The world of audio technology is constantly evolving, with new innovations and advancements emerging regularly. But while wireless headphones have become increasingly popular, wired headphones still hold their own in the audiophile community, offering a dedicated listener a unique combination of sound quality, affordability, and convenience. In this article, we'll delve into the best wired headphones available in 2024, exploring the features, benefits, and drawbacks of each model to help you find the perfect pair for your needs.
Why Choose Wired Headphones?
Before diving into the best wired headphones for 2024, let's consider the advantages of choosing this type of audio device.
- Uninterrupted Audio: Wired headphones eliminate the dreaded latency issues that can plague wireless connections, ensuring a seamless and lag-free listening experience. This is particularly crucial for gamers, video editors, and anyone who needs precise audio synchronization.
- Lower Latency: Latency is a crucial factor for gamers and those who require real-time audio. Wired headphones have zero latency, meaning the sound you hear is perfectly synchronized with the source, offering a seamless and immersive experience.
- Superior Sound Quality: Many audiophiles believe that wired headphones offer superior sound quality, with less compression and distortion compared to their wireless counterparts. This is because the signal is directly transmitted from the source to the headphones, without any interruptions or interference.
- Longer Battery Life: Wired headphones eliminate the need for batteries, allowing you to enjoy hours of uninterrupted listening without worrying about running out of juice. This is a major advantage for those who listen to music or podcasts for extended periods.
- Affordable Options: Wired headphones are generally more affordable than wireless options, offering a wide range of choices at various price points to suit different budgets.
Top Wired Headphones for 2024
Here is a detailed look at the top-rated wired headphones available in 2024, categorized by type and price range.
Best Overall Wired Headphones
Sennheiser HD 660 S
- Price: $499
- Sound Signature: Neutral and balanced
- Frequency Response: 10Hz-41kHz
- Impedance: 150 ohms
- Connectivity: 3.5mm jack
The Sennheiser HD 660 S is a highly regarded pair of wired headphones that delivers exceptional sound quality and a comfortable listening experience. They are known for their balanced sound signature, delivering crisp highs, rich midranges, and powerful bass. These headphones excel in musical detail and clarity, making them an excellent choice for audiophiles and music enthusiasts.
What Makes the Sennheiser HD 660 S So Special?
The HD 660 S uses a high-quality open-back design, allowing for a spacious soundstage and accurate audio reproduction. This means you can hear the nuances and details of your favorite songs with incredible clarity. The headphones also feature Sennheiser's signature earcups, which are designed for maximum comfort and isolation from external noise.
Key Features:
- Open-Back Design: The open-back design allows for a wider soundstage and a more realistic listening experience, enhancing the separation of instruments and vocals.
- High-Quality Drivers: The HD 660 S uses 38mm drivers with a large neodymium magnet system, providing excellent sensitivity and a wide frequency range.
- Lightweight and Comfortable: These headphones are lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods, making them suitable for long listening sessions.
- High Impedance: The HD 660 S has a high impedance rating, requiring an external amplifier for optimal performance.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality with a balanced and neutral sound signature.
- Comfortable and lightweight design.
- Open-back design for a spacious soundstage and accurate sound reproduction.
- High-quality build and materials.
Cons:
- High impedance requires a dedicated amplifier.
- Not as portable as closed-back headphones.
- Can be affected by external noise.
Who Should Consider the Sennheiser HD 660 S?
This model is an excellent choice for audiophiles, music producers, and anyone who prioritizes sound quality over portability. The open-back design, balanced sound signature, and exceptional detail retrieval make these headphones perfect for critical listening and enjoying music in its purest form.
Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO
- Price: $199
- Sound Signature: Bright and detailed
- Frequency Response: 5Hz-35kHz
- Impedance: 250 ohms
- Connectivity: 3.5mm jack
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO is another highly regarded wired headphone option, renowned for its open-back design and impressive sound quality. They offer a bright and detailed sound signature, emphasizing the high frequencies, making them well-suited for listening to genres with rich treble content, such as classical music or electronic music.
What Makes the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Stand Out?
The DT 990 PRO utilizes a breathable, lightweight design with comfortable earcups, allowing for extended listening sessions without discomfort. They feature an open-back design that enhances the soundstage and offers a more immersive audio experience.
Key Features:
- Open-Back Design: The open-back design contributes to a wider soundstage and a more natural audio experience.
- High-Quality Drivers: The headphones are equipped with 45mm drivers, delivering powerful bass and detailed treble.
- Lightweight and Comfortable: They are known for their lightweight design and breathable earcups, ensuring comfort during extended listening sessions.
- High Impedance: The DT 990 PRO requires an external amplifier for optimal performance.
Pros:
- Bright and detailed sound signature, particularly emphasizing the treble.
- Open-back design for a wider soundstage and a more immersive listening experience.
- Comfortable and lightweight design.
- High-quality build and materials.
Cons:
- High impedance requires an external amplifier.
- Not as portable as closed-back headphones.
- Can be affected by external noise.
Who Should Consider the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO?
This model is ideal for those who enjoy bright and detailed audio, particularly with genres like classical music, electronic music, or acoustic music. The open-back design and wide soundstage offer a truly immersive and engaging listening experience.
Best Wired Headphones for Bass
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Price: $149
- Sound Signature: Warm and bass-heavy
- Frequency Response: 15Hz-28kHz
- Impedance: 38 ohms
- Connectivity: 3.5mm jack
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a popular choice for music enthusiasts seeking a powerful bass response without compromising overall sound quality. They are known for their warm and bass-heavy sound signature, perfect for genres like hip-hop, electronic music, and rock.
What Makes the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x So Popular?
The ATH-M50x is a versatile headphone model known for its comfort, durability, and impressive sound quality. The headphones are designed for both studio and personal use, and their comfortable earcups make them suitable for long listening sessions.
Key Features:
- Closed-Back Design: The closed-back design provides excellent noise isolation, ideal for blocking out external distractions.
- High-Quality Drivers: The headphones are equipped with 45mm drivers, delivering powerful bass and detailed highs.
- Comfortable and Durable: They are known for their comfortable earcups and durable construction, suitable for everyday use.
- Wide Frequency Response: The ATH-M50x has a wide frequency response, capable of reproducing a wide range of audio frequencies.
Pros:
- Powerful bass response without sacrificing clarity.
- Comfortable and durable design.
- Closed-back design provides good noise isolation.
- Affordable price.
Cons:
- Can sound slightly muddy in the midrange.
- Not as detailed as some open-back headphones.
Who Should Consider the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x?
This model is ideal for those who enjoy bass-heavy music, such as hip-hop, electronic music, and rock. The ATH-M50x offers a comfortable and durable design with excellent sound quality at an affordable price point.
Sennheiser Momentum 2 Wired
- Price: $199
- Sound Signature: Balanced with a strong bass presence
- Frequency Response: 16Hz-22kHz
- Impedance: 18 ohms
- Connectivity: 3.5mm jack
The Sennheiser Momentum 2 Wired headphones are a popular choice for those seeking a balance between bass and clarity. They offer a powerful bass response without sacrificing detail or overall sound quality.
What Makes the Sennheiser Momentum 2 Wired Stand Out?
These headphones feature a sleek and stylish design, making them a great option for those who appreciate both sound quality and aesthetics. The headphones are also very comfortable to wear, thanks to their plush earcups and adjustable headband.
Key Features:
- Closed-Back Design: The closed-back design provides good noise isolation, ideal for blocking out external distractions.
- High-Quality Drivers: The headphones are equipped with 40mm drivers, delivering rich and detailed audio with a strong bass presence.
- Stylish Design: They have a premium and stylish design, making them a fashionable choice.
- Comfortable and Durable: These headphones are designed for comfort and durability, thanks to their plush earcups and sturdy construction.
Pros:
- Balanced sound signature with powerful bass.
- Comfortable and stylish design.
- Excellent build quality and materials.
- Wide frequency response.
Cons:
- Can be a bit pricey compared to other options.
- Not as portable as some closed-back headphones.
Who Should Consider the Sennheiser Momentum 2 Wired?
This model is ideal for those who want a balance of power and detail in their audio experience. They offer a strong bass response without sacrificing clarity, making them suitable for a wide range of musical genres. The stylish design and comfortable fit make them a great option for both home and on-the-go listening.
Best Wired Headphones for Gaming
HyperX Cloud Stinger Core
- Price: $49
- Sound Signature: Balanced with a focus on clarity
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Impedance: 32 ohms
- Connectivity: 3.5mm jack
The HyperX Cloud Stinger Core is a popular choice for gamers seeking a comfortable and affordable pair of wired headphones with good sound quality. They offer a balanced sound signature with a focus on clarity, making them ideal for picking up subtle audio cues in games.
What Makes the HyperX Cloud Stinger Core So Popular?
The Cloud Stinger Core is known for its lightweight and comfortable design, featuring large, breathable earcups that minimize fatigue during long gaming sessions. The headphones also offer a durable build and a detachable microphone, making them a practical choice for gamers.
Key Features:
- Closed-Back Design: The closed-back design provides good noise isolation, ideal for blocking out external distractions.
- High-Quality Drivers: The headphones are equipped with 50mm drivers, delivering powerful bass and clear treble.
- Lightweight and Comfortable: The Cloud Stinger Core is designed for comfort and ease of use, featuring a lightweight design and breathable earcups.
- Detachable Microphone: The microphone is detachable, making it easy to remove when not in use.
Pros:
- Balanced sound signature with a focus on clarity.
- Comfortable and lightweight design.
- Affordable price.
- Detachable microphone for easy removal.
Cons:
- Not as detailed as some more expensive gaming headphones.
- The microphone quality is not as good as some higher-end models.
Who Should Consider the HyperX Cloud Stinger Core?
This model is ideal for budget-conscious gamers who prioritize comfort and clarity. The Cloud Stinger Core offers a comfortable and durable design with good sound quality at an affordable price point.
SteelSeries Arctis 3
- Price: $79
- Sound Signature: Balanced and clear
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Impedance: 32 ohms
- Connectivity: 3.5mm jack
The SteelSeries Arctis 3 is another popular choice for gamers seeking a comfortable and reliable pair of wired headphones. They offer a balanced and clear sound signature, making them ideal for hearing all the nuances in game audio.
What Makes the SteelSeries Arctis 3 So Appealing?
The Arctis 3 is known for its comfortable and durable design, with breathable earcups and a lightweight construction. The headphones also feature a detachable microphone and a 3.5mm connector, making them compatible with a wide range of gaming devices.
Key Features:
- Closed-Back Design: The closed-back design provides good noise isolation, ideal for blocking out external distractions.
- High-Quality Drivers: The headphones are equipped with 40mm drivers, delivering clear and detailed audio.
- Lightweight and Comfortable: They are designed for comfort and ease of use, featuring a lightweight design and breathable earcups.
- Detachable Microphone: The microphone is detachable, making it easy to remove when not in use.
Pros:
- Balanced and clear sound signature.
- Comfortable and durable design.
- Detachable microphone for easy removal.
- Affordable price.
Cons:
- Not as powerful bass response as some other gaming headphones.
- The microphone quality is not as good as some higher-end models.
Who Should Consider the SteelSeries Arctis 3?
This model is ideal for gamers who prioritize comfort and clarity. The Arctis 3 offers a comfortable and durable design with good sound quality at an affordable price point.
Best Wired Headphones Under $100
JBL Tune 510BT
- Price: $49
- Sound Signature: Warm and bass-heavy
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Impedance: 32 ohms
- Connectivity: 3.5mm jack
The JBL Tune 510BT is a great option for those looking for a comfortable and affordable pair of wired headphones with a powerful bass response. They offer a warm and bass-heavy sound signature, perfect for genres like hip-hop, electronic music, and rock.
What Makes the JBL Tune 510BT So Popular?
The Tune 510BT is known for its comfortable and durable design, with soft earcups and a lightweight construction. The headphones also feature a 3.5mm connector, making them compatible with a wide range of devices.
Key Features:
- Closed-Back Design: The closed-back design provides good noise isolation, ideal for blocking out external distractions.
- High-Quality Drivers: The headphones are equipped with 32mm drivers, delivering powerful bass and clear treble.
- Lightweight and Comfortable: They are designed for comfort and ease of use, featuring a lightweight design and soft earcups.
- Affordable Price: The Tune 510BT is a budget-friendly option, offering good sound quality and comfort at an attractive price.
Pros:
- Powerful bass response.
- Comfortable and durable design.
- Affordable price.
Cons:
- Not as detailed as some more expensive headphones.
- The microphone quality is not as good as some higher-end models.
Who Should Consider the JBL Tune 510BT?
This model is ideal for those who prioritize bass and affordability. The Tune 510BT offers a comfortable and durable design with a powerful bass response at a very attractive price point.
Philips SHP9500
- Price: $59
- Sound Signature: Balanced and detailed
- Frequency Response: 10Hz-24kHz
- Impedance: 32 ohms
- Connectivity: 3.5mm jack
The Philips SHP9500 is a great option for those seeking a pair of open-back headphones with a balanced and detailed sound signature. They offer a wide soundstage and clear audio reproduction, making them ideal for listening to a variety of genres.
What Makes the Philips SHP9500 So Unique?
The SHP9500 is known for its open-back design, which creates a wider soundstage and a more realistic audio experience. The headphones are also very comfortable to wear, thanks to their large earcups and adjustable headband.
Key Features:
- Open-Back Design: The open-back design creates a wider soundstage and a more realistic audio experience.
- High-Quality Drivers: The headphones are equipped with 50mm drivers, delivering clear and detailed audio.
- Comfortable and Lightweight: They are designed for comfort and ease of use, featuring a lightweight design and large earcups.
- Affordable Price: The SHP9500 is a budget-friendly option, offering good sound quality and comfort at an attractive price.
Pros:
- Balanced and detailed sound signature.
- Comfortable and lightweight design.
- Wide soundstage.
- Affordable price.
Cons:
- Not as good noise isolation as closed-back headphones.
- Can be affected by external noise.
Who Should Consider the Philips SHP9500?
This model is ideal for those who prioritize sound quality and comfort on a budget. The SHP9500 offers a balanced and detailed sound signature with a wide soundstage at an affordable price.
Choosing the Right Wired Headphones
With so many excellent wired headphones available, choosing the right pair can be daunting. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision.
- Sound Signature: Consider your preferred sound signature: neutral, warm, bright, or bass-heavy. Each signature caters to different music genres and preferences.
- Impedance: Check the impedance rating of the headphones, as this determines the power required for optimal performance. Headphones with higher impedance often require an external amplifier for optimal sound quality.
- Open-Back vs. Closed-Back: Open-back headphones offer a wider soundstage and more natural audio reproduction, but they allow for external noise to leak in. Closed-back headphones provide better noise isolation, making them ideal for noisy environments.
- Comfort and Fit: Choose headphones that are comfortable to wear for extended periods. Consider factors like earcup material, headband padding, and adjustability.
- Price: Wired headphones are generally more affordable than wireless options. Determine a budget that aligns with your needs and preferences.
FAQs
Q: Are wired headphones better than wireless headphones?
A: It depends on your priorities. Wired headphones offer superior sound quality, lower latency, and longer battery life but lack the convenience of wireless connectivity.
Q: What is the difference between open-back and closed-back headphones?
**A: **Open-back headphones allow sound to escape, resulting in a wider soundstage and more realistic audio experience. Closed-back headphones block out external noise and provide better noise isolation, making them suitable for noisy environments.
Q: What is impedance, and why is it important?
A: Impedance is the resistance to electrical current. Headphones with higher impedance require more power to drive them, typically requiring an external amplifier.
Q: What is a good budget for wired headphones?
A: You can find excellent wired headphones for under $100, but higher-end models can offer improved sound quality and features.
Q: Can I use wired headphones with my smartphone?
A: Yes, most smartphones have a 3.5mm headphone jack, making them compatible with wired headphones.
Conclusion
The best wired headphones for 2024 offer an exceptional listening experience, providing clarity, detail, and powerful bass. From high-end audiophile models to budget-friendly options, there's a pair for every need and budget. By considering factors like sound signature, impedance, design, and your personal preferences, you can find the perfect wired headphones to elevate your listening experience. Remember, whether you're an audiophile, gamer, or casual listener, choosing the right wired headphones can significantly enhance your enjoyment of music, movies, and games.