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Best headphones for bass

Boom, boom, boom.
By
January 22, 2024
The Best
Sony WH-1000XM5
MSRP: $399.00
8.6
Check price
Positives
ANC performance
Outstanding microphone
App features, including custom EQ
Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC, AAC, LDAC, and wired connectivity options
Bluetooth multipoint
Find My Device enabled
Negatives
Price
No IP rating
Best features
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
MSRP: $429.00
8.5
Check price
Positives
Great ANC
Good passthrough mode
Snapdragon Sound
aptX Lossless
Negatives
Price
No IP rating
Immersive audio
Some channel matching issues
Best design
Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
MSRP: $350.00
8
Check price
Positives
Excellent battery life
Excellent sound quality
Connectivity options
Price
Negatives
Middling ANC
Mic noise rejection
Best over ears headphones
Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2
MSRP: $229.99
7.4
Check price
Positives
Bluetooth multipoint
Comfortable
Good app
Dedicated buttons and extensive control remapping
Voice control
Wired, AAC and SBC
Okay mic
Negatives
Too much bass for most people
A little heavy
ANC is only okay
Crusher mode, EQ, and sound personalization make getting a good sound overly complicated
Best bass
Sony WH-XB910N
MSRP: $248.00
7.5
Check price
Positives
Battery life
LDAC, AAC, SBC codecs along with analog playback
In-app equalizer
Optional headphone jack
Noise canceling is decent
Comfortable
Negatives
Default sound is too bassy
Touch controls could work better
Even with the EQ the sound is imperfect

Bass is one of the most divisive aspects of sound. Some people prefer to have headphones and speakers that give their music a little extra power in the low end, while others prefer more of a neutral sound. Loving one or the other doesn’t make you any more of a music lover than someone else, but it is crucial to your own personal enjoyment. Sound is a very personal experience, and whether you consider yourself an audiophile or a bass head, we hope this list of the best bass headphones will help you out.

What's new?

  • This list was updated on January 22, 2024, to ensure the timeliness of the information within.
  • If you are a bass head, be sure to check out our list of the best bass earbuds as well!

If you want a pair of fun headphones and just want to hear that thump from your music, this list of the best bass headphones is for you. We recommend any of these headphones to listeners who don’t care for analytical listening or who have a separate pair of headphones for such a purpose.

Why are the Sony WH-1000XM5 the best bass headphones for most listeners?

Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones laying flat on wooden table.

Sony makes plenty of bass-heavy headsets and even slaps its “XB” moniker onto a whole suite of headsets and speakers, so it may come as a surprise to see the Sony WH-1000XM5 listed as the best headphones for bass for most listeners. We recommend this headset for its tastefully amplified bass response that still lets higher frequencies come through. These are also a great choice for commuters thanks to the stellar active noise canceling (ANC) that outperforms the WH-1000XM4.

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With Bluetooth 5.2, you can stream over the SBC, AAC, and LDAC Bluetooth codecs, and you can even plug in via the aux cable for lossless playback (no USB-C audio passthrough here). Battery life is very good, reaching 31 hours and 53 minutes with ANC on (according to our standardized testing). You can fast charge the WH-1000XM5 with the included USB-C cable: just three minutes of charge yields 180 minutes of playback.

While there’s a ton to love about the Sony WH-1000XM5, one thing we aren’t in love with is the price. If you’re someone who wants a feature-packed headset that’s comfortable for hours-long listening sessions and looks as great as it sounds, Sony’s flagship headset is a great pick.

Sony WH-1000XM5Sony WH-1000XM5
SoundGuys Editors Choice
Sony WH-1000XM5
ANC performance • Outstanding microphone • Useful app features
MSRP: $399.00
The king of the ANC pack extends its reign

The microphone system on the WH-1000XM5 is among the best that we’ve tested, and it performs admirably in almost all conditions. Whether you’re taking a call from the privacy of your own home or at the office, the headset will relay your voice clearly and with minimal background noise.

Sony WH-1000XM5 microphone demo (Ideal):

Sony WH-1000XM5 microphone demo (Wind):

How does the microphone sound to you?

19477 votes

No, you don’t need to download Sony’s mobile app to get your headset paired to your phone, but you should download it to take advantage of various software features and to access updates.

Whether you use an Android phone or an iPhone, you can use the Sony Headphones Connect app to personalize your listening experience. From the app, you can play with a five-band custom EQ to amplify the bass even more or choose from a handful of presets depending on the content you’re enjoying. Aside from sound quality, the app also lets you enable Sony 360 Reality Audio for 3D sound from compatible streaming services like Amazon Music and Tidal. You can also toggle things like automatic play/pause and prioritize connection or sound quality.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are bass-heavy by default

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have only two buttons to control calls and playback.
Austin Kwok / SoundGuys
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones use two buttons and a capacitive volume slider to control calls and playback.

In the realm of bass-heavy headphones, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones make a strong case for themselves. These headphones cater to a specific segment of audiophiles who appreciate a robust low-end response. Still, they also offer the flexibility to tailor sound to individual preferences via the Bose Music app.

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These headphones support aptX Lossless and Snapdragon Sound, offering a high-fidelity, wireless listening experience, although this is currently limited to newer Android devices. The CustomTune technology is another notable feature, adapting the headphones’ sound profile to the listener’s ear anatomy, ensuring all frequencies are delivered optimally.

The QuietComfort Ultra delivers a lightweight design, weighing just 253g, and soft, glasses-friendly padding for comfortable wear. The battery life is impressive, offering up to 27 hours and 37 minutes of continuous playback, with a fast-charging feature that provides 2.5 hours of listening time after just 15 minutes of charging. While these headphones are a significant investment, their combination of deep, customizable bass, cutting-edge wireless technology, and comfortable design make them a compelling choice for bass lovers looking for top-tier headphones.

Bose QuietComfort UltraBose QuietComfort Ultra
SoundGuys Editors Choice
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Great battery life • Advanced audio experience
MSRP: $429.00
Quality and comfort noise canceling headphones
Going ultra with their ANC headphone experience, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra noise cancelling headphones offer up to 24 hours of battery life, a comfortable fit, Spatial Audio support, and powerful ANC.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones microphone demo (Office conditions):

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones microphone demo (Street conditions):

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones microphone demo (Windy conditions):

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones microphone demo (Reverberant space):

How does the microphone sound to you?

1263 votes

For a great design, get the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless

A man wears the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless outdoors.
Deep pads and earcups provide a natural advantage for all users of headphones.

Anyone who appreciates a subdued, luxurious design will fall in love with the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless. Still, the stylish design and beautifully wrapped memory foam ear pads sit comfortably for long stretches. This isn’t quite as comfortable as Sony or Bose’s flagship headsets, but it’s the price you pay for style.

This noise canceling headset has plenty to offer like SBC, AAC, aptX, and aptX Adaptive streaming over Bluetooth 5.2. Sennheiser is no stranger to hi-fi audio and includes a headphone jack for those who want to fully dive into their FLAC file library. The app is competent and provides EQ (so you can up the low-end volume to meet your bassy needs).

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Sennheiser’s noise canceling performance won’t blow away some of the competition with the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless, but it’s still good. The ANC reduces high-pitched noises between 75% and 95% and low-pitched noises by about 75%. Touting a stellar 56 hours and 21 minutes of battery life with ANC enabled definitely impresses.

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 WirelessSennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
SoundGuys Editors Choice
Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
App for EQ changes • Simple, elegant design • USB-C charging
MSRP: $350.00
High-end ANC over-ear headphones focus on style and comfort
If you need total immersion in your music, you need some ANC over-ears. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 focus on style and comfort while delivering the core features high-end shoppers need with their headphones.
See price at Amazon
Save $60.72
Sennheiser Momentum 4
See price at Best Buy
Save $49.99
Sennheiser Momentum 4

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless sounds reasonably accurate, but like a lot of headphones with mics integrated into the headphones, there are some struggles with noise attenuation. Have a listen.

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless microphone demo (Wind conditions):

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless microphone demo (Street conditions):

How does the microphone sound to you?

8067 votes

Who should get the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2?

A close up of the bottom of the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 shows the buttons and jacks.
Jasper Lastoria / SoundGuys
Dedicated per-use buttons and a headphone jack make controlling the Crusher ANC 2 very flexible.

Are you ready to test your resolve to get bassy headphones? The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 can tick that box with a dedicated Crusher mode accessible through a dial. It effectively ups the volume of the EQ, peaking at roughly 50Hz, which will rattle your skull. You can dial back the bass or add on to it, so that’s delightful for bass fans.

In addition, you get a highly useful app that allows you to allocate all sorts of controls to the buttons on the Crusher ANC 2. The headphones also feel comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Bluetooth multipoint is another welcomed feature. Otherwise, the headphones are limited to AAC, SBC, and wired connectivity, which does fine for most folks.

Really, the noise canceling on the Crusher ANC 2 is the least impressive feature. It does okay and blocks up to 15dB at 200Hz (which is decent) but is certainly surpassed by other picks out there. Nonetheless, you can eke out 45 hours and 23 minutes of battery life (with ANC), which is quite good.

Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2
Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2
Bassy sound • Comfortable • EQ
MSRP: $229.99
Look, just because the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 looks like it's for grown ups doesn't mean it still doesn't have a bonkers amount of bass. You can EQ it of course, but it's hard to tame. Otherwise, it's comfortable, if a tad hefty, and the Skullcandy IQ app has a nice interface. Its noise canceling is not the best out there, but it works.

The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 handles lower-pitched voices better, including attenuating noise when you speak, especially noticeable in the street conditions demo recording. With higher-pitched voices, the mics struggle to not simply decrease the overall volume of the audio. Take a listen.

Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 microphone demo (Office conditions):

Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 microphone demo (Street conditions):

How does the microphone sound to you?

566 votes

For the loudest bass, get the Sony WH-XB910N

A bust of The Terminator faces the camera head on wearing the Sony WH-XB910N.
Big headphones bring a big boost in bass.

It’s in the name somewhere, right? The “XB” in the Sony WH-XB910N stands for “Extra Bass,” and for anyone who wants the loudest bass output possible, the XB910N is a great pick. Not only do you get an insanely loud bass response, but you also get the option to easily change the sound thanks to Sony’s in-app equalizer. You can either create your own EQ or choose from a few presets. Within the app, you also get access to 360 Reality Audio optimization and Adaptive Sound, which automatically adjusts the volume of certain frequencies depending on environmental noise.

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The headphones use Bluetooth 5.2 to connect to your device, and you can choose between three codecs: SBC, AAC, and Sony’s LDAC. Whether you own an iPhone or an Android phone, you’ll be able to listen to high-quality reliable audio through the XB910N headphones. If the battery dies, you can just plug in with a 3.5mm cable and get back to listening. Speaking of batteries, the XB910N lasts just over 37 hours and supports fast charging. Just 10 minutes of USB-C charging will supply four and a half hours of playtime.

Noise canceling is very good here and similar to that of the older Sony WH-1000XM3, which was very good upon its debut. When you properly fit these bassy headphones, you’ll notice that low frequencies sound one-quarter to one-eighth as loud as they would without the headphones. For the price, you’re getting a feature-packed, bass-heavy headset.

Sony WH-XB910NSony WH-XB910N
Sony WH-XB910N
Extra Bass tuning • Dual noise canceling • Comfortable ear cups
MSRP: $248.00
Noise-canceling proof that you don't need to break the bank for Sony's best listening experience.
X is for extra, B is for bass. These noise-canceling Sony headphones are tailored to deliver at low frequencies while shutting out the world around you with dual mics on each side.

The microphone is serviceable but isn’t the best we’ve heard from Sony. You’ll sound a bit “dull” or “muffled.”

Sony WH-XB910N microphone demo (Ideal):

Sony WH-XB910N microphone demo (Street):

Sony WH-XB910N microphone demo (Wind):

How does the microphone sound to you?

3304 votes

Is the Monoprice BT-600ANC any good?

The Monoprice-BT-600 ANC noise canceling Bluetooth headphones in front of a house plant.
The BT-600ANC supports aptX HD, AAC, and wired playback.

Yes, the Monorpice BT-600ANC is an excellent set of headphones, specifically for the price. With these, you get great active noise canceling, a compactable design, and Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX, AAC, and SBC support. While the frequency response is a bit wonky, what with the bass notes sounding more than twice as loud as the mids, it’s just what we’re looking for in this best list.

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The active noise canceling isn’t something to gloss over here, as low-frequency sounds are rendered anywhere from one-quarter to one-eighth of their original loudness. To put it in perspective, this rivals the Sony WH-1000XM4, Bose QuietComfort 45, and even the Apple AirPods Max for a mere fraction of the cost.

The Monoprice BT-600ANC lasts for just over 36 hours and recharges with the included USB-C cable. With the affordable price, Monoprice cut some corners, so the BT-600ANC lacks quick charging and EQ. Still, you can plug in via the 3.5mm headphone jack for wired playback if the battery dies unexpectedly.

Monoprice BT-600ANCMonoprice BT-600ANC
SoundGuys Editors Choice
Monoprice BT-600ANC
High-res audio • Excellent ANC • 36-hour battery life
MSRP: $99.00

The microphone is all right for daily use. Listen below!

Monoprice BT-600ANC microphone demo (Non-standardized):

How does the microphone sound to you?

3298 votes

The JBL Live 660NC Wireless Headphones cancel noise with oomph

The JBL Live 660NC lays on a leather surface next to a Google Pixel 4a running Spotify.
If you want something basic to listen to music and block the sounds of your commute, this is a pretty good option.

JBL has a storied and rich history of releasing reliable and pretty bassy headphones. The JBL Live 660NC Wireless Headphones come with a decent app, a reasonable amount of low-end volume emphasis, and pretty good noise canceling. Most folks won’t find the mic is great, and the ear cups can fit narrow on some ears. Those issues aside, the Live 660NC are no fuss and straightforward, which is exactly what a lot of people want in headphones.

JBL Live 660NC Wireless HeadphonesJBL Live 660NC Wireless Headphones
JBL Live 660NC Wireless Headphones
MSRP: $199.95
In your world, music is essential, so slip on a pair of JBL Live 660NC and elevate your day. Feel the power of JBL Signature Sound delivered by 40mm drivers, enjoy the convenience of Adaptive Noise Canceling and Smart Ambient technologies that allow you to focus on what matters for you, and talk to your favorite Voice Assistant with a tap on the ear cup. Rock out uninterruptedly for 50 hours!
A frequency response chart for the JBL Live 660NC , which shows an extra bump in the bass range.
The lows and highs look a little… high.

Below 100Hz, the JBL Live 660NC amplifies bass and sub-bass a good deal, but not so much as to overwhelm mids and highs.

The best headphones for bass: Notable mentions

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 with one ear cup rotated laying flat on leaves.
Jasper Lastoria / SoundGuys
All the buttons sit on the left side of the wireless ATH-M50x headphones.
  • Anker Soundcore Life Q20 ($59 at Amazon): This is the headset to get if you want barebones, no-nonsense active noise canceling (ANC) on a budget. Sure, the lack of bleeding-edge features and outdated USB port may be a drag, but this headset does very well for the price.
  • Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 ($198 at Amazon): If you want a more studio-friendly sound that still boosts bass a tad more than truly “flat” headphones, the ATH-M50xBT2 is a great option. This takes all that we love about the wired M50X and adds Bluetooth capabilities, with a long battery life that makes it more eco-friendly than its other wireless counterparts.
  • House of Marley Positive Vibration XL ANC ($142 at Amazon): These eco-friendly ANC-capable headphones have a very exaggerated bass and treble response. For the price, they’re well made, if a bit intense with clamp force for some.
  • JBL Tune 510BT ($27.99 at Walmart): These on-ears are budget-friendly and perhaps not the most comfortable, but they provide a good amount of low-end emphasis and work reliably well.
  • Marshall Major IV ($116 at Amazon.): These on-ear headphones are lightweight, comfortable, and feature a unique toggle control. They also have more bass than our ideal, but not an egregious amount. As on-ears go, they feel comfortable but don’t have a ton of luxuries.
  • Skull Candy Crusher Evo ($150 at Amazon): The Skullcandy Crusher Evo series provides great sound and all the bass you could want with a dedicated bass slider. It also makes for a great pair of travel-friendly headphones and can compact in seconds, making it easy to toss it into a bag.
  • Sony WH-1000XM4 ($348 at Sony.): This pair of noise canceling headphones from Sony amplifies bass notes to a reasonable degree, and you can really crank it up from the free mobile app (iOS/Android). If you don’t want to splurge on the XM5 headphones, this is a good buy.

What you should know about the best headphones for bass

The Beats Solo3 Wirless headphones battery LEDs lit up.
Beats may be thought of as the best headphones for bass, but there are plenty of other brands pumping out a loud low end, too.

If you’re looking for a pair of bass headphones that are worth spending your money on, then it’s worth knowing a few things so you can really understand what that even means.

What is a bass-heavy frequency response?

When you’re researching headphones, you’ll encounter the term frequency response. The frequency response of an audio product is nothing more than a visual representation of how the output varies with the frequency of the sound being reproduced. The way we test this is straightforward and involves playing back a test signal, recording it, and then comparing it to the input signal.

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In bass-heavy headphones, low frequencies are reproduced notably louder than the midrange frequencies. This happens because headphone manufacturers intentionally tune them this way. While not everyone likes a heavy dose of bass to their music, many of us do. After all, that’s why you’re here! The drawback to this is that the bass can overpower the midrange notes, making it harder to perceive other instrumental details in your music. It can also produce higher distortion, which will again result in a loss of clarity.

Still not getting enough bass? It could be poor isolation

If you already have a pair of headphones and you’re just not getting enough bass out of them, the problem might not be the headset at all. It could be the fit.

When you have loose-fitting earpads that don’t fit your ears right, outside noise can get in and basically distract your brain from registering those lower notes. This is another example of auditory masking, and it’s just how humans have evolved. If you hear two sounds of similar frequencies, whichever one is louder will be the one that your brain prioritizes as a potential threat. To compensate for this, it’s crucial to make sure that you have a good seal around your ears when listening to music. When you wear in-ear, it’s likewise important to get a good seal at your ear canal entrances.

A set of bass-heavy headphones doesn’t necessarily cause hearing loss, but if you increase the volume too much (on any headphones), you could damage your hearing.

The Sennheiser earplugs on a table.
Earplugs are an effective form of hearing loss prevention and a must-have for concert-goers.

You should be mindful of how loud you’re listening to your music. Exposing your ears to great volume levels for extended (or even short) periods of time can damage the tiny hairs in your ear that are responsible for receiving vibrations. The fewer vibrations they can detect, the less you can hear over time. This is called “noise-induced hearing loss,” and while it’s true that this does happen naturally as you age and people tend to have less sensitivity to higher sounds in old age, why accelerate the process?

You can read all about the different types of hearing loss here, but one thing you can immediately implement into your listening habits is to try to keep your music below 85dB(SPL). Many modern smartphones have volume limiters for this reason, so you can essentially set and forget it for safe listening. That is the maximum exposure recommended by the NIOSH if you like your ears and would like to continue using them into your old age.

Should you get Beats headphones for bass?

A picture of the Apple Beats Powerbeats on a book and next to the Master & Dynamic MW07 Plus true wireless noise cancellinlg earphones.
Lily Katz / SoundGuys
Beats redesigned its Powerbeats earphones, so they have a more mature appearance than before.

One company is known for its emphasis on the low end, and that’s Beats. While many people scoff at the idea of recommending a pair of Beats headphones, we don’t see a problem with it if a strong bass is what you’re after. Make sure to check out this list of the best Beats headphones before making your decision. If you can’t stand the thought of buying a pair of Beats, then don’t worry because we also have a list of the best alternatives. Whatever you’re after, hopefully, we have you covered with those two lists!

Why you should trust SoundGuys

A photo of the Beats Solo Pro on-ear noise canceling headphones being worn by a woman using the right ear cup controls.
We do as much research and get as much hands-on time with products as possible before recommending anything.

The team at SoundGuys is deeply invested in finding the best audio products on the market and trying to share our passion with the internet. Whether that means interviewing experts on hearing loss or reviewing a bunch of waterproof speakers, we do whatever it takes to get to the truth and inform our readers.

Our team consists of writers with years of experience in radio, product reviews, product testing in the lab, studio production, and, of course, journalism. And if you’re ever worried that we’re being paid to put in a favorable review, don’t worry. Our writers get paid based on output alone (aka how much hard work they put in). Our pay isn’t based on which products get a good review and which don’t.


Frequently asked questions about the best headphones for bass

The Apple AirPods Max was not designed with bass heads in mind. They boost bass a bit, but the bass reproduction is still fairly tame relative to our top picks. There isn’t a way to create a universal custom EQ for the AirPods Max, so that also boots it out of the running for the best headphones for bass.

Depending on what operating system you are using to listen to your music, you will likely need to go into the sound settings on your device.

On an iPhone, for example, under  Settings Music > Playback > EQ, you can select a “Bass Booster.”

Some operating systems allow for personalized equalizer settings, but a preset bass booster is an option on almost all. Additionally, depending on which streaming service you use, you will be offered a varying amount of freedom in changing your equalizing settings within that application. For example, Spotify Premium allows for very personalized EQ settings.

Open-back and closed-back refer to the physical build of a set of headphones. Open backs do not block out room noise nearly as much as closed backs, but open backs deliver a purer sound because there are fewer echoes produced by the sound rebounding off of the headphone walls.

When it comes to choosing between the two types for a bass boost, you’ll want to go with closed-back because the enclosed space amplifies bass tones. However, it can also create tiny echoes or have slower response times because of the high pressure in the chamber behind the drivers. Open-back headphones have a harder time emphasizing bass, but what bass tones they do emphasize are almost always more accurate because there’s no force against the driver from the backside.

Regardless of which you choose, there’s always the option to EQ your headphones to boost the bass from the sound source.

Yes, bass-boosted headphones are great for those who enjoy a thumping and powerful low-end in their music. Sound is a personal experience, and whether you’re an audiophile or a bass head, there are headphones tailored to your preference. However, it’s essential to choose headphones that balance the bass boost without overshadowing other frequencies for a listening experience you won’t get tired of.

Absolutely! The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2, for instance, offers a dedicated Crusher mode that can significantly amplify the bass (but don’t worry, they won’t literally crush your skull). The headphones come with a dial that allows users to adjust the bass intensity, making it a delightful choice for bass enthusiasts.