7 Best Quality Headphones for Programming: Top Picks

Are you a programmer looking for the best headphones to help you focus on your work? Look no further! In this article, we will discuss the 7 best quality headphones for programming.

We will cover what to consider when buying headphones, and provide a comprehensive overview of each headphone, including its specifications, pros, cons, and price.

What to Consider When Buying Good Headphones

Before we dive into the best headphones for programming, let’s consider some factors to keep in mind when buying headphones:

• Noise isolation: As a programmer, you need headphones that can block out external noise and help you focus on your work.
• Comfort: You will be wearing your headphones for long periods, so you need headphones that are comfortable and won’t cause discomfort or pain.
• Sound quality: You need headphones that produce high-quality sound to help you hear every detail of your music or audio.
• Wireless or wired: You need to decide whether you prefer wireless or wired headphones.
• Price: You need to consider your budget and find headphones that offer good value for money.

Now, let’s dive into the 7 best quality headphones for programming.

1. Apple AirPods Max (For Apple Users)

Apple AirPods Max is a high-end over-ear headphone that has been making waves in the market since its release. 

Endowed with a sleek stylish finish, the Apple AirPods Max offers excellent sound quality, with clear highs and deep bass. 

The headphones also feature spatial audio and head tracking, which creates a cinematic surround-sound type experience that feels like the audio is coming from all around you. 

It use Apple’s H1 chip, which allows for seamless pairing and switching between devices. The headphones also support Bluetooth 5.0, which provides a stable and reliable connection with a battery life of up to 20 hours with ANC and spatial audio enabled. 

In addition, the headphones also feature a quick charge function that provides 1.5 hours of listening time with just 5 minutes of charging.

Key Specifications of Apple AirPods Max

key specifications of the Apple AirPods Max:

– Color Options:

• Silver
• Space Gray
• Sky Blue
• Pink
• Green

– Audio Technology:

• Apple-designed dynamic driver
• Active Noise Cancellation
• Transparency mode
• Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
• Adaptive EQ

– Sensors:

• Optical sensor (each ear cup)
• Position sensor (each ear cup)
• Case-detect sensor (each ear cup)
• Accelerometer (each ear cup)
• Gyroscope (left ear cup)

– Microphones:

• Nine microphones total

– Battery Life:

• Up to 20 hours with ANC and spatial audio enabled

– Connectivity:

• Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology

– Compatibility:

• iPhone and iPod touch models with the latest version of iOS
• iPad models with the latest version of iPadOS
• Apple Watch models with the latest version of watchOS
• Mac models with the latest version of macOS
• Apple TV models with the latest version of tvOS

 

Pros

• Best-in-class active noise canceling (ANC)
• Excellent sound quality
• Spatial audio and head tracking
• Comfortable to wear for long periods
• Sleek and stylish design
• Easy to connect and use with Apple devices

Cons

• Expensive
• Heavy and bulky design
• Limited compatibility with non-Apple devices
• No wired option
• No power button, which can lead to battery drain

Price

The Apple AirPods Max is priced at $549, which makes it one of the most expensive headphones on the market. 

However, the quality of the headphones justifies the cost for those who are willing to invest in high-end audio equipment.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35 II

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II is one of the best noise-canceling headphones for programming. It offers excellent noise isolation, which helps you focus on your work. 

The headphones are also comfortable to wear for long periods, thanks to their well-padded ear cups and adjustable headband. 

The sound quality is excellent, with clear highs and deep lows. The headphones are wireless, with a battery life of up to 20 hours. 

The price is on the higher side, but the quality justifies the cost.

Key Specifications

• Audio Technology: Advanced noise-canceling technology, built-in microphone for taking calls and using voice assistants
• Comfort: Soft ear cushions, lightweight design, adjustable headband
• Wired or Wireless: Wireless
• Connectivity: Wireless via Bluetooth, range of up to 33 feet, 3.5mm audio cable for wired use
• Battery Life: Up to 20 hours on a single charge, USB charging
• Voice Assistants: Built-in support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
• Sound Quality: High-quality sound with clear highs and deep bass, built-in equalizer for customization

Pros

• Excellent noise-canceling capabilities
• Comfortable to wear for long periods
• Versatile connectivity options
• Built-in support for voice assistants
• High-quality sound with built-in equalizer

Cons

• No major changes in sound quality compared to the first version
• No sound customization features natively
• Bulky design

Price

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II is priced at $299 USD.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

The Sony WH-1000XM4 is another excellent noise-canceling wireless headphone for programming. 

It offers industry-leading noise isolation, which helps you focus on your work. 

The headphones are also comfortable to wear for long periods, thanks to their well-padded ear cups and adjustable headband. 

The sound quality is excellent, with clear highs and deep lows. The headphones are wireless, with a battery life of up to 30 hours. The price is on the higher side, but the quality justifies the cost.

Key Specifications

• Audio Technology: Advanced noise-canceling technology, built-in microphone for taking calls and using voice assistants
• Comfort: Soft ear cushions, lightweight design, adjustable headband
• Connectivity: Wireless via Bluetooth, range of up to 30 feet, 3.5mm audio cable for wired use
• Wired or Wireless: Wireless
• Battery Life: Up to 30 hours on a single charge, USB charging
• Voice Assistants: Built-in support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
• Sound Quality: High-quality sound with clear highs and deep bass, built-in equalizer for customization

Pros

• Excellent noise-canceling capabilities
• Comfortable to wear for long periods
• Versatile connectivity options
• Built-in support for voice assistants
• High-quality sound with built-in equalizer
• Long battery life

Cons

• Expensive
• No major design changes compared to the previous model
• No built-in volume controls

Price

The Sony WH-1000XM4 is priced at $349 USD as of April 2022.

3. Sennheiser HD 660 S

The Sennheiser HD 660 S is a high-end headphone that offers excellent sound quality. It is an open-back headphone, which means it doesn’t offer noise isolation. However, it produces clear and detailed sound, which is perfect for programming. 

The headphones are comfortable to wear for long periods, thanks to their well-padded ear cups and adjustable headband. 

The headphones are wired, which means you don’t have to worry about battery life. The price is on the higher side, but the quality justifies the cost.

Key Specifications

• Audio Technology: Open-back design, advanced transducers, low harmonic distortion
• Comfort: Lightweight design, soft ear cushions, adjustable headband
• Connectivity: Wired via 6.35mm jack, 3.5mm jack adapter included
• Wired or Wireless: Wired
• Frequency Response: 10Hz – 41kHz
• Impedance: 150 ohms
• Sound Pressure Level (SPL): 104dB

Pros

• Exceptional sound quality with clear highs and deep bass
• Lightweight and comfortable to wear for long periods
• High-quality materials and construction
• The open-back design provides a natural and spacious soundstage

Cons

• Expensive compared to other headphones on the market
• Requires an amplifier to reach its full potential
• Not suitable for use in noisy environments due to the open-back design

Price

The Sennheiser HD 660 S is priced at $499.

4. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO is a closed-back headphone that offers excellent noise isolation. It is perfect for programming, as it helps you focus on your work. 

The headphones are comfortable to wear for long periods, thanks to their well-padded ear cups and adjustable headband. 

The sound quality is excellent, with clear highs and deep lows. 

The headphones are wired, which means you don’t have to worry about battery life. The price is on the higher side, but the quality justifies the cost.

Key Specifications

• Impedance: Available in different impedance options, including 32 ohms, 80 ohms, and 250 ohms
• Frequency Response: 5Hz – 35kHz
• Wired or Wireless: Wired
• Sound Pressure Level (SPL): Varies based on the impedance option
• Closed-back design for noise isolation
• Comfortable fit with soft ear cushions and adjustable headband
• Detachable cable for convenience

Pros

• Excellent sound quality with detailed highs, rich mids, and punchy bass
• Durable build quality, suitable for professional use
• Comfortable for long listening sessions
• Closed-back design provides good noise isolation

Cons

• Bulky design may not be ideal for portable use
• Some users may find the clamping force to be too tight initially
• Limited soundstage due to the closed-back design
• The coiled cable may be too long and heavy for some users’ preferences

Price

The price of the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO varies depending on the impedance option and other factors.

As of the available information, the price ranges from around $150 to $200.

5. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a closed-back headphone that offers excellent noise isolation. It is perfect for programming, as it helps you focus on your work. 

The headphones are comfortable to wear for long periods, thanks to their well-padded ear cups and adjustable headband. The sound quality is excellent, with clear highs and deep lows. 

The headphones are wired, which means you don’t have to worry about battery life. The price is on the higher side, but the quality justifies the cost.

Key Specifications

• Audio Technology: Proprietary 45mm large-aperture drivers, circumaural design for noise isolation
• Comfort: Professional-grade earpads and headband, 90-degree swiveling earcups for easy one-ear monitoring
• Wired or Wireless: Wired
• Connectivity: Wired via 3.5mm jack, detachable cable
• Frequency Response: 15Hz – 28kHz
• Impedance: 38 ohms
• Sound Pressure Level (SPL): 99dB

Pros

• Excellent sound quality with clear highs, detailed mids, and punchy bass
• Professional-grade build quality and comfort
• Good noise isolation with circumaural design
• The detachable cable adds convenience and flexibility
• Affordable price for the quality

Cons

• Some users may find the clamping force to be too tight initially
• Limited soundstage compared to open-back headphones
• The cable may be too long and heavy for some users’ preferences

Price

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is priced at around $149 USD.

6. Philips SHP9500

The Philips SHP9500 is an open-back headphone that offers excellent sound quality.

It is perfect for programming, as it produces clear and detailed sound. 

The headphones are comfortable to wear for long periods, thanks to their well-padded ear cups and adjustable headband. The headphones are wired, which means you don’t have to worry about battery life. 

The price is on the lower side, which makes it an excellent value for money.

Key Specifications

• Audio Technology: 50mm neodymium drivers, open-back design for natural sound
• Comfort: Lightweight design, breathable ear cushions, adjustable headband
• Connectivity: Wired via 3.5mm jack, detachable cable
• Frequency Response: 12Hz – 35kHz
• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Sound Pressure Level (SPL): 101dB

Pros

• Affordable price for the quality
• Good sound quality with clear highs and detailed mids
• Lightweight and comfortable to wear for long periods
• The open-back design provides a natural and spacious soundstage
• The detachable cable adds convenience and flexibility

Cons

• Bass may be lacking for some users
• The open-back design may not be suitable for use in noisy environments
• The cable may be too long and heavy for some users’ preferences

Price

The Philips SHP9500 is priced at around $80 USD

7. AKG K240 Studio

The AKG K240 Studio is an open-back headphone that offers excellent sound quality. It is perfect for programming, as it produces clear and detailed sound. 

The headphones are comfortable to wear for long periods, thanks to their well-padded ear cups and adjustable headband. The headphones are wired, which means you don’t have to worry about battery life.

Key Specifications

• Audio Technology: Semi-open design for a balanced soundstage
• Comfort: Over-ear design, self-adjusting headband, replaceable earpads
• Connectivity: Wired via 3.5mm jack, detachable cable
• Wired or Wireless: Wired
• Frequency Response: 15Hz – 25kHz
• Impedance: 55 ohms
• Sensitivity: 91dB

Pros

• Accurate and balanced sound reproduction
• Comfortable to wear for long periods

Cons

• Limited noise isolation due to the semi-open design
• Bass may be lacking for some users
• The cable may be too long and heavy for some users’ preferences

Price

The AKG K240 Studio is priced at around $69.

Final Thoughts on Best Headphones for Programming

Choosing the right headphones for programming is essential for enhancing focus and productivity. 

With the options we’ve explored, from noise cancellation to immersive sound quality, programmers can now dive into their code with a perfect blend of comfort and audio precision. 

Elevate your coding experience by investing in one of these top-notch headphones that cater to both your technical needs and auditory pleasures.