Are you wondering why we are talking about the most expensive headphones on the market when so many buyers are looking for the best budget headphones? Well, not all headphones buyers are looking for cheap headphones. Headphones come in a variety of prices, sizes, and types. You can get a good pair of headphones for less than $50 or purchase high-end headphones to make the most of premium features, such as excellent comfort, plush padding, smart technology and so on. The choice is completely yours. Therefore, we decided to shed some light on the most expensive headphones on the market this time around. We’ve also covered the most expensive gaming headsets in one of our recent posts.
To get you the list of the best and most expensive headphones, we shortlisted 20 high-end headphones and tested them through and through to find the 6 most expensive headphones that are trending. These 6 extravagant headphones can be a perfect pick for those who are not on a shoestring budget. Read further to know more.
Roundup of the Most Expensive Headphones
| Most Expensive Headphones for Gaming | ASUS ROG Centurion Gaming Headset With USB Control Box |
| Most Expensive Headphones With Mic | Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Headphones |
| Best and Most Expensive Bass Headphones | Audeze LCD-4 Over-the-Ear Headphones |
| Most Expensive Audiophile Headphones | Focal Utopia Open-Back Headphones |
| Most Expensive In-Ear Headphones | Sony IER-M9 In-Ear Monitor Headphones |
| Most Expensive Noise-Canceling Headphones | Sennheiser HD 820 Closed-Back Headphones |
Expensive Headphones Buying Guide
Apart from a high price (which is already your main purchase criteria), ensure you also consider the following factors while looking for high-end headphones:
1. Purpose
After price, the second most important factor you should consider is the reason for purchasing the headphones. Are you looking for the most expensive headphones for mixing? Do you need expensive headphones to complete your gaming setup? Or do you simply want to buy expensive headphones for an incredible listening experience? Ensure you know why exactly you want to buy expensive headphones to make an informed purchase.
2. Comfort and fit
Most of the expensive headphones (and even earphones) are heavy duty. Since their price is high, they comprise all premium-quality elements to make them sturdy and durable. Therefore, before purchasing the headphones, ensure they are comfortable. Also, it would be a good idea to purchase headphones with adjustable headbands and rotating ear cups.
3. Sound Quality
Sound quality is also one of the most critical factors you should look at and it goes without saying. However, we are not talking about it in detail as we strongly believe that all expensive headphones deliver great sound quality. You’ll see that when you start reading the product reviews below.
To know more about how to find the right headphones, you can check our Headphones Buying Guide 2023.
6 Most Expensive Headphones That Define Luxury
Let’s deep-dive into the detailed reviews of the most expensive headphones on the market. You may not find some of the headphones “very expensive,” however we have added them to our list since they are the most expensive headphones in their respective categories.
1. ASUS ROG Centurion Gaming Headset With USB Control Box
Most Expensive Headphones for Gaming
- Excellent audio quality; 7.1 surround sound
- Adjustable audio
- Microphone cancels out all external sounds (even breathing sound)
- Sturdy and durable
- Value for money
- Comfortable
- Not adjustment option for virtual surround sound
- Can feel heavy on the head
Out of all the gaming headphones we tested, we found the ASUS gaming headset to be the most expensive and best performing gaming headset. The moment you look at the headset, you know why it is priced so high.
Firstly, the ASUS ROG Centurion Gaming Headset delivers true 7.1 surround sound. The headset comes with 10 hidden neodynamic drivers that provide the ultimate surround sound experience and enhance your gaming experience. We loved the positioning of the audio during the games as well as the bass. The hi-res ESS amplifier is like an icing on the cake; it provides excellent audio quality.
Secondly, the headset comes with a plug-and-play USB control box that functions like a USB sound card, and provides noise cancelation and multiple audio profiles. It also functions as a headphone amplifier.
Thirdly, the ASUS ROG Centurion Gaming Headset also justifies its high-end price by providing the utmost comfort during unending gaming sessions. The ear cups are covered with soft and premium-end leather ear cushions. We did not experience any ear fatigue whatsoever.
Lastly, the wired gaming headset comprises a high-quality microphone that is highly sensitive to sound and background noises. So, you can communicate with your in-game buddies or opponents without any external disturbance.
In conclusion, the ASUS ROG Centurion Gaming Headset is the best and most expensive gaming headset on the market. We were delighted to know that the headset also has a wireless counterpart. Therefore, if you have a lenient budget, we highly recommended purchasing this gaming headset.
View on Amazon: ASUS ROG Centurion Gaming Headset
2. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Headphones
Most Expensive Headphones With Mic
- Powerful sound; crisp, clear and sharp sound
- Great microphone audio quality
- Deep bass; clear mids and highs
- Excellent noise suppression
- Comfortable and durable
- Value for money
- Can be connected to 2 devices at once
- Can feel heavy on the head
As soon as we stumbled upon the Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones, we wanted to tag them as both one of the best noise-canceling headphones and the most expensive headphones with a microphone. Yes, the noise-canceling feature in these headphones works perfectly.
Firstly, as already discussed above, the Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones come with noise-canceling and dual noise sensor technology to provide crystal-clear audio. Both ear cups comprise a microphone each. All in all, the headphones comprise 5 microphones that are powered by the dual noise sensor technology and cancel external noises and sounds by passing signals to the HD Noise Canceling Processor QN1. Since the headphones come with noise-canceling microphones, they are perfect for remote working. We really liked the audio quality of calls.
Secondly, the headphones come with built-in voice assistance powered by the Amazon Alexa. Also, you can use the headphones for 30 hours straight in a single charge. The battery of our tester Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones died while we were at the beach; however, a quick 15-minute charge provided almost 6 hours of battery life.
Lastly, the headphones are comfortable and sturdy. Their earcups are larger than their older model, the XM3 (check the detailed Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-1000XM3 comparison here). The music automatically pauses when you remove the headphones and starts playing when you wear them again.
Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones can be a great buy if you are looking for high-end headphones with a microphone. The only thing we did not like about the headphones is their weight. They started feeling pretty heavy on the head after a couple of hours.
View on Amazon: Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones
3. Audeze LCD-4 Over-the-Ear Headphones
Most Expensive Bass Headphones
- Excellent sound quality
- No sound distortion
- Deep and clear bass
- Sturdy build
- Comfortable and durable
- We did not experience any issues with the headphones
While selecting the Audeze LCD-4 Headphones, we did not just look at the bass (we did consider bass as one of the critical purchase points) but the overall sound quality delivered by these “highly expensive” headphones. Let’s talk about the excellent sound quality in more detail.
Firstly, the headphones comprise the innovative planar magnetic technology that deliver spacious and incredibly clear sound. Honestly, the sound quality of the Audeze LCD-4 Headphones speaks for their monstrous price.
Secondly, the headphones deliver the deepest, flattest and most precise bass response when compared to all the other bass headphones on the market (even the best bass headphones listed on our website). Not only this but the headphones also comprise an array of exciting technical features that justify their price. These include patented Fluxor Magnets Arrays for zero sound distortion and internal soundwaves Patented Fazor Elements guide to minimize resonance. We were surprised to learn that the diaphragm of the Audeze LCD-4 Headphones is thinner than our hair; yes, that’s true.
In conclusion, even though the Audeze LCD-4 Headphones are highly expensive, if you have sufficient funds, you won’t regret purchasing them. You can’t go wrong with these headphones! Some existing users have rated them as the “best headphones in the world!”
View on Amazon: Audeze LCD-4 Headphones
4. Focal Utopia Open-Back Headphones
Most Expensive Audiophile Headphones
- Sturdy and durable
- Look stylish
- Comfortable for regular use
- Phenomenal sound quality
- Balanced bass
- Can feel heavy on the head
Audiophile headphones are headphones made using only “high-quality components.” They are typically expensive and luxurious. Out of all the audiophiles headphones we tested, we found the Focal Utopia Open-Back Headphones to be the best and most expensive.
Firstly, the sound quality delivered by the Focal Utopia Open-Back Headphones is almost as good as the sound quality delivered by the Audeze LCD-4 Headphones (their prices are also pretty much similar). The sound is clear, dynamic and natural. If you have a solid-state amp or a tube amp, you can pair it with these headphones to create a magical listening experience!
Secondly, the Focal Utopia Open-Back Headphones are the world’s first audiophile headphones with an open-back and circumaural design. Not only this but the headphones are also the first ever to house full-range speakers with “M-shaped” Beryllium domes.
Lastly, the headphones are comfortable for regular use, and comprise an adjustable leather headband and rotatable ear cups to ensure the utmost comfort. They look stylish and robust.
In conclusion, the Focal Utopia Open-Back Headphones are one of the best and most expensive audiophile headphones on the market right now. They sound, feel and look amazing!
View on Amazon: Focal Utopia Open-Back Headphones
5. Sony IER-M9 In-Ear Monitor Headphones
Most Expensive In-Ear Headphones
- Great sound quality
- Very comfortable
- Sturdy cable
- Balanced bass; not overpowering
- Perfect noise isolation
- Narrow soundstage
At first, we thought we won’t be able to find expensive in-ear headphones as they are typically budget-friendly or priced a little more than $100. Nevertheless, we were surprised to find the Sony IER-M9 In-Ear Monitor Headphones and stunned at their price. The entire team as HeadphonesProReview was excited to try these earphones.
Firstly, these in-ear headphones sound much better than many expensive over-the-ear and on-the-ear headphones on the market. The sound quality is simply incredible. After all, the Sony IER-M9 In-Ear Monitor Headphones comprise 5X Balanced Armature (BA) units that enhance their sound performance multifold.
Secondly, the in-ear headphones comprise a magnesium alloy tweeter that ensure minimum resonance and maximum frequency responsiveness. Not only this but Sony has also added gold-plated terminals and silver-coated copper coils to justify the high price. These are truly premium-end earphones in every way.
Thirdly, the cable of the Sony IER-M9 In-Ear Monitor Headphones is covered with natural silk thread; another high-end feature. The connector also comprises gold plating.
Lastly, these in-ear headphones are durable and look stylish. The ear hanger design ensures the earbuds don’t keep falling out and stay put when you are grooving on your favorite music. The brand provides 6 pairs of eartips with the product. They can also be used as gaming earbuds.
We played some of our favorite songs while wearing these in-ear headphones and simply loved the entire listening experience. We now know why the Sony IER-M9 In-Ear Monitor Headphones are so expensive!
View on Amazon: Sony IER-M9 In-Ear Monitor Headphones
6. Sennheiser HD 820 Closed-Back Headphones
Most Expensive Noise-Canceling Headphones
- Sturdy and durable
- Comfortable
- Provide excellent noise isolation
- Stylish open-back design
- Wide soundstage
- Great audio quality
- We couldn’t find any major issues in the headphones apart from the fact that memory foam earpads would have been a better options
The Sennheiser HD 820 Closed-Back Headphones are one of the most expensive noise-canceling headphones on the market. Even though Sennheiser is popular for manufacturing high-end open-back headphones, this time the brand has launched a dynamic closed-back design. In fact, these headphones are also one of the first audiophile headphones with a closed-back design.
Firstly, the closed-back design provides great noise cancelation (more noise isolation than cancelation to be honest) and delivers crystal-clear audio. Therefore, the Sennheiser HD 820 Closed-Back Headphones are perfect for private listening. Not only this but the closed-back design is elegant and unique as it comprises concave glass reflectors on both ear cups. We have never experienced such a wide soundstage in closed-back headphones.
Secondly, the headphones are extremely comfortable. They comprise an adjustable headband and soft ear pads to reduce ear fatigue. However, plush memory foam ear cushions would have been a better choice.
In conclusion, the Sennheiser HD 820 Closed-Back Headphones are durable and solid in every aspect. We couldn’t find any major issues in the headphones. These headphones are truly extraordinary compared to their closed-back counterparts on the market.
View on Amazon: Sennheiser HD 820 Closed-Back Headphones
Frequently Asked Questions About Expensive Headphones
Yes, expensive and high-end headphones are completely worth every dollar you spend on them. As you have seen above, all expensive headphones are comfortable, durable and sturdy, and deliver excellent sound quality. Don’t worry; if you invest in expensive headphones, we promise you’ll get good returns!
The HIFIMAN Ananda-BT High-Resolution Bluetooth Headphones are the best and most expensive wireless headphones on the market right now. We simply loved them for their robustness and excellent sound quality. They seamlessly connect with other Bluetooth devices and are real value for money.
We also liked the unique and stylish design of these headphones. The hybrid headband design is something we have not seen with any other pair of headphones. The ear cups are not symmetrical in shape and are designed to provide the utmost comfort to your ears. Therefore, whether you are a streamer, gamer, vlogger or music lover, we bet you’ll love these high-end headphones. Even though they feel heavy on the head, they are worth purchasing if you are only looking for wireless headphones and don’t like annoying wires.
Here’s a quick recap of the notable features of the HIFIMAN Ananda-BT High-Resolution Bluetooth headphones:
-Premium-end audiophile-level driver
-Software comprising DAC, digital filters and an amplifier for audio optimization
-Great sound performance
-Excellent comfort and durability
-Full range of Bluetooth codecs supported
-HIFIMAN’s NEO “supernano” diaphragm
Final Words
Now that you have read the complete guide on the most expensive headphones, you probably already know that all high-end headphones are comfortable, durable, reliable and value for money. All the 8 expensive headphones discussed above deliver great sound quality. Therefore, your choice will completely depend on why you are purchasing the headphones. In simpler terms, the purpose of purchasing expensive headphones will be the deciding factor.
We sincerely hope you found our guide on the most high-end headphones useful. If you want to know more about expensive headphones or have better suggestions, please feel free to leave your comments in the comment section below. We look forward to hearing from you.
