Top 10 Headphone Brands (2018) that a Music Lover Must Know

Posted on June 28, 2018

33 min read

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The market is flooded with different brands of headphones with diverse features, technical specifications, etc, and it becomes difficult to find the right headphone brand.

With the rise in the number of iPhones, MP3 players and other music devices, the popularity and number of headphones has also increased manifold. To help you in finding the best pair of headphones, we have made a list of the top 10 headphone brands available in the world today.

But before we have a look at the top 10 brands, it's important to know the different kinds of headphones available in the market today. Our comprehensive list of the type of headphones available will guide you in selecting the best device whether you are a music enthusiast or a professional.

To make your choice even easier we have selected the top 10 headphone brands available in the world.

Have a look:

#10. Creative - Reasonably priced with excellent quality

Browse all Creative Headphones on Amazon

Creative is one of the top headphone brands available and offer excellent quality in affordable prices. They offer a wide range of headphones for all ages and are very popular across the globe.

Some of the best models by Creative are Sound Blaster Evo ZX, Creative earphone EP-630, Creative earphone EP-600 and Creative Hitz MA-350 Headset.

The Creative Sound Blaster Evo ZX Wireless headset is available for $149.99 on Amazon.com and features a SB-Axx1 audio processor, Crystal Voice Focus Dual Noise Cancelling Microphones, FullSpectrum 40mm Speakers, SBX Surround 3D Cinematic Audio technology and SBX BassHigh Impact Explosive Sound.

The Creative earphone EP-630 headphones are available in a multitude of colors and come with noise cancellation technology. Priced at $19.99 the headphones are value for money.

#9. Beats – Sound on sound

Checkout all Beats headphone models on Amazon

Beats by Dre is one of the leading headphone brands available in the market. The headset brand was founded in 2006 and was acquired by Apple in 2014. The company offers some of the best headsets with excellent sound as well as style that has made it more of an accessory and a must have gadget for music lovers.

Beats Solo 2.0 is one of the best headphones available in the market today and features a streamlined design for a custom fit. The headphones are durable and portable so can easily carry them while on the move. The headphones are bundled with a RemoteTalk cable through which you can take calls as well as control the music volume, change the song, etc. Beats Solo 2.0 are available for $149.00 on Amazon.

#8. Philips – The consumer’s brand

Philips is one of the most recognized consumer electronic brands in the world, and produces a wide range of high-tech electronic devices including plasma TVs, sound systems and much more. The company has produces some of the most stylish and durable headsets including the Fidelio line which have received a tremendous response due to its sound clarity and high tech audio quality. The company's Fidelio 2 over ear headphones has received the IF Design Award 2015 and the Reddot Design Award 2015.

Some of the most popular products by Philips include the Philips SHB9100 White Wireless Bluetooth Over-the-Head Stereo Headphone priced at $44.00 are super soft and come with a slim design. They come with integrated volume and toggle controls with microphone for listening to music as well as taking calls.

The Philips NC1/27 Fidelio Noise Cancelling Premium Headphones priced at $299.99 are meant for professionals and deliver 30 hours of ANC play time. They have an ergonomic design and soft foam cushions ear-cups that are very comfortable.

#7. Skullcandy – The young headphones

Skullcandy is known for its high equality headphones available at reasonable prices. Their headphones are targeted towards the young generation and are popular with professionals as well as every day users.The headphones by the company have an average build quality but he music output is excellent. The company's most popular model is called Aviator, which provides an ergonomic design with soft leather touch ear pillows.

The Skullcandy Navigator headphone is available for $41.14 on Amazon.com and come with a three button mic. It comes bundled with a detachable cable and travel bag.

#6. Sony – All about elegant design

Sony is one the world's biggest consumer electronics brands in the world and is known for its innovative products. The company manufacturers a wide range of devices including TV's, video games, music players, smartphone, among others. Sony is a pioneer in the music and audio products industry. They were one of the first brands to launch music centric walkman series and have headsets suited to all pockets.

Sony's headphones are elegantly designed and offer value for money. They are sturdy and offer excellent performance. The company has low cost ZX series priced between $10 to $20 as well as high end wireless Sony MDR10RBT model priced at $199.99 on Amazon. The Sony MDR10RBT model allows you to stream your music wirelessly. It comes with one touch listening and is NFC enabled.

Other popular models are Sony MDR XB-450 priced at $65.00 and come with a portable swivel folding design and has a stylish metallic finish. The Sony MDR-AS200 is affordably priced at $13.45 and is meant for fitness freaks. They are lightweight clip on style headphone for secure fitting that prevents it from falling. The headphones are water resistant and sweat proof which makes them ideal for fitness fanatics.

#5 Panasonic – A range for everyone

Panasonic is one of the most popular headphone brands available in the market. They have headphones that would meet all your requirements and provide excellent sound quality. They are very affordable and easily available making them one of the best headphone brands available in the market today.

Some of the best headset models from Panasonic are the RP-HX35E-K Ultra Light Stereo Headphones, the Panasonic RP-HS46E-W Slim Earhook Headphone and Panasonic RP-HS33E-K Wired On Ear Headphone.

The Panasonic RP-HS33E-K headphones are available for $6.45 from Amazon.com. The headphones come with an ear clip that stops it from falling while running or jogging and can be your ideal work out companion. The Panasonic RP-HS46E-W Slim headphones are available for $13.80 on Amazon.com and come with a simple clip on design that makes them very easy to carry around.

#4. Bose – Sound at its best

Bose headphones are great for listening and offer amazing audio quality. Bose is one of the best headphone manufacturers in the world and produce devices that have excellent sound quality with active noise cancellation. The devices offer value for money for music enthusiasts with its amazing audio technology.

Bose is one of the most expensive headphone brands, but the technology and engineering in Bose makes it worth the price. Bose headphones see immense demand and popularity and are coveted by true music lover's world wide.

Bose’s Quiet Comfort 25 Acoustic Noise cancelling headphones are one of the premium headphones available for music lovers. They are lightweight and comfortable to use while delivering deep, powerful sound. The headphones are priced at $299.00 on Amazon.

Bose Sound Link around-ear Bluetooth headphones offer an excellent auditory experience and are available for $279.95. The headphones offer a deep, immersive audio technology and provide crystal clear sound even in noisy environments. The headphones deliver up to 15 hours of play time according to the company. You can also switch the devices between two Bluetooth connected devices including your smartphone as well as your tablet.

#3. Audio Technica – For the sound lovers

Tokyo-based Audio Technica manufactures a wide range of products including high quality audio headphones, microphones, noise cancelling headphones are more. The company was recently honored with a Technical Excellence & Creativity (TEC) Award for Headphone/Earpiece Technology during the 31st Annual NAMM TEC Awards in January. The company manufactures headphones for professionals.

Its flagship model ATH M50 is one of the best headphones available in the industry and is priced at $139.00. The headphone is aimed at professionals and offers exceptional sound clarity. They have a closed cushioned ear cup design that locks music in for maximum isolation.

#2. Grado – Oodles of Style and Comfort

Grado is one of the most popular headphone brands in the world, due to its unique open air design. All Grado headphones are available in only in Black uni-color, which sets them apart and makes them very recognizable from other brands. The headphones offer style as well as comfort for users. It is one of the best headphone brands for gaming and is known to deliver amazing sound anywhere.

Some of the best headphones available by Grado are Grado Prestige SR80e, Grado Prestige SR225e, Grado Labs SR125i and the Grado PS500 professional series.

The Grado Prestige SR80e headphones are priced at $99.00 and offer an impressive sound quality at a budget price. The have a comfortable open back design while can be easily worn for long hours.

The Grado Labs SR125i headphones are priced at $189.99 and offer a superb sound quality. The Grado Prestige SR225e is priced at $200 and come with an open back design for an excellent sound quality. The Grado PS500 professional series is available for $595.00.

#1. Sennheiser – Engineering gem

Sennheiser headphones are some of the best available in the world. Their devices are a marvel in terms of engineering, with excellent quality and sound clarity. They have the perfect balance of bass and treble that make the headphones very popular. The German brand is popular with music enthusiasts across the world as well as professionals.

Sennheiser headphones have noise reduction and cancellation features which make them a favorite across all groups. Some of the best headphones by Sennheiser are RS 110 II Over Ear Wireless headphones and the Sennheiser HD800.

Sennheiser RS 110 II Over Ear Wireless headphones are available for $64.95. The open headphones are suitable for all types of music and TV applications. The wireless RF headphone system is the best of its kind and is very lightweight and comfortable for all users. The wireless headphones have a range of up to 300 feet and come with volume and tuning controls conveniently located on the headphone.

Sennheiser HD800 Around Ear Dynamic Headphone is priced at $1,229.90. These are top of the line Open, circum-aural stereo headphones have open ear cups that give an astounding acoustic experience. The stylish headphones are made of high quality micro fabric and come with a metal headband.

Here is our list of the different kind of headphones available in the market.

#1. Ear buds

Earphones or "ear buds" are very small headphones that are usually fitted directly in the outer ear. These earphones are very portable and easy to use and usually come bundled with all mobile devices, MP3 players as well as other music devices. Many users prefer ear buds as they are easy to use, affordably priced, can be carried easily in your pocket and keep your aware about your surroundings.

However, some people find them uncomfortable as they are prone to falling out of the ear, depending on the shape of your ear, and do not cancel outside noise. Users may sometimes have to turn the volume up to a high decibel level to listen to music properly from these devices, which may over the long term lead to hearing impairment.

Pros

Ear buds are very portable and very easy to carry around.
They are compact and relatively inexpensive.

Cons

Their sound quality is just mediocre and provides no sound isolation.
They are 'usually' made of cheap, inexpensive material.
Ear buds can lead to hearing loss as people have to raise the volume very high in order to overcome ambient noise, and listen to the sound properly on the headphones.

#2. In-Ear/canal Headphones

In Ear headphones are small earphones that are inserted into the ear canal and look similar to ear buds. In ear headphones are also called in ear monitors that are a favorite with musicians.

As these are directly inserted into the ear canal, they are less likely to fall out and are able to block out outside noise. While using the in-ear/canal headphones it's advisable to monitor the volume decibel in order not to damage your hearing.Canal earphones have noise cancelling features for a more immersive sound experience.

However, these earphones can also cause problems if you are using them while driving, or walking on the road in crowed areas or places with high traffic as you may not hear the oncoming traffic.

Pros

These are very portable and compact.
The earphones offer great noise cancellation, and sound quality.
These are lightweight and affordably priced.

Cons

Can be uncomfortable for some users, as they are inserted in the ear canal.
They block outside noises, which can sometimes be dangerous in crowded areas or while driving.
Not very hygienic as they are put inside the ear canal.
Can cause hearing impairment if used for long periods with high volume.

#3.Super-aural or On-Ear Headphones

On-ear headphones or supra-aural headphones sit on the top of your ears and are generally very lightweight. They come in two styles including a standard vertical band that arches over the head, and another is a horizontal design that extends behind your head.

These headphones have usually open-back designs that leak the music to the world around you and also let ambient noise seep in giving a more realistic sound experience.

Super aural headphones are pocket friendly and you can pick up a pair for as less as $0.99 from discount stores.

Pros

These usually have a good bass sound.
They are less expensive that noise cancelling headphones.
These headphones are very portable and can be folded up, making it convenient to carry while travelling.

Cons

These are not as compact as the ear buds or canal buds.
They are more susceptible to external noise.

#4. Noise Cancelling Headphones

Noise cancelling headphones are usually bulky and fit over the ear.

They come with a battery in addition to passive noise cancellation that sends out inverse signals to cancel out or reduce outside noise without affecting the desired sound source. They usually come with a speaker, microphone and an amplifier to pick up ambient noise and reverse it.

These headphones allow you to enjoy music without increasing the volume exceptionally. These can be used easily in offices or crowded spaces as they are easy to put on or take off. Noise cancelling headphones can be your ideal travelling companion, or even if you are looking for some quiet time as they cancel out the ambient noise.

Pros

Noise cancelling headphones are easy to use and very comfortable to wear.
They provide good noise isolation and reduction.
They are great for travelling as they block out outside noise and provide a less distracting environment.

Cons

They are a bit heavy and difficult to carry around.
They have average audio quality.
They require a battery circuitry which can be sometime audible.
Noise cancelling headphones can be very expensive compared with other types of headphones.

#5. Bluetooth Stereo headphones

Bluetooth Stereo headphones use wireless technology to stream music from your smartphone, or other electronic devices. these represent the next evolution in the headphone technology.

Many of these double as headsets and come with an integrated microphone that allows you to switch between taking calls and listening to music.

These can be easily paired with smartphones and usually come with volume controls, mute function as well as an option to switch between a headset and a smartphone. But the biggest advantage of the Bluetooth headset is the freedom from wires.

Pros

These are wireless and very comfortable to use.
Very portable and easy to carry around.

Cons

They have to be charged frequently and have a very short battery life.
They sometimes get wireless interference and have an average audio/ sound clarity.

#6. Full Size headphones

Full size headphones are known as "circumaural," that means they fully surround your ear. These headphones have large cups that cover your ear completely, which helps in reducing external noise. These headphones have a bigger size and provide a higher acoustic isolation. Because of their big size these headphones are best suited to home use, instead of outdoors.

Pros

The headphone provides effective noise cancellation.
The surround sound blocks out all outside noise and the ear cups help in creating a large sound stage sealing music in.

Cons

Very large and cumbersome not suited for outdoors.
Wide headband can be a little uncomfortable to wear.
Some full size models are also known to heat up while wearing them on the ears.

Choosing the best brand of headphones depends on a number of things including what kind of music you like to listen to, the purpose and place where you are planning to use the headphones and much more. So now you know about the different kind of headphones available in the market and you can shortlist the one that best suits your purpose.

Conclusion

So here's our take on the world's top 10 headphone brands! The above mentioned brands rule the headphone market and offer excellent music.

While sound engineering employed by these gadgets is evolving day by day, the demand for a truly great pair of headphones remains.

All the popular brands display their genius in some way or the other by keeping pace with the latest in technology and have created a range of headphones that meet your requirements.

There are various options available in the market today; however, each music lover has their own needs and requirements ranging from sound clarity to balance to loudness. Our comprehensive list of popular headphone brands will help you in making a faster comparison between the brands available. We hope that we have helped you in clearing the confusion in choosing the right headphone brand for you.

Our list of the top headphone brands will help you shortlist the best device that suits your needs.

Which one do you like best? Do you have something to add to the list?

Share your thoughts in the comments section below.