While there’s nothing wrong with a good pair of iPod earbuds, sometimes you need headphones with more oomph in the low end. Whether you’re looking for studio-quality accuracy or bass so powerful it’ll make your head rattle, these are the best bass headphones available right now.
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1. Sony WH1000XM3 | Best Wireless Bass Headphones
Pros:- Top-notch build and features
- Excellent bassy sound
- 30-hour battery life
- Awesome touch controls
- Best-in-class noise cancellation
- Quick charging
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Awesome Sony app
Cons:- Pricey
- Maybe too bassy for some genres
- Touch controls take some getting used to
The Sony WH1000XM3 Wireless Headphones are the perfect blend of sound quality and function. They have an incredible bass-heavy sound that works perfectly for bassy genres like rap, EDM, and R&B and they have all of the features you could want in a pair of headphones. They’re completely wireless, have excellent active noise cancellation (ANC), and even have some excellent unique functions that you won’t find in most other headphones.
Much like many of Sony’s other headphones and earbuds, the WH1000XM3 makes the bass frequencies the star of the show. The bass on these headphones isn’t quite on the level of the Skullcandy Crushers with the bass all the way turned up, but it’s noticeably bassier than almost all of the other headphones on this list. The sound is less balanced than something like the ATH-M50x, but if you like bass more than the mids and highs, then you may not want “balanced” anyways. You also have the ability to adjust the sound balance using the Sony app to get a perfect sound profile for your tastes.
Other standout features of these headphones include the active noise cancellation, which is perhaps the best of any headphones currently on the market, and the 30-hour battery life. These headphones also have unique gesture controls built into the right earcup, allowing you to adjust the music or make calls simply by swiping on the cups.
If you’re looking for a great pair of everyday bass headphones, especially a wireless pair, then the WH1000XM3 could be the perfect choice for you. They’re top of the line in almost every way, and they’re an ideal option for bass enthusiasts.
Find more Sony WH1000XM3 Wireless Headphones information and reviews here.
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2. Beats Studio 3 | Super Deep Bass Headphones
Pros:- Brilliant bass
- Quality design
- Noise-canceling tech is one of the best in the industry
Cons:- Pricey
- Some turn their noses up at popular, name branded headphones
- There are better headphones out there for non-bass purposes
Depending on who you speak to you’ll get a different reply. Some audiophiles loathe Beats by Dre, others swear by them. The real problem here is once something garners mainstream appeal, a lot of sites will go out of their way to appear edgy by trashing them. But let’s face it, if something has pulled mainstream appeal, they must be doing something right.
The Beats Studio 3 are headphones for bass lovers. While the mids and vocals will sound slightly lower than usual, the bass absolutely booms. Pair that with the Pure ANC noise-canceling tech governed by two mics which adjust music based on the wearer’s surroundings, and listening is a joy.
Seriously, blast Slim’s new album Music to be Murdered by, specifically Godzilla featuring Juice WLRD, and you’ll be in a bass explosion.
Beats cost a lot because they’re good enough to charge extra for. The tech inside is smart, and they’re specifically known for how bassey they are.
If it’s bass you’re after, Beats Studio 3 are the way to go.
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3. Audeze LCD-1 Audiophile Headphones
Pros:- Punchy, clear sound
- Bass without major ear damage
- Stylish design
Cons:- Pricey
- Open-back design isn't great for outdoor usage
- Bass doesn't pop eardrums
Audeze knows how to make headphones with some killer tech and the Audeze LCD-1 is no exception.
It’s the planer magnetic drivers that really bring these things to life. Sound is spacious and each layer can be felt with surgical precision.
That’s in part thanks to the open-back design. Normally I’m not a fan of open-back designs – I prefer music to drown everything else out. But with the LCD-1, it surprises. Giving music the space to move around really offers a level of clarity closed-back headphones can match.
What’s especially impressive is how well the bass thuds. Due to the open nature, this isn’t going to rattle your ears as Beats will, but it still offers a hearty punch that can be felt, and the open-back design means the lowest sound levels aren’t battling with the mids and uppers for dominance. Everything harmonizes effortlessly.
Of course, open-backs aren’t going to be great when outdoors, but for at-home listening in a quiet room that’s not going to be an issue (it’s also a godsend if you’re waiting on a delivery and want to be able to hear the door).
It’s worth pointing out, due to the sheer power crammed into the ear cups, each cup has its own cable running into a single cable. I’ve seen some complain about this, but honestly, settle down. It’s fine and not an inconvenience in the slightest.
One final point, I’m still in awe of how light and comfortable the LCD-1 is. It’s one of those headphones where you barely feel like you’re wearing it. There’s no pressure from the headband either. In this area, I really can’t fault Audeze one bit. More headphones like this, please.
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4. Sennheiser HD 650
Pros:- Look great
- Crisp, neutral sound
- Arguably the best headphones you'll ever own
Cons:- Heacka expensive
- Bass isn't the as great as the majority on this list
- Leakage
Sennheiser produces some of the best headphones on the market, and the Sennheiser HD 650 is no exception.
With a frequency response of 39,500 Hertz, the HD 650 excels at neutral sound while boosting lows. Admittedly they’re not the most bass-heavy headphones on this list, but they’re dreamy enough to be worth considering.
In terms of style, these bad boys tick all the boxes. The lightweight aluminum shines and gives them a more premium feel when compared with cheap, plastic dollar shop headphones.
It’s worth keeping in mind these are an open back design, though, so expect plenty of leakage. That’s not a deal-breaker for fans of open-back headphones, but it’s another factor to consider.
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5. Soul Emotion Max – Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Pros:- Beautiful, warm bass
- Crazy clarify of layers
- Ambient mode works
Cons:- Had an issue with charging (which was instantly fixed with a quick reset)
- ANC is great for the price, but won't best the more expensive offerings
- Super comfortable, but overall a very safe design
Soul understands bass. Anyone can make a set of cans capable of rattling ears. But to create something that hits hard while still keeping the warmth? That’s where the Soul Emotion Max shines brightest.
The bass test is a simple one: Angel by Massive Attack, Hysteria by Muse, and The Chain by Fleetwood Mac. Three very different songs, each with a charismatic bass throughout pitted against different layers of music.
What really took me by surprise is how well the Emotion Max handles different layers fighting for supremacy. Bass is at the forefront of everything, in a way that’s comforting without ever feeling oppressive. And yet despite bass being the show-stealer, other elements aren’t lost. Vocals punctuate, guitars pierce. Nothing is lost in the shuffle.
In terms of battery life, I averaged around 35 hours with active noise cancellation turned off, and around 23 with it on (for reference, the industry standard is around the 30-hour mark for ANC off and 24 for ANC on).
Is the ANC any good? In a word, yes. At this price point, you’re not going to get industry-leading tech capable of silencing every single unwanted sound. That said, compared with other headphones in this popular bracket, the ANC is above average. The loudest of sounds will be muffled rather than completely depressed, while smaller sounds are near non-existent. Also worth noting is when at home, even with ANC off, the fit of the earcups and the way sound is produced (40mm drivers paired with AptX and AAC codec) does a solid job of blocking out sound on its own; something else I wasn’t expecting at this end of the price spectrum.
The Emotion Max also packs in a few worthwhile features, namely an ambient mode (known as ‘transparency mode’). Pressing the power button for two seconds switches the headphones into ambient mode, which utilizes the internal mic to amplify important nearby sounds, such as oncoming cars or people trying to get your attention. And it works. Walking down an empty road sees the music pop at full volume. But hit at a crossing and the volume will shift slightly so the wearer can remain aware of their surroundings.
I can’t emphasize how much the Emotion Max shattered my expectations. At this price, I was expecting something good but that’s about it. Instead, I’m coming away thinking Soul has the potential to change the bass game. Seriously, I’ve reviewed headphones at twice this price that aren’t half as good. If you’re after warmth, clarity, and premium at a low price, you won’t be disappointed.
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6. Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless with Active Noise Cancellation
Pros:- Stunning design
- Ear-rattling bass
- Sennheiser are one of the most trusted companies out there
Cons:- Pricey (but worth it)
- Not everyone will love that design
- Larger earcups are an improvement, but, you know, larger earcups...
I don’t say this lightly, but Sennheiser means quality. Whenever you’re buying one of the company’s headphones, you know you’re in for a treat.
The Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 is everything you want from a set of headphones. The bass is thumping, thanks in part to the excellent noise-canceling tech. You’re free to listen in peace without outside noise ruining the experience.
There is something to be said about the design of the Momentum 2.0. The vintage look, with leather on the headband and large earcups, isn’t going to be for everyone. For us hipsters, though, it’s a delight. If you’re spending a substantial amount on headphones, the last thing you want is for them to look like those plastic, almost disposable headphones. You want something that screams style.
One of the improvements I love about the 2.0 versus the original is the larger earcups. The original earcups felt ever so slightly small and didn’t sit quite right. Listening to feedback is always important in the wonderful world of headphones, so it’s great to see Sennheiser listening to complaints and fixing them on new iterations.
If it’s clear sound and ear-rattling bass you’re after, you won’t go wrong with the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0.
Find more Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 information and reviews here.
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7. Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 | Best Mid-Range Wireless Headphones
Pros:- Modern feature list
- Detailed, bass-leaning sound
- 24-hour battery life
- Stylish look
- Unique gyroscope features
Cons:- Bass is present but not huge
- Gyroscope features sometimes wonky
- No hard-shell case
- Moderate noise cancellation
The Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 is an excellent mid-range pair of headphones that comes with all of the features you would hope for in a modern headset: It’s wireless, has active noise cancellation (ANC), a stylish look, optional voice control, and the perfect amount of bass for bass-heavy genres like rap and EDM.
In terms of sound, the overall character is neutral, albeit bass-leaning. They’re great at reproducing the big low end of bass-heavy music but the bass isn’t so overbearing that it makes other styles of music sound unnatural. The Backbeat Pro 2 is a great middle-of-the-road pair of bass earphones in that they are not completely flat but aren’t as extremely bass-driven as something like the Skullcandy Crusher.
The other great thing about the Backbeat Pro 2 is its modern feature list. As stated in the introduction, this headset comes with all of the features you likely expect from your headphones in 2019, as well as a few others that you’ve probably never seen before. One unique feature of this headset is the built-in gyro sensors that automatically pause your music when you take them off your head, much like the ear sensors of Apple AirPods. It’s something I’ve never seen before in a pair of headphones.
All in all, the Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 is an awesome balance of sound quality and function. They sound great, with bass that delivers without being overbearing, and give you all the features you want in a pair of everyday headphones.
I’d recommend picking up a hard-shell carrying case, as these headphones only come with a soft sleeve.
Find more Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 information and reviews here.
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8. V-MODA Crossfade M-100
Pros:- Brilliant, thumping bass
- V-MODA knows headphones
- Stylish design
Cons:- Other color versions aren't for everyone
- Pricer (but better) than the LP2
- Not everyone will like the design (I do, though!)
The Crossfade LP2 are some of the most underrated headphones available, and the V-MODA Crossfade M-100 are essentially a super-charged equivalent.
The Crossfade M-100 offers the cleanest bass you’ll ever hear. The wub is unparalleled. They are pricier than the LP2, but given the difference in bass permeation, it’s worth going with the M-100 if you can afford it.
As with the LP2, these headphones feature 50mm drivers to help separate the bass from the mids, leaving you free to enjoy both.
If you’re someone, like me, who doesn’t want to hear the sounds of the outside world while you’re listening, the Active Noise Canceling tech is certain to keep noisy cars or screaming kids from ruining your alone space. Thanks to the design of the ear cups, you shouldn’t need to worry about noise leakage, either. Nice!
Sure, the price. It’s higher than the LP2, but as I mentioned above, these headphones are the go-to when it comes bass. The lows, mids, and highs are clear, and whether it’s a soft or heavy bass song, you’ll feel it throughout.
Find more V-MODA Crossfade M-100 information and reviews here.
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9. V-MODA Crossfade LP2
Pros:- Killer design
- Outstanding bass
- Perfect for gaming
Cons:- Pricey
- No color options
- Bass is heavy, which isn't for the weak
If it’s bass you want, they don’t come any bassier than the V-MODA Crossfade LP2.
The refined bass on these things will hum throughout. Some may find it’s a little too much, but on a list of best bass headphones, I’d say it’s just right. If you’re a basshead, you want something that permeates throughout. Not to the point where it’s uncomfortable, of course, but you want that one glass of whiskey feeling, which the Crossfade LP2 manages to achieve.
These are wired headphones with 50mm dual-diaphragm drivers designed to offer unparalleled highs without any overlap. As an aside, if you’re a gamer, you really need to try out these headphones while playing something like Resident Evil 7. You’ll never sleep again, but it’s an experience you won’t forget.
It’s also worth noting, if you’re finding the headphones engulf your head, you can stretch the headband outward to relieve pressure, which is just an excellent design choice. Comfort may be secondary to sound quality, but it’s still an important aspect.
Although the military style of the Crossfade LP2 may not be for everyone (it’s even got kevlar on the cable!), the unique design of these headphones makes them stand out. If there’s ever a set of headphones that screams audiophile, it’s these.
Find more V-MODA Crossfade LP2 information and reviews here.
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10. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT | Most Balanced Mid-Range Headphones
Pros:- Balanced, detailed sound with good bass
- Super popular among musicians and audiophiles alike
- Great for all genres of music
- Attractive look
- 90-degree swivel, collapsible
- Wireless
Cons:- Less bassy than some alternatives
- Stock ear pads aren't the most comfortable
- No active noise cancellation
- Hard case not included
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT is a hugely popular pair of over-ear headphones that is renowned for its clear, detailed sound across the frequency spectrum—including the low end. The original ATH-M50x is widely used by music producers as a pair of reference earphones, which should give you some idea of their quality, and this wireless version is a great choice for music consumers looking for a superior audio experience.
Powered by dual 45mm large-aperture drivers, the sound signature of these headphones can best be described as balanced. They aren’t ridiculously thumpy like the Skullcandy Crusher, but they’re able to capture a song’s mix exactly as the audio engineers meant it to be. Put another way, the ATH-M50xBT definitely delivers the goods in the bass frequencies, but it doesn’t overemphasize the bass like some other headphones on this list. It won’t make songs that aren’t bassy sound bassy, and it won’t amplify an already bassy mix to make your head shake.
This is a pro and a con depending on what you’re looking for. If you’re a discerning audiophile who loves a balanced, detailed sound, then these could be a great choice for you. But if you care less about detail and want something thumpy, then there’s probably a better choice for you elsewhere on this list.
A final thing to note about the ATH-M50xBT is that it does not have any active noise cancellation (ANC) or a built-in microphone. That said, the headphones still sound incredible, which is why they are a serious contender for the best bass earphones available today. If you want to take them up a notch, I’d recommend picking up a pair of Brainwavs Ear Pads to replace the built-in pads and a good hard-shell case.
Find more Audio-Technica ATH-M50x information and reviews here.
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11. Skullcandy Crusher | Most Powerful Bass Headphones
Pros:- Ridiculously strong bass
- Solid price point
- Wireless, 40-hour battery
- Volume knob just for bass frequencies
- Fast-charging
- Multiple color options
Cons:- Clampy on the head
- Some quality control issues
- Twang when bumped
- No hard case
The Skullcandy Crusher is an unusually conflicting pair of headphones. On the one hand, I can say with confidence that they provide some of if not the best bass of any headphones on this list, which is enough to make them a candidate for the overall best bass headphones. On the other hand, the other parts of their design leave a little to be desired, such that you are left with a tradeoff between the incredible bass and the negatives of the design.
Let’s get this out of the way: the Skullcandy Crusher headphones give you so much bass it will make your head spin. In addition to the 40mm audio drivers, they have two built-in subwoofer drivers that deliver bass you wouldn’t have imagined possible from a pair of headphones. They also have a dedicated volume knob for the bass frequencies, so you can bump it to your liking depending on whatever you’re listening to. This knob is also nice for the times in which you want to listen to non-bass-heavy music, as you can tone down the bass when necessary.
Other strong points of the Crusher headset include its wireless design, its 40-hour battery life, and its fast charging speeds. Just ten minutes in the charger will get you up to three hours of listening time, which means you’ll never have to wait long to enjoy your tunes.
All of this being said, the Crusher does have some downsides, the most significant of which is that they are not the most comfortable to wear. The earcups do not rotate horizontally or vertically, which gives them limited flexibility for getting a good fit on your head. To compensate for this, the headphone band is very tight and makes the cups feel like they are clamping down on your head, especially at the bottom of the cups. This is particularly uncomfortable if you have a larger-than-average head.
I also picked up a pair of these headphones myself and encountered an issue in which the bass volume knob stopped working. Unfortunately, other reviewers have experienced similar issues as well.
A final con worth mentioning is that the built-in bass radiators make an audible twanging sound when the headphones are bumped or tapped. It’s not a huge issue and you likely won’t encounter it all the time, but it’s an unusual quirk I’ve never seen in any other headphones.
In the end, if you are a diehard basshead and want to experience the biggest bass that headphones can provide, you owe it to yourself to try these headphones. If you can get past the clamping feeling and don’t experience any of the quality issues that I and others have experienced, then these are easily the best bass headphones available today. That said, they likely aren’t the best choice for everyone.
As with most of the other headphones on this list, I’d recommend picking up a hardshell case for the Skullcandy Crusher if you plan on traveling with it.
Find more Skullcandy Crusher | Headphones With the Best Bass information and reviews here.
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12. Meze 99 Classics | Killer Sound Profile
Pros:- Mind-blowing sound stage
- Premium style and excellent value for money
- Able to accurately reproduce lower sounds you'd normally miss
Cons:- Cable is maybe a bit too long
- Too bassy for some kinds of music
- Main cable could use a remote
If you care about the smaller sections of sound, the Meze 99 Classics headphones offers up a near surgical sound profile that’s difficult to beat at this price.
Bass isn’t overbearing. Meze understands how bass should be intertwined with audio, almost like seasoning. Bass hums with warmth, mids have space to breathe, and highs pop with clarity.
When I originally reviewed the Meze 99 Classics,I was blown away by how many genres it could handle. I threw everything I could at them – rap, jazz, pop, rock, metal, even dubstep – and nothing phased these cans. Even now, having had them and been using them for longer, there’s still no type of music that loses anything.
If you’re planning to listen to rock or rap, I’d argue that’s where the Meze 99 comes alive the most. Modern rap has a lot of nuance that often gets lost with bad headphones, but the Meze 99 manages to reproduce even the quietest sounds. Same for rock.
Any issues I have with the Meze 99 Classic are all minor, subjective problems. The 3.5mm cable is a little too long; someone else may think it’s the perfect length. The ear pads lack enough bounce for my ears; chances are they’ll be fine for someone else.
Are these deal-breakers? Not in the slightest. And the most important thing – the sound profile – is near faultless. If it’s high quality you’re after and a profile that reproduces with clarity, you won’t go wrong with the Meze 99 Classics.
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13. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones
Pros:- Clear audio
- Different models for different budgets and set ups
- One of the best studio headphones on this list
Cons:- 250 Ohm model won't sound any better on a smartphone or PC (get an amp!)
- Bass isn't as strong as others on this list
- Somewhat safe design
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones have very little to find fault with.
These headphones are all about the minor details you’d normally miss with lesser headphones. Every beat, drum click is super clear. And when it comes to bass, there’s a good amount. You’ll feel it, more so than a lot of other studio headphones, but it’s never so powerful that it overtakes or overpowers.
If you’re in the studio, these are the headphones to go with.
There are three different versions of these headphones available – 32 Ohm, 80 Ohm, and 250 Ohm. Which version you’re after all depends on your set up. Obviously, the more expensive models will produce a clearer sound, but without the right equipment, you won’t notice the difference.
If you’re a PC or smartphone user, the 32 Ohm model will do the job with ease. If you’ve got a decent set up (This Amp is a Great Budget Option), I’d recommend shelling out a little extra for the 80 or 250 Ohm model. The difference is noticeable.
Find more Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO information and reviews here.
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14. Anker Soundcore Life 2 | Best Bass Headphones Under $100
Pros:- Wireless with 60-hour battery
- Huge feature list
- BassUp mode
- Memory foam ear cushions
- Included hard-shell case
- On-board controls
- Built-in microphone
Cons:- Lackluster active noise cancellation
- Average sound quality
- Not as bassy as they should be
The Anker Soundcore Life 2 is a solid pair of bass headphones with an incredible list of features: completely wireless, active noise cancellation (ANC), on-board controls, built-in microphone, and up to 60 hours of battery. Add in their comfortable memory foam ear cushions, and on paper, the Life 2 is a great pair of everyday bass headphones. However, in practice, these headphones have a few shortcomings worth considering before picking them up.
The two downsides of the Life 2 are its lackluster active noise cancellation and its average sound. Yes, these headphones do come with ANC, which is great, but it is nowhere near as powerful as the ANC of higher-end products by Bose, Sony, and the like. It’s great for blocking out relatively quiet ambient noise that you might have at home, but it is less-suited for really noisy environments like planes or subways. That said, sub-par ANC is still better than nothing at all.
The other downside has to do with sound quality. In general, these headphones have a pretty neutral sound, even with the BassUp bass boost feature turned on. This feature does give a subtle bump to the low end of music, but it’s quite small. Some reviewers have even said they hardly notice it is on or off. Bass still sounds clear and punchy, but I had hoped for more considering the BassUp switch is one of these headphones’ most-advertised features.
I don’t want to come off overly negative about the Life 2. Obviously, they are still good enough that I felt they are worth including in this list, and, considering their feature list, they are still the best bass headphones available right now at their price point. But they aren’t the absolute slam dunk that they could have been.
Find more Anker Soundcore Life 2 information and reviews here.
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15. OneOdio Pro-10 | Best Bass Headphones Under $50
Pros:- Fantastic value
- Built for DJs
- Balanced bass
- Includes two cables
- Collapsible swivel design
- Solid build quality and look
- Comfortable pads and headband
Cons:- Less bassy than some alternatives
- Case sold separately
- No active noise cancellation
- Wired only
The OneOdio Pro-10 is an ultra-affordable pair of headphones that gives you fantastic value for the price. These headphones are specifically designed for DJs and come with a handful of awesome features, including a collapsible design, multiple output options (3.5mm or 6.35mm), swivel earcups, and, of course, that all-important bass frequency response.
The most important thing to note about the OneOdio Pro-10 is that it has bass that is warm, full, and present but not overly thumpy. In fact, the sound of these headphones is surprisingly balanced considering their low price. They aren’t quite as crystal clear as some of the more expensive monitoring headphones on this list, but they will definitely get the job done if you are looking for something affordable for music production or live DJing.
The more balanced sound also makes these headphones a great choice if you listen to multiple styles of music—bass-heavy genres like EDM and rap as well as less bassy styles like instrumental, rock or acoustic. The Pro-10 packs enough punch in the low end that you’ll still get to enjoy the bassy parts of bass music without making other styles of music sound unnatural. That said, if your philosophy when it comes to bass headphones is “The bassier the better,” then you may want to check out some of the other headphones on this list that can really bring the bass.
If you do pick these headphones up, I’d highly recommend you grab a hardshell case as well, which will protect your Pro-10 during travel.
Choosing Your Bass Headphones
Choosing a pair of bass headphones comes down to balancing three characteristics: sound profile, features, and price. We'll take a closer look at each of these considerations to help you figure out which of the above options is right for you.
Bass Headphones Sound Profile
If you're reading this article, it's safe to assume that you want to enjoy the bass frequencies of your music. While all of the above headphones have well-above-average bass, some are still bassier than others. Before deciding on a pair of bass headphones, you'll need to ask yourself if you are looking for as much bass as you can possibly get, or simply enough bass to enjoy your music.
If you want the most powerful bass available, then the Skullcandy Crusher is easily the winner for you. The Crusher has a built-in volume knob just for the bass frequencies, which can be turned up to ridiculously high levels.
If you're a little worried about the Crusher's downsides described in the review, then I'd recommend the two Sony models and the Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 as some bass-heavy alternatives. These headphones aren't as insanely bassy as the Crusher, but they still have thick bass regions and don't have some of the Crusher's more frustrating design elements.
Finally, if you are looking for a relatively balanced sound profile, with bass that is present but not overtuned, then I would highly recommend the ATH-M50x or the Soundcore Life 2. The ATH-M50x definitely sounds better, but it doesn't have as many features as the Life 2—more on that in the next section!
Features
Sound is obviously the most important consideration when buying a pair of bass headphones, but features are pretty important as well.
Features are important because they may make it more likely for you to actually use and enjoy using your bass headphones. For example, you might end up wearing your headphones more if you get a wireless pair than if you get a wired one—simply because it is liberating not having to deal with a wire. But this isn't necessarily the case for everyone. If you know yourself and value sound above everything else, then maybe you don't care about the extras.
One feature I would like to specifically draw attention to is active noise cancellation (ANC). While ANC is maybe not a big deal to you if you primarily listen to music in quiet listening environments, it can be absolutely game-changing if you plan on listening in louder places like planes or subways. This is one feature that can make a huge difference in your music experience, even if it isn't explicitly related to audio quality.
Price
Last but certainly not least, price! The above list was specifically chosen to have something for every budget. As a general rule, you get what you pay for when it comes to audio equipment, but you can rest easy knowing that the products listed here have been selected because they are the best in their respective ranges.
I recommend getting a case for every one of the headphones on this list unless they come with a hard-shell case already, but this is particularly important if you get one of the more expensive products. Protect your investment with something like this for the ATH-M50xBT.
Best Earbuds for Bass
If you prefer the feel of earbuds (or earphones in some circles), definitely check out the bass-pounding Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earphones.
The most important factor to consider with earbuds is battery life. Or at least it is for me. No one likes running out of power mid-journey.
The Powerbeats last up to nine hours, or 24 if you use the charging case. That is a solid amount of power. Nine hours is enough for most commutes.
These earbuds also feature Apple's H1 headphone chip and Class 1 Bluetooth, meaning you've got extended range and minimum drop out.
The reinforced design offers protection against sweat and water, making this perfect for jogging.
While the Powerbeats may lack the same pow as its headphones counterpart, they've still got enough bass to make your ears rattle (in a good way, of course).
Best Gaming Headset
While some music purists will laugh at the thought of using a gaming headset to listen to music, if you're looking to save money and kill two birds with one stone, the HyperX Cloud Mix is darn near flawless.
The Cloud Mix doesn't look like a typical gaming headset, meaning there's no bright colors and toy-like design. The mic even detaches to make this beast look like a normal set of high-end headphones.
The mic has some serious quality to it, which your teammates will thank you for. That said, how others here you isn't all the important. It's all about the audio quality.
The dual chambers do a great job of keeping noise out. It's also worth mentioning these headphones are hi-res certified, so if you've got a solid amp set up, these headphones will sound even more crisp.
Real talk for a minute here, I'm literally writing this with my Cloud Mix on. The audio quality, both for music and in-game, is exceptional. The bass is lacking, but there's enough there for a gentle hum.
Do not write gaming headsets off as being cheap hunks of plastic, because if you do, you'll be missing out on some killer tech. Honestly, High-End Gaming Headsets are well worth checking out.
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