Remember when Bluetooth wasn’t a thing? While we’re talking about a point in history that’s over two decades behind us, the world used to rely on wired headphones and earbuds for listening to music and taking phone calls.
But guess what? Wired over-ear and in-ear audio is still very much a thing. Noteworthy brands like Sennheiser and Sony produce some of the higher-priced offerings, but some models fit far lower budgets. So, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Grado SR325x
Best overall
Grado is a well-known name in the headphones world, offering high-quality, distortion-free sound with their open-back headphones. The SR325x take this a step further with an improved driver, coil, and diaphragm – components that make the sound clearer and more immersive. In a market full of modern headphones, the SR325x also stand out due to their retro look. However, their open-back design means they leak sound, so they’re best suited for at-home listening.
Sennheiser HD 660S2
Premium pick
$500 $600 Save $100
Sennheiser HD 660S2 are a big investment, especially if you’re just a casual listener, but the smoother sound quality, snug fit, and lightweight build are worth it. The headphones make vocals sound quite pleasant and clear, so they’re ideal for listening to movies, podcasts, and vocal-focused songs (rather than just instrumentals). Like the Grado SR325x, they have an open-back design that leaks sound, making them more suitable for at-home listening.
Skullcandy Riff On-Ear Wired Headphones
Best value
$22 $30 Save $8
Skullcandy has made quite a name for itself in the wired and wireless earbud market, and the company’s headphones are just as exceptional. If you’re looking to save a few bucks, these Skullcandy Riff wired cans typically sell for a budget-friendly price, and they sound great. The collapsible, travel-friendly design and microphone and track-skipping buttons on the ear cups are also welcome features.
Sony MDR-Z7M2
Old but gold
$598 $898 Save $300
Sony is one of the oldest and most popular headphone brands, especially for everyday users, because of its reliable performance and high-quality sound. The Sony MDR-Z7M2 shine with their Fibonacci grill that reproduces accurate sound and further enhances the listening experience. The wide soundstage is another highlight here, making the sound feel expansive and 3D-like. Also, this pair is closed-back, so no sound leaks out.
Austrian Audio Hi-X15
The Austrian Audio Hi-X15 are ideal if you want powerful headphones on a tight budget without compromising much on sound quality. You’d think the lower price means sacrificing some sound detail, but the Hi-X15 surprise with a broad range and detailed sound, picking up on all the little instruments. Moreover, their closed-back design means sound doesn’t leak, so you can wear them in public. They’re also quite lightweight, weighing about 8.8oz (250g), making them ideal for trips and daily commutes.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
If you can’t choose between wired and wireless headphones, go for the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2; they do both. You can go wireless with Bluetooth 5.0 support or connect them to a device with the 3.5mm audio input. Whichever way you choose to use them, they have a wide soundstage and detailed sound. You’ll easily pick up on every nuance in music and more. The headphones are also praised for their balanced sound profile; nothing is too loud or muffled.
Shure SRH840A
The Shure SRH840A tick a lot of boxes. They make music feel warm and pleasant, their closed-back design prevents sound leakage, and the golden lettering in their design makes them look premium. What else can you ask for? The detailed sound they provide makes them suitable for studio and casual use. Also, the sound’s richness highlights vocals, so they’re ideal for podcasters.
Focal Bathys
Like the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2, you can use the Focal Bathys as wireless and wired headphones, depending on your preference. They’re expensive, but you get a rich, warm, and balanced sound with a wide soundstage – making every song more enjoyable. Their unique, hole-y design also makes them stand out in a sea of typical black headphones. To top it all off, the Focal Bathys are quite lightweight and comfortable, so they’re ideal for commutes and long listening sessions.
Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X Wired Headphones
Closed-back studio headphones should not be taken for granted when recording music. This is why the Beyerdynamic DT 700 are appealing. Powered by an internal Stellar.45 sound transducer, the audio produced by the DT 700 is crisp, clear, and distortion-free. The ear pads and spring-steel bracket construction deliver a secure and comfortable fit, even for the longest studio sessions. You’ll also be glad to see a detachable mini XLR connector.
Rode NTH-100M Wired Headphones
$165 $190 Save $25
Rode has always been a trusted name in the world of consumer-grade audio gear, and the Rode NTH-100M is a fantastic set of comfortable wired headphones. Thanks to each driver’s acoustic architecture, you’ll experience rich sound quality from any source. There’s even a detachable microphone that can be fastened with a locking connector, and the headband, ear cups, cables, and mic are all replaceable.
Sennheiser Audio IE 200
$120 $150 Save $30
Sennheiser makes terrific audio equipment, and the amazing IE 200 In-Ear Wired Earbuds are proof. Thanks to the 7mm TrueResponse transducers, you’ll experience your favorite tunes and podcasts distortion-free. You’ll also choose from two ear-tip mounting positions for bass feedback. And the ear tips themselves are made of silicone and memory foam for an extremely comfortable fit.
Beats EP Wired On-Ear Headphones
The Beats Ep, available in black, blue, red, and white, are stylish wired headphones that go back to basics in all the best ways. They’re lightweight for comfortable all-day wear and also contain adjustable sliders for finding the best fit for your noggin. The 3.5mm connector even includes a built-in microphone for taking calls and using a voice assistant.
What to look for in the best wired headphones
The best wired headphones depend on the user. Pros and casual listeners will have unique requirements. The pros will lean toward a detailed sound that picks up on all instruments and vocals for proper analysis, while casual listeners will be satisfied with a pleasant, balanced sound, even if it sacrifices some detail. You also might have trouble finding a pair that offers active noise-cancellation, if that’s something you really want.
Apart from sound quality, users should consider design. Wired headphones can have an open-back or closed-back design. Open-back headphones offer an immersive experience but tend to leak out sound, so they’re better used at home. Closed-back headphones, on the other hand, offer sound isolation, so fellow commuters don’t get annoyed.
The best wired sound around
Wireless headphones may be all the rage, but as this list showcases, you can still get yourself an awesome set of wired headphones, often at a great price. As far as top honors go, Grado offers the amazing SR325x. With its refined driver, coil, and diaphragm, the SR325x is guaranteed to deliver an entrancing, full-bodied sound for the genres you love most.
If you have cash burning a hole in your pocket, you should take a look at the Sennheiser HD 600S2. These wired headphones fit snugly while delivering some of the most sensational sound quality we’ve ever heard from any set of headphones — especially when it comes to vocal-driven tracks.
If you’re trying to save a few bucks, though, the Skullcandy Riff is a terrific wired headset with a microphone and track-skipping buttons on the ear cups.
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