Top Wired Headphones in 2025: The Ultimate 7 Best Picks

Get the finest wired headphones in 2025 for unmatched sound quality, comfort, and value. Explore our expert picks that cater to all budgets and preferences.

Why Choose Wired Headphones in 2025?

Wired headphones remain the go-to option if you're after the best sound quality for your money. Sure, wireless headphones are popular for their freedom from tangled cables and smart features like active noise cancellation and spatial audio, making them a staple in urban life. But when it comes to pure audio fidelity, wired headphones outperform most Bluetooth models in the same price range.

Plus, wired models are eco-friendlier, battery-free, and never need charging. The battle between wired and wireless tech is a close one, and your choice depends entirely on your priorities.

If you’re sticking with wired, this buying guide highlights the best models worth your investment. From in-ear monitors (IEMs) to over-ear headphones, we cover all budgets and form factors.

Every headphone listed here has undergone rigorous testing by experts with a combined experience of over 150 years. These winners excel not just in sound quality but also in build and comfort.

Quick Overview: The Best Wired Headphones

Best Overall

1. Røde NTH-100

Perfect for critical listening or pure enjoyment, the Røde NTH-100 offers stunning versatility and sound quality for most users.

Best Budget

2. Austrian Audio Hi-X15

These under-the-radar headphones look and feel pricier than they are, and their sound lives up to the hype.

Best for Home Use

3. Grado SR325x

If you don't mind the open design that lets sound in and out, you'll be rewarded with some of the clearest, most immersive audio in this price range.

Best Comfort

4. Beyerdynamic Amiron

Looking for headphones you can wear for hours without any discomfort? These comfy “ear slippers” are your perfect match with fantastic sound.

Best for Audiophiles

5. Beyerdynamic T1 (3rd Generation)

If budget allows, the third-gen T1 from Beyerdynamic delivers top-tier performance with an impressive pedigree.

Best Premium In-Ear

6. Shure Aonic 3

These in-ear monitors sound so musical, they make you forget all about the conveniences of wireless buds.

Best Budget In-Ear

7. SoundMagic E11C

Fantastic budget earbuds proving that exciting sound doesn’t have to break the bank. A perfect upgrade from standard freebies.

Detailed Reviews of the Best Wired Headphones

1. Røde NTH-100

Winner of a What Hi-Fi? award, the Røde NTH-100 combines quality build, excellent sound, and an attractive price.

Specs:

• Noise Cancellation: No
• Cable Length: 2.4 m
• Remote & Mic: No
• Weight: 350 g
• Type: Closed-back

Price: Starting at $143.10

Pros:

• Expressive, detailed sound
• Durable build and stylish design
• Comfortable for long sessions

Cons:

• Can sound a bit too analytical for some
• Comes with an extra-long cable

Røde may be new to the consumer headphone market, but their NTH-100 is a confident debut. They offer a neutral, natural tonal balance with deep yet controlled bass. The attack and decay are excellent, making the sound quick and punchy. The midrange is especially impressive, with vocals that feel intimate and direct — perfect for detailed listening.

“The voice in the track ‘Pink Moon’ felt so close and natural, it was almost like the microphone was right by his mouth.” — Expert review team

These headphones exceed expectations for the price and are among the best wired options you can get.

2. Austrian Audio Hi-X15

Awarded by What Hi-Fi?, the Hi-X15 are the best closed-back headphones for those on a budget.

Specs:

• Noise Cancellation: No
• Cable Length: 1.4 m
• Remote & Mic: No
• Weight: 255 g
• Type: Closed-back

Price: Starting at $99

Pros:

• Clean, open sound
• High level of detail
• Impressive rhythm and timing

Cons:

• Need long burn-in
• Source device quality affects sound

Originating from a team with AKG roots, Austrian Audio's Hi-X15 deliver a mature, transparent sound well beyond their price tag. The build blends metal hinges with slow-memory foam earpads, providing a snug fit without overheating. They are a rare gem for budget-conscious audiophiles and a fine alternative to open models if you want more isolation.

3. Grado SR325x

This What Hi-Fi? winner offers astonishing detail and crisp open-back sound.

Specs:

• Noise Cancellation: No
• Cable Length: 1.8 m
• Remote & Mic: No
• Weight: 340 g
• Type: Open-back

Price: Starting at $295

Pros:

• Outstanding detail and dynamics
• Immersive and engaging
• Strong, sturdy build

Cons:

• Open design leaks sound
• Newer pads may not suit everyone

Grado’s Prestige line has been shaping Brooklyn’s headphone scene for decades. The SR325x sounds cleaner and clearer than its predecessors, offering a wide, natural soundstage with deep, melodic bass despite the open design. They require a higher-end source like a Chord Mojo 2 DAC or an Astell & Kern A&norma SR35 to truly shine.

4. Beyerdynamic Amiron

High-class home headphones that feel as good as they sound.

Specs:

• Noise Cancellation: No
• Cable Length: 3 m
• Remote & Mic: No
• Weight: 340 g
• Type: Open-back

Pros:

• Superb bass detail
• Clean, organized sound
• Handles highs well

Cons:

• Large ear cups

First impressions? Comfort! Alcantara and micro-velour padding create a plush, soft experience perfect for marathon listening. Sonically, Amiron excels with transparent mids, tight rhythm, and detailed sound from lows to highs. The open design means they’re not ideal for public use but perfect for home audiophiles.

5. Beyerdynamic T1 (3rd Generation)

Carrying on the legacy of premium excellence, the third generation T1 is a flagship worthy of attention.

Specs:

• Noise Cancellation: No
• Cable Length: 3 m
• Remote & Mic: No
• Weight: 360 g
• Type: Open-back

Price: Starting at $699.99

Pros:

• Clear, balanced sound
• Informative audio character
• Comfortable and high quality

Cons:

• Needs high-end electronics

These headphones lowered impedance from 600 to 32 ohms, making them easier to drive on laptops and mobiles without losing their signature power and clarity. They reward listeners patient enough to warm up to their subtle brilliance.

6. Shure Aonic 3

What Hi-Fi? awarded these in-ear monitors as leaders in their modest price bracket.

Specs:

• Noise Cancellation: No
• Cable Length: 1.27 m
• Remote & Mic: Yes
• Weight: 20.4 g
• Type: Not specified

Price: Starting at $219

Pros:

• Amazing dynamics and musicality
• Insightful, balanced sound
• Lightweight and comfy

Cons:

• Some may find sound restrained

Shure’s Aonic 3 are beautifully crafted and feather-light, with a secure ear-hook design and nine pairs of ear tips for individualized fit and sound isolation. The included mic and remote offer easy call and music control. Their honest, transparent sound faithfully reproduces original recordings.

7. SoundMagic E11C

An award-winning budget in-ear pair perfect for everyday use.

Specs:

• Noise Cancellation: No
• Cable Length: 1.2 m
• Remote & Mic: Yes
• Weight: 11 g
• Type: Not specified

Price: Starting at $44.99

Pros:

• Captivating sound
• Comes with remote and mic
• Easy to drive

Cons:

• Timing slightly off

These are successors to the highly praised E10 model, upgrading the driver and cable for cleaner sound without losing their characteristic warmth and energy. Highly sensitive for great volume with less battery drain, they offer excellent value for budget listeners.

Other Notable Alternatives

• Austrian Audio The Composer: Premium open headphones for those with bigger budgets.
• Focal Clear Mg: Premium alternative to Beyerdynamic T1 with stunning looks and sound.
• Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X: Alternative to Grado SR325x with an open design.
• Shure Aonic 5: A step up from Aonic 3 with even more clarity.
• Sennheiser HD 505: Affordable open-back headphones with smooth, detailed sound.
• SoundMagic E80D: USB-C version of E11C for modern devices.
• Austrian Audio Hi-X20: More analytical and detailed than Røde NTH-100 for purists.

How to Choose the Best Wired Headphones

Choosing wired headphones means prioritizing sound quality, avoiding charging hassles, or caring about the environment.

• In-Ear or Over-Ear? Decide on the form factor. Over-ear comes as open or closed. Open designs provide wider soundstage but leak sound, while closed models offer isolation and are better for use outside.
• Comfort: For on-the-go, in-ear is compact and secure. For long sessions at home, cushy over-ear headphones are best.
• Active Noise Cancellation: Rare in wired models now, mostly found in wireless sets.
• Accessories: Look for included long cables or adapters if you want to connect to home audio setups.
• DAC and Amplifier Compatibility: If you have external gear, ensure it matches well with your headphone.

How We Test Wired Headphones

Our expert team uses advanced labs and reference Hi-Fi systems to test most headphones, especially premium models. We compare each to its price and form factor rivals from over 50 models tested annually.

Testing is not rushed; we give headphones enough burn-in time and test with appropriate DACs or amplifiers. Comfort, durability, and sound are all carefully evaluated over weeks. Our verdicts reflect a collective experience of more than 150 years, ensuring unbiased, honest reviews.

FAQs

• Wired or wireless headphones: which sounds better?
  Wired headphones generally offer superior sound quality and durability since they don’t rely on batteries or Bluetooth versions. Wireless headphones excel in convenience and features like noise cancellation.
• Should I pick over-ear or in-ear headphones?
  Over-ear headphones usually deliver richer sound and comfort for long listening, while in-ear models are portable and better for active use.
• Are open-back headphones good for public use?
  No, open-back designs leak sound and let external noise in, making them unsuitable for noisy or public spaces.
• Do wired headphones require special gear for best sound?
  Higher-end wired headphones benefit from quality DACs and amplifiers to reach their full potential, unlike budget models.
• Is active noise cancellation common in wired headphones?
  It’s rare nowadays as ANC is mostly found in wireless models designed for portability.

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