Best headphone amplifiers 2024: boost your personal listening

Best headphone amplifiers 2024
(Image credit: iFi)

If you've decided to make your next pair of headphones wired, chances are your number one priority is sound quality. After all, the best wired headphones still beat wireless alternatives for performance-per-pound (or dollar) value. Of course, you can unbox your new pair and plug them straight into your phone, portable hi-res player  (better) or home stereo amplifier (better still), but connecting them to a dedicated headphone amplifier will make them sing much more impressively... so long as it is superior to the one in your system, of course!

Why do you need a headphone amplifier at all? Well, a headphone amplifier is different from a conventional stereo amplifier. As speakers need more power than most headphones, a headphone amplifier circuit must be engineered to perform at lower signal levels, and many standard amps aren't made to do just that. Hence the need for a dedicated, separate headphone amp.

These can be small, portable and price-varying headphone amps designed to be the middleman between your wired headphones and laptop or phone, or they can be bigger, hi-fi component models designed to integrate into a fully-fledged system.

We've rounded up class-leading headphone amplifiers of both types that we've put through the paces in our dedicated listening rooms. But before we get to the list you might want to consider which type best for you, plus some features you may want to consider...

How to choose the best headphone amplifier for you

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt connected to an iPhone via an adaptor

A tiny, convenient, talented USB DAC/headphone amp for computers, laptops and phones. (Image credit: AudioQuest)
What Hi-Fi? Awards winner. A superbly insightful headphone USB DAC/amp for laptops and phones.

Specifications

Outputs: 3.5mm
Inputs: USB
Bluetooth: No
Max file support: 24-bit/96kHz PCM, MQA
Dimensions (hwd): 1.2 x 1.9 x 5.7cm
Weight: 20g

Reasons to buy

+
Impressive resolution and clarity
+
Convenient form factor
+
Smartphone compatible

Reasons to avoid

-
Less forgiving than the more affordable DragonFly Red

It's certainly not cheap, but Audioquest's top-range DragonFly USB DAC is an excellent performer. The Award-winning Cobalt improves on the already talented Red by offering even better clarity and sonic precision. Its excellent transparency means that the Cobalt reveals shortcomings in the source and recordings that others in the family don't, so you might have to watch those lower-quality recordings. But give it a good signal and it's capable enough to give Chord's mighty Mojo a hard time – and that's something not many headphone amps can claim.

It shares many of the same features as the multiple Award-winning DragonFly Red, including the 2.1v headphone output, bit-perfect digital volume control and MQA renderer. But there are also numerous upgrades, like the more advanced DAC chip, delivering a clearer, more natural sound, and a new microprocessor which increases processing speed by 33 per cent. Plus improved power supply filtering (increasing immunity to wi-fi, Bluetooth and cellular noise), a 10 per cent smaller enclosure, and included DragonTail USB-A (female) to USB-C (male) adaptor for use with the growing number of electronics with connectivity for the latter.

Suddenly it doesn't look all that expensive after all...

Read our full Audioquest DragonFly Cobalt review

Chord Mojo 2 connected to earbuds, on a table

The apex of portable DAC/headphone amps, with a price to match. (Image credit: Chord)
What Hi-Fi? Awards winner. A game-changing portable DAC/headphone amp that offers serious hi-fi performance.

Specifications

Outputs: 3.5mm x2
Inputs: Optical, 3.5mm coaxial, USB-C, Micro USB
Bluetooth: No
Max file support: 32-bit/768kHz PCM, DSD256
Dimensions (hwd): 2.3 x 8.3 x 6.2cm
Weight: 185g

Reasons to buy

+
Benchmark transparency
+
Lively, musical, open sound
+
Several customisation options

Reasons to avoid

-
Convoluted colour display

The fittingly named Mojo 2 is the long-anticipated, re-engineered replacement to the 2015-released original, which burst onto the scene as a real benchmark-setting game-changer in the then-fledgling world of portable DACs/headphone amps. And while those familiar with Chord’s most affordable product will see from this review’s accompanying images that the aesthetic hasn’t exactly been overhauled for the sequel, significant progress has been made elsewhere to protect its position as the pinnacle of portable DACs.

While from a performance point of view the Mojo 2 can just as confidently raise a hi-fi system’s game too, some of those looking for a boost might reasonably prefer a dedicated system alternative with more suitable connections, such as the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M (below). But for those who are after a primarily portable or desktop DAC solution in this price region (and cannot triple their budget to Chord Hugo 2 territory), we believe the decision to Mojo 2 or not to Mojo 2 is far easier. And what about existing Mojo owners? Honestly, Chord has left us no choice but to recommend the upgrade.

Read our full Chord Mojo 2 review

iFi Zen DAC V2 connected to a laptop and headphones

A dinky little desktop DAC that will do wonders for your computer audio. (Image credit: iFi)
What Hi-Fi? Awards winner. One of the best ways to upgrade your desktop headphone system on a budget.

Specifications

Outputs: RCA, 4.4mm x2, 6.3mm
Inputs: USB 3.0
Bluetooth: No
Max file support: 32-bit/384kHz PCM, DSD256, MQA
Dimensions (hwd): 3 x 10 x 11.7cm
Weight: 800g

Reasons to buy

+
Clearer and more insightful than predecessor
+
Expressive dynamics
+
Good output selection

Reasons to avoid

-
No mains adapter included

The ‘if it ain’t broke…’ saying isn’t lost on us. But at the same time we realise that in a competitive industry such as hi-fi, making the best even better off your own back isn’t necessarily a bad idea. It’s what iFi has done with its budget home DAC and headphone amp offering, with the original Zen DAC now making way for a ‘V2’ model that offers improvements in terms of processing, MQA decoding and circuitry.

They pay off. This budget DAC, which can be USB or mains powered, is excellent in both the features and performance department for the money. The compact Zen will polish your music with a new level of sparkle, revealing not only more detail but offering a greater sense of dynamic range as it does so.

Offering a significant upgrade over computer sound quality in an era where people need it most, the Zen DAC V2 is another feather in the cap for iFi’s budget Zen series.

Read our full iFi Zen DAC V2 review

Chord Hugo 2 on a white background

The ultimate DAC/headphone amplifier most people will ever need for their computer or hi-fi system. (Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)
This premium desktop DAC/amp is worth every penny for a serious upgrade.

Specifications

Outputs: 3.5mm, 6.3mm, RCA
Inputs: Micro USB, optical, coaxial
Bluetooth: Yes (aptX)
Max file support: 32-bit/768kHz PCM, DSD512
Dimensions (hwd): 2.1 x 10 x 13cm
Weight: 450g

Reasons to buy

+
Well-made and specified
+
Prodigiously detailed sound
+
Precision, rhythm and dynamics are stunning

Reasons to avoid

-
Confusing multi-coloured control system
-
Not very portable

The Hugo 2 is a strange one. It's just about small enough to take with you (this is clearly the intention, as it has its own built-in battery), but a little too large to sit in a pocket, so it's not ideal for on-the-go listening. It's also not the easiest device to use at times, mostly thanks to its system of coloured lights, which can get confusing. It's also at the higher end of the price scale, so entry-level users seeking a bargain may want to consider a cheaper alternative.

So what's it doing on this list, you might ask. Two words for you: sound quality. It's very difficult indeed to fault the way Hugo 2 converts and delivers your digital audio files. And not just sparklingly high res ones, but lower-quality files, too – whatever you feed it, Hugo 2 serves up a detailed, dynamic and punchy performance.

There are plenty of inputs to take advantage of, plus aptX Bluetooth as well. See past its quirky looks, and you'll be rewarded with a handsomely detailed, dynamic and punchy performance. No wonder it has won What Hi-Fi? Awards for its efforts.

Read our full Chord Hugo 2 review

Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M lifestyle with Sennheiser headphones

A versatile, well-equipped desktop offering that far from lets itself down in the sound department. (Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)
Cambridge’s generously featured desktop option is the most versatile you can buy at this mid-price level.

Specifications

Outputs: 6.3mm, RCA, XLR
Inputs: Coaxial x2, optical x2, USB (Type-B)
Bluetooth: Yes (aptX)
Max sample rate support: 32-bit/768kHz PCM, DSD512, MQA
Dimensions (hwd): 5.2 x 21.5 x 19.1cm
Weight: 1200g

Reasons to buy

+
Smooth, clean, insightful sound
+
Generous connectivity
+
Native MQA support

Reasons to avoid

-
No remote control
-
Tough competition from terrific Chord Mojo 2 (above)

If you're looking for a DAC/headphone amplifier that combines all manner of useful features into an attractive and sonically astute package, the DacMagic 200M is a bit of a no-brainer, especially at this price.

It's well-equipped enough to slot effortlessly into any hi-fi or desktop system. A wide selection of digital inputs caters to a range of sources and there's aptX Bluetooth on board too. Add balanced and unbalanced outputs into the mix, plus a headphone output and hi-res audio support and that's pretty much any and all bases covered.

Sonically, it's got that recognisable 'Cambridge' sound which means a full, smooth tone partnered with an open, expressive, and authoritative delivery. While the Chord Mojo 2 offers greater levels of rhythmic accuracy and detail at a now lower asking price, the Cambridge is still a fine option and is more clearly labelled, too. Ignore this talented all-rounder at your peril.

Read our full Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M review

AudioQuest DragonFly Red on a white background

Can't afford the DragonFly Cobalt that tops this list? This is your next best bet.
Clear, open treble and tight bass make this USB DAC/headphone amp a great affordable option.

Specifications

Outputs: 3.5mm
Inputs: USB
Bluetooth: No
Max file support: 24-bit/96kHz
Dimensions (hwd): 1.2 x 1.9x 6.2cm
Weight: 22g

Reasons to buy

+
Sophisticated, solid, subtle sound
+
As convenient as ever
+
Smartphone compatible

Reasons to avoid

-
Red finish seems easily chipped

Another Award-winner, albeit back in 2018, this DAC/amp offers a more affordable alternative to the flagship Cobalt in AudioQuest's DragonFly range. Plugged into a laptop or smartphone (with an adapter) the sound is dynamic, with ample weight and body. There's an extra level of detail that, combined with excellent low-level dynamics, means everything sounds more natural, subtle and expressive. Like the DragonFly Cobalt, the logo even lights up different colours to tell you what file format the Red is processing. It's a nice touch to an already excellent device.

Downsides? Its support for high-resolution music tops out at 24-bit/96kHz. And the glossy red finish does chip a bit easily.

But the Red is a supremely compact and convenient device that can be taken anywhere for an immediate musical boost. If you can live with that slightly flaky finish (and we certainly can), you can consider the DragonFly Red a pretty perfect computer music upgrade.

Read the full AudioQuest DragonFly Red review

iFi hip dac 2 paired with an iPhone and earbuds

A super-neat portable DAC/headphone amp that sounds as good as it looks. (Image credit: iFi)
Like a great single malt, iFi’s portable hip-dac is even more delicious second time around.

Specifications

Outputs: 3.5mm, 4.4mm
Inputs: USB 3.0
Bluetooth: No
Max file support: 32-bit/384kHz PCM, DSD256, MQA
Dimensions (hwd): 1.4 x 7 x 10.2cm
Weight: 125g

Reasons to buy

+
Zealous and agile sound
+
Snappy, expansive bass
+
Classy build and finish

Reasons to avoid

-
Tough competition from the Audioquest DragonFly models at this price (above)

At this level, you’re unlikely to find a portable DAC as clear, zealous, fully featured, or as downright good-looking as the iFi hip-dac 2. When a product leans quite heavily on a gimmick – i.e. masquerading as a vessel for alcohol, albeit a nice one – you might feel yourself dismissing it before you’ve given it a chance. To do so where iFi is concerned would be wrong, because really, this DAC is anything but a joke. 

It improves the quality of portable music without issue, faithfully plays virtually anything you ask it to, and the extra oomph afforded by the company’s more premium processor, in conjunction with its favoured Burr-Brown DAC, is well worth the nominal extra outlay over the original. Said original is still a noble, inexpensive DAC. It’s just that its successor is that little bit better.

Read our full iFi hip-dac 2 review

Audiolab M-DAC+ next to headphones, a laptop, a mug and pens

A true all-rounder that impresses in every department. (Image credit: Audiolab M-DAC+)
Extensive features, fine build and super sound quality – we're big fans of this versatile machine.

Specifications

Outputs: 6.3mm, coaxial, optical, XLR
Inputs: Coaxial x2, optical x2, RCA, AES/EBU, USB (Type-B), USB
Bluetooth: No
Max file support: 32-bit/384kHz PCM, DSD256
Dimensions (hwd): 11.4 x 24.7 x 29.2cm
Weight: 3.7kg

Reasons to buy

+
Extensive spec
+
Fine build and finish
+
Organised, tidy, expansive listen

Reasons to avoid

-
Could use more attack

Look at this tank. Unsurprisingly, it's very much a desktop amp – and you'll need a sizeable desktop, at that. If you're looking for something portable, best look elsewhere. But if it's home headphone listening you're after, it could well be the one for you. 

Sonically, it's a valuable additional to your home audio setup. It’s an overtly neat and tidy listen – showing a slavish attention to detail when it comes to the delineation of the soundstage. That’s a trait we wholly admire, and few other comparably priced DACs describe a stage quite as explicitly as the M-DAC+.

Even the densest, busiest recordings are laid out openly – in terms of staging, focus and sheer three-dimensionality, the Audiolab dishes out the details like a bar room gossip.

Add in fantastic powers of organisation and a rhythmic assurance that few can match, and you've got a solid headphone amplifier that truly justifies the outlay.

Read our full Audiolab M-DAC+ review

SPL Phonitor xe on a white background

If you’re looking for a top-class analogue headphone amplifier, this SPL Phonitor xe is worth serious consideration. (Image credit: Future)
A high-end performer defined by impressive insight and serious sonic authority.

Specifications

Outputs : 4-pin balanced x2, 6.3mm x2
Inputs : Balanced XLR, single-ended RCA
Bluetooth : No
Max file support : N/A (analogue-only)
Dimensions (hwd): 10 x 27.8 x 33cm
Weight : 4.9kg

Reasons to buy

+
Refined, insightful and expressive
+
Sonic authority and tactile bass
+
Fine build quality   

Reasons to avoid

-
Some superfluous features 

The Phonitor xe marked the first time we'd reviewed a product from the German audio manufacturer SPL, but it didn't take long to make an impression. At the higher price end of the headphone amp scale, the handsome and well-made analogue-only model certainly looked the part and had a chunky price tag to match, leaving us interested to see just how much it could enhance our headphone listening experience.

Played from a top-quality source, the Phonitor xe is a smooth, articulate performer. The premium amp feels fluid and full-bodied without losing detail or dynamics, excelling when it comes to bringing out voices with their natural warmth and passion. There is an optional digital module available that offers digital inputs and hi-res compatibility, but it costs an additional £875 / $850 / AU$700 – we've stuck with the analogue-only model in this five-star review. If you are after a high-end DAC-and-headphone-amp combo, then the class-leading Chord Hugo TT2 (£3995 / $5795) that delivers exceptional transparency, articulation and dynamic expression should be on your list. 

This SPL headphone amplifier does requires some decent accompanying kit to get the most out of it, but provide the Phonitor xe with an appropriately talented source and headphones, and it will deliver some of the finest sound quality you'll hear for this price.

Read our full SPL Phonitor xe review

MORE:

Check out the best DACs – including ones without headphone amps

And the best headphones for all occasions

Read all about the closed-back vs open-back headphones differences

What is a headphone amplifier and why should you buy one?

Joe Svetlik

Joe has been writing about tech for 17 years, first on staff at T3 magazine, then in a freelance capacity for Stuff, The Sunday Times Travel Magazine, Men's Health, GQ, The Mirror, Trusted Reviews, TechRadar and many more (including What Hi-Fi?). His specialities include all things mobile, headphones and speakers that he can't justifying spending money on.

With contributions from
  • Neiljbp
    Once again the question arises.....................
    Which of these products is guaranteed to work with a CHROMEBOOK........
    The last time I posted this question, I got ONE response. and that response was all about what worked with Windows and Apple.........Avoiding Chromebook.
    See I told you how tricky the question was.
    Surely SOMEONE at WHAT HIFI ? must know the answer.....
    Reply
  • Neiljbp said:
    Once again the question arises.....................
    Which of these products is guaranteed to work with a CHROMEBOOK........
    The last time I posted this question, I got ONE response. and that response was all about what worked with Windows and Apple.........Avoiding Chromebook.
    See I told you how tricky the question was.
    Surely SOMEONE at WHAT HIFI ? must know the answer.....

    I don't know but you might ask the question on the forums. Someone who does know might be able to help you. :)


    This is another 'best' list of things previously tested. Not a real 'best' list.
    Reply
  • doifeellucky
    Strange that this list of headphone amplifiers only actually contains one dedicated headphone amp in it. Even that is labelled incorrectly as a DAC/Amp. Then directly below it says it actually doesn't have DAC in it. Get your facts right. Based on the majority being DAC/Amp combos, where is the award winning Zen DAC. I'm increasingly starting to question the hi-fi knowledge of whoever puts these 'lists' together.
    Reply
  • Gray
    doifeellucky said:
    .....Based on the majority being DAC/Amp combos, where is the award winning Zen DAC.
    It's number 12 on that list.
    Reply
  • jayhouse
    This is a roundup of dacs mainly focussed on portable use, not a list of headphone amps. Where is the list of products the title promises? A list of items I could integrate in to a home setup where I don’t need a DAC or might already have that covered and want to add headphone use to. The products to upgrade the headphone output on an integrated amp or add headphone use to a turntable etc where I only have a phono stage and a power amp. This is not an uncommon scenario yet nearly every headphone amp or at least list of the best ones just rounds up the same portable DAC/headphone amp combo devices.
    Reply
  • Gray
    jayhouse said:
    This is a roundup of dacs mainly focussed on portable use, not a list of headphone amps. Where is the list of products the title promises? A list of items I could integrate in to a home setup where I don’t need a DAC or might already have that covered and want to add headphone use to. The products to upgrade the headphone output on an integrated amp or add headphone use to a turntable etc where I only have a phono stage and a power amp. This is not an uncommon scenario yet nearly every headphone amp or at least list of the best ones just rounds up the same portable DAC/headphone amp combo devices.
    I agree with you.
    You're better off looking elsewhere if you're investigating amps.
    (The two latest Magni 3 variants and the Topping A50S are prime contenders, in their respective price brackets).
    Reply
  • JR75
    Gotta say, the Chord DACs are the cheesiest, tackyist, ugliest audio devices I have ever seen. They might be considered high quality DACs, but they look about as cheap as you can get. I would never buy one. And the Chord Dave (what a stupid name) is not only super cheapo looking, but costs $10,500+ Are you kidding? For a DAC?
    Reply
  • Ian AV
    I discovered the same when trying to find a headphone amplifier as no one seems to know the difference between a headphone amplifier and a DAC with a headphone out. I agree with Gray, Magni are a good choice and value for money, Topping cropped up too when doing my research.
    Reply