While it can feel like there's a general trend to move towards wireless headphones, a wired design still offers many benefits. A wired connection eliminates audio lag, which is beneficial for studio use, while an analog cable can instantly connect to devices with an AUX input, like an amplifier or a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). Wired headphones work passively, so you don't need to worry about running out of battery. While the gap between wired and wireless headphones is growing smaller and smaller when it comes to audio quality, you may still prefer to use a wired design to ensure you hear all the detail your audio has to offer and with devices that lack wireless connectivity.
We've tested over 845 pairs of headphones, and below are our recommendations for the best wired options. If you're looking for our top picks for more specific types of wired headphones, check out our choices for the best audiophile headphones, the best headphones for studio use, and the best DJ headphones. If you want wired headphones but your device lacks an analog headphone jack, check out the best USB-C headphones.
Quick Look
Our How We Test Headphones article takes you behind the scenes in our lab. You'll learn how we choose and purchase products and dive into the details of our review philosophy, from testing and scoring to writing and editing.
You can also discover how we produce recommendations like this one, so that you can find the best headphones (or earbuds!) for your needs.
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Best Wired Headphones
Audio Reproduction Accuracy8.5Frequency Response Consistency8.4Peaks/Dips8.0See all our test resultsStereo Mismatch8.4The best wired headphones we've tested are the Sennheiser HD 800 S. These top-of-the-line headphones are for people looking for the best audiophile cans and who are willing to pay the price. Their high cost already puts them out of reach of most people, and you'll also want to consider adding a powerful amp or audio interface to drive them, which is an extra expense if you don't already have one. However, if you're prepared to shell out the money, these well-known headphones create an incredibly spacious and immersive sound, thanks, in part, to their open-back design.
They're also very comfortable, so they won't cause fatigue during long studio sessions. They have a flat sound profile that works well for listening to music as well as more technical tasks like mixing audio. Their incredibly accurate mid-range ensures that vocals and lead instruments sound true to life. They do lack a little low bass, which is typical of open-backs, but a slight boost in the high bass means they still have a touch of warmth to their sound. That said, if you're a fan of warmer sound profiles in general, you'll want to check out the Audeze LCD-X, which we discuss further down the page. As open-back headphones, the HD 800 S bleed audio by design, so it's best to use them in a quiet room. These aren't cans to take on the subway with you. If that's your main use case, check out our recommendations for the best travel headphones.
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Best Upper Mid-Range Wired Headphones
Audio Reproduction Accuracy7.9Frequency Response Consistency7.6Peaks/Dips7.6See all our test resultsStereo Mismatch7.1If you're looking for high-end wired headphones that are a bit more affordable than the Sennheiser HD 800 S, consider the HiFiMan Arya Stealth Magnet Version. While the HiFiMan can't match the Sennheiser for producing an open, speaker-like sense of space, they actually do a better job reproducing low-bass thump, making them a great choice for fans of more contemporary electronic styles such as techno and hip-hop. Their mid-range isn't quite as flat as the Sennheiser's either, but they still do an excellent job reproducing all sorts of audio, so voices sound lifelike and instruments are accurately reproduced. And with a transparent, bright treble, these are a good choice for detailed editing work, as you can easily hear details like clicks and pops.
You can drive these headphones to adequate volume levels without a headphone amplifier, and they deliver audio consistently, so you don't need to worry much about getting a different sound with each use. That said, they are noticeably heavier than the Sennheiser and not quite as stable on the head. They also aren't quite as well-built, but that's to be expected since these are less than half the price of Sennheiser's flagship audiophile cans. But for their accurate sound across the entire frequency spectrum, these are well worth considering.
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Best Mid-Range Wired Headphones
Audio Reproduction Accuracy8.3Frequency Response Consistency8.3Peaks/Dips8.2See all our test resultsStereo Mismatch8.0Don't let our top two picks fool you into thinking you need to spend a fortune to enjoy a high-quality listening experience. The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO are more affordable than the HiFiMan Arya Stealth Magnet Version and offer a comparable performance in the bass region. Their superb response in the low-end means kick drums feel thumpy and exciting, while basslines feel warm and enveloping, without ever getting too muddy. And there's more than just bass-head-pleasing performance on offer here: their balanced mids and treble ensure drums have just the right amount of sizzle and vocals enough presence to cut through even dense mixes.
Still, the HD 490 PRO do have a few downsides. Their plastic yokes feel less durable than the rest of their build, giving them a slightly less sturdy overall feel than the HiFiMan, as well as their pricier cousin, the Sennheiser HD 800 S. The HD 490 PRO also can't quite match the more expensive picks for producing an immersive, speaker-like sound, nor for detailed accuracy in the treble range. That said, they're light and comfortable for long listening or music production sessions. And there's a bonus on that front, too: these cans come with two pairs of swappable earpads, each with a slightly different sound, which can be useful when you're trying to dial in the final tweaks of a complex mixdown, or just enjoy changing up your sound from time to time.
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Best Lower Mid-Range Wired Headphones
Audio Reproduction Accuracy8.0Frequency Response Consistency8.3Peaks/Dips7.5See all our test resultsStereo Mismatch8.6The Sennheiser HD 560S are our best lower mid-range pick for wired headphones. Compared to the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO, they lack some thump and punch in the bass region, so fans of EDM and house music might want to try boosting that region with EQ. But it's not necessary to do so, as the bass that is present is controlled and even, so individual pitches don't jump out of the mix unnaturally. And the mids and treble are even flatter than the HD 490 PRO, which is one reason the HD 560S are such a great value purchase: you get the accuracy of more expensive Sennheiser cans in a comparably affordable package. Vocals sound true-to-life, while higher-pitched sounds like cymbals don't feel harsh or fatiguing (unless the mix engineer intended it!).
Their open-backed design allows your audio to interact with your environment as well, lending dimension and acoustic excitement to your music. That said, don't expect the same build quality or speaker-like soundstage you'd find with the premium Sennheiser HD 800 S. Still, unlike those expensive cans, one upside of the HD 560S is that they're quite easy to drive with a variety of audio sources. It's unlikely that you'll need a headphone amp with these, meaning you can plug them into your gaming console controller as easily as your audio interface and anticipate a suitable output level. Their cable is a standard stereo 1/8" TRS to 1/4" TRS, so if it ever breaks or gets lost, you don't have to buy a proprietary replacement either.
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Best Budget Wired Headphones
Audio Reproduction Accuracy7.6Frequency Response Consistency7.7Peaks/Dips7.7See all our test resultsStereo Mismatch7.6For audiophiles on a shoestring budget, the best wired over-ear headphones we've tested are the Philips SHP9500. They're not as stable on the head as the more expensive Sennheiser HD 560S, but they're still worth checking out, as their open-back design creates a great passive soundstage that feels spacious and wide, making your listening experience more immersive. They also have a very comfortable fit for long listening sessions.
These headphones have a generally balanced sound profile that's well-suited for a variety of genres and types of content. Their mid-range is virtually flat, so instruments sound true-to-life and detailed, even in dense mixes, and their treble response has plenty of detail and shimmer. That said, the treble isn't as well-controlled as the Sennheiser and can get a bit piercing at times. Finally, they put out even less low-end than the other open-backs on this list, so bass fans may find these a bit boring.
If rumbly low frequencies are important to you, the Superlux HD 681 are a great alternative to the Philips. The Superlux have a stronger bass response that reproduces basslines with a bit more punch and warmth. Unfortunately, their treble response is sharper, which makes sibilants and high percussion-like cymbals sound rather piercing, and their build quality feels cheap.
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Best Warm Sound Profile Wired Headphones
Audio Reproduction Accuracy7.4Frequency Response Consistency7.9Peaks/Dips7.9See all our test resultsStereo Mismatch8.7While they can't quite rival the Sennheiser HD 800 S for a wide, speaker-like presentation of your audio, the Audeze LCD-X hold their own in other ways. First and foremost, they deliver impressive low-end impact for an open-back design, giving mixes plenty of thump without muddying detail. Mix engineers and critical listeners alike gravitate toward the LCD-X for their rich, warm tuning and precise mid-range, which reproduces vocals and instruments with accuracy and depth. If you find yourself routinely boosting your headphones' bass up or treble down with EQ, these Audeze cans could be a great, adjustment-free purchase for you.
The Audeze are also cheaper than the Sennheiser and don't need an amp to drive. That said, they're a little heavier, too, which could matter if you spend long hours in front of a mix; but their deep, cushioned earpads are still comfortable, and the build feels equally premium. They also come packaged with a sturdy, hard carrying case, adding a touch of practicality that's missing from some other high-end models, including the Sennheiser. If you're a fan of Audeze's house sound, the Audeze MM-500 are a worth alternative to the LCD-X. Their high-mids and low-treble are closer to our target, which helps keep sounds like vocals front and centre of dense pop mixes, which makes sense since these cans were tuned in collaboration with famed pop mix engineer Manny Marroquin. That said, the MM-500 are more expensive than the LCD-X and don't offer quite as much oomph in the low bass.
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Best Closed-Back Wired Headphones
The Beyerdynamic DT 1770 PRO are the best closed-back headphones we've tested. These top-of-the-line headphones are worth considering if you want a pair of headphones that can block out some background noise and leak less audio. They boast an excellent build quality and come with a sturdy carrying case that, while a bit bulky, offers solid protection when not in use. Unlike the more budget-friendly Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO, the DT 1770 PRO feature a detachable audio cable, making replacements simple if it gets damaged.
Their sound profile is generally well-balanced, so they reproduce vocals and instruments clearly and with detail. That said, their slightly bright response makes elements like cymbals or S and T sounds seem piercing. If you prefer a warmer sound, consider the Audeze LCD-S20, although the Audeze are a fair bit more expensive than our pick. That said, both the Audeze and the DT 1770 PRO have inconsistent audio delivery, so people who wear glasses or have thick hair might notice a drop in bass as their fit isn't as predictable as options like the Sennheiser HD 560S. Because they are also both closed-backs, neither can match the open-backs on this list for producing a speaker-like soundstage.
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Best Wired Earbuds
Audio Reproduction Accuracy7.9Frequency Response Consistency8.0Peaks/Dips7.7See all our test resultsStereo Mismatch8.8The Meze ALBA are the best wired earbuds we've tested. These in-ear monitors (IEMs) are designed for good sound quality and offer some versatility over the over-ears listed since they're easy to put in your pocket, and they come with a USB-C DAC, so you can easily use them with your phone or other mobile device. They have a comfortable fit and cables that loop around your ears, which helps prevent them from falling out, even if you move your head around a lot. They don't have ANC, which is normal for IEMs, but they still passively block out enough noise to make them more useful in spaces like busy offices than the open-backs on this list. If versatility is important to you, the Meze are worth checking out.
Sound-wise, they offer a balanced response that suits most kinds of audio. They've a touch more bass than our target, which makes a change from many of the other picks on our lists, like the open-backed Sennheiser HD 560S. Fans of rumbly techno kick drums will probably enjoy the extra thump on offer here. The mids and treble are also flat and accurate, so voices and instruments sound realistic and natural. If you're looking for cheaper IEMS, consider the TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO: RED. These feature a similar design to the Meze and come with a 10-ohm adapter, which offers a bassier sound than the stock configuration. But the TRUTHEAR aren't as comfortable or well-built as the Meze, and the lack of a USB-C adapter makes them less versatile for on-the-go listening.
Notable Mentions
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Audio-Technica ATH-ADX3000:
If your budget won't quite stretch to the Sennheiser HD 800 S, the Audio-Technica ATH-ADX3000 are a great-sounding alternative. They're still very expensive, but they're extremely light on the head and offer a detailed sound that mix engineers might find useful. They don't produce as spacious or immersive a sound, though.
See our review -
HiFiMan Edition XS:
The HiFiMan Edition XS offer a sound profile that resembles the HiFiMan Arya Stealth Magnet Version but in a similar price range as the Sennheiser HD 560S. Like the Arya Stealth Magnet, the Edition XS have a superb bass response, but their treble range is also less well-controlled than the Sennheiser, and they're not as comfortable.
See our review -
Sennheiser HD 6XX:
The Sennheiser HD 6XX are well-built open-back headphones with a flat sound profile, akin to the Sennheiser HD 560S. The 6XX have a slightly warmer sound, but they're not widely available from most online retailers, since they're a collaboration between Sennheiser and Drop.
See our review - Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO: The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO are the open-back counterpart of the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO. They have a well-built design and deliver a lot of bass for open-back headphones. However, they sound a bit boomy and piercing, and their passive soundstage isn't as immersive as that of other open-backs. See our review
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Philips SHP9600:
The Philips SHP9600 perform very similarly to the Philips SHP9500, and which you should choose for your new cans depends on availability. In particular, if you're on a tight budget, choosing one or the other makes sense based on the cost. The minor upsides are that the SHP9500 are more breathable, and their clamping force is a bit lighter.
See our review -
MOONDROP Blessing 3:
The MOONDROP Blessing 3 have a remarkably similar sound profile to the Meze ALBA, but with bass and treble ranges that are slightly closer to our target curve. The MOONDROP also deviate less from their sound profile. That said, they're over twice the price of the Meze and don't come with a USB-C DAC.
See our review
Recent Updates
Nov 06, 2025:
The HiFiMan Arya Stealth Magnet Version are our new upper mid-range pick, with the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO becoming our mid-range pick. The Meze ALBA are our new choice for Best Wired Earbuds. We've also added the Audeze LCD-X as our new 'Best Warm Sound Profile' pick and added the Audeze LCD-S20 as an alternative to the Beyerdynamic DT 1770 PRO. Finally, to our Notable Mentions, we've added the HiFiMan Edition XS, MOONDROP Blessing 3, and Sennheiser HD 6XX, but removed the Sennheiser IE 200, TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO, Audio-Technica ATH-M20x, and Sennheiser HD 600.
Apr 18, 2025:
We've rejigged this article slightly to better offer a range of picks at different price points. The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO are our new upper mid-range pick for their balanced sound. That bumps the HiFiMan Edition XS and Sennheiser HD 560S down to being our mid-range and lower mid-range picks, respectively. Finally, the Beyerdynamic DT 1770 PRO are our new pick for 'Best Closed-Back Headphones,' with the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO a cheaper alternative. We've removed the HiFiMan Sundara 2020 from our Notable Mentions and added the Audio-Technica ATH-ADX3000.
Jan 20, 2025:
We added the HiFiMan Arya Stealth to the Sennheiser HD 800 S section as a value-driven alternative. Due to the tier and similar pricing between the HiFiMan Edition XS and HiFiMan Sundara 2020, the Sennheiser HD 560 S replaced the HiFiMan Sundara 2020 as the mid-range pick. We also added the Philips SHP9600 and HiFiMan Sundara 2020 as Notable Mentions.
Sep 27, 2024: The Philips SHP9500 are back in stock, so they're our new budget pick. The Superlux 681 are now an alternative pick for fans of bass-heavy music. The Philips Fidelio X2HR are now mentioned in the lower mid-range category for listeners looking for open-backs.
Sep 19, 2024: We checked that all our picks are still the best in their categories but made only minor edits to the text.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best headphones with a wired connection available for most people, depending on their needs. We factor in the price (cheaper headphones win over pricier ones if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no headphones that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you would like to choose for yourself, here is the list of all our reviews for wired headphones. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There are no perfect headphones. Personal taste, preference, and listening habits will matter more in your selection.