Whether at home, at work, or on the road, many of us rely heavily on our headphones as our primary listening devices. And, just like your music, the choice of headphones is a personal preference. Getting a suitable model to fit your needs is critical to long-term enjoyment. In this article, we’re looking specifically at the best wired headphones. Because, unlike their wireless and Bluetooth counterparts, wired headphones offer no concern for battery life.
Wired Headphone Features to Consider
There are many features to research and understand when looking for a new pair of headphones. Understanding your needs will ensure you get the proper set for the job.
Drivers
Size and construction of the speaker element itself (often referred to as a “driver”) are a big part of the sound. Various materials and features provided give each headphones its signature sound. Frequency range, transient response, and soundstage are all heavily affected by this.
User Base
Who are these headphones perfect for? Are you using them professionally, such as a DJ, musician, or engineer? Are you a hobbyist? Or maybe just a music-loving commuter? Perhaps you are a true audiophile in search of sonic excellence above all else. Think about where and how you most often use your headphones. This will help point you in the right direction.
Portability
This feature is essential for travelers and commuters. Some models can fold flat or collapse to make packing and transport easier. Some offer detachable cables. You may also find models that come with a carrying case for extra protection when in a bag or suitcase.
Architecture
This is one of the most important distinctions when selecting a new set of headphones. Open-back versions tend to have a more neutral and accurate sound. They are ideal for mixing and mastering duties or general hi-fi enjoyment. However, their construction allows external sound to leak in easily, making them a poor choice for noisy environments. Closed-back headphones are better at blocking external sounds and are generally more durable making them and excellent choice for travel and work.
Phone Calls
Hi-fi lovers and purists may not care about this parameter, but people who use their headphones for business or other activities may appreciate the ability to take a call without missing a beat. Some models include a remote control. Seamlessly switching between calls and music, games, or movies might be the top feature for some users.
Weight
This is an essential and often overlooked consideration. Heavier, more robust construction can be durable and provide superior sound quality and isolation but may fatigue certain listeners. Younger users, or people who must use them for long periods, will want to look for something lighter.
Best Budget Headphones
Yamaha HPH-MT5 Closed-Back Circumaural Over-Ear Studio Monitor Headphones
Why We Chose These Headphones: Built for professional use, the Yamaha HPH-MT5 is an excellent entry point for DJs and musicians. The included travel bag and rugged ABS housing ensure a long life and are great for commuters who require a durable set of headphones that can survive the daily grind. Weighing in at only 250 grams and designed with three-dimensional articulating arms and a headband slider, the HPH-MT5 provides a comfortable fit for even the most extended sessions. Singers and DJs will particularly love the movable earcups allowing for single-ear monitoring, while the closed back design helps attenuate unwanted external noise.
- Driver: 1.57″ (39.88mm)
- Perfect for: Professionals, commuters
- Portability: Collapsible; includes carrying case
- Architecture: Closed-back
- Phone calls: No
- Weight: Without Cable & Plug: 245g (8.64 oz)
Klipsch Reference Over-Ear Headphones
Why We Chose These Headphones: The Klipsch Reference headphones provide pristine quality in an affordable package. Long known by hi-fi connoisseurs, Klipsch is a leader in audio technology. Its Reference headphone models feature KBD technology (Klipsch Balanced Drivers) in a proprietary design to reduce intermodulation distortion and offer extended bass. The drivers move unilaterally like a piston giving cleaner, more transparent sound with a broader soundstage. Soft, deep memory foam cushions provide serious comfort in a one-size-fits-all package. The fold-up construction, including a hard carrying case and a three-button controller, allows for uninterrupted switching between travel, leisure, and work.
- Driver: 1.6″ (40mm)
- Perfect for: Casual Listeners, Mixed-Needs
- Portability: Non-collapsible; includes carrying case
- Architecture: Closed-back
- Phone calls: Yes; includes remote
- Weight: 8.92 oz (253g)
Sony MDR-1AM2 Circumaural Wired Headphones with Microphone
Why We Chose These Headphones: The Sony MDR-1AM2 is a sleek, do-it-all package. The headphones deliver full, robust sound from Hi-Fi to phone calls while blocking out exterior noise. Advanced aluminum-coated, liquid crystal polymer diaphragms provide clear, crisp sound with a bandwidth of 3Hz to 100kHz. Sony’s balanced cable configuration improves distortion specs compared to standard headphone cables by keeping the left and right channels separate and providing an additional ground lead. Utilizing a closed-back construction, the MDR-1AM2 uses its proprietary Beat Response Control for improved dynamics and punch. All of this in an incredibly lightweight package is a boon to users who need headphones that can cover a variety of needs.
- Driver: 1.6″ (40mm)
- Perfect for: Casual Listeners, Mixed-Needs
- Portability: Non-collapsible; includes carrying case; detachable cables
- Architecture: Closed-back
- Phone calls: Yes; includes remote
- Weight: 6.6 oz (187.11g)
Best Mid-Budget Headphones
Shure SRH1540 Premium Closed-Back Headphones
Why We Chose These Headphones: The lightweight design, luxurious Alcantara material and low-density, slow-recovery foam earpads make the Shure SRH1540 ideal for travelers and commuters. Listeners will enjoy music in challenging environments thanks to the closed-back design. At the same time, the aircraft-grade aluminum yoke, carbon fiber cap, steel frame and a zippered hard storage case guarantees a long life. The SRH1540 even comes with gold-plated ¼” adapter, two detachable cables and an extra set of earpads! Shure’s 40 mm neodymium drivers are made with APTIV Film to improve THD (Total harmonic Distortion) specs and clean, clear sound at any listening level.
- Driver: 1.6″ (40mm)
- Perfect for: Professionals, travelers
- Portability: Non-collapsible; includes carrying case; detachable cable
- Architecture: Closed-back
- Phone calls: No
- Weight: Without Cable: 10.1 oz (286g)
Audio-Technica ATH-WP900 Closed-Back On-Ear Wooden Headphones
Why We Chose These Headphones: The Audio-Technica ATH-WP900 perfectly balances high-fidelity and high fashion. A veneer of instrument-grade flame rests atop a solid block of maple, giving these headphones a rich, magnificent look that will only improve with age. Don’t be fooled by the stunning looks, though. These phones also offer first-rate acoustic performance. Audio-Technica’s oversized 53-mm drivers are coated in DLC (diamond-like carbon) for fast and accurate detail across the entire frequency range. An ingenious air-baffle offers open-backed clarity in a closed-back design. Serious listeners will appreciate the A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) jacks allowing users the option of the standard 3.5 mm (1/8”) gold-plated stereo mini-plug, or the balanced 4.4 mm (1/6”), 5-pole gold-plated plug (both included).
- Driver: 2” (53mm)
- Perfect for: Audiophiles
- Portability: Collapsible; includes carrying case; detachable cable
- Architecture: Closed-back
- Phone calls: No
- Weight: 8.6 oz (243g) (without cable)
HiFiMan Edition XS Open-Back Over-Ear Planar Magnetic Headphones
Why We Chose These Headphones: The Hi-FiMan Edition XS Open-Back Over-Ear Planar Magnetic Headphones represent peak audiophile quality in this price range. These headphones are designed for music lovers who want to experience every nuance of their favorite songs. Open-back design and HiFiMan’s advanced NEO super-nano diaphragm produce a wide soundstage and transient detail worthy of their reputation. Their unique “Stealth Magnet” design is acoustically transparent, reducing standing waves and minimizing interference for life-like sound reproduction. Home hi-fi enthusiasts who enjoy marathon listening sessions will prize the lightweight, ergonomic headband and large earcups. Replaceable, standard grade 3.5 mm cables make this model a favorite of the buy-it-for-life club.
- Perfect for: Audiophiles
- Portability: Non-collapsible; detachable cable
- Architecture: Open-back
- Phone calls: No
- Weight: 14.28 oz (405g)
Sony MDR-Z7M2 Circumaural Closed-Back Headphones
Why We Chose These Headphones: Inspired by and borrowing from the famed Sony MDR-Z1R, the MDR-Z7M2 is perfect for users who need cutting-edge acoustic design in a closed-back package. Sony takes their low end to a whole new level with a 2.76” (70mm) driver to reproduce even the lowest octaves of music, or the rumble and size that modern movies deliver. The frequency response of the MDR-Z7M2 is 4Hz-100kHz ensuring precise recreation of all your favorite music. These large diaphragms utilize an aluminum and liquid crystal polymer hybrid that eliminates internal resonances for reduced distortion and fatigue.
- Driver: 2.76″ (70.10mm)
- Perfect for: Mixed needs, multi-media
- Portability: Non-collapsible; detachable cable
- Architecture: Closed-back
- Phone calls: No
- Weight: 12.0 oz (340g) (without Cable)
Sennheiser HD 660S2 Wired Dynamic Open-Back Over-Ear Stereo Headphones
Why We Chose These Headphones: The Sennheiser HD 660S2 is the mid-grade industry standard for professional mixing and mastering headphones. Ultralight aluminum drivers combine with open-back configuration to create a listening environment that guarantees translation of your music. Vented magnets minimize ear exhaustion helping artists to make quick, reliable mix decisions, while soft and supple earpads provide comfort over even the longest mixing sessions. The included 6.3 mm, 4.4 mm, and 6.3 mm-to-3.5 mm adapter (and carrying case) make it easy to travel and connect to any professional or consumer system. An improved sub-bass response and 300-ohm impedance deliver solid, clear lows and impulse response at all listening levels.
- Driver: 1.5″ (38mm)
- Perfect for: Professionals
- Portability: Non-collapsible; includes carrying case; detachable cable
- Architecture: Open-back
- Phone calls: No
- Weight: 9.2 oz (260g)
Best High-End Headphones
Sennheiser HD 820 Closed-Back Around-Ear Audiophile-Grade Stereo Headphones
Why We Chose These Headphones: The Sennheiser HD 820 Dynamic Closed-Back Headphones are a no-compromise solution for critical listening. These closed-back marvels deliver the open and spacious soundstage of premier open-back designs while keeping external sounds at bay. The 56mm Gorilla Glass drivers feature the dual benefits of high rigidity for league-leading impulse response and re-directing standing waves to internal absorbers. In a novel design touch, both ends of the diaphragm are secured to the driver improving distortion and punch. The result is a superbly deep and wide soundstage. If your needs are absolute fidelity in less-than-ideal environments, the HD 820s are a exquisite solution.
- Driver: 2.2” (56 mm)
- Perfect for: Professionals
- Portability: Non-collapsible; includes carrying case; detachable cable
- Architecture: Closed-back
- Phone calls: No
- Weight: 12.7 oz (360g)
Ultrasone Edition 8 EX Over-Ear Closed-Back Headphones
Why We Chose These Headphones: The Ultrasone Edition 8 EX Over-Ear Closed-Back Headphones are the clear choice when fidelity trumps every other need. A wonder of engineering and design, the S-Logic EX transducer features a funnel shape that moves the element further away from the ears giving the sound ample space to develop. This reduces fatigue and increases spatial perception. Metal-plated housings and an aluminum travel case offer durability and protection to your investment for a lifetime of enjoyment. Detachable, magnetic earpads featuring Ethiopian sheep leather are posh and replaceable. Users who demand the best will revel in the Ultrasone Edition 8 EX.
- Driver: 1.6″ (40mm)
- Perfect for: Audiophiles
- Portability: Non-Collapsible; includes carrying case; detachable cables
- Architecture: Closed-Back
- Phone calls: No
- Weight: 11.64 oz (330g) (without Cable)
Conclusion
The world of wired headphones is packed with models for all needs and budgets. Hitting the right balance for features, design, and price is paramount. This round-up of our favorites will help cut through the noise and guide you toward the right pair.
