

This is a year in which having a pair of studio headphones is just as vital as owning a microphone for your studio recording sessions. It’s also equally important to recognize that the best studio headphones require the best headphone amplifiers. Amplifiers are units used in improving the quality of any audio produced in a studio and they are designed to help with the mixing and mastering of sound to do away with all noise and distortion. However, finding the best amplifier for your headphone doesn’t have to be difficult, which is why we have provided a list of all the best headphone amplifiers in today’s market. These units are one of a kind in their own way, each being designed by professionals to aid in quality recording sessions and solid stage performances.
The Best Headphone Amplifier
1FiiO E10K USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier
To begin our list of recommendations, we will talk about the fantastic headphone amplifier, the FIIO E10K. This small unit is a versatile product built by skilled sound technicians to act as both a headphone amplifier and a USB DAC. It is compact enough to take on your vacation trips and also to move around from room to room. Besides its versatility, this unit is designed to be extremely compatible with many headphones making it a worthy investment. The USB connection isn’t only meant to keep your laptop connected, and it is also how this unit can be charged.
The FIIO portable amp is among the best amps on the market today. It is built with an optimized low-pass filter system, together with a bass boost circuit meant for a low noise floor no matter where you are. Connection to this unit can be made in several ways, some of which include a rear-panel coaxial digital output, a front panel headphone jack and a rear panel line output. These outputs are all meant to help you send your audio easily across platforms and to different destinations. The shell of this model is made from aluminum and features a sleek, brushed design for more portable and durable use.
Dac chip
Low noise floor
Connection variety
Portable design
- BrandFiiO
- ModelE10K
- Weight2.72 ounces
Small and compact
Versatile and compatible with most headphones
Solid DAC quality performance
Headphone plugs are not muted when lined out
Expensive
2EarStudio ES100 Headphone Amplifier
Every studio pays a lot of attention to sound and how it affects the listener and space. Most often, many of us seek to identify products that can help intensify the sound we receive from our headphones. The best way to do this is to purchase a headphone amplifier, a unit built specifically for such a function. If you ever require one of such product that you can quickly move around with, the Earstudio ES100 should be the model you consider. It is an excellent 24bit, high-resolution headphone amplifier built to perform also as a Bluetooth receiver and a USB DAC. Its high versatility has set it apart from many members in competition and has helped see the sale of this unit skyrocket since its launch.
The best headphone amplifiers feature two forms of output; the 2.5mm balanced output ad the 3.5mm unbalanced output. It is designed with a studio quality to deliver sounds wirelessly to you through your speakers, headphones or earphones. The complete package comes with two independent amplifiers and hi-fi DACS that help with full-differential and single-ended outputs. The best feature many users enjoy is their ability to control their amplifier via a mobile application. This app enables users to keep track of their volume, codec, battery and many more.
24bit
Portable
High-Resolution
Bluetooth Receiver
- BrandEarStudio
- ModelES100
- Weight0.64 ounces
Most compact and lightweight device
Affordable price
Durable and well-made
There is no on and off switch on the amp
Maximum volume is not high enough
Expensive
3AudioQuest – DragonFly Red USB DAC/Headphone Amplifier
The detail featured in the production of the Audioquest Dragonfly Headphone Amplifier seeks to provide all users with the absolute sound at all times. These amplifiers have been adjudged product of the year as well as the Editor’s choice award winner. It is a versatile headphone amplifier designed to improve everything sound related, from richness to detail and other aspects such as transparency, tone, and immediacy. This is the best headphone on the market for people who need ground-breaking sound quality in their homes. It is a unit with an output that drives almost any set of headphones.
The Dragonfly headphone amplifier is built as a compatible unit, to work effortlessly with your apple or android devices with help from an adapter. It can be used on your smartphone, computer, tablet, laptop or speakers where it offers a more authentic and exponentially better sound that is more realistic than ever. Its construction is robust to enhance its durability, with technologies that have helped these amplifiers set new design standards and benchmarks in areas concerning flexibility, performance, and portability.
32-Bit SABRE DAC
2.1v Output
Versatile DAC
Absolute Sound ‘s Product of the Year Award
- BrandAudioQuest
- ModelDragonfly Red
- Weight1 pounds
Tiny size
Great sound.
Offers momentary value for money
Not super-powerful
Expensive
4Neoteck Headphone Amplifier
The Neoteck Headphone Amplifier is another great unit on the market today. This is one of the mini amplifiers built for use on the road. It is delicate and features a lightweight and compact frame for easy transportation around. This amp from Neoteck features a louder sound that has more real stereo output and sharpness, but little distortion. It comes with two outputs, the 3.5mm AUX input, and output and is packaged into a beautiful aluminum frame with a matte surface. The fashionable design of this unit, paired with its excellent performance makes it a model to look out for when you go amplifier hunting.
The Neoteck headphone amp for headphones can work for up to 8 hours with a fully charged lithium battery that is also rechargeable. It features remarkable compatibility with various digital devices, from your smartphone to your MP3, as well as your computers and your MP4. We recommend this product because of its high-quality construction that ensures maximum durability, its delivery of excellent sound quality and its great versatility. There’s nothing more superb than this headphone amplifier from Neoteck.
Portable
3.5mm Audio
Rechargeable
Aluminum Matte Surface
- BrandNeoteck
- ModelNTK059
- Weight5.6 ounces
High-quality build
Helps improve sound quality considerably
Will work well with most headphones
Performs better when paired with high-impedance headphones
Expensive
Parts of the design needs improving
5ART HeadAMP Stereo Headphone Amplifier
We present you the first of its kind. It is a smart, 8-output stereo headphone amplifier designed for virtually any project studio or home. It is the ART HeadlAMP Stereo Headphone Amp developed by professionals to deliver nothing short of spectacular sound all day long. Designed after research and launched only after countless testing sessions, these amplifiers offer additional output to any computer audio interface, mixer, iPod, workstation or media player. Despite the increased output, there’s no creation of extra load on the existing headphone source, which is a great plus for this model.
The unit offers individuals level controls for all its headphone output, four in total. These outputs allow the amp to be connected to virtually any source with ease. Take the world by storm and start in your living room with this excellent headphone amplifier. It is well suited for those who seek to gain more control over their levels while they enjoy superior sound quality. We love this unit mainly because of its lightweight and portable frame. It also features controls that are simple to understand and use, and comes with a 16-hour capacity rechargeable battery. All these great features come and an incredibly low price for users, which makes it an economical brand to look out for.
Lower noise, lower distortion and more output
Custom extruded metal case
Ideal for any home or project studio
- BrandART
- ModelHeadamp 4
- Weight1.1 pounds
Portable and lightweight
User-friendly controls
Affordable price tag
Slight hissing sound when charging with some IEMs
No user-replaceable battery options are available
Extra costs for accessories
6Oppo HA-2 Portable Headphone Amplifier & DAC
There’s so much to say about the Oppo HA-2 Headphone Amplifiers. These are amplifiers that can perform as a DAC without any issues. It features a high-resolution performance that applies to your Mac/OC/ android and apple devices with ease. For optimal headphone matching, this unit from Oppo features two separate gain settings and also provides a mobile power bank that can enable you to charge your phone while it is connected to the amplifier. This product is an older version of the HA-2E amplifier; thus, they possess different features and design elements.
This headphone amplifier is one of a kind in design and function. It is a sturdy unit built by professional sound engineers and product designers and as such, exhibits admirable traits that don’t appeal to only the eye, but also play a role in how the unit operates. First and foremost, this portable headphone amp features a compact frame that makes it extremely portable. Its lightness also compliments its small size in weight. Secondly, these headphone amplifiers offer compatibility and versatility unlike any other brand on the market. They can work well with several types of headphones without any issues. The overall design has been done well to suit the taste of customers and also to fulfill all their sound quality needs. Make a significant investment now by getting the Oppo headphone amplifiers, and you will not regret it.
High-resolution USB cable for Apple, Android, PC & Macbook
Comes with a chip
Offers two main settings to match with headphones
Mobile power bank for charging your phone
- BrandOPPO Digital
- ModelFBA_HA-2
- Weight1.15 pounds
Versatile and compatible with most headphones
Solid DAC quality performance
Aluminum casing and metal connectors are built well
Headphone plugs are not muted when lined out
Extra costs for accessories
Design can be improved
7HIDIZS Portable Headphone Amplifier
Meet another fantastic portable headphone amp on the market today. It is the Hidizs Headphone Amplifier, one of the portable units purchased all around the world for use while on the road. This unit is a unique one with several intriguing features available to set it apart from its competition. The unit features an excellent headphone drive capability designed by professionals to enhance the sound quality of your mobile phone helpfully. It also helps improve the signal-to-noise ratio to 114db, which is three times an improvement over the ordinary sound quality of a mobile phone.
The Hidizs portable dac acts as a DAC and as such, helps your mobile phone attain a 24 bit output capability. The design of this amplifier and its DAC cable has passed the standards of hi-res, which means it is highly certified. It features a precision construction from a simple quad-core copper wire and other quality materials to enable the unit to offer its customers high-resolution sound and a full frequency. This amplifier works perfectly with all type c phones and laptops. It is also the perfect audio solution for your android system/windows and Mac Os X systems, excluding devices such as the iPod and iPhone.
Pure quad-core copper wire
Precision construction
Quality materials
Compatible with Windows/MacOSX/Android system
- BrandHIDIZS
- Weight0.8 ounces
Can deliver good bass sounds
Significantly quieter
User-friendly and quick setup
Can have ambient noise issues
Extra costs for accessories
Design can be improved
8NextDrive Spectra 32-bit DAC Headphone Amp
In a universe continually being updated with new movies and music, equipment such as headphones and headphone amplifiers have become more of a necessity than a luxury. In this era, every pocket is filled with one entertainment library after another, and every day, these libraries are being updated. It is time to allow sound quality to be at par with the growth of all multimedia and the best way this can be done is via the use of headphone amplifiers. The best portable amp currently in stores is the Nextdrive Spectra, a multipurpose unit built by sound engineers and other professionals for an excellent performance.
This headphone preamp is a 32-bit device built to act as the next milestone in the audio revolution. It is here to helps devices such as your smartphone, computers, and tablets since they usually don’t produce high-quality audio output. This unit has been packaged in a slender aluminum frame that might deceive many users about its performance. The Spectra has been built to pack tremendous power with sufficient output that can cater to the most demanding headphones. Many reviews from different forums mention that the spectra amplifier from Nextdrive is a superb unit with a sound profile that helps in the delivery of exceptional clarity and bass speed, a smooth treble and also a well-balanced mids that has no trace of harshness.
Portable
ESS Technology’s SABRE
No batteries
- BrandNextDrive
- ModelEA-2017-ABJU
- Weight4.2 ounces
Portable and compatible
Versatile
Premium quality
Expensive
Design can be improved.
Extra costs for accessories
9Sony PHA1A Portable Hi-Res DAC/Headphone Amplifier
Sony comes our way with one great headphone preamp designed to suit your studio and home. It is the Sony PHA1A headphone amplifier, a portable hi-res unit that doubles as a DAC for other users. This product’s versatility makes it an economical option and a worthy investment for many people all across the world. This device from Sony is a lightweight and compact unit developed by a seasoned scientist for easy use and portability. It offers a direct digital connection to your iOS devices, smartphones, pcs and other DMPS. Once its lithium batteries have been fully charged, users are provided a total of 6 works run time, which is more than enough for users to enjoy their favorite music and videos.
The Sony earphone amplifier has been packaged into a sleek and durable aluminum enclosure that enhances its aesthetic and increases its durability. It includes digital cables for your Xperia and Walkman devices, with a selectable gain which supports headphone impedance from 8 to 600 OHM. This unit comes with silicone belts included in its packaging, to help users fasten all portable devices securely. You can connect your PC or any mobile music device of yours to this amplifier via its USB input, to enjoy a dominant audio performance everywhere you go. This durable device for sound quality is designed with extra accessories that make its use more enjoyable. Some of such accessories include digital connecting cables, a micro-B USB cable, mounting bands, and a protective sheet. Love this product? Check out our review of the best running earphones for our top picks.
Compact and lightweight
Sleek and durable aluminum enclosure
Hi-Res audio DAC/amplifier
Lithium-ion battery
- BrandSony
- ModelPHA1A
- Weight14.7 ounces
Built to last
Flexible headphone support
Rechargeable battery
Expensive
Design can be improved.
Extra costs for accessories
10Schiit Magni 3 Headphone Amp and Preamp
There’s no better earphone amplifier out on the market today, with a price as impressive as the Schiit Magni Headphone amp. This is a versatile audio improvement unit built to acts as a headphone amp and preamp whenever you need it. We believe that there’s no model fit enough to compete with this device from Schiit, mainly because of its outstanding performance and exceptional durability. No matter the type of headphone you use, the Magni 3 seeks to meet all your needs concerning performance, power, versatility, and resolution.
The Magni 3 features a tremendous reserve of power. With its three preamp outputs, the device can be connected to a speaker power as an amp or preamp. It can also be connected to your monitor to operate as a complete system. The price of this unit cannot be compared to other models on the market. It is very affordable and always ready for use by any headphone. The Magni 3 is the third generation system that is no starter amp but rather a full-blown device powerful built with a very exotic design to appeal to everyone.
Preamp outputs
Built-in time-delayed start-up
Ready for any headphone
- BrandSchiit
- ModelSCH-07-3
- Weight2.4 pounds
Can be used by everyone
Durable
Affordable
Extra costs for accessories
Extra-large wall wart
Separate DAC required
Headphone Amplifier Buying Guide & FAQ
How We Chose Our Selection Of Headphone Amplifiers
Brand - The best headphone amplifier is those developed by manufactures with several years of experience in the audio equipment industry. With the countless models on the market today, there are various brands available for choice, and this often makes the selection process very difficult. To reduce the stress associated with purchasing amps, our list has included leading manufacturers and newer brands you may not be familiar with. This is to provide you with many options, to make a better decision.
Reviews - User feedback from customers of headphone amplifiers played a vital role in our selection process. Every report was retrieved from credible online forums, where users share their experiences after using a device regularly for some time. This displays the strength of a product, and also shows potential buyers if it performs exactly as described by the manufacturer. Generally, the products chosen has many positive reviews, with a few comments made concerning improvement in certain aspects of their design.
Price - No one would love to spend the fortune of a single pair of headphones, only form them to stop working after a week. Typically, we are all on a budget with a specific amount to spare on items such as amplifiers. Our team has therefore selected a vast range of items, with a very flexible price rate that everyone will be able to afford.
Features To Look For In Headphone Amplifiers
Every potential buyer must be aware of certain features that must be present in an amplifier for it to function as it's been designed to. The discussion below seeks to offer assistance to anyone in search of the best headphone amplifier and ensure that any decision they take is in the right direction. Every amplifier is unique and comes in a different design with a different name and several special features to help it stand out from the competition.
Inputs - When it comes to input and connections to your amplifier, it is better to have detachable cables since they are more versatile and also allow for more cable length. Detachable cables are also better because they can be switched easily if they go bad. You could also go for the devices with fixed cables, but these devices don’t offer the option of replacement, which may affect the use of your amplifier.
Controls - The controls of your amplifier must be simple to understand and easy to use. The ease with which you use a device will encourage you to make use of it regularly, and this also applies to headphone amplifiers. Look out for devices with simple control systems, to make your usage more enjoyable. The best devices are those built such that no extra skill or knowledge is needed for its operation.
Power - The power of your headphone amplifier is another vital feature to consider when selecting a headphone amplifier. the power refers to the run time of your device and the power source it taps into. some models make use of rechargeable batteries. these are the most common kind and the most purchased because of the ability to recharge the batteries.
Size - There are types of amplifiers with varying sizes for easy use in different locations. For a simple device for your home, you can choose the desktop amplifier. A portable amplifier is great for those who are always on the move and those who travel a lot. The desktop amplifier is generally more affordable than the portable device, but the advantage of the portable amp is that you can use it anywhere even with a desktop, making it an extremely worthy investment.
Output Impedance - Impedance is often found within the description of a product, either on the packaging or under the features section on online stores. If the impedance rating of your headphone is below 100, there's no problem with it, and it can be used easily without the need for amplifiers. Any rating above 100 will require you to purchase an amplifier as this is the only way to ensure that you receive the best sound possible.
Sound Quality - The sound output delivered by a headphone amplifier must be greater than that of the connected device, yet free from distortions and white noise. every sound that comes out must be audible, crisp and clear and must offer a realistic experience. there are different kinds of amplifiers developed to focus on different aspects of sound. depending on your needs, your choice may differ from that of another individual.
Types Of Headphone Amplifiers
Tube Amp - The tube amplifier for headphones is a technology that makes use of at least a single light-bulb like vacuum tube to process all audio signals. it is the first type of amplifier and was created in the late 1960s. there are some modern machines however that make use of this system because they believe it offers a better character or tone of sound as compared to the newer solid state amplifiers.
Solid State - These kinds of amplifiers are prevalent in recent time. they feature the use of different diodes and transistors to help amplify your audio signals. these amps are more affordable, portable and more reliable than the tube amp models.
Hybrid - This is any model that features both types of amps. these devices are great for those who need better sound quality but are also in need of a unit that won’t burn a hole in anything. they are more expensive than the first two types, but they are more durable and as such, are highly purchased.
Headphone Amplifier FAQ
Q: Why do I need a headphone amp?
A: Headphone amplifiers are designed to connect with your selected device, be it a smart device, your computer to any other device, to improve the audio quality of your music, videos and even games. It focuses on aspects such as sharpness and eliminates all noise and distortions that make the listening experience uncomfortable.
Q: Do I get a better sound the more I spend?
A: The quality of an amplifier isn't dependent on its price but instead on its construction and the materials used. Some affordable models perform better than certain high priced speakers. This is because they have been programmed efficiently to deliver exceptional audio output.