9 Best Headphones With Volume Control In 2024

Are you looking for the perfect headphones with volume control? If you are, you probably already know how difficult this task is. 

The times without headphones have passed long ago. The headphones have become an inseparable part of our lives. We won’t be wrong if we say that most people can’t imagine their lives and daily routine without a pair of headphones. The problem is that there are so many different models in all price ranges that an ordinary customer easily gets confused. Confusion leads to giving up and the customer finally ends up with a pair of headphones that don't meet his expectations.

In addition, there is also a problem related to the set of features that a pair of headphones should have. Some headphones have simple and intuitive playback and volume controls, others have controls that are hard to master. Some headphones have ANC and all kinds of smart features, other headphones have none. 

Why Do We Need Volume Controls?

The manufacturers compete all the time and create numerous models with all kinds of characteristics and features. Thanks to this hyperproduction, we get to choose between wired or wireless headphones, earbuds or headphones, headphones with or without ANC, NFC, microphone, as well as headphones with or without volume controls.

Having volume controls on the earcups or at least in-line controls on the audio cable may seem unnecessary to some people but they are, in fact, quite useful. If your headphones feature volume controls, it means that you don’t have to reach for your phone every time you want to turn the volume up or down.

If your headphones have volume controls, you will be able to adjust the volume level by a simple touch of a button, while your phone lays safely in your pocket and your music keeps playing without being interrupted or accidentally paused by an unwanted touch during the process of taking the phone out of the pocket.

However, if you narrow your selection only to the headphones with volume controls, the number of viable choices will still be huge. This is why we decided to make this list of 9 best headphones with volume control in 2024 and make your task a lot easier. These are our top picks.

1. Mpow 059 Bluetooth Headphones

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Mpow 059 are cheap full-size closed-back headphones. They’ve been one of the most popular Bluetooth headphones for quite some time. They owe this status to their comfort, quality, and attractive design.

The headphones come in black, red, silver, grey, pink, blue, and green colors and their design and control layout makes them so easy to use. The big central button is used to play/pause the audio, answer/end calls, and initiate pairing. Volume controls, which are also used for skipping tracks, are highly accessible and responsive. They are located on the earcup cover.

There are also micro USB charging port and one 3.5mm aux port.

What’s in the box?

Mpow 059 headphones come in simple packaging with a carrying pouch, 4ft-long audio cable with 3.5mm connector, and a USB charging cable.

Things we like?

The headphones are quite attractive. Thanks to their modern design and a variety of available colors, most of the users will be able to find the perfect model for their needs. Despite the plastic build, Mpow 059 headphones have proven to be quite durable.

One of their greatest advantages is their high comfort level. Apart from being quite lightweight, the headphones have a nicely padded adjustable headband and softly cushioned cups, which are also very flexible. In addition, the headphones are also foldable.

Mpow 059 produces surprisingly pleasant sound for a cheap pair of headphones. They support Bluetooth 4.0 and their durable battery will allow you to listen to your favorite music for the whole 13 hours (or make phone calls for 15h). In case the battery dies, there is always a detachable audio cable that makes the headphones alive again in a second.

Things we don’t like

Mpow 059 headphones have only one design-related flaw. They do look attractive but only when they are clean. The moment you pick them up and put them on your head, your fingerprints will be all over them and will be highly visible due to their glossy finish.

The next thing we have to mention is their mic and call clarity. We appreciate the existence of a mic because it makes answering calls much easier but you will definitely experience many problems when using it. The biggest problem is that it muffles voices and makes them less intelligible. We also have to warn you that it can’t be used in wired mode.

059 are noise-isolating headphones that manage to block a limited amount of ambient noise thanks to their design. However, they don’t use ANC technology so you will still be able to hear what’s going on around you.

2. Cowin E7 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

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The second place on our list of 9 best headphones with volume control belongs to the Cowin E7. They are probably one of the cheapest Bluetooth headphones with ANC support. Also, they deliver an impressive performance.

E7 headphones come in three colors (red, white, and black) and look more expensive than they really are. The control buttons are highly accessible. On the right earcup, you will find the Bluetooth pairing button, volume controls, ANC on/off button, and the aux port. The only thing placed on the left side is one micro USB charging port.

What’s in the box?

The headphones come in a stylized box, nicely wrapped in protective foam. Apart from the headphones, the box contains a carrying bag, 3.9ft-long audio cable, one short micro USB to USB charging cable, and one user manual.

Things we like?

Despite being relatively cheap, Cowin E7 headphones have better design and more features than some much more expensive headphones. They are available in three attractive colors, they have an adjustable headband and nicely cushioned cups. The cups are movable and they swivel for 110 degrees, which means they can adjust well to the shape of your ears and head.

Apart from being very flexible, the headphones seem rather durable and well built. They are mostly made from plastic but we really believe they can survive long-term use.

E7 headphones offer many interesting and useful features, including Bluetooth connectivity and active noise canceling. They also have a quite powerful battery that can last for up to 30 hours per single charge. This should be more than enough for any ordinary user but, even if you run out of juice, you can simply connect the audio cable and keep listening to your favorite tunes.

The sound quality is more than decent for the money. The headphones sound pleasant and deliver a good amount of bass. They are best suited for EDM and other bass-heavy music genres.

Things we don’t like

The quality of the earpads on Cowin E7 headphones is somewhat questionable. Their paint starts to peel off after a certain period of time. Apart from this, from time to time, you may hear some crackling around the hinges.

In the design department, the only complaint is related to the glossy finish on the cups that attracts fingerprints and ugly stains.

In the end, we have to mention that the headphones don’t sound amazing in any genre that isn’t bass-oriented. ANC eliminates ambient noise well but it can only be activated in Bluetooth mode.

3. Sennheiser RS120 On-Ear Wireless RF Headphones

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Sennheiser RS120 headphones may not be modern or trendy, and they don’t support all the latest technologies, but they are still one of the most popular and highest-rated wireless RF headphones for TV on the market. Why? Well, mostly because of their high-quality sound and more than affordable price.

They come in black color and they have all their controls evenly distributed on their cups – power on/off button is one the left, while the volume controls are on the right cup.

If you’re looking for a pair of headphones for home use, these are perfect, whether you’re listening to music, watching movies or TV.

What’s in the box?

RS120 headphones come in good-looking and simple packaging with their user manual, 24-month warranty card, transmitter/charging unit, 2 triple-A rechargeable batteries, AC power supply, 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter, and RCA to 3.5mm adapter.

Things we like?

The headphones have a simple but effective design. They are not shiny or trendy but they have a nicely padded adjustable headband (three soft cushions with two metal gaps used for charging). The earpads are equally thick. RS 120 are also quite lightweight. 

The base and the headphones seem quite durable. They are made of plastic and reinforced with aluminum (headband frame).

One of the greatest advantages of RS 120 headphones is their battery life. A single full charge enables 20-hour playback but it is also important to mention that the headphone batteries are easily replaceable.

The connection quality is amazing. To establish the connection, you will have to connect the analog input on the base with an analog output on your TV or some other audio source. The headphones are considered wireless but they don’t support Bluetooth connectivity. In fact, their work is based on the radio transmission (headphones are radio receiver, and the base is radio transmitter). The greatest thing is that you can move around your house (up to 300ft distance) with the headphones on your head and never lose a signal.

When it comes to sound quality, we assure you that you won’t have any complaints. The headphones produce enough bass, while their mids (and especially vocals) are detailed and clear.

Things we don’t like

The headphones don’t look very modern or trendy and neither does their charging unit. The base looks unusual and bulky (like some kind of a kitchen appliance).

The charging can be tricky. If you don't place the headphones properly on the base (in such a way that the upper parts of the base are inserted in the gaps on the headband), the charging won't be possible. In addition, if you don't place them properly, you risk the headphones falling from the base because the weight isn't evenly distributed.

RS120 headphones aren't perfectly comfortable since they are on-ear headphones but if you take breaks from time to time, your ears won’t suffer too much.

As far as the sound quality is concerned, we have only one complaint – the highs can get a bit distorted at high volumes.

Lastly, we have to mention the auto OFF function that will be activated after a few minutes of silence. The problem is not the function itself but the incredibly loud and annoying static noise that kicks in after the function is activated.

4. Beats Solo 3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones

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The next product on the list of 9 best headphones with volume control in 2024 is an extremely popular Beats model – Solo 3. Despite their high price, these headphones are one of the most popular, mostly because of their bassy sound signature, attractive design, and battery durability but also because of a huge hype.

Solo 3 headphones have control buttons on the right earcup. At the bottom, you will find the power on/off button, as well as 3 touch-sensitive buttons (“b” for playing/pausing the music and answer/end calls, and the other two for volume buttons, which are also used for skipping tracks). Play/pause, answer/end call, and volume control buttons are also placed on a detachable audio cable.

What’s in the box?

Beats Solo 3 headphones come in a luxury packaging with a hard-shell case, 3.5mm audio cable, USB to micro USB charging cable, one metal carabiner, and a 12-month warranty card.

Things we like?

As you would expect from an expensive pair of headphones, Solo 3 feature premium design and you get to choose one of many available finishes (matte/glossy black, white, blue, green, red, rose gold, violet, silver, etc.).

The headphones weigh 7.6 ounces and have decently cushioned adjustable headband and earcups. Apart from this, the headphones are foldable and can be easily carried around in their carrying case.

Solo 3 can be used in wired and wireless modes, and you can listen to music or make phone calls in both modes. Assuming that most of you prefer using Bluetooth, it’s important to emphasize that the headphones have an extremely durable battery that can last for up to 40 hours. Also, they support fast charging that allows you to get 3 hours of playback after a 5-minute charge. The pairing process is easy and fast, regardless of the type of device (Android or Apple). 

When it comes to sound quality, these headphones are made for true bass enthusiasts. They are very loud and their bass overpowers the midrange. There’s no available EQ setting that could significantly change the dominant sound signature but you can use some third-party EQ software to make some balance.

Things we don’t like

Considering their price, Beats Solo 3 headphones are too plasticky and poorly built. They don’t seem extremely fragile but they should at least have some metal reinforcements.

Solo 3 could also cause some discomfort due to their tightness. Also, their earpads are very small.

One more thing – pay attention to the USB cable. These headphones use a special USB Micro-B charging cable and the ordinary USB cables can't be used for charging.

5. Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

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Bose QC 35 II are amazing over-ear closed-back Bluetooth ANC headphones. They feature the same design as the original QC 35 but with a slightly improved functionality. They weigh a bit more than 8 ounces and they can be easily transported. In case you run out of a battery, you can easily connect the headphones to your phone, tablet or player with the included audio cable.

What’s in the box?

As you would expect from a company like Bose, the headphones come in a very elegant cardboard box. In the box, you will find the headphones, nicely folded in their sturdy carrying pouch, as well as the manuals, detachable audio cable, an airline adapter, and one USB 2.0 charging cable.

Things we like?

QC 35 II headphones come in black, silver, and rose gold colors. The headphones are quite attractive. They are extremely flexible and bendable, so you won’t have any problems adjusting them to your head size and shape. The headphones feel fairly durable even though they are mostly made from plastic.

The series II headphones come with the same control scheme as QC 35, with the addition of one button on the left earcup. On the right side, you will find the power/pairing button, small pairing indicator light, volume controls, a multifunctional button (play/pause/skip), and a micro USB charging port. The headphones also support NFC pairing.

On the left earcup, you will find one aux port, as well as the new button used to activate ANC or Google Assistant. Considering the fact that you weren't able to turn the ANC off earlier, this is a great addition. The new button can’t activate Siri but in case you own an iPhone, you can easily do it by pressing the multifunction button.

QC 35 II are great for both indoor and outdoor use. The battery can last for up to 20 hours at moderate volumes, which also makes the headphones great for on-the-go use. In case you run out of battery, you can plug them in for 15 minutes and the battery will get enough juice for 2.5 hours of playback. In addition, QC 35 II headphones are extremely comfortable and suitable for extended use thanks to their weight, flexibility, adjustable headband, and swiveling cups with soft removable cushions.

The headphones offer nicely balanced and natural sound with amazingly clear mids and a decent amount of bass. Due to their closed-back style and nicely shaped cups, QC 35 II manage to block passively a great amount of ambient noise. If you don’t find this satisfying, you can always engage the ANC feature and eliminate the noise almost completely.

Things we don’t like

Our major complaint is the quality of the built-in mic. Having a built-in microphone is a great thing and it can be very useful in case you have to make urgent phone calls but you should be aware that its quality is rather mediocre. You can hear the person you’re talking to clearly but your voice will be somewhat muffled and tiny. The mic also doesn’t manage to eliminate the background noise when recording audio or talking on the phone.

6. Skullcandy Hesh 2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphone

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Hesh 2 are the true representative of the Skullcandy brand – modern, attractive, and trendy headphones with decent sound quality and reasonable price tag.

Apart from being attractive, the headphones are lightweight (approximately 8 ounces) and easy to use. All the controls are easily accessible and located on the right earcup (the multifunctional button, built-in mic, and volume controls). 3.5mm aux port and USB charging port are located on the left cup.

What’s in the box?

Skullcandy Hesh 2 headphones come in an attractive cardboard box with their carrying bag, USB charging cable, and a 4-feet long auxiliary audio cable with a 3.5mm connector.

Things we like?

The thing that everybody loves about Skullcandy products is their design and Hesh 2 headphones aren’t an exception. The model is available in several classic colors (black, grey, blue, etc.) with a clean matte finish.

Despite being mostly made from plastic, the users seem to be quite satisfied with their construction quality and durability. One more thing that can be classified as durable is their battery that offers up to 15 hours of playback time, while the headphones can be fully charged in approximately 2.5 hours.

The headphones aren’t very heavy or bulky, and you can also adjust the headband length as well as the position of their nicely cushioned swiveling earcups.

Hesh 2 headphones sound good enough for the money. All the frequency ranges are distinctive and pleasant for listening, and the headphones can get quite loud. In case your listening gets interrupted by a phone call, you can accept it without reaching for your phone thanks to the multifunctional control button and a small built-in mic.

Things we don’t like

Some of our team members have experienced one comfort/design-related issue. This doesn’t apply as a general disadvantage because it actually depends on the user himself. The thing is – the headphones have uncommonly shaped cups. In fact, they are smaller than the full-size headphone cups and they may not fit everyone. So, it would be smart to try these headphones before buying them if you have the chance.

You should also be aware that Hesh 2 headphones don’t have padded headband, which may cause some discomfort when used for extended periods of time.

One more thing – the headphones don’t support ANC. They offer only passive noise isolation. 

7. Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

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Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are inexpensive Bluetooth headphones that offer good sound quality and many useful features at a reasonable price. The headphones come in matte black and silver colors. They have an elegant and simple design and provide a comfortable fit. Also, they are very easy to use.

On the right earcup, you will see a multifunctional button, volume controls, aux port, and micro USB charging port. On the left side, there are ANC on/off switch and power/pairing button. The headphones also have a built-in mic for hands-free calls.

What’s in the box?

The headphones come in a simple but nice-looking cardboard box with their user manual, USB to micro USB charging cable, detachable audio cable, and a soft carrying bag.

Things we like?

Despite being relatively cheap, Q20 are well designed. They have an adjustable well-padded headband and large swiveling cups with soft and comfortable cushioning. They can also be folded up and easily transported in their bag. They are made of plastic but feel fairly durable.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 headphones feature Bluetooth 5.0 and have a 50ft range. Their battery can last up to 40 hours after only 3h of charging and, even if you forget to charge them, you can use the included audio cable to connect them to your phone.

Q20 can easily be paired with any Bluetooth device and are compatible with both Android and Apple devices. By long-pressing the multifunction button, you can activate Google Assistant or Siri in a few seconds.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 sound better than you would expect from a pair of cheap headphones. The sound is pleasant, the lows, mids, and highs are present and nicely balanced. The vocals are distinctive and clear, while the bass performance is quite good. There is enough bass even when listening to bass enhanced music but it never overwhelms the mids and highs. However, if you really want more bass, you can have it. The manufacturer has enabled the users to activate the BassUp mode and add a great amount of bass to their listening experience.

Things we don’t like

One of the Q20 problems is the decrease in sound quality when the ANC feature is activated. We can’t say that ANC completely ruins the performance but you will easily notice the difference in the quality between the two modes.

In addition, you should be careful with the BassUp mode. It’s great that it enhances bass performance but it also affects the midrange clarity.

8. Sennheiser HD 4.50 SE Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

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Sennheiser HD 4.5 BTNC headphones are affordable, good-looking headphones offering great sound quality, just like all Sennheiser products. They come in matte black color and have all the controls and inputs placed on the right earcup. On the cup, you will find the power/pairing button, multifunctional button (skip/answer/end call), volume controls, aux port, and micro USB charging port. By pressing both ends of the volume control button simultaneously, you can activate the ANC (works only in Bluetooth mode).

What’s in the box?

The headphones come nicely wrapped and protected in a stylish box with the Sennheiser logo. Along with the headphones, you’ll get a user manual, USB to micro USB cable, and a soft carrying pouch.

Things we like?

HD 4.5 are the type of headphones most people can and should afford. They don’t cost a fortune and offer decent looks, decent comfort, good build quality, and impressive performance, along with a bunch of useful features that make the headphones perfect for the modern lifestyle.

The headphones have a simple but attractive design, while their adjustable headband and nicely padded swiveling cups provide you with a satisfying amount of comfort. The headphones support Bluetooth 4.0 with a good signal range. Thanks to their lightness (approximately 8 ounces), they are perfect for extended use. 

Without ANC, the battery can last up to 25 hours at moderate volumes. If you run out of juice, you can simply connect the audio cable and continue with your activities. In case you are tired of listening to music, you can fold them up in a second and pack them in their carrying pouch.

The sound is nicely balanced and enjoyable. The bass is present, while the mids and highs are clear and distinctive. The headphones offer both passive and active noise cancellation. If you’re in a loud and crowded place, the ANC feature can really come in handy and it does a great job.

Things we don’t like

The advertised playtime is 25h but you will hardly get that much when the ANC is on. In this case, the best you can get is 19 hours. Besides, one of the disadvantages is that you can’t charge the headphones and listen to music at the same time.

The max volume is not that loud. Also, if you are a bass enthusiast, Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC is not the best choice. These headphones have a fairly neutral sound signature.

9. Sony MDRXB950BT/B Extra Bass Bluetooth Headphones

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Sony MDRXB950BT/B headphones sound great like you would expect from a pair of Sony’s headphones. They are also one of the most attractive models made by this company. They are reasonably priced and come in beautiful black, red, and blue versions with a shiny finish.

All the necessary controls are located on the earcups. On the left cup, you will find the power/pairing button, bass boost button, and two ports (aux and micro USB for charging). On the right cup, there are volume and playback controls. 

What’s in the box?

The headphones come in a nicely designed box with their user manual and corresponding cables (1.2m long audio cable and a USB to micro USB charging cable).

Things we like

The design of Sony MDRXB950BT/B is so attractive that we get very excited every time we look at them or use them. It seems like the perfect combination of simplicity, elegance, and modern trends. One of the most amazing achievements here is the nice and delicate shiny finish. 

The headphones are quite light and nicely padded, which makes them very comfortable. The headband can be adjusted to different head sizes and the cushions on the cups are soft and thick – you won’t feel any fatigue, pressure or irritation.

Sony MDRXB950BT/B can be used as both wired or wireless headphones. They are primarily used as Bluetooth headphones so you will be happy to know that they offer up to 20 hours of playback/talk time per single charge. Besides Bluetooth, the headphones also support NFC technology, which makes the pairing process much easier.

Recommended Reading: 17 Best Bluetooth Headphone Adapters

 
We don’t really have any complaints regarding sound quality. The headphones deliver pleasant, natural, and well-balanced sound. The reproduction is rich, detailed, and neutral. In case you want more pronounced bass, you can always press the bass boost button and you will be splashed with deep, rich, and punchy bass, perfect for listening to EDM and similar music genres.

Things we don’t like

The only thing we can complain about is the lack of active noise cancellation. They do a great job when it comes to passive noise reduction because their cushions are extremely thick. However, certain everyday situations may require slightly better protection from external noises and distractions.

We would also like to add that we aren’t completely happy with the build quality. Despite being made from quality plastic and brushed steel, their hinges are flimsy and don’t feel extremely durable.

Buying Guide

Choosing the right headphones with volume control can be difficult, especially with the many available options. That’s why we have listed some key factors to consider when selecting the perfect pair of headphones. Let’s check them out.

Type of Headphones

The type of headphones you choose should depend on your intended use and preferences. Over-ear headphones provide the best noise isolation and sound quality but can be bulky and heavy. On-ear headphones are more convenient but may not offer as much noise isolation. On top of that, in-ear headphones are the most portable but may not be comfortable for extended listening sessions. So, you need to choose the right type of headphones depending on your need.

Sound Quality

Sound quality is one of the most critical factors when choosing headphones. Look for headphones that offer a wide frequency range and a balanced sound signature for accurate sound delivery. So, if you are a fan of bass-heavy music, choose headphones with a strong low-end response.

Comfort

Comfort is crucial, especially if you plan to use your headphones for long periods of time. Select headphones with soft earpads and a comfortable headband that won't cause discomfort or fatigue. Generally, over-ear headphones enclose your ears without pressing too tightly, while in-ear headphones come with multiple ear tips to fit various ear sizes.

Wired or Wireless

Headphones with volume control come in both wired and wireless options. Wired headphones typically offer better sound quality but can be less convenient. On the other hand, wireless headphones are more convenient but may have a slight lag in audio playback and may experience interference.

Price

Headphones with volume control come in a range of prices. Fix your budget and choose headphones that provide the necessary features and sound quality at a comfortable price.

Also Read: Taotronics TT-BH22 Noise-Canceling Headphones.

FAQs

Q: Do all headphones have volume controls?

A: No. Although this would make the use much easier, not all the headphones on the market have volume controls. Truth to be told, more and more modern headphones, especially Bluetooth models, have volume controls but there are many headphones (mostly wired headphones) without volume controls. In those cases, you will have to use your phone, computer, tablet or player to control the volume level.

Q: Do volume controls work with both Android and Apple devices?

A: Most volume controls, especially those that are located on the earcups, work with both operating systems. However, in some cases, the controls will work only with Android or only with iOS devices. 

If you don’t want to risk, you should make sure that your headphones will work perfectly with your phone before you buy them. This shouldn’t be a huge problem because there are so many great headphones that are designed to work with both Android and iOS.

Q: How can I make my headphones louder?

A: Well, the obvious answer is – crank up the volume on both devices, your headphones and your phone. In some cases, headphone volume and phone volume are synced the moment you pair them up but, in other cases, they are not synced and you have to increase the volume on both devices.

If that’s not loud enough for you, you can try playing with the EQ settings on your phone and see if boosting a certain frequency band has some effect on loudness. However, you should be careful with these settings and try not to exaggerate. Boosting the bass, for example, can have a very negative effect on the midrange clarity and vocals.

Q: Which are the best headphones with volume controls?

A: We can’t really give you a definite answer to this question. We did our best to create the list of the best headphones with volume controls in 2024 but there are so many viable choices. The market is literally flooded with all kinds of headphones with volume controls. We have listed only a few suggestions and you should try to find the model that suits your needs, taste, and budget. 

Conclusion

In short, selecting the right headphones with volume control is important for a good listening experience. That’s why when you choose the best headphones, consider their sound quality, comfort, connectivity, and price. 

Look for headphones with a balanced sound signature, a wide frequency range, and a comfortable fit. Doing so can elevate your listening experience and immerse you in your favorite music, games, and media.

We hope this guide helped you find the right set of headphones for your need.