These are far from rich or even warm in tone, but an extra generous sprinkling of refinement this time round has made their forward, clinical presentation all the more palpable. We factor inthe price (cheaper headphones win over pricier ones if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no headphones that are difficult to findor almostout of stock everywhere). You get six hours of use out of the buds, and an extra 10 hours from the case. An excellent pair of no-compromise in-ear headphones. When it comes to Beyerdynamics Amiron headphones, one word springs to mind: comfort. All in all, the HD 250BT are a superb budget buy and a great way to experience what Sennheiser is capable of, without breaking the bank. is all about comparative testing, and we keep class-leading products in our stockrooms so we can always compare new products to ones we know and love. Replaced the JBL CLUB PRO+ True Wireless with the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO as the Beyerdynamic offer an even more neutral mid-range. Assuming you are a keen Apple user, the AirPods Max are the best wireless headphones you can buy and not by a small margin. Please refresh the page and try again. Read the full Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 review. All too often low frequencies can sound overblown and baggy (some brands even make a virtue of this). Despite their robust look, the over-ear, open-back Beyerdynamic Amiron headphones are incredibly comfortable to wear even during extended listening sessions thanks to the snug headband and soft ear cups. Theyre super comfortable too and offer useful new features such as Speak to Chat which allows you to hold a conversation without removing or touching the headphones. The quality and size of drivers is key here. They won't block out commuter noise like rumbly buses, and they don't have a mic built-in, although you can purchase an audio cable with an in-line mic separately. That's not to say the spec is bare. They sound fantastic too. You may experience a drop in pass if you have thick hair or wear glasses, as this can break the headphones' seal on your head. If you're looking to spend a little less on audiophile headphones, the best mid-range headphones for music we've tested are the HiFiMan Edition XS. But if you want to hear what is truly in a track or recording, you wont find better analysts at this price. These wired over-ears head towards the top of the class. Their over-ear design also traps heat around your ears. The better driver means improved sound, but it still remains recognisably SoundMagic - the bass is ample, with plenty of warmth and depth to keep you enveloped, while the top-end isn't compromised. Please refresh the page and try again. There are two big reasons Shures earphones are so prevalent: theyre supremely tough and durable and they sound really neutral and authentic. But at the same time theres enough weight and substance to low frequencies that you dont feel as though youre missing out. Given everyones apparent obsession withwireless headphones, youd be forgiven for thinking the days ofwired headphoneswere numbered, especially at the more affordable end of the market. Not only do they offer 11 preset levels of noise cancellation, the headphones also boast a proprietary TriPort structure that delivers active noise reduction which actually has a positive impact on the sound quality. Other tech triumphs include a fantastic four-microphone system for taking and receiving calls, or talking to Amazon Alexa/Google Assistant, with superb clarity, while the headphones angled ear cups are designed for optimum comfort. Want a pair of the best true wireless earbuds around? Well, some people find headphones of the in-ear variety a tad uncomfortable, and don't like wires that's why there's been such a big rise in wireless headphones, particularly as so many phones now do without a headphone socket altogether. Obviously, its difficult to assess how accurate headphones are when it comes to their performance, because youll not have been in the studio listening to the final cuts of your favourite tracks, but both these elements will confirm their musicality. Sony's best true wireless earbuds to date. Were impressed with the wired Austrian Audio Hi-X55. Open-backed headphones create a spatial image that sounds like its coming from a distance, rather than the ear cup bolted to your head. While the originalMelomania 1can now be had for a significant discount, wed still point you towards this updated model. German audio experts Beyerdynamic continue to make a name for themselves thanks to their excellent range of wired and wireless headphones and microphones. The RZ-S500W are the company's first foray into wireless noise-cancelling earbuds and they're sensational performers for their outlay. They also last over eight hours continuously, and their case supplies an additional three charges. Often, audiophile headphones are wired, so battery life and Active Noise Cancelling are not an issue, but performance-led Bluetooth headphones are always judged on their overall battery stamina and codec support. Thank you for signing up to What Hi-Fi?. Ultimately, these Beyerdynamics fulfill their 'studio' brief by delivering all the resolution, stability and control required to dissect a recording, but at the same time manage to convey the emotional impact of the music as well as anything weve heard at this level. Everything we like about their predecessors their nimble-footedness, expressive, rolling dynamics, and insight across well-defined frequencies has been inherited, and the punch and panache that have made the Prestige models such born entertainers are very much also part of the SR80xs sonic signature. Best wireless earbuds Dec 22, 2021: The very best of these, often using fancy electrostatic designs, are sometimes described by audiophiles as earspeakers, for that very reason. If youre buying headphones primarily for the best musical experience (and there are lots of other perfectly legitimate reasons to buy, including practicality and functionality) then youll want cans able to deliver smooth tonality and excellent detail. Our ears are all different, and failing to ensure that your chosen headphones fit correctly can take you out of the moment. We also test for comfort. A premium pair of headphones, but worth every penny. Their well-balanced sound profile should also please audiophiles. The ear cups and frame are quite large, which can be problematic if you have a small head. They're comfy and lightweight for starters. The sound here is transparent, detailed, rhythmic and downright glorious. All rights reserved. The sound has much to like. so that you can compare the results easily. Noise-cancelling helps isolate you from the world by actively blocking ambient noise, and these days the feature is becoming more and more popular on premium wireless pairs. Your next decision is between wired and wireless. Removed the Plantronics BackBeat Go 810 Wireless as they've been discontinued. All review verdicts are agreed upon by the team rather than an individual reviewer to eliminate any personal preference and to make sure we're being as thorough as possible, too. The Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 Plus are a fantastic challenger to Apple's celebrated AirPods and offer comfort and quality audio for a ridiculously low price. The unexpectedly huge price of the Apple AirPods Max makes them considerably dearer than the great majority of premium (if we can even still call them that) wireless noise-cancelling headphones but they really do justify that extra outlay. In bowling, three strikes in a row is called a turkey; inWhat Hi-Fi? And despite their bulk, they don't feel heavy at all, which is quite amazing. At this money, the SR80 model remains the finest in the market. You wont be replacing them in a hurry. Thankfully, they also sound fantastic and so they should with the hefty price tag they carry. Can we feel the grit in AC/DC vocalist Brian Johnson in For Those About To Rock or clinically dissect Eddie Van Halens epic guitar solo on Eruption? Also consider the battery life being offered, and which version of Bluetooth is being used. While the new level progresses sound quality and arguably has a nicer design, these XM4 remain an excellent option if you're looking to save a few bucks. Youll be sure to find some fitness-specific true wireless earbuds with your name on. On paper the spec looks decent: massive 46.3mm full-range drivers (the biggest in any Bowers & Wilkins headphones) are a sight to behold. The best in-ear headphones for music that we've tested are the MOONDROP Aria. Entering their third generation here, two years on from the launch of the sophomore efforts, the wireless noise-cancelling earbuds remain on the top rungs of an increasingly tall ladder with an improved performance that's right up there, a competitive spec sheet that offers great battery life (28 hours) and Bluetooth codec support (aptX Adaptive), and the bonus of extra in-app personalisation features. Theres better in-ear grip than before too but, more to the point, these just sound great. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. If youre looking at wired headphones, make sure the cable is the right length for your intended use. Whats more, our smart price widgets have found the best prices for our top picks online right now. But the PX7s bring more than just that. Specs are thorough, with noise-cancelling tech, an Ambient Mode, twin mics for voice calls, and battery life that totals 19.5 hours (6.5hrs from the buds and 13hrs from the charging case). But perhaps it should be. Those other pairs provide warm, comfortable listens, where the Austrian Audios are far more analytical and more professional in their presentation. If you crave a bass-heavy sound that packs extra thump, rumble, and boom, the best headphones with intense bass for music that we've tested are the Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless. There's plenty of agility through the low end and loads of texture across frequencies. You will receive a verification email shortly. If you would like to choose foryourself, here is the list of all our reviews, ranked by their suitability for neutral sound. The headphone cable hooks over the top of your ears and keeps them secure at all times - there is a slight knack to getting the swivelling buds in place, though. This was addressed with the launch of the Apple AirPods Max an on-ear set of wireless headphones which, lets face it, look the business thanks to Apples impeccable design. Be careful not togetcaught up in the details. Which is not to be sniffed at. Beyerdynamic refers to the DT 900 Pro X aspremium studio headphones. If you are looking for a new pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones, your auditioning should start here. This character trait is where the fine Austrian Audios differ from their most obvious rivals, theSennheiser Momentum orPhilips Fidelio X3. If you do all of your listening at home and value outright sound quality, classic wired, open-backed on-ears are best. There's dynamics and detail in spades and it's a balanced performance, with taut, precise bass notes and refined, sophisticated vocals. Read the full Austrian Audio Hi-X15 review. Want the equally excellent wireless versions? Our recommendations aboveare what we think are currently the best headphones for music to buy for most people. If you're still not sure which way to go, take a look at our guide on how to choose the right pair of headphones. These over-ears have a fairly neutral sound profile with a touch of extra warmth and boom. Build quality and exotic wooden finishes start to come into play at around $600/450 upwards. IPX4 water resistance is included, as are clever features such as Quick Attention and Speak-To-Chat which both allow you to have a conversation without removing the earbuds. That had us scratching our collective heads. And that sound - bellissimo. Comfort and fit matter a huge amount when it comes to musical enjoyment. Best of all, the sound has all of the energy you need to keep motivation levels up as you gasp for air, and theres plenty of meaty bass to keep the blood pumping. We've removed the Jabra Elite 75t Truly Wireless, and the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO and Superlux HD 681 has moved to Notable Mentions. These over-ears have a haptic bass slider that canincrease bass in your audio. Theyre clear, rhythmic, detailed and deliver all the musical energy you could need to get you through a morning commute or a tedious day in the office. They're dynamic, detailed and their sense of rhythm and timing needs to be heard. Put the range-topping SR325x next to its immediate predecessor (theWhat Hi-Fi? Their in-ear design is very comfortable, and some people may even prefer fit compared to open-back headphones as it can help block out some background noise like ambient chatter. The SE425s are the highlight of the current range, offering a supreme sound that, while a bit bass-light, is brilliantly detailed and textured through the midrange. Today's best Sony WH-1000XM4 and AKG Y50BT deals, We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices, Digital meets analogue in these ace, wireless, noise-cancelling cans, The best Bluetooth headphones for music at a very reasonable price, Simply stonking true wireless in-ears for music fans, Move away from the in-ear variation and immerse yourself in sonic bliss, Premium comfort and sound from the headphone giant, Robust cans for home listening that take you closer to your music, Great sounding true wireless buds for an eye-catching price, Up there with the best noise cancelling in the game, Astonishing mid-range from these minimalist buds, These best headphones for rockers who run, A recording studio staple, B&W make great headphones for music, Hit the road with these band-approved, durable in-ears, The best headphones for big sound at a smaller price, Incredible hi-fi headphones for luxurious at-home listening, (Image credit: Sony/Sennheiser/Grado/AKG/Cambridge Audio), Best headphones for music: The Louder Choice, 12. So, whether youre planning a long lockdown walk, or youre looking ahead to a long-haul flight, you know youll have enough juice to go the distance. is supported by its audience. Open-back designs tend to have sonic advantages over their closed-back cousins, of course. Thats where the weirdly monickered Soul Byrds come in. Apples first on-ear headphones justify their huge price tag. It's also worth pointing out that your battery life can be boosted by 36 hours with the also included charging case. You can hear things you never thought were there even on recordings you know inside out. Tom Parsons They can't create an immersive soundstage either, as their shape bypasses your outer ears, which need to be activated by sound to create a more natural, wide, and large sound. And if that's the case, you'll have to decide whether you want the uber-portability of in-ear earbuds or the less intrusive fit of on-ear headphones and both styles vary in terms of budget and features. They explore new heights of dynamic expression and a sense of pure entertainment. The same can be said for whatever buds came with your latest phone (if it came with any at all). Their very neutral mid and treble response makes vocals and lead instruments sound clear, present, detailed, and airy, though some may find them to be a little too bright. Sound also seems like it's coming from outside of your head rather than from inside your head. There are no frills here - no mic, no controls, certainly no Bluetooth - but thats because theyre serious, pro monitors, and all the better for it. If you're on a tight budget, the best entry-level headphones for music are the Philips SHP9500. Thank you for signing up to Louder. Ultimately, theyre still one of the more striking pairs of headphones on the market. The wireless charging case also extends this by a further 16 hours. For the money you also get active noise cancelling, which is decent but not market-leading, voice control and touch controls on the buds themselves. Their spacious, breathable, and well-padded ear cups should ensure you don't experience any discomfort, even during long listening sessions. Read the full Beyerdynamic T1 (3rd Generation) review. Said ear cups are nicely padded, and although the headband is not. What's most impressive is the way they take the whole frequency range in their stride. However, they can't block out much background noise. The best headphones if you're looking for fantastic all-round ability. Once you have a listen youll be glad you did. Using it can also add intense vibrations to your music, giving you the feeling of being at a live show. Award-winningSR325e), and theres little to separate them, apart from the new flatter foam earpads, updated cable and lighter coloured stitching on the firmly padded headband. Cambridges compact, fuss-free and affordable design in its original Melomania 1 true wireless earbuds (below) was a hit with us the first time around in 2019. They're waterproof, lightweight, comfortable and with multiple ear tip fin options, and sound very decent for the money. But, unlike these JBLs, they wont have the honed ergonomics or ruggedness to be hailed as ideal fitness buddies. The company, born out of ex-AKGemployees, has hit the ground running with its first-ever range of wired headphones, Hi-X. As a rule of thumb, we would suggest you budget at least $350/250. is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Read the full Austrian Audio Hi-X65 review. Nine different eartip choices allow for excellent isolation, while an in-line remote and mic can control your tunes and answer calls. Depending on what kind of music you like, some headphones are better suited than others. Sign up below to get the latest from What Hi-Fi?, plus exclusive special offers, direct to your inbox! The Apple AirPods Max have Active Noise Cancellation which is superb and really lets the music shine through especially when paired with Apple Music and its lossless/spacial audio features. Even with the slider at its lowest setting, they still have a bass-heavy sound profile that's well-suited for genres like EDM and hip-hop, which is good if you want to tone down the rumble for some songs. The Sony WH-1000XM4 (opens in new tab) wireless headphones are without doubt the pair to buy if you're looking for top performance at a neat price. The touch controls on each bud are responsive and intuitive, allowing you to control your music and switch between noise-cancelling modes with zero fuss. If youre looking for a quality pair of headphones at this price, put these at the top of your shopping list. Read more on how we test products and services at Louder. They have a very neutral and flat sound profile, so vocals and lead instruments accurately reproduce. The Sennheiser HD 800 S are the best headphones for music that we've tested. Built quality is fantastic although with so much metal on the outer shell, theyre not the lightest headphones in the world. What Hi-Fi? Read the full JBL Reflect Flow Pro review. Unlike other designs which sport touch-capacitive controls using sensors (often with varying degrees of success), theres a single tactile button on the top edge of both earbuds here. Thanks to their lightweight and portable design, you can easily take these buds with you on the go. Ultimately, Shures trademark sonic profile is faithfully celebrated and delivered in the Aonic Free: expansive, clear across the frequencies, layered, emotive and with enough reserve to celebrate the nuances in your chosen source material. What Hi-Fi? But then, open-backed headphones are rubbish for commuting. The SR80 have spawned many variants within the companys Prestige Series in the three decades since, and the fact that they are still a part of theall-new Prestige X Seriesmakes them the longest-running Grado model. We like their clear midrange vocals, their tight timing, and the way that they can handle challengingly messy songs without breaking a sweat. From Soundgarden to Slipknot, whatever you chuck at them sounds authentic and exciting just as it should. These premium open-backs are among thebest open-back headphoneswe've tested, as they can generate an incredibly natural, spacious, and wholly immersive listening experience that makes your music sound like it's coming from all around you. The best commuter in-ear headphones for music that we've tested are the Jabra Elite 7 Pro True Wireless. 30 hours of battery life is the icing on the cake. Fans of EDM, hip-hop, and R&B, on the other hand, may like their bass to give their favorite tracks extra thump and kick. There's no noise cancelling, but we wouldn't expect it at this price. The addition of a slicker paint-job, app support for EQ customisation and the step-up in sonic detail and refinement without the anticipated price hike only makes us want to heap extra praise upon the new Melomania 1 Plus. Heres why you can trust us. When we saw the official pictures of the Sony WH-1000XM5, we were more than a bit surprised. Theres no noise-cancelling onboard, but those who dont need shouldn't hesitate to add these latest Melomanias to their shortlist. These over-ears have an extremely balanced and neutral mid-range, making them well-suited for genres like classical and folk that rely on the accurate reproduction of vocals and lead instruments. By Theres plenty of bass here, but its not overwhelming and is balanced out by stunning clarity and openness at the mid to upper ranges. Those who prioritise battery life in their AirPods alternatives should find the eight hours promised by the Sonys more than sufficient. To sum up, these Panasonic earbuds are superb for the money. published 28 June 22, The best headphones around, for every price and preference. You'll struggle to find a better pair of in-ear headphones at this price. We found this a little hit and miss, so we'd definitely experiment and consider mixing the sizes if it means getting a more secure fit. The later the version (ideally for v5.0 or higher), the more battery-friendly and potentially better sounding it will be. If you're on a budget, we have no hesitation in recommending them most heartily. The Momentum 3 Wireless cans boast three active noise cancelling modes for different environments, including a transparent mode which lets more of the outside world in, plus Sennheiser Smart control for deeper control of your audio and other features via your phone. The 325es are open-backed and leak noise like a sieve leaks water, so are completely unsuited to use on a train or bus, but that allows them to deliver a really open, airy and spacious sound thats more akin to listening to a great pair of hi-fi speakers. They're also decently well-built, although the fabric padding feels like it could rip over time, and the swiveling ear cups seem prone to breaking under stress. If you want the same audio experience but arent so fussed about such high levels of noise cancelling, the Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II model sounds just as good for a little less. The Austrian Audio Hi-X50 are just as impressive. While a single battery charge will see you through nine hours of your favourite sounds (that's approximately six prog tracks, right?) We've tested over 670 pairs of headphones, and below are our recommendations for the best headphones for music based on sound profile, features, and price range. But, wed be surprised if those thoughts ever surfaced in the corridors of Austrian Audios Vienna HQ. This is where we come in. If that's your priority - and in our humble opinion, it really should be - these will not disappoint. There's no input from PR companies or our sales team when it comes to the verdict, withWhat Hi-Fi? Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, A brilliant buy. Ok so they cost serious money, but that buys you some serious smarts and audio firepower. New design, same result for Sonys latest premium noise-cancelling headphones, Build seems a little less premium than before. There isnt an ounce of fat on any track played through the Austrian AudioHi-X15 headphones. Superb noise-cancellers that enhance Sennheisers reputation. We wouldnt necessarily recommend the Beyerdynamic Amiron if youre looking for a set of headphones for use on the morning commute as the open-back design leads to sound leaks, but these are a solid set of cans. The predecessors to the newer Sonys above, the WH-1000XM4 headphones are still competitive and what will be the clincher for some available at a lower price. Unfortunately, if you want to use them wired, they only support audio via analog, so you can't use their mic. Theres better in-ear grip than before too, but more to the point, these just sound great. Two years on, were happy to report that theyre still pretty magic. Low frequencies hit with precision, too. Still, the difference is in the listening: the SR325x sound notably cleaner and clearer than their predecessor. Checked that picks still represent the best recommendations and that they're in stock. These premium over-ears have an active noise cancelling (ANC) system to help block out the low rumble of bus engines and ambient chatter and have over 37 hours of continuous playback time to last through long days on the go. Panasonic isn't a brand that immediately springs to mind when you think of cheap wireless earbuds. Because of the size of the units, the buttons are easy to find and they work really well. For an engaging, detailed, expansive listen, the Melomania 1 Plus are very much in the running for best at this level. Chris Barnes So which type should you invest in? Below, you'll find a selection of our favourite headphones and we've also included buying advice to give you the knowledge you need before making a purchase. To hear headphones at their most musical, youll want to couple them with a dedicated headphone amp which has the power to better drive your headphones. When it comes to sound, the HD 250BT sound a good deal more musically detailed, agile and rhythmically gifted across the frequencies than one might expect given the eye-popping price tag. Only bettered for value by their successors above, these Sonys build on the original Sony WF-1000X (some of the first true wireless earbuds to get five stars from us), with a Bluetooth chip that sharpens up music synchronization and a noise-cancelling processor which Sony claims offers a 40 per cent improvement on its predecessor. We can't think of any pair of in-ear headphones at this price that comes close. Theres Alexa, Siri and Google Voice integration too, so the only reason youll ever need to remove them is to charge them. OK, so the Melomania 1 Plus don't have noise cancelling, but it's no biggie if you ask us especially at their retail price, which is let's face it an absolute steal. They're pretty light at just 310g, too. Wed consider the Hi-X15 an analytical pair of headphones, but they still manage to make music entertaining with it they extract bags of detail but keep the soul of your music intact. Thankfully, thats where JBL has invested most of its resources. Like many in this category, they consist of two entirely wireless buds and a case that doubles up as a charger. You'll then have to choose whether you want an open-back design (which leaks sound but offers sonic advantages) or the more traditional and common closed-back form (which isn't leaky). The earcups and headband are made of alcantara microfibres (which have a texture similar to suede) and microvelour, which is as luxurious as it sounds. This can create a centralised sonic image, which doesnt feel entirely natural. Not that Dave Mustaines crew are the only musicians to use Shure headphones it seems that practically every band in existence uses the companys in-ear monitors when on stage. Given the sheer amount of different styles of headphones available, you might be surprised that both of our strongest recommendations for the best headphones for music are on-ear style and use Bluetooth rather than a cable. It really is worth paying more, particularly if you do most of your listening on the move.