What is the best alternative to AKG K553 Pro?

Question

Built By the Slant team

Find the best product instantly.

4.7 star rating

Try it now - it's free

score 44 · Answer 1

Sennheiser HD 598 SR

Top Pro

Can be worn for hours without discomfort

The large ear pads feature a velour surface and a soft foam material underneath. The comfort of the headband is also notable. It features a synthetic leather material with a thick foam inside. In combination, these cushioned parts feel like pillows on the head. See More

Top Con

Lackluster bass

Sennheiser headphones are known for relatively mild lower ends. If you prefer huge bass sounds, you might be better off looking at other options. See More

Top Pro

Offers great value for money

These headphones are in a price range that is quite affordable, yet offers sound and build quality that is beyond the standards in its price bracket. See More

Top Con

Leaks a lot of sound

The open design does not keep the audio within the ear cups. People in the room with you will be able to hear sound coming from these headphones. See More

Top Pro

Well-balanced sound

The bass takes a bit of a back seat compared to the other frequencies, yet is still enough to give fullness and punch to the sound. The mids are the star of these headphones' sound signature. They are clear and a little bit forward, which give a lot of extra detail and presence to guitars and vocals. The highs are pretty crisp and clean, and complement the other frequencies really well. See More

Top Pro

Great soundstage

Even for open back headphones, the soundstage that the HD 598 produces is amazing. It is quite wide yet natural at the same time, which makes it feel like you're listening to the artist perform in front of you live. This wide sound stage and great imaging also make these ideal for games and movies, as these can enhance audio immersion. See More

Top Pro

Cable is detachable

This makes the headphones quite easy to store, and the cable easy to replace. Also, the attachment mechanism is a twist to lock system which minimizes the chances of the cable getting disconnected while in use. See More

See All Experiences

44 1

score 21 · Answer 2

Sennheiser HD380 Pro

Top Pro

Very small amount of leakage

The tight clamp on the 380HD helps create a seal that prevents quite a bit of sound leakage. See More

Top Con

Very strong clamping force

The 380HDs have a very strong clamp. This helps the headphones achieve better sound isolation and minimal sound leak, although some will find the clamp very uncomfortable. Fortunately there are also many who will never notice this at all and find the 380HDs very comfortable. See More

Top Pro

Great sound quality with deep bass and lively highs

These headphones, as far as reference or pro-quality headphones go, are fun sounding. There is a slight boost to the lower frequencies which adds fullness and depth to the bass. The mids are also full-sounding, but there is a peak at the upper mid frequencies which can make guitars in heavy music sound harsh. The highs have good detail to them, but the peak in the top frequencies can also make the sound a bit grainy. See More

Top Pro

Big ear cups that sit well over your ears

The 380s sit well over your ears and do not typically touch them when positioned correctly. This helps make them comfortable as the clamping force is distributed over a wide area, not directly on your ears. See More

Top Pro

Removable cable

The HD380 Pro is quite portable thanks to the detachable cable. Also, the included cable has a specially designed locking mechanism which prevents it from being detached accidentally. See More

Top Pro

Does not require a powerful amp for optimal sound

The HD380 Pro can produce great sound even paired with low power amps. Some headphones require expensive amps to sound properly, but for these, even entry-level portable amps are sufficient. See More

Top Pro

Clamshell case included

These headphones can easily be brought along while traveling and spending time outdoors thanks to the included carrying case. The solid, clam shell design gives the headphones extra protection from impact and scratches. See More

Top Pro

Blocks a lot of outside sounds

The large ear cups and the strong clamp allow for impressive passive noise cancellation. See More

Top Pro

Good soundstage

These headphones have fairly wide soundstage, despite being closed back. See More

Top Pro

Can fold to a more compact size

The ear cups of the HD380 Pro can be folded up into the headband. This reduces these headphones' size and footprint, making these much easier to fit inside a bag. See More

Specs

Type:On/Over-Ears

See All Experiences

21 1

score 13 · Answer 3

V-MODA Crossfade M-100

Top Pro

Warm, full, and smooth sound

The M-100's sound signature can work really well with a wide range of music. Bass reproduction has good power and punch. The mids are also full and slightly forward over the other frequencies. This results in extra emphasis on the vocals and on mid-range sounds like guitars and keyboards. The highs are not peaky, which reduces their harshness, sounding smooth instead. See More

Top Con

Will leak some sound due to semi-open design

The ear cups are not completely closed as there are small ports on the side. People near you may be able to hear you with enough volume. This also means that ambient noise can mix in with the music. See More

Top Pro

Comes with two cables out of the box

These headphones come with a SpeakEasy Mic cable and a Share Play cable. This gives you an option as to which cable you want to use at a given time. This also means that you will have a spare cable should you damage the other. See More

Top Con

Mids can be too forward for some

The mids may come off as a little bit artificial due to the extra emphasis on these frequencies. Vocals and guitars may be too in-your-face for others. See More

Top Pro

Good mix of metal and plastic make these feel solid

These have a solid, high quality feel to them, and you can tell that they will last you a long time. The ear cups are made of high quality plastic, while the headphones' yokes and headband are made of metal. The headband has a generous give yet does not feel flimsy at all. You can even twist it quite a bit yet it still won't feel like it will break. See More

Top Pro

Collapsible design allows for easy portability

The yokes can be collapsed and folded up into the headband. This reduces the overall size of the headphones, making them much easier to carry around. See More

Top Pro

Cable is easily removable

You can detach the cable by simply pulling out the 3.5mm connector from the port on the headphones. The connector attaches with a satisfying click so it is less likely to get disconnected when in use. See More

Top Pro

You can take calls with these on

The SpeakEasy cable has an in-line microphone with great noise cancelling. The cable also comes with an in-line 1 button remote which allows users to answer or end calls, as well as pause and play music tracks. See More

Top Pro

SharePlay Cable allows music sharing with other headphones

The SharePlay Cable features a 3.5mm pass-through port where a person can connect their own headphones. This means that you and another person can enjoy music from the same source. See More

Top Pro

Carrying case allows for easy and secure transport

Included is a clam-shell style case made of durable plastic so it should protect your headphones from scratches and minor impacts. Do note that you will have to detach the cable to make it fit inside the case. See More

Specs

Type:On/Over-Ears

See All Experiences

13 1

score 22 · Answer 4

Beyerdynamic DT990Pro

Top Con

Requires a headphone amp

You won’t get a lot of volume and a good music listening experience from these headphones when plugged straight to your phone or computer. These have a high impedance rating so you’ll need a powerful amp to run the DT990 properly. See More

Top Pro

Well-built

These headphones should be able to withstand minor impact and drops, and will last you years of use. The headband and yokes are made from solid yet lightweight metal, so they won’t break easily. The ear cups are made of plastic materials which, while not as durable as metal, are strong enough to not come off as flimsy. See More

Top Con

Leaks a lot of sound

The DT990s are not ideal for use in an office environment, if you share your space with others or when traveling. These headphones are fully open, so they leak out a lot of sound, which can be annoying to others. See More

Top Pro

Full and rich bass with very detailed treble

The low frequencies are what stand out from the sound signature. The bass is powerful, deep and tight so you get a lot of thump without muddying up the overall sound. This is complemented by very detailed and airy high frequencies, so you should be able to easily hear the fine details from your music. See More

Top Con

Tight clamping force

You may find the clamping force to be quite tight, especially if you have a fairly large head size. This can make wearing the headphones for hours straight uncomfortable, even if the padding on the ear cups and headband are quite thick. See More

Top Pro

Wide soundstage

The audio from these headphones will sound wide and quite immersive, which can be attributed to the open-back design. This also results in good instrument separation, so you’ll be able to easily identify the directions where the various sound sources are coming from. The wide soundstage can result in a truly immersive music listening experience, and also makes these headphones a good choice for movies and gaming. See More

Top Con

The highs can get quite sharp

too boosted and harsh, which can feel fatiguing.This can be apparent if you listen to more aggressive styles of music like rock or metal, or music which involves a lot of cymbals and high-pitched instruments. See More

Top Pro

Soft on the head

You can wear these headphones for many hours straight with little to no issue, as the head band and ear pads have thick padding. The ear pads have a suede cover which allows some airflow to the ears, and helps minimize heat build-up. See More

Specs

Type:On/Over-Ears

See All Experiences

22 0

score 11 · Answer 5

Shure SRH440

Top Con

Build quality is rather poor

The overall build is quite plasticky, with a lot of rattles. While it is not fragile by any means, the build quality certainly does not inspire confidence. See More

Top Pro

Reference quality sound which can be fun to listen to

Sound signature is fairly neutral, with slight elevations to the bass, mids and highs. Bass has a nice fullness to it, with some extra depth which gives the sound a lot of body. The mids are neutral but slightly forward, making the vocals sound really clear. Aggressive guitars can sound a bit harsh because of this though. Treble has good extension, and the added peak on the highest frequencies add more sparkle to the sound. Overall, these headphones can be used both for critical listening and for casual music enjoyment as well. See More

Top Con

Ear pads are not the most comfortable

Pleather is used on the surface of the ear pads which traps heat and can make the area around the ears warm up fast. Also, while the ear pads are large and soft, they are also quite thin. People with larger ears may experience their ears rubbing against the driver housing, which can get quite uncomfortable. See More

Top Pro

Superb sound isolation

The closed back, over the ear design blocks out a significant amount of noise, allowing users to easily focus on the audio. Sound leak is also kept to a minimum. These are great for tracking and monitoring, and are also great choices for use in quiet environments like a library. See More

Top Con

Thin headband padding

There is minimal cushioning on the headband, so the plastic may dig into your head when using the headphones for long periods. See More

Top Pro

Headphone cable is detachable

You can easily remove the cable when these are not in use, making them easy to store. This also makes the cable easy to replace when needed. See More

Specs

Type:On/Over-Ears

See All Experiences

11 0

score 87 · Answer 6

beyerdynamic DT770 PRO

Top Pro

Impressive isolation and minimal sound leakage

These Beyerdynamics offer impressive sound isolation, keeping exterior noise out and your music in. See More

Top Con

May require extra power/amplification for optimal sound

Depending on which model is purchased (16/80/250-ohm), your system may have trouble powering them to get a full sound and comfortable volume. 16/80-ohm should work fine in most systems. If not, you may need an external amplifier. See More

Top Pro

Sits well over your ears

The DT770s are very comfortable to wear with deep and spacious ear pads. The velour material used on these are smooth and breathable, and the thick foam provides ample cushioning. These headphones can be worn for long periods of time with ease. See More

Top Pro

Good soundstage for closed back headphones

The DT770 Pro, when amped properly, creates an open feeling sound stage that is very impressive for a headphone with a closed design. See More

Top Pro

Great sound quality with deep and powerful bass

The bass is not overpowering. Instead, it is clean and controlled. The overall sound signature is focused on the bass but the mids and highs are in no way lacking either. See More

Specs

Type:On/Over-Ears

87 14

score 36 · Answer 7

Bose QuietComfort 25

Top Con

Audio has not enough power on some phones

Takes a lot of power for volume. Not all phones have enough audio output to reach high volume. See More

Top Pro

Good portability

The traveling case is small and provides room for spare batteries and other components. This makes it pretty portable, for those that can't or don't want to leave their headphones at work. See More

Top Con

High frequency noise may still mix with audio

While low frequency sounds are effectively blocked, high frequency ones can still be heard. Female voices and high pitched noises may still get in the way of your music. See More

Top Pro

Battery is easily replaceable

These headphones use a triple-A battery to power noise canceling. Should it run out of charge, it can easily be replaced. See More

Top Con

No noise canceling auto shut-off

The feature continues to drain battery even if the headphones are not used. Turn this off before storing. See More

Top Pro

Active noise canceling is very good

With the feature switched on, you can really zone in on the music. Noise canceling is very effective at blocking out ambient noise, especially the lower frequencies. On a flight for example, engine noise is drastically reduced, as well as most of the sound from the conversations in your vicinity. See More

Top Con

Noise canceling is uncomfortable for some users

A number of users complain about the headphones' noise canceling having a feeling of pressure in the ears, which they find to be quite uncomfortable. See More

Top Pro

Plenty of comfort features

The QC25 feels comfortable even after wearing it for several hours. The pads go over the ear and feel soft, as the ample cushioning is covered with supple and high quality synthetic leather. Aside from the usual headband padding, it also has an inner Alcantara lining that feels really nice on the skin. See More

Top Pro

Noise canceling levels can be adjusted

You have a number of options as to how you want to use these headphones' active noise canceling feature. You can either have the feature on or off while you are listening to music, or have noise canceling on without audio. This is a nifty feature if you just want to enjoy some peace and quiet when in a noisy place. See More

Top Pro

Light and easy to wear

These headphones will not tire your head or neck out, even if you wear them for quite some time. These are pretty light at around 196 grams. See More

Top Pro

Fun sound with boosted highs

Sub-bass is a bit laid back, but the overall low-end production is punchy and with good extension. Mids are clear and forward so vocals, guitars and keys sound good with these. The upper treble is boosted, which results in good detail, but can also give harshness to the sound. Overall, this is a really fun set of cans to listen to, especially if you just want to have a fun music listening experience. See More

Specs

Type:On/Over-Ears

See All Experiences

36 1

score 100 · Answer 8

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Top Pro

Generally neutral sounding but with an added kick to the low end

The ATH-M50x are great sounding headphones with a sound that may fall in the neutral category, but with very slight boosts to the bass and highs; a slightly V-shaped sound. The bass is full and has a lot of power. The sub bass has a hint of elevation though, which can make the bass sound a bit loose on hip-hop or EDM tracks. The mids are fairly neutral with no elevation. The highs are also slightly elevated, which does not add harshness but instead gives the sound a shimmery and detailed feel. This sound signature of the M50x makes it versatile. It is neutral enough for monitoring use, yet also has just the right qualities to make it a great choice for enjoying music. See More

Top Con

Only passive noise cancellation

If you're looking for a headphone to keep you isolated on long plane rides, the M50x is probably not the right headphone for you. These headphones do not electronically limit exterior noises, it only blocks noise with its physical design. See More

Top Pro

Lively sounding bass

The bass of these headphones sound full with a slight boost. This makes the bass quite punchy without drowning the mids or highs. See More

Top Con

Ear cups may be too small

The ear cups on the M50x are smaller than those on something like the 380HD or the DT 770 Pro. Your ears could end up touching the the inside of the headphones which can be uncomfortable for some. See More

Top Pro

Good value for your money as these headphones are feature packed for the price

You get a lot from what you pay for with these headphones. Aside from the great sound, they are also well built and come with a lot of accessories. See More

Top Pro

Stellar build quality

The ATH M50x is made from high quality matte plastics which are quite resistant to damage without being too heavy. The hinges move smoothly and do not have unnecessary creaks. See More

Top Pro

Detachable cables

Audio-Technica finally updated the M50's built in cable to a detachable cable. The M50x even comes with three cables, a 1.2 m - 3.0 m coiled cable, a 3.0 m straight cable, and a 1.2 m straight cable. None of the cables have in-line controls though. See More

Top Pro

Good passive isolation

The ear cups and pads are able to keep the sound in and block outside noise. These are suitable for a noisy office as even low volume music is enough to drown out those noisy office mates. See More

Top Pro

Can collapse to a more compact size

The ear cups can be folded into the headband, reducing its footprint. Combined with the carrying pouch and detachable cables, you can easily chuck these headphones into your bag when going out. See More

Top Pro

Great for tracking guitar

Specs

Type:On/Over-Ears

See All Experiences

100 22

score 80 · Answer 9

Sony MDR 7506

Top Pro

Clean and balanced sound with smooth bass and detailed highs

The bass is just right. It may not have the deep sub-bass extension that bass heads crave for, but what is there is fast, tight and punchy. The mids are clear with a hint of warmth, which make vocals and guitars sound very clear and you can easily hear their sonic nuances . The reproduction of highs is the part that these headphones really shine. They are crystal clear and highly detailed without adding hiss or harshness to the overall sound. Cymbal crashes and pings, for example, are very close to what you would hear if they were played right in front of you. See More

Top Con

ear pad material will flake off after a short while.

You can use Brainwavz replacement earpads as an alternative. See More

Top Pro

Very affordable price for the sound and quality build that you get

Despite being sub $100, the MDR 7506 can compete against headphones up to twice the price. These make for great headphones if you are just starting to get serious about your audio and you want a relatively inexpensive yet quality purchase. See More

Top Con

Cable is quite long and non-removable

The headphone cable is coiled and is about 10 feet long. This is great for studios, however walking around in public with these headphones on can be awkward. The cable cannot be removed and has no remote or mic. See More

Top Pro

Reliable headphones due to solid build quality

The MDR 7506 is built outstandingly well, with high quality materials and with little to no creaks and unnecessary flex. These headphones have been around since 1991, which has given Sony a lot of time to refine the manufacturing process of these cans. See More

Top Con

Can be very picky with audio sources

Due to how accurate sounding these are, you will be able to hear minute details from the sound, including hiss, distortion, and the like. To get the most out of these headphones for music enjoyment, you will want to have a great audio source. See More

Top Pro

Easy to bring on the go due to the collapsible design

The yokes are collapsible and fold into the headband, reducing the headphones to a much more compact size. Included with each purchase is a synthetic leather pouch for added protection for the headphones when taking them on the go. See More

Top Pro

Minimal sound leakage due to the closed back design

These leak very little sound compared to other over-ear headphones. The rear side of the ear cups is fully closed, which effectively minimizes sound leakage. With these, you can fully enjoy your music without disturbing people beside you. See More

Top Pro

Has two separate ports for listening

Specs

Type:On/Over-Ears

See All Experiences

80 3

score 34 · Answer 10

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

Top Pro

Fairly neutral sound signature

Sound signature is quite accurate, almost flat. Bass is much more controlled instead of boomy, while there is a slight elevation on the highs, resulting in extra energy and detail up top. These offer a nice middle ground between a fun sound and a more reference/analytical sound signature. This sound quality makes the headphones quite versatile as music enjoyment headphones or studio-use cans. See More

Top Con

Incompatible with cables from other brands

Only Audio Technica cables can be used with these headphones. See More

Top Pro

These have a high quality and durable feel

The M40xs feel solid and are known to be quite durable. The plastics used in the build do not easily flex or make creaks, giving the impression that these can last quite a long time. See More

Top Pro

Can be used in noisy environments

The over-ear, closed back design along with the thick pleather ear pads can block out quite a lot of ambient noise, and will help users to focus in on the music. These make the headphones great for travel or for mixing/monitoring use. See More

Top Pro

Comes with two detachable cables

The headphones come with a straight cable and a coiled cable, making them useful in the studio or while walking. See More

Specs

Type:On/Over-Ears

34 0

score 29 · Answer 11

Phiaton BT 100 NC

Top Pro

Combines good sound, splash resistance, noise cancelling and wireless connectivity at a great price

You get a lot of useful features from the BT 100 NC which includes decent noise cancelling, Bluetooth as well splash resistance, which makes these earphones great for casual or active use. Sound reproduction has great clarity as well as full mids and okay bass, and should work well with many music genres. See More

Top Con

Bass-light with slightly aggressive treble

If you love powerful bass or non-fatiguing treble, then the BT 100 NC’s sound signature may not be for you. The bass is present, but the quantity may not be enough. The slightly emphasized treble can make the sound harsh and can be fatiguing to listen to for long periods, especially if you are sensitive to treble. See More

Top Pro

Detailed and clean sound

Bass is not emphasized yet is full and has good punch so the sound does not sound lean. The mids are warm and full, so guitars, vocals and drums sound great. The highs are slightly emphasized, which brings out a lot of detail from the music, but can also make cymbal and “s” sounds quite harsh. See More

Top Con

Collar design may be uncomfortable

The collar rests on your neck. While lightweight, you may find this piece of plastic to be annoying, especially when doing vigorous moves when running or working out. See More

Top Pro

Collar design houses all earphone controls

You’ll be able to control the various earphone functions using the buttons and switches on the BT 100 NC’s collar. It houses the earphones’ battery and noise cancelling circuitry along with the buttons for answering and ending calls, play/pause/skip/previous tracks, volume adjust and the noise cancelling switch. Aside from being easy to reach, the collar also takes as much weight off of the earpieces as possible, so they stay inside the ears well. See More

Top Pro

Good battery life

You’ll get a good amount of wireless listening time off of these earphones. Battery life with noise cancelling and wireless activated is around 8 hours, while you can get 12 hours of noise cancelling when these are used in wired mode. See More

Top Pro

Okay noise cancelling

While not the best, the noise-cancelling is decent and can reduce noise that may mix in with your music. You’ll still be able to hear some low pitched noise like the sound of engines though. See More

Top Pro

Earpieces can be stored in the collar

You can bring these earphones on the go without the earpieces flopping all over the place when they are not in use. There is a space in each end of the collar where you can dock the earpieces for easier transport. See More

Specs

Type:In-Ears & Earbuds

See All Experiences

29 0

score 29 · Answer 12

Plantronics BackBeat Fit

Top Pro

Bluetooth connectivity minimizes the hassle of wires

Connectivity with source devices is via Bluetooth, so in place of a full headphone cable is a flexible, soft and short cord made of rubber material that keeps the earpieces connected. You won't have to deal with a long and dangling cable. See More

Top Con

Flopping earpiece cord can be annoying

When you start moving, it is likely that the short but fairly chunky cord connecting both earpieces will flop up and down. This can come into contact with your skin which can be distracting, and can even cause skin irritation. See More

Top Pro

Full mids, punchy bass, and smooth highs

The highs are not the most detailed, but they are clear and do give an airy feel to the music. The mids are full and forward so vocals will definitely sound great. Bass is hit or miss though, depending on how well these headphones seal in your ear. If there is a good seal then bass is punchy and tight though not very powerful. Otherwise, it is likely that the bass will sound a bit on the thin side. See More

Top Con

Noise leakage can be distracting

While these headphones allow you stay aware of your surroundings, this also means that a lot of environmental sound will get in the way of your music. If you want to zone-in on your audio while running or working out then these may not be the best ones for you. See More

Top Pro

The included case doubles as an armband

The case can be converted into an armband by reversing it inside out. This is very useful as you can use the arm band to store your smartphone while on a run, along with some essentials like your keys or some cash. See More

Top Pro

Fits nice and snug in the ears

The ear tips are made out of a soft and flexible material that is comfortable and supports the weight of the earpieces quite well. This is enhanced by the wing tips that further help to keep the headphones in place. See More

Top Pro

Earbud design allows ambient sound in

The design does not create a thorough seal in your ears, which can be a good thing as this will allow you to maintain awareness of what's around you. See More

Top Pro

Good battery life

The BackBeat Fit can last up to 8 hours of playback from a full charge. See More

Top Pro

Sweat resistant

A sweat resistant coating is applied to the interior parts, so splashes of liquid aren't likely to cause damage. See More

Top Pro

On-earpiece buttons allow basic smartphone/music player function control

Each of the earpieces have a single button. Different combinations of presses will allow you to pause/play tracks, answer/end calls, adjust volume and do other functions which can be convenient. See More

Top Pro

Built in microphone has a decent sound

The audio from the microphone is not amazing, but it is quite clear with no distortion so it should be good for most conversations. See More

Specs

Playtime Per Charge:8h

True Wireless:No

Total Playtime:8h

See All Experiences

29 0

score 25 · Answer 13

Bose QuietControl 30

Top Pro

Good battery life

You can get around 8 to 10 hours of use from a full charge. See More

Top Con

There is no way to secure the earpieces when not in use

The earpieces will dangle off of the collar and flop around when they are out of your ears. There are no magnets in the ear pieces to keep them together, and there are no fasteners or docks in the collar to secure the earpieces. Other collar style earphones have this feature. See More

Top Pro

Earphones stay in place well

The earpieces won’t easily fall from your ears when using these on the go. You get Bose’s StayHear+ wing tips which securely fit inside the ears. Also, since the noise cancelling electronics are in the collar instead of an inline module, there is not a lot of weight that pulls down on the earpieces. See More

Top Con

Bluetooth only

You won’t be able to continue using the QuietControl30 when the battery runs out. You only get Bluetooth connectivity, with no wired option, so you’ll have to charge these earphones in order to use them again. See More

Top Pro

Very good noise cancelling

While the noise cancelling does not eliminate all of the ambient noise, it does a good job of preventing most of it from mixing in with your music. With the audio turned up to a good volume, you aren’t likely to hear your surroundings except for the loudest of sounds. See More

Top Pro

Adjustable noise cancelling

You can dial in the level of noise-cancelling that you want using the Bose Connect app which is available for Android and iOS. This gives you more flexibility with active noise cancelling compared to other earphones. See More

Top Pro

Full sound with good detail

The bass of the Quiet Control 30 sounds full, with good punch and power. It doesn’t add any bloat though, preventing the sound from getting too muddy. The mids are quite forward with a slight boost. Vocals and guitars can easily be appreciated, though heavy guitars may sound quite aggressive due to the slight elevation. The highs are clear and offer a good level of detail yet do not get harsh in any way. These earphones are good for general music listening, and should excel in vocal-heavy tracks. See More

Specs

Type:In-Ears & Earbuds

See All Experiences

25 0

score 25 · Answer 14

Panasonic ErgoFit HJE120

Top Con

Cable tangles easily

This is a common problem if you store these in tight spaces like inside your bag or pocket. Due to how thin and rigid the cable is, expect to do a bit of untangling after pulling these headphones out of its storage space See More

Top Pro

Punchy and controlled bass

Bass is controlled and tight, yet still gives a bit of an oomph. This is unusual for the price range. There is good detail in the overall sound with clean highs and recessed but still present mids. Overall, these in-ear headphones work great for genres like rock, pop, hip-hop and the like, though the lack of overall refinement in the sound means that these are not best suited for classical or jazz music. See More

Top Con

Feels cheap

The housing has a hollow feel to it and has some rattle while the cable is quite thin. Your mum gay but so are you.These might give an impression that the headphones might break easily. See More

Top Pro

Passively isolates noise

Due to the in ear design, the tips create a good seal in the ear canal. This helps block off some sound and will allow you to better focus on your music. See More

Top Pro

Comfortable with great fit in the ears

The ErgoFit comes with three pairs of ear tips in different sizes. This gives users some degree of control as to the seal and comfort that these in-ears can have See More

Top Pro

A number of color options to choose from

Aside from the standard black, these come in red, yellow, green and a myriad of other colors. Whether you are after in-ears that are subtle looking or want one with louder colors to match your personality or mood then there is a variant for you. See More

Specs

Type:In-Ears & Earbuds

See All Experiences

25 0

score 23 · Answer 15

66 Audio BTS Pro

Top Pro

Great for use when outdoors, going for a run or working out

The BTS Pro is quite robust and can withstand some minor splashes of sweat or rain as these are sweat-proof. They are not completely water-proof though, so you should not get them soaking wet. See More

Top Con

Some distortion can be heard at lower volumes

There may be audible levels of a scratching sound or distortion when using these at lower volume levels. This can be quite distracting, and can have a negative impact on your listening experience. See More

Top Pro

Good sound quality with focus on the lower frequencies

There is good detail in the highs and the mids can also be heard clearly with very little muddiness. The lower frequencies are boosted, resulting in a good level of depth and power to each bass thump. See More

Top Con

Motion Control App is for iOS only

At the moment, users of non-iOS devices will not be able to take advantage of the companion app's functionality. However, 66 Audio have announced that an Android app is currently in development. See More

Top Pro

Will stay snug on your head

The BTS Pro ear cups sit on the ears with hooks keeping them in place. The flexible connecting band provides good clamping force and can adjust to your head size with continued use. Combined with cushioning on the cups, these are comfortable to wear and will stay in place. See More

Top Pro

No long cables to deal with

Bluetooth connectivity allows the BTS Pro to connect with smartphones and compatible music players wirelessly, so cables won't be an issue. See More

Top Pro

Companion iOS app adds extra functionality

66 Audio's Motion Control iOS App gives users added functionality, including EQ control and presets selection, battery status indicator, and even headphone position tracking. These features can improve the listening experience and also minimize the chances of you losing these headphones. See More

Top Pro

Can last through multiple long listening sessions

With up to 40 hours of playback time at full charge, it's more than enough for most listening sessions. You won't have to charge these frequently. See More

Top Pro

Hardshell case makes transport more secure and convenient

A hard shell carrying case is included, which can protect the headphones from minor impact and also make transport much easier. The case also has good aesthetics. See More

Top Pro

Can be folded to a more compact size

They are easy to bring on the go as the ear cups can be folded into the headband. This further reduces the already slim and compact size, making them easy to chuck into a bag when on the go. See More

Top Pro

Ear cup functions as a remote

The right ear cup of the BTS Pro features buttons for controlling headphone features. You can play/pause tracks, increase/decrease volume as well as answer/end calls by pressing the corresponding buttons, negating the need to pull out your phone to do so. See More

Top Pro

Allows taking calls

You do not need to take the BTS Pro off in order to answer incoming calls. There is a built-in microphone which allows you to easily take or make calls in the middle of your run or workout. See More

Specs

Type:On/Over-Ears

See All Experiences

23 0

score 22 · Answer 16

Jaybird X2

Top Pro

Wing tips improve fit

The X2 comes with wing tips that you can attach to the earpieces. The tips enhance the grip of the headphones in the ear, and will help keep them secure even while you are running. See More

Top Con

Spotty battery life

Jaybird claims it has 8 hours of playback time, but many users get only around 6 hours. There have been instances where the X2 gives even shorter battery life, with some users only getting around 3 hours of use. See More

Top Pro

Fun sound signature with lively highs and punchy bass

The highs are crisp, airy and forward so detail presentation is very good. Bass is fast and controlled instead of boomy, so it does not muddy up the overall sound. This sound signature works well with a wide range of genres and rock, pop, hip-hop and EDM will definitely sound great with these headphones. See More

Top Con

Awkward mic/remote settings

Coming from the iPhone's mic/remote can be a bit awkward. The Jaybird uses a long press and hold on the volume up and down to skip songs. See More

Top Pro

Allows taking calls

Integrated into the remote is a microphone, so you do not need to pull out your phone should a call come in. Mic quality is pretty decent, and your voice should be easy to understand on the other line. See More

Top Pro

Stable wireless connection

Signal quality is pretty stable with minimal distortion or drops, even if you are on the move. See More

Top Pro

Remote allows basic playback control

The in-line remote will allow you to control music playback, adjust volume as well as answer/end calls. See More

Top Pro

Many accessories are bundled

You get standard silicone ear tips in different sizes, along with a carrying case, different sized wing tips, premium Comply foam ear tips in different sizes, cable management clips as well as the micro-USB charging cable. See More

Top Pro

Splash resistant

Exposure to drops or small splashes of rain or sweat won't easily damage these. See More

See All Experiences

22 0

score 22 · Answer 17

Bluedio T4

Top Pro

Great build quality for the price

These headphones should last you quite a while, as they are built well. The hinges and the headband adjustment are made of metal, with sturdy plastics on the earcups. These should survive being thrown into a bag and minor drops without issue. See More

Top Con

You’ll still hear high pitched noise clearly

You may still hear high pitched noise like female voices and sudden bursts of laughter. The noise cancelling is not very effective at filtering mid to high frequencies. See More

Top Pro

Fairly neutral sound

The sound is on the neutral side instead of boosted bass or highs. Overall the sound has good clarity with okay details on the treble along with tight and low-end. The mids are slightly recessed though. See More

Top Pro

Okay noise cancelling performance

You won’t easily hear engine noise and the like. The active noise cancelling is quite effective at filtering out low-pitched, droning noise. See More

Top Pro

Can function as Bluetooth or wired headphones

You can continue using these headphones even when the battery runs out. Aside from Bluetooth connectivity, these also come with a USB Type C to 3.5mm cable, so these can be used as wired headphones. You won’t get active noise cancelling without battery power though. See More

Specs

Type:On/Over-Ears

22 0

score 21 · Answer 18

Monoprice MHP 839 ( 108323 )

Top Pro

Rich and forward mids with good bass

The mids are the star of the MHP 839’s sound signature. They are forward and have good clarity, making vocals and guitars sound really prominent, and gives the overall sound a distinctly warm feel. The bass is very good. While not very forward, it is full, has good punch and comes off as quite natural. The top highs are rolled off, which may muddle some of the music’s details. However, this also results in a smooth sound, as there is little to no harshness. See More

Top Con

Pads can get warm pretty quickly

The ear pads do provide ample cushioning, but they also trap heat, causing your ears to get warm really quick. You may need to take these off periodically so you can cool off. See More

Top Pro

Ear cup position can be adjusted in a variety of ways

You can wear these the conventional way, or you can also choose to use these DJ style, where only one ear cup is held to the ear. See More

Top Con

Strong clamping force can cause discomfort

The strong clamp may feel like it's squeezing your head which can get uncomfortable after a while. See More

Top Pro

Two headphone cables are included

One cable is thinner and shorter which is great for mobile use. The other is longer and thicker which should work better when using the headphones indoors. See More

Top Con

Feels cheap and flimsy

These headphones can creak and flex a lot. Some may also find that these are too light for their size. See More

Top Pro

Removable cable

The cable is connected to the left ear cup via a 3.5mm cable, which can easily be removed. Storing the headphones or replacing a broken cable should be very easy to do. See More

Top Pro

Nice sounding headphones that are great for casual, studio or mobile use

The MHP 839 is very versatile. The sound signature is enjoyable, and can work well with a variety of genres. It also offers good passive noise isolation for studio/DJ use. The collapsible design with removable cables make it easy to bring on the go. This combination of features is rarely seen in the price range. See More

Specs

Type:On/Over-Ears

See All Experiences

21 0

score 19 · Answer 19

Koss KSC32P FitClips

Top Pro

Bass-focused sound

The bass is pretty powerful and gives a lot of thump to the music. Listening to hip-hop, EDM and dance tracks with these will most certainly get you going as you work out or run. The highs and mids are clear, but recessed so the headphones will not be able to provide you the utmost in detail. See More

Top Con

Bass can overpower the other frequencies

Bass is quite powerful which is great if you really love bass. However, if you also want a good level of detail and clarity from your music, then these headphones may fall short. See More

Top Pro

Ear hooks keep these snug in the ears

Flexible ear hooks are integrated into the design. You can twist and bend the hooks to conform to the shape of your ear, and will certainly help to keep the FitClips in place even when running or working out. See More

Top Pro

Won't easily get damaged by sweat or small amounts of liquid

Getting sweat or small splashes of rain or liquid won't damage these headphones as they are splash resistant. You will still want to make sure that they do not get soaking wet or get submerged in water, as such situations can still damage the headphones. See More

Top Pro

You can take calls with these headphones on

An in-line microphone along with a one button remote is integrated into the cable so you can easily answer/end calls when needed. See More

19 0

score 19 · Answer 20

Audeze LCD-4

Top Pro

Dark sounding headphones with powerful bass, full mids and slightly recessed highs

The hallmark of the LCD-4's sound signature is the bass. The lower frequencies go quite deep and also have a lot of power. This sound is achieved without bloat or muddiness. Those who prefer powerful yet still fairly accurate bass will definitely love these. The mids are full, clear and are quite forward as well so detail from vocals or guitars can easily be appreciated. The highs take a bit of a back seat. While there is still a good level of detail and resolution on the sound, the highs are not as sparkly or airy as other high end headphones. This can be a good thing for some though as this gives the LCD-4 a smoother sound but with less shimmer up top. See More

Top Con

Very heavy

It weighs around 700 g, and that's without the cable. This makes the LCD-4 one of the heaviest headphones in the market today and will most certainly put quite a strain on your head and neck if you decide to wear these continuously. See More

Top Pro

Superb build quality

The build is a mix of metal, wood, authentic leather as well as carbon fiber. You can really tell that these headphones are expensive and are built really well. See More

Top Con

Leather material on ear cups trap heat

The leather material prevents heat from escaping effectively. This results in heat building up rather quickly around the ears when using the LCD-4, so it's likely that you'll feel uncomfortable after long listening sessions. See More

Top Pro

Soundstage has good width

The open back design gives these headphones good soundstage. Though not the widest, there is a good sense of space and separation to the sound. See More

Top Con

Requires a powerful amp for optimal volume and sound

Plugging these directly to your computer or smartphone will lead to poor sound, since it requires a powerful amp to get good volume and to output the optimal sound quality that they are capable of producing. See More

Top Pro

Heavy duty detachable cable with solid connectors

The LCD-4's cable is quite thick and hefty which should make it more resistant to breakage and other problems that most thinner cables have. Also, it uses mini XLR connectors which are much more secure as they lock in place. See More

Top Con

Leak a lot of sound

The metal grills on the sides of the earcups do next to nothing to keep the sound within the ear cups. Other people near you will most likely hear what you are listening to. See More

Top Pro

Ear cups feel really soft and smooth on the skin

It uses authentic leather on the earcups' surface which feel really smooth and supple on the skin. There is also a lot of cushioning thanks to the high quality foam material that is inside the cups. The foam also has acoustic properties that help seal in the sound really well. See More

Top Pro

Includes a large, hard plastic shell case

The LCD 4 comes with case with ample room and padding inside for the headphones and the cable. While the case will most likely not fit in your travel bag, it will provide plenty of protection to your headphones should you decide to take them out of your home. See More

See All Experiences

19 0