Tech review: The best on-ear headphones
This post was done in partnership with The Wirecutter, a buyer’s guide to the best technology.
We split the 53 finalists into three price ranges: under $50, $51-$149, and over $150. We tested each category separately, comparing all the headphones in each group, before choosing our top three based on sound, fit, size and build quality. Then we took the winning headphones from each group and tested them against each other. It was at this point we told the panelists the prices of their top picks. From there, we came up with the winners by asking ourselves which we'd spend our own money on and which we'd buy if money were no object.
Our pick
The Bose SoundTrue have the best overall balance of sound quality, size and portability, and comfort of any headphones we tested. (Wirecutter)
The Bose SoundTrue has the best overall balance of sound quality, size and portability, and comfort of any headphones we tested. (Wirecutter)
The Bose SoundTrue strikes an ideal balance of being extremely comfortable, lightweight and compact—plus they sound really good. This isn't something other headphones can claim; many pinched our ears, squeezed our heads, sounded terrible or had huge cases. Every one of the panelists gave the SoundTrues top marks for fit and comfort. The SoundTrue has boosted upper-bass and mids, and the highs are delicate and lower in the mix, so they can sound muted if you're accustomed to headphones that are more even across all frequency ranges. The Bose do have a couple of drawbacks, like using a proprietary cable you can only replace through Bose. And they don't feel as durable as all-metal headphones -- avoid sitting on them.
The runner up
Minimalist in design, the Samsung Level Ons are still much larger than the Bose SoundTrues. (Wirecutter)
Minimalist in design, the Samsung Level Ons are still much larger than the Bose SoundTrues. (Wirecutter)
If our main pick is sold out or you need a non-Apple remote, our panel also liked the $180 Samsung Level Ons. They aren't nearly as small as the Boses while in their carrying case, or as light when on your head, but the Samsungs are still comfortable to wear and sound rather good. They have a well-represented, boosted low bass and an even midrange, but higher-end frequencies are subdued, so these headphones are warmer-sounding (hip-hop bass lines are emphasized in the mix slightly more than usual, while guitars sound natural).
High-end audio pick
Three of our four panelists chose the KEF M500s as their best-sounding pick of all of the on-ears we heard. (Wirecutter)
Three of our four panelists chose the KEF M500s as their best-sounding pick of all of the on-ears we heard. (Wirecutter)
If you're more concerned with sound than size, the $300 KEF M500 is your best choice. Featuring a stylish metal housing and cushy earpads, a much bigger soundstage, clear detailed highs, and a slight mid/bass boost, the KEF were our panel's overall pick for sound quality. Every kind of music sounds amazing on the M500: voices are clear and natural with delicate consonants; guitars and piano sound natural and accurate, and bass lines are clear and rich. However, despite costing about the same as our second-place pick for best $400 over-ear headphones, the sound quality isn't quite as good.
The budget pick
With great sound for their price, and the ability to fold down to a relatively small size, the Beyerdynamic 350ps are ideal for anyone looking for a budget alternative. (Wirecutter)
With great sound for their price, and the ability to fold down to a relatively small size, the Beyerdynamic 350ps are ideal for anyone looking for a budget alternative. (Wirecutter)
If you want to spend a little less, the $60 Beyerdynamic DTX 350ps sounds far more expensive than its price tag would indicate. Best suited for rock and pop, the DTX 350ps has a slight bass and treble boost that creates an exciting sound that is detailed on top and intense on the bottom. However, the lows can sound a little blurry and uncontained compared to our top picks, and the highs can be too intense on jazz and classical, feeling a tad piercing on high-hat hits and snare drum sounds.
Wrapping it up
So if you can't stand in-ears, but you need great-sounding headphones that travel light, the Bose SoundTrue are the standouts in a large field. Take them along on your next journey. You (and your ears) will be glad you did.
This guide may have been updated. To see the current recommendation, go to TheWirecutter.com. The Wirecutter's extensive research and testing is supported by a small commission from the purchases its readers make.
