Nowadays, you may select from a huge variety of headphones, produced by a wide range of companies. It is clear that every manufacturer wants to stand out from the rest, but only the greatest of them cope with that task.
Good headphones ensure high-quality sound and are durable enough. Their quality greatly depends on the technical specifications, build and functionality. If you are wondering how to choose the best headphones company to trust your money to, read this list of the greatest headphone manufacturers. I have compiled it based on buyers’ reviews and feedback.
1. Sennheiser
German reliability and clear sound
Sennheiser headphones are well-known and highly appreciated among music lovers. This brand has proven itself to be the best in many respects, being focused on audio equipment only. Sennheiser produces only high-end devices: microphones, mixing boards, amplifiers, audiology equipment and headphones.
Being one of the best headphones brands, Sennheiser focuses on innovations and Hi-Fi solutions when designing new products. This brand has always been focused on the quality of build and audio, regardless of the price range. It also uses cutting-edge technology achievements. The company employs a lot of world-class engineers; therefore, they are constantly developing new audio equipment.
Their products have impressive characteristics and come at a reasonable price. The manufacturer offers not models for professionals and regular music lovers. Sennheiser studio headphones and other equipment are successfully used by DJs, sound engineers, musicians, songwriters, etc.
The best models of Sennheiser headphones are the following:
Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless – the most efficient noise cancellation features;
Sennheiser HD 600 – the best value for the money;
Sennheiser HD 202 II – the best bass.
2. Audio-Technica
Japanese innovations
Audio-Technica is a well-known Japanese brand, considered to be one of the best headphone companies not only in its home country but also all over the world. Its products are presented in several segments of the audio equipment market: from acoustic pickups and vinyl turntables to professional concert sound equipment.
Audio-Technica delivers superior quality at a reasonable price. Their headphone models always have a reliable build and long service life. Besides, they are known for the irreproachable sound quality. This brand also offers a range of decent audiophile headphones produced in accordance with the main principles of the company.
Audio-Technica headphones are designed to produce signature sound. It is light, spacious, stable and accurate. Audiophiles like their high-end models for the width of the stage, a great amount of “air” and great performance. Budget models are slightly different. Here, the bass sound is emphasized. However, it doesn’t block high frequencies as they are always raised and clear.
The best models of Audio-Technica headphones:
ATH-M50X – universal foldable headphones;
ATH-ANC500BT – a budget option with noise-cancellation features;
ATH-DSR9BT – audiophile headphones.
3. Sony
Best value for the money
Sony is a technological giant from Japan that is considered to be the best brand of headphones. The reason for the amazing popularity of this brand is the superior quality of production and innovative approach. Sony offers a variety of players, headphones, TVs, smartphones, a wide range of other household and computer appliances. Purchasing Sony products, you can be sure of their quality and reliability.
All Sony headphones share two main features: superior quality and unique technological solutions. Their signature sound tends to emphasize high frequencies: clear, bright and light. Of course, it is not that obvious in the XB (Extra Bass) series, but it is an exception. Nowadays, the bass is not a decisive feature for the majority of sound-lovers.
The best models are:
Sony WH-1000XM4 – the most innovative model;
Sony WH-1000XM2 – active noise cancellation;
Sony MDR-Z1R WW2 – the most comfortable to wear.
4. Marshall
Deep bass and a retro design
Marshall is a high-quality brand offering portable headphones. Most music lovers, especially rock fans, know this brand for the great concert amplifiers. The company successfully entered the headphone market in 2014. Just like the very first models, all its products are of premium quality.
Marshall stands out among the best headphone companies for the superior comfort of its models, attractive design and excellent quality. A lot of users consider the headphones of this brand as an accessory. The sound provided by the headphones is pleasant, deep and textured.
Marshall headphones have a retro-style design. While it is somewhat similar to the design of amplifiers, Marshall headphones have their own style. Angular earcups, brass design elements, curved cables. All the Marshall headphones have decent build quality.
Marshall headphones deliver the signature sound that makes them perfect for listening to dynamic music, especially old-school rock. In general, the headphones have a V-shaped frequency response, good dynamics and decent quality for this price range.
The best Marshall models are:
Marshall Major II – universal model;
Marshall Mid ANC – active noise cancellation;
Marshall MONITOR II A.N.C – deep and balanced sound.
5. JBL
Best portable models
It’s an American company that produces acoustic and audio equipment. Being a part of the “Harman International Industries” association, JBL conquered the world of music in 2018 with their portable speakers.
However, the top positions among the company products are taken by wireless earphones. They are gaining popularity thanks to their superior quality and attractive prices. This is the reason why a lot of users consider JBL to be one of the best headphones brands.
The brand is following the concept of constant self-development and increasing quality. For example, the acoustic systems TiK released 20 years ago are still hugely popular. Not to mention new models, which are getting all kinds of awards. JBL headphones are known for a simple design, portability, comfort and a high level of noise cancellation.
The best models of JBL headphones:
JBL Tune 750BTNC – active noise cancellation;
JBL Quantum One – gaming headphones;
JBL Live 400BT – lightweight and portable.
6. Beyerdynamic
German company manufacturing studio headphones
Beyerdynamic is a well-known German headphone manufacturer and one of the best headphone companies on the market. It focuses on producing audio equipment, mainly headphones and microphones.
They gained such popularity for the superior build quality and great sound. Beyerdynamic is known for the studio monitor sound systems.
Beyerdynamic models produce even and natural sound with emphasized high frequencies. Some full-sized audiophile models have too high frequencies. For studio headphones, it is often necessary to emphasize high frequencies for technical reasons. Beyerdynamic produces not only studio and full-sized audiophile headphones. They also have budget-priced options.
The best models of Beyerdynamic headphones:
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro – open dynamic headphones;
Beyerdynamic Amiron Home – the most comfortable;
Beyerdynamic Custom Street – universal portable headphones.
7. Shure
Focus on low frequencies
If you are interested in good earphone brands, take a look at Shure. This US-based company is also famous for its microphones. They have already manufactured a lot of iconic models, many of them are still being produced.
The main principle of Shure is quality. They release products in middle and high-end segments of the market. The quality of sound and build is always outstanding.
The trademark sound produced by Sure headphones is smooth, detailed and natural. Even budget models with some emphasis on low frequencies have high resolution and detail, and the bass doesn’t suppress the rest of the range. Its studio and audiophile headphones support the recent technologies and deliver the most accurate and natural sound.
When you are thinking of the studio headphones brands, Shure is one of the first that comes up to mind.
The best models of Shure headphones:
Shure SRH440 – budget studio headphones;
Shure SRH750DJ – a perfect choice for DJs;
Shure SRH1440 – good closed headphones.
8. Koss
The most durable
Koss prioritizes quality, durability and comfort. They have given up their attempts to create a stunning design and concentrated on sound improvement. Koss isn’t one of the most expensive headphones brands, their products are rather budget-priced. However, their products are often on the same level as models released by other brands.
Koss headphones have durable and secure construction. They deliver good sound. All the models of this brand are comfortable to carry around. At this price level, the company is a leader, as their headphones are the best and the most comfortable for everyday use.
The best models of Koss headphones:
Koss Pro4S – studio headphones;
Koss BT540i – the best wireless headphones;
Koss Porta Pro – the best portable headphones.
9. HyperX
American brand of gaming equipment
HyperX is the division of the US-based Kingston Technology company. It produces models for gamers. Gradually, the manufacturer has entered the segment of gaming headphones and created a separate brand HyperX.
Initially, they prioritized high-end products, but with time the goals have changed. The company went ahead and became one of the best headphones brands that release models for gaming and regular use.
The manufacturer prioritizes quality, comfort and price. Their headphones will be a great choice for devoted gamers, regular users and music fans.
The best models of HyperX headphones:
HyperX Cloud Flight S – premium segment;
HyperX Cloud Alpha S – perfect sound; 7.1;
HyperX Cloud Stinger Core 7.1 – surround sound at a minimal price.
10. SteelSeries
Danish manufacturer of gaming headphones
SteelSeries is a Danish manufacturer of gaming equipment. Their gaming headphones are known for their signature design. While they are pretty similar, every model has its peculiarities. All the models share the ski-goggle-inspired headband design with a fixed elastic strap.
If a pair of headphones fits your head, the design will be comfortable for you, but otherwise, you will be disappointed. Adjusting the elastic strap is also not that easy, but the perfect fit of the headphones is important as it guarantees the most accurate sound.
SteelSeries is known as one of the best headphones brands that offer a wide range of customization options thanks to their software. It will help you to adjust your sound profile. High-end models also offer an onboard EQ.
The best models of SteelSeries headphones:
SteelSeries Arctis 3 – balanced and practical;
SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless – a gaming headset with a wireless connection;
SteelSeries Arctis Pro – best for gaming.
11. Bose
Best active noise cancellation
The brand was created in 1964 by Amar Bose, a professor of electric engineering who wanted to create a perfect-sounding audio system. After the research, the company produced a new innovative system that could deliver much more natural and accurate sound than its competitors. This was the beginning of the glorious history of the Bose brand. The company still implements new technologies when producing acoustic systems and headphones.
Bose headphones have two main features. Firstly, their open headphones have excellent active noise-canceling features. Secondly, all the gadgets of this brand can last long hours without being recharged. It explains high demand, but the price of such headphones is quite high. Bose is considered to be the best headphones company by its loyal users.
The best models are:
Bose QuietComfort 35 II – premium noise-canceling;
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 – better wireless fidelity;
Bose Soundlink On-ear – no-frills Bluetooth headphones.
