The 11 Best Headphones For Music - Fall 2019
Reviews

If you like the bass-heavy sound of the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless but you find the price a bit too steep, there's an alternative: the Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2. A bit bulkier and not as stylish as the Sony, these headphones still deliver good build quality, good sound reproduction, and easy-to-use controls. Their sound can be qualified as exciting and energetic with an emphasis on bass. Unfortunately, their companion app doesn't allow as much customizability as the Sony app, lacking controls for active noise cancellation, room effects, and equalizer.

Overall, if budget allows, go with the Sony, but if you're looking for something cheaper that retains a lot of the features, the Plantronics are a very decent choice.

If you prefer a basic wired pair of headphones, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X may be for you. They're about as basic as it comes: no Bluetooth connection, no active noise cancellation, no touch controls, and no microphone for phone calls. What they lack in features they make up for in sheer sonic quality. It's been a few years since these were released, and they're still highly regarded as an exceptional pair of headphones with a balanced sound. As with other models in this lineup, Audio-Technica kept the same function over form aesthetic. The ear cups are large and comfortable, but there's some squeaking noise when moving or adjusting the headphones.

Overall, if you need Bluetooth connection or active noise cancellation, go with the Sony, but for a versatile pair of headphones that can handle any genre, the Audio-Technica are a fantastic choice.

If the build quality of the Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee concerns you, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are a good alternative. The build quality is much improved on the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, with a rugged metal frame that will last for years. These are also open-back headphones, but with a brighter sound than the Jubilee. Although they have a fairly well-balanced sound, there's a bit of sharpness in certain tracks, which may be bothersome for those who are sensitive to higher frequencies. The fit can be a bit tight due to the clamping force, but it does loosen up over time.

If you're looking for the best headphones for vocals and instruments, go for the Sennheiser, but if durability is a concern for you and you don't mind a brighter sound, the Beyerdynamic are great sounding headphones.

If you like the Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee but portability is what you're looking for, the Bose SoundSport Free Truly Wireless headphones are a decent choice. They're the best sounding wireless earbuds that we’ve tested so far. They have a well-balanced sound with a bass that can thump. Although they don't have a mobile EQ in their companion app, their default sound is sure to please most people. Unfortunately, they do distort a bit when playing near max volume. These earbuds don’t isolate you from environmental noise either, but that's by design, as it helps with awareness, particularly for runners.

If critical listening is your main goal and you're able to do so in a quiet room, the Sennheiser is a better choice, but for portability, the Bose are the way to go.

If you like the Sennheiser HD 800 S but are looking for closed-back headphones, consider the Audeze Mobius. Even though closed-back headphones aren't ideal for a wide soundstage, there are some that can still deliver an immersive and engaging listening experience. Technically a gaming headset, these headphones can produce a well-balanced sound with their planar magnetic drivers. They don't sound as good as the Sennheisers, but they do come with features that can simulate a wider soundstage, through a type of "virtual surround sound". Combined with their head-tracking feature, it does effectively deliver a perceived spaciousness. Although our current measurements couldn't capture the full extent of their sound localization, head-tracking, and room emulations, the effect is still quite impressive.

If you only care about sound quality, the Sennheiser are better, but if the open-back design doesn't suit you, the Audeze are worth considering.

If lugging around a big pair of over-ear headphones like the Superlux HD 681 isn't your style, the TIN Audio T2 could be a good fit. They're basic wired in-ear headphones with a fantastic build quality. Although some people may find in-ears uncomfortable, TIN Audio does provide a good selection of ear tips to help achieve the best fit, which is essential to get a proper bass response. Sound-wise, they're a little light on the bass, with an emphasis in the mid-range. The treble does lack a bit of detail and can sound a bit sharp in certain tracks. Overall, they sound adequate and are versatile enough for almost every genre of music.

The Superlux still sound better, but for something a bit more portable, the TIN Audio are a better choice.

If you like the Superlux HD 681 but want more comfortable, wireless budget earbuds that still sound decent, then get the Anker SoundBuds Curve. They have an exciting bass-rich sound that delivers great thump and rumble without drowning out vocals and lead instruments. Although they feel better-built than you might expect for their price, they still have pretty thin cables that feel prone to breakage. The JBL Endurance Sprint have a more neutral sound and feel more durable, but are less comfortable.

Get the Superlux if you like the reliability of wired headphones and a brighter, more spacious sound, but if you prefer the freedom of wireless earbuds and a more bass-heavy sound, then you'll want to go for the Anker.