When Frank Ocean or Radiohead come out with a new album, any true music lover knows that those white stock earbuds wouldn't be doing the music any justice. As music critics, we have to listen to hundreds of new tracks each week (seriously, if you only knew the amount of tracks were are sent), so the headphones we choose are crucial to our livelihood. So EARMILK has put together a little list of some of the top headphones this year for those audiophiles who take their love for music and quality sound a little more serious than the rest. With the recent iPhones now lacking any auxiliary cord, we included most of our top wireless picks as well.
Sennheiser Momentum ($449.95)
When it comes to quality and elegant sound listening, the Momentums are the Rolls Royce of headphones. They are lightweight, incredibly comfortable and provide a cascading waterfall of high-end sound. The newly designed earcups provide a large diaphragm of rich, clear sound that fit snug over your ears. It provides wireless comfort for those who typically wear headphones for an extended period of time greater than the average person. They provide an equal measurement of focus on either treble heavy or bass ehavy music.
Click here to buy: https://en-us.sennheiser.com/momentum-wireless-headphones-with-mic
Master & Dynamic MW60 ($549)
If Sennheiser is the Rolls Royce, then the Master & Dynamics MW60's is the Batmobile. These wireless over-ear headphones have a sleek, sexy and modern design but provide uncompromised durability. Style and class with these bad boys, which is important if you're wearing headphones all day long. They are slightly on the heavier side but that's mostly due to the exposed aluminum antennas with stainless steel components and the premium leather. The sound quality on these is also on point as the warm rich sound makes these a top competitor in the market. These are the ideal headphones for those trying to hone in on Kamasi Washington's sax playing on To Pimp a Butterfly. If you are serious about making the investment in quality headphones, this would be your choice as the durability of these headphones will make sure they last an accidental backpack drop (although not recommended).
Click here to buy: https://www.masterdynamic.com/products/mw60-wireless-over-ear-headphones?variant=8103518081
JBL Everest Elite 700 ($299.95)
Click here to buy: https://www.jbl.com/bluetooth-headphones/EVEREST+700+ELITE.html?dwvar_EVEREST%20700%20ELITE_color=Black
Beats Studio Wireless ($379.95)
Most audiophiles might frown upon the cookie cutter Beats brand but the new Studio Wireless headphones are leaps and bounds above its 2013 studio predecessor. These new Bluetooth headphones, with over-the-ear upgrades, noise canceling tech and a 12-hour battery provide a solid listening experience for any avid music listener. The Beats Studio Wireless provides one of the best consumer headphone experiences on the market today: super comfortable ear cups, top-notch noise cancellation, and a sleek, compact design that accentuates the benefits of going wireless. True audiophiles may gripe over a slightly compressed, bass-forward sound–but for Bluetooth headphones, it's hard to beat the convenience to quality ratio of the Beats Studio Wireless. If you're looking for an enjoyable listening experience and could care less about accuracy, these headphones are for you.
Click here to buy: https://www.beatsbydre.com/headphones/solo3-wireless
Moshi Avanti ($199.95)
I'm not sure why I keep going back to car references but consider the Moshi Avanti's the original James Bond Aston Martin. These are the most comfortable on-ear headphones that have ever graced my auditory appendage. It felt similar to the first time I laid down on a Tempur-Pedic mattress or did a trust fall into an oversized beanbag chair. These headphones provide a curved headband and adjustable earcups to form a perfect, noise-isolating seal allowing you to enjoy your favorite tracks with ease. They are incredibly light but powerful with the mids/highs tuned to provide an intricate and immersive soundstage. Combining stainless steel with leather cups, these headphones are the sleekest and most modern looking devices on the market. For the sound, the look and the feel, you can't beat that price. *These do have a chord but we are looknig out for when they go wireless!
Click here to buy: https://www.moshi.com/audio-headphones-avanti
LSTN Wireless Wood Troubadors ($124.99)
The LSTN Wireless Wood Troubadors provide a punch of sound while isolating outside noise. Right off the bat, your eyes are immediately directed towards to the all natural wood frames that provide a very natural feel and look to them.
Click here to buy: https://lstnsound.co/collections/headphones/products/wireless-zebra-wood-troubadours
Honorable Mentions:
V-MODA Crossfade Wireless ($270) – This brand has always delivered uncompromised sound quality and is always a top choice for serious music listeners with an emphsis on those seeking a familair crossover fromt he more technical studio headphones or DJ headphones that many musicians wear.
To purchase: https://v-moda.com/crossfade-wireless/
Beats Powerbeats 3 Wireless ($199.95) – These are perfect for people with a little bit more of an active lifestyle or those trying to get some listening in while working out. The over the ear style is comfrotable and non restrictive. The sound quality is solid and the mic on the connection piece makes these an admirable pair of headphnoes to switch from msuci to taking calls on the fly.
To purchase: https://www.beatsbydre.com/earphones/powerbeats3-wireless
