5 Top Earphone Brands That Provide the Best Sound Quality
How to Find the Best Earphone Brands
These days, the market is overflowing with different earphone brands. No matter what the market condition, there are five brands which produce excellent earphones. These five brands manufacture earphones that provide mind-blowing sound quality and are beloved by most music fans. You cannot go wrong with any of these five companies, and they will make your search for great earphones much easier.
Each one of these companies offers a wide variety of products that cover in-ear and over-ear headphones and earphones. For those looking for portability along with great sound quality and bass response, an in-ear headphone or earphone is the way to go. Just keep in mind that earphones go in the ear canal and thus they can cause some discomfort if they do not fit the shape of your ear.
The Following Five Companies Are the Top Earphone Brands:
- Bose
- Sennheiser
- JBL
- Sony
- Skullcandy
What Is the Difference Between Earbuds and Earphones?
Earphones are known as in-ear headphones because they actually go into the ear canal. Earbuds are headphones that rest outside of the ear canal.
1. Bose
When you are looking for the best possible sound quality and craftsmanship, this is the company to go with. Bose has been making high-quality headphones and speaker systems for over five decades, so their reputation is impressive.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality
- Robust design
- Innovative technology
Cons:
- Expensive
- Bulky
2. Sennheiser
This brand is another top player in the earphone industry. Sennheiser earphones are generally moderately priced, and the brand is often preferred by music enthusiasts over other brands. There are some really expensive Sennheiser earphones as well, so if you are a total audiophile, you will find plenty of options to choose from.
Pros:
- Wide dynamic range
- Moderately priced
- Sturdy build quality
- Bulit to last
- Distinct look
Cons:
- Bulky look
- Lack of midrange frequencies
3. JBL
When it comes to earphones, JBL is fantastic too. While the company is primarily known for their high output speaker systems, which are used in concert venues around the world, JBL puts the same kind of precision into their headphones and earphones.
Pros:
- Affordable price range
- Sturdy designs that last for years
Cons:
- Lacks dynamic range
- Average sound quality
4. Sony
As one of the largest corporations in the world, Sony has a strong presence in most categories of electronics, and they have developed an award-winning reputation as the industry standard for earphones.
Pros:
- Diverse amount of products from entry-level to audiophile
- Impeccable quality
- Wide frequency range
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not that portable in comparison to other brands
5. Skullcandy
Skullcandy is another great name in the earphone market. As a newcomer to the world of earphones, the company has been quick to develop plenty of incredible products. Skullcandy has focused in on making earphones that still retain the dynamic range of over-ear headphones, and their products do a great job of this.
Pros:
- Portable
- Eye-catching design
- Good sound quality
- Affordable
Cons:
- Flimsy build
- Prone to breakage
- Lack of bass frequencies
Top Headphone Brands
The above five brands literally rule the earphone/headphone world. There are many other great companies too which make nice earphones, however, none are as great as the above five brands as far as consistency is concerned.
That being said there are some other companies to check out depending on what type of earphone or headphone you are looking to buy. With the shift in focus to noise-canceling and wireless technology, it can be daunting to figure out what to purchase. I have listed some suggestions below.
Best Wireless Earphones
More and more music fans (and podcast listeners) are ditching the clunky wires of traditional headphones for wireless products. In recent years there has been an explosion in wireless earphones, with every big brand making an entry into the world of wireless. Here are five exceptional earphones that are worth checking out.
- Apple Airpods: while they look like regular apple earbuds, these are a big upgrade in sound quality and come with their own convenient charging station. Plenty of great integration with other Apple products makes it easy for Apple owners to integrate the Airpods into their devices seamlessly. The only downside is the design allows a lot of ambient noise into your ear, which detracts from the immersive feel earphones typically provide. Additionally, they are not cheap, but just about every wireless earphone is going to be pricey.
- Sony WF-1000X: Sony's answer to Apple has some really strong things going for it, namely great sound quality and great sound canceling technology. The downside is that the earphones do not fit into everyone's ear and with some ears, they just won't stay in place.
- Samsung Gear IconX: These are the best-fitting of the bunch, and they are designed to more closely resemble the in-ear monitors that professional musicians use while performing on stage. They do not have the same kind of high-end sound as the Sony's, but they still sound excellent. These work better for sports enthusiasts, and they stay in your ear better.
- Jaybird Run: Much like the Samsung model, these earphones are designed to be used in active situations and as such they are sweatproof and have a pretty long battery life. They fit in your ear very well though they can get a bit uncomfortable if you leave them in there for too long.
- Bose SoundSport Free: Like all Bose headphones, these sound incredible, and they offer the best overall sound quality of any of the earphones on this list. They are a bit bulky and they stick out of your ears quite a bit but overall these are worth it.
Best Noise-Canceling Headphones
In 2006 Bose first introduced their groundbreaking Quiet Comfort noise-canceling headphones, which used active noise control to cancel out the ambient noise and give listeners a better listening experience. Since then every major audio company has released similar versions of noise-canceling headphones. These headphones are pricey, and they are not for everyone but for those looking for an unparalleled and distraction-free listening experience, this type of headphone is worth it.
- Beats Studio3 Wireless: While the company has received a lot of flak over the years for shoddy build quality, the latest version of these noise-canceling headphones are superb. They have clearly worked on addressing the sound quality issue as this version is the best-sounding product Beats has put out. Paired with an Apple chip for easy integration and long battery life, these headphones are a great starting point for those interested in getting into the noise-canceling world.
- Sony WH-1000XM2: Sony has done a great job at crafting a set of headphones that offer the same level of sound quality as anything from Bose. Sony has added in some nifty special features as well to make this the go-to headphone for long plane rides. The battery life is excellent, and that makes the WH-1000XM2 one of the top products you can buy when it comes to noise-canceling headphones.
- Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC Wireless: While these headphones do not have the same kind of hype associated with them as other products mentioned in this article, these are a steal and a great entry-level headphone. Significantly cheaper and more portable than the other products on this list, Sennheiser has crafted another solid product. The only real drawback is that these are not as comfortable around your ear, so you may find it difficult to wear them for extended periods of time.
- AKG N60NC Wireless: Sporting a sleek and compact design, these are the best on-ear headphones out there. AKG has improved their noise-canceling technology over the years, and it shows as these headphones are exceptional when it comes to removing ambient noise. On-ear headphones are a bit awkward for some people, but they are more comfortable than traditional over-ear headphones.
- Bose Quiet Comfort 25: Bose's flagship headphone has gotten better, with improved dynamic range and improved ambient noise reduction. Bose has worked on making the Quiet Comfort easier to fold and carry, and the sleeker design still retains the high-quality build that the company is known for. You can't go wrong with these headphones, and if noise-canceling is your thing, it is worth picking up a pair.
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.
Questions & Answers
© 2013 faithshore
Please leave your comment below
what about beats
is there any other comps that werent listed that are popular
apple?
Urbanista? Maybe some more options but it was useful anyway.
Where is Beyerdynamics, Shure, Grade,Audeze, AKG?? The author is a noob..No true audiophile can settle with the above brandd
this is ok
Audio Technica is better than sony and skullcandy
Miss you Sonyericsson ...
have you tried Simply Buds?
I think it Bose, Sony, Sennheiser, Skullcandy and JBL they all are best
But it depends on how much cost
The earphones cost Higher more more best sound quality will be there
I love my JLab earbuds. They are found pretty cheap at local stores for the sound quality they deliver.
skullcandy...is best....it is the modern age ....
where is BoAt and Ship headset
They are talks about commercial level companies. Which is pretty fair enough
If you are talks about Shure and Noble Audio or Audeze earbuds they are pretty expensive for public
Where is philips ?
how about senhiser cx
How come Sennheiser is 2nd?
You know they call it Father of the Modern Sound?
Sennheiser in sound is like Bugatti and Lamburgini in Cars
Auditotechnica is not on top 5? Why?
What about tdk's?
U cannot compromise with skullcandy it's the best
Ur wrong.......
One of best no:1 headphone brand is BEATS... By Dr dre
I am confused which one is the best one..to buy can any one suggest
I had skull candy...but it got fault in couple of month now tring with JBL.....
Um... where's Shure?
Skullcandy, really? :I
Sony
Where is shure in that list? I think they provide much better sound than all of those brand
Audio technica is better and clear sound quality ...than other...
This author is definitely not an audiophile.
I agree with your decision to include Bose at the top of the list, however they are pretty expensive.
The other brands are just hugely marketable companies and hence people like this author knows only about them.
I would advice people to look into brands like RHA and Soundmagic. They offer great earphones at a decent price. And they are made by serious audiophiles.
what about creative..?
What about Shure
Which brand is the best
jbl and sennhiser
I think Sony is the best now..i love sony..Its the best headset brand..
so what about the marshall brand?
Where is audio technica. They are also one of the finest headphones manufacturer.
What about Jabra?
I am Rajesh. I used many more brands like skull candy, sound magic, jbl, Sony, sennheiser. But I really love sennheiser headphones.
It is expensive but that is not a matter here we talk about sound quality only.
Not a loud sound. You are a lover of music means definitely choose sennheiser. Value for money and all headphones comes 2 years of warranty.
Definitely you feel extreme and luxury sound quality.
Only for music lovers.
If you want loud music means choose skull candy.
Simply you want quality sound and price range little bit low compares others means go for Sony.
Low price and get a clear sound to invest to sound magic.
Otherwise jbl is a good brand but can invest more than 3500rs means get a better sound.
Bose is top level one. But that is not for middle level users. That is truly more expensive.
Beats dr. Dre is expensive but that is best for beat sounds only. Like English songs. Lady gaga, arash etc..
I feel
1. Sennheiser
2. Sony
3. Jbl
4. Beats dr. Dre
5. Sound magic
6. Skull candy
Thank you...
Where's Shure?? Or Grado??
Nope - except sennheiser or probably to certain extent bose, all other brands mentioned above gimmick companies cheap products, easily selling in third world countries - India falls prey. One because good sound is not affordable for mass & there is no place where one can try products other than a fee cheap model mentioned above.
Try Audio Technicia, Grado, AKG, Beyer Dynamics. For expensive brands B & O, B&W.
There are some really cheap headphones/ ear pods giving equivalent to expensive names.
senheiser is best
Shure? Beyerdynamics?Grado? Ultrasone?. Except sennheiser, all the brand from this list is just famous and overprice. They are not for audiophiles or studios just for casual consumers.
How about Philips?
JBL Best!!!! great list
what about Audio thecnica
Where is Polk on this list? Their headphones are killer when it comes to clarity. Bose has the best NC hands down but when it comes to performance and clarity, Polk makes them look more like Skullcandy. Which BTW shouldn't be anywhere near this list.
then what about beats
skullcandy are not sustainable. i bought mine and within 3 weeks they broke
What about other companies ,it's like house of marly and beats etc
how about Shure?
lol skullcandy
Tekfusion twinwoofers, this s d best brand. Economical price, best sound quality and most reliable.
LOL BOSE WORTH THE PRICE IS THIS A JOKE ?
Sennheiser is the best of all, not soo expensive, good performance nd built quality
skull is very bad company
i havent had a great experience with skull candy. my earphones soon after the purchase, probably a month from then, were faulty. first the left ear
what about pioneer and panasonic.......?????????
srsly, skullcandy?
For novices, this might help http://bitly.com/1n1IuJN
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