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Finding the perfect headphones or earbuds can turn hum-drum days that drag on into concerts for one that drown out the world. The perfect oasis for one is just around the corner, no matter where you listen, what you listen to, or how you want it to sound.
Since 2017, our team has tested over 150 headphones and earbuds while commuting, exercising, working, and relaxing. We test everything from sound quality and comfort to noise blocking and call quality in the real world and in our state-of-the-art audio lab.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra are our favorite pair of headphones. The moment you put them on, the experience reminds you that music can take you away and bring you home all at once. These headphones have great sound, exceptional comfort, and noise cancellation that serves up a concert for one, wherever you are. If your budget is smaller or you have a less discerning ear, the 1More SonoFlow can save you significantly and be all you need with good enough sound, comfort, and noise cancellation.
If you want something smaller for commuting or activities, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 and the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer immersive sound, a stable fit, and noise cancellation that leaves the world behind (base your choice on your operating system). If your budget is smaller, the Nothing Ear Wireless provides a similar experience for less.
Who Is This Best For: For all-day comfort, noise escape, and immersive, high-quality sound, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones stands out. The Bose excels at creating a focus-worthy sensory experience that blocks out the world's chaos, providing peace and privilege to hear only what you want to hear.
Why We Love It: Our lead tester said, “No competitor blocks out noise better, or feels more comfortable, than the QuietComfort Ultra.” The bold, bass-heavy sound makes every listen exciting. Their 24-hour battery life exceeds even the longest-lasting earbuds, making them easy to take anywhere without the worry of recharging.
Should You Buy It? The higher price of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra means they aren't for everyone. While we think their performance justifies their price, we think some users could be happy saving on a slightly less awe-inspiring pair. But if impressive noise cancellation is your primary goal, with comfort for hours and listening to high-quality sound, these should make your shortlist. If the price gives you pause, the Bose QuietComfort are very similar and could save you about $100 on average.
Who Is This Best For: Budget-conscious listeners who want a full-featured set of noise-cancelling, over-ear headphones without the premium price tag will love the 1More SonoFlow. They're ideal for commuters, travelers, or office workers who appreciate decent sound quality and peace of mind at an affordable price.
Why We Love It: We love the 1More SonoFlow's ability to deliver impressive audio quality and active noise cancellation that blocks the drone of a bustling office, subway, or family-filled home. While not a cone of silence, they might be all casual listeners need. The exceptionally long battery life and comfortable, over-ear design are extra bonuses that make daily use worry-free.
Should You Buy It? As a budget headphone, it has tradeoffs like multi-point connectivity errors, imperfect noise cancellation, and a basic app. However, in terms of performance-per-dollar, it's one of the best deals in wireless headphones. We suspect most listeners will be pleased with what they offer and the money they save.
Who Is This Best For: If you're a discerning listener (audiophile, diehard music lover) who wants top-tier, sound-quality forward listening, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones stand out. They're the ideal choice if you want wireless headphones that provide impeccable sound across genres and decent noise cancellation.
Why We Love It: We love how Sennheiser's audio pedigree shines through in the Momentum 4 headphone's signature rich, detailed sound. The noise cancellation is decent for daily use, and its marathon battery life lets you listen for days without worrying about recharging.
Should You Buy It? If you're after one of the best-sounding, noise-canceling headphones on the market and cherish long listening sessions, the Momentum 4 will not disappoint. Though the noise canceling isn't market-leading, they're a worthy investment for audiophiles, offering a superb balance of sound and comfort that allows for long listening sessions in solitude.
Who Is This Best For: The Sony WH-1000XM6 offer the best noise cancellation by a tiny margin, making them contenders for anyone seeking the most ambient noise reduction they can find. However, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra offers a strikingly similar noise reduction profile and is significantly more comfortable, which could lead to longer and more enjoyable listening.
Why We Love It: We love the combination of clear, crisp sound and the dampening of the outside world that creates an experience of isolation and immersion in only the things you want to hear. The bonus of one of the best calling experiences we've ever had makes them ideal for those who demand clear sound, no matter the use.
Should You Buy It? Maybe. The XM6's impressive noise cancellation and superior call quality are hard to argue with. These top-ranking headphones are sure to please anyone who favors those features. However, the Bose mentioned above has almost identical cancellation properties and sound quality with a more comfortable design. That said, if you love Sony, make a lot of calls, or use headphones for meetings, we think the Sony is a compelling choice.
Who Is This Best For: If you love the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Pro 2 offer convenience, portability, seamless connectivity, and great sound. These earbuds are a super easy grab-and-go option for those always on the move. Apple's built-in software handles everything, from adjusting the sound to automatically tuning noise levels based on your surroundings.
Why We Love It: The AirPods Pro 2 integrates into daily Apple life more smoothly than any pair we've tested. They're super secure and comfortable, even during the sweatiest gym sessions. While their ANC isn't the strongest, it still takes the edge off distracting background noise. Phone calls come through clearly, making them perfect for those who live in the world more than at home.
Should You Buy It? The AirPods Pro 2 are a little spendy, though by no means the highest-priced competitors. If you're deep into iOS and want a comfy earbud that you can use everywhere from working out to commuting to the office and back home, these are a great choice. Android users should probably look elsewhere.
Quick Charging: 5 min | Claimed Battery Life: 6 hrs
Who Is This Best For: If you're an Android user and want the ultimate in portability and wireless freedom, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 should be high on your list. These earbuds have good active noise cancellation, a supremely comfortable fit, a transportable package, and tight integration with Google's ecosystem (like hands-free Assistant and other Google AI tricks).
Why We Love It: The dramatically improved design of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 makes these buds smaller and lighter, and they stay securely in place even during high-octane activities like running, biking, and headbanging. They deliver punchy bass and solid overall sound quality. The touch controls are responsive and reliable, and call quality stays impressively clear.
Should You Buy It? The fancy AI features won't mean much for iPhone users, but for Android lovers, these buds come very close to perfection with their blend of comfort, sound, and smarts. The Pixel has commendable ANC, but it isn't the best-in-class. Ultimately, if you're an Android aficionado in the market for Google's answer to AirPods, these are your buds.
Quick Charging: 3 min | Claimed Battery Life: 12 hrs
Who Is This Best For: The Nothing Ear Wireless are perfect for listeners yearning for small, comfortable, and powerful without the premium price that typically comes with those adjectives. If you care less for the bells and whistles and more for doing the basics well for a lower price, the Nothing Ear is something for you.
Why We Love It: These buds offer powerful sound in a tiny package. This compact set of buds has punchy music and a bigger soundstage than you expect. They are comfortable to wear for hours, and the lower price makes them feel like an elusive, rare bird you only see once in a lifetime.
Should You Buy It? We think these buds are perfect for most listeners looking for versatile earbuds that don't disappoint on sound or comfort. While they lack award-worthy noise cancellation and you can't track them should you forget them, they offer better sound, good call quality, and a cool-looking case you can fit in your pocket.
Quick Charging: 1 min | Claimed Battery Life: 8.5 hrs
Who Is This Best For: You should consider the EarFun Air Pro 4 if you're looking for a pair of budget-friendly earbuds that have a taste of premium features like active noise cancellation and balanced sound. These are designed for being on the move, with decent noise blocking in noisy environments like public transit, busy offices, or crowded streets.
Why We Love It: The EarFun Air Pro 4 has a punchy, pleasing sound that rivals pricier models, and it's hard not to love them. They fit comfortably for long stretches without slipping or irritation, something less common in a budget bud. EarFun includes a feature-packed app with EQ presets and customization options.
Should You Buy It? If you're a tech consumer who wants a budget pair for commuting and activities, the EarFun Air Pro 4 should be on your shortlist. Their microphone quality is unrefined, battery life is just okay, and the app is often overwhelming, but they offer a good performance for the price. These earbuds are an outstanding choice for everyday listening that knocks out background noise on a budget.
Quick Charging: 5 min | Claimed Battery Life: 11 hrs
Who Is This Best For: The Bose Ultra Open is the perfect choice for those who struggle to find a comfortable fit or need awareness of their surroundings. These unique cuff-style earbuds are a godsend for those with tiny ear canals or sensitive ears, as they create an airy feel that can make you forget you're even wearing them.
Why We Love It: These open buds offer good sound, clean calls, and superior comfort for most. They are stable, and many testers forgot they were even wearing them. If you don't want to cut off the outside world for awareness or safety, but still want to move to the beat of your personalized life soundtrack, the Ultra Open has it in spades.
Should You Buy It? These buds aren't for those seeking to block noise or who want an expansive soundstage or stunning sound quality, as their design can't provide these things. However, active listeners who value transparency of their surroundings or engage in frequent conversations while wearing buds will appreciate the convenience of an all-day pair that allows them to listen to everything.
Quick Charging: 5 min | Claimed Battery Life: 7.5 hrs
The Bose Ultra Open is a compelling alternative to in-ear canal buds. Its open, airy feel is preferred by many with smaller ears or those seeking awareness.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
In-ear vs Semi-in-ear Earbuds
Earbuds have two main designs: in-ear and semi-in-ear. In-ear designs have soft tips that seal inside your ear canal. This helps create a secure fit, better noise isolation, and bass. Semi-in-ear earbuds sit at the ear canal's edge without sealing the opening. These have an airy feel and no noise cancellation.
Who Is This Best For: For travelers, commuters, peace-of-mind worshippers, and anyone who wants the absolute best-in-class ANC in a pair of compact earbuds, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are hands down the best. These are for listeners who prefer in-ear rather than over-ear solutions but don't want to compromise on silencing or comfort.
Why We Love Them: Bose continues to set the industry standard for active noise cancellation. These earbuds hush the world better than anything we've tested. They also deliver impressively rich, immersive sound and stay comfortable for hours, making them ideal for long flights, train rides, or tuning out the world while listening to your favorite songs.
Should You Buy It? If you want the pinnacle of active noise-canceling performance in a discrete, wireless form and are willing to pay for it, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are a no-brainer. They are pricey, and battery life is only average, but there is no better option for shutting out distractions. If ANC is your only priority, over-ear headphones often offer better performance.
Quick Charging: 5 min | Claimed Battery Life: 6 hrs
Who Is This Best For: The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are perfect for dedicated runners looking for uncompromising fit, sweat resistance, and ample awareness of their surroundings. If you want loud music, environmental input, and no shift fit, this is the one.
Why We Love Them: The unique shape and design create an ear-hugging experience that is comfortable and stays put mile after mile. The open design and excellent awareness increase safety and prevent discomfort from a slick silicone bud shifting in your ear canal.
Should You Buy It? If you need great headphones for running it is hard to find anything with better sound and awareness simultaneously. The Shokz combines increased safety and better sound with a cozy fit that can motivate you to keep going to achieve your next milestone.
Who Is This Best For: Bargain-hunting music lovers, or anyone willing to use a wired headset for better sound quality with less expense, will appreciate the Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X. These are made for listeners on a shoestring budget who want a discreet and loud pair of earbuds. They offer remarkably clear calling capabilities and excel at computer video calls, making them great for tethering to a computer.
Why We Love It: These punch way above their price in performance. We love their enthusiastic bass, clear mids, and rich detail for a dirt-cheap price. They feel surprisingly well-built, with a comfortable, secure fit and a detachable braided cable. There are zero battery or Bluetooth worries, which means less frustration and more listening.
Should You Buy It? If you want wired headphones on a budget, the Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X are a go-to. For the cost of a pizza, you get a solid listening experience. They lack modern tech like wireless convenience and active noise canceling, and you'll need a headphone jack or adapter, but if you're fine with wires, these are unbeatable.
If wired earbuds are okay, and budget is your top priority, the Linsoul are practically perfect for the price.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
We tested over 50 competitors in our various headphone and earbud reviews to bring a comprehensive list of compelling shortlist contenders.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
How We Tested
We've been testing audio products since 2012. Most headphones and earbuds undergo the same tests but with different metric weightings. We test with a panel of audio experts and casual enthusiasts to capture and encompass the thoughts of a broad range of users. We also utilize our state-of-the-art audio lab to support our findings.
Our headphone and earbud testing is broken into 5 test metrics:
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit (Stability for workout and running headphones)
Noise Cancellation
Ease of Use (App and Customizations)
Call Quality
Which features or functions are important depends on how you plan to use them. Stability and comfort might be more critical to a runner than someone sitting at a desk. Sound quality might be your strongest motivator if you love absorbing each musical note.
We used a panel of expert ears trained in music and audio production for our testers.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Why Trust GearLab
Our panel of audio experts has over 100 years combined training and experience in the audio industry. Our audio testing is led by Senior Audio Analyst, Dave Berkman, with significant contributions from Senior Review Analysts Rachael Lamore, and Genaveve Bradshaw. Rachael conducts testing in our state-of-the-art studio to analyze sound, noise cancellation, call quality, and more. Gena has a Music degree from the University of New Mexico and a passion for music and training in classical singing. Dave is a musical producer with over 20 years under his belt in production, recording, and composing for multiple television networks and tech companies.
Finding the right pair of headphones or earbuds largely depends on your listen style and how you plan to use them.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
How to Pick the Best Headphones or Earbuds
Finding the right pair of headphones is often a balancing act between the best performance for your goals and your budget. Choosing among top-scoring contenders can be a no-brainer if money is no object. But things can get a bit sticky if you hope to match your listening goals and how you plan to use them with your wallet.
Headphones help block out distractions and offer good sound quality, while earbuds are compact and easy to keep on hand for almost any need.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Types of Headphones
There are two types of wearable audio: headphones and earbuds. You can further break that down into wired and wireless options for both, but for the moment, let's focus on the different styles.
Headphones can help create an immersive sound experience that lets the distractions of the world float away.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Headphones
Headphones are often preferred by those who listen primarily at home or the office. They are also favored by those who commute or travel and want better noise-blocking abilities so they can find calm in a storm of the environment around them. Typically, we experience better sound quality and noise cancellation with headphones, and true audiophiles will tell you these are the go-to for long listening sessions where a vast soundstage is important for full immersion.
Key Metric Scores of Wireless Headphones
Product
Sound Quality
Comfort
Noise Cancellation
Ease of Use
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
8.5
10.0
9.0
7.6
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
8.9
10.0
7.0
7.8
Sony WH-1000XM6
8.4
7.0
9.1
8.6
Bose QuietComfort
7.2
9.0
8.0
7.6
Sony WH-1000XM5
8.4
6.0
8.6
7.6
Sony WH-1000XM4
7.3
8.0
7.9
6.4
1More SonoFlow
6.5
7.5
7.0
6.3
Focal Bathys
9.3
4.0
6.3
7.6
Apple AirPods Max
8.0
4.5
8.8
5.6
Tozo HT2
6.7
8.0
5.4
6.6
Beats Studio Pro
7.3
3.5
7.6
5.6
Soundcore Space One
3.6
6.0
6.9
6.4
JBL Tour One M2
5.1
2.5
5.6
7.4
Sony WHCH520
5.6
2.0
2.4
6.8
JBL Tune 720 BT
4.3
2.0
2.4
5.4
Beats Solo 4
4.2
1.0
2.4
4.0
Wired headphones are usually the most affordable way to get top-tier sound quality, but they come with the hassle of long cables. They're ideal for at-home listening or studio work, but less practical for everyday mobility. Going wireless means increased mobility, living untethered. However, their size limits their use for traveling light, and sweaty or rigorous activities.
Over-ears vs On-ears
Over-ear headphones have large cushioned cups that fully surround your ears without touching them directly, offering more all-day comfort and better noise isolation and cancellation. On-ear models sit directly on the ears. They are typically more compact and lightweight, but they don't seal out noise as well and can become uncomfortable quickly.
Earbuds are ideal for on-the-go lifestyles and multitasking.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Earbuds
Earbuds are small and fit in your ear. They are perfect for travel, movement, and discretion, frequently coming with their own case. People favor them for their size, transportability, and the ease of wearing them with glasses and earrings with fewer conflicts. While they typically do not provide noise cancellation or sound quality on par with popular headphones, they can keep most loud noises at bay and offer versatility in how and when you can wear them. Doing housework? Check. On the subway? Check. At the Gym or running? Check, check.
Key Metric Scores of Wireless Earbuds
Product
Sound Quality
Comfort
Noise Cancellation
Ease of Use
Sennheiser Momentum TW4
8.8
7.2
8.6
9.0
Sony WF-1000XM5
6.7
9.0
8.8
8.0
Nothing Ear Wireless
7.3
7.7
7.5
9.0
Apple AirPods Pro 2
7.6
8.5
8.8
6.0
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
7.9
8.7
8.0
6.0
EarFun Air Pro 4
7.0
7.1
8.3
8.0
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
7.4
8.4
8.1
6.5
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
8.5
5.0
9.5
6.5
JLab Go Air Pop+
6.2
6.7
7.6
7.0
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
6.5
5.5
8.7
6.5
Bose QuietComfort
8.0
6.0
9.0
2.0
Beats Studio Buds +
5.6
7.1
7.2
5.0
Bose Ultra Open
6.3
10.0
1.0
7.5
Google Pixel Buds A-Series
6.2
8.0
4.3
6.0
Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2
7.1
7.0
5.8
4.0
TOZO T10
6.0
5.9
6.1
5.5
Beats by Dre Powerbeats Pro
6.1
8.3
4.8
4.0
Apple Airpods 4 ANC
6.6
6.7
3.5
6.0
JBL Vibe Beam
3.0
6.3
6.0
6.0
Amazon Echo Buds 2023
4.8
4.6
1.4
6.0
Wired Earbuds are often cheaper, don't need charging, provide decent sound, and are portable, but they tend to tangle easily or get in the way. Alternatively, wireless earbuds offer more freedom, are discreet, and better for workouts or life on the move. However, their compact size makes them easier to lose, and finding a comfortable fit can be challenging, especially for smaller ears and ear canals. They also have battery limitations you don't have in wired earbuds.
True Wireless vs Wireless Earbuds
“True wireless” earbuds have no cables at all, whereas some “wireless” earbuds use a short cord or band to connect the two earpieces. Both work via Bluetooth, but a tethered design can hang around your neck and are harder to lose.
Choosing between headphones and earbuds is a personal choice often based on reasons outside of how they function or their strong suits.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
What Type Do You Need?
Determining the type of headphones you need depends on how and where you plan to listen and what you might be doing while listening.
Headphones typically offer better noise cancellation, and the mere sight of them can help keep others from bothering you.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
For most listeners, traditional headphones are the way to go if you listen often while sitting or in loud environments where you need help keeping the world at a distance. If you love noise cancellation and a broad, expansive soundstage with unbelievable clarity in music, then headphones will be a must-have, as they provide peace from distractions and a musical party in your ear.
Earbuds typically come in compact cases that let you easily take them with you for spontaneous use when you find breaks for listening.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
If you love music but don't want your head trapped in a clamp or the bulkiness that headphones bring, earbuds are likely the better bet. Music, podcasts, audiobooks, and phone calls are all easily accessible with a great pair of buds. Their compact design is perfect for travel, being active, and pairing with glasses or earrings. While you might sacrifice some sound quality, and the noise cancellation isn't as good as headphones, the trade-offs for those listening while living and multitasking are worth the slight loss, and we suspect most everyday listeners won't notice what is missing.
Depending on your needs, one pair might be able to do it all. However, if your goals are vast, a set of headphones and earbuds might be in order.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Can One Pair Do It All?
No. In short, no headphone or earbud can do all of the things. However, one pair might be able to do all that YOU need. If you want a noise blocker for work and commuting but love to hear detailed nuances in music, there is a pair for that. If you need good calls, excellent active noise cancellation, and a vast soundstage, yep, one pair can do that. If you wish transparency while running, noise cancellation while working, a compact size for travel, a stable bud for working out, and audiophile levels of sound quality, you'll need more than one pair to meet all of those needs. It isn't possible for earbuds or headphones to do all the things. How to solve this is based on what kind of listener you are and what goals you have.
One solution could be an excellent pair of headphones where you invest enough money to get good sound, useful call-making ability, and better noise cancellation for a budget price. Headphones are great for inside activities and long listening sessions. Still, their size can make them less desirable for movement, commuting, and travel, where you might need to tuck them away. Then you pair them with a stable-fitting set of earbuds with environmental awareness for running, workouts, and public spaces where you need to know what and who is moving around you. Luckily, better-performing and compelling options in each type could see you owning both for less than a single premium product.
While everyone has their preferences, we prefer earbuds over headphones for workouts. Headphones can get slippery and lack the stabilization we typically see in buds, especially buds with features to help them stay in place.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
What About Workouts or Running?
If you want headphones or earbuds primarily for exercise, durability and fit become the top priorities. The best workout headphones are at minimum sweatproof and stay securely in place even during intense activity. Many movement-focused earbuds include stabilizing ear fins or hooks, and they tend to prioritize lightweight, comfortable designs over advanced features or perfect sound reproduction. However, depending on your budget or intensity level, a great pair of budget earbuds can stand in for pricier running or workout-specific choices that might be more than the casual weekend warrior needs.
If you plan to use your earbuds or headphones for sweaty or wet activities, you should know more about Ingress Protection (IP). While most casual wearers won't need to know much about this, if you might get sweaty or be exposed to rain or other moisture sources, it should be a factor you consider, as the ratings indicate how resistant they are to liquids and dirt. An IP with two Xs. The first X represents a number that indicates the product's protection against solid objects, and the second represents protection levels against moisture/liquids. Here is the breakdown of the water ratings:
IPX0 — No protection
IPX1 — Dripping water
IPX2 — Dripping water at 15 degrees
IPX3 — Up to 60 degrees vertical spraying water
IPX4 — Splashing water from all directions
IPX5 — Low-pressure water jets from all directions
IPX6 — High-pressure water jets from all directions
IPX7 — Temporary submersion in water for up to 1 meter for 30 min
IPX8 — Continuous submersion; depth and duration defined by the manufacturer.
Earbud Hooks and Wings
Most active earbuds use stabilizers, either over-ear hooks or in-ear wings, to keep them from falling out during workouts. Over-ear hooks provide maximum security but add some bulk, while small silicone in-ear wings tuck into ear folds for extra grip without the heft of a full hook.
Budget often drives buying decisions, and our lineup includes some intriguing contenders with wallet-friendly prices.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
What Your Budget Buys - And Why You Might Spend Less
Premium audio comes at a premium price. While we can argue that some higher-end models more than justify their cost with impeccable sound quality, a comfortable fit, and superior noise cancellation, we suspect most listeners should focus on their reasons for wanting headphones and their budget. It doesn't matter how well a pair performed during testing if they don't meet your needs or buying them breaks the bank.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Once you've honed in on the type of product you want and how you plan to use it, you'll likely have only a handful on your shortlist. The price range of this list could be anywhere from $20-$700. That's a huge spread. If you are a casual listener who enjoys music, podcasts, or streaming movies, a comfortable pair that fits well with average or above sound quality will likely bring you joy. So choosing the less expensive model could save you money, and you'll never know what you are missing. Alternatively, if you love music and are moved by hearing every nuanced flutter in soulful vocals accompanied by instruments spread around you, a comfortable fit and average sound might be a devastating disappointment.
After much testing across a panel of expert ears and casual listeners, we think most people won't know what they are missing by buying a more affordable option, and will be glad they aren't missing more money. Finding a cheaper option that meets your needs is all you need. We don't think there is any reason to assume that the highest-scoring, highest-priced item on the list is the key to blissful listening.
Other Notable Headphones
We've tested many compelling contenders for headphones and earbuds. While we outlined our absolute favorites up top, there are other noteworthy options that could work well for some listeners with more niche needs.
Focal Bathys — These premium open-back headphones offer the absolute best sound quality, with an expansive soundstage that places instruments seemingly 360 degrees around you. While they are heavy and cost a fortune, they could be a must-have for true audiophiles.
Closed-back vs Open-back
Open-back headphones have grilles or vents on the ear shell that allow air and sound to pass, creating a spacious, natural audio, but they leak sound; others can hear your music, and you can hear them. Closed-back headphones are more common and practical for most.
Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 — Both older Sony models offer impressive sound quality and noise cancellation. While the XM5 might not be as comfortable as the XM6, and the XM4 call quality isn't the best, both can save you money over the newest thing without sacrificing much.
The Tozo HT2 is an inexpensive pair of headphones we think many will like. With its pleasant sound and plush materials, it is a comfortable and enjoyable set to use, and the money you can save could be hundreds. However, it isn't the best for calls or active noise cancellation.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Earbuds are a super compelling premium earbud with spectacular sound. If your main goal is sound quality, it is hard not to consider them. However, given the higher price tag, lackluster ANC, and quirky iOS interactions, they aren't the right pair for most listeners.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds — The QuietComfort original is a compelling contender that can save you about $100 (sales depending) over the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. While it didn't perform as well as the Ultra, it still offers immersive sound, good call quality, and some of the best noise cancellation in the earbud biz.
JLab Go Pop+ — These ultra-cheap earbuds come in vibrant colors and a handy carry case. They have good sound and call quality for a low price, but lack active noise cancellation. Those with a tighter budget or prone to losing things might be very pleased with the average performance and below-average price.
Shokz OpenMove — These over-ear band running buds are remarkably stable, have an IP55 rating, and offer impressive environmental awareness. However, the sound quality is only so-so, and not everyone loves bone-conduction technology. But we think many runners will be more than pleased with what they get for the price.
The headphone world doesn't need to send you spiralling. We have the details to help you find a pair you'll love.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Conclusion
The world of personal audio is vast and full of words and wonders that might be new to you. Choosing a pair of earbuds or headphones can feel daunting given their higher price tag and potential for disappointment. Our testing is designed to help you find the right pair for your lifestyle, activities, listening goals, and wallet. In the end, listening to what you want, when you want, can elevate your life, even just a little, and we think that is priceless.
—Rachael Lamore, Genaveve Bradshaw, and Alex Hocevar-Smith
