Whether you're looking for versatile Bluetooth headphones with extra features, like active noise cancelling (ANC), or you're a discerning audiophile who only wants the best sound possible, there's something out there for everyone. However, it can be overwhelming to sort through the hundreds of products on the market, especially when there are so many different types of headphones. Some headphones even seem to offer similar performance, but at radically different price points. How do you know which pair is right for you?
We've tested over 845 pairs of headphones, and below are our recommendations for the best you can buy.
Quick Look
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Best Headphones
Noise Isolation - Full Range9.7Recording Quality7.7Frequency Response Consistency6.0Audio Reproduction Accuracy7.8Noise Isolation9.7Travel8.5See all our test resultsOffice Work8.5The Sony WH-1000XM6 are the best headphones we've tested. Thanks to their powerful active noise cancelling (ANC) tech and passive isolation, these over-ear headphones filter out a massive array of environmental noise spanning rumbly bus engines, background voices, and squeaky subway brakes. With ANC enabled, their battery lasts just shy of 32 hours. You can connect them via high-quality codecs like LDAC, and if your device supports it, LC3, to get the benefits of Bluetooth LE Audio, such as improved microphone quality. They also support Bluetooth multi-pairing with two devices for simple switching between devices. They're designed to fit into your life with intuitive touch and gesture controls that you can remap and tweak the warm sound profile with graphic EQ in the comprehensive app.
If you like simulated surround sound, you can use the Sony 360 Reality Audio feature with compatible streaming services for an immersive experience that includes head tracking to place you in the midst of the music. These premium-built headphones can fold down smaller, and their cushy earpads and headband feel comfortable for most people, too, though you'll want to ensure you get a consistent over-ear seal for the best sound and isolation. If you have larger ears or wear glasses, you might prefer the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) for the roomier and more consistent fit. The Bose can also deliver audio via high-quality codec, aptX Adaptive, but some features aren't as customizable to your taste, like the controls, which rely mainly on a multi-function button. And, while the ANC is nearly as effective as the Sony, you can't fully disable it, and the EQ is only three bands.
Still, the top tier of headphones is crowded with plenty of excellent choices; for more options, check out our picks for the best wireless headphones.
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Best Upper Mid-Range Headphones
Noise Isolation - Full Range9.5Recording Quality6.1Frequency Response Consistency8.1Audio Reproduction Accuracy7.9Noise Isolation9.3Travel8.4See all our test resultsOffice Work7.8If you're looking for premium over-ears at a more digestible price, check out the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless. While the Sony WH-1000XM6 are the newer generation in the line-up, the WH-1000XM4 hold up well to the test of time. Plus, if you're looking for premium performance at a lower price, the WH-1000XM4 Wireless cost less than their successor. With the WH-1000XM4, you lose out on some features like LE Audio's LC3 codec, slightly better ANC, head-tracking for surround sound, and a few other app benefits, but the core fundamentals remain competitive despite the generational differences.
Like the WH-1000XM6, they support multi-device pairing and have a warm default sound profile that emphasizes thump and rumble in genres like EDM and hip-hop. The WH-1000XM4 headphones have an outstanding ANC system that does a remarkable job of filtering ambient sound, including rumbling engines and background conversations, so they're a great choice for commuting or travelling. Their battery lasts for roughly 37 hours with the ANC on, so you don't need to worry about running out of power during long days on the go. However, their mic doesn't offer the best recording quality, making your voice sound thin and muffled. Still, for a slightly clearer microphone and the option to use a mic when the headphones are connected via a cable, consider the Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless, though the battery life is shorter and you miss out on the Sony's LDAC codec.
Check out our article on the best noise cancelling headphones for more picks.
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Best Mid-Range Headphones
Noise Isolation - Full Range8.9Recording Quality6.1Frequency Response Consistency7.4Audio Reproduction Accuracy6.9Noise Isolation8.7Travel7.8See all our test resultsOffice Work7.7From this price point onwards, Anker dominates the market. Their Q lineup covers a range of prices, from mid-range down to budget, and most options are pretty hard to ignore since they come well-equipped with features like ANC, multi-device pairing, and companion app support. Their top-of-the-line headphones, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless, are significantly cheaper than the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless. These headphones are a step down in build quality and comfort from the previous pick and offer a shorter continuous battery life. Still, they have some of the same features; their adjustable ANC does a fantastic job of cutting down a wide range of sound. Unfortunately, their ANC isn't perfect and generates white noise when active, which is noticeable and can be a bit annoying depending on your sensitivity.
Their sound is bassy and well-suited for genres like pop and rock, as they emphasize thump and punch, while retaining clarity in vocals and instruments. If you prefer something different, you can tweak their sound using an in-app graphic EQ and presets. These over-ears also last for around 27 hours continuously and support multi-device pairing, so you can stay connected to your PC and smartphone simultaneously. On the downside, calls aren't well served by their mic, which has a mediocre recording quality: speech is thin, dark, and lacking depth, though the mic handles background noise quite well.
If you're looking for a similar set of headphones with a better microphone, check out the Sony ULT WEAR. These noise cancelling headphones supply a better mic, slightly better build quality, and a longer battery life. They're similarly tuned to favor a bass-heavy sound profile and are equally customizable with an in-app graphic EQ. However, while their ANC is excellent, they don't cancel low-rumbling noise like engines as handily as the Anker.
Looking for more mid-range headphones? Our article on the best headphones under $200 has more picks!
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Best Budget Headphones
Noise Isolation - Full Range8.8Recording Quality7.2Frequency Response Consistency5.4Audio Reproduction Accuracy7.3Noise Isolation8.5Travel7.9See all our test resultsOffice Work7.6If you're looking for a cheaper pair of headphones, check out the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 2024. Anker continues to dominate the budget space with noise-cancelling headphones that perform well above their price, and this model is no exception. While they can't block out as much noise as the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless, they still do an excellent job of reducing background chatter and hum. Of course, to keep the price low, some concessions have to be made, and these take a hit on the build quality front. While they're light and comfortable enough to wear for long sessions, they do feel a bit cheap and plasticky. They can also sound a bit inconsistent depending on fit, especially if you wear glasses.
On the plus side, with over 49 hours of continuous battery life, these will get you through a full workweek without charging (but only if you're able to avoid overtime). Compared to the older Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless, the 2024 version also brings a few welcome updates. You now get Bluetooth multi-device pairing, so you can stay connected to both your phone and laptop at once, and the EQ in the app lets you adjust their bass-heavy default sound to taste. The onboard microphone keeps your voice intelligible for calls, but background noise can easily overpower it in busier environments.
If you aren't looking to spend much, our best budget and cheap headphones article has more recommendations for low-priced options.
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Best Sounding Wireless Headphones
Noise Isolation - Full Range8.5Recording Quality6.4Frequency Response Consistency7.9Audio Reproduction Accuracy8.0Noise Isolation8.1Travel7.8See all our test resultsOffice Work7.6If you want the best sound experience over a Bluetooth connection, check out the Focal Bathys Wireless. They're much pricier than the previous wireless picks, but these over-ears are equipped with handy features to improve your audio experience. Like our top pick, the Sony WH-1000XM6, they include a graphic EQ and presets to adjust the sound to your tastes. They also support aptX Adaptive codec, allowing you to stream high-quality audio over Bluetooth. If you use these cans wired, you can take advantage of their USB-DAC, converting digital signals to analog with their onboard hardware. Their battery also lasts over 29 hours continuously with ANC, and their cups have a comfortable, plush fit, which is great for long listening sessions.
Using the Dynamic EQ preset when wireless, they have a balanced sound profile that delivers satisfying bass without drowning out vocals and instruments. They're closed-back headphones, so their passive soundstage doesn't feel the most spacious or natural, especially when compared to the openness of the Sennheiser HD 800 S below. But they do support multi-device pairing, so you can stay connected to your PC and smartphone simultaneously, making them great for on-the-go listening without sacrificing much in the way of sound quality. That said, their ANC, while great, can't rival the best on the market. If that's a priority for you and you're willing to accept an ever-so-slightly less controlled sound, consider the Noble FoKus Apollo. The Noble's treble range has a series of peaks and dips that can render sibilants dull or piercing depending on their pitch, but the included ANC is a step above the Focal's, rivalling the Sony's in its ability to block out noise.
Want more sound-oriented headphones? Try our picks for the top headphones for music.
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Best Audiophile Headphones
Noise Isolation - Full Range1.2Frequency Response Consistency8.4Audio Reproduction Accuracy8.5Noise Isolation1.4Travel5.0See all our test resultsOffice Work3.4The best audiophile headphones we've tested are the Sennheiser HD 800 S. Unlike the closed-back Bluetooth Focal Bathys Wireless, these wired cans have an open-back design, allowing audio to escape the ear cups and interact with your environment, contributing to their spacious, out-of-head soundstage. On the flip side, they're designed for use in an enclosed room as they won't block out any background noise. You may also want to consider a dedicated headphone amp to properly drive these cans, which can be an additional investment if you don't already have one. If you just want to dip your toes into the audiophile world, it's worth trying out entry-level headphones like the Philips SHP9500, which are a fraction of the price but aren't as sturdily built.
The Sennheiser headphones have a flat sound profile that's suitable for most audio content. Although they have some trouble reproducing a thumpy low-bass, there's enough high-bass that basslines still feel warm. And you can always boost the low-bass up to our target using the EQ settings we provide. Their mid-range is flat, so vocals and lead instruments are clearly and accurately reproduced. They also have excellent build quality, and their fit is comfortable enough for extended critical listening sessions.
If you're looking for more options for hi-fi sound, check out our article on the best audiophile headphones.
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Best Earbuds
Noise Isolation - Full Range8.8Recording Quality5.2Frequency Response Consistency8.9Audio Reproduction Accuracy7.9Noise Isolation9.1Travel8.4See all our test resultsOffice Work7.8If you want a more portable option than the over-ears featured in this list, consider the Technics EAH-AZ100, our pick for the best earbuds. These premium Bluetooth buds let you go untethered by wires, with a pocketable and well-built case for audio on the go. They supply a powerful noise-cancelling buffer from your surroundings in a sleek package. Combined passive isolation from one of the five sets of ear tips and ANC effectively block external noises like traffic and chit-chat. They're tuned with a smooth, bass-forward, and warm sound profile, which you can adjust to taste in the companion app's equalizer.
As for modern conveniences, these earbuds last a fantastic 12 hours with ANC on before needing a recharge in the case, which is one of the longest-lasting continuous battery results we've had for earbuds to date. So, you can take an intercontinental flight or get through a full day at the office without a recharge. You can also take advantage of multipoint pairing with up to three devices. That said, if you have smaller ears or the deeper in-ear fit of the Technics design doesn't suit your anatomy, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are worth a look. Their fit is shallower, and since most of the housing sits outside of your ear, they don't apply much extra pressure, and you can customize the fit with optional stabilizers. Still, the Bose's continuous battery life is shorter at 6.5 hours, and they don't block out as much noise in the mid-range as the Technics.
Searching for more earbuds? Check out our best in-ear headphones article!
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Best Earbuds For iPhone
Noise Isolation - Full Range9.7Recording Quality5.5Frequency Response Consistency9.0Audio Reproduction Accuracy7.5Noise Isolation9.7Travel8.6See all our test resultsOffice Work8.0Want something that rivals the Technics EAH-AZ100 but offers extra features for iOS users? Then the Apple AirPods Pro 3 are an excellent choice. Their ANC blocks out more noise across the whole spectrum than the Technics, making them one of the best noise cancelling earbuds available today. That said, they're much better if used with an Apple device. The H2 chip makes for seamless pairing and switching between your MacBook or iPhone, and features their microphone perform better when paired with Apple's other devices.
These comfortable, well-built buds are certified IP54 for resistance against water splashes and dust exposure (that also helps when it comes time to clean your buds). Unfortunately, their sound customization options are rather limited (there's no graphic EQ here), and Android users won't even have access to features like Adaptive EQ. If you're a tweaker, the Technics buds will suit you better. Still, the Apple's versatile sound suits most audio, so there's no need to tweak if you don't want to. The fit of the buds has changed slightly from the Apple AirPods Pro 2; it's a matter of preference. But if you found the Pro 2 tended to wiggle out of your ears, these might be better. If you prefer a more open design, the Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are worth considering, as their looser fit can feel less intrusive. That said, the Pro 3 are the better buds in general, with a longer nine-hour battery life and much better ANC.
For more iOS-friendly options, check out our picks for the best wireless earbuds for iPhone.
Recent Updates
Nov 06, 2025:
The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 2024 replace the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless as our budget pick, and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) replace the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless as our alternative to the Sony WH-1000XM6. We added the Noble FoKus Apollo as an alternative to the Focal Bathys Wireless, and the Apple AirPods Pro 3 replace the Apple AirPods Pro 2 as our 'Earbuds For iPhone' pick.
Sep 09, 2025:
We recently updated a few more headphones to Test Bench 2.0 and edited this article to reflect those changes, but we haven't changed our picks.
Jul 10, 2025:
This article's picks have been updated. The top pick has been replaced with the Sony WH-1000XM6, and the 'Best Earbuds' are now the Technics EAH-AZ100. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless are mentioned as an alternative to the top pick. Text has been updated throughout to reflect these changes.
May 01, 2025:
We haven't changed our picks, but we've updated the text throughout to reflect changes made as part of our Test Bench 2.0 update, which changed how we test sound.
Mar 05, 2025:
We've made minor adjustments to the text for clarity and accuracy with no changes to our picks.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best earbuds and headphones for most people to buy. We factor in the price (cheaper headphones win over pricier ones if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no headphones that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you would 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 ideal headphones. Personal tastes, preferences, and listening habits will matter more in your selection.