Best Headphones (wired) (2026)

We analyzed 244 publications across 170 models to find the best headphones (wired).

#1Also Great

4 expert reviews$2900

Outstanding

Great sound quality

Premium build quality

Comfortable fit

Intimate soundstage

High price

#2Also Great

$89

Astounding sound quality

Affordable price

Need plenty of running in

Upgrade pick

$999

Comfortable for long listening sessions

Excellent soundstage and imaging

Expensive price point

Low cost

$179

Great sound quality

Comfortable fit

Narrow soundstage

Best for most

$214

Lightweight design

Comfortable fit

Expensive compared to outgoing mdr-7506 model (we don't consider this a disadvantage because the headphones sound completely different)

Quick Comparison

#	Product	Score	Price	Top Pro	Top Con
1	Meze Audio Empyrean II	91	$2900	Great sound quality	Intimate soundstage
2	Austrian Audio Hi-X15	90	$89	Astounding sound quality	Need plenty of running in
3	Dan Clark Audio Noire X	86	$999	Comfortable for long listening sessions	Expensive price point
4	Sennheiser HD 550	86	$179	Great sound quality	Narrow soundstage
5	Sony MDR-M1	84	$214	Lightweight design	Expensive compared to outgoing mdr-7506 model (we don't consider this a disadvantage because the headphones sound completely different)