Who makes best headphones: The 10 Best Headphone And Earbud Brands – Spring 2023: Reviews

The Best Headphone Brands of 2023 — Audiophile ON

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May 31

Written By Audiophile On

I get asked many questions about what the best headphone brands for audiophiles are, and to be honest, it’s getting harder and harder to pin down an answer.

In recent years the audiophile headphone and portable audio market, in general, have exploded, resulting in several new companies rising to contention and many of the old guards of companies releasing new models to combat this onslaught of excellent on-head audio.

Ultimately picking the best headphone brands will come down to that specific end-users needs. Users must consider all aspects of usability, comfort, isolation, and budget to find the best headphones. However, several companies stand out in regards to generally making excellent headphones.

This article discusses the best headphone brands and why we think they are the leading companies in the industry. However, if you are looking for specific recommendations, check out our list of the best headphones of 2023 or any other buyer guides linked in our “Best/List” section in the website header.

These headphone brands have something that sets them apart from the more mundane competition and makes them a bit more special. We have drawn up 8 of the best headphone brands you can trust when considering the sound quality.

• Company Website: www.sony.com

• Best Sony Headphone: Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise Canceling Kings

• Best Sony Earbuds: Sony Linkbuds S

Buy on Amazon

Why We Like This Brand:

Everyone knows who Sony is, so we won’t have to give you too much background on the parent company. However, it is the headphone department we are most interested in. Sony always produced good headphones and earphones, but it hasn’t been until the past few years that they began to pull away from the competition.

They threw everything at the wireless audio market, creating the best wireless earbuds and headphones today. Their innovation and cohesive design across their products mean that they are unmatched when it comes to using headphones on the go.

However, Sony didn’t stop conquering the consumer market. They swiftly became serious contenders in the ultra-premium market with headphones like the MDR-1ZR and earphones like the IER-1ZR, which are many people’s endgame products.

Sony is a beast in this space and sometimes doesn’t get the credit they deserve.

• Company Website: www.bose.com

• Best Headphone: Bose 700 ANC Wireless Headphones

• Best Earphone: QuietComfort II

Why We Like This Brand:

Bose is another well-known name in most headphones, and they also became famous by producing some rather good noise-canceling headphones. Sony came along when Bose went through a real period of lacking innovation. Thankfully they saw they were massively losing market share and have decided to update their product line with the new 700 series headphones.

They might not be the powerhouse headphone brand they once were on the consumer side. Still, much like Klipsch, they are hugely successful in the professional space with headsets on display at numerous sporting franchises worldwide. They are even the official headphone of the NFL.

Hifiman

• Company Website: www.hifiman.com

• Best Hifiman Headphone: Hifiman Araya Stealth

• Best Wireless Headphone: Hifiman Ananda BT

Why We Like This Brand:

Hifiman can be considered one of the forerunners of the audiophile headphone world. Audiophiles around the globe recognize this headphone brand as synonymous with good sound quality.

The company focuses on producing planar magnetic headphones, but they also have a range of amps and earphones that are competitive in their own right. We also like that they offer something for everyone with headphones, like the cheap and cheerful 400 series right up to the mind-bogglingly expensive Shangri-La headphone system.

It’s a brand that has stood the test of time and produces some of the best high-resolution headphones you can buy.

Audio Technica

• Company Website: www.audio-technica.com

• Best Audio Technica Headphone: Audio Technica M50x

• Best Wireless Earbuds: Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9

Why We Like This Brand:

Audio Technica is another long-term favorite brand of ours. It was one of the companies that got me into portable audio, and now in 2022, they have a full range of headphones catering to consumers, professionals, and audiophiles.

Their product depth sees them consistently appear in many best headphone lists in their respective categories. Want open-back audiophile headphones? How about the ADX5000? Closed-back? May I suggest the AWKT? What if you are a professional DJ looking for a solid beater set of cans with good sound quality? Well, there’s always the much-loved M50x.

What im trying to say is that Audio Technica has something for everyone, and they are relatively competitive, if not always class-leading, in their respective areas. An actual competitor to the likes of Shure and Sennheiser.

• Company Website: www.gradolabs.com

• Legendary Headphone: Grado Sr80x, a recent update to an all-time classic headphone

Why We Like This Brand:

Grado is a family headphone company out of Brooklyn, New York, founded in 1953. They specialize in headphones and cartridges for Vinyl, among other things.

The company’s headphones are hand-assembled and backed by its long and prestigious history in the audiophile world. These headphones’ design is often copied due to their iconic looks, but what sets the Grado brand apart is its consistency of excellent-sounding headphones right throughout its range.

Countless on-ear audiophiles have started their journey into higher audio listening levels with the now legendary Grado SR-80 due to its excellent price-to-performance ratio. Some people move on to other brands, but many will move up the line to higher-end models like the SR225 and beyond.

Audeze

• Company Website: www.audeze.com

• Best Audeze headphones: Audeze LCD-X – Planar Magnetic Magic

Why We Like This Brand:

Audeze has been dead front and center at the headphone revolution’s advancement with its unique sounding range of planar magnetic headphones.

There is something extraordinary about the incredibly detailed and accurate sound this brand is well known for amongst the headphone community.

Probably best known for the stunning but cumbersome LCD series, the company has launched several new models, such as the EL open and closed-back headphones and the latest portable Sine models.

These new models have all been received significantly positively, and the latest designs are so damn cool they are managing to attract a whole new generation to the audiophile hobby.

The company has expanded its product line to include in-ear monitors and closed-back planar designs. This can only be a good thing for the market as a whole because it pushes other manufacturers to compete and not let their product lines become stagnant.

Why Stax Headphones?

Stax is known as some of the ugliest and most cumbersome-to-use headphones globally, but it doesn’t let that put you off because the Stax brand dominates the world of electrostatic headphones.

Electrostatic is a unique technology that forgoes the traditional use of moving coil drivers. Instead, it moves an incredibly thin and light film between two plates using static electricity. The result is a sound that is arguably the best possible form of ear headphones.

Listening to the Stax SR009 is a breathtaking experience if you ever get to try it, but the entire range still offers a unique flavor of the Stax sound.

Remember, you won’t be using your Stax headphones straight out of your iPhone any time soon as they have to be paired with very high-voltage amplifiers to get them going.

It may not be the most practical solution, but if sound fidelity is your number one priority, a set of Stax headphones should be very high on your shopping list.

Ultrasone

• Company Website: www.ultrasone.audio

• Best Ultrasone Headphone: Ultrasone Signature DJ S-Logic

Why We Like This Brand:

Ultrasone is a German company whose brand is synonymous with creating great-sounding and sometimes incredible-looking headphones. Ultrasone has a massive range of headphones that will be a reliable choice at almost all price points, but it’s the high-end headphones for which the company is most revered.

You can have your Ultrasone in nearly every tuning. It’s about reviewing the edition series until you find the one that meets your tuning preference. Our top picks are the incredibly detailed and spacious-sounding edition 5 and edition 10 models.

Sennheiser

Why We Like This Brand:

Sennheiser, I am pretty sure, will be the one headphone on this list that you will know unless you have been living under a rock. It is hard not to have seen something from the Sennheiser brand. Sennheiser is a company that caters to users at all price points. Whether you are looking to spend ten to tens of thousands of dollars, they transcend the mainstream and find a place right in the hearts of high-end audio lovers.

The ex-flagship Sennheiser HD800 is one of my all-time favorite headphones, and I am sure that such feelings are shared with thousands of headphone enthusiasts worldwide, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t great choices further down the line.

The HD-600, HD-660, and HD-700 are all some of the best headphones for their price. Sennheiser even has some brilliant portable models, such as the Momentum.

Of course, you cannot talk about Sennheiser as one of the best headphone brands without mentioning Orpheus. The original Sennheiser Orpheus was widely regarded as the best headphones of all time and fetched prices over $30,000 on the open market. A few months ago, Sennheiser announced they were revising the line and cementing their place at the top of the high-end headphone marketplace.

Sennheiser Headphone reviews at AudiophileOn:

• Sennheiser HD700 Review

• Sennheiser HD558 Review

• Sennheiser HD820 Review

Final Audio

Company Website: www.final-audio-design.com

Why We Like This Brand:

One of the best headphone brands in this category has to be Final Audio Design for all-out luxury. The Japanese company has a history of the late ’60s and early ’70s, but they have gained recognition only in the past decade.

Most folks, including myself, were incredibly skeptical of the pricing of Final Audio products, but that was before I tried them. At that point, when you finally get these headphones on your head and give them a listen, you understand that Final Audio Design is very serious about sound.

I rate Final Audio because they compete with everyone on sound, but when it comes to flat-out luxury, these headphones are streaks ahead of the competition. The price becomes far more palatable as you pay for a luxury brand instead of a performance. For example, a Sennheiser HD800 might be considered the headphone world’s Nissan GTR, the version is godlike, and its looks are functional.

The Final Audio Pandora is more Pagani Zonda in that its Sonorous X will give you that raw performance, but the design is over-the-top luxurious and a bit crazy to boot.

Beyerdynamic

www. beyerdynamic.com

Why We Like This Brand:

Are you starting to catch the theme here? Yeh, you get it. Germans make some of the world’s best headphones (is there anything that Germans can’t do well?).

Beyerdynamic is another headphone brand that makes this list, but I am giving it to them because they make some of the most challenging, durable workhorse headphones you can find on God’s green earth.

The house sound is best described as a reference across the range, as you are most likely to find a set of Beyer’s at home in a studio or on the heads of some of the world’s top DJs.

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Audiophile On

Audiophile On is dedicated to bringing reviews of high-end portable audio products with an easy-to-understand format. If you want better-sounding headphones, earphones, amps, and DACs we are sure to have something to suit your tastes and price points.

Best Headphones for 2023: Top Picks for All Styles

In this article:

• What are the best headphones right now?​
• Best headphones of 2023​
• How we test headphones and earbuds​

With so many headphones and earbuds available, we’ve had to create a number of best lists here at CNET to cover all the various model types and use-case scenarios. For this list, I’ve taken the best of the best headphones from several categories, including wired and wireless (that includes true-wireless earbuds) and distilled that information into a top overall headphones list. We either fully reviewed or had hands-on time with every model on the list.

While many of the headphones on the list are premium models that cost a lot of money, we also like to highlight headphones that are a good value. These more affordable models can still deliver excellent quality at a good price. Regardless of budget or use case, this list will help you find the best headphones for you. 

Read more: Best Wireless Earbuds for 2023

What are the best headphones right now?

There’s a lot of debate around this question, and it’s hard to name one single model as the best overall headphones, which also includes in-ear headphones or earbuds. But a few models do stand out a bit from the rest of the pack, which is why we’ve given them our prestigious CNET Editors’ Choice Award. From 2022, these include the Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 and Apple AirPods Pro 2, and I’m sure we’ll see some worthy Editors’ Choice candidates arrive in 2023.

We tend to highlight more-affordable headphones — or at least models that cost $500 or less. But if you’re looking for fantastic sound quality, some high-end models, like the Focal Bathys, Bowers & Wilkins PX8 and Beyerdynamic’s Xelento Wireless (2nd generation), deliver outstanding sound quality. The new Technics EAH-AZ80 true-wireless earbuds also sound great, and we’re expecting Sony’s upcoming WF-1000XM5 earbuds to be top notch. 

I’ve fully reviewed or had hands-on listening time with all headphones and earbuds on this list. My recommendations are updated regularly as I test new models that hit the market.

Best headphones of 2023 

How we test headphones and earbuds

We test headphones and earbuds based on six key criteria. These criteria include design, sound quality, noise-canceling performance, voice-calling performance, features and value. 

• Design: Evaluating design, we assess not only how comfortable the headphones and earbuds fit (their ergonomics) but their build quality and how well the controls are implemented. When it comes to earbuds, we also look at water- and dust-resistance ratings. 
• Sound quality: We evaluate sound quality by listening to a set playlist of music tracks and comparing the earbuds to top competing products in their price range. Sonic traits such as bass definition, clarity, dynamic range and how natural the headphones sound are key factors in our assessment.
• Noise-canceling performance: If the headphones we’re testing feature active noise canceling (ANC), we evaluate ANC performance by wearing the headphones in the same spot indoors near a noisy HVAC unit to see how well they do at muffling lower frequencies. Then we head out to the streets of New York to test the headphones in a real-world environment where we see how they do muffling not only street noise but people’s voices. 
• Extra features: Some great-sounding noise-canceling headphones and earbuds aren’t loaded with features, but we do take into account what extra features are on board. These include everything from quick-access awareness to transparency modes (your music pauses and the headphones open up to the outside world so you can have a conversation) to special sound modes to ear-detection sensors that automatically pause your music when you take the headphones off your ears. We also take a look at the companion app for the headphones if there is one and how user friendly it is. 
• Voice-calling: When we test voice-calling performance, we make calls in the noisy streets of New York and evaluate how well the headphones or earbuds reduce background noise and how clearly callers can hear our voice.
• Value: We determine value after evaluating the strength of the headphones and earbuds against all these criteria and what they’re able to deliver compared to other models in their price class. 

More headphone recommendations

• Best Cheap True Wireless Headphones
• Best Open Wireless Earbuds for 2023
• Best Headphones for Working at Home in 2023
• Best Noise-Canceling True Wireless Earbuds of 2023
• Best Headphones for Running
• Best Cheap Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones Under $100 for 2023
• Best Wireless Earbuds and Headphones for Making Calls
• Best Cheap Earbuds and Headphones
• Best Apple AirPods Max Alternatives for Less: Sony, Bose, AirPods Pro and More
• Best Headphones for Sleeping

Which company makes the best headphones ❓

TOP-12: Best headphone manufacturers

• Sennheiser. Best headphone company.
• Sony. Japanese TOP headphone company with good sound and modern technology.
• JBL. One of the most popular manufacturers of bass focused headphones.
• Beyerdynamic. …
• Marshall. …
• Samsung. …
• Shure. …
• Philips.

How to choose headphones

Bitrate is an important compression parameter. Low bitrate means better compression but poorer sound quality, high bitrate means the opposite. It is best to choose headphones that support the widely used aptX codec, which offers a fairly high transfer rate and good quality. Audio stream parameters: 16 bit/48 kHz with a bit rate of 352 kbps.

Which company produces headphones

The 9th place in the ranking of the best headphone manufacturers is received by the Chinese company Xiaomi. The Chinese corporation, founded by Lei Jun in 2010, ranks third in the world and China in terms of smartphone production. The company has gained popularity among buyers due to its inexpensive, but high-quality and innovative products.

How wireless headphones will affect sales growth

The statistics are also on the side of wireless headphones. The growth in sales of these devices was influenced by the popularity of streaming services, the transition of many people to remote work, as well as the widespread refusal of smartphone manufacturers from the 3.5 mm audio jack.

What’s the best earbud

If you’re looking for stylish, bold headphone designs that sit discreetly in your ear, Buds Live is the one to go for. If the design does not play such a role, and you are looking towards active noise cancellation, then you should definitely buy the Samsung Galaxy Buds + (Plus). Samsung EO-OG900 ($100).

Which company to choose headphones

To make listening to music a real pleasure, choose models of well-known brands that have proven themselves as manufacturers of high-end audio equipment. The leading positions in this market are occupied by: Sennheiser; Beyerdynamic; Sony; Audeze; bose. By purchasing headphones from these companies, you can count on impeccable sound quality, comfort and durability of use.

Top 9 headphone manufacturers0023

CaseGuru

1. Sennheiser
2. Marshall
3. Bose
4. Koss
5. Sony
6. Pioneer
7. Shure
8. Audio-Technica
9. JBL
10. Philips

World’s best-selling headphones . Simple and compact AirPods have become the industry standard and are now the third best-selling product in the entire Catalog (after PMM tablets and Xiaomi Mi Band 6). Following them is the classic “sound” brand JBL. It is noteworthy that not only his wireless headphones were included in the rating, but also the classic wired headset for smartphones. With the same device, Panasonic headphones made it to the top ten.

Which headphones sound the best? Of the wired ones, the Y50 from AKG transmits best audio signals. Perfectly balanced sound: These headphones accurately reproduce individual instruments and place them correctly in the surround sound picture.

What are the best headphones in terms of sound quality for phone

The top 10 most optimal devices in this regard are:

1. Apple EarPods (3.5 mm)
2. JBL T110
3. Samsung EO-EG920 Fit
4. Sennheiser MX 170
5. Marshall Mode EQ
6. Apple AirPods 2 ( wireless charging case) MRXJ2
7. QCY T1C
8. JBL E55BT Quincy Edition
9. Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds
10. Philips SHE3550

Rating of the best headphones

TOP 10 best headphones

• Koss Porta Pro
• Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7
• Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO
• YAMAHA HPH-MT8
• Sennheiser HD 25 Plus

9000 5 Denon AH-MM400

• Beyerdynamic Amiron Home
• Sony MDR-EX450
• 1MORE Quad Driver In-Ear E1010
• Westone W30

How to distinguish good headphones from bad

When choosing headphones, you should pay attention to the frequency range – the wider this parameter, the greater the spectrum of sounds. Standard – 20 to 20,000 Hz. At the same time, everything above this value cannot be perceived by the human ear, so it is important that the headphones cover exactly the standard range.

Which headphones to choose

It is better to choose a pair of in-ear headphones from Sennheiser (for example, CX 500, $130), Shure (SE 115, $120), EtyMotic Research (HF5, $150) or even Ultimate Ears (at least Super.fi 4). Headphones are fine if you don’t mind wearing them around your neck, or if you only use them in one place.

What you need to know about headphones

In the list of main requirements for headphones: sound quality and volume, noise isolation, sensitivity, power and design that fits the structure of the ear. In addition, the weight of the device and the presence of additional features (for example, a built-in microphone) are important for buyers.

Can headphones be used for long periods of time

It is generally unsafe to use headphones for long periods of time as the pressure waves hit the eardrum directly, causing long-term hearing loss. We recommend using reasonable volume limits and taking frequent breaks. Some people get headaches from heavy headphones.

What is the best sensitivity for headphones

In addition, the number of decibels determines the energy efficiency of headphones: the higher the sensitivity, the more economical the battery consumption of the device. Deciding which sensitivity is better, you need to cast your vote in favor of a device where its value will be at least 100 dB, with lower values, the sound will be very quiet, especially if you listen to music on the street.

What is the difference between over-ear and over-ear headphones? On-ear headphones are not fundamentally different from full-size ones, but they have smaller cups and ear cushions, not covering, but overlapping the ears.

What does full-size headphones mean

Full-size headphones cover the entire ear. Thanks to this, listening to music is very comfortable: the ear pads do not put pressure on the ears, and extraneous noise practically does not penetrate.

Monitor headphones are a separate class. They are designed to correct the sound, so they transmit melodies with the smallest detail. At the same time, there is no talk of a soft sound here.

Which headphones are less harmful to hearing

It follows that the least harmful are those headphones that can be dispensed with at a low volume level. With good noise isolation: overhead monitors and vacuum plugs. Open headphones transmit a less dense sound to the ear, making it possible to spread the wave more evenly. And from the point of view of the influence of the wave on matter, it is less harmful. But in noisy places, they make you turn up the volume, and can lead to serious injury.

What are the characteristics of headphones

One of the key factors in choosing a headset is the sound quality. The duration of comfortable listening to audio depends on the sound transmission. This characteristic is affected by the shape, type of emitter, sensitivity, resistance, and other factors. headphone shape. Headphones are involved in training, sports, walking, gaming, work.

How earphones differ from headset

Headset differs from earphones in that this accessory has a microphone, but earphones do not. One of the main differences between a headset and headphones is the quality of the reproduced sound. Headphones sound much better, as playback is their main function. And headsets have another feature – a good microphone for talking on the phone or any other connection. In this case, sound quality plays a secondary role.

How to choose headphones according to their characteristics

To achieve high sound quality from a musical device, it makes sense to choose headphones taking into account its characteristics:

• sensitivity (preferably at least 100 dB)
• not less than 20 – 20000 Hz)
• impedance – from 16 to 32 ohms (models with higher impedance will work, but you should not expect good sound)

How to choose headphones for DJing

TOP 7 best DJ headphones

• 1 – Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10. These are full-size headphones that pleasantly surprise with a good level of sensitivity and build. …
• 2 – Sennheiser HD 25. …
• 3 – YAMAHA HPH-MT7. …
• 4 – Beyerdynamic Amiron Home. …
• 5 – Urbanears Zinken. …
• 6 – Technics RP-DJ1215. …
• 7 – Denon AH-D9200 B

Why a DJ needs headphones

A DJ’s minimum set is discs and headphones. Instead of discs, there can be vinyl records and even files on a flash drive. Discs are more reliable, because you can play from discs in any club, but from flash drives and vinyl – not in any. Headphones are needed in order to secretly listen to what you will put on next, and if anything, to control the sound in the hall.

The best headphones for gaming

Top 10 includes:

1. SteelSeries Arctis 1 –
2. SVEN AP-U980MV –
3. ASUS TUF Gaming H7 Wireless –
4. SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless (61473) –
5. HyperX Cloud Stinger Core –
6. Logitech G G935 –
7. Razer Nari –
8. Sennheiser GSP 300 –
9. CROWN MICRO CMGH-21 –
10. Plantronics RIG 800HS –

Rating of wired headphones for smartphone

Best wired headphones for phones 2021. 5th place: Apple EarPods 3.5 4th place: Samsung EO-IC100 3rd place: Xiaomi Dual-Unit 2nd place: 1MORE Single Driver 1M301 1st place: Beyerdynamic Soul Byrd. Rating of the best wired headphones of 2021. 5th place: Sony MDR-EX650AP 4th place: Shure SE215 3rd place: Marshall Mode EQ 2nd place: AKG K 240 Studio 1st place: Audio-Technica ATH-M40x How to choose headphones. Wired headphones with a good microphone 2021.

How to choose headphones for your mobile phone

For use with a mobile phone, it is better to choose a headset. Music lovers are more likely to prefer just headphones without unnecessary options. Headphones also differ in shape. There are 4 types: overhead. Earbuds have been popular since the dawn of acoustic devices, largely due to their low price.

Which headphones are better: wireless or wired

Wired headphones are a classic. They are quite comfortable and give good sound quality. Since they are on wires, they are more difficult to lose than wireless ones. The disadvantage of such models is that the wire is constantly confused, broken, the plug suffers. However, there are also more wear-resistant headphones – with a flat wire and an L-shaped connector.

TOP 12 best headphone companies – 2023 rating of the best headset manufacturers

. Each manufacturing company has made a name for itself and is very popular due to the buyer’s trust in the brand.

There are firms with an inexpensive assortment, as well as unreasonably expensive headphones, which are also willing to buy. These include Marshall, Beats and Apple and other popular manufacturers.

See also: The best headphones for a computer

Which manufacturer’s headphones are better?

Which brand of audio equipment is best? The best headphone brand is the one that includes the following qualities:

• Sound quality.
• Comfort and convenience when using audio equipment.
• Quality and durability of materials.
• Design.
• Microphone quality, folding design, volume control, etc.
• Kit.
• Active Noise Cancellation.
• Wireless.
• Value for money.
• Other.

TOP 12: Best headphone companies

Xiaomi

2023 ranking of the best headphone companies

No.	Manufacturer	Description
1.	Sennheiser	The best manufacturer of headphones.
2.	Sony	Japanese TOP headphone company with good sound and modern technology.
3.	JBL	One of the most popular manufacturers of bass focused headphones.
4.	Beyerdynamic	German manufacturer of studio headphones.
5.	Marshall	Great sounding headphone brand from the UK.
6.	Samsung	South Korean company of good headphones for the phone.
7.	Shure	Brand manufacturer of popular and high-quality headphones from the USA.
8.	Philips	Leading headphone technology company based in the Netherlands.
9.		A popular manufacturer of budget headphones from China.
10.	HyperX	American brand of gaming equipment.
11.	Huawei and Honor	Chinese brand of headphones for modest money.
12.	SteelSeries	Danish manufacturer of gaming headphones.

12. SteelSeries

Danish manufacturer of gaming headphones.

TOP 5: Best SteelSeries 9 headphones0003

The Danish company, founded in 2001, has taken the path of gaming headphones for the needs of professional eSports players. SteelSeries regularly introduces its own developments and often surprises with a non-standard approach to solving design problems. Headphones from SteelSeries are distinguished by a huge variety, stylish and versatile design, realistic sounds, proprietary software and a good bundle.

Best Models SteelSeries

SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless ($390).
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless Headphones are a quality, wireless over-ear, closed-back gaming headset. The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless gaming headset can connect directly to smartphones, tablets or laptops.

SteelSeries Arctis 1 ($70).
The headphones are equipped with time-tested speakers and a microphone. There is no backlight, no detachable cable, no wireless technology, no USB connection, no proprietary Engine software. The SteelSeries Arctis 1 headset is, first of all, the perfect balance of price and sound quality without any additional “chips”.

11. Huawei and Honor

A popular headphone brand from China.

Chinese company (founded in 1987 by Ren Zhengfei), one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world – Huawei . The company produces, in addition to laptops, phones and other electronic equipment, excellent models of headphones, mostly wireless. On phones with the same name, the headphones reveal themselves even better. Also, the model has a low price and good quality for China.

The second company is Honor is a smartphone brand owned by the Chinese company Huawei Technologies. Tablets, laptops and, of course, headphones are also produced under this sub-brand. The company focuses all its electronic equipment mainly on young people. Stylish and bright design, innovative technologies, and, most importantly, affordable prices.

Honor and Huawei wireless headphones are similar to AirPods both in appearance and functionality.

Best models of Honor and Huawei

Honor Magic Earbuds ($110).
Review Honor Magic Earbuds are wireless Bluetooth headphones with good sound and noise reduction. The
headphones offer reasonably good quality for their price range, including active noise cancellation (ANC) and auto-pause. The gadget also received protection against moisture and dust IP54. The audio is a bit rough, and one couldn’t help but feel that the sound should be better controlled.

Huawei FreeBuds 3 ($125).
Huawei FreeBuds 3 review is one of the best active noise canceling wireless in-ear headphones.
Huawei FreeBuds 3 managed to combine open “earbuds” and active noise cancellation. Here and innovative Bluetooth 5.1, and a case with a wireless charger and autonomy of 20 hours. Each earbud has 3 microphones for active noise cancellation.

Huawei Honor Sport AM61 ($25).
Inexpensive wireless Bluetooth in-ear headphones, mainly aimed at young people and people involved in active sports.

10. HyperX

Well-known American gaming headphone company.

The sub-brand of the American company Kingston – HyperX focuses on the production of products for games and gamers. This company specializes in high-performance solid state drives, DDR4 and DDR3 memory, USB flash drives, as well as gaming headsets and gaming accessories. Models of the HyperX Cloud line have long been deservedly considered one of the best gaming headphones in terms of price and quality.

HyperX Top Models

HyperX Cloud Flight S ($190).
Overview HyperX Cloud Flight S is a premium budget offering from one of the leading brands in 2023.
If you’re looking for a reliable wireless gaming headset with a good range of features for your console and PC, this is definitely the one to go for.

HyperX Cloud Alpha S ($110).
Overview The HyperX Cloud Alpha S are wired over-ear headphones for gaming with great 7.1 sound. They also received a detachable cable and a mixer with quality surround sound. HyperX Cloud Alpha S is a rather curious model of the entire Cloud line. HyperX, unlike previous models, received a blue color and a direct bass control function.

HyperX Cloud Stinger Core 7.1 ($75).
Full-size wired gaming headphones with 7.1 virtual surround sound. Lightweight, comfortable, easy to use, and even relatively inexpensive, this Kingston headset is new for 2023.

9. Xiaomi

A popular brand of inexpensive headphones from China. TOP-8: The best Xiaomi headphones

0247 Xiaomi .

The Chinese corporation, founded by Lei Jun in 2010, ranks third in the world and China in terms of smartphone production.

The company gained popularity among customers due to its inexpensive, but high-quality and innovative products. Xiaomi also produces all types of headphones.

0248 ($20).
Affordable and compact wireless in-ear TWS headphones with a built-in microphone and good autonomy. The stability of the connection in Redmi AirDots does not raise any questions, there is no sound out of sync between the headphones.

Xiaomi Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro 2 ($25).
Wired hybrid in-ear headphones. One of the best budget headphones. One of the best combinations of price and quality in the Chinese market.

Xiaomi Mi Headphones Light Edition ($35).
On-ear wired headphones with a closed acoustic design, good sound quality, a microphone built into the cable and an affordable price.

8. Philips

Leading technology company from the Netherlands.

TOP-8 in the ranking of the best manufacturers is occupied by Philips . It is a major European manufacturer of appliances, household and medical electrical appliances, lighting systems, audio and video devices. The release of headphones is not the main activity, but is at a high quantitative level.

Philips has a wide range of products, affordable prices, reliable and long-lasting headphones. And picking up headphones with such parameters is not so easy today.

Best Philips models

Philips SHE3550 ($6).
Affordable and lightweight wired in-ear headphones (no mic). Headphones released in 2017, the headphones belong to the budget segment. They are intended for those who are unpretentious about sound quality. Although it cannot be called frankly bad here, otherwise the product would not have made it into our rating. These headphones are connected to a smartphone or tablet using a traditional cable, the length of which is 1.2 m.

Philips SHB2505 ($42).
In-ear TWS headphones with built-in microphone and support for progressive Bluetooth 5.0. In terms of sound reproduction, the Philips SHB2505 UpBeat wireless headphones provide the user with a balanced bass-dominated sound experience. But it is soft and pleasant. Mids and highs are presented well and clearly. There is no distortion at maximum volume.

Philips SHB3075 ($33).
Wireless on-ear headphones, primarily designed for lovers of bass sound. In general, most of the youth models from other manufacturers offer the same bass sound, but Philips was especially noted, which the company actively mentions in the headphone advertising campaign. Also, do not forget that by the standards of wireless Bluetooth devices, Philips SHB3075 headphones are also a fairly inexpensive model.

7. Shure

A quality headphone company based in the USA.

The well-known American manufacturer of headphones and other audio equipment Shure Incorporated is an American corporation specializing in the production of audio equipment. Headphones are made of very high quality, they look stylish and are quickly remembered. Shure headphone models tend to be in the middle and premium class.

Read also: Rating of headphones with a good microphone

Shure Top Models

Shure SE215 ($90).
Quality dynamic in-ear headphones. Here are a few features of the SE215:

• Sound insulation.
• Detachable cable. The only headphones in this price range to offer a detachable cable for extended lifespan.
• When it comes to sound, it seems that for less than $ 100 it is almost impossible to find such good sounding headphones. Users describe their sound as generally neutral.

Shure SE425 ($220).
High-quality reinforcing in-ear headphones from the American company Shure, known for its quality professional audio equipment. The model is positioned on the market as a model of the upper price category. The Shure SE425 are sound-isolating headphones designed for discerning listeners who demand great sound and high-quality design. The undoubted advantage of this model is a removable cable.

Shure SRh540 ($80).
Closed-back professional studio headphones with foldable design and detachable cable. A secure fit, accurate sound, wide stage, long headphone life are the advantages of the Shure SRh540.

6. Samsung

A popular Japanese brand of phone headphones.

TOP-10: The best headphones Samsung

The company Samsung does not produce many models of headphones, since they do not specialize in the production of audio equipment (this is not their main profile), but Samsung is big, known throughout world, a Korean company and it could not ignore the segment of wired and wireless headphones.

Headphones from this brand are of high quality workmanship. Even the cheapest devices can last from 2 years or more.

Best Samsung models

Samsung Galaxy Buds+ ($140).
Review Samsung Galaxy Buds + – the best headphones from Samsung, an excellent model for a smartphone.
Headphones stand out for a good level of autonomy – up to 11 hours on a single charge. True, there is only 1 additional charge cycle in the case, which gives about 22 hours of work away from the outlet. The sound here is quite smooth and detailed. The ratio of price and quality is optimal.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

The novelty of 2023, which we already wrote about, managed to make a splash in the headphone market. TWS headphones with an original design, good functionality, pleasant autonomy and fairly high-quality bass sound.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live compete with Buds+ (Plus) headphones. When choosing between these two models, you should decide which headphones you need. If the stylish bright design of headphones that sit discreetly in the ear, then Buds Live is worth choosing. If the design does not play such a role, and you are looking towards active noise cancellation, then you should definitely buy the Samsung Galaxy Buds + (Plus).

Samsung EO-OG900 ($100).
The manufacturer has worked hard on the quality of sound reproduction, and also tried to ensure that the product sounds great both when connected to professional audio equipment and when used in tandem with a smartphone. Another plus is the detachable cable, which makes it easy to transport the headphones.

Samsung EO-EG920 Fit ($15).
The best budget wired in-ear headphones for Samsung phones. Headphones position themselves as sports, due to the fact that the kit comes with a pair of nozzles with additional attachments, which can be used for sports.
In terms of sound, the Samsung EO-EG920 Fit headset even slightly outperforms its price. Not fantastic sounding, but better than many competitors in this price segment. Accentuated lows, readable highs.

5. Marshall

High quality British brand headphones with good sound for phone and PC.

The famous British brand Marshall occupies the top five headphone companies. Marshall Amplification is an English music amplifier and loudspeaker company founded by Jim Marshall. The company produces a variety of types of headphones: wired, wireless, full-size, on-ear, in-ear and earplugs. Their models are distinguished by their bright design and dynamic sound.

See also: Best Marshall headphones for music

Best Marshall headphones

Marshall Mid Bluetooth ($215) One of the best Marshall headphones available, delivering HD sound quality with aptX Bluetooth technology for high quality wireless streaming . Wireless Bluetooth transmits music at a higher bit rate, which eliminates any video sync issues and allows you to watch movies in perfect sync.

Marshall Major III Bluetooth ($95).
The third generation of one of the most popular and stylish wireless over-ear headphones. It is in Major III Bluetooth that the sound is closer to modern standards. As in other overhead \ full-size wireless models of the company, there is a long autonomy (up to 30 hours) and the ability to connect via cable.

Marshall Monitor II A.N.C. ($320).
Marshall Monitor II A.N.C. – the best music headphones for your phone in 2023.
The headphones sound and perform well, with rich bass and crisp highs that create a great and clear sound. As for noise cancellation, it is quite good here, but does not correspond to such a high cost.

4. Beyerdynamic

Well-known headphone manufacturer from Germany.

Beyerdynamic is one of the oldest headphone manufacturers in the world and many of their products are still made in Germany today. Like Audio-Technica, they have a wide range of products, but their most popular models are for studio use. They are known for making quality, reliable headphones that feel durable, with attention to sound quality.

Top Models Beyerdynamic

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro ($500).
Open dynamic headphones designed for professional use. They are of reference studio quality, ideal for mixing, monitoring and mastering, and deliver clear sound with accurate signals.

Beyerdynamic Amiron Home ($500). The
Full Size Open Headphones utilize the same Tesla neodymium dynamic drivers that are among the best on the market and are fast becoming the new industry standard in high quality audio electronics. Made with a padded headband that is less restrictive, studio sets need to keep the sound in the optimal position for analytical monitoring, which is not the case at home.

Beyerdynamic Custom Street ($95).
All-in-one closed-back, foldable on-ear headphones with detachable cable. It is positioned as a product of the middle price category. Headphones Beyerdynamic Custom Street is a model for young people who love an active life and intolerant of loneliness or lazy pastime.

3. JBL

American manufacturer of youth headphones with good bass sound.

TOP 10: The best JBL 9 headphones0003

An American acoustics and audio company that is part of Harman International Industries, an umbrella group of numerous audio companies. Headphones company JBL are known for their recognizable bass sound, reasonable prices and high build quality and materials.

JBL Top Models

JBL Tune 750BTNC ($80).
Review JBL Tune 750BTNC – wireless Bluetooth headphones with good sound and active noise cancellation.
Headphones sound great, look good and fit in with any style. They are reliable and easy to use. Of course, there is no moisture protection and some other features, but with such excellent quality and cost, this is a very worthy option.

JBL C100SI ($8).
Cheap wired vacuum headphones with microphone. Budget headset for when your headphones are broken and you urgently need to buy new ones.

JBL Quantum One ($255).
JBL Quantum One review — excellent gaming headphones, new for 2023 from JBL.
New gaming headset suitable for any game format! Due to strong competition in the gaming headphone segment, the company has combined cutting-edge technology and features into the Quantum One flagship wired headset. Thanks to the USB sound mixer, JBL Quantum ONE is more suitable for a computer than PS4 or Xbox.

2. Sony

Tech Japanese headphone company.

TOP-10: The best Sony headphones

TOP-2 in the ranking of the best headphone manufacturers is occupied by a Japanese corporation that specializes in the production of home and professional electronics, game consoles and other high-tech products – Sony . The company has established itself as a manufacturer of very high quality products and innovative technologies. All Sony equipment serves for a very long time and reliably and brings only positive emotions from use.

Best Models Sony

Sony WF-1000XM3 ($185). The
Sony WF-1000XM3 manages to offer a level of noise cancellation that is very good for TWS headphones. Not only are these headphones the most beautiful true wireless headphones, but they combine serious noise-canceling technology with incredible musicality.

Sony WH-1000XM4 ($345) are Sony’s best headphones.
While not much different from its predecessors, the Sony WH-1000XM3, a number of new features including multi-point pairing, DSEE Extreme zoom, conversation awareness, and auto play/pause using the built-in sensor help the WH-1000XM4 claim to be the best headphones of 2023 .
By all measures, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is an excellent model of wireless noise canceling headphones. They deliver exactly what they promise, thanks in part to exceptional noise cancellation and the latest codec support.

Sony WF-XB700 ($100).
Sony WF-XB700 Review – 2020 Extra Bass Series Wireless Headphones. The
WF-XB700 Extra Bass offers benefits such as built-in controls, light weight, moisture protection and more, but for this kind of budget, you’re sacrificing the more compelling features of TWS headphones. These headphones have excellent sound quality, comfort for long listening sessions and an 18-hour battery life. Of the minuses, I will highlight the shape and the lack of noise reduction (ANC).

1. Sennheiser

The German company, the best headphone manufacturer in the ranking.

TOP 7: The Best Headphones Sennheiser

According to Earphones Review, the best headphone manufacturer is Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG is a German manufacturer of audio recording, broadcasting and playback equipment. The company was founded in 1945 by Fritz Sennheiser, initially under the name “Labor W”

The company is known to almost every fan of music and games. She has always been focused on audio technology. Microphones, mixing consoles, amplifiers, and headphones.

These products combine high performance with an affordable price. The manufacturer offers models not only for music lovers, but also for professionals: DJs, sound engineers, musicians, composers successfully use them in their work.

Sennheiser top models

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 ($310).
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 review – new TWS headphones with good active cancellation and long battery life.

If you’re specifically looking for true wireless Sennheiser headphones, the Momentum True Wireless 2 is your best bet. The biggest selling point of the Momentum TW2 is their sound quality, which is above average for true wireless headphones.