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In the ever-evolving soundscape of music streaming services, headphone manufacturers are racing to enhance their offerings, aiming to deliver the ultimate immersive auditory journey. At the forefront of this innovation stands Sony, the undisputed industry trailblazer, who has taken a giant leap by integrating the groundbreaking 360 Reality Audio feature into their iconic 1000 series headphones, redefining the realm of the “Best Spatial Audio Headphones.“
By pleasantly surprise its fans with the inclusion of Dolby Atmos compatibility on Apple Music, Apple played a big part in the spread of the spatial audio format. As a direct consequence of this, various additional companies and services are currently competing with one another in an effort to stay up with the developing trend of listening.
It can be confusing to navigate through the numerous headphones that feature spatial audio because certain options are more obvious choices while others may come as a surprise to the user. This article is a curated selection of the best headphones that support spatial audio features. The headphones on this list include both well-known competitors and intriguing alternatives.
Benefits of Spatial Audio Technology
Spatial audio technology has a lot of perks that make listening to music and other sounds better. Here are some of the most important perks of spatial audio:
- Immersive Soundstage: Spatial audio technology makes a three-dimensional soundstage, so you can hear sounds as if they are coming from different places and directions. This immersive experience improves the audio’s reality and depth, making it seem more real and interesting.
- Enhanced Directionality: Better ability to tell where sounds are coming from: With spatial audio, you can tell exactly where sounds are coming from. This is especially helpful for games, virtual reality (VR), and movies because it adds a new level of realism and engagement by showing how and where sounds are coming from.
- Realistic Feel: Spatial audio technology gives the sound a sense of depth and space, making it sound more natural and real. It can imitate the sound of different places, like a music hall or a movie theatre, to give you a more real and immersive sound experience.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Spatial Audio Headphones
There are a few things to think about when choosing spatial audio headphones to make sure you get the best ones for your needs. Here are some important things to keep in mind:
- Spatial Audio: Not all headphones can handle spatial audio. Find out if the headphones you’re thinking of buying are made to give you spatial sound or if they support technologies like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. Make sure that the spatial audio formats used by your favourite content sites are compatible with the headphones.
- Sound quality: The general sound quality is just as important as the ability to play sound in different places. Look for headphones with a wide frequency response range, a good dynamic range, and accurate representation of different sound frequencies. Think about how the headphones sound based on what other people say and what experts say.
- Comfort and Fit: You’ll be wearing the headphones for long amounts of time, so comfort is very important. Look for headphones with ear cups that are well-padded and headbands that spread the weight evenly. Adjustable and practical designs are best because they let you make the fit just right and keep you safe.
Best Spatial Audio Headphones Comparison Table
Product | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Sony WF-1000XM4 | Apple AirPods Max Headphones | HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Spatial Audio Gaming Headset | Beats Studio3 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Over-ear, closed-back headphones | True wireless in-ear headphones | Over-ear, closed-back headphones | Over-ear, closed-back gaming headset | Over-ear, closed-back headphones |
Active Noise Cancellation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, NFC, wired | Bluetooth, NFC | Bluetooth, wired (Lightning connector) | Wireless, wired (3.5mm audio jack) | Bluetooth, wired (3.5mm audio jack) |
Battery Life | Up to 30 hours (with ANC), up to 38 hours (without ANC) | Up to 8 hours (ANC on), up to 12 hours (ANC off) | Up to 20 hours | Up to 30 hours | Up to 22 hours |
Virtual Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri | Siri | N/A | N/A |
Spatial Audio | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
List of the Best Spatial Audio Headphones
When selecting the most suitable spatial audio headphones for your individual requirements, it is always advisable to study reviews, compare features, and take into consideration personal preferences and budget constraints. The term “best” is subjective and can change depending on individual preferences and needs. However, here are several spatial audio headphones that are typically well regarded:
Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM4 #Top3

Specification | Description |
---|---|
Type | Over-ear, closed-back headphones |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, NFC, wired |
Active Noise Cancellation | Yes |
Battery Life | Up to 30 hours (with ANC), up to 38 hours (without ANC) |
Sound Quality | Hi-Res Audio, LDAC, DSEE Extreme |
Virtual Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri |
You could put any of Sony’s current 1000 series headphones on this list, from the XM3 to the brand-new XM5. I haven’t tried the WH-1000XM5, so I can’t say how good it is. For now, though, I can suggest a sure thing like the WH-1000XM4. When the XM5 comes out, it’s likely that the XM4 will still be for sale, so there’s even more reason to keep an eye out for it. I’ve played with Sony products’ 360 Reality Audio features a lot, and I can say that their spatial skills are pretty cool.
When I listen to some records on Tidal that support Atmos, I think Sony’s series has the best imaging. It goes all the way around you and creates a bubble of sound that fills your mind. I also think it’s the most natural choice on this list. Other wireless headphones on this list use spatial audio more as an effect than as a natural way to expand the soundstage of the headphones.
The Good
- Excellent active noise cancellation performance
- Impressive sound quality with Hi-Res Audio support
- Long battery life for extended listening sessions
The Bad
- Bulky design may not be ideal for all users
- Expensive compared to some competitors
Sony WF-1000XM4 #Top3

Specification | Description |
---|---|
Type | True wireless in-ear headphones |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, NFC |
Active Noise Cancellation | Yes |
Battery Life | Up to 8 hours (ANC on), up to 12 hours (ANC off) |
Charging Case | Provides additional charges for up to 16 hours |
Sound Quality | Hi-Res Audio, LDAC, DSEE Extreme |
Virtual Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri |
On the other hand, if you prefer Sony’s real wireless options, the WF-1000XM4 is the one to choose. It also costs $279, which is a lot less than the $499 full price of the over-ear form. Sony doesn’t have to give up any features when they switch from their WH models, which is good news. The 360 Reality Audio feature works the same way on the WF-1000XM4 and hasn’t been changed in any big way.
Spatial audio works the same way on the WF-1000XM4, and using it gets you most of the same benefits. There are some differences between over-ear and in-ear headphones for spatial audio, but when you listen to Atmos tracks on Tidal or Apple Music, you should still notice a big change in the soundstage and imaging.
The Good
- Outstanding noise cancellation in a compact form factor
- Impressive sound quality with support for Hi-Res Audio
- Long battery life for true wireless earbuds
The Bad
- Relatively expensive compared to other true wireless earbuds
- Limited water and sweat resistance for active use
Apple AirPods Max Headphones #Top3

Specification | Description |
---|---|
Type | Over-ear, closed-back headphones |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, wired (Lightning connector) |
Active Noise Cancellation | Yes |
Battery Life | Up to 20 hours |
Spatial Audio | Yes |
Siri Support | Yes |
Adaptive EQ | Yes |
Apple’s AirPods Max are, all things considered, the best headphones for spatial audio. The head-tracking and Spatial Audio technology developed by Apple creates an entirely new degree of auditory immersion for movies, television shows, and video games.
They perform exceptionally well when a screen is the primary object of your attention and will cause the sound to appear to originate from the screen regardless of the direction in which you turn your head. The build quality is very sturdy, boasting a construction that is almost entirely made of metal, and the ear cushions are comfy for wearing for extended periods of time.
The Good
- Premium build quality and elegant design
- Excellent active noise cancellation performance
- Spatial Audio provides immersive sound experience
The Bad
- Expensive compared to many other over-ear headphones
- Heavyweight design may cause fatigue during long listening sessions
Best Spatial Audio Headphones: That Deliver Excellent Sound
Spatial audio technology has changed the way we hear sound through headphones. It has made the sound more real and realistic. When it comes to picking the best spatial audio headphones with good sound quality, a few stand out. With exact spatial positioning and high-fidelity sound reproduction, these headphones do a great job of creating an immersive audio experience. Here are a few of the best:
HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Spatial Audio Gaming Headset

Specification | Description |
---|---|
Type | Over-ear, closed-back gaming headset |
Connectivity | Wireless, wired (3.5mm audio jack) |
Wireless Range | Up to 50 feet |
Battery Life | Up to 30 hours |
Virtual Surround Sound | Yes (7.1 surround sound) |
Microphone | Detachable, noise-cancelling |
Compatibility | PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, mobile devices |
The HyperX Cloud Alpha gaming headset includes all of the capabilities that you would expect from high-end gaming headphones, in addition to compatibility for 7.1 surround sound, which generates a realistic 3D soundscape all around you…ideal for detecting auditory indications like as footsteps and the arrival of potential foes.
These gaming headphones will serve you well for many years to come due to its wireless performance that can last for up to 300 hours on a single charge, their detachable mic that features noise cancelling technology built in, and their aluminum frame.
The Good
- Immersive virtual surround sound experience
- Wireless convenience with a reliable 2.4GHz connection
- Long battery life for uninterrupted gaming sessions
The Bad
- Bulky design may not be comfortable for all users, especially during extended wear
- Limited customization options for audio settings
Beats Studio3

Specification | Description |
---|---|
Type | Over-ear, closed-back headphones |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, wired (3.5mm audio jack) |
Active Noise Cancellation | Yes |
Battery Life | Up to 22 hours |
Fast Fuel | Yes |
Apple W1 Chip | Yes |
Control Scheme | Physical buttons, on-ear controls |
If you want to use headphones that cover your ears, you don’t have to limit yourself to the AirPods Max. You can consider going with the Beats Studio3, which are similar in design to the AirPods Max but are lighter, more comfortable, and cost several hundred dollars less.
These headphones provide everything you could possibly require, from real-time adaptive noise cancellation, which actively eliminates background noise, to a premium listening experience; in addition, when completely charged, the battery in these headphones may last for up to 22 hours. You can give them a rapid charge for ten minutes, and they will give you up to three hours of play time after that. If you don’t have much time, you can charge them.
The Good
- Stylish design with a wide range of color options
- Effective active noise cancellation for immersive listening
- Balanced sound signature with emphasis on bass
The Bad
- Sound quality may not be as detailed or accurate for audiophiles
- Ear cups may not fit all head shapes comfortably
Tips for Maximizing Your Spatial Audio Headphone Experience
Consider the following tips to get the most out of your spatial audio headphones:
- Choose High-Quality Spatial Audio material: Look for material that was specifically mixed or encoded in spatial audio formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. These files work best with spatial audio headphones and have the best sound quality.
- Use Platforms and Apps That Support Spatial Audio: Make sure you’re using platforms and apps that can play spatial audio. Apple Music, Tidal, and some movie streaming services are examples of services that offer spatial audio. Use apps or tools that are made for spatial audio and can decode and send it to your headphones.
- Optimize Headphone Placement: Put the headphones on your head in the right way so that the sound channels line up with your ears. You can adjust the headband and ear cups to get a safe and comfortable fit, which can help improve the audio’s clarity and sense of space.
Questions and Answers
A: Spatial audio headphones are headphones that are made to make the sound feel like it’s coming from all around you. They use advanced audio technologies to give sounds a sense of space and direction, which lets users hear sounds coming from different places and directions.
A: Binaural audio processing, head-related transfer functions (HRTFs), and virtual sound positioning are some of the ways that spatial audio headphones work. These technologies mimic how sound waves interact with the human head and ears to create a true spatial audio experience. By processing audio data and using “spatial cues,” these headphones can make it sound like sounds are coming from different places and directions.
A: Usually, spatial audio headphones work with devices that can play spatial audio, like some game systems, virtual reality (VR) platforms, and audio/video players that can play formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. Also, some headphones may have spatial audio effects for certain platforms or apps, so it’s important to make sure they work with what you want to use them with before buying.