Best Headphones To Buy In 2023! Our Recommendations
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- Опубліковано 4 лип 2024
- A great pair of headphones shouldn't only sound rich and balanced but should also be comfortable, versatile, well-built, and feature-packed. While you can get some surprisingly decent budget models, the best headphones tend to come with more extra features, like active noise cancelling (ANC), dedicated companion apps for customization, multi-device pairing, and NFC compatibility. While less expensive pairs of headphones tend to miss out on some of these premium features, you can still find some well-rounded and versatile options that provide great value.
Recommended Headphones in this video:
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless: www.rtings.com/afflink/AaEAAE...
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless: www.rtings.com/afflink/AaEAAG...
Anker Soundcore Space Q45: www.rtings.com/afflink/AaEAAI...
Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless: www.rtings.com/afflink/AaEAAA...
Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless: www.rtings.com/afflink/AaEAAE...
Sennheiser HD 800 S: www.rtings.com/afflink/AaEAAA...
Philips SHP9500: www.rtings.com/afflink/AaEAAA...
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00:00 Intro
00:51 Best Overall
02:14 Best Upper Mid-Range
03:15 Best Mid-Range
04:23 Best Budget
05:22 Best Audiophile
06:21 Best Entry-Level Audiophile
06:46 Conclusion
We make money directly from you via insider access on our website (which gives you access to extra features: www.rtings.com/insider) and when you buy a product after clicking a link to a retailer. - Наука та технологія
![Soundcore Space One VS Space Q45 - [The TRUTH]](/img/n.gif)
Harry Potter went bald!
Oops!!
Hhhh😂
Nah, his hair disappearing spell hasn't worn off yet 🧙♀️🪄
Lmao. 😂
Grow up!
Winter 2022 i was on the hunt for new truly High-End headphones for gaming, and i had my eyes set on a few different models ranging $500-$1000 each. I had spent months reading reviews. I went to the shop and had brough tracks (in my phone) that i know sound bad. Some tracks are too sharp, some are overly bassy, some have digital artifacts in them, but some tracks that are just pure perfection, very detailed and deep orchestras etc. And two Dolby-Surround Test tracks. Then i ran them all through all the headphones.
My goal was to find the headphone that could make everything sound good no matter how bad the recording was. But when testing the ones i had my eyes on, i was somewhat disappointed. I kept switching for like an hour but wasn't satisfied.
Frustrated i reached out and plucked a pair of B&O H95 from the stand. My eyes started to tear up the sound was so beautiful. My hearing is sensitive to sharp Treble and these cut the Treble just right but still leave it detailed. Never heard headphones like that before. And the positioning is just minblowing. When i play Cyberpunk2077 or Bordelands 3 with these i can hear if someone is shooting at me from behind me, to my left, two stories up. Just insane.
They were more expensive than what i had planned to buy but damned worth it!
The H95 drivers are 40mm Titanium so expect a full year of use before complete burn in. However the biggest change will be heard after the first 250+ hours before coming into bloom. The H95 i tested in store was a year old and sounded like a dream. My new ones was stiff and flat in comparison. I left them connected to my computer to do Hertz Sweeps over night during the first month. That broke them in real good.
Now, more than half a year later, i only regret not getting them earlier. I love them. They outclass my ATH M50X on a level i can't describe. The ATH are fatiguing in comparison to H95's silky sound.
Upon viewing your comprehensive video analysis, along with the comparative study between the XM5 and XM4, I was compelled to subscribe to your channel. The precision of your evaluations earns a stellar five-star rating from me. Your team presents a balanced review without succumbing to the temptation of unnecessary hype, and I find that your commentary aligns seamlessly with real-world experiences. Well done.
Amazing
Carry on old chap
I love you guys, You helped me to pick right products and without all the knowledge about headphones and many other products I would have been lost. I appreciate this amazing work!
This channel is so underrated
Thank you for supporting us! ❤️
their website isn't, at least for me. use it for almost anything when choosing electronics, after I chose my final two I watch videos about them for in depth
You mean underRTED
Is it really?
With 344k subs? How?
As a Sony fan who bought every single XM headphone: I wholly agree with your pick. The XM4 is the top of the line-up! Great other options mentioned here as well!
Have you tried the WH-1000XM5?
@@JoeGillian0 I have, I found it to be significantly worse. Muffled bass and less detail. The drivers are smaller and the headphones no longer collapse for storage.
@@shonen84 well sound is subjective so :-) ...I have never tried the WH-1000XM5, I have the WH-1000XM4 but I much prefer the sound of the Sennheiser Momentum 4 I bought later....it's anc is not as good unfortunately
So is it still worth buying the xm4s even today? I'm tempted but they be olddd at this point
How well do the xm4 do in the gym ? Does the leather hold well with the sweat
Just so you know, I've had a little OCD spell for over the ear headphones lately and YOUR reviews played a huge part in that. I now own 11 sets of cans and I'm holding you personally responsible 😂. Amazing work on your website and I'm really glad I now found your UA-cam channel.
Out of your collection, which ones are the best for a wired connection? (android phone + Spotify premium).
The Soundcore Q20+s come with the app with eq options and multipoint. Just seem to be harder to find.
The + really is a plus😊
Major props for the Eurobeat Intensifies shirt!!
I don't know how would be possible to measure, but the built quality is certainly impacting the audio experience - I mean that you measure the headphones in a resting state, while when you walk in them, they got shaked and by this they produce noise. But yes, idk how to measure it objectively :/
Hello sir, may i ask, are B39 headphones good?
Thank you ❤
I was looking to update my current headphones. This is very helpful
Thanks for this video, I was set on the latest sonys but after watching your video actually went to the store and tried them and they were a lot less comfortable than the previous gen and ended up buying those instead!
Urbanears don't sell the Plattan 2 in black wireless anymore. I loved them, cuz they were minimal and modern looking. Do u have any recommendations for minimal style headphones?
I was buying headphones several month ago and I was planning to get the Soundcore Q45. But when I tested them in a music shop, I was absolutely disappointed by their sound signature (too digital for me, yet entertaining) and I didn’t really feel the difference between ANC and Transparency modes (likely because I was in a shop). So I decided to fork out for Sony 1000-XM4 and never regretted! They are excellent. The only weird thing I noticed is that in the Transparency mode they cut out bass. This is both useful (you hear more of your surrounding) and stupid (you can’t enjoy some bass-heavy music). I hope this isn’t only my unit’s problem…
Default sound signature is very average for q45. Needs eq tunning to get best out of it.
I have the q30's and the default sound is really bad. Enabling the "less bass" eq profile in the companion app makes them much more balanced and suitable for things like rock, metal & other things that suffer from overstated bass.
ive used Audio Technica M50x for a long time and switched to the first version og the BT version a couple of years ago. Im happy with their sound, batter and built quality (expect the pads that are destoyed at this point), but they are a bit uncomfortable to wear for longer periods of time. They also have no ANC and can only pair with one device. Their companion app is also a sorry affair. Basically, they just have good sound and that's it.
Ive considered swithing to the sony headphones you mention in this video. I seem to recall that their sound profile is actually less neutral than my M50xBT though, but I might be wrong. If that is the case, I don't know if the trade is worth it. I don't want too much base and I worry the Sony has just that. I know the M50xBT is a little heavy on the base, but are the sony not more so?
Try replacement pads. The included ones are terrible but the headphones are actually quite comfortable with a 3rd party option from Brainwavz or Wicked Cushions.
@@asherperlmuter oh, thanks. I hadn't considered that :D
I love that you have signed off Daniel Radcliffe for that episode to play that audio geek role ❤
Been using the sony wh-1000xm4 for two months and they are great, but the headphones that give you goosebumps when listening are denon ah-d600. I have never listened to better headphones than denon and they are fantastic. Denon is most underrated headphones in my opinion.
so why dont u use denon?
@Robocopyable I use denon at home, sony at office and in traveling. I like sony xm4's design, IMHO sony xm4's has best headphones design ever
Thank you for the excellent video content. It would enhance the viewing experience if the audio levels between the male and female speakers were more balanced. :(
Hey nice video! You guys deserve a lot more attention. I wanted to buy some headphones or earbuds under 300 hundred dollars. I don’t need them to work out or anything but just to listen to music. A priority for me is comfort and sound quality. What would you recommend. Thanks!
Hi MG, thanks for the kind words!
For help with personalized buying advice, reach out to one of our experts via our insider forums. www.rtings.com/forums/insider-advice
Otherwise, we have some self service tools on our website that may br worth checking out!
i am just not sure if i should the b&o hx or the sony xm 4 because i had the h4 for many years now and they are absolutely amazing what do you think guys?
For help with personalized buying advice, reach out to our experts here: www.rtings.com/forums/insider-advice
Love this video!! I want to see more videos like this with you 2 guys!
I have quite a big head, and when using my XM4's, i have to have them fully extended to fit me. How far do thr XM5s strerch in comparison? Would they be more or less comfortable for a large head?
We looked into this, and they offer pretty much the same amount of stretch.
If you have more prominent ears, you might find the earcups on the XM4 to be more spacious since the offer an angle for the ears to sit on, while the Xm5 has a flat inner earcup design.
Quick underdog that I had for a while taotronics soundsurge, they are incredible for the price point
How are the Edifiers & Sony 720N
I just subscribed! Thanks for this video! ❤
Hi! What about budjets?
AKG K361-BT / Sony WH CH720N / JBL tune 770nc / something else.
What would you recommend in this price? For music listening only (rock, blues, techno). Thanks a lot.
Personalized buying recommendations is something our experts offer only via our insider forums www.rtings.com/forums/insider-advice
Very interesting that you put the HD 800's on the list at $1800, and an SHP9500 on at $80... No mention at all of the HD 500/600/6xx or the ATHM50s or the DT 990s or the Planar Magnetic HiFiMans for the $200-500 range? Very weird and interesting choices here that have lead me to disregard any opinions stated in this video. Please do more/better research next time. Now all your reviews for monitors and other tech will be called into question.
Great content! Thank you!
Do gaming stuff often please, im still stuck on x90j for ps5 setting lol
Please, so what headphones do you recommend I get that are under $300 ones with "audiofile qualities" like great instrument separation and wide soundstage?
Buying advice from our experts is only available via our insider forums: www.rtings.com/forums/insider-advice
But we do have lots of self service tools you can check out as well!
Does anyone know what kind of backgrounds music these are ? Its so light and easy to listen to
What 43 inch + tv would u recommend that’s also somewhat good for gaming and under $250. Doesn’t gotta be brand new just under 250 thanks
For help with personalized buying advice, feel free to reach out to our experts via our insider forums: www.rtings.com/forums/insider-advice
Otherwise, we have lots of self service tools on our website!
still rocking my sony xm3's hoping an xm6 is worth an upgrade oneday
Yesss!! Love to see the SHP9500 on this list. Not only is the headset budget audiophile, but it’s also incredibly comfortable & converts to a gaming headset w/ a simple boom mic like the vmoda boom pro.
If you haven’t experienced this headset yet, I highly recommend. Open back & line-in, so more for at-home use.
Hands down best pair of headphones I’ve ever owned.
Like u same
I have this headset too, I CAN VOUCH, ITS GREAT!!
is SHP9600 as good? i cannot find the 9500
@@perawidmowa3822 Haven’t tried, all I can say from experience is 9500 is the best I’ve ever had & only I recommend. Nothing compares to comfort & sound quality at that price. By the looks, don’t seem to be the same.
Is it better than the Sony one at the start of the vid?
owned the wh1000xm4s for about 2 years now and they started glitching
shp9500s can be transformed into an Amazing headset with a simple EQ adjustment, get on it!!
Can someone with actual experience with both help me decide between the XM4 and XM5?
I'm really confused as ANC is my top priority and sound quality just after that. I'm really leaning towards XM4 considering their incredible ANC + I prefer XM4's design over XM5 and most importantly they are significantly cheaper, XM5 are almost 30% costlier than XM4 where I live.
But every review I've seen for both, almost everyone said XM5 have significantly better ANC than XM4. This is the only channel which says XM4 has better ANC + XM5 has much better mic for calling which I prefer to do on the headphones if I'm wearing them while the call comes. So it has become really confusing for me. Anyone with real experience with both, I'd really appreciate your opinion.
If you would like help from our experts with personalized buying advice, this is something we offer only via our insider forums:www.rtings.com/forums/insider-advice
Just an FYI but 5:50 DAC doesn’t stand for “Digital Audio Converter” it stands for Digital-to-Analogue Converter.
That's a slight mistake on our part, thanks for the correction though! We'll make sure we don't repeat that in future videos!
Thanks it help me decide.
I have been running a pair of Fostex T50RP MK3 for over 5 years now but if i ever did have the wallet for it i do love to own my own set of he 1's
Do these headphones have good quality microphones? For business calls and such? It didn't mention in the video
Thanks in advance!
We have some top picks you can see here: www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/best/by-usage/bluetooth-headset-for-phone-calls
You can also see our review filtered by mic recording quality here: www.rtings.com/headphones/tools/table/112542
Great video guys! Thanks a lot for the recommendations!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it🙌
Hi. Thanks for your work! Can you please do a review of HyperX Cloud II but by HP revision. Its just a new model one, too much differences with Kingston model. Thanks in advance!
(sry for my english)
No plans at the moment unfortunately, but we’ll keep this in mind if there’s enough interest at any point’
Thanks for the good work
And thank you for watching! 🙌
Excellent review 👍👍
You showed the same result for bose qc45 noice cancellation like 1 year ago but there was an update that improve the noise cancelation A lot! (3.0.2) and now they are on the level of xm5 and even better.
Interesting...
But why no JBL live 660 (or other JBL) in your list - instead of Q45? They are more neutral them Souncore, and cost less.
I was reading Rtings and never thought of it as ratings 😮😂 ( atleast for year or more )
I had these for years, there still isn't anything better 😢
Please tell me about the jbl tour one m2 and should i go for it or the xm4 if they are available for the same price
Personalized buying is something our experts offer only via our insider forums: www.rtings.com/forums/insider-advice
Otherwise, we have lots of self service tools on our website that may be helpful!
1000xm4 worth buying 🎉
Could you please recommend any wired or Bluetooth headphones/earbuds suitable for Microsoft Teams and Zoom meetings? Thank you in advance!
For personalized buying advice, we encourage you to check out our insider forums for helo from a Rtings.com expert!
www.rtings.com/forums/insider-advice
Otherwise we have some self service tools on our website that may be helpful!
The Momentum 4 are nice ..with a button you can have you micro on /off and they work via usb-c as well for audio...an have multipoint with two devices...
I test all my bass headphones and speakers subs. This track called bass head by Alan clayter is a really good test
I have the Sony XM4 and love the sound they give off but my only issue is that they tend to slip off my head when I slightly lay my head down. I wonder if anyone else has this issue and knows what I can do to make them stay on my head lol
Hii iam currently very confused between sony xm4, xm5 and sennheiser momentum 4 i want to buy an all rounder headphones one which i can use on my ps5, ioad pro and phone. I mostly play games like rdr 2 so their is no issue of playing with mic and i heard sound is better on momentums but iam really very confused because i want to buy headphones for a long run so any suggestions pls? Btw currently sony xm4s are the cheapest and xm5 and sennheiser momentum 4s are on same price after discount durability and comfort is also very important for me
Hello!
Help with personalized buying advice is something our experts offer only via our insider forums: www.rtings.com/forums/insider-advice
However, we have lots of self-service tools and recommendation articles that may be helpful!
i wanted to get the m4 for a while.. but sadly the black friday lit ended rn so i have to search for more budget ones because it's m4 or nothing
Not a single pair of planar headphones among your recommendations?
What about the SoundCore Space One Headphones that are 99 dollars? Are those good? Please respond as I would like to get my money's worth. Thanks!
We hadn't bought and tested them at the time of filming this video, so we couldn't consider them for the list. Our review is in the works though, and you can track the status here: www.rtings.com/discussions/zEpJq0Q0MI8v0twv/review-updates-anker-space-one-anc
Best for blocking TV sounds??
Y’all seem like very sweet people ❤
I'm curious about why don't you analyze Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 ?
We did! Just not at the time of filming this video! www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/sennheiser/momentum-4-wireless
wow, I literally just bought pc38x lol. do you lot recommend it?
You can see our thoughts on them here: www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/drop/sennheiser-pc38x
which one is betrer q45 or sony wh-xb910n. please suggest?
Personalized buying advice is something our experts offer only via our insider forums! www.rtings.com/forums/insider-advice
Hope Audeze releases Mobius 2 with ANC
We really need reviews not only about sound quality but built-in microphone quality
There are microphones in the headphones?
What about Cassette headphones 🎧 🆚 OneOdio PLEASE THANK YOU
Why APM not included?
Abby has the energy that she can convey easily.
Which is the best quality sound for headphone ~$1000 use jack 4.4mm balance: with bass powerful, deep, warm; vocal clear, bright, emotion; high range clear, separate, no distort. Thanks!
Hello! If you’re looking for personalized buying advice, this is available via our insider forums! www.rtings.com/forums/insider-advice
What happened to DT 770 pro 80ohm headphones
If you want THE MOST BASS
*get the Skullcandy Crusher- try em*
In "Best Wireless Bluetooth" article the Senny is the upper-mid range but it's the Bose in "Best Over-Ear" article.. shouldn't be the same ?! 🤔
Still confused between these two and the Sony's & want one for watching Movie 😮💨😵💫
If you’d like help from our experts with personalized buying advice, they’ll help you figure out which is best for your needs via our insider forums! www.rtings.com/forums/insider-advice
I would take the HD660s2 over the 800s any day.
How is Anker Soundcore Q20+ wireless headphones for gaming, calls and music..
our experts are happy to answer your questions via our forums on our website! :) www.rtings.com/forums
right now i am looking at both of these...QC45 are 299 ( Canadian ) 218 ( US ) and the new QC are 379 ( Canadian ) 276 ( US ).......which would you recommend as i am without anything currently......great review by the way....thx....cheers from Canada
Hello!
personalized buying advice is something our experts offer only via our insider forums: www.rtings.com/forums/insider-advice
Otherwise, we have lots of self-service tools and recommendation articles that may be useful!
What is the percentage of noice reduction on the bose qc 45?
If you want to learn more about noise isolation performence, we go indepth in our full review on our website! www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/bose/quietcomfort-45-qc45-wireless
Yeah! FInally summer came to Mile-End and to Montreal
Still love my XM3 , hopefully they'll last me this year too. Great review 😎
really like this channel and your super detailed reviews. only thing id say is its somewhat annoying when 1 person is shouting and one is wispering.
That’s fair, we definitely appreciate the feedback and we’ll keep this in mind for future videos!
I agree. Evan is a bit quiet in comparison. He speaks well, and evenly, no peaks, which is perfect.
Abby's volume, and tonality really hurts my ears. Especially when extending words, and peaking/emphasizing particular words, or syllables. I find my myself having to constantly adjust volume, but it still leaves my ears in pain, and ringing. Would be great to have both voices at equal volumes.
Man if only I could try the Ankers before buying them, they seem ok but I don't know if they're comfortable.
I've got the Q30s and they are very comfortable for me. More than the Q45s, which clamp quite a bit harder. I also prefer the sound of the 30s and I can't see any noticeable difference with the ANC and transparency is better imo. The Q45s had a weird midrange on my set, a strange "tunneling" effect. ( I ended up returning them) Highly recommend the Q30s!
We're is the Sennheiser momentum 4 😮 I don't understand how this is not qualified to be at your top 5 ? especially with the double the battery then the Sony and top sound from Sennheiser.
A big factor here is that we just can’t include all noteworthy options in our list, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t good headphones worthy of consideration!
the XM4 has one downside though: they are not water resistant at all. I've seen so many reviews of the headphones needing repairs/breaking because of moisture (think cold weather, sweat, moist weather). For that price I expect better.
I love my iPod Max! So great.
Does anyone find the xm4 driver too PAINFUL for eardrums
I didn't quite understand why Xm4 are better than Bose 45. I do own Bose 35 and compared those to Xm4. In my feeling Bose were more comfortable. That could impact decision for long wearing like in office etc. I don't have any fatigue after having them for 4-6h at work on different calls. So where do XM4 shine and why would be my question.
Probably sound quality because Bose sound quality aren't the best compared to it's price.
all subjective my friend if you are happy with them that's what's important I have the xm4 and love them
Skullcandy Crusher Evo have the most BASS
Kinda bizarre you didn't include the Hifiman Edition XS considering they're rated highly in RTINGS testing, way cheaper as an audiophile choice, and are mentioned in the text version.
They’re definitely still a great option, though we can’t include all notable options in a short video. You’re absolutely right though, a good choice for sure!
which is better sony xb910 or soundcore q45?
Personalized buying advice is something we offer only via our insider forums: www.rtings.com/forums/insider-advice
Otherwise, we have lots of self-service tools and recommendation articles on our website that may be helpful!
What about the Sennheiser Momentun 4?
We can’t consider all options, but it doesn’t mean they aren’t worth considering. as always though, depends what you’re comparing them to and what you want to get from the product!
You look and sound like ExplainingComputers guy, are you related?
How will RTINGS and LTT labs differentiate themselves hm
LTT labs is by douche for douches
Whenever a nascent technology is introduced with the attribute "adaptive," it is important to bear in mind that early adopters often serve as the data points in the iterative refinement of the embedded machine learning algorithms. As such, the XM5 model, boasting an adaptive ANC feature, is no longer under my consideration. This reasoning might resonate with those who have experienced firsthand the nuances of a first-generation automobile equipped with an adaptive shift strategy. The discerning assessments offered on this platform indeed reflect prudent judgement in this regard.
airpod pros 2, max, sony xm4 xm5, momentum 4 are the only headphones that are in the top list this year…
Apple max? Lol
5:53 DAC stands for Digital-Analog Converter not Digital Audio Converter.
Ah, you're absolutely right! Sorry about that one, but thank you for the correction!
Folks, for future reference match the audio levels of both presenters. Because these lads have a very different speaking volume and it's hurts when she suddenly talks and destroy my eardrums or the other lady whom I can barely hear. Great analysis though.
Skullcandy ANC2 Crusher Series
Aweee no Airpods Maxs?? but they are so affordable!
what is good ,, Sony headphones or awei headphones,,??
Help with personalized buying advice is something our experts offer only via our insider forums: www.rtings.com/forums/insider-advice
However, we have lots of self service tools and recommendation articles that may be useful as well!
Hard to recommend. Each have their own unique strengths.
It's definitely not easy, but that's why we tried to separate things on different categories!
Is the Soundcore Q45 worth 50€ more than Soundcore Q30?
Hello! Our experts are happy to answer your buying advice questions via our forums here: www.rtings.com/forums/insider-advice
We also have self service tools on our website that may be helpful as well!
Yes. q30 and q35 are more bass heavy while q45 has better clarity.