The 11 Best Headphones For Music - March 2019
Reviews

Depending on your music preference, some headphones will perform better than others. If you're into a lot of bass-heavy genres, getting a headset with a deep, yet well-balanced low end will sound more exciting and really emphasize the rumbling and thumping sensations of these genres. If you're more of a classical, jazz, folk, and ambiance type of listener, an open and neutral sounding headphone may be a better option since they typically reproduce instruments, vocals, and soundstage more accurately than closed-back bass-heavy headphones.

We've tested 279 headphones and below are our recommendations for the best headphones for music based on sound profile, features, and price range. See also our recommendations for the best headphones for audiophiles, the best headphones for studio, and the best wireless headphones.

1. Best Headphones For Bass-Heavy Genres: Sony WH-1000XM3

   

   Sony WH-1000XM3

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.2

   Test Benches:

   • 1.2: Winter 2018
   • 1.1: Summer 2017
   • 1.0: Winter 2017
   • 0.9: Winter 2016

   See changelog and how ratings work

   7.2

   Critical Listening

   What it is: The level of audio fidelity a headphone can reproduce. Therefore a balanced and true representation of bass, mids, treble, soundstage and imaging, as well as a comfortable listening experience, is essential for critical listening.

   Score components:

   • 80% Sound
   • 10% Build Quality
   • 7% Comfort
   • 3% Breathability

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations
   Type : Over-ear
   Enclosure : Closed-Back
   Wireless : Yes
   Noise-Cancelling : Yes
   Mic : Yes
   Transducer : Dynamic

   The best headphones for bass that we’ve tested so far are the Sony WH-1000XM3. They are very well-built wireless noise-canceling headphones with a premium look and feel. They’re a very good choice for travel as well as office use, thanks to their impressive ANC feature, and they’re also decent for critical listening. They’re comfortable, versatile headphones with a whole bunch of active features to help you achieve the sound you want.

   The Sony WH-1000XM3 have deep, powerful, and punchy bass that is well-suited for bass-heavy music genres, like hip-hop, R&B, dubstep, funk, or house. These headphones also have remarkable isolation, which is great for listening to your favorite tracks on the bus or in the office.  They have a great battery that lasts for 27 hours of continuous playback with ANC enabled, which makes them ideal for international flights, long car rides, and just everyday use without needing to take charging breaks.

   Some people may find these headphones too bass-heavy, but the Sony | Headphones Connect companion app lets you EQ the sound to your liking. This means you can tone down the bass if you’re listening to something more vocal-centric, or increase it if you want even more bass. The Sony WH-1000XM3 are a bit pricey, but they’re sure to please bass enthusiasts looking for high quality, feature-packed headphones.

   See our review

2. Cheaper Alternative: Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2

   

   Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2

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   Amazon.com

   Type : Over-ear

   Enclosure : Closed-Back

   Wireless : Yes

   Noise-Cancelling : Yes

   Mic : Yes

   Transducer : Dynamic

   If you want a slightly cheaper bass-focused headset, then consider the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 instead. They do not have the premium design of the Sony WH-1000XM3. They’re also not as customizable, so you won’t be able to EQ their sound profile.

   However, if you're a fan of bass, then the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 offer the best value for any wireless noise-canceling headset at this price range. They have a deep and powerful low-end that sounds exciting with bass-heavy genres but are also balanced enough that they do not drown instruments and vocals in the mid-range.

   The Plantronics are also feature-packed, well-built, and comfortable over-ear headphones with fantastic battery life and excellent wireless range. They easily last 30 hours on a single charge, and thanks to the auto-off feature you rarely run out of battery, even on long trips. You can also use them wired when the battery dies, which is very convenient. Overall, they're one of the best headphones for music we've tested.

   See our review

3. Wired Alternative: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

   

   Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com

   Type : Over-ear

   Enclosure : Closed-Back

   Wireless : No

   Noise-Cancelling : No

   Mic : No

   Transducer : Dynamic

   If you prefer a wired design and a more accurate bass reproduction, then go for the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. They won’t be as convenient as the Sony or the Plantronics since they're not wireless or noise canceling. They also do not have any customization features, so you can’t change their sound profile like the WH-1000XM3.

   However, the ATH-M50x are one of the more popular closed-back headphones for music and studio use, thanks to their great audio reproduction and durable design. They pack a good amount of bass that sounds exciting yet balanced enough to reproduce most tracks with great audio fidelity. They are a suitable choice for all genres of music.

   The Sony MDR-7506 have a similar design and pack a bit more low-bass than the M50x. However, they are not built as well and do not come with as many accessories. Overall, if you want a simple over-ear for just listening to music that you can also use outdoors, unlike some of the open models on this list, then you can’t do much better than the ATH-M50x.

   See our review

4. Best Headphones For Vocals And Instrumentals: Sennheiser HD 600

   

   Sennheiser HD 600

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.2

   Test Benches:

   • 1.2: Winter 2018
   • 1.1: Summer 2017
   • 1.0: Winter 2017
   • 0.9: Winter 2016

   See changelog and how ratings work

   7.8

   Critical Listening

   What it is: The level of audio fidelity a headphone can reproduce. Therefore a balanced and true representation of bass, mids, treble, soundstage and imaging, as well as a comfortable listening experience, is essential for critical listening.

   Score components:

   • 80% Sound
   • 10% Build Quality
   • 7% Comfort
   • 3% Breathability

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations
   Type : Over-ear
   Enclosure : Open-Back
   Wireless : No
   Noise-Cancelling : No
   Mic : No
   Transducer : Dynamic

   If you love to listen to more instruments and vocal heavy genres, like classical, folk, and jazz, then the Sennheiser HD 600 are a great choice. They have open ear cups that won’t be suitable for outdoor use by design. They’re also a bit bulky and do not have the best build quality for their price. This means they won't be as versatile as some of the closed-back, wireless recommendations on this list.

   However, they have a good, well-balanced sound that caters well to instruments and vocals without sounding too sharp, unlike some of the other open-back models we’ve tested. The ear cups are well-padded and large enough to fit well around most ears, and they're fairly lightweight for their size, which makes them decently comfortable despite being a little tight on the head.

   Their bass range does not pack as much thump and rumble as the more bass-heavy recommendations, and their soundstage is not as spacious as the HD 800 S. However, they're one of the best headphones for music, and if you typically listen to your music to hear the finer details in the track, then the HD 600 are a solid option that won’t disappoint.

   See our review

5. Cheaper Alternative: Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO

   

   Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO

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   Amazon.com

   Type : Over-ear

   Enclosure : Open-Back

   Wireless : No

   Noise-Cancelling : No

   Mic : No

   Transducer : Dynamic

   If you want a cheaper alternative and like the more instrument and vocal-focused sound of the Sennheiser HD 600, but wish it had more bass, then consider the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO. The 990 PRO are open headphones that won’t be versatile for all environments by design. They also do not have the best soundstage despite their open ear cups. However, they deliver a much more durable build quality than the Sennheiser HD 600. They also pack a lot more bass even with their open design. They sound great with most tracks and genres and reproduce instruments and vocals accurately.

   Unfortunately, they have a slight peak in the treble range that makes them sound a bit sharp on some S and T sounds. However, for their sound quality, they deliver a great value that is almost unmatched at this price range. They are often compared to headphones that cost twice or three times more, and their build quality feels premium despite not having a detachable cable. If you want a similar-sounding headset that is a bit more high-end, then consider the DT 1990 PRO or even the HiFiMan Sundara, but for their price, the DT 990 are one of the best headphones you can get for listening to music.

   See our review

6. Compact Wireless Alternative: Bose SoundSport Free

   

   Bose SoundSport Free

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com

   Type : Earbuds

   Enclosure : Semi-Open

   Wireless : Truly Wireless

   Noise-Cancelling : No

   Mic : Yes

   Transducer : Dynamic

   If you prefer a more compact headset that you can easily fit in your pockets but refuse to sacrifice sound quality, then get the Bose SoundSport Free. They are not the most feature-packed truly wireless headphones we've reviewed. You also can’t customize their sound profile like the Jabra Elite Active 65t, and they do not have a wireless connection as reliable as the Apple AirPods or the Beoplay E8. However, they more than make up for it thanks to their neutral and well-balanced sound. They have an extended bass range that packs a lot of thump and rumble for an earbud design.

   They also have a well-balanced mid and treble range that caters to instruments and vocals better than most of the other truly wireless headphones we’ve tested. They’re also a lot more comfortable than typical in-ear designs, thanks to their earbud fit. They have a decent 15-hour battery life overall, thanks to the two additional charges provided by their charging case. Unfortunately, unlike other truly wireless headphones, their case is rather bulky. This makes them less portable, which is somewhat disappointing but not a significant issue for all listeners, especially if your primary focus is listening to music and not sports or commute.

   See our review

7. Best Headphones For Soundstage: Sennheiser HD 800 S

   

   Sennheiser HD 800 S

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.2

   Test Benches:

   • 1.2: Winter 2018
   • 1.1: Summer 2017
   • 1.0: Winter 2017
   • 0.9: Winter 2016

   See changelog and how ratings work

   8.5

   Critical Listening

   What it is: The level of audio fidelity a headphone can reproduce. Therefore a balanced and true representation of bass, mids, treble, soundstage and imaging, as well as a comfortable listening experience, is essential for critical listening.

   Score components:

   • 80% Sound
   • 10% Build Quality
   • 7% Comfort
   • 3% Breathability

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations
   Type : Over-ear
   Enclosure : Open-Back
   Wireless : No
   Noise-Cancelling : No
   Mic : No
   Transducer : Dynamic

   If you consider yourself an audiophile and like to be immersed in your music, as if you're listening to a good speaker set up instead of just headphones on your head, then get the Sennheiser HD 800 S. They are quite expensive, so they may not be the best value for your money even for more dedicated critical listeners. They also have a bulky, cumbersome design that's specifically made for listening at home or in very quiet and isolated environments, so like most open-back headphones, they are not very versatile.

   On the upside, the HD 800 S are one of the best-sounding headphones we’ve tested so far. They have an exceedingly well-balanced mid-range that reproduces instruments and vocals accurately, and their soundstage is spacious and immersive. Thanks to their slightly brighter than average audio reproduction, they feel even more open while delivering a crisp and detailed representation of instruments and vocals.

   However, they are a tad bass light compared some open headphones like the HiFiMan Ananda or even the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO. They’re also not the best entry point if you want to get into critical listening due to their high price tag. However, for the experienced, they are definitely worth it.

   See our review

8. Closed-Back Alternative: Audeze Mobius

   

   Audeze Mobius

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com

   Type : Over-ear

   Enclosure : Closed-Back

   Wireless : Yes

   Noise-Cancelling : No

   Mic : Yes

   Transducer : Planar Magnetic

   If you like the idea of having a spacious, speaker-like soundstage when listening to your music but prefer a headset you can use in more varied environments, then get the Audeze Mobius. They do not have the best design for their price. They’re also gaming-oriented headphones, so they come with a mic and gaming-centric features that won’t be ideal for all critical listeners. However, their unique implementation of head-tracking to help create a simulated soundstage experience is well worth the investment, since there aren’t any other headphones with this feature built in for now.

   They’re also Bluetooth headphones with a detachable boom mic, so you can use them more casually than any of the open headphones with the better passive soundstage. This makes the Mobius a lot more versatile without sacrificing a great soundstage experience. If you want your headphones to sound like you're listening to a speaker setup but also don't want to be limited by an open design, then the Mobius are the way to go.

   See our review

9. Best Budget Headphones For Music: Superlux HD 681

   

   Superlux HD 681

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.2

   Test Benches:

   • 1.2: Winter 2018
   • 1.1: Summer 2017
   • 1.0: Winter 2017
   • 0.9: Winter 2016

   See changelog and how ratings work

   7.7

   Critical Listening

   What it is: The level of audio fidelity a headphone can reproduce. Therefore a balanced and true representation of bass, mids, treble, soundstage and imaging, as well as a comfortable listening experience, is essential for critical listening.

   Score components:

   • 80% Sound
   • 10% Build Quality
   • 7% Comfort
   • 3% Breathability

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations
   Type : Over-ear
   Enclosure : Semi-Open
   Wireless : No
   Noise-Cancelling : No
   Mic : No
   Transducer : Dynamic

   If you do not want to spend much on a good headphone, the best budget headphones for music are the Superlux HD 681. Like most budget critical listening headphones, they do not have the best build quality. Also, since they’re a more listening-focused headphone, they do not come with any features like noise-canceling, wireless, or even an in-line remote.

   On the upside, for their price, they deliver a good, well-balanced sound that is easily on par with headphones twice or three times their price range. They also have a semi-open design, so they have a slightly more spacious soundstage than that of the closed-back models on this list, although they will not sound as open as the HD 600, the HD 800 S, or the Mobius with their active 3D audio effect.

   The Philips SHP9500 are a better-sounding budget option, but they are often out of stock or discontinued by most retailers. On the other hand, the HD 681s have a simple budget design for music enthusiasts and deliver a good sound for their price, which is even better.

   See our review

10. Wired Budget Alternative: TIN Audio T2

    

    TIN Audio T2

    SEE PRICE

    Amazon.com

    Type : In-ear

    Enclosure : Closed-Back

    Wireless : No

    Noise-Cancelling : No

    Mic : No

    Transducer : Dynamic

    If you prefer the portability of earbuds and are looking for well-built in-ears that won’t break the bank, get the Tin Audio T2. Being in-ears, they don’t sound as spacious as the Superlux HD 681, but they still deliver a solid listening experience and great build quality at a low price point. Although they’re a bit more money than the HD 681, they feel much more durable. The Tin Audio T2 have a detachable braided cable that can be replaced if ever it wears out, and they come with silicone and foam ear tips to ensure you find a good fit.

    Unfortunately, they can be quite uncomfortable, especially for smaller ears or during longer listening sessions. Like the Superlux HD 681, they’re also wired and don’t have a microphone. If you’re okay with stretching your budget a bit to make room for more features, consider the Jaybird Tarah. The Tarah are wireless, have a decent mic, are more comfortable, and have a customizable sound thanks to the Jaybird MySound companion app. They have pretty high latency, though, so if you’re concerned about audio lag, go for the Tin Audio T2.

    See our review

11. Cheaper Wireless In-Ear Alternative: Anker SoundBuds Curve

    

    Anker SoundBuds Curve

    SEE PRICE

    Amazon.com

    Type : In-ear

    Enclosure : Closed-Back

    Wireless : Yes

    Noise-Cancelling : No

    Mic : Yes

    Transducer : Dynamic

    If you want a more comfortable, wireless budget option that still sounds decent, then consider the Anker SoundBuds Curve. They may not be truly wireless but they have a straightforward wireless design that delivers a decent listening experience, especially considering how much they cost. Their sound quality is above-average for in-ears at this price point, and although they sound more bass-heavy than the Tin Audio T2, their sound is still balanced enough to handle most tracks you throw at them. They also have a more comfortable earbud-like fit that does not enter the ear canal as deeply as more typical in-ear designs, like that of the T2. Their battery lasts for 12 hours, which is more than enough for most uses, but you will still have to charge them at the end of the day, unlike other longer-lasting headphones with more battery saving features.

    Unfortunately, the Anker SoundBuds Curve also don’t have the best build quality. They look better than you would expect at this price but still have thin cables that feel prone to breakage. They're also not as sweatproof for sports; in this case, consider the more water-resistant Soundcore Spirit X or the JBL Endurance Sprint, but they are slightly more expensive and may not be as great a value as the SoundBuds Curve.

    See our review