Beats headphones are popular, and for good reason. They’re stylish, and they sound pretty good too. But you might not be aware that there are some pretty awesome alternatives on the market.

In other words, if you’re interested in buying Beats headphones, there are a few other options to check out first. After all, there’s no point in making an uninformed purchase, right? Here are some of the best headphones to consider buying instead of buying Beats.

Bose QuietComfort 35

Bose QuietComfort 35 Main

We reviewed the Beats Studio 3 Wireless headphones a few months ago, and found that they offered a great design along with a pretty good sound-quality. That doesn’t mean there isn’t a better option for the price though. If you’re looking for a pair of over-ear wireless headphones in the $350 range, we think that the Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones are probably the way to go.

The Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones are generally pretty well-designed and sound pretty good, but perhaps the best thing about them is that their noise cancelling technology is unrivaled. The headphones are an excellent choice for those that like to be able to focus on their music.

Buy the Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones now from Amazon

AKG N60NC Wireless

AKG N60 NC Wireless Design

The Beats Solo 3 Wireless headphones are a pretty good option for those looking for good on-ear headphones in the $300 range, but the AKG N60 NC Wireless headphones are perhaps even better. Featuring a sleek black look, great sound-quality, and pretty good noise cancellation too, the AKG N60 NC Wireless headphones are perhaps the on-ear headphones to beat in this price.

On top of the fact that these are great-sounding and well-designed, the headphones are also pretty comfortable — meaning they’re good for long periods of listening.

Buy the AKG N60 NC Wireless headphones now from Amazon

Grado SR125e

Grado SR125e Design

Beats also offers some pretty good wired headphones in the form of the Beats EP headphones, but if you’re looking for a seriously solid pair of wired on-ear headphones, then you should consider the Grado SR125e‘s.

There are a few things that make these headphones such a good option. For starters, they look pretty nice with their retro design, and they’re decently comfortable. By far the best thing about these headphones, however, is that they sound awesome. If you’re looking for an excellent sound-quality, these are clearly the superior option.

Buy the Grado SR125e headphones now from Amazon

B&O Beoplay H6

B&O Beoplay H6 Included

The Beats Pro headphones are Beats’ flagship offering, boasting plenty of bass and a great overall sound. If you’re looking for a seriously premium over-ear wired offering, however, then you should consider the likes of the B&O Beoplay H6 headphones.

Not only are the B&O Beoplay H6 headphones extremely comfortable with an awesome sound-quality, they’re also very well-designed, made with premium materials like leather and memory foam, and with plenty of metal to go around. In other words, the headphones are strong and stylish. They’re also a little cheaper than the Beats Pro headphones — so you’ll save a bit of cash by buying them too.

Buy the B&O Beoplay H6 headphones now from Amazon

V-Moda Forza Metallo Wireless

V-Moda Forza Metallo Wireless Main

Perhaps you’re more looking for in-ear wireless headphones, in which case you’re probably considering the BeatsX neckband-style headphones. If that’s you, then you should also consider the V-Moda Forza Metallo Wireless headphones, which boast an awesome design and an even more awesome sound-quality.

The V-Moda Forza Metallo Wireless headphones boast a ton of bass, but it thankfully doesn’t go too far over the top. The mid-range and high-end are also very well-tuned — so if you’re looking for a decently balanced sound, then the V-Moda Forza Metallo Wireless headphones might be the headphones for you.

Buy the V-Moda Forza Metallo Wireless headphones now from Amazon

Jaybird X3

Jaybird X3 Design

If you’re looking into buying the Powerbeats3 headphones, then you’re probably looking for something you can use for sports — and in that case, then you really can’t beat the Jaybird X3 headphones.

There are a few things that make the Jaybird X3 headphones an excellent choice. For starters, they’re well-designed and relatively comfortable for in-ear headphones, but above all they offer an excellent sound-quality. They’ll pump out plenty of bass, but the mid-range and high-end is balanced and well-tuned too.

Buy the Jaybird X3 headphones now from Amazon

Focal Spark

Focal Spark Main

Last but not least are in-ear wired headphones, and if you’re looking for that, then you’ve probably seen the urBeats3 headphones floating around. Before pulling the trigger on those, however, you should seriously consider the Focal Spark headphones, which are pretty beautifully designed and boast a pretty great sound quality.

The headphones feature plenty of high-end and a relatively well-tuned mid-range, but perhaps the best thing about these headphones is that they boast plenty of powerful bass — which is good new for those that like a tight low-end.

Buy the Focal Spark headphones now from Amazon