15 Best Bass Headphones with Powerful Bass (Updated 2023)

Want headphones with thunderous bass?

We test many headphones and always measure bass response. So, here’s the list of the hardest-hitting “bass cannons” we found that you can get today.

Do you want deep, powerful bass massaging your ears? Then you need headphones with emphasized bass response. Here’s more on what makes bass headphones.

If you’re looking for hard-hitting cans that blast your ears with powerful lows or more defined bass response, you’ll find something for you here.

And together with fun sound, you should also expect reliable wireless performance and good build quality.

In the guide, you’ll find all types of headphones. And if you’re looking for the best bass earbuds, go here.

Also, if you’re interested in how to boost the bass on your existing headphones, see the instructions on how to boost bass settings on a Windows PC.

15 Best Bass Headphones

1. Sony WH-XB900N

The best bass headphones for bass lovers with a heavy-bass sound profile.

Sony has hit the nail on the head with a combination of active noise-cancellation wireless headphones with a clear sound and thumping bass boost.

If you love listening to bass-heavy genres of music like hip hop, the crisp low-end of these best bass wireless headphones are hard to fault.

The Sony WH-XB900N offer lots of convenient features such as long, 30-hour battery life with a quick charge option, and even a folding construction.

Pack these up and take them in your backpack with ease. A USB-C charger offers you quicker powering without proprietary cables.

The plush padding around the cups helps with background noise isolation. You can listen for long periods and remain comfortable throughout.

A simple ear cup control scheme, NFC, ambient noise mode, ANC, and a removable cable further add to the ease of use.

There’s a newer version with ANC, the Sony WH-XB910N, but it has a ridiculous bass boost and overly muddy sound throughout the entire frequency range.

2. Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro

Best true wireless headphones for bass heads with luxurious design.

Anker put 2 speakers inside the Liberty 3 Pro, resulting in a realistic bass slam when listening to bass-heavy sound like rap and hip-hop.

Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro review

By default, Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro can sound a bit fatiguing with a bright treble in booming bass. Using our custom EQ, their sound becomes more natural while retaining full-bodied bass with a good, speaker-like punch.

Using one big dynamic and BA drivers, earbuds are bigger than usual but very comfortable.

They even have tiny ear wings to secure them in place better when using them outdoors. Buds are rated for an IPX4 so you can use them during your workouts without issues.

See the best workout headphones if you plan to listen to music when exercising.

Moreover, the Anker app opens many extra features, including custom controls and EQ.

Earbuds also have active noise cancellation, which is good enough to reduce engine noises on your daily commute.

3. Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2

Great Skullcandy headphones with a huge bass sound.

Note: Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 are hard to get at the moment.

If you’re in the market for the most bass-heavy headphones that make your head shake, check out the Crushers.

Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 review

Crusher series is known for its impressive bass quantity and rumble. The Crusher ANC 2 returns with a Sensory Bass feature, which gives you haptic feedback on every bass note.

The overall frequency response is pretty clean for the most part, and you can further improve it inside the Skull-IQ app.

However, if you’re a basshead and feel like you don’t have enough bass, rotating the wheel under the left ear cup adds over 17dB of additional low-end rumble.

Headphones offer the most features out of any other Bluetooth headset. From custom EQ to a smartphone camera trigger, you get it all.

Furthermore, the new design feels more premium, with a fabric headband and plush over-ear pads.

More from Skullcandy:

• Skullcandy Sesh review (TWS earbuds)
• Top Skullcandy headphones
• Skullcandy Jib review

4. Beats Studio3 Wireless

Beats bass headphones with good extension in sub-bass regions.

Another option from the kings of bass headphones, Beats Studio 3 are a premium, fancy option that goes well with bass music.

The bassy sound features extended sub-response down to 19Hz, for a real booming feel. The mid-range isn’t perfect, and the music is highly colored.

The best headphones from Beats, Studio3, have the typical Beats sound signature, including boosted bass. They also come with active noise cancellation (Pure ANC) to block the outside noise.

The Apple W1 chip provides battery efficiency and reliable streaming from Bluetooth devices.

22 hours of battery on a full charge is good, and the “fast fuel” quick charge gives 3 hours of audio playback from just 10 minutes of charging.

These are comfortable headphones, too, with padded ear cups to protect your ears against irritation.

If you are looking for fancy over-ears with a wireless connection and powerful bass tones, then the Studio3 are a great option.

5. Philips Fidelio X2HR

Best bass open-back headphones with a bigger soundstage.

Sometimes bass sounds distorted or lacking on open-back headphones, but the Philips Fidelio X2HR are a good option for keeping the bass response clear and with extra punch.

Fidelio X2HR are open-back headphones that don’t have an enormous bass boost. However, they have an impressive extension in the sub-region and a good soundstage.

These headphones are a worthy pick for people who like airy, spacious sound without sacrificing bass performance. Furthermore, the X2HR have a well-tuned midrange, offering natural instrumental and vocal performance.

For under $200, you get well-constructed headphones with aluminum ear cups and a sturdy frame. The suspension-style headband prevents from pressuring too hard on the top of your head.

Lastly, velour ear pads ensure better breathability, preventing your ears from becoming hot during long listening sessions.

Of course, due to open design, you have to keep in mind the sound leakage, so don’t listen to these on your daily commute.

6. Sony WH-XB700

Sony WH-XB700 are the best on-ear bass headphones.

On-ears often have smaller drivers and don’t generate extreme bass notes. The WH-XB700 cheaper headphones do a good job of boosting bass frequencies with a compact, on-ear design.

For the price range, the sound profile is good, with a great, well-balanced frequency response range and a fairly open soundstage. The bass boost is subtle but enjoyable for heavier music.

If you are looking for on-ear headphones under 100 dollars price point, these are a compact option with powerful bass for you to enjoy the low-end.

The battery life is very impressive, and you can get 30 hours of wireless use out of the headphones. They’re easy to connect to wireless Bluetooth devices and also offer Alexa built-in for voice control.

Not everyone will like the over-ear earpads, but these are pretty comfortable, too. The cups swivel to the shape of your ears. The materials don’t feel like elite quality, but for the price tag, they are acceptable.

7. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT

Studio monitor with the most fun sound.

The most popular headphones for the past couple of years due to their fun sound signature.

One of the most popular studio monitors among music producers carries a distinct V-shape signature. Their frequency response is far from the neutral sound but is fun to listen to, nevertheless.

These are the iconic Audio-Technica ATH-M50x but in a Bluetooth version. They offer the same build with foldable hinges so that you can store them in your backpack more easily.

All the necessary commands are on the bottom side of the ear cups so that you can keep your smartphone in your pocket. 

You can also use them wired with the included cable with an inline remote.

Their battery is a beast with up to 40 hours of listening time. Also, they support aptX, which means better audio and less audio lag.

Honorable Mentions

8. Sony WH-1000XM5

All the best technologies and audio quality in one place.

Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best choice with a consistent bass quality and excellent background noise reduction feature.

Sony WH-1000XM5 review

Headphones have a slightly V-shaped bass performance, very similar to the one from Sony WH-1000XM4.

You can further tweak it inside the Sony Headphones Connect app, but in general, the sound is punchy and fun, perfect for more popular musical genres like hip hop. The DSEE HX processing makes the audio even better.

Hard plastic with a soft finish seems well-built for everyday use. Headphones can fold into a carrying case for easy portability.

Pleather ear pads aren’t the thickest, yet they provide excellent comfort and have a premium feel. They have minimal skin contact, which should prevent excessive sweating.

Audio headphones come with an in-depth app with tons of customizations, EQs, and a voice assistant. They even have decent built-in microphone quality for phone calls, and touch-sensitive surfaces for commands.

The exceptional active noise cancellation has different intensities, and you can also activate the ambient sound mode.

Since the XM4 Sony headphones have a lot of very similarly-performing features, you can find our tests and opinions about them in the full Sony WH-1000XM4 review.

9. Meze 99 Classics

The most unique bass-heavy headphones on this list.

Beautifully crafted over-ear headphones with wooden ear cups and a warm, punchy sound throughout the frequency spectrum.

The wood brings out a hint of warmness that plays well with the punchy bass. Exceptional music experience if you want to kick back and relax over your favorite tunes.

Cups are made of real wood, which makes them stand out from the crowd. A stainless steel frame ensures longevity and sturdiness, while a suspended headband gently rests on top of your head.

Leatherette earpads are filled with memory foam for maximum comfort for extended listening sessions.

You get two different cables inside the box. One is a standard cable, while the other has an inline remote for quickly answering phone calls and changing music.

10. Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless

Great pair of headphones with active noise cancelation.

Sennheiser Momentum’s lineup is synonymous with its bass-oriented V-shaped signature. The big Momentum 3 have amazing, high-quality bass.

They sound excellent, with deep bass and natural midrange. They’re great for bass-heavy music genres.

If you want less or more bass, you can fine-tune it in the Sennheiser app in such a way to make your over-ears sound great (more audiophile-like).

You get a big headphone with stainless steel frame and adjusting sliders, while the real leather earpads provide a luxurious wearing experience. They ensure optimal comfort, with an equally great fit.

Since this is premium audio equipment, it also comes with good active noise cancellation.

If you need to quickly speak to someone, activating Transparent Hearing should help you out. A companion app lets you further customize sound settings and controls to your preferences.

11. Nuraphone Wireless Headphones

Best bass headphones with the most customizable sound signature.

Concept wireless headphones with a unique design (in-ear and over-ear design) for a better sound experience.

Nuraphones want to combine the clarity of in-ears and realistic bass from over-ears. Every listener gets a unique custom EQ to deliver an exciting, punchy sound with sparkly highs.

Despite their weird in-ear design, you get used to it quickly and find it quite comfortable, even for longer listening sessions.

Nuraphone’s specialty is their app, in which a unique feature measures your ears and creates a personalized EQ. That way, you can get a full experience out of them.

They pack a decent battery life of 20 hours on a single charge. Headphones are quality-made and come with a hard-shell carrying case for increased protection.

For more affordable options, check the best headphones under $100.

12. Anker Soundcore Life Q30

Best bass headphones from Anker under $100 from a more affordable line with exceptional comfort and deep sub-bass response.

Great bass headphones with noise cancellation, mic, remote control, and clean sound.

Anker Soundcore Life Q30 review

Since these are closed-back, over-ear headphones, the bass reaches much lower, creating a stronger rumble.

The overall emphasis is on the excellent bass response, but the other regions are boosted, as well. After applying custom EQ in the app, they become more natural, smooth, and free of sibilance.

The Soundcore Life Q30 are made of plastic and lightweight aluminum, making them feather-light. Special soft earpads go fully around your ears and create an extremely snug fit.

They’re more than suitable for long listening sessions where comfort is the most important thing. Moreso, they offer a full app experience with noise cancellation, transparency mode, and EQ.

13. JVC HA-SZ2000

Best bass headphones with special bass technology.

These wired closed-back headphones are deemed as one of the best headphones by many bass headphone enthusiasts (considered the #1 best bass headphones by the Head-fi.org community).

These headphones have a rather impressive audio clarity for the good amount of lows they have. The secret lays in double headphone drivers: 33mm for higher frequencies and 50mm subwoofer drivers for increased bass.

They have a solid amount of padding inside earpads, so they fit comfortably. However, the HA-SZ2000 are still quite heavy, which you feel all the time.

Headphones come with a fixed cable that is 1.2m long (or 47 inches). That makes them more suitable for commuting, although home use is probably a better option.

Because of their clean sound and extended bass response into the sub-bass (down to 4 Hz), they’re a solid pair of bass headphones for watching films and gaming.

14. Skullcandy Hesh 3

Best monstrous bass headphones that should satisfy any bass head.

Decent wireless over-ears with good bass. Since they are an older model, you can get them as low as $50 in certain colors.

The sound profile of these enhanced bass headphones is more of an L-shape, giving you an excellent low-end frequencies while keeping the midrange and treble reasonably balanced. On the other hand, they muddy other frequencies.

Hesh 3 have a more ergonomic design to better contour your ear shape. Ear cups are well padded, and with the construction only weighing 200 grams, you can wear them for hours.

Also, thick ear pads provide excellent passive noise-isolating properties. Because of that, you can wear them in public without the need for active noise-cancellation technology.

22 hours of battery life is good enough to last you a day or two, and you have the option to fast charge them.

15. Bowers & Wilkins Px2 S2

Premium closed-back headphones for audiophile bass heads.

Premium Bluetooth headphones from Bowers & Wilkins, a renowned company with years of experience in the audiophile world.

If you’re into the tight bass performance but also like focusing on details in the midrange and treble, the Px2 S2 are a perfect pick.

These headphones sound very refined and are more geared toward basshead audiophiles. Of course, you’ll have to pay a premium, as a pair costs around $400.

However, for that price, you also get a premium build with a carbon fiber-like frame, uniquely designed ear cups with fabric cover, and plush padding from all sides.

They’re great for commuting, with ANC that’s good enough to reduce outside noise down to comfortable levels (although not quite as Apple AirPods Max).

Headphones also feature wearing detection and 30 hours of battery life.

What to Look for in Bass Headphones?

Sound quality

You want big drivers with a bass-oriented sound profile. Tunning plays the biggest role as there aren’t big differences among drivers. Even the largest drivers can have low bass if not properly tuned.

For the best bass headphones, look for at least 40mm drivers or bigger. Now on-ear headphones and earbuds come with smaller drivers, but they can have almost the same power (but expect slightly less). Of course, the bass doesn’t feel as big as with over-ear headphones.

Comfort

One major feature is comfort. A bad wearing experience is usually a deal-breaker. However, it’s worth noting that if headphones are big, heavy, and bulky, it doesn’t mean they have to be uncomfortable.

In fact, since they are already so big to fit the whole human ear, manufacturers make them extra soft and comfortable to wear.

If you plan on wearing them on long trips, at home, or even for sports, you want them to fit tightly without irritating your ears, even after many hours.

Be careful at picking headphones without trying them first since not all fit all head sizes.

Most over-ears are much more comfortable than the alternatives, but at the same time, make sure the model you want has a better pressure distribution (moderate clamping force).

Durability (you don’t buy these every day)

You want your best bass headphones to last. A good pair of headphones can cost a small fortune and people tend to avoid paying a lot for gadgets. However, it’s worth mentioning that, from personal experience, cheaper models are likely to break in a few months.

Do you plan to carry your headphones with you?

Then you should pick foldable bass headphones that you can pack up in a case and avoid damage. Not all expensive headphones are also durable.

Do you want to use them for sports?

Then in-ear headphones (earbuds) are the better choice. They’re easier to wear during movement and often come with sweat resistance indicated by IPX rating.