At a time when most people stream music over Bluetooth, it seems like wired headphones are a relic of the past. If you’re reading this, it’s because you know that a wired signal is superior to most wireless signals. You might need an adapter to use wired headphones these days, but the better sound quality is often worth it. PCMag's audio experts have been writing about wired headphones for over two decades, so you can trust that our analysis is comprehensive and informed. We also follow an independent and ethical review process, meaning our coverage is free of influence. Here, we look at headphones (on-ear and over-ear) and earphones (in-ear) that still use cables. We cut this list off at $1,000 to keep things reasonable, and we’re dedicating it to those that work solely with a wire. Remember that the models here favor accuracy over booming bass and sculpted highs.
Overview
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![Etymotic ER4 XR]()
Best Earphones for Critical ListeningEtymotic ER4 XR
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![HiFiMan Ananda]()
Most Luxurious HeadphonesHiFiMan Ananda
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![Audeze LCD-S20]()
Best for Studio Mixing and TrackingAudeze LCD-S20
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![Shure SRH1540]()
Best AccessoriesShure SRH1540
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![Philips Fidelio X3]()
Best for Audiophiles on a BudgetPhilips Fidelio X3
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![Grado RS2x]()
Most Stylish Open-Back HeadphonesGrado RS2x
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![Sennheiser HD 660S2]()
Best Open-Back Headphones for Home ListeningSennheiser HD 660S2
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![Sennheiser IE 200]()
Best In-Ear Monitors on a BudgetSennheiser IE 200
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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![Etymotic ER4 XR]()
Best Earphones for Critical ListeningEtymotic ER4 XR
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Etymotic's focus on creating in-ear monitors with a purely transparent sound signature has led to some invaluable tools for engineers and anyone who values audio that’s free of sculpting. The ER4 XR earphones are a slight departure from the company's traditional approach in that they add the slightest amount of low-frequency emphasis. But fear not, these don't go nearly as far in that direction as the vast majority of models we test. They present the entire frequency range with ideal clarity.
Who It’s For
Sound engineers: Those who work in music or film are the obvious audience here, but you might also appreciate the ER4 XR if you want a thoroughly accurate representation of your music—imperfections and all.
Specs & Configurations
Connection Type Stereo 3.5mm Type In-Canal Learn More Etymotic ER4 XR Review Review -
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![HiFiMan Ananda]()
Most Luxurious HeadphonesHiFiMan Ananda
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
We don't often award five stars to a product, but HiFiMan's planar magnetic Ananda headphones deserve it, especially now that you can get them for less than half their original $1,000 retail price. They offer one of the most detailed stereo images we’ve heard in many years of testing, and their frequency range of 8Hz to 55kHz translates to a magical musical presentation. And despite a fairly massive frame, they still feel quite comfortable. Even the cabling is high-end thanks to a rugged, translucent sleeve.
Who It’s For
Perfection seekers without a budget: If you're willing to indulge in your listening hobby, these headphones won't disappoint. No, they don't sound quite as sublime as multi-thousand-dollar electrostatic models, but they're a far more reasonable choice.
Specs & Configurations
Connection Type Stereo 3.5mm Type Circumaural (over-ear) Learn More HiFiMan Ananda Review Review -
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Credit: Mark Knapp
![Audeze LCD-S20]()
Best for Studio Mixing and TrackingAudeze LCD-S20
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The closed-back LCD-S20 headphones deliver an accurate sound signature that never seems clinical. Their 90mm planar magnetic drivers feature acoustic damping material for excellent noise isolation. You also get full-range audio: a picture of the entire frequency range without exaggerating the still-present lows.
Who It’s For
Studio trackers: These headphones are great for both studio tracking and mixing. The large earcups feature comfortable velour padding and don’t leak much sound.
High-quality listeners: Beyond that, they’re an appropriate addition to any home audio setup with quality stereo gear.
Specs & Configurations
Connection Type Stereo 3.5mm Type Circumaural (over-ear) Learn More Audeze LCD-S20 Review -
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![Shure SRH1540]()
Best AccessoriesShure SRH1540
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Like all the other entries on this list, Shure's SRH1540 headphones prioritize accuracy. They are fully capable of reproducing deep sub-bass but never embellish these low-end elements. Plush Alcantara-lined earpads result in a comfortable fit, while quality accessories like two detachable cables, a replacement pair of earcups, and one of the sturdiest hard-shell cases available add up to a premium experience.
Who It’s For
People who want a natural tuning: If you want a pair of headphones that deliver higher frequencies with excellent clarity without sacrificing sub-bass, check out the SRH1540.
Accessory lovers: If you're a fan of high-quality accessories, these are the headphones for you.
Specs & Configurations
Connection Type Stereo 3.5mm Type Circumaural (over-ear) Learn More Shure SRH1540 Review Review -
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![Philips Fidelio X3]()
Best for Audiophiles on a BudgetPhilips Fidelio X3
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The open-back Philips Fidelio X3 headphones provide an excellent spatial feel and output rich bass depth with excellent clarity elsewhere throughout the frequency range. They have massive earcups, but their velvet-lined memory foam earpads feel light, plush, and sufficiently cool over long listening sessions. Internally, 50mm neodymium drivers deliver a frequency range of 5Hz to 40kHz and angle slightly toward the ear to produce more accurate highs.
Who It’s For
Budget audiophiles: Compared with what you can spend on audiophile-grade headphones, this Philips model has always been a somewhat value option. That's even more the case now that the street price has dropped below $150.
Comfy listeners: These are supremely comfortable. You can wear them forever.
Specs & Configurations
Connection Type Stereo 3.5mm Type Circumaural (over-ear) Learn More Philips Fidelio X3 Review -
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![Grado RS2x]()
Most Stylish Open-Back HeadphonesGrado RS2x
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Grado has many dedicated fans among audio enthusiasts, and the RS2x headphones are a superb entry point. They feature a comfortable on-ear design and the company's trademark combination of metallic grilles and stitched leather. More importantly, however, they create an especially wide stereo image and deliver all of the frequency ranges cleanly. We wish they had a detachable cable, but that's a minor complaint.
Who It’s For
Those who listen alone: If you primarily listen in an environment without other people, there's no barrier to enjoying the airy and articulate sound of the Grado RS2x headphones, though they are on the pricey side.
Specs & Configurations
Connection Type Stereo 3.5mm Type Supra-aural (on-ear) Learn More Grado RS2x Review -
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![Sennheiser HD 660S2]()
Best Open-Back Headphones for Home ListeningSennheiser HD 660S2
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The open design of the Sennheiser HD 660S2 headphones helps create a lively stereo field, while their drivers specialize in detail retrieval. The outer panels sport metallic perforated grilles that allow you to see into the enclosure and the semi-transparent internal cloth grilles let you partially gaze upon the front and rear faces of the 38mm dynamic drivers—both are cool design touches. They cover a frequency range of 8Hz to 41.5kHz and have an impedance of 300 ohms.
Who It’s For
Those who listen at home: These headphones work best with a stereo system, but they ship with a 3.5mm adapter that lets you plug into just about any other source.
People who have money to spend: You must be willing to spend quite a bit to enjoy their excellent clarity and balanced delivery, including in the sub-bass realm.
Specs & Configurations
Connection Type Stereo 1/4-inch Connection Type Stereo 3.5mm Type Circumaural (over-ear) Learn More Sennheiser HD 660S2 Review -
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![Sennheiser IE 200]()
Best In-Ear Monitors on a BudgetSennheiser IE 200
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The ubiquity of true wireless models has left a void in the affordable wired in-ear realm (at least from mainstream brands), but Sennheiser thankfully now sells the IE 200 earphones. They look and feel more expensive than their price suggests, fit quite securely, and use detachable MMCX cables. The best part, however, is that they offer a transparent signature with tons of detail.
Who It’s For
Earphone lovers on a budget: Most remaining wired in-ear models are aimed at professionals, and the IE 200 earphones fit this trend to a degree thanks to their high-quality sound and construction. But we think they are best for music lovers who are (rightfully) wary of Bluetooth codec limitations and simply want to hear the full dynamics of their favorite tracks.
Specs & Configurations
Connection Type Stereo 3.5mm Type In-Canal Learn More Sennheiser IE 200 Review -
Compare Specs
Our Pick | |||||||||||
Rating |
5.0 Exemplary |
5.0 Exemplary |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
5.0 Exemplary |
5.0 Exemplary |
4.5 Outstanding |
Best For | Best Earphones for Critical Listening | Most Luxurious Headphones | Best for Studio Mixing and Tracking | Best Accessories | Best for Audiophiles on a Budget | Most Stylish Open-Back Headphones | Best Open-Back Headphones for Home Listening | Best In-Ear Monitors on a Budget | Best Earphones for Critical Listening | Most Luxurious Headphones | Best for Studio Mixing and Tracking |
Type | In-Canal | Circumaural (over-ear) | Circumaural (over-ear) | Circumaural (over-ear) | Circumaural (over-ear) | Supra-aural (on-ear) | Circumaural (over-ear) | In-Canal | In-Canal | Circumaural (over-ear) | Circumaural (over-ear) |
Wireless | |||||||||||
True Wireless | |||||||||||
Connection Type | Stereo 3.5mm | Stereo 3.5mm | Stereo 3.5mm | Stereo 3.5mm | Stereo 3.5mm | Stereo 3.5mm | Stereo 1/4-inch, Stereo 3.5mm | Stereo 3.5mm | Stereo 3.5mm | Stereo 3.5mm | Stereo 3.5mm |
Water/Sweat-Resistant | |||||||||||
Active Noise Cancellation |
Buying Guide: The Best Wired Headphones for 2026
Do Headphone Drivers Matter?
Between headphones and earphones, there's a range of driver styles. In headphones, the most common option is the dynamic driver—headphones typically only employ a single full-range driver in each earcup’s enclosure.
In recent years, audiophiles have gotten excited about planar magnetic drivers, which use a magnetic field to vibrate a large (compared with a dynamic driver) flat surface area. Planar magnetic drivers are typically sought after for their ability to deliver high levels of detail throughout the frequency range with little distortion and a highly accurate bass response. Like the even less common (and far more expensive) electrostatic drivers, the enclosures for these headphones are often large and not ideal for wearing out of the house. Many earphones that employ planar magnetic drivers look rather bulky and odd as well.
We are also starting to see microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology in consumer products. These silicon-based, solid-state drivers can produce faster transients and are more precise than alternatives. Moreover, manufacturers can ensure a more consistent driver-to-driver build since they don’t rely on multiple moving parts.
Dynamic or balanced armature drivers are the most common in earphones. Balanced armature drivers are notable for being tiny and lightweight, allowing manufacturers to include multiple in a single earpiece to cover different frequency ranges. Like two-way or three-way stereo speaker setups, this tends to lead to a more accurate sound signature, but it all depends on the driver tuning.
None of the above-mentioned options are necessarily better than the others, but they do affect the sound signature.
Earphones vs. Earbuds
Let's keep this short: There are no earbuds on this list. That's because no earbuds seal off the ear canal. Any in-ear models that rest outside of the ear canal create a host of sonic problems—ear-to-ear imaging suffers, as does the bass response.
In-ear models that seal off the ear canal (otherwise known as earphones) ensure proper left/right channel balance and can reproduce bass more effectively. People might use these terms interchangeably, and that’s fine, but for the sake of this story, the distinction is important.
Over-Ear vs. On-Ear Headphones
There are two basic builds for headphones. Circumaural designs fit wholly over and around the ear, encircling it with earpads that typically create a soft seal against the skin and scalp. Supra-aural models rest on the ear but don’t create a seal around it. These models are often called, respectively, over-ear and on-ear headphones—and frankly, both of those terms are much easier to remember for most people.
Audiophile-level headphones are more often than not over-ear; a seal around the ear leads to a more immersive experience, after all. But that doesn’t mean you can't find top-notch on-ear models. It might ultimately depend on your preference and use case: If you need headphones for recording or overdubbing in a studio, for example, over-ear headphones are often the way to go because they are less likely to leak audio.
Recommended by Our Editors
Open vs. Closed Headphones
Not all over-ear headphones prevent audio from leaking, however. In fact, some purposefully push audio out—these are referred to as open (or open-back) designs. Some listeners prefer an open-back design because increased airflow around the drivers can lead to a magical spatial presentation.
Closed headphones can also deliver magic, however, and are more appropriate for studio, office, and public settings since they tend to leak far less audio.
What Does Sound Signature Mean?
Our goal is to highlight those options that we think sound best. You won't find any options here with overly boosted bass simply because they don't provide an accurate audio experience. Finding mega-bass headphones isn't difficult, however, if that's what you prefer.
In our reviews, you might often see the terms “flat response” or “flat sound signature.” This might sound like a negative thing, but a flat sound signature merely means that it’s an accurate—or close to accurate—sound that doesn’t boost and sculpt the frequency range too much.
That said, all sound signatures have some boosting and sculpting—if they didn’t, everything would sound the same. In recent years, many accuracy-focused headphones and earphones have added some bass depth because speakers and subwoofers have become more capable of reproducing deep bass rumble. Artists and producers have followed in step by including deeper bass in their mixes. Thus, it’s not audiophile sacrilege to include some serious bass in a sound signature. As long as the bass is clean and accurate, it can help you enjoy the deep lows that many modern mixes (and films) include.
What to Look for in a Headphone Cable
One nice feature to look for is a removable cable. It’s far easier and more affordable to replace a cable than an entire pair of headphones; after all, cables are usually the culprits when things go awry.
If you need to use your headphones or earphones to take calls, pay attention to whether the cable has an inline mic and remote control. Plenty of the audiophile and studio models skip these features, though some include two cables, one with and one without. Most wired headphones also ship with a quarter-inch headphone jack adapter for stereo and pro audio gear. This is rarely the case with earphones, but nearly all 3.5mm earphones work with a quarter-inch adapter.
How Much Should You Spend on Wired Headphones?
As we mentioned earlier, we've capped choices here at around $1,000. Why? There are simply too many quality options below that price. Many we highlight are also available for less than their original retail price, but that's rarely a reflection of audio quality. Wired headphones aren't like cell phones. There’s not necessarily a new, better model every year. Some of these models have been on the market for years and have only had minor updates. When you get something right the first time, there’s no need to change it.
Remember, wired headphones require a little more maintenance than wireless models. Once you find the perfect pair, read up on our easy tips to extend the life of your headphones and the many ways you're using your headphones wrong.