For listening to audiobooks, everyone prefers good audible headphones. This is because a reader needs clear sound to enjoy listening to the audiobook without any distractions. And this can be difficult to achieve if you are not using headphones. After thoroughly researching all of these, we made a list of the best headphones for audiobooks. We believe you will find our blog helpful in choosing the perfect headphones for your audiobook listening experience.
Things you need to know before buying the best headphones for audiobooks
Audiobooks have become increasingly popular in recent years, providing a convenient way to enjoy literature on the go. However, not all headphones are created equal when it comes to enhancing the audiobook listening experience. It is important to consider certain factors before making a purchase to ensure you find the perfect headphones for your needs.
Below we have discussed these things which will help you to find the best headphones for audiobooks fulfilling all your requirements.
Good Sound Quality
The main factor that anyone should consider when choosing headphones for audiobooks is the sound quality. You need to look for headphones that provide clear and crisp audio with a wide frequency range to capture all the nuances of the narrator’s voice.
Noise cancellation
A book lover always wants to enjoy reading books in a calm place without any disturbance. So, headphones with noise-cancellation features are essential for audiobook enthusiasts. This means closed-back headphones are the best option, and having a noise-canceling technology is a plus.
Type of Headphone
Different readers love to enjoy reading books with different types of headphones. For example, some readers prefer over-ear headphones for their comfort and immersive sound experience, while others may opt for in-ear earbuds for their portability and convenience. The type of headphone you choose ultimately comes down to personal preference and the particular requirements of the listener.
Ear comfort
Ear comfort is another important factor to consider when choosing headphones. Some readers may prefer headphones with cushioned ear cups for long reading sessions, while others may prefer lightweight earbuds that fit snugly in the ear. So, headphones that fit the ears properly and provide comfort to the ears are preferable to readers.
Connectivity
Connectivity is also an essential aspect to consider when selecting headphones. Some readers may prefer wireless headphones that offer freedom of movement and eliminate the hassle of tangled cords. On the other hand, others may prioritize wired headphones for a more reliable and consistent connection. The preferable choice would be to have a headphone that supports both wired and wireless configurations.
Durability
Though the durability of the headphone won’t do much in the way of a better audiobook listening experience, it is an important factor to consider when selecting headphones. Durability ensures that the headphones will last longer and withstand daily wear and tear, making them a worthwhile investment.
Best Headphones for Audio Books| 7 Best
You will find various headphones in the market. But here, we have prepared a list of headphones that are best for price, design, size, and comfort. We have made a list of all these that will help you find the best one for you.
List of the Best Headphones for Audio Books
- Bose QuiteComfort45
- Soundcore Space Q45
- Sony WH-1000XM4
- Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
- JBL Tune 510BT
- Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT
- OneOdio A70
Bose QuiteComfort 45
Form Factor: Over-Ear, Closed-back
Connectivity: Wireless, Bluetooth
The Boss QuietComfort 45 is the best headphones for audio books because of its superior sound quality and noise cancellation features. In fact, the QuietComfort headphone series by Bose is well known for its noise-cancellation technology, and the QuietComfort 45 is no exception. So, if you have to listen to audiobooks in a noisy environment, then these headphones are a great choice. Also, the closed-back design of the QuietComfort 45 helps to further isolate the audio, ensuring a more immersive listening experience.
Furthermore, the headphones have two sound modes that allow you to customize the audio to your liking. The first mode is the ‘Quiet‘ mode, which enhances noise cancellation and is perfect for blocking out distractions in loud environments. The second mode is the ‘Aware‘ mode, which allows some ambient sound in, making it ideal for situations in which you need to be aware of your surroundings while listening to an audiobook.
Furthermore, the QuietComfort 45 has a Bluetooth range of up to 30 feet, allowing you to move freely without worrying about losing connection. Additionally, it offers a battery life of up to 24 hours, ensuring that you can enjoy uninterrupted audiobook narration for extended periods of time.
Pros:
- High audio quality
- Good Noise Cancellation
- Quiet & Aware Sound modes
- Wide Bluetooth connectivity
- Long battery backup
- Fast charging
Cons:
- ANC cannot be turned off without switching to Aware mode
- No EQ settings
There is no doubt that the Bose QuietComfort 45 is a high-end pair of noise-canceling headphones that provide excellent audio quality and a range of useful features. And it is also priced as such, making it a premium pair of headphones. However, this headphone isn’t without its issues and the main one is that you cannot turn off the noise canceling on the headphone without switching to the “Aware“ mode first. Additionally, the Bose QuietComfort 45 lacks EQ settings, which may be disappointing for audiophiles who prefer to customize their sound experience.
Despite these drawbacks, the headphones’ exceptional audio quality and extensive feature set make them the best headphones for audio books. Also, this device comes in multiple colors. So, you can choose your favorite one from here as well.
Quantitative Measurement:
- Sound Quality: 9.5/10
- Noise Cancellation: 9.5/10
- Comfort: 9/10
- Durability: 9/10
Soundcore Space Q45
Form Factor: Over-ear, Closed-back
Connectivity: Wireless, Bluetooth
The Soundcore Space Q45 is the next best headphone for listening to audiobooks on this list, and it is also a noise-canceling headphone. With its over-ear design and closed-back form factor, the Soundcore Space Q45 provides excellent sound isolation, allowing you to immerse yourself in your audiobook fully. Additionally, its wireless Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity ensures a seamless and hassle-free listening experience.
The Soundcore Space Q45 also offers a long battery life, even more than the earlier Bose QuietComfort 45 model. It has a battery life of up to 50 hours with noise canceling mode turned on, and that even shoots up to 65 hours if your turn off the noise canceling mode. This extended battery life makes it perfect for long flights or road trips, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted audiobooks throughout your journey. Besides listening to audiobooks, the Soundcore Space Q45 also provides exceptional sound quality for music and podcasts.
Pros:
- Good Sound quality
- Advanced Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity
- Really long battery life
- Fast charging feature
- Great noise cancellation for the price
- Cool outlook
- Comfortable fit
Cons:
- Not water resistant
The Soundcore Space Q45 headphones offer the best noise cancellation at nearly half the price of the Bose QuietComfort 45. That being said, the sound quality of the latter is better than the former. However, the Soundcore Space Q45 still delivers exceptional sound quality for listening to audiobooks, music, and podcasts. Its mind-blowing 50 hours of continuous playback time with noise cancellation is one of its major highlights.
The only significant drawback of this headphone is that it is not water resistant. This means that it may not be suitable for outdoor activities or use in wet conditions. However, if you plan to mostly read audiobooks or listen to music in indoor settings, the Soundcore Space Q45 is the best headphones for audio books for you.
Quantitative Measurement:
- Sound Quality: 8.5/10
- Noise Cancellation: 9.5/10
- Comfort: 9/10
- Durability: 9/10
Sony WH-1000XM4
Form Factor: Over-ear, Closed-back
Connectivity: Bluetooth
Next on our list of the best headphones for audio books is a headphone from Sony. The WH-1000XM4 headphones are highly recommended for audiobook enthusiasts—all thanks to its exceptional sound quality and premium noise-canceling technology. So, you can enjoy your audiobooks with immersive and crystal-clear audio while also blocking out any external distractions.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are also extremely comfortable to wear, making them ideal for extended periods of listening. It also have adjustable ear cups and a padded headband for added comfort. Additionally, these headphones have a long battery life, so you can listen to multiple audiobooks without worrying about running out of power. Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are a top choice for audiobook lovers who value both sound quality and comfort.
Pros:
- Good sound quality
- Great Noise Cancellation technology
- Easy to control
- Large battery life
- Comfortable to fit
- Cool design
Cons:
- Comparatively pricy
Although the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones may be on the pricier side, their high-quality sound and advanced noise cancellation technology make them worth the investment. The easy-to-use controls and comfortable fit only add to their appeal. With a cool design and a long battery life, these headphones are a great choice for audiobook lovers who want both style and functionality. After considering all its features, this one can be easily regarded as one of the best headphones for audio books on this list.
Quantitative Measurement:
- Sound Quality: 8.5/10
- Noise Cancellation: 9/10
- Comfort: 9/10
- Durability: 8/10
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Form Factor: earbuds
Connectivity: Wireless
Apple devices are known for their compatibility and seamless integration with other Apple products. So, if you are already part of the Apple ecosystem, then the 2nd gen Apple AirPods Pro is a great option. It uses its own H2 chip for advanced audio performance.
But are they good for listening to audiobooks? Yes, without a doubt. The same H2 chip provides enhanced noise cancellation, which can help create a more immersive and focused listening experience for audiobooks. Additionally, the AirPods Pro offers a comfortable fit with customizable ear tips, ensuring long listening sessions are enjoyable.
As for its battery life, the AirPods Pro has a battery life of up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge. This is way less than the battery life of the headphones that we’ve reviewed earlier. However, with the included wireless charging case, you can extend the battery life to up to 30 hours. This makes them perfect for long audiobook sessions or even for travel, as you won’t have to worry about running out of battery quickly.
Pros:
- Good Sound Quality
- Active Noise Cancellation feature
- Wireless Charging case
- Upto 30 hours of battery life
- Customizable ear tips
Cons:
- Many features are incompatible with non-iOS devices
- Comparatively pricy for earbuds
The main drawback of the 2nd generation Apple AirPods Pro is that some of their features don’t work with non-Apple devices. This means that if you’re using an Android phone or any other non-iOS device, you may not be able to fully enjoy all the features that the AirPods Pro has to offer. Additionally, the AirPods Pro is on the pricier side compared to other earbuds on the market, which may be a deterrent for some potential buyers. However, despite these limitations, the Apple AirPods Pro will always be regarded as among the best earbuds on the market.
Quantitative Measurement:
- Sound Quality: 8.5/10
- Noise Cancellation: 8.5/10
- Comfort: 8/10
- Durability: 8/10
JBL Tune 510BT
Form Factor: On-ear, Closed-back
Connectivity: Bluetooth
The first on-ear wireless headphones on this list for listening to audiobooks are the JBL Tune 510BT. These headphones offer a comfortable fit with their on-ear design and provide a closed-back feature for better noise isolation. Though they offer a comfortable fit, they are not comfortable for extended periods of use due to their tight clamping force.
However, the JBL Tune 510BT excels in terms of sound quality, delivering clear and balanced audio with deep bass. Additionally, its Bluetooth connectivity allows for seamless wireless pairing with your devices, giving you the freedom to move around without any tangled wires.
So, if you want to enjoy your audiobooks without any distractions from the outside world, the closed-back design of the JBL Tune 510BT is perfect for you. Nevertheless, the main hero of this headphone is its affordability. Priced in a budget-friendly range, the JBL Tune 510BT offers excellent value for its features and performance.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly device
- Easy to control
- Good audio quality
- Long battery life
- Quick charging
Cons:
- No ANC technology
- Clamping force is too tight
In order to deliver you an affordable wireless headphones, the JBL Tune 510BT sacrifices some advanced features like ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) technology. This means that it may not completely block out external noise, but it has noise isolation features to help minimize background sounds. Additionally, some users may find the clamping force of the headphones to be too tight, which could cause discomfort during extended use. However, considering its budget-friendly price, the JBL Tune 510BT still offers good audio quality and a long battery life, making it one of the best audiobook headphones.
Quantitative Measurement:
- Sound Quality: 8.5/10
- Noise Cancellation: 8/10
- Comfort: 8/10
- Durability: 7.5/10
Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT
Form Factor: Over-ear, Closed-back
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wired (Detachable audio cable)
The next headphone is from Audio-Technica, a well-known audio equipment manufacturer. It is their ATH-M20xBT model, which is an over-ear, closed-back headphone. Though it uses wireless Bluetooth connectivity, it also has the option to connect via a detachable audio cable. This headphone is highly regarded for its impressive sound quality and comfortable fit. It offers a stylish design and a reasonable price point, making it a great option for those seeking a balance between affordability and performance.
The ATH-M20xBT model features 40mm drivers that deliver clear and accurate audio reproduction across a wide frequency range. It also has an impressively long battery life of 60 hours which is even more than most headphones on this list. And a fast-charging feature where you get 3 hours of use with only 10 mins of charge.
While the ATH-M20xBT is definitely a great headphone, check out our other article on the best Audio-Technica headphones.
Pros:
- Wired & Wireless configuration
- 40mm sound drivers
- Great battery life
- Fast charging
- Built-in Mic & Controls
- Supports Multipoint Pairing
Cons:
- Not that sturdy
The build quality of the ATH-M20xBT could have been a bit more durable, as some users have reported that it feels slightly flimsy. But the overall features and performance of the headphones make up for this minor drawback. That being said, the best part of the ATH-M20xBT headphones is that they can be used as both wired and wireless headphones.
All of these features make the ATH-M20xBT one of the best headphones for audio books and casual listening.
Quantitative Measurement:
- Sound Quality: 8/10
- Noise Cancellation: 7.5/10
- Comfort: 8/10
- Durability: 7/10
OneOdio A70
Form Factor: Over-ear, Closed-back
Connectivity: Wireless & Wired
While the previous headphone had a durability issue, the OneOdio A70 is built with a custom-made aluminum fascia. This greatly enhances the durability and longevity of the headphones, making them suitable for long-term use. Additionally, the adjustable headband and ear cups provide a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions, ensuring that users can enjoy their audiobooks without any discomfort. Also, the device has 40mm neodymium drivers that deliver powerful and clear sound quality. Furthermore, the OneOdio A70 headphones come with a detachable cable and, at the same time, have wireless connectivity. This gives wearers the flexibility to choose between wired and wireless options based on their preferences or needs.
Pros:
- Very durable build
- Wired & Wireless configuration
- Comfortable to wear
- Dual power mode
- Really long battery life
Cons:
- A bit bulky device
The main drawback of having an aluminum body is that it can add weight to the headphones, making them slightly heavier to wear for extended periods of time. Additionally, some users may find the bulky design less portable compared to other headphone models. Nevertheless, the headphone’s respectable audio performance compensates for its size and weight.
Quantitative Measurement:
- Sound Quality: 7.5/10
- Noise Cancellation: 7/10
- Comfort: 7/10
- Durability: 9/10
Conclusion
Headphones are used for many reasons, and the most popular among them is listening to music. However, they are also essential for a high-quality audiobook experience. With the right headphones, you can immerse yourself in the story and fully appreciate the nuances of the narrator’s voice. So, whether you’re a dedicated audiobook lover or just starting to explore this form of storytelling, investing in the best headphones for audio books is definitely worth it. Besides, you can check out our best over-ear headphones blogs to learn more about headphones.
