Home Headphone Guides The 15 Most Comfortable Headphones Of All Time [Definitive Guide]

The 15 Most Comfortable Headphones Of All Time [Definitive Guide]

by Stuart Charles Black

Don't forget to share if you found it helpful!

Greetings mate and Welcome aboard!

Stuart Charles here, HomeStudioBasics.com helping YOU make sound decisions leading to a beautiful audio experience that will make you fall in love with music (NOT gear) all over again, so…

Today we’re going to discuss a topic near and dear to my heart; comfortable a** f’ing headphones.

SO GET PUMPED!!!

We all love them, we’re all constantly on the hunt for them, but if you’re new to the hobby, you may not quite know where to start.

That’s why I’m here!

After demoing 125+ of them, I have a pretty good idea of which are most worthy of a purchase based on the comfort factor alone.

Fortunately, many if not all of them sound good too!

This guide will cover all bases, helping you learn not only which headphones are most comfortable, but why.

We’ll talk about Over-ear models, cheap models, expensive ones, studio headphones, wireless & Bluetooth headphones, lightweight headphones, some fairly heavy, and everything in between!

We’ll give each a ranking based on other important factors like clamping pressure, headband dig, etc.

This post will be frequently updated and revised as I gain new experiences with headphones, so definitely bookmark and/or share!

By the end of the article, you should be honed in on exactly the headphone for you.

If not, contact me and I’ll help you!

For ratings, I’ll specify them per the following scale:

  • Exemplary. Perfect. The holy grail.
  • Excellent. Almost perfect.
  • Above Average. Almost excellent, but might need an adjustment every so often.

We’ll also combine these together if a headphone sort of sits in the middle, i.e. “Excellent-Exemplary”, or “Above Average-Excellent”.

Anything average and below wouldn’t really constitute the best, so we’ll leave it at that.

You have to remember that outside of the audiophile world, the majority of general consumer headphones are mostly awful in terms of comfort.

Today’s write-up should be incredibly eye-opening if you’re new to the hobby!

Now without further ado let’s get rolling!!

#15

Oppo PM-3

Overall Comfort Rating: Above Average

Price: Check Amazon! | Official Review: Here!

Oppo PM-3 Review

  • Type: Circumaural (Over-Ear).
  • Clamp Force: Snug, Excellent.
  • Headband Dig: Slightly Above Average.
  • Earcup Size: Medium-Small. You may experience your ears touching the cups depending on size, but it doesn’t have a negative effect on comfort.
  • Earcup depth: .5″, Shallow. Your ears will touch the cloth covering the drivers, but again, no negative effect on comfort.
  • Earcup Shape: Oval.
  • Earcup measurements: Opening: Length approx. 1.5″, Full length of the cup: approx 3″, Width: approx 2 1/4″, Full width of cup: approx 3 3/4″
  • Padding Material: Protein Leather.
  • Pad give: Soft.
  • Pads replaceable: Yes.
  • Weight: 320g., Medium-heavy. It’s not heavy by any means, but leaning in that direction.

First up on the list is the venerable PM-3 and one of my all-time favorite headphones.

Though it’s been discontinued, this excellent planar magnetic just makes the list because of how comfortable it was and still is.

I just picked one up from my cousin at a discounted price and it sounds just as good as I remember!

What’s always stood out to me in addition to the sound was the comfort level.

Wearing a PM-3 feels like receiving a warm hug. It clamps snugly but doesn’t feel like your head is in a vice grip.

The top of the headband doesn’t dig too hard, but you will notice it eventually (though it takes quite a while).

On paper, this headphone shouldn’t be nearly as comfortable as it is, but it’s just that.

I can wear it for a long time without an adjustment, and while it’s not really all that close to the top spot, it definitely deserves a mention and does pretty easily make the list.

It can’t receive top 5 honors because you will have to move it a bit on your melon to maintain comfort, but for me, it’s always a slight adjustment.

Sometimes I’ll simply move my ears, eyebrows, and/or jaw around to adjust. Sounds crazy, but it works!

This will move the cups ever so slightly off of their spot to give your ears a rest.

You will start to notice the headband, but only after many hours of listening. It doesn’t dig too hard and has ample padding

The PM-3 is definitely above average in terms of comfort.

#14

Status Audio CB-1

Overall Comfort Rating: Above Average

Price: Check Amazon! | Official Review: Here!

The Best Headphones for Gaming

The CB-1 is a fantastic open sounding headphone.

  • Type: Circumaural (Over-Ear).
  • Clamp Force: Snug-Loose, Excellent. From here on out, “Snug-Loose” simply means a cross between the 2.
  • Headband Dig: Slightly Above Average.
  • Earcup Size: Medium-Small. You may experience your ears touching the cups depending on size, but it doesn’t have a negative effect on comfort.
  • Earcup depth: Deep. Your ears will likely not touch the cloth/material covering the driver. This also helps with Soundstage.
  • Earcup Shape: Oval.
  • Earcup measurements: Coming Soon!
  • Padding Material: Protein Leather.
  • Pad give: Soft.
  • Pads replaceable: Yes.
  • Weight: 8.9 Oz. (263g). This one, while heavier on paper than the PM-3, is more on the bulky side than anything.

The CB-1 still holds a spot in my Budget Kings series, and is a bit more comfortable than a PM-3 because its earcups are deeper and thus don’t touch any part of your ear for the most part.

You may feel them a tad, but by and large, this is a headphone you’ll be able to wear for hours on end, whether mixing in the studio, gaming on the couch, or even on the go.

The clamp force is just about perfect, but the top of the headband may dig after a few hours. It’s kind of a minor nitpick but should be noted.

A headphone that really shouldn’t be comfortable at all upon first glance ends up making this list rather easily.

#13

AKG K371

Overall Comfort Rating: Above Average-Excellent

Price: Check Amazon! | Check Sweetwater! | Check B&H! | Official Review: Here!

AKG K371 Review

  • Type: Circumaural (Over-Ear).
  • Clamp Force: Snug, Excellent.
  • Headband Dig: Above Average.
  • Earcup Size: Medium-Small. You may experience your ears touching the cups depending on size, but it doesn’t have a negative effect on comfort.
  • Earcup depth: Shallow-Ish. Not quite a cross between shallow and deep, but not completely shallow. Lol. Your ears will probably touch a little bit, but it won’t be uncomfortable and you won’t complain much.
  • Earcup Shape: Oval.
  • Earcup measurements: Coming Soon!
  • Padding Material: Protein Leather.
  • Pad give: Soft.
  • Pads replaceable: Probably, but I wouldn’t mess with it.
  • Weight: 8.9 Oz. (252.3g) Medium.

The K371 is an incredibly well-done headphone comfort-wise when you consider that most closed-backs are pretty awful.

I can maybe count on one hand how many can be worn for more than 45 minutes without me feeling like I want to gouge my eyes out.

And they’re all on this list, BUSTER!! WOOOOO!!!!

Lol now share this you know you want to.

Seriously though, the K371 is mostly going to feel snug like a bug in a rug, and it won’t dig too hard on both sides and the top of your head.

The clamping force here is just right, and the headphone is light enough to where you mostly don’t feel it too much overall.

It’s also not as heavy as a PM-3 which contributes to it being a bit higher on the list.

I don’t own one but did get a chance to demo it thanks to my boy @Metal571 offering to send it.

What you’ll love is that it’s also super compact and folds up nicely, but that’s a discussion for the official article.

#12

HIFIMAN Ananda

Overall Comfort Rating: Above Average-Excellent

Price: Check Apos Audio! | Check Amazon! | Official Review: Here!

  • Type: Circumaural (Over-Ear).
  • Clamp Force: Snug-Loose, Excellent.
  • Headband Dig: Above Average to Excellent.
  • Earcup Size: LARGE AND IN CHARGE LIKE THE NUTTY PROFESSOR.
  • Earcup depth: Medium-deep. Definitely not as deep as a CB-1, but the Ananda’s depth is almost perfect. Your ears will basically never touch any part of the cup or the driver.
  • Earcup Shape: Oval.
  • Earcup measurements: Coming Soon!
  • Padding Material: Protein Leather.
  • Pad give: Soft.
  • Pads replaceable: Yes.
  • Weight: 14.7 Oz. (399g) Heavy-ish.

The HIFIMAN Ananda is mostly excellent in terms of comfort.

In fact, it’s almost perfect aside from one thing: it may dig a little into that ridge behind your ear where the bone is.

Aside from that, it’s a headphone you can wear for quite a long time without an adjustment.

Like the Utopia, it is a bit on the heavy side but you won’t really feel that heaviness if that makes sense. It sits nicely on your cantaloupe.

Clamping force is Snug-loose and you won’t feel it much into the sides of your head either.

Even being that the Ananda is planar, it’s pretty lightweight (all things considered) so it also doesn’t dig much into the top of your head.

Do keep in mind that the headphone is rather bulky.

You may feel like Bobby Bouchee in Waterboy when it’s on, as it hugs your face a little and feels like you’re wearing a football helmet.

The Ananda shows no mercy in that regard, but it’s still mostly a minor nitpick.

I can’t recall a single person I’ve talked to who actually complained about it or even brought it up, but it’s something to keep in mind regardless.

There’s plenty of room for your ears here, even if you happened to have gigantic Dumbo-sized auricles like this guy:

Oh my God look at the size of those things!

Lol, alright enough of the memes (for now).

#11

Dan Clark Aeon Flow

Overall Comfort Rating: Excellent

Price: Check Amazon! | Check Apos Audio! | Check eBay! | Official Review: Here!

MrSpeakers Aeon Flow Closed

The Aeon paired with a Mojo is pure musical bliss.

  • Type: Circumaural (Over-Ear).
  • Clamp Force: Snug-loose, Excellent.
  • Headband Dig: Above Average to excellent.
  • Earcup Size: Medium-small.
  • Earcup depth: Deep.
  • Earcup Shape: Oval.
  • Earcup measurements: Coming Soon!
  • Padding Material: Protein Leather.
  • Pad give: Soft.
  • Pads replaceable: Probably, but I would stick with the originals.
  • Weight: 12 Oz. Medium-Heavy.

This is another rare closed-back headphone that feels absolutely wonderful when it’s on your head, and we have Dan Clark to thank for that one.

Out of all the headphones I’ve ever tried, the Aeon Flow is certainly one of the most unique in appearance and design.

I think Dan really nailed it when he came up with this idea because it works incredibly well.

The headphone is snug and doesn’t move, but it’s also not overly clampy.

The cups seem kind of small at first, but form-fit to your ears rather nicely all things considered.

The headband is featherweight and doesn’t intrude on the top of your skull which is a huge plus. It’s basically a thin piece of leather that also feels great to the touch.

Like the Ananda, the Aeon Flow may dig ever so slightly into the same bone/ridge area behind your ear, but again, it’s a minor nitpick when you take into account the amazing overall comfort of the headphones.

#10

Sony MDR-Z1R

Overall Comfort Rating: Excellent-Exemplary

Price: Check Amazon! | International Verison: Here! | Check eBay! | Official Review: Here!

  • Type: Circumaural (Over-Ear).
  • Clamp Force: Snug-Loose, Excellent.
  • Headband Dig: Above Average.
  • Earcup Size: Large.
  • Earcup depth: Deep.
  • Earcup Shape: Circular.
  • Earcup measurements: Coming Soon!
  • Padding Material: Genuine Leather.
  • Pad give: Soft.
  • Pads replaceable: Yes.
  • Weight: 385g. Medium-light.

With the Z1R we’re starting to move into the exemplary territory, and this headphone will certainly stand out in my mind for as long as I live – for reasons mentioned in the official review.

At first glance, this beautifully designed headphone seems like it’s going to be mega-ultra-super-duper-heavy as you’re about to pick it up, but it actually weighs in at only 385g.

This may seem like a lot until you factor in its overall size.

It’s a pretty large headphone but its weight feels way less than its specs would indicate.

It’s like that sensation when you lift up a glass of water that you think is fuller than it actually is, or pulling a door that you think is way heavier than it actually is.

The feeling of putting a Z1R on your head can only be compared to pure bliss, even despite its somewhat bulky profile.

The clamping force here is just right, as it hugs your head almost perfectly.

The size of the cups themselves, while round, are very large and envelop your ears quite nicely.

The genuine leather headband feels soft to the touch and also doesn’t dig.

Overall, it’s an efficient use of materials and the headphone itself feels incredibly graceful.

I’d liken it to a lean figure skater in terms of its pure essence.

I’ve demoed a Z1R at my local Audio Advice on many occasions (for hours at a time) and can’t recall a single instance in which I had to take it off.

  • Note: I don’t have images at the moment because they don’t really hand out loaner units for this model specifically. I will take some pictures in-store and update this article when I do!

This is truly a flagship quality headphone in all respects and Sony should most certainly be applauded for the effort here.

#9

Focal Utopia

Overall Comfort Rating: Excellent-Exemplary

Price: Check Amazon! | Check eBay! | Official Review: Here!

Focal Utopia Review

  • Type: Circumaural (Over-Ear).
  • Clamp Force: Snug-semi-loose, Excellent.
  • Headband Dig: Above Average.
  • Earcup Size: Large.
  • Earcup depth: Deep.
  • Earcup Shape: Circular.
  • Earcup measurements: Coming Soon!
  • Padding Material: Lambskin leather/memory foam.
  • Pad give: Soft.
  • Pads replaceable: Yes.
  • Weight: 1.08lb. (490g) Heavy.

I didn’t realize just how difficult it would be to rank these, but the Utopia is certainly delving into Exemplary only territory – meaning there’s basically nothing to complain or nitpick about.

In fact, this headphone is impeccably made from top to bottom and it really shows.

What I find really interesting is that it weighs exactly as much as an iFi Zen – 1.08 lbs.

This may seem really heavy, but the Utopia was designed in such a way that you honestly don’t feel it that much when it’s sitting on your head – unlike an Audeze LCD series headphone.

What makes these amazing comfort-wise is the fact that the cups are pretty deep, the headphone rests comfortably on the sides of your head, and the padding is super soft and plush.

I honestly don’t know how Focal made a heavy headphone so comfortable, but that’s exactly what you’re getting here.

No buts about it!

The only caveat is that they’re super ‘spensive. So if you buy these without your wife (or hubby)’s approval, you’re going to have some ‘splainin’ to do. LOL.

The only thing that holds this one back from being ranked higher is that heaviness factor. At the end of the day, it’s still 490g.

#8

Sennheiser HD600 Series

Overall Comfort Rating: Excellent-Exemplary

Sennheiser HD600 vs. 650

  • Type: Circumaural (Over-Ear).
  • Clamp Force: Snug-tight, Excellent. Opens up over time. At first, yes, it’s vice grip tight.
  • Headband Dig: Above Average.
  • Earcup Size: Medium.
  • Earcup depth: Medium-shallow.
  • Earcup Shape: Oval.
  • Earcup measurements: Coming Soon!
  • Padding Material: Velour.
  • Pad give: Soft.
  • Pads replaceable: Yes.
  • Weight: 9.3 Oz. (260g) Medium-light.

Some purists may scoff and say these are ranked too high, but I say,

YOU DON’T KNOW JACK, ALRIGHT!!

No, but seriously.

Yes, the clamping force is rather tight at first, but it opens up beautifully over time and retains that snug feeling for years to come.

One of the best qualities of 580/58X/600 series headphones is most certainly the cup design.

It’s oval-shaped and conforms to pretty much any size ear.

You may feel them a little, but it doesn’t lead to discomfort which is the kicker.

The cups are also made of the velour we’ve all come to know and love, and the headband padding is perfect – whether it’s the cratered variety pad seen on the 650, 6XX, and 58X, or the 4 nugget pads apparent on the HD600.

For a headphone with a fair amount of clamp, you’ll almost never feel these digging into the top of your skull and that’s certainly a byproduct of yet another lightweight, economical design and sensible approach.

Every component on these headphones feels significant and necessary.

Do keep in mind that replacing the pads is easy and highly recommended for ideal long-term use.

The trade-off for having such soft, comfy pads is that they do tend to wear out over time depending on the amount of usage.

So snag a pair of replacements today!

In short, the 580/58X/600 series of Sennheiser headphones are ones that you can wear for hours without fatigue.

The differences between various headphones in the line, comfort-wise, are very marginal.

#7

AKG K600/700 Series

Overall Comfort Rating: Excellent-Exemplary

Price: Check Amazon! | Check Sweetwater! | Check B&H! | Check eBay! Official Shootout: Here!

AKG K612 vs. K712 vs. K702 vs. K701 vs. Q701

  • Type: Circumaural (Over-Ear).
  • Clamp Force: Snug-loose, Excellent.
  • Headband Dig: Above Average to excellent.
  • Earcup Size: Large.
  • Earcup depth: Medium.
  • Earcup Shape: Circular.
  • Earcup measurements: Coming Soon!
  • Padding Material: Velour.
  • Pad give: Ranging from soft to soft-firm.
  • Pads replaceable: Yes.
  • Weight: 8.3 Oz. (235g) Light.

The K600/700 line of headphones will always stand out in terms of comfort and there’s a reason (well, many reasons) why they’re recommended the world over for gaming and film.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve likely plopped down on your couch for weeks at a time playing video games without moving.

If that still sounds like you, well, you’re in luck, my friend!

The K600/700 series has your back, homie.

Well, your head anyway.

I’ve talked at length about why the K702 is now my daily driver, but a big reason is because of comfort.

I can wear them all day with pretty much no adjustments, as they clamp just right and are super lightweight to boot.

What’s interesting about the all-velour padding is the fact that the pad softness can vary from headphone to headphone.

For instance, the K712 and K612 pads are pretty soft, but the K702’s are a tad firmer.

This doesn’t really affect comfort much as they are all extremely comfy, but it’s something to keep in mind.

You may feel the 702 a little more over long sessions, but I still don’t have any complaints dating back to 2019.

The other neat thing about these headphones is the hammock-style adjustment; just place it on your head and let go.

No adjusting is necessary as it auto-conforms to the shape of your big-ass melon.

#6

AudioQuest Night Owl

Overall Comfort Rating: Exemplary

Official Review: Here!

^This was part of a graphic series I did on the Owl back when it was still in circulation. Check it out!

  • Type: Circumaural (Over-Ear).
  • Clamp Force: Snug, Excellent.
  • Headband Dig: Above Average-excellent.
  • Earcup Size: Large.
  • Earcup depth: Medium-deep.
  • Earcup Shape: Circular/Oval (a cross between the 2).
  • Earcup measurements: Coming Soon!
  • Padding Material: Protein Leather.
  • Pad give: Soft.
  • Pads replaceable: Yes.
  • Weight: 12.2 Oz. Medium-heavy.

Despite being discontinued, the Night Owl is most certainly one of the most comfortable headphones I’ve ever worn.

I actually think it’s still worth a look if you can get it at a decent price, but be warned that going rates tend to balloon and inflate after products are no longer in circulation.

The Owl was memorable to me both in terms of its sound and comfort levels, and it’s another that I won’t forget any time soon.

Its distinct look (the sides actually resemble owl eyes), its excellent ear cup padding, and its non-intrusive headband are all elements that combined to make for a wonderful overall experience.

Everything about the fit is darn near perfect.

I remember chilling on the screened-in porch at my mom and dad’s old house in 2017 thinking to myself, “I don’t think I’ve ever experienced comfort as good as this.”

It felt like the equivalent of putting your hand into a glove that was literally designed for your hand only.

Or receiving a warm hug from an old friend.

Of course, I’ve had a lot more experience with headphones since then, but still, the Owl deserves a spot and is certainly one of the absolute best headphones for long listening sessions.

#5

Philips SHP9500/9600

Overall Comfort Rating: Exemplary

Philips SHP9500 vs. 9600

  • Type: Circumaural (Over-Ear).
  • Clamp Force: Loose, Excellent.
  • Headband Dig: Above Average.
  • Earcup Size: Large.
  • Earcup depth: Shallow.
  • Earcup Shape: Oval.
  • Earcup measurements: Coming Soon!
  • Padding Material: Cloth, Memory Foam.
  • Pad give: Soft.
  • Pads replaceable: Yes, with modification.
  • Weight: 9.9 Oz. (289g) Medium-light. This one is kind of bulky but the kicker is it sits incredibly light. Makes no sense, I know, crazy.

Where do I even begin?

The SHP9500 is an almost unanimously comfortable headphone.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a single person complain about these comfort-wise, even though sound opinions vary across the board.

One thing radically different about these headphones vs. others is their clamp force. It’s incredibly light.

So light even that I was actually able to literally throw them on my head on camera back in 2018 – something that I wouldn’t dare try with most other headphones.

The kicker is that you will absolutely never have to make an adjustment with these UNLESS they slide. That’s the caveat although it’s, you guessed it, a minor nitpick.

They can and will slide a bit forward and backward, but as long as you don’t move around too much it shouldn’t be a problem.

In other words, I really don’t care. I could wear the 9500 for the rest of my life without taking it off probably.

It almost completely feels like air when it’s sitting on your head.

It also doesn’t dig into the top of your skull much which is most certainly welcome over long sessions.

Padding here is awesome, but they will flatten out a bit over time similar to the HD600. Pad replacement video soon!

#4

HIFIMAN 400 Series (Updated Build)

Overall Comfort Rating: Exemplary

HIFIMAN DEVA Review

  • Type: Circumaural (Over-Ear).
  • Clamp Force: Snug-Loose, Excellent.
  • Headband Dig: Above Average.
  • Earcup Size: Large.
  • Earcup depth: Medium-deep.
  • Earcup Shape: Circular.
  • Earcup measurements: Coming Soon!
  • Padding Material: Cloth/Memory Foam (DEVA), Velour/Memory Foam (400i/400se).
  • Pad give: Soft.
  • Pads replaceable: Yes.
  • Weight: 12.5 Oz. (367g). Official # is 360g.

If we’re talking about the original HE400 series (400S, 400i, and later Sundara and 4XX), then yes, they would still get a  spot on this list.

The catch is that they’d be ranked a bit lower for varying reasons. The newer models are all a substantial improvement.

When the DEVA came out, I just about cried on camera because of how grateful I was to HIFIMAN for rectifying some issues apparent in the line – ranging from headband yoke malfunctions, comfort, to connection issues into the ear cup(s), etc.

It truly felt like redemption when the updated installment arrived on the scene.

It may seem extreme to shed a tear over a headphone lineup, but you have to understand:

  1. The sound of HIFIMAN headphones is amazing and it felt like wasted talent if they couldn’t just fix some glaring issues. Plus music can make you cry lol SO LAY OFF ME!!!
  2. The problems were running rampant and frustration levels were at an all-time high.

My local Audio Advice here in Raleigh, N.C. even dropped HIFIMAN from their lineup completely which I wasn’t all that surprised by given my own experience with the aforementioned problems.

In short, the arrival of DEVA changed all of that and really was a giant leap forward for the Chinese audio manufacturer.

While the Sundara was certainly a step up in terms of build and felt more robust, the DEVA, 2020 400i, and now 400se all boast even better construction and feel infinitely more comfortable on your dome piece.

No longer do the headphones slide down onto the tops of your ears – a notable issue in some of the earliest models.

Clamp force is now perfect, and the headphone, while still light, sits on your head almost flawlessly.

They also made the cups a smidgen deeper I believe, and it seems like there’s more room inside for your ears.

I’ve been demoing the DEVA since June of 2020 and haven’t really had to adjust it a single time. Like the 9500, it does want to slide a bit, so prepare accordingly.

I don’t mind the trade-off because while it doesn’t entirely feel like air, it’s getting there. I hardly notice it at all!

#3

Bose Quiet Comfort 35 Series

Overall Comfort Rating: Exemplary

Price: Check Amazon! | Official Review: Here!

Welcome to Pleasantville.

  • Type: Circumaural (Over-Ear).
  • Clamp Force: Snug, Excellent.
  • Headband Dig: Excellent.
  • Earcup Size: Medium.
  • Earcup depth: Medium-deep.
  • Earcup Shape: Oval.
  • Earcup measurements: Coming Soon!
  • Padding Material: Not specified.
  • Pad give: Soft.
  • Pads replaceable: Not specified.
  • Weight: 310g.

Any headphone that has “Comfort” in its name better da**n well be comfortable.

And Bose headphones most certainly are.

YOU’RE DARNED TOOTIN’!!!

In fact, many people buy these headphones solely based on their comfort reputation, and I don’t blame them one single bit.

Just take a look at the 50,000+ amazon reviews singing their praises. This isn’t an accident.

If you’re looking for comfortable, Bluetooth, noise-canceling headphones to use on a plane, look no further.

Even as someone with over 125 headphones worth of experience in this bizarre audiophile hobby, I would still recommend a QC35 over the rest for this specific purpose.

It’s Pleasantville all the way, man.

Like the 9500, it feels like you’re basically wearing nothing, as I am right now below the waist.

Well, that escalated quickly. LOL. Share buttons are at the top and bottom.

#2

Sennheiser HD500 Series

Overall Comfort Rating: Exemplary

Price: Check Amazon! | Check B&H! | Official 500 Shootout: Here! | Official 560S Review: Here!

Sennheiser HD560S Review

  • Type: Circumaural (Over-Ear).
  • Clamp Force: Snug, Excellent.
  • Headband Dig: Excellent-Exemplary.
  • Earcup Size: Medium.
  • Earcup depth: Medium-shallow.
  • Earcup Shape: Oval.
  • Earcup measurements: Coming Soon!
  • Padding Material: Velour.
  • Pad give: Soft.
  • Pads replaceable: Yes.
  • Weight: 8.5 Oz (240g)

For as much as I’ve kind of shrugged my shoulders over the sound of the 500 series over the years, the comfort levels on these puppies are most certainly one of their saving graces and have always been – the other being their fantastic Soundstage and propensity to do incredibly well for gaming.

When you put a 500 on your head, it’s pretty much going to stay in that exact spot for roughly 9 million hours.

Seriously, it’s perfect.

Because they’re so light, nimble, and compact, they rest on your head incredibly well and don’t move at all.

They don’t clamp hard, the headband padding is perfect, and they can be worn for long hours while you’re gaming, mixing, or simply listening to music.

As with the HD580/58X/600 series, the padding here is all velour and feels amazing on your head.

The pads here also tend to wear down and flatten out over time, so be prepared to replace them as needed.

The frequency of replacements will depend on how often you use the headphones.

#1

Beyerdynamic DT770/880/990

Overall Comfort Rating: Exemplary

DT880 Price: Check Amazon! |  Check Sweetwater! | Check eBay! | Official Beyer Shootout: Here!

  • Type: Circumaural (Over-Ear).
  • Clamp Force: Snug, Excellent.
  • Headband Dig: Excellent-Exemplary.
  • Earcup Size: Large.
  • Earcup depth: Medium-deep.
  • Earcup Shape: Circular.
  • Earcup measurements: Coming Soon!
  • Padding Material: Velour.
  • Pad give: Soft.
  • Pads replaceable: Yes.
  • Weight: 270g (without cable)

Rounding out the list is of course the Beyerdynamic DT series, which is simply the best that I’ve put on my head.

It’s like that feeling when you finally meet the girl of your dreams and you be like “Where have you been all my life baby boo?”

It’s pretty much unanimous that Beyer headphones are just about the most comfortable cans that you will ever wear.

EVER.

The reason I’m personally placing them #1 today over the 500 series is because of the cups. They are large, round, and fairly deep.

Not only are your ears not going to touch anything, but the Beyers sport the velour here which sets them apart from other headphones that have the depth and size covered, but instead utilize protein leather; a material that can have wildly different results from headphone to headphone.

At the end of the day, velour is infinitely more comfortable than protein leather over the long haul (and also holds up much better), and this is precisely what sets Beyerdynamic apart from the crowd.

They do everything flawlessly.

There’s a reason why countless studios (both small and large) all over the world sing Beyer’s praises and use their products almost religiously.

They are perhaps the best for marathon mixing sessions, and in my mind slightly edge the 500 series because of cup size and shape.

While the 500s do well at conforming to the shape of your ear, Beyer throws that out in favor of a touchless experience that will inevitably have you doing cartwheels in your living room.

Yeah, that’s right you heard me correctly!

So what are you waiting for my friend, snag a pair today. Which you go with depends on which sound signature you mostly prefer.

For that, check out the official shootout!

 

Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this article on the best headphones of all time and came away with some valuable insight.

Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!

If you love what I do here and want to support the blog and channel in a more personal way, check me out on Patreon and discover all the value I have to offer you.

Agree with this list? Have any headphones to add? I know you do. I would love to hear your thoughts and/or experience. Until next time…

All the best and God bless,

 

 

-Stu

[Xtr@Ba$eHitZ]

Can’t decide which headphones to purchase? Interested in a complete buyers guide outlining over 40 of the best options on the market? Click on over to the best audiophile headphones to learn more!!

Be sure to also check out my Reviews and Resources page for more helpful and informative articles!

Don't forget to share if you found it helpful!

You may also like

6 comments

Jack August 21, 2021 - 5:02 pm

Thanks! This article actually covers most of the headphones I am currently considering.

Reply
Stuart Charles Black August 21, 2021 - 5:57 pm

Thanks much, Jack! Glad to hear. Which ones specifically are you REALLY going after?

Reply
Janne Keskinen August 21, 2021 - 8:40 pm

Woooo ! You know what i mean

Reply
Stuart Charles Black August 21, 2021 - 9:00 pm

WOO!! WOO!! WOO!! WOO!! WOO!! lmao.

Reply
Wouter Luyten October 18, 2023 - 5:44 am

Yes, the Beyers; I agree. I expected them (high) in the list; but on the first place, it really confirms my experience. And: they are not only very comfortable, the sound is soooo good. Still made in Germany.
In the past, I owned HD265-Linear, HD570-Symphony, HD595 (disappointing sound), SR125, SR325is;, now DT770 (80), DT990, DT1990 and SR60e.
Thanks for the list, Wouter

Reply
Stuart Charles Black October 22, 2023 - 10:19 am

Wouter,

Nice! That’s always a h uge thing in my eyes. It’s actually one of the reasons why I’m not going to ever sell my original, made in Ireland HD600.

And yeah, the 500-series as a whole, in my opinion, is kind of meh although I do think they improved with the 560S.

Which are your favorite Beyers for sound?

Reply

Leave a Reply to Jack Cancel Reply