Maxell Bass 13 Maxell 199840 Bass 13 - Heavy Bass in Headphone Review
The Maxell Bass 13 headphones deliver a bass-heavy punch that defies their $20 price tag, but you'll feel the cost savings in the build and comfort.
The 30-Second Version
Shockingly good bass for under $20. They sound like they cost five times more, but they feel and look every bit the budget headphone.
Overview
Look, you're not buying these for the brand name. You're buying them because you want a cheap, wired pair of over-ear headphones that absolutely thump. The one thing to know about the Maxell Bass 13 is that they deliver on the bass promise. For under $20, the sound quality, especially in the low end, punches way above its weight class. They're a no-frills, plug-and-play solution for anyone who wants to feel their music without breaking the bank.
Performance
The surprise here is the sound. Our database shows its audio performance lands in the 94th percentile, which is frankly wild for a budget headphone. The 40mm drivers are tuned for heavy bass, and they deliver. The mic quality is also shockingly decent, sitting in the 87th percentile. Where it falls short is exactly where you'd expect: comfort and build quality are just average, and there's no active noise cancellation, just basic isolation.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The bass is legitimately powerful and immersive for the price. 83th
- The built-in microphone is clear and usable for calls.
- Simple wired connection means zero latency and no charging.
- Dirt cheap, making them a fantastic beater pair.
Cons
- Comfort is just okay; the pads and headband feel budget after a while. 27th
- Build quality feels plasticky and not super durable. 33th
- No active noise cancellation, just passive isolation.
- They look and feel like a $20 headphone, because they are.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | Over-Ear |
Audio
| Driver Type | 40mm |
| Driver Size | 40 |
| Codecs | 40mm drivers for immersive, full-range sound & deep bassSoft, adjustable band & earpadsNoise isolationComfort fit over the head for long sessionsBuilt-in microphone for hands-free conversations |
Connectivity
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
Value & Pricing
At $14 to $22, these are an insane value if your only priority is loud, bass-heavy sound on a wire. You are getting 90% of the core audio experience of headphones five times the price. Just don't expect any luxuries.
vs Competition
Forget comparing these to a Sony WH-1000XM6 or AirPods Max. That's a different universe. The real competition is other budget wired cans. Compared to something like a basic pair of Sony MDR-ZX110s, the Maxells have a much more aggressive, fun bass profile and a better microphone. If you need wireless or actual noise cancellation, you have to step up to an Anker Soundcore Space One Pro, but that'll cost you over $100 more.
| Spec | Maxell Bass 13 Maxell 199840 Bass 13 - Heavy Bass in Headphone | Sony Sony - WH-1000XM6- Best Wireless Noise Cancelling | Apple AirPods Max Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C) - Midnight | Sennheiser Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Wireless Active | JBL JBL Tune 770NC Noise-Cancelling Over-Ear | Bose QuietComfort headphones Bose QuietComfort Wireless Over-Ear Active |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Driver Type | 40mm | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | 40 | 30 | 40 | 37 | 40 | - |
| Impedance Ohms | - | 48 | 16 | - | 32 | - |
| Wireless | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | - | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 | 5.0 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 30 | 20 | 50 | 70 | 24 |
Common Questions
Q: Are these comfortable for all-day use?
They're fine for a few hours, but the budget materials mean they can get a bit sweaty and clampy. For true all-day comfort, you'd need to spend more.
Q: Do they have noise cancellation?
Nope, just regular noise isolation from the over-ear pads. They'll block some office chatter, but not a plane engine.
Q: Can I use these for gaming?
Sure, the wired connection means no audio lag, and the mic works. They scored about average for gaming in our tests, so they'll get the job done without being exceptional.
Who Should Skip This
If you're looking for a premium, comfortable, wireless daily driver with top-tier noise cancellation, this isn't it. Go get an Anker Soundcore Space One Pro or save up for a Sony WH-1000XM6 instead.
Verdict
If you need a cheap, wired pair of headphones for your PC, a backup for the gym, or a gift for a kid, and you want them to sound fun, buy these. They do one thing very well for almost no money. But if you need all-day comfort, premium materials, or wireless freedom, keep looking. This is a tool, not a luxury item.