Best earbuds for bass 2018 – [Buyer’s Guide]

Last Updated September 1, 2023

Best earbuds for bass of 2018

Not all earbuds for bass are created equal though. Now, let’s get to the gist of the matter: which are the best earbuds for bass for the money?

Check them out and decide which one suits you the best to splurge upon. Here we have compiled a detailed list of some of the best earbuds for bass of the 2018.

Test Results and Ratings

Rank	№1	№2	№3
Product
Total	4.8	4.5	4.3
Ease of use	5 points	5 points	4 points
Versatility	5 points	4 points	5 points
Performance	5 points	4 points	4 points
Quality	4 points	5 points	4 points
Awards

 

 

 

 

 

 

№1 – Premium Dual Driver Earbuds – Heavy Bass Earbuds w/ Mic – In Ear Headphones with 3.5mm Portable Bluetooth Receiver Headphones – Gaming Earbuds with Extension Cord 4-feet – Wired Earbuds for Men Women

Why did this earbuds for bass win the first place?

I was completely satisfied with the price. Its counterparts in this price range are way worse. I really enjoy the design. It is compact, comfortable and reliable. And it looks amazing! The product is very strong. Its material is stable and doesn’t crack. I don’t know anything about other models from this brand, but I am fully satisfied with this product.

Ease of use 5

Versatility 5

Performance 5

Quality 4

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№2 – In Ear Earphones

Why did this earbuds for bass come in second place?

Seems that the material is good. It has a very beautiful color but I don’t really like the texture. This is a pretty decent product that perfectly fitted the interior of our office. Managers explained me all the details about the product range, price, and delivery. I like this product. For such a low price, I didn’t even hope it to be any better. It’s decently made.

Ease of use 5

Versatility 4

Performance 4

Quality 5

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№3 – Sony MDRXB50AP Extra Bass Earbud Headset

Why did this earbuds for bass take third place?

I liked the design. We’ve been using it for 2 months and it still looks like brand new. This price is appropriate since the product is very well built. It is inconvenient to use due to the size. I am going to get something different next time. The material is incredibly nice to the touch. It has a great color, which will suit any wallpapers.

Ease of use 4

Versatility 5

Performance 4

Quality 4

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earbuds for bass Buyer’s Guide

Plastic remote feels cheap

The RHA T10i are here for one simple reason: their sound quality is incredible, thanks to the snug seal created when the headphones are stuck in your ear. The bass is also robust for such small earphones.

Narrow soundstage

Sure, they don’t have the most balanced sounding or highest resolution, but the water resistance and modular design of the Forza make them a pretty compelling option.

Plastic build

For a first attempt at making an in-ear pair of headphones, Focal knocked it out of the park with the Sphear. They sound great with all types of music and offer an exciting, mid-forward presentation that will make your toe tap with the music. They may not be the best built or best isolating in-ear headphones on the market but for the commuter looking for a comfortable and great sounding pair of in-ear headphones, the Sphears check all the right boxes.

If you’re looking to use these earbuds while running, be sure to check out our list of the best running gadgets.

Onexelot Icarus

Headphones — the original wearable tech — have grown up. They’ve also become specialized; there’s a pair for every use, from sweat-resistant fitness headphones to commuter-friendly active noise-cancelling cans. And each of those types comes with different fit options: on-ear, over-ear or in-ear. Heck, there are even bone-conduction headphones, that sit behind your ear instead of over or in them.

Just to shake things up even further, Apple has ushered in a new era of headphone jack-less smartphones thanks to its latest smartphones that are causing wireless and Lightning-based headphones — including the company’s own AirPods —  to thrive.

Noise Cancelling

Having a good set of active noise-cancelling headphones can make the difference between a peaceful commute or flight and a chaotic one. Enter the Bose QuietComfort 3II headphones, which keep the sleek design, best-in-class noise cancelling and crystal-clear audio quality and add a dedicated button to activate Google Assistant. Some of the best headphones on the market just got a whole lot smarter.

How We Test Headphones

To help you separate the wheat from the chaff when shopping for headphones, Tom’s Guide evaluates the following criteria: design, comfort, features, performance and value. We employ a rigorous review process, comparing products with similar fit, features and pricing.

Each pair is worn over the course of a week for hours at a time. During this testing period, the staff is evaluating comfort, ease of use and, of course, audio quality. We listen to several predetermined sample tracks that span a number of genres, including hip-hop, rock, jazz, classical and R&B, and we evaluate the volume, clarity and fullness.

In terms of features, we test the effectiveness of active noise cancelling, Bluetooth range and battery life. For the fitness-focused models, we test to see how they stand up to vigorous workouts, evaluating both how securely they fit while we exercise and how well they handle ambient noise from things like falling weights and gym machines.

Once we complete our testing, we rate headphones based on our ten-point system (= worst, = best). If a product is truly exemplary, it’s awarded an Editors’ Choice.

And now that more streaming music services are offering high-resolution resolution audio, be sure to read our audio codec FAQ for everything you need to know about FLAC files, MP3s and everything in between.

First impressions

You should consider the Yamaha EPH-M200 and EPH-100 to be essentially the same sound.  Sonically there is very little that separates them and that is a very good thing. Now users have the choice of which style of earbuds they want to use if you don’t like the build and style on one then try the other.

Both of these earphones are kings of the electronic, EDM and Dubstep genres.  The Bass is fast tight and punchy with a rich mid section and laid back treble.  The 200 also have that wide soundstage and black background that a lot of Yamaha earbuds are known for.

ONKYO sealed inner-ear headphones 1.2m code IE-HF300-S

Audio Technica proves they are still at the top of their game and the CKS1000 will be a must for anyone that is a fan of the brand’s house sound.

SHURE SE-846

Layered with that Shure house sound and lots of technical detail the 84might be the perfect bass earphone you can buy in 2017.

SONY MDR-XB50

Another Sony hits the list because sony just do bass extremely well.  The entire XB range stands for extended bass and the XB-50 certainly live up to their billing.  While it may not be as detailed as something like the T10i or Yamaha EPH for its price it has a whole lot of Sub-Bass. Mid Bass and the midrange get slightly overshadowed but buyers of the 50 will be looking for the deepest rumble possible for the price.  For the sheer quanity of bass delived in ratio to the price these XB’s are worth checking out.

Watch this

When buying a headphone these days people typically debate the style of headphone they want (in-ear, on-ear, around-ear) whether to go wired or wireless (or even totally wireless) and whether to opt for such extra features as active noise-cancellation to help muffle ambient noise. Oh, and then there’s price. Everybody has a budget.

If you’ve narrowed your choice down, we have plenty of models to choose from in our list of the best headphones, with breakdown of the best headphones in various categories including wireless, sports, noise-cancelling and cheap.

But if you’re still a little lost in the headphone maze, here’s some info that will hopefully help steer you in the right direction.

Features

The size, type and technology of a pair of headphones are all critical to a purchasing decision. But it’s important to demystify the bevy of features and headphone-specific vocabulary. Listed below are the most important features you’ll need to consider before finding the perfect pair of headphones.

Bass: Even at its very best, headphone bass is never the sort of pants-flapping, sock-it-to-your-gut experience you literally feel from massive speakers or subwoofers, but many manufacturers custom tune their “signature sound” to emphasize the lower frequencies, albeit at the cost of instrument separation and natural delivery. Earbuds are tiny and portable, but — except for a couple of high-end models — they can’t compete with full-size, over-the-ear headphones for deep bass response or visceral dynamic range.

Sealed (closed) vs. open: Sealed headphones — the noise-isolating, in-ear models or the full-size earcup designs — acoustically isolate your ears from your environment. Of course, the degree of isolation varies from one pair of headphones to another, and the seal limits the leakage of the headphones’ sound out to the room. Sealed models are ideal for private listening, where you don’t want the sound to be heard by other people. Open headphones — such as foam earpad models and many sports designs — are acoustically transparent and allow outside sound to be heard by the headphone wearer, and a good deal of the headphones’ sound will be audible to anyone near the listener.

Generally speaking, such headphones produce better, more “open” sound than sealed designs. Because they don’t block out everything from the outside world, open-backed headphones are recommended for outdoor activities, such as jogging, which require awareness of your environment.

Pro-style headphones are comparatively bulky and can feel uncomfortably heavy after hours of use. Lighter headband-style headphones are almost always more comfortable than heavier ones. And even if they’re not, they’re less of a hassle to carry around.

Cable dressing and length: Most stereo headphones have just one cable, usually attached to the left earpiece (sometimes called single-sided cabling). Some models — and all earbuds — use a Y-cable that connects to both earpieces (double-sided). The actual cable plug, meanwhile, is usually one of two designs: a straight I-plug or an angled L-plug; the latter may be useful if your portable player has a side- or bottom-mounted headphone jack.

Quick reference glossary

Frequency response: Frequency-response specifications in full-size loudspeakers are generally pretty useless in predicting sound quality, but headphone frequency-response numbers are even worse. Manufacturers have routinely exaggerated frequency-response figures to the point that they’re irrelevant. Even the flimsiest, cheap headphones routinely boast extremely low bass-response performance –15Hz or 20Hz — but almost always sound lightweight and bright. Generally, bass buffs will be happier sticking with larger ‘phones.

Total harmonic distortion: True, headphones with lower actual total harmonic distortion (THD) will sound better than those with higher THD. But the quoted THD numbers — “less than percent” — aren’t helpful in predicting sound quality. Listen to recordings of simply recorded acoustic guitar to assess the distortion of one set of headphones versus another. Some will sound appreciably cleaner than others.

Impedance: Generally speaking, the lower the headphones’ electrical impedance (aka resistance), the easier it is to get higher volume. But here again, the low impedance is no guarantee of high volume capability; other factors can still limit loudness potential. Since many MPplayers have feeble power output — the iPod is a notable exception — smart shoppers should check the loudness before purchasing any pair of headphones. To be sure, listen with your player.

Sounds Good!

The V-MODA Forza Metallo Wireless has an incredibly stylish and stealthy design which doesn’t feel out of place even while in your office attire, unlike its sportier counterparts which stick out like a sore thumb.

Jump straight to our full budget headphones list

Mobile music lovers have never had it so good – although the iPhone doesn’t have a headphone jack, the standard headphones you get with smartphones are at an all-time high in terms of quality.

This does tend to be flagship phones, though and cheaper ones might not even come with some in the box. Either way, spending a little to upgrade your earphones is one of the best ways to get the most from a smartphone, or any other portable music player. Here are the best cheap headphones under £100, with most under £50.

If you’re looking for something more premium and high-end then check out our chart of best headphones. If you’re current bargains, take a look at our pick of the best headphones deals.

In-line remotes and microphones

Once you’ve had headphones with an inline remote and microphone you’ll never go back. These allow you to answer calls, shuffle tracks and change the volume on audio playback, while the integrated microphone means you can carry on a conversation – and use voice activated software – without pulling your phone from your pocket. It’s a very useful addition to look out for.

Circumaural headphones

Circumaural is another way of saying that a pair of headphones totally enclose the ears they’re worn over – typically known as over-ear. The advantage to this is lots of bass and good isolation from outside noise. And, because the speakers are effectively sealed against the wearer’s head, there’s minimal sound leakage.

In-ear headphones

These are arguably the most common type you’ll see, and it’s obvious why. In-ear headphones are small, very portable, and don’t weigh very much.

Most of the in-ear headphones mentioned below are canal headphones, which means they have rubber grommets or tips on the end which are pushed slightly (and carefully) into the ear canal. This produces excellent audio quality, thumping bass and lots of noise isolation if you find the right size tips.

Noise isolation

Blocking out the outside world is an important job of a decent pair of headphones. Cancelling a rowdy office or the hum of the engines on a long flight can make life much more pleasant. At its most basic, noise isolation simply forms a seal around or inside the ear, preventing unwanted sound waves entering.

You don’t often find decent wireless headphones for under £50 but there are some to choose from in our list – handy for the likes of the iPhone We also have a chart just for the best wireless headphones.

Brainwavz S3

Brainwavz have managed to find a way to produce quality sound products at an affordable price.

The Searbuds feature an all metal housing, but the inline controls and jack are protected by rubber housing- which seems to be ideal for durability reasons.

The cables of this particular set are flat,which seems to make them immune to becoming a tangled mess after being shoved into a pocket.

With the inline controls, you have the ability to adjust the volume up or down as well as receive and end calls.

The plugs are slightly larger than what you would normally find on most earbud sets, but Brainwavz claims that this is to enhance the sound experience.

Considering these buds fit in just under the budget amount, we were surprised with all the included accessories.

Shure SE215-K

Starting on the lower end of the price totem pole, the Shure SE215-K comes in two basic colors (black and white), although a special edition featuring blue is available- but it will cost you a little more.

The sound is crisp and balanced, so regular users will enjoy these earbuds, but anyone who prefers bass or a more vivid experience will probably want to consider our other picks.

This particular pair of earbuds must be worn behind your ears, and this might be bothersome to some, but this also means they have less of a tendency to fall out.

Along with your earbuds, you’ll get a small padded carrying case, along with three extra pairs of silicon ear tips and three foam tips; which is nice, considering some people prefer foam over silicone or vice versa.

Fiio EX1

The appearances seem almost alien compared to some of the other choices we’ve reviewed.

The rounded design seems immune to breaking- yet the sound experience is to die for.

These earbuds seem to be pretty versatile; they offer decent bass levels, but on more mellow sounds, the earbuds are equally at home.

Sony MDR-EX650 B

Sony has built itself upon a reputation for producing quality sound products, the Sony MDR- EX650 B earbuds are no exception.

For an affordable price, you can enjoy a high quality set of earbuds, with decent bass levels to get most people by.

However, if you’re not a bass lover and just want a pair of earbuds to plug into your phone for the occasional video or song, you’ll be pleased to know that the earbuds can comply with their decent mids and high levels.

The ear tips that come with the earbuds offer a variety of options for people with varying ear sizes.

Inside the small zipper carrying case, you’ll find seven pairs of silicone and foam tip covers. Regardless of which one you pick, so long as you properly match the size to your ear, you’ll find that the air tight seal creates an excellent barrier from the outer world so you can properly enjoy your audio experience.

Although the fit is pretty comfy, these earbuds should probably be left out of the gym or your jogging routine- as they have a tendency to become dislodged during quick or regular movement.

ThinkSound MS01

Another runner up in the looks department, the ThinkSound MS0have a unique yet attractive design, featuring real wood and aluminum metal.

The manufacturers of these particular earbuds have made it clear that they were paying attention to both looks and sound- and we have no reason to doubt them.

The sound quality will probably shock you considering these pair fall just under the budget range for this roundup review.

To add icing to the cake, the ear hooks are comfortable and light weight making it a great accessory for anyone who considers themselves active at home or elsewhere. The tangle free cables only confirm this.

Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear

Their particular design (the earbuds) is unique, and not copied elsewhere, but that also means these earbuds are limited in how you can use them.

For this particular set, the only option to wear seems to wear them down, and not up above the ear- something that seems to have an advantage for people who like to take their music to the gym.

What we don’t like

If you’re on the go and in a busy environment, you’re needs may be completely different from someone who just wants to listen to a few songs here and there, or watch a Netflix video on their phone.

Similarly, if you’re quite the socialite and find yourself making or receiving alot of phone calls, you may want to consider finding a pair that offers a mic and inline controls. Not only can these enhance your audio experience further, but they’re incredibly convenient to have.

Keep in mind, that as your list of expectations for your new earbuds expands, so will the price tag.

Tangle free cord

We’ve all been there- you stuff your earbuds into a pocket and pull them out and you have a tangled mess that closely resembles a rubrics cube.

If this sounds like an everyday struggle for you, pay attention to earbuds that offer a tangle free cord.

Not only are they handy to have, but it can also increase the longevity of your earbud set.

Inline playback controls

While not essential, they are convenient to have. Instead of fumbling around for your phone, and toggling with controls, you can control your media experience from the inline playback controls.

In addition to controlling your sound experience, they also make it easy to answer any phone calls while you’re plugged in, but only if your particular set comes with a mic feature.

Advantages to not having any inline controls or a mic means less tugging on your ear, which can lead to soreness after a while.

Even with a shirt clip, some controls can become uncomfortable after extended use.

Comfort

Whether you intend to use your earbuds for short periods of time, or all day use, you’ll want to pay attention to comfort. They’ll be practically useless if they’re sitting in a desk drawer or the bottom of your backpack because they hurt your ears after using them for longer than 1minutes.

Frequency ranges

Frequency what? Most audio manufacturers will mention a thing or two about the frequency range for a particular product, but if you’re completely new or just an everyday user of earbuds; frequency range may be meaningless.

You’re better off paying attention to the sound type/quality before you go trying to compare frequencies.

Now that we’ve covered what to look for, check out the products that passed our stringent quality standards while maintaining our under 100 budget price tag.

Connecting to your device

Another common question is ‘will these headphones connect to my device?’ As a rule, wired headphones will connect to anything with a headphones port and a wireless pair will work with any device that is Bluetooth compatible. And there’s more on this in the wired and wireless section.

Shop all in-ear headphones >

Comfort and style – Compact and lightweight, they are the most portable type of headphones. The wires run from your device to your ear, so they won’t interfere with the top of your head or hair. Depending on the quality of the ear-bud, some models may be prone to slipping out of your ear and others may become uncomfortable if you’ve been listening for a long time.

Sound quality and noise isolation – The sound goes directly into your ears, resulting in good sound quality and noise isolation. Ear-buds that rest on your ears allow more outside noise in, handy if you want to remain more aware of your surroundings.

Durability – The buds for in-ear headphones may need replacing after a while. Models of a better quality are likely to have more durable wires and ear-buds.

Some in-ear models hook around your ear for added comfort and to keep the buds in your ear.

Headband headphones

Larger than in-ear styles, headband headphones come in both on and over-ear designs.

Comfort and style – Slimmer on-ear headphones are considered to be more stylish than over-ear, and can be great for travelling and commuting. Over-ear headphones can be bulky, with some only intended for use inside. Both types should be comfortable for long periods of use, with better quality pairs having softer ear cushions.

Sound and noise isolation – Over-ear headphones provide the most immersive experience as they cover your whole ear. On-ear pairs still provide good sound and isolation, but are more likely to have some sound escape.

Durability – Headbands typically offer a good lifespan, and the more you spend, the better quality of build you should receive. Some even come with a carry case, giving you extra protection when you’re not using them.

Wired headphones

These plug into most devices with a headphones (AUX-IN) port. This includes smartphones, TVs, tablets, laptops and more. Only a few models need to be recharged and wires make them harder to misplace.

Things to consider – Wires can be fiddly and some newer devices, like the iPhone 7, no longer have a headphones port.

SoundMAGIC PL1In-Ear Super Bass Earphones

Brainwavz Delta IEM Earphones

For those truly on a budget the Brainwavz are our cheapest earphones. Don’t let the small price tag put you off, these earphones deliver great sound for their price bracket. With all-metal housings which are rare at this price, the Delta IEMs are tuned to sound good with any genre of music.

Sweetened vs. flat frequency response

When you listen to the same material through different headphones, you’ll hear differences that are due in part to “sweetening.” Sweetening refers to the EQing of the headphones to make the music sound better. In open-backed headphones and many earbuds, for instance, the bass frequencies may be emphasized to counter the natural leakage of bass through the open back or ear canal.

Most general-listening, consumer headphones are sweetened in some way. There are two common sweetening modes: Free Field (FF) and Defined Field (DF). The first simulates an open listening environment without reflection, and the latter simulates an enclosed listening environment such as a room. For critical listening such as monitoring a mix, you don’t want any sweetening at all, but rather a flat frequency response that lets you compare and set levels precisely.

Fit and comfort

Comfort is important. Any headphone will feel fine worn briefly, but when worn for long periods, many become uncomfortable. Wear the headphones for at least 20 minutes before deciding about comfort. The larger the ear cups the better when selecting closed-back, circumaural headphones. For headphones that rest on your ear, smaller is better, and fabric padding or leather can soften the pressure.

Sennheiser HD 280 PRO Headphones have a closed-back design that blocks loud external noises while preventing recorded sound from leaking into open mics.

The headband also influences comfort. Most headphones have an over-the-head style headband, but behind-the-neck styles are also available. Earbuds dispense with the band entirely, so are more comfortable in that regard. Whatever the type of headband, you want it to be adjustable. Another feature for enhancing comfort is the rotating cup, especially on over-the-ear phones. You can adjust them to your head to reduce leakage and increase comfort.

The Website Urban Dictionary defines Bass Head as

Simple enough! In today’s world of audio, getting your fix of bass is never too far away. You can go to your favorite club and catch a great EDM, drum & bass, or hip hop set. You can get a ridiculous sound system for your car that will set off other car’s alarms as you drive by. You can also get a subwoofer to accompany your speakers, and take your bass at home or in your music studio to the next level.

But what about headphones? Reproducing and truly feeling those low lows within the confined space of a headphone ear cup is challenging. Lucky for you, nearly every headphone manufacturer has honed in on the need for headphones that excel at thundering bass, and today there are tons of options for you to consider. We did some serious research and put in hours of testing between dozens of models to bring you our guide to the best headphones for bass.

V-Moda Crossfade M-100

As the direct link between you and your music, your choice of headphones is an extremely important and personal one. With so many headphones now on the market it can be a difficult task to settle on the right pair for you. While no headphone is perfect, the V-Moda Crossfade M-100 comes about as close as possible. Stellar sound, fantastic bass, and immaculate construction make it one of the top performing headphones around.

Sound and Bass Response

The fantastic build and extra features mean nothing however if the sound quality isn’t there and fortunately the M-100 provides excellent sound across the spectrum. The highs shimmer and have a warm feel to them, which is a nice contrast to the shrill piercing highs of many lower end headphones. That’s not to say the high end is reduced at all. On the contrary the M-100 can reach frequencies of up to 30kHz, about 10kHz higher than the human ear can detect. It’s simply that those high frequencies are not screeched into your ear. Instead the best tones are brought out and the harshest ones are reigned in. The middle range is less prominently featured. It certainly doesn’t disappear; it just won’t jump out at you. It complements and reinforces the high end and the low end well.

On to the Main event: The bass of the M-100 is a force to be reckoned with. V-Moda’s 50mm “Dual Diaphragm Drivers” pump out some of the most powerful bass on the market. Reaching down to 5Hz (the average person can only hear down to ~20Hz) the M-100 has no difficulty reproducing even the deepest sounds in your favorite music. The sound is as pure as it gets with no distortion, even at the lowest frequencies, played at the highest volumes. Despite having such a strong low end the bass does not overpower the higher registers (which is a common issue with other bass heavy headphones). Instead, it feels more like placing a subwoofer along two already nice speakers, enriching the sound rather than overpowering it.

Other Info

One additional fun feature of the M-100s is the customization. In addition to the four color options currently offered, you are able to have any logo you want laser-etched into the “shield” on the side of the ear cup. These laser-etched shields can be a multitude of colors in aluminum or fiber. Alternatively if you really want to step it up, you can choose to have your design 3D printed into the shield. Then, as if that wasn’t enough, you can even choose to have your shields made of precious metals such as silver, gold, or Platinum (it should be noted that these are purely aesthetic choices and the more valuable materials do come at an up-charge).

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 2.0 Over-Ear

It’s hard to make a “best headphones” guide and not have Sennheiser show up to the party. The German company is no stranger to making very well-loved headphones for all applications – super high-end audiophile, studio, DJ, casual listening, in-ear… and now, amazing bass response. To be fair, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 2.0 Over-Ear Headphones, much like the V-Moda M-100, are not marketed specifically for their bass response. These are marketed as achieving audiophile sound quality, yet maintaining daily portability. And granted they do a really good job at that, but the reason they are on this list is because they are widely regarded as some of the best headphones for bass. Let’s find out why…

Build and Features

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 2.0 are the top-of-the-line of the MOMENTUM series, and improve on the first generation MOMENTUM over-ear headphones in just about every way. From the moment you take these out of the box, they ooze quality and polish. You get a luxurious semi-hardshell case covered in a felt-like material, and a soft pouch for even more protection. This headphone folds for portability, which is a plus (folding mechanism seems durable). While you don’t have as much customization available as the V-Moda M-100, these do come in color options:. It’s all subjective, but we’re not a fan of the brown. Ivory is nice if you’re going for more of a classy look, but the ones we opted for are the lean-and-mean black color which looks great (you can never go wrong with black). Style-wise, these are on-point. Whether you’re just looking at them or wearing them on your head, they look really proportional and polished. You’ve got brushed metal, a leather headband with contrast stitching, and the Sennheiser logo is hologram-like and changes color depending on the angle you’re looking from. Again, premium all around. The construction overall is very solid, and mostly metal and leather (as opposed to Bose and Beats that have a lot of plastic).

The MOMENTUM 2.0 comes with a detachable 3ft cable of pretty average quality (V-Moda’s cable wins hands-down here). When you’re buying these from an online store, you can pick between Android or iOS, which affects the integrated in-line remote. The 3.5mm plug has a unique locking mechanism so that it stays in place and can’t easily be yanked out (a feature we can appreciate).

However, the sound quality extends well into the mids and highs. The mids in particular are extremely detailed, making these well-suited to listening to genres like jazz and classical; The smallest nuances can be heard in vocals and guitars. In terms of isolation, while they don’t block external noise to the extent of a noise-cancelling headphone, the MOMENTUM 2.0 does a really nice job. Unless you crank them to near max volume, they don’t leak much noise to the outside due to a good seal.

Audio-Technica ATH-PRO700MK2

Japanese company Audio-Technica is well-regarded in the headphone world for making some “best in class” headphones for all sorts of uses. We’ve previously written a glowing review of Audio-Technica studio headphones, so we were excited to try out some of their bass-heavy offerings. The Audio-Technica ATH-PRO700MKtakes a spot as one of the best headphones for bass available today.

Sony MDRRF985RK

Another quality budget option is the Sony MDRRF985RK Wireless RF Headphones. These are likely one of the cheapest quality headphones for TV  you’ll be able to find. They are quite comfortable and broadcast a full-throated signal over RF (radio frequency), with a maximum range of about 150 feet. Like the Sennheiser 120s, they can transmit a signal through walls, so you don’t have to worry about getting cut off when traveling from room to room.

Sony MDR RF985RK

If you want great TV headphones that are a little more approachable on pricing, you can try out the MDR RF985RK from Sony. These ones can be found online, and it includes a number of goodies that you certainly won’t be disappointed in.

The advantage of operating at a lower frequency, however, is that it tends to have significantly better range. The wireless signal will reach for up to 150 feet, while the typical 2.GHz can only reach up to around 30-60 feet, depending on the layout of walls and other obstructions.

Great Value

If value for money is the deciding criterion for you then there are plenty of good options you can find. Maxell Amp B Amplified Heavy Bass Headphones have a very strong bass signal but cost very little. These headphones have a very stylish print on the ear cup which snugly covers your ear to provide sealed sound.  With a 40 mm driver, you get a bass that is good enough to vibrate glass, if you will. It is one of those products that you can just buy in a glimpse without thinking too much.

Not only do you get decent sound but you also get high portability as this piece is foldable. You can virtually use them with any device and take it with you wherever you go.

The Bass Issue with Headphones

The reason why not every headphone produces good bass is that bass is directly related to the area of the speaker. You will notice that speakers that are designed for bass tend to be bigger in size. Since headphones have such small sizes, it can be difficult to achieve loud bass. Nowadays, manufacturers have found a middle road where they can create quality reproduction of bass while keeping the headphones small enough for everyday use. Bass is also related to the medium of transmission i.e. wired or wireless. The former obviously is better in terms of the clarity of signal so you get the best form of bass.

Circumaural or Over the Ear Headphones

This type of bass headphones covers the ears entirely and snugly. It is big in size obviously but provides complete isolation and therefore achieves high-quality bass. In studios and most professional settings, this type is preferred. They are not highly portable though because of their size.

Earbuds and Earphones

Earbuds and earphones are both in-ear headphones i.e. they are small and can be put into your ears directly. The only difference is that earphones go inside the canal while earbuds cannot. The latter just sit inside the ear but produce the same level of sound. In terms of bass, earbuds do not recreate bass effectively as there is no seal and there is a high chance of interference. If, however, you are looking for earbuds – click to go there. Earphones, on the other hand, are capable of producing high-quality bass as they snugly sit inside the canal and there is not much space for sound to escape. Additionally, both types are highly portable and lightweight so perfect for everyday use with your smartphones or music players like iPod.

These headphones have a small, soft tip that is inserted into the ear canal. When well designed, in-ear monitor sound quality can rival world class full-size open headphones, but will usually not have as strong a sense of space and imaging. This category is huge, however, and there are a lot of in-ear monitors that have too much bass, excessively bright treble, and/or very poor comfort and fit.

In general, in-ear monitors deliver the best isolation from outside noise of any headphone type including noise-canceling headphones. They are ideal for travelers, commuters, and people who wish to listen in very loud places. If the bass seems weak with this type of headphone, you probably haven’t achieved a good seal. Persistence trying the various tips and experimenting with the fit will usually be rewarded.

Some people will find IEMs uncomfortable in their ears. Again, patiently trying the various tips will usually deliver a tolerable, if not comfortable fit. Using squishy stock and aftermarket foam sponge tips (Comply) often helps with comfort, but may reduce high frequency response slightly (sometimes a good thing with this type of headphone).

In-ear monitors custom made to fit the shape of your particular ears are now broadly available. Though quite a bit more expensive, the comfort of custom fit earphones is significantly better than the generic tip models; and in the best of this bread, sound quality can be spectacular.

There are two types of drivers used in in-ear monitors: dynamic and balanced armature. Both can yield good results, but generally dynamic IEMs: use a single driver; are less expensive; can be very easy to drive for portable players; but are usually limited in sound quality. Balanced armature IEMs: may have multiple drivers with cross-overs in the earpieces; may be custom made for the shape of your ears; are typically more expensive; can be difficult for portable players to drive; and can have unbelievably good sound quality.

The ambitious Zeus XR ADEL from Empire Ears is an expensive yet highly rewarding in-ear monitor. It offers extreme clarity and sparkle, you-are-there midrange, and deep, tuneful bass, with the most expansive soundstage I’ve heard. The XR option and ADEL modules allow for some tweaking of the sound to best suit your mood, but they won’t transform it into something completely different. Overall, the Zeus XR ADEL redefines the statement-level CIEM category.

With marvelous clarity like JH13, but without the emphasized bass response, the Unique Melody Miracle is great for acoustic music of all types. Jazz and Classical listeners will find these excellent. The JH1will provide better coherence and imaging, but at times may be slightly too bassy for some purists.

This headphone was removed when discontinued.

Noble Audio’s stunning Kaiser most definitely deserves a spot on our Wall of Fame. It has a brilliant yet nonchalant character which keeps me coming back for more. Factor in the remarkable build quality and customization options, and we end up with a CIEM worthy of replacing not one but two of my former favorites. Of all my in-ear monitors—scratch that, of all my headphones in general—the Kaiser is the one I find myself reaching for most often these days; for portable use but also for dedicated listening at home. I’d say that speaks very highly of what Noble Audio has achieved with this flagship design.

Headphones

From cheap earbuds to replace the ones that came with your phone to high-end over-ear headphones, our experts (and our listening panels) have found the best headphones in every category so you can get the best sound for your buck. We list both wired and wireless options to make sure you can listen to your favorite songs or podcasts in every situation you might want to.

The Sennheiser OCX 686G Sports is the best wired exercise headphone, with a three-button iOS remote and mic, a reinforced cable, and a two-year warranty.

September 13, 201by Lauren Dragan

In-ear (canal) headphones, also known in-ear monitors, sit directly inside the ear canal. They have two main technical benefits. They sit closer to the ear drum, so can deliver excellent sound quality, and they also fill the entrance to the ear, so are effective at sealing out external noise.

In-ear headphones come with a selection of different sized tips so you can find one that fits your ear canal. Getting the right fit is essential for attaining best performance; using a wrong-sized tip will affect audio isolation and the earphones will be prone to falling out.

How To Workout Without Going To The Gym

It’s hard enough setting aside time for actual exercise, but throw in your commute and it can add up to a lot of wasted time. Try these effective workouts without ever leaving your home.

Read More. Their smaller size, however, means they cannot compare in all-round performance to a larger set.

On-ear

On-ear headphones, also called supra-aural headphones, rest on top of the ear. Like in-ear headphones, they direct sound straight down the ear canal, but don’t seal out external noises, and may also leak noise to those sat nearby.

Many find them more comfortable than earbuds, and they are less likely to trap heat on your ears than over-ear headphones are. “Clamping” can be an issue, though, where they squeeze too tightly and become uncomfortable with extended use. It’s important to find a pair that fits well.

On-ear headphones are a good compromise solution, with excellent sound quality (in higher end sets) and a good level of portability.

Over-ear

Over-ear or circumaural headphones encase the entire ear. Their increased size makes room for a larger driver, with louder volume and better bass performance. The driver is also positioned further away from the ear, producing a more spacious sound akin to what you hear from speakers.

By covering the ear, these headphones offer good noise isolation, but they are a lot less portable than the other formats.

Open and closed back

You’ll also see headphones (over-ear ones especially) described as being either “open back” or “closed back”. This refers to whether the back of the earcups are open or sealed. “Closed back” headphones offer better noise isolation, and tend to have a more forceful sound similar to what you get from in-ear headphones. “Open back” headphones have more sound leakage and let in more ambient noise, but deliver what audiophiles often describe as a more natural sound.

Impedance

Impedance is a measure of electrical resistance and is displayed in Ohms (?). In the simplest terms, higher impedance means more resistance, which means more power is needed to drive the headphones.

Headphones designed for mobile devices tend to have lower impedance (below 32?), so they use less power. High-end and pro-quality headphones have very high impedance (300? or more), and require a dedicated amplifier to power them.

The downside to lower impedance headphones is that, while they use a lower voltage, they require a higher current. An electrical current creates vibration, which in turn creates sound. The result is that lower impedance headphones may emit an audible background hiss.

Impedance mismatch can also cause this and other performance issues. Mismatch can occur when using high impedance headphones with a smartphone, or low impedance headphones with a high-end audio system. It’s important to have the right type of headphones for the audio equipment you are using.

Frequency Response

Frequency response indicates the range of audio frequencies the headphones can reproduce. It’s measured in Hertz, with the lowest number representing the amount of bass, and the highest treble. Most headphones have a stated frequency response of around 20-20,000Hz, which matches that of human hearing.

The numbers are not really a good indicator of sound quality, though they can help you choose the right headphones for a particular type of music. For instance, if you want lots of bass, then you should look for headphones that support a low bass frequency.

Noise-cancelling headphones

Noise-cancelling headphones can be just what you need in a plane to block out that low hum, or provide relief when the exams draw closer. Which should you buy? Here are some great choices.

Read More have embedded microphones and electronic chips. They record ambient noise, then create an inverse sound wave and feed it back into the headphones to effectively cancel out the sound.

It works best for constant, low frequencies, and is less effective for mid-range frequencies and above. So, if you’re on a flight, you may find engine noise is reduced, but not the sound of the crying baby in the seat in front.

Future Perfect

The problem is that Bluetooth headphones are still quite expensive and there are a lot of junk models on the market at the moment. I’ve had a look at the most popular ones available online today and you can go check out those reviews to see if one catches your attention.

If however you want to go headphone hunting on your own, here are some of the most important things to look out for when shopping for BT headphones.

File Under Audio

Obviously one of the most important aspects of the headphones is the sound quality, but defining that is pretty hard, as it turns out. The manufacturers can throw numbers at you but there are plenty of examples of headphones that sound better subjectively, even though they have lower specifications. Things like the BT compression math and cup material and shape can affect how the speakers sound; it is not just about the speakers themselves.

You want headphones that have a low bass frequency and good separation between low, mid, and high frequency sound. Often the best headphones will have multiple speakers in each cup that are dedicated to different frequency levels.

This poses a problem when buying online of course, since you can’t try them out first. Pay attention to user reviews and their impression of the sound. Also, be sure to make use of short term, no-questions-asked return policies if the headphones don’t sound good to you.

Another thing that can dramatically improve the perception of sound quality is active noise cancellation. This is where the headphones use an external mike to measure ambient noise and then counter it with tuned white noise so you can hear the audio in silence. It’s pretty amazing and worth getting if you can afford it.

Out of Control

The whole point of BT headphones is to give you some freedom, and it would be pretty dumb if you had to stay within arms length of the iPad in order to control playback or volume. Almost all BT headphones have onboard controls. While they will all work, some are easier and more comfortable to use. Give them a good look before you make a purchase to ensure your butter fingers will get on with them.

Know the factors before choosing

To choose the best pair, there are a few factors for you to consider. These factors are mostly specifications that tell a lot about the specific earbuds and its brand. Knowing them can help you choose the best earbuds brand and the pair that matches your requirements.

Inside the Box – In the box you have the headphones themselves, along with the usb charging cable and a couple extra rubber tips including the set that are already on the earphones making for total sets. There is also an instruction booklet inside but no carrying case to be seen.

Design and Comfort – The design of the Sony SBH80s is without a doubt one of its selling points. On first glance when I saw the neck band design I was a bit skeptical but once you are wearing them they have a classy and elegant look that I was pleasantly surprised by.

One of the major elements of the neckband is that it is designed to take the stress of the earphones, which basically equates to less strain on the ears and generally a much more comfortable experience.

In terms of overall comfort, I was impressed, the design helps with creating less strain and pressure on your ears especially when working out. So, you could use them for a long workout with your ears feeling sore.

Sound Quality – The overall sounds quality is crisp and has a good sound stage with slightly above average bass. They are good value when it comes to audio quality compared with other earphones.

Connection Quality – These earbuds use Bluetooth 3.0 and I had no problems pairing them with a host of different phones and tablets. The range of these is very good you can easily leave your phone in your bag at the gym and as long as the signal doesn’t have to travel through walls it will be very consistent even at long ranges.

Sol Republic Shadow Wireless

Inside the Box – In the box you get the headphones, a USB charging cable, a set of different sized ear tips, a quick start guide and a carrying pouch.

Design and Comfort – When it comes to design and looks alone this are one of the best looking earbuds I have seen. They look really classy and elegant and are available in a selection of colors which all look great.

The design of these earbuds are a neckband design. The neck band is one of the best neckbands I have worn when it comes to comfort. It contours the neck well and is has a rubber coating which really helps. That rubber coating makes them fully water resistant along with the earbuds themselves, for a fully water-resistant product which is great.

On the band itself is where the buttons are, there are buttons for volume adjustment and a universal button for skipping/pause/play and answering calls. As you would have guessed the battery is stored in the band itself along with the micro usb port which has a latch that seals it when not in use.

There is also an LED which has some lighting patterns for low battery, powered on, charging etc.

Battery Life – I was relatively happy with the battery life which provided me with about 7-hours of playback time which is well above average. When the battery life is running low you will get an audio notification in a male voice saying that your battery is low which is a nice touch instead of beeping or the like.

They aren’t as perfectly crisp as some of the most expensive options out there but considering the price the value for money is extremely good.

Connection Quality – These Sol Republic earbuds have Bluetooth 4.0. They also have aptX which basically is meant to make streaming sound over Bluetooth sound better. Though I was impressed with the connection quality and consistency I am dubious about it being aptX that caused it.

When it comes to the range they work well up to about 30 feet and as I mentioned they are consistent and rarely stuttered for me in my usage.

Phaiser BHS-750

Inside the Box –  You get a protective carrying case, set of comply ear tips(foam), sets of regular ear tips(silicon) different styles of wings with different sizes for each and line clips. There is also a micro usb charging cable along with the typical paperwork.

Design and Comfort – These earphones have a winged design that can be worn both over the ear and under the ear, both of which positions are comfortable. Though over the ear seems the better option if you are doing a hefty workout. They stay in place a little more securely when in that position.

When it comes to the comfort of the ear tips and the wings I was quite happy, partially thanks to the big selection of ear tips and hooks provided in the box. Considering their price, I was pleasantly surprised with how they look, with the metal back I liked the style. I personally had the black cabled option with the silver back. Though there are a host of different bright color options available if that suits your taste.

Also, there is a magnet built in the back of each of the earbuds so you can place them back to back and they will connect. This is handy for both storage or keeping them around your neck when you aren’t using them.

There is the standard inline control for volume adjustment and a universal button for pausing/playing and answering calls etc. Along with a built-in microphone. Though for the microphone to pick up your voice well you will need to be using them in the common below ear orientation.

They are also sweat proof thanks to the liquipel nana coating, and Phaiser claims they can even be dropped into water and they will still work no problem though I didn’t test that myself.

Battery Life – Battery life isn’t the best out there but its decent at about 5-hours in my usage. Though when comparing with other similar priced products it definitely has a leg up.

There have an 8mm driver which provides a clear and consistent sound with a commanding and rich bass. They won’t be suitable if you are an audiophile but if you are coming from a pair of Apple/Samsung headphones they are going to be a significant jump up.

Connection Quality – The connection and set up was super-fast. Once you have registered the device on your phone anytime you power it on and your phone Bluetooth is enabled it will automatically connect.

When it comes to range they are great too. Without any boundaries, I was able to get a consistent and reliable connection up to 40 feet, and though walls it worked well too but the range lightly dropped when passing through a wall by approximately feet less.

If you are using them and keep them within range their connection works flawlessly and doesn’t stutter or anything of the like.

Without a doubt these are the best Bluetooth earbuds under 50. They have good sound quality, are sweatproof, have a pleasing design and decent battery life and all at a very low price point.

In-ear Headphones Known as Ear Buds or Earphones

The tiny earpieces are either placed on the outer ear or inserted into the ear canal. Some models include clips to secure a more tailored fit. Using highly functional ear buds, you can listen to music and watch in-flight movie in maximum comfort. They are ultra compact and definitely lightweight. Some models even feature a microphone and track navigation controls integrated into the cord.

With the right in-ear headphones, you can experience exceptional noise-isolation as well. They are also ideal with listeners who are wearing glasses, earrings, hats, and caps. It also shows no interference with your preferred hairstyle. A variety of ear tip sizes made from different materials is also available.

The sound quality and bass response of in-ear headphones has recently improved substantially compared to full-size models. In terms of technology, they have caught up with full-size headphones too, as there are many types of in-ear headphones. For more details, look at earbuds with mic, the most durable earbuds, earbuds for small ears, bass earphones and retractable earbuds.

Full-size Headphones

Since full-size headphones are relatively larger compared to in-ear pairs, they provide potential for maximum bass and loudness levels. The ear cups harbour larger sound stage, while the surround-sound feature effectively blocks unwanted external noises and seals music in. One relevant downside of full-size headphones is that some models have problems with overheating especially on the ear part. Also, the headband can often get in the way with earrings, glasses, and some hairstyles.

Bluetooth Wireless

The most popular format for translating wireless music is Bluetooth. However, there is a possibility of experiencing slightly poor sound quality as you prioritise the convenience in the file compression process. To counter this, invest in the latest headphones that support the aptX Bluetooth codec, which offers slightly improved fidelity in sound performance.

What’s disheartening about Bluetooth headphones is that the music automatically stops when your battery dies. Additionally, compressed audio files will leave your music sounding less vibrant and alive. In terms of hardware limitations, some models feature smaller buttons to control track navigations and volume.

Bass Headphones

Sports headphones are usually wireless or Bluetooth powered. They are sweat-proof and ergonomically optimised to suit you on-the-go lifestyle. Stay dazed by good music while running, jogging, and exercising. Sports headphones are perfect whether you opt for an indoor activity or outdoor sports.

Noise Isolation Headphones

The idea of many in-ear and on-ear headphones is building a physical barrier between your ear and the unwanted sounds. This feature passively blocks out ambient sound. Fitted ear tips also play a role in sealing out external noise.

With over-ear headphones, the noise isolation is enough to soften the surrounding sound. With in-ear headphones, on the other hand, the sound reduced is based entirely on the quality of your headphone’s noise-cancelling feature and the ear tips.

Lightweight Headphones

When shopping for a pair of cans or earpieces, size and weight matters. For everyone who wears headphones from dusk until dawn, lightweight headphones are perfect choices. Sometimes you need to forget fashionable full-sized cans to attain comfort. The perfect headphones should be able to offer you three vital things: comfort, durability, and exceptional sound quality.

Waterproof Headphones

Plunge in the water with confidence with waterproof headphones. You do not need to forfeit the benefits of listening to music while working out and having a dip in the pool with your friends. Waterproof headphones are designed for sports enthusiasts who often partake in swimming activities and other sweat-inducing workouts.

Headphones for Kids

The headphones and other portable listening devices in use today are nothing like those that first emerged in the market. Technology allowed us to reap the benefits of full comfort, great style, and superb sound quality with just a pair of cans.

 

 

 

 

 

Final Word

First of all thanks for reading my article to the end! I hope you find my reviews listed here useful and that it allows you to make a proper comparison of what is best to fit your needs and budget. Don’t be afraid to try more than one product if your first pick doesn’t do the trick.

Most important, have fun and choose your earbuds for bass wisely! Good luck!

So, TOP3 of earbuds for bass

• №1 — Premium Dual Driver Earbuds – Heavy Bass Earbuds w/ Mic – In Ear Headphones with 3.5mm Portable Bluetooth Receiver Headphones – Gaming Earbuds with Extension Cord 4-feet – Wired Earbuds for Men Women
• №2 — In Ear Earphones
• №3 — Sony MDRXB50AP Extra Bass Earbud Headset