The rhythmic thump from a well-crafted bass line is undoubtedly satisfying. What happens when you need more? You can adjust the equalizer settings. If you don’t know how to change your equalizer settings or aren’t keen on it, the best option is to get a new pair with a “bass boost” or “extra bass” feature through the best headphones for bass.
Before you go, however, remember that every pair of headphones has a unique sound quality. The bass quality of different headphones will vary. It also means that a pair of headphones with a bass boost function doesn’t necessarily mean they will sound great. Some headphones with bass boost can sound muddy, while others can sound overwhelming.
It’s crucial to choose headphones that will give you the best sound quality without compromising your listening experience. Understanding the features that contribute to good bass response in headphones is best. This article will discuss the components that make great bass sound and how to find them in headphones. So, let’s get started!
What is the secret to excellent bass response?
You can classify bass as punchy or boomy in a general sense. A punchy bass is more defined, sharper, and clearer than other frequencies. Boomy bass sounds louder, but it is less defined. Many factors influence the sound quality of headphones. These are the most critical specs to be aware of:
Frequency range
The headphones will generate high-frequency audio (bass and middle-range), but they do not produce the treble. Standard headphones generally feature a frequency range of 20Hz to 20 kHz. This is also the frequency range of what our ears can detect. However, bass frequencies can vary from 250 Hz down to 16Hz.
Although technically, this is beyond what we can hear, the lower frequencies of the bass can still be felt and affect sound quality. For rich, deep bass, consider headphones with a broader frequency band.
Drivers
Headphone drivers emit sound from the tiny speakers inside your ear cups. The size ranges from 20mm to 50mm, with more significant drivers producing louder sounds. These have larger diaphragms, which create more soundwaves.
However, good bass is not always synonymous with driver size. For example, balanced armature drivers (BA) are tiny and cannot reproduce deep bass. Some drivers explicitly tuned for bass can produce acceptable frequencies.
Headphones can achieve higher bass with more significant drivers like planar drivers. However, this does not always mean getting a more profound, cleaner, or prominent bass.
It’s essential to take into account these other factors, in addition to driver size:
- Driver materials: Premium materials such as graphene, beryllium, and titanium are solid and flexible and can withstand high volumes and strong frequencies without affecting the bass quality.
- How far is the driver from your ear: This can impact how the bass sounds. The proximity effect says that lower frequencies will display more prominently the closer you are. Headphones are no different. The bass sounds will be louder if there’s less space between your ear and the driver.
- Position and angle of drivers: Unlike flat drivers parallel to your ears, angled drivers are closer to your ear canal. They may produce a more natural-sounding and pronounced bass than a stereo speaker system.
- Resonance and dampening of the chamber: Also, the design of the headphone housing or ear cups can have an impact on the bass. Closed-back headphones, for example, do a better job amplifying lower frequencies because the sound is reflected and resonates inside the ear cups more effectively.
However, different people may interpret “better bass” differently. This could be a more intense or punchy sound, greater control, sub-bass, etc. It all depends on your definition of what “better” means to you.
Total harmonic distortion (THD)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) tells how many unwanted frequencies are in an audio signal. Poor mastering and file compression are two of the most common causes of distortion in audio. It can also occur when the headphones’ driver doesn’t vibrate at loud enough volumes. These pops and crackles can be even more evident in the bass frequencies. The ideal THD level should be below 1.0. This will ensure that the audio signal retains more of its original quality. The good news? Most premium headphones have a THD level below 1.0.
Even with headphones with a high THD score, the distortion is not always noticeable. It all depends on how skilled your ears are as an audiophile. Because of the impedance differences between headphones and their audio source, some headphones require amplifiers to function correctly, particularly studio-quality pairs. Amplifiers can also have their THD, increasing the headphones’ THD. It is best to choose headphones with low THD as well as amps.
Which sound signature is best for bass headphones?
Sound signatures are unique colors or characteristics that an audio device’s sound uses. Each sound signature highlights different audio frequencies. Some proper signatures emphasize the highs and lows while others focus on the mids. Other signatures highlight subtle variations between highs and lows.
If you want to hear more bass, try these sound signatures.
• Additional Bass: This sound signature features heavily accented low-frequency frequencies. This sound signature delivers a boomy bass ideal for Electronica, HipHop, and Electronica. If you enjoy these genres, headphones with this sound signature are the best.
• V-shaped: This sound signature provides a little more balanced at both ends of the spectrum. The high and low frequencies are highlighted, while the mids remain recessed. This allows for rich bass and clarity at higher frequencies. A V-shaped sound signature will be a great choice if you are more into Pop and Rock.
• Dark: This sound signature boosts low and lower-mid frequencies and slightly recessed higher mids and treble frequencies. This results in a more prosperous, warmer, and more intense bass with softer and more subdued highs. This sound signature is suitable for those who enjoy listening to Jazz, Blues, and R&B.
Which type of headphones has the best bass?
Although there are many types of headphones, you can choose closed-back over-ear headphones. Due to the enclosed design and more robust drivers, these headphones produce a more substantial proximity effect. When paired with leather-covered headphones, they can block ambient noise and reduce sound loss.
Together, these functions boost the lower frequencies in that tiny enclosure between your ear and the headphone driver, making your bass sound richer and more powerful.
Additional bass-boosting features
You can manually increase the bass level with some headphones. For example, the EXTRA BAS headphones by Sony have an Electro Bass Booster button. Sony’s bass-enhancing technology is activated by one press and digitally enhances lower frequencies.
Similar functions are also available for the Skullcandy Crusher’s bass slider button. To instantly boost the bass to match whatever music you listen to, toggle the switch outside the earcup. This is a convenient and quick feature that reduces the need for you to adjust your equalizer settings.
Be careful when listening too loud to music that has a higher bass. You could distort your music by pushing the drivers beyond their capabilities. You could even endanger the drivers or cause noise-induced hearing loss.
Comfort
Comfortability is an essential factor in headphones, even more so when using bass headphones. Bass headphones can produce some very intense vibrations, making them uncomfortable or irritating after a while.
Some noise-isolating headphones can feel bulky or heavy due to their thick padding and excessive clamping force. Others may have materials that restrict airflow and can make your ears hot and uncomfortable. These materials can cause discomfort if used for a long time.
You want to ensure that you get excellent isolation and comfort while still using headphones that are lightweight and easy to adjust. You can distribute pressure better and prevent your ears from getting squished by choosing headphones with larger ear cups.
The 8 Best Bass Headphones
1MORE H1707
Overall Ratings by Verified Buyers:
★★★★★
Best overall
Key features
- Headphone Type Closed Back
- Driver Type Dynamic
- Driver Size 40mm
- Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 40 kHz
- THD @90dB 0.08
- Additional Bass Features: Trident bass Reflectors
The 1MORE HTML07 ear cups come with passive reflectors for excellent bass response. They produce clear, accurate lows and don’t bleed into the mids. They have a punchy, clean sound that audiophiles love. This makes them our top pick for bass headphones.
The headphones have three drivers per ear: a 40mm graphene driver, a ceramic tweeter, and a bass reflector. This combination creates a spacious soundstage with clear highs and extended bass. The sound engineers Luca Bignardi have also tuned the drivers.
These HiRes certified headphones to offer a wide frequency range, 20Hz to 40kHz. The Trident bass reflector setup allows them to produce a more extended response that drops to 10Hz. They’re almost designed to look like an open-back pair of headphones with vented outer paneling. This means that echoes at lower frequencies will not be an issue.
Low 0.08THD helps to improve the overall fidelity of the sound. These headphones are crystal clear and almost free from distortion in every frequency range.
The aluminum alloy earcups can rotate and be folded. The stainless-steel headband may be extended fully. Both are covered with soft foam or protein leather to distribute pressure and provide long-lasting comfort.
Drawback
The 1MORE H1707 has one drawback. It seems that only certain people have the same comfort level. For example, the ear cups are slightly smaller and more like over-ear headphones than on-ear. The ear cups may become uncomfortable if you have large ears after prolonged wear.
Skullcandy crusher Evo
Overall Ratings by Verified Buyers:
★★★★★
Strong Runner-Up
Key features
- Headphone Type Closed Back
- Driver Type Dynamic
- Driver Size 40mm
- Frequency Range: 20Hz – 20kHz
- THD @90dB 0.333
- Additional Bass Features: Crusher Adjustable Sensitivity Bass Slider & Personal EQ via App
The Skullcandy crusher Evo Sensory bass headphones have a robust bass response, a quick bass slider, and an EQ personalization that allow you to customize the sound. Skullcandy’s crusher Adjustable Sensory Bass gives you the ability to quickly and easily boost your bass. You can instantly turn the bass switch on your earcup to amp up or down the bass to bone-rattling levels by simply turning it.
The Skullcandy app offers a personalized listening experience. It is programmed using Audiodo’s Personal Sound technology. Audio will take a short hearing test to determine your hearing level and optimize sound output. This will ensure that you can hear your music exactly how you’d like to listen. These closed-back headphones feature 40mm dynamic drivers designed to provide decent bass. They have a 20Hz-20kHz frequency, so they are the second on our list. The limited frequency range could cause distortion, especially when they are using the Crusher Sensory Bass is turned up and has a sizeable audio volume. Crusher Evos Crusher Evos are comfortable thanks to their high-end design and lightweight. Earcups are made of faux leather and memory foam and provide noise isolation. You can fold them and pivot them, allowing you to adjust them in various ways.
The headband is made of soft, non-slip silicone and soft fabric. They’re comfy enough to play music for hours, and they remain in place. The headphones have a greater THD weight (0.33 percent in 90dB) than the other pairs on this list. Despite being relatively high in THD, however, distortions are not noticeable, even when listening to them with headphones that have been trained to hear.
Drawback
Skullcandy Crusher Evo Bass-filled sensory Headphones can be wirelessly connected to the Bluetooth 5.0 networks. They do not support multipoint connections. Therefore, you’ll need to unplug from each source before joining the following.
Retro Modern Monoprice
Overall Ratings by Verified Buyers:
★★★★★
Best Budget
Key features
- Headphone Type Closing Back
- Dynamic Driver Type
- 50 mm Driver Dimension
- Frequency Range: 15Hz – 25kHz
- THD @ 90dB 0.6
- Other Bass Features * Additional Bass Features
Monoprice Modern Retro headphones Monoprice Modern Retro headphones have been acknowledged for their superior audio quality than comparable headphones. Also, they are the most cost-effective pair of bass headphones with a price tag of $30. They are straightforward. The headphones feature closed-back designs, making them ideal for amplifying low frequency. These headphones also have 50mm dynamic drivers, which provide a clear, crisp sound ideal for use in professional environments.
There aren’t any additional features to boost bass due to their price. They still offer top-quality audio with a frequency response from 15Hz to 25kHz. The headphones can be set to produce that deep bass and provide top-quality audio every time. Monoprice’s modern retro headphones offer excellent comfort due to their light structure. Although the thin metal headband doesn’t include padding, the soft 5cushy earpads can be adjusted to accommodate various sizes. These headphones have a disappointing THD level of 0.6, the highest THD level among all headphones. Although it is still lower than the 1.0 level of distortion, this pair can still be heard at maximum volume, especially for those with trained ears.
Drawback
Monoprice Modern Retro headphones don’t have a reputation for being very durable. Those looking for something that can be taken with them on the road should store them in a case.
Fostex MK2
Overall Ratings by Verified Buyers:
★★★★★
Premium
Key features
- Headphone Type Closed Back
- Driver Type Dynamic
- Driver Size 50mm
- Frequency Range: 5Hz – 40kHz
- THD @90dB 0.02
- Additional Bass Features: N/A
The Fostex HTML-900 MK2 headphones have been handcrafted from premium materials and tuned to exact Japanese standards. These headphones are highly recommended for their sound quality, and they are also costly. They are our top choice for premium bass headphones. These closed-back headphones feature dynamic 50mm drivers and proprietary Biodyna dials. They are made of Biocellulose fiber. They are five times stronger and vibrate twice as fast as standard plastic diaphragms. This allows them to produce high-resolution sound.
Fostex TH900 MK2s offer a broad frequency range of 5Hz – 40kHz. They have a visceral, more intense bass and smooth mids. The warm sound signature of the Fostex TH-900 MK2s is due to wooden ear cups that have been handcrafted from Japanese Cherry Birch. The headphones can deliver incredible bass without muddling other frequencies or bleeding into them. These headphones boast 0.02THD, which is an excellent feature for those who want to get the best sound reproduction. This pair of headphones are among the best in its class, along with the Sennheiser HD650 and our top pick, 1MORE.
These cans are incredibly comfortable, both build-wise and in terms of comfort. These cans come with an adjustable headband, swiveling ear cups, and ample soft padding. This padding is made of protein leather and eggshell membrane. It provides a light fit. These headphones are both durable and eye-catching. The ear cups are covered with red Urushi lacquer, a centuries-old method. The outer layer of the headphones is covered with this lacquer, which gives them a luxurious feel and repels moisture. These cables are strong, but they can also be detached and replaced in case of mishaps.
Drawbacks
Fostex TH900 MK2 headphones are a great choice, despite the high price. If you don’t mind spending a lot on quality equipment, these headphones are worth the investment.
Sony MDR-XB950B1
Overall Ratings by Verified Buyers:
★★★★★
Absolute Best Bass Heads
Key features
- Headphone Type Closed Back
- Driver Type Dynamic
- Driver Size 40mm
- Frequency Range: 3Hz – 28KHz
- THD @90dB 0.35
- Additional Bass Features: EXTRA BASS(TM) and Sony Headphones Connect app
The Sony MDRXB950B1 EXTRA BAS(TM) Wireless Headphones have great bass right out of their box. Sony’s EXTRA BAS(TM), which amplifies those jaw-dropping basslines, is available for those who can’t stop listening. These headphones are our absolute top choice for bass heads. These headphones feature solid 40mm, dynamic drivers with 3Hz to 28kHz. The MDR-XB950B1’s lower frequencies are the largest of any headphones on the list. You can expect an excellent bass response from the MDR-XB950B1 right away.
These headphones are very good at reproducing sound with high fidelity and accuracy. These headphones can produce your audio signal with high precision and minimal distortion, thanks to their 0.35-weighted THD. You can activate Sony’s EXTRA BASS(TM) function by pressing the Bass Effect button on your earcup. This further enhances low-end frequencies, giving you the punchy, booming bass many bass heads love.
The Sony HeadphonesConnect app allows you to go further. You can adjust the equalizer through the app to make the bass more powerful. You can also select audio presets, such as an outdoor stage, club, hall, or arena. The earpads are probably the most striking feature of these cans, other than the color. Although they are bulky and thick, the ear pads are incredibly comfortable and offer excellent passive noise cancellation. This helps to boost bass frequencies. The MDR-XB950B1 also comes with solid steel and a lightweight plastic build. There is minimal padding on its headband. The headphones are lightweight and very comfortable, even after prolonged use. The headband and ear cups offer a lot of adjustabilities.
Drawback
It is important to remember that some people may find the EXTRA BASS(TM) function too loud. It’s best to use the default settings unless you want that extra boomy sound.
Audeze LCD-2 Classic
Overall Ratings by Verified Buyers:
★★★★★
Best Open Back
Key features
- Headphone Type Open-back
- Driver Type: Planar magnetic
- Driver Size 106mm
- Frequency Range: 10Hz – 50kHz
- THD @90dB 0.28
- Additional Bass Features: N/A
The Audeze HTML2 Classic offers an excellent bass response and a precise, warm sound that is extraordinary for open-back headphones. The Audeze LCD-2 Classic is well-respected for its rich, full bass sound that doesn’t seem overwhelming to the ears. They retain great detail in the highs and mids, making them our top choice for open-back headphones. These headphones feature significant 106mm, planar magnet drivers. They are engineered to deliver a clear, natural sound to satisfy even the most demanding audiophiles. They have the most prominent frequency range of headphones in this list, from 10Hz to 50kHz. These headphones have clear highs and rich, deep lows.
Drivers come with ultra-thin diaphragms, four times more than standard diaphragms. They are also thinner than a human hair strand, making them lighter than air. They vibrate faster, resulting in high-quality audio at lower frequencies. The LCD-2 Classic’s low 0.28THD allows them to produce a distortion-free sound with minimal EQ or modification. They don’t have a low THD, but they maintain a safe level and won’t cause too much disruption, even for those with trained ears.
The LCD-2 Classics are comfortable, despite being bulky. The black spring steel headband comes with an accompanying leather suspension strap which distributes pressure well. Large leather earpads are equipped with contoured memory foam. This provides excellent noise isolation and a snug fit.
Drawback
The Audeze LCD-2 Classic headphones have one drawback. They don’t include a storage bag that you would expect from this expensive product.
SENNHEISER Momentum 3
Overall Ratings by Verified Buyers:
★★★★★
Best Noise Cancelling
Key features
- Headphone Type Closed Back
- Driver Type Dynamic
- Driver Size 42mm
- Frequency Range: 6Hz – 22kHz
- THD @90dB 0.35
- Additional Bass Features: Customizable Equalizer via the Sennheiser Smart Control App
The SENNHEISER Momentum 3 wireless headphones offer a wide frequency range, excellent bass response, and sound quality. They are also highly recommended for noise cancellation. These headphones have 42mm dynamic drivers that offer a range of 6Hz to 22kHz. The headphones have a balanced, extended bass response that produces deep and rich bass. They are ideal for heavy-hitting genres such as EDM, Electronica, or Dubstep. The Momentum 3 has a narrow frequency range but a low 0.35THD which allows it to deliver a clear, high-quality sound all over the board. There are three modes for active noise cancellation: Maximum, Anti-Pressure, and Anti-Wind. This feature blocks unwanted noise from any environment and enhances the listening experience. You can adjust the EQ of the Sennheiser intelligent control app to get a punchier bass and boost the lower frequencies.
These cans are built to be as comfortable as headphones get. These cans are steel with a matte black finish and adorned with genuine leather. The great adjustability of the ear cups and headband will suit any size. The earpads are also large and oval, with memory foam. They feel soft and comfortable, providing long-lasting comfort.
The SENNHEISER Momentum3 headphones are an improved version of the Momentum2. The main features of the Momentum 3 are identical, but the Momentum 3 has improved sound quality and a better design. They have Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity instead of the Bluetooth 4.0 in the older version.
Drawback
The SENNHEISER Momentum 3 headphones do not come with a durable carrying case, unlike their predecessor. Because movements of the earcups activate these functions, it can be challenging to store or use a headphone stand.
Jabra Elite Active 75t
Overall Ratings by Verified Buyers:
★★★★★
Best for Active Lifestyles
Key features
- Headphone Type TWS
- Driver Type Dynamic
- Driver Size 6mm
- Frequency Range: 20Hz – 20kHz
- THD @90dB 0.23
- Additional Bass Features: Customizable Equalizer via the Jabra sound+ app
The Jabra Elite 75t earbuds get some of the highest reviews for bass in wireless earbuds. These earbuds come with a customizable EQ as well as additional audio features. Whether you’re on the go or working out, they are our top choice for portable bass earbuds.
These earbuds feature 6mm dynamic drivers and a standard frequency range 20Hz to 20kHz. These earbuds can produce some powerful bass despite being small. They can create some severe bass thanks to their sound customization and noise cancellation features.
These earbuds can also reproduce clean, distortion-free sound across all frequencies due to their low 0.23THD. Jabra has done a fantastic job fine-tuning Active 75 t’s electronics, considering how easy it can be to overwhelm a pair of headphones with 6mm drivers.
The 75t earbuds are designed for comfort and fit perfectly with EarGel Tips’ help. These earbuds are comfortable and offer good passive noise cancellation against ambient sound. The earbuds have an active sound cancellation function. This enhances the audio to make the most of lower frequencies and more enjoyable.
You can also calibrate your listening experience using the Jabra Sound+ application. By taking a hearing test through Jabra Active 65t. The newer version has a lighter and more compact design. Newer earbuds are wireless-chargeable and last longer.
Drawback
Some people may find the EarGel tips too stiff for their ears. The good news is that each box contains three sets of information in different sizes to fit any proportion.
