Are you a gamer, and a massive fan of helmets for Astro gaming? Looking for a new best Astro gaming headset to uninstall your old headset but overwhelmed by all the ones out there? You are in the right place instead. Astro insists that gaming is indeed social and not passive, and their main line of gaming headphones announce this to offer some of the best listening quality. Astro headphones come in different types, shapes, and sizes, and even specific versions are compatible with game consoles and PCs.
This guide helps you find the best headphone for playing to match your needs. This guide will also detail certain information you need to know on a gaming headset before zeroing in. This also analyzes Astro’s top 5 game headphones and takes a look at the devices commonly available to Astro headphones.
The Astro A40 TR is an open-back headset that provides excellent audio quality and also comes with user configuration options to match every climate. It also offers long-term support along with other simple features seen in most Astro gaming headsets, including adjustable mic precision and personalized speaker logos. Another great feature with the Astro TR is that you can quickly turn your A40 TR from an open-back headset into a closed-back headset. This transition can be easily achieved using the online Astro Mod kits, which are available separately.
This is entirely compatible with Mac, and with the older Xbox One and PS4 systems by directly plugging the 3.5 mm cable into the game controller. Both TR products are the Official Call of Duty Equipment: Black Ops 3, used by top Call of Duty Pro players such as Optic Gaming and Team Envyus.
Tuned for games, ASTRO Audio was created with game makers and pro gamers to offer clarification and accuracy at both frequency and volume levels. Astros are highly flexible with advanced materials and construction, and remarkably lightweight. Clamp them for days on your roof, or turn them flat around your face. Turn the A40 TR with swappable Mod Kit parts from an open-back to a closed-back noise canceling. Customize the headphones using our magnetic speaker tag system. Purchase limited editions or build your own using the Speaker Tag Customizer online.
Specifications
Tuned according to ASTRO Audio V2 – Tuned for Gaming, ASTRO Audio V2 offers players with high-quality audio when they most need it, or live streaming or play in a competitive tournament’s pits.
Superior finish and build – The A40 TR features a lightweight and durable construction with superior components to maintain a pressure-free fit that does not overheat your skin. The ear cushions feature tissue for optimal support, backed by synthetic leather for optimum acoustic efficiency.
Swappable boom microphone — Highly sensitive uni-directional microphone that focuses on your voice and minimizes background noise.
Customizable Speaker Tags – Our proprietary Speaker Tag program lets you customize your headset-buy limited models or build your own using our Speaker Tag Customizer online.
Mod Kit Ready – Features black leather noise-canceling ear cushions, voice-insulating microphone, padded headband, and closed-back speaker tags (Sold Separately).
Pros
Comfortable for a long time.
Audio output leads to university.
Great options for customizability.
Additional MixAmp is running perfectly.
Cons
Style is not going to be for the tastes of everyone.
For PS4, Laptop, and Mac, the ASTRO A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro TR is the leading audio system for sports players, content developers, and streamers. This follows the high requirements of visual quality, comfort, and endurance of the esports athletes. The MixAmp Pro TR supports Dolby Digital Surround Sound amplification, which allows the game sound which speech contact to be delivered late and without interruption. The A40 TR comes with an open-back headphone with a micro mic accuracy swappable and interchangeable Speaker Tags. Through the inclusion of a Mod Pack (sold separately) through enclosed Speaker Stickers, soft leather ear cushions, and a voice-insulating microphone, the headset turns into a closed-back, noise-isolating headset for noisy competition conditions.
Specifications
Optimized with ASTRO Audio V2 — Optimized for Games, ASTRO Audio V2 offers players with high-quality audio when they need it most, or live streaming or participate in a high tournament’s pits.
ASTRO App Command Center – Redefine Gamers Pro Audio. The free ACC app allows players more control over their speech and audio settings. The A40 Headphone provides high-quality audio from the living-room to the main stage when combined with the MixAmp High TR.
Superior fit and finish – The A40 TR headset features a lightweight and durable construction with superior components to guarantee a pressure-free fit that does not overheat your head. For optimum comfort, the ear cushions use fabric, backed by synthetic leather for the best acoustic performance.
ASTRO MixAmp Pro TR – The MixAmp Pro TR is equipped with all the latest components for lag-free / interference-free operation and supports Dolby Optical Surround Sound amplification for severe live streamers.
Mod Kit Ready — Features premium leather noise-canceling ear cushions, voice-insulating amplifier, lined headband, and closed-back speaker tags.
Dolby Audio – Dolby Audio offers multimedia immersive, 3D game environment and streams Dolby to viewers watching.
USB sound card features – functionality of USB sound card with the game: audio synchronization, game, and speech sharing delivered to PC gamers. No requirement for an optical port.
Ready to 3D audio – Offer Windows Sonic or Dolby Atmos on Screen. Spatial audio provides you with full 3D spatial audio support for a strategic advantage without precedent.
Pros
The outstanding level of audio.
Lightweight, robust build sounds level.
A lot of options for audio customization via the Astro Command app.
Discover legendary ASTRO Audio V2 output and music, with the ease and flexibility that comes without wires. The PlayStation 4/PC A50 Wireless + Base Station offers top-of-the-line acoustics, ergonomics, convenience, and reliability requested by the gamers. The all-new Base Station provides direct, low-latency voice communication while making linking and charging of headsets easy. The ASTRO Command Center app helps gamers and streamers to specifically fine-tune each A50 input and output parameter for their configuration. The optional A50 Mod Kit allows users to add silicone leather headband and ear cushions to maximize noise protection for even more flexibility. Using the A50 Wireless + Base Station to achieve full audio immersion.
Specifications
ASTRO Audio V2: Immersive audio and sound experience which delivers text, music, and sound in the game.
Dolby Audio: Dolby Audio provides an immersive multimedia experience for high definition play.
Battery life: lithium-ion battery rechargeable for 15 + hours.
Game: Voice Balance: Gives complete user control over the game mix and the Audio chat.
ASTRO command center app: Free ASTRO command center app provides players with maximum control of their audio environment, including voice chat and game audio settings, available in windows 10, Xbox 1, and Mac.
USB Sound Card Functionality: USB Sound Card Functionality includes Game: Voice Balancing, Game, and Speech Streaming when using a PC; No optical cables needed.
Mod Kit Ready: The optional A50 Upgrade Package allows users to add a soft leather headband and ear cushions for better noise protection for even more customization, only compatible with the Gen 4 A50 Wireless Headset.
Pros
The sound level is fantastic.
Quite relaxed.
Thin, comfortable charging cradle.
Cons
Costly.
Bundle/cradle works only for PlayStation 4 or Xbox One.
The A10 Headset boasts long-lasting construction and improved support so you can play longer without downtime. A 3.5 mm jack makes it popular with almost every device, including most smartphones and tablets. For gaming with ASTRO Audio, the A10 headset is designed to ensure accuracy and precision when listening to your game and your teammates. You will have full control of your game audio experience with the omnidirectional mic, including flip-up silence features an inline Volume Control.
Specifications
Durability: The A10 headset sports rugged anodized aluminum headband covered in a combination of damage-resistant polycarbonate so the headset can survive wins, losses, and all in between.
Comfort: Expanded memory foam ear cushions protect you from exhaustion, and you can play in full relaxation as long as you wish.
Communication: You and your teammates will still hear each other clearly and reliably with the omnidirectional mic incorporating flip-up silence features inline volume control.
Sound quality: Designed for games, the a10 features immersive and accurate audio as planned by the sound engineers. Low delay and clear contact with your voice ensure you are still in touch.
Unlock the gaming experience with PlayStation 4’s A20 wireless headset. Play free with clear, reliable ASTRO recording. Calibrated for gaming delivers stereo sound with 40 mm drivers providing specially calibrated audio quality for a competitive advantage. Broadcasting in 5GHZ wireless interference-free, enjoy the low latency audio gaming anywhere in the living room. No cables and no limits. Tune each input and output parameter, including mic level changes, and configure EQ modes with ASTRO Command Center tools. With pure, precise chat audio featuring flip-to-mute features, always keep your contact under the track. Response frequency 20 to 20,000 Hz.
Specifications
Experience music just as engineers planned for Astro music, providing enhanced stereo sound and audio fidelity of 40 mm driver tuned, especially for a competitive advantage.
Durable construction built-in luxury materials, resistant to damage, offer you a wireless headset engineered to survive wins, losses, and everything in between.
With a battery life of up to 15 + hours, you can play safe, believing your kit will keep up with you on marathon gaming sessions.
Flexible, lightweight fabrics like fabric ear cushions and headband ensure you never have to think about exhaustion from headphones shutting down the game when you’re ready.
The Astro center command program helps you to change both input and output parameters
Pros
Clear, compelling, sculpted tone.
Fits well.
Cons
Slight hissing while lowering the microphone.
Any handling of adjacent in-headset.
Things to Consider before buying Astro Gaming Headset
Choosing a gaming headset is entirely different from choosing a standard headset. When you go for a regular headset, you only look with your headphones for the quality of the sound and the level of comfort. Yet when picking a gaming headset, you can need to weigh in several aspects like outstanding sound quality, maybe including surround sets, absolute comfort levels for long session play, noise cancellation microphones, micro tracking features, etc. A professional headset with the highest sound qualities can allow you to get an advantage over your enemies more in gaming. Only a small pause in gaming will lead to a life lost in many games, and therefore, if you can sense the opponent before you can see them, it can help you make immediate decisions.
Comfort
If you’re a casual gamer and you’re used to playing long session games, then the first thing you need is a non-intrusive and supportive gaming headset. Support is certainly a crucial thing for a gaming headset because long session games will get you exhausted, and if the headset is banging on you, then it can get you all the exhausted and annoy you a lot in a significant way. Astro headsets have been checked manually and mechanically with different heads to provide each person wearing it with an optimal listening comfort level.
All Astro console headphones are constructed from lightweight materials, and you’ll concentrate on the game and not the headset during your games. You will understand the style of the headset when it comes to gaming headsets as to whether you need a lightweight and comfortable fit, or just a snug fit over the neck, or whether you should spend some money on it for maximum comfort.
Open Vs. Closed
If you’re looking for a gaming headset that won’t get you drenched in the game and won’t make you hear the noise from the environment, then you need to go for an open headset for gaming. But if you’re a casual gamer and you don’t need something to interrupt during your playing in this country, then you certainly need to go for a closed headset. These closed headphones curl securely over your ear so you’ll hear the echo from the game which contains surround sound technology, even if anyone shouts at you from behind, you won’t hear anything at all.
Microphones
In multiplayer games, you need to connect with your fellow squad mates, and that can only be achieved easily if you have a headset with a professional microphone. Generally, most of the gaming headphones are connected to a receiver. However, one of the main aspects that need to be remembered is the “nose-cancel” function that can prevent transmitting internal or additional noise and only relay the speech to the other end. Look for headphones that will allow you to remove the microphones while not in use so that you can have any weight from them. It helps you to use your headphones as a regular headphone to play easily for longer hours.
Wired vs. Wireless
Another thing to remember before you buy a gaming headset is whether a wired headset or a wireless headphone is needed. Wireless headphones are typically marginally more expensive than wired ones. It depends on how you play games. When you’re playing games on your Mac, you’re probably playing right in front of your computer, and you don’t have to have a Bluetooth headphone. So if you’re using a game console such as an Xbox or Playstation, then your screen will be positioned near your TV so you might be seated at a distance on your sofa.
You can’t even opt with a wired headset, because you don’t drag wires on the concrete. So, the best alternative here could be a wireless headset. But one thing to note is that the portable ones are a little bigger and heavier than the wired ones because they come packed inside with internal batteries and other devices.
Durability
Gaming headphones are somewhat more costly than regular ears, so caution should be taken to purchase a long-lasting pair. Astro’s gaming headphones are precisely designed and constructed to have exceptional longevity utilizing high-quality components, so you should hope to keep your gaming headphones for several years. Attention to detail and construction consistency is a significant influence.
Sound Quality
A high-quality sound is a must-have option for any headphone that plays sports. Only the subtle noises like the feet of an enemy coming behind you need to be supported by gaming headphones so that you can take evasive action. A decent headset with excellent sound quality will make the adversary hear before you see them. Computer headphones have seen several changes integrating the new technologies to provide professional players with an unparalleled gameplay experience. If you can shell out some bucks, you should go for gaming headphones with Dolby sound features to hear the game sound’s original quality as it was made. With the Astro Audio headphones, you will enjoy a theater-like atmosphere that lets football, movies, and music sound at its best.
Tech enthusiasts and casual players would prefer to use any bit of flexibility to their flexibility. They would only invest in the right equipment in terms of gaming consoles, headphones, etc. These high-quality gaming headphones have every bit of sound in the game like an enemy vehicle coming from a distance or hearing gunshots from a distance from any enemy. But if you’re trying to pay less on gaming handsets, than you can still go with a stereo headset because these headphones always give you a fantastic quality of sound. But the only thing with stereo headphones is that you can’t detect ambient signals, so you can’t distinguish the incoming enemy signals.
When it comes to reviewing the bass headphones, then we mean serious business that produces the deepest earth shattering bass that’ll make your head spin by wearing the one of best bass headphone from given list. For those heads (bass heads) out there looking for the best headphones that’ll literally redefine music. This in-depth review is meant for serious audiophiles who wanna take their listening experience to a new earth-shattering level of enjoyment. And what we offer in this headphone’s review is nothing but an in-depth review of top 10 best bass headphones ever manufactured.
What are on-ear headphones? On-ear headphones are more compact than over-ear designs. They’ve smaller ear cups that rest on the ears and also slightly less bass.
Who should buy on-ear headphones? Listeners who want a decently comfortable fit in a more compact design.
This headphone requires a powerful amplifier and right EQ settings to get the more bass out of them.
This Japanese headphone is our first choice when it comes to bass. JVC HA-SZ2000 play bass better than 99% of other models.
If you think yourself a “basshead” and have not yet tried these, you are not a real “basshead”.
This over-ear (closed-back) headphone is deemed as one of the best bass headphones by many headphone lovers… and for a good reason. (won #1 bass headphones onHead-fi.org”)
The flagship product of JVC which has put in all the latest technology known to them has made these, compete with the best.
Sound (Bass):
When it comes to playing complex sound where single drivers would struggle, this headphone never seems to have a problem or to be trying too tough.
THE bass! You’ll experience a new level of bass unless you are already used to high-grade audiophile headphones. You can be sure this will surpass or at least match the best you have heard in this price range.
With a regular tablet or iPod output you can listen to them loudly, but come alive when connected to a good amplifier.
Without an amplifier, this headphones will not produce the level of bass they are capable of. Keep that in mind.
The monster lows overpower other ranges so they do not come alive, but this is what bass-head headphones are all about.
In the end, we think “bass cannons” would be the most suitable name for these cans.
Comfort:
Big plush ear pads will also fit even the biggest heads. The weight needs some getting used to, but since this is a serious headphone, this is to be expected.
JVC HA SZ2000 headphone is meant to be enjoyed in the comfort of your home sitting or lying down, and the more massive design does not bother that much in this situation. Of course, you can take them with you anywhere outside.
Sound isolation is about average; it is not horrible, but not great either. The good thing is that you can replace original ear pads with better isolating ones.
In the end, high-end headphones, which these are, are usually very comfortable and JVCs are no different.
Design:
Featuring double drivers; 33mm drivers for higher tones and 50mm for deeper tones. The 50mm driver is a sub-woofer which makes in-depth tones extra low for a headphone.
The dual driver design is a bit special and unusual for headphones but does not seem to have any disadvantages, quite the opposite.
The design is strong and bulky and seems these headphones can survive quite a lot of punishment. That’s why they’re quite heavy, but this is not necessarily bad.
You do have to understand that the casing hides two big drivers inside which makes them big.
And the only thing that is lacking is a slightly longer cord. You need an extension if you plan on using these at home.
The price is quite reasonable, for all the technology you get in this headphone, other brands would usually charge you more. This makes this model very good value for money.
If you are looking for a pair of high-grade, comfortable, well-made headphones that play bass like a pro, then JVC HA SZ2000 headphone should be your first pick.
Pros
Pros
BASS… you did not experience before from any headphones
Great value for money, could have easily charged more
This well-known Japanese headphone maker has created high-end, audiophile, over-ear headphone.
Sound (Bass):
The sound in these is full of detail, while loud and bold at the same time. They’re very easy to drive, and you can get high volume out of them with phones and laptops.
The bass is prominent but balanced. You can listen to the deep lows like they were intended, plus get clear trebles and mids as well.
If you are looking for overpowering deep bass, then these are not for you. With Yamaha PRO 500 you get rich, balanced bass, this is the way bass was originally intended to be heard.
And if you want bass above everything else, get JVC HA SZ2000.
Comfort:
These are heavier than alternatives and might be a bit uncomfortable if you are not used to wearing heavier headphones.
Their size also fits bigger heads, if you have a really small head then without jiggling you might have a problem fitting them properly. At the same time, this is good for people with bigger heads. You will not have any problem wearing these at all.
And the noise isolation this offer is only passive and depends on the environment. In really quiet rooms others will be able to hear your music, but outside on the street, you’ll hear the outside sounds just enough to avoid any accidents.
Design:
The design is quite smooth and looks similar to many popular, well-designed headphones. “Some say that these look like Beats copycats.”
These are also sturdy and able to withstand the everyday use. One of the possible problems might be its weight, though you seem to get used to it after some time.
Overall you can see the high attention to aesthetics and detail that Yamaha has put in creating this pair of cans, and we surely appreciate it.
If you are looking for stylish, big and loud, over-ear headphones that play rich and balanced bass, Yamaha PRO 500 is your best choice.
Pros
Pros
Rich, balanced bass
Quite loud without an amplifier
Clear mids and highs
Stylish, sturdy design
Cons
Cons
Heavier than average
More suitable for bigger heads, thus uncomfortable for smaller ones
The V-Moda brand is one of the best and most popular headphones brands in the world.
These closed-back, over-ear headphones easily compete with other bass headphones and excel at powerful bass.
Sound (Bass):
If overpowering, punchy bass is what you seek, these headphones are great for you.
When it comes to clarity of highs and mids these cannot compare to Yamaha PRO 500 or JVC HA SZ2000, but what these do have is punchy, loud, overpowering bass that makes every song sound different than before.
Overall its sound is still great and can easily compare to other headphones (audiophile headphones) in the same price range.
Using an amplifier is very easy, and you will get a high enough volume out of them on a regular smartphone as well.
Comfort:
Here the only drawback is their comfort for people with bigger ears. Smaller, shallow pads can be a little issue, and in some instances, people report excessive sweating around the ears.
This does not mean they are uncomfortable; you can still easily listen to them for hours and hours, as long as you do not have a big head or big ears.
Another great thing about V-Moda Crossfade M-100 is their noise isolation. With great passive isolation, people around you will not be able to hear what you are listening to or if you are listening to anything at all.
You, on the other hand, will still be able to hear some environment sound at lower volumes, to make sure you know what is going on around you. This is always useful when traveling.
Design:
The design of these headphones is very prominent and easily distinguishable for those who know something about headphones. A specific V-Moda design will steal attention in public which is never a bad thing.
The build quality is excellent. Made out of quality materials that give you more confidence to take these headphones with you, anywhere you go, without a single fear of breaking them. You can feel the quality of materials and sturdiness by touching them.
For a portable, a stylish and durable option that sounds great and excels at overpowering bass, Crossfade M-100 is your top choice.
Pros
Pros
Punchy, overpowering bass
Quality, sturdy build that will last
Excellent overall sound quality and clarity
Stylish, recognizable design
Cons
Cons
Might be uncomfortable for people having larger ears
Overpowering bass might be too much for some people
Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 is considered the best portable headphones for many people; this headphone is definitely among the best you can get in the price range.
This is over the ear design with closed back for sound isolation and extra comfort.
While this new model is slightly a bit expensive, you still get a lot of value out of high-grade audiophile headphones that will not leave you disappointed.
Sound (Bass):
The sound is clear and crisp with strong bass to make every genre of music sound well. This is not suitable for people looking for a flat response, but for those who love a more dynamic balance of lows, mids and highs.
You will get them quite loud on your regular MP3 player or smartphone, so there is no need for an amplifier, you can still use it.
The real advantage of Momentum is their balanced, clear sound no matter what genre of music you are playing. This makes them very comfortable for portable headphones for everyday use and even for working out.
The bass response is detailed and accurate which will make audiophiles happy, as long as you are not expecting these to be “bass canons” you will be pleased with the sound signature.
Comfort:
Overall comfort is great. They made them bigger to fit bigger heads as old 1.0 model used to be a bit small.
They’re quite light and makes them very comfortable. You can wear them for hours without any fatigue or pain.
Ear pads are made out of memory foam which is covered by leather which gives them a premium look.
The metal headband loosens over time to fit you correctly if you feel like they are a bit tight at first.
And the sound isolation is quite good as the leather pads protect you from any kind of noise interference, perfect for commuting.
Design:
Durability wise, you can put them, without fear of breaking through a lot of physical stress. Headband and quality metal ear cups will last you years if you take decent care.
A timeless design that fits any outfit and occasion makes them very flexible in their use. Foldable structure and detachable cables help with that.
The mic and in-line remote are compatible with modern smartphones, and there are two models, one for iOS (iPhone) and the other for Android, so make sure to pick the right one.
In the package, you get a beautiful carrying bag, airplane adapter.
If you like dynamic sound with strong bass without overpowering other ranges in a comfortable, durable and portable design, then get Sennheiser Momentum 2.0.
Here is another tremendous product from Sennheiser.
This light-weight bass-rich over-ear headphone is hard to beat.
For the price that you’re paying you are getting an excellent bass response, even though it cannot compare to the models listed above. The HD201 is after all a budget model.
They’re not better than professional “several hundred $ headphone” these are better than any other generic over-ear headphone you can buy in a regular store. For a very low price which is ranging around $20, they’re a steal.
Sound (Bass):
The Sennheiser HD201 model features stereo crisp bass acoustics to give you an above average music experience.
If you are looking to get this model, you’re probably not an audiophile willing to spend hundreds on a pair of headphones, instead, want something affordable that is still good.
Sound quality is excellent for such cheap headphones, the level of detail and soundstage are nothing spectacular. Considering the price, you will have a tough time finding better sounding headphone in such price range.
The bass is punchy and give a good rhythm to the music, but does not overpower other ranges too much.
Comfort:
This brilliant set of headphone prides itself on providing outstanding comfort and excellent noise isolation at a low price.
Ear pads are slightly smaller and very soft. If you have a big head, you might want to try them first or consider some bigger model, but for most people, this should be comfortable.
Design:
They’re very light because of their plastic design and also helps with comfort.
Generally, it feels quite “plasticity,” but this is to be expected from such a cheap model.
As long as you do not abuse them too hard, they should last long enough, in any case, you get two years warranty if the suddenly die out.
For the best value for money, standard over-ear design headphones with strong bass, pick Sennheiser HD201.
Pros
Pros
Very affordable high-quality headphones
Comfortable, soft ear pads
Lovely details and bass for the price
Sennheiser quality
Cons
Cons
Low-end price range, so can not compare to high-end
The Beats Solo 3.0 is a powerful contender in the wireless headphones space, mainly if you’re invested in the Apple products ecosystem.
Beating out many respectable headphone brands, the Solo 3.0 delivers a lively and comfortable listening experience, with a commanding low-end presence.
What is in the Box?
Your unboxing experience of Beats Solo 3.0 will certainly not disappoint, as it arrives in a well-thought package that forecasts the quality inside.
USB charging cable
Beats Solo 3.0 Wireless headphones
Carrying case
Analog 3.5mm RemoteTalk audio cable
Warranty card.
Quick start guide
You will not receive a dedicated charger or USB power converter, but you likely have one already, or you can directly charge them from your computer.
Sound:
These are Beats, that’s why we need to talk about that bass, and yes, there is plenty of it.
The great thing about this headphone is that the low frequencies aren’t so overbearing that it eclipses the rest of the listening experience.
With a good amount of articulation, the bass is punchy and strong. With the low-mid frequencies, there can be a little bit of competition with certain music tracks or genres.
Mids are consistent and allow for great vocal clarity, whether playing movies, listening to music, or listening to podcasts.
The highs are present and not too bright. If anything, the treble range can lack the brilliance and shimmer you might expect for higher frequencies or cymbals.
The balance between the highs and lows is improved when listening to higher volume levels, but the mid/low interaction can become more noticeable as well.
Separation is good, yielding a reasonably wide soundstage that is not excessive. This is great for movies because it seems to keep listening experience in focus.
And the sound quality of the Beats Solo 3.0 Wireless in wired mode is not as strong and crisp as other premium brands, but wireless performance and quality are superior to most.
The Beats Solo 3.0 is a noticeable improvement in the Beats catalog, providing an overall excellent listening experience for modern pop, hip-hop and EDM genres.
Previous Beats haters and detractors might want to give the Beats Solo 3.0 a listen, as the extreme bass coloring of older models has been controlled, better and balanced.
Fans of the original Beats by Dre sound signature will rapidly begin to appreciate the refined articulation and added bass quality.
Comfort:
For a smaller on-ear design, Beats delivers a very comfortable set of headphones with the Beats Solo 3.0.
And lightweight construction allows for a secure fit that does not clamp too hard or feel too tight, maybe users with a large head size may feel some discomfort.
Trimmed soft leather earpads rest comfortably on the ears without pushing too hard against the upper ear, and allowing listeners to wear glasses without too much pressure.
And the drivers inside the earcups are also covered with soft padding that adds to overall comfort level.
Even though they’re lightweight and feel plush, there’s a surprising amount of ambient noise isolation. It is great for focused listening in public or in an office.
While you may not wanna do a lot of strenuous exercise with the Beats Solo 3.0, the headband has a good grip that keeps the headphones in place for most activities.
And some users with larger ears or head size may find that the earpads can cause the ears possibly uncomfortable or to get warm and after an hour of use.
Design:
The Solo 3.0 features a basic design that is not common yet remains true to the Beats brand contemporary style, and it’s available in several tasteful color options.
Its lightweight design features a lot of plastic, but it feels sturdy and solid nonetheless. The headband has very good reinforcement that holds up well.
And earcups have a decent swivel range for a comfortable fit, but they can rattle a bit when carrying the headphones (this doesn’t affect audio quality).
Also, a W1 chip is included for great compatibility with a wide range of devices, including AAC and aptX codecs as well as the support for Bluetooth 4.2.
For Apple device users, Beats headphones will automatically and quickly pair with all devices on the user’s iCloud account once the first device paired.
Wireless audio connectivity range easily exceeds 50′, making this one of the better wireless headphones from a connectivity point of view.
With a playback time surpassing 40 hours and 2 more hours with a 5-minute charge, it is hard to find another set of quality headphones that’ll beat that.
Its standby power mode helps extend the battery life as well.
An included carrying case could be a little more healthy to match the rest of the product quality is one of the few downsides (and a minor one at that).
A standard 1-year warranty is provided. This is merely ok since other premium brands can offer a 2-year to a 3-year warranty on their headphones.
The Beats Solo 3.0 wireless headphones deliver solid value and robust performance that is suitable for bassheads and modern music listeners. Apple users should definitely consider these for their effortless compatibility and classy style.
Pros
Pros
Strong bass response, but not overdone
Lightweight design & very comfortable
Excellent sound quality in wireless mode
Long range connectivity
40+ hour battery life
Cons
Cons
Basic carrying case for a premium product
High frequencies lack detail at lower volume levels
Leather-trimmed earcups can get warm after 45-60 minutes
This cheap on-ear headphone offers excellent bass output that you would expect from other more costly headphones.
While they’re quite small in size, they do not disappoint in their performance.
Sound (Bass):
The sound quality of this headphone will surprise you.
The highs and mids are crisp and accurate which is uncommon for such cheap headphones.
And the best part is the bass. Because of the airflow, the bass comes alive and makes music a lot more lively and dynamic. Many people use them for sports.
You can not ask for better sound; these are superb.
Comfort:
The fit is quite tight and may be uncomfortable for people with big heads, but generally, people report a comfortable fit even during sports.
Its ear hook design works well keeping the headphones on is very easy, and you, need to get used to the feeling of wearing them.
The drivers nearly touch your ears because the cushions are very thin but firm, so comfort is excellent and your ears will not sweat either.
This headphone is air free in other words, everybody around you can hear what you’re listening to.
There is basically no passive noise isolation and you leak sound at higher volumes, and it is good to keep this in mind in public.
Design:
A special nylon protected cord is built for tangle free experience and durability. It looks like fabric but is actually very strong and does not tangle at all.
If this is not best fit for you, then you should choose some other bass headphones, but for this kind of money, you will have a tough time finding such quality bass, especially from a reputable brand like Philips.
If you are looking for dirt cheap headphones that produce above average bass, then get Philips Rich Bass Neckband.
Pros
Pros
Tight fit that does not jiggle
Great bass sound for the size and price
Comfortably light
Very cheap
Cons
Cons
Might be too tight for some people with bigger heads
On-ear Headphones Description
Desc:
On-ear headphones (“Supra-aural” headphones) are popular because they present a nice portable alternative to bulkier over-ear models and can be made using lightweight materials. They also give you that more natural “open” sound and tend to allow more of the environment in since they do not completely close off the surroundings like (closed) over-ear headphones. They offer some comfort advantages as well and also a bit more portable than full over-ear headphones.
Portability:
If you want more portable headphones but do not like in-ear models, then compact on-ear headphone is for you. You can also match this with the fact that most on-ear models will deliver better bass and are not subject to being properly inserted in order to get the familiar sound. Still, even folded, the on-ear headphone is going to take up considerable space compared to in-ear headphone, and while they can work for portability, their strengths lie elsewhere.
Noise Rejection:
We often associate noise rejection with portability and travel—largely because I appreciate noise rejection mostly on airplanes. With that said, I’ve found that on-ear models run the board regarding noise rejection. Certainly, there’re models with active noise cancellation. These will typically cost more (if they sound good) and you will need to power them with a battery (typically AAA cell). For those on-ear models with no active noise cancellation, they can be tailored to produce a natural isolation through closed-back design, or they can welcome the environment for those who prefer to have a more open phone and who are not planning on using them in a warehouse full of machinery.
Comfort:
Comfort is a huge win for on-ear headphone models. They do not tend to “sweat” as much as over-ear headphones, so they can be worn for a long period. Still, if you have any issues with anything being on your ear for a long time, you may wanna really make sure you have a comfortable pair of headphones. Soft synthetic, or soft leather materials do best for on-ear models in our opinion, and cheaper bass headphones in this category tend to cause minor ear fatigue over time. Since on-ear headphones tend to weigh less than their over-ear counterparts, the headbands tend to be more comfortable as well, applying less direct pressure to the sensitive top of your head.
Sound:
The quality sound potential of on-ear headphones is limited only by the skill and design of the manufacturer of headphone. These headphones have infinite sound potential and can range from inexpensive basic models to more sophisticated audiophile headphones that boast hi-fidelity sound and full-range frequency response. Scratch-that, EVERYONE claims hi-fi sound, but with these phones, some models will actually deliver.
Over-ear Headphones Description
Desc:
Over-ear headphones (lovingly called “Circumaural” headphones by guys in lab coats wearing propeller hats). These type of headphones are popular because they can provide a comfortable fit, with advanced features like hi-fidelity sound and noise cancellation. Not all manufacturers who make over-ear headphones product premium models, but there is not much reason to make an over-ear product if you are not serious about your headphones. With over-ear headphones, there is a lot to like and a lot to watch out.
Portability:
These are not highly-portable headphones. That is not to say that you can not take them on a plane (I actually have a pair I take with me when I fly), but they will not be as compact as a pair of over-ear phones or in-ear phones. Over-ear headphones are what sound engineers use and what you will find in many sound design rooms in Hollywood. They do a great job at providing such a natural isolation, and you hear exactly what you need to listen, and very little else.
Noise Rejection:
You get a lot of natural noise rejection with these closed-back over-ear headphones, but this does vary from model to model. I’ve had some that allow quite a bit of noise in from the outside, and there’re even models that are designed to be more open, letting you in more of the environment. And natural sound projects into a room and removing the tone and can create an environment a less realistic experience. A well saying that opinions are like…noses. Everybody has only one.
Over-ear headphones are also the most popular platform for active (NC) noise cancellation. These products reject outside noise by sampling the environment with an external microphone and then playing back that noise out of phase. An inverted waveform effectively removes the noise, leaving you alone with your music—and a much higher dynamic range. These active systems aren’t without their challenges, however. I’ve yet to hear a pair of active noise canceling headphones that sound superior to reference headphones without that technology. Of course, that is in a quiet room. In a noisy environment (like an airplane), the noise cancellation(NC) headphones will win every time.
Comfort:
Over-ear headphones can be either extremely uncomfortable or extremely comfortable. You need to look for a thick, padded headband that’ll distribute the weight well across your head. You also want ear cups that will not sweat easily so that you can wear the headphones for longer. I’ve actually seen some synthetic materials that are more comfortable than real leather and are last longer. Look for pliability and a design that does not have all the weight focused at a single point on your head. It is unfortunate that the new wave in phones is to encase the entire system in plastic. With these new designs, I am finding that the comfort-ability and flexibility are greatly hampered compared to the headphones of a few years ago.
Sound:
Some of the best sound you can get is possible through either open-back or closed-back headphones. These are where the flagship or reference products are and where you’ll find all of the R&D that then trickles down to some other products. And if you want the most consistent, very best possible sound in a headphone, you’re likely to end up with some sort of over-ear model.
Are you searching for Best Studio Headphones? Check out our top pick. Read Buyer’s Guidehere>>
A great pair of best headphones can make all the difference in producing quality recordings and overall listening satisfaction. Especially this goes for home recording environments where acoustically treated rooms are less common, often limiting the accuracy of soundings speaker systems. For most people, and the highest quality listening experience available at home is a pair of best studio headphones.
It is not conformity that most of the musicians also love listening to music, and these headphones are great for that too. So we have also added information relevant for your listening pleasure.
There are also usable Cheap Studio Headphones available on the internet, but when you consider all the use you will get out of them and your likely investment in other music gear, then it makes sense to get really good headphones.
We have set our price range for headphones in this guide at $100 to $500 to focus on higher quality while remaining affordable for most music lovers.
Here what you want is the best headphones possible that will get the job done.
Before we dive into it, let us take a step back and understand that there are two types of headphones for two different purposes:
Closed-Back Headphones – Perfect for recording purpose. What you want is sound isolation…you do not want sound bleeding into the mic, do you? A design of closed-back prevents the sound from escaping into the outside world. Read More->
Open-Back Headphones – Perfect for mixing purpose. Why? Because open-back headphones provide higher sound quality which is what you need when you are balancing the tracks, fine-tuning the sound and adding effects to boost the original recording. The sound is able to go in two directions – towards your ear and outwards – creating a more realistic experience. Read More->
The famous German audio company named Sennheiser has been around since 1945, and they know what it takes to make the top of the line headphones.
The HD 280 Premium leans on the affordable side of the spectrum & provides a balanced and flat sound depiction. So, why have we placed them first in the list? It comes down to two things – sound isolation and sound.
We could not find any sound coloration in our testing. It’s a perfectly neutral sounding headphone that treats the highs, mids, and lows all equally. Fantastically analytical, for a studio environment this headphone is a great budget entry.
Due to attenuation of up to 32dB, they are great at keeping noise out as well as keeping it in.
And it’s sound is fantastic, but at this price range, not everything can be perfect. Here we found that the headbands had a strong initial force of clamping causing some discomfort even with the ample padding on the headband and the cups. It will take a week or so for these to loosen up.
They are not the most attractive headphones we have seen, on top of that. It is a plain black color, and primarily
plastic’s made. However; it is a thick plastic that feels and looks tough resulting in a durable piece of kit and lightweight.
Since their inception way back in 2003, these headphones have been super popular, and it is easy to see why. Isolation meets durable design and quality sound production. Considering the two-digit price tag, you really could not ask for anything more about this product.
It is a perfect tool for recording or for those who are looking for a great pair of headphones, and it is also extremely well priced. That’s why we put it on top; it deserves a number 1 spot here.
Pros
Pros
Excellent noise isolation
Durable thick plastic design
Fantastic sound quality
Great value for the price
Light Weight
Folds for portability
Cons
Cons
Not the best looking headphones
Fixed cable
Initial clamping may bother some wearers but will loosen up
If you could measure the value of a sound against the value of money, then Audio Technica ATH-M50x provides the best bang for your buck. It produces the best/ fantastic sound for a sub $200 product.
And it is not just us who are saying this. Reading reviews across the web from sites like Cnet, head-fi, and rtingsconfirms a unanimous love for this product. Let’s delve into it.
Soundwise, it is hard to fault. The sound is accurate amongst the highs, lows, and mids with a tight bass to boot. Sincerely, there is a little downplay in the bass and a little bit of variation in the highs, but on the whole, they clinically provide a solid representation of pretty much any soundscape.
The Sennheiser HD280’s provide a more higher-end response, the M50x injects more character into the sound making it more fun to listen to but still within the bounds of critical listening.
Recommend these over the slightly cheaper M50, why? Well, the M50x comes with detachable cords including a 1.2 m coiled cord which contracts and stretches to give you a freedom of movement.
It also means that it’s broken cable is easy to replace. On top of this, the ear cups and headband feature a comfortable plusher and softer leather, making them more comfortable.
In most, everything else remains the same, with the construction being primarily plastic in both the models. Overall, these extensions make the headphone more usable and more comfortable – so we think that they are definitely virtuous of the small price range.
So if we were to choose one thing to nitpick, it would be the sound isolation which is OK in it. It get’s the job done, but if we found deep quality sounds like you may hear on public transport or on a highway may penetrate the ear cups more than in other models. But you will have no issues in a studio, home environment or office.
It is also slightly annoying that the cords do not come with an integrated volume controls or microphone. However, this is not a headset, this is a headphone, so we can easily forgive them for this.
Great sound and a sturdy and comfortable construction make the M50x one of our highly recommended headphones. For the price, they are an utter bargain considering the plethora of best headphones that produce worse sound for equal or higher cost.
And now we have an entry from the brand Sony. Perhaps the only high competitor to the Sennheiser HD 280 in regards to value, since being introduced in 1991, the Sony MDR-7506 has stood the test of time.
Like Sennheiser, this pair of headphones has entered fabulous status by being producing great sound and affordability.
It is best to describe the sound as flat as it does not over or under-represent any aspects of the musical range. No portion is too soft or loud.
Audiophiles will especially love this product as it makes the job of equalizing and mixing a lot easier as compared to others.
The construction is pretty stable as well. The ear cups are solid aluminum, and the adjustment arms and headband under the padding are metal. We found it has very less plastic than more expensive models and as such, it is also more durable. We can probably attribute this to the 26-year-old rugged design principles that Sony has stuck by.
Its construction is impressive and equally so is the comfortability. The race track style ear pads are also a great feature and provide the perfect mix of over-ear comfort and on-ear sound isolation. Couple this design with a relatively gentle clamping force, and we got only one pair of best headphones that can be worn for hours on end without any issue.
What is wrong with these headphones? Nothing much really. So if you want to be picky, the worst thing is the un-attachable cable and the plain design. Oh, and you might find ear pads to be lacking in durability, they can be replacedhere easily.
You get more with the Sony MDR-7506 then you pay for. It is great budget-friendly headphones that many amateurs and professionals continue to use today.
Pros
Pros
Fantastic sound quality
Solid noise isolation
Comfortable and durable design
Good use of metal components
Racetrack style ear pads
Excellent value for the price
Cons
Cons
Ear pads lack durability
Plain looking
Fixed cable
For a majority of the people, three headphones that have already been listed are enough to satisfy your home multimedia thirst or studio recording. For other insatiable audiophiles, continue reading for more top rated headphones.
Beyerdynamic is a German company that has been in the audio industry since 1924. Along with Shure, it is one of the oldest audio companies around.
For Beyerdynamic, experience does equate to quality, and you will find a great pair of closed-back headphones in DT 770 PRO.
These are indeed not budget headphones but are still comfortably within reach of someone wanting to spend a little bit extra for better construction and sound quality.
Let’s begin with what it is made out of – it is pretty much a combination of metal and sturdy plastic.
The ear pads are made from velour (material similar to velvet) while the spring steel headband is wrapped with leather.
It results in a marvelous comfortable fit which is accomplished by a soft clamping force.
Undeniably, these are one of the most comfortable headphones we have had the pleasure of wearing.
For this price, we expect great sound, and that is what we got. In our testing the treble, mid and bass were all rendered to a high-quality standard. The only thing about which we could complain is the marginally recessed mids. Overall, it is a more neutral and open sound amongst the most of bass heavy headphones that are included in closed back designs.
Regarding of noise confinement, we found some sounds like phone rings to go through whilst listening at a mid-level volume. It is not a big deal, but it is something worth mentioning in an otherwise fantastic set of headphones.
They are solid in terms of sound isolation and great for comfort, sound quality, and style. Our verdict-highly recommended!
An impedance of 32, 80 and 250-ohm is available for this model. If you don’t know about what impedance means, read Buyer’s guide.
Pros
Pros
Super comfortable ear pads with light but firm clamping force
Aptly named the QuietComfort 35, these headphones excel in two things. Yep, you guessed it – comfort and noise isolation.
Bose is known for producing industry-leading noise-canceling headphones and it is no surprise this pair has exceeded our expectations.
Let us start with the construction and comfort.
The outer ear-cups are metal and complete the closed-back design while the frame and headband are thick and durable plastic.
Alcantara provides a great deal of satisfaction and covers the headband along with the synthetic leather ear-cups.
One more plus is that these have a wireless mode which is the only differentiating factor between this product/modeland its predecessor, the wired QuietComfort 25.
And of course, a sound is better in the wired mode, but the wireless setting is a cool feature nonetheless.
You will also get a generous twenty(20) hours of battery charge which is a lot enough and more than other similarpriced models also.
We found sound reproduction to be spot on except for a bit of emphasis/insistence on the bass.
Music from Drake or Frank Ocean sounds fantastically vivid, with vocals being distinguished from each other. Echo sound lively as well and showcase a level of clarity that we would expect at this valuable price range.
The best thing about this is, of course, the noise cancellation – and that is where the magic happens. Just wearing these provide a natural passive noise cancellation, but this is also taken to a whole new level when you power on this active noise cancellation feature. Once activated, it is like hitting mute on the outside world, and all that’s left is only you and your lovely music.
Sure, sounds do still get through, but these are kept to a min – a drastic improvement over marketed headphones and similarly priced like the Turtle Beach Elite 800.
And it is not just us who think that this is truly the best when it comes to noise cancellation. When it comes to this feature lists from cnet, pcmag and lifewire, all rank the headphone at number 1.
The only thing does stand out like a sore thumb though. It is impossible to switch off the active noise cancellation when using these headphones in wireless mode (AKA Bluetooth). It is not a deal breaker, but it does mean that needless batter power is lost to something you might not want to even use.
If you really care about getting headphones that have the best noise cancellation effect, you can not look past the Bose QC 35, and hey, they also have a pretty good sound production as well and a wireless mode that is handy if you are moving about. Basically, if your first objective is to buy a pair of best headphones to use in public spaces, then this offering from Bose should be at the top of your list.
Pros
Pros
Extremely comfortable
Long battery life in wireless mode
Industry-leading noise cancellation
Solid sound production, especially in the wired mode
In-line microphone
Cons
Cons
Active noise cancellation turns on with Bluetooth automatically
A French company enters the mix whose headphones represent a super-class above the rest in providing a genuinely neutral sound experience. And it may sound like a bold statement, but this headphone is one of the best when it comes to critical listening.
Here On top of a detailed sound, the ear cups are adjustable at different angles meaning that you will be able to get the perfect fit. The memory foam helps you greatly for noise isolation as the cups will mold to your ears and will seal in the musical goodness; thus it is providing a better than average noise isolation experience.
The Focal Spirit could be a bit gentler, regarding comfort. The headband is wrapped in leatherette with a soft foam pad on the area that touches your head. And we found the clamping to be a little bit tight, but over time it does relax – it just takes a while to break in.
And the closest sounding headphones to this pair is Audio Technica’s ATH-50x which are more comfortable but do not provide the astoundingly precise sound that we have seen (or heard) here.
However; it should be noted here, that the ATH-50x is significantly cheaper and does provide a better value for the price range.
Focal has shown an unwavering commitment to an objective and clean audio experience, they have achieved that with the Focal Spirit Professional.
As an audio professional if you are looking for a top-notch studio monitor, you will be hard-pressed to find a better pair of headphones at a range of sub $400.
Pros
Pros
Outstanding sound production
Cable with remote and microphone
Solid sound isolation
Adjustable ear cups
Cons
Cons
A headband is a bit tight at first
7. Shure SRH1540 – Open-back sound quality in a closed-back skin
The Shure SRH1540 is where impressive sound quality meets a premium construction.
If you care about how best your headphones look as much as how they sound well than perhaps this is the best choice for you.
Let’s start with the cup; they are made from an aluminum and carbon-fiber construction. They are covered with Alcantara – a microfiber similar to suede that you will commonly find in car seats.
It has tiny holes to allow breathing and thereby prevents overheating and sweat that is a common prob in leather pads.
The lightweight materials used in it keep these headphones from exceeding 300 g in weight – and an impressive feat considering the relatively large size.
You will find yourself being able to wear them for an entire day without feeling discomfort which is a plus because that is exactly what you would want to do.
The fanciness does not stop there; the top band is covered in pleather (protein leather). It’s got a longer lifespan than real leather and provides greater relaxation.
All of these elements together create a posh looking set and super comfortable headphones.
It’s something we would expect for the affordable asking price.
Now onto the most important part – that is sound.
We would say it mostly sticks to a neutral presentation and exposes every element of the production which you’re listening to. While some reviews point out a mild inclination towards treble and bass, making the mid-range seem slightly recessed, we could not identify this as an issue in our testing.
Its sound quality can be highly subjective, but we can say safely that there is a unanimity conclusion that these headphones produce a clean, crisp sound production that is very true to the source. On top of this, the sound-stage is mainly considering the closed-back design and gives the sound a sense of depth.
Honestly, the fault in these headphones lies in the isolation of noise. While sufficient for everyday use they do not block out sound as good as other less expensive models like Sennheisers’ HD Pro 280.
Clearly, this is a trade-off for excellent comfort as the soft clamping force, and soft plush ear pads don’t lend themselves well to blocking out circling sound. Though this is not a big deal since these cans are also super great for mixing, with audio production rivaling that of many high-end open-back models.
Necessarily, these cans hit a sweet spot before we enter the diminishing returns infidelity that occurs once you reach a certain price point.
It is a top headphone pick for any multimedia environment, but it is limited portability tells us that it’s foremost a studio monitor that should not ever leave its natural habitat.
The Crossfade M-100 is a headphone packed full of features, For the versatile audiophiles out there, that is complemented by a remarkablyenduring design.
Let’s mention the good.
Typically V-Moda fashion, the headphones are built to last with a steel-reinforced headband and a robust metal frame. Dropping these bad boys would not cause any damage. Even, if you tried flattening the headband ten times, they will still return to their original shape.
The ear cushions are made from faux leather and covered with memory foam which is much needed to negate the somewhat strong clamping force. Over time this clamping force will soften to a more appropriate level, and we found reverse bending the headband will ease the pressure.
This product has many cool features as well.
Each ear cups have a cable socket so you can also adjust the side of the connection to what works best for you.
This cable also comes with an additional connection that calls Share-play, so someone can listen in on what you are grooving to.
The closed-back design is very appealing and robust with the back of the ear cups looking almost ornamental with six screws holding a shield plate. And the color of these plates can also be customized as well as the shield design.
It might be a bit bombastic to say, but these headphones are a personification of quality craftsmanship and durability.
This is an unbiased review, so we need to look at the cons as well.
Perhaps the biggest gripe about this product is that the sound is not wholly analytical. But what else could we expect?
This is a headphone by V-Moda, and they are known to emphasize bass more than other sound elements.
Overall these cans will sound great if you like a warm sound with a bit more emphasis on bass.
If you are looking for color-free reproduction, then you will find what you are looking for further up this list.
These headphones are very well constructed and provide a fun listening experience even when compared to headphones in a similar price range.
Every element performs solidly, making the Crossfade M-100 a strong choice for bass head or the versatile audiophile.
Pros
Pros
Folds in for portability
Extremely durable and high-quality design
Cool Share-play feature
An interchangeable connection on the left or right ear cup
Good noise isolation
50 mm driver for most influential bass
Cable has inline remote and microphone
Generous feature set considering the price
Detachable cable
Cons
Cons
Clamping force is a bit strong initially
The sound is fun, but more analytical production is available in this price range
Sound isolation is just as important when it comes to closed-back headphones, if not more so than sound quality. With this mindset, it is, that we can forgive ourselves for including another pair of wireless headphones.
The Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 is competing with its best in class rival, the Bose QC35 and a solid offering from the American housed company.
These instruments come in two varieties – a plain grey, and a black tan.
The tan style brings on a ‘hate it’ or ‘like it’ sentiment. We can appreciate the ample leather that lines the ear cups and headband – but the brown color of the headband base will leave some scratching their head at the choice of poor design. Further, this is implicated by the silver accents of the ear cups which contrast massively against the brown palate of the headband.
The only thing left us wanting more was the lack of portability. We were expecting a wireless headphone to be complemented by the ability to fold up, but these cans cannot do that.
The ear cups do swivel, but that is as far as it goes. Along with the design of the model of black tan mentioned earlier, this is another aspect which seems to be neglected by Plantronics.
It would just seem logical that a wireless headphone marketed towards portability would be able to confine into a more travel-friendly package, but surely, Plantronics had a different idea.
There is a lot of technology packed in the form of active noise cancellation in each ear cup. It can be toggled on or off with a button on the left ear cup. Of course, turning it on will reduce the battery life drastically.
Both active and passive noise cancellation is not as good as Bose’s QC35, but they still beat out many similar price range headphones.
In terms of sound, it is pretty solid across the board, with emphasis on the bass. The fans of the previous model – the Backbeat Pro – will have expected this, but audiophiles may be disappointed in it’s less than analytical approach.
These headphones are not as good at the sound quality or noise cancellation as the Bose QC35, but they are also significantly cheaper than previous, and they provide 4 hours more battery life (24 Vs 20). For that reason, we have included them on this list, and they are worth consideration if solid sound isolation, mobility, and a lower budget are your priority.
Pros
Pros
Comfortable
Fun sound production with emphasis on bass
Good noise isolation
An affordable option if the Bose QC35 is too expensive
On this list, the last couple of entries have let us leaning towards more fun and accessible headphones rather than strictly analytical ones.
Fittingly, we have rounded off this list with a similar type in the form of the Wireless Beats Studio.
Beats is the type of a brand that people who know nothing about headphones have heard of. Does their prevailing vibe condemn their products to a casual listening crowd whilst being scorned by snotty audiophiles? Not entirely so. The Wireless beats studio is one such model that has met and exceeded our expectations.
Firstly, the design is hi-end and incredibly sleek.
The headband is a bit rigid and pretty thin, but luckily the ear cups are well-padded resulting in a comfortable experience.
A headband is actually a textured rubber that lends itself well to stick to your head. Combine this with a lightweight of 260 g, and you can run with these on – a feat easier said than done when it comes to over-ear headphones.
This is a wireless model; the sound is pretty decent. It is renowned that Beats insistence the bass, and the studio wireless is no exception. It is a rich sound with the highs and mids being quite well-balanced.
Here active noise cancellation works well and does an excellent job of blocking out most moving noises.
However; in wireless mode it is impossible to turn off, resulting in a battery life of only 12 hours. It is a disappointing quality since these headphones excel in being portable in every other aspect.
In spite of all, this is a pretty good offering from Beats studio who have succeeded in creating an attractive set of headphones that can move with you quickly.
Being wireless, we do not expect them to sound as analytical as say the Audio-Technica’s ATH-50x or Focal Studio headphones, but they are definitely well suited to listeners who are looking for a piece of kit that is attractive and mobile.
However; if you are looking for a better pair of wireless headphones, you are better off with the Bose QuietComfort 35.
Pros
Pros
Sleek and attractive design
ANC works solidly
Comfortable fit
Folds for extra portability
Solid sound production with emphasis on bass
Available in multiple colors
Cons
Cons
Slightly expensive
Only 12 hours battery life
Can’t disable noise cancellation even in wireless mode
Sitting between the Sennheiser HD 650 and 580 models, we have the HD 600. Simply put, every sound geek should consider these headphones, and we will tell you why.
Let us start with the comfort factor. One word: velour. Yep, we found these cans to be marvelous comfortable because of the plush velour material that covers the ear-pads.
We could wear this piece of product for hours without any sweat developing which is more likely to happen with leather-padded ear cups.
In this piece, most of the components in the construction are also removable, including the ear pads, grill, and cable.
This also adds a lot of life to an already sturdy pair of headphones; you can rest assured that you’ll be using this pair of headphones for a long time to come.
A lot of its construction is plastic which is a bit disappointing, but on the flip-side keeps these almost large headphones lightweight.
When it comes to sound production, the 600 is a class above the rest.
Without any doubt, 600s are the most flattest and neutral sounding headphones under $400. Tyll Hertsens from innerfidelity describes them as ‘one of best buys in the world of audiophile
headphones.’
For, David Mahler, in his massive ‘Battle of the Flagships’ thread, has awarded an A+ (one of only five models out of 58 to do so) to them and says ‘Dollar for dollar, the Sennheiser HD600 is among the best sounding headphones I have ever heard.’
The verdict is simple: For any audiophile who takes mixing (or music) seriously, the HD 600 should be at the top of her or his list.
What about the Sennheiser HD 650? It released six years after the HD 600; the HD 650 is another fantastic pair of headphones. Even though both sound remarkably similar, the 650’s have slightly more coloration in their sound representation. It is still a great pair of headphones for mixing, but the 600s are slightly better in this regard.
Pros
Pros
Very comfortable
Best sound in class
Easily replaceable components
Detachable cable
Cons
Cons
Does not fold in
It takes a while to break in and become cozy
Lots of plastic in the construction
2. AKG K240 – The best semi-open headphones under $100
There are a lot of good headphones under $100, so it took us a big deal of time to trim the group down to the one that stood out.
Without a doubt, AKG K240 is the best pair of headphones you can put your hands on for under $100.
These headphones are semi-open technically, so they offer an increased level of sound isolation without compromising on sound quality.
In other words, they punch a balance between open and closed-back designs to get the best of both.
So what did we think of them? Well, the sound quality is top notch for the price. The sound is well defined, flat and accurate with equalized lows, mids, and highs and deep bass. Still, there is some leakage but not as much as an utterly open-backed headphone.
In typical AKG fashion, the headphones use a shape-forming gimbal suspension design. The result is ear cups that sit comfortably on the ears rather than clamping down on them like other branded headphones.
Besides being comfortable, they are also very durable, with the headband being made from steel. You could throw these around without any issue.
Truth be told, you would not be getting sound that is as good as the Sennheiser HD 800 or 600. However; at those high prices, AKG have struck a perfect balance of sound quality and price, and sound quality does suffer from diminishing returns. You can grab a pair for close to $50 on Amazon which is an absolute steal if you ask us.
Pros
Pros
Excellent sound production for under $100
A detachable cable which is great for portability
Gimbal suspension design for a non-clamping and super comfortable fit
Durable construction, hand-made in Brooklyn, New York
Cons
Cons
Low noise cancellation for a semi-open-backed design
Sennheiser is renowned in the musical world for producing industry-leading sound – this is exemplified by the fact that we have already included them three times in this article. Mainly, these headphones are all about function, but refreshingly, we have found a form to take an equal front seat.
This model comes with both ivory and black styling.
Both feature gloss burl wood accents, and ivory model is especially striking with its tan and beige color scheme that contrasts heavily with the more traditional colors of Sennheiser models.
Although primarily made from plastic, the model still looks exclusive thanks to the strong color scheme and amply padded headband and luxuriously velvet padded ear cups.
Comfortability deserves top marks here, making these cans super perfect for long music sessions.
These headphones produce tremendous sound as well, with the soundstage being the most active element.
Indeed, if hearing the spaciousness and depth of a recording is your priority, then you are in safe hands.
We can thank Sennheiser’s E.A.R (Eargonomic Acoustic Refinement) technology for this, and it is the same technology used in the much higher end HD 800 S.
Overall, we would say the sound is pretty relaxing and would not cause any fatigue even after long sessions. The highs, mids, and lows are very well represented, but the bass lacks a bit of oomph.
In the Sennheiser 598 HD, we get a refinement of sound that has been exemplary of the 500 series.
Combine this with a quirky and solid design; these headphones are a solid mid-budget choice for anyone serious about music.
Pros
Pros
Quirky and attractive design
Accurate sound production with amazing sound stage
Detachable cable
Durable and comfortable build with premium materials
Cons
Cons
Bass lacks physical impact – not the best for bass heads
If you’re looking for a sound that takes ‘out of your head’ to the extreme, then the AKG K702 might be what you are looking for.
An Austrian company has patented Laminate Varimotion Diaphragms (LVD) in its ear cups which produce out-of-head imaging.
This means the sound appears to be coming further away which is saying a lot considering the open-back design. And the result is spacious and an open sound stage with a low level of distortion.
The velour cushions combined with the metal and leather headband make for a comfortable experience of wearing, and we found no issues wearing these headphones for hours on end.
We chose 702 model over the 701 because it comes with a detachable cable (easier to replace if it breaks!) and also a more durable matte black finish. It is only a slightly more expensive, so we think it is definitely worth the investment.
The fact that these headphones do not fold up and the lack of a storage case is a bit disappointing. They are relatively large, so we can see why AKG did not design these to be portable?
However; the detachable cable leaves us with our head scratching as this is the best compliment to a would-be portable design.
Despite its drawbacks, what you are really paying for is an exceptional audio quality that will reveal all the hidden mistakes and gems in your recordings. They are not the ‘funnest’ cans to listen to, but they achieve their expected purpose with flying colors.
Pros
Pros
Spacious and neutral sound
Very comfortable with velour cushions
Durable design and finish – handmade and tested in Austria
Beyerdynamic has already made it onto the best closed-back headphones list with the DT 770 Por. Here it turns out they also make excellent open-back headphones as well.
DT 990 premium is a great sounding studio HiFi headphone that is a pleasure to wear.
The best way of describing them is that they sound similar to the Sennheiser HD 600 headphone but are more bassy and even more comfortable.
It is more or less a flat response that provides a rich and deep bass without exaggerating it.
At first glance, in most cases, the ear cups will completely envelop your ears without them even touching, and they are large as well. This results in an extremely comfortable wearing experience, perhaps one of the best we have seen in the sub $200 price bracket.
The velour ear cups and leather-like headband provide more than enough cushion for long sessions of listening.
We were amazed to find the headband wholly made from metal in such price. The headband padding mentioned above is also detachable which is made for an easily replaceable component.
The ear cups are mainly plastic which is the best thing as it helps reduce the overall weight of these reasonably large headphones.
Overall, it is a solid looking piece of equipment and will be able to handle the scrapes and bumps of day to day use.
The DT 990 Premium is a perfect mixing companion and therefore great for critical listening.
Its design is built to last, and you can expect your investment to keep paying dividends in coming years.
Like other models of Beyerdynamic, you can purchase these at different impedance levels – 32 and 250 ohm.
Pros
Pros
Extremely comfortable with ample cushion
Durable design with a completely metal headband
Excellent sound production with solid bass
Replaceable headband padding
Good value for the price
Cons
Cons
Large build
Non-detachable cord
Does not fold
6. Grado SR80e – Prestige Series Headphone (Open-back)
Another budget headphone enters this list in the form of Grado SR80e. If you aren’t put off by the primary packaging and no-frills approach to accessories that the company is renowned for, then these set of headphones have a lot to offer regarding sound quality.
But first, let us address the most exciting point.
These are the only headphones we have mentioned that have an open-back, on-ear design.
That is right; the ear cups actually sit on your ear. At first, it was a little bit itchy and unusual, but we eventually got used to it, and the natural ease of the foam took over.
We found our ears did not get overheated and as a result sweating was not an issue which is all too common with leather style ear cups.
Its construction is mostly plastic, with metal being used a bit where needed. We found this, combined with the foam ear cups provided enough comfort efficiently because the headband is also synthetic leather.
These headphones sound fantastic for the price.
It is best described by two words – crispy and clean. Each element of the sound spectrum, from the low’s to the high’s is accurately represented, and there is no bleeding of the sound elements into each other.
Due to the design, the sound is a little bit more in your ears, and we agree with some reviewers who have reviewed that it can be a fatiguing listening experience.
Our own experience combined with the myriad of positive reviews online tells us that these headphones are one of the best soundings you can buy for under $100.
Among the other affordable headphones we have listed, you cannot really choose wrong with this pair, the AKG240 or the Samson SR850.
Pros
Pros
Solid and durable design
Good sound production across the frequency range
Excellent value for the price
Lay flat for portability
Comfortable and lightweight once you get used to it
Cons
Cons
Basic packaging with no storage case
On-ear ear cups takes getting used to
Non-detachable cable
Sound can get a little bit aggressive resulting in listening fatigue
Whereas the Sennheiser HD 600 offers class-leading sound, it can be said that the 800 S possesses the best sound, period.
With the Sennheiser HD 800 S, the truth is exposed in the music. Every twang and clang, and vocal is heard with a precision that is leaps and bounds ahead of the competition.
There is nothing to hide – every strength and every flaw is exposed. These headphones are absolutely critical in their sound production and do not discriminate between any element of the music.
Every sound is clearly represented as if it was being played just outside of your ears.
Apart from the sound, it is another plus if you like a retro sci-fi look. Think of Blade Runner. The combination of plastic, metalwork, and head-hugging fabric creates it a slightly heavy but provide an extremely comfortable wearing experience.
The detachable cloth-covered Y-cable (1 connection for each cup) is military grade as it is reinforced for extra durability with Kevlar.
For something worth upward of $1500, we would not expect anything but the best.
Compared to the HD 800, the HD 800 S offers an, even more, cohesive and smoother sound experience that is a no-brainer choice for those seeking the best reference sounding cans.
If you have a cash, these headphones offer the perfect sound experience money can buy.
So, why are they not number 1, if producing the best sound?
Well, even though they are great in many ways, they cost a fortune. But their popularity is limited to individuals with lots of professionals demanding the best or spare cash.
Also, sound quality provides diminishing returns as we get to an expensive price range.
For most people, the much more affordable headphones already mentioned are more than enough.
Pros
Pros
Retro-inspired design
Very comfortable Industry leading sound production
8. Samson SR850 – Budget headphone for beginners (under $50)
Similar to the AKG K240, the Samson is another budget-friendly headphone that punches well above its class.
We do apologize that this is another semi-open design; however, we could not leave it out of this list because it represents so much value.
Here the outside of the ear cups are mainly plastic and colored with shades of black.
It is not flattering and leaves a lot to be desired, but at this price, it is something we would expect.
The ear cups are pretty thick which provides plenty of comfort for a long session.
They actually look very similar to AKG models. In fact, many reviewers have even said that they are AKG clones. From the similar headband to the connection of the ear cups it is clear Samson has taken a lot of inspiration from the most established company.
These sound very solid with decent treble and full sounding bass. The main matter is a lack of depth which higher-end models have less of an issue with.
Hence; if you’re an audio perfectionist, more expensive models like those offered by Beyerdynamic or Sennheiser will suit your taste.
On the whole, these headphones provide relatively neutral sound with a bit of character and hence are well suited for a professional studio environment.
If you are just looking to crack open a new pair of headphones that are extremely budget friendly or you’re new to music production, then this headphone, along with the previously mentioned AKG K240, are the best picks.
Pros
Pros
Excellent sound value for the money
Self-adjusting headband
A comfortable headband and ear cups
Large 50 mm drivers for deep bass
Cons
Cons
Still leaks a lot of sounds – treat these as if they were open-backed
Cheap materials – plastic and vinyl – which is expected at this price
These headphones are best for audiophiles looking for serious audio quality whilst being on a budget. And you can grab these for less than $150 which is almost comparable to the previously mentioned Sennheiser HD 598.
With a generally flat response, these are a pretty analytical set of cans. Because of their open-back design, they also offer a huge sound-stage which is convenient to classical orchestra music.
Considering its drivers are a large 53 mm, the bass surprisingly lacks prevalence, and it is clearly distinguishable, we found some punch to be missing. This type of audio response is expected to be a more neutral leaning, but for those who enjoy a more bassy soundscape, the AD770X is the best alternative.
In terms of the design, Audio Technica is designed to fit all heads without adjustment, and signature wing suspension system is well implemented. We found it to provide an excellent level of comfort and work extremely well.
Despite the fledgling bass, the sound is an overall step up from the more budget-friendly models and also offers audiophile quality at a cost that would not break the bank. We highly recommend these pairs if you have a mid-range budget.
This is actually Shure’s first open-backed headphone, and it is impressive to say that they have hit a home run.
For the price, the sound quality is on point. You will hear sounds in recordings you never thought were there.
It is a perfect companion to your mixing endeavors.
These headphones have a warmer midrange and a bass that is not exaggerated.
The sound is intensely realistic to listen to while you are wearing these.
The velour covered ear pads are comfortable, and the lightly padded headband is easily adjustable and also flexible enough to provide that extra level of comfort.
At this price point, we would expect nothing less, and a comfortable pair of headphones means we get to listen to best sounding music for more extended periods of time.
Ear cups attach to the headband through aircraft-grade aluminum yokes which looks super sleek and provides fantastic durability.
At this price, you pretty much get exactly what you pay for.
The SRH1840 are solid entry and a new from Shure and prove that they are just as good at making (open-back) headphones as they are with (closed-back) headphones.
Pros
Pros
Extra comfortable with the flexible build
Lightweight
Natural and well-rounded sound
Comes with replacement ear pads and detachable cables
Cons
Cons
Headband padding a little thin
Closed-Back Headphones – Description
As its name implies ‘closed-back’ are those headphones whose cups have a hard enclosure. It means that the sound is primarily directed towards your ears instead of towards outside world.
Music is more inside your head, and less like it is coming from a room.
The main advantage is to isolate noise a lot better than open-back headphones, which also makes them great for recording. It means other people will have a hard time hearing what you are listening to.
After all, no one wants to hear distractions from the outside when recording a track. You also do not want to get the sounds you are listening to jumbled up in your recordings!
Closed-backs are extremely popular because their tremendous applications also stem outside the studio. Including ourselves, you will find many people use closed-back headphones for multimedia usage and gaming as they keep outside disturbances to a minimum while offering a good level of the hang-up.
Open-Back Headphones – Description
Ok, now we have gone through the best picks for closed back headphones it is now time to show a bit of love and taste to the open-back variety.
Open back are headphones with the back of the headphone cup open so that the sound travels towards your ears as well as towards the outside world.
Now if compared to closed-back, they provide superior sound quality and better soundstage music sounds more natural like it is part of the environment rather than only in your head. And the bad news is that everyone in the room will be able to hear what you are listening to.
Open-back headphones are better for two things:
If you are recording instrument which does not require any microphone. Therefore there will be no issue of sound leakage.
If you are mixing then you want to hear the best possible sound quality – open back headphones provide superior quality.
Now you know better why you need open back headphones, so without more ado let’s begin the count.
Best Studio Headphone – Buying Guide
Here is a simple informational guide that will give you some much-needed information regarding purchasing a new set of headphones. Now let go over some of the basics:
Tech Specification, what do they mean?
When it comes to headphones, there is usually a recurring set of features that come up describing them. Let us see what they mean:
Frequency response: The range of sound produced by the headphone is known as a Frequency
Response. The audible frequency for most of the people is 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz), and basically, all headphones cover this frequency range, and then some. The range covers the bass, mids, and highs. For practical purposes, over 20,000 Hz is inaudible and below 20 Hz is usually felt rather than heard (like a deep vibration).
Impedance: Impedance is a technical term but breaks it down simply, it means how much power is required to deliver an audio volume. For example, low impedance of say 35 ohms, means little power is needed (perfect for phones and other portable devices). A vast impedance such as 250 ohms requires more power, and finally, they are protected from overloading.
E.g., if you were to connect a low impedance headphone to a high powered amplifier or a DJ mixer, chances are you will blow them out. Hence, it is essential to know what type of equipment you intend on using your headphones with.
Similarly, if you were to connect a high impedance headphone to a phone and play a music, you would find that the volume would not be a loud as a low impedance headphone.
Drivers: The driver consists of diaphragms, voice coils, and a magnet and works by converting an electric signal into the sound pressure that creates sound by vibrating the diaphragm.
The measurement is given for a driver, usually in millimeter, is actually the diameter of the diaphragm. The rule is (though not always correct) that the larger the diaphragm, the greater the bass and better the sound. Hence, larger over-ear headphones typically house larger drivers which creates a better sound experience.
Sensitivity/Sound Pressure Level (SPL): This measurement is given in sound pressure level per milliwatt, or dB SPL/mW. It basically means how loud the headphones go. A typical range is 80 to 120 dB SPL/mW.
To give you some context 80 dB is about as loud as a dishwasher while 120 dB is like hearing a chainsaw. Anything above 80 dB has the potential to cause the hearing loss after prolonged exposure.
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): Higher volumes are equal to faster diaphragm vibration, and so THD occurs when a diaphragm is unable to vibrate fast enough. This measurement is represented with a percent(%) and the lower this number is, the better.
Noise-Cancellation: Two types of noise cancellation – active and passive.
Active noise cancellation (ANC): These headphones work by producing inverse sound waves to the ambient sound that effectively cancels the sound. They actively block outside sound which is already combined with their natural PNC capability.
Passive noise cancellation (PNC): This refers to the earphones or headphones with a natural ability to block ambient noise. Hence, all headphones provide some block against outside noise, but certain types like closed-back or in-ear designs excel in this area.
Summing Up
There are hundreds of headphones available on the market, and so it can be very confusing to figure out which headphone is best for you. Hence, after a lot of research, we set out to create this list to inform you of the best studio headphones to buy in 2018. Whether you intend to use them in the studio, in the office, or at home, we feel that there is a headphone here(mention in above list) that will suit your needs.
If you have any question/comments, feel free to leave them below. We will do our best to help answer any of your questions.
The Astro A40 TR is an open-back headset that provides excellent audio quality and also comes with user configuration options to match every climate. It also offers long-term support along with other simple features seen in most Astro gaming headsets, including adjustable mic precision and personalized speaker logos. Another great feature with the Astro TR is that you can quickly turn your A40 TR from an open-back headset into a closed-back headset. This transition can be easily achieved using the online Astro Mod kits, which are available separately.
It is not conformity that most of the musicians also love listening to music, and these headphones are great for that too. So we have also added information relevant for your listening pleasure.
