Best Headphones 2019: Welcome to The Comparison's overview of the best headphones available to buy now, in all styles and at all prices.
A good pair of headphones is an essential item for many of us. In addition to giving new life to our favorite songs, they entertain and distract us with music, podcasts, and audiobooks when we go to work, work, or simply try to disconnect from others. .
We spend a lot of time with our headphones, and if you're looking for a new pair, you're going to need the best headphones you can find.
What you need to know about Black Friday 2019
It's no secret that Black Friday and Cyber Monday are among the best times to find great deals on wireless headphones. You'll typically find that mid-range brands like Optoma and Jaybird get the biggest discounts at retailers like Amazon, but keep in mind that Bose, Sony, and Sennheiser have recently released new models - which means older models are downgraded. .
Our mission is to connect with headphones that sound good - the best headphones you can buy, even on a tight budget.
We've tested hundreds of headphones over the years for every make, model, and variety, in order to create an internal list of the best headphones, the best wireless headphones, the best wireless headphones, the best headphones, the best headphones around. the ear, the best headphones and many others.
Looking for a specific brand? We also have buying guides for the best Audio-Technica and Sony headphones, with others to come in the near future.
In TheComparison, we recommend that you consult all the lists of headphones. However, if you are in a rush and just want to find the best helmet your money can buy, you are in the right place.
Below is our pick of the best headphones for each form factor. We even chose a less expensive option for everyone, so the lack of financial means does not prevent you from finding a helmet. I will really love
What to look for
How to choose the best helmet for you
Choosing the right headset for you can be a scary decision, but it's not necessarily the case if you're looking for a few key features.
Above all, sound quality is the most important thing to consider. This doesn't mean you have to buy the most expensive audiophile headphones on the market. it just means that you should have an idea of what kind of sound you like.
Your definition of sound quality depends on your personal taste. Do you like a warm and harmonious sound or do you prefer ultra high fidelity that allows you to hear all the details of your music? Are you a bassist or a fan of classical music?
If you are a lover of bass, you should look for dynamic drivers that move a lot of air and lead to a low soundstage. If details are important, look for extended frequency ranges (the norm is 20 Hz to 20 kHz). Therefore, any resolution higher than this value can be used to further detail the ups and downs.
It is also important to consider the soundstage as a whole. If you like a wide and open sound, try a helmet with an open back. Are you worried about sound leaks when you are in the company of other people? Try a couple of closed cans with a secure fit so your music doesn't disturb your surroundings.
You should also consider the design of your new helmet. Do you want the freedom of genuine wireless headphones or the security of rugged headphones?
Wireless or wired connection is also an important consideration. A few years ago, we might have tried to discourage you from buying wireless headphones (the technology was causing problems with wireless connectivity via Bluetooth, and the sound quality was declining).
However, nowadays, thanks to the progress of Bluetooth technology, wireless headphones can look fantastic and rarely lead to annoying dropouts. If you opt for wireless headphones, also make sure the battery life is correct.
You should also think about wearing your new helmet. If you need to film your workout, you'll want to wear headphones specifically designed for running or swimming.
Finally, you must consider the price. You don't need to break your piggy bank to buy a helmet, as our guide to the best cheap helmets of 2019 shows.
Here are the best helmets we have tested and reviewed this year.
The best helmet of 2019, at a glance
Our best helmet options
(Image credit: Sony)
Best headphones 2019: Sony WH-1000XM3
The helmet that can do anything.
Acoustic design: closed | Weight: 254 g | Cable length: 3.94 feet | Frequency response: 4Hz-40Hz | Drivers: 000mm | Driver type: neodymium | Sensitivity: 40 dB / mW (104.5 kHz) | Impedance: 1 ohms | Battery life: 47 hours | Wireless range: 30 feet | NFC: yes
Exceptional noise cancellation.
Great sound quality
Autonomy of 30 hours.
Poor call quality
If the new Sony WH-1000XM3 has anything surprising, it is that it is so consistent with what Sony has released in the last two years in the form of the Sony WH-1000XM2 and Sony MDR-1000X. Namely, it's a noise-canceling headphone that can beat anything Bose has with both arms behind your back.
While Bose has worked extensively on the noise cancellation algorithm over the years, Sony has spent the time perfecting audio reproduction while creating an adaptive algorithm that does not create a single sterile noise barrier, but many can adapt. to the situation in which you find yourself.
As well as being exceptional at keeping outside noise at bay, these impressive Sony headphones are aptX, aptX HD and LDAC codecs with support for Hi-Res Audio as well as codecs. Additionally, this offering will offer Google Assistant support directly on board. If you need a helmet that can take on any challenge and excel in any environment, this helmet is for you.
Read the full review: Sony WH-1000XM3 review
(Image credit: 1More)
Best in-ear headphones: 1More triple-driver in-ear headphones
Your search for quality, value-for-money headphones ends here.
Acoustic design: closed | Weight: N / A | Cable length: N / A | Frequency response: 20-40,000Hz | Drivers: N / A | Controller type: dynamic | Sensitivity: 99 dB / mW | Impedance: 32 ohms | Battery life: N / A | Wireless range: N / A | NFC: N / A
Exuberant sound quality
Excellent construction and design.
Unmatched value
Plastic remote feels cheap
After spending a few weeks with the 1MORE Triple Driver in-ear headphones and 1MORE Quad Driver in-ear headphones, we were amazed at how valuable each value was in their future price ranges.
For € 100 / € 100 (around € 168), it's hard to think of a better and more integrated helmet than the 1MORE Triple Driver. That said, if you want a little more refinement and luxury materials, 1MORE Quad drivers are always a bargain at double the price.
There is very little to blame on the Triple Drivers. Its rubber cord is boring and its remote is inexpensive, but these are just bed bugs. But for its price, it's impossible to beat the 1MORE Triple Driver in-ear headphones.
Read the full review: 1More's review Triple Driver In-Ear Headphone
(Image credit: RHA)
In-ear headphones at the best budget: RHA S500u
Great-sounding, incredibly inexpensive in-ear headphones
Acoustic design: closed | Weight: 14 grams | Cable length: 1,35 m, double material | Frequency response: 16-22Hz | Drivers: Micro Dynamic | Controller type: dynamic | Sensitivity: 000dB | Impedance: 100 ohms | Battery life: N / A | Wireless range: N / A | NFC: N / A
Excellent build quality
A rich and balanced sound.
Wheezing at times
Close the sound stage
If you tend to lose or break a headphone while rating sound quality, it's hard to think of a better value than the RHA S500u.
This headphone isn't particularly interesting for the price, as it offers a balanced soundstage with a slight hump in the mid-bass.
The bass is slightly accented but not blatantly accentuated and packs a punch while maintaining good control, and the highs, while hissing at times, make the music more exciting.
Read the full review: RHA S500u review
(Image credit: Grade)
Best in-ear headphones: Grado SR60e
Excellent sound performance at an exceptional price.
Acoustic design: open | Weight: N / A | Cable length: N / A | Frequency response: 20Hz-20,000Hz | Drivers: N / A | Controller type: dynamic | Sensitivity: 99db | Impedance: 32 ohms | Battery life: N / A | Wireless range: N / A | NFC: N / A
Very comfortable
Impressive price definition
Highly recommended
No online checks
For your money, you can't do better than the SR60e from Grado. The Prestige series from the third-generation Brooklyn, New York company is the best and most refined to date.
The SR60e in particular is a good choice if you're looking for an entry-level headphone with sound that costs you a lot more.
The open ear headphones design makes it a more breathable experience than most headphones can offer. Simply put, this is our benchmark in the audience.
(Our review applies to the SR60i, but the newer helmet, the SR60e, has a similar design and performance.)
Read the full review: Grade SR60e test
(Image credit: Urbanears)
Inexpensive in-ear headphones: Urbanears Plattan II
Excellent value for money if you want cheap and comfortable headphones
Acoustic design: closed | Weight: N / A | Cable length: N / A | Frequency response: 20Hz-20,000Hz | Drivers: N / A | Controller type: dynamic | Sensitivity: 99db | Impedance: 32 ohms | Battery life: N / A | Wireless range: N / A | NFC: N / A
Very comfortable
Good value for money
Close the sound stage
No volume control
While the original Plattan headphones were perfect for a pair of in-ear headphones, Urbanears wasn't satisfied with being mediocre. The company has taken customer feedback seriously and has filed numerous complaints about comfort, sound quality, and insulation.
In most cases, Urbanears succeeded, making Plattan II a worthy continuation of the company's most popular helmet.
In short, these are basic headphones without a ton of features. But since these features are lightweight, you get a pair of wired headphones with quality sound at a much lower price than you would otherwise.
Read the full review: Urbanears Plattan II Review
(Image credit: Beyerdynamic)
Best on-ear headphones: Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
A professional helmet that knows how to have fun.
Acoustic design: open | Weight: 370g | Cable length: 9.8 feet or 3.9 feet | Frequency response: 5 - 40Hz | Drivers: N/A | Controller Type: N/A | Sensitivity: 000dB | Impedance: 102 ohms | Battery Life: N/A | Wireless Range: N/A | NFC: N/A
Built like a tank
Excellent comfort
Impressive resolution
Trays slightly retracted
The ups can be exhausting
Although Beyerdynamic may not be as famous as its German brother Sennheiser, the audio company has always created some of the best audio equipment on the market - the company's DT770, DT880, and DT990 were renowned for their excellent build quality. and yours. .
However, the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro is a backless version of the Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro, a headset that won our publisher's award for its visuals, design, and value. Both headphones are the same price (€ 599 / € 589 / AU € 1,159), so you won't find a deal to get one over the other. The difference comes down here.
Because they are open, the DT 1990 Pro are intended to be used at home or in the studio for serious analytical listening. Sound can come and go, but the good news is that its open design gives the DT 1990 Pro a great sense of space. The sound stage is also wide enough, allowing even those who hear the slightest bit to be able to pinpoint the exact location of each instrument.
If you've been looking for Hi-Fi headphones used by some of the best sound engineers in the world, this is it.
Read the full review: Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Review
(Image credit: Audio-Technica)
In-ear headphones at the best budget: Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BT
These in-ear headphones bring performance and value.
Acoustic design: closed | Weight: .64 lbs | Cable length: 3.9 feet | Frequency response: 5-40,000Hz | Drivers: Two 1.7 "drivers Driver type: Dynamic sensitivity: 100 dB Impedance: 35 ohms Battery life: 40 hours Wireless range: N / A NFC: No
Stellar battery life
Its balanced
Wired mode sounds even better
The tops may be too strong.
Audiophiles generally avoid wireless headphones due to poor sound quality. However, Bluetooth audio has improved considerably over the years. Now there are many wireless headphones that can satisfy music lovers, and Hi-Res Audio support is becoming more and more common.
That said, the Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BT offers one of the best qualities of its wired and wireless headphones for under € 200 / € 150. They play well with all types of music and offer a nearly flat response curve. They are extremely comfortable for long listening sessions and are well designed.
Battery life is impressive too, with nearly 40 hours of playtime on one charge. Even if they don't have the same expensive wireless headphones, like active noise cancellation and multi-device pairing, these compromises deserve phenomenal sound.
Read the full review: Test Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BT
(Image credit: Bose)
Best Noise Canceling Headphones: Bose Noise Canceling 700 Headphones
Excellent noise suppression, but not the best battery life
Acoustic design: closed | Weight: 25 g | Cable length: N / A | Frequency response: N / A | Drivers: N / A | Controller Type: N / A | Sensitivity: N / A | Impedance: N / A | Battery life: 20 hours | Wireless range: 33 feet | NFC: yes
Exceptional noise cancellation.
It's fun and alive
Elegant design
Battery life could be better.
More expensive Sony WH-1000XM3s
We think the Sony WH-1000XM3 is the best noise-canceling headphone, but the Bose 700 noise-canceling headphones come right behind. We propose to include them in this list.
Traditionally, noise-canceling headphones have been designed to block out ambient sounds around you and allow you to hear your music more clearly (or close your eyes on a noisy flight).
This can be very effective if you listen to music. However, if you call, the other party hears everything that is happening around you, whether you are on a busy street or trying to speak on a roaring train.
The Bose 700 noise canceling headphones try to remedy this by applying noise suppression to phone calls and music, which is a fantastic feature.
The sound quality is undeniably good, with a lively, lively character and a well-balanced soundstage.
If you are trying to choose between buying Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones and Bose Noise Canceling 700 headphones, we recommend purchasing this unit due to its lower price and longer battery life. That said, you wouldn't be wrong to go for cans from Bose (and we wouldn't blame you for that) - they sound good, they're awesome, and the sound cancellation is incredible. .
Read the full review: Bose Noise Canceling 700 Helmet
(Image credit: JBL)
Budget Noise Canceling Headphones: JBL Live 650BTNC
An excellent noise canceling helmet for small budgets
Acoustic design: closed | Weight: 249g | Cable length: 3.93 feet | Frequency response: 16Hz - 20kHz | Drivers: 40mm | Driver Type: Dynamic | Sensitivity: 100 dBSPL at 1 kHz / 1 mW | Impedance: 32 ohms | Battery life: 20-30 hours | Wireless range: 10m | NFC: no
Super sound
Compact design
The form factor in the ear becomes uncomfortable
Initially confusing controls
For the price, the JBL Live 650BTNC exceeds expectations in terms of sound quality, build, and features. They offer you the option to choose between the Google Assistant or the Alexa voice assistant, and you can customize your equalizer with the JBL Headphones app. Battery life is estimated at 20 hours with ANC and wireless enabled. If you use the JBL Live 650BTNC with an ANC-enabled cable, you can add up to 30 hours of operation on a single charge.
If you don't want to spend on the Bose QC35 II or Sony WH-1000XM3, you will be satisfied with the JBL Live 650BTNC, knowing that you will get 80% performance at 50% of the price.
Read the full review: JBL Live 650BTNC review
(Image credit: Jabra)
Best wireless earbuds: Jabra Elite 85h
Give Sony and Bose a shot for their money
Acoustic design: closed | Weight: 2960g | Cable Length: N/A | Frequency response: 10 - 20,000 Hz | Drivers: 40mm | Driver Type: Dynamic | Sensitivity: N/A | Impedance: N/A | Battery life: 36 hours | Wireless range: 33 feet | NFC: no
Unmatched battery life
Excellent ANC performance
Elegant and comfortable
Does not support high-end codecs
Again, the Sony WH-1000XM3 are our real winners in this category, but if you want an alternative, it's the Jabra Elite 85h.
Offering unmatched battery life, exceptional style, and many customizable sound profiles, the Elite 85h is easy to recommend. That said, purists will miss the lack of premium codec support and more powerful headphones on the market at this price point.
If you consider the Jabra Elite 85h headphones to be the company's first attempt at high-end wireless ANC headphones, the result is commendable. We look forward to seeing what the company's next premium ANC headset will accomplish.
Read the full review: Jabra Elite 85h
(Image credit: Plantronics)
The cheapest wireless headphones: Plantronics BackBeat Go 810
Solid and Affordable Mid-Range Noise Reduction Headphones
Acoustic design: closed | Weight: 0,64 lb (289 g) | Cable length: N / A | Frequency response: N / A | Drivers: 40mm | Controller type: dynamic | Sensitivity: N / A | Impedance: N / A | Battery life: 24 hours | Wireless range: 100 meters | NFC: no
Excellent build quality
It is warm and balanced
Reliable wireless connection
Average ANC
Whistling when the music doesn't play
For years, Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 has been one of our favorite wireless headphones due to its great sound, build quality, and functionality. Unfortunately, they were also quite expensive.
For much cheaper (€ 150 / € 140 / € 240 AU), Plantronics now sells the always-good BackBeat Go 810, which uses fewer premium materials but sounds almost identical to its more expensive predecessor.
That said, we think the Go 810 is an affordable pair of headphones that will appeal to commuters and travelers who don't want to spend too much money on headphones.
Read the full review: Plantronics BackBeat Go 810 review
(Image credit: Focal)
Best Deluxe Helmet: Stellia Focal
Luxury cans with a luxury price to match
Acoustic design: closed | Weight: 435g | Wire Length: 1 x 4 AWB OFC 24 AWG Wire, 1 x 10 10 AWB OFC 24 AWG Wire | Frequency response: 5Hz - 40kHz | Drivers: 40mm | Sensitivity: 106dB SPL / 1mW @ 1kHz | Impedance: 35 ohms | Battery Life: NA | Wireless range: NA | NFC: no
Excellent accurate sound
Open sound stage
comfortable
Opulent design
Extremely expensive
A little big
Focal Stellias sound absolutely fantastic. Thanks to their open soundstage and precise and detailed sound processing, they make any kind of music brilliant.
If you're listening to songs that you think you know thoroughly, the precise frequency separation between Stellias means you'll likely hear details you've never seen before.
If you want to minimize the effects on the headphones, you probably won't like the sumptuous and opulent design of the focal Stellias, and they can feel a bit chunky to wear to work.
But if you're into luxury, you're sure to like the full-grain leather cups, woven cables, brushed copper accents, and matching case.
This sense of luxury translates into the presentation of user manuals in a small leather wallet, and you can expect to find that level of detail in exchange for € 3,000. Oh.
Read the full review: Focal Stellia headphones review
(Image credit: Optoma)
Best Bluetooth Headphones: Optoma NuForce BE Sport4
Near-perfect wireless headphones
Acoustic design: closed | Weight: 15 grams | Frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz | Drivers: 6mm | Driver Type: Dynamic | Sensitivity: 92dB +/- 3dB | Impedance: 32 ohms | Battery life: 10 hours | Wireless range: 33 feet | NFC: no
Awesome audio
Custom Headphones
Practical design
It is not suitable for hearing one ear.
The NuForce BE Sport4 wireless headphones are a rare find - headphones that work in virtually any situation, whether you're looking for a career or just using them around town.
They are perfect for exercising, although city dwellers also find their light functionality and impressive sound insulation very attractive.
If you want to prove that wireless headphones can now compete with the best, look no further.
Read the full review: Optoma NuForce BE Sport4 Review
(Image credit: Sony)
Best wireless headphones: Sony WF-1000XM3
Noise cancellation without wires.
Weight: 70g | Frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz | Drivers: 6mm | Controller Type: Dome Type | Sensitivity: N/A | Impedance: N/A | Battery life (charge): 18 hours | Wireless range: 30 feet | NFC: yes
Effective noise cancellation
Sad eyes
So much fun listening
There is no volume control on the headphones.
Not suitable for sport
Given the fact that it is still rare to get noise suppression in wired headphones, the fact that Sony has managed to integrate it into a pair not only wireless, but also real, is truly impressive.
The Sony WF-1000X manages to offer a very good level of noise cancellation for a pair of headphones - it won't offer the same isolation as a pair of ear covers, but if you're looking for a sleek form factor, then the compensation is worth it.
That said, despite a few minor issues, we think Sony has managed to get the ball out of the park with the WF-1000XM3 - not only are these two hands the best True Wireless headphones, but they combine intense noise to cancel out the technology. with an impressive musicality
If you don't want the inconvenience of carrying full-size cans, they are a compelling alternative.
Read the full review: Review the Sony WF-1000XM3 wireless headphones
Tap on page two to see how to choose a good pair of headphones in addition to our recommendations.
Watch our videos below for a tour of the world's best headphones available.