The best headphones on Amazon of 2017
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If you're looking for a new pair of headphones, odds are you're going to head to Amazon to place your order. And while Amazon is the most popular online retailer, it's also a great way to crowdsource recommendations. But how do you know which ones are actually worth it?
To figure that out, I sought out the most popular models on Amazon. I sifted through dozens of models on Amazon's best-sellers list, while also seeing which models had the best user reviews and were the most wished for—with a dash of my own expertise and recommendations mixed in.
After scoping out dozens of products and reading hundreds of reviews, I was left with the list of the most popular headphones on Amazon. Though some of these had already passed through Reviewed.com's headphone test labs, others I got to check out for the first time. The end result? Reviewed.com's guide to the best headphones you can buy on Amazon right now.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x - Best Over-Ear Headphones
It shouldn't be a surprise to see the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones on this list. Not only did we give them an Editors' Choice award in our review, but they also won a 2016 Best of Year Award for "Best Headphones for the Money."
The M50x are great for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. They're some of my favorite headphones to use because they're comfortable and they sound great no matter what music I'm listening to. Whether it's the symphonic video game soundtracks I listen to while writing or the bass-heavy, synth beats of more mainstream tunes, my music always sounds crisp, clear, and amazing. It's honestly hard to go back to other, cheaper headphones.
Though the $150 MSRP seems like a lot, but these are frequently on sale on Amazon. If you're spending long hours stuck at a desk listening to music, you should treat yourself. Trust me, it'll go a long way to making your days a bit more enjoyable.
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Cowin E7 - Best Value Over-Ears
If the $150 Audio-Technica headphones are a little bit out of your price range, I'd suggest taking a look at the Cowin E-7s. Coming in at about $70, the Cowins are affordable over-ears that don't offend. There's a generous amount of plush padding on the earcups that felt great compared to some of the other headphones I used during this roundup.
The right earcup has a fairly cheap feeling plastic switch to control volume and audio playback, but really that's such a small complaint when you consider the number of headphones in this price range that don't come with any kind of audio controls at all. Throw in active noise cancellation—to block those invasive sounds of the world outside your music—NFC to pair wirelessly with your phone, and a price that's easy to manage, and you have a pretty strong case for your next purchase.
Where to Buy:
Sony MDR-7506
Though not as cool as Beats or Bose headphones, the Sony MDR-7506 over-ears are perhaps the most recommended headphones on the planet. They've been around forever and you're likely to find a pair (or something almost exactly identical) in every recording studio, radio station, or TV station around.
With a price that nearly always sits under $100, the MDR-7506 over-ears are pro-grade studio headphones that don't cost an arm and a leg. Sure, the ear pads aren't as plush as high-end models, the coiled cable isn't removable, and they don't have noise-cancellation, but if you just want a pair of no-nonsense over-ears with incredible sound quality, these are the way to go.
Where to Buy:
Bose QuietComfort 35
The Bose QC35s are not cheap. But despite the $350 MSRP, they're among the most popular headphones in the world. And there's a reason Bose headphones are nearly ubiquitous on planes or trains: when it comes to active noise cancellation—the tech used to shut out noises from the world around you—Bose's QuietComfort line reigns supreme.
The Bose QC35s are the latest in a long line of premiere headphones that offer incredible comfort, sound, and noise canceling tech in a single package. The only difference is that this time around the QC35s also boast wireless support. Whether you just bought the latest iPhone—sans headphone jack—or just want to step up your audio game, these are a first class pick. That is, so long as you don't mind paying the premium price tag to get you there.
Where to Buy:
Sennheiser HD 201
The Sennheiser HD20s are a super budget option for anyone that wants a pair of over-ears that simply get the job done. They aren't incredibly sturdy and the padding on the earcups and headband are a little wanting, but for around $25 they do enough to justify the price.
As far as sound quality goes, they're a little quiet and don't really give enough of a boost to bass to be overly impressive. That being said, if you work in a quiet office where you don't need a ton of power behind your music the HD 201s are a solid choice for a budget-minded buyer.
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Avoid - AmazonBasics Lightweight On-Ear
The equivalent of the store brand at your local grocery store, AmazonBasics is a way for the retailer to offer cheaper versions of products with the Amazon branding. While it's great for batteries or other small accessories, it's not always the best for electronics. Still, at $15, it's no surprise that the AmazonBasics On-Ear headphones sit high on Amazon's best-seller list.
Unfortunately, the savings are in no way worth it. You know those headphones they sell for $1 on cross-country flights? That's what these are. They feel as cheap as they are, they're uncomfortable, and the sound quality is lackluster at best. I know it's only $15, but, please, do yourself a favor and steer clear.
1MORE Triple Driver Earbuds - Best Earbuds
More than any other kind of headphone, earbuds are the easiest to push aside quality in favor of price. We've all grabbed a cheap $15 pair of Skullcandy or Gumy earbuds and called it a day. Well, let me stop you right there and introduce you to the 1MORE Triple Driver Earbuds.
They're a little pricey at $100, but these are also the best earbuds we've ever tested. Period. They're bass-forward without being bass-heavy and, speaking from experience, can handle any musical genre you're in the mood for. Plus, they look sleek with a sand-blasted aluminum casing that's lightweight and sturdy. The Triple Drivers won't be as durable as stay-at-home over-ears, but for portable headphones they can take a beating and will last a good long while.
Where to Buy:
JLab Audio Epic Wireless Earbuds
If you’re looking for reliable wireless earbuds that can go from gym to work and back again, you can't go wrong with the Epics, especially at such a bargain price. While JLab Audio has come out with the new and improved Epic2s for $99, the original Epics are still a rock solid choice that are comfortable and easy to use.
The Epics have a solid emphasis on bass, but fans of any classical music or bright, airy vocals might not get the full breadth of their music. With an advertised 10 hours of battery life, an IPX4 rating for water resistance (meaning they can handle buckets of sweat or a splash of water without worry), and the latest in Bluetooth tech, the Epics are prepped to tackle anything you might want to throw at them.
Where to Buy:
Beats Powerbeats3 Wireless
If you're willing to shell out a bit more money, the Beats by Dre Powerbeats3 are unmatched when it comes to wireless earbuds that can handle a tough workout. For wireless earbuds targeted at an active lifestyle, there were no sacrifices made in sound, comfort, or style.
The slick design lends itself to a sturdy fit thanks to the "earhook" design that won't go anywhere. Throw in fantastic wireless performance, range, and a sizable battery, and you have an unparalleled success in the wireless earbud category.
Where to Buy:
Panasonic RP-HJE120
Consistently topping the best-sellers list on Amazon are these Panasonic earbuds that come in a variety of colors and rarely get higher than $12. The best thing I can say about these is that they work. They definitely plug into (most) phones and music plays from the earbuds.
All joking aside, these are a perfectly functional pair of earbuds that don't sound the greatest nor are they particularly comfortable past an hour or so. They don't have an in-line remote and they feel like they won't last with a ton of repeated use.
BUT. They're dirt cheap and perfect if you just need something to get you through your 40-minute commute to work where you have a better pair of over-ears waiting for you.
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