10 Best Wired Headphones of 2019

1. Sennheiser HD280PRO

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Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

Sennheiser is an industry leader that delivers plenty of audiophile grade headphones, but they are no slouch in the budget category either. The Sennheiser HD280PRO is one of the best wired headphones at around the $100 price. They offer the perfect trifecta of great audio, a comfortable fit, and noise isolation. Take a closer peek at the features to see how much value is on offer with these headphones.

The over-ear design puts no pressure on your ears and the touch on the skin is very soft. There is also good breathability, which means sweat and heat build-up will be minimized allowing for longer listening sessions. Additionally, the earcups provide aggressive noise isolation, which is perfect for enjoying music in noisy environments.

The cord length is 3.3-9.8 feet and it’s coiled. The cable quality ensures the audio signal doesn’t degrade in a noticeable way by the time it arrives to the audio drivers. Therefore, you’ll enjoy great audio that may not be the same with a wireless option.

The frequency range is 10-45KHz, which is amazing when you consider the affordable price. It’s a closed back design, which means noise leakage is kept to a minimum. However, there is no wide soundstage, so the sound will feel a bit more artificial compared to open back options.

There are a few minor niggles to consider before making the investment. Firstly, the bulky design can be a bit too overwhelming and cumbersome to wear. Additionally, the bass can be a bit too rough and doesn’t combine well with glasses.

Overall, the Sennheiser HD280PRO is great for budget Sennheiser fans that are interested in a closed back design. You’ll love these wired headphones if you are after a wide frequency range, comfortable earcups, and noise isolation.

2. Creative Aurvana Live! Headphones

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Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

The Creative Aurvana Live! Headphones do not have the backing of a big brand, but they are great for buyers on a budget. The value for money here is off the charts and they are highly appreciated by the marketplace. Take a look at the list of features to assess if they meet your requirements.

The 40mm neodymium magnet drivers are made with composite bio-cellulose diaphragms, which leads to excellent audio quality. The frequency response is an impressive 10Hz-30kHz and the sensitivity rating is 103 decibels. The rich bass tones will be appreciated by buyers that want impactful and immersive music.

These headphones have a stylish design with large oval-shaped earcups that are comfortable to wear. The headband has a thin design with a minimal amount of padding. This means the feel on the head may be a bit stiff, but it does have the positive of reducing the bulk.

The cable length is 1.2m and it’s an oxygen-free copper cable. A travel pouch is included and there is a 1.5m extension cable. This is great for watching movies since you want enough distance to be able to sit back on the couch.

To summarize, the Creative Aurvana Live! Headphones offer a nice blend of comfort, audio, and affordability. They are great for buyers that don’t want to put a big dent in their wallet and don’t want to sacrifice on the audio quality.

3. Sony MDRZX110

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Editor’s Rating: 4/5

Sony offers some of the best budget wired headphones in the marketplace and the MDRZX110 is great value at around $15. They are ideal for budget buyers that are after a backup pair of headphones or do not have big demands. Take a closer peek at the features to figure out if these headphones have enough functionality to meet your needs.

The 30mm audio drivers are the smallest on this list, but at this price you really cannot complain. They still manage to deliver rich audio that is spread across the frequency range of 12-22KHz. You cannot expect these headphones to compete with the other higher prices options on this list. However, at the low price range you are going to be hard pressed to find something better.

A 1.2m tangle-free cable is included that prevents the frustrating hassle of having to untangle the wire. Furthermore, the foldable design has plenty of flexibility and is ideal for traveling. However, due to the low price the materials used aren’t the best. Therefore, you may experience durability problems sooner than you’d like.

The on-ear earcups are smaller and might not be comfortable enough for long listening sessions. Also, the headband has no soft padding, which means you may find the fit rather stiff. However, the low weight of the headphones somewhat counteracts this.

To summarize, the Sony MDRZX110 headphones are a good choice for buyers that are after portability, low price, and wired connectivity. However, you’ll need to get over the lack of an ergonomic fit and lack of durability.

4. Sennheiser HD 598

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Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

The Sennheiser HD 598 comes in an open and closed back version, which gives you the flexibility to choose the version that best suits your intended use. These headphones represent great value for money when you consider the audiophile-grade sound and extreme comfort. They are suitable for amateurs and professionals alike that are interested in getting a great deal.

Looking at the Sennheiser HD 598 headphones you’ll instantly notice the large oval earcups that are symbolic of the Sennheiser brand. The luxurious velour covered ear cushions will fit the entire ear inside and the leatherette padded headband is highly adjustable. Additionally, the E.A.R. Technology has “Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement” that creates an “in room” listening experience within the earcups.

The SYS 38 transducers use aluminum voice coils that deliver excellent dynamics and very low distortion. The frequency range is an impressive 12 – 38,500 Hz, which means you’ll get to enjoy strong bass. Additionally, the total harmonic distortion is lower than 0.1%, so the audio will sound clean.

The connectivity is excellent because you get a 3m cable that’s combined with a 6.3mm audio jack, and a 1.2m that goes into the 3.5mm audio jack. A microphone is also added that can be activated using the earcup controls.

There are a couple of minor setbacks to be aware of before buying the Sennheiser HD 598 headphones. Firstly, the build is bulky, but on a positive note, the use of light materials means it won’t be cumbersome to wear. It’s also rather pricey when compared to the competition.

To conclude, the Sennheiser HD 598 headphones offer a nice blend of large oval earcups, amazing audio drivers, and the ability to choose from a closed or open back design. They are ideal for watching movies and enjoying all types of music genres.

5. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

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Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones are highly competitive due to the competitive price and extremely well-implemented audio quality. They are good enough to be used by professionals, yet the price wouldn’t indicate that. The black design looks simplistic, but the audio here is where you will be pleasantly surprised.

The large 45mm aperture drivers are made from rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils. The audio has rich and deep bass with a wide frequency range of 15-28,000 Hz. Therefore, you can use these wired headphones when enjoying all types of music and movies. The critically acclaimed sonic performance of the headphones has been praised by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers.

The circumaural design contours around the ears and offers noise isolation. This means you can use the headphones in environments with ambient noise and not be distracted. However, loud noises such as police sirens will still be audible. The large earcups have soft padding and a pleasant touch on the skin.

The headphones come with 3 detachable cables (1.2-3m) and a carrying case is included where you can store the headphones. A foldable design is implemented that drastically reduces the size of the headphones. This means they’ll take up less space while traveling.

However, it’s a good idea to consider a few disadvantages before buying the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones. The bass is overemphasized, which might be a little too strong for some buyers. Also, the noise isolation could deal with loud noises a bit better.

To summarize, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones are packed with a comfortable fit, large 45mm audio drivers, and serviceable noise isolation. For the price, you’re getting plenty of value that’s good enough to be used by professionals.

6. Bowers & Wilkins P9 Signature

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Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

The Bowers & Wilkins P9 Signature headphones are the most expensive on this list and provide exceptional audio fidelity and a luxurious leather finish. You’ll appreciate the attention to detail, industry-leading features, and portable design.

The stereo sounds life-like due to the angled audio drivers and they are the flagship model from this reputable brand. Over 50 years of expertize has gone into these headphones that come with two 40mm audio drivers. The frequency range of 2 Hz – 30 kHz provides exceptional bass that adds a lot of impact to the music.

The finest Italian Saffiano leather is implemented here that gives the headphones a premium feel. You’ll enjoy the combination of a comfortable fit and durable feel. The headphones will not wear out after just a few years, which is ideally what you’d want when making a sizeable investment.

A secure travel case is included that’s ideal for traveling and the cable length is 5 meters. Therefore, you can sit back on your couch and enjoy the audio coming out of the TV via a 3.5mm audio jack. A quality cable is used, which reduces the audio distortion to very low levels.

The Bowers & Wilkins P9 Signature headphones are a big investment so you must consider the drawbacks to make an informed decision. Firstly, the bass is rich, which could be problematic for sensitive ears. Also, some of the high notes can be a bit underwhelming.

To conclude, the Bowers & Wilkins P9 Signature headphones is an amazing piece of technology that delivers audiophile grade audio and premium aesthetics. However, it’s pricey so you’ll need to decide if the quality on offer here is what you’re after.

7. Sennheiser HD 600

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Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

The Sennheiser HD 600 is one of the highest rated consumer-grade headphones that have a bunch of professionally implemented features. They are great for audiophiles, casual music enthusiasts looking to upgrade, and audio professionals. The technology packed into these headphones is impressive and fully justifies the premium price.

The large oval earcups are a key signature feature of the Sennheiser brand that ensures a highly comfortable fit. However, don’t be fooled by the bulky look, because the use of lightweight materials means the HD 600 is lighter than it looks.

The headphones have an open back design, which means there will be a lot of sound leakage and a lack of noise isolation. On the other hand, you get the benefits of a wide soundstage and a fuller sound. You’ll need to decide if open back headphones are for you by weighing up the pros and cons.

You’ll be impressed with the frequency range of 12–39KHz, and the total harmonic distortion is lower than 0.1%. Therefore, you’ll enjoy audiophile grade audio that will simply take your breath away. All your old favorite songs will have more detail that gives you a totally different experience – especially if you’re upgrading from the budget category.

The Sennheiser HD 600 has a few drawbacks that must be evaluated before pulling the trigger on the purchase. Firstly, the headband has a weak build, which means durability could become an issue in this area. Also, remember to keep in mind the lack of noise isolation and sound leakage.

To summarize, the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones are one of the best offerings in this guide that are totally worth the premium price. You’ll love these wired headphones if you are after industry-leading audio quality, a very comfortable fit, and open back design.

8. Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO

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Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO is one of the priciest options in this buyer’s guide, but it has arguably the best audio reproduction of the bunch. Beyerdynamic has a solid reputation for manufacturing studio-grade headphones and the DT 1990 PRO is one of their best offerings.

These are open back headphones suitable for precise listening, mixing, and mastering. Professionals around the world have used these headphones to deliver an end product that is competitive. The high-resolution sound delivered from the 45 mm dynamic Tesla neodymium drivers will take your breath away. A frequency range of 5-40,000 Hz ensures the depth of audio is remarkable.

Maximum wearing comfort is ensured using high-tech textiles and memory foam-filled ear pads. The headphones are so comfortable that after a short period of time you’ll forget that you’re wearing anything at all.

In the package, you’ll receive a straight cable of 3m, a coiled one of 5m, and a premium hard case. The overall feel of the product is premium, which is to be expected at this price. The headphones are also suitable for amateurs that can appreciate audiophile grade music. The attention to detail and clarity here ensures these headphones are a big upgrade over the rest of the marketplace.

However, the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO must be somewhat scrutinized due to the high price. The highs can be fatiguing during long sessions and the mids are slightly recessed. They are also very bulky, which means portability is not provided here.

To summarize, the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO is ideal for professionals and amateurs with a big budget. The combination of the extremely wide frequency range, great comfort, and premium feel means you’re getting a lot for the asking price. The only thing you need to ask yourself is if you actually need such high-performance headphones.

9. Sony MDR1A

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Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

Sony is an audio industry-leading brand that has great offerings across the price range and the Sony MDR1A is one of their best. Buyers have rated these headphones highly due to the array of well-implemented features. It’s priced at the premium end of the scale so you’ll need to decide if the features offered match your requirements.

The 40mm audio drivers come with ALCP for articulate audio reproduction. The 4 conductor cable improves the audio signal that in turn leads to higher distinguishability between sounds. You’ll appreciate all the notes across the 20-45KHz frequency range. Aluminum-coated Liquid Crystal Polymer drivers are implemented that have balanced audio and very low harmonic distortion.

The comfortable fit comes from the pressure-relieving urethane cushions that wrap around your ears. A highly adjustable headband design is included that means even big ear sizes are accommodated. There is also a bit of flexibility in the earcups, which means they adapt to your head when moving.

However, at the premium price these Sony headphones must be carefully scrutinized to figure out if they are worth the asking price. The noise isolation is poor, which means they are not ideal to listen in noisy environments. Furthermore, the overall design is rather bulky, which might take some getting used to if you’ve upgraded from a slim design.

To summarize, the Sony MDR1A headphones provide a nice combination of audiophile grade music, highly comfortable fit, and premium feel. However, the lack of noise isolation and expensive price might be a deal breaker for some.

10. Philips X2/27

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

These Philips headphones come packed with awesome technology that provides great value for the asking price. It’s suitable for audio enthusiasts that are after audiophile-grade sound. The black visual aesthetics look rather simple, and you’ll notice the interesting implementation of the headband. The overall feel looks bulky, but what counts is the comfort once they are placed on your head.

The frequency response of 5 – 40 000 Hz and speaker diameter of 50mm combine to provide a powerful audio experience that is of audiophile grade level. Neodymium magnets are used within the audio drivers and an oxygen-free 3m cable is provided. Therefore, the purity of the audio experience is unquestionable regardless of what music genre you’re listening to.

The materials selected for the memory foam earcups ensure comfort during a long listening session. An ergonomic fit is provided via the deluxe breathable ear pads with memory foam because the earcups are able to mold to the shape of your ear. There is also a light touch of noise isolation allowing the bass to be kept inside and ambient noise is blocked out.

Before adding the Philips X2/27 to the shopping cart consider a few of the downsides. There are no extras that come with this design such as a mic or added accessories. Also, the competition at this price is very tough, and you can potentially find better options at a slightly lower price.

To conclude, the Philips X2/27 offer great comfort, durability, and audio fidelity. Audio enthusiasts and amateurs will appreciate the execution of these headphones but will have to get over the bland design.