**Top 10 Best Headphones for 2024: Reviews & Buying Guide**
The search for the perfect pair of headphones can be a daunting task, as preferences vary greatly depending on individual needs, goals, and budget constraints. With the vast array of options available, it’s essential to understand what features are important to you and how they align with your listening habits.
Our team of experts has been reviewing headphones, earbuds, speakers, and other audio products for over 25 years, giving us a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field. While wireless headphones have become increasingly popular in recent years, traditional wired models still offer a blend of sound quality, durability, and affordability that should not be overlooked.
For this buyer’s guide, we conducted extensive online research and put over a dozen circumaural (over-ear) headphones to the test in real-world conditions. After careful consideration, we have narrowed down our selection to the top ten favorites that stood out in terms of performance, design, and value.
**Best Overall Headphones: Focal Utopia (2022)**
With a weight of 490 grams and a frequency range of 5 Hz – 50 kHz, the Focal Utopia stands out as the best overall headphones in our testing. These open-back, wired headphones offer a superior soundscape and luxurious materials, making them a top choice for audiophiles looking for the ultimate listening experience.
While the Focal Utopia comes with a hefty price tag and may be considered heavy by some users, the exceptional sound quality and premium craftsmanship make them a worthwhile investment for those seeking the best of the best.
**Best Budget Headphones: EarFun Wave Pro**
At just 268 grams and with a frequency range of up to 40 kHz, the EarFun Wave Pro offers unexpectedly clean, premium sound at an affordable price point. These closed-back, wireless headphones feature fast charging and up to 80-hour battery life, making them a practical choice for users on a budget looking for a balance of quality and value.
**Most Stylish Headphones: Meze Audio 109 Pro**
Weighing 375 grams and boasting a frequency range of 5 Hz – 30 kHz, the Meze Audio 109 Pro stands out for its distinctive design and materials. These open-back, wired headphones offer a fun sound with elevated bass and treble, along with a self-adjusting headband for added comfort. While they may be relatively expensive, the Meze Audio 109 Pro offers a unique blend of style and performance.
**Best Headphones for Bass: Sony Ult Wear**
With a weight of 255 grams and a frequency range of 5 Hz – 20 kHz, the Sony Ult Wear is the go-to choice for bass enthusiasts. These closed-back, wireless headphones deliver amazing bass, super lightweight comfort, and a feature-rich app for personalized sound settings. While the bass on the highest setting may be slightly bloated, the Sony Ult Wear offers a well-rounded listening experience for those who prioritize low-end frequencies.
**Most Affordable Audiophile Headphones: Drop x Sennheiser HD 6XX**
Weighing 260 grams and featuring a frequency range of 10 Hz – 41 kHz, the Drop x Sennheiser HD 6XX offers superior midrange presentation and clear sound throughout the frequency range. These open-back, wired headphones are lightweight and modular, making them a great value for audiophiles looking for high-quality performance at an affordable price point.
**Best of the Rest**
– **Urbanista Los Angeles Hugo Edition**: With a weight of 325 grams and a frequency range of 20 Hz – 20 kHz, the Urbanista Los Angeles Hugo Edition offers virtually limitless battery life and a stylish design. These closed-back, wireless headphones provide impactful bass and a smooth headband adjustment mechanism, making them a great choice for users on the go.
– **Cleer Alpha**: Weighing 330 grams and featuring a frequency range of 20 Hz – 40 kHz, the Cleer Alpha offers great comfort and strong value for ANC headphones. These closed-back, wireless headphones come with decent touch controls and are ideal for travel enthusiasts looking for a mix of performance and convenience.
– **Audeze MM-100**: With a weight of 475 grams and a frequency range of 20 Hz – 25 kHz, the Audeze MM-100 stands out for its comfortable self-adjusting headband and extremely crisp sound quality. These open-back, wired headphones offer detailed sound reproduction and are a great choice for those seeking a premium listening experience.
– **PSB M4U 9**: Weighing 362 grams and boasting a frequency range of 10 Hz – 23 kHz, the PSB M4U 9 offers exceptional comfort and great sound personalization. These closed-back, wireless headphones come with a range of accessories and tactile, well-placed buttons, making them a versatile choice for users looking for a customizable listening experience.
– **Focal Bathys**: With a weight of 350 grams and a frequency range of 15 Hz – 22 kHz, the Focal Bathys stands out for its open and bright sound profile. These closed-back, wireless headphones feature a built-in DAC and opulent styling, making them a premium choice for users seeking a high-end listening experience.
**How We Tested Headphones**
Our team conducted extensive testing on a variety of headphones using a Chord Mojo 2 DAC/amp to compare sound quality and performance. Throughout weeks of auditioning different models in various environments, we listened to familiar playlists and high-resolution music stored on digital audio players.
By connecting different DAC/amp configurations to our source devices, we were able to assess the headphones’ sound quality in both wired and wireless settings. We rated each entry based on factors such as style, adjustability, portability, and price, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of each model’s strengths and weaknesses.
As we continue to test and assess new headphones, we strive to provide accurate and insightful recommendations for our readers, helping them make informed decisions when purchasing their next pair of headphones.
**Why You Can Trust Us**
Our lead tester, Scott Tharler, has over 25 years of experience in reviewing audio products and consumer electronics. Having attended numerous industry events and tested hundreds of headphones across various price points, Tharler brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to our headphone reviews.
With a focus on providing authentic and unbiased reviews, our team aims to offer valuable insights and recommendations to help readers navigate the ever-evolving world of headphones. By staying up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in the audio industry, we strive to deliver accurate and trustworthy information to our readers.
**Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Headphones**
Selecting the right pair of headphones can be a challenging task, as there are numerous factors to consider when making your decision. From form factor and speaker driver type to fit and comfort, each aspect plays a crucial role in determining which headphones are best suited to your needs.
**Form Factor**
Headphones come in various form factors, each offering unique benefits and considerations for different use cases. Over-ear headphones provide a comfortable fit and passive noise isolation, while on-ear headphones are more compact and portable. In-ear monitors offer superior sound quality and are ideal for musicians and audiophiles.
**Cup Format**
The cup format of headphones, whether open or closed-back, significantly impacts the sound signature and performance of the headphones. Open-back headphones offer a more spacious and natural sound, while closed-back headphones provide a private and intimate listening experience with active noise cancellation features.
**Wired Format**
When choosing between wired and wireless headphones, consider the convenience of wired headphones for easy plug-and-play functionality and superior sound quality. Wireless headphones offer portability and freedom of movement, but may require recharging and can produce a different sound signature when powered on versus using a cable.
**Speaker Driver Type**
Different speaker driver types, such as dynamic, balanced armature, planar magnetic, and electrostatic, produce sound differently and offer varying levels of clarity, detail, and frequency response. Understanding the characteristics of each driver type can help you choose headphones that align with your preferences and listening habits.
**Speaker Size**
The size of the speakers in headphones can impact the sound quality and performance of the headphones. While larger speakers may offer more powerful bass and clarity, the quality and construction of the driver unit are more important than the size of the speakers when determining sound quality.
**Frequency Range and Response**
The frequency range and response of headphones indicate the range of sound frequencies they can reproduce and how accurately they can reproduce different frequencies. Pay attention to the frequency range and response of headphones to ensure they meet your listening preferences and requirements.
**Impedance and Sensitivity**
Impedance and sensitivity are important specifications that determine how loud headphones can get without an external amplifier. Lower impedance headphones are easier to drive without an amp, while higher impedance headphones may require an amplifier to achieve optimal sound quality. Consider the impedance and sensitivity of headphones to ensure they are compatible with your audio setup.
**Fit and Comfort**
The fit and comfort of headphones are crucial factors in determining how enjoyable they are to wear for extended periods. Consider the earpad material, adjustability, weight, clamping force, and overall comfort of headphones to ensure they are suitable for your listening habits and preferences.
**Ease of Use**
The ease of use of headphones, including button and touch controls, can impact the user experience and convenience of using the headphones. Look for headphones with intuitive controls, comfortable fit, and easy adjustment mechanisms to enhance your listening experience.
**Sound Qualities**
When auditioning headphones, pay attention to sound qualities such as clarity, distortion, impact, detail, brightness, darkness, warmth, coolness, and frequency balance. Understanding these sound attributes can help you identify headphones that match your sound preferences and provide an enjoyable listening experience.
**Collection Size and Budget**
Consider how many pairs of headphones you need and how they will fit into your budget. Whether you prefer multiple sets for different use cases or a single pair that meets all your needs, factor in the cost and value of headphones when making your purchase decision. Aim to buy headphones that offer the best performance and features within your budget constraints.
**Portability**
Portability is an important consideration when choosing headphones, especially for users who travel frequently or listen on the go. Look for headphones that are lightweight, foldable, and come with a protective case for easy transport and storage. Consider the portability of headphones to ensure they meet your needs for on-the-go listening.
**Price & Value**
When evaluating headphones, consider the price and value offered by different models. While high-end headphones may offer premium materials and sound quality, there are also budget-friendly options that provide excellent performance at a lower cost. Determine your budget and priorities to find headphones that offer the best value for your money.
**Frequently Asked Questions**
1. **Are Expensive Headphones Worth the Investment?**
While ultra-expensive headphones can offer superior sound quality and premium materials, the value of these high-end models may vary depending on individual preferences and budget constraints. It’s important to consider your listening habits and priorities when investing in expensive headphones to ensure they align with your expectations and requirements.
2. **How Do Headphones Compare to Speaker Systems?**
Headphones provide a personal and consistent listening experience, regardless of the room acoustics or external noise levels. Unlike speaker systems, headphones offer a more intimate and immersive sound experience, making them ideal for private listening and detailed audio reproduction.
3. **Are Wired Headphones Better Than Wireless Ones?**
Wired headphones offer superior sound quality and convenience for users who prefer a direct connection to their audio source. While wireless headphones provide portability and freedom of movement, wired models are often preferred for their reliable performance and consistent sound quality. Consider your priorities and preferences when choosing between wired and wireless headphones.
4. **Which Headphone Type is Most Portable?**
In-ear headphones are the most portable option, as they are lightweight and compact for easy storage and transport. However, fit and comfort are subjective factors that may influence your choice of headphones, so consider your preferences and listening habits when selecting a portable headphone model.
In conclusion, choosing the best headphones for your needs requires careful consideration of various factors, including form factor, speaker driver type, fit and comfort, and sound qualities. By understanding these key aspects and evaluating different models based on your preferences and priorities, you can find the perfect pair of headphones that enhance your listening experience and meet your expectations.