18 best headphones

The range of audio headsets is very wide: from budget wired models to expensive stand-alone BT devices with “academic” sound. Below we will talk about the best headphones - high-quality, comfortable, able to build a beautiful music scene.

What headphones is better to buy

The characteristics of “your” headphones should be selected depending on where and how you will use them.

The frequency range of most good models is about the same - it is 20-20000 Hz, which the human ear can perceive. Slightly less, and you will not hear any nuances, and the headphones themselves will be transferred to the category of an ordinary headset to talk. In audiophile models to create a richer sound without decays at the boundaries of the frequency response can be wider.

Few people pay attention to the impedance (resistance) of the headphones. Meanwhile, it will depend on this parameter whether your phone or player can “shake” the speakers, or have to be content with a quiet game of ears, until you connect them to a normal amplifier. So for everyday use, paired with a conventional smartphone, only low-impedance models are suitable - from 16 to 32 ohms.

For more information on how to choose headphones, you can read in our article. In the meantime, focus on the review of the best of them.

Top vacuum headphones

Vacuum or in-ear headphones are great for listening to music in public transport or surrounded by people, since they are originally a closed speaker system. They take up very little storage space and cut off external sounds well.

Westone UM PRO50 - balanced sound

This professional acoustics in a portable version. The weight of these headphones is only 12.7 grams, but they work on 5 drivers with three-way crossovers, creating the desired frequency range. And it is wide for valves and covers a full 20-20000 Hz. The design itself is wired, but you can disconnect the cable if desired.

Westone have a high sensitivity of 115 dB, but still cut off 25 dB of external noise. In sum, all these characteristics give a clear, rich and surround sound. A similar effect is found only in professional acoustic devices.

Advantages:

• Great sound with comfortable top;
• They play powerfully, but without strain and mumbling;
• Ergonomics;
• The ability to disconnect the cable;
• 10 pairs of interchangeable ear cushions included;
• There is a storage case.

Disadvantages:

• High price - about 45,000 rubles;
• Demanding on the sound source.

Westone UM PRO50 - universal “ears” that play well in any genre without bias in the direction of any frequencies. Such like true connoisseurs of deep and clearly traced musical pictures.

Dunu Titan 3 - a very wide range of headphones

Titan 3 is a universal model with a resistance of 16 ohms, which can be used with any sound sources. The sensitivity of the vakuumnik is quite high - 110 dB, that is, they know how to shout. As in the previous model, the cords are disconnected here. Here only for cases the strongest stainless steel is used, and in a set there are 6 replaceable nozzles.

The ears themselves are a sample of fully enclosed acoustics, and their frequency range is simply amazing (10-40000 Hz). The music here acquires a pure neutral sound, but at the same time slightly to the high frequencies. However, this is a feature of all models of the brand Dunu.

Advantages:

• Strong and durable;
• A wide range of reproducible frequencies;
• Included adapter to 6.3 mm with a standard mini-jack;
• The improved landing due to additional fastening;
• Live sound thanks to beautifully filed midrange.

Disadvantages:

• Not very suitable for hard drives.

Third Titan is good for daily listening to music from any source. Especially beautiful, he gives vocals.

Best in-ear headphones

Inserts resemble vacuum headphones, but they do not have silicone tips that literally seal the canal. The earpiece is simply inserted into the ear and is held due to its elasticity, without locking the ear canal tightly.

Apple AirPods - Still Out of Competition

Until the 2nd generation AirPods entered the market, these legendary liners remain on the throne. The basis of the device is the W1 processor, which provides a stable Bluetooth connection and low battery consumption. The manufacturer promises up to 5 hours of continuous music playback, which is confirmed in practice.

Headphones are equipped with an accelerometer and optical sensors. Thanks to these technologies, music turns on when you insert them into your ears, and turns off when you take them out.

The sound itself can be called medium - especially sensitive music lovers note the unnaturalness of middle and high frequencies. But after all, it is not about audiophile technology, but about a functional headset for the phone.

Advantages:

• Sit comfortably in virtually any ears;
• Very light;
• Mating with related gadgets with an open coffer;
• Recharging from the case, can hold out until the day;
• Support work with Siri.

Disadvantages:

• Compatible mainly with Apple products;
• Average sound quality.

AirPods for owners of apple gadgets remain indispensable, especially if these people lead an active life, talk a lot by phone, listen to music and podcasts.

Sennheiser MX 585 - good earbuds for small ears

Headphones from the German brand combine ergonomics and high sound quality. Wired inserts are equipped with a balanced twisted cable and a L-shaped mini-jack plug. Here is the volume rocker.

The frequency spectrum of the MX 585 is slightly wider than usual (18-20000 Hz), while the ears have a high sensitivity of 118 dB. The kit includes interchangeable covers and a large protective case, where the player can fit.

Advantages:

• High-quality sound for liners;
• Do not lose deep bass;
• There are ear cushions for a better fit in the ear;
• Twisted cord;
• Decent grade.

Disadvantages:

• The standard volume switch does not output sound to min and max.

Sennheiser MX 585 - simple and reliable headphones for listening to streaming audio. But without trying them, only owners of small ears can safely buy them.

Top overhead headphones

Overhead cups are simply pressed against the auricles, so often the sound of them breaks into the outside world. The diameter of the membrane here is increased to 40-45 mm, due to which low frequencies are played better.

Bluedio T4S - big and strong

The device is made of plastic, reinforced with aluminum, has large cups on moving arcs. These headphones “sit down” well, tightly, but without excessive pressure, clinging to the ears. Bluedio wireless themselves, but can work through the cord.

Speakers with a sensitivity of 116 dB provide a wide range of frequencies 15-25000 Hz. Inside there is an active shumodav which cuts off the external sounds not so much as removes the effect of the barrel under the ear cushions, making the sound cleaner and hiding the bass.

Advantages:

• No Bluetooth delays;
• Capacious battery provides autonomy from 10 to 16 hours;
• Fast charging in an hour and a half;
• Ergonomic and comfortable fit on the head;
• All controls are placed on the cups;
• Disabled voice "reminder" of the battery discharge.

Disadvantages:

• Heavy and rather bulky.

Bluedio T4S will suit owners of large heads and those who wear headphones over their hats. Girls, they seem heavy, but men will appreciate them. Especially these ears will be good when watching videos and movies.

Sony WH-CH500 - headphones with NFC-chip

Laconic wireless ears with a closed acoustic design practically do not let the sound out, although the external noise is cut off poorly. They mate with the equipment instantly and immediately find the last device to which they were connected.

The device uses 30 mm drivers, the frequency range is standard (20 Hz - 20 kHz). The sound of Sony is deep and clear, a lot of attention is paid to beautiful, but not protruding bass.

Advantages:

• Lungs;
• Beautiful sound;
• Built-in NFC;
• Up to 20 hours of battery life on one battery charge;
• Clear sound in headset mode;
• Compact folding thanks to swivel cups.

Disadvantages:

• Glossy surfaces are quickly scratched.

Best of all, these headphones are suitable for listening to podcasts, audio and talking on the phone in hands free mode. But to accompany the video, they do not fit - BT does not have time, and there is a lag between the picture and the sound.

Best full-size headphones

Externally, full-size headphones resemble overhead, only the cups they have are much larger and completely cover the ear. Due to this, maximum noise insulation is created.

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro - a model for professionals

Professional open-type headphones with a very high impedance of 250 ohms, which means they will have to be connected through an amplifier. But PROshka covers the widest range of frequencies - from 5 to 40 000 Hz.

The speakers are created using Tesla 2.0 technology from a three-layer composite membrane and deliver up to 125 dB. They provide equally powerful sound in the lower, middle and upper registers with very good detail.

The model has a slightly unusual design due to openwork cups with steel mesh translucent through the slits. All other structural elements are also made of metal. Included with the device are two pairs of ear cushions: hard and soft, made of velor.

Benefits:

• Stylish design;
• Do not even put pressure on big ears;
• Good detailed sound;
• All basses are in place, but they are playing purely - without a bubbling sound;
• Two detachable wires (one twisted);
• Tight wardrobe in the kit.

Disadvantages:

• Requires connection to an amplifier;
• Shifted to HF accent.

New Beyerdynamic - a purely professional model for studio work. However, these headphones will also be interesting to true audiophiles.

Philips SHP2000 - the most durable headphones

SHP2000 - budget all-rounders that will suit most music lovers. The main material for them was opaque plastic, which helped to reduce the weight of the device to 225 g.

The headphones are equipped with 40 mm drivers, which transmit medium frequencies perfectly. And open type cups make the sound as rich and full as possible. In this case, the sensitivity of the speakers is only 100 dB - the maximum volume for such ones cannot be unscrewed, but then there will be less distortion.

Advantages:

• Bass;
• Good protection from external noise;
• Soft fabric lining;
• Reliable thick wire;
• Surround sound;
• Minimal sound distortion.

Disadvantages:

• They require connection to at least some preamplifier.

Philips SHP2000 is a suitable model for home use, and it is also very affordable and almost eternal compared to other analogues.

Best bone conduction headphones

These headphones do not transmit sound to the ear canal, but through the temporal bone. They leave their ears open and are suitable for people with hearing disorders, athletes, drivers, and those who simply care about their health.

AfterShokz Trekz Air - Bone Headphones with Excellent Microphone

Trekz Air is a wireless model that works via Bluetooth 4.2. Moreover, it can be simultaneously connected to two devices at once (for example, to a smartphone and a tablet). Taken into account and feature of all headphones with bone conduction - vibration at low frequencies. That is why the manufacturer has chosen the optimal frequency range of 20-20000 Hz.

The headphone case is characterized by flexibility and mobility, it is protected from moisture and dust. The headband material is durable and lightweight titanium, thanks to which AfterShokz turned out to be almost weightless (30 grams).

Advantages:

• Comfortable and lightweight;
• Autonomous work till 6 o'clock;
• 2 noise-canceling microphones;
• Waterproof housing.

Disadvantages:

• Light discomfort after prolonged use.

Trekz Air will appeal to professional athletes and extreme sports lovers who appreciate the balance of ergonomics and sound quality.

Panasonic RP-HGS10-G - sports version

Laconic and comfortable headphones give the sound quality above average. The case also has its own features - a reflective coating, thanks to which the headset can be safely used in the dark outside.

Unlike the previous model, Panasonic made wired and connected to a sound source with a standard cable 1.2 m long with a mini-jack on the end. The headset has a rather low resistance indicator - 13 ohms, which is typical for devices with bone conduction.

Advantages:

• IpX4 moisture protection;
• Ergonomic and light weight;
• L-shaped plug;
• Stylish colors.

Disadvantages:

• Not everywhere is on sale.

Panasonic HGS10 suitable for daily runs and frequent exercise. They do not fly off the head, do not spoil with sweat, and most importantly - allow you to hear everything that is happening around.

Headphones with the best microphones

Headphones with a microphone are used not only for computer games, but also for communication via audio and video communications, in call centers. When choosing such a headset, you will have to pay attention not only to the parameters of the speakers, but also to the quality of the speaker.

Plantronics Audio 648 - Good Wired Headset

Headphones for the PC in the first place attract the original design. The basis of attachment is not a standard headband, but a thin occipital arch. The device is designed specifically for video calls and is certified by Skype.

The frequency spectrum of the speakers covers 20-20000 Hz, the sensitivity range of the microphone is 100-10000 Hz. The latter is mounted on a hinge and disconnected by a separate button.

Headset wired - with one-way connection. On the cord is an additional volume control. In addition, on the manufacturer's website, you can download drivers for Windows, with the help of which it will be more convenient to adjust the volume and adjust the microphone noise level.

Benefits:

• High-quality assembly and good quality materials;
• Excellent audibility in both directions;
• Thoughtful management, including digital;
• Effective noise suppression in the microphone;
• Speaker on indicator.

Disadvantages:

• Unregulated arc.

Plantronics is suitable for call center operators and remote work by phone or using computer messengers. But before buying them, it is better to try on, so that you do not suffer because of the wrong attachment.

Logitech Wireless Headset H800 - Super Ears

Full-fledged Bluetooth-headset for PC in a stylish minimalist design. The location of the mechanical buttons deserves special attention: they fit completely on one of the cups. The design of the headphones is foldable, the handle is very elastic, and on the left “ear” there is a connector for a wired connection.

The microphone has a movable mount, as well as a noise reduction function and operates within 200-6500 Hz. The frequency characteristics of the speakers for a conventional headset are too big, if not to say redundant - Logitech covers the range of 30-15000 Hz.

Advantages:

• High-quality sound;
• The microphone works without voice distortion;
• Capacious battery - enough charge for up to 6 hours;
• VT in open space keeps communication within a radius of 10 m;
• 3 years warranty.

Disadvantages:

• Foam ear cushions quickly tear.

H800 are expensive, but you can spend money for yourself. Communicate without a wire and watch their videos will be enough, and this model will last for more than one year.

The best rebar and hybrid headphones

Armature headphones have a narrow frequency range, so they are being replaced by hybrids - models with dynamic drivers and balancing anchors. As a result, real audiophile ears appeared with impeccable sound.

Westone W40 - for lovers of the classics

One of the best models in its category. Reinforced steamers with small silicone seals have an unusual, but very comfortable snail shape. They are connected to the sound source using one of two supplied wires: with or without a microphone.

4 drivers with a three-lane crossover give a detailed musical picture, albeit rather chamber. Especially soft here are the bass lines, despite the fact that the entire frequency response is slightly offset in their direction and occupies a range of 10-18000 Hz. Included are several pairs of silicone ear cushions and multi-colored decorative overlays on the shell.

Advantages:

• Comfortable and tight fit in the ear canal;
• Beautiful, clear sound with perfect detail;
• Low weight - 12 grams;
• Waterproof cover included.

Disadvantages:

• High price, reaching 40 thousand rubles.

For Westone W40 reinforcement headphones are very good, but only high-quality audio equipment will help them reveal the beauty of the sound. Most of all, this model will appeal to lovers of classical and vocal.

Xiaomi Hybrid Pro HD - beautiful sound for little money

Relatively available hybrids from the Chinese brand work on three drivers: two rebar and one dynamic. Due to this, the frequency range was able to expand to 20-40000 Hz. But to yell, these ears can not because of the low sensitivity of 98 dB. But they provide a balanced reproduction at all frequencies.

Embouchures vakuumnik angled to the body, so sit in the ear canal is very tight. Included are the required replaceable nozzles of 4 sizes, but it is better to replace them with “foam”.

Advantages:

• Wide frequency range;
• Perfect sound detail;
• Atmospheric sound due to open acoustics;
• Strong cord;
• Convenient control buttons.

Disadvantages:

• Surprisingly poor sound insulation.

Xiaomi for their price is just great, but you need to connect them to good equipment, and the sound quality between flac and MP3 in them will be strikingly different.

Best gaming headphones

Gaming headphones have long been distinguished in a separate family.Their main task is to transfer the audio panorama as fully as possible with accurate positioning of all sound sources, as well as to provide the player with high-quality and stable communication.

Plantronics RIG 500E - Transformers with 7.1 support.

The RIG 500E is a designer headset that you can build and customize to fit your needs. The cable here is detachable and has a two-way mounting via 3.5-mm connectors. Acoustics is distinguished by full sound due to 40 mm speakers hidden in the model's cups. The latter fit to the ear rather tightly, creating additional sound insulation.

The microphone is also removable, and when abducted to the side, it automatically turns off. It has a powerful sound insulation installed, thanks to which the voice is transmitted cleanly, without any interference.

Advantages:

• Modular design with flexible headband;
• High-quality mobile microphone;
• Excellent 7.1 surround sound;
• Hardware audio enhancement;
• Ventilated cups + soundproof for a shift.

Disadvantages:

• Surround sound is not supported in all games, but you cannot disable it.

RIG 500E - all season gaming headphones. In the summer, you can hang on them ventilated cups so that their ears do not sweat, in winter they are soundproof. Well, the sound quality and the standard microphone will not disappoint anyone.

Roccat Kave XTD 5.1 Digital - for lovers of shooters

Closed surround monitors stand out for their unusual cups. They have a slightly elongated shape, thereby creating additional space around the ears. And comfortable, and the sound is really big.

Diffusers with a diameter of 30 and 40 mm cover a range of 20-20000 Hz - quite enough for a game model. All frequencies are well balanced and do not clog each other. A rotating microphone with its noise cancellation and sensitivity of 32 dB is installed on the headphone case.

Advantages:

• Ergonomic design;
• 5.1 multichannel sound;
• Separate remote control for sound control and call taking;
• Excellent positioning in shooters;
• Thick and long cord 3.6 m;
• Sound card included.

Disadvantages:

• Flimsy bass.

Roccat Kave - purely gaming model. Trying to listen to music or watch movies on it is not worth it, but in shooters, and in any team games, these headphones will show themselves in all their glory.

Top sports headphones

Headphones, which are used by athletes, have a number of features: they are stronger, they sit firmly in their ears and have mandatory moisture protection.

Meizu EP51 - good headphones for the hall

Plug-in jacks on a common cord are connected to mobile devices via Bluetooth. In the ear canals sit tight, but do not cut off all external noise. The frequency response is standard (20-20000 Hz), however, they feel a slight bias towards low frequencies.

The model weighs 15.3 grams, while the built-in battery lasts for 3-4 hours of non-stop operation, although the manufacturer claims almost twice as much.

Advantages:

• Bass;
• They sit tightly in the ears and do not jump out;
• Low weight;
• Normal autonomy and fast charging;
• Magnetic "lock" so as not to fall down when hanging on the neck;
• Decent sound.

Disadvantages:

• On the street, talking on the microphone is useless.

Meizu suitable for training in the gym, but not for daily jogging on the street.

Bose Soundsport Wireless Headphones - for noisy streets

Another plug-in model "on a leash", but with improved ergonomics.The acoustic range here is also well balanced, and there is no craving for low or high frequencies - everything sounds clear and rich.

Headphones are protected from sweat, easily withstand long workouts. Special silicone tips firmly fix them in the ear thanks to the special Bose StayHear technology.

An interesting feature - a case of headphones, is not only for storage, but also for charging. Capacity built-in battery lasts about two full cycles.

Advantages:

• Convenient management;
• Multipoint connection;
• Built-in NFC chip;
• Rich and clear sound;
• Honest 6 hours battery life.

Disadvantages:

• A small margin volume;
• Overcharge.

Of course, half the money you pay for the Bose brand. But as a sports headset, this model is fully justified even in a large and noisy city.