Are you looking for the best headphones for relaxation and meditation? Do you feel overwhelmed by the vast range of choices out there? Does choosing the best option make you so anxious that you need to meditate?
We understand, so we’re here to make things easier for you by reviewing the top models on the market. We did all the research so you can focus on practicing mindfulness.
Get comfortable; we have a bumper-packed edition for you today.
How To Choose Headphones For Relaxation And Meditation
Choosing the right headphones can significantly improve your meditation practice. Consider the following before you make your final decision.
Comfort For Relaxation
The longer you meditate, the more comfortable your headphones should be. A bulky headset might prevent you from nodding off if you plan your sessions just before falling asleep. In such a situation, earbuds would be the better option due to their compact nature.
Also, check that the select model you choose has adjustable straps. It pays to invest a little more to ensure that you receive comfortable ear pads as well.
Related article – Can You Meditate With Headphones?
Noise-Canceling
Two types of headphones offer noise-canceling technology. Passive models block through a barrier. Active noise-canceling units transmit a signal to drown out the noise.
For some users, active models are problematic as overuse might cause headaches or nausea. A high-quality set will use a combination of the two for the best results.
Are you unsure about how necessary active noise-canceling is? Consider where you are most likely to use your earphones and how much noise there is in the area.
Interesting read – Why Does Music Sound Better With Headphones?
Portability
If you travel or wish to use the headphones at the gym, you need a lightweight model that will stay put. Earbuds can be beneficial if you practice moving meditations because they are less likely to make you feel warm or overheated.
It’s also worth looking at the quality of the carry case, if applicable. Doing so is crucial if you have earbuds as they are small and easy to lose.
Battery Life
The battery life and charge time are essential considerations. A relatively good set will give you 30 hours of playtime overall. However, features like noise-canceling will reduce the overall time in the field.
When considering a new set, also look at the charge time. Is there a quick-charge option that gets you up to 50% or more in a fraction of the time? How long will it take if you don’t speed it up?
Most of the models on this list take 3 hours to charge, so they’re good if you want the maximum usage from your device.
Budget
When choosing the best headphones for relaxation and meditation, consider investing a little more money. You can find reasonable models for $50 or less, but it could pay you to save some cash toward a higher-end model.
The better-quality models like Bose typically sell for between $150 and $300. Whether you’re willing to pay those prices will depend on how much you wish to get out of them. While you’re currently looking for models that fit in with meditation, you may also have other needs.
You may, for example, want to use headphones as part of your home entertainment unit. It may prove worth paying for the best to get the best possible results. You may also want to be able to make and answer calls clearly, and this may mean paying for the higher-end models.
Related article – Should I Use Headphones For Headspace?
Our Choice Of The Best Headphones For Relaxation And Meditation
BOSE SOUNDLINK HEADPHONES II – Best Overall
These lightweight, stylish, and highly efficient headphones are well worth the investment. Showcasing Bose technology at its best, the sound quality is unmatched. Unlike some of its competitors, the quality is constant even amid heavy winds.
Music sounds deep and rich, while speech in movies is clear. The impressive microphone array ensures that callers hear every word you say. The sidetone feature filters out background noise and cleans up the sound to make your voice sound crisp and clear.
Bluetooth operation is smooth and seamless with this device. You can opt to connect to two sources simultaneously, and the headphones use innovative protocols to make switching between the two simple.
When receiving a call, the system automatically pauses the audio to answer. When you complete the call, the system restarts the music.
BOSE QUIETCOMFORT EARBUDS – Best Choice For Apple Devices
The Quiet Comfort 20 is an excellent example of ingenuity from Bose. The compact set offers the following features:
- Active noise-canceling technology to drown out ambient noise
- Easy to activate “Aware” mode for when you need to check your environment
- Remote for controlling options as well as buttons on the in-line microphone
- Ear tips for holding the earbuds securely in your ear
- Active EQ and Triport technology for an enhanced sound experience
- Comes with three color options
The compact design is ideal for meditation in all environments. The earbuds sit securely and comfortably, delivering high-quality sound without distorting it.
You may hear a faint echoing noise if you bump the line while your earbuds are in place. However, this is common with wired sets, and the disruption is minimal here. Bose’s superior sound technology more than makes up for the odd knock here and there.
TREBLAB Z2 – Best Budget Option
The Treblab Z2 model is the best for faithful sound reproduction and drowning out background noises. Whether you’re in a college lunchroom or at a busy mall, you’ll be able to concentrate when wearing these.
The quality of the headphones, combined with the codecs they use to play audio, are the primary reasons the sound is exceptional. The reason is that these codecs use less compression than other types. Therefore, the sound that comes out is much closer to the original.
Considering that this set comes in at less than $100, it is an excellent value for the money. It doesn’t match Bose for overall quality, but considering that it costs about half as much, it’s something we can live with.
AUDIO-TECHNICA ATH-M50X – Best for Concentration
Designed for professional sound engineers, this set has a lot of hype to follow. Fortunately, these headphones deliver top-quality sound and a range of valuable features.
- Easy storage with detachable cable and foldable design
- Versatile earcups which swivel to 90°
- Professional quality foam
- The contoured design fits snugly against your head
- Comfortable
- Available in wired or unwired versions
These headphones are a cut above the standard offerings available. They are more expensive than other brands, but they make up for that by emitting deep, rich sounds without tinny, echoing noises. The sound fidelity is high, and bass lovers will enjoy using these.
The headphones seem to snuggle up to your ears thanks to the shaped design of the pads. Combined with high-quality foam, the shape makes this set comfortable to wear. Enabling the noise-canceling feature makes you feel like you are immersing yourself in a separate world.
This selection is a good bet if you need to meditate in a noisy environment.
SENNHEISER PXC 550 WIRELESS HEADPHONES – Best Versatility
These robust Bluetooth headphones offer a superior listening experience because of the adjustable effects. You simply select the one that best suits your current environment. The effects include Movie, Club, and Speech.
There is a fourth option, Director, but you must use the app to access it. This setting allows you to create custom sound effects.
Other features include the following.
- Noise Gard active noise cancellation
- An array of three microphones for maximum speech quality
- Bluetooth 4.2
- Intuitive controls
- Up to 30 hours of battery life
This pair of headphones packs a punch. With outstanding noise-canceling technology, it’s easy to cut out all background noise. You may also enhance the audio using the effects.
For example, you can enable “Club” mode to pick up every note when listening to meditation music. “Speech” mode would be better when listening to a guided meditation podcast.
Conclusion
Choosing which models took home the title was a little tricky. We know that Bose is a great brand, but not everyone can afford these products. So, today, we divided the categories a little more instead of listing a straight winner and runners-up.
The Treblab Z2, for example, is the best budget option, but it doesn’t quite measure up to the Bose Soundlink. Then again, it’s also far more reasonably priced, so it deserves mention here.
Look through our guide, and then consider what is most necessary for you. Each high-quality selection is from a reputable brand, regardless of the price.
