Finding the perfect over-ear headphones can be challenging with so many options available. To make your search easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 over-ear headphones for every budget in 2024. Whether you’re looking for premium sound quality, advanced features, or a budget-friendly option, there’s something here for everyone. Here are the top 10 over-ear headphones to consider.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the latest iteration in Sony’s highly acclaimed WH-1000X series, building on the success of its predecessors with numerous improvements and cutting-edge features. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what makes these headphones stand out:
The WH-1000XM5 delivers exceptional sound quality, featuring custom 40mm drivers that provide deep, punchy bass, clear mids, and sparkling highs. The headphones support high-resolution audio and Sony’s proprietary LDAC codec, which ensures superior sound quality when streaming from compatible devices. Additionally, the DSEE Extreme (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) upscales compressed digital music files in real-time, restoring lost detail for a richer listening experience.
Sound Quality
The noise-canceling performance of the WH-1000XM5 is among the best in the industry. Equipped with multiple microphones and dual noise sensor technology, these headphones effectively reduce ambient noise across a wide range of frequencies. Whether you’re on a noisy flight, in a bustling office, or walking on a busy street, the ANC will immerse you in your music or podcasts without distractions.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Adaptive Sound Control: One of the standout features is the Adaptive Sound Control, which automatically adjusts the noise cancellation settings based on your activity and environment. This intelligent feature can detect if you’re traveling, walking, or waiting and tweak the ANC and ambient sound settings to suit the situation.
Comfort and Design
The WH-1000XM5 features a redesigned lightweight frame and plush, soft ear cups that provide long-lasting comfort, making them perfect for extended listening sessions. The headphones have an adjustable headband and a foldable design for easy storage and portability.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, offering up to 30 hours of playback with ANC enabled and up to 38 hours without ANC. The headphones also support quick charging, providing up to 5 hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge using the USB-C port.
Smart Features
The WH-1000XM5 integrates seamlessly with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, allowing for hands-free control. The touch controls on the ear cups make it easy to adjust volume, change tracks, and take calls without needing to access your device. Additionally, the headphones feature a “speak-to-chat” function that pauses your music when you start talking and resumes it once you stop.
Connectivity
These headphones offer stable, high-quality wireless connectivity through Bluetooth 5.2. They support multipoint connectivity, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously, which is ideal for switching between your phone and laptop seamlessly.
Pros and Cons
Outstanding sound quality with high-resolution audio support. Industry-leading ANC performance. Adaptive Sound Control for personalized noise cancellation. Comfortable design for long listening sessions. Impressive battery life with quick charging. Integration with voice assistants and smart features. Stable and versatile connectivity options.
Expensive compared to other models. Some users may find the touch controls less intuitive than physical buttons.
Where to Buy
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is available for purchase on several major platforms: Amazon: Sony WH-1000XM5 on Amazon. Best Buy: Sony Official Store: Sony WH-1000XM5 on Sony Store.
Conclusion
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is an excellent choice for anyone seeking top-tier sound quality and advanced noise-canceling technology. While it comes with a premium price tag, the features and performance justify the investment, making it a standout option in the over-ear headphone market for 2024.
2. Bose QuietComfort 45
The Bose QuietComfort 45 (QC45) builds on the brand’s legacy of producing some of the best noise-canceling headphones on the market. Known for their exceptional comfort and advanced noise-cancellation technology, the QC45 offers several enhancements over its predecessors, making it a compelling choice for both casual listeners and frequent travelers.
Sound Quality
The QC45 delivers a balanced audio profile with clear mids, deep bass, and crisp highs. This makes them suitable for a wide range of music genres, from classical to pop to rock. The sound is natural and detailed, providing an immersive listening experience. Bose’s proprietary Active EQ maintains consistent performance at all volume levels, ensuring that your music sounds great whether you’re listening at low or high volumes.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Bose is renowned for its noise-canceling technology, and the QC45 does not disappoint. The headphones feature enhanced ANC that effectively reduces ambient noise across various environments, whether you’re on a plane, in a busy office, or walking through a city. This makes them perfect for those who need to concentrate in noisy environments or simply want to enjoy their music without interruptions.
Aware Mode
One of the key features of the QC45 is the Aware Mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings without taking off your headphones. This is particularly useful for situations where you need to be aware of your environment, such as crossing the street or waiting for an announcement at the airport.
Comfort and Design
The QC45 is designed for long listening sessions, featuring plush ear cushions and a lightweight, ergonomic design. The ear cups are well-padded and provide a snug fit without being too tight, making them comfortable to wear for hours on end. The headphones also have a foldable design, making them easy to store and carry around in the included protective case.
Battery Life
The QC45 offers up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is more than enough for a long-haul flight or a full day of use. Additionally, a quick 15-minute charge provides up to 3 hours of playback, ensuring you’re never without your music for long.
Smart Features
The headphones integrate seamlessly with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, allowing for hands-free control of your music and calls. The intuitive controls on the ear cups make it easy to adjust volume, switch tracks, and answer calls. The Bose Music app provides additional customization options, letting you tweak the sound profile and ANC settings to your preference.
Connectivity
The QC45 features Bluetooth 5.1 for reliable and high-quality wireless connectivity. They support multipoint pairing, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously and switch between them effortlessly. This is particularly useful for users who want to switch between their phone and laptop without the hassle of reconnecting.
Pros and Cons
The QC45 offers superb comfort and build quality, making them ideal for extended wear. The ANC is among the best in the industry, effectively reducing ambient noise. The sound quality is balanced and natural, suitable for a variety of music genres. The headphones have a long battery life and support quick charging. Integration with voice assistants and the Bose Music app provides additional customization and convenience.
Unlike some competitors, the QC45 lacks EQ customization within the app. The headphones are priced at a premium, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
Where to Buy
The Bose QuietComfort 45 is available for purchase on several major platforms, including Amazon, Best Buy, and the Bose Official Store.
Conclusion
The Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones are an excellent choice for those seeking top-notch noise cancellation, comfort, and sound quality. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a busy professional, or simply someone who loves high-quality audio, the QC45 offers a compelling package that justifies its premium price.
3. Sennheiser HD 660S
The Sennheiser HD 660S is a premium set of open-back headphones designed for audiophiles who crave exceptional sound quality. As a successor to the highly regarded HD 650, the HD 660S offers several improvements in sound performance and comfort, making it a top choice for critical listening.
Sound Quality
The HD 660S is renowned for its balanced and natural sound signature. It features new and improved transducers that deliver low harmonic distortion and accurate sound reproduction. The headphones provide a tight, well-defined bass, clear and natural mids, and detailed highs, making them ideal for a wide range of music genres. The open-back design contributes to a spacious and immersive soundstage, allowing for an expansive listening experience that makes you feel like you’re in the middle of a live performance.
Transducer Technology
Sennheiser has equipped the HD 660S with a specially crafted transducer system featuring a lightweight aluminum voice coil, which ensures superior impulse response and detailed sound reproduction. The improved diaphragm design reduces unwanted resonances and minimizes total harmonic distortion (THD) for a purer listening experience.
Comfort and Design
The HD 660S is designed with long listening sessions in mind. It features large, plush ear pads covered in soft velour, which provide exceptional comfort and reduce ear fatigue. The headband is padded and adjustable, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for various head sizes. The build quality is robust, with a sleek and understated design that reflects its premium status.
Impedance and Compatibility
With an impedance of 150 ohms, the HD 660S is more versatile than its predecessor. It can be driven by both portable and stationary audio sources, including high-resolution digital audio players (DAPs), headphone amplifiers, and traditional hi-fi systems. Sennheiser includes high-quality cables with balanced and unbalanced connectors to ensure compatibility with a variety of audio equipment.
Accessories
The HD 660S comes with a range of accessories to enhance your listening experience. Included in the box are a detachable cable with a 6.3mm stereo plug, a balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn cable for use with balanced output devices, and a 6.3mm to 3.5mm adapter. This selection of cables ensures that you can connect the headphones to various audio sources without any additional purchases.
Durability
Sennheiser’s build quality is evident in the HD 660S, which features a durable yet lightweight construction. The headphones are built to last, with high-quality materials and a design that can withstand regular use.
Pros and Cons
The HD 660S offers exceptional sound quality with a balanced and natural audio signature. The open-back design provides a spacious and immersive soundstage. The headphones are incredibly comfortable, making them suitable for long listening sessions. They come with high-quality cables and adapters, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio equipment. The build quality is robust and durable, reflecting Sennheiser’s reputation for excellence.
The open-back design means these headphones are not suitable for noisy environments or for use on the go, as they do not block out external noise and can leak sound. The headphones are priced at a premium, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
Where to Buy
The Sennheiser HD 660S is available for purchase on several major platforms, including Amazon, the Sennheiser Official Store, and Sweetwater.
Conclusion
The Sennheiser HD 660S is an outstanding choice for audiophiles and critical listeners who value exceptional sound quality and comfort. With its balanced sound signature, spacious soundstage, and premium build, the HD 660S stands out as a top-tier headphone for home listening. While the open-back design may limit its use in certain environments, the overall performance and quality make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking the best in audio fidelity.
4. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a highly acclaimed pair of professional monitor headphones known for its exceptional sound quality, durability, and value. It is a go-to choice for audio professionals and enthusiasts alike, offering a balanced sound profile that caters to a wide range of listening needs, from studio monitoring to casual listening.
Sound Quality
The ATH-M50x delivers a well-balanced audio experience with a slight emphasis on the bass. This makes them versatile for various music genres, from classical to electronic. The 45mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils ensure clear and accurate sound reproduction. The bass is punchy and well-defined without overpowering the mids and highs, which remain clear and detailed. This balanced sound signature makes the ATH-M50x suitable for both critical listening and casual enjoyment.
Comfort and Design
The ATH-M50x is designed with comfort in mind. The headphones feature plush ear cushions and a padded headband, providing a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions. The circumaural design contours around the ears, offering excellent sound isolation in loud environments. The ear cups can swivel 90 degrees, allowing for easy one-ear monitoring, which is particularly useful for DJs and audio engineers.
Build Quality
The ATH-M50x is built to last, with high-quality materials and a robust construction that can withstand the rigors of daily use. The headphones have a sleek and professional look, with a collapsible design for easy portability and storage. The durable headband and ear cups ensure that the headphones can handle the demands of both studio and on-the-go use.
Detachable Cables
One of the standout features of the ATH-M50x is its detachable cable system. The headphones come with three interchangeable cables: a 1.2m-3m coiled cable, a 3m straight cable, and a 1.2m straight cable. This flexibility allows users to choose the cable length that best suits their needs, whether for studio work, DJing, or portable use. The cables are equipped with secure locking mechanisms to prevent accidental disconnections.
Portability
The ATH-M50x’s foldable design and included carrying pouch make them easy to transport. The ear cups can be collapsed and rotated to fit into the compact pouch, making them convenient for travel and commuting.
Pros and Cons
The ATH-M50x offers excellent sound quality with a balanced audio profile that suits various genres. The headphones are comfortable for long listening sessions, thanks to their plush ear cushions and padded headband. The build quality is durable, ensuring they can withstand regular use. The detachable cable system provides flexibility and convenience, with three different cables included. The foldable design and carrying pouch make the headphones portable and easy to store.
The ATH-M50x’s closed-back design may not provide as wide a soundstage as open-back headphones, which might be a consideration for some audiophiles. While the headphones are great for bass lovers, those who prefer a completely neutral sound profile might find the bass slightly pronounced. The headphones do not come with active noise cancellation, which might be a downside for those looking for noise-canceling features in noisy environments.
Where to Buy
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is available for purchase on several major platforms, including Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H Photo Video.
Conclusion
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking high-quality sound, comfort, and durability at a reasonable price. Its balanced sound profile, combined with its robust build and versatile features, makes it suitable for both professional use in studios and casual listening at home or on the go. Whether you’re a professional audio engineer, a DJ, or a music enthusiast, the ATH-M50x offers excellent performance and value, cementing its place as one of the best over-ear headphones in its price range.
5. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is a professional-grade pair of studio headphones known for its exceptional sound quality, robust construction, and comfortable design. Available in different impedance variants (32 ohms, 80 ohms, and 250 ohms), the DT 770 Pro caters to various use cases, from mobile device compatibility to studio monitoring.
Sound Quality
The DT 770 Pro is celebrated for its accurate and detailed sound reproduction, making it ideal for critical listening and professional audio work. The headphones deliver a balanced audio profile with a slightly pronounced bass response, clear mids, and crisp highs. This sound signature provides an immersive listening experience, suitable for a wide range of music genres and professional applications like mixing and mastering.
Bass
The DT 770 Pro offers deep and well-controlled bass, which adds a satisfying punch to the sound without overwhelming the other frequencies. This makes them a favorite among bass enthusiasts and professionals who need precise bass monitoring.
Mids and Highs
The midrange is well-balanced and natural, allowing vocals and instruments to shine with clarity. The highs are detailed and bright without being harsh, ensuring that high-frequency sounds are reproduced accurately.
Closed-Back Design
The closed-back design of the DT 770 Pro provides excellent isolation from external noise, making them suitable for use in noisy environments or for studio applications where sound leakage must be minimized. This design helps create an immersive listening experience by preventing outside noise from interfering with the audio.
Comfort and Design
Comfort is a key aspect of the DT 770 Pro. The headphones feature large, plush ear pads covered in soft velour, which provide excellent comfort even during long listening sessions. The adjustable padded headband ensures a secure and comfortable fit for different head sizes. The ear cups are designed to fully enclose the ears, contributing to both comfort and sound isolation.
Build Quality
The DT 770 Pro is built with durability in mind. The headphones have a rugged construction, with a metal headband and high-quality plastic components. The ear pads and headband padding are replaceable, extending the lifespan of the headphones. The single-sided cable is non-detachable but is made from sturdy materials to withstand regular use.
Impedance Options
The DT 770 Pro is available in three impedance versions:
- 32 ohms: Suitable for use with portable devices like smartphones and tablets.
- 80 ohms: A versatile option ideal for home studios and general listening.
- 250 ohms: Designed for professional studio use and requires a headphone amplifier to reach optimal performance.
Pros and Cons
The DT 770 Pro offers excellent sound quality with a balanced and detailed audio profile. The bass response is deep and well-controlled, while the mids and highs are clear and natural. The headphones provide superior comfort, thanks to their plush ear pads and adjustable headband, making them suitable for long listening sessions. The build quality is robust and durable, with replaceable parts to extend the headphones’ lifespan. The closed-back design offers effective noise isolation, making them suitable for noisy environments.
The non-detachable cable might be a downside for some users who prefer the flexibility of a detachable cable. The 250-ohm version requires a dedicated headphone amplifier to achieve the best performance, which could be an additional cost for some users. The headphones’ design, while robust, might be considered bulky for portable use.
Where to Buy
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is available for purchase on several major platforms, including Amazon, Sweetwater, and B&H Photo Video.
Conclusion
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is a highly regarded choice for both professional and personal use, offering exceptional sound quality, comfort, and durability. Its versatile impedance options cater to different use cases, making it suitable for everything from casual listening on portable devices to professional studio monitoring. Whether you’re an audio professional, a music enthusiast, or someone looking for a high-quality pair of headphones, the DT 770 Pro is an excellent investment that delivers outstanding performance and value.
6. Jabra Elite 85h Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
The Jabra Elite 85h is a versatile pair of wireless noise-canceling headphones that stand out for their impressive sound quality, advanced noise-canceling technology, and robust build. These headphones are designed to cater to both everyday users and professionals who require reliable performance, excellent sound, and effective noise cancellation.
Sound Quality
The Jabra Elite 85h delivers a balanced and dynamic sound profile, with well-defined bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. This makes them suitable for a wide range of music genres, from pop to classical to electronic. The headphones feature custom 40mm drivers that provide powerful and immersive audio. Additionally, the Jabra Sound+ app offers customizable EQ settings, allowing users to tweak the sound profile to their personal preference.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The Elite 85h features advanced ANC technology that effectively reduces ambient noise across a variety of environments. The SmartSound feature, powered by AI, automatically adjusts the ANC level based on your surroundings, providing optimal noise cancellation whether you’re on a busy street, in a noisy office, or on a flight. The ANC is highly effective, making these headphones ideal for frequent travelers and commuters.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the Elite 85h is its impressive battery life. The headphones offer up to 36 hours of playback time with ANC activated, and up to 41 hours without ANC. This extended battery life ensures that you can enjoy your music or podcasts throughout long trips or workdays without needing to recharge frequently. The headphones also support fast charging, providing up to 5 hours of playback from just a 15-minute charge.
Comfort and Design
The Elite 85h is designed for all-day comfort, featuring plush ear cushions and a padded headband that provides a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions. The ear cups are large and well-padded, ensuring a snug fit that effectively blocks out external noise even without ANC activated. The headphones have a sleek and modern design, with a durable build that is resistant to rain and dust (rated IP52), making them suitable for outdoor use.
Smart Features: The Elite 85h integrates seamlessly with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, allowing for hands-free control of your music, calls, and other functions. The headphones feature intuitive on-ear controls for adjusting volume, changing tracks, and managing calls. The Jabra Sound+ app provides additional functionality, such as customizable sound profiles, firmware updates, and ANC adjustments.
Call Quality
The Elite 85h excels in call quality, featuring 8 microphones (6 for calls, 4 for ANC) that ensure clear and crisp voice transmission. The headphones effectively reduce background noise during calls, making them ideal for use in noisy environments or for professional use.
Connectivity
The Elite 85h offers reliable wireless connectivity through Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring stable and high-quality audio streaming. The headphones support multipoint connectivity, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously and switch between them effortlessly, which is convenient for users who need to manage calls and media on multiple devices.
Pros and Cons
The Elite 85h delivers excellent sound quality with customizable EQ settings. The advanced ANC technology effectively reduces ambient noise, and the SmartSound feature automatically adjusts the ANC level based on your surroundings. The headphones offer an impressive battery life of up to 36 hours with ANC and up to 41 hours without. The comfortable design makes them suitable for extended wear, and the build quality is durable and resistant to rain and dust. The headphones provide excellent call quality and reliable wireless connectivity with multipoint support.
The headphones are slightly bulky, which might be a consideration for users looking for a more compact design. Some users might find the on-ear controls less intuitive compared to physical buttons. The price point is on the higher side, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
Where to Buy
The Jabra Elite 85h is available for purchase on several major platforms, including Amazon, Best Buy, and the Jabra Official Store.
Conclusion
The Jabra Elite 85h is an outstanding choice for anyone seeking a versatile pair of wireless noise-canceling headphones. With its balanced sound profile, effective ANC, impressive battery life, and comfortable design, the Elite 85h caters to both everyday users and professionals. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a busy professional, or a music enthusiast, the Elite 85h offers a comprehensive package that delivers on all fronts, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking high-quality performance and features.
7. Sony MDR-7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphones
The Sony MDR-7506 headphones are a well-established choice among audio professionals and enthusiasts, known for their exceptional sound clarity, durable build, and comfortable fit. First introduced in 1991, these headphones have maintained their popularity for decades, making them a staple in recording studios, radio stations, and other professional settings.
Sound Quality
The MDR-7506 offers a clean and detailed sound profile with a focus on accuracy and clarity. They feature a flat frequency response, which makes them ideal for critical listening, mixing, and mastering. The bass is tight and controlled, the mids are clear and natural, and the highs are crisp without being harsh. This neutral sound signature ensures that you hear the audio exactly as it was recorded, making these headphones a reliable tool for audio professionals.
Drivers and Impedance
Equipped with 40mm drivers and a neodymium magnet, the MDR-7506 delivers a wide dynamic range and precise sound reproduction. With an impedance of 63 ohms, these headphones strike a balance between being easy to drive with consumer electronics and powerful enough for professional audio equipment.
Closed-Back Design
The closed-back design of the MDR-7506 provides effective isolation from external noise, making them suitable for use in noisy environments and preventing sound leakage. This design helps create an immersive listening experience and ensures that audio playback is not disturbed by outside sounds.
Comfort and Design
Comfort is a key feature of the MDR-7506. The headphones have a lightweight and ergonomic design, with well-padded ear cups and a padded headband that ensures a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions. The ear cups are circumaural, meaning they fully enclose the ears, which not only enhances comfort but also improves sound isolation.
Build Quality
The MDR-7506 is built to last, featuring a robust construction with high-quality materials. The headphones have a rugged and durable design that can withstand the rigors of daily use in professional settings. The ear pads and headband padding are replaceable, which extends the lifespan of the headphones.
Portability
These headphones are designed with portability in mind. They have a foldable design that allows the ear cups to be collapsed into a more compact form, making them easy to transport and store. The headphones come with a soft carrying case and a 1/4-inch adapter for use with different audio equipment.
Cable
The MDR-7506 features a non-detachable, coiled cable that stretches up to 9.8 feet (3 meters). While the coiled design prevents tangling and provides some flexibility in movement, it might be less convenient for portable use compared to straight or detachable cables.
Pros and Cons
The MDR-7506 offers exceptional sound clarity and a neutral sound profile, making them ideal for professional audio work. The closed-back design provides good noise isolation and prevents sound leakage. The headphones are comfortable for long listening sessions, thanks to their lightweight and ergonomic design. The build quality is durable, and the foldable design enhances portability. The headphones come with a soft carrying case and a 1/4-inch adapter.
The non-detachable cable might be a drawback for some users who prefer the flexibility of a detachable cable. The coiled design of the cable can be cumbersome for portable use. The headphones have a relatively plain and utilitarian design, which might not appeal to those looking for a more stylish appearance.
Where to Buy
The Sony MDR-7506 is available for purchase on several major platforms, including Amazon, Sweetwater, and B&H Photo Video.
Conclusion
The Sony MDR-7506 headphones are a timeless classic in the world of professional audio. With their exceptional sound quality, durable build, and comfortable design, they remain a top choice for audio professionals and enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re mixing tracks in the studio, monitoring audio on location, or simply enjoying high-quality sound at home, the MDR-7506 offers reliable performance that has stood the test of time. Their neutral sound profile and effective noise isolation make them a versatile and valuable addition to any audio setup
8. Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Over-Ear Headphones
The Philips SHP9500 is a highly regarded pair of over-ear, open-back headphones known for their exceptional comfort, sound quality, and value. These headphones are favored by audiophiles and casual listeners alike for their balanced audio profile and comfortable design, making them ideal for extended listening sessions.
Sound Quality
The SHP9500 delivers a balanced and natural sound signature, with an emphasis on clarity and detail. The open-back design contributes to a wide and airy soundstage, providing a sense of spaciousness and depth that is particularly enjoyable for genres like classical, jazz, and acoustic music. The bass is present and well-controlled, the mids are clear and forward, and the highs are crisp without being overly bright. This balanced sound profile makes the SHP9500 suitable for a variety of music genres and listening purposes, from casual music enjoyment to critical listening.
Drivers and Impedance
The headphones are equipped with 50mm neodymium drivers that deliver a wide frequency response (12 – 35,000 Hz), ensuring that all details in the audio are accurately reproduced. With an impedance of 32 ohms, the SHP9500 is easy to drive with most consumer electronics, including smartphones, laptops, and portable music players, while still benefiting from dedicated headphone amplifiers.
Open-Back Design
The open-back design of the SHP9500 allows air and sound to pass through the ear cups, reducing pressure on the ears and creating a more natural and expansive listening experience. This design enhances the soundstage and provides a sense of being in the same room as the performers. However, it also means that sound leakage is significant, and the headphones are not suitable for noisy environments or for use in situations where you need to avoid disturbing others.
Comfort and Design
The SHP9500 is designed with comfort in mind. The headphones feature large, breathable ear cushions made from soft, high-quality fabric that provide excellent comfort even during long listening sessions. The adjustable double-layered headband is padded and can be easily adjusted to fit different head sizes, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. The lightweight design further enhances comfort, making these headphones suitable for extended use.
Build Quality
The build quality of the SHP9500 is robust and durable, with a combination of metal and high-quality plastic components. The headphones feel sturdy and well-constructed, and the materials used ensure durability over time. The ear cushions and headband padding are also designed to be long-lasting and maintain their comfort and shape with regular use.
Cable and Connectivity
The SHP9500 features a detachable cable, which adds to the convenience and flexibility of the headphones. The cable is 1.5 meters long and terminates in a standard 3.5mm plug, making it easy to connect to a wide range of audio devices. The detachable design also allows for easy replacement if the cable gets damaged or if you prefer to use a different cable length or type.
Pros and Cons
The SHP9500 offers exceptional sound quality with a balanced and detailed audio profile. The open-back design provides a wide and airy soundstage, enhancing the listening experience. The headphones are incredibly comfortable, thanks to their large, breathable ear cushions and adjustable padded headband, making them suitable for extended listening sessions. The build quality is durable, and the detachable cable adds flexibility and convenience. The headphones are also relatively easy to drive, making them compatible with most consumer electronics without the need for a dedicated amplifier.
The open-back design results in significant sound leakage, making the SHP9500 unsuitable for use in noisy environments or situations where you need to avoid disturbing others. The headphones do not provide noise isolation, which means that external sounds can interfere with your listening experience. The design, while functional and comfortable, is relatively plain and may not appeal to users looking for more stylish headphones.
Where to Buy
The Philips SHP9500 is available for purchase on several major platforms, including Amazon, Best Buy, and the Philips Official Store.
Conclusion
The Philips SHP9500 is an outstanding choice for anyone seeking high-quality, comfortable, and affordable over-ear headphones. With their balanced sound profile, wide soundstage, and excellent comfort, the SHP9500 offers a listening experience that rivals much more expensive headphones. Whether you are an audiophile, a casual listener, or someone looking for a reliable pair of headphones for extended use, the SHP9500 delivers exceptional performance and value. While the open-back design limits their use in certain environments, the overall quality and comfort make them a fantastic option for home listening and critical audio work.
9. AKG K371 Professional Studio Headphones
The AKG K371 is a professional-grade pair of closed-back studio headphones designed to deliver exceptional sound quality and comfort. These headphones are known for their accurate and balanced sound profile, making them a favorite among audio professionals and enthusiasts for critical listening, mixing, and mastering.
Sound Quality
The AKG K371 is designed to provide a reference sound signature that is both accurate and enjoyable. The headphones feature a frequency response of 5 Hz to 40 kHz, offering deep bass, clear mids, and detailed highs. The bass is tight and extended, providing a solid foundation without overpowering the other frequencies. The mids are natural and well-balanced, allowing vocals and instruments to shine. The highs are crisp and detailed, offering excellent clarity without being harsh. This balanced sound profile makes the K371 suitable for a wide range of music genres and professional audio tasks.
Drivers and Impedance
The K371 is equipped with large 50mm dynamic drivers that use pure OFC (oxygen-free copper) voice coils, ensuring high sensitivity and low distortion. The headphones have a low impedance of 32 ohms, making them easy to drive with most consumer electronics, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, while still benefiting from higher-quality audio sources and amplifiers.
Closed-Back Design
The closed-back design of the K371 provides effective isolation from external noise, making them suitable for use in noisy environments and preventing sound leakage. This design helps create an immersive listening experience, allowing you to focus on your audio without distractions from the outside world.
Comfort and Design
Comfort is a key feature of the AKG K371. The headphones have a lightweight and ergonomic design, featuring large, oval-shaped ear cups that fully enclose the ears for a comfortable fit. The ear pads are made from slow-retention foam covered in soft, synthetic leather, providing excellent comfort even during long listening sessions. The adjustable headband has a self-adjusting mechanism that ensures a secure and comfortable fit for different head sizes. The headphones are also designed to be foldable, making them easy to transport and store.
Build Quality
The AKG K371 is built with durability in mind, featuring a robust construction with high-quality materials. The headphones have a reinforced headband and sturdy ear cups that can withstand the rigors of daily use. The materials used in the ear pads and headband are designed to be long-lasting and maintain their comfort and shape over time.
Cable and Connectivity
The K371 comes with three detachable cables, providing versatility and convenience for different use cases. The included cables are a coiled cable (3 meters extended), a straight cable (3 meters), and a shorter straight cable (1.2 meters). The detachable design allows for easy replacement and customization based on your preferences and needs. The headphones terminate in a standard 3.5mm plug and come with a 1/4-inch adapter, making them compatible with a wide range of audio equipment.
Pros and Cons
The AKG K371 offers exceptional sound quality with a balanced and detailed audio profile. The closed-back design provides effective noise isolation and prevents sound leakage, making them suitable for use in noisy environments. The headphones are incredibly comfortable, thanks to their lightweight and ergonomic design, large ear cups, and soft ear pads, making them suitable for extended listening sessions. The build quality is robust and durable, with high-quality materials used throughout. The detachable cables add versatility and convenience, and the headphones are easy to drive with most consumer electronics.
The closed-back design, while providing good isolation, may not offer the same expansive soundstage as open-back headphones. Some users might find the self-adjusting headband mechanism less secure compared to manually adjustable headbands. The design is functional and professional, which might not appeal to users looking for more stylish headphones.
Where to Buy
The AKG K371 is available for purchase on several major platforms, including Amazon, Sweetwater, and B&H Photo Video.
Conclusion
The AKG K371 is an outstanding choice for anyone seeking professional-grade studio headphones with exceptional sound quality, comfort, and durability. With their balanced sound profile, effective noise isolation, and versatile connectivity options, the K371 caters to both audio professionals and enthusiasts. Whether you’re mixing tracks in the studio, monitoring audio on location, or simply enjoying high-quality sound at home, the K371 delivers reliable performance and exceptional value. Their comfortable design and robust build make them suitable for extended use, ensuring that you can rely on them for all your audio needs.
10. Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
The Skullcandy Crusher Evo headphones are designed to deliver a unique listening experience with their customizable bass and robust features. These headphones stand out for their sensory bass technology, comfortable design, and long battery life, making them a popular choice for bass enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.
Sound Quality
The Skullcandy Crusher Evo offers a dynamic and customizable sound profile, thanks to its patented Adjustable Sensory Bass feature. This technology allows users to adjust the bass levels to their preference, providing a powerful low-end response that can be felt as much as it is heard. The headphones also feature custom-tuned drivers that deliver clear mids and crisp highs, ensuring a well-rounded audio experience. Whether you prefer a subtle bass boost or a deep, rumbling bass, the Crusher Evo can be tailored to meet your needs.
Adjustable Sensory Bass
One of the standout features of the Crusher Evo is the Adjustable Sensory Bass. This feature uses a slider on the ear cup to control the intensity of the bass. At the maximum setting, the bass is extremely powerful, providing a visceral listening experience ideal for bass-heavy genres like hip-hop and EDM. At lower settings, the bass is more restrained, making the headphones versatile for different types of music.
Personal Sound Profile
The Crusher Evo headphones incorporate Skullcandy’s Personal Sound feature, which allows users to create a personalized sound profile through the Skullcandy App. The app uses an audio test to assess your hearing and adjusts the sound output accordingly, ensuring that you get the best possible audio experience tailored to your unique hearing profile.
Comfort and Design
Comfort is a key consideration in the design of the Skullcandy Crusher Evo. The headphones feature plush memory foam ear cushions and a padded headband, ensuring a comfortable fit for long listening sessions. The over-ear design fully encloses the ears, providing good passive noise isolation. The headphones are also relatively lightweight, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Build Quality
The Skullcandy Crusher Evo is built to be durable and portable. The headphones have a sturdy construction with a mix of high-quality plastic and metal components. The foldable design makes them easy to store and transport, and they come with a travel bag for added convenience.
Battery Life
The Crusher Evo boasts an impressive battery life, offering up to 40 hours of playback on a single charge. This extended battery life ensures that you can enjoy your music for long periods without needing to recharge frequently. Additionally, the headphones feature rapid charging, providing four hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge.
Connectivity and Controls
The Crusher Evo supports Bluetooth 5.0 for a stable and reliable wireless connection. The headphones also include built-in controls for adjusting volume, changing tracks, and taking calls. A built-in microphone ensures clear voice quality during phone calls. For users who prefer a wired connection, the headphones come with a detachable 3.5mm audio cable.
Pros and Cons
The Skullcandy Crusher Evo offers a customizable sound profile with adjustable sensory bass, providing a unique and immersive listening experience. The headphones feature a personalized sound profile through the Skullcandy App, ensuring optimal audio performance. They are comfortable to wear for long periods, thanks to the plush ear cushions and padded headband. The build quality is durable, and the foldable design adds portability. The impressive battery life of up to 40 hours and rapid charging capability are significant advantages.
The powerful bass, even at lower settings, might not appeal to users who prefer a more neutral sound profile. The headphones’ design, while functional, may not be as stylish as some competitors. The lack of active noise cancellation (ANC) might be a drawback for users seeking advanced noise isolation features.
Where to Buy
The Skullcandy Crusher Evo headphones are available for purchase on several major platforms, including Amazon, Best Buy, and the Skullcandy Official Store.
Conclusion
The Skullcandy Crusher Evo headphones are an excellent choice for bass enthusiasts and those looking for a customizable listening experience. With their adjustable sensory bass, personalized sound profile, and long battery life, they offer a unique and enjoyable audio experience. The comfortable design and durable build make them suitable for extended use, while the convenient features and robust performance ensure that they meet the needs of both casual listeners and audio enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to feel the bass in your music or enjoy a balanced sound profile tailored to your hearing, the Crusher Evo delivers on all fronts.
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