Trying to practice my guitar in a small apartment space is nothing less than an absolute nightmare. My neighbors consistently complain of the noise, and it has just been extremely difficult to do something I am so fond of. This is when my friends suggested that I buy one of the best guitar amp headphones.
I have grown to find that using guitar amp headphones has many other benefits as well, and I definitely recommend them for any guitar player. Here we have a list of the 9 best guitar amp headphones in 2023, to help you with your search.
9 best guitar amp headphones 2023
Boss Waza-Air Wireless Personal Guitar Amplification System
This kind of device, like the Boss Waza-Air headphones, feels as though it has unexpectedly and suddenly appeared from the future to change our lives forever. Though the concept of fitting basic modelling technology into a pair of cans is quite straightforward, the execution is far cooler.
This product simply wouldn’t be the same if it resembled a pair of enormous tech-related carbuncles sprouting from your head. Thankfully, the headphones are quite svelte, light, and attractive in a retro-postmodern, truly false Japanese style. To be honest, they merely appear to be a plain set of squared-off headphones with some flashy steel accents. When it comes to miniaturisation, the scientists at Boss are certainly experts.
Once turned on, the Waza-Airs provides you access to more than 50 effects from the Boss Tone Studio app along with five excellent amps developed from the Katana stage amplifier family. They are completely wireless as well; all you need to do is plug the small transmitter into the output port on your guitar to start rocking. Although we are already convinced, we haven’t yet gotten to the genuinely smart part.
The Waza-Airs also include a gyroscope and spatial technology, which enhances the playing experience. The location of your amp in the room will have a significant impact on your experience when using a typical guitar amp. It could be anywhere in a 360-degree circle, but it will probably be behind or in front of you.
You can put a virtual amp wherever you want by using these headphones to mimic this. Amazingly, you can also configure the amplifier so that it stays in place regardless of how you swivel your head. In other words, position your virtual amplifier close to the window in your actual room, and even if you change to face the other wall, it will still sound as though the amplifier is there. It’s a bizarre but alluring playing experience.
If that’s not enough, you can also rock to Bluetooth-streamed music. It’s impressive that this “virtual band” may be put next to your amplifier for astonishing realism.
SENNHEISER HD 650
One of the top dynamic pairs of headphones for guitarists in the mid-price category are the Sennheiser HD 650. The Sennheiser HD 650 is noted for having a brighter sound and better overall image than the award-winning HD 600. The Sennheiser HD 650 can handle a range of genres effectively because it strikes the appropriate balance between expressiveness and precision.
It has a pleasant tone and is made of a fine acoustic metal mesh, which precisely dampens the entire diaphragm surface. Due to its low structure-borne sound sensitivity, you can anticipate low handling noise and consistency. It sounds amazing in a variety of genres, including jazz, rock, acoustic, and even classical.
With the proper amount of tension and very little equalisation necessary, your acoustic guitar may sound fantastic thanks to its dynamic sound and detailed mid-bass. The Sennheiser HD 650 includes a highly tuned magnet system and limited frequency response limits of less than 1db, producing a very lifelike sound. The modulation of the guitar distortion is quite good when used with a great amp.
With only 0.57 lbs., it is also incredibly light thanks to Aluminium coils. Despite being primarily made of plastic, HD 650s are renowned for their dependable performance and robust construction. It is a cozy set of headphones with elliptical ear pads that won’t make you feel tired even after extended periods of listening and playing the guitar.
AKG K240 Studio
The AKG K240s are studio classics that have been favoured for many years by producers and artists all over the world. They provide as yet another excellent illustration of the maxim “less is more”; pro cans, despite seeing far more hours of use, frequently have significantly fewer “features” than their consumer counterparts. The king of the studio is sound quality.
There are two variations of these headphones: Studio and MKII. The MKII set had some simple aesthetic improvements, but both sets’ technical specifications were the same. In light of this, we advise choosing the less expensive Studio cans, which are incredibly affordable given their high quality.
The K240 Studios are enchantingly retro with their gold trim, stylish logo, and self-adjusting headband. Although the round ports that have been carved into the ear cups may seem decorative, they serve a practical purpose. To the detriment of sound leakage, the semi-open form of the cans results in a more natural, airy, and balanced sound than a fully closed design.
Because of this, these headphones are a great option for situations where sound isolation isn’t crucial. Although they leak less than fully open headphones, it is still advised to avoid using them in noisy settings or in situations where you might bother other people who are seated nearby.
However, if you can find a place of solitude, you’ll be rewarded with a sound that is remarkably accurate, with incredibly clear highs, a consistent mid-range, and a robust bass response. The padded cups feel sturdy enough to last you for many years and are incredibly comfortable.
SONY MDR-7506
The Sony MDR-7506, a well-known industry standard for value-packed reference monitors, is ideal for guitarists who perform and record simultaneously. Its 400mm driver units and neodymium magnets have a broad dynamic range and deliver exactly the appropriate amount of power for both casual listening and professional application.
With the appropriate level, you may expect very little background noise due to its closed-ear design and low impedance. Users may more readily identify their guitar from vocalists, other instruments, and ambient noise with the use of effective sound detail separation. This is a pair of headphones you should definitely take into consideration if you’re seeking for the best ones for mastering.
Coiled cables and Unimatch plugs on the Sony MDR-7506 allow you to use either a 1/8″ mini-jack or a 14″ TR phono connector. You can quickly listen to a full mix and find the ideal location for your mics when recording your guitar solo thanks to the over-ear fit and small, portable size. Otherwise, they’re wonderful for watching movies and listening to podcasts.
With the exception of its ear pads, which are prone to minor flaking with continuous wear, the Sony MDR-7506 is one of the most economical headphones on this list but has a very sturdy design.
The Sony MDR-7506 offers superb sound that many long-time users will attest to, making it the ideal pair of headphones for any beginning guitarist seeking for a simple pair. It is ideal for monitoring your guitar amp sounds in the studio or live because of its strong high-end and low distortion, which give it a neutral color.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
The DT 770 Pros might not be for you if your preference is for headphones with touch-sensitive pads, flashing LEDs, and other bells and whistles. On the other hand, get ready to fall in love if sound quality is your first priority and you don’t want to go on comfort or durability.
The DT 770 Pros are reference-level headphones created particularly for studio monitoring. Don’t be concerned if that sounds a little frightening. Considering it Even if you’ve never entered a recording studio, every time you connect your guitar to your amplifier, you’re listening to the sound it makes. A comparable experience—the most sincere, genuine sound—is what you seek while playing with headphones.
These headphones don’t appear to be anything unique from the outside. All they really do is look fashionable, feel comfortable, and function. When you put them on, the situation completely changes. A character with a very low bass response and a highly clear, detailed frequency response of 5Hz to 35KHz is produced. They offer an impartial listening space that is ideal for listening to subtle plucking, chugging rhythm, or screaming lead.
Additionally handmade in Germany, they are created to be worn for extended periods of time. These headphones might be the only set you ever purchase because all the essential components are interchangeable.
These headphones can’t serve as your go-to set for grabbing on the move because of the fixed wire and the absence of controls. Despite the huge size, users with larger heads may find the DT 770’s headband to be a touch uncomfortable. The fact that they weigh only 0.6 pounds and have soft micro fiber ear cups that comfortably suit most ear sizes makes them one of the lightest pairs of headphones available.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
These headphones are among the best-selling models not just for Audio-Technica but also overall. Audio-Technica does not distinguish between its ATH-M50x cans and its professional catalog and consumer items. They are advertised as studio, gaming, and general use headphones.
With a broad, plush headband, thickly padded earcups, plastic components that have a shot-peened appearance, and brushed stainless steel accents, they really look the part. We had to make sure we weren’t accidentally issued a model that was more expensive. There are some nice user-friendly design features, such as how the earcups swivel through 90 degrees so you can wear them comfortably on your neck when not in use, and how they compact down into a manageable package that’s easy to slip into a travel bag.
They sound how? What stands out right away is the bass response, which is robust but well-balanced. This is a result of the two substantial 45mm drivers, which have copper-clad aluminium voice coils and neodymium magnets. Additionally, there is plenty of midrange definition and clarity here, as well as integrity that will remain true to your original sound.
Although there is no Bluetooth or active noise cancellation, the velvety earcup cushions perform an excellent job of blocking out outside noise and preserving the clarity of your guitar playing. Guitar players who spend most of their time in their studio would benefit most from the Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro headphones, which are made for critical listening for amplifiers. It is the most adaptable and cost-effective pair of headphones for guitar amplifiers, offering the balanced tone that distinguishes the DT series.
They also took home our prize for the best headphones for mixing, which is the cherry on top. The velvety earcup cushions do a wonderful job of blocking out the outside world and keeping your guitar playing in clear focus even if there is no Bluetooth or active noise cancellation.
Vox VH-Q1 Smart Noise Cancelling Headphones
At NAMM 2020, these fresh active noise-cancelling headphones from Vox undoubtedly caught some attention. They are a wonderful tool for vocal and guitar practise since they can pick up and isolate frequencies from your instrument, amp, or voice for a pure and clear tone.
The ability to feed in an audio source and blend it with what you play makes it ideal for practising with or playing along to backing tracks. The VH-Q1 also has a rechargeable battery that lasts 36 hours on a single charge and supports voice assistance services like Google Assistant and Siri.
Even more cleverly, it knows to automatically halt tracks when you take off your headphones and resume them when you put them back on. Vox therefore has you covered on all fronts, whether you are taking calls, gaming, rehearsing or performing to someone on the other end of the line, or simply wish to listen to music.
EDIFIER H850
The Phil Jones, founder of Acoustic Energy, famously calibrated Edifier H850 are renowned for its crisp and clear sound characteristic.
While the H850’s bass is not ideal due to its propensity to blend into the low mids, you can anticipate your guitar to sound very clear thanks to robust high and lower mids. They don’t entirely eliminate the background noise, but they succeed in reducing it.
The Edifier H850 offers a rich, clear sound that enables you hear individual instruments and singers if you want a light bass. However, an amplifier must be used to power the H850 in order to get the most out of it.
Guitarists who are constantly on the go will like the headphones’ removable 2m long, 3.5mm cord and 14-inch jack. Edifier is renowned for its exceptional customer service and will respond quickly to your issues if you have questions or are dissatisfied with your purchase.
It is a stunning pair of headphones with a simple style that are not only fashionable but also ergonomically created. It is one of the most comfortable pairs available for continuous usage because to oscillation leather cups, premium sponge inserts, and a flexible headband.
KRK KNS 8400
KRK, known for its studio loudspeakers, made their debut in the headphone market with the KNS series. It is a set of monitoring headphones with an all-purpose on-ear, closed-back circum-aural design. It boasts a powerful upper-midrange, low bass, and high end and is meant to mimic the studio-quality sound of the KRK studio monitors.
It produces a sound that is very accurate, realistic, and clear by offering a dynamic range with low distortion and an expanded frequency range.
You may anticipate hearing your strings as realistically as possible via your guitar amps, which is best for tracking and creating mixes with your instrument. However, the KNS Flat EQ sound comes at the expense of having comparatively weaker bass, which is not ideal for making electronic music or for more informal activities like gaming and watching movies.
Despite having removable cables, the connector’s exterior plastic shell needs a unique shape that can only be made by KRK. This is KRK’s first headphone model, thus there aren’t as many third-party compatible accessories as there are for many of the more well-known brands.
Some people may find the included straight cables to be too subpar, in which case you may want to invest more money on more attractive coiled cords. It readily conforms to the contour of your head and is quite comfortable thanks to memory foam, removable cushions on the top of the head and the headphones. It’s a plastic-built, lightweight, and portable pair of headphones with removable cords and spinning earpieces.
FAQs
Is a wired or wireless pair of headphones better for playing the guitar?
For less latency in monitoring, wired headphones are generally preferable. However, the length of the cable will decide its other potential applications with your guitar amp, such as playing outside, on a stage, or in a big studio. The Sony MDR-7506 is an excellent option if you’re set on a pair of headphones with a wide frequency range for live performances.
The open-back Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT offers you a varied listening experience and a long 40-hour battery life at an inexpensive price point for people who wish to obtain the advantages of both wired and wireless headphones. These headphones have detachable cords that you can add or remove based on your requirements.
Are studio headphones better than normal headphones for the guitar?
Rather than being consumer-grade, several of the options in this guide are “studio-grade” headphones. This is so that you can get that incredibly low 808 on your hip-hop tracks or more clarity in the vocals on pop and dance songs using consumer-grade headphones (like Beats or Skull Candy).
It’s wonderful if you’re just listening to some of your favourite music, but for guitarists who meticulously craft our guitar tones, that’s the last thing you want to do. Studio-quality headphones provide an EQ curve that is referred to as “flat.” That means your guitar tone alone, unfiltered and without any hype.
Can I play the electric guitar without Amp?
You can play an electric guitar without an amplifier, technically speaking. At the same time, the volume will be low due to the pickups’ weak electromagnetic signal. The amp is necessary in order to amplify the weak output and provide a louder loudness.
Bottom Line
Guitar amp headphones are packed with benefits, and every guitarist should think about getting a pair. Keeping certain factors in mind while buying these headphones is essential. These include the price, wired or wireless, comfort, sound delivery, frequency response, and more. Knowing your requirements is extremely important while shopping for guitar amp headphones.
You can also look for headphone amps if you want to increase the volume of your headphones. However, buying headphone amps on a budget can definitely be a difficult task. Check out this article to make this job easier for you: 15 Best Headphone Amps Under $200.
