Table of Contents
Headphones and earphones come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, offering a range of features and sound signatures. Finding the right pair for you is not just a challenge; it's a personal science that requires weighing your preferred style, desired features, chosen listening environment, and budget. PCMag has been reviewing headphones and earphones for over three decades and can tell you authoritatively that our recommendations are among the best available on the market. If you're looking for the top wireless audiophile headphones, consider the Sony WH-1000XM6. For most Apple users, meanwhile, we recommend the AirPods Pro 3. Whatever your preference, our headphone and earphone reviews provide all the details you need to make an informed decision. Be sure to read beyond our top picks for a comprehensive guide to understanding all the jargon when researching your choice.
Our Top Tested Picks
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The AirPods Pro 3 refine an already impressive formula, making the popular wireless earbuds better than ever with leading noise cancellation, first-rate audio, and a list of compelling features the competition simply can't match.
Pros
- Outstanding noise cancellation
- Superb sound quality
- Long battery life
- Built-in heart rate monitor
- Useful Live Translation capabilities
- Comfortable, secure fit
- Waterproof
Cons
- No user-adjustable EQ
Etymotic ER4 XR
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The stunning Etymotic ER4 XR earphones deliver the sonic accuracy sound professionals need, and add some subtle depth in the lows to complement modern mixes.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate mids and highs coupled with rich, full bass response.
- Detachable, high-quality cable.
- Plethora of eartip options in various sizes and styles.
- Ships with several accessories, including zip-up case.
Cons
- No inline remote control or mic.
Apple AirPods Max 2
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The AirPods Max 2 pair class-leading noise cancellation and excellent sound quality with a gorgeous design and unmatched Apple ecosystem integration, making them the best premium headphones for Apple users.
Pros
- Class-leading noise cancellation
- Unbeatable transparency modes
- Excellent audio performance
- Deep ecosystem integration
- Useful advanced features like Live Translation
Cons
- Expensive
- No user-adjustable EQ
- Only average battery life
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The second-gen Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds produce warm and bright audio, charge wirelessly, and are unmatched in their ability to silence your surroundings, making them easy to recommend.
Pros
- Incredibly effective noise cancellation
- Outstanding audio with rich bass and bright highs
- High-quality codec support
- Good transparency modes
- Wireless charging
Cons
- Large buds with finicky controls
- EQ options could be better
Sony WH-1000XM6
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Sony's high-end WH-1000XM6 headphones feature foldable earcups, new driver tuning, and noise cancellation that rivals the best from Bose.
Pros
- Outstanding noise cancellation
- Exceptional audio response
- Advanced Bluetooth codec support
- Comfortable fit
- Foldable design
Cons
- Expensive
- Average battery life
EarFun Air Pro 4+
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The EarFun Air Pro 4+ budget wireless earphones are among the best if you don’t want to miss out on high-quality audio, powerful ANC, and fancy features.
Pros
- Friendly price
- Excellent sound with powerful bass
- Strong ANC
- Broad codec supports
- Feature-rich
Cons
- Touch controls can be finicky
- Some minor app and LE audio issues
iClever BTH20
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The iClever BTH20 headphones fit comfortably and blend passive and active noise cancellation to reduce unwanted sound, which allows for lower-volume listening and makes them ideal for young listeners.
Pros
- Comfortable, flexible fit
- Long battery life
- Active noise cancellation
- AAC codec support
Cons
- Pricier than the competition
- Mids can be hollow
Razer Barracuda X
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The 2022 Razer Barracuda X is one of the best wireless gaming headsets you can buy for $100, with strong performance, a comfortable fit, and lots of connectivity options, including Bluetooth.
Pros
- Strong audio performance
- Clear mic quality
- Comfortable fit
- Plenty of connectivity options with Bluetooth, USB-C transmitter, and 3.5mm
Cons
- 7.1-channel simulated surround sound isn't the most accurate
- Doesn't come with a carrying bag or case
Sony MDR-M1
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Sony MDR-M1 studio headphones offer superb audio response and stunning comfort that will appeal to sound engineers and audiophiles alike.
Pros
- Neutral sound for studio work
- High-resolution support
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Removable cables
Cons
- No carrying case or bag
Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Apple AirPods 4 deliver strong sound quality and the best active noise cancellation we've experienced in an open-ear design.
Pros
- Full-bodied bass and clear highs
- Impressive active noise cancellation
- Hands-free Siri with gesture-based interactions
- H2 chip enables multiple adaptive audio features
Cons
- Open design can cause inconsistent ear-to-ear fit
- So-so battery life
- No user-adjustable EQ
Google Pixel Buds 2a
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Google Pixel Buds 2a wireless earphones add active noise cancellation, Google's Gemini assistant, and work even more seamlessly with your Pixel phone than prior models, making them a natural and affordable choice for Pixel users.
Pros
- Good noise cancellation for the price
- Clear, natural audio
- Comfortable fit
- Voice access to Gemini
- Long battery life
- Affordable
Cons
- No wireless charging
Jabra Evolve2 75
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Though pricey, Jabra's Evolve2 75 Bluetooth headset is comfortable, sounds excellent for calls, and doubles as a capable pair of noise-cancelling headphones.
Pros
- Excellent clarity from retractable boom mic
- Quality audio performance with rich bass and bright highs
- Good active noise cancellation
- Exceptionally comfortable
- App includes EQ and customization options
Cons
- Expensive
- Default audio sculpting won't appeal to purists
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones produce enjoyable audio, effectively cancel noise, and last longer than the previous model, but fall just short of beating the competition.
Pros
- Crisp, detailed sound with deep bass
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Lossless audio via USB-C
- Good battery life
- Comfortable to wear
- Quick to power on and connect
Cons
- High price
- Basic app with limited EQ
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The fitness-focused Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 up the ante with noise cancellation, wireless charging, and heart rate monitoring, for bass-forward earbuds that excel at the gym.
Pros
- Bass-forward audio
- Secure and comfortable fit
- Seamless iOS integration
- Accurate heart rate monitoring
- Solid battery life
Cons
- Pricey
The Best Headphone Deals This Week*
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- RELATED:
- Best Earphones
- Best True Wireless Earbuds
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EDITORS' NOTE
June 18, 2026: With this update, we overhauled all our recommendations by combining several lists that cover a broader range of products. This list covers the top wired and wireless earphones and headphones we've tested across all categories and price points.
- Outstanding noise cancellation
- Superb sound quality
- Long battery life
- Built-in heart rate monitor
- Useful Live Translation capabilities
- Comfortable, secure fit
- Waterproof
- No user-adjustable EQ
The third-generation AirPods Pro deliver top-quality noise cancellation, wiping out deep, low-frequency rumble and more complex, higher-frequency sounds. Beyond the improved ANC, Apple's Adaptive Audio mode gives you a more natural way to monitor your surroundings without letting loud noises harm your hearing. The re-tuned audio is still rich but more balanced than before, providing a first-class listening experience. In addition, they include advanced features such as live language translation, heart rate monitoring, workout tracking, and a range of hearing health tools—all for the same price as the previous model.
iPhone owners: The AirPods Pro 3 are ideal if you're invested in the Apple ecosystem and use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Fitness fiends: They're also for those who want top-class noise cancellation, excellent sound, and long battery life paired with advanced features like heart rate monitoring and fitness tracking.
Frequent travelers: The new live translation feature is surprisingly effective and a boon for regular travelers.
- Exceptionally accurate mids and highs coupled with rich, full bass response.
- Detachable, high-quality cable.
- Plethora of eartip options in various sizes and styles.
- Ships with several accessories, including zip-up case.
- No inline remote control or mic.
Etymotic makes some of the most accurate earbuds, but you might find them somewhat clinical. The ER4 XR earphones stand out because they simply add a tiny bit of low-frequency emphasis over the flatter ER4 SR.
Bass lovers: Most music lovers are likely to favor options with a little more richness in the lows and low-mids, but start with these if you need something for critical listening. The deliberate bass boost doesn't make them any less ideal for checking mixes.
Wired-first folks: If you want the clean fidelity of wired earphones, this pair from Etymotic is one of the best on the market.
- Class-leading noise cancellation
- Unbeatable transparency modes
- Excellent audio performance
- Deep ecosystem integration
- Useful advanced features like Live Translation
- Expensive
- No user-adjustable EQ
- Only average battery life
Apple's large over-the-ear headphones are a natural fit for those invested in the Apple ecosystem. They work seamlessly across Apple devices and also happen to produce excellent audio, cancel noise effectively, and feature one of the best volume controls we've ever used (the Digital Crown).
Apple users: The AirPods Max 2 work best when paired with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
The style-conscious: The Max 2 headphones have a more elegant and grand design aesthetic than most other over-ear headphones on the market, owing to their metal enclosure. Plus, they come in a handful of modern and edgy hues.
- Incredibly effective noise cancellation
- Outstanding audio with rich bass and bright highs
- High-quality codec support
- Good transparency modes
- Wireless charging
- Large buds with finicky controls
- EQ options could be better
The second-gen Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds produce impressive results through a combination of calibration tests and subtle adaptive noise-cancelling tweaks. They're even more effective against low and high frequencies than the first generation, representing some of the best ANC you can get from earbuds, along with the AirPods Pro 3. The Bose earbuds have an Active Aware mode that tamps down louder environmental noises while still allowing you to hear your surroundings. Support for the AptX Adaptive codec adds value, as does the new charging case, which can now recharge wirelessly.
Frequent fliers: If you want the most effective noise cancellation and use non-Apple devices, consider the second-generation QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.
Hands-off listeners: Although the Bose earbuds don't have the most customizable audio, they include automatic calibration tests that optimize the sound for any environment, with minimal interaction from the wearer.
- Outstanding noise cancellation
- Exceptional audio response
- Advanced Bluetooth codec support
- Comfortable fit
- Foldable design
- Expensive
- Average battery life
Sony's WH-1000XM6 headphones continue the lineup's streak of excellence. They offer top-notch noise cancellation, a sophisticated design, a comfortable fit, and some of the best audio quality in the wireless realm. The capacitive touch panels on the outside of each earcup work intuitively, as well.
Daily commuters: Sony's noise cancellation is outstanding and especially well-suited for use on buses, planes, and trains. Their impressive battery life means you shouldn't have to charge them every day.
Android audiophiles: For Android owners seeking to leverage the best Bluetooth codecs, this Sony pair should be at the top of their list. They support LDAC and L3C for high-resolution audio on the go.
- Friendly price
- Excellent sound with powerful bass
- Strong ANC
- Broad codec supports
- Feature-rich
- Touch controls can be finicky
- Some minor app and LE audio issues
Despite their diminutive price, the EarFun Air Pro 4+ buds include a range of features typically found on far more expensive earbuds, including active noise cancellation, impressive transparency, LDAC codec support, and a simple design. They're not the best earbuds at any one thing, but the sum of their parts gives them unrivaled value.
Balance seekers: No other pair of earbuds at this price point delivers such a rich set of features, including active noise cancellation, LDAC support, and a metallic finish.
- Comfortable, flexible fit
- Long battery life
- Active noise cancellation
- AAC codec support
- Pricier than the competition
- Mids can be hollow
The iClever BTH20 headphones tick off most of the right boxes to make for a winning pair of headphones for kids. By adding active noise cancellation, they allow for listening at lower volumes and limit the maximum volume to 80dB, both of which help them accomplish the primary job of kids' headphones: protecting their hearing. They also last for up to 35 hours with noise cancellation turned on and are designed to withstand rough handling.
Young children: These headphones fit comfortably, which is essential for keeping children from taking them off their heads. At the same time, the combination of passive and active noise cancellation enables lower-volume listening, making them ideal for young listeners.
Budget-conscious parents: Priced at $54.99, the headphones are affordable (even if they're not the cheapest in their category), and they're also rugged enough to last for years of use.
- Strong audio performance
- Clear mic quality
- Comfortable fit
- Plenty of connectivity options with Bluetooth, USB-C transmitter, and 3.5mm
- 7.1-channel simulated surround sound isn't the most accurate
- Doesn't come with a carrying bag or case
Once again, a gaming headset can be a suitable choice for your home office needs. The Razer Barracuda X doesn't have nearly as many features as the $399.99 Steelseries Arctis Nova Pro Omni, but for less than $100, it offers both USB and Bluetooth connectivity as well as excellent sound. It also features a fantastic mic and an understated, work-friendly design.
Gamers on a budget: If you're looking for a headset with wireless audio and reliable voice quality at an affordable price, the Razer Barracuda X is a good choice. It doesn't have any dedicated enterprise features, but it performs well and is just as usable on the go as at your desk.
Fans of understated design: Razer products tend to feature dazzling RGB lighting and other gamer-centric features, but the Barracuda X is subtle and won't look out of place on a work call.
- Neutral sound for studio work
- High-resolution support
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Removable cables
- No carrying case or bag
The nondescript MDR-M1 headphones don't stand out visually, but are exceptionally comfortable. The audio performance is ideal for both pro applications and simply enjoying music at home. The MDR-M1s support high-resolution audio (5Hz to 80kHz) with a mostly neutral frequency response and remarkable clarity. We also appreciate the long, screw-in cable and lightweight build.
People seeking good all-rounders: Musicians and engineers who want something that can transition from tracking to checking mixes to listening to music for fun should appreciate the versatility of MDR-M1 headphones.
Picky listeners: The 40mm drivers deliver distortion-free, high-quality audio at any volume, and the headphones are comfortable to wear for hours at a time.
Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds With an Open Design
Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation
- Full-bodied bass and clear highs
- Impressive active noise cancellation
- Hands-free Siri with gesture-based interactions
- H2 chip enables multiple adaptive audio features
- Open design can cause inconsistent ear-to-ear fit
- So-so battery life
- No user-adjustable EQ
The Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) are among the first open earbuds we've seen with ANC. Even though these buds don't seal off your ear canal, they're still able to cancel outside noise impressively. Additionally, they deliver rich sound, advanced adaptive audio features, and tight iPhone integration, making them one of the best open earbuds we've tested.
Open-ear design fans: The AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation are for anyone who prefers an open-ear design but wants all of the high-end features of their in-ear counterparts.
Apple users on a budget: These earbuds offer the same seamless integration with Apple products as other AirPods, but cost $70 less than the AirPods Pro 3.
- Good noise cancellation for the price
- Clear, natural audio
- Comfortable fit
- Voice access to Gemini
- Long battery life
- Affordable
- No wireless charging
The Google Pixel Buds 2a wireless earphones add active noise cancellation, Google's Gemini assistant, and work even more seamlessly with your Pixel phone than prior models, making them a natural and affordable choice for Pixel users.
Pixel phone and Gemini AI users: The Pixel Buds 2a offer deep integration with Pixel devices and Gemini, making them the obvious choice if you are embedded in Google's ecosystem and want a pair of noise-cancelling earbuds.
Price-conscious Android users: These earbuds are packed with features for their price, most of which work with any Android device. They're comfortable to wear, easy to control, produce excellent sound, have an adjustable EQ, and are effective at suppressing most noise.
- Excellent clarity from retractable boom mic
- Quality audio performance with rich bass and bright highs
- Good active noise cancellation
- Exceptionally comfortable
- App includes EQ and customization options
- Expensive
- Default audio sculpting won't appeal to purists
Jabra's Evolve2 75 headphones are pricey, but offer excellent audio quality, a clear boom mic, effective active noise cancellation, and a premium design. For serious work, they boast the Unified Communications (UC) certification and are available with either a UC- or Microsoft Teams-optimized USB transmitter for a rock-solid connection. And whenever you're not at your desk, you can still rely on Bluetooth.
Professionals talkers: These headphones are designed for serious hybrid workers who demand the best voice performance available. They cost a lot, but deliver a superlative experience.
Microsoft Teams users: There are no better headphones for use with Microsoft Teams.
- Crisp, detailed sound with deep bass
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Lossless audio via USB-C
- Good battery life
- Comfortable to wear
- Quick to power on and connect
- High price
- Basic app with limited EQ
The competition might be slowly catching up, but every new iteration in the Bose lineup, including the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), manages to leap ahead of the crowd. We're big fans of this model's crisp, bass-forward sound, highly comfortable design, and AptX Adaptive support.
Noise cancellation purists: Although Sony's noise cancellation is our favorite, Bose isn't far behind and was the class leader for years. It's still some of the best noise cancellation available in headphones.
Frequent travelers: They're also comfortable to wear for long flights or other travel excursions since they feature plush vegan leather, and they pack away neatly into a suitcase or bag for storage.
- Bass-forward audio
- Secure and comfortable fit
- Seamless iOS integration
- Accurate heart rate monitoring
- Solid battery life
- Pricey
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earphones are designed for fitness enthusiasts, offering a well-rounded set of features that include noise cancellation, wireless charging, and heart rate monitoring. They can withstand sweaty workouts and deliver punchy bass to keep you motivated. Moreover, their over-ear hooks keep them stable whether you're jogging or cycling. Other highlights include up to 10 hours of battery life and native integration with Apple's iPhone.
Workout warriors: Runners and others who exercise should feel safe using these earbuds without worry. They also sound good enough that you won't mind using them for more casual listening.
Over-the-ear fans: In-canal earbuds may not be the right choice for everyone. If you prefer an over-the-ear design, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, featuring a silicone ear hook, are an excellent option.
The Best Headphones for 2026 Compare Specs
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing earphones or headphones. Do you want something that fits in, on, or over your ears? What about Bluetooth? Can you wear headphones when exercising? Do the drivers matter? Which headsets are best for work calls? And what is this active noise cancellation (ANC) thing everyone talks about? Our primer below answers these questions and more.
Should You Pick Earphones or Headphones?
Earbuds sit on the outer portion of your inner ear, but do not seal off the ear canal and typically offer the worst audio performance. Earphones fit deeper in your ear and seal off the ear canal, offering better bass response, a more balanced stereo mix, and a more secure fit.
On-ear headphones (also called supra-aural headphones) typically have smaller earcups that rest directly on your ears without enveloping them. Over-ear headphones (or circumaural headphones) have larger earcups that rest wholly around your ears.
Over-ear headphones typically provide a more immersive experience than on-ear headphones, but this isn't a rule—plenty of on-ear models sound amazing and even offer some passive noise isolation with well-cushioned earpads. The main reasons to consider one over the other are comfort (this varies from person to person) and portability (on-ear models are often smaller and more travel-friendly).
Are Wired or Wireless Headphones Better?
Ever since Apple eliminated the headphone jack on the iPhone, wired headphones and earphones have been replaced by Bluetooth models that don’t need a cable at all. And true wireless headphones don't even have a wire connecting the two earpieces.
Audiophiles probably still prefer a cable, particularly for home listening (USB-C-to-3.5mm adapters are available for Android and iOS devices with no headphone jack). If you prefer wired headphones, there are still numerous options available. However, it's worth noting that many wireless headphones come with a cable that lets you use them in passive mode. That use case doesn't drain the battery and gives you the best of both worlds.
The sonic advantage of wired headphones remains quite significant, even as Bluetooth audio has improved dramatically in recent years. No matter how much better Bluetooth has gotten, it is still based on a lossy codec stream, making it inherently inferior to a wired audio connection. If sound quality is important to you and you want to go wireless, ensure your headphones support the right high-end Bluetooth codecs that work with your phone, such as AAC, LDAC, and L3C, rather than relying on the lower-quality SBC codec. Our guide to Bluetooth codecs explains everything you need to know.
What Are the Different Types of Headphone Drivers?
Headphones typically have dynamic drivers, whereas earphones may have either dynamic drivers or balanced armature drivers. Especially in headphones, dynamic drivers are the most common because a larger dynamic driver—which the ear enclosure of a pair of headphones can accommodate—can produce louder sound and greater bass depth than alternatives. In earphones, the dynamic drivers must be significantly smaller, which can often impact bass response.
Many manufacturers, especially those specializing in custom-molded in-ear monitors for musicians and engineers, opt for balanced armature drivers instead. Balanced armatures have the advantage of being tiny, which allows the earpieces to be smaller. Or, in the case of the aforementioned custom in-ear monitors, the earpieces can be quite large, freeing up internal space for several balanced armatures per ear, with each driver handling a specific frequency range. Generally speaking, it's possible to obtain excellent (or poor) audio from both dynamic and balanced armature drivers, although each style has its dedicated fan base.
Planar magnetic drivers continue to slowly gain ground in headphones and earphones. Headphones with these drivers are typically (much) more expensive. However, the advantage of planar magnetic drivers is that they ostensibly produce a more precise sound due to the flat, larger-than-a-dynamic-driver film that vibrates between two magnets to create sound.
Electrostatic speakers and headphones are similar to planar magnetic models in that they use a large, thin surface area to deliver the audio. However, we see far fewer electrostatic headphones than any other type—they are typically extremely expensive and best suited for home use.
Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) tech takes the form of silicon-based, solid-state drivers. These can produce faster transients and are very precise. Additionally, manufacturers can ensure a more consistent driver-to-driver build since they don’t rely on multiple moving parts. They are just now being made in sizes small enough to fit in earphones.
What Is Active Noise Cancellation?
Noise cancellation used to be one of the most expensive features you could find in headphones, but it's now mainstream in both the headphone and earphone realms. Not only that, but the shift from wired to wireless headphones has made most of the active noise cancellation (ANC) headphones we see wireless.
That's excellent for convenience, but never assume that all ANC is the same. Bose still leads this category, although numerous other manufacturers, such as Apple and Sony, also offer top-notch options. Discover how we test noise cancellation to understand its functionality.
When ANC goes wrong, there are three main ways to tell. One, it's just not very effective—it doesn't tamp down low-frequency rumble as it should, or the overall reduction in surrounding noise isn't profound enough to make it compelling. Two, the ANC circuitry creates a faint hiss—not necessarily unpleasant, but certainly audible (similar to white noise or tape hiss). This is often used to mask the fact that the ANC circuitry can't effectively remove some higher-frequency sounds. Third, lower-quality wireless headphones often have ANC modes that affect the sound signature.
When we describe headphones as having excellent noise cancellation, it's essentially the opposite. They squash low frequencies effectively, tamp down surrounding chatter and common environmental noise, and don't produce much high-frequency hiss (if any). The sound signature also shouldn't sound wildly different when this mode is active. Beyond that, a growing number of manufacturers, such as Apple, Bose, and Sony, offer apps that let you adjust the intensity of the noise-cancellation mode.
An increasing number of noise-cancelling headphones now include mics that power ambient listening modes. The point is to allow you to hear your surroundings as if you weren't wearing headphones, so you can talk to others without removing them. This feature has become popular enough that many non-ANC models now offer it as well. Apple's Adaptive Audio mode is one of the best implementations of this feature. That said, open-style earbuds are still much better at letting you hear your music and the environment simultaneously.
What Are the Best Headphones for Exercise?
Aside from occasionally offering ambient microphones for hearing your surroundings, exercise-focused headphones and earphones typically feature water-resistant builds and additional accessories for a secure fit.
The most important feature of any exercise-focused headphones remains the IP rating. IP stands for ingress protection, and you often see ratings such as IPX7 or IP65. The first number represents protection against solids, such as dust (X acts as a placeholder, typically because the manufacturer didn't officially test against dust or solids), while the second number describes protection against fluids, including water and sweat. For more, see our guide to IP ratings.
As mentioned, another consideration is in-ear fit. We all have different ears, and some earphones fit better than others. If you've had trouble getting earphones to stay in place, consider a pair that comes with multiple eartips or earfins that sit against or wrap around the ear to help keep them in place. It's also worth considering foam eartips (which sometimes ship with earphones but are less common than silicone) because they expand in the canal to create a stronger seal, much like earplugs. They also often enhance bass response.
What Are Audiophile Headphones?
Many people associate audiophile-level sound quality with a flat response. Headphones with this sound signature don't dramatically boost or cut various sub-ranges within the frequency range. This isn't a negative quality; a flat response means accuracy, which is what most audiophiles want.
Of course, the term is quixotic—if it were actually possible to achieve a perfectly flat response, all the competing headphones and earphones that claim to provide this quality wouldn't sound so different from each other. Think of flat response as the ideal from which nearly every pair of headphones deviates.
To some, a truly flat response sounds clinical. And then there's the modern dilemma that some mix engineers face: Do you mix for flat response-style speakers or for speakers that have more bass depth (which are much more common among consumers)? Engineers have traditionally used high-quality flat-response monitors for the bulk of their work and then checked their mixes on more affordable speakers and headphones. But in recent years, the affordable stuff has become increasingly more powerful and capable of producing tremendous bass depth.
If I could point out one trend in headphones in the last decade or so, it would be the rise of bass response—many high-fidelity, expensive headphones, including the Etymotic ER-series earbuds, are available with slightly boosted bass. Several modern music genres also utilize digital (and some analog) instruments that push bass to depths that were previously less common, now that more speakers and headphones can reproduce them.
It's something to keep in mind and be honest with yourself about. Do you really want a flat response, or would you like something close to it, but with a little more bass depth? You have several options these days, and those who thumb their noses at you if you choose to enjoy a little more bass depth are neither right nor wrong. Especially with audiophile-level gear, the right choice depends on your preference.
What Headphones Do Professionals Use?
The words "pro" or "professional" appear in the names of plenty of headphones and some earphones we review. The term is somewhat misleading—headphones for studio musicians or mix engineers don't need to be exclusive to those professionals. If you're looking for the most accurate sound signature you can afford, pro-level models are often your best bet.
There's a wide range of pro-level headphones to consider. Typical tracking headphones that musicians wear in the recording studio are usually affordable, though the reference models engineers use to check their mixes can cost quite a bit more.
Most of these models use cables to eliminate audio latency, or the delay between when the computer plays a sound and when you hear it, which interferes with the recording and mixing process. However, studio headphone cables usually lack an inline remote or microphone. It's sometimes possible, depending on the model, to replace the cable with one that has an inline remote, but it might not be worth it because most phones don't have a headphone jack any longer. That trend (and the fact that Bluetooth isn't yet lossless) has created a bit of a gap in the market because it makes top-end wired models really only viable for people with pro and stereo gear (or computers and tablets that still have headphone jacks).
What About Headsets for Work or Gaming?
If you don't need to take many calls but still want to minimize environmental noise, look for noise-cancelling headphones. They use outward-facing microphones to listen for distracting noises and generate waves that cancel them out before they hit your ear. Active noise cancellation (ANC) circuitry adds to the cost but helps muffle the sounds of noisy pets, kids, roommates, traffic, and construction. These headphones typically don't have boom microphones, so they aren't as suitable for phone calls.
If your job requires you to take a lot of calls, consider a dedicated Bluetooth headset. These devices can be monoaural (for one ear) or stereo (for both ears) and typically feature powerful boom microphones with noise-cancelling circuitry that blocks out all but your voice. The primary appeal of these headsets lies in their microphones, although some also deliver high-quality sound.
Consider purchasing a gaming headset if you're looking for a boom mic and excellent sound at a reasonable price. They are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Wired models tend to be less expensive and work well for making calls on your computer, although Bluetooth offers more convenience.
Do Headphones Work With Voice Assistants?
Most wireless headphones now include a button or action that summons your phone's built-in voice assistant. However, some, such as smart speakers, are always listening. Of course, you don't have to use either option.
How Much Should You Spend on Headphones?
Quality and performance can certainly cost money, though that isn't always the case, and they aren't the only factors that dictate the price of headphones. Currently, certain technologies—active noise cancellation and spatial audio are the two most obvious examples—tend to drive up the price. That doesn't mean you can't find affordable true wireless earphones, but the higher-quality options tend to start around $150, while most excellent noise-cancelling headphones begin at around $300. Iconic branding—think Apple, Beats, and Bose, among others—also influences pricing.
In short, you can pay as little as $50 for good earphones or headphones and several hundred dollars for audiophile models. Generally speaking, most quality options fall between $100 and $400; however, numerous strong in-ear, on-ear, and over-ear models are available in the $100 to $200 price range.
Once you find the pair that's right for you, take good care of them with our five easy tips to extend the life of your headphones. We also have an article on the eight ways you're using your headphones wrong.
Eric Zeman and Ben Moore contributed to this report.
