10 Best Bass Earbuds in 2024

Best Bass Earbuds

Budget Pick: Sony MDR-XB50AP

The Sony MDR-XB50AP Extra Bass is a simple and comfortable in-ear headphone that features a special earbud design for optimum comfort. The cables are made from sturdy rubber that exudes a high-end feel to the headphone. It also comes in a variety of colors to accommodate all types of personal preferences.

The earbuds are slightly angled which means they won’t slide deep into your ear canal. I do find the lack of foam tips to be an oversight as that little feature helps provide added comfort.

I tried using the Sony MDR-XB50AP Extra Bass during my workout routines and found the earbuds tend to fall off. I don’t recommend these earbuds for intense working out but they can handle casual activities perfectly well.

When it comes to sound quality, the Sony MDR-XB50AP Extra Bass offers a rather average to slightly above average performance, but considering the price is pretty good. 

The bass performance is consistent, the mid-range frequency is well-balanced, and it does not have any distortion problems even at high volumes. However, I must point out that the bass tends to become muddled at times. I believe this is due to the headphones not having a large enough soundstage to support certain audio levels.

Noise isolation here is pretty decent and can block out a good percentage of ambient noise easily. I would recommend this for commuting around the city. Sound leakage is also a non-issue here and you can even listen to your music at full volume without distracting the people beside you.

Key Features:

• 12 mm drivers.
• Utilizes high-energy neodymium magnets.
• Silicone earbuds.

Our Rating:

• Sound Quality: 9/10
• Bass: 9/10
• Build Quality/Design: 8.5/10
• Fit/Comfort: 8.5/10
• Battery Life: n/a
• Connectivity (Bluetooth stability): n/a

Who would this be good for?

The MDR-XB50AP Extra Bass is a good choice for people who commute every day and are fans of loud booming bass music. They are lightweight and are non-obstructive. The one-button control seems odd though.

Pros:

• Solid construction and well-built.
• Impressive sound leakage prevention.
• Powerful bass.
• Price.

Cons:

• The one-button control feels limiting.
• Tend to fall out if running/working out.

Premium Pick: Klipsch X12i 

Klipsch X12i will catch your attention with its extremely diminutive design. This is definitely one of the most compact earbuds I’ve seen and it is thanks to its 3.5 mm connector. The braided wires offer durability. Controls are located on the left earpiece which is also attached to the in-line microphone.

The Klipsch X12i features a 10 mm driver that is installed in each earpiece and is marketed to produce frequencies as low as 5 Hz. Does that mean the deepest bass? Not necessarily, but it does help provide a satisfying bass production.

This headphone features the standard 3-button configuration in-line controls. You also get 5 different sets of ear tips with the package with two sets incorporating a semi-flange design. The sound quality is impressive with no distortion even at maximum levels. The Klipsch X12i can easily produce sub-bass frequencies but prevents it from drowning everything out which is great.

Overall, the Klipsch X12i offers solid audio quality and leans towards providing flat response sound. It provides crystal clear sound quality that balances everything else harmoniously. The Klipsch X12i certainly delivers and is a good choice for music lovers who prefer the crisp sound.

Key Features:

• KG-926 full-range balanced armature drivers.
• Unique compact design.
• Patented oval ear tips design.

Our Rating:

• Sound Quality: 9.5/10
• Bass: 9.5/10
• Build Quality/Design: 9/10
• Fit/Comfort: 9.5/10
• Battery Life: n/a
• Connectivity (Bluetooth stability): n/a

Who would this be good for?

If you have the budget, the Klipsch X12i is an ideal choice for those who prefer an extremely lightweight headphone that offers some of the best and most accurate sounds.

Pros:

• Exceptional well-balanced sound.
• Extremely lightweight and compact design.
• Several high-quality and comfortable ear tips to choose from.

Cons:

• Flat sound at times.
• Higher price range.

Here is a closer look at the Klipsch X12i with this short unboxing video:

Premium Pick: Sennheiser IE80 

The Sennheiser IE80 Adjustable Bass Earbud is an upgraded version of the IE8 which is a pretty solid high-end headphone itself. Do the tweaks incorporated into the IE80’s design worth it? The rubber and foam tips offer decent noise isolation from the outside world. The ear tips are also shaped so that it won’t burrow deep into your ear canals, it stays just outside which helps improve comfort.

If you are familiar with Sennheiser headphones (click to see our brand overview and top picks) then you know they have built a solid reputation when it comes to delivering a quality audio experience. The IE8 was well-known for delivering powerful bass which the IE80 once again brings to the table.

One of the best upgrades the IE80 offers is its enhanced audio clarity without dampening the bass response.

The biggest addition to the IE80 is the bass equalizer that lets the user decide how much bottom-end they prefer in their music.

Sound detail remains accurate even when tweaking the low-end performance. In terms of overall sound quality, this one is pretty similar to its predecessor which is good news since the IE8’s performance was impeccable.

I do feel that people who already have the IE8 should think twice about upgrading to the IE80 as it provides an almost identical performance and quality. It is a well-balanced headphone that delivers a level of clarity only seen in high-end headphones.

Key Features:

• Adjustable bass response.
• 10 – 20,000 Hz frequency.
• Detachable cable.

Our Rating:

• Sound Quality: 9.5/10
• Bass: 9.5/10
• Build Quality/Design: 9/10
• Fit/Comfort: 8.5/10
• Battery Life: n/a
• Connectivity (Bluetooth stability): n/a

Who would this be good for?

If you are looking for high-end crystal-clear sounding earbuds with good bass, then the Sennheiser EI80 is a notable choice. I don’t recommend this if you already have the IE8 headphone though due to both being almost identical with only a slight upgrade (i.e. adjustable bass response feature).

Pros:

• Impressive adjustable bass response feature.
• Top-notch sound clarity.
• Bass Equalizer function.

Cons:

• Only a slight upgrade from the Sennheiser EI8.

B & O Beoplay H3

The Beoplay H3 is a sleek pair of earbuds that encapsulates that modern aesthetic to the letter. It comes in various versions like the standard jet-black color, silver, and champagne (gold) models. The headphone casing utilizes tiny air vents that act as acoustic enhancers. Each earpiece has a 10.8 mm dynamic driver installed inside.

The package will also include 4 sets of rubber ear tips of varying sizes. The rubber ear tip fits perfectly in your ears which also acts as a seal to prevent most ambient noise and sound leakage. The in-line controls are connected to the left earpiece and placed so that it is located at chin height.

The Beoplay H3 also comes in two versions, one designed for iOS devices and the other for Android devices. The cables are marketed as tangle-free which is somewhat true as long as you properly coil them when not in use.

As for sound quality, I commend the Beoplay H3 for being able to deliver a polished bass response. Pushing the headphone to the max volume also did not produce any kind of distortion.

At moderate volume, the sound quality is crystal-clear and accurate with the bass response not overtaking the audio quality. People also discuss in some forums if these are possibly being one of the best earbud models under $200 although there is some expected disagreement. 

Key Features:

• 2 versions specifically designed to be compatible with iOS and Android devices.
• 10.8 dynamic full tone drivers.
• Produces authentic sound as close to the original as possible.
• Tiny air vents on the earpiece for improved acoustics.

Our Rating:

• Sound Quality: 9.5/10
• Bass: 9.5/10
• Build Quality/Design: 9/10
• Fit/Comfort: 8.5/10
• Battery Life: n/a
• Connectivity (Bluetooth stability): n/a

Who would this be good for?

The B & O Beoplay H3 headphone is as stylish as they come. Sound quality is clear and balanced with the bass response not eating up a large part of the experience even when the volume is raised to the max.

If you are looking for high-end earbuds but at a more reasonable price range, the Beopay H3 might be a good choice.

Pros:

• It comes in two dedicated versions for iOS and Android devices.
• Accurate mids sound quality.
• Lightweight and compact.
• No noticeable distortion at max volume

Cons:

• Not a good choice for those who prefer an exceptionally bright high range and powerful bass.

JVC Kenwood HA-FX850 

The JVC Kenwood HA-FX850 is a well-made, sleek, and practical headphone that is quite simply one of the best money can buy if you prefer in-ear headphones for your listening pleasure. As this uses the unmodified MMCX connection, looking for a replacement cable is actually extremely easy.

The detachable cable also has a nice little design feature that helps improve its overall quality. The driver and cable include a tape that increases the friction of the connection. This helps prevent the cable from swiveling and becoming loose.

The ear tips have spiral dot tips that are quite soft and do not cause any discomfort even when worn for long duration.

The noise isolation of the JVC Kenwood HA-FX850 is decent enough but it seems to have a problem blocking out the noise in a high human traffic area.

Personally, I would recommend this headphone for private listening or if you are in a relatively quiet public place. I won’t recommend this one to be used in a noisy coffee shop full of people.

Obviously, having a great construction and design plays second fiddle to the sound quality. In that regard, the JVC Kenwood HA-FX850 definitely earns its stripes as one of the best-sounding high-end headphones to date. The sound quality is bright and rich sounding which is always a huge plus for people who just want to enjoy their favorite tunes.

The bass response is also quite impressive. The bass is deep while still delivering a sense of clarity and detail. Bass-heavy music will no doubt shine with the JVC Kenwood HA-FX850. The treble manages to match up and is one of the high points of this headphone.

Key Features:

• MMCX removable cord construction.
• Hi-Res audio.
• Signature JVC quality.

Our Rating:

• Sound Quality: 9.5/10
• Bass: 9.5/10
• Build Quality/Design: 9.5/10
• Fit/Comfort: 9/10
• Battery Life: n/a
• Connectivity (Bluetooth stability): n/a

Who would this be good for?

The JVC Kenwood HA-FX850 is definitely one of the best choices for music lovers who want to spend their hard-earned cash on high-quality, amazing performance headphones designed to deliver the deepest bass. It offers one of the best audio quality for an in-ear headphone and manages to balance bass and treble perfectly.

Pros:

• Quality construction and material.
• Comfortable rubberized spiral dot ear tips.
• MMCX connection means replacing the damaged cable is easy.
• The top-notch bass response, bright mids, and highs, impeccable treble.

Cons:

• Sound can be too “bright” for audiophiles.

RHA T20 in-ear 

The slightly larger and heavier RHA T20 headphone might look bulky to most but don’t let that larger frame fool you. This is still one of the more comfortable headphones around. The size is in fact due to the dual coil dynamic driver that is installed on each earpiece.

What makes the dual coil dynamic driver special? Basically, it allows better separation between low and higher frequencies which then results in higher accuracy when it comes to sound production. I have tested it with various music genres and admit I’m quite impressed.

Bass response gets a nod as it delivers a good kick and carries the music from beginning to end. There is a slight loss in mid-range frequency accuracy due to the emphasis on the bass but that’s something only audiophiles would likely notice.

The good news is that the RHA T20 headphones come with filters that allow you to tweak the sound quality to your liking. While this increases the chances of having an imbalanced sound, if you are picky about your audio quality then this is as good an alternative as any.

Overall, the RHA T20 is a fun high-end earbud that delivers absolute highs with powerful lows. Sound quality is detailed and is paired with a design that feels snug and convenient.

Key Features:

• High-resolution dual coil dynamic driver.
• 303F injection molded stainless steel ergonomic housing.
• Interchangeable tuning filters.

Our Rating:

• Sound Quality: 9.5/10
• Bass: 9.5/10
• Build Quality/Design: 9.5/10
• Fit/Comfort: 9/10
• Battery Life: n/a
• Connectivity (Bluetooth stability): n/a

Who would this be good for?

The RHA T20 is a perfect companion for individuals who prefer fun and detailed sound with a good low-end frequency production.

Pros:

• Well-balanced and highly detailed sound.
• Heavy and punchy bass response.
• Comfortable.

Cons:

• Playing more complex rhythms does give it some slight trouble.

V-MODA Zn In-ear 

When it comes to overall design and presentation, the V-MODA Zn is one of the most stylish pairs of in-ear headphones on the market. The angular and industrial-themed housing certainly gives the V_MOD its own personality. The housing is made from zinc alloy combined with plastic for a pretty sturdy result.

While made of zinc alloy, the V-MODA still manages to be quite lightweight and comfortable. The product also comes with several ear tips. It is also compatible with Comply’s foam ear tips which are some of the most comfortable in the market of headphones.

The cable is Kevlar reinforced which makes it quite durable and can withstand years of constant use. It utilizes the standard in-line controller with three-button configurations for iOS and a one-button control scheme for Android devices.

The V-MODA utilizes 8 mm dynamic drivers which deliver improved accuracy while causing minimal to nil distortions. The housing also incorporates a special airflow system to allow for better acoustics. The Zn compliments popular music genres like EDM, pop, and any soulful music with female vocals.

V-MODA has made it easy to recommend this headphone due to the design, construction, and performance. It pretty much caters to everyone’s taste and the bass quality is neck and neck with the previously mentioned T20s.

If there is a downside to the V-MODA Zn it is the slight hiss that affects certain songs when played at max level.

Key Features:

• 8 mm dynamic driver.
• Zinc alloy housing.
• Patented Active Flex sport ear hooks.
• Diamondback Kevlar-reinforced cables.

Our Rating:

• Sound Quality: 9/10
• Bass: 9.5/10
• Build Quality/Design: 9.5/10
• Fit/Comfort: 9/10
• Battery Life: n/a
• Connectivity (Bluetooth stability): n/a

Who would this be good for?

The V-MODA Zn headphone is designed to please all types of music lovers. It offers a well-rounded approach when it comes to performance. While it might not offer the best accuracy, it does a solid job in delivering a near perfectly balanced sound quality.

Pros:

• Tough metal housing.
• ·Amazing and deep bass response.
• Clear mid-range frequency response.
• It comes with several nifty accessories.

Cons:

• A slight hiss with certain songs played at max volume.

Audiophile Pick: Sennheiser IE800 

As a high-end in-ear headphone, the Sennheiser IE800S is actually quite small when compared to its competition. This is actually a preference of mine along with other customers as I expect headphones to be portable while offering high-quality sound.

The diminutive frame of the IE800 is all thanks to its 7 mm dynamic driver that is installed within each earpiece. The housing is made from scratch-resistant ceramic with some internal parts are made from durable plastic. This helps balance out the weight while offering a pretty durable headphone.

Ear tips use the signature design of Sennheiser which means it fits snug without drilling into your ear canal. Although you might want to experiment with the different ear tip sets to find the best one for you.

In terms of sound quality performance, the Sennheiser IE800 offers impressively powerful bass response depth. Bass response is tight and versatile, even more so than the IE8 model. The bass response quality of the IE800 easily blows most of its competition out of the water.

Treble is not an issue with the IE800 as it is quite detailed. The fact that the IE800 manages to produce this level of results with a 7 mm dynamic driver is mind-boggling and impressive. As a high-end in-ear headphone, the IE800 definitely earns every penny.

Key Features:

• 5 – 45,000 Hz frequency response.
• 7 mm dynamic driver.
• High-quality ceramic housing.
• Part detachable cable.

Our Rating:

• Sound Quality: 10/10
• Bass: 9.5/10
• Build Quality/Design: 10/10
• Fit/Comfort: 9/10
• Battery Life: n/a
• Connectivity (Bluetooth stability): n/a

Who would this be good for?

Due to the price tag of the Sennheiser EI800, this is not a simple question to answer. While the IE800 is definitely one of the best and most accurate sounding headphone around, it has certain weak points that I need to point out.

For example, the headphone seems to rely on sudden spikes to boost treble quality. However, the bass response is without a doubt superb.

Deciding on a headphone with this price tag will fall on personal preference. All in all, the IE800 is an impressive compact beast of a headphone that, if you can afford it, will deliver the goods.

Pros:

• Excellent bass depth and power response.
• Impressive treble detail.
• Well-made and durable.
• Compact and lightweight design.

Cons:

• No remote control.
• Non-detachable cables.

FiiO F9 PRO

Bass heads looking for huge bass aren’t too concerned with neutral and precise sound.

The FiiO F9 earbuds aren’t all about balanced sound, but they are all about that bass.

They have the best build quality for the price and the technology in the hardware is high-end. These earbuds blast bass with a 9.2 mm dynamic driver and dual balanced armature drivers that deliver bass and detailed, clear sound.

The detachable earpieces are a great feature because you can replace the cable if necessary.

Pros:

• Great build quality
• Bright sound and plenty of terrific bass.
• Comfortable over the ear style

Cons:

• Highs are a little bit harsh

Actionpie Earbuds – Budget Option

The Actionpie Heavy Bass headphones deliver exactly what it advertises. Along with the heavy bass performance comes a focus on comfort. This is a rather thick headphone but don’t let that distract you from the fact that this is one of the more comfortable and stylish looking ones on the market today.

The earpieces use metal housings with rubberized cables for added flexibility and comfort. While the dual-driver design may seem bulky at first, it actually feels good to wear and they fit snugly into your ears. You also get 6 pairs of silicone foam ear tips of different sizes. It also comes with a nifty little carrying pouch.

It utilizes 6 mm drivers to produce the impressive heavy bass.

Actionpie is known for delivering a well-balanced sound and they kept this tradition alive and well with this Heavy Bass headphone.  

The silicone foam earbuds also offer decent noise cancellation even in high noise traffic areas.

This is an overall solid earbud for those who prefer thumping low-range frequency and people who enjoy listening to bass-heavy music.

The metal casing used here actually helps in preventing vibrations due to bass-heavy noise. This in part, helps improve the overall sound quality.

Key Features:

• 6 mm dual-driver design with neodymium magnets.
• Exclusive tuning technology.
• High definition sound for powerful and deep bass.

Our Rating:

• Sound Quality: 9/10
• Bass: 9.5/10
• Build Quality/Design: 9/10
• Fit/Comfort: 9/10
• Battery Life: n/a
• Connectivity (Bluetooth stability): n/a

Who would this be good for?

If you prefer a headphone that goes against the norms in terms of design then this one is a good choice. That is not all you get, you will also obtain well-balanced and quality earbuds at a reasonable price.

Pros:

• High definition sound quality and solid noise cancellation.
• Well-made and comfortable.
• Unique design.
• Waterproof and dustproof.

Cons:

• cables are susceptible to wear and tear.

When it comes to choosing a pair of bass-heavy earbuds, comfort and fit should be considered but, obviously, the quality and depth of the bass should be the main determining factor.