It is that time of the year again when we bring you our annual Bang For Buck Awards for 2024. These awards officially recognize the portable and desktop audio gear that we believe offers excellent value or performance for their price.
You can check out our previous six year’s awards here:
- Bang For Buck Awards 2018
- Bang For Buck Awards 2019
- Bang For Buck Awards 2020
- Bang For Buck Awards 2021
- Bang For Buck Awards 2022
- Bang For Buck Awards 2023
‘Bang For Buck’ does not mean the cheapest gear we reviewed at Headfonics this year. While price is a factor we also consider what value you get for that price.
For our 2024 Awards, we looked for outstanding value and how well the gear performs relative to its price point, the features it offers, or the level of innovation relative to the competition around it.
If that sounds slightly subjective, then yes it is. Our award scores play a role but they are not the deciding factor. If you prefer pure score picks we have the Top Gear Awards coming out in a few days which use a time-honored highest score selection process.
Our awards are split into two pages: the first focuses on portable and headgear, and the second page is on desktop, including our Editors’ and Reviewers’ personal choices for 2024.
As always, we only consider products that we have done a full review on during this calendar year.
Bang For Buck Open Headphones 2024
As you might expect from Meze Audio, the 105 AER is a beautifully designed set of headphones. However, importantly, it achieves a good balance in its sound signature, setting itself apart from many of its competitors by prioritizing versatility and compatibility with lower-powered devices.
While the perceived resolution and transient performance may not reach the levels of similarly priced planar headphones, the 105 AER excels in ease of use, organic coloration, lightweight construction, and distinctive design.
These qualities make it a recommended choice for individuals looking for a straightforward plug-and-play solution to pair with 3.5mm sources such as dongles and Macs.
Bang For Buck Closed Headphones 2024
The Sennheiser HD 620S is a surprisingly good 'mid-fi' set of closed-back dynamic driver headphones and thoroughly belongs in the same class as the HD 600.
You get closed-cup performance that sounds anything but, and a well-weighted neutral to natural tonal signature amenable to a wide range of amplifier pairings and not just something that will keep you strapped to the desk.
The Sennheiser HD 620S is a surprisingly good value set of closed-back dynamic driver headphones and thoroughly belongs in the same class as the HD 600 et al.
You get closed-cup performance that sounds anything but, with above-average damping, and not a huge amount of resonance. This is a generally well-weighted neutral to natural tonal signature amenable to a wide range of amplifier pairings and not just something that will keep you strapped to the desk.
It’s a robust build and isolates quite well if you are moving around. I found them a lot more comfortable than the previous HD 660S2’s velour pads which was a bonus. Time will tell if they flatten a bit more but out of the box the fit is pleasing despite the above average clamping pressure.
I am not too sure how many hardcore HD 600 fans it will steal away but I would say the HD 620S is a confident well-tuned addition to the time-honored 6-series family.
Bang For Buck Wireless Headphones 2024
The Sennheiser ACCENTUM was meant to fill a niche in the company’s 2024 entry-level wireless headphone lineup. As such, we could reasonably expect it to function well, but not to the level of its more expensive mates. And it did.
Taking notes from that model, and what I believe to be from the highly successful MOMENTUM 4 Wireless, the ACCENTUM Plus adds to the lower-tier original’s base qualities with improved vibrancy in its tuning.
The fit is still an issue for me during longer listening sessions. However, pretty much any “shortcomings” I thought the original had, were corrected with the ACCENTUM Plus including aptX Adaptive, swipe control, a dedicated 3.5 cable, and a case.
Add all of those changes up, and you can understand why the ACCENTUM Plus costs more and should be considered an upgrade to the original.
Bang For Buck Universal IEM 2024
When the Advar was released, it received some polarizing reviews. Some praised its tuning, while others found the upper-frequency range harsh.
With the ALBA, Meze Audio has created a safer and more universally appealing IEM. If Advar’s tuning does not suit someone’s taste, they will likely find the ALBA much more agreeable.
The ALBA’s tuning boasts some of the most enjoyable sets of lows among competing budget IEMs, with a balanced tuning that covers every frequency range well, producing a musical and fun sound. Its design and build quality make it ideal for long-term use.
Additionally, the inclusion of a USB-C to 3.5mm converter DAC/amp expands its compatibility with a variety of devices. Overall, I am very impressed with the Meze ALBA, getting a solid recommendation from me.
Bang For Buck True Wireless System 2024
The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 is a standout True Wireless System mostly because of the xMEMS driver upgrade and it’s an improvement that is not just seen on paper but one that’s audible. Including the xMEMS tweeter is certainly a step forward in the TWS genre.
But once again, manufacturers should not bet on a single horse because it’s counterintuitive to me. The aptX lossless codec is just starting to gain ground but needs more time to gain presence in the marketplace and hopefully, it’s here to stay which will future-proof this set.
Aside from that, the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 is a very stable TWS free from bugs. They perform beyond the expectations of common functionality with a clean-sounding microphone system, and they sound good too. Recommended.
Bang For Buck DAP 2024
Some have thoughts that the R4 creates a niche for itself. I may not go that far, but combining all of the HiBy features into an affordable modern package that will carry support well into next year is a definite positive.
Throw in the assortment of tuning options from MSEB to PEQ and the various plugins, which can be tailored further and I am hard-pressed to come up with a competing device that carries all of that in one package. If that is the definition of “creating a niche,” then so be it.
From a performance perspective, the R4 is an excellent middle-of-the-road DAP with software and addons capable of raising the quality, that are usually found in much more expensive pieces.
Add in that when you combine the R4 with the Project ACE, you get a fully functioning DAP that can stream easily. And, it can be fine-tuned to your delight, for less than IEMs might cost, and that makes the total package all the sweeter.
HiBy should be commended for the R4/Project ACE collaboration and this may well have replaced my venerable R3 Pro in its niche.
HiBy Website | HiBy Amazon USA | Musicteck USA
Bang For Buck Portable DAC/Amp 2024
The Shanling H2 offers a lot of features and functionality in a small package that will appeal to many potential buyers looking for a smooth audio experience and lots of functionality in a compact and affordable portable DAC and headphone amplifier.
It is also an appealing proposal to have the ability to store your music collection within a portable DAC amplifier and alleviate one’s mobile device’s storage.
The bonus for me is the Shanling H2’s ability to go beyond portable use, feeling right at home in a desktop setup scenario just like its more expensive siblings. This is a good thing at this price point in 2024.
Shanling Website | Shanling Amazon USA
Bang For Buck Dongle DAC 2024
The FiiO KA17 dongle DAC is surprisingly good and is quickly becoming my favorite dongle DAC in this price segment.
It has a delicate side in that it can drive IEMs in a hiss-free manner but at the same time, it can supply power enough to drive some demanding headphones.
This versatility does not come by chance or luck. It comes from a team of audio gear designers who put their minds together in an innovative way to bring us a piece of gear like the KA17. I also think the KA17 will outsell the KA5 since it offers more power on tap.
The FiiO KA17 wins me over not only because of its drivability capability but because it also stages well and has a handful of features, all within an affordable package.
FiiO Website | FiiO Amazon USA
Bang For Buck Wireless Streamer 2024
The iFi audio ZEN Blue 3 is aimed at buyers who want a way to inject the latest Bluetooth capability into an existing audio system and do so skillfully well, audibly speaking.
By 2024’s Bluetooth standards, it is one of the best-sounding Bluetooth solutions around and the most future-proof. I would just consider it one of the best and most up-to-date Bluetooth home audio solutions around.
iFi Audio Website | iFi Audio Amazon USA
Bang For Buck Cable 2024
Given the acclaim that the first generation of Signature Series cables received, updating them was always going to be a considerable challenge. Fortunately, Effect Audio has risen to the occasion with the Signature Series II, delivering notable sonic and visual improvements without compromising affordability.
Among the three Signature Series II cables, the Cadmus II stands out as a real star. It injects an exciting energy into the IEMs I paired it with, and it’s incredibly versatile, offering a balanced presentation without accentuating any specific frequency range.
The Ares S II, on the other hand, showcases the strengths of copper without falling into the trap of excessive warmth. It delivers a surprising bite in the upper midrange, which is typically absent in copper cables.
The Eros S II takes things further, offering greater detail and spaciousness compared to its predecessor, and remains as capable as ever.
For those seeking affordable cables that make a noticeable impact on their IEM sound without breaking the bank, the new Signature Series II cables are a clear recommendation.
Effect Audio Website | Musicteck USA
Click on page 2 below for our desktop awards and personal picks from the team.
