By Tammy Rogers
Copyright tomsguide
Skip to main content
Tom’s Guide
Newsletters
View Profile
Search Tom’s Guide
You May Like
Forget AirPods Pro — these are my favorite wireless earbuds with even better sound for every budget
Don’t fall for the Spotify Lossless hype — here’s the streaming service you should use instead and why
I test headphones for a living — these are the best ones for spatial audio
Phone Insights
Phone Best Picks
Phone Deals
Phone Face-Offs
Phone How-Tos
Phone Reviews
Network Carriers
Android Phones
Google Phones
Motorola Phones
OnePlus Phones
Samsung Phones
Nothing Phone
TV Best Picks
TV Face-Offs
Audio Insights
Audio Best Picks
Audio Deals
Audio Face-Offs
Audio How-Tos
Audio Reviews
Over-Ear Headphones
Bluetooth Speakers
Smart Speakers
TV & Audio Brands
Entertainment
Streaming Devices
Prime Video
Paramount Plus
PlayStation
Handheld Gaming
Gaming Peripherals
Connections
Computing Insights
Computing Best Picks
Computing Deals
Computing Face-Offs
Computing How-Tos
Computing News
Computing Reviews
VPN Best Picks
VPN Face-Offs
VPN How-Tos
VPN Reviews
Operating Systems
Identity Theft Protection
Parental Controls
Malware & Adware
Virtual Reality
Augmented Reality
Smart Glasses
Chromebooks
Gaming Laptops
Apple Desktops
Gaming Desktops
Android Tablets
Computing Brands
AI Insights
AI Best Picks
AI Face-Offs
Google Gemini
Apple Intelligence
Mattress Best Picks
Mattress Deals
Mattress Face-Offs
Mattress How-Tos
Mattress News
Mattress Reviews
Mattress Care
Mattress Toppers
Pillows & Bedding
Smartwatches
Fitness Trackers
Smart Rings
Apple Watch
Home Insights
Home Best Picks
Home Face-Offs
Home How-Tos
Home Reviews
Home Topics
Home Appliances
Home Office
Home Security
Home Brands
Popular Brands
View Phones
Phone Insights
Phone Best Picks
Phone Deals
Phone Face-Offs
Phone How-Tos
Phone Reviews
Network Carriers
View Network Carriers
Android Phones
View Android Phones
Google Phones
Motorola Phones
OnePlus Phones
Samsung Phones
Nothing Phone
TV Best Picks
TV Face-Offs
Audio Insights
View Audio Insights
Audio Best Picks
Audio Deals
Audio Face-Offs
Audio How-Tos
Audio Reviews
Headphones
View Headphones
Over-Ear Headphones
View Speakers
Bluetooth Speakers
Smart Speakers
TV & Audio Brands
Entertainment
View Entertainment
View Streaming
Streaming Devices
Prime Video
Paramount Plus
View Gaming
PlayStation
Handheld Gaming
Gaming Peripherals
Word Games
Connections
View Computing
Computing Insights
Computing Best Picks
Computing Deals
Computing Face-Offs
Computing How-Tos
Computing News
Computing Reviews
VPN Best Picks
VPN Face-Offs
VPN How-Tos
VPN Reviews
View Hardware
View Software
Operating Systems
View Security
Identity Theft Protection
Parental Controls
Malware & Adware
View VR & AR
Virtual Reality
Augmented Reality
Smart Glasses
View Laptops
Chromebooks
Gaming Laptops
View Desktops
Apple Desktops
Gaming Desktops
View Tablets
Android Tablets
Computing Brands
AI Insights
AI Best Picks
AI Face-Offs
AI Engines
Google Gemini
Apple Intelligence
View Wellness
Mattresses
View Mattresses
Mattress Best Picks
Mattress Deals
Mattress Face-Offs
Mattress How-Tos
Mattress News
Mattress Reviews
Mattress Care
Mattress Toppers
Pillows & Bedding
View Fitness
Smartwatches
Fitness Trackers
Smart Rings
Apple Watch
Home Insights
Home Best Picks
Home Face-Offs
Home How-Tos
Home Reviews
Home Topics
Home Appliances
Home Office
Home Security
View Outdoors
Home Brands
Popular Brands
Exclusive Apple Interview
iPhone 17 Pro
Wordle Today
Best laptops
Best Mattress
Don’t miss these
Forget AirPods Pro — these are my favorite wireless earbuds with even better sound for every budget
Music Streaming
Don’t fall for the Spotify Lossless hype — here’s the streaming service you should use instead and why
I test headphones for a living — these are the best ones for spatial audio
I test audio gear for a living — and I recommend these headphones and earbuds above everything else
I review noise-cancelling headphones for a living — here’s my top picks for every budget
I test audio gear for a living — here’s my 5 favorite wireless earbuds under $100 with great sound
Over-Ear Headphones
I’ve Reviewed 18 Pairs of Headphones This Year — and These Are the Only 3 I Wholeheartedly Recommend
I test wireless earbuds for a living — here’s my top picks for every budget
Best headphones of 2025: Top picks tested by experts
Best Apple AirPods alternatives: Top picks of 2025
I review headphones for a living — 3 things you need to know before you buy
Forget AirPods Max — here’s the 5 headphones I recommend for every budget
Over-Ear Headphones
These are the best headphones for travel you can buy today for every budget
Over-Ear Headphones
I tested these headphones that are $150 cheaper than Sony and Bose — and they deliver even better sound
Over-Ear Headphones
These might be the best sounding headphones I’ve ever tested — and you won’t believe the price
Want to get the most out of Spotify Lossless? Grab one of these headphones
Tammy Rogers
16 September 2025
Enjoy Spotify Lossless as it’s supposed to be savored
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Meze)
Spotify Lossless has landed. Despite a disappointing (to some) lossless quality of 24-bit 44.1kHz, the streaming quality of one of the best music streaming services just got a massive upgrade.
Thing is, if you want to enjoy this new sound quality to its fullest, you’re going to need something better than the best wireless earbuds. Because the streamed files are much larger, a Bluetooth connection isn’t going to cut it — you’re going to need something wired.
Thankfully, there are some truly incredible options out there if you’re looking for some sick new cans to listen to Peter Gabriel’s Sledgehammer at its very best. Earbuds and headphones for every budget, from pocket change to “I might need to sell a kidney.”
You may like
Forget AirPods Pro — these are my favorite wireless earbuds with even better sound for every budget
Don’t fall for the Spotify Lossless hype — here’s the streaming service you should use instead and why
I test headphones for a living — these are the best ones for spatial audio
Before we begin…
(Image credit: iFi)
Let me first tell you about the “signal chain.” It’s actually very simple — it’s your output device, and then everything that gets the sound to your ears. That could be:
Your phone (source device)
Your phone’s DAC
A headphone dongle
Headphone cable
Your headphones
A signal chain is only as strong as the weakest of its parts. You could have the best pair of headphones around, but if your source device and its built-in DAC aren’t very good, you’re not going to be using your headphones to their fullest.
The DAC is a very easy part of the signal chain to switch out. It’s a “Digital to Analog Converter,” and it takes the digital audio track and converts it into a track that your headphones can play — and your ears can hear. The better the DAC, the better the conversion. See, not so complicated?
A great way of upgrading older headphones is to grab a new DAC — in some cases, it also lends your almost certainly headphone-jack-less device a way to plug in some wired headphones. Here are a couple that I recommend:
Sign up to get the BEST of Tom’s Guide direct to your inbox.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
iFi Go Link: $59 at Amazon
This wonderfully inexpensive little dongle-DAC brings a headphone jack to your phone, while providing high-quality conversion for those lossless tracks that Spotify now features. It’s super easy to use, and even comes with a Lightning adapter if you’re still rocking an older iPhone. One of the best upgrades for the budding audiophile on a budget.
Chord Mojo 2: $645 at Amazon
This little pocket powerhouse is my portable DAC of choice. It also features a very powerful headphone amplifier to help you run more demanding headphones, as well as some of the best audio circuitry available for under $1000. Its own internal battery powers it and features some audio customization features of its own. It’s not cheap, but it’s excellent.
Budget kings: Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro
(Image credit: Linsoul)
The KZ ZS10 Pro are a great way to dip your toes into Audiophiledom and enjoy the new streaming quality of Spotify. They’re not very expensive, yet they’re filled with the kind of specs that would have made 18-year-old me salivate till my mouth was dry.
They’ve got five drivers inside to play different elements of your music. That means increased instrument separation, excellent soundstage and dynamic bass. You won’t be wanting for anything sonically, let’s put it that way.
They also happen to look pretty cool with those stainless steel faceplates. I like the clear inner panel that lets you take a look at the interior of the buds. The cable is detachable, removing a key breakage point. Cable snaps or stops working? Replace it with a new one!
You may like
Forget AirPods Pro — these are my favorite wireless earbuds with even better sound for every budget
Don’t fall for the Spotify Lossless hype — here’s the streaming service you should use instead and why
I test headphones for a living — these are the best ones for spatial audio
Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro: was $49 now $44 at Amazon
These little wired buds give you excellent sound without breaking the bank. They’re comfortable and feature some truly epic detail so that you can hear every last bit of your favorite tunes. They don’t need much power either, making them perfect for your phone or laptop.
My first over-ears: Sennheiser HD 599
(Image credit: Sennheiser)
What list of Audiophile headphones would be complete without the HD 599? They’re a great pair of beginner cans, with excellent sound and a very wide soundstage to help you immerse yourself in your music. They’re light and they’re comfortable — what more could you want out of your headphones?
They’re actually the first pair of wired headphones that I ever bought. Coming in just over $100, they’re a fairly affordable option that doesn’t break the bank. I still use them now, thanks to the unique sound signature and barely there, super-light fit.
Some might find them a little light on bass, but they’re very articulate and detailed. They’ve got a neutral sound signature so that you don’t have to listen to over-emphasized bass or mids. Instrument separation is very good as well. Pair them with a solid DAC and you’re in for a great time.
Sennheiser HD 599: $115 at Amazon
My first pair of audiophile headphones — and they could be yours, too. They sound excellent, with a magnificent soundstage thanks to their open-back design. Just remember that everyone else will hear your music if you listen with them on the bus.
In-ear heroes: Meze Alba
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
Meze makes some of my favorite headphones and earbuds, and the Alba are one of the brand’s most affordable models. They’re a little in-ear marvel, from their funky shell design to the perfectly shaped tips that slide into your ears. They’re made of metal, making them feel far more expensive than the price you pay.
And then you start listening to your music, and nothing else matters. They’re crystal clear, providing more detail than just about anything else out there. Give them the high-quality tracks they deserve, and you’ll hear details and elements you’ve never heard before in tracks you’ve listened to a thousand times before.
You don’t need a separate amplifier either — they’re designed to work perfectly with the power that your phone pumps out. I absolutely love these little buds, and they’ve got a permanent place in my listening rotation at my desk. I love them.
Meze Alba: $159 at Amazon
The Meze Alba look and feel as good as they sound. I love their shell-like design. They also happen to sound incredible, with buckets of detail and some very precise bass. They’re comfortable as well, and the cable is replaceable should the unimaginable happen.
The best: Meze 105 AER
(Image credit: Nikita Achanta / Tom’s Guide)
Some of the best headphones for under $1,000 that I’ve tried, the Meze 105 AER are a great way to listen to Spotify’s latest lossless update. Connect that wire into your headphone jack, and prepare to be transported into another world — one where the only thing that matters is the music that you’re listening to.
They’re a lovely object. Metal hinges and a standout design, and they’re light weight so that they don’t cause any issues on your head. The leather headband that somehow manages to sit properly whenever you put them on. They’re a masterwork for the price — some would even believe you paid a whole lot more money for them.
Then there’s the sound quality. Controlled, effortless bass, a super wide soundstage, and some of the most impressive detail you’ll find anywhere. They’re lovely — almost so much that they deserve more than Spotify Lossless. Might I suggest the excellent Qobuz instead?
Meze 105 AER: $399 at Amazon
They’re some of the best headphones I’ve tried for the price. They’re very comfortable, look epic, and they sound truly spectacular. They’re not cheap, but their metallic build shows you where your money is going.
The classic: Sennheiser HD600
(Image credit: Sennheiser)
The Sennheiser HD 600 are perhaps one of the most well-known pairs of headphones in the world. They’ve been a staple for audiophiles since they were released nearly 30 years ago. How have they stuck around that long? Because they’re really, really good.
They’re super detailed, making them very good for critical listening. They’ve traded in some bass volume for that detail and clarity, but you also get an incredibly wide soundstage in return. They’re about as immersive as they come, putting you directly in the center of your favorite tunes.
They’re comfortable and lightweight to boot, and the cable you get in the box is wicked long. It’s replaceable too, should you find it gets broken. Like the cans above, these may well be overkill for Spotify Lossless — but your ears will thank you.
Sennheiser HD 600: was $499 now $296 at Amazon
The detail kings, the HD 600, are known the world over by audiophiles who value their ability to reveal even the smallest elements of music. Comfortable, lightweight, and sonically unbeaten, the HD 600 are some of the best audiophile headphones that money can buy.
Follow Tom’s Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!
More from Tom’s Guide
Spotify Lossless just dropped — here’s how it compares to Apple Music, Tidal and other high-res services
I toured Apple’s secret audio lab to see how it built and perfected the AirPods Pro 3
My favorite earbuds for movie nights are the AirPods — here’s why
$151.05 at Crutchfield
$159 at Amazon
$399 at Target
Check Walmart
Tammy Rogers
Social Links Navigation
Audio Editor
Tammy and her generous collection of headphones have found a new home — Tom’s Guide! After a two-and-a-half-year stint as iMore’s resident audiophile, Tammy’s reviews and buying guide expertise have more focus than ever on Tom’s Guide, helping buyers find the audio gear that works best for them. Tammy has worked with some of the most desirable audio brands on the planet in her time writing about headphones, speakers, and more, bringing a consumer focussed approach to critique and buying advice. Away from her desk, you’ll probably find her in the countryside writing (extremely bad) poetry, or putting her screenwriting Masters to good use creating screenplays that’ll never see the light of day.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
Forget AirPods Pro — these are my favorite wireless earbuds with even better sound for every budget
Don’t fall for the Spotify Lossless hype — here’s the streaming service you should use instead and why
I test headphones for a living — these are the best ones for spatial audio
I test audio gear for a living — and I recommend these headphones and earbuds above everything else
I review noise-cancelling headphones for a living — here’s my top picks for every budget
I test audio gear for a living — here’s my 5 favorite wireless earbuds under $100 with great sound
Latest in Headphones
I toured Apple’s secret audio lab to see how it built and perfected the AirPods Pro 3
My favorite earbuds for movie nights are the AirPods — here’s why
I love my AirPods Pro 2 but I won’t be buying the AirPods Pro 3 — here’s why
Apple AirPods Pro 3 review: The best AirPods yet
Here’s your first look at the Nothing Ear 3 earbuds launching next week
I hated running with a fiery passion — until I tried these workout earbuds
Latest in Opinion
I just found the perfect co-op game for new players — and it’s one of the best Lego titles ever
Want to get the most out of Spotify Lossless? Grab one of these headphones
I almost got hit with a phishing attack and a malicious app last week — here’s how I knew not to click
I use ChatGPT every day — but this one flaw still drives me crazy (and I can’t be the only one)
I ditched my TV for this portable projector with a massive 150-inch picture for a week — here’s how it went
Apple’s falling further and further behind in the AI arms race — and the iPhone 17 launch proves it
LATEST ARTICLES
Bose Smart Soundbar vs Polk Audio Signa S4: Which mid-range soundbar is for you?
Amazon Device & Services Event 2025: Date, time, and what we expect to see
Samsung Galaxy S26 may not come with this much-needed battery upgrade — and I can’t believe this is happening again
I ditched my TV for this portable projector with a massive 150-inch picture for a week — here’s how it went
Starz just dropped one of the best streaming deals ever — grab a 12-month subscription for $23 right now
Tom’s Guide is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.
Terms and conditions
Contact Future’s experts
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Advertise with us
Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street,
Please login or signup to comment
Please wait…
