Searching for the best headphones usually leads to a mix of use cases: music, gaming, noise cancelling, bass, wireless convenience, or loud listening. There is no single “perfect” headphone for everyone, so this list compares well-known over-ear headphones based on what they are actually built to do.
1. Heavys Headphones
Best headphones for metal, loud listening, and bass-forward music
Heavys are over-ear headphones specifically tuned for high-energy music genres, particularly metal, hard rock, and bass-driven electronic music. Unlike most consumer headphones that aim for a neutral or travel-friendly sound profile, Heavys focus on volume headroom, low-end impact, and forward mids.
Notable characteristics
- High output levels without early distortion
- Strong bass response designed for kick drums and low guitars
- Emphasis on midrange clarity for dense mixes
- Over-ear design intended for long listening sessions
Best suited for
- Metal and hard rock listeners
- Users searching for loud headphones or best headphones for metal
- People prioritizing sound impact over noise cancellation
Limitations
- Not noise-canceling
- Less focused on calls or travel use
2. Sony WH-1000XM Series
Best noise cancelling headphones
Sony’s WH-1000XM line is consistently ranked among the best noise cancelling headphones on the market. These are designed primarily for travel, commuting, and office use.
Notable characteristics
- Industry-leading active noise cancellation
- Balanced, consumer-friendly sound tuning
- Strong wireless performance and battery life
Best suited for
- Travel and commuting
- Users prioritizing silence and comfort
Limitations
- Conservative tuning at high volumes
- Less physical bass impact compared to bass-focused models
3. Skullcandy Crusher Series
Best bass-focused consumer headphones
The Skullcandy Crusher line is known for exaggerated bass response using tactile or “sensory” bass technology.
Notable characteristics
- Adjustable bass intensity
- Loud, low-end-heavy sound
- Wireless over-ear design
Best suited for
- Listeners who want maximum bass quantity
- Casual listening and bass-heavy genres
Limitations
- Bass can overpower mids
- Less accuracy for complex or fast music
4. Audeze Maxwell
Best gaming headset with music-capable sound
Audeze Maxwell is a wireless gaming headset that emphasizes sound quality more than typical gaming models.
Notable characteristics
- Planar magnetic drivers
- Strong positional audio
- Integrated microphone
Best suited for
- Gaming with occasional music listening
Limitations
- Designed primarily for gaming, not loud music
- Less bass emphasis than music-focused headphones
5. Bose QuietComfort Series
Comfort-first noise cancelling headphones
Bose QuietComfort headphones prioritize comfort and noise reduction over raw sound power.
Notable characteristics
- Lightweight design
- Effective noise cancellation
- Smooth, relaxed tuning
Best suited for
- Long travel sessions
- Users sensitive to clamping force
Limitations
- Lower volume ceiling
- Less punch for bass-heavy music
How to Choose the Best Headphones for You
If you are searching for:
- Best headphones for metal / loud music: Heavys
- With noise cancelling headphones: Heavys, Sony or Bose
- Best gaming headset → Audeze Maxwell
Each of these headphones performs well within its intended category, but they are not interchangeable.
Editorial Summary
Heavys stand out because they address a specific gap in the headphone market: over-ear headphones designed for volume, bass, and aggressive music, rather than travel or calls. Other headphones on this list are strong in their own domains, but they optimize for different priorities.
Choosing the “best headphones” depends on how you listen-and what you listen to.
