Listen Up! Here Are the 7 Best Guitar Headphones
Learn the features to look for and how to choose the best guitar headphones for your budget and situation, along with our Top 7 recommendations!
There's nothing quite like the sound of a guitar played through a quality guitar amp, but sometimes practicing with an amp isn't always an option. That's where guitar headphones come in.
These headphones allow you to plug directly into your guitar and play without disturbing those around you. But not all headphones are created equal when it comes to guitar playing. You want a pair of headphones that can capture the nuances of your guitar tone and deliver a natural sound, while also providing sound isolation and comfort for extended practice sessions.
That's why we've compiled a list of the best guitar amp headphones on the market, from studio headphones to wireless options, to help elevate your guitar playing to the next level.
Overview of Guitar Headphones
The advent of guitar headphones has revolutionized the world of guitar playing. Gone are the days when guitarists had to turn up their guitar amplifiers to hear themselves play, only to be bombarded with outside noise and disturbing their surroundings. Now, with the best guitar amp headphones, guitar players can experience sound quality at a whole new level.
The first guitar amp headphones were invented in the 1950s, but they were bulky and uncomfortable. As technology evolved, so did the quality of guitar amps and headphones. In recent years, guitar amp headphones have become more sophisticated, with designs that prioritize sound quality, sound isolation, and comfort.
The best guitar amp headphones feature a flat frequency response, which is important for replicating the natural sound of a guitar amplifier. The open back headphones can provide a natural sound and give the guitar tones a more spacious feel, whereas closed back headphones offer better sound isolation, making them a popular choice in studio settings.
The ear pads and ear cups of the best guitar amp headphones are designed for comfort, with some featuring self-adjusting headbands and padded ear cushions to help reduce fatigue during long practice sessions. They also come with a wireless feature, so satisfying guitar playing can be experienced without any wired obstruction.
Audio Technica is regarded as the company to go with for high quality headphones for guitar. They are among the best headphones for guitar that come with flat response, making them perfect for sound engineers and studio recording sessions.
For guitar players looking for the best headphones for guitar practice, the Boss Waza-Air headphones have received acclaim from Guitar World among other reputable music publications. These headphones offer sound fantastic options for practicing guitar, with solid bass response and active noise cancelling features to block out outside noise.
In conclusion, guitar amp headphones have come a long way since their invention in the 1950s. With the best guitar amp headphones, guitarists can experience quality sound, sound isolation, and comfort, making playing guitar a more enjoyable experience.
Buyer’s Guide to the Best Headphones for Guitar
When it comes to playing guitar, you want to ensure that you can hear each note with crystal clarity and detail. This is where guitar headphones come in. They are designed to provide an immersive listening experience that enhances your guitar practice or performance, whether you're playing at home or in the studio.
Audio Quality
One of the most critical features to look for when choosing guitar headphones is audio quality. You want to ensure that the headphones you choose pack enough punch to amplify the guitar sound and reproduce it with accuracy and clarity. This is where headphones with a balanced sound come in, allowing for a more natural sound that is neither too bass-heavy nor too treble-focused. Quality headphones should have a frequency response that covers the whole audio spectrum and should be able to pick up the various nuances and tonalities of your guitar's sound.
Sound Isolation
Another vital feature to look for in guitar headphones is sound isolation or noise cancellation. This is crucial if you want to remain focused while playing guitar. Closed back headphones are a great option for when you need to block out external noises, while open back headphones are ideal for when you need to hear your guitar's sound in a more natural space and environment.
Comfort
The guitar headphones' comfort is also an essential aspect to consider. Look for headphones with self-adjusting headbands and comfortable ear cups that do not cause any discomfort, even with extended use. Over ear headphones are the best fit for guitar practice as they provide adequate isolation from external noise and prevent sound leakage.
Wireless or Not?
Wireless headphones can be a great option for guitarists who like to move around as they play. Bluetooth headphones, in particular, are a popular choice, as they allow for more flexibility and movement while maintaining high-quality sound.
Additional Features
Usually, the best guitar headphone brands offer additional features that enhance the guitar sound you get. Some headphones come equipped with a headphone output, allowing you to connect them directly to a guitar amp. Others can be paired with software, such as Boss Tone Studio app, to tweak the guitar tones and get the precise sound you need. Studio headphones are also designed with great attention to the guitar sound's detail, making them an excellent option for recording and mixing guitar tracks.
Overall, when choosing the best guitar amp headphones, it's essential to pay attention to the sound quality, noise isolation, ear cups' comfort, headphone fitting style, and additional features that enhance your guitar sound.
We've covered the Top 7 guitar headphones in this article to get you started in your search...
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
These headphones are praised for their full-range sound and outstanding clarity, making them perfect for both practicing and recording. They are also built to be durable and comfortable, so you can wear them for hours without discomfort.
Sony MDR-7506
These headphones are known for their accuracy and balance, which makes them great for guitarists looking for a natural, uncolored sound. They are also lightweight and foldable, making them easy to take on the go.
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
These headphones offer a balanced sound and good noise isolation, which make them perfect for practicing in noisy environments. They are also durable and comfortable, with a padded headband and ear cups.
Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro
These headphones are praised for their clarity and accuracy, making them ideal for practicing, recording, and even mixing. They are also built to be comfortable and durable, with a soft, adjustable headband and plush ear pads.
Shure SRH840
These headphones are designed for professional use, with excellent sound isolation and a flat, accurate sound that makes them perfect for monitoring while recording. They are also built to be comfortable and durable, with a collapsible design for easy transport.
AKG K240
These headphones offer a warm, detailed sound that makes them ideal for guitarists who prefer a more natural sound. They also feature a self-adjusting headband and soft, velour ear pads, making them comfortable for long sessions.
Boss Waza Air Headphones
These wireless Bluetooth headphones are designed with guitarists in mind, with a companion smartphone app that allows you to customize your settings for each song and tweak the sound of your guitar. They also feature comfortable ear cups and an adjustable headband for long-term wear.
FAQs About the Best Guitar Amp Headphones
1. What are guitar headphones?
Guitar headphones are headphones that are specifically designed for use with a guitar or guitar amp. They provide high-quality audio output, enabling you to hear every nuance in your playing.
2. Can I use regular headphones with a guitar amp?
While regular headphones can be used with a guitar amp, it is recommended to use guitar amp headphones for the best sound quality and noise isolation.
3. What makes guitar amp headphones different from regular headphones?
Guitar amp headphones are designed specifically to enhance the sound of an electric guitar. They have a higher bass response and narrower frequency range than regular headphones. They also typically have a closed-back design for better noise isolation.
4. What is frequency response in headphones?
Frequency response refers to the range of frequencies that can be reproduced by the headphones. A wider frequency response generally means better audio quality and a more detailed sound.
5. Should I choose over-ear or on-ear guitar headphones?
The choice between over-ear and on-ear guitar headphones largely depends on personal preference. Over-ear headphones generally provide better noise isolation and bass response, while on-ear headphones are more compact and portable.
6. What are closed-back headphones and why are they important for guitar players?
Closed-back headphones have a solid outer shell that blocks out external noise, providing better noise isolation. This is important for guitar players as it allows them to hear only the sound of their guitar without distractions from outside noise.
7. What is the best headphone amp for guitar players?
The best headphone amp for guitar players is one that is compatible with the guitar amp and provides clear, high-quality audio output. Many guitar amps come with a built-in headphone amp, but dedicated headphone amps can also be purchased separately. This applies to both tube and solid state amps.
8. Are Bluetooth headphones suitable for guitar playing?
Bluetooth headphones can be used for guitar playing, but they may not provide the most detailed sound quality, and could have latency issues - so unless you are going with a high-quality option like the Boss Waza, it'll probably be better to use wired headphones for the best audio performance and minimal lag.
9. What is active noise cancelling, and is it important for guitar headphones?
Active noise cancelling technology uses microphones to analyze external noise and create an opposite sound wave to cancel it out. This can be beneficial for guitar headphones as it provides better noise isolation and allows for clearer sound.
10. What are the best selling headphones for guitar players?
The best selling headphones for guitar players vary depending on personal preference and budget. Look for headphones with a strong bass response, high-quality audio output, and good noise isolation for the best guitar playing experience.
Summary of the Best Guitar Amp Headphones
In conclusion, guitar headphones are an accessory that can greatly enhance the experience of playing electric and bass guitar.
Choosing the best headphones for guitar requires considering factors such as frequency response, sound leakage, and overall sound quality in order to achieve a detailed and great sound. It is also important to consider features like self-adjusting headbands, active noise-cancelling, and surround sound to further enhance the experience.
While there are many brands and models of guitar headphones available on the market, the most important factor is finding a pair of professional headphones that cater to your individual needs and preferences, rather than blindly opting for the most expensive or popular option on the market. The right pair of guitar headphones can truly elevate your playing experience and help you achieve the best possible sound quality from you favorite guitar amp.
Once again, here are our Top 7:
Best Overall: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Best for Portability: Sony MDR-7506
Best Value for the Money: Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
Best for Comfort: Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro
Best for Recording: Shure SRH840
Best Budget Option: AKG K240
Best Wireless Option: Boss Waza Air Headphones
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