Want to spice up your headphones collection? It might be time to give in and get one of the trendiest headphones looks of the past years: the cat ear headphones. For livestreams, gaming, creative projects, or just fun summer times, this is the perfect audio gear to invest in this 2021. Here are the best cat ear headphones in 2021 if you plan on getting a pair for yourself or a friend.
Why Get Cat Ear Headphones in the First Place?
First, why go for cat ear headphones? Who came up with the idea?
It all started in 2014 when a popular anime artist drew an anime character wearing a pair of cat ear headphones, or how Japanese call them neko headphones (in Japanese, neko means cat).
The pair looked so good the artist and a friend eventually launched a crowdfunding campaign to make them a reality:
But the duo had a disagreement and soon the project seemed doomed to fail.
However, a flicker of hope in the form of Brookstone came to life. The company reached out to the artist and proposed a partnership, loving the ingenious design. That’s how the Axent Cat Ear Headphones were born!
The first model was wired and had LED lights on the cat ears and earcups. The built-in speakers were located inside the cat ears so friends could enjoy the sound, too.
Soon enough, celebrities like Ariana Grande and YouTube sensation Pewdepie sported a pair too, and thus, the cat ear headphones trend was here to stay.
Now, if you’re an anime/manga fan, gamer, livestreamer, or simply look for an eccentric tech accessory to complete your look, these are a must-have.
What Is the Best Cat Ear Headphone Gear?
How to choose from the myriad of models available out there?
Well, if you’re just discovering the concept, know that cat ear headphones manufacturers love to play with colors and design.
So you should choose a colorful, lit, edgy pair of headphones that go with your personality or other gadgets.
The easiest cat ear headphones out there is the plug-and-play model but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pay attention to the technical specifications. Look out for noise-canceling headphones and preferably, wireless.
The only caveat with wireless ones is that you have to pay extra attention to battery; choose ones with plenty of battery life, enough to get you by through the day.
Don’t forget to search for aptX support; at the end of the day, you want headphones that not only look good but sound great too.
Finally, the material of the ear cups and the headband coverings matter. Avoid fake leather as it will wear in time, search for adjustable headbands and rotating ear cups, thus making sure they fit comfortably during a gaming session.
Are Cat Ear Headphones Better Than Normal Ones?
That said, don’t expect miracles. None of the audio brands that are recurrently featured in headphones tops actually sell these anime-inspired headphones. You won’t see Bose, Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic, or Sony launching such a series too soon.
Most of the companies leaning into this trend are hardly known. In fact, the only makers of cat ear headphones that will ring a bell are Brookstone and Razer, probably.
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This means you won’t get the best in audio technology from them. Also, the materials used won’t be as premium as the ones used in the Sony WH-1000XM4, for example.
Although cat ear headphones are generally not better than premium, normal ones, they can serve as a great secondary pair, a fun gift, or like I said before an occasional accessory.
Best Cat Ear Headphones in 2021
That said, if you’re 100% sure you want a pair, who are we to deter you? In fact, here are the best cat ear headphones in 2021:
Razer Kraken Kitty Edition PC Gaming Headset
Coming from Razer, this is one of the best cat ear headphones out there, from an audio and material quality standpoint.
This one comes in Quartz Pink and Classic Black plus RGB lighting that changes during your stream on the kitty ears and triple-headed snake logo areas. With THX 7.1 support, you can rely on spatial audio beyond the standard 7.1 surround sound.
As far as comfort goes, you’re guaranteed pain-free gaming sessions thanks to cooling gel-infused cushions. We also love the retractable ANC mic which helps users hear each other clearly. The only thing you may have a problem with is the wired USB connection – sorry, these need to be plugged in.
⫸ GET THEM HERE
Version UP 3G Cat Ear Headphones Type-C Wireless
These babies offer you the possibility to go wireless or stay wired. That means you can even wear them while playing on the console, provided it support Bluetooth connectivity.
The headphones are black but the lighting in the cat ears and ear cups means you can choose to sport a different look every other day.
This Version UP pair comes with a built-in mic, noise cancellation, 7.1 surround sound, and aptX decoder. You can use them wirelessly for 20 hours with lights on or 48 hours with them off.
The only drawback to them is the weight – 435gr – so they aren’t for the light-headed 😉
Want to give them a try?
⫸ GET THEM HERE
MindKoo Cat Ear Bluetooth Headphones
These under $100 headphones have an understated design but they fit most budgets and preferences. They will work with PCs, phones, and tablets just as well.
They come in three flavors – White, Pink, and Black -, and offer 7 LED color variants, in 4 combos (All On, Just Ears, Just Cups, All Flashing).
On a single charge, you’ll get 70 hours of playtime, but even when they’re out of juice, you can plug them in a 3.55m audio jack.
The best thing about them is their versatility, as they fit kids and grown-ups just as well. The headband is adjustable, the earcups rotate and the headphones have a foldable design, perfect for traveling.
There’s no ANC here but you can enjoy a chat with your friends, thanks to the built-in mic.
⫸ GET THEM HERE
Censi Music Headset Headphone Creative Cat Ear
These ones are a bit more subdued, thanks to their white and peach color scheme. Don’t get fooled by that, though; they’re equally capable of handling a gaming session thanks to Bluetooth connectivity or phone calls via a built-in mic.
Comfort is everything here, the earcups benefitting from memory foam and a padded, slim headband. These headphones come in a premium case and are foldable so they won’t occupy much space.
The only caveat is the short battery life – just 10 hours on a charge.
⫸ GET THEM HERE
YOWU Headphone Fox Spirit Limited Edition
This fun model is impossible to ignore! The YOWU cat ear headphones limited edition come with fun, responsive voice messages when the product is turned on, connects to Bluetooth, or needs to be charged.
Outfitted with RGB lighting, users can play with light color, light mode, light effects, and sound effects through the companion app. There is aptX support so you can expect low latency and powerful sound via 40mm drivers.
The battery ensures up to 20 hours of playtime or 48 hours without lighting on.
The cutest thing about it? The fluffy, “bunny case”!
⫸ GET THEM HERE
Luckyu Wireless Bluetooth Cat Ear Headphones with Mic
Another great, under $100 pair of cat ear headphones is this one from Luckyu. Expect 7 color options, as the lighting is adjustable to suit your mood, Bluetooth connectivity, and powerful bass.
The best thing about is the adjustable headband that fits kids of various ages and a sound volume that’s within levels recommended safe for young children’s eardrums and inner ear at 85db.
⫸ GET THEM HERE
Kids Headphones TCJJ Cat Ear Wireless Headphones
One last colorful, wireless pair of cat ear headphones that kids will love is this one from LCJJ. This pair fits children from ages 3 and above, works with every gadget supporting Bluetooth 5.0 but also features a 3.5mm jack audio cable for wired connection.
As far as battery life goes, simply charge for 2-2.5 hours, and you’ll get up to 10 hours of entertainment.
The headband is adjustable and you can actually switch off the lights by holding the call button.
⫸ GET THEM HERE
SOMIC G951S PC Gaming Headset
When it comes to wired cat ear headphones, one of the most popular out there are the SOMIC ones and it’s not hard to see why.
At 1.1 pounds, these babies are lightweight, have an adjustable headband and even detachable cat ears if you’re not completely committed to this look.
They come with built-in 40 mm high fidelity speakers, an omnidirectional microphone that’s 360° flexible, and protein leather ear cushions.
The purple pair here is joined by a pink version and a black one.
⫸ GET THEM HERE
PeohZarr Green Gaming Headset
The next pair of cat ear headphones on our list has a beautiful, mint green color that will definitely attract everyone’s attention.
It’s also great for gaming with 50mm magnetic neodymium drivers, offering 7.1 surround sound and a noise-canceling mic when you’re playing co-op.
As you’re probably used to by now, the LED lights give it an edgy appearance, the headband is fully adjustable and the earcups are made from protein leather, joined by soft silicone.
⫸ GET THEM HERE
iClever HS01 Kids Headphones
One of the most budget-friendly headphones for kids has to be this one from iClever. These have an adjustable 85dB/94dB volume limit and are made from extremely safe materials.
With built-in 40mm drivers, these headphones emit a balanced stereo sound. They should be very comfortable as the headband is twistable and easy to adjust.
Keep in mind that they are not wireless but for this price, they’re more than worth it.
⫸ GET THEM HERE
Edifier HECATE G2 II Gaming Headset
This bubblegum pink pair of cat ear headphones are targeted at adults who love gaming in their spare time.
They come with large 50mm drivers and Virtual 7.1 surround sound system, hoping to give you a great bass sound experience at an unusually low price.
Plus, you get a detachable mic and detachable cat ears for when you feel the accessories are a bit too much.
The headset weighs only 9.38 ounces and comes with soft leather earmuffs, as well as a flexible and plush headband.
⫸ GET THEM HERE
Olyre Wired Kids Headphones with Microphone
Last but not least, this pair of cat ear headphones from Olyre is in an electric shade of pink for kids. There are two other colors, though – a blush pink and a blue if this feels a bit too much.
It’s wired but also folded, so it’s perfect to carry in a little backpack. Besides having lights on the ears, this headset’s ear and earcups areas also glow in the dark.
The headphones have an 85db volume limit to maximize the hearing protection of young children but parents can play with the volume from the sliding button.
They have rounded, soft, and breathable earcup cushions and an adjustable headband.
⫸ GET THEM HERE
If you found your dream pair, let us know in a comment below!
Also read: Looking to Buy New Headphones? Audio Experts Say You Should Look For These Features
Also read: 10 Resources to Teach Your Kid to Code
*Affiliate disclosure: We may receive compensation in connection with your purchase of products via links in this article.
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