Black Friday is finally here, and you can score incredible discounts on headphones of all shapes and sizes from all the major companies by shopping at Amazon. In fact, there are incredible deals to be had even with a budget of under $100—some pairs cost under $20! If you’ve been putting off getting a pair of new headphones for yourself or want a universally appreciated gift, you’ll find dozens of great deals below.

Sennheiser CX Plus $99.95 (Was $179.95)

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This $80 discount on Sennheiser’s CX Plus true wireless earbuds is a great deal for those with audiophile tastes on a tighter budget. The earbuds support active noise cancellation, get up to 24 hours of playtime (eight from the buds themselves and an additional 16 hours thanks to their battery case), and IPX4 water resistance, which makes them suitable for wear while working out. Multiple built-in microphones allow you to use these earbuds to make and take phone calls, while Sennheiser’s Smart Control App for iOS and Android allow you to tweak their sound to suit your tastes. If you’re looking for the Black Friday earbuds deal under $100, this is it. Prefer headphones? You can get the Sennheiser HD 400S around-ear headphones for only $45.99 (normally $69.99), and check out the deals below for many, many more options of all sorts.

Sennheiser headphone deals

• Sennheiser CX, $68 (Was $129.95)
• Sennheiser 350BT, $69.95 (Was $119.95)
• Sennheiser RS 120-W, $80.15 (Was $129.95)

House of Marley deals

• Positive Vibration Frequency Over-ear Wireless Headphones $59.99 (Was $99)
• CHAMPION 2 True Wireless Earbuds $69.99 (Was $89.99)

AirPods deals

• AirPods 2, $79.99 (Was $129)
• EarPods, $16.99 (Was $19)

Sony headphone deals

• Sony WH-CH520, $38 (Was $59.99)
• Sony WH-CH720N, $98 (Was $149.99)
• Sony SRS-NB10, $98 (Was $149.99)

Beats headphone deals

• Beats Solo3, $99.95 (Was $199.95)
• Beats Studio Buds, $89.95 (Was $149.95)

JBL headphone deals

• JBL Tune 510BT, $24.95 (Was $49.95)
• JBL Vibe Beam, $29.95 (Was $49.95)
• JBL Tune 710BT, $39.95 (Was $79.95)
• JBL Live Pro 2, $74.95 (Was $149.95)
• JBL Tune Buds, $49.95 (Was $99.95)
• JBL Tune 760NC, $64.95 (Was $129.95)
• JBL Tune Flex, $49.95 (Was $99.95)
• JBL Vibe Buds, $29.95 (Was $49.95)
• JBL Tune 215, $19.95 (Was $39.95)
• JBL Tune 660NC, $49.95 (Was $99.95)
• JBL TUNE 500, $14.95 (Was $29.95)

TREBLAB headphone deals

• TREBLAB Z2 Over-Ear Headphones $69.95 (Was $119.97)
• TREBLAB X3 Pro Wireless Earbuds with Earhooks $47.97 (Was $99.97)

Tribit headphone deals

• Tribit FlyBuds 3, $31.99 (Was $39.99)
• Tribit MoveBuds H1, $71.20 (Was $110)
• Tribit FlyBuds C2, $59.99 (Was $79.99)
• Tribit FlyBuds C1 Pro, $62.99 (Was $89.99)

1More headphone deals

• 1MORE Omthing AirFree Buds, $9.99 (Was $29.99)
• 1MORE SonoFlow, $63.99 (Was $99.99)
• 1MORE Aero, $54.99 (Was $109.99)
• 1MORE EVO, $89.99 (Was $159.99)
• 1MORE ComfoBuds Mini, $54.99 (Was $99.99)
• 1MORE Fit SE S30, $54.99 (Was $69.99)

Tozo headphone deals

• TOZO T10, $18.99 (Was $39.99)
• TOZO A1 Mini, $16.39 (Was $29.99)
• TOZO T20, $29.99 (Was $35.99)
• TOZO T6, $20.99 (Was $39.99)
• TOZO HT2, $39.99 (Was $49.99)
• TOZO T9, $22.94 (Was $39.99)
• TOZO A3, $16.14 (Was $22.99)
• TOZO G1, $19.99 (Was $29.99)
• TOZO A2, $14.44 (Was $18.99)

Marshall headphone deals

• Marshall Minor III, $89.99 (Was $129.99)
• Marshall Major IV, $99.99 (Was $149.99)

Jabra headphone deals

• Jabra Elite 4, $59.99 (Was $99.99)
• Jabra Elite 4 Active, $69.99 (Was $119.99)
• Jabra Evolve2 40, $89.99 (Was $168)

Soundcore deals

• Soundcore P20i, $19.99 (Was $39.99)
• Soundcore Sport X10, $49.99 (Was $79.99)
• Soundcore P3i, $34.99 (Was $59.99)
• Soundcore Q20, $41.98 (Was $59.99)
• Soundcore P2, $23.89 (Was $89.99)
• Soundcore P3, $54.98 (Was $79.99)
• Soundcore Q20+, $49.99 (Was $69.99)

Skullcandy deals

• Skullcandy Crusher Evo Over-Ear Wireless Headphones with Sensory Bass $99.99 (Was $199.99)
• Skullcandy Grind Fuel In-Ear Wireless Earbuds with Wireless Charging $39.99 (Was $79.99)
• Skullcandy Push Active In-Ear Wireless Earbuds $59.99 (Was $82.06)
• Rail ANC Wireless Earbuds $79.99 (Was $99.99)
• Rail Wireless Earbuds $59.99 (Was $79.99)

Edifier headphone deals

• Edifier WH950NB Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Bluetooth 5.3 Wireless w/ LDAC $99.99 (Was $199.99)
• Edifier W820NB Plus Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones w/ LDAC $55.99 (Was $89.99)
• Edifier WH700NB Active Noise Cancelling Headphones $39.99 (Was $49.99)

Willing to spend a little more? Here are flagship earbuds at amazing prices:

• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II $199 (Was $279)
• Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) $189.99 (Was $249)
• Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 Earbuds $167.50 (Was $279.95)
• Sony WF-1000XM5 True Wireless Bluetooth LDAC Noise-Canceling Earbuds $248 (Was $299)
• Sony LinkBuds S True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds $128 (Was $199)
• Questyle NHB12 In-Ear Wired Headphones with Lightning Connector [Apple MFi Certified] for 192kHz Hi-Res Music $239 (Was $299)
• Linsoul 7HZ Timeless AE 14.2mm Planar HiFi In-Ear Earphone $207 (Was $299)

The post These are the best Black Friday headphone & earbud deals you can still get appeared first on Popular Science.

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Black Friday is the time to get a big deal on a pair of pricey headphones you’ve lusted after for months. You can get up to a whopping 51-percent off Beats headphones at Amazon before Thanksgiving with this Black Friday deal at Amazon.

Apple Beats Studio Pro Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones $169.95 (Was $349.99)

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Get up to 40 hours of total battery life with the Apple Beats Studio Pro headphones. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency modes let you choose how to listen. Lossless audio and three built-in sound profiles let you customize what you want to hear. They also pair with a single touch for Android and Apple products.

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones $328 (Was $399.99)

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The Sony WH-1000XM5—the leveled-up cousin of the Sony WH-1000XM4—is also on sale for $328, down from $399.99. That’s the lowest price we’ve seen it, and you’d be remiss not to snag one of the best Bluetooth headphones out there.

Here are more headphone deals from Sennheiser, Bose, and more you should tune into:

• Apple Beats Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds $149.95 (Was $249.95)
• Beats Studio Pro with AppleCare+ for Headphones (2 Years)-Black $194.95 (Was $378.99)
• Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 650 $279 (Was $499.95)
• Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 560 S Over-The-Ear Audiophile Headphones $149.95 (Was $229.25)
• Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones, Over-Ear Headphones $199 (Was $329)
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds $249 (Was $299)
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II $199 (Was $279)
• JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless Headphones-Black, Small $29.95 (Was $49.95)
• JBL Tune Flex-True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds (Black), Small $49.95 (Was $99.95)
• SHOKZ OpenRun Mini-Bone Conduction Open-Ear Bluetooth Sport Headphones $89.95 (Was $129.95)
• Marshall Major IV On-Ear Bluetooth Headphone, Black $99.99 (Was $149.99)
• Marshall Minor III True Wireless In-Ear Headphones, Black $89.99 (Was $129.99)
  

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We all love getting lost in our favorite music, but how do mix engineers in the studio keep the frequencies in that music from losing focus? One way is using studio-minded headphones—which is where something like the MDR-MV1, Sony’s latest pair custom-made for sound engineers and industry professionals, come in.

The headphones you love for listening might not be the best for monitoring, and vice versa. You choose the former for their coloration, for whether they emphasize your favorite parts of the audio spectrum, and the latter for whether they manage playback that doesn’t enhance lows and highs for artificial excitement. If you are studio-minded, there are plenty of classic choices to choose from, like the Beyerdynamic DT-1990 or the Sennheiser HD800S, but if you’ve worked around a recording console, the venerable Sony MDR-7506 has surely crossed your radar at some point in time. They’ve been the affordable choice for session musicians and engineers alike for more than 30 years. However, if you loved those headphones but wanted something more recent or higher quality from Sony, you have been out of luck … until now. The MDR-MV1 builds on the design of the MDR-7506 with a decidedly higher quality build and more refined sound. Accuracy and detail are the name of the game for this set, and coupled with its truly exceptional comfort, the Sony MDR-MV1 is a serious contender for recording professionals and audiophiles alike—once you consider certain things.

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Overview

• Sony has updated its studio line-up with its highest-resolution headphones yet.
• The comfort of the MDR-MV1 is phenomenal and can be worn for hours without issue.
• While they don’t have the wide soundstage of great audiophile cans, they have excellent layer separation and detail for mixing.
• Designed for spatial mixing, these headphones preserve positional details in the mix, allowing you to make key tweaks post-recording.

Pros

• Outstanding comfort and build quality
• Detail rich and atmospheric listening experience
• Well balanced for mixing with enough “oomph” in the bass for realistic monitoring
• Exceptionally wide frequency response

Cons

• Its improvements come at a significantly higher price
• No storage case to keep them safe between sessions

The Verdict: The Sony MDR-MV1 offers the exceptional clarity, comfort, and spatial awareness needed to make your mixes shine … or smolder or soar, whatever vibe you’re going for. 

The build

There are a lot of things to appreciate about the Sony MDR-MV1, and build quality is foremost among them—which you would hope to be true in a $399 headphone. It has an airy fit that first makes you question how well-built it could be and then appreciate it all the more. At only 223 grams, it’s one of the lightest professional monitoring headphones you can buy and comes in around 40% lighter than the venerable DT-1990s and less than half that of the Audeze’s latest mixing cans, the MM-500. Both are among our picks for the best mixing headphones, and I suspect the MV1 will soon find its place alongside them.

What makes its light mass so remarkable is that Sony has incorporated a plentiful amount of aluminum into its design rather than the pure plastic of the MDR-7506—a headphone that is heavier than the MV1. The earcups and headband are both metal, with intricate holes milled in the cups to enable their open-back design. The impressive detail is the kind of design you’ll only appreciate more the closer you look. More importantly, the headphones have a robustness you can feel with minimal handling. A drop when reaching across the mixing board shouldn’t slay these headphones. It’s a workhorse headphone if I’ve ever seen one.

Though the carved-out cups have a unique aesthetic, these aren’t headphones that scream “audiophile” in the artsy way fancy planar magnetics and higher-end dynamics sometimes do (I’m looking at you, Dan Clark Stealth and HIFIMAN Audivina). Apart from the perforated cups, they have a very restrained, professional look. Matte black across the board, slim and low-profile fabric cushions, red and blue channel stamps: the MV1 follows the same design as other Sony engineering cans, so will be right at home in any commercial or bedroom studio. 

Internally, the headphones use specially designed low-distortion 40mm dynamic drivers with custom-shaped and corrugated diaphragms to deliver their sonic experience. With an ultra-wide frequency response of 5Hz to 80,000Hz, they can accurately reproduce the entire range of human hearing (and beyond) with exceptional clarity and low distortion. The open-back design of the headphones naturally reduces reflections within the housings that might otherwise impact dynamics (and requires you to use them in a controlled, low-noise environment), but Sony has also added acoustic dampeners throughout the structure to silence them further. This creates a directionality to the flow of soundwaves from the back of the headset, improving its spatial accuracy.

This is important because these headphones have been designed with more than stereo mixing in mind. Spatial audio is on the rise across the headphone industry (delivered via Dolby Atmos by Apple and as “360 Reality Audio” on Sony products), and being able to mix for spatial dynamics accurately is more important than ever. These headphones must (and do) excel in monitoring accuracy and deliver an exceptional yet accurate, not exaggerated, sound field. It’s a consideration that older generations of closed-back mixing headphones didn’t have to factor in but is an active element of the Sony MV1’s design, developed in conjunction with Sony’s 360 Virtual Mixing Environment (360VME) service.

Though sound is clearly the most important element of any pair of headphones, comfort is a close second when you’re wearing them all day. Their low weight, breathable velvety cushions, and well-balanced clamp force make them a treat to wear. Top-of-head soreness is a real issue with heavier headphones, but hot spots aren’t a concern here. When you need a break, the ear cups pivot to rest around your neck and are slim enough not to bump your chin. The only criticism I might levy against them is that the pads are a bit thin, which left my ears touching the inner fabric of the cushions. Even so, I could wear these for the better part of an entire workday without any discomfort whatsoever and could have continued doing so had the day gone longer.

There’s no storage case included with the headphones, which is a bit disappointing for their price, but it does come with an excellent cable. At just over eight feet long, it provides the freedom of movement necessary to navigate the studio. It screws into the left ear cup, so you won’t need to worry about untimely snags pulling it free. It’s also delightfully soft with virtually no cable memory. It falls straight, wraps straight, and isn’t prone to tangling, which is just about perfect as far as cables go. It terminates in a standard 6.35mm connection to interface with most audio gear, but Sony also includes a 3.5mm adapter for use with laptops and portable DACs that may lack the bigger port. 

Overall, the Sony MDR-MV1 is a remarkably well-built, well-designed, and exceptionally comfortable pair of headphones. Audiophiles may find themselves wishing for a shorter cable, but it’s safe to say that Sony knocked it out of the part with its design and wearability.

The sound 

As a longtime veteran of the bedroom recording scene, I’ve recorded with enough gear to know what makes a great pair of monitoring cans, and the MV1 has it. The sound is balanced but not neutral to the point of anemic. It’s energetic but not sharp, spacious but not extravagant. It’s a headphone designed for accurate monitoring and reproducible results and delivers on that promise. 

Accuracy, in this case, doesn’t mean a completely flat frequency response, but it does mean a balanced and revealing one. There’s a delightful body to the sound—primarily in the mid- to upper-bass, as sub-bass is limited by the nature of open-backs—which allows instruments and percussion to present fully without being magnified. It’s more punch than slam but delivers even at low listening levels, which is impressive. Meanwhile, the mids, where much of a mix is clustered, are slightly forward and smooth without being glossy, maintaining the detail needed to sculpt space for each stem. Vocals are ahead in the way a singer may stand in front of a band to lead a live show—engaging and immediate but not overwhelming. The crisp highs allow upper harmonics to sound and instruments to ring out with true-to-life timbre, helping you spot imperfections.

The spatial presentation is exceptionally well-balanced. I admit, my first impression was one of disappointment … until I listened further. These headphones don’t deliver the width of a great set of audiophile cans, but they do deliver separation between the instruments needed to carve frequencies and ensure imaging. There’s a depth to the listening experience, an easy perceptibility of layer upon layer, coming together to create a track. Each is discernible with even casual listening. If something is off, you’ll hear it in an instant. Stereo imaging is also excellent with excellent directional cues and clear panning between each channel.

My personal ah-ha moment came between recording a sample track and listening back in my car. This, I’ve learned over years of home recording, is one area where monitoring failures become apparent. I’ve had mixes that sounded great in my headphones suddenly sound alternatively bloated and muddy or shrill and grating in the car. The game of cat and mouse chasing these shortcomings down, remastering, and relistening can extend to multiple repeats and lost hours if not for a great pair of studio headphones. 

The MV1 nailed the mix on the first try. There’s enough bass to match a master in a realistic listening environment. There’s enough treble to hear accuracy in tone and the minute details of a performance. The mids are centered, balanced, and presented with an eye to rendering a final product. It’s not perfectly neutral but transparent nonetheless.

What’s especially magic about these headphones is that the tuning manages to be enjoyable even if you never plan to mix a single track. Audiophiles will find a lot to love here. Its low-end response and relative fullness compared to a set like the beyerdynamic DT-990 PROs make it a genuinely fun set to get lost with. Zach Bryan’s “Something in the Orange” was atmospheric in a way I had never appreciated before, and the balance between vocals and acoustic guitars was enrapturing. These are headphones to mix and appreciate mixes with.

The conclusion

The Sony MDR-MV1 is an evolution. It applies the lessons learned from generations of Sony MDR studio monitors and addresses concerns levied at some of its most dominant competition. It’s lightweight and comfortable and won’t leave your head sore. Its transients soar but aren’t egregiously sizzling. It offers depth and space but isn’t unrealistically wide. And just as importantly as its response is energetic and immersive when the mix calls for it, it’s flat-out fun to listen to when away from the faders. While it’s hundreds more than its closed-back precursor, it’s reasonably priced compared to direct competitors. And, because it doesn’t go for the unerring analytical response inspired by a traditional studio monitor, it’s better prepared for localizing objects and the (re)creation of songs in virtual surround. Put succinctly, these headphones are a well-rounded win and are well worth the investment for engineers and audiophiles alike.   

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If you’re traveling for the holiday, there’s probably still time to order these fantastic Bose noise-canceling headphones for the trip. Starting at just $200, Amazon has deep discounts on some of the best noise-canceling over-the-ear and earbuds on the market. These are the lowest prices we’ve seen on some of these models, and you likely won’t get any better discount if you wait until after Turkey Day.

Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones $199 (was $329)

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This is the bread-and-butter Bose model. They have a slick, traditional design, powerful drivers, and some of the most effective active noise canceling you’ll ever experience. The customizable EQ allows you to tweak their performance to your liking and each battery charge provides up to 22 hours of listening. These are our choice for the best headphones for work since they fit better and feel less sweaty than the still-excellent Sony WH-1000XM5 (which also happens to be on sale for $328 if you prefer them).

More Bose headphones deals during Amazon’s early Black Friday sale:

• NEW Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones $249 (was $349)
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds $249 (was $299)
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones with Spatial Audio $379 (was $429)

More headphone deals from other great brands:

• JBL Tune 660NC: Wireless On-Ear Headphones with Active Noise Cancellation $49 (was $99)
• JBL Tune 710BT Wireless Over-Ear – Bluetooth Headphones with Microphone $39 (was $79)
• JBL Tune 510BT: Wireless On-Ear Headphones with Purebass Sound $24 (was $49)
• Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Noise Canceling Earbud Headphones $128 (was $199)
• Sony WF-C700N Truly Wireless Noise Canceling in-Ear Bluetooth Earbud Headphones $88 (was $119)
• Sony SRS-NB10 Wireless Neckband Bluetooth Speaker $98 (was $149)
• Google Pixel Buds A-Series – Wireless Earbuds $59 (was $99)

If your vibe is more wireless speaker systems and flagship headphones, check out these amazing early Black Friday audiophile deals.

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Best overall		Beats Fit Pro		SEE IT	These earbuds use wingtips that fit to your ear to stay secure.
Best over-ear		TRELAB Z2		SEE IT	This more traditional design has a tough IPX4 waterproof rating that’s tough against rain and sweat.
Best budget		Otium U18 Earbuds		SEE IT	Battery life, secure fit, and an IPX7 waterproof rating make these budget headphones a solid choice for hitting the treadmill.

Choosing the right pair of running headphones is essential for getting through your workout comfortably and safely. Listening to your favorite music and podcasts while running, jogging, and participating in other endurance exercises is a great way to bear up and push yourself that extra mile. Unlike traditional headphones and earbuds that come in all shapes and sizes, often more concerned with aesthetics than activity, the best running headphones are super lightweight and snug-fitting. They typically feature waterproof designs with long battery life. We’ve selected some of the best running headphones on the market to help you make an informed decision no matter where your workout takes you.

• Best overall: Apple Beats Fit Pro
• Best bone-conduction: SHOKZ OpenRun Pro
• Most comfortable: Ultimate Ears FITS
• Best over-ear: Treblab Z2
• Best for city runs: Sony LinkBuds
• Best battery life: JBL Endurance Peak 3
• Best budget: Otium U18 Earbuds

How we chose the best running headphones

The best running headphones are wireless, and Bluetooth requires power. Running out of battery life during a workout is inconvenient at best, so we built our list with options that feature battery capacities between 10 hours and 50 hours to ensure they’ll endure through at least two average workout days before recharging. Running headphones should fit comfortably and allow the user to exercise unencumbered, so our picks are relatively lightweight and feature secure, customizable fit options. Most of the headphones on our list are earbuds, but we added an over-ear and a bone conduction option to cover every possible use scenario and style preference.

Breaking a sweat is a normal part of running, so we selected headphones with Ingress Protection ratings ranging from a splashproof IPX3 to a completely dustproof and waterproof IP68. Most of the headphones on our list offer environmental transparency/situational awareness tech, from the ambient mic modes of the JBL Endurance Peak 3 and Apple Beats Fit Pro to the actually open designs of the Sony LinkBuds and SHOKZ OpenRun Pro.

The best running headphones: Reviews & Recommendations

Running can boost the production of your brain’s endorphins and help you de-stress. With this in mind, finding the best running headphones shouldn’t be a stressful endeavor. One of our picks should help get you on a runner’s high.

Best overall: Apple Beats Fit Pro

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Why it made the cut: The Apple Beats Fit Pro earbuds combine user-friendly design and great sound in a snug-fitting form factor.

Specs

• Weight: 0.2 ounces/earbud; 2.3 ounces with case
• IP rating: IPX4 (splash-resistant)
• Battery life: 7 hours single-charge; 30 hours with case

Pros

• Features Apple H1 chip for quick pairing and spatial tracking
• Compact form factor and tight fit perfect for running
• Great sound quality with ANC and transparency modes

Cons

• Requires iOS device to use all features
• Case incompatible with wireless charging
• No multipoint pairing

We recently featured the Apple Beats Fit Pro in our roundup of the best headphones for working out, and they’re also our top pick for running. They feature a relatively neutral and well-rounded sound profile with crisp highs that make them great for a wide range of listening duties, and their inclusion of active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency modes make them equally useful on the road and at the gym. The Beats Fit Pro are super lightweight and compact in and out of its charging case, making them easy to keep in your pocket and comfortable to wear while active. They’re also some of the most secure earbuds we’ve tested thanks to their unique flexible wingtip design that sits firmly against the outside of your ear, aided further by three sets of interchangeable silicone ear tips.

As we mention in our full review, the Beats Fit Pro offer a user experience very similar to that of the Apple AirPods Pro thanks to their built-in H1 chip, which allows for quick and effortless pairing to your iOS device, as well as access to Apple’s immersive head tracking and spatial audio technologies. These buds do work with Android devices—you connect to them as you would any other Bluetooth earbuds—but non-iOS users will, unfortunately, miss out on those H1-provided benefits. We also wish the Beats Fit Pro featured better waterproofing than the same IPX4 rating shared by Apple’s regular line of AirPods. They also lack wireless charging and multipoint pairing, which are features that would ease switching gears before and after a run. Still, we can’t shake how we can’t shake ’em loose.

Best bone-conduction: SHOKZ OpenRun Pro

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Why it made the cut: The OpenRun Pro’s open-ear bone-conduction design allows you to work out and listen to your favorite music while maintaining full situational awareness.

Specs

• Weight: 0.95 ounces
• IP rating: IP55 (dust- and water-resistant at low pressures)
• Battery life: 10 hours single-charge

Pros

• Open-ear design for maximum situational awareness
• Highly resistant to dust and water
• Headband design stays put during the ups and downs of running

Cons

• Sound quality is limited due to design
• Audible to others
• Proprietary charging cable is inconvenient to replace

If you frequently work out in parks or along roads where you share space with bikes and cars, a pair of bone-conduction headphones like the SHOKZ OpenRun Pro will be the safest and most convenient choice for your runs. Like all of the best bone-conduction headphones, the OpenRun Pro uses vibration to send audio through your cheek and directly to your earbones, bypassing your ear canal entirely and leaving it open so you can stay aware of approaching traffic while listening to your favorite music. The OpenRun Pro weighs just under one ounce and features a snug-fitting headband design that sits comfortably around your ears and stays put through even the most strenuous sprints, and its high dust- and water-resistant design make it a great choice for exercising on any terrain in any weather.

While the design of the OpenRun Pro is perfect for maintaining situational awareness while running, it lacks bass response. That’s not entirely necessary if you’re running to podcasts or ambient/classical music, but it leaves something to be desired in dance, rock, and other bass-heavy music. Others will also be able to hear what you’re hearing, so they’re not a great choice for use on public transit or in quiet places. Plan on taking the OpenRun Pro out for multiple workouts between charges? The headphones’ 10-hour battery should be more than flexible enough, but remember that they use a proprietary magnetic charger rather than something universal like USB-C.

Most comfortable: Ultimate Ears FITS

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Why it made the cut: These ultralight running headphones from Ultimate Ears are custom-fit to your ears to deliver one of the most comfortable workout listening experiences available.

Specs 

• Weight: 0.26 ounces/earbud; 2.04 ounces with case
• IP rating: IPX3 (splash-resistant at up to 60-degree angle)
• Battery life: 8 hours single-charge; 20 hours with case

Pros

• Moldable eartips are custom-fit to your ears
• Neutral midrange frequency response with custom EQ available in-app
• Sweat-resistant design

Cons

• Design protrudes far from ear
• Sub-bass response is lacking initially
• No active noise cancellation

The Ultimate Ears FITS—or UE FITS if you’re nasty—are an incredibly comfortable and lightweight pair of custom-fit running headphones with a design and setup process that seem straight out of a sci-fi movie. After removing the FITS from their package for the first time, users simply place the earbuds in their ears and initiate the molding process via a smartphone app, during which the photosensitive polymer ear tips are literally molded to the shape of your ears with the help of some built-in flashing LEDs. Apart from downloading the app, the entire setup process takes roughly 60 seconds, after which you’re free to use the earbuds however you see fit. The process feels alien but not uncomfortable. Despite being very light and comfy, the FITS tend to protrude further from the ear than other earbuds, which may bother users who prefer a streamlined look. Those with sensitive, small ears, however, will appreciate the ability to wear them comfortably for hours.

The sound of the Ultimate Ears FITS is relatively neutral yet lacking in low frequencies out of the box; luckily, it’s easy to sculpt using the in-app EQ, so you can get lows to reach a runner’s high. They, unfortunately, don’t feature active noise cancellation, but their snug fit allows them a good measure of passive noise cancellation that can be useful in gyms and other crowded environments. The FITS’ sweat-resistant IPX3 rating is also a bit lower than the minimum IPX4 we’re used to seeing in this class of earbuds, but they’ll still make it through many a sweaty session unscathed.

Less athletically inclined but still like the idea of custom-fit earbud comfort for running errands (or the occasional power walk)? UE offers the DROPS, which have a more involved, more handcrafted process resulting in bespoke acrylic housings tailored to your personal specifications and aesthetic.

Best over-ear: Treblab Z2

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Why it made the cut: The Treblab Z2 headphones are a uniquely light, comfy over-ear option with a long battery life that makes them great for taking on a run.

Specs

• Weight: 0.53 pounds
• IP rating: IPX4 (splash-resistant)
• Battery life: 35 hours

Pros

• Super light and comfy design for running unencumbered
• Very long single-charge battery life
• Built-in control buttons are intuitive and easy to use

Cons

• No charging case
• ANC mode changes the sound profile, performs unreliably
• Prone to leaking audio

While over-ear headphones aren’t an ideal choice for running due to being much heavier and bulkier than earbuds, the Treblab Z2’s combination of lightweight comfort and long 35-hour battery life will have you covered if you have your heart set on a more traditional design. The Z2 features an IPX4 waterproof rating that’s tough enough to stand up to sweat and rain, and it has easy-to-use audio controls placed conveniently on each earcup, plus a simple switch to toggle ANC mode. They come in a custom-fit zip-up carrying case that makes them easy to stow in a gym bag, and they charge using an included micro USB cable.

The Treblab Z2’s sound profile is fairly neutral and balanced out of the box, but its ANC mode tends to roll off a lot of the headphones’ bass frequencies, giving the audio a somewhat unappealing mid-forward sound. With ANC engaged, the headphones almost give the impression of changing their EQ to mask environmental noise rather than performing active cancellation. The Treblab Z2s also feature light and airy earpads that make them very comfortable to wear while running. They do tend to leak some sound if you push the volume (not that you should, even if you push the tempo), so you’ll likely want to avoid using them in quiet or shared environments.

Best for city runs: Sony LinkBuds

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Why it made the cut: The Sony LinkBuds use a unique open-ring design to let in environmental noise while delivering the fit and sound of traditional earbuds.

Specs

• Weight: 0.14 ounces/earbud; 1.45 ounces with case
• IP rating: IPX4 (splash-resistant)
• Battery life: 5.5 hours single-charge; 17.5 hours with case

Pros

• Unique ring design lets in ambient noise
• Very comfortable and lightweight fit perfect for running
• Midrange-forward sound is great for spoken word
• EQ adjustable via the Sony Headphones Connect app

Cons

• No noise cancellation
• Very little sub-bass response
• Others can hear what you’re listening to

If you’re looking to maintain a level of situational awareness similar to that given by bone-conduction headphones but prefer the look and feel of earbuds, Sony’s innovative LinkBuds are worth considering. This unique pair of lightweight earbuds—small enough to hang from succulents, as shown above—use a ring-shaped speaker and flexible anchor to stay secure within your ear while letting in ambient noise. This makes them a great choice for running in loud environments and areas with heavy traffic. The size of each fin can be custom-fitted to your ears using an included selection of five sizes, resulting in an incredibly comfortable and snug fit that won’t budge during your run. The LinkBuds aren’t quite as easy to hear through as bone conduction headphones due to their placement in the ear canal, but they do feature a similar midrange-heavy sound with slightly more low-end. If the buds leave you wanting a little more bass, you can also fine-tune their sound further using the Sony Headphones Connect app.

Controlling the Sony LinkBuds involves either tapping directly on the earbuds or on your own facial cartilage in front of the ear, a gesture that works well but takes some getting used to. Some users reported false triggers when engaging in activity, but this effect can be mitigated by selecting the right fin size to ensure the fit is as tight as possible. Because of their open design, the LinkBuds also tend to leak sound and provide no form of noise cancellation at all, so while they might not be the best choice for critical listening unless you’re in the quietest environment (one that wouldn’t mind hearing a bit of what you’re enjoying), there’s really nothing else quite like them if you prefer the fit and feel of earbuds.

Best battery life: JBL Endurance Peak 3

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Why it made the cut: These rugged IP68 earbuds pack up to 50 hours of battery life thanks to their charging case, making them ideal for travel and frequent use.

Specs

• Weight: 0.9 ounces/earbud; 4.5 ounces with case
• IP rating: IP68 (dustproof and waterproof for 30 minutes)
• Battery life: 10 hours single-charge; 50 hours with case

Pros

• Highly waterproof and dustproof
• Very secure-fitting ear hook design
• Super long battery life

Cons

• Lack active noise canceling
• No multipoint pairing or wireless charging
• Muddy and low-heavy sound, but can be EQ’d

JBL’s new Peak Endurance 3 running headphones are a fantastic option if you run daily but don’t always have the opportunity (or memory) to charge your devices. They feature a generous 10-hour single-charge battery life plus another 50 hours thanks to their compact charging case, making them a great choice for stowing in a gym bag or for traveling. The fit of the Endurance Peak 3s uses a wireless ear hook design (JBL refers to the hooks as “TwistLock ear hook enhancers”) similar to that of the Powerbeats Pro, which goes around the back of your ear and works in tandem with three silicone ear tip options, resulting in a comfortable wearing experience that remains stable while running despite not going too far into the ear canal. They even stay stable while doing side plank rotations. The Endurance Peak 3s are also waterproof and dustproof at a very high IP68 level, which makes them impervious to salt water and easy to clean with a simple rinse.

The sound of the Endurance Peak 3s is a bit muddy out of the box, but JBL’s companion app provides an easy-to-use EQ that helps sculpt their sound to your liking. They also don’t have active noise-cancelling abilities, but the tips combined with their shape do a good job of blocking out your surroundings. Still, they do feature JBL’s Ambient Aware mode, which is effective for engaging in conversation at the gym or on the street without having to pause and remove them from your ears. However, we wish they featured conveniences like multipoint device pairing and wireless charging. And, the ear hooks get in the way of sunglasses, which is a pain while running outdoors in the bright sun. If these aren’t major cons for you, their secure fit, battery life, and ease of use make these headphones perfect for running in nearly every way. 

Best budget: Otium U18 Earbuds

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Why it made the cut: Otium’s U18 earbuds feature a secure ear hook design similar to that found in running headphones three times their price.

Specs

• Weight: 3.52 ounces
• IP rating: IPX7 (waterproof for 30 minutes; not dustproof)
• Battery life: 15 hours

Pros

• Great battery life and secure fit on a budget
• IPX7 waterproof for sweaty workouts
• Set of easy-to-use controls

Cons

• Slightly muddy sound profile
• No active noise cancelation
• Charging design is cumbersome

If you love listening to music while running but don’t want to spend a lot, the Otium U18s are a great value thanks to their battery life, secure fit, and IPX7 waterproof rating. They feature an ear hook-based design similar to that of the JBL Endurance Peak 3 and the Powerbeats Pro, with the inclusion of a connective neckband that makes them easy to hang around your neck when not in use and keeps them from getting separated. The U18’s sound profile is a bit muddy and leaves something to be desired, and because they don’t come with any EQ-enabled companion apps you’ll need to explore other options to sculpt their sound. But if you just need a beat to beat your personal best, these are a budget way to get that.

As a set of budget headphones, the Otium U18s are fairly stripped down and lack conveniences like active noise cancelation, wireless charging, and ambient modes. They do have a set of onboard controls, including an on-ear button and a rocker switch, both of which are intuitive and easy to use, but charging the headphones is a little more difficult and involves opening a small, tight-fitting door for access to a micro USB port. Still, if you’re not picky about sound quality or noise canceling, the runner-friendly fit of the U18s makes them worth a look.

What to consider when buying the best running headphones

Most of the best headphones should avoid even a hint of moisture. Heck, even some of the best Bluetooth earbuds might not be suited for more than a brisk stroll. That’s why we’ve put together these things to look at before adding something to your cart:

Do you run in a city environment?

Running in a city environment near bikes, cars, and other forms of traffic requires a high level of situational awareness to ensure you stay out of harm’s way. The best-running headphones for urban environments and crowded places include the Sony LinkBuds, which feature a snug earbud design, and the SHOKZ OpenEars Pro, a bone-conduction design that leaves your ears completely open. 

How important is sound quality to you?

If you fancy yourself an audiophile, go for running headphones with a well-rounded sound profile like the Apple Beats Fit Pro, which have extended low-end response and present highs. Some running headphones also allow you to customize their EQ via smartphone apps, including the JBL Endurance Peak 3 and Ultimate Ears FITS.

Do you need waterproof running headphones?

If you frequently run in moist environments or sweat a lot, picking a pair of running headphones with some measure of waterproofing is essential. All the best running headphones are in some way splash/sweat-resistant, but if you need maximum protection, models such as the JBL Endurance Peak 3 and Jabra Elite 7 Active are some of the best waterproof options we’ve tested.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best running headphones

• Best overall: Apple Beats Fit Pro
• Best bone-conduction: SHOKZ OpenRun Pro
• Most comfortable: Ultimate Ears FITS
• Best over-ear: Treblab Z2
• Best for city runs: Sony LinkBuds
• Best battery life: JBL Endurance Peak 3
• Best budget: Otium U18 Earbuds

For most runners, the easy-to-use Apple Beats Fit Pro are the best headphones, thanks to their well-rounded sound profile, ANC capabilities, and secure fit. Runners in city areas who want to maximize their situational awareness should consider the in-ear Sony LinkBuds or the SHOKZ OpenEars Pro. In contrast, runners interested in the most comfortable fit should look at the in-ear Ultimate Ears FITS or the over-ear Treblab Z2. For more intense workouts, the long battery life, secure fit, and high resistance to water and dust of the JBL Endurance Peak 3 make them a worthy contender. If you’re shopping for running headphones on a budget, it’s hard to beat the sub-$30 Otium U18 Earbuds, which feature a secure ear hook design and 15 hours of single-charge battery life. Now get those feet pounding on the pavement and run off into the sunset, your favorite running tunes pumping in your ears.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best running headphones for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Shokz OpenRun Pro		SEE IT	Impressive battery life, water resistance, and reliable connectivity make these the best pair of bone-conduction headphones around.
Best for kids		N/0 Kids Bone Conduction Headphones		SEE IT	Give your kids a pair of headphones that will provide safe entertainment while they stay active.
Best waterproof		Shokz OpenSwim		SEE IT	A pair of open-ear headphones that’s waterproof, the OpenSwim suit doing laps in the pool swimmingly.

If you’ve got a bone to pick with the way traditional audio devices disconnect you from the world, there is another option: bone-conduction headphones. Headphones, in general, can play many valuable roles. No (or some) bones about it: they let you jam out to music, dive into podcasts, or dial into phone calls while blocking out environmental noise. This can help you concentrate on tasks, but there are some circumstances when being cut off from what’s around you isn’t optimal. The best bone-conduction headphones let you enjoy all your favorite listening experiences with your ear canal exposed so that you can drive, walk, run, bike, swim, etc.—all while remaining completely aware of your surroundings.

• Best overall: Shokz OpenRun Pro
• Best waterproof: Shokz OpenSwim
• Best for calls: Shokz OpenComm
• Best for multitasking: HAYLOU PurFree Bone Conduction Headphones
• Best for kids: N/0 Kids Bone Conduction Headphones
• Best budget: Guudsoud Lite Bone Conduction Headphones

How we chose the best bone-conduction headphones

Bone-conduction headphones are still a relatively new product. But—after consulting academic articles, peer recommendations, real-world user impressions, and our own first-hand tests—we have identified certain models that stand out. Following extensive research, we selected pairs that address the specific needs of athletics, work environments, and age. We chose units that were easy to use, incorporated the features we love about traditional headphones, and prioritized sound quality.

The best bone-conduction headphones: Reviews & Recommendations

Sitting right outside the ear on the jaw, bone-conduction headphones are a different physical and acoustic experience than most people are used to. But different can be good. Here are our picks for the best bone-conduction headphones to help keep you in the hear and now.

Best overall: Shokz OpenRun Pro

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Why it made the cut: Shokz is dedicated to producing top-tier bone-conducting headphones, and the OpenRun Pro is the company’s most advanced model, employing ninth-generation technology to boost sound quality.

Specs

• Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz
• Battery life: 10 hours
• Charge time: 1 hour
• Water resistance: IP55
• Microphone: Dual noise-canceling

Pros

• Good sound quality
• Impressive battery life and quick charging
• Sweat-resistant for intense exercise

Cons

• Hard to replace charging cable
• Audio quality can’t hold up against traditional headphones

Without a doubt, Shokz has cornered the bone-conduction headphone market. The company produces thoughtfully engineered, top-quality products, creating an audio experience to complement the activities you enjoy. The OpenRun Pro is an excellent pair of bone-conduction headphones. They are ideal for just about any situation but are great headphones for running. Available in four colors and two band sizes, the OpenRun Pro fits gently, yet securely, around the back of the head, looping around the ears and resting against the temples.

The headphones employ patented ninth-generation bone-conduction technology. They are equipped with Bluetooth 5.1 (using the SBC codec) and feature PremiumPitch 2.0 signal processing, which prevents bleed, minimizes distortion, and produces a more dynamic bass with minimal vibrations. The battery lasts 10 hours, and you can get a full charge in an hour. Or, with a quick five-minute charge, you’ll get up to 1.5 hours of battery life. Each pair comes with a proprietary magnetic USB charging cable, which easily snaps onto the charging contacts on the headphones.

A dual noise-canceling mic will let you make clear calls. An IP55 rating means this pair can withstand dirt, dust, and sweat. A built-in moisture detector will let you know when it’s getting wet. Keep in mind that while the OpenRun Pro is water-resistant, it’s not designed to be fully submerged in the pool, and you won’t want to run in too heavy of rain with it either. If you would prefer more water resistance, the OpenRun offers many of the same features with an IP67 rating.

Best waterproof: Shokz OpenSwim

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Why it made the cut: The OpenSwim have an IP68 rating, which means they can be fully submerged in water for up to two hours; you can swim with them without making terrible sacrifices regarding audio quality.

Specs:

• Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz 
• Battery life: 8 hours
• Charge time: 2 hours
• Water resistance: IP68
• Microphone: None

Pros

• Waterproof
• Ample storage for songs and audiobooks
• Comfortably fits under swim cap

Cons

• Single-purpose headphones
• No Bluetooth connection
• Limited color options

Shokz designed the OpenSwim specifically to deliver your favorite music, audiobooks, and podcasts while swimming. These headphones feature an IP68 rating, fit comfortably under a swim cap, and you can swim as deep as 2 meters for up to two hours at a time. Unfortunately, they are not Bluetooth compatible. But they can store up to 1,200 songs (4 GB) of various file types, including MP3, WAV, AAC, and FLAC. The OpenSwim headphones feature the same command controls and PremiumPitch 2.0 technology as other Shokz open-ear headphones. So, while you won’t be able to stream, you can listen to your favorites with solid, satisfying sound quality. They even come with a noseclip and earplugs.

Best for calls: Shokz OpenComm2 UC

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Why it made the cut: A DSP noise-canceling microphone means the OpenComm2 headphones are able to isolate your voice while talking, drowning out any surrounding din but keeping you in tune with your environment.

Specs

• Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz
• Battery life: 16 hours of talk time // 8 hours of listening time
• Charge time: 1 hour
• Water resistance: IP55
• Microphone: DSP noise-canceling boom microphone

Pros

• Comfortable for long wear
• Extended battery life for long phone calls
• Boom microphone enhances call quality

Cons

• Shape is hard to store
• Some sound bleed might limit private conversations

The OpenComm2 UC headphones prioritize clear communication using an adjustable DSP boom microphone. The boom mic suppresses background noise and highlights your voice when positioned near your mouth. Though the person on the other end of the line won’t pick up on your environment’s sounds, the open-ear headphones will ensure you can hear the person talking on the phone and the one right in front of you. The OpenComm2 are Zoom Certified, offering seamless software integration and Zoom controls on the dedicated headset buttons. They are a great pair of headphones for work, as a result.

The OpenComm2 system lets you bypass your car’s choppy stereo if you have to make a call on the road without cutting yourself off from the sound of traffic. You can also stay on the call when you’re at a job site or keep connected during a busy commute, all without losing situational awareness. You can get up to 16 hours of talk time or eight hours of listening time, and with Quick Charge, you’ll get a replenished two hours of battery life in just five minutes.

Best for multitasking: HAYLOU PurFree Bone Conduction Headphones

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Why it made the cut: These waterproof, sweatproof headphones will hold up as you pump iron or just rearrange your living room.

Specs

• Frequency response: Unknown
• Battery life: 8 hours
• Charge time: 10-minute quick charge
• Water resistance: IP67
• Microphone: Built-in wireless

Pros

• IP67 rated
• High sound quality
• Long battery life

Cons

• Proprietary charger

Using your sweaty hands to remove your headphones because someone is asking to use the treadmill is common in the gym. So is taking your earbuds out or headphones off repeatedly while roommates/family/friends try to talk to you as you get chores done. Keep your headphones on while keeping your ears open with these sport-friendly HAYLOU PurFree Bone Conduction Headphones. They are IP67 rated, meaning sweat and water won’t get in the way of completing your reps—whether lifting weights or emptying the washer.

An eight-hour battery life gives you all-day tunes power, and 10-minute quick charging gives you two hours of power. The sound quality is superb compared to other bone-conduction headphones, with deep bass and a solid range of highs and lows thanks to a strong Bluetooth 5.2 connection. A noise-canceling microphone means you can take calls without the background bleeding into your conversation. However, a proprietary charger means you’ll be tuneless if you lose power on the go, so prep before you step.

Best for kids: N/0 Kids Bone Conduction Headphones

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Why it made the cut: These headphones include a volume limit of 85 decibels, and the open-ear design means your child will always be able to hear the world around them and when you call for them.

Specs

• Frequency response: Unknown
• Battery life: 8 hours
• Charge time: 1-hour quick charge
• Water resistance: IP54
• Microphone: Built-in wireless

Pros

• Lightweight
• Volume limiter keeps kids’ hearing safe
• Adjustable band can grow with your child

Cons

• Soundbeaming technology is difficult to grasp
• Susceptible to water damage
• No noise cancellation means they’re not great for travel

These open-ear headphones aren’t exactly the same as bone-conduction headphones, but the form factor and effect are similar. With soundbeaming speakers resting outside the ear on the cheekbones, these headphones ensure your active child can stay alert to their surroundings even when listening to their favorite songs. The adjustable band is suitable for children ages 4 to 15. With a volume limit of 85 decibels, these headphones go above and beyond to address any concerns you might have for their awareness or hearing. N/0 equipped these headphones with Bluetooth 5.0, eight hours of battery, and an automatic sensor to control playback. An IP54 rating means you won’t have to worry about a few spills or drops in the dirt. Whether skateboarding, biking, or just running around the backyard, your kids can enjoy music and mobility safely.

Best budget: Guudsoud Lite Bone Conduction Headphones

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Why it made the cut: If bone conduction is new to you, you might not be ready to shell out $100 or more. The Guudsoud headphones produce satisfying sound quality and suitable specs in a great intro pair.

Specs

• Frequency response: Unknown
• Battery life: 6-10 hours
• Charge time: 2 hours
• Water resistance: IP54
• Microphone: Built-in wireless

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Useful, responsive multifunction button
• Sound quality is good for the price point

Cons

• Flimsy build
• Sound quality could be improved
• Battery life is just okay

If you want to try out bone conduction but are not ready to invest in a high-end pair, this cheap model from Guudsoud might be right for you. Available for less than $40, they are equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, a built-in microphone, multifunction buttons, and an adjustable band for comfort. The battery can last up to 10 hours, and a 15-minute quick charge provides one hour of playback. Each pair comes with a USB charging cable and a pair of earplugs so you can create custom noise cancellation.

What to consider when buying the best bone-conduction headphones

If your mom always warns you not to listen to your headphones while walking home at night, or you need to hear the traffic behind you as you pedal to work, try out the best bone-conduction headphones. To determine which pair will work best for your needs, you’ll want to consider where and when you’ll be using them the most. You’ll also want to ensure you understand how they work, especially if this is your first pair of bone-conduction headphones.

First of all, what is bone conduction, and how does it work?

Bone-conduction headphones allow you to experience audio sans any direct interaction with your ear canal or eardrum. While this may sound like some new-fangled, tech-heavy sorcery, there is evidence that bone conduction has been around for centuries. It is rumored that Beethoven relied on bone conduction to compose music after losing his hearing by attaching a metal rod to his piano and biting down on it as he played. But how does it work? 

Typically, sound waves travel through the air and are funneled through the ear canal to the eardrums. They are then decoded into vibrations and sent to the inner ear (or cochlea), which is connected to the auditory nerve. When the vibrations hit the inner ear fluid, tiny hair cells start to convulse, creating electrical pulses that travel up the auditory nerve to the brain. This process is called air conduction. Bone conduction completely avoids the eardrum, which is what’s targeted by the miniature speaker in traditional earbuds, and relies on a transducer of another sort to convert sound waves into vibrations and send those through the facial bones to be received by the inner ear. Essentially, the vibrations the cochlea receives are the same no matter how you receive them. They are simply sent via a different pathway. 

This concept has even been used in reverse. The Sony WF-1000XM4 earphones include a bone-conduction sensor that picks up the vibrations from your voice during calls to help enable clearer speech without picking up ambient sound.

Who should use bone-conduction headphones?

Medically, bone-conduction headphones benefit those experiencing conductive hearing loss, a condition that directly affects the transmission of sound through the eardrums. Conductive hearing loss is just one way the auditory system can be disrupted, so bone-conduction headphones won’t work for everyone with hearing difficulties. 

Bone-conduction headphones are also helpful for those who need to maintain situational awareness while they enjoy their music. These headphones provide an additional layer of safety for bikers, hikers, drivers, or anyone who needs to be aware of their surroundings. Active in dense urban environments? Bone conduction makes for great running headphones. Bone-conduction headphones are also particularly great for swimmers. Air conduction is heavily suppressed when we are underwater, but the vibrations created by bone conduction can still be transmitted. That means a pair of bone-conduction headphones with an Ingress Protection rating of IP68 (aka waterproof) can keep you connected to your workout playlist lap after lap. 

Now, bone conduction won’t make your entire face shake, rattle, and roll, so you don’t need to worry about experiencing discomfort while you listen. In fact, many report that these headphones are secure, comfortable, and easy to wear. However, if you are sensitive to pressure, there is a chance that you may experience dizziness or headaches after a long stretch of listening.

How’s the sound quality?

If you’re an audiophile searching for your next pair of headphones, chances are bone conduction isn’t going to be what you’re looking for. That being said, the overall audio quality of these headsets can certainly get you through a tough training session or walk to work. At high volumes, audio can start to distort or get crunchy and an expansive mix isn’t really possible. However, with a quality model, you will still get to experience impactful bass. You’ll feel the vibrations instead of highly pressurized waves from over-ear cans. 

Just remember that even the best bone-conduction headphones aren’t meant to fit or even necessarily sound like traditional headphones or earbuds. If you haven’t used bone-conduction headphones before, you might feel inclined to turn up the volume as loud as it can go in an attempt to recreate that natural, passive noise cancellation that every other type of headphone relies on. Remember that nothing is blocking your ear canal, which means that you will purposefully be able to hear your surroundings clearly. Maxing out the volume won’t affect that, but it could lead to hearing loss down the road.

Can bone-conduction headphones use Bluetooth?

There are wireless bone-conduction headphones that use Bluetooth 4.2 and higher to connect to devices such as cellphones and computers. Set up and pairing is no different with Bluetooth bone-conduction headphones than connecting any other type of Bluetooth headphones. Some may even have onboard controls like play, pause, and skip for your streaming services. Other models are more like a portable MP3 player, with the ability to store hours of songs internally. Remember the iPod shuffle? That’s what you’ll be getting. It’s an excellent option for folks who want to jam out to a curated playlist without their phone.

Can you take phone calls with bone-conduction headphones?

Many companies equip their bone-conduction headphones with a microphone so you can answer calls on the go. While the headphones themselves can’t employ any passive or active noise cancellation to enhance your listening experience, some models can use technology to make calls crisp and clear. The headphones with mic use various means to minimize outside sound—like wind, traffic, etc.—ensuring that the person you’re talking to can hear you without interruption. Just remember that bone-conduction headphones are subject to more sound bleed than traditional units, so you’ll want to be conscientious about volume when it comes to private calls.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best bone-conduction headphones

• Best overall: Shokz OpenRun Pro
• Best waterproof: Shokz OpenSwim
• Best for calls: Shokz OpenComm
• Best for multitasking: HAYLOU PurFree Bone Conduction Headphones
• Best for kids: N/0 Kids Bone Conduction Headphones
• Best budget: Guudsoud Lite Bone Conduction Headphones

Chances are you’re either an experienced bone-conduction headphones user or a novice looking to see if these air-conduction alternatives are right for you. Regardless of your familiarity, finding the right pair means homing in on when and where you’ll use them most. Think about your surroundings and consider your priorities regarding sound quality, microphone use, and waterproof rating, then shop accordingly. If you’re accustomed to traditional earphones or over-ear models, get ready to be surprised by the best bone-conduction headphones.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best bone-conduction headphones in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Shokz OpenRun Pro		SEE IT	Impressive battery life, water resistance, and reliable connectivity make these the best pair of bone-conduction headphones around.
Best for kids		N/0 Kids Bone Conduction Headphones		SEE IT	Give your kids a pair of headphones that will provide safe entertainment while they stay active.
Best waterproof		Shokz OpenSwim		SEE IT	A pair of open-ear headphones that’s waterproof, the OpenSwim suit doing laps in the pool swimmingly.

Whether it’s time for some online learning, you’re about to embark on a family road trip, or you just can’t stand to listen to another episode of “Paw Patrol,” you can help keep your child engaged for as long as necessary with headphones. But before you put random off-the-shelf gear on your little one’s head you want to make sure they’re both comfortable headphones and safe. To help make sure they don’t lose their hearing and you don’t lose your mind, we’ve put together this guide to the best kids’ headphones so the only constant questions you have to answer come from your children.

• Best overall: ​​Puro Sound Labs BT2200 Plus
• Best for young gamers: JLab JBuddies Play
• Best for older kids: LilGadgets Untangled Pro
• Best for babies: Baby BANZ dual-purpose earmuffs
• Best for customization: ONANOFF BuddyPhones Explore+
• Best budget: noot K11 foldable kids headphones

How we selected the best kids’ headphones

There are hundreds of kids’ headphones on the market, so we completed extensive research and consulted first-hand users to select standout models. We focused primarily on fit, durability, and safety features like volume limiting. We also considered some additional accouterments that some families may find useful, like a built-in microphone. We chose units that were easy to use and suitable for various ages so that you can find a great pair of kids’ headphones for even the youngest member of the family. 

The best kids’ headphones: Reviews & Recommendations

You want to make sure you’re selecting an age-appropriate pair of the best kids’ headphones that will fit your child and keep them occupied. We want to make sure you’re selecting an age-appropriate pair of the best kids’ headphones that will fit your child and keep them occupied. Are we theeeeeeere yet?!? Almost!

Best overall: Puro Sound Labs BT2200 Plus

SEE IT

Specs

• Battery life: 20 hours playback, 200 hours standby
• Volume limit: 85 dBA
• Charge time: Up to 3 hours
• Wireless range: Up to 30 feet
• Microphone: Built-in wireless

Pros

• Quality sound with an effective volume limiter
• Solid battery life
• Can daisy chain to another pair

Cons

• Pricey
• May lack durability
• Case can be flimsy

Puro Sound Labs has created a pair of top-tier kids’ headphones that will suit children at almost any age. The Puro BT2200 Plus Bluetooth headphones are equipped with an 85 dB volume limiter that cannot be bypassed regardless of the content or connected device. Passive noise cancellation blocks out 83 percent of background noise, which is helpful for keeping calm and staying focused. The audio quality on these kids’ headphones are quite impressive for a pair of kids’ headphones, even with the volume limit, and the battery follows suit with up to 20 hours of playback and a three-hour charge time. Available in over five colors, this pair features onboard volume control and comes with a carrying case, a 3.5mm cable for wired listening that maintains the volume limit, and a daisy chain cable that allows you to connect with another pair of Puro’s so your kids can watch their favorite movies at the same time.

Best for young gamers: JLab JBuddies Play

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Specs

• Battery life: 22 hours of playback, 400 hours standby
• Volume limit: 85 dBA
• Charge time: Up to 3 hours, 10-minute quick charge 
• Wireless range: Up to 30 feet
• Microphone: Retractable boom microphone

Pros

• Retractable boom mic
• Long-lasting battery with quick charge
• Quick mute button

Cons

• Proprietary charging cord
• Earcups aren’t replaceable
• Material feels cheaper compared to some models

The Play headphones are marketed as a gaming headset, but they certainly double as the best headphones for kids playback and enhanced call quality for remote learning, family Skype calls, and other forms of virtual communication. The boom microphone is situated directly in front of the mouth, which helps isolate your child’s voice and eliminate background noise—a super helpful tool for clear audio, especially if there’s a lot going on at home. The mic is also retractable, so you can get it out of the way when unnecessary. For budding gamers, Game mode utilizes low-latency, boosted mid-to-high frequencies, and Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX and is compatible with most gaming systems, including PlayStation, Xbox, and more. A 3.5mm cable connection is also an option for zero latency. The colorful pads are great if a heated game session runs long (plus they’ll look sharp when your child sees friends in person or on camera, with parental approval). The Play is suitable for ages 6 to 13 with a flexible headband that remains comfortable even for kids who wear glasses, plus an effective 85 dB volume limiter. If you’re looking to prioritize quality conversations with your talkative tykes, but want something slightly less expensive and that skews younger, check out the BuddyPhones School+ wired headphones with mic and an inline answer button.

Best for older kids: LilGadgets Untangled Pro

SEE IT

Specs

• Battery life: 12 hours playback, 180 hours standby
• Volume limit: 93 dBA
• Charge time: Up to 3 hours 
• Wireless range: Up to 30 feet
• Microphone: Built-in wireless

Pros

• SharePort lets you connect multiple headphones without a splitter
• Comfortable
• Fun, colorful, mature design

Cons

• Volume limit goes above industry standard
• Not suitable for young children
• Battery life is middle of the road

The LilGadgets Untangled Pros offer an advanced listening experience for older kids who are about to graduate from children’s technology. Though they are designed for kids ages four and up, we recommend reserving them for preteens and teenagers because the volume limit is higher than the recommended 85 dB. With a limit of 93 dB, listening levels will still be capped but come a bit closer to adult parameters. You won’t be able to control your kids’ volume forever, so this is a great way to encourage healthy habits before they start blasting their music day and night. The colorful styles are fun yet mature, and a 12-hour battery will supply enough music to make it many walks to school. A 3.5mm cable with an inline microphone will keep them connected even when the battery starts to run low.

Best for babies: Baby BANZ dual-purpose earmuffs

SEE IT

Specs

• Battery life: 8 hours 
• Volume limit: 75 dB
• Charge time: 1 hour 
• Wireless range: Up to 30 feet
• Microphone: None

Pros

• Volume control is entirely up to parents
• Limit of 75 dB is suitable for infants’ ears
• Solid noise reduction rating -NRR 31dB

Cons

• Pricey
• Getting the fit just right can be tricky
• Only one color option for the Bluetooth model

While infant earmuffs are a common item to add to your registry, consider going a step further and grabbing this pair of baby Bluetooth headphones from BANZ. Available in two sizes, one for 0-2 years and another for 3 years and up, these headphones reduce outside noise by up to 31 dB, protecting their ears from crowds, sirens, loud music, and more. Plus, they are Bluetooth equipped, which means not only can you quiet the outside world, but you can play their favorite songs and shows at a safe volume, increasing their comfort and calm. There aren’t any onboard controls, which means you’re in charge of volume and, just in case, there is a built-in 75 dB limit. The design is comfortable with foam cushions around the ears and a soft, flexible leather headband. These headphones are also rated by the organization Able Play as being suitable for children with special needs.

Best for customization: ONANOFF BuddyPhones Explore+

SEE IT

Specs

• Battery life: N/A 
• Volume limit: 85 dB
• Charge time: N/A
• Wireless range: N/A
• Microphone: In-line
• Cable: Around 4 feet, with 3.5mm termination

Pros

• Audio capped at 85 dB
• Made with hypoallergenic materials
• Detachable cable preventing snagging

Cons

• No noise cancellation

If you’re looking for a pair of headphones that will make your child stand out from the rest of the crowd, look no further than the ONANOFF BuddyPhones Explore+. These headphones come in six different colors with four included sticker designs to put on the ear cups, and are built with Nordic design and quality—they feature 30mm Neodymium drivers and include an ergonomic wide headband for comfort. Although they’re wired, the cable detaches to prevent a dangerous snag. And, these headphones are made with friendship and sharing in mind, thanks to the built-in stackable audio splitter that can connect up to four pairs of headphones into one device. These headphones include features adult audioheads expect, like a built-in microphone and call/playback button, but limit volume at 85 dB for safe listening. Parents will appreciate that they fold and come with an included travel bag. While you won’t find features common in adult headphones, such as active noise cancellation, the comfy ear cushions can still help block out the distractions of travel and keep your child wrapped up in the music. And if you definitely want to keep them wrapped up only in music, and not wires, BuddyPhones also makes the equally fun and functional School+ Wireless headphones, which are more expensive at $60 but our reviewer found them invaluable during the height of remote schooling in 2021.

Best budget: noot K11 foldable kids headphones

SEE IT

Specs

• Battery life: N/A 
• Volume limit: 93 dB
• Charge time: N/A
• Wireless range: N/A
• Microphone: None
• Cable: 5 feet, with 3.5mm termination

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Flexible sizing
• Passive noise cancellation helps promote lower volume

Cons

• Wired design can be dangerous
• No microphone
• No volume limiter

While the noot K11 headphones forgo some of the safety features we recommend investing in, they are perfectly suitable for young kids to use as long as they have some supervision. These foldable, wired headphones feature a flexible headband, 5-foot braided connection cable, and are available in various bright colors. Noot says the maximum output is around 93 dB, but some report the 40mm drivers can get louder, so make sure you remind your little ones to stay away from the volume control (which can often be digitally capped in your smartphone, etc., just in case). Passive noise cancellation helps isolate the audio and eliminate the need to raise the volume and the lack of onboard controls actually helps keep kids’ fingers away from accidental adjustments. The most attractive thing the K11 headphones have to offer is an under $30 price point, making it more feasible to invest in replacement if you have kids who are tough on their tech.

What to consider when buying a pair of the best kids’ headphones

The best kids’ headphones will provide a safe and satisfying listening experience for children of all ages, but there are a few things you should consider before buying a bundle for your family. While buying a simple set of kid’s headphones should be easy, there are a few features you’ll want to prioritize. Our hearing is super susceptible to damage from continuous exposure to high playback volumes. While this degradation is inevitable as you age, it’s important to prevent any early damage early on in your kid’s life. So, before you place a pair of cans over your little one’s ears, you want to ensure you have read the specs and clearly see safety features proudly listed.

We all know the kids tend to drop, spill, lose, and overuse their things, but that doesn’t mean you should prohibit them from trying new technology. Instead, look for a model designed to fit their specific needs. Could they benefit from a water-resistant model? Is extra cushioning ideal? How about a volume limiter? Will something budget-friendly soften the blow of a lost pair? These are all important things to consider before purchasing, so let’s look at a few points.

What’s the deal with volume limiting? 

Unlike adult headphones, many kids’ headphones feature a volume limiter, usually capped at 85 decibels. In theory, this means they cannot turn their music, movies, or TV show audio above the level acknowledged as damaging. It’s recommended that adults not exceed 85 dB when listening, though we’ve all needed to pump up the jams from time to time. And children’s ears are particularly susceptible to damage. Their ears are smaller, which means loud noises can be perceived as 20 dB louder than what an adult eardrum would process. Protecting your child’s developing auditory system is essential, and a volume limiter is a great first step. Plus, 85 dB isn’t quiet by any sense of the word (think loud traffic), so you shouldn’t worry too much about your child bothering you to turn up the sound. Along the way, encourage your child to develop a habit of avoiding prolonged exposure to loud music, especially if it’s being beamed directly into their ears. 

Are there other safety features on kids’ headphones to consider?

Yes, alongside a volume limiter, you want to consider a few other features, especially for younger children. While a pair of wired headphones can occasionally be less expensive, it’s safe to go with a pair of Bluetooth headphones, eliminating any wires that could get tangled up around your kid and cut off circulation or respiration. Luckily, kids’ headphones have kept up with the times, and there are plenty of available options that utilize a wireless connection. 

You also want to avoid using a foldable pair until your kid is a little older. The hinges of foldable headphones tend to pinch even adult fingers. Though you may lose out on compact storage, you’ll save yourself some tears, a worthy trade-off. 

Finally, make sure you limit listening time in general. Even at lower volumes, continuous noise exposure can contribute to hearing loss. Your child should never listen to eight hours of consecutive sound through headphones at any volume. You should also encourage your child to take frequent listening breaks; consider instituting a headphone rest after every movie, television episode, Zoom school class, or hour of music. 

Are you taking the kids on a trip?

If you need a pair of Bluetooth kids’ headphones for a long road trip or international flight, make sure you check out battery life before hitting “Add to Cart.” We all know that somehow, inevitably, the outlet next to your specific airplane seat won’t work, so rather than deal with a whiny kid for the final four hours of your journey, invest in a pair that can last for up to 20 hours on a single charge. While we don’t recommend you let them listen to their music that entire time, having a long-lasting battery will undoubtedly help you make it through a delayed plane, highway traffic, and more. 

If you have an older child and want to ensure there won’t be a battery issue, you can check out a few wired models or Bluetooth pairs that come with an optional auxiliary connection. Just make sure you keep an eye on them, especially if they are starting to fall asleep while listening. 

Does your child need a microphone?

If your child is school-aged, chances are they have experienced some remote learning, are on their way to getting a cellphone, have started experimenting with online gaming, or may still need to sit through a class or two on Zoom. If this sounds like your child, consider selecting a pair of kids’ headphones equipped with a microphone. Not only will you be able to have some extended peace and quiet while they FaceTime with Grandma, but you’ll also be able to reach them on the phone anytime, anywhere, even when they’ve cranked up the volume.

How much are you looking to spend? 

While excellent adult headphones can retail for many hundreds, even thousands, kids’ headphones are typically much more affordable. Generally speaking, children’s headphones focus more on comfort and safety than audiophile-quality sound, which we don’t have a problem with. We’d be surprised if your six-year-old kid started to complain about their cans’ lack of pace, rhythm, and timing. So wait until they have developed a more refined auditory palette in their teen years before investing in anything too expensive. Especially because, as your child ages, they are destined to grow out of their headphones, if they don’t lose or break them first. You should already be expecting to purchase a couple of pairs before they mature. On average, while you can find pairs for under $30, the best kids’ headphones usually retail between $45 and $95. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best kids’ headphones

• Best overall: ​​Puro Sound Labs BT2200 Plus
• Best for young gamers: JLab JBuddies Play
• Best for older kids: LilGadgets Untangled Pro
• Best for babies: Baby BANZ dual-purpose earmuffs
• Best for customization: ONANOFF BuddyPhones Explore+
• Best budget: noot K11 foldable kids headphones

With so many options out there, it can be hard to feel confident choosing a pair of headphones for your child. However, there are many pairs that keep your kid’s safety in mind with an effective volume limiter, extended battery life, and a comfortable design. Headphones will keep your kid calm and quiet during travel, focused during classes or phone calls, and conflict-free when it comes to TV time with their siblings. If you think it’s to give your little one a bit of listening privacy (and yourself a break from “Let It Go,” “Baby Shark,” or “CoComelon” reruns), you’re ready to start looking at the best kids’ headphones.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best kids’ headphones of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Amazon’s October Prime Day is a perfect time to shop if you’ve wanted to elevate your audio without increasing your budget. Whether you want space-filling sound from speakers that won’t crowd your room or to cancel more noise and more cost with discounted headphones and earbuds, Oct. 10-11 offers some sweet-sounding deals. Whether you’re an on-the-go gear connoisseur or setting up a luxurious listening station, you’ll find we’re on the same wavelength with our focus on assembling a more affordable audio oasis with gear offered at its lowest price in months. But act fast, as prices and inventory are highly volatile and could change at any moment.

Note: You’ll have to be an Amazon Prime member to take advantage of most of these deals, so be sure you’re signed up before making a purchase.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) Wireless Earbuds with USB-C $189 (was $249)

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Apple recently released a version of its AirPods Pro that charge via USB-C instead of the now-defunct Lighting cable. And you can also score $50 off the retail price of this new model right now before Prime Day. These AirPods give you all the Pro features you expect, including active noise cancelation and Spatial Audio, with the added bonus of needing to carry one less cord. On top of that, they’re the only model (currently) that will support lossless audio with the upcoming Vision Pro headset. With the holidays coming up, they’re a fantastic gift, even if you’re giving them to yourself. (Still want the Lightning version? It’s also discounted. Want the AirPods Max instead? Also on sale!)

Earbud deals

• Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless IPX Earbuds $85 (was $179)
• Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 IPX4 Earbuds $142 (was $279)
• Samsung Galaxy Buds2 $89 (Was $149)
• Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro $169 (was $229)
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II True Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Technology Earbuds $199 (was $279)
• Sony WF-1000XM5 True Wireless Bluetooth Noise-Canceling Earbuds $278 (was $299)
• Sony LinkBuds True Wireless Earbuds with Open-Ring Design for situational awareness $128 (was $179)
• EarFun Air Pro 3 Noise-Cancelling Earbuds $66.39 (was $79)
• EarFun Air S Noise-Cancelling Wireless Earbuds $39.99 ($35.99 w/ coupon PD201PR1, was $59.99)
• Jabra Elite 7 Active Noise Cancellation True Wireless Bluetooth Sports Earbuds $79 (was $179)
• Jabra Elite 7 Pro Active Noise Cancellation True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds w/ MultiSensor Voice Tech $113 (was $199)
• House of Marley Champion 2 True Wireless Earbuds 15% off (was $89)
• TREBLAB X3 Pro Earbuds $49.99 (was $99.97)
• 1MORE PistonBuds Pro ANC Earbuds $39.99 (was $49.99)
• Skullcandy Grind True Wireless Earbuds $45.99 (was $79.99)
• Skullcandy Mod True Wireless Earbuds $36.99 (was $59.99)
• Skullcandy Jib 2 True Wireless Earbuds $27.99 (was $39.99)

Headphone deals

• Sennheiser HD 600 Audiophile Hi-Res Open-Back Dynamic Headphone $284 (was $449)
• Sennheiser HD 650 Audiophile Hi-Res Open-Back Dynamic Headphone $326 (was $499)
• Sennheiser HD 660S2 Wired Audiophile Headphones w/ Optimized Transducer System, Sound $427 (was $599)
• Sennheiser RS 120-W On-Ear Wireless Headphones w/ Transmitter/Charger for TV listening $77 (was $129)
• Beats Studio Pro Bluetooth Noise-Cancelling Headphones $179 (was $349)
• HIFIMAN Deva-Pro Over-Ear Open-Back Planar-Magnetic Headphones with Bluetooth 5.0 R2R DAC Receiver $199 (was $329)
• HIFIMAN HE-R10D Dynamic Topology Driver Close-Back Over-Ear Headphones with Bluemini R2R DAC Receiver $599 (was $1,299)
• Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones $248 (was $348)
• Sony WH-CH720N Noise-Canceling Bluetooth Over The Ear Headset $98 (was $149)
• Bose Headphones 700 Noise-Cancelling Bluetooth Over-Ear Wireless Headphone $279 (was $379)
• Sennheiser HD 450BT Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Headphone with Active Noise Cancellation $94 (was $129)
• beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 wired professional recording/mixing headphones $134 (was $169)
• beyerdynamic TYGR 300 R Gaming Headset $159 (was $199)
• TREBLAB Z2 Over-Ear Headphones $69.95 ($119.97)
• TREBLAB Z7 Pro Hybrid Over-Ear Headphones $119 (was $179)
• 1MORE SonoFlow ANC LDAC Hi-Res Headphones $74.99 (was $99.99)
• Skullcandy Hesh Evo Wireless Over Ear Headphones  $69.99 (was $104.99) 
• Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless Over Ear Headphones $89.99 (was $134.99) 
• Skullcandy Riff 2 Wireless Over Ear Headphones $34.99 (was $49.99) 
• Skullcandy SLYR Pro Gaming Wireless Over Ear Headphones $75 (was $99.99) 
• Skullcandy PLYR Gaming Wireless Over Ear Headphones $101 (was $129.99) 
• Shure AONIC 50 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones $279 (was $299)

Party speaker deals

• Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Generation) Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker $199 (was $279)
• Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 Portable Bluetooth Speaker $449 (was $599)
• Soundcore Motion X600 Portable IPX7 Bluetooth Speaker w/ 50W Sound, Pro EQ, Aux-In $149 (was $199)
• Tribit StormBox Micro 2 Portable IP67 Speaker w/ Built-in Strap $47 (was $62)
• Sony SRS-XB13 EXTRA BASS Bluetooth Lightweight Travel Speaker, IP67 Waterproof $34 (was $59)
• JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker $129 (was $179)
• JBL Go 3 Bluetooth Speaker $24 (was $49)
• JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth Speaker $89 (was $129)
• JBL Xtreme 2 $199 (was $429)
• JBL PartyBox Essential Encore $199 (was $299)
• House of Marley Bag of Riddim 2 Portable Speaker $149 + 15% off clickable coupon (was $229)
• House of Marley Get Together Bluetooth Portable Audio System $92 w/ clickable coupon (Was $169)
• House of Marley Get Together 2 Portable Speaker with Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity $174 w/ clickable coupon (was $249)
• House of Marley Get Together 2 XL Portable Speaker with Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity $319 + 15% off clickable coupon (was $399)
• TREBLAB HD77 Premium Bluetooth Speaker $59.96 (was $119.97)
• TREBLAB FX100 Portable Bluetooth Speaker $69 (was $89.97)
• Up to 25% OFF on Positive Grid’s Spark smart guitar practice amp w/ clickable coupons

Soundbars & wireless surround sound systems

• SENNHEISER AMBEO Soundbar Max 13 speaker 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos & DTS:X sound experience $1,699 (was $2,499)
• Bose Smart Soundbar 900 w/ Dolby Atmos, Alexa Built-In, Bluetooth connectivity $699 (was $899)
• Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar with Dual Wireless 10″ Subs & 4 Rear Surround Speakers $1,049 (was $1,499)
• Sony HTX8500 2.1ch Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar with Built-in subwoofer $198 (was $399)
• Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2ch 500W Dolby Atmos DTS:X 360 Audio Soundbar $998 (was $1,399)

Smart speakers

• Devialet Mania Portable Bluetooth + WiFi Speaker w/ Alexa Built-in $799 (was $900)
• Echo Pop, $17.99 (Was $39.99)
• Amazon Echo Dot, $22.99 (Was $49.99)
• Echo (4th Gen), $54.99 (Was $99.99)
• Echo Show 5, $39.99 (Was $89.99)
• Echo Studio, $154.99 (Was $199.99)
• Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen), $159.99 (Was $249.99)

In-ear monitors (IEMs)

• Kiwi Ears Cadenza, Linsoul 10mm Beryllium Dynamic Driver Earphone $28 (was $35)
• KZ ZS10 Pro, Linsoul 4BA+1DD 5 Driver HiFi Earphone $39 (was $49)
• KZ AS10, Linsoul 5BA HiFi Earphone $47 (was $59)
• KZ ZAX, Linsoul 1DD+7BA Hybrid Driver HiFi Earphone $55 (was $69)
• Kiwi Ears Quartet, Linsoul 2DD+2BA Hybrid Earphone $87 (was $109)
• TINHIFI P1 Plus, Linsoul 10mm Planar-Diaphragm Driver HiFi Earphone $118 (was $199)
• KZ AS24, Linsoul 12BA Hybrid Drivers Tunable Earphone $126 (was $158)
• THIEAUDIO Legacy 4, Linsoul 1DD+3BA Hybrid Driver Earphone w/ 2 Tuning Switch $159 (was $199)

Music streamers

• WiiM Pro AirPlay 2/Chromecast WiFi Multiroom Streamer $119.20 ($149)
• WiiM Pro Plus AirPlay 2/Chromecast Receiver w/ Premium AKM DAC $175.20 ($219)

Turntables

• House of Marley Stir It Up Wireless Turntable with Bluetooth Connectivity, Built-in Preamp $199 (was $249)
• House of Marley Stir It Up Lux Vinyl Record Player with Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity, Built-in PreAmp 15% off clickable coupon (was $399)

Receivers

• Sony STRDH190 2-ch Home Stereo Receiver with Phono Inputs & Bluetooth $148 (was $199)
• Sony STR-AN1000 7.2 CH Surround Sound Home Theater 8K A/V Receiver $598 (was $899)

Bookshelf & tower speakers

• Polk Audio Signature Elite ES15 Hi-Res Audio Certified Bookshelf Speakers w/ 1″ Tweeter & 5.25″ Woofer $194 (was $299)
• Polk Reserve R100 Hi-Res Bookshelf Speakers w/ 1″ Pinnacle Ring Tweeter & 5.25″ Turbine Cone Woofer $421 (was $649)
• Polk Audio Signature Elite ES50 Hi-Res Audio Certified Tower Speaker w/ 1″ Tweeter & (2) 5.25″ Woofers $269 (was $349)
• Polk Audio Reserve Series R600 Hi-Res Tower Speaker w/ 1″ Pinnacle Ring Tweeter & Dual 6.5″ Turbine Cone Woofers $524 (was $849)

Ear protection

• Vibes High-Fidelity Concert Earplugs $21.71 (was $33.99)

Microphones

• Shure MV7 Podcast Microphone – Silver $199 (was $249)
• Shure MV88 + Stereo USB Condenser Microphone $139 (was $199)

Accessorizing other activities? Take a look at our ongoing list of Big Deal Days discounts.

Want more deals delivered to your inbox weekly? Sign up for PopSci’s Deals newsletter and save money on stuff you’ll really use.

The post Save hundreds on headphones, earbuds, speakers, and more before Amazon’s Big Deal Days ends appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best Overall		Audeze LCD-2 Classic		SEE IT	You can count on rich, well-extended bass, lush vocals and instruments, and airy, spacious treble.
Best Closed-Back		Meze Audio LIRIC		SEE IT	This is the most spacious, source- and EQ-friendly closed-back planar magnetic headphone available today.
Best Budget		HIFIMAN Sundara		SEE IT	These headphones deliver a spacious soundstage and an incredible amount of detail for their comparatively modest price.

In the world of audiophile headphones, planar magnetics rule the roost. Many of the most popular headphones, even for listeners on a budget, use planar magnetic drivers, and for good reason: the level of detail and clarity they’re able to provide is outstanding. It’s no exaggeration to say that the best planar magnetic headphones will let you hear things you’ve never heard before and can breathe new life into your listening. If you’ve found yourself craving an upgrade to your audio experience, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll be breaking down the best planar magnetic headphones you can buy across six key categories to help you sink into your music like never before with the set that’s right for you.

• Best overall: Audeze LCD-2 Classic
• True audiophile: Dan Clark Audio Stealth
• Best over-ear: Audeze LCD-5
• Best for classical and live music: HIFIMAN Audivina
• Best for mixing: Audeze MM-500
• Best closed-back: Meze Audio LIRIC
• Best earphones: 7Hz Timeless
• Best for gaming: Moondrop Venus
• Best budget: HIFIMAN Sundara

How we chose the best planar magnetic headphones

I’ve been a headphone collector for over five years but an audio enthusiast for much, much longer. I began my first foray into the world of audio as a kid, borrowing my dad’s Sony over-ears to sink into Metallica’s 1991 self-titled LP (aka “The Black Album”). As an adult, I contented myself with cheap earphones until I joined the tech press in 2013 and discovered a passion for all things personal audio. Since then, it’s become a full-on hobby, and some of my very favorite listening experiences have taken place with planar magnetic headphones. I own nine different sets of planar headphones and have no plans to stop collecting them anytime soon.

For this round-up, I’ve gathered the best selections across six different product categories. Listening is a subjective thing, so I connected with Tony Ware—PopSci’s managing editor and a fellow personal audio enthusiast—to discuss our experiences and hash out what really deserved to be called the best of the best. Every choice we landed on was researched and cross-referenced with leading audio forums, Head-Fi and r/headphones, and a wide array of professional reviews and user impressions. They don’t often come cheap, but each of the headphones included in this list is exceptional and well worth your hard-earned dollars.

The best planar magnetic headphones: Reviews & Recommendations

Now that you’re interested in planar-magnetic technology (sometimes referred to as orthodynamic headphones), we’ve gathered the top choices across six categories for your consideration. There is some overlap in these choices, so consider all these planars and what works best for your budget and listening preferences.

Best overall: Audeze LCD-2 Classic

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Why it made the cut: The Audeze LCD-2 Classics balance outstanding sound with a reasonable price, making them an accessible and exceptional choice.

Specs

• Price: $799
• Type: Open-Back
• Frequency Response: 10Hz – 50kHz
• Impedance: 70 ohms
• Sensitivity: 101 dB
• Weight: 550 grams

Pros

• Great balance of price and performance
• Durable metal construction
• Outstanding value 
• Pelican-style travel case

Cons

• Boring appearance
• Requires EQ to sound its best

The LCD-2 Classic may not be the pinnacle of planar performance, but it’s the best overall choice for users looking to balance outstanding audio quality with a reasonable price. The LCD-2 Classic takes the LCD-2 back to its roots, removing the current generation’s Fazor waveguide system, and simplifying some design elements to deliver a headphone that’s the perfect fit for the value-conscious audiophile. 

The LCD-2 Classic features the same driver as the LCD-2, which means you can count on a similarly great sound: rich, well-extended bass, lush vocals and instruments, and airy, spacious treble. The LCD delivers a moderately wide soundstage but features exceptionally good layering, so you can hear every note and every harmony, regardless of how far back in the mix it is. This also makes it a great choice for sound engineers and content creators who need to hear every tiny piece of the content they’re creating. 

At $195 less than the current LCD-2 (with its more richly appointed trimmings and audiophile articulation), there are some trade-offs. The biggest is the need to EQ these headphones to get them to sound their best. Out of the box, many users describe the mids as sounding “off” or “glaring” due to some strange mid-range peaks. These can be easily tamed with EQ software, bringing this headphone in line with its more expensive sibling. Put another way, these headphones do require a touch more effort upfront but can sound downright amazing after.

The construction has also been changed, swapping out the wooden rings on the standard LCD-2 with basic black nylon. The all-black construction does make the LCD-2 Classic look a little boring, but it’s also more durable and pairs well with the otherwise metal build. Speaking of metal, specifically of the musical persuasion, the right planar magnetic headphone’s coupling of bass slam and nimble technicalities can be great when paired with the genre; the LCD-2 Classic has particular synergy with death and doom to industrial. Also, contrary to early reviews, this LCD-2 also now ships with a hard-back pelican-style travel case for even more peace of mind.

True audiophile: Dan Clark Audio Stealth

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Why it made the cut: The Stealth from Dan Clark Audio is super stylish and packed with technology to enhance the listening experience. 

Specs

• Price: $3,999
• Type: Closed-back
• Frequency Response: Not disclosed
• Impedance: 23 ohms
• Sensitivity: 86-87dB
• Weight: 415 grams

Pros

• Huge V-Planar drivers
• Stylish design
• Outstanding bass and rich detail
• Intricate tuning system

Cons

• Big and bulky
• Extremely expensive

If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line headphone custom-designed for audiophiles by audiophiles, look no further than the Dan Clark Audio Stealth. It’s a set that includes all of the latest innovations from one of the most respected names in the boutique audio business. It also breaks the mold with its closed-back design, making it a better fit for those times when you want to block the world out and disappear into your music.

This stealth bomber-like headphone uses the fourth generation of the company’s esteemed V-planar drivers, which are 20% larger than the last generation and deliver incredibly low distortion and outstanding detail. Enhancing these drivers further is DCA’s Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System, which not only reduces phase distortion for increased clarity but enhances treble performance without adding harshness or sibilance. 

When it comes to tuning, the Stealth plays it safe with a sound that’s close to the classic Harman Curve. That means you can count on rich, detailed bass that doesn’t overwhelm the other frequencies and plentiful details. The Stealth also manages to buck the stigma of closed-backs sounding compressed with a wide, airy soundstage.

The biggest drawback to this headphone really is its price. At $3,999, it will be hard for many listeners to justify. Those that do will be in for a treat, however. Dan Clark Audio rarely fails to impress.

Best over-ear: Audeze LCD-5

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Why it made the cut: The Audeze LCD-5 is a top-of-the-line headphone that showcases the very best of what this industry-leading brand can do.

Specs

• Price: $4,500
• Type: Open-back
• Frequency Response: 5Hz – 50kHz
• Impedance: 14 ohms
• Sensitivity: 90dB
• Weight: 420 grams

Pros

• Easy to drive
• Great build quality 
• Neutral sound signature
• Much lighter than the LCD-4

Cons

• Extremely expensive
• High clamping force
• Can be very revealing

Audeze is one of the biggest names in the business, and the LCD-5 represents the peak of its engineering. For its new flagship, the company went back to the drawing board, redesigning its fit and function. While it’s still unmistakably an Audeze headphone with its circular earcups, precision-cut grilles, and floating headband, the LCD-5 comes in a whopping 290 grams lighter than the former flagship, the LCD-4. It makes heavy use of magnesium and carbon fiber, so is made to last and you can look forward to longer listening sessions and less head fatigue over time (the clamp force is a bit stronger, though).

Part of the reason for its reduced weight is the redesigned driver system. The driver is now 90mm instead of 106mm and uses fewer heavy magnets to deliver its sound. The new driver has also been engineered with Audeze’s new Parallel Uniforce voice coil, tightening its response across its entire surface, improving resolution, and lowering how much power it takes to drive. No need for a monster amplifier here (though, like all summit-tier headphones, performance will scale the more you invest in your signal chain)! This driver system is paired with Audeze’s acclaimed Fazor waveguide tech to reduce distortion and phase interference. 

The best word to describe the sound of the LCD-5 is “revealing.” These headphones deliver all of the incredible detail you would expect from a $4,500 planar magnetic, but they’re more balanced and less bassy than prior sets from Audeze. Because of their outstanding resolution and mid-forward tuning, they’ll allow you to hear things you’ve never heard before, and old favorites in a new way, but that also means uncovering flaws in recordings or sound characteristics from your amp or DAC that may have missed with other sets.

Best for classical and live music: HIFIMAN Audivina

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Why it made the cut: The HIFIMAN Audivina offers a balanced yet wholly engaging listening experience with one of the best soundstages available in a closed-back planar.  

Specs

• Price: $1,999
• Type: Closed-back
• Frequency response: 5Hz – 55kHz
• Impedance: 20 ohms
• Sensitivity: 97dB

Pros

• Deep soundstage
• Gorgeously designed and comfortable to wear 
• Richly layered and detailed

Cons

• Exceptionally large
• Sound is slightly colored

Closed-back headphones usually trade soundstage for isolation, but that’s not the case with the HiFiMAN Audivina. These headphones deliver far less isolation than the average closed-back but trade that for a surprisingly deep listening experience that almost seems to draw instruments apart, allowing you to hear the rich detail within. The sound is natural, though isn’t exactly flat, thanks to a slight bump in the bass and some small peaks in the mids and highs to push out details. There’s a small amount of coloration, but nothing exaggerated, and it makes for a thoroughly engaging listen. The depth of its listening experience draws you in and delivers a sense of realism perfect for live recordings, the richly detailed, open soundscape of classical music, as well as films and cinematic scores.

The naturalness of its listening experience is a perfect match for the design of the headphones themselves. Its large, oval-shaped cups are carved from real hardwood and have a beautiful, orange wood grain finish and equally earthy tan ear cushions. Because of the multi-stage acoustic architecture housed within, resonance chambers inspired by renowned concert halls, the headphones are big—so much so that smaller listeners may find that they sit too loosely without being very particular about their positioning. They also have heft, weighing in at roughly one pound, though you wouldn’t know it based on how comfortable they are to wear. Meant to replicate (replace?) the spacious presentation of a pair of nearfield monitors, HIFIMAN has done a great job with these headphones, making them the kind of cans you can lose hours to in a cascade of different movements. (Want a more traditionally intimate closed-back planar? Check out the Meze Audio LIRIC below.)

Best for mixing: Audeze MM-500

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Why it made the cut: The Audeze MM-500 is custom-tuned by a renowned audio engineer, and it shows. These headphones are comfy, balanced, and revealing. 

Specs

• Price: $1,699
• Type: Open-back
• Frequency response: 5Hz – 50kHz
• Impedance: 18 ohms
• Sensitivity: 100dB

Pros

• Balanced, midrange-focused tuning that doesn’t color the mix
• Comfortable to wear over extended listening sessions
• Detail-rich with clear layering

Cons

• Soundstage isn’t very big
• Limited availability

The Audeze MM-500 sounds unlike any other pair of Audeze headphones we’ve heard, but there’s a good reason for that. Crafted with the help of Grammy-winning audio engineer Manny Marroquin (and emblazoned with his initials beneath the headband), they’re designed to be used in the studio, replacing the classic studio monitors that are a staple of audio mixing. Their tuning is anchored by an exceptionally clear upper midrange, as that’s the frequency range where the hardest work to avoid mix congestion must be done, but this emphasis doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an uncolored listening experience. And this actually makes the headphones perfectly suited for music with rich vocals and energetic instrumentation—able to handle tactile tones and busy articulation while maintaining a naturalistic presentation that never masks the rest of the spectrum. It’s the ultra-thin, ultra-responsive drivers that set them apart from other mixing headphones, enhancing the monitoring experience with the detail, speed, and resolution that only planar magnetic drivers can provide. 

These headphones are revealing. Though the soundstage isn’t very big, they offer a very detailed listening experience with outstanding layering between tracks. Everything is well-defined, crisp without being sharp. As you lay down takes, you’ll be able to hear exactly how they fit together without any of the messiness or veiling of lesser headphones. These same qualities mean that some listeners might find them less exciting for normal listening, as there’s no elevated low-end. But for audio engineers, their uncolored timbre and ability to deconstruct the mix are their secret weapons. 

The other high point they bring to the table is their exceptional comfort. While sitting slightly tighter around the ears than several of Audeze’s other headphones (like the popular LCD-2 Classic), their headband distributes their 1.09-pound weight well so that, despite the rock-solid aluminum and steel build, they can be worn for hours without soreness (as one might do in a mix session). They’re a well-rounded pair of headphones custom-tailored for industry professionals but with plenty connoisseurs can appreciate. (Interested in a taste of the tone? The Audeze MM-100, an introductory headphone in the studio line, is only $399.)

Best closed-back: Meze Audio LIRIC

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Why it made the cut: The Meze LIRIC is a stylish closed-back in a world of open-back headphones and a great choice for isolation that doesn’t sacrifice an impressive soundstage.

Specs

• Price: $2,000
• Type: Closed-back
• Frequency Response: 4Hz – 92kHz
• Impedance: 30 ohms
• Sensitivity: 100dB
• Weight: 391 grams

Pros

• Great isolation (for you and others!)
• Stylish but minimal: won’t attract unwanted attention
• Comparatively low-weight
• Surprisingly wide soundstage

Cons

• Pricey
• No wireless option
• Still a bit bulky

Closed-back planar dynamic headphones are few and far between, but the Meze Audio LIRIC is the best among the more (relatively) approachable top-tier models. This headphone is packed with technology to make it the premiere closed-back headphone for audiophiles. The LIRIC uses a custom-made MZ4 driver, a scaled-down adaptation of the voice coil included in the Romanian company’s flagship Empyrean headphone (which retails for $2,999), tuned to operate in a closed-back shell. Best of all, Meze has been able to overcome the biggest challenge facing closed-back headphones—reduced soundstage—with its all-new Phase XTM system. This may just be the most spacious closed-back option (of any driver style) available today. 

Mounted in a vented, purpose-built acoustic chamber, the LIRIC’s driver manifests a captivatingly deep staging without losing its imaging authority. Despite being a closed headphone, the bass is not overwhelmingly energetic, though the LIRIC can take well to goosing the lows. Mid-range gives vocals plenty of presence, while treble is fresh but not fiery. Pair the LIRIC with a source known for its top-end extension; you’ll experience more energy. Pair the LIRIC with a rounder source; you’ll up the musicality. What the LIRIC is, ultimately, is extremely friendly to equipment and EQ choices. 

Meze describes the LIRIC as a “portable planar,” meant to be taken on the go. At 391 grams, it’s lighter than many competitors at this price point but still made of durable magnesium and aluminum to withstand the rigors of daily life. The black matte leather-surfaced, copper-accented earcups are exceedingly stylish, if a bit bulky, and rotate to lay flat on your chest when you need a break, though the plush oval pads and wide headband promote long-term comfort. The biggest downside is that there’s no way to listen to the LIRIC wirelessly, so “portable,” in this case, still factors in toting around a cable. But the most unadulterated listening experiences are still found across a wire, and the LIRIC is efficient enough to play nicely with almost any source, so this isn’t that big of a deal for most listeners—as long as you have a device with a headphone jack or an adapter.

Best earphones: 7Hz Timeless AE

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Why it made the cut: The 7Hz Timeless AE offers well-tuned planar sound at an affordable price. 

Specs

• Price: $259
• Type: Closed-back earphones
• Frequency Response: 5Hz – 40kHz
• Impedance: 14.8 ohm
• Sensitivity: 104dB
• Weight: 5.5 grams (each earpiece)

Pros

• Very well-tuned, balanced sound
• Full of detail
• Good bass performance

Cons

• Unusual shape 
• Limited soundstage

Planar earphones are nothing new, but few have been quite as well received as the 7Hz Timeless at its $219 price point, and the company recently released an updated version that’s even better than the first: the 7Hz Timeless AE. The magic of the Timeless lies in the tuning of its 14.2mm drivers (powered by double-sided N52 magnet arrays), updated to provide deeper, more impactful bass and smoother treble for hours of easy listening. While others in this space, like the Tin HiFi P1, were criticized for their brightness, the Timeless AE delivers a warmer sound that doesn’t skimp on the bass. At the same time, it delivers an enjoyable amount of detail which combines to make these earphones a well-balanced buy at $249.

The Timeless isn’t perfect, however. Since it uses an in-ear design, the soundstage is narrower than any over-ear headphones included on this list. It also breaks the mold with the divisive, quarter-like shape of its earpieces. You’ll either be ambivalent about the shape or outright hate the shells—there doesn’t seem to be much in between. If you already own the original Timeless, the AE version probably isn’t worth the price to upgrade if you’re comfortable playing with EQ.

One of the biggest reasons to choose the 7Hz Timeless AE is its impeccable balance of price and performance, but there are better options if you’re willing to spend more. For a truly audiophile experience, the Audeze Euclid has a more appealing aesthetic and delivers incredible sound quality but at the high price of $1,299. While not a small earbud (it can’t be to fit its 18mm drivers, bigger than the 14.2mm of the Timeless), the Euclid is comfortable. And that comfort extends to the frequency response, which is smooth and cohesive throughout. Bass is tight, mid-range spacious, and treble snappy without being sharp. Details are effortlessly retrieved and rendered across an uncluttered soundstage—one that’s astounding for a closed, compact earpiece.   

And suppose you’ve got $1,500 and want something exclusively yours. In that case, the Campfire Audio Supermoon is an in-ear monitor featuring 14mm, 2-micron-thick planar drivers in solid-body enclosures custom-molded to your ear canals. The bass is textured but controlled, mid-range is dynamic, and treble is honest (which can be a good or bad thing, depending on the recording). Planar IEMs are really coming into their own.

Best for gaming: Moondrop Venus

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Why it made the cut: The Venus is only the second pair of headphones by Moondrop Labs, but you wouldn’t guess it based on its construction and sound quality—both of which convey a clear vision of clarity.

Specs

• Price: $599.99
• Type: Open-back headphones
• Frequency Response: 6Hz – 80kHz
• Impedance: 18 ohms
• Sensitivity: 100dB
• Weight: 600 grams

Pros

• Spatial cues are immaculate
• Distinctive look
• Responds well to EQ

Cons

• Somewhat bass-light out of the box
• Has to be used in a quiet location for optimal performance

We’re going out on a limb … a raid? a quest? … for this pick because it’s far from a standard “gaming headphone.” There’s no head-tracking or adjustable boom mic, etc. (but you have a signature mic for livestreaming already, we’re sure). However, the same things that make the Moondrop Labs Venus an attractive headphone for audiophiles—including a sparkly but still non-fatiguing treble that lets each note ring out—are also great for the situational awareness needed to win.

The Venus is the sophomore over-ear headphone of Moondrop Labs, a boutique audio company founded in 2015 in Chengdu, China, and colloquially known as “Moondrop,” which first became a darling of the IEM scene. It’s got a bold design and tuning designed to shear the veil between you and your music, or your adventure. Each earcup is finished with a milled faceplate that would be right at home in BioShock—if Andrew Ryan cared a little more about sound quality, that is. (And they’ll look great on a live stream.) The headphones have heft, but once in place, they’re stable: not too tight, not too loose.

Most importantly for missions, imaging and soundstage are excellent. Aided by a specialized waveguide that smooths any errant peaks, the Venus places each audio cue on its own layer. It’s resolving and spacious enough to make every sound source perfectly audible, even in busy tracks or cacophonous multiplayer matches. There’s no masking or loss of detail from overwhelmed drivers, but also not so immersive it’s diffuse (an experience we describe in more detail in our full review).

Being open-backed, the Venus lets in and leaks sound, so it won’t work if you’re gaming on the go. It’s also at its best when amped. And it isn’t going to hit as hard as some other closed-back planar gaming headsets (might we suggest the Audeze Mobius or Penrose, depending on your platform). But suppose you want to get lost in a soundtrack in or out of the game. In that case, the planar drivers have no trouble reaching low and maintaining speed, delivering rich sub-bass with engaging texturing even if it doesn’t delve to the deepest reaches of frequency response. Clarity is Venus’s hallmark, but it takes well to EQ if you think it’s slightly anemic. Honestly, it’s a strong contender for the best budget planar for pure audio lovers—as its fit, finish, and presentation are outstanding for the price—it’s just slightly more expensive than our next pick.

Best budget: HIFIMAN Sundara

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Why it made the cut: The HIFIMAN Sundara are detail powerhouses for their price and a gateway drug to the wider world of planar magnetics.

Specs

• Price: $299
• Type: Open-back
• Frequency Response: Not disclosed
• Impedance: 37 ohms
• Sensitivity: 94db
• Weight: 372 grams

Pros

• Affordably priced
• Wide soundstage
• Exceptionally detailed
• Thin, low-profile design

Cons

• Bass can seem recessed
• Not great for portable use

To start off, budget is relative. To some (like our managing editor), the $1,299 HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition is an amazing “budget” pick because of its extraordinary bang for the buck when putting many options in the $2,000-$3,000 range to shame. But here we’ll talk true budget, which in the planar magnetics world is under $500. So we’re talking about the Sundara, which has become one of the staple recommendations for new hi-fi(man) fans, and it’s not hard to see why. These headphones deliver a spacious soundstage and an incredible amount of detail for their comparatively modest price. In fact, it’s hard to find a better value in this space, which is exactly why terms like “giant killer” pop up so frequently in conversations surrounding it: these headphones deliver performance well beyond the $349 price point.

With that in mind, it’s important to note that balance is the name of the game with these headphones. Even though it offers good bass and treble extension, this isn’t what most people would consider a bass-heavy headset. Likewise, even though it offers a slim profile when worn, the cups don’t swivel to lie flat on your chest and there’s no travel case, so they’re still a better fit for listening at home than on the go.

Looking for something a little more portable but still great? The Audeze LCD-1, if you can snag one (it’s now discontinued), is an outstanding choice that solves the Sundara’s portability issues, is smaller, more stylish, allows you to rotate the earcups, and includes a travel case. Those benefits come at a higher cost of $399.99, less detail, and a more plasticky build, but it’s hard to argue with its still-great sound. 

Related, in a way, is the similarly priced Edifier STAX SPIRIT S3, which is quite a mishmash of branding and components, so let’s decipher. Edifier, a Chinese company with a firm foothold in the affordable speakers sector on Amazon (and beyond), bought the legendary STAX brand of electrostatic headphones in 2011. In 2016, Edifier invested in a minority share of Audeze. So, the STAX SPIRIT S3 is a wireless (but not noise-cancelling) closed-back headphone that, despite its name, has nothing to do with electrostatics (that’s a whole ‘nother tech for another time) but does feature Audeze’s Fluxor magnetic structure, Uniforce diaphragm, and Fazor phase management—and more than a passing resemblance to the LCD-1. Sonically, though, they’re a bit more reminiscent of the 7Hz Timeless in headphones form, offering a quick-moving body with plenty of detail balancing out bold but not boomy low end. It’s a clearly closed-back soundstage, so flat in comparison to its less-isolating brethren, but if you’ve got an Android phone that supports the aptX HD/Adaptive codec and are looking for some Bluetooth 5.2 headphones that travel well, the Edifier STAX SPIRIT S3 could be a flavor to savor.

Things to consider before buying the best planar magnetic headphones

Buying any pair of headphones can be a confusing mix of terminology and marketing buzzwords. This is especially true with planar magnetics, where the costs are often significantly higher. To help you cut through the noise, these are the most important things you should consider when shopping for the best planar magnetic headphones:

Price

Let’s get this out of the way first: planar magnetic headphones can be expensive. This is true of other types of headphones as well, but it’s especially common to see planar magnetics come at a premium compared to their dynamic driver counterparts. This is due to the complexity of the driver itself, as well as the pedigree of the brand producing them. As with all things personal audio, a high price doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to enjoy the sound more, so take the time to read reviews to get an impression of its real-world performance. If you’re considering a very expensive set, pay careful attention to the return guidelines to be sure you can refund or exchange it if it’s not your cup of tea.

How difficult they are to drive

Open up a headphone that uses dynamic drivers, and what you’ll find is familiar to anyone that has ever seen a speaker: a cone or dome, behind which a magnet pulls a coil that vibrates the diaphragm to create sound waves. At the heart of planar magnetic headphones, however, are incredibly thin membranes imprinted with conductors and strung across magnetic arrays that manipulate them at incredible speed with low distortion.

Because most planars are physically larger than dynamic drivers (sometimes twice as large at 100mm versus 50mm, for instance), they often require more voltage to drive. It’s important to consider whether you’ll need an external amplifier to power them properly. This isn’t always the case. Efficient planars like the HIFIMAN Deva can be run straight from most PCs, smartphones, etc. without issue. It isn’t common, however, and manufacturers often design their headphones around the idea that listeners will have a separate amp in their setup.

The amount of power a headphone requires will vary from set to set. This is determined by two key specifications: impedance and sensitivity. The higher the impedance (measured in ohms), the more difficult the headphones are to drive. The inverse is true of sensitivity (how loud the headphone will get with a certain amount of power): the higher the sensitivity, the easier it will be to drive. The simplest course to determining the power needs of a headphone is to plug these values into a headphone power calculator. This will tell you how much power it takes to drive those headphones to different volume levels.  

Open- or closed-back

Like all headphones, planar magnetics come in open-back or closed-back varieties. These terms refer to the outward-facing side of the earcups and whether it’s sealed off to trap sound or uses a grille to let sound pass out the back (while protecting the delicate diaphragm inside). Each design has its benefits and drawbacks and there is no right answer for which is better. Instead, it’s best to understand what each term means and to determine what’s best for you.

Whether it’s the more affordable HIFIMAN Ananda or the ultra-premium line-up of ABYSS Headphones, open-back is by far the most popular design in planar magnetic headphones. It complements the strengths of the driver—detail, clarity, realism—by adding a natural sense of airiness and space to the music. This is referred to as soundstage. Open-backs don’t isolate sound well, which is their biggest drawback. Anyone sitting close to you will be able to hear your music and you’ll be able to hear the noise of your surroundings.

Closed-back headphones are much more common when looking at big-box consumer stores for connected convenience features like noise cancellation, whether in budget models or more high-end ones like the Bowers & Wilkins Px8, Focal Bathys, or the Apple AirPods Max. These headphones usually offer a reduced soundstage but at the benefit of vastly improved isolation. If you plan on wearing your headphones to commute, or simply want more privacy to your listening, closed-backs are the superior choice.

Tuning

One of the most important considerations is also the most nebulous: how it actually sounds. Brands often refer to how clear and detailed their sound is, and make heavy use of buzzwords in their marketing. But what does that actually mean for how it compares to other headphones you’ve heard in the past? 

That’s where graphs come in. It can be difficult to test a headphone before buying it, so many manufacturers and audio enthusiasts provide frequency response graphs to give a better impression of how a headphone actually sounds. These graphs are essentially a swooping line that represents how the sound is balanced between the lows, mids, and highs. Take a moment to read up on how to read a graph and, wherever possible, take a peek at how the sound is balanced before hitting Buy Now.

Weight and size

While it’s not a rule, many planar magnetic headphones tend to be larger and heavier than their dynamic counterparts. This is because the driver itself tends to be larger and utilizes magnets on one or both sides of the driver to deliver sound. Both of these require a bigger earcup. Boutique audio brands also like to design their earcups around improved sound quality and unique aesthetics (even sometimes exotic woods and composites), which can mean anything from the egg-shaped windowshades of the HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition to the stylish rings of the Audeze LCD-4z. This doesn’t have to be the case, however, as the traditional design of the discontinued but still desirable Oppo PM-3 clearly illustrates. 

Regardless, be sure to consider where you’ll be using your headphones and your own comfort needs while you’re doing so. A heavier headphone can lead to sore spots on the top of your head. Likewise, a giant pair of cans can attract sideways glances you may not be ready for. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best planar magnetic headphones

• Best overall: Audeze LCD-2 Classic
• True audiophile: Dan Clark Audio Stealth
• Best over-ear: Audeze LCD-5
• Best for classical and live music: HIFIMAN Audivina
• Best for mixing: Audeze MM-500
• Best closed-back: Meze Audio LIRIC
• Best earphones: 7Hz Timeless
• Best for gaming: Moondrop Venus
• Best budget: HIFIMAN Sundara

Upgrading to the best planar magnetic headphones can transform your listening experience. Take the time to find the right set for you, whether that’s a big and bold pair of over-ear headphones or a small-but-mighty pair of in-ears, and you’ll be able to experience your favorite songs like never before. They don’t always come cheap, but a great headphone investment can pay dividends in your enjoyment for years to come. 

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best planar magnetic headphones for 2023, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10		SEE IT	All the excellent sound and construction that you want out of DJ headphones, with nothing that you don’t.
Best Bluetooth		AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+		SEE IT	High-resolution, ultra-low-latency wireless audio finally makes DJ headphone cord-cutting possible.
Best budget		Monoprice Premium Hi-Fi DJ Style Over-the-Ear Headphones		SEE IT	When you don’t have much to spend or need a cheap backup set of DJ headphones, look no further.

DJ headphones, at their core, don’t function much differently from the best headphones meant for everyday listening or music production. But beyond the basic concept of speakers pushing air, DJ headphones usually target their audience with isolating pads and high SPLs (sound pressure levels)—the maximum output volume—for blocking out and cutting through the din of crowded clubs with audible bass response. After all, that’s where you keep the beat. DJ headphones also feature build quality for constant putting on and taking off and earcups that swivel or detach from the headband for one-ear monitoring. Some also cater to busy DJs who wear out headphones quickly by making some or all of the parts easily replaceable. And wireless DJ headphones that actually have low enough audio latency to function properly for DJs are also now available. Considering all these options, here’s our spin on the best DJ headphones.

• Best overall: Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10 
• Best Bluetooth: AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+
• Best for mixing music, not just tracks: Audio-Technica ATH-M70x
• Best lightweight: Sennheiser HD 25 Plus 
• Best mid-priced: V-Moda Crossfade LP2 
• Best budget: Monoprice Premium Hi-Fi DJ Style Over-the-Ear Headphones 

How we chose the best DJ headphones

I have been a performing DJ for more than 15 years and have covered DJ gear for DJ Tech Tools, Electronic Musician, Remix, Popular Science, of course, and other outlets. I’ve personally used four of the six headphones on this list for public DJ sets, livestreams, or extensive reviews, and the remaining choices are based on thorough research, the feedback of fellow DJs, other expert reviews, and trusted user impressions. This selection includes the best DJ headphones at various price points for either dedicated DJ use, DJing plus music production, or DJing plus overall use. 

The best DJ headphones: Reviews & Recommendations

While it may not be as good as DJing itself, choosing DJ gear is part of the fun. There’s something extra satisfying about picking out a piece of tech that will serve a creative and productive purpose rather than just another toy for your amusement (although DJ headphones are that, too). So, let’s get down to the good part and examine the best DJ headphones available right now.

Best overall: Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10

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Why it made the cut: The flagship headphone from the biggest DJ gear company comes through with rugged durability, big full-spectrum sound, and lasting comfort. 

Specs 

• Weight: 0.72 pounds (without cable)
• Driver Units: 50mm dome type high-definition drivers
• Frequency Response: 5Hz-40kHz
• Accessories: 48-inch coiled cable (extends to 118 inches), 63-inch straight cable, 1/4-inch stereo plug adapter (threaded), zippered hardshell case with handle

Pros

• Powerful yet clear and balanced high-resolution sound
• Reliably robust build for professional use
• Comfortable materials and fit

Cons 

• Comparatively high price
• Non-standard detachable cable connectors

If you had to boil down what’s important in DJ headphones to one word, it may be “dependability.” As one of the key elements to a live performance where mistakes can be catastrophic to your confidence and/or reputation, DJ headphones have to be dependable in the areas of sound reproduction and power, as well as physically dependable to take abuse yet not to dish it out to your head and ears. Perhaps that’s why the HDJ-X10—the top-of-the-line headphone from Pioneer DJ, the company that supplies clubs and consumers with mixers, monitors, and other DJ booth mainstays—does nothing it doesn’t need to do and does everything it does very, very well. 

First of all, its audio is not the loudest of all DJ headphones, but it’s loud enough at a 106 dB sound level, and its over-ear, closed-back design does a good job at isolating the headphone mix from outside noise. The high-resolution sound from the newly developed 50mm drivers delivers an extended frequency response and a very clear sound throughout the frequency range. The bass is very pronounced but not overly hyped or overpowering of midrange elements. 

Physically, Pioneer DJ built the HDJ-X10 meticulously for heavy DJ use. The moving parts—like the joints for swiveling the ears cups 90 degrees sideways and rotating them backward 180 degrees—are of trusty metal construction. The headband is also strong yet flexible. The headband and replaceable ear pads are covered in durable, cleanable polyurethane. While everyone’s head and ears are different shapes and sizes, so no headphones can ever please 100% of DJs, the HDJ-X10 fits comfortably enough on me for all-day use. Finally, the audio cable is an L-type locking mini-jack, so while it’s a little harder to find a replacement cable if you need one, you’re also protected from the potentially panic-inducing event of the audio cable disconnecting in the middle of a live set. 

Best Bluetooth: AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+

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Why it made the cut: AIAIAI has made DJing with wireless headphones tenable by creating a set using the low-latency W+ Link wireless format and its own wireless transmitter. 

Specs 

• Weight: 0.5 pounds (headphones only)
• Driver Units: 40mm “bio-diaphragm” speakers
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Accessories: Bluetooth 5.0 headband that also supports a transmitter with W+ Link ultra-low latency wireless, USB-C charging cable, 60-inch coiled cable (extends to 126 inches), 1/4-inch stereo plug adapter (threaded), carrying pouch

Pros

• Low 16ms latency time suitable for DJ performances
• Modular parts for replaceability
• Light and compact enough for portability
• Includes both uncompressed wireless audio and Bluetooth compressed audio for longer battery life

Cons 

• Output level is more consistent with studio headphones than DJ headphones

For both DJing and music production, wireless headphones up to now have been riddled with too many caveats to make them worth consideration: lossy transmissions, burdensome wireless transmitters, signal interference, and, worst of all, latency between the audio source and the headphone output. In-ear monitors operating on dedicated channels are proven for live performances, but typically out of the price range and off the technical rider of most working DJs. By taking in the top concerns of working DJs and musicians, AIAIAI has made the TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ headphones the first wireless headphones I could recommend for DJing.

First and foremost, it uses a compact X01 transmitter to send ultra-low-latency (16ms) uncompressed audio (up to 16-bit/44.1kHz) using the dual-antenna W+ Link operating on a 2.4GHz frequency (the same as your home WiFi). That’s low enough latency not to notice the lag between manipulating your DJ gear and the audio in your cans since human brains start to notice audio latency at around 20-30ms. In comparison, traditional Bluetooth has a latency of about 100ms, which will drive you crazy if you try to DJ with that lag. Bluetooth 5.0 with the Qualcomm aptX codec is much better at 40ms, but still not fast enough to recommend for performance.

However, the TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ also includes Bluetooth 5.0 for longer battery life for casual listening, like when previewing possible tracks or setting cue points for tomorrow’s gig. Both the X01 transmitter and the H10 headband (which receives the wireless signal) are battery-powered and recharge over USB-C. Battery life for uncompressed W+ Link playback is advertised at 16 hours, while Bluetooth playback gets you 80 hours of battery life. A three-button array on the H10 headband controls play/pause/next and volume during Bluetooth playback, or just the volume during W+ Link playback. Wired operation is also possible to bypass battery power.

AIAIAI also builds the TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ with a modern aesthetic, both in terms of its minimalist looks and its sustainable aims. For instance, the headphones’ parts are modular so that you can replace the headband, ear pads, and driver units separately, and the over-ear memory foam ear pads are covered with CO2-neutral Alcantara material. 

While the TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ are fast enough in their latency for DJing, comfortable enough to wear for long DJ sets, and have detachable ear cups for one-ear monitoring—all features I put to the test while evaluating them in a Nevada desert during the Burning Man festival—in one aspect they are still optimal for musicians in a music studio. They have, for example, a volume level normal for studio headphones but a little lower than what DJs often like for live monitoring. Word has it that AIAIAI is working on wireless headphones customized specifically for DJs, including increased volume and other performance-centric features. Don’t want to wait and don’t mind being tethered? The wired AIAIAI TMA-2 Modular is a sturdy set that can challenge top favorites at a much more approachable price.

Best for mixing music: Audio-Technica ATH-M70x

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Why it made the cut: Audio-Technica is well-known for studio-grade sound at reasonable prices, and the ATH-M70 combines the needs of DJs and music producers. 

Specs 

• Weight: 0.62 pounds (without cable)
• Driver Units: 45 mm neodymium magnet drivers
• Frequency Response: 5Hz-40kHz
• Accessories: 48-inch coiled cable (extends to 118 inches), 48-inch straight cable, 118-inch straight cable, 1/4-inch plug adapter (threaded), zippered hardshell case with cable pouch

Pros

• Flat, accurate, and clear audio across the audio range
• Extended frequency response
• Three detachable audio cables included

Cons 

• Built more for studio use than touring/live shows, in terms of output level and durability

Making your own music ranks as one of the best ways to stand out and promote yourself as a DJ. And it’s just a fun thing to do, as DJs are music lovers first and foremost. So when you need a set of DJ headphones that also double as your reference headphones for mixing and mastering music, the Audio-Technica ATH-M70x closed-back monitoring headphones fit the bill. They have an extended frequency range and a flat response across the audio spectrum so that you can hear every element of a mix evenly. Audio-Technica headphones, in general, are known for reliable audio quality at reasonable prices, and the ATH-M70x delivers excellent clarity and stereo imaging. Don’t have a perfect acoustically treated home studio? No problem. The over-ear, closed-back design isolates the audio with minimal bleed from outside noise. 

The ATH-M70x’s ear cups have metal yokes and swivel 90 degrees for one-ear monitoring, and its ear pads and headband padding are replaceable. If you’re looking for similar performance in a DJ headphone set that’s also appropriate for music production but for more than $100 less, the very popular Audio-Technica ATH-M50x—one of our perpetual favorite monitoring and tracking headphones—makes for a great choice. The rest of the line doesn’t have the extended frequency range or as much metal construction as the ATH-M70x, but offers a great price-performance ratio.

Best lightweight: Sennheiser HD 25 Plus

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Why it made the cut: Besides being very lightweight, the Sennheiser HD 25 Plus headphones have earned a long-standing reputation amongst DJs for powerful sound that cuts through the noise and replaceable parts that extend your investment. 

Specs 

• Weight: 0.3 pounds (without cable)
• Driver Units: N/A
• Frequency Response: 16Hz-22kHz
• Accessories: Extra pair of soft ear pads, 39-inch coiled cable (extends to 118 inches), 60-inch straight cable, 1/4-inch plug adapter (threaded), carrying pouch

Pros

• Some of the loudest headphones around, with a maximum SPL of 120 dB
• Trademark split headband for finding a variety of fits
• Lightweight plastic construction is durable and tough, not brittle
• Flip-away ear cups enable one-ear monitoring

Cons 

• Tight on-ear fit can pinch ears painfully over time

The Sennheiser HD 25 Plus headphones occupy a special place in the hearts of touring DJs, mobile DJs, and any DJ who put their cans through a ton of use and abuse. This is because the essential parts of the HD 25 Plus headphones are all replaceable and easily available to purchase at retailers. The audio cable that feeds into the ear cup speaker drivers is completely detachable and replaceable; the driver units themselves are replaceable; and so are the headband, headband padding, and ear pads. Yet, regardless of replaceability, the lightweight, mostly plastic construction is built to last; it’s tough and malleable, rather than the brittle plastic of some cheaply made headphones. 

Pure loudness counts as another of the HD 25 Plus standout features. With a top SPL of 120 dB, they are some of the loudest DJ headphones you can find and their on-ear, closed-back design blocks outside sounds in loud environments so you can focus on your headphones mix. Unlike most DJ headphones with swiveling earcups, the driver units on the HD 25 Plus detach from the headband for one-ear monitoring. They also have a signature split headband meant to be a little more comfortable on the head over long periods of time.

If you’re looking to save $50, the HD 25 model is the same set of headphones minus the extra set of soft velour earpads, the coiled audio cable, and the carrying pouch.

Best mid-priced: V-Moda Crossfade LP2 

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Why it made the cut: The V-Moda Crossfade LP2 delivers a well-rounded mix of extreme durability, huge sound, and good looks for a mid-level price. 

Specs 

• Weight: 0.57 pounds
• Driver Units: 50mm dual-diaphragm
• Frequency Response: 5Hz-30kHz
• Accessories: 52-inch cable with inline mic and 1-button controller, 78-inch audio-only cable, zippered carrying case with carabiner, 1/4-inch plug adapter, cleaning cloth, removable shield plate kit with extra screws and screwdriver

Pros

• Meticulous build quality
• Generous selection of accessories, including a hardshell case
• Sleek appearance with the option to customize the aluminum ear cup shields
• Very good sound quality with some spiked bass

Cons 

• Ear cups do not swivel
• Boost in the low-end doesn’t suit everyone’s needs for music production

V-Moda puts a lot of stock in the materials it uses and, as a result, they are known to be some of the most durable and comfortable headphones available. The Crossfade LP2, for example, has an extremely flexible metal-core headband and Aramid fiber (Kevlar) reinforced cables made for 1 million bends. The removable aluminum shields on the closed-back ear cups can also be customized with the laser engraving or color print of your choice (such as your DJ name/brand)—for an extra cost. A form-fitting “Exoskeleton” zippered carrying case is also excellent for peace of mind when transporting the headphones. 

The Crossfade LP2 is not just physically robust. It also has a big, beefy sound for everyday listening and DJ monitoring. The “LP” in the name stands for Live Play, and this series of V-Moda headphones has a more bass-hyped sound than its audiophile line. That extra low-end can be appealing to DJs based on personal preference but is not always ideal for producing music if that’s also a part of your DJ hustle. When listening, the Crossfade LP2 foam ear cushions are meant to fit tight to the head to provide passive noise isolation—good for focusing on the headphone mix in a loud environment. If they’re too tight to be comfortable, you can adjust the headband for relief. 

Priced nicely at around $150, the Crossfade LP2 headphones give DJs an attractive mix of sound quality, slick looks, and pristine construction that’s built to last. If you like the V-Moda aesthetic of industry-leading build quality and customizable shield plates but don’t want the LP sound and have deeper pockets, you could spring for the Crossfade M-100 Master, the M-200 studio headphones, or the mack-daddy M-200 ANC with active noise canceling and wireless connectivity.

Best budget: Monoprice Premium Hi-Fi DJ Style Over-the-Ear Headphones 

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Why it made the cut: For more than 10 years, this unassuming set of Monoprice headphones has been the go-to budget pick for DJs. 

Specs 

• Weight: 0.99 pounds
• Driver Units: 50mm
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Accessories: 48-inch cable with inline mic/controller, one 48-inch audio-only cable, 1/4-inch plug adapter

Pros

• Good swiveling and rotating flexibility of the ear cups. 
• Detachable audio cable for easy replacement
• Surprisingly long-lasting
• Excellent value for the price

Cons 

• No carrying case
• Plastic construction the swiveling and rotating earpieces feel a bit flimsy

The philosophy on choosing headphones for taking on DJ gigs can range from seeking out the most durable set—possibly with replaceable parts so that they can withstand the rigors of road trips—to picking up the best value for the money because if they break, they’ll be cheap to replace. The Monoprice Premium Hi-Fi DJ Style Pro Headphones (that’s really the name, unless you want to call them Product #8323) are available for well under $50, which certainly falls under the “cheap replacement” banner. However, I can say from first-hand experience that these headphones can take abuse. I’ve shoved them in a disheveled gear bag and then yanked them out at what feels like 100 DJ sets without them breaking. And the detachable cable is easy to replace with a standard 1/8-inch audio cord. That’s why these Monoprice headphones are our pick if you want to drop the beat without dropping a Benjamin.

The plastic construction of the moving earcup joints doesn’t inspire the most confidence. Still, they do provide the convenient mobility of swiveling the cups 90 degrees and rotating them essentially backward 180 degrees, making one-ear monitoring easy. Neither the comfort level of the over-the-ear cups and the headband nor the sound quality are top-of-the-heap, but I’ve certainly felt and heard worse. With a sensitivity of 100 dB, they do get loud enough to do the job in a noisy club. That is essentially the appeal of these headphones for DJs. They aren’t amazing in any one aspect but sound good enough and are comfortable and flexible enough to function for professional work, while being cheap enough not to sting when they no longer function.

Things to consider before buying the best DJ headphones

This list does not include any in-ear monitors or true wireless earbuds. Although some DJs use these (in-ear monitors more than earbuds, for latency and customization reasons), that’s for a different working style where the in-ears are usually kept in throughout the DJ’s set, and they block out much or all of the sound from the venue. So, the DJ hears the main mix through the in-ears at all times and also monitors the next track before the audience hears it. There’s nothing wrong with that style of DJing, and it can be healthy on the ears if it blocks out overly loud club sound, allowing you to mix at lower decibels. However, DJing in a way where you’re not hearing any of the same main room sound as the crowd can make you feel a little disconnected. And in-ear DJ monitoring is still not all that common, so this guide covers only on-ear and over-ear full-size headphones. 

Will you use them only for DJing?

Oftentimes, DJs will have headphones they only use for DJing, while they use other headphones for mixing music, everyday listening, etc. That may be because they want to preserve their favorite DJ headphones for exclusive DJ use or because most DJ headphones are not meant to be the be-all-and-end-all of feature-laden headphones. Several key qualities of DJ headphones include a loud, accurate, but more energetic (some might call it V-shaped) sound for cutting through noisy surroundings like live venues with bass and treble. In addition, DJ headphones are more likely to have closed-back earcups with thicker foam pads for isolating sound and feature a way to monitor with one ear—usually earcups that either detach from the headband or swivel and rotate to create angles ideal for holding one cup to a single ear.

If those traits are the DJ headphone maker’s only focus, you may get something like the outstanding Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10. What you won’t get are other features that some people may want if they’re using headphones for more than just DJing: an inline mic/controller on the audio cable, wireless connectivity, and any other powered/microphone-focused/circuit-based features, like active noise cancellation or 3D/EQ sound modes. 

Regarding open-back headphones: Many at-home listeners like them because they can create a sense of a larger, airier soundstage, as well as let the earcup “breathe” to avoid the build-up of perspiration moisture. However, open-back headphones let in more noise from external sounds, so they’re not ideal for monitoring DJ mixes and aren’t featured here. 

Simplicity vs. complexity

You certainly can DJ with headphones that are a bit nontraditional. For example, the AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ in this guide finally makes wireless headphones viable for DJing because they send an ultra-low-latency audio signal. And consumer-oriented headphones like the Yamaha YH-L700A headphones have a big sound and swiveling ear cups that could make them suitable for DJing if you wish. However, the question is how complicated to use do you want your DJ headphones to be, and do you want them to include all kinds of expensive extra features that you don’t need for DJing? 

The $499 YH-L700 is loaded with technology—like active noise canceling, Bluetooth 5.0, several 3D sound processing modes, and onboard playback controls. Those features require charging the built-in battery, driving up the price, and are the kind of things you looks for in headphones for watching movies or working from home rather than for DJing. Some people may want to try DJing with active noise canceling, but that technology alters the sound from the headphones a little bit, which most DJs do not want to do. If you end up wearing out a pair of headphones like that while DJing or, worse, they get lost, damaged, or stolen while DJing, you would have spent a lot of money on features that you probably didn’t use to their fullest. 

On the other hand, the AIAIAI TMA-2 is very appropriate for DJing. Its liberating low-latency wireless technology lets you move about the DJ booth or studio without having to worry about getting the headphone cable caught on something or accidentally pulling it out. But just think about whether or not you want your DJ headphones to require a separate wireless transmitter unit that you have to remember to keep charged along with charging the headband battery as well. 

While the Yamaha, AIAIAI, and most other high-tech headphones with battery-powered features also operate as wired headphones without battery power, all their extra electronics create additional fail points and complicate their maintenance in ways that simpler wired DJ headphones do not. 

Price

If you’re the type of DJ who buys a new sports car after wrecking your last sports car, go ahead and buy two or three of everything on this list. Otherwise, the bottom line usually plays a role in any gear-buying decision. Audiophile and professional studio-grade reference headphones can cost well over $1,000, which makes the sub-$400 Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10 headphones look like a real bargain. However, that’s still considerable money. For the most part, you get something in return for what you pay for DJ headphones, whether it’s in build quality, sound quality, comfort, or some combination of everything. Sometimes name recognition and reputation may play a small part in the price as well. 

When you take DJing seriously, it’s worth it to pay for headphones that have the sound and features you want, so that your headphones don’t frustrate you or distract you in any way from the job at hand. But you can also get by quite well on low-priced headphones, whether they are your only pair or you want a “burner” set as a backup or as something that won’t devastate you if it breaks, gets lost, or is stolen. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best DJ headphones

• Best overall: Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10 
• Best Bluetooth: AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+
• Best for mixing music: Audio-Technica ATH-M70x
• Best lightweight: Sennheiser HD 25 Plus 
• Best mid-priced: V-Moda Crossfade LP2 
• Best budget: Monoprice Premium Hi-Fi DJ Style Over-the-Ear Headphones 

In a pinch, any headphones could be DJ headphones. You could DJ with the junky earbuds that come with a bargain Android phone if you really needed to. Of course, that would be a stressful hassle, which is exactly what you don’t want out of DJ headphones. You want a set of cans that makes the job easier, which means great isolation and clarity so you can blow minds, not blow out your eardrums or blow your mix, as well as durability and the most DJ-friendly construction you can get within your budget. The models here are all fine options. The rest is up to you.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

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Best overall		Yamaha YH-L700A		SEE IT	Super versatile with an excellent boost of layering and legibility to even low-quality audio.
Best budget		Soundcore by Anker Life Q30		SEE IT	These budget headphones offer noise-canceling features to keep you focused on your shows.
Best cinephile		JVC Exofield Personal Home Theater System		SEE IT	A multi-layered, immersive soundscape designed for one thing: the ultimate movie-watching experience.

When it comes to gadgets for home theaters, picture quality gets most of the press, but even the best TVs don’t have good built-in audio, which is where wireless headphones for TV come in. Sound matters, so we’re going to talk about some sound matters. Once you experience a truly great soundscape with your favorite films, shows, or games, you’ll never want to go back. Multi-speaker systems replicate the theater experience best but can be harder to set up in smaller spaces and get very expensive very quickly. Plus, the ground-shaking T. rex steps that get your heart racing might also get your neighbors racing to file a noise complaint. So what’s the answer when space, wallet, or society conspire to deny you the sonic stimulation you so richly deserve? The best wireless headphones for TV, that’s what.

• Best overall: Yamaha YH-L700A
• Best with transmitter: Sennheiser RS 195 RF
• Best gaming: Astro A50 Wireless Gen 4
• Best cinephile: JVC Exofield Personal Home Theater System
• Best earbuds: Sennheiser TV Clear Set 2
• Best budget: Anker Life Soundcore Q30

How we chose the best wireless headphones for TV

First of all, naturally, we removed all wired headsets from contention. Generally, wired headphones offer better sound than wireless, but that gap is not nearly as wide as it once was. We considered Bluetooth headsets and those that use their own base stations/wireless protocols. Options up and down the budget spectrum were assessed, though none of these headsets hit $1,000, and most are under $500. The list below is an amalgamation of first-hand reviews, recommendations by trusted colleagues, and the consensus of the audio-video press. These were then delineated into categories that can guide you toward cans that can.

The best wireless headphones for TV: Reviews & Recommendations

It’s unlikely you’ll be disappointed with any of the wireless headphones we’ve selected. Even the budget set is quite nice. And it’s certainly a huge upgrade if you’re only listening to the built-in sound of your TV’s speakers (no matter how amazing that new OLED display is, we promise the sound is lacking). The most important thing to note is the exclusive features of each headset, as the general sound and use of all these units are strong. Regardless of which wireless headphones for TV you choose, your ears will thank you for your service to their joy.

Best overall: Yamaha YH-L700A

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Why it made the cut: With features on features, the Yamaha YH-L700A pairs excellent quality sound with modes of listening that make it excellent for TV, gaming, music, and work.

Specs

• Format: Over-ear headphones
• Noise cancellation: Active noise canceling
• Connection: Bluetooth
• Battery life: 34 hours

Pros

• Clear, crisp sound
• Versatile 3D Sound Field mode sweetens stereo sound signals significantly
• Bluetooth and wired options allow use in the maximum number of set-ups
• Excellent noise-canceling

Cons

• Cinema audio settings aren’t as true-tuned as units rated for Dolby Atmos
• Cups can get quite warm around the ears
• Head-tracking feature doesn’t improve sound experience much

Yamaha is an old-school name in audio, but the company’s top-tier headphone is packed with the newest technology. What caused this set to edge out our others is its jack-of-all-trades mentality. That pairs with great sound and low latency from its high-quality Bluetooth 5.0 connection (featuring the advanced resolution aptX Adaptive codec for compatible Android devices, plus AAC for iPhones). Additionally, The YH-L700A’s seven selectable Sound Fields can transform any input into an approximation of 3D sound, improving any broadcast or stream even if higher-quality audio options aren’t available. 

The noise-canceling on this pair is quite adept, featuring a range of dynamic filtering modes that are easy to implement. In addition to active noise cancellation, which analyzes and counteracts environmental sound, Listening Optimizer adjusts equalization on the fly based on the noises around you, boosting levels when the environment would normally pierce through. This is great for rambunctious kids or city noises if you’re an urban dweller. Listening Care ensures that important sonic cues aren’t lost at lower volume levels by re-juggling the equalization to pop what needs to pop. It also differentiates between primary sound and background noise. The Yamaha YH-L700A ends up offering one of the most impressive low-volume listening experiences available.

The headset itself is comfortable, though the ear cups can make quite a warm seal. Its battery life is robust, reaching 34 hours at less taxing use. The Bluetooth connection does reduce what these earphones can achieve. But the use of aptX Adaptive, a next-gen codec for wireless audio, ensures the best quality sound with the lowest latency possible over the Bluetooth protocol. And Bluetooth does open up a ton of possible uses other than with your TV. You’ll also be able to use these while walking or exercising, in public transit, or at computer workstations.

Don’t forget that for the highest-quality sound settings, like those with Blu-ray or the best streams, you’ll need to use the wired connection option on these bad boys. Bluetooth simply doesn’t have the bandwidth necessary to give you those richest soundscapes. The nice thing about this set, though, is that even in lower-quality settings, like pure stereo, the 3D modes really add some space and area to the sound in your head, giving a “2.5D” experience. Taking below-average sound and making it sing—that’s the makings of a best-in-class. If you want to know even more about our favorite set, check out the in-depth review.

Best with transmitter: Sennheiser RS 195 RF

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Why it made the cut: Sennheiser is a name synonymous with quality headphones, and these are no exception, thanks to their clarity, comfort, and consistent signal via a dedicated transmitter.

Specs

• Format: Over-ear headphones
• Noise cancellation: None
• Connection: Transmitter
• Battery life: 18 hours

Pros

• Incredible clear sound
• Customizable
• Able to sweeten dialog or music
• Nearly no audio lag thanks to RF technology
• Long battery life with charging dock

Cons

• No Bluetooth compatibility / device-bound
• Somewhat bulky construction
• Not cheap

Sennheiser can be trusted. Some may quibble over what the very best headphones on the market are. But Sennheiser’s name is always in the conversation. And it will come as little surprise that a company that makes what we consider the best all-in-one soundbar on the market understands how to pair audio with video. So when it comes to headphones built to work with television, the venerable German brand also sets a gold standard. 

You won’t get Dolby Atmos, unlike in the company’s soundbars, but the sound quality is really strong, focusing on clarity rather than volume. Sennheiser often markets these particular headphones to customers with hearing issues because of their ability to isolate certain elements of sound. That includes clearer dialog, which helps listeners who otherwise would need to jack the volume up to hear the characters speaking. The benefit for users who don’t have hearing issues is that you can fully customize the sound levels of not just volume, bass, and treble, but the sweetening of certain elements and save those settings as a selectable preset.

However, while these are wireless headphones for TV, they’re not portable. The transmitter/dock that connects to the audio source isn’t meant to be taken on the go. And there’s no Bluetooth compatibility. The wireless is instead RF (a radio signal) created by the transmitter/dock.  While that limits the devices that it can be used with, it means there’s almost no latency (lag) between the source signal and the sound in your head. Every spoken word and dramatic sound will sync up with the screen. Additionally, there is up to 330 feet of range, even though this set is designed to live with your audio source. Those who want precise, impressive sound inside comfortable, noise-dampening headphones can rest assured that Sennheiser stands above the rest.

An important thing to note about the Sennheiser RS195 RF is that it’s not always easy to get. While there is new-in-box product out there, including on Amazon, the high quality and desirability of these now-discontinued headphones mean that there are times when their secondary-market price can be higher than their original MSRP. Despite this, they are still recommended due to their incredible performance. Just keep that price in mind. If you want a cheaper alternative, the step-down model, the Sennheiser RS 175 RF, is also sometimes available on Amazon, again with a potentially inflated cost.

Best gaming: Astro A50 Wireless Gen 4

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Why it made the cut: Game soundscapes have come a long way from 8-bit beeps and boops, and so have headsets like this specifically calibrated one that gives you 3D sound and maybe even a competitive advantage.

Specs

• Format: Over-ear headphones
• Noise cancellation: None
• Connection: Transmitter
• Battery life: 15 hours

Pros

• Nearly no lag on wireless sound
• Supports lower-end surround sound modes (5.1)
• Included mic is strong quality, for communication while gaming
• Dolby Atmos support with Xbox version

Cons

• No universal version
• Battery life could be longer
• Command Center software has some issues on Windows 11 (though this will probably get fixed)

Gamers know the power of great headsets. Competitive games test your eyes, your hand reflexes, and even your ears. The higher the quality of your sound, the more easily you can pinpoint the location of the enemy from his gunfire sounds. Then you can dominate him easily, and isn’t that what it’s all about? And you don’t have to spend hundreds (though you easily can if you snag Master & Dynamic MG20 or Audeze Penrose X).

The Astro A50 comes in two models. Both offer compatibility with PC and Mac, but you need separate versions for the next-gen. Xbox and PlayStation families. The Xbox version offers an advantage over the PlayStation with Dolby Atmos 3D sound support. That feature requires you to sign up for a subscription, but there’s a voucher included that gives you a free trial. Both Astro A50 headsets give you great clarity and placement and communicate quickly with the base station. That results in nearly no lag, a key for gaming.

The mic is a flip-down boom-type that auto-mutes when flipped up. You don’t have to stare at it if you’re using these headphones to listen to some streaming media through your console instead of playing a game. In a competitive gaming headset space, there are better wired options out there. But you won’t find better wireless options than the Astro A50.

Best cinephile: JVC Exofield Personal Home Theater System

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Why it made the cut: Truly focused, the JVC Exofield Personal Home Theater System is not just a set of headphones but also a sonic processor, meaning you get the truest cinema-spec sound beamed straight to your head.

Specs

• Format: Over-ear headphones with set-top processor
• Noise cancellation: None
• Connectivity: Transmitter
• Battery life: 12 hours

Pros

• Theater sound in headphones
• DTS:X and Dolby Atmos compatible
• Amazing range and dynamic sound
• Offers sound that is simply not attainable on other headphones
• App, once it works, offers amazing customization and calibration

Cons

• Most expensive item on our list
• Difficult to set up and optimize
• Difficult to connect components in a way that maximizes all of them

The JVC Exofield Personal Home Theater System is designed to do only one thing, and it does that thing very well: producing a theater-style multichannel soundfield within headphones. The vast majority of the wireless headphones for TV on our list cannot process true object-based sound. Instead, they offer extremely high-quality stereo sound that, while lovely to listen to, is not going to have the depth or location that the Exofield offers. Using a 2.4GHz/5GHz dual-band Wi-Fi connection to transfer full-fidelity cinema sound between the set-top unit and headphones, the Exofield system brings realism and surrealism in the way it delivers a spacious, immersive experience through its 40mm drivers. The main drawback of this incredible piece of technology, other than it requiring space on or in your credenza, is that it is finicky to set up and to communicate with other devices. 

Set up is a bit arduous, involving taking measurements. And it can potentially error out, forcing you to restart the process. The choice of marrying many of the options to an app could backfire in the future if an update breaks the software or the app gets delisted, and you need to download it to a new device. Setting up the transmitter correctly—patching through the right inputs/outputs (don’t forget those HDMI cables) to ensure all your components work correctly on your screen—can be a difficult task. Though, usually, a unit like this assumes the end-user doesn’t need much handholding when it comes to A/V. It’s just important to consider how plug-and-play things truly are when buying a nearly $1,000 audio system.

The sound is amazing and near-flawless when optimized, offering a surreal experience of over a half-dozen points of sound inside headphones. But getting there may be a battle. It is a battle that’s absolutely worth it if you’re a cinephile. The bass kicks, the dialog sparkles, and you’ll hear elements within your movie soundscapes that were literally inaudible on TV speakers.

Best earbuds: Sennheiser TV Clear Set 2

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Lose the headband but keep the same high-quality Sennheiser sound with these TV-ready earbuds.

Specs

• Format: In-ear headphones
• Noise cancellation: Passive noise cancellation
• Connectivity: Bluetooth or TV transmitter connection
• Battery life: 15 hours

Pros

• Qi wireless charging compatible
• Great for people with glasses
• Speech clarity mode choices are unmatched
• Provides access to an app with customization options

Cons

• Expensive

Those with glasses—or those who hate the feeling of wearing headphones—can find over-ear headphones difficult to comfortably wear. The TV Clear set from Sennheiser solves that problem by packing high-quality sound into lightweight earbuds. And they are so lightweight that they are practically unnoticeable while you sport them. You can choose from five different speech clarity settings for clearer dialogue. It’s like turning up the brightness on a Game of Thrones episode but with sound.

True wireless earbuds, TV Clear 2 can connect with tablets, laptops, or smartphones and can be used to make and receive calls. But what sets these ‘buds apart is you can use the included pre-paired transmitter with your TV to set your own preferred earbud volume while family and/or guests watch at the sound level of their choice.

You can use an app to personalize your TV-watching experience with five listening profiles with speech clarity levels of up to 20 dB of high-frequency amplification. In addition, the app can help you find the earbuds if they fall into a couch, etc. And the transmitter’s low latency keeps audio and video in sync. The Ambient Awareness mode allows you to hear your surroundings while you watch, if you want, so you can hear if the popcorn’s done or your kid is trying to sneak back into the house.

And you can pair as many Bluetooth headphones to the connector as you like. The 15-hour battery life (with an additional 22 added by the case) means you can get through a quarter of a Love Island season without taking a pause. No headband, no problem.

Best budget: Anker Life Soundcore Q30

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: While its sound can’t compare with its competitors, the Anker Soundcore Q30’s price blows them all away, making these headphones a great backup set or quick replacement.

Specs

• Format: Over-ear headphones
• Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation
• Connectivity: Bluetooth
• Battery life: 40 hours battery life

Pros

• Low price
• Excellent battery life
• Features some noise-canceling via pre-sets
• Anker is known for good customer support

Cons

• Sound is budget-level
• Needs app for best calibration
• Ear cups are very small

Sometimes, the dollar is almighty. If you’re looking to get serviceable wireless headphones for TV under $100, the answer is the same as it often is in the budget tech space: Anker. Anker is known for low-price products that don’t feel low-price, coupled with helpful and hassle-free customer support. The Anker Life Soundcore Q30—a slightly older model than the current Q35 that saves you $50—is exactly what you expect from the company. It’s a solid, if unspectacular, headset that includes a few surprising features. But mostly, most importantly, it understands the assignment. 

The surprising feature here is a form of noise-canceling. While it isn’t groundbreaking, there are three presets that can determine how ambient sound is filtered. Fiddling through these can definitely improve your listening experience, making these the best cheap noise-canceling headphones we can recommend. Additional customization and equalization (EQ) are available by pairing the headphones with a phone or tablet and using an app. For TV, these headphones aren’t going to blow you away. They don’t support multichannel audio, so you’ll only be able to listen in stereo. But if $100 is your budgetary ceiling, the Anker Life Soundcore Q30 is a serviceable, portable option to listen to your TV’s audio solely between your own ears.

What to consider before buying the best wireless headphones for TV

If it were 10-20 years ago, it would have been silly to suggest headphones could give you an immersive sound experience with your TV. But now, technology has blessed us with a world of personal listening devices that are tech’d, tuned, and tested to bring the best out of Blu-ray, streaming devices, a gaming console, etc. Plus, isn’t versatility important? Nobody wants to be tethered to a device without the ability to walk to the kitchen to pop another bag of corn in the microwave while simultaneously staying in your program’s audioverse.

Why do you want wireless headphones for TV?

Before even considering wireless headphones for TV, you’ll want to think about your reasons for choosing them over other sound options. If you live alone in a home that shares no walls with other people, the pull of wireless headphones is more for their versatility outside of using them with your TV. In that case, you’ll likely want to get a pair that uses Bluetooth for its connection. It will allow you to pair the headphones with a phone or computer as well as with your TV. If this aspect of the headphones doesn’t appeal to you, you can achieve better sound with a multi-speaker system with wireless surround sound. Or you can get comparable audio with a high-quality soundbar, like one with Dolby Atmos capabilities.

However, if privacy for yourself or consideration for a coinhabitant or neighbor are chief considerations for your sound set-up, headphones are the best choice. Even headphones that are not considered “noise-canceling” will isolate your ears and allow you to experience blow-me-away booms without bothering anyone but those in close proximity. As for what is lost in the transition from multi-speaker/soundbar to headphones, the good news is that it isn’t much. The richness of the sound may falter a bit compared to a more powerful system. But multi-channel, deep soundscapes can be replicated within headphones quite adeptly, using multiple small speakers within the headphone earcup.

How do you use your TV?

The last thing to consider is what your most common TV uses are. If you’re into 4K content, cinema-quality sound spec compatibility is really key for a good pair of headphones. DTS (formerly Digital Theater Systems) has DTS:X—a sound setting that allows greater “location” within the soundscape. For example, let’s say a character in a movie on one side of the screen shoots a bullet toward a character on the other. DTS:X-compatible headphones receiving a DTS:X signal will do a much better job of placing the sound of the gun going off, moving the bullet sound across the headphones, and producing the impact in the correct place on the other side. 

Dolby Atmos, a competing sound spec, does essentially the same thing. It treats sounds as “objects” assigned a spot within a 360-degree sphere around the listener. Headphones that create these sorts of soundscapes will seem much more immersive than simple 5- or 7-channel speaker systems. Meanwhile, if you’re a gamer, very specific placement of sounds is useful for competitive 3D games. It gives you a better clue of where to move your avatar to mow down your enemies. Additionally, a quality microphone for communicating with online teammates, as well as good blending and delineation between game audio and voice channels, helps the gaming experience.

Can wireless headphones for TV replace a multi-speaker sound system?

Replace is a tough word to use. The truth is, if your living situation allows a high-end multi-speaker home theater system and you can afford one, that is what is going to produce the very best, most impressive sound experience. However, not everyone has the ideal circumstances that allow this. While they won’t stand up to the top of the line, a quality pair of headphones designed for TV viewing will be better than a mediocre multi-speaker system.

More importantly, you can use and enjoy a pair of headphones in literally any case. They’ll work in a small apartment, a busy family home, or by yourself in your gigantic mansion. The sound quality will be high and enveloping. Some people, especially those with hearing issues, may find headphones easier to calibrate for comfortable bass, treble, and volume levels without losing ambient or background sound. Headphones are not a replacement; they’re an alternate experience and one that may be better for your particular needs.

What else can I do with my wireless headphones?

Some of these wireless headphones use their wireless signals through a unit plugged into your wired inputs on your TV. Headphones that use their system rather than the more universal Bluetooth tend to have much lower latency. Latency is the delay between a signal being sent and received. When listening to music, latency can be annoying. It can make moving through tracks seem sluggish, for example. But it doesn’t really ruin the listening experience the way audio that doesn’t sync with a TV can. However, these plug-in receivers are not going to be as portable or adaptable to different listening situations as a Bluetooth unit will be.

With a Bluetooth headset, you can pair it with your phone or laptop and take it with you on the go. For the plug-in receiver sets, you’ll likely end up using the headphones almost exclusively with your TV. However, a good pair of headphones is going to be useful for movies, streaming, and gaming. While some features relevant to the specific use may not be available in all units, everything we reviewed performs “above average” in all of these categories, which will be the three most common signals coming out of your TV.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best wireless headphones for TV

• Best overall: Yamaha YH-L700A
• Best with transmitter: Sennheiser RS 195 RF
• Best gaming: Astro A50 Wireless Gen 4
• Best cinephile: JVC Exofield Personal Home Theater System
• Best earbuds: Sennheiser TV Clear Set 2
• Best budget: Anker Life Soundcore Q30

There are a lot of choices to make once you’ve made the choice to get a set of the best wireless headphones for TV. Remember to adjust your headphones out of the box, both by changing the headphones’ settings and your TV or receiver’s settings to find the sweet spot for your ears. Everyone can be different, and the “default” settings—whether it be the picture on a screen or the sound emanating from it—are not always the ideal. Happy listening.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best wireless headphones for TV in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best wireless		SteelSeries Arctis 7P		SEE IT	A great overall headset that’s made specifically for PlayStation consoles.
Best wired		Asus ROG Delta S		SEE IT	The Asus ROG Delta S sounds incredible and comes with loads of stellar features.
Best for esports		SteelSeries Arctis Prime		SEE IT	Everything about the Arctis Prime is simple and clean.

Killer audio is the unsung hero of the PlayStation 5, and a PS5 headset only enhances the experience. Sony’s latest console features a host of incredible upgrades—sharper visuals, improved framerates, an SSD that dramatically cuts down on load times, and a new DualSense controller with enhanced haptic feedback. One of my favorites, though, is the console’s Tempest audio technology, which imbues your headset with 3D spatial audio—virtual surround sound that can simulate sounds coming from above or below or all around you. Tempest started compatible only with headphones and headsets but now works to expand the soundstage of the stereo speakers in a flatscreen TV. However, you’ll want to play with headphones or a gaming headset to get the most out of your games, even single-player experiences. The fact is a headset is now only the best way to dig into the depths of a game’s soundtrack and directional cues, but it’s also the easiest way to chat with friends and other players, so finding the best PS5 headset for you is crucial to getting the most out of the experience.

• Best overall: SteelSeries Arctis 7P
• Best wired: Asus ROG Delta S
• Best for esports: SteelSeries Arctis Prime
• Best for audiophiles: Audeze Penrose
• Best for single-player experiences: Sony PlayStation Pulse 3D
• Best budget: Razer Barracuda X

How we chose the best PS5 headsets

As a longtime tech and gaming critic, I have a lot of experience using gaming headsets. I’ve reviewed dozens of them for sites like IGN, PC Gamer, and, of course, Popular Science. The majority of my recommendations are based on my own personal testing, playing all kinds of games on PlayStation 5 with the included DualSense controller. In a couple of cases, I deferred to the accounts of my colleagues past and present, while ensuring that the headsets offered high-quality specs and value.

The best PS5 headsets: Reviews & Recommendations

There is no single best PS5 headset for everyone, but I’ve winnowed down my experiences to a shortlist of candidates for most players, depending on a few key factors. All of them are very good, though, so you can’t go wrong with any of these picks.

Best overall: SteelSeries Arctis 7P

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: It is a great overall headset made specifically for PlayStation.

Specs

• Drivers: 40mm
• Frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz
• Microphone: Retractable wire boom, bi-directional
• Connection types: 2.4 GHz wireless via USB-C dongle, Analog (3.5mm)
• Estimated battery life: 24 hours

Pros

• Balanced sound
• Comfortable
• Great battery life

Cons

• Bluetooth is on a more expensive model
• microUSB charging port

SteelSeries Arctis’ line of headsets is incredibly well-rounded. They’re comfortable and deliver sharp sound and a solid connection. The PlayStation-specific Arctis 7P delivers the best bang for your buck if you’re looking specifically for a PS5 headset. (Technically, it also works on Nintendo Switch and Android phones with USB-C, too). If you also want to play on PC or Bluetooth support to pair with a phone, the more expensive Arctis 9 is also an excellent choice.

Best wired: Asus ROG Delta S

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Why it made the cut: The Asus ROG Delta S sounds incredible and comes with loads of stellar features, including MQA audio codec support, customizable RGB lighting, and more. 

Specs

• Drivers: 50mm
• Frequency response: 20-40,000 Hz
• Microphone: Detachable, Unidirectional with Noise-Cancellation
• Connection types: USB-C, USB-A (with extension cable adapter)
• Estimated battery life: N/A

Pros

• Some of the most nuanced-sounding headsets I’ve tested
• USB-C or USB-A with an adapter that doubles as an extension cable
• Distinctive style, including RGB earcups

Cons

• Some features are primarily for PC, like MQA streaming audio support
• Expensive, especially for a wired headset

The Asus ROG Delta S is, if nothing, distinctive. A concentrated burst of flashy features, like an internal quad-DAC, triangular ear cups, RGB lighting, and support for Master Quality Authenticated (MQA), the high-fidelity legacy encoding format of streaming services like Tidal’s “master” quality audio. Normally, overloading a headset with showy bells and whistles is a red flag—a sign that maybe the headset underneath all the features isn’t so great. In this case, however, those features are all icing on the cake, so to speak. The Delta S delivers sharp audio across its range and a rare level of clarity among gaming headsets. It is a USB-wired headset, so you will need to have a cable running from the front of your PS5 to your head, but with a 5-foot cable and a 3.2-foot extension cable, it isn’t as restrictive as other wired models. Plus, you know … it sounds really good.

Best for esports: SteelSeries Arctis Prime

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Everything about the Arctis Prime is simple and clean. Simply put, it is the best analog-only headset I’ve ever used.

Specs

• Drivers: 40mm
• Frequency response: 10-40,000 Hz
• Microphone: Retractable, Bi-directional with noise-cancellation
• Connection types: Analog (3.5mm)
• Estimated battery life: N/A

Pros

• Suspended headband is very comfortable
• 3.5mm connection means it works with every platform
• “High fidelity” drivers sound better than most 3.5mm headsets

Cons

• Limited customization
• A bit expensive for limited feature-set

I’m continually surprised to find myself returning to the Arctis Prime over and over. As an esports headset, its simple design focuses on the basic functions of a headset: It needs to sound clear, and it needs to make you sound clear. It excels on both counts, thanks to “high-fidelity” drivers previously reserved for SteelSeries’ most expensive headset, the Arctis Pro, and a noise-canceling microphone.

Best for audiophiles: Audeze Penrose

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: A luxurious-sounding headset from an audiophile headphone brand? What’s not to love?

Specs

• Drivers: 100mm
• Frequency response: 10-50,000 Hz
• Microphone: Detachable, Wire boom
• Connection types: 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth, Analog (3.5mm)
• Estimated battery life: 15 hours

Pros

• Planar magnetic drivers
• 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth wireless

Cons

• Very expensive
• OK battery life

Audeze, a brand best known for its impressive audiophile-grade headphones, also makes some of the best gaming headsets on the market. Though it isn’t quite as feature-rich as the Audeze Mobius headset for PC, the PlayStation-specific Penrose and Xbox-specific Penrose X bring the company’s superior sound to consoles (as does the newer Audeze Maxwell). The secret, so far as we can tell, is the headset’s planar-magnetic drivers, which can achieve a bassy, but nuanced sound that pairs especially well with games. At $300, the Penrose is very pricey for a gaming headset. Then again, Audeze’s professional flagship headphones run from the MM-500, which costs $1,699, to the Audeze CRBN, costing $4,500 … and other audiophile-grade gaming headphones, like the Master & Dynamic MG20, cost $449 … so everything is relative.

Best for single-player experiences: Sony PlayStation Pulse 3D

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Sony’s own headset is designed to take special advantage of the PS5’s spatial audio technology.

Specs

• Drivers: 40mm
• Frequency response: N/A
• Microphone: Dual internal microphones with noise-cancelling
• Connection types: 2.4 GHz wireless, analog (3.5mm)
• Estimated battery life: 12 hours

Pros

• Large ear cups pair great with spatial audio
• High quality for the price
• Light and comfortable

Cons

• Doesn’t work as well with other platforms
• So-so battery life

The Sony Pulse 3D, PlayStation’s own PS5 wireless headset, is a unique and, in some ways, perplexing device. Its cavernous ear cups create a great soundstage that gets the most out of the console’s spatial audio tech, Tempest, and makes games sound great, particularly when you compare it to other headsets at the same $99 price point. That said, it uses internal microphones, similar to what you’d find on a pair of wireless, productivity-focused noise-canceling headphones, rather than a boom mic. Even with noise-reduction tech, you can expect them to let in more ambient noise than other microphones. Hence, the caveat. The Pulse 3D is an excellent budget-conscious headset pick if you’re looking to get the full audio experience out of the PS5, but don’t care so much about chat quality. And if you do care? Check out the flagship Sony INZONE H9 wireless gaming headset, which adds active noise cancellation (like the consumer WH-1000XM4) and a flip-to-talk boom mic. Combined, the tech in the Inzone lets you zone in to the game.

Best budget: Razer Barracuda X

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Barracuda X offers solid sound and a versatile wireless connection thanks to its USB-C dongle.

Specs

• Drivers: 40mm 
• Frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz
• Microphone: Detachable, Unidirectional
• Connection types: 2.4 GHz wireless via USB-C dongle, Analog (3.5mm)
• Estimated battery life: 20 hours

Pros

• USB-C dongle works with almost every core gaming device
• Affordable
• Good battery life

Cons

• Sound is good, but not quite as impressive as other picks

The Barracuda X is the move for players who care about convenience above all else. With a USB-C wireless dongle, it easily pairs wirelessly with the PS5, Switch, PCs, and most modern Android phones. Its balanced sound profile doesn’t punch your eardrum with bass like lesser headsets, which narrowly puts it over much of the mid-to-budget wireless pack. That said, it doesn’t achieve the same level of nuance or audio isolation as the other headsets on this list. Even so, the Barracuda X is the closest thing to a one-size-fits-all wireless headset that I’ve tried, and that’s valuable for a lot of players.

What to consider when buying the best PS5 gaming headsets

Buying a headset using the information on the back of the box can be a crapshoot. There’s some useful information on there, but the most important qualities, like sound quality and comfort, cannot be gleaned from specs. Still, there’s a lot of useful information that can help you make a good purchasing decision in the moment.

Compatibility

The most important question is also the easiest to solve … Most of the time. Always check to make sure if a headset works with the platform(s) you own. For consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X, the console is frequently referenced in the name of the product, or there’s a large sign on the box with a console logo. Worst case, you need to check a list on the box of compatible devices. Many wireless headsets for PC are also compatible with the PS5, so it never hurts to check their compatibility when you’re shopping.

Wired vs. wireless headsets

As with the PlayStation 4, the PS5 supports both wired and wireless headsets. Choosing between a wired and wireless headset is often a question of convenience versus cost. While the gap between the two isn’t gigantic, adding the extra tech to make a headset work untethered noticeably increases its price. 

That said, there are also good, non-financial reasons to consider a wired headset: Even the best wireless gaming headsets need to be charged frequently. Most premium headsets have an estimated max battery life of around 20 hours. (Often, you’ll get significantly less). If you play often enough, you may find yourself plugging the headset in to charge while you play. Some players will tell you that it’s worth it to use a wired headset to mitigate audio lag, but in my experience, that’s not an issue with a dedicated headset, especially if it connects to the console via a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle instead of the slightly slower Bluetooth option.

Weight

The weight of your headset matters more than you think. During a long play session, a heavy headset can start to feel heavy on your head. It doesn’t necessarily reveal whether or not a headset will be comfortable over time on its own: Padding, particularly a suspended or self-adjusting headband, can go a long way to easing the burden of a heavy headset. Ultimately, figuring out what’s comfortable is a personal decision, but if a headset looks big and bulky, chances are it’s going to be heavy. If that’s the case, look for thick memory foam padding and/or a suspended headband.

Microphones

Technically, a gaming headset is a combination of two devices—headphones and a microphone. The microphone is half of the equation, but most reviews spend significantly less time on it than the headphones. The fact is that most headsets reach a pretty high bar for quality across the board, and rarely deviate too far from it, so you don’t need to worry about specs too much. There are design qualities to keep in mind, like whether a mic is detachable or retractable. Some high-end headsets feature active noise-cancellation in the microphone to minimize ambient noise, which is always a nice touch but not necessarily a dealbreaker.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best PS5 headsets

• Best overall: SteelSeries Arctis 7P
• Best wired: Asus ROG Delta S
• Best for esports: SteelSeries Arctis Prime
• Best for audiophiles: Audeze Penrose
• Best for single-player experiences: Sony PlayStation Pulse 3D
• Best budget: Razer Barracuda X

Everyone has their own priorities when buying a gaming headset. Some people want the best sound. Others prioritize comfort, or price, or convenience. Though there’s a lot of variation as you explore the range from budget models to audiophile-grade gear, remember that there are great options at every price and that the idea of the “best PS5 headset” is different for every person.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best PS5 headsets for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Owning a pair of AirPods has become a meme, with photosets with greyhounds and Kris Jenner indicating the wearer has a certain level of wealth, class, and style to rock the small white earbuds. You, too, can join the elite thanks to this AirPod deal at Amazon, which knocks the price of the latest editions of the AirPods Pro and AirPods by 20%.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) Wireless Earbuds (Lightning) $199 (Was $249)

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For dedicated iPhone users, the sound quality and connection simplicity of AirPods is practically unmatched. You simply slip them out of their sleek, white case, and bam: Bluetooth connected, ready to blast your favorite party jams. Apple’s H2 chips give smarter active noise cancellation and more immersive spatial audio. The custom-built driver provides crisp, clear high notes, and deep, rich bass. The company is now offering the earbuds in a MagSafe charging case with USB-C at the same price if you’re making the full port shift, just like Apple.

If you’ve lost your current pair or your first-generation AirPods have seen better days, we think this deal gives you a good excuse to finally make the upgrade.

Here are more AirPods deals:

• Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones $479.99 (Was $549)
• Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds with Lightning Charging Case $99 (Was $129)
• Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless Earbuds with Lightning Charging Case $149.99 (Was $169)

The post Save 20% on Apple AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max at Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		1More SonoFlow		SEE IT	Their ability to play for 50 hours while using active noise cancellation (ANC), and a full 70 hours max without it, makes them among the top in the category.
Best noise canceling		Anker Soundcore Life Q30		SEE IT	Anker’s Soundcore Life Q30 serves up fantastic noise cancellation, good sound, and great battery life for well under $100.
Best budget		JLab Go Air Pop		SEE IT	JLab’s Go Air Pop offers solid features, long battery life, and accessible sound at an almost unbelievably low price.

You can easily spend a mint on a great pair of Bluetooth headphones, but you don’t have to. Today’s best cheap Bluetooth headphones feel more like the premium cans of yesteryear, sporting tons of tech, good sound, and boosted battery life that lets you stream music to your heart’s content. Whether you’re looking for a gift for your teen or college student or simply want to upgrade your life without downgrading your bank account, the best cheap Bluetooth headphones have the skills to pay the bills—while assuring you have enough cash left over that you can always pay yours.

• Best overall: 1More SonoFlow 
• Best in-ears: soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC
• Best for Android: Sony CH520
• Best sound quality: Sennheiser HD 250BT
• Best noise-canceling: soundcore by Anker Life Q30
• Best budget: JLab Go Air Pop

How we chose the best cheap Bluetooth headphones

We chose the best cheap Bluetooth headphones through a mixture of hands-on testing by the headphone connoisseurs on the PopSci staff, critical and user reviews, and personal experience. We analyzed the best premium and budget brands equally in an attempt to quantify high-value performance and design while keeping a tight eye on budgeting.

The best cheap Bluetooth headphones: Reviews & Recommendations

After weighing the top traits across multiple headphones, we chose the most balanced models we could find for each category. Each pair on our list provides a variety of key factors, including top features at their price point, but also less tangible virtues like ease of use and ergonomic controls. We also weighed sound quality and comfort, of course, as well as battery life—after all, what good are Bluetooth headphones if they’re always charging? With all that in mind, we’re confident each pair on this list offers stellar value for each and every dollar you spend.

Best overall: 1More SonoFlow 

SEE IT

Specs 

• Battery Life: 50 hours with ANC (70 hours without)
• Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Price: $99.99 (or less)
  

Pros

• Excellent features
• Incredibly long battery life
• Clear and balanced sound
• Great noise canceling

Cons

•  Controls are just OK

1More has been a popular budget brand for years, and for good reason. The 1More SonoFlow headphones have it all: great noise-canceling, clear and accessible sound, and battery life for days, quite literally. Their ability to play for 50 hours while using active noise cancellation (ANC) and a full 70 hours max without it makes them among the top in the category. That all adds up to some of the very best Bluetooth headphones you can get for your money.

The SonoFlow set looks more like premium headphones than a budget set. Their design is foldable for a compact package that easily slips into their durable carrying case. The SonoFlow’s sound quality is admired for its clarity and good balance between registers—aided by 40mm DLC dynamic drivers, frequency response that can reach up to 40kHz, and the inclusion of the LDAC Bluetooth codec—a higher-resolution protocol that can benefit music lovers with flagship Android smartphones and dedicated digital audio players that support it (sorry, iPhone users, but at least you get native AAC). This gives them the best wireless and best Bluetooth connection of our picks, even if it’s only strongest with certain handsets. And the QuietMax noise-canceling ranks among the very best you’ll find at this price and even above. They also offer transparency mode, of course, which lets you stay aware of your environment to keep you safe in multiple scenarios.

The one minor issue we’ll take with the headphones is that the controls aren’t exactly intuitive, but we think most users will get used to them over time. Thanks to a loaded mobile app, you’ll be able to dig into the features and settings, with options like multiple EQ modes and soundscapes to let you get meditative on that daily commute.

The SonoFlow’s multi-point pairing lets you connect to two sources at once, like a phone and a laptop, for convenient multitasking. There’s even the option to use a 3.5mm cable, too, if you’re the hardwired type. If you’re on a budget and still want it all, you’ll be hard-pressed to beat the 1More SonoFlow Bluetooth headphones.

Best in-ears: soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC 

SEE IT

Specs 

• Battery Life: Up to 8 hours with ANC (four charges in the case)
• Weight: .175 ounces (5 grams) per earbud
• Price: $99.99
  

Pros

• Very good noise-canceling
• Clear and detailed sound
• Loads of extras
• Premium look and feel

Cons

• Controls can be hit or miss
• EQ is necessary for best sound

The soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC’s standout feature is right there in the name: noise canceling, which fully exceeds what you’d expect at this price. It’s not just good, it’s great, competing with much pricier earbuds and even flagship options from a few years back. And that’s just part of what makes these earbuds great. 

The Liberty 4 NC earbuds are loaded to the hilt with features. You’ll get a Qi wireless charging case, autopause sensors in the earbuds themselves, multi-point pairing, and much more. You can customize the sound thanks to soundcore’s loaded app with a multi-band EQ, or use the built-in Hear ID Sound system to tune it to your individual hearing. Either way, discerning listeners will probably want to tune the sound to some degree; it’s quite good, but it can serve up too much bass and a bit of extra snap in the treble with some music.

The earbuds offer a comfy and stylish design to go with even more options like wind buffering to keep your ears from getting blown out when using the transparency mode and even a sound limiter to keep loud music in check. You can even fully customize the controls to get the perfect mix of playback options.

Speaking of the controls, they’re not always the most accurate, which is one of the few knocks against these buds. We also noticed that some features, like the 3D spatial audio, don’t really seem to change the sound quality much compared to the implementation by Apple in the AirPods Pro (2nd generation). Still, at this price, it’s hard to make much of a dust-up from any of these minor drawbacks.

With a design that feels more premium than budget, loads of extras, and excellent performance all around, these noise-canceling pros are a fabulous option at a very manageable price point.

Best for Android: Sony CH520

SEE IT

Specs 

• Battery Life: 50 hours
• Weight: 5.19 ounces (147 grams)
• Price: $59.99

Pros

• Full and balanced sound
• Multi-point pairing and Google Fast Pair
• Concise yet stylish design
• Fantastic battery life
• Adjustable with Sony app

Cons

•  Not the best for commuting

If you’ve been eyeing Sony headphones but can’t quite commit to the priciest models, the WH-CH520 could be your perfect entry point. These headphones offer a rich and powerful sound profile, extremely generous battery life, and a professional-looking design that’s comfortable, all for well below $100.

The CH520’s battery playback may be their most notable asset. Without energy-draining features like active noise canceling, these budget cans sport hours of listening time to the point where you’ll probably forget you have to charge them for the first few weeks. Unless you’re on some sort of long-haul music-listening trial, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a way to drain these headphones in a week or more.

Thanks to Sony’s long-tenured sound expertise, the CH520 also sound clear and well-balanced, letting you explore all your favorite genres without the need to ramp down the bass or ramp up the treble. If you do want to play with the sound, it’s easy to do with Sony’s headphones app for mobile phones.

If you’ve got an Android phone, you’ll be happy to see these headphones offer Google Fast Pair, making them incredibly easy to get going right from the jump. And, in a surprise at a pair of headphones at this level, the CH520 also offer multi-point pairing so you can jump between your phone and laptop with ease during a busy workday.

One point to note is that, unsurprisingly at this price, there’s no active noise canceling (ANC) or transparency mode, nor do the on-ear pads provide much passive noise cancellation. That means these aren’t going to be a go-to pair for those who work in loud offices or deal with noisy commutes. Still, the CH520 headphones are a great way to get into Sony’s particular brand of wireless headphone alchemy without the need to spend hundreds of dollars.

Best sound quality: Sennheiser HD 250BT

SEE IT

Specs 

• Battery Life: 25 hours
• Weight: 4.4 ounces (125 grams)
• Price: $69.95

Pros

• Fantastic sound quality
• aptX and AAC support for stable, higher-bitrate streaming
• Solid battery life
• App for EQ customization

Cons

• Budget build quality
• No padding on the headband

Sennheiser’s HD 250BT are no-nonsense, budget Bluetooth headphones with one trait you won’t often find at their price point: fabulous sound quality. You might expect nothing less from Sennheiser, but considering how affordable these headphones are, it’s impressive to see the band didn’t skimp on its notorious penchant for clear, balanced, and detailed sound that punches well above its weight.

Like the Sony WH-CH520, the Sennheiser HD 250BT skip fancy extras like active noise canceling, but also, like the Sony, they support a mobile app that lets you customize the sound and a few other features. They also offer the aptX codec for quality Bluetooth streaming with supported source devices.

When it comes to the build quality, the headphones look stylish enough (if a bit bland), but they feel a little budget and don’t offer as much padding along the top of the band as we’d like. That may make long listening sessions more of a challenge than more premium offerings.

Bass heads can ramp up the low end in EQ to get that extra groove in hip-hop and electronic tracks, because these are a cousin of DJ headphones, and they can take a beat and a beating. Sennheiser has cooked up some fabulous sound quality in the HD 250BT, which makes them a great choice for discerning listeners and/or the budding audiophile on your gift list. 

Best noise canceling: soundcore by Anker Life Q30

SEE IT

Specs 

• Battery Life: 40 hours with ANC (60 hours without)
• Weight: 9.3 ounces (264 grams)
• Price: $79.99

Pros

• Excellent noise canceling
• Long battery life
• Customizable with the soundcore app
• Comfortable, compact design

Cons

• Rather heavy
• Bass needs some EQ

Anker’s soundcore headphones have built a reputation for fabulous noise cancellation for the money, and the Life Q30 Wireless headphones are a prime example. These headphones offer seriously impressive noise canceling, good sound, and fabulous battery life for a price that would have been unheard of in the early days of ANC.

Their big battery life is especially notable, considering noise canceling is notorious for draining the life out of Bluetooth headphones. With up to 40 hours on reserve with ANC and up to 60 hours without noise canceling, you won’t have to think twice about leaving the house with the Q30. 

Speaking of leaving the house, the headphones are easy to take along thanks to a foldable design and a solid carrying case. They’re a little bit heavy for headphones in this class, but extra padding to makes them relatively comfortable for long listening sessions. Anker’s mobile app for iOS and Android lets you customize features and sound quality, including an adjustable EQ to tweak the profile to your liking. That’s a good thing because the bass response can sometimes be a little overzealous on particularly heavy tracks.

The Q30’s noise canceling is the star of the show, of course, offering pleasant solace from frustrating exterior noise, especially low-frequency rumbles and drone sounds. Thanks to a firm fit, they also have effective passive noise canceling, making them a great noise-canceling commuting option. The Q30 headphones also offer some handy extras, like sleep modes and the ability to activate transparency mode by holding your hand on the right earcup.

It’s hard to beat what the Q30 headphones cook up at well below $100, making them an excellent choice when you need to quiet the world around you on a tight budget.

Best budget: JLab Go Air Pop

SEE IT

Specs 

• Battery Life: 8 hours (32 hours with the case)
• Weight: .138 ounces (3.9 grams) per bud
• Price: $25

Pros

• Solid, accessible sound
• Compact and light design
• Great battery life
• Multiple EQ modes

Cons

• Baseline performance
• No app

When we first tried the Go Air Pop, it was with great trepidation. How could any earbuds be decent at a price less than what you’ll pay for a decent meal at most local restaurants? To our surprise, these JLab buds offer perfectly serviceable sound, a relatively comfy fit, and fantastic battery life.

You won’t get fancy extras here like noise canceling or multi-point pairing, but you will get solid controls, and even some style points, thanks to a variety of fun colors to peruse. If you’re into maximizing your fashion sense, JLab also offers a clear version of the Go Air Pop for a $10 upgrade.

There are some distinctive features here, too. The charging case, which bolsters the earbuds’ playback time with three extra charges, includes a built-in USB connector to make it easier to plug it in on the go. The headphones don’t have a mobile app to adjust settings, but they allow you to cycle through a few different EQ modes to customize the sound. You’ll also get some handy convenience features like the ability to use one earbud at a time.

While you can certainly get more extras and improved performance from plenty of other earbuds, the Air Go Pop earbuds cost a tenth the price of premium earbuds like Apple’s AirPods Pro. That makes them a fabulous stocking stuffer, a great way to dip your own toes into wireless buds, and a serious dollop of value in a world where virtually everything else seems to keep getting pricier.

What to consider before buying cheap Bluetooth headphones

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best pair of cheap Bluetooth headphones for you. Below, you’ll find the ones we found most important while conducting research for this guide.

Wireless headphones vs. Bluetooth headphones

The vast majority of wireless headphones transmit audio via Bluetooth, so the words are essentially synonymous. There are some wireless headphones, including many gaming headsets, that send wireless audio over a 2.4GHz or 5GHz signal, but all portable wireless headphones support Bluetooth. 

It’s worth noting that, in general, newer Bluetooth versions are often more stable and can offer higher bandwidth. Different Bluetooth codecs, such as AAC for Apple devices or aptX/HD/Adaptive and LDAC for select Android devices, can offer improved sound quality over the more basic SBC codec. All of these factors can lead to a better wireless audio experience. That said, most modern Bluetooth headphones are free from the issues that plagued earlier generations, like instability and cutouts or notably poor audio resolution.

Active Noise Cancellation

Active noise cancellation is a very popular feature for its ability to help suppress ambient sound in multiple environments. ANC uses small microphones (often three or more per earcup or earbud) to capture the sound around you, analyze it digitally, and create an inverse waveform that reverses the signal to silence the sound. Active noise canceling requires a lot of computing power, which is why it puts a drain on battery life, and it cannot silence all sounds. However, it can be very useful, especially for heavy commuters and those who work in noisy offices.

Transparency mode

You can think of transparency mode as the opposite of active noise canceling. Instead of suppressing ambient audio, transparency mode (also called passthrough or hear-through mode) is designed to filter exterior audio into your headphone speakers so you can be more aware of the world around you. This can be especially important for those who use headphones while working out in high-traffic areas or for any situations where you need to stay aware of your environment.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best cheap noise-canceling headphones

• Best overall: 1More SonoFlow 
• Best in-ears: soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC
• Best for Android: Sony CH520
• Best sound quality: Sennheiser HD 250BT
• Best noise canceling: Anker Soundcore Life Q30
• Best budget: JLab Go Air Pop

You truly don’t have to spend an arm and a leg for a great pair of Bluetooth headphones anymore. Thanks to rapidly advancing technology, even cheap headphones have become surprisingly good, offering quality audio reproduction, major features like active noise canceling, and extended battery life. There may be a lot of bad news out there these days, but when it comes to cheap Bluetooth headphones, the world has never looked brighter.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best cheap Bluetooth headphones in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

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When the first iteration of Xbox Live hit the market, the package came with a headset that featured one on-ear earphone and a boom mic that sounded like you were talking into a pillow. After 20 years and a few console generations, gaming headsets have come a long way. There’s a wide range of headsets for every console with all kinds of features. The best of the best can get very expensive, but you can find great options without making your wallet cry if you know what to look for. Here’s everything you need to know about the best cheap gaming headsets.

• Best wired for under $100: SteelSeries Arctis 5
• Best wireless for under $100: Corsair HS70 Pro
• Best for $50 or less: Corsair HS50 Pro
• Best for PS5: Sony PlayStation Pulse 3D Wireless Headset
• Best for Xbox: Xbox Wireless Headset
• Best mic: HyperX Cloud Alpha S

How we chose the best cheap gaming headsets

In years of writing about tech, I’ve tested piles of headsets from companies like Logitech G, Astro, Corsair, Cougar, and more, with price points ranging from budget bin up through premium grade gear. I’ve also reviewed dozens of headphones and in-ear monitors, both wired and wireless. In my personal life, I spend upward of 10 hours a week in multiplayer games, in addition to the inevitable conference calls for work and staying connected with friends and family. In other words, personal audio is a big part of my professional and personal lives. To make this list, we set a hard budget ceiling of $100, then selected options for different use cases based on feature set, hands-on gameplay testing, and professional reviews from multiple outlets.

The best cheap gaming headsets: Reviews & Recommendations

Taking the above into consideration, we sat down with a list of every headset we could find. We cut out the ones above our budget first, and then discarded the headsets that were missing key features. We then focused on the six categories above to pick our favorite for each.

Best wired headset for PC under $100: SteelSeries Arctis 5

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Why it made the cut: The Arctis 5 has everything we’re looking for, with a few bells and whistles to boot.

Specs

• Software: SteelSeries Engine
• Connection: USB-A, 3.5mm
• Weight: 9.77oz
• Microphone: Bi-Directional, retractable
• Compatibility: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 via USB; all platforms via 3.5mm analog
• Battery life: N/A

Pros

• Chat Mixer
• Retractable Mic
• Universal Compatibility

Cons

• Using the 3.5mm jack drops most of the headset’s advantages
• Mic does not mute when retracted

SteelSeries makes incredible headsets across the board (we’re big fans of the Arctis 9 Wireless, for example), and the Arctis 5 is our pick for best wired headset for PC under $100 and lands right in the middle between its most basic and high-end models, marrying the best of both worlds. The inline chat mixer lets you balance game and chat volume with the twist of a dial so that you don’t have to wait for the match to end to change your settings. It supports DTS Headphone:X 2.0 virtual surround sound when using both the included USB dongle and the SteelSeries Engine software. As with many PC headsets, you can also achieve full functionality on PlayStation 4 or 5 using USB, as well. And, while we would only recommend buying this headset for PC or PlayStation consoles, you can also plug it into an Xbox or Switch for a basic headset experience via 3.5mm headphone cable.

Best wireless headset for PC under $100: Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless

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Why it made the cut: The Corsair HS70 Pro is one of the few reliable wireless headsets for less than $100, making it our pick for the best wireless headset for PC under $100.

Specs

• Software: Corsair iCue
• Connection: 2.4 GHz wireless via USB dongle
• Weight: 11.64oz
• Microphone: Unidirectional, detachable
• Compatibility: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
• Battery life: 16 hours

Pros

• Good audio
• Comfortable wear
• 7.1 virtual surround sound

Cons

• No wired connection options
• Surround sound feature only works on PC

The Corsair HS70 Pro looks very similar to our under $50 pick, the Corsair HS50, but appearances can be deceiving. It cuts the cord, offering a stable 2.4GHz wireless connection through a USB dongle. It also supports 7.1 virtual surround sound on PC. Both headsets benefit from the comfortable fit and sleek look from Corsair’s standard headset design.

Compared to most of our best gaming headsets, the HS70 Pro feels like a budget option. At 16 hours, the battery life is good, but not great. The virtual surround sound only works on PC, compromising its functionality on PlayStation platforms, and, most importantly, it lacks any kind of wired connection, so if the headset’s out of juice, you have to recharge before using it again. All that said, this is among the best wireless headset options you’re going to find for less than $100.

Best cheap gaming headset for $50 or less: Corsair HS50 Pro

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Why it made the cut: Solid sound and very low price make the Corsair HS50 Pro a good choice when you want to spend as little as possible.

Specs

• Software: None
• Connection: 3.5mm analog
• Weight: 11.50oz
• Microphone: Unidirectional, detachable
• Compatibility: All
• Battery life: N/A

Pros

• Detachable mic
• Universal compatibility
• Stylish headphone design

Cons

• Extremely basic

The HS50 Pro is a workhorse headset and our pick for the best cheap gaming headset for $50 or less. It’ll last you just short of forever, and it’ll be good to go for as long as computers have 3.5mm headset jacks on them. At the same time, it offers the bare minimum, feature-wise. The microphone’s detachable, so that’s something. Still, there are plenty of headsets that cost more but don’t work quite as well. If nothing else, HS50 Pro gets the job done.

Best gaming headset for PS5: Sony PlayStation Pulse 3D

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Why it made the cut: The Pulse 3D’s cavernous earcups take special advantage of the PS5’s Tempest 3D audio.

Specs

• Software: None
• Connection: 2.4GHz wireless via USB dongle, 3.5mm analog
• Weight: 10.41oz
• Microphone: Dual noise-cancelling  mic array 
• Compatibility: PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 via 2.4GHz wireless; all platforms via 3.5mm
• Battery life: 12 hours

Pros

• The best way to enjoy PlayStation 5’s 3D audio
• Wireless
• Wired connection via 3.5mm
• Lightweight

Cons

• No mic boom
• Onboard controls only work in wireless mode
• Less-than-ideal battery life

For PlayStation 5 players, the Pulse 3D is a natural fit. As the best gaming headset for PS5, this headset is literally built to function with the new console and takes advantage of its unique features. Specifically, the ear cups are designed to facilitate the enhanced soundscape created by the PS5’s Tempest 3D audio hardware.

That also means, though, that this cheap gaming headset isn’t quite as flexible as others on this list. Though it works on PC and other platforms via an analog wired connection, your games might not sound exactly the same. The biggest downside, though, is the lack of a boom mic. The dual noise-cancelling mic array built into the headset looks sleek, but sounds slightly muffled and picks up more ambient noise.

Best Xbox gaming headset: Xbox Wireless Headset

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Why it made the cut: The Xbox Wireless Headset is the best Xbox gaming headset because it offers a strong set of features for its price.

Specs

• Software: Xbox Accessories
• Connection: Xbox Wireless (2.4GHz)
• Weight: 11.01oz
• Microphone: Unclassified dual mic setup on built-in boom arm
• Compatibility: Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X via Xbox Wireless; Windows PC via Xbox wireless dongle (sold separately); Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity; Xbox consoles and Windows via USB-C wired connection
• Battery life: 15 hours

Pros

• Xbox and PC compatibility via multiple options (Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth, USB Type-C)
• Solid battery life
• Chat mixer

Cons

• No 3.5mm option
• Wireless on PC requires a separate dongle

Like the PlayStation 5 Pulse 3D headset, Microsoft built the Xbox Wireless Headset with its Xbox ecosystem in mind. The result has a more conventional sound, but plays nicely with Windows and other platforms. The cheap gaming headset works wirelessly right out of the box with the Xbox Series X and Xbox One consoles, with configuration options through the Xbox Accessories app. If you want to use it with a PC, you can connect via Bluetooth or a USB-C wired connection. There’s also an Xbox Wireless Adapter for PC, which allows you to use the same seamless 2.4GHz connection that you get on Xbox consoles–but that’s an extra $25. Additionally, you can connect both via Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth at the same time to receive audio from multiple devices.

That’s on top of the headset generally sounding good, offering an on-headset chat mixer, and solid battery mid-tier life. As a nice bonus, the mic also lights up when muted with the onboard mute button.

Best mic: HyperX Cloud Alpha S

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Why it made the cut: The HyperX Cloud Alpha S is another heavy-hitting mid-tier gaming headset with a particularly clean and clear microphone. 

Specs:

• Software: HyperX Ngenuity
• Connection: USB-A Wired, 3.5mm analog
• Weight: 11.32oz
• Microphone: Bi-Directional, detachable
• Compatibility: PC, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 via USB; All via 3.5mm analog
• Battery life: N/A

Pros:

• Lots of compatibility options
• Chat mixer on headset
• Better-than-average mic
• Adjustable vents for bass/isolation

Cons:

• Using 3.5mm will remove many of the headset’s advantages

The HyperX Cloud Alpha S can go toe-to-toe with our top pick, the SteelSeries Arctis 5. As a gaming headset with the best mic, it offers great sound quality, feels comfortable, and has a few special features, including adjustable vents that allow you to adjust your bass, detachable inline audio controls, and 3.5mm support. (Technically, the PC-exclusive Cloud Alpha S retails for $129.99, but HyperX seems to have cut the price, putting it in our price range.)

We’re giving the Cloud Alpha S a shoutout because it’s been praised in multiple reviews for its microphone. Microphone sound on gaming headsets can come down to personal preference, so it may not be a revelation for everyone, but it’s one of the few in this range that stands out.

Things to consider before buying a cheap gaming headset

A great gaming headset should find a balance between quality and price. These are inherently very personal and social devices: They sit on your head, pump audio directly into your ears for long periods of time, and deliver your voice to friends. It should be comfortable, and both your incoming and outgoing audio should be clean. Obviously, it should also be fully functional on whatever platform or platforms you use to play games.

Compatibility

Before you pick out a headset, think about what devices you plan to pair with it. Many headsets are designed with a particular game console or a gaming PC in mind. Depending on the situation, a headset may only work with one platform, or it may have specific features optimized for one. 

Realistically, if you’re buying a headset to work across many consoles and platforms, you should expect to buy a simple headset with few features. A wired headset with a 3.5mm analog connection is the only true universal headset option, but it only allows for the most basic feature set, and even that is subject to compatibility limitations. (You’ll need a Lightning-to-USB dongle to plug it into an iPhone 14 or before, and a USB-C adapter for the iPhone 15.) USB-C opens the door for more digital features but isn’t compatible with all phones. Wireless headsets, depending on the connection type, are often limited to specific platforms.

In general, our recommendation is to match your headset to the single platform you use most for multiplayer games with friends. This way, you get the best audio experience where you need it most.

Wired or wireless

When money is no object, you can easily get a fantastic wireless headset that delivers a best-in-class experience with top-tier audio. When you’re on a budget, though, compromises are inevitable. As the list below outlines, you can get a genuinely great wired headset for less than $100. There are solid wireless headsets around that price point, too, but they sit firmly in the middle. Some of the best features, like extended battery life, are relegated to those more expensive headsets. 

Battery life

If you’re going wireless, battery life is a key spec that you’ll want to note when comparing headsets. At this price point, a 15-hour battery is pretty typical. (That’s 15 hours of use, so it may last a few days, depending on how much you play). If the estimated battery life dips below 15 hours, you should expect that you will need to charge your headset after every use.

Configuration software

Generally, most modern headsets are designed to work without any companion software, but some headsets do offer configuration apps that let you configure equalizer settings, virtual surround sound, and, occasionally, RGB lighting. 

Many software suites, like Logitech G HUB or Razer Synapse, support a wide range of products from the same vendor. This shouldn’t be the only consideration when picking out a headset, but don’t discard it out of hand.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best cheap gaming headsets

• Best wired for under $100: SteelSeries Arctis 5
• Best wireless for under $100: Corsair HS70 Pro
• Best for $50 or less: Corsair HS50 Pro
• Best for PS5: Sony PlayStation Pulse 3D Wireless Headset
• Best for Xbox: Xbox Wireless Headset
• Best mic: HyperX Cloud Alpha S

At the low end of the spectrum, getting a good gaming headset comes down to sticking with well-known, reliable gaming audio brands. The SteelSeries and HyperX options will give you both solid, reliable audio and a good mic that goes easy on your friend’s ears while also plugging insto just about anything on the market. The dual Bluetooth and Xbox connectivity of the Xbox Wireless headset is appealing, too—you could connect to Xbox for your game audio and Discord for chat without having to sacrifice either.

The thing to watch out for are the truly cheap gaming headsets out there. If you spend less than $50 or start looking at unknown brands, there’s no guarantee that the product will work well … or work at all. It’s harder to guarantee a reliable experience, and they often feature more plastic, less metal, and sketchier support. There are definitely limitations, especially if you’re interested in a wireless headset, but there are many great cheap headset options out there, even beyond the ones on this list, as long as you set reasonable expectations about what you’ll get for your money.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best cheap gaming headsets of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Treblab Z7 Pro Wireless		SEE IT	Treblab’s Z7 Pro are long-lasting, great-sounding, noise-cancelling headphones.
Best battery life		1More SonoFlow		SEE IT	Listen for up to 50 hours (70 hours with ANC disabled) without reaching for a cable.
Best budget		Soundpeats T3 earbuds		SEE IT	Solid active noise cancellation from earbuds under $50.

Not long ago, the idea of cheap noise-canceling headphones felt like a technological fantasy. Effective active noise cancellation (ANC) was reserved only for headphones costing hundreds of dollars. Thanks to the inevitable progression of time—or, more accurately, technology—that’s no longer the case. Today, you can get a bargain on a pair of headphones and still land a whole lot of goodies, including noise cancellation that would have beaten some of the best pairs on the market just a few years back. Below, we’ve collected the best cheap noise-canceling headphones (and earbuds) that will play your tunes, quiet your environment, and do much more, all at a relatively minuscule price.

• Best overall: Treblab Z7 Pro Wireless
• Best value: Soundpeats T3 earbuds
• Best for commuting: Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless
• Best battery life: 1More SonoFlow
• Best in-ears: Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC

How we chose the best cheap noise-canceling headphones

We chose the best cheap noise-canceling headphones by analyzing sought-after features, general performance and fit, audio quality, and, of course, noise cancellation across a wide array of brands and models. To find the top choices, we utilized a mix of hands-on testing by the headphone fanatics on the PopSci staff plus contributors, professional and user reviews, and personal experience.

The best cheap noise-canceling headphones: Reviews & Recommendations

After much deliberation, we’ve put together a curated list of some of the very best budget noise cancellers on the market in a variety of designs and styles. We paid particular attention to budget, of course, but also looked at use cases and features like battery life, durability, audio quality, and other top factors. If you just want the most comprehensive or the cheapest, start with our best overall and best value picks. Otherwise, peruse the whole list to find the option that best suits your needs. 

Best overall: Treblab Z7 Pro Wireless

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Why it made the cut: The Treblab Z7 Pro Wireless offers an excellent mix of excellent battery life, sound performance, and noise cancellation.

Specs 

• Battery Life: 20 hours with ANC (45 hours without)
• Weight: 8.64 ounces
• Price: $159.97

Pros

• Good audio quality
• Excellent noise canceling
• Impressive battery life
• Solid features
• Light and stylish design

Cons

•  No app or EQ control

Treblab’s Z7 Pro headphones are a refreshingly stacked option at a surprisingly good price. Yes, you’ll likely pay more than $100 for these cans, but considering flagship headphones with this many extras often run well over $300, and sometimes over $600, this is a fabulous package, and the best over-ears flush with features.

First and foremost is the Z7 Pro’s noise cancellation, which really impresses for the money. These headphones tend to do best with low-frequency sounds, which are eliminated to a low hum, while high-frequency sounds tend to slip through more easily. Still, you’ll find a solid state of tranquility with noise canceling engaged, especially with some music in the mix. When you need to hear what’s around you, the headphones also provide good fidelity in transparency mode.

The Z7 Pro headphones are loaded elsewhere, too, with a clear yet powerful sound profile, extras like multi-point pairing so you can connect to and switch between two source devices, and a trim and comfy design. Controls are handled via easy swipe commands, parodying Sony’s similarly styled WH-1000XM4, and the headphones will play for up to 45 hours with noise canceling on, ranking among the market’s top offerings.

You can sweeten the Z7 Pro’s already great sound quality thanks to aptX HD for high-quality Bluetooth streaming with supported source devices. The headphones even offer a feature that plenty of pricier headphones skip (including Beats’ Studio Pro): providing convenient sensors to auto-pause sound when you take them off. 

It all adds up to a whole lot of bounty at a relatively meager price point, making the Treblab Z7 a fabulous choice for those seeking quality noise-canceling cans on a set budget.

Best value: Soundpeats T3 earbuds

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Why it made the cut: Soundpeats’ T3 seems to do the impossible, offering effective noise cancellation and pleasant sound quality at a price that barely registers.

Specs 

• Battery Life: 5.5 hours with ANC (16.5 hours with case)
• Weight: .162 ounces (4.6 grams) per bud
• Price: $45.99 (or less)

Pros

• Balanced sound profile
• Slick and comfy design
• Excellent controls
• Effective ANC

Cons

• No app or EQ
• No auto pause

When we first tried the Soundpeats T3, it was hard not to marvel at them. Priced leagues below budget noise-canceling earbuds from years past, these true wireless earbuds provide a slick and intuitive experience with relatively good sound, simple and accessible controls, solid features, and a light and airy fit. Tacking on decent noise canceling to this package seemed too good to be true.

True it is, of course, which is why the T3 buds are our top choice for those seeking noise cancellation on a budget that barely registers on your bank statement. These won’t hold up to the very best earbuds, like Bose’s QuietComfort II, when it comes to performance and comprehensive ANC, but considering that you’ll pay five times as much or more for such options, the T3 earbuds are mighty tempting.

As for the noise cancellation, it’s a modest helping, but it does well with baseline hums and other low-frequency annoyances and will also quell ambient sounds like a leaf blower down the road or cars rolling by. The T3’s transparency mode scores similarly. It sounds slightly muffled up top but does its job of keeping you aware of your environment when called upon.

The T3’s bass-forward sound isn’t going to wow the most discerning listeners, but it’s clear, accessible, and free from overt issues like flabby low frequencies or screeching treble. The controls are effective and responsive, even offering options many pricier earbuds skip like volume control. While there’s no controller app or autopause, these buds sport a few handy extras, including the ability to use one earbud at a time.

At this price, you really can’t do much better for noise-canceling earbuds with all the essentials, making the Soundpeats T3 a top choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Best for commuting: Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless

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Why it made the cut: Anker Soundcore’s Life Q30 Wireless headphones offer great battery life, solid sound quality, good features, and impressive noise cancellation in a travel-friendly package.

Specs 

• Battery Life: 40 hours with ANC (60 hours without)
• Weight: 9.3 ounces
• Price: $79.99
  

Pros

• Great battery life
• Good ANC
• Versatile app and EQ
• Comfy, foldable design

Cons

• Sound can be too bassy by default
• On the heavy side

Anker’s Soundcore headphones have made a name for themselves thanks to excellent performance at very competitive pricing, and the Life Q30 Wireless headphones are a sterling example. These headphones may not have it all, but they’ve got the goods where it counts, including impressive noise cancellation and seriously stellar battery life at well under $100.

That battery life is worth celebrating, as it’s among the best on the market. The Q30 headphones are also pleasantly packable thanks to a foldable design and a durable carrying case. The headphones are on the heavy side, but the earcups offer plenty of padding, and the fit is firm and stable.

Like other favorites in Anker’s arsenal, the Life Q30’s features can be unlocked by a powerful mobile app for iOS and Android, which is useful for adjusting settings and EQ. On that note, picky listeners will likely want to adjust the bass, which can sometimes be overwhelming out of the box.

The headphones’ ANC is appropriately impressive for their price point, offering solid suppression of frustrating exterior sounds. While they’re less effective in the higher frequencies than some of the absolute best noise cancelers, they’ll be great for your daily bus, train, or plane rides, adding solid passive noise isolation that aids their overall performance.

Useful features like different ANC modes to tune the headphones to your environment, sleep modes for that cat nap on your way to the office (or at the office), and the ability to activate transparency mode by holding your hand on the right earcup round out a fantastic package for listeners on the go.

Best battery life: 1More SonoFlow

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Why it made the cut: 1More’s SonoFlow headphones pack unbelievable battery life to go with good sound and solid features for an excellent pair of budget noise cancelers. 

Specs 

• Battery Life: 50 hours with ANC (70 hours without)
• Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Price: $99.99 (or less)

Pros

• Fabulous battery life
• Great features
• Clear, accessible sound
• Foldable design and hard case

Cons

• Controls require a learning curve

1More is another budget brand known for punching well above its weight, and the SonoFlow noise-canceling headphones live up to that reputation. The big headline here is battery life, which is simply astounding at 50 hours with ANC and a whopping 70 hours without it. But plenty more to these headphones makes them well worth considering. 

These cans pack in great style for their class. And speaking of packing, they’re easy to bring along thanks to a foldable design and a heavy-duty carrying case. The controls are a bit hard to navigate, but they get the job done, and you’ll find a bounty of features to futz with in the 1More mobile app, including multiple EQ modes and even a variety of soundscapes.

The SonoFlow’s sound profile is clear and punchy, with good balance between registers—aided by the inclusion of the LDAC Bluetooth codec, a higher-resolution protocol that can benefit music lovers with flagship Android smartphones and dedicated digital audio players that support it (sorry, iPhone users, but not you). This gives them the best wireless and best Bluetooth connection of our picks, even if it’s only strongest with certain handsets. Meanwhile, noise cancellation ranks among the best at their price point. You’ll find plenty of solitude with ANC engaged, especially in the lower registers, and cranking on the transparency mode keeps you tactfully aware of your surroundings.

You’ll also get some great convenience features, including multi-point pairing to connect to dual source devices at once, and the ability to plug the headphones in for wired connection. If you need great budget noise cancellers that keep the party going for days at a time, the 1More SonoFlow headphones are an excellent choice.

Best in-ears: Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC

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Why it made the cut: Anker’s Soundcore Liberty 4 NC offer tons of features, clear sound, and fantastic noise canceling for budget buds.

Specs 

• Battery Life: Up to 8 hours with ANC  (four charges in the case)
• Weight: .175 ounces (5 grams) per earbud
• Price: $99.99

Pros

• Fantastic noise canceling
• Clear and balanced sound with EQ
• Tons of great features
• Stylish and comfy design

Cons

• Fussy controls
• Sound needs some EQ

When it comes to crazy good noise cancellation on a budget, it’s hard to compete with Anker’s Soundcore Liberty 4 NC. These earbuds offer serious silencing abilities, especially for sounds like airplane hums and fans, which are all but eliminated to a soft whisper. That’s just the tip of the earbuds iceberg here, as there’s plenty of other features to explore

Some standout extras include a Qi wireless charging case, autopause sensors, and the ability to fully customize the sound to your liking manually or via the app’s Hear ID Sound system to automatically customize it. The multi-band EQ definitely comes in handy, letting you shore up some boomy bass and a snappy upper register for smooth and pleasing sound quality.

You can also customize the controls, allowing for a comprehensive layout that offers all the functions you might need, however you like it. Speaking of the controls, they can be a little hit or miss, meaning you’ll really have to be deliberate to activate them on the go. That’s one of the few drawbacks to this loaded package.

Moving further through the app, you’ll find extras like multi-point pairing to connect to two devices at once, wind buffering to keep breezes from bothering you while using the included transparency mode, and even a sound limiter that can measure your playback volume and protect your hearing accordingly.

While not all features perform on par with flagship ANC ‘buds like Apple’s AirPods Pro (2nd generation), there’s a lot of good stuff here, making these “budget buds” feel much more like a premium pair. If you’ve been eyeing top-tier noise cancelers but can’t quite commit to spending that kind of money, Anker’s Souncore Liberty 4 NC earbuds are a great alternative. These loaded buds pack the performance you want, from clear sound to killer ANC, all at a very nice price.

What to consider before buying budget noise-canceling headphones

Active noise cancellation is a coveted feature in today’s headphone market that helps suppress ambient sound. Not to be confused with passive noise cancellation (also called passive noise isolation), ANC uses tiny microphones to capture sound around you, analyze it digitally, and create an inverse waveform that reverses the signal and quiets the sound.

Noise-canceling technology responds to your environment in real-time, which requires a lot of computing power and energy. That’s why ANC technology was long reserved only for large, expensive headphones. As technology has improved and gotten smaller, so has ANC computing technology, which has made effective noise cancellation attainable not only in smaller devices but also in more affordable ones.

It’s important to understand that noise cancellation can’t suppress all sounds (though this end goal is getting closer with each new iteration). In particular, noise-canceling headphones often struggle to quiet high frequencies, which are more directional and, therefore, harder to eliminate. The better the technology, the better the noise canceling across frequencies, which is why the best ANC is still generally reserved for flagship headphones and earbuds.

Thanks to a competitive market and trickle-down technology, however, you no longer have to spend an arm and a leg to get relief from the noisy world around you. The best cheap noise-canceling headphones we’re recommending offer surprisingly good ANC and audio quality at refreshingly low prices. Below are the factors you should consider most before picking up a pair.

Active Noise Cancellation vs. transparency mode

Riding alongside ANC, transparency mode (also known as passthrough or hearthru mode) can be just as important to your daily headphone use. That’s especially true if you have small children or like to exercise in high-traffic areas. Essentially the reverse of noise cancellation, good transparency mode helps you not only converse with those around you while wearing your headphones but also helps keep you safe.

There are different quality levels for transparency mode, just like ANC. Flagship models tend to offer not only clearer, more natural-sounding ambient audio, which can increase your comfort level. Some headphones, including Apple’s AirPods Pro (2nd gen.) earbuds, offer noise limiting with transparency mode so you’re not caught unaware by loud sounds. But even budget noise-canceling headphones offer transparency mode good enough to keep you aware of your environment, thus helping you stay safe.

Mult-point pairing

Multi-point pairing lets you connect wireless headphones to multiple source devices at once for easy switching between the two. For example, you might connect to your computer to take a zoom call, and a phone to take a call from a family member or play a mobile game without needing to reconnect your headphones. While it’s not always perfect, multi-point pairing can make your communication and daily workflow much more convenient.

Microphones

Whether it’s noise canceling or calling, microphones are an important aspect of modern headphones. The best microphones for call quality come with noise suppression features, letting you make clear calls in noisy areas. They’re also integral in active noise cancellation and transparency modes, utilizing digital technology to capture and analyze environmental sounds to suppress them or pass them through respectively. In general, the more microphones your headphones have, the better their calling and ambient audio skills will be.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best cheap noise-canceling earbuds

• Best overall: Treblab Z7 Pro Wireless
• Best value: Soundpeats T3 earbuds
• Best for commuting: Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless
• Best battery life: 1More SonoFlow
• Best in-ears: Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC

If you’ve been wishing for a great pair of noise-canceling headphones, but your budget has stopped the presses, you’re living in the right timeline. As our list showcases, there’s never been a better time to get into noise-canceling tech at a very low price. Even if your budget is close to null, you can get noise canceling at stocking-stuffer prices these days. That’s something we can all get behind.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

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School is back in session, meaning a pair of noise-canceling headphones is beneficial for ultimate studying focus in the library or for finding some peace while the youngins play a little too ferociously with their Barbies. One of our favorite Bose earbuds—which are more low-profile compared to on-ear or over-ear headphones—are $50 off on Amazon.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II $249 (Was $299)

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Per our review, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II “hold the undisputed ANC championship belt.” That’s perfect for noisy commutes, social portions of the library that are a little too social, and moments where you just want to be engrossed in the fantasy world of your audiobook. A selection of exchangeable silicon ear tips (S, M, L) and stability bands help you avoid a loose fit for running after the bus. IPX4 splash- and sweat-resistance keeps your earbuds protected in case you get caught in the rain/take a run). And a battery life of six hours in the ‘buds plus three additional charges (24 hours) in the case means long flights are covered. 9mm dynamic drivers and Bluetooth 5.3 (supporting the SBC/AAC codecs) give you smooth tunes without forgoing all textured transitions.

In case a pair of cans is more your jam, Bose has those on sale, too. The QuietComfort II’s over-ear cousins, the Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones, are down to $279 from $329. If you’re looking for something that looks a little more sleek with the same powerful ANC capabilities, the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are on sale for $299, down from $379. We took this particular pair to a hardcore show and were able to make a phone call—yet another testament to the power of Bose’s ANC tech.

These deals are part of the company’s Bose Week promotion, so grab them before the week ends. You can get more information on the sale at the Bose website.

Here are more audio deals to tune in to:

• Bose Smart Soundbar 900 $699 (Was $899)
• Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Portable Speaker $129 (Was $149)
• SHOKZ OpenRun Mini $99.95 (Was $129.95)
• SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds 2 Pro $177.99 (Was $229.99)
• SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds Live $69.99 (Was $149.99)
• JBL Bar 9.1 – Channel Soundbar System with Surround Speakers $699.95 (Was $1,199.95)
• Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Headphones $278 (Was $349.99)
• Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones $348 (Was $399)
• Sony HT-A3000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar $498 (Was $699.99)
• Sony HT-A5000 5.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Sound Bar $798 (Was $999.99)
• Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2ch 500W Dolby Atmos Sound Bar $998 (Was $1,399.99)
• Sony LinkBuds S Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds $128 (Was $199.99)
• Sony SRS-XG300 X-Series Wireless Portable-Bluetooth Party-Speaker $198 (Was $349)

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Earbuds have come a long way in the audio and noise-canceling departments, but True Wireless sets still struggle to keep up when it comes to battery life because of their ultra-small design. Beyerdynamic’s Free BYRD earbuds buck that trend, offering up to eight hours of music playback with active noise cancellation enabled and 11 hours if the setting is turned off. That’s enough time to make it through a cross-country or transatlantic flight without popping the buds into their charging case, which can fully top them up twice.

beyerdynamic Free BYRD $179 (Was $229)

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The Free BYRDs have held their own well enough to be included in our guide to the best earbuds, joining the ranks of Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 and Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds II. Our reviewer found the buds’ battery life to be their standout feature but was also impressed by the level of noise cancellation performance and overall audio quality. They found that listening to music at a volume level of roughly 80% would block out all but the most jarring, loud noises. This means consistent noises like the whirring of an airplane engine or screeching wheels on a train or bus shouldn’t penetrate them.

On the audio front, the Free BYRDs support the most common audio codecs and pump out well-balanced sound through their 10mm dynamic drivers. It doesn’t matter which genre of music you prefer—or if you like podcasts and audiobooks the most—you’ll have a good experience with these earbuds. Our tests found them to sound natural, with no artificially boosted lows, mids, or highs, either. If you’re looking for an earbud upgrade that keeps you from reaching for the charger daily, don’t miss this deal on beyerdynamics’ Free BYRDs.

Hear are some other deals you should vibe to:

• AirPods (3rd Generation), $149 (Was $169)
• AirPods Pro 2, $219 (Was $249)
• House of Marley Redemption ANC 2, $135.99 (Was $169.99)
• House of Marley Positive Vibration Frequency Headphones $79.99 (Was $99)
• Beats Fit Pro, $159.99 (Was $199.95)
• Beats Solo3, $129 (Was $195.95)
• Linsoul 7HZ Timeless AE, $259 (Was $299)
• Sony LinkBuds S, $128 (Was $199.99)
• Sony WF-C700N, $98 (Was $119.99)
• Jabra Elite 4, $69.99 (Was $99.99)
• Jabra Elite 7, $104.99 (Was $179.99)
• Technics EAH-AZ60-S, $130.55 (Was $227.99)
• Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX, $333.06 (Was $399)

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Fall may be imminent, but summer is still in full swing and a great speaker will make you a better party host wherever you are. Plus, a new pair of headphones can help you enjoy your favorite tunes when nobody’s around. Right now, you can score deep discounts on headphones and speakers from JBL, Sony, and Jabra at Amazon, and we found the best deals of the bunch.

Sony SRS-XG500 $328 (Was $499)

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You still have plenty of time to get outside and enjoy some great music while you grill, play pickleball, or just lay in the sun like a lizard. And Sony’s SRS-XG500 is the Rolls-Royce of portable Bluetooth speakers, available now at a Honda price thanks to a $171 discount on Amazon. This party speaker can jam for up to 30 hours on a single charge. Programmable LEDs around its drivers pulse along with your music to create a cool visual element. And an IP66 durability rating ensures that it’s virtually impervious to damage from dust and water. The chunky integrated handle makes it easier to carry—the speaker still weighs 12.3 pounds, so be mindful of that if you’re planning on taking it a long distance.

The SRS-XG500’s huge integrated battery can also double as a portable power bank (courtesy of two USB-A ports on the back). When you’re not charging gadgets, you can plug in a flash drive into one of those inputs to play digital audio files. You can even use the SRS-XG500 as a karaoke machine thanks to a 1/4-inch audio input. While the speaker will sound excellent on your own, you can pair it with other Sony speakers using the Party Connect feature, which will play the same music in multiple places. It’s an investment, but Sony’s SRS-XG500 is worth it—especially at this price.

Other good-sounding deals:

• JBL Vibe 200TWS, $29.95 (Was $49.95)
• JBL Flip 6, $89.95 (Was $129.95)
• Jabra Elite 7, $109.99 (Was $179.99)
• Jabra Elite 4, $69.99 (Was $99.99)
• Sony SRS-XB13, $34.99 (Was $59.99)
• JBL Tune 510BT, $34.99 (Was $49.95)
• Sony WH-CH720N, $98 (Was $149.99)

Want to come back inside to clean floors? Pick up a Roomba j7+ self-emptying robot vacuum while it’s available for just $529 (normally $799), just one of several iRobot limited-time deals.

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Associating the words “Bluetooth” and “audiophile” with each other may seem verboten to (overly) serious music lovers, but Focal has done a great job exceeding expectations when it comes to losing wires without losing fidelity. And now the French speaker designer has discounted its top-tier travel companions and several of its award-winning tethered ones—including the Utopia 2022, our pick for best overall headphones—as part of a back-to-school sale. High resolution at lower prices—that’s music to our ears.

Focal Bathys Over-Ear Hi-Fi Bluetooth Wireless Headphones $629 (Was $799)

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Focal’s Bathys are the company’s bespoke Bluetooth headphones, offering everything an on-the-go audiophile could want. The closed-back over-ear headphones have custom-designed 40mm aluminum-magnesium “M”-shaped dome drivers, last up to 30 hours per charge, and support active noise cancellation. You can connect them to your devices wirelessly over Bluetooth 5.1 (with the SBC, AAC, aptX/aptX HD/Adaptive codecs) or using either a USB-C or AUX cable. If you choose a USB-C cable, you’ll activate its DAC mode, which allows you to listen to high-resolution audio at 24 bits and up to 192kHz. If you want to hear everything but the sounds of family or fellow fellows at the library, don’t let this discount pass you by. Additionally, plugging the USB-C cable into a power brick will offer up to five hours of audio playback off a 15-minute charge.

Yes, these are undoubtedly lux headphones, but this is a rare chance to get them discounted at Amazon. Its $170 price cut brings the Batheys down to their lowest price ever, and considering these are headphones you will keep for many years, we feel comfortable recommending you take advantage of this deal. If you don’t have the space (or desire) for a speaker system or traditional multi-component headphone audio system but crave clarity, the Focal Bathys headphones are an excellent all-in-one solution. However, this deal is only active until August 14, while supplies last, so act fast.

Other audio deals that sound really good:

• Focal Utopia 2022, $3,999 (Was $4,999)
• Focal Stellia, $2,399 (Was $2,999)
• Focal Clear MG, $1,199 (Was $1,499)
• Focal Celeste, $799 (Was $999)
• Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20, $477.63 (Was $549)
• Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Generation), $178.49 (Was $279)
• Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore, $131.96 (was $199)
• Sony SRS-XG300, $198 (Was $349.99)
• Sony SRS-XP500, $242.65 (Was $399.99)
• Sonos Amp, $694.98 (Was $749)
• Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3, $79.99 (Was $99.99)
• JBL Charge 5, $139.95 (Was $179.95)

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August’s back-to-school rush makes it a beautiful time for those looking for great-sounding deals. If you’re hankering for some new earbuds to make the walk to an 8 a.m. biology lecture more joyful—or you’re a parent that wants to listen to podcasts while waiting for afterschool activities to end—Amazon has you covered with 25% off personal audio products from 1MORE, Anker, Sony, and more.

1MORE PistonBuds Pro Hybrid Active Noise Canceling Wireless Earbuds $49.99 (Was $69.99)

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The 1MORE PistonBuds Pro Hybrid Active Noise Canceling Wireless Earbuds are 27% off on Amazon, and their impressive features punch above their price point. They include hybrid active noise canceling tech that cancels up to 38 dB of sound. A 10-millimeter dynamic driver gives you bright vocals, well-balanced outputs, and clarity across frequency ranges, while the AAC Bluetooth codec allows premium sound on iOS devices. Twelve studio-grade EQ settings made by Sonarworks give you sound recommended by 45 Grammy sound engineers for genre-specific listening. Calls are also clear thanks to four microphones and built-in deep learning AI. They’re also available on the 1MORE website for the same price.

Here are other 1MORE you can grab before the deal ends Aug. 20:

• 1MORE Aero Wireless Earbuds $82.49 (Was $109.99)
• 1MORE SonoFlow Active Noise Cancelling Headphones $85.50 (Was $99.99)
• 1MORE Omthing AirFree Buds $29.99 (Was $39.99)
• 1MORE ComfoBuds Mini Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds $80 (Was $99.99)
• 1MORE SonoFlow Active Noise Cancelling Headphones $85.50 (Was $99.99)
• 1MORE PistonBuds Bluetooth Headphones $24.99 (Was $39.99)
• 1MORE Quad Driver in-Ear Earphones Hi-Res High Fidelity Headphones $99 (Was $129.99)
• 1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Earphones Hi-Res Headphones $54.99 (Was $68.59)
• 1MORE Piston Fit in-Ear Earphones $11.99 (Was $19.99)
• 1MORE SonoFlow Active Noise Cancelling Headphones $85.50 (Was $99.99)

Here are more headphones, earbuds, and speakers on sale at Amazon:

• Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones, Over-Ear Headphones $279 (Was $329)
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II $249 (Was $299)
• Sony WH-XB910N Noise Cancelling Headphones $148 (Was $249)
• Sony WF-C700N Truly Wireless Noise Canceling in-Ear Bluetooth Earbud Headphones $98 (Was $119.99)
• Sony-INZONE H7 Wireless Gaming Headset $148 (Was $229.99)
• Sony-INZONE H9 Wireless Noise Canceling Gaming Headset $248 (Was $299.99)
• Sony-INZONE H3 Wired Gaming Headset $78 (Was $99.99)
• Sony SRS-XB100 Wireless Bluetooth Portable Speaker $48 (Was $59.99)
• Sony SRS-XG300 X-Series Wireless Portable-Bluetooth Party-Speaker $198 (Was $349.99)
• Sony SRS-XV800 X-Series Wireless Portable Bluetooth Karaoke Party Speaker $548 (Was $649.99)
• Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones $44.99 (Was $59.99)

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Best overall		Focal Utopia 2022		SEE IT	Sheer audio opulence, with a price tag to match.
Best audiophile		Sennheiser HD 800 S		SEE IT	Reference-quality cans beloved by audio engineers and audiophiles alike.
Best noise-cancellation		Sony WH-1000XM5		SEE IT	Upgrades and refinements make these the wireless model to beat.

For many people, headphones have become a necessity in their daily lives. As more workers settle into remote roles, headphones are becoming home-office staples for blocking out distractions and piping in colleagues. A growing number of content creators, from podcasters to musicians, rely on headphones to help them produce their best work in shared spaces. And, of course, some people just use them for pure transportive pleasure, as a means to decompress after the demands of the day. The best headphones provide an immersive aural escape, whether you’re bringing your entertainment along on your commute, fueling your workout, focusing at your desk, or just relaxing at home, luxuriating in your favorite songs.

• Best open-back: Focal Utopia 2022
• Best closed-back: Focal Stellia
• Best for audiophiles: Sennheiser HD 800 S
• Best planar-magnetic: HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet Version
• Best noise-canceling: Sony WH-1000XM5
• Best for mixing: beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

How we chose the best headphones

We spend a lot of time at Popular Science musing over facts and figures, but music is probably a close second when it comes to what’s on our minds. With all our Slack sessions sharing song suggestions fresh in our memories, we started our list of the best headphones based on our personal experience with the best over-ear headphones. We then polled peers about their favorite headphones for music, parsed through critical reviews and user impressions, and narrowed it down to what we believe are headphones that can appeal to the widest range of listeners without pandering to any single type of tonality other than awesome.

The best headphones: Reviews & Recommendations

The best headphones will reproduce every nuance of your favorite songs, movies, podcasts, and game soundtracks with superior clarity, dynamics, and detail. It’s important to note, however, that there is no perfect headphone—just the headphone that’s perfect for you and what you listen to. 

Some purists search for end-game neutrality, picking everything in their signal chain to preserve a linear, studio-grade frequency response. Others may get a reference headphone that responds well to EQing, etc. Then they use components—like the best digital audio converters and tube-driven amplifiers—to add “color” to this baseline. Still others want a specific tuning no matter what the source and buy a headphone known for the signature that matches their genre of choice. (What works best for opera, EDM, Americana, and black metal is rarely the exact same thing.) Here are some of our favorite choices for various scenarios, each category featuring both a price-no-object pick and budget alternatives:

Best open-back: Focal Utopia 2022

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Why it made the cut: If you’re looking to invest in blue-chip components, these are the best-of-the-best open-back headphones.

Specs

• Style: Open-back/over-ear
• Drivers: 40mm “M”-shaped beryllium dynamic
• Frequency response: 5 Hz–50 kHz

Pros

• Unrivaled fidelity
• Fit (and feel) like a glove
• Stunningly lifelike soundstage

Cons

• Price is out of reach for most

We’re kicking off our hot list with the undisputed cream of the crop, the best overall headphones: the instantly, enduringly iconic Focal Utopia. (Yes, it has a jaw-dropping $4,999 price tag to match. But stick with us because, price-wise, it’s all downhill from here!)

French manufacturer Focal built a reputation for producing some of the most beautiful and best-sounding speakers available. That tradition continued with the launch of the company’s portable pinnacle in 2016. Utopia—Focal’s flagship open-back, over-ear headphones—produced an astonishingly revealing, deep soundstage. Inside, a pair of 40mm beryllium “M”-shaped dome dynamic drivers took advantage of the precious metal’s extreme lightness and stiffness to produce a smooth, ultrawide frequency response reminiscent of Focal’s premium speaker drivers. (A note about beryllium: This metal is hazardous in certain forms and contexts but is generally considered safe inside headphones and speaker drivers. For more information, see Focal’s documentation outlining precautions for use.)

The Utopia immediately established itself as one of the top aspirational audiophile headphones thanks to engineering that suspended its angled drivers in an open-air chamber to achieve an open, lifelike sound stage and remarkable detail reproduction. Utopia’s cozy fenestrated lambskin earcups connected to the plush headband with a carbon fiber yoke to minimize both weight (490g) and acoustic coupling, allowing pairs to stay effortlessly on the head of proud owners who extolled their pleasure continuously for the last five years. In 2022, however, the Utopia underwent an aesthetic makeover and sonic refinement. The voice coil, previously all aluminum, is now a blend of 30% copper and 70% aluminum, while the interior grill is now curved to match the driver.

These changes increase the headphones’ durability and conscientiously tweak its tuning, slightly shelving treble without dulling clarity and slightly extending subbass without affecting cohesion. It all adds up to an incredible sound stage with stunning realism and an emphasis on revealing musicality rather than unforgiving transparency (check out the Sennheiser HD 800 S below for that). Neutral-warm with immaculate imaging, able to deliver the attack and decay of each note with authority, the Focal Utopia 2022 is the idyll ideal—impressive not because of its sheer power but because of its absolute prowess.

While the 80-ohm Utopia can play nice with most sources, experiencing every lithe, lightning-quick transient at its best requires you use a great balanced amp and feed these headphones a quality signal. A most synergistic option is the Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition (shown below topped by the now-discontinued Utopia 2020, a repackaging of the original Utopia with expanded accessories that is still a great buy at around $3,000). This amp/DAC/streaming music player supports Roon, TIDAL, Spotify, AirPlay 2, up to 32bit/384kHz via UPnP, etc., and features a dynamic voicing and presentation in lock-step with the pace, rhythm, and timing of any Utopia (especially when using the included balanced cable). If you’re looking for sonic solace, this pairing is pure bliss.

Utopias giving you sticker shock? We feel you. The Focal Clear Mg (for Magnesium, the driver’s material) is the company’s “entry-level” open-back at only $1,599, if you want to sample the company’s spacious dynamics. Suppose you’re just interested in dipping a pinkie toe rather than cannonballing into audiophile-oriented open-back headphones. Our top recommendation for headphones that punch well above their price point would be the Meze Audio 109 PRO, which uses a new beryllium-coated polymer + cellulose-carbon driver for a precision-driven high that comes on with a comfortable balance of euphoria and technicalities. Meanwhile, the Philips Fidelio X2HR, a $148 over-ear model, is adored by connoisseurs of high-performing budget headphones. As for a more affordable amp/R2R DAC that can drive anything (including the Utopia) with verve, the $599 HiFiMan EF400 is highly recommended.

Best closed-back: Focal Stellia

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Why it made the cut: For fans of closed-back headphones, flawless sound, and French fashion-forward styling, Stellia is a star performer.

Specs

• Style: Closed-back/over-ear
• Drivers: 40mm “M”-shaped beryllium dynamic
• Frequency response: 5 Hz–40 kHz

Pros

• Intimate soundstage with superior isolation
• Exquisite design and finishes
• Precise, controlled bass

Cons

• Heavy

Fans of Focal’s venerated Utopia headphones will find similar sonic gratification in the company’s Stellia headphones. This closed-back design offers two-thirds of Utopia’s outstanding soundstage (leaning more tall than wide). Like the Utopia, Stellia features light, rigid beryllium drivers (a material you can read about more above), which deliver a detailed, intimate sound profile. Transients are crisp, bass is warm yet defined. All of this comes with better isolation than the Stellia’s Utopian sibling (because, as you can see comparing the images above, there is an additional acoustic membrane beneath the Stellia’s grill.

Stellia’s headband and earcups are lined in designer leather and filled with memory foam, making them somewhat heavy. Still, the headband and yoke mechanical features are adapted from the Utopia, which informs their high comfort factor, regardless of the shape and size of the listener’s head.

These headphones look as gorgeous as they sound, with aluminum-accented full-grain leather and mocha and cognac finishes. Accessories include three detachable oxygen-free cables and a ¼-inch adapter, plus a form-fitting, padded, purse-like case. Everything is housed in a sturdy leatherette box.

Those interested in a more “affordable” sampling of Focal’s balance of bass extension and treble precision can pick up the Celestee, which features an “M”-shaped aluminum/magnesium driver, for only a grand.

If you prefer your headphones to cost less than a used car, the stylish, wood-finished Meze Audio 99 Classics over-ear, closed-back headphones only cost a few hundred. They will appeal to those who want efficient and non-fatiguing headphones that offer a warmer sound signature. Or, for those that want an even more bass-enriched sound, consider a legacy brand like Sony, which offers dozens of choices ranging from workhorse closed-back podcast/recording classic like the MDR-7506 to our top wireless pick, the WH-1000XM5, to the summit-fi MDR-Z1R.

Best for audiophiles: Sennheiser HD 800 S

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Why it made the cut: If you crave accuracy, transparency, and openness that rival the most balanced studio monitors, look no further.

Specs

• Style: Open-back/over-ear
• Drivers: 56mm Ring Radiator
• Frequency response: 4 Hz–51 kHz

Pros

• Balanced sound signature
• Superior build quality
• Extremely comfortable during long wear

Cons

• You’ll need an amp to get the most out of these

Sennheiser introduced its top-of-the-line HD 800 over-ear, open-back headphones more than a decade ago. They immediately became instant classics in both the studio and audiophile worlds, thanks to their exceptionally detailed response and nimble, neutral presentation. 

The latest-model HD 800 S is hand-assembled, just like its predecessors. It’s based on Sennheiser’s 56mm, D-shaped Ring Radiator, which the company claims is the largest driver ever used in a dynamic headphone. Inside, carefully tuned resonators smooth out peaks and undesirable vibrations. You’ll be blown away by the expansive detail spread out well beyond your ears as you revel in your favorite tracks: The HD 800’s seemingly endless soundstage and pinpoint imaging rival that of the most balanced studio monitors, whether you’re doing some critical listening or just immersing yourself in your favorite songs. If our best overall pick, the Focal Utopia, projects your music with a natural luminescence, a properly powered Sennheiser HD 800 S puts each track under a spotlight, letting you pick out every individual element no matter how quickly it darts and ducks.

These airy headphones weigh just 330 grams, making for effortless long wear. They also feature an improved yoke and a sleek matte-black finish. If you have $1,600 to spend on headphones, these will never disappoint. They even come with a certificate of authenticity.  

Prefer to keep your headphone purchase price in the triple digits but still want an expansive soundstage with expressive mids? The Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX, an adaptation of the revered HD 650 developed through a community partnership with Drop, is just a couple hundred and likely the best value in all audiophile equipment (not to mention an amazing headset for PC gaming that requires inch-perfect positioning). As an alternative, consider the AKG K712 Pro over-ear, open-back headphone, which delivers every nuanced directional cue and costs less than $300.

Best planar-magnetic: HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet Version

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Why it made the cut: These neutral, transparent headphones are an accessible introduction to the world of planar-magnetic technology.

Specs

• Style: Open-back/over-ear
• Drivers: 130mm orthodynamic
• Frequency response: 8 Hz–65 kHz

Pros

• Extended low-frequency response
• Highly detailed sonic profile
• Relatively affordable category entry point

Cons

• Pleather head strap is not designed for longevity
• Earcups may be overly long for smaller heads, touching the jawline

If you crave an experience that’s as distinct as you are, the best planar magnetic headphones, such as the HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet Version, deliver the goods.

Planar-magnetic technology combines the principles of dynamic and electrostatic drivers, featuring a thin, flexible electrostatic-style material sandwiched between two arrays of evenly spaced magnets.

Planar-magnetic headphones are known for their bass response, which goes low but never gets boomy, remaining supple thanks to these headphones’ large driver surface area and powerful magnetic force. Whereas a traditional headphone driver measures around 30mm to 50mm, the nanometer-thick drivers in the HiFiMAN Arya Stealth measure a whopping 130mm across and can vibrate faster and more expansively. This latest revision of the Arya (the third) is open-backed, featuring a Window Shade grill on a teardrop earcup for an open, airy feel; it incorporates a new Stealth Magnet design that allows sound waves to pass through without generating interference. This translates to a transparent profile with a perceived quickness to the detail retrieval that reveals the leading edge and decaying trail of every note in the mix without extraneous noise.

The HiFiMAN Arya Stealth is articulate, neutral-warm, and just plain musical, though it may not be the most “audiophile” pair of planar headphones. One of the main reasons it ranks as the “best” planar magnetic, however, is how it over-delivers at $1,599. That sounds like a lot, but for many listeners, the Arya Stealth is a mid-tier investment that can confidently, convincingly take on the lower upper tier. (Flagship planars can easily reach many thousands.) The Arya Stealth isn’t the final word in resolution, but its appealing timbre, imaging, and excitement ensure that its price-to-performance ratio really can’t be beaten. Plus, its performance scales gorgeously as you increase amplification. We love these beauties so much that we count them among the best over-ear headphones out there.

If you’re new to planar magnetic headphones, be sure also to browse models from industry pillar Audeze, which offers this technology at a range of price points from the $799 Audeze LCD-2 Classic to the flagship LCD-5, which clocks in at $4,500. If you’re a music producer, the $1,699 MM-500 headphones can be both a daily driver and a sonic scalpel as it makes music (particularly vocal-led tracks) equally approachable and transparent by presenting lithe transients, spacious midrange, and energetic bass. Fans of gaming headsets would do well to consider the Mobius, a PC gaming headphone that features head tracking and virtual surround-sound features, as well as the console gaming-friendly Penrose. Audeze has even encapsulated the punchy, well-paced planar magnetic experience in an in-ear monitor, the exemplary Euclid. And If you’re looking for a purely musical flagship Android Bluetooth experience, the $399 Edifier STAX Spirit S3 pairs Audeze-derived planar magnetic components with an aptX HD/Adaptive connection to great effect.

Closed-back planar magnetics, meanwhile, are harder to come by and even harder to get right. The $2,000 Meze Audio LIRIC, however, is so impressive it might end up taking the best closed-back headphones spot in a future update to this roundup. There’s a depth to it that responds eagerly and agilely to a bass boost, and a surprising width considering it’s a closed-back model. Each note’s impact and decay are crisp and coherent, and layering never gets convoluted. The headphone’s custom voice coil and airflow systems impart a natural presence, rich with mids and minutiae, capable of low-end rumble but never in an intrusive way. Similarly, the headphone’s exactingly machined and hand-assembled suspension makes for long listening sessions as effortless as the multidimensional sound.

Best noise-canceling: Sony WH-1000XM5

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Why it made the cut: The latest in this line of beloved Bluetooth headphones showcases the results of continual technology refinements.

Specs

• Style: Closed-back/over-ear
• Drivers: 30mm carbon fiber and Thermoplastic Polyurethane dynamic
• Frequency response: 4 Hz–40 kHz

Pros

• Superior adaptive noise reduction
• Long battery life
• Ultra-lightweight at 8.82 ounces

Cons

• Lackluster industrial design

When it comes to the best wireless headphones, Sony models are the on-the-go holy grail thanks to heavyweight features packed in a featherweight frame. The company’s previous model, the WH-1000XM4, has been a perpetual list-topper and perennial bestseller since its 2020 introduction, thanks to superior comfort and sophisticated digital circuitry that tailors the sound for the best experience in even the noisiest environment. Now the WH-1000XM5 introduces even more ways to ensure you hear less of your surroundings and more of your soundtrack.

And what you can do with all that serenity is nearly unlimited as the 1000XM5 offers multipoint connections, 30 hours of battery life, and comprehensive touch-capacitive awareness/call/music playback controls. Packed with V1 and QN1 custom processors and eight microphones, the WH-1000XM5 filters out low frequencies with its Auto NC Optimizer, while the uber-isolating oval earcups ensure more incidental noise is negated. Sonically, the WH-1000XM5 sticks with Sony’s consumer-minded tuning, emphasizing bass and lower mids. It’s more of a strut than a slap, however. Treble is also goosed just enough to keep all the details intact without coming in hot. If you want more or less of this V-shaped signature, the Sony Headphones app is one of the most comprehensive on the market, including a multiband EQ. 

Ultra-lightweight at 8.82 ounces (even lighter than the 1000XM4), the 1000XM5 virtually disappears on your head, though not quite as much in your bag as the redesigned chassis now folds flat, rather than inward, making the low-profile case less compact. Still, the WH-1000XM5s can go anywhere you go and will stay comfortable the whole time (unless that somewhere is the rain or the gym, as these headphones have zero water resistance). Accessories include a short USB-A to USB-C charging cable (you must supply your own AC adaptor), a 3.5mm headphone cable (which works with noise cancellation and without power), and a two-prong airplane adapter. We think these full-featured headphones are more than worth their $399 price tag (though if you want to save a bit and still get an overperforming feature set, the WH-1000XM4 remains available for $350, less when on sale).

While platform-agnostic and supportive of Apple’s preferred AAC codec, the WH-1000XM5’s Bluetooth 5.2 connection really shines with Android devices that can take advantage of high-resolution LDAC transmissions (especially if you use a lossless audio streaming service, like TIDAL). We get that Apple acolytes out there typically want to stick to that ecosystem, so they can’t go wrong with the visually and sonically impressive AirPods Max. These $479 headphones, while significantly less travel-ready than even the Sony models, offer equally robust noise cancellation plus distinctive features like dynamic head tracking for spatial audio. They work seamlessly with iPhones, iPads, and macOS laptops and are poised to take advantage of more personalized listening features in the upcoming iOS 16.

If straying from these keystone brands is not an issue, this is the most competitive headphone market sector, so options are plentiful. Suppose both your appreciation for industrial design and your pockets are deep. In that case, the Bang & Olufsen BEOPLAY HX and Bose 700 offer sleek looks, polished sound, and impressive ANC performance in a similar price range as the above options. While the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 is a flagship of sonic finesse if $699 is within your budget. The Philips Fidelio L3, meanwhile, is a great alternative closer to the $200 mark. And if the write-ups at the top of this page piqued your curiosity about the benefits of beryllium, but you want to take those high-speed transients on the go, you have two premium options: Focal’s own $799 Bathys and the $999 Mark Levinson No. 5909, both of which offer a highly resolving wireless experience, as well as built-in DACs for wired listening, that’ll please even the most discriminating audiophiles.

Best for mixing: beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

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Why it made the cut: For many professional audio engineers, these open-back models set the benchmark for a portable mixing reference.

Specs

• Style: Over-ear/open-back
• Drivers: 45mm Tesla neodymium dynamic
• Frequency response: 5 Hz–40 kHz

Pros

• Wide imaging and airy soundstage
• Swappable earpads tailor sonic profile
• Flawless build quality

Cons

• Some find fit uncomfortable

As we are often fond of saying here at PopSci, the best mixing headphones tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. They’ll help you focus on the fine details, and your late-night headphone mixing sessions will never annoy the neighbors.

German audio brand beyerdynamic has been handcrafting headphones since 1937 and makes some revered audiophile-oriented flagships, such as the T5 (3rd Gen.). The tuning of those headphones, however, paints evocatively in darker hues. (Sludgy doom metal and live albums, for instance, are an amazing match.) Professional audio engineers gravitate toward open-back headphones as the best approximation of studio monitors, with their airy, open feel and wide, natural imaging. These qualities drive the design and performance of beyerdynamic’s DT 1990 Pro studio headphones. With the DT 1990s, beyer has funneled its engineering expertise into highly efficient, accurate 45mm Tesla neodymium drivers designed to deliver high-resolution sound with powerful lows, detailed mids, and smooth highs.

The DT 1990s feature titanium-coated acoustic fabric and precision-woven textiles that help inform its balanced sound. These sleek, black cans feature big, perforated earcups and come with two sets of interchangeable earpads, which let you choose between sonic profiles with a neutral frequency response or a slight bass boost. At $559, the DT 1990s are a big investment for home studio aficionados, but beyer helps you justify the expense by throwing in tons of accessories, including the earpads, straight and coiled cables, hard case, and a cleaning solution and pad. Bonus: The qualities that make the DT 1990s great for mixing—detailed imaging and crisp transients, for example—also make them great for gaming, giving you an immersive experience and maybe even a competitive edge.

Fan of the DT 1990s but not their hefty price tag? Consider beyer’s 900 PRO X open-back headphones, which feature a newly developed driver and provide a similar-style reference vibe but cost around $279. (For a deep dive into the entire PRO X line, check out our review.) For those tracking on a stricter budget, Audio-Technica’s wildly popular ATH-M20x over-ear, closed-back mixing headphones run just $49.

Things to consider when buying the best headphones

Nowadays, there’s a pair of headphones for everything and everyone. Best Bluetooth headphones? You’re spoiled for choice. Best headphones for kids? Safe, durable options abound. Best headphones for sleeping? Don’t sleep on these picks. And in-ear monitors and earbuds … well, that’s a separate, exhaustive topic. What we’re looking at here, however, are the best for unadulterated audio reproduction, the best-sounding headphones you can pick whether your budget is a couple hundred or multiple thousands. When choosing the best headphones, fidelity comes first, but great sound isn’t the sole defining factor. Comfort is critical and, depending on how you use your headphones, noise isolation and cancellation, connectivity, portability, and durability come into play. Let’s look at some top considerations:

Which style of headphones is best for me?

To decide which style of headphones is best for you, consider where you like to listen and what kind of sound signature you prefer. Headphones are available in open-back and closed-back models, and in over-ear and on-ear styles.

Open-back headphones have earcups with vented backs that allow airflow and provide a spacious feeling and a wide, airy soundstage that feels almost like listening on speakers. (After all, headphones are just speakers you strap to your head to deliver your own personal collection of sound waves.) Closed-back headphones have sealed outer earcups, which provide a bit deeper bass and significant sound isolation for all parties—perfect for a public space (such as an office) where you need to block out your surroundings and not annoy the people around you with your guilty pleasures playlist. 

Over-ear headphones have big, cushy earpads that surround your ears, which makes them generally more comfortable than on-ear headphones over long listening sessions because these earpads sit around your ears instead of pressing on them. Over-ear models usually have large drivers; generally, the larger the driver, the more expansive the frequency response, especially in the low end. On-ear headphones sit directly on your ears; they’re smaller and lighter than over-ear headphones, making them ideal portable companions. However, they are less isolating and provide a less expansive listen, so you won’t find any on this particular list.

What kind of features should I look for?

The kind of features you should look for depends on how you plan to use your headphones. If you want to bring your headphones everywhere, look for folding models with sturdy cases. Some headphones come with washable/replaceable earcups, which can be a lifesaver if you wear them extensively, especially to exercise or while traveling outside. Active users (especially those with a modern smartphone that doesn’t have a headphone jack) should also consider the convenience of headphones that pair with iPhone and Android devices via wireless Bluetooth protocols.

If you rely on headphones for calls, look for models with built-in microphones and call-management controls on the earcups. For the best gaming experience, you’ll want headphones with deep bass and surround-sound features, and you’ll probably want a built-in mic. Active noise cancellation can be useful in just about any situation, from loud subway commutes to noisy offices. Some noise cancellation-equipped headphones use the same microphones that feed the ANC circuitry to enable a “transparent” mode that amplifies sounds around you, which can be important for safety, especially in busy urban environments.

Do I need a headphone amplifier?

Do you need a headphone amplifier? Perhaps. An amplifier increases your sound source’s power output, bringing it to the level needed to drive your headphones at optimal levels so they can produce better sound. This doesn’t matter when you’re, say, plugging mass-market earbuds into your phone or working with an interface with built-in amplification, or even when you use a digital audio player purpose-built for power-hungry headphones. There are no hard rules here, but some less sensitive headphones require a lot of power to reach an enjoyable, distortion-free decibel level; these are usually high-impedance models, rated above 50 to 100 ohms. 

Underpower a high-resistance headphone and not only will you push your volume level into insane territory, but the sound will only get louder, not fuller. While headphone amps won’t improve the sound quality of cheap headphones, premium high-impedance headphones—like our top models, including the Focal Utopia 2022 and Sennheiser HD 800 S—require amplification to perform at their full potential.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best headphones

• Best open-back: Focal Utopia 2022
• Best closed-back: Focal Stellia
• Best for audiophiles: Sennheiser HD 800 S
• Best planar-magnetic: HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet Version
• Best noise-canceling: Sony WH-1000XM5
• Best for mixing: beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Ultimately, the best headphones are headphones that work for your listening preferences and your lifestyle. Certainly, sound comes first. But the best headphones don’t just sound amazing; they also sound consistent at any volume level, they feel great for long periods of time, and they’re durable enough to stand up to whatever you dish out. Then, it’s all about finding the right style for your needs. Trust us, your ideal pair is out there; it’s just a matter of setting a budget, determining your favorite sonic and physical style, and prioritizing your must-have features, and you’ll be on your way to homing in on that perfect match.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best headphones of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

If you want to cancel more noise and more cost with your headphone and earbud selection(s), Amazon Prime Day will be music to your ears. Some top-tier active noise-canceling options are on sale and listed below, including the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, Apple AirPods Max, Focal Bathys Over-Ear Hi-Fi Bluetooth ANC Headphones, Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Over-Ear ANC Headphones, Bose QuietComfort II Earbuds, Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 ANC IPX4 Earbuds, and more. We’ve also collected some amazing budget buys so you can pump up the savings and the jams. But suppose you want the ultimate balance of comfort and clarity. In that case, we recommend going in the opposite direction, finding an already quiet corner, and plugging in the Sennheiser set we’ve spotlighted. Whether you’re an on-the-go gear connoisseur or setting up a luxurious listening station, you’ll find we’re on the same wavelength with our focus on assembling a more affordable audio oasis with gear offered at its lowest price in months.

All of these Prime Day deals require an active Amazon Prime Membership. You can sign up here for a free 30-day trial.

Sennheiser HD 660S2 Wired Open-Back Audiophile Headphones $379.95 (Was $599.95)

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Looking for an expansive listen with an expressive midrange? Sennheiser is one of the first names that come to mind when discussing reference-level headphones with low harmonic distortion. Introduced in early 2023, the Sennheiser HD 660S2 is a retooled, bass-reinforced revision in the German audiophile brand’s long-running series of headphones for exploring the silkier parts of the sonic spectrum. The soundstage is wide but precise but now extends into even more dramatic depths—with sub-bass reaching to 70 Hz. While the open-back build means there’s no isolation, it also contributes to a toned sense of imaging, making these excellent headphones both for fans of musicality and musculature—the kind of comfortable, masterful set that is as good with heated gaming as it is hot tracks.

Sennheiser

• Sennheiser HD 600 Audiophile Hi-Res Open-Back Dynamic Headphones $283 (Was $449.95)
• Sennheiser HD 599 SE Around-Ear Open-Back Headphones $79 (Was $199)
• Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 ANC IPX4 Earbuds $176 (Was $279)
• Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless ANC IPX4 Earbuds $95 (Was $179.95)
• Sennheiser HD 450SE Black Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Headphone $79 (Was $199)
• Sennheiser IE 200 In-Ear Audiophile Headphones with TrueResponse Transducers $95 (Was $149.95)

Sony

• Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Industry-Leading Noise-Canceling Headphones (Black) $328 (Was $399)
• Sony WH-CH720N Noise-Canceling Bluetooth Over-The-Ear Headphones $98 (Was $149)
• Sony WF-1000XM4 Industry-Leading Noise-Canceling Truly Wireless Earbuds $198 (Was $278)
• Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds $128 (Was $199)
• Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless Open-Ring Earbuds $128 (Was $179.99)

Bose

• Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones $229 (Was $329)
• Bose QuietComfort ANC Earbuds II (Triple Black) $249 (Was $299)
• Bose Noise-Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones 700 $299 (Was $379)

Apple

• Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds $89 (Was $129)
• Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones w/ ANC and Spatial Audio $449 (Was $549)

Jabra

• Jabra Elite 4 Active Bluetooth Earbuds $66.99 (Was $119.99)
• Jabra Elite 5 ANC Bluetooth Earbuds $89.99 (Was $149.99) 
• Jabra Elite 7 Active ANC ShakeGrip Bluetooth Earbuds $109.99 (Was $179.99)
• Jabra Elite 7 Pro Adjustable ANC True Wireless Earbuds w/ MultiSensor Voice tech for clear calls $113.99 (Was $199.99)

Audio-Technica

• Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones (Black) $132 (Was $199)
• Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones (Black) $118 (Was $169)
• Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT Wireless Over-Ear Headphones (Black) $55 (Was $79)

Cambridge Audio

• Melomania Touch True Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 earphones $59.99 (Was $99.99)

Marshall Headphones

• Marshall Minor III True Wireless earphones (Black) $85.99 (Was $129.99)
• Marshall Major IV On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones (Black) $119 (Was $149.99)

Skullcandy

• Skullcandy Indy Evo True Wireless In-Ear Bluetooth Earbuds $28.99 (Was $69.99)
• Skullcandy Sesh Evo True Wireless In-Ear Bluetooth Earbuds $27 (Was $49.99)
• Skullcandy Push Active True Wireless In-Ear Bluetooth Earbud $47 (Was $79.99)
• Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones $144 (Was $199)

1MORE

• 1MORE Aero Wireless Earbuds with Spatial Audio, 42dB Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation $65 (with coupon, Was $109.99)
• 1MORE ComfoBuds Mini Hybrid Active Noise-Cancelling Bluetooth 5.2 Earbuds $64.99 (with coupon, Was $99.99)
• 1MORE SonoFlow Active Noise-Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones with LDAC $74 (with coupon, Was $99.99)

TREBLAB

• TREBLAB Z2 Over-Ear Bluetooth 5.0 ANC Workout Headphones with Microphone $69.95 (Was $119.97)
• TREBLAB X3 Pro True Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 IPX7 Earbuds with Earhooks $47 (Was $99.97)

EarFun

• EarFun Air Pro 3 Bluetooth 5.3 Noise-Cancelling Wireless Earbuds with aptX, 6 Mics CVC 8.0 ENC $49 (with clickable coupon & code PDAP3PR1, Was $79)

JBL

• JBL Live 660NC Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones $85 (Was $199)
• JBL Tune 230NC TWS True Wireless In-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones $39 (Was $99)

SteelSeries

• Nova 7 Wireless Gaming Headset $132 (Was $179.99)
• Arctis 9 Wireless Gaming Headset $109.99 (Was $199.99)
• Arctis 1 Wireless Gaming Headset $42 (Was $99.99)

Summit-Fi + Bonus Beats

• Focal Bathys Over-Ear Hi-Fi Bluetooth ANC Headphones $699 (Was $799)
• Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Over-Ear ANC Headphones $329 (Was $399)
• Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 Wireless ANC Over-Ear Headphones $674 (Was $899)
• Edifier STAX Spirit S3 Wireless Planar-Magnetic Hi-Fi Headphone with Snapdragon Sound $319 (Was $399)
• Technics EAH-A800-K Bluetooth Noise-Cancelling Headphones with Multi-Point Connectivity $235 (Was $347)
• beyerdynamic Free BYRD True Wireless Bluetooth ANC Earbuds w/ Sound Personalization $179 (Was $199)
• Meze 99 Classics Walnut Gold | Wired Wooden Closed-Back Audiophile Headphones $231 (Was $309)
• KZ AS10 LINSOUL 5BA High-Resolution In-Ear Earphones with 0.75mm 2-pin Cable $47 (Was $59)
• FiiO FH3 1DD+2BA High-Resolution Wired MMCX IEMs $87 (Was $109)
• FiiO FW5 TWS Bluetooth 5.2 Earbuds w/ 10mm Dynamic Drivers, LHDC/aptX Adaptive $99 (Was $119)
• iBasso DX320 Digital Audio Player, Hi-Res Audio and Media Player $1,279 (Was $1,599)
• HiBy R5 Gen 2 Android-based Hi-Res Audio Player $299 (Was $449)

Going to see live music? Check out these deals on earplugs for concerts:

• Eargasm High-Fidelity Earplugs for Concerts, Musicians, Motorcycles, Noise-Sensitivity Conditions, and More $31
• Minuendo High-Fidelity Acoustic Adjustable dB Attenuation Earplugs $126.50 (Was $169)

The post These are the sweetest-sounding last-minute Prime Day headphone & earbud deals appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best solid-state		Rupert Neve Designs RNHP		SEE IT	Studio-grade audio from the mixing desk masters.
Best portable		AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt		SEE IT	Superb sound on the go.
Best budget		Schiit Magni		SEE IT	Selectable circuits at a budget price.

If you’re reading this, you’re a music lover and you’re considering a headphone amp because you want to hear your favorite albums in the best way possible. The worst feeling is when you hit play and there’s still something missing—the pace and placement of each instrument just isn’t as energetic as you expected it to be. Boxy low end, harsh mids, fatiguing highs … a boomy blur is not an experience you signed on for. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way. With a dedicated headphone amplifier—one crafted by experts with the express purpose of delivering a more sumptuous sound—things can be very different. Think of the amp like your audio chain’s mitochondria: feed it compelling music and clean power, and it can generate a full, fleshy frequency response within an energetic, agile soundstage. The best headphone amps can scale up the clarity on almost any headphone, so here are our picks for gear to bring your ears immediate enjoyment.

• Best overall: Chord Mojo 
• Best solid-state: Rupert Neve Designs RNHP
• Best tube: Monolith Liquid Platinum 
• Best portable: AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt 
• Best high-end: Manley Labs Absolute 
• Best wireless: iFi GO Blu 
• Best streaming: Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition
• Best budget: Schiit Magni 

How we chose the best headphone amps

There are plenty of headphone amplifiers available on the market. To narrow down our choices, we looked at various factors: build quality, cost performance, additional features, and, of course, sound quality. We also looked at units in terms of their position in the market. Are they aimed at home or on-the-go listening? Are they priced at the budget end or at the top of the spectrum? After selecting a number of possible candidates, we combined our own experience using headphones with amps, critical consensus, and user impressions to come up with this list of the best headphone amps.

The best headphone amps: Reviews & Recommendations

There are several things to consider when buying a headphone amp. As you read through the list, keep in mind whether you’re assembling a listening station or a mobile rig. Determine if you’ll need a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and whether you want a DAC/amp combo. Consider your headphones’ power requirements (the more audiophile, the more demanding, traditionally), but also your gear’s aesthetics. Many of the items here have unique designs that may or may not line up with your tastes. Maybe what you really want is a high-powered digital audio player (DAP). We’re not here to judge! We are, however, here to help, so you can be certain that any of the amplifiers below are among the best in class.

Best overall: Chord Mojo

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 Why it made the cut: Mojo puts out a lot of power with a very small footprint.

Specs

• DAC: Yes
• Inputs: Micro USB, 3.5mm jack, Optical TOSLINK, Micro USB charging port
• Dimensions: 82 x 60 x 22 millimeters

Pros

• Musical and detailed audio reproduction
• Solid build quality
• Credit card-sized

Cons

• Polarizing design

It says a lot about its level of bespoke engineering in our best overall headphone amp/DAC combo, the Mojo, that it also happens to be imminently portable. At only 82 mm x 60 mm x 22 mm, it doesn’t demand any more space than a wallet and yet it’s still capable of delivering some of the best sound in its class thanks to the purpose-built FPGA circuitry that has trickled down from British manufacturer Chord Electronics’ multi-thousand-dollar Hugo line of products. Audio reproduction is impressively musical and detailed; you usually have to pay a lot more than $700 for this caliber of sound. You’ll wonder how they managed to squeeze such wonderful sound out of such a small package. Remarkable.

Housed in a CNC-milled aluminum shell, Mojo’s build quality is also top-notch. Despite the diminutive size it manages to include inputs for optical, coax, and Micro USB, plus a Micro USB charging port for the 8-hour battery. In terms of outputs, it offers two 3.5mm jacks, making it as ideal for audiophile dates as it is for solo listening (though volume is not independent on these outputs). There’s power to spare: output is 35mW into 600 ohms and 720mW into 8 ohms supporting headphones of up to 800 ohms. The DAC’s specs are also ridiculously impressive, with sampling rate of 32 to 768 kHz and even featuring DSD256 support. While you may not love the three LED globes (indicators for volume control and file resolution), they are unique.

For an even more top-tier portable listening experience, there’s Chord Poly, a high-quality music streamer/player attachment designed to bring WiFi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, DLNA, and Micro SD card playback to Mojo. And, when you’re ready to upgrade, take a look at the Mojo’s higher-end sibling, the Hugo 2, a not-as-svelte but still-transportable headphone amp that works at home or on the road.

An updated model, the Mojo 2, shares the same form factor as the original but features increased recharging capacity/efficiency, redesigned filter/DSP cores, an integrated EQ feature to tailor the neutral signal to taste, and an added USB-C port. While the Mojo 2 is an instant recommendation if its $799 price tag is within your budget, the original Mojo is still a best buy at $499.

Best solid-state: Rupert Neve Designs RNHP

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Why it made the cut: Superb, reference-grade sound makes this a clear winner for the best solid-state headphone amp.

Specs

• DAC: No
• Inputs: +4dBu balanced combo jack, unbalanced RCA, 3.5mm
• Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.6 x 1.9 inches

Pros

• Variety of input options
• Precise sound
• Handles high-impedance headphones

Cons

• Design may turn some off
• No DAC

Rupert Neve Designs is a relative newcomer to the hi-fi world but the company is not without audio experience. The company’s namesake and its engineers have been making mix consoles, mic preamps, dynamics shaping modules and more for recording studios since the late 1960s. The RNHP is a 24-volt reference-quality headphone amp based on the circuit in its 5060 Centrepiece Desktop Mixer, full of circuitry praised for its fidelity. The unit comes housed in a VESA-mountable steel chassis, letting you attach it to a mic stand, under studio furniture, and other places with a compatible mount. The spartan front panel features A, B, and C buttons for the rear panel’s three selectable channels: a pair of balanced Neutrik combination jacks capable of taking XLR and TRS (6.35mm) inputs (the boot-up default); two unbalanced RCA jacks calibrated for -10dBV signals; and a single 3.5mm port for mobile devices. Output is a 6.5mm jack, so make sure you have an adapter if your headphones use a 3.5mm connector, and volume is controlled by an old-school dial.

As you’d expect from one of the top channel strip manufacturers known for transparency, the sound quality is absolutely stunning. Offering an uncompromised spectrum from 10 Hz to 120 kHz, the RNHP is a wonder to hear. It has superb punch and imaging, with remarkable stereo separation and very little crosstalk. Also worth gushing over is the $699 price, which comes in lower than many units that don’t have comparable pedigrees.

Some users may take issue with the design; it was made, after all, for studios first—producing the kind of high-power, high-headroom output for demanding mixing headphones and engineers that need to hear clearly, cleanly during tracking and playback sessions. And it reflects this purpose-built aesthetic—perfectly poised to sit amongst interfaces, converters, and studio monitors. But that also means it’s inherently suited to give the most authentic playback of well-recorded material. Output is 230mW RMS @ 16 ohms and headphones with impedances up to 600 ohms are no problem. It lacks a DAC, so you’ll need one if you plan to use it with digital media, but it’s hard to beat Neve’s RNHP if you’re a listener who demands an honest, high-quality sound.

Best tube: Monolith Liquid Platinum

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Why it made the cut: Twin tubes bring extra warmth in the lows and mids.

Specs

• DAC: No
• Inputs: XLR and RCA
• Dimensions: 8.8 x 8.5 x 2.0 inches

Pros

• Warm bass
• Balanced design
• Beautiful appearance

 Cons

• No DAC
• Highs could be cleaner

There’s something magical about tubes—glowing glass cylinders that direct current through a filament to excite and amplify a signal. Think of them as the light bulbs of audio, but the dimmer controls the intensity of tone. Whereas solid-state gear uses all-digital transistors, resistors, capacitors, etc., for a more crisp result, vacuum tubes are famed for the smooth warmth they bring to audio. Reacting positively to overdrive, they’re perfect for adding heat and presence to your playback experience. As the best tube headphone amp, Monolith’s Liquid Platinum embeds two replaceable Electro Harmonix 6922 tubes alongside solid-state amplification, and those make all the difference. The bass and mids are warm and gooey with a plethora of presence, while transients—those short bursts of energy that accompany hitting a note—shine through even in a wall of sound.

Of course, the rest of this amp is no slouch either, bringing together a sweet package that makes this our pick for best tube headphone amp. For starters, it was designed by Alex Cavalli, a renowned audio circuit designer focused on headphone amps. He based it on aspects of his audiophile-adored, multi-thousand-dollar Cavalli Audio Liquid Crimson amplifier, released in 2015 and now discontinued. Cavalli designed a fully balanced/differential amplification for the Crimson’s monoprice successor, focused on conveying the open character of music, with dynamics and detail all benefitting. And at half the cost of the Crimson. The Liquid Platinum looks stunning as well, with a gorgeous design highlighted by those twin tubes peeking out of the top. It pushes 3.6 watts per channel into a 50-ohm load and can comfortably drive headphones of up to 300 ohms. It features both three-pin XLR balanced inputs and RCA ins and outs in the back, as well as four-pin XLR and 6.5mm TRS jacks around the front to accommodate balanced (a specific high-power, low-noise wiring scheme) and single-ended (stock, standard) headphone cables. 

While the high-end can be a little crisp—it’s a touch on the dry, wild side, though this can be tweaked by rolling in new tubes—the positives far outweigh the negatives in this gem of an amp. Note that you’ll need to supply your own DAC if your plan is to use it with a digital listening device.

Best portable: AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt

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Why it made the cut: New DAC and microprocessor chips allow the Cobalt to give music the nimble performance it needs to hover and dart.

Specs

• DAC: Yes
• Inputs: USB
• Dimensions: 12 x 19 x 57 millimeters

Pros

• Clear sound
• Extremely portable
• Device compatibility

Cons

• Reveals imperfections in low-quality audio

It used to be that if you wanted a hi-fi listening experience, you had to stay at home with a stationary headphone amp. Now, thanks to the rise of streaming and communication devices, music is as close as our fingertips. AudioQuest wants to make sure that we’re hearing that music with as much clarity as possible, and the company’s line of lip balm-sized USB DragonFly DAC/amps designed for the computer-audio experience does just that.

The top of the DragonFly line, Cobalt is the best portable headphone amp because it improves over the already superb Red model in a number of ways. First up is the ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip. Its minimum-phase slow roll-off filter ensures clear and natural sound, although it can be a little unforgiving when it comes to revealing the shortcomings of low-quality audio sources. Its 64-position, 64-bit, bit-perfect offers uncompromising volume control. The casing and circuitry are also great at filtering out WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular noise that can pollute and dilute a listening experience. An improved processor runs faster and more energy-efficient. And, with a hefty 2.1-volt headphone amp, this minuscule device will amaze you with its ability to power almost any set of cans you care to pair it with, from 16 to 300 ohms.

The Cobalt is compatible with Mac and Windows PCs and can fully render files up to 24-bit/96 kHz files, including MQA-encoded ones. (MQA, of Master Quality Authenticated, files use a specific type of compression to distribute higher resolution with less bandwidth, but require specific apps/DACs to decode.) In addition, it works with smart devices. And It includes a female USB-A to male USB-C adapter for most modern Android phones but requires a Lightning-to-USB adapter to work with Apple devices.

Best high-end: Manley Labs Absolute

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Why it made the cut: Manley Labs makes top-of-the-line studio gear and has brought that gorgeous expertise to Absolute.

Specs

• DAC: No
• Inputs: 2 RCA input pairs
• Dimensions: 11.5 x 5.5 x 8.2 inches

Pros

• Jaw-dropping tube sound
• Tonal controls
• Gorgeous design

Cons

• Very expensive

Manley Labs’ incredible equalizers and compressors can be found in many of the best studios in the world. The company also makes audiophile equipment and the aptly named Absolute is our choice for best high-end headphone amp.

Powered by six vacuum tubes—two 12AX7s and four 6AQ5As—Absolute positively glows with warmth. Rich, thick, and powerful, it’s a listening experience like no other. Unlike many headphone amps, which offer little in terms of tonal control, Absolute goes the extra mile, providing user controls that make this into a very active listening experience. Baxandall Tone Control bass and treble knobs place you in charge of the tonal character, while control over the amount of negative feedback in the signal puts you in control of harmonic distortion and, thus, the tightness of the audio playback. Uniquely, it also possesses switchable topology, allowing you to change from odd-order to even-order harmonics and take charge of the saturation color. There’s even a mono switch for enjoying pre-stereo music sources. It has a maximum output of 1W into 12 ohms, with headphones of up to 600 ohms working comfortably with it.

Connectivity is also varied, with two pairs of Manley-designed RCA ports on the input side and a 6.5mm TRS and a four-pin XLR jack for headphones, plus an output RCA pair should you want to use Absolute as a preamp to boost/sculpt a source signal prior to your favorite receiver, interface, or powered speakers. There’s a remote control, and the amp is available in three beautiful chassis colors: black, copper, and silver.

Of course, all this comes with a hefty price tag of $4,499. If you have the means and the kind of power-hungry dynamic and/or planar headphones that can benefit, however, it’s an audiophile ride worth taking.

Best wireless: iFi GO blu

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Why it made the cut: The iFi GO Blu does the impossible and combines excellent sound quality with Bluetooth compatibility.

Specs

• DAC: Yes
• Inputs: USB-C, Bluetooth
• Dimensions: 54 x 32 x 13 millimeters

Pros

• Handles all Bluetooth formats
• Small and lightweight
• Built-in mic

Cons

• Inherent limitations of Bluetooth
• No clip

While there are many excellent portable headphone amps with built-in DACs (see AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt above), they still require a physical connection to a source (including iFi’s own excellent USB-C GO link). If you’re looking to untether your amp from your music player or smartphone, the Bluetooth 5.1-compatible iFi GO blu is the way to go for both Apple and Android devices.

Smaller than seemingly possible and only 26 grams, iFi GO blu is so unobtrusive you might even forget it’s there. However, you’ll certainly notice the improvement it brings to audio quality, despite the inherent limitations of Bluetooth. It offers a wide soundstage with clear and precise audio, thanks to individually optimized circuit stages. It achieves this with a Cirrus Logic CS43131 advanced DAC, as well as balanced circuits for less crosstalk and noise. Output is 245mW @ 32Ω; 5.6v @ 600Ω (balanced)/165mW @ 32Ω; 2.8v @ 600Ω (unbalanced), so—despite its small size—the GO blu will power most headphones. Should you find your source sound lacking, iFi GO blu also includes analog XBass and XSpace enhancements for extra low-end presence and soundstage width. The Swiss chronograph-inspired ChronoDial is a marvel of ingenuity and manages to pack a number of functions into a very small space, handling analog volume control, track selection and play, plus Bluetooth voice assistant activation.

With Qualcomm’s latest four-core QCC5100 Bluetooth processing chip, iFi GO blu supports all current Bluetooth codecs (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC/HWA up to 24-bit/192 kHz). It has outputs for both 3.5mm (single-ended, S-Balanced) and 4.4mm (balanced) headphone cables, and it uses USB-C for charging the 8-hour battery and for establishing a 24-bit/96 kHz connection with non-Bluetooth devices. It even has a built-in microphone for hands-free telephone calls. And if you find yourself needing even more power and/or versatility, and you’re willing to sacrifice some portability and disposable income, the $599 flask-sized iFi xDSD Gryphon is an upgrade path for those with more demanding headphones/connectivity needs—great for a compact desktop set-up and relatively pocketable for on-the-go.

Best streaming: Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition

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Why it made the cut: A high-gloss hub for high-resolution sources and summit-tier headphones.

Specs

• DAC: Yes
• Inputs: USB-A, Toslink optical, coaxial RCA, unbalanced stereo RCA inputs, Bluetooth, WiFi
• Dimensions: 9-11/16 x 3-3/4 x 10-7/16 inches

Pros

• Suitable for headphones from 16ohms and upwards
• 1.5W RMS per channel into 16ohms
• Low-noise power system
• WiFi compatibility with major music services/high-resolution sources
• Displays album art, artist, and track information

Cons

• $3,799
• Plays particularly well with Focal headphones, which bring another $1,500 – $4,500 to the register
• Requires significant desktop space

While efficient headphones can play nice with most sources, experiencing every lithe, lightning-quick transient at its best requires you to use a great balanced amp and feed these headphones a quality signal. And sometimes you want that source to be high-resolution streaming audio. A most synergistic option is the Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition (shown above topped by the now-discontinued Utopia 2020, a repackaging of the original Utopia with expanded accessories that is still a great buy if you can find one around $3,000). This amp/Burr-Brown DAC/streaming music player supports Roon, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, Chromecast/AirPlay 2 via WiFi, aptX HD Bluetooth, up to 32bit/384kHz via UPnP, DSD up to 5.6MHz, etc., and features a dynamic voicing and presentation in lock-step with the pace, rhythm, and timing of top-tier headphones (especially dynamic drivers using the balanced 4.4mm or XLR 4-pin headphone output). And the 5-inch full-color display is as vivid visually as the music playback it accompanies. If you’re looking for sonic solace supporting more sources with less cords, this pairing is pure bliss.

Best budget: Schiit Magni Heretic

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Why it made the cut: Sound that punches way above its weight class.

Specs

• DAC: No
• Inputs: RCA
• Dimensions: 5 x 3.5 x 1.5 inches

Pros

• Balanced and weighty sound (Magni+)
• Transparent sound (Magni Heretic)
• Affordable

Cons

• No DAC

Everyone has to start somewhere. And, thanks to Schiit’s dual Magni headphone amps, that place is a happy place. The two models, Magni+ and Magni Heretic, are fun and wallet-pleasingly affordable way to get into the audiophile world and way of thinking about customizable sound. They’re the same price and very similar in connectivity, although the tone differs between them. As for which one is the best budget headphone amp for you—the roughly $150 each asking price is right for you to try them both.

Magni+ is an all-discrete circuit headphone amp with individual components rather than chips. This results in a sound that is well-balanced and weighty from top to bottom. It comes in a brushed aluminum case. Magni Heretic, on the other hand, uses modern op-amp chips in its circuitry and delivers clean and crisp audio. Its casing is black with red accents. Both have a maximum output of 2.8W RMS into 16 ohms and offer superb sound for the price. The high/low gain switch ensures that even 600-ohm power-hungry headphones won’t break these.  

Both have a single 6.5mm headphone out in the front, with RCA ins and outs in the back (yes, you can use it as a preamp). Neither has a DAC, though, which could be an issue for those with digital listening habits. However, at this price, you can certainly afford to buy a separate digital-to-audio converter (like Schiit’s own Modi+). 

If you’re looking to level up your home listening game, this is the place to start your headphone amp journey.

Things to consider when shopping for the best headphone amps

Headphones are just two speakers strapped to your head, and speakers—whether they’re in a guitar amp or a headphone—need an electrical current to translate a signal into vibrations, ultimately generating the sound waves you perceive as music. A headphone amplifier does just what it promises in its name: amplifies the low-voltage signal that the headphones convert. If your first question is whether that just means you’ll hear something louder, the answer is yes and no. A headphone amp is less about just quantity and more about quality, less about pushing pure abundance, and more about addressing the transducer’s resistance. Headphone amps aren’t just trying to make your headphones louder, pushing them to distort; they’re trying to give them the voltage or current they need to be more efficient, letting them sound dynamic at lower decibels. A simple rule of thumb: The higher the “impedance rating” of your headphones, the more they can benefit from or even require an amp (though even a $100 headphone can achieve more balance with the proper power).

Hear today, gone tomorrow?

When trying to decide on the best headphone amp for your needs, you’ll first need to choose whether you’ll do more at home or on-the-go listening. Desktop units have a very different feature set than portable ones, taking advantage of the increased space and power sources available for a larger component in order to increase inputs and outputs. If a less juiced, one-in-one-out system is all you need because portability is the priority, you’ll still want to think about connectivity. Although all headphone amps listed here power wired headphones, you may wish to cut the cord from a wireless-enabled audio source (think any smartphone) to the amp. If so, it’ll need something that’s Bluetooth compatible.

Do I need a DAC with a headphone amp?

These days, we often listen to music from digital sources—think streaming via a smartphone or dedicated player. To convert those 1s and 0s into an analog signal for wired headphones, you need a DAC (digital-to-analog converter). The DAC can be circuitry built into the headphone amp (like the AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt, Chord Mojo, or iFi GO Blu, among others) or a standalone unit. And while they all perform a similar function, not all DACs go about it equally, using either Delta-Sigma or R2R ladder method, among other configurations. If you plan to listen exclusively to old records and cassettes, a DAC may not be necessary. But if digital is in your life, a DAC will be necessary.

Can’t I just use the amplifier in my phone or computer?

Sure, your preferred listening device may have a headphone port, and it will get the job done. But it won’t blow your mind. Unless it’s running on a device like a 2021 or later MacBook Pro M1 or an ASUS ROG Phone 5s or later, which feature an adaptive, audio-focused design, that headphone jack’s internal DAC and amplifier are likely lacking. It’s certainly not going to give you an amazing listening experience. If you want more than just OK, it’s time to upgrade to a dedicated headphone amp. This is doubly true if you’ve invested in a decent pair of headphones.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best headphone amps

• Best overall: Chord Mojo 
• Best solid-state: Rupert Neve Designs RNHP
• Best tube: Monolith Liquid Platinum 
• Best portable: AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt 
• Best high-end: Manley Labs Absolute 
• Best wireless: iFi GO Blu 
• Best streaming: Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition
• Best budget: Schiit Magni

When taking the plunge and expanding your plugs, knowing that you don’t have to shell out a lot of money to get started can be comforting. You can find some of the best headphone amps at remarkably affordable prices. Of course, when you’re ready to step it up a notch, there’s a whole world of ever-more expensive (and great-sounding) amplifiers available.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best headphone amps for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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You may have grown accustomed to the idea that one phone plays music, podcasts, or an audiobook to one set of headphones, but that was the past—this is the future. Today’s top-end handsets are capable of sending the same sounds to two pairs of wireless headphones at the same time.

That means you can share a tune or a story with a friend or family member, whether you’re sitting on the couch, riding the subway, or anywhere else. All you need are compatible pairs of wireless headphones and a smartphone that supports the feature.

If you don’t see your Apple or Beats headphones on this list, check the Apple support page to see if your model has been added. Assuming you’ve got the right hardware in hand and one pair of headphones has already been connected to the iPhone, load up whatever you want to listen to and open the Control Center with a swipe down from the top right corner of the screen.

[Related: The best apps for listening to music on your phone]

Tap the AirPlay button (an upward arrow pointing into a concentric set of rings), then tap Share Audio. At this point, you’ll need to connect the second pair of headphones. For AirPods and AirPods Pro, hold them close to the phone in their case, then open the case lid. For AirPods Max, just hold them close to the phone. For Beats wireless headphones, put them in pairing mode as detailed in the headphone instructions, and hold them close to the phone.

That should be enough to get the iPhone to detect the second pair of headphones. When they show up on screen, tap Share Audio to connect. Back in the Control Center, you’ll see two pairs of headphones connected, with individual volume sliders for each of them. The second pair of headphones will stay hooked up to the iPhone until you remove them, which you can do by tapping the checkmark next to the headphones in the Control Center.

How to use Dual Audio on a Samsung phone

On Samsung phones, the ability to send audio to two different pairs of headphones is called Dual Audio. You can use any two pairs of Bluetooth headphones, but only certain Samsung phones offer the feature: The Samsung Galaxy S8 (and later S series phones), Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 (and later Z Fold phones), and any Samsung Galaxy Z Flip model. Your phone must also be running Android 10 or later.

The process for adding a pair of headphones is the same, whether you already have a set connected or not. Open the main Settings screen, then tap Connections and turn on the Bluetooth toggle switch if it isn’t already enabled. Select Bluetooth, and the phone will begin scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices.

At this point, your second pair of headphones (and the first, if they’re not already hooked up) needs to be in pairing mode. If you’re not sure how to do this, check the instructions that came with your headphones or run a quick online search to check—there will typically be a physical button somewhere that you can press to ensure the phone can find the headphones.

When the headphones appear on the phone’s screen, tap on them and then pick Pair to connect. Next, go back to the home screen and open the Quick Settings pane with a swipe down from the top right corner of the display. From there, tap Media output and select both headphones to send audio to both sets simultaneously. Each pair of headphones also has its own volume slider. To disconnect a set of headphones, head back to Bluetooth in Settings, tap the cog icon next to the device, then hit Disconnect.

How to share audio on other Android phones

Unfortunately, no other Android phones currently offer the same native audio-sharing feature you can get on iPhones and Samsung phones—there’s no similar functionality on Google Pixels, for example. While other Android phones can certainly connect to multiple Bluetooth devices, they can only send audio to one of them at a time.

That said, there are a few workarounds you can try. The Bose Connect app can send audio to two pairs of headphones from an Android phone, but it only works with a specific list of Bose wireless headphones (there’s a list on the app listing). Then there’s the SoundSeeder app, which syncs music across multiple phones—everyone involved can use their own headphones with their own phone to hear the same song at the same time.

[Related: 9 hidden Android features you’re missing out on]

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Headphones made for kids are a great way to keep them entertained with their favorite tunes and games without letting the rest of the world know they’re playing the “The Hairbrush Song” from VeggieTales … again. And iClever has you covered if you want kid’s headphones on the cheap, thanks to this Amazon deal.

iClever HS19 Kids Headphones with Microphone $14.99 (Was $18.99)

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Whether you’re getting back-to-school shopping done early or want something that will keep delicate ears safe while Bluey re-runs play incessantly on a tablet for kids, these headphones from iClever are it—and they’re 21% off, down from $18.99 to $14.99. A volume limiter switch stops the headphone from reaching more than 85 decibels (dB) in daily life, or 94 dB when in noisier environments. A 3.5mm audio jack means it plugs easily into a laptop, handheld gaming console, or into a headphone jack adapter for iPads. Plus, 40mm drivers mean you’re not raising any old music listener but a full-on audiophile who counts KEF speakers in their sleep.

If you have two young kids, don’t fret: pairs of headphones are also on sale for 27% off. Check out our other picks for kid headphones, especially if you’re looking for more wireless options.

Don’t sleep on this sale—your wallet and your sanity on a six-hour vacation drive (anyone over 7 can only handle so much Cocomelon) will thank you.

Here are more deals on kid-friendly electronics they’ll love:

• iClever Kids Headphones with Microphone $11.99 (Was $17.99)
• iClever BTH12 Kids Bluetooth Headphones 2 Pack $51.98 (Was $64.98)
• iClever HS01 Food Grade Kids Headphones with Microphone $14.99 (Was $20.99)
• iClever Magic Switch Headphones for Kids & Teens $29.99 (Was $39.99)
• iClever HS01 Kids Headphones with Mic $13.59 (Was $16.99)
• iClever HS14 Kids Headphones for Kids $11.99 (Was $17.99)
• BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve Star Projector (Green Stars) $34.99 (Was $59.99)
• BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve Star Projector (Blue Stars) $38.99 (Was $59.99)
• BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve LED Galaxy Projector, Nebula Lamp (Cloud Only, No Stars) $19.99 (Was $44.99)
• BlissLights Starport USB Laser Star Projector (Red) $11.24 (Was $14.99)
• Logitech G Cloud Handheld Portable Gaming Console $299.99 (Was $349.99)
• Logitech F310 Wired Gamepad Controller $14.99 (Was $24.99)
• Amazfit GTS 2 Mini Smart Watch $74.99 (Was $99.99)
• FRAMEO 10.5 Inch Smart WiFi Digital Photo Frame $79 (Was $129)
• JBL Pulse 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker with Dazzling Lights $199.95 (Was $249.95)
• Electronic Wipes Streak-Free for Screen Cleaner & Smart Watch $30.57 (Was $33.97)
• ProCase 2 Pack iPad 10.9 10th Generation 2022 Screen Protector $8.99 (Was $12.99)
• Rantice Hybrid Shockproof Rugged Drop Protection Cover with Kickstand for iPad 10.2″ $16.14 (Was $19.99)

Shopping for yourself as well? Visit Amazon right now, and you can pick up grill tools and accessories on sale, find some amazing pool deals, and snag a nice watch to look fancy for a parent’s night out. And if you’re taking the kids camping, check out these generator sales so those devices don’t run out of power at inopportune times.

The post Gift your kid fun headphones with 20% off iClever on Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.