Overview
- Jump To Details
Etymotic ER4 XR
Best for Critical Accuracy - Jump To Details
HiFiMan Ananda
Best Planars for Home Listening - Jump To Details
Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X
Best for Home and Studio Use - Jump To Details
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X LE
Best Midrange Studio Headphones - Jump To Details
Grado SR325x
Best Midrange Open-Back Headphones - Jump To Details
Shure Aonic 215 (Gen 2)
Best Wired and Wireless Combined Earbuds - Jump To Details
HiFiMan Sundara
Best Affordable Planar Magnetic Headphones - Jump To Details
Sennheiser HD 660S2
Best Sennheiser Headphones - Jump To Details
Sennheiser IE 200
Best Midrange In-Ear Monitors - Jump To Details
Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2
Best for Wireless High-Res Codec Support
Audiophile. Just using the word makes some of us cringe because it implies an air of exclusivity. 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?
PCMag's audio experts have been independently and ethically writing about audiophile-friendly headphones for over 20 years, so you can trust that our reviews are both authoritative and insightful. You can't go wrong with any of our Editors' Choice winners, among them the superbly accurate Etymotic ER4 XR, the full-size HiFiMan Ananda planars, and the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X LE studio monitors. Ultimately, the best headphones for you are the ones you like best, so all of our top picks are worth a look. Our list covers a large range of prices and includes both wired and wireless options, though all entries strive for an accurate audio signature. Make sure to click through to our in-depth reviews for each model, as well as read to the end for more buying tips.
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Etymotic ER4 XR
Best for Critical AccuracyWhy 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.
Learn MoreEtymotic ER4 XR ReviewHiFiMan Ananda
Best Planars for Home ListeningWhy 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.
Learn MoreHiFiMan Ananda ReviewBeyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X
Best for Home and Studio UseWhy 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
Learn MoreBeyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X ReviewBeyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X LE
Best Midrange Studio HeadphonesWhy We Picked It
We like the sound signature of the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X LE headphones because their Stellar.45 dynamic drivers give equal attention to all the frequency ranges. These monitors are also supremely comfortable and easy to drive across a variety of sound sources. The sustainable design is yet another highlight; the cable, earpads, and headband cover are all user-replaceable.
Who It’s For
These headphones are as close to ideal for studio work as you can get for under $200. They present potent sub-bass, lovely mids, and exceptionally clear highs. Those same qualities make them quite enjoyable for home listening, too. And they should last quite a while thanks to their easy-to-repair design.
Pros
- Wonderful low-frequency response
- Bright, detailed highs
- Exceptionally comfortable
- Replaceable earpads and headband cover
- Detachable cable
Cons
- Light on accessories
Learn MoreBeyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X LE ReviewGrado SR325x
Best Midrange Open-Back HeadphonesWhy 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)
Learn MoreGrado SR325x ReviewShure Aonic 215 (Gen 2)
Best Wired and Wireless Combined EarbudsWhy 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
Learn MoreShure Aonic 215 (Gen 2) ReviewHiFiMan Sundara
Best Affordable Planar Magnetic HeadphonesWhy 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)
Learn MoreHiFiMan Sundara ReviewSennheiser HD 660S2
Best Sennheiser HeadphonesWhy We Picked It
The open-back Sennheiser HD 660S2 headphones offer a spacious, neutral audio signature for home listening. Their perforated metallic grilles and semi-transparent cloth covers allow you to see the front and back of the internal 38mm dynamic drivers, and the rest of the design is similarly sophisticated. Thanks to XLR-4 connections on each earcup, you can switch between the two included cables as you like (they respectively terminate in quarter-inch and 4.4mm connections). Otherwise, the box includes a drawstring pouch and a 3.5mm headphone jack adapter.
Who It’s For
If you have a system powerful enough to drive them (they have an impedance of 300 ohms), the Sennheiser HD 660S2 headphones provide a premium, articulate audio experience. They are pricey, but their ability to reproduce the deepest sub-bass and push transparent highs makes them worth the splurge.
Pros
- Balanced and rich sound signature
- Open, circumaural design results in a wide spatial feel
- Removable cables
Cons
- Pricey
- Included cables could be longer
Learn MoreSennheiser HD 660S2Sennheiser IE 200
Best Midrange In-Ear MonitorsWhy 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
Learn MoreSennheiser IE 200 ReviewShure Aonic 50 Gen 2
Best for Wireless High-Res Codec SupportWhy We Picked It
The Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 headphones sound transparent and support practically every high-end Bluetooth codec you could want for wireless audio, including AAC, AptX Adaptive, AptX HD, and LDAC. And when you want to listen via a wired connection, the included USB-C cable enables high-res playback at up to 32-bit/384kHz. They also work with an app that has a superb parametric EQ, can last up to 45 hours per charge, and include a hard-shell zip-up case.
Who It’s For
If you want the option for high-quality wired playback without giving up the convenience of high-quality wireless audio, these are a great choice. Their active noise cancellation is merely average, but that's better than not having it at all.
Pros
- Accurate sound with rich lows and detailed highs
- Excellent Bluetooth codec support
- Optional wired playback
- Top-notch EQ
- Better battery life than predecessors
Cons
- Noise cancellation is merely decent
- Convoluted controls
Learn MoreShure Aonic 50 Gen 2 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 some mix engineers face: Do you mix for flat response-style speakers 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 their 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.
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? You have several options these days, 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 your 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 the 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 on 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.
What Are the Types of Headphone Drivers?
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. Dynamic drivers are the most common for over-ear models, though in-ear pairs also often rely on balanced armatures.
That said, the planar magnetic driver revolution is in full effect: These lightweight, fast-response drivers produce superb levels of detail. Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) tech is starting to arrive in consumer products, too, which promises an especially precise response and more consistent driver-to-driver builds.
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 or gym-friendliness, check out our lists of the best headphones overall and the best workout earphones.
Once you find the perfect pair, head over to our guides on five easy tips to extend the life of your headphones and eight ways you're using them wrong.
