Audiophiles are always on the lookout for affordable headphones. If you are into jazz, rock, classical music, or techno, a pair of quality headphones should be one of the essentials that complete your listening experience.
All of us who are into audio gear, care about headphone drivers, noise-reduction features, design, and the overall comfort when we put them on.
Top 3 - Bass Headphones
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Some people swear by particular brands, specific drivers, or the comfort and connectivity that Bluetooth headphones offer. But, we can agree that a rich sound and the ability to feel those sub-bass notes, midrange, and highs without breaking the bank are the things we want to get.
Best Bass Headphones (Overall) - Wired & Wireless
The Sony WH-XB90N headphones boast an impressive battery life and a 2Hz to 20kHz frequency response range. They are among the best headphones any bass head and audiophile can use. Although not the cheapest option, the headphones have Alexa and Google Assistant support, which I think is worth the extra money.
You can run the headphones on the battery or connect them to your favorite player. Note that while wired, the headphones will boast a superior bass definition. When operated via Bluetooth, the frequency response range shortens from 2Hz – 20kHz to 20Hz – 20kHz.
That said, the WH-XB900Ns are equipped with low frequency boosting features, so even at that range, the bass definition will be superior to most other headphones. The richness, the detail, and the depth of your favorite songs will be spot-on.
While the headphones may not score off the charts in terms of comfort, as only the ear pads are worth mentioning, they are great for convenience. The headphones feature touch sensor controls, a Quick Attention Mode, and optimization for use with the Sony Headphones Connect app.
I’ve featured the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones in several different roundups. That’s because they’re among the most versatile midrange headphones on the market. They sport a unique combination of comfort features and studio-quality audio.
The DT 990 Pro headphones are not particularly bass-heavy. Meaning, that they don’t boast an ultra low-frequency response as other headphones I often recommend. However, they feature bass boosting technology that gives a bit of oomph to the low register without messing with the clarity of the medium and higher frequencies.
That alone is enough reason to own them if you ask me. That said, I love these headphones because they’re not a one-trick pony. They can do so much more than give you the ultimate EDM listening experience.
I also appreciate the plush ear pads that feel much better than many other linings on the market.
The ATH-WS100iS are midrange over-ear headphones with an extended low-frequency response and loud output. With 53mm deep motion audio drivers, the WS100iS headphones can create an immersive and bass-heavy soundstage at any volume level.
The accuracy is superb, thanks to the high-res drivers and the additional bass side vents. This design helps improve air damping and captures a great deal of audio detail across a wide range of genres.
Although not the cheapest headphones on this list, they are a must-have if you need something that can take a beating. Due to their rugged aluminum centerpiece and solid frame, the headphones have a remarkable impact and tension resistance.
You should also know that the headphones feature an aluminum stabilizer ring. It, too, helps improve the audio clarity by reducing vibrations. As far as comfort features go, the WS100iS headphones feature dual-layer earpads with a very soft exterior layer. It relieves ear pressure and also offers passive noise cancelation.
These 1More triple driver headphones epitomize comfort. Apart from having extra padding around the headband and a slim frame, the ear pads mold around the ears and provide maximum pressure relief.
At the same time, the design of the ear pads ensures passive noise cancelation so that you can focus on what’s coming out of the drivers.
The design sees the pairing of 40mm graphene drivers, ceramic tweeters, and high-end bass reflectors for the ultimate realism. The soundstage is very detailed, especially around the vocal midrange. That said, I love the deeper bass and minimal distortion it carries, even at higher volume levels.
The aluminum alloy build is very resilient, and it’s even fingerprint-resistant. Ensuring a smooth and clean look regardless of conditions is not that common in this price range.
Because the headphones are foldable, they can be an ideal travel companion, whether you’re taking the public train or flying coach. The noise-isolating ear cups do a good job of keeping most background noise away from your ears.
Few wireless headphones can offer as much reliability and such deep bass as the Skullcandy Crusher headphones. The defining feature of the Crusher headphones is the adjustable sensory bass technology.
Depending on your environment, mostly background noise, the headphones make automatic adjustments to the low register to give you more detail and enough depth. This kind of adaptability is hard to engineer and program, which is why Skullcandy gets two thumbs up from me.
I also like the fit. Although the phones look a bit too elongated, the ear cups can manage any ear shape and size while offering passive noise cancelation too.
In terms of comfort, these aren’t the best. But if you don’t plan on wearing them for half a day at a time, you shouldn’t have any issues. The headband molds nicely around the head and has enough padding on the ear pads. I should also mention that these headphones boast up to 40 hours of playtime at medium to high volume levels.
Best Bass Headphones Under $100 (Budget Picks)
These are my top picks among bass headphones under $100 that you can currently find.
Audio-Technica is another big player in the hi-fi industry. This Japanese company, around since the early 60s, is a top supplier of high-quality audio equipment and accessories for home and professional uses. The ATH-M30x headphones are no different.
These headphones are labeled as professional monitor headphones. So you know that they are suitable for studio and home use. The 40mm drivers feature rare earth magnets for frequency extension and copper-clad aluminum voice coils for durability at loud volumes.
While they might not be the absolute best bass headphones under $100, the ATH-M30x still reproduces music with great detail, airy midrange, and punchy bass.
The circumaural earcups and cushions fit comfortably over your ears and do an excellent job of passive noise isolation. The feature is especially important for sound technicians, cameramen, and DJs since it allows them to focus only on the sound coming from the headphones.
Back in 2003, Rick Alden founded Skullcandy with the active new generation in mind. Since then they have been producing headphones which can satisfy the needs of audio aficionados, DJs, and outdoorsy people.
The Skullcandy Crusher may be a good example of headphones tailored to the needs of aspiring DJs and audio geeks. These headphones feature Sensation 55, a patent-pending bass driver, which should provide you with realistic bass energy. You can control the bass by using a slider located on the left cup.
REX40 is the other driver built into these headphones. It is designed to offer the least amount of distortion and proper frequency response. If you are a DJ, accurate frequency response should help you get smooth transitions between songs across all frequencies.
The drivers are neatly packed in acoustic ports within the earcups. They are thus able to move freely inside the ports to ensure optimal bass energy and minimal distortion. Serious drivers may require more drive than your headphone jacks are capable of supplying, but there’s no such worry here as the Crusher headphones have a built-in amp so you wouldn’t need a line amplifier.
If you’re looking to get more bass and spend less money, the Sony MDR-XB920/B headphones might be for you. These are affordable midrange headphones with an extended low-frequency response down to 3Hz.
The headphones feature passive noise canceling, but are highly effective nonetheless. It’s all in the seamless ear pads where both comfort and ambient noise blocking properties come from. The earpads are very thick but also able to mold themselves to your ears. That reduces ear pressure and achieves a superior seal.
I like that the headphones come with detachable cables. That makes them much easier to store, transport, and even use. Although, I think you’ll be pleased with the serrated cords from Sony as they’re tangle-free and durable.
Another cool aspect is the folding design. You can reduce the footprint of the MDR-XB920/B headphones by a lot since you can fold them more than once. Last but not least, the bass-heavy sound is not the only highlight.
Since the headphones feature dynamic 50mm drivers, they’re capable of dishing out your favorite songs at awe-inspiring volume levels too.
4. Cowin E7 PRO
After more than ten years of operation, Cowin is slowly becoming one of the household names in the world of audio gear. The company boasts of numerous patents on Bluetooth and vibration-driven wireless technology. You can find some of those features in their Cowin E7 PRO headphones.
These headphones offer professional-grade noise blocking technology, which should allow for a fully immersive listening experience no matter where you are. It is worth noting that the noise isolation operates at the same level of quality in both wired and wireless mode.
What’s more, the E7 PROs have large-aperture drivers. The 45mm drivers should give you crispier bass and better overall sound quality. They are packed inside swiveling earcups with soft over-ear cushions. The headphones are also very light which should ensure comfort, especially during long listening sessions.
The other features of the E7 PROs include a built-in mic and improved battery. The microphone supports NFC technology and voice commands. And you should be able to use the headphones for more than a full day on a single charge.
Even though Cowin might not be as renowned as some other brands, the number of features, build quality, and affordability make these headphones a viable option.
Anker Soundcore is a stellar lineup of budget-friendly headphones, particularly for those in need of extra bass definition. The Soundcore Q20 pair rocks hybrid ANC technology for optimal ambient noise cancellation and improved in-ear audio focus.
These headphones can reduce noise by up to 90% under optimum conditions. But what’s impressive is that they feature an extended high-frequency range of up to 40kHz. That’s not something you see every day in bass-heavy headphones.
The Q20s enhance the bass definition through innovative BassUp technology. Thanks to real-time low-frequency analysis and adjustment technology, these headphones lend themselves well to EDM, hip-hop, and other bass-heavy genres.
Battery life is always a big concern in any wireless or hybrid headphones. The Q20s can provide up to 40 hours of playtime, as long as you don’t play at maximum volume levels. Of course, activating the ANC mode will shorten the battery life.
In terms of comfort, these headphones are not overly impressive. They have standard padded ear cups but don’t feature extra padding on the headband. That means that you should expect some head pressure after wearing them for a certain amount of hours.
Talk about taking the budget route to buying new bass headphones. These bad boys are practically a steal for anyone.
OneOdio equipped their headphones with 50mm neodymium drivers, large ear cups, thick padding, good noise isolation features, and a detachable cable.
In terms of build quality, they aren’t as flimsy as they probably should be in this price range. The headphones are designed for DJs and studio monitoring and mixing. The 90 degrees swiveling earcups are essential pieces for single-ear mixing.
The sound quality is not bad either. The bass is powerful while the medium and high frequencies are flatter. The soundstage clarity is still quite impressive as these headphones acquit themselves well with many music genres.
They can even double as your go-to gaming or movie headphones if you’re shopping on a budget. The glossy finish is nice to have but not really needed. These headphones may not have good enough noise reduction properties for use during live gigs but your mileage may vary.
The detachable cable is 9.8ft long which is nice in terms of reach. But, the cable is quite heavy and may get in your way from time to time.
TaoTronics may not be a household name. But for all the amateur music lovers out there, you should know that this label is just as synonymous with quality as any other brand you see advertised on TV every day.
The build is fairly simple. It’s the quality of the padding and the large ear pads that give the headphones great value. The noise blocking features are okay too, maybe not if you’re commuting to work every day, but definitely more than enough for home use.
The high and medium frequencies are a bit flat. There’s not too much detail but the soundstage is still exciting and fine-tuned around the powerful bass. The definition on the low-end is just what anyone looks for in bass headphones.
The bass is crisp and clear and brings out the best in bass lines in any musical genre. The headphones are also a good choice for anyone looking for a less spacious soundstage with minimal echoing.
The wireless connectivity is always a plus when it doesn’t come with a premium or at the expense of audio delivery. The battery lasts up to 30 hours. As an added bonus, you also get a built-in microphone, which makes the headphones even more versatile for those on a budget.
The Paww WaveSound 3 headphones come with Bluetooth 5.0 technology and active noise canceling for superior ambient noise blocking. One of their best features is the 34ms latency rating for high definition audio reproduction in Bluetooth mode.
If you’re a fan of lightweight headphones, then these may pleasantly surprise you. The WaveSound 3 are travel headphones in every sense of the word. You should also know that they feature 40mm beryllium dynamic drivers that have a very balanced response and can emphasize all frequency ranges.
Another highlight is the support for the ShareMe function. It allows for dual device connectivity, which is not something you find every day in a package deal with low-frequency optimized drivers.
You may also like the swiveling ear cups as well as the wide range of adjustability on the headband. It will provide more comfort and extra security when wearing headphones while moving.
When it comes to value for the money, the Sennheiser HD 4.40 headphones gave more than I was hoping for.
Let me start by pointing out the sleek, modern design. The headphones are all black and beefy, like many premium Sennheiser headphones. That’s because of the thick padding which can give you all sorts of comfort when watching epic movies, listening to entire albums, or trying to record something.
The headphones offer a smooth delivery of synth sounds and bass guitar lines. However, it’s the kick drum delivery where you really get your money’s worth. The sound is deep, powerful, and cuts through the mix with ease.
Surprisingly, the medium and high frequencies are also well-balanced. The headphones aren’t exactly made for enhanced dialogue but they do a good job of delivering clear vocals too.
Last but not least, the wireless feature is something that some people just can’t live without. You should be able to get over 20 hours of use on one charge. Although the range is quite standard, around 30 feet should be more than enough for most homes and studios.
There’s just something unique about the JVC sound that no other brand can reproduce. The soundstage of the HA-RX700 is well-balanced even for a pair of headphones designed to enhance the bass and put it center stage in any mix.
The power, accuracy, and definition of the low-end is more than enough to satisfy most audiophiles. But what’s even more impressive is the clarity of the vocals. The mids and highs are crisp and not nearly flat as you would expect.
The very long 11.48 ft cord makes these headphones good to have and plug into a TV. They may not be as user-friendly as a pair of wireless headphones, but the power and clarity of the sound is worth working around the cable.
The wide head pad takes the meaning of comfort to a whole other level, especially if you consider how affordable the HA-RX700 headphones are. That combined with the sound and build quality makes these headphones something that I can proudly recommend.
What are Bass Headphones?
Strictly speaking, bass headphones are headphones that emphasize the bass more than the other frequencies. There are all kinds of tricks that manufacturers can use to achieve this, including adding passive components in the signal path. Sometimes the designers may not even have consciously tried to emphasize the bass. The end product simply came out that way.
In the budget class, some measure of bass boost can be very useful. It can really flesh out the sound because, let’s face it, you’re not going to get high-end drivers at this price range. It’s also great if you tend to listen at lower volume.
The average human ear is less sensitive to low bass and extreme high frequencies, especially at low volume, so most people can use a boost. It’s the basis behind the classic V-shape equalizer.
Do You Need Enhanced Bass Headphones?
Whether or not you need enhanced bass headphones depends on several factors.
Your Genre of Music
First of all, you should ask yourself a question about the music you like to listen to.
Those who prefer hip hop, rap, or electronic music might enjoy headphones with a heavier bass response.
However, if you are into jazz, rock, or classical music you may prefer a flatter frequency response for more faithful reproduction of music as the artists or producers intended.
Ability to Control Bass Levels
However, the ability to control the bass can come in handy. You shouldn’t discount a pair of enhanced bass headphones as long as there is a way to control the levels.
Controlling the bass levels of your headphones is very important. It can offer you versatility and a more pleasant listening experience.
For example, if you’re listening at low volume, it would give the music more body and definition if you boost the bass somewhat. On the other hand, if you boost the bass too much it may muffle the other frequencies, so the song might not sound the way it’s supposed to.
Are They Right for an Immersive Gaming Experience?
Say you’re planning on using your new pair of budget bass headphones for your gaming sessions too. Are they really the best choice? – The majority of gaming headphones have a wide frequency response range but also a rather flat response.
Also, in some cases, extra attention is given to the medium and high frequencies. This is mostly to enhance the dialogue. And, with many games today being sports simulators with awesome commentary, or very story driven, enhanced bass is not always favored by the average gamer.
How Much is the Brand Worth to You?
Ordinarily, whenever you buy quality gadgets, you tend to compare various brands and manufacturers. Companies like Sony, Phillips, and Audio-Technica are well-known and highly respected.
However, I sometimes disapprove of the design or hardware that goes into their budget-friendly lines of audio equipment. Don’t think for a second that you won’t end up paying more than you should even for a brand-name pair of headphones.
Small labels or niche brands may often surprise you (they certainly surprised me at times). In order to compete, they need to work extra hard on putting together something impressive for the masses.
A Few Words on Amplification
Before you jump the gun and buy the cheapest pair of bass headphones, think hard about what devices you’ll be pairing with your new purchase. Not all headphones are powerful enough to give you the best listening experience on a smartphone.
Medium impedance headphones are the go-to choice for people on a budget because they work fairly well with and without amplification. You can drive a pair of high impedance headphones with almost anything if you really want to make sure, except the volume will be slightly lower at the same setting/level (since electric current is inversely related to impedance/resistance).
Remember that bass headphones and DJ headphones are fairly similar in many regards. But, the versatility of a pair of headphones is just as tied to the impedance as the soundstage and frequency response range.
To Wrap Up
You don’t have to break the bank to get the best bass headphones. I hope that my list of favorites has provided you with enough insight to shop for an upgrade over your old headphones.
Although these headphones share some common features, the listening experience and sound quality are quite different.
Give them a try before committing. The best way to do this is to buy from an online retailer that has a good return policy, so you can send them back if you’re not impressed.
I game a lot, so I want headphones with low latency. But I also listen to a lot of music and I want the bass to feel like there’s an earthquake inside my head. What would you recommend? Also no on-ear headphones, and I can get used to the JVC special sound (whatever that means) if those are the best pick.
Hey great article! Which would you recommend for the Peloton? I ride all the house and EDM rides. Looking for big bass and great sound. Thoughts?
Hi Kelsey, you can try the Sony WH-XB900N.
Hey Gavin, the article was really informative and amazing. This article really helped me in choosing the best headphones for me. I purchased the audio technica headphones and I really loved it.
Thanks Ashish!
Which one would you recommend the Sony WH-XB900N or the Skullcandy Crusher Wireless?
Hi Cole, I’d personally go with the Sony.
Hey I learned a lot about choosing headphones but i’m still rather uneducated in the more technical discussions, essentially i’m looking for headphones that are ok to use while gaming but most importantly I like my music to quite literally rattle my head, any suggestions?
Hi Anthony, you can opt for the Skullcandy Crusher.
Of these ten, which is the number one headphone you’d recommend for someone who likes a lot of bass, as hip hop and some pop music are most listened to? Also, keeping in mind nice aesthetics Of the headphones is important to me, and Bluetooth capability is preferred (I’m leaning towards the seinheisser and Sony so far) this is my first Over ear headphones so I’m getting a cheaper pair first to see if I prefer them to my high end earbuds. Thank you!
Hi Derek, I’d recommend the Sony WH-XB900N. It’s just superb.
Gavin, thanks for the recommendation. I ended up getting the Sony XB900 as I already had the Crusher Wireless and I must say they are great!
Thanks Joseph! Hope you’ll enjoy the XB900.
I need to advise a guy on headphones. Listens to Indian music which has lots of tabla(drums). So headphones have to lean towards more base. I have a pair of audio technica MSR7. Brilliant headphones, lacking in a bit of base. I also listen to Indian music. I can send you some clips, you will enjoy it.
You can ask him to go with something like the Audio Technica ATH-WS100iS Solid Bass.