3 Great Audio Brands for Premium Listening

BY Jeffrey October 12, 2020

Virtually everywhere you look, you’ll find people using headphones. Enjoying music, audiobooks, carrying on conversations, or catching up on work, the mobilization of listening has created an explosion in the audio industry, and it shows no signs of slowing down. As exciting as it may be to shop for new headphones, the options can be overwhelming. If you’re wondering which brands are best and what style of headphone you need, we’ve got you covered. 

If you’re looking for a little (or lot) of luxury in your listening experience, this post is for you. The world of headphones is large and full of excellent high-end models. Read on below for a look at what you can expect when shopping from premium brands.

Bose

Price Range: $150 – $1000

When someone says Bose, you can’t help but think of insanely comfortable headsets, high fidelity sound, and unbeatable noise cancelation. Some may argue that Bose don’t deserve the spotlight, and to be honest they were a hard brand to place. On the one hand, they offer plenty of affordable headphone options below $200, placing them firmly in the budget range. On the other hand, their reputation for quality audio holds a place among the best brands available. In particular, their QuietComfort line offer some of the industry’s best Active Noise Cancelation, full stop. Bose might not be a top tier premium brand, but they’ll still give you a premium experience at an approachable price. 

Bang and Olufsen

Price Range: $150 – $500

Danish brand Bang and Olufsen may not be a household name, but what they lack in recognition they more than make up for in audio elegance. When compared to any other brand, their selection of just 10 options seems paltry. But don’t let this fool you; B&O know what listeners like and don’t waste time on flashy gimmicks. For example, their Beoplay E8 earbuds are some of the market’s most compact sets, offering a surprising amount of depth for such a small package. With a finesse only a brand that’s a century old can pull off, B&O manage to offer something for everyone with only a handful of options. Excellent builds paired with studio-quality audio and extreme comfort put Bang and Olufsen right at the top.  

Sennheiser

Price Range $30 – $59,000

As the much-debated King of Audio, Sennheiser has fought for, and earned, its spot at the top. Often the first choice for audiophiles around the world, this brand has made a definitive mark on the audio industry. Sennheiser offers one of the largest selections from any brand, with nearly 100 (!) headphone and earbud options. Their entry level headphones provide superior soundstages compared to even top-tier options from competing brands. If you’re looking for a more premium unit, their newer models boast incredible battery life and a fully customizable EQ (via their Smart Control App). DJ’s and sound mixers, to gamers, office workers, and casual listeners, Sennheiser truly is the brand for everyone. Yup. Even the shoppers looking to drop $59,000 on a set of cans. 

If you’re ready for an upgrade, Progressive Leasing offers simple, flexible payment options from over 30,000 retail partner locations. Find a store near you and discover your new headphones by visiting our website at progleasing.com.