Want to know which are the most expensive headphones in the world? Everyone owns a pair of headphones, but some of the devices on our forthcoming list are so costly and exclusive that mostly celebrities and high-end musicians and producers are lucky enough to own a pair. If you are a true audiophile, this list will be like music to your ears. But if you are also interested in elite technology, be sure to check out our countdown of The 10 Most Expensive Mobile Phones on the Market as well.
The pieces we’ve chosen have a reason behind their prices. Whether it’s their technological features, their state-of-the-art design or another fancy characteristic, such as being covered in gold, every item is special, unique, and renowned in its own way. If you love music and you have over $1,000 to spare, maybe you should go out right now and buy one of the headphones we’ve listed for you. And if you happen to have the opportunity of listening to music through these devices, you will see how your world is turned upside down. The impact such headphones have on the listening experience is so powerful that you will never be able to go back to your old supermarket-bought earpieces.
So, are you curious about the most expensive headphones in the world? Let’s take a look at the countdown.
13. Audio-Technica ATH-W5000
Price: $1,200
Amazing sound quality and modern aesthetics: the Audio-Technica ATH-W5000 have a magnesium-alloy frame and oxygen-free copper voice coils.
12. JH Audio JH16 Pro
Price: $1,149 + Custom Ear Molds
The base price of these headphones is not as expensive as others, but the device is designed to fit your ears in particular, so you have to take into account the price of the custom ear molds; fancy, right?
11. Hifiman HE-6
Price: $1,299
The two features that make the Hifiman HE-6 unique are: its open-back design and its planar magnetic structure.
10. Beyerdynamic T1
Price: $1,399
These are also open-back headphones but with traditional drivers. The Tesla-based technology of this device results in the production of a clear and powerful sound. Moreover it is light and efficient.
9. Sennheiser HD800
Price: $1,500
This Sennheiser model is supposed to provide a “spatial” listening experience. Furthermore, these headphones are handcrafted in Germany to ensure that the sound is as natural to your ears as possible.
8. Grado PS1000
Price: $1,695
This Brooklyn piece is not flashy, but classic, even old-school looking. In fact, its aesthetic austerity intends to focus on the sound technology and quality rather than on ostentatious appearances.
The seven most expensive headphones in the world can be found on the next pages.
7. Audeze LCD-3
Price: $1,945
Open-back headphones and planar magnetic drivers seem to be the cutting-edge features of high-end portable listening technology, and the Audeze LCD-3 is yet another model with such characteristics. These headphones are also well known for their sticking and tight bass.
6. Dr. Dre’s Gold Studio Beats
Price: $2,500
Crafted by Crystal Rocked, these headphones combine the high quality audio of Beats and the luxury of jewelry. Only 50 units were made of this model, and it is so exclusive that it even comes with a certificate of authenticity.
5. Stax SR-009
Price: $4,450
These Japanese headphones are very expensive indeed, but they are not covered in gold nor silver; they just provide an exquisite quality of sound. Experts and audiophiles explain that the unique listening experience provided by the Stax SR-009 comes from the electrostatic drivers, together with the intricate construction of the design.
4. Ultrasone Edition 5
Price: $4,999
The outrageous price of these headphones is quite understandable once you get to know the extravagant features of the model: titanium-coated drivers, Ethiopian sheep leather, and bog oak with a varnish finish. Moreover, only 555 pieces have been manufactured for sale. $5,000 is a reasonable figure to pay for luxury, quality and exclusivity, right?
3. Abyss AB-1266
Price: $5,495
Lambskin pads for cushion, solid aluminum for crafting, planar magnetic technology, carbon-steel front baffle…but not necessarily the prettiest of headphones. But then, if you are a true audiophile, sound quality tops appearances.
2. Sennheiser Orpheous HE90
Price: $40,845
Only 300 pieces are available around the world, but it is not a small number if you take into account the amount of people who can actually purchase such a pricy item. Handmade and with gold plated contacts, the gold is not for show but a technical need. What also makes these headphones very pricey is the fact that they come with a special headphone amplifier, key to the whole package. The Sennheiser Orpheous HE90 is definitely a top-of-the-line device, and experts say it’s worth its price.
1. Diamond Studded Beats by Dr. Dre
Price: $1,000,000
Created in collaboration with Graff Diamonds, these headphones are definitely the most luxurious listening device available on the market. Covered in 114 carats of diamonds this model is owned by celebrities like Lil Wayne.