15 Powerful Best Bass Headphones (January 2024) (2024)

After testing the bass response of 184 headphones, we found the best.

We’ll go over:

• The hardest-hitting “bass cannons” you can get today
• Hands-on experience with each pair
• A/B sound comparison tests, so you can compare the bass

Let’s start.

	More info	Price	Connection	Drivers	Type	Foldable
Sony WH-XB900NBest overall	Jump down	Under $250	Bluetooth (30 hours)	40mm dynamic	Over-ear, closed-back
Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2The Most Bass	Jump down	Under $230	Bluetooth (50 hours)	40mm	Over-ear, closed-back
Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 ProBest true wireless	Jump down	Under $100	Bluetooth (8 hours + 25h in case)	10.6mm dynamic + BA	True wireless, closed-back
Beats Studio3 WirelessBest sub-bass	Jump down	Under $290	Bluetooth (22 hours)	50mm	Over-ear, closed-back
Sony WH-1000XM5Best features	Jump down	Under $350	Bluetooth (30 hours with ANC)	30mm dynamic	Over-ear, closed-back
Anker Soundcore Life Q30Best under $100	Jump down	Under $80	Bluetooth (up to 60 hours)	40mm dynamic	Over-ear, closed-back

Find more under Honorable Mentions.

Headphones on our list are evaluated based on 9 key factors (Sonic9Score). Butthe main criteria we looked at to pick the top headphones is bass quality and power (see why below). Also, see our testing and ranking methodology.

Do you want to feel deep, powerful bass? Then you need headphones with emphasized bass response (what makes bass headphones?).

If you’re looking for hard-hitting cans that blast your ears with powerful lows or more defined bass response, you’ll find something here.

We covered all types of headphones. If you’re looking for the top bass earbuds, go here. Also related, here’s how to boost bass on Windows PC on your existing headphones.

Best Bass Headphones

1. Sony WH-XB900N

Sony WH-XB900N are the best bass headphones in our opinion. These are perfect for bass lovers with a bass-heavy sound profile.

Sony has hit the nail on the head with a combination of active noise cancellation and a clear sound with thumping bass.

If you love listening to bass-heavy music genres like hip hop, the crisp low-end of these best bass wireless headphones are hard to fault.

The Sony WH-XB900N offer lots of convenient features such as long, 30-hour battery life with a quick charge option and a folding construction.

Pack these up and take them in your backpack with ease. A USB-C charger offers you quicker powering without proprietary cables.

The plush padding around the cups helps with background noise isolation. You can listen for long periods and remain comfortable throughout.

A simple ear cup control scheme, NFC, ambient noise mode, ANC, and a removable cable further add to the ease of use.

For all-around great deep-bass headphones, get the Sony WH-XB900N.

There’s a newer version with ANC, the Sony WH-XB910N, but due to extra bass, they sound muddy throughout the entire frequency range.

Headphones With The Most Bass

3. Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2

Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 have the most bass of all headphones we’ve tested. These have “Monster bass”. It’s overpowering and all-encompassing – Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 review.

If you’re in the market for the most bass-heavy headphones that make your head shake, check out the Crushers.

Great Skullcandy headphones with a huge bass sound.

Crusher series is known for its impressive bass quantity and rumble. The Crusher ANC 2 returns with a Sensory Bass feature, which gives you haptic feedback on every bass note.

Hear the sound comparison (Bass slider at 5%, to hear it at 100% hear the preset tests in our review):

The overall frequency response is pretty clean for the most part, and you can further improve it inside the Skull-IQ app.

However, if you’re a basshead and feel like you don’t have enough bass, rotating the wheel under the left ear cup adds over 17dB of additional low-end rumble.

Headphones offer the most features out of any other Bluetooth headset. From custom EQ to a smartphone camera trigger, you get it all.

Furthermore, the new design feels more premium, with a fabric headband and plush over-ear pads. We discuss all the details in our full review.

If you’re an extreme basshead and can’t get enough of the deep, powerful beats, get the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2.

More from Skullcandy:

• Skullcandy Sesh review (TWS earbuds)
• Top Skullcandy headphones
• Skullcandy Jib review

Best Bass True Wireless Headphones

3. Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro

Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro are the best true wireless headphones for bass we’ve tested. Portability with thumbing beat – Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro review.

Anker put 2 speakers inside the Liberty 3 Pro, resulting in a realistic bass slam when listening to bass-heavy sound like rap and hip-hop.

By default, Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro can sound a bit fatiguing with a bright treble in booming bass. Using our custom EQ, their sound becomes more natural while retaining full-bodied bass with a good, speaker-like punch.

Using one big dynamic and BA drivers, the in-ear headphones are bigger than usual but very comfortable.

They have tiny ear wings to secure them in place when used outdoors. They are rated for IPX4 water protection, so you can use them for working out in sweat and rain. See the top workout headphones if you plan to listen to music when exercising.

Moreover, the Anker app opens many extra features, including custom controls and EQ. Find out more in our review.

They also have active noise cancellation, which is good enough to reduce engine noises on your daily commute.

For bassy in-ear headphones with good performance across the board, get the Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro.

Find more bass earbuds here.

Best Sub-Bass Headphones

4. Beats Studio3 Wireless

In our opinion, Beats Studio3 Wireless are the best headphones with mighty sub-bass extension. For deep rumble and booming effect.

Beats Studio3 are premium, fancy headphones that have the typical Beats sound signature with boosted bass.

The sub-bass response is extended down to 19Hz for a real booming feel. The mid-range isn’t perfect, and the music is highly colored. But that’s exactly what you’re looking for.

They also come with active noise cancellation (Pure ANC) to block the outside noise. The Apple W1 chip provides battery efficiency and reliable streaming from all Bluetooth devices.

22 hours of battery on a full charge is good, and the “fast fuel” quick charge gives 3 hours of audio playback from just 10 minutes of charging.

These are comfortable, too, with padded ear cups to protect your ears against irritation. Plus they have a recognizable design and a strong-standing “cool status”.

If you are looking for fancy over-ears with a wireless connection and powerful bass, then the Studio3 are a great option.

Best Feature-Rich Bass Headphones

5. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony WH-1000XM5 offer the best features with a bass-heavy sound of all headphones we’ve tested. You get all the latest bells and whistles and a good punch – Sony WH-1000XM5 review.

The WH-1000XM5 are the best choice with a consistent bass response and excellent background noise reduction, microphones, capable equalization, and other features.

Headphones have a slightly V-shaped bass performance, very similar to the one from Sony WH-1000XM4.

Hear the sound comparison (this is sound out of the box, you can make it much more bassy with EQ):

You can further tweak it inside the Sony Headphones Connect app, but in general, the sound is punchy and fun, perfect for popular musical genres like hip hop. The DSEE HX processing makes audio even better and is one of the premium features.

Hard plastic with a soft finish is well-built for daily use. Headphones can fold into a carrying case for easy portability.

Pleather ear pads aren’t the thickest, yet they provide excellent comfort and have a premium feel. They have minimal skin contact, which prevents excessive sweating.

Audio headphones come with an in-depth app with tons of customizations, EQs, and a voice assistant. They also have great built-in microphone quality for phone calls in noisy places and touch-sensitive surfaces for commands on the go.

The exceptional active noise cancellation has different intensities, and you can also activate the ambient sound mode when needed. We discern all the details in our review, so check it out.

All in all, if you want the latest features in premium over-ear headphones with a good bass kick, see the Sony WH-1000XM5.

The XM4 Sony headphones are very similar in performance and features (but cost less), you can find our tests in the full Sony WH-1000XM4 review.

Best Headphones for Bass under $100

6. Anker Soundcore Life Q30

Anker Soundcore Life Q30 are the top bass headphones under $100 we’ve tested. They offer the latest features and deep sub-bass response in an affordable package – Anker Soundcore Life Q30 review.

Great bass headphones with a strong rumble and features: active noise cancellation, mic, built-in controls, and app support. Because they are closed-back, over-ear headphones, the bass reaches lower, creating a strong sub-bass extension.

The emphasis is on the excellent bass response, with a boost in treble, creating a V-shaped sound profile (see our frequency response chart in review). After applying EQ in the app, they become natural, smooth, and free of sibilance.

Hear the Soundcore Life Q30 sound comparison (before EQ):

The Soundcore Life Q30 are made of plastic and lightweight aluminum, making them feather-light. The special soft earpads go fully around your ears and create an extremely snug fit.

They’re more than suitable for long listening sessions where comfort is the most important thing. Also, they offer a full app experience with noise cancellation, transparency mode, and EQ. Find out about all the features in our review.

For affordable bass headphones, check out the Anker Soundcore Life Q30.

For more options, check the top headphones under $100.

Honorable Mentions

7. Philips Fidelio X2HR

Often, the bass lacks power in open-back headphones, but the Philips Fidelio X2HR are a great option for enjoying an open soundstage with a powerful bass response. If you’re looking for open-back headphones with plenty of low-end kick, check out the Philips Fidelio X2HR.

8. Meze 99 Classics

Meze 99 Classics are unique, beautifully designed deep-bass headphones. The wooden ear cups and stainless steel frame make them stand out. And they’re comfortable, thanks to memory foam earpads. Plus, they produce a punchy bass that adds the extra kick to any music genre.

9. Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless

Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless sound excellent out of the box, with deep bass and natural midrange. You can fine-tune it in the Sennheiser app, together with other customization. A stainless steel frame, adjusting sliders, and real leather earpads create a luxurious experience. They remove ambient noise with capable ANC or let it in with the Transparent Hearing mode.

10. Nuraphone Wireless Headphones

Nuraphone Wireless Headphones combine the clarity of in-ears and powerful bass from over-ears. Every listener gets a unique custom EQ with an exciting, punchy sound and sparkly highs. Their app allows extensive personalization of the sound, so you can boost bass to a high degree. With 20 hours of playtime on a single charge and a unique earbud & over-ear design make Nuraphones a good choice for a bass lover.

11. Sony WH-XB700

Sony WH-XB700 are the best on-ear bass headphones. For the price of under $100, the sound profile has a well-balanced frequency response and open soundstage. The extra bass is subtle but enjoyable for heavier music. The battery life of 30 hours per charge lasts multiple listening sessions. They come with integrated Alexa that you can call up with a built-in microphone. The Sony headphones are perfect for portable use.

12. JVC HA-SZ2000

JVC HA-SZ2000 wired headphones are deemed the best bass-heavy headphones by many in the Head-fi.org community. And we agree. The only problem is that they’re harder to get, so we can’t put them higher on our list. They come with double drivers: 33mm for treble and 50mm subwoofers for bass, which makes them heavy. Nonetheless, thick padding and big earcups provide comfort. So if you can find them, they’re a great pick.

13. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT are a Bluetooth version of iconic studio monitors. They’re highly popular among music producers due to their distinct V-shape signature (which means bass). Wear them up to 40 hours per charge. And they support aptX for better audio and less Bluetooth lag. They also work wired and are a top choice for bassy studio headphones.

14. Skullcandy Hesh 3

Skullcandy Hesh 3 are similar to Crusher ANC 2 but with fewer features. The bass has monstrous depth and overpowers other frequencies. Their ergonomic and foldable design weighs only 200 grams, so you can wear them for hours. And 22 hours of battery life lasts a day or two, plus they can quick-charge, though there is no ANC.

15. Bowers & Wilkins Px2 S2

These premium headphones sound refined and are geared toward basshead audiophiles. For a price of around $400, you get a carbon fiber-like frame, fabric-covered ear cups, and plush padding. They’re great for commuting, with capable ANC that reduces ambient noise. Auto on/off detection and 30 hours of playtime are the icing on the cake. Consider Bowers & Wilkins Px2 S2 if money is no limit.

How We Tested The Bass?

We tested the bass by measuring frequency response (see graphs in full reviews). The freq. response charts show the relationship of bass compared to the mid-range and treble. This way, we can objectively determine how much of an increased bass each pair has.

Here is an example of a chart measuring different Crusher Intensity levels in Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2:

Then, we also listened to them personally and described what we heard as part of the hands-on scoring. Altogether, we test on 9 key points: Sound quality, noise isolation, ANC, battery life, comfort, features, etc. This helps us compare and pick the best-performing headphones we can confidently recommend. See our testing and scoring methodology.

How did we pick the models?

We focused on one key point: bass quality and power.

All recommended headphones have a strong emphasis on bass and also perform well across the board. We choose from 184 tested headphones. We ranked them for different use cases, types, and budgets.

Do you think we missed an important category? Let us know in the comments.

Related: What are bass headphones and earbuds?

What to Look for in Bass Headphones?

Audio quality

You want big drivers with a bass-oriented sound profile. Tunning plays the biggest role as there aren’t big differences among drivers. Even the largest drivers can have low bass if not properly tuned.

Look for at least 40mm drivers or bigger. On-ear and in-ear headphones come with smaller drivers and can have similar power (but expect slightly less).

Comfort

One major feature is comfort. A bad wearing experience is usually a deal-breaker. However, it’s worth noting that if headphones are big, heavy, and bulky, it doesn’t mean they are uncomfortable.

In fact, since they are already so big to fit the whole human ear, manufacturers make them extra soft and comfortable to wear.

If you plan on wearing them on long trips, at home, or even for sports, you want them to fit tightly without irritating your ears, even after many hours.

Be careful picking headphones without trying them first since not all fit all heads.

Most over-ear headphones are more comfortable than the alternatives. But at the same time, make sure the model you want has a better pressure distribution (moderate clamping force).

Durability (you don’t buy these every day)

You want your bass headphones to last. A good pair can cost a small fortune, and people tend to avoid paying a lot for gadgets. However, it’s worth mentioning that, from personal experience, cheaper models are likely to break in a few months.

Do you plan to carry your headphones with you?

Then, you should pick foldable bass headphones that you can pack up in a case to avoid damage. Not all expensive headphones are durable.

Do you want to use them for sports?

Then in-ear headphones are the better choice. They’re easier to wear during movement and often come with sweat resistance indicated by IPX rating.

What to Expect From Bass-Heavy Headphones

• Strong beat and rumbling sensation that you can feel on your skin
• Average battery life from 25 to 40 hours per charge
• High comfort with a tight clamping force (so the bass doesn’t escape)
• Waried build quality (depends on price)
• Most are closed-back headphones
• Wide price range from budget to premium

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

We hope you’ve found a pair of headphones with deep bass that fit your needs. If you’ve gotten any from the list, we’d love to know which ones you picked. The comments are open.