If you’re currently on the hunt for the best headphones for vinyl you can get your hands on for the best listening experience, make sure to stop and consider a few things first: the sound quality, closed or open back design, comfort factor, and the price. I have searched far and wide for the best of the best in the business right now, with these factors in mind, of course. Now if you want to find out what made the cut and what options met the standards I set, go ahead and read along with me now!
I love listening to music and I don’t know anyone who claims they hate music. Music has always been a part of my life and daily routine – as dramatic as that sounds. I listen to music when I walk or go for a run, when I exercise, or when I go from one place to another. Even as I’m writing these words down, music plays through my computer to keep me company.
Vinyl records and turntables have been regaining popularity with artists and fans alike. More and more artists are releasing their music on vinyl records for that nostalgia and classic feel. While you can listen to your records with a speaker, you can also choose to use headphones to hear the music’s details and layers.
If you’re currently looking for the best headphones for vinyl to use to listen to your collection of records, no need to look further because I’ve got you covered right here!
Our Top Picks for the Best Headphones for Vinyl
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Our Pick  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best Comfortable and Lightweight Pick  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best On-Ear Pick  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
The Best Headphones for Vinyl
1. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones – Our Pick!
Our number one pick for the best headphones for vinyl is the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones! A favorite among audiophiles, this works to produce extended frequency response and warm, natural sound reproduction whenever you bring this out to listen to your collection of vinyl records. Thanks to its universal compatibility, you can use this wherever – whether for professional or at home use – and you will never be let down.
This allows users to experience excellent sounds and music, given the price this comes in. As many users would agree, you can expect this pair to produce as much bass as the song calls for – neither too much nor too little. A quick reminder though that because this doesn’t produce too much bass – there is, just not a lot – this may not be the choice for bass heads out there. When you use this to listen to your vinyl, you can rest assured that you will get a good representation of the quality of the music and how it should sound.
Thanks to these headphones’ lightweight and ergonomically-designed structure, this is very comfortable to wear, even after long hours. It comes with padded ear cups to comfortably hold your ears without any pain or discomfort. The headband also comes with soft padding to ensure that you stay comfortable even after long hours of wearing it. The ear pads, headband padding, and the audio cord are all replaceable, so if they wear out, you can choose to replace them with new parts without having to buy a new system altogether.
When you buy a pair of these best headphones for vinyl, you are getting two jacks. You can remove the bigger jack attached to reveal a smaller one for maximum compatibility. The design has also been made to be collapsible for an easy travel companion. The ear cups also swivel to offer each user maximum flexibility so you can freely move without it evey coming off. Many would agree that this has been quality-built while producing sounds that are clear and rich, without excessive bass.
Keep in mind though that this doesn’t come equipped with active noise cancellation. But because it covers the ears completely, it is still able to block out some noise. As many who have tried this would attest to, the noise cancellation feature of this is better than expected even without the active noise cancellation feature. The single-sided cable, while may be tough and durable, might feel a bit heavy for some so keep that in mind as well.
Pros:
- Warm, natural sound reproduction
- Universal compatibility – ideal for professional and home use
- Helps you hear the quality of vinyl records and how they’re meant to sound
- Excellent sounds for the price point
- Produces great bass – not too much and not too little
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear for long periods
- Padded ear cups and headband for maximum comfort
- Replaceable ear pads, headband padding, and audio cord
- Comes with two jacks – one audio connector and one adapter
- Clear and rich sounds without excessive bass
- Works to block out noise
- Tough single-sided cable
Cons:
- Not too much bass for bass heads
- No active noise cancellation feature
- Cord can be heavy
2. AKG K72 Headphones – Best Comfortable and Lightweight Pick!
Our next pick for the best headphones for vinyl listening and our top pick for the most comfortable and lightweight pair is the AKG K72 Headphones! If the number one thing you’re considering in your new headphones is comfort, make sure you check this one out. The over the ear headphones design and self-adjusting headband of this one promises each user the perfect fit every single time. This is also extremely lightweight so you won’t feel it on you even after long hours of using.
You can expect this one to deliver powerful sound quality output that works to reveal and help you hear every detail you might have missed in your favorite song or vinyl record. This pair’s balanced high-frequency response will allow you to hear and enjoy all of the song’s vocals and instruments. You can also rest assured that this will let you hear the sounds of drums and bass guitar clearly. Though keep in mind that this does have clear and crips bass sounds, but not too much, as bass heads would be looking for in their new headphones.
This pair of best headphones for vinyl comes with a closed back design which works to prevent audio from leaking so you can enjoy your privacy while listening to your music. You can trust this one to deliver exceptional audio isolation so the music stays in and the noise out. Even if you move your head around, you can rest assured that your sound and music remains for your ears only. As for the sound this produces, you can expect nice, balanced music without too much and overwhelming bass.
For maximum comfort while wearing this pair, this comes with breathable and lightweight ear pads that work to encircle your ears rather than just sitting on your ears and putting pressure on them. The ear cups are also large enough to fit your ears comfortably and are sure to be lightweight for extended periods of wear. This pair of single-sided wired headphones come with both a stereo plug and a screw-on adapter for maximum compatibility for whatever you would need this for.
The only drawback a few users have to share regarding these vinyl headphones is that it wasn’t designed to be collapsible. Because of this, it can be too big to travel with as compared to other collapsible and foldable options.
Pros:
- Best comfortable and lightweight pick
- Self-adjusting headband for the perfect fit
- Lightweight and comfortable for extended hours of use
- Nice and balanced music without too much and overwhelming bass
- Reveals all details of the song and clear sounds of bass and drums
- Over-ear and closed back design for audio isolation and noise cancellation
- Breathable and lightweight ear pads for comfortable wear
- Large enough to encircle ears without putting too much pressure
- Comes with stereo plug and screw-on adapter
- Single-sided wired headphones for free movement
Cons:
- Not too much bass – lacking for bass heads
- Non-collapsible design, too big for travel
3. Koss Porta Pro On-Ear Headphones – Best On-Ear Pick!
The next item to make it into our list of the best headphones for vinyl listening and our best on-ear pick is the Koss Porta Pro On-Ear Headphones! Most of the items are over-ear headphones, so if you’re looking for one that is on-ear, make sure to read on about this one. The open-air cushions design this one comes with assures that you stay aware of your surroundings and whatever is happening around you all the while providing you with an exceptional sound quality and music experience.
Designed with an adjustable headband and multi-pivoting earplates, you will be able to get the perfect fit for you with this one. This also comes with adjustable temporal pads to relieve pressure on your ears for the most secure and comfortable fit. The entire system is also sure to be lightweight, something you might need if you’re planning to wear it for hours on end. This is also collapsible so you can fold it for easy traveling and carrying it around with you. This also comes with a carrying case for even more convenience.
Many users have lauded this pair of Koss vinyl headphones as this is able to deliver amazing sound quality and music with a lot of depth. With this one to help you listen to your collection of vinyl records, you are sure to hear details you haven’t heard before. The brand described this as “designed for deep bass performance” and it doesn’t let you down when it comes to that department. You can expect a lot of strong bass with this one without being too much and overwhelming.
Because this is an open back design, this is not meant for noise cancellation and others will hear sound leaking from your headphones. If this is important for you, you might want to check out the other items on our list of favorites.
Pros:
- Best on-ear headphones
- Open-air cushions so you can be present and aware of your surroundings
- Still gives you exceptional music experience
- Adjustable headband and multi-pivoting earplates for the perfect fit
- Adjustable temporal pads to relieve pressure from ears
- Lightweight and comfortable for long hours of wear
- Collapsible and foldable for easy storage and ease of travel
- Comes with carry case for added convenience
- Delivers music with a lot of depth
- Helps you hear music details of your favorite song you may have never heard of before
- Deep bass performance without being too overwhelming
Cons:
- No noise cancellation
- Sound and music may leak from headphones
4. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Headphones
Our next pick for the best headphones for vinyl listening is the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Headphones! Another over-ear in our pool of favorites, this allows you to achieve amazing music and sound quality thanks to its mild bass and treble boost sound system. No worries though as the bass sound of this one isn’t too strong at all but is present you can definitely hear it. Many have lauded this pair as it delivers high quality and tight bass, the perfect option for all bass nerds out there.
This comes with an adjustable spring steel headband to ensure the perfect fit for you. The band is also padded for maximum comfort no matter how long you choose to wear this. This has been constructed to be lightweight and the band doesn’t wear too tight on your head. It’s also got smooth pads and cushioning on the ear cups so you can wear it over your ears without pain and discomfort.
Thanks to these Beyerdynamic vinyl headphones’ balanced production of bass, treble, and balanced overall sound reproduction, you can rest assured that you will be able to get every detail of the song, things you might not have noticed the first time around. Whether you’re listening through your phone or through your collection of vinyl records, you are sure to hear every single layer of the music. This also comes with a single-sided cord that promises a tangle-free on and off for ease and convenience.
Though a favorite among many audiophiles and professionals alike, this does come with a few drawbacks you should be ready for should you decide to go with this one. This one isn’t designed to fold up so it may be harder to travel with due to the space it will take up. There is also no active noise cancellation so expect hearing a bit of noise when you’re out and your music leaking through these headphones.
Pros:
- Mild bass and treble boost
- High quality and tight bass is ideal for bass nerds
- Bass isn’t too strong or overwhelming
- Adjustable steel headband for the perfect fit
- Padded and cushioned headband and ear cups for maximum comfort
- Lightweight wear and band isn’t too tight
- Balanced overall sound reproduction allows you to hear each detail of the song
- Single-sided cord for tangle-free on and off
Cons:
- Not ideal for travel due to non-foldable design
- No active noise cancellation
- Sound and music may leak
5. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Headphones
The last item to make it into our list of the best headphones for vinyl records is the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Headphones! Equipped with a circumaural design, this contours around your ears for active sound isolation in noisy environments. With this in your hand, you are sure to keep your privacy and music to only you while also eliminating surrounding noise for that optimal music experience. This purchase comes with two detachable cords; one coiled and one straight; a carrying pouch, and a screw-on adapter.
Whenever you choose to listen to your music with this pair, you are sure to hear amazing sound details along with a good bass that is never harsh or too strong. This is able to produce clear sounds with bass sounds that are precise and natural – just how the song is intended to be heard. The sound isolation system has also been praised by many as it stays true to what it claims – blocking out the noise and keeping the music in.
This Audio-Technica pair boasts of professional-grade ear pads and headband cushioning for maximum comfort. You can wear this for hours on end and not feel it and be in any pain. The ear cups are also designed to swivel for up to 90 degrees for ease and convenience. Overall, this is a great headphone option for many, especially given the price point it comes in. This pair can also be folded for easy storage when you want to travel with this in your hands.
Many users have shared a few drawbacks you should know before hopping up on this Audio-Technica vinyl headphones train. Some with bigger and longer ears found the ear cups to be a bit too small. No worries though as these can be easily replaced with something that fits you. Some have also reported that the clamping pressure of the headband can be too strong for some.
Pros:
- Contours around ears for effective sound isolation
- Eliminates noise from environments while keeping music in
- Comes with 2 detachable cords, carrying pouch, and screw-on adapter
- Lets you hear music details
- Precise and natural bass sounds is never too harsh or strong
- Professional-grade ear pads and headband cushion for comfort
- 90-degree swivel ear cups for added convenience
- Collapsible design for ease of carrying
Cons:
- Ear cups can be a bit small on bigger ears
- Headband clamping pressure can be too strong for some
How to Choose the Best Vinyl Headphones
Sound quality
The very first thing you would want to consider in looking for the best vinyl headphones is the sound quality. When listening to music, of course you would want something that can reproduce clean and detailed sounds and audio. You want your headphones to produce sounds that are well-balanced.
You can also opt for headphones that are able to produce boom boom bass or something with just mild bass. This will depend on the type of music you like to listen to and the experience you want for yourself.
Closed or open back
You should get a pair of headphones with either open or closed back design. The open back design doesn’t completely enclose your ears. This design allows you to still be present in terms of what’s happening around you. At the same time, an open back design means that you will hear the noise around you and those around you will be able to hear a peek of whatever you’re listening to. This is a good choice if you’re planning on listening to your vinyl records only in quiet places or in your own personal space.
Closed back designs are the opposite. This type of headphones will completely enclose your ears. This also means that the noise around you will be blocked and you will not hear it or disturb you. It will also prevent sound leaking so you can keep your privacy wherever you are. This is a good choice if you’re planning on using it in a space where there are people.
When choosing which type to get for your needs, make sure you weigh each type’s pros and cons.
Comfort
Headphones have a reputation of being uncomfortable, at least for me. You would want to get your hands on something that provides maximum comfort, no matter how long you choose to wear it. Something with cushioned and padded ear cups and headband is the way to go for this. You would also want to make sure that your headphones are adjustable so you can achieve the perfect fit for you.
Price
The last important thing to consider in shopping for a new pair of vinyl headphones is the price. Headphones can go as low as $50 and as high as $500! Consider the price you’re willing to pay for your new headphones. Remember, a low price doesn’t mean low quality and a high price doesn’t equate to better quality. You can find quality pairs of headphones in both low and high price ranges.
Conclusion
Headphones are a great way of listening to your wide collection of vinyl records. And to wrap this up, here are our top three choices for the best headphones for vinyl listening:
Our number one pick is the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones thanks to its natural and warm sound reproduction with clear and rich sounds without excessive bass sounds. If what you’re looking for is a comfortable and lightweight pair, check out the AKG K72 Headphones! This pair is sure to be lightweight and comfortable to wear even on extended listening sessions and it has a self-adjusting headband to ensure the perfect fit. And if what you’re going for is an on-ear pair, the Koss Porta Pro On-Ear Headphones might be what you’re looking for. The open air design allows you to enjoy the experience of music while also being present and mindful of your surroundings.
And there you have it – our favorite headphones for listening to your vinyl records! We hope you enjoyed our list and review as much as we did making it. Happy shopping!