When it comes to best headphones for ASMR, you want a pair that can reproduce audio clearly and accurately to fully experience those tingling sounds. I’ve tested out some of the top headphones on the market to find the best headphones for asmr listening.

Best Headphones for ASMR

In this review, I’ll summarize and provide an in-depth look at five headphones that excel for this purpose: the Sony WH-1000XM4, Sennheiser HD 599, COWIN E7 PRO, GRADO SR80e, and Kokoon Sleep Headphones. Keep reading for all the details on how these headphones stack up.

Sony WH-1000XM4

The Sony WH-1000XM4 are the latest version of Sony’s premium wireless ANC headphones. They build upon the already impressive WH-1000XM3 with slight design tweaks and upgrades like multipoint pairing and wearing detection sensors. The audio quality remains excellent with Sony’s proprietary HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1 which effectively blocks out ambient noise. Best Headphones for sleeping asmr, this allows you to fully focus on those subtle sounds without interference.

The 40mm drivers deliver stellar audio reproduction across the frequency spectrum so every sound comes through with clarity and detail. Sony also added some new mics that help improve noise cancellation and voice pickup for clearer phone calls. The touch controls let you easily pause, skip tracks, adjust volume, and activate assistants without fumbling with buttons. At 30 hours, the battery life is extremely impressive for ANC headphones. And you get handy features like quick charging and wearing detection that auto-pauses audio when removed. For the best asmr headphones for sleep experience, the Sony WH-1000XM4 really deliver.

Sound Quality: With Sony’s premium noise cancelling technology and 40mm drivers, the WH-1000XM4 deliver stellar audio reproduction across the spectrum. The soundstage is spacious with intimacy and depth. Bass is tight and punchy with nice sub-bass rumble. Mids are crystal clear for pristine vocals and detail. Treble has precision without harshness. From acoustic whispers to nature sounds, the lively sound makes ASMR triggers mesmerizing. These headphones sound fantastic whether you’re listening to music, videos, or vocal content.

Comfort: The WH-1000XM4 have a comfortable over-ear design with plush synthetic padding on the headband and earcups. Clamping force is adjustable for customized fit around the ears. The oval earcups and foam cushioning provide a nice seal without excessive pressure. At just under 9oz, the headphones remain lightweight enough for prolonged wear. Those with larger heads may experience some discomfort over time. But for most, these provide exceptional comfort.

Build Quality: Sony built the WH-1000XM4 with quality materials like plastic, metal, and faux leather. The extendable headband and folding earcups feel sturdy and durable. The smooth matte finish resists fingerprints. While not indestructible, the headphones feel solidly constructed with attention to detail. Sony also made them IPX4 splash resistant. Overall the WH-1000XM4 should withstand normal wear and tear.

Value: With an MSRP of $350, the Sony WH-1000XM4 sit at the higher end of the price spectrum. But for wireless ANC headphones with this level of audio fidelity and smart features, they deliver tremendous value. The noise cancelling, sound quality, comfort, and battery life are as good as it gets before entering the $400+ tier. Given the premium experience, most find these worth the investment.

Warranty & Support

Sony offers a 1 year limited warranty on manufacturing defects. They have support available by phone, email, and live chat on their website. Many retailers also allow returns within 30 days if you’re unsatisfied.

Sony WH-1000XM4 Review:

The Sony WH-1000XM4 are simply stellar wireless headphones that impress across the board. The ANC is effective at blocking out external noise whether you’re at home or commuting. This allows you to really focus on those soft ASMR sounds for tingling sensations. Music and videos sound amazing with warm powerful bass, crisp treble, and a spacious soundstage.

Vocals also come through cleanly. The plush earcups are comfortable for long listening sessions. Controls are intuitive with customizable touch sensors. Battery life is downright impressive at 30 hours. And you get useful features like multipoint pairing, auto-pause sensors, and fast charging. For an amazing wireless listening experience, the Sony WH-1000XM4 are hard to beat.

User Review:

The Sony WH-1000XM4 have overwhelmingly positive reviews. Many say it’s the best wireless ANC headphone available. Users praise the stellar noise cancellation, natural audio reproduction, comfort, and long battery life. Some minor complaints are that the touch controls are overly sensitive and multipoint pairing is limited to 2 devices. But overall, most users are extremely satisfied with the listening experience. best headphones for asmr, these headphones consistently get rave reviews for blocking distractions and accurately reproducing those tingling sounds.

Sennheiser HD 599

The Sennheiser HD 599 are open-back dynamic headphones designed to deliver incredibly natural and realistic sound for critical listening. Instead of isolating sound like closed-back models, the open earcups allow external noise to blend in. While this diminishes isolation, it creates a more spacious and realistic listening experience. best headphones for asmr, the open design makes those tingles and whispers sound like they’re happening around you in real life.

The 38mm drivers reproduce audio with stunning accuracy across the frequency range. Bass has nice sub-bass presence without being overbearing. Mids are crystal clear. And treble has precision without harsh spikes. Everything sounds lifelike and nuanced. The lightweight and comfortable padding allows you to wear these headphones for hours without fatigue. For discerning ASMR enthusiasts, the Sennheiser HD 599 provide an incredible open and natural listening experience.

Sound Quality: With their open-back design and precise 38mm drivers, the HD 599 reproduce audio with incredible realism. The soundstage has a very spacious, ambient quality. Bass has nice sub-bass presence without bloat. Mids sound vivid and pristine. Treble has sparkling detail without harshness. Vocals shine with texture and intimacy. Across frequencies, audio sounds natural, balanced, and nuanced. From vocal cues to taps and whispers, ASMR triggers feel lifelike and immersive.

Comfort: The HD 599 are designed with comfort in mind thanks to the padded headband and velour earpads. Clamping force is moderate for a snug yet gentle fit around the ears. At just 9oz without cables, the lightweight construction prevents neck strain over time. Those with large ears may experience some contact discomfort. But for most, the breathable velour pads provide exceptional wearability.

Build Quality: With plastic and metal construction, the HD 599 feel durable enough for regular use. The headband extends smoothly and holds its place well over time. The earcups rotate vertically for a customized fit. Included cables feel sturdy with reinforced connections. While not bulletproof, the headphones are built to withstand normal wear and tear for years of enjoyment.

Value: With an MSRP around $150, the Sennheiser HD 599 provide tremendous value. Their open, realistic sound rivals headphones costing twice as much. Comfort and wearability are also great for the price. Considering the natural immersive audio experience, most agree these headphones are an incredible bargain.

Warranty & Support

Sennheiser provides a 2 year global warranty covering defects. Support is available via email and phone. Many retailers also allow returns within 30 days if you are unsatisfied.

Sennheiser HD 599 Review:

With their open-back design and precision drivers, the Sennheiser HD 599 excel at creating a natural immersive soundstage perfect for ASMR. The open earcups give audio extra room to breathe for a spacious listening experience. At the same time, you get nice ambient blending from external sounds. This makes whispers, tapping, and other ASMR triggers feel like they’re happening around you.

The audio reproduction itself is phenomenally accurate. Bass has nice sub-bass rumble without muddiness. Mids are pristine and detailed. And treble has precision without harshness. Everything sounds crisp, balanced, and lifelike. Comfort is also a strong suit thanks to the lightweight construction and plush padding on the earcups and headband. best headphones for asmr ASMR listening sessions, these headphones are a pleasure to wear. At this reasonable price point, the HD 599 are hard to beat for natural open sound.

User Review:

The Sennheiser HD 599 are hugely popular for best headphones for asmr and have outstanding reviews. Users rave about the open, spacious sound that makes triggers intensely tingling. They also praise how natural and accurate audio reproduction is across frequencies. Comfort is another big plus. Critics are few, mainly wishing for a detachable cable. But overall, most agree these provide an amazing ASMR listening experience for the affordable price.

COWIN E7 PRO

As an affordable alternative to premium brands, the COWIN E7 PRO over-deliver with great noise cancelling, sound, and comfort. Active noise cancellation utilizes feedback microphones to block out ambient noise surprisingly well for the price. This allows you to focus on ASMR without external distractions. 40mm drivers tuned by engineers deliver pleasing sound with nice clarity in the mids and highs.

Bass is punchy without muddiness. While not audiophile-grade, the lively sound provides an immersive listening experience. The memory foam earcups are comfortable for longer sessions. An astounding 30 hours of battery life means you can listen for days without charging. Consider the COWIN E7 PRO if you want ANC on a budget.

Sound Quality: For budget ANC headphones, the E7 PRO deliver pleasing sound quality with nice clarity across the spectrum. Bass has suitable thump and punch without bloating. Mids sound crisp for intelligible vocals. Highs have decent detail without harshness. While not totally accurate, the lively sound makes for an engaging listening experience. ASMR triggers come through with intimacy to relax or tingle. Overall the sound punches above its weight.

Comfort: The E7 PRO are reasonably comfortable but lose some points for long term wearability. The memory foam earpads provide decent noise isolation and comfort at first. But over multi-hour use, clamping force can feel excessive and the padding heats up. Those with large heads may also experience discomfort. But for shorter sessions, most find these reasonably comfortable.

Build Quality: Constructed from plastic, metal, and faux leather, the E7 PRO feel somewhat lightweight yet durable. The extendable headband is prone to squeaking over time. The folding hinges and earcup rotation also loosen a bit with use. While not the most rugged, these should hold up fine under normal conditions if treated with care.

Value: Priced around $80, the value proposition of the COWIN E7 PRO is very strong. For less than $100, they deliver better noise cancelling and audio performance than many competitors. Battery life is also outstanding. If your budget is tight, you’d be hard pressed to find a better ANC headphone value. Just temper expectations for premium build quality.

Warranty & Support

COWIN provides an 18 month warranty covering defects. Support is available via email. Many retailers also allow returns within 30 days if unsatisfied.

COWIN E7 PRO Review:

For the affordable sub-$100 price point, the COWIN E7 PRO are remarkable noise cancelling headphones. They won’t beat Sony or Bose, but the ANC works decently well to drown out ambient noise. Audio reproduction is lively and pleasing with punchy bass, clear vocals, and nice detail. Acoustic ASMR comes through with intimacy and texture. You might notice some distortion at max volumes but at reasonable listening levels, the COWIN E7 PRO sound fantastic. The padding could be plusher but the memory foam earcups remain comfortable for longer sessions. With 30 hours of battery life, you can go days without charging. Considering the budget price, the COWIN E7 PRO are an incredible value for noise cancelling headphones.

User Review:

For budget ANC headphones, the COWIN E7 PRO are highly rated by users. Many praise the solid noise cancelling that rivals more expensive brands. Audio quality and battery life also receive positive feedback. Some report issues with long-term comfort and durability. But overall, most agree these headphones outperform expectations for the affordable price making them a great value. For ASMR fans on a budget, the COWIN E7 PRO deliver great noise cancelling without breaking the bank.

GRADO SR80e

With their retro design and signature sound, the GRADO SR80e remain a staple for audiophiles wanting natural audio reproduction. The open-back earcups give sound an open, spacious quality with nice ambient blending. This creates a lifelike listening experience ideal for ASMR. The 50mm drivers are tuned for accuracy across the frequency range. Bass has nice presence without bloat. Mids sound crisp and pristine. And treble has detail and sparkle without harsh spikes. Vocals really shine with intimacy and texture. While sound does leak out, the open soundstage makes ASMR triggers intensely immersive and realistic. The on-ear design takes some adjustment but provides decent comfort for shorter sessions. For affordable open-back headphones, the GRADO SR80e are hard to beat.

Sound Quality: With their open-back design and 50mm transducers, the SR80e deliver incredibly natural, detailed sound. The open soundstage provides a very spacious, ambient quality. Bass has nice low-end punch and rumble. Mids sound pristine and crystal clear. Treble has precision and airiness without harshness. Overall the tuning is balanced and accurate. ASMR triggers sound lifelike with binaural intimacy.

Comfort: Comfort is somewhat mixed due to the on-ear design. The foam earpads rest gently on the ear without excess clamping force. But over time, contact pressure on the ear can cause discomfort for those sensitive to on-ear fit. The headband distributes weight well but lacks padding compared to over-ear models. For short term wear, these are reasonably comfortable. But long sessions may irritate some.

Build Quality: The SR80e have a simple, retro design mixing plastic, metal, and fabric. While not very premium looking, the materials feel decently sturdy. The headband extends smoothly but lacks click stops. The foam earpads are prone to flattening over time. As an affordable headphone, durability doesn’t match premium brands but should suffice with proper care.

Value: With an MSRP around $100, the GRADO SR80e provide tremendous value. The spacious, detailed sound rivals headphones costing twice as much. Those willing to adjust to the on-ear fit will be rewarded with beautiful open sound quality for a bargain price. These headphones punch far above their weight class.

Warranty & Support

GRADO offers a 1 year limited warranty covering defects. Support is available via email and phone. Retailers also commonly accept returns within 30 days if unsatisfied.

GRADO SR80e Review:

GRADO has crafted something special with the SR80e – an affordable open-back headphone that makes audio come alive. The open earcups give everything extra space and intimacy. Ambient sounds blend in nicely to create a natural listening vibe perfect for ASMR. Audio reproduction itself is fantastic with the 50mm transducers. Bass provides nice low end punch without bloating. Mids sound crisp and crystal clear. Treble has precision and detail without fatigue. Vocals and acoustic sounds shine with texture and nuance. The on-ear design takes getting used to but provides decent comfort once adjusted right. For open lifelike sound on a budget, the SR80e are a winner.

User Review:

The GRADO SR80e are widely considered to be one of the best open-back headphones under $100. Users praise the spacious, natural sound with great clarity and detail. Comfort and durability draw some criticisms though. Opinions differ on the on-ear fit which bothers some people. But for realistic immersive sound on a budget, most agree the SR80e deliver beautifully. They are a best headphones for asmr listening.

Kokoon Sleep Headphones

The Kokoon Sleep Headphones take a unique approach designed for sleep rather than critical listening. The headphones play audio content to help users fall asleep faster and improve sleep quality. This includes guided meditations, sleep stories, white noise, and more.

The sound signature is tuned for relaxation rather than audio accuracy. Active noise cancelling helps block distractions. And the padded, lightweight design provides comfort for falling asleep in any position. While not made solely for ASMR, the audio programming and comfortable wireless design can enhance ASMR and help listeners drift off to sleep. For sleep-focused headphones, Kokoon is an innovative option.

Sound Quality: The Kokoon headphones prioritize relaxation over audio fidelity. Sound has a smooth, laid-back quality rather than razor sharp detail. Bass provides a soothing warmth while mids and highs avoid harshness. The focus is helping users relax and drift off through audio content. For critical listening, the sound lacks refinement. But for sleep and ASMR, it’s effective for winding down.

Comfort: Comfort ranks as a major strength of the Kokoon headphones. The lightweight construction and plush padding allow comfortable wear in any sleep position. The flexible headband and swiveling earcups conform nicely to your head. Breathability could be better but overall these are exceptionally comfortable for sleeping.

Build Quality: The build quality feels decent but not flawless. The plastic body is on the lighter side with some creaking over time. The swiveling hinges loosen a bit with prolonged use. And the foam padding flattens somewhat after months of wear. While not poorly made, durability falls a bit short of top tier brands.

Value: With an MSRP around $400, the Kokoon headphones come at a premium price, especially for their audio fidelity limitations. But consumers are paying for the specialized sleep experience including comfort, noise cancelling, alarm features, and relaxing audio content. As a sleep aid, many find the value justifies the price tag.

Warranty & Support

Kokoon offers a 1 year limited warranty covering defects. Support is available via email. Many retailers also allow returns within 30 days.

Kokoon Sleep Review:

While unconventional compared to traditional audiophile headphones, the Kokoon Sleep headphones provide an innovative way to enjoy ASMR while drifting off. The comfortable padding allows you to relax and fall asleep in any position. Active noise cancelling blocks out ambient sounds that might disrupt sleep.

The audio content available in the app ranges from calming music to sleep stories and ASMR. While audio fidelity takes a backseat to relaxation, sound remains crisp and soothing. The Kokoon app makes it easy to set alarms, choose audio, and track your sleep with handy sensors. Battery life reaches up to 13 hours for overnight use. For those who enjoy best headphones for asmr to unwind and sleep, the Kokoon headphones offer a unique audio experience tailored for relaxation.

User Review:

Users praise the Kokoon Sleep headphones for their comfort and effectiveness at improving sleep quality. The relaxing audio content and noise cancelling ability earn positive feedback. Critics note medicore audio quality compared to audiophile headphones. Some also find them bulky for side sleeping. But overall, most agree Kokoon delivers an innovative headphone geared towards better sleep, not critical listening. Best headphones for asmr, the headphones can enhance relaxation and sleep benefits.

Conclusion

Whether you prioritize noise cancelling, natural sound, or sleep assistance, there are great headphone options to enhance ASMR listening. For travel, the Sony WH-1000XM4 provide stellar noise cancellation and audio in a sleek wireless design. If you want open, realistic sound at home, the Sennheiser HD 599 beautifully reproduce acoustic textures and whispers with their spacious soundstage.

Those on a budget will be impressed by the COWIN E7 PRO’s quality noise cancelling and audio at a fraction of the cost of premium brands. Audiophiles who want lifelike open sound should consider the GRADO SR80e. And for unwinding and drifting off, the Kokoon Sleep Headphones integrate relaxing audio, noise cancelling, and comfort tailored for better sleep. Hopefully this breakdown helps you discover your best headphones for asmr headphones.