TOP-20 best headphones for sound quality: 2019-2020 rating of budget models for music and how to choose a device in the price-quality ratio + customer reviews

Modern headphones are no longer just a device for listening to music, but also a fashion accessory.

It’s not worth risking and choosing a model “by eye”: without understanding the characteristics, you can spend a large amount of money in vain.

In order not to be confused by the numerous letters, numbers and other signs on the package, you need to study the information in advance.

How to choose the sound quality?

Remember the following:

• Wider sound range - the cleaner and better the sound will be.
• Higher sensitivity - the louder the sound.
• Impedance - choose depending on what equipment you plan to use. For stationary technology, large indicators are needed, for portable - small ones are enough.
• Headphone power - Must be the same as the device producing the sound.

Rating TOP-20 of the best models

In this rating, we have put together the best models for you in terms of price, quality and reliability.

Best wired headphones for sound quality

Sony MDR-XB50AP

A model with a wide range of frequencies, a durable cord and at an affordable price. Function noise reduction allows you to listen to the player in noisy places, the wire is flat, does not get tangled.

Replaceable nozzles allow the bowls to sit firmly in the ears without falling out while walking or running.

Frequency range wide: from 4 to 24000 Hz.

Connector - mini jack 3.5 mm. The type of cable is symmetrical.

• Weight - 8 g;
• Power - 100 mW;
• Sensitivity - 106 dB.

Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

Large and weighty, but soft and comfortable closed-type headphones with excellent quality sound.

Soundproofing allows you to isolate yourself from the outside world, and your music does not bother others.

The headband is made carefully, it is comfortable, does not squeeze the head and does not press on the ears. The sound is detailed well. Headphones can be folded, bowls - rotate.

Soft lining on top.

• Cable length - 1 m;
• Connector - mini jack 3.5 mm;
• weight - 220 g;
• Sensitivity - 102 dB.

Xiaomi Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro HD

High-quality hybrid headphones for a low price good sound.

They consist of one reinforcing bar and two dynamic emitters, thanks to which you can listen to audio files in high bitrate and without sound distortion.

When buying headphones, the user will get 3 types of earbuds of different sizes.

The plug, control panel and housing are made of aluminum. The control panel is convenient.

• Cable length - 1.25 m;
• Weight - 17 g;
• Sensitivity - 98 dB;
• The frequency range is 20-40000 Hz.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Closed full-size Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones, which means that the model gives the user a clean and surround sound for little money.

The frequency range is wide - from 15 to 28000 Hz. The headband made of soft material does not cause discomfort and allows you to listen to music even while lying down.

Hold on your head firmly. In the kit there are 3 cables: 2 straight (their length is different) and 1 twisted. The length of the adapter is 6.3 mm.

Stored in a convenient travel case, folds up and takes up little space.

• Weight - 285 g;
• Sensitivity - 99 dB;
• Impedance - 38 ohms.

Sennheiser IE 4

Reliable dynamic headphones with sufficient sensitivity and outstanding sound characteristics.

The dynamic range is wide, high protection against ambient noise, excellent return to low frequencies.

The kit comes with several interchangeable capsules, so you can adjust the headphones to individual parameters.

High-quality assembly and strong plastic.

• Weight - 5 g;
• Sensitivity - 106 dB;
• Impedance - 10 Ohms;
• Cable length - 1.2 m.

The best wireless headphones for the price / quality

Sony WH-XB900N

Full-size headphones presented in 2 colors: black and white. System Active noise reduction allows you to not be distracted from listening to your favorite track on a noisy street.

Outwardly they look very stylish, the touch panel is convenient, the kit comes with a convenient case made of durable plastic.

No complaints about soft bowls. They can withstand up to 5 days without recharging.

• Codec support: AAC, aptX, aptX HD;
• Sensitivity 104 dB;
• Range of reproduced frequencies - 4-40000 Hz;
• The diameter of the membrane is 40 mm.

Apple AirPods 2 (with charging case) MV7N2

Comfortable, ergonomic mid-range headphones. Do not fall out even when running. Easy to use with Apple Wacht.

Quick synchronization, tactile signals go well. The range is large, there is a voice control function.

Thanks to the “sharing” function, you can listen to any audio through 2 pairs of AirPods headphones.

Talk time is 3 hours.

• Bluetooth version - 5.0;
• Battery capacity - 398 mAh.

Xiaomi Redmi AirDots (Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic)

Affordable small earbuds. Their sleek design and low cost make These headphones are one of the most popular products in this line.

Compact, give high-quality sound, good insulation. Allow you to engage in active sports.

Connect to both Android devices and iPhone seamlessly.

The battery lasts for 10 hours. The storage case is small but convenient, made of matte plastic and fits into any pocket.

There are magnets inside the case that prevent the headphones from falling out.

• Frequency range - 20-20000 Hz;
• Impedance - 32 Ohms;
• Charging time - 1.5 hours.

Samsung Galaxy Buds +

Great wireless headphones at an affordable price, durable and lightweight. Included additional earmolds for the shift and mounts for the ears of 3 sizes (L, M, S).

Headphones can be stored in a convenient case with magnets, inside: a colored charging indicator (green - 100% charge, red - charging is still ongoing).

The search function allows the user to find headphones in the apartment. There is a proximity sensor and an accelerometer.

• Weight - 6.3 g;
• Bluetooth - 5.0;
• Battery capacity - 85 mAh.

Sony WH-1000XM3

Enhanced Model WH-1000XM2: Instead of a rough headphone coating, reminiscent of leather, bowls tightened with smooth material.

Ear pads began to cover the head not so tight, so that the skin does not sweat so much. Frequency range: 4-40000 Hz.

These headphones belong to the category of universal: they successfully work both with wires and without.

Help with this Bluetooth (with a range of 10 meters) and a wire 1.2 m long.

• Sensitivity: 101 dB;
• Resistance - 16 Ohms;
• Battery life - 30 hours.

Best full-size headphones

JBL E55BT

Mid-range headphones with good specs. Frequency range - from 20 to 20,000 Hz - and a sufficient diameter of the membranes allows you to enjoy sound from any device convenient for the user: a cell phone, a desktop computer, a laptop, a smartphone.

The battery will last 20 hours without recharging, and will charge in just 2.

• Weight - 231.6 g;
• Impedance - 32 Ohms;
• Cable length - 1.2 m.

Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC

These headphones fully pay for their high cost and sound quality, and additional functionality.

Made in classic black color with bright silver accents, the headband is securely “sitting” on the head, the folding design allows you to take headphones with you on the go.

Frequency range: 18-22000 Hz.

The headphone cups are soft and do not cause discomfort to the ears.. The microphone allows you to use headphones as a headset.

• Weight - 238 g;
• Sensitivity - 113 dB;
• Cable length - 1.4 m.

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

The high level of sound insulation and convenient bowls allow you to plunge headlong into the world music, abstracting completely from the outside world.

The twisted dense wire does not get confused and does not break, the cups can be rotated 90 degrees.

Several holes on the inside of the ear pads allow you to remove resonances (at low frequencies).

Frequency range: 15-24000 Hz.

• Weight - 240 g;
• Sensitivity - 96 dB;
• Cable length - 3 m.

JBL Live 500BT

Bluetooth is the main advantage of these headphones. Laptop mobile phone, smartphone, tablet - almost everything can be used as a sound source.

For wire lovers, there is a mini-jack and cable included.

A powerful battery allows the headphones to work without recharging up to 30 hours!

Headphones will save on the headset to the mobile, thanks to the built-in microphone, there is no need to buy this accessory.

• Weight - 232 g;
• Communication radius - 10 m;
• Battery life - 30 hours;
• Bluetooth version is 4.2.

Best earplugs

Honor AM61

In this device, synchronization occurs thanks to Bluetooth technology, which means that we can store the player or mobile phone in a bag, pocket or backpack behind our back.

The headphones are connected by a solid wire, vacuum ear pads.

Outwardly, the headphones look very attractive: black and silver, neatly assembled, they will serve as a stylish addition to any form of clothing, whether it be sports shorts, an elegant dress or a strict office suit. The mount is magnetic.

Frequency range - 20-20000 Hz.

• Weight - 10 g;
• Communication radius - 10 m;
• Battery life - up to 11 hours

JBL T110

Miniature and almost weightless model, suitable for a calm pastime, and for sports or travel.

Sound balance is achieved through the frequency range - from 20 to 20,000 Hz - as well as a resistance of 16 ohms.

Manufacturers included 3 pairs of interchangeable bowls.

• Weight - 35 g;
• Sensitivity - 100 dB;
• The diameter of the emitter membrane is 8.6 mm;
• Cable length - 1.2 m.

Sony MDR-EX650

Robust and attractive external headphones with custom earbud design. The silicone from which they are made provides good sound insulation, and the frequency dispersion from 5 to 28000 Hz - excellent and clear sound.

Brass alloy “dampens” unwanted vibrations, thereby maintaining a low level of resonance.

Syncs with smartphones.

There is a convenient storage case.

• Weight - 9 g;
• Sensitivity - 105 dB;
• Microphone sensitivity - 40 dB;
• Cable length - 1.2 m

Best over-ear headphones

BL T450BT

A universal model made in traditional black and with excellent characteristics.

Firstly, these headphones are equipped with convenient rotating cups, and secondly, due to the wide headband, they sit on the head like a “glove”, and thirdly, they can be folded, which is convenient on the way.

Frequency Response Range: 20-20000 Hz.

A convenient charging cable is included. Excellent sound insulation will allow you to enjoy your favorite tunes to the full extent, without disturbing others.

• Weight - 320 g;
• Radius of wireless communication - 10 m;
• Battery life - 10 hours;
• Bluetooth version is 4.0.

JBL E45BT

Elegant and stylish headphones with surround battery. Only 2 hours online - and yours the device will delight you with music for at least 16 hours in a row!

The kit includes a convenient cable that allows you to control both calls and hands-free music.

The control buttons are located on the cups of the headphones, so you can easily switch from the music channel to receive a phone call, and do it at home, in a crowded vehicle, and in the crowd.

The maximum frequency is 20,000 Hz, the minimum is 20 Hz.

• Weight - 186 g;
• Radius of wireless communication - 10 m;
• Battery life - up to 16 hours;
• Bluetooth version is 4.1.

Philips BASS + SHB3075

Black, wireless headphones that keep the user comfortable in cables and wires.

Comfortable soft ear pads and an adjustable headband do not create unnecessary pressure on the head and ears, the acoustic design is closed.

The maximum reproducible frequency is 21000 Hz, the minimum is 9 Hz.

Conveniently located microphone, fixed mount and a long working time make this model very popular in the market.

• Weight - 132 g;
• Radius of wireless communication - 10 m;
• Battery life - up to 12 hours;
• Bluetooth version - 4.1;
• Power - 49 mW.

Customer reviews

{{reviewsOverall}} / 5 Owners rating (2 votes)

Brand / Model Rating

Number of Voters

Sort by: LatestHighest scoreMost helpfulWorst rating

Be the first one to leave a review.

Verified

{{{review.rating_title}}}

{{{review.rating_comment | nl2br}}}

show more

{{pageNumber + 1}}

Useful video

From the video you will learn how to choose headphones: