The 8 Best Headphones - Fall 2020
Reviews

The best wireless headphones that we've tested are the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless. These well-built over-ears have a premium look and an outstanding noise isolation performance. They're the upgraded version of the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless, and they come with a longer continuous battery life, additional touch-sensitive control features, and allow for multi-device pairing.

Their default sound profile is bass-heavy, so you really feel the deep thump and rumble in bass-heavy genres like EDM and hip-hop. If you prefer a different sound, you can customize them using the graphic EQ and presets available in the Sony | Headphones Connect app. The app also allows you to turn on the ANC feature, which is incredible at blocking out background noises typically found during your commute or while working in a noisy office.

Unfortunately, their integrated microphone doesn't have the best recording quality, so your voice may sound a bit thin or muffled to whoever's on the other end of the line. They also don't have the most stable fit, so you may not want to wear them during your workout. That said, they have a decently versatile overall performance that can please many different listeners.

The Razer Opus are the best wireless headphones under $200 that we've tested. These comfortable, well-built headphones offer a good price-to-performance ratio thanks to their versatility. With an over 32-hour continuous battery life, they're great for long days on the go, too.

Overall, they have a neutral, balanced sound profile that's suited for a wide variety of audio content. You can even customize their sound with the graphic EQ and presets available in their companion app. Their ANC feature is outstanding at isolating against background noise, too, so you can enjoy your favorite songs without interruption.

Unfortunately, their microphone doesn't have the best recording quality, and it really struggles to separate your voice from background noises. They also don't support multi-device pairing, which some users may find inconvenient. However, these are still a solid pair of headphones for anyone shopping on a budget.

The best wireless earbuds that we've tested are the Samsung Galaxy Buds+. These lightweight, well-built earbuds have a comfortable and stable fit, so you can use them for long listening sessions without feeling a lot of fatigue. Overall, they have a decently versatile performance that should appeal to many different listeners.

They have a very neutral, well-balanced sound profile that makes them suitable for a wide variety of music genres. Thanks to their companion app, you can even customize the sound to your liking using the five different EQ presets. Also, they have an impressive battery life of over 13 hours off of a single charge, making them ideal to use while you're on the go.

Unfortunately, they don't have the best noise isolation performance, and they'll likely struggle to block out the deep rumble and roar of airplane engines or subway cars. That being said, overall, these are the best truly wireless headphones that we've tested and are a great choice if you want a wireless pair of earbuds.

The Sennheiser HD 800 S are the best headphones for audiophiles that we've tested. They're premium and designed for critical listening, and it shows. They have a comfortable design that's padded with a suede-like material to keep you from feeling fatigued over the course of long listening sessions, and they have reference-quality audio reproduction.

They have a remarkably accurate and well-balanced sound profile, although those who prefer a bit more thump and rumble in their mixes may find their sound to be a bit lacking in the bass-range. Thanks to their open-back design, they're able to create a wide and spacious soundstage that can help further immerse you in your audio. Their build quality feels durable as they're made from high-grade plastic as well as sturdy metal, and they also come with a detachable TRS cable, which is easily replaceable should it get damaged.

Unfortunately, they have a hefty price tag, and even then, you still need to have a powerful amplifier to run them. As they're open-back, they work best when used in dedicated listening rooms because they leak audio and don't block out any background noise. That said, if you're looking for the best listening experience out there regardless of the price, these are among the best audiophile headphones we've tested, and they're worth their high price.

The best headphones in the budget category that we've tested are the Mpow H10. These noise cancelling headphones are very well-padded and should be comfortable enough to wear for long periods. With a decently neutral sound and an impressive battery life, they offer great value for their performance.

Overall, their adequately neutral sound profile should be versatile enough for many music genres. They pack a bit of extra punch in the bass range, which should please fans of bass-heavy music like EDM and hip-hop. Thanks to their ANC feature, you can also use them to block out background noise from your office or your commute.

Unfortunately, these slightly plasticky headphones don't have the most premium feel, and they can leak a bit of noise when you play your music at louder volumes. That being said, they offer a decent overall performance that should please many everyday, casual listeners.

The Anker Soundbuds Curve Upgraded 2019 are the best cheap earbuds that we've tested. At this price point, they deliver a versatile performance for most casual uses. They also pack over 18 hours of continuous battery life, which should easily last you through a typical work day or a commute without pausing to recharge them.

While they're balanced enough for most genres, fans of EDM or hip-hop may especially appreciate the extra bass added to their mixes. Thanks to their small size, you can easily store them in your pockets when not in use, and their comfortable fit means you can wear them for multiple hours without feeling fatigued. They're great for sports since they're stable enough to stay in your ears while you move, and they even have an IPX7 rating for water resistance, although we don't currently test this feature.

However, they don't have a companion app, so you won't be able to customize their sound. The thin cable connecting the left and right earbuds is also a weak spot of the design, and it feels prone to wear and tear. Luckily, should anything break, their affordable price makes them easy to replace, which is nice.