In the age of technology, it’s easy to spend tons of time using headphones. Music, podcasts, other types of talk shows, there is a ton of auditory content that exists in the world now. By using our phones, computers, and other devices, we can easily plug in our headphones to listen to whatever we so chose. But a common point of discussion is the maximum volume on a lot of headphones in the marketplace. Even listeners with top of the line headphones seek ways to make their devices louder.
Here are eight ways to make your headphones louder:
- Turn the volume up to its maximum
- Use a headphone volume booster app
- Clean your headphones or speakers from any dust or debris
- Try better audio and music apps
- Find the best headphones
- Connect to a Bluetooth or smart speaker
- Make your device louder in the device’s control center
- Adjust the volume limit in your device’s settings
Many would assume that the device the headphones were connected to could not get any louder once at maximum volume. But that is not the case; there are a few ways that a listener can bump up their volume even when the setting is maxed out. Using these easy tips can bring on the sound and give you an even better listening experience. But listener beware, the eardrums are a fragile body part that can become damaged if they are overexposed to sounds that are too loud. Be careful.
#1: Turn the Volume up to its Maximum
This one seems like a no-brainer. And in some ways, it is. But there are ways to increase the volume by using just the device’s volume settings. But a key point to remember is that the device that the headphones are connected to will have its own volume settings, yet the headphones may also have a volume adjustment themselves. If the device’s volume is at its max, but it seems like the sound it’s putting out isn’t quite what it’s capable of, check for a volume setting on the headphones. There may just be a separate way to make the adjustment.
If you are using a phone to listen, there may be a more in-depth or advanced volume setting where a user can tinker with multiple aspects of the sound output. Not only volume can be adjusted, but there may also be an equalizer to pinpoint every aspect of the sound output to set it exactly how you like. A lot of devices will also include the option to set the volume for not just the content you’re listening to, but the notifications, ringers, and other settings as well.
Android and iPhone users can also venture into their settings to find exactly the place to make adjustments to their volume and set it up, so it’s loud enough for your headphones.
#2. Use a Headphone Volume Booster App
This was a new one for me. I actually was not aware an app like this existed, but lo and behold! There are apps specifically designed to boost your volume so that you can increase how loud your content is. By downloading these apps, it will integrate with your device if you’re using a phone or PC. It then serves to override the maximum settings that exist on your device and then can boost up the volume, so it’s louder. Again, be careful with apps like these. If the volume gets too loud, it can damage those eardrums. So, use these apps with a certain level of caution to protect your ears.
There are multiple apps available in the Apple Store and the Google Play store that can be downloaded onto your device. Depending on the program you choose, it’s typically simple to set everything up and integrate the app with your device.
Some of the more notable volume boosters for the iPhone are:
- Equalizer Plus
- Player Xtreme Media Player by Xtreme Media Works
- KaiserTone Audio Player
- ONKYO HF Player Volume Boost
- AutoVolume Automatic Volume Control
If you are an Android user looking to find a volume booster, these are some of the more popular choices:
- Equalizer
- Equalizer FX
- Precise Volume
- VLC for Android
- MX Player
- Podcast Addict
- Viper4Android
Even if you’re using a PC as your device, these apps are also applicable. They can be downloaded to your PC and integrated with your listening device to create maximum volume. Each app will also have its own perks and features when using it as well.
#3. Clean Your Headphones or Speakers of Any Dust or Debris
This solution might also seem somewhat obvious to readers, but it can be easily overlooked by listeners, thus causing a volume issue with your device. Especially earbuds like AirPods. Any sort of headphones that go inside the ear will have a higher propensity to end up with additional debris. The more buildup that happens, the quieter the headphones will be. If they go on being used without being cleaned, they will continue to get quieter over time due to blockage of the speakers.
Having a proper way to clean your headphones will provide an opportunity to keep your device operating well for a long time. Collect these items to help properly clean your headphones:
- A small cloth
- Isopropyl alcohol or Tech cleaning wipes
- Q-tips or cotton swabs
- Soap
- Water
- Tech Friendly Cleaning Putty
Cleaning EarBuds
The first cleaning process we will go over is for earbuds, which are any headphones that go inside the ear, as opposed to resting on the outside by enclosing your ears on either side.
- Start by holding the buds with the mesh facing down, then take a soft toothbrush (preferably a children’s toothbrush) and gently dislodge anything that is clogging up the surface of the mesh. Gently tap the earbuds on a solid surface to knock out any additional, loose debris.
- Use the tech friendly putty to pick up any additional substances that remain on the mesh of the earbuds.
- If your earbuds have silicone tips on the ends, take them off and soak them in soapy water for about five minutes. Afterward, give them a good wipe with tech cleaning wipes, like these by CareTouch that I keep in a huge pack and use all the time to keep my gadgets and sunglasses clean, before replacing them on the earpieces. This step may not work to get inside tips are foam, but if not they can still be cleaned with slightly dampened Q-tips.
Cleaning Headphones
If your listening device is a headphone set as opposed to earbuds, this is the best way to clean them. Just be sure to be careful with these as there can more delicate parts involved:
- Start by removing the ear pads but be gentle as these can tear and render them useless. Take a small cloth that is slightly damp with soapy water and wipe down the exterior of the rest of the headphone unit. Use a paper towel to dry off the headphones and then let them air dry.
- Dampen your small cloth with some rubbing alcohol, or simply grab a tech wipe. Then use it to clean the ear pads after they’ve been removed from the headphones. After that, you can get a cotton swab slightly damp with rubbing alcohol to clean all the crevices of the ear pads.
- Use the tech wipes or cloth with alcohol to gently dab the foam mesh if the ear pads have them. You can then rub some of the alcohol into the mesh between your fingers to kill any bacteria. This will also help dislodge any additional debris.
- Let those ear pads completely air dry before reinstalling them onto the headphones
Using these methods to keep your headphones clean will also help them last longer. The more debris that builds up, the more likely it is for the devices to end up stop working sooner than they should. Keep them clean, and they’ll help to give you plenty of the volume you’re seeking as well.
#4: Try Better Audio and Music Apps
There are many audio and music apps to choose from. Most have unique features that can allow you to set up what you play exactly how you want it to sound. With the right apps, you can also increase your volume abilities past the typical maximum setting. But always proceed with caution if you’re going to use third party audio players and apps. They will typically work fine with most devices but check out reviews and ratings to be sure you’re picking the right program for your device
Some of the more notable apps that are used for playing media are:
- Spotify
- Apple Music
- Google Play Music
- Youtube Music
- AmazonMusic
- BlackPlayer
- jetAudio HD
- MediaMonkey
These players can sometimes even be coupled with the volume booster apps I’ve mentioned to increase the volume even more. Testing out the different apps that are available with your device should help to give you increased volume along with some other perks the programs include.
#5: Find the Best Headphones
Finding the best headphones can be tough since it’s all a matter of opinion. One person may think the best headphones are the most expensive, where someone else may not agree. It’s always helpful to look at the reviews that people have posted. Especially when it comes to the more expensive products. I want you to get the most for your money, so always be sure to take a look at the experience of other customers before buying a set yourself.
In 2020, a list of the ten loudest sets of headphones was released, and it’s worth noting which products they are. Below is a list of the headphones with the highest-rated volume:
- Sony WH1000XM3
- Audio-Technica MSR7NC
- Beats Studio3
- Sennheiser HD280Pro
- Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2
- Cowin SE7
- Dolby Dimension
- Audio-Technica ATH-50BT
- Skullcandy Hesh 3
- Sennheiser HD 4.40BT
A Quick Note Before Reading On: If you’ve read any of my previous articles on Gizbuyer Guide regarding noise cancelling headphones, you’ll know that I absolutely love my Sony WH-1000XM3 wireless over ear headphones.
Having owned them for several months now, I can confirm that they are not only extremely comfortable for long periods of listening time and plenty loud, but their power can reduce low repetitive noises (think airplane engines) to the point that they can’t be heard. This is more so than closest competitors, Bose QC 35II and the even newer Bose 700 headphones, making the Sony 1000XM3s well worth their price and my absolute top recommendation.
These ten sets of headphones provide the best volume. Some of these options are also noise-canceling headphones, so sounds outside of what you’re listening to won’t be heard. Although some of the options may be on the high end of pricing, a nicer pair of headphones may be worth the money, and most likely will be over a mid-range pair. Especially if they’re taken care of, they will last and keep sounding great for years to come. Some of the sound quality of newer, more popular headphones are really quite impressive.
#6: Connect to a Bluetooth or Smart Speaker
If the headphones just aren’t doing it for you, a speaker is always a viable option if you’re not on the go. When you’re in one place and want a way to listen to your content without dealing with headphones, speakers are the way to go. Especially now that Bluetooth and WiFi devices are now becoming commonplace. Skip the hassle of cords and having to plug in your device by connecting using these truly wireless capabilities.
There are tons of options for Bluetooth speakers, and they have become much more affordable for their size-to-loudness ratio as of recent. Finding an affordable device that puts out plenty of sound should be fairly simple. You can check out this site and see the options that are available for Bluetooth speakers at a great price.
Sometimes it’s just easier to ditch the headphones and listen to something that can put out enough sound to satisfy. Especially if the living space is a little bigger. The right speaker can produce even more volume than just a set of headphones. So, imagine how much volume a listener can gain with a speaker combined with some of the apps I’ve mentioned to boost your volume.
#7: Make Your Device Louder in the Device’s Control Center
Each device has a control center that can be used to increase volume. It’s fairly simple to do, and can serve to increase your device’s master volume. Usually, the volume in the control center will have one gauge to turn up or down the volume. Once the dial is at its max, you may have to use alternate options to increase the volume even more.
Some devices have great sound output by using just the device’s own volume without additional help. But others don’t have the best power behind the sound, so maximizing the device’s volume by using one of the volume-boosting apps can help too. If your volume is all the way up, but you’re not getting the sound you’re looking for, it may be time to look at some of the above-mentioned boosters.
#8: Adjust the Volume Limit in the Device’s Settings
This option may be surprising for some as it was for me. There is a workaround in many device settings that allows you to bypass what’s called the “governor or limiter” for the volume. This part of the device is installed, so a listener doesn’t overdo it and end up with damaging volumes. As I’ve mentioned, always take things in small increments when increasing volume past its max. Shutting off the part of your device from making the volume too loud can be a little dangerous to the eardrums, so proceed at your own risk.
On a device such as an iPhone, there is a workaround in the settings named “volume limit.” By opening the setting, you can choose how limited the volume will be. You simply shut off the volume limiter and use the slider to determine how much volume you would like your iPhone to be allowed. Once the limit is set, you can then resume using the normal volume slider to set your volume.
There are also many EQ settings for devices that can help to boost the volume. On iPhones, there is a “late-night” setting that helps boost the volume for louder environments. Android devices and other technology also have EQ settings that you can fiddle with to enhance your experience so your content will be loud enough while listening.
Bottom Line
With the many various ways we listen to things in this age of technology we live in, sometimes we end up with volume that seems a little lackluster. Not every phone, computer, or MP3 player can provide a listener with the right amount of volume for their listening desires. Many people may not know of the different techniques for getting the most power out of your sound.
Some of the tips were even a surprise to me, but there are unique tactics to boost up the sound in your listening device. Whether you use one or multiple ways of increasing your volume, there are some beneficial options that will bring your volume up higher than the typical settings.
By also keeping your headphones in tip-top shape, you will increase the life of your product. Taking care of what you use in order to listen to content with will make them last for years to come and continue giving you all the volume you can handle. Whether it’s songs, podcasts, or audiobooks, I want you to be able to listen with the utmost clarity possible.
As a last reminder, I want to mention one more time to be careful when altering increased volume settings. Eardrums are fragile and won’t repair themselves once they’re damaged beyond a certain point. So, give those ears as much, or more TLC, than what you would to a brand new set of the nicest headphones money can buy.