The 9 Best Bass Headphones

2. Audeze LCD-2

If you’re not constrained by budget, the Audeze LCD-2 is our top pick for the best-sounding, bass-heavy headphone on the market. Granted, their price tag is not for the everyday music listener. But for critical listeners who have an appreciation for great sound signatures and what defines a good pair of headphones, the Audeze LCD-2 is a popular choice.

While these headphones are open-back, they are still able to produce some of the best-sounding bass around. Don’t mistake that statement to imply that these are super bass-focused, though. The sound signature as a whole is quite balanced and not really the V-shaped signature that is often used to bring the bass to the forefront. Instead, the use of massive 100mm Planar magnet drivers on the LCD-2 is responsible for the punchy, deep bass that any critical listener can appreciate.

Because the bass response is primarily driven by the equipment more than the tuning, you will also find that the Audeze LCD-2 does not present muddy bass notes instead the bass is authoritative and punchy but with enough low-end response to feel deep and engaging. The treble on these headphones tends to be bright but without feeling like there are any weird peaks in the EQ. Instead, they present sound with a great dimension that aligns with what critical listeners look for in a pair of open-backs.

In addition to the impressive sound that the LCD-2 brings to the table, there is also a lot to say about the style, which features large cans with a distinct and eye-catching design. The aesthetics of headphones are highly subjective, but the Audeze range of headphones tends to be quite popular in how good they look. The headband has also undergone some changes for this new revision model and is now more comfortable to wear. The earcup padding is soft and can cater to extended listening times without discomfort.

What we truly appreciate about the LCD-2 is how it’s able to provide such a strong, forward bass response, but in a way where the details from the rest of the signature remain vibrant and crisp. Across the whole frequency response range, the LCD-2 does a great job of presenting the finest of details for a uniquely deep and immersive listening experience. In fact, the Audeze LCD-2 performs on par with headphones in excess of $1000 in this respect.

3. Philips Fidelio X2HR

The Philips Fidelio X2HR is the successor to the popular X2/27 model, which garnered quite a following in the headphone community for its lively sound signature that retains most of what makes open-back headphones great, but with the addition of added bass. What really makes the Fidelio X2HR stand out is the impressively wide soundstage that it presents. The soundstage is more left to right focused, and while you will still receive good quality sound staging from all directions, the left and right carry the most depth with these headphones.

How They Sound

While most open-back headphones seek to provide a flat, balanced sound signature, the Philips Fidelio X2HR is similar to the Sivga sv021 when it comes to tuning. You’ll find a V-shaped sound signature where the bass and treble are tuned up. On the low end, this vibrant bass signature is what has cultivated the X2HR’s reputation as one of the best bass-heavy open-back headphones on the market. This is a ‘fun’ sound signature and not the best for reference use, but it excels in casual and critical listening as well as gaming.

With that said, these are somewhat polarizing headphones, and if you’re sensitive to peaks in the treble range, you may want to look elsewhere or perform some minor EQing on your headphones to help tone down what is often referred to as a bit of an unbalanced treble range with a few peaks causing frustrations to something. For others, this won’t be a problem, and if you’re used to a classic V-shaped curve on the signature, you probably won’t be too bothered.

The Fidelio X2HR’s bass response is wide, and while the use of a DAC or amp is not required (30 Ohm impedance), some individuals say they get a lot more out of the super low end of the bass. So if you’re really looking to push your sound, a DAC can still provide even more range and distinction with the X2HRs. However, this is not necessary and, again, comes down to those who feel like they want to squeeze the very last drop from what the X2HRs has to offer.

Build Quality & Comfort

In terms of build quality, the Fidelio X2HRs are extremely comfortable, and despite their large size and somewhat heavier weight, they are still extremely forgiving for most listeners, and while those with bigger heads may appreciate the X2HRs for providing comfort, they tend not to get from other bass-heavy open-backs – the Fidelio X2HR feel great for most head sizes.

The Achilles heel of the X2HR is the pin that holds the earcup to the headband. This slip/screw has been known to break quite easily when dropped, and while regular use doesn’t seem to cause damage, do be aware that you will need to be careful not to drop on, sit on or otherwise cause excess stress on that joint.

4. Denon AH-D7200 Reference Over Ear Headphones

Denon is known for their home audio products and less for their pro audio builds. The AH-D7200 is marketed as a premium closed-back headphone pair for bass heads. Selling for just short of a grand, it’s a serious investment, and the price tag sure caught our attention, let’s take a deeper look…

The Denon AH-D7200 comes packaged quite well, along with the connector cable and user manuals. This was a slight disappointment, as most headphones we’ve reviewed at a fraction of the price come with various replacement parts and accessories like carrying cases/bags. The headphones themselves are built extremely well, though. Made mostly from metal and wood with pure leather ear cups, no expense was spared here, and it shows not only in the look and feel of these headphones but in comfort, too. 

The ear cups fit beautifully while still allowing breathing space, and the adjustable headband feels great. Each component feels incredibly well-made, and I have no doubts these headphones will last a lifetime as long as they aren’t abused. It’s a bit of a bummer that the cable only has a ¼-inch/TRS connector, and 1/8-inch connections aren’t supported. Sure, these headphones, at this price, would mostly be used by professionals or audiophiles with outputs that match this cable. Still, those wanting to play directly from a computer or mobile device would have to invest in adapters/converters to enjoy their music. 

How Do They Sound?

As for sound quality, we’ll deal with the low-end first since these promise to be one of the best bass headphones:

The Denon AH-D7200 adopts a V-shaped sound signature, with enhanced lows, a dip in the midrange, and boosted highs. This generally results in a car stereo-like tonal quality comparable to a Hi-Fi, which many bass heads would enjoy. 

The low end is tight, punchy, and extremely responsive, and certainly one of the best I’ve ever heard, without being too overpowering. Most of the bass enhancement activity happens in the subsonic range, which provides depth and fatness rather than tonal coloration. This makes these headphones great for all genres of music that can benefit from an enhanced low-end response but also need some clarity in the midrange. 

The midrange is well-balanced; you can hear the instrumentation’s depth and feel without losing clarity in the vocal region, although certain tracks can sound a bit floppy in this frequency band- particularly some later-80’s-mixed rock material, where some of the fatness of the guitars is traded for sharper upper-midrange. 

The highs sound excellent, and I have nothing to complain about here. Higher-register voices and instruments, as well as general air and space in a recording, can be heard and felt clearly. In delicate music styles, the high end can be a little too exciting, but there shouldn’t be any issues for most electronic, rock, hip-hop, and pop music. 

Overall, the Denon AH-D7200 headphones are one of the best-sounding pairs I’ve had the pleasure of listening to. I wouldn’t do any professional work using these, so it’s a little misleading at this price, but they’re an amazing pair of headphones for casual listening, gaming, or film. 

What’s in the Box?

1 x Denon AH-D7200 headphones

1 x Connector cable

1 x User manual 

5. Meze 99 Classics Over-Ear Headphones

Meze 99 Classic Features

The Meze 99 Classics are a beautiful, great pair of closed-back headphones for audiophiles, musicians, or casual listeners. Originally produced by means of crowdfunding in 2016, these headphones are still available on Amazon and currently on quite an attractive special. The Meze 99 Classics are great for gamers, musicians, audiophiles/critical listeners, or others simply wanting a gorgeous, comfortable, and great-sounding pair of headphones. 

Built from mostly wood and metal, the Meze 99 Classics are surprisingly lightweight and incredibly comfortable due to the self-adjusting headband, which prevents too tight a fit, and the earcups cover your ears well enough while still allowing some breathability. As for the design, these are one of the most attractive headphones I’ve ever seen- the natural wood look and feel, accented by a mix of black and gold hardware, cables, and connections, make for a gorgeous addition to your studio, gaming setup, or theater system. 

Connectivity

As for connectivity, you’re given a few options here: for audiophiles and musicians, you can use the ¼-inch or TRS connector to link these headphones to your DAC, interface, Hi-Fi system, or other pro audio equipment, while ‘normal’ people can use the 3.5mm/ 1/8-inch connector to plug into their phone or computer. There isn’t a wireless option, but there is a super handy airplane-style connector (the weird kind with the two mini jacks), so you can enjoy your own headphones during flights. 

There’s an in-line remote control option that’s fitted on the cable that doubles as a microphone. It’s not as good as traditional gaming microphones; I suppose it’s designed more for hands-free calling than anything else, but it’s always a nice feature to have on hand. 

Lastly, the Meze 99 Classics are incredibly well-made. The natural strength of the materials used means the headphones themselves are fairly durable. Furthermore, Meze offers a lifetime warranty on these headphones, should anything unexpected happen to them. The headphones themselves, as well as the connector cables, have their own carry cases/pouches, which are both incredibly well-built and should protect these components from most drops/falls. The headphones are also made using no glue at all, only nuts, bolts, and screws, meaning they can easily be serviced, or replacement parts can be installed fairly painlessly. 

So, how do the Meze 99 classics sound? 

Like most consumer-style headphones, there’s a slight low-end emphasis and some accentuation in the vocal presence region, though Meze hasn’t overdone it here like many other brands are guilty of. 

The lows are deep, punchy, and tight but aren’t too exaggerated and don’t cause finer details in the high end to disappear. There’s enough low-end to keep things exciting but not too much to make these only work for certain styles of music. Again, the midrange is pretty well-rounded and doesn’t cloud too much of the high-end instrumentation. The upper midrange sounds great, with vocal clarity and definition being quite excellent and immersive but not too much to cause ear fatigue. The high end is also pretty well-defined, allowing space for cymbals, high-pitched wind instruments, and acoustic guitars to breathe a bit more than they normally would on traditional consumer-grade closed-back headphones. This does, however, mean that some reverb styles come through a bit heavier than normal, which isn’t really bad, but if you’re using these for mixing or critical listening, it’s something to look out for. 

Overall, the Meze 99 Classics are still an amazing pair of headphones. I wouldn’t use these for mixing/production, but they are an excellent choice for casual listening, enjoying film audio, gaming, or practicing with headphones. Though not ideal, the tonal signature can always be equalized to suit your needs better. Aside from sound quality, these are an incredibly well-built pair of headphones that’ll last a lifetime and are simply stunning to look at. 

What’s in the Box?

• 1 x Meze 99 Classics over-ear headphones
• 2 x connector cables
• 1 x cable pouch
• 1 x carry case

6. Sony Extra Bass 950 (MDRXB950BT)

Sony is certainly one of the market leaders when it comes to headphones of any kind. When it comes to headphones with good bass, Sony also features pretty high up with the Sony Extra Bass Headphones. The Extra Bass Headphones come in a few models, and in this article, we’ll look at the two best sellers, the Extra Base 950 (MDRXB950BT) and the 650 (MDRXB650BT).

The Similarities Between MDRXB950BT and MDRXB650BT

While the 950BT and 650BT look similar, there are a few differences both aesthetically and in features. Let’s look at the similarities before we discuss each model individually.
The first thing you notice is both the 950BT and 650BT are extremely lightweight (950BT 9.88 oz & 650BT 6.7 oz). Your first impression might be the Extra Bass Headphones could be easy to break. However, you soon realize the build, although flexible, is extremely pretty robust.

Build & Design

Neither the 950BT nor 650BT fold up completely. Instead, the headphone ear cups swivel so the headphones are flat and can be placed inside their leather pouch. This makes them fairly large and bulky, which isn’t an issue if you have a backpack but may take up room in a ladies’ handbag or smaller laptop bag. Not a big sticking point but something to note.

Both incorporate NFC pairing, so if you have an NFC device, you can tap the NFC sensor to pair your NFC device instantly. Both models have Bluetooth. Bluetooth pairing is quick and easy, and after setting up the first time, your Sony Extra Bass Bluetooth Headphones will automatically pair each time they are turned on.
Both 950BT and 650BT have a Bluetooth range of 10m (32 feet).

Both the 950BT and 650BT have a built-in microphone, so the headphones double as a mobile hands-free device. This is a great feature. However, in crowded public areas or if you’re in a noisy environment, the caller on the other end does battle to hear. Your voice seems a little distant and difficult to hear. There is a button on the right-hand ear cup to answer and end calls.

The same button also acts as play/pause for any Bluetooth-paired device, and you can skip/search through your tracks by pressing the same button to the left or right. A great feature if your phone is in your pocket or bag. Volume control is located next to this button.

The ear cups on both 950BT and 650BT are made of soft, high-quality padded leather and are comfortable on the ear. This same leather and padding are found on the inside of the headband to offer comfort and protection on top of the head. Both models are equally comfortable, even when worn for extended periods of time.

The Differences Between MDRXB950BT and MDRXB650BT

We’ll now look at each Sony Extra Bass Headphone and see where they differ.
The MDRXB950BT is slightly bigger at 40mm (1,5”), while the MDRXB650BT is only 30mm (1,1”). The 950BT ear cup fits over the whole ear, whereas the 650BT fits on the ear. The bigger cup on the 950BT is slightly more comfortable. However, they are pretty similar in this regard.

With the over-ear fit, the 950BT also features noise-canceling technology. A great feature for public transport users or travelers.

950BT vs. 650BT

There are two major differences between the 950BT and 650BT. The 950BT has a BASS BOOST button, so you can switch Sony’s Extra Boost on and off. This is great if you are listening to something a little more mellow, watching in-flight entertainment, or taking a phone call. The 650BT is permanently in Extra Boost mode, so you don’t have the choice to turn it off.

The 650BT Extra Bass is also slightly less than the BASS BOOST on the 950BT.
The BASS BOOST on the 950BT is pretty serious, and with the volume, high can be overpowering. So, if you like headphones with good bass, then the 950BT will exceed your expectations.

The second major difference is the 950BT includes a ⅛ inch jack input on the ear cup. This is great if you are using a non-Bluetooth device or using them for in-flight entertainment systems. The bad news is, as soon as you plug in the ⅛ inch jack, you lose the BASS BOOST functionality, which is a little disappointing.

The 650BT is Bluetooth only, with no cable option. Something to keep in mind when deciding on which model to purchase.

Where the 650BT win is battery life. The 650BT has a battery life of 30 hours, whereas the 950BT has a 20-hour battery life. You have the ⅛ inch cable for the 950BT, so if the battery is flat, you can use the cable, and the headphones will still work.

The charge time on the 650BT is, however, longer at 4 hours opposed to the 950BT 3 hours. Both headphones use a USB charging cable to charge the headphones. The only downside is the Sony Extra Boost Bluetooth Headphones can only be charged using the USB cable provided and via a laptop. You can’t charge via a USB socket. This will damage the headphone’s internal battery.

In iOS devices, a battery life indicator for the Extra Boost Headphones will appear next to your device’s battery indicator.

What’s in the box?

7. V-MODA Crossfade LP2 Metal Headphones

V-MODA Crossfade LP2 Features

V-MODA produces some of the strongest, most durable headphones on the market today. The V-MODA Crossfade LP2 is a pair of metal frame headphones tested for durability using military-­level MIL-­STD-­810 quality standards. So if you are one of those who regularly break headphones, perhaps it’s time to switch to the V-MODA Crossfade LP2.

They come with a 2-year warranty whereas other brands only offer 1 year. You also get V-MODA’s unique Immortal Life Program. If you break the Crossfade LP2 at any point during its lifetime, V-MODA will give you 50% off a new pair. How is that for a confident guarantee?

Here are some of the strength features built into the Crossfade LP2 headphones:

• Kevlar-reinforced Cable – 1+ million bends for cables & 45 degree strain relief (100x industry standard).
• Concrete Drop — up to 60 drops from 1.5m onto concrete.
• SteelFlex Headband — up to 10 flat bends.
• Environmental Weather — survives severe high/low temperatures, humidity, salt spray & UV rays.

The Crossfade LP2 also comes with one of the most badass headphones cases around. It’s an exoskeleton case that looks like something Batman would own. V-MODA is one of the few headphone companies to provide a hard shell headphone case with their products. The case is high quality and provides space for cables and accessories too.

The design of the Crossfade LP2 is unique, with a metal frame a hexagonal ear cups. The backplate of the ear cup can be swapped out for another color. If you prefer that look, you get a gloss metal finish fitted to the headphones and a gunmetal matte finish to swap out. You can visit the V-MODA website for other colors and designs and even request a custom design to add personal customization to your pair of Crossfade LP2 headphones. This is a cool feature unique to V-MODA and definitely adds to the reasons why you’d want to own a pair of Crossfade LP2 headphones.

The Crossfade LP2 delivers excellent sound quality with a good amount of bass. The bass is defined with a decent punch. This is an improvement over many bass headphones on the market, which overpower the bass. Even the biggest bass heads will appreciate the solid bottom end of the Crossfade LP2 headphones, even if they don’t rumble like other bass headphones. There is a definite boost of bass while the mid-range and treble are still clean and clear.

The Crossfade LP2 is fixed cable headphones, so, unfortunately, no wireless for Bluetooth fans. This may be considered a downside, but it actually means there is less digital processing going on. This is possibly why these headphones produce such excellent sound quality while still maintaining a solid bass presence.
The Crossfade LP2 are noise-isolating headphones. The headphones feature analog noise isolation, which seems to block noise to a certain degree. Not as good as noise canceling, but better than regular headphones, for sure.

The Crossfade LP2 comes with two cable options. One with a microphone and function button, the other without. The button and microphone are compatible with all devices which feature a ⅛ inch input. Obviously, you can’t use the Crossfade LP2 with a newer iPhone as there is no ⅛ input.

Gamers will be happy to know V-MODA sells a specially designed cable with a boom-type microphone. This is great if you play games online and like to chat with other players. The second cable is a little longer and great for use in a studio, DJing, or other professional audio activities. The cable comes with a ¼ inch adapter so you can plug it into any input.

What’s in the box?

8. Skullcandy Hesh 2 Wireless Headphones

Skullcandy Hesh 2 Features

The Skullcandy Hesh 2 Wireless Headphones are the next generation of the Hesh 2 cable headphones. Both are great headphones, but there have been some improvements with the Hesh 2 Wireless. The Hesh 2 Wireless are over-ear headphones.

They are, unfortunately, not noise-canceling headphones and actually leak audio when played at higher levels. If you are traveling or in a room with other people, this may be annoying for those around you.

If you are familiar with the Hesh 2 cable headphones, you would have noticed the leather ear cup was fairly hard. While they were cushioned, this wasn’t as soft as other brands. Skullcandy has improved the ear cups on Hesh 2 Wireless Headphones significantly, putting them on par for comfort with other leading brands like Sony and Beats.

The other most obvious upgrade from the Hesh 2 is the Hesh 2 Wireless has Bluetooth. The on/off button (also called the function button because it’s used for many features) is also the Bluetooth pairing button. Bluetooth scanning is activated when you press and hold the on/off button for 5 seconds. A red light flashes to show the headphones are searching and then changes to blue when paired.

There are also helpful voice prompts that tell you when pairing and connecting. Pairing is quick and easy, and once you have paired once, the Hesh 2’s will pair automatically to the same device when turned on. There is a ⅛ inch input, so you have the choice of either Bluetooth or cable connection. Skullcandy provides a ⅛ inch cable with the Hesh 2 Wireless.

One thing I love about Skullcandy is the buttons. On the Hesh 2 Wireless Headphones, the buttons are larger than other headphone brands, making them easy to find and operate when on your ears. There is a large plus (+) and minus (-) button for volume control. The volume controls are actually multi-purpose. If you are paired to a Bluetooth device, by pressing and holding the plus or minus for a few seconds, you can also skip tracks.

If you are listening through the cable, you can still enjoy the same functionality using the buttons attached to the built-in line on the cable provided. The ⅛ insert is recessed nicely on the bottom of the ear cup, so it’s somewhat hidden.

The battery on the Hesh 2 Wireless will last around 15 hours and will be fully charged within 2.5 hours. A red light will flash on the ear cup when the battery is at 10%, so you know to charge them. The micro USB charger input is located next to the ⅛ inch input in the same recess keeping the aesthetic clean without any holes in view when the headphones are on your ears.

The Skullcandy Hesh 2 Wireless Headphones also feature a built-in microphone so you can answer any incoming calls. When a call comes in, you tap the on/off button, and the call is answered. If you press and hold the same button for 2 seconds, you can reject the incoming call. If you are in the middle of a call, you can press and hold the on/off button to put someone on hold.

Similar buttons on the cable allow you to perform the same functions when using the cable instead of Bluetooth.

What’s in the box?

Sennheiser HD 201 Features

If you are strapped for cash and want some decent bass headphones, then you’re in luck. The Sennheiser HD 201 Headphones cost a little under $49 and perform surprisingly well for a budget set of headphones. Sennheiser has put all the money into the speaker drivers and internal electronics while making the frame from cheap plastic. So don’t expect the latest design features and high-quality materials.

The HD 201 headphones have been around for over a decade and continue to sell fairly well. This is mainly due to the fact these headphones, although built cheap, don’t sound cheap. I know studio engineers who have a pair of HD 201 headphones. Even though these headphones are built cheap, they aren’t rubbish. Many cheap headphones will start to break and fall apart within a few months, a couple of years max. The Sennheiser HD 201 is fairly robust and will last if you look after them.

The Sennheiser HD 201 Headphones are extremely light at a little over 5oz. The ear cups and headband are cushioned with foam covered with a synthetic material. The fit is comfortable. However, the material gets warm after an hour or so, and you need to rest your ears. As these aren’t premium headphones, that’s to be expected.

While the HD 201 sound isn’t the most exciting compared to other bass headphones, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what Sennheiser delivers for under $30. The mids and highs deliver the clarity we have come to expect from Sennheiser, with a solid amount of bass. The bass isn’t as heavy as some premium brands, but it’s decent enough. Put it this way: if you’re a big bass head and only have $40 to spend after listening to everything available under $50, I’ll bet these are the headphones you’ll purchase.

The cable is longer than most headphone cables at around 10 feet. This is a good and bad thing. You’ll appreciate this when sitting at the laptop, watching movies, or playing games, but the cable’s length does start to be an issue when it comes to traveling. You’ll need to fold and wrap up most of the excess and put it in your pocket or backpack. It’s not a major issue, but it’s still something to note.

What’s in the box?