There really isn’t anything quite like a good pair of over ear headphones. For those quiet nights at home when you just want to sit back, relax and forget that the world exists. Too deep. Sorry about that.
Nonetheless, a great pair of headphones can quite literally change your life.
In this article we will be looking at the top 7 headphones for three different prices ranges- budget, mid range and high end. We will also name the best headphones for gaming, best for running and best for studio recording, YouTube and Podcasting.
It’s gonna be a long list let’s get into it.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the best high-end option, Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wirelessfor mid-range and Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless for budget.
What are the different kinds of headphones?
It should not come as a surprise that there are several different types of headphones. Each of them fit for a different purpose. The different types are listed below.
Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones have large ear cups that fully encase the ears, providing immersive sound quality and excellent noise isolation.
These headphones are ideal for intense listening sessions, as they deliver a full range of frequencies with deep bass and clear highs, making them a favourite among audiophiles.
On-Ear Headphones
On-ear headphones are a more compact option, resting on the ears without fully enclosing them. They strike a balance between portability and sound quality, making them suitable for everyday use.
While they may not offer the same level of isolation as over-ear headphones, they are often more comfortable for extended wear.
In-Ear Monitors (IEMs)
In-ear monitors are small earphones designed to fit snugly into the ear canal. They are highly portable and provide excellent noise isolation, making them popular among commuters and athletes.
IEMs come in various designs, including universal and custom-fit options for personalized comfort and sound isolation.
Bone Conduction Headphones
Bone conduction headphones transmit sound through facial bones, bypassing the eardrums. This design leaves the ears open, allowing users to hear ambient sounds, making them suitable for outdoor activities where situational awareness is crucial.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Noise-canceling headphones use advanced technology to reduce or eliminate ambient noise.
These headphones are perfect for travelers or individuals working in noisy environments, as they allow for a more focused and immersive listening experience by actively countering external sounds.
What should you look for in a headphone?
Buying a pair of headphones can be a massive investment. And, depending on the purpose that you choose to use it for, there are several factors you should consider before taking the plunge. These include the following:
Sound Quality
Look for headphones that offer a balanced sound profile with clear highs, rich mids, and deep bass, catering to your musical preferences.
Type of Headphones
As discussed in the previous section, there are various types of headphones to chose from. Your choice between over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, or bone conduction headphones should be made based on your comfort preferences and intended use.
Comfort and Fit
Ensure the headphones are comfortable for extended wear and have adjustable features to accommodate different head sizes. In-ear headphones should come with multiple ear tip sizes.
Noise Isolation/Cancellation
Evaluate the level of noise isolation or cancellation based on your environment. Noise-canceling headphones are beneficial in noisy settings, while open-back headphones may provide a more natural sound but less isolation.
Wireless or Wired
Decide whether you prefer the convenience of wireless connectivity (Bluetooth) or the reliability of wired connections. Some headphones offer both options.
Battery Life
If choosing wireless headphones, consider battery life, especially for long trips or extended use. Some models come with quick-charging features.
Build Quality and Durability
Assess the build quality, materials used, and overall durability of the headphones, particularly if they will be subjected to daily wear and tear.
Portability
Consider the portability of the headphones. Foldable or compact designs are convenient for travel or commuting.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
Research the brand reputation and read user reviews to gauge the reliability and performance of the headphones you’re interested in.
Additional Features
Check for extra features such as touch controls, customizable EQ settings, voice assistants, and water resistance, depending on your preferences.
Price
The most important fact to very many people. Set a budget and find headphones that offer the best combination of features within that range. Consider value for money and long-term satisfaction.
And on that note, let’s move onto the
Best Budget Headphones 2024 (Under $100)
Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless
The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless headphones are a budget-friendly option that offers impressive features and performance at only $79 on Amazon.
Impressive Active Noise Cancellation performance, sound quality, and value for the price. The customizable sound profile and long battery life make them a great choice for extended use, while the lightweight and comfortable design ensures comfort during long listening sessions. However, the lack of aesthetic appeal and overly bassy default sound may be drawbacks for some users.
Pros
- Great ANC for the price.
- Highly customizable sound: The headphones come with an app that allows you to customize the sound profile to your liking, including a Soundcore Signature setting that brings out the best in the headphones.
- Excellent battery life: The headphones offer up to 40 hours of battery life with ANC and 60 hours without it, making them suitable for extended use.
- Comfortable fit: The headphones are lightweight and comfortable, making them suitable for extended use.
- Affordable price
Cons
- Lack aesthetic appeal: The headphones are not the most stylish or visually appealing option available.
- Overly bassy default sound: The default sound profile of the headphones may be too bass-heavy for some users.
- Tricky volume control: The volume control on the bottom of the left earcup can be a bit tricky to operate, especially if you wear glasses.
Best Budget alternatives
Sony WH-CH520 – Entry level Sony headphones that offer a great product for those on a budget.
Koss Porta Pro – provides a very cool retro look and good performance at only $39.
JBL Live 460NC Wireless– a very versatile option for only a $59 price tag.
Best Mid-Range Headphones 2024 ($100 – 200$)
Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless
The Anker Soundcore Space Q45s are an incredible little device. And they are frequently on sale on Amazon too!
These headphones are a feature-packed and affordable option, offering strong sound quality, effective active noise cancellation (ANC), and a comfortable fit.
They present a detailed and entertaining sound, long battery life, and customizable ANC performance.
However, some may miss the aptX codec from the previous versions, and the headband cushioning is noted to be thinner than in previous models. Overall, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless headphones offer a compelling package for those looking for strong features and performance.
Pros:
- Solid audio quality with EQ
- Good, custom ANC performance
- Comfortable fit
- Excellent app support
- Reliable button controls
- Outstanding battery life
- Support for Hi-Res Audio content
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- No aptX codec available
- Headband cushioning thinner than before
Best mid-range alternatives
Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless – Very often times, you can’t go wrong with a Seinheise. At $179 on Amazon, this is a fantastic choice. Sleek, 50 hours of batter, foldable and an immersive sound.
SkullCandy Crusher ANC 2– This entry is a bit of a cheat one, because this product retails ar $229. However, it is frequently on sale, pushing it below the $200 mark. Skullcandy offer great sound customization, multiple device pairing and great sound.
Sony WH-CH720NW– Here comes another Sony. Big surprise. Great overall ANC, sound design and the classic Sony look.
Best High-End Headphones 2024 (over $200)
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are high-end over-ear headphones designed for noise cancellation and comfort. They are priced at $429 on amazon and have received very impressive reviews for their performance and features.
Overall, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are a top choice for those seeking excellent ANC, comfort, and sound quality.
However, the higher price tag and fact that it lacks USB-C audio may be drawbacks for some potential buyers.
Pros
- Premium design and materials
- Best-in-class active noise cancellation (ANC) performance
- Excellent comfort and lightweight build
- Natural-sounding transparency mode
- Impressive spatial audio performance
- Hi-res audio compatibility
- AptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec support
- Comfortable fit and effective ANC performance
- Reliable button controls
Cons
- Tricky volume control
- ANC cannot be turned off
- No USB-C audio
- Slightly higher price tag compared to competitors like Sony WH-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Max
Best high-end alternatives
Sony WH-1000XM5– a very close second to the Bose QuietComforts. These offer great batter life, touch controls and a fantastic built in microphone.
Sennheiser Consumer Audio Momentum 4– incredible audio profile that we’ve come to expect from Seinheiser.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Carbon Edition– A supremely comfortable, bassy, headphone that packs a punch. Most certainly will not leave you disappointed.
Hopefully one of the headphones listed above will help you in your quest to find the ideal pair of headphones for your specific needs.
Why do headphones give me a headache?
A lot of people experience headaches and pain in their jaws and attribute that to the headphones that they use in everyday life. This is common. This pain can result from a lot of sources- namely the following:
Tightness or Pressure
Wearing headphones that are too tight or put excessive pressure on the head can lead to discomfort and, in some cases, headaches. Adjustable headphones that are properly fitted may help alleviate this issue.
Extended Use
Prolonged use of headphones, especially if they are too tight or if the volume is too high, can contribute to fatigue and discomfort, potentially leading to headaches.
Sound Volume
Listening to music or other audio at excessively high volumes can cause stress on the auditory system and may lead to headaches. It’s important to keep the volume at a level that is comfortable and safe.
Poor Sound Quality
Low-quality audio or distorted sounds can strain your ears and cognitive processes, potentially leading to headaches. Using headphones with good sound quality may help reduce this issue.
In-Ear Pressure
In-ear headphones or earbuds can create a feeling of pressure inside the ear canal, especially if they form a tight seal. This pressure may contribute to discomfort and headaches in some individuals.
Pre-existing Conditions
Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as tension headaches, migraines, or sensitivity to sound, may be more prone to experiencing headaches when using headphones.
Noise Isolation
Noise-isolating headphones, which block out external sounds, may contribute to a feeling of pressure in the head. Some people find this sensation uncomfortable and it could lead to headaches.
Poor Posture
Using headphones for an extended period with poor posture, such as bending the neck for a prolonged time, may contribute to tension headaches.
How to prevent pain caused by headphones
All of the above are common reasons for pain when using headphones. To reduce the likelihood of headaches when using headphones, consider the following:
- Choose headphones with a comfortable and adjustable fit.
- Keep the volume at a moderate level to protect your ears.
- Take breaks during extended headphone use to give your ears and head a rest.
- Use headphones with good sound quality to reduce auditory strain.
If headaches persist or worsen, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying health issues and receive personalized advice.