Bassists nowadays have several options at their disposal. Gone are the days where you needed a giant bass amplifier (that could possibly annoy your neighbors) to practice. Today, you only need a laptop or even your smartphone, an audio interface, and a pair of good-quality headphones.
Bass guitar headphones must have, obviously, a very defined bass response and an extended frequency range, so that you can hear all the details from that ground shaking instrument. Depending on your particular case, you may want a pair that is also good for other activities, such as day-to-day usage and casual music listening or music production.
Today, we bring you our best headphones for bass guitar comparison in search of the optimal pairs. In our research, we picked an option for everyone, so it is highly probable that you will find the best product for your needs and budget. Without further ado, let’s get into the article.
Tip: You may also like our Best Bass Guitar for the Money and 17 Best Heavy Bass Songs Of All Time articles.
We Tested 11 Products and Found the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X to be The Best Headphones for Bass Guitar
The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro was our Runner-Up
Best Headphones for Bass Guitar in our Tests
Table of Contents
- Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro
- Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
- Vox VGH
- Behringer HPS3000
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
- Anker SoundCore Life Q20
- Sony MDR7506
- Samson SR850
- AKG Pro Audio K361
- Sennheiser Pro HD 600
- Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 Ohms)
1. Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro
As our first bass headphones, we have the beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro. If you’re into the professional music world, you know that the brand has some of the best professional headphones that money can buy. This particular one is an entry-level choice that offers a fair sound quality.
Product Specifications
- Over-Ear Headphones
- Wired
- Closed Back
Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros
- For a quality product by a company so renowned as beyerdynamic, the DT 240 Pro is pretty affordable.
- These have a compact design so they are optimal if you are frequently on the go or want a pair that can also be used in your routine.
- When looking at the frequency response, we see that these headphones have a boost around 100kHz, making them optimal for the bass players’ practice.
- These are very lightweight and won’t feel heavy on your head when used for prolonged periods of time.
- The design is pretty sturdy and durable. The headband, for example, is reinforced with steel.
- The detachable cable can be plugged on either side of the headphones, for maximum versatility.
Cons
- Not suitable for mixing as the frequency response isn’t neutral enough.
Conclusion
The beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro has a powerful bass sound and an overall great comfort factor. You really can’t go wrong with a trustable brand like beyerdynamic. However, the frequency response is not neutral enough to be used for mixing purposes. Nonetheless, it is also a great pair of headphones for day-to-day usage and casual music listening.
2. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
We always end up recommending the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro in our product roundups because we know it has an impressive sound quality and a fantastic bass response. It is pretty affordable as well, considering all the features that are packed inside these cans. Let’s learn more about it.
Product Specifications
- Over-Ear Headphones
- Wired
- Closed-Back
Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros
- The ear pads and the headband cushioning are very thick, meaning these headphones will gently hug your head and are very comfortable for prolonged periods of use.
- It is quite affordable. Priced at around $100 by the time this article was written, not many other headphones in this category can perform just as well.
- The frequency range is quite impressive, as it starts at 8Hz and goes all the way up to 25000kHz, according to the manufacturer. This will give you a powerful sub-bass response, specially.
- The ear pads, headband, and cable are replaceable.
- Can be folded for easier transport.
Cons
- None that are particularly concerning.
Conclusion
This is a great pair of headphones for a great price. The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro has been one of our favorites in its category in many product roundups. You really can’t go wrong. We particularly like the range of the frequency response of these bass headphones: 8Hz to 25000kHz. Quite impressive, especially on the low-end.
3. Vox VGH
The Vox VGH is particularly tailored for bass guitar. These can connect directly to your bass and have a built-in amp with different sound effects to choose from. While a convenient choice, these headphones can only be used for practice and casual playing. Let’s see what it offers in terms of sound quality.
Product Specifications
- On-Ear Headphones
- Wired
- Built-In Amplifier and Sound Effects
- Closed Back
Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros
- Like mentioned before, these on-ear headphones have a built-in amplifier and several sound effects to choose from. This makes them perfect for practicing and casual playing, especially if you’re a beginner.
- Extremely lightweight and compact, they are easy to carry with you on trips.
- There is an aux-in jack input for playing along with accompaniments.
- They are a collaboration between Vox and Audio-Technica, so you can expect this pair to be of high quality.
- These bass headphones are comfortable to use for prolonged periods of time.
Cons
- Not versatile. Can only be used for practicing and casual listening.
Conclusion
At what it proposes, the Vox VGH bass headphones are great. They have a great frequency response in the low end and will suit casual players well. However, you will be pretty limited with this pair since you can only use it for practicing and casual playing. And for the price tag, you could get your hands on an entry-level audio interface and a decent pair of headphones.
4. Behringer HPS3000
Behringer has a special place in the heart of any artist on a budget out there. Let’s be honest, no other company offers affordable products with a value as great as Behringer, be it microphones, headphones, or any audio equipment you can think of. These are the HPS3000 studio headphones.
Product Specifications
- Over-Ear Headphones
- Wired
- Includes Adapter
- Closed-Back
Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros
- Wonderful bass response and extended frequency response range.
- While the design looks a bit dated in our opinion, it is built solidly.
- One of the most affordable options on the list, these were priced around $60 by the time this article was written.
- The headband is surprisingly well-cushioned.
- Includes an adapter for optimal versatility.
- Transparent high frequencies.
Cons
- A bit heavy.
- The ear pads material feels a little cheap.
Conclusion
Behringer usually brings great products for affordable prices and the HPS3000 is not different. They have a fair sound quality and deep bass. If you check product reviews, most people are happy with it. What we definitely didn’t like was the design: it looks a bit outdated. However, if you don’t mind the looks, this is a great choice, especially if you do find it on a deal.
5. Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
Audio-Technica is one of the best manufacturers in the music industry and the ATH-M50X is a very popular model of theirs. Available in 3 colors, these bass headphones have a nice low end and provide exceptional comfort. The materials used in this pair are also very solid.
Product Specifications
- Over-Ear Headphones
- Wired
- Includes 3 Cables and an Adapter
- Closed Back
Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros
- This is one of our most reviewed products on articles about headphones because we like the versatility of this pair. They are really suitable for anything you can imagine: bass guitar playing, day-to-day usage, casual music listening, music production, etc.
- The ear cups can rotate 90 degrees so it is easier to store the pairs and you can lay them flat on the top of a desk, for example.
- The 45-millimeter large-aperture drivers ensure the best performance for bass-heavy music.
- Great isolation from outside noise.
- These headphones include 3 detachable cables and an adapter for optimal versatility.
Cons
- None that are particularly concerning.
Conclusion
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X is one of our favorite headphones for bass. We like the incredibly accurate audio and the dynamic range of this pair. They’re also great for music production, especially if you produce electronic music. Nonetheless, the ATH-M50X is very versatile and can be used just fine as a routine pair of headphones.
6. Anker SoundCore Life Q20
This is our only Bluetooth option. We decided to include a wireless pair in the article because these can be extremely convenient depending on your use case. Sure, they may not be as versatile as wired pairs, especially if you have an audio interface, but the Anker SoundCore Life Q20 has a heavy bass quality that is hard to ignore. Let’s learn more about this Bluetooth pair.
Product Specifications
- Over-Ear Headphones
- Bluetooth
- Closed-Back
Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros
- Like mentioned before, this pair works via Bluetooth. However, it can also be used with a cable, meaning you can connect them to an audio interface headphone jack input for bass practice and still use them wirelessly for day-to-day usage. This makes it a very versatile pair.
- One of the most affordable Bluetooth headphones in the market.
- An incredibly good bass response with the BassUp feature.
- Minimal sound leakage due to its active noise cancellation.
- 40 hours of battery life. This is impressive.
- Bluetooth 5 technology. This means that even if you monitor your bass guitar via Bluetooth while playing with an iRig in your smartphone, for example, you will have a minimal sound delay.
Cons
- None that we think are concerning.
Conclusion
We like the Anker SoundCore Life Q20 very much. It is impressive how little these Bluetooth bass-heavy headphones cost for how much they offer. With a solid and deep bass response and the optimal level of versatility, these are a great choice. On top of all: you can connect the detachable cable to it for use with audio equipment such as an interface.
7. Sony MDR7506
Sony is a reputable brand not only in the professional music world but among consumer-grade audio equipment too. The MDR7506 has been around for ages and it is a pair with a heavy bass response, particularly good for music production and referencing mixes too.
Product Specifications
- Over-Ear Headphones
- Wired
- Includes an Adapter
- Closed-Back
Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros
- The Sony MDR7506 has optimal bass sound.
- Neodymium magnets and 40-millimeter drivers for a heavier response while recording or practicing bass guitar.
- Critically acclaimed sonic performance.
- Very versatile, can be used not only for bass monitoring but also for music production and tasks like referencing mixes.
- Works great if connected to a bass or guitar amp headphone output.
- Sound quality-wise, they’re among the best in their category.
- Foldable design that is easy to carry around and store.
Cons
- We found none.
Conclusion
The Sony MDR7506 is one of the most popular headphones in the music production world for a reason. These bass headphones offer great performance and good sound quality for a fair price.
These are similar to the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X, in our opinion. It was hard for us to pick our favorite among these 3 models since they all perform very well, but we ended up preferring the Audio-Technica’s option since they offer a better overall value. They are all great pairs, though.
8. Samson SR850
The Samson SR850, unlike most other options on the list, has a semi-open back design. A semi-open back construction can give you a more natural bass response since the sound is less confined inside the ear cups. Nonetheless, the choice between these and closed-back is usually a matter of preference. Let’s see what the SR850 has to offer in terms of sound quality.
Product Specifications
- Over-Ear Headphones
- Wired
- Semi-Open Back
Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros
- Like mentioned before, the semi-open back design has a few differences when compared to its closed-back counterparts. It usually offers a more natural frequency response and stereo image, since part of the sound can exit the ear cups.
- These bass headphones are also great for mixing and mastering purposes, as well as music production.
- The extra-large 50mm drivers provide thumping bass tones.
- The headband is self-adjusting and will fit most head sizes just fine.
- These headphones are one of the most comfortable models on the list.
- Great dynamic range. Can play loud sounds without distorting.
- The velour ear pads feel great and comfortable.
Cons
- Not optimal for noisy environments.
Conclusion
The Samson SR850 open-back studio headphones have an excellent sound quality for the price: $50, by the time this article was written. An open-back design can give you a more natural bass response, however, we don’t recommend it for noisy environments since there is a lot of sound leakage.
Another point we really liked was the comfort factor: these headphones will automatically adjust to fit most people’s heads.
9. AKG Pro Audio K361
The AKG K361 is an ergonomic pair of headphones that are highly adaptive. There are vertical sliders built-in on the ear cups that can be adjusted depending on your head’s size, as well as a detachable cable. These bass headphones have a great frequency range: 15Hz to 28kHz, with a well-tailored low-end.
Product Specifications
- Over-Ear Headphones
- Wired
- Closed-Back
Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros
- Like mentioned before, the ear cups can be positioned higher or lower so that they fit your head’s size.
- The ear cups are larger than most typical headphones. This can improve comfort and make them less noticeable when used for prolonged periods of time.
- These are also optimal for listening to bass-heavy music genres such as hip hop.
- They have a great deal of noise cancellation and isolate well against ambient sound.
- Seamless ear pads.
- Can be folded for easier transport and storage.
- Extended frequency range: 15Hz to 28kHz, according to the manufacturer.
Cons
- None particularly concerning.
Conclusion
When talking about versatility, the AKG K361 is one of the best bass headphones. These can be used for a wide range of applications: bass and electric guitar monitoring, music listening, and even as a handy pair for referencing your mixes. Nonetheless, we ended up preferring other options on the list, like the Audio-Technica-M50X for a few reasons.
10. Sennheiser Pro HD 600
We are talking about a legend. The Sennheiser HD 600 is a professional studio headphone pair critically acclaimed by top audio engineers in the music industry. They are very expensive, we gotta say, but there are few headphones that can compete with those.
Product Specifications
- Over-Ear Headphones
- Wired
- Open-Back
Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros
- The open-back design provides a natural bass sound.
- These are some of the best studio headphones for mixing and mastering. The only options that we can think of that can compete are the ones from beyerdynamic.
- Very neutral frequency response. You can easily trust the sound of these headphones.
- The design looks pretty good and very solid. The outer part of the ear cups is made out of a durable metal mesh.
- Very low handling noise on the cable.
- Optimum extended dynamic range.
- Advanced diaphragm design which, according to the manufacturer, eliminates standing waves.
- Although large in size, these studio headphones are very lightweight.
Cons
- High price.
Conclusion
The Sennheiser HD 600 has obviously superior quality. It is not by chance that they are one of the industry-staple headphones for mixing and mastering. They will offer amazing performance for bass guitar and critical listening purposes.
However, these cans have a high impedance. You may need a headphone preamp in order to drive them correctly and achieve a bass-heavy sound. The only drawbacks in this one are the price and the fact that they are not as versatile as other options on the list: these can pretty much only be used in the studio.
11. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 Ohms)
Our last product on the list is the beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro. Just like the previously reviewed Sennheiser Pro HD 600, the headphones from beyerdynamic’s DT line are a staple among audio engineers due to their high-quality sound and balanced frequency response.
Product Specifications
- Over-Ear Headphones
- Wired
- Closed-Back
Advantages & Disadvantages
Pros
- The velour ear pads are pretty comfortable and don’t make your ears hot even if used for prolonged periods of time.
- The frequency response is pretty neutral. The bass is solid and the highs are clear.
- There are three options for this particular model depending on your use case: 32 ohms, 80 ohms, and 250 ohms.
- The materials used to build this pair feel solid. These headphones are certainly very durable and trustable in the long run.
- Can be used for critical music listening.
- Offers some degree of noise cancellation.
Cons
- May feel bulky if you have a smaller head.
- May need a headphone preamp.
Conclusion
The performance of this pair is amazing. beyerdynamic is highly trustable: these headphones are pretty much one of the industry staple models for critical music listening and referencing mixes. The DT 770 Pro will have a superb performance for bass guitar practicing and monitoring.
The only drawback is that, for people with smaller heads, it may feel a little bulky or heavy; You may need a headphone preamp with the 80 ohms version, as well.
FAQs
Can I Use Earbuds for Monitoring Bass Guitar?
Which One is Best for Bass Guitar: Closed-Back, Semi-Open-Back, or Open-Back Headphones?
Open-back headphones have a more natural bass response, but they tend to leak a lot of sounds in and out. These are best for soundproof places where you also won’t annoy anyone with the sound coming from your headphones.
Which One is Best for Bass Guitar: Over-Ear, On-Ear or In-Ear Headphones?
Can I Use Wireless Headphones for Bass Guitar Monitoring?
When Do I Need a Headphone Preamp?
Conclusion
In our best headphones for bass guitar article, we reviewed 9 products with an extended low-end response. Of course, all of these pairs are incredible and there are some (more expensive) names on the list that have an unmatched sound quality. However, versatility and value for the price had a great impact on our choices.
We decided to choose two headphones that we think offer a great balance between all of these qualities and of course, a balanced tuning on the low frequencies. Whichever is your playing style, these two are, in our opinion, the best headphones for bass guitar.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X – Overall Best Headphones for Bass Guitar
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X is the best bass guitar headphones in our opinion. They offer a superb performance while at the same time being very versatile: you can use these anywhere, from the studio to on the subway. Definitely worth the price.
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro – Runner-Up for Best Bass Headphone
The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro has an amazing value for the price and we really like their performance with the bass guitar. Just like our top pick, they are also very versatile so it is a no-brainer choice for beginners. Definitely one of the best bass headphones.
How to Buy
If you’re interested in any of the reviewed models, their link is at their respective titles on the list. We hope our best headphones for bass guitar article was helpful. Please remember to research extensively before buying any audio equipment. Happy bass playing!
Ian Sniesko is an experienced music producer and musician who loves to share his knowledge about the best audio equipment for making and enjoying great music. For the past 6 years, Ian has written extensively about the audio equipment industry and has contributed to many of the top music magazines.