What is the best alternative to&#x20;Bose QuietControl 30?

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

42 1

score 36 · Answer 2

Bose QuietComfort 25

Top Con

Audio has not enough power on some phones

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

In this mode, the mic picks up audio from your surroundings. You can hear sound from around you mixed in with your music. See More

36 1

score 27 · Answer 3

Jabra Elite Sport (2017)

Top Pro

HearThrough mode allows you to better hear your surroundings

Top Con

Battery life is not very good

On average, you'll only be able to get around 3 hours of playback time from a full charge. See More

Top Pro

Can monitor fitness stats

There is an integrated heart rate monitor which can connect to Jabra's fitness companion app. This combination should make it very easy for you to see fitness related data. See More

Top Pro

Balanced sound signature with clear highs, rich mids and controlled bass

The Elite Sport sounds quite balanced with no harshness or muddiness. The highs are clear and deliver good detail. Mids sound natural and rich, while the bass is tight and controlled instead of bloated. With these headphones, you will get decent punch from the usually bass-centric workout tracks, yet you will still be able to enjoy a refined sound when listening to more mellow or instrument focused music. See More

Top Pro

Can be used during workouts or while raining

These resist sweat and other liquids as they are IP67 rated. They can be submerged in water without getting damaged as long as the water is not too deep and they are not submerged for a long time. See More

Top Pro

Optional wing tips improve fit

You can attach wing tips to the earpieces, which allow for better in-ear fit for reduced chances of the earpieces falling off. The tips are quite soft so they will not have too much of a negative impact on comfort. See More

Top Pro

Earpiece buttons allow playback/call control

Each earpiece has two buttons which you can use to control playback or to answer/end calls. See More

Top Pro

Can easily be charged on the go

The charging case has an internal battery that can add up to 6 hours to the Elite Sport's battery life. See More

Top Pro

Allows you to take calls

There are microphones integrated in the ear pieces so hands free calls are possible. Voice quality from the mic is actually pretty good. See More

Top Pro

An extensive accessory pack is included

You get a charging case, 3 pairs of silicone ear tips in different sizes, 3 pairs of premium Comply ear tips in different sizes, 3 wing tips in different sizes as well as a charging cable. See More

Specs

Playtime Per Charge:3h+

True Wireless:Yes

Total Playtime:13h+

The accessories included are all very useful. You get two 3.5mm headphone cables, a USB charging cable, silicone ear tips, a travel pouch and an airplane adapter. See More

27 1

score 18 · Answer 4

AKG K391 NC

Top Pro

Good accessory bundle

Top Con

Limited inline controls

The inline remote only allows you to play, pause, and skip tracks. You can’t control volume levels though. See More

Top Pro

The headphone cable can be detached from the control module

You can easily replace the 3.5mm cable should it get damaged. You can detach the 3.5mm cable from the control module which is very convenient. Other noise cancelling modules have fixed cables, so you’ll have to replace the headphones should the cable get damaged. See More

Top Pro

Integrated microphone

You can take calls with these headphones on. A microphone is integrated into the remote which makes answering calls fast and convenient. See More

Top Pro

Decent active noise cancelling

A good amount of noise will be blocked from mixing in with your music. Loud, low-pitched sounds may still be clearly heard though See More

Top Pro

Compact noise cancelling module

You aren’t likely to have issues using these on the go. Most active noise cancelling in-ear headphones have large control modules, while the K391NC has a fairly compact and light module. You can easily use these headphones while walking and comfortably enjoy active noise cancelling with your music. See More

Top Pro

Fairly detailed and rich sound

The highs are quite detailed, yet do not get harsh. The mids are slightly forward, so vocals and instruments can easily be heard. The bass is not very powerful but is tight, so you’ll get decent punch from your music. See More

Specs

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

18 3

score 34 · Answer 5

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

Top Pro

Fairly neutral sound signature

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

From full charge, users can enjoy 4 to 5 hours of playback. See More

34 0

score 33 · Answer 6

Bragi Dash Pro

Top Pro

Good battery life

Top Con

Wireless signal can cut off from time to time

Music can still cut off or get choppy every few minutes or so, which can get quite annoying. See More

Top Pro

Can be used while swimming

These have an IPX7 rating which makes them fully water resistant up to a certain depth. This is a step-up from other true-wireless earbuds which offer only splash resistance at the most. See More

Top Pro

Songs can be stored in internal memory

Users can store songs in the earbuds' 4GB of internal memory. These songs can also be played using just the earbuds without the need to connect them to a smartphone or music player. See More

Top Pro

Balanced sound signature with natural sounding highs, mids and bass

The highs of these earbuds are clear and airy yet are not harsh. Mids are rich and full, so vocals and guitars wont get lost in the mix. Bass is not boomy, and instead is punchy and controlled and should give good thump. This sound will work well for virtually all types of music, though the Dash Pro is best for those who prefer a natural sound that falls more on the accurate side, instead of really boosted highs or boomy lows. See More

Top Pro

Earpieces have panels for touch/gesture controls

You can swipe or tap on the surface of the earpieces to pause/play music, increase/decrease volume, skip tracks etc. See More

Top Pro

Transparency Mode allows you to hear your surroundings better

In this mode, the built-in microphones will pick up ambient sound and allow you to hear your environment along with your music. Should you want to block out ambient noise, simply swipe on the earpiece to deactivate the mode. See More

Top Pro

Case allows mobile charging

The included case features an internal battery, which can charge the earbuds up to five times. The docks for the earbuds are magnetic and help to ensure proper connection when charging. The exterior of the case is made from aircraft grade aluminum which gives the case a sleek look and extra durability. See More

Specs

Battery Life:5 Hours (Playback)

Connectivity:Bluetooth 4.0

Frequency Response:20 Hz - 20,000 Hz

Water Resistance :IPX7

See All Specs

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

33 0

score 29 · Answer 7

Phiaton BT 100 NC

Top Pro

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

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

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

29 0

score 29 · Answer 8

Plantronics BackBeat Fit

Top Pro

Bluetooth connectivity minimizes the hassle of wires

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

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

29 0

score 25 · Answer 9

Panasonic ErgoFit HJE120

Top Con

Cable tangles easily

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

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

25 0

score 23 · Answer 10

66 Audio BTS Pro

Top Pro

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

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

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

23 0

score 22 · Answer 11

Jaybird X2

Top Pro

Wing tips improve fit

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

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

22 0

score 22 · Answer 12

Beyerdynamic DT990Pro

Top Con

Requires a headphone amp

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

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

22 0

score 22 · Answer 13

Bluedio T4

Top Pro

Great build quality for the price

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

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

22 0

score 21 · Answer 14

Monoprice MHP 839 ( 108323 )

Top Pro

Rich and forward mids with good bass

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

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

21 0

score 19 · Answer 15

Audeze LCD-4

Top Pro

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

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

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

19 0

score 19 · Answer 16

Koss KSC32P FitClips

Top Pro

Bass-focused sound

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 18 · Answer 17

JLab JBuds EPIC

Top Pro

Great for casual music listening and also for sport use

Sound quality is good enough for enjoying a wide variety of music genres. This comes with the advantage of having sport-related features like special tips for improved fit as well as splash resistance. See More

Top Con

Muddy mids

Due to the bass being quite prominent, the mids take a negative hit, as the bass gives the mids a muddy sound. Guitars and male vocals will not sound very clear at times. See More

Top Pro

Produces deep and forward lows complemented by detailed and airy highs

The low end frequencies are what stand out from the sound signature. Bass goes deep and is pretty forward too, so you can clearly hear and experience the thump from your music. The highs are also crisp and airy, giving a lot of detail. This combination results in these headphones having a fun sound. See More

Top Con

Wearing these while on the move can be distracting

When the wires move or brush on your clothes, the rattling sound can be transmitted to the earpieces. This can be quite annoying. See More

Top Pro

In-line remote allows for control of basic phone/player functions

There is a one-button remote which allows you to play/pause tracks as well as answer/end calls. This can be very convenient when used on the go. See More

Top Pro

Stays snug in the ears while you are active

Little rings called "Cush Fins" wrap around the earpieces, and give extra grip, and prevent the pieces from falling out. Also, these Cush Fins are quite soft and flexible so they do not have too much of a negative effect to comfort. See More

Top Pro

In-line remote allows control of basic phone/player functions

There is a one-button remote which allows you to play/pause tracks as well as answer/end calls. This can be very convenient when used on the go. See More

Top Pro

Included carrying case makes these easy to bring on the go

A fairly large, zip up carrying case comes included and should give these extra protection when taken on the go. You can just chuck this case into your bag without worrying about your headphones getting damaged. See More

Not only do these have an IPX5 rating for splash/sweat resistance, but there also is a nano-coating applied to the interior parts. The chances of liquids causing damage to these are substantially minimized. See More

18 0

score 17 · Answer 18

Anker Soundbuds NB10

Top Pro

Great for working out/running

Top Con

Below average sound

Bass is not very powerful, mids are recessed and highs can get harsh. These work okay for casual listening, though if you want detailed sounding or powerful audio then these may not perform well. See More

Top Pro

Filters out noise frequencies

These have active noise cancelling which helps minimize outside noise frequencies that may mix with your music See More

Top Pro

Very snug fit

The Anker NB10 earbuds have plastic hooks that go behind the ear. These help maintain a snug fit and prevent the earbuds from accidentally falling out of the ears. See More

Top Pro

There are playback controls on the earbuds

The playback controls are placed on the earbuds, making it easy to switch tracks and change the volume without having to take out your phone or portable music player. See More

Specs

At it’s standard setting, the Latitude’s audio quality is middle of the road. The bass is not very powerful, the mids are not that forward and the highs have okay clarity. These should perform okay with many types of music, but if you’re a bass lover, then you won’t get the powerful oomph that you may want out of your music. See More

17 0

score 17 · Answer 19

Aukey Latitude Wireless

Top Pro

Decent sound

Top Con

EQ settings may make the sound worse

The on-board EQ settings does give you some options to tweak the sound, but they don’t necessarily make the sound better. The bass boost may make the sound too muddy, while the treble boost can make the audio too tinny and harsh. See More

Top Pro

You get 2 extra EQ settings

You can adjust how the earphones sound using the on-board EQ settings. You get a bass boost mode for more powerful low-end and a treble-boost mode which enhances the highs. See More

Top Pro

Earphones can be clipped around the neck when not used

You can prevent the earphones from bouncing around when they are not in use. There are magnets in the ear pieces so you can clip them around your neck. This also helps minimize the chances of you losing them. See More

Top Pro

These can stay snug in the ears

You can use the Latitude Wireless for brisk walks and runs without them falling off on a frequent basis. They come with wing tips which help keep the ear pieces in place. See More

17 0

score 16 · Answer 20

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7B

Top Pro

Exceptional mic

The microphone has good clarity and can actually be used for tasks other than talking on the phone - like recording podcasts on the go for example. See More

Top Con

Requires an amp for optimal volume/sound quality

If you really want to get the best sound quality as well as volume from these headphones then you will need a decent headphone amp. The impedance of these headphones is quite high at 300 Ohms, so these require a good bit of power to function optimally. See More

Top Pro

Comes with two different cords

One cord comes with an inline mic and with controls, and the other cord is your standard audio cable. This inclusion not only allows you to pick a cable to best suit your use-case for the headphone, but this also ensures that you have a spare cable should one get damaged. See More

Top Con

Can get uncomfortable for people with larger ears

The ear cups of these headphones are quite compact, and may rub against the ears of some users, which can get quite uncomfortable. See More

Top Pro

Good bass reproduction, warm mids and smooth highs

The bass of these headphones is pretty good. Bass drum hits have good power to them, yet they do not muddy up the sound. The mids are warm and forward, and should present vocals and mid-range sounds quite well. The highs do not have a lot of sparkle, but they are clear and present a good level of detail. See More

Top Pro

Can effectively cancel out noise

With these headphones it will be much easier for you to focus on your music, or whatever it is that you are listening to. Combined with the closed back design, airplane/train/bus engine noises are effectively cancelled out. See More

Top Pro

A good number of accessories are included

Along with the two headphone cables, you get a carrying case, an airline adapter and a 6.3mm plug. These should help make the headphones easier to transport and also make them compatible with a wider range of audio sources. See More

Specs