When it comes to headphones, for some people, and following the line of a popular song, it’s really “all about the bass.” The bass are the lower tones and the deeper frequencies that are featured in a song or music.
Why does bass matter so much? One study showed bass sounds vibrate your bones and actually make you feel good. Another showed our minds can detect the rhythm of music by following deep bass sounds.
It’s also the bass that gets us in synch with the music, ultimately leading us to dance, groove, and move with it. This is why bass is such a big deal.
Now that you know why bass is important, you should also know the best bass headphones that can give you the bass without giving anybody else the noise.
Best Bass Headphones 2021
1. Sony MDR-XB500 40mm XB Diaphragm Driver Extra Bass Headphones
2. Sony MDRXB950BT/B Extra Bass Bluetooth Headphones
3. Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones
4. Ultrasone PRO 900 S-Logic Surround Sound Professional Closed-back Headphones
5. V-MODA Crossfade LP2 Vocal Limited Edition Over-Ear Noise-Isolating Metal Headphone
6. COWIN E7 Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones
7. JVC Real Sound System Z Series HA-SZ2000 Stream Woofer DB Headphones
8. Sony XB550AP Extra Bass On-Ear Headphone
9. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphones
10. Bluedio T3 Extra Bass Bluetooth Headphones
1. Sony MDR-XB500 40mm XB Diaphragm Driver Extra Bass Headphones – For all that extra bass you want
At under $90, the Sony MDR-XB500 is one of the best bass headphones under $100. It’s built with Sony’s direct vibe structure technology to ensure high audio fidelity. These headphones are designed to produce a high level of sound isolation, thanks to its tightly sealed acoustics that allow for more powerful and extended bass sound.
The MDR-XB500 has extra-large 40mm Extra Bass diaphragm drivers specifically designed to accurately reproduce ultra-low frequency sounds and deliver dynamic and deep bass reproduction. It also has a wide frequency response from 4 – 24,000Hz.
In the MDR-XB500 the drivers in the ear cups are angled parallel to the ears to both reduce pressure on the ears and also deliver an awesome listening experience.
Big drivers, big bass, what else is big? The headphone’s ultra-thick ear cushions were designed to be big for supreme comfort and better acoustic performance. How big? 1.8 inches thick and 3.7 inches across.
The MDR-XB500 maybe one of the bigger Sony bass headphones, but big and bulky doesn’t necessarily have to be uncomfortable. The overhead, around the ear design of the MDR-XB500 also makes sure you can use it for extended periods and the flat and seamless, cloth-lined headband is designed for user comfort. Its features include:
- 3.9m long flat cord
- Neodymium magnet
- 4 – 24,000Hz frequency response
- 1500mW power handling capacity
- Carrying pouch
- Flat headphone cord means less tangling
- Very comfortable ear cups (they have been compared to pillows)
- It softens screeches in songs and music
- Headphone cord can be short for some uses
- Some observed that the headphones clamp the sides of your head pretty hard
- Some complaints of people around the user hearing sound escaping from the headphones
2. Sony MDRXB950BT/B Extra Bass Bluetooth Headphones – When you can’t let the wires get in the way of a good listening experience
The Near Field Communications technology allows the MDRXB950BT to audio stream with ease from any source. All you have to do is align your compatible devices and touch the NFC logos to activate or deactivate pairing. AptX & AAC codec support also make sure you get maximum signal quality.
Priced at $108.00, the MDRXB950BT is designed for use over a long period, with wraparound ear cushions to provide an acoustic seal. It also has swiveling ear cups that fold flat when it’s time to take it on the road.
The integrated microphone and Bluetooth profile connectivity lets you easily take calls even as you play music. You only have to press the phone button on the earpiece to accept and end calls. Music will resume playing after the call is ended.
The MDRXB950BT has a built-in rechargeable battery that can give you up to 20 hours of continuous, wireless music playback. You can also have up 20 hours of hands-free calling or up to 200 hours on stand-by. When the batter runs low or the headphone is in passive mode, you can use the cable to continue talking using the audio cable. Its other features include:
- 40mm drivers
- Built-in mic
- In-line remote control
- Switchable on/off bass
- 1.2m long audio cable
- Longer battery life than other models
- The comfy ear cushions allow it to be worn for a long time
- The DC adapter can let you stream music even at 60 feet away from the source
- There are complaints about the plastic around the ear piece fading away and snapping over time
- The swivel attached the earpiece to the headband is also mentioned as one of the weaker parts of the headphones
- The ear cushion will also tend to fall off with frequent use
3. Beats Solo³ Wireless On-Ear Headphones – When you want the playing to last a long, long, long time
The best bass wireless headphones let you play music for as long as you want, and then some. Among those designed for use over extended periods is the Solo³ which can provide you up to 40 hours of solid, bass-heavy entertainment.
Available at under $170, the Solo³ is promised to delivers premium playback with fine-tuned acoustics that maximize clarity, breadth, and balance users have come to expect with Beats products. It also comes with Apple W1 technology. The W1 chip allows you to put the music on repeat and stay unplugged for almost two straight days on a single charge.
It also has Fast Fuel charging; an option when you don’t have a long time to charge. With this feature a five-minute charge provides three additional hours of playback.
As it was designed to be used for hours, the Solo³ is also designed to be comfortable. The on-ear, cushioned ear cups are pivoting and adjustable so you can customize your fit for all-day listening comfort. At 7.58oz it’s also light on your head. Its features also include:
- Carrying case
- Built-in mic and controls
- Apple W1 chip
- Available in matte black, matte gold, matte silver, gloss black, gloss white, rose gold, gold, silver, and red
- At 40 hours battery life lasts longer than most wireless models
- Range of wireless system is good, even up to 75 feet and through various walls
- The treble is adjusted acoustically to sound normal and not muffled like in other Beats models
- According to users the cover on the earpiece and the rubber headband are usually the first parts to come apart
- Padding on top “totally unnecessary”
- Some users reported feeling pain in the ears because of too much clamping
4. Ultrasone PRO 900 S-Logic Surround Sound Professional Closed-back Headphones – A bass experience that is well worth its price
At under $500, the Ultrasone PRO 900 may be one of the more expensive bass headphones available today, but it is also definitely one of the best according to audiophiles.
The PRO 900 is equipped with 40mm titanium drivers that produce detailed, crisp and clear sound while also providing users an amazing amount of low-end frequencies.
Even with the powerful low-end bass, the frequency range the headphones has also brings out the crisp mid and high tones. The bass does not bleed into the other tones, staying exactly where it should. The same goes for the sounds of different musical instruments.
The S-Logic Natural Surround Sound Plus is also a plus in the PRO 900, with audiophiles likening listening with the headphones to being in a concert hall with the actual performers themselves.
If you want to use the headphones for gaming or movies you are also in for a treat. The sound will give you the visual illusion of bullets whizzing by your head, you will also be able to pinpoint the direction footsteps are coming from, and experience the full bass of an explosion. It is particularly excellent with 5.1 surround sound or better.
The PRO 900 is built of hard, solid-quality plastic and designed to last. Its features include:
- S-Logic Natural Surround Sound Plus
- 6 – 42,000Hz frequency range
- Sound pressure level 96dB
- 40mm titanium drivers
- S-Logic PLUS technology
- Excellent for electronic, rap, pop, and rock music lovers
- Comfortable to wear even with glasses
- Well-built to last
- They can be too big for some people
- Audiophiles recommend 80-100 hour burn time (letting the headphones get used to playing music)
- Not recommended for people who listen to mostly vocal music
5. V-MODA Crossfade LP2 Vocal Limited Edition Over-Ear Noise-Isolating Metal Headphone – Bass headphones don’t get any more “metal” than this
If there was ever any bass headphones built to take the roughest treatment, this V-MODA Crossfade LP2 is it. How tough is it? It is touted to be military-level durable, meaning it can stand rough use like being thrown around, sat on, or dropped, thanks to is ultra-reinforced cable and Steelflex headband. It is also designed to be resistant to high and low temperatures, humidity, salt spray, and ultraviolet rays.
Enough about its toughness, let’s talk about the sound. The Crossfade LP2’s 50mm dual-diaphragm drivers deliver vibrant bass, vivid mid tones, and vivacious high tones, without each one overlapping the other. All that while passive noise isolation cuts out all the noise coming from outside the headphones.
The hexagon-shaped earpieces assure comfort even when used for long periods, and the BLISS memory foam cushions will conform to your ears, giving you maximum comfort and noise isolation.
The mic can be detached if you just want to enjoy your music without interruption. For a customizable look, it also comes with different face plates so you can easily mount the one that fits your mood. Its other features include:
- Durable reinforced SpeakEasy 1-Button microphone cable
- Durable reinforced extended audio cable
- Gunmetal shield kit with extra screws and screwdriver
- Exoskeleton case
- Carabiner clip
- Can endure rough treatment and still be put together and function
- Even with the noticeable mass of these headphones they do not feel heavy
- Noise reduction very effective at high decibels, ideal for DJ work
- The headphones can feel too tight for some people
- Some users might have to buy the XL ear pads if unsatisfied with the stock ones
- Screws on the interchangeable face plate described as too small
6. COWIN E7 Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones – When you want bass headphones that shut out the world
Retailing for under $70, the COWIN E7 promises significant noise reduction for when you travel, listen to music, work in the office, and anything else you need to do in between.
The E7 also has a built-in microphone for hands-free calls. Connection is easy with NFC pairing aided by voice prompts.
There is no need to worry about power shortages at home or in the office, or having no access to power sources when you travel, the E7 allows up to 30 hours of playtime per charge at Bluetooth mode. With the built-in 600mAh battery, you also don’t have to worry about your headphones powering off.
The E7 comes with protein-padded ear cups with pillow-like softness. The ear cups are also designed to rotate 90 degrees to adjust to the different positions you may want to adapt over time. At 13.6 ounces it is also lightweight enough to be worn all day long.
The product comes with the standard COWIN 18-month warranty and customer service. It also features:
- Proprietary 40mm large-aperture drivers
- Frequency of 20Hz – 20kHz
- Lithium battery capable
- Advanced Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC connectivity
- Noise cancellation provides significant noise reduction, even in a noisy office
- Operating controls positioned in just the right places
- Very comfortable ear cups
- The pin connecting the earpiece to the headband often pointed out to as the failure point
- Built-in mic is inadequate for phone conversation while noise cancelling is on
- Music controls not available during wired/passive mode
7. JVC Real Sound System Z Series HA-SZ2000 Stream Woofer DB Headphones – Take the subs out of the speakers and put them in your ears
The raw bass power of the SZ2000 feels has been described like subwoofers going off just next to your ears.
The SZ2000 features one of the deepest low ends ever produced by headphones, the incredible frequency range of 4Hz to 29kHZ is achieved by pairing a vibration inhibiting brass cylinder (to enhance audio fidelity) with its 30mm audio drivers.
The emphasis is on the deep bass, but the mid tones and high tones are not ignored to provide a decently wide soundstage.
The headband is well-designed with very solid overall appearance. The ear pads are made of synthetic leather and rest comfortably over the ears. At just 1.07 lbs. these headphones can be worn for a few hours without the user feeling fatigued or getting the dreaded sweaty ear experience.
Priced at under $330, it also features:
- Carbon nanotube diaphragm for high-pitched tone reproduction
- 3.5mm plug and cable
- Leather headband
- Frequency range of 4Hz to 29kHz
- Sturdy, well-designed headband
- Deep rich bass
- Excellent sound isolation
- They consume an incredible amount of energy, sound may distort if it becomes short on power
- Not recommended for use without an amp
- They can be very bulky, not ideal for outdoor use
8. Sony XB550AP Extra Bass On-Ear Headphone – When you want an extra serving of bass with your music
If you are on the lookout for Sony bass boost headphones, then the XB550AP is the one for you. Users are treated to lush, powerful lows and pumped-up low-end frequencies with their Extra Bass technology; an acoustic bass booster for deep, euphoric sound.
Changing what you are listening to is as easy as pushing a button. Adjust the volume, skip a song, or take a call with a touch of the in-line remote. If you are not satisfied with the built-in setup you can also customize your controls using the free SmartKey App. With this you can use your smartphone to customize the control of the in-line remote.
Available for under $400, the XB550AP is designed for hours of comfortable listening thanks to its cushioned earcups and lightweight frame weighing only 1.72 lbs. The adjustable metal headband also makes sure it can accommodate various head sizes. Its features include:
- Y-type design tangle-free cord
- 30mm driver units
- 5 – 22,000Hz dynamic frequency response
- Customizable controls with the smart key App1
- Low sound leakage makes it ideal for public places
- Crisp and good overall sound quality
- Lightweight, users say they sometimes forget they are wearing it
- Some users say this headphones enhances some songs but not others, especially in the mid-range sounds
- Some users don’t like that it is wired on both earpieces
- It doesn’t come with a carrying pouch or case
9. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphones – Built for professionals but available to all music lovers
The M50x is a favorite among top audio engineers, pro audio reviewers, and DJs thanks to its performance in terms of sound and overall usability. It can be had for under $150.
Your ears will be bombarded by the proprietary 45mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils to give you that deep, accurate bass response with an extended frequency range.
DJ work is a cinch with the M50x, the length of the headband can be adjusted to fit different head sizes. The ear cups are also designed to swivel 90 degrees for easy, one-ear monitoring while the circumaural design also contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation even in the loudest environments. It also features:
- Three detachable cables
- Protective carrying pouch
- 6.3mm screw-on adapter
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear for long periods
- Comes with three different wires
- Headphone are collapsible for easy storage
- Some people may find sound output heavily profiled, and recommend an equalizer app to go with it
- Jack connection reported to get wobbly after heavy use
- The hinges are also reported to easily wear over time
10. Bluedio T3 Extra Bass Bluetooth Headphones – When you want to take your music to the roughest places
The T3 promises powerful extra bass without compromising the mid and high tones. Aside from a titanizing diaphragm to improve transient response and minimize sound distortion, the T3 also features 3D sound. Users are promised the experience of being in the middle of a concert or being in a movie theater where the music comes from all directions.
The T3 isn’t just for movies and music. You can take calls clearly with the analog noise resistant silicone microphone. The microphone features a sensitivity of -42dB and has high signal to noise ratio, meaning the people you are talking to can hear you with complete audio clarity.
It is also easy to use; the volume controls are conveniently located up and down on the side of the earpiece.
Available for under $65, the T3 is not just headphones with good bass. It is designed to last for a long time with its premium alloy and polymer frame. It just doesn’t just look strong and rugged, it actually is. There should be no problem taking it with you outdoors where it can get dented or scratched. It also features:
- On-ear headset
- Bluetooth transmission frequency of 2.4GHz to 2.48GHz
- Bluetooth operating range of up to 33 feet
- Audio resolution of up to 24bit@48KHZ
- Frequency response of 15Hz-25,000Hz
- Near all-metal design makes it sturdy to put up with rough or heavy usage
- Range is far, the signal can even go through block walls
- Rotating ear cup makes it easy for DJ work
- Some users may dislike the noise of metal on metal when handling these headphones
- Bluetooth headset connection seems week and some static is heard when talking calls
- Might be a little heavy for some users