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Buyer's guide: Top 10 headphones and headsets of 2023

Last Published on May 03, 2023 19:17 IST

Summary:

Looking for headphones and headsets under 12,000? HT Shop Now has curated a hand-picked collection of the best headphones for you. Learn about the best headphones and find your ideal match on a fixed budget.


Choosing a set of headphones and headsets can be confusing since there are so many alternatives available. If you are not sure of where to begin, we advise that you start by compiling a list of the features that are most important to you. From there, you may evaluate how well you can spend your money by comparing your requirements to the features of the headphones.

The best headphones not only sound fantastic, but they also fit in your pocket, block out noise during your commute on public transportation, and stay put in your ears while you work out. Hundreds of headphones in a range of styles and price points have been put to the test by our team. With links and some buying advice, this article offers along with a summary of our bestheadphones and headsets picks.

Product list

1. SONY MDR-ZX110AP

The Sony MDR-ZX110APheadphones let you easily switch between listening to music and taking essential calls. The 30 mm dynamic driver unit produces consistently clear sound, while the in-line controller and microphone render taking calls simple.

These on-ear headphones with a microphone have a 4-conductor L-shaped stereo small plug for improved connectivity and corrosion resistance. Other features include a 1.2- metre wire, a frequency response of 12-22000 Hz, a 24 Ohm impedance, and a sensitivity of 98 dB/mW.

Specifications

  • Product Dimensions: ‎5 x 5 x 5 cm; 120 Grams
  • Compatible Devices: ‎Audio Player, Laptop, Mobile, Tablet
  • Special Features: Wired Headphones
  • Manufacturer: Sony Corporation

Pros

Cons

Cushioned Earpads for Complete Comfort

Average Build Quality

A wide frequency spectrum (12Hz to 22kHz) generates deep bass, luscious mid-levels, and soaring highs.

 

Swivel Folding Design Facilitates Mobility

 

2. JBL TUNE 500BT

For many years, JBL has produced the bestheadphones in Indiafor both casual listeners and musical pros, and the company is regarded as a legend in the headphone industry. Overall, the sound quality of these headphones is rather impressive, and the Tune 500BT has a strong output power that enables you to listen intently, even at low volumes. As a result, you may enjoy high-quality audio without worrying about harming your eardrums. Whether you're listening to jazz or hip-hop, the audio's bass, midrange, and treble are all very evenly distributed throughout.

Specifications

  • Product Dimensions: ‎ 5 x 22.4 x 20.5 cm; 154.98 Grams
  • Special Features: ‎JBL Pure Bass Sound, Dual Pairing,
  • Compatible Devices: ‎‎All Bluetooth devices
  • Battery Average Life: ‎16 Hours
  • Manufacturer: ‎Harman International Industries

Pros

Cons

Very Lightweight

The device cannot be used on charging

Quick Charging

 

Flexible and Easy to Fold

 

3. BOAT ROCKERZ 550

The Rockerz 550 Bluetooth wireless over-earheadphones and headsetswith deep bass are an absolute must for those who value excellent sound. The Boat Rockerz 550's ability to pair with any Bluetooth device is among its best features. As soon as they are in range, a connection is made automatically. A major plus is the excellent built-in microphone, especially for calling. Overall, these headphones are really comfortable.

Specifications

  • Product Dimensions: ‎ 19.1 x 8.6 x 16.2 cm; 245 Grams
  • Compatible Devices: ‎‎Bluetooth Devices
  • Special Features: Over-ear, Instant Voice Assistant, Built-in Mic
  • Manufacturer: Imagine Marketing Ltd

Pros

Cons

Ergonomically styled over-ear headphones

Prolonged listening might be uncomfortable around the ears.

Amazing Bass with a 50mm Driver

 

playback time of up to 20 Hours

 

Impressive Noise Isolation feature

 

4. SENNHEISER PROFESSIONAL HD 280 PRO

The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro is a simple-looking, functional design headset, both inside and out. Despite how bland theheadphones seem, the HD 280 Pro is known for its dependability and usability. There is plenty of cushioning where it counts, so even several hours later, you shouldn't have too much discomfort.

Specifications

  • Product Dimensions: ‎ ‎18.69 x 24.49 x 8.38 cm; 285 Grams
  • Compatible Devices: ‎‎All Bluetooth Devices
  • Special Features: High ambient noise attenuation
  • Manufacturer: ‎Sennheiser

Pros

Cons

No sound leaks

Not the most appealing looks

Affordable Price

 

Ergonomic design

 

Lightweight and comfortable

 

5. LOGITECH G733

The Logitech G733 Lightspeed gaming headset is portable and has high-quality audio. There aren't many wireless gaming headsets for PC that function as well as the Logitech G733, and even fewer that are as comfy. They have an eye-catching, lightweight design that is also quite comfortable, and they have a very well-balanced sound profile, making them suitable for listening to a wide range of audio content. This lightweight, comfy headset is a good fit for anyone searching for a regular PS4 headset.

Specifications

  • Product Dimensions: ‎ 8.8 x 18 x 19 cm; 278 Grams
  • Special Features: ‎headband, over-ear
  • Manufacturer : ‎Logitech G
  • Battery Life: 29+ hours

Pros

Cons

Adjustable, Reversible Suspension Band

Average Bass Quality

DTS Headphone:X 2.0 offers surround sound that goes beyond 7.1 channels.

Oddly designed microphone

Precision Audio Clarity

 

Dedicated  on-ear sound controls

 

Detachable Mic with BLUE VOICE technology

 

6. AUDIO-TECHNICA ATH-M20X

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x offers good sound quality and is worth your money. However, if you want to spend more money, you'll get better sound quality, but if you're using them more for daily, workout, or travel use rather than mixing songs professionally, they'll work just fine because they don't have a cheap sound that will ruin your listening experience like some other less expensive headphones on the market.

Specifications

  • Product Dimensions: ‎ ‎25.4 x 28.96 x 10.41 cm; 189.94 Grams
  • Compatible Devices: ‎Smartphones, Laptops, Desktops, and more
  • Special Features: auditory masking
  • Manufacturer: ‎Audio-Technica

Pros

Cons

Comfortable earcups

Build quality feels cheap.

Headband is comfortable

The bass is not so impressive

Affordable Price

 

7. SENNHEISER HD 458

Sennheiser HD 458BT may be your best option if you value sound quality and are looking for a pair of earphones that cost less than 10,000.

Sennheiser HD 458BT are fantasticheadphones and headsetsfor listeners who enjoy almost all musical genres. These are excellent if you want solid vocals, beats with just a little bit of thud, and respectable other instrumentation. However, those who adore crystal-clear stringed instruments and higher pitches may find them a tad on the flat side.

Specifications

  • Product Dimensions: ‎‎69 x 24 x 2.5 cm; 238 Grams
  • Compatible Devices: ‎‎All Bluetooth devices
  • Special Features: ‎Noise Cancelling
  • Manufacturer:‎Sennheiser
  • Battery Life: 30+ hours

Pros

Cons

Active noise cancellation for uninterrupted listening pleasure

The user interface seems a bit cluttered 

Virtual Assistant button for Siri and Google Assistant

 

USB-C fast charging 

 

Bluetooth 5.0 technology offers great connectivity.

 

Deep Dynamic Bass

 

8. JABRA ELITE 45H

For casual listeners that put the best microphone and compactness first, the Jabra Elite 45h is a terrific pair of on-earheadphones. This is among the best on-ear headphones around. This set of compact on-ear headphones can handle most tasks adequately and is designed to travel with you. Battery life is excellent, and microphone quality is excellent. The Elite 45h's continuous ear cushion surface is its most distinctive design feature. These are seriously attractive on-ear headsets, regardless of which of the five colour schemes you choose (titanium black, gold beige, copper black, black, or navy).

Specifications

  • Product Dimensions: ‎ ‎15.7 x 18.6 x 60.5 cm; 240 Grams
  • Compatible Devices: ‎Apple iPad Air 2, Google Nexus 9, Microsoft Surface Pro 3
  • Special Features: ‎On-ear
  • Manufacturer ‎: GN Netcom Denmark
  • Battery Life: 50 hours

Pros

Cons

Superior Audio Quality

Hard to differentiate and reach buttons

Direct Access To Alexa, Siri And Google Assistant

 

Compact, Foldable and Lightweight

 

9. PANASONIC RP-HF100M

The HF100M on-ear headphones are lightweight and portable. The 30mm Driver Units produce exceptionally strong sound. The headband's ends are also angled at both ends for a snug fit. It has an integrated microphone that may be used for voice calls or for chatting with friends while playing online games.

Theseheadsetsare portable, feature excellent sound quality, and are durable and lightweight. They are compatible with Android, Blackberry, and iPhone devices. The switch-for-call feature lets you utilise the smartphone's microphone for phone calls while you may effortlessly listen to music on the go.

Specifications

  • Product Dimensions: ‎ 4.06 x 11.43 x 23.62 cm; 190.51 Grams
  • Compatible Devices: Both iOS and Android devices
  • Special Features: ‎ Microphone
  • Manufacturer: ‎Panasonic

Pros

Cons

Superb Sound Quality

Bluetooth is not so reliable

Lightweight headphone headset with comfortable padded ear cups

 

Available in a choice of four distinctive colours

 

10. SONY WH-CH520

The Sony WH-CH520 is the successor of the Sony WH-CH510 Wireless on-ear headphones. They are a significant improvement over their predecessor due to the Sony Headphones Connect app's customizability. It allows you to customise the control layout, access Sony's 360 Reality virtual soundstage software, and alter the sound profile using 5-band graphic EQ and presets. Overall, these on-ear headphones come with a lot of high-end features that some on-ear that cost more money don't even have, so they're definitely worth looking into.

Sony WH-CH520headsetsare priced under Rs. 5,000. The headphones come with compatibility for Swift Pair on PCs and Laptops and the Fast Pair feature on Android. The headset is offered in the colours Black, White, Blue, and Beige. The quality of the compressed music files is allegedly improved by the digital sound augmentation that is present in them.

Specifications

  • Product Dimensions: ‎‎‎4.48 x 17.39 x 19.72 cm; 310 Grams
  • Compatible Devices: ‎ Both iOS and Android devices
  • Special Features: ‎ Foldable, Microphone Included
  • Manufacturer: ‎Sony Corporation
  • Battery life: 50 hours

Pros

Cons

Digital Sound Enhancement (DSEE)Feature

3.5 mm jack missing

Google and Siri Voice Assistant

Noise isolation isn't the best.

Swivel folding design enhances portability.

 

Multiple Bluetooth device connectivity

 

Top 3 features for you

ProductFeature 1Feature 2Feature 3
SONY MDR-ZX110APWide frequency spectrumCushioned EarpadsSwivel Folding Design
JBL TUNE 500BTLightweightMulti-point connectionsWireless Bluetooth Streaming
BOAT ROCKERZ 550Value for moneyNoise Isolation featureInstant wireless connectivity
SENNHEISER PROFESSIONAL AUDIO HD 280 PROAround-the-ear designLightweightSoft earpads for a comfortable fit
LOGITECH G733Comfortable headbandPRO-G drivers significantly reduce distortionDetachable mic
AUDIO-TECHNICA ATH-M20XContoured earcups produce excellent sound isolationAccurate audio listeningVery minimal audio bleed
SENNHEISER HD 458Active noise cancellationUp to 30-hour battery lifePodcast Mode
JABRA ELITE 45HAdvanced 40mm speakersUp to 50 hours of battery lifeCompact, foldable and lightweight
PANASONIC RP-HF100MComfortable Earpads & HeadbandLightweight headphonesHigh-Quality Sound
SONY WH-CH520Great sound qualityUp to 50-hour battery lifelightweight and comfortable

Best overall product

For casual listeners who value portability and microphone quality above all else, the Jabra Elite 45h is a terrific pair of on-ear headphones. These on-ear headphones made by GN Netcom (Denmark) are pretty lightweight and have soft earpads and an adjustable headband that provide good comfort. It also has an amazing battery life.

The Jabra Elite 45h headphones are on-ear and offer a traditional premium headphone appearance. In terms of comfort, there are plush cushions on the inside of the headband and on the PU leather ear cups, which have perforated holes on either side. The ear cups provide excellent comfort, even during calls and prolonged music, and the Elite 45h sits firmly on your ears and doesn't slide off easily.

Best value for money

BoAt Rockerz 550 is an ergonomically created over-ear wireless headset that caters to the needs of music lovers. These headphones have the most recent Bluetooth v5.0 technology for seamless wireless communication. With its strong 500mAh battery, up to 20 hours of playback is possible. Moreover, dual connectivity in the form of Bluetooth and AUX allows the user to make use of the headset.

The Bluetooth wireless BOAT ROCKERZ 550 headphones are incredibly user-friendly and definitely worth the price. A major plus is the excellent built-in microphone, especially for wireless calling. These headphones have plush padding that makes them feel quite comfy.

How to find the Best Headphones and Headsets Under 12000?

There are a variety of online retailers that sellheadphones online. Check out our quick tips before making a decision to buyheadsets online.

  • Do Some Research: Look at online reviews, compare specifications and features, and read up on different phones.
  • Set a Budget: Figure out how much you're willing to spend and stick to it.
  • Decide what Features You Need: Think about the features you need, such as a good camera, battery life, or a large display.
  • Consider Additional Features: Think about features such as expandable storage, water resistance, dust protection, etc.
  • Compare Prices: Compare prices from different retailers to find the best deal.
  • Read Customer Reviews: Read customer reviews to get a better idea of the user experience.
  • Seek Recommendations: Ask your friends and family for their recommendations.

FAQs on headphones and headsets of 2023

The best headphones and headsets you can buy online depending on your needs and budget. Some popular brands include Sennheiser, Bose, Sony, Jabra, and JBL. When choosing the best headset for you, it is also important to consider factors such as sound quality, comfort, and noise-canceling capabilities.

The best way to determine which headset is better is to read reviews from other users who have used the headset. Look for reviews from people with similar needs and preferences as you do, and compare each headset's features, sound quality, and comfort. Additionally, you can reach out to friends and family who have used the headset and get their feedback.

Headphones provide a more immersive listening experience with improved sound quality, allowing users to hear music and other audio with greater clarity and detail. They are lightweight and compact, making them convenient to carry. Some benefits of using headphones are Portability, Privacy and Comfort.

Headphone audio quality is determined by a combination of factors, including the size and type of drivers, materials used to build the headphones, the design of the ear cups, the impedance, and the sensitivity. All of these elements work in tandem to create a unique listening experience.

Wearing headphones can be beneficial for a variety of reasons. Headphones can help block out distracting noises, allowing you to focus on your task. They can also help you to better enjoy music, podcasts, audiobooks, and other audio content. 

This really depends on what you are using them for. Generally speaking, headphones provide better sound quality and more features. On the other hand, earphones may be lightweight but typically have lower sound quality.

Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so ... we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority. Read more

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