The Best Headphones for Metalcore & How to Build Your Sonic Sanctuary (2026)

Metalcore is a demanding mistress. It’s dense, it’s fast, and it’s unapologetically aggressive. If you listen to bands like Architects, Lorna Shore, or Spiritbox on muddy, bass-boosted consumer headphones, you aren't hearing music; you're hearing noise.

To truly appreciate the technicality of a blast beat or the texture of a guttural scream, you need headphones with speed (transient response) and separation. You need gear that can keep up.

In this guide, we break down the top 10 headphones for metalcore in 2025, from budget gateways to endgame masterpieces. Plus, we’ll show you how to curate the perfect listening environment to match the vibe.

The Budget Gateways ($50 - $150)

1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

The Classic Choice. The M50x is a rite of passage. It has a "V-shaped" sound signature, meaning the bass and treble are boosted. This makes breakdowns hit hard and cymbals sound crisp. It’s closed-back, so you can headbang in public without leaking sound.

2. Grado SR80x

The Aggressive Specialist. Grados are legendary for rock and metal. They are forward, energetic, and raw. Guitars sound crunchy and immediate. Warning: They are open-back and leak sound like crazy, but for pure riff enjoyment, they are unbeatable at this price.

3. Philips SHP9600

The Comfort King. If you listen for hours, these are for you. They have a warmer, more relaxed sound than the Grados, making them great for prolonged sessions without ear fatigue. The open-back design gives the drums some room to breathe.

The Mid-Range Sweet Spot ($150 - $400)

4. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 Ohm)

The Drummer’s Favorite. Built like a tank. The sub-bass extension here is phenomenal, making double-kick patterns feel physical. They are extremely comfortable and isolate noise well. A staple in studios for a reason.

5. Sennheiser HD 600

The Vocal Reference. If you love clean vocals (think Sleep Token or Bad Omens), the HD 600 is magical. The mids are legendary. It’s not the bassiest headphone, but everything sounds natural and perfectly positioned.

6. HIFIMAN Sundara

The Speed Demon. This is a planar magnetic headphone. Unlike dynamic drivers, planars are incredibly fast. For technical death metal or mathcore, the Sundara keeps every note distinct, no matter how fast the tempo gets.

7. Meze 99 Classics

The Fun Pick. Look at them—walnut wood and gold. They sound as warm as they look. The bass is big and booming. It’s not the most analytical, but for just vibing to a heavy groove, they are pure fun.

The High-End Endgame ($500+)

8. Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

The Surgical Tool. If you want to hear the guitarist’s pick hit the string, this is it. Incredible detail retrieval and punchy dynamics. It reveals every flaw in a mix, but rewards good production massively.

9. Audeze LCD-X (2021)

The Wall of Sound. These are heavy, literally and sonically. The planar bass response is linear and deep, extending into the sub-basement. It presents music with a sense of scale and weight that is terrifyingly good.

10. Focal Clear Mg

The Dynamic Master. Focal drivers are known for their "slam." The Clear Mg hits hard but remains impeccably detailed. It’s an engaging, energetic listen that brings life to even the dullest recordings.

Building Your "Listening Pit"

You have the gear. Now you need the vibe. Listening to metalcore is often a cathartic experience—a way to process anger, sadness, or stress. Your environment should reflect that.

Dim the lights. Turn them red or purple. And importantly, find a comfort object. It sounds contradictory, but holding something soft while listening to something heavy grounds you. It’s the physical manifestation of the emotional release the music provides.

We recommend the Thunderwolf Plushie. With its unique rotating head and gothic black-and-white aesthetic, it’s the perfect companion for your sonic journey. It’s part of the pack.

Or, if you prefer something more nocturnal, check out our full Goth Plush Collection.

Conclusion

Whether you choose the budget-friendly M50x or the titan LCD-X, upgrading your audio gear will change how you experience metalcore. Stop just hearing the noise. Start feeling the precision. 🤘