The Best 6 Wired Headphones for Music Lovers in 2024

Even though in today's world of headphones, the wireless ones have flooded the markets. However, the charm of a wired headphone is eternal. If you are a true audiophile and music lover, this blog is for you! Hold your breath as you discover the best six-wired headphones of 2024. Find the perfect sound quality, precision, and richness that even the best wireless models struggle to match. If you want a studio-quality experience or want to elevate your music experience from luxurious to pocket-friendly, we have you covered! Our range of top picks has you covered. But first, you should know why choosing a wireless option is your best bet.

Wireless Vs. Wired Headphones: The Face Off

Let's face the fact: It is no surprise that wireless options are dominating the market, so why should you consider buying wired headphones? The simple answer is the uncompromising audio quality that wired connections offer. Even though wireless headphones are a convenient option, they often compress audio files, reducing sound clarity. Wired headphones, conversely, deliver uncompressed, pure audio, allowing you to hear music the way it was meant to be heard—rich, complete, and incredibly detailed.

Latency is another issue that wired headphones solve. For people who wish to use headphones professionally for producing music or gaming or who are movie enthusiasts and spend most of their time watching videos, wired options are the ultimate option to give them the desired audio effect. This is because there is no latency compared to the wireless counterparts, ensuring that what they hear is perfectly synced with their actions.

Let's explore the top wired headphones that stand out in 2024.

1. Røde NTH-100: Best Overall

If one seeks performance with value, the Røde NTH-100 is a top-tier choice. It's built for the professional as well as the casual listener. What will set this particular model apart is its perfectly balanced sound signature. These headphones ' clarity and precise response are unparalleled when listening to anything from Beethoven to Van Halen to any pop song.

The comfort level is also top-of-the-line. The ear cushions use memory foam and fit snuggly but are non-fatiguing, so these headphones are perfect for long listening sessions. The Røde NTH-100 will deliver pure listening joy without breaking the bank if you're producing music or enjoying a playlist.These headphones are excellent all-rounders, making them the best-wired headphones for most people. If you're after analytical sound but enjoy a fun listening experience, the Røde NTH-100 is hard to beat.

Price: approx. $139 (Amazon)

2. Sennheiser HD 660S: The Nonsense Wired Headphones

Those willing to compromise on nothing should consider the Sennheiser HD 660S—these open-back headphones are aimed at severe audiophiles who demand precision and clarity in every note.

It gives the listener an undeniably clear and balanced sound profile full of fantastic detail throughout the spectrum. The bass is tight and controlled, the mids are lush, and the highs are crisply beautiful—without any hint of harshness—and simply sublime in every sense of the word. Whether the music is complex orchestral music or the subtle details in acoustic tracks, the HD 660S has nuances you'd never have noticed with other headphones.

The open-back design allows for a more natural and spacious soundstage, so you feel as if you're right in the middle of a live performance. While this feature makes them great for home listening, they leak sound so that they can be better for commuting or public places. Touted as built for long listening sessions, the Sennheiser HD 660S is comfortable, with plush ear pads and a lightweight frame. Invest in it if you are an audiophile who prefers the purest music.

Price: $599 (Amazon)

3. Grado SR325x: Enhancing Inside Home Listening Experience

If you are someone who loves to spend many hours listening to music in your home and wishes to experience the best possible audio quality, you'll want the Grado SR325x. The open-back headphones deliver an expansive soundstage that will make the music seem to fill a room, making these headphones ideal for detailed listening sessions.

The Grado SR325x is a little splurge, but its sound makes it all worthwhile. It boasts rich mids, sparkly treble that doesn't go harsh on the sound, and tight and controlled bass. Due to their natural, detailed presentation, these headphones are particularly loved by audiophiles who enjoy genres like jazz, classical, and rock.

The SR325x's design may be retro, but it's highly functional. The headphones are lightweight, and the ear cups are designed for extended listening sessions. However, the open-back design leaks sound, so they're best for home use.

Price: approx. $295 (Amazon)

4. Austrian Audio Hi-X15: Best Durable Wired Headphone

The Austrian Audio Hi-X15 punches well above its price. These budget-friendly headphones look and feel far more premium than you'd expect. Their sleek design and robust build quality render them excellent for daily use. What's incredible is the sound of these headphones. The audio profile is neutral, with a clean bass response and detailed highs. Whether podcasting, acoustic tracks, or high-energy electronic music, these headphones deliver remarkable accuracy.

Austrian Audio Hi-X15 can be a dream come true for a serious audiophile with a limited budget. This is the best budget-wired option, which won't make you compromise on sound quality.

Price: approx. $109 (Amazon)

5. Shure Aonic 3: Best Professional Wired Headphones

Shure Aonic 3 is ideal for those who prefer in-ear monitors (IEMs). It offers studio-quality sound in a compact, portable package. These wired in-ear headphones are suitable for anyone who needs detailed sound while on the go or working out. With clear and balanced audio quality, it promises Shure Aonic 3. High standards to come with this fine piece with detailed mids and sharp, crisp highs but without drowning in the bass; it is ideal for critical listening and a trendy choice among classical, acoustic, or vocal music fans.

The Shure Aonic 3 also has a detachable cable that enhances durability, providing easy replacement. In-ear designs also offer excellent sound isolation, so the earphones are highly advisable for anyone seeking superior audio in the face of transportation or working in noisy places.

Price: approx. $199 (Amazon)

6. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: Best Budget-Friendly Option

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a staple in studios worldwide, and for good reason. It is renowned for its balanced audio profile, which is ideal for casual listening and professional mixing.

Another important feature that sets the ATH-M50x apart is its impressive soundstage and bass response. The lows are deep and punchy without overwhelming the mids or highs. Thus, they work best for music genres such as hip-hop and electronic. The mids and highs are also incredibly clear, accurately representing the music you're listening to.

Furthermore, the ATH-M50x is a durable construction. The headphones are foldable, making them easy to transport, and the detachable cable adds a layer of convenience. Whether in the studio or on the go, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x delivers excellent performance, making it one of the best-wired headphones for professionals and audiophiles.

Price: approx. $69 (Amazon)

Conclusion

Buying wired headphones today can be considered old-school. However, they continue to offer unparalleled sound quality for music lovers. From the information above, choosing one of these six best pairs of wired headphones will never disappoint you. From the all-rounder excellence of the Røde NTH-100 to the budget-friendly Austrian Audio Hi-X15 and the professional-grade performance of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, each pair offers something new and unique to amplify your music experience.