Each solved a problem we didn’t know we had until we couldn’t live without the solution.
The sleek headphones we use today evolved from some pretty humble beginnings.
Back in the 1890s, Londoners used clunky devices called Electrophones to hear live performances through their telephones. Then, by 1910, engineer Nathaniel Baldwin had created the first recognizable headphones on his kitchen table.
Since then, new revolutionary models have come out to change the game. Soon, headphones have become essential to our daily lives.
Here are fifteen models we should be grateful for:
1. Beyerdynamic DT48
First Dynamic Heapdhones
The Beyerdynamic DT48, introduced in 1937, were the first commercially available dynamic driver headphones, which remains as the most widely used in headphones today.
Unlike earlier headsets used for telephony and military communication, the DT48 were designed for high-fidelity audio monitoring, making them pioneers in professional sound reproduction.
Built with a rugged metal construction, they became a standard for broadcast engineers, field recordists, and audio professionals for decades. Their precise sound reproduction and durable design influenced later studio headphones, including the iconic Beyerdynamic DT770, DT880, and DT990 series.
2. Koss SP/3
First Commercial Stereo Headphones
Before the Koss SP/3, headphones were primarily used for military, aviation, and professional communication.
John Koss, a jazz musician and entrepreneur, sought to bring the excitement of live performances into private listening.
The SP/3 debuted alongside the Koss Model 390 phonograph, creating the first personal stereo system with headphones. Their dual-speaker design set the foundation for stereo sound in consumer headphones, influencing countless future models.
Though bulky by modern standards, they proved that headphones could be more than just communication tools—they could be a gateway to immersive music experiences.
The success of the SP/3 inspired companies like Sennheiser and AKG to enter the consumer headphone market. Without them, the evolution of hi-fi and portable audio might have taken a very different path.
3. STAX SR-1
First Commercial Electrostatic Headphones
The STAX SR-1, released in 1960, introduced audiophiles to an entirely new level of sound clarity.
Unlike dynamic headphones, which rely on moving coils and diaphragms, electrostatic headphones use a lightweight membrane suspended between electrically charged plates. This design results in lower distortion, faster transient response, and greater detail retrieval, making electrostatics the gold standard for high-fidelity listening.
Before developing headphones, STAX was already known for electrostatic speaker technology, and the SR-1 adapted this innovation to personal audio.
However, electrostatic headphones require specialized high-voltage amplification, a defining characteristic that remains true today.
The SR-1’s success laid the foundation for STAX’s entire electrostatic headphone lineup, influencing later icons like the SR-009.
Even decades later, STAX headphones continue to be regarded as some of the most detailed and transparent-sounding headphones ever made, setting a benchmark for reference listening.
4. Sony MDR-V6
Studio Monitoring Headphones Standard
Few headphones have defined an entire category quite like the Sony MDR-V6. Launched in 1985, they became the go-to choice for recording engineers, radio hosts, and filmmakers who needed accurate, no-nonsense sound reproduction. Their neutral tuning, rugged build, and closed-back isolation made them a workhorse in professional studios and on-location shoots alike.
Beyond their reputation for reliability, the MDR-V6 helped shape what people expect from studio monitoring headphones. Their wide frequency response let professionals hear every detail, while their foldable design and coiled cable made them ideal for field use.
Many of today’s most popular monitoring headphones, like the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro and Audio-Technica M50x, owe their design philosophy to the MDR-V6.
5. AKG K1000
The First Open-Baffle Ear Speakers
The AKG K1000, released in 1989, were unlike any headphones before them. Instead of resting on the ears, their floating ear speakers projected sound from an adjustable open-baffle design, creating an expansive, speaker-like soundstage. This radical approach made them one of the most immersive and natural-sounding headphones ever produced.
Rather than using traditional dynamic drivers, the K1000 featured vario-motion flat-panel transducers, engineered for precise and distortion-free sound. However, their extreme low sensitivity (~74dB/mW) and 120Ω impedance meant that typical headphone amplifiers couldn’t drive them—most users had to pair them with high-powered speaker amps.
Though discontinued, the K1000 remain highly sought after for their unique presentation. Their influence can be seen in designs like the MySphere 3 and RAAL-requisite SR1a, proving that even decades later, AKG’s boldest experiment continues to inspire.
6. Sennheiser Orpheus
The Ultimate Electrostatic Headphone System
The Sennheiser Orpheus, released in 1991, wasn’t just another high-end headphone—it was an all-out statement on what was possible in personal audio. Built as a complete electrostatic system, it paired the HE90 headphones with the HEV90 vacuum tube amplifier, creating a level of clarity and detail that left even the best dynamic and planar headphones in the dust.
Every aspect of the Orpheus was engineered to push limits. The platinum-coated diaphragms and gold-vaporized ceramic electrodes eliminated distortion to levels unheard of at the time. But exclusivity came at a price—only 300 units were ever made, each costing an eye-watering $16,000.
Despite its age, the Orpheus still stands as a reference point for electrostatic design. Its influence is evident in today’s ultra-high-end models, and when Sennheiser launched its successor, the HE-1, in 2015, it was clear—the Orpheus legend wasn’t fading anytime soon.
7. Sony MDR-3L2
The Headphones That Made Music Portable
Before 1979, headphones were mostly bulky and meant for home use. Then came the Sony MDR-3L2, the lightweight, ultra-portable headphones that turned music into a personal experience.
Bundled with the first Sony Walkman, they helped redefine how people listened to music—privately, on the go, and without disturbing anyone else.
Their thin metal headband and foam-padded on-ear design made them comfortable and practical, a perfect match for the Walkman’s compact size.
While the 3.5mm headphone jack had been used before, the Walkman’s global success solidified it as the industry standard for decades.
The MDR-3L2 weren’t about sound quality—they were about freedom.
They paved the way for on-ear portables, ultra-light headphones, and even the modern earbud culture. Without them, the way we consume music today—through earbuds, wireless headphones, and streaming—might have evolved very differently.
8. Bose QC1
The First Consumer Noise-Canceling Headphones
Before the Bose QuietComfort 1 (QC1) arrived in 2000, noise-canceling technology was mostly reserved for pilots and professionals. Bose had developed ANC headsets for aviation in the 1980s, but the QC1 were the first to bring active noise cancellation (ANC) to everyday users, changing how people experienced sound in noisy environments.
Using built-in microphones to detect external noise and generate an inverse sound wave, the QC1 let listeners shut out distractions like airplane engines, subway hum, and office chatter.
For frequent travelers, they were a game-changer, making long flights and commutes dramatically quieter and less stressful.
Their success set the standard for modern ANC headphones, paving the way for later Bose QuietComfort models, Sony’s WH-1000X series, and Apple’s AirPods Max. Today, noise cancellation is an expected feature in premium headphones—a trend that started with the QC1.
Sometimes, what you don’t hear matters as much as what you do.
9. Apple Earbuds
The Earbuds That Became a Cultural Icon
Apple’s white earbuds, included with the iPod in 2001, elevated simple earphones into a cultural icon and status symbol.
These earbuds weren’t technically special. They had no controls, no microphone, and were similar to competitors’ products at the time.
Their distinctive white color, however, showed that the wearer owned an iPod, making them instantly recognizable.
The success of these earbuds helped make the in-ear style popular, turning earbuds into the portable audio choice for millions. Their widespread use also created a growing market for third-party premium earphones targeting iPod owners wanting better sound.
10. Sennheiser HD600
The Benchmark for Open-Back Headphones
First released in 1997, the Sennheiser HD600 didn’t reinvent open-back headphones—but they perfected them. Evolved from the HD580 Precision, they refined the formula with better driver matching, improved materials, and a more balanced sound signature.
Unlike many headphones that fade into obscurity, the HD600 remain a gold standard for open-back dynamic headphones over 25 years later. Their scalability with high-end amplifiers, modular repairable design, and uncolored sound have kept them relevant despite newer, more expensive competition.
They directly influenced later models like the HD650, HD660S, and even high-end flagships from other brands.
To this day, if someone asks for true reference-class headphones, the HD600 are still one of the first names mentioned.
11. Audeze LCD-2
The Headphones That Made Planar Magnetic Mainstream
Planar magnetic headphones had been around for decades, but they remained a niche technology—used in studios or overshadowed by dynamic and electrostatic designs.
That changed in 2009 when Audeze introduced the LCD-2, proving that planar magnetics could be audiophile-grade headphones with rich, immersive sound.
With deep, authoritative bass, lush mids, and smooth treble, the LCD-2 delivered a more musical and engaging experience than earlier planar models. Their luxurious wood ear cups and handcrafted build set a new standard for premium headphone design. More than just great sound, they redefined what high-end headphones could look and feel like.
The LCD-2’s success helped push planar magnetic technology into the mainstream, influencing later models from HIFIMAN, Dan Clark Audio, and Meze.
Without them, planar magnetics might have remained a niche rather than a pillar of modern audiophile headphones.
12. Shure SE846
The IEM That Redefined Tuning Flexibility
By 2013, in-ear monitors (IEMs) had already gained traction among musicians and audiophiles, but the Shure SE846 took things further. While quad-driver IEMs weren’t new, the SE846 introduced a unique low-pass filter system, giving it a true subwoofer-like bass response without muddying the mids.
Beyond sound quality, what made the SE846 groundbreaking was its user-swappable tuning nozzles, allowing listeners to fine-tune the sound signature—something rarely seen at the time.
This innovation bridged the gap between stage performers and audiophiles, making high-end IEMs more accessible to music lovers who wanted customization without needing external EQ adjustments.
Its success influenced the rise of tunable IEMs, inspiring later models from brands like FiR Audio, 64 Audio, and Campfire Audio.
Even today, the SE846 remains a benchmark for customizable high-fidelity in-ear monitors.
13. Onkyo W800 BT
The First True Wireless Earbuds You Could Actually Buy
Before true wireless earbuds became the norm, most wireless models still relied on a cable connecting the two earpieces. Then came the Onkyo W800 BT in 2015, among the first commercially available earbuds to ditch cables entirely.
The W800 BT proved true wireless was possible, but it wasn’t perfect. Connection dropouts, short battery life, and audio latency issues made them more of a proof of concept than a polished product. Still, they set the stage for what was to come, influencing future models from Apple, Sony, and Samsung.
The W800 BT faced the technical problems typical of first-generation technology, especially maintaining a consistent connection between earbuds.
Nevertheless, they showed that the true wireless concept could work, establishing a new product category that would eventually become the main form of portable audio.
14. Apple AirPods
The Wireless Earbuds That Killed the Headphone Jack
When Apple removed the headphone jack from the iPhone 7 in 2016, many saw it as a controversial move—until AirPods arrived. While true wireless earbuds already existed, AirPods were the first to make them effortless, solving the pairing and connectivity issues that plagued earlier models.
Powered by the W1 chip, AirPods introduced instant pairing, seamless switching between Apple devices, and reliable wireless performance. They weren’t the best-sounding earbuds, but they didn’t need to be. Their convenience, portability, and cultural status made wired headphones feel obsolete.
What followed was a seismic shift in the industry. Competing brands rushed to develop their own true wireless earbuds, and smartphone manufacturers doubled down on removing the headphone jack altogether.
Love them or hate them, AirPods didn’t just go wireless—they changed what people expected from personal audio.
15. HIFIMAN Susvara
The Planar Magnetic Benchmark
Released in 2017, the HIFIMAN Susvara headphones pushed resolution, transparency, and detail retrieval to an entirely new level, earning comparisons to electrostatic headphones for their airy, lightning-fast presentation.
With ultra-thin nanometer diaphragms and stealth magnet technology, the Susvara achieved near-perfect sound reproduction—but at a cost. Their incredibly low sensitivity (83dB) meant that most headphone amps couldn’t drive them properly, forcing users to pair them with speaker amplifiers or ultra-powerful headphone amps. In doing so, the Susvara reshaped the high-end headphone amplifier market, leading to a new wave of amps specifically designed for power-hungry planars.
Few headphones command the same level of respect (or controversy) in audiophile circles, but one thing is certain: the Susvara set a new standard for planar magnetic performance that others still chase today.