Best Headphones For ASMR (2022 Review & Guide)
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Whether you’re listening to the ASMR video of people whispering, brushing or even chewing on foods, you’ll need a decent pair of headphones to experience the relaxing triggers.
While there are little studies on ASMR, such videos have become a hit as millions of people turn to Youtube to experience the tingling sensation. Most people tune in to ASMR to seek relaxation and sleep. It is also linked to promoting therapeutic effects for physical and mental health.
To get the best effect of ASMR experience, you’ll need a headphone that is comfortable and able to pick up the whispers or other sounds projected in the video. The delivery of the audio can affect your experience and makes sleep easier.
Headphones For ASMR Compared
Choosing The Right Headphone For ASMR
There isn’t a particular type of headphone that is optimized for ASMR. However, superior sound quality can make listening to the continuous whispers, brushing or crumpling much pleasant.
Choosing a headphone for ASMR is a matter of personal preference, but here are some factors that you ought to consider.
Comfort
Comfort is a generic parameter that may refer to various characteristics of a headphone. For some people, wearing an over-ear headphone can be uncomfortable over a long period. Instead, the compactness of earbuds is more attractive, or vice-versa.
Wired headphones are generally believed to offer better sound quality, but the idea of getting tangled with the cord while falling asleep isn’t appealing. Most people would opt for a wireless headphone or earbud when listening to ASMR audio.
Type
Obviously, wireless headphones or earbuds are the top contenders for ASMR headphones. However, there are some circumstances where the wired counterparts may be more suitable.
If you’re listening to ASMR while traveling and charging the wireless headphone is a hassle, you may want to opt for its wired counterpart.
If you have a habit of drifting to sleep while having the headphone on, you may want to check out headbands that are fitted with Bluetooth drivers. These headband headphones are super thin and ensure you remain comfortable after falling asleep.
Sound Quality
You’ll not need a professional studio headphone, but it has to be considered decent for pleasant ASMR experience. The headphone must be sensitive to the whispers and other low-volume sounds generated in the audio.
What’s important here is the headphone is able to produce 3D stereo sound as that’s how ASMR audio tickles your senses. Of course, if you have the budget and sound quality is a top priority, you’ll want to opt for high-end headphones.
Durability
It’s not unusual to fall asleep with your headphone on, particularly if you’re feeling relaxed and cozy while tuning int to ASMR. In such situations, you’ll need to consider the durability of the headphone.
Headphones that are built with flimsy material may break off easily as you tossed and turn in your bed. It makes to sense for your the headphone to last for days before being broken in your sleep.
Noise Isolation
Like listening to music, ASMR is best enjoyed in a quiet environment. That’s how your mind naturally relaxed. Most modern headphones are built with noise-isolation features, such as the structure and padding on an over-ear headphone.
If you crave for further solitude, getting an active noise canceling headphone will snuff off background noise as you turn all your attention to the ASMR triggers on the audio.
Best Headphones For ASMR 2020
1. Lavince Sleep Headband Headphone – Best For Sleeping
Key Features
- Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless headband.
- 0.25-inch speaker
- 10 hours of playing time.
- Built-in microphone.
The Lavince Wireless headband headphone is specifically designed for bedtime. It’s nothing like a regular headphone. Instead, it has a couple of 0.25” speakers fitted on a stretchable headband. Made of premium fabric, you can securely fit the headband onto your head while heading to bed.
Whether you’re a back or side sleeper, the Lavince headphone is designed to be out of your way in the bed. You can safely drift off to slip after listening to ASMR audio. With the built-in buttons, you can control the volume or pause the audio as you wish.
Engineered with the Bluetooth 5.0 technology, the wireless Lavince headphone has a decent playtime of up to 8 hours. The sound quality is also impressive despite the lack of bulky drivers. You’ll also enjoy playing sleep and relaxation music with this stretchable headband headphone.
Some people have also been using the headband as a sleep mask. The fabric will do a great job of blocking out lights while not feeling stuffy. You can also hit the gym with Lavince as it is highly absorbent of sweat.
2. CozyPhones Sleep Headphone – Best Wired For Sleep
Key Features
- 1/8 inch speakers.
- Wired headphone
- Lycra headband.
- Lightweight and washable.
CozyPhones is another brand that offers headband-type headphones for ASMR and sleep. This headphone features a pair of 0.125” thick speakers, which are barely felt when you’re side-sleeping on it.
While the CozyPhones does not have a built-in Bluetooth driver, it has a long 1.5m cord terminated with a sturdy 3.5mm plug. The length allows you to use the headphone on a fair distance away from your phone or computer.
You can expect decent sound quality from the speakers when listening to the faint whispers of an ASMR track. The speakers are adjustable and removable while the headband is washable. It’s also shipped with a travel bag, which is handy if you are dependent on ASMR even when you’re away from home.
This model from Cozyphones is as basic built-up. It doesn’t have any microphone or control buttons on the headband. If sound quality and comfort are all you need for ASMR and sleep, you’ll be happy to save some money as it’s more affordable.
When you’re not playing audio, the natural noise-isolation property of the headband makes it great for meditation, background noises or a snoring partner.
3. Kissral True Wireless Earbuds – Best For Travel
Key Features
- Bluetooth 5.0
- 6.5 hours of continuous play.
- IPX7 waterproof.
- With adjustable ear cup sizes.
True wireless earbuds are in the trend but choosing one that goes well with ASMR and sleep is tough. You’ll need to get one like Kisrall wireless earbud, which has a low profile when fitted into the ear.
Kissral true wireless earbuds are designed to fit comfortably even when you’re sleeping without taking them off. These earbuds are powered by internal batteries that ensure up to 6.5 hours of playing time. You’ll have no issues of the battery going flat in the midst of an ASMR track.
The earbuds are shipped with an intelligent charging case. When you place the earbuds into the case, you’re able to check out the individual battery level on the display. The earbuds will also charge automatically, extending the playtime to a total of 90 hours.
The earbuds also chalked up an impressive score in terms of sound quality. You can control the volume of the audio by using the built-in button on the sides of the earbuds. Pressing the right button increased the volume and pressing the left does the opposite.
4. Betron BS10 Wired Earphones – Best Wired
Key Features
- Wired earphone.
- 12mm drivers.
- Powerful bass.
- Noise-isolating
The Betron BS10 earphone is designed to deliver exceptional sound quality, particularly on the bass frequency. A couple of 12mm neodymium drivers are responsible for producing studio-like sound quality to the listener.
Despite the popularity of wireless earphones, a wired earphone like the Betron BS10 is the better alternative when charging is inconvenient. The unique construction of the earbuds provides both comfort and noise isolation. You’ll find that the earbud will not feel awkward when you’re listening to ASMR while lying down.
There isn’t any active noise canceling feature on the earphone, but thanks to its unique design, putting it on will greatly reduce background noise. This ensures you have a satisfying listening experience on the earphone.
You’ll also get a carrying case to store the earphone easily while traveling. It’ll be easy to store the earphone away as its cord is designed to be tangle-resistant. The cord measures about 4 feet and this allows ample space between the earphone and a music player.
5. Sony WH1000XM3 Noise Cancelling Headphone – Best For Noise Canceling
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Key Features
- Digital noise canceling.
- Voice-assistant.
- 30 hours of playtime.
- Touch control.
Background noise can distract your ASMR experience and there’s nothing better than getting an active noise-canceling headphone like the Sony WH1000XM3. This model does not come cheap, but I’ve personally tested the ANC feature and found that it’s arguably the best in the industry.
Be prepared to part with over a couple of hundred dollars for the Sony WH1000XM3. Not only does it has the best active noise-canceling processor, but it outputs exceptionally good sound quality. The headphone is driven by a pair of 40 mm drivers that produce hi-res audio across audible frequencies.
Powered with an internal battery, you’ll get to use the headphone for up to 30 hours before a recharge is needed. This headphone is a masterpiece of intelligent controls. The side of the earcup is fitted with a touch control panel. You get to adjust the volume, take calls or connect to Alexa with simple touches.
Thanks to its ergonomic design, you’ll find the headphone comfortable even if you’re wearing it for a long period. However, you will want to take out the headphone if you’re sleeping after the ASMR session. It’s just not built to withstand the brunt of tossing and turning around in bed.
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6. COWIN E7 Pro – Budget-Friendly ANC
Key Features
- Active noise canceling
- 30 hours playtime
- Swiveling earcup
- Bluetooth 4.0
Pro. This is an improved version of the COWIN E7, which is incredibly popular thanks to its affordability and quality.
The E7 Pro features improved earcups that are covered with soft cushion. Also, the headphone has a swiveling earcup that makes it more flexible for different individuals. You’ll find wearing the headphone comfortable even if you’re listening to a 2-hours long ASMR audio.
Sound quality is acceptable on the E7 Pro even with the active noise canceling on. ANC headphones usually suffer minor degradation in bass but the E7 Pro is performing beyond expectation. You’ll find the noise-canceling feature efficiently reduce background noise and leave you with clear audio.
Battery life on the E7 pro is also impressive as it is rated to last up to 30 hours of continuous playback. You can also take calls on with the headphone, as it is fitted with microphones and buttons.
7. Bose Quiet Comfort 25 – Best For Apple
Key Features
- Wired with 3.5mm plug
- For Apple devices
- Active Noise Cancelling
- Inline mic and remote.
Exclusivity, style, and quality are the best terms to describe the Bose Quiet Comfort 25. It’s an amazing wired over-ear headphone designed for Apple devices. If you have an iPad, iPhone or an iPod nano, the headphone will work seamlessly for you.
The headphone is surprisingly lightweight and comfortable even when you’ve put it on for long hours. You’ll find that the padded earcup gently covers your ear to deliver crisp and accurate tones.
At the core of the headphone is a sophisticated active noise-canceling circuitry. It picks up low-frequency background noise and greatly reduces it to an unnoticeable level. If you prefer to listen to ASMR without distraction, you’ll need an ANC headphone like this.
Bose is a premium brand that isn’t known for being cheap. It does have a wireless model, but this wired model is more economical without compromising the critical specs of a decent headphone.
If you’re constantly bothered by background noise when listening to ASMR audio, this popular model from Bose will work wonder. With its inline control and mic, you can take calls easily and tweak the volume accordingly.
8. Sennheiser HD 599 Special Edition – For The Extreme Audiophile
Key Features
- Open-back premium headphone.
- Angled transducer for better sound delivery.
- Extra-large ear pads.
- Frequency response 12 to 38,500 Hz.
While it’s true that you don’t need a high-end headphone for listening and benefiting from ASMR audio, you’ll want to consider one if sound quality is everything to you. The Sennheiser HD 599 offers exceptional audio experience thanks to its proprietary transducer.
The HD 599 boasts a wider frequency response than regular headphones. Ranging from 12 to 38.5 kHz, you’ll find that every whispers and sound from the ASMR are generated clearly on the driver. Coupled with the open-back design, you’ll feel more in touch with reality as you listen to the audio.
If you’re wondering what’s the secret behind the superior sound quality of this Sennheiser headphone, it’s the proprietary aluminum voice coils that consistently deliver audio with minimal distortion.
The Sennheiser HD599 is a beast with its extra-large ear cup that houses the 38mm drivers. However, you can expect comfort as both the earcup and headband are cushion-padded for comfort.
You can use the headphone with your phone or computer as it’s shipped with a detachable 3.5mm jack. Besides that, you’ll also find a 6.3 mm jack that’s intended for plugging into your amplifier system.
Is getting a Senheisser an overkill for ASMR? It all boils down to your preference.
Summary
Just like it’s hard to agree on how ASMR really works, there aren’t fix criteria for the best headphone that goes along with it. Personally, I prefer wearing an over-ear headphone while lying on my bed and I’ve found that active noise canceling helps me to stay more focus on the audio.
Of course, headphones featuring all the latest tech can burn a hole in your pocket. And you don’t really need high-end headphones to experience the relaxation that ASMR can deliver. Hopefully, this guide has enabled you to make an informed decision
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About Author
Kenny Lee
An electronics engineer of 10 years turned copywriter. Headphones have been my best companion whether it's coding or writing. It's as much about blocking off distractions and tuning in to great music. Also a passionate pianist.