If you take sound quality seriously, check out the best high-fidelity headphones and earphones we've reviewed.
ByTim Gideon
Tim Gideon
Contributing Editor, Audio
My Experience
I've been a contributing editorfor PCMag since 2011. Before that, I was PCMag's lead audio analyst from 2006 to 2011. Even though I'm a freelancer now, PCMag has been my home for well over a decade, and audio gear reviews are still my primary focus. Prior to my career in reviewing tech, I worked as an audio engineer—my love of recording audio eventually led me to writingaboutaudiogear.
Read Full Bio
UpdatedSeptember 22, 2023
- RELATED:
- Best Headphones
- Best Studio Headphones
- Best Wired Headphones
- Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Our Top 10 Picks
Best for Critical Accuracy Jump ToDetails Best for Home Listening Jump ToDetails Best for Home and Studio Use Jump ToDetails Best for Budget-Conscious Audiophiles Jump ToDetails Best for Wireless High-Res Codec Support Jump ToDetails Best Midrange Open-Back Headphones Jump ToDetails Best Wired and Wireless Combined Earbuds Jump ToDetails Best Midrange In-Ear Monitors Jump ToDetails Best Affordable Planar Magnetic Headphones Jump ToDetails Best Midrange Studio Headphones Jump ToDetails Etymotic ER4 XR
HiFiMan Ananda
Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Studio
Sony WH-1000XM5
Grado SR325x
Shure Aonic 215 (Gen 2)
Sennheiser IE 200
HiFiMan Sundara
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
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Audiophile. Just using the word makes some of us cringe because it implies an air of exclusivity. But, in reality, it just means someone who takes high-fidelity audio seriously. You don't have to be the stereotypical sound snob to enjoy good audio, and if you're looking for quality headphones, what's wrong with understanding what makes them special?
The world of high-fidelity audio gear knows no limits. You can easily cobble together a list of the best headphones available for $5,000 and up (search term: electrostatic headphones). We're not going there. Instead, we're looking at the most audiophile-friendly headphones and earphones we've reviewed, which tend to cost substantially less. We've done our best to accommodate tight budgets, as well as throw in some of the top-shelf pairs if you're looking to splurge.
Our focus is on headphones with accurate sound signatures, though, even within this subgroup, there’s plenty of variation. Ultimately, the best headphones for you are the ones you like best—there's no empirical best (thank goodness) and you should experiment with multiple styles. Read our list of favorites to get an idea of where to start your search, and make sure to scroll down for some more buying tips.
Our Experts Have Tested 74 Products in the Headphones Category in the Past Year
Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions.See how we test.
Table of Contents
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Etymotic ER4 XR
Best for Critical Accuracy
5.0 Exemplary
Why We Picked It
Etymotic makes some of the most accurate earbuds, but you might find them somewhat clinical. The ER4 XR earphones stand out because they simply add a tiny bit of low-frequency emphasis over the flatter ER4 SR.
Who It’s For
Most music lovers are likely to favor options with a little more richness in the lows and low-mids, but start with these if you need something for critical listening. The deliberate bass boost doesn't make them any less ideal for checking mixes.
PROS
- Exceptionally accurate mids and highs coupled with rich, full bass response.
- Detachable, high-quality cable.
- Plethora of eartip options in various sizes and styles.
- Ships with several accessories, including zip-up case.
CONS
- No inline remote control or mic.
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Type | In-Canal |
Wireless | |
True Wireless | |
Connection Type | Stereo 3.5mm |
Water/Sweat-Resistant | |
Active Noise Cancellation |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Etymotic ER4 XR Review
HiFiMan Ananda
Best for Home Listening
5.0 Exemplary
Why We Picked It
The Ananda headphones cost $1,000 at launch, so you can view their current retail price as a steal (we're just kidding, they're still very expensive). Their open design and planar magnetic drivers create an authentic soundstage, as well as deliver excellent clarity and dynamics. The frequency range is wide, too: 8Hz to 55KHz.
Who It’s For
These are for at-home listeners who want an amazing over-ear experience and aren’t worried about anyone else hearing the music, as audio definitely leaks out of the open design. The earcups are massive—they contact your jawline—but are still quite comfortable. Of course, the real focus here is a lovely, accurate sound, which is wonderful for everything from mixing modern tracks to enjoying classical recordings.
PROS
- Phenomenal audio performance with superb sense of space, accurate bass, and lovely detail throughout frequency range.
- Comfortable over long listening sessions.
- Ships with two detachable cables.
CONS
- Open design leaks audio.
- Cables lack inline remote control or mic.
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Type | Circumaural (over-ear) |
Wireless | |
True Wireless | |
Connection Type | Stereo 3.5mm |
Water/Sweat-Resistant | |
Active Noise Cancellation |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
HiFiMan Ananda Review
Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X
Best for Home and Studio Use
4.5 Outstanding
Why We Picked It
The chunky DT 700 Pro X headphones are exceptionally comfortable despite appearances—their massive earpads block out the world and feature a soft velour lining. The audio performance is ideal for both pro applications and simply enjoying music at home—there’s some rich bass depth (the low end of the 5Hz-to-40KHz frequency range is impressive) but the sound signature focuses mostly on accuracy.
Who It’s For
Any musicians or engineers who want something that can transition from tracking to checking mixes to listening to music for fun should appreciate the versatility of DT 700 Pro X headphones. Even their mini-XLR cable is a notch above what we see on some other pro models.
PROS
- Accurate, rich, detailed, and balanced audio
- Closed design ideal for studio recording and mixing
- Comfortable fit
CONS
- Cables lack mics
- Not for those seeking overwhelming bass depth
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Type | Circumaural (over-ear) |
Wireless | |
True Wireless | |
Connection Type | Stereo 3.5mm |
Water/Sweat-Resistant | |
Active Noise Cancellation |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X Review
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Studio
Best for Budget-Conscious Audiophiles
4.5 Outstanding
Why We Picked It
The DT 770 Studio headphones offer a more affordable way to get the Beyerdynamic sound and feel in-studio if the DT 700 Pro X model is a bit out of your budget. These huge over-ears have soft velour earpads and produce an accurate audio picture, which makes them useful for tracking, and in a pinch, checking mixes.
Who It’s For
Beyerdynamic sells 32-ohm (for mobile devices), 80-ohm (for audio tracking), and 250-ohm versions (for studio mixing), so these are best if you have one of those specific needs. But if you want something optimal for tracking, mixing, and mobile playback, turn to other options on this list.
PROS
- Excellent audio performance, with superb high frequency clarity and accuracy.
- Comfortable, secure fit.
- Very little sound leakage.
CONS
- Not for use with mobile devices.
- No removable cable.
- Not for those seeking highly boosted bass.
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Type | Circumaural (over-ear) |
Wireless | |
True Wireless | |
Connection Type | Stereo 3.5mm |
Water/Sweat-Resistant | |
Active Noise Cancellation |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Studio Review
Sony WH-1000XM5
Best for Wireless High-Res Codec Support
4.5 Outstanding
Why We Picked It
The WH-1000XM5 headphones sit atop many of our lists—they offer excellent active noise cancellation (ANC), support the hi-res capable LDAC codec (on Android phones), and come with an app that has an excellent EQ. One aspect of the headphones we rarely talk about much, however, is how good they sound once you plug them in for wired listening. They don't unseat any of our favorite wired-only headphones, but those models aren't nearly as versatile.
Who It’s For
If you like the option for high-quality wired playback but don’t want to give up the convenience of wireless audio, these are a great choice. Class-leading noise cancellation just adds to their appeal.
PROS
- Excellent audio performance with robust bass depth and crisp highs
- Top-notch active noise cancellation
- Intuitive on-ear controls
- App offers an adjustable EQ and other customization settings
- Comfortable, stylish design
CONS
- Expensive
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Type | Circumaural (over-ear) |
Wireless | |
True Wireless | |
Connection Type | Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm |
Water/Sweat-Resistant | |
Active Noise Cancellation |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Sony WH-1000XM5 Review
Grado SR325x
Best Midrange Open-Back Headphones
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
Some Grado headphones cost well over $1,000, but you don't need to spend that much to experience their characteristic spatial presentation. The midrange SR325x headphones capture much of that special sound thanks to their open-back design, wide soundstage, and exceptional blend of low-frequency richness and high-frequency detail. They also look the part with a retro design and a braided (albeit non-removable) cable. Just keep in mind that their loose on-ear fit might require a bit of an adjustment.
Who's It For
If you want to experience the Grado sound, its SR325x headphones are an ideal entry into the company's lineup. They aren't prohibitively expensive but still produce the high-end audio we expect. Fashion-focused buyers will also likely appreciate their aesthetic.
PROS
- Wonderfully wide stereo image
- Rich bass response, accurate mids, and detailed highs
- Iconic design
CONS
- Hardwired cable
- Few accessories
- Leaks audio (by design)
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Type | Supra-aural (on-ear) |
Wireless | |
True Wireless | |
Connection Type | Stereo 3.5mm |
Water/Sweat-Resistant | |
Active Noise Cancellation |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Grado SR325x Review
Shure Aonic 215 (Gen 2)
Best Wired and Wireless Combined Earbuds
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
The Aonic 215 (Gen 2) earphones are unique in that they support both wired and wireless listening. You must pay extra for a cable that enables that functionality, but the flexibility it affords is more than worth the cost, especially if you want to listen to lossless audio (which Bluetooth can't handle).
Who It’s For
Anyone who wants a little more control over how they hear their music should appreciate what these earbuds offer. It's not just the versatility of wired and wireless audio—their companion app has the best EQ we've seen yet with accurate graphics that show the changes you make.
PROS
- Accurate audio performance with rich lows and clear highs
- Class-leading EQ
- Customizable controls
- Water-resistant design
CONS
- Expensive
- Bulky build and case
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Type | In-Canal |
Wireless | |
True Wireless | |
Connection Type | Bluetooth |
Water/Sweat-Resistant | |
Active Noise Cancellation |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Shure Aonic 215 (Gen 2) Review
Sennheiser IE 200
Best Midrange In-Ear Monitors
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
Sennheiser's IE 200 in-ear monitors (IEMs) are an affordable introduction to the world of high-end audio because they prioritize accuracy throughout the entire frequency range. Each enclosure houses a 7mm dynamic driver that delivers a frequency range of 6Hz to 20kHz at an impedance of 18 ohms. Meanwhile, a detachable wire and standard MMCX connectors ensure their longevity.
Who It’s For
These IEMs produce a nuanced, near-flat sound signature so they are ideal for listeners who value a transparent presentation of music. They also come with foam tips, which help improve their fit and passive noise isolation.
PROS
- Accurate, balanced sound
- Attractive design with detachable, braided cable
- Relatively affordable
CONS
- No inline controls or mic
- First-party replacement cables are pricey
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Type | In-Canal |
Wireless | |
True Wireless | |
Connection Type | Stereo 3.5mm |
Water/Sweat-Resistant | |
Active Noise Cancellation |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Sennheiser IE 200 Review
HiFiMan Sundara
Best Affordable Planar Magnetic Headphones
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
Planar magnetic models are usually quite pricey, so the HiFiMan Sundara headphones are a comparative value. Like the more expensive planar models we’ve tested, they deliver a nearly transparent sound signature and can easily reach down to cover any lows in the mix. This open-back pair covers an impressive frequency range of 6Hz to 75kHz at an impedance of 32 ohms. Conveniently, they use a replaceable wire.
Who It’s For
Although sound engineers could certainly use the Sundara headphones to check mixes, home listening is likely the more common use case because their open design leaks sound. But no matter how you use them, you get fantastic clarity throughout the frequency range for a (relatively) low price.
PROS
- Excellent clarity throughout the frequency range
- Planar magnetic drivers
- Detachable cable
CONS
- Just slightly extended bass depth
- Less spacious sound than some competitors
- Leaks audio (by design)
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Type | Circumaural (over-ear) |
Wireless | |
True Wireless | |
Connection Type | Stereo 3.5mm |
Water/Sweat-Resistant | |
Active Noise Cancellation |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
HiFiMan Sundara Review
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Best Midrange Studio Headphones
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
We like the sound signature of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones because it doesn't give up bass power in the name of accuracy—plenty of low-frequency response comes through. And with the aid of EQ from your stereo or pro gear, these over-ears are capable of significant low-end power without distortion. Meanwhile, the mids and highs exhibit excellent balance.
Who It’s For
These are reliable for both studio work and home listening. Too often, flat response-style headphones leave deep bass out of the equation, but these present even the deep lows without exaggeration. Thus, whether you’re checking a mix or enjoying music, you can be sure that any bass arrives with clarity.
PROS
- Accurate bass depth and ideal high-frequency clarity
- Comfortable, secure over-ear fit
- Ships with three detachable cables of varying lengths
CONS
- Plastic-heavy build
- Not for those seeking a modern (boosted) bass response
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Type | Circumaural (over-ear) |
Wireless | |
True Wireless | |
Connection Type | Stereo 3.5mm |
Water/Sweat-Resistant | |
Active Noise Cancellation |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Review
Buying Guide: The Best Audiophile Headphones for 2024
What Are Audiophile Headphones?
Many people associate audiophile-level sound quality with a flat response. Headphones with this sound signature don't dramatically boost or cut various sub-ranges within the frequency range. This isn't a negative quality by any means; a flat response means accuracy, which is what most audiophiles want.
Of course, the term is quixotic—if it were actually possible to achieve a perfectly flat response, all the competing headphones and earphones that claim to offer this quality wouldn't sound so different from each other. Think of flat response as the ideal from which nearly every pair of headphones deviates.
To some, a truly flat response sounds clinical. And then there's the modern dilemma that faces some mix engineers: Do they mix for flat response-stylespeakers or for speakers that have more bass depth (which are much more common among consumers)? Engineers have traditionally used high-quality flat-response monitors for the bulk of work and then checked their mixes on more affordable speakers and headphones. But in recent years, the affordable stuff has become increasingly more powerful and capable of producing tremendous bass depth.
Sennheiser IE 200 (Credit: Tim Gideon)
If I could point out one trend in headphones in the last decade or so, it would be the rise of bass response—many high-fidelity, expensive headphones, including the Etymotic ER-series earbuds, are available with slightly boosted bass. Several modern music genres also utilize digital (and some analog) instruments that push bass to depths that were previously less common now that more speakers and headphones can reproduce them.
It's something to keep in mind and be honest with yourself about. Do you really want a flat response or would you like something close to it, but with a little more bass depth? These days, you have several options and those who thumb their noses at you if you choose to enjoy a little more bass depth are neither right nor wrong. Especially with audiophile-level gear, the right choice depends on personal preference.
What Headphones Do Professionals Use?
The words "pro" or "professional" appear in the names of plenty of headphones and some earphones we review. The term is somewhat misleading—headphones for studio musicians or mix engineers don't need to be exclusive to those professionals. If you're looking for the most accurate sound signature you can afford, pro-level models are often your best bet.
There's a wide range of pro-level headphones to consider. Typical tracking headphones that musicians wear in the recording studio are usually affordable, though reference models engineers use to check their mixes can cost quite a bit more.
Most of these models use cables without an inline remote control or microphone. It's sometimes possible, depending on the model, to replace the cable with one that has an inline remote, but it might not be worth it because most phones don't have a headphone jack any longer. That trend and the fact that Bluetooth isn't yet lossless, has created a bit of a gap in the market because it makes top-end wired models really only viable for people with pro and stereo gear (or computers and tablets that still have headphone jacks).
Audiophile Earphones vs. Headphones
In the headphone realm, you have several styles to consider—circumaural (over-ears) or supra-aural (on-ears) for how they fit over or in your ears, and open-back (project audio outward from the enclosure to create a more natural spatial sound), semi-open, or closed (typically leak far less audio) for the earcup design.
And then, of course, there are earphones. Don't buy the flat-style models that sit against your ear and don't seal off the canal. They don't fit consistently and thus aren't likely to sound good. Canal-sealing in-ears, however, can offer top-notch audio with exceptional detail and superb bass depth.
No single style is innately superior to another, so it's worth considering them all.
Recommended by Our Editors
EQ 101: What Is an Equalizer and How Can It Improve Sound Quality?
High-Res and Lossless Audio: Are You Getting Your Money's Worth?
What Are Bluetooth Codecs? A Guide to Everything From AAC to SBC
Headphone Drivers Make a Difference
Different styles of drivers offer unique experiences. You are certain to hear arguments that one type is better than another, but none is empirically better overall, just different.
HiFiMan Sundara (Credit: Tim Gideon)
That said, the planar magnetic driver revolution is in full effect: These lightweight, fast-response drivers produce superb levels of detail. This trend doesn't mean dynamic drivers and balanced armatures produce crappy sound though. Ultimately, if headphones sound amazing, the technology they use to get there is a somewhat secondary concern, assuming they don't drastically degrade the signal somehow.
Are Audiophile Headphones Worth It?
It's no secret that audiophile-quality headphones can cost more than regular ones, so you should make sure you're getting a pair that's worth your hard-earned cash. Yes, we know you like buying everything online now. But if you can visit a brick-and-mortar store that sells headphones and allows you to try them out in-store, it’s an invaluable experience. These physical retail spots are increasingly less common, however, so we do our best to cover the appearance and fit of every model we review.
If you need a little more flexibility in terms of price, design, or gym-friendliness, check out our lists of thebest headphones overall,the best earphones, andthe best workout earphones.
Once you find the perfect pair, head over to our guides onfive easy tips to extend the life of your headphones and eight ways you're using them wrong.
4 ways you're using your headphones totally wrong — Clarification Please
Compare SpecsThe Best Audiophile Headphones for 2024
Our Picks | Etymotic ER4 XRSee It$190.75 at Amazon | HiFiMan AnandaSee It$399.00 at Amazon | Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro XSee It$269.00 at Amazon | Beyerdynamic DT 770 StudioSee It$169.00 at Amazon | Sony WH-1000XM5See It$398.00 at Amazon | Grado SR325xSee It$295.00 at Amazon | Shure Aonic 215 (Gen 2)See It$229.00 at Amazon | Sennheiser IE 200See It$99.00 at Amazon | HiFiMan SundaraSee It$299.00 at Amazon | Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSee It$149.00 at Amazon |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Editors'Rating | Editors' Choice 5.0Editor Review | Editors' Choice 5.0Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.5Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.5Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.5Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.0Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.0Editor Review | 4.0Editor Review | 4.0Editor Review | 4.0Editor Review |
Type | In-Canal | Circumaural (over-ear) | Circumaural (over-ear) | Circumaural (over-ear) | Circumaural (over-ear) | Supra-aural (on-ear) | In-Canal | In-Canal | Circumaural (over-ear) | Circumaural (over-ear) |
Wireless | ||||||||||
True Wireless | ||||||||||
Connection Type | Stereo 3.5mm | Stereo 3.5mm | Stereo 3.5mm | Stereo 3.5mm | Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm | Stereo 3.5mm | Bluetooth | Stereo 3.5mm | Stereo 3.5mm | Stereo 3.5mm |
Water/Sweat-Resistant | ||||||||||
Active Noise Cancellation | ||||||||||
Where to Buy | $190.75 at Amazon | $399.00 at Amazon | $269.00 at Amazon | $169.00 at Amazon | $398.00 at Amazon | $295.00 at Amazon | $229.00 at Amazon | $99.00 at Amazon $99.99 at Best Buy | $299.00 at Amazon | $149.00 at Amazon |
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Editors' Choice
About Tim Gideon
Contributing Editor, Audio
I've been a contributing editorfor PCMag since 2011. Before that, I was PCMag's lead audio analyst from 2006 to 2011. Even though I'm a freelancer now, PCMag has been my home for well over a decade, and audio gear reviews are still my primary focus. Prior to my career in reviewing tech, I worked as an audio engineer—my love of recording audio eventually led me to writingaboutaudiogear.
Read Tim's full bio
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