David Willey is a passionate sports enthusiast and coach. Growing up with basketball and baseball, his love for sports led him across the country, mentoring aspiring athletes. Recognized not only for his athletic skills but also for his expertise in sports equipment testing, David ensures optimal performance for athletes. Read more about him here.
It makes perfect sense – if you love basketball, you want to wear your favorite team’s jersey or perhaps a particular player’s name on your back. But this is not everything.
You want to do what your favorite stars do and when it comes to music, NBA players do have their favorites – whether artists, genres, or even headphones.
Opting for things your favorite players do, wear, or like is not unusual. However, finding the best headphones for basketball is not as easy as it may seem.
No one really spends their time tracking players to find the headphones they like, but then, some of them have been pictured using different styles.
I have managed to compile a list of the top headphones used by NBA stars – here is what you need to know.
Also used by: James Harden, Anthony Davis, Jimmy Butler, DeMar DeRozan, Trae Young, Nikola Jokić, Zion Williamson, Fred VanVleet, Dejounte Murray
These LeBron James headphones are actually more players’ favorite headphones. James Harden, Zion Williamson, Anthony Davis, and Jimmy Butler – among others – have also been spotted wearing them.
They are compatible with Android and iOS devices and provide a noise-canceling experience – ANC.
Your listening experience is flawless due to the real-time calibration. When fully charged, you have 22 hours of music – it depends on the volume too. Only 10 minutes of charging will give you about three hours if you are in a rush.
Other than that, these headphones bring in the ultimate Bluetooth technology. The connection can go further, while dropouts are almost nonexistent. There are loads of ear controls too, so you can adjust the volume or even take calls. They come in seven different colors.
Pros
Superior noise canceling technology
Compatible with Android and iOS devices
Good battery life
Little to no dropouts
Carrying case included in the package
Cons
Too much bass, which could make specific genres feel different
Kevin Durant is just one of the people seen with these headphones. They have the classic wireless technology – over 65 feet for the connection. As for the battery life, you have up to 24 hours, which is way above average.
Other than that, the noise canceling technology could not miss in Master & Dynamic’s headphones. In terms of materials, they are likely to last – premium stuff, such as lambskin-wrapped memory foam pads. Besides, they are replaceable anyway.
The sound quality is less likely to disappoint – a great balance between highs and midst, not to mention the bass. The sound is crisp and clear. Furthermore, there are two built-in microphones, so you can talk to your voice assistant or make crystal clear calls.
Pros
Two built-in microphones for clarity
Impressive battery life – up to 24 hours
Premium design
Long-distance Bluetooth connectivity
Voice assistant compatibility
Cons
Other headsets have more advanced noise canceling technologies
You might have seen Luka Doncic’s headphones before. It is not a unique headset, but Bose’s top-notch headphones with a bit of customization. Without these drawings, the headset is extremely neat and elegant.
In terms of technology, I was surprised by the active noise canceling feature – there are 11 levels of it, so you can customize it based on what you want to let in. For instance, if you cycle a lot, I think you should be able to hear the surroundings too – such as cars.
Then, the sound quality is flawless. Everything is clear – every instrument, every word. You have deep bass and exquisite balance. The microphone is top-notch and allows you to talk on windy days – even if there is too much traffic around, you can still have a proper conversation.
There is easy access to the Google Assistant or Alexa, not to mention easy controls on the earcups – which, by the way, are extremely comfortable. In terms of design, you can rely on premium materials – stainless steel, memory foam, and so on. On a full charge, you get 20 hours of listening time.
Pros
Adjustable noise canceling technology
Incredible audio quality – both the headphones and the microphone
Premium materials in the design
Beautiful, minimalist appearance
Intuitive controls on the earcups
Cons
The button to enable or disable Alexa is too easy to push accidentally
These are probably the best headphones for basketball if you like sports, an immersive experience, and gaming altogether. If a headset is specifically designed to reveal any single noise for a top-notch gaming experience, chances are it will provide an equal experience when it comes to music.
Astro Audio V2 brings in dialogue, music, and game sound like no other. The Dolby Audio experience offers a cinematic experience, while the wireless set can go for about 15 hours when fully charged. The built-in microphone allows taking calls, as well as chatting to your mates if you actually play games.
The Astro command center program works on more operating systems and allows a deep level of customization. It is worth noting that you can customize this set with all sorts of things – such as synthetic leather for the headband or even thicker ear cushions for even better noise isolation.
Pros
Suitable for anything that requires perfect audio – from music to games
Deep level of customization
Can be modded with extra enhancements
Dolby audio cinematic experience
Comfortable to wear for hours
Cons
Battery life is good, but other headsets provide twice as much
Also used by: Karl-Anthony Towns, LeBron James, James Harden
We all know Pascal Siakam likes his music – you always spot him in the media with his earbuds, but what does he use then? This set provides a wireless experience and about nine hours of listening time – not bad for some earbuds. Plus, the case provides 24 hours more.
The fit is secure and comes with a hook, so you can also use them while you exercise or even play basketball. Worried about sweat? Forget about it – they are resistant to water and sweat. They come with the Apple H1 headphone chip, as well as top-notch Bluetooth connectivity.
The headphones can be used with both Android and iOS devices. You can handle calls from either earbud, and you have a full package – including the charger. The battery is so good that if you are in a rush, you can charge the earbuds for five minutes and get about 1.5 hours of playback.
Pros
Secure fit with a hook
Enhanced bass
Water resistance for workouts or jogging
Good battery life for earbuds
Compatibility with smartphone voice assistants
Cons
The charging case does not support wireless charging
Indirectly recommended by Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, or Jayson Tatum, JBL’s headphones come with a charger and a unique signature sound. They cover the whole ear and boost superior 40mm drivers in a comfy and lightweight design – what else can you ask for?
Two things drew my attention. First, you have the battery. When fully charged, it can give you up to 30 hours of continuous audio. Second, it is the headband – covered in a comfy material, you will not even feel these headphones on your head.
Moving on, you have modern noise canceling technology and even access to the Google voice assistant – play a new playlist, ask about the weather, and so on. You can also use Alexa. Finally, the multi-point connectivity allows switching from one Bluetooth connectivity to another with no hassle at all.
Pros
Excellent battery life
Multi-point Bluetooth connectivity
Access to Google’s assistant or Alexa
Elegant and simplistic appearance
Lightweight and comfortable
Cons
Does not tell you who is calling, so you still need to check your phone
You just cannot go wrong with these on-ear headphones, which both Stephen Curry and Justise Winslow stand by.
The set comes with active noise canceling technology and features a simplistic, matte, and attractive design – as well as a comfortable band.
The Bluetooth 4 connectivity is flawless – fewer dropouts than normally and the possibility to connect over longer distances. But back to the noise canceling capabilities, this aspect drew my attention straight away – you can control how much external noise actually gets in.
For instance, I need to hear what is happening around me when I walk down the street or cycle.
Moving on, ear cushioning pads are soft and comfy. Fully recharge these headphones, and you will have up to 10 hours of continuous audio. The TruNoteTM automatic sound calibration adds to the experience. You can also take calls due to the built-in microphone.
Pros
Can control the noise canceling technology
Dynamic acoustic experience
Good connectivity
Automatic sound calibration
Built-in microphone
Cons
Battery life is decent, but some other headsets provide twice as much
Available in a few interesting color combinations, I think these are some of the slickest options you can find out there. They have a fine matte finish that stands out and screams elegance. But what should you know about the performance then?
When fully charged, these headphones will give you up to 40 hours of listening time – charge them for about 10 minutes, and you will easily get around three hours. While the headphones are not waterproof, the carrying case is. They can also fold, so they are easy to carry around.
The sensory bass is more powerful than what you can find in certain Beats headphones – or at least this is how I feel it. The noise-isolating technology could not miss either. Other than that, there are multiple controls on the earcups, and you have a built-in microphone.
Pros
Super enhanced and adjustable bass
Protective travel bag
Foldable for portability
40 hours of battery life
Lightweight design, without feeling cheap
Cons
The default setting with minimum bass is still a bit too much
Like I said before, if a headset is good enough for a gaming professional, chances are it will work wonders for music only. We have seen Joel Embiid with these funky headphones before, and it is easy to tell why. Plus, of all the NBA players’ headphones out there, these are among the most affordable ones.
Anyway, you have an over-ear construction, HyperX dual chamber drivers to prevent distortion, the world-renowned comfort associated with this brand, and, of course, durability. The frame is based on aluminum, and the headband expands. The braided cable can be detached if you need it off.
The microphone also features noise cancellation, and just like I mentioned before, the headset is great for music and gaming. It is compatible with pretty much every gaming device out there. The headset comes in more colors and can be found in a wireless alternative too.
Pros
Exceptional level of comfort
Good noise cancellation for the microphone too
Durable materials in the design
Dual chamber drivers for little to no distortion
Excellent for gaming as well
Cons
Cups cannot fold inwards for hanging around the neck
Choosing the Best Headphones for Basketball NBA Players Use – Our Buying Guide
There you go, here are some of the best headphones for basketball – headsets that your favorite NBA players may appreciate and show off. Now, how do you choose the perfect ones? What do you pay attention to? Here are a few basic insights – nothing too technical.
Design
Over-ear headphones are more accurate and produce more sound due to their size. On-ear headphones are more compact and can provide a good experience without the heft. Earbuds are mostly about convenience, but they cannot provide the same high audio experience.
Wired or wireless
Wired headphones provide better audio quality – great if you use them at home. However, the wire could be a nuisance when going out. Wireless headphones, on the other hand, require charging and have limited battery life – most of them can provide around a day of continuous listening, though.
Comfort and quality
It is hard to tell how comfortable headphones are without trying them on – not for a few minutes, but for hours. In terms of quality, look for solid materials and a decent weight – you want stainless steel or aluminum, as well as memory foam for the earcups.
Technology aspects
The larger the drivers, the more authentic the experience will be – 40mm drivers seem to be standard these days. Noise cancellation is a good technology if you truly care about your music. Moreover, you may have the same technology for the built-in microphone.
Best Headphones for Basketball NBA Players Use – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What music do NBA players listen to?
There is no doubt about it – most NBA players listen to rap and hip hop. These are the most common genres out there, with quite a few exceptions, though. For instance, LeBron James sometimes listens to classical music for a pump before an important game – whatever works.
Is noise cancellation actually necessary?
Music changes your feelings and can give you a mood boost if you pick the right genre. But then, interference from the outside can ruin the experience. Noise-canceling technologies prevent such problems and bring in an immersive experience – almost a default feature in premium headphones now.
Which headphone brands are most reliable?
There are different options out there, and any of the brands mentioned above can give you a high level of reliability. Some top brands to consider include Bose, Sony, Apple, Beats, and JBL, among others.
Bottom Line
Choosing the best headphones for basketball can be tricky. The options above are some of the top-rated headphones I have tried – as well as headphones I have seen NBA players using.
Remember, you choose the headphones for yourself, so I suggest making a decision with your needs in mind, rather than your favorite NBA player’s needs. After all, these headphones do not really come cheap, so make a wise decision.
