# How to Get the Best Bass from Your Headphones Try these adjustments before buying new headphones. - **Source:** [Engadget - Technology News & Expert Reviews](https://brifing.si/source/16dd2da6-3eea-4d1e-b34f-45e846cdf037) - **Published:** 2026-08-03 - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/f904d7cc-8d87-443a-aca7-ee8497d0fe32 ## Headphone Selection and Fit Closed-back headphones and tightly sealed earbuds are the best options for bass. Open-back headphones offer natural sound but aren't ideal for punchy bass. The size and material of ear tips matter too. Foam tips can provide better seal than silicone. Software-based fit tests, like Apple's for AirPods Pro, can also be helpful. ## Check Your Headphone Settings Ensure your headphones comfortably cover your ears. Factors like glasses, hair, or worn-out pads can compromise the seal. Even if you can't change these, being aware of them is important. Check the EQ settings in your headphone app and start by turning off all EQ presets. ## Using EQ Settings Correctly Stacking EQ settings is a common mistake. Boosting bass in both Spotify and Sony Sound Connect apps can lead to distorted audio. Using your music app's EQ might be a better option. Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music each have different steps to access their EQ settings. ## EQ Curve Over Bass Boost Bass boost settings might sound good briefly but quickly become fatiguing. Instead, use the EQ curve to adjust specific frequency ranges. Bass lies in low frequencies (left side of the graph). 20-60 Hz controls deep rumble, while 60-150 Hz affects punch and weight. ## Fine-Tuning and Listening Tests Start with small boosts on the EQ curve and listen to songs across genres. If bass starts overpowering vocals or other sounds, dial it back. Test settings during long listening sessions—what sounds good in a quick test might not be ideal for extended use. ## Testing Different Listening Modes Different modes like noise cancellation or transparency can subtly affect bass response. Spatial audio features on Apple AirPods and Bose QuietComfort Ultra can also impact bass. Test EQ settings in the modes you use most. ## Trial and Error Approach Everyone's ears and listening habits differ. Experiment with the EQ curve to find your preferences. Aim for bass that's powerful yet controlled. Trust your impressions over longer sessions, not just quick tests. ## Time for New Headphones? If you still can't get the bass you want after all these adjustments, it might be time to consider new headphones. Models like Sony WH-1000XM6, Sennheiser HDB 630, Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen), and AirPods Max 2 deliver strong, balanced bass. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.engadget.com/2227771/want-best-bass-out-of-headphones-what-to-look-for/ — --- _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._