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Headphones

2015 Best of Year Headphone Awards

From high-end studio cans to affordable earbuds, these are the best headphones of the year.

Credit:
Reviewed Staff
Written by Reviewed Staff

Updated November 18, 2015

Products are chosen independently by our editors. Purchases made through our links may earn us a commission.

Headphones are very personal products. Whether you're looking for in-ears that you'll take with you everywhere, or over-ears that'll shut out the world while you buckle down on some work, a great pair of headphones can change the way you experience music. We put countless headphones to the test in our labs to try and get at a simple question: which one is the best?

For us, that means finding headphones that produce a balanced sound profile that doesn't get too carried away with shrill highs or chest-rattling bass. We also prize headphones that you can comfortably listen to for hours, whether you're taking a cross-country flight or knocking out that final term paper.

Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 Headphones
Credit: Reviewed.com / Nick Schmiedicker

Best Headphones of the Year: Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7

Product image of Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7

If you're a music lover with eclectic taste and a love of fine design, the Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7s should be at the top of your list. These over-ears look great, feel better, and provide a soundscape that's balanced, crisp, and free of distortion. Read our review.

Runner-Up: Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus — Replacing one of our favorite products in recent memory, this model tacks customizable faceplates and inline controls onto already legendary performance.

Best Over-Ear Headphones Under $100: JLab Audio Omni Wireless

Product image of JLab Audio Omni

Not everyone can afford $200+ for a pair of headphones. If you're looking for a set that don't sacrifice performance in the name of lower cost, the sub-$100 JLab Omni Wireless are a great place to start. In addition to excellent sound, they offer a comfortable design and optional wireless capability. Read our review.

Runner-Up: Sony MDR-7506 — You'd be hard-pressed to find any radio station in the world that doesn't have these 'phones laying around. Over the years, the MDR-7506 and near-identical MDR-V6 have become an institution in the studio world, and for good reason.

Beats Solo2 Headphones
Credit: Reviewed.com

Best On-Ear Headphones: Beats Solo2

Product image of Beats Solo2

If you don't want in-ears but don't want to step up to over-ears, the Beats Solo2 are a solid pick. They combine the looks that people expect from a Beats product with sound quality that soared above our expectations. They're a little tight, and made mostly of plastic, but are worth the money if the fit is right. Read our review.

Runner-Up: Bowers & Wilkins P5 Series 2 — If you don't like the flashy style and iffy build of the Beats Solo2, we recommend the P5 Series 2. These comfortable, stylish, high-performing cans are pricey, but it's money well-spent.

Best In-Ear Headphones: Decibullz Contour

Product image of Decibullz Contour

For years, truly dedicated audiophiles have been ordering custom in-ear headphones—a process that's both expensive and painful. The Decibullz Contours take the same concept and make it both affordable and painless. The result? Some of the best in-ear 'phones you'll ever use, with a perfectly tailored fit. Read our review.

Runner-Up: Beyerdynamic AK T8iE — On the opposite end of the price spectrum, these Beyerdynamics cost upwards of $1,000. A collaboration between Beyerdynamic and Astel & Kern, they use cutting-edge driver tech that sounds absolutely incredible.

MEElectronics M9P 2nd Gen Headphones
Credit: Reviewed.com / Virginia Barry

Best Headphones Under $25: MEElectronics M9P 2nd Gen

Product image of MEElectronics M9P 2nd gen.

Sometimes you just want a decent pair of cheap headphones to get you through the day. We highly recommend the MEElectronics M9P (2nd Gen) in-ears. These 'buds are comfortable, durable, and produce a sound profile that's on par with models that cost several times as much. Read our review.

Runner-Up: The House of Marley Smile Jamaica — We weren't expecting a lot out of these in-ears. They've got a silly name and a low price tag, but they're surprisingly well-designed and produce a crisp sound profile.

Best Headphones for Travel: Bose QuietComfort 25

Product image of Bose QuietComfort 25

Bose QuietComfort headphones have been a staple in airport lounges for years. That's because the venerable QC series has earned a reputation for portability, comfort, and excellent sound quality. There are better headphones, but the combination of active noise cancelation and portability makes for an excellent travel companion that can help you shut out the world. Read our review.