Best Audiophile Headphones of 2019
Are you in the market for the best headphones that the world has to offer? Then in this guide, you’ll find the top audiophile headphones that deliver phenomenal and life-like performance. Keep in mind that these are some of the more expensive headphones on the market, but if you are looking for something that delivers industry-leading features you have to be willing to pay a bit more.
Budget |
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Audio Technica ATH-AD700X |
4.8/5.0 |
3-4 years Warranty |
20 ounces |
Wider frequency range and open-back design. |
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Best Value |
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Sennheiser PXC 550 |
4.9/5.0 |
3-4 years Warranty |
7.8 ounces |
Long battery life and excellent design. |
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Top Pick |
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Sennheiser HD 700 |
4.9/5.0 |
Comfortable to wear |
14.4 ounces |
Durable headband and Wide frequency range. |
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We have created 3 different price categories to make things simpler for you. This will help you quickly navigate to the products that match your budget. You will notice that we have included options from a variety of brands so there’s plenty to choose from.
The top buying considerations are also covered in this buying guide, which helps you make the right purchase. Some of the buying factors we will include are audio quality, comfort, Bluetooth connectivity, and durability.
Buying factors to consider
Who should buy the best audiophile headphones?
Top 10 Best Audiophile Headphones Comparison Table
Make and Model | Weight | Wireless | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Audio Technica ATH-AD700X | 20 ounces | No | Check Price |
Noontec Hammo Go Active | 9.6 ounces | Yes | Check Price |
V-MODA Crossfade LP2 Vocal | 1.76 ounces | No | Check Price |
AKG Pro Audio K702 | 28.8 ounces | No | Check Price |
Sennheiser PXC 550 | 7.8 ounces | Yes | Check Price |
Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) | 8.3 ounces | Yes | Check Price |
Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7BK | 10.2 ounces | No | Check Price |
Beyerdynamic DT 990 | 10.2 ounces | No | Check Price |
Sennheiser HD 700 | 14.4 ounces | No | Check Price |
Sennheiser HD 600 | 9.1 ounces | No | Check Price |
Best Audiophile Headphones By Budget:
Click below to get detailed information on each headphone by price.
- Best Audiophile Headphones Under $200
- Best Audiophile Headphones Under $350
- Best Audiophile Headphones Under $500
Best Audiophile Headphones Under $200
Do you want the cheapest audiophile headphones that are on the market? Then you should consider the options in the under $200 category. You’ll be surprised by the value that is offered here as some of the headphones are capable of competing in terms of performance with much higher priced headphones.
However, unlike with the more expensive categories the choices here might not be suitable for professional use as the audio is not as good. Also, pay attention to the durability of the product to ensure that it matches your expectations.
1. Audio Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Headphones
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
The 53mm drivers in the AudioTechnica ATH-AD700X reproduce clear treble, bass, and mids. These headphones have been designed to be worn for long durations, which is why the designers have padded the earmuffs to be as comfortable as possible. The headband automatically adjusts to your head size for easy wearing and listening comfort.
Furthermore, the connectivity technology is wired – a straight cord at the left of the earpiece transmits fast frequency waves directly from your device to headphones. Unlike most headphones, the Audio Technica ATH-AD700X has a wider frequency range of 5 Hz to 30,000 Hz, thus letting you hear deeper bass levels.
In addition, the headphones are open-air letting oxygen pass through. This means that the soundstage will be fuller and less heat will build up. Also, the earpads are made from flexible fabric that is durable and soft to wear. The gold plated stereo jack comes in two sizes 3.5mm and 6.3mm, making them compatible with almost all devices.
To summarize, the Audio Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile headphones are open back and therefore comfortable to wear for long periods. The lightweight aluminum design is durable and stylish to wear. Also, the frequency range is 5-30,000 Hz making it a lot easier to hear the lower levels of bass.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 20 ounces |
Noise isolating: No |
Wireless: No |
Warranty: 3-4 Years |
The Pros |
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Compatible with most devices |
Open-back design |
Wider frequency range |
The Cons |
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Cable could be better designed |
Break easily |
2. Noontec Hammo Go Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5
Thanks to distinctive technology, the Noontec Hammo Go Active Noise Cancelling Headphones can output great bass, treble, and highs. In addition, the headphones are noise canceling, which means you can listen to beats without the audio around you being a nuisance.
Moreover, the Hammo Go is created for people who want to look stylish when listening to music. The premium materials give the headphones a modern shiny look and the red trims make the headphones look even more expensive. Also, the earpads are extremely comfortable to wear and can rotate to better fit the user. Plus, the design is fully foldable, which reduces the space it takes up by half making it great for traveling.
In addition, the battery life is ultra-long lasting for up to 60 hours of playback time, which is more than the average Bluetooth headphone. Also, the headphones are made to be worn for extremely long durations (7 – 8 hours), which makes them great for traveling on planes, trains, and buses.
In conclusion, the headphones are great to take on long journeys, because they are easily foldable and strain-free to wear. The newly developed drivers utilize the wide frequency response to the fullest, outputting great bass and treble. Also, the battery life is an amazing 60 hours, which is longer than most premium headphones.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 9.6 ounces |
Noise isolating: Yes |
Wireless: Yes |
Warranty: 2-4 Years |
The Pros |
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Sleek design |
Noise canceling |
Great frequency response |
The Cons |
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Batteries get worn out pretty quickly |
Can be a little tight on the head for some users |
3. V-MODA Crossfade LP2 Vocal Limited Edition Headphones
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
The V-MODA Crossfade LP2 Vocal Limited Edition Headphones are highly durable and have a military-grade level of MIL-STCD-810. The ultra-reinforced cable can withstand up to 1 million bends, which is 100x more durable when compared to other premium headphones. In addition, the SteelFlex headband can last for up to 10 flat bends and up to 60 drops on to hard concrete at a drop of 1.5 meters.
Moreover, the passive noise isolation clears out any unnecessary sounds allowing you to enjoy the music to the fullest. The 50mm dual-diaphragm drivers produce vibrant bass, clear mids, and amazing highs, without any annoying overlap. Also, the earpads help with the noise isolation by sealing your ears to deliver music directly to the ear canal.
In addition, 4 years of research lead the team to decide on an ergonomic hexagon shaped pads, which trap in sound waves more effectively. Also, the headband minimizes the force on your head, thus wearing the headphones for long won’t be a pain. However, if you do manage to break the headphones, V-MODA provides you with a two year warranty to cover damages.
To conclude, the V-MODA Crossfade LP2 Vocal Limited Edition Headphones are great for people who want to disconnect from the world and enjoy their music to the fullest. The padded earmuffs are extremely comfortable and help isolate the noise around you to further enhance the listening experience. Also, V-MODA provides a two year warranty just in case they are accidentally damaged.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 1.76 ounces |
Noise isolating: Yes |
Wireless: No |
Warranty: 2 Years |
The Pros |
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Ultra-lightweight |
Noise canceling |
Comfortable to wear |
The Cons |
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Wire jack can bend after multiple uses |
Can be a little tight on the head for some users, since it has a no gap design |
4. AKG Pro Audio K702 Channel Audiophile Headphones
Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5
AKG is one of the first electronic companies that build their headphones with a revolutionary flat wire design. The result of this design is outstanding clarity of all the notes. The bass and treble are enhanced even further because the headphones have a frequency range of 10 Hz to 39,800 Hz.
AKG also has improved the overall feel of the product, because they use premium cushioned leather. The headband is fully adjustable and sits on your head comfortably applying minimal pressure, which means you can wear them for long periods of time strain-free. Moreover, the earmuffs are made from soft memory foam and gently cover the whole ear for a maximum snug fit.
In addition, the cable cord is extremely durable and detachable, which means you can customize the headphones to better suit the occasion. Also, the earpads are replaceable so you will be able to swap them out for your own personalized ones.
To summarize, the AKG Pro Audio K702 Channel Audiophile Headphones deliver great sounding music in ultra-HD quality. The frequency range is outstanding and therefore produces awesome bass and treble. Also, the cable and earpads are fully removable and can be customized to better fit your preferences.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 28.8 ounces |
Noise isolating: No |
Wireless: No |
Warranty: 2 Years |
The Pros |
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Open Back design |
Studio grade |
Comfortable to wear |
The Cons |
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Pricey option |
Headband could be improved |
Best Audiophile Headphones Under $350
Do you have a decent budget and want a good cost to performance ratio? Then you should select audiophile headphones from this category. You’ll be amazed by the quality of the audio here. These are studio grade options that can be used by professionals.
The headphones here are excellent because the combination of the comfort, audio quality, industry-leading technology, and durability is excellent. You will not feel as if something is missing when purchasing headphones from this category.
5. Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless Headphones
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5
The Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless Headphones have been tailored specifically for travelers. These headphones are made to be portable, long-lasting, and lightweight for convenient use. The noise cancelation is great blocking out all background noises enhancing your listening experience since now you can hear all the notes.
In addition, the battery life is longer than most headphones at 30 hours on a single charge. The connectivity technology is Bluetooth 4.2 and NFC pairing. Because of this combination, the headphones have an extended connection range. However, if you forget to charge the Sennheiser PXC 550then you can attach a cable cord to listen to music, which Sennheiser provides in the packaging.
Moreover, the design of the headphones is lightweight, which makes them great to take on journeys. Also, an ergonomically engineered padded headband rests on the head firmly and doesn’t put too much pressure, allowing you to wear them for hours without any discomfort. The Sennheiser PXC 550 is fully foldable too, which makes them great to pack as they will take up less space.
In summary, the Sennheiser PXC 550 wireless headphones are great to travel with because of the many pluses that come with. The extended battery life lasts up to 30 hours of playback and can even be stretched further depending on volume. In addition, the design is extremely comfortable to wear. Finally, the sealed design offers effective noise isolation.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 7.8 ounces |
Noise isolating: Yes |
Wireless: Yes |
Warranty: 3-4 years |
The Pros |
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Excellent design |
Comfortable to wear |
Long battery life |
The Cons |
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Sound quality could be better |
Over-priced |
6. Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) Wireless Headphones
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5
The Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) Wireless Headphones comes with a built-in microphone, which has noise rejecting features to allow clear conversations in crowded areas. Also, you can adjust the level of noise cancelation to better suit your environment, therefore making these headphones safe for outdoor use.
Moreover, the Bose QuietComfort 35 has volume optimized EQ making your music sound better, whether you’re on a plane, train, or in a public area. The Bluetooth and NFC pairing allow quick and stable connections, while also reducing interruptions. However, the headphones come with a 47.2 inch audio cable just in case you forget to charge the headphones.
In addition, the battery life is great at 20 hours of wireless play and up to 40 hours when in wired mode. The reason for this is that the headphones use up less battery power when connected to a smart device while still providing great quality beats. Moreover, you can download the Bose Connect app for even more functions such as adjusting noise cancelation levels, Bluetooth connections, and future software updates to further enhance the headphones.
To conclude, the headphones are great for someone looking disconnect from the world and immerse themselves into the world of music. The noise cancelation is fully adjustable with the app and can even be turned off altogether. In addition, the battery life is a long 20 hours and gets doubled when switched into wired mode.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 8.3 ounces |
Noise isolating: Yes |
Wireless: Yes |
Warranty: 3-4 years |
The Pros |
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Customizable app |
Comfortable earpads |
Long battery life |
The Cons |
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Bluetooth connectivity is not reliable |
Frequency range could be higher |
7. Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7BK SonicPro Headphones
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5
The Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7BK SonicPro Headphones were designed to reproduce HD audio for users to hear the music the way it was intended to. The over the ear headphones are built with exclusive 45mm True Motion drivers, which utilizes lightweight voice coils to the maximum. A specially designed diaphragm is used to improve the circuit board and this results in a wider frequency range.
Moreover, the multi-vent air damping technology extends the mid to low frequency response even further allowing you to hear almost every note in a beat. The metal housings are designed to mirror the shape of the ear, thus helping the drivers to deliver music directly to the ear canal.
In addition, the headband is designed to shape to your head to provide maximum comfort and the earpads use special memory foam padding to ensure a comfortable fit. Also, the Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7BK SonicPro Headphone has a built-in microphone, which you can use to take calls on the go without any interruptions.
In summary, these headphones are great for listening to beats in ultra-high definition because they use advanced 45mm True Motion drivers. In addition, the frequency range is wider than most headphones at 5-40,000 Hz. Finally, the earpads are fitted with memory foam, which comforts the ears for a long-lasting fit.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 10.2 ounces |
Noise isolating: No |
Wireless: No |
Warranty: 3-4 Years |
The Pros |
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Memory foam earpads |
Built with air vents |
Comfortable to wear |
The Cons |
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Headphones are not noise canceling |
Microphone doesn’t block out background noises well |
8. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium 250 ohm HiFi headphones
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium is an open back headphone, which means air can vent freely through it. However, this does mean you will be able to hear background noises even at the higher levels, but because of this the music sounds like its being played from a speaker. Also, due to the higher frequency response (5 Hz – 35,000 Hz) the headphones can produce clearer bass, which is great for listening to trap, house, techno, and when watching TV.
Moreover, the velvety soft earpads provide a great comfortable listening experience. Also, the ear cushions let the ears breathe, which means no more sweaty ear syndrome after wearing these headphones for hours. In addition, the headband is fully adjustable providing a tight fit so that the headphones won’t fall off when moving.
Furthermore, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium is super lightweight only weighing around 11 ounces. This makes them great to travel with as you won’t even feel them there. Also, if the headphones were to break, Beyerdynamic provides a two year manufactures warranty. It doesn’t cover accidental damages such as from dropping the headphones.
In conclusion, the headphones are excellent for listening to music for hours, because of the comfortable open back design. Moreover, the wide frequency range helps provide a lifelike music experience in HD audio.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 10.2 ounces |
Noise isolating: No |
Wireless: No |
Warranty: 2 Years |
The Pros |
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Velvety soft earpads |
Made in Germany |
Lightweight design |
The Cons |
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Bass sometimes doesn’t sound clear |
Drivers could be tuned better |
Best Audiophile Headphones Under $500
Those with a big budget and strict requirements should consider buying from the under $500. Here you will find the best audiophile headphones that money can buy and they deliver audio that is clear, accurate, and immersive.
Furthermore, these headphones are very comfortable to wear. This makes them suitable to be used for work for long periods of time on a daily basis. Take the time to fully learn about all the features that these headphones offer as it is a long list.
9. Sennheiser HD 700 Headphone
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5
These open circumaural dynamic headphones offer high bass and clear cut treble. The three meter symmetrical silver plated oxygen free copper cable has outstanding endurance and helps deliver HD stereo music straight to the ears. In addition, the frequency response is excellent ranging from as little as 8 Hz to a whopping 44,000 Hz.
Moreover, the Sennheiser HD 700 Headphones have been specially tuned to deliver high-pressure sounds and a flat frequency response. This is due to the nominal impedance of 150 ohms. Also, the highly optimized ventilated magnet system minimizes air turbulence and sound distortion, which means you’ll only be hearing the finished product of full HD audio.
Furthermore, the headphones use open back ear cups to facilitate transparent sound while outputting clear transparent sound. The design is sleek and looks professional due to the metallic visuals of the body. The headband is fully adjustable and doesn’t put a lot of pressure on the head, thus making them great for people looking for prolonged use.
To conclude, these headphones are great for listening to beats on a wide frequency spectrum. The bass and treble can be heard clearly thanks to the 150 ohms. Also, the three meter cable is made from premium materials, which means they are long lasting and durable for long term use. Finally, the open design allows your ears to breath, thus not sweating after wearing for long periods.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 14.4 ounces |
Noise isolating: No |
Wireless: No |
Warranty: N/A |
The Pros |
---|
Comfortable to wear for long periods |
Durable headband |
Wide frequency range |
The Cons |
---|
Painful to use when listening to certain genres of music |
Highs can sound way to sharp |
10. Sennheiser HD 600 Open Back Professional Headphone
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
Another great product by Sennheiser is the Sennheiser HD 600 Open Back Professional Headphone because of the many features that come with it. Costing around $100 less than the HD 700, these headphones almost output the same high-quality tunes due to the dynamic drivers used. However, this model has more total harmonic distortion, which can be irritating at times to hear.
Moreover, the high-quality open metal mesh grills help deliver clear transparent sounds directly to your ears. Because of the design, the open back headphones allow your ears to breath making them sweat free after wearing them for long durations. Plus, the headband is made from premium quality providing a tight stable fit on your head, which limits the chances of them falling off when moving.
In addition, the Kevlar reinforced copper cable is completely detachable letting you customize the headphones to better suit your situation. Also, the neodymium ferrous magnets ensure optimum sensitivity and an excellent dynamic response. Plus, the magnets help deliver a wider frequency response (12 Hz – 39,000 Hz).
To summarize, these headphones are great for listening to bass based tracks because of the wider frequency range. Although costing less than the newer HD 700 model, the Sennheiser HD 600 Open Back Professional Headphones produce just as good quality without much distortion. Also, because of the open back design, the headphones allow your ears to breathe, which means you can wear them for long durations without sweating.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 9.1 ounces |
Noise isolating: No |
Wireless: No |
Warranty: 3-4 Years |
The Pros |
---|
Customizable wire |
Open-back design |
Great frequency response |
The Cons |
---|
Can be burned if you play at load volume for long periods |
Not as durable as other headphones |
Contents
- Buying factors to consider
- Who should buy the best audiophile headphones?
- Top 10 Best Audiophile Headphones Comparison Table
- Best Audiophile Headphones By Budget:
- Best Audiophile Headphones Under $200
- 1. Audio Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Headphones
- 2. Noontec Hammo Go Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
- 3. V-MODA Crossfade LP2 Vocal Limited Edition Headphones
- 4. AKG Pro Audio K702 Channel Audiophile Headphones
- Best Audiophile Headphones Under $350
- 5. Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless Headphones
- 6. Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) Wireless Headphones
- 7. Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7BK SonicPro Headphones
- 8. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium 250 ohm HiFi headphones
- Best Audiophile Headphones Under $500
- 9. Sennheiser HD 700 Headphone
- 10. Sennheiser HD 600 Open Back Professional Headphone