Top Headphones for Music Lovers in 2025

Explore the best headphones for music in 2025, tailored for all genres and preferences.

Choosing the Perfect Headphones for Your Sound

If you're on the hunt for headphones that are perfect for music listening, the selection can feel overwhelming. Depending on your favorite music genre, certain headphones will suit you better than others. For those who enjoy instrumental or vocal music, like jazz or folk, a more balanced sound with a wide, immersive soundstage might be preferred. Conversely, fans of electronic dance music, hip-hop, and R&B may enjoy headphones that deliver a richer, more energetic sound.

Best Headphones for Music Overall

Sennheiser HD 800 S

• Sports and Fitness: 5.9
• Travel: 4.9
• Office Work: 3.4
• Wireless Gaming (under development): 4.8
• Wired Gaming (under development): 6.9
• Performance Parameters: Sound Accuracy: 8.4
• Noise Isolation: 1.4
• Microphone (under development): 0
• Frequency Response Consistency: 8.4
• Bass Levels: Slightly underemphasized (-3 dB)
• Midrange Levels: Balanced (0 dB)
• Sound Signature: Flat
• Type: Over-ear
• Housing: Open-back
• Wireless Connectivity: No
• Transducer: Dynamic
• Noise Cancelling: No
• Microphone: No

The Sennheiser HD 800 S stands as the top choice for music listening that we've tested. These headphones create an incredibly spacious and immersive sound experience, making it feel as if the music is coming from all directions. If you’re after the best and are willing to splurge, these premium headphones are among the finest open-back options available. Their balanced sound profile is also a favorite among audiophiles. With their flat mids and highs, vocals and lead instruments sound clear, realistic, detailed, and airy.

However, their high price may not fit everyone’s budget, especially when you consider the additional cost of a dedicated amplifier. They are beautifully constructed, featuring a sturdy build from high-quality plastic reinforced with a metallic frame, along with a detachable audio cable. Their spacious, breathable, and well-padded ear cups ensure comfort even during extended listening sessions.

While they’re equipped with a dynamic driver, making them less prone to reproduction issues than planar magnetic headphones, they also provide less power on low frequencies. For hardcore EDM enthusiasts craving the punch of bass, consider the HiFiMan Arya Stealth Magnet Version, which features a planar magnetic system. However, the HiFiMan headphones tend to be bulkier and less stable than the HD 800 S.

Best Mid-Range Headphones for Music

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

• Sports and Fitness: 6.2
• Travel: 5.2
• Office Work: 3.5
• Wireless Gaming (under development): 4.6
• Wired Gaming (under development): 6.7
• Performance Parameters: Sound Accuracy: 8.3
• Noise Isolation: 1.9
• Microphone (under development): 0
• Frequency Response Consistency: 8.3
• Bass Levels: Slightly underemphasized (-1 dB)
• Midrange Levels: Balanced (0 dB)
• Sound Signature: Balanced
• Type: Over-ear
• Housing: Open-back
• Wireless Connectivity: No
• Transducer: Dynamic
• Noise Cancelling: No
• Microphone: No

To enjoy music without breaking the bank, many headphones priced under $500 deliver high-quality sound for audiophiles with minimal compromises. We recommend the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO in this price range. Like the Sennheiser HD 800 S, they utilize dynamic drivers with well-balanced sound. This design makes them less susceptible to variations between headphones compared to planar magnetic types. They produce a balanced sound similar to our previous pick, though not as spacious as the HD 800 S. The HD 490 PRO also adds depth and richness to your mixes, with clear and precise vocals and instruments thanks to relatively flat mids and highs.

While they are significantly less expensive than the HD 800 S, the HD 490 PRO has its downsides. They are less durable, featuring flimsier plastic earcups that aren’t as reliable as the rest of the construction. Still, these headphones are comfortable and the lightest on this list, making them an excellent choice for extended listening. The open design allows for a more spacious sound. To top it all off, these headphones come with a second pair of interchangeable ear pads that alter the sound signature for some experimentation.

Best Mid-Range Headphones for Music

Hi-Fi-Man Sundara 2020

• Sports and Fitness: 5.9
• Travel: 4.5
• Office Work: 3.0
• Wireless Gaming (under development): 4.6
• Wired Gaming (under development): 6.6
• Performance Parameters: Sound Accuracy: 8.0
• Noise Isolation: 0.7
• Microphone (under development): 0
• Frequency Response Consistency: 7.9
• Bass Levels: Slightly underemphasized (-3 dB)
• Midrange Levels: Slightly underemphasized (-2 dB)
• Sound Signature: Flat
• Type: Over-ear
• Housing: Open-back
• Wireless Connectivity: No
• Transducer: Planar magnetic
• Noise Cancelling: No
• Microphone: No

Looking for excellent sound at a moderate price? Check out the HiFiMan Sundara 2020. This is the next generation of the HiFiMan Sundara 2018, but with updated ear cushion padding. Otherwise, the two models are nearly identical. Both deliver a balanced sound suitable for various types of content. While they may lack the depth and power from bass drums and bass lines due to their open design, their mid-range is exceptionally balanced, making vocals and instruments sound natural, clear, and detailed.

These headphones feel comfortable and are well-constructed. Their soundstage makes your mixes sound more open and spacious than the pricier Sennheiser HD 490 PRO, although they fall short in bass compared to our previous choice. They don’t fit snugly and can slip off if you move your head while listening, and they heat up more than other HiFiMan models, which could cause discomfort during prolonged sessions. Fortunately, their low impedance means you won't need a powerful amplifier to drive them, and you can achieve great sound quality from your phone or laptop. If you want headphones that are a bit easier to wear and sit more securely, consider the Sennheiser HD 560S. These dynamic drivers sound brighter than HiFiMan, which you may find appealing or not, but HiFiMan still feels more premium.

Best Budget Headphones for Music

Philips Fidelio X2HR

• Neutral Sound: 7.9
• Commuting/Traveling: 3.8
• Sports/Fitness: 5.0
• Office: 4.6
• Wireless Gaming: 4.5
• Wired Gaming: 6.6
• Phone Calls: 1.6
• Type: Over-ear
• Housing: Open-back
• Wireless Connectivity: No
• Transducer: Dynamic
• Noise Cancelling: No
• Microphone: No

To enjoy listening without breaking the bank, try the Philips Fidelio X2HR. These open-back headphones are bulkier than the HiFiMan Sundara 2020 and have a less consistent sound with more peaks and troughs. However, they deliver deeper bass, making genres like hip-hop and electronic dance music sound richer and more powerful than in some pricier open-back models. The rest of the frequency range is well-balanced, with high accuracy in mids and highs, ensuring that vocals and instruments sound clear, crisp, detailed, and realistic.

These headphones are primarily made from plastic but feel sturdy and reliable. They fit more snugly than many Philips headphones yet remain comfortable during extended listening sessions. Thanks to their low impedance, you can enjoy quality sound without an amplifier: they work well with laptops and phones without significant quality loss. However, they may be out of stock or priced higher occasionally, so if you can’t find the X2HR, consider the Philips Fidelio X3. While both headphones are comfortable, the X3 has a peak where the mid-high frequencies transition to high, potentially sounding relatively harsh if you’re sensitive to high frequencies. Nevertheless, they are very comfortable and even come with an extra cable.

Best Everyday Use Headphones for Music

Philips SHP9500

• Neutral Sound: 7.9
• Commuting/Traveling: 4.0
• Sports/Fitness: 5.2
• Office: 4.7
• Wireless Gaming: 4.6
• Wired Gaming: 6.7
• Phone Calls: 1.7
• Type: Over-ear
• Housing: Open-back
• Wireless Connectivity: No
• Transducer: Dynamic
• Noise Cancelling: No
• Microphone: No

Looking for the best budget headphones for music? Check out the Philips SHP9500. These entry-level audiophile headphones feature an open design for a more spacious sound. They’re decently built, but as expected at this price point, they don’t feel as premium or durable as the Philips Fidelio X2HR. The fabric covering the ear pads can tear easily, and the swiveling ear cups aren’t the sturdiest.

Overall, they provide a flat and well-balanced sound, making them suitable for genres like classical and folk, where accurate reproduction of vocals and lead instruments matters. No matter what you’re listening to, their detailed mids and highs offer clarity. Their main drawback is the lack of low frequencies, which is typical for open-back headphones. If deep bass is essential, consider the Superlux HD 681, which has a semi-open design and delivers powerful sound. They provide enough punch and bass for EDM fans to enjoy, as well as a balanced midrange that accurately relays vocals and instruments. Unfortunately, their highs can be piercing, and build quality leaves much to be desired.

Also Consider

• Audeze MM-100: Audeze MM-100 — это проводные наушники с планарно-магнитной системой и открытой задней панелью, предназначенные для профессионального микширования звука. Они имеют более высокое качество сборки, чем HiFiMan Sundara 2020, так как в них используются более качественные материалы. Однако у них более приглушённый диапазон высоких частот, и они тяжелее.
• Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO: Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO — это проводные наушники для аудиофилов. Они лучше сконструированы, чем HiFiMan Sundara 2020, и более плотно прилегают к ушам, но у них не такая захватывающая звуковая сцена. Они также не такие удобные, как HiFiMan, которые лучше подходят для длительного прослушивания.
• Hi-Fi-Man Ananda: HiFiMan Ananda — это планарно-магнитные наушники с широкой и просторной звуковой сценой. Они более прочные, чем Sennheiser HD 490 PRO, но фирменное оголовье HiFiMan может сделать их менее устойчивыми для любителей активного прослушивания.
• Hi-Fi-Man Edition XS: HiFiMan Edition XS — это наушники, похожие на Sennheiser HD 490 PRO, но с планарно-магнитными излучателями. У HiFiMan больше проблем с частотной характеристикой выше среднего и высокого диапазона, но они звучат более открыто и захватывающе, чем Sennheiser.
• Focal Bathys Wireless: Focal Bathys Wireless — это наушники для аудиофилов. Они намного дороже, чем Sony WH-1000XM4, и менее удобны. Однако в них есть функции, ориентированные на аудиофилов, например, встроенный USB-ЦАП для воспроизведения высококачественного звука напрямую со смартфона или компьютера.

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