Best audiophile headphones

Audiophile headphones cater to those who prioritize sound quality above all, providing a listening experience that’s as close to the original recording as possible. These headphones can sacrifice convenience features like wireless connectivity in favor of sound accuracy and a wider, more open soundstage. Rather than on-the-go use, these comfortable headphones are made for getting lost and absorbed in your music at home. Here are our top picks for music enthusiasts seeking the utmost in audio fidelity.

Editor’s note: this list was updated on August 12, 2025, to update picks, formatting.

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The short answer:

If you don’t want to read an entire article to figure out which picks we’ve come to and why, you can skim our choices below. Each has a link to the full review for more information.

The best overall pick

The comfort pick

The high-end pick

The ANC pick

The gaming pick

The value pick

The detailed answer:

The truth is that there are lots of audiophile-oriented headphones, and far too many to list here. Additionally, those who are steeped in the hobby aren’t going to be the sorts of people arguing over articles like these, so we’re speaking to the entry-level audio enthusiast — not seasoned forums veterans. The picks below are for over-ear headphones only, though there are plenty of in-ear picks for those who love the idea of in-ear monitors (IEMs). If you disagree with any of our picks, there’s probably a good reason for it: you’ve had more time to develop your preferences. The picks below are what we would want most to start out with to get them as close to a final product choice as possible.

Best audiophile headphones for most people: HiFiMan Sundara

The HiFiMan Sundara is an impressive entry-level planar magnetic headphones with a not-so-entry-level price. Priced at $299 ($200 less than when it was first released), it offers great sound quality and comfort. They don’t require extensive modifications to achieve excellent out-of-the-box performance, however, you will need a powerful source to use it. While they excel in sound quality — offering a slightly high-frequency emphasis, otherwise following our legacy studio curve — their open-back design inherently does not block out noise, so you’ll want to use them in a quiet environment.

The build includes updated ear pads for better fit and comfort, especially for glasses wearers, and a design that promotes a more natural sound due to its open-back design. Yet, the headphones’ 372g weight and the requirement for a close source due to the 1.5-meter cable length may deter some users. The planar magnetic drivers ensure less distortion and dynamic accuracy. Overall, the Sundara’s performance merits consideration for those venturing into high-quality audio without the steep price typically associated with such fidelity, such as our next pick.

The best high-end audiophile headphones are the Sennheiser HD 800 S

The Sennheiser HD 800 S is a high-end choice for audiophiles, delivering excellent sound quality, comfort, and durability. While it has a high price point of $1699.95, it is a long-term investment for serious listeners. In our review, we found it to have an expansive soundstage and be comfortable during extended use. The design, which includes large ear cups and velour pads, accommodates a wide range of head shapes and sizes while ensuring minimal ear contact.

With a 300Ω impedance and 102dB sensitivity, its technical specs suggest that you will likely require an amplifier to get an acceptable volume output. The sound leans towards an analytical profile, with a focus on accurate sound reproduction rather than bass emphasis. Though the headphones are far more high-end heavy than most consumer headphones, the Sennheiser HD 800S are prized for mastering content.

Overall, the Sennheiser HD 800 S is targeted at audiophiles willing to invest in a high-quality listening experience, and content creators. It emphasizes sound accuracy, comfort, and build quality over portability and low-end response.

The Sennheiser HD 550 are extremely comfortable

If you’re mainly looking for a set of cans for the computer that are insanely comfortable, the Sennheiser HD 550 are currently some of the best on the market. It’s just gravy that they sound quite good, too. With giant ovoid ear cups, the HD 500 line is one of the most comfortable on the market, and the latest entries into this line are similarly excellent — especially for those of you with glasses. The single-sided cable means you won’t have to worry about y-shaped cables catching on things, and you can replace it should something happen.

In our labs, the Sennheiser HD 550 fared extremely well, and should satisfy most. Additionally, these headphones are also very easy to equalize should you decide to do so. Just remember that it may take a while for your brain to get used to if you’re not used to this kind of frequency response.

The Focal Bathys are the best-sounding ANC headphones

If you have a slightly larger budget, the Focal Bathys package includes headphones, a carrying case, USB-C, and 3.5mm cables. The build quality features black resin, magnesium yokes, and an aluminum band, ensuring both durability and comfort despite its 350-gram weight. The weight may be a concern for some, especially during long listening sessions, but the headphones are designed to distribute this weight evenly across the head.

The Bathys also has the ability to connect digitally via a wired USB-C cable in addition to Bluetooth 5.1 and traditional 3.5mm connections. This feature sets them apart, offering a pure digital signal path without the need for an external DAC or amp, although they might play at a lower volume through USB. The inclusion of high-quality codecs like aptX Adaptive further enhances their wireless performance. Battery life is strong, with over 31 hours of playback with ANC on, but the ANC performance itself, while decent, doesn’t quite match the leaders in the space like Sony or Apple.

The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro are great value

Priced at $400 ($470 for the Plus model with additional accessories), the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO stands as an exceptional choice for audio professionals and bedroom music producers. Delivering neutral-leaning sound, these headphones offer two ear pad options (velour and fabric) for sound and comfort customization, addressing the diverse needs of its users.

Designed for durability and versatility, the HD 490 PRO maintains Sennheiser’s reputation for excellent build quality and sound. Weighing only 260g, these headphones are comfortable for extended mixing sessions. The inclusion of a semi-coiled cable, an adapter, and the option to switch between velour and fabric ear pads (the latter aiming for a flatter, more traditional open-back frequency response) caters to various production requirements.

A notable feature is the free dearVR MIX-SE plugin, which enhances the mixing experience by simulating the acoustics of a studio. This further solidifies these headphones’ appeal to music producers. The HD 490 PRO offers flexibility in connection, featuring a mini XLR input on both ear cups, allowing for easy cable management in studio setups.

The Drop x Sennheiser HD 6XX is a steal for less than $200

Based on the design of the legendary Sennheiser HD 650, the HD 6XX is a steal at half the price. Highlights include superior sound quality, an open-back design, soft velour padding, and a removable/replaceable cable. Soundwise, the HD 6XX has a neutral-leaning sound profile, offering a clear and accurate listening experience that excels with a wide range of music.

Weighing just under 10 ounces, the HD 6XX ensures comfort during prolonged listening sessions, thanks in part to its large ear cups and velour ear pads. Connectivity-wise, the HD 6XX utilizes a TRS 3.5mm headphone connector with removable two-pin connectors on each earcup. Regarding power requirements, the HD 6XX may necessitate a DAC and amplifier to reach optimal listening volumes, especially when used with devices that cannot adequately power its 300Ω impedance.

The Audeze Maxwell are the best headphones for audiophile gamers

The Audeze Maxwell stands out as a top choice for gamers, particularly appealing to those frequently switching between consoles and PCs, thanks to its exceptional audio quality and versatile feature compatibility. Its compatibility across platforms, combined with high-end planar magnetic drivers and a proprietary dongle for low-latency wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, ensures a premium, versatile gaming audio experience. It also features built-in head-tracking hardware with support for Dolby Atmos Renderer, aimed at both professional mixing.

The headset’s overall mass can affect long-term comfort. Still, the sound customization options through the Audeze HQ app, including EQ presets for gaming scenarios and spatial audio enhancement, alongside its robust build and multiple connection options, solidify its status as a top choice for serious gamers.

The best audiophile headphones: Notable mentions

While not making the top picks, these audiophile headphones still offer unique features or exceptional value that might be the perfect match for your specific needs or preferences.

• Audeze LCD-5 ($191 at Amazon): These are Audeze’s flagship planar magnetic headphones, which boast impressive specs, sound amazing, and weigh considerably less than its predecessors. It’s comfortable, and there’s little to complain about besides the extremely high price.
• Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X ($269 at Amazon): These headphones look the part and feel comfortable over long sessions. If you want to hear basically everything—and in style—try it.
• Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO ($529 at Amazon): The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro are made for professionals, and remains a great choice for audio enthusiasts. Those with cash to burn will get plenty of mileage out of these open-back headphones.
• Bowers and Wilkins PX8 ($699 at Amazon): These are a competent but expensive set of ANC headphones. Consequently, it’s less of a question of getting the most for your dollar but whether or not you’re looking for something a little more posh than your average headphones.
• Focal Azurys ($549 at Manufacturer site): The Focal Azurys are a competent, durable, and attractive set of headphones meant to meet the needs of keyboard warriors with deep pockets looking for a more “mature” set of headphones. They’re pricy but hardly a poor investment.
• Meze Audio 109 Pro ($799 at Amazon): The tuning highlights treble frequencies but with more bass than most open-back headphones. It also allows you to repair and replace parts as they age, which helps justify the price tag.
• Neumann NDH 30 ($649 at Amazon): If you often mix on a studio monitor system or are simply seeking a reference headphone, the Neumann NDH 30 are worth considering. They don’t really have a wow factor, but they work well as a professional tool for picking out details in a mix.
• Sennheiser HD 660S2 ($499 at Amazon): The successor to the original high-end headphones, these are for anyone looking for a set of open-backs that perform well for music listening and don’t overemphasize the highs.
• Sony MDR-7506 ($89 at Amazon): Since the early 90s, these headphones have remained a companion for many audio professionals, and for good reason. Lacking in frills and luxuries, it does the job even if it’s not the flashiest set of headphones and still sounds good.

See our top picks for the best audiophile earbuds if you are looking for something more portable.

What you should know about audiophile headphones

Frequency Response

The frequency response of headphones describes their ability to reproduce all frequencies of sound in a pleasing manner. Audiophiles often seek headphones with a flat or “neutral” frequency response, ensuring tracks sound as true to the original recording as possible, without artificially boosted bass, mids, or treble.

Impedance and Sensitivity

Impedance (measured in ohms) and sensitivity (measured in decibels) can give you a better idea of whether or not you need an amplifier to properly power your headphones.  Though most headphones made in the last ten years won’t need much in the way of extra power, sometimes we run across cans that might need a little more juice than a smartphone or laptop can provide.

Isolation

Many audiophile headphones are designed with an open-back construction to enhance sound quality and the sense of space in the audio. However, this design choice means they offer little to no isolation from external noise. Open-back headphones are best enjoyed in quiet environments where outside sounds won’t interfere with your listening experience.

Comfort and Fit

Extended listening sessions demand comfortable headphones. Factors such as the weight of the headphones, the pressure exerted by the headband and ear cups, and the materials used (like memory foam or velour padding) can all influence comfort. The fit not only affects how enjoyable the headphones are to wear over time but can also impact sound quality, especially in terms of bass response and isolation.

Durability

Investing in high-quality, durable headphones is vital for audiophiles. Look for headphones with robust build quality, replaceable parts, and warranties. Models featuring modular components like detachable cables and ear pads can significantly extend the lifespan of your investment.

Additionally, the materials used in construction (such as plastic, metal, or wood) and the overall design can affect both the durability and aesthetic appeal of the headphones. Audiophiles often view their headphones as both a tool and a piece of art, so consider a build material and design that meets your satisfaction.

Price to Performance Ratio

Finally, the value offered by a set of headphones relative to their cost is crucial. Some headphones may offer diminishing returns as the price increases. Hence, it’s important to research and listen to various models within your budget to find the best price-to-performance ratio.

How we test audiophile headphones

Our approach to testing audiophile headphones is grounded in objectivity and first-hand experience. We use a combination of technical measurements and real-world listening experiences to evaluate each pair’s performance, comfort, durability, and value. Technical assessments include analyzing frequency response, isolation, distortion levels, and impedance to ensure accurate reproduction of sound as intended by the original recordings. For a detailed breakdown of our testing methodology, visit our in-depth guide to how we test and learn more about the importance of why we test.

How we choose the best audiophile headphones

Selecting the best audiophile headphones involves more than just scrutinizing technical specifications; it requires considering the nuanced preferences of the audiophile community and the practical use cases of each product. We weigh factors like sound quality, build quality, comfort for extended listening sessions, and the headphones’ ability to connect with various audio sources. Our selection process also takes into account user feedback, industry standards, and innovations in audio technology to compile a list that caters to a wide range of audiophile needs.

Why you should trust SoundGuys

SoundGuys stands as an authority on all things audio, thanks to our commitment to unbiased reviews, deep technical expertise, and our dedication to providing valuable information to our readers. Our team consists of seasoned audio professionals, engineers, and enthusiasts who bring years of experience and passion to our reviews and guides. We adhere to strict ethical standards, ensuring that our content remains independent and focused on helping consumers make informed decisions. You can count on SoundGuys for reliable, well-researched, and impartial advice on your next audiophile headphone purchase.

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