Headphones · head-to-head

Headphone Comparisons

Two pairs, side by side, one clear answer — for when you have narrowed it down to the obvious rivals and just need the deciding call.

Some choices come down to two names. Sony or Bose. Open-back or closed. The flagship, or the pair that costs half as much. A comparison puts both head to head on the things that actually decide it — sound for the way you listen, comfort over long sessions, noise handling, build, and value — and ends with a straight recommendation rather than a fence-sit.

If your two contenders are not matched up here yet, the roundups cover the wider field and will point you back to the head-to-head that fits. Every verdict is independent: no paid placements, no thumb on the scale.

All Headphone Comparisons

Every headphone comparison we’ve published, newest first.

A single pair of closed-back over-ear studio headphones resting on a minimal surface against a deep navy background. Soft directional side lighting catches the smooth matte earcup housing and brushed metal headband adjustment sliders, casting a gentle shadow that adds depth. The coiled cable drapes naturally beside the headphones. Clean, precise, professional studio atmosphere with rich tonal contrast.

Closed-Back Headphones

AKG K361BT vs K371: Which Closed-Back Studio Headphone Should You Choose?

If you’re weighing up the AKG K361BT against the AKG K371, you’re already in good territory — both are closed-back, over-ear studio headphones aimed at producers, podcasters, and DJs who

A single pair of professional over-ear studio monitor headphones resting upright on a minimal white acrylic stand against a deep navy background. Soft diffused side lighting catches the matte black earcups and coiled cable draped naturally beside the base. The composition is clean and centered with subtle shadow detail emphasizing the padded headband and swivel yoke joints.

Headphone Comparisons

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs ATH-M70x: Which Studio Monitor Headphone Is Right for You?

If you are shopping for a closed-back studio monitor headphone from Audio-Technica, the choice almost always comes down to two models: the ATH-M50x and the ATH-M70x. Both sit in the

A single pair of premium over-ear headphones resting upright on a minimalist stand against a deep navy background. Soft diffused side lighting catches the fine mesh of the open-back ear cups and the gentle curve of the headband, casting subtle shadows that emphasize the precise engineering and lightweight construction. The mood is refined, technical, and elegant.

Headphone Comparisons

HiFiMan HE400se vs Sennheiser HD 560S: Planar Magnetic Meets Dynamic Driver

If you are shopping for a serious open-back headphone and have narrowed it down to two names — the HiFiMan HE400se and the Sennheiser HD 560S — you are already

A single pair of open-back over-ear studio headphones resting upright on a minimal surface, showcasing the mesh ear cups and padded headband in crisp detail. Shot against a deep navy background with soft directional side lighting that highlights the metallic accents and fabric cushions. Clean, elegant, and photorealistic studio composition with no distractions.

Headphone Comparisons

Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO vs AKG K712 PRO: Which Open-Back Studio Headphone Is Right for You?

If you are weighing up two of the most talked-about open-back studio headphones on the market, you have almost certainly landed on the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the AKG

A single pair of professional over-ear studio monitor headphones resting upright on a smooth matte surface, shot against a deep navy background with soft diffused side lighting casting gentle shadows beneath the earcups. The headphones feature a classic black construction with padded earcups and an adjustable headband, rendered in sharp photorealistic detail with subtle light reflections on the glossy plastic elements.

Headphone Comparisons

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x vs Sony MDR-7506: Which Studio Headphone Should You Buy?

If you are shopping for a pair of professional studio monitor headphones and have narrowed it down to the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x and the Sony MDR-7506, you are in good company.

A single pair of premium over-ear wireless headphones resting on a minimal concrete surface, cushioned earcups facing slightly outward, headband arching gracefully overhead. Shot in a clean studio environment with a deep navy background. Soft diffused side lighting catches the smooth matte finish and subtle metallic accents, casting a gentle shadow beneath. Elegant, refined, and professionally composed.

Headphone Comparisons

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6: Which Wireless Headphones Should You Buy?

Choosing between two premium noise-cancelling headphones is rarely straightforward, and the matchup between the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 and the Sony WH-1000XM6 is no exception. Both promise serious noise

A single pair of sleek over-ear wireless headphones resting upright on a minimal white acrylic surface against a deep navy background. Soft diffused side lighting catches the smooth matte curves of the ear cups and polished headband, casting a gentle shadow beneath. The composition is clean and centered, emphasizing premium build quality and elegant modern design.

Headphone Comparisons

Sony WH-1000XM5 vs WH-1000XM6: Is Sony’s Latest Flagship Worth the Upgrade?

If you are eyeing a premium pair of noise-cancelling headphones and Sony is your brand of choice, you have almost certainly landed on this exact dilemma: stick with the well-regarded

A single pair of premium over-ear wireless headphones resting on a minimal concrete surface against a deep navy studio background. Soft directional side lighting catches the smooth matte curves of the earcups and polished headband, casting a gentle shadow. The composition is centered and balanced, emphasizing clean industrial design with rich tonal contrast and crisp photorealistic detail throughout.

Headphone Comparisons

Sennheiser Momentum 4 vs Sony WH-1000XM6: Which Wireless Headphones Should You Buy?

Choosing between the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless and the Sony WH-1000XM6 is one of the more genuinely difficult decisions in the premium wireless headphone space right now. Both are serious,

A single pair of premium open-back over-ear reference headphones resting on a minimalist black acrylic stand against a deep navy studio background. Soft side lighting catches the fine mesh ear cup grilles and matte metal headband, casting gentle shadows across the surface. The composition is clean and centered, emphasizing craftsmanship and audiophile precision in a polished professional product photography style.

Audiophile Headphone Comparisons

Sennheiser HD 600 vs HD 650: Which Audiophile Open-Back Should You Buy?

If you are serious about listening, the Sennheiser HD 600 and the Sennheiser HD 650 are two of the most discussed open-back wired headphones in the audiophile world. Both sit

Where to next

Headphones Hub

Every type, use case and brand in one place.

Ranked Picks

The headphones worth your money, ranked by use.

Single Verdicts

The full, honest take on one pair at a time.

How to Choose

What the specs mean and how to pick the right pair.

Looking for microphones instead? Browse our microphone reviews and guides.