The way you enjoy your music is best described as a personal experience when using a bass-heavy headphone. Some prefer to hear club-thumping and bone-shaking bass, which is why a good bass headphone is essential.
With dozens of music listening devices in the marketplace, only a handful are made by the best headphone brands. We tested at least a dozen headphones that can deliver good bass, and the ones I found to be of higher quality are below.
Do keep in mind, very loud music with bass might not be healthy for your eardrums in the long run. Now that we got that disclaimer out of the way, there are several features you want in a wireless headphone with good bass.
Good Over-Ear Bass Headphones – Buying Guide
Wireless Bass Headphone With Alexa Voice Control
Budget Friendly Studio Headphones
Skullcandy Crusher S6CRW-K590
Cheapest Bass Boosted Headphones
Wired Exceptional Sound Quality
Celebrity Preferred Over-Ear Headphones
Cheap Headphones With Good Bass
Design Style
Most high-quality bass headphones are made with the over-the-ear design style. It is the noise canceling feature that blocks out noise from your surrounding area. Headphones that cover the ear are commonly used for studio music production or quiet enjoyment of favorite songs at home.
Are their earbuds that can deliver bass, yes. But not like the type of chest-pounding bass from any decent over the ear headphone. A well-designed bass headphone will also deliver excellent vocals, drums, and other musical instruments.
Comfortable to Wear
Another buying metric to pay close attention to is how comfortable the headphone feels. Is the earcup material that covers the ear irritating or not?
It is better to get one that fits tightly! The most annoying thing is to get one that is constantly falling off your head as you move around.
The Durability of the Materials
A good bass headphone is only as durable as the materials it is made out of. The two most outer areas of a headphone are the headband loop and the tiny speakers’ covers. It is better to get one with an adjustable loop to make it easier to fit most human heads comfortably.
The over the ear covers are usually made out of leather or hybrid materials. The fabric/leather material should not deteriorate from sweat contact. Durability is a key factor when searching through the list of best bass over-ear headphones found in the marketplace.
Should Price Matter?
Unfortunately, it does play a critical role in the type, and brand you’ll end up ordering online. It is also possible to get good sound quality from bass headphones costing under 100 bucks! The high-end brands like Sennheiser, Bose, Technica, Beats By Dr. Dre, etc, do spend large amounts on research, which ultimately leads to the production of better bass headphones.
I reviewed some of the cheaper brands and found most to have longevity issues. Yes, the cheaper bass headphones can deliver excellent sound quality, but it would be naive of you to expect the same performance metrics as a Bose headphone.
Wireless vs. Wired Headphones
You should let your lifestyle guide you when choosing between wired or wireless headphones. If you value portability and hate dealing with dangling wires, a wireless headphone will be your best choice. On the other hand, those that are into online gaming might prefer the stability offered by wired headphones.
Are their sound quality differences? Probably not! This is especially true when selecting from high-end brands. Most smart digital devices are capable of accepting Bluetooth connection from wireless headphones, but not all devices will accept a wired connection. A perfect example, are the latest iPhone models. Newer iPhone models are designed to work only with Bluetooth connected headphones.
In simple terms, a wired headphone would be ideal while seating at a desk or at home listing to your music. A wireless headphone allows one to take music on the road without the hassle of dealing with protruding wires.
Best Headphones For Bass And Sound Quality
1 – Bose QuietComfort 35 – Streamlined Wireless/Wired Bass Headphone With Alexa Voice Control
The name Bose is recognized all over the world as one of the most desirable headphone brands. The design of the oval earcups is conservative as compared to other high-end headphones. It is available for purchase in silver, triple-midnight, and black.
This is a significant upgrade from the QC25. The headband is designed to rest comfortably on your head. The earcups are covered with real leather materials.
Let’s take a close look at some of the features:
Connection And Pairing
I have used over a dozen headphones in the past, but nothing compares to this unit. The pairing mode can be reached by pushing the power slider. The hookup with your digital device is seamless since it has NFC pairing capabilities.
On other digital devices, pairing can be accomplished by following the prompts from the selection menu. The pairing with any device needs to be done only once. Also, it is quite easy to alternate hearing music from connected devices.
Battery Life
Since it is wireless, the battery life is probably the longest lasting I have witnessed. Bose claims the battery will last about 20-hours with regular use.
You can expect the longevity of the battery to be influenced by the way it is utilized. It is also possible to use the Bose QC35 as a wired connection using the included audio cable.
Bose QuietComfort 35 Mic & Noise Cancellation
Another excellent feature is the Mic. Even if you’re in a crowded area, your phone conversation will be smooth and noise free. I made calls in different settings and the other party could hear me loud and clear without any interruptions. This unit will be an ideal replacement for the Apple earbud!
Sound Quality
It is able to optimize both the bass and sound quality automatically. Bose QuietComfort 35 is intuitive and capable of delivery big bass sounds. This unit is one of the best headphones for bass and sound quality.
To get better functionality, it is crucial you download the free Bose Connect APP. The Bose APP provides seamless integration with any Bluetooth phone. Amazingly, most of what this headphone can do can be adjusted to suit your personal preference.
Is The Bose QC35 Alexa Enabled?
Yes, it is! Simply use your voice to get access to information, movies, music, and much more.
Difference Between Bose QuietComfort 25 and 35?
The QC35 is the newer version of the QC25. Unlike the Bose Quiet Comfort 25, the QuietComfort 35 can be used either wired or wireless. The QC35 also is more modern and will work well with home and portable digital devices.
Is the Quiet Comfort Bose 35 Headphone Better than Beats By Dr. Dre?
That would depend on the individual user, but it has a superior noise canceling feature.
PROS:
It is intuitive and able to output your music just the way it was created in the studio.
Bose QC35 looks like it was made from only high-quality materials.
You get a lifetime warranty with your purchase. Do read some of the limitations. Each original Bose QC35 comes with a unique serial number that must not be altered for the warranty to remain valid.
CONS:
It is pricey and probably out of reach of the average consumer.
Due to its popularity, it is a favorite of knock-off manufacturers.
2 – Audio-Technica ATH-M50x – Budget Friendly Studio Headphones
After testing the QC35 it was quite difficult to get to the other headphones from other reputable brands. The ATH-M50x from Audio-Technica is an impressive headphone but lacks some of the modern design of the Bose unit. It is available for purchase in five different colors.
It has a modern look and I thought the headband design was a better fit as compared to the more expensive one from Bose. The headband is insulated with a leather-like material, which made it fit snugly tight. The earcups are just as soothing, even with many hours of use. You can read about Audio-Technica history to learn how this company managed to thrive in this cut-throat niche market.
Some of the Features of the M50x Headphone
Sound Quality
The sound quality will surprise many of you. While you would not get chest-thumping bass, I found the bass sound outputted to be exact. In my humble opinion, the bass outputted by the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is comparable to the one from Bose Quiet Comfort 35.
Design
This is another metric I found surprisingly very good. It had the feel of a high-end headphone just without the higher price tag. It is far more comfortable to wear because of the cushioning material of the headband.
Is it as comfortable to wear like the Bose? Definitely, yes! But the earcups are not as tight fitting. Unlike the Bose that shuts off the surrounding sound, this headphone will allow them in at different levels.
Connection
Forget about Bluetooth connection as this headphone works with a 3.5mm cable jack. Meaning, it is a wired headphone and can only be used in older iPhones. On the other hand, intense online gamers will find these headphones appropriate. Just plug in the jack into the right digital device and your music will be instantly outputted.
PROS:
Has the look and feel of a higher priced bass headphone.
While it is not the cheapest bass headphone, the pricing is quite budget friendly with some impressive qualities.
There are thousands of online reviews for this product. It’s rated highly on Amazon.com.
CONS:
The warranty period is not as generous (only good for two years).
Lacks a few modern features like Bluetooth connectivity
Forget about using it to make phone calls as it lacks a Microphone.
3 – Skullcandy Crusher S6CRW-K590 – Cheapest Bass Boosted Headphones
Another headphone that delivered a decent bass sound is from Skullcandy. This brand is the brainchild of a notorious out of the box thinker – Rick Alden. I found the headband design to be comfortable and the cups will fit nicely over the ears.
While the design quality is on par with the Bose QC35, I cannot say the same for the sound quality. This is a good beginner friendly wireless headphone with the ability to deliver immersive haptic bass.
Both the headband and noise isolating levels are adjustable. You can read the story of how Skullcandy was established.
Some of the Notable Features
Design
If I gave you Skullcandy Crusher headphone and the Bose headphone to hold in the dark you probably would choose the former as the best. It has a rich design look. While I am not 100% certain the material covering the earcup is made out of leather, it does look and feel like one.
Another design aspect that makes this product one of the best cheap bass headphones is the headband design. It is covered by a material that looks like fabric but is actually a type of softer plastic.
The earcups are just as comfortable! Those with smaller ear might feel the cup covering it entirely. This allowed outputted music to feel up-close and personal. You do get a rich bass sound from the Skullcandy crusher wireless headphone.
How Did The Mic Perform?
The microphone performed much better than I expected. The controls for the Mic can be used for volume adjustment including making and ending calls.
Sound
The sound from this unit will surprise most people that try it out. The bass coming out of this wireless headphone from Skullcandy will blow your mind because it is that good. Watching a movie with this headphone will bring you closer to the action. You’ll hear production or actor noises that were not meant for public consumption.
Does it Have True Noise Cancellation?
Of course not, especially at this price point. It does have a feature called noise isolation. It is similar to true noise cancellation but less effective. Any loud background noise will be transmitted during phone calls.
I wish it had true noise cancellation like the one from Bose, but it does not. But then again, how often do you make phone calls in a noisy area? Meaning, it is not as crucial a feature as most headphone enthusiasts will have you believe. The sound outputted is loud, crystal-clear, and concise.
PROS:
It is budget friendly, and comes with many features beginners and experts will appreciate.
Both the headband and the earcups incorporate a high-end design style.
It has incredible longer lasting battery power (40-Hours with regular use)
Bluetooth pairing with your devices is quite easy to accomplish. Just turn the Skullcandy headphone on and the paring begins immediately.
CONS:
The absence of a true noise cancellation feature might impact how it is utilized.
Do not expect the earcups to swivel horizontally.
4 – Sennheiser HD 650 – Wired Exceptional Sound Quality
If what you’re seeking is an absolute sound quality you should buy the Sennheiser HD 650 headphones. Ask any audiophile about the brand name Sennheiser and you’re most likely to hear good things about the many products they sell.
How did this company survive over 70-years in this tough business? By thinking outside the box and having a great research and development team. It is a better headphone for reproducing realistic studio sounds. Here is the link to read more about the Sennheiser brand.
Design & Comfort
The HD 650 Sennheiser headphones are not only aesthetically pleasing but also comfortable to wear. You can tell a product is of good quality when Chinese manufacturers try their best to copy its design style without much success.
The headband has a rich plastic feel to it, while the earcups are covered with luxurious fabric. The outside of the earcups has a wire mesh design style. You might not realize it is sturdy and well made just by looking at it.
The elliptical design of the HD 650 earcups allows the headphones to adapt to your ears without friction. The headband can be adjusted to fit most head sizes. It is lightweight, and you might forget you have it on if not for the music playing.
This amazing headphone from Sennheiser will do justice to any type of music including jazz, classical, rock, disco, or just plain instrumental with treble mixed in. The pros of owning this audio player might be too numerous to list, but here are the major ones
Best Uses for the HD 650 Sennheiser headphones
While you can take it on the road with you, this device performs better when used in a quiet room. It is suitable for use with home audio with HiFi stereo sounds. The right indoor environment will allow the HD 650 Sennheiser headphones to shine like the genuine masterpiece it was designed to be.
PROS:
It is made by a company with impeccable credentials. There are many headphones manufacturers that have come and gone, while Sennheiser is still thriving.
Sennheiser HD 650 Headphones are made to deliver exceptional sound quality. It is one of the best audio music enablers one can find online. You get to hear the exact sound without any harshness.
It has a sleek design style that makes it comfortable to wear. The adjustable headband makes it ideal for people with bigger heads.
CONS:
It offers a wired connection and does a poor job isolating outside noises. Any ambient noise within your listening area will come in loud and clear.
While it is cheaper than the Bose Comfort 35, the pricing might still keep it out of the reach of many consumers.
The warranty is not as generous since it is only limited to two years.
5 – Beats Studio3 – Celebrity Preferred Over-Ear Headphones Owned By Apple
The Beats Studio3 headphones is as classy like the Bose QC35, except for in one particular area. Beats by Dr. Dre is now a fully owned Apple subsidiary. I almost fell off my seat when it was announced in 2014 that Apple computers will buy the company called Beats by Dr. Dre.
They paid slightly over 3billion dollars, a significant sum for a less than a decades-old company. It shows you what creativity in design and marketing can do to grow any business. Apple made a huge announcement when the deal was first announced.
Why are celebrities like Lebron James, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, etc, enamored with this product? Is it because they’re paid to, or the Headphones are just so spectacular? For headphones comparable to beats, the Bose QC35 is just as good, if not better!
Amazingly, it is available for purchase in eleven different colors, which is a significant selling point when comparing it to other high-end over the ear headphones.
The Design
You can see the Apple touch all around the design features of the Beats Studio3 wireless headphones. While the headband is made out of rich matte plastic, it is quite sturdy once you get to handle the device. You do not have to worry about fingerprint smudges, as any smudges will come off easily. The control mechanism for most of the features is located on the left ear cup. It also has a micro USB port!
Is it Comfortable?
I enjoyed the feel of the plush earcups of the Beats Studio3. Since I am bald, the headband rested comfortably on my head with no discomfort of any kind. I gladly give the Studio3 an A+ for originality and creativity in design style. The headband is slightly adjustable and would fit most head sizes.
What About the Noise Cancellation?
This is one of the areas this headphone gets a lower grade than the Bose Quiet Comfort 35. It is marketed as having pure active noise canceling feature but I found it to be great in some instances and not so good in others.
Don’t get me wrong, it does a terrific job making sure your music is the only thing you hear, but there are times when outside noises will intrude. Meaning, this headphone will not entirely block out the ambient or loud noises from your listening area.
Sound Quality
I will give the Beats Studio3 an A+ for sound quality, especially the rich bass that it enables. This headphone is incredibly loud even in a lower volume setting. You get to hear your music the way it was intended.
If you watch your favorite movie again, you probably will hear silent sounds that do not come through regular audio speakers. Cordless beats by Dre headphones will output true sounds regardless of the genre of music you’re listening to.
How is Battery Life?
Beats Studio3 battery is designed to last about 20 hours with the regular use of the noise canceling feature, and longer without. From my experience, the depletion of a fully charged battery will depend on usage.
Is it Bluetooth Ready?
Yes, it is Bluetooth connectivity ready. If you’re using it with an Apple device the pairing is almost seamless and magical. Other devices are also easy to pair by using the usual Bluetooth connection procedures.
PROS:
Beats Studio3 Dre wireless headphones have a sleek classy design. You can make your selection from 11 different color choices.
It is comfortable to wear, and the bass sound out of this “bad boy” is absolutely rocking!
Beats Studio3 is designed to fold plus you get a handy travel pouch to hold the headphone when not in use.
The earcups will not leak any sound, which means someone sitting next to you will not hear what you’re listening to.
The microphone is also ideal for taking and making calls. Best of all, it will not sound like you’re on speakerphone.
CONS:
The noise canceling feature can be spotty at times based on your listening environment.
The warranty is only for one year, which is one of the lowest in the industry.
6 – COWIN SE7 – Newer Brand But Cheap Headphones With Good Bass
Truth be told, I have had my fair share of disappointments with audio products from brands that are not so well known. To get a better feel for how it performs with loud music playing, I got one from my buddy. In exchange, I lent him my Bose QC35 for a few days. I know, some of you might call me naughts for letting the Bose out of my sight, but that is the only way to come up with a credible review.
What I liked
Surprisingly, it does not feel cheap as I put it through usage paces. The headband has the same matte plastic feel like the high-end brands costing at least twice as much The headband is adjustable, which made it easy to fit into my rather large head.
The holes for the earcups are quite large and can cover smaller ears entirely. The earcups use foam materials that were covered with a leather-like material. Will the material start to peel off after many uses or sweat touching it? That I cannot answer accurately, but a good guess would be, yes. This wireless headphone from COWIN looked aesthetically pleasing.
The foldable design surprised me, to say the least. The similarity to the Beats Studio3 cannot be ignored. Even the travel pouch you get from COWIN for this headphone is also comparable to the one offered by Beats Studio3.
The Bluetooth pairing was seamless, just like the higher priced headphones from other brands. It worked fine with both Apple and Android-enabled devices. I am sure it would work fine with Microsoft enabled devices, but I did not have one to use as a test.
After two days, I found myself liking this headphone and did not yet miss my Bose QC35. The sound level is loud even at a lower setting. The bass was not chest-thumping, but noticeable, depending on your music genre.
The noise canceling feature of the COWIN SE7 is far better than the one offered by Beats Studio3. I would not encourage you to wear this device while crossing the street, as you might not hear the car honking at you to get out of the way.
The manufacturer claims the battery will last up to 30-hours on a full charge, but I only got about 22-hours usage from my fulltime test of the COWIN SE7. Truth be told, I occasionally left the headphone on while it was not in use, which probably contributed to the faster depletion of the battery power.
PROS:
It has a rich feel and easy to set up.
I wore this headphone for many hours and it stayed securely in place.
The noise canceling feature is on par with the units costing two or three times more.
The Mic enabled clearer conversations than I imagined. Not once did the other person on the line ask “are you on a speakerphone”
CONS:
The brand has been around since 2006, which is not a long time in the headphone industry.
The warranty period is about 18-months, which is less generous by industry standards.
What do you get from three nerds (Joe, Ray, and Paul) that decide to create a functioning tech gadget review site? The first is data-driven arguments lasting way into the night. You can read more…
