It can be hard to know where to start if you're looking for a new pair of headphones. Even if you've narrowed your needs to something fairly specific, like earbuds for sports, how do you know the best earbuds brand? While the biggest brands tend to make something for everyone, some focus on specific groups, like athletes or professional musicians. While you can get a decent pair of headphones from most brands these days, there's no hard and fast answer as to the best headphones brand for you. Each company has a unique way of doing things, even catering to similar needs. That said, some brands stand out among the rest.
We've tested headphones from over 100 brands, and below are our recommendations of the 9 best headphone brands. The brands aren't ordered by rank or position; the first brand listed isn't necessarily our top pick, and the last brand isn't the worst. Instead, we've listed the brands by use or specialty, keeping brands with similar audiences together to make it easier to find what best suits your needs.
Quick Look
Our How We Test Headphones article takes you behind the scenes in our lab. You'll learn how we choose and purchase products and dive into the details of our review philosophy, from testing and scoring to writing and editing.
You can also discover how we produce recommendations like this one, so that you can find the best headphones (or earbuds!) for your needs.
-
Bose
Sports And Fitness7.5Travel8.6Office Work8.3Audio Reproduction Accuracy8.1Wired Gaming (In Development)7.4Noise Isolation9.3Frequency Response Consistency6.8Comfort8.5Controls7.6Peaks/Dips8.0Noise Isolation - Full Range9.5See all our test resultsBattery8.7You've probably heard of Bose if you care about noise isolation. They're well-known for their powerful noise cancelling technology and made their mark by producing the first commercial acoustic noise cancelling headset for pilots. Since then, they've updated and expanded their active noise cancelling (ANC) systems for consumer use, housed in comfortable packages. Most models fall under the QuietComfort line, and they've even widened their offerings to include home audio systems like soundbars and speakers. Their headphones offer powerful noise isolation and fairly balanced sound profiles that often lean slightly warm. They've even produced a lineup of audio sunglasses with speakers built into the arms, so you can still listen to audio without blocking your ears. Generally, the brand doesn't address every price point, focusing on premium headphones, so they may be over budget if yours is tight.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless (2nd Gen) are the best Bose headphones we've tested. These top-of-the-line over-ears have a powerful noise-filtering performance in a lightweight and well-padded enclosure. Their ANC easily cuts down the low rumble of bus and plane engines, ambient chatter, and high-pitched sounds, like the whine of computer fans, so you can focus on your audio. With their ANC on, they last 37 hours continuously, a notable upgrade on the previous generation. This generation also introduces USB-C audio and a less trebly default frequency response. If you're looking for more portable headphones, try the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen). These earbuds have a similarly fantastic noise isolation performance, but aren't quite as comfortable and only last for 6.5 hours off a single charge.
-
Sony
Sports And Fitness7.4Travel8.5Office Work8.5Audio Reproduction Accuracy7.8Wired Gaming (In Development)7.8Noise Isolation9.7Frequency Response Consistency6.0Comfort7.5Controls8.1Peaks/Dips7.3Noise Isolation - Full Range9.7See all our test resultsBattery9.2Sony is one of the largest electronics manufacturers in the world. They make everything from cameras and TVs to a full roster of soundbars and headphones suited to diverse needs. Whether you're looking for noise cancelling over-ears to help cut down ambient sound during your commute, sports-oriented earbuds with great stability, or niche products like bassy headphones, Sony can meet your needs. Many Sony headphones are also compatible with the Sony | Sound Connect app, which offers customization features like an EQ or button mapping. However, sorting through their large selection can be overwhelming, especially as there's a lot of overlap between models. Still, their high-end Bluetooth models are among the best we've tested, offering versatile performance for most users.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 are the best Sony headphones we've tested in the lab. These premium over-ears come equipped with some of the best ANC available, filtering out an exceptional amount of construction noise, talkative people nearby, and A/C units. Thanks to their lightweight, folding frame, cushy earpads, and nearly 32 hours of continuous battery life, you can listen for long sessions at the office or on your travels. Their default warm sound signature with a smooth bass emphasis can be tailored to suit your preferences in the companion app's graphic EQ and EQ presets. With upgraded features like adjustable transparency mode, virtual surround sound, and location-based listening settings, these added luxuries elevate the headphones above the basics of frequency response and noise isolation by adding ease to your everyday experience.
If you prefer an in-ear fit, the best Sony earbuds we've tested are the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless. These noise cancelling Bluetooth in-ears are a great choice for on-the-go use, though they aren't quite as comfortable or as well-built as the over-ear alternative, and their battery life isn't as long-lasting.
-
Apple
Sports And Fitness8.1Travel8.6Office Work8.0Audio Reproduction Accuracy7.5Wired Gaming (In Development)5.8Noise Isolation9.7Frequency Response Consistency9.0Comfort8.0Controls8.2Peaks/Dips6.6Noise Isolation - Full Range9.7See all our test resultsBattery7.5Apple is an iconic American company that produces consumer electronics such as speakers, smartphones, and computers. Although their headphone lineup is much smaller than their competitors, their easily recognizable products have impacted the retail landscape. Their in-ears have a distinctive, glossy white look that has been imitated by other manufacturers. They were also one of the brands that pushed true wireless products into greater popularity when they removed the headphone jack from their iPhones. Apple is also the best earbuds brand if you're already integrated into the Apple ecosystem because their products also boast a couple of extra features unique to iOS. Their wireless headphones feature H1/H2 chips, allowing for seamless pairing with iOS devices. Newer products support Spatial Audio, which reorients sound as you move your head in a virtual surround sound, on iOS/iPadOS 14 or later. Although their companion interface lacks an EQ or presets, if you have an up-to-date iOS device, you can access sound customization features via the 'Accessibility' tab.
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are the best Apple headphones we've tested. These in-ears follow the Apple AirPods Pro 2 and have an even better ANC system than the last generation, while adding novel features like a heart rate monitor. The improved ANC is able to aggressively tamp down on noises across the frequency spectrum, effectively cutting out external distractions. Their default sound profile is warm, with a smooth treble and balanced mid-range that's versatile enough for most genres of music. Their nine-hour battery life represents an improvement over the last generation, and with two extra charges in the case, the buds enter standby mode when not in use. If you prefer over-ear headphones, you may want to consider the Apple AirPods Max, which are premium noise cancelling headphones with a sleek aluminum design. However, they're heavy and can be fatiguing for long listening sessions. People who like the open-fit of the original AirPods can also consider the Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, which offer a non-intrusive fit while still filtering out the noises in your environment, though the ANC isn't as powerful as the AirPods Pro 2.
-
Sennheiser
Sports And Fitness5.9Travel5.0Office Work3.4Audio Reproduction Accuracy8.5Wired Gaming (In Development)6.8Noise Isolation1.4Frequency Response Consistency8.4Comfort8.0Peaks/Dips8.0See all our test resultsNoise Isolation - Full Range1.2Sennheiser was originally established in Germany, and now, with international hubs, their products are well-reputed among musicians and audiophiles. The company has also been divided into consumer and professional divisions since Sonova (a hearing health company) acquired them. Sennheiser is renowned for live music and music production equipment, like microphones and peripherals, but they also make a small selection of soundbars and wireless headphones. The manufacturer's wide range of open-back headphones with good performance at various price points contributes to their prestige. However, they also make Bluetooth models for more casual listening and dedicated TV headphones to enjoy your favorite shows wirelessly without sync issues. Also, like Sony, it can be hard to know which of their headphones provide the best value since they have so many overlapping models with only minor differences. They're a reliable brand with a good reputation for consistent products worth recommending.
The best Sennheiser headphones we've tested are the Sennheiser HD 800 S. These reference-class over-ears have an open-back design, resulting in a spacious and immersive soundstage. Combined with an expertly tuned sound signature, they're a stellar choice for listening to your favorite high-fidelity tracks in a quiet room. They're quite the investment, so audiophiles on a budget will want to consider the more affordable Sennheiser HD 560S, which don't sound as immersive but provide better value for the price. If you prefer the versatility of a wireless noise cancelling design, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless have a bass-rich sound with a stylish, comfortable fit for everyday use. However, they offer a less immersive listening experience due to their closed-back design.
-
Audio-Technica
Sports And Fitness5.7Travel5.5Office Work4.0Audio Reproduction Accuracy6.5Wired Gaming (In Development)6.4Noise Isolation4.5Frequency Response Consistency5.9Comfort7.5Peaks/Dips7.6See all our test resultsNoise Isolation - Full Range4.3Audio-Technica is a Japanese brand with a wide selection of headphones and other audio products like microphones and turntables. They're perhaps best known for the M-Series headphones, which are closed-back studio headphones for professional use. This lineup includes many options, and it's not always obvious which model provides the best value for the price, especially because the differences are small between each tier. However, the best Audio-Technica products are go-tos for audiophiles and audio professionals, who laud them for their build and sound quality. In addition to the M-Series, they produce active noise cancelling and Bluetooth models for when you're out and about; we haven't measured as many of them, though the models we have aren't particularly notable.
The best Audio-Technica headphones we've tested are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. These closed-back headphones have a wired design and a well-balanced sound profile. There's a bit of overemphasis in the bass range that adds extra warmth to the audio, but they're still suitable for various genres. If you're a DJ, they're a popular pick, and if you're just looking for studio headphones, these will be sure to please. They're well-built and have a comfortable fit, although their big ear cups and wide headband make them bulkier than other models from this manufacturer. If you're looking for a cheaper wired-only option, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x are worth considering, although they aren't as sturdy as the M50x. Still, if you prefer high-end open backs, the Audio-Technica ATH-ADX3000 offer a brighter tuning in a comfortable and well-appointed build, but like the Sennheiser HD 800 S, they're not very portable or as versatile as closed-backs.
-
JBL
JBL is an American manufacturer that offers various audio equipment like speakers and headphones. A subsidiary of Harman, most of their extensive lineup of headphones features a balanced default sound profile, which will please most listeners. However, select models have excited bass- and treble-heavy, V-shaped frequency responses. Some of these headphones are compatible with the JBL Headphones app, offering a parametric EQ and presets to customize them. Particularly, JBL is one of the few brands with a wide selection of on-ear headphones, which seem to be a less common style these days. JBL also produces a variety of headphones at different price points, and many of them come in a couple of fun colorways, so there's something for everyone from this brand. However, one concession that comes with a variety of products at every price point is that some of them are rather plasticky-feeling.
The JBL Live Pro 2 TWS True Wireless are the best JBL headphones we've tested. These well-built buds offer versatile performance and have a few handy features for day-to-day life. They have an ANC feature with a great overall performance, blocking everything from bus and plane engines to office chatter. With their ANC on, they also last over eight hours continuously, and their case holds an extra three charges if you need it. Their V-shaped sound is well-suited for genres like rock and pop, but if you prefer a different sound, their companion app has a parametric EQ and presets so you can fine-tune their sound. They can also be paired with up to two devices at a time, which is handy if you like to switch audio sources. If you're more interested in over-ears, the JBL Live 770NC strike a good balance of bass-heavy sound with features like noise cancelling and in-app EQ, with a comfortable fit.
-
Beats
Sports And Fitness8.1Travel8.5Office Work7.7Audio Reproduction Accuracy7.9Wired Gaming (In Development)5.6Noise Isolation9.2Frequency Response Consistency8.9Comfort8.0Controls7.9Peaks/Dips7.7Noise Isolation - Full Range9.2See all our test resultsBattery7.1Beats, or Beats By Dre, is an American audio company founded by rapper and record producer Dr. Dre. Their over-ear headphones are easy to spot in a crowd, thanks to their eye-catching colorways and iconic designs that prominently display the brand's logo. When they first emerged in the market, they were made by Monster (the brand famous for cables) and had the reputation of producing bass-heavy headphones. The chunky designs diverged drastically from conventional headphone styles and became increasingly plasticky in build. However, since being acquired by Apple Inc. in 2014, Beats has made strides to improve sound and build quality. Many models have an H1 or W1 chip, making it easy to pair them with Apple devices seamlessly, and some offer spatial audio with head-tracking. While they're still Apple-oriented, select products have also gained Android app compatibility, although some still lack sound customization features that allow you to adjust their sound to your preferences.
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are the best Beats earbuds we've tested when it comes to performance, especially for sports. These true wireless earbuds include unique silicone hooks that secure them in place, making them a reliably stable fitting companion. While their design aims to please athletes with built-in heart monitors, they otherwise boast more generally appealing features, including a top-notch ANC system. Their ANC effectively filters out the noise of your surroundings, whether on the street or at the gym, allowing you to enjoy a balanced sound signature for up to seven hours of continuous playback without distractions. Unfortunately, you can't change their EQ, but for a little more adjustability, the Beats Studio Pro Wireless over-ears offer preset EQ settings, though their ANC isn't as powerful. The Studio Pro Wireless are the best Beats over-ears, with extensive wired and wireless connectivity, for instance. Meanwhile, the versatility and superior noise cancelling of the Powerbeats Pro 2 translate to Beats you can take for a half-marathon or a trip to the library.
-
Anker
Sports And Fitness7.6Travel7.8Office Work7.2Audio Reproduction Accuracy6.4Wired Gaming (In Development)5.3Noise Isolation8.8Frequency Response Consistency5.3Comfort7.5Controls7.6Peaks/Dips6.5Noise Isolation - Full Range8.9See all our test resultsBattery7.7Anker is a Chinese company known for their affordable electronic accessories like power banks and charging cables. This brand also makes audio products like speakers and headphones under the 'Soundcore' and 'Space' labels. Overall, their headphones offer a good price-to-performance ratio and come in many styles. Some headphones are also compatible with the Soundcore app, which has a graphic EQ and presets to help you customize their sound. Others have an ANC system that, at times, can nearly rival that of other big brands like Bose and Sony. That said, there's anecdotal evidence from owners reporting questionable durability with some over-ear models, which serves as a possible trade-off when considering this brand's selection.
The Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless are the best Anker earbuds we've tested. These buds have many features, including an adaptive ANC feature that does an outstanding job of blocking sounds like car traffic and ambient chatter. They also support multi-device pairing, meaning you can stay connected to your PC and smartphone simultaneously. You can even fine-tune their warm sound profile via their app's graphic EQ and presets. They last just over eight hours continuously, and their carrying case holds an extra four charges if needed. If you're looking for similar earbuds with the more stable fit of a stem-and-bud design, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Truly Wireless are a good alternative. Fans of an over-ear fit can also check out the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless. Their ANC performs similarly to their in-ear counterpart, but their V-shaped sound profile isn't as well-balanced.
-
Skullcandy
Do you like colorful headphones? Then Skullcandy may be the brand for you. Skullcandy is an American electronics company focusing mostly on low- to mid-range headphones in several colors and limited edition prints. Their sound also tends to be bass-heavy and boomy, which is great if you're an EDM or hip-hop fan. Unfortunately, many of their affordable products feel plasticky and lack durability over time. These same products tend to be quite simple in design, but luckily, the brand also produces a few higher-end models with features like ANC and app support.
The Skullcandy Push Active True Wireless are the best Skullcandy headphones we've tested. These wallet-friendly in-ears are stable enough to wear during workouts or jogs in the park, with an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance to protect against the elements. They have a slightly bass-heavy sound profile that adds a touch of warmth to your audio but doesn't overwhelm vocals and lead instruments. If you want to adjust their sound, their companion app features a graphic EQ and presets for optimal personalization. They also last 9.5 hours continuously, meaning they'll only need a recharge at the end of the day. However, these budget buds don't have ANC, so you'll only get slight passive noise isolation of higher frequencies, like noisy roommates or buzzing appliances. If you want something cheaper, consider the Skullcandy Dime 3 True Wireless. Although they're very simple in design, they offer a decent cost-to-performance ratio thanks to their bass-rich sound and good build.
Recent Updates
Nov 18, 2025:
We've removed Jabra from our list of best brands as their consumer headphones are no longer available on the market. Otherwise, we've updated our top Apple pick, adding the Apple AirPods Pro 3, as well as the Bose pick, adding the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Gen 2).
Aug 20, 2025:
This article's picks were updated to include the Sony WH-1000XM6, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, and the Jabra Evolve2 85 Wireless. Formatting was also updated with small text changes throughout.
May 20, 2025:
This article was updated to replace the sold-out Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 with the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 and to add the Jabra Elite 4 True Wireless as an alternative. The JBL Live 770NC replaced the older JBL Live 660NC as the over-ear JBL pick. The forthcoming, but not yet reviewed models, Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless and Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, are mentioned, too. Technics was added to the brand list of Notable Mentions.
Feb 10, 2025:
We've updated this text to reflect changes made as part of Test Bench 1.8 but haven't changed our picks.
Nov 14, 2024:
The text throughout this article has been checked with small changes for accuracy and clarity. The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 True Wireless have been added as the best Jabra pick, with a mention of the Jabra Elite 3 True Wireless. The Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancelling Truly Wireless have also been mentioned in the Apple section.
Notable Mentions
- AKG: Known for their variety of open-back models, their headphones sound very balanced. They're not as diverse a brand as Sennheiser and don't have the same great build quality as Beyerdynamic, but they're a solid choice for critical listeners, and they're owned by Harman, like JBL.
- Audeze: This manufacturer focuses on high-end planar magnetic headphones for audiophiles, studio mixing, and wireless gaming. We haven't tested many of their products, but they tend to have a balanced sound to be enjoyed by professionals and enthusiasts alike. However, they're typically very expensive.
- Bang & Olufsen: Make high-end, fashion-forward headphones that look great but come at a premium price. Products generally perform decently but may not provide the best value for everyone.
- Beyerdynamic: This brand mainly focuses on hi-fi headphones with a balanced sound profile and a high build quality. However, some users may find their sound quite bright, and sibilants like cymbals can sound piercing.
- Bowers & Wilkins: Make sturdy, premium headphones that feel exceptionally well-crafted but are expensive and don't perform as well as our top picks.
- Focal: Make premium audiophile headphones that are remarkably well-crafted. They tend to have a warm, smooth sound that some listeners prefer but lack a fair bit of detail.
- Grado: Make open-back on-ear headphones that have a unique old-school look. They have a distinct sound profile that some enjoy but can feel sharp and lacking in bass.
- HiFiMan: Make open-back audiophile headphones that generally sound great at a lower cost than bigger-name brands like Sennheiser. However, their quality control isn't the best, and some units tend to have manufacturing defects.
- Jaybird: They've been on the market since 2006 and specialize in sports-oriented headphones, and some of their models once ranked among the best wireless earbuds for running and working out that we had tested. However, since Logitech purchased the brand, there haven't been any new releases in years.
- Koss: Make unique headphones with a retro flair that sound decently well-balanced. Unfortunately, they tend to feel plasticky, even considering their budget price.
- Plantronics: Historically, this company made headsets for the aviation and space industry (their headsets went to the moon!) and mainly still focus on call-oriented headphones, some of which come with dedicated docks and boom mics.
- Samsung: They don't make many headphones, and their older models had limited compatibility with Apple devices, but their most recent offerings provide great value, and the company has owned Harman and its brands like AKG and JBL since 2017. See the best Samsung headphones.
- Shure: Known for their studio headphones, they make decent closed-backs and high-end IEMs. They're worth considering if you're an audio producer, but Audio-Technica or Beyerdynamic may provide better value for some people.
- Technics: The Japanese brand, owned by Panasonic, is best known for high-end DJ turntables that helped shape the trajectory of modern music and club culture. The ANC-equipped wireless over-ears and true wireless earbuds are rising in popularity and set to compete against Sony and Sennheiser.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best headphone brands and the best headphones available to buy for most people in various price ranges from 10 different headphone manufacturers.
If you'd like to choose for yourself, here is the list of all our headphone reviews. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There are no perfect headphones. Personal taste, preference, and listening habits will matter more in your selection.