The Best Headphones For Audiophiles

A great pair of headphones should provide outstanding sound quality, feel comfortable on your head and ears and be easy to use. Ideally, they should feature features like noise cancellation or transparency modes, as well as controls that are touch-sensitive.

Sony's WH1000XM5 over-ear headphones set the bar in this category. They are comfortable, come with excellent ANC, and an impressive application to adjust audio profiles.

High-end

A top-quality pair of headphones is an essential piece of equipment for those who love music. They can bring back old favorites and breathe new life into your carefully planned playlists. They can be used to listen to podcasts, play games and make calls.

The purchase of high-end headphones is an investment but you can get excellent sound quality and features for a reasonable price. Consider the quality of the construction and their reputation for quality when selecting a pair. Reputable brands such as Sony and Bowers & Wilkins offer durable models that are suitable for daily use. They are also renowned for offering a comprehensive warranty and customer service.

Focal's Stellia is a high-tech alternative to its Utopia line at a low price. It delivers an even natural sound that reveals all the aspects of your music without over-emphasized.

Although it's not as portable as the Focal Stellia but the Monoprice Arya is one of the cheapest planar headphones on the market. It is spacious and has a well-balanced soundstage that is ideal for listening to music on the move. You can also customize the sound using a range of presets.

These Sony headphones are among the top options if you're looking for a pair. They have outstanding audio quality and noise cancellation, making them perfect for long-distance travel. They are fashionable and comfortable. They are available in a broad range of colours, so you can find the perfect pair for your personal style. You can also pick from various accessories to enhance your music experience. The Sony MDRZX110A has an array of features that are ideal for audiophiles.

Mid-range

There are many options for mid-range audiophiles. The perfect set can make or break your music listening experience. The best headphones at this price point tend to be open-back, and they provide a large soundstage, with crystal clear floating highs and natural, smooth mids. The acoustics are generally excellent and can pick up the finest detail and nuances in the recording. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones are among the top in this class. They provide significant improvements over their predecessor model. It's still a heavyweight at 307 g, but it's more comfortable, and it has improved noise cancellation and voice-calling capabilities. It looks more premium with its sleek design, and extravagant materials.

Another option is the Grado Prestige Series SR225x which are a great choice for those looking for an excellent pair of open-back headphones that won't cost an arm and leg. This is a hand-built, high-quality headphone that offers outstanding audio quality for the price. It doesn't sound as good as the more expensive Prestige headphones however, it's an excellent value for a pair of open-back headphones.

The Focal Stellia is another outstanding pair of headphones in the mid-range. It's a closed-back rival to the company's flagship Utopia headphones and is beautiful to see. It has a great soundstage and a high-quality transparent reproduction. It's a great headphones for listening to music and podcasts, and it has a fantastic build quality, which includes real wood earcups. It's also among the top headphones for those who wish to listen to their music on the go. It's available in a range of colors, and it has a stunning design that is perfect for the audiophile in you.

Low-end

If you're in the market for headphones with a budget it is important to prioritize the features you'd like and can live without. There are a variety of options in the lower price range that offer high-quality audio and comfort.

Sony's MDR-7506s are an excellent illustration of the extent to which you can get the buck in this category. These dynamic wired headphones use 40-millimeter drivers and neodymium magnets to provide the kind of sound that you would expect from a premium pair of Headphones skullcandy. The headphones best include DSEE which boosts low-resolution digital music files to a near-high-resolution sound. You can also control your voice via Google Assistant and Siri, and an IPX4 rating for shower-proof protection.

The HiFiMan E11BTs are another solid alternative in this price range. These wireless headphones are more powerful than their more expensive counterparts due the sturdy, all-aluminum construction. The neckband is comfortable and can be worn around your head. They're great for an easy trip to the bar, or a daily run.

These are some of the most premium headphones you can buy for less than PS200. They're a current What Hi-Fi? Award winner and offer great sonic bang for the buck. The sound is clear and wide, which isn't something you can get with headphones this cheap.

They also utilize high-quality Bluetooth codecs that work with LDAC, aptX HD and other Bluetooth standards. However, they do not support the superior AAC codec that most iOS devices use. iPhone users might encounter some delays when using these headphones in conjunction with their phones. Android owners will not experience issues with these headphones, but.

Comfort

For long listening sessions, comfort is a huge aspect to take into consideration. Over-ear headphones typically have cushioned headbands and ear cups that will rest gently on your ears and wrap around your head. You can also test different ear tips, either provided or as an accessory.

Wireless headphones are an excellent option for many, as they allow you to move easily without worrying about cords that get tangled. Some models come with a noise cancelling feature to block out background noise which allows you to focus on work or study. Noise-canceling headphones can be an excellent choice for commuters because they block out train and plane tracks while traveling to and from work.

High-end headphones typically come with numerous features such as Bluetooth, hi-res audio quality and noise cancellation. Some even fold up to the size of a small bag and come with a protective case.

If you're in the market for a high-end pair of headphones, take a look at the Bose 700 series. Audiophiles love them due to their top-quality sound, noise cancellation and comfortable design. The headband can be adjusted to fit most head sizes and the soft earpads are able to seal your ears, with no heat or pressure.

Another great pair of headphones to test is the Sony WH-1000XM5. They're highly rated and offer outstanding sound quality, impressive noise cancellation, and comfortable ergonomics. Wireless and packed with user-friendly features that include touch sensors and smart assistants (Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant) and auto audio settings through accelerometers and proximity sensors. They're also fairly light for headphones that feature this much technology.

Noise-canceling

Noise-canceling headphones are great to block out distracting sounds and assisting you to concentrate on your task, whether you're in a crowded city on your commute, flying on an aircraft, or in a noisy office colleagues clacking their keys in the next room. They typically use active noise cancellation, which utilizes built-in microphones that listen to your surroundings and emit an inverted sound wave that cancels out background sound.

The best noise cancelling headphones will depend on your budget and requirements. You might want to pick a pair of headphones that are lightweight, comfortable, and easy to control and connect with your music player or mobile device. Other options include a built-in battery that provides hours of music and a carrying case for travel.

Over-the ear ANC headphones provide the best noise-cancelling capabilities. Earbuds are more compact but are not as efficient in blocking out ambient noise. The Bose QC 35 II headphones are lightweight and comfortable to wear for long periods of time. They feature adjustable ANC and an impressive battery longevity of up to 30 hours. Their design is sleek and compact with a folding mechanism that makes them easy to store in a bag or backpack.

Anker Soundcore Q45 headphones are an excellent alternative for those seeking ANC at a cheaper price. They come with a transparent mode with customizable EQ settings and ANC that is solid. They do not block out any ambient noise and bass-heavy music might sound less dynamic, but they're great overall for the price.

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones are more expensive than the other options in this category, but they deliver superb audio quality, and boast a remarkable noise-cancelling feature set. They're comfortable to wear for extended periods of time and fold down into small storage bags. They're stylish and support the lossless LDAC Bluetooth codec for high-resolution audio streaming. The headphone application allows you to alter EQ and select audio presets.