The 7 Best Headphones For Music - Fall 2021 Reviews

The best headphones for music with extra bass that we've tested are the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless. These comfortable Bluetooth over-ears have an overemphasized bass response that may be perceived as a little boomy by some listeners but should please fans of EDM and hip hop who crave some extra thump and rumble.

They're compatible with the Sony | Headphones Connect companion app, which grants you access to a graphic EQ as well as audio presets to fine-tune your listening experience. They have a remarkably effective ANC system that filters out a wide range of ambient noise, from passing trucks to the high-pitched hum of an AC unit, so you can enjoy your music even in loud or crowded environments. While they should last for over 37 hours on a single charge, they come with a 1/8" TRS audio cable, allowing for passive audio playback if you've run out of battery.

Unfortunately, their integrated microphone delivers sub-par recording quality and makes your voice sound thin and muffled, so they may not be the best option if you also happen to make a lot of phone calls through your headphones. Their touch-sensitive control scheme may also take some time to get used to, though it's quite intuitive once you've figured it out. If you're looking for extra thump and rumble, these are also among the best bass headphones that we've tested.

The Sennheiser HD 800 S are the best headphones for soundstage that we've tested. These premium open-backs generate an incredibly natural, spacious, and wholly immersive listening experience that makes your music sound like it's coming from all around you. Their well-balanced sound profile should also please audiophiles, as their very neutral mid and treble response makes vocals and lead instruments sound clear, present, detailed, and airy, though some may find them to be a little too bright.

They're very well-built with a sturdy-feeling design made of high-grade plastic reinforced by a metal frame and a braided detachable audio cable. Their spacious, well-padded ear cups should ensure you don't experience any discomfort, even during long listening sessions. They're also fairly breathable, so your ears shouldn't sweat too much while wearing them.

Unfortunately, they're very expensive. That's without mentioning an amplifier is needed to get the most out of them. As to be expected for a pair of open-backs, they do an awful job of blocking out ambient noise, so they're particularly ill-suited for listening in a loud environment. Still, considering their ability to provide an impressively well-balanced and immersive listening experience, these are among the best open-back headphones we've tested.

The best headphones for vocals and instruments that we've tested are the Philips SHP9500. They have a very flat and neutral mid-range, so vocals and lead instruments are reproduced clearly and accurately. Thanks to their open-back design, they can create a spacious and open soundstage that can help immerse you in your audio.

These decently well-built headphones are very comfortable with large, well-padded ear cups that allow for some airflow. Even if you're wearing them for long periods of time, you shouldn't feel too much fatigue. They have very good audio delivery, so once you get the right fit, seal, and positioning, you should experience a consistent sound each time you use them.

Unfortunately, they lack low-bass, which is to be expected from open-back headphones. They also aren't designed to block out any background noise and others around you can hear your audio, even if you're in a moderately noisy environment. Still, these headphones are well-suited to cater to genres with vocals and lead instruments.

The Superlux HD 681 are the best budget headphones for music that we've tested. They have a very neutral default sound profile with a touch of extra brightness. Although some people may find sibilants sound overly piercing, they're still well-suited for a variety of audio genres.

These headphones have a comfortable and lightweight fit with large ear cups. Thanks to their semi-open fit, their passive soundstage seems large, natural, and open. While they don't come with much in the way of additional accessories, they have a cloth pouch to help protect them from dust and scratches when you're not using them.

Unfortunately, they have a cheap and plasticky build quality that feels low-grade. They also don't isolate you from much ambient noise around you and leak audio at high volumes. That said, if you're looking for more affordable headphones for music, they offer a more immersive audio experience due to their design.