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7 Best Bass Earbuds in 2023 (with Deep Powerful Bass)

Last updated: 2 weeks ago
14 min read

We’ve tested over 100 earbuds for bass (out of 192 tested headphones).

The top 5 are the best, and it’s not even close. In this guide, We’ll cover:

  • The best bass earbuds for every budget and usage, so you can enjoy powerful bass anywhere
  • Our experiences with each pair of earbuds
  • Bass tests of earbuds, so you know exactly how they sound

We test and review headphones based on an independent 9-point methodology. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

Quick overview: Click on “Read more” in the table to jump to the earbuds.

More info Price Driver size Battery Mic & Controls
Beats PowerBeats Pro Best overall
Beats PowerBeats Pro
Under $250
12mm
11+ hours
checkmarkcheckmark
Sony WF-XB700 Best under $100
Sony WF-XB700 true wireless earbuds
Under $50
12mm
11+ hours
checkmarkcheckmark
Jaybird Vista 2 Best sports
Jaybird Vista 2 small image
Under $200
6mm
8h (6h ANC)
checkmarkcheckmark
JBL Reflect Mini NC Best sports under $100
JBL Reflect Mini NC
Under $100
7mm
7 hours
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Edifier W240TN Best value
Edifier W240TN
Under $80
10mm + 6mm
7 hours
checkmarkcheckmark
EarFun Free Pro 2 Best budget
EarFun Free Pro 2
Under $80
6mm
5 hours
checkmarkcheckmark
Sennheiser IE80 S Best wired
Sennheiser IE80 S wired IEM
Under $200
n/a
n/a
crosscross

Bass is fun. But heavy bass is not the only thing we looked at. We picked earbuds that produce the beat but also work well in other areas. So you can expect a comfortable fit, long battery life, modern features, and high build quality. See how we tested and picked them.

All earbuds on our list are evaluated based on 9 key factors (Sonic9Score).  The main criteria we looked at to pick the top bass earbuds are bass quality and fit (see why below).

Explore our testing and ranking methodology.

CONTENTS (show more)

    Best Bass Earbuds

    1st-place Best Overall

    1. Beats PowerBeats Pro

    • Bass quality: Powerful, thumping bass for heavy and intense music
    • Fit: Ear hooks keep them stable and punchy
    Beats PowerBeats Pro in case

    Beats PowerBeats Pro are the overall best bass earbuds we’ve tested – Beats PowerBeats Pro review.

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth 5.0
    Driver size icon Driver size: 12mm
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: n/a
    Type:: In-ear | Battery Life: 11h + 24h in case | Range: 33ft – 10m | Noise cancelling: No | Charging: Under 1h + quick charge – Lightning | Mic & controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water resistance: IPX4 | Features: Ear hooks, H1 chip, volume controls on both sides
    • Deep, punchy bass that energizes music (V-shaped signature)
    • Great battery life with quick charging (we got over 11 hours out of them)
    • Perfect stability for working out
    • High build-quality and nice materials
    • Sweatproof, but can’t be submerged
    • Ear hooks rub against skin
    • Pricey
    • No way to turn them off without the charging case

    Beats brand has a big reputation. Their headphones are known for punchy bass, and PowerBeats Pro earbuds are no different. You get plenty of it.

    For fans of bass-heavy music, the low-end gives a real punch with a “V” shaped signature that boosts the bass in every song.

    From hip-hop to rock, the PowerBeats Pro are a fantastic basshead option. Air vents provide the feeling like you have a subwoofer in your ears, and you can feel the vibration.

    They stay stable in the ear thanks to the ear hook design so you don’t have to worry about losing when running or working out. And you can choose from various color options to fit your gym style.

    Sweatproof: Also, IPX4 protection makes them resistant to sweat but not water submersion. You can use them during the heaviest workouts or in the rain without a problem. Just don’t submerge them.

    Seamless integration: Thanks to the H1 chip, the connectivity with Apple devices feels snappy. They’re perfect for iOS users. And the built-in controls are simple to use, so you don’t have to take out your phone all the time.

    11h+ battery life is great too. That’s plenty of listening sessions, workouts, and runs on 1 charge. The only “bad thing” is their price. But Beats were never cheap.

    Read the full review or check the price.

    For earbuds with the highest water protection, check the best waterproof Bluetooth headphones.

    Best Bass Earbuds under $100

    dollar Best under $100

    2. Sony WF-XB700

    • Bass quality: Strong bassy sound while maintaining control, great for all music genres
    • Fit: Ergonomic design makes them stick in ears, suitable for sports too
    Sony WF-XB700 on a rock

    Sony WF-XB700 are the best wireless earbuds for bass under $100. – Sony WF-XB700 review & tests

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth 5.0
    Driver size icon Driver size: 12mm
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz
    Type: True wireless | Battery life: 9h + 9h in case | Wireless range: 33ft (10m) | Noise cancelling: No | Charging: 2.5h + Quick charge – USB-C | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water resistance: IPX4 | Features: Tri-Hold design, physical controls
    • Robust construction
    • Bassy yet smooth sound with balanced midrange
    • Quite comfortable and stable for sports activities
    • Reliable physical controls
    • Excellent battery life
    • Good passive noise isolation
    • No companion app
    • Some find Tri-Hold design uncomfortable

    This is a solid pair of true wireless earphones if you don’t want to spend too much but still crave the bass.

    Hear the Sony WF-XB700 A/B sound test:

    Sony WF-XB700 Sound Quality Test – HeadphonesAddict

    They’re very bass-heavy while still maintaining a clear sound quality across frequencies.

    The XB series is known for bass-oriented sound, and the WF-XB700 are no different. They can produce some serious rumble, especially on more bassy genres. They’re perfect for music genres that showcase strong bass.

    Stable fit: Buds have a Tri-Hold design that touches your ears in 3 places. The latter creates good stability, which makes them an excellent choice for sports. They’re light and comfortable, so you can wear them for hours.

    Durable & long-lasting: The earbuds are sweatproof and pack a 9-hour-long battery for extended use. There’s another 9 hours inside the charging case. This is a longer battery than with many more expensive earbuds.

    Controls: Instead of touch commands, you control the WF-XB700 with a physical button on top of each earbud. It offers basic controls so that you don’t have to use your smartphone.

    For bass-heavy earbuds under $100, the Sony WF-XB700 are the top choice.

    Best Sports Earbuds for Bass

    weights Best for Sports

    3. Jaybird Vista 2

    • Bass quality: Punchy, deep and controlled bass; you can EQ (adjust)
    • Fit: Stable thanks to ear wings, keeps the fit so the bass doesn’t leak
    Jaybird Vista 2 on the ground

    Jaybird Vista 2 are the best wireless bassy earbuds for sports we’ve tested – Jaybird Vista 2 review.

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth 5.0
    Driver size icon Driver size: 6mm
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz
    Type: True wireless | Battery life: 8h + 16h in case | Wireless range: 33ft (10m) | Noise cancelling: Yes | Charging: 2h + quick charge – USB-C & Qi wireless charging | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water resistance: IP68 (IP54 on case) | Features: Ambient mode, mono mode, EQ
    • Great sound for all music genres you can fully customize with EQ & presets
    • They stay comfy and stable in your ears during activity, even when sweaty
    • Can easily survive dust AND water, even submerging
    • 8-hour+ battery provides convenience without worrying about charging
    • Fully customize the earbuds to fit your needs in the companion app
    • Removes background noise with ANC so you can focus on the workout
    • Occasional connection stutters
    • Annoying errors during firmware updates

    The Vista 2 are well-balanced out of the box. However, with some bass equalizing, they become real bass monsters.

    Hear the Jaybird Vista 2 A/B sound test:

    Jaybird Vista 2 Sound Quality Test – HeadphonesAddict

    A sound profile can be extra bass-heavy, flat, or bright (in the A/B sound test above we only tested original audio).

    Punchy bass: While they have a pretty balanced default tuning, they can deliver quite a punch, especially when you tweak their EQ inside the Jaybird app.

    Vista 2 can sound very polite and neutral or bassy and energetic. The possibilities are endless.

    Comfortable and stable: Thanks to the ear wings, they stay in the ears even when working out without becoming uncomfortable. Smart design just feels better.

    Decent ANC: Their second iteration comes with active noise cancellation and ambient sound mode, which work okay but are not excellent. ANC removes some background noise but can’t compare to the top ANC performers.

    Thankfully, you still get high durability ratings and complete control over customization within the companion app.

    Tough-made: The charging case is sweat-resistant, sporting an IP54 rating. The Bluetooth earbuds maintain the same IP68 rating and carry the MIL-STD-810G military standard of durability. You can throw them around and they’ll work fine.

    (Almost) 6-hour battery: We tested the battery with ANC at 5 hours 57 minutes. That’s more than enough for a couple of runs and workouts.

    And they support quick charging. A 1-hour charge gives you an hour of playtime. And the case holds 16 hours more.

    Top sports buds: When it comes to value for money among workout earbuds, Jaybird Vista 2 are the top dog. They feel and fit great, have punchy sound, are fully waterproof, have a useful app, and don’t cost an arm and a leg.

    Looking for more earbuds?

    Best Sports Earbuds for Bass under $100

    weights Best for Sports under $100

    4. JBL Reflect Mini NC

    • Bass quality: Punchy and detailed bass out of the box with EQ (adjustable)
    • Fit: They stick to ears like glue thanks to ear wings, great for sports
    JBL Reflect Mini NC earbuds

    JBL Reflect Mini NC are excellent bassy sports earbuds for less than $100JBL Reflect Mini NC review.

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth 5.1
    Driver size icon Driver size: 6mm
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz
    Type: True wireless | Battery life: 7h + 14h in case | Wireless range: 33ft (10m) | Noise cancelling: Yes | Charging: 2h – USB-C | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water resistance: IPX7 | Features: Ambient Aware, TalkThru, mono mode, EQ
    • Excellent sound quality (after EQ)
    • Great stability during workouts
    • Comfortable fit
    • Stable Bluetooth 5.1 connection
    • Companion app with custom EQ
    • Durable build with an IPX7 rating
    • Poor active noise cancellation performance
    • Control customization could be better

    These JBL earbuds produce dynamic sound with lots of bass.

    Hear the JBL Reflect Mini NC A/B sound test:

    JBL Reflect Mini NC Sound Quality Test – HeadphonesAddict

    The bass quantity isn’t overpowering, but enough to make the sound warm and punchy.

    You get energetic, true wireless earbuds with solid bass and good detail. They’re punchy out of the box, but you can bring up even more bass in the JBL app (with EQ).

    Bulky design: They are pretty bulky but fit comfortably in your ears. They also have long ear fins to lock them securely in place.

    The latter is great for working out, which goes well with a more bass-forward, energetic sound. They’re perfect for running or paced working out.

    Solid battery: They can play your music for almost 7 hours, with an extra 14 hours inside the carrying case. During our test, we got 6 hours and 42 minutes of playtime.

    Fully waterproof: JBL Reflect Mini NC have a solid construction with IPX7 protection against water. You can submerge them or clean them under a tap after a workout.

    Limited ANC: Active noise cancellation is the weak point of these earbuds. You barely hear the difference when it’s turned on. So, if you’re looking for effective ANC, these aren’t the best choice.

    JBL app: With capable EQ you can amp up the bass and adjust the sound exactly how you like.

    All in all, if you’re looking for affordable bassy earbuds for sports (under $100) these are great.

    Best Value Earbuds for Bass

    dollar Best Value

    5. Edifier W240TN

    • Bass quality: A built-in woofer produces a strong but controlled beat
    • Fit: Stable for regular use, but not the best for sports
    Edifier W240TN on a tree

    Edifier W240TN are superb truly wireless earbuds under $100 with deep sub-bass extension and active noise reduction (ANC). – Edifier W240TN review

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth 5.3
    Driver size icon Driver size: 10mm woofer + 6mm tweeter
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz
    Type: True wireless | Battery life: 7h + 14h in case | Wireless range: 40 feet (12.1m) | Noise cancelling: Yes | Charging: Quick charge – USB-C | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC | Water resistance: IP55 | Features: ANC, app, Game mode, EQ
    • Great sound quality (after EQing)
    • Comfortable & stable fit for long listening sessions
    • ANC and Transparency mode performance rivals the best
    • Solid build quality with an IP55 rating
    • Edifier app packed with features and customizations
    • Average battery life of 6+ hours per charge with ANC
    • ANC makes the sound noticeably bright and thin
    • Mediocre indoor Bluetooth range of around 40 feet

    These TWS earbuds offer a lot for the price. From powerful bass, to ANC and water protection.

    Hear the Edifier W240TN A/B sound test:

    Edifier W240TN Sound Quality Test – HeadphonesAddict

    Earbuds use 2 dynamic drivers, a woofer and a tweeter, producing a hefty but also controlled low-end punch.

    Using the in-app custom EQ, you can reduce or amplify the low frequencies even further, creating a party in your ears.

    Longlasting comfort: You can wear the earbuds comfortably for a long time due to ergonomic, comfortable design. They’re stable for regular use but not for sports. See sports options above.

    Superb ANC: You can enable active noise cancellation to prevent outside noise from hurting your listening experience. Its performance is almost on par with the best offers from Sony WF-1000XM4 or Apple AirPods Pro. It’s really amazing for the price.

    The only problem is that is slightly changes the sound signature when turned on.

    You get more features, like ambient sound mode, which boosts the outside noise for greater awareness. This makes it safe to use them on the streets as it keeps you aware of your surroundings.

    Best bang for the buck: If you’re looking for outstanding bass-heavy earbuds with lots of features for a reasonable price, Edifier W240TN are it. Of all the earbuds we’ve tested, you won’t find better or with more features for the same price.

    Related: Best headphones under $100.

    Best Cheap Bass Earbuds

    dollar Best Cheap

    6. EarFun Free Pro 2

    • Bass quality: Punchy bass with overall great audio quality for the price
    • Fit: The fit loses seal and needs readjustment to maintain the bass
    EarFun Free Pro 2 buds and case

    EarFun Free Pro 2 are the best cheap bass earbuds under $80 we’ve tested (often under $50- see prices below). – EarFun Free Pro 2 review

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth 5.2
    Driver size icon Driver size: 6mm
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: n/a
    Type: True wireless | Battery life: 5h + 20h in case (with ANC on) | Wireless range: 50ft (15m) | Noise cancelling: Yes | Charging: 2h + quick charge – USB-C & Qi wireless charging | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water resistance: IPX5 | Features: ANC, ambient sound mode, low latency
    • Fun, dynamic sound with good detail
    • Very comfortable & lightweight
    • Smaller case with Qi wireless charging
    • Strong Bluetooth connection
    • Great active noise cancellation (for the price)
    • Included swab for cleaning the earbuds
    • Earbuds easily lose seal, affecting bass performance
    • Less battery life compared to previous generation
    • Slighty too aggressive noise reduction for voice calls

    If you’re looking for a clean and lively sound, check these out.

    Hear the EarFun Free Pro 2 A/B sound test:

    EarFun Free Pro 2 Sound Quality Test – HeadphonesAddict

    This is a newer budget addition to the EarFun lineup, with a wide set of features like a strong Bluetooth connection and an enjoyable listening experience.

    They have a surprisingly lively sound profile for true wireless earbuds under $80. Natural vocals and sparkly high-end get accompanied by punchy mid-bass that keeps your head moving. Plus, earbuds stay free of any sibilance.

    These are a listening pleasure for both audio purists who hate bass bleed and bassheads who love bass slam.

    Featherweight light: At only 4 grams per earbud, they’re one of the lightest TWS earbuds. And also among the most comfortable. Wear them all day long without getting itchy ears.

    Rich features: Apart from music playback controls, there are many useful features. You can activate noise cancellation, which works well against low-end hum, albeit it can’t remove voices in the coffee shop.

    If you want to speak to someone, a triple tap on the earbud enables transparency mode, which amplifies the background noise. And a 2-microphone system enables you to hold phone calls on the go.

    Capable battery: A small charging case supports fast charging via USB-C cable and Qi wireless charging. You get more than 8 hours on a full charge, while there are another 25 hours inside the case.

    You can often get EarFun Free Pro 2 under $50, and for that price, they’re a steal.

    Looking for cheap headphones with ANC? See the best budget noise cancelling headphones.

    Check more related guides:

    Best Wired Bass Earbuds

    wired Best Wired

    7. Sennheiser IE80 S

    • Bass quality: Adjustable bass from mild to extreme for the ultimate bassheads
    • Fit: The wires act as ear hooks for extra stability
    Sennheiser IE80 S wired IEM

    The best wired bass-heavy earbuds.

    $162.49
    in stock
    6 new from $162.49
    6 used from $129.95
    as of December 5, 2023 10:14 pm
    Amazon.com

    If you don’t mind wired earbud design, these Sennheiser headphones offer amazing audio quality than most and adjustable bass response.

    Connection icon Connection: Wired: 3.5mm
    Driver size icon Driver size: n/a
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: 10-20.000Hz
    Type: In-ear | Back design: Closed-back | Noise cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: No | Impedance: 16 Ohm | Weight: n/a | Cable lenght: 4 feet (1.2m) | Features: Ear hooks, bass adjuster, detachable cable
    • Adjustable bass
    • Sturdy build with detachable cable
    • Great sound quality
    • On the max setting the bass gets overwhelming
    • No sweat resistance

    For in-ear monitoring needs, the audio quality is great.

    Adjust the bass: The fact that you can alter the bass frequency response from mild to extreme is a bonus. But be warned, the max-setting bass is extreme.

    The bass response is totally customizable, you have control over the earbuds, so you can change it while listening. This is what makes them suitable for different music genres.

    No frills: The wired earbuds are simple: no battery, no special features. Just a 3.5mm plug with a cable you can detach in case it breaks. The braided wires ensure better durability, plus you can shape it into a hook for over-the-ear fit.

    And they come with multiple sizes of eartips that let you choose the most comfortable fit for you.

    Other options for wired bassy earbuds are: KZ AS16 Pro are wired in-ear monitors with a punchy yet detailed bass. KZ ATE are dirt-cheap but punchy and dun. And Sony MDR-XB50AP, which are discontinued and hard to get.

    Runner-Up Choices: 8 Other with Considerations

    Sony WF-1000XM3 & XM4

    Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds with case

    Not many true wireless headphones have effective active noise cancellation. However, the Sony WF-1000XM3 and XM4 buck the trend.

    The noise reduction features are great, and the app has a neat bass boost feature.

    Sony WF-1000XM3 review | Sony WF-1000XM4 review

    JBL Live Pro+

    JBL Live Pro+ earbuds

    JBL Live Pro+ TWS earbuds have fantastic sound for EDM, hip-hop, techno, and other bassy genres.

    Plus, you get capable EQ in the app with plenty of other options.

    JBL Live Pro+ review

    Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro

    Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro earbuds

    Flagship TWS earbuds from Anker use a dynamic driver (woofer) and a BA tweeter to produce a sparkly and punchy sound with extreme bass.

    The low-end truly feels like you’re listening to a subwoofer.

    Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro review

    KZ AS16 Pro

    KZ AS16 Pro IEMs

    Affordable in-ear monitors with 8 BA drivers in each earbud, producing very controlled and detailed sound for only $60.

    They have a relatively bass-heavy sound but with excellent punch and impact.

    KZ AS16 Pro review

    Jabra Elite Active 75t

    Jabra Elite Active 75t earbuds in box

    Great sports TWS earbuds with ergonomic build quality and bass-heavy sound.

    You can further tweak them inside a companion app.

    Jabra Elite Active 75t review

    Anker Soundcore Liberty Neo

    Anker Soundcore Liberty Neo true wireless earbuds

    If your playlist primarily consists of popular music genres like EDM or hip-hop, the Anker Soundcore Liberty Neo are a bang for your buck.

    Anker Soundcore Liberty Neo review.

    TOZO NC7

    TOZO NC7 in hands

    TOZO NC7 are fantastic all-around TWS earbuds with good ANC, ergonomics, and a long battery life of 9 hours per charge.

    Furthermore, with their default tuning, they output a massive bass punch that should please most bass lovers.

    TOZO NC7 review

    Sony MDR-XB50AP

    Sony MDR-XB50AP Extra Bass earbuds

    One of the cheapest bass headphones from a reputable audio brand. But they’re hard to get nowadays.

    Sony MDR-XB50AP review

    Other earbuds we considered (that didn’t make the list):

    • Skullcandy Indy ANC: A bit older TWS earbuds with punchy bass. They lack app options like EQ and control customization, which earbuds on the list have.
    • Anker SoundCore Life A1: They are bassy and perform well but are superseded by newer Anker earbuds in the list and under honorable mentions.
    • Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II: While they have a bassy sound, it isn’t sufficient amount for a serious bass head.

    How We Tested Them?

    Each pair of earbuds in our list is objectively tested by measuring frequency response (see graphs in full reviews).

    Frequency response chart

    Then, we listen to them personally and describe what we hear. Altogether, we test them on 9 key points: Sound quality, noise isolation, ANC, battery life, comfort, features, etc. This helps us compare and pick the best-performing earbuds that we can confidently recommend.

    Read on our testing and scoring methodology.

    How did we choose the models?

    As mentioned above, we primarily focused on 2 decision points: bass and fit quality, with other features as the third criterion.

    So, all recommended earbuds perform well and have powerful bass. We choose from many earbuds (we tested 192 headphones altogether). Then we ranked them for different user needs and prices: from general to specific and cheaper towards the bottom.

    Related: What are bass headphones and earbuds

    How to Choose the Right Bassy Earbuds for You?

    There are 2 things important for bass in earbuds:

    1. The quality and power of the drivers: Better and bigger drivers produce deeper and more controlled bass.
    2. How they fit: If the earbuds lose an airtight fit, the bass escapes out of the ear. So, you can’t hear it even if the drivers do a good job.

    This is why we primarily focused on these 2 things in particular. For bass performance, you need capable drivers and a stable, airtight fit to deliver the beat to the eardrums.

    Apart from extra bass, you should also look at these factors:

    Sound quality: Music isn’t just bass

    (Don’t get angry), but music isn’t just bass. Some of these earbuds have amazing acoustics with the latest sophisticated technology. But apart from playing deep, punchy bass, you also want to hear mids and highs.

    Sound isolation: Don’t let the bass escape

    Passive noise isolation is important for experiencing a full and rich sound. Many of the in-ear monitors on the list offer great passive protection from ambient noise.

    As mentioned before, you need an airtight fit for deep bass with any in-ear headphones (earphones). Otherwise, the bass leaks out, and you don’t hear it.

    See the best noise isolating headphones.

    Comfort: Nobody likes itchy ears

    What good are strong, punchy earbuds if they get uncomfortable after a couple of minutes? They’re useless.

    Instead, you should get comfortable buds with an ergonomic design and many different eartips. Thankfully, we personally test every pair for an extended time to learn if they get uncomfortable over time.

    Price: Why pay more than you have to?

    You don’t have to pay much for earbuds with powerful bass. You can get good bass for an affordable price under $100. Though, the top buds will cost you over $200.

    For more, see the best cheap earbuds.

    Durability: Can you drop them?

    We all sometimes accidentally drop our earbuds. The question is: Do they survive? Some earbuds are well-built from sturdy materials that last for years and can survive a drop or two. And some can’t.

    We’ve included in the list only those that will stand the test of time.

    Furthermore, look for minimally IPX4 if you want to use them for working out or take them outside in the rain.

    Water resistance testing
    We test all waterproof earbuds by dipping them in water.

    Do You Know Why You Like Powerful Bass?

    According to scientific research…

    The reason you like powerful bass is because it stimulates the release of endorphins, which make you feel good.

    Scientists have found an inner ear part called “sacculus,” which gets stimulated by low-frequency sound or bass. Once stimulated, it results in the release of feel-good hormones.

    This is why you feel good when listening to bassy music. Now you know.

    Let’s get back on topic.

    What to Expect from Bass-Heavy Earbuds?

    While many earbuds have fancy names like: “precision enhanced bass” or “extra bass.” It sounds nice. But earbuds suffer one major flaw when producing bass:

    They’re small.

    I love bass music!

    The audio quality is significantly limited by physics, and small earbuds aren’t known for generating head-dizzying bass. To get great bass out of IEMs, you need to pick the right models.

    But don’t be discouraged. Small doesn’t mean bad in every case. The models on our list excel in deep, punchy, yet clean and precise bass that will make you smile.

    Nonetheless, you shouldn’t expect the same power and depth as from the best bass headphones.

    What are bassy earbuds best for?

    Here are where they excel:

    • They’re best for listening in the gym for a good workout rhythm and to make you push harder. For bigger gym options, see the best workout headphones.
    • For running (outside or indoors): Research suggests you run faster when listening to bassy music.
    • Perfect for listening to bass-heavy music genres (like EDM, Techno, Electronics, Hip Hop, Rap, Rock & Techno)
    • Great for traveling: Bassy earbuds come with good noise isolation, which also helps lower the noise during travel.
    • Great for watching movies: Explosions and suspenseful rumble come alive with bassy-heavy earbuds. It makes movies more fun.

    How long do bass earbuds last?

    Bass-heavy earbuds last as long as regular earbuds. Their longevity mainly depends on build and material quality (which we discuss in each review).

    The main reason modern Bluetooth earbuds stop working is battery deterioration. Every battery has a limited recharge cycle built in.

    If you live in the USA or EU, all headphones come with at least 1-year guarantee. So, if you ever have any problems or malfunctions, you can always ask for a replacement or a refund.

    How to Get the Most Bass from Earphones (earbuds, in-ear monitors)?

    “Help! My earbuds have no bass?”

    To get powerful bass out of earbuds (in-ear monitors), you need an airtight fit.

    Without a snug fit, you won’t get strong bass, no matter how big the drivers. It’s crucial to get a good, airtight fit. Here’s a guide on how to keep earbuds from falling out.

    Here’s how to get an airtight fit:

    • Put the earbuds in your ears with medium eartips. See how they feel.
    • If they feel loose, try bigger eartips that fully close your ear canal. The bass should amplify.
    • If they feel tight, try smaller eartips and check if the bass stays the same while improving comfort.
    • Once you’ve tested all the eartips, you’ll notice using some eartips produces more bass than others.

    The eartips that produce the most bass also give you the most airtight fit.

    Before you judge any earbuds and their lack of bass, make sure to thoroughly test different positions and ear tips. Sometimes changing silicone with memory-foam eartips makes all the difference.

    Related:

    Why Trust HeadphonesAddict?

    At HeadphonesAddict, we provide honest headphone tests through a rigorous methodology and a transparent process. See how we test here. We put a lot of effort into personally testing and measuring each pair so we can make educated recommendations.

    When choosing the best bass earbuds, we looked at the strength of bass, comfort and fit in all situations, build quality, usefulness of features, and price-to-value ratio.

    More reasons to trust us:

    • We test headphones ourselves on 9 key points (less for wired models).
    • We measure frequency responses, ANC, passive isolation, compare EQ presets, and battery life.
    • We don’t take money for tests and reviews.
    • We don’t delete or edit “bad reviews.” Even when brands ask us to. If the headphones sound bad or have other faults, we tell you without embellishment.

    FAQs:

    Is bass important in earbuds?

    Bass is important in earbuds because it gives energy and rhythm to music. It makes listening to popular music genres more fun, as well as watching movies more immersive. Music without bass sounds flat and boring.

    Is more or less bass better?

    How much bass is better depends on your personal preference. Some prefer powerful, deep bass with punch and warmth, claiming little bass makes the sound dull and boring. On the contrary, audiophiles claim neutral bass is better since it doesn’t mask the rest of the frequency spectrum.

    Which AirPods have good bass?

    AirPods Pro and AirPods Max have good bass. AirPods Pro (any generation) have an in-ear fit, which amplifies bass inside ears. AirPods Max have big, powerful drivers capable of producing strong low frequencies.

    Why do audiophiles dislike bass-heavy headphones?

    While some people swear by bass-heavy sound, audiophiles tend to avoid it. They claim the main problem with overpowered bass is that it overshadows the mid-range and treble. As a result, you can’t hear the details with bassy audio quality.

    Can high bass damage earbuds?

    High bass can’t damage earbuds. All earbuds are made to handle the bass they produce. So, it’s perfectly safe to maximize the bass frequencies on any earbuds you listen to.

    Conclusion

    So, in our opinion, if you want quality earbuds with powerful bass, get the Beats PowerBeats Pro (see review).

    • #1 Best Earbuds for Bass

    Last update: Edited the guide and FAQ questions.

    34 Comments
    1. Has to be XB90EX..
      i have owned a good bunch of flagship killer budget iems..from soundmagic to Vsonic to brainwavz.
      but when it comes to bass..it was always XB90EX. Its the cleanest of em all with nice scoop of sub bass to lick for and a bigger soundstage 😉
      PS: except SE535s

      Reply

    2. Hey guys,
      I’ve purchased the Sony #1 earbuds from Amazon and got them delivered today.
      Because of your review.
      Huuge disappointment.
      Same model #, import from Japan – and almost NO bass ?
      Mids and Highs squeezed ’till kingdom comes.
      Ever heard of Sure 535 or JBL200i ?
      I own both of them.
      Comparing the Sonys to my JBLs right now – and they are worlds apart.
      Galaxies.
      Bass-wise it’s JBL (1), Sure (2) ……and Sony (faar away).
      Regards.

      Reply

      1. Are you kidding me? SE535? Its bass is shallow and farty. I did have a pair of SE535 but then ditched it for good. I now have the SE846, the JH Audio Layla and the Noble Audio Kaiser K-10, but none of these $1,000 flagships has bass that comes close to that of the XB90EX. ‘Nuff said.

        Reply

      2. Check your fit. I’ve had plenty of TOTL IEMS, and these are up there with the best of them. Also, adding an amp helps tremendously with the Sony Xb90ex.

        Reply

        1. What is TOTL IEMS?

          Reply

          1. ToTL IEMs stands for “Top of The Line In-Ear Monitors”.
            These are flagship models, the best you can get from a certain brand.

            Reply

      3. I had the same expierence. My xb50 made me want to purchase the xb90 and was so very disappointed the xb90’s arrived. I wonder if I am victim of fraud an received a knock off. My xb90 cannot sony the xb50’s. no warranty use?

        Reply

    3. Dude you don’t know what you’re talking about.
      Sony xb90ex have great bass… maybe you have bad fit.

      Besides, both your recommendations are more expensive, in fact Shure 535 are almost 500 bucks. btw, they are actually on this list if you cared to read it.

      Reply

    4. great to hear these comments on this iem.

      question i must ask those who have the pricier iems ie noble, jh and others:
      we’re in an age when there are so many good sounding and bass adjustable iems
      out there: the trinity delta (and upcoming phantom) series…the flc 8s…etc.
      do those $1k plus iems warrant their prices? i’m interested, for example, in the newly
      released jh ‘liquid metal’ rosie, with adjustable bass…supposed to be similar in sound to their flagship jh13…but when there are the other cheaper iems as listed (and i guess we can expect even more this yr), i wonder if going that much $$$ is truly worth it…but to others it is….so i’d love to hear your feedback…thanks

      Reply

    5. No audio technica? seriously?
      I find ATH CKS77X as one of the best bass earbud with great detail that is rarely seen in most bass earbud
      I do think that XB90EX and most earbud on the list is great ,but looking at the price and quality cks77x is definitely best bang for your buck,worth to be in the top 5

      Reply

      1. ATH CKS77X look promising, we are actually planning on reviewing them, it just takes some time to be sent to us since they are rather a new model.

        Reply

    6. Have you guys tried the Sony mdr-xb70ap? They are supposed to be better than the 50’s and from what I’ve been reading they are possibly better (stronger bass) than the xb90ex. I have a pair of the 70’s and I use poweramp app on my Samsung Galaxy 6 and I can say that they are pretty good bass wise. Poweramp makes a huge difference compared to using the standard built in equalizer, it feels like it actually is an amp especially when compared to a lot of the other equalizers. I consider myself a bass head and I’m not interested in super crisp highs, that actually hurts my ears. Did you guys use an amp or poweramp when testing the xb90ex (or any of the IEM’s mentioned for that matter). I’ve heard that they require that extra push to really get the bass pumping.

      Reply

      1. Yes we try all models with amps, but mostly review the sound without since most people don’t use them and it wouldn’t be as useful to them.

        Generally any amplifier will always power up frequencies, especially with an equalizer. The recently released XB70AP look interesting, will probably test them soon.

        Reply

    7. I haven’t tried most of the earbuds on your list, but I have tested ALOT of different inexpensive buds looking for decent audio under $25. So far, I have ended up with countless pairs of horrible sounding earbuds that end up in the trash or the huge pile of random wires, adapters and plugs that I hide away under the garage.
      I read an article online recommending Monoprice earphones and decided to give them a try, and at roughly $10 I wasn’t expecting much at all. I was blown away when I turned them up with some good drum & bass tracks. They dont look like much and are made of plastic but easily sound like $75 earphones quality-wise. They have 14mm drivers and are ported, and are nothing short of amazing for the price. I have used mine DAILY at work, and they haven’t broken yet, although I will stress that they are only made of plastic. They have different colors but get the silver ones, as they have fabric-wrapped cords.

      Reply

      1. You probably tried the Monoprice IEMs we have reviewed in the budget earbuds article, they really are great value for the price.

        Reply

    8. Amazing review! I’m currently doing a report on earbuds and your reviews give the perfect information and descriptions needed.

      Reply

    9. Good review, although I would probably recommend reviewing the Sennheiser IE800s or Westone W40s. They have much better and tougher bass than most earphones in this category.

      Reply

    10. I have the xb50s, they have served me greatly and have really taken a beating(washed, chewed by dog, slammed constantly) and still sound just as good as when I got them 2 years ago… only issue is that my rubber earpiece has kept falling out (probably because they were mangled my a puppy) other than that the mic is good, control buttons a lil finicky but works, and sound is great-also amazing price- I bought them at hhgregg and I have to say they were well worth it

      Reply

    11. First let me thank you for the wonderful presentation, The one page scrolling site is easy to navigate fast informative and straight forward. On a scale of 1 to 10 i give it a solid 8. Why and 8 and not a 9 or 10? Almost immediately it became evident that the presentation was not going to offer any comparisons regarding the product specifications. This is particularly important to me especially when shopping for something as specific as quality bass in an audio product. Specifically the products dynamic range, THD, Dbl, Ohm and number and size of drivers. When i first scrolled to the Pro heading i thought I had found what i was looking for. Next time. Thanks for all the great work. I read through all of them.

      Reply

      1. Thank you for your review.

        What kind of product specifications would you like to compare?

        Reply

    12. First of all, thanks for the wonderful article which i
      really enjoyed to read, but the end, i’m still stuck chosing some new earbuds, not for not enough details, but for some “doubts” i hope you can help me to resolve.
      I’m coming from a really fantastic experience with a pair of Sennheiser CX 275s, which after about 2 years broke up.
      Firstly i wanted to remain on Sennheiser because of the amazing experience, but then i decided to give a try to Sony, so i ordered 2 pairs of Sony which I’m trying these days: XB50AP and EX650AP. Amazing fit and materials for the second ones, which is more “stable”, unlike first ones which are more “basshead” oriented. But anyway, something is not convincing me. I’m still wondering about Sennheiser that i want to try, and after so I’m even more stuck to one point, so here it is the question i’ll be glad to know a response by you: did you try the CX 3.00 and also compared it with the CX 300 ii? If you tried them, can you kindly tell me some opinions on those pairs? I’m asking so because i already looked around but finding no answers, if not just some “generics”.
      Thanks 🙂

      Reply

      1. Hi Luca,

        I think you got the bug so many of us have. 🙂 Once you start appreciating good earbuds you’ll want to keep getting new ones.

        But yeah back to your question. The CX 3.0 are basically a replacement for CX 300 II. They’re also bass emphasized, no inline control even though there looks like to be one, solid design and comfort. They’re not much different while CX 300 II are cheaper.

        Now if you’re looking for more in-ear earbuds around $50 we recommend a couple of them at: https://headphonesaddict.com/best-earbuds-for-the-money/
        But to give you a recommendation you’d need to tell me what kind of earbuds you’re looking for, what is important to you?

        Reply

        1. Thanks for the quick answer! I’ll try to be more “precise” as i can, hoping that those details could help to give an idea.
          What i use to enjoy is the “classic” electro music, from EDM, to house, or something like “Savant” (if you know him). Anyway i like the “punchy basses”. But i also really like mid highs while listening to something like the fantastic Blues Brothers, with the fantastic sound of the Piano, clarinet and stuffs.Or also listening something Queen, or Michael Jackson, so it’s also important “feel” the voice of those voices. As last i also love to listen some “old rock” like classical AC/DC, Bon Jovi, Deep Purple or also Ozzy Osburne. Also some metal, like Slipknot (just to say some names).
          Long story short, i could say:
          -“punchy/clean basses” (not just a “strange noise breaking my head”). More powerful as possible WITHOUT taking “all the scene”. I like the “super punch” from the Bass Drum, but without losing the “goosebumps” given by the guitar solo!
          -as clean as possible clean mid-highs, in order to enjoy mainly stuffs like voices and guitars.
          Would be good the CX 300 ii / CX 3.00 or maybe the Soundmagic E10?
          MAYBE i want too much for this “range”, but that is what i’m looking for; my “meta”.
          Hope to have given enough “factors” to give you an idea, and anyway, suggestions for also higher ranges would be appreciated 🙂

          Reply

          1. Hi Luca,

            From what you’re telling me a balanced sound signature is what you’re looking for.
            It’s still very hard to give recommendations based on verbal description but I can give you some modesl to check out.

            These come to mind:
            Brainwavz M2
            Shure SE215
            Sennheiser Momentum In Ear
            Etymotic Research MC5

            These are slightly more expensive than in the cheap earbuds guide.

            Personally I really like Zero Audio Carbo Tenore, a bit fragile but great balanced sound for the price. You should check them out too.

            Reply

    13. Thanks man, I live in Chile, so I’ve imported the Sony MDR-XB50AP/R Extra Bass Earbud Headset thanks to your review.
      Awesome post here.
      Thanks a lot.

      Reply

      1. hi boss,how good are those?

        Reply

        1. Marvelous, only beaten by the big brother SONY MDR-XB90EX

          Reply

    14. $422 on amazon for the Sony XB90EX WTF?!?!

      Reply

      1. That’s just temporary probably because of high demand and lower supply. That’s not the price you should pay though wait a bit and it will go down.

        Reply

    15. i want the best bass,which one are the best?

      Reply

      1. We recommend the Sony XB90EX as your first choice.

        Reply

        1. how are you boss?havind advised me on the type of earbuds to buy for base,i appreciate so much coz i ordered for a sony mdrxb 50Ap and its amazing but here goes my question again,iphone and samsung which phone do u recommend to me me for my earbuds?ofcourse i love base and clear music but loud,thanks

          Reply

          1. iPhone and Samsung or other Android phones are pretty much the same for sound. For more power you need an amplifier but that’s an additional cost and another device to carry around which can be annoying.

            Reply

    16. The first time I read your review, the Sony MDR-XB90EX where #1 and I bought them for $82 on December 2015 on Amazon, they were really awesome for two years until the right earphone stopped working at all. One day it was working perfectly and the next time I tried to use them the earphone was just dead.

      Reply

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