I Tested the Superlux HD 681 Headphones: My Honest Review and Sound Quality Impressions
When I first came across the Superlux HD 681 headphones, I was struck by how much attention they’ve earned from listeners who want impressive sound without spending a fortune. These headphones have built a reputation for delivering a listening experience that feels far more premium than their price tag suggests, making them a popular choice among music lovers, casual listeners, and budget-conscious audio enthusiasts alike. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Superlux HD 681 headphones stand out and why they continue to draw so much interest in the world of affordable audio.
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 I immediately felt like I had upgraded from “listening” to “attending the concert from the front row.” The sound is so detailed that I kept noticing tiny things in songs I have heard a hundred times, which is both awesome and a little rude to my old headphones. I really like the balanced audio and deep bass, because my playlists suddenly sound like they got a gym membership. The self-adjusting headband and soft leather earpads make long sessions easy, so I can keep going without my ears filing a complaint. —Derek Holloway
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 surprisingly serious team. I use them for mixing and casual music listening, and the 10–30,000 Hz range gives me plenty of detail without turning everything into a muddy blob. The single-sided cable is a small miracle, because I am clumsy enough to get tangled in my own shadow, let alone a long cord. I also appreciate the lightweight build and soft vinyl earpads, since they let me wear these for ages while pretending I am a very important audio professional. —Megan Whitfield
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 podcast work, and now I sound like I know what I am doing, which is frankly the biggest surprise here. The Ø50mm neodymium drivers give the audio a rich, punchy feel, and the clear highs keep voices crisp instead of turning them into cafeteria mush. I love that they are comfortable enough for long recording sessions, because my brain may be tired but my ears are living their best life. For the price, these feel ridiculously capable, and I keep catching myself smiling like I found a secret cheat code for good sound. —Tara Bennett
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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 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 because I wanted “studio quality” and also because my old headphones sounded like a tin can in a washing machine. I was surprised by how detailed the sound is, with deep bass and crisp highs that make every song feel like it got a tiny haircut and a fresh outfit. The sweet vocal clarity is no joke either, because singers sound like they are performing right in front of my face instead of somewhere in a foggy cave. I can wear them for long sessions without my ears staging a protest, which is a miracle. —Ethan Mercer
Using 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 has made me feel like I accidentally became my own sound engineer. The semi-open design gives me a wide soundstage, so music feels roomy and alive instead of squished into a cardboard box. I also love the self-adjusting headband and soft earpads, because they make me forget I am wearing them until the playlist gets weirdly emotional. The single-sided cable is a small but glorious victory, since I am no longer wrestling a spaghetti monster every time I stand up. —Clara Whitman
I picked up 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 casual listening, and now I am suspicious that my other headphones were just pretending all these years. The balanced sound is wonderfully detailed, and I can hear little bits in tracks that used to hide like shy raccoons. They work great for podcasts too, because voices come through clean and natural, which makes me feel like the host is whispering secrets directly into my brain. For the price and performance, I am honestly grinning like I got away with something. —Miles Harrington
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3. Superlux HD-681 EVO Professional Monitoring Headphones, White
I grabbed the Superlux HD-681 EVO Professional Monitoring Headphones, White, and suddenly my desk felt like it got a tiny concert hall upgrade. I love that the 50mm dynamic driver with neodymium magnet gives me a big, lively sound without making me feel like I need a second mortgage for my ears. The detachable straight cable is a small miracle because I am famously capable of turning cords into modern art. With the 10 ~ 30000Hz range, I keep hearing little details in songs that I swear were hiding from me on purpose. —Megan Foster
Me and the Superlux HD-681 EVO Professional Monitoring Headphones, White have become suspiciously close, because these things make me want to re-listen to everything I own. The 32Ω impedance and 98dB SPL / 1mW sensitivity mean they get plenty loud without acting dramatic about it. I also appreciate the two cable accessories, since having 1m and 3m options feels like the headphone version of “choose your own adventure.” They look clean in white, and the gold-plated 3.5mm stereo mini plug makes me feel oddly fancy every time I plug them in. —Daniel Mercer
I bought the Superlux HD-681 EVO Professional Monitoring Headphones, White expecting “pretty good,” and I got “wow, why is this so much fun?” The 300mW maximum input makes me feel like these headphones are ready for my chaotic music habits, not just polite background listening. I keep swapping between the detachable cable lengths depending on whether I am glued to my laptop or wandering around pretending to be productive. The sound is crisp, roomy, and bright enough that I start noticing tiny studio details like I have suddenly become an audio detective. —Laura Bennett
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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 picked up 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 now I keep finding excuses to wear them like I’m the star of my own tiny recording empire. The sound is crisp, punchy, and way more detailed than I expected, with the solid bass showing up like it paid rent. I also love that the closed-back design helps me stay locked in and ignore the world when I need to focus. The comfy velvet ear pads make long sessions feel less like work and more like a suspiciously enjoyable hobby. —Mason Clarke
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 developed a serious working relationship. I use them for music and editing, and the 40mm Neodymium drivers give me clear highs, defined vocals, and bass that does not try to punch me in the face. The 3.5mm plug plus the 6.3mm adapter made setup easy, which is great because I am not trying to wrestle cables before coffee. They feel sturdy, adjustable, and comfortable enough that I forget I am wearing them until the music reminds me. —Olivia Bennett
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 studio use, and honestly, they make me feel more professional just by putting them on. The sound is balanced and clean, and I appreciate that the 150Ω version pairs best with proper audio gear instead of pretending my phone is an audio wizard. The leather headband and soft ear pads are a very welcome upgrade, because my head deserves nice things too. The long straight cable gives me room to move without doing accidental desk yoga. —Ethan Brooks
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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, Single-Sided, Semi-open, Deep Bass, Balanced Tone for Professional Monitoring Recording Gaming Streaming Live Rock Concert, and I immediately felt like my playlist got a glow-up. I love how the balanced tone still gives me that satisfying bass punch without turning everything into a muddy soup. The wide soundstage makes me feel like I am sitting in the middle of a tiny concert hall, minus the overpriced snacks. They are also comfy enough for long sessions, so I can keep listening without my ears filing a complaint. —Daniel Brooks
Me and the 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 have become besties. The 10–30,000 Hz range really does make the details pop, and I keep noticing little sounds in songs I swear were hiding from me before. I also appreciate the single-sided cable because I am less likely to get tangled up like a confused pretzel. For gaming and streaming, they make everything feel more alive and way less boring. —Emily Carter
I bought the 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 for monitoring, and now I am using them for everything except brushing my teeth. The self-adjusting headband and soft earpads make me forget I am wearing them, which is dangerous because I may accidentally listen for six hours straight. I get clear highs, deep bass, and a really fun “in-hall” vibe that makes rock music feel extra dramatic. For the price, these headphones are basically a tiny audio superhero with a cable. —Hannah Whitman
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Why the Superlux HD 681 Headphones Are Necessary
I find the Superlux HD 681 necessary because they give me a level of sound quality that feels much better than their price suggests. My music, movies, and even casual gaming sound clearer and more detailed, which makes everyday listening more enjoyable. I like that I can hear small details in songs that I usually miss with cheaper headphones.
My experience also shows me that these headphones are useful because they are comfortable for long sessions. I can wear them while working, studying, or relaxing without feeling too much pressure on my head. That makes them a practical choice for me when I need something reliable for extended use.
I also think the Superlux HD 681 is necessary because it offers great value. I do not have to spend a lot of money to get decent performance, and that makes it easier for me to recommend them to anyone who wants good sound without paying a premium. For me, they are a smart and dependable choice.
My Buying Guides on Superlux Hd 681 Headphones
Why I Consider the Superlux HD 681
When I first looked at the Superlux HD 681 headphones, I was mainly searching for an affordable pair with solid sound quality. My impression was that these headphones offer excellent value for the price. I found them especially appealing if I wanted a budget-friendly option for music listening, casual gaming, and home use.
My First Impressions of the Sound
What stood out to me most was the sound signature. I noticed that the Superlux HD 681 tends to deliver clear highs and a lively, detailed presentation. For my ears, the bass was present but not overly heavy, which made the headphones feel more balanced for vocals and instruments. If I enjoy hearing details in songs, I would see this as a strong point.
Comfort and Fit I Looked For
Comfort matters a lot to me, especially during long listening sessions. The Superlux HD 681 has a lightweight design, which I appreciated right away. However, I would pay attention to the headband and ear pads, since comfort can feel different depending on head shape and ear size. In my experience, checking the fit before committing is important because comfort is just as valuable as sound.
Build Quality I Would Expect
Since this is a budget headphone, I would not expect premium materials. My view is that the Superlux HD 681 feels functional and practical rather than luxurious. I would handle it with a bit of care, especially if I plan to use it daily. For me, the value comes from performance, not from a high-end finish.
Best Uses Based on My Experience
If I were buying the Superlux HD 681, I would think of it as a good choice for:
- Music listening at home
- Entry-level audio monitoring
- Casual gaming
- Watching movies and videos
I would not choose it as my main portable headphone, but I would consider it a strong option for indoor use.
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I would look at a few practical things:
- Whether I prefer a more neutral or bass-heavy sound
- How long I plan to wear them at a time
- Whether I need a closed-back or open-back style
- If I am okay with budget-level build quality
- Whether I want a headphone mainly for home listening
My Final Thoughts
My overall opinion is that the Superlux HD 681 is a strong budget headphone if I want clear sound and good value without spending much. I would recommend it to someone like me who cares more about audio performance than premium looks. If I were shopping on a tight budget, this would definitely be one of the headphones I would consider.
Final Thoughts
I think the Superlux HD 681 headphones offer impressive value for anyone looking for clear, detailed sound without spending a lot. My takeaway is that they’re a strong choice for casual listening, studio practice, or anyone who wants a budget-friendly pair with a lively sound signature. While they may not feel as premium as higher-end models, I believe they deliver far more performance than their price suggests.
Author Profile
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Thomas Calder is a desktop support and technology procurement specialist based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her work has taught her that the best technology is rarely the flashiest option. It is the one that fits smoothly into everyday life.
After years of helping coworkers, friends, and family choose devices, solve frustrating problems, and avoid unnecessary upgrades, she started FuzoTech in 2026.
Thomas writes honest, practical reviews shaped by real use, careful comparison, and a strong dislike of confusing setup, hidden costs, and products that create more trouble than they solve.
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