What are the Best Headphone Brands in 2017?

by Mike Whitley | Last Updated: March 7, 2017

red headphonesMost of us have considered our headphones as our escape from the rest of the world. When our headphones are on, we shut out any of the external forces that keep us connected to other people.

This is the primary reason why we need to have headphones that are of great quality and consistently produce excellent sounds, whether we’re are in the middle of a gaming session or simply listening to music.

Read on to find out about our assessment of ten of the most popular headphone brands and if they are worth a second look.

10 Best Headphone Brands in 2017

Sony

sonySony is one of the leading brands in consumer electronics, which means that they have years of success in manufacturing the best quality products.

Since Sony has established a system of quality production, they have produced durable and sturdy headphones that perform consistently well. In addition to this, the sound produced on most Sony products is made not only for listening to music but for several daily activities such as gaming and watching movies as well.

However, with Sony’s long-standing reputation of great quality, it also entails that each of their products is at a higher price range. Sony also offers a wide range of headphones, which means that you should be able to discern which product is right for you. If you’re planning to get Sony headphones, prepare to do intensive research.

Pioneer

pioneerPioneer has earned a reputation of being a DJ’s go-to brand due to the several headphone brands that they have created specifically for those working behind a DJ’s booth.

They may have earned great endorsements from leading disc jockeys, but their products are not necessarily meant for average Joe’s who just want to kick back and listen to regular music.

They need to improve both the sound quality and the build of their units because durability appears to be Pioneer’s weak point.

Grado

gradoIf you are looking for the best open back headphones on the market, Grado is the first brand that you should look into.

Grado falls to the premium side since they really do have world-class products, but it’s also great for those who want to purchase headphones but has to stick to a certain budget.

Moreover, if you are looking for topnotch sound quality and durability, you can never go wrong with Grado. Sure, it’s products might have an issue with sound leakage, but that’s nitpicking already. Grado headphones will provide you with the ultimate listening experience which several expert audio reviewers have all agreed on.

JVC

jvcIf the affordability of the product is your most major concern, JVC has got you covered. JVC headphones might not be the best options on the market, but they are great alternatives to pricier headphone brands out there mainly because they last reasonably long and produce consistently great sound quality.

In addition to this, the JVC headphones are great to use on a daily basis and since they are economical and durable, you can be certain that your purchase will eventually pay for itself.

SkullCandy

skullcandySkullCandy can be considered as headphones for the “hipster” crowd and is widely known due to its intense marketing campaign, its wide range of products, and its unavoidable presence in any headphones shops.

It does not fare well, however, in the performance category. You cannot deny the fact that the SkullCandy headphones could do better when it comes to quality, but they have cheaper products that can be worth a second look.

If you are looking for headphones that can be treated as a long-term investment (or if you truly want to invest in headphones with great sound quality), don’t think about purchasing SkullCandy headphones as you might end up regretting it. Nevertheless, if you are more concerned with the aesthetics of the product and not of the sound quality, you can go for a SkullCandy.

Panasonic

Panasonic is another big company that has a wide offering of affordable headphones that caters to a wide variety of consumers – gamers, DJs, audiophiles, and the average music lover.

With the variety of products in the Panasonic headphones line, they ensured that they will offer quality products at a better price against their competitors. If you are eyeing an expensive pair of headphones and don’t think you can afford it, head over to a Panasonic store (or aisle) and check if they have a worthy alternative to your desired model.

Bose

There are several technologies that have been pioneered by Bose that is why it’s price is generally higher compared to other headphone brands.

They also have a limited number of products in their catalog, which can lead to higher price tags. The sound quality and noise cancelling technology of Bose have been consistently impeccable, but the prices have overcompensated for the features.

Beats by Dr. Dre

beats-by-dr-dreBeats by Dr. Dre is a brand that banks on the popularity of its proprietor. With its heavy marketing strategy, it has earned a steady following, especially since Dr. Dre is in the music industry himself.

To be honest, you would expect that someone who makes a living making music is the first person that should understand the importance of a great pair of headphones, but Beats by Dr. Dre is not the best headphone brand in the quality category.

Most of the headphones that they offer are mediocre products that offer poor sound quality. The high price that you pay to purchase this product is not absolutely unjustifiable – you are not necessarily paying for the quality, but you are paying for the chance to wear what the celebrities are wearing.

If you are concerned about the quality of the sound, put the Beats by Dr. Dre back on the shelf and get a cheaper set of headphones with better quality.

Shure

shureIf you are looking for actual value for your money, Shure should surely be your first pick as they are committed to creating headphones that are meant to last for a long time. With the level of this brand’s durability, it is certainly value for your money.

There is an almost impossible chance that you would be disappointed with their products as several sound engineers and audiophiles have sworn by this headphones brand.

This brand deserves the splurge as it is of truly great quality. If you are looking to invest in a pair of great performing headphones, look no further than Shure.

Klipsch

klipschThe price attached with Klipsch is greatly justifiable, especially when you are looking for headphones that produce great bass sound.

The build of this brand is aesthetically pleasing, durable, and sturdy. In addition to this, the sound produced in each Klipsch headphone is clear and the bass response is almost perfect.

They have a wide range of products that is not as heavily marketed as other headphones brands because there is no need for heavy marketing if the quality of the product is the real star. Since Klipsch is actually a really great buy, you can be guaranteed that it is worthy of the expensive price tag as their headphones are extremely durable.

Wrapping Up

We hope that our reviews will help you in your quest to find the best headphone brand this 2017.

If you are looking for a specific pair of headphones from their lines, you can check their official websites. In addition to this, you can also refer to the ratings, reviews, and comments of the other users who have used the headphones you would want to buy.