Bang Your Head With the Best Headphones for Metal
Learn the features to look for and how to choose the best headphones for metal for your budget and situation, along with our Top 7 recommendations!
It's loud, aggressive and beautiful - and there's no better way to experience it than through a set of high-quality headphones.
The best headphones will enable listeners to experience the soundscape and intricacies of a metal artist's work in its purest form.
Headphones provide an immersive listening experience that captures all of the nuances of heavy metal’s deep, distorted basslines as well as its sharp guitar riffs.
The intense sound signature created by headphones allows listeners to appreciate the sonic subtleties and intricate details that are sometimes lost when listening to metal through speakers. Additionally, because headphones offer more sound isolation from external noise, listeners can focus on the complex drum patterns and vocal harmonies without interference from outside sources.
In addition to providing a richer listening experience for fans, headphones also can benefit metal musicians who are recording or performing their songs live.
By using precision studio-grade headphones that provide accurate frequency response, musicians can easily monitor their instrumentals and make adjustments based on what they hear - crucial for capturing the right tonal balance in a dense mix.
Ultimately, headphones are an invaluable tool for both listeners and performers within the metal genre - allowing fans to experience new depths of music appreciation and giving artists the control needed to craft perfect sonic landscapes.
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Headphones for Rock and Metal Music
If you’re looking for a pair of headphones specifically designed to handle the heavy and intense sound of metal, then you need to consider several factors.
Comfort, durability, sound quality and price are all important considerations in selecting the right pair of headphones for your needs.
Here is a guide with the essential tips and information that will help you choose the perfect set of headphones for your metal-listening needs.
Comfort
An important factor when it comes to finding suitable headphones is comfort. Metal music can be very loud and intense, so it's essential that your headphones are comfortable enough to be worn over long listening sessions without causing discomfort or fatigue. Look out for earcups that fit snugly around your ears but don't press too hard on them, as well as headbands that are adjustable and cushioned.
Durability
As metal music tends to be quite loud, it’s important to invest in a pair of headphones that can withstand high volume levels without suffering any damage. Look out for models constructed with sturdy materials such as reinforced plastics or metals so they can take a beating while still providing clear sound reproduction.
Sound Quality
Of course, you'll want your headphones to deliver an accurate representation of the music being played. Choose models with powerful drivers (the unit responsible for producing sound) capable of providing deep bass response and crisp highs without sacrificing clarity or detail. Also look out for noise cancellation technology which helps keep external sounds from interfering with your audio experience.
Price
Finally, there’s always budget to consider when shopping for electronics like headphones. Fortunately there are many affordable models available on the market today which still offer good quality sound at reasonable prices. Consider how much you're willing to spend before making a purchase; just make sure not to skimp too much as this could result in poor audio quality and durability issues down the line.
Following these tips should help you find the right set of headphones suitable for listening to metal music as comfortably as possible while ensuring excellent audio quality and durability at an affordable price point.
In this article, we've put together a list of the best headphones for this genre to get you started in your search...
AKG Pro Audio K240 STUDIO
Why it Rocks
The AKG Pro Audio K240 Studio is a professional-grade, semi-open, over-ear headphone meticulously designed to meet the demanding requirements of sound engineers, producers, and musicians alike.
These high-quality headphones offer high-quality audio performance and comfort, ensuring hours of fatigue-free listening experience for professionals and audiophiles.
Equipped with the state-of-the-art XXL transducers, the K240 Studio utilizes AKG's patented Varimotion diaphragm technology to deliver an astoundingly accurate and wide-frequency range response.
With the diaphragm being thinner and more elastic towards the outer edges while thicker and less resonant in the center, the K240 Studio ensures impeccable bass reproduction, crystal-clear mids, and finely detailed highs.
Furthermore, the expansive size of the transducers in the K240 Studio plays a crucial role in achieving a realistic and three-dimensional soundstage, accurately capturing the emotional and sonic essence of your soundtracks.
This feature not only aids in critical listening tasks but also elevates the enjoyment when indulging in one's favorite music or movies.
Comfort and durability are key aspects that should not be overlooked in professional headphones. With this in mind, the AKG Pro Audio K240 Studio features a self-adjusting headband constructed with a flexible steel structure to provide optimum fit for users with different head shapes and sizes. The headband is not only adaptable for a perfect fit but also engineered to withstand rough handling, ensuring the longevity of the headphones.
What Else
Additionally, the AKG K240 Studio boasts a gimbal-type suspension system for the ear cups, guaranteeing that they conform to the unique shape and size of each user's ears.
This design not only provides unparalleled comfort during extended listening sessions but also ensures superior noise isolation, minimizing audio leakage and maintaining a pristine listening environment.
The AKG Pro Audio K240 Studio headphones stand as an excellent choice for the discerning audio professional or enthusiast seeking exceptional audio fidelity, durability, and comfort. With its innovative features and meticulous engineering, these headphones promise to deliver outstanding performance, satisfying even the most demanding audio requirements, and are the best headphones for those wanting to listen to metal and rock music on a budget.
Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo
Why it Rocks
The Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo is a premium audiophile-grade headphone offering that exhibits a sophisticated and elegant design, providing an unparalleled acoustic experience.
With its open-back design and improved breathability, these Philips over-ear headphones are perfect for hours of comfortable, fatigue-free listening without comprising audio quality.
These headphones feature 50mm neodymium drivers, which deliver exceptional precision and authenticity across the full frequency range spectrum.
Such large driver units yield a rich and detailed sonic signature, allowing listeners to experience their favorite music with the utmost fidelity.
The Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo has been specially tuned to provide a smooth, well-balanced, and accurate sound signature reproduction with crisp bass, transparent mid-range, and sparkling high-frequency detail.
Utilizing an innovative ear-shell design, these headphones are engineered to fit the natural geometry of human ears perfectly.
By aligning the angled drivers with the listener's ear, Philips has created a headphone that offers impeccable accuracy and lifelike soundstaging, placing the listener right in the middle of their favorite recordings. This aspect is crucial for audiophiles who crave an immersive and realistic listening experience.
Constructed with a durable steel headband, the Philips SHP9500 is designed for long-lasting performance, even in the most unforgiving environments.
With its double-layered headband cushion and breathable ear pads, listeners can wear these headphones for extended periods of time without experiencing discomfort or fatigue, and the 1.5m (4.9 ft) removable cable offers freedom of movement and flexibility for indoor use.
What Else
The gold-plated connectors on the 3.5mm jack ensure optimal signal transfer and corrosion resistance, all while maintaining a robust connection to your audio source.
The removable cable design also allows users to easily switch between different sources or add a microphone for communication purposes, further enhancing the versatility of these headphones.
In conclusion, the Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo offers an exquisite, high-quality listening experience for discerning audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike. Its combination of cutting-edge driver technology, superior ergonomics and comfort, and durable build quality sets it apart from the open-back competition, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to rock out.
Monster Persona Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones
Why it Rocks
The Monster Persona Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones are a state-of-the-art audio accessory designed for the most discerning audiophiles seeking a superior listening experience. Monster's dedication to excellence in sound engineering is evident in this exceptional product which boasts cutting-edge features and unparalleled performance.
At the core of the Monster Persona is its advanced active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, specifically engineered to prioritize listener satisfaction.
Unlike basic noise-cancelling headphones, the Monster Persona employs high-performance dual-noise sensor microphones that enable the detection and cancellation of a broader range of low and mid-frequency external noises.
As a result, ambient distractions are effectively neutralized, allowing listeners to immerse themselves totally in their favorite tracks.
Equipped with powerful 40mm drivers that feature Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) diaphragms, these Bluetooth headphones over-ear deliver crisp, high-resolution audio across diverse musical genres.
Complementing these components, the digital sound enhancement engine performs a crucial function: upscaling compressed digital music files to near high-resolution quality.
This fine-tuned sound engineering, honed over 40 years of expertise, has enabled Monster to integrate their proprietary technology for delivery of an impactful Hi-Fi audio with deep bass.
A standout feature of the Monster Persona is the intelligent Adaptive Sound Control function. This innovative technology automatically detects ambient sound levels in real-time, adjusting the degree of noise cancellation accordingly for optimal listening conditions.
As a result, users can effortlessly transition between various environments without compromising on audio quality.
Acknowledging the modern user's need for extended battery life, Monster has endowed their Persona headphones with a 500 mAh large-capacity lithium-ion battery.
A single full charge, which takes approximately one hour, can provide over 30 hours of uninterrupted playback.
Moreover, users pressed for time can utilize the fast-charging feature, wherein just 5 minutes of charge yields 2 hours of playback.
What Else
The combination of advanced active cancellation, powerful audio drivers, and intelligent sound control place these headphones in a class of their own. The added benefit of a fast-charging, long-lasting battery ensures that users can enjoy their favorite tunes in any setting for extended periods, free from disruption.
V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Why it Rocks
The V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones have been meticulously designed and engineered to cater to even the most demanding audiophile, as proven by their over 50 Editors' Choice Awards.
Combining superior audio quality with cutting-edge Bluetooth technology, these headphones deliver a fantastic listening experience in both wireless and wired modes, making them ideal for various applications including gaming (for those games with metal soundtracks) and DJing.
At the heart of the Crossfade 2 lies a powerful lithium-ion battery, which ensures up to 14 hours of non-stop, high-quality audio playback.
When it's time for a recharge, the included V-Micro USB cable allows the battery to reach 100% capacity in just 100 minutes. Furthermore, switching to the wired analog mode will remove any latency issues, while also providing unlimited hours of listening time.
The headphones boast dual-diaphragm 50mm drivers, with the high-resolution CCAW Japanese coil supporting a Hi-Res Audio certification. This ensures a crystal-clear, immersive sound experience that will satisfy even the most discerning listeners.
Comfort and durability have not been overlooked in the design of these stylish headphones. V-MODA has subjected the Crossfade 2 to a rigorous testing process to guarantee unparalleled toughness and longevity.
The device is equipped with generously-sized memory foam cushions, offering not only lasting comfort over prolonged use, but also effective noise isolation. Meanwhile, the flexible headband ensures a snug and secure fit for various head shapes and sizes.
What Else
One of the key innovations in the Crossfade 2 is its patented CliqFold hinge, which allows users to effortlessly fold and store the headphones within the ultra-compact exoskeleton case provided. This ingenious feature not only renders the headphones highly portable, but also protects them from potential damage during transport.
Audio-Technica ATH-M60X On-Ear Closed-Back
Why it Rocks
The Audio-Technica ATH-M60X On-Ear Closed-Back headphones are an exceptional choice for professionals and enthusiasts who require unparalleled audio quality, outstanding comfort, and excellent build quality.
These headphones have been meticulously designed with an emphasis on the use of high-quality materials and a perfect balance of engineering to ensure long-term reliability, while still delivering the exceptional audio performance that Audio-Technica is renowned for.
At the heart of the ATH-M60X lies its remarkable driver, featuring large-aperture 45mm drivers with rare-earth Neodymium magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils.
This enables the headphones to produce phenomenally clear audio, characterized by an extended frequency range and accurate bass response.
The carefully selected driver components ensure reproduction of audio with impressive detail and dynamic range, providing listeners with an immersive listening experience that remains faithful to the original composition.
The low-profile, closed-back, on-ear design of the ATH-M60X provides excellent sound isolation, effectively sealing out ambient noise that may disturb the listening environment.
This makes the ATH-M60X ideal for use in a variety of settings, from broadcasting and audio mixing, to mobile and everyday listening.
The closed-back construction also prevents audio leakage, preserving audio quality and ensuring privacy.
Furthermore, the well-contoured earcups promote a snug fit, resulting in a seamless fusion of audio performance and comfort.
Audio-Technica has prioritized comfort and durability with the inclusion of memory foam ear pads and headband in the ATH-M60X.
The foam ensures a personalized, precise fit that is comfortable for prolonged periods, making these headphones suitable for long work sessions and intense listening marathons.
The headband is constructed with a robust and flexible material, ensuring the headphones can withstand the wear and tear associated with regular use.
An added convenience is the inclusion of three interchangeable cables, measuring 1.2 meters, 3.0 meters coiled, and 3.0 meters straight.
Each cable is equipped with a 3.5mm (1/8 inch) mini plug, providing compatibility with a wide range of audio devices.
Moreover, a 6.3 mm (1/4 inch) screw-on adapter is included, allowing easy connectivity with professional audio equipment.
What Else
In order to protect your investment and ensure maximum longevity, the ATH-M60X comes with a protective carrying pouch, which shields the headphones from potential damage while traveling or in storage, ensuring the visual appeal and performance of the headphones remain intact for years to come.
In summary, the ATH-M60X On-Ear headphones are a superb choice for demanding users seeking phenomenal audio quality, superior comfort, and unwavering durability. These headphones are an outcome of Audio-Technica's dedication to continuous innovation, based on decades of expertise in audio technology.
Best Wooden Option
Symphonized Wraith 2.0 Bluetooth Genuine Wood Wireless Headphones
Symphonized Wraith 2.0 Bluetooth Genuine Wood Wireless Headphones
Why it Rocks
Experience unparalleled audio quality with the Symphonized Wraith 2.0, a premium Bluetooth headphone designed for serious audiophiles who demand nothing but the best in sound reproduction.
Crafted from genuine wood, these unique headphones have been carefully engineered to provide an immersive acoustic experience that replicates the natural reverberation and resonance of some of the finest concert halls and musical instruments in the world.
The Wraith 2.0 headphones derive their rich, natural sonic character from the inherent properties of wood.
Each earcup has been expertly hewn and handcrafted from matte-finish walnut, a choice hardwood that enhances the bass response and adds warmth to the midrange.
The result is a well-rounded and balanced sound profile with lush, velvety tones, powerful bass, and crystalline treble frequencies.
Encased within a robust metallic frame, these headphones are not just a testament to impeccable aesthetics, but also durability.
In addition to its acoustic finesse, the Wraith 2.0 is also equipped with the latest Bluetooth technology, offering seamless wireless connectivity and a reliable signal strength that ensures your music is always within reach.
The built-in microphone and intuitive controls allow for convenient hands-free calling and effortless switching between tracks, making these headphones the perfect companion for commuters and travelers alike.
Comfort is paramount with the Symphonized Wraith 2.0. Each headphone features plush, vegan-leather earpads that provide hours of listening pleasure without causing fatigue.
The ergonomic design ensures that the headphones conform securely to the contours of your head, providing a snug, comfortable fit that keeps ambient noise at bay.
What Else
Designed with the discerning listener in mind, the Symphonized Wraith 2.0 offers an authentic, sophisticated auditory experience in a stylish and durable package.
Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless Noise Canceling
Why it Rocks
The Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones represent the epitome of acoustic excellence, seamlessly merging industry-leading technology with superb design and comfort. Crafted to deliver immersive auditory experiences while blocking out the world around you, these headphones elevate the listening experience to unprecedented heights.
The Smart Listening feature powered by Sony's Sense Engine is truly a remarkable innovation, providing listeners with the ability to accurately and intelligently adjust to various acoustical environments.
By automatically adapting to the listener's surroundings, the Sense Engine enhances the auditory experience by optimizing the noise-canceling capabilities, ensuring crystal-clear sound across a wide range of environments.
One standout feature of the Sony WH-1000XM3 is the Quick Attention mode, which allows for hassle-free conversations without the need to take off your headphones.
By simply placing your hand over the touch-sensitive ear cup, the volume is instantly reduced, enabling you to converse with others quickly, without missing a beat.
Included in the package are the WH-1000XM3 headphones, a protective carrying case, a USB-C charging cable, and an audio cable for wired connections.
These accessories ensure that your headphones are ready for use wherever your travels might take you, while also keeping them safe and secure during transit.
The headphones boast an impressive frequency response of 4Hz-40,000Hz, ensuring premium sound even in the most demanding of listening situations.
The 40mm liquid crystal polymer drivers deliver rich, detailed, and balanced audio across a wide spectrum of frequencies, ensuring flawless reproduction of your favorite tunes, whether you prefer classical symphonies or thumping bass-heavy beats.
The volume control touch sensor incorporated into the ear cups provides an intuitive and seamless method of adjusting your music's volume.
With a simple swipe or tap, you can instantly find the perfect level of sound to suit your personal preferences without fumbling for external controls.
What Else
In addition to exceptional sound, the Sony WH-1000XM3 offers superior comfort with ergonomically designed ear cups and an easily adjustable headband. This groundbreaking combination ensures a comfortable fit for users, making these headphones ideal for extended listening sessions.
To conclude, the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones are undoubtedly a remarkable piece of engineering, setting new benchmarks for sound quality, noise-canceling technology, and user-friendly features. Offering an unparalleled listening experience, these headphones are a worthy addition for audiophiles and casual listeners alike, redefining the very essence of what it means to be truly immersed in sound, and they are the overall best headphones we've found for rock and metal music.
FAQs About the Best Headphones for Metal and Rock Music
What type of headphones are best for metal music?
Over-ear, or circumaural, headphones are generally considered the most suitable option for listening to metal music.
These types of headphones provide a full-range sound experience, with great bass response and the ability to pick up on more subtle nuances in the genre.
However, there are certain on-ear models (like the Audio-Technica ones above), that are just as good as the best over ear models.
Are closed-back or open-back headphones better for metal music?
While both closed-back and open-back headphones can provide a good listening experience for metal music, closed-back models tend to be more popular.
These types of headphones create an seal around your ears, with the sound isolation blocking out external noises and providing a deeper, more immersive sound experience that works especially well with heavy metal genres.
Is it important to consider frequency range when buying headphones for metal?
Absolutely. Frequency range is an important factor to consider when selecting any type of headphone, but it is particularly relevant when shopping for headphones specifically tailored to listening to metal music.
Look for models with a frequency range between 20Hz – 20kHz as a minimum; this will ensure that you get the best possible sound quality when listening to albums or tracks from your favorite heavy metal artists.
Should I buy wireless or wired headphones for heavy metal?
The choice between wireless and wired headphones largely depends on personal preference; however, if you’re looking for a crystal clear audio experience with no interference or latency issues, then frequently wired models are usually the best option.
Wireless or Bluetooth headphones do offer convenience and flexibility, but they can suffer from signal loss and interference problems which can reduce their overall audio quality.
So neither is necessarily "better" than the other; it just depends on your priorities.
Does the design of my headphones matter when I’m playing metal?
Yes – comfort is key! Metal music can be quite loud and intense at times; therefore it’s important to select a pair of headphones that fits snugly around your ears without causing discomfort during long periods of use.
Look for models with adjustable headbands and padded earcups designed to conform against your head shape; these features will help ensure you remain comfortable while rocking out in style.
Is noise cancellation important when choosing headphones for heavy metal?
Noise cancellation isn’t always essential when selecting a pair of headphones specifically tailored towards listening to metal; however if you’re playing in noisy environments such as clubs or festivals then active noise cancellation technology can be incredibly useful in creating an uninterrupted musical experience free from external distractions.
Are there any specific drivers I should look out for when buying for metal?
Headphones designed specifically with heavy genres such as rock and metal in mind tend to feature larger drivers (anything over 40mm).
The bigger driver size helps deliver powerful bass tones while also allowing you to pick up on some of the finer details within each track – making them great options even outside of just playing heavy music genres.
Are there any other features I should consider before buying a pair of headphones specifically tailored towards rock and metal music?
Yes – look out for features such as detachable cables so you can easily change your cables depending on what type of device you’re using; adjustable ear cups so your headset can fit further into your ears providing better sound isolation from external noises; replaceable ear pads which allow you to customize how comfortable your headset feels on your head; plus other addons like microphone attachments or Bluetooth connectivity which offer extra convenience and versatility depending on what type of setup you need.
Are there any things I should avoid when selecting my headphone model?
Definitely – don’t skimp on quality! There are some cheaper options available online that may seem attractive due primarily based upon their price point - however be aware that these headsets typically lack any sort of audio clarity or definition, meaning they won't provide an optimal listening experience (regardless of whether its rock/metal or otherwise).
And even if they offer a decent sound, many will offer slightly poor noise isolation.
Be sure invest in some higher quality mid-range models instead - it'll make all the difference in terms of quality.
Are there any tips that might help me get better performance out my new headset?
Firstly make sure they fit properly - having too much room between the ear cup and your ears will result in sound leakage meaning you won't get full advantage out what's being delivered by the drivers inside the headset itself.
Secondly, invest into some good cleaning accessories - this will help keep them free dust/dirt particles that could build up overtime reducing their overall performance levels.
You may even want to think about purchasing some specialized wipes/pads specifically designed just for cleaning headsets.
Summary of the Best Headphones for Rock and Metal Music
The best headphones for your metal or rock music will be dictated by your personal preferences and situation - just to recap, here are our favorites:
Best Budget Option: AKG Pro Audio K240 STUDIO
Best Open-Back Option: Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision
Best for a Fast Charge: Monster Persona Noise Cancelling
Best for Comfort: V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless
Best for the Studio: Audio-Technica ATH-M60X On-Ear
Best Wooden Option: Symphonized Wraith Genuine Wood
Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless Noise Canceling
Thanks for checking us out, and keep rockin’!
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