Best Headphones for ASMR – Top 5 Picks

Interested in the mind-numbing world of ASMR and need the perfect pair of headphones to enhance your experience? Then you came to the right place.

In this article, we are reviewing the 5 best headphones for ASMR available on the market and presenting you with a detailed buying guide to help you find the perfect purchase.

5 Best Headphones for ASMR

COWIN E7 Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones

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Kicking off our list with an all-time best-seller, the COWIN E7 Active Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headphones is one of the top-performing wireless options you can find on the market.

These headphones set the bar when it comes to delivering high-quality audio output at a fair price, which makes it an excellent choice for shoppers looking to get lots of value for their money.

Featuring advanced Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC connectivity, the COWIN E7 saves you the inconvenience of limited movement that accompanies corded models. Instead, it is equipped with a 750mAh battery that lasts for over 30 hours of playtime and takes 4 hours to fully charge.

Still, these headphones come with an extra cable that you can use to go from wireless to wired mode whenever you need to. This can be helpful if you forget to charge your pair.

The COWIN E7 headphones utilize ACN (Active Noise Cancelling) technology that filters out lower frequency sounds such as traffic noise and air-conditioner humming. This is important to avoid masking the sounds in an ASMR video, allowing you to completely focus on relaxing.

However, these headphones do not have the best record when it comes to blocking higher frequency sounds (such as close talking and snoring), but this should not be a problem if you just stay in a quiet place.

We also love the sleek design of the COWIN E7 Bluetooth Headphones, available in 7 beautiful colors to suit your style. If you are planning on having some long ASMR listening sessions, you will especially appreciate the cushioned around-ear fit for being super comfortable.

Pros

• ✓ Type: over-ear
• ✓ Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kH
• ✓ Weight: 13.6 ounces
• ✓ Impressive noise reduction
• ✓ Long playtime
• ✓ Comfortable over-ear design
• ✓ Outstanding value for money
• ✓ Multiple color options
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• ✗ Noise cancellation of higher frequencies can be better

TaoTronics Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones

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If you are on a budget but want a reliable pair of wireless headphones for ASMR, then the TaoTronics Active Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headphones could be exactly what you need.

We are specifically talking about the TT-BH060, which is an upgraded version with enhanced noise cancellation to block out the outside world for a fully immersive experience.

The TT-BH060 headphones offer amazing audio quality for its price thanks to the large 40mm drivers that produce a captivating sound with thumping bass.

These headphones carry a hyper-speed charge feature (newly added) which gives you 2 hours of playback after only 5 minutes charging. Moreover, a full charge takes just 45 minutes to complete, and it lasts for 30 hours of use.

Being wireless, the TaoTronics Headphones support Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, allowing for faster rates of data transfer so you do not have to deal with audio delays.

Comfort-wise, you can count on the pillow-soft padding, the adjustable headband, and the 90° rotatable ear cups to give you first-class performance.

The TaoTronics headphones also come with an extra 3.5mm audio cable for when you need to switch to wired mode, as well as a carrying case for protection and easy storage. as well as.

Pros

• ✓ Type: over-ear
• ✓ Frequency response: 10Hz – 20kHz
• ✓ Weight: 7.7 ounces
• ✓ Enhanced noise cancellation
• ✓ Hyperspeed charge
• ✓ Amazingly comfortable
• ✓ Includes hard carrying case
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• ✗ The Bluetooth range could be improved

Grado Prestige Series SR80e

• Upgraded driver design. Connectivity Technology: Wired
• Large ear cushions for comfortable listening
• Adjustable, soft vinyl headband
• Superb sound quality
• Mini stereo plug with 1/4-inch adaptor

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If you are a fan of the premium quality of Grado headphones, then you may want to consider the SR80e model from the company’s Prestige Series. The SR80e is the step up from the previous model, the SR60e.

In terms of sound, the SR80e has a deeper bass texture that is extra punchy with an enhanced definition. The audio profile is soft and warm, no doubt suitable for some ASMR relaxation time.

These headphones also feature better driver matching with improved speed and accuracy, which makes them a good option for everyday music listening as well

In the SR80e, foam earpads are covering the drivers to boost comfort. The ear cups are made from plastic and the earpiece is covered by a leather-like material. Metal clings hold together this entire structure.

Compared to the SR60e, the SR80e is more comfortable and lightweight, but it comes with a shorter cable that sometimes falls off the earphones.

As for the design, the SR80e has a modernized vintage look that we find simply stunning.

Pros

• ✓ Type: on-ear
• ✓ Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz
• ✓ Weight: 8.2 ounces
• ✓ Excellent sound quality for mid-range tier headphones
• ✓ Comfortable fit
• ✓ Vintage look
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• ✗ The cable is a bit short

V-MODA Crossfade M-100 Metal Headphone

• Connectivity Technology: Wired
• Award-winning M-Class sound tuned by over 200 audiophile...
• Patented 50mm Dual Diaphragm Drivers to separate bass from mids...
• Clean deep Bass, Vivid Mids and Ultra-Extended Highs tuned by...
• Unique CLIQFOLD design for compact storage ; Type: Over-Ear...
• Ultra compact exoskeleton carry case featuring V-STRAP system....

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The V-MODA Crossfade M-100 Metal Headphone is the go-to option for audiophiles in need of superior sound quality.

The Crossfade M-100 delivers maximum attention when it comes to both design and construction. Right from the first glance, you cannot miss the unique hexagonal shape of the cups.

If you take a closer look, it is easy to tell just how good the build quality is. These headphones are made of premium materials, including a steel frame with metal accents to support stress points that endure the most beating.

Even so, they are lightweight (at 9.8 ounces) and equipped with a low-profile headband to provide just enough pressure for securing the headphones over your head without causing discomfort if worn for a long time.

The Crossfade M-100 has ear foam cushions that are extremely soft and comfortable. It also comes with two Kevlar cables (1-Button Microphone and SharePlay) that significantly resist wear and tear.

As for the sound quality, this is another area where the Crossfade M-100 truly excels. These headphones feature a wider soundstage and a more pronounced bass separation thanks to the patented dual-diaphragm system. The noise isolation technology supports an even more immersive audio experience with lifelike sounds.

The V-MODA Crossfade M-100 Headphones are not exactly ideal for larger ear sizes. They are also expensive, but the remarkable quality of aesthetics, sound, and construction is well worth the cash.

Pros

• ✓ Type: over-ear
• ✓ Frequency response: 5Hz – 30kH
• ✓ Weight: 9.8 ounces
• ✓ Exceptional base separation
• ✓ Superior sound quality
• ✓ Cushioned foam contours to your ears
• ✓ Durable construction
• ✓ Dual-diaphragm design
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• ✗ Expensive

Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone

• Neodymium magnets and 40 millimeter drivers for powerful,...
• Closed ear design provides comfort and outstanding reduction of...
• 9.8 foot cord ends in gold plated plug and it is not detachable;...
• Folds up for storage or travel in provided soft case
• Frequency Response: 10 Hertz to 20 kilohertz
• These large diaphragm, foldable headphones feature a rugged...
• Connectivity technology : Wired

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From the worldwide popular brand Sony (shout out to PlayStation gamers), we have our last pair of headphones on this list. The Sony MDR7506 Headphone has tens of thousands of users praising its audio quality and long-term performance.

Of course, there is also the part about these headphones being mid-tier affordable, which makes them an awesome choice for meditation, ASMR, and pretty much every other use you throw at them.

Regarding comfort and isolation, the featured closed-ear design provides nice noise reduction while the generous head padding allows you to wear the headphones for several hours without feeling pain.

The Sony MDR7506 headphones are equipped with neodymium magnets and 40mm drivers to give you a detailed, powerful sound output. The mids and highs are perfectly balanced, whereas the bass response is just above average quality.

Additionally, the construction of the MDR7506 is exceptionally durable even though it is mainly plastic. These headphones will stick around for long-term use simply with decent care.

The Sony MDR7506 headphones also include a convenient 9.8-foot cord, which means you will have a good range of motion while listening.

Pros

• ✓ Type: over-ear
• ✓ Frequency response: 10Hz – 20kHz
• ✓ Weight: 8.1 ounces
• ✓ Professional sound quality
• ✓ Comes with a 9.8-foot cable
• ✓ The frame is foldable for convenient storage
• ✓ Sturdy
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• ✗ Maybe be too tight for larger heads

What is ASMR and How does it Work?

ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, which is a sensation of euphoria that many people can experience because of watching certain types of stimulating videos.

Up until 2010, ASMR was not a big deal. That year, Jennifer Allen coined the term ASMR and started a Facebook group that triggered the global trend.

If you try to research how ASMR causes what people describe as a “brain orgasm”, you will not find a definite explanation. Science has yet to conclude anything, but some research suggests that such effects could be tied to specific personality traits.

In a 2017 study on personality traits associated with ASMR, people who had high scores in Openness-to-Experience and Neuroticism were more likely to feel brain tingles.

How to Choose the Best Headphones for ASMR

When shopping for the best headphones for ASMR, there are several features you need to first consider before making a purchase. Here are the most important ones to look for:

Frequency Response

The frequency response is the range of frequencies that your headphones can produce to form a full sound experience. It is measured in Hz (Hertz), and you can easily find it in the description or on the box of any headphones.

The frequency range of human hearing is 20Hz to 20kHz, which also happens to be the advertised frequency range in most headphones on the market. We can break down the frequencies that matter for ASMR as follows:

• Lower midrange (250Hz to 500Hz) – the essence of the human voice lies in this range. If the headphones are lacking in this band, the sounds will be hollow.
• Midrange (500 Hz to 2kHz) – this range contains vocals, dialogue, and sound effects in ASMR videos.

Noise Cancellation

Once you make sure the headphones can deliver good audio quality within target frequency ranges, you should check for the noise cancellation feature.

Quieting your mind is always the first and trickiest step on your way to total relaxation. Noise-canceling technologies, with their varying levels, help block out unwanted external noises, so you remain calm and focused.

The basic form of such noise-canceling technologies can be as simple as having tight seals on the headphones, which is referred to as passive noise cancelation.

More advanced ones are called active noise cancellation. These are built into the ear cups where the electronics detect frequencies of surrounding sounds, then reproduce new frequencies that are 180 degrees out of phase with the detected noise, resulting in a canceling effect.

Comfort

Comfort can make or break your entire ASMR listening session. After all, how can you relax if your ears hurt the whole time?

For this reason, you need to find headphones with generous padding or cushioning foam on the ear cups to avoid itching, redness, swelling, or anything that may cause pain or discomfort.

On-Ear vs Over-Ear

This choice is ultimately up to your personal preference. On one hand, on-ear headphones are more compact, easier to pack, will not make your ears sweat as much, and offer less sound leakage.

On the other hand, over-ear headphones provide better sound isolation and are more comfortable because they apply less pressure on the ears. They are usually larger in size to cover the entire ear, which can make this area sweaty.

Wired vs Wireless

Once again, this decision is up to your idea of convenience.

Wired headphones can be limiting since you will be dealing with the cable restraint if you move while wearing them. But the good thing is that you will not bother with charging and the possibility of a dead battery.

Alternatively, wireless headphones allow for free movement within the Bluetooth connectivity range. However, you will need to charge them before use, and sometimes you may end up with a battery life that is too short anyway.

Wrap Up

Choosing the best headphones for ASMR can be tricky as you need to consider many factors such as frequency response, noise cancellation, and connectivity.

Therefore, we made sure to only include the top-performing candidates so you can land a reliable pair no matter what.

That being said, we recommend the COWIN E7 Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones as today’s winner thanks to their impressive noise reduction, long playtime, and excellent value for money.