The field of the manufacture of headphones is awash with numerous players. Each year, they produce and deliver to the market many headphones. It is necessary to know more about them, what they stand for, and their potential benefits. It is only then that it may be possible to choose the right one.
We have sampled perhaps 18 of the best headphone brands as of the year 2023. Our discussions below are centered on their finer details, what makes them tick, and the outstanding features of the headphones they produce. Before we get there, let’s explain how to rank those brands for you. Let’s get started!
How do we rank the headphone brands?
In terms of ranking, we want the customers to choose based on their needs and the budgets available. To achieve this, we have ranked the brands based on specific factors. We conducted a comprehensive study based on several criteria to determine the top headphone brands.
We realize that some of these factors are subjective, but we have done our best to streamline the results in such a manner as to reflect the general opinion. The factors are as follows:
Price: One of the major factors we considered in ranking these brands is their price or value for money. We realize that the buyer’s relationship with a particular brand is not dependent on mere price, but it is also crucial to provide value for money.
Ratings: Some brands are not popular and so do not have the capital to invest in marketing. They rely on word of mouth, positive customer reviews, and third-party ratings to make their presence felt.
Headphones In Stores: To know how popular a particular headphone brand is, it is important to know how many brands can be found in the stores.
Quality of Sound: A lot of buyers out there care about nothing but the quality of sound. It is necessary to get the right mix, especially considering that there are individuals who like bass or treble more than others.
Warranty and Service: It is good to know that a headphone brand is doing things the right way. They should be willing to offer a warranty and great customer service. We also considered the number of service centers available for those brands.
18 Most popular & best headphone brands
Lets now get into the list of top brands and subsequently sub-brands.
#1. Sennheiser Consumer Audio
Sennheiser is a German brand that specializes in the manufacture of audio equipment. The company has been around for over sixty years and is currently the largest headphone manufacturer in Europe. One thing that makes them stand out from the rest is their wide range of headphones. They have over twenty brands to address various applications, tastes, and budgets.
Sennheiser has over fifty service centers in the United States of America alone, making them one of the most accessible brands in the market. They have a large catalog of over fifty headphone models to choose from. Sennheiser has a wide range of products that appeals to the general public. Their headphones are relatively cheap, and they often occupy a large percentage of the headphone market here in America. Sennheiser offers a wide range of headphones that spans numerous brands.
#2. JBL
JBL is a brand of audio equipment that has its headquarters in Los Angeles, California. The company was founded in 1946, and over the years, they have grown to be one of the largest audio equipment manufacturers in the world. They specialize in everything from marine, automotive, professional, and home audio equipment.
JBL is known for its diverse range of products, from home audio systems to professional studio equipment. They cover over ten product categories, and it is common to find a JBL product in almost every market. They have over five hundred employees spread across the world and around fifty service centers in America alone. JBL headphones come in different shapes and sizes, catering to every need. Their products are not only durable but also aesthetically pleasing.
#3. Bose
Bose is an American audio equipment brand specializing in speakers, home theatre systems, and noise-cancelling headphones. The company was founded in 1964 and so far has developed a large fan following. The company has over five hundred employees and operates out of Massachusetts. They are widely considered to be a pioneer in the noise-cancelling headphone market.
Bose offers some of the best noise cancelling headphones at a very reasonable price. The company has a wide range of products to offer and covers over ten product categories. From home audio systems to professional studio monitors, Bose has it all.
#4. Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica is a Japanese audio equipment brand specializing in headphones, microphones, and wireless transmission systems. The company was founded in 1962, and over the years, they have grown to become one of the largest audio equipment manufacturers in Japan. Since it was founded, Audio-Technica has been involved in many projects, from concerts to sporting events. They have over two thousand employees and operate out of three different countries.
Audio-Technica has a large number of headphones to offer. They have over sixty product models that span different price points and ranges. Their products are reliable and of high quality. The brand has a wide selection of wireless headphones to select from, which is why they are one of the world’s best wireless headphone brands. Although they don’t come with high-quality noise cancelling technology, Audio-Technica makes up for it with their sound quality.
#5. Skullcandy
Skullcandy is a brand of audio equipment based in the United States that specializes in headphone production. The company was founded in 2003, and its headquarters is in Park City, Utah. They have numerous products to offer, and their main product line is headphones.
Skullcandy’s headphones are not just aesthetically pleasing but also very durable. They have over fifteen product models to choose from. Skullcandy mainly offers earphones and on-ear headphones. They have some of the best in-ear models available at affordable prices.
#6. Beyerdynamic
Beyerdynamic is a German brand of headphones that specializes in professional studio equipment. The company was founded in 1924 and has its headquarters in Heusenstamm, Germany. Beyerdynamic has a very diverse range of products to offer that covers over ten product categories. They have over six hundred employees and operate out of five different countries. What makes Beyerdynamic’s products stand out is not only their design but also their high quality and durability.
Beyerdynamic is well known for their headphones that have excellent sound quality at a very reasonable price. The brand offers over twenty different headphone models to choose from. Beyerdynamic headphones offer excellent sound quality and are definitely worth their price tag. Their line of noise cancelling headphone models are some of the best you can get.
#7. Sony
Sony is a Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation that specializes in the manufacture of electronics, gaming consoles, and entertainment. The company was founded in 1946 and has its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Sony has a large number of product categories that include consumer and professional electronics for home entertainment.
Over the years, Sony has grown to become one of the biggest and most influential electronics manufacturers in Japan, if not in the world. Their products range from home appliances, cameras, camcorders, and professional audio equipment for studios. Sony even offers their own line of noise cancelling headphones that come at a very reasonable price.
#8. Beats By Dre
Beats by Dre is a brand of headphones founded in 2008 by hip-hop artist Dr. Dre and music producer Jimmy Iovine. The company was founded in 2006 and has its headquarters in Santa Monica, California. Beats By Dre only has one main product line that is their line of headphones called Beats.
Beats by Dre is well known for its high-end, expensive, and stylish headphones that offer excellent sound quality. Although they aren’t the best when it comes to price range, their headphones are perfect for those who prefer a more stylish and aesthetically pleasing headphones. Their headphones range from thirty to a hundred dollars and offer excellent sound quality for the price they are worth.
#9. AKG
AKG was founded in 1947 and specialized in the manufacturing of consumer and professional audio equipment. The company has its headquarters in Vienna, Austria. AKG has a wide range of product categories that include microphones, headphones, and wireless audio equipment.
AKG is well known for their mid-range professional studio equipment that offers great sound quality and durability. The company’s line of noise-canceling headphones is one of their best offerings when it comes to consumer headphones. They offer over ten different headphone models that vary in price and offer excellent sound quality for the price they are worth.
#10. Shure
Shure is an audio equipment manufacturing company that specializes in microphones, wireless microphone systems, and headphones. The company was founded in Chicago in 1925 and currently operates out of Illinois. Shure has a wide range of products that include headphones, professional and consumer microphones, wireless systems, mixers, and audio monitors.
Shure’s line of over-ear headphones is one of their best for professional studio equipment for recording music. They offer over ten different headphone models that come in at a fairly reasonable price for the quality they offer. The company’s noise-canceling headphones are best for studio use as they block out outside noise, which allows the user to focus on recording without any distractions.
#11. Bowers & Wilkins
Bowers and Wilkins is an audio equipment manufacturing company that specializes in consumer electronics for the home entertainment market. The company was founded in 1966 and currently operates out of the United Kingdom. Bowers and Wilkins only has one main product line that is their line of headphones called Zeppelin.
The Zeppelin line of headphones is their high-end and most expensive headphone offering. They are geared towards the consumer market with a preference for style and aesthetics. Bowers and Wilkins offers over eight different headphone models varying in price and style that offer excellent sound quality for the price they are worth.
#12. Grado Labs
Grado Labs is a small family-run audio equipment manufacturing company specializing in producing headphones, phono cartridges, and accessories for the consumer and professional audio equipment market. The company was founded in 1953 by Joseph Grado and currently operates out of New York.
Grado Labs is well known for their line of closed-back and open-backed headphones that offer a very high sound quality. Their headphones are well known in the hip-hop community, with performers such as Dr. Dre using their products on a regular basis.
#13. Jabra
Jabra is a telecommunications and electronics company that specializes in the production of wireless devices for mobile communication. The company was founded in Denmark in 1966 and has its headquarters in Denmark. Jabra has two main product lines that include their line of headsets and headphones.
Jabra is well known for their line of professional quality headphones that are geared for the consumer market. Their line of noise-cancelling headphones offer a great sound quality and construction that is durable for the price they are worth. They offer over twelve different headphone models that vary in price and construction that offer excellent sound quality for the price they are worth.
#14. Klipsch
Klipsch is a consumer audio equipment manufacturing company that specializes in the production of loudspeakers, soundbars, and headphones. The company was founded in Hope, Arkansas, in 1946 and currently operates out of the USA. Klipsch has several different product lines that include a line of headphones called Heritage Headphones.
Klipsch is well known for their line of professional quality headphones that are geared towards the consumer market. Their product warranty is one of the best in the industry and offers a great sound quality for the price you are paying.
#15. Audeze
Audeze is an American company that produces planar magnetic headphones. The company was founded in 2008 and currently operates out of California, USA. Audeze has two main product lines that include their line of headphones and planar magnetic speakers.
Audeze is well known for producing high-end planar magnetic headphones. They offer a high-quality headphone that is geared towards professionals who are looking for higher quality sound and are willing to pay a hefty price for their products. They offer several different headphone models that vary in quality and sound depending on the consumer’s preferences.
#16. Jaybird
Jaybird is a company that specializes in the production of Bluetooth wireless technology that is used for personal audio products. The company was founded in 2007 and currently operates out of California. Jaybird has two main product lines that include their line of headsets and earbuds.
Jaybird is recognized for its Bluetooth wireless earbuds intended for athletes and the active consumer market, which include them in the best Bluetooth headphone brands. They offer various products that target specific consumers and offer a great sound quality for the price you are paying.
#17. Logitech
Logitech is a Swiss consumer electronics company that specializes in the production of accessories and peripherals. The company was founded in 1981 and currently operates out of Switzerland. Logitech has several different product lines that include their line of headsets and speakers.
Logitech is well known for producing affordable accessories that are geared towards the consumer market. They offer several different products that vary in price and construction quality depending on the product line they are from. Their earbuds and headsets are geared towards the average consumer who wants a high-quality sound at an affordable price.
#18. Ultrasone
Ultrasone is a German company that specializes in the production of headphones. The company was founded in 1997 and currently operates out of Germany. Ultrasone has three main product lines that include their line of headphones and earbuds.
Ultrasone is well known for producing high-quality headphones and earbuds. They offer a line of professional-grade headphones that are geared towards professionals who want high-end sound quality for an affordable price. Their headphones are known for their quality construction and sound that is hard to find in other models.
Frequently asked questions
i. Which are the best over-ear headphone brands?
Answer: Although the headphone market is pretty big nowadays, with all kinds of headphones you can find on the shelves, there are a few companies that manage to stand out for their quality. We made a shortlist of the best over ear headphones brands for you to better identify the top brands.
1. Shure: The first great over-ear headphone brand is Shure. Why? Because of all the performance, we can get from their headphones at a very good price. They are usually a little expensive, but they make up for that with the value and quality you get.
2. Sennheiser: The second over-ear headphone brand, in our opinion it’s Sennheiser which, just like Shure, has been known in the audio-world for a very long time. We really like them because they have all kinds of headphones covering all budgets and tastes.
3. Beyerdynamic: The third number is Beyerdynamic, our favorite of the budget headphones in general. They are simply amazing in all the ranges, and you can always expect great value for your money.
4. AKG: We also have AKG, which is a Harman brand. The same company that bought JBL. These headphones are simply amazing in the low ranges and with a great response all around, although we wouldn’t recommend them for the casual listener.
5. Bose: Finally, the last brand we have on our list is Bose. This is because Bose has been creating headphones for a very long time, and they are known to be one of the best in terms of noise canceling headphones. They are not the best in all genres, but they have very good sound isolation, which is a big plus if you listen to music in a very noisy place. Their over-ear headphones are also really comfortable and light.
ii. Which are the best earbuds brands?
Answer: Earphones or earbuds have become an essential part, a device that we cannot imagine living without them. The brand can be a model and specification, but to a large extent, we often do not tend to talk about the brands. We only express our satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the reviews, and perhaps some of us have had to face a bad experience with them. That’s why we want to explain you the best earphones brands collected from a variety of sources.
1) Shure: Shure has become famous for the quality of its products, and recently they launched the SE range to start a new chapter in their history. They have updated the design of these earphones to suit the tastes of young people, and they have managed to improve their sound quality.
2) Klipsch: The American brand has a long tradition in manufacturing speakers and other sound equipment. Their earbuds are mainly aimed at the hi-fi market, and that means they can offer exceptional sound quality.
3) Beats: The American brand has managed to establish itself as the third best earbuds manufacturer in the world. They have received many awards for their products, and their products are known worldwide.
4) Sennheiser: The German company has great experience in the field of sound, and they have accumulated a lot of know-how. Their products are used by professionals in their work, and this helps them design high-quality devices.
5) Jaybird: The company is mainly focused on the sports area, and they have managed to succeed by creating products with long battery life. Their designs are also very modern.
iii. Which are the best gaming headset brand?
Answer: The headset market is pretty crowded, with many different brands and offers available that keep gaming enthusiasts heads spinning. But when it comes to top names, it is also a question of personal preference. Here is a list of some of the most popular gaming headset brands, which are well-known among gamers.
1)HyperX: HyperX is a sub-brand of Kingston Technology, the world’s largest independent memory manufacturer. HyperX has evolved in recent years to become its own division and is now one of the largest gaming accessory companies in the world. Despite being known for high-end memory products, HyperX has also branched out to headsets, keyboards, mice, and mouse mats. Its products can be found in most large retailers in the western world, such as Amazon.
2)Razer: Razer is known as a company that focuses on producing high-end gaming products, from keyboards and headsets to mice and mats. In recent years they have also developed their own smartphone, the Razer Phone, which has become quite popular thanks to its 120 Hz display. Razer’s products are produced in a factory in California, where most of them are also assembled by hand. So you can be sure that every product is of very high quality. Razer’s headsets are also used by many professional gamers, which speaks for their quality and reliability.
3)SteelSeries: SteelSeries is a Danish manufacturer best known for its gaming peripherals, such as mice, keyboards, and headsets. SteelSeries mainly develops products for PC gaming but also has experience in the console market. As a result, they have created headsets that can be used on both Xbox One and PS4, which is quite unique. They also have a decent range of headsets that are designed specifically for mobile gaming on Android devices.
4)Turtle Beach: Turtle beach is a US-based company that manufactures headsets and accessories for several platforms such as Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Turtle beach headsets are often used by professional gamers in e-sports events. They have recently also launched a range of wireless headsets for Nintendo Switch, which are made specifically for the console. Turtle Beach also has a few “soundcard” products available that you can connect to a PC or laptop.
5)Astro: Astro is a brand that has been on the market for quite a while. It gained its fame by creating headsets specifically designed for professional gamers, which have been used in major e-sports tournaments. Astro has now developed a range of headsets for every budget, and they definitely have some very affordable options if you are looking for a decent headset but don’t want to spend much money.
The final words
When it comes to finding affordable headphones, not all of them are worth your money. Some headphones offer a great quality sound at an affordable price, while others deliver a sub-par sound quality that is not even worth the price they are at. It is up to you, as a consumer, to find a product that delivers high-quality sound at an affordable price.
I hope this article was helpful! If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments down below. Thank you!
