$2,495.00

The HP100 SE is designed for audiophiles who prioritize soundstage and audio clarity. In our testing, its exceptional horizontal extension impressed with an immersive listening experience, though its heavy weight posed comfort issues during long sessions. Priced at $2495, it's on the higher end, which some may find challenging to justify given the build quality. However, the redesigned headband and detachable braided cables do provide added comfort and durability, if not quite matching the price tag.

$2,495.00

at Gradolabs

$4,999.00

For those willing to invest, the Utopia 2022 stands at the pinnacle of audiophile excellence with a near-perfect score of 9.5/10. Its unmatched sound quality and luxurious materials like genuine leather justify the premium $4999 price. During our review, the open-back design offered a natural soundstage, albeit with noticeable sound leakage. A high-quality headphone amplifier is recommended to fully appreciate the wide frequency response, catering to the most discerning listeners.

$4,999.00

at Headphones

$439.99

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 have become a favorite in our testing for their luxurious build quality and exceptional sound. Although the $439.99 price is high compared to some rivals, the Nappa leather and aluminum build exudes quality. The noise cancellation feature performed well, albeit not leading the pack. Some users might find the wear sensor inconsistent, but overall, it offers an appealing mix of sophistication and sound quality for discerning audiophiles seeking wireless convenience.

$439.99

at Bestbuy

$2,999.00

For those seeking luxury in headphones, the Meze Audio Empyrean is crafted with exceptional materials and a warm, engaging sound signature. At $2999, they boast supreme comfort, ideal for long listening sessions. During our review, we noted the treble could be too soft for some, and bass lacking punch when compared to peers. Despite its price, the Empyrean's build quality and comfort make it an appealing option for those who prioritize aesthetics and prolonged enjoyment.

$2,999.00

at Audioadvisor

$599.00

With a score of 8.5/10, the HIFIMAN Arya Stealth headphones deliver immersive sound through innovative stealth magnet design. We noted the impressive imaging and dynamic range, although the bright treble may require EQ adjustments for some listeners. During our review, the lightweight teardrop design enhanced comfort; however, smaller heads may struggle with the ear cups’ seal. A slight 'plastic' feel detracts from the overall premium impression, yet the sound experience remains captivating.

$599.00

at Amazon

$449.99

Scoring an 8/10, the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones are a solid choice for those who value noise cancellation and sound quality. During our review, we appreciated the 12-microphone enhanced adaptive noise cancellation and DSEE Extreme audio performance. Their foldable design offers increased portability, although the lack of ingress protection and USB-C audio support are considerations to keep in mind. Despite minimal discounts, they remain a highly effective option for audiophiles seeking wireless excellence.

$449.99

at Sony

$49.99

At just $49.99, the Porta Pro Black stands out as a highly portable and affordable option in our guide. During our review, we found its lightweight design makes them perfect for on-the-go use, offering impressive sound quality for their size. However, the foam ear pads are a downside in terms of durability, potentially requiring replacements. For everyday use without breaking the bank, these headphones provide excellent cost-to-performance value with a respectable score of 6.5/10.

$49.99

at Koss

$295.00

Grado's SR325x is perfect for those who appreciate detail and dynamics in their music. Earning an 8/10 score, these on-ear headphones offer superior performance for rock and metal genres, highlighted by a remarkable midrange detail. However, listeners may experience some fatigue due to its aggressive upper midrange and limited sub-bass. While comfort can be an issue during long sessions, their vibrant sound and solid build quality make them a compelling choice for genre-specific audiophiles.

$295.00

at Gradolabs

$259.00

The Grado GT220 earbuds impress with their stellar sound quality, offering clear and direct audio reproduction. In our testing, we found the secure fit provided excellent passive noise isolation, although the lack of active noise cancellation may deter some audiophiles. Despite missing advanced customization features, their stable Bluetooth connectivity ensures a reliable listening experience. Scoring 7.5/10, they're ideal for those seeking wireless convenience with a focus on sound above all else.

$259.00

at Soundapproac...

$499.99

The Bose 700 stands out for its industry-leading noise cancellation, making it a valuable choice for those surrounded by ambient noise. Its $499.99 price is justified by the superb sound quality and intuitive touch controls. During our testing, comfort fell short of previous models, and accidental button presses were common. However, for those prioritizing noise cancellation and a sleek design, the Bose 700 stands out as an excellent option amidst competitive choices.

$499.99

at Soundmali

$690.00

Focal Bathys headphones excel in sound quality and build, scoring an impressive 9/10 in our guide. Their plush leather earcups and top-notch materials make them both comfortable and durable, ideal for extended listening. However, the moderate active noise cancellation may not satisfy all users looking for total immersion. Despite the slightly heavier weight, these headphones provide exceptional clarity and an expansive soundstage, reassuringly justifying their premium price for discerning audiophiles.

$690.00

at Amazon

$478.63

The Sennheiser HD 660S2 headphones captivate with exceptional sound quality and a neutral, expansive soundstage, making them a standout option in our guide. During our review, we appreciated their balanced audio profile, but the high clamping force resulted in some discomfort over long listening sessions. Their open-back design beautifully delivers natural sound while allowing audio leakage, so they're less ideal for noisy environments. While not our top-rated, they earned a respectable score of 8/10.

$478.63

at Amazon

$399.99

The Sony MDR-MV1 excels in audio clarity and comfort, placing them among our recommended mid-range options. Their open-back design provides an expansive soundstage, though this feature leads to sound leakage, making them less suitable for noisy environments. Despite the lack of noise cancellation, we appreciated their lightweight fit, which aids comfort during prolonged use. Priced at $399.99, they deliver significant value for serious listeners who prioritize audio detail over portability.

$399.99

at Sony

$139.00

Audio-Technica's ATH-M50xIB headphones shine with clarity and durability at an attractive $139 price point, making them a staple for audio professionals. In our experience, they provided excellent sound isolation and impressive bass once broken in, enhancing their sound profile over time. Although initially some users reported issues with cable connection, these were easily resolved with proper handling. Their professional-grade build and circumaural design ensure comfort and sound quality for studio or everyday use.

$139.00

at Amazon

$399.99

The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro is a standout for audio professionals demanding precision and clarity from their headphones. Scoring an impressive 8/10, they feature robust build quality and exceptional sound detail for critical listening. While the high frequencies can be fatiguing on certain recordings, these headphones truly shine when paired with a quality amplifier. With interchangeable ear pads for sound tuning and durable construction, they are ideal for extended studio sessions or discerning audiophiles.

$399.99

at Sweetwater