Going by the brand’s popularity, people think it’s hard to beat the features of the Beats headphones; however, there are plenty of brands out there in the market that have the same or superior features and perform well without causing a dent in your wallet. Yes, these headphones may not have the same brand image as Beats or their appearance may be a little less classy; but if you are looking for a pair of headphones that offers excellent quality and durability, you are sure to be thrilled with these choices.
In a short span of time, the Beats brand of headphones overtook several renowned players and got acquired by none other than Apple for a huge sum! Read on to see why the Beats headphones brand is so popular, and why you need to think beyond the brand; check out what features to look for when you buy headphones, what types of headphones are out in the market, and go on to read our reviews of top headphones that are better than Beats.
Read our latest guide about the best purple headphones.
Why headphones better than Beats?
Headphones better than Beats? What makes Beats the benchmark for selecting a good pair of headphones – why is everyone wearing Beats nowadays?
Started in 2008 by Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine, the Beats headphones brand gained rapid popularity in the US and by 2011, had achieved 64% of market share in the category of premium headphones. In 2014, Apple acquired Beats in a cash and stock deal that is still Apple’s largest brand acquisition. So, what makes Beats better than other brands in the market? The reputation of the brand is a result of good quality merged with excellent marketing that made Beats instantly recognizable and a must-have for the brand-conscious music aficionado. This is also a premium brand that involves considerable investment on each pair of headphones. While the headphones are undoubtedly good, we should also be aware of brands that offer headphones of same or better quality at much lower prices.
The iconic B has been wrapping the ears of most people you know – this alone could be enough reason for you to explore other options among headphones. If you see why Beats is so popular, especially among the younger generation, it’s firstly because of its style with colors that reflect your personality, then because of features like active noise-cancellation, excellent battery life, good compatibility, and a full-bodied sound range. The brand image of Beats has perhaps diverted us from looking at other options, but if you’re looking for a great pair of headphones that offer all these features, excellent quality and value for money, check out our recommendations of top headphones that are better than Beats.
Read our complete guide about the best smallest bluetooth headsets.
Types of headphones to be discussed
Noise-cancelling headphones – Active noise-cancelling headphones are a boon especially when you use them on the go, while traveling, in crowded places, or at work. The level of active noise-cancelling can sometimes be customized, depending on your headphones model, to give you a balance of isolation and awareness of surroundings.
Wireless Headphones – Beats offers several wireless models with on-ear, over-the-ear, and in-ear designs – these enable you to enjoy your music without the hassles of cables. Brands like Bose and Skullcandy have wireless headphones with plenty of features that can make these accessories a part of your daily routine without having to spend too much.
Over-Ear, On-Ear and In-Ear headphones – Depending on their design, headphones can be over-ear or around-the-ear with ear cups that cover your ears completely, offering you a closed listening experience; on-ear headphones that rest on your ear and give you a slightly opening listening experience and in-ear headphones in the form of compact ear plugs that can be plugged in your ear.
Features of headphones better than Beats
Audio quality – Beats headphones are especially known for their terrific bass response and midrange audio quality; but as far as the quality of audio is concerned, there are several brands that can give you a rich auditory experience with excellent sound clarity. Check out features like frequency response, impedance, and Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) – these define your audio quality.
Noise-cancellation – Beats has a feature called Adaptive Noise Cancelling that can be customized depending on your location and need. If you’re in a crowded place, you may wish to turn the feature on; and turn it off when you are in a quiet place. This feature is present in most major brands of headphones and some offer a highly customizable version where you can decide your level of noise-cancellation. Even in places where noise cancellation is necessary, it cannot be absolute because then, you will not be aware of your surroundings.
Design – Over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, open-backed, close-backed – there are plenty of designs in headphones, each offering a different listening experience. Select a design according to your daily requirements, and make sure it satisfies your comfort needs too. Over-ear headphones, for instance, can be heavier than other options. If you’re planning to use the headphones throughout the day, the weight can be a problem.
Comfort – Different designs in headphones offer varying levels of comfort. While over-ear headphones keep you protected from the cold, they can be quite heavy. In-ear earphones, on the other hand, are open in design, but can be uncomfortable when placed on your ear canal throughout the day.
Style – Style is one of the key selling points of Beats headphones – the brand offers a wide range of colors and designs to match your personality. But this aspect is not limited to Beats – there are plenty of classy headphone designs in the market that can make heads turn towards you. The Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II for instance, offers trendy choices to match your persona, and has an elegant look that sets you apart.
FAQs
Why are Beats headphones so popular?
Beats headphones have an iconic style that sets them apart. Clever marketing has also fetched them immense brand recognition; so, to wear a Beats is now a status symbol.
Are there other headphones in the market that are really better than Beats?
Yes! There are plenty of headphone options that offer better sound quality and more comfort than Beats; they look appealing too and are more pocket friendly. If you’re looking for renowned brands, there are options in brands like Sony, Bose and Skullcandy too.
These alternatives are priced lower than Beats headphones – do they offer the same value?
Higher prices do not always guarantee better quality. This is a list of hand-selected alternatives to Beats headphones that offer better value at great rates. It’s a win-win here for you!
Here’s our selection of top 15 headphones that are better than Beats –
Top 15 Headphones That Are Better Than Beats in 2022
|
Picture |
Name | Feature | Price |
Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Picture |
Name | Feature | Price |
Rating |
 |
1. Sony WH1000XM3 Noise Cancelling Headphones |
Comfortable to Wear | $$$ | 4.4 |
 |
2. Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Headphones |
Excellent noise cancellation | $$$ | 4.4 |
 |
3. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT Wireless Headphones |
45 millimeter large aperture drivers | $$$ | 4.4 |
 |
4. Sennheiser HD599 Open Back Headphones |
Open-back design | $$$ | 4.3 |
 |
5. Master & Dynamic MW65 Headphones |
Built in Dual microphones | $$$ | 4.3 |
 |
6. Marshall Monitor II Headphone |
Up to 30 hours of battery life | $$$ | 4.3 |
 |
7. Bowers & Wilkins PX Headphones |
Digitally enhanced inbound audio | $$$ | 4.2 |
| 8. Beyerdynamic Lagoon ANC Explorer Headphones |
Best Bluetooth transmission | $$$ | 4.2 | |
| 9. Dali IO-6 Premium Headphones |
Lightweight and comfortable | $$$ | 4.1 | |
 |
10. Shure AONIC 50 Wireless Headphones |
50mm drivers | $$$ | 4.1 |
 |
11. Skullcandy Crusher ANC Personalized Headphones |
Adjustable sensory bass | $$$ | 3.9 |
 |
12. Hifiman HE-400I Headphones |
Lightweight construction | $$$ | 3.9 |
 |
13. Ultrasone HFI-580 S-Logic Headphones |
Sound pressure level 101 dB | $$$ | 3.9 |
 |
14. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H4 Wireless Headphones |
Up to 19 hours of battery life | $$$ | 3.9 |
 |
15. AKG Pro Audio K240 Studio Headphones |
3 m replaceable cable | $$ | 3.9 |
1. Sony WH1000XM3 Noise Cancelling Headphones
Individualized listening experience with active noise cancelling
Experience total isolation with the Sony WH1000XM3 Headphones – let the music take over even in heavily crowded places like the airport or train station and enjoy a world of your own that doesn’t allow noises from outside within. This pair of headphones works with a HD noise-cancelling processor that is remarkably effective in blocking out ambient noises and allowing you to concentrate on your pod cast or music.
Audio quality
Enjoy incredible audio clarity with an inbuilt amplifier and strong drivers that boost audio clarity. The headphones can effectively reproduce frequency ranges of up to 40 kHz and uses its Digital Sound Enhancement Engine to enhance body of compressed music files so that you can enjoy them at their fullest resolution.
Noise Cancellation
Outstanding noise-cancellation features can make these headphones your favorite accessory when you see how easy it is to escape from the noise of crowds into a personalized world. Adaptive sound control and touch control allow to specify your preferences with regard to ambient sound so that you can choose to hear vital sounds when you’re on the move. The headphones also have a smart listening feature that adjusts your headphone volume to ambient noises.
Design
The Sony WH1000XM3 is designed to offer you everything at the touch of a button. Taking calls, switching off your noise cancellation feature, making calls or sourcing your voice assistant – all these are just a click away. These over-ears wireless headband style headphones offer up to 30 hours of batter charge. The headphones have an easy foldable design and an app integration that makes your audio experience all the more enjoyable.
Comfort
The headphones have an aesthetic design to suit your face structure and can be easily folded to stow away when not in use. The earpads are made of soft urethane material that do not add pressure on your ears; the headphones are light in weight and can be worn for long without stressing your ears. The over-ears design offers extra space for your ear, further adding to your comfort.
Style
Available in black and silver, these Sony headphones are delightfully smart with a compact design. The foldable headphones come with a neat carrying case.
Highlights
- Among the best noise-cancelling headphones in the industry
- Neat foldable design
- Made of soft urethane material for all-day comfort
- Touch controls for complete sound management
- Digital Sound Enhancement for boosting compressed audio pieces
2. Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Headphones
Taking brilliance to new heights
Whether it’s privacy that you seek, or simplicity, or comfort, or rich clarity, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Headphones is here to deliver all this with effortless ease. With excellent noise cancellation, the dual assistance of Alexa and Google and the HiFi support of Bose AR – Bose’s signature augmented reality platform, this pair of headphones makes the best use of technology to achieve perfection.
Audio quality
Experience unmatchable audio quality with Bose’s volume-optimized EQ that offers clear, balanced sound. The TriPort acoustic design of the headphones enhance audio playback without altering the compact design of the device. Enjoy perfect clarity with rich bass.
Noise cancellation
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II has a proprietary noise-cancellation technology that offers three kinds of settings for you to customize the level of noise cancellation you want depending on where you are.
Design
The headphones have a battery life that lasts up to 20 hours and that can be quickly recharged in 15 minutes to extend to another 2.5 hours. These are designed to fit over the ears and provide utmost comfort for users throughout the day. Pair it with Alexa or Google assistant to operate the headphones through your voice assistant; everything can be monitored with the touch of a button with these Bose headphones.
Comfort
Keep using your headphones, no matter where you are, and for however long you want – made of impact-proof materials like glass-filled nylon and stainless steel, these headphones guarantee durability along with comfort. The plush headband is covered by Alcantara material while the ear cushions are made of synthetic soft leather. So, even if you wear these headphones throughout the day, you will not feel its strain on your head or ears.
Style
Select from among black, silver and rose gold colors of these swanky headphones and enjoy the attention they draw.
Highlights
- Ultimately comfortable for day-long use
- Long battery life
- Can be paired with Alexa or Google assistant or Bose’s augmented reality platform
- Supportive app for controls
- Excellent noise cancellation
3. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT Wireless Headphones
Sonic finesse in wireless headphones
Experience the power of studio sound in a pair of wireless headphones with the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT Wireless Headphones. Delivering audio with utmost clarity and perfect bass response, these headphones enhance your listening experience and transport you to a completely different world.
Audio quality
With a wide frequency range of 15 to 28,000 Hz and a sensitivity of 99 dB, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT wireless headphones delivers clear and solid audio with good bass response. The Headphones are equipped with 45mm large-aperture drivers that bring out incredible clarity.
Noise cancellation
The over-ear design of the headsets ensures complete isolation from your surroundings, resulting in excellent noise cancellation.
Design
With the mic and control buttons located at the earcups which are easily accessible, these over-the-ear headphones are easy to manage and also have a quick access button to voice-assist. The large-aperture drivers are equipped with rare-earth magnets and aluminum wire coils to deliver M50x’s sonic effect in the headphones. The 40-hour long battery life of these headphones is incredible and will definitely help you especially if you’re always on the run.
Comfort
When you have to use the headphones for long, the luxurious professional grade earpads and the soft headband are sure to keep you comfortable and at ease. The headphones combine comfort with utmost durability to give you a long-lasting device.
Style
Available in shades of black, white and gun-metal, these Audio-Technica headphones have a professional look that make them suitable to wear just about anywhere.
Highlights
- 40-hour battery life
- High clarity and sonic effect
- Absolute noise isolation
- Accessible controls
4. Sennheiser HD599 Open Back Headphones
Power and value packed in wired headphones
From the unswerving brand of Sennheiser, the HD 599 Open Back Headphones are a part of the premium HD 500 range that offers exceptional audio and comfort in a single package. Sennheiser’s Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement ensures a comfortably designed model of headphones that offers consistently good audio.
Audio quality
Get transported to a new world of sound with the Sennheiser HD 599 – with a wide frequency range of 12 – 38,500 Hz, the remastered HD audio of these headphones are of a totally higher level than most other headphones of that price range. First-rate Sennheiser transducers ensure maximum clarity and excellent sound reproduction.
Noise cancellation
The headphones have an open-back design that allows noise isolation; however, this is not complete noise cancellation – so if you are in a studio setting and want to listen to music while talking to a colleague, these headphones are perfect. You will be aware of your surrounding noises without getting completely isolated.
Design
The headphones have an open-back, around-ear design with ergonomics in place. You can expect balanced audio that can be run non-stop without having to worry about batteries since the HD 599 has a wired design.
Comfort
Leaders in comfort, these Sennheiser headphones have large ear cups with replaceable ear pads that do not stress your ears. So, experience music without the pressure of tight earcups pushing on your ears.
Style
With a royal ivory color scheme and visibly excellent-quality materials used in its construction, the HD 599 headphones are classy and elegant – flaunt these wherever you go and enjoy the attention. The headphones are also available in black.
Highlights
- Open-back design for spatial balance
- Large earcups for comfort
- Made of high-quality material
- Wired design – just connect and use
- Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement (EAR) for excellent comfort and audio quality
5. Master & Dynamic MW65 Headphones
A stylish companion to take along when you travel
Enjoy terrific audio quality packed in a pair of compact and lightweight headphones that can accompany you to wherever you go. Crafted to impress with its design, the Master & Dynamic MW65 headphones are a perfect blend of style with substance – weighing just 24 gms and yet, with a capacity to pack a punch with its audio quality, here is a pair of headphones you’ll feel proud to own.
Audio quality
The Master & Dynamic MW65 offers impeccable audio quality with perfectly matched highs, mids and bass – be assured of sharp, clear audio with these headphones. The headphones have a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz and impedance of 32 Ohms; the headphones have custom 40mm Beryllium drivers that, together with the active noise-cancellation feature, help provide excellent audio.
Noise cancellation
The headphones offer three modes of active noise cancellation that you can select according to your needs – use high mode for crowded places and airport where you can escape into your own world with no disturbance from outside, low mode for other places where you don’t require such a high degree of noise cancellation, and turn off for places where you wish to remain aware of ambient noises.
Design
These over-ear headphones have a snug fit and come in a canvas carrying pouch – you can opt to disable the wireless option and use the flight adapter that’s available with the package. Enjoy endless music with the 24-hour battery life of these headphones; even when this battery goes down, you just have to charge for 15 minutes to get 12 hours of battery. The headphones come with dual microphones that efficiently cut off external noises when you have to take calls.
Comfort
The headphones made of fine-quality anodized aluminum with first-rate leather are light in weight and extremely comfortable to wear throughout the day. The earpads are made of replaceable lambskin wrapped in memory foam.
Style
The headphone come in four classy colorways and look good, no matter where you wear them. Get assistance wherever you are with the Google assistant just a button-click away.
Highlights
- Available in trendy colors
- Lightweight headphones
- Flight adapter included
- Voice-assistant enabled
- Three modes of noise cancellation
6. Marshall Monitor II Headphone
Focus on your music and tackle the day
Enjoy studio-quality sound with the Marshall Monitor II Headphones with up to 30 hours of battery-life and a voice-assistant that will accompany you wherever you go. With a cool collapsible design that make them easy to carry, and options to select your level of active noise cancelling, this pair of headphones is forward-looking and great to take along wherever you go.
Audio quality
Experience crystal-clear audio with Marshalls custom-designed 40mm dynamic drivers – you can take this for granted. Immersive music is a given – all nuances of audio are keen, including instrumentals. The headphones have a control knob that allows you to regulate your audio volume or phone functionality easily.
Noise cancellation
The Active Noise Cancellation feature of the Marshall Monitor Headphones is very effective and flexible. The headset has a button that allows you to manage your ANC feature – you can opt for complete or partial isolation or remove ANC so that you’re aware of what’s happening around you.
Design
These over-ear headphones are extremely compact and have an easy collapsible design that helps you pack them up conveniently. With handy button controls that help adjust the volume, ANC or talk to your voice-assistant, and an app that supports you throughout, these headphones have a smart, intuitive design.
Comfort
The headphones are a combination of sturdy plastic, metal and premium faux leather that makes them durable and extremely comfortable. The earcups cover your ears without crowding on them and the light weight of the headphones keep you comfy even after hours of use.
Style
The headphones have a neat look, thanks to their compact size and they can easily be folded away when not in use; so, you don’t have to keep wearing the headphones even when you don’t use them.
Highlights
- Up to 30 hours of battery life
- Easily accessible control knobs
- Foldable design
- Adjustable ANC technology
7. Bowers & Wilkins PX Headphones
Get immersed in your own world of music
Release yourself from the stresses of routine life and get away for a while with the Bowers Wilkins PX headphones – with its perceptive noise cancellation features and insightful design, this pair of headphones is the smart device you’ve always wanted.
Audio quality
Experience an enhanced listening experience, thanks to excellent drive units – the same as Bower & Wilkins P9 Signature headphones. The headphones have a wide frequency range of 10Hz to 20kHz and impedance of 22 ohms. The headphones digitally interpolate inbound audio, thereby enhancing sound levels with heightened clarity.
Noise cancellation
Regulate your noise-cancellation levels with three adjustment settings that allow you to decide how much sound isolation you want.
Design
The Bowers & Wilkins PX headphones is sure to impress you with its intelligent design – the headphones turn on as you as you wear them, and when you remove them, the go to standby mode. Allow for further customization with the PX app and get the best out of your headphones set. Enjoy up to 22 hours of battery-life; the headphones can also go on up to months when it’s in standby mode.
Comfort
Made of premium quality materials, and with large earcups, the PX headphones ensure utmost comfort at all times – so much so that soon, these headphones will be a part of your attire.
Style
Available in color options of space-gray and soft-gold, the Bowers & Wilkins PX headphones are a natural head-turner and are sure to reflect your personality – to showcase your cool side.
Highlights
- Available in attractive colors
- Digitally enhanced inbound audio
- Smart and intuitive design
- Three settings to adjust noise cancellation
8. Beyerdynamic Lagoon ANC Explorer Headphones
State-of-art features, leaders in audio quality
The Beyerdynamic Lagoon ANC Explorer Headphones are designed to become an integral part of your daily life as they accompany you through airports, train journeys or to your work or study place, keeping you in your own secure world of music. With easy touch panels and flexible ANC features, these headphones are convenient, classy and comfortable.
Audio quality
Welcome to sound personalization – these headphones automatically adjust audio quality to your hearing ability which keeps changing from time to time. State-of-art audio codes like Qualcomm aptX, aptX Low latency and AAC ensure smooth broadcast of Bluetooth audio with high levels of clarity
Noise cancellation
Experience Digital Active Nosie Cancellation with two levels of adjustment that helps you set your ANC preference. If you’re looking for an immersive audio experience that transports you to a world of your own, these ANC headphones are the vehicle you want.
Design
These circumaural headphones use hybrid technology for noise-cancellation; they have an easy foldable design that helps in storage and a touch panel that takes you instantly to your voice assistant – Siri or Google. The headphones operate with an innovative light guide system for various operations – here’s something to show off at work or in school! Enjoy a battery life that lasts 24.5 hours with ANC and up to 45 hours without.
Comfort
First-rate memory foam and faux leather have been used for the ear-cushions – these make the headphones lightweight and comfortable to wear. The material rests softly on your ears without any pressure and keeps you secure in a world that filters out external noise. The headband is made of premium spring steel and keeps the headphones secure without pressing on your head.
Style
Select from among the Grey and brown ANC Explorer headphones, and the Black ANC traveler headphones; both choices offer you a smart pair of headphones that can be worn anywhere and stowed away easily. Flaunt your pair of headphones with smart lights on the inside that guide you through various operations.
Highlights
- Smart guiding lights
- Foldable design
- Audio quality based on level of hearing
- Adjustable modes of Active noise cancellation
9. Dali IO-6 Premium Headphones
Durable headphones with incredible sound quality
Coming from the house of Dali, with their 35 plus years of experience in producing high-quality loudspeakers, the Dali IO-6 Premium headphones offer an engrossing listening experience. This pair of headphones comes with the guarantee of Dali sound, and the assurance of durability and comfort to make them an important part of your routine.
Audio quality
Listen to music with its fullest authenticity – without any hitches in its reproduction; the Dali IO, developed in Denmark focuses on bringing out the true essence of sound with its world-class technology. So, the 50mm paper fiber cone and the charged neodymium magnet system work together to produce excellent acoustics with minimal distortions. These headphones bring out even the minutest of details in your music and take the highs to a pitch that can only be described as studio level.
Noise cancellation
As closed-back headphones, this unit keeps away all ambient noises passively – this noise isolation is further boosted by Dali’s ANC technology to enable active and complete protection from external noises. Select from three ANC modes depending on your needs to set your noise isolation preferences with the handy button in your right ear cup.
Design
Enjoy up to 30 hours of unlimited music, thanks to the strong battery life of these headphones – even when this runs down, charge back to full in just 2.5 hours. These over-ear headphones have a simple, foldable design to stow them away in their case when not in use.
Comfort
The ear pads of the Dali IO are made of soft memory foam and covered with high-quality faux leather that adapts to the shape of your head to offer maximum comfort. The headphones are also designed to be extremely light in weight so that you can wear the unit for hours together without feeling the strain of their weight.
Style
The headphones come in an elegant caramel white color as well as in a suave black.
Highlights
- Innovative sound technology for better acoustics
- Foldable design
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Well-placed controls
10. Shure AONIC 50 Wireless Headphones
Crystal-clear audio with flexible ANC
Be assured of heads turning your way wherever you wear this stylish pair of headphones; but then, you may be too engrossed in your music to realize this. The Shure AONIC 50 wireless headphones are stylish, offers excellent audio quality and an ANC that makes you forget where you are, along with comfort features that make the headphones perfect to use and take along.
Audio quality
With a frequency range of 20 Hz to 22000 Hz, the Shure Aonic 50 offers a wide range that hits the right notes with the bass and the highs. Experience studio-level sound wherever you go, thanks to the 50mm drivers that ensure utmost clarity.
Noise cancellation
Escape from the world outside by just tapping a button that allows you Active Noise Cancellation. Toggle between ANC for complete isolation and the Environment mode that allows you back into the real world where you’re aware of ambient sounds.
Design
The wireless over-ear headphones have a Bluetooth range of up to 10m and also offer the option of wired usage with an included 3.5mm audio input. Keep the music going on with up to 20 hours of battery life. Download the ShurePlus Play app to manage your headphone operations online.
Comfort
The Shure Aonic 50 headphones are built for durability and comfort; from the convenience of folding up the headphones to store it to the comfort offered by the wide ear cups made of ultra-soft material, the headphones blend with your daily routine easily without giving you any discomfort.
Style
The headphones are available in eye-catching brown and charming black colorways – designed to guarantee appreciation wherever you go.
Highlights
- Stylish looks
- ANC and environment mode
- Supportive app
- 50mm drivers for studio sound
11. Skullcandy Crusher ANC Personalized Headphones
Enjoy the nuances of audio
Appreciate the various shades of music as your Skullcandy Crusher ANC headphones offers a richer listening experience than you’ve ever had – we’re talking about sensory bass here, and much more. With directional bass that can actually be felt through the headphones, active noise cancelling and personal sound technology,
Audio quality
These over-ear headphones have an impedance of 32 Ohms and a wide frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz. Turn up the adjustable bass knob to feel your music, and not just listen to it! Personalize your audio preferences by creating your sound profile on Skullcandy’s app; so now, you don’t have to keep adjusting the settings to make music sound the way you like it. Your headphone remembers and tweaks settings to play your music, your style.
Noise cancellation
Opt for complete isolation with digital Active noise cancellation to escape into your own world of music or gaming; or select the ambient mode for passive noise cancellation that allows essential sounds from the world around you.
Design
The Skullcandy Crusher ANC is a pair of over-ear wireless headphones with unique features like an adjustable bass switch that gives you a sensory listening experience, customizable audio options from your audio profile and active noise cancelling. The headphones have an easy foldable design and come with a handy carrycase. Keep listening to your audio with the battery power going on for up to 24 hours.
Comfort
Made of high-quality metal with soft faux-leather ear pads and headrest, the Skullcandy Crusher ANC headphones keep you at ease, no matter how long you keep the headphones on.
Style
Select from among a deep red, a tan-black combination, and a complete black pair of headphones, each with its own style and signature look.
Highlights
- Personalized audio
- Bass you can feel – adjustable
- Soft ear pads and comfortable headbands
- In-built tile tracker
12. Hifiman HE-400I Headphones
Terrific sound quality in a comfortable package
Discover the wonders of planar magnetic technology with the Hifiman HE-400I headphones – with superior sounding audio and excellent comfort, these headphones are perfect if you are looking for studio-quality sound on the go. Of course, there’s also the style factor – a look at this pair of headphones is enough to make you a fan of the brand.
Audio quality
The planar magnetic technology that has been used in these headphones enhances your audio quality to produce crisp and clear sound with minimum distortion. The large diaphragm improves signal input and adds weight to bass and treble. Audio reproduction is near-perfect.
Noise cancellation
These are open back headphones that are designed to allow noise in and out; so, you will be able to listen to ambient noises while using these headphones. These are ideal for offices and home use.
Design
The Hifiman HE-400i has a design that is extremely light in weight to make it comfortable for day-long use and with full-size planar magnetic headphones to ensure a detailed listening experience. The headphones use single-ended drivers for enhanced audio. Designed as circumaural open-back headphones, these are perfect to use in home studios and in offices.
Comfort
These lightweight headphones have a strategic design that holds the headbands firmly in place without clamping over your head. Beveled ear pads are made of high-quality leatherette and soft velour to keep you at ease even if you wear the headphones throughout the day. The headband is designed to ease pressure and stay in place.
Style
Looking classy in its gray and black combination, this unit has a distinct modern-day look that’s further boosted by ABS polymer ear cups with a glossy finish.
Highlights
- Modern looks
- Planar magnetic technology for heightened audio experience
- Lightweight construction
- Large diaphragm for audio boost
13. Ultrasone HFI-580 S-Logic Headphones
Welcome to three-dimensional sound in your headphones
Stereo-type audio with integrated surround sound – the Ultrasone HFI-580 S-Logic Headphones packs immense power in its audio without being loud. With a solid construction and a special MU shield that protects the user from radiation, these headphones are comfortable and durable.
Audio quality
Ultrasone uses patented S-logic technology to create three-dimensional audio effects in the headphones with a strong surround sound – the effect is hi-fi stereo music on your headphones. The unit has a frequency range of 10-22000 Hz and impedance of 32 Ohm with a SPL of 101dB, the combination of which makes your audio sound more spontaneous and open.
Noise cancellation
The close-back design of the headphones shields you from external noises while the 50mm professional Mylar driver enhances volumes, thereby improving isolation.
Design
The Ultrasone HFI-580 is designed as closed all-round headphones with surround sound. It has a low-weight construction with a design that allows optimal audio with low sound pressure. The headphones have a protective MU shield that prevent earcups from heating up and protects you from radiation.
Comfort
The headphones have a sturdy lightweight build that rests easily on your head without being too tight. The MU shield protects your ears from feeling hot and prevents radiation from affecting you, thereby reducing fatigue to a great extent.
Style
Made entirely in black with Ultrasone’s logo on the headband, these close-backed headphones are appealing to look at and wear, and perfect to use in your workplace or at the train station.
Highlights
- Protective MU shield to prevent radiation and excessive heating
- Surround sound effect
- S-logic technology for 3D sound
- Lightweight construction
14. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H4 Wireless Headphones
Premium headphones delivering pure sound
Get expressive with the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H4 Wireless headphones – created to design pure sound of high quality, these headphones help you savor your music, note by note. With a smooth design that uses only high-quality materials in its construction, these headphones look elegant and can easily stand the test of time.
Audio quality
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H4 Wireless Headphones offer the signature sound dynamics of the brand – with a frequency range of 20-22,000 Hz, the headphones have a balanced sound profile, thanks to the equalizers in the Bluetooth 4.2 chip.
Noise cancellation
The wireless over-ear design of these headphones blocks out most noises, but also allows for a degree of ambient sounds so you know what’s happening around you even as you are immersed in your music.
Design
With clean lines as their mantra, the Beoplay H4 wireless headphones are designed with simplicity as a guide, and yet look perfectly graceful. The over-ear wireless headphones save your sound preferences and adjusts its settings to match your taste. On-device controls allow you to easily switch from listening to music to take calls to access your voice assistant. Keep going for up to 19 hours of battery, and charge for just 2.5 hours to get back your fully charged headset.
Comfort
High-quality materials such as luxurious lambskin on the headband, memory foam for ear cups, anodized aluminum for ear cup discs and a sleek stainless steel with strong braided cords make the headphones extremely comfortable as well as stylish.
Style
Available in matte black and limestone colorways and designed in Jakob Wagner’s signature minimalistic lines, the headphones have a refined look and turn the focus on them wherever you wear them.
Highlights
- Controls easy to access
- Stylish look
- Made of high-quality materials
- Balanced sound profile
15. AKG Pro Audio K240 Studio Headphones
Professional quality headphones with a terrific soundstage
If you’re looking for a pair of headphones to help you with studio-related work like mixing and playback, the AKG Pro Audio K240 Studio headphones are a perfect choice. These professional grade headphones offer perfect bass and rich highs with emphasis on details. Designed for long hours use in studios, these headphones have plenty of comfort aspects with a good fit.
Audio quality
The headphones feature 30mm XXL transducers with Varimotion diaphragms that ensure strong audio with lucid highs and clear bass. If you are specific about details, these headphones bring out the best. Suitable for use in studios, these headphones come with a mini XLR connector and a convertible jack plug to connect to portable equipment.
Noise cancellation
The semi-open design of the headphones offers over-ear protection from white noise but not complete noise isolation. This makes the headphones perfect for home studios.
Design
These over-ear headphones have self-adjusting headbands that fit perfectly over your head without any pressure. The headphones come with a 3 m detachable cable and have replaceable earpads. The style here is semi-open with a circumaural design.
Comfort
The headphones have large ear pads in a semi-open design that rest softly on your ears without pressing and a self-adjusting headband that adapts to the shape of your head. These features along with the soft protein leather material used in the construction of these headphones make them snug and good to use for hours together.
Style
Made in black with the self-adjusting headbands forming a shield, the headphones look professional and neat – they fit in perfectly in-home studios and professional labs.
Highlights
- Varimotion diaphragms for Studio-quality sound
- Self-adjusting headbands
- Detachable cable
- Mini XLR connector included
Maintenance Tips
Despite the durable materials that go into making headphones, these gadgets often falter over time and we find that we have to keep buying headphones often. This can be avoided by just following a few standard procedures while using the headphones that improve their life and keep them going on for years.
- Disconnect headphones when not in use – though it seems obvious, when we tend to use headphones for hours together, we don’t always disconnect the headphones when we stop listening. For wired headphones, remove the headphones by pulling the jack and not the cable.
- Keep the headphones in a carrycase dedicated for them – most headphone brands offer a soft pouch or case to store the headphones. Please don’t keep them in your pocket or any other place where they are bound to get damaged.
- Clean the headphones with a soft and damp microfiber cloth after use. Do not use sprays or bleaches to clean your headphones.
- Sweat and water can destroy headphones easily – allow wet earcups to air dry naturally. Do not force dry with dryers or force air on earcups.
- Consider using a headphone stand if you plan to use the headphones often in a home studio set up.
- For wired headphones, avoid winding the cables around the device and don’t leave the cables loose.
- Avoid exposing the headphones to extreme weather elements like harsh sunlight, rain or cold. Store them in a cool, dry place.
- Charge the headphones only when required. Repeated charging even when battery levels are not low can shorten the life of the headphones.
- Excessive volume can also damage your headphone – consider that the next time you turn up the volume in your headset.