The 7 Best Headphones For Music - Spring 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're impressive for neutral sound, and their comfortable design is ideal for long listening sessions. Due to their wired design, you don't have to worry about running out of battery while listening, which is nice.

They have balanced, neutral mid and treble ranges that help reproduce clear and accurate vocals and lead instruments. Thanks to their open-back design, they can create an open, spacious soundstage. As a result, you really feel immersed in your favorite songs when listening with these headphones.

Unfortunately, like most open-back headphones, they struggle to reproduce low-bass, which can be disappointing for fans of bass-heavy genres. Also, they have terrible noise isolation, and they leak a lot of noise. However, if you like listening to vocal and instrument-centric music at home, they're a solid choice.

The Plantronics BackBeat Go 810 Wireless are the best budget headphones for music that we've tested. These affordable over-ears have a neutral sound profile with just a touch of extra bass, which fans of EDM and hip-hop may enjoy. They're also decently comfortable, lightweight, and have soft padding.

They have a very flat and neutral mid-range, which helps reproduce vocals and lead instruments clearly and accurately. Even if you're listening to your music at a high volume, they don't leak too much audio. Thanks to their over 24 hours of continuous playback time, you can listen to music for hours at a time. They also have an ANC, and while it does just an alright job overall, it can help cut down some background noise around you.

Unfortunately, they lack a more robust EQ and offer only two EQ presets. You may also find their fit a bit tight or unnatural if you have a large head. They have a poor passive soundstage too, and while it sounds large, it feels a bit unnatural and as if coming from inside your head. Also, some users have experienced their unit's headband cracking or breaking over time. That said, if you're looking for a wallet-friendly pair of headphones for music, they're a suitable choice.