The 7 Loudest Headphones Available Today

• What are the loudest headphones?
• Can headphones be loud in Wireless mode?
• While these are the loudest headphones, please be responsible for looking after your hearing!

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Modern headphones are able to give users an irreplaceable, immersive experience. Headphones are used for a variety of purposes, from movie watching and gaming to audio mixing and phone calls.

If there’s anything the average listener grades their headphones on, it’s loudness.

A high-quality set of headphones should be able to provide listeners with a strong playback signal consistently, whether directly connected or in wireless mode.

We’ve compiled a list of the 7 loudest headphones on the current market.

We’ve also provided each model’s respective specifications and features to help you decide if it’s a smart purchase option for you.

P.S. Also check out our post on the loudest JBL speakers if you’re so inclined!

What To Look For in A Headphone?

• Loudness is an important factor to consider when buying a set of headphones, but it is also crucial to consider the clarity of the playback signal that your headphones produce. Good headphones should not distort or over-compress audio, which some models sadly do when they’re pushed to high volume levels.
• Certain headphones may differ drastically in quality when switched from direct to wireless mode. When testing headphones, be sure to monitor the sound quality and signal strength in both of these settings. 
• Always consider the battery lifespan of your headphones. Intensive music listeners and audiophiles may want to prioritize headphones with a battery life of over 12 hours for reliable, consistent use. 
• Be sure to examine the materials used in the housing and finish of your desired headphones. Cheaper materials may look cool or feel light, but they can also break easily or degrade faster than more costly textiles. 

What Are The Loudest Headphones?

There are a healthy number of headphones on offer to listeners in the current market. We’ve compiled this shortlist below and graded these headphones on their overall loudness and sound quality.

We’ve also chosen some select models to suit specific user preferences such as intended use and budget capacity. With these factors in mind, our list of the 7 loudest headphones are listed as follows:

1. Sennheiser HD 4.50 Bluetooth Wireless Headphones (Our Pick)
2. OneOdio Over-Ear Wired Premium Stereo Headset (Best Value)
3. Beats Studio 3 Wireless Over Headphones
4. Sony WH1000XM3
5. Dolby Dimension
6. Audio Technica ATH – M50xBT
7. Skull Candy Hesh 3

1. Sennheiser HD 4.50 Bluetooth Wireless Headphones

Features

• Price: $199
• Max Volume: 113 dB
• Weight: 0.74 lbs
• Frequency Range: 18 Hz – 22 kHz
• Bluetooth: 4.0
• Battery Life: Up to 18 Hours
• Noise Canceling: Yes

Review

Sennheiser has long been considered one of the modern giants in the speaker and headphone design spheres.

The HD 4.50 Wireless Headphones are a prime example of their fine craftsmanship and deliver a serious amount of power for their asking price.

At 113 dB, the headphones carry more than enough volume for users to enjoy and provide a stunning stereo image alongside.

The Sennheiser 4.50’s even come with adjustable noise control that allows users to precisely set the amount of isolation to their desired level.

The Sennheiser 4.50s are housed in a highly comfortable rubber padding with very comfortable cushioning around the earpads.

These headphones offer top-of-the-range Bluetooth performances, even while running on the older 4.0 firmware.

The headphones can perform at high volume levels for up to 18 hours, which should be sufficient for most music listeners to utilize. 

2. OneOdio Over-Ear Wired Premium Stereo Headset– (Best Value)

Features

• Price: $32.99
• Max Volume: 110 dB
• Weight: 0.63 lbs
• Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Bluetooth: None
• Battery Life: n/a

Review

Not everyone can afford a top-shelf item, and sometimes users like to have a pair of expendable headphones for frequent use.

The OneOdio’s offer a surprising amount of punch and drive considering their asking price. Their power is thanks mostly to the impressive 50mm drivers used in the speaker setup.

The overall frequency response has some noticeable peaks and dips, which can be aggravated by loud volume levels.

However, if you value loudness over sound quality, and you’re looking to save a pretty penny, these headphones are an exceptional choice.

It’s important to note that these headphones do not work in wireless mode, which may be an issue for users seeking mobility.

However, there are ports for both 3.5 mm and 6.4 mm audio jacks, which is a healthy compromise on usability.

The materials used for the housing are fairly durable but may experience wearing left in harsh conditions for extended periods. 

3. Beats Studio 3 Wireless Over Headphones 

Features

• Price: $349
• Max Volume: 101 dB
• Weight: 0.58 lbs
• Frequency Range: 18 Hz – 22 kHz
• Bluetooth: 4.2 + W1 Chip
• Battery Life: Up to 40 Hours
• Noise Canceling: Yes

Review

While Beats’ initial release found quick popularity amongst commercial users, they were pressured to create a model that was meant for more intensive listening purposes.

Enter Beats Studio 3, their latest addition to this range. These headphones’ greatest assets are their wide and balanced frequency response.

Regular Beats headphones tend to be bass-heavy, but these deliver a strong, clear, and true audio signal response. 

The housing on the Beats Studio headphones is made up of sturdy plastic, with soft material used to cover the ear pads.

Users can adjust their headphone settings and some playback parameters with the onboard controls at the right earcup.

These headphones fold up for travel, which can help protect them from damage or breakage.

Thanks to the Apple W1 chip the headphones can pair with secondary devices such as Airpods or another set of Beats headphones for shared playback. 

4. Sony WH1000XM3 

Features

• Price: $459
• Max Volume: 105 dB
• Weight: 0.58 lbs
• Frequency Range: 4 Hz – 40 kHz
• Bluetooth: 4.2 
• Battery Life: Up to 30 Hours
• Noise Canceling: Yes

Review

Sony WH-1000 XM3 offers its users a very healthy range of audio mixing and sound-shaping options.

The headphones generate a very competitive amount of power, which is backed by some highly intuitive noise cancellation technology.

Using the built-in microphone these headphones can adjust their isolation properties as your environment changes around you.

An ambient filter helps to block out background noise, which does well to support the strong playback quality that these headphones deliver. 

They also comes with a handful of adjustable EQ presets that users can fine-tune to preference.

Added to the sound mixing options is an intriguing virtual room emulator that allows you to place your audio in some simulated spaces such as a concert hall.

Users can also link the Sony WH1000XM3’s with their android or iOS assistants, as well as make and receive phone calls directly through the headphones.

5. Dolby Dimension

Features

• Price: $599
• Max Volume: 105 dB
• Weight: 0.76 lbs
• Frequency Range: 25 Hz – 20 kHz
• Bluetooth: 4.2 
• Battery Life: Up to 9 Hours
• Noise Canceling: Yes

Review

Many headphone buyers seek to find something to enhance their movie-watching experience.

The Dolby Dimension headphones are designed specifically for use with Dolby Atmos surround sound technology, and there are fewer headphone experiences as immersive as the Dolby Dimension.

Their onboard processors generate 3Dmodelled sound images for realistic surround sound emulation.

The noise cancellation capabilities on these headphones let certain background noises pass through the filter, such as a nearby voice or important alarm tones. 

One questionable design element is the lack of a wired option with these headphones, even though they work well in wireless mode.

This also creates extra pressure on the battery, which tops out at a meager 9 hours.

However, what the Dimension may lack in functionality, it makes up for with an extremely high-quality audio performance. 

6. Audio Technica ATH – M50xBT2 

Features

• Price: $249
• Max Volume: 99 dB
• Weight: 0.68 lbs
• Frequency Range: 15 Hz – 28 kHz
• Bluetooth: 5.0
• Battery Life: Up to 50 Hours

Review

The ATH – M50X BT2 might not win the loudness wars, but it certainly puts up an admirable fight.

The headphones are powered by a set of 45mm transducers that produce a crystal clear playback signal even when played at loud volume levels.

Maximum volume levels on these headphones don’t introduce any clipping or excess gain, and the frequency response is very balanced.

The listening experience these headphones create is incredibly friendly on the ear and can be used for lengthy periods without causing any major damage to the ear canal. 

The ATH M50X BT2’s housing materials and build add to its comfortable listening experience. The earcups are easily adjustable and feel almost weightless on the ear during use.

These headphones carry a built microphone that is almost equal in quality to their speaker and provides a strong signal for voice commands and phone calls. On a full charge, these headphones can be used for up to 50 consecutive hours. 

7. Skull Candy Hesh 3 

Features

• Price: $69
• Max Volume: 110 dB
• Weight: 0.60 lbs
• Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Bluetooth: None
• Battery Life: Up To 22 Hours
• Noise Canceling: Yes

Review

If you like the general loudness in your headphones and aren’t too serious about headphone functionality or sound quality, then the SkullCandy Hesh 3’s might be for you.

These headphones are specifically geared toward passive music listeners that enjoy a bottom-heavy playback signal.

The overall frequency response creates a weighty low-end that should pull favor for any fans of music with heavy bass lines and kick drums.

However, anyone looking for headphones that provide a flatter frequency response may need to consider other options. 

There aren’t a ton of user features or add-ons that come with the SkullCandy Hesh 3’s, although they’ve still managed to pack in a few user aids.

The headphones come with a rapid charge function that can provide up to 4 hours of playback with just 10 minutes of charging.

There are also some basic noise cancellation properties, and some essential user controls placed on either ear cup. 

Quick Tips For Using Headphones

• The ear cups are generally the most fragile parts of a set of headphones. Try to keep this part of your headphones dry and out of harsh weather conditions in between use. Direct sunlight, smoke, and heat can cause the material used on your ear pads to peel or flake prematurely.
• Your headphones will always sound stronger and clearer when plugged directly into the playback source. If possible, try to find a set of headphones that have a plug-in option.
• It’s important to give your ears sufficient rest when using headphones for long periods and to never push the headphones to maximum capacity if they cause any discomfort or pain in your ears.
• Try to let the battery on your headphone run empty before recharging, as this will help prolong the battery lifespan. 

Searching for the world’s best headphones? Check out The Best Headphone Brands In The World (Our 7 Picks).

Final Thoughts

There is a serious amount of competition for consumers to choose from when it comes to loud headphones in the modern age.

Most high-grade headphones will peak anywhere over 100 dB, which can be used as a general rule of thumb for anyone that doesn’t understand loudness standards for headphones.

The loudest headphones may also not be the best option for your requirements.

When shopping for a new set of headphones, also be sure to check their functionality, usability, and durability to ensure that they meet your requirements. 

Lastly, if you are planning to use your headphones at maximum volume levels, be sure to give your ears a healthy break every half hour or so.

Loud headphones with effective noise canceling can be especially taxing on the ear canal.

New to DJ’ing and looking for headphones? Check out our pick of the 7 best headphones for all budgets!

FAQ

What is the maximum volume for headphones?

Most high-quality headphones generally come with a loudness limit between 105 and 110 dB. However, the loudest headphones on this list have a maximum volume level of 113 dB