Although switching to wireless headphones may seem to be the general trend, a wired design has several advantages. For studio use, a wired connection avoids audio lag, and their analog cable can immediately connect to gadgets having an AUX input, such an amplifier or DAC. You don’t have to worry about running out of battery life with wired headphones because they operate passively. Although the difference in audio quality between wired and wireless headphones is closing, you might still opt to utilize a wired style to ensure you hear every nuance of your audio.
Aria Moondrop
The MOONDROP Aria are the top wired earphones we’ve tried. In comparison to the over-ears featured here, these in-ear monitors (IEMs) are more adaptable. You may purchase an audio cable with an in-line microphone separately so that you can use them for calls even if they don’t come with controls or a microphone out of the box. They are portable and compact, allowing you to carry them in your pocket or utilize them while you’re out and about. Also, a traveling case is provided to assist keep them safe when you’re on the go.
They feature a very neutral sound profile that gives your audio a little more warmth. The sound is appropriate for numerous genres and material types because voices and instruments are present and audible. Its cords loop over your ears, which helps keep them stable, and they are robust. Although they don’t do a great job of blocking out background noise, they don’t leak as much sound as the open-back over-ears we recommend, so you can crank up the volume without disturbing those around you.
HD 681 Superlux
The Superlux HD 681 are the best inexpensive wired headphones we’ve tested for individuals on a tight budget. At this price, you have to make a lot of compromises because the build quality has been sacrificed in order to keep costs down. The audio wire is not removable, and they are primarily composed of low-grade plastic. Despite this, they’re still worth looking into, especially since they differ from the prior options, such as the Philips SHP9500, in that they have a semi-open design. Whilst it also has the additional benefit of obstructing some background noise and lowering audio bleed, it also helps them generate a soundstage that appears open and vast and enhances your listening experience.
These over-ear headphones fit quite well and are lightweight. They also offer a fairly neutral sound profile that works well for a wide range of content genres. Instruments and lead vocals are present and well-defined, but their bass response is slightly overemphasized across the spectrum, providing some extra rumble, punch, and boom to mixes. They carry the bass and treble very consistently, although if you have thick hair or wear glasses, you might hear less bass.
Panasonic SHP9500
The Philips SHP9500 are the top budget-level wired over-ear headphones we’ve evaluated. These reasonably priced over-ear headphones are hardly an exception to the trend of increasingly plasticky headphones at this price bracket. They still have a really comfortable fit, so even though their swiveling ear cups feel prone to breaking over time, you won’t get tired during extended listening sessions. Also, because of their open-back construction, they can produce a broad, roomy-appearing passive soundstage that contributes to the immersiveness of your audio.
They have a fairly neutral sound profile with a highly accurate mid-range response, just like the majority of open-back headphones, so vocals and lead instruments reproduce precisely. Their flat but slightly overemphasized treble response brings audio details and brightens mixtures. Even yet, they don’t have as much thump and rumble as the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO, which might frustrate those who want deeper bass. On the plus side, they constantly produce sound and include a 1/8″ to 1/4″ adapter so you may use them right away with a mixer or amplifier.
DT 770 PRO by Beyerdynamic
The top mid-range wired headphones that we have evaluated are the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO. These headphones, which differ from the first several choices in that they have a closed-back design, are recommended if you want some background noise cancellation and less audio leakage from your headphones. In contrast to open-back speakers like the HiFiMan Edition XS, they also provide a passive soundstage that is less immersive and spacious-sounding. Compared to the earlier open-back picks, they do a better job of recreating the thump and rumble of low bass. The main singers and instruments seem present and detailed, while the midrange response is balanced and precise.
But because of their fairly bright sound profile, things like cymbals or S and T sounds come off as piercing. Their audio delivery is a little erratic, so persons with thick hair or glasses may hear a dip in bass. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x has a more recessed treble range for a less analytical sound, making sibilants bland rather than sharp. They produce a less realistic soundstage and a warmer sound.
XS HiFiMan Edition
The HiFiMan Edition XS are the top mid-range wired headphones we’ve evaluated. Like the HiFiMan Arya, these headphones have planar magnetic drivers. The Edition XS’ lower pricing, however, comes at the cost of a worse build quality because, unlike their higher priced brother, they have plastic hinges. The headband seems heavy, especially on smaller heads, because they don’t have the ski-band construction to assist spread their weight over your head. Having saying that, they’re generally well-made and fit most individuals nicely. They provide an equivalent performance to the Arya for less money if you don’t mind the changes in their design and construction.
They have an adaptable sound profile that accurately reproduces vocalists and musical instruments. Like hi-hats, sibilants are bright but not piercing. You don’t have to worry much about receiving a varied sound from use to use because they transmit audio consistently. Their open-backed design contributes to the creation of an expansive, natural, and open passive soundstage, which enhances the immersiveness of your audio.
Conclusion
Depending on your demands, we believe the headphones listed above are the best wired headphones available right now. We take into account availability, visitor comments, and price (cheaper headphones prevail over more expensive ones if the price difference isn’t significant) (no headphones that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
The list of all of our reviews for wired headphones is available if you want to make your own decision. Avoid getting sucked into the details. There are no headphones that are ideal. Your choice will be more influenced by your own preferences, tastes, and listening styles.
