Finding headphones that fit well can be tricky if you have a small head. Poorly fitting headphones aren’t just uncomfortable, they can also sound worse.
Loose headphones leak sound and lose bass, while tight headphones start to hurt over time. If you work with sound or wear headphones frequently, you need to find the right size of headphones.
However, you can’t try all the headphones, so in this guide, we’ll show you which ones are best for small heads.
We’ll show you how to find the best headphones for your head size, along with comfortable, high-quality options.
Best Headphones for Small Heads
1. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO are closed-back, over-ear studio headphones that are perfect for smaller heads and have been a trusted tool in professional settings for over 30 years.
Known for their clear sound reproduction and high level of comfort across all frequencies, the DT 770 PROs are a reliable performer.
Whether you’re tracking, mixing, or just getting into critical listening, these headphones are handcrafted in Germany to deliver unrivaled sound quality.
The closed-back design ensures powerful sound volume while also providing impressive noise isolation, making them an ideal choice for a variety of studio applications.
The DT 770 PRO stands out as a hallmark of Beyerdynamic’s commitment to excellent audio engineering.
Its long history in the professional audio scene is a testament to its durability and consistently high performance.
The sound profile, featuring clear highs and pronounced bass, makes it a great tool for both studio professionals and audiophiles.
The fact that all parts of these headphones can be replaced ensures that they are a long-term investment.
Furthermore, the combination of detailed sound reproduction, comfort, and a durable design makes the DT 770 PRO a top choice among studio headphones.
Whether you are a seasoned sound engineer or an aspiring musician, these headphones promise an audio experience that is both immersive and reliable.
2. SteelSeries Arctis 1
The next one I recommend is the SteelSeries Arctis 1. This headset offers great value for money. For under $100, the SteelSeries Arctis 1 is lightweight, comfortable, wireless, and of course, adjustable to fit smaller heads.
The earcups are designed for optimal comfort, keeping any hard or jagged components from rubbing against your skin.
The earcups are smaller than most headsets, making the SteelSeries Arctis 1 perfect for anyone who feels overwhelmed by bulky earcups.
The adjustable band allows this headset to adjust to the shape of your head, which is the main reason I recommend this headset to anyone with a smaller head.
The simple all-black matte design is clean and professional, and I personally love the look. If you like your headset to light up and display fun colors, this might not be the product for you.
The power button and other controls are conveniently located on the earcups for adjusting the volume, taking calls, and pausing/playing music.
I found the audio quality of the SteelSeries Arctis 1 to be really great. The audio is clear and may not have as much bass as you’ll find on other headsets, but it’s never an issue. The quality remains consistent even when the volume is turned up.
If you’ve ever experienced a drop in audio quality when switching from wired to wireless on a previous headset, you might be concerned about this feature on the SteelSeries Arctis 1.
Fortunately, this isn’t an issue with this headset, and there was no change in audio when using it wirelessly.
To use it wirelessly, simply plug the included 2.4GHz dongle into your device of choice. Battery life is pretty good, with the SteelSeries Arctis 1 lasting about 20 hours without needing to be recharged.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 comes with a lot of connectivity features, and it’s nice to have everything you need to connect this headset to all your devices.
It comes with a 3.5mm cable for wired connection, a 2.4GHz USB-C wireless dongle, a USB-A adapter, and a micro-USB to USB-A cable for charging.
You can download the SteelSeries Engine 3 software to customize your audio configuration if you have specific preferences, and the process is pretty straightforward.
However, many people find the default settings ideal, so there’s definitely no need to change them.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 is one of the most affordable options for those looking for a more comfortable fit, and it easily competes with its excellent audio quality and Bluetooth.
3. Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones
While using the Beats Solo3, I found the battery life to be excellent, lasting up to 40 hours on a single charge.
Additionally, the Fast Fuel feature allowed me to charge the headphones for just 5 minutes and get 3 hours of playback when the battery was low.
The adjustable fit and comfortable cushioned earcups ensured that the headphones would fit my small head perfectly, ensuring maximum comfort during long sessions.
Furthermore, the sound quality was excellent, with a balanced soundstage that added clarity and depth to the listening experience.
The headphones are a bit pricey, but the overall design and performance justify the cost.
However, I did notice that the noise-cancelling capabilities are minimal, so they might not be the best choice for those looking for complete isolation in noisy environments.
Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that there is some sound leakage at high volumes, which can be a problem when sharing or listening in public.
4. Stiive Bluetooth Headphones
A great choice for those looking to get their hands on a pair of powerful and efficient Bluetooth headphones.
If you already own a pair and are looking to buy a second pair, these are a great choice. They come with a variety of features, most of which are unique, while others are generic.
This is a product from the Stiive brand, with their unique high-quality audio technology, which delivers rich audio quality as you’ve never heard before.
With comfort and convenience as the top priority, these headphones are designed to be comfortable for small heads while still allowing you to listen to the best music on the go.
These headphones are malleable, making them easy to transport and store.
One of the key advantages of these headphones is that you don’t have to worry about cables or cords, since they are wireless.
While they are ideal, one of the downsides is that they only have a 12-hour battery life and are very compact due to their design. While their noise reduction isn’t the best, they are a close second choice.
5. Bose QuietComfort 45
The Bose QuietComfort 45 wireless headphones, affectionately known as the QC45, are a fine example of Bose’s commitment to audio clarity, comfort, and innovative noise-cancelling technology.
An evolution of Bose’s iconic first noise-cancelling headphones, the QC45 is brilliantly designed using lightweight materials and proprietary acoustic technology.
An unparalleled aural journey that balances tranquility, comfort, and rich sound.
Choose Quiet Mode for complete immersion, or Aware Mode, an innovative feature that blends in with your surroundings by naturally playing ambient sounds.
With long battery life and high-quality audio, these headphones go beyond just playing music to redefine your listening experience.
I remember my friend Lucy telling me she was constantly interrupted in her open-plan office. I suggested she try the Bose QuietComfort 45, and over the next week, she couldn’t stop raving about them.
“It’s like there’s an invisible bubble,” she said, describing “Quiet Mode.” Tiny microphones hidden in the earcups work like magic to distinguish and neutralize the chatter and noise around you.
And then there’s Aware Mode. With Aware Mode activated, I was completely in the moment, enjoying both my playlist and the symphony of nature. It’s hard to explain, but it feels like you’re alive!
The long battery life was another huge plus. On a long-haul flight to Tokyo, the QC45 lasted the entire trip and still had some juice left, saving me from the hum of the aircraft engines.
The construction of the headphones is a great example of Bose’s dedication to quality and aesthetics.
These headphones combine premium synthetic leather, impact-resistant glass-filled nylon, and cast metal hinges in a way that exudes elegance and durability.
6. Astro A40
A longtime favorite among gamers, the Astro A40 offers a great overall listening experience, and it’s not too heavy or bulky for those with smaller heads.
Compared to the previous two options, the Astro A40 definitely has a flashier “gamer” aesthetic, with larger earcups and a boom mic.
The A40 may look large and difficult to adjust, but the headband can be pushed to fit a variety of head sizes.
The earcups and band are padded with a really soft material, making it a very comfortable headset to wear for long periods of time.
This headset comes in a few variations, so there are a variety of color schemes.
For example, there is a PS4 version that is mostly black but has blue and silver accents, while the XBOX version is black and red. There is also an all-black version for XBOX and Nintendo Switch.
The listening experience of the A40 is impressive, with deep bass that is ideal for music listening and detailed sound for vocals and games.
The boom mic, which produces clear and scratch-free recordings, is actually detachable, so you can choose which side you want to attach it to.
The only downside to this headset is that it cannot be converted to wireless, which is to be expected at this price point.
If you are looking for a mid-priced headset for gaming or music listening, the Astro A40 is a great entry into the “premium” level of quality.
There is a reason why this headset is so popular. It is hard to find one that offers both comfort and top-notch audio.
7. Urbanears Plattan 2 Bluetooth
The Urbanears Plattan 2 Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones offer an immersive sound experience thanks to their precise acoustic tuning and wider frequency response.
The ergonomic fit and foldable design combine to ensure a comfortable listening experience even for long periods of time.
The headphones offer the convenience of hands-free calling via the built-in microphone, making them a practical choice for everyday life.
The unique ZoundPlug feature enhances the social element of music listening, allowing users to share their sounds with others.
The first time I used the Urbanears Plattan 2 was on a long trip. I was immediately captivated by its impressive battery life. I could use it all day without charging, which is a huge plus for those on the go.
One feature I found particularly fun was the ZoundPlug feature. It brought back memories of school trips where we would share a single device to listen to our favorite music.
I tested it out with a friend and it worked seamlessly, creating a unique and engaging shared listening experience.
Finally, I loved the design. The foldable design made it easy to pack away, and it was comfortable to use for long periods of time.
The headphones fit my head well, which helped me avoid the occasional discomfort that comes with wearing headphones for long periods of time.
Best Headphones for Small Heads Guide
Key factors to consider when choosing Headphones for Small Heads:
1. Headband
The headband is the most important component of proper fit. When choosing headphones for small heads, look for a headband with a wide range of adjustments for flexibility.
This will allow you to adjust the size without feeling too loose or too tight. The headband padding is also important.
A headband that is evenly padded will distribute pressure evenly across the top of your head, not just the visible areas.
This will prevent any discomfort in specific areas during long listening sessions. The material of the headband also plays an important role in comfort.
Flexible materials, such as silicone or lightweight plastic, will better adapt to different head shapes and sizes.
2. Earcups
Earcups are an important factor in the comfort of your headphones. Smaller earcups tend to fit smaller heads better, as larger ones can be bulky or awkward. Soft, high-quality cushioning on the cups is a plus.
You don’t want your ear cartilage to be pressed against hard cushions, especially during long listening sessions.
When choosing between on-ear and over-ear styles, consider which style best fits your head size.
On-ear headphones sit close to your ear and may be better suited to smaller heads, while over-ear models completely envelop your ear and offer better sound isolation, but can potentially feel too loud.
3. Clamping force
The clamping force is what keeps the headset firmly attached to your head. It also affects noise cancellation.
If the clamping force is too strong, your temples may feel uncomfortable, making it impossible to wear the headset for hours.
Sometimes, a headset can feel quite tight on your head, especially if you’ve just bought it.
However, certain models tend to become more comfortable after a few days of use, so don’t worry too much, and you’ll eventually find that the fit is more comfortable.
4. Sound quality
When it comes to sound, we all have different tastes. Some people enjoy a flat, neutral sound profile, while others prefer a heavy bass.
Look for headphones that offer balanced audio with crisp highs, clear mids, and rich bass without sacrificing comfort.
5. Price
Higher prices often come with better materials, durability, and improved features, but that’s not always the case.
Budget considerations are important, but investing in a pair of durable headphones that offer a comfortable fit can be more cost-effective in the long run.
Reviews can help you make sure you’re getting good value for your money. Other users with small heads are a great resource for this type of information.
Conclusion
Finding a perfect headset can be daunting, especially if you’re ordering online and can’t get a feel for how it’ll fit.
If you have a small head, buying a headset that’s too big can be a huge hassle, and can even cause pain if you use it for long periods.
We hope you’ve found the right choice with our list of best headsets for a snug fit!