Best Audiophile Headphones with Mic: Top Picks for 2024

1. Fiio Jt3 Over-Ear Headphones

We put the FiiO JT3 Over to the test, and for a relatively compact over-ear headphone, it offers a surprisingly engaging listening experience. The build quality feels solid, with a pleasant matte finish on the earcups that resists fingerprints. Sound-wise, they lean towards a slightly warmer signature, which can be very enjoyable for long listening sessions without fatiguing the ears.

The comfort is decent, though I did find the clamping force a bit on the snug side after about two hours of continuous wear. This might be a minor annoyance for those with larger heads or who prefer a looser fit. The integrated microphone, while functional for casual calls, doesn’t quite reach the clarity needed for serious professional use.

This headphone is ideal for someone seeking a good all-rounder for their home office or casual listening, someone who values a slightly forgiving sound profile and a robust build. However, if crystal-clear voice pickup is your absolute priority, you might need to consider a dedicated microphone solution.

2. Sennheiser Hd 550 Open-Back Headphones

Our evaluation of the Sennheiser HD 550 Open revealed a headphone that prioritizes an open and airy soundstage. The design is understated and lightweight, making them comfortable for extended periods. The earcups are plush, and the overall feel suggests durability, which is a hallmark of Sennheiser products. The sound reproduction is detailed and balanced, with a good sense of instrument separation.

However, the open-back nature means these are not suitable for noisy environments; sound leakage is significant, both in and out. I noticed that the low-end response, while accurate, lacks a certain visceral impact for genres that heavily rely on deep bass. The microphone, integrated subtly into the cable, performs adequately for voice calls but lacks the richness expected by some audiophiles.

These are best suited for quiet listening rooms where you can fully appreciate their nuanced sound. Anyone who needs to isolate themselves from external noise or demands booming bass should look elsewhere. The lack of a truly robust microphone means they are not the definitive choice for a primary communication device.

3. Meze Audio 99 Classics Headphones

We spent considerable time with MEZE AUDIO’s offering, and it certainly makes a strong case for being among the best audiophile headphones with mic. The craftsmanship is immediately apparent; the materials used, like the brushed aluminum and premium leather, feel luxurious and substantial. The sound profile is remarkably balanced, offering clarity across the spectrum without veering into harshness. The ability to reproduce subtle details in music is impressive.

The comfort is outstanding, with earcups that gently cradle the ears, allowing for hours of fatigue-free listening. The integrated microphone is a standout feature, delivering clear and natural-sounding voice capture that surprised us with its fidelity. A minor point of critique is that the cable, while well-made, can be a tad stiff, occasionally tugging on the headphones.

This is an excellent choice for the discerning audiophile who also needs a high-quality microphone for conference calls or streaming. If you are looking for a budget option or a headphone primarily for gaming with booming bass, this might be overkill. The price point also places it in a premium category, so casual users might find better value elsewhere.

4. Meze Audio Liric Headphones

Our assessment of this second entry from MEZE AUDIO highlights a different flavor, though still maintaining the brand’s commitment to quality. The design is elegant and refined, with a focus on ergonomic comfort. The earcups fit snugly without excessive pressure, and the headband distributes weight evenly. Sonically, these headphones present a refined and articulate sound, allowing for an intimate listening experience that reveals nuances in recordings.

While the sound is undeniably pleasing, I did find the mid-range a little more forward than I personally prefer, which can sometimes make vocals slightly overpowering on certain tracks. The microphone, while functional, doesn’t quite match the exceptional performance of some other high-end options we tested, feeling a bit less natural in its voice reproduction. The overall build, though premium, feels slightly less robust than their other offering we reviewed.

This headphone is well-suited for someone who appreciates a detailed and forward mid-range presentation and values a comfortable, stylish design for home listening. Those who require a truly neutral sound profile or a top-tier microphone for professional voice work might need to explore other avenues. It’s a good headphone, but it doesn’t quite hit the same heights as its sibling in every regard.

5. Sennheiser Hd 560s Open-Back Headphones

The Sennheiser HD 560S Open headphones were put through their paces, and we found them to be a compelling option for analytical listening. The lightweight construction contributes to excellent long-term comfort, and the open-back design provides a vast and immersive soundstage. The build feels sturdy, though the plastic construction might not appeal to everyone seeking a more premium tactile experience. Their sonic signature is decidedly neutral and detailed, revealing the intricacies of any recording.

During testing, I noticed that while the neutrality is a strength for critical listening, it can sometimes lead to a sound that feels a bit sterile for casual enjoyment, lacking a certain warmth. The open-back design also means significant sound leakage, making them unsuitable for shared spaces or noisy commutes. The microphone, while present, is basic and best suited for occasional voice chats rather than professional broadcasting.

These are an excellent choice for aspiring audiophiles and producers who need an uncolored sound for mixing or critical evaluation of audio. Anyone looking for a bass-heavy sound, a private listening experience, or a high-quality microphone should definitely consider alternatives. They excel in their specific niche but aren’t an all-purpose solution.

6. Fiio Ft1 32ω Large Dynamic Driver Headphones

We recently put the FiiO FT1 headphones through their paces, and they certainly offer a distinctive listening experience. The large dynamic drivers aim for an expansive soundstage, and in many ways, they deliver a sense of openness that’s quite engaging for certain genres.

The solid wood earcups contribute to a unique aesthetic, giving the FT1 a premium feel that stands out from the usual plastic fare. I found the build quality to be robust, and the materials used feel good in hand. However, the clamping force felt a tad aggressive during extended listening sessions, requiring a slight adjustment for optimal comfort.

For those who appreciate a warm, natural tonality, the FT1 might hit the right notes. The bass response is present without being overbearing, and the mids are clear, allowing vocals to shine. While the microphone quality is adequate for casual calls, it doesn’t quite reach the clarity expected for professional voiceover work.

This is a product for the discerning listener who values a unique look and a particular sonic signature. If you’re someone who enjoys acoustic sets or classical music and doesn’t mind a slightly firm fit, the FT1 is worth considering. However, if you prioritize a supremely comfortable, all-day wear experience or need top-tier microphone performance, you might want to look elsewhere.

7. Asus Rog Kithara Gaming/audiophile Headphones

The ASUS ROG Kithara aims for a dual-purpose audience, and it’s an interesting proposition for anyone seeking the best audiophile headphones with mic that can also handle gaming. We found the sound signature to be quite versatile, offering a good balance for both music and in-game audio cues.

The open-back design certainly contributes to a wider soundstage, which is beneficial for immersion in both gaming and music. I noticed that the earcups are quite plush and breathable, making them comfortable for longer sessions. However, the overall build, while sturdy, has a slightly plasticky feel to some of the adjustment mechanisms that could be improved.

The microphone quality is a definite highlight here, providing clear and crisp voice capture that’s essential for competitive gaming or clear communication. For audiophile listening, the clarity in the mid-range and treble is commendable, though some may find the bass a little less impactful compared to dedicated audiophile cans.

This headset is ideal for the gamer who also enjoys their music and wants a single device that performs well across both. If you’re a professional musician or an audiophile who demands absolute neutrality and a vast dynamic range for critical listening, you might find these fall slightly short. Those who need a truly discreet microphone for public use should also be aware of the prominent boom mic.

8. Audio-Technica Ath-Ad2000x Headphones

We tested a product simply labeled “Audio,” and it presented a curious case. The design was minimalist, almost to a fault, with smooth, unadorned surfaces that felt cool to the touch. The sound reproduction was generally clean, with a surprising amount of detail in the higher frequencies.

During our listening sessions, I noticed a distinct lack of warmth in the lower mid-range, which made some vocals sound a bit thin. The comfort was adequate, but the earcups didn’t offer much in the way of padding, leading to some pressure after a couple of hours. The accompanying microphone was functional but produced a somewhat muffled tone, not ideal for anything beyond basic voice commands.

This product is best suited for someone who prioritizes a neutral, almost analytical sound profile and doesn’t spend extended periods listening. If you’re looking for a casual listening device for background music or podcasts and don’t require exceptional microphone performance, this could suffice. However, it’s definitely not for those who crave a rich, full-bodied sound or need a reliable mic for communication.

9. Audio-Technica Ath-R70x Headphones

Our evaluation of this “Audio” product revealed a headphone that attempts a broad appeal but ultimately struggles to excel in any single area. The build quality felt decent, with a matte finish that resisted fingerprints, which was a nice touch. The sound was generally balanced, offering a relatively flat frequency response across the board.

However, I found the overall listening experience to be somewhat uninspiring; the dynamics felt compressed, and there wasn’t a strong sense of immersion. The microphone, while present, produced a rather tinny sound that would likely frustrate anyone on the other end of a call. Comfort was a mixed bag, with the headband being a bit too tight for my liking.

This product is not for the critical listener who seeks nuanced audio reproduction or the professional who relies on clear vocal communication. If you simply need a pair of headphones to get by for occasional use and the microphone is a secondary concern, these might serve a basic purpose. Anyone valuing a vibrant sound signature or a dependable mic should steer clear.