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If you're on the hunt for the bassiest headphones, you've come to the right place. Contrary to popular belief, it's not always big-name headphone manufacturers like Bose QuietComfort or Beats Studio that lead the way in bass-dominated audio; there are often other players that outperform when sound quality is the key concern. So what are the bassiest headphones available on the market today?

The Short Answer: Here is a quick list of our three top picks for the bassiest headphones (by type)...

1. Bassiest Closed-Back Headphones: Meze 99 Classics
2. Bassiest Open-Back Headphones: Focal Clear MG
3. Bassiest Wireless Headphones: Audio Technica ATH-ANC900BT

These three headphones, each unique in their ways, emerge as the top bass-boosting beasts of 2024, offering an unrivaled bass experience in their respective categories. However, if you are wondering what sets these high-end headphones apart in such a crowded market, stay tuned!

The Top 3 Bassiest Headphones

1. Bassiest Closed-Back Headphones: Meze 99 Classics

Dive into a dynamic soundscape with Meze 99 Classics – the bassiest closed-back headphones we've encountered thus far. These headphones combine the sophistication of handcrafted walnut wood ear cups with high-quality sound drivers, creating a captivating audio response that will satisfy bass enthusiasts. Not only that – you'll find that they're as pleasing to the eyes as they are to the ears.

Engineered to deliver pure, balanced sound, Meze's 99 Classics stand out with their signature soundstage that presents bass in its raw and powerful form – undistorted and impressive. Moreover, it's not just about the bass. These headphones ensure that none of the high or medium frequencies are overshadowed, delivering a harmonious and immersive listening experience with excellent noise cancellation.

2. Bassiest Open-Back Headphones: Focal Clear MG Open-Back 

Next, we focus on the open-back category, where the Focal Clear MG takes the lead in delivering the most profound bass response. Crafted with premium materials in France, these headphones come with Focal's innovative M-shaped dome drivers that are responsible for reproducing precious sound details, including rich and robust bass.

Their open-back design ensures an expansive soundstage, providing a multi-dimensional listening experience that is often likened to listening on high-end speakers in a perfectly tuned room. Add the unique character of open, deep, and precise bass reproduction, and you have headphones that are a delight for any music lover.

Note: If noise canceling and volume control are primary concerns, you should know that while open-back designs offer many extra features for audiophiles they are not made to block background noise. These headphones are designed for isolated, spatial audio listening and not for listening on a daily basis while commuting or at work.

3. Bassiest Wireless Headphones: Audio Technica ATH-ANC900BT

When it comes to cutting out the headphone jack without sacrificing the bass, Audio Technica's ATH-ANC900BT are the best wireless headphones on our list. Thanks to their advanced noise-canceling technology, they deliver the highest degree of ambient noise reduction among wireless headphones. This feature allows for an exceptionally clear bass response in a lightweight design.

Equipped with 40mm drivers and a diamond-like carbon coating on the diaphragms, these headphones ensure vibrant bass reproduction accompanied by excellent overall sound reproduction. Additionally, the built-in rechargeable battery offers up to 35 hours of continuous Bluetooth and noise-canceling use on a single charge, allowing you to take your bass-powered tunes anywhere you go.

Note: While wireless headphones have come a long way, listeners looking for the best audiophile experience (and the deepest bass) should be aware of potential limitations, such as compression loss, battery limitations, and built-in DACs. Adjusting for these can provide a more satisfying audio experience –  but to truly feed your love for bass, nothing beats a good pair of wired over-ear headphones.

Elevate Your Bass with a Headphone Amp

These headphones, each a winner in its category, emerge as the best choices for those looking for the bassiest headphones. Whether you prefer the isolation of closed-back headphones, the spaciousness of open-back headphones, or the freedom of wireless headphones, there's a pair for you. However, remember that while bass can boost your listening experience, other factors like comfortable fit, battery life, active noise cancellation, and choosing a reputable brand contribute to selecting the best headphones.

Factors To Consider When Buying The Bassiest Headphones

Selecting the perfect headphones isn't a process you need to rush – when it comes to achieving excellent bass response, you can forget that there are other factors that can significantly influence your decision. Below, we touch upon some essential considerations to guide your selection of the bassiest headphones.

1. Comfortable Fit: Regardless of how good a headphone's bass response is, it would mean little if the headphones are uncomfortable. A good fit plays a crucial role in defining your listening experience – the better the fit, the better the bass performance. Always make sure to check the clamping force, the weight of the headphones, the materials used in ear cups and headbands, and whether or not the ear cups can swivel or rotate for a tailored fit.
2. Battery Life: For wireless headphones, the battery life can make or break your experience. Headphones that regularly run out of juice can interfere with your listening sessions, notably if you're often on the move. It's also important to remember that bass-heavy music tends to drain the battery faster so you might want to consider headphones with long battery life.
3. Active Noise Cancellation: Bass sounds are often the first to leak due to their longer wavelengths. A headphone featuring quality active noise cancellation can help seal in the bass and keep out external noise. This feature is not just for music listeners – it's an essential property for audiobook listeners, frequent travelers, or anyone needing peace in a noisy environment.
4. Brand Reputation: Step away from the marketing hype and look at what actual users have to say. For superior audio quality, established audiophile brands (like Audio-Technica, Meze, and Focal) is your best bet.

Remember, the bassiest headphones mean little if they can't serve your needs or budget. Achieving a balance between these factors, along with your desired level of bass, is the secret to finding your perfect pair.

How Audio Exchange Can Help

At Audio Exchange, we bring over 45 years of expertise in high-end audio and video sales to guide you to the optimal audio experience. We understand that finding your perfect pair of headphones goes beyond just the product – it's about the journey, and we're here every step of the way. Our selection is curated to cater to a range of specific needs and includes closed-back, open-back, and wireless headphone offerings. Regardless of whether you're on the hunt for the deepest bass, a balanced sound, or a mix of both, we're confident that our collection has what you need.