11-best-headphones-for-music-11-super-picks-for-music-lovers

11 Best Headphones For Music [October 2023]: 11 Super Picks For Music Lovers

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We are sure music enthusiasts come a long way in looking for the best headphones for music. For all types of music genres!

But first, let’s have a look at the top 3 best headphones that are super picks for music enthusiasts.

Best of overall

Bose QuietComfort 45

Bose-QuietComfort-45-wireless over ear headphones

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editor’s choice

Sony WH-1000XM4

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Value for money

Sennheiser Momentum

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If you are in a hurry to read the whole article but still want to know which headphones for music are best fit for you from our list of the 11 Best Headphones For Music, check out our recommendations below:

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  • Battery: 22 Hours
  • Sound: High Resolution
  • USP: Best Overall
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q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0863TXGM3&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=smalltechy 20&language=en USir?t=smalltechy 20&language=en US&l=li2&o=1&a=B0863TXGM3Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Overhead Headphones

  • Battery: 30 Hours
  • Sound: Premium Sound
  • USP: Editor's Choice
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q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B09T8YPFV2&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=smalltechy 20&language=en USir?t=smalltechy 20&language=en US&l=li2&o=1&a=B09T8YPFV2Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless Earbuds

  • Battery: 28 Hours
  • Sound: Surround Sound
  • USP: Best Value for Money
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q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0916JNV9T&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=smalltechy 20&language=en USir?t=smalltechy 20&language=en US&l=li2&o=1&a=B0916JNV9TBang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 Over Ear Headphones

  • Battery: 38 Hours
  • Sound: Immersive Sound
  • USP: Most Comfortable
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q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B09XSDMT4F&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=smalltechy 20&language=en USir?t=smalltechy 20&language=en US&l=li2&o=1&a=B09XSDMT4FSony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones

  • Battery: 30 Hours
  • Sound: ANC Sound
  • USP: Noise Cancellation
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  • Battery: Wired
  • Sound: Deep Bass
  • USP: Best for Audiophile
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  • Battery: Wired
  • Sound: Hi Fi Stereo
  • USP: Best Frequency Response
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q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07BCBT3KC&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=smalltechy 20&language=en USir?t=smalltechy 20&language=en US&l=li2&o=1&a=B07BCBT3KCSony MDR1AM2 Wired Overhead Headphones

  • Battery: Wired
  • Sound: Hi Resolution Sound
  • USP: Good for All Genre
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q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00SLUI5SA&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=smalltechy 20&language=en USir?t=smalltechy 20&language=en US&l=li2&o=1&a=B00SLUI5SASennheiser RS 175 RF Wireless Headphone System

  • Battery: 18 Hours
  • Sound: Bass Boost Sound
  • USP: Best Surround Sound
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q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00HVLUR86&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=smalltechy 20&language=en USir?t=smalltechy 20&language=en US&l=li2&o=1&a=B00HVLUR86Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Studio Monitor Headphones

  • Battery: Wired
  • Sound: Studio Sound
  • USP: Best Affordable
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q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0753T9TY5&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=smalltechy 20&language=en USir?t=smalltechy 20&language=en US&l=li2&o=1&a=B0753T9TY5beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Studio Headphones

  • Battery: Wired
  • Sound: Studio Sound
  • USP: Best Budget Studio Headphone
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When looking for the best headphones for music, there are quite a few options that are overwhelming. This makes it even more difficult to make the right choice and pick the best one.

This is where we at smallytechy guide you to choose and pick the best product based on our personal usage and experience.

Depending on the type of music you like, the performance of one headphone is different from another.

Perhaps one is certainly better than another. If your interest lies in listening to more instrumental or vocal-centric content, such as jazz or folk, you may prefer sounds that are more neutral or balanced, with a wide and immersive soundstage.

But if you are a fan of hip-hop, R&sB may prefer bass to add punch and kick to their favorite tracks.

We do a lot of research and use these many headphones before we publish our article for our viewers.

In the coming sections below we list 11 best headphones for music and our recommendation.

Indeed, you like our recommendations for the best headphones for music based on sound profile, features, and other important features.

Check out our picks for the best wireless headphones, the best noise-canceling headphones, and the best audiophile headphones.

In Case You Are in a Hurry, Check Out Our Overall Best Pick

Best of overall

The QuietComfort 45 is compatible with Bluetooth 5.1. It supports both AAC and SBC codecs and pair easily with the Bose Music app for Android and iOS.

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What Are The Best Headphones For Music You Can Buy Now?

The Bose QuietComfort 45 are our best all-around performing music headphones on our list.

These high-quality all-in-one wireless headphones deliver the perfect balance of performance with respect to noise cancellation, comfort, and sound.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 is the best music headphone in the list of 11 best headphones for music. Sony has large market penetration and enjoys a wide customer base.

Sony’s quality and technical know-how win the hearts of millions of customers. And with this headset, it’s noise cancellation at its best. This over-ear headphone sits in the second position.

If you are comfortable spending a few extra bucks, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 is a premium headphone with excellent features.

If you are little tight on budget, but still want the best headphones, we recommend you go with Audio-Technica ATH-M50X and Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO.

Both of these are excellent headsets for music. All these devices deliver consistent performance when we talk about audio across different recasts.

More on these headphones in the coming subheadings.

11 Best Headphones For Music - At A Glance

We know you love to listen to music. And we also are very sure you love to lose yourself to musical nirvana with the best headphones.

We have the list of best headphones for music after thorough research and use with our recommendations for buying.

Here is the list that includes everything from wireless earbuds to noise-canceling cans- at a glance.

    1. Best of Overall Headphones- Bose QuietComfort 45
    2. Noise Cancellation at its Best- Sony WH-1000XM4
    3. Earbuds with Immersive Sound- Sennheiser Momentum
    4. Most Comfortable- Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95
    5. Automatic Optimiser for Noise Cancellation- Sony WH-1000XM5
    6. Best Hi Resolution Audiophile- SENNHEISER HD 660S
    7. Best Frequency Response- HIFIMAN SUNDARA
    8. Excellent Sound for All Genre- Sony MDR1AM2 Wired
    9. Best Surround Sound- Sennheiser RS 175 RF
    10. Best Affordable Headphone with Thumping Bass- Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
    11. Best Budget Studio Headphone- Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO

Top Headphones For Music- 11 Super Picks For Music Lovers

You can find great budget headphones, but it’s always worth taking a moment to see what’s out there, as many cheaper headphones may not be the ones you want to buy.

Below you’ll find a selection of our favorite headphones. We also do extensive research & study and publish buying guides to give you the knowledge you need before you buy.

Given a large number of different types of headphones available, it’s no surprise for us to pick the best headphones for music are on-ear headphones that use Bluetooth instead of cables.

Our recommendations are based on performance and price range coupled with other features.

The Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless Headphones come at number one position and are definitely the pair to buy if you’re looking for overall great performance.

But then the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones do not lag behind.

They sound absolutely amazing, are incredibly comfortable, and feature the best noise-canceling technology in the industry today.

Here is the detailed breakdown of the best headphones for music- 11 super picks for music lovers.

1. Bose QuietComfort 45- Best of Overall Headphones

Best of overall

The QuietComfort 45 is compatible with Bluetooth 5.1. It supports both AAC and SBC codecs and pair easily with the Bose Music app for Android and iOS.

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We did use the Bose QuietComfort 45 for a couple of weeks to see how it fairs in overall performance in terms of providing quiet, comfort, and sound.

 As always, Bose’s ANC headphones have all qualities that help them stand out in the competition.

The pair of headsets we received does a great job of providing comfort and ease of use for most of us, and the Bose QuietComfort 45 is no exception. And we are sure, it will do the job for you as well.

Bose QuietComfort 45 headphone looks almost similar to its predecessor. Don’t run into big surprises.

We all are very much aware that Bose has dominated the world of noise-canceling headphones over the years, and with the QuietComfort line, it has raised the bar of the industry standard.

Apple and Sony recently took on Bose with the AirPods Max and WH-1000XM4. Both offer excellent active noise cancellation (ANC) and the audio overwhelming quality.

Bose also competes with the excellent Noise Canceling Headphones 700, which offer ANC that you can tune to your liking.

This raises our expectations even more from the QC lineup. And the stakes are higher than ever for the company’s latest pair of QC headphones.

Simply put, these are the best headphones for music lovers with active noise canceling you can find in over-ear headphones.

The models above are more for audiophiles, but they also sound good and are certainly worth the price.

When it comes to overall performance, you won’t find a better pair than the QuietComfort 45.

The headsets feature USB-A to USB-C charging cable that connects to the port placed on the bottom edge of the right earcup.

You might just feel a little annoyed with the length of the cable just as we did. The cable seems too short at one point in time and this made us a little unhappy.

The QuietComfort 45 is compatible with Bluetooth 5.1. It supports both AAC and SBC codecs and pair easily with the Bose Music app for Android and iOS.

When you power on the headphones and open the app, the headphones are paired with your mobile device without having to go to the Bluetooth menu.

Pros
  • All round performance is great

  • Excellent bass quality
  • Great noise cancellation
  • Comfortable to wear for long

Cons
  • You don’t have aptX with QC45 headsets

  • ANC adjustment is not possible
  • Frequent snap found initially

2. Sony WH-1000XM4- Noise Cancellation at its Best

editor’s choice

Overall, Sony WH-1000XM4 headsets are really good Bluetooth headphones. Noise-canceling is absolutely outstanding.

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Overall, Sony WH-1000XM4 headsets are really good Bluetooth headphones. Noise-canceling is absolutely outstanding.

When examining the quality of the headphones, we found these are quite impressive. These are probably the best noise-canceling headphones.

The Bluetooth range is also excellent. It really impressed us when finding Bluetooth-compatible devices.

We did like the sound quality of the music. It’s very good, which most of you guys would love too. Audio for phone/video calls is also good and acceptable for a mic.

The company claims the headphone comes with 30 hours of battery life with quick charge features. We did manage to play music for over 25 hours on a single charge.

Coming to the comfort of the device, ear pads feel very comfortable on your ear. These are very soft and plush coupled with many other features.

However, we didn’t feel very comfortable wearing these headphones for a long time. But for us, it is not a big issue to wear for a reasonable period of time.

The ear pads are flexible and keep a tight seal without hurting your head. We are very happy to see that they support the simultaneous connection of two Bluetooth devices.

The Bose QC35 has had this feature for some time. First, we paired iPhone X with my headphones. Then added his MacBook Pro through the Connect app to see if that is workable.

We did manage to play music from my MacBook. Then we connected to the iPhone and tried to play soft instrumental.

Sound quality has to be the most subjective area to evaluate, but it’s one of the most important areas. Some people will find these really very good.

For many other people, these are arguably the best-sounding headphones ever. The more discerning may find some areas lacking.

But they still make for excellent noise-canceling headphones. The sound quality is probably one of the best aspects of these headphones.

Pros
  • Outstanding noise cancellation
  • Very Bluetooth connectivity
  • Good battery backup
  • Sound quality matches all music genres
Cons
  • Dual device support is annoying
  • Average touch controls
  • Average comfort for long use
  • Voice detection mode is not smooth with ANC

3. Sennheiser Momentum- Earbuds with Immersive Sound

value for money

The Momentum True Wireless 3 is a big improvement in this regard. These headsets offer a smaller and much better form factor that better makes them the perfect headphones for music. And suits its premium positioning.

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True wireless earbuds are gaining popularity of late. When you visit a shopping portal or electronic marketplace, you are bombarded with plenty of models out there.

For quite some time AirPods dominated the best earbuds segment in the market. But, this is not the case anymore now. These aren’t always the best option for everyone.

In fact, many models from well-established companies have debuted and are attracting attention. But one model that got us excited right from the start is the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless.

There may be more impressive younger brothers out there now, but if you’re looking best and most compact option for music listening, the MOMENTUM True Wireless is the right fit for you.

The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless and Momentum True Wireless 2 are very good in many ways, but they are quite bulky compared to current design standards.

The Momentum True Wireless 3 is a big improvement in this regard. These headsets offer a smaller and much better form factor that better makes them the perfect headphones for music. And suits its premium positioning.

We did use these earbuds for a month to check how they perform. And we found the earbuds very well fit in the ear making them lighter and more comfortable.

Luckily, these didn’t hurt the others in terms of design. The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 are good-looking headphones.

We are happy the earbuds have a large, distinct Sennheiser logo on the flat outer surface, small snug-fitting earrings, and silicone ear tips with a layer of foam over the vents.

The flat, wide surface makes working with the touch controls very easy.   The charging case for the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 is one of the best we used, with a cloth-wrapped exterior and convenient size and shape that fits easily in your pocket.

These earbuds are equipped with a USB Type-C port and support Qi wireless charging. There is no pairing button on the case, i.e. headphones enter pairing mode via touch control.

Interestingly, the USB Type-C charging port is located on the front of the case, next to the indicator light.

The package we got includes 4 pairs of silicone ear tips, 3 pairs of ear wings, and a charging cable. The earbuds are IPX4 waterproof and each earbud has 3 mics for voice and ANC functionality.

The aptX Adaptive Codec support makes the Momentum True Wireless 3 headset better suited for use with Android smartphones, making it a direct competitor to the WF-1000XM4.

The headsets are equipped with 7mm dynamic drivers, and 3 has a frequency response range of 5-21,000Hz and a sensitivity rating of 107dB.

The earbuds use Bluetooth 5.2 for connectivity and support SBC, AAC, and aptX adaptive Bluetooth codecs.

Pros
  • Excellent immersive sound
  • Great true wireless earphones for music
  • aptX Bluetooth codec support
  • Great noise cancellation performance
Cons
  • Price may a constraint for some
  • Doesn’t support LDAC Bluetooth codec
  • Average microphone quality

4. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95- Most Comfortable and Premium Headsets

most comfortable

We are very impressed with the packaging too. The headsets are packed in a sleek hard case that protects against bumps and scratches. The H95 exudes luxury the moment when you take it out of the box.

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Hey music enthusiasts! Do you mind shelling out a few extra bucks for great music listening experience? If your answer is “No” then you got the premium headsets, Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95.

The over-ear headphones have sleek look enhanced by well-made accessories and a companion app that lets you easily adjust the sound and active noise cancellation.

Audio performance is excellent with a wide soundstage, rich detail, and excellent bass sound suitable for almost any musical genre you are fond of listening.

If that sound isn’t to your liking, you can use EQ in the app to make adjustments very easily. If you want luxury in your headphones, the Beoplay H95 meets all your expectation.

We are very impressed with the packaging too. The headsets are packed in a sleek hard case that protects against bumps and scratches. The H95 exudes luxury the moment when you take it out of the box.

When we opened up the box we were overwhelmed by the extent of care taken with the Beoplay H95 accessories.

The flight adapter, charging and audio cables feature woven cords and leather straps to keep them neat and organized when not in use.

You can pick the color of your choice from a variety of sophisticated colors, including white and gold, maroon, black, grey, navy, and white.

Soft lambskin oval ear cups and memory foam ensure the Beoplay cushions stay comfortable during long listening sessions.

A cowhide headband completes the luxurious look. We would have liked Bang & Olufsen to use synthetic fabrics rather than animal-derived fabrics.

However, you can see how these plush materials are attractive – and they’re undeniably comfortable. If you’re looking for the best audio quality, you have your answer with Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95.

Lovely! The headphones come with 40mm titanium drivers with neodymium magnets mounted in ported enclosures to deliver powerful, long-reaching sound performance.

We are extremely satisfied with the noise-canceling performance. What we could experience is the headphones did block out almost all ambient noise.

As with the audio, it can be completely adjusted the way you like to. Some might think that spending that kind of money on noise-canceling headphones may be the worst idea.

And if you want craftsmanship and can afford it, the Beoplay H95 doesn’t disappoint in any way.  Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 headphones have 38 hours of playback.

That’s longer battery life than most noise-canceling headphones on the market, and more than enough to get you through long flights.

Pros
  • Premium design and build quality

  • Outstanding noise cancellation quality
  • Uncompromising audio quality
  • Good battery life

Cons
  • High price may not bring in many buyers

  • Touch controls seem a little cheap with the price range

5. Sony WH-1000XM5- Automatic Optimiser for Noise Cancellation

Best noise cancelling

If you are commuting or traveling, we recommend you must carry the Sony WH-1000XM5. This is a great option to get stress free as long as you travel.

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Come again. Here we are focusing on the Sony WH-1000XM5. The headphones deliver a neutral sound coupled with an auto optimiser for noise cancellation.

Due to its closed design, you won’t get an immersive experience. Also, the sound profile is pretty bass-boosted right out of the box.

It also provides additional drones, rumbles, and drones to the mix, which can make vocals and lead instruments muddy or cluttered.

But we are happy that their companion app offers graphic EQs and presets that helped us to customize the sound as we liked.

It also supports his LDAC, which is handy if you want to stream high-definition content over Bluetooth.

If you are commuting or traveling, we recommend you must carry the Sony WH-1000XM5. This is a great option to get stress free as long as you travel.

It’s claimed the headset gives you about 27 hours of uninterrupted playtime. Interestingly we did manage just over 25 hours of playing music. That’s good. Isn’t it?

Coming to the build quality, in our opinion, these are solidly built and come with a sturdy carrying case to protect them on the go.

One aspect that doesn’t go very for these headphones is we felt a little of pressure on the top of our head, which we didn’t very comfortable with on long rides.

It has good sound isolation overall, but the ANC is subpar at reducing some external sound.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are one of the most revered pedigrees in modern audio history.

Following the two best-in-class over-ear noise-canceling predecessors, the WH-1000XM5 arrives with a rare promise in the world of personal audio.

Over two generations of nearly identical over-ear headphone designs, the WH-1000XM5 headphones are a noticeable departure from their predecessors.

The best way to describe the WH-1000XM5 headphones is that they are slightly more rounded than their predecessors.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are still the best headphones in the world thanks to their top-notch noise-canceling features and balanced sound.

Active noise canceling has long been a hallmark of Sony’s WH series, and the WH-1000XM5 headphones continue that fine tradition.

It must have been difficult to surpass the superior performance of the previous generation, but it’s certainly not worlds away from the WH-1000XM4 model.

However, there is a slight but definite improvement. Sony has again relied on the double whammy of both the LDAC codec and DSEE Extreme support to deliver the best sound quality possible from any connected device.

Pros
  • We loved the performance of ANC and the microphone
  • Great battery life-long lasting
  • Very rich in sound and ambient features
  • Very smooth App integration
Cons
  • Price doesn’t suit budget buyers
  • We missed the water resistance feature
  • Wearing comfort may still raise the question

6. SENNHEISER HD 660S- Best Hi Resolution Audiophile

best audiophile

The Sennheiser HD 660 S are open-back headphones for critical listening. During our usage, we did find the audio reproduction is good and comfortable enough for long listening sessions.

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The Sennheiser HD 660 S are open-back headphones for critical listening. During our usage, we did find the audio reproduction is good and comfortable enough for long listening sessions.

However, they are considerably tighter than other Sennheiser headphones we used so far. For example, the Sennheiser HD 650.

One disadvantage of open headphones is that they do not provide good isolation due to their open design.

The same limitation falls in line with the HD 660S.  This is virtually immune to external noise.

Unsurprisingly, the measured passive isolation of the Sennheiser HD 660S isn’t great. We could hear our surroundings, as well as people nearby, can hear us too.

In private settings it’s fine, but if you buy the HD 660S you’ll need a separate set of headphones for less friendly environments.

We are pretty fine with the headband that is of course adjustable, and the generous padding and silicone-coated foam ensure a comfortable fit.

In addition, the ear cups are padded with velour covers. They are interchangeable and their tight fit ensures a comfortable wearing experience.

The result is a compelling headphone model that excels in terms of comfort, as the headphones fit tightly to the head and the ear.

The open design allows relatively little noise from the outside world to seep in, as does sound leaking out of the headphones themselves.

The HD 660 S easily reproduces the entire audible frequency range, from real bass levels to levels well above 20 kHz.

It features impressive detail resolution and balance, making it the first choice for high-resolution sound sources in all genres.

The HD 650 are undoubtedly convincing headphones, but its successor turned out to be a more balanced choice, with better resolution, more bass definition, more level stability, and mid.

The roughness of the area is slightly reduced. Suitable for neutral listening. Their bass is very good, consistent, and punchy, their mids are balanced and clear, and their treble is also very good.

It also sounds somewhat forward-leaning in the midrange. Also, their highs lack detail and can sound a little muddy.

Overall, they’re great, versatile headphones for a  variety of music genres, though they might lack a bit of sub-bass for bass-heavy music.

Pros
  • Perfect hi-resolution audiophile
  • Comfort and sound quality speak well for it
  • Open-back with good audio reproduction
  • Multiple wires for connectivity
Cons
  • Open-back headphone doesn’t protect against sound leakage
  • Depending on the head size, may not be comfortable for all

7. HIFIMAN SUNDARA- Best Frequency Response

best frequency

Widely hailed as one of the best entry-level planar magnetic headphones, the HiFiMan Sundara has no shortage of hype surrounding it in the audiophile community.

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HiFiMan Sundara are open-back magnetic headphones that deliver complete frequency response.

These music headphones are the next generation of HiFiMan Sundara following their forgone predecessors.

We are sure, you would enjoy a balanced sound profile with these headsets along with a wide and spacious soundstage, and very consistent audio delivery.

But most open-back headphones like these, are intended for use in quiet environments such as homes and studios only.

These headphones have great build quality. It’s similar to the previous version of the HiFiMan Sundara.

But the earcup cushions have a significantly different angle to your head than their predecessors. The hinges, earcups, and temples are all metal and feel solid.

The cables are also nice to the touch and upholstered in synthetic leather and fabric.

However, the stiff headband feels like a structural weakness. Overall, it doesn’t look as sturdy or premium as a model like the Sennheiser HD 800 S.

As is often the case with audiophile headphones, it doesn’t have its IP rating for dust and water resistance, though we haven’t tested it right now.

These are not bulky headphones intended for outdoor use or regular carry.

Widely hailed as one of the best entry-level planar magnetic headphones, the HiFiMan Sundara has no shortage of hype surrounding it in the audiophile community.

We picked up the Sundara to try it out in our own way and used it for a week. It has a lot of positives, but like any enthusiast product, it’s not for everyone.

Still, Sundara stands out from the competition. The sound profile is very neutral and balanced, though it lacks a bit of boom due to its open design.

Their soundstage is perceived as wide and spacious, helping to create an immersive sound experience.

Pros
  • Deliver good frequency response
  • Design and build go with comfort
  • Very good clarity and resolution of sound
  • We didn’t find a noticeable lag in sound delivery
Cons
  • We found them a little bulky
  • Open-back headphones don’t come with noise isolation
  • The absence of EQ and presets felt
  • The connecting cable should have been a little longer

8. Sony MDR1AM2 Wired- Excellent Sound for All Genre

best for all genre

That’s why Sony’s latest circumaural headphones, the MDR-1AM2, stand out in a crowded market. Once you have your headphones up to a certain level, the only way to improve them is to add more devices. The Sony MDR-1AM2 is a great entry point into audiophile headphones.

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Sony has been a brand of audiophile headphones for a while now.

The company went to hi-resolution with its LDAC codec a few years back and has since used the tech in its Sony WH-1000XM2, one of the best noise-canceling headphones on the market.

Sony’s latest MDR-1AM2 over-ear headphones did not excite us because they apply the same high-end approach to non-noise-canceling headphones.

These headsets feature liquid crystal polymer diaphragms and 40mm, drivers, with a frequency response up to 100,000Hz.

The MDR-1AM2 uses a closed design. This means that the outside of each ear cup is sealed to prevent sound leakage.

The open design is like a glossy computer monitor. In perfect conditions, a glossy screen looks better than the matte one on most monitors.

But glossy screens are dazzling magnets, so unless you have full control over the lighting, they’re not worth using.

In a noise-free environment, open headphones create a more spacious soundscape than closed headphones.

But the moment you add another person to your space, or another sound source in your environment, closed designs become a better choice.

The open design, rather than stuff, offers just that. Because the tests were conducted in a crowded exhibition space, it was relatively difficult to discern the subtle nuances of the headphones.

Other than that, we liked what we heard. The highs were very clear and warm but never tiring. The Bass response was similar enough, but not too loud.

As usual, bass lovers will have to go to companies like Beats and Skullcandy for strong bass, but those looking for a balanced sound will appreciate her MDR-1AM2.

That’s why Sony’s latest circumaural headphones, the MDR-1AM2, stand out in a crowded market. Once you have your headphones up to a certain level, the only way to improve them is to add more devices.

The Sony MDR-1AM2 is a great entry point into audiophile headphones.

They’re not quite as distinct as CES’s high-end headphones, but for the money, they seem like an ideal introduction to Sony’s ever-expanding world of high-resolution audio.

Pros
  • Great sound for all types of music genres
  • Comfortable ear pas cushioned with synthetic leather
  • We did like the quality of the bass response
  • Lightweight and easy to carry around
Cons
  • Doesn’t offer great noise isolation
  • May not be a proper fit for all users
  • Average high-frequency response

9. Sennheiser RS 175 RF- Best Surround Sound

surround sound

That’s why Sony’s latest circumaural headphones, the MDR-1AM2, stand out in a crowded market. Once you have your headphones up to a certain level, the only way to improve them is to add more devices. The Sony MDR-1AM2 is a great entry point into audiophile headphones.

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In our view, the RS 175 shares the same form factor as the 165 and other Sennheiser RS ​​series.

It comes with a TR transmitter stand that doubles as a dock and charging station.

The headsets have slightly different ear cups than the previous model, with textured backs on the ear cups and additional buttons for surround sound effects.

They aren’t stylish headphones, but their simple and convenient design is suitable for most people. The RS 175 fits just like the RS 165 but is slightly heavier.

It’s a little annoying that these headphones also have the same problem of not being able to distribute the pressure around your ears properly.

So, after listening for a while, you may feel a little pain between your earlobe and your chin. Not painfully uncomfortable, but not ideal either.

The RS 175 system truly shows how far high-end wireless performance has come.

We didn’t get the 328-foot line-of-sight of Sennheiser’s headphone transmitter, but we could walk out of the office and down a hallway and hear interference-free audio up to about 15m away.

Keep away from the transmitter base. For example, if you’re still immersed in the action of a sporting event and want to take a break in the kitchen, the extended range is useful.

We also didn’t have any problem getting out of one room and sitting in another with the headphones on. The RS 175 did run flawlessly without a single dropout.

The sound quality is pretty good, roughly on par with similarly priced wired headphone models, and that’s a kudos to wireless headphones.

The Sennheiser RS ​​175 are great home theater headphones, but average in mixed-use.

They are not well suited for all environments and situations, and stand transmitters limit outdoor use.

When not in direct line of sight or near the source and transmitter,  the headphones are It’s practically useless.

Pros
  • Deliver very good surround sound
  • Great bass boost
  • Good for music and movies
  • Excellent connection
Cons
  • Annoying noise isolation
  • Wireless range doesn’t seem significant

10. Audio-Technica ATH-M50X- Best Affordable Headphone with Thumping Bass

thumpy bass

Audio-Technica ATH-M50X a balanced midrange that accurately reproduces instruments and vocals, and the treble is neither too sharp nor too deep.

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The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are great-sounding closed-back headphones for critical listening.

The headsets deliver outstanding bass, midrange, and treble reproduction, and are sturdy and durable for long-lasting use.

However, their studio design offers only passive isolation from ambient noise and no audio control, so it’s not ideal for noisy environments or commuting.

The 45mm dynamic drivers are located behind the ear cushions, leaving about 6.5cm x 6cm of space to fit around your ears.

The pads feel stiff at first but break with normal use without issue. The vinyl material that wraps the ear cushions retains heat, but the ATH-M50x are comfortable for about two hours.

The clamping force is secure and not too tight. But for eyeglass wearers, it can become less than optimal after a while.

To be honest, we are more confident in the build quality of the ATH-M50x than the wallet-friendly ATH-M20x.

One of the reasons the ATH-M50 headphones from Audio-Technica became popular was because it was kind of anti-beat.

In other words, they are headphones for selected and smart listeners who overpaid and looked down on those who got sucked all over Beats’ marketing machine.

The ATH-M50x are well-made headphones. The high-density plastic used in the earcups and headbands makes them sturdy and durable.

You can survive a few falls without taking much damage. However, like the ATH-M40x, the joints are the weak point where the headphones are prone to breakage.

The metal frame used to reinforce the headband is thicker than the ATH-M30x. When it comes to sound, the ATH-M50x headphones are almost flawless.

The tonal balance is precise, stereo imaging for closed designs is spacious, and dynamic impact is excellent.

Audio-Technica claims there is no sonic difference between the original ATH-M50 and the updated version

But our experience shows the ATH-M50x models sound clearer with more detailed bass, mids and highs.

When we put it back on the ATH-M50 headphones, the sound is a little hazy and cloudy. So, we found that the sounds are very similar but not identical.

Great for neutral listening. The Audio-Technica M50X offers balanced audio reproduction and moderate bass.

It has a balanced midrange that accurately reproduces instruments and vocals, and the treble is neither too sharp nor too deep.

However, the closed design can limit the soundstage a bit, but the sound quality did not disappoint us.

Pros
  • Impressive audio reproduction
  • Thumping bass at an affordable price
  • Strong build and design
  • Comfortable to wear for a long time
Cons
  • We felt the headsets should have integrated mic
  • No great noise isolation is felt
  • We felt the headphones heating up more often than usual

11. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO- Best Budget Studio Headphone

best budget

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro are rugged, durable, and great-sounding closed headphones. They have slightly better bass and more versatility than the DT 990 PRO and DT 880.

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Yeah smalltechy, yeah, you got the studio headphone in your budget!

We are sure you love to pick this one from our list of 11 best headphones for music.

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro are rugged, durable, and great-sounding closed headphones. They have slightly better bass and more versatility than the DT 990 PRO and DT 880.

Thanks to their closed design!

We have a bag if you’re a music lover or an aspiring musician, a set of sturdy headphones is a must. Take your companion of choice on all sorts of adventures, not all of which are electronic-friendly.

Going to college, touring, and hanging out in the studio need a headphone that is strong and durable.

This is why our recommendation is you should consider durable headphones like the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO.

When it comes to headphones, Beyerdynamic’s design language has been very clear over the decades.

To that end, the DT 770 PRO uses a lot of metal in the band and ear cup yokes, and a thick layer of durable hard plastic on the ear cups.

The cable is protected with a lot of rubber and plastic, making it perfect for this type of headphone.

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO has a very neutral sound profile and accurately reproduces vocals and lead instruments.

The headphone’s sound is also suitable for various audio content.

However, the sibilance is slightly brighter and sharper. Very good bass performance. The bass is flat and extends down to 10Hz, which is excellent.

Bass is reproduced almost without problems. But, the high bass is a bit underemphasized, which makes the leads/vocals a little thinner.

It’s easy to see why these are popular tracking cans, as the passive noise cancellation is great at keeping performances in focus while preventing problematic backing tracks from bleeding into the mic.

The  3m long cable is also a welcome bonus in the studio, giving guitarists, drummers, and singers freedom of movement as long as they don’t get tangled in the wheels of the swivel chair.

Pros
  • This is the best studio headphone in your budget
  • We like the strong build and design
  • Very well suited for creators as music listeners
  • Balanced audio reproduction wins the hearts of users
Cons
  • Sturdy design looks a little bulky
  • Disadvantage on portability
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