B&O Picks

The Best Songs to Test Headphones

Slipping on a high-quality pair of headphones isn’t just about listening—it’s about experiencing sound in its purest form. But how do you know if your headphones are up to the task? With the right tracks, you can push them to their limits, revealing every crisp high, deep bass note, and intricate detail.

Whether you're testing a brand-new set or rediscovering an old favorite, these songs will help you unleash the full potential of your audio gear. Let’s dive in.

Man in train looking out window, wearing a pair of Beoplay H100 headphones

How do you test headphones sound quality?

It’s not just about playing great songs—it’s about knowing what to listen for. Here’s a breakdown of key audio qualities:

Clarity & Separation Can you hear every instrument distinctly, or do they blend into a muddled mess?
Bass Response Sub-bass frequencies should be deep yet controlled, not overwhelming.
Dynamic Range Headphones should handle soft and loud sections with finesse.
Imaging & Soundstage Great headphones create a three-dimensional sense of space.
Vocal Accuracy Vocals should feel intimate and real.

Essential tracks to test headphones

A pair of Beoplay H100 headphones in front of a green background

"Bohemian Rhapsody" – Queen: A legendary masterpiece, this track is a sonic adventure. Layered harmonies, dynamic shifts, and intricate instrumentation make it a must for headphone testing. Make sure to listen to the seamless transition from piano ballad to operatic section. Are the vocals rich? Can you hear the depth in the layering? "Hotel California (Live)" – Eagles: The live version of this classic offers a rich mix of acoustic guitars, percussion, and atmospheric crowd noise. When testing your headphones, note the warmth of the guitar strings and the spatial depth of the live setting. Do you feel like you’re right there in the audience? "Take Five" – Dave Brubeck Quartet: This jazz classic offers a beautifully complex blend of saxophone, piano, and drums. Listen for the interplay between instruments. How well do your headphones separate each element?

A pair of sunset apricot Beoplay H100 headphones on top of a blanket in a car

"Shallow" – Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper: Emotion-packed vocals and a stripped-down arrangement make this song perfect for testing vocal clarity. Listen for the contrast between Gaga’s soaring voice and Cooper’s deep, warm tones. "Giorgio by Moroder" – Daft Punk: A fusion of spoken word, electronic beats, and live instrumentation, this track is a dream for audiophiles. Listen to the clarity of Giorgio Moroder’s narration and how effortlessly the track shifts between sonic textures. "Money" – Pink Floyd: With its unique time signature and iconic bassline, "Money" is an essential test track. Keep your ear on the he stereo effects in the cash register sounds. Can you pinpoint their movement across the soundstage?

Best songs for bass testing

Closeup of the headphone drivers in the Beoplay H95 headphones

If you want to test the raw power of your headphones’ low-end, these tracks are essential: "Bad Guy" - Billie Eilish: Clean, punchy bass that hits hard without muddying the mix. "Angel" – Massive Attack: A slow, rolling bassline that reveals how well your headphones handle sub-bass. "Why So Serious?" – Hans Zimmer: Deep, cinematic bass that rumbles with intensity.