There has never been a better time to buy headphones than right now. Headphones continue to get better while entry-level price tags keep dropping. Even the highest of the high-end pairs are improved every year! Here at Sweetwater, we admit that we’re sound zealots. That’s why we carry a comprehensive selection of the world’s most popular headphones. We have nearly every brand you can imagine, from longtime studio staples to disruptive newcomers. You’ll find respected brands, such as Beyerdynamic, Bose, and Sennheiser, among our offerings. From studio ‘phones to wireless designs you wear daily, we’ve got the right solution for everyone and every situation. This article explores the different kinds of headphones — from the various construction methods to specialty applications and everything in between. Along the way, we’ll highlight some of the best headphones on the market. So, what are Sweetwater’s picks for the best headphones in 2024? Let’s find out!
Want to learn how to buy the best headphones for you? Check out our Headphone Buying Advice below!
Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!
- Best Closed-back Headphones
- Best Open-back Headphones
- Best Semi-open Headphones
- Best DJ Headphones
- Best Gaming Headsets with Microphones
- Best Noise-canceling Headphones
- Best Wireless Headphones Without Noise Cancellation
Best Closed-back Headphones
The key to bigger bass and reduced sound leakage
We’re starting our list with the best closed-back headphones in 2024. Closed-back headphones are a must-have for studio work, casual listening, and any other situation you find yourself in. So, what makes them so good? Closed-back headphones feature sealed earcups that prevent outside sound from leaking in. A closed-back headphone keeps the music locked inside. This design philosophy makes closed-backs a must-have tool for the studio since they eliminate click bleed and other issues that plague different types of headphones. Closed-back headphones can be a good choice for listening to music on the commute or while mowing the lawn.
There are a ton of excellent closed-back headphones available right here at Sweetwater. Options such as the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80-ohm closed-back studio mixing headphones and the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro closed-back studio and live monitoring headphones are found in almost every pro-level studio. Meanwhile, options like the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x closed-back studio monitoring headphones and the Focal Listen Pro closed-back reference studio headphones are the first-call cans of many podcasters and content creators. Finally, the excellent value and crisp sound of the AKG K92 closed-back monitor headphones make them another fabulous addition to our list.
Best Open-back Headphones
Enjoy a more lifelike soundstage for mixing and mastering
Open-back headphones are the complete opposite of closed-back headphones. As the name suggests, these headphones feature open-ear cups without any isolation. This headphone style provides an ultra-realistic experience that sounds like you’re in the room with the performers. However, due to their open design, these headphones are best suited for mixing, mastering, reference work, and pleasure listening. Additionally, open-back headphones are all but required for working in immersive audio applications and game design.
Today’s headphone market is saturated with high-quality open-back options, so much so that we found it hard to boil down our list to just five entries. We recommend the well-loved Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250-ohm open-back studio headphones or the Sony MDR-MV1 open-back headphones for mixing and other studio work. Users who demand uncompromising audio fidelity should reach for a pair of Focal Clear MG Pro open-back reference studio headphones or Neumann NDH 30 open-back studio headphones. Of course, you can never go wrong double-checking your mix with the Sennheiser HD 650 open-back audiophile and reference headphones.
Best Semi-open Headphones
Two worlds collide in a single set of cans
The best semi-open headphones strike a balance between the hyper-isolated closed-backs and the airy sound of open-back headphones. Semi-open headphones have perforated earcups that let some ambient noise in and some headphone sound out. As such, this type of headphone is excellent for use in the studio or when you’re listening alone at home. It’s probably not the best choice for blasting music on the subway. One of the things that Sweetwater likes about semi-open headphones is how they let your ears breathe better and feel less stuffy than closed-back options.
So, which semi-open headphones are the best on the market? Let’s play the hits. The AKG K240 Studio semi-open pro studio headphones are possibly the most well-known model out there. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and gentle on the budget. Another value-packed purchase lies in the Samson SR850 semi-open studio headphones. They deliver clean, full-range monitoring for all occasions. Beyerdynamic also makes semi-open headphones — the DT 880 Pro 250-ohm semi-open reference studio headphones offer the excellent sound quality that Beyerdynamic is known for. Meanwhile, the Beyerdynamic DT 880 Premium Edition 250-ohm semi-open studio headphones come with updated cosmetics, modified clamping force, a straight cable, and a soft case for storage. Finally, Direct Sound DS-73 semi-open professional monitoring headphones offer just the right balance between isolation and clarity so musicians can hear themselves with less bleed.
Best DJ Headphones
Controlled sound in chaotic surroundings
Headphones meant for the studio are tools for identifying and correcting issues within a project, which means they have to be extremely accurate and revealing. But that clarity and detail aren’t exactly what a DJ needs. That’s why some manufacturers build headphones specifically for DJs. The best DJ headphones should sound neutral but have an emphasized bass and midrange response. Moreover, DJs routinely use and abuse their headphones, so build quality and overall durability are significant factors to consider when shopping for new DJ headphones. Another thing to consider is comfort. DJ sets are notorious for their lengths, so you need a pair of comfortable headphones to get through a set with minimal issues.
For DJ headphones, there are three obvious choices. First, we present Sennheiser HD 25 closed-back on-ear studio headphones. They are incredibly comfortable and provide good isolation to help you work effectively on loud stages. You also get one swiveling earcup for single-ear listening. Next are the Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10 professional DJ headphones. These headphones give you a broader frequency response and metal parts for all moving mechanisms. It’s going to be hard to destroy these! Finally, Sweetwater recommends the V-Moda Crossfade LP2 over-ear headphones. Each ear features a 50mm driver for greater low-end extension. V-Moda also tells us that the headband can withstand getting bent flat more than 10 times before breaking. How’s that for durability?
Best Gaming Headsets with Microphones
Immersion in your streaming space or outer space
If you plan on playing games online with your friends or livestreaming, then you need a way to capture your voice. That’s where a gaming headset with a microphone comes in. The attached microphone eliminates the need for extra gear and provides a streamlined, single-cable solution for gamers. Most gaming headsets have closed-back designs, which help isolate you from the world around you, allowing you to focus on the game audio with less background noise. That’s crucial for playing combat-style games where the slightest sound may spell the difference between survival or elimination.
Sweetwater has chosen three excellent gaming headsets with microphones. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB StreamSet USB streaming headset offers users crisp and accurate sound reproduction and a USB connector for PC users. The boom also doubles as a mute switch. The JBL Lifestyle Quantum 360X wireless gaming headset is among the best gaming headsets with microphones. It boasts a 22-hour battery life and features Bluetooth technology for use with other devices.
Best Noise-canceling Headphones
Reduce distractions as you work and commute
The world is a noisy and chaotic place. When you need some peace and quiet, reach for a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Noise-canceling headphones use built-in microphones and clever phase manipulation to remove background noise like magic. Say goodbye to noisy flights and bus rides! Plus, a good pair of noise-canceling headphones should help you resist the temptation to crank the volume in loud spaces. By listening at lower volumes, you’ll preserve your hearing. What about times when you don’t want noise cancellation? Most headphones that offer noise cancellation allow you to turn it off entirely.
It’s only fair that our list of recommendations starts with the first company to offer noise-canceling headphones to the public. Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth active noise-canceling headphones offer up to 24 hours of battery life, a personalized EQ, and Bose’s legendary Acoustic Noise Canceling technology. Next comes the Focal Bathys wireless Bluetooth closed-back headphones with active noise canceling. The company’s first wireless headphones have been a smash hit thanks to their audiophile-grade sound, patented driver technology, and comprehensive app control. Finally, no list of noise-canceling headphones would be complete without the pair you see everywhere: Apple AirPods Max wireless over-ear Bluetooth headphones. They boast serious comfort, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, and seriously impressive noise reduction you can control from your iPhone.
Best Wireless Headphones Without Noise Cancellation
Great sound all around
Don’t want or need noise cancellation but desire the freedom of wireless? Not a problem. Sweetwater offers plenty of wireless headphones without noise-canceling technology. You get all the convenience afforded by Bluetooth and the excellent sound you expect from high-quality headphones. Having wireless headphones is ideal for everyday listening at home or work because you don’t have wires tethering you to a specific spot. You can keep listening to your podcast or audiobook while tidying up or going on a quick snack run without having to pause the action.
Wireless headphones are all about convenience, so getting a pair with a folding design is a smart choice. Models such as the Ashdown Meters OV-1-B-Connect Pro Bluetooth headphones feature hinges above the earcups, which enable compact storage within the included case. Plus, the included VU meters just look awesome. While the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Bluetooth closed-back studio monitoring headphones have a slightly more reserved appearance, the sound is anything but! These cans come loaded with 45mm neodymium magnet drivers that deliver supreme clarity throughout the wide 15Hz–28kHz frequency response. Our final recommendation is a pair of V-Moda Crossfade 3 wireless headphones. They have an impressive 5Hz–40kHz frequency response and an insane 30-hour battery life.
Headphone Buying Advice
“What headphones should I buy?” Or “What are the best headphones available today?” These are common questions for Sweetwater’s resident audiophiles. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to headphones. Each user’s needs will determine the best tools for the job. However, there are some principles that can guide you in choosing the right type of headphones for the task at hand.
- Headphone Types Compared
- How Do Noise-canceling Headphones Work?
- Headphones for Mixing: Should I Mix Music on Headphones?
Headphone Types Compared
| TYPE | OVERVIEW | ARE GREAT FOR | ARE NOT SO GREAT AT | ARE RECOMMENDED FOR |
| Closed-back Headphones | Full, punchy, bassy soundMusic feels close to the earsCan sometimes sound boxy or feel closed in | Keeping sound closed in around your ears | Delivering a fully transparent listening experience | Tracking in the studio, enjoying music privately in public, and enjoying deep bass for EDM |
| Open-back Headphones | Transparent, natural, neutral soundAllows air to pass through the earcups for reduced resonance | Listener comfort and audio accuracy | Tracking soft vocals and acoustic instruments or enjoying music without bothering others | Mixing and mastering music, hearing audio in high detail, and holding conversations while rocking out |
| Semi-open Headphones | Seeks to bridge the gap between the open- and closed-back designsSeen as the best of both worlds by some listeners | Sounding larger than life without excess audio spillage or that claustrophobic sensation | Excelling at either full transparency or maximum audio containment | Listeners seeking a Goldilocks balance of fullness, transparency, and audio bleed |
| DJ Headphones | A specialty type of closed-back headphones with cups that swivel for single-ear audio auditioningGreat for beat-matching two different songs | Long-term performance comfort, live beat-matching, and EQing and crossfading in a loud environment | The same things other closed-back headphone designs struggle with | Live DJs or any performer who wants to do the “one ear off” method while tracking in the studio |
| Gaming Headsets | Stylish specialty headphones with an integrated boom mic for looking fly and staying comfortable while streaming and teleconferencing | Two-way communication in demanding environments, such as game streaming, Zooming, and vlogging | Mixing, mastering, or making critical tracking decisions | Gamers who want to communicate with teammates and streamers who are active in chat |
| Noise-canceling Headphones | Specialty closed-back headphones with phase-cancellation circuitry to minimize ambient sounds | Reducing the steady hum of a plane, train, air conditioner, or crowd | Masking irregular high-frequency sounds, such as speech or ocean waves | Students and professionals who want to eliminate distractions and commuters who want to reduce ambient sounds and enjoy their audio at reasonable levels |
| Wireless Headphones Without Active Noise Cancellation | Premium sound and maximum battery life without cables | Marathon gaming, watching, or listening sessions without being tethered to a device | Transmission speed and fidelity (listeners may notice a slight lag compared to wired solutions) | Everyday headphone users who want great sound on demand |
How Do Noise-canceling Headphones Work?
Headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC) use small, hidden microphones to reduce ambient sounds around you. This noise cancellation tends to be most effective with constant noises, such as the hum of an air conditioner or the rumble of an airplane. However, adaptive ANC designs may also help to reduce conversational volume and other incidental noise.
How does ANC work? By a process known as phase cancellation. This phenomenon occurs when two identical audio waveforms are summed together 180 degrees out of phase. Active noise-canceling headphones use their hidden microphones to constantly sample the world outside, flip the polarity, and play the reversed audio into your ears to dramatically reduce the din of a chaotic world around you.
In a perfect scenario, the peaks and troughs of the two waveforms would so perfectly align that they cancel one another out, resulting in no audible signal. However, in real-world scenarios, the time it takes your noise-canceling headphones to sample outside audio, reverse the polarity, and sum the audio together makes total elimination of sound impossible. Instead, they reduce the noise levels by a good margin.
But fret not! Today’s ANC is still good for 20dB to 40dB of ambient sound reduction — and that’s a massive difference when you’re focusing on coding a project, writing a term paper, taking a phone call, or enjoying a podcast in a noisy environment.
A warning to first-timer ANC users: a small percentage of the population, namely those prone to motion sickness, may experience dizziness and disorientation when using noise-canceling headphones for prolonged periods. This is a natural response of the inner ear, and effects quickly wear off once ANC is disabled. However, for this reason, it may be true that some headphones with active noise canceling simply aren’t compatible with certain listeners.
Headphones for Mixing: Should I Mix Music on Headphones?
The tide is turning on the industry’s long-held recommendation against mixing music on headphones. Deeper bass, better sound staging, and a shift toward sample-based virtual instruments have helped tilt the odds in favor of the humble headphone for critical listening. In fact, many Sweetwater customers report being able to make competitive music mixing on a trusted set of headphones, whether at home in an untreated room or mixing away from the studio.
So, in short, yes, mixing on headphones is perfectly reasonable today, provided you know your headphones well enough and can predict how your mixes will translate across multiple playback systems.
Questions About Headphones? Sweetwater’s All Ears!
Choosing new headphones is an intensely personal choice. After all, only you can decide if you like the sound of a specific model. So, while the choice is ultimately yours, Sweetwater can help. Our team of Sweetwater Sales Engineers is just as passionate about their audio as you are. If you’re curious about any of the headphones in this article and have questions, then call your personal Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700. They’re more than happy to use their vast experience to help find the pair of headphones that matches your unique needs.
