Are you an audiobook enthusiast seeking the perfect headphones to enhance your listening experience? With the growing popularity of audiobooks, finding the right headphones has never been more important. The ideal pair can transform your journey through captivating stories into an immersive adventure.
Whether you’re commuting, working out, or simply relaxing at home, the sound quality, comfort, and battery life of your headphones can make all the difference.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best headphones for audiobooks, featuring options that cater to various preferences and budgets. Get ready to discover the perfect companion for your next audiobook journey.
Here are the best headphones for audiobooks.
Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 ( Review)
Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 : our pick for the best budget headphone for audiobooks. The Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 over-ear headphones offer you an impressive audio experience with their 40 mm drivers. The Soundcore app provides an equalizer feature, allowing you to customize the sound to ensure that vocals and other frequencies are clear and balanced.
One of the standout features is the transparency mode, which utilizes built-in microphones to capture ambient sounds, letting you engage in conversations without needing to take off your headphones. This feature can be particularly handy in busy environments.
Comfort is a priority, and the soft memory foam padding in the ear cups and headband ensures you can enjoy extended listening sessions without discomfort. While the plastic construction may feel a bit cheap, it helps keep the price affordable.
A notable upgrade is the charging port, which has transitioned from micro USB to USB-C, future-proofing your device and enhancing convenience.
However, it’s worth mentioning that the hybrid noise-cancelling feature may not entirely meet your expectations, as it struggles with filtering out certain low-frequency sounds, such as distant highway noise and conversations, which may detract from the immersive experience you desire.
Additionally, the looser fit of the headphones may impact overall noise isolation. Nonetheless, the Life Q30 offers a solid combination of features for your listening pleasure.
Sony WH-1000XM4 ( Review)
Sony WH-1000XM4: our pick for the best noise cancellation headphone for audiobooks. The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are an exceptional choice for anyone seeking outstanding sound quality and advanced noise cancellation. With two 40 mm drivers and a wide frequency response from 4 Hz to 40 kHz, these headphones immerse you in every note of your music and narration, making them ideal for both audiobooks and playlists alike.
One standout feature is the dual noise sensors that effectively identify and filter ambient sounds, ensuring a clear listening experience.
The adaptive sound control automatically adjusts settings based on your surroundings, allowing you to fully engage with your audio without distractions. You can personalize your sound via the Sony Headphones Connect app, where you have access to a built-in equalizer and battery monitoring.
Design-wise, the WH-1000XM4 boasts a sleek, minimal aesthetic crafted from durable materials. The soft foam urethane ear pads provide lasting comfort, although you might notice some warmth after prolonged use, suggesting potential for better airflow in the design.
The WH-1000XM4 offers a fantastic 30-hour battery life, with a handy feature that pauses your music when you take off the headphones and resumes when you put them back on, preserving battery life and adding convenience to your listening experience.
While the touch controls may require some adjustment, the overall performance justifies the investment, ensuring you enjoy every moment of your audio journey.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X ( Review)
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X: our pick for the best wired headphone for audiobooks. Experience exceptional audio quality with the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones, featuring a frequency response range of 15 Hz to 28 kHz. The 45 mm drivers deliver crystal clear sound, enhancing your listening experience with a slight emphasis on low and high frequencies that create a vibrant V-shaped sound profile.
You’ll appreciate the versatility offered by the three detachable cables included with your headphones. Choose between two straight cables (1.2 m or 3 m) to suit your specific needs or opt for the coiled cable that stretches from 1.2 m to 3 m, providing flexibility for various listening environments.
Each purchase also comes with a convenient carrying pouch and a 6.3 mm adapter for added convenience.
Designed primarily from durable, dense plastic, the ATH-M50x headphones are built to last and fold easily for transport. While they excel in many areas, the joints may be the weakest point—a characteristic that has persisted from the ATH-M40x model. T
he larger ear cups of the ATH-M50x not only accommodate larger ears but also improve breathability, allowing you to stay comfortable during extended listening sessions. With a rotation of 90° in both directions, the ear cups offer a customizable fit tailored to your head shape.
However, it’s worth noting that the clamping force can feel quite strong, and the ear pads may benefit from additional padding. This means you might need to take breaks, especially when enjoying lengthy audiobooks.
Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 ( Review)
Soundcore by Anker Space Q45: our pick for the best battery life headphone for audiobooks. The Anker Soundcore Q45 headphones offer an impressive 50-hour battery life, making them an ideal choice for travelers or frequent flyers.
If you find yourself on long journeys, this extended battery ensures you can enjoy your favorite audiobooks, music, or podcasts without worrying about constantly recharging.
One of the standout features of the Q45 is its advanced noise-cancelling technology. Imagine settling into your seat on a plane and, with the press of a button, the din of the engines and the chatter of fellow passengers fade away. Anker specifically designed these headphones to help you focus, even on particularly distracting sounds, such as a crying baby nearby.
This means you can immerse yourself in your listening experience, making long flights feel shorter and more enjoyable.
When considering headphones for lengthy use, comfort is crucial, especially if you’re an avid audiobook listener. You’ll be pleased to know that the Q45 has been engineered with your comfort in mind. These headphones feature a design that minimizes ear contact, allowing you to listen for hours without any discomfort.
Whether you’re traveling, working, or relaxing at home, these headphones ensure a snug yet comfortable fit so you can keep your audio adventures going without interruptions. Dive into an immersive listening experience with the Anker Soundcore Q45 and elevate your journeys today!
Bose QuietComfort 35 II ( Review)
Bose QuietComfort 35 II: our pick for best headphone for audiobooks overall. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones are designed to enhance your listening experiences, whether you’re diving into an audiobook or enjoying your favorite playlist.
Their neutral sound profile ensures that the speaker’s voice comes through clearly, making them an ideal choice for audiobooks. Thanks to the active equalization technology, you can enjoy rich audio quality free from distortion, even at high volumes.
One of the standout features of these headphones is the renowned noise-cancelling technology with three adjustable levels at your fingertips through the Bose Connect app.
You can effortlessly create your perfect listening environment, whether you’re in a bustling café or on a quiet bus ride, tuning out distractions. Built for daily use, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II is constructed from impact-resistant materials like glass-filled nylon and stainless steel, ensuring they withstand the rigors of travel.
The soft cushions provide exceptional comfort, allowing you to wear them for hours without discomfort. While there is much to love, it’s important to note a potential drawback: the Bluetooth connectivity. When attempting to connect to multiple devices, you may find that the headphones toggle between devices if they’re both within range, which can be frustrating.
Overall, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones offer a superior listening experience, blending comfort, quality, and advanced features tailored for your needs.
