For all of us avid fake readers out there, it’s imperative that we savor our precious time alone with an audiobook, whether on our commute to the office or in between moments of existential despair. So, let’s not mess around with crappy headphones. We deserve better.
What Makes a Good Audiobook Headphone?
It’s all about balance. If a headphone has too much bass, our narrator will sound like a dying walrus moaning in his last breath. On the other hand, if the headphone presents too much treble or sibilance, then every “S” that is uttered will pierce our ears, ultimately causing tinnitus and making our lives even more painful than they already are. The ideal headphone is one that conveys an honest and transparent yet forgiving sound. We want to do justice to the talent of our narrator, while also enjoying the sonic experience. At the same time, we all have our preferences; some like vocals to sit forward and give an intimate vibe, while others prefer a more majestic or grander-sounding tone. So, it’s helpful to know about the different sound personalities that headphones can offer. But more about that below.
Think about Your Environment
Are you mainly listening to audiobooks on the go in loud subways and on busy streets? If so, you’ll probably want the convenience of Bluetooth headphones with ANC (Active Noise Cancellation). But if you primarily listen to your books in relatively quiet places, a more affordable and/or more detailed wired headphone might be the best option. With the above factors in mind, let’s explore some of the best options on the market for audiobook listening.
Best Bluetooth Headphones for Audiobooks
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is the second Bluetooth iteration of one of the most famous headphones ever made. Physically, the M50xBT2 is built like a DJ headphone. It’s super sturdy, and it folds and flips, making it one of the most portable options on the list.
It's important to note that the M50xBT2 is the only wireless model on this list to have no ANC. Personally, I find the natural sound isolation sufficiently effective on these headphones, but if you’re looking for the most private listening experience, you might want to consider the options below.
Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4
The Momentum 4 is Sennheiser’s flagship Bluetooth headphone, and it’s one of the best-selling wireless models on the market. At its default balance, the Momentum 4 has a reasonably powerful bass, but that can be dialed down on the accompanying app. Additionally, the soundstage is very spacious and there’s some nice coloring to the tone of the lower frequencies. As a result, male voices, especially, will have some gravitas and texture. Overall, these cans achieve a pleasing combination of robustness and clarity. And like the above example, the Momentum 4 delivers audiobooks and music with equal finesse. The noise-cancellation on the Sennheiser Momentum 4 is also one of the most effective on the market.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
This model is a personal favorite of mine, which is why I bought it for myself in blue. Besides having a classy aesthetic, the sound signature also presents a refined, yet dynamic personality. It’s another great all-rounder if you also plan on using your headphones for music, as well. Again, as with most consumer Bluetooth headphones, there’s enough bass presence to make music pop. At the same time, you won’t hear any bass bleed or muddiness in the middle frequencies. Listening to male narration, the voice is clean and tightly contained without sounding clinical or dull, while female vocals never sit too in your face. And like the Momentum 4, the ANC on the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e works effectively, especially with low rumbling sounds. Still, it’s good to note that, as with all ANC headphones, shrieking children will still be audible.
Best Wired Headphones for Audiobooks
Sony MDR-7506
As mentioned, once you start exploring wired headphones, you’ll find that clarity and overall high-performance are available at a more accessible price compared to most consumer wireless ANC models. The Sony MDR-7506 is perhaps the most classic monitoring headphone on the market, and not only because it has been around so long; the detailed delivery, even-handed balance and affordability of the MDR-7506 makes it a popular choice for recording professionals and home studio enthusiasts alike. What does this have to do with audiobooks? Well, the sound never lies. You’ll hear all the crackles and breaths in the narrator’s voice, although it never feels unpleasant. On the contrary, the inoffensive tuning makes the Sony MDR-7506 one of the most versatile headphones on the list in terms of the types of vocals it accommodates. Musically, these headphones are also well-rounded and able to handle any genre you choose to play.
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
So, we’ve talked about the M50xBT2. The M40x is a cheaper wired alternative that might be even more appropriate for audiobooks than the M50x. It presents flatter tuning, so no vocal frequency will be favored over another. It’s also incredibly transparent given its affordability and feels just as durable as its famous big brother. Like the Sony MDR-7506, the Audio-Technica M40x is a popular choice for music professionals on a budget. It may not sound as dynamic and poppy as the M50x, but it’s perfect for listeners who plan on using these cans for audiobooks and audiobooks only. That’s not to say it’s too boring for music. It’s just not as charismatic as some of the other models listed in this article. Listen: it gets the job done.
Shure SRH1540
If you really want to get cozy and put your pajamas on, the Shure SRH1540 will provide you with large, plush earpads and a snug yet forgiving fit that feels supremely light on the head. The build quality is exceptional (and yes, you pay for it). Like the above wired headphones, this model is designed for studio monitoring, which makes it perfect for audiobooks, as well. It sits at the highest echelon of professional studio headphones. So, in terms of transparency and detail, the Shure SRH1540 is hard to beat. In fact, you might start hearing sounds from your audiobook that you may not be prepared for. Let’s hope the recording booth was kind to the narrator.
For more information about the featured Bluetooth and wired headphone models, be sure to check out our product pages. Or drop us a line below, and we’ll do our best to reply to your comments and questions.
0 Comments