A good pair of headphones can be your best friend, but choosing the right pair is a personal experience. Maybe you want headphones with strong noise-canceling properties to take on your daily commute. Perhaps you want headphones that can hang during your intense workouts or ones that simply work well and won’t break the bank.
No matter your headphone needs, there’s a pair for everybody, and you shouldn’t be toting a pair that doesn’t best serve you. Each pair of headphones has different strengths in different categories, and we included 12 pairs of headphones and earbuds ranging from $180 to $449 to help you find the perfect pair.
What are the best headphones right now?
After extensively testing all of the top headphones available today, my favorite everyday premium headphones are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, for their best-in-class noise-canceling, cloud-like comfort, and foldable design. My favorite new headphones are the Sonos Ace<!–> for their stylish and premium design, all-day comfort, and dynamic sound. The Sony WH-1000XM5–> are another solid and reliable option, offering a nondescript design, impressing noise-canceling, and a warm and enjoyable sound.
I also like the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2<!–>, which offer a premium earbud experience for Android users. Finally, if you’re conscious about cost but don’t want to sacrifice quality, the Beats Studio Pro–> offer great sound and a fresh design and are often on sale for $180. If you’re looking for headphones for more specific use cases, keep reading and check out my top suggestions.
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The best headphones of 2025
As the name QuietComfort suggests, Bose’s latest flagship release challenges its competitors in the noise-canceling and comfort department. I wear these headphones during intensive writing sessions at my desk, while traveling, and while lounging. Bose improved the QC Ultra’s soundstage with this model, offering a more profound, fuller bass response than any other Bose headphones I’ve tested.
The vegan leather ear pads have perforations to allow for better breathability, decreasing the likelihood of these headphones making your ears feel hot. Even after hours of wear, it’s easy to forget you’re wearing the QC Ultra on your head — they’re that comfortable.
Review: Bose QuietComfort Ultra
The QC Ultra’s noise-canceling is the best I’ve tried in headphones. The ANC offers protection from low, middle, and high-pitched droning noises like a lawnmower, car engine, or running refrigerator. Unlike other ANC headphones, the QC Ultra do a great job diminishing light conversational noises, making them a great companion for people working in public spaces, like a library or coffee shop.
However, the QC Ultra are expensive, retailing at $429 and remaining over $300, even with seasonal discounts. Additionally, their battery life is 24 hours, so if you wear your headphones a lot, you’ll need to plug them in often. The Bose Music app offers a three-band equalizer and options to customize the commands on the right ear cup’s capacitive touch strip.
I don’t recommend buying these headphones in Black. The coating and dark colors pick up fingerprint oils and can be difficult to clean. Additionally, the capacitive strip is a major turn-off for me. It’s easy to toggle incorrect functions accidentally, so I opt to control the headphones exclusively from my phone.
The QC Ultra have a simple and premium design, offering aluminum hinges and ear cups with a soft matte coating to deter scratches. They don’t look as sleek as Apple’s AirPods Max or Sonos’ Ace, but if your aesthetic is sportier and more casual, the QC Ultra will suit your style.
If you’re ready to splurge on a pair of premium everyday headphones and can trade a few hours of battery life for exceptional noise-canceling, I can’t recommend these more.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra tech specs: Form factor: Over-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.3) | Battery life: 24 hours (ANC off) | Driver size: 35mm dynamic | Noise cancellation: Yes | Wired option(s): 3.5mm headphone jack
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Google’s latest premium earbuds offer high levels of comfort and utility. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 debut with enhanced Google Gemini integration, offering users hands-free access to Google’s AI chatbot. Of course, Pixel smartphone users can take advantage of the Pixel Buds Pro 2’s most advertised AI features, but these earbuds work well with other Android phones and iPhones.
Review: Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
The newest Pixel Buds are smaller and more comfortable than their predecessors, delivering lots of comfort in a small bud. Additionally, the new Pixel Buds sport a twist-to-lock stabilizer, which allows wearers to control the Pixel Buds’ fit and audio performance. You can enjoy a casual, relaxed, semi-open-ear listening experience by placing the earbuds in your ear. By twisting the earbuds deeper into your canal, you create a secure fit and a highly immersive listening and noise-canceling experience.
Google fitted the Pixel Buds Pro 2 with a Tensor chip, which is responsible for the earbuds’ enhanced noise-canceling properties. When I tested these earbuds, I was highly impressed by the earbuds’ audio and noise-canceling performances.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 have decent microphone quality for phone calls but struggle in noisier environments. My guess is the AI tech responsible for limiting external noises also suppresses the speaker’s voice. It’s not a dealbreaker, and I hope it’ll be resolved in an upcoming update.
If you’re a Pixel or Android user and you want premium earbuds, consider buying the Pixel Buds Pro 2 over AirPods. To access the Pixel Buds 2’s full suite of features, you only need a Google account and a phone that runs Android 6.0 or newer.
Pixel users can enjoy hands-free access to Google Gemini, although I found this feature to be the most underwhelming (and annoying) thing about these earbuds. The feature is reliable if you’re into chatting with Gemini through the earbuds. If interrupting your music to talk to an AI bot isn’t your thing, you’ll still be impressed with the comfort, sound, and noise cancellation the Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer.
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 tech specs: Form factor: In-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.4) | Battery life: 8 hours and an additional 30 hours with charging case (ANC on) | IP rating: IP54 (sweatproof) | Driver size: 11mm dynamic | Noise cancellation: Yes | Charging option(s): USB-C, wireless
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The Sonos Ace results from the company’s many years of work creating its first pair of over-ear headphones. The Ace headphones are stacked with audio features, like compatibility with Dolby Atmos, noise-canceling, and transparency modes. These headphones’ standout feature is their integration with the Sonos soundbars via a TV audio swap feature. This feature allows users to seamlessly transfer audio from their Sonos Arc, Beam, or Ray to the Ace headphones.
The Ace headphones deliver 30 hours of continuous playback, but you can recover three hours of battery life in a three-minute quick charge. The Ace debuted with thoughtful design features, like removable ear pads and color-coded ear cups.
Review: Sonos Ace
The Sonos Ace are compatible with Dolby Atmos, which was highly immersive when I watched movies and TV shows and listened to music. The TV audio swap feature is impressive, and the Sonos Ace are incredibly comfortable headphones. Additionally, they are stylish and have a simplistic design, staying true to Sonos’ dedication to creating products with an unassuming visual presence.
When I reviewed the Sonos Ace, I was thoroughly impressed by their rich sound profile. However, their ANC is weaker for their near $500 price tag. But if noise-canceling isn’t your top priority, the Ace headphones offer immense comfort, a vibrant and exciting sound profile, and an elevated design.
If touch controls aren’t your preference, the Ace sports two multifunction buttons, notably the Content Key. You can slide and press this button to control audio commands and toggle the TV Audio Swap. Overall, the Ace headphones are a pair of fresh, premium headphones that any audio lover will enjoy.
After using these headphones for a few months, they’ve really grown on me. However, the Ace headphones aren’t very portable. They don’t fold and the case is bulky, forcing you to find space in your carry-on or keep them on your person while going through airport security. Yet, their rich sound and immense comfort make a six-hour plane ride feel like a breeze.
Still, if you’re looking for headphones with better noise-canceling properties, I recommend the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Apple AirPods Max headphones.
Sonos Ace tech specs: Form factor: Over-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.4) | Battery life: 30 hours (ANC on) | Driver size: 40mm dynamic | Noise cancellation: Yes | Wired option(s): USB-C
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Shokz’s latest true wireless open earbuds offer one of the best open-ear listening experiences on the market. These earbuds debuted at CES 2025, showing off new features like a multifunction button, four more hours of playtime than the previous generation, upgraded water resistance, and enhanced audio technology.
I’m generally not a fan of open-ear headphones and earbuds, and I’m even more averse to earbuds with ear hooks. I must admit, the OpenFit 2 are an exception to my rule.
Review: Shokz OpenFit 2
These earbuds are highly comfortable, as their soft coating doesn’t pressure the bony part behind your ears; it’s easy to put them on and forget you’re wearing them. The updated design also makes them more stylish, phasing out previous generations’ highly sporty look. The OpenFit 2 boasts 11 hours of listening time, four hours more than their predecessor, making them perfect for taking from the office to your evening workout.
The OpenFit 2 have an IP55 rating, making them durable enough for sweaty workouts and runs in light rain. Also, their improved Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity ensures stable connections and efficient power consumption.
Soundwise, the OpenFit 2 sport Shokz’s DualBoost technology to enhance the earbuds’ audio output. This technology helps the OpenFit 2 to produce a prominent bass response, clear vocals, and transparent instrumentals. For open earbuds, the OpenFit 2 sounds great.
The OpenFit 2’s open design allows for an airy and natural soundstage while allowing you to remain aware of your surroundings. The ear hooks allow for a comfortable and secure wearing experience. However, the ear hooks can be uncomfortable if you wear these earbuds while wearing glasses.
Shokz’s DirectPitch technology uses vents in the earbuds to direct sound from the earbuds direct to the ear, enhancing your listening experience, maintaining privacy, and reducing sound leakage. If you’ve been eyeing the Bose Ultra Open earbuds for their excellent sound, comfort, and open-ear design but can’t justify the price tag, consider the OpenFit 2. Shokz’s earbuds offer four more hours of playtime and a similar listening experience for $120 less.
The OpenFit 2’s comfort, lengthy battery life, and great sound make them the perfect companion for people who like open-ear earbuds and want a comfortable, stylish, and reliable pair to accompany them anywhere they go.
Shokz OpenFit 2 tech specs: Form factor: Open-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.4) | Battery life: 11 hours and an additional 37 hours with charging case | IP rating: IP55 (sweatproof) | Charging option(s): USB-C
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The Sony XM5 over-ear headphones are some of the most popular ones on the market, and that’s for good reason. These headphones have exceptional noise-canceling properties, great sound, a solid battery life, all-day comfort, and a sleek and premium design.
When Sony released these headphones in 2022, they were packed with software features competing headphones lacked, like Speak-to-Chat. This feature pauses your music when the headphones detect that you’re speaking to someone and enables transparency mode so you can better hear them.
The XM5’s 40-hour battery life means you can wear these headphones throughout the week with minimal charging, making them great for commuters, travelers, and desk workers. Not to mention, the impressive noise-canceling is some of the best out there.
Review: Sony WH-1000XM5
When ZDNET’s Matthew Miller reviewed the XM5 headphones, he said the noise-canceling tech allows for “an environment of isolation and focus,” so these headphones are fabulous to wear when you need to block out the world around you.
The XM5 headphones offer plenty of practicality with their oversized ear cups and impressive battery life. Sony’s XM5 allow access to Sony’s LDAC Bluetooth codec and don’t need to be turned on to listen over a wired connection, so you can listen even if the battery is dead.
The XM5’s design is utilitarian and simple, making them best for people with a toned-down personal style. If you want headphones that can match any outfit, the XM5 are a solid option.
The Sony XM5 are superb headphones; if you already have them, don’t rush to upgrade. However, Sony’s competitors have made meaningful strides in design, features, and noise-canceling improvements since the XM5’s release in 2022. So, if you’ve been eyeing these headphones, I suggest you wait for the latest iteration. But if you don’t want to pay upwards of $450 for the upcoming generation, consider buying the XM5 during seasonal sales.
Sony WH-1000XM5 tech specs: Form factor: Over-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.2) | Battery life: 40 hours (ANC off) | Driver size: 30mm dynamic | Noise cancellation: Yes | Wired option(s): 3.5mm headphone jack
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Although the AirPods Pro 2 aren’t Apple’s newest earbuds, they offer users the most utility and are the ones I recommend to people loyal to the Apple ecosystem. The Pro 2 earbuds offer highly effective noise-canceling properties, a dynamic sound profile, excellent microphone quality for hands-free calling, and seamless integration with Apple devices.
Also: I’ve used my AirPods Pro 2 since they first launched. Here’s my buying advice for 2025
The Pro 2 earbuds are my daily driver, and I don’t leave my house without them. They sport silicone tips for a secure fit, making them suitable for smaller ears. Additionally, the silicone tips allow these earbuds to deliver an immersive listening and noise-canceling experience, as the silicone creates a seal between your ear and the outside world.
The Pro 2 earbuds have spatial audio, adaptive noise cancellation, conversation awareness, and a hearing aid feature, all of which are reserved for iOS. So, if you’re an Android user and want premium earbuds, consider the Pixel Buds Pro 2 instead.
The AirPods Pro 2’s transparency mode is one of the best I’ve tried. It allows the wearer to be unwaveringly aware of their environment without removing their earbuds. I find the Pro 2 earbuds comfortable to wear for hours, and the silicone tips and hard plastic case make them easy to clean. However, their six-hour battery life puts them slightly behind competitors.
Still, the AirPods Pro 2’s seamless integration with your Apple devices (especially the one you carry around everywhere you go) make them the perfect pocket-sized companion for on-the-go listening and calling. The Pro 2 earbuds are the best earbuds Apple offers, but its competitors are quickly catching up, offering stronger noise-canceling and longer battery lives.
If you want the latest and greatest AirPods, you may want to wait for the AirPods Pro 3 since these earbuds are due for a refresh this year. However, the AirPods Pro 2 have plenty of useful features, and you can often find them as low as $189 during seasonal sales.
AirPods Pro 2 tech specs: Form factor: In-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.3) | Battery life: 6 hours and an additional 30 hours with charging case | IP rating: IP54 (sweatproof) | Driver size: 11mm dynamic | Noise cancellation: Yes | Charging option(s): USB-C, wireless
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Wired headphones are coming back in style, and if you want a well-made pair that sounds fantastic, the Focal Azurys are perfect for you. These headphones are an entry-level pair from the high-end brand, offering the company’s renowned audio components at a lower price. Still, the Azurys retail for $549, so they’re not cheap.
Review: Focal Azurys
The Azurys offer an elevated yet analog audio experience, omitting modern headphone features like Bluetooth connectivity, noise cancellation, and spatial audio. These wired headphones deliver a high-fidelity audio experience, boasting 40mm drivers with an M-shaped dome made from magnesium and aluminum. Their relaxed and natural sound profile delivers exceptional clarity and instrument separation.
The Azurys have a 26-ohm impedance, meaning your smartphone or laptop has enough power for these headphones, making them incredibly easy to drive. The memory foam earpads and genuine leather headband also create a comfortable wearing experience with a luxury look and feel.
These headphones are best for people looking for an entry-level pair of high-end headphones. The Azurys aren’t very portable or practical for commuting due to their lack of modern features. Still, if you’re a budding audiophile and don’t want to spend thousands on other high-end options, the Azurys are a great place to start.
Focal Azurys tech specs: Form factor: Over-ear | Bluetooth: N/A | Battery life: N/A| Driver size: 40mm dynamic | Noise cancellation: N/A | Wired option(s): 3.5mm headphone jack
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Bose’s newest earbuds debut with a new form factor, great sound, strong noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit. Bose released these midrange earbuds with a new app made specifically for Bose earbuds, offering users more control and personalization. Like most of Bose’s personal audio products, the noise-canceling is the best feature.
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds sport a rounded, ergonomic design that differs from previous generations’ sometimes clunky and uncomfortable fit.
Review: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
Unlike the premium QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, these earbuds lack spatial audio, so if that’s what you’re looking for, you’ll want to upgrade. However, the midrange QuietComfort Earbuds offer Bose’s best-in-class noise cancellation, adjustable EQ settings, Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, and eight hours of continuous listening time.
Regarding sound quality, ZDNET’s Kyle Kucharski reviewed the QuietComfort Earbuds and said: “The approach with these earbuds seems to be to provide an aggressive, bass-forward audio profile that pairs well with noise-cancellation to be good for commuting, exercising, or in otherwise loud environments.”
Overall, the QuietComfort earbuds are a great option for commuters who want reliable and useful earbuds without all the latest bells and whistles.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds tech specs: Form factor: In-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.3) | Battery life: 8 hours and an additional 30 hours with charging case | IP rating: IPX4 (sweatproof) | Noise cancellation: Yes | Charging option(s): USB-C, wireless
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If Sony’s flagship WH-1000X headphones are too expensive or too advanced for your liking, the Ult Wear headphones are a worthy alternative. These midrange headphones borrow many of their more expensive sibling’s technological and design features for half the price.
Review: Sony Ult Wear
The Ult Wear headphones include a new feature called Ult Power Sound that doubles the headphones’ bass response with the press of a button. Sony already offers listeners a slightly bass-forward sound, but the added bass is enjoyable without overdoing it.
The Ult Wear sports pleather ear cups that are oval and plushy, making them suitable for hours-long wear. Unlike the XM5, the Ult Wear’s build is mostly plastic, but these cheaper materials keep their price under $300. Still, Sony fitted the Ult Wear with a V1 chip for noise-canceling properties.
Sony Ult Wear tech specs: Form factor: Over-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.2) | Battery life: 40 hours (ANC off) | Driver size: 40mm dynamic | Noise cancellation: Yes | Wired option(s): 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C
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The Beats Studio Pro are an impressive pair of over-ear headphones from Beats — dare I say they are the best over-ear headphones from Apple? Beats released the Studio Pro last year, and they debuted with a list of upgrades, like USB-C charging and audio, spatial audio, Find My compatibility, and more.
The Studio Pro were Beats’ first headphones since the company was acquired by Apple in 2014. Their muted, toned-down design echoes Apple’s simplistic design choices. The Studio Pro sport large, oval ear cups made with UltraPlush padding fitted with faux leather materials for added comfort.
Review: Beats Studio Pro
The added UltraPlush cushioning does help with ear comfort, but the Studio Pro’s ear cup shape and slightly tight clamping force can make them uncomfortable for hours-long wear or bigger heads.
The Studio Pro’s standout feature is its unique compatibility with native iOS and Android features. For example, iOS users can add Studio Pro to their Find My network and listen to Spatial Audio. Android users receive Bluetooth multipoint connectivity and download the Beats companion app for more customization.
Now that newer iPhones sport USB-C ports, Android users and compatible iPhones can plug into the Studio Pro to listen to lossless audio and charge the headphones while plugged into their phone. Plugging into the Studio Pro’s USB-C port also unlocks Entertainment and Conversation audio modes, which enhance the listening experience when watching movies or taking phone calls.
The Studio Pro are equipped with noise-canceling and Transparency modes, which were efficient and reliable when I tested them. The Studio Pro’s sound profile is warm and slightly bass-forward but significantly less bass-heavy than Beats’ previous headphones.
You can expect the Studio Pro to deliver up to 40 hours of continuous playback without any audio modes enabled. Still, that number decreases to about 24 hours when noise-canceling or spatial audio is turned on.
Overall, the Studio Pro are a fantastic option for iOS and Android users due to their compatibility with some of each operating system’s native features. They’re also great for people who have remained loyal to the Beats brand and want to upgrade.
These headphones retail for $349, but you can regularly find them on sale, sometimes as low as $170.
Beats Studio Pro tech specs: Form factor: Over-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (Beats Class 1 wireless) | Battery life: 40 hours (ANC off) | Driver size: 40mm dynamic | Noise cancellation: Yes | Wired option(s): USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
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Samsung’s newest premium earbuds offer numerous AI features for Galaxy users, a new design, and great audio. They’ll work the best when paired with a newer Galaxy phone, but essential functions can work with most operating systems.
First, Samsung debuted the Buds 3 lineup with a bud-and-stem design, ditching the rounded bud design from previous generations. I’m not privy to Samsung’s microphone placement, but traditionally, bud-and-stem designs allow a little more real estate for microphone placement. As a result, the Buds 3 Pro have amazing call clarity, harnessing AI to quieten external noises and amplify the caller’s voice.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
The Buds 3 Pro are equipped with Find My, multipoint pairing, and adaptive noise control. The noise-canceling tech in these earbuds is great, and the sound quality is equally impressive. They have a dynamic and exciting sound profile, offering clear bass, detailed vocals, and an overall enjoyable listening experience.
Additionally, these earbuds feature new Galaxy AI features like Live Translate. The stem design allows for more intuitive touch controls, like pinching to play/pause and swiping to control volume.
Despite the upgraded features inside the earbuds, the outside of the Buds 3 Pro doesn’t live up to its price tag. The earbuds have a plasticky feel, but their lightweight build helps them stay light and comfortable for hours-long wear.
I don’t recommend these earbuds if you’re not in the Galaxy ecosystem. You’ll miss out on key features, which means you’ll pay $250 for incredibly limited functionality. However, devoted Galaxy users looking for premium earbuds will find the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro useful.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro tech specs: Form factor: In-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.4) | Battery life: 7 hours and an additional 30 hours with charging case | IP rating: IP57 (water and sweat-resistant) | Noise cancellation: Yes | Charging option(s): USB-C, wireless
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Sennheiser is known for its pro-grade audio products, but the higher-end products aren’t suitable for everyone. If your friends in the audio space recommend you try a pair of Sennheiser cans, but you don’t want to pay upwards of $600 to experience the company’s iconic sound, try the Accentum Plus.
The Accentum Plus are the company’s latest mid-range headphones that debuted at CES 2024. The Accentum Plus have an incredibly clear and immersive sound for their price tag, offering detailed highs and punchy, deep bass.
The Accentum Plus boast adaptive noise canceling, which I found wasn’t the strongest, but helps keep your music center stage while keeping louder external noises at bay. These headphones are great for commuters, travelers, and desk workers, as they have a marathon battery life lasting over 50 hours.
Review: Sennheiser Accentum Plus
However, you must have the right head size to get the most out of these headphones. Maybe my head was too big, but when I tested the Accentum Plus, I couldn’t wear them for more than an hour without my ears hurting.
The Accentum Plus offers little style-wise, as their build is mostly plastic, uniform, and simple. The looks of these headphones won’t start any conversations, but it’s what’s inside the earcups that matters with these cans.
Despite that, if you prefer wireless headphones but prioritize sound quality and want great sound for less than $250, the Accentum Plus will do you good.
Sennheiser Accentum Plus tech specs: Form factor: Over-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.2) | Battery life: 60+ hours (ANC off) | Driver size: 40mm dynamic | Noise cancellation: Yes | Wired option(s): 3.5mm headphone jack
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A pair of reliable headphones that can live inside your work or school bag is a must-have, and the JBL Live 770NC are a great option. These headphones are the latest upper-mid-range headphones from JBL, as the company announced them in January at CES. The Live 770NC include a laundry list of premium software features like wear detection, spatial audio, adaptive noise-canceling, and more.
The Live 770NC’s design and build materials are more premium than competitors at this price point, as JBL fitted the 770NC with big, plushy ear cups and a headband covered in soft fabric. When I tested the 770NC, I wore them for about five hours before I experienced any head or ear fatigue.
Review: JBL Live 770NC
Sound-wise, the 770NC don’t reproduce the most elevated sound I’ve heard, even within this $200 to $250 price range. Still, these headphones are more than suitable for casual listeners and people who want headphones solely to shield them from external noises.
The 770NC have adaptive noise-canceling, which means it adjusts based on the noise in your environment. This technology’s adaptive aspect is very intuitive and effective, but the noise-canceling itself isn’t anything to write home about.
Style-wise, the 770NC have an unassuming and simple design, free of colors, accents, or interesting design elements. However, the headphones’ build is sturdy and premium-feeling despite their lower price point. If you prioritize getting as much bang for your buck over fancy design elements, the 770NC won’t disappoint.
Overall, if you want new headphones that sound great, have a long battery life, are comfortable, and can get the job done all for less than $250, these are the way to go.
JBL Live 770NC tech specs: Form factor: Over-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.3) | Battery life: 60+ hours (ANC off) | Driver size: 40mm dynamic | Noise cancellation: Yes | Wired option(s): 3.5mm headphone jack
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The best headphones for you are the ones that best serve their intended purpose. If you’re looking for headphones to take on your daily commute without needing to charge them frequently, consider the JBL Live 770NC. If you like to listen to music and watch TV with high-quality and immersive audio, consider the Sonos Ace. If durability during exercising is at the forefront of your mind, then the Shokz OpenFit 2 will best fit you.
| Headphones | Price | Battery life | Bluetooth version |
| Sonos Ace | $449 | 40 hours (ANC off) | 5.4 |
| Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 | $229 | 12 hours (ANC off) and additional 30 hours with charging case | 5.4 |
| Shokz OpenFit 2 | $179 | 11 hours and additional 37 hours with charging case | 5.4 |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra | $349 | 24 hours (ANC off) | 5.3 |
| Apple AirPods Pro 2 | $249 | 6 hours (ANC off) and additional 24 hours with charging case | 5.3 |
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | $399 | 40 hours (ANC off) | 5.2 |
| Focal Azurys | $549 | N/A | N/A |
| Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) | $179 | 8 hours (ANC off) and additional 24 hours with charging case | 5.3 |
| Sony Ult Wear | $199 | 40 hours (ANC off) | 5.2 |
| Beats Studio Pro | $349 | 40 hours (ANC off) | 5.3 |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro | $249 | 7 hours (ANC off) and additional 23 hours with charging case | 5.4 |
| Sennheiser Accentum Plus | $149 | 60+ hours (ANC off) | 5.2 |
| JBL Live 770NC | $199 | 60+ hours (ANC off) | 5.3 |
Prices reflect the manufacturer’s recommended price. However, most of these headphones are often on sale at select retailers.
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While all of these headphones are excellent picks, the choice ultimately depends on how much battery life you prefer, whether strong noise cancellation is important to you, your use cases, and how much you’re willing to spend.
| Choose these headphones… | If you want… |
| Sonos Ace | A pair of premium and highly-capable headphones that integrate with your Sonos soundbars and deliver Sonos’ renowned sound. |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra | The best headphones Bose has to offer. Exceptional noise-canceling technology, all-day comfort, and a stylish design define these headphones. |
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Impressive noise-canceling technology, a solid build, and access to Sony’s high-quality Bluetooth codec. |
| Dyson OnTrac | A unique style over everything. Despite their looks, the OnTrac deliver impressive noise-canceling and great sound. |
| Beats Studio Pro | Headphones that offer seamless integration with some native iOS and Android features. |
| Sennheiser Accentum Plus | Wireless headphones with impressive sound quality for less than $250. If you don’t like listening with wires but still want great sound, these headphones are for you. |
| JBL Live 770NC | Headphones that you can wear every day of the week without needing to remember to charge them. |
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I’ve spent many hours testing headphones, from big names like Sony and Bose to lesser-known brands, to show you that you have a sea of options. The headphones your best friend loves and recommends you try might be the worst headphones you’ve ever worn, which is why it’s essential to consider these factors before you buy:
- Battery life: Nothing is worse than throwing on your headphones and seeing they’re on 5% battery. If you often forget to charge your headphones, you’ll want a pair with an extensive battery life. So, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra might not be your best option, but the JBL Live 770NC could work better for you.
- Use cases: There are many types of headphones, so you must ensure you’re buying the right kind that matches your specific use cases. Perhaps your friend recommended the Sonos Ace headphones for their great sound, but you expected stronger noise-canceling — a feature you anticipated, especially for the amount of money you spent. If you want headphones for commuting, make sure the headphones you’re eyeing are suitable for that. If you need headphones to record your podcast, ensure you aren’t purchasing headphones like the Sony XM5 over-ears.
- Lifestyle headphones vs. audio-focused headphones: I like to categorize headphones into these two categories. Lifestyle headphones are the headphones you see from brands like Bose, Apple, and Sony. However, brands like Sony and Sennheiser manufacture both lifestyle and audio-focused headphones. Lifestyle headphones can accompany you on your daily commute, to the office, and to the gym — all on the same day. On the other hand, audio-focused headphones may lack the comfort, noise-canceling tech, and portability that lifestyle headphones possess since their primary use case is to examine audio critically.
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The ZDNET team spends weeks with a pair of headphones to give you an informed opinion before you make a purchase. Here are the benchmarks we use to test headphones.
- Comfort and design: We wear headphones for hours at a time to determine how long we can wear them before they become uncomfortable. We also test headphones across all budgets, meaning we test headphones made from inexpensive and more expensive materials to test durability.
- Noise cancellation: We wear noise-canceling headphones in various environments to test how well the technology performs in quieter and louder settings.
- Sound quality: Sound quality and sound profiles are highly subjective, as some people prefer heavier bass, while others prefer more pronounced treble. To give you the best idea about a pair of headphones’ sound profile, we listen to them with different audio modes enabled. We also listen to headphones on various devices, like iPhones, Macs, Windows computers, tablets, and TVs, to listen for sound distinctions.
- Battery life: In rare cases, battery life deviates from a manufacturer’s claim, and battery life varies depending on how you use a pair of headphones. To ensure a pair of headphones offers as much battery as advertised, we integrate the review unit into our daily lives by listening to music, taking calls, and enabling features like spatial audio.
- Use cases: No pair of headphones is a one-size-fits-all affair. Usually, headphones have a specific use case, whether for critical listening, watching TV, exercising, or canceling environmental noises. To determine which group of consumers will benefit the most from a pair of headphones, we test headphones in various use cases to specify their purpose.
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Before you buy a pair of headphones, you should consider a few things besides price. A pair of headphones’ form factor, connectivity, and features are equally important. Here are some other things to consider before making a purchase.
- Earbuds or headphones? Earbuds are smaller, more portable, and often protected against sweat and exposure to rain, but they have a shorter battery life. Headphones are larger and sometimes less portable but typically offer more immersive audio and noise-canceling experiences.
- Wired or wireless (Bluetooth)?: I recommend wired headphones for people who want to occasionally listen to music critically. Over a wired connection, you can access high-resolution music playback. If that doesn’t matter to you and you’d rather have portable and wire-free headphones, you want wireless headphones. Fortunately, many consumer headphones can be wired or wireless, and many wireless headphones in this list can achieve high-resolution audio playback via a wired connection.
- Passive, active, or adaptive noise cancellation? Passive noise cancellation refers to the noise cancellation achieved when a pair of headphones are worn on the ear without any technology engaged. Adequate passive noise cancellation is paramount for headphones without noise-canceling technology, like the Beats Solo 4. Active noise cancellation (ANC) refers to technology that detects external noises and cancels them by omitting opposing sound waves into your ears. Headphones with effective ANC, like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, employ very strong noise cancellation, but the technology quickly eats at battery life. Adaptive noise cancellation is becoming more popular in headphones, and it refers to technology that automatically adjusts the noise-canceling technology based on the noise levels in your environment. Using AI algorithms makes adaptive noise cancellation more intuitive and accurate.
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Many trends unveiled in late 2024 and early 2025 can inform what kinds of new tech we might see in headphones released in 2025. Last year, the AirPods Pro 2 received a software update that allows the Pro 2 earbuds to double as an over-the-counter hearing aid. The Dyson OnTrac headphones debuted with in-app hearing health features to help the wearer monitor exposure to unhealthy noise levels. These are signs that auditory health will be at the forefront of upcoming consumer audio products.
The Neurable MW75-Neuro headphones included electroencephalogram monitors, which measure the wearer’s brainwaves to help them track their focus and attention levels. This year, Beats released the Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds, which include an in-ear heart monitor. The ears offer a clear pathway to a major artery, delivering a clearer and more accurate heart rate than the wrist. Thus, we can expect more headphones and earbuds to debut with productivity, auditory health, and fitness tracking capabilities.
One coveted headphone feature enthusiasts are still waiting for is Wi-Fi-enabled headphones. This feature was once far-fetched since Wi-Fi requires intense power consumption levels too great for headphones’ small batteries. However, during CES 2025, 1More announced a pair of premium headphones with Wi-Fi capabilities. There are few details, but if the company can pull this feature off, we can expect headphones to achieve their dull streaming, gaming, and sound quality potential in the near future.
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The Sonos Ace and the Sony XM5 headphones are both great headphones. However, Sony wins in the noise cancellation department. Additionally, Sony’s XM5 are the culmination of years of product research and refinement, which is apparent in their consistently great performance. Sony delivers a stable and reliable app and feature experience, and listeners with compatible devices can access the higher-quality LDAC Bluetooth codec.
However, the Sonos Ace offer Dolby Atmos support and make a better companion for private movie and TV watching if you have Sonos soundbars. Additionally, their immense comfort and dynamic sound when watching YouTube videos or movies on the go make them a great long-haul travel companion. Still, Sonos’ app failures and glitches leave much to be desired.
Overall, if you’re looking for a more universal pair of headphones for everyday use, consider the XM5. If you want headphones with a dynamic sound profile that are best for at-home listening, consider the Ace.
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Both Sony and Bose make some of the best consumer headphones on the market. Both companies champion years of innovation and research, but each company’s headphones’ strengths shine in different categories. Sony is better for producing reliable headphones with a nondescript design, while Bose’s headphones are more comfortable and have better noise-canceling technology.
- You should choose Sony’s XM5 headphones if you want reliable, everyday headphones with a premium and durable build, rich sound, effective noise cancellation, and a lengthy battery life. Sony’s flagship headphones promise 40 hours of listening time, 16 more than the QC Ultra.
- You should choose the Bose QC Ultra headphones if you want industry-leading noise-canceling technology. They sport a whopping 10 microphones, compared to the XM5’s eight. These mics capture and cancel noise, and the QC Ultra consistently outperform their peers in this category.
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I prefer over-ear headphones over on-ear headphones. On-ear headphones, like the Beats Solo 4, sit on your ears, while over-ear headphones, like the AirPods Max, cover your entire ear. Over-ear headphones create a better seal between your ears and the outside world, allowing for increased noise-canceling performance and a more immersive audio experience.
However, you may like on-ear headphones if you want headphones with a more compact shape. If you don’t like noise-canceling or prefer to hear your surroundings better, you should consider on-ear headphones.
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Pairing your headphones to your Bluetooth-enabled devices should be a simple process. First, go to your device’s settings and find its Bluetooth settings. This tab should show all of the Bluetooth devices connected to your device. Then, press and hold your headphones’ power button to enter pairing mode. You’ll know when your headphones are in pairing mode when their status light begins to blink or pulse.
Once your headphones are in pairing mode, they should appear in your device’s list of Bluetooth connections. Tap on your headphones, and happy listening!
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A solid pair of headphones should last you five years, if not more. You can get great mileage on your headphones by taking care of them. To make the most of yours, here are some tips I use myself:
- Avoid exposing your over-ear headphones to excessive moisture or rain; do not submerge them in water. I don’t recommend working out in over-ear headphones because sweat can degrade the ear pad materials. However, if you work out in your over-ear headphones, wipe the ear pads with a cloth after your workout to remove sweat. Or, you can purchase sweat covers for your ear pads. Earbuds and bone conduction headphones are better equipped for exposure to sweat and rain.
- Store your headphones in their case when not in use for long periods. Most headphones come with a protective hardshell carrying case or pouch. The case protects your headphones from dust, moisture, scratches, or scrapes.
- Never spray your headphones or earbuds with chemicals or solvents.
- Regularly check your headphones’ companion app for software updates. Many headphones receive about five years of software updates, and keeping your headphones updated ensures optimal performance.
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While the options listed above should get you pretty far, you might still be interested in alternative options. Here are a few of our other high-rated recommendations to consider.
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Source: Robotics - zdnet.com
