TOP 18 best wired headphones: rating 2021-2022 and which budget ones to choose based on price and quality

An honest rating of the best wired headphones of 2022 with good quality sound. Maxim Smolin, an audiophile and simply a good person, helped compile the rating.

Value for money is a decisive factor when choosing wired headphones . Their main advantage over Bluetooth models is that, at the same cost, wired ones will sound better. Their full-size and vacuum types stand out. If you are a true music lover, we suggest considering the 15 best models. Most of them are on sale in the middle price category - from $145 to $200.

We have previously reviewed inexpensive wireless headphones.

Rating of the TOP 18 best wired headphones of 2021-2022

Place	Name	Price
TOP 5 best full-size wired headphones
1	Sennheiser HD 280 Pro	Find out the price
2	Sony MDR-XB950AP	Find out the price
3	Koss UR20	Find out the price
4	Audio-Technica ATH-M50x	Find out the price
5	Sennheiser HD 559	Find out the price
TOP 5 best wired earbuds
1	Sony MDR-XB5-AP	Find out the price
2	Sennheiser IE 4	Find out the price
3	JBL T110	Find out the price
4	Sony MDR-EX650	Find out the price
5	Xiaomi Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro HD	Find out the price
TOP 4 best wired in-ear headphones
1	Samsung EO-EG920	Find out the price
2	JBL T205	Find out the price
3	Apple EarPods (Lightning)	Find out the price
4	Sony STH40D	Find out the price
TOP 4 best wired on-ear headphones
1	Sony MDR-XB550AP	Find out the price
2	Sony MDR-ZX660AP	Find out the price
3	JBL T450	Find out the price
4	CaseGuru CGPods 5.0	Find out the price

How to choose and what to pay attention to?

When choosing headphones, you should evaluate not only their design, but also the following parameters and characteristics:

ergonomics - the design of the stereo headset determines how long it can be used without causing discomfort;
supported frequency range - for most models it ranges from 20 Hz to 20 kHz;
sensitivity - affects the sound quality of music;
microdynamics - the thicker the membrane on dynamic radiators, the better the low frequencies are captured;
noise insulation - the higher the indicator, the more comfortable it is to listen to music without being distracted by external stimuli.

Principle of operation

We will not delve into the technical details; we will only briefly analyze the operating principle of the devices in question.

Sound has a wave nature, so the main element of the headphones is a sound emitter, which creates mechanical vibrations that are transmitted to the membrane and perceived by the eardrum. If sounds are transmitted through one emitter, such headphones will be called single-band, if through 2 or more - multi-band. In the latter case, each emitter is tuned to its own frequency range, resulting in higher quality sound. The signal to each cup can be transmitted either through one channel or through two or more, creating spatial sound.

The best over-ear wired headphones

The quality of the sound equipment determines how enjoyable listening to music will be. Full-size headphones reproduce all frequencies with high quality and also have excellent noise insulation. The rating presents 5 models that are the best according to buyers.

Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

Model from a famous German brand . Features a high level of noise reduction

thanks to the tight fit of the ear pads. This model is highly reliable for 2021-2022.

With support for frequencies from 0.008 Hz to 25 kHz and a sensitivity of 102 dB, they reproduce natural sounds without distortion at any volume.

Due to the 2.0 format, you can create high-quality tracks with good acoustics.

There are 2 plugs on the case with a diameter of 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm. The model is suitable for professional use.

It comes with a 3-meter cable and weighs only 220 g.

Characteristics:

frequencies - 8-25000 Hz
sensitivity - 102 dB;
impedance - 64 Ohm;
cable length - 1 m, 3 m;
weight - 220 g.

pros

excellent sound insulation;
sit comfortably on the head;
good frequency characteristics;
long wire.

Minuses

they warm the head a lot;
don't add up.

Sony MDR-XB950AP

Dynamic headphones supporting frequencies from 3 Hz to 28 kHz . Equipped with universal

connector with a diameter of 3.5 mm, so they can be connected to a PC and any smartphone.

Due to the sensitivity of 106 dB and the resistance of 40 Ohms, the device reproduces high-quality sound regardless of the musical direction.

The model is equipped with a built-in microphone on the wire.

There is also a button for adjusting the volume and answering a call.

Characteristics:

frequencies - 3-28000 Hz;
sensitivity - 106 dB;
impedance - 40 Ohm;
cable length - 1.2 m;
weight - 245 g.

pros

powerful bass;
loud noise;
comfortable fit;
high-quality assembly.

Minuses

lacks equalizer;
The cord is short and cannot be disconnected.

Koss UR20

High-quality stereo headset for those who want to enjoy music of different genres.

Excellent sound reproduction is due to support for a wide frequency range from 30 Hz to 20 kHz, sensitivity of 97 dB and impedance of 32 ohms.

Due to the closed configuration of the device, you can be sure that external sounds will not distract from listening to music.

The model is equipped with a universal 3.5 mm jack and an additional 6.5 mm port.

The long cord provides freedom of movement.

Characteristics:

frequencies - 30-20000 Hz;
sensitivity - 97 dB;
impedance - 32 Ohm;
cable length - 2.4 m.

pros

low price;
comfortable fit;
balanced sound;
durable wire.

Minuses

ears sweat, especially in summer;
quite massive.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Closed-back dynamic stereo headset capable of reproducing audio frequencies from 15 Hz to 28 kHz.

Combined with a sensitivity of 99 dB and an impedance of 38 ohms, this provides spacious and clear sound.

The device weighs only 285 g and the membrane diameter is 45 mm.

Equipped with a standard 3.5 mm mini-jack and supplied with a 6.3 mm adapter.

Due to the wide and soft headband, the headphones do not cause discomfort during long-term use. The set includes 2 straight and 1 twisted wire.

Characteristics:

frequencies - 15-28000 Hz;
sensitivity - 99 dB;
impedance - 38 Ohm;
cable length - 3 m;
weight - 285 g.

pros

good fit;
balanced sound;
excellent bass;
good equipment;
high-quality assembly.

Minuses

high frequencies are too clear;
Not suitable for smartphones with weak audio.

Sennheiser HD 559

These headphones allow you to enjoy sound quality when listening to tracks and watching videos..

This is due to audio reproduction in the range from 14 Hz to 26 kHz, sensitivity of 108 dB and impedance of 50 ohms.

The model is equipped with a 3-meter wire and soft ear pads, due to which the ears are not compressed.

The headphones are suitable for use with professional audio equipment.

Characteristics:

frequencies - 14-26000 Hz;
sensitivity - 108 dB;
impedance - 50 Ohm;
cable length - 3 m;
weight - 285 g.

pros

surround and clear sound;
rich bass;
soft ear pads and headband;
long wire.

Minuses

The kit does not include a 6.3 mm adapter;
tight bow.

The best wired earbuds

The popularity of vacuum headphones is due to their compactness, high quality of reproduced music and lower price compared to full-size ones.

Sony MDR-XB5-AP

The model has a high level of sound insulation . High sound quality is achieved in

account of dynamic emitters with neodymium magnets, support for frequencies from 4 Hz to 24 kHz, 40 Ohm impedance and 106 dB sensitivity.

The output is rich sound without the slightest distortion, regardless of the volume level.

The model is equipped with 4 pairs of ear pads.

Characteristics:

frequencies - 4-24000 Hz;
sensitivity - 106 dB;
impedance - 40 Ohm;
cable length - 1.2 m.

pros

powerful bass;
respond to equalizer settings;
good noise reduction;
don't fall out of your ears.

Minuses

short wire;
weak connections with headphones.

Sennheiser IE 4

Wide-frequency model with 106 dB high sensitivity and 16 ohm low impedance.

Equipped with a 3.5 mm plug, so it is suitable for connecting to any devices.

The body is made of durable plastic.

The cable is rubberized, which increases its flexibility. Comfortable silicone tips do not fall out of your ears.

Characteristics:

frequencies - 4-24000 Hz;
sensitivity - 106 dB;
impedance - 16 Ohm;
cable length - 1.2 m.

pros

fit comfortably in the ears;
no discomfort during long-term use;
high-quality sound at all frequencies;
excellent noise reduction.

Minuses

thin wire;
Average bass quality.

JBL T110

Lightweight and compact stereo headset is perfect for active people . Ear pads

are securely fixed in the ear, do not fall out and do not cause discomfort.

Sound is reproduced at frequencies from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

Combined with 100 dB sensitivity, the reproduction of surround and rich sound is ensured at any volume..

The design includes a microphone, buttons for answering calls and adjusting the volume.

Characteristics:

frequencies - 20-20000 Hz;
sensitivity - 100 dB;
impedance - 16 Ohm;
cable length - 1.1 m.

pros

high-quality assembly;
excellent bass;
do not hurt the ears;
Beautiful design.

Minuses

inconvenient curved plug;
weak connections with headphones.

Sony MDR-EX650

Stereo headset with custom-shaped earbuds and a tangle-free ribbed cord.

Silicone tips are securely fixed in the ears without causing discomfort.

Frequencies from 5 Hz to 28 kHz are supported, which provides spacious and rich sound for music of different genres.

Characteristics:

frequencies - 5-28000 Hz;
sensitivity - 107 dB;
impedance - 16 Ohm;
cable length - 1.2 m.

pros

high-quality assembly;
ergonomic design;
deep and clear sound;
several pairs of attachments included.

Minuses

the paint peels off quickly;
The cord becomes dull in the cold.

Xiaomi Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro HD

A stereo headset that provides high-quality acoustics and clear bass . Supported

frequency range from 20 Hz to 40 kHz, which, combined with high sensitivity of 98 dB, ensures the reproduction of surround and rich sound without the slightest distortion.

The model is equipped with a standard 3.5 mm mini-jack and a 1.25-meter cable.

Characteristics:

frequencies - 20-40000 Hz;
sensitivity - 98 dB;
impedance - 32 Ohm;
cable length - 1.25 m.

pros

deep sound;
powerful bass;
excellent equipment;
high-quality assembly.

Minuses

heavy;
The wire becomes dull in the cold.

Open and closed models: what's the difference?

It is impossible to say which type of headphones is better - open or closed. But it is useful to get acquainted with the differences between the models.

Open-back headphones do not have sound isolation on both sides. When listening to recordings, the user hears surrounding sounds, but people nearby will also hear the melodies being listened to. Externally open models can be easily recognized by the perforations or mesh installed on the outside of the speakers. These headphones are good for lovers of classical melodies and vocals, that is, music with a predominance of high and middle notes.

Closed-back models are sound-isolating headphones. Complete isolation is a property of studio monitor headphones. When examining the models, it is clear that the outer part of the speakers is dense without cracks or perforations. The bass in these headphones is noticeable and clearly audible, so this is an option for fans of “heavy” music.

The best professional headphones for musicians – Rating

Closed models are on-ear headphones, the design is adjacent to the ears. Or full-size ones, when put on, the ears are covered from above, like a cap.

Best Wired In-Ear Headphones

The sound quality of in-ear headphones is no worse than that of in-ear and on-ear models. At the same time, their design is more convenient for many users.

Samsung EO-EG920

Wired headphones are perfect for athletes and active people . Model

It is equipped with comfortable ear pads that are fixed on the ear. This is one of the highest quality models for 2021-2022.

The standard frequency range from 0.02 to 20 kHz is supported.

Combined with high sensitivity (101 dB) and low impedance (32 Ohms), the output results in spacious and rich sound.

Characteristics:

frequencies - 20-20000 Hz;
sensitivity - 101 dB;
impedance - 32 Ohm;
cable length - 1.2 m.

pros

low price;
high-quality sound;
good noise reduction;
comfortable fit.

Minuses

The button to answer a phone call is slow.
flat cable.

JBL T205

Stereo headset with closed acoustic design reproduces sounds in the range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

The output sound is voluminous and rich.

The model is equipped with a microphone for answering calls, attached to a wire.

The device weighs only 14 g and comes with a convenient storage case . The cord length is 1.2 m.

Characteristics:

frequencies - 20-20000 Hz;
sensitivity - 101 dB;
impedance - 32 Ohm;
cable length - 1.2 m;
weight - 14.3 g.

pros

balanced sound;
volume;
the wire does not get tangled;
case included.

Minuses

no noise reduction;
There is no last number redial option.

Apple EarPods (Lightning)

An audio device with ergonomically shaped earbuds that closely follow the geometry of the ear.

Suitable for long-term wearing and sports. Compatible with all Apple devices.

The cable contains buttons for volume control, answering calls and playing music..

Support of the frequency range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz provides rich sound when listening to music of any genre.

Characteristics:

frequencies - 20-20000 Hz;
sensitivity - 102 dB;
impedance - 32 Ohm;
cable length - 1.2 m;
weight - 10 g.

pros

no discomfort during long-term use;
stylish appearance;
optimal price;
deep sound without interference.

Minuses

poor sound insulation;
unreliable plug.

Sony STH40D

Ergonomically shaped headphones for listening to tracks in any style . Fine

reproduce calm melodies, bass and voice.

Supports sound reproduction at frequencies from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, which, combined with high sensitivity, allows you to reproduce rich sound.

The connector has a universal size of 3.5 mm, so the headphones can be connected to any computers and smartphones

There are keys for turning on tracks and answering calls.

Characteristics:

frequencies - 20-20000 Hz;
sensitivity - 102 dB;
impedance - 32 Ohm;
cable length - 1.2 m;
weight - 18 g.

pros

high quality cord;
lightness and ergonomics;
surround sound;
stylish appearance.

Minuses

at a volume of 50% or more, the music can be heard by others;
weak bass.

Criterias of choice

Types of wired headphones

Insertion devices are small “earbuds” that are inserted directly into the auricle near the opening of the ear canal. The most popular type of headphones. They interact perfectly with mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, players, etc.

Advantages

Miniature size and weight, convenient to take with you
low cost

Flaws

lack of bass, poor sound quality coming from the speakers
loose fit in the ear
presence of extraneous noise during music broadcast

In-canal devices are miniature earbuds that are inserted directly into the ear canal. They are less popular than the above-mentioned model. However, over time, the situation is changing, due to the elimination of the shortcomings of plug-in devices. The advantages of application are absolutely similar to the previous type. They also have improved sound quality, a more secure fit in the ear and excellent isolation of extraneous noise. The main disadvantage is the low level of sterility, because in hot weather, when worn for a long time, sweat and earwax accumulate; after use, the headphones most often need to be washed with silicone seals under water.

On-ear devices are headphones that are pressed against the outside of the ear. With this method of application, the speakers end up on top of the ear. This type is a “classic” on the market of sound transmitting devices.

Advantages

have a louder sound level and provide better sound quality
ability to transmit low frequencies
do not cause discomfort during use

Flaws

difficulty in combination with hats

Full-size devices are headphones that have a large and soft cup that fits snugly to the head. The difference from previous types is that they are more often used in recording studios.

Advantages

high sound quality
provide a feeling of comfort when using
some models are finished with high-quality material

Flaws

high price
big sizes

Classification of headphones by acoustic design.

Open

provide a more natural sound while still allowing you to hear what is happening around you

Closed

better reproduce bass and cut out extraneous noise

They can be easily distinguished from each other. Open ear cups have sound conducting holes, while closed ear cups do not. There are also semi-closed or semi-open models. Their characteristic feature is the presence of a small number of sound-conducting holes or slots. They are a little inferior to closed-back headphones in terms of noise isolation, but their acoustic stage is wider and deeper. To protect against loud conversations, roaring engines and other irritants, noise reduction is used, which can be active or passive.

Active noise cancellation. Models with active noise cancellation are equipped with microphones that pick up background noise, process it in a special way and transmit the sound wave to the main speaker in antiphase to the noise.

Passive noise reduction. Passive noise reduction is provided by a special design of cups or earbuds that do not allow external sounds to pass through.

Audio characteristics. The sound quality is affected by many parameters, so when choosing relatively inexpensive headphones, you should not take their audio characteristics too seriously. Moreover, the relatively small speakers of in-ear headphones are on average inferior in sound to the large speakers of closed and full-size models. But it’s still worth paying a little attention to these characteristics.

Frequency range. It is believed that the average person perceives frequencies in the range of 20–20,000 Hz and no more. However, some manufacturers still indicate in the descriptions of their models parameters that go beyond these limits.

Sensitivity. This parameter largely determines the volume, that is, the higher it is, the greater the maximum volume of the headphones will be. 95–100 dB is a good indicator. For comparison: 90 dB is the volume of a working pneumatic hammer, 100 dB is the volume of a subway train.

Resistance or impedance. This characteristic is worth paying attention to, while also taking into account the device from which you will listen to music. If it's a smartphone or portable MP3 player, then 32 ohms is the maximum you need, and you can safely choose models with a lower rating. If you need headphones to pair with serious audio equipment, then, on the contrary, 32 Ohms is the lowest threshold.

Level of harmonic distortion (THD). When playing sound, especially at high volumes, defects occur due to the restriction of the diaphragm stroke. They manifest themselves in different ways, from increased sound harshness to wheezing. The distortion level is measured as a percentage, and the lower it is, the better. For high-quality headphones, this figure should be less than 1%.

The best wired on-ear headphones

The store's assortment includes hundreds of different types of on-ear headphones. They differ in the level of noise reduction of external sounds, supported frequency range and other parameters.

Sony MDR-XB550AP

Model with soft ear pads . Provides high-quality and deep sound of any

tracks thanks to support for frequencies from 5 Hz to 22 kHz.

Due to the soft headband, discomfort during prolonged use is eliminated.

The headphones do not fall out of your ears due to their secure fit . The 1.2-meter wire does not get tangled or twisted due to its flat cross-section.

Characteristics:

frequencies - 20-22000 Hz;
sensitivity - 102 dB;
impedance - 24 Ohm;
cable length - 1.2 m;
weight - 180 g.

pros

soft ear pads;
noticeable low frequencies;
decent sound insulation;
the wire does not get tangled.

Minuses

the wire transmits noise from hitting or touching something;
lack of high frequencies.

Sony MDR-ZX660AP

The headphones reproduce high-quality bass thanks to on-ear speakers equipped with neodymium magnets.

Thanks to the rigid headband, they fit snugly to the head, thereby protecting against extraneous noise.

Supporting frequencies from 5 Hz to 25 kHz combined with 104 dB sensitivity and 40 ohm impedance produces natural, spacious sound.

The 40 mm membrane in the speakers ensures natural sound of music without the slightest distortion.

Characteristics:

frequencies - 5-25000 Hz;
sensitivity - 104 dB;
impedance - 40 Ohm;
cable length - 1.2 m;
weight - 193 g.

pros

high-quality sound;
bass is not drowned out;
sit comfortably;
good sound insulation.

Minuses

do not fold;
fall off when jumping.

JBL T450

Classic headphones with frequency range support from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

They are equipped with a removable cable, so they can connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth.

In wireless mode, they work for 11 hours on a single charge.

Charging takes only 2 hours.

Thanks to the soft ear pads and ergonomic shape, they are suitable for long-term use.

Characteristics:

frequency range - 20-20000 Hz;
sensitivity - 104 dB;
impedance - 32 Ohm;
weight - 320 g.

pros

low price;
high-quality construction;
do not put pressure on the ears;
connection to any smartphone.

Minuses

tight buttons;
weak noise reduction.

CaseGuru CGPods 5.0

Budget headphones with moisture protection and a heavy-duty case.
Outside of our rating, we’ll talk about CGPods 5.0 - wireless headphones that quickly broke into all the TOP sales rankings and rankings for 2021-2022. It is noteworthy that CGPods is a Tyumen brand whose products are not sold in retail chains .

You can only buy CGPods directly through online platforms - at a fair price from the manufacturer (RUB 4,000). CGPods 5.0 are equipped with an original case made of professional aviation aluminum (exactly the same alloy used in the production of Boeing aircraft) .

The maximum weight that the CGPods case can withstand is 220 kg (the famous AppleAirPods can only withstand 84 kg, although they are 4 times more expensive than Tyumen ears).

The CGPods headphones are waterproof, so they are quite capable of “surviving” even washing under the tap (AppleAirPods are not waterproof at all).

CGPods 5.0 lasts 17 hours without being plugged into a power outlet. As you already understand, the Tyumen headphones are superior in a number of characteristics to even the expensive AppleAirPods (the latter have neither moisture protection nor a durable case).

Although Tyumen CGPods cost 4 times less than apples.

Specifications:

Frequencies – 24 Hz – 24800 Hz
Sensitivity – 92 dBm.
Transmission range – up to 10 m.
The weight of one earphone is 4.9 g.
The headphone battery capacity is 2*55 mAh.

pros

affordable price (RUB 4,000).
Decent sound.
Moisture protection.

Minuses

not detected.

A couple of important tips

An important point: if possible, be sure to try on the headphones, it is advisable to stay in them for some time to understand whether the design suits you, and also do a test - listen to music.

If your budget is limited, setting your priorities correctly will help you make the right choice. Think about the conditions in which you will most often use headphones and what is most important to you. Maybe you only plan to watch movies at home, in which case you can neglect good noise insulation, but for complete comfort you need a wireless connection. Of course, headphones for 300 or 500 rubles will not have the same quality and set of functions as devices in the price range from 1000 to 1500 rubles and above, but there is plenty to choose from.

We wish you successful shopping, let our review become a reliable assistant and guide in the vast world of technology.