Bass is one of the most divisive aspects of sound. Some people prefer headphones and speakers that give their music a little extra power in the lows, while others prefer a more neutral sound.
Being a fan of one or the other doesn’t make you a better music lover than the other, but it’s important for your personal enjoyment. Sound is a very personal experience, and whether you consider yourself an audiophile or a basshead, we hope this list of the best bass headphones will help.
Contents
- 1 List of Top 10 Best Extra Bass Headphones in 2024/2025
- 2 1. V-Moda Crossfade M-100
- 3 2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra
- 4 3. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless
- 5 4. Sony ULT Wear Wireless Bass Headphones
- 6 5. Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless
- 7 6. Beats Studio3 Wireless
- 8 7. Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2
- 9 8. Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless
- 10 9. Drop + Ultrasone Signature X
- 11 10. Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3
- 12 How are bass headphones different?
List of Top 10 Best Extra Bass Headphones in 2024/2025
1. V-Moda Crossfade M-100
With its excellent sound, fantastic bass, and impeccable construction, the M-100 is one of the best-performing headphones you’ll ever see. Every inch of it feels premium and is built to the highest standards.
The most notable feature is the elasticity of the STEELFLEX headband. Twist and bend it however you want, and it’ll hold up. It will withstand all the stresses of the road unless you try to break it.
And it has a frame made of steel instead of the usual plastic. The strength of the steel makes the M-100 incredibly strong and surprisingly lightweight, instead of the bulky construction of most headphones.
The unique V-Modas ‘click-fold’ hinge, as the name suggests, makes a satisfying click when you fold the headphones, and allows the M-100 to fold into the smallest possible bundle on the market.
The supplied hard case keeps the M-100 compact, well-protected, and suitable for transport in even the harshest environments. DJs will have no trouble throwing it in their bags to go to gigs, and regular users won’t have to worry about it getting damaged in transit.
For such a compact and robust headphone, the M-100 is surprisingly feature-rich. First up is the detachable cable. The detachable cable itself isn’t that big of a deal and is found on most pro headphones, but V-Moda has taken it a step further.
The cable can plug into either the left or right earcup, so you can choose whichever you prefer (especially useful for mixers and DJs who need to swap sides).
The extra port can also be used to daisy-chain with other headphones to share your music! As a precaution, V-Moda has provided two plugs that can be used to keep the unused cable input free of dust and other small debris that could otherwise cause damage to the exposed port.
The headphones come in a box with two cables. The first cable features a phone remote to control your music and keep your phone in your pocket. The second cable has a splitter at the input and a second port so a friend can plug in and listen from the side.
2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra
In the realm of bass-heavy headphones, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones make a strong case for themselves. These headphones are aimed at a certain segment of audiophiles who love powerful bass response.
Nevertheless, they also offer the flexibility to tailor the sound to your individual preferences, including Bass Boost EQ via the Bose Music app.
The headphones support aptX Lossless and Snapdragon Sound for a high-quality wireless listening experience, but this is currently limited to the latest Android devices. CustomTune technology is another notable feature, tailoring the sound profile of the headphones to the listener’s ear anatomy to ensure that all frequencies are delivered optimally.
The QuietComfort Ultra boasts a lightweight design weighing just 253g and soft, glasses-friendly padding for a comfortable fit. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 27 hours and 37 minutes of continuous playback, and there’s a fast-charging feature that gives you 2.5 hours of listening time after just 15 minutes of charging.
These headphones are a significant investment, but the deep, customizable bass, cutting-edge wireless technology, and comfortable design combine to make them an appealing choice for bass lovers looking for a top-of-the-line pair of headphones.
3. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless
The best bass headphones we’ve tested are the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless. These premium headphones are the successor to the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless, but they offer better value than the updated version.
Out of the box, they have a bass-heavy sound profile that delivers a nice extra thump, rumble, and boom if you like genres like EDM or dubstep.
You can also use the companion app’s graphic EQ and presets to tweak and customize the sound to your taste. They support LDAC, Sony’s proprietary codec for streaming high-resolution audio.
They are very comfortable for most people, and their powerful ANC system blocks out background noise to help you focus on your music. Multi-device pairing lets you connect to up to two devices at the same time.
With over 37 hours of continuous playtime, they’ll easily last you through long days on the go, and there’s an auto-off timer to preserve battery life in case you forget to turn them off.
If you’re looking for over-ear headphones that offer even more continuous playtime, try the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless . They’re rated for over 60 hours of continuous use, and can even be used while charging. However, their noise cancellation isn’t as impressive.
4. Sony ULT Wear Wireless Bass Headphones
If you want high-quality sound and build quality in a less expensive package than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, check out Sony’s ULT Wear wireless headphones.
For under $200, you get “thunderous bass,” in addition to a comfortable fit and excellent noise cancellation, according to Best Products editor Stefan Vazharov’s headphone review.
The ULT Wear puts the bass front and center by switching between two bass-boosting modes with a button on the left earcup. The first mode boosts the bass significantly but doesn’t overwhelm the highs or mids, while Vazharov says the second mode makes bass-heavy tracks “feel like they’re popping out of your head in time with the music and rhythm.
In addition to the adjustable bass, the headphones also offer noise-cancelling, which isn’t quite as effective as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, but it’s good for calming down busy streets or chaotic office environments. Noise-cancelling and ambient sound modes can also be easily switched via the right earcup.
The headphones don’t have a talk feature. If that’s important to you, you’ll need to buy the more expensive Sony WH-1000XM4 or WH-1000XM5. But if you’re a bass-lover who wants a variety of thumping sounds in a comfortable package, the Sony ULT Wear can’t be beat for the price.
5. Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless
If you want punchy bass at a mid-range price point, the Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless is the way to go. Unlike the Sony ULT WEAR Wireless , it doesn’t have ANC or support for multi-device pairing. However, like Sony’s ULT button, the haptic bass slider adds vibration to the audio.
With the slider set high, the sound is punchy and boomy, perfect for genres like EDM and hip-hop. If you find the bass too overwhelming, you can lower the slider or use the companion app, which has a few EQ presets.
These headphones are good for long days on the road, with a 34+ hour battery life. They are also well-built and comfortable, but they do trap heat around your ears, which can make them warm over time.
They don’t block out much background noise either, but if noise isolation is important to you, check out the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless. They have a powerful ANC system that can easily reduce background noise, but they don’t have a haptic bass slider.
6. Beats Studio3 Wireless
The Beats Studio3 are premium, high-end headphones with the typical Beats sound signature and enhanced bass. The sub-bass response extends all the way down to 19Hz, giving you a real thumping feeling. The midrange isn’t perfect, and the music is very colored. But that’s what you’re looking for.
They also feature active noise cancellation (Pure ANC) to block out external noise. The Apple W1 chip provides battery efficiency and stable streaming across all Bluetooth devices.
The battery life is good at 22 hours on a full charge, and the “Fast Fuel” fast charging provides 3 hours of audio playback with just 10 minutes of charging.
The product is comfortable with padded ear cups that protect your ears from irritation. Plus, it has a recognizable design and solid cool status. If you’re looking for a great over-ear with wireless connectivity and powerful bass, the Studio3 is a great choice.
7. Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2
The dedicated on-board buttons and headphone jack give you a lot of flexibility in controlling the Crusher ANC 2 . Are you ready to test your resolve to buy a pair of bass-heavy headphones? The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 checks that box with a dedicated Crusher mode accessible via the dial.
It effectively increases the volume of the EQ, peaking at around 50Hz and shaking your skull. You can either lower or add bass, so it’s a treat for bass fans.
The frequency response graph of the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 shows the curve with Crusher mode at 20% compared to the house curve. With Crusher mode at 20%, you can see a significant increase in volume in the lows compared to the house curve.
The frequency response chart shows the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 with Crusher mode at 50% compared to our house chart. The Crusher mode appears to only change the bass response.
The frequency response chart shows the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 with Crusher mode at 80% compared to our house curve.
Some listeners will find this chart challenging. Also, the Crusher ANC 2 comes with a very useful app that allows you to assign all sorts of controls to the buttons.
The headphones are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Bluetooth multipoint is another welcome feature. Other than that, the headphones are limited to AAC, SBC, and wired connections, which should be fine for most people.
The noise cancellation of the Crusher ANC 2 isn’t the most impressive, actually. It does a decent job, blocking up to 15dB at 200Hz (which is decent), but it definitely falls short of the other options. Battery life is still pretty good, at 45 hours and 23 minutes (with ANC enabled).
8. Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless
The budget-friendly Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless has a bass-heavy sound profile. Its successor is the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless. However, its simpler design means it lacks some of the Q30’s features, like a graphic EQ and presets. By default, they deliver a strong thump, punch, and boom. However, if you want to make the audio even more boomy, there’s a bass effect button that lets you add more bass.
The ANC system does a good job of handling things like ambient noise, but it struggles with the low rumble of a bus engine. With ANC, you get over 32 hours of continuous battery life, and while there’s no auto-off timer to help preserve battery life, you can still use them wired if you’re in a hurry.
They’re comfortable to wear, but as you’d expect at this price point, they feel plasticky and may not be the most durable. In particular, they come with a dust bag, but not a case to protect them while on the go.
9. Drop + Ultrasone Signature X
The Drop + Ultrasone Signature X are ideal for bassheads who prefer wired cans and don’t mind handing over the equalizer to Ultrasone’s Hi-Fi-obsessed Germans. While you can’t adjust the bass like most wireless headphones these days, you won’t be tempted to tinker with your newly acquired Picasso either.
The exquisitely named Drop + Ultrasone Signature X wired headphones impressed me with their refined bass enhancements that don’t overwhelm the midrange or highs. The unique audio signature allowed me to enjoy the bass bump without having to fiddle with the EQ or any other settings.
The Signature X also comes with a retail package that includes a hard-shell case, two sets of interchangeable ear pads, and four audio cables to get you through any situation.
10. Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3
If you’re looking for something lighter and more portable, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 are the best bass earbuds we’ve tested. Like other high-end headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless, they have plenty of extra features that make them versatile enough for most everyday use.
They also have a nice bass-rich sound profile if you enjoy genres like EDM or rock. You can customize the sound to your preferences using the companion app’s graphic EQ and presets.
The ANC system blocks out ambient noise (bus engine noise, office conversations, etc.). It can be used for over 8 hours on a single charge, but the case can hold 3 more charges.
It is built tough, fits securely in the ear, and is IPX4 certified for splash resistance. However, some users may find the large, deep fit in the ear and uncomfortable over time. If you are looking for a pair of in-ears with strong bass, check out our recommendations for the best bass earbuds.
How are bass headphones different?
Most bass headphones are not technically very different from regular headphones. In fact, for some manufacturers, this is largely a marketing message, as they realize that popular music (EDM, hip-hop, etc.) is bass-heavy and want to associate it with that movement.
Beats, for example, has done a great job of this. However, while some manufacturers spend their marketing dollars, others invest in R&D to improve and refine their headphone drivers so they can reproduce the lowest, deepest bass tones.
In some cases, manufacturers specifically market their low-end headphones. For example, Sony has the MDR-XB series, where the XB stands for eXtra Bass.
In other cases, manufacturers want to make great headphones overall, while the low-end headphone community embraces them for their above-average bass response (V-Moda comes to mind).
It’s important to note that low-end headphones are not the kind of product you want to use to record and produce music in your home studio. Music producers value headphones that have a “flat” frequency response. That means they don’t attenuate or emphasize any frequencies. In other words, they’re more honest.
Bass headphones are generally intended to impress with their lows, and their frequency curve is more “V-shaped”, meaning that there is an emphasis on the lows and highs, and the mids are recessed.
The size of the drivers can vary in bass headphones, often being larger and thus able to push out more of the lower frequencies. We’ll discuss this in more detail in the next section.