A headphone amplifier could be the difference between a good headphone performance and a great one. If you own decent wired headphones, you can of course plug them directly straight into a phone or computer, a portable hi-res player (better) or a home stereo amplifier (better still), but putting a dedicated headphone amp between them will typically make them sing much more impressively – particularly if your source is an everyday device, like a phone or laptop, whose number one priority isn't to sound good.
You see, headphone amplifiers boast performance-first audio circuitry and have been designed primarily to do one thing: squeeze every ounce of ability out of the headphones plugged into it. They're born to help headphones be the very best they can be.
They come in various forms: they can be small, portable and affordable, designed to sit on a desk or be carried around in your pocket, for use with a computer/laptop or phone. They are often called portable or desktop DACs (digital-to-analogue converters) as they convert the source's digital audio to headphone-friendly analogue signals before outputting them. Alternatively, headphone amps can be more substantial hi-fi components designed to integrate into a fully-fledged system to enhance private listening at home. Our how to choose the best headphone amp section below can help you decide which kind is best for you.
Our in-house team of expert reviewers tests headphone amplifiers from every corner of the market in our dedicated listening rooms and has rounded up the class leaders of various types and prices to help you bag the best you can afford...
Quick list
A palm-sized DAC/headphone amp that suits portable, desktop or hi-fi sources, and delivers game-changing sound for its price.
A simple, high-performing USB DAC/headphone amp for phones and laptops.
There isn’t another DAC/headphone amp anywhere near this price that can communicate music so unambiguously and so effortlessly.
Primarily play music through your PC or laptop? This is the best way to upgrade your desktop headphone system on a budget.
The most generously featured and best-performing desktop headphone amp you can buy at this mid-range level.
Extensive features, fine build and super sound quality – this versatile machine will transform desktop and hi-fi setups.
Load the next product… ↓
Headphone obsessives should form a queue here; this analogue headphone amp is among the best we've heard.
Recent updates
November 2024: The newly crowned What Hi-Fi? Award 2024 winners have been labelled as such. In this category, those are the Chord Mojo 2 and AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt, two class-leading and affordable DAC/headphone amplifiers.
With almost 11 years of experience of reviewing and writing about hi-fi and headphones, I've tested my fair share of headphone amplifiers. In fact, as I listen to my headphone desktop system more than any other kind, it is one of the hi-fi components I use most regularly. Headphone amps vary wildly in terms of form factor and features, so below I've picked class leaders of each kind and price level that set the benchmark for sound quality, connectivity and usability.
Best overall
The fittingly named Mojo 2 is the long-anticipated, re-engineered replacement to the 2015-released original, which burst onto the scene as a real benchmark-setting game-changer in the then-fledgling world of portable DACs/headphone amps. While the aesthetic hasn’t exactly been overhauled for the sequel, significant progress has been made elsewhere to protect its position as the pinnacle of portable headphone amps at this price point.
All told, the performance of the Mojo 2 isn't massively far away from that of Chord Electronics' considerably pricier Hugo 2. Such is its capability, it can raise a hi-fi system’s game just as confidently as it can a phone's or laptop's.
At this price you might reasonably prefer a dedicated system alternative with more suitable connections, such as the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M (below). But for those who are after a primarily portable or desktop DAC solution in this price region, we believe the decision to Mojo 2 or not to Mojo 2 is an easy one. And what about existing Mojo owners? Honestly, Chord has left us no choice but to recommend the upgrade. As our expert reviews team found during our Mojo 2 review testing, "The Mojo’s soundstage has been opened up for the sequel and that extra depth and dimension has been filled with greater resolution that is not only unmistakably present thanks to a big boost in clarity but also more precisely placed."
Our current Product of the Year DAC/headphone amplifier for several years on the trot, the Mojo 2 will suit – and transform – portable phone, desktop computer/laptop and even modest hi-fi separates setups. It is that good.
Read our full Chord Mojo 2 review
Best budget portable
Got a more modest budget? Audioquest's top-range DragonFly USB DAC/headphone amplifier is an excellent portable or desktop solution for phones and laptops.
The multi-award-winning Cobalt improves on the company's already talented and more affordable DragonFly Red by offering even better clarity and sonic precision. "You could spend your time analysing the music if you like, the Cobalt makes that easy with its wide-open soundstage and impressive clarity," reads our DragonFly Cobalt review, "but AudioQuest has not lost itself entirely in the detail, offering still a keen sense of rhythm and expressive dynamic range." Its excellent transparency means that the Cobalt reveals shortcomings in the source and recordings that others in the family don't, so you might have to watch those lower-quality recordings!
It shares many of the same features as the DragonFly Red, including the 2.1v headphone output, bit-perfect digital volume control and MQA renderer. But there are also numerous upgrades, like the more advanced DAC chip, delivering a clearer, more natural sound, and a new microprocessor which increases processing speed by 33 per cent. Plus improved power supply filtering (increasing immunity to wi-fi, Bluetooth and cellular noise), a 10 per cent smaller enclosure, and included DragonTail USB-A (female) to USB-C (male) adaptor for use with the growing number of electronics with connectivity for the latter.
Want a more affordable portable/desktop USB option? We simply recommend looking further down the DragonFly line to the cheaper Red or cheaper still Black model; both are excellent for the money.
Read our full Audioquest DragonFly Cobalt review
Best premium portable
The Hugo 2 is a strange one. It's just about small enough to take with you (this is clearly the intention, as it has its own built-in battery), but a little too large to sit in a pocket, so it is portable... but more in the sense that you'd carry it from room to room as opposed to out and about with you on the daily commute.
It's also not the easiest device to use at times, mostly thanks to its system of coloured lights, which can get confusing. It's also at the higher end of the price scale, so entry-level users seeking a bargain may want to consider a cheaper alternative.
So what's it doing on this list, you might wonder? Two words for you: sound quality. It's very difficult indeed to fault the way Hugo 2 converts and delivers your digital audio files. And not just sparklingly hi-res ones but also lower-quality files too – whatever you feed it, Hugo 2 serves your headphones a detailed, dynamic and punchy performance. "Timing is perhaps Hugo 2’s strongest suit of all," notes our Hugo 2 review, "it brings absolutely believable unity to ensemble music."
This is the most headphone amp most audiophiles will ever need – honestly, it really is that good.
There are plenty of inputs to take advantage of – optical, coaxial and (the admittedly slightly dated) micro-USB inputs, 3.5mm, 6.3mm headphone and RCA system outputs and aptX Bluetooth as well. See past its quirky looks and operation, and you'll be rewarded with a hugely insightful, musical performer.
Read our full Chord Hugo 2 review
Best budget desktop
The ‘if it ain’t broke…’ saying isn’t lost on us, but at the same time we realise that in a competitive industry such as hi-fi, making the best even better off your own back isn’t necessarily a bad idea. It’s what iFi did with its budget home DAC and headphone amp offering, with the original Zen DAC making way for a ‘V2’ model that offers improvements in terms of processing, MQA decoding and circuitry. (The Zen DAC V3 has now launched, so watch this space for a review.)
They pay off. This budget desktop DAC, which can be USB or mains powered (mains adaptor not included), is excellent in both the features and performance department for the money. There's a USB Type B input and RCA line, plus 6.3mm and 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced headphone outputs, and file support will satisfy most needs – PCM 384kHz, DSD256 and MQA.
The compact Zen will polish your laptop or computer music with a new level of sparkle, revealing not only more detail but offering a greater sense of dynamic range as it does so. Our in-house reviewers called its performance "open, smooth and nicely judged in its handling of frequencies" and, compared to the original five-star DAC, "dynamic expression and clarity are confidently taken to the next level, with the bass a little tighter and the presentation slightly more refined too."
Offering a significant upgrade over computer sound quality in an era where people need it most, the Zen DAC V2 is another feather in the cap for iFi’s highly acclaimed budget Zen series. Get it now while it's discounted, or take a punt on the new and pricier Zen DAC V3.
Read our full iFi Zen DAC V2 review
Best mid-price desktop
If you're looking for a DAC/headphone amplifier that combines all manner of useful features into an attractive and sonically astute package, the DacMagic 200M is a bit of a no-brainer, especially at this price.
It's well-equipped enough to slot effortlessly into any desktop or even modest hi-fi system. A wide selection of digital inputs (USB Type B, two opticals and two coaxials) caters to a range of sources and there's aptX Bluetooth onboard for wireless convenience too. Add balanced and unbalanced outputs into the mix, plus a headphone output and decent hi-res audio support (32-bit/768kHz PCM, DSD512), and that's pretty much every base covered.
Sonically, it's got that recognisable 'Cambridge' sound which means a full, smooth tone partnered with an open, expressive, and authoritative delivery. It's as informative as it is entertaining. "Dynamic shrewdness is backed by rhythmic coordination and punch, amounting to a musical presentation," says our DacMagic 200M review. "There’s much to appreciate in a hi-fi component that lets you sit back and enjoy your music no matter the genre."
While the Chord Mojo 2 (above) offers greater levels of rhythmic accuracy and detail at a now lower asking price, the Cambridge is still a fine option and has the benefit of easier implementation and control, as well as more features.
Ignore this talented all-rounder at your peril.
Read our full Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M review
Best premium desktop
Look at this tank. Unsurprisingly, it's very much a desktop headphone amp – and you'll need a sizeable desktop, at that! Indeed, if you're looking for something portable, best to look further up this page. But if it's home headphone listening you're after, whether that's primarily through a separates or desktop system, this Audiolab could well be the one for you.
Sonically, it will be a valuable addition to your home audio setup. It’s an overtly neat and tidy listen, showing a slavish attention to detail when it comes to the delineation of the soundstage. That’s a trait we wholly admire, and few other comparably priced headphone amp/DACs describe a stage quite as explicitly as the M-DAC+.
Even the densest, busiest recordings are laid out openly – in terms of staging, focus and sheer three-dimensionality, the Audiolab dishes out the details like a bar room gossip. It's rhythmically adept too, as our reviewers were keen to highlight in our M-DAC+ review: "Timing is good, the interplay and integration between instruments sounding natural and unforced."
Add to that consistency across the system and headphone outputs (of which there are several, even including an AES/EBU balanced digital input for those with pro-studio aspirations), and you've got a solid, versatile headphone amplifier that truly justifies the outlay.
Read our full Audiolab M-DAC+ review
Best high-end
The Phonitor xe marked the first time we'd reviewed a product from the German audio manufacturer SPL, but it didn't take long to make an impression. At the higher price end of the headphone amp scale, the handsome and well-made analogue-only model certainly looked the part and had a chunky price tag to match, leaving us interested to see just how much it could enhance our headphone listening experience.
Played from a top-quality source, the Phonitor xe is a smooth, articulate performer. The premium amp feels fluid and full-bodied without losing detail or dynamics, excelling when it comes to bringing out voices with their natural warmth and passion. There is an optional digital module available that offers digital inputs and hi-res compatibility, but it costs an additional £875 / $850 / AU$700.
If you are after a high-end DAC-and-headphone-amp combo, then the class-leading Chord Hugo TT2 (£3995 / $5795) that delivers exceptional transparency, articulation and dynamic expression should be on your list.
This SPL headphone amplifier does require some decent accompanying kit to get the most out of it, but provide the Phonitor xe with an appropriately talented source and headphones, and it will deliver some of the finest sound quality you'll hear for this price.
Read our full SPL Phonitor xe review
Also consider
- NuPrime DAC-9X: While not quite as insightful as the class-leading Chord Hugo 2 above, this headphone amp hardly puts a foot wrong – it still sounds terrific, is generous in the connections department, and works well in a wide range of systems.
- iFi hip-dac 3: AudioQuest's DragonFly Cobalt edges the rivalry, but it's a very closely fought battle – not something many of the competition within this burgeoning market can claim. This portable DAC/headphone amp is a pleasure to listen to.
- AudioQuest DragonFly Red: If you want to boost your laptop or phone sound with something simple and small but cannot afford the DragonFly Cobalt in this list, this model-down Red is a compelling choice.
How to choose the best headphone amp for you
So what should you look for in a headphone amplifier? Analogue inputs are the most common and mean you can plug in any source that has analogue outputs (which is most of them). These days, though, analogue-only headphone amplifiers like the Chord Anni and SPL Phonitor xe are a rare breed, as most headphone amps also boast built-in DACs (digital-to-analogue converters) that feed digital inputs for broader compatibility – ideal if, say, you are listening to music stored on a computer.
This means many headphone amplifiers are also DACs (and can be called such, or, commonly, 'DAC/headphone amplifier'), although be aware that you can get DACs without headphone sockets, such as the Chord Qutest, which only improve sound between sources and speaker-fronted systems. These digital-savvy headphone amplifiers typically play ball with all manner of digital audio these days, from PCM to DSD to MQA, but it's worth checking file support if you own niche hi-res music.
Size and portability are also key considerations. Some of the headphone amplifiers below will happily slip into a jeans pocket and, with the right cables and perhaps even an adaptor, can be paired with a phone. Bigger models, whether they are battery- or mains-powered, command that you clear your desk or make some room on your hi-fi rack (like you'd need to for the new and rather large Yamaha HA-L7A). In short, you'll need to decide whether you'll be listening to your headphones on the move or solely at home before committing to a purchase. For portable models, check battery life and whether it can be powered by the source it's plugged into.
Then, of course, there's the matter of price and, related, the quality of the equipment you'll plug into your headphone amplifier in the first place. Your headphones need to be of a pretty decent standard before you get the benefits of a dedicated amp – we would say the £330/$295/AU$419 Grado SR325x are decent starting benchmarks – so you might not want to bother if you're currently rocking a pair of £50/$50/AU$100 headphones.
Conversely, you may decide that your headphones are performing well enough as it is, and that you like the sound just fine without needing any extra oomph or refinement. If you've just forked out many hundreds of pounds for some decent wired over-ears, you may not be that keen on parting with even more cash to make some noticeable, but possibly incremental, audio gains. That's a totally reasonable position, and you can always upgrade down the line if you change your mind.
FAQ
Why do you need a headphone amplifier?
Any audio device with a headphone output socket (jack) has a headphone amplifier inside, so in those cases you don't need a dedicated, external one. That said, those inside laptops and other every day devices such as phones will likely be of significantly inferior quality than the circuitry you'll find inside the best headphone amplifiers on this list – yes, even the budget ones. A dedicated headphone amp's performance will often trump that of a stereo amplifier in a hi-fi system, too, though that may not be the case if a manufacturer has put greater care than is typical in its stereo amp's headphone stage.
How does a headphone amplifier work?
A headphone amplifier is different to a conventional amplifier. Headphones require less power than a pair of speakers (which makes sense if you think about the difference in the size of space each operates in), so their vastly lower power requirement means that a headphone amplifier circuit has to be engineered to excel at low signal levels.
The electrical loading of headphone drive units is different to that of speaker drivers, too. Most speakers have a nominal impedance of around eight ohms, with some falling to half of that, while headphones tend to have a wider spread, typically ranging from 16 to 600 ohms. The amplifier designed to drive them must be happy working with such a range of electrical loads. It isn’t uncommon to find a stereo amplifier where the headphone feed is simply an attenuated version of the signal coming out of the speaker terminals. This is a cheap, easy and ultimately limited way of doing things, whereas good headphone amplifiers take great care to solely drive headphones and get the best out of them.
Head over to our what is a headphone amplifier? article for more detail.
Is a headphone amplifier the same as a DAC?
No. Headphone amplifiers drive low-level signals, while DACs convert digital audio to analogue so that it can be output and understood by headphones. But many headphone amplifiers have DACs built into them, and vice versa, and these DAC/headphone amplifier hybrids are more common nowadays than either component without the other integrated.
Suppose you're looking to put a headphone amplifier between headphones and a digital source (such as a laptop). In that case, you'll need a headphone amplifier with a DAC chip inside to handle that necessary conversion process.
Headphone amplifiers are wholly analogue devices in their most basic form, though, often with a handful of line-level inputs to receive analogue audio. If you don't need a DAC because you don't play digital audio, or have another DAC-toting component handling digital-to-analogue conversion, landing a purist, analogue headphone amplifier isn't a bad idea.
How we test headphone amplifiers
The What Hi-Fi? in-house reviews team, with over 150 years of collective experience, has unique state-of-the-art testing facilities in London and Reading, in which pretty much every hi-fi, audio and AV component you see reviewed on www.whathifi.com are put through their paces. Those include headphone amplifiers.
Portable and often desktop headphone amplifiers don't often require such facilities, of course, so instead we test those in real-world scenarios – at our office and home desktops and/or out and about with our phones. If a headphone amp is portable, we test its battery life claims and ruggedness, while the various inputs and headphone sockets offered by more substantial home models are tested with price-suitable source components and headphones. Indeed, we test each headphone amplifier using several pairs of our favourite headphones to ensure sonic compatibility.
We compare every headphone amplifier that passes through our test rooms to the best in its class, which is typically a current What Hi-Fi? Awards winner, allowing us to gauge how good a newcomer is in the context of the best-in-class competition and wider market. We are fortunate to be able to keep a well-stocked kit room that gives us access to these award winners (and many other products) when we need them for comparative purposes, all year round.
We are always impartial and ensure every headphone amplifier is tested within controlled, optimal conditions. We'll use music of varying genre and quality, and give them plenty of listening time – and time to run in too.
You can read more about how we test and review products at What Hi-Fi? here.
Recent updates
- August 2024: No new entries this time, although DAC/headphone amp specialist iFi has recently launched new headphone amps that look promising on paper.
- June 2024: We've added an Also Consider section to give you more choice when it comes to recommendable headphone amplifiers, plus FAQs for extra buyer advice.
- March 2024: Added 'how to choose' and 'how we test' sections to help readers make more informed buying decisions.
- January 2024: The number of entries was reduced for a more focused selection.
- November 2023: Our newly crowned What Hi-Fi? Award winners were labelled as such.
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