Buying Guide: Best Over-Ear Headphones of 2024

As 2024 comes to a close and we march into the holiday season, it’s high time we at Headphones.com reflect on what the best headphones we heard this year are.

Even though it might not feel like it, 2024 was actually a really important year for headphones. We saw a few extremely important releases, a few sensible upgrades, and of course, a selection of old favorites that remained relevant throughout the shifting product market.

Before we get into the list proper, I want to give readers a bit of an indication of what my typical preference is, and how to gauge that visually, so they know how my preference colors my choices for this list.

Firstly, we’re going to have frequency response measurements wherever we have data available for the headphones on this list, and if you’re not sure how to read these, don’t worry! Resolve has an excellent explainer here to get people familiar with our measurements.

Now, regarding my preference, I tend to prefer a modest bass boost, right around where the dotted line in the middle of our preference bounds sits. My treble preference is what most would likely call on the dark side, towards the bottom of the bounds above 10 kHz, and I prefer a generally HRTF-adherent midrange (meaning generally adherent to the dotted line in the center).

With that out of the way, let’s go through my choices for the best of the best—sorted by price—and talk about what I think are the strongest headphone options in today’s market, in an effort to help shoppers know which might best suit their needs this holiday season.

Entry Level ($200 or less)

Open-back

Koss PortaPro Wireless ($100)

Starting off our list as the lowest priced entry is Koss’s new PortaPro Wireless, which is the new fully-wireless successor to the legendary PortaPro, which is likely one of the most popular on-ear open-back headphones out there.

The sound? Warm, forgiving, and above all, unchanged from the original.

The look? Iconic, now more than ever thanks to TikTok and artists like Caroline Polachek.

The experience? Improved in almost every way I can think of. The lack of wire has made what was already my favorite on-ear headphone incredibly fun and versatile to use, & the simplistic featureset hasn’t left the terrible taste in my mouth that most overly-complicated control schemes on wireless devices tends to.

If you’ve watched our podcast The Noise Floor, you might also know that my evaluation period with this headphone was limited because my partner felt similarly great about it, and has decided that it now belongs to her.

So if you’re planning on getting a headphone for a loved one who wants an open headphone, even if that loved one is not an audiophile, this is one I can recommend without hesitation. The only problem I might foresee is that users might take a second to get used to the headband adjustment, as well as the “time rhythm” needed to use the buttons properly.

Hifiman HE400se ($109)

While I don’t personally enjoy this headphone, as a budget option it’s near-impossible to argue with the HE400se’s value proposition.

Simply put, it has the most bass extension at the lowest price of any open-back headphone I know of. That means for people who want to dip their toes into audiophile headphones, there isn’t really a less expensive option that makes as much sense as the HE400se does—especially with EQ, this headphone can really shine for the amount of money you spend.

Without EQ, it’s still a respectable choice, offering a very relaxed midrange with a bright treble response. However, it’s worth noting that this headphone is a bit insensitive, which means it might require more power than standard computer or phone jacks will provide.

For that reason, Headphones.com offers it in a budget bundle with the iFi GO Link portable DAC/amp that ensures you’ll be able to get this headphone to proper listening volumes, even with EQ.

Sennheiser HD 560S ($175)

If the relaxed midrange presentation of the HE400se sounds like the opposite of what you’re looking for, it’s worth considering Sennheiser’s HD 560S instead. In fact, if you have the extra money, I’d say the HD 560S is probably an all-around better headphone.

HD 560S is considerably easier to drive, so no external amplifier should be required. It also has a more “neutral” midrange response that results in it being a common recommendation for people making music as well as listening to it. It’s also a significantly lighter headphone than the HE400se.

So if you want a lightweight, well-extended headphone for well under $200, the HD 560S is a very popular choice for that. However, it’s also worth noting that some enthusiasts have issues with the lower treble adding a bit too much grit to the presentation.

Additionally, most would say that if you are thinking about the HD 560S, you should seriously consider it’s big brother:

Sennheiser HD 6XX (~$200)

Sennheiser’s HD 6XX—essentially an HD 650 for half the price—has been the default recommendation for anyone who wants to dip their toes into the audiophile market for almost a decade now. And for good reason: regardless of price, the HD 650 is one of the best headphones you can buy period.

Warm, inviting, and ever-so-slightly rounded in its presentation, it’s easy to see why this headphone has endured for as long as it has.

And I’ll say it right now: If you don’t yet have an audiophile headphone, or are shopping for someone interested in trying audiophile headphones, this is the headphone you should buy to see what they are all about.

This is where the search begins and ends for countless enthusiasts—including myself—because while it’s not a perfect headphone, the sins it commits (lacking sub-bass, potentially dark mid-treble) are minor in the grand scheme of the headphone market.

I’d say if gargantuan bass or crackling treble are your foremost desires, HD 6XX is one that might be worth skipping. But if you want to be connected to your music with an accurate but forgiving midrange and no-frills presentation, the HD 6XX might be the best headphone at any price.

Closed-back

FiiO FT-1 ($150)

This is the second 2024 release on this list, and arguably the most popular. FiiO made a ton of waves with their new FT-1 because it’s an inexpensive, well-tuned closed back headphone free of the “hyped” midrange colorations typical of most closed-back headphones.

DMS has an excellent review of these that goes into detail about why they’re so beloved, but the simple answer is that they’re just really solid in sound quality and at a price that’s hard to argue with.

What I do recommend for the FT-1—as well as for other offerings on the list like the HE400se and HD 6XX—is that readers consider a Capra Strap to assist in making the top-of-head comfort as good as possible. With that the FT-1 is arguably the best budget-closed back on the market sonically and a top-tier choice for comfort.

Sennheiser HD 569 ($150)

I reviewed the HD 569 earlier this year, so while it might not be a new release of 2024, it’s one I feel has gotten a decent amount of discussion this year—certainly more than it did over the past few years.

What I liked about the HD 569 was its decidedly dark and relaxed overall presentation, as well as its comfortable weight and its sturdy design (both typical of Sennheiser’s products).

I think many people will prefer the FT-1 as an overall package because it’s a brighter (and potentially more exciting) headphone, but for those who know they are treble sensitive and want something less likely to give them issues with sibilance or upper-treble harshness, the HD 569 is the option I’d recommend, and the one I’d choose to own as well.

Mid-Tier ($300 to $1000)

Open-back

Sennheiser HD 600 (~$350)

While the HD 6XX is the modern classic of the “online-era” of the audiophile hobby, the HD 600 is the actual classic, and is essentially the measuring stick against which other headphones are often judged.

The HD 600 was one of the first headphones to really nail the midrange while avoiding the treble colorations its foremost competitors at the time (Beyerdynamic, AKG) tended to have. While the market has changed a bit since the HD 600 came around, nothing has truly outdone it in the areas it specializes in, especially not in its price range.

If you want something a bit less warm than the HD 6XX but every bit as solid, the HD 600 is among the easiest recommendations I can give to anyone buying audiophile headphones, and has endured for more than 30 years as a de facto recommendation for that reason.

Hifiman Edition XS and Sundara ($269-279)

I’m lumping these into one recommendation because—despite me finding both of them too bright—the Edition XS and Sundara are pretty great value, and I think if someone is looking for a planar magnetic headphone these are the ones they should be looking at.

To decide between them, it essentially boils down to one question: are you going to be using EQ?

Because if not, the Sundara is widely-known for being among the most “neutral” planar magnetic headphones around, while still having the sparkly treble that planar magnetic headphones are often known for.

However, if you’re thinking about using EQ, I would seriously consider grabbing the Edition XS instead—not least because of how heavily it’s discounted right now.

The Edition XS has a larger driver than the Sundara, which—because of how this affects the bass extension and positional variation of the XS—makes it a better choice if you’re going to be doing EQ with measurements like the ones we’ve done at Headphones.com.

Additionally, the Edition XS is often said to be one of the best headphones for soundstage in the budget tier, so if that’s a quality you’re interested in hearing for yourself, definitely check it out. Otherwise, the Sundara may be the better choice for those looking for a more “neutral” experience.

Sennheiser HD 490 Pro ($399-479)

Another 2024 release, the HD 490 Pro is probably the best new headphone Sennheiser has made since the HD 800S.

The best part of the HD 490 Pro is its build, design, and comfort, where it honestly gives a masterclass in making something sturdy, well-considered, and easy to use for extended periods of time—though I wouldn’t say no to thicker headband padding.

It’s lightweight, satisfying to hold, looks great, and comes with a great accessories package (including two separate pairs of earpads) that makes for an all around package that rivals even the HD 600 when it comes to overall value.

While the HD 490 Pro also boasts a much improved bass extension compared to HD 600, it’s not quite as well-tuned as the HD 600 in its midrange (regardless of pad choice), and I find the treble to be a good deal rougher sounding as well. Check out my review of the HD 490 Pro here to learn more about the sound.

So it may not represent the “all around” upgrade from HD 600 everyone is searching for, but if comfort is your priority, the HD 490 Pro is an awesome choice for that set of needs.

Hifiman Arya Stealth ($599)

Straight up—I do not like the Arya Stealth. The Edition XS is already too bright for me and the Arya Stealth is even brighter. However, I’m just one person with one set of ears, and I have to acknowledge that what’s bad for me will likely be great for others, especially because many headphones are too bright for me.

So if you’re the kind of listener who’s considering buying the Edition XS because you want something bright, airy, “detailed,” or spacious, then you should probably look into the Arya Stealth too.

For one, the Arya is considerably more comfortable than the Edition XS—which gets uncomfortable without a Capra Strap within 10 minutes for me. Arya Stealth is also way cooler looking, and has the benefit of considerable cup swivel.

It’s also on a massive discount, which means if you want a Hifiman headphone, this is probably the mid-level one to buy considering it would’ve been more than twice the price on release. Especially recommended for those who are going to be using EQ.

Focal Elex, Hadenys, and Clear ($499-790)

The Focal Clear is one of the few headphones in recent memory to be an honest contender for the title of “HD 600 upgrade,” and even if it’s been around for a few years now, it’s still one of the audiophile space’s most respected choices thanks to its punchy bass, vivid midrange, and a treble that’s equal parts relaxed and intense.

The Elex is basically the Clear but in black and with (maybe) a bit less refinement in the treble, thus Elex garners a similar level of respect—often even more due to being less expensive than Clear.

Personally, Elex is the one I ended up preferring the most out of all of Focal’s headphones, and for that reason it’s also the one I ended up owning for a period of time.

After listening to it again this year, I still think it’s probably the heaviest hitting over-ear headphone in this price category, and of all the headphones on this list it’s the open back I feel like I most want for my collection.

The Hadenys is Focal’s newest open headphone, sporting a lighter-weight chassis and a more bass-forward sound signature. While I would say it’s my least favorite of the three, I think many people would actually prefer it due to its less colored midrange and its more prominent and enveloping bass signature vs the Elex and Clear.

Warm, punchy, and well-extended in the bass, with slightly texture-forward midrange and a bit of extra mid-treble spice, all of the Focal open-backs are some of our best-selling headphones for good reason. They’re some of the only headphones out there I can confidently say are worth every penny of what you pay for them (especially Clear and Elex at their reduced prices) and I think for the consumer looking for their next step after HD 600/650, Focal is probably the first place they should look to see what the higher tiers have to offer.

Closed-back

Audeze Maxwell ($300)

Only one year old and already a modern classic, Audeze made what is today probably the best sounding closed back headphone under $500… and it’s a wireless gaming headset.

Frankly, this headset has no right being as good-sounding as it is, and it’s all thanks to the Maxwell’s use of internal DSP. Ample bass, warm neutral midrange, and relaxed but present treble all come together in the Maxwell to be what is likely the easiest recommendation I can give in the realm of closed-back headphones.

Yes, it’s a gaming headset, but I cannot emphasize enough that even without its litany of features—built-in microphone noise cancellation, sidetone, onboard EQ storage, 80-hour battery life—it’s a seriously impressive sounding headphone. Check out Resolve’s review that gets deep into the features here!

It’s not necessarily portable due to the limited headband adjustment, lack of foldability, and considerable weight, but for anyone who wants audiophile sound in an at-home headset with the freedom of wireless, Audeze Maxwell gets an enthusiastic thumbs up from me as well as everyone else at Headphones.com.

Focal Azurys ($550)

The Azurys is a headphone I only heard for the first time recently, and frankly my first thought when hearing it was “Why the heck aren’t more people talking about this?!” I preferred it to the open-back Hadenys, which I really wasn’t expecting.

In my opinion it’s actually a sonic accomplishment on par with things like the Maxwell—having a similarly warm and inviting signature across the board—but arguably even more impressive due to the fact that it’s completely passively tuned, considerably lighter, and honestly one of the only audiophile headphones I’d say has a cute design.

If I could choose a mass-production closed back headphone to own at any price, it’d be the Azurys. It’s like the FiiO FT-1 in that it doesn’t have the thin midrange typical of most closed headphones, but unlike FT-1 it has a relaxed upper treble response that is much more my speed.

If there’s a downside to the Azurys though, it’s that it likely won’t be the most “fun” listen for those who actually enjoy the hyped responses of typical closed headphones, and because of its intentionally warm/thick response it’s not the most dynamic-feeling closed back out there. There’s also a chance of a slight extra 3.5 and 6 kHz elevation bothering people depending on personal factors, though neither of these bothered me.

So be aware, I really liked the Azurys, but it’s not perfect. For me though, Azurys is a more relaxed and normal-sounding listen than most closed back headphones out there, and that’s what makes me like it so much.

Summit-Fi ($1000 and up)

Open-back

Sennheiser HD 800S ($1399)

In many ways, the HD 800S is the quintessential hi-fi headphone, at least to me. Its incredibly open design, huge earcups, and how it balances being lightweight without feeling cheap means that it checks all of the boxes that make me think of a design being premium and “flagship.”

Sonically, it’s not exactly my cup of tea—being significantly brighter than I prefer and a bit warmer in the midrange too. But for most people this headphone isn’t about its stock tuning, but instead about how it presents the music as grand, detailed, and spacious… or about its consistency in unit variation and placement variation, which makes it an excellent choice for EQ.

While it’s not necessarily a heavy hitter when it comes to dynamics, I still consider HD 800S to be the best value headphone that still deserves a seat at the “summit-fi” table, and for that reason it’s usually the first one I recommend to people who want to see how high the bar actually goes.

Audeze MM-500 ($1699)

I still think the MM-500, based on its sound quality, is kind of underrated. It’s just about the only planar magnetic headphone I’m aware of outside its big brother LCD-5 that has a neutral sounding midrange and isn’t excessively bright, which on its own is an achievement that gives it a reason to exist in this corner of the market.

That said, the comfort is not great, but this can be fixed by either a) stretching out the spring steel headband to reduce the clamp if that’s too much for you or b) getting a Capra Strap—coming soon for this model!—if the top-of-head comfort is the problem.

I opted for the latter as I didn’t mind the clamp at all, but the leather strap on top wasn’t forming correctly to the top of my head which caused a hotspot.

Once I got my Capra Strap installed, this became one of my favorite headphones without EQ thanks to its uncolored approach to bass and midrange while offering a slightly muted treble response that made all-day listening a fatigue-free experience.

It’s not a powerhouse in terms of dynamics or soundstage, but it’s the kilobuck headphone I’d choose if I didn’t have access to EQ, and that’s one of the highest compliments I can give.

HEDDphone TWO GT ($2199)

The HEDDphone TWO GT is a newer one that I’ve only had limited time with, but I already know I’d prefer it to a lot of the other uber-expensive options that could go on this list. What I like about this headphone is that it takes the approach MM-500 does in trying to be a “neutral” headphone, but still has enough intentional coloration to be more exciting and interesting than MM-500…while not going overboard into the territory of “flavor-fi”.

There’s an ample amount of upper bass which helps things sound a bit euphonic, but rarely muffled or muddy thanks to its HRTF-correct upper midrange rise. The treble, while a touch forward for me, is present enough that I think the “detail” that consumers in this price range will expect from this price will be there, but thankfully it doesn’t sacrifice the rest of the tuning to get it.

The way I think about this headphone is that it’s kind of like if a Meze Empyrean was tuned with neutrality in mind: it has similar features, better “technicalities,” and all of the colorations are reigned in just enough that the overall sound is about as neutral as you’ll find in this price tier.

This is a headphone I want to have more time with at home, but for now I think this is one that’s going a bit under the radar that people should definitely try if they get a chance.

Closed-back

Dan Clark Audio E3 ($2000)

If you’re shopping in the highest price tiers and looking for a closed back, the E3 is really the only one that I feel balances build, design, comfort, and sound quality well-enough to be worth the $2000 asking price.

It’s a bit heavy, a bit inefficient (needs an amp), and personally I’m not a massive fan of the sound—it’s fine, just too much bass and treble for me—but for those who enjoy a present bass response, neutral midrange, and a bit of extra treble, this headphone is likely the safest buy in the upper echelon of the closed-back headphone market.

Conclusion

2024 was an interesting year for headphones. Lots of new kids on the block have made their mark in regards to tuning (FT-1, Azurys, HEDDphone TWO GT) as well as industrial design (HD 490 Pro), but also it’s yet another year where we’re also reminded that good audio stays good (PortaPro Wireless).

Just because there are new headphones out there, doesn’t mean the headphones you own or have tried before are magically bad now. HD 600 and 650 are 30+ years old and they’re still what I’d recommend to anyone looking to get started with audiophile headphones. The PortaPro is 40 years old and the new wireless version is still one of the most enjoyable listening experiences I had this year.

That said, we also have to remember that things are getting better. Headphones are being made more comfortable, better built, or otherwise just more fun to live with, and closed back headphones especially are starting to become a better sounding option than they ever have prior.

So hopefully this piece helps as a landmark of sorts to contextualize where we are now and show that things are improving over time, and also let holiday shoppers know what my favorite options are at the moment. Happy holidays and happy headphone listening to all!

If you don’t see something on this list, it’s not because it’s bad, it’s just because I didn’t find it as compelling a value as the stuff on this list. If you disagree, make sure to let me know what you think I missed by starting a discussion using the forum thread function below.

Thanks for reading. Until next time!