# How to Get the Best Bass from Your Headphones

Simple adjustments to enhance bass without buying new headphones.

- **Source:** [Engadget](https://www.engadget.com)
- **Published:** 2026-08-03
- **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business)
- **Original article:** <https://www.engadget.com/2227771/want-best-bass-out-of-headphones-what-to-look-for/>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/3885d6ed-814a-49d4-8344-865cc4b3447d

## Headphone Selection and Fit

Closed-back headphones and snug-fitting earbuds are the best choices for bass. Open-back headphones offer natural sound but aren't ideal for punchy bass. The size and material of earbud tips also affect bass performance. Foam tips provide a tighter seal than silicone, enhancing bass. Software-based fit tests, like Apple's for AirPods Pro, can help optimize fit.

## Factors Affecting Headphone Fit

A proper seal is crucial for bass quality. Glasses, hair, or worn-out pads can compromise the fit. Over-ear headphones should fully cover your ears. Identifying these factors helps you understand limitations in sound quality and make necessary adjustments for better bass.

## Common EQ Mistakes

Stacking EQ boosts in multiple apps can lead to distorted audio. The best approach is to disable all EQs first, then make gradual adjustments in your headphone app. Using your music app's EQ is a good alternative if your headphones lack EQ controls or you want app-specific settings.

## Checking EQ Settings

In Spotify, find EQ under 'Settings & Privacy > Playback > Equalizer.' Apple Music users can navigate to 'Settings > Apps > Music > EQ.' YouTube Music relies on Android's system EQ and lacks an iOS EQ option. Tidal doesn't offer EQ on either platform. Always verify if your music app's EQ is active before tweaking.

## Use EQ Curves Over Bass Boost

Bass Boost settings often overemphasize lows, leading to listener fatigue. Instead, use EQ curves to fine-tune specific frequencies. Bass occupies the low end (left side of the graph). Adjust 20-60Hz for deep rumble and 60-150Hz for punch and weight. Avoid boosting too much, as it can muddy other frequencies.

## Fine-Tuning EQ Curves

Start with small boosts rather than elevating the entire low end. Ensure bass doesn't overpower vocals or mids. Test settings across different genres at normal listening volumes. For long sessions, aim for a balanced sound. Some devices, like Apple's H2-chip AirPods, offer simplified three-band EQ instead of detailed curves.

## Testing Different Listening Modes

Noise-canceling or transparency modes can alter bass response. Spatial audio features on Apple AirPods and Bose QuietComfort Ultra also impact bass. Test EQ settings in your most-used modes. Avoid optimizing for a single track; instead, evaluate across your music library for consistent performance.

## Last Resort: New Headphones

If adjustments don't satisfy, consider upgrading. Top models like Sony WH-1000XM6, Sennheiser HDB 630, Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen), and AirPods Max 2 deliver exceptional bass. Remember, the perfect setting is personal. Keep experimenting until you find the balance that suits your ears for extended listening.

## Sources covering this story

- https://www.engadget.com/2227771/want-best-bass-out-of-headphones-what-to-look-for/ — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._