Best Pick

Focal Bathys MG

82.1 Music Score
over-earWirelessANC40mm30h
Why we recommend this

The 40mm magnesium drivers with M-shaped domes deliver rich, precise sound with deep bass, while the USB-C DAC mode supports 24-bit/192 kHz audio for wired high-resolution listening. Handcrafted in France, the closed-back design combines a leather headband and memory foam earpads with 30-hour battery life for long, comfortable sessions. These headphones are best for music enthusiasts seeking an 81.2-rated audiophile experience with effective noise cancellation, though they are less suited for commuting.

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Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95

74.3 Music Score
over-earWirelessANC40mm38h
Why we recommend this ▼

The customized 40mm titanium drivers and auto-adjust ANC deliver highly detailed sound, with a 38-hour battery life and a build combining lambskin leather, memory foam, and aluminum for lasting comfort. Its IP53 rating adds uncommon dust and water resistance for luxury headphones, alongside multipoint Bluetooth 5.1 for seamless device switching. These are best for audiophiles prioritizing sound quality and premium materials over value.

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Audeze LCD-X

70.8 Music Score
over-earWired106mm
Why we recommend this ▼

The 106mm planar magnetic drivers and patented Fazor waveguides deliver class-leading resolution with impressively low distortion across a 10Hz-50kHz range. The lightweight suspension headband and plush, leather-free earcups provide extended comfort during long sessions, despite the 612g build. This headphone is best for audio engineers and mixers who need accurate, speaker-like transparency without requiring a treated room.

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Bowers & Wilkins PX8 McLaren Edition

67 Music Score
over-earWirelessANC40mm30h
Why we recommend this ▼

The precisely angled 40mm Carbon Cone drivers deliver reduced distortion and improved stereo imaging for unparalleled accuracy. This McLaren Edition pairs that reference sound with 30-hour battery life and a luxurious, lightweight build featuring Nappa leather and aluminum arms for all-day comfort. It’s best for discerning listeners who prioritize detailed, high-resolution audio and premium materials during long listening sessions at home or in the office.

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Audeze LCD-XC 100-XC-1016-00

64.7 Music Score
over-ear106mm
Why we recommend this ▼

Its 106mm planar magnetic drivers and closed-back carbon weave earcups deliver a neutral, transparent sound with powerful, fast bass and exceptional midrange detail. Fazor wave guides enhance imaging and phase response, offering the spaciousness of open-back designs alongside 20Ω impedance for easy driving from professional gear. This headphone is best for recording engineers and serious audiophiles who demand precise, isolated monitoring with 10Hz-50kHz frequency coverage.

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Audeze MM-500

60.9 Music Score
over-earWired90mm
Why we recommend this ▼

The 90mm planar magnetic drivers deliver a 5Hz-50kHz frequency response with under 0.1% THD for precise, uncolored studio monitoring. Its machined aluminum chassis with plush leather earpads and spring steel headband provides lasting comfort at 495g, lighter than the LCD-X. These headphones are best for mixing engineers who need a reliable, accurate reference that translates mixes consistently across playback systems.

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Sennheiser HD 820

60.5 Music Score
over-earWired56mm
Why we recommend this ▼

The 56mm Ring Radiator transducers and precision concave glass reflectors deliver a reference-grade closed-back soundstage with 6Hz-48kHz frequency response and 300Ω impedance. Its sealed earcup design with frequency absorbers reduces ambient noise while maintaining natural sound, and the handcrafted microfiber pads and damped metal headband ensure comfort. Best for audiophiles who need closed-back isolation for studio monitoring or critical listening without sacrificing detail or soundstage.

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Sennheiser HD 820 headphones
Price $1,800
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Also available open box & refurbished:

Focal Clear Mg Professional 3544053727165BL001

58.6 Music Score
over-ear40mm
Why we recommend this ▼

The 40mm ‘M’-shaped Magnesium dome driver and open-back design provide studio-grade dynamics and detail, with a 55Ω impedance suited for high-resolution monitoring. Its precise soundstage, remarkable tonal balance, and comfortable ergonomic build with memory-foam cushions reduce fatigue during long sessions, while two detachable cables and a rigid carrying case add flexibility. Best for mixing and mastering engineers who require uncolored reference sound to evaluate bass articulation and spatial imaging accurately.

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Denon AHD9200EM

48 Music Score
over-earWired50mm
Why we recommend this ▼

The proprietary 50mm FreeEdge drivers paired with naturally dampening Japanese bamboo housing deliver a 5Hz–56kHz frequency response and 105dB sensitivity for distortion-free clarity. Its ergonomic over-ear design combines genuine leather and a diecast-aluminum frame, ensuring long-term comfort at 375g. These headphones are best for audio engineers and dedicated listeners requiring precise, closed-back monitoring with a wide soundstage.

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Denon Reference AH-D7200

47.4 Music Score
over-earWired50mm
Why we recommend this ▼

The 50mm FreeEdge nano-fiber drivers and real American Walnut ear cups deliver a warm, distortion-free sound signature with a 5Hz-55kHz range. Genuine sheepskin leather and memory foam provide lasting comfort for extended sessions, while the detachable 7N purity copper cable ensures a pristine signal path. These closed-back headphones are best for critical listeners and studio professionals seeking precise, noise-isolated playback during long mixing or mastering sessions.

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Sennheiser HD 800 S

46.4 Music Score
over-earWired
Why we recommend this ▼

The 56mm ring radiator dynamic transducer and absorber technology eliminate unwanted frequency peaks, delivering a 4Hz-51kHz response for reference-grade detail retrieval. The open-back design with handmade fiber earpads provides a spacious soundstage and comfortable fit at just 331 grams. These headphones are best for critical listeners and mixing engineers who prioritize analytical precision over portable or closed-back isolation.

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Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones
Price $1,500
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Also available at:
Also available open box & refurbished:

Dali IO-12 203122

45.2 Music Score
over-earWirelessANC35h
Why we recommend this ▼

Its patented SMC magnet system delivers near distortion-free sound, backed by Hi-Res Audio certification and a 35-hour battery life. A dual-mode design offers wireless aptX Adaptive streaming and passive wired use with an amplifier, wrapped in a real leather headband and oversized square ear pads for all-day comfort. Best suited for listeners wanting reference-grade clarity and luxury build quality, provided they can accept its weak microphone performance for calls.

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American Music and Sound TH900 AMS-TH-900mk2

44.9 Music Score
over-earWired50mm
Why we recommend this ▼

The 1.5 Tesla magnets and 50mm dynamic drivers deliver a wide 5Hz–45kHz frequency response with 100dB sensitivity and 25Ω impedance for precise, detailed audio reproduction. The closed-back, over-ear design with detachable gold-plated 6.35mm connectors offers strong noise isolation and durable, 390g build comfort for extended sessions. Best suited for studio engineers and critical listeners mixing or mastering tracks, not for call-heavy environments.

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Sennheiser HD 800 S

44.2 Music Score
over-ear56mm
Why we recommend this ▼

The 56mm dynamic drivers and open-back design deliver a wide, airy soundstage that reveals fine detail in studio recordings. At 329g, the lightweight build and plush ear pads make long listening sessions comfortable without fatigue. Best for critical listeners and audio engineers who need precise, uncolored sound for mixing or analytical music enjoyment.

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LIGHTSPEED Zulu 4

41.4 Music Score
over-earWirelessANC40mm
Why we recommend this ▼

With 40mm moving coil drivers, active noise reduction, and a microphone cutting 90% of background noise, this aviation headset delivers clear communications in high-noise cockpits. Its stainless steel and magnesium build weighs just 414g, while FrameFit ear seals relieve pressure over glasses and dual Bluetooth with A2DP connects two devices simultaneously. Pilots and flight instructors who need durable, all-day comfort and uninterrupted in-flight audio will find it the ideal tool.

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Yamaha YH-5000SE

39.2 Music Score
over-earWired
Why we recommend this ▼

The reimagined orthodynamic drivers deliver a vast 5Hz-70kHz frequency response for exceptional tonal accuracy and detail retrieval. Its open-back design and plush Ultrasuede earpads combine with a lightweight 320g magnesium and aluminum build for fatigue-free, long listening sessions. These headphones are best for audiophiles and mastering engineers who prioritize a neutral, spacious soundstage to dissect complex mixes.

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