- Keep the noise away and stay focused on the music with Adaptive Noise Cancelling. The Ambient Aware technology allows you to safely walk busy streets by increasing ambient sounds, while with TalkThru music is lowered and speech is amplified so you can easily chat keeping your headphones on.
- Listen to your audiobooks for up to 50 hours (or up to 40 hours with ANC and BT on)! Then, stop for a quick 10-minute charge to get extra 4-hour fun.
Are you an avid audiobook listener? Do you find yourself struggling to hear the narration over background noise or uncomfortable earbuds? If so, you’re not alone. Choosing the right headphones can make a huge difference in your listening experience.
In this article, we’ll explore the best headphones for audiobooks. We’ll look at various factors, such as sound quality, comfort, and noise-cancellation technology, to help you find the perfect pair of headphones for your needs. So please sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of audiobook headphones.
In This Article:
What to Look for in Audiobook Headphones:
When choosing headphones specifically for listening to audiobooks, several features are particularly important:
- Comfort: Since listening to an audiobook can often be a long-duration activity, the comfort of the headphones is extremely important. Look for headphones with soft padding and an adjustable headband. Also, consider the weight of the headphones, as heavier ones can become uncomfortable over time.
- Battery Life: If you’re choosing wireless headphones, battery life is a crucial factor. You’ll want headphones that can last through at least a few hours of listening, so you’re not constantly needing to recharge them.
- Sound Quality: While audiobooks don’t require the same level of audio quality as music, clear and crisp sound can make the listening experience more enjoyable. Headphones with a good frequency response and clarity can enhance the audiobook’s narration.
- Noise Isolation/Cancellation: Noise-isolating or cancelling headphones can be beneficial depending on where you plan to listen to your audiobooks. These can help you focus on the story even in noisy environments.
- Connectivity: Most people listen to audiobooks on their smartphones or tablets, so headphones that can easily connect to these devices are essential. Bluetooth connectivity is standard in many modern headphones.
- Controls: Some headphones come with controls that let you play, pause, or skip tracks, which can be handy when listening to audiobooks. Some may even have dedicated buttons for activating voice assistants, which can be used to control audiobook playback on certain devices or apps.
- Durability: Since you’ll likely use these headphones frequently, look for well-made and durable ones.
- Price: Depending on your budget, you’ll also want to consider the cost. Good options are available at various prices, so consider what features are most important to you and find headphones that offer those within your budget.
Remember that the best audiobook headphones will vary from person to person based on personal preferences and needs. Therefore, it’s a good idea to read reviews and try out a few options, if possible, before deciding.
The Best Headphones for Audiobooks
Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is a top-notch choice for audiobook listeners. The headphones offer crystal clear, well-balanced audio, making each word and sound effect vivid, ensuring an immersive audiobook experience.
They are comfortable for long hours of listening, and the 30-hour battery life promises uninterrupted enjoyment of your favorite stories. The industry-leading noise cancellation technology provides a quiet environment for distraction-free listening. In addition, the stable wireless connection and user-friendly touch controls make the listening experience seamless and hassle-free.
The Speak-to-Chat feature is an added advantage, automatically pausing your audiobook when you start a conversation. One potential con might be the cost, as they are on the high end of the price scale for headphones, but given the features and quality, they are a worthwhile investment for avid audiobook listeners.
A similar model to check out is Beats headphones vs Sony.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Bose QuietComfort 35 II is a great choice for audiobook enthusiasts. The headphones deliver excellent audio quality with a balanced performance at any volume, which is crucial for clear and enjoyable audiobook listening.
Their lightweight design and comfortable earcups make them perfect for long hours of listening. The 20-hour battery life ensures you can enjoy your favorite stories without interruption. In addition, the acclaimed noise cancellation technology provides a peaceful, distraction-free audiobook experience, even in noisy surroundings.
They maintain a stable wireless connection and feature easy-to-use controls, including a dedicated button for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, enhancing the overall user experience. The dual-microphone system is an added bonus, allowing clear calls and voice access to your phone’s default virtual assistant.
However, one potential drawback could be the shorter battery life compared to some other high-end models. Despite this, Bose QuietComfort 35 II offers a combination of comfort, excellent audio quality, and user-friendly features, making them a valuable addition to your audiobook listening experience.
Sennheiser HD 450BT
The Sennheiser HD 450BT headphones are an excellent choice for audiobook listeners. With Sennheiser’s signature sound and dynamic bass, you can enjoy clear and balanced audio, enhancing your audiobook experience.
The headphones are designed for comfort, suitable for long hours of listening, and the impressive 30-hour battery life provides extended periods of audiobook enjoyment without the need for frequent charging. In addition, the active noise cancellation ensures a distraction-free listening environment, even in noisy surroundings.
The HD 450BT headphones provide a stable wireless connection, and the intuitive controls offer easy access to your favorite audiobooks. The quick access button to the EQ settings through the Sennheiser Smart Control App is a unique addition. Their foldable design is an added benefit for easy storage and transport.
However, one potential con could be the reliance on the Sennheiser Smart Control App for EQ settings, which some users may find less convenient. Despite this, the Sennheiser HD 450BT offers a combination of excellent audio quality, comfort, long battery life, and user-friendly features, making them a perfect choice for audiobook listeners.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
Audio-Technica’s ATH-M50xBT headphones are a robust choice for audiobook listeners. Boasting exceptional clarity and deep, accurate bass response, they deliver a superior audio experience that makes each word in your audiobook crystal clear.
Their professional-grade earpad and headband material ensure comfort during long listening sessions. Remarkably, they offer up to 40 hours of continuous use on a full charge, meaning you can enjoy your favorite stories without worrying about battery life. They also provide excellent sound isolation, especially useful in loud environments.
With a stable wireless connection and convenient access to voice assist, these headphones offer a seamless listening experience. An additional advantage of the ATH-M50xBT headphones is their exceptional durability, adding to the overall value.
However, a potential downside is the lack of active noise cancellation, which might be a factor for some users. Despite this, with the combination of excellent audio quality, comfort, long battery life, and user-friendly controls, the ATH-M50xBT makes for a sound investment for audiobook enthusiasts.
Jabra Elite 85h
Jabra Elite 85h headphones are an ideal choice for audiobook enthusiasts. They feature SmartSound Audio technology that automatically adapts to your surroundings and 40mm custom-engineered speakers, ensuring high-quality audio for a more immersive audiobook listening experience.
The memory foam ear cups and adjustable headband offer maximum comfort for extended listening periods. With an impressive 36-hour battery life, your audiobook sessions can be as long as you desire without worrying about battery drain. In addition, the excellent noise cancellation features provide a distraction-free listening environment.
Connection stability and user-friendly controls, including one-touch access to voice assistants, enhance the user experience. An additional feature is the multiple microphones that ensure superior call quality.
However, a potential con is their relatively larger size, which some users might not prefer. Despite this, with the combination of excellent audio quality, comfort, long battery life, and user-friendly features, the Jabra Elite 85h headphones stand out as a superior choice for audiobook listeners.
Top Earbuds for Listening to Audiobooks
Apple AirPods Pro
Apple AirPods Pro are an excellent choice for audiobook listeners, particularly those in the Apple ecosystem. They provide superior audio quality with adaptive EQ, ensuring a rich and consistent audiobook experience.
They are designed for comfort, offering a customizable fit with three sizes of flexible silicone tips. Although the battery life for continuous use is 4.5 hours, the charging case extends this to over 24 hours, ensuring plenty of uninterrupted listening time. In addition, the active noise cancellation allows for peaceful, distraction-free audiobook enjoyment, and the connection stability is reliable, particularly with Apple devices.
Easy access to Siri allows for convenient control over playback and volume. An added benefit is their sweat and water-resistant design, allowing you to listen to audiobooks during workouts or in the rain. However, one potential downside is their higher price point than other earbuds on the market. AirPods vs Raycon earbuds are two top earbuds overall to look at.
However, Apple AirPods Pro offers a high-quality audiobook listening experience with excellent comfort and user-friendly features.
Sony WF-1000XM4
The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are an excellent choice for audiobook listeners. Sony’s Integrated Processor V1 and an 8mm driver deliver clear and precise sound, enhancing the audiobook experience.
They fit securely and comfortably for long hours of use, making them ideal for extended listening sessions. Their battery life extends to 8 hours with noise cancellation on, and with the charging case, this extends to up to 32 hours, allowing for plenty of uninterrupted audiobook enjoyment.
The high level of noise cancellation and Automatic Wind Noise Reduction mode ensure a peaceful listening environment. In addition, the earbuds provide a stable wireless connection and feature Speak-to-Chat technology, automatically pausing your audiobook when you start speaking. The earbuds are also IPX4 rated, making them water and sweat-resistant.
However, one potential con might be their higher price point compared to other earbuds on the market. Despite this, the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds offer excellent audio quality, comfort, long battery life, and user-friendly features, making them a fantastic choice for audiobook listeners.
Jabra Elite 75t
The Jabra Elite 75t earbuds are a solid choice for listening to Audible audiobooks. They feature 6mm speakers and customizable equalizer settings via the Jabra Sound+ app, ensuring a rich and tailored audiobook experience.
Their design ensures a secure and comfortable fit, making them suitable for prolonged use. The earbuds offer a battery life of up to 7.5 hours on a single charge, and with the charging case, extends to up to 28 hours, providing ample time for uninterrupted audiobook enjoyment. While they do not feature active noise cancellation, the tight seal of the ear tips offers passive noise isolation.
The earbuds provide a stable wireless connection and have intuitive controls for ease of use. Additionally, their IP55 rating makes them suitable for various conditions, including workouts. However, one potential downside is the absence of active noise cancellation, which might not fully satisfy users in noisier environments.
Despite this, the Jabra Elite 75t earbuds, with their excellent audio quality, comfort, and long battery life, make for a sound choice for any audiobook enthusiast.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro are an excellent choice for audiobook listeners, particularly those in the Samsung ecosystem. They provide exceptional audio quality with a two-way speaker system, ensuring a rich and immersive audiobook experience.
They are designed for comfort, offering a customizable fit with three sizes of flexible silicone tips. The battery life for continuous use is up to 5 hours with noise cancellation on, and the charging case extends this to up to 18 hours, ensuring plenty of uninterrupted listening time.
The active noise cancellation allows for peaceful, distraction-free audiobook enjoyment, and the connection stability is reliable, particularly with Samsung devices. In addition, the Voice Detect feature allows for convenient control over noise cancellation and ambient sound settings.
An added benefit is their IPX7 water-resistant design, allowing you to listen to your audiobooks during workouts or in the rain. However, one potential downside is their shorter battery life compared to some other earbuds on the market.
Despite this, Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro offers a high-quality audiobook listening experience with excellent comfort and user-friendly features.
1MORE Stylish True Wireless Earbuds
The 1MORE Stylish True Wireless Earbuds are a reliable choice for audiobook listeners. The earbuds provide clear and balanced sound through their titanium composite dynamic drivers, ensuring a quality listening experience. In addition, the three sizes of ear tips and O-hooks allow for a customizable, secure, and comfortable fit for extended listening periods.
The earbuds offer a solid battery life of up to 6.5 hours on a single charge, with the charging case extending this to up to 24 hours. While they lack active noise cancellation, the ear tips can provide some degree of passive noise isolation.
The earbuds maintain a stable wireless connection and deliver precise sound through the optimized Qualcomm chip with aptX and AAC technology. Intuitive touch controls allow for convenient operation. A unique characteristic is their stylish design, available in several colors.
However, a potential downside is that they are not rated for water or sweat resistance, which could limit their use in certain situations. Nonetheless, the 1MORE Stylish True Wireless Earbuds offer audiobook listeners an appealing blend of sound quality, comfort, and style.
Earbuds vs Headphones for Audible Audiobooks
The choice between headphones and earbuds for audiobooks largely depends on your preferences and needs. Here are some factors you might want to consider:
Comfort
Headphones often have larger ear cups, which can be more comfortable for long periods of use. However, they can also be heavy and could cause discomfort over time. On the other hand, earbuds are lightweight and portable, but they can cause discomfort if they don’t fit well.
Sound Quality
High-quality headphones usually deliver better sound quality compared to earbuds. This is because they have larger drivers, which can produce a broader range of frequencies and a more detailed sound. However, there are high-end earbuds that also offer excellent sound quality.
Noise Isolation/Cancellation
Headphones, especially over-the-ear models, often provide better noise isolation due to their design. Some headphones also have active noise-cancellation features. Earbuds can offer noise isolation too, but it largely depends on the fit. Some earbuds also come with active noise cancellation.
Portability
Earbuds are more portable than headphones. They are small, lightweight, and can easily fit in your pocket, making them ideal for commuting or traveling. You might want to consider invisible headphones for at work instead of these bulkier models.
Battery Life
For wireless models, battery life can be a factor. Some headphones have longer battery life than earbuds, but this can vary widely between models.
Price
Generally, headphones can be more expensive than earbuds, especially high-end models with advanced features. But there are also budget-friendly options for both.
Sound quality and comfort are probably the most critical factors when listening to audiobooks. Audiobooks don’t generally require a broad range of frequencies like music does, so even budget-friendly headphones or earbuds can provide a satisfactory listening experience. However, you might want to try out different types of headphones and earbuds to see what works best for you.
What Audiobook Headphones Will You Choose?
The perfect pair of headphones for listening to audiobooks boils down to your specific preferences and lifestyle needs. From over-ear headphones to compact earbuds, the choice ultimately depends on the blend of audio quality, comfort, battery life, noise cancellation, connection stability, and user-friendly controls that best fit your requirements.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort 35 II are excellent options for those preferring over-ear headphones, offering superior sound quality, exceptional noise cancellation, and comfort for prolonged wear. However, they may not be the most portable options available.
For those inclined towards compact yet high-performing earbuds, options like the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro and Apple AirPods Pro provide outstanding audio quality, noise cancellation, and a portable design. Jabra Elite 75t and 1MORE Stylish True Wireless Earbuds are other commendable options that offer an impressive blend of sound quality, comfort, and battery life.
In-ear earbuds like the Sony WF-1000XM4, known for their active noise cancellation, and the Jabra Elite 75t, recognized for their excellent sound quality and comfort, are also considerable choices.
Yet, if you frequently listen to audiobooks in environments where you may encounter water or sweat, options such as Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro or Apple AirPods Pro, with their water-resistant designs, may be the most suitable.
Each product brings unique strengths to the table. What matters most is how these strengths align with your personal listening habits, comfort, and lifestyle. So whether you’re an avid audiobook listener indulging in hours of captivating narratives or someone who enjoys short stories in your free time, there’s a pair of headphones out there that’s just right for you.
Remember, the perfect headphones or earbuds for audiobooks are not just about sound—they are about enhancing your overall listening experience and, ultimately, your enjoyment of the stories you love. So, what audiobook headphones will you choose?