Best Headphone Stores

There aren’t a huge amount of headphone stores in the US, but the numbers are continuing to grow. And each store has its own policies with respect to returns, exchanges, store credit, shipping, etc. We have researched most of the major stores available to shoppers and what their policies are. In addition, we’ve reviewed some of the feedback customers have had about their shopping experiences. This list is not complete, so apologies to anyone whose favorite headphone store is missing; we will be editing this list periodically, so check back for any updates, changes or additions.

Audio 46

Audio 46 is one of our favorites. The store has been around for years, and unlike so many other headphone stores in the NYC, it has weathered the Covid storm with flying colors. Without a doubt, it’s the best place to shop for headphones in New York. Nestled right in the center of Manhattan, Audio 46 not only provides fantastic, highly personalized customer service both in store and online, but also offers some of the best prices and sale terms. They don’t charge any restocking fee at all (except for DAPs), and you’re welcome to come in and listen to almost any headphone you like for as long as you like free of charge (within reason – don’t bring your sleeping bag). Lastly, they’re one of the only stores that accepts returns on in-ear headphones and IEMs.

Sale Terms:

• 30 day return policy
• Final sale on open-box products, and limited edition products.
• Final sale on B-stock items
• Final sale on special orders
• No restrictions on IEM returns

Restocking Fee:

None, with the exception of DAPs and electrostatic headphones which require a 10% restocking fee.

Shipping:

Purchases of $10 or more qualify for free shipping within the continental United States (48 states & DC)

Purchases of $100 or more qualify for free 2-3 business day shipping for all U.S. States and territories

Select items qualify for free 2nd day or overnight shipping

Price Match Guarantee:

Yes. From all authorized dealers.

Demo Policy:

Most items available for demo. No appointment required.

Moon Audio

Based in North Carolina, Moon Audio has a great online store and is probably one of the more well-known establishments on this list. It has quality, and friendly customer service and the feedback is 99% positive. The only complaint noted was the sometimes significant restocking fee (i.e. 10% on a 3k headphone can add up).

Sale Terms:

• 30 day return policy
• Final sale on all earphones and IEMs.
• Final sale on open box products
• Final sale on B-stock items

Restocking fee: 

Restocking fee on all products. Waived if you opt for store credit or exchange. Shipping fees not refunded.

Shipping: 

Purchases of $99 or more qualify for free shipping within the US. In stock orders typically ship within 1 business day.

Price Match Guarantee:

Unspecified on website. Call for details.

Demo Policy:

Show room auditions open by appointment only.

Bloom Audio

Bloom Audio has well-organized and well-stocked online store with solid customer service. And if you happen to be in New Jersey and want to demo a product, you can call ahead and schedule an appointment to visit their office. Just check that the product you’re interested in is available for demo. The only downside you may run into with Bloom Audio is that, like Moon Audio, they require a 10% restocking fee on all returns.

Sale Terms

• 30 day return policy
• Accepts open-box returns

Restocking Fee:

10% restocking fee on all products. Waived if you opt for store credit or exchange. Shipping fees not refunded.

Shipping: 

• For items $100 – $300, free domestic shipping takes 3-5 business days
• For items $300 – $1000, free domestic priority shipping takes 1-3 business days. 
• Free overnight domestic shipping for orders over $1000

Price Match Guarantee:

Yes. From all authorized dealers.

Demo Policy:

Show room auditions open by appointment only

Headphones.com

Headphones.com is another top online seller of headphones and headphone accessories. Their selection is great, and many will be attracted to their 365 day return policy. But be warned that this offers comes with a few caveats (see below). And although the online customer service is friendly, it was a little frustrating not being able to find a contact phone number; on a Monday, their live chat was only available starting from 1:30pm Eastern Time. And all other inquiries can only be made via e-mail. So, if you prefer a particularly personal approach, you’d be better off going with a store like Bloom Audio or Audio 46, where you can speak to customer reps over the phone.

Sale Terms

• 365 day return policy
• Final sale on open-box items
• Final sale on price-match items
• Final sale on special order items
• In-Ear Headphone returns accepted (15% restocking fee)

Restocking fee:

10% restocking fee on all products. In addition, be prepared to add the following restocking fees:

• In-Ear Headphones  +5%
• Affirm Financing  +5%
• Sale or Discounted Items +10%
• Missing Accessories or original packaging  +15%
• Products with batteries  +5%
• Earwax or Dirty headphones  +25%
• Return of more than 2 items in a 365-Day Period  +25%
• Failure to ship item within 7 days of receiving return label  +30%

Shipping: 

– Same day free domestic shipping for all orders over $100. 

– Expedited shipping options available.

Price Match Guarantee:

Yes. From all authorized dealers.

Demo Policy:

Unspecified on website.

B&H

Based in New York City, although B&H is primarily recognized as a camera store, they do sell tons of audio gear, including a wide selection of professional and audiophile headphones. They also offer limited in store demos. Because they are such a huge seller, they have great customer service, fast shipping and no hassle returns.

Sale Terms:

30 day return policy (longer during the holiday season)

Restocking Fee: 

None specified with respect to headphones. See site for details.

Shipping: 

Free domestic shipping. Ships same day.

For more details, visit site.

Price Match Guarantee:

Yes. From all authorized dealers.

Demo Policy:

Limited selection of headphones available for demo. No appointment is required.

Guitar Center

Most musicians are well acquainted with the Guitar Center. They have stores available all around the country, offering many popular spots for music enthusiasts to test out some gear. While the Guitar Center doesn’t sell many audiophile headphones, it is a good place to find pro models for recording/mixing/reference etc. 

Sale Terms:

 – Currently 45 day return policy for duration of holiday season with a number of exceptions  (we will update once this changes)

• Final sale on in-ear headphones

Restocking fee:

See store details

Shipping: 

• Free domestic shipping for products over $25
• Expedited shipping available at extra cost.
• See site details for more information.

Price Match Guarantee:

Yes. From all authorized dealers.

Demo Policy:

Contact store for details.

Sweetwater

Headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sweetwater is an excellent store not only for musicians but also for anyone looking for a large selection of recording or reference headphones. Their customer service in terms of responsiveness and product knowledge is probably the best in the business, and they ship all their products for free, usually within a speedy time frame.

Sale Terms:

• 30 day return policy
• Final sale on in-ear headphones
• Final sale on speakers and tubes

Restocking Fee: 

• No restocking fee for headphones.

Shipping: 

• Free domestic shipping on all products (1-5 days)
• Expedited shipping available at extra cost

Price Match Guarantee:

Currently not available (Check back for updates)

Demo Policy:

Demos available.

Head Amp

Based in Charlottesville, VA, Head Amp is another one of the few stores you can actually visit in person. Their sale terms are also attractive; Head Amp’s restocking fee is very reasonable, at 5%, and they don’t charge any restocking fee at all on their amplifiers. This company has been around for over 15 years and their customer service is friendly and responsive. 

Sale Terms:

60 day return policy

Restocking Fee: 

• No restocking fee on amplifiers.
• 5% restocking fee on all other products

Shipping: 

• Free 1-2 days domestic shipping on orders over $299
• Free international shipping on eligible orders over $499 USD

Price Match Guarantee:

Call for details.

Demo Policy:

Demos available by appointment.

Apos Audio 

Although Apos Audio may not have the largest selection of headphones on the web, they do sell a ton of other stuff with respect to amplifiers, DACs, speakers and turntables. They also offer free second-year transferable warranty coverage on top of the manufacturer’s first-year limited warranty. The only downside we ran into was that, much like Headphones.com, we had trouble finding a phone number or easy way to connect to a human assistant. E-mail inquiries seemed to be the only option for which to contact customer care.

Sale Terms:

45 day return policy

Restocking Fee: 

Return requests made between 15 and 45 days after the order is marked as delivered will be subject to a 20% Processing Fee

Shipping: 

• Free shipping on all orders.
• For further shipping details, visit the Apps Audio site.

Price Match Guarantee:

Yes.

Demo Policy:

Email store to find out.