If you’re looking for new headphones, it can be hard to know where to begin. Even if you have a pretty clear idea of what you want, like earbuds for sports, how do you know which brand is the best? Even though the biggest brands usually have something for everyone, some focus on specific groups, like athletes or professional musicians. Even though you can get a good pair of headphones from most brands these days, there is no one brand that is the best for everyone. Even when they serve similar needs, each company has its own way of doing things. Even so, there are some brands that stand out from the rest.
We’ve tried out headphones from over 100 different brands, and here are our picks for the 15 best. The brands aren’t listed in any particular order. The first brand on the list isn’t always the best, and the last brand isn’t the worst. Instead, we have listed the brands by how they are used or what they specialize in. This makes it easier to find the one that fits your needs.
1. Bose Truly Wireless QuietComfort Earbuds II
If noise isolation is important to you, you’ve probably heard of Bose. They are known for their powerful noise-cancelling technology, and they made a name for themselves by making the first commercial headset for pilots that blocked out sound. Since then, they have improved and added to their active noise canceling (ANC) systems for consumers. They have also added home audio systems and speakers to their list of products. Their headphones block out noise well and have sound profiles that are mostly neutral and balanced. They even make a line of audio sunglasses, which have speakers built into the arms so you can still listen to music without your ears getting covered.
The best Bose headphones we’ve tried are the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Truly Wireless. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Truly Wireless are the predecessors of these earbuds. Because the ear tips and fins can be swapped out, they are more comfortable and fit better than their predecessors. Their ANC is even better than that of their larger over-ear siblings, like the Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless. Because they fit in the ear, they can easily block out the low rumble of bus and plane engines as well as office chatter. They have a U-shaped sound that goes well with modern pop and rock, but you can change it with the graphic EQ on their companion app if you want to. They last for more than six hours straight, which might not be enough to get you through the workday without using one of the three extra charges in the case. Overall, these small, comfortable headphones have the best ANC performance on the market right now. They also have a strong sound.
2. Sony Truly Wireless LinkBuds S
Sony is one of the biggest companies in the world that makes electronics. They make everything from cameras and TVs to a wide range of headphones for different needs. Whether you want noise-cancelling over-ear headphones to help block out background noise on your commute or stable earbuds for sports, there are a number of products to meet your needs. A lot of Sony headphones can also be used with the Sony | Headphones Connect app, which lets you change things like the EQ or the way buttons work. But they have a lot of choices, which can be confusing because many of the models are the same. Still, their high-end Bluetooth models are some of the best we’ve tried and work well for most people.
The best Sony earbuds we’ve tried so far are the LinkBuds S Truly Wireless. Their ANC feature can block out a wider range of noise than the Sony WH-1000XM4, including the low rumble of traffic on a commute, office chatter, and the hum of an air conditioner. This also makes their already bass-heavy sounds even better, giving genres like EDM and hip-hop more thump and rumble. You can also change the mix with the EQ and presets in the app that goes with it. They can connect to more than one device, so you can easily switch between your laptop and phone, and they can be used continuously for just over seven hours. They are also very comfortable and made from recycled plastic, which makes them lighter overall.
3. The second generation of Apple AirPods Pro are truly wireless.
Apple is a famous American company that makes speakers, phones, computers, and other consumer electronics. Even though they don’t have as many headphones as their competitors, their easy-to-recognize products have changed the way people shop. Their in-ears have a unique glossy white look that other companies have tried to copy. Apple is also the best brand of earbuds if you already use a lot of Apple products because their products have some extra features that are only available on iOS. Their wireless headphones have H1 chips that make them easy to pair with iOS devices, and newer products support Spatial Audio on iOS/iPadOS 14 or later, which moves the sound around as you move your head. Unfortunately, their products don’t have any ways to change the mix of sounds to suit your tastes.
The best Apple headphones we’ve tried are the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Truly Wireless. These in-ear headphones are the follow-up to the Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless, and they have an ANC system that is even better than the first set. They can easily block out noise from the street and from loud coworkers. Their default sound profile is warm and has more bass than the original Pro. The overall mix is well-balanced and can be used with most types of music. Even though their nearly six-hour battery life isn’t the best, their carrying case can hold four more charges, and when they’re not in use, they go into “standby” mode. If you like headphones that go over your ears, you might want to think about the Apple AirPods Max Wireless. These are high-end headphones that block out noise and have a sleek aluminum design. But they are heavy and can be hard to wear for long periods of time.
4. Sennheiser HD 800 S
Audiophiles know the brand Sennheiser for its wide range of open-back headphones at different price points. They also make Bluetooth models for casual listening and TV headphones so you can watch your favorite shows wirelessly without syncing problems. They make both over-ear and in-ear headphones, but there aren’t many that are truly wireless. Also, like Sony, it can be hard to figure out which of their headphones are the best value because they have so many models that are nearly identical except for small details. Still, they are a trustworthy brand with a good name that makes many products that are worth recommending.
The Sennheiser HD 800 S is the best pair of Sennheiser headphones we’ve tried. These reference-class over-ear headphones have a large, open soundstage and a carefully tuned sound signature that make listening to your favorite high-fidelity songs in a quiet room an unforgettable experience. They’re a big investment, so audiophiles on a budget might want to look into the cheaper Sennheiser HD 560S, which don’t sound as immersive but offer better value for the price. If you like the flexibility of a wireless noise-canceling design, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless have a bass-rich sound, a stylish look, and a comfortable fit for everyday use. However, because they have a closed-back design, they don’t let you hear as much of what’s going on around you when you listen to music.
5. ATH-M50x by Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica is a Japanese company that makes many different kinds of headphones. They may be best known for their M-Series headphones, which are professional studio headphones with closed backs. There are a lot of choices in this line-up, and it’s not always clear which model is the best deal. But their best products are used by audiophiles and professionals, who praise them for how well they are made and how good they sound. They also make noise-canceling headphones and Bluetooth headphones for when you’re out and about, but we haven’t tried as many of those.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is the best pair of headphones we’ve tried from the company. These closed-back headphones are wired and have a sound that is very well balanced. There’s a bit of overemphasis in the bass range, which gives the sound more punch and warmth, but they’re still good for a wide range of music styles. These headphones are great whether you’re an audiophile or just looking for studio headphones. They’re very well made and fit well, but because they have big ear cups and a wide headband, they’re a bit bigger than other models from this company. If you want something cheaper, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x are a good option in the budget range, even though they aren’t as well-built and their sound isn’t as well-balanced as the M50x. Consider the Audio-Technica ATH-R70x if you want an option with an open back. Even though they don’t have much low bass, they make up for it by being light and having a wide passive soundstage.
All Review
Our suggestions above are what we think are the best headphone brands and the best headphones available for most people at different price points from 15 different headphone companies.
Here is a list of all our headphone reviews, in case you want to choose for yourself. Don’t let yourself get lost in the details. There is no ideal pair of headphones. Your personal taste, what you like, and how you usually listen will be more important in your choice.
