9 Best Headphones for Audiobooks

For those of us who love getting lost in stories and expanding our knowledge through audiobooks, choosing the right pair of headphones can enhance our...

For those of us who love getting lost in stories and expanding our knowledge through audiobooks, choosing the right pair of headphones can enhance our listening experience. But, which are the best headphones for audiobooks? Whether you prefer over-ear headphones or in-ear earbuds, this guide will help you choose the perfect audio companion.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II offers superior active noise cancellation (ANC) that drowns out background noise, perfect for long periods of audiobook immersion. It features comfortable ear cups and a flexible headband, with up to 20 hours of battery life. Google Assistant and Alexa integration make for easy audiobook controls.

Sony WH-1000XM4

With excellent sound quality and powerful ANC, Sony's WH-1000XM4 ranks as one of the best noise-cancelling headphones for audiobooks. Its adaptive sound control automatically adjusts ambient noise levels to ensure a superb listening experience. These wireless headphones boast up to 30 hours of battery life and a comfortable headband for long periods of use.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2

For those who prefer earbuds, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 is an excellent choice. These in-ear headphones offer superb audio quality, a comfortable fit, and noise isolation that blocks out background noise. Their charging case provides up to 28 hours of battery life.

Apple AirPods Pro

The Apple AirPods Pro are perfect for iPhone users, with Siri integration for effortless audiobook playback controls. They feature active noise cancellation and transparency mode, allowing you to adjust your listening according to your environment. They have a high-quality build, wireless charging, and come with different silicone ear tips for a customizable fit.

Jabra Elite 85t

The Jabra Elite 85t earbuds deliver great sound and come with ANC, making them ideal for audiobooks. They offer up to 25 hours of battery life with their charging case and have an ergonomic design. They're compatible with both iPhone and Android devices, and support Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant.

Beats Studio3 Wireless

Known for their high-end sound quality, the Beats Studio3 wireless headphones feature excellent sound, ANC, and long-lasting battery life. Their comfortable earpads and adjustable headband make them suitable for long periods of listening.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

These are the best budget headphones for audiobooks with impressive sound quality and battery life. The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 has a comfortable headband, soft ear cups, and up to 60 hours of playtime. Their Hybrid ANC technology reduces ambient noise for an immersive audiobook experience.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT

These over-ear headphones are loved by audiophiles for their wide frequency response, leading to an excellent sound experience. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT headphones provide 40 hours of battery life and seamless Bluetooth connectivity for effortless audio streaming.

JBL Free X

The JBL Free X earbuds offer a good balance between price range and quality. These true wireless earbuds have a water-resistant build, offering up to 24 hours of playback with the charging case. They provide a comfortable fit in the ear canal and great sound quality.

When choosing the best headphones for audiobooks, consider factors such as sound quality, noise isolation or active noise cancellation, comfort for long periods of listening, and battery life.

What headphones are good for voice recording?

When it comes to voice recording, the focus is usually on the microphone, but a pair of quality headphones is just as crucial. High-quality studio monitoring headphones are excellent for this task.

1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: With their wide frequency response and exceptional clarity, these headphones are ideal for monitoring recordings.
2. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO: These offer high comfort and sound quality, with a closed over-ear design that ensures minimal sound leakage.
3. Sennheiser HD280PRO: They offer high ambient noise attenuation and accurate sound reproduction, making them ideal for recording purposes.

If you Prefer Earbuds, here’s the best Earbuds for listening to audiobooks?

The best earbuds for audiobooks should offer great sound quality, comfort, and a good battery life:

1. Apple AirPods Pro: With active noise cancellation and a customizable fit, these earbuds are excellent for audiobook listening. Siri integration allows easy control over playback.
2. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2: These earbuds offer superior sound quality and active noise cancellation. With a comfortable fit and up to 28 hours of playtime, they're great for long listening sessions.
3. Jabra Elite 85t: These provide excellent sound quality, a comfortable fit, and active noise cancellation. They offer up to 25 hours of battery life, and support for Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant.

Are AirPods good for audiobooks?

Yes, Apple AirPods, including the standard AirPods and the AirPods Pro, are excellent for listening to audiobooks. Their seamless integration with Apple devices, coupled with excellent sound quality, make them a convenient choice for audiobook enthusiasts. AirPods Pro offer additional features like active noise cancellation and a transparency mode, making them ideal for immersive audiobook experiences.

What equipment do I need to listen to audiobooks?

Listening to audiobooks is a simple pleasure that requires minimal equipment:

1. Device for Playback: You can use a variety of devices to listen to audiobooks, such as smartphones, tablets, computers, or dedicated audio players. Most people prefer smartphones due to their convenience.
2. Audiobook App or Software: Applications like Audible, Google Play Books, Apple Books, or Libby provide extensive audiobook libraries. These apps also offer features like adjustable playback speed and bookmarks.
3. Headphones or Earbuds: A quality pair of headphones or earbuds significantly enhances the listening experience. Choose based on your preference for over-ear, on-ear, or in-ear devices, and consider features like active noise cancellation and battery life if you're going wireless.

Remember, the best headphones for you will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and the environment in which you'll be listening to your audiobooks.

What is the difference between over-ear and on-ear headphones?

Over-ear and on-ear headphones are the two main types of headphones and they differ in design and user experience.

Over-Ear Headphones

These are also known as "around-ear" or "circumaural" headphones. They feature large ear cups that enclose your ears completely. Over-ear headphones often provide excellent sound quality and good passive noise isolation due to their size and design. They're generally more comfortable to wear for extended periods, as they don't apply direct pressure to your ears.

On-Ear Headphones

Also known as "supra-aural" headphones, on-ear headphones have smaller ear cups that rest directly on your ears. They're typically lighter and more portable than over-ear headphones. However, they may cause discomfort over time due to the pressure on the ears, and they generally provide less noise isolation.

Does wearing earbuds cause hearing loss?

While wearing earbuds in itself does not cause hearing loss, prolonged exposure to high-volume sound can lead to noise-induced hearing loss over time. If you use earbuds regularly, it's important to follow safe listening practices:

1. Follow the 60/60 rule: Listen to audio at no more than 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time.
2. Take regular breaks to give your ears rest.
3. Consider using noise-cancelling earbuds or headphones, as these reduce the need to turn up the volume in noisy environments.
4. If you experience ringing in your ears or muffled hearing after listening with earbuds, these could be early signs of hearing damage, and it would be a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Top 9 Apps for Audiobooks:

1. Speechify Audiobooks: Speechify Audiobooks is the relatively new player in the audiobook space but with that newness comes fresh ideas and a robust feature set. With extremely competitive pricing and a la carte options along with immersive reading, Speechify Audiobooks is the best app for bibliophiles or the casual reader.
2. Audible (Amazon): Offers a vast library of audiobooks with excellent audio quality.
3. Libby (OverDrive): Free access to audiobooks from local libraries.
4. Google Play Books: No subscription required; buy audiobooks individually.
5. Apple Books: Integrated seamlessly with Apple devices.
6. Scribd: A subscription service offering access to a large audiobook library.
7. Hoopla: Free with a library card, providing access to a large selection.
8. Kobo Books: Offers a large selection of audiobooks for individual purchase.
9. Spotify Premium: Besides music, it offers a selection of audiobooks and podcasts.

Using the right headphones and apps can greatly improve your audiobook experience, providing comfort, great sound, and easy access to your favorite books. Happy listening!