Top 20 Best Headphones – Ranking 2021

We have seen many collections on the net containing information about the characteristics of various popular models and the absence of any useful information for the user. In our ranking of the best headphones of 2021, we bring to your attention products that have been carefully studied in reviews and in practice. Leaders (in our opinion) can be conditionally divided into several classes:

• TWS earphones: This type of earphone does not require cables and provides the highest level of comfort when listening to music. This rule does not apply during physical activity, because the headphones fall out.
• sports headset – Bluetooth headphones of this type are distinguished by the presence of a wire between the ear cushions, and this fixation allows you to keep them on your neck if you are engaged in physical exercises: running, jumping, etc.
• oversized headphones: we are talking about over-ear headphones that provide the user with better sound isolation. As practice shows, full-size wired headphones delight with the highest sound quality, suggest the most accurate placement. Having a good microphone is considered a priority option for gamers. Many people choose wireless analogues for traveling, playing music from a smartphone, etc.

As practice shows, comparing different models of devices with each other comes down to an analysis of the main characteristics indicated in the description. For example:

1. Resistance;
2. Sensitivity;
3. Frequency range;
4. Volume;
5. Weight.

In fact, by themselves, these values ​​say little. It is necessary to compare the frequency response, the reproduction of different frequencies (bass, midrange, treble) in order to understand the characteristics of different types of gadgets: plug-in (droplets or headphones), monitor (overhead), vacuum (in-channel), full-size for games with a good microphone. In addition, placement, virtual stage and many other criteria must be considered. We tried to consider a number of criteria for collecting worthy gadgets in one place.

Good inexpensive headphones

This section presents inexpensive models of headphones of different types: vacuum cleaners, full-size, others. We have set ourselves the task of finding quality products for listening to music. For sports or games, of course, you need a more expensive model.

1MORE Piston Fit E1009

The top of the best headphones opens with the 1More Piston Fit E1009 model, which has an ergonomic design, good sensitivity and a loyal price. The brand quickly won its target audience thanks to the good value for money of almost the entire line of headphones. As for this version, it has a recognizable appearance, which is confirmed by the notches on the aluminum parts of the product. This material as a whole speaks of a long service life – the model compares favorably with its cheap and low-quality Chinese counterparts. The product is equipped with a high quality plug. It has a low resistance level of 32 ohms.

Advantages:

• beautiful body;
• the level of sound insulation;
• elegant design;
• good sensitivity.

Flaws:

• ear quality.

Panasonic RP-HT161

In search of good budget over-ear headphones for several years, many users have opted for the Panasonic RP-HT161. The headset received fairly large 30mm dynamic drivers. Bowls are designed for a wide target audience. Judging by the comments, the product guarantees a balanced and deep sound, taking into account the cost of the product. In terms of practicality, soft ear cushions should be noted, as well as a good level of sound insulation. An adjustable headband design is provided; The assembly includes a fairly large and durable cable. The full frequency range is available: from 10 to 27 thousand Hz.

Advantages:

• soft ear pads;
• good sound insulation;
• frequency range;
• deep sound.

Flaws:

• bass clarity.

Sennheiser HD 206

We are talking about high-quality inexpensive on-ear headphones for playing music from your phone to your car, while hiking and much more. Despite the low cost, the headset has a high class of sound insulation and attracts with high-quality assembly. In particular, this is a three-meter cable with a Jack 3.5 connector. Headphones of the Sennheiser HD 206 series support playback speeds from 21 to 18 thousand hertz. There are no complaints about the quality of dynamic emitters of this company even in the entry-level sector. Of course, the democratic price tag is noticeable in terms of the practicality of the ear pads, since cheap materials were used in terms of placement.

Advantages:

• cable quality;
• good sound;
• good sound insulation;
• reliable brand.

Flaws:

• Definitely not for gaming.

JBL C100SI

The best budget headphones of 2021 are the JBL C100SI, which have high sensitivity and impedance values. High-quality sound is achieved through the use of neodymium speakers with a diameter of 9 mm, the power of which is 5 watts. The scanning frequency is from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, the design provides for a sufficiently long cable 1.2 meters long, a remote control with a microphone. With the help of the last structural element, you can receive incoming calls. It should be noted an excellent package, which includes 3 types of ear pads.

Advantages:

• good headphone fit
• quality microphone;
• sensitivity 100dB;
• big speakers.

Flaws:

The best wireless headphones for music

This category includes mid-range TWS earphones designed for regular customers who love listening to music. We took into account the frequency response when playing bass, vocals and high frequencies. At the same time, we gave preference to customer reviews, as we understand that a lot depends on the perception and feelings of each person, and not just on indicators of comparison of real data.

Beats by Dre Powerbeats Pro

The Beats model from Dre Powerbeats Pro with a frequency of 20 to 20,000 Hz joins the list of good headphones for the phone. The Bluetooth headset maintains a stable signal at a distance of up to 10 meters. Judging by the comments, without a case, the battery life can be 9-10 hours. At the same time, TWS headphones are charged in just 5 minutes, about an hour and a half of listening to music. This line has high quality moisture protection and can be used during light workouts. The kit includes ear pads in four sizes at once, there is a USB-A type charging cable and a case for carrying and storing the device.

Advantages:

• good equipment;
• good frequency;
• battery life;
• quick pairing;
• protected cover.

Flaws:

• average sensitivity.

JBL Tune 225TWS Ghost Edition

Continuing the theme of high-quality TWS headphones, I would like to mention the JBL Tune 225TWS Ghost Edition model from the popular T-Series line. The headset is suitable for different users, 7 design options are available at the same time. The advantages of this product include high-quality passive sound insulation, which, of course, cannot be compared with active sound insulation, but the price is beyond doubt. The size of the speakers is 12mm, which indicates a good full disclosure of the frequency range. The headset pleases with rich bass, JBL Pure Bass technology is implemented. The autonomy of the device is 5 hours from the battery and 20 hours when using the case.

Advantages:

• bluetooth 5.0 support;
• Pure Bass technology
• good sound insulation;
• multicolor.

Flaws:

• bud quality.

Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2S

Looking at good wireless in-ear headphones, it’s hard not to notice the Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2S series model, which belongs to the True Wireless class. In terms of cost, you can understand that this device belongs to the middle level, but in terms of sound quality it surpasses many competitors. Users appreciate the level of noise isolation, ergonomic design and support for the progressive aptX HD codec. The dynamic drivers are over 14 millimeters in diameter, which is great for a TWS. Battery life reaches 5 hours. Together with the case, the indicator can reach 16 hours. The headset is equipped with an infrared sensor, which makes it easy to control playback.

Advantages:

• autonomy time;
• pure sound;
• progressive codec;
• convenient design.

Flaws:

1More Stylish True Wireless

In our humble opinion, the best TWS earbuds of 2021 are the 1More Stylish True Wireless, which supports earbuds when used separately. The advantages of the device include the progressive Qualcomm aptX codec, thanks to which you can transmit signals of excellent quality. Headphones work on the basis of the Bluetooth 5.0 interface. The small device received a thoughtful ergonomic design with a convenient location of controls. In this case, you can use voice calls. It is worth adding that dynamic drivers are implemented, supplemented by a composite titanium diaphragm, which indicates an extraordinary sound.

Advantages:

• three charges;
• large battery;
• sound quality;
• comfortable shape.

Flaws:

Rating of in-ear headphones for sports

This category includes in-ear headphones with a wire in between. This type of design allows you to do active exercises (running, walking, squatting, swimming, etc.) and you don’t have to worry about losing the ear pads. Given the purpose, we have focused on devices with a high class of case protection. This will allow you to use the headset for a long time.

JBL Endurance SPRINT

The JBL Endurance SPRINT series of headphones complete the rating, the ear cushions of which are equipped with a special ear hook. There is a good built-in microphone, also waterproof. The quality of the last element is questionable in terms of voice accuracy. The case is made according to the IPX7 standard, Bluetooth 4.2 is responsible for sound transmission. It is worth noting a decent level of noise isolation, as well as the sound quality of medium frequencies (vocals). For listening to music from your phone, this is definitely a good option. Touch control is implemented, quick pairing with a music source is achieved. The battery life is 8 hours, which is justified by the presence of a large battery. Charging takes about 2 hours.

Advantages:

• passive soundproofing;
• tactile control;
• protection class IPX7;
• battery life.

Flaws:

• microphone quality.

Koss Sporta Pro

As you can see from the photo, we are talking about a sporty version of high-quality in-ear headphones from Koss. The model of the Sporta Pro series provides the possibility of wearing a headband, can be worn behind the neck. For comfortable operation, engineers of a reliable brand took care of a collapsible design. The kit includes a high-quality cover, and the cable itself is reinforced with Kevlar thread. The declared frequency range is 15-25000 Hz, the sensitivity level is approximately 103 dB. It can be connected via 3.5mm and 6.35mm jacks. Customer reviews confirm excellent sound insulation even in areas populated by cars.

Advantages:

• kevlar thread;
• sensitivity 103dB;
• careful design;
• reliable manufacturer.

Flaws:

HUAWEI AM61 Sport Lite

Definitely good sports Bluetooth headphones come from HUAWEI. The AM61 Sport Lite series headset is a durable in-ear headphone that is resistant to moisture, as the housing is built according to the IP52 standard. According to the developers, the battery life in standby mode can reach 10 days. This is quite real, because the battery capacity is 135 mAh. There is no doubt about the purity of the sound, because 11 mm dynamic drivers are implemented. It takes about 80 minutes to fully charge the device, which is an excellent indicator. The device has a stylish design, easy to use.

Advantages:

• case quality;
• pure sound;
• recharging in 80 minutes;
• convenient design.

Flaws:

• outdated bluetooth v 4.1.

AfterShokz Aeropex

The best headphones for sports, according to the editors, are models of the AfterShokz Aeropex series with support for bone conduction technology. Thanks to the use of PremiumPitch + 2, a design that completely covers the ears has been achieved, and this is definitely an affordable solution. Judging by user reviews, the headset is pressed gently and does not create discomfort during use. Piezodynamic drivers guarantee excellent sound quality. Specifications include an IPX67 rating and secure behind-the-ear support. Therefore, even with sudden or sharp acceleration, you do not need to worry about losing your gadget. Battery life is 6 hours.

Advantages:

• clean bass;
• self-employment;
• strong support;
• emitter quality;
• immersion in water to a depth of 1 meter.

Flaws:

The best premium TWS headphones

This section of the publication presents models for true connoisseurs of high-quality sound. I want to note that all models in this category have excellent sound when playing different frequencies. We cannot afford to say which one is better in this regard, as the question is ambiguous and controversial. You can independently compare the frequency response (frequency response) and draw a conclusion yourself. We took into account a number of parameters and shared our personal opinion, but we could be wrong.

Sony WF-1000XM3

The list of quality headphones with active noise cancellation opens with the cult model of the Sony WF-1000XM3 series with the QN1e processor. The headset supports 6mm drivers which provide stable sound even when compared to more famous TWS competitors. The model supports SBC and AAC codecs, so it works well with smartphones on different operating systems. One of the features is the ability to connect to the sound source of each individual headset. According to the manufacturer and experts, this allows for a more stable connection. The benefits also include support for the Digital Sound Enhancement Engine, which provides great sound when working with streaming services.

Advantages:

• synchronization with different services;
• serial connection;
• sound quality;
• fits perfectly in the ears;
• powerful processor

Flaws:

• fairly large body.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

When considering premium Bluetooth headphones, it’s hard to ignore the popularity of the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live with its powerful noise canceling technology. Even on the subway, this headset delivers great sound, which is rare when using a TWS headset. The powerful sound comes from the 12mm drivers, which reproduce low and high frequencies quite cleanly and clearly. Support for AAC (high bit rate encoding) is provided. As part of 3 microphones with noise reduction, there is a bone conduction sensor – there are no complaints about voice transmission. The interlocutors hear the sound very clearly. With fast charging support, you can extend battery life up to 60 minutes in just 5 minutes.

Advantages:

• size of dynamic emitters;
• fast charging;
• microphone quality;
• excellent AAC codec;
• good ups and downs.

Flaws:

Apple AirPods Pro

The best TWS headphones come with Apple’s premium line of AirPods Pro, which syncs perfectly with the manufacturer’s iPhone. Flagship-quality in-ear headphones perform superbly at a wide range of frequencies, from high and medium to low. This line received a more ergonomic design – the engineers of the American company managed to reduce the size, but at the same time the weight increased. Each earbud now weighs 5.4 grams. The case received moisture protection according to the IPX4 standard, which increases the range of the headset. One charge is enough to listen to music in active mode for 5 or more hours. The capacity of the case, in turn, is enough to increase autonomy up to 24 hours.

Advantages:

• fast charging;
• self-employment;
• improved design;
• guarded guardianship;
• sound quality;
• noise reduction system.

Flaws:

Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 2

The best active noise-cancelling headphones of 2021, in our opinion, are the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 premium line. The second generation of this series has incorporated all the advantages of its predecessor, including design. At the same time, the engineers of the well-known company took care of a number of improvements: increased operating time, a modernized case and comfortable ear pads. The hardware base of the headphones is represented by the presence of 7mm drivers supporting a frequency range from 5Hz to 21000Hz, with support for the latest version of Bluetoth 5.1, as well as popular codes AAC and aptX. The battery life is 7 hours without using a case. To extend the battery life to 90 minutes, simply charge the headset for 10 minutes.

Advantages:

• really fast charging;
• noise reduction quality;
• better autonomy;
• modernized building;
• sound quality.

Flaws:

The best headphones for gaming

When choosing clothes for this collection, we paid less attention to frequency response analysis, since the target audience, as a rule, is guided by the quality of placement, as well as the capabilities of the microphone. Among other things, long gaming sessions require a comfortable headband. We compared all the reviews, used the useful experience of high-end solutions and tried to highlight the clear leaders against the background of analogues. In fairness, we note that there are gaming headsets much better than stated.

Logitech G PRO X

The model is not new, but still enjoys the attention of the players. Good full-size headphones with a high-quality microphone and support for Blue Voice technology. The latter is responsible for improving voice transmission, and also helps eliminate unnecessary noise. We are pleased that many users use these headphones exclusively for listening to music, which indicates good playback quality. The assembly is also pleasant: the cable received a dense braid of fabric, with a strong bend, the probability of damage to the structure is minimal, the microphone received a reliable tube that bends well. The headband of the headphones is made of steel and aluminum, but painted in matte black, which leaves marks on it. Upholstery – faux leather, pleasant to the touch. Among the pluses is the Blue Voice app with lots of microphone settings.

Advantages:

• narrow virtual stage;
• excellent positioning;
• comfortable headband;
• tight cord;
• proprietary application.

Flaws:

• uncomfortable design;
• dirty bowls.

SteelSeries Arctis Pro

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro model has been added to the list of gaming headsets, which compares favorably with its analogues by supporting DTS Headphone X 2.0 technology. As part of testing in games such as Battlefield and Counter-Strike, the headset pleased with an excellent level of placement. Actually, in terms of listening to different music, everything is fine. The built-in source allows you to realize high frequencies in a completely pure form. Expressiveness is slightly lost in the case of deep bass. The advantages of the Arctis Pro series are large drivers that are at a more powerful level than the simple version. Speaker size 40 mm. A 4-pin mini plug is used as the connection interface.

Advantages:

• bass reproduction;
• there is DTS Headphone X 2.0;
• test in games;
• group quality.

Flaws:

HyperX Cloud Orbit S

Speaking of advanced headphones for gamers, it is difficult to ignore the HyperX Cloud Orbit S model with Magniplanar driver support. Many buyers are confused that the headset has built-in batteries, but does not support wireless connection. Obviously, for games, a wired connection has a higher priority and batteries in this case are an additional “chip” and, in our opinion, unjustified, but we could be wrong. The connection is made using 3.5 mm drivers. As for the sound, it is at a very good level. Experts note the high level of detail and the width of the scene. It should be noted a clear and hard bass. There are no complaints about convenience. Sensitivity level 120 dB.

Advantages:

• latitude of the place of action;
• chic detail;
• clean bass;
• positioning.

Flaws:

• there is no wireless connection, but there are batteries.

Sony WH-1000XM4

The best over-ear headphones of 2021 are the Sony WH-1000XM4, the continuation of the iconic line. In fact, this is an ideal headset in terms of sound quality. This series supports voice assistants. Fast charging up to 10 minutes for 5 hours of use is provided, which is an amazing indicator. The quality of the implementation of active noise reduction deserves special attention, NFC support is implemented. There is support for the LDAC codec, which allows you to listen to lossless audio. It is worth noting the presence of an optimized design, implemented and adapted for the convenience of various user groups. In turn, the DSP processor and amplifier with DSEE HX technology demonstrate a qualitative improvement in any sound. A full charge cycle of the headphones takes 30 hours.

Advantages:

• there is Alexa and Google Assistant;
• self-employment;
• sound enhancement technologies;
• wireless connection;
• productive processor.

Flaws:

How to choose good headphones?

We have already tried to reveal the characteristics of different types of devices, highlighting their pros and cons. For those users who do not know how to choose headphones, we also noticed that technical characteristics such as sensitivity (dB), impedance (Ohm) and frequency range (Hz) do not carry any semantic meaning. For example, the last parameter can be extremely high, but the human ear perceives the sound of certain frequencies and simply does not perceive more than 20,000 Hz. As for the recommendations of many experts, it is worth paying attention to the most important parameters:

1. LF (low frequencies) is bass that should not be exaggerated, but accurate. It is good if there is an increase in the upper frequencies of the bass, which smoothly pass into the mids. You can view the real image with various frequency response analysis resources.
2. MF (mid range) is a voice that should sound natural without mixing with the sound of other musical instruments. Ideally, the center should have a slight accent at the bottom.
3. HF (Treble) – This indicator is usually best implemented in expensive TWS and on-ear headphones.
4. Positioning – the accuracy of determining the source of the sound, which is very important in the process of reproducing the voice of the participants in the game. In addition, a well-implemented setting provides a high-quality immersion in movies and other content.
5. Virtual stage: the stage can be narrow, stretched in depth or width, but the size of the image is not perceived. Unfortunately, it is difficult to determine the quality of the implementation of this feature on your own, but you can look at the reviews of reputable bloggers to get an honest review.

The list of features is far from final, we just made it clear that it is extremely difficult to figure out the sound quality based only on the stated descriptions, look at reviews and compare headphones using special resources.

What are the best headphones to buy in 2021?

Therefore, there are a huge number of different types of headphones on sale. If you do not know which headphones to buy, you need to answer a number of questions: how often do you use the device, where do you listen to music, for what purposes do you buy (for music, for communication, games or sports). Depending on the tasks set, we identified leaders, in our opinion:

1. The best headphones for sports – AfterShokz Aeropex;
2. Inexpensive headphones – JBL C100SI;
3. The best wireless headphones for price and quality – 1More Stylish True Wireless;
4. Premium TWS headphones for music – Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 2;
5. Best Wireless Gaming Headphones – Sony WH-1000XM4
6. On-ear headphones with excellent noise cancellation – HyperX Cloud Orbit S.