Top 10 Headphones Your Favorite NBA Players Wear

James Harden on the court wearing the sweat-resistant PowerBeats Pro. (From: YouTube/Beats by Dre)
James Harden on the court wearing the sweat-resistant PowerBeats Pro. (From: YouTube/Beats by Dre)

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Check out which headphones your favorite NBA players use on and off the court.

As a basketball fan, it’s perfectly normal to want to use the same things as your favorite NBA players. This is especially true for brands and products that both of you can enjoy.

But, the hunt for the pair of headphones your favorite NBA stars are using can be difficult. After all, there are simply a lot of products to choose from! 

Plus, who can spend so much time tracking NBA players’ movement to know which headphones they actually use? 

Luckily, we’ve compiled the top 10 headphones worn by some of your favorite NBA players, so you won’t have to. Find out which NBA headphones are commonly used by the top players in the league, plus some more additional information about each product.

Beats Studio3

LeBron James sporting a custom Thom Browne Studio3 x Beats by Dre Wireless Headphones.
LeBron James sporting a custom Thom Browne Studio3 x Beats by Dre Wireless Headphones.
Used by: LeBron James, James Harden, Anthony Davis, Nikola Jokic, Trae Young, Jimmy Butler, Karl-Anthony Towns

Beats by Dre is NBA’s current headphones sponsor and for good reason. A lot of NBA players use and endorse their products. Most notably, NBA stars such as LeBron James, James Harden, and Anthony Davis have all been seen sporting Beats Studio3 headphones before entering the court.

The Beats Studio3 are also great even during warm-up sessions. These over-ear headphones can stand constant movement without falling off, making them the perfect companion for many basketball stars during training and casual playing.

LeBron James is a huge fan not only of the Beats Studio3, but of the brand Beats by Dre as a whole. LeBron is actually a stakeholder in the company, and also serves as the sole NBA spokesperson for the brand.

These NBA headphones utilize wireless Bluetooth connectivity and active noise cancellation technology. They feature 22 hours of battery life, as well as fast-fuel charging. They have a sleek matte finish, come in a variety of colors, and can connect seamlessly to all Apple devices.

Apart from this, though, the Beats Studio3 shine because of their sound quality. Beats are known for their emphasis on bass, and the Studio3 are not an exception. These headphones pick up on the subtlest of sounds, which improve the overall listening experience. You can easily be engulfed with the grooves and the beats with these headphones on.

However, a major concern with the Beats Studio3 is its build quality. The thin headband makes these headphones look sleek, but at the risk of making them more flimsy. These headphones aren’t sweat- or waterproof, too, so extra care must be taken when wearing them during active sports or workouts.

For more information about this product, check out this article on the true value of Beats headphones.

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JBL LIVE 650BTNC

Stephen Curry holds a ball while sporting his JBL LIVE 650BTNC. (From: JBL UK)
Stephen Curry holds a ball while sporting his JBL LIVE 650BTNC. (From: JBL UK)
Used by: Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum

JBL is a trusted brand that offers excellent comfort coupled with hip aesthetics. For this reason, a lot of NBA players use their products.

An example for that is the JBL LIVE 650BTNC. These are Stephen Curry’s, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s, and Jayson Tatum’s headphones of choice because they feature great noise cancellation technology, as well as 30 hours of battery life—a perfect pair for relaxing and listening to music off the court. The headphones are also portable and ergonomic; they can be folded up to save some space in your bag.

Aside from that, the JBL LIVE 650BTNC also comes with Ambient Aware and TalkThru features, which allow users to listen to their surroundings despite active noise cancellation. Made with faux leather, the headphones’ ear pads are also comfortable to wear.

Sound quality is also superb. In fact, Curry once held these headphones’ sound quality as something that helps him take things up to a whole new level on and off courts. With a distinct V-shaped signature, these headphones accentuate the highs and lows of each sound, giving ample clarity and bass punch. The product also offers added perks, such as a companion app for sound customization.

However, the JBL LIVE 650BTNC doesn’t allow users to adjust noise cancellation levels. The headphones also utilize MicroUSB for charging, which may not be readily available now over the newer USB-C.

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PowerBeats Pro

James Harden on the court wearing the sweat-resistant PowerBeats Pro. (From: YouTube/Beats by Dre)
James Harden on the court wearing the sweat-resistant PowerBeats Pro. (From: YouTube/Beats by Dre)
Used by: LeBron James, James Harden, Karl-Anthony Towns, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, Anthony Davis, Jayson Tatum

The PowerBeats Pro are among the best earbuds with microphone this 2021, and they’re also being used by stars like LeBron James and James Harden on and off the court. These earbuds are completely wireless, allowing players to move freely while using them. They are also sweat- and water-resistant, with a rating of IPX4, making them a great choice during training and casual playing.

Many NBA stars have starred in a commercial for the PowerBeats Pro called NBA Unleashed. The commercial showcases the PowerBeats’ versatility as a trusty companion during practice–sweat-proof and secure in place even during training.

These NBA earbuds feature 24 hours of playtime, and also. The PowerBeats Pro allow for fast charging, are perfectly portable, and come powered with Apple’s H1 chip to easily connect to all kinds of Apple devices. These earbuds also have secure-fit ear hooks, keeping them securely in place without the risk of falling out, even during active sports like basketball.

PowerBeats Pro, however, only offer limited noise isolation. Portability may also be improved as the PowerBeats Pro come in a large, bulky case that won’t fit most pockets.

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Bose 700

Luka Doncic wearing a suit and his Bose 700. (From: Instagram/@lukadoncic)
Luka Doncic wearing a suit and his Bose 700. (From: Instagram/@lukadoncic)
Used by: Luka Doncic

Budding NBA star Luka Doncic enjoys using the Bose 700 during his free time. Luka Doncic has been seen with his Bose 700 headphones off the court, with a custom-painted Slovenian flag and his jersey number on the side.

Apart from the Bose 700 headphones, Luka Doncic also seems to love other headphones from the same brand. He has posted multiple photos on Instagram sporting different pairs of Bose headphones for different occasions.

Interestingly, although Luka Doncic isn’t an endorser of Bose headphones, he is an ambassador for the brand’s sunglasses with built-in speakers — the Bose Frames.

The Bose 700 headphones exude a minimalistic yet modern feel, and also provide their users with great comfort and fit. They also come with features such as active noise cancellation, ambient mode, and touch controls.

These Headphones feature 11 different noise cancellation levels, which users can tweak according to their preference, making these one of the best noise cancelling headphones in the market. These headphones also boast 20 hours of battery life and a fast-charging option. In terms of sound, the Bose 700 headphones also deliver well, with bass notes slightly elevated for a fuller sound experience.

Unfortunately, the Bose 700 headphones may not be the best choice if you’re looking for compact, portable headphones, as this pair can’t be folded. The headphones can also emphasize treble notes a bit too much sometimes, which can be harsh to the ears.

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Master & Dynamic MW65

Kevin Durant wearing Master & Dynamic MW65 on the street. (From: Master & Dynamic Blog)
Kevin Durant wearing Master & Dynamic MW65 on the street. (From: Master & Dynamic Blog)
Used by: Kevin Durant

Master & Dynamic is a relatively new brand that only launched last 2014, but it’s been Kevin Durant’s brand of choice ever since.

The Master & Dynamic MW65 is actually the first product of Kevin Durant’s Studio 35 collaboration with the brand. Durant has mentioned that Master & Dynamic products have been an important part of his day-to-day life that he sought to form a collaboration with them.

That’s why he ultimately forged an equity partnership, via his investment firm Thirty Five Ventures, with Master & Dynamic. The product is the MW65 that came from this partnership and has been a staple in Durant’s off-court activities ever since.

The MW65 headphones are built with premium material designed with maximum comfort in mind. Their ear pads are made from soft lambskin, and the headband is covered with stitched leather. The frame, meanwhile, is made from anodized aluminum.

These headphones offer top-notch noise cancellation, making it one of the best noise-cancelling headphones for travel. They also sport a relatively long battery life of 21 hours per charge, as well as fast-fuel charging that adds 12 hours of playtime after only 15 minutes of charging.

MW65’s sound is evenly balanced, with lows and highs heard equally well. It is even significantly improved by aptX codec support, which is good news for Android users. However, these headphones do not support AAC, so the sound quality may not be as rich for iPhone users.

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HyperX Cloud Alpha

Joel Embiid using the HyperX Cloud Alpha while paying. (From: YouTube/HyperX)
Joel Embiid using the HyperX Cloud Alpha while paying. (From: YouTube/HyperX)
Used by: Joel Embiid

Who says NBA stars can’t enjoy casual gaming? Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers, most notably, uses the HyperX Cloud Alpha headset – a powerhouse pair of gaming headphones used by professional esports players. Joel Embiid relies on the HyperX Cloud Alpha for a smooth gaming experience, when he simply wants to “put his opponents in their place.”

The Cloud Alpha headphones have the basic features you’d need on a gaming headset, plus more. The headphones’ hardware is extremely durable, coming with an aluminum frame, hard plastic cups, and a braided cable. This pair also has a detachable cable and inline controls for adjusting volume and muting the microphone.

The Cloud Alpha’s noise isolation features are pretty good, too, without compromising ear comfort. Their ear pads are made from soft pleather for maximum comfort.

In terms of sound quality, the Cloud Alpha headphones surprisingly deliver as well. Their audio output is accurate and close to the original sound, although a stronger bass response can be added for a better in-game experience.

Since this is primarily marketed as a gaming headset, these headphones may not be your best bet for activities other than video gaming. Because of their bulky design, the Cloud Alpha aren’t as portable and versatile as other headphones on the list.

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Apple AirPods 2

Damian Lillard wearing the Apple AirPods 2 and holding their case. (From: YouTube/GQ Sports)
Damian Lillard wearing the Apple AirPods 2 and holding their case. (From: YouTube/GQ Sports)
Used by: Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard may be seen sporting JBL headphones from time to time, but he’s also a big fan of the Apple AirPods 2 in private. In fact, in an exclusive GQ interview, he names the AirPods as part of 10 essential items he can’t live without. He’s a big fan of the AirPods’ functionality and portability—they’re small, handy, and don’t require that you plug a cord into the phone.

AirPods have seven handy features that differentiate them from other earbuds in the market. The AirPods have an automatic feature that momentarily pauses your audio if you take an earbud out. To seamlessly integrate them with Apple devices, the AirPods also have a touch-sensitive exterior that allows users to summon Siri, as well as perform basic commands on the device.

The AirPods’ microphone is also pretty good—it’s crisp, clean, and doesn’t come out muffled. The AirPods also have a decent battery life of 5 hours, with the case working as a charger as well.

However, the sound quality of the AirPods can be a bit underwhelming for those looking to hear lower notes and bass sounds. It’s not water-resistant, too, and does not have active noise cancellation built in. Individuals looking for these two features may opt for the AirPods Pro instead.

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Muzik One Connect

Chris Paul sporting the Muzik One Connect. (From: muzikconnect.com)
Chris Paul sporting the Muzik One Connect. (From: MuzikConnect)
Used by: Paul George, Chris Paul, Bradley Beal

A newcomer in the market, Muzik is quickly becoming a game-changer in the headphones industry. Its product, Muzik One Connect headphones, are being used by NBA stars like Paul George, Chris Paul, and Bradley Beal.

These headphones are so loved by Paul George that he even has a custom-printed pair. Meanwhile, Chris Paul has already invested in the company last 2015, and basketball Michael Jordan has also invested money into Muzik last 2016.

The One Connect wireless headphones seem to be Beats by Dre and Bang & Olfusen married together. These headphones sport sleek, modern designs, with a lot of functionality on the side.

These headphones come with an assortment of accessories—an extra 3.5mm cable, spare ear pads, a carrying pouch, a hard case, and even a carabiner for hooking them onto your backpack. They can also be integrated with sites like Spotify, Facebook, and Twitter, allowing you to connect on the go.

The One Connect headphones also let you change the volume, or call your device’s smart assistant, using controls on the ear cup. They also provide excellent comfort, thanks to their hybrid on-ear and over-ear cushions.

In terms of sound quality, these headphones perform well, too! Sound quality is crisp, clear, and perfectly balanced. However, their build quality may still be improved. The headband is pretty thin and is prone to damage if not properly taken care of.

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SkullCandy Crusher Wireless

Kyrie Irving wearing the SkullCandy Crusher Wireless Headphones. (From: skullcandy.co.uk)
Kyrie Irving wearing the SkullCandy Crusher Wireless Headphones. (From: Skullcandy)
Used by: Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving is a huge SkullCandy fan, and currently, he’s using the SkullCandy Crusher Wireless off the court. You can see him wearing these headphones during podcasts and interviews, and he’s mentioned in an interview with GQ that they’re one of his daily essentials, too.

Kyrie Irving has been an official endorser and partner for SkullCandy since 2012. Currently, he’s an equity holder in the company and has played a huge role in collaborating with the brand since 2016.

The SkullCandy Crusher Wireless headphones have big physical controls on the earcups for easier access. They can easily be folded, and also come with a carrying pouch for added portability. The earpads are also soft and comfortable for long-time use.

The Crusher Wireless also boast an impressive 40-hour playtime, which can go even longer if you keep the bass quality to a minimum. These headphones really pay attention to bass sound and quality, with a dedicated slider under the ear cups solely for adjusting bass levels.

A downside to the SkullCandy Crusher Wireless is that they’re not waterproof. The carrying case they come with is waterproof, though, so make sure to store them there when not in use.

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JBL Everest Elite 300

Justise Winslow holding the JBL Everest Elite 300. (From: Twitter/@IAmJustise)
Justise Winslow holding the JBL Everest Elite 300. (From: Twitter/@IAmJustise)
Used by: Justise Winslow, Stephen Curry

The JBL Everest Elite 300 headphones are the headphones of choice for Memphis Grizzlies player Justise Winslow. Justise Winslow has been seen wearing this specific pair of headphones off the court after games.

The Elite 300 headphones offer total noise cancellation, and are designed to allow the user to adjust how much outside noise can get in. These on-ear headphones are wireless, and can be worn up to 10 hours without charging.

Other NBA stars, such as Damian Lillard and Bam Adebayo, seem to prefer another pair of headphones from the same brand. These NBA players use the JBL Everest Elite 700, which are an over-ear version of the Elite 300s. The JBL Everest Elite 700 share a lot of features with the Elite 300s, but with the addition of a microphone and a few more features.

However, both of these headphones aren’t entirely sweat-proof, so they aren’t recommended for wearing during training.

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Conclusion

In this article, we’ve talked about 10 different pairs of headphones used by some of the best players in the NBA currently. We hope you were able to learn which brands and products your favorite player swear by, and what features make these NBA headphones a great choice for you as well.

Think we missed out on anything? Let us know what you think in the comments!

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