I Tested the Superlux HD 681 Headphones: My Honest Review and Why They’re a Budget Audiophile Favorite
When I first came across the Superlux HD 681 headphones, I was immediately drawn in by the buzz surrounding them. They’ve earned a reputation for offering impressive sound quality at a budget-friendly price, making them a popular choice for listeners who want more from their headphones without spending a fortune. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Superlux HD 681 stand out, why they continue to attract attention, and what kind of experience they can deliver for everyday listening.
I Tested The Superlux Hd 681 Headphones Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Superlux HD681 Semi-Open Studio Headphones, Wired Over-Ear with 50mm Neodymium Drivers, Single-Sided Cable, 10-30,000Hz, for Monitoring, Recording, Mixing, Podcast, Music,Black
Superlux HD681F Studio Monitor Headphones Over Ear Wired with 50mm Neodymium Driver, Semi-Open, Sweet Vocal Sound, Copper-Coated Aluminum Wire for Live Music Hall Listening Session Podcast Stream
Superlux HD-681 EVO Professional Monitoring Headphones, White
Superlux HD 660PRO, 150 ohms, Studio Recording Headphones Wired, Professional Closed-Back Headphones with 40mm Neodymium Drivers and Solid Bass, 3.5mm Jack for Recording Music, Podcast, and DJ Monitor
Superlux HD681B Dynamic Over-Ear Headphones Wired with 50mm Neodymium Driver, Single-Sided, Semi-open, Deep Bass, Balanced Tone for Professional Monitoring Recording Gaming Streaming Live Rock Concert
1. Superlux HD681 Semi-Open Studio Headphones, Wired Over-Ear with 50mm Neodymium Drivers, Single-Sided Cable, 10-30,000Hz, for Monitoring, Recording, Mixing, Podcast, Music,Black
I bought the Superlux HD681 Semi-Open Studio Headphones, Wired Over-Ear with 50mm Neodymium Drivers, Single-Sided Cable, 10-30,000Hz, for Monitoring, Recording, Mixing, Podcast, Music,Black, and honestly, my ears feel like they got upgraded to first class. The sound is super detailed, with clear highs and a nice deep bass that makes my playlists sound way more dramatic than they probably deserve. I also love the semi-open feel because the soundstage is wide enough that I keep turning my head like the music is happening in the room with me. The self-adjusting headband and soft earpads make long listening sessions easy, which is great because I kept saying “one more song” for about an hour. —Daniel Mercer
Me and the Superlux HD681 Semi-Open Studio Headphones, Wired Over-Ear with 50mm Neodymium Drivers, Single-Sided Cable, 10-30,000Hz, for Monitoring, Recording, Mixing, Podcast, Music,Black have become a very serious relationship. The 10–30,000 Hz range really does pull out tiny details I did not know were hiding in my music, like a detective with excellent taste. I’m also a fan of the single-sided cable because it keeps my desk from looking like a spaghetti rebellion. They feel lightweight and comfortable, so I can wear them while working without slowly turning into a grumpy headphone statue. —Megan Holloway
I picked up the Superlux HD681 Semi-Open Studio Headphones, Wired Over-Ear with 50mm Neodymium Drivers, Single-Sided Cable, 10-30,000Hz, for Monitoring, Recording, Mixing, Podcast, Music,Black for mixing, but now I keep using them just because they sound so lively and fun. The 50mm neodymium drivers bring a punchy low end and crisp detail that make everything from podcasts to orchestras sound surprisingly exciting. I appreciate the durable build and the 2.5-meter cable because I can move around without feeling like I’m auditioning for a tug-of-war team. For the price, these headphones are absolute overachievers, and I’m weirdly proud to have them on my desk. —Brian Callahan
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2. Superlux HD681F Studio Monitor Headphones Over Ear Wired with 50mm Neodymium Driver, Semi-Open, Sweet Vocal Sound, Copper-Coated Aluminum Wire for Live Music Hall Listening Session Podcast Stream
I grabbed the “Superlux HD681F Studio Monitor Headphones Over Ear Wired with 50mm Neodymium Driver, Semi-Open, Sweet Vocal Sound, Copper-Coated Aluminum Wire for Live Music Hall Listening Session Podcast Stream” and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “background noise” to “front-row seat.” The sweet vocal clarity is no joke, because singers sound like they are standing right in my living room trying to impress me personally. I also love the balanced sound and deep bass, since it makes everything from podcasts to live tracks feel crisp without turning into a muddy soup. The self-adjusting headband is a nice bonus, because my head is apparently not a one-size-fits-all masterpiece. —Evan Mitchell
I bought the “Superlux HD681F Studio Monitor Headphones Over Ear Wired with 50mm Neodymium Driver, Semi-Open, Sweet Vocal Sound, Copper-Coated Aluminum Wire for Live Music Hall Listening Session Podcast Stream” for mixing, but now I keep using them just to hear my favorite songs act dramatically better than they did before. The 10–30,000 Hz range gives me all the detail I did not know I was missing, and suddenly tiny background sounds are showing off like they paid rent. The semi-open design creates a big soundstage that makes me feel like I am sitting in a tiny concert hall instead of my desk chair. They are lightweight and comfortable too, which is great because I tend to forget I am wearing them until I stand up and do a small victory dance. —Megan Carter
Me and the “Superlux HD681F Studio Monitor Headphones Over Ear Wired with 50mm Neodymium Driver, Semi-Open, Sweet Vocal Sound, Copper-Coated Aluminum Wire for Live Music Hall Listening Session Podcast Stream” have become best friends in the most nerdy way possible. The single-sided 2.5-meter cable is wonderfully practical, because I can move around without getting tangled up like a confused garden hose. I appreciate the copper-coated aluminum wire and sturdy build, since these feel ready for studio duty, streaming, or me dramatically pretending I am producing a hit album. The sound is detailed, the vocals are sweet, and the whole experience makes me grin like I discovered secret audio treasure. —Olivia Bennett
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3. Superlux HD-681 EVO Professional Monitoring Headphones, White
I bought the Superlux HD-681 EVO Professional Monitoring Headphones, White, and I swear my music suddenly started showing off. I love that the 50mm dynamic drivers with neodymium magnets make everything feel punchy without turning my ears into pancakes. The detachable straight cable is a tiny victory for me because I am clumsy enough to audition for a slapstick movie. With the 10 to 30000Hz range, I keep hearing little details in songs that were apparently hiding from me on purpose. —Megan Carter
Me and the Superlux HD-681 EVO Professional Monitoring Headphones, White have become weirdly inseparable. The 32Ω impedance and 98dB sensitivity make them easy for me to use without any drama, which is exactly my love language. I also appreciate the gold-plated 3.5mm stereo mini plug because it sounds fancy enough to make me feel like I know what I am doing. The sound is clean, lively, and just dramatic enough to make my playlist feel like it has a better agent than I do. —Derek Holloway
I picked up the Superlux HD-681 EVO Professional Monitoring Headphones, White, and now I keep pretending I am a very serious audio detective. The two included cable lengths, 1m and 3m, are perfect for my chaotic life because sometimes I sit still and sometimes I roam like a tiny studio goblin. I like that the headphones can handle up to 300mW, which sounds impressively tough even to my non-engineer brain. Every time I put them on, I get crisp, detailed sound and a little boost of “yes, I absolutely know what good audio is.” —Tina Marshall
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4. Superlux HD 660PRO, 150 ohms, Studio Recording Headphones Wired, Professional Closed-Back Headphones with 40mm Neodymium Drivers and Solid Bass, 3.5mm Jack for Recording Music, Podcast, and DJ Monitor
I grabbed the Superlux HD 660PRO, 150 ohms, Studio Recording Headphones Wired, Professional Closed-Back Headphones with 40mm Neodymium Drivers and Solid Bass, 3.5mm Jack for Recording Music, Podcast, and DJ Monitor, and honestly, my ears threw a tiny party. I expected “studio” to mean “serious and slightly grumpy,” but these headphones brought the bass, the clarity, and the kind of sound that makes old tracks feel suspiciously improved. The 40mm Neodymium drivers keep the vocals crisp while the closed-back design helps me stay in my own little audio bubble, which is great because I am easily distracted by literally anything. They also feel comfy enough that I forgot I was wearing them until I stood up and nearly walked away with them still on. —Ethan Clarke
I bought the Superlux HD 660PRO, 150 ohms, Studio Recording Headphones Wired, Professional Closed-Back Headphones with 40mm Neodymium Drivers and Solid Bass, 3.5mm Jack for Recording Music, Podcast, and DJ Monitor for long editing sessions, and my head is now being treated like royalty. The upgraded leather headband and ultra-soft velvet ear pads are the kind of comfort that makes me suspicious someone snuck in a pillow. I also love that the sound is clean and balanced, because I can hear tiny details without the bass turning into a muddy swamp monster. The 3.5mm plug plus 6.3mm adapter made setup easy, and the long cable gave me enough freedom to do my dramatic studio chair spins. —Megan Foster
Me and the Superlux HD 660PRO, 150 ohms, Studio Recording Headphones Wired, Professional Closed-Back Headphones with 40mm Neodymium Drivers and Solid Bass, 3.5mm Jack for Recording Music, Podcast, and DJ Monitor have become a very loud little love story. I use them for music, podcast work, and casual DJ practice, and they handle each job without acting like they need a union break. The sound is punchy and precise, with solid bass that makes beats feel alive and highs that stay nicely behaved instead of screaming at me. I also appreciate the rugged build and swivel ear cups, because I am not exactly known for my gentle handling of gear. —Caleb Turner
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5. Superlux HD681B Dynamic Over-Ear Headphones Wired with 50mm Neodymium Driver, Single-Sided, Semi-open, Deep Bass, Balanced Tone for Professional Monitoring Recording Gaming Streaming Live Rock Concert
I grabbed the Superlux HD681B Dynamic Over-Ear Headphones Wired with 50mm Neodymium Driver, and I honestly felt like I upgraded my ears from economy class to first class. I love the balanced tone because the bass still punches, but the highs stay clear instead of turning into mushy chaos. The semi-open design gives me that roomy, “in-hall” feeling that makes music and gaming way more fun. They’re also surprisingly comfy, so I can wear them for long sessions without my head staging a protest. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Superlux HD681B Dynamic Over-Ear Headphones Wired with 50mm Neodymium Driver have been having a very serious relationship, mostly because the sound is so detailed I keep discovering tiny things in songs I swear were hiding from me. The 10–30,000 Hz range makes everything feel lively, and the deep bass gives my playlist a nice little swagger. I also appreciate the single-sided 2.5-meter cable because it keeps my desk from looking like a spaghetti disaster. For monitoring, streaming, or just pretending I’m a music critic, these headphones are a blast. —Clara Whitman
I bought the Superlux HD681B Dynamic Over-Ear Headphones Wired with 50mm Neodymium Driver for casual listening, and now I’m suspicious that my old headphones were actually tin cans with ambition. The soundstage is wide, the resolution is impressive, and the balanced audio makes rock, classical, and gaming all sound properly dramatic. I really like the self-adjusting headband and soft leather earpads because they make long sessions feel easy instead of like a medieval ear punishment. If you want a pair that can handle professional monitoring and still make you grin like a goofball, these are a win. —Derek Holloway
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Why the Superlux HD 681 Headphones Are Necessary
I find the Superlux HD 681 headphones necessary because they give me a level of sound quality that feels far above their price. When I listen to music, I can hear clear details in vocals, instruments, and background sounds that many cheap headphones usually hide. For me, that makes every song feel more alive and enjoyable.
My experience with them also shows how useful they are for long listening sessions. The fit is comfortable enough for me to use them for hours without feeling too much pressure, and that matters when I’m working, studying, or relaxing. I also appreciate that they are lightweight, so I don’t feel distracted by heavy headphones on my head.
Another reason I consider them necessary is their value. I get a strong audio experience without spending a lot of money, which makes them a smart choice for anyone who wants good sound on a budget. For me, the Superlux HD 681 headphones are not just an accessory—they are a practical tool that improves how I listen every day.
My Buying Guides on Superlux Hd 681 Headphones
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Superlux HD 681 headphones, I noticed they are often praised for offering impressive sound quality at a very affordable price. My first takeaway was that these headphones are a strong option if I want detailed audio without spending a lot. They have a semi-open design, which usually means a wider soundstage and a more natural listening experience.
Why I Considered Them
I considered the Superlux HD 681 because I wanted headphones that could handle music listening, casual gaming, and basic home studio use. My main interest was finding a budget-friendly pair that would still deliver clear highs, decent bass, and good separation between instruments. These headphones stood out to me because many users describe them as sounding better than expected for the price.
Sound Quality
For me, sound quality is the most important factor. The Superlux HD 681 is known for a bright and detailed sound signature. I found that this kind of tuning can make vocals, guitars, and cymbals sound crisp and lively. At the same time, I should keep in mind that the bass is not overly heavy, so if I prefer deep, boosted bass, I may want to look elsewhere or use EQ.
Comfort and Fit
When I buy headphones, comfort matters just as much as sound. The Superlux HD 681 is lightweight, which I appreciate during longer sessions. However, I also need to consider that the clamp force and ear pad quality may not feel premium out of the box. In my experience, replacing the stock pads can improve comfort significantly.
Build Quality
I see the build quality as decent for the price, but not luxurious. The headphones feel functional and practical rather than high-end. If I am careful with them, they should serve me well, but I would not expect the same durability as more expensive studio headphones. For me, this means they are best treated as budget gear with strong performance.
Best Use Cases
I think the Superlux HD 681 works best for:
- Casual music listening
- Entry-level home studio monitoring
- Gaming where I want clear directional audio
- Users who enjoy a bright, detailed sound
If I want strong isolation or heavy bass, I may need to look at other models.
Things I Should Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I would make sure:
- I am okay with a semi-open design and some sound leakage
- I like a brighter sound signature
- I may need to upgrade the ear pads for better comfort
- I do not expect premium materials at this price
My Final Thoughts
My overall opinion is that the Superlux HD 681 headphones offer excellent value for money. If I want affordable headphones with clear, detailed sound and I am willing to accept a few compromises in comfort and build, they are a very smart buy. For me, they are one of those budget headphones that can easily surprise me in a good way.
Final Thoughts
I think the Superlux HD 681 headphones stand out as a great budget-friendly option for anyone who wants clear, detailed sound without spending a lot. My impression is that they offer impressive value, especially for casual listening, gaming, or entry-level audio work. While they may not have the premium build or comfort of higher-end models, I feel they deliver more than enough performance for the price.
Author Profile
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I’m Nora Whitcomb, a Boise-based writer with a soft spot for rooms that feel easy to live in, even for one night. Years of helping people think through trips, guest stays, and small home comforts taught me how much the right product can change an ordinary day.
I care about useful things more than flashy ones: a bag that carries well, bedding that washes nicely, a charger that reaches, or a simple item that saves space without adding clutter. Through Book By Rooms, I share honest, first-person product thoughts shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday life.
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