If you are a metal music enthusiast, you may find yourself frequently running into one problem: your headphones don’t do the music you listen to justice.
It can be endlessly frustrating to never have your favorite genre of music sounding quite right.
This is where a pair of high-quality headphones comes in.
We’ve got the best headphones for metal that will not only make your music sound incredible, but also have high levels of comfort, quality, and durability.
In this article, we’ll be taking a look at:
- Why Special Headphones for Metal?
- Top 7 Headphones for Metal in 2024
- How to Choose the Right Headphones for Metal
- Frequently asked questions.
Let’s go ahead and jump right into it!
Why Special Headphones for Metal?
When listening to metal music, you’re going to want to make sure that your headphones can handle the wide range of frequencies and complex layers of sound that are often present in the genre.
Metal typically has intense drumming and powerful bass, which can often become muddy and distorted when played through low-quality headphones and speakers.
For this reason, many people who frequently listen to metal music elect to invest in a pair of high-quality headphones that are capable of handling the complex requirements of metal music.
Generally, you want to find headphones that have high sound quality as well as strong noise isolation. If you listen to music for long periods of time, the comfort and durability of the headphones will also come into play.
Top 7 Headphones for Metal in 2024
Now, let’s get down to business: the best of the best when it comes to headphones for listening to metal music.
Before you buy a pair of headphones for metal, you’re going to want to make sure that they are comfortable, durable, and high quality.
Here are our picks for the 7 best headphones for metal in 2024 that are going to be able to handle the complexities of metal music while also being comfortable and durable.
AKG K702
Specs:
- Driver size (mm): 45
- Sensitivity (dB SPL/V @ 1 kHz): 105
- Rated impedance (Ω): 62
- Audio frequency bandwidth (Hz): 10 – 39800
- Maximum input power (mW): 200
- Cable(s) length: 3 m
Pros:
- Super comfortable
- Great sound quality
- Breathable
Cons:
- Low bass levels
- May require amp
- Significant sound leakage
If you’re on the hunt for headphones that are incredibly comfortable and breathable while still maintaining great sound quality, then the AKG K702 headphones are definitely the way to go.
The open-back design of these headphones makes them easy to wear for long periods of time, though the design does mean there will be some sound leakage, so keep this in mind before you purchase them.
Sennheiser HD 660S
Specs:
- Frequency response (speaker): 9 Hz – 41,500 Hz
- Sound pressure level (SPL): 104 dB (1 V)
- Impedance: 150 Ω
- Total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.04% (1 kHz, 100dB)
- Cable length: 3 m
Pros:
- Great sound quality
- Comfortable
- Light and breathable
Cons:
- Significant sound leakage
- More expensive than similar Sennheiser models
The Sennheiser HD 660S headphones are another pair of open-back headphones that are incredibly comfortable but do have a fair amount of sound leakage.
If this is not something that bothers you, then these headphones are definitely worth a try.
These headphones are highly adjustable with crystal clear sound quality that can handle a wide range of frequencies.
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO
Specs:
- Impedance: 250 Ω
- Drivers: Dynamic, 45 mm, neodymium
- Frequency range: 5 Hz – 40 kHz
- Sensitivity: 102 dBSPL
- Cable length: 3 m straight cable, and a 5 m coiled cable
Pros:
- Great sound quality
- Comfortable
- Great build quality
Cons:
- Slightly sharp on bright tracks
- Headband slightly tight
For high quality when it comes to both sound and build, the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO headphones are the way to go.
These headphones produce clear sounds and are comfortable to wear, aside from a slight headband tightness right out of the box – though this can be fixed with some adjusting.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Specs:
- Bluetooth: SBC, AAC, LDAC
- Battery life: 30hrs
- Charging: USB-C
- Transparency mode: Yes
- Built-in mic and controls: Yes
- Finishes: Black, Platinum Silver
- Weight: 250g
Pros:
- High-quality sound input and output
- Bluetooth and wired connection options
- Strong battery life
Cons:
- Price
- Not super portable
If you’re on the hunt for a pair of Bluetooth headphones, one great option is the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones.
These headphones have incredible sound quality when it comes to both music output and microphone input. You can also enjoy multiple forms of connection, from Bluetooth to cables, and extensive battery life.
Sony WH-CH710N
Specs:
- Driver Diamete:r 30 mm
- Impedance: 72 ohm
- Sensitivity: 94 dB/mW
- Frequency Response: 7 Hz – 20,000 Hz
- Maximum Power Input: 5 V DC
- Noise Canceling: Digital
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Noise-canceling
- Price
Cons:
- Shallow ear cups
- Not super portable
For high-quality, sound-canceling headphones on a budget, you can’t beat the Sony WH-CH710N headphones.
This is a more affordable model that still includes incredible features such as long battery life, crisp sound quality, comfortable padding, and multiple connection methods.
Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z
Specs:
- Type: Closed-back dynamic
- Driver Diameter: 53mm
- Frequency Response: 5 – 42,000Hz
- Maximum Input Power: 2,000mW
- Sensitivity: 100dB/mW
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Price
- Durable
Cons:
- Occasionally muffled audio
For durable headphones that will last you a long time and remain comfortable, the Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z is the way to go.
While there are mixed reviews on the sound quality, many users report that slightly muffled audio at times is worth having a pair of headphones that have lasted years.
Winner: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Specs:
- Weight: 250g
- Dimensions: 195 x 139 x 50.8mm
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint, 2.5/3.5mm, USB-C charging
- Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
- Battery life: 24 hours
Pros:
- Great sound isolation
- Comfortable
- Well built
Cons:
- Price
- Immserve battery average and drains battery
Looking for a pair of headphones that has virtually no sound leakage and phenomenal sound quality?
You can’t go wrong with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones.
As the name suggests, these headphones are incredibly comfortable with great sound isolation. While they are on the pricier side, they are definitely worth the money if you prioritize comfort and sound isolation.
These are our number one pick for the best headphones for metal music. The sound isolation and quality and both top-notch, and the comfort level of these headphones is unmatched.
How to Choose the Right Headphones for Metal
There are a few things that you want to take into account when selecting a pair of headphones to listen to metal music.
For one, you need to make sure that the headphones are high-quality and are able to handle a wide range of frequencies.
Another factor to consider is isolation and the level of sound leakage – you don’t want to be blasting your metal for the whole world to hear.
Comfort and durability are two important factors. Ensure that the headphones feel comfortable on your ears and be sure to check out reviews to ensure that they are going to last you.
Something that is also important to consider is your requirements when it comes to connection type.
There is no point in buying a pair of wired headphones if your phone does not have a headphone jack and you require Bluetooth.
Finally, select a pair of headphones that suits your personal budget. While more expensive headphones generally do perform better, there are many affordable headphones that are incredible in terms of quality, comfort, and durability.
Final Thoughts
If you are someone who listens to metal music on a regular basis, you want to make sure that the headphones that you are using are compatible with the style of music that you listen to.
The intense sounds and wide range of frequencies that are present in metal means that standard headphones may not do the genre justice.
At the end of the day, the pair of headphones that you choose to invest in as a metal music lover depends entirely on your personal needs and preferences.
Be sure to take into account factors such as your connection needs, listening habits, comfort requirements, sound isolation preferences, and budget.
Hopefully, our list has introduced you to at least one new pair of headphones that are a good fit for your lifestyle and listening habits.
FAQs
Can regular headphones handle the complexities of metal music?
Most metal music has very complex layers, a wide range of frequencies, and intense sounds that regular headphones cannot handle.
This can often lead to the music sounding muddy or distorted. This is why it is recommended that those who listen to metal invest in a pair of high-quality headphones.
Are there specific brands known for producing the best metal headphones?
While there is no singular brand that is known for producing the best metal headphones, brands such as Sony and Bose have a range of headphones that are able to handle the complexities and requirements of metal music.
Philip had the founding vision for Audio Assemble, previously known as Pro Tools Tutorial. In 2008 Philip began recording and producing songs and had a hard time finding free and accurate information on Pro Tools software. From there the website was born. Philip currently works as a Software Engineer for Amazon and handles the editorial strategy as well as much of the technical aspects of Audio Assemble’s website.