Bass amplifiers are great! You can play thundering bass sounds but sometimes, you may want to have a little peace and quiet. A decent headphone can be a decent investment towards keeping your neighbors happy, and while there are plenty of cheap headphones out there, knowing which ones will last you for years can be a hard thing.
A cheap pair of headphones or earbuds won’t cost that much. You will probably be able to find one for a couple of bucks but a good one can cost upwards of hundreds of dollars. If you are considering getting a headphone, there are many varieties to choose from, you’ve got in-ears, over-ears, and many other types. I also talk about those in this post, so make sure you read to the end.
A good pair of headphones is not only good for practicing the bass but also works great when monitoring mix tracks or just enjoying your favorite playlist.
Let’s get on with the list, shall we?
If you are too lazy to read through the entirety of this post, here’s a quick pick for you- the Shure SRH1540 headphones are a perfect pair that will get you through rigorous recording sessions. These are ideal for both beginners and pro players and offer excellent value for the price.
Table of Contents
10 Best Headphones For Practicing Bass Guitar
Specifications
- Wired
- 50mm dual-diaphragm
- CLIQFOLD design for portability
- Over-ear Circumaural headphones
- 5 – 30000 Hz frequency response
- Carry case included
What We Think
If you are on a tight budget and want to get the best headphone for your bass guitar, the V-MODA M-100 is a fantastic choice. The noise isolating over-ear headphone features a 50mm dual-diaphragm driver to ensure that the bass is boosted roughly 8 – 9 decibels above mid and high frequencies. The high end doesn’t sound too out there, so overall- it’s a balanced sound with the bass pronounced and mids a bit low.
The build features metal construction and armored earcups so the headphone is tough and sturdy. Also, you can swap the kevlar cable with a replacement and it will be good as new!
What I love most about the M-100 is the fact that you don’t need to have the volume high to get a loud sound. And the bass is auto-adjusted for all levels, so regardless of whether you’re listening at a low volume or pretty loud, you can hear the low frequencies very distinct from the rest.
I love that the headphone doesn’t feel too bulky and it’s very comfortable to wear. It also offers an excellent noise cancellation which means that you won’t be inconvenienced by distractions while playing your bass.
The only issue you may have with these is the clamp – these aren’t very loose which also means that they won’t slip off your head easily. I think that’s hit or miss with bassists, and if you’re going to use this, I would recommend taking short breaks every once in a while.
Specifications
- 50mm dual-drivers for comfort and studio quality
- Passive noise canceling
- Adjustable and padded headband
- 9-ft audio cables plus quarter-inch adapter included
- Can be folded- portable design
What We Think
Next, I would be hard-pressed to not include the Status CB1 in the top 3 of this list as it’s one of my personal favorites. The Status headphone offers a premium experience with flat frequency response, stylish looks, and a portable design.
If you would like to be discreet and love the minimalist design, you will find that these headphones are foldable, very durable, and well-padded for your comfort. I do think they look a bit bulky but that’s easy to overlook considering the comfort and performance.
Inside the large earcups, you will find 50mm drivers that project a clear and crisp sound with pronounced low-end. I also like the passive noise cancelation on this plus there is noise isolation as well.
You also get two 9 feet cables that will come in handy to your needs and these come with a 3.5-inch jack plus a 6/3-inch adapter. These measurements are pretty standard and you will find that most headphones come with a standard jack and adapter of this size.
Specifications
- Linear sound
- Noise reduction technology
- Padded earpads for comfort
- Adjustable earcups
- Wired cable
What We Think
The HD280PRO is one of the most affordable pairs of headphones on a budget. The Shure is probably a better headphone with a better flat response but you will find those slightly more expensive. This headphone offers decent bass response and if you would love to hear enhanced, low-end, you will love these.
When turning knobs, you will want to keep the mids clear while ensuring that the bass is boosted quite well. With a frequency response of about 8 Hz, you will find them an awesome pair.
What I like most about this pair of headphones is the fact that they feature some noise-blocking as well. You can expect to block roughly 30 decibels with these, and these are also quite portable- so, great for travel.
The only thing I would be concerned about is having detachable cables- which would be nice to have here but it’s not that much of a buzz-kill, so it’s okay.
Specifications
- 40mm dual-drivers with neodymium magnets
- Closed-ear design for ambient noise attenuation
- Included quarter-inch adapter plus 9.8ft cable
- Portable design
- 10 Hz – 20 kHz frequency response
- Soft case included
What We Think
There are many headphones that are budget-friendly but Sony is one of the manufacturers that has paid attention to comfort- so you will find very comfortable padded cushions on the ear cups.
The fit is excellent, the design is awesome, and the headband and cups are both flexible, so you will find the experience quite good. You also get noise isolation thanks to the big ear cups that cover your ears.
What I like most about this headphone is the fact that it has 40mm drivers that produce loud bass sounds. I would love to have the wireless option on this but instead, you get a 3.5-inch jack plus a 6.3-inch adapter that works great with anything.
The cable is quite long- nearly 10 feet, so you don’t have to worry about the range though. For the budget, I think the Sony MDR7506 is a fantastic choice for anybody really.
Specifications
- 10 Hz – 24KHz frequency response
- 16 Ohms impedance
- Detachable cable
- Customizable colors of headband and earcups
- Included cable with mic and remote
- Versatile- works with smartphones and tablets
- Noise attenuations
- Two-year warranty
What We Think
If you are somebody who loves to have customizable options, you will find the Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus a fantastic choice on a budget. It lets you control the bass in four distinct positions- light bass, linear, vibrant, and heavy bass- I find the latter to be a perfect choice for metal players.
Linear bass response is good for pop watered-down bass sounds, and I think the One Pro Plus is great at providing you with full control over the bass level in your playing.
You are also going to love the comfort aspect of this- the headband is a good fit on my head, and the leather pads are also very relaxing. I have always struggled with cheap headphones when I was just getting into bass headphones, so this one came as a welcome delight.
You also have detachable cables which are pretty cool- and the mic-in on this headphone is certainly handy.
What I like the most about these headphones is the fact that the sound is crisp and clear, and the mids remain non-disturbed. Light bass isn’t something you would find useful day-to-day, but it’s certainly good for something. Experimenting with the bass controls is a good idea, and not only will it help you pick a sound level you personally love, but it will also help train your ears which is no doubt a valuable asset for any musician.
Overall, the Beyerdynamic headphone is an excellent headphone on a budget and you won’t need to look for another pair as they’re pretty durable as well.
Specifications
- Neodymium magnets and large drivers
- Padded earcups with a high-fidelity sound
- Ambient noise reduction
- Flexible headband for comfort
- 3.5mm and 6.35mm cable for easy connectivity
- Works seamlessly on all devices including Android and iOs
What We Think
Bopmen isn’t a household name- it’s mostly reserved for professional mixing artists and producers. The Y71 headphone by Bopmen is one of the affordable lineups by the brand that comes in a sleek black design and a comfortable build.
You are getting huge drivers that have neodymium magnets for a premium sound quality. I didn’t find any issues with the frequencies through it which was good. It’s got a fairly flat frequency response curve which makes it ideal for mixing.
The build is pretty sturdy, you get a flexible headband and the soft cushioned cups can be adjusted as well. It adds to the comfort while wearing which can be an issue with studio headphones.
What I like most about this headphone, other than the sound- has got to be the portability aspect and the fact that it’s got a microphone which can come in very handy.
One thing I would like to change about this is the cable which isn’t detachable. I don’t mind having wired headphones but a cordless one could be helpful when trying to declutter your desk.
Specifications
- 40 mm large neodymium drivers for excellent sound quality
- Total harmonic distortion and ambient noise reduction technology
- Closed-back design for comfort
- Little internal resonance for a good sonic experience
What We Think
Looking for premium headphones for your editing and recording needs? The Shure SRH1540 headphone might be one of the pricier options, but it’s certainly worth the price.
It comes with all the bells and whistles you need, and that includes noise canceling, Bluetooth as well an in-line mic. There are many headphones that are well suited for studio use but these are also very comfortable and will allow you to effortlessly listen to hours of session recordings.
As mixing artists and producers, you will certainly want to hear a sound that’s as close to the monitor speakers as possible. The SRH1540 headphones by Shure offer exactly that- the extended frequency response plus neodymium drivers offer an excellent sonic experience that’s hard to beat with any other pair of headphones on the market.
The pair of headphones is not only portable and light but also comes with a case, which is one of the things you should absolutely get if you are going to use studio headphones. You also get spare earpads and a quarter-inch adapter that comes in very handy.
The only thing I would change about this pair of headphones is the fact that it’s rather large, which isn’t much of a letdown considering the fact that these feature a top-notch build quality and are ideal for any mixing session in or out of the studio.
Specifications
- 50mm Neodymium drivers
- Excellent dynamic range 1/8” jack and quarter-inch adapter
- Adjustable headband for comfort
- Germany-made
- Leather ear cushions and matte finish
What We Think
Looking for a decent studio-quality pair of headphones that are not only durable but also budget-friendly?
What I like most about the HPS3000 headphones is the dynamic range and excellent frequency response that makes them feel like thousand-dollar headphones. The headphone is wired but the 3.5mm headphone jack will let you hook up to any device you own without any issues.
I would suggest getting these for both practices and listening to songs you like.
When I used to live in a congested apartment, my neighbors were very nosy. They would complain every time I picked up a bass even if I wasn’t that loud. If you’ve got picky neighbors like that, having headphones like these will allow you to plug in your bass guitar to an amp and use the headphone-out on the amp to get some quiet practice time. It’s also great for beginners who don’t want to embarrass themselves in front of their families. When you do get good, or at least good enough to play a few songs, it would be a great idea to use the amp-speaker set up to show your friends and family the fruits of your labor.
I think the body could have been slimmed down a little, but for the quality you are getting, you cannot really complain about what you are getting.
Overall, you will find the Behringer HPS3000 an excellent set of headphones for the price, and even if you’ve tried studio headphones in the past, this one is hard to resist because of the fantastic audio quality.
Specifications
- Wireless headphones with Bluetooth
- 40 hours of battery life on full charge
- Rapid charging
- Adjustable bass
- Volume control and mic
What We Think
Featuring a bass boost and a removable mic, the Skullcandy Crusher is one of the best entry-level sets of headphones that you can afford on a tight budget.
You get large 40mm drivers which aren’t really the largest in the market but these are certainly worth getting for anybody who is in need of decent headphones with quality audio. The best thing about these headphones is- you get to hear the sound from your bass guitar without any distortion.
It’s also battery-powered, lasts for about 40 hours, and you get passive noise cancellation which is great. If you like having devices that hold a charge for a long time, you will love using the Skullcandy Crusher headphones.
Overall, I wouldn’t say that these headphones are as anywhere as near as the audio quality in some studio headphones like the Behringer or the Sony headphones, but if you are a beginner with not much money to spare, the Skullcandy headphones have got you covered.
Specifications
- Semi-open design, excellent for tracking and mixing
- Large 50 mm drivers with rare earth magnets
- Over-ear design with padding for comfort
- Adjustable headband
- The quarter-inch stereo adapter comes included
What We Think
Last but not the least, we’ve got the Samson SR850 open-back pro studio monitor headphones that are designed with comfort and durability in mind.
The best thing about these pair of headphones has got to be the excellent frequency response range with a vinyl headband that feels very comfortable even under prolonged use.
One thing you may not like about the SR850 is the little noise isolation on these as these are semi-open in design, but that aside, you will find these an excellent investment if you are into monitoring bass levels and mixing in songs.
For the price, I think these make for awesome beginner’s bass headphones that are reliable and cheap.
In-Ear Vs. Over-Ear Headphones
Next, let’s tackle the issue of in-ear headphones vs. over-ear headphones. Is one kind better than the other?
Usually, the four categories of headphones are over-ear, on-ear, earbuds, and in-ear. The over-ear headphones are very comfortable if you are going to use them for hours on end. One caveat of over-ear headphones is the form factor, and you also get a bit less noise isolation but these headphones won’t hurt your ear which is great.
The second variety, on-ear headphones are a more compact form of over-ear headphones and while they don’t block noise as well, they are fairly portable. Some players also prefer earbuds that are very portable, will fit in your pocket, and offer noise reduction as well, but aren’t very comfortable for long periods of use.
The last ones, in-ear headphones are good at blocking noise and feature portable designs but won’t be as comfortable as the over-ear headphones.
Personally, I love over-ear headphones as these kinds of headphones don’t hurt my ears during long periods of exposure to recordings. If you don’t mind that, in-ear headphones would be a great option for you but considering the fact that those aren’t very comfortable, I wouldn’t recommend them.
Ear problems are an occupational hazard to most musicians, and if you don’t want to have tinnitus which is a nasty ringing sound that is constantly there. Most producers and rock musicians suffer from this condition and there’s no cure for it. You will want to listen to tracks at a lower volume if you don’t want to damage your ears as quickly.
Buying Guide to Bass Headphones
The headphones I’ve listed above are great for practicing on your bass. These do not cost that much but if you are serious about recording and mixing tracks, getting premium headphones might be worth the cost. The flat frequency response curve will let you hear the sounds exactly like they are- and prevent you hours of going back in the mix adjusting bass levels.
If you are looking to buy your first pair of headphones, you will want to keep the following things in mind.
Bass response
While getting a cheaper alternative is great for just practicing, you will want to opt for the more expensive alternative- the studio headphones. This is because, for practice- hearing bass-boosted frequencies is great but when recording sessions, you will want to hear as accurate a representation of the sounds you’ve played as possible. For instances where a physical bass is unavailable, exploring the best bass guitar VST plugins can be invaluable for creating realistic bass tracks during these sessions.
You will certainly get a much flatter frequency response curve which will let you hear inaccuracies and anything you may want to touch up before making final touches to the mix.
Getting a cheaper headphone with a great bass response is also good sometimes- you may want to hear loud bass that shakes the heart, and it can be very inspiring to you. Also great for jamming along to metal tracks. Since it’s cheap, this kind of headphone is also good to use as headphones for daily use.
Driver
If you are looking for bass headphones, the driver is probably one of the most essential aspects you should be paying attention to.
The driver is just the speaker inside the headphone cup- these transform the electric signals into sounds you hear and enjoy. The vibrations are then transmitted to your ear after being produced via electromagnetic phenomena.
The size of drivers is something that can be intimidating if you don’t know where to look for them. Just because a pair of headphones have large drivers doesn’t mean that it’s good. Actually, it’s common for headphones with 50mm drivers to sound like crap. It does translate to a bigger sound but you should also be looking for the materials, tuning, enclosure, and tuning of the driver if you want to get the absolute best headphones for bass.
If you want studio headphones, you may want to have drivers tuned for a flatter response, and the converse is true if you want headphones for practice.
Comfort
You should also look for how comfortable the headphone feels on your head.
I’ve struggled with many cheap headphones only to find that they hurt some portion of my head, or don’t cancel the noise all too well. This is where trying out headphones before buying can come in very useful.
Reviews can also help if you want to decide if it’s going to be comfortable.
Final Thoughts
We just had a look at the best headphones for practicing bass guitar. If you just want to practice the bass guitar, you will do just fine with a bass-boosted headphone but you will want to get headphones with a flatter frequency response curve if you want to use them for mixing.
Headphones have a special place for every musicians’ needs, and whether you just want a good pair of headphones to practice quietly or to help with lessons online, you will find that owning headphones is great. Listening is a huge part of practicing, and even if you are an accomplished player, you are always watching and listening to other bassists play and incorporate elements of their playing into your own.
For these reasons, headphones are inevitable for musicians. If you want to get into tracking, mixing and mastering recordings, you will need to invest on a fantastic set of Studio headphones which we have just covered above.
As always, you should also consider your budget, needs, durability, and whether you will find good use out of these headphones before deciding to get on with the purchase.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who should get bass headphones?
Normal headphones don’t produce good bass sounds, so if you are trying to practice bass or hear bass parts of a song you want to learn, you are setting yourself up to be disappointed. A good bass headphone not only boosts the low-end (if you are looking for that) but it could also provide a rather flat frequency response curve so you get exact levels that are in the mix.