Sound quality is the main criterion put forward to the headphones. Audio stores offer many decent models for music lovers. The leaders in the production of such equipment are Germans, British and Americans - most of the headphones of the rating are “native” from these countries. But there is also an unexpectedly good decision of a manufacturer from Romania. Intrigued? Then check out the headphone sound quality rating to the end. In it, following the opinion of experts and user reviews, I collected the best sound quality headphones of various form factors, although their absolute majority are overheads of a closed type. In this form factor, it’s easiest to get great sound. I hope this TOP list will help you make your choice.
TOP-7 wired headphones with high-quality sound
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Full-size on-ear headphones open the rating. The model completely inherited the design and sound quality from its predecessor M50, the difference is in the removable cable. Can be used by DJs, musicians, in everyday life. This is achieved by a relatively low impedance of 38 ohms. You need a powerful sound card to appreciate the sound quality of these headphones, but they sound good with a modern smartphone. The frequency range is 15–28000 Hz. Sensitivity - 99 dB. In operation, the model is very convenient: folding design, detachable cable, good leatherette trim. Price - .
Pros:
- ergonomics;
- complete set (cover, 2 additional cables);
- sound;
- large volume margin;
- good sound insulation.
Minuses:
- price;
- may sound bad when connected to a device without a powerful sound card;
- uncomfortable position of the plug socket: the cord often clings to the collar;
- very powerful high frequencies, revealing all the defects of low-quality records.
If you appreciate the sound of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50, but are in doubt about whether to buy the ATH-M50's, stop immediately. The price for them is almost equal to its predecessor, while the detachable cable is a very convenient idea. For fans of wireless models last year, the Japanese released the ATH-M50xBT. Rate them, but be prepared to overpay the order compared to the wired version.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
A headphone appreciated by professionals working in recording studios on the radio. These are modifications of headphones with an impedance of 80 and 250 ohms. For a simple layman, there is a model with a resistance of 32 ohms, which still requires preliminary heating, then you can use it with smartphones. The only negative is the rustic design. The sound is balanced, with a slight predominance of treble and bass over the "middle". They sit comfortably on their heads, do not press, creating a good level of sound insulation. Price - .
Pros:
- price-quality ratio";
- excellent sound insulation;
- sound quality;
- large volume reserve;
- interchangeable ear pads, headband pad.
Minuses:
- the design is rustic;
- fixed cable;
- awkward design.
For professionals, these are the best headphones in this price segment. For ordinary people, another inexpensive model can be considered - Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: saving order , advantages in design and convenience (folding design, removable cable).
AKG K 712 Pro
Full-size open headphones for professionals with volumetric detailed, balanced sound, excellent build quality, high level of comfort, for which many experts appreciate. But simple music lovers without professional equipment - an amplifier or at least a powerful sound card - will not like such headphones. A resistance of 62 ohms corrects the sound. Price - .
Pros:
- design;
- build quality;
- convenience;
- removable cable;
- complete set (additional cable, cover);
- sound quality.
Minuses:
- velor ear pads require periodic dusting;
- twisted cable is too stiff;
- some users lack bass;
- demanding on outgoing sound quality;
- poor sound insulation associated with the design feature;
- awkward.
Suitable for working with sound lovers of open type headphones. They require heating and the selection of a suitable audio path. If everything goes well, they can beat the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro in sound quality. I believe that it’s better to take the latter - they are more “omnivorous”, and for everyday use in the home you can buy Audio-Technica ATH-M50x (saving - almost ) But not everyone agrees with me: this is indicated by the 100% recommendation of AKG K 712 Pro on Yandex. Markete.
Sennheiser HD 650
Headphones for audiophiles and zvukachech. Resistance (300 ohms) requires professional audio equipment. Tests of these headphones show almost perfectly flat frequency response with slight accents at the top. This makes the model universal, suitable for listening to any style of music. The main thing is to remember the quality of the outgoing signal and the recording itself. Otherwise, you risk "killing" all the pleasure of listening. This plays into the hands of those who work with sound - all recording defects are in the palm of your hand. Price - .
Pros:
- good sound;
- materials and build quality.
Minuses:
- there is no cover in the kit;
- price;
- exactingness to a source;
- flimsy cable;
- poor sound insulation;
- some users lack bass.
Headphones are not for everyone. Given the high price, I can recommend them to those who work professionally with sound. To music lovers I suggest taking Meze 99 Classics - ideal in everything: design, convenience, sound quality.
Meze 99 Classics
Premium headphones of the Romanian brand Meze. They attract attention with an unusual design, assembly materials - the bowls are made of wood. Available colors are silver mounts and walnut, golden mounts and walnut, white leatherette, silver headband and maple. For lovers of the classics there is a purely black version; it has the NEO prefix to the name. But in it the "highlight" of the appearance is lost. The next thing that pleases these headphones is the package bundle: 2 cables (1 with a microphone and a remote control for mobile devices, another three-meter long cable for stationary use), a shockproof case cover, a cover for adapters and cables, an adapter for an airplane and a Jack adapter (6 , 35 mm). The model is universal, not too demanding on the sound source. It sounds a little better with professional equipment, but it can also be used with a smartphone, including as a headset. The sound is balanced, with excellent midrange and soft bass. Price - .
Pros:
- Beautiful design;
- equipment;
- assembly materials;
- comfortable fit;
- universality: impedance - 32 Ohms;
- sound quality;
- soundproofing;
- can be used as a headset.
Minuses:
- price;
- awkward design;
- there is no volume control on the remote;
- microphone cable effect;
- the wooden surface of the bowls is easily scratched;
- The microphone built into the cable is weak.
Suitable for home. It is not bad compatible with mobile devices, there is even a cable with a microphone in the kit, but it is irrational to use them often on the street: the model does not have moisture protection, the surface of the bowls is easily damaged. Otherwise, they are beautiful.The price is justified, but if it is too high for you, pay attention to the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x - the sound quality is very good.
Shure SE535
The top model in the Shure SE line. Earplugs with reinforcing radiators (3 in each). They produce a natural balanced sound with a slight emphasis on midrange. A perfect fit and excellent sound insulation are guaranteed by a large set of complete ear pads and an ear hook. The impedance of the model is 36 ohms, which theoretically allows it to be used with smartphones, but the sound quality with professional equipment is noticeably better. Price - .
Pros:
- equipment (case, 6.3 mm adapter, adapter for an airplane, a tool for cleaning sound guides, a set of interchangeable ear pads);
- detachable cable;
- securely sit in your ears;
- sound quality;
- large volume reserve;
- soundproofing.
Minuses:
- price;
- exactingness to the sound source;
- some users lack bass;
- cable quality;
- no microphone;
- no clips for attaching to clothes.
Not a bad model for in-ear headphones lovers. They fully reveal their potential when working with powerful sound devices. Not a bad monitor headphone option for artists on stage. For use with a smartphone - an unreasonable price, since there is not even a microphone. I recommend Westone W40 - only 1 thousand more expensive, but the advantages are obvious.
Westone W40
They have a lower impedance compared to the Shure SE535, less demanding on the sound source, perform better with mobile devices. The manufacturer focuses on this by placing a microphone with a volume control on the cable. The quality of the cable is much higher here. The headphones themselves have 8 reinforcing emitters (4 in each) for a balanced sound without a clear dominance of certain frequencies. They sit comfortably in the ears, the set includes a set of interchangeable ear cushions. In addition to them, the manufacturer put 2 cables in the box, a tool for cleaning the headphones, several pairs of decorative pads on the case (with the movement of the hand the headphones can be turned from black to red or blue), a screwdriver for changing them, a case for storage and transportation. Price - .
Pros:
- design;
- rich equipment;
- convenience;
- sound quality;
- soundproofing;
- microphone with volume control on the cable;
- detachable cable.
Minuses:
- large body;
- price;
- exactingness to the sound source;
- some users lack bass with a simultaneous excess of treble.
Considering the package, high build quality and good sound, experts consider the Westone W40 the best vacuum monitor headphones in this price segment. They show themselves well in everyday use. The price is, of course, high. Buying a model is justified for musicians and music lovers - fans of this form factor. It is more advisable to buy full-size headphones, and not necessarily from the range of expensive models, there are decent ones in the segment up to - for example, Audio-Technica ATH-M50x or Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro.
TOP 8 Bluetooth Headphones with High-Quality Sound
JBL Live 650BTNC
The top model in the manufacturer's lineup, which appeared at the beginning of this year and easily won the love of experts and music lovers. Features:
- three colors - white, black, blue;
- hybrid connection - via Bluetooth and cable;
- stable connection, work with several devices at the same time;
- built-in microphone;
- active noise cancellation system;
- voice assistant;
- autonomy - up to 30 hours, however, with active noise reduction they will last 10 hours less;
- proprietary cu technologies - no need to take off your headphones to hear others.
The sound of the model is accented at low frequencies and bass, especially it is felt with active noise reduction. Price - . Availability makes this model one of the most popular in the Russian Federation.
Pros:
- price;
- comfortable to wear;
- equipment (cable case);
- folding design;
- sound quality;
- noise suppression;
- autonomy;
- Ambient Aware and TalkThru functions;
- stable connection;
- there is Multipoint.
Minuses:
- cover material;
- microphone quality;
- cannot be used as a headset by cable;
- when noise reduction is off, the sound is flat;
- lack of aptX support;
- from 20 percent to 0 discharged in less than an hour;
- the touch button of the voice assistant is located uncomfortably.
Good headphones, can be used with mobile devices or at home. They have a number of disadvantages that can be forgiven given the price, especially if noise cancellation is important. If not, consider the Pioneer SE-MS7BT - they look more solid, they sound a little better, but you just have to pay extra .
Pioneer SE-MS7BT
Outperforms the JBL Live 650BTNC in terms of design. The outer surface of the bowls looks very impressive: made of metal, anodized, decorated with laser engraving. The headband and the inner part of the ear cushions are finished in brown, gray or black leatherette. In terms of sound quality, everything is subjective. Extended frequency range, support aptX, but no active noise reduction. If you focus on Yandex users. Market, the Pioneer SE-MS7BT still sound better: the sound score is 4.6 points versus 4.3 in the JBL Live 650BTNC. What confuses me in this model is the old version of Bluetooth along with the NFC chip. The headphone connection is stable, but I still think this decision of the manufacturer is illogical. This is partly due to the rather weak autonomy of the model - 12 hours. Price - .
Pros:
- price;
- design;
- good materials, build quality;
- high-quality sound;
- aptX support;
- stable compound;
- Multipoint;
- NFC.
Minuses:
- awkward design;
- autonomy;
- backlash of buttons;
- Bluetooth v 3.0;
- some users lack bass;
- no noise cancellation;
- microphone quality;
- small volume margin;
- not the highest autonomy (12 hours);
- lack of a charge indicator.
Good headphones for those who love balanced sound. Suitable for everyone except supporters of powerful bass. I recommend them to take the JBL Live 650BTNC or more expensive models.
Marshall Mid Bluetooth
Headphones from an English manufacturer. Like Pioneer SE-MS7BT, no active noise canceling. But they sound good: the sound is balanced, soft, with an emphasis on bass and treble, aptX is supported. Features:
- the shape of the bowls is square, with slightly rounded corners;
- 3.5 mm jack works for input and output - you can share music with friends;
- branded joystick control KNOB - you need to get used to the nuances.
Autonomy of work (up to 30 hours) is excellent for this price segment. Price - .
Pros:
- price-quality ratio";
- Beautiful design;
- good materials and build quality of headphones, complete cables;
- convenient joystick control;
- sound quality;
- AptX support;
- stable connection;
- good microphone;
- autonomy;
- support the connection of second headphones via an audio cable.
Minuses:
- the set does not include a case or case for transporting headphones;
- no Multipoint;
- no support for AAC;
- not very convenient for prolonged use.
The best headphones in the range up to . But they lack active noise cancellation. If this function is important, the manufacturer has a Marshall Mid ANC model, which practically repeats the considered one, but already with noise reduction. True, it costs several thousand more. Good noise canceling headphones are Bowers & Wilkins PX, but they cost twice as much. From budget models of rating I can recommend only JBL Live 650BTNC.
Bowers & Wilkins PX
Another headphone in the ranking is from England. They have a good design, excellent sound quality with a slight emphasis on low frequencies, support for aptX HD, SBC, AAC codecs, active noise reduction. Features:
- resistance - 20 Ohm, can be used with low-power devices without significant loss in sound / volume quality;
- noise reduction works in three modes - "Flight", "City" and "Office". The last option is especially interesting: you can hear the interlocutor thanks to a special microphone grill;
- touch control;
- headphone position sensor: music playback is paused when removing bowls from the ears, and resumes when put back on.
Users note the lack of discomfort during prolonged use. Autonomy of work - up to 30 hours with noise reduction, up to 22 hours - without it. They can work on cable. Price - .
Pros:
- design;
- touch control;
- sound quality;
- stable connection;
- good microphone;
- 3 modes of noise reduction;
- the ability to work on cable;
- autonomy;
- USB C charging connector;
- headphone position sensors;
- aptX support;
- Multipoint;
- proprietary application with the ability to fine-tune.
Minuses:
- large headroom for loudness;
- heavy: weight - 335 g;
- short complete cables;
- rough ear pads;
- awkward design;
- it is impossible to use fully discharged headphones with a wire;
- Bluetooth 4.1;
- no NFC.
The headphones are massive, heavy compared to all competitors above. But there are no complaints about the sound quality and noise cancellation. If you need cheaper ANC headphones, I can recommend the JBL Live 650BTNC, but be prepared to lose sound quality.
Beats Studio 3 Wireless
Full-size wireless headphones from an Apple subsidiary. They work on the basis of the processor Apple W1, have active noise reduction. The target audience is youth. This can be seen in the design: 10 vibrant colors, emphasis on low frequencies in the sound - ideal for listening to dance, electronic or club music. There is AAC support, but not aptX, owners of Apple devices are in an advantageous position. Autonomy - up to 40 hours without ANC, up to 22 hours - with it. Supports fast charging - 10 minutes for 3 hours of operation. Price - .
Pros:
- apple sound processor;
- folding design;
- design;
- carrying case - included;
- touch control;
- noise suppression;
- sound quality;
- autonomy;
- stable connection;
- the ability to bind to iCloud;
- Multipoint.
Minuses:
- price;
- small ear pads;
- small volume reserve;
- turn off outside in winter;
- no AptX support;
- charging - micro-USB, may be a minus for owners of Apple;
- microphone quality.
Headphones targeted at young Apple fans. When working with a computer or device on the Android OS, they show themselves worse. The price is clearly overpriced. Bowers & Wilkins PX cost a couple of hundred cheaper, but their noise reduction is adaptive, the sound is more balanced. I can recommend to owners of Apple technology. I advise the rest to consider other options.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
It is positioned as the top model in the manufacturer's line for true connoisseurs of music. Features:
- the cable is connected to the headphones via a micro-Jack (2.5 mm);
- materials. Fiberglass reinforced nylon body, Alcantara headband - a material used to decorate premium cars;
- NFC support;
- there is Google Assistant.
Sound with pronounced bass will appeal to many. The adaptive noise cancellation system will fully help you immerse yourself in music. The lack of AptX support is disappointing. Price - .
Pros:
- materials and build quality;
- design;
- ergonomics;
- convenient case;
- sound quality;
- stable connection;
- NFC;
- adaptive noise reduction;
- good microphone;
- the ability to work on cable;
- autonomy;
- Multipoint;
- Google Assistant;
- micro-USB charging.
Minuses:
- price;
- cheap short complete USB cable;
- short audio cable Mini Jack 2.5;
- small volume reserve;
- weak microphone.
Headphones may seem expensive, but the price is justified by the quality. 87% of Yandex users. Market recommend them to buy, and I join them. Of cheaper headphones, Bowers & Wilkins PX can compete with: savings - up to ... If you're willing to pay more for headphones, consider the Sony WH-1000XM3.
Sony WH-1000XM3
They differ from all previous participants in the rating with an extended frequency range (4–40,000 Hz), excellent noise reduction. The manufacturer achieved this result thanks to the use of the HD Noise-Canceling Processor QN1 complete with a sound amplifier. The headphones received a 47 Ohm impedance, while performing well with mobile devices. The sound is typical for all the company's headphones: soft bass with damage to high frequencies. Supported by aptX, LDAC, AAC. For the comfort of users, an NFC chip and the Sony Headphones Connect App are provided, through which you can control the functions of the headphones, adjust the sound. Autonomy - up to 36 hours without noise reduction, 30 - with it. Price - .
Pros:
- design;
- leather headboard and ear cushions;
- comfortable wearing;
- high-quality sound;
- noise suppression;
- support aptX and LDAC;
- Sony Headphones Connect App;
- NFC;
- autonomy;
- touch control.
Minuses:
- price;
- some users lack HF;
- weak microphone;
- cannot connect to SONY ps4;
- touch buttons do not work well in frost and temperature extremes;
- the application consumes battery power of the smartphone;
- no Multipoint;
- poor equipment (short cable for charging, cheap case).
Some experts consider the sound of these headphones the best among wireless. Comparing with the Bose QuietComfort 35 II, they note the advanced features of individual sound adaptation, support for all modern codecs, consider the overpayment in justified. Paying tribute to the Bose QuietComfort 35 II, you can save money, they will also serve for a long time, delighting with high-quality sound.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i
Top Bang & Olufsen - a product from Denmark. The company has updated the Olufsen Beoplay H9 model. The result is headphones for music lovers with perfect sound and their own characteristics:
- materials - metal and leather - look very expensive;
- Transparency mode - no need to remove headphones to listen to an important announcement at the airport or place an order in a cafe;
- sensors in the cups. Remove the headphones - pause playback, put on - the music sounds again;
- replaceable battery;
- resistance is 24 ohms.
The sound is above all praise - “warm”, “soft”, voluminous, detailed. This is how users describe it. Comparing with the sound of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II or Sony WH-1000XM3 is probably not the best idea, they do not argue about tastes. Before buying such an expensive thing, you should conduct a "test drive". But noise reduction works at a level with competitors. Autonomy - up to 38 hours without noise reduction, 30 - with it. Price - .
Pros:
- design;
- good materials, build quality;
- sound quality;
- good noise reduction;
- good microphone;
- stable connection;
- convenient application for a smartphone;
- position sensor in the space for autopause;
- Transparency function
- replaceable battery.
Minuses:
- sound quality when noise canceling is impaired;
- complex touch control, there are false positives;
- some users do not have enough bass, while they note an excess of treble;
- uncomfortable. Each time the headband has to be adjusted, pressure on the head and ears makes itself felt after several hours of operation;
- quality of the complete case: a simple fabric bag is not the best idea for premium headphones;
- meager features of the mobile application.
The model is noteworthy, but judging by user reviews, it does not compete with the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Sony WH-1000XM3, but it costs more.
