the HD 600 shine despite their design flaws is their sound quality. They are some of the best-sounding open headphones under $500. They have a balanced treble, a tight bass, and a flat mid-range. They sound neutral, clean, and detailed, with a wide soundstage and minimal distortion at high volume, but they are not the easiest to drive. You can also use them for sound mixing and mastering in the studio, with their neutral sound allowing you to discern flaws and inconsistencies in the recording.

If you prefer open headphones because of their more natural sound, the HD 600 are the best option under $500. They are great-sounding headphones that are recommended for audiophiles, professionals, and headphone enthusiasts interested in modding. However, their open design means they are best used in a quiet environment, as their noise isolation is non-existent.

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Best Semi-open Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro

Semi-open headphones sit between closed-back and open-back headphones. They provide a bit of noise isolation and don’t leak as much as open headphones, but they are not as good as closed headphones in both categories. Compared to the other two types of headphones, there are much fewer semi-open headphones on the market. The best one under $500 is the Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro, which are the semi-open counterpart of the popular DT 770 Pro and DT 990 Pro.

The DT 880 Pro are wired headphones with a non-detachable audio cable, a padded headband, and circular ear cups. Their build quality is great and better than some headphones selling for a higher price, with their metal headband, hinges, and ear cup grilles making for a sturdier and more durable build. And with their non-foldable ear cup design, there are fewer moving parts that are vulnerable to wear and tear.

However, their non-detachable coiled cable hurts their overall durability. The audio cable terminates in an analog mini-plug for universal compatibility with most devices, with Beyerdynamic also including a stereo jack adapter. A soft pouch is provided for protecting the headphones against dust, scratches, and minor water spills, but not against hard impact.

With their relatively lightweight build and well-padded ear cups, the DT 880 Pro are comfortable to wear for long hours. Their large ear cups are breathable and feature velour-coated cushions that feel soft and nice on the skin. On the other hand, their headband clamp is rather tight, but not on the same level as the Sennheiser HD 600. Their soft and thick earpads do a good job mitigating the tight fit, making them less fatiguing to use for long listening sessions at home or in the studio.

The DT 880 Pro are great-sounding headphones that sound more neutral than their closed and open counterparts, making them the most suitable for sound mixing and mastering. They sound detailed and clear, with a fantastic mid-range and a wide soundstage, but their bass will not impress fans of bass-heavy music genres. Although they are designed for studio use and listening to music at home, they are also good headphones for gaming, especially if you mainly play single-player games.

Like fully open headphones, the DT 880 Pro are best used in a quiet environment, as they are not much better at reducing background noise. Even in a moderately noisy place, their passive noise isolation is mediocre, making them a poor choice for listening to music in a busy office and while traveling. While not as bad as that of the HD 600, their sound leakage is still quite high, which makes them unsuitable for recording tracks in the studio.

On the whole, the DT 880 Pro are a great pair of headphones that are worth the money, especially if you prefer neutral-sounding headphones. Their sound quality and build quality are great while their comfortable over-ear fit is suitable for long listening sessions at home and in the studio. They normally sell for around $250, but you can get them for less than $200 on some days.

Purchase

Best Noise-canceling Earphones: Apple AirPods Pro

For commuting, traveling, and office use, the Sony WH-1000XM3 are still the best noise-canceling headphones on the market. But if you prefer headphones in a much more portable format for everyday use, check out the Apple AirPods Pro instead. They are noise-canceling truly wireless headphones with a more consistent noise isolation performance than the Sony WF-1000XM3.

The AirPods Pro are well-designed headphones featuring a comfortable in-ear fit that makes them suitable for long listening sessions, with Apple including three pairs of ear tips. Their build quality is good and feels premium, with their IPX4 rating meaning they are protected against sweat, which is beneficial if you intend to use them for running. They are extremely lightweight and compact and stay securely in your ears despite lacking stability fins and ear hooks. Their earpieces include force sensors on the stems for the controls.

Like the earphones themselves, the included charging case feels premium. It is more compact than most charging cases and will easily fit into small pockets, further adding to the already excellent portability of the AirPods Pro. It supports Qi wireless charging (which is a big plus for some people) and connects using a Lightning cable. In addition to serving as a secure container for the earphones, it also holds additional charges for longer total battery life.

Capable of pairing seamlessly with iOS devices, the AirPods Pro are good-sounding truly wireless headphones that sound detailed and balanced. Their wireless range is good while their latency is not too high even when connected to an Android device. Unfortunately, their app support is disappointing, with limited customization options when connected to an iOS device. In fact, they don’t even have a full-fledged companion app as of this writing, unlike the WF-1000XM3 and other competing products.

On the other hand, their noise isolation is better than most in-ear headphones and earbuds, wireless or otherwise. Compared to the WF-1000XM3, they are just as good at blocking out ambient chatter and high-frequency noises, but they are better at reducing low-frequency noises. Their noise isolation with ANC enabled is more consistent.

Their talk-through mode is also better, with the background noise filtered in by their integrated mics sounding more natural. They can last up to four hours and 30 minutes per charge with ANC enabled and the volume set to 50 percent, with the additional charges in the case increasing the total battery life to more than 24 hours.

Overall, the AirPods Pro are the best truly wireless headphones if noise isolation is the most important aspect for you. They are remarkably versatile headphones that are good for commuting, traveling, office use, and running. Their sound quality, build quality, total battery life, and wireless range are good while their noise isolation performance, sound leakage, and portability are great. While their app support is disappointing, they pair seamlessly with Apple devices.

Purchase

Best Sports Headphones: Beats Powerbeats Pro

The Beats Powerbeats Pro are the best headphones under $500 for all-around sports use, with their truly wireless format and ear hooks being big reasons for that. They are just as expensive as the Apple AirPods Pro, but they lack ANC, which is either a good thing or a bad thing depending on your preferences when running or working out.

Available in four color options, the Powerbeats Pro are compact and lightweight in-ear headphones with a good plastic build. They include ear hooks for a more secure fit and are rated IPX4 for water resistance. They are comfortable to wear due to their breathable design and their ear tips not entering your ear canals too deeply, but you might find them awkward if you wear glasses. There are four pairs of ear tips to choose from; all of them are made of silicone.

While they are bulkier than other truly wireless headphones due to their ear hooks, the Powerbeats Pro are still very portable. They are easy to carry for daily runs and gym sessions, with their charging case serving as a secure container to protect them against physical damage when they are stored in your gym bag. The case also holds an additional charge and connects using a Lightning cable, which is already included in the box.

Unlike the Sony WF-1000XM3 and the AirPods Pro, the control scheme of the Powerbeats Pro is simpler and easier to use for most people. Each earpiece includes a multi-function button and a small volume rocker. You can use either earpiece for managing your calls and music, adjusting the volume, and activating your voice assistant. The earphones also have a smart pause feature, which automatically pauses the audio when you remove them from your ears, conserving power.

The Powerbeats Pro are not going to impress some audiophiles like the Sony and Apple truly wireless headphones, but they are good-sounding sports headphones nonetheless. With their emphasized bass, they are suitable for mainstream genres like hip hop and electronic dance music. They are compatible with both iOS and Android devices and their wireless range is good. Their noise isolation is mediocre, though, which is actually a good thing if you prefer better situational awareness when running and working out, especially outdoors.

Among the three truly wireless headphones in this product guide, the Powerbeats Pro have the best battery performance overall. They can run up to nine hours per charge, which is impressive for truly wireless headphones and puts them in the same league as the Samsung Galaxy Buds+ (11 hours) and the Creative Outlier Air (10 hours) regarding single-charge battery life. With the extra charge in the case, you get a total battery life of around 24 hours.

For all-around sports use, the Powerbeats Pro are the best option under $500, with their ear hooks, comfortable and breathable in-ear fit, cable-free design, and good sweat protection being the chief reasons for that. They are suitable for both light exercises and rigorous training and are recommended for athletes, gym rats, and fitness enthusiasts.

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Best Studio Headphones for Sound Mixing: AKG K702

Although the Sennheiser HD 600 and the Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro are both good options, the AKG K702 are the best headphones for sound mixing and mastering in the studio. Their soundstage is better and they are more comfortable to wear for long studio sessions, especially compared to the Sennheiser headphones. You can get them for $350, putting them in the same price range as the HD 600, but you can find them selling for much less on some days.

The K702 are wired studio headphones with an over-ear fit and an open-back design, which means their sound isolation is non-existent. They are bulky headphones that are not the most portable, considering their non-folding design and lack of a case or pouch for storage. Their overall build quality is decent but a bit disappointing for the price. Unlike the DT 880 Pro, their default audio cable is detachable, allowing for easy replacement. The 10-foot straight audio cable terminates in a 3.5 mm analog plug, with AKG also providing a 6.3 mm plug adapter.

For long hours in the studio, the K702 are very comfortable to wear, with their lightweight build being one of the reasons. Their ear cups are spacious, breathable, and well-padded and will easily go around most ears. They have a sturdy dual headband design: the outer headband arc is flexible and effortlessly adjusts to large heads while the inner leather strap does a decent job at cushioning your head. Their headband clamp is also a lot looser compared to both the DT 880 Pro and the HD 600, making them less fatiguing to wear.

With their neutral sound, the K702 are ideal for sound mixing and mastering in the studio. They sound clear and detailed and boast a spacious soundstage. They will allow you to discern inconsistencies and flaws in the recording, but they are not the best for bass reference. You can also use them for listening to music at home and for gaming, with their wide soundstage being an advantage in some games.

As mentioned, the sound isolation of the K702 is non-existent due to their open-back design. They will hardly block any ambient noise and have high sound leakage, with the latter making them unsuitable for recording tracks in the studio and preventing them from being all-around studio headphones. For sound mixing in a studio environment, their poor noise isolation is not a big deal. But for other usages, you may find it undesirable.

If you are shopping for the best headphones for sound mixing and mastering in the studio, the K702 are the best option under $500. They are neutral-sounding open headphones that are comfortable to use for long hours in the studio and include a long cable for more freedom of movement. Their overall build quality is decent, with their large ear cups appearing sturdy and durable.

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Best On-ear Headphones: Beats Solo Pro

The Beats Solo Pro are the best on-ear headphones under $500, with their wireless design, portability, and good noise isolation making them suitable for commuting and traveling. They are better-built and more versatile than the cheaper Solo3. They are some of the few on-ear headphones that feature ANC, making them better at reducing ambient noise than regular on-ear headphones. You can get them for around $300, with Beats offering multiple color options to choose from.

Featuring a stylish design that easily stands out, the Solo Pro are closed-back headphones featuring circular ear cups with on-cup controls for call and music management and volume control. Their build quality is great, with a sturdier frame than the Solo3, but they are quite bulky for on-ear headphones and can be mistaken for over-ear headphones. They fold into a more compact form for better portability and include a soft case for storage.

Since their ear cups simply rest on your ears instead of going around them, the Solo Pro are more breathable than over-ear headphones. They are lightweight and comfortable to wear, but their headband clamp is rather tight, similar to the Solo3. On the bright side, their tight clamp allows for a more secure fit, which is especially beneficial when using the headphones while walking.

Suitable for most mainstream music genres, the Solo Pro are good-sounding headphones, with their emphasized and powerful bass standing out. They can clearly reproduce vocals and instruments with good detail, but their treble can be piercing in some tracks. They pair easily with iOS devices and boast an excellent wireless range, but they lack a dedicated app for customization.

The Solo Pro are good at blocking out background noise. They are especially effective at blocking out ambient chatter and high-frequency noises. They also reduce a decent amount of low-frequency noises, making them a solid all-rounder for blocking out background noise in the office and while commuting and traveling. Their sound leakage is low, too.

With their ANC enabled, they can run up to 22 hours per charge, which is good. With both the ANC and the talk-through mode disabled, their battery life jumps to an incredible 40 hours. Sadly, they don’t come with an audio cable for switching to wired mode when the battery is depleted, which is ridiculous for a pair of headphones selling for $300. If you want to use them in wired mode, you’ll need to buy a separate audio cable.

All in all, the Solo Pro are great on-ear headphones that are suitable for casual everyday use, with their good noise isolation allowing you to enjoy your music in peace in noisy places. Their build quality and sound quality are good while their wireless range and battery performance are great. While they are bulkier than most on-ear headphones, they are easy to carry for everyday use due to their lightweight build and foldable design.

You may also like some of these quality headphones for office use from our list. Check them out.

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Best Wired Earphones: Etymotic Research ER4XR

Selling for $350, the Etymotic Research ER4XR are the best wired earphones under $500, with their durable build and excellent sound quality being their most notable aspects. They are recommended for audiophiles and offer better value for the money than other wired earphones in the same price range. You can use them for listening to music at home and while traveling, with their passive noise isolation being especially beneficial for the latter.

The ER4XR are closed-back earphones that look a bit different from most in-ear headphones. Their earpieces are slimmer and tube-like and don’t fit on your ear conchae, which makes for a more discreet look that some might prefer. Their build quality is great, with both their mostly metal earpieces and braided audio cable appearing sturdy and durable. The audio cable is detachable and terminates in a 3.5 mm analog plug for universal compatibility with most devices, including smartphones.

Compared to other earphones, the ER4XR are less comfortable to wear for long listening sessions due to their ear tip design. Their ear tips need to enter your ear canals deeply for the best sound quality and noise isolation, which can be uncomfortable even for fans of in-ear headphones. There are two types of ear tips included in the box: triple-flange silicone ear tips and foam ear tips, with the former usually the one seen in marketing materials. In addition to the multiple ear tips and the audio cable, the earphones also come with a 6.3 mm plug adapter, a shirt clip, a hard case, a small pouch, and maintenance tools.

Smooth and detailed, the ER4XR are some of the best-sounding earphones, with few other products in the same price range coming close to their overall sound quality. Their bass is deep, tight, and precise while their mid-range is neutral and clean, with balanced reproduction of vocals and instruments. Their treble is detailed and smooth while their imaging is excellent. They are suitable for a variety of music genres, but you’ll need to get a tight seal with their ear tips for the best sound quality.

With their deep in-ear design, the ER4XR provide outstanding noise isolation and are even better than some noise-canceling headphones. They block a significant amount of ambient noise, from the sound of airplane engines to background chatter at the office and in public transport. This makes them suitable for listening to music in the office and while traveling, especially considering their portable design. In addition, their sound leakage is minimal even at high volume, which means you won’t disturb or annoy the people around you with your loud music.

Although they are not as versatile as some products, the ER4XR are the best wired earphones under $500. They are hard to beat due to their combination of excellent sound quality, great build quality, and good accessorization. Their passive noise isolation is outstanding while their detachable audio cable adds to their overall durability. While they are not the most comfortable in-ear headphones, they stay securely in your ears and are easy to carry for everyday use.

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Best Neckband Headphones: Bose QuietControl 30

If you prefer wireless earphones or earbuds in a neckband format instead of truly wireless, the best option is the Bose QuietControl 30. They are versatile headphones that are good for traveling and office use, with their ANC helping them reduce background noise in noisy places. Compared to most truly wireless headphones, their battery life per charge is better and they are not easy to lose or misplace.

The QuietControl 30 are neckband headphones with an earbud fit, which is more comfortable for most people than an in-ear fit. Instead of entering your ear canals, their ear tips simply rest outside them, with their integrated stability fins helping keep them in place. There are three pairs of ear tips included in the box. The earbuds are connected to audio cables extending out from both arms of the flexible neckband, with an in-line remote on the right side for call and music management and volume control.

While they are not as portable as truly wireless headphones due to their neckband, the QuietControl 30 are still very portable. They are much lighter and more compact than over-ear headphones and include a travel case for storage. When not in use, you can simply wear them around your neck with their earbuds hanging, which is especially convenient while traveling.

Capable of connecting with two devices at the same time, the QuietControl 30 are decent-sounding neckband headphones that are suitable for general media consumption. They support NFC technology for faster pairing with compatible devices and have a great wireless range. Their mic performance and app support are disappointing, though, with the latter being typical for Bose headphones.

The QuietControl 30 are some of the best noise-canceling headphones in an earbud or in-ear format, with their ANC and passive seal reducing a good amount of background noise. This makes them a good choice for commuting, traveling, and office use, especially considering their portable design. You can easily adjust the ANC level using the smaller buttons on the side of the in-line remote.

With their 10-hour battery life per charge, the QuietControl 30 are more suitable for very long flights and extended hours at the office than truly wireless headphones. They take less than three hours for a full recharge and include a micro USB charging cable. Unlike some neckband headphones, they can’t be used passively when the battery is depleted since they lack an audio cable.

Portable and versatile, the QuietControl 30 are the best neckband headphones under $500. They are recommended if you want wireless earbuds or earphones but don’t like truly wireless headphones for whatever reason. Their build quality, in-line controls, battery life, and noise isolation performance are good while their sound quality is decent. They are more comfortable to wear for long hours than most earphones and are easy to carry for everyday use.

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Best Planar Magnetic Headphones: HiFiMan Sundara

Planar magnetic headphones are usually more expensive than dynamic headphones, not to mention there are fewer options on the market. If you prefer planar magnetic headphones due to their precision and better bass response, the best option under $500 is the HiFiMan Sundara. They are recommended for audiophiles and sell for around $350, offering good value for the money.

The Sundara are wired over-ear headphones with an open design and a detachable audio cable that connects to both ear cups and terminates in a 3.5 mm analog plug. Their build quality is good and looks high-end, especially with their matte black finish. They are mostly made of metal and have sturdy ear cup grilles and hinges. They have a dual headband design composed of a metal headband and a pleather strap below it.

Despite their tight headband clamp and heavier frame, the Sundara are comfortable to wear for long listening sessions. Their generously padded, circular ear cups have soft cushions and will easily wrap around large ears while their headband strap feels nice on the head. But on the other hand, they are not as breathable as open-back dynamic headphones.

Compared to some headphones in the same price range, the Sundara have significantly fewer accessories included in the box. Aside from the audio cable, the only other item included with the headphones is the usual 6.3 mm plug adapter. There is no extra cable or any form of storage provided, which is a bit disappointing considering the price but hardly a deal-breaker. The default audio cable is around five feet long and lacks an in-line remote for music management.

The Sundara are some of the best-sounding headphones under $500, regardless of headphone type or form factor. They sound clean and precise, with a spacious soundstage and minimal distortion at high volume, and are thoroughly enjoyable to use for different music genres. Their bass is tight and punchy while their treble is detailed, balanced, and rarely harsh. Their mid-range is also magnificent, with a balanced reproduction of vocals and instruments. Whether you are an audiophile or a professional, the Sundara will impress you with their sound quality.

You can also use them for gaming at home. Their wide soundstage is especially beneficial for first-person shooters while their overall sound quality will allow you to appreciate games with an excellent soundtrack even more. However, they are best used in a quiet room, as their noise isolation is poor, which can be said for all other open-back headphones. Their sound leakage is also very high, which is undesirable in some situations.

On the whole, the Sundara are terrific planar magnetic headphones that make a strong case for the best-sounding headphones in this guide. Their build quality is good while their sound quality is outstanding when paired with the right equipment. They are relatively easy to drive and are comfortable to wear for long listening sessions despite their tight fit and subpar breathability for open headphones.

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Best Gaming Headset: SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless

One of the best gaming headsets on the market, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless is a highly versatile headset that can be used for different gaming platforms, including last-gen consoles and even mobile devices. It’s an over-ear headset that includes a separate wireless transmitter and two swappable batteries and features a retractable boom mic. It sells for around $350, making it one of the most expensive gaming headsets, but you can get it at a significantly lower price on some days.

The Arctis Pro Wireless is a closed-back headset with a more discreet aesthetic than typical gaming headsets, with minimal cosmetics on the ear cups and headband. Its build quality is great, with its metal headband and large ear cups both appearing durable. It’s comfortable to wear for long gaming sessions despite its tight fit and less breathable design. It has convenient on-cup controls that allow for quick adjustments on the fly while gaming.

Featuring a small OLED screen, the included wireless transmitter has analog and digital connection options. Using the small knob, you can adjust the audio settings of the headset, with the option to adjust the balance between chat and game volumes. It also serves as a charging dock for the batteries, which you insert on the side like a cartridge. Since there are two batteries included, you can always keep one battery charging in the transmitter while the other is in the headset.

Capable of running up to 10 hours per battery, the Arctis Pro Wireless is a great-sounding headset with a clear mid-range and an emphasized bass. You can use it for different kinds of games, including role-playing games, first-person shooters, and rhythm games. Using the SteelSeries desktop software, you can modify the sound and other aspects of the headset, with the option to enable surround sound on PC.

The retractable boom mic of the Arctis Pro Wireless is excellent, with good noise reduction and recording quality. This is especially beneficial if you regularly play online multiplayer games and actually use a mic for talking to other players, teammates or otherwise. On the other hand, the headset itself has mediocre noise isolation. But since it has low sound leakage, you can increase the volume to reduce background noise without worrying about disturbing other people in the room with your game audio.

Unlike most gaming headsets, the Arctis Pro Wireless offers three connection options. If you want to go wireless, you can connect using either Bluetooth or the included wireless transmitter, with the latter offering significantly lower latency. While the headset doesn’t support actual multi-device pairing, you can connect to two different devices using both wireless connection options. For example, you can use the wireless transmitter to connect to your console while the headset is connected to your smartphone through Bluetooth. With the included audio cable – which terminates in a mini-plug – you can also use the headset in wired mode.

Compatible with different gaming platforms, the Arctis Pro Wireless is the best gaming headset that you can get under $500. It’s a wireless gaming headset packed with features, including dual wireless connection options. Its sound quality, build quality, battery life, mic performance, and latency with the wireless transmitter are great while its on-cup control scheme and customizability are good.

Best TV Headphones: Sennheiser RS 185

If you want dedicated TV headphones, the two best options on the market are the Sennheiser RS 185 and the RS 165. The RS 165 are more affordable and provide better passive noise isolation because of their closed-back design, but the open-back RS 185 are the better headphones overall. In addition to including more features and more input options, they are better-built and better-sounding, but they are much more expensive, selling for almost double the price.

The RS 185 are over-ear headphones that are comfortable to wear for long hours due to their more breathable open design and soft, fabric-covered earpads. They are lightweight despite their bulky frame and don’t feel tight on the head. Their build quality is good and feels more premium than the RS 165, with a sturdy, metal-reinforced headband and durable ear cup grilles.

Like other wireless over-ear headphones, the RS 185 have on-cup controls for convenience, located on the backplate of the right ear cup and composed of physical buttons. The on-cup controls allow you to adjust the general volume, switch between automatic and manual level controls, and balance the left and right volumes. The latter function is especially useful if one of your ears has a hearing problem while the automatic level control, when enabled, protects you from sudden volume jumps.

Offering both analog and digital input options, the included wireless transmitter acts as a charging dock and stand for the RS 185. It has a separate button for switching between automatic and manual level controls and a knob for manual adjustment when manual level control is enabled. Moreover, it has a switch at the back for toggling between inputs.

The RS 185 are good for watching TV and listening to music at home. They are good-sounding open-back headphones that sound clear and balanced, with the right amount of bass. They are more neutral and better-sounding than their cheaper closed-back counterpart, but their noise isolation and sound leakage are mediocre, which can be undesirable in some situations.

With their wireless transmitter, the RS 185 have lower latency than most Bluetooth headphones, which eliminates lip-sync issues when watching TV. Their wireless range is good, allowing you to sit further back if you own a massive TV without worrying about the signal dropping. They last up to 18 hours from a fresh set of AAA batteries, but they can’t be used passively in wired mode when the batteries are depleted, as they lack an audio cable for that.

Since they need the wireless transmitter to work, with no other connection options, the RS 185 are the least portable, not to mention the least versatile, among the headphones in this guide. Unlike the SteelSeries gaming headset, which is still usable without its wireless transmitter, these Sennheiser headphones are only good for home entertainment, especially considering their open design.

For strictly watching TV at home, the RS 185 are the best dedicated TV headphones under $500. They are good-sounding headphones that are comfortable to wear for long hours and have convenient on-cup controls. They include a separate transmitter for a low-latency wireless connection, with the option to use analog and digital inputs. Their build quality, wireless range, and battery life are good, but their sound isolation is mediocre.

And for even more affordable options, check out our guide to the top headphones under $150.

Headphones under $200 usually offer great value for the money. They are recommended if you don’t want to spend too much on headphones, but at the same time, you prefer not to enter the budget category, where many products have questionable build qualities and mediocre performances. But there are dozens of options under $200, with different types of headphones to choose from.

If you are shopping for the best headphones under $200, this product guide is for you. In this guide, you’ll find the best options among the various types of headphones – including truly wireless headphones, open-back headphones, noise-canceling headphones, and studio headphones – found in this price range.

The Best Headphones Under $200

Best Wireless Headphones: Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2

The Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 are some of the most versatile headphones under $200. They are good for office use, commuting, and traveling, with their active noise cancellation (ANC) making them better at blocking out background noise than regular closed-back headphones. They are well-designed wireless headphones boasting good overall performance and solid build quality.

A pair of over-ear headphones, the BackBeat Pro 2 are nice-looking headphones featuring a metal-reinforced headband and oval ear cups with soft cushions. Their plastic-and-metal construction feels sturdy and durable. Although they are quite bulky, they are lightweight and comfortable to wear for long hours due to their well-padded and breathable ear cups. They stay securely on the head but never feel too tight, further adding to their comfort level.

On the other hand, they are not as portable as other ANC headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM3 and the popular Beats Studio3. They don’t fold into a more compact form, taking up more space when stored in a bag. Their ear cups rotate to a flat position, though, which helps when packing them for travel and makes them less cumbersome when worn around your neck. A soft carry pouch is included for storage, which is quite disappointing since there are cheaper headphones that include a hard case.

The on-cup controls are excellent. They are remarkably efficient and easy to use, with good spacing and feedback. With the on-cup controls, you can adjust the volume, manage your calls and music, and switch between ANC and talk-through modes. When the talk-through mode is enabled, you can monitor your surroundings without removing your headphones, which is convenient.

With their deep and powerful bass, the BackBeat Pro 2 are especially exciting to use for most mainstream music genres and will be suitable for fans of bass-heavy music. Their sonic performance is good overall, with an accurate mid-range, a balanced treble, and a decent soundstage for closed-back headphones. However, you can’t modify the sound using the companion app, which has very limited customization options.

Capable of pairing with up to two devices at the same time, the BackBeat Pro 2 have a great wireless range and can be used passively with the included audio cable. They can run up to 24 hours per charge in wireless mode with ANC enabled, allowing them to last through particularly long flights and road trips on just a single charge. They also include convenient power-saving features like auto-pause, which is triggered when you remove the headphones from your head.

For blocking out chatter and noises in the treble range, the BackBeat Pro 2 are good noise-canceling headphones, making them ideal for listening to music in the office and at the airport. But when it comes to reducing the sound of airplane engines, they are rather pedestrian. Their overall noise isolation performance is decent, but there are better-isolating headphones in this price range. On the bright side, their sound leakage is low, allowing you to turn the music volume up to help with reducing background noise in particularly crowded or loud places.

Overall, the BackBeat Pro 2 make a strong case for the best all-around headphones under $200. They are good-sounding headphones with an excellent control scheme and battery life, a comfortable over-ear fit, and decent noise isolation performance. While they are not the most portable, they are good for most usages and can be used either wirelessly or wired, further adding to their versatility.

Purchase

 Best Truly Wireless Headphones: Samsung Galaxy Buds+

There are plenty of truly wireless headphones that can be bought for $200 or less, but the Samsung Galaxy Buds+ stand out as the best of the bunch. They are all-around headphones that are suitable for everyday use, with their improved battery life and mic performance making them some of the most complete truly wireless earphones on the market. And the best part is that they are only $20 more expensive than their predecessor, similarly offering good value for the money.

The Galaxy Buds+ look identical to the original model, retaining the same sleek, compact design that makes them less noticeable in your ears. They are available in different colors and feel like premium in-ear headphones due to their build quality. Compared to many other earphones, they are more comfortable to wear for long hours since their ear tips don’t enter your ear canals too deeply. There are three pairs of ear tips included in the box, allowing you to choose the best fit for your ears.

With their extremely breathable form factor and lightweight earpieces, the Galaxy Buds+ are good for sports use. They stay securely in your ears even during intense workouts, with their small fins making for a more stable fit. Their IPX2 rating is not as good as the IP rating of other sports earphones, though, which means their sweat protection is not as strong. As with the ear tips, there are three pairs of fins in the box.

Like other truly wireless headphones, the Galaxy Buds+ are very portable and easy to carry from place to place. They are extremely compact and will easily fit into most pockets. They come with a sturdy case that also serves as their charging dock. The case is similarly compact and lightweight, and it holds an extra battery charge and supports wireless charging, which is a big plus for some people.

For controls, the Galaxy Buds+ have a touch-sensitive surface on each earpiece. You can use them for call and music management and volume control, with the option to customize some gestures using the companion app. But while the control scheme is responsive and easy to use, the touch surfaces are prone to accidental presses, which can be annoying sometimes.

Many truly wireless headphones are only decent at best regarding sound quality, with only a select few products that can truly boast a good audio reproduction. The Galaxy Buds+ belong in the latter category. In fact, they are some of the best-sounding truly wireless headphones out on the market, with a remarkably neutral sound profile that will even impress some audiophiles. They sound balanced overall and are suitable for most music genres.

You can modify the sound using the companion app, which offers a few presets, but there is no actual equalizer for manual customization. If you find the bass response too flat and want a more exciting sound for genres like hip hop, you get a bass boost option among the presets. Aside from music, the Galaxy Buds+ are also good for listening to audiobooks, podcasts, and other media.

Regarding mic performance, the Galaxy Buds+ are better than most truly wireless headphones, which usually have a mediocre integrated mic. Their noise reduction is surprisingly good, allowing for better calls in moderately noisy places. They are also better than most of the competition in terms of battery life, with their impressive 11-hour battery per charge being one of the best marks among truly wireless headphones. And with the charging case, you get a total battery life of 22 hours, but there is only one additional charge.

The Galaxy Buds+ provide decent passive noise isolation. They are especially effective against chatter and noise like the sound of air conditioning units, making them suitable for blocking out ambient noise in the office. On the other hand, they are not very effective against the sound of airplane engines, which will disappoint frequent travelers. But on the bright side, their sound leakage is minimal, allowing you to increase the volume to further reduce background noise without disturbing nearby people with your loud music.

If you like wireless headphones but prefer them in a much more compact and portable truly wireless format, the Galaxy Buds+ are the best option right now. They are well-built headphones that sound better than most truly wireless headphones regardless of the price range and boast an impressive battery life per charge. They are all-around headphones that are good for office use, commuting, sports, and simply listening to music at home.

Purchase

Best Closed-back Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro

Selling for around $150, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro are the best option if you prefer regular wired closed-back headphones. They are primarily designed for professional studio use, but they are also good headphones for gaming, watching movies, and listening to music at home. In a studio setting, they are suitable for recording tracks and for bass reference. They are some of the most popular closed-back headphones on the market and offer great value for the money.

Like the open-back DT 990 Pro and the semi-open DT 880 Pro, the DT 770 Pro are more utilitarian than stylish regarding aesthetics. They are some of the best-built over-ear headphones under $200, featuring a padded metal headband and large ear cups with velour-coated earpads. While they are bulky and feel tight on the head, they are comfortable. Their earpads are thick, soft, and spacious, helping mitigate their tight clamp. The default audio cable is non-detachable and terminates in a mini-plug, with a 6.3 mm plug adapter also provided, along with a soft pouch for the headphones.

The DT 770 Pro are some of the best-sounding closed-back headphones under $200 and are often recommended as entry-level headphones for audiophiles. Their bass and mid-range are excellent, with both being wonderfully clear and detailed, while their treble is good. Their soundstage is also decent for closed-back headphones. Whether you are listening to music, watching movies, or gaming, their great audio reproduction is going to be a delight.

However, they are best used at home or in a quiet room, as their passive noise isolation is not enough for blocking out ambient noise in very crowded or noisy places. They are decent against the sound of background chatter and high-pitched sounds, which is good enough for home and studio use. They also don’t leak too much at moderate volume levels – an especially beneficial attribute when recording tracks in the studio.

Considering they are decent at blocking out ambient chatter and don’t leak too much, the DT 770 Pro are also decent headphones for listening to music in the office. But their bulky design and non-folding ear cups make them more difficult to carry. Their long, non-detachable cable also can be annoying to manage, with wireless connectivity being more convenient. Still, if none of these issues is a big deal for you, they are decent headphones for office use, with their comfortable fit making them suitable for long continuous use.

Although they are not as versatile as the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2, the DT 770 Pro are a great pair of closed-back headphones. Their sound quality is great while their build quality is even better than some headphones selling for a much higher price. They are comfortable to wear for long hours and provide enough noise isolation when used at home or in the studio. Whether you are a professional or a budding audiophile, this Beyerdynamic product is one of the best closed-back headphones that you can get for $200 or less.

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Best Open-back Headphones: Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee

If you prefer open-back headphones because of their more natural sound, the Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee are the best option under $200. A Massdrop-exclusive, they are dynamic headphones that sound great and are recommended for audiophiles and headphone enthusiasts. They sound more neutral and have a wider soundstage than the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro – the open-back counterpart of the DT 770 Pro – which sell for about the same price.

The HD 58X Jubilee are large over-ear headphones that are lightweight and well-padded. While their glossy headband might suggest otherwise, their build quality is good. Their padded headband is sturdy and flexible while their ear cups feature durable metal grilles. Their thick earpads are covered with soft velour material that feels more luxurious than synthetic leather.

Like other open-back headphones, the HD 58X Jubilee have more breathable ear cups, but their overall comfort level is only decent at best. While their headband and ear cups are both generously padded, they have a very tight clamp that feels uncomfortable for long listening sessions, most especially if you have a large head. Even with the earpads helping mitigate the tight fit, these Sennheiser headphones are still tighter than most headphones.

Ending in a 3.5 mm analog plug, the default audio cable is easily detachable and replaceable, adding to the longevity of the headphones. It’s around six feet long and connects to both ear cups. A gold-plated 6.3 mm plug adapter is also included in the box. As with other audiophile headphones, the default cable lacks an in-line remote for music management and volume control.

What sets the HD 58X Jubilee apart from other similarly priced headphones is their excellent sound quality. They are some of the best-sounding open-back headphones under $200, with an accurate and balanced mid-range and a wide soundstage. Their treble and bass are both good while their imaging is outstanding. They are suitable for most music genres and are also good headphones for gaming, but they are best used at home or in a quiet room.

The reason for that is their poor noise isolation. Being open-back headphones, the HD 58X Jubilee are terrible at blocking out background noise. This makes them unsuitable for listening to music and other forms of media while in a noisy or crowded environment. Their sound leakage is also very high even at moderate volume levels, which means you’ll disturb nearby people with your loud music, making them a poor choice for office use.

On the whole, the HD 58X Jubilee stand out as the best open-back headphones under $200. Their build quality is good despite their plastic parts while their audio reproduction is superb. They are relatively easy to drive and are recommended entry-level open headphones for both audiophiles and headphone enthusiasts who are interested in modding headphones. Although they are not as versatile as closed headphones due to their poor noise isolation, they are fantastic for listening to music at home.

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Best Noise-canceling Headphones: Bose QuietComfort 25

Among the closed-back headphones under $200, the Bose QuietComfort 25 are the best at blocking out background noise. Like the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2, they are noise-canceling headphones, but their overall noise isolation performance with ANC is significantly better. While their wired connection can be inconvenient sometimes, they are great headphones for listening to music indoors and outdoors.

The QuietComfort 25 are over-ear headphones with closed-back ear cups and a padded headband. Their understated aesthetic is similar to that of the QuietComfort 35 II, making for a more discreet profile that many will prefer when using them outdoors. Their build quality is good, but they are mostly made of plastic. They fold into a more compact format and their ear cups can rotate to a flat position, making them more portable and easier to pack for travel than most over-ear headphones.

In addition to the headphones and audio cable, you get an airplane adapter, a hard case, and an AAA battery in the box. Both the airplane adapter and the hard case are especially useful for frequent travelers. The audio cable is detachable, includes an in-line mic and remote, and terminates in a 3.5 mm analog plug for universal compatibility with most mobile devices.

For long flights and commutes, the QuietComfort 25 are very comfortable to wear, with their spacious ear cups capable of accommodating most ear sizes. They are lightweight and decently breathable for a sealed design. Their earpads are soft while their headband is flexible and doesn’t feel too tight on the head, which makes the headphones less fatiguing to wear for long hours.

The QuietComfort 25 are some of the better-sounding noise-canceling headphones, with a tight and clear bass response and a detailed mid-range. Their audio reproduction should be good enough for most non-audiophiles, especially those who mostly listen to hip hop and other mainstream genres. Their mic also has good recording quality, but its noise reduction is rather mediocre.

Whether you are traveling by bus, train, or airplane, you can count on the QuietComfort 25 to reduce a significant amount of ambient noise. They are some of the best at noise cancellation regardless of the price range. They are good at blocking out the sound of airplane engines and are very effective against background chatter in busy offices and public places. But on the other hand, their sound leakage is a bit high even at moderate volume, which can be undesirable in some situations.

For their ANC feature, the QuietComfort 25 use a single AAA battery. The easily accessible battery compartment is in the right ear cup. You can get up to 35 hours of playback on a single AAA battery, which is more than good enough even for very long flights. Even with the battery fully consumed, you can still use the headphones passively, which can’t be said for some battery-powered headphones.

All in all, the QuietComfort 25 are the best ANC headphones under $200, with their impressive noise cancellation easily making them stand out. They are very comfortable to wear for long hours and are quite portable for over-ear headphones due to their folding design and travel case. You can use them for listening to music in the office and while commuting and traveling.

Purchase

Best Noise-canceling Earphones: Amazon Echo Buds

If you prefer noise-canceling headphones in a more portable format, consider the Amazon Echo Buds, which sell for around $130. They are truly wireless earphones, making them much more portable than the Bose headphones. With their ANC feature and tight in-ear seal, they provide better noise isolation than most other truly wireless earphones under $200.

The Echo Buds are well-designed earphones with sleek earpieces that allow for a more discreet look, especially with their black color scheme. Their plastic build is good and feels sturdy, with their IPX4 rating meaning they are protected against sweat. They are lightweight and extremely breathable and are comfortable to wear, but not as much as the Samsung Galaxy Buds+. You can easily carry them from place to place due to their highly compact design. While bulkier than most, the included charging case is also compact, with a secure lid to keep the earphones in place while charging.

With their small stability fins, the Echo Buds stay securely in your ears. This makes them suitable for running, especially considering their truly wireless format and solid sweat protection. There are three sizes of stability fins included in the box, along with three pairs of ear tips, allowing you to get a more personalized fit. If you don’t like the silicone ear tips, you can buy a separate set of Comply memory foam ear tips.

Managing your calls and music on the Echo Buds is easy. They have a touch surface on each earpiece, similar to the Galaxy Buds+. The touch surfaces are responsive and easy to get used to and can be customized on the companion app. You can also use the touch controls to activate your voice assistant and enable or disable the ANC depending on your current environment. Additionally, the earphones have auto-pause, with the audio automatically pausing when you remove them from your ears.

Out of the box, the Echo Buds have decent sound quality. They sound fairly balanced, with a good bass response and an excellent mid-range. Their audio reproduction should satisfy most users. If you don’t like the default sound, you can slightly modify it using the equalizer on the app, which is compatible with both Android and iOS devices.

The Echo Buds are great at blocking out background noise, making them ideal headphones for office use, traveling, and commuting. You can count on them to effectively block out background chatter, the sound of airplane engines, and noises in the treble range. Even without ANC, their passive noise isolation is still solid due to their tight in-ear seal. Furthermore, their sound leakage is minimal even with the volume turned all the way up, allowing you to listen to music at high volume without disturbing nearby people.

Like most other truly wireless headphones, the Echo Buds have a short battery life per charge. On a single charge, they can only run up to five hours. But with the additional charges in the charging case, you get up to 20 hours of total battery life, which is good. You can’t use them in wired mode once the battery is depleted, though, as the earphones lack an audio cable. On the bright side, they have a quick-charge feature, providing up to two hours of playback after just 15 minutes of charging time.

Overall, the Echo Buds are the best noise-canceling earphones under $200, handily beating out the competition in noise isolation performance. They are versatile earphones that are suitable for sports, travel, commutes, and office use. Their build quality and app support are good while their sound quality and touch-based control scheme are decent. With their very compact design and truly wireless format, they are less cumbersome to carry for everyday use than the Bose QuietComfort 25.

Purchase

Best Sports Headphones: Jaybird Tarah Pro

For all-around sports use, the Jaybird Tarah Pro are the best headphones under $200. They are wireless in-ear headphones with a behind-the-neck cable, which means they are not completely wireless like the Samsung Galaxy Buds+ and the Amazon Echo Buds. Suitable for both light exercises and rigorous training indoors and outdoors, they are recommended for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Available in different colors, the Tarah Pro are some of the best-built sports earphones, featuring sturdy earpieces, a durable braided cable, and an IPX7 rating for water resistance. They have a typical in-ear fit that some might find awkward at first. They are compact, lightweight, and breathable and include stability fins integrated into the ear tips for a more secure fit. There are three different sizes of ear tips in the box.

The Tarah Pro stay securely in your ears even during intense workouts, with their integrated fins being a big part of their stability. You can wear them either over or under your ears because of their rotating design. There is a small clip in the cable that allows you to easily tighten or loosen the cable depending on your workout. A shirt clip is also provided for additional stability and security. If you need to take a break, you can simply snap the magnetic earpieces together for easy cable management and to trigger the power-saving feature.

While they are not as extremely portable as truly wireless earphones, the Tarah Pro are still much more portable than both over-ear and on-ear headphones. They will easily fit into most pockets and are less prone to cable tangling due to their short cable, which can’t be said for wired earphones. A travel pouch is also provided for storage and for protecting the earphones from scratches and minor water spills.

Like other earphones with a behind-the-neck cable, the controls of the Tarah Pro are housed in a small remote integrated into the audio cable. Composed of a multi-function button and volume buttons, the in-line remote allows for call and music management, volume control, and voice assistant activation. The buttons are responsive and evenly spaced out and have good tactile feedback. In addition to the control buttons, the in-line remote also has a built-in mic.

Capable of running up to an impressive 14 hours per charge, the Tarah Pro are decent-sounding sports earphones with an excellent wireless range and decent mic performance. Although they lack NFC technology, they connect easily with compatible Bluetooth devices. Their companion app is also good and allows you to manually customize the sound using a parametric equalizer.

The Tarah Pro are also good earphones for casual everyday use, especially considering their portable design and long battery life. Their passive noise isolation is good while their sound leakage is minimal, making them suitable for commuting and office use. They are very effective at blocking out ambient chatter and high-frequency noises, but they are not good against noises in the bass range.

If you are shopping for sports headphones for running and gym use, the Tarah Pro are the best option under $200. Their build quality, wireless range, and battery life are great while their sound quality and mic performance are decent. They are easy to carry for everyday use due to their compact and lightweight design and have a good companion app for customization.

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Best Studio and DJ Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are the best all-around professional headphones under $200. They are more versatile than the similarly priced Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro. In addition to being great for studio use, they are also good DJ headphones. With their great price-performance ratio, they are some of the most popular headphones on the market.

A pair of over-ear studio headphones, the ATH-M50x have a practical design that makes them appealing to professionals. They are lightweight and flexible and feature closed ear cups with cushions covered in artificial leather. Their metal-reinforced headband feels sturdy, easily adjusts to large heads, and allows for a secure fit without being overly tight.

While they are not as well-built and comfortable as the DT 770 Pro, the ATH-M50x are much more portable, which is especially beneficial for DJs. They can be folded into a more compact form, allowing them to take up less space in your bag. Their ear cups also swivel to a flat position and can be rotated for easy one-ear monitoring. A soft pouch is also included for storage.

There are three audio cables in the box, with all of them terminating in a 3.5 mm plug. One of them is a coiled cable that can stretch up to around 10 feet, which is beneficial when working in the studio. The other two cables are straight cables of different lengths, with the shorter one being more suitable for mobile use. None of the included audio cables has an in-line remote for music management and volume control, but this should be a non-issue for professionals. As with other professional headphones, a 6.3 mm plug adapter is also included in the box.

The ATH-M50x are good-sounding closed-back headphones with a transparent treble, a punchy bass, and a detailed mid-range. They sound balanced overall and are suitable for different music genres, including hip hop, electronic dance music, and reggae. However, they are not recommended for studio mixing and mastering, as they are not as natural-sounding as open-back headphones.

Regarding passive noise isolation, the ATH-M50x are mediocre, but they are quite good at blocking out noises in the treble range. They are much better at keeping sound from leaking out, though, with their closed ear cups providing an effective seal. Their low sound leakage makes them more suitable for recording tracks in the studio. You’ll be able to monitor the recording without worrying about the sound leakage being picked up by your sensitive mic.

All in all, the ATH-M50x are great headphones for studio use and DJing. Their durability, portable design, and rotating ear cups are beneficial for DJs, while their low sound leakage makes them suitable for recording in the studio. Their sound quality and build quality are both good, and they include three audio cables, further adding to their versatility.

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Best On-ear Headphones: Beats Solo3

Although there are other better-built and better-sounding options, the Beats Solo3 are the best on-ear headphones under $200. They are all-around headphones that are good for running and are decent for office use and traveling, with their wireless connectivity making them more convenient to use than wired on-ear headphones. They are best paired with iOS devices due to their Apple W1 chip, but they are also compatible with Android devices.

The Solo3 are stylish headphones that easily stand out and are available in different colors, including black, red, and yellow. Their mostly plastic build is decent and feels sturdy, with their on-cup controls allowing for easy call and music management and volume adjustment. They have small, closed-back ear cups with the easily recognizable Beats logo on the backplates and can fold into a more compact format for better portability. A travel case is included in the box for storage, along with the USB charging cable and an audio cable (for the older model).

Lightweight and less bulky than over-ear headphones, the Solo3 are comfortable to wear despite their rather tight headband clamp. They are much more breathable than over-ear headphones since their ear cups don’t completely cover your ears. Their tight clamp makes for a more stable and secure fit, which is especially beneficial when using the headphones when jogging.

Suitable for most mainstream genres, the Solo3 are surprisingly good-sounding on-ear headphones with a balanced treble and mid-range. However, their emphasized bass is not for everyone, especially since it can be overpowering. Their wireless range is excellent, allowing you to move around the house or office without worrying about the signal cutting off, and they pair easily with Apple devices.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Solo3 is their long battery life. They can run up to 40 hours per charge, which is one of the best marks among wireless headphones regardless of form factor and price. They will easily last an entire day and also charge fast, with five minutes of charging time already providing three hours of playback. If you can’t plug them to a power source once their battery is depleted, you can simply switch to wired mode if you have an audio cable, which is already included with the older model.

The Solo3 are decent headphones for commuting and traveling, especially considering their wireless connectivity and portable design. But their passive noise isolation is not good, with the newer and more expensive Solo Pro being significantly better at blocking out background noise. They are decent at reducing ambient chatter, especially if you increase the volume, but for noises in the bass range, they are ineffective.

If you prefer on-ear headphones because of their more compact and more breathable design, the Solo3 are the best option under $200. Their battery life and wireless range are excellent while their mostly plastic build is decent. They are all-around headphones that are good for casual everyday use and can be used wired and wirelessly.

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Best Wired Earphones: Shure SE215

The Shure SE215 are the best option if you still prefer the simplicity and portability of regular wired earphones. While they are not as packed with features as most of the other headphones in this guide, they are decent for all-around use. You can get them for just around $100, which makes them the most affordable product listed here.

Like the other earphones in the Shure SE Series, the SE215 are well-built earphones featuring angled nozzles and a detachable audio cable. Their build quality is impressive and better than some earphones selling for a much higher price. They have a comfortable in-ear fit and stay securely in your ears due to their over-the-ear design. There are multiple silicone and foam ear tips included in the box, but there are no additional cables if you find the default one too short (or too long).

Although they are not as portable as truly wireless earphones, the SE215 are easy to carry for everyday use. They are compact and lightweight and will take minimal space in your bag whether they are stored in their travel case or not. The included travel case is zippered and protects your earphones from minor water spills and scratches.

The stock audio cable is durable and terminates in a mini-plug for universal compatibility with most mobile devices. However, it lacks an in-line remote, which means you’ll have to manage your music and adjust the volume on your smartphone, which can be inconvenient in some situations. But since the audio cable is detachable, you can easily replace it with a different audio cable that includes an in-line mic and remote.

Suitable for listening to music and general media consumption, the SE215 are good-sounding earphones with a neutral mid-range, an emphasized bass, and a recessed treble. Their bass is controlled, deep, and powerful while their mid-range is clean and fairly balanced. On the other hand, their treble can be too sharp and piercing on some tracks, which is a big turn-off for some people.

For blocking out ambient noise, the SE215 are an excellent pair of earphones. While they lack ANC technology, they block a good amount of background noise. They are especially effective for blocking out background chatter and are good at reducing the sound of airplane engines and high-frequency noises. This makes them ideal headphones for travel, commute, and office use, with their minimal leakage allowing you to listen to music at high volume without disturbing people around you.

On the whole, the SE215 are great earphones for casual everyday use. Their build quality is great while their sound quality is good. They are a bit more comfortable for long listening sessions than many other in-ear headphones and already include foam ear tips in the box. You can use them for listening to music and audiobooks and for gaming and watching movies, with their regular wired connection allowing for easy compatibility with most devices.

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Best Neckband Headphones: Jabra Elite 65e

The Jabra Elite 65e are the best neckband headphones under $200. They are well-designed headphones suitable for all-around use, with their portable design making them easy to carry every day. They are good for sports, traveling, and office use and can last longer on a single charge than most truly wireless earphones.

Featuring a comfortable earbud fit, the Elite 65e are wireless headphones with a flexible neckband, an in-line mic, magnetic earbuds, stability fins, and an IP54 rating. Their overall build quality is good, with their IP rating meaning they are protected against both dust and sweat. They are compact and breathable and include different ear tip and stability fin sizes. If you need to rest your ears after a few hours of continuous use, you can either put the headphones in their travel case or snap the earbuds together and simply keep the headphones around your neck.

Unlike with the Jaybird Tarah Pro and other similarly designed wireless earphones, the controls are on the neckband itself. With the responsive and evenly spaced out control buttons, you can easily manage your calls and music, adjust the volume, and activate your voice assistant. You also get a pair of buttons for mic mute and for controlling the ANC, with the former function being especially notable for non-gaming headphones.

Out of the box, the Elite 65e are decent-sounding headphones with a good mid-range and bass response and a decent treble. Their in-line mic also has good recording quality and noise reduction, making them more suitable for phone calls than almost all the other wireless headphones mentioned in this product guide. You can customize some aspects of the headphones – including the sound and the ANC – using the Jabra Sound+ companion app, which has a user-friendly interface.

With their ANC and passive earbud seal, the Elite 65e are good at blocking out background noise like the sound of chatter and airplane engines. This makes them ideal for commuting, traveling, and office use, especially considering their portable design and convenient wireless connectivity. They can run up to eight hours per charge with ANC enabled and up to 13 hours without ANC. If you want to monitor your surroundings without removing your headphones, you can enable the ambient mode.

Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, the Elite 65e are a great pair of neckband headphones for different usages. Their build quality, controls, sound isolation, mic performance, and app support are good, while their sound quality and battery life are decent. They are more comfortable to wear for long hours than typical in-ear headphones and have magnetic earbuds for easy cable management.

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Best Planar Magnetic Headphones: HiFiMan HE400S

Compared to dynamic headphones, there are fewer planar magnetic headphones out on the market. This makes shopping for them more difficult, especially if you have a tight budget. If you are shopping for the best planar magnetic headphones under $200, check out the HiFiMan HE400S. They are entry-level audiophile headphones that sound impressive for the price and are relatively easy to drive. Their price-performance ratio is great, and they are good for listening to music and gaming.

The HE400S are not going to dazzle you with their aesthetics: they look bland and boring, with their black-and-silver color scheme not really helping them stand out. But their build quality is good for the price, with both their metal headband and plastic ear cups appearing durable. They have a pleather strap below the headband and include a detachable audio cable with an angled mini-plug. A gold-plated 6.3 mm plug adapter is also provided.

Featuring velour earpads, the HE400S are comfortable to wear for long hours. Their large, open ear cups are breathable and can easily accommodate most ear sizes. They are relatively lightweight for a pair of planar magnetic headphones and stay securely on the head without being overly tight. They are not the most portable, though, with their bulky, non-folding design and lack of a case or pouch making them more difficult to carry from place to place.

Smooth and engaging, the HE400S are some of the best-sounding open-back headphones in this price range. Their treble is smooth, detailed, and never harsh while their mid-range is delightfully clear and detailed, but their bass response is a bit lacking for planar magnetic headphones. Their soundstage is also wide while their distortion is minimal even at high volume. As mentioned, their price-performance ratio is great, making them a recommended entry-level product for budding audiophiles.

However, the HE400S are best used for listening to music in a quiet setting, as their sound isolation is terrible. This is expected for completely open headphones. They are not going to block out ambient noise even in moderately noisy places and their sound leakage is quite high. If you prefer planar magnetic headphones that offer a bit of isolation, you’ll need to increase your budget since there are no good closed-back options under $200.

Overall, the HE400S are the best planar magnetic headphones under $200, with no other product offering the same combination of build quality and price-performance ratio. They are comfortable to wear for several hours and are relatively lightweight and easy to drive. You can use them for listening to music and gaming, but they are best used in a quiet room at home due to their poor sound isolation.

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Best Gaming Headset: SteelSeries Arctis 7

Most wired over-ear headphones under $200 – including the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro and the Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee – are good for gaming, especially if you mostly play single-player games and don’t need a mic. But if you want an actual gaming headset that includes a boom mic and gaming-specific features, go for the SteelSeries Arctis 7. It’s a versatile gaming headset that is suitable for both console and PC gaming and can be used wired or wirelessly.

The Arctis 7 is an over-ear headset featuring sealed ear cups, a metal headband, and a retractable boom mic. Its build quality is good, with both of its metal and plastic parts appearing sturdy and durable. Unlike some gaming headsets, it has a more discreet aesthetic, with minimal cosmetics and none of those fancy RGB lighting. It’s comfortable to wear for long gaming sessions, with its thick earpads mitigating its rather tight clamp.

A USB wireless transmitter is included in the box, along with an analog audio cable and the charging cable. For controls, the Arctis 7 has easily accessible buttons and dials on both ear cups. In addition to the power button, you get a mic mute button, a general volume dial, and a dial for balancing the game and chat volumes, which is especially convenient for multiplayer games.

Capable of running up to 24 hours per charge, the Arctis 7 is a good-sounding gaming headset with a powerful and emphasized bass response and a balanced mid-range. It’s suitable for different kinds of games, including action-packed first-person shooters, racing games, and role-playing games. It has an excellent boom mic that works well even in noisy environments. You can customize the headset with the SteelSeries desktop app, which offers a good amount of options – including options to enable surround sound and modify the sound using a graphic equalizer.

With its USB wireless transmitter, the Arctis 7 allows for low-latency wireless connectivity on PC, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch in docked mode. If you want to connect the headset to an Xbox One, a mobile device, or a Nintendo Switch in handheld mode, you’ll need to use the provided audio cable, which terminates in a 3.5 mm analog plug. Unlike the more premium Arctis Pro Wireless, it can’t connect using Bluetooth technology, but this shouldn’t be an issue for most gamers.

If you are shopping for the best headphones under $200 and want a product designed specifically for gaming, the Arctis 7 is the best option. It’s a highly versatile gaming headset that can be used both wired and wirelessly, with the latter being the more convenient connection option. It has a great battery life, user-friendly on-cup controls for on-the-fly adjustments, and good app support. You can use it for gaming on PC, consoles, and mobile devices, though its wireless connectivity is not available for all platforms.

Semi-open headphones are not as popular as open-back and closed-back headphones, with much fewer options on the market. This makes shopping for them more difficult, especially considering many of them also have limited reviews. But we’re here to make things easier for you. Below are the best semi-open headphones currently out, including a few headphones in earbud and in-ear formats.

The Best Semi-open Headphones

Best Overall: Beyerdynamic T1 (2nd Generation)

The Beyerdynamic T1 (2nd Generation) are high-end headphones that are ideal for listening to music at home. They are over-ear headphones that sound fantastic and are comfortable to wear for long hours, not to mention their build quality is excellent. They are all-around headphones that are suitable for most music genres and are also good for other forms of media like movies and video games.

Featuring a padded metal headband, the T1 are premium semi-open headphones with plenty of metal parts. In addition to the headband, their ear cup grilles and hinges are all metal, making for a sturdier and more durable build. Unlike the DT 880 Pro, they don’t have exposed wires near the hinges and include a 10-foot detachable audio cable. The default audio cable is braided and durable and ends with a gold-plated 3.5 mm analog plug. A screw-on 6.3 mm plug adapter is also included in the box, but there are no additional audio cables.

Although they are a bit tight, the T1 are comfortable to wear for long listening sessions. Their earpads are composed of memory foam with breathable velour covers while their headband is flexible and has artificial leather-coated padding. They stay securely on the head, with their tight fit contributing to their stability. The ear cups can fit around most ear sizes while the headband easily adjusts to large heads, making them suitable for just about everyone.

The T1 are not meant to be portable. They are bulky and not exactly lightweight and lack an in-line remote for easy music and volume controls while on the move. Their ear cups don’t fold into the frame for a more compact format, which means they will take up more space in your bag. The included hard case is also quite large, making it more cumbersome to carry. But considering the T1 are not designed for travel or outdoor use, their mediocre portability is not a big deal.

If you have high expectations for the T1 regarding sound quality, especially considering their price tag, you won’t be disappointed. They are some of the best-sounding semi-open headphones currently out on the market. They sound articulate and engaging, with a good soundstage, and are absolutely enjoyable to use for a variety of music genres. Their bass is deep, controlled, and powerful, while their mid-range is clean, accurate, and balanced.

While they are designed for listening to music at home, the T1 are also good for listening to podcasts and audiobooks and for watching movies and gaming. Their clear and detailed sound quality is perfect for games with an excellent soundtrack, while their wide soundstage allows for better positional awareness in competitive first-person shooter games. Of course, we don’t really recommend buying them just for gaming alone, as there are much more affordable gaming headsets that offer better value for the money.

Regarding sound isolation, the T1 are just as bad as DT 990 Pro and other fully open headphones. Their noise isolation is terrible, making them a poor choice for listening to music in a busy office and while commuting. Their sound leakage is also high even at moderate volume levels, which means people nearby will definitely hear the audio coming out from them. While they are advertised as semi-open headphones, they are practically open headphones that are best used for listening to music and other media in a quiet environment.

Overall, the T1 are some of the best semi-open headphones on the market. Their build quality is top-notch while their audio reproduction is superb. Their sturdy and durable build will allow them to last many years. While they are quite expensive, usually selling for around $800-1,000, they are well worth the investment for audiophiles and headphone enthusiasts.

Purchase

Best Earphones: Audeze iSine 20

If you prefer earphones instead of over-ear headphones, the Audeze iSine 20 are the best option. They are wired earphones featuring planar magnetic drivers, which are usually found in full-sized over-ear headphones. Although they are less versatile than your typical earphones, they are recommended for audiophiles who want great-sounding earphones with a unique sound profile.

Compared to most earphones, the iSine 20 have much bulkier housings that make them more noticeable in your ears. Their large housings are hexagonal with webbed backplates that might remind some people of TIE fighters in Star Wars. Their plastic-and-metal construction feels sturdy and durable, but it’s not as premium as their price tag suggests.

Terminating in a 3.5 mm mini-plug for universal compatibility with most mobile devices, the standard audio cable is durable and flexible. But it lacks an in-line remote for music and volume controls. If you are going to pair the iSine 20 with iOS devices like an iPhone or iPad, we recommend getting the optional Cipher Lightning cable. Unlike the regular audio cable, the Cipher Lightning cable has an in-line mic and remote and features a built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC), which is crucial to getting the most out of the earphones.

The iSine 20 are comfortable to wear for long hours. Although they are bulkier than regular earphones, they are still lightweight, with each unit weighing around 0.35 oz (10 g). Like all other earphones, they are significantly more breathable than over-ear and on-ear headphones, which means you don’t need to worry about your ears getting uncomfortably hot after several hours of continuous use. Their silicone ear tips also don’t enter your ear canals too deeply. There are different ear tip sizes included in the box, along with a set of ear hooks for stability.

While they are not as portable as truly wireless earphones, the iSine 20 are more portable than over-ear headphones. They are more compact and weigh significantly less, making them easier to carry from one place to another. A nylon travel case is also provided for protecting the earphones from scratches and dust. You need to be careful when packing the earphones with their ear hooks still attached, though, as the thin ear hooks seem like the most fragile part of the earphones.

An all-rounder suitable for different genres, the iSine 20 are some of the best-sounding earphones on the market. Their bass is deep and powerful while their mid-range is rich and detailed. Their treble is clear and smooth while their soundstage is wide. Their distortion also remains minimal even at high volume levels. But while they are still better than most earphones with their standard audio cable, their true sonic potential can only be unlocked if you use the Cipher Lightning cable.

With the Cipher Lightning cable, you can modify the sound to make it even better than the default tuning. When the iSine 20 are connected to an iOS device, you can access the Audeze app, which offers a 10-band equalizer for sound modification. If you are not using an Apple device, you’ll need to look into other solutions to get the most out of your earphones.

As mentioned earlier, the iSine 20 are not as versatile as most other earphones. The chief reason for that is their more open design, which automatically translates to poor sound isolation performance. They are mediocre at blocking out background noise and have high sound leakage. They are not recommended for traveling and commuting and are not the best for sports use. You can use them for listening to music in the office, but only if their high sound leakage is not going to be an issue to your co-workers.

It’s hard to convince people to spend more than $500 on non-custom earphones. But if there’s a product that’s definitely worth the money, it’s the iSine 20. Their sound quality is excellent and one of the best among earphones while their overall build quality is good. They are the best option if you want semi-open headphones in an in-ear form. If you plan to connect them to an iOS device, make sure to get the Cipher Lightning cable for optimum results.

Purchase

Best Under $50: Superlux HD 681

Selling for just around $30, the Superlux HD 681 are the best budget semi-open headphones that you can get right now. While their build quality is predictably mediocre, their sound quality is one of the best among budget headphones under $50. In fact, they sound even better than some headphones selling for a much higher price. You can use them for listening to music at home and for sound mixing and mastering in the studio, with their neutral sound being especially helpful for studio use.

The HD 681 won’t impress you with their aesthetics. They are over-ear headphones with a bland and unappealing look, with the red accents on their ear cups not really doing them any favors in the style department. They have large, circular ear cups with ample padding and feature a dual headband design with an artificial leather strap. Their audio cable, which ends in a mini-plug and connects to the left ear cup, is non-detachable.

With their mediocre plastic build, the HD 681 are not exactly a picture of durability. They feel fragile and more susceptible to wear and tear, especially on the headband side. But the good news is that they are comfortable to wear for long hours despite their weak build quality, which is a big plus. They are lightweight and breathable and don’t feel too tight on the head. Their large ear cups can fit around most ear sizes, but their earpads are not the softest and are better off replaced with different ones.

For accessories, the HD 681 only include a soft pouch and a gold-plated, screw-on 6.3 mm plug adapter. The former is especially notable for cheap headphones, as most other products in the same price range don’t include a case or pouch for storage. But while the soft pouch will guard your fragile headphones from scratches and dust, it won’t protect them against hard physical impact and major water spills.

Often praised for their neutrality, the HD 681 are some of the best-sounding headphones under $50, making them a good choice for audiophiles. Their bass and mid-range performances are accurate while their treble is decent but can be too sharp in some tracks. Their soundstage is also quite good for semi-open headphones. However, their sound signature is not for everyone, especially if you prefer a more bass-heavy sound.

In addition to listening to music at home, the HD 681, as mentioned, are also suitable for sound mixing and mastering in the studio. Their neutral sound profile will allow you to better analyze the audio and pick out faults. They are comfortable to wear for long hours in the studio, with their lightweight design being a big factor, but their non-coiled audio cable can be restricting in a studio environment.

Regarding noise isolation, the HD 681 are unsurprisingly mediocre. They are ineffective at blocking out ambient noise even in moderately noisy environments. And while they don’t leak as much as fully open headphones, their sound leakage is still rather high, which means you’ll disturb or annoy nearby people with your loud music. Their high sound leakage also makes them unsuitable for recording tracks in the studio.

All in all, the HD 681 are a solid pair of headphones that offer great value for the money. There aren’t many similarly priced headphones that are better-sounding or sound just as good as them. While their build quality is subpar, they are comfortable to wear for long hours, whether at home or in the studio. If you are limited to a $50 budget for the best semi-open headphones, check out this Superlux product.

Purchase

Best for Studio: Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro

The Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro are the best semi-open headphones for sound mixing and mastering in a studio environment. They offer much better value for the money than the high-end T1 and sound more neutral than the open-back DT 990 Pro. Although they normally sell for around $250, you can get them for less than $200 from some resellers.

A pair of over-ear headphones, the DT 880 Pro have a practical design that will work for most people, featuring a sturdy metal headband and large ear cups. Their ear cup grilles and hinges are also made of metal, making for a more durable build. They are actually better-built than some headphones selling for a higher price and feel like premium headphones. Their default audio cable is coiled and ends in a 3.5 mm analog plug for universal compatibility with most mobile devices. Unlike with the T1, their audio cable is non-detachable.

The DT 880 Pro have few moving parts that are susceptible to wear and tear, which further adds to their overall build quality. Unlike most modern headphones, they don’t fold into a more compact format and their ear cups don’t rotate into a flat position. This makes them take up more space in your bag, hurting their portability. But considering they are designed for home and studio use, their mediocre portability is not exactly surprising.

While the DT 880 Pro are quite bulky and have a tight clamp, they are very comfortable to wear, which is especially beneficial for long hours in the studio. Their padded headband is flexible, easily adjusting to large heads, while their ear cups feature velour-coated cushions that feel nice on the skin. They are just as breathable as the DT 990 Pro, which are fully open headphones.

Regarding accessories, the DT 880 Pro are straightforward, with not much else included outside of the essentials. They come with a 6.3 mm plug adapter and a zippered case for storage, with the former being a common accessory for professional studio headphones. The included case is a soft type, which means it offers less protection against hard physical impact than a hard case. It provides protection against scratches, dust, and minor water spills.

The DT 880 Pro are great-sounding headphones that deliver a clear and detailed sonic performance, with balanced reproduction of vocals and instruments. They are more neutral-sounding than both of their open-back and closed-back counterparts, making them more suitable for critical listening in a studio setting. Their mid-range performance is almost flawless while their soundstage is good for semi-open headphones.

Although they are designed for professional studio use, the DT 880 Pro are also great headphones for listening to music at home. Their neutral sound profile can be undesirable for some people, though, especially those who mainly listen to mainstream music genres like hip hop and electronic dance music (EDM). For watching movies and gaming, these Beyerdynamic headphones are also good, with their spacious soundstage being useful in some games.

However, the DT 880 Pro are best used in a quiet environment. Despite being semi-open headphones, their sound isolation is just as bad as that of the DT 990 Pro. They will hardly block any background noise even in moderately noisy places and their sound leakage is high. Their mediocre sound isolation makes them unsuitable for listening to music at the office and while commuting and traveling.

If you like the neutrality and overall design of the T1 but prefer a much more affordable alternative, check out the DT 880 Pro instead. They offer great value for the money, especially if you can get them for less than $200. Their sound quality is great while their build quality is terrific, with their very comfortable fit making them ideal for long listening sessions in the studio and at home. You can also check out the regular, non-pro DT 880, which are basically the same headphones but are better-suited for home use.

Purchase

Best for Sports: Bose SoundSport Free

Many people use closed-back headphones to block out background noise while working out, especially in a crowded gym. Others, however, prefer headphones that allow for better situational awareness during workouts, most especially while outdoors. If you want sports headphones that will allow you to monitor your surroundings, get the Bose SoundSport Free.

They are semi-open truly wireless headphones with an earbud fit, which is less common than a typical in-ear fit. They are noticeably bulkier than other truly wireless headphones and easily protrude out of your ears, making for a less discreet profile. Their build quality is good, with their IPX4 rating meaning they are protected against sweat. They are extremely breathable and are more comfortable to wear continuously for long hours than in-ear headphones. Moreover, their truly wireless design means there are no cables that might get caught into something while you are exercising.

While they are quite bulky, the SoundSport Free stay securely in your ears even during more intense workouts with lots of head movement. Their ear tips have small fins that help with stability and allow for a more secure fit. There are three ear tip sizes included in the box, but there is no option to remove the stability fins and combine different ear tip and fin sizes for a more personalized fit, which is possible in some sports earphones.

The SoundSport Free are the most portable among the headphones in this guide. They are extremely compact and lightweight and will easily fit into small pockets. This makes the earbuds easier to carry for daily use, especially if you don’t usually carry a bag to the gym. Meanwhile, the included case, which also serves as a charging dock for the earbuds, is bulkier than usual, but it’s still very portable. A charging cable is also provided for connecting the case to a power source.

Unlike some truly wireless headphones, the SoundSport Free have a simple control scheme composed of physical buttons on the earbuds. With the earbud buttons, you can manage your calls and music, adjust the volume, and initiate the Bluetooth pairing process. However, the buttons are quite stiff and not easy to use while on the move. Although it’s less practical, it’s much easier to simply use your smartphone for music management and volume control.

Truly wireless headphones are not exactly known for their sound quality, with many of them being only decent at best on that front. The SoundSport Free, however, stand out as some of the best-sounding in their category. Their bass is smooth and balanced while their mid-range is clean and accurate. They will sound consistent among different users and are suitable for a variety of music genres.

On the other hand, their mic performance is mediocre overall, which can also be said for most other truly wireless headphones. The app support is also disappointing, with not many customization options like being able to modify the sound profile with an equalizer. Their app’s best and most useful aspect is the “Find My Buds” feature, which helps you find your expensive earbuds if you lose them.

Regarding battery life, the SoundSport Free are fairly decent. They can run up to five hours on a single charge, which should be good enough for sports use for most people. You get two additional charges in the charging case, which brings the total battery life to 15 hours. The charge time is around two hours, according to the official specs.

The SoundSport Free have poor noise isolation performance, which is actually beneficial if you prefer better situational awareness while working out, especially outdoors. If you usually run outdoors, their more open design will allow you to monitor your surroundings to avoid accidents. But while they are poor at blocking out background noise, these Bose earbuds have low sound leakage – which is useful if you want to use them at the office and while commuting or traveling despite their poor noise isolation.

Overall, the SoundSport Free are the best semi-open headphones for sports. They are great-sounding truly wireless earbuds that are well-built and comfortable to wear for long workout sessions and are extremely portable. They also come with a sturdy case that keeps the earbuds securely in place when not in use and holds additional charges to increase the total battery life.

Purchase

More Options

If none of our top picks above meets your preferences for semi-open headphones, check out the products below. Most of the products in this section are on the relatively affordable side, with three options under $100, one of which sells for less than $50.

Superlux HD 668B

The Superlux HD 668B are budget headphones that are similar to the HD 681 in both build quality and sound quality. They are wired over-ear headphones with a bland aesthetic and a mediocre plastic build, which can also be said for many other cheap headphones. Unlike the HD 681, their lower headband is composed of two paddle-like cushions instead of a leather strap and their audio cable is detachable – a big plus for many people. There are two audio cables included – a short one and a long one – along with a soft pouch and a plug adapter.

Compared to the HD 681, the HD 668B are less neutral-sounding, but only by a slim margin. Their bass is punchy and not too emphasized. Their mid-range performance and soundstage are both good while their treble is decent but can be piercing in some tracks. Sadly, they are not as comfortable to wear for long listening sessions as the HD 681; although they are well-padded, their headband clamp feels too tight, especially on large heads.

Our guide to the best headphones for audiophiles features some amazing options like this. Check them out.

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Philips Fidelio L2

Featuring a sturdy metal-and-plastic build, the Philips Fidelio L2 are good-looking headphones that are suitable for listening to most music genres. They sound good, with a detailed and transparent mid-range and a tight and controlled bass. They are easy to drive and include an audio cable with an in-line mic and remote, which makes them unique among the over-ear headphones in this guide. A soft pouch and the usual 6.3 mm plug adapter are also included in the box.

The Fidelio L2 are well-designed headphones under $100 that feel durable, with their metal-reinforced headband, which has a stitched leather coating, making for a sturdier frame. Their circular ear cups are similarly reinforced with metal and have a nice grille design. Covered in artificial leather, their earpads are made of memory foam and don’t get uncomfortably warm after just a couple of hours of use. Their overall build quality is good, with minimal moving parts that are susceptible to wear and tear.

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AKG K240 MKII

A pair of over-ear headphones, the AKG K240 MKII are a solid option if you are limited to a $100 budget for the best semi-open headphones. While they normally sell for around $150, you can easily get them for less than $100. Their audio reproduction is decent, with a clear and detailed mid-range and a spacious soundstage. However, their mostly plastic construction is unimpressive; their overall build quality is satisfactory, but there are plenty of headphones in the same price range that are better-built and feel more durable.

On the bright side, the K240 MKII are comfortable to wear continuously for long hours, with their more breathable design being one of the reasons. Despite their bulky design, they are lightweight and don’t feel fatiguing on the head. Their headband clamp is not too tight while their large ear cups are adequately padded. AKG also includes an additional pair of velour-coated earpads, which feel more luxurious. There are two audio cables in the box: a straight cable and a coiled cable, with both of them terminating in a 3.5 mm analog plug. The coiled cable is especially useful when using the headphones in the studio. A gold-plated 6.3 mm plug adapter is also provided.

For long hours at work, check out our guide to the top headphones for office use.

Purchase

Bose SoundSport Wireless

If you like the Bose SoundSport Free but prefer wireless earbuds that can last a bit longer on a single charge, check out the SoundSport Wireless instead. They are sports-oriented earbuds featuring a behind-the-neck cable design with an in-line mic and remote. Their build quality is decent. They are compact, extremely breathable, and rated IPX4 for sweat resistance. While their earpieces are quite bulky, they don’t easily pop out of your ears, with their fins making for a more secure fit. There are three different pairs of ear tips in the box, along with a travel pouch and the short charging cable.

The SoundSport Wireless are good-sounding wireless earbuds that sound clear, detailed, and balanced, with the right amount of bass. They support NFC technology for faster pairing with compatible mobile devices and can run up to six hours on a single charge. Their quick-charge feature allows for one hour of playback after just 15 minutes of charging. Like their truly wireless counterpart, they have low sound leakage, but they are similarly poor at blocking out background noise. Their app support is also disappointing, with limited customization options.

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Fostex T50RP MK3

Designed for professional studio use, the Fostex T50RP MK3 are planar magnetic headphones that sound good but are hard to drive. They are over-ear headphones that include an audio cable ending in a 6.3 mm plug, with another one terminating in a 3.5 mm mini-plug for mobile use. While their bland, utilitarian design is not going to get many style points, their build quality is good. Their padded headband is sturdy while the metal rods connecting it to the ear cups are well-secured.

Compared to their predecessor, the T50RP MK3 are better-sounding headphones with a more balanced audio reproduction. Unfortunately, they are not very comfortable to wear for long hours, mainly due to their mediocre earpads. Their leather-coated earpads are thin and shallow, which makes the headphones feel more like on-ear headphones. On the bright side, you can easily replace the default earpads with different ones – the headphones are actually easy to disassemble and modify, making them popular among the DIY community.

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Klipsch Heritage HP-3

The Klipsch Heritage HP-3 are high-end headphones that look absolutely gorgeous and sound good, with a detailed treble, a powerful bass, and a balanced mid-range. They are over-ear headphones featuring a metal headband and wooden ear cups made of either walnut, ebony, or oak. Their sturdy headband is coated with hand-stitched genuine leather while their earpads are made of sheepskin. They are premium headphones in every aspect and easily stand out due to their beautiful design. If you have no problem spending more than $1,000 on headphones, this Klipsch product is one of the best and most premium semi-open headphones that you can get.

Although they are on the heavy side, the HP-3 are comfortable to wear for hours. Their earpads are soft and thick while their headband is flexible, easily adjusting to large heads. There are two braided audio cables included: a short cable and a long cable. A 6.3 mm plug adapter is also provided. Unlike many high-end audiophile headphones, there is no hard case included in the package. Instead, Klipsch ships the headphones with a steel headphone stand, further emphasizing that its product is meant to be shown off.

You may also like some of these handy neckband headphones, so take a moment to check them out.

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Audeze LCD

Selling for around $2,500, the Audeze LCDi4 are high-end earphones that are better-built and better-sounding than the relatively more affordable iSine 20. They are Audeze’s flagship earphones, featuring the same Nano-scale Uniforce diaphragm used in the LCD-4. Equipped with planar magnetic drivers, they are some of the best-sounding earphones on the market, with a pleasant treble, a detailed mid-range, a powerful bass, and a wide soundstage. They are more natural-sounding than your typical earphones and sound balanced overall. On the other hand, their sound isolation is mediocre, which makes them less suitable for outdoor use than regular earphones.

The LCDi4 look similar to the iSine 20, with their bulky, hexagonal housings making them easily stand out. But instead of a webbed design, their backplates have horizontal grilles with the company logo at the bottom. Their metal housings are lightweight and feel durable. There are multiple ear hooks and ear tips included in the box, along with a nylon travel case for storage. In addition to the regular audio cable terminating in a 3.5 mm plug, the unique Cipher Lightning cable is also included in the package.

Purchase

Shopping for the best audiophile headphones is never an easy process, even if you have been through it a dozen times already in the past. There are so many options on the market – from premium headphones selling for well over $500 to relatively more affordable headphones under $300. But fortunately, you have this product guide to point you in the right direction.

In this guide, you’ll find the best headphones for audiophiles and headphone enthusiasts. While the products differ in form factor, build quality, and structure, They are some of the best-sounding headphones on the market, with almost all of them being wired headphones.

The Best Headphones for Audiophiles

Best Open-back Headphones: Focal Clear

Open-back headphones are preferred by many audiophiles and headphone enthusiasts due to their accurate audio reproduction. There are a lot of good-sounding open-back headphones on the market, including premium headphones selling for more than $500. Out of all of them, the Focal Clear stand out as the best. They are some of the best-sounding headphones currently out – but they are also some of the most expensive, with their $1,500 price making them inaccessible to most people.

The Clear are wired over-ear headphones featuring a classy silver-and-gray color scheme that easily stands out. While their premium construction is undeniable, their overall aesthetic is clean and discreet, with minimal branding on the headband and ear cups. Their build quality is impressive and feels sturdy and durable. They are mostly made of metal, featuring a metal headband and large ear cups with stainless steel mesh and aluminum yokes.

Although they are not as lightweight as some over-ear headphones, the Clear are comfortable to wear for long hours. Their headband is flexible and distributes the weight evenly, while their ear cups are spacious and can accommodate larger ears. Both the headband and the memory foam earpads are covered with perforated microfiber fabric for better breathability, which is important for long listening sessions. Additionally, their headband has a leather cover on the outer side, making for a more premium look overall.

Like other over-ear headphones, the Clear are not the most portable. They are quite bulky and can’t be folded into a more compact form unlike most modern headphones, but on the plus side, they are not too cumbersome to wear around your neck when not in use. Their subpar portability is not surprising for a pair of headphones designed for home use, though; most audiophile headphones have the same issue.

For accessories, the Clear include a hard case, a stereo jack adapter, and three audio cables. The sturdy carry case offers better protection against physical damage than a soft case or pouch. One of the audio cables is a shorter cable that ends with a 3.5 mm analog plug for universal compatibility with most devices.

The Clear are excellent audiophile headphones with little flaws in sound quality. They sound engaging and detailed and have a nice bass for open-back headphones. Their soundstage is satisfying but not as wide as that of the Sennheiser HD 800 S and other open-back headphones. With their well-balanced audio reproduction, they are suitable for all music genres, including classical, pop rock, and folk music.

Since the Clear are open-back headphones, their sound isolation is poor. Their noise isolation is pretty much non-existent, which makes them unsuitable for listening to music in a noisy environment. And they bleed a lot, which can be distracting for people around you. They are best suited for listening to music while alone in a quiet room.

Overall, the Clear are fantastic open-back headphones that are recommended as endgame headphones for audiophiles. Their build quality and sound quality are both excellent. They are suitable for all kinds of music and are comfortable to wear for long listening sessions despite their weight. They also include a good set of accessories, which can’t be said for some premium headphones.

Best Closed-back Headphones: Dan Clark Audio Aeon Flow 2 Closed

Formerly MrSpeakers, the rebranded Dan Clark Audio launched the Aeon Flow 2 in November 2019 as the first product under its new name. Like the original Aeon Flow, the new model comes in both closed-back and open-back variants. While both models are excellent planar magnetic headphones under $1,000, the Aeon Flow 2 Closed particularly stand out as some of the best closed-back headphones out on the market.

They are better than the original Aeon Flow Closed, not only in design and structure but also in overall sound quality. They are wired over-ear headphones with unique teardrop-shaped ear cups, but instead of blue, their paint is red, which makes for a more striking look. Their driver structure is redesigned while their headband now allows the headphones to be folded into a more compact format for a more travel-friendly setup. Unlike with many modern headphones, their headband collapses into the ear cups, instead of their ear cups folding inward.

The included travel case is also smaller and more compact than that of the original Aeon Flow Closed, but it’s still just as sturdy. With their smooth folding mechanism and smaller case, the all-new Aeon Flow 2 Closed are quite portable for over-ear headphones despite their bulky design. This makes them more suitable for frequent travelers who can’t leave home without their high-fidelity audio equipment.

Featuring a dual headband design, the Aeon Flow 2 Closed are comfortable to wear for long listening sessions, but they are not as breathable as on-ear headphones. They have a Nitinol headband and a leather strap and feature large ear cups with soft pads. Their clamp is secure but not too tight, which makes for a stable and comfortable fit.

Outside of the travel case, the Aeon Flow 2 Closed come with tuning pads and a removable audio cable, with the option to choose different types of connectors or plugs when purchasing from the official store. Like with most other audiophile headphones, the default audio cable has no inline remote for call and music controls.

The Aeon Flow 2 Closed are some of the best-sounding closed-back headphones under $1,000 and are suitable for different music genres. Their bass is accurate and detailed while their treble is not too harsh. They can reproduce clean vocals and clearly separate instruments. Their soundstage is good for closed-back headphones and is better than that of the original Aeon Flow Closed, but it’s not on par with some of the best open-back headphones. You can adjust the sound profile using the included tuning pads.

While they are not as good as the best noise-canceling headphones, the Aeon Flow 2 Closed have good sound isolation, courtesy of their closed-back design. Their passive noise isolation with music playing is effective for blocking out ambient noise in a moderately noisy room. Their sound leakage is also low, allowing you to increase the music volume without disturbing people around you.

With their passive noise isolation, low sound leakage, and more portable design, the Aeon Flow 2 Closed are solid headphones for listening to music at the office. They are easy to carry for everyday use, taking up less space in your bag due to their foldable design and smaller case. Their wired connectivity and lack of inline controls can be inconvenient at times, though.

If you prefer the more intimate and personal listening experience provided by closed-back headphones, check out the Aeon Flow 2 Closed. Their build quality and comfort level are just as good as that of the previous model, but they are better-sounding and more travel-friendly. And the most exciting part is that they are only a bit more expensive than the original Aeon Flow Closed, selling for around  $900.

Best Planar Magnetic Headphones Under $500: HiFiMan Sundara

The HiFiMan Sundara are some of the best audiophile headphones under $500, with their $350 price being especially notable for planar magnetic headphones. Their build quality feels premium while their sound quality is fantastic. While they have limited accessories, they offer good value for the money and will last several years.

Like the Focal Clear, the Sundara are wired over-ear headphones with an open-back design. Their matte black finish adds to their high-end look. Their round ear cups are not as bulky as that of other full-sized headphones, which makes for a sleeker design. They have a dual headband structure composed of a metal headband and a synthetic leather strap.

The overall build quality is great. The Sundara are mostly made of metal and feel sturdy, featuring durable ear cup grilles and more wear-resistant yokes. Their detachable audio cable – which connects to both sides and ends with a regular 3.5 mm analog plug – also feels well-constructed. The default audio cable lacks a remote for music controls, which isn’t really surprising for audiophile headphones.

While they have a tight clamp and are not as breathable as other open-back headphones, the Sundara are comfortable to wear for long listening sessions. Their ear cups have soft pads that don’t feel too warm after just a couple of hours of continuous listening. On the other hand, they are not as portable and travel-friendly as the Dan Clark Audio Aeon Flow 2 Closed – they don’t collapse into a more compact form and lack a travel case for storage.

As mentioned, the Sundara are limited regarding accessories. Outside of the audio cable and the plug adapter, there are no other accessories included in the box. There is no travel case, tuning pads, and additional audio cables in the package. The lack of any form of storage is the most notable, as there are a lot of cheaper headphones that include at least a soft pouch.

You won’t be disappointed by the Sundara’s sound quality. They are some of the best-sounding open-back headphones under $500. Their bass performance is good for open-back headphones while their imaging is almost perfect. Their treble and mid-range are both balanced while their soundstage is wide, as expected from unsealed headphones. You can use them not only for listening to music but also for listening to other forms of media and even gaming.

However, they are best used in a quiet room because of their poor sound isolation, which can also be said for all other open-back headphones. Their noise isolation is non-existent, making them a terrible choice for blocking out ambient noise in a crowded room. Furthermore, their sound leakage is high even at moderate volume levels, which can be distracting or annoying for people around you.

On the whole, the Sundara are some of the best headphones in the current HiFiMan lineup. They are great-sounding open-back headphones that are ideal for enjoying music in a quiet room. Their build quality feels high-end, while their very comfortable design is suitable for long listening sessions. If you are limited to a $500 budget for the best audiophile headphones, check out these HiFiMan planar magnetic headphones.

Best Budget Headphones Under $100: Philips SHP9500

In the under-$100 budget category, few other headphones come close to the Philips SHP9500. They are some of the best-sounding headphones under $100 or less. They are extremely comfortable to wear for long hours and are decently built for the price. You can get them for just around $60 during a sale, which makes them even more appealing for audiophiles with a tight budget.

A pair of wired over-ear headphones, the SHP9500 are open-back headphones with a straightforward and minimalist design. Their all-black color scheme makes for a more discreet profile that some people will prefer. They have large, circular ear cups with left and right markers painted in contrasting color on the grilles and feature a metal-reinforced headband. Their overall build quality is decent for a pair of headphones under $100. They have a detachable audio cable that connects to the left ear cup and ends with a regular 3.5 mm analog plug for universal compatibility with most devices.

The SHP9500 are supremely comfortable to wear for long listening sessions and are comparable to the popular Bose QuietComfort 35 II regarding comfort level. They are lightweight and don’t feel too tight on the head. Due to their open-back design, they are more breathable than closed-back headphones with the same over-ear form factor. Their ear cups are generously padded with soft material, but the fabric covering the earpads feel rather cheap and might come off as a bit rough for some people.

Like the HiFiMan Sundara – and many other over-ear headphones – the SHP9500 are not the most portable, which isn’t really surprising for headphones designed for home use. In addition to their bulky design, they can’t be folded into a more compact format and don’t include a travel case. And speaking of accessories, there are no other items included in the box outside of the audio cable and the plug adapter.

Compared to premium open-back headphones like the Focal Clear and the Sennheiser HD 800 S, the SHP9500 are not as good regarding sound quality. But compared to other headphones in the same price range regardless of enclosure type, they are some of the best. Their treble and mid-range are both accurate and not too overpowering, while their bass performance is quite good, which is notable for open-back headphones. Their soundstage is also decent, but there are other headphones with a wider soundstage.

As is the case with other open-back headphones regardless of form factor or price, the SHP9500 have poor noise isolation that makes them unsuitable for listening to music in a crowded room. They are not going to block ambient noise and are best used in a quiet room. Their sound leakage is also very high, which means people nearby will hear your loud music. That’s something you need to keep in mind if you plan to use the headphones at the office.

If you are in the market for the best-sounding headphones but can’t spend more than $100, go for these open-back Philips headphones. There are similarly priced headphones that are better-built and include more accessories than the SHP9500. But only a handful of them come close to the SHP9500 regarding overall sound quality. And when you factor in their extremely comfortable design, the list becomes even shorter.

Best Cheap Headphones: Superlux HD 681

The Superlux HD 681 are cheap headphones that sound surprisingly good and are even better-sounding than some headphones selling for triple the price. They are the best choice for audiophiles who have an extremely limited budget. They sell for less than $50, with some online sellers putting them up for just under $30.

Unlike all the other over-ear headphones on this list, the HD 681 are semi-open headphones, which means their ear cups are not completely unsealed. They are wired over-ear headphones with a bland aesthetic despite the red accents on the headband and ear cups. They have large ear cups and a dual headband, with the inner strap allowing for easy adjustment. Terminating in a regular 3.5 mm analog plug, the audio cable is non-detachable and connects to the left ear cup.

Regarding build quality, the HD 681, as expected from cheap headphones, are mediocre. Their plastic construction doesn’t feel durable. But on the other hand, they are comfortable to wear despite their weak build quality. They are lightweight, more breathable than closed-back headphones, and not too tight on the head. Their ear cups are well-padded and can accommodate most ear sizes, but the earpads are not as soft as with other headphones.

The HD 681 are some of the least portable headphones listed in this product guide. While they are lightweight and include a soft pouch for storage, they are too cumbersome to carry due to their bulky frame and non-foldable design. Their circular ear cups also don’t swivel into a flat position, making the headphones unwieldy to wear around your neck when not in use.

Compared to the Philips SHP9500, the HD 681 are only marginally better in accessories. They include a gold-plated plug adapter and, as mentioned, a soft pouch. The latter puts them above the more expensive Philips headphones and is especially notable since most cheap headphones don’t include any form of container. The soft pouch protects the headphones from scratches when they are stored in your bag, but not against water damage.

It’s easy to forget that the HD 681 are low-end headphones once you put them on and start listening to music. They are some of the best-sounding headphones selling for less than $50 and are suitable for critical listening. Their bass and mid-range performance are both good – especially the former – while their treble and soundstage are both decent. However, their audio reproduction is not as good as that of actual open-back headphones, especially regarding soundstage.

While they are marketed as capable of providing passive isolation from background noise due to their partly closed enclosure, the HD 681 have poor noise isolation. They are not suitable for commuting and travel and are not a good choice for blocking ambient chatter in the office. Moreover, their sound leakage is also quite high. In short, they are not that much better at sound isolation than completely open headphones.

Despite their usage limitations and build quality flaws, the HD 681 are still some of the best audiophile headphones under $50. They are comfortable to wear for long hours and can easily connect to most devices with their standard analog plug. You’d be hard-pressed to find better-sounding headphones selling for a similar price than these Superlux headphones.

Best Wireless Headphones: Bose QuietComfort 35 II

If you prefer the convenience of wireless connectivity and are looking for the best-sounding wireless headphones, get the Bose QuietComfort 35 II. They are wireless noise-canceling headphones that are suitable for all-around use and can be used in both wireless and wired modes. They are just as pricey as the HiFiMan Sundara, selling for around $350. But they are more versatile, with their active noise cancellation (ANC) making them more suitable for listening to music in a noisy environment.

The QuietComfort 35 II are Bluetooth headphones with an over-ear form factor and closed-back ear cups for passive sound isolation. They are available in black, silver, and rose gold, with the latter being the flashiest and most eye-catching color scheme. They have a metal-reinforced headband and a pair of well-padded oval ear cups. While their construction has more plastic than metal parts, their overall build quality is good and feels durable.

Like the cheaper Philips SHP9500, the QuietComfort 35 II are extremely comfortable to wear for long hours and are some of the most comfortable headphones on the market. Their headband is flexible and easily adjustable while their earpads are soft. They are lightweight and fairly breathable and don’t feel tight on the head. But despite their looser clamp, they are quite secure, not easily sliding off when you are moving your head.

While they are bulky due to their over-ear design, the QuietComfort 35 II are quite portable and not too cumbersome to carry for everyday use. They are lightweight and fold into a more compact form, allowing them to take up less space when stored in your bag. They also include a hard case, which protects them from physical damage and makes them more travel-friendly.

The QuietComfort 35 II have on-cup controls for call and music management – a common setup for wireless over-ear headphones. Their control scheme is simply composed of physical buttons that are easy to access and don’t feel too confined on the ear cups. In addition to the call and music controls on the right ear cup, you get a separate button on the left ear cup for switching between the three ANC levels and for activating your voice assistant.

Suitable for most music genres, the QuietComfort 35 II are some of the best-sounding wireless noise-canceling headphones. They have a balanced mid-range and a detailed treble. Their bass is punchy but not too emphasized while their imaging is excellent. But on the other hand, their soundstage is mediocre. You can’t freely modify their sound profile using the companion app, unlike with the Sony WH-1000XM3, their chief rival on the market.

Out of all the headphones in this guide, the QuietComfort 35 II are the most suitable for listening to music even in a noisy environment. Their noise isolation with ANC enabled is one of the best in the business. They block a great amount of background noise, from the sound of airplane and bus engines to office chatter. They will allow you to listen to your favorite tunes in peace, whether you are in a crowded home or at the airport.

Featuring NFC technology for faster pairing, the QuietComfort 35 II can run up to 20 hours on a single charge. That’s good enough for long flights and commutes and for extended hours at the office. When the battery is low or if you want a zero-latency connection, you can use the included audio cable to switch to wired mode. The cable ends with a regular 3.5 mm analog plug for universal compatibility with most devices.

The QuietComfort 35 II are not the most natural-sounding headphones and are obviously not designed for serious audiophiles and headphone enthusiasts. But they are the best overall choice if you want great-sounding, all-around wireless headphones with excellent noise isolation. They are the most versatile headphones on this list and are suitable for listening to music in both quiet and noisy places.

More Options

The products below are also excellent options if you are shopping for the best audiophile headphones, including a trio of in-ear headphones or earphones.

1More Triple Driver Earphones (E1001)

If you prefer the extremely portable design of regular earphones, check out the 1More Triple Driver Earphones. They are good-sounding earphones with a balanced audio reproduction that makes them suitable for most music genres. They are comfortable to wear, featuring angled ear tips with multiple silicone and foam ear tip options to choose from. Their passive noise isolation is decent for earphones lacking ANC, allowing you to enjoy your music even in a moderately noisy setting.

The 1More Triple Driver Earphones are wired earphones that are much more compact and portable than over-ear headphones. They are extremely lightweight and easily fit into most pockets, with the included hard case protecting them from physical damage. Their overall build quality is decent for a pair of earphones selling for less than $100. However, unlike with some earphones, their audio cable – which has a remote for call and music controls – is not detachable.

You may also like some of these best-rated headphones for glasses wearers. Check them out.

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro

A pair of wired over-ear headphones, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro are some of the best-sounding headphones under $200. They are open-back headphones that are suitable for professional studio use, providing a balanced audio reproduction with a spacious soundstage. Their build quality is excellent, with their rugged, metal-framed headband being the most notable.

While they are tight on the head, they are comfortable to wear; their ear cups are spacious, easily accommodating larger ears, and have soft pads. Their coiled audio cable is non-detachable and ends with a regular 3.5 mm plug for universal compatibility, but it lacks a remote for music control. Unlike many modern headphones, these Beyerdynamic headphones are non-foldable, which hurts their portability, but they do come with a soft pouch for storage. They are best used for listening to music in a quiet environment due to their poor noise isolation, which is by design.

You will find more cool audio devices by checking out our guide to the top neckband headphones.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Selling for around $150, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are another pair of wired over-ear headphones that are suitable for professional studio use. But unlike the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro, they are closed-back headphones, which translates to a more intimate listening experience. Their overall sound quality is well-balanced and will not disappoint both headphone enthusiasts and professionals. If you prefer high-fidelity headphones for office use, these Audio-Technica headphones are also a decent choice.

They are fairly portable for over-ear headphones: they are lightweight, collapse into a more compact format, and include a soft pouch for storage. Their sound leakage is low, allowing you to increase the volume to mask background noise without disturbing nearby co-workers. While the ATH-M50x are not as ruggedly built as the similarly priced Beyerdynamic headphones, they are more comfortable to wear for long hours, with their looser clamp being a big reason for that.

Meze 99 Classics

The Meze 99 Classics are widely regarded as some of the best closed-back headphones under $500 on the market and are recommended for headphone enthusiasts. They are wired over-ear headphones that sound great and look fantastic, with their walnut wood ear cups being the most notable in their construction. Their overall build quality is excellent, and they are comfortable to wear, featuring a self-adjusting headband and soft earpads.

Of the headphones on this list, the 99 Classics are some of the most generous regarding accessories included in the box. There are two audio cables included, one of which has an inline remote for controls, which is notable for audiophile headphones. The two audio cables are joined by a hard carry case, an airplane adapter, a separate pouch for the cables, and a 6.3 mm gold-plated adapter. That’s an impressive list of accessories that embarrasses more expensive headphones.

Audeze LCD-1

Selling for just under $400, the Audeze LCD-1 are another solid choice if you are shopping for planar magnetic headphones that won’t break the bank. Like the HiFiMan Sundara, they are wired over-ear headphones with an open-back design and a dual-sided audio cable. But compared to the HiFiMan product, they are more travel-friendly – they fold into a more compact format and include a hard case for storage. Their overall build quality feels durable and high-end, with a good mix of plastic and metal parts in the construction.

The LCD-1 are designed to be used as both home and studio headphones. Their audio reproduction is balanced and consistent. Their imaging is excellent while their soundstage is good but not as wide as that of the Sundara. They are best used for critical listening in a quiet environment since their noise isolation is poor, as expected from a pair of unsealed headphones.

Shure SE535

If you are shopping for durable and great-sounding earphones, take a look at the Shure SE535, which sell for almost $500. They are the best in the Shure SE Series, which also includes the popular and much more affordable SE215. They are wired earphones featuring a detachable audio cable that ends with a regular 3.5 mm analog plug for universal compatibility. They isolate a good amount of ambient noise, which makes them suitable for listening to music in crowded places.

While their typical in-ear fit is not for everyone, the SE535 are comfortable to wear. They have angled ear tips and are worn over the ear for better stability. There are multiple ear tips and sleeves included in the box, along with a compact carry case and a 6.3 mm adapter. With their portable design and good passive noise isolation, these Shure earphones are also a good choice as travel and office headphones.

Shure SRH1540

The Shure SRH1540 are premium headphones selling for the same price as the SE535. They are wired over-ear headphones with closed-back ear cups and a detachable audio cable. Their build quality is excellent and feels durable. They have aluminum alloy yokes and large ear cups with carbon fiber-reinforced frames and Alcantara earpads. They come with a travel case and an extra pair of earpads.

Their build quality isn’t the only impressive thing about the SRH1540 – their audio reproduction will also impress both serious audiophiles and professionals. They are fantastic for listening to different kinds of music, with their sealed ear cups allowing for a more private experience. They are very comfortable to wear for long hours, but they are not as breathable as open-back headphones. Overall, they are some of the best audiophile headphones out on the market. While they are not the most affordable, their build quality and sound quality make them well worth the money.

For more quality options like this, be sure to browse our list of the best laptop headphones.

Audeze iSine 20

The Audeze iSine 20 are unique among the headphones listed in this guide, not only in structure but also in aesthetics. Unlike your typical wired earphones, they are planar magnetic earphones with a semi-open design, which puts them in an entirely different category. Each unit has a webbed, hexagonal housing that looks like a TIE fighter wing from Star Wars. There are different pairs of ear tips included in the box, along with ear hooks for a more secure fit; a nylon travel case is also provided for storage.

While their build quality could be better for such an expensive pair of earphones, the iSine 20 are straight-up impressive regarding audio reproduction. They are some of the best-sounding earphones on the market, but they are best paired with iOS devices using the Cipher Lightning cable. Their semi-open design also means they are limited to usage in a quiet room, as their noise isolation is poor. If you don’t like this, you may want to invest in some of these noise-canceling earbuds instead.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

If you can spend around $1,500 on premium headphones, the Sennheiser HD 800 S are another pair of headphones that are worth looking into. Like the similarly priced Focal Clear, they are wired over-ear headphones with an open-back design for a more natural-sounding audio reproduction. They are some of the best headphones for critical listening, but they are best used in a quiet setting since their unsealed ear cups don’t block any ambient noise.

The HD 800 S are comfortable to wear for long listening sessions, though their bulky and oversized ear cups might suggest otherwise. They are breathable and don’t feel tight on the head, and their ear cups are well-padded. Their overall build quality feels premium. But like similarly designed headphones, they are not the most portable, especially considering their non-foldable design. You can’t go wrong with either the HD 800 S or the Clear, but the former is the better choice if you want a looser and more comfortable fit and a more spacious soundstage.