The 10 Best Bass Headphones
Special Honors
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 From a company known for releasing polished and reliable hardware, these new headphones offer plenty of punch, good battery life, and consistent reproduction across the spectrum. They're improved in nearly every way over the already great first-generation model. microsoft.com
Focal Elegia While many audiophile headphones have open backs, these high-end cans offer a closed-back construction alongside well-engineered M-shaped dynamic drivers to deliver premium audio from the low end to the high. Keep in mind that headphones like these will work best with an external amplifier. focal.com
HiFiMan Ananda Because of their open-back design, these over-ear cans don't provide the loudest bass, but they are among the most accurate. Their planar magnetic technology contributes to their incredible precision and ultra-wide soundstage, although they aren't suitable for direct connections to smartphones or laptops. hifiman.com
Editor's Notes
May 08, 2020:
Generally speaking, there are two types of headphones that offer a better low-end experience than the others. In-ear models are possibly the most versatile due to their ventilation, size, and weight, and as long as they fit perfectly in the ear, they can practically blow the rest out of the water in terms of pure, booming bass. The drawbacks are that not everyone finds them comfortable, and if they don't fit just right, they may not sound very good at all. The Apple AirPods Pro and Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus are two premium options that work best with iPhones and Android devices, respectively, and if you're looking for high-end equipment with consistently good results, either is a great choice. You might be surprised, though, to hear just how good the audio is from the Mpow Flame S, a tethered model, and the Mpow Flame Pro a truly wireless pair. They both cost very little, have flexible arms to help secure them around the outer ear, and support the aptX codec for CD-like sound quality.
Of course, the classic over-ear design still holds as one of the most popular out of all the types of headphones configurations, and due to simple physics, closed-back models win out over open-back cans basically across the board. The Sony WH1000XM3 are frequently cited as some of the best on the market, although if you aren't concerned with wireless connectivity, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro sound every bit as good, especially with an aftermarket amplifier. While the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x aren't the first ones you'd consider in today's market because they are pretty old, there's a reason that DJs have been using them on stage and in the studio for years; they work well, are extremely durable, and respond very well to equalizer changes.
If you don't want to spend a whole lot, the JBL Live 500 BT are an excellent choice for all types of music, as are the Anker Soundcore Life Q20, which are even less expensive than the mid-range JBLs. The Skullcandy Crusher also sit comfortably in the middle of the road in terms of price, although they're not really suitable for large heads.