Why should you choose large headphones? Found 5 reasons

A small guide that will help you avoid making mistakes with your purchase.

Music lover and audiophile - many consider these concepts to be synonymous, but this is not so. In one case we are talking about a lover of different styles of music in principle, and in the other, accordingly, about an admirer of the coolest sound possible. I consider myself to be in the first category, because I always bothered with the quality of endlessly listening audio only as an afterthought.

For three or four years now I’ve only been using the complete EarPods from the iPhone box for the outdoors and the banal Sennheiser CX 200 for the home. The division of their roles is “natural” - the latter do not have a microphone for communication, and touching their wires during active movement causes an unpleasant noise. By the way, after writing this couple of lines I even felt somewhat ashamed, because I call myself a real geek and other similar “swear words”.

It's time to choose new headphones. But, big or small?

I need the most universal solution that will become a reliable companion both in my home-office case and on the endless trips that occupy my life. After the first acquaintance with the problem, I came to the conclusion that I couldn’t get away with just one pair, I wanted to get too much. In this case, I’m sharing my thoughts on large headphones.

By the way, I intentionally simplified the task as much as possible by combining monitor, on-ear and other types of large “ears”. The differences between all of them were not so long ago clearly explained by Dima Bardash - here is the link.

Final rating table

Place	Name	Ya.Market
#1	Sony WH-1000XM4	Buy
#2	Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II	Buy
#3	Apple AirPods Max	Buy
#4	JBL Tune 750BTNC	Buy
#5	Soundcore Life Tune	Buy
#6	Sennheiser HD 350BT	Buy
#7	Sony WH-XB900N	Buy
#8	JBL Live 660NC	Buy
#9	Sennheiser HD 450BT	Buy
#10	AKG K361-BT	Buy

Larger diaphragm for better sound quality

If we ignore the numerous nuances and leave other variables at rest, it is the size of the diaphragm that is responsible for sound quality. The more, the better - the music plays cooler, fuller, more voluminous, and so on. In small headphones its diameter reaches only 9 mm, and in their older brothers it is 30 mm or more.

I deliberately visited almost all the electronics supermarkets in my city and I can say without a twinge of conscience that larger headphones always play better. But a small disclaimer is urgently needed here - we are talking about the same price category, because Chinese “rattles” will in any case be inferior to even the smallest branded options.

Since sound is a very subjective concept, I recommend trying to listen to headphones before purchasing. If not possible, rely on cost. Usually, the more expensive, the cooler. But this doesn't always work with "trendy" titles like Beats and the like.

comparison table

Name	Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)	Working time (h)	Impedance (Ohm)	Mini-jack 3.5 mm	Weight (g)	Average cost (RUB)
Sony WH-1000XM4	+	38	47	+	254	24990
Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II	+	20	32	+	235	23990
Apple AirPods Max	+	20	—	+	384,4	40990
JBL Tune 750BTNC	+	22	32	+	220	4500
Soundcore Life Tune	+	60	16	+	260	6300
Sennheiser HD 350BT	+	30	18	—	260	6690
Sony WH-XB900N	+	35	50	+	254	13990
JBL Live 660NC	+	50	32	+	265	8990
Sennheiser HD 450BT	+	30	32	+	238	9000
AKG K361-BT	+	28	32	+	215	7000

Greater listening comfort and less ear damage

Many of us love cool, rich music that can pump everyone up from the inside. We never have enough and we turn the volume higher and higher. But we rarely think that this hunger is associated with the characteristics of the eardrums, which simply stretch.

To minimize the damage to the ears, which frankly get tired even from not too loud music, regular rest is needed. Moreover, the sound source should be at the maximum distance from the eardrum. Needless to say, large headphones are a big winner ?

By the way, for a final answer to the question of comfort, I asked the question to my small focus group with a representative sample. The majority preferred large headphones - they don’t have to “stuff” anything into themselves and are simply convenient. But this is only true for stationary use.

Rating of the TOP 12 best full-size headphones 2021-2022

Place	Name	Price
TOP 5 best wired full-size headphones
1	Sennheiser HD 559	Find out the price
2	Audio-Technica ATH-M50x	Find out the price
3	Sennheiser HD 280 Pro	Find out the price
4	Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 Ohm)	Find out the price
5	Sennheiser HD 599	Find out the price
TOP 7 best wireless over-ear headphones
1	Beats Studio 3 Wireless	Find out the price
2	Sony WH-1000XM3	Find out the price
3	JBL E55BT	Find out the price
4	Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC	Find out the price
5	Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700	Find out the price
6	Sennheiser HD 4.40BT	Find out the price
7	Sony WH-CH700N	Find out the price

Comfort of home environment - long cable and more

Of course, large headphones in the vast majority of cases are intended only for home or office - non-mobile use . And this situation is reminiscent of modern desktop computers and laptops. No one would argue that the 27-inch iMac is much more comfortable to work with than the 12″ MacBook, but it doesn’t fit into any of my bags.

A wireless option or a solution with the longest and thickest cable that does not get tangled - all for convenience. However, you will need a small backpack or something similar to transport it all. And not everyone will want to use such a solution on the go - few people enjoy wrapping endless “laces” around their belly.

To make the impressions as complete as possible, I borrowed from a friend Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. Of course, it is quite difficult to call them audiophile, but in principle such a task is not set. As it turned out, after half an hour you completely forget that your head is “connected” to the sound source - you get the impression of music coming from the speakers. You won’t get this feeling with any “plugs”.

Criterias of choice

Over-ear headphones cover the entire ear. Among all types of headphones, they are the heaviest and most voluminous. As with all other devices, there are several parameters that you need to focus on when choosing the right full-size “ears” model for you.

Connection type. Wired: Sound is transmitted through a cable through a 3.5 mm jack (most often). Always ready to go. Always high stability in signal transmission. But they are inferior in mobility to wireless models. Wireless: connect via Bluetooth to your music source. Requires regular recharging. May be heavier than wired ones. But they provide a much higher degree of mobility.

Speaker type. Open: they allow external noise to pass through, and the sound from them is heard by others. When worn for a long time, the ears and head become less tired, since the flow of sound does not put so much pressure on the ears. Closed: cut off external sound and can provide more bass. But when worn for a long time, they can cause discomfort.

Impedance. Resistance, or impedance, refers to the nominal or total alternating current resistance at the headphone input. For stationary use or paired with a device that has an amplifier, this parameter will not be so important. However, when paired with a smartphone or low-power player, it is advisable that the headphone impedance be no more than 100 ohms. Otherwise, the headphones will not provide the optimal volume or the desired clarity and brightness.

Amplitude-frequency response (AFC). The frequency response shows the tonal balance of the headphones, that is, which frequencies in them will be more elevated, and which ones will be flat or lower. Most often, these parameters are not specified by the manufacturer. They help you choose headphones for the styles that you listen to most.

Additional features. In addition, it is worth paying attention to several more factors that can make using headphones more comfortable. These are the material of the ear pads, the presence of a microphone and control buttons, the ability to voice control and rotate the cups. For simple listening to music, these functions may not be essential, but if you plan to play computer games, communicate a lot and stay in touch, these functions can become indispensable.

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%.

Higher impedance for better acoustics

To obtain the highest quality sound, you need two components - a cool sound source and good big “ears”. There are simply no truly interesting small headphones with high impedance, even for remotely resembling professional equipment, today. I didn't go into why, but I suspect it's physically impossible.

This is another argument in favor of large, high-impedance headphones. Only they are able to convey all the charm of audiophile equipment or something close to that definition.

However, high impedance headphones are completely useless without the proper equipment. The Mac will somehow upgrade them, but the iPhone cannot, even if it wants to. For a smartphone, you will have to buy an additional amplifier, or immediately look at some specific players.

How to choose and what to pay attention to?

Headphones for portable technology must have some specific features:

Connection type . If previously all headphones were wired and had a jack (6.3 mm), mini-jack (3.5 mm) or micro-jack (2.5 mm), now some headphones are equipped with USB Type -C or have no wires at all. There are more and more wireless headphones of different formats and prices, and they come in both True Wireless Stereo (a wired connection is not provided for by the design) and with the ability to use a wire if the battery is low.
Frequency range . The width of the range directly affects the sound quality. The best sound will be with a wider one, the worst - with a narrow one. A common range is from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
Sensitivity . Typically, users perceive this characteristic as loudness, although professionals will never agree with such a designation. High settings provide strong sound. A value of 100 dB or more is considered a sign of excellent sensitivity of the headphones.

Supporting the “dude with big headphones” lifestyle

More than one acquaintance from my not so close circle leads a lifestyle that I called “the dude in the big headphones.” And it’s cool - all the same huge “ears” on the neck, baggy clothes, a backpack on the shoulders and everything like that. It’s a pity, I myself look more like a bony hipster with glasses, so I’m unlikely to be able the look

The coolest large headphones with very interesting prices are here.

Many people look at such people as aliens. I think that's the whole fun. They just don’t understand that they have their favorite perfectly “pumping” accessory on their neck, and in their pocket is some ColorFly Pocket HiFi C4 Pro, which costs as much as half a MacBook. But the point here is not even the price, but the feeling of the surrounding world - and the opinion of those throwing an absurd grin only makes you smile.

The best monitor headphone companies

There are dozens of manufacturers producing monitor headphones. The best firms look like this:

Sennheiser is a popular German company founded back in 1945. Sennheiser headphones are reliable, durable, and have balanced sound characteristics;
AKG is an Austrian manufacturer founded more than 70 years ago. As a rule, they produce mid-budget equipment;
Sony is a Japanese company whose headphones are famous for their clear sound and reliable build;
Audio-Technica is another Japanese brand, one of the leaders in terms of producing audio equipment.

Sony MDR-1A

This model takes into account all the details that provide maximum comfort and luxurious, rich studio-quality sound.

The presence of a microphone will allow you to use the device not only for listening to your favorite music and watching movies, but also for online games. The headphones have a standard 3.5 mm connection interface located on a 1.2 meter cable and are compatible with any device.

Note: the model is quite suitable for working in a home studio, for example, for preliminary mixing of a track.

Advantages:

The soft headband and ear pads make it possible to use the Sony MDR-1A for a long time without feeling discomfort.
Songs and sound effects (explosions, gunfire) are reproduced exactly as their creators intended, thanks to a perfectly balanced frequency spectrum and noticeable deep bass. Regardless of the selected music style and volume level, there is no loss of quality.
The device will reveal all the colors of a piece of music regardless of the signal source thanks to its 105 dB sensitivity.
The model supports and fully reveals high-definition audio with performance limits of 192 kHz/24 bits.
HD drivers with a diameter of 40 mm transmit the signal with precision down to the smallest detail. The frequency range is 3 Hz–100 kHz. With such indicators, this model can well be used for working in a home studio.

Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X: headphones with huge membranes

This product is designed to please you both in terms of sound volume and quality. Each cup contains a 53 mm membrane. The impedance turned out to be quite high, so it is better not to connect these headphones to a smartphone. It should also be noted that the design used here is reliable - you are unlikely to damage such headphones by accident. They belong to a full-size form factor - you definitely won’t hear any external noise that distracts you from the music.

Advantages:

Weight does not exceed 235 g;
High maximum power - about 500 mW;
Inside there are very large membranes - the diameter reaches 53 mm;
Single-sided cable fastening is used;
The cable length is three meters;
The wire is made of oxygen-free copper;
The kit includes an adapter for a 6.3 mm jack;
Sound insulation is well implemented.

Flaws:

Not the lowest cost - about 10 thousand rubles;
An impedance of 48 ohms will not suit owners of portable equipment;
The ideal sound is not produced immediately, but after a long “warm-up”.

New items

Not every new product is worthy of being mentioned. And among headphones, finding a good new model is even more difficult - there are so many mediocre products appearing. But our editors succeeded, and we are in a hurry to present them for review.

Fiio FA1

pros

design
reinforcing
weight 9 g
impedance 15 ohm
playing loudly

Minuses

cable 1.2 m

From 5954 ₽

The plug-in model has red and blue speakers. This color will appeal to children and teenagers. They practically do not require warming up, they play loudly, however, the range is medium, 20-20,000 Hz, single-channel, so there will be no wow effect.

Cowon Plenue X30

pros

reinforcing
3-driver
power up to 111 dB
detachable cable

Minuses

metal case

From 36165 ₽

The new product for 2022 has already gone on sale, but has not yet collected reviews. The sound promises to be full thanks to the all-metal body and three drivers (HF, MF, LF). But the metal will freeze in winter, which, coupled with intracanal placement, is fraught with otitis media.

What is the sound difference between open and closed headphones?

The key difference between both types of models is the design of the outer wall of the bowls. If the back wall of the headset is sealed and protects the ear canal from outside sound, then the user has a closed device. If there are holes on the bowl, it is open.

The latter's sound sources are often larger in size and accentuated by bass (it's lighter and sounds more natural).

The next advantage of open-type devices is comfort. The ears get less tired in them, because... there is ventilation. Headsets with open acoustics are suitable for listening to classical music, orchestras and live music.

TOP best headphones for music

In terms of sound, open models have a disadvantage - they do not have sound insulation in both directions. The sound propagated “outward” in them is almost as loud as the sound directed inward. That is, others will hear the audio being listened to, and the user will be aware of what is happening (he will hear others, for example).

TOP noise-absorbing headphones for sleep

Inexpensive models (up to 5,000 rubles)

Pioneer SE-MS5T

pros

Ease of use
Modern design
Large selection of colors

Minuses

Short cord
Poor sound quality

From 3,700 ₽

Pioneer SE-MS5T are modern inexpensive headphones with a microphone. They are suitable for both listening to music and communicating. Thanks to the universal connector, the Pioneer SE-MS5T can be connected to both a computer and a smartphone. The microphone control button is located on the cord, which is very convenient.

Shure SRH550DJ

pros

Great build
Quality materials
Soundproofing

Minuses

Pressure on ears

From 3,990 ₽

Shure SRH550DJ are closed-back headphones. Their distinctive feature is the high-quality sound of sounds of any frequency. The headphones have good output - they sound loud enough from low-power gadgets. Perfect for listening to your favorite music.

JBL E55BT

pros

Powerful battery
Ease of use
Good sound

Minuses

Artificial materials
Build quality

From 3,300 ₽

JBL E55BT are the best full-size Bluetooth headphones that will be appreciated by both music lovers and video game lovers. High-quality sound, large battery capacity (up to 20 hours), and a wide frequency range make the JBL E55BT very popular on the market.

How was it assessed?

Each model was evaluated relative to other headphones from the rating. For each criterion, the maximum score is 5 points. You can read briefly about the frequency range, impedance, sensitivity, speaker diameter and what they affect here.

Sound

We analyzed user reviews and obtained a subjective parameter.

Noise insulation

The professional headphones from our selection have a closed acoustic design that provides good passive noise insulation. None of the headphones in question have active noise cancellation. The rating is based on user reviews.

Design

If the headphones are folded, they take up less space during transportation and are more convenient to store. The detachable wire makes it easy to replace if broken. The highest scores will be given to models with a removable cable and a folding design.

Wear resistance and durability

Models with removable elements (headband attachment, ear pads) will receive the maximum rating.

Weight

The lighter the headphones, the higher the score.

In addition, for wired headphones we indicated:

maximum power (mW) - affects the volume: the higher the indicator, the louder they play.
harmonic distortion factor (%) - the lower the better.

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 Ohm)

The best closed-back studio headphones in terms of price/quality ratio (according to many experts): high-quality build, balanced sound with a slight emphasis on low and high frequencies, unmatched sound for most musical genres. Comfortable, fits tightly on the head. They have a three-meter cable with a straight plug and soft velor ear pads. They work best with Hi-Fi players or advanced sound cards with good output amplifiers. For portable devices there is a version with an impedance of 32 Ohms. Price - 14,200 rubles.

Pros:

price (for a model of this type);
sound quality;
excellent sound insulation;
large volume reserve;
replaceable ear pads, headband pad;
ergonomics.

Minuses:

the design is simple;
permanent cable;
awkward design.

A good model for professional use. I don’t recommend using it in everyday life, especially with mobile devices, at least not the modification with an impedance of 82 Ohms. You can save money if you take the Technics RP-DJ1210.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC

Headphones from a well-known brand that amaze with their attention to detail. The design and ergonomics are well thought out: folding design, convenient push-button control, adaptive noise reduction, 2.5 mm jack connector with a latch that firmly fixes the cable in the headphones, and a high-quality case included. In terms of sound quality, this model outperforms all of the above-mentioned competitors; clear, perfectly balanced sound with a larger volume reserve will delight any music lover. There is support for AptX. As a headset, these headphones also work well. There is one caveat - the microphone does not work via cable, nor do the control buttons. Considering the battery life (up to 25 hours) and the presence of NFC for quick pairing, I think you will use the cable infrequently. Price – 9900 rubles.

Pros:

design;
equipment;
sound;
AptX and NFC support;
noise suppression;
autonomy;
hybrid connection;
there is an application for mobile devices, an mp-3 player with a decent equalizer;
They turn off themselves when the connection is lost.

Minuses:

the ear pads are a bit narrow;
The included case does not have a carrying handle;
annoying beeps when changing the volume;
no cable controls.

Headphones deserve attention with balanced sound and good noise reduction. They are universal, suitable for listening to any music; you can adjust the sound to your ideal using an equalizer. However, do not expect an emphasis on specific frequencies. A lover of low frequencies and bass can consider the JBL Live 650BTNC and even save a few thousand.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2

Bluetooth headphones with a microphone, technical characteristics comparable to the budget JBL Live 650BTNC. However, in reality, the sound in them turns out to be much better - balanced surround with a slight predominance of bass + increased volume reserve. Noise reduction turns out to be useful in transport and performs well. The Open Mic function is also convenient, allowing you to hear what others are saying without removing your headphones. The model has better ergonomics and convenient controls with a proprietary volume control in the form of a circle. They also look more prestigious. Price - 12990 rubles.

Pros:

beautiful view;
good materials and build quality;
design;
case included;
excellent ergonomics;
convenient mechanical control;
good sound;
good microphone;
autonomy (up to 24 hours of operation);
smart sensors - playback pauses if you remove the headphones and automatically starts when you put them on again;
the ability to connect up to two devices simultaneously;
Class 1 Bluetooth connection coverage range – 100 meters;
voice assistant;
Open Mic function.

Minuses:

price;
there are false alarms of smart sensors, but they are turned off if necessary;
low quality complete wires;
no AptX;
no NFC.

Headphones with excellent sound, noise cancellation and smart features. But a little overrated. It’s more logical to pay an extra 1-1.5 rubles for a special edition of this model with AptX and NFC or consider other models in the rating.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

What does open-back headphones mean?

This concept concerns the design of the headset, or rather, the structure of its bowl. For such models, it is a grille with holes, the total area of which is comparable to the area of the installed speakers and may even exceed them. Externally, this is expressed in the presence of a mesh on the outside of the cups, through which the internal components of the device are visible. The back side of the speaker is not covered, so sound waves travel freely in both directions.

A compromise between both types of models are semi-open (or semi-closed) headphones. This is a universal option that was developed taking into account the properties of both types of structures.

Premium model PHILIPS FIDELIO X2

The appearance of the product is quite traditional in the world of audiophile equipment, but the use of modern plastics, metal, and ergonomic mesh on the cups gives it solidity and solidity. Layered Motion Control drivers, a multi-layer composite diaphragm, and a special angle of inclination of the cups contribute to the clear reproduction of sounds of different musical genres. Users note that the mid and high frequencies are the deepest and most voluminous.

Advantages:

wired;
open;
full size;
sensitivity 100 dB;
speakers 50 mm;
operating range 5 – 40000 Hz;
Neodymium magnets;
one-sided cord 3 m long in fabric braid;
standard adapter.

Flaws:

weight 380 g;
amplifier required;
cost from 12,000 rub.

How to disassemble headphones: instructions with step-by-step photos of repairing all elements of the headset

Jays v-Jays: the lightest headphones

Very modest and fragile headphones in appearance. And their cost can make a music lover laugh. However, all complaints disappear after you start trying the Jays v-Jays headphones in action. They sound very good. And the minimal weight greatly simplifies transportation. Many owners of this accessory use it even on the street, connecting it to their smartphone. The absence of any sound insulation at such moments only helps - it provides a chance to hear the approaching danger. But much more often, headphones are used in conjunction with a laptop.

Advantages:

Low impedance - only 24 Ohms;
Minimum weight of approximately 59 grams;
Convenient folding design;
The sound quality isn't bad;
An extension cord is included in the kit;
Gold-plated connectors are used;
There are two pairs of replaceable ear pads;
Minimum cost - headphones can be purchased for 1000 rubles.

Flaws:

The lack of soundproofing may confuse some;
Two-way cable connection is used;
The cable is very short by default - its length does not exceed 60 cm.

The biggest

Audeze LCD-X

pros

Clear surround sound
No amplifier required
Can be connected to any device using an adapter

Minuses

Heavy (weight 600 g.)

From 100,000 ₽

Audeze LCD-X are open, full-size headphones with high sound quality. Most of the elements of the device are made of metal, which ensures reliability and durability of the structure. The ear pads are equipped with large soft cushions that fit snugly to the ear. This makes using the headphones very comfortable.

Sennheiser HD 579

pros

Juicy sound
Replaceable ear pads
Ease of use

Minuses

Poor sound insulation
Large sound leak

From 10,800 ₽

Sennheiser HD 579 are open-back headphones, so they cannot boast of good noise insulation. They are ideal for listening to music at home. In this case, you can enjoy the excellent sound to the fullest. You should not use them on the street or in public transport: all extraneous sounds will be clearly audible.

Koss QZ99

pros

Build quality
Good sound
Excellent sound insulation
Comfortable headband and ear pads

Minuses

Short wire
Big size

From 4,000 ₽

Koss QZ99 are durable headphones with a good sound cancellation system. Metal elements make the design of the headphones durable. The twisted cord does not fray and is convenient to use. Koss QZ99 is suitable for those who want to be alone with their thoughts while listening to music.