The Best Musical Headphones For 2024

Nicolas Ward By, Nicolas Ward
Updated
Best musical headphones
Best musical headphones

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones are designed to provide high-resolution audio while staying firmly on your ears. Proprietary 45 millimeter large aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper clad aluminum wire voice coils provide excellent sound isolation in loud environments. The circumaural design contours around the ears for a comfortable fit that can be worn all day. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones

The DT 770 PRO headphones are designed for professionals seeking the highest demands in sonic detail, clarity and accuracy. The 80-ohm version is highly versatile, with a brilliant sound and accurate bass reproduction. The soft, circumaural ear pads provide extended wearing comfort. Hard-wearing, durable and robust workmanship ensures long product life. Read Review

3. Best Portable: Marshall Major IV On-Ear Bluetooth Headphone

Get the most out of your music with the Marshall Major IV on-ear Bluetooth headphone. Offering improved ergonomic design and a more faithfully fitting ear cushion, this headphone is as comfortable as it is stylish. The 3.5 mm socket means you can share your music with friends, or even use the included cable to plug in to any device. Read Review

4. Best Comfortable: Status Audio CB-1 Closed Back Studio Monitor Headphones

Status Audio's CB-1 studio monitor headphones are an industry standard in recording studios around the world. The CB-1s have received critical acclaim from the most discerning audiophiles as well as top technology editors. The closed back design and velour earpads provide a comfortable listening experience with excellent isolation from outside noise. Read Review

When you’re listening to music, you want the experience to be as immersive and engaging as possible. That’s where headphones come in. The best musical headphones allow you to lose yourself in the music and get completely caught up in it. If you’re a music lover with a discerning ear looking for a new set of cans or headphones, then you’ve come to the right place.

This guide covers everything you need to know about finding the right pair of musical headphones for your needs and budget. From wireless over-ear headphones perfect for commuting to earbuds that are great for working out, we’ll run through some of the best examples of different types of musical headphones on the market right now, including some brilliant high-end pairs that won’t break the bank.

After nearly 16 hours of research, we were able to come up with many top products from prominent brands like Audio-technica, Beyerdynamic, Marshall, Status, Sennheiser consumer audio, Hifiman, Sony, Philips audio, Focal, Sennheiser pro audio, Akg, Grado. Among them, Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones seems to be the first product you can rely on. Alternatively, if you're simply looking for a good-looking option, you may go with beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones.

Our article today focuses mainly on giving you guidelines and tips to be able to buy the right product that best suits your needs. Explore with us right here.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
Our Score:
9.7
Audio-Technica
  • 90 degree swiveling earcups for easy one ear monitoring and professional grade earpad and headband material delivers more durability and comfort
  • Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments
  • Proprietary 45 millimeter large aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper clad aluminum wire voice coils
  • Critically acclaimed sonic performance praised by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers
  • Exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range with deep accurate bass response
TOP Choice #2 beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones
Our Score:
9.6
Beyerdynamic
  • Practical single-sided cable (3.0m cable) . Comfortable fit due to rugged, adjustable, soft padded headband construction
  • Closed over-ear headphones, ideal for professional recording and monitoring
  • The soft, circumaural and replaceable velour ear pads ensure high wearing comfort
  • Hard-wearing, durable and robust workmanship Made in Germany. Innovative bass reflex system
  • Perfect for studio and stage recordings thanks to their pure, high-resolution sound
TOP Choice #3 Marshall Major IV On-Ear Bluetooth Headphone
Our Score:
9.4
Marshall
  • Major IV can be charged wirelessly, so it’s now easier than ever to charge and go. Spend less time looking for your charger in a mess of wires and more time listening to your music. You will receive a USB-C charging cable in the box. Wireless charging pad is not included
  • Improved ergonomic design means that when you’re deep diving into your music, the tenth hour is as comfortable as the first. Major IV’s ear cushions are softer to the touch and more faithfully fit the shape of your ear.
  • With the multi-directional control knob you can play, pause, skip and adjust the volume of your device, as well as power your headphones on or off. Phone functionality is also included so you can answer, reject or end a call with a few simple clicks.
  • Major IV combines enhanced usability with classic Marshall elements like the multi-directional control knob, textured black vinyl and the Marshall script for a design that is both iconic and innovative. The new fold clip means that Major IV folds away into an even more compact size, and the ear caps are protected from too much wear and tear.
  • 80+ solid hours of wireless playtime with quick-charge capability – only 15 minutes of charging will give you 15 hours of listening. These are headphones truly built for the long haul.
  • Major IV delivers the signature Marshall sound that you’ve come to expect. Custom-tuned dynamic drivers deliver roaring bass, smooth mids and brilliant treble for a rich, unrivalled sound that you’ll never want to turn off.
  • Major IV features a 3.5 mm socket so a friend can plug in and enjoy your music.
  • Included components: Major IV Headphones, 3.5mm audio cord, User Manual and legal and safety information, USB-C charging cable
  • TWO CABLES INCLUDED + ¼ ADAPTOR: The CB-1 comes with two 9-foot audio cables - one coiled, one straight. Both have a custom locking mechanism that keeps them attached to the headphones, eliminating the risk of dislodging the cable. The CB-1 is compatible with any 3.5mm audio cable, but it will lack this locking feature. We also provide a ¼ adaptor plug for use with professional audio equipment.
  • 50MM Drivers: Large 50mm drivers deliver studio quality audio with a wide, expansive soundstage that puts you in the room with your favorite musicians. Hear music the way the artists, producers, mix and mastering engineers intended.
  • STUDIO STANDARD: Praised by top musicians, producers, and audio engineers, the CB-1 headphones are an industry standard in recording studios around the world. The CB-1s have received critical acclaim from the most discerning audiophiles on the web as well as top technology editors.
  • UNDERSTATED STYLE: The CB-1’s minimalist, unbranded aesthetic will never lose its luster or fall out of fashion. A slim frame doesn’t awkwardly protrude sideways, and the CB-1 can be folded to become compact for travel.
  • DESIGNED FOR COMFORT: The CB-1’s padded headband and overstuffed earpads were designed to be comfortable during multi-hour recording sessions. Its over-the-ear design fully encloses ear, offering passive noise cancelling without putting extra pressure on your head. The CB-1’s adjustable headband ensures a snug fit on your head, and clicking ridges allow for full customizability. .
5 SENNHEISER HD 660 S - HiRes Audiophile Open Back Headphone
Our Score:
9.1
Sennheiser Consumer Audio
  • Para aramid reinforced, detachable cables employ high conductive OFC copper to insure signal integrity with very low handling noise
  • Note: Kindly refer to the user manual provided as a PDF manual in the product description section
  • Reference class open back, dynamic headphone employing new and improved transducers delivering low harmonic distortion
  • Supplied with two connection cables: One with a 6.35 millimeter stereo plug, the other a 4.4 millimeter Pentaconn balanced stereo plug. Also included is a 6.35 millimeter to 3.5 millimeter adaptor. Connectivity Technology: Wired 6.35 millimeter / 4.4 millimeter Pentaconn
  • 150 ohm nominal impedance allows direct connection to home and mobile Hires audio devices. Contact pressure: 6.0 N - 1 N
  • Frequency response 10 to 41,000 Hz ( 10 dB), Impedance 150 ohm
  • Transducers are hand selected for precise (1 dB) left / right matching tolerance insure exceptional accuracy and presentation of stereo spatial characteristics
6 HIFIMAN SUNDARA Hi-Fi Headphone
Our Score:
8.9
HIFIMAN
  • New headband design offering a separate head strap which allows for the headphone weight to be spread perfectly evenly over the wearers head. It delivers both a more comfortable fit but also a more eye pleasing look.
  • Utilising a new, hi-tech diaphragm means that the diaphragm is 80% thinner than was on the previous series. This results in more detail, faster transients and an extended frequency response.
  • The Headphone cable attachment uses the standard 3.5mm socket which gives improved connectivity and is more physically robust connector too.
  • This latest version of SUNDARA now is supplied with newly improved earpads for enhanced durability and a newly upgraded cable made with stronger, further improved materials (of OFC wire) custom designed for the headphone.
  • The all new Headband gives a structure intended to be as practically street friendly, built to take the wear and tear of everyday life while looking great as it does it.
  • Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback)
  • Ultra-comfortable, lightweight design with soft fit leather
  • Crystal clear hands-free calling with 4 beamforming microphones, precise voice pickup, and advanced audio signal processing.
  • For everyday convenience, just Speak-to-Chat and Quick Attention mode stop your music and let in ambient sound
  • Magnificent Sound, engineered to perfection with the new Integrated Processor V1
  • Intuitive touch control settings to pause play skip tracks, control volume, activate your voice assistant, and answer phone calls.
  • With instant pause/instant play music automatically pauses when headphones are taken off and starts again when they are put back on.
  • Carry your headphones effortlessly in the redesigned case.
  • Multipoint connection allows you to quickly switch between devices
  • Industry Leading noise cancellation-two processors control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation. With Auto NC Optimizer, noise canceling is automatically optimized based on your wearing conditions and environment.
  • 3.5 – 6.3 mm adapter + cable clip are also included
  • Technical specifications: 5 - 40,000 Hz frequency response | Open acoustic system | 500mW maximum power input | 30 Ohm impedance | 100 db @ 1 mW sensitivity | 13.4 Oz weight
  • Exquisitely tuned 50 mm multi-layer polymer (with dampening gel) diaphragms - delivers exquisitely detailed highs, full and smooth midrange, and impactful (without overpowering) bass
  • Hi-Res Audio certified. Hear the full impact of every note when wired to a high-resolution source for a lifelike performance.
  • Detachable Balanced and Unbalanced 3 m oxygen-free cables included
  • Open-back design. Wide, natural soundstage with acoustically transparent Kvadrat speaker fabric. By eliminating the air pressure build-up behind the diaphragms, an immersive and spacious sound is born.
  • Premium finishing also means responsibly sourced materials. The sumptuous black Muirhead Scottish leather covering the headband is sustainably and ethically sourced.
  • All new Philips Fidelio X3 with wide, natural soundstage and uncolored sound
  • Balanced and unbalanced inputs means it is ready for your favorite headphone amp or your everyday phone and mobile devices.
  • Incredible tonal balance, which is able to reproduce the subtlest sound details at both very high and very low frequencies
  • High-end closed-back design for home use and on-the-go
  • Excellent performance when connected to a portable audiophile player.
  • Very good ambient noise soundproofing - Comfortable and ergonomic
  • Exclusive full-range speaker-driver with an 'M'-shape aluminium/magnesium dome (patent pending)
  • 150 Ohm headphone - Pre amp or headphone amp recommended
  • Excellent isolation allows working in noisy environments
  • High long-term comfort, Easy transportation
  • Linear sound balance, like Neumann's acclaimed studio monitors
  • Transparent sound with high resolution
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

To Choose The best musical headphones, What Criteria Do You Need To Study Before?

Almost all buyers are anxious about getting best musical headphones. Whenever creating multiple purchases, various issues need to be resolved. Our market expertise will give you help to make the best shopping selection.

Please consider the following factors before selecting best musical headphones:

Audio Quality

The second option is sound. There are many models that offer different sound quality. You want to choose headphones that suit your taste. With the companion app, some models can be customized to produce a sound that suits their needs.

Headphone Type

Do you prefer a pair of headphones that are sealed or in-ear? Is active noise cancellation technology available in a headphone?
It is important to consider comfort. You might be using your headphone at least 4-5 hours per days. Would you choose a product that is strong but also isolates you well? Would you choose a larger can, which is lighter but still portable, or a smaller can?

Accessories

Accessories are equally important for wired models. The manufacturer should include an aux cable. It is a good idea to get headphones with an carrying case, charger cable, user manual, extra tips, or ear cups.

Durability

A headphone shouldn't be considered disposable technology. This year's headphones will not be outdated six months from now, unlike almost all other consumer electronics. A pair of good headphones should last at least ten years.
Make sure you check the quality of headphones before purchasing. For example, some earbuds or portable devices can be quite fragile. Are the hinges strong enough to hold the headphones together for storage? Or will they break in just a few months? Remember that headphones' earpads, earbuds, and headphone cables will experience a lot of wear over their lifetime.

Mobile App

Most popular headphones and earbuds have an app that allows you to control your audio experience.
Some apps allow you to pair the device and control the settings, while others let you manually adjust the volume and bass levels of the headphones or earbuds.

Special Features

A lot of earbuds or headphones have bonus features like Dolby Atmos support, spatial audio and adaptive EQ. You can also participate in calls and video calls when they are paired with your phone.
Many of these earbuds can be used with either your phone's native app or a separate app that allows you to locate an errant earbud quickly. Most headphones, however, aren't waterproof or water-resistant.
Consider the audio type and the place you will be listening. Then, pick the headphones that have the most common features and functions.

Design

The design is often more important than everything. Do you want in-ear or on-ear headphones, as well as over-ear and under-ear models? Wireless or wired? Sporty or luxury? These headphones can be worn for many occasions so you need something that fits your needs. No matter what type of headphones you decide to get, ensure that they are sturdy, lightweight, comfortable, and easy to transport.

FAQs

If I Lose The Eartips That Came With My Headphones, Do I Need To Purchase A New Pair?

Absolutely, unless you are just trying something different. If you don't have the funds, you can contact the manufacturer to get a replacement pair. It can be frustrating to lose an earbud because they only have one size. Comply has a range of aftermarket tips to suit your brand if you are in an adventurous mood.

Does A Higher Price Tag Mean The Headphones Will Sound Better?

Not necessarily. It's surprising that so many people spend hundreds on smartphones but don't want to buy quality headphones. However, you shouldn't assume that all cheap headphones are equal.

How Do Wireless Headphones Work?

The wireless headphones can be powered by batteries and pair with an infrared or radio signal. Bluetooth technology is available on many devices, which makes it easy to connect and provides high-quality audio.

What Is The Difference Between Headsets, Headphones, And Earphones?

- A headset is an amalgamation of headphones and microphones. Gaming headsets are most popular.
- Headphones can be worn on the ears or over-ear.
- Earphones can be described as small, earbud-shaped earbuds that are worn inside the ears.

Do I Need A Headphone Amplifier?

The quality of portable MP3/CD players' amplifiers can be affected by the headphones you use. They aren't responsible for this. The little guys must power both their electronic devices and internal amplifiers using very few volts. The sound quality of some home AV receivers with headphone jacks can be very variable.

Are Wired Headphones Better Than Wireless?

Wireless headphones generally have better sound quality than wired headphones. However, there has been so much advancement in audio technology in the last few years that you won't notice any difference with most of the top wireless headphones.
We recommend that audiophiles keep choosing wired headphones. It's up to you, the individual. Wireless headphones are a good choice if you prefer wireless headphones and they offer more convenience. You won't regret buying a high-quality pair if you want to enjoy the best sound quality.

How Do Noise-canceling Headphones Work?

Two types of noise-canceling exist: active and passive. Passive noise cancellation is where noise is blocked by headphones. Earbuds that are too close to your ears, such as over-the-ear or earbuds, can block the sound.
The active noise cancelling headphones feature a microphone to pick up noise and produce an opposing sound wave that blocks it.

Since merchandising consultant pros have a wide variety of expertise, the information above is presumed to be accurate. The data of best musical headphones is also updated on a regular basis. You may feel confident that the data is current and accurate.

Please report any problems with best musical headphones so that we can improve your experience. We'll work even harder to improve our quality as a consequence of your favorable comments!


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About Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward is an elite author with many years of experience in the music field and the owner of many engaging articles at TheAudioInsights. He studies music production and has many years of passionate research into sound systems. Appearing in many popular newspapers, Nicolas Ward provides useful knowledge and the latest information on music and sound.