I couldn't be happier to see wired headphones making a comeback. Thanks in part to the rise of hi-fidelity and lossless streaming options, the future looks bright for high-quality audio and how people listen to their music.
Of course, it's not just high-quality audio that people are interested in. Wired headphones are simpler to use, and they never (ever) run out of battery. But, if you are looking for the best sounding headphones right now, which should you choose? Here are five of the best wired headphones tested by Tom's Guide at a range of different budgets.
1. Sennheiser HD 599 SE
Wired headphones are weird. The more you spend on your headphones, the more likely you are to need a fancy amplifier to make them sound their best. Not so with the Sennheiser HD 599 SE — they have low impedance, so they need less power, and high sensitivity, so the power you do give them goes further.
They were my first pair of "audiophile" headphones, and while they've inaugurated me to a hobby that's only beaten out in expense by racing cars. Despite their relatively low price, they still sound excellent, with clear, bright highs and impactful bass.
It's that bass that makes them so good for beginners. They're not as in-your-face with the highs as some wired headphones can be, making them an easier listen for the uninitiated.
They plug straight into your phone and sound good when you do — what more could you want out of your newest pair of headphones?
2. Fiio FT13
The Fiio FT13 are a great pair of beginner wired headphones because while they embrace the extra detail and space of a reference headphone, the also remember that people want some bass.
They're a groovy, fun sounding pair of headphones that still give you glassy highs and well-defined mids. They're an engaging listen for audiophiles in any stage of their audio journey.
They're also very comfortable, and those wooden earcups are a sight to behold. A great pair of headphones if you want to get more serious about wired listening.
3. Meze 105 AER
The 105 AER remain one of my favorite pairs of headphones. They're an open backed pair of headphones, and they've been designed to work their best with a portable device like your phone. That means that anyone can listen to them without the need for a separate device.
They're some of the most engaging headphones you'll ever put on your head. You're immediately part of the music you're listening to, as opposed to a passive on looker. They're bright and fun, but there's still some seriously tasty low-end to make sure they're not fatiguing.
Thanks to the clever auto-adjusting headband, they're very comfortable as well, so you can listen to your music for longer at a time. I love the 105 AER — and I think anyone else looking for some wired headphones will as well.
4. Fosi Audio i5
Another pair of headphones that currently lives on my test bench, the Fosi i5 are an altogether more meaty pair of cans. When driven properly, they provide a sound that is equal parts weighty as it is tight and well-formed, giving any listener something to rant and rave about.
Their build leaves nothing to be desired. They're made of substantial metal and feature a wooden band around the earcup. There's a kind of cool, industrial look to them that screams, "I don't care what you think of my headphones, at least KMFDM sound great."
They sound good with almost any genre, especially if you like something with more rounded mids. The soundstage is good as well, as you'd hope for something with such enormous open-backed earcups.
They're easy to drive as well, so you'll have a great experience should you just want to plug them into your phone and get listening. They do benefit from some extra power, especially in the lower reaches, so a headphone amplifier is recommended.
5. Sendy Audio Aiva 2
The Aiva 2 stick out as the perfect "good for all people at all things" pair of headphones. For one, they look absolutely drop-dead gorgeous, with some mad attention to detail on the outside of their metal and wood earcups.
They're comfortable on the head, and the contoured earpads are a first for me — and I'm glad they're there. The whole package, with its wonderful construction quality and thoughtful design, feels like it's worth more than it actually is. AirPods Max, eat your aluminum heart out. We want wood now.
And then you get to listening, and you're treated to some of the most immersive sound you'll get this far south of $1,000. They surround you in your music, putting you directly in the center of the mix.
I've found they like to be driven slightly harder than other 32 ohm headphones, thanks to a slightly tighter 96db sensitivity. They'll sound fine straight out of your phone, but you'll find improved dynamism and punch with a more impressive audio source.
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