The Best and Worst Headphones of 2024 That Left Audiophiles Cheering or Cringing

We look at the highs, the lows, and the downright head-scratchers released in 2024.

The headphone market in 2024 has been a mix of groundbreaking hits and baffling misses. From stunning flagships to overhyped disappointments, it’s been a wild year of new releases for audiophiles.

Here are the headphones and IEMs that stood out this year… for better or worse, in no particular order.

The Best Headphones of 2024

1. Modhouse Tungsten

• Connection: Wired
• Type: Over-ear, open-back
• Driver Type(s): Double-sided planar magnetic
• Impedance: 155 Ω
• Frequency Response: Not specified

The Modhouse Tungsten has earned a reputation as one of this year’s standout headphones, and for good reason. Its neutral tuning, detailed sound reproduction, and massive soundstage create an experience that feels both precise and immersive. And, that comes with a particular talent for portraying depth and dimensionality in complex recordings.

What makes the Tungsten unique, however, is its modular design approach. Users can swap different grills to fine-tune the treble response to their preferences. Or, you can even create custom 3D-printed grills for personalized sound shaping.

These headphones require thoughtful system matching, though, as they’re power-hungry. However, when properly driven, they deliver a level of performance that challenges headphones at much higher price points.

2. Meze Audio LIRIC 2nd Generation

• Connection: Wired
• Type: Over-ear, closed-back
• Driver Type(s): Planar magnetic (Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array® MZ4)
• Impedance: 61 Ω
• Frequency Response: 4Hz–92kHz

Meze Audio took their original LIRIC formula and gave it a warmer, more organic flavor with the second generation.

The bass has more presence now, which is enough to satisfy those who found the original too lean, but without crossing into bloated territory.

Where the first LIRIC aimed for studio-like neutrality, this version embraces a more naturalistic approach. The treble still shows plenty of detail but it’s been thoughtfully tamed.

You’ll hear all the subtle textures in string instruments and cymbals.

As for the mids, they have a darker, richer quality that works particularly well with genres like pop-punk and classic rock.

Some purists might miss the original’s clinical precision. But for anyone seeking a good closed-back option that bridges the gap between audiophile detail and everyday listening pleasure, the new tuning makes a compelling argument.

3. Sennheiser HD 490 Pro

• Connection: Wired
• Type: Over-ear, open-back
• Driver Type(s): Dynamic
• Impedance: Not specified
• Frequency Response: Not specified

The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro builds on the strengths of the HD800 series, but in a more approachable and versatile version of the classic reference headphone.

What makes the HD 490 Pro special is its ability to serve as both a professional tool and an enthusiast’s headphone. The balanced tuning works effectively across genres. The soundstage is vast, the imaging feels pinpoint accurate, and the balanced tuning works well across a wide variety of genres.

Plus, Sennheiser also improved the ergonomics, making these headphones comfortable for long sessions.

4. Kiwi Ears KE4

• Connection: Wired
• Type: In-ear, closed-back
• Driver Type(s): 1x dynamic driver, 2x BA drivers
• Impedance: 28 Ω
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 KHz

Sometimes the best IEMs come from unexpected places. And for less than $200, the KE4 manages to embarrass competitors costing hundreds more.

What makes it special isn’t any single standout feature. It’s how everything comes together in a package that just works.

The sound is warm without being muddy, detailed without being harsh. Bass hits with satisfying weight but stays controlled, while vocals remain clear and natural. Basically, it’s tuned to be enjoyable rather than analytical, making it perfect for long listening sessions.

So, for anyone looking to step into higher-end audio without dropping a fortune, the KE4 is one of 2024’s easiest recommendations. It proves you don’t need to spend big money to get sound that competes with the best.

5. ZMF Caldera Closed

• Connection: Wired
• Type: Over-ear, closed-back
• Driver Type(s): Planar magnetic
• Impedance: 60 Ω
• Frequency Response: Unspecified

The ZMF Caldera Closed stand out in the limited field of high-end closed-back headphones.

Using ZMF’s ADS (Atrium Dampening System), it manages to deliver open-back-like soundstage while maintaining the isolation benefits of a closed design. The planar magnetic drivers provide exceptional bass control and extension without artificial emphasis, while maintaining the speed and detail traditionally associated with planar technology.

They’re not exactly neutral. But, they’re able to balance technical excellence with musical engagement. So, while they’re not made to be reference headphones, they can definitely be an enjoyable pair.

Not to mention, the craftsmanship is stunning, with wooden ear cups that look as good as they sound.

And, while these aren’t the lightest headphones available, ZMF’s headband design helps distribute the weight effectively for longer listening sessions.

6. DMS Omega

• Connection: Wired
• Type: Over-ear, open-back
• Driver Type(s): 50mm dynamic
• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Frequency Response: Not specified

As audio reviewer DMS’s first product, the Omega headphones represent a unique entry in the high-end headphone market, mostly because of its design. These headphones focused purely on achieving optimal frequency response. So, it takes an engineering-first approach where every design choice serves the sound, even at the expense of conventional aesthetics.

For one, the 3D-printed chassis isn’t about cutting costs. Rather, it’s precisely engineered to reduce unwanted interference and get the best performance from its 50mm dynamic driver.

They’re not gonna win any design awards. But these compromises result in a sound that leaves little to complain about.

7. Hisenior Mega5 EST

• Connection: Wired
• Type: In-ear, closed-back
• Driver Type(s): 1x dynamic, 2x balanced armature, 2x electret
• Impedance: 25 Ω
• Frequency Response: 10Hz–50kHz

The Mega5 EST is a quiet standout in the crowded tribrid IEM market.

Instead of chasing pure technical performance, Hisenior found an impressive balance between detail and musicality.

The sound is rich and full-bodied, but maintains the clarity you’d expect from a high-end tribrid design.

Genres flow naturally different through these IEMs. From classical to electronic, everything sounds authentic without forcing analytical listening.

The catch? They’re remarkably tip-sensitive, but once you find the right fit, they compete convincingly with IEMs costing significantly more.

8. Truthear Gate

• Connection: Wired
• Type: In-ear, closed-back
• Driver Type(s): 10mm dynamic
• Impedance: 28 Ω
• Frequency Response: 10Hz–45kHz

For something that costs less than a decent dinner, the Truthear Gate manages to punch well above its weight.

Truth be told, there’s nothing particularly flashy about the Gate. But, these $20 IEMs succeed by doing the fundamentals right (i.e. clear, engaging sound without major flaws)

While its predecessor, the Hola, played it safe with a warmer signature, the Gate takes a livelier approach that brings out more detail and energy in the music.

They’re not perfect. The midrange can get a bit shouty with certain tracks, and some might find the new plastic build less premium than the Hola’s. But between the excellent stock cable, comfortable fit, and engaging sound that works across genres, it’s hard to find much to complain about at this price point.

9. DCA Noire X

• Connection: Wired
• Type: Over-ear, closed-back
• Driver Type(s): Planar magnetic
• Impedance: 13 Ω
• Frequency Response: Not specified

The DCA Noire X demonstrates how great closed-back headphones can be. The sound opens up with a rare spaciousness that feels more like open-backs than closed, which is achieved through DCA’s acoustic metamaterial filters borrowed from their flagship models.

The bass extends deep while maintaining pristine texture and detail, never overwhelming the mids. Meanwhile, the treble adds just the right amount of air and sparkle without becoming fatiguing.

Plus, its high sensitivity means it works beautifully with portable gear.

10. FiiO FT1

• Connection: Wired
• Type: Over-ear, closed-back
• Driver Type(s): 60mm dynamic
• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Frequency Response: 10Hz–40kHz

The FT1 delivers an energetic and bold sound that makes an immediate impression. Its bass hits deep with solid texture, the mids are clear and lively, and the treble has a good sense of sparkle.

The soundstage feels small and intimate, but it makes up for it with precise imaging and decent depth. Build quality is sturdy, and the wood faceplates add a nice touch of style.

While its aggressive presentation won’t suit everyone, fans of a punchy, upfront sound will enjoy what the FT1 brings to the table.

The Worst Headphones of 2024

1. Apple AirPods Max (2024 Edition)

• Connection: Wireless
• Type: Over-ear, closed-back
• Driver Type(s): Dynamic
• Impedance: Not specified
• Frequency Response: Not specified

The 2024 AirPods Max are back with minor wireless updates, but the key issues remain. They’re still heavy, still lack meaningful EQ controls, still have quality control issues and design flaws, and still don’t quite justify their luxury price tag.

For a product marketed as premium, they feel oddly stagnant. Apple fans might find them fine, but for most listeners, there are better options out there.

2. Sonos Ace

• Connection: Wireless
• Type: Over-ear, closed-back
• Driver Type(s): 40mm dynamic
• Impedance: Not specified
• Frequency Response: Not specified

The Sonos Ace had one job: bring Sonos’ speaker magic into a pair of headphones.

Instead, we got decent sound paired with a weak ANC and a price tag that overshoots its value.

These headphones disappoint with murky detail resolution and an unbalanced sound signature that makes prolonged listening tiresome. The basic EQ controls offer little help, as the underlying driver performance can’t keep up with corrections.

While the emphasized bass works for movie viewing, it’s a tough sell at this price when competitors deliver better sound across all content types.

Comfort is also middling, and the overall experience feels more “okay” than exceptional.

For a first attempt, it’s not entirely terrible. But it’s not great either.

3. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition

• Connection: Wired
• Type: Over-ear, closed-back
• Driver Type(s): STELLAR.45 dynamic
• Impedance: 48 Ω
• Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 40 KHz

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition represents everything that can go wrong with “improving” a classic.

While the original DT 770 had its quirks, this version doubles down on Beyerdynamic’s infamous treble peak. So, snare drums are painful and female vocals sound piercing without EQ. The mids are oddly hollow, too, with male vocals sounding distant and thin.

Despite decent technical performance and gaming capabilities, the tuning makes long-term listening fatiguing. Its lighter plastic build also feels like a downgrade from Beyerdynamic’s usual tank-like construction.

4. Dyson OnTrac Headphones

• Connection: Wireless
• Type: Over-ear, closed-back
• Driver Type(s): Dynamic
• Impedance: Not specified
• Frequency Response: 6Hz–21kHz

The Dyson OnTrac Headphones look every bit as sleek and futuristic as you’d expect from Dyson, but wearing them feels like a chore. At 451g, they’re heavy enough to make long sessions a neck workout, and the headband’s awkward horizontal adjustment doesn’t do much to help.

The ear pads? Tiny and shallow (more on-ear than over-ear) making them uncomfortable even for people with smaller ears. Controls add to the frustration, with ANC adjustments requiring an ear-punching tap and volume controls that feel sluggish.

For $500, they’re more of a conversation piece than a headphone you’d actually want to use.

5. Drop + Grell OAE-1

• Connection: Wired
• Type: Over-ear, open-back
• Driver Type(s): Dynamic
• Impedance: 38 Ω
• Frequency Response: 12Hz–32kHz

The Drop + Grell OAE-1 feels like an ambitious idea that didn’t quite land. Axel Grell’s unique tuning aimed for a speaker-like, live-concert vibe, but the result is a mix of muddy bass, uneven treble, and an underwhelming soundstage.

The clamp force doesn’t do it any favors either, with many users tapping out after short sessions.

While some listeners appreciate its distinct presentation, most agree it’s more of a novelty than a reliable daily driver. At $350, it’s a shot in the dark—one that might leave you wondering if you paid for an experiment rather than a finished product.