How to EQ your Bluetooth headphones

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After snagging a shiny new pair of Bluetooth headphones, how do you ensure they sound their best? By equalizing them! Whether you use the EQ in a manufacturer's app or you take advantage of third-party software, there's usually a way to EQ Bluetooth headphones so they sound better.

Chances are that if you bought your Bluetooth headphones within the last few years—even a cheaper pair—the manufacturer offers an app that’ll let you equalize them. The specifics vary based on devices, brands, and software versions, but here's a guide to some of the most popular models.

Sony Bluetooth headphones compatible with the Headphones Connect app let you EQ them pretty easily. First, ensure they’re synced up properly, then:

Bose offers an equalizer as part of its Bose Music app. Depending on the model of your headphones, the specifics may vary—headphones like the Bose QuietComfort 45 and QuietComfort 35 II don't have access to the feature. In general, first make sure your headphones pair up properly, then:

Compatible Sennheiser headphones support the Smart Control app and its equalizer. First, ensure everything is properly synced, then:

The V-MODA app contains a built-in EQ. First, sync up your mobile device and compatible headphones properly, then:

If you own a pair of wireless Bluetooth headphones from Audio-Technica, first you must download the company's Connect mobile app. Then, after everything is synced properly:

Things get more complicated with the Apple AirPods. We recommend that you use these earbuds only within the Apple ecosystem. Partly, that's because the AirPods doesn't offer an EQ on its own. Rather, it comes as a part of iOS via the Music app. On Android, no such option exists, and we don't recommend you use AirPods with anything but Apple's devices anyway. To EQ your media on iOS:

These EQ settings may be rooted in the Apple Music app, but they affect all media playing on your phone. Your AirPods also won't retain these settings after disconnecting, so equalizing AirPods with anything other than an iOS device will require a third-party EQ app.

Jabra headphones that support the Jabra Sound+ app actually have two kinds of equalization available. Jabra calls its EQ "Moments" and you can create a personalized sound profile with "MySound." After everything is properly synced, you can access them:

Jaybird offers the Jaybird App to EQ your headphones. After you get them synced, it's pretty easy:

The ShurePlus PLAY app lets you EQ locally stored content with compatible Shure headphones. Get everything synced properly, then:

If your Bluetooth headphones don't offer an equalizer, or you find the official option limiting or otherwise unhelpful, all hope is not lost. Some of your favorite media-playing apps include EQ features of their own. For example, Spotify comes with an EQ, as does YouTube Music (also rather limited), and the Apple Music EQ settings apply to any headphones, not just AirPods. Most of these EQs are in the app's settings somewhere.

If your preferred playback app does not offer an EQ either, are you out of options? Thankfully, no. Plenty of third-party options exist to equalize your Bluetooth headphones, and they might work with synced-up speakers and soundbars, too.

Our friends at Android Authority have already covered the best EQ apps you can find. Some are free, but you may consider paying the (usually pretty cheap) price for the more advanced options if you want to get lots of features and customization. Your phone manufacturer might also offer an EQ as part of its customized Android OS, so check in your settings, as well.

We can't vouch as much for the options available on iOS devices like iPhones and iPads. Some of our favorite Android apps mentioned by Android Authority above might exist for iOS, though—for example, you can try Equalizer FX. Other iOS options include Equalizer+ HD and Boom, but we haven't tested these.

If you’re on a desktop or laptop, your audio drivers may already include an equalizer. Check the manual and in the audio settings of your operating system. The Microsoft Surface Earbuds also offers an app of its own that includes an EQ feature.

Plus, there are plenty of third-party options available for these platforms. For instance, there's Boom3D, which has both free and paid versions, and EqualizerPro. We haven't tested them, but through some trial and error, plus Googling, you’ll likely find one you prefer. Furthermore, many of your favorite playback apps have equalizers themselves. Even VLC packs in EQ, among many other features.

Apple Music includes an equalizer on macOS, too. You’ll find it in its menu bar under Window > Equalizer. If you want to use another app to EQ, options like VLC and EqualizerPro also exist for macOS. Similarly, you can try a third-party Mac-specific EQ such as eqMac.

No matter if you choose to EQ your Bluetooth headphones through the manufacturer's app or a third-party solution, the process is well worth it. You’ll get to experience the sound that you like and feel more immersed in all your music.

Learn more: Everything you need to know about surround sound in headphones