With the increasing number of headphone brands on the market, choosing the right pair of headphones became more challenging than ever. The good news is, with this wide variety, you can certainly find what you’re looking for. The bad news is, you’ll need to exert some effort to find the best headphone brand.
This is why we narrowed things down to 7 phenomenal headphone brands that will blow your mind. Also, you can check the help section to figure out how to pick the best model from each brand.
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The 7 Best Headphone Brands in 2021:
1- Sennheiser
Sennheiser is a German audio company that was established in 1945. It’s one of the oldest companies, and thus, among the most experienced headphone manufacturers. In addition, the brand offers a wide variety of headsets that suit different types of users. Accordingly, you can find a Sennheiser model on almost every list that includes high-quality headphones.
Their most popular headset, the Sennheiser GAME ONE, is a perfect choice for hardcore gamers who aim for an immersive gaming experience. It features an open-back design, which doesn’t come as a surprise, given that the majority of Sennheiser headphones come in an open-back design as well.
As far as I’m concerned, the open-acoustics didn’t seal the deal when it came to gaming, but the signature and sound dynamics did. Moreover, these headphones feature noise-canceling microphones that are brilliant for clear in-game communication.
Another category of audiophiles who’ll find amazing models from Sennheiser is DJ enthusiasts. The line of DJ headphones offered by the brand is promoted for their high sensitivity and their lightweight design, yet they’re sturdy and durable.
The newer model in the line, the Sennheiser HD280PRO, has been killing the game ever since it was released with a sub-bass realm of 8Hz, whereas the majority of headphones start at 20 Hz. This indicates that the headset is capable of delivering more details with different music genres.
Still not impressed? How about the fact that the brand makes models that are specifically designed for traveling, sports, internet telephony, music, TV, and even assistive listening with excellent audio quality and outstanding performance. Furthermore, you can find in-ear models, like the Sennheiser CX 300S, which is a stunning option for listening to music, offering high levels of clarity and user-friendly controls.
Although Sennheiser is one of the oldest headphone manufacturers, their models are up to date. Also, their wireless models offer an amazing battery life that can reach 30 hours when fully charged.
2- Bose
Bose makes catchy headphones that easily grab attention with their sleek outlines and matte finishes. They don’t excel when it comes to audio quality, however. Not that they’re not good, but don’t expect anything extraordinary regarding sound dynamics. On the other hand, the features that the headphones offer are mind-blowing.
To begin with, almost all their headsets come with built-in Alexa Voice Control, which significantly enhances accessibility. For instance, you don’t have to reach for your phone or laptop to navigate different songs and audio files; instead, you can just enable Alexa Control and use it for navigation.
In addition, Bose’s noise cancellation is extremely effective. Although it drains the batteries a little faster than expected, you’ll still get a decent battery life that’s up to 20 hours with models like Bose 700. Also, you can adjust the level of noise-cancellation, choosing between 11 different levels that correspondingly deplete the battery. This means that you can set noise-cancellation to a lower level to keep the battery running for longer.
If you’re into in-ear headphones, the Bose QuietComfort 30 will be a more convenient option. They come in a neckband design with half the battery life of the previously mentioned model. However, both headphones feature the same noise rejecting dual microphone system, so they can deliver your voice clearly during calls and voice chats.
As you might have noticed, most of Bose’s headphones feature wireless connectivity, and so does their best-seller, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II. It has so much in common with the newer Bose 700 model, including the battery life and some key controls like noise cancellation. However, the latter comes at a higher price because it employs more advanced technology.
You can use the Bose Connect app for a more personalized listening experience. It’s available for both Android and IOS, which puts Bose headphones on the versatile end.
Bose offers premium headphones that can deliver high performance at a relatively affordable price. If your priority is a deluxe listening experience, you can rest assured that a Bose headset will come up to your expectations.
3- Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica was founded in Japan in 1962. However, they didn’t launch their first headphones, the AT-700, until 1974, and ever since then, they have been producing more and more headsets, with consecutive successful attempts with respect to improving the sound quality and introducing new features with every model.
Currently, the ATH-M50X is the most sold Audio-Technica headset, owing to the reasonable price and astonishing performance. For starters, it comes with an extended frequency response of 15 Hz to 28 Hz, which guarantees a detailed sound experience with deep, rich bass. Additionally, the sonic signature provided by the model is optimal for professional use.
In my humble opinion, the only thing lacking from the headset is Active Noise Cancellation. However, it features a closed-back design, which passively reduces any background ambient noises. All this aside, the headset has what it takes to stand out between different premium models that are used in studios. Besides, you can use it as a wired or wireless headset and get the best of both worlds.
In terms of comfort, the company implemented swiveling earcups that can be easily adjusted to provide a perfect fit. You might not find these specific features in other low-budget alternatives from the same brand, like the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x. Yet, you’ll still be pleased with the level of comfort such models offer on account of the adjustable headbands, thick padding, and soft ear cuffs.
All in all, Audio-Technica offers sturdy headphones that are ideal for both professionals and amateurs. You can find many affordable options that have the requirements you’re looking for.
4- Skullcandy
Skullcandy is another brand that offers an amazing, balanced sound and top-notch build quality. The most popular Skullcandy headset is the Crusher, which is among the most iconic headsets on the market, especially when looking for a headset under $150.
The reason the line is so remarkable is the outstanding battery life that can reach 40 hours of continuous playback when fully charged. Moreover, the company used a “Fast Charge” technology that allows the users to get 3 hours of playtime by charging the battery for only 10 minutes.
As for the performance, the headphones can provide high-quality output no matter the music genre. Nonetheless, it should be mentioned that it’s not the best option for those who appreciate neutral tones, particularly when it comes to the bass. On the other hand, audiophiles who don’t mind some artificial tones will enjoy these headphones the most.
You can connect Skullcandy headsets to various devices, including PCs, Macs, and smartphones. Yet, I wouldn’t recommend these headsets for gamers because they’re less than average in terms of sound accuracy. Besides, it’s not as easy to connect them to console controllers. In this case, other options, like Sennheiser GAME ONE or HyperX Cloud II, would be more convenient.
The Skullcandy Ink’d 2.0 is another popular model that comes in an in-ear design. These earbuds may seem cheaply made, but the sound quality is way better than the build quality. In fact, the earbuds are one of the few models on the market that can handle strong bass without any distortion. Moreover, the cable is flattened to prevent tangles, which makes it more durable.
In brief, the Skullcandy headphones are great for those who prefer wireless headsets and don’t want to break the bank to get ones. The controls are all simple and user-friendly, so you won’t struggle with adjusting the sound profile.
5- HyperX Cloud
HyperX Cloud is a relatively new brand that was established in 2002, yet managed to make a name for itself in a matter of 2 to 3 years. The brand offers a variety of budget headphones that can be used for various purposes, but as you can tell from the title, most of their headphones are designed for gaming.
Talking about the best HyperX Cloud headphones can take a while. Still, I’d like to shine the spotlight on their masterpiece, the HyperX Cloud II. It comes at less than $100, although it utilizes 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound, an advanced gaming technology that offers extra precision while playing FPS (First-person Shooter) games. The feature draws the attention of many gamers to the headset, particularly those who can’t afford to buy an expensive gaming headset.
Furthermore, the HyperX Cloud II has an exceptional microphone that has been certified by different voice protocol services, including TeamSpeak. It features noise cancellation to ensure a crystal clear voice without any intrusions, even when you’re in a noisy environment.
Another thing that makes the brand worthy of your consideration is that its headphones are compatible with almost all gaming consoles, not just PS4 and Xbox, but also PCs, Nintendo Switch, and even smartphones. And to top that, the company made sure not to compromise comfort, so all their gaming headsets are well-padded and feature adjustable headbands.
Most HyperX Cloud headphones are wired, but if you’re torn between getting a wired or a wireless gaming headset, then the HyperX Cloud Wireless gaming headphones will be an excellent bargain that gives you the advantages of both.
Lastly, you should consider the HyperX Cloud Earbuds if you can’t stand using a large headset for prolonged hours. They’re designed to provide an immersive gaming experience, and you can get them with the HyperX ChargePlay Quad with a 2-years warranty.
Considering the price range, the HyperX Cloud headphones have a lot to put on the table. On that account, finding another brand that offers the same quality and performance at this price range is one hell of a challenge.
6- Beyerdynamic
Beyerdynamic headphones are known for their build quality and durability. Even the cheapest models are reliable enough for musicians to record their songs. Additionally, the majority of Beyerdynamic headphones come with replaceable parts, so users don’t struggle with buying a new headset if any of the parts got damaged.
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is their most sold model, not only because it’s reasonably priced, but also because it offers great sound quality. These headphones come with an impedance of 80 ohms, which makes them suitable for digital mixers and studio recording. Meanwhile, a standard headset wouldn’t withstand the high voltage that’s produced from the different audio interfaces.
If you’re serious about your music career and you can afford an expensive headset, I recommend the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro. To start with, it features an amazing frequency response that starts at 5 Hz and ends at 40 kHz. Moreover, unlike the DT770 Pro headphones, these ones support both wired and wireless connectivity, and consecutively, the cable is detachable.
Unfortunately, the in-ear designs from Beyerdynamic didn’t break through. They aren’t as affordable as the in-ear models offered by other companies, and they’re not as available either.
7- Sony
Sony is among the most expensive headphone brands, although it has so much in common with other less expensive ones. This led many people to think that Sony headphones are overpriced; however, that’s not true. The listening experience you’ll have with Sony is unmatchable, but you’ll have to try them for yourself to understand where I’m coming from.
The most used Sony headphones are the WH-1000XM3 wireless pair. Thanks to the touch controls and built-in Alexa Voice Assistant, they’re the most user-friendly headphones between all the models mentioned in this article, regardless of the brand. Also, there’s a Quick Attention mode that allows you to instantly take part in a conversation. You can activate it by covering the right ear cup to reduce the headset’s volume.
This pair of headphones features noise cancellation to eliminate any ambient noise, so once you put them on, you’ll be disconnected from your surroundings. Furthermore, the headset has a battery life that can reach up to 30 hours with every charge. This is not as long as what a Skullcandy headset would offer, but it’s still one of the longest currently available.
The second best Sony model is the MDRZX110/BLK ZX stereo headphones. They’re perfect for those who want to enjoy the premium Sony quality without paying a ton of money. The headphones aren’t that fancy, and they don’t support wireless connectivity, but they still have the rich sound that all Sony headsets deliver. In addition, they’re as durable as any other expensive model from the brand.
To sum up, Sony is an excellent headphone brand that offers comfortable, convenient models. You don’t always have to go with their most expensive headsets because they offer decent, affordable ones as well.
Final Thoughts
There are many key features that make one headset more suitable for you than the others. If you keep these features in mind, you’ll be able to make an informed decision regarding the best headphone brand to shop at.
Are you someone who’s in the music business? Do you want headphones for a DJ or a recorder? If yes, then you should look for a headset with a high frequency response and high impedance that can withstand the increased voltage of the DJ mixer.
Are you an audiophile who likes to enjoy some classical music at home and appreciate clean bass? Or maybe you’re a gamer who’s looking for an affordable headset with a clear microphone and more sound details.
That said, there are a lot of specifications to consider to find the perfect headphones, but that’s a topic for another time.