Sennheiser has been enjoying a good few months.

The HDB 630 made its debut in late 2025 to acclaim from our reviews team, who dubbed them some of the best wireless headphones they had heard at this premium level. A few months later, the Momentum 5 Wireless landed and, at their slightly lower price, matched their bigger brothers in earning the full five-star haul.

Great news for Sennheiser, then. But, with both premium wireless headphones accumulating significant plaudits, which do you go for? To make the decision easier, we have broken down each pair’s strengths and limitations across a range of parameters so that you can be sure you’re getting the Sennheisers that suit your needs.

Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless vs Sennheiser HDB 630: price

These are both premium wireless headphones, so you’re not going to be able to pick up a pair for the same price as your morning coffee order. Well, unless you happen to frequent a very boujee coffee shop.

At £330 / $400 / AU4749, the Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless are the cheaper of the two, with a price that undercuts that of many of the established cans at this level.

At £400 / $500 / AU$1000, the HDB 630 are slap bang in the middle of what we’d call classic premium territory – not overpriced, but certainly par for the course in the world of flagship wireless over-ears.

Still, they are undeniably more expensive than their younger siblings, so it’s the Momentum 5 Wireless winning this one.

**Winner: Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless**

Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless vs Sennheiser HDB 630: design and comfort

Sennheiser tends to have a pretty distinct design language, one that’s very much on display with both of these premium pairs.

The large oval earcups of the Momentum 5 Wireless and HDB 630 will be familiar to anyone who has seen a pair of recent wireless Sennheiser over-ears. Little touches, though, such as the attractive fabric exterior, do make the Momentum 5 actually seem a little more premium than the rather plain HDB 630.

The Momentum 5 Wireless are also a little smaller and lighter than their bigger brothers, weighing in at 290g compared with the 311g of the HDB 630. Much of that weight is housed in the HDB 630s’ earcups, which are chunkier and sport a deeper profile than those of the fifth-gen Momentums.

Comfort isn’t a problem on either pair, though. The Momentum 5 Wireless do cause some mild on-ear heating past the hour mark (many premium headphones of this type do), but we rarely experience that dull aching that you might suffer from with rivals sporting heavier weight or higher clamping pressure.

They are secure and stable, too. Even when we’re walking pretty briskly with the Momentum 5 Wireless clamped over our head, there’s little on-ear rocking or instability thanks to the headphones’ well-judged clamping force.

In fairness to the larger HDB 630, they are hardly a chore to wear either. Yes, they’re heavier overall, but the more costly cans do have slightly plusher ear padding, as well as a nicely cushioned headband, making for a comfortable, amply sealed listen.

Both pairs use touch controls rather than a predominantly button-based system, and we struggle to find any complaints with how they are implemented. We like that every touch action is acknowledged with a sound, that controls can be switched off via the app, and that our commands are responded to promptly whenever we tap or swipe on the right earcup.

It’s a tricky one. The Momentum 5 Wireless are lighter and more appealing to look at, but the HDB 630 do win back marks thanks to their slightly more luxurious earpads and headband. A tie seems like a fair result.

**Winner: Draw**

Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless vs Sennheiser HDB 630: features

Let’s start with the basics.

Sennheiser has gone big on battery life both both its premium players, with the Momentum 5 Wireless squeezing out 57 hours when active noise cancelling (ANC) is switched on and the HDB 630 just pipping them to the post with 60 hours under the same conditions.

On both, Multipoint Bluetooth is available for connecting to two devices simultaneously.

If you want spatial audio with the Momentum 5 Wireless, Dolby Atmos is on the menu when listening to supported Atmos content, with head tracking to be added via an upcoming firmware update. Be aware, conversely, that the HDB 630 don’t support spatial audio.

Dolby Atmos can be toggled on and off via the Sennheiser SmartPlus app, a platform which we find ourselves really admiring the more we use it. It’s clean and orderly, and we like the levels of customisation on offer, such as the eight-band custom equaliser and a slider for dialling up and down the strength of the ANC.

For the Momentum 5 Wireless, Bluetooth codec support is impressive, with support for the routine SBC and AAC codecs alongside higher-quality aptX HD, aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive flavours. The cans currently use Bluetooth 5.4, but an incoming firmware update later in 2026 will push this to 6.0 and include LE Audio.

With the HDB 630, codec support comes down to the inclusion of the headphones’ included Bluetooth dongle. The HDB 630 bundle in a BTD 700 USB-C dongle that you simply plug into your smartphone device’s USB-C port to give it up to aptX Adaptive superpowers, even if the source device natively doesn't support a higher-resolution codec.

That means you can stream in aptX Adaptive quality from the usually-AAC-only iPhone, for example. You can check the quality of the signal path in the Sennheiser Smart Control Plus app’s settings, and you’ll want to ensure the ‘Audio mode priority’ is set to ‘Hi-Res 24bit/96kHz’.

You don't get Dolby Atmos with the HDB 630, but there is a ‘Crossfeed’ feature to blend left and right channels for what Sennheiser calls a “more natural sound” with certain recordings. A bass-boost button, which does exactly what you think it does, is available for both.

A close one again, with solid showings across the board. But we feel that the dongle, plus a slightly better battery life, tip things over into the HDB 630s’ favour.

**Winner: Sennheiser HDB 630**

Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless vs Sennheiser HDB 630: ANC and call quality

Noise cancelling is acceptable on both the Sennheiser HDB 630 and the Momentum 5 Wireless. It won’t be troubling the likes of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) or the Sony WH-1000XM6 class leaders, but each outshines the rather weaker efforts of the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3.

In fact, there isn’t a huge amount to choose between the two Sennheisers. Each pair is capable of dealing with the basic humming of an air-conditioning unit during a hot day in May, all but blocking out that droning sound so that it doesn’t intrude upon our listening in any meaningful way.

Traffic noises prove a little trickier, but again, there isn’t a huge difference between the two. We feel that the HDB 630 offer a little more passive isolation due to their larger, plusher earpads, but standing next to a busy road sees both pairs dampening, not eliminating, the swooshing of cars as they pass by.

Low-frequency rumbles are perceptibly reduced, but again, they don’t disappear entirely, while high-end sound such as tweeting birds will often pass through.

Call quality is excellent no matter your choice. We take the Momentum 5 Wireless out for a chat on a blustery day, and our headphones effectively reduce intrusive wind and traffic noise while making human speech sound clear and natural.

The HDB 630 do a similarly fine job, and once again, voices come across as articulate and human rather than mechanical or robotic. Isolation is decent, too, so no need to worry about having to shout to be heard over surrounding noises.

**Winner: Draw**

Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless vs Sennheiser HDB 630: sound quality

If you like rich, smooth-sounding headphones that dig out plenty of detail and strike a fine balance precision and authority, the Momentum 5 Wireless could well be for you.

As we wrote in our review, the fifth-gen Sennheiser over-ears are “rich, smooth yet strikingly precise and detailed headphones, with an audio signature that makes listening a refreshingly undemanding experience. Sugar’s If I Can’t Change Your Mind can sound overly urgent or shrill... but the Momentum 5 Wireless have the poise and maturity to bring order to... chaos.”

If you’re after headphones that shine a sweet spotlight on your music’s midrange, the Momentum 5 Wireless demand an audition. The bass is full and a little on the rich side, but that poised midrange is a real highlight, offering a naturalness and insight that gives even more premium alternatives a run for their money.

Their qualities are further amplified when we use a wired connection, especially if you’re listening via USB-C for handling files up to 24-bit/96kHz. A wired connection lends further fullness and depth to instruments, while that outstanding midrange sounds sweeter and even more starkly defined.

In truth, the Momentum 5 Wireless never fatigue nor frustrate, instead letting music unfold naturally and precisely no matter the genre.

As you would perhaps hope, the step-up HDB 630 do take things up a notch. They’re a chunk more costly, but you’ll be rewarded handsomely by the sonic dividends that extra outlay grants.

In fact, these might well be the best-sounding premium headphones currently available – and that’s even before that clever Bluetooth dongle is in play.

Here, precision and analysis go hand in hand with drive and vigour, making for the most informative and entertaining sound we’ve heard from wireless headphones at this price, with or without the use of the dongle for higher-quality streams.

The HDB 630 are hugely natural and dare we say sophisticated-sounding wireless headphones, with a poise and precision that demands to be heard. As we wrote at the time, these Sennheiser premium cans are “wonderfully smooth and natural sounding headphones, full of shape and dynamism across the frequency range”.

Instrumental textures are replete with both depth and shape, and the HDB 630 are remarkably insightful at teasing out the emotional heart of our testing catalogue. Songs are conveyed with conviction and gusto, and the Sennheisers seamlessly switch emotional gears as they tackle our tunes with gusto and grace.

Yes, the Momentum 5 Wireless are detailed and well organised, but the HDB 630 really take things up a notch in practically all sonic departments. That becomes only truer when the dongle is called into action. And you’ll notice tangible gains in clarity and solidity when upgrading from, say, a standard AAC stream to full-fat aptX Adaptive.

However you listen, the HDB 630 are genuine benchmark-setters. The Momentum 5 Wireless are great, but the HDB 630 are ‘Great’ with a capital ‘G’.

** Winner: Sennheiser HDB 630 **

Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless vs Sennheiser HDB 630: verdict

If you can’t stretch to the HDB 630, the Momentum 5 Wireless are the logical step-down choice. They still provide excellent sound quality and bring plenty of high-performance features to enjoy, all while saving you £80 / $100 in the process.

That’s not an inconsiderable amount of money, so we completely understand why money-savvy buyers would – indeed should – pick the Momentum 5 Wireless over their bigger brothers if costs are a factor.

If you’re happy to spend more, however, go for the Sennheiser HDB 630. They are essentially in a sonic class of one at the moment, outshining not only the Momentum 5 but practically anything else we can think of at their level.

If sound is your top priority, there’s no real excuse for not checking them out.

** Overall winner: Sennheiser HDB 630 **

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Japanese manufacturer Final has announced its new flagship closed-back headphones, the DX10000 CL, which the company calls its “most ambitious headphone project to date”. And we should hope so, too, considering that the standard edition’s pricing begins at £7499 / $8499.

So, what justifies the cosmic pricing of these high-end headphones?

Well, to start with, at the heart of the DX10000 CL is Final’s newly developed 40mm True Diamond diaphragm dynamic driver.

According to Final, diamond’s high rigidity and strong internal damping allow the diaphragm to maintain pistonic motion, reducing diaphragm deformation and suppressing residual vibrations after the signal is cut, for faster transient response and lower distortion.

A similar degree of care has been taken inside the headphones’ silver-accented, high-rigidity aluminium-magnesium alloy housing. Unnecessary material has been removed to reduce weight, and the resulting cavities have been filled with acoustic damping to minimise internal reflections.

The earpads are made of ultrasuede (a blend of ultra-fine polyester and elastic plastics), which Final says achieves the “intended acoustic response” through carefully controlled air permeability while ensuring “long-term comfort”.

According to Final, the DX10000 CL are “a closed-back flagship designed to sound powerful and immersive without losing the openness, clarity and natural tone expected from the highest level of personal audio”.

The headphones use screws rather than adhesives throughout the construction, which ensures that components can be replaced and serviced throughout their lifetime.

Included with the headphones are two silver-coated cables: a 1.5m cable with 4.4mm connection, and a 3m cable with XLR connection. 6.3mm adapters for each cable are also included for use with a wide range of sources.

The Final DX10000 CL are now available to pre-order, with shipping expected by the end of July.

The first 150 pairs of these high-end headphones are available as a limited collector's edition, which have gold-coloured accents, and include a presentation box, a silk pouch and a CNC-machined aluminium headphone stand for an extra £500.

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There’s just something about a pair of Grado headphones.

While they’re an acquired taste for some, the Brooklyn-based brand’s roster of over- and on-ear cans has helped to shape the current headphone landscape, from the wood-clad RS1x to the innovative GW100x wireless open-backs and the perennially outstanding SR325x.

Grado knows headphones, with five-star reviews and What Hi-Fi? Awards becoming par for the course in recent times.

We’ve generally found the brand's ample roster of rugged cans appealing for a few key reasons. For a start, Grado tends to put sound above all other considerations, and as we're a publication that also places audio performance at the top of the hierarchy of needs, that tends to go down well in our test rooms.

Grado headphones tend to ride that line between analysis and entertainment so effortlessly, digging into the details while bringing out the essential musicality of our favourite tunes. Results inevitably vary, but it’s safe to say that some of the finest wired headphones we’ve heard over the past decade have been born in Brooklyn.

Further, this is a brand with a real sense of identity. Its products tend to look and sound distinctive, and while that can be alienating for those not in tune with this given sonic and aesthetic philosophy, it can be pure heaven to anyone with similarly aligned priorities.

Grado has always felt like a no-nonsense outfit: few frills, no gimmicks, just an unerring focus on (mostly) great sound.

Substance over style?

That philosophy, however, can be something of a double-edged sword, and as is often the case in life, the thing that offers the greatest appeal can also end up becoming a brand’s most burdensome failing.

Strikingly minimalist as most Grado cans appear, they rarely ride high in the comfort stakes. We’ve tended to temper our reviews of the Grado's headphones with the same caveat about user comfort, especially with regard to its continued use of rather thin, often scratchy foam ear cushions.

Grado’s continued allegiance to its lean, on-ear designs is admirable, and we’re aware that much of that commitment comes from a desire to aid sonic performance, but we wonder if a better balance could ultimately be struck. From the SR325x to the high-end Grado GS3000x, we’ve raised concerns that comfort was often lagging behind performance.

Take the recently reviewed SR325 Classic. They’re lightweight and sturdy in terms of their general fit, but the ear cushions are so lean, unforgiving and scratchy that it will inevitably put some prospective wearers off, especially when you could get the more luxurious and comfortable Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X for a lower price.

The new SR325 Classic's headband is also pretty thin on padding, as is Grado's wont, although this has rarely been as much of an issue as the ear cushions.

Grado quite reasonably argues that its ‘F’ cushions aid the SR325 Classics’ “immediate and energetic presentation”, but when the over-ear DT 900 Pro X manage to nail comfort without compromising on sound, all for a lower price, that excuse only goes so far.

These are not cheap headphones – the SR325 Classic cost £349 / $350 at launch, while the supremely comfortable DT 900 Pro X are around £200 / $250 at the moment. We know which pair we’d prefer to wear for hours at a time, and while we accept that the SR325 Classic are an on-ear design rather than over-ear, again, that excuse only goes so far.

We also found that the Classics’ ear cushions came off so easily on our review sample that we could remove them from our test pair with a single finger. It might just have been a bad batch that we received with our test sample, but given our extensive history with Grado, that’s a rather charitable interpretation.

Is our patience wearing thin?

The problem for Grado is that, while it may be reasonable to make the defence of being a ‘sound-first’ company, or argue that such ear cushions are conducive to getting that signature Grado experience, those arguments tend to hit rockier ground when a given pair fails to perform on the audio front.

The SR325 Classic might have won our affections had their sound quality lived up to the standards of the SR325x across the board. We found that while the new pair are clearer and more articulate, it has poorer sense of rhythmic drive than the older model. In light of this, a somewhat Spartan approach to comfort is much harder to forgive.

We previously raised concerns that the premium GS3000x's ear cushions “feel a little scratchy” and pointed to the need “to find a classier alternative at this premium price level”, with the five-star cans only getting away with it because they’re some of the best sounding cans Grado has ever made.

When performance fails to meet those lofty standards, however, we’re much less willing to be so forgiving of inescapable drawbacks in other areas.

We’re not expecting Grado to completely throw the baby out with the bathwater. The way its headphones are a huge part of the brand’s hard-edged, industrial identity, while those sonically-minded ear cushions are designed, at least in part, to aid in granting that familiar Grado sound and look.

Like all things in life, balance is key, and we just wonder the extent to which Grado can justify skimping so much on comfort and, in the case of the SR325 Classic, overall quality.

It’s all well and good when you’re really nailing things in terms of audio performance, but when five-star alternatives are able to offer competitive audio and greater comfort for a similar price, it might be time for Grado to concede that would-be buyers are choosing headphones not solely for what they're like to listen to, but how they feel to wear.

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Read our Grado SR325 Classic review

Closed-back vs open-back headphones: which design is better for you?

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There are great headphones, and then there are the Grado SR325x. We're not being hyperbolic when we say that the SR325x are some of the best open-backed headphones we've ever tested, a pair of legends that have continued to scoop Award after What Hi-Fi? Award following their debut in 2021.

In fact, if you're sick of wireless headphones and just want the quality and convenience you get with wired cans, the Grado SR325x have to be on your shortlist. At £199 at Peter Tyson down from £329, they're also at what is possibly the lowest price we've yet seen.

Come on, it's time to start taking your music seriously. It's time to graduate to a pair of Grados.

Best Prime Day Grado SR325x deal

In terms of pure sound quality, wireless headphones are as good as they've ever been, but wired headphones are in a different league, with the Award-winning Grado SR325x continuing to set the standard at their premium price point.

The multi-award-winning open-backs are ideal for home listening, as while they might be hugely entertaining to listen to, they're also extremely leaky. That's just what you get with a pair of open-backed cans.

That shouldn't matter, however, as the SR325x aren't the sort of cans you simply throw in your back to fill some hours during your commute. As we wrote in our review: “The SR325x... are wonderfully expressive dynamically, and lows are agile and tuneful, but there’s still not the outright weight and low-end punch of closed headphone designs".

To get the most out of the SR325x, pair them with a DAC or decent audio source such as a portable music player. Do so, and you'll realise just how insightful and expressive the Grados are, with a fast, sparky yet authoritative signature that really shines when given proper support.

While they boast an industrial design that that might not be everyone’s cup of tea, what you get from these cans is a ruggedness and durability that’s hard to find. Comfort isn't the name of the game here – it's all about audio quality.

Ditch the Bluetooth this Prime Day, and return to the warm embrace of good old fashioned wires. Get the Grado SR32x at Peter Tyson and enjoy true headphone greatness.

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Dan Clark Audio is making some bold claims about its latest wired headphones. It says the Aeon Core set a new standard for closed-back headphones under the £1000 mark, thanks to their new planar magnetic driver, revised tuning and wider compatibility.

Believe it or not, like others in the Aeon line before them, these are the brand's entry-level pair. Which gives you an idea of its prestige.

It also claims that their sound is "unusually open" for a closed-back pair, delivering a "spacious, detailed, articulate and expressive" performance.

At the heart of these cans is the all-new planar magnetic driver stack, which promises efficiency, tonal consistency and unit-to-unit reliability. Dan Clark Audio claims this makes them easier to drive than most planar magnetic headphones, with their sensitivity reaching 97dB/mW making them compatible with portable DAC/amps, dongles and desktop setups, as well as more powerful headphone amps. All you need is 125mW into 16 ohms, and you're away.

This new stack features a new diaphragm material which enhances efficiency and reliability, while the brand's V-Planar tech is found on the diaphragm's surface to reduce distortion, enhance dynamic performance and optimise the frequency response.

The Aeon Core are also the first headphones to be developed using a new variation on the Harman Curve, the industry gold standard frequency response profile that Dan Clark Audio feel is now outdated due to modern sound measuring technologies. Company founder Dan Clark worked with original Harman Curve inventor Dr. Sean Olive to come up with an updated version.

Hence the tuning has been slightly tweaked from previous Aeon models. We're promised a slightly leaner upper bass, gently lifted lower midrange and softer upper midrange.

But from a design perspective, the cans are recognisably Dan Clark Audio. Their new aluminium and dark wood aesthetic combines with the signature Aeon earpads, lightweight titanium headband and self-adjusting suspension strap. At 440g, they might be light for a pair of planar magnetic headphones, but they're still heavier than the AirPods Max 2.

Bundled is a detachable cable with either a balanced 4.4mm, 4-pin XLR or 6.35/3.5mm connector – the choice is yours.

The Aeon Core go on sale in early July for £920 (around $1200 / AU$1700). In the UK, they're distributed by Electromod.

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Audio-Technica has unveiled its latest ATH-WP900SE wired over-ear headphones, a limited edition spin on the brand's established ATH-WP900 cans.

Aimed at "listeners who appreciate both artistry and performance", the ATH‑WP900SEs take inspiration from classic electric guitar design, with the headphones' earcups featuring a three-tone sunburst lacquer that pays tribute to those classic axes of yore.

At the heart of the new wired over-ears headphones is a newly designed 53mm driver paired with an advanced voice coil, built to produce what Audio-Technica describes as "high-resolution sound across the entire frequency range".

Each pair is built in collaboration with Japanese guitar manufacturer Fujigen and includes a dedicated branded cleaning cloth and a handwritten serial number card, making each unit unique in its own right. Two detachable cables – 4.4 mm and standard 3.5 mm – are also included in the box.

The ATH-WP900SE will be available from the 11th of June, priced at £599 / €699.

This isn't the first time we've seen Audio-Technica produce a pair of wood-clad wired headphones. The ATH-WBLTD from 2024 blended a trio of maple, walnut, and mahogany hardwoods, although at £1599 / €1799 per pair, they'd cost you a good deal more than the new WP900SE.

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Meze Audio, the Romanian brand responsible for the 99 Classics and Empyrean II, has returned with a new high-end pair of wired over-ear headphones.

The company says the new ARTA headphones are “a passion-project years in the making”, offering the “most immersive” sonic experience it has ever created.

We hope so, considering the ARTA’s eye-watering estimated price of £6000 / $6000. That makes this Meze’s most expensive pair of headphones to date.

To achieve the ARTA’s “warm-neutral sound signature”, Meze has used a high impedance isodynamic hybrid array from Rinaro.

Founded in Ukraine (then part of the USSR) during the Cold War, Rinaro has spent more than three decades developing planar magnetic drivers. This array, which employs Rinaro’s highest-impedance planar magnetic headphone driver to date, uses the company’s significant experience to deliver a “rich speaker-like presentation”.

Meze says listeners can expect “cleaner transients and a more open presentation” from the ARTA, achieved by way of the cans’ grille, which uses angled acoustic blades to minimise soundwave reflections inside the headphones.

The bulkiest headphones in Meze’s roster, these premium cans weigh in at a hefty 495g. But what they might lack in nimbleness, they make up for in beauty.

With their sleek acoustic grille and matte black finish with metallic accents, the headphones are a true feast for the eyes.

What’s more, the ARTA look likely to live up the luxurious feel we so enjoyed from Meze’s other over-ear headphones, with carbon fibre, leather and quality metals used in their construction.

And wouldn’t it be a shame for any of that to go to waste? Certainly, for the price. Thankfully, the ARTA’s earpads, headband, drivers and earcups can be fully disassembled, serviced and replaced as required.

We don’t yet know what choice of cables will be available with the headphones, but we hope to get further details at their public debut on 4th June at High End Vienna.

The ARTA’s market availability will be announced soon through Meze Audio’s official channels.

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Yamaha’s return to the high-end headphone scene in late 2022 could hardly have gone any better. Its comeback YH-5000SE open-backs made headlines and scooped awards around the world for their extraordinary sound and, yes, price tag.

We called them “exceptional performers” in our YH-5000SE review and decorated them with a What Hi-Fi? Temptation Award. But for all their success, it was hard to ignore the fact that they were only accessible to those who could slap down the price of a second-hand SUV on their next pair of headphones. Cans for every music-loving Tom, Dick and Harry, they are not.

At the time, the Japanese company teased that a more affordable version could be coming down the road, and a few years later it finally delivered on that with the YH-4000 (and closed-back YH-C3000). Much to our delight, the YH-4000 are less than half the price of the YH-5000SE and, even more pleasingly, don’t compromise heavily on the physical design or engineering.

So are they the bargains of the century, or do the pricier OGs justify their premium? As part of our YH-4000 review testing, we compared both pairs’ sound, build, comfort and accessories to find out…

Yamaha YH-5000SE vs YH-4000: price

The Yamaha YH-5000SE launched in December 2022 at £4799 / $5000 / AU$7499, making them some of the world’s most expensive headphones, and that price has held up well.

Besides the headphones themselves, the cost includes a second type of earpads, a 4.4mm balanced cable and a headphone stand.

The YH-4000, meanwhile, arrived in January 2026 at a much more palatable, albeit still high-end, price of £2199 / $2499 / AU$3999.

They forgo the generous array of accessories bundled with the YH-5000SE, sticking to the more typical headphone offering – one set of earpads, a single-ended cable and a carry case. Their price tag puts them in the ballpark of other acclaimed open-backs, such as the Austrian Audio The Composer.

**Winner: Yamaha YH-4000**

Yamaha YH-5000SE vs YH-4000: build & design

We praised the YH-5000SE for being “one of the most comfortable headphones we’ve worn”, owing to their relative lightweight (320g) and a combination of a wide leather headband, large, softly cushioned earpads (one set is made from sheepskin leather, the other Toray Ultrasuede) and a carefully judged clamping pressure.

Within their magnesium open-back earcup housings are Dutch weave stainless steel filters and specially shaped internals that carefully control directivity and manage pressure around the planar magnetic drive unit.

The YH-4000 use the same 50mm orthodynamic (planar magnetic) driver as the YH-5000SE. The only difference is that in the YH-4000, Yamaha has tweaked the damping and revised the internal filter, which balances the pressure inside the earcup.

Neither pair may not look particularly flash – they wouldn’t stand a chance in a beauty contest next to the likes of the Focal Utopia or Meze Audio Empyrean II – but their functional, industrial aesthetic is far from offensive and, most importantly, is built with obvious care to the standards you would expect at this price.

Such is the visual similarity between them and the YH-4000, that a ‘spot the difference’ game between the two pairs would fall under a ‘Challenging’ difficulty level.

The particularly keen-eyed will spot some things, however, such as the YH-5000SE’s brighter steel headband, flashes of silver in the centre of the earcups, and silver (as opposed to black) screws. The YH-5000SE’s single-ended cable also comes with a more advanced design.

Essentially, the less-expensive YH-4000 are physically almost identical to their siblings, with the only truly meaningful difference between the two from a design standpoint being the extra accessories bundled with the pricier pair.

So it isn’t surprising that we also heaped praise on the YH-4000 in our review, calling its fit, finish and material quality “top-class” and “designed to last for decades”.

Such similarity isn’t typical between headphones of such wildly varying asking prices, and value-wise certainly falls in favour of the more affordable pair.

That said, value aside, the YH-5000SE’s extra little touches do edge it, and their bundled accessories will undoubtedly appeal to hardcore head-fi fans.

**Winner: Yamaha YH-5000SE**

Yamaha YH-5000SE vs YH-4000: sound

Even more surprisingly, given the gulf between the two pairs’ prices, it’s another case of comparability when it comes to performance.

While the YH-5000SE do edge the comparison, delivering small advantages in terms of absolute detail resolution and dynamic finesse, the YH-4000 share their sonic character and offer a great deal of their siblings’ talent – certainly more than you might expect considering their relative price.

Value-wise, that makes them the better performance-per-pound (or dollar) proposition.

“Rarely have we come across a piece of hi-fi that’s so capable of putting a spotlight on the smallest of details but still encourages the full musical experience to shine through,” our expert reviewers noted in our YH-5000SE review.

Both pairs are indeed exquisitely detailed and deliver a class-leading level of clarity, but also responsive, precise and agile enough to be hugely entertaining as well as informative.

While some may believe the YH-4000 and YH-5000SE verge on being over-analytical – a view we can have some sympathy for – they don’t lack character for that; they both have excellent rhythm and timing and can carry the ebb and flow of a track beautifully.

They are “organic and fluid in a way that makes most others sound pretty mechanical”, and “never sound flustered, no matter how complicated a piece of music gets,” we said.

They aren’t the most muscular or dramatically dynamic headphones we’ve come across – the aforementioned Austrian Audios have greater punch while the Focal Utopia (2022) drive harder – but their tonal naturalness and the textures and subtleties they can dig up, plus their ability to track each note and convey leading edges crisply without veering into hardness, are where the Yamaha headphones pull well clear of most competitors.

They’re wonderfully articulate performers that deliver a degree of finesse we go as far as calling “spellbinding”.

Again, comparisons between the two pairs highlighted minor discrepancies in the YH-5000SE’s favour. With either model, be aware that sophisticated electronics – something of the Chord Hugo TT2 DAC/headphone amplifier’s ilk, say – are necessary to take full advantage of the headphones’ talents.

**Winner: Yamaha YH-5000SE**

Yamaha YH-5000SE vs YH-4000: verdict

In absolute terms, the YH-5000SE are the slightly better headphones of the two, edging the head-to-head with modest improvements across the sound and design departments. But when you factor in just how much more affordable the YH-4000 are, the value pendulum swings enthusiastically in the other direction.

Indeed, Yamaha has done a fine job of bringing its flagship sound quality to a wider market, even if that market remains thoroughly within the realms of the ‘high-end’. Its engineers went ‘all out’ with the YH-5000SE, spending years successfully crafting a pair that would make a real mark and impression on the established head-fi market and its fans.

The YH-4000, however, somehow manage to be an even bigger achievement given the level of construction and engineering they retain while being much more attainable. Put simply, we haven’t heard anything else at this level that tells us more about the recording.

**Overall winner: Yamaha YH-4000**

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These are the best headphones, tested by our experts

And our best DAC recommendations

How to choose the right pair of headphones for you

When it comes to the best wired headphones, there's one overall top pick that we're always happy to recommend. With not one, not two, but three What Hi-Fi? Awards under its belt, the Røde NTH-100 prove there's no school like the old school.

And right now, they've crashed to just £89 at Amazon, which is a massive 40 per cent off their usual price. The deal is only on the Black model, though, so if your heart is set on White, you'll have to pay £129.

Wired headphones are the way to go if you want the best sound quality money can buy, but it's a choice made even easier with discounts like these.

The Røde NTH-100 are the whole package – well-made, superb-sounding and affordable. A statement made even truer by this jaw-droppingly good deal.

As the Australia brand's first pair of headphones and its first attempt to engage with the consumer audio market, it won't be all that surprising if you've never heard of Røde.

Needless to say, the NTH-100 are solid debuts and our expert reviewers had this to say about their sonic performance: "They’re an almost fanatically insightful and revealing listen, happy to dish all the details no matter how minor and/or fleeting. They’re a balanced and poised listen, and not exactly analytical for the sake of it – but they’ll describe the whole picture for you."

The headphones are supplied with a 2.4m length of cable, with a 3.5mm jack at one end and a ‘twist-to-lock’ plug at the other, proving the brand wants to make things as convenient as possible for pro users.

The NTH-100 also have Røde’s ‘FitLock’ system and that's where the 'twist/lock' control comes in, located on either side of the headband so, when you've got the headband adjustment exactly as you like it, it can be locked into position. Their 40mm full-range dynamic drivers also have a claimed frequency response of 5Hz - 35kHz, which is more than adequate.

Looks-wise, the NTH-100 look exactly as you'd expect a pair of (reasonably) affordable over-ear headphones to look. But then, at this price, there's also a certain expectation for how they sound and how comfortable they are.

Fortunately, our expert testers said: "It’s safe to say the Røde NTH-100 outperform those expectations comfortably". And right now, you can grab them for just £89 at Amazon.

MORE:

Read our full Røde NTH-100 review

Check out the best wired headphones: the 5 top pairs tested by our review experts

And the best headphones: tested by our experts

Headphones brand Grado has announced its new 'Classic Series' of wired headphones, bringing together several of the company’s most recognisable headphone models under the same banner, all united by the addition of Grado's latest 'X2' driver.

Those cans set to get a 'Classic' upgrade include some of our favourite wired headphones from the past few years, including the Award-winning SR325x, the more budget SR80x and premium Grado GS3000x, all five stars. The updated Classic models will replace all of the established 'x' versions currently available.

At the centre of this new Classic Series is Grado’s X2 driver platform, developed to deliver what Grado describes as "improved consistency, control, and refinement" alongside "greater clarity, extension, and balance".

Each model is tuned in relation to its given housing, with Grado promising an "open, dynamic, and engaging presentation" across the line-up without spoiling the exciting, dynamic sound which has become the brand's signature.

The series' cable design has also been updated from developments taken from Grado's premium Signature line, and promises to be lighter, more flexible and more durable.

The new line-up also boasts refined headband designs across the range that promise enhanced comfort and long-term durability, while maintaining that industrial, rough-and-ready aesthetic that makes the Brooklyn-based brand stand out.

The new Classic series consists of updated versions of seven of the company's most recognisable models and will be available from late March. They are as follows:

- Grado Classic GS3000: priced at £1995 / $1995
- Grado Classic GS1000: priced at £1195 / $1195
- Grado Classic RS1: priced at £750 / $750
- Grado Classic Hemp: priced at £495/ $495
- Grado Classic SR325: priced at £350 / $350
- Grado Classic SR80: priced at £175 / $175
- Grado Classic SR60: priced at $125 / £125

Considering the pedigree of Grado's wired headphones, we're curious to find out if the new updates takes some of these five-star cans to greater heights. Here's hoping that X2 driver platform improves on greatness without throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

MORE:

Read our review of the premium Grado GS3000x headphones

These are the best wired headphones we've tesed and rated

Closed-back vs open-back headphones: which is right for you?

Brooklyn-based audio brand Grado has added to its its high-end Signature series of open-backed wired headphones with its new Signature S550 cans. The latest premium model joins the three existing members of the line, including the Signature S950 and flagship Signature HP100 SE headphones.

Designed for listeners who desire “warmth, openness, and clarity without fatigue”, the new S550 prioritise a more relaxed presentation while “preserving the speed, detail, and immediacy” Grado has previously exhibited in its five-star SR325x and GS3000x cans.

Central to achieving this desired sonic profile are a set of 50mm S2 dynamic drivers, tuned especially for the cans’ all-wood enclosures.

Those enclosures includes housings crafted entirely from Brazilian walnut, the same wood as found in the premium Signature S950 over-ears. Each housing is made individually, with natural variations in grain ensuring that no two pairs are exactly alike.

Grado also promises that walnut’s natural density contributes to the S550’s fuller, more balanced presentation, all while helping maintain a more consistent acoustic performance over time.

Like the rest of the cans in the series, the S550 employ Grado’s Signature headband assembly whereby a flexible metal support is integrated within the leather headband in order for the fit to be adjusted more smoothly.

The Signature S550 come equipped with a silver detachable cable. Each housing is terminated with a 4-pin balanced mini XLR, while the source end of the cable is equipped with a 3.5mm mini plug; a 6.3mm adapter is included.

The Grado Signature S550 will be available later this month, priced at £995 / $995.

MORE:

Check out our Award-winning Grado SR325x review

Closed-back vs open-back headphones: which design is better for you?

Read our guide to the best wired headphones

As a person who has dedicated a significant portion of his professional life to helping people find the best audio/visual hardware, it shouldn't come as a surprise that I think hi-fi is cool.

This is a key reason why I always do a happy dance (on the inside) whenever I see people sharing in said passion. For those who are curious, it’s a similar one to Carlton’s in the original Fresh Prince of Bel-Air series.

It’s also why I’m all for trends, like the vinyl revival, that reinvigorate interest in what we do, and I'd always advocate for people to support their local record shops to help keep those vital businesses ticking over.

Most recently, I felt a minor swell of pride when I saw fresh reports from The Guardian, CNN and more, suggesting that young people are getting into another type of “retro” audio gear. Specifically, wired headphones.

Yes, according to style gurus, and the ongoing game of 'spot the cable' that I've played during my daily schlepp to What Hi-Fi? Towers over the past few months, Apple’s wired EarPods are enjoying a resurgence in popularity with young people right now.

And for me, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

For one, What Hi-Fi? has long championed wired sets for serious listening, especially at home, paired with a decent headphone amp, or phone with a solid DAC.

A decent set of cabled headphones or earbuds brings a lot of potential benefits, after all. Chief among these is not having to rely on a lossy Bluetooth connection to transmit audio.

With a decent source, this makes a big difference and is a key reason I use a pair of cabled Hifiman HE400S, connected to my Chord Mojo 2 and smartphone, streaming Tidal, in my home office. Trust me, it sounds way better than most wireless headphone and smartphone combos.

That’s why you'll find plenty of wired headphones in our best audiophile headphones guide.

Sure, I don't believe the vast majority of these people are choosing EarPods for wired audio perfection (thankfully) but rather for ease of use, simple connectivity and perhaps the handy placement of the in-line mic for calls.

But any love going to the category can be seen as a good thing, especially as EarPods could be a gateway to some of the more serious wired sets on the market.

However, as I checked the comments section of said articles, I rapidly realised that many of the other people purporting to be hi-fi fans or even audiophiles, did not share my positivity.

Instead, many seemed to focus on the negative, arguing it's just another vacuous TikTok trend based purely on aesthetics and a desire to emulate one of the multitude of celebrities who have been papped wearing a pair of EarPods recently. That list, apparently, includes Zendaya, Lily-Rose Depp, Paul Mescal, Bella Hadid and Apple Martin.

I am sure there are some people for whom this is the entire story – and we have seen this play out before.

Take the vinyl revival as an example. I personally know lots of people who buy records because “they’re cool”, but never bother investing in anything more than a Crosley Bluetooth system – if indeed they buy a turntable at all – because they believe vinyl records are there to be seen as much as they are heard.

I also know that there are plenty of earbuds available that sound better than the EarPods and don't cost an awful lot more – the last set we reviewed got a three-star rating.

Jump to our best wired earbuds guide, and you’ll see a wealth of more accomplished recommendations, some of which only cost around £10 more than the EarPods.

But you know what, after reading the sea of negativity once again bashing young people, my main thought was “chill the fudge out”.

Yes, even though I wouldn’t recommend EarPods if asked which wired earbuds to get, I think the trend is still perfectly fine and if anything, a positive.

Why? Because, for me, as I’ve talked about before, hi-fi and a love of music is a great hobby – and it can start anywhere.

And while audiophiles, like any passionate fan base, always have strong opinions and a slightly cliquey nature, I firmly believe it should still be an inclusive space –. one where a lot of the bile I saw getting thrown at EarPods users has no place (though I did chuckle at the one saying, “bl**dy kids, they’ll be raving about Mini Discs next”).

Sure, we may know there are better-sounding options available. But if they’re happy using them, let them – not everyone has 100s of pounds ready to splash on a pair of earbuds or headphones.

EarPods only cost £19/$19, so it's a no-brainer that so many cash-strapped kids may decide they're a perfectly good option.

And who knows, these same people may one day want to make the jump to something a little better, at which point some of us can offer helpful suggestions rather than an 'I told you so' monologue.

For anyone reading who does want a direct upgrade on the EarPods, try the SoundMagic E80D, which are only £40 in most places right now and offer a much more engaging and detailed sound than the Apple EarPods. But the choice, is yours.

MORE:

These are the best headphones we’ve tested

We rank the best wireless headphones

Our picks of the best Apple headphones

The likes of the Sony WH-1000XM6 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra are great for consumers who love smart features and excellent ANC. But what if you want the very best precision-engineered sound and are happy paying for it?

Well then, you need the Sennheiser HD 820. Retailing at £1799, the five-star headphones from Sennheiser are now a slightly more palatable £1239 at Peter Tyson.

As some of the best wired headphones we've reviewed, you're guaranteed a robust, full-bodied and detailed sound alongside an outstanding build quality. They're expensive, but given that they'll last a lifetime, we think the price can be justified.

If you are after serious audiophile headphones for home listening, we would normally point you in the direction of open-back models, such as Sennheiser's own HD800S.

But this superb HD 820 model has an eye-catching closed-back design that uses curved Gorilla Glass to cover the driver.

This design reflects the sound coming out of the back of the driver towards sound-absorbing chambers to combat some of the downsides of a typical closed design.

The result is the HD 820 deliver an impressive sense of scale and dynamic punch, with a sense of roominess that we get in traditional open-back designs.

As we said in our original Sennheiser HD 820 review, the headphones have "a smooth, full-bodied tonal balance that trades the last ounce of transparency and sonic agility for the kind of sound that’s easy to listen to for hours on end despite the quality of the recording".

Voices are delivered with crispness and a natural sense of expression, while the headphones have a tremendous ability to organise even the most complex recordings.

The durable build quality and comfortable earpads help too, and while they may look bulky, the HD 820 are surprisingly lightweight and roomy. If you enjoy long listening sessions, these Sennheisers – partnered with an appropriately talented source and headphone amplifier – will be great company.

These are premium audiophile headphones that are always worth considering if you have the budget at your disposal.

But with this significant £560 saving at Peter Tyson bringing the price down, it could be time to take the plunge.

MORE:

Read the full Sennheiser HD 820 review

Check out our guide to the best audiophile headphones

Open-back vs closed-back headphones: which type is right for you?

US audio brand Audeze has announced the launch of its flagship planar magnetic headphones, the open-back LCD-5s.

The new high-end cans pack the same 'SLAM' (Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator) acoustic technology as found in Audeze's LCD-S20 planar magnetic cans from last year, designed to offer "powerful, lifelike bass response and even more accurate midrange tuning".

According to Audeze, 'SLAM' works by better controlling the air pressure between the headphones' diaphragm and earcup, with the diaphragm moving in a more linear and controlled manner for greater precision at the lower end.

The new LCD-5s are bolstered by a host of Audeze's own acoustic technologies, including a specially designed diaphragm, magnet arrays and 'Fazor' phase management, coming together to deliver what the brand describes as "exceptional clarity, ultra-low distortion, and precise imaging".

The open headphones are certainly on the large size. They weight 475g, but the use combination of lightweight carbon fibre and magnesium in the chassis aims to keep things comfortable while exuding high quality. There are also updated earpads that aim to reduce pressure on your ears for long listening sessions.

The LCD-5s deploy a 4-pin XLR balanced cable as standard, while single-ended 6.3mm and 3.5mm adapters are also provided.

According to Sankar Thaigasaudram, Audeze's CEO: “With LCD-5s, we’ve refined every aspect of the listening experience—from driver performance to comfort and industrial design—to deliver the most lifelike and emotionally engaging planar magnetic headphone we’ve ever created".

The Audeze LCD-5s are available now, priced at $4500. That puts them in esteemed company, with the highly talented Yamaha YH-5000SE clocking in at around £4799 / $5000.

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Spotify no longer serves my needs, so I’m switching to Tidal instead

Wired vs wireless headphones: pros and cons, and which is better?

Did you ever see the Sennheiser HD414 from the 1960s? Famed for their bright yellow foam earpads and funky, skeletal aesthetic, they were a colossal success for Sennheiser, shipping north of 10 million units following their launch in 1968.

It's those legendary icons which FiiO's new EH11 wireless headphones put us in mind of, with their lightweight frame and rounded on-ear design, kitted out with modern engineering and Bluetooth capabilities, harking back to a funkier retro past.

The EH11 feature a "semi-open" configuration, housing ventilation ports and damping filters to reduce the pressure and closed-in feel of more typical on-ear headphones, all while controlling airflow to minimise the excessive sound leakage associated with fully open models.

The EH11 deploy a set of 40mm long-throw dynamic drivers fitted with a high-damping composite diaphragm, designed to elicit "controlled, energetic low frequencies" alongside a "sharp, layered presentation". Thanks to their hybrid design, according to FiiO, vocals sound more natural, with a wider, more transparent overall soundstage.

As a modern pair of Bluetooth on-ears, the funky FiiOs support the hi-res LDAC codec, meaning they should be capable of allowing you to streaming audio up to 32-bit/96kHz at up to 990kbps when paired with a compatible source device.

A built-in microphone allows for hands-free easy calls on the go, while battery life clocks in at 30 hours of playback on a single charge. The EH11 are supported by the FiiO Control App, a base from which you can access a choice of sound profiles, a custom equaliser and low-latency gaming modes.

Replaceable ear pads in two colour sets are also included.

The FiiO EH11 are available now in a choice of transparent, off-white, cyan, burgundy or transparent black colourways, priced £33 / $30 / €33.

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What is JBL PartyBoost? Is it the same as Connect+ and Auracast?

Meze Audio, the brand responsible for such headphones as the 99 Classics and the high-end Empyrean II, is back with a brand new pair of wired over-ear cans. The new Meze Audio Strada vow to set "a new benchmark in closed-back headphones" with a sound that "blends tonal precision with immersive musical intimacy".

To do so, the new over-ears house a set of newly-designed 50mm dynamic drivers which aim to deliver a controlled, precise sound defined by a deep, well-defined bass signature alongside a "neutral, transparent midrange" and a smooth, detailed treble.

Those newly designed drivers are constructed using a carbon fibre-reinforced cellulose composite dome, with a surrounding torus made using a polymer coated with beryllium for enhanced stiffness, durability and transient response.

Further, a copper-zinc alloy stabiliser surrounds the driver membrane, absorbing micro-vibrations with the aim of significantly reducing unwanted distortion.

The replaceable earpads are mounted magnetically so that they can be swapped in and out more easily, while the cans' Macassar hardwood ebony ear cups are designed to be both visually striking and unique across each pair.

Comfort is at the forefront of the Stradas' design, with both the crafted frame and driver system crafted to be as lightweight as possible in a bid to reduce listener fatigue. The padded headband, meanwhile, features a cross pattern design to distribute pressure more evenly and reduce heat build-up during longer listening sessions.

The Strada come with a choice of two cables – one 1.8m Kevlar with a 3.5mm jack and one 1.8m Kevlar with a 4.4mm jack – as well as a 6.3mm jack adapter and a hard carry case and leather cable pouch.

The Meze Audio Strada over-ears are available now, priced at £799 / $799.

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Best headphones – every type tried and tested

Looking for great audio on a budget? The five-star Røde NTH-100s are now down to £89 at Amazon, a significant drop from their £149 launch price.

It doesn't get much better, especially for content creators who are audio editing one minute and relaxing to music the next. We rate them as some of the best wired headphones in their class and even crowned them a What Hi-Fi? Awards 2025 winner.

They may have been £5 cheaper during Black Friday, but this 40% discount remains an incredible deal on some of the best headphones around.

The Australian audio manufacturer has judged the clamping force of these closed-back wired cans nicely, while ‘CoolTech’ gel in the memory-foam earcups means they can be used comfortably for hours at a time. Røde’s ‘FitLock’ system also means that once you have adjusted the headband into a comfortable position, you can secure it in place.

The headphones are supplied with a 2.4m cable that has a 3.5mm jack at one end and a ‘twist-to-lock’ plug at the other.

Their 40mm drivers have a claimed frequency response of 5Hz - 35kHz, which comfortably covers the human hearing range.

During our testing, we found them an “almost fanatically insightful and revealing listen, happy to dish all the details no matter how minor and/or fleeting.”

Their midrange really stands out too: “Even the most slight variations in tone or timbre are picked up on, even momentary shifts in harmonic detail are identified – so without being in any way dispassionate, the Røde are as informative as a 24-hour rolling news channel.”

It’s rare to find a pair of headphones that are suitable for both casual listening and business-like purposes, such as mixing or monitoring. But what is especially remarkable about the NTH-100 is they do an adequate job of both, which is almost unheard of at this price point.

Now that they’re retailing for almost half our testing price, these already-remarkable qualities seem pretty incredible. On that note, if you’re in the market for some wired headphones this Christmas, we strongly encourage you to take a look at the NTH-100 for £89 at Amazon.

MORE:

We rank the best headphones

Our picks of the best wireless headphones

The best wireless earbuds tried and tested

Austrian Audio has introduced its latest pair of wired over-ears, The Arranger. Designed to bridge the gap between the brand's more affordable Hi-X series and its flagship Composer reference cans, the open-backed newbies are designed to bring "high-end engineering to the more accessible price point".

At the core of the new cans is a freshly developed 44mm dynamic driver which uses a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coated diaphragm for greater rigidity and control, paired with a proprietary ring magnet system in pursuit of a fast transient response, low distortion and excellent bass extension.

That newly developed driver, in combination with The Arrangers' open-back design, delivers what Austrian Audio describes as a "natural, spacious presentation with clear spatial placement".

The new over-ears are fitted with suede leatherette ear pads which, in tandem with a lightweight metal frame, promise enduring all-day comfort. The cans also fold away for greater convenience when being stored or taken on your travels, while a reasonably modest weight of just 310 grams aims to reduce wearer fatigue during extended listening sessions.

The Arrangers' ear pads and headband are user-replaceable, so parts that wear out can be more easily exchanged if you're keen to extend their lifespan. The new headphones use a 4-pin symmetrical socket with a 3.5mm connector and an included 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter.

The Austrian Audio Arranger will be available from February 2026, priced at £899 / €999 / $1099.

We've been impressed with both Austrian Audio's more affordable Hi-X range (including the Hi-X20 and Hi-X15) and its high-end reference cans, so a pair of headphones that seek to bridge the gap between these different ends of the cost spectrum sounds like an enticing prospect.

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Speaker stands are far more important than you might think

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Discover the best wired headphones we've tested

No doubt you're still trying to get your head around being thrust into a new year, so I won't waste your time. Right now, the five-star Award-winning Grado SR80x are discounted to just £99 at Peter Tyson and Richer Sounds.

That's an impressive £31 discount on the open-back headphones that are now as affordable as they are entertaining. We've continually praised them for their punchy sound, class-leading insight and comfortable fit at this level.

Tempted? I'm not surprised.

Best Grado wired headphones deal

You can't really miss with the Grado SR80x, especially at this deal price that brings these open-back wired headphones under £100. The outstanding SR80x are well worth a place on your shortlist if your main priorities are sound, sound and sound.

Sure, the aesthetics won't be for everyone. You might not like their industrial look, or their on-ear design, or the fact that, as an open pair of cans, they leak sound like a sieve. That's all perfectly understandable, but if you're looking for a pair of headphones to enjoy at home rather than on your commute, then these Grados are worth considering.

With these wired Grados, it's all about sound. If entertainment and musicality are what you seek, we can't think of another open-back rival that can better the SR80x at this price.

As we said in our review: "Everything we like about their (SR80) predecessors – their nimble-footedness, expressive, rolling dynamics, and insight across well-defined frequencies – has been inherited, and the punch and panache that have made the Prestige models such born entertainers are very much also part of the SR80x’s sonic signature."

You've even got a choice of retailers for this £31 off deal. Check them out at Peter Tyson or Richer Sounds.

MORE:

Check out the best headphones money can buy

Pick up a bargain with the best headphones deals

6 test tracks we've been playing in the What Hi-Fi? listening rooms this month

There may not be as many great audio deals in the run up to Christmas as there is on Black Friday, but there’s still a few out there that are more than worthy of just a brief perusal. This deal on the Award-winning Røde NTH-100 wired headphones is one of them.

The comfortable and great-sounding NTH-100 are some of the best headphones we’ve reviewed at their original price of £149. Now they can be yours for £89 at Amazon, which is nearly half off that.

Ok, so this is slightly more expensive than the £84 we saw them going for on Black Friday, but £89 remains an absolute steal for wired headphones as good as this. So, why not check them out and grab yourself an absolute cracker of a deal this Christmas?

The Australian audio manufacturer has judged the clamping force of these closed-back wired cans nicely, while ‘CoolTech’ gel in the memory foam earcups means they can be used comfortably for hours at a time. Røde’s ‘FitLock’ system also means that once you’ve adjusted the headband into a comfortable position, you can secure it in place.

In terms of other features, they are supplied with a 2.4m cable that has a 3.5mm jack at one end and a ‘twist-to-lock’ plug at the other.

Their 40mm drivers also have a claimed frequency response of 5Hz - 35kHz, which is more than enough for human hearing.

During our testing, we found them an “almost fanatically insightful and revealing listen, happy to dish all the details no matter how minor and/or fleeting.”

Their midrange really stood out too: “even the most slight variations in tone or timbre are picked up on, even momentary shifts in harmonic detail are identified – so without being in any way dispassionate, the Røde are as informative as a 24-hour rolling news channel”.

It’s rare to find a pair of headphones that are suitable for both casual listening and business-like purposes, such as mixing or monitoring. But what is especially remarkable about the NTH-100 is they do an adequate job of both, which is almost unheard of at this price point.

Now that they’re retailing for almost half our testing price, these already-remarkable qualities seem pretty incredible. On that note, if you’re in the market for some wired headphones this Christmas, we’d strongly encourage you to take a look at them for £89 at Amazon.

MORE:

We rank the best headphones

Our picks of the best wireless headphones

The best wireless earbuds tried and tested

One area you’re guaranteed to see decent Black Friday deals this year is in the world of headphones, in particular, Sony wireless headphones.

Such has been the brand’s dominance of this category in recent years that many shoppers will be eager to see how far prices plummet for the five-star models that we’ve tested.

I’ve been looking at the current state of affairs to see if/how pricing has changed and which headphones you should be eyeing up in the coming days.

There could still be some room for manoeuvre as we build up to the big day, so you might want to survey the scene a little longer before taking the plunge.

Let’s see what's currently on offer...

Sony WH-CH520

• Tested at £49 now £29 at Amazon

If it’s a budget Christmas stocking-filler you’re looking for, for yourself or someone else, then the Sony WH-CH520 are a bit of a no-brainer. They are currently sitting at their lowest ever price over at Amazon and deliver all you could really want from a pair of no-frills, cheap wireless headphones.

You can’t really argue with solid build, a balanced, entertaining sound, 50-hour battery life and Bluetooth Multipoint. In my opinion, it’s unlikely these will go lower in the coming days, and if they do, it will most likely only be by a couple of pounds.

Sony WH-CH720N

• Tested at £99 now £64 at Amazon

The WH-CH520N sit on your ear instead of over and don’t have any noise-cancelling functionality. If you want both of these features, then don’t worry, though. Sony has another pair for you to shop for in the shape of the WH-CH720N.

These headphones take you up a price level, but once again, there are savings to be had and again, you can find them at their lowest ever price on Amazon right now. They’re durable and boast a step up in terms of sound quality from their cheaper siblings, and you also have access to ANC. Battery life is 35 hours with Bluetooth and ANC on. I think they’re likely to stay at this price for the duration of Black Friday.

Sony WH-1000XM4

• Tested at £350 now £178 at Amazon

This is where things get interesting. Sony is still selling not one but three pairs of premium wireless headphones, two of which are previous What Hi-Fi? Award winners. The cheapest of the three, the fantastic WH-1000XM4, originally came out in 2020 but there still seems to be plenty of stock doing the rounds.

This is great news for anyone looking to pick up a bargain because you’re still getting a premium build, excellent portability and quality sound for the money. Yes, newer models sound better, but they will cost extra. There’s only a small gap between these and the WH-1000XM5, looking at current Black Friday pricing, and I think there might be some more room for manoeuvre here, closer to the big day, to move some of that excess stock.

Sony WH-1000XM5

• Tested at £379 now £200 at Amazon

The WH-1000XM5 launched back in 2022, and although sound quality is improved over XM4, they don’t, in our eyes at least, boast the same premium build and finish. They also moved away from the hinge mechanism of XM4, which makes XM5 a little less portable.

They fold flat and come with a hard carry case, although Sony has introduced a variant called WH-1000XM5SA, which swaps the hard case for a soft carry pouch. For a lot of people, this won’t be the end of the world and means you save a bit more on the asking price (which is the price you see above). Battery life is the same as XM4 at 30 hours with Bluetooth and ANC engaged. I also think there's a small chance the price could drop a bit more, closer to the big day.

Sony WH-1000XM6

• Tested at £399 now £349 at Amazon

Sony’s most recent flagship wireless headphones arrived earlier this year and impressed us with their solid design, comfort and immense sound quality. With a new folding mechanism and tweaked earpads and headband, they are a slight departure from XM5 in terms of design but we think they are all the better for it.

The WH-1000XM6 are still comfortable and well-built, though, and their sound quality, noise-cancelling and call quality put them at the top of our list in terms of desirability. They’re currently sitting at the lowest price we’ve seen, and I don’t think they’re likely to drop any lower during Black Friday itself, but I could be wrong.

Black Friday quick links

• Amazon: browse all of today's best deals
• B&W speakers: save £200
• Bluetooth speaker: 48% off five-star JBL
• Bose QC Ultra Earbuds: save £100
• Bravia 8 TV: save 34% on 55in Sony TV
• Denon AV receiver: save £500
• Dolby Atmos soundbar: down to £299
• ELAC Debut 2: five-star speakers now £199
• Headphones: Sennheiser Momentum 4 now £169
• John Lewis: £500 off LG and Sony OLED TVs
• Richer Sounds: browse Black Friday deals
• Sevenoaks: £150 off Award-winning speakers
• TVs, movies, home cinema: browse the best deals

Focal has well and truly established itself in the high-end headphones market. So much so that the Focal Bathys MG are the only headphones one of our Senior Staff Writers is coveting this Black Friday.

The bad news? The elusive Focal Bathys MG remain undiscounted. The good news? Their five-star wired sibling, the Focal Clear MG, are now seeing a tasty discount.

The majestic over-ears are one of the best audiophile headphones around and have now crashed to £989 at Richer Sounds, the lowest price we've seen for the cans.

The Clear MG launched at a premium £1399, so that's a saving of £410!

Our Focal Clear MG review sums them up pretty well: “They’re talented performers that stay comfortable over extended listening sessions. Add excellent build and finish into the equation and we think they're right up there with the best at the price. Highly recommended.”

As you would hope for the price, the Clear MG's build and design scream luxury. Focal's signature honeycomb grille is present, along with a premium metal construction and plush, comfortable earpads. Even the packaging feels luxurious!

The ‘MG’ in the name refers to the full-range 40mm magnesium-coned drive unit embedded within, while a carefully chosen surround helps control damping and resonant behaviour.

These drivers are more than capable of bringing your music to life – delivering an “informative, refined and entertaining sound” with a high ability to remain poised even when the music becomes demanding.

The main downside seems to be some sound leakage – though that is to be expected with open-backed cans.

Just a tip for those new to the premium headphone market: these are specialist headphones designed for home listening. We recommend purchasing them only if you have an audio setup that can make the most of these high-performing bad boys.

If you're after premium wired headphones that combine stupendous sound, excellent comfort and a stylish design, the Focal Clear MG is well worth considering, especially at this new reduced price. Get them at Richer Sounds with £410 off now.

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Want wireless? Read our Focal Bathys review

These are the best wired headphones you can buy

From the AirPods Max 2 to the Sony WF-1000XM6, these are the wireless headphones we're keen to see in 2025

Black Friday quick links

• Amazon: browse all of today's best deals
• B&W speakers: save £200
• Bluetooth speaker: 48% off five-star JBL
• Bose QC Ultra Earbuds: save £100
• Bravia 8 TV: save 34% on 55in Sony TV
• Denon AV receiver: save £500
• Dolby Atmos soundbar: down to £299
• ELAC Debut 2: five-star speakers now £199
• Headphones: Sennheiser Momentum 4 now £169
• John Lewis: £500 off LG and Sony OLED TVs
• Richer Sounds: browse Black Friday deals
• Sevenoaks: £150 off Award-winning speakers
• TVs, movies, home cinema: browse the best deals

Looking for a light, comfy pair of wired headphones that offer an even, analytical listen? The Sennheiser HD 560S open-back headphones are currently on offer for £89 at AV.com.

That’s a remarkable £70 off their current £159 recommended retail price and £40 less than Amazon was selling them for at the end of September. AV.com is chucking in a free headphone stand as part of this early Black Friday deal too.

When we tested the HD 560S at £169 back in 2021, we gave them four stars and praised them for their “expansive, detailed presentation”. For a desktop system or home listening, these over-ear wired Sennheisers are a solid, affordable option.

Supplied with a detachable 3m cable, the Sennheiser HD 560S have a 6.3mm jack for connection to hi-fi sources, while a 3.5mm adapter is included to allow use with digital audio players, tablets and smartphones. Quite simply, they’re a great choice for a wide range of audio sources.

Thanks to their velour earpads and padded headband, we also found them “really rather comfortable” during testing.

They are equipped with a 120 ohm drive unit, which features a specialised polymer-blend diaphragm and high-strength magnet. The result is an even, clear and spacious presentation with agile bass, although there’s a little more of the latter available in the five-star Grado SR325e.

As these are an open-back design, you’ll find that these HD 560S leak sound a fair bit, making them more suitable for home use than on the go. However, they aren’t quite as leaky as the five-star Grados.

So, if you’re after a new set of wired over-ear headphones, it’s worth considering these Sennheisers at their early Black Friday bargain price of £89 at AV.com – it represents really excellent value.

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Check out our list of the best wired headphones

Or the best Sennheiser headphones currently available

The Sennheiser HD 599 headphones are back at their lowest ever price

Fiio has added to its arsenal of wired headphones with its latest pair, the wood-clad FT13.

Joining the likes of the open-backed FT3 (£289 / $299 / AU$449) and the premium FT5 (£449 / $499), the new FT13 over-ear headphones feature earcups made from purpleheart, a rare South American wood selected for its "tonal warmth" and "evolving colour".

The Fiio FT13 deploy a 60mm dynamic driver with a W-shaped diaphragm designed to deliver a greater vibration area, promising "extended lows and clean, detailed highs". A U-shaped damping tube alongside a specially designed noise-reduction chamber aim to reduce unwanted ambient noise, creating an "immersive" listening experience.

The new headphones use a high-gloss lacquer finish for the wooden earcups, with the colour of the purpleheart transforming over time from light brown to deep purple.

Further, the adjustable headband is crafted from a bespoke magnesium alloy, which aims to offer a lightweight yet durable fit.

The FT13 come with a choice of lambskin or suede earpads use breathable memory phone earpads to offer long-lasting comfort, with the former designed to accentuate treble and midrange clarity, and the latter seeking to provide greater bass and vocal richness.

Fiio's over-ears have been designed to be compatible with a range of source devices, with their low impedance (32 ohms) and high sensitivity (98B/mW) making them comparatively easy to drive.

The new cans come equipped with a copper and silver-plated cable with 3.5mm and 4.4mm connectors, and there are 3.5mm to 6.35mm and 4.4mm to XLR-4 adapters in the box.

The Fiio FT13 wired headphones are available now, priced at £269 / $329. For that kind of money, rivals include the five-star Grado SR325x (£249 / $295) open-back headphones and the closed-back Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X (£209 / $299).

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Check out our list of the best wired headphones

A whole decade after they made their debut, Meze's 99 Classics headphones are getting a second-gen sequel.

The original 99 Classics first arrived in 2015, going on to become some of the brand's "most iconic" wired cans, despite earning a four, not five star rating from our reviewers.

Meze promises its sophomore effort will "honour the original’s timeless design while embracing today’s needs".

The new 2nd generation headphones retain the same general design as their predecessors, but with engineering and ergonomic refinements designed to make improvements to both wearer comfort and sonic performance.

The headphones' 40mm dynamic drivers have been tweaked, with refined tuning striving towards a more balanced, neutral signature complemented by more controlled bass and clearer mid and treble performance.

The baffle architecture has been re-engineered, with a more open grille and streamlined beams aiming to reduce unwanted diffraction, while improved acoustic sealing aims for greater sonic precision.

The 99 Classics features machined walnut ear cups that are CNC-machined which are then hand finished and polished, while the frame's gold finish "adds both resilience and a timeless sense of refinement".

The second-gen Meze over-ears have been designed to be even more comfortable this time around, boasting a self-adjusting headband made from vegan leather and supported by spring steel, striving for an "effortless fit" across extended listening sessions.

The second-gen 99 Classics come equipped with a 1.8 m dual-twisted cable with a 3.5 mm jack, as well as a USB-C DAC dongle and a 6.3 mm gold-plated adapter.

The second-gen Meze 99 Classics are available now, priced at £349 / $349 / €349.

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Read our Award-winning Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X review

Audio-Technica has unveiled its latest pair of open-back headphones, and they're promising serious performance at a top-of-the-line price. The new ATH- ADX7000 blend innovative driver technology with an "incredibly lightweight design", teasing a "natural, spacious and comfortable high-end listening experience".

The high-end over-ears deploy Audio-Technica’s new HXDT driver design furnished with a 58mm diaphragm. That diaphragm has been crafted for accurate alignment with the driver’s baffle plate, magnet and voice coil, allowing energy to transfer more efficiently from the magnet to the diaphragm in pursuit of a clear, detailed and musical reproduction.

The drive units have been optimally positioned within its housing using, wherein the driver’s voice coil in the middle of its housing to achieve a pure motion and, in turn, a clear, clean sound.

The new cans’ aluminium housings feature a honeycomb configuration to deliver a more efficient airflow, pursuing a powerful, articulate bass alongside exceptional midrange clarity and high-frequency purity.

The ATH-ADX7000 have been designed to be lightweight and extremely comfortable, thanks in part to the headphones' housings and magnesium-alloy frame, while a choice of Alcantara microfibre or velvet earpads adds to their comfort credentials.

The ATH-ADX7000 comes with two detachable cables: a balanced cable with a 4-pin XLRM connector alongside an unbalanced alternative with a 6.3mm end. Further, each pair of the ATH-ADX7000 is individually serialised and comes with its own hard carrying case.

The Audio-Technica ATH-ADX7000 will be available from 31st October, priced at £3000 / €3499 / $3499.

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Check out our list of the best wired headphones you can buy

If you're in the market for a pair of the best wired headphones that are also friendly on the bank balance, we wholeheartedly recommend the Grado SR80x.

These five-star What Hi-Fi? Award winners were a bargain at £129, but recently they've dropped to just £99 at Peter Tyson and Richer Sounds. That means they're back to a record low.

The SR80x are not just supremely affordable; though, they also serve up entertaining, punchy sound and class-leading insight at this level. Not bad for under £100.

Best Grado wired headphones deal

You can't really miss with the Grado SR80x, especially at a price that brings these open-back wired headphones under £100. The outstanding SR80x are well worth a place on your shortlist if your main priorities are sound, sound and sound.

Sure, the aesthetics won't be for everyone. You might not like their industrial look, or their on-ear design, or the fact that, as an open pair of cans, they leak sound like a sieve. That's all perfectly understandable, but if you're looking for a pair of headphones to enjoy at home rather than on your commute, then these Grados are worth considering.

With these wired Grados, it's all about sound. If entertainment and musicality are what you seek, we can't think of another open-back rival that can better the SR80x at this price.

As we said in our review: "Everything we like about their (SR80) predecessors – their nimble-footedness, expressive, rolling dynamics, and insight across well-defined frequencies – has been inherited, and the punch and panache that have made the Prestige models such born entertainers are very much also part of the SR80x’s sonic signature".

You've even got a choice of retailers for this £30 off deal. Check them out at Peter Tyson or Richer Sounds.

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6 test tracks we've been playing in the What Hi-Fi? listening rooms this month

Brooklyn-based headphones brand Grado is adding to its high-end Signature range of open-ear wired headphones with the new Signature S750 cans. This new premium model joins the existing Signature S950 and flagship HP100 SE headphones in the range.

The S750 headphones continue many hallmarks of Grado's design, including the handcrafted industrial aesthetic, open-back design and foam ear cushions. But this model also introduces a new driver design and a new type of ear cushions.

The new 50mm S driver has been engineered from the ground up for the S750 headphones, and is just a smidge smaller than the 52mm versions found in the bigger siblings. The 50mm driver features a carbon fibre and paper composite diaphragm, with a lightweight copper-plated aluminium voice coil.

Grado says this new S driver delivers “a natural musical presentation” and promises “the detail and character of every performance while offering a uniquely engaging listening experience.”

The all-aluminium housing looks distinct enough from the rest of the Signature line but still recognisably Grado with the exposed stainless-steel height rods and contrasting stitching on the headband. The headphones weigh 460g – rather chunky but more than 10 per cent lighter than the flagship pair.

The headphones are designed for durability and long hours of listening, with a narrow, but well-padded headband that offers comfort alongside longevity.

The S750 come with Grado's new B ear cushions, which claim to offer a “fresh approach to comfort and acoustic performance”. The B cushion shortens the distance between the driver and the ear, with a smaller interior opening.

There are eight “precisely engineered” slits in the cushions to help airflow, which should result in a more open soundstage while ensuring detail levels are still high.

The flat surface of the B cushions is claimed to distribute pressure more evenly across the ear and promises less fatigue when listening for long hours. These new ear cushions are compatible with all current Grado wired headphones and can be bought separately, too.

As with other models in the Signature line, these headphones are supplied with detachable cables, with a lengthy six-foot braided cable ending in a 6.35mm headphone plug.

The cable plugs into the headphones via 4-pin balanced XLR connections, and there are other lengths and terminations (such as balanced 4.4mm) available as optional extras to suit the listener’s source and preference.

The S750 wired headphones are pitched as the entry point into Grado's Signature collection and cost £1695 / $1695; they will be available from November. In comparison, the step-up S950 cost £2495 / $2195, while the flagship HP100 SE are yours for £2795 / $2495.

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Read our Grado GS3000x review

Closed-back vs open-back headphones: which design is right for you?

Check out the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2025 wired headphones winners

Beyerdynamic has expanded its Pro series with a new pair of over-ear headphones that claim to bring studio-grade sound to a wider audience for just £89.

The closed-back wired headphones promise authentic studio sound, balanced across the frequency spectrum with clear bass, natural mids and detailed treble response.

Beyerdynamic says that the acoustic tuning has been developed according to current studio standards and refined through user feedback, though we’ve yet to try a pair ourselves to verify their listening credentials.

Despite the affordable price point, the DT 270 Pro retains key features from Beyerdynamic's higher-end models, including replaceable velour ear pads – a characteristic typically reserved for the brand's premium offerings.

Elsewhere, their spring steel headband construction provides durability, while also keeping the overall weight down to just 194g.

In the box, you'll find a 1.3-metre coiled cable that extends to 3 metres (which can be connected to either ear cup), along with a 6.35mm jack adapter, a USB-C adapter, and a fabric carrying bag – not a bad set of extras at this price point.

Replacement ear pads can also be ordered separately for when the originals eventually wear out.

Beyerdynamic is positioning the DT 270 Pro as suitable for music production, podcast recording and instrument practice, and their closed-back design should provide around 19dB of isolation from external noise.

The DT 270 Pro is available from today at Beyerdynamic's website, Amazon and specialist retailers for £89 / €99. US and Australian pricing details have yet to be confirmed.

That price puts it firmly in competition with the proven, Award-winning Austrian Audio Hi-X15 headphones, which earned five stars thanks to their premium sound quality, wrapped up in an affordable £89 package.

We recently reviewed the £189 / $199 Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X open-back wired headphones to five-star and Award-winning acclaim, so let's hope some of its sonic magic has filtered through to the more entry-level DT 270 Pro.

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• We rate the best wired headphones money can buy

Sony and Bose might dominate the headlines when it comes to headphones, but Sennheiser's models are reliably great. This pair represents fantastic value – the over-ear headphones have dropped in price by 61 per cent to just £69 at Amazon in the Big Deal Days sale. That's a discount of £110, matching their best ever price.

Now, we have been here before. In fact, this is one of the most recurring deals in recent memory. But that just goes to show it's unlikely to be beaten.

• Browse all of today's best Amazon deals

Best Sennheiser HD 599 Big Deal Days headphones deal 

Like most Sennheiser products, the HD 599 are made from high-quality materials and promise "audiophile grade" sound.

We haven't reviewed this particular pair, but it's worth noting that Amazon buyers rate the HD 599 a very reassuring 4.6 out of 5 – and that's from over 9000 reviews. The HD 599 have been around for a few years, so we know they have stood the test of time.

Sennheiser says the open-backed cans boast the firm's own transducers, which are made using aluminium voice coils for "high efficiency, excellent dynamics and extremely low distortion."

You also get two detachable cables in the box (3m with 6.3mm jack, and 1.2m with 3.5mm jack).

The Special Edition Black colour is exclusive to Amazon. Considering that they originally cost £179, a discount of up to 61 per cent is almost too good to miss.

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Getting onto our list of the best headphones, is, in many ways, the ultimate accolade. Our mammoth rundown includes cans of all types and from all backgrounds – wired and wireless, open and closed-back, earbuds and over-ears – making gaining entry a serious achievement.

The two new entries to the list are very different headphone types with poles-apart price tags. They have each bowled us over with the respective performances they produce.

The five-star Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X are our top pick for the best headphones for home use, thanks to a combination of excellent comfort for long hours of listening, and solid sound quality. This wired model has an open-backed design, so they are unsuited to being taken out in public due to leaking sound everywhere.

Their inclusion to our guide is mainly, however, because they sound truly outstanding for their £189 / $199 / AU$399 price tag.

Acting as the successors to the excellent DT 900 Pro X, the new open-backed cans are a sonic delight, elevating almost all key performance metrics while retaining the plush comfort and usability we have long admired from Beyerdynamic's wired over-ears.

If you're seeking a pair of wired headphones for home use with your hi-fi and you don't mind a little sonic leakage, the DT 990 Pro X are now our number one pick. Beyerdynamic bills them as a 'studio' set, but for our money, they are just as happy delighting you with your favourite disco classics as they are digging deep into the details of a tricky DJ mix.

What if you want to go wireless but don't fancy sacrificing on sound? Well, then it's imperative, yes imperative, that you seek out the Focal Bathys Mg as a matter of priority.

They are, inevitably, a lot more expensive than the Beyerdynamics (and most other headphones) at £999 / $1299 / AU$2300. That's why we've dubbed them the best high-end wireless headphones in our guide; but boy are they talented.

This really is exclusive territory in which the Bathys Mg are operating, occupied by established big-money performers such as the ageing Mark Levinson No.5909 (£749 / $799) or the T+A Solitaire T (tested at £1200 / $1600 / AU$2160).

We didn't before have a place in this list for cans that expensive, but we have decided to include the Focals, because we believe they genuinely push the boundaries of wireless performance. And, while wires remain king, the Bathys Mg is one of the best indications we've heard that wireless could, one day, close the gap. If you're willing to pay, of course.

Beyerdynamic handles sound like a Pro

We make absolutely no assumptions about our readers' current financial situation, but let's start with the headphones that are probably in a more… realistic price bracket for the average buyer.

There are, of course, better headphones out there at higher prices, but you could pick up a pair of DT 990 Pro X for £189 / $199 / AU$399 and rarely feel as though you weren't getting enough sound for your pounds.

Thanks to their signature Stellar.45 drivers employing Beyerdynamic's layered Polyether Ether Ketone (‘PEEK’)’ thermoplastic polymer diaphragm alongside a Neodymium motor system, the DT 990 Pro X have the audio chops to put most price-comparable cans in the shade.

These are some of the most detailed and clear-sounding headphones we have heard at this level. They offer exceptional detail resolution paired with far more clarity and openness than the outgoing DT 900 Pro X.

No matter the source devices or material they are tasked with tackling, Beyerdynamic's mid-range cans have the talent to bring out your music's best thanks to their even-handed balance and informative yet entertaining approach.

Entertaining is the word. The DT 990 Pro X handle dynamics superbly as they tease out low-level variations with ease. That's paired with a rich, full midrange which gives instruments and voices real bite, all anchored by a bass response that feels well-judged, agile and appropriately taut.

It's not as though they're tough to live with, either. We do love those earpads, while the headband's weight distribution and the cans' balanced weight distribution make for an easy experience. The wired over-ears come with a detachable 2m cable with a locking mini-XLR connector, with a 3.5mm jack is fitted as standard and an included 6.3mm adapter.

Blending comfort and sonic class in one stellar package as they do, it's going to take something special to dethrone the DT 990 Pro X any time soon. They come, as you'll have gathered, highly recommended.

The Bathys Mg push wireless boundaries

We were so impressed with the Focal Bathys Mg that we decided to create a whole new entry slot for them as our ‘best high-end wireless headphones’. When wireless sounds this good, you're more than happy to move things around to make sure it is properly recognised.

There are aspects of the noise-cancelling Bathys Mg that you might not get along with. This is quite a bulky pair of cans, weighing in at 350g, and their bold, almost brassy design can draw attention when you're out in public. There are no touch controls, and there's not even any wear detection, either. In this day and age? Unbelievable.

The Focal cans make their way onto our list because of how they sound, of course. Even when you account for their monster price, this is a beautifully balanced and neutral pair of over-ears, delivering music with a pleasingly straight bat and avoiding the pitfalls of artificially boosted bass.

For home listening, you can go from wired to wireless, either using the 3.5mm jack or by using Focal’s own built-in DAC, which supports sample rates all the way up to 24-bit/192kHz.

However you listen, detail levels are superb, as is the clarity and spaciousness on display, offering up a layered performance that feels elegant, nimble and beautifully arranged. The Bathys Mg offer outstanding balance and refinement, yet they have the soul and verve to make music sound entertaining and cinematic rather than overly clinical or analytical.

As we say in our review: “We would implore you to take the time to listen to the Focal Bathys Mg. The original Bathys showed Focal could make the jump from wired to wireless successfully, and the changes made for this version push the envelope even further.”

If you're lucky enough to have the cash to splash, you could do a lot worse than spending it on the boundary-pushing Focal Bathys Mg. A special pair of headphones.

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Best wireless headphones reviewed and rated by our in-house expert

With the rise of the best wireless headphones, we could be in danger of forgetting that there are still a lot of benefits to owning a pair of the best wired headphones instead.

Pound for pound, they sound better than Bluetooth alternatives, they are more sustainable, and you don't have to remember to keep them charged.

If I were to recommend one pair right now, it would have to be the Røde NTH-100, which is now discounted down to £109 on Amazon. They have been a little cheaper before, but this is still a fantastic price, and there are no guarantees they'll be dropping any lower any time soon.

Best Røde wired headphones deal

The Røde NTH-100 are some of the best-value wired headphones we've tested in the past few years. Many rivals have come and gone, yet there's something about the mighty NTH-100 that continues to impress us, even after roughly three years at the top.

If I had a friend looking to buy a pair of well-priced wired cans at a discount during Prime Day, it would be the Røde every time. The NTH-100 are headphones for all seasons, with an eloquent, revealing sound that strikes a lovely balance between nuance and dynamism.

If you were to give me a pair tomorrow and tell me I had to live with them for ever, I'd be totally set, especially given that the NTH-100 seem comfortable with almost anything that you throw at them. Like the best wired headphones around, they have the flexibility to adapt to a diverse array of genres, styles and instruments.

They might heat your ears eventually, but overall, this is a nice pair of headphones to wear. The memory foam earcups feel premium and substantial, whereas the cans' clamping force is expertly judged.

If you're serious about sound and don't want to spend a packet, check out this Røde NTH-100 Amazon deal.

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Great savings on hi-fi systems at Richer Sounds

Plenty of hi-fi and audio deals at Peter Tyson

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Wireless headphones are great. In fact, they’re better than they have ever been – just look at the legion of premium and high-end candidates vying for the attention of would-be buyers who want to combine their love of wire-free convenience with a desire to see just how far Bluetooth tech has come.

Whether it’s the pack-leading Sony WH-1000XM6 (£400 / $450 / AU$699) or the big-money Focal Bathys MG (£999 / $1299 / AU$2300), you really don’t need to look far for great wireless sound.

It can be easy, then, to become convinced that wireless is the only way to go. I think, though, that it’s time for a gentle reminder that wires remain king – and that, despite frequent attempts for their relevance to be consigned to history as some sort of strange anachronism, there’s a reason the humble cable still reigns supreme.

Wireless headphones are better than ever, but they’ve got a long way to go before they catch up with their wired counterparts.

I was reminded of this fact after spending a great deal of time with the rather lovely Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X over-ears. At £219, they are cheaper than the aforementioned XM6 – and a lot cheaper than the Focals. But switch from the class-leading Sonys to the DT 990 Pro X and the differences in pure performance are laid out starkly before you.

A different sonic class

Bear with me with on this. Sonically, the WH-1000XM6 are like Celtic: they’re great in their given division, but put them up against any respectable Champions League outfit and the score-line ends up rather one-sided. In this tortured analogy, of course, the Sonys are Celtic, and we’re talking purely about sound.

The way wired headphones handle detail is what you’ll notice first. It's something that I’m always reminded of when I return to tethered shores. “Oh, wow”, I tend to think. “This is what it's supposed to sound like”.

Even the best wireless cans can feel as though they are giving only something of a musical outline, a sort of approximation of the information that, like graphics from a decent PlayStation 2 game, gets the right colours, shades and textures in the correct order to give the right impression.

Decent wired headphones, by contrast, are the full-fat, widescreen, 1080p PS5 experience via HDMI. Everything is filled in, and those admirable approximations become nuanced, texturally rich layers of sonic loveliness. That’s how it feels switching to the DT 990 Pro X from almost any premium Bluetooth pair – it's just a different level.

As we write in our review, “Their stellar detail levels are a real trump card. Whether it’s the sorrowful piano on Nick Cave’s Bright Horses or the delicate, bluesy guitar on Jeff Buckley’s So Real, there’s so much texture that we feel as though we can reach out and touch the instruments being played.”

The wonder of wires

Wires simply communicate and carry more sonic information, and that means a far more impressive feeling of musicality. Subtle dynamic shifts that are often subdued on wireless cans (the Sony do a comparatively decent job of teasing them out, in fairness) are brought to the fore with the DT 990 Pro X, while the attack and decay of instruments are far easier to track.

That’s something you will also find with the Grado SR325x (£249 / $295 / AU$419). And while they’re more expensive than the Beyerdynamic cans, they are still far cheaper than the WH-1000XM6.

Whether it’s the walloping punch as full-scale dynamics land, or the way that they dig out rhythmic patterns, the sound the Grados produce is so much more three-dimensional than pretty much anything you’ll find via Bluetooth.

Check out our ‘wired vs wireless’ explainer page and you’ll discover the same conclusion. While wireless performance has improved massively due to increasingly efficient Bluetooth codecs, it's still unable to offer the purity of the good old fashioned wire.

As we say, “Analogue transmission through a cable can carry a song's full audio data, whereas audio transmitted wirelessly is compressed and crucial information is lost”. Even the best codec can't prevent those losses from occurring.

A timely reminder

The problem with wired headphones is that they make going back to premium wireless so difficult. The latter have their advantages, of course. They are often more portable, have noise cancelling and spatial audio, and there’s no trailing cable to tuck under your shirt; but, sonically, it's hard to hear a pair that can match a capable wired set.

The Focal Bathys Mg or T+A Solitaire T (£1200 / $1600 / AU$2160) have done well to close the gap, but again, look at those price tags. They’re enormous!

Please do forgive me if you’ve heard this all before, but it bears repeating once in a while. I undoubtedly needed the reminder of just how good wired headphones can be, especially when their wireless counterparts are so commonplace and spend so much time vying for our attention.

How many wired cans were released this year compared to the swathes of wire-free alternatives? Sony released the WH-1000XM6, while Bose recently unveiled its similarly priced QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen).

Beyerdynamic announced the Aventho 200 and a host of wireless earbuds, while Cambridge Audio gave us the Melomania P100 SE. Nothing got in on the action with the Headphone (1), while JBL released the Tour One M3. Bringing the fight to its big-name rivals, Bowers & Wilkins' Px7 S3 made their bow to considerable acclaim. The list goes on… and on… and on.

I'm aware that there will be many readers (perhaps not regular What Hi-Fi? devotees, admittedly), who are unaware of the gulf between wired and wireless transmission.

When you have been brought up or conditioned to think that Bluetooth cans are the only option, it often doesn't even occur that this isn't the most efficient means of data transmission. Wires seem like an anachronism from the past, and while wire-free has its benefits, the old ways remain the best when it comes to sound.

Let this act, then, both as a reminder to those in the know and a plea to the uninitiated. Wireless cans are better than ever, but, pound for pound, they're not the best way of getting your music to shine. If you care about sound over style, the cable is still the way to go.

MORE:

Also read our Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X review

Spotify Lossless still trails behind its hi-res streaming rivals – but that won’t matter for most people

Best over-ear headphones: wired and wireless pairs tested by our in-house experts

In case you hadn't heard, Spotify has announced the addition of 'Lossless' listening to its premium subscription tier, giving fully paid-up users audio streaming up to 24-bit/44.1kHz quality in FLAC.

That's just a shade higher than the standard CD quality (16-bit/44.1kHz), and a big deal in the battle for music streaming supremacy.

To get the best from Spotify Lossless' higher-quality files, wireless headphones (which use the very lossy Bluetooth streaming) simply won't cut it. You'll need a decent pair of wired headphones connected to your laptop (or smartphone) to take full advantage of the higher-quality Lossless streams.

While plugging your cans straight into your laptop's headphone port will work just fine, we would also recommend adding an external DAC/headphone amp in between the headphones and laptop to ensure you're getting the best-sounding experience overall, too.

Below, I've selected three pairs of five-star headphones across a range of price points (budget, mid, premium) that we highly recommend and will bring the best out of your Spotify Lossless tunes, no matter what genre you prefer. I've also included a price-compatible DAC suggestion for every pair to get the most out of your Lossless experience.

Røde NTH-100 – the best budget wired cans

For a starter budget option, the Røde NTH-100 are my go-to recommendation if you're seeking great sound without wanting to pay vast sums to get it.

A fantastically composed and surprisingly well-rounded pair of closed-back over-ears for this price level, the Røde have picked up multiple What Hi-Fi? Awards for delivering enjoyable performance and great value from an affordable pair of wired headphones.

They're comfortable, well-made and easy to wear over long periods thanks to their refined and clever construction, but it's their sonic talents that continue to impress. Walking the line between that analytical 'studio' sound and a more entertaining, crowd-pleasing disposition, they're expertly judged for helping you get the most out of your music.

Tonally, they’re on the neutral and naturalistic side, with a deep bass response that's articulate and nicely controlled. Attack and decay of individual sounds are observed nicely, making them a punchy, snappy listen at this price.

Their midrange, however, is the real trump card. To quote from our review, "Even the most slight variations in tone or timbre are picked up on, even momentary shifts in harmonic detail are identified – so without being in any way dispassionate, the Røde are as informative as a 24-hour rolling news channel."

Pair them with the five-star iFi Go Link Max USB DAC, which will give your laptop's output a boost in power and dynamics.

Read our full Røde NTH-100 review

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X – the mid-price sweet spot

If you want a step up from the NTH-100's performance and you're willing to spend a little more for the privilege, the five-star Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X are some of the best-sounding wired headphones we've heard at this level.

At £189 / $199 / AU$399, they're a good deal pricier than the Røde, but the increase in price is well in proportion to the sonic gains you'll discover from these incredibly comfortable Beyerdynamic cans.

Note that these are open-backed designs, which means they will leak sound and tell anyone around you what you're listening to, but this in turn results in a more open, airy sound than that which traditional closed-back headphones like the Røde can offer. While primarily designed for 'studio' use, we find the DT 990 Pro X are more than up to the task of long hours of listening to music at home.

The DT 990 Pro X are clean, revealing headphones that dig out stunning levels of detail. Their subtle dynamic reproduction and spacious soundstage make them a delightfully entertaining listen, resulting in them becoming possibly my personal favourite wired headphones of 2025.

As we said in our review, "They’re composed, clear and precise, but they don’t fall into the trap of sounding emotionally distant or unengaging". Across the frequencies and judged on almost any set of criteria, the DT 990 Pro X excel in presenting your music in a way that blends analysis and control with entertainment and pizzazz.

Pair them with the long-running AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt USB DAC, which will deliver even greater punch, dynamism and subtlety from your Lossless tunes.

Read our full Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X review

Grado SR325x – open-back headphones for committed audiophiles

If you're serious about sound and want to see how far you can stretch Spotify Lossless's capabilities, I'd urge you to seek out the audiophile Grado SR325x headphones.

The premium open-backed cans are practically hall of famers at this point, continually earning What Hi-Fi? Awards over a period of around five years. At their premium £247 / $295 / AU$419 price, I just can't think of anything that really beats them, sonically.

Okay, there are two caveats with the Grados. First, they are open-back designs and leak sound like a sieve. Second, their rugged build won't be for everyone, especially when it comes to their divisive foam earpads that won't suit all wearers. If you want more easy-to-wear luxurious comfort, you might be better off with the DT 990 Pro X's larger and plusher earpads.

If you prioritise musicality and entertainment, though, it's the SR325x all the way. It's the Grados' exceptional sonic talents which have earned them such affection and acclaim from our review team, and there are few rivals that can match or mirror the sheer musicality of these industrial-looking headphones.

The SR325x’s open-backed design means that they’re wonderfully expressive dynamically, making for agile and tuneful lows contrasting with soaring, cinematic highs.

Their unmatched insight also provides a lovely sense of atmosphere if you play something with sufficient scale and heft – Lana Del Rey, Hans Zimmer, Björk – you'll often find yourself getting lost in the music rather than merely analysing it. Isn't that the point, after all?

As our review states: "Nothing quite beats the Grado for communicating all elements of music faithfully and with such enthusiasm." Whatever you throw at them, they're born entertainers with ample insight and a flair for bringing your music's heart to the fore.

Pair them with the excellent, Award-winning Chord Mojo 2. With premium headphones as talented as these, we'd highly recommend this DAC. It will expose the best of the SR325x’s talents and allow you to enjoy Lossless quality at its full potential.

Read our full Grado SR325x review

MORE:

Spotify Lossless still trails behind its hi-res streaming rivals – but that won’t matter for most people

What is lossless audio? Is it worth it and do you need it?

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Beyerdynamic’s wired headphone pedigree is impressive. Take a peek at our list of the best wired headphones, or indeed our list of the best audiophile headphones, and you’ll find quite a few members of the 100-year-old German brand’s roster holding firmly on to coveted positions on each respective rundown.

To some, it’s a name that’s synonymous with wired performance, a reputation it has earned thanks to mighty chart-toppers such as the premium Beyerdynamic T1 (3rd Generation) (currently £899 / $999 / AU$1599) and the formerly Award-winning Beyerdynamic Amiron (tested at £545).

Beyerdynamic seeks to build on that admirable legacy with the DT 990 Pro X. A follow-up to the five-star DT 900 Pro X, the weight of expectation sits heavily upon the open-backed cans’ metaphorical shoulders. If they can evidence more of that stellar wired DNA, however, they could be yet another success for one of the most dominant players in the wired arena.

Price

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X cost £189 / $199 / AU$399, a lower initial price than the launch cost of the established DT 900 Pro X we tested a few years ago at £219 / $299 / AU$369.

That makes them something of a mid-range proposition in wired headphones terms. If you want to step up to something more expensive and stick with an open-back design, the Award-winning Grado SR325x are available for around £330 / $295 / AU$419.

Alternatively, you could go cheaper by seeking out the closed-back excellence of the Røde NTH-100 (roughly £109 / $150 / AU$189) or the Austrian Audio Hi-X20 (£120 / $150 / AU$250). Beyerdynamic offers a closed-back alternative at the same price, the DT 770 Pro X.

Build & comfort

Whether you’re huddled in a sweaty studio trying to get all of the pieces of a tricky mix to come together, or you’re happy just to sit at home enjoying your favourite tunes, the DT 990 Pro X are superbly comfortable and well-made headphones.

We said the same thing about the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X when they dropped in 2021: yes, these are billed as ‘studio’ headphones, but there’s very little stopping you from enjoying them in a non-professional setting.

The newer cans barely deviate from their older counterparts in terms of design, sporting the same circular earcups and accommodating headband as their more established siblings, even if they add a few small embellishments such as visible fastening on the headband’s exterior and contrasting grey lettering for their proud DT 990 Pro X logo.

What we’re most pleased to see is that those soft velour earcups are back, additions that make it feel as though our ears are receiving a big hug from a friendly polar bear. They’re furry and soft, yet rather remarkably, they don’t seem to cause too much on-ear heat during extended listening stints – a big bonus in our book.

On the surface, the DT 990 Pro X look like rather substantial headphones. Weighing in at around 292g, they’re not feather light, yet their overall weight distribution and clever ergonomic design mean that we never really feel the cans hanging heavy on our head. Their weight is evenly distributed, with a well-judged clamping force adding both comfort and security to our testing sessions.

We’ll repeat our usual warning that the Beyerdynamics employ an open-backed design, so they will leak sound like a Cold War spy leaks government secrets, all while letting a considerable amount of sound in. They’re not quite as bad as the sieve-like Grados in this regard, but bear in mind that if you work with other people, they’ll be able to discern whether you’re listening to Slipknot or Sabrina Carpenter from across a quiet office.

Beyerdynamic’s wired over-ears come with a detachable 2m cable with a locking mini-XLR connector at the headphone end. A 3.5mm jack is fitted as standard, though there is an included 6.3mm adapter for connecting to a wider range of source players and hi-fi equipment.

Externals aside, what’s going on when you take a peek inside the DT 990 Pro X? Beyerdynamic’s oft-used Stellar.45 drive units, the same ones as found in the DT 900 Pro X and the wireless Aventho 300, are once again called into action.

The brand’s signature driver design uses a layered Polyether Ether Ketone (‘PEEK’)’ thermoplastic polymer diaphragm coupled with a Neodymium motor system, with Beyerdynamic promising a wide frequency range to deliver “premium sound regardless of the playback device”.

That’s all well and expected, but we’re struck by the brand’s candid revelation that the new cans' design “reveals acoustic imperfections” – acting, as Beyerdynamic puts it, as “a sonic magnifier” to shine a light on each recording’s given particulars. That sounds a touch odd on the surface, but when you realise that the brand envisions these as studio-worthy headphones, it makes a lot of sense.

Sound

As every British child knows – or ought to know – it was Oliver Cromwell who, upon being asked what kind of royal portrait he would favour, declared that his visage should be presented “warts and all”. Apocryphal or not, it’s a nice story about a man not concerned with artifice or smoothing off any rough edges – that the truth, no matter how challenging, was far more important than a sanitised lie.

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X's promise of acting as a “sonic magnifier” rings true from the moment we get them up and firing, and while a prudent running-in period softens them just a little, that essential nature never fades away.

That’s no insult. Their outstanding resolution levels are properly impressive, and if you’re planning on using the DT 990 Pro X for studio use, you’ll be thrilled by how much information they unearth. For us home listeners, feed them a half-decent recording or pair them with a capable source and you’ll be knocked out by a pair of headphones that pursue detail and clarity like a bloodhound with a fox’s scent in its nostrils.

We stream music from Tidal and Qobuz via our Lenovo Thinkpad laptop and an iPhone 15, and also play WAV and hi-res files from the five-star Astell & Kern A&norma SR35 portable music player. We also pair our cans with the Award-winning Audioquest DragonFly Cobalt DAC when listening from the laptop. We find that no matter the source we use, the 48-ohm Beyerdynamic are able to stretch to accommodate their partnering equipment while retaining their own signature sound.

Their stellar detail levels are a real trump card. Whether it’s the sorrowful piano on Nick Cave’s Bright Horses or the delicate, bluesy guitar on Jeff Buckley’s So Real, there’s so much texture that we feel as though we can reach out and touch the instruments being played.

Switching back to the older DT 900 Pro X just confirms how far Beyerdynamic has come in this regard. The newer headphones are noticeably clearer, more detailed and offer a more pleasing balance, making their five-star predecessors sound just a little muddy and unrefined as a result.

The new cans are spacious and immensely well-ordered operators, laying out our tunes before us and inviting us to hear each component in its entirety. Their reproduction of Alice In Chains’ live rendition of Down In A Hole drops us into the intimacy of the recording and makes the contrasting vocal strands feel distinct and separate, all while evoking the mournful sincerity of the two lead performances.

Muse’s Madness, meanwhile, comes across as impressively well-ordered – the building layers are managed with careful precision, but not to the extent that the resultant reproduction sounds clinical or overly restricted. It is, to be all Goldilocks about it, just right.

Admittedly, that relentlessly insightful nature can be a slightly double-edged sword if you’re used to headphones that smooth over any rougher edges, as the DT 990 Pro X won’t sugarcoat lacklustre or raw recordings, and will happily highlight the quirks of more challenging sonic fare.

The DT 990 Pro X don’t shy away from the industrial stabs and distorted high notes of Avenged Sevenfold’s We Love You, for instance, refusing to smooth over those harsher tones in favour of an informative, honest yet always entertaining approach.

Either way, the DT 990 Pro X are strong across the frequencies, and their nimbleness at the lower end deserves particular adulation. We marvel at how impressively they handle the bassline on Muse’s Hysteria, teasing out each bass pluck with so much agility that we can only sit back and admire how clearly and ably they give each tricky note its own distinct space.

Dynamics are impressively handled, too, another area where the newer DT 990 Pro X outshine their predecessors. The Beyerdynamic over-ears certainly don’t over-egg the pudding in this regard, but they’re talented enough to tease out the low-level dynamic variations when we switch back to Madness. Again, they’re composed, clear and precise, but they don’t fall into the trap of sounding emotionally distant or unengaging.

Verdict

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X are some of the most revealing and detailed headphones we’ve heard at this price, making them ideal for anyone who wants to hear exactly what’s going on with their music while also offering excellent long-wearing comfort.

While some ‘studio’ headphones can sound distant or overly clinical, the DT 990 Pro X strike a stunning balance between analysis and entertainment. No matter your musical taste or intended use case, they come highly recommended.

Review published: 15th September 2025

SCORES

• Sound 5
• Comfort 5
• Build 5

MORE:

Read our Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X

Also consider the Grado SR325x

Read our Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X review

Best over-ear headphones: wired and wireless pairs tested by our in-house experts

The best wireless headphones have come on leaps and bounds in terms of delivering outstanding sound quality, but if you want the very best experience, then in most instances you'll want a pair of the best wired headphones we've reviewed instead.

And it doesn't get much better than the Sennheiser HD 820. These five-star beauties are super comfortable and obviously engineered to last. Most importantly, they serve up entertaining sound regardless of source material.

They're currently discounted down to £1239 at Sevenoaks but are unfortunately out of stock online. The next best price is not far off, though, with Richer Sounds selling them for £1299.

That's still a lot of money, but for the performance, you'll be hard pressed to find anything better.

If you are after serious audiophile headphones for home listening, we would normally point you in the direction of open-back models, such as Sennheiser's own HD800S.

But this superb HD 820 model has an eye-catching closed-back design that uses curved gorilla glass to cover the driver.

This design reflects the sound coming out of the back of the driver towards sound-absorbing chambers to combat some of the downsides of a typical closed design.

The result is the HD 820 deliver an impressive sense of scale and dynamic punch, with a sense of roominess that we get in traditional open-back designs.

As we said in our original Sennheiser HD 820 review, the headphones have "a smooth, full-bodied tonal balance that trades the last ounce of transparency and sonic agility for the kind of sound that’s easy to listen to for hours on end despite the quality of the recording".

Voices are delivered with crispness and a natural sense of expression, while the headphones have a tremendous ability to organise even the most complex recordings.

The durable build quality and comfortable earpads help too, and while they may look bulky, the HD 820 are surprisingly lightweight and roomy. If you enjoy long listening sessions, these Sennheisers – partnered with an appropriately talented source and headphone amplifier – will be great company.

These are premium audiophile headphones that are always worth considering if you have the budget at your disposal.

But with this significant £500 saving at Richer Sounds bringing the price down, it could be time to take the plunge.

MORE:

Read the full Sennheiser HD 820 review

Check out our guide to the best audiophile headphones

Open-back vs closed-back headphones: which type is right for you?

Good news: the Sennheiser HD 505 can now be yours for £195 at Amazon, down from their usual £230 asking price – a solid £35 saving on these accomplished open-back headphones that impressed us with their featherlight comfort and smooth, refined sound signature.

At just 237g, these cans stand out immediately for their comparatively lightweight construction, making marathon listening sessions a breeze where heavier rivals often become tiresome.

That copper-accented design isn't just for show either – Sennheiser has crafted these headphones with ergonomic consideration, using soft velour earcups and well-cushioned synthetic leather headbanding that distributes weight evenly across the head.

The real magic, though, happens when you press play. Those 120-ohm transducers deliver what Sennheiser describes as "clear, analytic sound" across an impressive 12Hz to 38.5kHz frequency range, but more importantly, they achieve this without the treble harshness that can plague lesser designs.

The engineers have angled the drivers forward within each earcup, creating an expansive soundstage that mimics nearfield monitor speakers.

During our testing, voices emerged with particular finesse and clarity, while the open-back design allowed music to breathe naturally without that enclosed, boxed-in quality you get from closed designs.

Bass response remains controlled and agile rather than overpowering, though those seeking more muscular and impactful might prefer punchier alternatives like the Austrian Audio Hi-X65 or Grado SR325x.

The smooth and easy-going HD 505 prove refreshingly unfussy with source equipment too, working happily with everything from basic laptop outputs to dedicated DACs without demanding expensive partnering kit. The 1.8m cable provides ample reach for desktop setups, and it ends in a 3.5mm jack connector with a 6.3mm adapter included.

It’s important to reiterate that these are open-back headphones, meaning that sound leakage makes them primarily suited for home listening rather than on the go or in shared spaces. But for dedicated listening sessions, that openness contributes significantly to their spacious, natural presentation.

At this 15 per cent discounted price, the HD 505 headphones represent compelling value. They may not match the rhythmic intensity of Grado's offerings or the robust build quality of Austrian Audio's alternatives, but these Sennheiser headphones' combination of comfort, refinement and easy-going nature at this level make them particularly appealing for extended listening sessions.

MORE:

Read our full Sennheiser HD 505 review

These are the best wired headphones we've tested and recommend

Also consider the Austrian Audio Hi-X65

We're all for audiophile sound quality, but sometimes we love a pair of headphones just for their sense of fun.

Case in point: the Gadhouse Wesley, which are unashamedly retro. In fact, they bear a canny resemblance to the pair that shipped with the original Walkman, right down to the foam ear pieces and thin, metallic headband.

They weigh just 105g, which is a fraction of the Sony WH-CH520 (147g) or Austrian Audio Hi-X25BT (270g). But there's a very good reason for that – the lack of a battery. The Wesleys aren't wireless, but come with USB-C, 3.5mm and 6.3mm adapters.

There's also no noise cancellation. But they do have an in-line mic for handsfree calls.

“The Wesley headphones are a tribute to an era when music was tactile and deeply personal,” said Petch Watcharaphon, CEO of Gadhouse. “We wanted to revive the spirit of the decade with a design that feels both timeless and relevant today”.

As for the sound quality, we can't say, but we don't imagine it will be up there with the best wired headphones around. Though with headphones like this, that's not really the point.

The Gadhouse Wesley go on sale in September for £59 / $69 (around AU$120).

MORE:

Wired in-ears: SoundMagic E80D review

And on-ears: Røde NTH-50 review

The Vintage Five prove small, retro-style hi-fi can be a Fyne thing – why isn’t there more of it?

The five-star Beyerdynamic T1 (3rd Generation) are some of the best over-ear wired headphones we've ever tested. They've been around for a few years now, but they are still such excellent performers that they remain one of our review team's reference pairs of headphones.

And now for just £699 at Amazon, these exceptional headphones can be yours.

So, if you're looking for top-class performers with clean, balanced presentation, an even-handed nature and comfort for long listening lessons, these are a pair we'd seriously recommend.

But, hurry! At time of writing, there were only 9 left in stock.

The Beyerdynamic T1 (3rd Generation) over-ear wired headphones are not cheap, but they are truly exceptional. Fortunately, they're £200 off at Amazon, which makes them a touch more affordable.

With an open-backed design and a fairly lightweight build at 360g, when we first got our hands on the T1 (3rd Gen), we found they didn't overheat our ears even over extended use.

Plus, they're comfy enough that you can wear them for long periods of time. And that's thanks to the premium design that boasts a Alcantara-covered headband and generous velour-trimmed earpads.

Though, if you're not a fan of open-backed headphones, you could always consider Beyerdynamic's five-star alternative, the T5 (3rd Gen) also £699 at Amazon.

Sound-wise, we praised the T1s for being admirably even-handed and balanced, saying: "We’re pleased to report that Beyerdynamic hasn’t over-egged the bass frequencies in a bid to impress, with the T1 (3rd Gen) sounding as tonally convincing as ever."

While the original T1 model is more than a decade old now, it paved the way for what was to come and the 3rd Gen model is easier to drive for mobile devices and laptops. But, to enjoy the high level of transparency, we'd recommend pairing them with a high-quality source.

Right now, this premium pair are down to just £699 at Amazon. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is a fantastic deal.

MORE:

Read our full Beyerdynamic T1 (3rd Generation) review

We rate the best headphones on the market right now

Plus, the best wired headphones: top 7 pairs tested by our review experts

Stellar sound and a great price make for a winning combination. Affordable wired headphones don't come much more entertaining than the Grado SR80x, an Award-winning pair of over-ears that we've continually praised for their entertaining, punchy sound and class-leading insight at this level.

The SR80x were always great value at their £130 test price, but a £30 drop to just £99 at Peter Tyson and Richer Sounds is a hugely tempting deal.

Best Grado wired headphones deal

You can't really miss with the Grado SR80x, especially at this deal price that brings these open-back wired headphones under £100. The outstanding SR80x are well worth a place on your shortlist if your main priorities are sound, sound and sound.

Sure, the aesthetics won't be for everyone. You might not like their industrial look, or their on-ear design, or the fact that, as an open pair of cans, they leak sound like a sieve. That's all perfectly understandable, but if you're looking for a pair of headphones to enjoy at home rather than on your commute, then these Grados are worth considering.

With these wired Grados, it's all about sound. If entertainment and musicality are what you seek, we can't think of another open-back rival that can better the SR80x at this price.

As we said in our review: "Everything we like about their (SR80) predecessors – their nimble-footedness, expressive, rolling dynamics, and insight across well-defined frequencies – has been inherited, and the punch and panache that have made the Prestige models such born entertainers are very much also part of the SR80x’s sonic signature".

You've even got a choice of retailers for this £30 off deal. Check them out at Peter Tyson or Richer Sounds.

MORE:

Check out the best headphones money can buy

Pick up a bargain with the best headphones deals

6 test tracks we've been playing in the What Hi-Fi? listening rooms this month

While many of the deals you'll find across Prime Day 2025 will be for wireless headphones (not to mention Bluetooth speakers, wireless earbuds, OLED TVs etc.), fewer discounts will be tempting you into buying a set of wired over-ear headphones.

If you're serious about sound, you should be picking up a pair of wired cans. More specifically, you should seek out the Røde NTH-100, down from their original £149 asking price to just £96 on Amazon, a saving of £53. Let me explain why...

Best Røde wired headphones deal

The Røde NTH-100 are some of the best-value wired headphones we've tested in the last few years. Many rivals have come and gone, yet there's something about the mighty NTH-100 that continues to impress us, even after roughly three years at the top.

If I had a friend looking to buy a pair of well-priced wired cans at a discount during Prime Day, it would be the Røde every time. The NTH-100 are headphones for all seasons, with an eloquent, revealing sound that strikes a lovely balance between nuance and dynamism.

Give me a pair tomorrow and tell me I had to live with them forever, and I'd be totally set, especially given that the NTH-100 seem comfortable with almost anything that you throw at them. Like the best wired headphones around, they have the flexibility to adapt to a diverse array of genres, styles and instruments.

They might heat your ears eventually, but overhaul, they're a nice pair of headphones to wear. The memory foam earcups feel premium and substantial, whereas the cans' clamping force is expertly judged.

If you're serious about sound and don't want to spend a packet, they're my personal pick this Prime Day.

MORE:

Great savings on hi-fi systems at Richer Sounds

Plenty of hi-fi and audio deals at Peter Tyson

Check out all the home cinema package discounts at Sevenoaks

Dan Clark Audio has followed the launch of its big-money Noire X closed-back headphones with the new open-backed Noire XO.

The Noire XO use a set of enhanced planar drivers, with a rigid diaphragm designed for reduced sonic distortion and improved reliability. The new headphones strive for a smooth frequency response with low distortion to craft a sonic profile which boasts plenty of "crisply defined yet smoothly rendered detail".

Like their closed-back siblings, the Noire XO make use of Dan Clark Audio's 'Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System', designed to greatly reduce high-frequency standing waves for a more "balanced, nuanced and airy treble performance".

They should be comfortable, too. The Noire XO are designed to be lightweight to reduce user fatigue, with a design which folds away for when you want to take your cans on the road.

A pair of synthetic leather and Alcantara-covered memory foam ear pads, meanwhile, combine to reduce on-ear heat for a cooler, more comfortable experience as minutes of listening turn to hours.

The open-backed cans come with a detachable cable, terminated with a choice of balanced 4.4mm, 4-pin XLR, or 6.35/3.5mm connectors, as well as a companion storage case.

The Dan Clark Noire XO are available now, priced at £1300 / $1300. In the world of big-money headphones, that's about the same as the closed-back Focal Clear Mg (currently around £1099 / $1500) and more than the five-star, open-backed Beyerdynamic T1 (3rd Gen) (£899 / $999).

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That's no moon; it's a new pair of high-end in-ear headphones.

South Korean audio brand Astell & Kern has launched its new flagship Luna wired earphones, and they come with a cosmically high price tag of £2699 / $2700 / €3049.

Astell & Kern is no stranger to high-end products, with its new flagship portable hi-res player, the A&ultima SP4000, set to cost northwards of £4000 / $4000 / AU$5500 when it goes on sale later this year.

We've long been fans of Astell & Kern's hi-res digital audio players, with both its high-end and more 'affordable' A&norma SR35 a regular fixture on our best portable music players guide.

Naturally, you'll want a suitable pair of high-end in-ear wired earphones to go with your very pricey hi-res player.

The Astell & Kern Luna are designed to "showcase the brand’s philosophy of combining technical precision and sophisticated design to deliver exceptional sound".

The new earphones feature a single micro planar magnetic driver, which has been co-developed with Japanese earphone specialist Madoo. The new 13mm driver, called Katabiki, uses a single powerful magnet and dual ring-shaped yoke for greater control.

The use of an ultra-thin and lightweight film with a printed aluminium pattern "dramatically reduces the diaphragm's weight", according to Astell & Kern. The diaphragm's housing is made of CNC-machined aluminium, too.

The Luna earphones themselves are housed in a smooth titanium casing that is designed to be both durable and comfortable to wear for long hours. Crafted in Japan, the Luna's exterior shape is "inspired by the curves of the moon", says Astell & Kern.

But it's not just for visual elegance and comfort; the brand says the curves are also "precisely engineered to optimise the acoustic flow" from the new driver.

Altogether, the high-end Luna in-ears promise to deliver "outstanding response speed, exceptional resolution" as well as the "most delicate details of music".

The Luna wired in-ears are accompanied by a cable that uses a blend of high-purity silver plating and copper, which further claims to help deliver a detailed and accurate sound.

As part of the accessories, you get a generous seven pairs of ear tips (in three different materials) to help achieve the best fit for your ears, and a soft carry case pouch.

Fancy a pair? You'll have to dig deep into your pockets, but the Astell & Kern Luna wired in-ear headphones are available now at selected retailers.

MORE:

Best in-ear headphones 2025: top earbuds tried and tested by our experts

I've tried Astell & Kern's flagship portable music player – and it's a behemoth in both size and price

Do portable Bluetooth speakers need a wired connection?

The best wireless headphones deliver portability and flexibility, but it is the best wired headphones that are still likely to guarantee the best sound quality your money can buy.

And it doesn't get much better than the Sennheiser HD 820. These cans produce a robust, full-bodied and detailed sound alongside a powerful and agile bass. They're also solidly made and cleverly engineered.

Not only are they five-star headphones and an all-time favourite pair of ours, but they're also back down to their lowest price of £1239 at Sevenoaks, Peter Tyson and Richer Sounds.

If you are after serious audiophile headphones for home listening, we would normally point you in the direction of open-back models, such as Sennheiser's own HD800S.

But this superb HD 820 model has an eye-catching closed-back design that uses curved gorilla glass to cover the driver.

This design reflects the sound coming out of the back of the driver towards sound-absorbing chambers to combat some of the downsides of a typical closed design.

The result is the HD 820 deliver an impressive sense of scale and dynamic punch, with a sense of roominess that we get in traditional open-back designs.

As we said in our original Sennheiser HD 820 review, the headphones have "a smooth, full-bodied tonal balance that trades the last ounce of transparency and sonic agility for the kind of sound that’s easy to listen to for hours on end despite the quality of the recording".

Voices are delivered with crispness and a natural sense of expression, while the headphones have a tremendous ability to organise even the most complex recordings.

The durable build quality and comfortable earpads help too, and while they may look bulky, the HD 820 are surprisingly lightweight and roomy. If you enjoy long listening sessions, these Sennheisers – partnered with an appropriately talented source and headphone amplifier – will be great company.

These are premium audiophile headphones that are always worth considering if you have the budget at your disposal.

But with this significant £560 saving at Sevenoaks bringing the price down, it could be time to take the plunge.

MORE:

Read the full Sennheiser HD 820 review

Check out our guide to the best audiophile headphones

Open-back vs closed-back headphones: which type is right for you?

Beyerdynamic has unveiled the DT 990 PRO X, a modernised iteration of its long-established DT 990 PRO studio monitoring headphones, with modern tweaks and precision tuning.

Aimed at those striving to pick up the most detail possible, the open-back cans pack the company’s newly developed Stellar 45 driver, delivering a 5-40kHz frequency response.

Combined with their spacious open-back nature and reduced impedance (48 ohms compared to the more typical 250 ohms), the end result, according to Beyerdynamic, is a pair of headphones ideal for analytical listening and precise editing.

Promising natural treble lift and increased transparency, the DT 990 PRO X also introduce a detachable three-metre mini-XLR to 3.5mm cable, along with a 6.3mm adapter for larger jacks.

Given their open-back design and focus on precision, the DT 990 PRO X aren’t aimed at those looking for a regular, on-the-go listening experience.

"Most at-home producers have studio monitors that they use to listen back to their mixes," says Kevin Nietsch, Product Manager at Beyerdynamic.

"With the DT 990 PRO X, we wanted to create a tool that modern studio professionals didn't already have. The DT 990 PRO X headphones are engineered to magnify subtle mix imperfections that might otherwise go unnoticed – a true companion for studio monitors."

Having said all that, we found that the older DT 900 Pro X performed superbly in a regular home environment during our review (even in a non-studio set-up), so we could see the same five-star experience with this newer model.

As for the build, details include velour ear cushions and an ergonomically padded headband, with serviceable components designed to extend their lifespan.

The DT 990 PRO X are available to buy now for $200 / £199 / $AU399, placing them in a similar bracket to their five-star, closed-back DT 700 PRO X siblings.

They, incidentally, are currently on our list of the best audiophile headphones, if you fancy checking out other options.

MORE:

Read our Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X review

Best headphones 2025: tested by our experts

Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X review

These are cabled open over-ear headphones, a type which has long been considered restricted to certain uses, being relatively unsuitable for others. Their cabled nature counts against using them as a moveable feast: besides, if you’re out and about then such open headphones will let surrounding noise in, potentially swamping your music, while also letting your tunes escape into the wild, where they may annoy fellow travellers on the commute or garner irritated glances in an office environment.

Even if you’re at home, you can’t use open headphones in a shared space, for the same reasons. So traditionally we have come to think of open cabled headphones like these as being for true solo listening, at home, alone. Real hi-fi headphones.

But this has recently changed. Open headphones have become a popular choice with gamers, who are of course often at home alone (although connected to the world) in darkened bedrooms as they mash away at their controller buttons. Yet we gather, from those who know a little more about such things, that gamers are now favouring open headphones even when they congregate in teams and groups for gaming sessions, perhaps gathering useful real-world information overlaid upon their gaming soundtracks.

And in addition, the world at large is changing. We have noted of late that previous consideration of fellow commuters seems to be on the wane, judging from the many people who now play phone videos on the bus and in airports without using any headphones at all. So perhaps today’s self-obsessed world has become better suited to the more widespread application of open headphone designs.

Design & build

We, however, will continue to judge such headphones primarily in the context of being home alone, and listening to music, or movies, or podcasts or audio books. And although Sennheiser does mark this model as a “microphone-ready design”, we will not be attempting to connect a microphone to the HD 550 and thereby Twitch our way to fame. Shocking traditionalism, perhaps, from longstanding hi-fi reviewers, but through many decades we have always been very at home with Sennheiser, a brand which has handled our tunes for as long as we have been listening.

We had a case of déja vù unpacking Sennheiser’s new HD 550; haven’t we done these? They looked near-identical to a pair of open Sennheisers we already had to hand, the HD 560S, which we reviewed a few years ago. The new HD 550s have an indent instead of a bulge for the logo on the outer grille, they have a light grey highlight on the inside of the ear cup, and they turn the Sennheiser name sideways on the headband (which also has less thick padding). But otherwise the two headphones appear identical.

Of course this doesn’t speak to the materials and drivers within. It does highlight Sennheiser’s lack of differentiation between designs in recent years; even the latest wireless noise-cancelling Momentums are similarly near-featureless headsets, as are Sennheiser’s Accentum wireless headphones, not much different from the HD 550 either, aside from having flat closed headshells rather than open, and a different yoke mechanism.

We remember Sennheiser designs of old which were downright quirky, but we gather that market research has led the licensee of the consumer Sennheiser brand, Swiss medical company Sonova, towards this simplification of design. The former more engineered Sennheiser look was popular with only a small percentage of the market, and the goal is to reach a wider market, so out went the bling and in came the greys and blacks (with occasional cream or copper parts inserted to relieve the monotony).

Another obvious comparison product was almost simultaneous in release, as well as very similar-looking – the HD 505, differentiated as an Amazon exclusive model by having copper-coloured highlights (pictured below, on the right). Given that the literature in the box for our HD 550 review model was common to the HD 505, with both models listed at the top (visible on our lead image above), we have our suspicions that they are not much otherwise differentiated. And yet the HD 505 is selling cheaper at £230 / US$280 / A$450, and is being discounted substantially further on Amazon as we write (you'll find the latest local Amazon price in WHF UK's HD 505 review here).

Meanwhile that similar-looking HD 560S headphone sells at $319.95; we kept this alongside as one of our reference comparators during this review.

Sennheiser's regular discounting can also create rivals among its higher models: in Australia as we write (June 2025), the new HD 550 is at exactly the same price as the higher-level HD 650, currently discounted to the HD 550 price from, er, $300 higher.

Such discounts change regularly, so apologies if the mentioned ones have ended by the time you read this, but it shows that it's always worth scouting at your local dealer (or checking Sennheiser Hearing's site) for higher models on discount before investing in a new model at full price.

Still, while the HD 550's exterior design lacks any new element of visual interest, and doesn't achieve the physical presence and grandeur that still exists in Sennheiser’s higher models like the HD 660S2 (up at $949.95), they are certainly solid enough, and gain by having most elements well tried-and-tested on other models. Common design across multiple models may be boring, but there is at least an argument that keeping things simple and common plays to reliability, and to potential economies that will allow better sonic components for this level of headphone.

Listening sessions

That does seem the plan for the HD 550, because during listening there were moments when we might have been wearing far more expensive models.

They use a custom 38mm 150-ohm transducer made at Sonova’s production facility in Tullamore, Ireland, with a quoted frequency range of 6Hz to 39.5kHz, and lower than 0.2% total harmonic distortion (@1kHz). The drivers are positioned to angle back towards the ears, through acoustically-transparent and largely visually-transparent dust covers.

The HD 550s certainly leverage the two biggest advantages of cabled use over Bluetooth: the potential for greater detail in the signal, and for greater available power to drive the headphones. For Bluetooth headphones, signals have to be digitised, and then squeezed through the invisible Bluetooth pipe. A cabled signal is analogue all the way, and depending on your source it may have near-infinite detail! And the HD 550s come loaded with the ability to deliver that detail. Listen to how they handle the delicacy of the drum fills on Fiona Apple’s recent cover of Neil Young’s Heart of Gold, the textures and space around the little snare paradiddles, and the breathy edge to Apple’s vocals.

Or the scintillating guitar picking that opens Suzanne Vega’s Witch, panning out and swirling around an already-bright central vocal, plenty of width and air from the HD 550s before the drum entry takes the song to rockier territory.

A second advantage of cables over wireless is straightforward power – Bluetooth headphones are very often annoyingly volume limited, whereas these cabled headphones are powered by whatever quality of headphone amplifier you can give their 150-ohm impedance. The HD 550s certainly seemed to love good power, and they sounded their best given more than modest quantities, subject to the usual warnings on safe use and taking care of your ears. The point is that you can enjoy minimal distortion up to relatively higher levels. Aphrodite’s Child’s Break, say, could be played loud enough without distortion to give real impact, while through the HD 550s the same band’s early single Five O’Clock sounded wildly synthtastic up loud on its choruses, organ-rich in its laidback verses, showing Vangelis’ dynamic rock chops as he fills between Demis Roussos’ soaring vocals.

Keeping things emotive, Arvo Pärt’s Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten piled on the pathos and under the HD 550s’ abilities could easily maintain its great bass swell while still separating the higher strings and handling the recurrent tolling bell – a challenge for any single driver to handle, yet the HD 550s held everything together.

And there was certainly no problem sinking into the music under these dynamic open cans, and they benefit from being able to give some simple dynamic punch as well: the heartbeat on the intro to the new mixes of Floyd ‘Live At Pompeii’ has an even tighter and possibly deeper kick to it than the infamous ‘Dark Side’ intro sequence on which it is based, and the HD 550s really did push down to genuinely deep bass for this impressive impact.

We had some other models under review at the same time, including the rather cheaper new Audio-Technica ATH-R30x, another wired open headphone which perhaps surprisingly offered more sparkle. But ultimately the Sennheisers were the safer listen, never slipping into sibilance, and without any longer-term impact of fatigue during extended higher-level listening.

Of those similar Sennheiser models, we did have the open HD 560S to hand, which made an interesting comparison, combining elements of the HD 550s with the more sparkly merits of the Audio-Technicas. The HD 560S sound is perhaps a little less controlled, but was substantially more open-sounding and with a far better and more natural delivery of both bass and high-end; on track after track our preference was for the cheaper HD 560S model.

A two-piano 2023 recording ‘Rachmaninoff For Two’ piece made the comparison clear: through the HD 550 it was one big piano sound with stuff going on, through the HD 560S it was clearly two pianos delivering much improved and separated dynamics. The HD 550’s largest benefit was improved comfort, mainly from their significantly lighter weight.

On the other hand, the HD 550 sound was similarly advanced in openness and dynamics over the same piece when played on a pair of Momentums via Bluetooth, showing the advantages so easily gained by using a cable into open-backed headphones.

Verdict

Ultimately we’d label the HD 550s balance as almost entirely neutral. They deliver sufficient bass but don’t pump up it up like a closed street headphone, nor mush it up either, simply delivering things cleanly.

The midrange isn’t drippingly gorgeous or heart-meltingly forward, but it’s well-balanced against clean higher frequencies that never shriek, avoid any specific feeling of rolling off or the enclosed feel of closed headphones, though they might sparkle just a little more up top.

It’s the spaciousness and lack of pumpiness in which the open design stands out from closed models, and while we’d recommend a side-by-side audition with a pair of Sennheiser’s HD 560S, if you can find them, the HD 550s’ neutral balance maintains the reassurance of Sennheiser’s continuing ability to provide predictably enjoyable sound at whatever level you choose to engage with the brand.

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When the Røde NTH-100 burst onto the wired headphones scene back in 2022 and ended up scooping a five-star review and multiple What Hi-Fi? Awards, it was a little like Wimbledon being won unexpectedly by the unseeded wildcard.

Few people quite saw it coming, establishing the NTH-100 as one of our most trusted pairs of recommendable budget wired cans and leaving us keen to see what the Australian microphone company’s sophomore effort would look like when it arrived.

Well, arrived they have! The Røde NTH-50 are here, and while it would have been reasonable to assume that Røde might have considered going up the price ladder with a slightly more premium pair of over-ears, it has in fact launched a more budget pair that sport an on-ear design.

We loved the immense sound-per-pound performance the NTH-100 deliver, so if these new on-ear debutantes can deliver similar, we might have another great pair on our hands.

Price

The Røde NTH-50 cost £99 / $99 / AU$199, an appealingly affordable price point that undercuts that of its older sibling. The Røde NTH-100 over-ears landed with an RRP of £149 / $149 / AU$249 back in 2022, although we’ve seen this price dip since to around £105 / AU$199 at the time of writing.

At this level, the main rivals for the new Røde on-ears come courtesy of the excellent, Award-winning Austrian Audio Hi-X15 (£89 / $119) – though do bear in mind these are over-ear rather than on-ear designs.

Build & comfort

It’s been interesting to see Røde deviate from the original form of the NTH-100 and go down a different route with its follow-up effort.

The NTH-100 were classic over-ear headphones, boasting a reasonably comfortable fit thanks to their Alcantara earpads and nicely judged clamping force. These new arrivals have strayed from the path a little, sporting an on-ear design and ditching the Alcantara of their siblings in favour of memory foam-padded earcups.

From what we’ve experienced during our testing, however, the Røde NTH-50 aren’t as easy to get along with as the NTH-100. The cans’ clamping force is a touch too strong, although that will likely ease off with time, while some of our test team found their on-ear design caused discomfort even after relatively short periods of listening.

It’s not a universal experience, so much of this will depend on factors such as head size and whether you wear glasses, but do note that the NTH-50’s slightly unforgiving on-ear design won’t suit all wearers.

There’s not a huge amount of padding on the headband’s interior, either, so these aren’t headphones that make us exactly feel pampered.

Comfort aside, we’re not disappointed by the quality of the build on offer. The headband’s adjustable slider is easy to expand and contract, and we find that the new on-ears are capable of accommodating a range of head sizes.

Note that they don’t fold away or feature swivelling earcups, so for wired listeners who like to roam, the collapsible Austrian Audio Hi-X15 might be a better bet for portable use.

The NTH-50 come equipped with a long 1.7m cable, although that will stretch to even greater distances thanks to an elastic coiled section in the middle of the wire.

The provided cable is 3.5mm-ended, with an included 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter for hooking up to a more diverse array of portable players, laptops and amplifiers, and there’s an in-box carry pouch if you do decide to take the NTH-50 on your travels.

Are the new Røde on-ears built to last? We can’t say for sure given the relatively short time we have with them, but the signs are positive. The headphones seem happy to stretch when we pull the cans laterally from cup to cup, detecting few points of weakness or vulnerability as we do so.

Plastic exterior surfaces, such as the earcups and the headband’s outer rim, are resistant to marks and scuffs as we expose the Røde on-ears to a little light punishment – nothing serious, just a few trips to the office and the occasional scratch with a fingernail.

Inside, the NTH-50 house a set of 40mm drivers which tease “exceptional sonic performance”, with Røde envisioning a swathe of use cases ranging from personal to professional studio production.

The headphones’ custom driver array employs a bespoke acoustic design with an innovative resonant chamber, precision-tuned for “incredibly accurate and detailed audio reproduction with ultra-low distortion”, promises Røde.

Sound

When we reviewed the slightly more expensive Røde NTH-100, we thought that they absolutely nailed their brief.

Here was a pair of affordable over-ears that felt as comfortable in the studio as they did clamped over the ears of a casual listener, with a balance that blended entertainment and fun with an informative, detail-rich character.

Headphones are always walking that tightrope of balancing fun and finesse, but the NTH-100 were, and remain, as composed as a pro gymnast performing in the Cirque du Soleil.

The question is, have the NTH-50 also been blessed with that magical formula? We throw them right in at the deep end with John Williams’ epic orchestral number Duel Of The Fates, immediately discovering those qualities of grip, punch and energy that made the NTH-100 so appealing.

As the music evolves and slaloms from passage to passage, the new Røde on-ears do an admirable job of keeping up. A flurry of horns enters the fray, displaying ample bite and power before operatic vocals come in with authority and passion, while shrill strings have the urgency and texture to make us sit up and pay attention.

Duel Of The Fates lives and dies on its tumultuous energy, and the NTH-50 have the stamina to keep the music moving along with an appropriate sense of drama and import.

These are immensely entertaining headphones, and they excel with tracks that require those extra helpings of sonic bite. If you’re a committed headbanger, you’ll find Slipknot’s Left Behind to be furnished with satisfying levels of wallop, whereas lovers of classic hip-hop will appreciate the weight the Røde give to the anchoring bass thumps on Wu-Tang Clan’s Gravel Pit.

We’re swept up in the fun of it all, but it’s hard to ignore the small nagging doubts we have about the Rødes’ weaker spots.

We switch over to the Austrian Audio Hi-X15 as we investigate further, finding a pair of alternatives that, for the same price, offer a more appreciable sense of clarity and openness when charged with tackling challenging tracks such as Nick Cave’s Galleon Ship or Portishead’s Glory Box.

The Austrian Audio are more detailed, too – the intricate playing on Gustavo Santaolalla’s The Last Of Us soundtrack is more authentically reproduced by the Hi-X15, with greater space around each note and a keener ear for the hard yet mournful tone of that very particular guitar sound. The rendition on the Røde is still enjoyable, but the dexterity and textural insight provided by the Hi-X15 is on another level.

Do these revelations have us forlornly placing the Røde cans back in their large white box, never to be heard again? No, certainly not. The Hi-X15 have a more informative ‘studio-style’ sound, yet the NTH-50’s core qualities of punch, drive and impressive bass reproduction still have us coming back for more.

The Austrian Audios are more well-rounded as do-it-all cans on a budget, but if you feed them the genres they love – rock, hip-hop, big orchestral numbers – the NTH-50 will prove themselves to be great entertainers.

Verdict

If you don’t find them uncomfortable to wear, the NTH-50 are a charming pair of wired on-ears from a brand still establishing a name in the world of headphones.

They don’t quite have the perfectly judged balance of their older siblings, and we slightly prefer the Austrian Audio Hi-X15’s clearer, more detailed presentation, but it’s hard not to be won over by the NTH-50’s punchy, assertive delivery.

Review published: 20th May 2025

SCORES

• Sound 4
• Comfort 3
• Build 4

MORE:

Read our full Røde NTH-100 review

And our Austrian Audio Hi-X15 review

Our pick of the best on-ear headphones you can buy right now

On-ear vs over-ear headphones: which is better for noise-cancelling, the gym, kids and more

Sequels are never easy, especially when you strike gold with your first effort. The second Matrix film couldn't live up to the legacy of the first, while The Strokes never quite managed to win the acclaim of their debut release, Is This It.

Australian audio brand Røde will be hoping that it doesn't suffer from disappointing sequel syndrome with its sophomore effort, the NTH-50 wired on-ear headphones. Following in the footsteps of the Award-winning Røde NTH-100 over-ears, the new cans promise the same excellent sound as their superb siblings but at an even more affordable price.

To do so, the NTH-50 house a set of 40mm drivers which tease “exceptional sonic performance”, with Røde promising that its new cans will be as comfortable with personal use as they are in the studio. The new headphones’ custom driver array uses a bespoke acoustic design with an innovative resonant chamber, tuned for “incredibly accurate and detailed audio reproduction with ultra-low distortion”.

The new wired cans feature a contoured headband designed to minimise wearing fatigue over long listening sessions, while Røde promises that the on-ears' durable and lightweight construction offers a perfect blend of contemporary design and long-lasting performance.

The new headphones come equipped with a 1.7m cable that will stretch further thanks to an elastic coiled section in the middle of the wire. The provided cable is 3.5mm-ended, with an included 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter for hooking up to a more diverse array of source devices. There’s also an in-box carry pouch if you want to take the NTH-50 along on your travels.

According to Røde CEO Damien Wilson: “At Røde, we are committed to developing innovative audio solutions to meet the ever-evolving needs of creators. The NTH-50s embody this philosophy, offering a level of sonic accuracy, comfort and durability that marks a new gold standard for on-ear headphones. We’ve crafted a pair of premium headphones at an affordable price point that deliver an incredibly detailed and immersive listening experience in any environment."

We've had the follow-up on-ears in for testing, so if you want to know what we thought, check out our Røde NTH-50 review to discover if the Aussie brand has once more gained that prestigious five-star haul.

The Røde NTH-50 on-ear headphones are available now, priced at £99 / $99 / AU$199, a lower figure than the debut RRP of their over-ear NTH-100 siblings (£149 / $149 / AU$249).

MORE:

Want budget over-ears? Read our Austrian Audio Hi-X15 review

Best wired headphones: budget to premium

Best noise-cancelling headphones: tested by our in-house review experts

Meze has announced the launch of its latest wired open-back headphones, the 105 Silva. The Romanian audio brand launched the open-back 105 AER late last year, with this year's Silva cans expanding the 105 line and promising a "rich, broad and warm soundstage".

At the heart of the new headphones is a set of 50mm dynamic drivers with a cellulose composite dome and a titanium-covered surround striving for a "crisp, engaging and detailed audio experience". Those drivers deploy a titanium-coated torus and a copper-zinc stabiliser to help bolster each membrane’s rigidity and strength, leading to a faster transient response and "pleasantly textured bass with minimal distortion".

According to their maker, the new 105 Silva's sound combines the technicalities of 109 PRO ($799 / £749 / AU$1400) with the warmth and versatility of the aforementioned 105 AER (£359 / $399 / €399), all complemented by an accurate midrange which excels with vocals and strings.

Sporting walnut earcups reinforced with a high-strength polymer, Meze claims that the 105 Silva's design is inspired by the Mid-Century Modern (around 1945–1970 according to Wikipedia), blending "vintage charm and contemporary aesthetics". The new headphones are designed to last, so that every component can be disassembled and replaced following wear or damage.

If you're desperate to see them, you'll be able to catch a glimpse of Meze's new cans when they're previewed at this year's High End Munich showcase, a good few months before their unveiling to the wider world. We don't have prices yet, but Meze promises that figures will arrive later this year, closer to the launch of the new headphones.

MORE:

Best wired headphones: the top pairs tested by our experts

These are our favourite open-back headphones

High End Munich 2025 preview: everything to expect from the yearly showcase