Not all headphones will faithfully reproduce the tone of your bass guitar. Any experienced bass guitarist has at one point learned that fact. Some give distorted low notes. And still, others discriminate some frequencies.
But many situations call for the best headphones for bass guitar. Whether it’s practicing late at night or listening to the soundtrack of your bass solo, you need dedicated headphones for that.
Here is the result of our far-reaching research. We have narrowed down your selection to a few tried and tested models by many users.
Best Headphones for Bass Guitar
Our Best Three
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
Top Features
Connectivity: Wired
Driver size: 45mm aperture drivers
Sensitivity:Â 98dB/m
Frequency Range: 15 to 28 000 kHz
Maximum input power: 1600mW
Impedance: 38 ohms
Collapsible: Yes
Weight: 285g
Its wired connectivity and 45mm aperture drivers, sell it among its competitors. So, it delivers outstanding clarity and deep bass. Its frequency response stretches from 15 to 28000Hz.
Using an over-the-ear design, it offers commendable external sound isolation. The ear cups swivel over 90 degrees. So you can use it for single ear sound monitoring.
It employs a professional quality earpad and headband. Therefore it feels comfortable to wear even over a long period. Before storage or transportation, you can fold it into a convenient form.
Though it uses wired connectivity, it offers multiple cables. That includes a coiled wire of 1.2-3m, two straight cords of 1.2m and 3m.
But for complete freedom from dangling cables try out its wireless design. It promises 50 hours of battery life, dual microphones, and an integrated internal amplifier.
What We Like About It:
- Comfortable to wear over an extended period
- Good noise isolation
- Collapses for easy storage
- Faithful bass reproduction
What We Didn’t Like About It:
- It has no microphones
V-MODA Crossfade M-100
Top Features
Connectivity: Wired
Driver Size: 50mm dual-diaphragm drivers
Sensitivity: 103 dB @ 1kHz 1mW
Foldable: Â Collapsible ear cups
Frequency response: 5 to 30000Hz
Impedance: 32 ohms impedance
Weight: 280g
It uses a lightweight steel frame and leather headband. Thus it delivers unparalleled comfort and durability. On each ear cup, it has a 50mm driver of dual-diaphragm technology.
Therefore it produces deep clean bass. Also, the unique diaphragm prevents the bass from drowning into the mid and high frequencies. Its over-the-ear design and Ergosoft foam cushion, block-out ambient noise without compromising comfort.
Its cable can bend a million times and withstand harsh outdoor weather. When you want to travel, you can detach the cords and fold them. When you wear it over the ear, it blocks out noises so you can practice with your guitar.
What We Like About It:
- Comfortable and durable design
- Deep bass that doesn’t drown in the high notes
- The detachable cables
- Equipped with BoomPro microphone
What We Didn’t Like About It:
- High price tag
Behringer HPS3000
Top Features
Connectivity: Single-sided wired connectivity
Driver size: 40mm
Sensitivity: 110dB @1kHz
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20 kHz
Impedance: 64 ohms
Maximum power: 100mW
Weight: 0.64lbs
Although corded, its 2m long cable offers minimal restrain. The one-sided cord rules out tangling and hence extending its lifespan. On either ear, it has cobalt drivers of 40mm in diameter.
That helps the bass guitar headphone deliver high-definition bass and ultra-transparent high frequencies. Besides, its wide frequency range responds to all genres of music.
Its oxygen-free copper wires blend with oval closed-back ear cups. Thus you enjoy deep bass free from external distraction. For convenience, the ear cups can rotate or reverse to face the opposite direction.
What We Like About It:
- Comfortable even for long hours
- Budget-friendly
- Wide frequency range
- Long cables
What We Didn’t Like About It:
- Non-detachable cable
Sony MDR7506
Top Features
Connectivity: wired
Driver size: 40mm wide
Sensitivity: 106dB/m
Foldable: Yes
Frequency range: 10Hz to 20 kHz
Impedance: 63 ohms
Maximum handling power: 1000mW
Weight: 8.10z (230g)
For tight bass and detailed sound, Sony MDR7506 is hard to beat. It derives such ability by blending oversize neodymium drivers and a wide frequency range. So it reproduces even the ultra-low bass that guitarists crave.
The closed-ear design blocks away external noise. Therefore you can concentrate on the guitar sound even while in a noisy room. Although it employs large drivers, its extra padded headband guarantees comfort.
Using the 9.8 foot long OFC cable and the two plug adapters, you can connect it to a nearby headphone amp without any strain. When your practice is over, you can fold the headphones and store them in your bag.
What We Like About It:
- Rugged construction
- Reproduces tight bass, crystal clear medium and high frequencies
- Barely any sound leakage
- Adjusted fit
- It folds into a compact and portable size
- It has a universal matching plug
What We Didn’t Like About It:
- The cables are non-detachable
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO
Top Features
Connectivity: wired
Driver size: 45mm
Sensitivity: 96dB/m
Foldable: No
Frequency response: 5Hz to 35000Hz
Impedance: 250 ohms
Maximum handling power: 100mW
Weight: 270g
The German-made headphone uses the closed-back ear design and bass-reflex technology. Besides, it boasts a broad frequency response from 5Hz to 35000Hz. Therefore it provides detailed sound. It reproduces even the ultra-low bass notes.
Its over-the-ear design and closed back further enhances the sound quality. On one side, it has a 3m coiled cable. So wearing it on and off is straightforward. The soft ear pads lock on the ear and offer prolonged comfort.
Besides suiting bass guitarists, it finds use in mixing and all studio use. It comes complete with the 3.5mm and the 6.35mm adapter for easy connection.
What We Like About It:
- Closed-back feature
- Bass reflex technology
- Rugged design
- Ultra-low bass response
What We Didn’t Like About It:
- Fixed cable
Sennheiser HD 600 Open Dynamic
Top Features
Connectivity: wired
Driver size: 38mm
Sensitivity: 97dBw/m
Foldable: No
Frequency response: 12 to 40,500Hz
Impedance: 300 ohms
Maximum handling power: 200mW
Weight: 260g
Talk of the transparent and rich sound, and Sennheiser HD 600 delivers it. That’s due to the open mesh ear cover and advanced diaphragm design.
Therefore, it eliminates standing waves and acoustic disturbances. Furthermore, its OFC cable minimizes acoustic noises.
Also, it uses neodymium ferrous magnets and lightweight aluminum voice coils. That gives it enhanced sensitivity and superb dynamics. Thus it reproduces accurate sound quality.
Its 3m long connection cable is detachable for convenience of storage. Besides having generous padding on the headband, the whole equipment has a lightweight of 0.57lbs. So it feels comfortable to wear over your head.
Guitarists playing in a quiet room will find the Sennheiser HD 600 a viable choice among the bass guitar headphones.
What We Like About It:
- It gives a transparent sound
- Super comfortable to wear
- Lightweight
- Long detachable cable
- 2-year warranty
What We Didn’t Like:
- It fits a quiet environment only since it has an open back
AKG Pro Audio K240
Top Features
Connectivity: wired
Driver size: 30mm
Sensitivity: 91 dB SPL/V
Foldable: No
Frequency response: 15Hz to 25kHz
Impedance: 55 ohms
Maximum Input Power: 200mW
Weight: 240g
Its self-adjusting headband and steel frame give it unparalleled comfort. The low input impedance means you can plug it into portable studio machines and still enjoy the high sound volume.
Also, it blends a semi-open design and extras sensitive diaphragm. This kind of acoustic tuning results in a smooth deep bass. Thus when listening to the guitar sound, you enjoy a pleasant natural sound.
Similarly, the single-sided detachable cable makes it easy to wear on and off. Further, it’s of oxygen-free copper cable quality. That means less handling noise in your ears. Wear it over your ears for hours, and it feels comfortable.
What We Like About It:
- The rugged steel frame
- Extra sensitive diaphragm
- Detachable cable
- Produces smooth and deep natural bass
- It generates ample volume even from portable devices
What We Didn’t Like About It:
- Non-foldable design
Phil Jones Bass Guitar Headphones H-850
Top Features
Connectivity: wired
Driver size: 40mm
Sensitivity: 96dBw/m
Foldable: ear cups collapse
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Impedance: 32 ohms
Maximum input power: 1000mW
Weight: 190g
The headphone has all the optimization to deliver low frequencies. A pair of 40mm drivers that uses neodymium speak quality. Its closed-back design means you can immerse yourself into the guitar sound and forget about the surrounding.
Its low input impedance translates to high volume from portable sound devices and PCs. Considering that it has a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, it responds to all the frequencies the human ear detects. During storage or transportation, you can detach the cable and prevent its malfunctioning.
What We Like About It:
- A pair of enormous drivers
- Light and comfortable over long hours
- Commendable sound isolation
- Balanced tuned sound
- Faithful in low frequencies
What we didn’t like about it:
- Less appealing in outlook
Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Top Features
Connectivity: wireless
Driver size: 40mm
Sensitivity: 95dB/m
Foldable: Yes
Frequency range: 16Hz to 40kHz
Impedance: 16 ohms
Weight: 263g(0.58lbs)
The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 combines 40mm drivers and hybrid noise-canceling technology. So it cancels out 90 percent of ambient noise and boosting clarity. Besides, it uses the bass up technology and thus resulting in stronger bass output.
When you engage the active noise cancellation, it promises 40 hours of battery life. Otherwise, in the standard connection mode, you enjoy 60 hours of listening. Its quick charging technology offers 4 hours of listening from 5 minutes of quick charge.
When the battery power goes down, you can switch to the wired connectivity using the auxiliary cable. The over the ear fit and padded headband promise comfortable listening.
What We Like About It:
- The hybrid noise cancellation technology
- Reliable Bluetooth range of 49feet
- Simple to fold
- Huge drivers that give clear and strong bass
- Extended battery hours
What We Didn’t Like About It:
- Inability to use microphones in wired connectivity
Edifier H850 Over-The-Ear Pro Headphones
Top Features
Connectivity: wired
Driver size: 40mm
Sensitivity: 96dB/m
Foldable: Yes
Frequency range: 20Hz to 20kHz
Impedance: 32 ohms
Maximum input power: 50mW
The 40mm drivers and closed-back design suggest its quality. So it reproduces fine-tuned sound over a broad frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz. It thus makes a viable headphone for monitoring the sound level from the guitar amplifier.
Besides its lightness, the headphone has leather pads. That makes it comfortable to wear for a long period. After use, you remove its cable, fold it flat and keep it.
The 2meters long cable means no undue tension on the cord that might otherwise shorten its lifespan. Further, the package provides ¼ inch jack for easy connection.
What We Like About It:
- Cozy leather ear cups
- 1-year warranty
- Lightweight and comfortable over the ears
- Minimalist look
- Rugged design
What We Didn’t Like About It:
- It has no inline microphone
How to Choose Good Headphone for Bass Guitar
Compatibility
Ensure the jack pin of the headphone is compatible with your guitar amplifier. Otherwise, the headphone won’t serve their purpose. Also, if it has a modifiable jack, you can use it on your other devices like a computer
Frequency Range
Check on the range of the frequency that the headphone responds to best. That includes from the lowest note to the highest note. Take note of its lower frequency response for bass guitar use. A wide range will reproduce clear and deep bass.
Comfort Level
At times guitar practice can require you to sit for long hours. Your headphone should still support a comfortable listening experience. That is, take into account the degree of padding of the headband and the ear cups. Also, the degree of clamping force on your head matters.
Your Listening Environment
Consider where you’ll use the headphone most. A noisy room requires a closed-back design. That way, you can filter out unwanted noise.
But in the case of wireless connectivity active canceling noise feature works best. Otherwise, when the playing environment is quiet, then headphone with open back serves.
Durability
Go for a model that has a rugged design. Take a look at the frame material and thickness of the cable. Some models have cables that can fold and twist uncountable times.
Impedance
The impedance is the electrical resistance. Headphones with low impedance give ample volume even from portable devices. However, they easily distort and blow out when connected to high-power amplifiers.
On the other hand, high impedance requires slightly more power to drive. But the headphones can take on most amplifiers and produce deep bass at high volumes without distorting.
So choose the headphone that has an impedance that matches your guitar amplifier or sound equipment.
Conclusion
The best headphone for bass guitar allows you to hear and feel even the extra low-frequency notes. You need the right pair of headphones to get the best out of the bass guitar. Hopefully, you can now make an informed choice. When you reflect on the above points, you can’t go wrong in your selection.
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