20 best headphones for listening to music according to customer reviews

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Headphones are the best way to get rid of reality and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of music. And it doesn't matter if it's a dance track or a classical symphony – the sound must be of high quality. And good headphones are the best helper for real music enjoyment.

Rating of the best headphones

nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best inexpensive on-ear headphones with good sound	1	Sony MDR-ZX660AP	RUB 2560
	2	Koss porta pro	3400 RUB.
	3	Audi o-Technica ATH-M30x	4 990 RUB.
Best on-ear headphones with good sound in the mid-range	1	Marshall Mid Bluetooth	10 990 RUB.
	2	Harman / Kardon Soho	8 900 RUB.
	3	Sennheiser Momentum On-Ear	7 500 RUB.
The best premium on-ear headphones with good sound	1	Sennheiser HD 800	60 200 RUB.
	2	AKG K 712 Pro	23 300 RUB.
Best inexpensive in-ear headphones with good sound	1	Sennheiser IE 4	2800 RUB.
	2	Sony MDR-XB50AP	2950 RUB.
	3	Sony MDR-NC31EM	2 100 RUB.
Best in-ear headphones in the mid-range	1	Sennheiser IE 60	6500 RUB.
	2	Marshall Mode	3200 RUB.
	3	Bose in-ear	6 600 RUB.
The best premium in-ear headphones	1	Westone UM PRO30	28 800 RUB
	2	Astell&Kern Roxanne II	116790 RUB.
	3	Audi o-Technica ATH-IM03	23 400 RUB.
Best over-ear headphones	1	Sennheiser HD 280 Pro	6100 RUB.
	2	Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro	11500 RUB.
	3	Bose QuietComfort 35	21 800 RUB

What to look for when choosing headphones

The main criteria for choosing headphones:

1. Impedance or resistance. If you plan to listen to music on special equipment (home media system with an amplifier, for example), then models with a value of this parameter over 60-100 ohms are suitable. For use with smartphones or portable players, it is better to use headphones with an impedance of up to 60 ohms;
2. Speaker material and type. Ferrite magnets create a uniform and rich sound across the entire frequency spectrum; neodymium are characterized by intense bass and periodically 'sinking' mid tones. Micro-armature headphones reproduce every sound, but for a dense acoustic picture you will have to 'play with the equalizer';
3. Speaker diameter. The wider the speaker, the more tangible the bass on the 'physical' level;
4. Cable and plug material. We recommend acid-free copper, which, due to its low impedance, creates a rich sound even on 'weak' devices. The plugs, respectively, are better gold-plated – this material is resistant to corrosion and therefore the resistance of the contact plates does not increase with the time the headphones are used;
5. Frequency range. This parameter indicates the width of the spectrum of the reproduced frequencies. On average, an adult is able to hear sounds with a frequency of 15 to 15,000 Hz. But this is the minimum range. For bass lovers, models with a lower limit of reproducible frequencies of 5-10 Hz are recommended, for fans of vocal and classical music – with an upper limit of 20,000 Hz;
6. Sensitivity. This parameter indicates the limiting volume of the headphones. It is not recommended to purchase models with a sensitivity of more than 120 dB – they can damage your hearing. But the minimum sensitivity limit is 100 dB.
7. The type (form factor) of the headphones is also important.

Which brand of headphones to choose

Many manufacturers implement a specific sound image in their headphones. Therefore, it is worth choosing a vendor based on your own preferences in music.

1. For example, Sony is known for its characteristic bass. Even headphones without a separate sound chip reproduce bass frequencies tightly and tangibly. And this in most cases is not 'cured' by the equalizer settings.
2. Sennheiser also occasionally overdo it with bass, but they usually have a balanced acoustic picture. These headphones will appeal to those who like to experiment with sound settings through the equalizer.
3. Koss produces headphones with high quality and expressive sound out of the box. No frequencies prevail over others, the acoustic picture is complete. Again, you can customize the sound through the equalizer, but here it will not have such a noticeable effect as the models from Sennheiser. Models from Audi o-Technica and AKG have similar acoustic qualities.
4. For fans of rock and other heavy non-electronic music, we recommend models from Marshall, Bose and Harman / Kardon. They are distinguished by 'velvet' bass, which, although felt, but at the same time does not 'hammer'.

Best inexpensive on-ear headphones with good sound

Sony MDR-ZX660AP

Rating: 4.9

A pleasant-sounding headphone that is best suited for use with mobile devices. Features a built-in microphone with on-cord switch, a flat tangle-free cable, soft ear pads and a metal headband.

The sound pattern is typical for Sony models: bass is perceptible, deep and rich. In some genres of music, they may even seem overly strong.

Of the shortcomings, one can single out only the small diameter of the ear pads, which is why some people may experience discomfort when wearing headphones for a long time.

Advantages

• Deep bass;
• Built-in microphone;
• Robust construction;

disadvantages

• Small diameter ear cushions.

Koss porta pro

Rating: 4.8

One of the most famous on-ear headphones. They have excellent acoustics, creating an active and tangible stage. The bass is rich and distinct, but not pounding. They lie on the head very comfortably.

They have an open design, which allows sounds from the outside to pass through. It becomes difficult to hear music in noisy places. The headband and metal structural elements may start to creak – it can be easily 'cured' by lubricating with silicone.

Advantages

• Robust construction;
• A tangible scene being created.

disadvantages

• High sound permeability, no noise reduction.

Audi o-Technica ATH-M30x

Rating: 4.8

Full-size model with a closed configuration. This provides passive noise cancellation, music can be heard even in the subway or similar places. The soundstage is balanced, which is typical of this manufacturer. Even the bass is perceptible, but not overlapping other frequencies.

Actually, some users may not like the balanced soundstage, especially when switching from headphones with pronounced bass (for example, Sony). The lack of overdrive in the low frequencies leads to the fact that a number of genres of music – such as trailer music – lose their richness and richness of sound. This is worth considering when choosing headphones. They are well suited for genres that lack strong percussion or bass line.

Advantages

• Closed configuration, suitable for listening to music in noisy places;
• Balanced soundstage.

disadvantages

• Perhaps an excessive balance of sound price.

Best on-ear headphones with good sound in the mid-range

Marshall Mid Bluetooth

Rating: 4.9

Wireless model with support for the proprietary Qualcomm aptX codec. This improves sound quality by expanding the bitrate of the transmitted audio on compatible devices. The acoustic stage is typical of Marshall – pleasant mids and highs, comfortable non-pounding bass. Perhaps the ideal headphones for rock lovers in all varieties.

In addition, the headphones have a built-in equalizer with the ability to switch presets. There is also a microphone. The materials are of high quality and durable.

The disadvantage is the tight coverage of the head. However, over time, the headband takes on the shape of the skull and the fit becomes more comfortable.

Advantages

• Built-in equalizer presets;
• High quality, durable materials;
• AptX codec support;

disadvantages

• Sitting tightly on the head, may cause fatigue with prolonged wear.

Harman / Kardon Soho

Rating: 4.9

Compact wireless headphones. It should be noted that due to their small size, they have a relatively low sensitivity of 100 dB. Therefore, they are poorly suited for listening to music in very noisy places.

But they have a very balanced soundstage. While the mids and highs sound natural, the lows retain their 'velvety'. This makes them suitable for almost any genre of music. The scene is wide and deep, but there are no distortions in one direction or another. Suitable for listening to both rich tracks and low-track ones.

In addition, they look very beautiful and unusual – which, in principle, is typical for Harman / Kardon equipment.

Advantages

• Unique design;
• Wide and deep stage;
• Excellent sound balance;

disadvantages

• Relatively high price tag for headphone performance and capabilities.

Sennheiser Momentum On-Ear

Rating: 4.8

Wired, closed-back (passive noise canceling) headphones with a very low impedance of 18 ohms. This makes them compatible with almost all mobile devices.

The sound is uncharacteristic for Sennheiser models, as it is assertive. Almost all frequencies are raised, but the upper ones are not raised, thanks to the comfort being maintained regardless of the genre. The emphasis, however, is slightly placed on the lower frequencies. The stage is deep and wide, but, for example, not as tangible as on the Koss Porta Pro – precisely due to the assertiveness of the sound.

In addition, the model features an excellent package with two cables and a hard carrying case.

Advantages

• Assertive, rich sound;
• Microphone cable included;
• Excellent equipment;
• Perceptible scene;
• Low resistance.

disadvantages

• Not very reliable design.

Rating of the best premium on-ear headphones with good sound

Sennheiser HD 800

Rating: 4.9

Flagship studio headphones with very detailed scene. They are distinguished by excellent sound detail, lack of imbalance towards any of the frequencies, unsaturated, but tangible bass. Perfect for both acoustic music and mixing. The scene is a little distant, but this is only an advantage – the sound is felt more transparent.

At the same time, they are lightweight, comfortable and fit perfectly on the head.

However, they have an impedance of 300 ohms, which makes them completely unsuitable for listening with mobile devices or media centers without an amplifier.

Advantages

• Highest sound detail;
• Excellent sound balance.

disadvantages

• High resistance.

AKG K 712 Pro

Rating: 4.8

Studio headphones with highly detailed stage and clear sound. There is no skew in the frequency response even towards the bass. Therefore, they are suitable for listening to acoustic music, audio processing, mixing, etc. They need warming up, only after that the bass becomes deep enough, but the distinctness of the other frequencies remains. Good sound quality is achieved without the use of studio equipment – however, an amplifier still does not hurt.

They are lightweight and do not put pressure on the head.

Advantages

• High detail sound;
• Low resistance;
• No skewing in frequency response;

disadvantages

• They need prolonged heating.

Best inexpensive in-ear headphones with good sound

Sennheiser IE 4

Rating: 4.7

In-ear headphones with good passive sound insulation and manufacturer-specific sound. Strong and reliable cable, but not flat, which can tangle in your pocket. The sound is clear, with a slight bias towards bass.

The sound in these headphones is one of the best in the budget price category. Clean, detailed. Bass bias is sufficient for percussion or low-frequency line to be felt, but does not overlap the mids and highs.

Advantages

• Signature Sennheiser Sound
• Good sound insulation;
• Quality construction;

disadvantages

• Tangled wire.

Sony MDR-XB50AP

Rating: 4.6

In-ear headphones with enhanced bass (Extra Bass series, Sony branded sound). However, they do not overlap the mid and high frequencies too much, from which the overall 'picture' is balanced. The sound is detailed, we hear every instrument.

Also, the model is equipped with a built-in microphone, so they work as a headset; reliable flat tangle-free wire; L-shaped non-frayed connector.

Arguably the best headphones for music lovers with strong bass.

Advantages

• High detail sound;
• Built-in microphone;
• Quality materials;

disadvantages

• Reinforced bass.

Sony MDR-NC31EM

Rating: 4.5

In-ear headphones with excellent noise cancellation and clear sound performance. However, which is typical for Sony, there is still a slight bias in the lower frequencies. Noise cancellation in these headphones is active, however, the audio processor of the smartphone is used, to which they are connected.

They are rather large for in-ear headphones, and also differ in a 5-pin plug.

Advantages

• Clear sound picture;
• Active noise cancellation.

disadvantages

• Active noise canceling only works with select Xperia smartphones;
• 5-pin plug.

Best in-ear headphones in the mid-range

Sennheiser IE 60

Rating: 4.9

In-ear headphones with rich bass and mids. The sound is dense, intense. High, clean, but not very driving. However, these headphones are great for listening to almost any genre of music.

This model has an interesting mounting shape. It is assumed that the cables from the speakers are tossed over the auricle. This ensures a snug fit – the earbuds don't fall out even during intense physical activity.

But at the same time, the cable freezes in the cold, so it will be a little inconvenient to use them outside in freezing temperatures.

Advantages

• Punchy, rich sound with a bias in the mids and lows;
• Tight fit.

disadvantages

• Cold-freezing cable.

Marshall Mode

Rating: 4.8

Aperture in-ear headphones with rich bass and midrange sound found on all Marshall products. The picture is clean. Ideal for rock fans. However, this is typical of all portable audio equipment from Marshall.

The disadvantage is the weak cable. Models require careful handling.

Advantages

• Aperture design;
• Signature Marshall Sound.

disadvantages

• Unreliable cable.

Bose in-ear

Rating: 4.8

Open-type in-ear headphones. This ensures high wearing comfort, even during prolonged use. At the same time, the headphones are distinguished by a wide, clear sound stage – you can hear each instrument, there are no differences in one or another part of the frequency spectrum. The bass is perceptible, but not overdriven or pounding.

The set comes with a handy leather case for storage and transportation.

Advantages

• Detailed sound;
• Wide soundstage.
• Open type (provides comfortable wearing);

disadvantages

• Music playing can be heard from the headphones when the volume is high.

The best premium in-ear headphones

Westone UM PRO30

Rating: 4.9

Micro-armature three-driver in-ear headphones with a detachable cable, high sensitivity and balanced soundstage. This, on the one hand, allows you to hear each instrument; on the other hand, it does not create the assertiveness that some users value.

The model has a behind-the-ear fit, which provides a secure fit. The cable, unlike Sennheiser IE 60, does not freeze in the cold, making them comfortable in any weather. An added bonus is the handcrafted headphone assembly and custom design.

Advantages

• Attractive, custom design;
• High detail sound;
• Micro-armature configuration;

disadvantages

• Flat sound.

Astell&Kern Roxanne II

Rating: 4.8

Micro-armature 12-driver in-ear headphones. They feature excellent soundstage due to the use of multiple drives for each frequency spectrum. Rich equipment, high quality materials. The bass intensity can be adjusted separately.

Рекомендуется использовать эти наушники только с высококачественными мобильными плеерами (например, от той же компании Astell&Kern).

Advantages

• Micro-armature configuration (4 drivers for each range);
• Rich equipment;
• Bass intensity adjustment;

disadvantages

• Few are suitable for use with conventional players.

Audi o-Technica ATH-IM03

Rating: 4.7

Micro-armature three-driver in-ear headphones with behind-the-ear fit. They are characterized by a dynamic, active, natural and lively sound environment; good, albeit passive sound insulation; a deep stage that is felt outside the speakers. Another advantage is the tight fit in the ears.

Perhaps the best micro-armature (anchor) model in its price range.

Advantages

• Perceptible scene;
• Highest sound quality;
• Good sound insulation;

disadvantages

• Small complete set.

Best over-ear headphones

Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

Rating: 4.9

Over-ear, mid-impedance, closed-back headphones. They are distinguished by a uniform sound picture – all frequency spectra are balanced, the bass is noticeable, but not twisted. Suitable for both listening and writing music. The design is such that it provides dense sound insulation without active noise cancellation.

The sound is highly detailed. Every instrument can be heard. Medium impedance ensures high-quality reproduction even on portable devices – but of course professional acoustic equipment is desirable for 'opening'.

Advantages

• High detail sound;
• Excellent passive sound insulation;
• Good balance of frequencies;

disadvantages

• Poorly suited for use with smartphones and similar mobile devices.

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro

Rating: 4.8

Over-ear headphones. Available in two iterations – 80 Ohm (for listening on any equipment, including portable devices) and 250 Ohm (for professional amplifiers). They are characterized by deep, rich, velvety – but not overloaded bass.

The main advantage of the model is the formation of a tangible acoustic scene. They are distinguished by truly surround sound.

It is advisable to 'warm up' the headphones before use.

Advantages

• Various configurations for different scenarios of use;
• Surround sound;
• Nice bass;

disadvantages

• Long warm-up required.

Bose QuietComfort 35

Rating: 4.7

Closed-back, wireless active noise-canceling monitor headphones. Sound is balanced with a slight bias towards high frequencies. The stage is also quite 'flat', the bass is noticeable, but not interrupting the rest of the spectrum. There is no built-in equalizer, it is advisable to use the one installed on the smartphone.

The main advantage of the headphones is the highest comfort. Neither ears nor head get tired even after very long wearing. The materials are of high quality, the battery life is more than 20 hours.

Can be used as a headset.

Advantages

• Balanced sound;
• Long battery life;
• Active noise cancellation;
• High comfort;

disadvantages

• Flat stage;
• Lack of built-in equalizer.

What headphones to buy?

The choice of headphones directly depends on three factors:

1. The equipment with which it is planned to use them;
2. Type of use (at home, outdoors);
3. Favorite genre of music.

So, when using high-quality audio equipment – a separate amplifier or at least a sound card with increased sampling – it is advisable to purchase premium headphones. Only then will the music 'unfold' properly.

For home use, monitor or overhead models are suitable. On the street, in-channel will be more convenient. However, it depends on personal preference.

And since every producer makes sounds 'branded', it's important to define your favorite genre of music. For bass – Sony or Sennheiser, for rock and other directions with a dominant midrange – AKG, Audi o-Technica, Marshall. For acoustics – good Sennheiser, Beuerdynamic or even micro-armature monitor headphones.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.