The Best Bass Headphones of 2018

The 9 Best Bass Headphones

To bass or not to bass, that is a question that has polarized audiophiles for decades. While the notion that a flat sound signature is best, for many, a sound signature that emphasizes bass is a more desired option. We’ve put together a list of some of the best bass headphones on the market, including an open-back option.

These headphones will offer strong bass performance, with some being aimed more toward critical listeners and others toward more casual listeners.

Our Pick!

Audeze LCD-2

A high-end pair of headphones with a rich, vibrant bass response and overall brilliant sound quality that warrants the price tag.

Quick Pick – Our Awards!

Overall Top Pick

If money is no object, the Audeze LCD-2 is our pick for the overall best bass headphone on the market. With 100mm Planar magnetic drivers, you’ll get an authoritative punchy bass presence without sacrificing sound staging or detail. Open-back headphones aren’t known for their bass, but the LCD-2 isn’t concerned with that train of thought.

Best Bass Headphones Under $200

The Philips Fidelio X2HR has earned our pick for the best bass headphone under $200 thanks to the impressive soundstage and detail, which, when combined with the affordable price tag and bass performance, provides an overall great headphone that is ideal for those looking to enjoy EDM, Hip-Hop or Rock/Metal. These headphones have the reputation they do with good reason.

Best Closed-Back Bass Headphone

The Denon D7200 is the most premium closed-back headphone on our list and if you’re looking for the best quality, this is our top recommendation. The Denon D7200 has an impressive soundstage with warm tones in the treble and a bass response that is both punchy and authoritative, without feeling excessive or resulting in distortion. These are a great pair of bass-heavy critical listening cans.

Best Bass Headphones Under $100

The best bass headphones under $100 go to the Sony Extra Bass MDRXB650BT. At around $80, the 650BT is exceptional value for money. Great features and awesome bass. True bass lovers will not be disappointed with the Sony Extra Bass MDRX650BT however, for an extra $10 or so over your budget you can get the MDRX950BT which is a lot more fun.

Best Noise-Canceling Bass Headphones

Noise-canceling is especially useful while traveling. Noise-canceling is primarily to block out low-frequency noise, usually below 400Hz. This is where most of the background noise comes from planes. If you like headphones with good bass but also need some noise-canceling, the best pair we found is the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless.

The Momentum Wireless has some advanced noise-canceling technology. Not only are they noise canceling, but when the music’s off, microphones pick up voices around you so you’re still able to hold a conversation or head any announcements.

Bass Headphones with the Most Accessories

If accessories and extras are something you’re after, then you’ll want a pair of the V-MODA Crossfade LP2 Metal Headphones. The Crossfade LP2 comes with the baddest exoskeleton headphone case we’ve ever seen, a carabiner clip, cable with control and mic, extended audio cable, and a ¼” adapter.

The Crossfade LP2 features an interchangeable metal ear cup shield. They give you an extra gunmetal shield (with extra screws and a screwdriver) with the headphones but you can also go onto V-MODA’s website and order different colors or even customize your own design. The Crossfade LP2 is also the most durable headphone with an extra-strong metal frame and ear cups.

Our Picks For the Top Bass Heavy Headphones

We’ve included closed-back and open-back options and have also provided affordable and high-end options.

1. 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.

Why We Recommend It

The Audeze LCD-2 is an expensive pair of headphones and is only recommended for those with a true interest in the art of headphones. If you’ve got the money to spare and are looking for a great pair of headphones that look and sound amazing, the LCD-2 is hard to beat.

Pros

  • Large soundstage
  • Beautiful design
  • 100mm drivers

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Sound signature is not everyone’s favorite

2. Philips Fidelio X2HR

Philips Audio 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 there the bass and treble are tuned up a bit. 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.

Why We Recommend It

The Fidelio X2HR is a pair of headphones for those who want a fun-sounding signature with lots of soundstage but perhaps are less concerned about a perfectly balanced sound profile. I find these headphones to be really versatile across genres.

Pros

  • Great value for money
  • Wide soundstage
  • Very comfortable

Cons

  • Not a very balanced treble
  • A weak point in the earcup pin adds fragility

3. 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 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 

Why We Recommend It

The Denon AH-D7200 closed-back headphones are an amazing pair of cans that work well for any music style or listening-based activity. The lack of a 3.5mm / 1/8-inch connector is a little disappointing, as well as the absence of a carry case and other replaceable parts, especially considering the massive price of these headphones. If you’re an audio engineer or critical listener, I would recommend first buying something a little more faithful in terms of frequency representation, but for general listening, the Denon AH-D7200 provides an incredibly enjoyable listen.

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Good bass response
  • Great build quality

Cons

  • Expensive

4. Meze 99 Classics Over-Ear Headphones

meze 99 classic

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

Why We Recommend It

The Meze 99 Classics are a pair of closed-back headphones worth every cent. While they’re not the cheapest option, the quality is guaranteed in the build, design, and sound reproduction. They’re one of the most attractive headphones on the market and sound great for various uses. 

Pros

  • Deep bass response
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Somewhat pricy

5. Sony Extra Bass 950 (MDRXB950BT)

Sony Extra Bass 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?

  • Sony Extra Bass MDRXB950BT Headphones
  • 3.5mm AUX Cable
  • Micro USB to USB Charging Cable

Why We Recommend It

I can’t see any reason why I’d choose the MDRXB650BT over the MDRXB950BT. The cost difference is less than $30, and the 950BT has more features. If you prefer an on-ear fit and require a longer battery life, then the 650BT would be the better choice of the two.
Having said that, both Sony Extra Bass Headphones are awesome, and I’d be happy to own either pair.

Pros

  • Dominant bass
  • Easy-to-use controls
  • Good midrange and treble

Cons

  • Boosted bass can result in distortion
  • Not the most comfortable

6. V-MODA Crossfade LP2 Metal Headphones

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?

  • V-MODA Crossfade LP2 Headphones
  • Gunmetal shield kit with extra screws & screwdriver
  • Exoskeleton case
  • Carabiner clip
  • Durable reinforced SpeakEasy 1-Button microphone cable
  • Durable reinforced extended audio cable
  • 1/4″ adapter

Why We Recommend It

The V-MODA Crossfade LP2 Metal Headphones most definitely win on build quality and durability. After handling a pair of Crossfade LP2 Headphones, you’ll look down on the plastic offerings of other manufacturers. There are headphones with more bass than the Crossfade LP2. However, I’d still say these are up there with the best bass headphones for sure.
Overall sound quality will be better than most of the bass headphones on the market. The Crossfade LP2, with extras and the ability to customize your ear cups, offers exceptional value for money, and I can’t see anyone regretting purchasing these headphones. Even the biggest bass heads will be satisfied.

Pros

  • Overall impressive sound performance
  • Great battery life
  • Good noise isolation
  • H2 chip shows further performance improvement on iPhones

Cons

  • Stability isn’t great

7. Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless Headphones

Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless Headphones

Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Features

Sennheiser is arguably one of the leading manufacturers when it comes to headphones. They offer products to meet both the budget and premium market with faultless design and quality. Sennheiser offers products to satisfy the average user right up to the demanding audiophiles.

Having said that, the original Sennheiser Momentum was not well received due to comfort issues. Sennheiser has fixed the comfort issue in the Momentum 2.0.

One thing you’ll notice the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 has over its competitors is built quality. The vintage design may not appeal to some, but the parts and attention to detail are something everyone will appreciate.

Unlike most premium headphones, the Momentum 2.0 has few plastic parts. Only the ear cups are plastic, but even these are of high quality. The frame is mostly brushed metal and covered in luxuriously soft leather. The ear cups feature premium memory foam covered in the same leather.

The headphones are adjusted by sliding the ear cups on the frame rather than pulling them out. There is more than enough room to make the headphones fit every head size. The headband sits comfortably on the head, and you don’t ever feel any pressure. For comfort, the Momentum 2.0 Wireless can’t be faulted.

The sound of the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless is incredible. Where other bass headphones have an over-the-top wooly sound, the Momentum 2.0 is more chunk and refined. They probably don’t have as much bass as some bass headphones, but definitely deliver a punch I think even the biggest bass fans will appreciate.

Often when bass headphones have the bass boost, there is some minor loss in the mid-range, treble, or both. With the Momentum 2.0, you get a clean frequency response with a solid, crisp sound.

The Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless features Bluetooth 4.0, the latest version of Bluetooth. Pairing is simple, and if you have an NFC-enabled device, you can pair effortlessly by tapping the NFC sensor. Pairing is completed fast, and once you have paired once, the Momentum 2.0 will pair automatically to the same device when turned on.

The Momentum 2.0 Wireless also includes a ⅛ inch input, and Sennheiser provides a ⅛ inch cable with the headphones. Often with wireless/cable headphones, you get a different sound between the active, wireless, and passive cable. Usually, the sound will lose its definition and character when going from wireless to cable. With the Momentum 2.0, this isn’t the case. The audio quality is as good when connected via Bluetooth or using the ⅛ inch cable.

The ⅛ inch jack is inserted and then twisted to lock the cable in place. This will prevent the cable from pulling out. To release, twist the opposite direction and unplug. This is a small but necessary issue that Sennheiser has addressed and goes to show the attention to detail the designers have shown.

When paired to a Bluetooth device, you have a significant amount of control with the Momentum 2.0 Wireless. You can play/pause, skip, search songs, and adjust the volume control. You can answer or reject incoming calls as well as answer and switch between multiple calls. This is far more functionality control than you’ll find on most Bluetooth headphones.

The Momentum 2.0 also has the ability to pair two devices at the same time. So if you’re working on your laptop and phone, you can switch between the two without pairing and unpairing the headphones. The battery life on the Momentum 2.0 lasts 22 hours, and a battery life indicator will show up at the top of your mobile device.

The Momentum 2.0 Wireless is permanently in the noise-canceling mode which Sennheiser calls the NoiseGard™. NoiseGard is a hybrid noise-canceling technology that attenuates ambient noise. Sennheiser’s built-in VoiceMax microphones allow you to still carry a conversation with the headphones on and the music off. This type of noise-canceling technology and on another level compared to Sennheiser’s competitors.

What’s in the box?

  • Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless headphones
  • 1.4 m (4.5’) Audio cable / 3.5mm (⅛ inch) Low-profile angled plug
  • USB Charging cable
  • In-flight adapter
  • Soft Drawstring Travel Bag
  • Hard-shell case

Why We Recommend It

If you are willing to spend around $400 on a pair of the best bass headphones, then you should definitely consider the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless. The audio quality, technology, built quality, features, and attention to detail are on another level and well worth the price tag. These are headphones with good bass and exceptional clarity. Everything from classical music to the latest hip-hop or dubstep is going to sound incredible through the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless.

Pros

  • Overall impressive sound performance
  • Great battery life
  • Good noise isolation
  • H2 chip shows further performance improvement on iPhones

Cons

  • Stability isn’t great

8. Skullcandy Hesh 2 Wireless Headphones

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?

  • Hesh 2 Wireless Headphones
  • 3.5mm AUX Cable
  • Micro USB to USB Charging Cable
  • Soft Drawstring Travel Bag

Why We Recommend It

At under $100 (often on special for between $69-$80 on Amazon), The Skullcandy Hesh 2 Wireless Headphones are an affordable pair of bass headphones. I don’t feel the Skullcandy Hesh 2 Wireless compete with the Sony Extra Bass Headphones, but they do produce enough bass for the average user. If you like extreme bass, then the Hesh 2 Wireless might not satisfy your needs. However, you have to take into account the price, and for under $100, you won’t find a better pair of headphones with good bass.

Pros

  • Overall impressive sound performance
  • Great battery life
  • Good noise isolation
  • H2 chip shows further performance improvement on iPhones

Cons

  • Stability isn’t great

9.  Sennheiser HD 201 Headphones

Sennheiser HD 201 Headphones

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 does get warm after an hour or so, and you find you need to give your ears a rest. As these aren’t premium headphones, that’s to be expected.

While the sound on the HD 201 Headphones isn’t the most exciting when 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 of the premium brands, but certainly 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 when it comes to traveling, the cable’s length does start to be an issue. You’ll need to fold and wrap up most of the excess and put it in your pocket or backpack. Not a major issue, but still something to note.

What’s in the box?

  • Sennheiser HD 201 Headphones
  • 1/4” adapter

Why We Recommend It

The Sennheiser HD 201 are budget headphones without the budget sound. If you are strapped for cash or want a decent pair of backup headphones just in case, then the Sennheiser HD 201 is the best choice. Don’t be fooled by cheap imports selling for $50 or more selling as bass headphones. The Sennheiser HD 201 will do a better job and last longer.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Comfortable
  • Reliable
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Lacks dynamic range
  • Soundstage could be better

How We Selected These Products

Bass is a difficult topic to tackle due to the subjectivity of audio. Some people enjoy a rumbling bass performance that is very much focused on the deep low end. Others prefer a tight, punchy bass response that is more elevated in the mid-bass or upper-bass range. Because of this, we’ve included headphones that try to cover various types of low-end responses and aren’t all just about having a clean bass or a rumbling, dirty bass signature. This lets you find which product best aligns with what you’re looking for.

While we’ve made sure to include some of the best, high-end options on our list, we’ve also included a number of more affordable choices that fit a more casual listening experience and are more useful to the everyday listener.

Buyer’s Guide – What To Know Before Buying

Open-Back vs. Closed-Back

There are merits to both open-back and closed-back headphones, depending on what you’re planning to use your headphones for. Closed-back headphones have historically been the most popular type of headphones, as the sealed design makes the bass more present, and it also isolates your audio from your environment. On the other hand, Open-back headphones excel in providing immersive soundstage and detailed audio but typically lack bass.

Since you’re looking for bass-heavy headphones, you’ll find more consumer options in the closed-back design type, but that isn’t to say that there aren’t open-back headphones with excellent bass. In fact, we’ve included a few open-back options to our list, selecting one from the high-end range and one from a more affordable price point. Do note that open-back headphones tend to provide more punchy bass, while closed-back headphones are more prone to mild distortion in the low end, depending on the model.

We recommend first getting a good understanding of the differences between open-back and closed-back headphones, to find which will best suit your purposes.

Affordability

For the average consumer, spending over $100 on a pair of headphones may seem like a lot. Meanwhile, those with a keen interest in audio will gladly spend a thousand dollars on a pair of good cans. While it’s true that there are distinct differences in the performance of headphones in these different price ranges, those differences are often not picked up on by the average listener, and you do not need to be spending $1000 on headphones unless you’re looking for those small performance increases.

There are, however, discussions to be had around cheaper headphones, too; spending less than $100 will more often than not land you a very respectable pair of bass-heavy headphones, but the sweet spot in terms of performance and build quality is usually between the $150-$250 range, where you will find a lot of great headphones that far exceed the performance found in $60 or $70 pairs. So consider investing in a good pair of headphones where possible. A good pair of cans can last you decades.

Not All Bass Is Good Bass

It may be tempting to see the words “Lots of bass” and immediately follow through with your purchase, but it’s important to know that not all bass is good-sounding bass. What makes a headphone sound good is how the sounds that can be identified in the mix come together to create an immersive soundscape. Unfortunately, with some cheaper headphones, the bass is often boosted. Still, in doing so – because they don’t use high-quality drivers, it causes the bass response to bleed into the midrange or even become distorted.

Despite what dank memes may suggest, blown-out bass is not the sign of a good headphone. Instead, you more than likely want something punchy, maybe even a little gritty if you’re into that, but mostly it should stand out from the mix in a way that doesn’t distract from the other elements.

Comfort

Comfort should always be a consideration. Each headphone model is unique in how it fits, some cater more towards smaller heads, and others work best with larger-headed individuals. But most commonly, the comfort will result from the headband design and the earcups. Earcup padding can make a vast difference in the comfort you experience, similar to how some headbands may be too tight for you.

Because each person is also unique, there’s no way for us to provide you with recommendations for your head shape or headphone preferences. Still, we do recommend checking out the comments on Amazon to see how others found the comfort. Many of these reviews will be able to answer your question for you and help you determine what is likely the best fit for you. Nobody wants to be wearing uncomfortable headphones for hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I expect to spend on a bass-heavy pair of headphones?

No matter what your price point, you’ll find an option for a bass heavy pair of headphones. With that said, the lower cost options will typically result in more flaws in the listening experience. Generally, headphones around $100 and higher hold a lot of great options. But this price can go up past $1000 for a high end pair of headphones.

What is a V-shaped sound signature?

The term V-shape is used in relation to sound signature, to demonstrate the position of the curve on a frequency response chart. It means that there is an elevated bass signature along with an elevated treble.

What is a planar driver?

A planar driver is a specific driver design that typically results in a good bass performance.

Effects of Headphones on Hearing Loss

It’s a bit of a downer to think about the repercussions listening to your favorite bass headphones can have on your hearing, but it’s important to know the facts so you know how to protect your ears. The irony is, the one thing you love doing, listening to headphones with good bass, could be the thing that damages your hearing and prevents you from doing that very thing.

In an article from Stony Brook School of Medicine (Stony Brook, NY, USA), researchers confirmed headphones and earphones can cause permanent hearing loss. The study also noted teenagers and children were more susceptible to hearing loss or complications later in life due to excessive listening volumes. Similar findings were noted in a study by the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health.

Here are some facts on listening levels and what the impact will be on your hearing taking from the Stony Brook article published on hearing loss:

“Sound at 85 dB or below is considered safe. If one is exposed to sounds greater than 90 dB for an average of eight hours per day without hearing protection, hearing loss will most likely result. As the volume increases, the safe time of exposure decreases.

  • 95 dB, damage will occur after four hours of exposure per day.
  • 100 dB, damage will occur after two hours of exposure per day.
  • 105 dB, damage will occur after one hour of exposure per day.
  • 110 dB, damage will occur after 30 minutes of exposure per day.
  • 115 dB, damage will occur after 15 minutes of exposure per day.
  • 120-plus dB, damage occurs almost immediately.

Most portable stereo music systems produce sound in the range of 95-108 dB at level four and in excess of 115 dB at level eight.”

If you are able to hear the person’s headphones when you are sitting next to them, the volume is probably too loud. This is important to note for parents especially.

If you are traveling or using your headphones for an extended period of time, give your ears a rest for a few days before listening to loud music or your headphones again. This will reduce the risk of permanent hearing loss.

Noise-canceling headphones are best for traveling as you can listen to your headphones at the recommended 85dB and still hear everything clearly. Without noise canceling, you will find yourself turning the volume up to fight against background noise, especially on planes.


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Written by
Bryn De Kocks

Bryn De Kocks is the lead editor for Audiostance, as well as one of our trusted reviewers. He has more than 15 years of experience in online publication and stands firm in being transparent with both the benefits and drawbacks of the products he reviews. Outside of editorial work, Bryn has been an avid online gamer and casual digital music producer since his teenage years, bringing his understanding of audio and especially headphones to the table. His daily driver is a humble pair of Fidelio X2HRs powered by a Fiio E10K. In his spare time he enjoys nature photography.

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5 comments
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  • ive tried many good brand name headphones….if bass is your gun….the best is skullcandy crusher…..others try to imitate but no go. for all around sound…. bass hi’s lows…its audiotechnia ws11001s this model gives a sound that gives you the feeling your right there at a concert or hifi recording studio.

    • I definitely second the recommendation for the Skullcandy Crusher – is the audio perfect? No, but if you’re 1) looking for insane bass while 2) not looking to blow out your eardrums… then these are the cans for you. I love the thump of bass – to really feel that lower frequency. The Crushers give you that sensation while reducing the need to pump the volume way up.
      Movies take on a completely different feel – the new Dune movie has one scene (early on, where he says “Give me the water.” ) that literally plays differently with the haptic bass and without.
      The sound bleed is also great… I can play games late at night without bothering anyone. The volume doesn’t have to be turned up to 11 to get that immersive feel that you want for explosions, engine sounds, etc.
      Battery life takes me through all day… and they’re light enough and comfortable enough to wear from sunup to sundown. I do look a little goofy in my Teams calls for work, though.