The 10 Best Bass Headphones
This wiki has been updated 22 times since it was first published in February of 2018. Some genres of music call for different sound profiles from others, and styles such as EDM, hip-hop, and rock all rely on various levels of bass to really shine. We've compared a variety of headphones in both in-ear and over-ear configurations and assembled some of the most accurate and consistent in the low end as well as those that respond the best to personalization via equalizer. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
2. JBL Live 500 BT
3. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
Editor's Notes
May 08, 2020:
Generally speaking, there are two types of headphones that offer a better low-end experience than the others. In-ear models are possibly the most versatile due to their ventilation, size, and weight, and as long as they fit perfectly in the ear, they can practically blow the rest out of the water in terms of pure, booming bass. The drawbacks are that not everyone finds them comfortable, and if they don't fit just right, they may not sound very good at all. The Apple AirPods Pro and Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus are two premium options that work best with iPhones and Android devices, respectively, and if you're looking for high-end equipment with consistently good results, either is a great choice. You might be surprised, though, to hear just how good the audio is from the Mpow Flame S, a tethered model, and the Mpow Flame Pro a truly wireless pair. They both cost very little, have flexible arms to help secure them around the outer ear, and support the aptX codec for CD-like sound quality.
Of course, the classic over-ear design still holds as one of the most popular out of all the types of headphones configurations, and due to simple physics, closed-back models win out over open-back cans basically across the board. The Sony WH1000XM3 are frequently cited as some of the best on the market, although if you aren't concerned with wireless connectivity, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro sound every bit as good, especially with an aftermarket amplifier. While the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x aren't the first ones you'd consider in today's market because they are pretty old, there's a reason that DJs have been using them on stage and in the studio for years; they work well, are extremely durable, and respond very well to equalizer changes.
If you don't want to spend a whole lot, the JBL Live 500 BT are an excellent choice for all types of music, as are the Anker Soundcore Life Q20, which are even less expensive than the mid-range JBLs. The Skullcandy Crusher also sit comfortably in the middle of the road in terms of price, although they're not really suitable for large heads.
Special Honors
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 From a company known for releasing polished and reliable hardware, these new headphones offer plenty of punch, good battery life, and consistent reproduction across the spectrum. They're improved in nearly every way over the already great first-generation model. microsoft.com
HiFiMan Ananda Because of their open-back design, these over-ear cans don't provide the loudest bass, but they are among the most accurate. Their planar magnetic technology contributes to their incredible precision and ultra-wide soundstage, although they aren't suitable for direct connections to smartphones or laptops. hifiman.com
Focal Elegia While many audiophile headphones have open backs, these high-end cans offer a closed-back construction alongside well-engineered M-shaped dynamic drivers to deliver premium audio from the low end to the high. Keep in mind that headphones like these will work best with an external amplifier. focal.com
4. Mpow Flame Pro
5. Anker Soundcore Life Q20
6. Mpow Flame S
7. Apple AirPods Pro
8. Skullcandy Crusher
9. Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus
10. Sony WH1000XM3
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.