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Cat ear headphones. They look just as silly as the name implies. And yet, they are so popular. What are cat ear headphones, who designed them, are they good, and what are the best cat ear headphones on the market in 2023? You will find all the answers in our article on 15 best cat ear headphones in 2023.
Table of Contents
- What Are Cat Ear Headphones and Why Are They So Popular?
- Best Cat Ear Headphones – Comparison Table
- Are Cat Ear Headphones Any Good?
- Who Is Going to Love Them?
- 15 Best Cat Ear Headphones
- 1. MindKoo MH-6 Bluetooth Cat Ear Headphones
- 2. Riwbox CT-7 Cat Ear LED Light Up Wireless Foldable Headphones
- 3. Kids Headphones, Riwbox CT-7S Cat Ear Bluetooth Headphones 85dB Volume Limiting
- 4. SOMIC GS510 Pro
- 5. SIMGAL Bluetooth Cat Ear Headphones
- 6. Brookstone Limited Edition Ariana Grande Wireless Cat Ear Headphones
- 7. iClever IC-HS08 Cat Ear Kids Headphones
- 8. Axent Wear Cat Ear Headphones
- 9. YOWU RGB Cat Ear Headphones
- 10. LIMSON Cat Ear Headphones
- 11. LOBKIN Kids Headphones
- 12. Censi Cat Ear Headset
- 13. Lux Accessories Rose Gold Cat Ear Headphones
- 14. SOMIC G951s Gaming Headset with Detachable Cat Ears
- 15. Razer Kraken Kitty RGB USB Gaming Headset
- Things to Look for When Buying Cat Ear Headphones
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What Are Cat Ear Headphones and Why Are They So Popular?
The fascination with cat ears or, to be more specific, women with cat ears, originated in Japan. The first woman with cat ears was a character in a book written by Kenji Miyazawa in 1924. A few years after, the first manga and anime featuring fictional characters with cat ears appeared and, after that, the fascination spread all over the world. In manga and anime, the girls with cat ears are called Nekomimi (which literally means cat ears: Neko – cat, Mimi -ears). In 1940, DC Comics published the first comic book with a character called Catwoman. That was the first US version of Nekomimi girl. The fascination with cat ears and Nekomimi girls kept growing and spread through the fashion industry, gaming industry, etc. Somehow, cat ears have even found their way into the audio industry and became very popular.
The person behind the concept of cat ear headphones is Wenqing Yan (aka YUUMEI). She is a designer, illustrator, and anime artist and she came up with the idea in 2014. Short after, Wenqing and her best friend Victoria Hu decided to bring the idea to reality. They came up with the name Axent Wear Cat Ear Headphones and started the crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. The campaign was a huge success and they gathered almost $3.5 million, which was much more than they hoped for (their goal was $250,000).
So, now, they had to manufacture the very first pair of cat ear headphones. Unfortunately, the process wasn’t smooth and easy. Wenquing’s and Victoria’s partnership fell apart and they went into a legal battle over the Axent Wear brand which prolonged the release date by more than 6 months. We are not going to discuss the dispute between YUUMEI and her former best friend in detail but, if you want to find out more, you can read her blog on Deviant Art.
After the legal battle was over, the Brookstone approached YUUMEI and offered her a partnership. She accepted it and, a few months later, they started shipping their cat ear headphones. They first shipped them to all the Indiegogo backers and then started mass production. The first model was wired. It had LED lighting on the cat ears and earcups. The cat ears also had built-in speakers so you can share your music with your friends. YUUMEI also designed the box for the headphones.
The first Brookstone (or Axent Wear) cat ear headphones
In a few months, the market was flooded with Brookstone headphones and, since they were a big hit, other manufacturers started designing and making their own cat ear headphones. They are sold under different names including Neko headphones (because of the Nekomimi) and kitty ear headphones. You have wired and wireless versions, with and without LED lighting, with and without mic, gaming cat ear headphones, etc.
After the introduction of the first cat ear headphones, Brookstone also released the wireless version and a special Ariana Grande edition, which additionally increased the popularity of cat ear headphones.
So, that’s the story behind cat ear headphones. Now, we can finally discuss their quality.
Best Cat Ear Headphones – Comparison Table
| Cat Ear Headphones | Rating | Price | Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| MindKoo MH-6 | 4.2 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| Riwbox CT-7 | 4.6 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| Riwbox CT-7S | 4.5 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| SOMIC GS510 Pro | 4.2 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| SIMGAL Bluetooth Cat Ear Headphones | 4.5 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| Brookstone Ariana Grande | 4.2 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| iClever IC-HS08 | 4.2 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| Axent Wear Cat Ear Headphones | 4.4 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| YOWU RGB Cat Ear Headphones | 4.4 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| LIMSON | 4.0 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| LOBKIN | 4.2 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| Censi | 4.2 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| Lux Accessories Rose Gold | 3.7 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| SOMIC G951s | 4.1 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| Razer Kraken | 4.4 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
When you click on “Check Price” you will be redirected to Amazon.
Are Cat Ear Headphones Any Good?
To be honest, most of them are not. You won’t see any big audio names on the cat ear headphone market. There’re no Bose, Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic, Sony, Bowers & Wilkins cat ear headphones. Most of the manufacturers are generic brands. The only two recognizable brands on the cat ear headphone market are Brookstone and Razer, but even those two are not very famous for their high-end headphones. Brookstone is a famous retailer and Razer is one of the biggest names in the gaming industry but it’s not closely specialized in headphones.
Also, most of the cat ear headphones on the market are quite cheap. They are mostly made of plastic and don’t look very durable.
So, to conclude, they are fun and flashy, they sound ok (but not amazing), and their build quality is on par with the price (and the price is usually quite low).
Who Is Going to Love Them?
Well, there are a few groups of potential customers that we can think of. Kids are probably the biggest target market and they are really crazy about these headphones (both, boys and girls). They have all the LED lights and they have cat ears – what’s not to like.
Apparently, some gamers like them, too. The biggest fans of cat ear headphones are probably all the manga and anime fans, especially those that are already into Nekomimi.
Now that you know what cat ear headphones are and what to expect of them, we can move onto our selection of 15 best cat ear headphones in 2023.
15 Best Cat Ear Headphones
1. MindKoo MH-6 Bluetooth Cat Ear Headphones
MIndkoo is one of many generic brands making cheap headphones. Their products usually offer decent performance for the price. MH-6 are cheap and plasticky cat ear headphones with LED lights. There are 6 colorful models available. Each model has LED lights in only one color. They are currently priced under $30.
What’s in the box?
Along with the headphones, you’ll get a micro USB charging cable, AUX cable, user manual, and a warranty card.
Things we like
Like all the other cat ear headphones, MH-6 headphones look cute. Their build quality is on par with the price. Everything is made of plastic, including the headband frame and hinges.
The controls are fairly simple. On the right cup, there are power/play/pause button, volume/track buttons, and a micro USB charging port. The left cup houses the LED button and an AUX port. LED button allows you to select one of 4 LED modes – all lights on, earcup lights on, cat ear lights on, and all lights flashing. Or, you can use the LED button to turn off the lights.
The amount of comfort they provide is satisfying. They are a bit smaller than regular headphones which makes them a good choice for kids. The age limit is 10 years. They will fit people with smaller and maybe medium heads. The paddings are thick and plushy enough considering the price tag. One thing you should be aware of is that they are on-ear headphones. On a kid’s head, they will look like over-ear headphones, but if you’re an adult, they will put some pressure on your ears.
Mindkoo MH-6 headphones can be used as wired or wireless. The AUX cable is included in the package. MH-6 feature Bluetooth 4.2 with a standard 30ft range. The connection is reliable and stable.
The built-in battery will provide 5 hours of playtime if the lights are on, or up to 8 hours if the lights are off. The recharge takes less than 2h.
The LED lights look fun. Both the earcups and the cat ears are lighted and you can choose one of 4 lighting modes we’ve talked about.
The sound quality is average, with some noticeable distortion at high volumes.
Things we don’t like
We were not impressed by the call quality. There’s a noticeable hiss at all times and your voice sounds tiny and muffled.
The LED lights are a cool feature but there’s only one lighting color and you can’t select any other.
2. Riwbox CT-7 Cat Ear LED Light Up Wireless Foldable Headphones
Another cheap and plasticky pair of headphones. What a surprise… Based on their design and color selection, it’s pretty obvious what’s the main target market.
What’s in the box?
Riwbox CT-7 headphones come along with a micro USB charging cable, AUX cable, short manual, and a warranty card,
Things we like
Riwbox CT-7 headphones look like a toy. They are available in two color combos – pink/green and pink/white. The cat ears have built-in multicolored LED lights. They will glow randomly when the music is played in wireless mode. Paddings are thick and soft. The comfort is satisfying. Considering the size of the headband and cups, the headphones are designed for kids above the age of 10.
The control scheme is simple. All the buttons, as well as micro USB and AUX port, are located on the left cup. Along with the standard buttons (power, volume/track buttons, play/pause), there’s the M button used to turn on/off the LED lights.
You can use the headphones in wired or wireless mode. The headphones feature Bluetooth 5.0 but the range is not very long (up to 50ft without obstacles). NFC and multipoint pairing are not supported. The connection is stable within the advertised range.
The built-in rechargeable battery will deliver up to 4 hours of playtime (at 50% volume and with lights on). Without the lights, you’ll get 6 hours max.
The lighting looks fun and it’s supposed to follow the rhythm.
The sound quality is pretty good. It’s actually better than the price implies. The headphones can get pretty loud so be careful when giving these to your child.
The mic offers decent performance. This is not a noise-canceling mic but the communication is clear most of the time.
Things we don’t like
Everything is made of plastic, including the headband frame and hinges. Their durability is questionable.
The lights work only in wireless mode. You can’t turn them on when using the headphones in wired mode.
3. Kids Headphones, Riwbox CT-7S Cat Ear Bluetooth Headphones 85dB Volume Limiting
Riwbox CT-7S headphones look practically the same as previously mentioned CT-7. The only difference between these two models is in the volume-limiting feature. CT-7 headphones don’t have this feature, while CT-7S headphones have it. So, CT-7S are even more kid-friendly than the CT-7.
What’s in the box?
Like the CT-7, CT-7S headphones come with braided 3.5mm audio cable, micro USB charging cable, manual, and a warranty card.
Things we like
When it comes to design and construction quality, CT-7S are exactly the same as CT-7. They also have two smallish plastic earcups and a small plastic headband with cat ears on top. Cat ears have multicolored LED lights. The headphones are available in two color combos – purple/green and blue/green.
The controls are also the same. All the buttons, indicators, and inputs are located on the left cup. You can turn on/off the lighting by pressing the M button. You don’t get to choose the color of the lighting – the RGB lighting theme is the only available option.
You can use the headphones in wired or wireless mode. For a wireless connection, the headphones utilize Bluetooth 5.0 with a 30ft range. The battery will deliver up to 4h of playtime with the lights on (50% volume) or up to 6h without the lights.
The lights are cool and the RGB lighting theme looks fun. It would’ve been even better if there was an option to choose the lighting color. But you can’t.
The sound is decent considering the price. You won’t get crazy deep lows, incredibly detailed mids, or sparkling highs, but the reproduction is accurate enough. The additional feature that makes these headphones better than CT-7, is the volume-limiting (at 85dB).
The mic is usable but it’s not noise-canceling and it doesn’t handle the noise well.
Things we don’t like
The construction quality is on par with the price but it’s still poor and the headphones look cheap (because they are). Everything is made of plastic.
4. SOMIC GS510 Pro
SOMIC is one of the best brands we could find in the market for cat ear headphones. The SOMIC GS510 Pro is surprisingly sturdy and has some high-end features such as 3D surround sound compatibility and dual wireless connection.
What’s in the box?
Inside the box, you will find the SOMIC GS510 Pro headphones, a USB transmitter, replacement speaker tags, a 3.5mm audio cable, and a type-c charging cable.
Things we like
The build quality of the SOMIC GS510 Pro is surprisingly good, given that most cat ear headphones tend to be very fragile and made of cheap plastic. That’s not the case with this model.
We also like the fact that the SOMIC GS510 Pro has many different connectivity options. You can connect it to your device either via Bluetooth, the USB transmitter, or the audio cable, both shipped with the headphones.
There are a few features that are quite attractive and might cater to the gamer crowd: these headphones have 3D surround sound compatibility and are very comfortable to use for longer sessions, thanks to their cushioned pads.
Last but not least, the SOMIC GS510 Pro feature RGB lights and is available in two colors: black and pink.
Things we don’t like
While the pair sounds ok, the sound quality is subpar if compared to other similar products in the market, and it seems that these headphones are more designed with aesthetics in mind more than anything.
5. SIMGAL Bluetooth Cat Ear Headphones
The SIMGAL is a cheap Bluetooth cat ear pair of headphones that can also be used with a cable. It has similar features to its competitors, such as surround sound capability and RGB LED lights, plus the price is quite attractive ($29.99 by the time this article was written).
What’s in the box?
Inside the box, you get a pair of headphones, an aux cable, and a charging cable.
Things we like
These headphones seem to be quite comfortable, with thick, cushioned, soft memory foam pads.
Similarly, these SIMGAL headphones are quite cheap.
You can use these headphones both with a Bluetooth connection and with a cable.
There’s a built-in mic for calls, which works fine and doesn’t pick up too much external noise.
These headphones can be folded for transport.
Things we don’t like
The RGB lights only work in Bluetooth mode, so it’s not possible to use that function while using these headphones with a cable. Similarly, the built-in mic does not work in wired mode as well.
These headphones don’t have a receiver, so if you plan on using them with a computer, your system must have Bluetooth connectivity.
6. Brookstone Limited Edition Ariana Grande Wireless Cat Ear Headphones
Cooperation with Ariana Grande is one of the factors that made Brookstone headphones and cat ear headphones in general, very popular.
This limited edition is basically the same thing as previously mentioned Brookstone wireless cat ear headphones. What surprised us the most is the price tag. Ariana Grande headphones are cheaper than the original Brookstone wireless headphones (priced under $140). So, there’s a significant price difference compared to the original version but we still think they are overpriced.
What’s in the box?
Just like the Brookstone wireless headphones, Ariana Grande edition comes with micro USB charging cable, detachable AUX cable with inline controls and built-in mic, manual, and a warranty card.
Things we like
In terms of design, the limited edition features the same kind of shape as the original wired and wireless headphones. The only thing they changed is the color of the cups and frame. The headphone finish is silver with some pink details and Ariana Grande signatures on both earcup covers.
The build quality, comfort, and control button layout are exactly the same. There’s still a lot of plastic. The cushioning is nice and all the controls are on the right cup.
Bluetooth connection offers satisfying performance and it’s stable within the advertised 30ft range. The battery life is not on par with the price – you’ll get up to 5 hours with the LED lights turned on (without the external speakers).
Just like the original wireless version, you have cat ears with external speakers so you can share your music with other people. The cups and the cat ears have LED lights and you can change the color of the lighting. The available colors are blue, purple, orange, green, yellow, pink, red, and ice (white).
The sound is bass-heavy with muddy mids and bright highs. The call quality is satisfying.
Things we don’t like
The all-plastic build doesn’t bother us when the headphones are priced reasonably but when they priced over $100, we have to complain about it. Also, 5 hours of playtime is simply insufficient. Doubling the playtime and upgrading the construction would justify the current price tag.
7. iClever IC-HS08 Cat Ear Kids Headphones
iClever HS08 headphones are the perfect choice for your kids. They are both kid-friendly and budget-friendly. They are made of durable silicone and have an adjustable volume-limiting feature. The age limit is 3-12 years but it all depends on your kid’s head. It may be too large for a 4-year old kid or too small for a 10-year old kid.
What’s in the box?
The headphones come with undetachable tangle-free audio cable, manual, and a warranty card.
Things we like
Like all the previous headphones, iClever headphones have those recognizable cat ears. In this case, the cat ears are made of silicone and they don’t have any lights.
One of the things that makes iClever headphones special is the build quality. The frame is made of plastic and reinforced with food-grade silicone which makes them much more durable. Your kids can throw them around for months without breaking them. The padding is made of memory-protein and PU leather was used for the finish. The audio cable is also reinforced with silicone and it’s flat, which makes it tangle-free.
The cable has an inline mic and one button that can be used to answer calls or to play/pause the music. Another feature that’s designed to protect your kid’s health is the volume-limiting switch. You can choose one of two options – 85dB or 94dB.
The call and sound quality are more than satisfying considering the price.
Things we don’t like
The only thing we can complain about at this price point is the lack of LED lights. If you want an upgraded version with LED lights, read our next review.
8. Axent Wear Cat Ear Headphones
The Axent Wear Cat Ear Headphones are a more premium option if compared to other products in the list. Priced at $119 by the time this article was written, it is quite sturdy and packed with some great features.
What’s in the box?
Inside the box, you will find the headphones, an aux cable, a USB-C charging cable, and a waterproof bag.
Things we like
The RGB LED lights can be changed to 12 colors, and they are quite bright and don’t look cheap. Similarly, there are 4 product colors available to choose from.
The built-in mic has good quality. Since this is a headset, it is excellent for gaming.
According to the manufacturer, these headphones have speakers on both sides of the cat ears, which is an unusual feature, but allows you to use it as a speaker as well or share what you’re hearing with the people around you.
The product comes with some nice extras, such as a waterproof bag. Plus, it’s charged via USB-C, which is faster than micro-USB.
Things we don’t like
These headphones weigh 460g, so they are on the heavier side, making them not very suitable for children.
9. YOWU RGB Cat Ear Headphones
The YOWU RGB Cat Ear Headphones are designed with gaming in mind and, despite their higher price, have some features you won’t find on cheaper models, such as 7.1 virtual surround sound. The battery life is impressive as well, clocking at 48 hours.
What’s in the box?
The YOWU RGB Cat Ear Headphones come with an AUX cable, a USB-C charging cable, and an owner’s manual.
Things we like
These headphones have 7.1 virtual surround sound capabilities and a low-latency wireless connection, which is great for gaming.
These headphones have one of the best battery durations on the list, with 48 hours after 1.6 hours of fast charging. However, using the built-in RGB LED lights significantly reduces the battery life to 5-20 hours.
You can connect these headphones to the YOWU app, which lets you customize the RGB LED lights more easily, choose between 4 different lighting modes, and adjust the sound to your liking.
Things we don’t like
Using the RGB LED lights will significantly reduce the battery life of these headphones.
These headphones don’t come with a receiver, which is a bummer considering they’re made with gaming in mind.
10. LIMSON Cat Ear Headphones
Limson cat ear headphones are just slightly upgraded version of the previously mentioned Barsone headphones. In terms of design and build, they are practically the same. The only difference is the additional earcup lighting. Like many previous models, these headphones are priced under $20.
What’s in the box?
Limson headphones come with undetachable 3.5mm audio cable, manual, and 1-year warranty.
Things we like
There’s nothing special or flashy about these headphones. Like all the previous models, the design is inspired by cat ears. The headphones are foldable. The headband is adjustable and the cups can rotate and swivel. Plastic was used for all the parts. The paddings are not impressive but offer a satisfying amount of comfort.
The undetachable audio cable is reinforced with silicone and seems durable enough.
Both, the cups and the cat ears have built-in LED lights. They are powered by the built-in rechargeable battery. You can activate the lights by pressing the button on the right ear. There are two lighting modes – steady lights and blinking lights.
The sound quality is average, which is pretty much expected, considering the price.
Things we don’t like
There are no inline controls so you can control the playback only with your phone. Also, there’s no mic.
11. LOBKIN Kids Headphones
LOBKIN is just another generic pair of headphones under $20. It seems that many of these generic models come from the same factory. The differences between all these cat ear headphones are minimal.
What’s in the box?
Along with the headphones, you’ll get a spare button battery, manual, and a warranty card.
Things we like
Like the previous models, LOBKIN headphones feature the same basic cat ear design. The ears are the only part with built-in LED lights. Everything is made of plastic, including the headband frame. The paddings on the headband and earpads are not extremely thick but are quite pleasant. The headphones are also foldable.
The cable is undetachable. It’s reinforced with silicone but doesn’t seem extremely durable.
To turn on the lighting, you have to press the on/off button on the right cat ear. Inside the ear, there’s one CR2032 battery. This battery will provide 18-20 hours of lighting. There are two lighting modes – steady and blinking lights.
Just like all the previous cheap models, LOBKIN headphones deliver decent sound quality that’s pretty much on par with the price. The headphones have a volume-limiting feature. The limit is set at 85dB, which makes them safe for your kids.
Things we don’t like
Just like many previous models, LOBKIN headphones don’t have inline controls or mic. The plastic build is expected but doesn’t feel reassuring.
12. Censi Cat Ear Headset
Like all the previous non-Brookstone headphones, Censi is a pair of generic headphones made by the unknown manufacturer. However, Censi is somewhat different than other generic cat ear headphones. They are pricier and they are not as flimsy as those cheap headphones. Censi headphones are actually regular headphones with two slots on top of the headband for the cat ears (cat ears accessories are included in the package). On the other hand, Censi headphones don’t have LED lights and aren’t as fun to look at as the previous models.
What’s in the box?
Inside the box, you will find the headphones, detachable cat ears, detachable audio cable, USB charging cable, carrying case, manual, and a warranty card.
Things we like
Censi is a regular pair of headphones with squarish earpads and detachable cat ears. They are made of plastic, just like all the previous models, but the plastic looks thicker and the headphones feel much more durable than all those cheap cat ear headphones.
The headphones are kind of tight but, other than that, they are quite comfy. The headband is adjustable, the cups can swivel, and they are also foldable.
The control/input scheme is fairly simple. On the right cup, you have a multifunctional power/play/pause button and two volume buttons. The right cup also houses AUX input, while the micro USB charging port is on the left one.
You can use them in wired or wireless mode. The headphones feature Bluetooth 4.0 and offer satisfying wireless connection with a standard 30ft range. For wired connection, you can use the included audio cable, but the cable doesn’t have inline controls and you won’t be able to use the mic in wired mode.
The rechargeable battery delivers up to 10 hours of playtime at 50% volume. Recharge takes 2 hours.
The call quality is decent but the mic can’t handle the noise.
The sound quality is on a bassy side. The low mids are muddy and some male vocals sound tiny, while the rest of the midrange is well balanced and clear. The high-end is not very consistent and it’s a little bit brighter (but not to the point of being painful or fatiguing).
Things we don’t like
The cat ears are just plastic accessories and don’t have built-in LED lights.
The microphone and controls can’t be used in wired mode. The cable that comes with the headphones doesn’t have inline controls.
Click here to check out our article on ‘Mackie MC-250 Headphones Review – Specs and Performance’.
13. Lux Accessories Rose Gold Cat Ear Headphones
Lux Accessories headphones are, in many ways, similar to all the other cheap cat ear headphones, but somehow look sleeker and more stylish. The manufacturer decided to replace the conventional plastic headband with a single aluminum wire shaped like a cat head. The headphones can be yours for less than $20.
What’s in the box?
Inside the box, you’ll find your headphones, detachable audio cable, manual, and a warranty card.
Things we like
The idea to replace the traditional headband with a single wire is very original but the implementation was not so great. I mean, they look lovely, but they are just as fragile as plastic headphones. Maybe even more fragile. We still like them a lot but we have some serious doubts regarding their durability.
There are some good and some bad things when it comes to comfort. Due to the lack of old-school headband, they are very light. On the other hand, these are on-ear headphones and they are never as comfy as over-ear headphones.
Amazon images imply that these are Bluetooth headphones but they are not. They are regular wired headphones with a detachable cable. The included cable has inline controls with a built-in mic.
Considering the price, the call quality/clarity is satisfying. The same goes for the sound.
Things we don’t like
The single-wire headband looks very stylish but doesn’t look very durable.
The headphones have a poor bass response.
14. SOMIC G951s Gaming Headset with Detachable Cat Ears
Somic is an affordable wired headset with detachable cat ears. It’s priced under $40 and it’s a little bit more durable than all those headphones under $20. It’s still completely made of plastic so don’t expect anything fancy.
What’s in the box?
The headphones come with an undetachable audio cable with inline controls, undetachable mic, detachable cat ears, user manual, and 1-year warranty.
Things we like
The design is interesting. The manufacturer opted for the old school self-adjusting headband and over-ear design. The headphones are available in pink color. They are entirely made of plastic, including the headband and hinges/yokes. However, they don’t feel extremely fragile.
The amount of comfort they offer is satisfying. The cups are large and there’s enough space for your ears. The headband adjusts to the size of your head and the cushions are plushy.
The only supported connection type is wired via undetachable 3.5mm audio cable. The cable has inline controls for adjusting the volume. The headset is compatible with Xbox, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and other consoles.
The microphone is undetachable. It’s omnidirectional and quite sensitive. Mic performance is satisfying – your voice will be a bit muffled but still perfectly intelligible.
The sound is bass-oriented but not too heavy. It’s going to make your gaming experience more immersive, but it will also allow you to hear all the dialogs and shouts. It’s a decent headset and you can hardly get better performance for that kind of money.
Things we don’t like
For connecting the headset to your PC, you’re going to need a splitter cable (which is not included in the package).
15. Razer Kraken Kitty RGB USB Gaming Headset
We’ve decided to leave the only recognizable name for the end. Razer is famous for its gaming equipment and its gaming headsets. Since they like to indulge their customers, they have released a special edition of Razer Kraken headset called Razer Kraken Kitty. As they said, they wanted to add the meow factor to their gaming equipment.
What’s in the box?
The box contains you Kraken Kitty headphones with undetachable USB audio cable, some stickers with Razer logo, user manual, and a warranty card.
Things we like
The headphones are maybe a little bit bulky but feel extremely comfortable. They are surprisingly light considering the size and the paddings are very thick and plushy. You can see that Razer has some serious experience when it comes to comfort.
Razer Kraken Kitty is almost entirely made of plastic (even the headband frame) which is kind of disappointing, but it doesn’t feel flimsy or fragile. It actually feels very solid.
The headset has an undetachable USB audio cable that’s compatible with PC, Mac, and PS4, but you won’t get the same kind experience with different platforms. This headset supports surround sound only when connected to PC, and THX Spatial mode is available only when connected to PC running on Windows 10 (64bit version), When connected to PS4, you will get only stereo sound.
The volume controls and THX Spatial button are located on the left cup. The left cup also houses a retractable ANC mic. The mic has the on/off switch on the top.
The sonic performance is very immersive. It’s perfect for gaming, especially when used on Windows PC. In order to adjust the sound, play with EQ settings, select surround sound mode, you can use the Razer Synapse app (works only on Windows PCs).
The Razer Synapse app also allows you to customize the lighting, but it only offers some basic customization options. If you want more options, you can download the Streamer Companion app and adjust every single lighting effect you can think of. This app allows you to make interactive lightings – the cat ears will light up in a certain way depending on the reaction you get from your followers.
The mic offers impressive performance and delivers crystal-clear sound. Along with the immersive sonic performance and customizable kitty ear lighting, the mic is the biggest highlight.
Things we don’t like
In spite of the great design, fun lighting, and impressive comfort, we can’t be completely happy with the build quality. They should at least reinforce the headband frame.
THX Spatial sound mode works only on Win10 (64bit version). It doesn’t even work on Win7.
This is the end of our list of 15 best cat ear headphones in 2023. Hopefully, you’ve found something that meets your needs and budget. In case you want to keep looking for the perfect pair of cat ear headphones, here’s a shortlist of things to consider when buying cat ear headphones.
Things to Look for When Buying Cat Ear Headphones
Design – Colors, LED lighting
Most of the cat ear headphones have the same basic shape, with those cat ears on top of the headband. However, you can choose between on-ear and over-ear models, you can pick the color you like, you can choose the model with or without LED lights. Some models will have the lights in only one color while others will have multi-color LED lighting.
Durability
Don’t raise your hopes too high. Most of these headphones are cheap and made of plastic. In our opinion, you can consider yourself lucky if they last for more than a year. It’s not only the headband and the cups that are cheap. Most of these headphones also use cheap drivers and have poorly executed internal wiring.
Fit and Comfort
If you are buying headphones for your child, you should pay attention to the size. You have special headphones that are made for children. The headphones for children are not only smalle. They are also made of stronger and safer materials (like the food-grade silicone) and they have some child-friendly features (like volume-limiting technology).
If you are buying the headphones for you, you should also pay attention to fit and comfort. For some reason, many of these headphones are not very large and, if you have a larger head, you may feel some discomfort.
Connectivity – wired, wireless, or both
Well, this entirely depends on your needs and budget. Wired headphones are usually cheaper but the price difference is not huge. Some wired models come with a detachable mic and their cables have in-line controls. If you find any of these features important, you should look for headphones that support these features.
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Wireless headphones usually come with a detachable cable that you can use when you run out of juice. Also, most of them have built-in mics that you can use in wireless mode.
Bluetooth connection
If you are looking for wireless cat ear headphones, you have to pay attention to Bluetooth version, pairing, range, and connection reliability. Also, you should pay attention to supported Bluetooth codecs since they can tell you if the headphones are compatible with iOS devices. If they support the AAC codec, they are definitely compatible with iOS.
Battery life
The battery life (playtime) varies between 4-9 hours, depending on the price of headphones and usage. You will get longer playtime if the LED lights are off or if you decide not to use the speakers built into the cat ears (only some headphone models have these speakers). So, none of these wireless cat ear headphones offer amazingly long playtimes.
Sound quality
We have already said that most of these cat ear headphones use cheap drivers. So, you can’t expect incredibly detailed reproduction, strong bass, sparkling highs. You will get average sound quality and you will have to deal with it. Some cat ear headphones sound better than others but none of them can be considered great.
Budget
As mentioned previously, most of the cat ear headphones are made by unknown generic brands and they are usually quite cheap. Many wired cat ear headphones are priced under $50. Some are priced under $20. The most expensive cat ear headphones come from Brookstone and Razer. These are the only headphones on our list (and probably, on the market) that are priced over $100.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, cat ear headphones are very popular within the gaming community.
It will depend on which device you’re connecting the headphones to. If it’s to a smartphone, you should be able to connect the device via the settings app. Similarly, you can connect these to a Windows or Mac via the computer settings.
In our opinion, it depends on the desired use, but our favorite on the list is the Razer Kraken Kitty thanks to its build and sound quality.
Conclusion
These are the 15 best cat ear headphones in 2023. The price range is quite wide in the market for this kind of product, so you should definitely be able to find a pair that suits your budget.
Before making a purchase, consider what features are important to you: Bluetooth connectivity, USB receiver, virtual surround sound, and so on. The best pair will depend on what you plan on using them for: gaming, casual music listening, etc.
We hope this article was helpful. Make sure to check our related guides, and feel free to comment if you have any questions or suggestions!
Hello, my name is James Longman.
I’m a writer and editor at AudioReputation. I disassembled my first portable AM/FM radio when I was only 8. At the age of 11, I burned the circuit board on my old boombox cassette player. I’m not going to explain how but it was reckless and stupid.
Since then, I have become much more careful around radios, boomboxes, and other audio devices (at least, I like to think so) but I have never lost the passion for audio equipment. Throughout 20 years of my professional career, I’ve been working for various audio equipment manufacturers and even started building speakers on my own in my little workshop.
I love the work we do here at AudioReputation. Testing, comparing, and evaluating all kinds of audio devices (speakers, soundbars, headphones, home theater systems, etc.) is something I truly enjoy. I try to be unbiased and give you my honest opinion on every piece of equipment I test. Still, you should take my reviews with a pinch of salt and always be just a little bit skeptical. The fact that I liked some speaker or soundbar doesn’t mean that you are going to love it. If you have the opportunity, you should test it/hear it before buying it.
This was a great list! I remember a friend telling me about the fomer Axent headphones and they may have become a backer for the project. I hadn’t the money at the time. I’d hoped by now here in 2021, things would’ve been refined and better polished for the cat headphone market, but seems not.
I’m building out a home office and have decided to go with a “sakura” pink and white color theme. Figured cat earphones would fit right in with that, but I don’t want to buy cheap headphones. Not asking for top of the line quality (my most expensive headphones at the moment are the Skullcandy Crusher Evo’s, purchased on sale at the time for $150, so the bass-heavy Brookstone headphones wouldn’t be an issue in that regard but I’m not shelling $200 for cheap plastic). Even these cheaper Evo’s have a metal headband, visible when the ear cuffs are adjusted.
Oh well. Not like I stream so I’m not sure whom I’d be wearing these things for anyways. Still kind of bummed they’re all rather bad, though. Thank you for the thorough list, the hard work is appreciated!
I have the wireless axcent wear headphones and they are awesome everything still works great the ear cups are in perfect condition the speakers on the top are amazing and the mic works amazing and of course the lights are so bright I love my headset
The ears light up!
Yes, they do, Traci. They light up!
Your AudioReputation Team
Ahhhhhhhhh,these are soooo adorable!
My budget is very tight,under $30.What is my options?
Hi, Cornelia
Numerous generic brands on this list are priced under $50 or under $30. The only really expensive cat ear headphones are those made by Razer and Brookstone.
Hope this answers your question
Your AudioReputation Team
I have had Ariana grande headphones for the last 6 months and I am really satisfied
We’re happy if you’re happy, Jessica. Thanks for sharing your impressions.
Your AudioReputation Team