Bearded man listening to Klipsch headphones

Best Headphones for College Students


There is a lot of noise in college. Heck, you might be the one creating the noise most of the time. Sometimes, you’ll just need to be in your world.

We’ve come up with a list of the best headphones for college that make sense whether you want to study in peace, relax or just block out the dang roommate.

If you don’t think you ever need to be quiet and just want to piss off your classmates, check out our list of the best speakers for college.

R6i-On-Ear-Life-5 social

Best Headphones for the Budget

Klipsch Reference R6 On-Ear Headphones

First things first, we recognize that college students are on a serious budget. Between tuition, room, books, food (and beer), there really isn't a lot of money left over for actually nice things. College is freakin' expensive.

While we may be biased, we certainly believe that a great pair of headphones is a useful complement to the college experience. The Reference R6 On-Ear headphones come in at $79.00 which is one of the very best values in Klipsch's portfolio. They're ultra comfortable, lightweight and, yes, they sound great too. Oh and their simple, yet elegant styling will pair well with just about anything you'll be wearing, if that's a concern of yours.

Honestly, we could have listed these headphones under any of the categories. They are extremely versatile and an excellent option for anyone who is on a tight budget.

Klipsch X11i Headphones Studying for College

Best Headphones for Studying in the Library

Klipsch X12i In-Ear Headphones

Maybe you’re a dedicated student who studies regularly or maybe it’s Wednesday and you just found out the final is Thursday. Either way, the award-winning Klipsch X12i headphones are the perfect match for you.

These fellas are crazy small, yet incredibly capable, offering the crispest of highs and deepest of lows. Their ultra-comfortable patented oval ear tips allow you to burn the midnight oil without skipping a beat.

Unlike many on-ear headphones, the unique seal created by the oval ear tips of Klipsch headphones doesn’t allow anything to leak out. This means that your fellow students in the library won’t have to hear the latest Taylor Swift banger that’s on your Spotify iTunes. (No judgements.)

Klipsch-R6-Black-2 2001x1125

Best Headphones for the Flight Home

Klipsch Reference R6 In-Ear Headphones

A lot of students attend out-of-state colleges, which requires flying to and from home every time the parents get sad that you have left the nest. Since this means traveling during the busiest travel times of the year including the dreaded Thanksgiving holiday, you’re going to need headphones that can be worn through all of the inevitable delays and cancellations.

Anyway, the Klipsch Reference R6 in-ear headphones fit the bill, offering remarkable comfort and best-in-class sound quality. They are also the most affordable option in the Klipsch lineup, making it easier to stomach if you accidentally leave them on the plane or at the gate.

One other thing to remember is that these headphones are incredible small which makes them easier to pack in your bag or stuff in your pockets compared to a pair of oversized on-ear or over-ear headphones.

©AndrewStuart.com ©AndrewStuart.com

Best Headphones for Hanging Out

Klipsch Reference On-Ear Headphones

There’s a fair amount of time to yourself in college, so you’ll be forgiving if sometimes you’re just messing around whether’s it’s checking out some new music, scrolling through YouTube videos or whatever. OK, so sometimes this lasts forever, but, hey, we’re with ya.

Thankfully, the Reference On-Ear headphones are so dang comfortable that you won’t ever have to take them off. They blend superior comfort and sound into one, making your music and movies sound better than ever.

Oh and you better believe our list of the best headphones for college won’t include anything that’ll make you look like a walking billboard. You’re welcome.

XR-8i Lifestyle 1 social

Best Headphones for Binge-Watching TV Shows and Movies

Klipsch Reference XR8i Hybrid In-Ear Headphones

For some reason or another, there are people who convinced that on-ear and over-ear headphones produce better and more bass than their in-ear counterparts.

To that, we say “hogwash.” The Reference XR8i Hybrid headphones offer thunderous bass response thanks to its hybrid design. It features the bass of R6i’s custom 6.5mm dual magnet dynamic driver AND the exceptional tonal balance and high-frequency definition of the KG-723 balanced armature. Essentially, it’s the best of both worlds.

What you’re going to get is a headphone that is exceptionally qualified to give you immense feedback. You’re going to feel the impact of those explosions from even the worst of B-movies on Netflix.

AS-5i Lifestyle 5 Social

Best Headphones for Working Out

Klipsch AS-5i All-Sport Headphones

Believe it or not, all of that alcohol you put in your system isn’t great for your body. Shocking, we know.

Luckily for you, the Klipsch AS-5i sport headphones will get you through your toughest workouts. Their secure fit design gently wraps around your ear for stable fit that won’t fall out. Plus, they’re sweat and moisture-resistant, meaning all of those toxins that you’re flushing out of your body aren’t going to disintegrate the headphones.

Yes, it’ll be tough to go the gym when there are a million other more fun things to do or endless assignments to tend to, but these headphones will make it worth it…and, dare we say, a little fun as well.

What do you think are the best headphones for college? What headphones did you use during college?

Categories: Headphones