The 7 Best Headphones - Spring 2020
Reviews

The best headphones with a wireless connection that we've tested so far are the Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018. These premium over-ear headphones are packed with all the features you'd expect from a top pair of headphones, including ANC, multi-device and NFC pairing, and a dedicated companion app.

Their ANC is one of the best we've tested so far, and they do a great job of giving you some peace during a long flight or bus ride and are excellent at blocking out background chatter. They're very lightweight and comfortable and should be able to survive a few accidental drops and bumps. Their physical buttons are very easy to use and give you quick access to all common media/call controls. They also sound very well-balanced, with just a little extra bass that will add fullness and kick to your music without being overpowering or boomy. Their sound profile is very versatile and is well-suited to a wide range of content and genres, from EDM to audiobooks.

Unfortunately, their dedicated companion app doesn't include any EQ settings, so you can't customize the way they sound, which is a shame. While their battery life isn't as high as some other options, it's still great and will last you 20 hours before you need to reach for their charging cable. Overall, these are a good, well-rounded pair of headphones that make a great travel companion thanks to their superb ANC and very comfortable design.

The best wireless earbuds that we've tested so far are the Samsung Galaxy Buds+. These truly wireless in-ears really pack a punch with their performance.

These truly wireless in-ears are surprisingly comfortable and have a very premium look and feel. Thanks to their neutral and well-balanced default sound profile, they're suited for all genres including audiobooks and pop. If you like a little more kick and thump in your music, their companion app also comes with five EQ presets, so you can tweak the sound to your liking. Their outstanding 13.5 hours of continuous battery life is one of the longest we've tested so far for truly wireless headphones and their Qi-enabled charging case comes with an extra charge.

On the downside, they don't have an ANC feature and while they can help to reduce chatter in the office, they don't really block out low sounds like the rumbles of bus or plane engines. They also use touch-sensitive controls that can accidentally trigger a command and some may find them limiting to use while wearing gloves. Overall, these truly wireless headphones have an extremely balanced sound with an impressive battery life that all users can enjoy.

The best headphones for audiophiles that we've tested so far are the Sennheiser HD 800 S. These comfortable open-back over-ears have an expertly-tuned sound profile that lends itself well to most genres of music. They feel extremely well-made and have a detachable audio cable, so you can easily replace it should it get damaged over time.

These are top-of-the-line reference-class headphones with an open-back design that provides a wide and spacious soundstage to immerse you in your music. While their sound profile is well-balanced, the bass range is a little shy and the mids are slightly muddy. Still, these headphones are great for a variety of genres and can provide an excellent listening experience.

Unfortunately, these headphones don't come cheap. Not only do the headphones themselves carry a hefty price tag, but you need a powerful amplifier to drive them. Also, as with most open-back headphones, they're designed for listening in a dedicated and quiet room, as they leak a ton of audio and don't block any background noise, though this is by design. Overall, if you're looking for an exceptional listening experience, these are among the best audiophile headphones we've tested to date.

The best headphones in the budget category that we've tested so far are the Anker Soundcore Life Q20. These Bluetooth over-ear headphones are quite comfortable thanks to their well-padded ear cups and headband. They have an excellent 32-hour battery life, decently easy-to-use physical controls, and feel fairly well-made for their price.

They have an excited sound profile that provides a fair amount of extra thump and kick. While they're best suited for bass-heavy music like EDM or hip-hop, they should be versatile enough for most popular genres. Unfortunately, they don't have a dedicated companion app, so they lack an EQ to change the way they sound. Despite their low price point, they have a surprisingly decent ANC feature that'll help cut down on the low rumble of bus and plane engines, though it does much better at blocking background chatter.

Overall, they may lack some extra features compared to some more expensive options on this list, but their good ANC performance, well-balanced and excited sound profile, and comfortable and fairly well-built design makes them among the best budget wireless headphones that we've tested to date.

The best cheap wireless earbuds that we’ve tested so far are the Anker Soundbuds Curve Upgraded 2019. These Bluetooth earbuds deliver not only great performance for their price point but are versatile enough for most everyday needs.

They have a somewhat balanced sound but fans of EDM and hip-hop can especially enjoy the extra bass that brings kick and thump to their mixes. They're still well-suited for a variety of genres and their wireless design makes it easy to play whatever you like to listen to from your mobile devices. They're also great for sports since they have a stable, ear-hook design, and their over 18 hours of battery life should be able to get you through even the most grueling of work days on one charge.

On the downside, they don't have a companion app so you won't be able to really tweak their sound profile. The cable that connects the left and right earbuds also feels thin and particularly prone to wear and tear. Still, at their price point, these earbuds are a solid choice for anyone looking for good headphones on a budget.