What is the Best Headphones and Headsets To Buy In 2022?

Posted on the 18 April 2022 by Ryan

Do you work in an open office and struggle to focus? Are you looking for the best headphones and headsets?

Imagine working on an important task only to be interrupted by some idle colleagues when you’ve got an important deadline to beat. You can find that annoying if you don’t have the best headphones and headsets to turn the situation around.

Constant interruptions and distractions in shared offices can make concentrating a tall order. When working on an important project, the last thing you want is to be distracted by the latest soccer or politics chat in the office. 

Listening to music using headphones and headsets can help you keep off distractions and focus more on your work. The most comfortable headphones of top quality give you the ability to focus on the task at hand.

You’ll find the audio gadgets handy even when reading or studying because they eliminate unnecessary noise. What’s more, you get to listen to your favorite audios at any volume level without disturbing those around you.

With your headphones on, your colleagues are less likely to interrupt you because you seem busy and don’t expect anyone to disturb your peace. It also helps you create a personal work zone away from the office noise and chaotic environment. 

Furthermore, listening to music using headsets can boost your mood and attitude despite how your day turns out. Inspirational music and power songs can motivate you to focus and work harder, leading to improved productivity. 

Great music can make a difference in the middle of a busy day at work.

Whatever reason you’re looking for a headphone or headset, you’ll benefit in many more ways than you initially thought.

Whether you just want to listen to the best quality sound or want something to keep you going while commuting to work or school, or whenever you go jogging in the morning, you can bet on a good pair of headphones around neck.

When watching a movie or playing games, you need an immersive listening experience away from the outside, noisy world. And, that’s what you get with headphones. They cancel out the outside noise.

With high quality sound and the ability to customize options on your headphone, you’re guaranteed a better experience each time you use your audio device.

Headphones are also flexible and easy to use, giving you control over your gadget. Decide when and how you want to use your pair of headsets. Just avoid using them in areas with high traffic for your own safety.

Furthermore, headsets can be stylish and offers you protection from hearing loss. To enjoy all these benefits, you need a good pair of headphones or headsets. With our comprehensive headphones buying guide below, you’ll be able to choose the right audio equipment for you.

Top 5 Best Headphones and Headsets On The Market

Headphones have changed a lot over the years since its inception many decades ago. It’s now more stylish, powerful and come in ergonomic designs. Whether you like yours in a bright hue or a classic timeless look, there’s one for you.

What is the Best Headphones and Headsets? Keep reading to find out!

Preview Product Rating Price

CORSAIR Void PRO RGB Wireless Gaming Headset - Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound Headphones for PC - Discord... 2,223 Reviews $152.33 Buy on Amazon

SteelSeries Arctis 5 - RGB Illuminated Gaming Headset with DTS Headphone: X v2.0 Surround - for PC... 23,990 Reviews $99.00 Buy on Amazon

Master & Dynamic MW60G1 MW60 Wireless Bluetooth Foldable Headphones - Premium Over-The-Ear... 232 Reviews Buy on Amazon

Focal Stellia Closed-Back Circum-Aural Over-Ear Headphones (Cognac) 31 Reviews $2,999.00 Buy on Amazon

Shure KSE1200 Electrostatic Earphone System 48 Reviews $1,999.00 Buy on Amazon

Sony WH1000XM3 Noise Cancelling Headphones : Wireless Bluetooth Over the Ear Headset – Silver... 20,665 Reviews $349.99 Buy on Amazon

Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series I) Wireless Headphones, Noise Cancelling - Black (Renewed) 72 Reviews Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2022-04-18 at 19:50 PST - Details

Best Headphones and Headsets 1. Focal Stellia Closed-Back Circum2. Shure KSE1200 Analog Electrostatic Earphone System3. Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WH1000XM34. Bose QuietComfort 355. ASTRO Gaming - A50 Wireless Dolby Gaming Headset

1. Focal Stellia Closed-Back Circum - best headphones

Focal Stellia Closed-Back Circum-Aural Over-Ear... (31) $2,999.00 Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2022-04-18 at 20:02 PST - Details

Available in a closed-back acoustic design, the Focal Stellia Headphone is built to deliver fantastic sound. Whether you like your music loud or low, the wide-open soundstage is designed to deliver accurate sound details, even the tiniest, of each song you play.
It delivers the correct tone of each song at any frequency. Therefore, whatever genre of music you’re listening to sounds brilliant and amazing. The detailed nature of the headphone will let you hear details in your favorite songs like you’ve never before.
However, if your style is minimal, especially when using your headphones in public, you might not like the Focal Stellia show, opulent design. What’s more, they can feel heavier if you’re used to compact designs and tend to use your headsets for prolonged periods.
But, if you’re the showy type and love luxurious accessories, you’ll love the woven cables, full-grain cups made of leather, and brushed copper accents on your headphone. It also comes with a matching case for carriage and storage of your audio equipment.
The user manual also come in a small, organized leather wallet. It weighs 435g, has a sensitivity of 106dB, a 4-feet cable, 5-40,000 kHz frequency response and impedance of 35 ohms. You get all these luxury features and incredible dynamics for thousands of dollars.
The closed-back headphones come with three different cable options to use as you please: a 10 feet long OFC 24 AWG (has an XLR, 4-pin connector); a 4 feet OFC 24 AWG cable with a TRS jack connector (1/8”); and a single jack adaptor 91/4” male and 1/8” female).
Plug the Focal Stellia headphone to a portable music or audiophile player for optimal performance.

Pros
  • Delivers accurate, stunning sound each time
  • Luxurious and highly comfortable Comes in an attractive opulent design 
  • Choose from 4 styles: Arctis3, Arctis 5, Arctis 7, and Artis 3 Bluetooth
  • Open soundstage plays each song in details like never beforeCons
Cons
  • The headphones is extremely costly
  • Can feel bulky for persons used to headphones in small, compact designs
Focal Stellia Closed-Back Circum-Aural Over-Ear Headphones (Cognac) Incredible dynamics within a pair of closed-back headphones $2,999.00

Last update on 2022-04-18 at 20:02 PST - Details


2. Shure KSE1200 Analog Electrostatic Earphone System - best wireless headphones

Shure KSE1200 Electrostatic Earphone System (48) $1,999.00 Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2022-04-18 at 19:50 PST - Details

Do you prefer in-ear headphones to over-ear headphones? If yes, Shure KSE1200 In-ear Headphone is your best bet. The extraordinary in-ear headphones come in an electrostatic design you’re bound to fall in love with. As a result, the headphones come with a headphone amplifier to boost your listening experience.
The in-ear headphones are luxurious, stylish and deliver sounds that’s out of this world. You can use them with your smartphone or music player like any other headphone.
However, you’re bound to get better performance with a high-end music streamer, a dedicated music player software, or CD-quality and high resolution files in your laptop. The Shure In-ear Headphone delivers sensational and well-balanced sound at precise rates.

Pros
  • Delivers exceptionally-balanced sound
  • Provides detailed levels of sensations for unmatched audio clarity
  • Compatible with most media players
  • Delivers a transparent listening experience like no other
Cons
  • Bulkier than most headphones for use on the go
  • More expensive than most in-ear headphones 
Shure KSE1200 Electrostatic Earphone System For the purest, most transparent listening experience.; Integrated USB rechargeable battery with up to 12 hours life on one charge $1,999.00

Last update on 2022-04-18 at 19:50 PST - Details


3. Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones - best budget headphones

Sony WH1000XM3 Noise Cancelling Headphones :... (20665) $349.99 Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2022-04-18 at 19:50 PST - Details

Built with a frequency response range of 4-40,000Hz, the Sony WH-1000XM3 Headphone is a versatile audio device that can do everything. The headphone weighs only 254g for portable use while traveling or commuting to work.
The Sony headphone comes in a closed acoustic design and has sensitivity of 104.5dB/mW. It uses the Neodymium driver and comes with a 3.94 feet cable for flexible use.
What’s more, you can use the device for many days non-stop because it has a long battery life of up to 30 hours. The audio device has an impedance of 47 ohms and works within a wireless range of 33 feet.
It means that you can easily connect to your music player without moving with it everywhere in the house or office. Just like its predecessors, Sony MDR-1000X and Sony WH-1000XM2, this headphone consistently delivers high quality audio.
Sony has focused on developing an adaptability algorithm that create several types of sterile sound barriers with the ability to adapt to all kinds of situations. The headphone is perfect at noise-cancelling, keeping away ambient noise from your listening experience.
The Sony headphones also offer sporting aptX, Hi-Res audio-ready, LDAC codecs and aptX HD, including the Google Assistant voice support, all in one device. Opt for this headphone if you want a convenient wireless headphone with unmatched noise-cancelling capability without sacrificing sound quality.
Sony WH-1000XM3 headphone is the audio equipment that’ll stand up to any challenge in your environment, allowing to enjoy your listening experience.

Pros
  • Has a long battery life up to 30 hours
  • Deliver high sound quality
  • Convenient and supports flexible use on the go
  • Gives hands-free access to music using voice assistant
  • Turns down music to ease conversations
  • Touch controls allow for easy song selection, volume adjustment and taking of phone calls
  • Exceptionally cancels noise from your listening experience
Cons
  • The headphone comes with just a single configuration, limiting what you can do with it.
  • Delivers poor call qualityMore expensive than most headphones, but worth your money 
Sony WH1000XM3 Noise Cancelling Headphones : Wireless Bluetooth Over the Ear Headset – Silver (2018 Version) PHONE CALL: A built-in mic enables you to take hands-free calls. $349.99

Last update on 2022-04-18 at 19:50 PST - Details


4. Bose QuietComfort 35 - best budget wireless headphones

Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series I) Wireless... (72) Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2022-04-18 at 19:50 PST - Details

The Bose QuietComfort 35 Headphone is an iconic audio device with an impressive design. It’s built with impeccable noise-cancelling capability to deliver a better listening experience than its predecessors, the QuietComfort 35 II and Bose QuietComfort 25.
The predecessors became a success after being released in 2014. Ever since, wireless headphones exploded in the market, hence the company had the need to design better headphones.
The headphone has improved battery life up 20 hours to support prolonged use. However, wired versions last up to 40 hours on a single charge. With the NFC technology, pairing your headphone with compatible devices is as easy as making a double tap.
The noise-cancelling headphone features oval earcups in a simple design. Available in silver or black finishes, the padded headband provides comfort for prolonged listening. The cups are also cushioned to offer you unmatched comfort while using your headphones.
The right earcup houses a micro US charging port, a power slider and buttons for skipping or pausing music, and lowering or increasing volume. What’s more, your Bose headphone can simultaneously connect to two devices, and switch easily between the two as you deem fit.
The audio indicator notifies you of the remaining battery life each time it connects to a new device. The inbuilt microphone allows you to use your pair of headphones as a headset for communication purposes.
Stream music through Bluetooth connections for ultimate performance. Together with the broad soundstage, you’re guaranteed an immersive listening experience. With great sound quality, comfort and noise-cancelling capability, you’ll love every listening experience your headphone accords you.

Pros
  • Padded headband and cushioned earcups offer extreme comfort
  • Delivers great sound quality
  • Convenient and flexible for use on the go
  • Up 20 hours battery life on a single charge
  • No tangling cables to deal with 
  • Fast, hassle-free pairing with nearby devices
  • Cancels noise in the environment for an immersive listening experience
Cons
  • The ActiveEQ is a bit subtle
  • More expensive than most headphones on the market
Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series I) Wireless Headphones, Noise Cancelling - Black (Renewed) Connectivity Technology: Wireless; Volume-optimized EQ for balanced audio performance at any volume

Last update on 2022-04-18 at 19:50 PST - Details


5. ASTRO Gaming - best gaming headphones

No products found.

Astro is a legend and big brand name in gaming headsets. You’ve likely seen a popular Esports starts using one at a competition. The Astro A50 Wireless Headset is comfortable enough to wear all-day long without discomfort.
Built with breathable earcups, and a well-balanced headband, the headset is lightweight and comfortable enough to rest on your head for many hours. The 5.8GHz wireless technology is bundled with the MixAmp TR responsible for unlocking the Dolby Audio 7.1 surround sound for top audio performance.
The audio device also gives you the ability to alter equalizer settings for a personalized listening experience. Featuring chat mix wheels and a couple of different volume settings, the MixAmp is easy to use.
The headset also features 6.0mm uni-directional microphone with noise-cancelling capability. It also comes with a USB charging base station for device charging. The gaming headset is compatible with PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4 and mobile devices. Astro A50 Headset is the best general headset you’ll ever need.

Pros
  • Delivers exceptional sound quality in general application areas
  • Convenient, flexible and comfortable 
  • Has a superior finish that’s attractive and feels great
  • The charging cradle is lightweight and easy to use
  • Easy to customize and comes in a superior fit
Cons
  • No wired cable for use with wired mobile devices
  • A bit costly, but worth each cent

No products found.

Why You Should Choose Your Headphones and Headsets Carefully

Headphones are among gadgets that guarantee to improve your quality of life. You don’t just take them to bed, run with them and even go to sleep under them, but also drink, eat and wear them in planes and trains.

A perfect pair of headphones and headsets are bound to take your quality of life a notch higher. What do you look for in headphones and headsets?

Whereas some people only want good sound quality, others are specific in what they seek in headphones. They look for open, full-range sound reproduction that focuses on general accuracy, big bass, etc. What do you look for in your ideal sound quality?

With many headphone models and headset brands on the market, you need to narrow down your search based on your intended application area to select the best audio device for you.

How do you intend to use your headphones and headsets? Are you looking for an earphone you can use with a portable music player for unmatched listening experience at home or at work? Or, are you looking for a professional pair of headset you can use in your studio to monitor recordings?

You need basic knowledge of the types of headphones on the market to make that decision. Check out our informational article above on headphones or headsets for more information.

Whether you’re into rock, gospel, EDM, jazz or classic music, there’s a perfect set of headphones out there for you. Music is entertaining and appealing in every form, language and genre it comes in. and, with the right audio device, you’ll enjoy your favorite music each time you use your headphone.

Clearly, the need to choose the right pair of headphones and headsets goes without saying.

CORSAIR Void PRO RGB Wireless Gaming Headset - Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound Headphones for PC - Discord Certified - 50mm Drivers - White Microfiber mesh fabric and memory foam provide exceptional comfort. Connector USB Type A $152.33

Last update on 2022-04-18 at 19:50 PST - Details

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Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Headphones and Headsets

Available in different brands, designs, models, and bundled with all kinds of features and accessories, there’s need to choose your headphone wisely. With factors ranging from portability and weight to fit and isolation, this headphone buying guide will take you through what counts when shopping for headphones or headsets.

Portability

Are you planning to use your headphone on the go? For instance, you can bring yours when going for physical activities such as jogging, exercises and running. 

Lightweight headphones in compact designs are built for portable use. Conventional closed-back circumaural headphones are bulky and thus ideal for studio work. 

Bulkier closed-back headphones with sealed earcups are ideal for on-location recording using compact interfaces and portable devices such as laptops.

If you’re constantly on the move, consider headphones built in fold-up designs for protection of your gadget during transit and increased portability. Invest in a good case if you intend to travel with your recording headphones.

Durability

Bulkier headphones and headsets are more durable than their lightweight counterparts. You can easily sit on your compact headphone and break it into two.

Therefore, what’s key to getting durable headphones is taking good care of them. For instance, make sure you keep your pair of audio gadget in a protective case when not in use to avoid unnecessary damages. 

If you’re buying fold-up headphones, make sure the hinges are sturdy and intact. Choose gadgets with strong cables; thin, delicate ones may not last. Make sure the headphone you want to buy has easily available replacement parts if it’s highly priced.

That way, you’ll be able to replace damaged, worn out or lost parts affordably without the need to buy an entirely new set of headphones.

Design Fit and Comfort

Every headphone or headset feels comfortable if used temporarily. But, the converse is true for prolonged listening or communication sessions. If you can try out your ideal headphones before making a purchase, the better for you.

However, if you’re shopping online, look out for large earcups when buying a pair of closed-back, circumaural headphones. Smaller, on-ear headphones cushioned with leather or fabric padding are designed for comfort because they ease pressure exerted on your ears. 

Therefore, they support prolonged use.

Opt for compact, lightweight headphones for added comfort in the long-term. Ultra-light, portable headphones built with foam pads also support comfortable, listening experiences that go over long hours.

Another feature to look out for in the most comfortable headphones is the behind-the-neck or over-the-head headband styles. Let your headphone have one that’ cushioned or padded, atop being adjustable to fit your head or neck.

Over-the-ear headphones often feature rotating cups while earbuds dispense with headbands for added comfort. Adjust your headphone band as necessary to a desirable comfort level with reduced sound leakage.

Cables

Choose a pair of headset with cabling that’s long enough without limiting you or compromising sound quality. Long cables can introduce noise, tangle easily or even lower the volume of your audio device.

Shielded cables reduce noise. If your headphone is good, but comes with a short cable, buy a good quality extension cable to use with your headphone. If you intend to add another cable, make sure it’s long to prevent signal degradation. 

Avoid using two more cables for the same reason. Opt for one-sided cables instead of double-sided cables that tend to tangle easily.

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Type of Headphone

As discussed earlier, there’re different types of headphones and headsets to choose from. Consider on-ear, over-ear, in-ear or headphones worn around the neck. Also decide if you need a TV, communication or radio headphone. 

If you’re not sure what type to pick, check out more information on the different headphones in the section above. In-ear and earbuds offer noise isolation and increased portability. 

What’s more, if your ears stick out or you wear glasses, you’ll find them more comfortable than over-the-ear headphones. On the other hand, open, on-the-ear headphones allow some noise in and out, making them ideal for bike rides in busy places.

Full-size headphones, open or closed, are padded for comfort, and offer noise isolation and sound clarity. They also deliver great bass response and thus idea for home use.

1. Intended Use

How do you intend to use your headphones? Do you want to use your audio device whenever you go for runs or jogging? Do you want one you can use in heavy traffic or busy places without compromising you safety? Or, do you want one that completely cancels ambient noise for an immersive listening experience?

Choose the best headphone with microphone that’s bound to meet your unique needs in the intended application area. Your intended use of headphones can help you pick the right type of audio gadget.

2. Wireless or Wired

Although wired headphones are powerful, you can only use them while connected to your MP3 player, phone or even TV. It also limits your mobility.

On the other hand, wireless headphones give you the freedom to continue listening to your favorite music on the go. Whereas wired headphone boast strong signals, wireless connections sometime lose signal strength.

Opt for a pair of wireless headsets with wired connections so you can enjoy the best of both worlds. The best bass wireless headphones are ideal for pro gaming.

3. Open or Closed Back Design

The best closed-back headphones block ambient noise for totally immersive listening experience. On the other hand, open-back designs feature perforations to allow some noise inside the headphone. The latter designs are ideal for use in noisy places with heavy traffic so you’re wary about danger.

Choose closed-back designs for use in areas where you need to focus on what you’re doing, your music or just want create your own world.

SteelSeries Arctis 5 - RGB Illuminated Gaming Headset with DTS Headphone: X v2.0 Surround - for PC and PlayStation 4 - Black The inline USB chat mix dial balances game audio and chat volume on the fly $99.00

Last update on 2022-04-18 at 20:02 PST - Details

Check Price On Amazon Read Our In-Depth Review

Brands

Different brands manufacture headphones and headsets. Whereas some are legend in the industry, others don’t offer the kind of quality you’d want for professional application. Choose your choice of brand accordingly. Good brands to consider include Sennheiser and Bose, among others.

Check out user reviews of the brand you’re considering to ensure you don’t regret your purchase. Many retail and review sites usually have good reviews to check out.

Warranty

Make sure your chosen set of headphones or headsets come with a warranty, especially for high-end models that cost thousands if not hundreds. A warranty offers protection from manufacturing faults. A warranty of at least two years is recommended.

Noise Cancellation

Although they’re costly, noise-cancelling headphones block ambient noise for completely immersive listening. Available in both full-size and earbud models, the former offers better noise cancellation. 

The device inverts ambient sound, getting it to your ears in a different form. They’re battery-powered.

Noise Isolation

Unlike noise cancellation, headphones with noise isolation completely blocks ambient noise from getting into your audio device. It only lets you listen to the music you’re playing. Although they don’t use batteries, they’re less effective than noise-cancelling headphones.

Impedance

Impedance is the loudness of your audio device or the amount of power it needs to perform. Low impedance means your headphone uses less power to perform, hence compatible with media players, smartphones and other mobile devices due to weaker amplification. High amplification can damage such headphones.

Headphones with high impedance use standalone amplifiers with powerful amplification power to perform. They can’t blow-out easily because they can handle high amplification. Buy a headphone with the right impedance for the device you intend to use it with.

Whereas 15 ohms impedance is low, 50 ohms plus require amplification for powerful performance. However, many smartphones can handle up to 50 ohms impedance. Choose accordingly to ensure you don’t just get optimal performance, but prevent your devices from blowing out.

Built-in Microphone

Do you need to use your headphone as a headset? Choose one with built-in microphone or a powerful headset with microphone for communication purposes.

Other factors to consider include the frequency range that shouldn’t go below 20-25,000 Hz. Develop a budget and note that what you pay for is what you get. Premium headphones can cost up to $3,000 plus. However, prices generally range from as low as $20 to over $3,000.

For gaming, choose headsets with exceptional surround effect and the best gaming microphone for unmatched experience. Good soundstaging and imaging also guarantees an exceptional listening or gaming experience with great clarity and as good as a live performance. 

Also look out for a free 30-day return policy. If shopping from a physical store, test out your ideal headphone or headset before making a purchase. For online purchases, check user reviews to get a general idea of what to expect from the audio equipment.

Master & Dynamic MW60G1 MW60 Wireless Bluetooth Foldable Headphones - Premium Over-The-Ear Headphones - Noise Isolating - Portable, Gunmetal/Black Leather

Last update on 2022-04-18 at 20:02 PST - Details

Check Price On Amazon Read Our In-Depth Review

Conclusion

When shopping for the best headphones and headsets, you get what you pay for. Choose a gadget with features you need and will definitely use. Your intended use and application area can help you choose the right headphone.
If you want the best headphone you can use for many hours and for a long-time, invest in the best headphone with a good microphone and speaker that’s bound to last and give you value for your money.
Order the best headphones and headsets today and begin enjoying your favorite music wherever and whenever you want. Otherwise, contact us for more information or with any queries.