What is the best alternative to Superlux HD 681?

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score 12 · Answer 1

AKG K81 DJ

Top Pro

Full bass with adequate levels of mids and highs

Despite the compact size. the bass is full, has great impact, deep extension yet is not loose. The low end also has a natural quality to it that makes these headphones great for music that is performed using real instruments. The mids are slightly recessed, but also have a natural tone. The highs are the most recessed or rolled-off, but the detail and airiness of the music is not totally absent. This quality helps give the sound a smooth and pleasing tonality. See More

Top Con

On-ear design can still be uncomfortable

While the ear pads are thick and give a lot of cushioning, some may still find this to be uncomfortable. Being on-ear, some pressure is applied onto the ears.Those who are sensitive to this may still feel some discomfort, especially when worn for several hours straight. See More

Top Pro

Ear cups can swivel facing outwards

The K81 can be used “DJ style”, wherein only one ear cup is in contact with the head. The cups have a smooth swivel action so they can be rotated to face outwards. A user can choose to hold one ear cup up to his or her ear while flipping switches or turning knobs on the mix board with the other hand. See More

Top Con

Highs may sound too recessed

People who prefer their music with sparkly highs and utmost clarity likely won't find these headphones to be a good listen. See More

Top Pro

Easy to travel with

While these are already quite compact, the ear cups can be folded into the headband to reduce their size even further. This makes them easy to stuff inside a bag and travel with. See More

Top Con

Lengthy cable can be a hassle

The cable is 2.5m which is fairly long. Since it is not detachable and the cable tends to tangle quite easily, it may cause some problems with regular home use or when taking these headphones on the go. See More

Top Pro

Comfortable to wear even with extended use

The clamping force is not too much at all, so acceptable levels of pressure will be applied on the ears. Also, the ear pads are thick with ample pleather padding on the surface. This combination provides adequate cushioning between the ear cups and sides of the head. See More

Top Pro

Can fit a wide range of head sizes

The aluminum headband itself has some good flex. Combined with the sliding mechanism of the ear cups, K81 can be adjusted to fit a wide range of head sizes. Also notable are the numbered steps on each side of the headband, which allow for accurate and consistent ear cup positioning. See More

Top Pro

Feels high quality

Although it's mostly made of plastic, the materials don't feel cheap at all. Aside from feeling sturdy, the plastics have a smooth rubber coating which makes them feel premium to the touch. Also, the headband is made out of aluminum which is significantly more durable than an all plastic one. See More

Specs

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12 0

score 22 · Answer 2

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 3

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

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21 0

score 29 · Answer 4

Koss PortaPro

Top Pro

Full and warm sound despite the small size

The drivers may be small and thin, but there is good bass presence.. The mid-range may not be the most detailed, but there is a smoothness to it that gives the sound a warm and pleasing quality. There is a slight roll-off to the high frequencies yet detail and extension is still good . Overall, these headphones can give a fun listening experience that can work well with all genres of music. See More

Top Con

Danger for hair

Hair tends to get snagged on the metal headband which can get quite uncomfortable. See More

Top Pro

Lifetime warranty

Koss provides a lifetime warranty for these headphones. See More

Top Con

Not much power to the sound

If you are looking for headphones that offer a lot of thump and a lot of detail then these are not for you. The headphone drivers are too small for big and detail-rich sound. See More

Top Pro

Can be folded down to a very compact size

The ear cups can be folded into the headband. This further reduces its already slim design into something that is much more compact. When folded down, these headphones can easily fit in small bags. See More

Top Pro

Can accommodate a wide range of head sizes

The headband can easily be adjusted to fit a user's head. The assembly features sliding metal pieces which can easily be set to fit small to large heads. See More

Top Pro

ComfortZone system allows extra fit customization

Aside from headband adjustment, users can also adjust the clamping force of the ear cups using the Comfort Zone system. This changes how secure the ear cups attach to the headband, which results in either a loose or tight clamp. See More

Top Pro

Can turn heads due to their retro design

These are eye-catching headphones because of their retro design. The unusual shape of the driver case and the blue accents definitely make these look unique. See More

Top Pro

Has a durable and reliable feel

These headphones may look thin and flimsy, but are actually much more durable than their look suggests. The headband is made out of metal and can take some flex without snapping. The plastics used also exude a quality feel. See More

Top Pro

Carrying pouch makes these easy to travel with

When used on the go, these headphones get extra protection from the included carrying pouch. This pouch looks simple and is made out of pleather, which should protect these headphones from scratches. See More

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29 1

score 25 · Answer 5

Jabra Move Wireless

Top Pro

Warm sound with good low-end punch

The highs of these headphones are not very bright or airy, but still present a good level of detail. The mids are slightly recessed, but vocals can still be easily heard. The bass reproduction however is what makes these shine, as there is very good depth and power. Bass-heads will very likely love this sound signature. See More

Top Con

Clamping force may cause discomfort

The firm clamping force combined with the on-ear design can put quite a bit of pressure on the ears. This can result in some discomfort when these are worn for extended periods. See More

Top Pro

Stable Bluetooth connectivity

The wireless connection is very good for a budget pair. While the range isn't too far, connection stability is pretty good. This is a significant improvement compared to other budget wireless headphones that may have frequent signal drops. See More

Top Pro

Clamping force is quite firm

The firm clamp means the Move Wireless will stay in place, even if you move a lot like when running or working out. See More

Specs

Type:On/Over-Ears

25 1

score 80 · Answer 6

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

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80 3

score 5 · Answer 7

Panasonic RP-HTX7

Top Pro

Forward highs and ample bass

The highs stand out from the overall sound. They are quite forward and come with a lot of clarity. This quality makes it very easy for listeners to hear the details of the music. While the bass is not that powerful, it has good presence and gives the music a full feel. See More

Top Con

Treble can be too bright

The treble can come off as quite harsh for some people. Others may prefer this due to the detail and clarity that is added to the music. Those who are sensitive to washy or zingy highs may find this to be quite distracting if not uncomfortable to listen to. See More

Top Pro

Very good sound isolation

The closed back ear cups effectively keep sound in and the noise out,. You can use these in quiet places without sound leaks disturbing others, or use these in noisy areas to isolate yourself. See More

Top Con

Bass may be inadequate for some

While the bass output may be enough for most genres, bass heads may find it lacking power and thump. See More

Top Pro

Not tiring to wear

Weighing just 154 g, wearing these won't strain your head and neck. They're also rather small, making it a good option for mobile and travel use. See More

Top Con

Not travel friendly

These headphones don't fold, so they are a little bit more difficult to travel with. See More

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Type:On/Over-Ears

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5 0

score 1 · Answer 8

Sennheiser HD 201

Top Con

Does not effectively block outside noise

Despite the closed back design, there is still a fair amount of noise that can mix with the music . This can have a negative impact to your listening experience, especially when you are in a noisy environment. See More

Top Pro

Ample padding on the ear pads make these comfortable to use

Both the ear pads and headband have a good amount of foam in them, which results in adequate cushioning. They're quite comfortable even if you've been using them for several hours straight. See More

Top Con

Build quality feels flimsy

The HD 201 has a lot of flex and also tends to make rattling noises when held or moved. This can be attributed to the cheap plastic used in the build. See More

Top Pro

Good detail on the highs and mids

The sound is fairly balanced and can work well with most music genres. The highs and mids have good presence. Although they are not that clear, there is still an acceptable level of detail to them. The bass is not impactful but it does have some depth and helps give a fuller feel to the overall sound signature. See More

Top Con

Can get warm around the ears and on the head

The synthetic leather on the ear pads and head band prevents airflow around the ears. This causes warmth to build-up quickly. See More

Top Pro

Lightweight

These are actually pretty light weight for over the ear headphones. The HD 201 will not cause unnecessary strain to your neck, even if worn continuously for extended periods. See More

Top Con

Very long, non-removable cable

The cable also easily tangles and can make the headphones difficult to store/organize. See More

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Type:On/Over-Ears

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1 0

score 34 · Answer 9

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 10

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

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29 0

score 29 · Answer 11

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

True Wireless:No

Playtime Per Charge:8h

Total Playtime:8h

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29 0

score 8 · Answer 12

Sennheiser HD 202 II

Top Pro

Good sounding bass with okay detail on the highs and mids

As expected of their price, these headphones are not able to deliver a lot of detail, clarity or accuracy in terms of the sound but they're still quite fun to listen to. There is a slight accentuation on the bass which gives it oomph and presence but is not overpowering. Mids on these headphones are recessed, but are still able to present a good rendering of vocals and guitars. The highs are not very detailed, which means that you will miss some of the more intricate sounds from the music, but they are good enough that the overall sound does not come off as too muddy. See More

Top Con

Ear cup height adjustment is quite limited

The ear cups are attached to a fixed head band, with a ball socket as the connection. Users then move the ear cups up and down the stationary head band. Available adjustment is quite limited though, so these headphones may not be suitable for individuals with bigger sized heads. See More

Top Pro

Decent all-plastic build quality

Although it's made entirely of plastic, it does not feel cheap at all. The plastics used are of good quality. They can take a significant amount of flex with no signs of breaking. See More

Top Con

Very long, fixed cable

The cable is around 10 feet long. While this can be a good thing for certain uses, the long cable can get tangled up pretty easily and can get quite difficult to manage if you decide to take these on the go. The included cable organizer can help mitigate the problem, but some might find it fiddly to use. See More

Top Pro

Can isolate sound well

With the closed back design, very minimal sound can seep into your music. Likewise, sound leakage is kept to a minimum so you won't be disturbing others near you with your music. See More

Top Con

Ear cups are quite small

Despite being labeled as over-ear headphones, the cups are actually quite small. If you have larger ears, it is possible that these will fit a little too tightly, if not rest on your ears completely, which you may find uncomfortable. See More

Top Pro

Comfortable to wear for hours straight

The 202 II's are really light so you can wear these headphones for longer periods without neck fatigue. See More

Top Con

Strong clamping force may cause discomfort

These press down on the head pretty tight, which some might find uncomfortable. With regular use and some stretching of the headband however, it is possible that the clamping force will loosen up over time, resulting in a much more comfortable fit. See More

Specs

Weight:130g

Type:Over-ear / Closed-back

8 3

score 25 · Answer 13

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

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25 0

score 25 · Answer 14

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

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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

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23 0

score 22 · Answer 16

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

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score 22 · Answer 17

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

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score 19 · Answer 18

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

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score 19 · Answer 19

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

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score 18 · Answer 20

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

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