The 7 Best Audiophile Headphones Of 2022 [Buyer’s Guide]

In this article, we’re going to look at the Top 7 Best Audiophile Headphones Of 2022. We made this list based on our own opinion, research, and customer reviews. We’ve considered their quality, features, and values when narrowing down the best choices possible.

If you want more information and updated pricing on the products mentioned, be sure to check the links in each product we mentioned.

So, here are the Top 7 Best Audiophile Headphones Of 2022.

#1. Sennheiser HD 800 S

The best audiophile headphones with a dynamic transducer that we’ve tested are the Sennheiser HD 800 S. Thanks to their dynamic transducer design, they leak a bit less sound than planar magnetic headphones and aren’t as prone to stereo imaging issues between units. These open-back over-ears are made from metal and high-grade plastic, making them feel very well-built and durable.

They have an outstanding passive soundstage that’s large and spacious, which can help immerse you in your audio. Although they lack a bit of low bass, they have an accurate and neutral sound profile that’s suitable for a variety of audio content. They also have a comfortable fit and come with a carrying pouch to help keep them clear of dust when you’re not using them. They come with an extra detachable audio cable too, which is handy if your first cable gets damaged.

#2. HiFiMan Ananda

The HiFiMan Ananda are the best planar magnetic audiophile headphones we’ve tested. These over-ears have planar magnetic transducers, which helps improve their bass accuracy and creates a more immersive passive soundstage. As a result, the soundstage is wide, open, and spacious. Sound also seems like it’s coming from speakers placed in the room around you rather than from inside your head.

These headphones have a neutral sound profile, making them a solid choice for most kinds of audio content. Although they lack low-bass, which we expect for open-back headphones, they deliver adequate warmth and boom to help balance out your mix. At the same time, vocals and lead instruments are present and clear. They’re comfortable enough for long listening sessions and feel well-built.

#3. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO are the best closed-back headphones we’ve tested. You may want to check out closed-back headphones if you work in a shared space and want to block out sound as well as leak less audio. While they don’t cut down the low rumbles of bus and plane engines, they can reduce ambient chatter well, and they reproduce bass more accurately than many open-back models, ensuring that mixes have adequate thump, rumble, and boom.

These over-ears have a very neutral sound profile that ensures that vocals and lead instruments sound clear, present, and detailed in your mixes. Although their passive soundstage doesn’t seem very open or spacious, it feels wide and as if sound is coming from speakers placed around you, which helps create a more immersive experience. They have a great build quality and are comfortable enough to wear for long listening sessions.

#4. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

If you’re looking for closed-back headphones that come with a few more accessories, consider the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. While their sound profile is a bit more bass-heavy than that of the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO, the Audio-Technica come with three different detachable audio cables, which is great if you happen to break one. They have a similarly comfortable fit and are well-built. Their treble response is also more accurate, resulting in a less bright and analytical sound. Although they don’t block out as much background noise as the Beyerdynamic, they leak less audio at high volumes, which is handy if you’re using your headphones in a shared space.

Take a look at the Beyerdynamic if you’re looking for closed-back headphones with more neutral sound profile. However, if you like to swap out your audio cables depending on your needs, try the Audio-Technica instead.

#5. Philips Fidelio X2HR

The best audiophile headphones under $200 we’ve tested are the Philips Fidelio X2HR. These open-back headphones have a very good passive soundstage that can help immerse you in your audio. They also have a good build quality that feels durable and solid.

These headphones have a well-balanced sound profile that’s versatile enough for a variety of audio content. Their frequency response consistency is also very good, and once you achieve a good fit, you should experience consistent audio delivery each time you use them. They have an automatically-adjusting headband, and their ear cups are well-padded, making them very comfortable for long listening sessions.

#6. Philips SHP9500

The Philips SHP9500 are the best audiophile headphones under $100 that we’ve tested. Thanks to their open-back design, their passive soundstage seems large, open, and spacious. Their very comfortable fit is well-padded and doesn’t clamp very tightly on your head.

These headphones have a very neutral sound profile with a flat mid-range, ensuring that vocals and lead instruments are clear, accurate, and detailed. Like most open-back headphones, they lack thump and rumble, but a bump in their high-bass adds a touch of extra boom and warmth to your audio. They also have consistent audio delivery, and their build quality feels decently durable.

#7. Superlux HD 681

The best budget audiophile headphones that we’ve tested are the Superlux HD 681. Unlike other headphones on this list, these over-ears have a semi-open back design. This enclosure helps them reproduce more extended and accurate low-bass as well as leak less audio at high volumes.

These comfortable headphones have a very good passive soundstage that seems wide, spacious, and natural. Their fairly neutral and well-balanced sound profile is also suitable for most kinds of audio content, and they can deliver audio pretty consistently, although you may notice a drop in bass if you wear glasses or have thick hair. They come with a 1/8″ to 1/4″ adapter, which is nice if you want to connect them to a mixer.