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Best headphones for ASMR
It’s time to relax and tingle away from your daily stresses. Which headphones will you take to the dreamy realm of ASMR? For many of us this has become a very important part of reducing anxiety and getting a good night sleep. This means it’s important to get a nice pair in terms of quality, comfort and other important factors.
Looking for a good headset? I am a huge ASMR fan and went on a quest for the best options for both tingles and sleeping, so let’s jump right into the details.
What is ASMR?
If you have stumbled upon this article chances are you know what ASMR is, but let’s go over it just in case. ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. Though that sounds like a very technical term, very little (if any) scientific proof backs the existence of such experience. In fact, it is believed that only part of the population is capable of experiencing ASMR.
ASMR refers to a tingling, euphoric sensation stimulated by certain sounds and visual elements. It is often referred to as a “static-like” tingling that often starts in the scalp and runs down the spine. It is a very subjective feeling, but ASMR video creators (often known as ASMRtists) usually focus on sounds like whispering, scratching and tapping to “trigger” this experience.
It takes but a YouTube search to find thousands upon thousands of ASMR content creators, but some personal favorites include Ardra ASMR, Heather Feather ASMR, Gentle Whispering ASMR, Air Light ASMR and Softlygaloshes.
Because it is a very auditory-focused activity, good quality headphones are a must. We will take multiple factors into account, including sound quality and comfort, as people often fall asleep listening to ASMR media.
This type of headphones is not known for its quality audio, but they sure are comfortable. It is literally a headband with build-in speakers, after all. They are soft and cozy, making these the best for falling asleep with.
I specifically picked these ones because they are wireless, so you don’t even need to worry about cables getting in the way. At $99.99 from Amazon they are also a pretty good deal. The internals are removable, making the band easy to wash. And battery life is more than acceptable at 8-12 hours per charge.
This is a good option for those who want a comfortable sleeping pair of headphones, but also appreciate eye masks. ACOTop’s solution includes both, and it costs a mere $19.99 on Amazon. Of course, you can’t expect the best quality from these, but you will definitely catch a good nap with no light disturbances.
Let’s get more serious. Over-ear headphones offer sound quality and comfort that can’t be matched. This is my personal favorite headset for ASMR. The CB3 Hush has great sound quality for the $89.99 price point.
Sleeping in a noisy environment? The active noise canceling feature matches some of the best headsets out there, and sound quality is up there with much more expensive pairs. You truly get a great bang for the buck with the CB3 Hush.
They are a bit thick, but the cushioned material makes them comfortable to wear, even when laying on your side. They are not as cozy as the headbands, but do make for a good night’s sleep when needed. CB3 has built these with a 12-hour battery life and Bluetooth capabilities.
Disclosure: CB3 Audio is a partner brand of SoundGuys.com
Shure’s SE215 earphones are discrete and small. Their in-ear design makes it easy to sleep in them. And because they are technically earbuds, noise isolation is hard to beat.
As for sound quality; it is great considering the $98 price point. This headset is a favorite among ASMR enthusiasts and is often recommended by users. You really can’t go wrong if you are looking for a good in-ear headset.
Modern ASMR is all about 3D stereo audio and realistic sound. You can literally tell where the sound is coming from, thanks to special 3D microphones. You need a good pair of headphones to get the most out of this technology. Audiophiles swear by the realistic audio coming from open back headphones, so the last couple recommendations will have this feature.
The Grado SR60e headset offers great bang for your buck. This headset goes for just $79 and offers great sound quality, comfort and open back realism. Great for realistic 3D tingles and overall sound quality.
Honorable Mention: Sennheiser HD 598
Want to take things up a notch? Everyone speaks marvels of the Sennheiser HD 598. This headset has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon and it is a preferred product among audiophiles and professionals alike. It is made with premium materials like leather and levour, not to mention they are gorgeous.
In terms of sound quality you can expect natural and balanced audio, due to the open back. Other specs are quite impressive too. Impedance is rated at 50 Ω, while the frequency range extends from 12 Hz to 38,500 Hz and sound pressure levels are measured at 112 dB.
These are the most expensive headphones in this list at $169.95, but they are very much worth the money if you care about sound quality and having an outstanding ASMR experience.
Are there any other headphones you like to use for ASMR? Please share your 2 cents in the comments section! These are all great options for tingling away, though. We hope you enjoy them.