1. The list in brief
2. Best overall
3. Best studio
4. Best for comfort
5. Best premium
6. Best high-end
7. Best money-no-object
8. Best earbuds
9. Best high-end earbuds
10. Best wireless
11. Also consider
12. How to choose
13. How we test
We aren't short of choice when it comes to premium-priced headphones, many of which are fitted with high-tech bells and whistles like wireless connectivity and active noise cancellation. But what if you just want the purest listening experience available for your particular budget?
With the emphasis firmly on sound quality – hence why the majority are wired models! – our pick of the best audiophile headphones is an ode to outstanding sonics rather than sound-blocking or streaming technologies, prioritising maximum sound for your pound (or dollar).
We have rigorously tested audiophile headphones in their hundreds and hand-picked the very best of the bunch below, covering a wide range of budgets. Indeed, the good news is that they're not necessarily prohibitively expensive – indeed, great-value sound quality worthy of the 'audiophile' label does exist.
If it's on this list, you can be sure it's a class-leading performer.
The quick list
Best overall
These open-backed home headphones remain the best-value options for your typical audiophile.
Best studio
Marketed for studio use but just as good at home, these over-ears are as musical as they are informative.
Best for comfort
Supremely wearable over-ears that offer all-day comfort and an equally appealing sonic experience.
Best premium
Paired with a high-quality source (or DAC), these open-back Beyerdynamics sound truly sensational.
Best high-end
Luxurious materials, attractive aesthetics and stupendous sound make these open-back Focals worth every penny.
Best money-no-object
Headphones most audiophiles can only aspire to, these Yamahas are hard not to fall in love with.
Load the next three products ↓
Best earbuds
Prefer a pair of in-ears? These sophisticated Shures are masters of musicality.
Best high-end earbuds
A pricey proposition, but the IE 900’s build, engineering and sound quality justify the outlay.
Best wireless
If you want the convenience of Bluetooth alongside very decent sonics, look no further than Sony's wireless flagships.
I am What Hi-Fi?'s managing editor and have been reviewing and writing about headphones for over a decade. I'm a massive head-fi (headphones and the like) fan, and while I like wireless headphones for everyday use, nothing beats listening to music through a pair of wired, sound-first audiophile headphones. I'd argue it is often preferable to a hi-fi system! I've heard every pair below (and I live with two of them!) and can assure you they represent the best value for money in their field. Unsure which class leader is right for you? Check out my how to choose advice below.
Best audiophile headphones overall
The best audiophile headphones just got that bit better. Grado's SR325 headphone model has been leading its field for years. The latest SR325x are only a modest improvement over the previous SR325e, but considering those previously topped this list of best audiophile headphones, any improvement is an achievement in itself.
What's also an achievement is that these latest SR325x picked up a What Hi-Fi? Award in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Indeed, nothing has beaten them since they arrived three years ago.
So, for those familiar with previous SR325 iterations, what's new here? On the surface, not much. There are flatter foam earpads, an updated cable and lighter-coloured stitching on the firmly padded headband. But the real work has gone on under the hood.
The 44mm drive unit has a revised motor system, new diaphragm and upgraded coil, all to improve efficiency and reduce distortion. And the new 8-conductor cable uses 'super' annealed copper to deliver a purer sound.
The result is a smoother listen, more authoritative bass and an overall cleaner, clearer sound. They take precision and insight to another level while delivering rhythms with enthusiasm and plenty of punch. Just note that they are open-backs and so leak sound in and out like a sieve. If you don't mind that because you're after a pair primarily for private listening in a quiet room in your home, you'll be rewarded.
Got a smaller budget? The next-model-down Grado SR80x are equally impressive for their lower price level, while the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X are worthy alternatives for those who don't dig Grado's retro vibe.
Read our full Grado SR325x review
Best studio audiophile headphones
These over-ears are the closed-back cousins to the open-backed, five-star Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X. Like the 900, these headphones are aimed at content creators, being labelled as 'studio' headphones. But 'studio' or not, they have plenty to offer content consumers too.
At their heart is Beyerdynamic’s new Stellar.45 drive unit. It’s designed and manufactured in-house and uses a layered Peek polymer diaphragm, with a damping material sandwiched in between, and a Neodymium motor system. The aim? To deliver a detailed sound with an easy load which will allow the headphones to be driven by laptops and smartphones without any problems.
And it works. The 700 sound effortlessly composed – the order and precision with which instruments are presented give music a solid foundation on which the headphones can build. It's not the most exciting presentation we’ve ever heard, but the honesty in the execution is second to none at this price and the headphones still communicate dynamic shifts of percussion, strings and wind instruments extremely effectively.
Add to that the lack of sound leakage inherent to their closed-back design (their open-back siblings are worth considering if that's your preference), and you're onto a winner for creators and consumers alike.
Read our full Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X review
Best audiophile headphones for comfort
Beyerdynamic’s Amiron are the headphone equivalent of a nice, warm pair of slippers. With a headband and earcups covered in Alcantara microfibres and microvelour, you can wear these open-backed cans for hours on end without needing to give your ears a rest.
It’s not just those feather-soft materials that allow that either. The pads that surround the 45mm drivers give your listening gear plenty of space, and they weigh just 340g without the 3m cable attached, so they won’t weigh your head down too much either.
Fortunately, they also sound so good you’ll never want to take them off, with a large, spacious sound that takes the whole frequency range in its stride: the mids are insightful, they handle treble well, and there’s nice bass detail. Everything sounds well-organised and rhythmic, with a level of transparency and range that means if you put high-quality ingredients in, you’ll always get high-quality results.
As always with open-backed headphones they leak like a bottomless bucket, but you’ll be too busy luxuriating in their unrivalled comfort and sumptuous sound to care. Alternatively, Shure’s SRH1540 are similarly snug, but they are much longer in the tooth.
Read the full Beyerdynamic Amiron review
Best premium audiophile headphones
It’s been over a decade since we first laid ears on the original T1 model, and they have since become something of a touchstone for us as far as premium headphones go. The main change between this third-generation model and its predecessor is that the new pair is easier to drive for laptops and mobile devices. But be under no illusions – high-quality source material is still vital.
They're open-backed, so the usual provisos about leaking sound apply (try the Beyerdynamic T5 if you'd prefer something closed-backed). They're intended for home listening, which is aided by the 3m-long cable. This is easily detachable, so if it ever does break or get damaged, swapping to a replacement will take a matter of seconds. And it doesn't make much mechanical noise as you move around – always a plus.
Sound-wise, they're a little cleaner and clearer than their predecessors, sounding a little less bright and more rounded in the treble. It makes them a bit more forgiving of aggressive electronics and recordings, but they're still admirably even-handed and balanced. We’re pleased to report that Beyerdynamic hasn’t over-egged the bass frequencies either, with the T1 (3rd Gen) sounding as tonally convincing as ever.
For around the same price, you might also want to consider the Grado RS1x, but their wooden design might put some people off.
Read our full Beyerdynamic T1 (3rd Generation) review
Best high-end audiophile headphones
Focal made its name with loudspeakers, but the French company is now equally admired for its headphones – and the Clear Mg are some of its finest yet.
Before you even open the box it’s clear that these are high-end headphones. The packaging is suitably luxurious and there’s no denying the high-quality materials and standard of build, even if the appearance might not be to everybody’s tastes. A carry case is included, but for the price you’d expect a slightly longer standard cable in the box as well.
Stick the Focal Clear Mg on your head and they’re every bit as comfortable as you’d hope. Their 450g weight is distributed well, with the thick, leather-cushioned headband and microfibre earpads ensuring that there’s not too much inward pressure.
They’re open-backed, so better-suited to home listening than taking out and about, but that lack of an enclosure means they excel when it comes to transparency and dynamic expression. Their presentation is expressive and entertaining, with plenty of clarity, texture and punch. You can also expect full-bodied tones, precise stereo placement and rhythms that are surefooted and controlled.
If the design isn’t for you, Grado’s GS3000x are also worth considering if you can find some extra cash, but in performance-per-pound terms the Focals are our undisputed high-end champs.
Read the full Focal Clear Mg review
Best money-no-object audiophile headphones
What with Yamaha's broad range of musical products, its headphones tend to get overlooked. These are an attempt to change that. The YH-5000SE are top-of-the-range open-backed headphones built for audiophiles. And they're excellent.
They're made of lightweight materials, which combine with the soft leather earpads to make some of the most comfortable headphones we've ever worn. The design is a little more functional than some of the 'wow' headphones you get at this price level, but that's fine by us. What matters is performance, and fortunately that's exceptional.
They come close to equivalently-priced Stax electrostatics when it comes to outright resolution and clarity, but in our opinion deliver the sound with greater verve, which makes them a more enjoyable listen.
The one downside (apart from the price) is that you'll need to buddy them with sufficiently high-end partner kit, otherwise you won't hear them at their best. And that would be a crime.
If you want to audition some others before taking the plunge, take a trip to your nearest Focal dealer and ask to try the Utopia and Stellia.
Read our full Yamaha YH-5000SE review
Best audiophile earbuds
The Aonic 5 are the top in-ear model in Shure’s Aonic range. On paper, their design credentials look suitably impressive. The Aonic 5 use three high-definition balanced armature drivers in a dual woofer and single tweeter configuration.
You can actually get a closer look at the inner working of the buds through the clear section of each earpiece. It acts as a window and makes a welcome change to the dull black plastic used to cover the majority of headphones that pass through our test rooms. The Aonic 5 are available in three different finishes – Matte Black, Gloss Red and Crystal Clear.
They can also work as a wireless pair, using Shure's true wireless secure fit adapter, which costs an extra £175/$179/AU$309.
While they will work with a phone (providing it has a 3.5mm headphone jack), to hear them at their best you really should feed them quality audio files from a quality source. Using a laptop and streaming in lossless CD quality? We’d seriously suggest using the Shures with a dedicated external DAC/headphone amp.
Trust us, a good time awaits. But if your budget doesn't quite stretch, be sure to check out the Shure Aonic 3, which are more affordable and, yes, inferior-sounding – but still class leaders at their price point, hence their What Hi-Fi? Award.
Read the full Shure Aonic 5 review
Best high-end audiophile earbuds
Sennheiser’s IE 900 will appeal to purists who want to get the best audio possible from a high-quality source. It's a suitably premium package befitting the best audiophile headphones, with six ear tip options and three cables with a choice of normal 3.5mm and balanced 2.5mm and 4.4mm connectors. The only thing they don't have is an in-line remote.
Sennheiser's engineers have chosen to go with a single driver rather than the more fashionable multiple-unit approach that many rivals take and it's made with rigidity and low resonance in mind. The results are fantastic. They’re impressively clear and open-sounding, able to dig deep into the production of a recording. They sound confident and insightful too, revealing layers of low-level information and organising every track they're faced with into a structured and cohesive whole.
Partner them with a high-quality outboard DAC, such as the Chord Mojo, and use good-quality files and you'll hear just why the IE 900 justify their hefty price tag.
If you've got even more to spend, you might also want to consider Shure's KSE1200.
Read our full Sennheiser IE 900 review
Best wireless audiophile headphones
You might not think of Sony as a true audiophile brand, but it’s a sign of just how good the WH-1000XM5 are that they’re our pick for the best wireless headphones on this list.
The design might be more mundane than a lot of the others here, but these are headphones that are designed for the everyday audiophile – and the WH-1000XM5 are very much meant to be used every day. It doesn’t matter whether you’re sitting at home or on the bus, these will deliver top-quality sound and effective noise-cancelling wherever you are.
They’re made of ABS plastic, which is the same stuff they make Lego bricks out of, so they’re nice and light, with simple sliders to adjust the fit. Memory foam and synthetic leather is used to ensure they remain comfortable for long periods without feeling like your head’s being squeezed.
So how about that sound quality? Like their predecessors the WH-1000XM5 are effortlessly musical, but there’s also sensational sonic clarity, an excellent sense of rhythm, and precise, agile bass. Noise-cancelling is up there with the best, too, plus they’re packed with extra features that make them a breeze to use when you’re out and about.
If they look too prosaic for you, B&W’s PX7 S2e offer more of an aesthetic flourish, but if it’s all-round sonic excellence and day-to-day usability you’re after, the Sony WH-1000XM5 are our primary choice.
Read the full Sony WH-1000XM5 review
Also consider
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e: As alternatives to the wireless Sony XM5 above, Bowers & Wilkins' premium Bluetooth noise-cancellers offer a more luxurious design and competitive dynamic expression and detail. ANC isn't quite as good, but overall it's a tough call between these two similarly priced pairs.
- Grado RS1x: For most of the price brackets above is invariably a Grado competitor that is just as good as the entry we've chosen. The RS1x are one example, massively transparent and musical performers. If you don't mind their leakiness and dated design, they're mighty strong options.
- Austrian Audio The Composer: Austrian Audio is another manufacturer whose sound-first headphones have consistently impressed. Its latest, The Composers, are worthy picks if you're serious about hearing as much detail in your music as possible.
How to choose the best audiophile headphones for you
If you want the best sound quality possible for your budget, you'll be best served by a pair of over-ear wired headphones, which prioritise performance and aren't held back by wireless functionality or other distracting, costly features. If that's the case, you should read all about the differences between closed-back vs open-back headphones so that you can determine which of the two types available is best for you. In short, open-backs leak sound in and out and tend to sound more spacious and precise than traditional, non-leaky closed-backs.
If you do want to add modern-day convenience to the mix, you could opt for audiophile headphones that combine state-of-the-art noise-cancelling technology with state-of-the-art Bluetooth performance. Just know that a pair of similarly-priced wired headphones will trump them in the sound department.
So what else do you need to consider when buying audiophile headphones? If you're spending north of around £300/$300/AU$600 on a pair, we'd recommend you partner them with a high-quality source or a headphone amplifier to extract the best performance from them. Also, keep in mind that over-ear audiophile headphones tend to be designed primarily for home listening; neither a supplied 3m cable nor an open-back design is ideal for the train or open-plan office.
Or perhaps you want the best in-ear audiophile headphones, in which case you can expect a discreet design and a performance that majors on clarity, directness, precision and musicality, with little in the way of features – many don't even have an in-line remote for answering calls. Again, wired earbuds will sound significantly better than wireless earbuds that cost a similar amount.
- Wired vs wireless headphones: the pros, cons, and which are best for you?
How we test audiophile headphones
With over 150 years of collective reviewing experience, What Hi-Fi?'s reviews team test over 100 pairs of headphones every year, many of which are what we would call 'everyday' wireless headphones, but also plenty that are worthy of the 'audiophile' label.
We have state-of-the-art testing facilities in London and Reading, where our team of expert reviewers carry out all our testing, giving us complete control of the environment and partnering equipment these tests are conducted in and with. We use audiophile headphones with various source equipment, from laptops connected to USB DACs to our reference hi-fi system, to see how they work in their most likely real-world setups. And each pair is given plenty of running in and testing time, with various music genres and recording quality making up our test tracks. Importantly, we compare each audiophile headphone under review with the current class leader at their price point to ensure we can place its talents within the market.
As with all our review verdicts, the star rating we give each pair of audiophile headphones is agreed upon by several members of the team rather than simply an individual reviewer, helping to ensure consistency and avoid any personal preference.
From all our reviews, we only choose the very best products to feature in our Best Buys, like this one. That's why if you take the plunge and buy any of the audiophile headphones recommended above, or something else on another Best Buy, you can be assured you're getting a class-leading, What Hi-Fi?-approved product.
Recent updates
- April 2024: Added an 'also consider' section above to give readers further choices if nothing in our handpicked list suits them.
- February 2024: Broke down picks into price- and design-related categories to help readers more easily find a pair that's right for their priorities and budget.
- November 2023: Headphones on this list which had recently won a What Hi-Fi? Award 2023, such as the Grado SR325x, were tagged as such.
